Decarbonization Planning Guide

NAVIGATE THE PROCESS

A.

Components Needed to Decarbonize

B.

Energy Efficiency Measures

C.

Enabling activities & Infrastructure Readiness

D.

Load Reduction

E.

Electrifying Building Systems

F.

Renewables & Grid Edge Improvements

G.

Set Goals for Decarbonization

H.

Build Your Capital Plan

I.

Create Implementation Timeline

STEP TWO

Develop Your Decarbonization Plan

A decarbonization plan should be tailored to your building. Just as no two buildings have the same purpose, occupants, or capital planning considerations, the same plan won’t work for every building. A plan should meet both the technical and financial needs of your specific site, formulated to carry out measures all at once or over time depending on your needs and goals. 

The best plans allow for flexibility while still having a clear plan of action. A plan will set an order of implementation that includes prerequisite measures and key milestones. That way, any measures you add build towards a solution that you can confidently say meet the optimal needs of your building and your building alone. 

This section discusses key components of decarbonization and how they contribute to a holistic plan. But remember: even though these steps will get you started on a plan, your building is unique. Depending on the opportunities and constraints of the site, you may need to bring in more comprehensive design and engineering to execute certain elements of the plan once you’re underway.