Climate Action Plan

Approximately 38 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Las Cruces come from using electricity and natural gas in commercial and residential buildings. Building greenhouse gas emissions are reduced when occupants practice energy efficiency and use renewable energy. Targets for this sector include:

• Decarbonize energy in buildings by 6 percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2050.
• Expand residential energy efficiency programs by 18 percent by 2030 and 65 percent by 2050.
• Reduce commercial building energy use by 30 percent by 2030 and 75 percent by 2050.
• Reduce energy usage in municipal buildings through efficiency and demand management by 25 percent by 2030 and 75 percent by 2050. 
  
  • Las Cruces Commercial Base Code
  • Las Cruces Commercial Stretch Code
  • Las Cruces Residential Base Code
  • Las Cruces Residential Stretch Code

MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about the myths and facts about the cost of electric versus gas, air-source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction stoves, impacts on the electric grid, and social equity read: It’s Time to Transition to Clean Electric Buildings.

If you would like a handout on how to select an electric appliance that qualifies for rebates or tax credits, contact [email protected]. We have information on duct or ductless air-source heat pump, heat pump water heaters, heat pump dryers, and induction stoves.

• NM Sustainable Building Tax Credit
• El Paso Electric Energy Efficiency Page

Renewable energy whether solar, wind, biogas are a few the ways this area can transition to a sustainable supply of electricity in all sectors. The City received SolSmart Gold Certification for its excellent service, especially in inspections. Targets for this sector include:

• Increasing renewable energy adoption especially in low- and moderate-income households by 12 percent by 2030 and 28 percent by 2050.
• Almost 25% of the city’s electricity will come from on-site solar installations by 2021.

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• Las Cruces Permitting Requirements for Solar Installations 
• How to Go Solar  (general information) 

This time-lapse video shows how solar has grown in Las Cruces. As of June 2019, there were almost 1400 PV installations. Including the City government’s installations, there is more than 8 MW’s of clean solar energy generated by the government, businesses, and residents of Las Cruces. 

About 7 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Las Cruces come from solid waste. Adopting strategies such as composting helps to increase waste minimization. Targets for this sector include:

• Incentivize waste minimization by 25 percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2050.

MORE INFORMATION

• Composting