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4.5 Energy
4.5.1 Introduction
This section describes the environmental and regulatory setting for energy. It also describes impacts
associated with energy that would result from implementation of the proposed project and
mitigation for significant impacts where feasible and appropriate. The detailed methodologies used
to assess the level of impacts related to energy are provided in Appendix B of this draft
environmental impact report (EIR).
4.5.2 Environmental Setting
Energy resources in the State of California include natural gas, electricity, water, wind, oil, coal,
solar, geothermal, and nuclear resources. Energy production and energy use both result in the
depletion of nonrenewable resources, such as oil, natural gas, and coal, and emissions of pollutants.
4.5.2.1 State Energy Resources and Use
California’s diverse portfolio of energy resources produced 2,536 trillion British thermal units
(BTUs)1 in 2017.2 Excluding offshore areas, the state ranked fourth in the nation in crude oil
production in 2017 (the most recent year for which data are available), producing the equivalent
of 996.4 trillion BTUs.3 The state ranked first in total renewable energy generation, with 1,115.3
trillion BTUs. Other energy sources in the state include natural gas (236.8 trillion BTUs), nuclear
(187.2 trillion BTUs), and biofuel (29.8 trillion BTUs).4,5,6 In addition, because of the mild
Mediterranean climate and strict conservation requirements for energy efficiency, California has
lower energy consumption rates than most parts of the United States. According to the U.S. Energy
Information Administration, California consumed approximately 7,881.3 trillion BTUs of energy in
2017.7 California’s per capita energy consumption of 200 million BTUs is one of the lowest in the
country and ranked 48th in the nation as of 2017.8
1 One BTU is the amount of energy required to heat 1 pound of water by 1°F at sea level. BTU is a standard unit of
energy that is used in the United States and is on the English system of units (foot-pound-second system).
2 U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2019a. Table P5B—Primary Energy Production Estimates, Renewable
and Total Energy, in Trillion BTU, Ranked by State, 2017. Available: https://www.eia.gov/state/seds/sep_prod/
pdf/P5B.pdf. Accessed: April 22, 2020.
3 US Energy Information Administration. 2019b. Table P5A—Primary Energy Production Estimates, Fossil Fuels and
Nuclear Energy, in Trillion BTU, Ranked by State, 2017. Available: https://www.eia.gov/state/seds/sep_prod/pdf/
P5A.pdf. Accessed: April 22, 2020.
4 No coal production occurs in California.
5 US Energy Information Administration. 2019a. Table P5B—Primary Energy Production Estimates, Renewable and
Total Energy, in Trillion BTU, Ranked by State, 2017.
6 US Energy Information Administration. 2019b. Table P5A—Primary Energy Production Estimates, Fossil Fuels
and Nuclear Energy, in Trillion BTU, Ranked by State, 2017.
7 US Energy Information Administration. 2019c. Table C10—Energy Consumption Estimates by End-Use Sector,
Ranked by State, 2017. Available: https://www.eia.gov/state/seds/sep_sum/html/rank_use.html. Accessed:
April 22, 2020.
8 US Energy Information Administration. 2019d. Table C13—Energy Consumption Estimates per Capita by End-Use
Sector, Ranked by State, 2017. Available: https://www.eia.gov/state/seds/data.php?incfile=/state/seds/
sep_sum/html/rank_use_capita. html&sid=US. Accessed: April 22, 2020.
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In 2017, natural gas accounted for the majority of energy consumption (2,190.6 trillion BTUs, or
28 percent), followed by gasoline (1,720.8 trillion BTUs or 22 percent); renewable energy, including
nuclear electric power, hydroelectric power, biomass, and other renewables (1,416.8 trillion BTUs, or
18 percent); distillates and jet fuel (1,270.3 trillion BTUs, or 16 percent); and interstate electricity
(659.4 trillion BTUs, or 8 percent), with the remaining 8 percent coming from a variety of other
sources.9 Of the natural gas consumed, commercial uses consumed approximately 11 percent,
followed by residential uses (20 percent) and industrial uses (36 percent), among many other uses.10
The transportation sector consumed the greatest quantity of energy (3,174.9 trillion BTUs, or
40.3 percent), followed by the industrial (1,817.8 trillion BTUs, or 23.1 percent), commercial
(1,473.1 trillion BTUs, or 18.7 percent), and residential (1,415.5 trillion BTUs, or 18 percent) sectors.11
Per capita energy consumption, in general, is declining because of improvements in energy efficiency
and designs. However, despite this reduction in per capita energy use, the state’s total overall energy
consumption (i.e., non-per capita energy consumption) is expected to grow over the next several
decades as a result of increases in population, jobs, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
4.5.2.2 Regional Energy Resources and Use
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) provides natural gas and electricity services to the vast majority of
Northern California, including the City of South San Francisco and the project site. PG&E’s service
extends from Eureka to Bakersfield (north to south) and from the Sierra Nevada to the Pacific Ocean
(east to west). PG&E purchases gas and power from a variety of sources, including other utility
companies. PG&E also obtains energy supplies from power plants and natural gas fields in Northern
California. PG&E operates a grid distribution system that channels all power produced at the various
generation sources into one large energy pool for distribution throughout the service territory. PG&E
provides all of the natural gas and electric infrastructure in South San Francisco. PG&E has two plan
options, known as Solar Choice options, in addition to its base plan, which gives customers the option
to purchase energy from solar resources. The first Solar Choice option provides up to 50 percent of a
customer’s energy from solar resources, while the other option provides up to 100 percent of
customer’s energy from solar resources. In addition, Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) is San Mateo
County’s official electricity provider. PCE’s power comes from a mix of various sources, including solar,
wind, geothermal, biomass and biowaste, and hydroelectric generation resources. PCE delivers power
to its customers via existing PG&E utility infrastructure.12 PCE allows customers to choose between
two different electricity product operations: ECOplus (50 percent renewable resources as electricity
sources) and ECO100 (100 percent renewable resources as electricity sources).13
9 US Energy Information Administration. 2020a. California State Energy Profile. Available:
https://www.eia.gov/state/print.php?sid=CA. Accessed: April 22, 2020.
10 US Energy Information Administration. 2020b. Natural Gas Consumption by End Use—California. Available:
https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_cons_sum_dcu_SCA_a.htm. Accessed: April 22, 2020.
11 US Energy Information Administration. 2019c. Table C10—Energy Consumption Estimates by End-Use Sector,
Ranked by State, 2017.
12 PCE charges each of its customers an electric delivery charge for maintenance of PG&E’s wires, infrastructure,
and delivery of electricity to customers.
13 Peninsula Clean Energy. 2020. What are My Rates? Available: https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/for-
businesses/. Accessed: July 23, 2020.
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In San Mateo County, a total of 209.7 million therms of natural gas were consumed in 2018 (the
most recent year for which data are available). In 2018, natural gas in San Mateo County was
consumed primarily by the residential sector (55 percent), followed by the non-residential sector
(45 percent).14 In 2018, San Mateo County consumed a total of 4,254.6 million kilowatts of
electricity. In San Mateo County, electricity was consumed primarily by the non-residential sector
(65 percent), followed by the residential sector (35 percent).15 Electricity usage for different land
uses varies substantially by the type of uses in a building, the types of construction materials used,
and the efficiency of the electricity-consuming devices. However, energy consumption in the City of
South San Francisco has generally decreased over recent years despite a growing population, as
shown in the 2010–2015 data in Table 4.5-2 (the most recent years for which data are available).16
Table 4.5-1 outlines PG&E’s and PCE’s power mix in 2018, compared to the power mix for the state,
and Table 4.5-2 outlines the City of South San Francisco’s electricity and natural gas consumption
from 2010 to 2015.
Table 4.5-1. PG&E, PCE, and the State of California Power Mix in 2018
Energy Resources
PG&E
Option:
Base
Plan
PG&E
Option:
50% Solar
Choice
PG&E
Option:
100% Solar
Choice
PCE
Option:
ECOplus
PCE
Option:
ECO100
California
Power
Mix 2018
Eligible Renewable: 39% 69% 100% 51% 100% 31%
Biomass and Waste 4% 2% 0% 5% 0% 2%
Geothermal 4% 2% 0% 2% 0% 5%
Small Hydroelectric 3% 1% 0% 5% 0% 2%
Solar 18% 59% 100% 7% 50% 11%
Wind 10% 5% 0% 33% 50% 11%
Coal 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 3%
Large Hydroelectric 13% 6% 0% 35% 0% 11%
Natural Gas 15% 7% 0% 0% 0% 35%
Nuclear 34% 17% 0% 0% 0% 9%
Other 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% < 1%
Unspecified1 0% 0% 0% 14% 0% 11%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Source: PG&E. 2019. Where Your Electricity Comes From. Available:
https://www.pge.com/pge_global/common/pdfs/your-account/your-bill/understand-your-bill/bill-
inserts/2019/1019-Power-Content-Label.pdf. Accessed: April 22, 2020.
PCE. 2019. 2018 Power Content Label. Available: https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/wp-
content/uploads/2019/10/PCE_EV-Incentive-Program-Postcard-Series_Final.pdf. Accessed: July 23, 2020.
a Electricity from transactions that are not traceable to specific generation sources are classified as unspecified
sources of power.
14 California Energy Commission. n.d. Gas Consumption by County—San Mateo County 2018. Available:
https://ecdms.energy.ca.gov/gasbycounty.aspx. Accessed: April 22, 2020.
15 California Energy Commission. n.d. Electricity Consumption by County—San Mateo County 2018. Available:
https://ecdms.energy.ca.gov/elecbycounty.aspx. Accessed: April 22, 2020.
16 County of San Mateo Datahub. 2019. South San Francisco Energy Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions,
Natural Gas Consumption Bar Graph 2. Available: https://datahub.smcgov.org/Environment/South-San-
Francisco-Energy-Contribution-to-Greenho/rsnt-9iwn. Accessed: April 21, 2020.
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Table 4.5-2. Electricity and Natural Gas Consumption in the City of South San Francisco, 2010–2015
Energy Resources Electricity (kWh) Natural Gas (therms)
2010
Residential 106,482,913 9,430,667
Commercial and Industrial 231,478,981 14,967,060
Total 337,961,894 24,397,727
2011
Residential 104,502,797 9,472,247
Commercial and Industrial 228,863,085 15,054,584
Total 333,365,882 24,526,831
2012
Residential 103,260,746 9,208,976
Commercial and Industrial 223,204,783 14,878,901
Total 326,465,529 24,087,877
2013
Residential 101,583,862 9,130,055
Commercial and Industrial 217,442,565 14,529,796
Total 319,026,427 23,659,851
2014
Residential 96,370,466 7,379,210
Commercial and Industrial 224,214,612 12,837,263
Total 320,585,078 20,216,473
2015
Residential 95,163,472 7,310,750
Commercial and Industrial 221,831,910 13,295,230
Total 316,995,382 20,605,980
Source: County of San Mateo Datahub. 2019. South San Francisco Energy Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions,
Natural Gas Consumption Bar Graph 2. Available: https://performance.smcgov.org/stories/s/pii5-fvmc. Accessed:
April 21, 2020.
kWh = kilowatt hour
4.5.2.3 Project Site Energy Resources and Use
The project site includes a six-story, approximately 170,235-square-foot office building at
701 Gateway Boulevard and surface parking lots. Table 4.5-3 provides the existing energy usage at
the project site.
As stated previously, PG&E provides natural gas and electricity to the City of South San Francisco,
and therefore the project site, through its right-of-way electric and natural gas lines. The project
site is served by existing natural gas and electric infrastructure provided by PG&E. Underground
electric lines are located in the eastern portion of the north surface parking lot, and a 4-inch natural
gas main is located in Gateway Boulevard.
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Table 4.5-3. Existing Energy Consumption at the Project Site
Energy Existing Usage
Electricity 1,753,936 kWh/year
Natural Gas 44,677 therm/year
Gasoline 243,226 gallons/year
Diesel 28,680 gallons/year
Source: See Appendix B of this draft EIR for CalEEMod outputs.
kWh = kilowatt hour
4.5.3 Regulatory Framework
4.5.3.1 Federal
As discussed in Sections 4.2, Air Quality, and 4.7, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, of this draft EIR, the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets the Corporate Average Fuel Economy
(CAFÉ) standards to improve average fuel economy (i.e., reduce fuel consumption) and reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by cars and light-duty trucks. NHTSA and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have proposed amendments to the current fuel efficiency
standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks and new standards for model years 2021 through
2026. Under the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule, current 2020 standards would
be maintained through 2026. California, 22 other states, the District of Columbia, and two cities filed
suit against the proposed action on September 20, 2019 (California et al. v. United States Department of
Transportation et al., 1:19-cv-02826, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia). The lawsuit
requests a “permanent injunction prohibiting defendants from implementing or relying on the
preemption regulation” but does not stay its implementation during legal deliberations. Part 1 of the
SAFE Vehicles Rule went into effect on November 26, 2019.
4.5.3.2 State
California has adopted statewide legislation to address various aspects of climate change and
greenhouse gases, which often pertain directly or indirectly to energy resources and uses. This
section is focused on State legislation that specifically mentions energy use or resources. For other
State legislation mainly focused on greenhouse gas reduction and climate change, refer to Section
4.7, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, of this draft EIR.
Assembly Bill 1493, Pavley Rules (2002, amendments 2009)/Advanced Clean Cars (2011)
Known as Pavley I, Assembly Bill (AB) 1493 provided the nation’s first GHG standards for
automobiles. AB 1493 required the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to adopt vehicle
standards to lower GHG emissions from automobiles and light-duty trucks to the maximum extent
feasible beginning in 2009. In 2012, strengthening of the Pavley standards (referred to previously as
Pavley II but now referred to as the Advanced Clean Cars measures) was adopted for vehicle model
years 2017 through 2025. Together, the two standards are expected to increase average fuel
economy to roughly 54.5 miles per gallon in 2025. The increase in fuel economy will help lower the
demand for fossil fuels.
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California Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings—
California Green Building Standards Code (2011), Title 24 Updates
The California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11, Title 24), or CALGreen, was adopted as part of
the California Building Standards Code (24 California Code of Regulations). CALGreen applies to the
planning, design, operation, construction, use, and occupancy of newly constructed buildings and
requires energy- and water-efficient indoor infrastructure to be installed at all new projects beginning
January 1, 2011. CALGreen also requires newly constructed building to develop a waste management
plan and divert at least 50 percent of the construction materials generated during project construction.
The current 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards were adopted in 2019 and took effect on
January 1, 2020. Under the 2019 standards, homes will use about 53 percent less energy than homes
constructed under the 2016 standards, while nonresidential buildings will use about 30 percent less
energy. Later standards are expected to require zero net energy for new commercial buildings.
Executive Order B-16-12 (2012)
Executive Order (EO) B-16-12 orders state entities under the direction of the governor, including
CARB, the California Energy Commission (CEC), and the California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC), to support rapid commercialization of zero-emission vehicles. It directs these entities to
achieve various benchmarks related to zero-emission vehicles.
Senate Bill 350, Chapter 547, Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015
Senate Bill (SB) 350 (DeLeon), also known as the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015,
was approved by California legislature in September 2015 and signed by Governor Brown in
October 2015. Its key provisions require the following by 2030: (1) a Renewables Portfolio Standard
(RPS)17 of 50 percent and (2) doubling of the statewide energy efficiency savings related to natural
gas and electricity end uses. In order to meet these provisions, the bill requires large utilities to
develop and submit integrated resource plans that detail how the utilities will reduce GHG
emissions and increase the use of clean energy resources while meeting customers’ needs.
Senate Bill 100—The 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 (2018)
SB 100 builds on SB 350, the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015. SB 100 increases
the 2030 RPS target set in SB 350 to 60 percent and requires an RPS of 100 percent by 2045.
4.5.3.3 Regional
PG&E Integrated Resource Plan
PG&E adopted the 2018 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) on August 1, 2018, to provide guidance for
serving the electricity and natural gas needs of residents and businesses within its service area
while fulfilling regulatory requirements. The IRP contains the following objectives that are relevant
to the proposed project:
17 The RPS is one of California’s key programs for promoting renewable energy use within the state. The program
sets forth continuous procurement of renewable energy for load-serving entities within California (California
Energy Commission 2020).
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l Clean Energy: In 2017, PG&E delivered nearly 80 percent of its electricity from GHG-free
resources and 33 percent of its electricity from RPS-eligible renewable resources, such as
solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and small hydro.
l Reliability: PG&E’s IRP analysis includes PG&E’s contribution to system and local reliability,
in compliance with the CPUC’s resource adequacy requirements.
l Affordability: PG&E’s IRP analysis selects resources to meet the state’s clean energy and
reliability goals and provides a system average rate forecast in compliance with the CPUC’s
requirements for investor-owned utilities.
PCE 2018 Integrated Resource Plan
Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) is a community choice energy program that serves the entirety of San
Mateo County, including the City of South San Francisco. PCE adopted the 2018 IRP on December 14,
2017 to provide guidance for serving the electricity needs of the residents and businesses in the
County, all while fulfilling regulatory requirements over a 10-year period form 2018-2027. The plan
contains the following strategic goals that are relevant to the proposed project:
l Design a diverse power portfolio that is greenhouse gas free
¡ 100 percent GHG free by 2021
¡ 100 percent RPS-eligible renewable energy by 2025
¡ Minimum of 20 MWs of new local power by 2025
l Stimulate development of new renewable energy projects and clean-tech innovation in San
Mateo County and California through PCE’s procurement activities
l Implement programs to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by investing in programs such
as local clean power production, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and demand response, and
partnering effectively with local businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations
PCE meets its renewable energy requirements with a combination of RPS-eligible energy products.
According to PCE’s 2018 IRP, PCE procured enough renewable energy to meet a 50 percent
voluntary target as of 2017. The proportion of PCE’s resource mix that is sourced from bundled
renewable energy products will significantly increase as PCE transitions toward 100 percent
renewable energy content in 2025. Based on targeted renewable energy percentages, PCE intends to
significantly outpace California’s annual RPS procurement mandates throughout the 2018-2027
planning period.
4.5.3.4 Local
South San Francisco General Plan
The City of South San Francisco (City) 1999 General Plan provides a vision for long-range physical
and economic development of the City, provides strategies and specific implementing actions, and
establishes a basis for judging whether specific development proposals and public projects are
consistent with the City’s plans and policy standards. The City General Plan contains an Open
Space and Conservation Element, which outlines policies related to habitat and biological
resources, water quality, air quality, GHG emissions, and historic and cultural resources. The City
General Plan includes the following policies that are applicable to energy:
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l Guiding Policy 7.3-G-3: Reduce energy use in the built environment.
l Guiding Policy 7.3-G-4: Encourage land use and transportation strategies that promote the
use of alternatives to the automobile for transportation, including bicycling, bus transit, and
carpooling.
l Guiding Policy 7.3-G-5: Promote clean and alternative-fuel combustion in mobile equipment
and vehicles.
l Implementing Policy 7.3-I-9: Promote land uses that facilitate alternative transit use,
including high-density housing, mixed uses, and affordable housing served by alternative
transit infrastructure.
l Implementing Policy 7.3-I-10: Facilitate energy efficiency in building regulations and
streamlined review processes, providing flexibility to achieve specified energy performance
levels and requiring energy efficiency measures as appropriate.
l Implementing Policy 7.3-I-13: Encourage efficient, clean energy and fuel use through
collaborative programs, award programs, and incentives while removing barriers to the
expansion of alternative-fuel facilities and infrastructure.
l Implementing Policy 7.3-I-14: Ensure that design guidelines and standards support operation
of alternative-fuel facilities, vehicles, and equipment.
Climate Action Plan
The City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), adopted in 2014, includes goals, policies, and strategies to
reduce the City’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in compliance with AB 32 and SB 375. GHG
reduction strategies identified in the CAP include a development checklist to identify applicable
plan measures for discretionary projects. The City’s CAP was adopted with the purpose of
reducing GHGs community wide to achieve a reduction target of 15 percent below 2005 emission
levels by 2020. The City has identified GHG reduction measures in the transportation, energy,
waste, water and wastewater, and land use sectors, coupled with state and exiting local actions,
to reduce GHG emissions. GHG emissions largely involve energy consumption, (i.e., fossil-fuel
usage); therefore, a reduction in GHG emissions would also equate to a reduction in energy
consumption.
The following GHG reduction measures are applicable to energy:18
l Measure 1.1: Expand active transportation alternatives by providing infrastructure and
enhancing connectivity for bicycle and pedestrian access.
l Measure 2.1: Expand the use of alternative-fuel vehicles, in part, by requiring large-scale
nonresidential developments to provide a conduit for future electric-vehicle charging
installations and encouraging the installation of conduits or electric-vehicle charging stations
for all new development.
l Measure 3.1: Maximize energy efficiency in the built environment through standards and the
plan review process.
18 City of South San Francisco. 2014. City of South San Francisco Climate Action Plan. Adopted: February 13.
Available: https://www.ssf.net/home/showdocument?id=1318. Accessed: April 22, 2020
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l Measure 4.1: Promote the installation of alternative energy facilities, in part by (i) requiring
new nonresidential conditioned space of 5,000 square feet or more to meet energy reduction
standards by providing a minimum of 50 percent of building electricity needs through on-site
renewable energy, participating in a power purchase agreement to offset a minimum of 50
percent of modeled building electricity use, or complying with CALGreen (Title 24) Tier 2
energy efficiency requirements to exceed mandatory energy efficiency requirements by
20 percent or more and (ii) requiring all new development to install a conduit to
accommodate wiring for solar.
The City’s CAP is currently being updated, as part of the General Plan Update process. The 2014
CAP remains active until completion and adoption of the new CAP.
Gateway Specific Plan
The Gateway Specific Plan covers the portion of the East of 101 Area Plan from east of the Caltrain
tracks to the eastern boundary of the parcels along the east side of Gateway Boulevard and the
area between Oyster Point Boulevard and Grand Avenue on the northern and southern
boundaries. The Specific Plan is “intended to provide for various commercial and research and
development land uses integrated by consistent development standards.” The Gateway Specific
Plan includes the following construction standard applicable to energy:
• Construction Standard 1(d): Energy Conservation. All Buildings shall be designed, insulated
and lighted in accordance with applicable federal and state energy conservation laws and
regulations.
East of 101 Area Plan
The East of 101 Area Plan, which was adopted in 1994 and most recently amended in 2016, sets
forth specific land use policies for the East of 101 Area. The City interprets the East of 101 Area Plan
as a design-level document. Per Policy IM-5, the Gateway Specific Plan is not affected by the land use
regulations of the East of 101 Area Plan. Therefore, the policies in the General Plan Open Space and
Conservation Element are the guiding policies and supersede policies set forth in the East of 101 Area
Plan. Nonetheless, the East of 101 Area Plan contains the following goals and policies applicable to
energy:
l Goal 2.5: Encourage and support transportation modes other than single-occupancy
automobiles, including ride sharing, bicycling, walking, and transit.
l Goal 2.6: Promote the use of public transit to and within the East of 101 Area.
l Policy CIR-7: All new developments shall contain facilities to support transit, provided by both
public and private means.
l Policy CIR-8: The City of South San Francisco and the employers of the area shall work with the
Multi-City TSM Agency, or any other applicable transportation management agencies, to
increase shuttle bus service and usage.
l Policy CIR-13: All new developments of 25,000 square feet or more of gross building floor area
and projected to accommodate 30 or more full-time equivalent employees, should include
showers, locker rooms, and secure parking areas to support the use of bicycles.
l Goal 3.4: Promote water and energy conservation in all new development.
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4.5.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
4.5.4.1 Significance Criteria
Based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project would have a significant energy
impact if it would:
l Result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or
unnecessary consumption of energy resources during project construction or operation; or
l Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency.
4.5.4.2 Approach to Analysis
Energy impacts associated with construction and operation of the proposed project were assessed
and quantified where applicable using standard and accepted software tools and techniques. A
summary of the methodology for calculating the project’s energy use is provided below.
Appendix F of the State CEQA Guidelines provides guidance on determining whether a project would
result in the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources. As stated in
Appendix F, the goal of conserving energy implies the wise and efficient use of energy. The means
for achieving this goal include:
l Decreasing overall per capita energy consumption;
l Decreasing reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil; and
l Increasing reliance on renewable energy sources.
Based on Appendix F, environmental considerations in the assessment of energy consumption
impacts may include the following:
l The project’s energy requirements and its energy efficiency by amount and fuel type for each
stage of the project, including construction, operation, maintenance, and/or removal. If
appropriate, the energy intensiveness of materials may be discussed.
l The effects of the project on local and regional energy supplies and requirements for additional
capacity.
l The effects of the project on peak- and base-period demands for electricity and other forms of
energy.
l The degree to which the project complies with existing energy standards.
l The effects of the project on energy resources.
l The project’s forecast transportation energy use requirements and its overall use of efficient
transportation alternatives.
Project Construction
Construction of the project would require energy usage, such as electricity for mobile offices and
fuel for off-road equipment, haul trucks, vendor trips, and workers’ trips. The construction schedule,
equipment operating details, trip numbers and lengths, and material quantities were provided by the
project sponsor. In addition, information regarding total electricity usage during project construction
was provided by the project sponsor. Fuel usage was quantified using the construction emissions
profile generated by the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod), version 2016.3.2. The
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number of metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) associated with each construction
activity (e.g., off-road equipment usage, worker trips) was converted to gallons of diesel or gasoline
and summed accordingly, assuming all off-road activities, hauling, and vendor activities would be
carried out with use of diesel equipment and vehicles and that all workers would use gasoline
vehicles while traveling to and from the project site. For ease of comparison across all energy
consumption amounts, gallons of diesel and gasoline was converted to BTUs, assuming an energy
intensity of 124,000 BTUs per gallon of gasoline and 139,000 BTU per gallon of diesel.19 The
CalEEMod output files and fuel-use calculations are provided in Appendix B of this draft EIR.
Project Operation
Traffic data for the proposed project was provided by Fehr & Peers and evaluated using CARB’s
EMFAC2017 emissions model (version 1.02). The data were used to estimate energy consumption
for motor vehicles traveling to and from the project site.20 Because the office building at 701
Gateway Boulevard would remain on the site, operational mobile energy consumption associated
with the existing building was estimated and presented under existing (2019) and future
conditions (2021).21
To determine the energy consumption from mobile sources (i.e., from vehicle movement/travel), the
number of employees on the project site and a VMT per capita conversion factor, both provided by
Fehr & Peers, were used to estimate total VMT with and without the project. The number of daily
employee trips assumes an alternate mode share (AMS) of 26 percent consistent with the
City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) model and analysis for other
similar projects within the City and the region. Fuel use was quantified by multiplying annual VMT
under existing (2019) and with-project (2021) conditions as well as the respective per mile gasoline
and diesel factors provided by EMFAC2017. The EMFAC0217 fuel factors and traffic data used in this
analysis are provided in Appendix B of this draft EIR.
Energy consumption associated with the project site includes the combustion of natural gas and
electricity usage, including the electricity used to convey water to the project site. Similar to mobile-
source consumption, because the office building at 701 Gateway Boulevard would remain on the
site, energy consumption associated with the existing building was estimated and presented under
existing (2019) and future (2021) conditions. Water consumption numbers for the existing office
building at 701 Gateway Boulevard and anticipated water consumption for the building were
provided by the project sponsor. Per the project applicant, the existing parking lot at 751 Gateway
Boulevard has no associated energy or water consumption.22 A detailed discussion of existing and
proposed water consumption is provided in Section 4.10, Less-than-Significant Impacts, Subsection
4.10.11, Utilities, of this draft EIR. Annual energy consumption at 751 Gateway was estimated using
CalEEMod under future (2021) conditions. Energy associated with water conveyance was estimated
19 Environment and Ecology. 2020. Energy Units and Calculators. Available: http://environment-
ecology.com/what-is-energy/90-energy-units-and-calculators.html. Accessed: April 17, 2020.
20 Hawkins, Mike. Fehr & Peers. March 13, 2020—email to Jessica Viramontes: 751 Gateway Updated
Transportation Materials.
21 There are no emission sources associated with the existing surface parking lot; therefore, there are no
emissions associated with the lot under the existing condition. Emissions presented for the existing condition
represent those from the office building at 701 Gateway Boulevard.
22 Muchow, Chase. RMW Architecture & Interiors. March 2, 2020—email to Jessica Viramontes: 751 Gateway –
Priority 1 and 2 Follow-Up.
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using CalEEMod and added to the energy usage of the respective components. The 2021 modeling
reflects implementation of state measures to reduce energy use and resulting GHG emissions
(e.g., SB 100, Pavley). Quantifiable features, consistent with the proposed project, including low-flow
fixtures, were incorporated into the CalEEMod model. The CalEEMod output files are provided in
Appendix B of this draft EIR.
For ease of comparison, electricity consumption was converted to BTUs, assuming an energy intensity
of 3,416 BTU per kilowatt hour.23 Natural gas consumption is presented in CalEEMod in the million
BTU (mBTU) format. In addition, gallons of diesel and gasoline was converted to BTUs, assuming an
energy intensity of 124,000 BTU per gallon of gasoline and 139,000 BTU per gallon of diesel.24
4.5.4.3 Impact Evaluation
Impact EN-1: The proposed project would not result in a potentially significant
environmental impact due to the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy
resources during project construction or operation. (Less than Significant with Mitigation)
Construction
Construction activities for the project would include demolition of a surface parking lot, tree
removal, construction of a new office building, various site improvements, and utility installations.
Construction-related energy usage would include the electricity needed to power electric
construction equipment or deliver water to the construction site, the gasoline and diesel fuel used
for transporting workers and materials to and from the construction site, and the fuel used for the
operation of off-road equipment. Construction-related energy usage and consumption would vary
throughout the course of project buildout and depend on the level of activity, the length of the
construction period, the specific construction operations, the types of equipment, and the number of
personnel, which could result in a significant energy impact if best management practices (BMPs)
are not implemented. The estimated construction-related energy consumption for the project is
provided in Table 4.5-4. As shown, project construction would consume approximately 18,502.5
million BTUs over the approximately 18-month construction period.
Table 4.5-4. Estimated Construction Energy Consumption from the Project (Million BTUs)
Construction Year Electricity Gasoline Diesel Total by Year
2020 177.4 414.9 11,036.6 11,628.9
2021 177.4 2,326.5 4,369.7 6,873.6
Total by Resource 354.8 2,741.4 15,406.3 18,502.5
Source: See Appendix B of this draft EIR for CalEEMod model outputs and construction energy
calculations.
23 Environment and Ecology. 2020. Energy Units and Calculators. Available: http://environment-
ecology.com/what-is-energy/90-energy-units-and-calculators.html. Accessed: April 17, 2020.
24 Ibid.
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Mitigation Measure GHG-1, Require Implementation of BAAQMD-recommended Construction BMPs,
would be implemented to reduce the amount of fossil fuel consumed during construction activities,
such as ensuring that 15 percent of the construction vehicles/equipment fleet utilize alternative fuel
(e.g., biodiesel or electricity). It would also reduce the energy intensiveness associated with new
building materials and discarded construction and demolition waste by requiring construction
contractors to implement the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s recommended BMPs—
specifically, those associated with alternative fuel and recycling. Consequently, project construction
would not result in the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, and
this impact would be less than significant with mitigation.
Operation
Operation of the proposed project would result in the consumption of electricity, natural gas, diesel,
and gasoline (e.g., for emergency generator testing, heating, cooling, landscape maintenance).
Operational energy consumption was evaluated under existing-year (2019) and buildout-year
(2021) conditions. The analysis considers implementation of quantifiable measures to reduce
energy usage (e.g., SB 100) as well as the benefits achieved through quantifiable sustainability
measures, including the use of green consumer products, such as low-flow fixtures, which are
incorporated into the project design. Table 4.5-5 presents the results of the operational energy
analysis (expressed in terms of million BTU, or mBTU). The project’s net energy consumption is the
difference in operational energy consumption between 2021 with-project conditions and existing
(2019) conditions at the project site.
As shown in Table 4.5-5, below, buildout of the project would increase operational energy
consumption on the project site by approximately 73,712 million BTUs compared with existing
conditions. Energy use per square foot would increase slightly to 0.31 million BTU per square foot
compared with the existing condition, 0.26 million BTU per square foot, despite the increase in
building area (i.e., more than double). This comparatively small increase in energy usage per square
foot is attributable to the energy efficiency measures to be incorporated into the project, which are
described below.
The project would install Energy Star appliances, provide electric-vehicle parking spaces, and
qualify for United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) Gold certification. It would also meet South San Francisco Municipal Code and CALGreen
building requirements as well as the International WELL and Fitwel B uilding Institute
Standards.25,26 Although the proposed project would allow for the use of natural gas appliances
and heaters, all units would meet high-efficiency standards, thereby limiting the amount of
natural gas consumed to the greatest extent possible. In addition, the proposed project would
also incorporate solar-ready rooftop connectivity for future installation
25 The proposed project would be designed to meet WELL tenant-ready standards but may not formally certify.
The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based building standard for measuring and monitoring features
within the built environment that may affect human health through air, water, light, and other concepts. The
standards provide ways for buildings to be designed to improve human comfort and enhance health and
wellness within the built environment.
26 The Fitwel Standard includes evidence-based design and operational strategies that enhance a building’s
environment for its occupants. The Fitwel Standard has seven health impact categories for evaluating a building,
including, but not limited to, access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, and promotion of
occupant safety.
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Table 4.5-5. Estimated Operational Energy Consumption of the Proposed Project
Condition/Source Million BTU/Year
Existing (2019)
701 Gateway (existing office building) and 751 Gateway (existing parking lot)
Electricity 5,985
Natural Gas 4,467
Mobile – gasoline 30,160
Mobile – diesel 3,986
Totala 44,598
4.5.4.4 Proposed Project (2021)
701 Gateway Boulevard (existing office building)
Electricity 5,985
Natural Gas 4,467
Mobile – gasoline 28,532
Mobile – diesel 4,101
751 Gateway Boulevard (proposed R&D and office building)
Electricity 18,764
Natural Gas 3,451
Mobile – gasoline 46,349
Mobile – diesel 6,661
Totala 118,310
Net Increase with Proposed Project
4.5.4.5 2021 v. Existing 73,712
Energy per Square Foot (mBTU/SF)
Existing (2019) 0.26
2021 with Proposed Project 0.31
Source: See Appendix B of this draft EIR for CalEEMod model outputs and mobile emissions calculations.
Note: The energy consumption amounts provided in the table reflect implementation of quantifiable state measures to
reduce energy consumption (e.g., SB 100).
a Totals may not add up because of rounding.
mBTU/SF = million BTUs per square foot
of photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, the project would implement a robust transportation
demand management program that would encourage alternatives mode of transportation to
reduce single-occupant vehicle use as well as fuel consumption. This program would include, but
would not be limited to, carpool and vanpool ride-matching services, a shuttle program, short-
and long-term bicycle parking, free parking for carpools and vanpools, a guaranteed ride home
for emergency situations, a direct route to transit, showers and lockers, a designated employer
contact, information boards and kiosks, passenger loading zones, pedestrian connections,
Transportation Management Association participation, and promotional programs, such as
orientation packets for new tenants and employees regarding transportation alternatives, which
reduce VMT and, consequently, the amount of energy (i.e., gasoline and diesel) consumed.
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Based on the above analysis, operation of the project would not result in the wasteful, inefficient,
or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, and this impact would be less than
significant. No mitigation is required. Although not required to support a less-than-significant
determination or quantified for the purposes of this analysis, implementation of Mitigation
Measure TR-1, as discussed in Section 4.9, Transportation and Circulation, of this draft EIR, would
fund the project’s fair share towards design and construction of off-site improvements to reduce
the number of vehicle trips, which would reduce the project’s annual gasoline and diesel usage.
The improvements would require City acquisition of private right-of-way and funding from other
sources. Should the improvements recommended in Mitigation Measure TR-1 be implemented,
the project’s energy usage is anticipated to be less than the amount presented in Table 4.5-5,
above.
Impact EN-2: The proposed project would not conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan
for renewable energy or energy efficiency. (Less than Significant)
State and local renewable energy and energy efficiency plans that are applicable to the proposed
project are discussed above under Regulatory Framework. State plans include the AB 1493 Pavley
Rules, California Title 24 energy efficiency standards, EO B-16-12, SB 350, and SB 100. Each of
these contains required standards related to energy efficiency and renewable energy
development. Local plans that address energy efficiency and are designed to achieve the state’s
RPS mandates include PG&E’s and PCE’s 2018 IRPs and the City’s CAP. The City’s General Plan
and East of 101 Area Plan also include goals and policies related to energy use and energy
reductions.
As discussed above under Impact EN-1, the project would incorporate sustainability and
transportation features. Furthermore, energy use by square foot would increase only slightly
compared to existing conditions, despite the increase in building area that would occur (more than
double). The proposed project would install Energy Star appliances and qualify for United States
Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification
and meet the International WELL and Fitwel Building Institute Standards. In addition, any natural
gas appliance or heater installed as a result of the project would meet high-efficiency energy
standards, and electric-vehicle parking spaces would be provided on-site. Furthermore, the
proposed project would incorporate solar-ready rooftop connectivity for future installation of
photovoltaic panels.
The project would be required to comply with state and local renewable energy and energy
efficiency plans. As a result, it would benefit from renewable energy development and increases in
energy efficiency. Energy usage from increases in VMT and the number of average daily trips in the
area is expected to become more efficient under regulations included in Pavley and EO B-16-12,
which address average fuel economy and commercialization of zero-emission vehicles, respectively.
Building energy efficiency is also expected to increase as a result of compliance with Title 24
building codes, which are expected to move toward zero net energy for new construction and
100 percent renewable energy under SB 350 and SB 100 regulations. With implementation of the
project, PG&E and PCE would continue to pursue the procurement of renewable energy sources to
meet their RPS portfolio goals and comply with state regulations. Therefore, the proposed project
would not conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency,
and the impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
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4.5.4.4 Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative geographic context for energy is the service area of PG&E (i.e., electric and natural gas
service area), which comprises the larger Northern California area and includes the PCE service area.
Impact C-EN-1: The proposed project in combination with past, present, and reasonably
foreseeable projects would not result in the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption
of energy resources during construction or operation. (Less than Significant)
Continued growth throughout PG&E’s service area could contribute to ongoing increases in demand
for electricity and natural gas. These anticipated increases would be countered, in part, as state and
local requirements related to renewable energy become more stringent and energy efficiency
increases. The extent to which cumulative development through 2021, the project’s buildout year,
could result in the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources would
depend on the specific characteristics of new development, which are not known at this time. As
discussed previously, SB 100 obligates utilities to supply 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045;
PG&E reached California’s 2020 renewable energy goal 3 years ahead of schedule and is currently
projected to meet the new SB 100 goal that calls for 60 percent renewable energy by 2030, also ahead
of schedule. Similarly, the Pavley standards are expected to increase average fuel economy to roughly
54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, thereby lowering the demand or fossil fuels. Therefore, it is anticipated
that future energy users will become more efficient and less wasteful over time.
The proposed project would be completed in 2021. Buildout of the proposed project would increase
operational energy consumption on the project site by 73,710 million BTUs compared to existing
conditions. However, energy use per square foot would increase only slightly to 0.31 million BTU per
square foot from 0.26 million BTU per square foot, despite more than doubling the building area,
because of the energy efficiency of the future building and vehicles, which would be subject to
increasingly robust regulations over time to meet the state’s renewable energy mandates. As discussed
above in the impact analysis, the proposed project would install Energy Star appliances, incorporate
high-efficiency natural gas appliances, qualify for United States Green Building Council LEED Gold
certification standards, and meet South San Francisco Municipal Code and CALGreen building
requirements.
Similar to the proposed project, the cumulative projects would most likely include features that would
reduce energy consumption and increase renewable energy generation. For these reasons, the
proposed project in combination with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects would
not result in a significant cumulative impact related to the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources. The cumulative impact would be less than significant. No
mitigation is required.
Impact C-EN-2: The proposed project in combination with past, present, and reasonably
foreseeable projects would not conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable
energy or energy efficiency. (Less than Significant)
Similar to the proposed project, the cumulative projects would be required to comply with all adopted
state and local renewable energy and energy efficiency regulations and plans. Therefore, the proposed
project in combination with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects would not result
in a significant cumulative impact related to conflicting with or obstructing a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency. The cumulative impact would be less than significant. No
mitigation is required.