The 2023 update to Atherton’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) outlines a strong path to carbon neutrality by 2045. To reach carbon neutrality, our community needs to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions through more efficient energy use with cleaner, renewable power sources.
The energy we use to heat and cool our homes and businesses, warm our water, and cook our food, is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions in our community. In Atherton, building energy accounts for 65% of our total greenhouse gas emissions, with residential building energy making up nearly 45% of emissions alone.
It is important to note that energy use and energy emissions from our buildings are two different things. When we rely on fossil fuels like gas with inefficient or outdated appliances to produce energy in our buildings, the resulting emissions are higher. However, when we use more energy-efficient appliances or switch to cleaner energy sources, such as electricity, we can lower our emissions while still being able to fully power our homes, schools, and community organizations.
In Atherton, 66% of our building energy fuel comes from gas through devices like gas furnaces and gas water heaters, which leads directly to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Because of this, a primary focus of our CAP is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through the electrification of homes in our community.
While not all electricity in the world comes from clean energy sources, Atherton has ensured that electric-powered homes are fueled by clean energy by providing energy through a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. Our electricity is provided by Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), which purchases bulk electricity from clean energy sources like wind and solar on behalf of residents and provides it to Atherton residents at a reduced rate.
In short, Atherton’s electricity sourcing means that when you electrify your home, you ensure that your energy comes from clean sources. So, when Atherton residents switch from a gas furnace or water heater to an electric heat pump, they effectively switch their home to run on clean, renewable energy. Decarbonizing our buildings is a priority of the Atherton Town Council, and they are actively working on new ways to encourage electrification so that we can fuel all homes in our community with clean energy provided by PCE.
To be a part of Atherton's movement towards sustainable and resilient energy systems, consider individual upgrades and changes to your home energy systems. Taking action will not only reduce our impact on the environment but will also help you save money on utility bills:
- Start by getting a free concierge energy assessment of your home through HomeIntel to identify energy inefficiencies in your home
- Find rebates and incentives for appliance and system upgrades
- Read through this easy guide to walk through how to save up to 97% on your home heat pump water heater
- Consider building all-electric if considering a new build for your home