City of Norfolk
At a Glance
Industry
Government/Public Administration
Project Types
Data Analysis, Engagement and Behavior Change, Financial Evaluation and Planning, Goals/Targets
Year
2020
Location
Norfolk, VA
Summary
The City of Norfolk sought to develop its energy baseline and roadmap and lay the groundwork for the city’s energy strategy including the establishment of a new energy management team.
Goals
The City of Norfolk was the recipient of a grant from the US Department of Energy and administered by the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance to establish an energy consumption baseline and develop an energy efficiency roadmap. As part of the grant, EDF Climate Corps Fellow, Arnaldo Perez, was matched with the city to develop its energy baseline and roadmap and lay the groundwork for the city’s energy strategy including the establishment of a new energy management team.
Solutions
Arnaldo met with different teams from the City of Norfolk to better understand the city’s energy program and spoke with many Energy Administrators from across Virginia to learn about best practices in the region. He collected energy utility data and specific building details to establish the city’s building portfolio in Energy Star Portfolio Manager. After analyzing the data and establishing what the priorities were for the city, Arnaldo outlined the city’s energy baseline and energy roadmap which was composed of four parts:
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Goal setting
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Reliable data and energy reduction
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Energy efficiency and funding
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Offsetting with renewable energy
Within the roadmap there were specific recommendations for energy efficiency and renewable energy goals that align with the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge and Virginia’s Clean Economy Act. There are also detailed recommendations on multiple funding mechanisms for energy projects such as energy savings performance contracts and green revolving funds.
Impact
Arnaldo’s analysis and recommendations helped reiterate the importance of reliable data and establishing concrete energy goals with steps to achieve them. His research on multiple funding mechanisms will aid in breaking the funding barriers in energy projects. The roadmap along with his involvement in establishing the city’s new energy program will allow Norfolk to get a step closer to providing clean, renewable energy to its citizens.