HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 10-19-2021; 6-a - Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG) – FY 2021-22 Project Selection for General Applicants 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 19, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 6-a
SUBJECT: Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG) — FY 2021-22 Project Selection for
General Applicants
DEPARTMENT: Asset Management Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1) CCAG 2021-22 Project Brennan Bouma, (919) 245-2626
Descriptions, Scoring, and Steven Arndt, (919) 245-2658
Comments for General Applicants
2) CCAG 2021-22 Project
Descriptions, Scoring, and
Comments for School Application
PURPOSE: To:
1) Receive the grant project funding recommendations from the Human Relations
Commission (HRC) and the Commission for the Environment for the FY 2021-22 Orange
County Community Climate Action Grant Program;
2) Approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY
2021-22 as outlined in the attached report; and
3) Receive and approve the request from the HRC to shift one point in the scoring rubric from
"Time to Complete" to "Social Justice/ Racial Equity" in future rounds of grant funding.
BACKGROUND: As part of the FY 2019-20 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.
For the 2021-22 funding cycle, $536,665 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 Orange County Commissioners (BOCC), the process for soliciting and
selecting projects to receive funding was conducted through a formal Community Climate Action
Grant (CCAG) program.
For this grant cycle, the BOCC reserved half of the total funding for this grant program
($268,332.50) to be awarded to projects submitted by either of Orange County's two public school
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districts. The remaining half ($268,332.50) was to be made available to all other eligible general
applicants in this round.
Only one project totaling $68,616 has been submitted from either School district, and no funding
allocated for the schools has yet been recommended for approval. Attachment 2 provides
additional information. In light of the Board's interest in supporting school climate action projects
and the special challenges facing schools as they operate during a pandemic, the current grant
deadline for school projects will be extended through the end of November. County staff have
already begun reaching back out to the schools to offer direct assistance in generating project
proposals for this extended FY2021-22 round of funding as well as the FY2022-23 round of
funding set to open later this year.
The information below describes the scoring, ranking, and reasoning of the review of general
applications.
The Community Climate Action grant program received seven (7) applications in this round from
a variety of general applicants representing non-profit and public organizations whose total
requests add up to more than $880,000. While staff fielded some questions from prospective
applicants from the private sector, no private sector applications were received.
Grant applications were completed over the summer and reviewed and scored by the Commission
for the Environment (CFE) and the Human Relations Commission (HRC). On September 13,
2021, each of these Commissions voted to forward their final scoring and comments to the BOCC.
The following is a rank-order summary table of the combined project scoring and
recommendations, and more details on each project are available in Attachment 1:
Total Rank*
Project Applicant
Funding Recommended Running total Score Out of 7
Requested Funding Level Out of applicati
25 is ons
Low Income HVAC Rebuilding
Replacement Together of $113,000 $113,000 $113,000 22.8 1
the Triangle
Neighborhood NC Sustainable
Energy Resiliency Energy $115,000 $90,000 $203,000.00 21.2 2
Project (NERP) Association
Food Waste Town of
$4,000 $4,000 $207,000.00 20.4 3
Monitor Carrboro
Food Waste Eno River
Monitor
Farmer's $3,765 $3,765 $210,765.00 19.6 4
Market
Sustainability
Upgrades (Bike
Rack and Charging Carrboro Arts $17,000 $17,000** $227,765.00 18.4 5
Station element Center
only)
3
203 Project Solar Town of
PV Array and Carrboro $178,507 $40,567.50** $268,332.50 17.7 6
Green Roof
Wayfinding Town of
Implementation Chapel Hill $100,000 $0 $268,332.50 14.9 7
Sustainability
Upgrades (Full Carrboro Arts Center $371,290 $0 $268,332.50 13.8 8
Project)
Total Requested by General
Applicants (Funds available for $885,562 $268,332.50
2021-22: $268,332.50
* All projects, including those that tied in their scoring and those that exceed the funding limit were placed in rank
order by CFE and HRC voting.
** The HRC recommended funding only the Bike Rack and Charging Station element of the Carrboro Arts Center.
The CFE did not recommend funding any portion of the ArtsCenter application in favor of adding to the partial
funding of Carrboro's 203 Project.
In addition to providing feedback on the FY 2021-22 round of grant applications, the HRC also
made a suggestion regarding an improvement to the scoring rubric used for the grant evaluations.
The HRC suggested reducing the weight given to the "Time to Complete" scoring category and
adding a point to the "Social Justice/ Racial Equity" category to better reflect the grant program
values.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Climate Action Tax is projected to generate $536,665 in funds in FY
2021-22, 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.
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
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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 improve local air
quality and 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
1) Receive the grant project funding recommendations from the Human Relations
Commission and the Commission for the Environment for the FY 2021-22 Orange County
Community Climate Action Grant Program;
2) Approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY
2021-22; and
3) Approve the request from the HRC to shift one point in the scoring rubric from "Time to
Complete" to "Social Justice/ Racial Equity" in future rounds of grant funding.
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Attachment 1
Idiom-
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Date: October 19th, 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
General Applicants
For the 2021-22 funding cycle of the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant program, $536,665 in
funding was budgeted to support climate action projects that will benefit Orange County residents both socially
and financially. For this grant cycle,the Board of Orange County Commissioners have reserved half of the total
funding for this grant program ($268,332.50)to be awarded to projects submitted by either of Orange County's
two public school districts.The remaining half($268,332.50)was to be made available to all other eligible
"general" applicants in this round.
During the time this round of grant funding was open for applications over the summer, County staff reached
out to staff at both school districts to notify them of the grant funding opportunity and offer assistance. Orange
County schools staff passed along this notice to other school staff and the Director of Facilities and Construction.
No grant applications were received. When the grant period opened,the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools were
in the process of hiring their new Sustainability Director.The new Director was hired 2-3 weeks before the grant
application period closed. County staff worked with them to create a project idea that might be ready in time
and they were able to submit a proposal.
Only one project totaling$68,616 has been submitted from either School district, and no funding allocated for
the schools has yet been recommended for approval.Attachment 2 provides additional information. In light of
the Board's interest in supporting school climate action projects and the special challenges facing schools as
they operate during a pandemic,the current grant deadline for school projects will be extended through the end
of November. County staff have already begun reaching back out to the schools to offer direct assistance in
generating project proposals for this extended FY2021-22 round of funding as well as the FY2022-23 round of
funding set to open later this year.
The Community Climate Action grant program received seven (7) applications in this round from a variety of
general applicants representing non-profit and public organizations whose total requests add up to more than
$880,000. 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
P.O. Box 8181 * Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Telephone: (919)245-2625
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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 two
monthly meetings and on September 13`" 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*
Funding Recommended Running total Score Out of 7
Project Applicant Requested Funding Level Out of applicati
25 is ons
Low Income HVAC Rebuilding
Replacement Together of $113,000 $113,000 $113,000 22.8 1
the Triangle
Neighborhood NC Sustainable
Energy Resiliency Energy $115,000 $90,000 $203,000.00 21.2 2
Project (NERP) Association
Food Waste Town of
$4,000 $4,000 $207,000.00 20.4 3
Monitor Carrboro
Food Waste Eno River
Monitor
Farmer's $3,765 $3,765 $210,765.00 19.6 4
Market
Sustainability
Upgrades (Bike Carrboro Arts
Rack and Charging Center $17,000 $17,000** $227,765.00 18.4 5
Station element
only)
203 Project Solar Town of
PV Array and Carrboro $178,507 $40,567.50** $268,332.50 17.7 6
Green Roof
Wayfinding Town of
Implementation Chapel Hill $100,000 $0 $268,332.50 14.9 8
Sustainability Carrboro Arts
Upgrades (Full Center $371,290 $0 $268,332.50 13.8 9
Project)
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Total Requested by General
Applicants(Funds available for $885,562 $268,332.50
2021-22:$268,332.50
*All projects, including those that tied in their scoring and those that exceed the funding limit were placed in rank order by
CFE and HRC voting.
**The HRC recommended funding only the Bike Rack and Charging Station element of the Carrboro Arts Center Grant
application.This portion of the overall application is listed as a separate project in the table above, ranking 5th overall
whereas the overall project ranks 9th.The CFE's discussion aligned with the idea that this was the most fundable portion of
the overall application, but in the end recommended no funding for this application to allow for more of the remaining
general grant funds($57,567.50)to go to the Town of Carrboro's 203 Project Solar PV Array and Green Roof application.
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— Low Income HVAC Replacement
Applicant (Collaborators): Rebuilding Together of the Triangle
Funding Requested: $113,000
Recommended Funding Level: $113,000
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 22.8
Project Description: "This program will replace home heating furnaces with electric heat pump heating systems
for low-income homeowners in Orange County. Priority will be given to homeowners who have experienced a
system failure and are without adequate heating."
"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. With agreement of
the chosen applicant appropriate modifications are made to the house to transition from an inefficient HVAC
system to an efficient heat pump HVAC System."
Project Benefits: "This project was designed to help low-income, Orange County households to transition from
inefficient, greenhouse gas generating furnaces to highly efficient, greenhouse gas-minimizing heat pump HVAC
systems."
"This project was also designed to cost effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.The cost for each pound of
yearly CO2e emissions reduction by a $25k electric automobile is about$5.The cost for each pound of yearly
CO2e emissions reduction by rooftop solar is about$4.The cost for each pound of yearly CO2e emissions
reduction by a heat-pump HVAC system is about$2."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime:
$221.23
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HRC Comments:The HRC felt this proposed project had a strong social justice focus and they appreciated the
detailed breakdown of who would benefit.
While this project seemed expensive to some reviewers given the limited number of houses who will benefit,
others pointed out that this was the state of the market for HVAC systems today.There was agreement that this
was a needed service in the community.
CFE Comments:The CFE felt that this project was well-conceived and the application was well done.
The proposed project uses money efficiently, leveraging funds from private donors as well as rebates from Duke
Energy. The project also focuses on the most impactful energy-saving upgrades and will have a long-lasting
benefit for 40 individual households. CFE reviewers pointed out that this project will benefit a relatively small
number of County residents, but that the benefits could be significant in cost savings and quality of life
improvements.The project will employ local Orange County residents and prioritizes using local sources for
goods and services.The project plans include community outreach to explain and support the goals of the
project.The agency has a good reputation in the area and existing relationships with the low-income households
to be served.
#2 Ranked Project— Neighborhood Energy Resiliency Project (NERP)
Applicant (Collaborators): NC Sustainable Energy Association (Neighborhood resident and advocate Tamara
Sanders, Energy Reduction Specialists of NC, Enpira Inc., Central Piedmont Community Action (CPCA), and
Marian Cheek Jackson Center)
Funding Requested: $115,000
Recommended Funding Level: $90,000
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 21.2
Project Description: "NERP focuses on a historically-Black and -disadvantaged community in Carrboro to
improve standards of living and reduce emissions by installing energy efficiency upgrades, implementing an
education campaign and measuring project impacts.The project will install retrofits for at least 15 homes,
provide energy conservation educational materials that can be shared with all Carrboro residents electronically,
provide print materials to be shared by local partners, and develop a model that can be replicated throughout
Orange County.
The project team will target a neighborhood of—40 homes in the Ala bama/Davie/Glosson Circle neighborhood...
These homes will be allowed to apply for services, and the team will select best-fit homes that will generate the
highest emissions reductions and alleviate energy burden. Retrofit materials will be purchased from local
businesses in Orange County and the contractor will provide energy conservation education during installations.
The team will carry out an energy analysis on 1 year of pre-retrofit usage and 1 year of post-retrofit usage. For
those homes not selected but in need of assistance,the team will help the residents explore other potential
options available to them including services from the N.C. Weatherization Assistance Program (NCWAP) and
utility-offered services.
The team will also implement an education campaign to extend impact beyond residents receiving retrofits. A
community organizer who resides in the neighborhood will promote the program to residents and collaborate
with community groups to organize an energy conservation workshop for Orange County residents.There will
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also be a retrofit Shadowing Day where residents can watch the contractors assess one of the homes and learn
how to increase the efficiency of their homes In addition, several educational materials will be created that will
be available to share with all Carrboro citizens."
"Nearly half of the funds ($62K) will go towards the retrofit equipment for the neighborhood residents and the
labor necessary to install the equipment. Remaining funds will go towards the administrative effort and
materials needed to manage the project, include a community organizer, implement an education campaign and
carry out analysis of energy use to measure impacts. NCSEA,through support from Coastal Credit Union,will be
providing$10K towards the project to support the creation of educational materials."
Project Benefits: "The direct beneficiaries of the project will be the residents in the neighborhood of focus for
this project.These are the homes that will be considered for energy retrofits that will result in lower energy bills,
healthier homes, and more stabilized communities.The residents who do not receive retrofits will still benefit
from receiving energy conservation education through the project's community workshop, Shadowing Day, and
promotion of energy efficiency resources. Educating residents on energy conservation may also result in lower
bills and healthier homes, albeit likely on a smaller scale compared to the retrofits."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime:
$816.99
HRC Comments:The HRC had high praise for this application, and encouraged the use of this proposed project
as a model for others.They appreciated that a local community activist put together the project idea and then
reached out to NCSEA to help organize the grant application and administer the project.They also pointed out
that this community activist has an education plan in mind and would help to connect all collaborators to the
community as she lives in the community. Impacts of the project would be expanded as the proposal includes a
plan for interested community members to shadow the contractors as they do the work to learn more and be
able to conduct their own energy efficiency work in the future.
CFE Comments:The CFE felt that this project was very much in line with the goals of the grant program as it
directly reduces energy use and bills and improves quality of life for households in a marginalized community.
Relatively few residents will receive support, but the project will create significant benefits for those who do,
and other County residents will receive information about the improvements and ways of saving energy.
Wherever possible,the project will purchase from Orange County vendors, although collaboration with partners
outside of Orange County likely reduces the amount of funding that will be spent in Orange County. NCSEA,
through support from Coastal Credit Union,will also be providing$10K towards the project to support the
creation of educational materials. The applicant has the capacity to complete the project.
If insufficient funds remain to fully fund this project, based on its rank the CFE would recommend partial funding
of up to $90K.The CFE points out that the budget line items for data analysis and/or educational materials might
be reduced in favor of more direct energy efficiency materials and labor for more homes. Once the impacts of
this pilot program are clearer, a larger focus on outreach might be better justified to spread the model. The CFE
acknowledges that education is important to encourage participation, but would recommend a focus on more
direct impact in this initial phase. Data analysis might be done directly by NCSEA in order to redirect funding
towards energy efficiency work or reduce overall project costs.
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#3 Ranked Project— Food Waste Monitor
Applicant (Collaborators):Town of Carrboro (Orange County Solid Waste Management and Carrboro Farmers'
Market)
Funding Requested: $4,000
Recommended Funding Level: $4,000
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 20.4
Project Description: "Since 2016, Orange County Solid Waste Management has been providing free food waste
collection on Saturdays at the Carrboro Farmers' Market. Participants can bring all food scraps for collection,
including those which are not recommended for backyard compost. The organic waste is collected weekly by
Brooks Contractors, a local commercial composting company. Approximately 150 patrons utilize this service on a
weekly basis.
The food waste collection program requires a monitor who sets up the collection station, changes out full bins,
counts patrons, helps avoid bin contamination, and provides guidance to program participants."
"Funding will be used to pay a part-time staff member to perform these duties."
Project Benefits: "Residents of Carrboro and Orange County will directly and indirectly benefit from this
program.The program provides direct benefits by providing a free food waste collection service for local
residents. Composting organic material will indirectly benefit local residents by reducing greenhouse gas
emissions in order to mitigate climate change.The food waste collection program is open to the general public
and there are no restrictions to participation.
The program is an important resource for residents of multifamily housing in Carrboro, as their ability to
compost food waste is limited by a lack of yard space to set up a composting bin or pile.This program provides
an opportunity for residents of multifamily housing to compost at no cost. Residents of multifamily housing
make up a large proportion of Carrboro's population, as approximately 58 percent of residences within the
Town are multi-unit structures (5,336 units)."
"Food waste collection is offered at the Carrboro Farmers' Market, located at the Town Commons at 301 W
Main St.The median annual household income for the census tract in this location is$37,100/year, which is
lower than the median annual household income for the Town of Carrboro overall."
"The project location's census tract is more diverse than the Town as a whole. The food waste collection
program will provide a valuable service for residents nearby the market as well as others who frequent the
market during its operating hours."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime:
$85.05
HRC Comments: Overall the HRC felt that this project was inexpensive and worth funding. Reducing waste and
ensuring waste is composted serves everyone.The environmental benefits of this project also align with social
justice benefits as less waste would be going to landfills in more vulnerable communities.
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HRC reviewers would have liked to see a breakdown by race and income of who goes to the farmers market, in
order to make a more informed determination of how direct the social Justice and racial equity benefits might
be.
In the end, given that Orange County Solid Waste has already put money into making this compost drop-off
program work, and given the good cost to benefit ratio,the HRC felt that this project was beneficial.
CFE Comments: By assisting with diverting food waste from the landfill waste stream,this composting project
reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Compost monitors increase the use of the compost drop off location and
also help reduce the amount of non-compostable waste that enters the compost stream. This quality control
helps keep the composting process profitable.The grant funding will help ensure that an established program
with positive impacts can continue, and the applicant has sufficient capacity to successfully complete the
project.
It was not clear to the CFE that the existence of compost monitors would increase use of the farmer's market
overall as the applicant stated, but the presence of compost monitors would very likely be good for waste
reduction education and the promotion of composting. There was also some concern about this program
becoming dependent on continued grant funds in the future.
In the end, because the cost request was small and the impacts immediate, there was consensus among CFE
reviewers to recommend funding this project.
#4 Ranked Project— Food Waste Monitor
Applicant(Collaborators): Eno River Farmer's Market (Orange County Solid Waste)
Funding Requested: $3,765
Recommended Funding Level: $3,765
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 19.6
Project Description: "We are requesting funds to pay for 2 compost monitors for the Eno River Farmers' Market
(ERFM) Community Compost Collection site. Monitors will work during market hours throughout the year to
assure that only compostable items are collected and will provide education to ERFM customers and vendors
about composting.They will also assist the ERFM Manager with community outreach in Northern Orange
County to build awareness of the ERFM Community Compost Collection Site beyond the Market. Monitors will
also be responsible for record keeping and setting up the compost collection table and bins and breaking it
down at the end of the Market each Saturday."
Project Benefits: "This project will provide funding for compost monitors at the Eno River Farmers' Market
Community Compost Collection site.This will provide the oversight we need to ensure that only compostable
items are collected.The monitors will also provide education to community members about composting and
encourage household compost collection. This will help Orange County to decrease the amount of waste going
to landfills, reduce methane emissions at the landfill, reduce transportation to a Waste and Recycling Center to
drop off food waste, and will lead to the creation of rich compost that will increase the carbon capture of the
soil in Orange County and the surrounding area.
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The Hillsborough Farmers' Market draws primarily from northern Orange County, which is an area that is often
left out of climate initiatives. Many community members have expressed appreciation for the Compost
Collection at the Farmers' Market: they are no longer having to make the longer car trip to the Walnut
Grove Waste and Recycling Center; others who never composted before are starting to do so and have
significantly decreased the amount of food waste they throw out as a result; others who were already
composting at home are appreciative of the fact that they can bring items to the ERFM Community Compost
Collection site that they cannot compost in their back yard, since the compostables are picked up by Brooks
Contractors, an industrial composter with the ability to accept a broader range of compostables.
This project will contribute to carbon reduction in several ways: by reducing methane levels at the landfill; by
helping our soil to sequester more carbon and by reducing the carbon emissions from cars by providing a closer
food waste drop off for residents of Northern Orange County. Based on current use numbers, we estimate that
400 community members per month will utilize this collection site. In addition, most of Orange County waste is
sent to a landfill in Sampson County,where a poor minority community has had to deal with the smell and
pollution of the mega landfill in their backyard. Reducing the waste that ends up in the landfill will have a
positive impact on this community."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime:
$106.27
HRC Comments: Overall the HRC felt that this project was inexpensive and worth funding. Reducing waste and
ensuring waste is composted serves everyone.The environmental benefits of this project also align with social
justice benefits as less waste would be going to landfills in more vulnerable communities.
HRC reviewers would have liked to see a breakdown by race and income of who goes to the farmers market, in
order to make a more informed determination of how direct the social Justice and racial equity benefits might
be.
In the end, given that Orange County Solid Waste has already put money into making this compost drop-off
program work, and given the good cost to benefit ratio,the HRC felt that this project was beneficial.
CFE Comments: CFE reviewers felt that this was a cost-effective and highly visible project that would increase
access to the County's composting services. Keeping food waste out of the municipal waste stream avoid a good
amount of greenhouse gas emissions as it reduces the tonnage of waste transported by heavy trucks out of the
County.The applicants' proposal outlines a project that appears clear and obtainable.
Not all CFE reviewers were convinced with the applicants' claim that that the presence of a compost collection
sire at the market increases the number of weekly visitors to the market,thus increasing the market's economic
success.Also,the CFE was concerned there was no longer-term plan for funding the compost monitors after the
grant period is over.
In the end,the relatively low cost and potential for diesel emissions reduction, coupled with the applicant's
commitment to use media to engage with the community to encourage composting, were all factors that led to
a higher rank.
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#5 Ranked Project—Sustainability Upgrades (Bike Rack and Charging Station element only)
Applicant (Collaborators): Carrboro Arts Center
Funding Requested: $17,000
Recommended Funding Level: $17,000
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 18.4
Project Description: "Installing several bike racks beyond those required by code, as well as Electric Vehicle and
E-bike charging stations.The ArtsCenter's new location is accessible by walking, buses and bikes.The purpose of
the project is to encourage The ArtsCenter's patrons to use more environmentally friendly modes of
transportation to access the center."
"Currently,The ArtsCenter is located on East Main Street in Carrboro.The future site of their new home is
located next to one of Carrboro's historically Black neighborhood; Lincoln Park and is adjacent to what is
considered the LatinX hub of Carrboro.The new site is on several bus lines and is walking and biking distance
from downtown as well as many residential communities. Providing ample bike racks, as well as EV and E-Bike
charging stations,TAC encourages the community to be mindful of the carbon footprint that traditional car
travel leaves behind."
Project Benefits: "The ArtsCenter(TAC) has always been a year-round, seven days a week arts home where
people come together to enjoy and participate in music, dance,theater,the fine arts, and the intersection
between these disciplines.The new site plans provide the organization congregational space to truly connect
with their neighbors, and flourish as a community center for the arts.TAC continues to actively develop
relationships with their new neighbors as they explore programming and physical plans that celebrate and
honor cultural, racial, ethnic and thought inclusivity."
"The charging stations will produce a savings for community members, more so than The ArtsCenter.Joining the
trend of providing charging stations The ArtsCenter will be giving their patrons this added convenience to
encourage the use of both electric cars and electric bikes,thus reducing the carbon footprint of the entire
community.The patrons will save the cost of gas."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: No
estimate provided by applicant.
HRC Comments: Because this proposed project does little to directly address social justice or improve the
quality of life for marginalized residents, the HRC recommends funding only the bike rack and electric charging
station element of this application. This is the least expensive element, and the one that might do the most to
increase the accessibility of the center to the marginalized neighborhoods nearby.
CFE Comments:The bike rack and the bike and vehicle charging station component of the application was
discussed favorably by the CFE, though some felt that these should either be added to the basic project design,
or they could be added in later once the need for grant funding was clarified and the greenhouse gas impact of
the proposal could be estimated.
[For CFE comments on the full proposal see#9 Ranked Project entry below]
14
#6 Ranked Project— 203 Project Solar PV Array and Green Roof
Applicant (Collaborators):Town of Carrboro
Funding Requested: $178,507
Recommended Funding Level: $40,567.50 (all remaining funds)
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 17.7
Project Description: "In 2017,the Town of Carrboro and Orange County entered into a Development Agreement
related to design, permitting, and construction of a building and associated parking known as The 203
Project to provide for the Orange County Southern Branch Library, Town of Carrboro Recreation and Parks
Program, Orange County Skills Development Center,WCOM Radio, and other uses."
"The Town is requesting funds to construct a solar photovoltaic array on the building's west roof as well as a
green roof in a separate area.The solar photovoltaic array will produce 102,700 kWh/year and the green roof
will be designed as a tray-type vegetated roof assembly."
Project Benefits: "The 203 Project is a combined effort that will offer a public facility to provide opportunities
for education, art, and community.This building will be accessible to all individuals and will enhance the quality
of life in Carrboro.The project provides direct benefits to all who use the building through its energy efficiency,
reduced urban heat island effect, cooling, stormwater management, pollinator habitat, and to the whole
community for its reduced energy costs and its environmental benefits.
The green roof will provide direct benefits by insulating the building, lowering the energy needed to provide
cooling and heating and leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.The vegetation will also sequester
carbon and improve air quality by removing air pollutants. It will enhance stormwater management and water
quality by filtering pollutants from rainfall and reducing the total volume of annual runoff from the associated
roof area by 60%. It will help mitigate the urban heat island effect by removing heat from the air through
evapotranspiration, and will provide aesthetic value and improve quality of life, as interaction with nature has
been shown to benefit physical and mental health and productivity."
"All residents of Carrboro (21,230) and Orange County(148,476) will benefit from the project's greenhouse gas
emissions reductions resulting from reductions in electricity usage as well as carbon sequestration.The solar
array and green roof will provide a visible example of the Town and County commitment to climate action and
sustainability in a prominent, highly-trafficked location in downtown Carrboro."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime:
$60.60
HRC Comments: While the HRC would rather see these funds spent on more direct social justice and racial
equity programming, they acknowledge that this building will house many important social support programs
like the Skills Development Center, and these will be an amenity to the community.There is an indirect case that
these improvements will help the building to run efficiently, and that this may help support the important social
justice programming being done inside.
CFE Comments:The applicants' proposal outlines a project that appears clear and obtainable.This project could
showcase environmental technology and promote renewable energy for a large segment of residents. The CFE
15
felt that it is good to have a visible commitment to the environment such as rooftop solar and a green roof on a
new public building. Some CFE members felt that new public buildings like these should have these sustainability
features as standard elements and not grant-funded additions.
If insufficient funds remain to fully fund this project based on its rank,the CFE would recommend partial funding
with the remainder of the funds available ($57,567.50 as calculated by the CFE as they did not recommend any
funding for the Carrboro Arts Center Bike Rack and Charging Station element).
Based on the stated timeline that the project is not going to break ground until 2022,the CFE encourages the
applicant to apply for the rest of the funding in the next round of grants.
#7 Ranked Project—Wayfinding Implementation
Applicant(Collaborators):Town of Chapel Hill
Funding Requested: $100,000
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 14.9
Project Description: "These funds would be used to implement a Town-wide wayfinding signage program for
those walking, rolling and biking around Town.The wayfinding signage would be used to highlight locations
important to the community like parks, schools, and key shopping destinations and assist people in getting there
without a car. Emphasis would be placed on providing wayfinding in low-income and historically Black
communities around town."
"The Town is currently requesting proposals to create a Town-wide wayfinding strategy and this funding would
enable implementation while being a platform to ensure that the wayfinding strategies are effective.The grant
would fund signage for the near and mid-term phases of the wayfinding strategy."
"The project would also fund a redesign of the Chapel Hill Bicycle and Greenways Map, which covers the entirety
of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Staff estimates a potential audience of 29,000, based on community survey results."
Project Benefits: "The proposed project will provide wayfinding signage and maps to the community to identify
key destinations for those on foot and on bike in Chapel Hill.This project would place permanent signage on
streets with information on how long it would take to get to key destinations like parks, schools, and businesses.
There would also be on-road painted signage in some locations where signage isn't appropriate or feasible.
The Town's end goal for the program is for people to notice the signage, use it to walk or bike somewhere they
may have otherwise driven to, and make it a regular habit going forward.This encouragement will be paired
with infrastructure improvements to create an improved and connected network.
"The program will benefit all who walk and bike on the routes with signage. While routes have not been
finalized,Town staff estimates that around 8,000 people live in census blocks along each of the 5 priority
corridors in the Town's Mobility Plan. Based on this number and the plan to implement 5 routes, up to 40,000
residents could benefit, as well as visitors from neighboring communities.
16
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime:$625
HRC Comments: Overall,the HRC felt that while wayfinding signs may be useful for orientation while new
residents are out walking, there seems to be little to do in this project with social justice.
Reviewers pointed out that there are already some wayfinding signs around Chapel Hill, and these signs may be
helpful for those few residents who do not have access to technology, but with the large cost of the project,the
cost did not match the benefits.
The HRC wondered if the applicant was attempting to create something like The Freedom Trail in Boston. If so,
that would be much more in line with the grant's priorities.
They invited the applicant to consider resubmission with a more fully developed plan.
CFE Comments: While expressing appreciation for the proposed project's focus on supporting additional biking
and walking, CFE members gave this project a low ranking based on some widely held questions about the
project design and the relatively high requested amount of funding.
The CFE's main question about this proposed project was whether the existence of wayfinding signage would
convince residents to drive less, particularly given that the hilly terrain poses an additional challenge to walking
and biking.The CFE wondered if a less-expensive digital wayfinding map would be as effective and easier to
update going forward.
Based on an acknowledgement of the high capacity of the applicant, and the potential for an active
transportation project to provide quick and long-lasting benefits when it has appropriate guidance from the
community,the CFE encourages the applicant to update their proposal with further evidence to support their
claimed impact and resubmit. Project benefits may be easier to illustrate once routes or signage locations are
identified through the planned community engagement.
#8 Ranked Project—Sustainability Upgrades (Full Project)
Applicant(Collaborators): Carrboro Arts Center
Funding Requested: $371,290
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 13.8
Project Description: "The ArtsCenter and EVOKE,the architecture firm designing The ArtsCenter's new building,
proposes several sustainability upgrades:
• Using Solarban 70, a glass with a low-e coating to minimize heat gain.The greatest energy usage of a building is
that of the HVAC system. Solarban 70 blocks 62%of solar energy while allowing 70%of visible light to pass
through.This glass will provide year-round comfort with significant heating and cooling cost savings over
standard glass used in most buildings. Solarban 70 will reduce the cooling load for the new building 30%over
the baseline of using standard glass.
• Installing LED lighting fixtures throughout the building with motion and/or daylight sensors to ensure artificial
lighting is used only when needed. LED lighting is far more energy efficient than all other types of lighting
17
options, it lowers maintenance costs to nearly zero by eliminating the need to replace bulbs throughout their
rated lifespan and it provides an overall better quality and accuracy of light. Daylighting systems harvest natural
lighting and automatically adjust electric lighting based on the amount of ambient light.These systems offer the
potential to cut energy use, reduce peak demand, and create a more desirable indoor environment with the
potential to save 20%to 40%of the building's energy use.
• Installing several bike racks beyond those required by code, as well as Electric Vehicle and E-bike charging
stations.The ArtsCenter's new location is accessible by walking, buses and bikes.The purpose of the project is to
encourage The ArtsCenter's patrons to use more environmentally friendly modes of transportation to access the
center.
• Installing automatic roller shades for the glass throughout the building in order to reduce the cooling
requirements of the building.The installation of these shades would reduce the energy usage of the HVAC
system and consequently reduce the carbon footprint of the building."
Project Benefits: "In developing plans for The ArtsCenter's new home at 303 Jones Ferry Road, several
sustainable initiatives have been put in place.
The ArtsCenter and EVOKE,the architecture firm designing The ArtsCenter's new building, proposes upgrading
the current window glazing to maximize the reduction in energy usage.The orientation of the building has the
vast majority of glazing north facing with no direct sun exposure or east-northeast with protection from
overhead sun via porch roof and from low sun via existing trees on site. Glazing will provide passive lighting
strategies and diminish the need for using lights. By upgrading the glazing and installing Solarban 70,the cooling
load for the building will be reduced by 30%.This glass blocks 62%of solar energy while allowing 70%of visible
light to pass through.
The ArtsCenter and EVOKE, also propose installing LED lighting fixtures throughout the building with motion
and/or daylight sensors to ensure artificial lighting is used only when needed. LED lighting is far more energy
efficient than all other types of lighting options; it lowers maintenance costs to nearly zero by eliminating the
need to replace bulbs throughout their rated lifespan and it provides an overall better quality and accuracy of
light. Daylighting systems harvest natural lighting and automatically adjust electric lighting based on the amount
of ambient light.These systems offer the potential to cut energy use, reduce peak demand, and create a more
desirable indoor environment with the potential to save 20%to 40%of the building's energy use.
The focus of installing extra bike racks, and an electric bike and electric vehicle charging station is to encourage
The ArtsCenter patrons to use environmentally friendly modes of transportation to arrive at the center.The new
site is on several bus lines and is walking and biking distance from downtown as well as many residential
communities. Providing ample bike racks, as well as EV and E-Bike charging stations,TAC encourages the
community to be mindful of the carbon footprint that traditional car travel leaves behind.
Finally, the ArtsCenter and EVOKE propose installing automatic roller shades for the glass throughout the
building in to reduce the cooling requirements of the building. Smart, motorized shades can help control the
solar gain and heat loss a building experiences naturally throughout the day simply by opening and closing at
preprogrammed times. With the addition of smart technology,the blinds can actually learn when they need to
open and close based on temperature and sun light, maximizing the energy efficiency of the HVAC system and
consequently reducing the carbon footprint of the building.
18
As The ArtsCenter is the largest non-profit arts organization in Orange County, serving both artists and residents,
with a mission to educate and inspire artistic creativity and to enrich the lives of people of all ages,the entire
population of Orange County will benefit from this project."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: (No
estimates were received from applicant.)
HRC Comments: Given the limited direct impact of most of this overall project on marginalized communities,the
HRC recommended not funding it, but instead breaking out the Bike Rack and Charging Station element of the
proposal as a separate project.
[For HRC Comments on the Bike Rack and Charging Station element of this project, see#5 Ranked Project above]
CFE Comments:The CFE recommends not funding this application.While the CFE feels it is important to make
highly visible sustainability investments to important community buildings such as this,there are problems with
this proposed project and the application itself. Fundraising is still ongoing and therefore the funding for these
sustainability upgrades might be able to come from other sources.The application is also incomplete as it
contains no greenhouse gas emissions estimates.
The CFE liked that these proposed upgrades would provide value over a long lifetime, but were concerned that
their proposed energy efficiency impacts overlapped and cancelled each other out in many cases. For instance,
the expensive Solarban window film would be applied to primarily north-facing windows, limiting its impact. If
those windows also had automatic roller shades that would further reduce the impact of the window film and
the daylight available to supplement the proposed smart LED lighting system.
Also, given that the designs for this large commercial building have not yet been finalized, this project may not
be able to be implemented within two years.
The CFE recommends that the applicant address these concerns and reapply.
19
Amount
Social Local and
Eftkient capat
Justice/ Emlaslona Economic Duration Time to Total
Racial Reduced use of of Develop- of Complete Score Rank
prof APPikant Funding Requested Funds Appikant
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l'tis P14 ELS I 2-tsi pJ_ LL Pb)- 2S pUl applications]
Low Income HVAC Rebuilding --
Replacement
Together of $113,600 4.7 3.4 3.2 3.6 3.1 3.7 2.8
the Triangle
Neighborhood NC
Energy Resiliency SustainableEnergy $115,0005.0 3.3 2.5 2-9 2.5 2.5 2.t; 21.2 2
Project tNERp}
Association
Food Waste Eno Sliver
Farmer's $4,()00 3.8 2.9 3.5 3.0 2.0 2.4 2.7 20.4 3
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Food Waste Town of
53'765 3 8 2•9 3.3 3 Q 1.8 2.1 2.7 14.6 4
Monitor Carrboro
Sustai na bii ity
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rack and charging ArtsCenter $17,0004.7 2.8 2.5 2.7 2.6 2.0 1.8 1.8.4 5
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station element
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203 Project Solar Town of
H PV Array and Carrboro $179,507 1.7 3.5 2.3 2.7 2.3 2.9 2.4 17.7 6
Green Roof
Wayfnding Town of
N
Implementation Chapel Hill 5100,666 o.3 2.5 2.4 2.9 2.2 2.3 2.4 14.9 7
Sustainability
L6 Upgrades-full Care $371,290 0.0 2.8 2.5 2.7 2.0 2.0 1.8 13.8 8
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Attachment 2
Idiom-
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Date: October 19th, 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
School Application
For the 2021-22 funding cycle of the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant program, $536,665 in
funding was budgeted to support climate action projects that will benefit Orange County residents both socially
and financially. For this grant cycle,the Board of Orange County Commissioners have reserved half of the total
funding for this grant program ($268,332.50)to be awarded to projects submitted by either of Orange County's
two public school districts.The remaining half($268,332.50)was to be made available to all other eligible
"general" applicants in this round.
During the time this round of grant funding was open for applications over the summer, County staff reached
out to staff at both school districts to notify them of the grant funding opportunity and offer assistance. Orange
County schools staff passed along this notice to other school staff and the Director of Facilities and Construction.
No grant applications were received. When the grant period opened,the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools were
in the process of hiring their new Sustainability Director.The new Director was hired 2-3 weeks before the grant
application period closed. County staff worked with them to create a project idea that might be ready in time
and they were able to submit a proposal totaling$68,616. No funding allocated for the schools has yet been
recommended for approval.
Following the scoring and eligibility guidelines of the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC),the
application that CHCCS submitted was 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 all
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 yet 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 two monthly meetings and on September 13th each of these Commissions voted
to pass their final scoring and comments on each application along to the BOCC.
In light of the Board's interest in supporting school climate action projects and the special challenges facing
schools as they operate during a pandemic,the current grant deadline for school projects will be extended
through the end of November. County staff have already begun reaching back out to the schools to offer direct
assistance in generating project proposals for this extended FY2021-22 round of funding as well as the FY2022-
23 round of funding set to open later this year.
P.O. Box 8181 * Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Telephone: (919)245-2625
21
The following is a rank-order summary table of the combined project scoring and recommendations for the
submitted project. A full table showing the scores for this project on each of the 7 scoring elements is included
in the Appendix.
Total
Project Applicant Funding Recommended Score Rank
Requested Funding Level Out of
25 is
Energizing the Chapel Hill-
Fleet Carrboro City $68,616 $0 17.1 1
Schools
Total Requested
by School
Districts(Funds
available for $68,616 $0
2021-22:
$268,332.50)
#1 Ranked Project— Energizing the Fleet
Applicant (Collaborators): Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Funding Requested: $68,616
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score(Out of 25 pts): 17.1
Project Description: "Procure three electric vehicles, each on a 36-month lease,with the intent to reduce
emissions created during normal school driving operation, instill greater awareness of alternative transportation
technologies during sustainability related events, and provide an educational tool for the district's automotive
and emergency response programs at Chapel Hill High School."
"Level II charging infrastructure is limited to one site on CHCCS property.Typical charging will primarily occur
near the automotive yard at Chapel Hill High School utilizing 120V charging which could take up to eleven hours
at the maximum estimated usage in a given school day."
"Benefits will become immediately realized through emissions reduction and continue for the 36 months each
vehicle is leased. Community engagement and education of students and staff members will take place within
the first six months of the acquisition of the electric vehicles with repeatable events on and off campus every
three to six months."
Project Benefits: "CHCCS currently does not own any electric vehicles with no timeline or designated funding for
their purchase or lease.This is an unrealized opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint, lower operating
22
expenses, and connect with our students and community more fully while engaging with an emerging
technology."
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $
$4,158.55
HRC Comments: Overall the HRC reviewer felt that there may be a better way of spending this money to
support racial equity in County schools.The proposal lacked evidence of the need for these administrative
vehicles.
If the three proposed cars are indeed needed in the administrative fleet of CHCCS, and leasing them means that
gasoline powered cars will not be used for this necessary travel,then when combined with using the cars as a
teaching tool this proposal might be worth funding.
Ideally, any avoided costs in the completion of this project would be used in the schools for more direct social
justice programming or materials.
CFE Comments:The CFE recommends not funding this application.While electric vehicles should be added to
the CHCCS fleet,the administrative vehicles proposed would be the least impactful to electrify since they are
driven so little each year.There were several unresolved questions about how these vehicles would be used by
staff and whether they were necessary.
Further, a lack of charging infrastructure at the schools where these vehicles would be placed raises additional
questions about whether they would be ready for use when needed for the proposed administrative travel.
Two of the three proposed electric vehicles,the Tesla Model 3 and Ford Mustang Mach-E are expensive and
impractical sports cars.The CFE reviewers questioned whether this choice of vehicle was an effective use of
grant funds.
The CFE liked the idea of using electric vehicles as teaching tools to make sustainable technologies more exciting
and tangible.The idea of exposing a new generation of our community's leaders and thinkers to electric vehicles
in our schools was well-supported by reviewers. Unfortunately, the lease arrangement for these vehicles makes
it hard to believe that they would be useful teaching tools as they would not be able to be disassembled and
reassembled by the students. Electric vehicles that students could simply view up close but not work on could
likely be provided for free in other ways by parent volunteers or local non-profits.
The CFE understands that this project proposal had to be written very quickly and is impressed by what the
brand new CHCCS Sustainability Director was able to pull together in such a short time.
For these reasons,the CFE recommends that the applicant address these concerns and for the project to be
resubmitted.
23
Amount
Social Local and
Efficient Capacity
Justice Emissions Economic Duration Time to Total
Racial Reduced use of of Develop- Of Complete Score
Project Applicant Funding Requested Equity Funds Applicant ment Engage_
ment
OutafS Outof4 (out of Outcif 3 (Out of3 Outaf3 (Out of3 (Outcyf
PW PW PW PW Pts). Pts). 25
Energizingthe Chapel Hill-
Fleet Carrboro $68,616 1.5 3.0 3.2 2.5 2.0 2.3 2.6 17.1
City Schools
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