Tampa
City Scorecard Rank
81
Tampa, FL
11.50Scored out of 100Updated 10/2020
Community-Wide Initiatives
Score: 1.5 out of 15 points
Community-Wide Summary List All
The City of Tampa does not have a sustainability or climate action plan; however, the city adopted a Green Resolution, releases Annual Sustainability Reports, and published an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan.
Last updated: September 2021
Community-Wide Climate Mitigation and Energy GoalsList All
Climate Mitigation Goal
The city has a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2025, as stated in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan. ACEEE was unable to project if the city will achieve its near-term community-wide GHG emissions reduction goal because insufficient GHG emissions data were available for our analysis.
Energy Reduction Goal
We did not find information regarding a community-wide energy reduction goal, though the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan includes a 2025 goal to reduce energy emissions 38.6% below a business-as-usual projection.
Renewable Energy Goal
The city adopted a goal to install renewable energy systems in 20% of existing commercial and residential buildings by 2025.
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
The city’s Urban Forest Management Plan includes a goal of no net loss of tree canopy cover for the entire city and has also established individual neighborhood tree canopy goals for each of the city’s municipal districts.
UHI Policies and Programs
The city has adopted a private tree protection ordinance. The city also allows for cluster residential subdivision zoning that permanently protects land alongside dense residential development patterns as part of its Site Plan Zoning District Procedures Ordinance.
Last updated: September 2021
Buildings Policies
Score: 3.5 out of 30 points
Buildings Summary List All
The City of Tampa enforces the state’s energy codes. The city has not adopted a mandatory benchmarking and disclosure policy. Tampa offers several incentives for energy efficiency projects. The city does not require building owners to conduct additional above-code energy-saving actions.
Last Update: July 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. Tampa has not yet begun advocating for increased stringency in the state building energy codes. To learn more about Florida’s building energy codes, please visit the State Policy Database.
Commercial
Commercial construction in Tampa complies with the Florida codes. The city’s zEPI score for its commercial energy code is 52.5.
Residential
Residential construction in Tampa complies with the Florida codes. The city’s zEPI score for its residential energy code is 60.7.
Solar-readiness policies
The city has not passed an ordinance mandating new construction be solar-ready.
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
Tampa requires new municipal buildings to achieve LEED Silver certification.
Last Update: July 2021
Building Energy Code Compliance and EnforcementList All
Tampa 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. Tampa offers upfront support for energy code compliance through energy code workshops.
Last Updated: July 2021
Policies Targeting Existing BuildingsList All
Incentives
Tampa offers expedited plan review for commercial construction that includes provisions for energy efficiency. Rebates are available to residential and commercial construction achieving the LEED standards. Homes built to the Florida Green Building Coalition standards also receive a rebate.
Last Updated: July 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 Update: July 2021
Transportation
Score: 4.5 out of 30 points
Transportation Summary List All
The transportation authority serving the City of Tampa is The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority. HART also provides public transportation for the city and the broader metropolitan area, including bus and trolley services. The Planning Commission is the MPO in charge of conducting metropolitan transportation planning. Its area of jurisdiction encompasses Hillsborough, Tampa, and many surrounding cities and towns. The Transportation Division is the city agency charged with managing the city’s transportation network.
Last updated: January 2017
Sustainable Transportation Planning List All
Sustainable Transportation Plan
The city of Tampa has a comprehensive plan with a mobility element to provide multi-modal mobility with all modes of travel such as transit (bus, ferry, and rail), cycling, and walking.
VMT/GHG Targets and Stringency
Tampa does not have a VMT/GHG target in place for the transportation sector.
Progress Achieved Toward VMT/GHG Targets
Tampa does not track progress towards a VMT/GHG target.
Last Updated: December 2021
Location Efficiency List All
Location Efficient Zoning Codes
Tampa has neighborhood form-based codes for the Greater Seminole Heights Planning Areas, 40th Street, and Tampa Heights neighborhoods.
Residential Parking Policies
The city allows one or more parking spaces per residential unit.
Location Efficiency Incentives and Disclosure
There are no incentives available through the city to promote location efficiency.
Last Updated: December 2021
Mode Shift List All
Mode Shift Targets
Tampa does not have a mode shift target in place for the transportation sector.
Progress Achieved Toward Mode Shift Targets
Tampa does not track progress towards its mode shift target.
Complete Streets
Tampa has a Complete Streets policy.
Last Updated: December 2021
Public Transit List All
Transportation Funding
The transportation entities that serve the City of Tampa have received $61,116,754.40 on average annually between 2015 and 2019. That equates to roughly $18.76 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 Tampa Transit Connectivity Index value is 5.3, scoring 0.5 points in the City Scorecard.
Last Updated: December 2021
Efficient VehiclesList All
Vehicle Purchase Incentives
At this time, Tampa does not offer incentives for citizens to purchase hybrid, plug-in, or EV vehicles.
Vehicle Infrastructure Incentives
Tampa does not currently offer incentives for the installing of EV charging infrastructure.
EV Charging Locations
The City has 189 charging ports available for public use, equivalent to 47.3 ports per 100,000 people.
Electric School Bus Goal
Tampa does not have an electric school bus goal.
EV Transit Bus Goal
Tampa does not have an EV transit bus goal.
Last Updated: December 2021
Freight System EfficiencyList All
Tampa 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
Tampa awards a density/FAR bonus for developers that provide 10% of a project’s dwelling units as affordable within a transit-served area.
Connecting Existing Affordable Housing Stock to Efficient Transportation Options
Tampa does not offer rebates for efficient transportation options.
Last Updated: December 2021
Energy & Water Utilities
Score: 2 out of 15 points
Energy & Water Utilities Summary List All
Tampa Electric Company (TECO), an investor-owned utility (IOU) is the primary electric utility serving the City of Tampa. TECO Peoples Gas, an IOU, is Tampa’s primary natural gas utility. 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 City of Tampa Water Department is the municipal utility that provides drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management services to the City of Tampa.
Last Updated: July 2021
Electricity and Natural Gas Efficiency SavingsList All
In 2019, TECO reported 71,052 MWh in electric net incremental savings, representing 0.36% of electric retail sales. In 2019, TECO spent $14,395,000 on energy efficiency programs, which represents 0.74% of its electric retail revenue.
In 2019, TECO Peoples Gas reported 0.65 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.65% of its retail sales across the utility’s service territory. In 2019, TECO Peoples Gas spent $16,619,336 on natural gas energy efficiency, which equates to $45.97 per gas residential customer. These savings and spending figures cover the entire jurisdiction of both utilities, not just the City of Tampa.
TECO offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. TECO Peoples Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
TECO partners with the City of Tampa to assist with energy efficiency efforts for low-income customers. These partnerships include Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP), Tampa Hillsborough Action Plan (THAP), as well as TECO’s Account Management team work closely with the City of Tampa to ensure all their energy needs are addressed. The assigned account manager works as a liaison collaborating energy audits and promoting all conservation programs available.
Last Updated: July 2021
Low-Income & Multifamily EE Programs List All
Low-Income Programs
TECO offers the Neighborhood Weatherization Program to qualified low-income residential customers. This program provides energy-efficient installations at no cost to the customer and includes duct sealing, caulking, insulation, lighting fixtures, water heater wrap, water efficiency measures, and energy efficiency education materials, amongst others. The program targets high energy users and elderly households and also streamlines implementation with the federal Weatherization Assistance Program. TECO participates with several civic and local organizations including Hillsborough County Neighborhood Service Centers, Rebuild Together Tampa Bay, and Paint Your Heart Out Tampa Bay.
In 2019, according to TECO, it achieved 8,459 MWh in energy savings, while spending $1,987,118 from its low-income programs and serving 6,740 low-income customers.
At this time, TECO Peoples Gas does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at low-income customers.
Multifamily Programs
TECO offers the ENERGY STAR for New Multifamily Residence program, which serves residential new construction projects by aiming to reduce growth of peak demand and energy. The program was implemented in May of 2017. In 2019, according to TECO, it achieved 327 MWh in savings while spending $87,997 on its multifamily programs and serving 264 housing units in 1 multifamily property.
At this time, TECO Peoples Gas does not offer energy efficiency programs targeted at multifamily properties.
Last Updated: July 2021
Provision of Energy Data by UtilitiesList All
TECO provides automated benchmarking services if requested by the building owner. The City of Tampa does not provide community-wide energy usage data at the aggregate level for community planning and evaluation purposes. However, Tampa Electric Co. can provide such data to the city if requested. The City of Tampa 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
At this time, TECO has not set a carbon reduction goal.
City-Led Efforts to Decarbonize the Electric Grid
At this time, we cannot confirm if the city of Tampa participates in activities or strategies to help spur or encourage more utility-scale or distributed renewable energy generation from its local electric utility, such as testifying in public utility commission proceedings related to renewable energy, creating a formal partnership with the electric utility on renewable generation, or participating in utility planning efforts to increase renewable generation.
Last Updated: June 2021
Last Updated: July 2021
Efficiency Efforts in Water ServicesList All
Citywide Water Efficiency and Goals
The City of Tampa offers water efficiency programs independently of the energy utilities, such as water audits, plumbing fixture retrofits, rain sensors, irrigation system efficiency check-ups, and other programs. These programs and general water usage is monitored by the Water Use Restrictions Enforcement Program. The city has a year-round restriction on water use for all water sources except reclaimed water inside the city limits.
Water Plant Efficiency and Self-Generation
Tampa does not currently have an energy efficiency goal set in place for water services. Tampa’s Wastewater Department employs staggered starting of motor loads throughout their facilities to reduce transient power usage. The methane generators used to power some of the electricity of the City of Tampa Wastewater Department have reached the end of their life, but new generators are included in Tampa’s 20-year Master Plan.
Last Updated: July 2021
Local Government Score:
0 out of 10 points
Local Government Climate and Energy Goals List All
The City of Tampa has not adopted a municipal climate or sustainability action plan, but the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan includes broad energy and climate-related actions.
Climate Mitigation Goal
The city does not have a climate mitigation or greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal for municipal operations.
Energy Reduction Goal
We were unable to find information regarding a municipal energy reduction goal.
Renewable Energy Goal
Tampa set a goal to use renewable energy to power 25% of city operations by 2025.
Last updated: June 2021
Procurement and Construction Policies List All
Fleet Policies and Composition
We were unable to find information on procurement policies or fuel-efficiency requirements for fleet vehicles in Tampa. We were unable to find data on the City's fleet composition.
Public Lighting
Tampa has not yet adopted a policy requiring efficient outdoor lighting, such as the International Dark-Sky Association’s Model Lighting Ordinance. A policy in Tampa’s Comprehensive Plan (Policy 40.1.7) calls for Tampa to pursue energy-saving options for exterior lighting of municipal buildings. Nevertheless, there are no formal efficiency-focused lighting replacement programs in place in this city.
Onsite and offsite renewable systems
We were unable to find information regarding onsite or offsite renewable energy systems in Tampa
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 regarding Tampa’s benchmarking practices.
Comprehensive Retrofit Strategy
We were unable to find information regarding a comprehensive retrofit strategy in Tampa.
Last updated: June 2021