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Every year, San José homes, businesses, and public operations consume
nearly 6.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, which contribute
40 percent of our community’s 4.2 million total tons of greenhouse gas
emissions. Through efficiency measures alone, San José residents and
companies can significantly reduce our energy usage and collectively
save billions of dollars that could be invested elsewhere.
 Since 2001, San José government has significantly reduced its energy
consumption by 200 million kilowatt hours through institution of basic
efficiency efforts, resulting in an estimated savings of $20 million.
It’s an excellent start, but we can do much more.
We’ve set a goal of reducing our per capita energy consumption by
half in the next 15 years and to convert to using 100 percent renewable
electrical power. The City of San José will lead the way in this effort,
but we haven’t set the goal for government alone. Everyone, from
residents to businesses, can cut consumption and reduce reliance on
foreign fossil fuels.
We will encourage everyone to adopt innovative and smarter energy
devices, and to change habits or employ applications that will reduce
energy consumption needs and operating expenses. We will demonstrate
that energy efficiency saves money and is worth the upfront
investment.
The City of San José will partner with residents, private sector entrepreneurs,
and civic organizations to become more efficient and to
encourage the adoption of innovative efficiency products, including
efficient lighting, energy monitoring systems, cool and green roofs,
insulation, and smart cooling systems.
The City will also partner with the United States Department of Energy,
the Environmental Protection Agency, Pacific Gas and Electric Company,
and other organizations to measure our energy consumption
and develop implementation strategies for efficiencies. As a result of
these efforts, we believe that the San José community will reduce its
electrical energy consumption by 50 percent per capita in 15 years.
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