Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Infrastructure

What Can You Do

Right Now:

• Upgrade your lighting
  Switch your existing lighting to more energy efficient LED lighting. LED light bulbs use about 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 years.
  
  Programs that can help:
  Renters and homeowners can request no-cost Green House calls from California Youth Energy Services. The visit can include switching out your existing incandescent lamps for no-cost LEDs. Visit their website or call (510) 665-1501 ext. 5 to schedule an appointment.
  
  LEDs are directional light unlike CFLs and incandescent bulbs that emit light and heat in all directions. There are several LED brightness and color/appearance options available that mimic older and less efficient bulbs but use a fraction of the energy. Visit the Energy Star LED Buying Guide to better understand your options.

Next:

• Homes and Businesses
  Get an energy assessment! Learn how to save money and reduce your home or business energy use.
  
  Programs that can help:
  Home Energy Score
  is a rating program that informs homeowners of how efficient their home is compared to similar-sized homes by using a 1 to 10 score. Each score also comes with a customized recommendation with information on measures should be taken to improve overall efficiency. Call a Home Energy Advisor at (866) 878-6008 for help!
  
  Businesses can request no-cost, no-obligation energy assessments for their businesses from the County’s Smartlights program.
  No-cost technical assistance and cash rebates are available. Learn more at Marin County Sustainability Team’s For Businesses page or call (415) 473-2698.

And Then:

• Upgrade your home or business
  Consider improving insulation, air sealing the building envelope, fixing or replacing ducts, upgrading the HVAC unit, installing double pane windows, and more. Insulation improvement combined with air sealing can make the biggest difference in the comfort of a home and be the most cost-effective, especially in homes built before 1980. Rebates and technical assistance are available through BayREN or by calling a Home Energy Advisor at (866) 878-6008.
• Electrify your appliances
  If you use solar energy or if the electricity you purchase is from 100% renewable sources (MCE Deep Green), electric appliances reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to natural gas. NRDC explain how to reduce building-related carbon emissions.
  
  Electrify Marin offers rebates for single family homeowners who replace gas-powered appliances to energy efficient electric models. Eligible projects include central heat pump systems, heat pump mini splits, heat pump water heaters, and induction cooking.

What’s the County Doing?

• Marin Green Business Program
  The Marin Green Business Program is a voluntary partnership among business leaders, government agencies and non-profit organizations. The program recognizes and promotes businesses that demonstrate continuous compliance with applicable environmental regulations, conserve energy, water, and other materials, implement sound environmental practices that prevent pollution and waste generation, and share environmentally responsible practices with other businesses in our community. Over 300 Marin businesses are currently recognized through the program.
• Civic Center LED Lighting Project
  In 2017, the County replaced 2,054 existing fluorescent fixtures in the Administration Wing of the Civic Center with LED fixtures. The new fixtures use approximately 50% less electricity and save the County approximately $23,000 per year.
• Local Energy Efficiency Projects:
  Proof Lab
  Proof Lab is a local surf shop and outdoor equipment retailer located in Tam Junction in Mill Valley, CA. They have upgraded all of their lighting to LEDs.
  
  Fairfax Market
  Fairfax Market, located on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, secured incentives and 0% financing to convert the entire store to LED lighting and install motor economizers for all refrigeration units.