Energy
DEFINITION/DESCRIPTION
The electricity that powers the lights in our homes and the natural gas that heats them in the winter are natural resources that we rely on daily, and yet are in limited supply. Consumption of energy puts an unsustainable burden on our coal, natural gas, and oil reserves. Reducing our energy usage can occur by utilizing more efficient power generation technology, changing behavior, utilizing efficient building systems and products and deploying renewable energy. Energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy offer cost-saving and clean opportunities for communities while meeting the economic, social and environmental tenants of sustainability
CURRENT STATUS
The City of Baltimore is a leader in advancing energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy. The Baltimore Energy Challenge has assisted tens of thousands of residents to lower energy consumption through peer-to-peer engagement in neighborhoods, schools, businesses and faith communities. In 2014, the City launched the $52.8 million dollar Baltimore Energy Initiative which has helped low-income residents, small businesses and non-profits lower their bills through expanded and streamlined delivery of energy services. Looking to bolster neighborhood energy saving efforts, the City adopted the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) and the green building code, which creates a regulatory framework for non-residential buildings to comply with stricter energy requirements when building new construction or performing general construction on properties.
EQUITY INDICATORS
The City of Baltimore is home to the most significant low-income energy needs, costs and challenges in the BGE service territory in the State of Maryland. The City administers Energy Assistance benefits to an average of over 30,000 Baltimore households on a yearly basis. High energy bills often push low-income families and senior citizens into making household decisions about whether to buy basic needs such as food, clothing, and medicine, or to pay the electric bill. Poor housing conditions perpetuate homes that are unhealthy, unsustainable, and inefficient, and contribute to the overall decline of our neighborhoods. Energy strategies and resources must be expanded and focused to empower our poorest, neediest and most vulnerable populations.
STRATEGIES
1. Expand energy efficiency programs in buildings
Buildings comprise the majority of energy usage in the City of Baltimore. In order to create sustainable, energy efficient, and resilient City, our building stock – both new and existing – needs to be transformed into efficient, high performance structures. Resources will be directed to increase the efficiency of buildings – residential, commercial, and industrial.
Action 1- Expand existing outreach, education, and engagement for energy efficiency and conservation for residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
Action 2 - Explore innovative financing opportunities that can leverage City and State resources to increase opportunities for low-income energy weatherization, cool roofs, oil-to-natural gas furnace replacements, and other energy efficiency upgrades, as well as retrofit financing options for small businesses, non-profits, and commercial properties.
Action 3 - Review current building codes and regulations, and adopt a residential green building code such as the National Green Building Standard, to increase energy efficiency in residential buildings.
2. Increase renewable energy deployment within the City of Baltimore
Renewable energy reduces reliance on non-renewable sources such as coal and natural gas, and contributes to a reliable energy grid. Increasing renewable energy opportunities supports efficiency and conservation efforts and continues to lower energy costs.
Action 1 - Increase equitable access to onsite installation and community solar opportunities for low-income residents, while creating job training and job placement opportunities.
Action 2 - Expand municipal, and private installation of combined heat and power and district energy systems.
Action 3 - Continue collaborative efforts and partnerships with community, institutional, public and private stakeholders to identify resources and strategies that expand and support onsite solar installations, community solar projects, and green power purchasing options.
3. Support innovate and advanced technology to support reduction in energy usage
Advancing energy efficiency and conservation, as well as deployment of renewable energy can be expanded and expedited through innovative and advanced technology, systems, products, and techniques. Providing resources, and intellectual space to explore ways that the City of Baltimore can be forward thinking and innovative can create new opportunities for increased energy savings.
Action 1 - Provide resources, education, and guidance to deploy and utilize real-time energy monitoring across residential, commercial, and institution sectors.
Action 2 - Increase cool roof deployment, tree plantings, and creation of green space to reduce urban heat island effect.
Action 3 - Expand deployment of LED streetlights, solar thermal hotwater systems, electric and hybrid vehicles, and other advanced energy efficient products.
METRICS FOR SUCCESS
Strategy 1: Realize city-wide reduction in energy consumption
Strategy 2: Demonstrate an increase in solar installations
Strategy 3: Demonstrate a decrease in urban heat island
Qualitative Improve housing and neighborhood conditions through energy efficiency