Omaha
City Scorecard Rank
89
Omaha, NE
8.00Scored out of 100Updated 10/2020
Community-Wide Initiatives
Score: 0.5 out of 15 points
Community-Wide Summary List All
Though the City of Omaha has not adopted a sustainability or climate action plan for the community, Omaha’s 2010 Master Plan states the intention to create a Comprehensive Energy Management Plan for Municipal Operations and Community-wide.
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
Omaha’s Master Plan establishes a goal to reduce energy use per capita by 20% between 2010 and 2020 and then 20% every ten years thereafter.
Renewable Energy Goal
The Master Plan includes a goal to increase renewable energy generation to 20% of total energy use in 2010 by 2030 and shift energy generation to renewable resource by 20% every 10 years thereafter.
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
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
We could not verify if the city has 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
The city requires developers to use low-impact development best management practices to capture the first half-inch of runoff.
Last updated: September 2021
Buildings Policies
Score: 1 out of 30 points
Buildings Summary List All
The City of Omaha has the authority to adopt building energy codes at the municipal level but has not adopted a code more stringent than Nebraska’s energy code. The city offers C-PACE financing for renewable energy projects. We could not find information on city-mandated benchmarking policies or above-code energy action requirements.
Last updated: July 2021
Building Energy CodesList All
Overview
The State of Nebraska allows its local jurisdictions to adopt building energy codes other than the state standards. The state’s building energy code is the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. Omaha has not adopted an energy code more stringent than the states. To learn more, please visit the Nebraska page on the State Policy Database.
Commercial
Commercial properties must comply with the 2009 IECC. The city’s zEPI score for its commercial energy code is 67.0.
Residential
Residential properties must comply with the 2009 IECC. The city’s zEPI score for its residential energy code is 68.4.
Solar-readiness policies
We could not find information on whether the city has adopted solar-readiness policies or requirements.
EV-charging readiness and infrastructure policies
We could not find information on whether the city has adopted policies requiring buildings to include EV-charging infrastructure or be EV-ready.
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: July 2021
Building Energy Code Compliance and EnforcementList All
Omaha requires commercial developers to submit plan reviews. The city does not provide upfront support to developers and/or owners for energy code compliance. We could not find information on the number of full-time employees the city staffs to enforce the energy code.
Last updated: July 2021
Policies Targeting Existing BuildingsList All
Incentives
The city offers Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing to commercial property owners for energy efficiency improvements.
Last updated: August 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: July 2021
Transportation
Score: 6.5 out of 30 points
Sustainable Transportation Planning List All
Sustainable Transportation Plan
Omaha’s master plan addresses transportation but does not identify any strategies to reduce energy or greenhouse gases.
VMT/GHG Targets and Stringency
Omaha does not have a VMT/GHG target in place for the transportation sector.
Progress Achieved Toward VMT/GHG Targets
Omaha does not track progress towards a VMT/GHG target.
Last Updated: December 2021
Location Efficiency List All
Location Efficient Zoning Codes
Omaha’s zoning codes include requirements for mixed-use districts.
Residential Parking Policies
Omaha has varied levels of required parking throughout the city, and exemptions from off-street parking requirements are available.
Location Efficiency Incentives and Disclosure
The city's Planned Unit Redevelopment Overlay and Infill Guidelines are non-financial incentives provided bu the city for location efficiency. The city of Omaha also updated its master plan last fall to create Transit Oriented Development (TOD) overlay as a precursor to future zoning changes. Discussions of non-financial incentives (such as eliminating parking requirements) have been central to the design of these regulations.
Last Updated: December 2021
Mode Shift List All
Mode Shift Targets
Omaha does not have a mode shift target in place for the transportation sector.
Progress Achieved Toward Mode Shift Targets
Omaha does not track progress towards its mode shift target.
Complete Streets
Newark’s complete streets policy scored an 88.8 out of 100 according to the National Complete Streets Coalition.
Last Updated: December 2021
Public Transit List All
Transportation Funding
The transportation entities that serve the City of Omaha have received $21,483,308.60 on average annually between 2015 and 2019. That equates to roughly $38.23 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 Omaha Transit Connectivity Index value is 4.7, scoring 0 points in the City Scorecard.
Last Updated: December 2021
Efficient VehiclesList All
Vehicle Purchase Incentives
The Omaha Public Power District offers residents $3,500 in incentives towards the purchase of a Nissan Leaf.
Vehicle Infrastructure Incentives
OPPD also offers incentives for EV charging infrastructure installation.
EV Charging Locations
The City has 53 charging ports available for public use, equivalent to 11.1 ports per 100,000 people.
Electric School Bus Goal
Omaha does not have an electric school bus goal.
EV Transit Bus Goal
Omaha does not have an EV transit bus goal.
Last Updated: December 2021
Freight System EfficiencyList All
Omaha does not have a sustainable freight transportation plan in place nor does it have any policies that address freight efficiency.
Last Updated: December 2021
Clean, Efficient Transportation for Low-Income CommunitiesList All
Affordable New TOD Housing Policy
Omaha does not have any requirements or incentives in place to encourage the development or preservation of affordable housing in transit-served areas.
Connecting Existing Affordable Housing Stock to Efficient Transportation Options
Omaha does not provide any subsidies for efficient transportation options to low-income residents.
Last Updated: December 2021
Energy & Water Utilities
Score: 0 out of 15 points
Energy & Water Utilities Summary List All
Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), a municipally-owned utility (MOU), is the primary electric utility for the City of Omaha. The primary natural gas supplier for Omaha is the Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha, an MOU. To learn more about the state requirements for electric and gas efficiency, please visit the Nebraska page of the State Database.
The Metropolitan Utilities District also provides the City of Omaha with drinking water services. Wastewater treatment and stormwater management are handled by the City of Omaha.
Last Updated: July 2021
Electricity and Natural Gas Efficiency SavingsList All
In 2019, according to EIA, OPPD reported 12,986 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.12% of its electric retail sales. In 2019, OPPD spent $2,455,000 on energy efficiency programs, which represents 0.25% of its retail revenue.
In 2019, Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha either did not spend or did not report spending or savings on natural gas efficiency programs. These savings figures cover both utilities’ entire service jurisdiction, not just Omaha.
OPPD offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers. Metropolitan Utilities District similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential customers.
At this time, the City of Omaha does not have a formal partnership with the Metropolitan Utilities District in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
Last Updated: July 2021
Low-Income & Multifamily EE Programs List All
Low-Income Programs
OPPD offers the Smart Steps program, which aims to meet long-term energy efficiency needs, reduce peak demand and contribute to a balanced DSM portfolio, build positive relationships with customers and community organizations, and garner positive publicity. The program consists of three phases. All participants go through phase 1, which includes an energy efficiency presentation and workshop and local credit advisors for financial advising. Phase 2 involves direct install measures such as efficient bulbs, night lights, and weatherstripping. This phase also includes an energy assessment of the home. Phase 3 can include attic insulation, at the average cost of $1,000 per home based on the home energy assessment. OPPD partners with various agencies to host workshops and educational events to teach customers about energy efficiency.
OPPD works closely with local government, local nonprofits, and community organizations to design and implement programs for the income-qualified customer class. OPPD utilizes local non-profits and community organizations to qualify customers for the Smart Steps Program, as well as provide energy efficiency education, host workshops, and distribute energy efficiency kits to customers throughout the service territory.
In 2019, spending, savings, and customers served for OPPD’s low-income programs were not available.
At this time, the Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at low-income households.
Multifamily Programs
OPPD offers Business Prescriptive and Custom Rebates for energy efficient heating and cooling systems installed on multi-family residences. Savings, spending, and participation data was not available for 2019.
At this time, the Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at multifamily buildings.
Last Updated: July 2021
Provision of Energy Data by UtilitiesList All
Neither Omaha Public Power District nor Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha provides building managers with automated benchmarking data through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for multitenant commercial or multifamily buildings. The City of Omaha does not provide community-wide energy usage information at the aggregate level for community planning and evaluation purposes. The City of Omaha does not advocate for better access to utility data for ratepayers or the establishment of data-sharing agreements between the city and its utilities.
Last Updated: July 2021
Decarbonization and Climate Change Mitigation Efforts of Energy UtilitiesList All
Utility Climate Mitigation Goal
In 2020, OPPD set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. We were unable to measure the stringency of the goal due to a lack of baseline and current emissions data.
City-Led Efforts to Decarbonize the Electric Grid
We were unable to determine the carbon emissions per capita from OPPD in 2019.
Last Updated: July 2021
Efficiency Efforts in Water ServicesList All
City-wide water efficiency and goals
Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) is a natural gas and water utility. It offers a rain shut-off device program to promote outdoor water conservation, as well as a $50 rebate for rain-sensors.
At this point, the City of Omaha has not established a water savings target or goal, but its website does list plans for water conservation and water emergencies.
Water plant efficiency and self-generation
The water utility has not set specific energy efficiency targets or strategies, nor does it self-generate its own energy.
Last Updated: July 2021
Local Government Score:
0 out of 10 points
Local Government Climate and Energy Goals List All
Climate Mitigation Goal
We were unable to find information regarding a municipal climate mitigation or greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal.
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
Fleet Policies and Composition
We were unable to find information on Omaha’s fleet procurement policies or fuel efficiency requirements. We were unable to find data regarding fleet composition.
Public Lighting
We were unable to find information regarding the adoption of a policy requiring efficient outdoor lighting, such as the International Dark-Sky Association’s Model Lighting Ordinance. We were unable to confirm if Omaha has an outdoor lighting upgrade program.
Onsite and offsite renewable systems
We were unable to find information regarding onsite or offsite renewable energy systems in Omaha.
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
We were unable to find information on Omaha’s benchmarking practices.
Comprehensive Retrofit Strategy
We were unable to find information regarding a comprehensive retrofit strategy in Omaha.
Last updated: June 2021