Programs for Residents Topic Listing

Solar and Energy Efficiency for Homes - The City of Berkeley is committed to promoting an integrated strategy for renewable energy and energy efficiency for Berkeley residents.  Check out these programs that help you create a "net zero energy home." Learn how to increase energy efficiency in your home, reduce your household carbon footprint and balance any household emissions by using on-site renewable energy. [more...]

Green Building for Homes - The goal of the City's Green Building Program is to remove barriers to green construction, and to promote polices and practices that encourage building green.  A green building is sited, designed, constructed and operated to enhance the well being of its occupants, and to minimize the negative impacts on the community and the natural environment.  Green buildings provide healthy, comfortable building interiors, maximize savings through the efficient use of energy and water and limit construction impacts on the natural environment. The City of Berkeley is committed to help green building become "business as usual".  [more...]

Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance (RECO) - The purpose of RECO is to increase the energy and water efficiency in Berkeley residences.  Compliance with RECO measures saves money, increases the comfort and reduces the amount of greenhouse emissions in every home.  This ordinance, adopted in 1987, contributes to the Berkeley Climate Action goal of reducing Berkeley's overall greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050. Commercial spaces must comply with CECO (Commercial Energy Conservation Ordinance) [more...]

Berkeley, Get Off Your Gas! - Berkeley Residential Natural Gas Efficiency Contest [more...]

Berkeley FIRST Financing Initiative for Renewable and Solar Technology  - Berkeley FIRST is the City of Berkeley's solar financing program. The recently concluded pilot program provided property owners an opportunity to borrow money from the City’s Sustainable Energy Financing District for the installation of solar photovoltaic electric systems.  The pilot was the first in the nation to finance the cost of solar installations through an annual special tax on the homeowner's property tax bill that is repaid over 20 years.  The tax is only paid by Berkeley property owners who voluntarily participated in the Berkeley FIRST program. [more...]

Home Graywater Collection Systems - The new graywater code is here!  Recent changes in the California Plumbing Code have made it simpler to use graywater.  Some uses may not require a permit!  [more...]

Low-Income Assistance - The following programs offer free or low-cost energy-saving measures for lowering your energy bills and to make your home more energy efficient: [more...]

Green Remodeling Guide - The purpose of the Green Remodeling Guide is to help homeowners, builders and architects navigate the residential building permit process and to help make your project as healthy, energy-and resource-efficient as possible.  In 2001, Berkeley City Council adopted the Green Building Initiative, developed in collaboration with community groups, to help green building become "business as usual" for new construction and major remodels in Berkeley.  [more...]

Solar Thermal Hot Water Installations - In hot water?
Solar thermal hot water is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly solar energy technology. Solar thermal can supply most of your hot water needs and can even be used to heat your home.  Increasing the amount of clean renewable energy is a critical component of the Berkeley community efforts to reduce green house gases. [more...]

Residential Solar Photovoltaic Permit Guide - Using the abundant energy from the sun, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. Increasing the amount of clean renewable energy is a critical component of the Berkeley community efforts to reduce green house gases. [more...]

Tips on Reducing Natural Gas at Home Increase Comfort, Save Energy and Reduce Greenhouse Gas - Did you know about 75% of your home’s greenhouse gas emissions come from natural gas? Most of this gas is used for water and space heating. There are many free and low-cost ways to reduce your gas consumption and carbon footprint. [more...]

Green Roofs - Green Roofs [more...]

Rainwater Harvesting Systems - Residential Rainwater Harvesting or Catchment Systems [more...]