Reduce Your Home’s Footprint

Less emissions, lower bills, improved comfort

In Marin County, housing contributes 31% of greenhouse gas emissions. By upgrading to renewable energy and electrifying your home, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact while saving money.

A house with solar panels on its roof.

Steps to Green Your Home

Greening your home reduces energy use, cuts carbon emissions, and saves money. Start with proper insulation to prevent energy loss and lower bills. Upgrade to heat pumps for eco-friendly space and water heating, with rebates making them affordable. Replace gas stoves with induction cooktops for cleaner, safer cooking and reduced emissions.

Solar panels and home batteries enhance sustainability and energy independence. Solar reduces reliance on grid electricity, with tax credits and quick payback periods making them worthwhile. Batteries store excess energy for use during outages and ensure reliability during power shut-offs. Upgrading creates a more sustainable, resilient home.

    • Prevent heat and energy loss to improve efficiency

    • In addition to insulating, remediate drafty homes by sealing doors, windows, outlets, and any openings that lets outside air in

    • Replace gas heaters with heat pump space heaters (rebate: up to $4,500)

    • Replace gas water heaters with heat pump water heaters (rebate: up to $2,000)

    • Replace your gas range with an electric range

    • Induction ranges are the most energy efficient and qualify for rebates up to $500

    • Typical payback: 7–10 years

    • Example: Gail installed a 5kW system for $15,000, received a $4,500 federal tax credit, and saves $1,400 annually. Reduces CO2 emissions by 5,500 lbs/year.

    • Useful during Public Safety Power Shut-offs (PSPS)

      • Example: Shawn installed a 7.8kW solar system with a Tesla Powerwall, saving $2,500 annually and storing 13.5kWh for outages.

    • Lower your PGE electric bill through cost-shifting:  Batteries store electricity from your solar panels. Then use this free stored power during peak demand times (3pm to midnight) when electricity costs are higher. This works if you have Time of Use (TOU) billing.

  • Upgrade to solar panels, install home batteries, and replace gas appliances with electric alternatives.

Electric Vehicles at an Expo event at Toby's Feed Barn in Point Reyes Station in West Marin

Green Your Transportation

Transportation accounts for 54% of Marin’s greenhouse gas emissions. Greening your transport by walking, biking, switching to EVs, and supporting public transit can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

Discover how you can make a difference.

Take Action

Actions You can Take for a Green Home