Municipal Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program

    The City of Santee Municipal Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program will begin with a comprehensive energy assessment of all City facilities (23 in total) to ensure that building retrofits are appropriate, energy efficiency benefits are maximized, and the project is sustainable for many years to come. The assessment will focus on a holistic building systems approach to reduce long term energy use and maintenance costs while improving comfort and productivity. It will integrate energy efficient strategies along with engineering assessments for integrating sustainable solutions such as daylight harvesting through the use of skylights and solar tubes; passive ventilation through the installation of new, energy efficient, operable windows; new/upgraded HVAC systems; and renewable energy such as solar photovoltaic systems. The final product will provide an energy master plan for the City to begin implementation of recommended retrofits at each facility.

    The first phase of implementation will focus on Santee City Hall, which encompasses eight free standing, single story buildings. Retrofits are anticipated to include, but are not limited to, lighting upgrades, window replacements, installation of skylights and/or solar tubes and a new HVAC system. The City has explored options for leveraging funds and will work closely with SDG&E to take advantage of all technical assistance, rebates, incentive programs, and financing options to implement building retrofits and maximize energy efficiency benefits.

    With the implementation of the City Hall retrofits, we will begin to see significant savings in energy costs (approximately 20%) through improved efficiency. We will also begin to see a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.