To promote sustainability and address climate change impacts, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has approved a $28.2 million initiative to enhance energy and water efficiency across County government facilities. As reported by Sonoma County, these measures are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while being designed to cover their costs through the savings they'll generate over time.

Supervisor Lynda Hopkins highlighted the fiscal prudence behind the decision, stating, as per Sonoma County, "These upgrades are designed to pay for themselves over their lifetimes, at no cost to taxpayers, by reducing County spending on electricity, water and natural gas". With today's action benefitting, the county will witness a reduction in carbon emissions, a critical factor in the ongoing battle against climate change. The projects, which include installing a sizable solar energy system and battery storage units, aim to ease the county's reliance on traditional energy sources, which were announced in an earlier meeting.

The board's approval paves the way for constructing a 1.8-megawatt solar array over parking lots and retrofitting 45 County buildings with energy-saving LED lighting. Moreover, water conservation will also see an uptick, courtesy of upgraded fixtures in 44 buildings. During peak periods, when it is most expensive and designed to store electricity, battery storage systems will be installed at key locations.

As part of the Sustainable Solutions Turnkey Program provided by Pacific Gas & Electric Co., these environmentally-conscious upgrades will be implemented within the next two years. Financing for these improvements will come from issuing certificates of participation, as per the proposal passed by the supervisors. Though the total cost, including interest, is estimated to fall between $41.5 million and $43 million, these costs are projected to be fully recuperated by savings in energy and utility expenses over the upgrades' lifespans, as noted by Sonoma County.