Sustainability and Resilience News

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Sustainability and Resilience News

This newsletter includes the following topics:

All-electric New Construction and Substantial Alteration Ordinance - 2022 update

In 2021, the Alameda City Council adopted an all-electric reach code requiring that all new construction citywide be all-electric with no gas hookups, bringing Alameda one step closer to zero emission buildings and implementing a key greenhouse gas reduction recommendation in the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan. Adoption of a new reach code is required to ensure alignment with the 2022 California Building Code which will become effective January 1, 2023.

The proposed 2022 reach code would continue to require that all new residential and non-residential buildings citywide be all-electric. Staff is also recommending to expand the definition of new construction to include substantial alterations or additions that essentially result in a new building, further fulfilling CARP objectives. Several exceptions have been proposed to the requirements. The proposed reach code will be reviewed at the following public meetings:

Learn more about the proposed reach code at www.alamedaca.gov/buildingdecarb

BayREN Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program

BayREN

Multifamily housing properties in Alameda are eligible to receive cash rebates and no-cost technical consulting for energy and water savings through the Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancements (BAMBE) program. The program helps property owners plan for comprehensive energy efficiency retrofits and offers $750 per unit for projects that include measures such as building weatherization, lighting upgrades, and replacing outdated or inefficient appliances. In addition to lowering utility bills, these upgrades may improve resident health and comfort, build resiliency against extreme heat and wildfire smoke, and increase property values.

To learn more and get started, visit www.bayren.org/multifamily.


Now is the time to install solar on your home!

Solar panels on home

New AMP Incentives

As a commitment to bringing solar to the community, AMP is waiving the interconnection fee for residential customers in buildings built before January 1st, 2020. This fee waiver does not apply to commercial solar projects or installations greater than 50 kilowatts.

Starting November 1, 2022 customers/contractors no longer need to pay the $330 interconnection application fee for installing new PV systems or new PV systems with battery storage.

For information on installing solar in your home, visit the Solar page of AMP's website.

Streamlined Permitting

Alameda will also be launching a new streamlined solar permitting process next month. It will work in conjunction with the building department’s new expedited same day permitting process for electrical service upgrades, heat pumps and EV chargers. With the new online permitting program, the time to get a solar permit in Alameda will be reduced from a month or more to about an hour. More information coming soon!

SunShares Webinar

Find out more about discounted solar, battery storage and how to electrify your home and transportation at the Bay Area SunShares Webinar on Wednesday, November 9 at 6 pm.

Register here to attend the webinar and visit www.bayareasunshares.org to learn more. SunShares registration closes on November 15th.


E-bike discounts now available

ebike

Ride and Drive Clean is here to help you ride electric. Sign up for the E-bike Discount Campaign before November 21st. In addition to discounts on a variety of E-bikes, you’ll receive the Ride Clean Package of Perks – free helmet, service plan, and no-interest financing. Sign up now and get ready for a fun, healthy, and emission-free new ride!

When you buy an E-bike, and you may also be eligible for a cash rebate of up to $600 from AMP. Learn more.


Get up to $3,000 to protect your home in an earthquake

EBB

Bolting and bracing your home's foundation is a smart and effective way to limit earthquake damage. If your foundation has not yet had a seismic retrofit, and your home qualifies, you can apply now for a grant of up to $3,000 to help cover the cost. If your household income is $72,080 or under, you may also qualify for a supplemental grant that could help pay 100% of the cost to seismically upgrade your home. 

Retrofit grants are available through California's Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program, operated by the California Earthquake Authority and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. To date, the EBB program has funded more than 17,000 home foundation retrofits statewide.

The application period runs from Oct. 18 to Nov. 29. Apply here.


Gas-powered leaf blowers prohibited in Alameda after Jan 1, 2023

Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban

Gas-powered leaf blowers pollute the air and make a lot of noise, two reasons why the City Council has banned their sale and use as of January 1, 2023. Purchase an electric or battery-powered blower or rake and make a difference!

Know a professional landscaper? Starting November 7th, CORE California will begin accepting voucher requests for professional landscape service equipment.

Read more: https://www.alamedaca.gov/leafblowerban


Contact us
dmieler@alamedaca.gov

https://www.alamedaca.gov/climateaction

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