Energy Efficient Homes & Businesses

Residential

Any time we turn on lights, appliances — or any other electric- or natural gas-powered device — we are using energy in our homes. There are numerous ways that we can reduce the use of the supply of energy to our home.

Solar energy is the fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity in America. As solar energy systems become more affordable, increasing numbers of homeowners are converting the sun's energy into electricity for their homes.

Homeowners can energy and reduce power bills by retrofitting windows, water heaters, and making other upgrades. In Del Mar, rebates and incentive programs offered by SDG&E are available to Clean Energy Alliance customers. The SDG&E programs include:

• Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade Assistance Program
• Financial Assistance Programs
• Rebate for Your Home
• Reduce Your Use Thermostat Program

Planning to build or remodel? Go green by incorporating energy reduction measures into your plans:

• CalRecycle Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Best Practices
• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely-used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building project types, LEED provides a framework that project teams can apply to create healthy, highly-efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.

Commercial

Stores, restaurants and offices use energy to meet the needs of their employees and customers. Alarm systems, lighting, cooking, heating and air conditioning — to name a few — all require energy. Electricity and natural gas consumption in commercial buildings accounts for about 15% of greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Del Mar.

Energy Star is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. Visit the Energy Star webpage for simple, unbiased information to make well-informed decisions.

• Energy Star

Building electrification

Del Mar is exploring building electrification to meet Climate Action Plan goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Building electrification refers to relying upon electricity as the sole energy source of for a building. That means no natural gas hookups for common household appliances such as water heaters, furnaces and kitchen stoves. Natural gas consists mostly of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.