Sonoma County, CA

Background

Sonoma County (population 493,285) plays a dual role to residents, providing municipal services such as law enforcement and fire protection to unincorporated areas, and providing the day-to-day operation of state and federally mandated programs. The Sonoma County Water Agency, an independent Special District, is responsible for providing clean water and sanitation services to more than 600,000 residents in portions of Sonoma and Marin Counties.

Sonoma County has a community-wide goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% below 1990 levels by 2015. As a part of this goal, County buildings will achieve a maximum efficiency and renewable generation profile, and at best a net zero carbon footprint, by 2050. Also by 2050, Sonoma County electrical base load will be supplied by local renewable generation sources. Lastly, the Sonoma County Water Agency has a goal of “Carbon Free Water” by 2015.

Sonoma County will partner with the Sonoma County Water Agency to achieve the Better Building Challenge commitments in the following ways: 1) Improve energy efficiency of building portfolio by at least 20% from 2009 levels by 2020; 2) Assist local businesses, universities and organizations to achieve measurable energy savings; and 3) Develop a County-wide implementation plan with energy reduction milestones within six months.