Energy & Infrastructure

About

The City's energy and infrastructure work focuses on strengthening San Antonio's energy systems and infrastructure networks to support resilience, sustainability and community wellbeing.

Data-driven planning and cross-sector collaboration guide decisions to:

  • improve performance.
  • reduce environmental impacts.
  • support carbon reduction goals.
  • enhance quality of life for San Antonio residents.

Efforts to improve infrastructure reliability and safety across the city include:

  • modernizing utility systems.
  • enhancing energy resilience.
  • coordinating upgrades that support community needs and equitable access.

We work to ensure our infrastructure is modernized and climate-ready through partnerships with regional stakeholders and other City departments on the following areas:

  • capital infrastructure and natural systems
  • municipal solar and renewable energy
  • energy efficiency
  • circularity

In the 2019 SA Climate Ready Plan, the City of San Antonio made the goal to achieve Zero Net Energy in municipal buildings by 2040.

Energy Benchmarking

Benchmarking is the first step in effective energy management. Since 2008, the City has used ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to track municipal building performance and identify efficiency gaps. This data-driven approach empowers building owners to make informed decisions that cut costs and energy waste while prioritizing the comfort and well-being of the community.

Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF)

Energy efficiency is the cornerstone of achieving Zero-Net Energy because it reduces the amount of energy required to deliver the same services, cutting emissions at the source rather than offsetting them later. Improving efficiency in buildings lowers energy demand, eases pressure on the grid and delivers cost savings while strengthening energy security and resilience.

In 2013, San Antonio established the first EEF in Texas, which returns utility savings and incentive or rebate dollars from utility conservation projects funded by the EEF back to the EEF. Since its inception, 439 projects have been completed, saving the City $1.9 million.

Energy efficiency isn't just about projects, but how buildings are operated. To support everyday energy reduction, the City adopted the Municipal Facilities Energy Policy (PDF).

Department Collaboration

No single department, program or initiative will achieve Net-Zero. To help make this happen Resilience & Sustainability staff:

  • Reviews municipal capital and bond projects and provides implementation recommendations that help address the goals of the SA Climate Ready Plan.
  • Conducts research and evaluates emerging technologies in the transportation and built environment sectors for implementation feasibility on municipal projects.
  • Produces annual climate training modules assigned to all City employees.
  • Works with other departments to embed resilience and sustainability in operations.  

Department Initiatives

Economic Development

In addition to providing tax abatements for organizations that promote City-supported sustainability initiatives, Economic Development, a leader in climate action, also promotes the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. PACE is 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.

Metropolitan Health District

Through Ozone Action Days, the Ozone Attainment Master Plan and programs like ¡Por Vida! and Healthy Corner Stores, the Metropolitan Health District demonstrates leadership in climate action.

Parks & Recreation

The Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System is a growing network of developed multi-use trails. Explore the nearest greenway trail or park in your neighborhood.

Solid Waste - ReWorksSA

A division of the Solid Waste Management Department, ReWorksSA helps businesses plug into the circular economy by connecting them with resources and easy-to-use toolkits.

Renewable Energy

In November of 2023, the City Council approved the largest municipal solar project in Texas and the second largest in the United States. This $30 million landmark project will install 13 megawatts of solar across 50 municipal sites. The energy produced will offset ~11% of the City's annual electricity and reduce our emissions by ~18%.

Resources

To help save energy check out CPS Energy's programs and tools for homes and businesses.

Benchmark your commercial property for free through Energy Star Portfolio Manager.

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