Building Decarbonization

Imagine if every building in Truckee could become a powerful ally in the fight against climate change. In a town where nearly 60% of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions stem from building energy use, transforming these structures into energy-efficient, low-carbon hubs could be the foundation of a sustainable future. Building decarbonization – reducing emissions from our buildings through weatherization and energy efficiency and switching to renewable energy sources – is a crucial local opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What is building decarbonization?

Building decarbonization means reducing greenhouse gas emissions from building energy use. The best first step is weatherization and energy efficiency measures to make sure homes and businesses are as efficient as possible. This can include simple steps like weather stripping and air sealing your home, adding insulation, and sealing heating and cooling ducts to reduce leaks. Upgrading appliances and heating or water heating equipment can also significantly improve efficiency. Our local utilities offer many rebates and assistance programs to support weatherization and energy efficiency.

Another key part of building decarbonization is switching from fossil fuel energy sources to renewable energy. This can include utilizing highly efficient, electric equipment such as heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and induction stoves. Electrifying appliances and equipment allows buildings to take advantage of our local electricity that is primarily from renewable energy sources. Some buildings can also install rooftop solar panels and/or battery storage systems to allow for even greater reliance on renewable energy.

The Climate Transformation Alliance, led by Sierra Business Council, now offers FREE technical assistance to residents and small businesses throughout the Truckee-Tahoe area that are interested in replacing natural gas or propane equipment with heat pumps for space or water heating. To find out more, visit the program website.

Why is building decarbonization important?

In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building decarbonization can offer health and financial benefits to building owners and occupants:

• Cost savings from energy efficiency measures
• Increased comfort (reducing drafts and leaks, improved heating and cooling efficiency)
• Improved indoor air quality (reducing or eliminating pollutants from indoor combustion of fossil fuels, reduced wildfire smoke infiltration)
• Increased safety (reducing sources of carbon monoxide and other dangerous pollutants created by combustion of natural gas or propane)

What is the Town doing to support building decarbonization?

The Town is currently identifying the best ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new and existing buildings in Truckee. The Climate Action Plan Element of the 2040 General Plan, adopted in 2023, outlines many of the strategies the Town plans to implement over the next 15 years. Current programs include:

• Providing supplemental funding for TDPUD’s weatherization rebates to expand eligibility to all TDPUD customers.
• Developing an Existing Building Decarbonization Roadmap to outline the policies and programs that will best support our community (more info coming soon!).
• Exploring potential “Reach Codes” to improve building energy efficiency during new construction and major renovations.

How can I be involved?

Your input is essential! Here are just a few ways to participate as the Town develops its building decarbonization strategy:

• Take our Community Building Energy Use Survey
• Follow Keep Truckee Green and the Town of Truckee on social media to get the latest information about programs and opportunities for public input.
• Sign up for email updates from Keep Truckee Green (scroll down to the bottom of the page to sign up).

Click on the tabs near the top of this page to learn more about our current building decarbonization programs. Questions? Email us at Sustainability@TownofTruckee.com.