Richmond
City Scorecard Rank
47
Richmond, VA
27.00Scored out of 100Updated 10/2020
Community-Wide Initiatives
Score: 4.5 out of 15 points
Community-Wide Climate Mitigation and Energy GoalsList All
Climate Mitigation Goal
RVAgreen 2050 established the goal of reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 2008 levels by 2050, with an interim target of 45% by 2030. The city is currently working to create a roadmap to meet this goal, which may include specific interim goals. Based on ACEEE’s analysis of past years emissions data, ACEEE projects that the city will meet its near-term community-wide GHG emissions reduction goal.
Energy Efficiency Goal
The 2012 RVAgreen plan included a general goal to reduce energy use, with a suggested goal of 1% reduction annually. Specific targets are expected to be set during the RVAgreen 2050 planning process.
Renewable Energy Goal
We did not find information regarding a quantifiable community-wide renewable energy goal for the city, but the 2012 RVAgreen plan included a general goal to increase renewable energy installations, and the RVAgreen 2050 planning process will set community-wide renewable energy goals.
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
The RVAgreen 2050 Racial Equity and Environmental Roundtable is a group of residents from historically disenfranchised communities who are being paid for their time and lived experience expertise to help with both the planning process and the outreach and engagement around RVAgreen 2050.
Equity Accountability Measures
RVAgreen 2050 will include specific goals and metrics for how climate action initiatives affect local marginalized communities. The Equity Screening Tool will lay the foundation for this process. The RVAgreen 2050 Equity Screening Tool, which was co-created with the Racial Equity & Environmental Justice Roundtable, is designed to help determine the extent to which proposed climate action and resilience actions prioritize equity. It will be used to conduct a basic equity assessment of every action in the RVAgreen 2050 equitable climate action and resilience plan, as well as prior to making related decisions on policy, planning, programming, and budgeting.
Last updated: August 2023
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: August 2023
Adaptive Mitigation List All
Heat Island Mitigation Policies and Programs
The city has passed Ordinance 2012-201-199 that fast tracks building and related permits for development projects that include a green roof.
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: 6.5 out of 30 points
Building Energy CodesList All
Overview
The Commonwealth of Virginia requires local jurisdictions to comply with the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). The state recently updated the code to reference the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE 90.1-2016. Members of the Sustainability Office voted in the 2021 IECC code adoption process to secure more climate friendly and energy efficient code provisions. To learn more, please see the Virginia page of the State Policy Database.
Commercial
Commercial properties comply with the USBC. The city’s zEPI score for their commercial energy code is 51.75. The city is a member of the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) which advocates for higher energy standards.
Residential
Residential properties comply with the USBC. The city’s zEPI score for their residential energy code is 63.75. The city is a member of the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) which advocates for higher energy standards.
Solar-readiness policies
The city has not passed an ordinance mandating new construction be solar-ready. The city is a SolSmart Silver community and allows solar use in all zones.
EV-readiness policies
The city has not passed an ordinance mandating new construction be EV-ready.
Electrification policies
The city is prohibited by the state from adopting electrification policies.
Last Update: September 2023
Building Energy Code Compliance and EnforcementList All
We were unable to determine the amount of staff effort dedicated to energy code enforcement. The city allows third-party plan reviews and performance testing as a voluntary method of demonstrating code compliance. The city provides upfront support by reviewing permits and applications upon request.
Last Update: September 2023
Policies Targeting Existing BuildingsList All
Incentives
The Green and Healthy Homes Initiative provides comprehensive housing assessments and interventions, integrating the areas of lead hazard reduction, Healthy Homes, weatherization, energy efficiency, and related work to raise housing standards and quality of life for all residents. It will also break down barriers to full employment for low-income residents and promote equity through training and employment efforts.
Last Update: September 2023
Transportation
Score: 11 out of 30 points
Sustainable Transportation Planning List All
Sustainable Transportation Plan
The Richmond 300 Master Plan was adopted in 2020 and includes sustainable transportation strategies. It also includes strategies specifically benefitting disadvantaged communities.
VMT/GHG Targets and Stringency
The City of Richmond does not have a codified VMT or transportation GHG reduction target.
Progress Achieved Toward VMT/GHG Targets
The City of Richmond does not have a codified VMT or transportation GHG reduction target, and therefore cannot make progress toward the target.
Last Updated: September 2023
Location Efficiency List All
Location Efficient Zoning Codes
We were unable to find information indicating that the City of Richmond has made changes to its zoning code in the past 10 years to facilitate more residential density, mixed-use development, or transit-oriented development.
Parking Requirement
Richmond has eliminated parking minimums citywide.
Location Efficiency Incentives and Disclosure
Richmond offers a density bonus for residential developments in its Central Business District.
Affordable Housing around Transit
The City of Richmond does not require, preserve, or incentivize the development of affordable housing near transit.
Last Updated: September 2023
Mode Shift List All
Mode Shift Targets
The City of Richmond does not have a codified mode share target.
Progress Achieved Toward Mode Shift Targets
The City of Richmond does not have a codified mode share target, and therefore cannot make progress toward the target.
Subsidized Access to Efficient Transportation Options
We were unable to find information on programs or policies subsidizing access to efficient transportation for disadvantaged groups.
Last Updated: September 2023
Public Transit List All
Transit Funding
The transit entities that serve the City of Richmond have received $32,943,506.80 on average annually between 2017 and 2021 from local sources. That equates to roughly $66.93 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 Richmond's AllTransit Performance Score is 7.7, scoring 2 points in the City Scorecard.
Last Updated: September 2023
Efficient VehiclesList All
Efficient Vehicle Purchase Incentives
Neither the City of Richmond nor the local utility provide incentives for purchasing efficient vehicles.
Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Incentives
Neither the City of Richmond nor the local utility provide incentives for the installation of EV charging stations.
Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Requirements
The City of Richmond does not require new developments to install EV charging stations.
EV Charging Ports
The City of Richmond has 90 vehicle charging ports per 100,000 people available for public use.
Electric School Bus Goal
Neither the City of Richmond nor the local school district have set an electric school bus goal.
Electric Transit Bus Goal
Neither the City of Richmond nor the local transit agency have set an electric transit bus goal.
Last Updated: September 2023
Freight System EfficiencyList All
Sustainable Freight Plans
Richmond does not have a sustainable freight plan or freight mobility plan. However, the city is expanding maritime freight capacity in partnership with the Richmond Marine Terminal.
Open Data Portals
The City of Richmond does not have an open data portal with real-time freight data.
Last Updated: September 2023
Community Energy Infrastructure
Score: 3.5 out of 15 points
Community Energy Infrastructure Summary List All
Dominion Energy, an investor-owned utility (IOU) and subsidiary to Dominion Power, is the primary electric utility serving Richmond. The Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU), a municipally-owned Utility (muni), is Richmond’s primary natural gas supplier. The state of Virginia recently passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act energy efficiency resource standard, which requires Dominion Energy to achieve incremental net annual savings starting in 2021 at 0.35 percent of the utility's average annual energy retail sales for the previous three calendar years and increasing until 2027 and thereafter, when savings are required to be at least 2 percent. In addition, the voluntary renewable energy portfolio system was replaced with a mandatory version, in which Dominion Energy and its suppliers are required to produce their electricity from 100 percent renewable sources by 2045. To learn more about the state requirements for electric and gas efficiency, please visit the Virginia page of the State Database.
In addition to supplying natural gas, the Richmond DPU provides drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management services.
Last Updated: September 2023
Electricity and Natural Gas Efficiency SavingsList All
In 2019, Dominion Energy achieved 191,92 MWh in electric net incremental savings. In 2019, according to EIA, Dominion Energy spent $53,627,750 on energy efficiency programs.
In 2021, DPU did not report spending or savings on natural gas efficiency programs. These savings figures cover the entire Virginia service territory, not just Richmond.
Dominion offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and small business customers.
At this time, we could not verify whether the City of Richmond does has a formal partnership with Dominion Energy in the form of a jointly developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement. Through RVAgreen 2050, the City has started discussions with Dominion regarding the City’s GHG emission reduction goals and opportunities for partnerships or strategies in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Last Updated: September 2023
Low-Income & Multifamily EE Programs List All
Low-Income Programs
Dominion Energy Residential Income and Age Qualifying Home Improvement Program provides income- and age-qualifying residential customers with energy assessments and direct install measures at no cost to the customer. Program measures include LED light bulbs, energy-saving showerheads, high-efficiency faucet aerators, pipe wrap insulation for hot water pipes, and attic insulation. The 2020 Virginia House Bill 2789 requires that Dominion offer two new programs, which will offer incentives for the installation of measures that reduce residential heating and cooling costs and enhance health and safety of residents. They will include repairs and improvements to home heating and cooling systems, insulation, and air sealing.
Dominion partners with local weatherization service providers to complete energy assessments and install measures. The City of Richmond contributes a portion of its Community Development Block Grant funding to project: HOMES, a low-income weatherization provider.
In 2021 according to Dominion, they achieved 1,440.47 MWh in savings for its low-income programs, while spending $10,776,948 and serving 5,228 low-income households.
At this time, the Richmond Department of Public Utilities does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at low-income customers.
Multifamily Programs
At this time, Dominion Energy and DPU do not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at multifamily properties.
Last Updated: September 2023
Provision of Energy Data by UtilitiesList All
Neither Dominion Virginia Power nor Richmond Department of Public Utilities provide building managers with automated benchmarking data through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for multitenant commercial or multifamily buildings.
The city of Richmond provides community wide energy usage information for planning and evaluation purposes. Richmond requests and receives community wide (residential, commercial, industrial) energy usage on an annual basis, which they use to update the city’s GHG Inventory.
The City of Richmond advocates to the state for policy improvements in home energy data provision by the electric utility. The City is a member of the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) which is advocating on this issue. The city also participated in a benchmarking summit convened by the Governor’s Office and DMME where this was access to data was a key issue.
Last Updated: July 2021
Decarbonization and Climate Change Mitigation Efforts of Cities and Energy UtilitiesList All
Utility Climate Mitigation Goal
In February 2020, Dominion Energy set a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To achieve this goal, Dominion will need to reduce emissions by 3.23% annually from 2019 levels.
City-Led Efforts to Decarbonize the Electric Grid
Through RVAgreen 2050, Several representatives from Dominion Energy are currently involved in the RVAgreen 2050 planning process, specifically through participation on technical working groups that are drafting equitable climate action and resilience strategies. For example, the Buildings & Energy Working group is drafting strategies on topics related to renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Richmond’s Sustainability Manager is a co-chair of the VA Energy & Sustainability Network (VESPN), a peer network of local government energy & sustainability managers from across Virginia working to advance clean energy and sustainability. VESPN is actively pursuing a number of strategies including net-metering legislation; collaborative purchasing of renewables; and utility partnerships.
The Virginia Clean Economy Act replaces the voluntary renewable energy portfolio system with a mandatory renewable energy portfolio system (RPS). Under the mandatory RPS, utilities and suppliers are required to produce their electricity from 100% renewable sources by 2045 for Dominion Energy Virginia and any supplier operating in the service territory of Dominion Energy Virginia, which includes energy supplied to Richmond.
Clean Distributed Energy Resources
We could not verify if the city has adopted a formal policy, rule, or agreement that supports the creation of clean distributed energy systems.
Municipal Renewable Energy Procurement
We were unable to find information regarding onsite or offsite municipal renewable energy systems in Richmond.
City Renewable Energy Incentive and Financing Programs
Richmond provides expedited permitting for solar PV projects.
Last Updated: September 2023
Efficiency Efforts in Water ServicesList All
Citywide Water Efficiency and Goals
Richmond is an EPA Water Sense Partner, but the city does not fund water efficiency programs. Richmond Department of Public Utilities’ RVAH2O is an integrated effort to manage stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater. Water efficiency programs fall under RVAH2O. The 2017 Clean Water Plan contains goals to reduce use of potable water and increase water conservation by incentivizing updates to end-user water fixtures.
The Richmond 300 Master Plan, adopted in December 2020, establishes a goal to reduce citywide water consumption by 10% per capita.
Water Plant Efficiency and Self-Generation
While DPU does not have a comprehensive energy management strategy in place, it has a target to reduce energy usage from its utility operations by 1% annually. For the RVAgreen 2050 integrated climate action plan, specific energy efficiency strategies for the water and wastewater utilities are being developed in order to meet the 80% by 2050 GHG emissions reduction target.
There are currently no self-generation facilities installed in wastewater treatment plants in Richmond. The Richmond 300 Master Plan contains a strategy to install methane-capture technology at the wastewater treatment plant.
Last Updated: August 2021
Local Government Score:
1.5 out of 10 points
Local Government Climate and Energy Goals List All
The City of Richmond launched the RVAgreen 2050 initiative to guide community-wide sustainability planning. RVAgreen 2050 is the successor of the original RVAgreen plan.
Climate Mitigation Goal
In June 2020, the Richmond City Council adopted a resolution to "recognize the effects of global warming caused by human activity and to establish a climate action goal to achieve a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 from the 2008 baseline. 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
The original RVAgreen plan included a suggested target to reduce municipal energy use by 1% annually from 2008 levels.
Renewable Energy Goal
In his 2021 State of the City address, Mayor Levar Stoney committed to the city government purchasing off-site renewable energy to cover 50% of government operations electricity usage by 2023, and 100% by 2025.
Last updated: June 2021
Procurement and Construction Policies List All
Fleet Policies and Composition
We were unable to find information on a procurement policy or fuel-efficient requirements for Richmond. Richmond’s municipal fleet is composed of 0.1% efficient vehicles, including battery electric vehicles.
Public Lighting
Richmond does not have a policy requiring efficient outdoor lighting, such as the International Dark-Sky Association’s Model Lighting Ordinance. However, all streetlights in Richmond have photo sensors and only operate from dusk to dawn. Richmond’s Streetlight Utility operates and maintains approximately 37,000 city-owned streetlights. The City has begun a project to convert 7,500 streetlights to LEDs. We were unable to confirm the current percentage of streetlights that are LEDs.
Inclusive procurement
Richmond City Code Section 21.216 establishes requirements for increasing the number of minority business enterprises and emerging small businesses that participate meaningfully in all contracts.
Last updated: October 2023
Asset Management List All
Building Benchmarking
Richmond annually benchmarks 100% of municipal facilities over 5,000 square feet and discloses data through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Richmond tracks energy usage in all city-owned facilities and monitors the energy usage intensity (EUI-normalized energy per square foot) on a monthly basis for benchmarking, energy efficiency, and executive decision-making purposes.
Comprehensive Retrofit Strategies
Richmond has audited approximately 40 of its worst performing buildings, which are currently undertaking improvements. Significant energy efficiency investments have been made in the City Jail, which was renovated into a LEED Gold Justice Center. In addition, City Hall, court buildings, city libraries, and city fire stations have also been renovated for efficiency. The Department of Public works takes a strategic approach to group relamping and upgrading facilities to LED lighting on a project by project basis.
Municipal Employee Transportation Benefits
Richmond does not provide reduced-emission transportation benefits to municipal staff.
Last update: February 2024