| Local Policy Description: | Decrease Residential Sector Energy
Miami-Dade hopes to reduce its residential energy consumption by improving the energy efficiency of homes. Measure 1 could reduce 159,000 tons of CO2. The rest of the measures under this objective are important educational components to the plan.
1. Reduce annual electricity consumption by 5,350 kwh in 35,000 rebuilt homes in South Dade through promotion of energy efficient measures.
Metro-Dade should aggressively promote the use of energy efficient measures in the reconstruction of South Dade County post Hurricane Andrew. The Florida Solar Energy Center investigated the potential for improved energy use in single family homes. They identified a package of cost-effective measures that if used in new construction would generate an annual reduction in electricity consumption by 5,350 kwh per house. These savings are based on engineering estimates and represent maximum probable savings.
The recommended measures are primarily targeted to reduce the cooling load since an estimated 38% of a home's demand for electrical energy is used for air conditioning in South Florida. Refrigeration and water heating each represent 14% of a home's total energy use. Based on these end uses for a typical single family home, FSEC developed four categories of measures which include building envelope, heating/cooling systems, solar water heating and appliances. The measures include the following: reflective roof or attic radiant barrier; reflective east/west windows or reflective window film; white colored walls; sealed duct air distribution system; duct system within the conditioned space or reflective roof; air conditioner SEER 12.0 Btu/W; proper air conditioning sizing; low-flow showerheads; improved tank insulation; low-cost add on solar water heater; high efficient refrigerator; compact fluorescent lighting; halogen incandescent lighting; and down sized pool pump on timer with large piping and filter.
2. Develop and market a Miami Herald energy guide targeting the homeowner and encouraging special pricing in building supply stores.
Several weeks after Hurricane Andrew, members of the Urban Consortium Energy Task Force, FPL and South Florida community leaders met to brainstorm energy opportunities in the South Dade reconstruction effort. The overwhelming consensus from this meeting was that in order to rebuild right it is important to get information to the homeowner on how to rebuild his/her home using energy conservation measures. Following several planning meetings with The Miami Herald and others, the Herald published a "How To" energy efficiency guide covering appliances, landscaping, roofing and windows, and many other energy efficient options for customers as well as utility programs to assist customers. Metro-Dade should market the plan and encourage special pricing of energy efficient products at building supply stores.
3. Develop outreach program for contractors/builders on Florida's Energy Code.
Metro-Dade should work closely with the Florida Energy Office and "We Will Rebuild" to sponsor workshops for developers/contractors on energy efficient home building. Metro should develop packets of information on Florida's energy code and effective conservation measures for developers/contractors to pickup when they apply for permits with the County's Building and Zoning Department. Rebuilding South Dade County is expected to take approximately ten years.
4. Develop strategy with DCA to improve enforcement of the Florida Energy Code.
Due to lack of staff and training, Metro-Dade is not adequately enforcing the Florida Energy Code. The aftermath of Hurricane Andrew has only exacerbated the problem. Metro-Dade should work with the Department of Community Affairs to train County government inspectors in energy code enforcement.
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