San Bernardino Regional Energy Efficiency Program

This project developed a plan and analysis for the Pilot Regional Energy Efficiency Program for energy retrofits, solar panel installations and workforce training.

Goals:

• Reduce energy waste caused by aging building stock
  • Buildings use 75% of the nation’s electricity and nearly half of all U.S. energy consumption
  • Buildings make up 43% of our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions
• Encourage re-investment in building stock, and green job creation.
• Leverage $1.9M ARRA funded Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant

The project steering committee produced dynamic participation from a number of constituencies. The utilities are looking at integrating the program with the state’s Energy Upgrade California program. Area colleges can harness the potential for enhanced training opportunities and the job placement potential associated with the program. Workforce investment representatives see the program as a great opportunity to provide employee subsidies and other incentives to contractors who signed up for the program. Community and professional non‐profits will engage with the program as a service they can provide to their communities.

Results:

• Database and GIS data of sustainability potential for approx. 54,000 parcels
• Analysis reveals strong need for retrofits
  • 70% of housing built prior to state energy efficiency standards
  • 53% owner-occupied
  • 47% renter-occupied
• Regional green jobs summit attended by more than 170 participants