Energy & Buildings

In Miami-Dade County, electricity and fuel used in buildings produces 41% of greenhouse gas emissions. The County is working to accelerate energy efficiency initiatives and the rapid expansion of renewable energy installation in buildings across the community.

Approach 1: Benchmark, retune and retrofit existing buildings
The top two strategies to enhance building performance and reduce energy waste are benchmarking and retuning or retro-commissioning. Healthy, efficient buildings save money, energy, and water.

Approach 2: Expand renewable energy generation
In 2020 Florida ranked 3rd nationally for total solar installed with most of the growth in solar installation. Current options to source renewable energy locally are offered through FPL’s Solar Together Program, solar cooperatives, solar leasing, and independently installing solar systems at buildings. Solar installations must dramatically increase to meet the energy needs of buildings.

Approach 3: Build Ultra-Low Energy buildings
Incorporating energy efficiency measures in the design phase of buildings will lock in energy savings from year one and save money and cut down on emissions in the long term. Though retrofits are possible, it is cheaper to design structures with energy conservation features integrated with all building systems. Extremely efficient structures are called Ultra-Low Energy (ULE) or Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB). New construction must align towards becoming ULE or ZEB standards by 2030

Progress Highlights

Building Efficiency 305

The Building Efficiency 305 Challenge has helped over 100 buildings better track and understand their energy and water use. In addition to free trainings, the program has also provided free energy and water “audits” which helps participants identify the biggest and quickest opportunity for saving money on operations.

Fire Rescue leading the way

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is designing fire stations to be as energy efficiency as possible. When combined with solar power, these stations can get close to or achieve “net-zero” energy status – meaning that they generate almost as much or more energy than they consume. This improves the ability for these stations to continue operating when the power grid fails.

LMI Household Rehab Program

Did you know that there are programs available to help Low- and Moderate-Income households improve their homes? The Community Action and Human Services Department’s Weatherization Assistance Program has received additional funding to help property owners prepare for and participation in home upgrades such as attic insulation, water heater jackets, and weather stripping. These upgrades help make homes more efficient and reduce your electricity bill.

Building Performance Ordinance

“Benchmarking” is the practice of tracking the energy and water use of a building or home. As of June 2021, the City of Miami enacted a mandatory benchmarking ordinance which requires large buildings to track and report their energy and water use. This policy will help building owners and community members understand energy and water use trends and find ways to cut down on utility costs.

Net-zero ready schools

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is building the next generation of school buildings focused on sustainability and resilience. Ammons Middle School is being designed to be “solar ready,” meaning it will be able to easily integrate with future solar power systems. These sustainability concepts are being applied to additional schools in the future.