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Energy is Currently Regulated; Committee Proposals; Is 25% Better Efficiency <br /> Realistic?; and Next Steps. <br /> • Evans reviewed the Committee's proposal for the Town's Energy Efficiency Ordinance. <br /> They included: 1) a site-specific simulation of building energy consumption that would <br /> include lighting, appliances, heating, water heating, air conditioners and pools; 2) 25% <br /> greater energy efficiency than basic State requirements (Title 24) for all new homes over <br /> 6,000 square feet (total floor area including garage and basement); 3) on site renewable <br /> generation photo voltaics would count toward the required efficiency gains; and, 4) solar <br /> heating or thermal cover on pools and 500 square feet of heating-integrated hardscape <br /> (solar collector that surrounds the pool) excluded from MDA (maximum development <br /> area) calculations. Pool pumping requirements were still under development. <br /> Evans summarized the results and estimated incremental cost of measures to achieve the <br /> efficiency improvements of simulations that had been performed by a consultant for the <br /> committee on different home scenarios. The simulations were performed to see if a 25% <br /> requirement for better efficiency was a realistic standard. <br /> Evans concluded his presentation by reiterating that if energy is not measured it cannot be <br /> managed and information leads to energy efficiency. He noted that the Committee was <br /> attempting to set a benchmark for energy efficiency for homes similar to miles per gallon <br /> for cars. If energy consumption was reduced, residents would benefit by saving money. <br /> Council briefly discussed the presentation. Councilmember Mordo suggested he would <br /> • like the Committee to investigate what other communities in California are moving <br /> forward with similar energy ordinances other than Marin. Mayor Kerr explained that <br /> Marin's ordinance was used as a template to garner an understanding of the procedure <br /> and process in establishing an energy ordinance. He noted that a requirement of adopting <br /> such an ordinance was approval by the California Energy Commission and a nexus <br /> between the requirement and a savings-economic benefit to the consumer. <br /> Councilmember O'Malley noted that he would like to have additional data from PG&E <br /> regarding the average energy usage of Town residents. Evans explained that the <br /> Committee had requested the information but to date, PG&E had not replied. <br /> Councilmember Warshawsky questioned why the Committee was leaning towards <br /> mandating energy efficiency rather than offering incentives. Evans believed that the cost' <br /> savings the resident would achieve was an incentive. Mayor Kerr noted that a key <br /> component of the ordinance was informing and educating residents and architects on <br /> energy efficiency measures. He believed that it would be a value to home buyers. Kerr <br /> explained that PG&E's Energy Star Rating program that required a 15% energy <br /> improvement over Title 24 requirements for a home to be certified might be a satisfactory <br /> option. He suggested that this could be a requirement for Fast Track approval of a new <br /> residence. <br /> Council thanked Peter Evans and the Committee for the presentation. <br /> i <br /> 2 <br /> City Council Meeting Minutes <br /> September 15,2005 <br />