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Report Cover Report Cover Energy Aware
Planning Guide I

Publication Number: 700-93-001

Energy Aware
Planning Guide II
Energy Facilities

Publication Number: 700-96-006

These two publications can be downloaded in their entirety are an Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format file. In order to download, navigate and print this PDF file, you will need a copy of the free Acrobat Reader software installed in and configured for your computer. The software can be downloaded from Adobe Systems Incorporated's Web Site.

Printed copies of these documents can be obtained through the Energy Commission Publications Unit by calling 916-654-5200.




The Energy Aware Planning Guide is a 350-page community-development planning tool for local governments. Produced by the California Energy Commission, the guide explores the connection between land-use patterns, automobile dependence, energy consumption and air pollution. Written by energy, planning and economic experts at the Energy Commission as well as by guest authors from the private sector, the document contains a wealth of ideas, opportunities and important information for understanding many of the complex linkages between energy, land-use planning, air quality, transportation and economics.

The Guide is a well-thought-out energy plan that can improve the economic and environmental impact of nearly all local government decisions. The guide is designed to create awareness of the full effect that decisions have on how energy is used, generated or imported by a community, both now and in the future. Energy consumption is used as a yardstick of economic and environmental quality and can contribute to a communities' long-term sustainability.

The Guide includes:

  • A 15-page easy-to-use methodology for assessing the scope and extent of energy issues including efficiency potential, where energy and money can be saved, local renewable energy development potential, where to go to find information specific to a particular jurisdiction and the methodology to help users organize the information for decision-making.

  • A catalog of over 270 energy-conserving implementation ideas from 41 subject areas. Each idea is supported by model general plan language, discussions of economic and environmental costs and benefits, and examples of successful local government programs. The catalog includes local government and resource contacts for easy follow-up on programs of particular interest.

  • Graphics, drawings and photographs, calculation methods, research data, and design and policy suggestions to help jurisdictions incorporate specific ideas into community plans and programs.

  • Background sections describing requirements of Federal and California Clean Air Acts, Congestion Management Programs, California Building Energy Efficiency Standards, The Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 and other legislation.

  • Appendices of basic air quality impact information, contacts for developing transportation programs, and the Ahwahnee Principles for planning more liveable communities.


The Energy Aware Planning Guide can be used to:

  • Reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Transportation, the single largest source of air pollution in most urban areas, represents 48 percent of California's total energy consumption. Transportation and traffic congestion also rank high among public concerns. Adopting effective land use and transportation policies can help urban areas reduce congestion and air pollution and rural areas deal with the pressures of rapid growth.

  • Help implement and support air quality plans. By adopting strong general plan policies and programs to improve air quality, local governments can maintain land use control by reducing or eliminating the need for air districts to regulate certain "indirect" sources of pollution such as large shopping centers or office buildings.

  • Reduce electricity demand in buildings. Despite higher energy efficiency standards and improved technologies, energy use will increase in the industrial, residential and commercial sectors as a result of population growth. Measures exist to cut building electricity demand by 10 percent to 40 percent beyond state standards, which can save community residents and businesses money, and help meet federal and state air quality standards by reducing power plant emissions.

  • Conserve water and reduce solid waste. Reducing water consumption and solid waste generation saves the costs of energy used in water pumping and purification, waste-water treatment, water heating and waste collection and transportation.

  • Create strong energy policies with local economic benefits. Reducing energy costs can increase the dollars available for other community programs. Reducing traffic congestion saves valuable hours and increases worker productivity. Less air pollution reduces health care costs. Energy-efficiency programs create jobs and economic development opportunities.


The Energy Aware Planning Guide was prepared in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation, the California Air Resources Board, the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, and the input of over 50 local government representatives.



For more information, contact:

    Nancy Hanson, Program Manager
    California Energy Commission
    1516 Ninth Street, MS-48
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    Phone: (916) 654-3948
    FAX: (916) 654-3882



To receive a copy of the Energy Aware Planning Guide write:

    California Energy Commission
    Attn: Publications MS-13
    1516 Ninth Street
    P.O. Box 944295
    Sacramento, CA 94244-2950

    Please enclose a self-addressed mailing label and a $19 check or money order payable to the California Energy Commission.



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Page Updated: November 12, 1998