The financing sustainability resource center includes resources
to help local agencies finance and support sustainability
activities, including links to utility and state agency programs,
white papers and tip sheets.
The following summarizes major resources to support
sustainability efforts. The summary is not intended to be
exhaustive. Additional targeted or other resources may be
available in individual geographic areas. Because funding
sources, eligibility criteria and availability change constantly,
local officials are encouraged to review the programs themselves
carefully.
California utilities and state agencies offer a variety of
programs to support and finance local government energy
efficiency efforts. This page provides a starting point for
understanding what programs and resources are available to help.
Like any investment, efforts to finance energy-efficiency
projects benefit from thinking ahead about the pros and cons of
different options. This paper discusses options and issues
related to financing energy efficiency.
Local agencies throughout California are striving to reduce
costs, even as the demand for services grows. In this
environment, improving efficiency helps agencies do more with
their existing resources and can offer a high return on
investment. This whitepaper offers suggestions on working with
energy utilities to finance energy efficiency improvements.
The question of how to make local agencies more sustainable is an
ongoing issue for local officials. Sustainable communities are
places that foster and maintain a high quality of life. This
whitepaper highlights the experiences of two California
communities: City of Riverbank and City of Pleasanton.
Partnerships among public, private and nonprofit groups are
nothing new, and examples abound. However, innovative
partnerships that build capacity to address sustainability,
energy efficiency, climate change and reductions in greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions are relatively new. Two examples illustrate
the creativity and vibrancy of these efforts.
Finding the funds to support worthwhile programs presents a challenge in the best of times. This challenge is compounded when local budgets are stretched as tightly as they are today. Nevertheless, many local agencies continue to support activities and programs to make their communities more sustainable, believing that investing in sustainability leads to healthier communities and improved economic vitality while saving money, conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.
The Beacon Award is sponsored by the Statewide Energy Efficiency
Collaborative, which offers no-cost resources to support the
energy and climate initiatives of California local governments.
Click here to learn more.
Finding the funds to support worthwhile programs presents a challenge in the best of times. This challenge is compounded when local budgets are stretched as tightly as they are today. Nevertheless, many local agencies continue to support activities and programs to make their communities more sustainable, believing that investing in sustainability leads to healthier communities and improved economic vitality while saving money, conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.
