HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-02-2021 Virtual Board Meeting; 6-a - Community Climate Action Grant - Project Selection for FY20-21 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 2, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 6-a
SUBJECT: Community Climate Action Grant - Project Selection for FY20-21
DEPARTMENT: Asset Management Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1. Project Descriptions, Scoring, and Brennan Bouma, (919) 245-2626
Comments Steven Arndt, (919) 245-2658
2. Powerpoint Presentation
PURPOSE: To:
• receive the grant project funding recommendations of the Human Relations Commission
and the Commission for the Environment for the FY20-21 Orange County Community
Climate Action Grant Program; and
• approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY20-
21 as outlined in the attached report.
BACKGROUND: As part of the FY20 budget, the Board of Orange County Commissioners
(BOCC) created the Orange County Climate Action Fund dedicated to accelerating climate
change mitigation actions in Orange County. This decision was motivated in part to help the
County meet the climate change mitigation goals set by the Board in recent years:
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions community-wide by 26 percent by 2025 (from 2005
levels).
• Transition to a 100% renewable energy based economy by 2050.
The first round of Climate Action Fund projects was proposed by the Commission for the
Environment last year and approved by the Board of Commissioners. These include funding for
solar projects for each of the school districts, a LED lighting campaign for lower-income residents,
and additional funding to weatherize and preserve affordable housing.
For the 2020-21 funding cycle, $478,657 in funding was budgeted to support climate action
projects that will benefit Orange County residents both socially and financially. Following the
direction of the Board of Commissioners, the process for soliciting and selecting projects to
receive funding was conducted through a formal grant program.
The scoring and eligibility guidelines were created by the BOCC and developed the remaining
application elements borrowing from the successful model of the Outside Agency funding process.
The application period for this first round of grants opened on September 18, 2020 and closed on
November 9, 2020.
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The Community Climate Action grant program received seven applications in this round from a
variety of non-profit and public organizations whose total requests add up to more than $1.2
million. While staff fielded some questions from prospective applicants from the private sector, no
private sector applications were received.
Grant applications were reviewed and scored by the Commission for the Environment (CFE) and
the Human Relations Commission (HRC). On December 14, 2020 each of these Commissions
voted to forward their final scoring and comments to the BOCC.
The following is a rank-order summary table of their combined project scoring and
recommendations, and more details on each project are available in Attachment 1 (Project
Descriptions, Scoring, and Comments):
Total Rank
Funding Recommended Score
Project Applicant (Collaborators) Requested Funding Level Out of Out of 7
applications)
25is
Solar Panels on
Affordable Habitat Habitat for Humanity of $95,000 $95,000 21.7 1
Homes Orange County
NAACP of Chapel Hill and
Water Heater Carrboro (Rebuilding
Replacement Together of the Triangle $122,100 $122,100 21.2 2
and Habitat for Humanity
of Orange County)
Cane Creek Reservoir OWASA $75,000 $75,000 19.6 3
352.4kW DC Solar Array
Tree Planting Program Town of Chapel Hill $40,000 $40,000 18.5 4
Solar-powered Electric Town of Chapel Hill $18,500 $18,500 17.7 5
Vehicle Charging Station
Cedar Falls Park
Multipurpose Field LED Town of Chapel Hill $220,000 $128,057 17.0 6
Light Conversion
Forest Foundation (Green
Orange County Eco-
Oil Company, LLC;
Innovation Park Greenway Transit $700,000 $0 12.3 7
Services, LLC; and
Carolina Biodiesel, LLC )
Total (Max for 2020-21:
$1,270,600 $478,657
$478,657)
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Climate Action Tax is projected to generate $478,657 in funds in FY
2020-21, and the Board of Orange County Commissioners intends to identify impactful projects
and distribute these funds promptly to accelerate action on the urgent issue of climate change
and help to further stimulate the local economy.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their
dependents.
Social Justice and Racial Equity is the most heavily-weighted factor in scoring projects proposed
through this grant program, ensuring that the equitable distribution of funds and the repair of
environmental inequities are a central element of each funded project. Local investments in
energy efficiency and renewable energy in Orange County provides direct reduction of monthly
energy bills and supports jobs and investments in clean energy technologies.
• GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes
and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of environmental
laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no group of people
should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences
resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies.
Reducing energy usage from the electric grid improves air quality impacts. Improving local air
quality helps to protect the health of vulnerable populations in Orange County whose health is
disproportionately affected by ground-level ozone and other emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impacts are applicable to this item:
• ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND WASTE REDUCTION
Initiate policies and programs that: 1) conserve energy; 2) reduce resource consumption;
3) increase the use of recycled and renewable resources; and 4) minimize waste stream
impacts on the environment.
Investing in local climate change mitigation actions will conserve energy, reduce resource
consumption, and increase the use of renewable resources.
• RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AIR QUALITY
Assess and where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of
the site and adjoining area. Minimize production of greenhouse gases.
The Climate Action Fund will continue to support high-impact projects which will minimize the local
production of greenhouse gases, reducing Orange County's contribution to the adverse impacts
of climate change on human and natural resources both inside and outside of the County.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board
• Receive the grant project funding recommendations of the Human Relations Commission
and the Commission for the Environment for the FY20-21 Orange County Community
Climate Action Grant Program; and
• Approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY20-
21.
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ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Date: February 2"d, 2021
To: Board of Orange County Commissioners
From: Brennan Bouma, Sustainability Coordinator
Steven Arndt, Director Asset Management Services
RE: Orange County Community Climate Action Grant- Project Descriptions,Scoring, and Comments
For the 2020-21 funding cycle of the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant program, $478,657 in
funding was budgeted to support climate action projects that will benefit Orange County residents both socially
and financially.
The Community Climate Action grant program received 7 applications in this round from a variety of non-profit
and public organizations whose total requests add up to more than $1.2 million. While staff fielded some
questions from prospective applicants from the private sector, no private sector applications were received.
Following the scoring and eligibility guidelines of the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC),the
applications were reviewed and scored by the Commission for the Environment(CFE) and the Human Relations
Commission (HRC). The BOCC asked the Human Relations Commission to score the applications on the Social
Justice and Racial Equity criterion, as this pertains to their expertise and because the racial representation of the
CFE as a whole does not reflect the racial diversity of Orange County.The HRC and the CFE discussed the scoring
process, reviewed application materials, and shared thoughts on each application over the course of three
monthly meetings and on December 14th each of these Commissions voted to pass their final scoring and
comments on each application along to the BOCC.
The following is a rank-order summary table of the combined project scoring and recommendations. A full table
showing the scores for each project on each of the 7 scoring elements is included in the Appendix.
Total Rank
Fundin Recommended Score
Project _Applicant (Collaborators) Requested Funding Level Out of Out of 7
applications)
25is
Solar Panels on
Affordable Habitat Habitat for Humanity of $95,000 $95,000 21.7 1
Homes Orange County
NAACP of Chapel Hill and
Water Heater Carrboro (Rebuilding
Replacement Together of the Triangle $122,100 $122,100 21.2 2
and Habitat for Humanity of
Orange County)
P.O. Box 8181 * Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Telephone: (919)245-2625
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Cane Creek Reservoir
352.4kW DC Solar Array OWASA $75,000 $75,000 19.6 3
Tree Planting Program Town of Chapel Hill $40,000 $40,000 18.5 4
Solar-powered Electric
Vehicle Charging Station Town of Chapel Hill $18,500 $18,500 17.7 5
Cedar Falls Park
Multipurpose Field LED Town of Chapel Hill $220,000 $128,057 17.0 6
Light Conversion
Forest Foundation (Green
Orange County Eco- Oil Company, LLC;
Innovation Park Greenway Transit Services, $700,000 $0 12.3 7
LLC; and Carolina Biodiesel,
LLC)
Total (Max for 2020-21:
$1,270,600 $478,657
$478,657)
Below is a set of expanded details on each proposed project, in rank order per HRC and CFE scoring.The quoted
text was pulled directly from various sections of the submitted applications.Also summarized below are the
comments from the HRC and the CFE, along with their scores and funding recommendations.
#1 Ranked Project—Solar Panels on Affordable Habitat Homes
Applicant (Collaborators): Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
Cost Estimate: $95,000
Recommended Funding Level: $95,000
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 21.7
Project Description: "Habitat for Humanity of Orange County proposes to use$95,000 in Orange County
Community Climate Action Grant funding to install rooftop solar panels on ten newly constructed affordable
Habitat homes in Orange County.This project will be undertaken in partnership with East Chapel Hill Rotary
Club, who will partner with us to help raise funds and work with local solar installation companies to obtain
equipment at cost...The average Habitat homeowner earns 45%of the area median income.The average
Habitat household has four people."
Project Benefits: "The homeowners will have approximately$73 free electricity per month and the equipment is
warranted for 12-25 years... Each family will save an estimated $26,280 in electricity costs over 30 years...
Energy costs disproportionately affect low-income families because energy bills account for a much higher
percentage of their income. High energy costs contribute to the cycle of poverty. Low-income families cannot
afford the upfront cost of solar and frequently do not qualify for loans... Home solar should not be available just
for those with higher incomes. Building these homes with solar will address the lack of equity when it comes to
the benefits of renewable energy."
"Rooftop solar helps fight climate change and air pollution. Climate justice and racial justice are linked. In the
U.S. Black people are exposed to about 1.5 times more particulate matter than white people, and Hispanics 1.2
times more. People in poverty have about 1.3 times more exposure than people out of poverty with resultant
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significant health risk... Each year, our proposed project will reduce/avoid an estimated 47 tons of greenhouse
gas emissions. Over the estimated 30-year lifetime of the rooftop solar panels,this project will reduce carbon
emissions by a total of approximately 1,140 tons."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced: $83
HRC Comments:This project seems to keep the focus on social justice, and targets the low income and
underserved community.While the project only assists 10 households, it provides direct benefits.Additionally,
the project includes educating people and includes investments outside of Southern Orange.
Reviewers were concerned that the homes that will benefit have not yet been selected, but this did not impact
project scoring. If this project is funded,the HRC encourages staff to ensure that the demographics of the
homeowners who actually benefit match with the demographics in the proposal through the quarterly reporting
process.
CFE Comments:Overall excellent application.The applicant has a good plan for expanding their solar program.
The applicant has clear expertise in this domain, and this project has the opportunity to serve as a model and
accelerate solar installations across all Habitat projects.
The project has a limited reach in terms of number of households reached, but the duration of engagement for
those households is on the order of several years. While the applicant does plan to purchase materials locally as
much as possible, economic impacts are mostly indirect. In 2019, Habitat's work generated $2.03 million in
economic impact in Orange County. Since the solar panels will be purchased at cost or slightly above, it makes
the savings considerable.
Project Drawdown, a collaboration of global scientists, ranks rooftop solar as the 10th most important solution
to climate change on a list of 100. If funded, we hope that this significant project will serve as a model for other
Habitat affiliates and help Habitat toward becoming a national leader in solarizing homes for our lower-income
neighbors. Funding of this proposal will send a strong message that Orange County supports expanding
renewable energy and making it accessible to everyone.
#2 Ranked Project—Water Heater Replacement
Applicant (Collaborators): NAACP of Chapel Hill and Carrboro (Rebuilding Together of the Triangle and Habitat
for Humanity of Orange County)
Cost Estimate: $122,100
Recommended Funding Level: $122,100
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 21.2
Project Description:"This project was designed to help 30 low-income, Orange County households to transition
from inefficient,greenhouse gas generating water heaters to highly efficient, greenhouse gas minimizing water
heaters. Applicants to the Orange County Home Preservation Coalition (OCHCP)for weatherization, energy
efficiency, urgent repair, or other related services constitute the target population for this project. During
application intake the applicant's house is evaluated for potential benefit from this project. Benefits of this
project, lower utility bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions, are then explained to the chosen applicants.
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With agreement of the chosen applicant appropriate modifications are made to the house to transition from an
inefficient to an efficient water heater."
"For this project two members of the Orange County Home Preservation Coalition are significant collaborators:
Rebuilding Together of the Triangle and Habitat for Humanity of Orange County... Both RTT and HH are critical to
the success of this project.They have the expertise and experience to assess the needs of a household, plan the
modifications, and efficiently implement the desired changes. Although not a formal partner,the Orange County
Home Preservation Coalition identifies target households, connects these households with the appropriate
provider, and helps educate their clients about the benefits that OCHPC providers can deliver."
Project Benefits: "This project has requested funds to replace 30 water heaters and based on our experience we
anticipate selecting 20 households with electric water heaters and 10 households with gas water heaters. We
believe that each selected household will directly benefit from reduced utility bills and reduced greenhouse gas
emissions...This project should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 29 short tons/year assuming grid-
supplied electricity emissions of 0.5 pounds COze/kwh. As grid supplied electricity emissions subside with a
greener grid,yearly GHG emissions reduction against a 2020 baseline will increase."
"A reasonable average lifetime for a heat-pump water heater is about 15 years. During this time if the heat-
pump water heater replaces an electric water heater the expected savings in the utility bill is$360/year—if the
heat-pump water heater replaces a gas water heater the expected savings in the utility bill is$104/year."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $309
HRC Comments:This project has a good direct impact to marginalized Orange County residents and a good
return on investment.The demographics of the target population are focused on those who need the most
assistance.The HRC did not fully understand the NAACP's involvement since it seems funds would go to partners
already doing this work.
CFE Comments:Overall, excellent application. Emissions of GHG from a gas-fired water heater are local and
would be eliminated entirely with the replacement by a heat pump water heater. Emissions from an electric
water heater are indirect,that is they are emitted by the electric utility. A heat pump water heater reduces
electric demand and the consequent emissions. Financial efficiency is enhanced by the use of other volunteer
based collaborators and potential incentives from Duke Energy.The experience and capabilities of the
collaborators also enhances the capacity of NAACP.The implementation plan is well-developed and applicant
has a good network of volunteers and contractors who have carried out related projects.The project will use an
existing pipeline for identifying and vetting households eligible for the program.All of the heat pump water
heaters will be purchased from Orange County sources.
The CFE liked that the funds would be directly invested into community members and efficiency upgrades to
housing.The number of people reached is small, but impact on those people is large.The lifespan of the new
water heating systems should be good and assist home prices in having increased value.The applicant is asking
for a somewhat large amount of funding, and the cost of installation seems high, but the applicant makes a good
argument that the energy savings on water heating are comparably cheap. It would be good to discuss disposal
plans for the old water heater systems.
The installation of the heat pump water heaters should be completed within 18 months from time of award.
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#3 Ranked Project—Cane Creek Reservoir 352.4kW DC Solar Array
Applicant (Collaborators): Orange Water and Sewer Authority(OWASA)
Cost Estimate: $75,000
Recommended Funding Level: $75,000
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 19.6
Project Description: "As part of OWASA's on-going commitment to reduce purchased electrical energy use and
decrease greenhouse gas emissions that result from our operations, we seek funding to expand our renewable
energy portfolio to include a 352.4 kW DC solar array at the Cane Creek Reservoir. OWASA was set to break
ground on this project in FY21, but because of our commitment to keep rates low during the pandemic, OWASA
opted for a 0% rate increase this year.This decision delayed several capital projects, including the Cane Creek
Reservoir solar project, which was been delayed indefinitely. We propose to use Climate Action Funds to
resuscitate the project, which will generate almost 525,000 kWh of clean energy in year one."
"OWASA's Fiscal Year 2022 Budget is going to be stressed because we delayed capital projects in the FY21
budget to achieve a 0% rate increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of the 5% increase that was
originally planned. OWASA was able to move forward with three other solar PV projects because they met a
strict financial standard: no additional money down (beyond the Duke Energy solar rebate) and annual lease
payments that are less than the total energy cost savings.This standard essentially makes these projects
revenue neutral in year one.The Cane Creek Reservoir project is a much larger system; because it could not
meet this standard, it has been delayed indefinitely. Without Orange County Climate Action funding, the project
will not likely move forward. Unfortunately, in delaying this project, we risk losing the potential to use a $75,000
Duke Energy solar rebate. Moreover, we miss out on an estimated 120 metric tons of greenhouse gas emission
reductions every year."
"This "shovel-ready" project located in a highly-visible location at a popular recreation area in the county would
serve as a showcase for solar projects in our community, raising awareness and excitement for renewable
energy in this area and demonstrating financial feasibility for other such projects."
Project Benefits: "Funding for this project will benefit all residents of Orange County by reducing greenhouse
gas emissions and showcasing the potential for public-private partnerships for solar in our community. It will
especially benefit OWASA customers by reducing the utility's annual electricity costs, keeping rates affordable."
"This project will serve as an example for public entities looking for public-private partnerships to advance clean
energy projects. OWASA has already invested $20,000 for the design of the Cane Creek Reservoir Solar PV
system. Eagle Solar and Light has structured an innovative 25-year lease that makes OWASA's annual lease
payments very close to energy cost savings starting in year one, assuming a $170,000 down payment. Duke
Energy has committed to a $75,000 solar rebate subject to project completion."
"Additionally, Eagle Solar and Light is using a Carrboro-based and minority-owned company, Action Solar, as its
major sub-contractor for the electrical work."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $35
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HRC Comments: While there is community impact, there is a lack of specific focus on social justice or racial
equity.The HRC appreciated that the applicant actively engaged a minority-owned subcontractor, but the
benefits of lowered utility rates only go to OWASA customers in Southern Orange.
CFE Comments:Overall, excellent application. Full marks were assigned for emissions reduction potential.
It has the largest impact in the county on a per person basis of all applications, albeit mostly indirectly.
OWASA serves just about half of Orange County residents. Clearly,they have a broad reach within the county
and have the opportunity to showcase this project.The proposal lists several methods of informing the public of
the project and its benefits.
The funds are used wisely and efficiently for a public purpose leveraging rebates from Duke Energy, innovative
lease financing partnership with Eagle Solar. OWASA employs 38 Orange County residents and about$31,000 in
various services will be spent in Orange County on this project. OWASA's extensive in-house capability combined
with that of the collaborator is more than sufficient to bring the project to a satisfactory completion.
If notified of funding in January 2021, OWASA could have the solar PV system online by the end of June 2021.
#4 Ranked Project—Tree Planting Program
Applicant (Collaborators):Town of Chapel Hill
Cost Estimate: $40,000
Recommended Funding Level: $40,000
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 18.5
Project Description: "The requested funds will be used to purchase, plant and maintain 40 large, native trees
principally within two of the Town's census block groups that rank highest in our tree planting suitability
analysis.The criteria for our analysis includes a variety of factors such as the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index
(SVI), existing canopy density, proximity to transit stops,transit use, proximity to affordable housing, and
affordable housing vulnerability to extreme heat."
"Recently, we completed a tree planting project across five of our public housing neighborhoods. Residents
informed Town staff that the new trees had a positive visual impact and made them feel like the Town cared
about their community. We are building on this experience to expand the tree planting program to other areas
of Town that scored well in our tree suitability analysis."
"We have not been able to identify a dedicated revenue source to grow this program. Most internal funding has
been for tree replacement rather than planting new trees. We have received donations and other grant funding,
but those funds have now been spent and the projects are complete."
Project Benefits: "The 40 large trees are estimated to sequester 2.42 metric tons of COze every 10 years and
19.36 metric tons of COze over 80 years....In this case, we have used Census block data as a proxy for the [5,852]
direct beneficiaries.The[se] numbers above are derived from the two highest ranking Census blocks from our
tree suitability analysis. We recognize that all residents can benefit indirectly, and that beneficiaries span
beyond the proxy area used... Other Unit of Impact: ... temperature regulation, reduced urban heat island,
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shade, filter air pollutants, manage and filter rainwater, stabilize soils, maintain soil health, improve human
mental well-being, improve recreation and aesthetics."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime:
$2,066
HRC Comments: HRC reviewers appreciated that the Town had said that they would prefer minority-owned
businesses and work with residents.They felt it was good that the Town had gotten the program started in
public housing communities. While trees may seem to be simple things, public housing communities are often
overlooked for beautification and quality of life improvements, and they may help reduce cooling bills and the
risk of flooding. Reviewers were concerned however that the requested trees for this project could be located
outside of the example area of Northside.
CFE Comments:
This project does not reduce emissions, but rather sequesters the emissions using trees. A total of 19.36 metric
tons of GHG will be sequestered in the first 80 years of the trees lifetime. Even though the cost to plant and
maintain each tree is large,the proposal cites 5,852 individuals will be served by the project.The Town of Chapel
Hill has sufficient capacity to complete the project in a timely manner. Some local economic benefit will come
from the purchase of the trees from a local source.
If awarded,the town plans to work with the residents (e.g., Northside Neighborhood)to inquire about the best
locations for planting trees. The applicant has completed tree planting projects successfully, and is leveraging
some other funds for tree replacements for this project. The applicant is asking for a relatively small amount of
funding, so it is worth supporting (or partially supporting) even though impact is likely smaller than other
projects.
#5 Ranked Project—Solar-powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Applicant (Collaborators):Town of Chapel Hill
Cost Estimate: $18,500
Recommended Funding Level: $18,500
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 17.7
Project Description: "We plan to purchase and install the EV ARC 2020, a charging system that combines solar
generation with battery storage to power electric vehicles with 100% renewable and emissions-free energy.The
EV ARC will be placed at the Eubanks Road Park& Ride lot, located near the new Carraway Village development.
In addition to providing free public charging,the EV ARC will also have a dedicated port to power Orange County
Mobility On-Demand transit vehicles."
"We have recently been encouraged to reapply for a Clean Fuels Advanced Technology (CFAT) grant with the NC
Clean Energy Technology Center. The CFAT grant helps to make the project possible by covering up to 80%of
the total system cost. For the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant,we are asking for up to 20% of
the system cost to provide a local match."
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Project Benefits: "We estimate that the EV ARC will provide up to 15,750 electric vehicle miles traveled per year,
resulting in a reduction of 14,271 pounds of CO2e per year. If awarded, our plan is to share the positive impacts
of this project with Town and County residents. We are also considering signage that would promote and
educate about the positive impacts of the project."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $118
HRC Comments:
No strong equity piece. Low income target population figures are confusing and not well explained.We do not
know yet the demographics of who the Mobility On Demand program will serve, but those who own EVs are
often higher-income.
CFE Comments:
The emissions reduction is from both individual electric vehicles and the use of solar panels to provide off-grid
power for the stations. While adding two charging stations to such a large parking lot is a small step,this project
is only requesting a relatively small amount as they are leveraging another grant to provide 80%of the necessary
funds.
It is not clear how this project enhances economic development, because the preassembled systems are
manufactured in California,there being no existing local source. The main users of the project are a relatively
limited number of electric vehicle commuters who use the Eubanks Park and Ride lot, although the number of
users is expected to increase as the Carraway development grows.The town's fleet of electric vehicles may also
derive a benefit from this project. The project makes clear that this solar charger will be a visible investment
supporting the greater use of electric vehicles.
The Town of Chapel has the capacity to bring this project to completion, and given the funding, the town is
capable of completion is less than a year.
#6 Ranked Project—Cedar Falls Park Multipurpose Field LED Light Conversion
Applicant (Collaborators):Town of Chapel Hill
Cost Estimate: $220,000
Recommended Funding Level: $128,057 (all remaining funds)
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 17.0
Project Description: "The requested funds will be used to purchase and install 40 LED light fixtures to replace 48
existing, less efficient metal halide fixtures located at the Cedar Falls Park multipurpose fields."
Project Benefits: "The LEDs will save 38,850 kilowatt hours of electricity and more than $97,150 in utilities over
their useful life (25 years).This will result in a savings of 220 metric tons of CO2e.The main beneficiaries of the
project are Town residents, as well as multipurpose field users. Residents will benefit from a reduced, long-term
impact on operating expenses (lower tax burden) associated with lighting and fixture maintenance. Park users
will also benefit from higher quality, more reliable lighting."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $999
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HRC Comments:There was no direct social justice or racial equity component demonstrated. Cedar Falls Park is
in a relatively white community.
CFE Comments:While CFE reviewers liked the concept of replacing high energy consumption lights with LEDs,
and the idea of investing in a highly used public park, the cost per unit impact of this project is high.This
application does not leverage funds or partnerships very well compared to the town's other applications.
The financial benefit of the project includes an estimated $97,150 in utility bill savings plus $99,510 in avoided
maintenance costs over the 25 year lifetime of the LEDs.This nearly adds up to the total project cost of
$220,000. Any economic development will result from local purchasing of the LEDs, and preference will be given
to minority/women owned businesses. Awareness about the project will be shared with the town residents and
park users, which can have a positive impact.
The plan is well-developed and easily implemented and the Town of Chapel Hill has the capacity to bring the
project to a successful conclusion.
Applicant is asking for a large amount of funding, and balancing the benefits of this project with the other
proposals,the CFE is recommending partial funding for this project using the remaining funds after the higher-
ranked projects are funded. With more than 50%of project costs covered by this grant, the Town may still be
able to complete most or all of this project through the use of Duke Energy Incentives to reduce the total project
cost as well as the large expected lifetime cost savings in reduced energy bills and maintenance expenses.
#7 Ranked Project— Orange County Eco-Innovation Park
Applicant (Collaborators): Forest Foundation (Green Oil Company, LLC; Greenway Transit Services, LLC; and
Carolina Biodiesel, LLC)
Cost Estimate: $700,000
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 12.3
Project Description: "Orange County Eco-Innovation Park(OCEIP) is an innovation and entrepreneurship
incubation park of collaborative businesses and organizations, based on renewable energy, waste biomass and
plant derived economies.Together they create a "tool chest" of options for sustainable economic development
and training, that can be replicated and appropriately scaled in other communities.At it's core is the GOAL
Model, developed from 2004-18 in a HOPE VI Community of color in East Durham. GOAL is a decentralized,
closed-loop, multi-nodal,waste-to-fuel-to-transportation, renewable energy system; designed to allow many
renewable or recycled waste, or plant-derived business strategies to be added. By doing so, one businesses'
waste stream becomes the feedstock of another, overhead and expenses are shared and lowered and resiliency
is increased."
"We would like to use grant funds to: first, assist in permitting hurdles for utilizing our site as a green business
incubator and demonstration site; second,to improve the property energy efficiency, such as lighting, solar hot
water and biofuel infrastructure; and third,to install some sustainable technology to increase income, efficiency
and resiliency that can be demonstrated, scaled and replicated."
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Project Benefits: "We project displacing 20,000 gals of diesel or 22 pounds per gallon for 2021. If we are able to
conduct our energy efficiency upgrade for the building,we will cut our current bill by about 60K Kwh per year
and that energy is split between coal and nuclear and peak load natural gas.We hope to reduce stormwater
runoff with a gutter and cistern system, which we can use for grey water and agriculture reducing water usage
and lowering greenhouse gases caused by drinking water processing. If we can enhance our composting
operation, we can reduce methane emissions (80 times greater greenhouse gas) and sequester carbon in our
farming operations, reducing fertilizer needs and added greenhouse gases.A rough estimate of CO2 is 100 tons
annually, but could be double that if we can ramp up a food waste diversion system."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $350*
(*based on rough estimates by applicant)
HRC Comments:While this seems like a worthwhile project, it places little specific emphasis on social
justice/racial equity. Additionally,the HRC liked that this project would be located outside of Southern Orange
where many of the other projects are focused.The HRC was concerned that the applicant's experience working
in East Durham may or may not directly apply to what they are proposing to do in Efland.They felt the
application was light on details and was too broad to see direct impacts.This project is also by far the largest
request and might not be able to come together quickly.
CFE Comments: CFE reviewers liked the ambition and overall idea of the project, but needed to see more
specifics, clear goals, and deliverables before they could recommend funding.The Forest Foundation good goals,
however,the application describes the project in very general terms, and it was not clear how it would measure
success or how long it would take to implement the actions it listed.The Forest Foundation (TFF) also proposed
to collaborate with 5 other organizations, but did not describe how they would work with these organizations.
The reviewers liked the focus on decreasing GHG emissions by replacing petroleum-based diesel fuel with
biodiesel, improved composting, and other improvements in operations. Reviewers also pointed out the
applicant's 20 years of experience in environmental education and participating in hundreds of events.
The total request ($700k) seemed excessive for the intended scope of the request for grant proposals. If the
applicant were to focus on a smaller better-defined and promising piece of the proposal,they would have been
far more competitive.
No funding was recommended at this time.
14
Social Justice
Racial Equity
Local Amount and
Scored by the Emissions Efficient use Capacity of Time to
Economic Duration of Total Score Final Rank
Project Applicant(Collaborators) Funding Human Reduced of Funds Applicant Development Engage-ment Complete
Requested Relations
Commission)
(Out of 5 pts) (Out of 4 pts) (Out of 4 pts) (Out of 3 pts) (Out of 3 pts): (Out of 3 pts): (Out of 3 pts): (Out of 25 Out of 7
is applications)
Solar Panels on
Habitat for Humanity of Orange
Affordable Habitat $95,000 4.0 3.7 3.7 2.7 2.4 2.3 2.9 21.7 1
Homes County
NAACP of Chapel Hill and
Water Heater Carrboro(Rebuilding Together of
$122,100 4.3 3.2 3.1 3.0 2.6 2.0 3.0 21.2 2
Replacement the Triangle and Habitat for
Humanity of Orange Count
Cane Creek Reservoir
352.4kW DC Solar OWASA $75,000 1.3 3.7 3.7 3.0 2.3 2.6 3.0 19.6 3
Array
Tree Planting Program Town of Chapel Hill $40,000 3.0 2.4 2.7 3.0 1.9 2.4 3.0 18.5 4
Solar-powered Electric
Vehicle Charging Town of Chapel Hill $18,500 2.7 2.9 3.3 3.0 1.2 1.7 2.9 17.7 5
Station
Cedar Falls Park
Multipurpose Field LED Town of Chapel Hill $220,000 1.3 3.1 3.2 3.0 1.8 1.9 2.7 17.0 6
Light Conversion
Forest Foundation(Green Oil
Orange County Eco- Company,LLC;Greenway Transit
Innovation Park Services,LLC;and Carolina $700,000 3.3 2.2 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.3 1.5 12.3 7
Biodiesel LLC
U0
C
L
v Total Total $1,270,600
(A
3 (Budget for 2020-21:$478,657)
LPL
X
C
G!
IZ
CZ
Q
15
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Community Climate
Action Grant
Project Selection for FY20 -21
February 2nd , 2021
16
Climate Action Fund - Background
• '/4 cent property tax for climate action
approved for the 19-20 Budget
• Decision prioritized projects with Social
Justice and Racial Equity benefits
• Community focus (not operations)
• First year projects run by County entities
• Current and future projects open to
community through grant program
Community Climate Action Grant 17
Overall Timeline
Itcal Year Jul-Sept . . ` Apr-JunJL
id
2019-20 19-20 Project Creation and CFE 19-20 Project Evaluation and
Ranking BOCC Selection
Application Project Review Project Selection Application
2020-21 Created and and Ranking for and Contracting Opens for FY21-
Opens for FY20- FY20-21 for 22 Funds
21 Funds FY20-21
Project Ranking
and Selection for
FY21 -22; Project Review BOCC Review Project Selection
2021-22 and Ranking for aligned with CIP for
Application FY22-23 FY22-23
Opens for FY22-
23 Funds
18
FY20-21 Eligibility Guidelines
• Non-profits, public entities , and small
businesses .
• All funds must be spent in Orange County.
• Must have legal standing to receive funds .
• Ongoing projects eligible if expanding or
accelerating .
• Replacement and repair projects are eligible if
not likely to be funded within 5 years.
19
FY20-21 Scoring Criteria
• 25 point scale
• Social Justice and Racial Equity (5pts)
• Emissions reduced (4 pts)
• Efficient use of Funds (4 pts)
• Capacity of Applicant (3 pts)
• Local Economic Development (3 pts)
• Amount and Duration of Engagement (3 pts)
• Time to complete (3 pts)
20
Summary Table
Total Rank
Project Applicant (Collaborators) Funding Recommended Score Out of 7
Requested Funding Level Out of applications)
25 is
Solar Panels on Affordable Habitat for Humanity of Orange
$95,000 $95,000 21.7 1
Habitat Homes County
NAACP of Chapel Hill and
Water Heater Replacement Carrboro (Rebuilding Together of $122,100 $122,100 21.2 2
the Triangle and Habitat for
Humanity of Orange County)
Cane Creek Reservoir
352.4kW DC Solar Array OWASA $75,000 $75,000 19.6 3
Tree Planting Program Town of Chapel Hill $40,000 $40,000 18.5 4
Solar-powered Electric
Vehicle Charging Station Town of Chapel Hill $18,500 $18,500 17.7 5
Cedar Falls Park
Multipurpose Field LED Light Town of Chapel Hill $220,000 $128,057 17.0 6
Conversion
Forest Foundation (Green Oil
Orange County Eco- Company, LLC; Greenway Transit
Innovation Park Services, LLC; and Carolina $700,000 $0 12.3 7
Biodiesel, LLC )
Total
(Max for 2020-21: $478,657) $1,270,600 $478,657
21
Detailed Table
Social Justice/
Racial EquitV Amountand
(Scored bV the Emissions Efficient use of Capacity of Local Economic Time to
Duration of Total Score Final Rank
Project Lead Applican Funding Human Reduced Funds Applicant Development Engage-ment Complete
t
Requested Relations
Commission)
(Out of 5 pts) (Out of 4 pts) (Out of 4 pts) (Out of 3 pts) (Out of 3 pts): (Out of 3 pts): (Out of 3 pts): (Out of 25 pts) Out of 7
applications)
Solar Panels on Habitat for Humanity of Orange
Affordable Habitat $95,000 4.0 3.7 3.7 2.7 2.4 2.3 2.9 21.7 1
Homes County
Water Heater NAACP of Chapel Hill and
$122,100 4.3 3.2 3.1 3.0 2.6 2.0 3.0 21.2 2
Replacement Carrboro
Cane Creek Reservoir
352.4kW DC Solar OWASA $75,000 1.3 3.7 3.7 3.0 2.3 2.6 3.0 19.6 3
Array
Tree Planting Program Town of Chapel Hill $40,000 3.0 2.4 2.7 3.0 1.9 2.4 3.0 18.5 4
Solar-powered
Electric Vehicle Town of Chapel Hill $18,500 2.7 2.9 3.3 3.0 1.2 1.7 2.9 17.7 5
Charging Station
Cedar Falls Park
Multipurpose Field Town of Chapel Hill $220,000 1.3 3.1 3.2 3.0 1.8 1.9 2.7 17.0 6
LED Light Conversion
Orange County Eco- Forest Foundation $700,000 3.3 2.2 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.3 1.5 12.3 7
Innovation Park
Total Total $1,270,600
(Budget for 2020-21:$478,657)