City of Huntington Beach – Green Building Program to Address Climate Change
Climate Action Connection: Green Building
Small programs that start modestly can help to educate and encourage homeowners to undertake energy efficiency measures and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Community:Huntington Beach (Orange County)
Population: 202,000
Summary
Huntington Beach offers permit fee waivers for energy efficiency and solar upgrades and provides recognition to homeowners for installing green features in their homes through the Huntington Beach Green Scorecard program.
Program Highlights
- Energy Efficient Fee Waiver Program promotes energy efficiency that exceeds state requirements.
- Huntington Beach Green Scorecard encourages residents who want to install energy efficient appliances and features to do so.
Lessons Learned
- Encourage citizens to go green voluntarily and let them be an example to others.
Resources to Learn More
The Rest of the Story…
In late 2007, the Huntington Beach City Council adopted the
Energy Efficient Permit Fee Waiver Program. The pilot program is
voluntary. Homeowners who add energy upgrades, such as high
efficiency furnaces and air conditioners, solar electric, solar
hot water heating or tankless water heaters are exempt from
permit building or planning fees. To date, three homes have
participated in the program.
The Huntington Beach Environmental Board, appointed by the city
council, proposed the voluntary program as a way to encourage
energy efficiency in new and existing homes through a carrot,
rather than a stick approach. The program provides recognition
for citizens who take specified measures in greening their homes.
Any energy efficiency upgrades, such as adding Energy Star
appliances or recycled content flooring, may be counted toward
recognition on the Huntington Beach Scorecard. If homeowners meet
certain goals on the Huntington Beach Scorecard, they receive a
commendation from the mayor as recognition for their greening
measures.
A green display board at the plan check counter of city hall
provides information about the fee waiver program and the options
for greening homes. Information is also presented about various
utility rebate opportunities for energy efficiency upgrades.
Compiled May 2009
This case story was prepared in partnership with the
California Air Resources Board.