Energy Efficiency

Practical Solution

The “How To”

Poor heating and air conditioning systems, outdated hot water heaters, and little to no insulation is typical in many buildings. You can learn more about how to make your building more efficient by performing an energy audit (for more information, please see the OneSTL Home Energy Audits tool).  

Business owners can take advantage of utility incentives in MO and IL and federal incentives to make their buildings more efficient and save money with renewable energy. Individuals can use a Home Energy Audit to make a plan to make their home more efficient and save money using incentives from utilities in MO and IL, available tax credits and rebates, and income-qualified home weatherization assistance in MO and IL. See the Dollars & Cents tab for more information on savings associated with energy efficiency projects.

Planning & Zoning

Most building codes have minimum requirements for insulation levels, fenestration (windows and other glass), mechanical systems (HVAC and ventilation), ducting, air tightness, lighting, and other items. They are in general aimed at new construction, where the best combination of energy efficiency and cost can be achieved. However, they also address rehab work. When properly implemented by local code officials, these building codes can significantly contribute to the improvement of energy efficiency. Find your local building codes here.

Enacting energy efficiency standards for public buildings or public housing is an excellent opportunity to save money on energy bills while protecting the environment and serving as an example to the broader community. The City of St. Louis, Clayton and Ferguson have all passed ordinances requiring that newly constructed city-owned buildings over 5,000 square feet meet LEED Silver standards. Glen Carbon is completing an energy master plan to reduce energy in municipal buildings, lower carbon emissions from municipal vehicles, and incentivize local businesses to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the City of St. Louis passed an ordinance in 2008 outlining energy efficiency requirements for new construction, major renovation and equipment replacement. In 2020, the City of St. Louis passed the Building Energy Performance Standards, making St. Louis the 4^th jurisdiction in the U.S. to take this ambitious path to mandate significant reductions in building energy use.

The Energy Star Portfolio Manager is a free tool that allows governments or other entities to track and improve efficiency across their entire portfolio of properties. There are additional resources available from Energy Star and Energy.gov, as well as a guide from the US DOE.

Dollars & Cents

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers tax credits for developers, as well as homeowners. Incentive programs for energy efficiency upgrades are also available for business owners in MO and IL and for residents in MO and IL. Local weatherization agencies offer income-qualified home weatherization assistance in MO and IL.

It should be noted that while replacing old leaky windows with new ones may seem like a good idea to improve energy efficiency, that is usually the least justifiable option in terms of cost-benefit. A home energy audit is recommended, and will often point out that the most cost effective item is a combination of insulation and building sealing.

The City of Alton, IL has saved almost $1 million since 2009 through smarter power procurement, facility and vehicle upgrades, and more efficient use of energy (Source: Matthew Asselmeier, City of Alton Associate Director of Public Relations/City Council Liaison). The City of Columbia, MO implemented lighting upgrades at their Health Department building in 2011, which were projected to pay for themselves in 8 years. In 15 years (the expected lifetime of the improvements) $90,000 in energy costs was expected to be saved (1.5 times more than the cost of the project).

Discover More

Missouri Gateway Green Building Council works on energy efficiency issues for buildings in the St. Louis region. 

In the City of St. Louis, the PACE program offers financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements.