Solar & Battery Regulation & Incentive Programs

City of San Diego - Sustainable Building Policy

Program Overview


Category:
Regulatory Policy
Program Type:
Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Implementing Sector:
Local
State:
California
Eligible Storage Technologies:
Solar - Passive, Solar Water Heat, Geothermal Electric, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Photovoltaics, Wind (All), Biomass, Municipal Solid Waste, Fuel Cells using Non-Renewable Fuels, Landfill Gas, Tidal, Wave, Ocean Thermal, Daylighting, Clothes Washers, Dishwasher, Refrigerators/Freezers, Dehumidifiers, Water Heaters, Lighting, Heat pumps, Air conditioners, Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building, Other EE, Wind (Small), Hydroelectric (Small), Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels
Website:
http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/energy/programsprojects/rescom.shtml#sdleed
Green Building Requirement:
All new City facilities and major building renovation projects (over 5,000 sq. ft.) achieve LEED "Silver" Level Certification and be constructed to be 15% more energy efficient than California's building code
Equipment Efficiency Requirement:
All energy-consuming equipment purchased must meet either Energy Star specifications or criterion that puts products in the upper 25% of energy-efficiency, based on criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Renewable Energy Requirement:
Newly constructed City facilities shall incorporate a minimum of 15% self-generation using renewable technologies when site factors allow for a reasonable payback
Applicable Sectors:
Commercial, Construction, Local Government, Residential
Last Updated:
03/05/2020

Summary

The City of San Diego’s Sustainable Building Policy is directed by Council Policy 900-14. The policy contains regulations regarding building measures, private-sector incentives, health and resource conservation, outreach and education, and implementation.

Among the directives is a commitment that all new City facilities and major building renovation projects (over 5,000 sq. ft.) achieve LEED "Silver" Level Certification and be constructed to be 15% more energy efficient than California's building code. In addition to achieving LEED Certification, Council Policy 900-14 states that newly constructed City facilities shall incorporate a minimum of 15% self-generation using renewable technologies when site factors allow for a reasonable payback. The policy also establishes requirements regarding water usage, indoor air quality, and the materials used in construction.

Additionally, Council Policy 900-18 requires the City of San Diego to purchase energy efficient equipment. All energy-consuming equipment purchased must meet either Energy Star specifications or criterion that puts products in the upper 25% of energy-efficiency, based on criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy.


Authorities

NameEnacted DateEffective DateExpired Date
City of San Diego Council Policy 900-1405/18/2010
City of San Diego Council Policy 900-1806/19/2001