Energy and Sustainability Division

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The Energy and Sustainability division is responsible for the planning, evaluating and administering the County-wide Energy Management and Sustainability Program. Services include long and short range energy and green procurement strategies, effective and efficient energy use and sustainability practices, and County employee commute reduction planning.

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to plan and manage County energy use and sustainability, and improve the efficiency of employee transportation energy use in a sensible, cost-effective manner. Our customers are other County departments. The primary goal of the Energy and Sustainability Division is the efficient use of energy and other natural resources. Specifically, the Energy and Sustainability Division is responsible for:

• Effective planning, management and control of energy use and sustainability for major portions of County operations

 

Energy & Sustainability Programs

 

The Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) is a new opportunity for property owners to finance energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy improvements through a voluntary assessment. These assessments will be attached to the property, not the owner and will be paid back through the property tax system over time, making the program not only energy efficient but also affordable.

Sonoma County Energy Watch (SCEW) is a partnership between Sonoma County and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) designed to help you save energy and money while reducing your impact on the climate. We provide energy efficiency services to local governments, nonprofit organizations and small businesses.

The County of Sonoma is working with the Sonoma County Transit Authority/Regional Climate Protection Authority to coordinate countywide climate protection efforts among Sonoma County’s nine cities and multiple county agencies. For more information, please visit the SCTA RCPA website at http://www.sctainfo.org/index.htm.

Documents

• 2011 Climate Protection Action Plan Update (PDF: 667kB)
• Climate Protection Action Plan (PDF: 12.4MB)
• Sustainable Energy Best Practices Guidebook (PDF: 14.48MB)

Resources for Sustainable Living

• 511.org
  Can help you plan your trip and provide real-time traffic information. Register with 511 RideMatch Service to find carpool or bike partners with similar commutes. Track your commutes on your Trip Diary for a chance to win great prizes.
• Community Bikes
  A reuse and repair training program operated by LITE Initiatives. Check out their Events page to learn about the next free “Get to Know Your Bike” class.
• Commute Calculator
  Discover the true cost of your daily commute with this Microsoft Excel tool
• Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) Information
  Tips for purchasing and properly disposing of CFLs
• DriveClean
  Find out how your car rates when it comes to smog
• Living Green- the Press Democrat
  Your source for green around town
• Park & Ride Lots
  Find a conveniently-located Park & Ride Lot where you can make a transit connection or meet carpool partners.
• Santa Rosa Free Ride
  Earn rewards for using sustainable transportation methods to and from work
• Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition
  Check the calendar for upcoming events, including recurring low or no-cost Street Skills seminars.

Awards

• Most Electric Vehicle Ready Community, 6/2/2011: Sonoma County honored by the Bay Area Climate Collaborative as the “Most Electric Vehicle Ready Community for 2011” for its wide-ranging policies to accelerate widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption and municipal usage of EVs.
• Water Use Efficiency Award, 4/25/2011: Sonoma County General Services recognized for completing a two year retrofit project of toilet control systems at the Main Adult Detention Facility.
• Beacon Award, 4/22/2011: The Beacon Award recognizes and celebrates California cities and counties that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy; adopt policies and programs to address climate change; and promote sustainability.
• Energy and Environmental Design Leadership Award, 11/11/2010: Award is first for a County building and highlights County’s commitment to sustainability.
• Green Leadership Award, 3/17/2010: Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) wins climate change award category.

News

• Sonoma County Recognized as National Leader on Climate Action
  Local Action Blog - 9/8/2011
• County Wins International Praise for Climate Protection Efforts
  Press Release - 8/23/2011
• County Recognized as Most Electric Vehicle Ready Community
  Press Release - 6/7/2011
• Sonoma County Celebrates 17th Annual Bike to Work Day
  Press Release - 5/9/2011
• Sonoma's fleet ranked 5th largest hybrid vehicle fleet by percentage in the nation
  Press Release - 4/30/2011
• Sonoma County Admitted Into New Statewide Climate Protection Recognition Program
  Press Release - 4/26/2011
• Old and New Meet at Sonoma Valley Grange
  Press Democrat, 4/13/2011
• Sonoma County Exceeds Emissions Goals
  Press Democrat, 4/5/2011
• County to Receive First All Electric Car for Fleet
  Press Release - 4/1/2011
• Sonoma County the 12th Healthiest Community in California
  County of Sonoma – Health Services, 3/30/2011
• Sonoma County May Launch Public Power Agency
  Press Democrat, 3/23/2011
• Sonoma County Dedicates New Ultra Clean Energy Plant
  Press Release - 1/4/2011
• Sonoma County Takes New Action to Protect Innovative Home Energy Retrofit Program
  Press Release - 10/14/2010
• Board Keeps the Lights On, Innovative Energy Program Will Stay Open for Business
  Press Release - 7/13/2010
• Board Approves Cost Saving Solar Power Project
  Press Release - 5/18/2010
• County Adopts Green Building Policy
  Press Release - 3/30/2010

Annual Events

• Sustainable Enterprise Conference, Spring
• Climate Protection: Everybody Profits Conference, Spring
• Green Wine Summit, Fall
• Home & Garden Show, Spring & Fall
• Solar & Energy Efficiency Fair, Summer
• Sonoma County Fair, Summer
• Bioneers Conference, Fall

Contact

• Energy and Sustainability