BE-4-2. Implement utility-level smart grid technologies to facilitate efficiency and distributed energy solutions, such as storage. Implementing new energy solutions requires bringing the electricity delivery systems, or the “grid,” into the 21st century. Updating the grid involves enabling automation, remote control, and two-way communication. These updates help the grid to handle sources of electric - ity like wind and solar power and to integrate electric vehicles. Smart grids also collect data and allow residents to better understand their energy use and identify energy-saving oppor - tunities. Implementing smart grid technolo - gies will enable the adoption of clean energy solutions, and complementary strategies promoting renewable energy, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency will help realize the envi - ronmental benefits of the smart technologies.Strategy BE-5. Prepare and adapt buildings for a changing climate. The City can promote actions that help adapt buildings to withstand climate impacts such as extreme heat and wildfire, as well as protect building dwellers and visitors through improved design and functionality. PRIORITY ACTIONS BE-5-1. Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool roofs and passive cooling. Buildings play a role in both withstanding climate change impacts as well as providing infrastructure to protect people from impacts. Buildings will be subject to potential increased flooding, extreme temperatures, and exposure to wildfires. At the same time, buildings can also shelter inhabitants and visitors from many of these impacts. To optimize the built environ - ment to address climate change, the City can encourage heat-tolerant building approaches, such as cool roofs that block heat, green roofs, and passive cooling features such as improved air circulation designs. There are many venues available to encourage the public and devel - opers to adopt these building approaches, including through education and incentive programs. OTHER ACTIONS • Consider future climate conditions when designing or upgrading City buildings and incorporate resilience-building elements such as heat-resistant materials, passive cooling, and white roofs. • Enhance resiliency of building energy to fluctuations in energy markets and supply.C Mi C Ad 57 ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANBUILDINGS & ENERGY57

Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)