Going Green

The Town of Tiburon understands that climate change has the potential to significantly affect Tiburon’s residents and businesses, as well as other communities around the world. The Town also recognizes that local governments can play a strong role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the potential impacts of climate change. Tiburon adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2011 and prepared a Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory Report in 2012.
One major role that Tiburon plays in, is with the Marin Energy and Climate Partnership (MCEP), including:
  • 10 other Marin cities and towns
  • County of Marin
  • Transportation Authority of Marin
  • Marin Municipal Water District
  • Marin Clean Energy
As a group, MCEP implements a wide range of greenhouse gas reduction programs for each individual local government and as a whole county. For more information about MCEP, please visit the MECP website. This website is a great resource to find out what all cities are doing in Marin County to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Marin Energy and Climate Partnership (MECP) logo
Energy
In other news, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has provided the Energy Summary for Tiburon from 2005 to 2012, which serves as an overview of Tiburon’s energy usage between 2005 and 2012. Some key points to this report include:
  • A breakdown by residential vs. non-residential and electricity vs. gas
  • Information on installed solar PV systems
Town Hall's Solar Roof Panels
Did you know Town Hall has solar panels on the roof? Back in 2006, Tiburon became the first governmental building in Marin County to install solar panels on the roof. The Town hall offsets about 27% of it electricity consumption with the help of 140 rooftop panels.

This system can generate up to 39,000 kilowatt hours per year. Anytime you are walking by on Tiburon Boulevard, look up and check out the solar panels on Town Hall. It is a fun, environmental way to soak up the sun!
Front view of Town Hall
Residential Solar Roof Panels
Residents can also install solar panels on their rooftops with a building permit. For more information on solar panels on homes, please contact the Building Division at 415-435-7357 or download a copy of the Solar Policy Guidelines, which includes this information:
  • Roof-mounted solar collectors should match the roof pitch and be placed in close proximity to the surface of the roof below them.
  • Ground-mounted solar collectors and accessory equipment shall be screened from off-side view through careful placement and/or the use of landscaping and fencing.
Waste
The Tiburon Town Council adopted Ordinance 551 N.S. to regulate carryout bags for commercial businesses.