Strategies and Actions

Reduce energy use in both existing and new buildings. Reducing energy use not only reduces emissions but also saves business owners and residents money in utility costs. Actions to support this strategy include providing incentives for energy efficiency measures such as tax exemptions or land use incentives, requiring energy performance ratings so that potential buyers and renters can be informed, updating development codes, and more. 

Increase the production of local renewable energy. Producing local renewable energy can increase local resiliency, decrease costs to ratepayers, and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels. Actions to support this strategy include creating group solar purchasing programs, amending local codes to support solar-ready construction, and more.

Convert to cleaner fuel sources. Washington State’s Clean Energy Transformation Act requires electricity providers in our state to shift to 100% clean energy by 2045. With a cleaner electrical grid in place, the next step is shifting away from the use of natural gas and other polluting fuel sources. Actions to support this strategy include educating business owners and residents on electric appliance options and benefits, phasing out natural gas connections in new buildings, and more. 

See the full list of the buildings and energy strategies and actions.