Community Energy Planning

Community Energy Plans

 

WHY DO WE NEED COMMUNITY ENERGY PLANS?

 

  • To reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in communities
  • To inform public officials during goal setting and budget decisions
    • Focus is on reduction strategies over which local governments have control

 

HOW DO WE DO COMMUNITY ENERGY PLANS?

 

  • International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Regional Membership
    • ICLEI is the leading global network of local governments dedicated to sustainability, resilience, and climate action
  • ICLEI Regional membership gives local governments access to ICLEI’s extensive tools and resources through the University of Northern Iowa Conservation Corps
  • ICLEI’s ClearPath software – a powerful, advanced web application for energy and emissions management
    • Government Track: Energy use in the local government’s operations
    • Community Track: Energy use for the entire community

 

ICLEI’s 5 STEP COMMUNITY ENERGY PLANNING PROCESS

Leadership commitment needed to start process

  1. Develop GHG Emissions Inventory (Community, Government, or Both)
    - Includes a “business-as- usual” forecast
     
  2. Set sustainability goals including a reduction target
    - Example: Reduce emissions 50% below 2015 baseline levels by 2030
     
  3. Develop Community Energy Plan
    - Stakeholder meeting(s); brainstorm possible reduction strategies
    - Develop reduction strategies and plan implementation for strategies
    - Write the plan

     
  4. Implement the Plan
     
  5. Monitor and Evaluate Implementation Progress
    - Annual progress reports, update GHG emissions inventory

 

CEEE In Action
Engaging students in the community