Albuquerque
City Scorecard Rank
30
Albuquerque, NM
38.50Scored out of 100Updated 10/2020
Community-Wide Initiatives
Score: 2.5 out of 15 points
Community-Wide Summary List All
The City of Albuquerque has not adopted a sustainability or climate action plan.
Last updated: September 2021
Community-Wide Climate Mitigation and Energy GoalsList All
Climate Mitigation Goal
The city does not have a community-wide climate mitigation or greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal.
Energy Reduction Goal
The city does not have a community-wide energy reduction goal.
Renewable Energy Goal
The city does not have a community-wide renewable energy goal.
Last updated: September 2021
Equity-Driven Approaches to Clean Energy Planning, Implementation, and EvaluationList All
Equity-Driven Community Engagement
We were unable to determine whether relevant decision-makers have taken a unique and expanded approach in conducting engagement for multiple clean energy initiatives with marginalized groups compared to engagement with other city constituencies.
Equity-Driven Decision-Making
In September 2020, 18 task force members were selected to be the key authors of the 2021 Climate Action Plan. These task force members were prioritized for selection based on their connections to or ability to authentically represent frontline communities. From September through March, task force members deliberated to set new climate policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the community. Specific deliberations on renewable energy and energy efficiency focused on values of energy democracy, racial justice, and equity.
Equity Accountability Measures
Resolution 20-75 requires the city to use racial equity toolkits to understand the benefits and burdens of policies, programs, and budget decisions.
Last updated: September 2021
Clean Distributed Energy ResourcesList All
The city has not adopted a formal policy, rule, or agreement that supports the creation of clean distributed energy systems.
Last updated: September 2021
Mitigation of Heat Islands List All
UHI Mitigation Goal
We could not verify if the city has adopted a quantifiable urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
Section 4-3(B)(2) of the Integrated Development Ordinance allows cluster house zoning if the development preserves at least 30% of the project area’s space or 100% of the space achieved through lot reductions.
Last updated: September 2021
Buildings Policies
Score: 8.5 out of 30 points
Buildings Summary List All
The City of Albuquerque enforces the state’s energy code for residential and commercial properties. The city offers upfront support on energy code compliance for building owners and/or developers. Albuquerque offers several incentives for both energy efficiency upgrades and solar energy installation. The city does not have a benchmarking and disclosure policy nor does it require building owners perform additional above-code energy-saving actions.
Last updated: July 2021
Building Energy CodesList All
Overview
The State of New Mexico allows local jurisdictions to adopt energy codes more stringent than the state’s code. Albuquerque has not adopted a stretch code for residential or commercial buildings. New Mexico requires residential and commercial properties to comply with the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). To learn more about the building energy code requirements for the State of New Mexico, please visit the State Policy Database.
Commercial
Commercial properties must comply with the 2018 IECC without amendments. The city has not adopted a stretch code for commercial buildings. The code uses a commercial zEPI score of 52.5.
Residential
Residential properties must comply with the 2018 IECC without amendments. The required ERI levels for compliance are 62. The city has not adopted a stretch code for residential buildings. The code uses a residential zEPI score of 57.6.
Solar--readiness policies
The city has not passed an ordinance mandating new construction to be solar ready but it allows solar use in all zones.
EV-charging readiness and infrastructure policies
We could not find information on whether the city has adopted EV-ready ordinances.
Low-energy use requirements
We could not find information on whether the city sets low-energy use requirements for municipal or certain private buildings.
Last updated: October 2021
Building Energy Code Compliance and EnforcementList All
Albuquerque has full time employees who are solely dedicated to energy code enforcement. The city uses plan reviews and site inspections as a means to verify energy code compliance. The city does not offer free upfront support in the form of pre-submittal reviews and early plan review
Last updated: July 2021
Policies Targeting Existing BuildingsList All
Incentives
Through the Green Path Program, projects that exceed energy code minimum requirements receive expedited permit reviews and preliminary plan reviews at no costs.
Bernalillo County also offers commercial building owners access to property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing for energy efficiency and solar energy projects.
The City supports a unique, community-led home energy audit and upgrade model that leverages Public Service New Mexico (PNM) efficiency programs with community knowledge and support through nonprofits Partnership for Community Action (PCA) and Prosperity Works (PW). Through PCA and PW efforts, frontline community members, known as Parent Leaders, are paid and trained to work within their communities to identify, qualify and schedule homes to receive free energy upgrades and audits. These Parent Leaders accompany the PNM technicians as they conduct audits and upgrade installations, often providing translation and acting as a trusted figure to ease interactions between homeowners and utility staff. While audits and upgrades are conducted, Parent Leaders also administer surveys to the homeowners, gathering valuable information on knowledge of energy programs, impacts of energy burdens and financial priorities.
Voluntary programs
Albuquerque runs the Mayor's Energy Challenge, a voluntary program that seeks to recruit 40 commercial participants to commit to an energy savings goal of 20% within 5 years. The majority of participants will be small business in underserved communities.
Last updated: July 2021
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Workforce DevelopmentList All
The City's Jobs Training Albuquerque (JTA) workforce development program gives preference to companies in the renewable and alternative energy product manufacturing industry. Those companies can get free training for their employees in various skill areas.
Additionally, the City works with the Microgrid Consortium to connect with the JTA program to explore possible, new training topics related to energy efficiency. the Microgrid Consortium is involved in workforce training trough Santa Fe Community College. A formal relationship has not been created with CNM yet, but there are ongoing discussions.
Last updated: July 2021
Transportation
Score: 12.5 out of 30 points
Sustainable Transportation Planning List All
Sustainable Transportation Plan
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) created a Project Prioritization Process (PPP) that has the objective of improving air quality by prioritizing projects that result in reduced VMT and reduced emissions. The PPP is updated every five years in conjunction with the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). Mid-Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MRMPO) oversees the development of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, or MTP, which is the long-range transportation plan for the Albuquerque Metropolitan Planning Area (AMPA) (PDF). The current plan is the Futures 2040 MTP. The MTP is updated every five years. MRMPO is now beginning work on the update to the MTP. The update will be called the Connections 2040 MTP.
VMT/GHG Target and Stringency
The City of Albuquerque does not yet have a codified VMT reduction target.
Progress Achieved Toward VMT/GHG Targets
The City does track vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) per capita in the Albuquerque Metropolitan Planning Area (AMPA). The latest data tracks between 1970 to 2018 and shows that VMT continued to rise, peaking to 25.2 in 2018.
Last Updated: October 2021
Location Efficiency List All
Location Efficient Zoning Codes
The Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO), Albuquerque’s zoning code, does not require transit-oriented development, compact or mixed land use development, street connectivity, or form-based zoning. However: there are three zone modifiers – UC, PT, and MS – respectively Urban Center, Premium Transit, and Main Street – that act as overlays to increase building heights, lessen setbacks, increase density, lower parking requirements, and so on. These overlays have the effect of encouraging TOD or other more compact, mixed use forms.
Residential Parking Policies
The IDO reduced parking minimums for most uses citywide compared to the previous zoning code. It also instituted marking maximums for certain uses (large offices and retail) in key Center and Corridor areas. It also carries forward regulations from the old zoning system that eliminate parking minimums in certain neighborhoods in and near downtown, as well as for many uses in pre-1965 buildings. See Table 5-5-1 and Subsection 5-5(B)(2)(a) of the IDO.
Location Efficiency Incentives and Disclosure
The IDO offers an additional story (12 feet of building height) for development in mixed-use zones on pedestrian-oriented corridors and within 330 feet of Premium transit stops as a bonus to encourage compact, mixed-use development. The IDO offers 1-2 stories (depending on zone) for development that incorporates a parking structure (as an incentive for an alternative to large sea of parking). The IDO reduced parking requirements for most uses. The City also has a height bonus in one area (Nob Hill) to allow for 12 additional feet of building height for developments with ground floor commercial space in order to encourage mixed-use development. There is also a provision for Major and Premium Transit Corridors west of the river that in mixed-use zone districts, there have to be commercial uses along at least 50% of the façade of the building if the development includes townhouses or multi-family development. The IDO allows most development to be approved administratively by staff in an expedited process compared to the previous approvals required by Sector Plans in over half the City.
The ABC Comp Plan encourages mixed-use development in Areas of Change and most Centers and Corridors, which can be used to support zone changes to mixed-use zone districts in these areas. Areas of Change and Centers and Corridors are the areas in the city that have been identified as the most appropriate for more dense, intense development and more multimodal transportation options to support that development.
Last Updated: October 2021
Mode Shift List All
Mode Shift Targets
The City has a transit mode share goal of an aggregate of 20% of trips to be taken on priority corridors by transit by 2040. The target's baseline year is 2012.
Progress Achieved Toward Mode Shift Targets
The Connections 2040 MTP tracks shifts in mode share beginning in 2012, with the most recent data reporting on 2017.
Complete Streets
Albuquerque adopted its complete streets policy in 2015 through Ordinance O-14-27. The adoption of the policy includes requirements to improve roadways to better facilitate bicycle traffic and freight mobility.
Last Updated: October 2021
Public Transit List All
Transportation Funding
The transportation entities that serve Albuquerque have received $75,356,233.40 in average annual funding between 2015 and 2019. This equates to roughly $113.89 per capita, earning the city 1 point in the City Scorecard.
Access to Transit Services
The Transit Connectivity Index measures transit service levels. It is based on the number of bus routes and train stations within walking distance for households scaled by frequency of service. The City of Albuquerque’s Transit Connectivity Index value of 4.9 does not qualify for points in the City Scorecard.
Last Updated: October 2021
Efficient VehiclesList All
Vehicle Purchase Incentives
Since 2018, the local utility, Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) has partnered with Nissan USA to offer fleet pricing to PNM customers. The current offer includes a $6000 credit towards the purchase of a 2020 model year or $3000 credit for a 2021 model year LEAF and LEAF PLUS.
Vehicle Infrastructure Incentives
PNM filed its Transportation Electrification Program (TEP) proposal at the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) in December 2020. The TEP includes rebates for both residential and non-residential charging infrastructure.
EV Charging Locations
The City has 61 charging ports available for public use, equivalent to 10.9 ports per 100,000 people.
Electric School Bus Goal
Albuquerque Public Schools is actively investigating the phased electrification of both our large bus fleet (450 buses) and passenger/light-duty service fleet (approx. 1200 vehicles). Though a specific replacement goal has not yet been identified, the roll-out will start with replacement of retired vehicles, then likely accelerate in subsequent years to ultimately electrify at least half of the respective fleets over ten years. The District recently transitioned away from a 50% contractor-provided transportation model to a wholly owned and operated in-house bus fleet. This has led to the purchase and development of property on which to build three new bus depots across our territory. Design is underway on all three, and we are working with a ZEV transportation consulting firm to plan the infrastructure and process for supporting a transition to electric buses at these sites. The firm is also helping us design charging infrastructure on our existing Support Services properties to support electrification of the White Fleet.
EV Transit Bus Goal
Akron does not have an EV transit bus goal.
Last Updated: October 2021
Freight System EfficiencyList All
Albuquerque does not have a sustainable freight transportation plan in place, nor does it have any policies that address freight efficiency.
Last Updated: October 2021
Clean, Efficient Transportation for Low-Income CommunitiesList All
Affordable New TOD Housing Policy
Albuquerque’s Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) includes a Workforce Housing Bonus, which allows for an extra story of building height for developments that include Workforce Housing (“Rental or for-sale housing that is affordable to an individual whose annual household income does not exceed 80% of the area median income (AMI) and whose monthly housing payment does not 30% of the imputed income limit applicable to such unit or 35% under special conditions to be defined in the Workforce Housing Plan. The AMI is published annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.”).
Connecting Existing Affordable Housing Stock to Efficient Transportation Options
The City offers indigent bus passes to low-income passengers; a one-day pass is $1.00 (50% discount) and a one-month pass is $10.00 (66.6% discount). The City also offers free bus passes to youth during the summer months. ABQ Ride provides discounted public transit rates for indigent populations, as well as TMA/TANF recipients and Medicare cardholders. The local bikeshare system, Pace, does not currently have incentives for low-income residents, but is working to develop incentives, as well as programs for users who are unbanked and/or do not have smartphone capabilities. The area served by PACE Bike Share Stations has a higher percentage of low-income households (49.7%), when compared to the region (36.8%).
Last Updated: October 2021
Energy & Water Utilities
Score: 9.5 out of 15 points
Energy & Water Utilities Summary List All
Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), an investor-owned utility (IOU), is the primary electric utility for the City of Albuquerque. The primary natural gas supplier for Albuquerque is New Mexico Gas, an IOU. The 2005 Efficient Use of Energy Act requires the electric IOUs and gas utilities to acquire cost-effective and achievable energy efficiency (EE) and load management resources available in their territories (NMSA 1978, §62-17-5(G)). Electric IOUs must spend 3% of customer bills, while the gas utilities shall not spend more than 3% of total annual revenues. To learn more about the state requirements for electric and gas efficiency, please visit the New Mexico page of the State Database.
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority is the municipal utility that provides the City of Albuquerque with drinking water services, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management.
Last Updated: July 2021
Electricity and Natural Gas Efficiency SavingsList All
In 2019, PNM reported 64,296 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.71% of its retail sales across the utility’s entire service jurisdiction, not only Albuquerque. In 2019, PNM spent $17,006,000 on energy efficiency programs, which represents 1.81% of its retail revenue.
In 2019, New Mexico Gas reported 1.53 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.32% of its retail sales across the utility’s service territory. In 2019 New Mexico Gas spent $6,390,426 on natural gas energy efficiency programs, which equates to $13.06 per residential gas customer. These savings figures cover both PNM and New Mexico Gas’s entire service jurisdiction, not just Albuquerque.
PNM offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial customers. New Mexico Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residents and businesses.
While no formal partnership is in place, the City of Albuquerque does work with PNM on the Solar Direct project and will engage on the development of EV charging rates, allowing for greater incentives in moving toward energy efficiency. The city and utility were also part of a taskforce to enact more efficient building codes. PNM, New Mexico Gas, and Water Authority all offer rebates on energy and water conservation measures implemented. The rebate program is available to all residential, commercial, government customers across their service areas. The City takes full advantage of these rebate opportunities and has received $500,000 in rebates for energy project implemented. The City also collaborates with PNM through community organizations partially funded by the city on their Home Energy Checkup and Low Income Home Energy Checkup programs.
Last Updated: August 2021
Low-Income & Multifamily EE Programs List All
Low-Income Programs
PNM offers several low-income programs including weatherization, a free direct mail kit with direct install measures, multifamily retrofit program, and free home energy assessments. The NM Energy Smart Home program combines funds from PNM, New Mexico Gas, weatherization assistance program (WAP) and low income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP). The program offers up to $5,500 in energy efficiency upgrades per home, including insulation, caulking, new windows, and or new heating systems. Community action agencies implement the program, using a combination of federal and utility dollars. PNM also offers a low-income Home Energy Checkup program. For income-qualified customers, the program fee is waived, and customers can also qualify for a new ENERGY STAR refrigerator as part of their full energy assessment, which includes direct install measures such as LED lighting, low-flow showerheads, power strips, and faucet aerators. PNM works with the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to leverage government dollars along with our funding to reach low-income participants.
In 2019, according to PNM, it achieved 6,173 MWh in energy savings and spent $2,215,000 on its low-income programs, while serving 16,234 customers. In 2019, New Mexico Gas saved a total of 0.27 MMtherms of energy, while spending $1,765,000 and serving 1,285 customers.
Multifamily Programs
PNM’s Multifamily Energy Efficiency program is designed to meet the needs of the hard-to-reach multifamily customer segment through offering an attractive mix of low-cost direct install measures, such as lighting replacement, along with deeper savings measures such as upgrades to cooling equipment.
In 2019, PNM’s multifamily program saved 5,446 MWh while spending $564,000 and serving 5,446 housing units in 34 multifamily properties.
New Mexico Gas offers a Multi-Family Program that provides incentives to multifamily property owners to increase their energy efficiency of their properties, offering a mix of measures such as insulation, windows, furnaces and boilers, efficient water fixtures, weatherization, water heaters, smart thermostats, and other gas-saving measures. ICAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology), a nonprofit, manages and implements the multifamily program for New Mexico Gas.
In 2019, the New Mexico Gas’s multifamily program saved 0.20 MMtherms, while spending $901,000 and serving 932 housing units in 13 multifamily properties.
Last Updated: July 2021
Provision of Energy Data by UtilitiesList All
PNM does not provide building managers with automated benchmarking data through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for multitenant commercial or multifamily buildings. NM Gas has started providing automated benchmarking services through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for their Multi Family Program.
The city of Albuquerque provides community wide energy usage information for planning and evaluation purposes through their Albuquerque Progress Report. PNM provides community-wide energy usage information to community partners on an as-requested basis. Additionally, PNM provided county-wide energy consumption data to the city to assist with planning efforts in 2020.
The City of Albuquerque advocates for better access to utility data for ratepayers by being involved in utility rate cases in the best interest of the City’s residents.
Last Updated: July 2021
Decarbonization and Climate Change Mitigation Efforts of Energy UtilitiesList All
Utility Climate Mitigation Goal
In 2021, PNM set a goal to acheive net zero emissions by 2040. To achieve this goal, PNM will need to reduce emissions by 4.8% annually from 2017 levels.
City-Led Efforts to Decarbonize the Electric Grid
The city of Albuquerque supports legislation and regulatory efforts to allow for more renewable energy in the state, such as community solar, renewable portfolio standard legislation, and the transition to decarbonized energy generation. The City assigned a full-time staff attorney and an economist to provide expert testimony on behalf of the city in Public Regulation Commission (PRC) proceedings. The City recently intervened in PNM’s application for approval for Solar Direct, PNM’s application for approval of a new coal-fired power plant, as well as other cases. The City is currently preparing positions for additional upcoming PRC cases including: 1) PNM’s Transportation Electrification; (2) Four Corners Abandonment Case; (3) Avangrid PNM Acquisition; and (4) Interconnection Manual Rulemaking.
Through PRC proceedings, the City regularly provides feedback on utility planning efforts. One most recent example includes the City's involvement with urging changes to PNM’s Application for Approval of its 2020 Renewable Energy Plan. City submitted comments urging the PRC’s application of the Energy Transition Act to PNM’s 2020 renewable energy plan (filed in 2019), in part, to effectuate the Act’s provisions for both the utilities’ renewable energy portfolios, as well as their voluntary solar programs.
Through the City's recent climate action planning efforts, PNM has worked with the City's Climate Action Task Force members to present and participate in conversations regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency with the goal of developing new policy goals in both of those topics for the 2021 Climate Action Plan.
Last Updated: August 2021
Efficiency Efforts in Water ServicesList All
Citywide Water Efficiency and Goals
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (Water Authority) provides water and wastewater service to the residents of the City of Albuquerque. In 2016, the Water Authority adopted a 100-year water management plan, Water 2120, that includes 12 policies that address water management and resources; Policies E and K include sub-policies that address energy efficiency, green stormwater, and water savings. The Water Authority understands that green energy and efficient energy programs translate into water conservation. In line with the policies and goals of Water 2120, the Water Authority has a program to increase energy and water efficiency at multi-family buildings in the city. To meet the energy efficiency goals, the Water Authority Conservation team has an agreement with the electrical utility, PNM, to promote efficient energy use at these buildings through education and infrastructure. The city also collaborates with New Mexico Gas to promote water and energy savings.
In 2018, the Water Authority adopted an updated Water Conservation Plan which sets a new usage goal of 110 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) by 2037. Currently, the water usage is 121 GPCD.
Water Plant Efficiency and Self-Generation
The Water Authority is in the process of developing its Environmental Plan, which includes sub-policies to incorporate energy efficient practices into the long-term plan for the Water Authority. Additionally, the Decade Plan for the Water Authority identifies projects that will increase energy efficiency and alternative energy sources.
Methane capture at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) supplies power to the WWTP and periodically is able to meet the energy demand of the WWTP with methane capture alone. The Water Authority has identified improvements to the digesters and treatment system to continue to increase efficiency and maximize energy generated through biogas/methane capture. Additionally, the Water Authority recently completed a study to look at feasibility and possible benefits of incorporating Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) collected commercially to increase biogas energy generation while simultaneously addressing an ongoing operation and maintenance issue of FOG in the wastewater.
Last Updated: July 2021
Local Government Score:
5.5 out of 10 points
Local Government Climate and Energy Goals List All
Climate Mitigation Goal
Mayor Tim Keller signed a pledge joining the Climate Mayors and pledging to meet the Paris Climate Agreement Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals. According to the U.S. reduction targets contained in the Agreement, the City has committed to reduce its emissions 26-28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025.
ACEEE was unable to project if the city will achieve its near-term GHG emissions reduction goal for municipal operations because insufficient GHG emissions data were available for our analysis.
Energy Reduction Goal
Albuquerque has a goal to reduce local government building energy use 65% below a 2010 baseline by 2025.
Renewable Energy Goal
Albuquerque has a goal to use 100% renewable energy for city-owned buildings by 2025.
Last updated: June 2021
Procurement and Construction Policies List All
Fleet Policies and Composition
Albuquerque's Fleet Vehicle Acquisition Policy and Procedures requires that vehicles purchased must be fuel-efficient with the lowest emissions within the vehicle class/type and alternative fuel vehicle or hybrid when available and cost effective. Mayor Keller has also signed and enacted Executive Instruction 34, which mandates that the City commit to developing and implementing a plan to optimize the fuel mix of the fleet of City vehicles by purchasing and, when appropriate, replacing existing traditional vehicles with electric, alternative fuel, and hybrid vehicles, taking into consideration the intended uses of such vehicles and potential for carbon, ozone, and air pollutant reduction. Albuquerque’s fleet is composed of 1.63% efficient vehicles, including hybrid and battery electric vehicles.
Public Lighting
Albuquerque had adopted the International Dark-Sky Association’s Model Lighting Ordinance. The city has converted 100% of streetlights to LED.
Onsite and offsite renewable systems
Albuquerque has installed 6.6 MW of solar capacity on City facilities.
Inclusive procurement
While we were unable to verify that the City uses inclusive contracting practices or applies them to energy projects, the City of Albuquerque prioritizes local purchasing whenever possible and states a goal of providing minority, women, and veteran-owned business and small businesses a fair opportunity in the solicitation and contract award process.
Last updated: June 2021
Asset Management List All
Building Benchmarking
Albuquerque benchmarks all municipal buildings of all sizes using Energy Manager, Portfolio Manager, and GRITS for project analysis. This data is regularly monitored and analyzed on a monthly basis and upon request.
Comprehensive Retrofit Strategy
The City's Office of Energy and Sustainability Management houses the City's Energy Manager and Energy Specialist who are both dedicated to benchmarking, analyzing building performance, coordinating and implementing improvements, and generally implementing the mandates of regular facility energy performance improvements as stated in Albuquerque Ordinance 2-12-1 across all city facilities and departments. Between 2009 and Feb 2021, the city completed 115 energy conservation retrofit projects resulting in over $45 million and 220,178,020 kWh in savings.The Office also continuously assesses and makes improvements to its own management processes. In the last year, the Office has procured smart cities facilities software to City of Albuquerque utilize a data-centric approach to energy management. The Office of Energy and Sustainability Management's recent special projects include the development of an Energy Savings Performance Contract to assess and improve over 2 million square feet of city facilities, for which a contract was just awarded to begin level 3 audits. The capital improvements will include thermal and battery storage, additional PV, wastewater heat recovery, and building controls to improve energy efficiency by more than 30% and reduce GHG emissions by 40-50%.
Last updated: June 2021