Progress to Date Ashland’s commercial, residential, and industrial building energy use declined 21% from 2011 to 2015. These changes were due largely to increased renewable electricity in the regional grid, decreased electricity use in the residential sector, and reduced natural gas use from warmer winters. Ashland owns its own electric utility, which means that the City has greater control over its electricity rates and programs compared to other cities. This arrangement has contributed to the City’s progress in supporting community renewable energy and improving building systems efficiency. The City has implemented three successful programs focused on expanding renewable energy sources and improving the energy efficiency of existing residential, commercial, and government buildings: • A retro-commissioning incentive program provides financial and technical assistance to tune up energy systems in commercial and residential buildings. This program offers incentives to building owners and occupants to upgrade or replace building systems—including lighting, HVAC, heating—with newer and more efficient equipment. • Solar Pioneer II , a 63.5-kilowatt City-sponsored community solar project, gives citizens the opportunity to “adopt” one of its 363 panels as a way to purchase local renewable energy. • A City Facilities Energy Audit identified energy efficiency opportunities at the City’s own facilities.Goals and Indicators Goals • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with Ashland’s building energy use. • Increase energy and water efficiency in City and private buildings. • Protect Ashland's building stock and energy supply from climate impacts. Potential Indicators • Commercial and residential building energy use and associated emissions. • Local clean renewable energy production. • Energy and water use per unit building area. • Proportion of buildings that use heat-resistant materials, passive buildings, and/or white roofs. 51 ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANBUILDINGS & ENERGY51

Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)