Municipal Energy Projects | City of Tempe, AZ

What is Tempe doing to reach its Municipal Carbon Neutrality Goal?

75% of Tempe Municipal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from purchased electricity to operate municipal buildings and facilities, water and wastewater treatment facilities, and streetlights and traffic signals. 24% of Tempe’s GHG emissions come from Transportation which includes the city’s Municipal (work trucks and cars) and Transit fleets.

To reduce GHG emissions related to the purchase and usage of electricity for municipal buildings and facilities, the City of Tempe is investing in renewable energy, adopting green construction codes and guidelines, and investing in energy efficiency upgrades in city buildings.

To reduce GHG emissions related to the transportation, the City of Tempe is transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles and has developed a Zero Emission Public Transit Fleet Transition Plan (ZEFT).

Additionally, the City of Tempe continues to offer public transportation options that allow residents to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. You can learn more how to reduce your transportation emissions on the Sustainable Transportation Resources page.

The City of Tempe is progressing towards its municipal carbon neutrality goal through the installations of solar sites and investment in utility clean energy programs.

Solar Sites & Sizes

The City of Tempe has 10 solar sites, 8 of which are though Tesla Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The energy generated from the 10 solar sites accounts for roughly 10% of the total City of Tempe Municipal energy usage.

Solar Sites and Sizes:

Johnny G. Martinez – 1200 kW (30% of building usage)

Tempe Public Library – 560 kW (71% of building usage)

History Museum – 240 kW (94% of building usage)

South Water Treatment Plan – 924 kW (12% of building usage)

East Valley Bus Operations and Maintenance & Guard shack– 537 kW (45% of building usage)

Kiwanis Recreation Center – 372 kW (56% of building usage)

Tempe Police Courts – 265 kW

Fire Station 2 – 66 kW (Online 2026)

Fire Station 7 – 21 kW (44% of building usage)

Renewable Energy Credits

To reach Tempe’s municipal carbon neutrality goals, Tempe has partnered with SRP and APS to purchase renewable energy. The numbers below are based on 2024 municipal energy usage and program enrollment.

APS – 20% of Tempe Total Municipal Energy Usage: 97% of APS Tempe municipal energy usage comes from a renewable energy source. Learn more about the APS Green Power Partners Program here.

SRP – 80% of Tempe Total Municipal Energy Usage: 36% of SRP Tempe municipal energy usage comes from renewable energy sources. 12% comes from an SRP Solar Farm in Eloy, AZ, 20% comes from SRP’s Standard Retail energy mix, and 3% comes from biomass. Learn more here.

International Green Construction Code:

International Green Construction Code

On Thursday, Nov. 30, Tempe City Council adopted Resolution No. R2023.178, which commits future city facility construction to sustainable building practices and establishes a voluntary sustainable building code for private development.

Green codes like IgCC reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation the heat island effect, reduce waste consumption, increase building life span and heat resiliency while promoting native, desert-adaptive landscaping and structural shade.

While optional for private development, the city will work with developers to understand what is feasible for adoption.

View the adopted International Green Construction Code HERE (Ordinance NO. 02023.54)

In addition to IgCC, Tempe has adopted Solar Ready provisions in its Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and is pursuing other sustainable codes like an Electric Vehicle ready code and Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI).

IgCC Projects

Energy Efficiency and EV Transition

Municipal Facility Energy Efficiency

EV Fleet Transition

Zero-Emission Public Transit

Tempe’s Orbit buses have been 100% alternatively fueled since 2022, helping to reduce emissions and improve air quality in our neighborhoods. This is part of our broader commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Tempe.

To build on this progress, in 2025, the City of Tempe worked with consultants to develop a Zero-Emission Fleet Transition Plan for the Tempe Orbit Bus Fleet in partnership with our utilities. This evolving initiative focuses on moving toward a zero-emission transit system, while addressing key considerations such as infrastructure needs, energy supply, and maintenance operations. Progress will be shaped by available funding and technological developments.

Stay tuned to learn more about how Tempe is working to create a reliable and resilient transit system that supports our carbon neutrality goals.