Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ann M. Stillman, Director of Public Works
Subject: Strategic Energy Master Plan Update
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution adopting the October 2025 Strategic Energy Master Plan Update in alignment with the County’s climate action goals as stated in the 2020 Government Operations Climate Action Plan.
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BACKGROUND:
On December 11, 2012 this Board adopted Resolution No. 072278 authorizing the Director of Public Works to implement the 2012 Strategic Energy Master Plan (SEMP), that included goals of: reducing nonrenewable energy use by 25%, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 15%, and procuring or generating 25% of energy used in County facilities from renewable sources by 2020. As of 2019, the County had reduced nonrenewable energy use by 73%, reduced GHG emissions by 45%, and began procuring 100% renewable electricity through Peninsula Clean Energy. These outcomes exceed the energy conservation goals outlined in the SEMP.
The County and Department of Public Works (Department) have made significant strides in work and projects that are in alignment with the SEMP. This work has included installing multiple solar photovoltaic systems and reducing the County's use of natural gas by implementing various energy efficiency improvements in building heating, cooling, lighting, Building Management Systems, and building envelope (building exterior) upgrade projects.
The Strategic Energy Master Plan Update (SEMP Update) builds on past County successes and incorporates the 2020 Government Operations Climate Action Plan (GOCAP), which was adopted by this Board in 2021. The GOCAP includes a goal for achieving carbon neutrality (i.e. electric buildings) by 2035. The SEMP Update also includes several State policies that have been introduced since initiating implementation of the SEMP in 2012. These policies include: Senate Bill 32, a bill that requires GHG emissions be reduced to 40% below the 1990 levels by 2030; Executive Order B-55-18 mandating statewide carbon neutrality; and the Climate Emergency Declaration in 2019 declaring the urgency in protecting vulnerable communities.
DISCUSSION:
The SEMP Update outlines a strategic roadmap for the County to continue reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions across its facilities while supporting the County’s broader climate action goals. Recognizing the critical role of buildings in achieving these goals, the SEMP Update emphasizes a comprehensive and integrated approach. The two key implementation areas are: electrification of existing and new buildings; and energy efficiency improvements. Building electrification will be achieved through system upgrades and large-scale retrofits, along with the addition of behind the meter renewable energy systems, primarily solar photovoltaic systems, to support the increased electricity demand from building electrification. Energy efficiency will be improved through innovative measures including lighting upgrades, heating ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system optimization, central plant improvements which house the primary sources of heating and cooling for our buildings, and automated controls. Efforts will focus on high energy use, mission critical, and prioritized facilities to maximize impact.
The County and Department have incorporated, when feasible, electrification of County buildings as capital projects and upgrades are programmed. Examples include the electrification of the 2415 University Avenue building through the East Palo Alto City Hall Improvements Project and the planned electrification of 455 County Center in conjunction with the County Office Building 1 Renovation and Modernization Project.
The work and strategies included in the SEMP Update are essential for meeting the County’s climate commitments and outlines a path for the Department for energy projects to meet the goals. The Department recommends this Board adopt the SEMP Update, which aligns with the County’s GOCAP and State requirements. The SEMP Update is attached as Exhibit A to the resolution.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The SEMP Update modifies the County’s goals and approach to achieving its objectives by prioritizing targeted, high-impact interventions aimed at reducing energy consumption and removing GHG. The SEMP Update emphasizes building electrification, which will allow the County to capitalize on clean grid electricity and focuses these efforts on high-emission and mission-critical facilities. Additionally, the SEMP Update is committed to implementing climate actions that provide benefits to all residents while also protecting the local environment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The SEMP Update estimates that over the next 10 years (by 2035) $361.7M will need to be spent on energy efficiency and building decarbonization projects. These are significant financial investments that will need to be programmed into future County Capital Improvement Plans. Assuming these projects are completed by 2035 and result in all County owned buildings being decarbonized, there is an anticipated $1.6M increase in electricity costs if no additional renewable energy is added.
There is no impact to the General Fund.