Install solar generation capacity at municipal water and wastewater facilities to reduce electricity demand.

Climate action image for 6999f46edac300cf5bd7a721

The City is looking to fund solar systems for our municipal buildings. We hope to harness clean, on-site solar power to directly offset grid electricity demand and lower operational GHG emissions. Reducing reliance on our current grid that is powered partially by fossil fuels, cuts carbon dioxide emissions and stabilizes our departments energy costs. This leaves more room in our budgets to fund programs and activities that support and uplift our community. Already, a solar installation at CK Newsome Center serve as an early proof of concept.

Co-Benefits

Increases local resilience

Programs, policies, and practices that improve local energy reliability, infrastructure integrity, food supply, water quality, waste management, and other essential needs will improve our local energy, economic, environmental, and community resilience to climate impacts, particularly for underserved populations and neighborhoods most vulnerable to those impacts.

Reduces costs

Investing in clean, sustainable, and energy-efficient buildings, transportation, and waste management systems reduces both short-term and long-term operating expenses. Implementation of these systems will also reduce air pollution that adversely affects public health and climate stability, reducing costs associated with health care and climate-related damages.

Action
	Advocate for zero carbon, renewable energy goals - including community-owned/distributed energy - in the development of the Centerpoint Integrated Resource Plan.
	Install solar generation capacity at municipal water and wastewater facilities to reduce electricity demand.
	Improve energy efficiency of municipal facilities through procurement of energy efficient products and renewable energy systems.
	Streamline solar installations by achieving advanced levels of SolSmart certification.
	Promote residential and commercial solar energy installations through policy and incentive programs, particularly in energy overburdened and underserved areas.
	Audit energy use of municipal buildings and equipment and install energy efficiency improvements.
	Advocate for clean energy transition education and training of local workforce through local education and trade partners.
	Encourage builders and developers to utilize CenterPoint's financial incentive programs, particularly in affordable and multi-unit housing projects.
	Promote energy efficiency improvements for low-income households through financial assistance and incentive programs.
	Expand utilization of state and utility energy efficiency, weatherization & electrification incentive programs through education and advocacy.