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Home My WebLink AboutAgenda - 04-24-2007-4eORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 24, 2007 Action Agenda Item No. f (:. _ SUBJECT: Cool Cities Program DEPARTMENT: ERCD PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Cool Cities Program document David Stancil, 245-2598 PURPOSE: To consider joining a national campaign of local governments sponsored by the Sierra Club to promote cleaner vehicles, energy efficiency and renewable energy. This program is related to the Cities for Climate Protection program of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), of which the County is a member. BACKGROUND: In February 2005, U.S. mayors began a program to address global climate change, on the same day that the Kyoto Protocol treaty took effect in 141 nations. Almost three years earlier, Orange County joined Chapel Hill and Carrboro as.members of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, an organization with similar programs and goals. In recent months, over 200 local governments in the United States have joined the Cool Cities campaign by pledging to reduce global warming through local measures. Asheville, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro in North Carolina are among these cities. To become a member of Cool Cities, a local government must take the following four steps: ^ Take the Cool Cities Pledge: Sign a climate protection agreement with a goal of reducing global warming carbon dioxide pollution by 7%. (The ICLEI Cities for Climate protection, or CCP program, currently underway, involves setting of more specific measures related to local emissions). ^ Conduct a Global Warming Emissions Inventory (this is also a part of the ICLEI CCP program, and the inventory (County and Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro) is nearing completion at this time). ^ Create a Solutions Plan (also the next step in the CCP program once the inventory underway is completed), and ^ Implement and monitor- progress (also a final step through the CCP program). As noted above, all of the necessary steps to participate in the Cool Cities program are underway by virtue of being members of ICLEI and CCP. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with joining the program. Eventual action measures resulting from inventories and action plans to address climate change may involve future decisions with financial impacts within and outside of County government. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board agree to participate in the program, and authorize the Chair to sign the Cool Cities Pledge on the Board's behalf. ,w_ S l F. RRA C l,~,U 1~ ~~~~ ~~~ t4gFx,~ ~,af, i~~r'~~ _ -t~~s~ us~~,? ;r ~, f~ f;., i~ j.~ Sowing ~fbbal Warming One City at a:~"ire (~~ - ~~, ~~ ~ ~~ ~. r ~ ~ - s3. _ r-~ ~~j'' ~ f 3- ~ ~-~ t y ~~ -7~ r~' ~ ~. k ._. .. ~-~ ~ ~~ ~r..=~,~',..-,.. t ~ i ~ ,eC,k ~~.~A~~h. ~ '~:~ ~ ..a7 ~~ ~i ~tt.. ~~~ ~1~ ~1 .,_ t -_~ a 4 Icy _ L } ~F S ~ h ~'-.yy~~ +.. _ ~ i 1 '~ ~ ' 4 t-f~b~ 1 h, - „y l xnr -z. °. ' ry ~k~. ~ ~;' r a... '4 _`_`' . ~ r ;ti ' ~~~ _~ ~ _ ~ a~ -~ i > _ s3~= ~ ~!R w L ~ x ~1 7 a~ _M'~ kid ~ ~ .'.a ~ ~ _50~ i ~ ~ A9• yr C~®S ~~tAes ~~~- _,r~~r,~ To f'.. r,n~_' r ~ . ,~ ~ , 'l~'ll:~ ~. ,~,' __ ._ _ ~~ ~. ~~ ___ _ _ __ 1. Acknowledgements Written by Glen Brand and Brendan Bell, Sierra Club's Global Warming and Energy Program Special Thanks to John Byrne Barry, Dan Becker, Glen Besa, Pete Connolly, Aloma Dew, Kurt Ehrenberg, Annie Finch, Kim Haddow, Dave Hamilton, Cesia Kearns, Jill Miller, Brian O'Malley, Ayrianne Parks, Colleen Sarna, Emily Templin, Jenn Tuttle, and Christa Wagner. COVER PAGE PHOTOS: 1. Skyline of Chicago, one of the more than 200 cities that have pledged to reduce local heat-trapping pollution. PHOrosYROeERTGLUSic 2. Iowa's Waverly Light & Power is the first municipal utility to install its own wind tUrbineS. PHOTO BYWAVERLYLIGHr&POWER 3. Investing in clean energy not only saves taxpayer dollars and protects the environment, it also creates good jobs for the future. PHOTOSYAPOLLOALLIANCE 4. The Western Area Power Administration's 4-kilowatt photovoltaic array at its Rocky Mountain Customer Service Center building east of Loveland, Colorado. PHOTO BY WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION ' You can find this guide and more information about our Cool Cities campaign at sierraclub.orglcoolcities The Sierra Club's members are 750,000 of your friends and neighbors. Inspired by nature, we work together to protect our communities and the planet. The Sierra Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. SIERRA CLUB FOUNDED 1892 This report was funded by a grant from The Sierra club Foundation. 85 Second St., Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, (415) 977-5500 408 C St. NE, Washington, DC 20002, (202) 547-1141 sierraclub.org MARCH 2006 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER .~ Solving Global Warming One City at a Time ,~~~ ~~ -: ~~ J t ~ '~ ~~ ~ :~ r- ~' ~G i ~~i~ ~. ~~,T ,~ • .. - - INTRODUCTION- Re-Energizing Our Cities Z 3 0 0 ll over America., cities, counties and states are launching an exciting grassroots movement to help solve one of our. countrys most pressing problems: global warming. Frustrated by stalling on the federal level, local leaders are moving for- ward with innovative energy solutions that cut our dependence on oil, benefit public health, and save taxpayer dollars. These mayors, county commissioners, and governors are leading the way toward a safer and more secure future. The purpose of this guide is to provide a resource for citizens and local officials who are ready to take real action to reduce energy waste and heat-trapping global warming pollution in their communities. In the following pages, you will find inspiring city success stories from a broad range of cities, from larger metropolitan centers such as Salt Lake City, St. Paul, and Charlotte to smaller cities like Twin Falls, Idaho, and Waverly, Iowa. The strategies that these and other Cool Cities are pursuing fall under three categories: Cleaner Vehicles, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy. Every one of these local solutions is already saving taxpayer dollars and improving public health by reducing energy waste and pollution. By taking innovative actions, forward-looking cities are re-energizing our nation, proving that we can solve global warming one city at a time. Every one of these local solutions is already saving taxpayer dollars and improving public health by reducing energy waste and pollution. D fin ~~ K Cool CITIES' z GLOBAL WARMING- 'The 1'itYte to Act Is Now The scientific community has concluded that burning fossil fuels-oil, coal, and natural gas-to power our cars, homes and businesses is causing global temperatures to rise. This heating of the earth poses a serious threat to our health, safety, and environment. The national science academies of the United States, England, France, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, Brazil, China and India issued the following joint declaration in June 2005: "The scientific understanding of climate change is now sufficiently clear to justify nations taking prompt action." The world's leading scientists ask us to "recognize that delayed action will increase the risk of adverse environmental effects and will likely incur a greater cost." [Source: "Joint Science Academies' - - _ -- - z - w ;~ ., ,~ _ ~ I _ _ ~ ~ I ~ I _~,. _ =~ ~. u a`~~ ~.~~ ~ ~ "' ~ i ; _ ~, -~ _ r . t ¢ "~ ~~~ ~' ,~ - YfA 1, r ~ ~ ~T i~ may'. ~ .. Z m 0 Keeping Warm, Keeping Cool-In Klamath Falls, Oregon, a geothermal district heating system keeps the sidewalks clear and dry at the Basin Transit station. The 22,000 square-foot garden on the "green" roof of Chicago's city hall cools the building during the city's hot summers. O Statement: Global Response to Climate Change," June 2005-royalsoc.ac.uk/document.asp?id=3222] Cities fake the Lead The good news is our cities have not become para- lyzed by the threat of global climate change. Instead, they are taking the lead with the "U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement" initiated by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. Introduced on February 16, 2005-the same day that the Kyoto Protocol international global warm- ing treaty took effect in 141 nations-the agreement is gathering support around the country and has earned the backing of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. To date, more than 200 mayors representing more than 42 mil- lion Americans in 38 states have signed on, pledging to reduce global warming carbon dioxide (COz) pollution citywide to 7 percent below 19901evels by 2012. [Go to seattle.gov/mayor/climate for more information on the mayors' climate protection agreement.] How will these cities accomplish these ambitious goals in the next seven years? And how can your city become a Cool City? Beattie: Cool City IVlodel The city of Seattle is on the forefront of global warm- ing local solutions. Under Mayor Greg Nickels' leader- ship, the city government has already reduced its own global warming pollution by more than 60 percent by constructing green buildings and operating alternative fuel vehicles. Seattle Ciry Light is the only electric utility in the country producing zero net greenhouse gas emis- sions, and the city is working to expand transportation choices, recycling, and urban forest restoration. Mayor Nickels has also created a Green Ribbon Commission on Climate Protection, composed of busi- ness, environmental, government, community, and labor leaders. The Commission is developing a plan for Seattle to meet its global warming pollution reduction targets, and identifying key economic opportunities for Seattle's transition to a clean energy future. "By making smart choices like building sustainable buildings, replacing old vehicles with a `Clean and Green' fleet, and setting strict `no-net-emissions' goals for Seattle City Light, the Ciry has shown we can take local action on global problems," said Mayor Nickels. LEARN MORE To find out about Seattle's Climate Initiative, see ci.seattle.wa.us/environment/climateinitiative.html Cool Cities Across America, ~_ ~ip~~ OHIO SHINGTON, D.C, I OICd~ iqs YLVANIA ~'~{~n delphia =Garii~l clghts - ~~ DE ARE WASHINGTON OREGON Seattle Portland Tacoma Eugene Bainbridge Isla nd Corvallis Bellingham Lake Oswego Lynnwood Edmonds Redmond Issaquah Kirkland Renton Vancouve Lacey Olympia Burien Salt La e Auburn Moab ti Park ity CALIFORNIA ` Apple ValleJ~ NEVA A Aliso Viejo ~ Las ~ Aga Arcata Berkeley ~`' -~ Burbank Sari~Leandro Capitola San ' Chino Santa Barbar Cloverdale Santa Cruz Cotati San Luis Obispo Del Mar Santa Monica Dublin Santa Rosa Fremont Sebastopol Hayward Sonoma Healdsburg Stockton Hemet Sunnyvale Irvine Thousand Oaks Lakewood Vallejo Long Beach West Hollywood Los Angeles yV• d m sor Monterey Park Morgan Hill Novato Oakland Palo Alto Petaluma Richmond Rohnert Park Sacramento San Bruno San Francisco San Jose MONTANA Missoula spen Boulder Gty ver "bell mde 5 NEBRAS!(A I On Bellevue Rlo 'ssant St Louie Sunset I tills Universi y City Little Ro k WISCONSIN Ashland Greenfield La Crosse MINNESOTA Madison Apple Valley Washburn Wauwatos r Fde Prairie r,llir Ntinn -apolis Ic I<er~ 5t. Fa II I An~A:~ol, Grand NEW MEXICO 'rE)(g5 NOrt-h L le Albuquerque Denton ~ nt Ilurst Austin LOUIS NA Laredo New rte ~ inney A'" an r HAWAII Honolulu Maui ° Hilo '~ ~.?}}~~,,.. lr~ Cool CITIE:~ 3 l.:J CONNECTICUT Bridgeport Easton Fairfield Hamden Hartford Mansfield M'ddl KE CKY mington I etOWn ui ille New Haven _ _ "~ 5 I L'Xingl MARYLAND Stamford _ Vday ie - Annapolis igan Cig~ Baltimore NEW JERSEY Bayonne Chevy Chase Bloomfield _ -VIRGINIA Elizabeth Alexandria Hamilton FLORIDA \; Virginia Beach Hope Miami ~IORTHCAROUNA Hopewell Port St. Lucie 'Asheville Kearny West Palm Beach ;~ urham Newark Gainseville . Chapel Hill Plainfield Pompano Beach SOUTHCAROUNA Robbinsville Tamarac Charleston Westfield Sunrise Sumter Hollywood Holly Hill GEORGIA Lauderhill Atlanta Pembroke Pines Athens Miramar East Point Tallahassee Macon Key Biscayne Key West Hallandale Beach As of February 2~, 2006, 208 mayors from 38 states representing more than 42 illion Americans have pledged to reduce global warming carbon pollution in their cities to ~ percent below 1990 levels by 2042. "With the passage of significant international accords and adoption of this statement by U.S. mayors, we have hope that the global community can successfullyjointogcther, as nations did to solve the problem of ozone depletion, to prevent the most devastating consequences of global climate change." -Salt Lake City P~~ayorRocky Anderson NEW YORK NEW HAMPSHIRE RHODE ISLAND New York Nashua Providence Albany Keene Pawtucket Rochester Manchester Warwick Hempstead Vernon Mt VERMONT MASSACHUSETTS . Burlington Boston Buffalo Cambridge Ithaca Medford °_ Niagara Falls Malden o ~~ I r entre ' Newton ,~ Sc ~ jla~'y ~ ' Somerville V/ iC I ~. Worcester J NOIS ~~ SLhicag Schaumburg Carol qtr °am ~Aghlan Parl VVa kec and ~~~~~n cum Cool BCHTIES9" 4` a PUTTING GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS INTO ACTION Four Steps to Become a Cool City Getting your city to become part of the fight against global wazming is as simple as the four steps outlined below. These steps are modeled on the Cities for Climate Protection program, a successful initiative run by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) to help cities reduce global warming pollution. Encouraging your city to join ICLEI's Cities for Climate Protection program is an excellent way to fizlfill the Cool Cities pledge. But any city can start making a difference by putting existing smart energy solutions to work today. Visit iclei.org for more information on the Cities for Climate Protection program. Step 1: Take the "Cool Cities" Pledge The first step towards curbing global warming pollution in your community is to ask your mayor to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. This agreement sets the goal of reducing citywide global warming carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution to 7 percent below 19901evels by 2012. See seattle.gov/mayor/climate Step 2: Conduct a Global Warming Emissions Inventory The next step is to conduct an inventory of your city's current global warming emissions. This information will identify the city's major CO2 sources (and the greatest opportunities for reductions), and will provide a baseline to judge the city's progress towards its goal. Cities can receive technical assistance to conduct a global warming emissions inventory from a variety of sources including state and federal agencies as well as ICLEI through its Cities for Climate Protection program. Step 3: Create a Solutions Plan After completing its global wazming inventory, your city will be ready to develop a solutions plan that can reduce emissions while lowering energy costs for the city. While every city's energy solutions plan will be unique, there are three important strategies: Green Vehicle Fleets, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy. In some com- bination, these solutions, which are illustrated with specific success stories later in this guide, will form the foundation of your city's comprehensive energy-saving plan. For examples of Cool City Solutions Plans, visit sierraclub.org/coolcities "Minneapolis has set high standards for COz reduction and we're meeting them-a strategy that has earned our city tremendous environmental and economic benefits. Climate disrup- tion is a global problem but we feel the effects locally. We are thrilled with Seattle and Mayor Greg Nickels' initiative and will work hard to challenge our nation through our example." -Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, in front of his hybrid car Step 4: Implement and Monitor Progress Of course, a plan alone cannot cut global warming pollu- tion. It is essential that your city put the plan into action and monitor its progress periodically. With a strong commitment, a sound plan, and real action, your city will be on its way toward meeting the goals of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection .Agreement. With a strong commitment, a sound plan, and real action, your city will be on its way toward meeting the goals of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Green Vehicle Solutions The technology exists today to significantly reduce global warming pollution from Americas cars, trucks, and SUVs. Improving automobile fuel economy is the biggest single step to curbing global warming, since every gallon of gasoline burned creates 28 pounds of heat-trapping carbon dioxide pollution. [Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory: U.S. Department of Energy.] Because transportation is a major source of global warming pollution, numerous cities are incorporating gas-electric hybrid vehicles and other fuel-efficient vehicles into their fleets. By using less gasoline, hybrid vehicles release a fraction of the global warming pollution emit- ted by conventional vehicles while saving money at the gas pump. Cities are also switch- ing away from polluting diesel city and school buses to cleaner alternatives like compressed natural gas (CNG) powered vehicles. Solution #1-Green Fleets Governments of all sizes regularly purchase automobiles to help provide a wide range of taxpayer services. Recognizing an opportunity for action, many cities, counties, and states are saving taxpayer dollars and reducing air pollu- tion by "greening" their fleets with hybrid gas- electric and other vehicles that go farther on a gallon of gas. Currently, 48 U.S. towns and cities in 36 states have green fleets programs, as do 26 county and 17 state governments. From police departments and school districts to administra- tive agencies and taxi services, green fleets are a winning city solution. [Source: greenfleets.org] For a general overview and step-by-step advice for writing a green fleets ordinance in your city, go to greenfleets.org/stepone.html For a model green fleets ordinance, see the city of Denver's ordinance at www.greenfleets.org/denverrevised.html Solution #2-Hybrid Vehicle Incentives In addition to purchasing hybrid vehicles for city fleets, local governments can encourage citizens and businesses to buy hybrid vehicles with a wide range of incentives. Some cities are already providing incentives such as free park- ing for hybrid vehicles and lower registration fees and taxes. Solution #3-Clean Buses City residents have long had to endure the sight and smell of black smoke belching from dirty diesel-engine buses. Now many cities are replacing these polluting old buses with buses that run on cleaner compressed natural gas (CNG) or with hybrid-electric diesel engines. Cool CRIES ~' 0 ', "Increasingly, cities are providing the answers to some of America's toughest problems. So it's fitting that we're leadi~ig the way on global warming as well." -Madison, Nlisconsin, Mayor Dave Cieslewicl NOTE: You can find all links referenced in this report at sierraclub.org/coolcities. ~; ^"'~ AlW7 i ~~~~.~~ ~r~~~ ~, Cool CITIES ~ !0 In April ?OGS, bill Whit., the mayor of the nation's nth largest city, announced plans to convert a substantial portion of the city of Houston s fleet of cars, pickup trucks, and sport utility,vehicles to hybrids !~y the year 2010. Thecity estimate; that 80 percent of all'. n~~~~r ~!ehicle pur h Ises and over 5ij percent of the city's fiPPt cniild be f-~ybrid vE~hicl~-~s by the year 2010. Considering th"iz~,cf,thu city;s 1ig11tduty fl~~t (rncre *11an ~,~OL~), Houston's investmentin hybrids will pay big dividends down he road. O~n~r its prc,jected fi~ _~-year life- cy~ le, theToyotaPrius hybrid should provide net savincis of almost$1 9(~Q,in Comparison to a cr~m~ention~l gasoline-only full ~ F~rl `s~d,,n, accardfng to a city of } I; ~u ;ton study. ~ 1 ., 7 -~. ~ ,. r , -~~ - .-. 6c cause hybrids are so fuel efficient,they release a fraction ofthe'global warming'poliutroh emitted by conventional vehicles. Over the lifetime of the vehicle, a hybridToyota'Pritls~~di11` r~ I~•ase ~~~ fcwei tc)ns of alobal'warming pollution compared #o an average sedan. " this makes eccnr ror nic ser roc, ii makes envirwnner rtalseme and it i7 yoir7y tuset err example; said Mayor White We're going to save nn fr rel co~t~ and wP`rP r?oin~J to help save nor air quality:`.'. LEARN MORE (details on the city of Houston`s yreenflrr~ts i,rogram arc wailablc at: houstont;<.go~~mayor;'pressl20a50408.htrnl When ^rrrlotte's fleet rn~nagers found that}lyhrici aas ~Ir~ctri~ '~~ehiclr~~, arc Ie ~ exp~;nsi~~re to operate tf-~an conventional c~lr,, fviayor Pat McCroryand Council members'Susan Burgess and John Tabor- took action. INorkirg vJith city taff and withthe cooperatioh'of Mecklen- burg County, the City Coundlsupported a plan to bring the total number of'hybrids in the flr~et t0 Ovr'r tW0 dC7~en hy' thr~ ~`'rld of ~i1('F more illan `riplinci till CItV~COilni'y'; Crlrrini nun~lber of hybrids. e 111tiwuyh they tyNicarly cusi )Jluie iniiially than ~tan~iard ~ ~ a „,, _ gasoline fueled cars, gas-sipping hybrids save on gasolir,c, .,~_:~ ~~ ` ~~'"`~ h~:ve Jower maintenance costs, and retain a higher resale -' ~- ~~ value at the end ~f their useful life, a~curding to Charlotte's 'r - F!net En~, ironrnental Analyst David Friday. Ater. Frldav cstirn~;tes tlnt s~a~itchinq from a gas.-onlyFord Taurus to a hybrid Toyota Prius or f iouda Civic would save city taxpayers approx~imately$800-$1200annually per vc~hiclc, including over S4D0 in annual fuel costs. ''Tfus results in a payback of the extra purchase cost ~.vithin 2.5 to 5.5ye~rs dcpending,on th~~ model chos=n and miles driven,"said Friday. LSource:"FordTaurus to Honda Civic Hybrid and TO'•,~Gta ~~rIUS ~Dmparaii:rL ;"1-131ysis;'Da~'Id Fridu'~J, Eharlott~ Flc^t ~nVirOflm~nial "n ,1'+'st; ~Jiay 2005] LEARN MORE Charlottr~'s FIeE~t Environmental l~nalyst David Frir-lay can be re rched at dfriday_2~ci.charlottencus. Gentlemen, Start Your Hybrid Engines-Houston Mayor Bill White announces the greening of his city's fleet. 1Nhen gas electric hybrid vehicles hit the market, Wyatt Earp, Director of Fleet Management for- thc~ Maroor ~ County Sheriff's Office in Florida, did'some cost analysis to see whether ifwould be a good idea to pay aiittle more Upfront for a car that gets superior mileage:.The answer? "It costs a little more to start with, but operating expenses are less; says Earp."Plus; we're working for the enviroriment and showing people that we don't need to be so dependent an foreign oil° The Toyota Prius vehicles are used by the department to deliver subpoenas, transfer prison- ers, and run administrative errands. Iri addition, trained civilians use one of the hybrids to cruise the county checking out bridges, pipelines, ahd other potential terrorist targets as part of the department's "Homeland Security i?atrol': ' 4Vework ta-cgnserve as much`energy as we can that's ourobligation to the American peop-e;'said Earp, a descendent of the legendary frontier lawman., "We spend taxpayers' money wisely, and that means we don't run experiments. We've got'a good car here: Hope- fully American car companies will offer something similar, soon:' Earp also manages the annual procurementof cars for the Florida Sheriff`s Association, ~,vhich negotiates wholesale gates for about 5;000 city and county agencies.'Last year it bought`100 hybrids. "Now the word is getting around: I think we'll have 10 times more ordc rr than we had last year;` Earp says. LEARNMORE Vint the Marion'~ount_~~ PuhlicAffairs department's.Web site at: marioncountyfl.org o - - - C~ ~: The nrillic~n, of visitors who visit our nation's capitol each year to see the monuments and rnuti~~unts can breathe easier because ofthe city's clean, natural gas buses which improve uir duality and cut global warming - - -' ~` ~ -=T ~,:-,~~~ i pollution. ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ _`'t~.-t Ovcr the past four years, the Washing ~lNi•~L~r;~"t -= ~ F, ton Metropolitan Area Transit Authori- ~ , ~ ty has replaced'414 of-its polluting diesel buses with cleaner burning, ~ compressed natural gas buses. Every ~~ natural gas bus replaces the need for __.,_ .,. _,_,,: --_-.a*~ ;:~-_ ~ ....._ ` nearly 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel each year: Since natural gas buses release 25 percent less :global warming emissions than diesel, these cleaner buses result in real cuts in global ' `~^~~~rmirig pollution. Natural gas buses also;helpto reduce smog. Compared to traditional diesel buses, the city's natural gas buses release over50 percent lesssmog-forming nitrogen oxides'and 85 per- cent less soot pollution: ~ ._ LEARN MORE Visit the Washington`s transit authority Web site at wmata:comlabout/met_news(pressroom/archived releases/pr_cng.cfm Cool CITIES ~i .~ `IJ - ~~ ~~~~~ ~.`, _ ~ - You Have the Right to Get Good Mileage-For Wyatt Earp, director of fleet manage- ment for Marion County Sheriffs Department in Florida, purchasing fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles and reducing dependence on oil make sense for the environment- andthe county budget. Energy EfFiciency Solutions Energy efficiency means using less energy through better technology to power buildings, light streets, and industry. Reducing energy use is one of the most cost-effective and fastest ways to save energy and reduce global warming pollution. Every city can make substantial energy effi- ciency improvements by putting policies in place to promote efficient technologies and integrating them into planning decisions. The policies outlined below represent some of the most effective steps currently being taken on the city and local level. Solution #9-Making New Buildings More Energy Efficient Incorporating energy efficiency requirements into municipal building codes increases the overall energy efficiency of new buildings. Many cities have chosen to adopt the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards created by the United States Green Building Council (usgbc.org). LEED standards provide energy efficient design guidelines for a variety of building types and developments. Solution #2-Energy Efficiency Retrofits to Existing Buildings In addition to improving the energy effi- ciency of new buildings, cities can make sub- stantial energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings. Modernizing lighting, heat- ing, cooling, and other operations can reduce the energy requirements of existing buildings in acost-effective manner, lowering energy "The International Panel on Climate Change has~warned that New Orleans is the North American city most vulner- able tothe effects of climate change. The rise of the Earth's temperature, causing sea level increases that could add up to one foot over the next 30 years, threatens the very exis- tence of New Orleans. V~~e will continue to col- laborate and support efforts on global warming." -New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin Cool. CITaES 'g' ~a costs and reducing pollution. The U.S. Green Building Council has also developed LEED standards for existing buildings. The standards pro- vide guidance on improving the energy efficiency of building operations and other systems without making major changes to the interior and exterior of the build- ing. Cities around the country have made major strides in improving the energy efficiency of police and fire sta- tions, city office buildings, and schools. Solution #3-Energy Efficient Street Lighting Street lighting and traffic signals can use a significant amount of energy. By replacing traditional light fixtures with super-efficient light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, cities are reaping energy and cost savings. Solution #4-Public Benefit Funds Cities with community-owned, local municipal utili- ties can integrate energy efficiency into the city's overall energy plan. If your city has a municipal utility, it can set up a local Public Benefits Fund (PBF), where a small surcharge on consumer energy bills is used to create a fund to finance energy efficiency projects in the utility service area, thus lowering the overall energy costs for consumers. Austin Energy (austinenergy.com) and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (smud.org) are examples of municipal utilities that have used public benefit funds to lower energy use and costs through energy efficiency. Solution #5-Combined Heat and Power Cities and businesses can also benefit from energy efficient combined heat and power (CHP) systems. These systems produce both electricity and steam for heating and cooling from a single power plant located near consumers. As a result, CHP systems recover heat that is normally wasted at power plants and funnel the heat into surrounding buildings. This reduces energy costs and lowers pollution by eliminating the need for separate fuel sources for electricity and heating. - ~I I -~ __ r t _ - - _ Salt Lake C!tyhas dram~lticailyreduced its energy costsbyaggressiveiy pursuing energy efficiency measures. Currently, the city'saves over $32;000 a year on its energy costs as a result o1 installing 861 light emitting diode (LED) traffic signals. The city plans to expand this program to all ~f its 16 ~0 red and green lights; whichis expected to save over X00 tons of heat trapping carbon dioxide [C~z) pol-' lution each year with annual cost sav- [ ~ ~ 'I ~~ ' `=~ ings of $53,000.The city has also found _~ ~~_ ~~ ~ _,~ .~"'`"',~' that LED signals require less mainte - "' `" 1 - Hance than conventions(lighting. °;"~ _ ~-"=~~' In addition, the'city hasreplaced the R ~N, ~ d -. .~ fk~~~ n ~ conventional incandescent bulbs in its u A - city and county office buildings.with l n~;~r b more energy efficient compact fluores- cent bulbs (CFLs).These bulbs use much less energy ~~nd last significantly longer, saving the Clt~' O\'E'r $3,000 ~ ;~Q~r ~1r1C1 rP_d!lCin~ fin? Pm!55!On I?y g44 tC~n~ pPryear. l hose energy efficiency rneasun~~ area partof a city <<~ide actin plan try protect th~~~nvl ronnu~nt grid reduce global ~~:~amiing a_missions. LEARPV h70RE Read Salt Lake Ciry`s plan at slcgov.coin,~`environment/actionplan.htrn Cool GITIEas 9 13 ~~ ~~ ra_ - __ _ ~ _~ _~~_ Tf~e city of Scottsdale ha been a ~- -----~-'1 leader in the Southwest on'eneryy ~ ~°" _ .- - ~ ~ iilnency for buildings. In 1998, Scottsdale introduced Anzona'ti fn .t ~ ~~ ~recn L,uildingprogramv~~liich helps bulldc~rs and homy o~,~~lrcr~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~' ar=rr ' ~ ~~ I~ Irn about how to integrate cnr r- + ' n~ , _ ! q~ r~fficir Ivry ana ~ ~ it~'r ~~ inq it a- T -~ -" tuns into nF~~,,~ holrlns. h~ ttidr~en ~~ ~t. 4 't 1 x)98 and X003, the green bu!Iding ` ( program ,worked with 94 builder ~~'- ~~~ ;, ,~ and issued 730 permitsforcareen ~, - building projects in the city. ~ _ r I 1 In iv1arch ?005, 5cottsdalc' b~carl~e ~,ie~ ` -,~ ~rz the first cit~ti~ in thr nation to require ~~- _ ~~i. that all nel~-city building ;and leno~~~ation projects meet LEED GOLD'standards for energy cfficie~ncy and sustainability-one of tht I!ighest LEED ratings: LEARN MORE Read about Scottsdalc's green building program at scottsdaleaz.gov~greenbuilding Harnessing the Desert Sun- Newenergy-efficient homes in Scottsdale use both renewable tech- nologies like solar panels, as well as thick adobe walls that cool the house in the summer and keep it warmer in the winter. ~ ~~ ~ ~ s~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ Like many otherschool`districts around the country.with growing numbers of students and decreasing budgets, the Twin Falls school disf~ict began searching for creative ways to reduce costs. School officials realized that the district could reduce energy costs and cut pollution by increasing the energy efficiencyof its 11 schools. The upgrades included more efficient lighting and improvements to the heating, ventilation, and'air conditioning sys toms. The upgrades are expected to generate $3.5 million in'energy savings: In an innovative financing agreement, the school district signed an energysavings perform- `ante contract with Minnesota-based Honeywell Corporation. Under a performance con- !tract, a private'company pays to make energy efficient improvements and is then >-eim- ' bursed with the money saved through lov;rer energy. bills over the lifetime of theproject. According to Dr. John Miller, the Director of Operations for theTwin Falls School District, the ' performance contractgave the schoo(district"the capital to accomplish in months, what would have no~mally,fiaken us a decade to complete because ofbndgetconstraints:` LEARN MORE The Twin Falls school district project Web site is available at newsiteschoolfaci l ities.comJcd_1695:a spx ~~ ' ~ ................ Cool CITIES i o ! ~- ~~~ During the long, cold Minnesota winters, the i; .. ~. -. a majority of the buildings in downtown Saint Paul ~' t. ~ ; z stay warm using District Energy's energy-efficient ~ I~I'~p ',: ~ ~~ ...combined heatand power (CHP) system. Provid ~~ I ~~ ` i T~~ a ~~y~,1 f 4 l ~_ 31 p~ l r ~ Ong electricity to the grid and heatingservice to ~ ~ ~, ~' ~ ~ ~ ~i7 s~ more than SO percent of downtown Saint Paul ~ ' ` '-~' ~ ~ i ~ ~~~ ~ 3 "i ; a - I and ad"acent areas, includin the Minnesota State r -~ ~ ~tt'~1 ~~.~~I~~~'t~"~ f~;,~ ~ ~ Capitol and nearly 300 homes; he system uses _- T. _= , i , _ L~~ neat drawn from a biomass fired power plant r ~ U A -- ~ - r ~ s _ ~~ k a N_.~ ~.. _ ~- t - ~s - ' lncated' in the heart of the city. ' e f ~i i _~ ~ ~ rte,,'®~ ; _ - ,~~` , ~.~__ ~ ~ '' , {. ~ ,By using a renewable resource as its primary fuel ~ ~ A ,~ffi~_ ~ ~~ .~ . I and by capturing ambient heat that would other- ~ ,~, ' ~` ~~ ~~, r_ _ ~; -~4 ;, .wise have been wasted, 5t. Paul's CHP system ~ ~' f '_ ~ ' u ~ -f ~ ,_~ -=~' ~ ~ _rt1 _ ~~ y. - ~~ ~ _ ~ ~ retluces overall energy consumption; costs, and ~ " ~ - - ~ __ pollution. , _ _ f~ _ ~r ,~ -'~ - ~ - - ~ , ~~ r LEARN MORE ~~` T ~ Details of Saint Paul'sCHP system are available at -` ~''~ :. ~~~', ~ ~'_. ~ _,-~ ~x ~~~ ~districtenergy.comlcurrentactivitieslchp.html ': '' ~ ~~~ ~ ~i~' ~: ' ', f i '~; ~ ~~ ~: ",. -' ~~ f~ { '! / 5~ - Heatand Power- By producing both heat and electricity from one power plant, the District Energy plant helps save money and cut pollution. Renewable Energy Solutions 13y harnessing natural sources of energy li6ce the sun and the wind, renewable ener- gy sources can replace our reliance on outdated, polluting power plants that rely on fossil fuels. Today's solar panels efficiently transform sun- light into electricity while blending into the design of homes and office buildings. Modern wind turbines rise high above the ground, cap- turing the strongest winds to produce reliable electricity. Currently, dirty fossil fuel power plants account for over a third of the nation's total global warming emissions. Meeting our energy needs with clean, renewable energy can move the country towards a brighter, cleaner, and cheaper energy future. Cities around the country are discovering that investing in innovative renewable energy sources reduces global warming pollution and creates a reliable source of clean, homegrown electricity. Solution #1-Renewable Energy Standards A renewable energy standard requires an increase in the percentage of electricity from clean, renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar power) in a city or utility area by a spe- cific target date. These standards are phased in over time so that renewable energy capacity can be built and incorporated into the necessary energy management and reliability plans. For instance, a 20 percent Renewable Energy Standard could be phased in over ten years, requiring an additional 2 percent of electricity generation to come from renewable sources each year. Cities that operate municipal utilities have been able to set renewable energy standards for their community-owned utilities. Solution #2-Solar and Wind Installations Some cities are moving forward by financ- ing the construction of renewable energy proj- ects themselves. In some cases, cities are work- ing with local municipal utilities to construct wind turbines. In other cases, cities are work- ingwith privately owned utilities and renew- able energy developers to construct solar arrays on city buildings, schools, and homes. Solution #3-City Utility Contracts Some cities are incorporating renewable energy requirements into their contract renewals with privately owned local utilities. For example, Denver, Colorado is working with its local utility, Xcel Energy, to establish modest renewable energy goals as part of the city's contract. Clean Energy, Good Jobs-Clean energy invest- menu not only save taxpayer dollars and protect the environment, they also create good jobs for the future. One example is the rooftop solar panels powering Northeastern University's Eli Student Center in Boston. Ci001 G°ITIEca 1 1 15 ~-~ Cool CITIES ~ ~~ ___ __-.___ _.._..__.. _.._._ 3 Sitting along the astern edge of the Rc~ky fdlountain Frut~t, tide city of Fort Collins has crnbraccd renev~~ablc enr~rgy and energy efficiency askey components to meet the city's cnr rgy rice ds. In Z~~ii~, the City Council adopted the Electric Energy Supply Policy which gum to"maintain high sy,t~~m reli~~hilrtv, rn~intain competitive electric rates, and reduce thr~environmental impa~t~~f~~lr~tricityil~~n~ration:` This program sets strong clean energy targets and isworking to produce 15 percent ofthe uty ~ electricity with renewable energy,by 2017 and.reduce per capita energy consume- t ioi i 10 percent by 2012: Over the full time frame of the program, Fort Collins.expects to reduce its rllnhal warminrl carbon dioxiclP emissions by 472;000 tons. Clean energy is not only reducing global warming emissions in FortColiins, but itisalso saving money by reducing costs. According tothe city'!s municipal utility, the cost of meeting energy needs through energy. efficiency is about 1.Zcents per kWh; while the cost of providing energy is about 3.7 cents per kWh. That means that in Fort Eollins eher- qy efficiency is meeting citizens' needs'at half the cost of energy coming from existing power plants. /lccordiny to A~iirf~ael 6. 5rnith, Fort Collins` Llti~ities General Iv1anager,"We are pleased that some of our future energy growth ~~~ il! come from renewable energy sources. The Electric En~ngy Supply.Policy is'a positive-blueprint forthe future:' Funding for the city's effir rE'ncy and rear wabl~ energy programs comes from a 2 per.- cent. inrrr as,~~ in arstorn~~r sties. Even ~~'it}i thes.~ increases, Fart Collins continues to cn~oy electricity rates below tic state, a~ ,r .ge, and !~~~ill 5~» lower energy costs as a result of thr~ energy cfi`icir~nry'prognms. LEARN MORE F;ead Fort Collins' Electric Energy Supply policy at ci.fort-Collins.co.uslutilities'energypolicy.php a ~~ ~_-- ~=, Last yeas; vvitf-~ 7~3 percent of the vote, the citizens of Colun-~bia, ~ti1issouri overwhelming ly approved a plan to require the city to increase its use of renewableenergysources; like wind and -sour power, over the next 20 years.The measure will create a Renewable Energy Standard that requires that the'city's municipal utility obtain 2 percent of its po~~~~er from renewable energy by 2002. ramping up to 15 percent by 2022. < <~lurnbiassucc ~ssful haNot mitrauve is part of a growrngtiatrunai trend of voter-driven policiesto incr~ 3se the use of clean, renewable energy sources. Voters in Colorado rr~ccntly approved a statµwide'hr,newable Energy Standard that requires utilities in the state to produce 10 percent of rh~u ~-lectricitywith clean energy sources likewind and solar po' ~~er by X01 5. LEARN MORE '~~ - °~ ~ ;~ °-~x, ~~ ~: ~* , iY~.~~ '~ u, f~tL. z F ~ N ~ ~ ~ ~.~~ '~ ~ $i w as rz ~ c ~ `~~ r r ~~~~ rr~ 1 t. J ~ ~'~ ``` of c`; <~~ Y ~x°' } ;. n-,~_~ ~F ~ ``~ ,~~+~~ ~' ,:' ;~ ~,. ~ ; ,, ~ . -~ ,~ f ` ~. ,4dditior~al information abo~.rt Columbia's rencrv~al energy standard isavailable rat dsireusa.orgldouimentsllncentives'M004R.htm ~- - ..t~ - - y ~ a __ _ - -- - ~~~ 'JVind energy is not only generating. pollu- tion free energy to the town of Waverly, but it is also providing local economic cleveloprru~nt. As the first muh,icipal utility in the Unitr d S1~;t~'s to'install its own wind turbines, Waverly Light & Power serves 4,300 customers in a 33 square-mile area; The utility has constructed wind turbines' on land leased from local farmers, creatin~~ electricity for the crty and additional income for the farmer-. !~:'a•~crly Light ~: Po~:ers L~uard of Trustees has seta goal oi~ in_reasing wind produc Lion to l0 percent of tl~u~ total local power supply, and is ad ar+ung quite well towards that target.,Currently, the citys;wind tug- l_~ines generate ~.~: percent of the area's total electricity gcn~ ration, and provide c~nough'electricityto meettheneeds of 761 homes each year. That translates into a rr~rir.ction of carbon dioxide emissions by ne~;rly b850 tons per year. LEARN fV10RE Read more on Waverly t fight &Power's-'~~Jeh site at t:~averlyia.com ~; ~~ _ ~ n . ~. S fi ~ ~ ~~'~ - --,.,f-,~ .~. .~ ~-<_ -~ r:-~. __ ~,. y '- ' ~'--- ~,~° °This is not only an environmental protection issue, but also an economic deg/elopment and sustainability issue. Protecting our environment, tNe are protecting our resources and preserving them for future generations to come." -Hallandale Beach, Florida, Mayor Joy Cooper Cool CITIES ~ 3 tT ~~, ~,~ f, CONCLUSION- ~ ~ ~~~~~ N~~;,k~~~~'6~,~~', ~ a~ art-~ r ~, ,, ~~~ . ~~ i~~ ~. ~ ~~ 'ry t sf,4 y F _ z ~'~~~?~~ y H~ _7` iit ~ j ~ i ~~, Re-Energizing Your City ~ r ~~~, ,~q1~~1 ~~ L~ = I ~~ ~ F~~` At_yt! ~~i l ~ ~ I _ f yy ~ I1 ~,'~~~' As the success stories in this guide prove, k ~_ ` ~'.~ ~` r~'~ s" ~~ ~~~~~ ~ cities are making real progress cutting global i' ~ ~~, };' ~.i ~ `' T~~`~t'_°; warming pollution. No longer waiting for l_ w ~ ~~ ~s,` y ~t~' ' the federal government to act, mayors and ~ _~~~~ ~~~°` ``~c~~ -~~~ '~ ,~~`'~~ other local leaders are putting into place ' ~"~-~~ ~rY~t winning energy solutions right now By w. y~ n , ~ using the innovative technologies of cleaner _,~ 1 ~ ~ cars, energy efficiency and renewable energy, ~+ 3 j, '~ cities across .America are protecting our yA= ~ ~" ~, „..,> .~:~ ;health and environment, while saving tax- ~; '~, payer dollars. _~;, As the news of these successful city solu- '~ ,; bons spreads, more cities are joining in the `~~` ~'! Cool Cities movement. Together, they are helping to lead our country and our world s into a new energy future. And that's cool. ~' Now it's your city's turn. ~ , _ - -. . _ ~i~ G _ `. ~ :k F 1' ~~ :.~ ~}{~ii~ I '~ ~~~ ~ _ ~ i ~. ~ _. ~. _~ ~ .. _-. =~ ~~ ~=~ ~~ ! { cif :. ~. .~ ~ TC :, i_. ~ SIERRA ;- I.,LJB ~ 1= i h _ __ __ ~I ~ ~ „ ~ ~ ~ ~ s ~.~ ~ ~ >, r ;rtkrt? s E ,w - ~ i`~~5." T~ ~. e ~:' ~ ~ .i~ ~' k. a ~= i ~ ~ . ~ ";~ -~ „ Solving Gloh~l°Warming One Gity at a Time. ~.~- ~;, ._ _ _ ~ :_ ,, ~, {~ ,~'~'yp _~__ __.........~~1 COOL CIT9ES TAKE THE LEAD _~ ommunities all over America are responding to the threat of global warming with smart energy solutions. These "Cool Cities" are taking decisive action to reduce heat-trapping emissions, lower energy bills, save taxpayer dollars, and protect our environment. At a time when the federal government is failing to act, mayors and other local lead- ersare taking the lead to curb global warm- ing. Beginning with Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, more than 200 mayors represent- ing 42 million Americans in 38 states have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to reduce global warming car- bon dioxide (COz) pollution in their cities to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012 (see seattle.gov/mayor/climate). These Cool Cities are working to meet this goal with practical and innovative energy solutions that reduce energy waste and pol- lution, and thereby cut our dependence on oil, benefit public health, and save money. GLOBAL WARMING: NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT Scientists have concluded that burning fossil fuels-like oil, coal, and natural gas-to power our cars, homes, and businesses is causing global temperatures to rise. This heating of the earth poses a serious threat to our health, safety, economy, and environment. The good news is that we have the tools today to reduce global warming pollution, and cities of all sizes are pursuing innovative energy solutions. While every city's energy solutions plan will be unique, there are three key com- mon Cool City strategies: Green Vehicle Fleets, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy. GREEN VEHICLE SOLUTIONS The biggest single step we can take to curb global warming is making our cars, trucks, and SUVs go farther on a gallon of gas. Many cities are cutting their global warming emissions by purchasing gas-electric hybrid cars and SUVs for their city vehicle fleet. By using less gasoline, hybrid vehicles release a fraction of the global warming and . ~.;: , ao air pollution emitted by conventional vehi- cles while saving money at the gas pump. Some cities are also providing incentives, such as free parking and lower registration fees, to encourage the purchase of hybrids by local residents and businesses. ENERGY EFFICIENCY SOLUTIONS Energy efficiency means using less energy through better technology to light streets and power buildings and industrial facilities. Reducing energy use is one of the most cost-efFective and fastest ways to meet our energy needs. Lowering energy costs enables communities to invest more in schools, job creation, and new infrastructure. Since fossil fuel power plants account for more than one-third of U.S. global warm- ing emissions, saving energy also means Clean Harvest: Waverly Light & Power in Iowa has installed wind turbines on land leased from local farmers, creating clean electricity for the city and additional income for farmers. Cool Mayor. Mayor Joseph Adams, of University City, Missouri, accepts the Sierra Club's Cool City award for signing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement less pollution. From high-tech interior and street lighting, energy-efficient building standards and retrofits, to efficient com- bined heat-and-power, cities in every region of the country are modernizing lighting, heating, cooling, and other systems. RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS Cities across the nation are investing in clean and renewable power like solar and wind energy to lower global warming emissions and create a reliable source of . safe, homegrown electricity. Many cities are adopting "renewable ener- gy standards" that require a specific per- centage of the electricity sold in a city or utility area to come from renewable sources by a specific target date. Other cities are incorporating renewable energy technologies, such as solar photo- voltaic panels, into the design of public buildings. Renewable power and energy efficiency are essential solutions for replac- ing electricity from dirty, fossil-fuel-burn- ing power plants. COOL CITIES: BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER The most successful Cool Cities are engaging the entire community to help meet the goals of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Local businesses, builders, faith groups, environmentalists, and labor unions are working together to make their cities more livable and vibrant while lowering energy bills, creating good jobs, and tackling a global problem. RE-ENERGIZING YOUR CITY As the news of successful city solutions spreads, more cities arejoining in the Cool Cities movement to lead our country and our world into a new energy future. Cool Cities are literally re-energizing our nation, proving that we can solve global warming one city'at a time. Now it's your city's turn. ['~ - } z~ n I ~ 'C. C. ~ T I~ i ~~~~~ 1. Join the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to reduce global vvarming pollution 2. Green your city's vehicle fleets with Hybrid and other!cleanei• cars '3. Modernize city buildings with money-saving energy-efficiency ;;technology 4. Invest in clean and safe renewable energy LEARN MORE: For a list of cities that are becoming "cool," and for resources and specific examples of smart energy city solutions and model action plans, go to sierraclub.org/coolcities. SIERRA CLUB HEADQUARTERS: 85 Second St., Second Floor • San Francisco, CA 94105 • (415) 977-5500 MARCH 2006 SIERRA CLUB LEGISLATIVE OFFICE: 408 C St. NE • Washington, DC 20002 • (202) 547-1141 • sierraclub.org