Tucson
City Scorecard Rank
71
Tucson, AZ
17.50Scored out of 100Updated 10/2020
Community-Wide Initiatives
Score: 0.5 out of 15 points
Community-Wide Climate Mitigation and Energy GoalsList All
Climate Mitigation Goal
The city does not have a climate mitigation or greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal.
Tucson has conducted greenhouse gas inventories in 2012, 2014, and 2017.
Energy Efficiency Goal
Tucson's 2030 District has a goal to reduce energy use within the district by 50% by 2030.
Renewable Energy Goal
We did not find information regarding a community-wide renewable energy goal for the city.
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
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: 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
The city adopted a Green Streets Policy that requires the use of green infrastructure whenever feasible.
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: 7.5 out of 30 points
Building Energy CodesList All
Overview
The State of Arizona is a home rule state which allows local jurisdictions to set their own building energy codes. Tucson adopted the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with amendments. To learn more about the requirements for building energy codes for the State of Arizona, please visit the State Policy Database.
Commercial
Commercial projects must comply with the 2018 IECC with city amendments. The city’s zEPI score for its commercial energy code is 48.75
Residential
Residential projects must comply with the 2018 IECC with city amendments. The city’s zEPI score for its residential energy code is 61.5.
Solar-readiness policies
Tucson adopted a solar-ready ordinance for single- and two-family buildings in 2008. The ordinance requires buildings to install solar-ready electric and water heating infrastructure in new homes.
EV-charging readiness policies
The city has not adopted an EV-ready ordinance.
Low-energy use requirements
Tucson requires new municipal buildings to achieve LEED Silver certification.
Electrification
We could not find information on whether the city has adopted any electrification policies.
Last Update: August 2023
Building Energy Code Compliance and EnforcementList All
Tucson requires plan reviews, third-party site inspection and performance testing to verify code compliance. The city also provides upfront support to owners and developers by walking-thru plan review questions and offering public code education. We were unable to determine the amount of staff effort dedicated to energy code enforcement.
Last Update: August 2023
Transportation
Score: 5.5 out of 30 points
Sustainable Transportation Planning List All
Sustainable Transportation Plan
Tucson's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan was adopted in 2023 and includes sustainable transportation strategies. It also includes strategies specifically benefitting disadvantaged communities.
VMT/GHG Targets and Stringency
The City of Tucson does not have a codified VMT or transportation GHG reduction target.
Progress Achieved Toward VMT/GHG Targets
The City of Tucson 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
In 2021, Tucson modified its zoning code to allow ADUs in all residential zones.
Parking Requirement
We were unable to find information indicating that the City of Tucson has at least one zone, neighborhood, or district with a parking maximum of 1 or fewer spaces per housing unit or no minimum parking requirement for residential uses.
Location Efficiency Incentives and Disclosure
Tucson offers reductions in the minimum parking required for developments within 1/4 mile of transit.
Affordable Housing around Transit
The City of Tucson 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 Tucson does not have a codified mode share target.
Progress Achieved Toward Mode Shift Targets
The City of Tucson does not have a codified mode share target, and therefore cannot make progress toward the target.
Subsidized Access to Efficient Transportation Options
Tugo, the city’s primary bike share operator, offers a discounted annual pass that provides unlimited 30 minute rides to those who qualify. Those on Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are eligible for the pass. In addition, all transit service on Sun Tran, the city's primary public transit agency, is fare free.
Last Updated: September 2023
Public Transit List All
Transit Funding
The transit entities that serve the City of Tucson have received $60,143,430.40 on average annually between 2017 and 2021 from local sources. That equates to roughly $58.79 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 Tucson's AllTransit Performance Score is 5.8 scoring the 1 point in the City Scorecard.
Last Updated: September 2023
Efficient VehiclesList All
Efficient Vehicle Purchase Incentives
Neither the City of Tucson nor the local utility provide incentives for purchasing efficient vehicles.
Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Incentives
Tucson Electric Power (TEP), a utility serving the City of Tucson, offers rebates of up to $500 on the purchase of level 2 EV chargers for single-family homes. TEP also offers rebates of $5,400 per port to multifamily properties, and up to $9,000 per port for properties in disadvantaged communities.
Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Requirements
The City of Tucson requires all new food service, entertainment, retail, and other developments to include EV charging stations in 5% of spaces.
EV Charging Ports
The City of Tucson has 33.8 vehicle charging ports per 100,000 people available for public use.
Electric School Bus Goal
Neither the City of Tucson nor the local school district have set an electric school bus goal.
Electric Transit Bus Goal
Neither the City of Tucson nor the local transit agency have set an electric transit bus goal.
Last Updated: January 2024
Freight System EfficiencyList All
Sustainable Freight Plans
Tucson does not have a sustainable freight plan or freight mobility plan. However, the city is pursuing multiple sustainable freight strategies, including adopting a zero emissions delivery zone and encouraging delivery companies to utilize electric vehicles.
Open Data Portals
The City of Tucson does not have an open data portal with real-time freight data.
Last Updated: September 2023
Community Energy Infrastructure
Score: 2 out of 15 points
Community Energy Infrastructure Summary List All
Tucson Electric Power, an investor-owned utility (IOU), is the primary electric utility for the City of Tucson. The primary natural gas supplier for Tucson is Southwest Gas, an IOU. The State of Arizona requires spending and savings targets for its utilities through an EERS and documentation of Demand Side Management programs to be filed to the Arizona Corporation Commission before implementation. In 2021, the Arizona Corporation Commission approved new clean energy rules that highlight the role of energy efficiency in carbon emissions reductions. The rules package extends the existing EERS until 2030 and requires a carbon-free grid by 2070. To learn more about the state requirements for electric and gas efficiency, please visit the Arizona page of the State Database.
The Tucson Water Department is the municipal utility that provides the City of Tucson with drinking water services, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management.
Last Updated: July 2023
Electricity and Natural Gas Efficiency SavingsList All
In 2021, Tucson Electric Power reported 131,744 MWh of net electric savings at the meter. In 2019, TEP spent $19,213,998 on energy efficiency programs.
In 2021, we were unable to verify the savings, spending, or customers served for Southwest Gas. These savings and spending figures cover Southwest Gas's entire service jurisdiction, not just the City of Tucson.
TEP offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers. Southwest Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
At this time, the City of Tucson does not have a formal partnership with Tucson Electric Power or Southwest Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
Last Updated: September 2023
Low-Income & Multifamily EE Programs List All
Low-Income Programs
TEP’s Low-Income Weatherization Program was remarketed as the "Energy Ease Program", which includes traditional weatherization measures, smart thermostats, direct install measures, and outreach. TEP in conjunction with the Tucson Urban League continued the Energy Ease Plus pilot as a subprogram of the Energy Ease Program. TEP and Tucson Urban League identified a prescriptive weatherization model that was applied to each home and allows TEP to reach more customers at a lower cost. The Energy Ease Plus effort will not affect the current LIW program's funding.
In 2021, according to TEP, it achieved 250 MWh in energy savings, while spending $794,897 on its low-income program and serving 99 low-income customers.
Southwest Gas administers the LIEC Weatherization program for customers in the city of Tucson. This program includes general weatherization and energy efficiency measures. Water efficiency measures are also included in the program, and the program targets elderly households and people with disabilities. Southwest Gas partners with the Arizona Department of Housing on program delivery.
We were unable to confirm spending, savings, and customers served for Southwest Gas’s low-income programs in 2021.
Multifamily Programs
TEP offers the Multi-Family program, which targets multifamily properties with 5 or more dwelling units or more to install efficient lighting, low-flow faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, HVAC tune-up components including advanced tune-up, Western Cooling Controls, and duct testing and repair. Additionally, multifamily facility managers are encouraged to participate in the C&I facilities program, which promotes measure installations in common areas.
In 2019, according to TEP, it achieved 1,968 MWh in energy savings, while spending $438,584 on its multifamily program. Customer data was not available for 2019.
At this time, Southwest Gas does not offer programs targeted at multifamily properties.
Last Updated: September 2023
Provision of Energy Data by UtilitiesList All
Neither Tucson Electric Power Co. nor Southwest Gas provides building managers with automated benchmarking data through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for multitenant commercial or multifamily buildings. The City of Tucson does not provide community-wide energy usage data at the aggregate level for community planning or evaluation purposes. The City of Tucson 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: September 2023
Decarbonization and Climate Change Mitigation Efforts of Cities and Energy UtilitiesList All
Utility Climate Mitigation Goal
At this time, TEP does not have a carbon reduction goal in place.
City-Led Efforts to Decarbonize the Electric Grid
At this time, we cannot confirm if the city of Tucson 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.
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
Tucson has installed onsite renewable systems on city facilities. Currently, the city has 4.7 MW of solar power installed.
City Renewable Energy Incentive and Financing Programs
We could not find information on whether the city incentivizes the deployment of renewable energy systems.
Last Updated: September 2023
Efficiency Efforts in Water ServicesList All
Citywide Water Efficiency and Goals
The energy and water utilities do not offer joint energy and water efficiency programs. The City of Tucson follows the conservation target established by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). As of 2012, Tucson was on track to meeting its target. It also has a water plan that includes various ways to conserve water.
Water Plant Efficiency and Self-Generation
The water utility has not set specific energy efficiency targets or strategies. The city’s water system does not self-generate its own energy.
Last Updated: September 2023
Local Government Score:
2 out of 10 points
Local Government Climate and Energy Goals List All
Climate Change Mitigation Goal
We could not find any information regarding a municipal climate change mitigation or greenhouse gas reduction goal for Tucson.
Energy Reduction Goal
We could not find any information regarding a local energy reduction goal for Tucson.
Renewable Energy Goal
We could not find any information regarding a municipal renewable energy goal for Tucson.
Last updated: November 2023
Procurement and Construction Policies List All
Fleet Policies and Composition
Tucson's Sustainability Plan and other city policies outline the goals for the purchase and use of newer renewable fuels, as well as highly efficient vehicles and equipment. High-efficiency vehicles and alternative fuels are the preferred selections when operationally feasible. Tucson's municipal vehicle fleet is composed of 0.1% efficient vehicles, including hybrid and battery electric.
Public Lighting
Tucson, with Pima County, passed an Outdoor Lighting Code in 1994, which was updated in 2012 in partnership with the International Dark-Sky Association to reduce light pollution. This resulted in the conversion of outdoor lights to LEDs and dimming in areas of low foot traffic at night. We were unable to confirm the percentage of LED streetlights in Tucson. However, the city of Tucson participated in an experiment using smart city lighting to measure light pollution: a team of scientists conducted an experiment by changing the brightness of streetlights in Tucson and observing how bright the city appeared from space.
Inclusive procurement
While Tucson does not have inclusive procurement and contracting policies, they have good faith voluntary efforts to work with MWDBEs. Tucson has an ordinance on “Affirmative Action by City Contractors,” requiring that contractors submit annually a copy of the City of Tucson Employment Utilization Report, a completed Tucson Affirmative Action Questionnaire, and an affirmative action plan.
Last updated: February 2024
Asset Management List All
Building Benchmarking
We were unable to find information regarding Tucson’s benchmarking practices.
Comprehensive Retrofit Strategy
We were unable to find information regarding a comprehensive retrofit strategy in Tucson.
Municipal Employee Transportation Benefits
Tucson does not provide reduced-emission transportation benefits to municipal staff.
Last update: February 2024