HB has been successful in its drive to eliminating energy waste. Thanks to the financial incentives from the city's partnership with SCE and So Cal Gas, city staff have successfully reduced energy consumption through Monitoring Based Commissioning (MBCx), PC network energy software and LED streetlight retrofits. These projects have saved over 2,000,000 KWh and almost 50,000 therms annually, reducing our utility expenditures by almost $300,000 annually.

City staff are focused on continuing to find ways to use energy more effectively using the energy efficiency and conservation block grant funding to further target energy waste in city facilities, streetlights and infrastructure.

Additionally, in October 2010 city council approved a solar power purchase agreement to have SunEdison construct, own, operate and maintain solar facilities providing cost-effective, clean and renewable power for over 50% of the power needs to Civic Center, Central Library and the City Yard.

HB staff have been doing the right thing for the environment for many years from water conservation efforts that result in less water used now than in 1990 to some of the most effective recycling programs in the state to innovative ridesharing programs creating the results that allow HB's marketing & visitors bureau to honestly publish our sustainability report "Steps Toward a Sustainable Huntington Beach".

http://www.surfcityusa.com/!Userfiles/pdf/Sustainability_Report_2011.pdf

I am most certainly not alone in my efforts to build a 'green' community. In 2010, the City Council approved the update of the Environmental Board's mission from advising Council of Environmental threats to also include sustainability opportunities.

Energy consumption, transportation needs, urban development, and health and safety are just a few municipal issues that are connected to our ability to create a sustainable future. As mayor and as a member of the community, I am committed to continuing to develop specific programs aimed at addressing these municipal issues and preserving the natural environment.

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