Housing, Buildings & Development
Housing and buildings can be designed to maximize energy efficiency and reduce the consumption of electricity and natural gas. Emissions come from residential, commercial, and industrial buildings consuming electricity from nonrenewable sources and burning fossil fuels. 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.
Through the CAAP process, Columbia identified three strategic goals for Housing, Buildings & Development:
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- Increase energy efficiency in residential, commercial and municipal buildings.
- Reduce fossil fuel use.
- Enhance building resilience.
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Climate Change & Our Built Environment
Protecting our Buildings
As the climate continues to change, Columbia communities are likely to face vulnerabilities related to their built environment, especially housing. Rising temperatures and heavier rains will affect homeowners by creating higher energy costs and potential property damage. Learn more about what we can expect. For more information on what our City is doing to increase our resilience visit our CAAP.
Climate Change & Our Built Environment
Warmer Temperatures
Climate change is expected to increase air temperatures in Columbia, with summertime highs reaching nearly 104°F, nightly lows staying above 80°F, and 50 days a year over 95 degrees by 2080. Asphalt and other features in the urban environment will only make temperatures warmer in the city due to the urban heat island effect. All this will increase demand for air conditioning, raising energy costs, which will be especially difficult for lower income households to bear. The City already provides energy efficiency incentives with loans and rebates to residential and commercial customers. Going forward, natural shading and passive cooling design, in addition to more insulation and efficient AC equipment, could provide relief from the heat.
Climate Change & Our Built Environment
Flooding
Columbia is expected to have more frequent heavy rainfall events in the future, which will increase the risk of local flooding to buildings, especially those located in flood zones. Thirty residential structures are located in the flood plain, but about 300 more are in areas at risk of flooding during bigger events that have historically happened every 100 years. The City currently runs a buyout program for homes in the flood plains, as well as home repair and rehabilitation funds to low- and moderate-income families.
Climate Change & Our Built Environment
Building Energy Emissions
Building GHG emissions are influenced by the amount of energy used as well as the amount of emissions generated per unit of energy. Factors such as building energy efficiency, weather, and consumer behavior impact energy usage. Sourcing from an increasing amount of renewable energy is essential to reducing the emissions produced per unit of energy. These changes, along with other factors such as federal appliance standards, building energy codes, and utility programs can contribute to reductions in building energy GHG emissions.
Energy Efficient Buildings
Energy Use in Our Buildings
The electricity we use in homes and buildings throughout Columbia is the largest source of energy use and GHG emissions. While Columbia Water & Light already have a number of programs to support energy efficiency in our buildings, the City has placed a high priority in creating new incentives and financing mechanisms to ensure everyone in the community has access to resources to reduce energy use through the CAAP.
UNIT | Energy from different sources is measured in different ways—electricity is measured in kWh, natural gas in therms, oil in gallons. We can convert these different measures into a common measure—million British Thermal Units (MMBTU)—to better understand and compare total energy use. | MMBTUMillion British Thermal Units |
| Energy from different sources is measured in different ways—electricity is measured in kWh, natural gas in therms, oil in gallons. We can convert these different measures into a common measure—million British Thermal Units (MMBTU)—to better understand and compare total energy use. | MMBTUMillion British Thermal Units |
Energy Efficient Buildings
Municipal Energy Efficiency
In an effort 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 that requires benchmarking of all municipal buildings. Through benchmarking, the cost, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions of municipal buildings can be tracked and understood to make improvements. Greenhouse gas emissions from building energy are responsible for over 60% of the City of Columbia’s emissions as an organization, and cost 2.2 million in 2022. Benchmarking data will inform improvements in municipal energy efficiency. Learn more at https://comoclimateaction.org/category/housing-buildings-and-development.
Energy Efficient Buildings
Residential Energy Use
Residential energy usage is influenced by factors such as weather and population. Though residential energy usage has fluctuated some, it has changed very little since the 2015 baseline. The 2035 and 2050 targets do not include the influence of electrification of space and water heating or transportation. These will be accounted for once more specifics can be derived. Expanding participation in City programs to improve residential energy efficiency and increasing awareness of Home Energy Scores are important steps to reach our residential energy goals.
Energy Efficient Buildings
Energy Efficiency Program Success
This data represents cumulative energy savings from Columbia Water & Light residential energy efficiency programs, residential photovoltaic, such as home performance with Energy Star, residential AC/HP, and free home assessments. Programs outside of USD that reduce residential energy consumption in our community are not included in this data. Community participation in energy savings programs is an important factor in reaching our goals. Visit https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbia-power-partners/ to learn more about participating in these programs and helping us reach our goals.
Green & Resilient Buildings
Green Buildings
Green building practices are healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition. Two common certification programs are the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Design (LEED) and the US Department of Energy's EnergyStar ratings. Columbia has 53 buildings that are either LEED or Energy Star certified since 2008.
UNIT | There are different standards and levels for “green” buildings. This metric looks at the total for all types of green buildings, including EnergyStar and the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). | #Number of Green Buildings |
| There are different standards and levels for “green” buildings. This metric looks at the total for all types of green buildings, including EnergyStar and the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). | #Number of Green Buildings |
What are the Lynn Street Cottages?
The City of Columbia’s Housing Programs Division has been working alongside neighborhood and community members to redevelop the block 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 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.
Housing, Buildings & Development
Be Part of the Solution!
There are a number of programs to support Columbia in our effort to reduce energy use.
