San Diego, CA Energy Efficient Purchasing Policy

Type: Policy

Effective Date: 6/19/01

Source File: http://docs.sandiego.gov/councilpolicies/cpd_900-18.pdf

Description:

POLICY NO.: 900-18
PURCHASE OF ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS

BACKGROUND:

The City recognizes that minimal modifications to existing purchasing policies and bid specs can ensure that the City of San Diego buys durable, low maintenance energy-efficient equipment and products while at the same time lowering the City’s utility bills, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions.

The City of San Diego has coordinated the region’s Climate Wise Program, which is a US EPA outreach campaign for businesses that encourages the use of energy efficient products, e.g. Energy Star. The Energy Star label is the symbol of superior energy performance. This program is a collaboration established between US EPA and US DOE, and identifies science-based criteria and provides helpful tools by which to evaluate products, equipment and energy conservation practices.

As a participant in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Cities for Climate Protection Program, the City of San Diego is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing electricity use.

PURPOSE:

It is the intent of the City Council that the City of San Diego make purchasing decisions that are based on utilizing available energy-efficient products which can reduce energy use by 25 to 75 percent, lowering energy bills and saving money for the City and its citizens.

POLICY:

1. All energy-consuming equipment purchased will meet either Energy Star specifications or criteria that puts products in the upper 25% of energy-efficiency, based on criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy. These products must also meet user requirements for quality, performance, and durability.

2. The recommended categories covered under this policy include, but are not limited to:

• Office equipment
• Heating and cooling equipment
• Exit signs
• Lighting
• Appliances
• Other commercial products
• Currently, specific “Energy Star” labeled products are found on www.energystar.gov.

3. In addition, the policy of the City of San Diego is that employees will use appliances and equipment in a manner optimizing their energy efficiency features, e.g. following manufacturer’s instructions to enable Energy Star features when products are installed. To accomplish this, City employees will be educated about the economic savings and environmental benefits of Energy Star compliant equipment, as well as other practices that minimize energy use. The City recognizes that cost-saving measures such as these will also affect the City’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions resulting from inefficient energy use.