Healthy, Adaptive & Efficient Buildings
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Support High Performance Building Resources and Training for the Development Community (1.B.1.)
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- The Sustainability Division collaborated with partners on engagement and education events for contractors that included:
- A heat pump water heater training for about 20 local plumbers in partnership with Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), NorthWestern Energy, and Pacific Plumbing.
- An engagement event with 45 local contractors and industry professionals about air-source heat pumps that included an update from the MT DEQ about Inflation Reduction Act Programs, an update from NorthWestern Energy on rebates, and a panel conversation with heat pump manufacturers (Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Carrier).
- Online education opportunities in partnership with NEEA. The Sustainability Division partnered with the MT DEQ to launch a heat pump water heater pilot rebate program that can provide 85 residents with $500 rebates.
- Multiple city departments (Economic Development, Sustainability, Water Conservation, Solid Waste, Community Development, and City Management) collaborated to develop model Homeowners' Association (HOA) covenants that encourage water conservation, neighborhood and community connectivity, accessory dwelling units, childcare, drought-tolerant landscaping, composting, local food, recycling, energy efficiency, solar installations, and sustainable building practices. The Sustainability Advisory Board provided input on the covenants. The City Commission adopted Resolution 5555 to adopt the Model HOA Covenants.
- The Sustainability Division:
- Partnered with the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), NorthWestern Energy, and Pacific Plumbing to host a heat pump water heater training event for contractors.
- Partnered with the MT State Energy Office to develop an education program for the development community that focuses on efficient building electrification strategies and heat pumps.
- Grew capacity and partnerships with the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, NorthWestern Energy, the Rocky Mountain Institute, the MSU-Extension Weatherization Center Training Center, and the Bridger View development to advance a high-impact case study and training resources for the development community.
- The City began developing model Property Owners' Association covenants that encourage water conservation, neighborhood and community connectivity, accessory dwelling units, childcare, drought-tolerant landscaping, composting, local food, recycling, and energy efficiency. The Strategic Services Department and Sustainability Advisory Board provided input on the covenants.
- The Sustainability Division will continue to:
- Develop partnerships and launch new building resources and training opportunities to advance Net Zero Energy, solar-ready design, and electrification strategies that are aligned with the State of Montana's adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (see 1.B.2)
- Collaborate with regional partners to implement federal programs and funding opportunities to support high-performance building practices across the state.
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