Albuquerque
City Scorecard Rank
31
Albuquerque, NM
38.50Scored out of 100Updated 10/2020
Community-Wide Initiatives
Score: 2.5 out of 15 points
Community-Wide Climate Mitigation and Energy GoalsList All
Climate Mitigation Goal
The city has committed to reduce its emissions 26-28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025.
Energy Efficiency 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: August 2023
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: August 2023
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: August 2023
Adaptive Mitigation List All
Heat Island Mitigation 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.
Resilience Hubs
We were unable to determine if the city has supported the creation of resilience hubs that incorporate clean energy resources and are sited in disadvantaged communities.
Last updated: August 2023
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Workforce DevelopmentList All
Workforce development for disadvantaged workers
We could not determine if city has partnered with a local education institution, labor union, or community-based organization to create, support, and/or incentivize the development of clean energy workforce development initiatives that target training and support services for potential or existing workers from disadvantaged communities to obtain and keep in-demand jobs.
Workforce development for the broader community
We could not determine if city has partnered with a local education institution, labor union, or community-based organization to create, support, and/or incentivize the development of clean energy workforce development initiatives that target training and support services for potential or existing workers from the broader community to obtain and keep in-demand jobs.
Outcomes tracking
We could not determine if the city has instituted a mechanism to measure the performance and/or success of equitable workforce development initiatives focused on the clean energy sector.
Last updated: August 2023
Buildings Policies
Score: 8.5 out of 30 points
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 58.53
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
Albuquerque is in the process of developing an EV-charging readiness requirement for certain new developments.
Low-energy use requirements
All new city building construction projects and major remodels over 5,000 square feet—with a 341,300 BTU per hour connected energy load or with a 50 kilowatt or greater service capacity entering the pre-design phase—shall be built and certified to the LEED Silver standard.
Electrification:
We could not find information on whether the city has adopted policies to encourage the elimination of fossil fuels, such as building emissions standards, all-electric readiness provisions, or all-electric requirements for new construction.
Last updated: August 2023
Building Energy Code Compliance and EnforcementList All
We were unable to verify the amount of staff effort dedicated to energy code enforcement. The city uses plan reviews and site inspections as a means to verify energy code compliance. The city offers upfront support in the form of pre-submittal plan reviews.
Last updated: August 2023
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 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.
The Municipal Redevelopment Tax Abatement program offers a 7-year pause on property tax increases for projects that obtain at least 100 points on the community benefits matrix. Projects can earn points for energy efficiency measures and on-site solar.
Equitable Program Outcomes
The City is in the process of developing a data collection process for the Redevelopment Tax Abatement program to ensure equitable outcomes.
Last updated: August 2023
Transportation
Score: 12.5 out of 30 points
Sustainable Transportation Planning List All
Sustainable Transportation Plan
We were unable to find information indicating that the City of Albuquerque has a sustainable transportation plan or climate action plan with sustainable transportation strategies.
VMT/GHG Target and Stringency
We were unable to find information indicating that the City of Albuquerque has a codified VMT or transportation GHG reduction target.
Progress Achieved Toward VMT/GHG Targets
The City of Albuquerque does not have a codified VMT or transportation GHG reduction target, and therefore cannot make progress toward the target.
Last Updated: August 2023
Location Efficiency List All
Location Efficient Zoning Codes
In 2018, Albuquerque modified its zoning code to allow mixed uses by-right in certain areas previously zoned for non-residential uses.
Parking Requirements
Albuquerque does not have at least one zone, neighborhood, or district with a parking maximum of 1 or fewer spaces per housing unit, nor does it have one with no minimum parking requirement for residential uses.
Location Efficiency Incentives and Disclosure
Albuquerque offers two incentives for location efficient development, including a building height bonus and parking reductions for developments near transit.
Affordable Housing around Transit
Albuquerque incentivizes affordable housing near transit by providing a height bonus for the development of workforce housing in "Premium Transit" areas.
Last Updated: August 2023
Mode Shift List All
Mode Shift Targets
The City of Albuquerque does not have a codified mode share target .
Progress Achieved Toward Mode Shift Targets
The City of Albuquerque does not have a codified mode share target, and therefore cannot make progress toward the target.
Subsidized Access to Efficient Transportation Options
The City of Albuquerque is temporarily offering fare-free local bus transit, and is permanently offering fare-free bus rapid transit and paratransit service. The City is also providing shared electric vehicles at two low-income housing communities in partnership with Forth Mobility through the Affordable Mobility Platform. Income qualifying residents can rent these vehicles at a lower-cost subsidized rate.
Last Updated: August 2023
Public Transit List All
Transit Funding
The transit entities that serve the City of Albuquerque have received $75,150,162.20 on average annually between 2017 and 2021 from local sources. That equates to roughly $80.85 per capita between 2017 and 2021 within the service area.
Access to Transit Services
The AllTransit Performance Score measures a given community's transit access and performance. The score considers connections to other routes, access to jobs, service frequency, and the percent of commuters who ride transit to work. The City of Albuquerque's AllTransit Performance Score of 4.9 does not qualify it for points in the City Scorecard.
Last Updated: August 2023
Efficient VehiclesList All
Efficient Vehicle Purchase Incentives
Neither the City of Albuquerque nor the local utility provide incentives for purchasing efficient vehicles.
Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Incentives
Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) offers rebates for home owners, multifamily property owners/managers, and commercial facilities for the installation of EV charging stations. Income-qualifying residents and properties within low-income communities can qualify for an additional rebate.
Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Requirements
The City of Albuquerque does not require new developments to install EV charging stations.
EV Charging Ports
The City of Albuquerque has 22.2 vehicle charging ports per 100,000 people available for public use.
Electric School Bus Goal
Neither the City of Albuquerque nor the local school district have set an electric school bus goal.
Electric Transit Bus Goal
Neither the City of Albuquerque nor the local transit agency have set an electric transit bus goal.
Last Updated: August 2023
Freight System EfficiencyList All
Sustainable Freight Plans
The City of Albuquerque does not have a sustainable freight plan or freight mobility plan in place, nor is it pursuing any freight efficiency strategies.
Open Data Portals
The City of Albuquerque does not have an open data portal with real-time freight data.
Last Updated: August 2023
Community Energy Infrastructure
Score: 19.5 out of 40 points
Community Energy Infrastructure 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: September 2023
Electricity and Natural Gas Efficiency SavingsList All
In 2021, PNM reported 107,179,905 MWh of net electric savings at the meter.
In 2021, we were unable to verify energy efficiency program spending and savings for New Mexico Gas. 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 Community Energy Efficiency (CEE ) project is a collaborative program developed with Prosperity Works, Energy Works and the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) to conduct energy audits in order create sustainable home improvements in underserved communities. This project builds off of a previous initiative with the City, Prosperity Works, Partnership for Community Action, and PNM.
Last Updated: September 2023
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 2021, according to PNM, it achieved 6,337 MWh in energy savings and spent $2,432,363 on its low-income programs, while serving 13,487 households. In 2021, we were unable to verify spending on low-income energy efficiency programs for New Mexico Gas.
Multifamily Programs
The PNM Multifamily Program offers incentives for income qualified (IQ) properties, common area and in-unit measures. Common area incentives are for installing qualifying equipment in community spaces around multifamily properties. Examples of common areas include the building exterior, carport/garage/parking areas, leasing offices, interior hallways, lobbies, gyms, pools, club houses and laundry areas. Common examples of associated measures include energy efficiency LED lighting, LED fixture controls, premium-efficiency unitary and split air conditioning (AC) systems, air source heat pumps (HP), smart thermostats, energy efficient window treatments, plug load controls on vending machines, pool pumps, motors, and variable speed drives (VSD). PNM also offers custom measures where applicable. In-unit incentives are for installing qualifying equipment in individual dwelling spaces around multifamily properties. Examples of typical in-unit measures include energy efficiency LED lighting, LED fixture controls, smart thermostats, packaged terminal AC and HP systems, premium-efficiency air source heat pumps and energy efficient window treatments.
The program also offers an income qualified component, which provides increased incentives for qualifying properties. Income qualified properties are determined from the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority income qualified listing. PNM offers an interactive Income Qualified Property Listing where customers can verify their IQ status or contact PNM with questions or requests for detailed program requirements.
In 2021, PNM’s multifamily program saved 3,208 MWh while spending $958,820 and serving 6,229 households.
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 2021, we were unable to verify spending on multifamily energy efficiency programs for New Mexico Gas.
Last Updated: September 2023
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.
The city of Albuquerque provides community wide energy usage information for planning and evaluation purposes. 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: September 2023
Decarbonization and Climate Change Mitigation Efforts of Cities and Energy UtilitiesList All
Utility Climate Mitigation Goal
PNM has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2040.
In March 2019, New Mexico’s governor signed the Energy Transition Act (ETA) into law.
The Energy Transition Act gives PNM a new financial tool to allow for the responsible closure of the San Juan Generating Station (SJGS) in June of 2022 and the exit of the Four Corners Power Plant in 2031. The ETA sets mandates for utilities to achieve 100 percent emissions-free generation by 2045.
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. The 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.
PNM representatives supported and advised on the development of the 2021 Climate Action Plan in collaboration with the community-led task force.
Clean Distributed Energy Resources
The city has not adopted a formal policy, rule, or agreement that supports the creation of clean distributed energy systems.
Municipal Renewable Energy Procurement
Albuquerque has installed 6.6 MW of solar capacity on City facilities. While not counted for points in this metric, the City of Albuquerque began benefitting from 25 MW off-site solar through Solar Direct in April 2022.
City Renewable Energy Incentive and Financing Programs
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 Municipal Redevelopment Tax Abatement program offers a 7-year pause on property tax increases for projects that obtain at least 100 points on the community benefits matrix. Projects can earn points for energy efficiency measures and on-site solar.
Last Updated: September 2023
Efficiency Efforts in Water ServicesList All
Citywide Water Efficiency and Goals
Programs are available for all residents of Albuquerque connected to the ABCWUA potable water system with specialized programs for low-income residents. Conservation offers to customers enrolled in the Low Income Assistance Credit Program (~800 per year) include monthly high consumption notices, follow up calls to walk them through leak detection or high consumption questions such as how to best save water outdoors, on-site leak and water efficiency audits, and connecting folks with other partners program that offer indoor water conservation kits.
For all customers we offer rebates for high efficiency washing machines ($100 rebate) for indoors, targeted leak audits and irrigation consultations, monthly newsletter reaching to 56,000 residents, performance based Large Water Use Customized Rebate Program and see attachments for our big focus area rebates. This portfolio of rebates was launched between 2019 and 2020.
Water Plant Efficiency and Self-Generation
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority is improving energy efficiency and resiliency to climate change by implementing renewable energy projects at the production and reclamation plants, the largest sources of energy. Currently, 15% of total energy generation comes from solar and biogas renewable. 11% of the total energy used for treatment and pumping at the Water Treatment Plant comes from solar energy. 24% of the total wastewater reclamation system energy use is from renewable energy. ABCWUA uses operational dedicated funding to improve system energy resiliency and efficiency. Yearly goals and objectives for energy efficiency projects are developed to continually augment our renewable energy portfolio.
The Water Authority solar arrays generate 7.5 MW in electricity for its two treatment plants (drinking water and wastewater). The renewable energy produced by these facilities, plus participation in the local energy utility’s peak electrical demand response program, saves about $2 million annually. Twenty percent of the energy needs at these two plants are achieved through on-site solar arrays. A solar array is planned to be installed near the San Juan-Chama Raw Water Pump Station in 2023 offsetting 30% of the energy needs at the pump station. The solar arrays will provide a total of about 10 MW in electricity. Solar power is obtained through power purchase agreements ensuring no long-term costs to the Water Authority.
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: September 2023
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 6% efficient vehicles, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles.
Public Lighting
Albuquerque had adopted the International Dark-Sky Association’s Model Lighting Ordinance. The city has hired a lighting consultant to prepare updates for the 2023 IDO Annual Update. The city has converted 100% of streetlights to LED.
Inclusive procurement
We were unable to verify whether Albuquerque uses inclusive contracting practices or applies them to energy projects. The City does not currently track city-wide contracts.
Last updated: October 2023
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. 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. 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%. Albuquerque Ordinance 2-12-1 mandates that 3% of the City's General Obligation Bonds (released every two years) are dedicated to funding capital improvements and retrofits that result in energy conservation.
Municipal Employee Transportation Benefits
Albuquerque does not provide reduced-emission transportation benefits to municipal staff.
Last update: February 2024