HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-25 Item 8 - Written Communications - Baker Written Communications
Item # 8 Name
February 25, 2020
RE:Support for Chula Vista City Council Item#8:
Existing Home Energy Sustainability Ordinance
Mayor Salas and Councilmembers:
On behalf of South Bay People Power, I am writing in favor of the Existing Home Energy Sustainability
Ordinance.We see the importance of taking these steps to meet the Chula Vista 2017 Climate Action
Plan and protect the livability of our border community.
The Existing Home Energy Sustainability Ordinance supports implementation of the Chula Vista 2017
Climate Action Plan proposal to lower greenhouse gas emissions by increasing energy efficiency in
existing homes that may not have kept pace with current energy efficiency measures in newer homes.
The Existing Home Energy Sustainability Ordinance requires that homes built before 2006 are
retrofitted, if needed,with energy upgrades when homeowners add on or remodel. Homeowners have
choices in how to meet the standards of the Ordinance.
The benefits of the upgrades required in the Existing Home Energy Sustainability Ordinance include:
• The ordinance is expected to affect 3872 units and could reduce GHG emissions by
approximately 3218 Metric Tons of carbon emissions in the first 10 years.
• The Energy retrofits are estimate to save homeowners an average utility cost savings$170 per
year in the next ten years.The average time to 'break even" with implementation costs is
approximately 8.3 years.Overall savings for all affected could total $2.9 Million in the first 10
years.
• The upgrades improve air quality inside homes. Leaky homes and ducts allow outdoor pollutants
in, especially dust, pollen,and smoke.
• The Ordinance allows custom upgrade choices, some exemptions, and safeguards.Solar is not
discouraged. Permit process disruption and inordinate financial burden are avoided.
The Existing Home Energy Sustainability Ordinance was recommended unanimously by Sustainability
Commission on September 9, 2019. On February 10, 2020,the Board of Appeals and Advisors voted to
recommend the Ordinance.
South Bay People Power urges you to support this ordinance now.This is an important step in lowering
greenhouse gas emissions in Chula Vista and making our homes more energy effective,with lower utility
costs, and a healthier living environment through cleaner air.
Sincerely,
Margaret A. Baker, DrPH
Convener, South Bay People Power