6.4.2.c Energy Conservation Discussion

The city’s total demand for energy will increase with projected population growth. Public and private planning decisions should promote energy management and efficient use of energy-related resources to ensure the community is served with a balanced mix of affordable energy supplies.

Energy efficiency supports economic growth and development by freeing funds that otherwise would be spent on energy. Energy efficient development patterns also make the region less vulnerable to conventional energy supply disruptions. Furthermore energy consumption and diversity of supply can reduce the environmental costs of large scale production and distribution. However there are no energy performance standards prescribing annual consumption levels for various types of urban development.

Conservation of electricity and natural gas used in buildings should increase by incorporating innovative and conventional energy efficient techniques into design, siting and construction development. Ordinance amendments and effective compliance of new or existing energy-related ordinances will encourage energy conservation and management. A handbook or guide to maximize solar access should be developed.

Conservation of automobile fuel can be achieved in the short term by strengthening use of travel alternatives and disincentives to private single-occupancy automobile use. Long term conservation may be achieved by policies which decrease the population’s auto dependency.