Summary:
Renewable energy represents an enormous economic opportunity for the City of Orlando to create jobs in an emerging industry, increase economic security and expand prosperity for local residents, reduce air pollution and associated public health risks, reduce the strain on limited water resources, and save the City and consumers money.
The City of Orlando, through the Green Works Orlando initiative, has been working since 2007 to make us the most sustainable city in the Southeast to improve quality of life of our residents, preserve natural resources, and promote environmental stewardship.
Through these efforts, City of Orlando has committed to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement, specifically 90% reduction of our emissions compared to 2007 levels by 2040. To achieve this goal, we have committed to powering 100% of municipal operations using clean, renewable energy sources by 2030 (codified in our 2012 and 2017 Municipal Sustainability Action Plan).
Over the years, City of Orlando has developed a strong partnership with Orlando Utility Commission (OUC) to advance solar and clean energy efforts, including utility-scale solar farms, community solar arrays, rooftop solar programs, solar rebates, and more. Today, more than 20 megawatts (MW) of solar electricity has been installed, with a goal of more than 100 MW by 2020.
In 2010 the City of Orlando was designated as a “Solar America City” and in 2016 designated as a “SolSmart City” by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Solar Foundation for our leadership in expanding renewable energy.
In 2016 the City of Orlando also enabled the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and the Solar & Energy Loan Fund (SELF) financing programs to assist home and business owners with accessing low-cost capital to make clean energy improvements.
Building on our leadership in renewable energy over the last 10 years, we wish to expand on our commitments, in cooperation with other local governments, private organizations, and individuals, to achieve 100% of all electricity consumed in the City of Orlando to come from renewable energy resources and associated technologies by the year 2050. |