Climate Action Program

For information on the Energy Upgrade California in Alameda County program, please click here.

Vision Statement

Human-induced climate change is a global crisis with the potential for environmental and social misfortune. Ever mindful of the consequences this crisis poses for future generations, the residents of Piedmont recognize that we must all take action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By acting locally, our small city can make a contribution to a worldwide effort. Accordingly, the City of Piedmont has developed this Climate Action Plan (CAP) in a significant step toward achieving our greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Early Achievements

Prior to development and adoption of the Piedmont Climate Action Plan, the city implemented a number of policies, programs, and incentives to assist the community in preserving the environment and reducing community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They include:

Piedmont Environmental Task Force is formed

After 16 months of actively investigating ways in which the City might improve its energy efficiency and waste diversion efforts, and receiving periodic briefings on the progress of the Climate Action Plan development, Piedmont’s Environmental Task Force presented its Final Report to the City Council on January 4, 2010. Council thanked the Task force for its efforts and thoughtful recommendations, accepted the final report of the Task Force, adopted thirty-one of the recommended actions, and dissolved the Task Force upon completion of its mandated tasks. In September 2010, Council received an update on the implementation of the adopted measures, which address municipal operations, legislation, purchasing, capital infrastructure, transportation and outreach.

Alameda County Climate Protection Project

In May 2006, the Piedmont City Council adopted a Resolution for the City to participate in the Alameda County Climate Protection Project, sponsored by StopWaste.Org and the Alameda County Conference of Mayors. In so doing, Piedmont became a member of ICLEI local governments for sustainability, completed a baseline 2005 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, and adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) that includes a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 15% below 2005 levels by 2020.

Climate Action Plan

With grant funds provided by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and StopWaste.Org, the City was able to employ a climate consultant to assist the city in developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) that was adopted by the City Council in March 2010. The CAP defines climate change and its potential effects, outlines the actions the City and State are taking to address climate change, describes how residents and business owners can participate in greenhouse gas reduction efforts, details the City’s strategy to be consistent with applicable state regulations, and provides guidance to City officials and departments charged with implementing the measures and policies contained within the plan.

The CAP includes three major strategies intended to reduce GHG emissions:

CAP Implementation and Monitoring

City staff will be reporting to Council on the status of implementation of the actions and measures in the CAP that will enable the City to meet its GHG emissions reduction target. On September 20, 2010, Council received an update that noted that of the thirty-two measures included in the CAP, fourteen are in some initial or partial stage of implementation. In order to measure the success of implementation strategies and the progress being made toward meeting the GHG reduction goal, the City will need to conduct future GHG emissions inventories on a regular basis.

Get Involved – Start at Home

Achieving Piedmont’s GHG emissions reduction target will require a significant amount of work by the whole community: the municipal government, business owners, houses of worship, public and private schools, and city residents. In particular, Piedmont’s Climate Action Plan notes that 50.3% of the City’s 2005 GHG emissions originated from the residential sector. This is because the vast majority of structures in the City are single family homes, which – for the most part – were built prior to modern efficiency standards and therefore have minimal insulation, antiquated furnace systems, single-pane windows, and drafty gaps in the building envelope. To achieve the City’s GHG emissions reduction target by 2020, the CAP estimates that approximately 2,150 residences (55% of the houses in Piedmont) will need to improve energy efficiency by at least 20%.

The Place to Start is Here

There is a multitude of ways to reduce your carbon footprint, some of which you are already doing or have done: using CFLs, recycling, composting, improving your homes energy efficiency, installing a low flow toilet, driving a hybrid car, bicycling to work, and so on. To start or do more, here are some suggested contacts, programs and links:

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) offers several programs to help Piedmonters improve energy efficiency in their home and business, including:

East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) offers a variety of programs that assist property owners in improving water efficiency, and thereby reducing their carbon footprint, including rebates, free conservation devices, Waterwise self-survey kits, and on-site water surveys. For additional information on any of these and other EBMUD programs, please email customer service or call 1-866-403-2683.

Energy Upgrade California in Alameda County

Energy Upgrade California in Alameda County is your one stop shop for finding everything you’ll need to make improvements to your home that will save energy and water and help lower your utility bills. By participating in the program you can take advantage of rebates offered by PG&E.

Rebates and Incentives

By participating in the Energy Upgrade program, homeowners can take advantage of financial incentives. PG&E offers rebates between $1,500 and $4,000 for efficiency improvements of 15% to 40% and beyond. Effective February 3, 20123, the financial incentive program offered by the CIty of Piedmont ended because allocated grants funds had been expended.

Qualified contractors

All Energy Upgrade California contractors have completed rigorous training to provide the highest quality of service. Certified contractors will assist homeowners with: Taking advantage of all available rebates and incentives, Completing a professional “whole house energy performance” assessment, and making the most appropriate improvements for their home.

DO NOT DELAY! All funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sign up now by going to the Energy Upgrade California in Alameda County website where you can learn more about the program, locate a certified contractor, and begin to improve your home’s efficiency and comfort. You are also encouraged to call Piedmont Assistant Planner Kevin Jackson at (510) 420-3039 if you are interested in participating in the Energy Upgrade program or have any questions regarding the program, rebates, qualified contractors, or the need for a Piedmont building permit or design review application.

Terms and Conditions for Piedmont homeowners participating in the Energy Upgrade California in Alameda County program.