Village North II Neighborhood Association: City of SA Coronavirus UPDATE

We're Still Here!

Our workspace has changed, but our work plan has not! The Office of Sustainability is continuing to advance our goals around energy efficiency, environmental resilience, community equity and economic strength. To do that, we’re staying in touch with each other, residents, stakeholders and colleagues around the country through online platforms and meeting spaces. Here are few updates that we thought you’d be interested in:

SA Climate Ready: Committee Update

There was a robust response for participation in the Climate Equity Advisory Committee and Community & Technical Advisory Committee. A first round of candidates (those submitted by February 29) has been reviewed by a City Council evaluation committee for interviews. Due to social distancing guidelines, the committee is currently deciding the best and most equitable way(s) to offer interviews to candidates. Please stay tuned for additional information.

Congratulations to 2020 Sustainability Awardees!

We would like to congratulate the winners and thank those who took the time to nominate these inspiring examples of innovation, conservation, and community building in San Antonio. The recognition ceremony, to have taken place at the Earth Day event on April 18, has been postponed, but we will be in touch soon about how we celebrate. In the meantime, check out these great projects people who are being recognized for Excellence in Sustainability this year.

Edwards Aquifer Protection Program
Under One Roof
Healthy Corner Stores
LPA, Inc. Headquarters
Go Smart Solar and Worth & Associates
Steve Hennigan, CEO, Credit Human

Edwards Aquifer Protection Program

Completed Project, Under One Roof

Healthy Corner Stores Initiative (Council District 3)

LPA Inc., San Antonio

Solar Covered Parking, Go Smart Solar and Worth & Associates

Rendering of Credit Human Tower, project led by Steve Hennigan, CEO

PACE Passage an Early Win for Climate Plan Implementation

On March 5, 2020, City of San Antonio City Council officially established the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program within the city limits. This initiative supports the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan’s greenhouse gas mitigation strategy to reduce building energy consumption and is an initiative supported by the American Cities Climate Challenge. Passed by the Texas legislature in 2013, the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Act created an innovative financing tool that allows owners of commercial, industrial, nonprofit, and large multi-family residential properties access to low-cost, long-term loans to conduct energy efficiency and water conservation improvements to real property. Since the establishment of the PACE Act in Texas, over 35 counties and cities have implemented the program in their jurisdictions resulting in 26 executed projects valued at over $100 million in loans.

Benchmarking and Disclosure of individual buildings’ energy and water usage have been proven to spur both behavioral change (conservation) and the investment in building improvements that reduce water and energy, ultimately saving owners and tenants money. San Antonio is joining others cities across the country to provide resources for those working to increase energy efficiency in the community’s building stock. You can find more information and resources here.

We wish you all health and calm during this unprecedented situation.

Due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and the need for timely, accurate information, the City of San Antonio is streamlining all communication through @COSAGOV and @SAMetroHealth. Please follow these accounts for the latest details regarding COVID-19 in our community.