Housing, Buildings & Development
Emissions from residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Designing new buildings and retrofitting existing buildings to maximize efficiency and use of renewable energy sources reduces emissions, saves money, and increases our resilience to changing climate conditions.
The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) identifies three key housing, buildings & development goals :
- Increase energy efficiency with CWL's rebates and loan programs for residential and commercial customers.
- Reduce fossil fuel use.
- Enhance building resilience.
Housing, Buildings & Development
Be Part of the Solution!
There are a number of programs to support Columbia in our effort to reduce energy use.
Climate Change & Our Built Environment
Fire Station No. 11
Fire Station No. 11, which was built at 6909 Scott Blvd., handles emergencies currently responded to by crews from Fire Station No. 6 and Fire Station No. 7. This will allow fire, rescue, hazardous materials and emergency medical services to be delivered to many more of our citizen customers within our target goal of four minutes.
The fire station cost an anticipated $4.9 million. Sustainability is key; the station features energy-efficient ground-source heating & cooling and roof-mounted solar panels to minimize its environmental impact. Together, we’re building a safer and greener future for all!
Climate Change & Our Built Environment
Protecting our Buildings
As the climate continues to change, Columbia communities face vulnerabilities related to their built environment, especially housing and Infrastructure. All this will increase demand for air conditioning, raising energy costs, which will be especially difficult for lower-income households to bear. Climate change is expected to increase air temperatures in Columbia, with summertime highs reaching nearly 104F and nightly lows staying at 80F. Additionally, Columbia is expected to face more frequent heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding, especially in flood-prone areas. The City offers a buyout program along with repair and rehabilitation funds for low and moderate-income families.
As the climate continues to change, in the next 30 years Columbia communities are likely to face vulnerabilities related to… Learn more about what we can expect.
Energy Efficient Buildings
Municipal Energy Efficiency
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use energy and financial resources efficiently, the City of Columbia passed a Building Energy and Transparency Policy in 2021. Tracking energy cost, consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions of municipal buildings informs our priorities for energy efficiency projects. Benchmarking data will inform improvements in municipal energy efficiency.
What are the Lynn Street Cottages?
The City of Columbia has been working alongside neighborhood and community members to redevelop the blocks of Garth, Sexton, Oak, and Lynn with affordable housing and improved infrastructure. The project includes the development of eight affordable owner-occupied homes with near-net-zero energy usage design and universal design features.
The homes were developed in a cottage housing style arrangement to increase the density of the development. The development also included significant stormwater improvements to benefit the surrounding neighborhood.
The Lynn Cottages development also coincided with the City’s creation of the Columbia Community Land Trust, which will ensure the homes remain affordable, owner-occupied, and well-maintained for generations to come.