MUNICIPAL EDITION: Your monthly guide to green building and energy efficiency news and trainings in San Mateo County    
Energy Watch Saves Big in 2015
Last year, the San Mateo County Energy Watch achieved big savings for its clients - cities, nonprofits, small businesses and schools.

In 2015, Energy Watch saved:
  • 666 kilowatts - 150% of our goal
  • 5.8 million kilowatt-hours -164% of our goal. This represents the equivalent of the pollution from 958 cars in one year, according to the EPA's equivalency calculator
SMC Energy Watch also developed a new outreach plan to target small businesses and is excited to roll that program out this year.
Free Trainings for Building Departments
Is your building department still trying to decipher the last cycle of the Title 24 energy code? Here's your chance to get up to speed!

 

The Bay Area Regional EnergyNetwork (BayREN) continues to offer free trainings into 2016 for any jurisdiction located in the nine-county Bay Area. BayREN trainings are designed to educate both local officials and the private sector building community in key aspects of code compliance and enforcement. Training topics are offered as a series, and each training series addresses specific energy code compliance strategies and best practices. 

 

Trainings, which are conducted at your offices, can be delivered as one 90-minute Brown Bag session or as a half-day workshop.  Refreshments are provided at all trainings, and there is no cost to your department. 

 

To request trainings for your organization, please complete theTraining Request Form and email a copy to [email protected]. A complete list of training topics and details can be found here
Update: Zero Energy in San Mateo County
How can San Mateo County get ready for the State's goal of all new homes meeting Zero Energy standards by 2020? Zero Energy buildings generate as much energy as they consume through on-site renewable sources of energy.

Here's a wrap-up of SMC Energy Watch's Zero Energy initiatives in 2015 and a sneak peek at what's ahead in 2016.

Last year, Energy Watch:
This year, Energy Watch will focus on:


 

Finalizing and adopting a countywide Zero Energy Strategic Plan, which includes: 

  • Provide workforce training to building professionals and city building departments to help ease the transition to the State's 2020 Zero Energy goals
  • Provide Zero Energy information to all proposed public projects
  • Support the goal of 50% of all commercial and public new construction in the county be Zero Energy by 2025
  • Provide the cities with template Zero Energy language for RFPs, ordinances and general plans
Want more information? Contact Jacki Falconio with SMC Energy Watch.
The County's Office of Sustainability:
A New Year, a New Face, a New Office
The County of San Mateo's Office of Sustainability has some big announcements for 2016!  We have opened our doors at a new and improved location, where you can now find all your favorite environmental programs under one roof. The move marks completion of the office's merger with the RecycleWorks and Energy Watch programs. In addition, the North Fair Oaks Forward team and Surplus Property are joining in the Office of Sustainability's efforts to foster livable communities.
 
This year also brings the appointment of Danielle Lee as the office's Deputy Director. Danielle previously served in the County Manager's Office of Budget and Performance and was selected from more than 100 applications. With a new work space and a new Deputy Director, the Office of Sustainability aims to bring improved programming and accessibility to the County's residents.
 
Come visit us at 455 County Center in Redwood City; we look forward to showing you around! Or visit us online to learn more.
Join These Groups for Sustainability Professionals
silver-keyboard2.jpg Are you looking to keep on top of the latest municipal sustainability initiatives, as well as network with other sustainability professionals?

The Municipal Sustainability Forum hosts free webinars for local governments, businesses and other organizations on renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability best practices and solutions.
 
Now you can sign up to become a Municipal Sustainability Forum Member, and you can join monthly solution-oriented conference calls, participate in a discussion forum and promote your events on the Forum's calendar. Cost: $19/month.

Or apply to be a member of the Forum's Sustainability Leaders Group, a high-level group of qualified professionals who are facilitating sustainability-related projects, programs or policies in their local communities or states. Cost: $29-39/month. 
The County, 2 Cities Apply To Be Bike-Friendly Communities
The County's Office of Sustainability is applying for a Bicycle Friendly Community Award from the League of American Bicyclists to recognize progress and encourage continued bicycling enhancements. By applying, the County establishes a baseline inventory to measure future improvements, while identifying priority areas for attention.
 
Two cities in San Mateo County have been designated as Bicycle Friendly Communities: Menlo Park (Silver Level) and South San Francisco (Bronze Level). The Office of Sustainability is currently assisting Redwood City and San Carlos in applying for a Bicycle Friendly Community Award. There are currently two counties and 50 cities in California that have received some level of Bicycle Friendly Community recognition from the League's program.
 
For more information or if your city is interested in applying for a Bicycle Friendly Community award in the future, please contact the County's Active Transportation Coordinator Ellen Barton.
Two Opportunities to Help High School Students

1) Host An Intern: Are you an environmental professional whose organization could use a high school intern? The San Mateo County Office of Education's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is looking for agencies, organizations and businesses that can provide sustainability-related internships for students aged 16-18. Contact CTE Coordinator Dr. Vera Jacobson-Lundeberg at (650) 598-2007 for more information.

 

2) Judge A Science Fair: The County Office of Education is seeking volunteer judges for its 28th annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Fair on Feb. 29 at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos. You do not have to be an expert, be employed in or have a degree in a STEM-related field to volunteer, but potential judges should be comfortable judging science and math projects. Contact STEM Fair Coordinator Doron Markus for more information, and sign up to be a judge here. 

Events, Conferences and Seminars 

Mon. 5-7:30pm  |  San Francisco |  Google
Join the Business Council on Climate Change and the U.S. Green Building Council's Northern California Chapter  to discuss how government and business can work together to turn momentum from the historic climate conference in Paris into a new era of local climate action.

Tues. 7-8:30pm  |  San Carlos |  1101 Laurel St.
Please promote this workshop from PG&E's Step Up and Power Down program to your residents: Learn how to make changes to your home that will results in greater comfort and energy savings. You'll also find out about rebates for home improvements and how  to find a contractor, and you'll receive a free LED bulb. Also offered 2/29.

Sat. 10am-1pm  |  South San Francisco  |  Genentech
Join San Mateo County's Office of Sustainability for this family-friendly event to learn about the County's efforts to evaluate what is at risk from sea level rise  and what we can do about the issue, and provide your input about what flooding and sea level rise means for you.

Feb. 3: Workshop: Take Control of Your Energy Use                    
Mon. 6:30-8pm  |  San Carlos  |  1101 Laurel St.
Please promote this workshop from PG&E's Step Up and Power Down program to your residents: Learn how to monitor your PG&E account, track your energy usage and find ways to save you energy and money. Also offered 3/8.

Mon-Wed 8am-4:30pm  |  San Francisco  |  Pacific Energy Center
This three-day workshop from PG&E provides an overview of building technologies with an emphasis on distinguishing older, inefficient equipment from newer efficient system and includes in-class exercises and a mock audit.

Thurs-Sat  |  Portland |  Hilton Hotel
Organized by the New Partners for Smart Growth, this 15th annual event will focus on practical implementation tools, technologies and innovative strategies for creating great communities now. Cost: $225-400.

Thurs-Fri  |  San Diego |  Manchester Grand Hyatt
Join the International Living Future Institute for its third annual conference, dedicated to the exchange of technical expertise, bold strategies and case studies aimed at accelerating the global shift toward Net Positive Energy and Water buildings and communities. Cost: $125-595.

Mon. 11am-2pm  |  San Francisco |  Pacific Energy Center
Hosted by PG&E's Step Up and Power Down program, this month's free lunch event for building operators will focus on existing building lighting system technologies, including LEDs and lighting controls, and will address Title 24 compliance.

Wed. 8:30am-12:00pm |  Redwood Shores | Sobrato Foundation 
Join the San Mateo County Energy watch and Energy Solutions to learn about how automated demand response can help businesses reduce demand charges, save money, and improve energy efficiency year-round.
 
Visit our online calendar for more classes, events and conferences. 
Webinars

Thurs. 11am-noon  |  Energy Star
Learn operations and maintenance tips, retrofit options and replacements that can help reduce water and energy use in public and private bathrooms and commercial laundries. The EPA will also discuss what it means to look for the WaterSense and Energy Star labels and how using these products can significantly reduce your facility operating costs.

Wed. 8:30-9:30am  |  International Building Operator Association
This overview of the Building Operator Certification (BOC) program will cover who benefits by attending BOC training, level I and level II course topics and certification requirements, how BOC graduates are improving their facilities and a Q&A session with BOC staff.

Wed. 10-11:30am  |  New Buildings Institute
Panelists from leading states in the Zero Energy movement will share how they develop policies from ideation to implementation, as well as the steps on their path to Zero Energy. 
January Edition
Free Building Dept Trainings
Update: Zero Energy
Update: Office of Sustainability
Bike-Friendly Awards
Help High School Students
Events & Conferences
Webinars
Job Openings

Statewide Local Government Energy Efficiency Best Practices Coordinator, Local Government Commission. Open until filled.
 
Various positions, Energy Foundation.
 
Various positions, GRID Alternatives.

Various positions, Ecology Action. 
New Resources

Local Energy Efficiency Self-Scoring Tool: This updated tool from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy lets you compare your community's energy efficiency efforts with those of similarly-sized localities.
Recommended Resources 
SMC Energy Watch -
Ideas, resources, and financing options for saving energy in San Mateo County.

County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability - Information about the County's climate action efforts plus resources for sea level rise, energy, water, waste, and more. 

Cool California Funding Wizard - 
Find grants, rebates and incentives for sustainability projects

 

DSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy - Database of state incentives for renewables and efficiency projects 


Green Making - Join this online community with links to resources to help you build your own eco-friendly home

 

PG&E Energy Efficiency Classes - Learn energy efficiency skills at no-cost
  

San Mateo County Recycle Works - A waste diversion resource 

 

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy State & Local Policy Database - Recently updated database of state and local government policies on energy efficiency

 

DOE State & Local Energy Data Tool -  Local energy data and resources, including information on electricity generation, fuel sources and costs, and policies and regulations

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About San Mateo County Energy Watch
SMC Energy Watch can help you save energy, money, and reduce your carbon footprint. We provide energy efficiency services and incentives to qualifying public agencies, non-profits, residents, businesses, schools, and farms in San Mateo County. 

SMC Energy Watch Partners:
C/CAG Logo
 
Other program partners include Ecology Action and El Concilio.

SMC Energy Watch is funded by California utility customers and administered by PG&E under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.

For more info, visit www.smcenergywatch.com, call (650) 599-1403, or email [email protected].