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DRAFT 10. Energy Element CONSERVATION EFFORTS When an individual or organization takes steps to use less energy than would otherwise be the case, this is called conservation. The steps taken may involve improved efficiency, avoidance of waste, and reduced consumption. In July of 2001, the City Council adopted a pledge endorsing the Governor's "Energy Conservation Pledge" and committed Pleasanton to pursue a 15 percent reduction in energy use. To conserve energy, in 2000 and 2001 the City updated its traffic signal lighting by replacing standard incandescent bulbs with light-emitting-diode (LED) bulbs. In addition to the traffic signal upgrades, in 2001 the City enrolled in an Energy Star building performance improvement program. As part of the program, the City is currently upgrading its facilities based on energy audits. Although difficult to quantify, staff believes that the energy usage of facilities existing in 2001 has been reduced by approximately 15 percent. The City has played a role in conservation outreach to the general public, largely through the distribution of conservation- related reading materials. Conserving energy now and in the future will leave more resources for future generations. Water and Energy Conservation Water and energy conservation are linked. A tremendous amount of energy is required to pump water. The California State Water Project consumes approximately 2-3 percent of the State's energy supply to pump water.' In addition to energy used fox pumping water, wastewater treatment also consumes energy. Thus, when water is conserved, so is energy. Conserving water is one step the City can take toward long-term sustainability. Green Building There are many different conceptions of green building design due to the broad range of sustainable issues. Definitions range from broad concepts that incorporate all aspects of sustainability to narrow definitions that focus on one specific sustainable design feature such as recycled content materials or energy efficiency. While there is no formal definition of "green building," the term implies a structure that is friendlier to its occupants and the environment and is more resource efficient. In general, green building design entails the implementation of these related goals: energy efficiency, healthy indoor air quality, waste reduction, water efficienry, and sustainability planning. "I'he development of a green building with improved performance and reduced environmental impact involves the integration of these design concepts, as well as building maintenance and lifetime operation. The green building design field continues to evolve as new technologies and products come into the marketplace and innovative designs improve their effectiveness. The goals of green building axe consistent with the Energy Element's overarching purpose of guiding Pleasanton toward a sustainable energy future. In 2002 the City Council adopted a green building ordinance (codified as Chapter 17.5 Green Building of the Planning Code) which requires new civic and commercial projects over 20,000 square ~ Greenbiz.com, Saving Water Cuts Euergy Use Sayr Report, h ttp: i" i ~c~env.prccnbii.com i new ,, September 2004 Energy Clean Copy per PC. 02 07 1 Q_rj Council 6/5/2007