Miami
City Scorecard Rank
49
Miami, FL
26.00Scored out of 100Updated 10/2020
Community-Wide Initiatives
Score: 4.5 out of 15 points
Community-Wide Summary List All
The City of Miami formally adopted MiPlan, the city’s climate action plan, by resolution in September 2008.
Last updated: September 2021
Community-Wide Climate Mitigation and Energy GoalsList All
Climate Mitigation Goal
In 2020, Mayor Francis Suarez committed Miami to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Based on ACEEE’s analysis of past years' emissions data, ACEEE projects that the city will achieve its near-term GHG emissions reduction goal.
Energy Reduction Goal
We did not find information regarding a community-wide energy reduction goal for the city.
Renewable Energy Goal
Miami adopted a goal to use 100% renewable energy. The goal does not have a target date.
Last updated: September 2021
Equity-Driven Approaches to Clean Energy Planning, Implementation, and EvaluationList All
Equity-Driven Community Engagement
As part of the development of the Miami Forever Climate Ready strategy, the city held meetings across the city to educate on the city-specific risks associated with climate change and solicit input on objectives that should be prioritized in the strategy. In-person translation services were available in Spanish or Haitian Creole.
Equity-Driven Decision-Making
We were unable to determine if the city has created a formal role for marginalized community residents or local organizations representing those communities to participate in decision-making that affects the creation or implementation of a local energy, sustainability, or climate action plan.
Equity Accountability Measures
We were unable to determine whether the city has adopted specific goals, metrics, or protocols to track how multiple energy, sustainability, or climate action initiatives are affecting local marginalized groups.
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 find information on an active urban heat island mitigation goal.
UHI Policies and Programs
Miami requires cool roofs, per Section 3.13 of the city’s Development Code. Additionally, the city has a private tree protection ordinance.
Though it has not yet been used to inform policy or programs, the city is working with NOAA and CAPA Strategies to develop a high-resolution heat map of the city.
Last updated: September 2021
Buildings Policies
Score: 7 out of 30 points
Buildings Summary List All
The City of Miami enforces the state’s energy code. The city has not established a comprehensive code compliance verification process. Miami has not adopted a benchmarking and disclosure policy. The city offers several incentives for energy efficiency and solar energy projects.
Last updated: June 2021
Building Energy CodesList All
Overview
State of Florida law requires that residential and commercial buildings comply with the 7th Edition Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation. The 7th Edition Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation is based on the 2018 IECC with amendments. The state bars cities from adoption codes more stringent than the state codes. To learn more about Florida’s building energy codes, please visit the State Policy Database.
Commercial
Commercial construction in Miami complies with the Florida building energy codes. The city’s zEPI score for its commercial energy code is 52.5. Miami plans to advocate for more stringent state codes in future adoption cycles.
Residential
Residential construction in Miami complies with the Florida building energy codes. The city’s zEPI score for its residential energy code is 60.7. Miami plans to advocate for more stringent state codes in future adoption cycles.
Solar-readiness policies
The city has not passed an ordinance mandating new construction be solar-ready; however, the city received a SolSmart Gold designation and allows solar use in all zones.
EV-charging readiness and infrastructure policies
The city has recently passed an EV-ready ordinance for residential and commercial buildings.
Low-energy use requirements
All commercial and large multifamily buildings in specific zones must achieve at least LEED Silver certification.
Last updated: June 2021
Building Energy Code Compliance and EnforcementList All
Miami does not have any full-time employees solely dedicated to energy code enforcement. The city does not require plan reviews, site inspections, or performance testing as a means of compliance verification. The city provides upfront support for energy code compliance by offering an ePlan review service wherein builders can ask questions and receive feedback on permits and building plans while in development. The city also offers a help desk during office hours for people to come in and discuss their plans.
Last updated: June 2021
Policies Targeting Existing BuildingsList All
Commercial and multifamily benchmarking
The city of Miami is a partner with Miami Dade County on the Building Efficiency 305 (BE305) initiative which is part of the City Energy Project. The program will require public and private buildings over 20K square feet to report and share publicly their energy usage data via EnergyStar Portfolio Manager. The city has not yet launched this program.
Incentives
Financing is available through the City of Miami PACE programs to residential and commercial building owners making energy efficiency upgrades.
The city offers expedited permitting and density bonuses for residential and commercial building owners implementing green building measures into their buildings.
The city waives and expedites permitting for residents looking to install rooftop solar.
In November of 2020, Miami passed Ordinance 13944, which excludes solar equipment from a building’s height profile
Voluntary programs
The city launched the Building Efficiency 305 Challenge to encourage building owners to voluntarily benchmark energy and water use.
Last updated: September 2021
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Workforce DevelopmentList All
We could not verify if the city has programs committed to developing a dedicated energy efficiency and/or renewable energy workforce.
Last updated: June 2021
Transportation
Score: 10.5 out of 30 points
Transportation Summary List All
The transportation authority serving the City of Miami is Miami-Dade Transit. MDT also provides public transportation for the city and the broader metropolitan area, including train, bus, and light rail services. Miami Urbanized Area MPO is the MPO in charge of conducting metropolitan transportation planning. Its area of jurisdiction encompasses Miami and many surrounding cities and towns in South Florida. Public Works and Waste Management is the city agency charged with managing the city’s transportation network.
Last updated: July 2021
Sustainable Transportation Planning List All
Sustainable Transportation Plan
Miami’s GreenPrint Plan contains strategies for creating and connecting sustainable neighborhoods and providing more transportation options and reducing the time spent in cars.
VMT/GHG Target and Stringency
At this time, the City does not have a codified vehicle mile traveled (VMT) or greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target.
Progress Achieved Toward VMT/GHG Targets
We could not determine if the City tracks VMT or GHG numbers.
Last Updated: November 2021
Location Efficiency List All
Location Efficient Zoning Codes
Miami 21 is the city’s mandatory, citywide smart code that was adopted in 2009 and uses form-based zoning to encourage smart growth. This code promotes walk-ability through a greater emphasis on the pedestrian spaces, and transit by establishing nodes of greater intensity concentrations
Residential Parking Policies
The City requires a minimum of 1 parking spot per every 2 housing units within the city's urban core.
Location Efficiency Incentives and Disclosure
Miami21 promotes mixed-use activities within buildings and blocks of the city that are walk-able distances to offices and residences.
Last Updated: November 2021
Mode Shift List All
Mode Shift Targets
At this time, the City does not have a codified mode share target for trips within the city.
Progress Achieved Toward Mode Shift Targets
No progress has been achieved, as there are no targets in place.
Complete Streets
Miami adopted its complete streets policy in 2009, through Resolution No. 09-00274. The adoption of the guidelines encourages the inclusion of complete streets principles in road construction and maintenance projects.
Car Sharing
There are three car-sharing programs currently available to the residents and visitors of Miami, Car2go, Zipcar, and Hertz OnDemand. At this time, the City does not have a formal policy in place to provide dedicated on-street and off-street parking for carshare vehicles.
Bike Sharing
The City is served by a bike-sharing program, Citi Bike Miami with 58 docked stations and approximately 550 bikes citywide at any time.
Last Updated: November 2021
Public Transit List All
Transportation Funding
The transportation entities that serve the City of Miami have received $577,790,878.80 on average annually between 2015 and 2019. That equates to roughly $231.45 per capita between 2015 and 2019 within the Authority's service area.
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 Miami's Transit Connectivity Index value is 8.5, scoring 1.5 points in the City Scorecard.
Last Updated: November 2021
Efficient VehiclesList All
Vehicle Purchase Incentives
At this time, Miami does not offer incentives for citizens to purchase hybrid, plug-in, or EV vehicles.
Vehicle Infrastructure Incentives
There are no incentives available for the construction of EV charging infrastructure.
EV Charging Locations
The City has 383 charging ports available for public use, equivalent to 81.8 ports per 100,000 people.
Electric School Bus Goal
Miami does not have an electric school bus goal.
EV Transit Bus Goal
Miami does not have an EV transit bus goal.
Last Updated: November 2021
Freight System EfficiencyList All
Miami does not yet have a sustainable freight transportation plan in place, but freight is a major component of Miami's Long-Range Transportation Plan. Specific goals have not been set, but performance measurements have been identified for several goals.
Last Updated: November 2021
Clean, Efficient Transportation for Low-Income CommunitiesList All
Affordable New TOD Housing Policy
The City of Miami requires inclusionary housing in the Omni CRA - a transit-served, downtown adjacent, neighborhood.
Connecting Existing Affordable Housing Stock to Efficient Transportation Options
Miami does not currently provide rebates or incentives to low-income residents for efficient transportation options.
Last Updated: November 2021
Energy & Water Utilities
Score: 3 out of 15 points
Energy & Water Utilities Summary List All
Florida Power & Light (FPL), an investor-owned utility (IOU), is the primary electric utility serving the City of Miami. Florida City Gas, an IOU, is Miami’s primary natural gas supplier. The State of Florida requires its utilities which post sales of 2,000 GWh or more to implement cost-effective energy efficiency programs and to conduct energy efficiency potential studies. Natural gas programs are required by orders and legislation. To learn more about the state requirements for electric and gas efficiency, please visit the Florida page of the State Database.
The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department is the municipal-county utility that provides Miami with drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management services.
Last Updated: July 2021
Electricity and Natural Gas Efficiency SavingsList All
In 2019, according to the EIA, Florida Power & Light achieved 42,400 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.04% of retail sales. In 2019, FP&L spent $36,669,000 on energy efficiency programs, which represents 0.33% of its retail revenue.
In 2019, Florida City Gas either did not spend or did not report spending on natural gas efficiency programs. Savings on electricity efficiency represented in this section covers the entire Florida service territory, not just Miami.
FPL offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, the City of Miami does not have a formal partnership with FPL or Florida City Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement. Community Action and Human Services of Miami has an established partnership with Florida Power & Light as well as other community organizations to provide bill assistance to qualifying customers but does not partner on efficiency programs.
Last Updated: July 2021
Low-Income & Multifamily EE Programs List All
Low-Income Programs
FPL offers a Residential Low-Income Program to income-qualified customers. This program includes an energy survey, followed by measures including weatherization (caulking/stripping/door sweeps), duct testing and repair, air conditioning unit maintenance, air conditioning outdoor coil cleaning, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, and water heater pipe wrap. The program is delivered through federal Weatherization Assistance Program agencies and through the utility conducting energy retrofits in select neighborhoods. Customers who are eligible for federally funded programs that provide financial assistance are automatically qualified. We were unable to confirm low-income program savings, spending value and customers served in 2019.
At this time, Florida City Gas does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at low-income households.
Multifamily Programs
At this time, FPL and Florida City Gas do not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at multifamily properties.
Last Updated: July 2021
Provision of Energy Data by UtilitiesList All
Florida City Gas does not provide building managers with automated benchmarking data through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for multitenant commercial or multifamily buildings. FPL provides building benchmarking data upon request.
Miami publishes aggregated community-wide energy use data in its GHG inventory reports. The next GHG inventory will cover 2020 data and the city will begin working on it at the end of 2021. The City of Miami and Miami-Dade County are also working collaboratively with FPL to automate the data disclosure process.
The City of Miami does not advocate for better access to utility data for ratepayers or the establishment of data-sharing agreements between the city and its utilities. However, the City is part of the City Energy Project and is working toward passing a benchmarking ordinance, hopefully by the end of 2020. Buildings will be required to benchmark in 2021, and data will be publicly disclosed in 2022.
Last Updated: July 2021
Decarbonization and Climate Change Mitigation Efforts of Energy UtilitiesList All
Utility Climate Mitigation Goal
in 2018, NextEra Energy, Inc., the parent company of FP&L, announced a goal to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions rate by 67% by 2025, from a 2005 baseline. To achieve this goal, NextEra Energy will need to reduce emissions by 8.6% annually from 2018 levels.
City-Led Efforts to Decarbonize the Electric Grid
The City of Miami is on the waiting list for FPL's Solar Together program, which allows the City to invest in FPL's utility-scale solar energy. The city also met with FP&L to discuss goals in their greenhouse gas reduction plan.
Last Updated: July 2021
Efficiency Efforts in Water ServicesList All
Citywide Water Efficiency and Goals
The City of Miami has an online water efficiency pledge, which includes energy efficiency measures, and they also offer high-efficiency rebates for water fixtures. The City also offers landscape irrigation evaluations with rebates for installing recommendations. In 2006, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners adopted the Miami-Dade Water-Use Efficiency Plan through city resolution, with a goal of reducing water consumption by 1.5 million gallons per day by 2015 from a 2007 baseline. As a part of the implementation, the plan administered a variety of customer programs including rebates and free water-saving measures including showerheads, toilets, and landscape irrigation. The goal of the plan was exceeded in 2015. The City has not yet updated its water savings target since achieving its previous goal.
Water Plant Efficiency and Self-Generation
At this point, the City of Miami has not established a goal or program for energy efficiency through the municipal water service operation system. However, the city follows the Miami-Dade County goal of reducing water consumption per person by 30% by 2030.
The city’s water system does not self-generate its own energy.
Last Updated: July 2021
Local Government Score:
1 out of 10 points
Local Government Climate and Energy Goals List All
Climate Mitigation Goal
MiPlan set a goal to reduce the city government’s greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2015 from 2007 levels, but we were unable to find a current climate mitigation goal. Miami is currently developing a CAP/GHG Reduction Plan. This plan does not include an explicit quantitative government operations reduction goal, but there are actions within the plan that aim to reduce emissions from government operations.
Energy Reduction Goal
We were unable to find information regarding an energy reduction goal for municipal operations.
Renewable Energy Goal
We were unable to find information regarding a municipal renewable energy goal.
Last updated: June 2021
Procurement and Construction Policies List All
Vehicle Fleets and Infrastructure
Miami’s Green Fleet Ordinance (City Code Section 22.5) requires fuel efficiency to be considered during city vehicle purchases. The policy also calls for optimizing fleet size by eliminating unnecessary vehicles. As part of the Electrification Coalition, the city will consider electric vehicles for future fleet purchases. and plans to adopt an EV infrastructure and procurement policy to electrify 100% of the public vehicle fleet excluding emergency vehicles. Miami’s fleet is composed of 1.5% efficient vehicles, including hybrid vehicles.
Public Lighting
The City has not adopted a lighting ordinance that conforms with the International Dark-Sky Association’s Model Lighting Ordinance. In coordination with Florida Power & Light, the City has implemented an ongoing LED Street Light Conversion Program. In 2018, the Department of Resilience and Public Works selected specific boundaries within each District to begin the conversion from high-pressure sodium to LED lights. As of March 2019, approximately 20% of lights have been converted to LED.
Onsite and offsite renewable systems
Miami has installed a 0.5MW capacity onsite solar system.
Inclusive procurement
We were unable to verify if the city has inclusive procurement and contracting processes.
Last updated: June 2021
Asset Management List All
Building Benchmarking
The City of Miami is a partner with Miami Dade County on the Building Efficiency 305 (BE305) initiative which is part of the City Energy Project. The program requires public and private buildings over 20K square feet to report and share publicly their energy usage data via EnergyStar Portfolio Manager. The program has a phased implementation plan but the City intends to have all City-owned properties 20,000 sq ft have their data publicly available by 2020. Miami is also working to pass a benchmarking ordinance that would require buildings to benchmark in 2021 and data would be publicly disclosed in 2022.
Comprehensive Retrofit Strategies
While we could not confirm if Miami has a comprehensive retrofit policy, the city has retrocommissioned most of its top energy users.
Last updated: June 2021