The Institute for Local Government and the Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative have honored the City of Benicia’s sustainability accomplishments as a part of its participation in a statewide sustainability and climate change recognition program, the Beacon Award: Local Leadership toward Solving Climate Change.
The City of Benicia was recognized for its leadership in developing energy savings programs that increase energy efficiency, save money, promote sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, Benicia’s Renewable Energy and Conservation Project will generate up to 40 percent of the energy needs of the city’s facilities by installing solar power at City operation sites. The project is expected to save Benicia at least $85,000 per year over the next 25 years, which will be used to fund additional energy generation or conservation projects.
“Benicia is committed to helping our residents and businesses save energy and money. Supporting smart, sustainable activities helps our local economy and creates a more vibrant community,” stated Mayor Elizabeth Patterson.
Additional projects Benicia is being recognized for include:
- Benicia’s Home Energy Program provides a home energy and water savings assessment that helps residents save energy through cost-effective upgrades and suggested larger energy saving purchases and home improvements. The program will save participants about nine percent on their energy bills, resulting in total program savings of about 52,000 kWh per year.
- Benicia worked with The Energy Alliance Association, funded with support by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, on its Energy Savers Program. The program offers energy efficiency solutions to Benicia small business owners to help them reduce costs and save money by installing energy efficiency equipment. The program will save more than 1 million kWh each year.
- Benicia funded Oakland based nonprofit GRID Alternatives, to identify five low-income homeowners and install solar photovoltaic systems, saving the five homeowners an estimated $82,000 over the life of the system.
“We applaud Benicia’s leadership to promote sustainability at the local level,” said James Keene, chairman of the Institute for Local Government’s board of directors and Palo Alto city manager. “Benicia’s accomplishments save money, foster vibrant communities and ultimately help local residents and businesses. Cities and counties around California can learn from Benicia’s efforts.”
Additional information about Benicia’s accomplishments is available at: www.ca-ilg.org/BeaconAward/Benicia.
Additional information about the Beacon Award program is available at www.ca-ilg.org/BeaconAward.
