Green Building Guide

Are you planning a remodel? Building a new home? The most important thing that you can do is to electrify your home, eliminating natural gas (a fossil fuel that contributes to global warming). Not only will it reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, it will also lower your utility bill and increase your indoor air quality.

There are many free resources available to Atherton residents to increase energy efficiency, save money with rebates and tax credits, and more:  

 

  1. BayREN (Bay Area Regional Energy Network) 
     A collaboration between the nine Bay Area counties to provide regional energy efficiency services and resources. Funded by the California Public Utilities Commission, BayREN Home+ can help you receive cash rebates for home improvements and connect you to certified green contractors. 
     
  2. HomeIntel by Home Energy Analytics
    A home energy optimization program offered to PG&E customers. Free home energy audits include an analysis of energy usage in your home, and can even include suggestions on how to reduce home energy consumption, allowing you to save money and go green.
     
  3. Financing & Rebates
    There are many tax credits, rebates, smart financing and financial incentives available to offset the installation cost of energy-efficient upgrades, solar panels, electric vehicles and chargers, water conservation and more. 
     
  4.  Atherton Green Building Checklist 
    Free green building worksheet of features to consider as  you plan your remodel or new build.

Why Eliminate Natural Gas?

 

A growing body of research has shown that gas appliances can generate unsafe levels of indoor air pollution (learn more). 

 

The chemicals released by gas stoves can exacerbate respiratory problems like asthma, particularly in children (learn more). 

 

Eliminating gas appliances in the home also reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

 

The cost of natural gas is increasing (source). 

 

Atherton residents are automatically enrolled in Peninsula Clean Energy, meaning all our energy comes from clean sources at a reduced rate. 

 

Two thirds of greenhouse gas emissions from CA’s buildings come from gas appliances like furnaces, water heaters and stoves. (learn more). 

 

In order to achieve CA’s climate goals, greenhouse gas emissions from buildings will need to fall by 40% or more over the next decade. (learn more)