Residential Programs
Energy efficiency programs for homeowners and renters can be found a the San Diego Regional Energy Office.
Commercial Programs
The new Main Library and most of its new branches, along with six fire stations, will stand among the most efficient buildings in the nation. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) "Silver Level" rating system, adopted in 2002 by the City, provides a design standard for new municipal buildings and significant remodels larger than 5,000 square feet. City buildings certified at the new Silver Level will be 12-17 percent more energy efficient, economical to operate, and friendlier to the environment and workers than the previous standard. The City's Environmental Services Energy Conservation and Management Division will review municipal building plans during construction to ensure the new standard. The international LEED system is promoted by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council, based in Washington, D.C.
The City's Ridgehaven "Green Building" is expected to be the first building in San Diego County to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council to its gold level under the LEED-EB performance standard for existing buildings. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance buildings. LEED-EB focuses particularly on sustainable day-to-day facility operations such as energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality, recycling, and maintenance. The certification levels are Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Certified.
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