Item 6 - Recommendation to create revolving fund for solar and energy efficiency investment on City properties — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20250715-006 Recommendation to Create a Revolving Fund for Solar and Energy Efficiency Investment on City Properties WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency and calling “for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate” and directing the city manager to take steps to accelerate local greenhouse gas emissions reductions; and WHEREAS, on September 30, 2021, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which established a goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for the Austin Community by 2040; and WHEREAS, on December 12, 2024, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035, which reaffirmed energy efficiency, local solar, demand response and customer-sited batteries as priority strategies for meeting Austin’s energy needs; and WHEREAS, on May 22, 2025 the Austin City Council adopted resolution 20250522-052 directing the City Manager to conduct an analysis of City property, make recommendations for maximizing solar installation, and utilize the energy cost savings or revenue generated to fund projects with a beneficial environmental impact; and WHEREAS, of the 47 recommendations in Austin’s Climate Implementation Plan identifies installing solar on City facilities as the second most cost effective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS, Austin’s Climate Implementation Plan identifies creating a climate revolving fund to invest in energy upgrades to city facilities, capture savings, and reinvest funds for additional investment as a foundational action; and WHEREAS, other jurisdictions in Texas and across the country have successfully established revolving funds, including the City of San Antonio, which has invested $42 million into its Item 6revolving fund for energy efficiency upgrades and solar installations at city properties, and the resulting savings are available for additional investments; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Resource Management Commission of the City of Austin recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to establish a revolving Sustainable City Facilities Fund of at least $15M to seed solar energy installations on city buildings and other city properties and make energy and water efficiency upgrades at city facilities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that the cost savings from such projects be continuously reinvested to fund additional projects identified in the Climate Implementation Plan that have a beneficial environmental impact. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that a certified energy manager be appointed to quantify the energy cost savings and manage the Sustainable City Facilities Fund. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Seconded By: Record of the Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: