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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-05-2023; 7-a - Draft Orange County Climate Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: September 5, 2023 Action Agenda Item No. 7-a SUBJECT: Draft Orange County Climate Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report DEPARTMENT: County Manager's Office ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: 1. Orange County Draft Climate Action Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Plan with Greenhouse Gas Inventory Manager, 919-245-2626 PURPOSE: To receive the draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory report from Bluestrike Environmental Consulting. BACKGROUND: The next few years are critical in limiting global temperature to a 1.5° C increase and mitigating the most severe impacts of climate change. To do so, global emissions need to be halved by 2030, and net zero emissions must be achieved by 2050. It is a daunting task, but the cost of inaction is much higher. Investments now will reduce long-term operation costs, reduce recovery costs from climate-related disasters, and promote growth in local jobs and the economy. The draft climate action plan addresses the specific strategies that will help the County meet the climate change mitigation goals set by the Board in recent years including: • To proportionally uphold the Paris Climate Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 26-28 percent by 2025 from 2005 levels. • Transition to a 100% renewable energy-based economy by 2050. • Signatory to the Global Covenant of Mayors pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience to climate change, and track progress transparently. As part of the County's on-going efforts to accelerate the mitigation of climate change, the County began a climate action planning process in November 2022 utilizing the professional services of Bluestrike Environmental Consulting to synthesize the work the County is already doing, to build upon the collaborative efforts and progress we made with regional partners and the Towns, and to develop a suite of strategies, or "roadmap", for the County to follow to achieve its climate goals. Key elements of the CAP include an updated GHG inventory. The GHG inventory describes which sectors contribute the most GHG emissions in Orange County and helps gauge progress towards reducing these emissions compared to previous GHG inventories 2 completed in 2005 and 2017. The results of the GHG inventory have helped prioritize Climate Action Plan strategies based on which measures will have the most impact on reducing GHG emissions. Other key components of the plan include a robust community/stakeholder engagement process that has helped shape specific climate action strategies. The plan also includes methodology for implementation, evaluation and updating. In addition, Bluestrike has prepared a comprehensive funding plan linked to climate action plan strategies, and is in the process of designing a climate action plan dashboard that will display targets, progress, and key successes related to the plan's implementation for the County's website. This dashboard will be included in the final CAP presented to the Board in November. The draft Climate Action Plan will be presented to the community at a community symposium event planned for September 6, 2023, and the public will be invited to submit feedback through an on-line forum for 30 days. After the community feedback period ends, staff will evaluate and incorporate feedback to produce the final climate action plan to present to the Board in November 2023. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There are no financial impact associated with receiving this report. 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. 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. 3 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 plan will identify and 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 receive the draft Climate Action Plan and GHG Inventory report prepared by Bluestrike Environmental Consulting and provide any comments as appropriate. i j J r, v. r 111 AC I ION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY NORTH , • , t } Vision 3 Mission 4 Acknowledgements 5 Letter from Board of County Commissioners 7 �n LA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 8 Call to Action 9 Equity 11 i, Purpose 12 Stakeholder Engagement 14 ' J — Cost and Implementation Timeline 15 Conclusion 15 Background 17 Approach 17 State Planning 18 Regional Planning 18 Local Planning 19 ' Our Progress 21 Things You Can Do Yourself 23 Our Impact 24 Emissions Forecast 28 Development and Methodology 30 Goals and Strategies 35 Transportation 36 Built Environment and Energy 43 Resource Conservation 51 Green Community 59 Resilient Community 68 IMPLEMENTATION AND REPORTING 76 Overview 77 Reporting Tool 78 Budget 80 Funding Plan 80 • APPENDICES 84 Appendix A:2019 Greenhouse Gas Emission 85 Inventory Report Appendix B: Methodology of 105 Emission Forecast Appendix C: Stakeholder Report 114 Appendix D: Funding Mechanisms 130 �-' - Appendix E: Funding Sources 131 Appendix F:Comprehensive Funding Plan 136 •..:z Appendix G:Comprehensive 143 Implementation Plan `. r1! Appendix H: Emission Reduction Analysis 151 - ti• ,' F° ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA _ s a -iii '4:ti• .. ��.5':- ca�f2�A"�StcFiMt y*�.• 7'r-_ M1 .. ""'� '.t�` f At _ ;... • • 1 i `.r 'T°,R 4�' f "� rte"_ e - --90 ... - - �,�« ice. 5w iYi' . • Wpm— rY R Z +. t� '•�♦ ,� !yam.{ 0 a ✓�'r � a r � Together, our • commitwe • taking urgent actionon emergencyclimate • create and implement an innovative, equitable, • just transition to carbon neutrality and climate resiliency. ACTION2023 CLIMATE ORANGE COUNTY, NORTHCAROLINA Tµ � 1 - 24 r. T P by. s_ 1 Our battle against climate change is a moral imperative, an environmental emergency, and an economic opportunity. Orange County is determined to rise to the occasion with a Climate Action Plan that will lead the way toward a low carbon, green-energy, and equitable future that improves community health and well-being, protects our precious natural resources, and creates sustainable economic growth for all Orange County residents. 4 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA . a + Ji Y rti w 4 )a�W + _�.i. �."''�a 4v� ,�,i� 4gg��r PBIr y J A+i ''m i u+. +�4 �' y'• �' r a F�, « .� ,+ ,. �uu ✓�'te�a M1�a � r'� � � ,C..�'�+��� ,�, �. ORANGE COUNTY LEADERSHIP: ORANGE COUNTY CLIMATE ACTION TEAM: Board of County Commissioners: Amy Eckberg Hannah Tuckman Jamezetta Bedford, Chair Robert Williams Steve Brantley Earl McKee,Vice-Chair Nancy Coston David Stancil Amy Fowler Libbie Hough Jonathon Smith Sally Greene Quintana Stewart Mike Ortosky Jean Hamilton Cy Stober Steven Arndt Phyllis Portie-Ascott Gary Donaldson Travis Myren Anna Richards Kirk Vaughn Patrick Florence County Manager: Kelly Guadalupe Courtney McLaughlin Bonnie Hammersley Kirby Saunders Kristin Prelipp County Deputy Manager: Sarah Pickhardt Nishith Trivedi Travis Myren MANY THANKS to all of the Orange County business, farm, nonprofit, social justice, and educational community groups and partners who attended ourfocus group sessions,to the community at large forfilling out our climate action plan survey, and for all those individuals who provided data requests and took the time for phone calls to lend us your insights, expertise, and support for the development of the climate action plan. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 5 lip A63 irA 6 D � � 16,q, ILI COMMISSION FOR THE ORGANIZATIONS: Audubon Society ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY BOARD: Duke Energy Orange County Staff Veronica Penn Beattie Dominion Energy Soil &Water Conservation District Jessie Birckhead North Carolina Piedmont NC Cooperative Extension Geneva Gray Electric Cooperative Ian Morse Duke University Kristie Mather OWASA Climate Action Coalition Regina Baratta Town of Chapel Hill of Orange Co. Andrea Zimmerman Town of Carrboro Orange County Business Owner Kim Pirraci Town of Hillsborough Advisory Team Kim Livingston UNC-Chapel Hill Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Jane Harris UNC Institute for the Environment Clarion Associates Reade Oakley The Sierra Club Roc Records Mark Randall EI Centro Hispano Hillsborough/Orange County Wilson Greene Rogers Road Community Center Chamber of Commerce COMMISSION FOR THE Efland Cheeks Community Center ENVIRONMENT STAFF Cedar Grove Community Center CONSULTANT TEAM REPRESENTATIVES: Duke Nicholas School blue strike Christian Hirni for the Environment Wesley Poole Eno River Association PHOTO CREDITS Kalani Allen Images and cover image Hillsborough/Orange County Amy Eckberg Chamber of Commerce provided by Orange County, NC, UNC CHAPEL HILL EVS for Orange and stock image sites. ECOSTUDIO INTERNS: Triangle Land Conservancy Max Feldman Red Eye Bladen Currier Angie Delgado Garland Truffles Chloe Sherer Orange Community Housing and Land Trust 6 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 1 FROM BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ACRONYMS • CAP Climate Action Plan 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 7 r w' O .:S W Q D �r d w C7 a SUMMARY CALL TO ACTION Climate change is a pressing global challenge that requires collective action and sustainable solutions to safeguard our planet's future. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which are emitted from the cars we drive, the energy we consume, and the products we buy are having a harmful effect on our environment and are increasing temperatures at an unsustainable pace. The next few years are critical in limiting global temperature to a 1.5°C increase and mitigating the most severe impacts of climate change. To do so, global emissions need to be halved by 2030, and net zero emissions must be achieved before 2050. According to the most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Earth has warmed 1.09°C since 1850 and many changes such as sea-level rise and glacier and arctic ice melt are now irreversible. Global temperature rise is likely to reach 1.5°C by the mid-2040s which will further stress our environmental systems and, at a local level, will result in more frequent and intense heat waves, floods, drought, wildfire, and air pollution. As a global community,we are rushing to find ways to mitigate the worst of what is to come. As a local community, we are seeking ways to thrive despite the disruptions to our lives and well-being. THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT Earth also emits heat Some solar back toward space. radiation is + absorbed by I the clouds and Some of this heat passes directly through the atmosphere. Solar radiation penetrates cothe Earth's2 Greenhouse Gases atmosphere. (i.e., CO 2)absorb The Earth's surface and trap the most co2 absorbs most solar heat, enhancing the radiation,warming the warming effect. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 9 SUMMARY CALL TO ACTION CONTINUED Orange County (OC) is already facing periods of severe drought, heat waves, and poor air quality with more and more frequency. While some responses will need to be coordinated regionally, it is important for Orange County to take swift and effective action locally to maintain our quality of life. In 2022, North Carolina's Governor, Roy Cooper, issued Executive Order (EO) No. 246 committing North Carolina to a clean energy economy and directing next steps in the state's plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and create new economic opportunities for North Carolinians across the state. The EO strengthens North Carolina's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the statewide goal to a 50% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050. EO 246 includes a target specific to the transportation industry which makes up a majority of the state's emissions. It specifies a target of 1.25 million zero-emission vehicles registered at the state level and 50% of all new cars sold as electric by 2030. In line with a climate focus, the state is creating a diverse workforce to help buildout climate change infrastructure and ensure marginalized communities are engaged in the process.This follows a historical trend of previous commitments which have positioned North Carolina as a leader in climate. Orange County aims to comply with the state and adopt similar climate goals. On June 6, 2017, the Board of Orange County Commissioners passed a resolution to proportionally uphold the Paris Climate Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 26 and 28 percent by 2025 from 2005 levels. On September 5, 2017, the Board of Orange County Commissioners adopted a resolution to transition to a 100% renewable energy based economy by 2050. The County also signed the Global Covenant of Mayors in 2018 which is the largest global alliance for city climate leadership. These three commitments have played a foundational role in propelling Orange County to write this inaugural Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP is more than a testament to Orange County's commitment to climate action. It signifies an intentional move to align with wider regional planning processes. In this vein, the CAP echoes the goals and strategies of regional initiatives.This harmonized approach intends not only to create synergies with neighboring localities but also to contribute to a unified regional response to climate change. Details on specific partnerships can be found in the Introduction Section. 10 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA SUMMARY EQUITY The impacts of climate change cannot be separated from the broader social, economic, and political systems that shape our world. Equity refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of resources,opportunities,and benefits.Orange County is committed to integrating an equity lens into all aspects of our climate action efforts, from decision-making to community engagement to the allocation of resources. On September 2,2010,the Board of Orange County Commissioners unanimously adopted the social justice goals outlined in the Orange County Social Justice Goals resolution. Climate change impacts individuals differently based on their socio-economic status, race, geographic location, and a host of other factors. Therefore, it is with intention that all the strategies within this CAP have been developed using the equitable lens found in the following resolution. FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE = ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND INEQUITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES The fair treatment and meaningful The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of involvement of people of all race or color; religious or philosophical races,cultures, incomes and beliefs;sex,gender or sexual orientation; educational levels with respect national origin or ethnic background; to the development and age; military service;disability; and enforcement of environmental familial, residential or economic status. laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no group of people should ENSURE ECONOMIC bear a disproportionate share SELF-SUFFICIENCY of the negative environmental The creation and preservation of consequences resulting from infrastructure, policies, programs industrial,governmental and and funding necessary for residents commercial operations or policies. to provide shelter,food, clothing, and medical care for themselves and their dependents. ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION * Ensure that Orange County CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY residents are able to engage government through voting The reduction of risks from vehicle/ and volunteering by eliminating traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang activity, substance abuse disparities in participation and barriers to participation. and domestic violence. IMAGES SOURCES:ORANGE COUNTY,NC 2030 PARKS&RECREATION MASTER PLAN. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 11 SUMMARY PURPOSE Orange County's 2023 CAP is meant to serve as a guiding FOUNDATIONAL: TOP 10 THINGS document towards GHG reductions, both in County operations THE COUNTY SHOULD DO and community-wide. It is designed as a comprehensive strategy TARGET BASELINE to reduce emissions in a manner consistent with state guidelines 1.Decrease vehicle est.annual reduction and regulations, and to identify cost-effective opportunities miles traveled(VMT) of 1.3 million to existing and future residents, businesses, and development 30%from a 2019 miles using US baseline Community Protocol projects for a more sustainable community. At the same time,the by 2050 CAP provides a framework for environmental leadership and an 2.Increase community educational resource to the community. EV adoption to 50% Currently 12% all by 2035 and 100% vehicles in Orange ric The CAP is intentionally a living document that can be revised by 2050using a (12%ECountadoptsre n) as needed with clear and transparent metrics by which progress 2023 baseline (12%EV adoption) can be both assessed and measured. Although the County will 3.Achieve 50% be flexible, it will remain steadfast to the objectives ahead. emission reduction Scope 1 and 2 There are 78 strategies with 164 associated actions outlined target of all Scope 1 emissions have within the CAP. Certain commitments within the CAP have risen and 2 emissions by dropped by 42.4% 2030 and 100%by between 2005 to the top as the most impactful climate action targets for both 2050 using a 2005 and 2019 community and County operations that should be prioritized baseline above the rest. They are listed as the "Top 10 Things the County 4.Achieve 100% of Should Do". renewable electricity Currently all elecctricityty is by 2050 in municipal rom Theprojectteamanalyzedthelongterm GHG emissions reduction operation and renews les potential of strategies 1-7 and adjusted the percentages i e. community-wide wide renewable sources p 9 1 p 9 (�. y- 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030) to ensure that the 5.Increase community Current solar County could reach net zero by 2050 if they achieve these 7 wide solar capacity capacity within targets. Please refer to Figure A. Our methodology included by 20%by 2035 Orange County running the County's 2019 GHG emissions inventory through the to 32.32 MW is 26.93 MW2 Local Governments for Sustainability's model, ICLEI ClearPath, 6.Complete an electrification study and and then forecast those emissions out to 2050 using escalation establish a long-term implementation plan factors for projected population growth, national transportation (Phase 1 and Phase 2)for both municipal emission requirements, and the utility commitments towards and community infrastructure by 2025 net zero carbon emissions. The ICLEI Clearpath model bases 7•Expand County funding to include climate expenditures and additional full time the emission reductions on the unique usage data and emission sustainability staff factors specific to Orange County. The model has the capability 8.Integrate sustainability as a framework of running different emission reduction scenarios based on the within the overall County's planning percentage of expected emissions reduced. process 9.Identify and prioritize actions targeted to https://www.duke-energy.com/Home/Products/Renewable-Advantage/ vulnerable populations within the County Prod uct-Content-Label?jur=NC01#:-:text=For%20compari son%2C%20 the%20current%20average,%5BDuke%20Energy%202021%20data%5D. 10.Be prepared for climate change 2 https://energync.org/maps/ 12 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA SUMMARY PURPOSE CONTINUED Figure A depicts emissions reduced as a result of all Top 10 commitments. Please see Appendix B for more information on the methodology. ORANGE COUNTY TOP 7 EMISSION REDUCTIONS 11800,000 1,640,492 1,600,000 -- 1,400,000 - 1,320,172 1,200,000 - 1,028,184 955,357 11000,000 800,000 993,646 600,000 454,033 400,000 ---- 56,991 200,000 O. O N M q 0 �O N M O� O r N M N '0 N M O� O r N M V N 10 P M O� O a- N N N N N N N N N N M M M M M M M M M M a V a a a a a a a a Ln O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N TRANSPORTATION&MOBILE SOURCES RESIDENTIAL ENERGY �COMMERCIAL ENERGY INDUSTRIAL ENERGY �SOLID WASTE �WATER&WASTEWATER PROCESS&FUGITIVE EMISSIONS -- BAU —SCENARIO Figure A:Orange County Top 7 Emission Reductions Strategies 7-10 are not specific to GHG emission reduction. Instead, these strategies serve as guiding frameworks for consideration. Expanded funding should be allocated to projects identified inthe CAP and special attention should be paid to additional staffing needs that might be necessary. In addition, all planning decisions should continue to weigh factors of environmental impacts against the social and economic impacts that these projects will present. Finally, all planning processes should adhere to the County maintaining course to provide equitable solutions and to be prepared for climate change. In addition to the Top 10, goals, strategies, and actions are further developed throughout the CAP in the following sectors: Transportation, Built Environment and Energy, Resource Conservation, Green Community and Resilient Community. These sectors clearly map a qualitative and quantitative approach to actionable solutions that the County can take. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 13 SUMMARY STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Community engagement was a critical component of Orange County's CAP planning process. Community members are the ones that experience the effects of its - plan, projects and policies. In the process of creating the CAP, Orange County worked (and will continue to - collaborate) with existing universities, organizations, lIH small businesses, and public and private stakeholders in and around Orange County. Orange County's stakeholder engagement events have included survey reports, focus group discussions, workshops, and participation in the annual Orange County Agricultural Summit. Participants' comments and suggestions have been integrated into the CAP to the best of the project team's abilities. As this CAP is implemented, '. collaboration between the County and these _ stakeholders will remain essential because they are, as members of the community, best equipped to inform I< the CAP team of challenges the community faces. , d Ag Summit community engagement session, February 2023. 14 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA SUMMARY COST & IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE Efficiently allocating resources and funds is a cornerstone of the CAP for Orange County. Structured by year and specific focus area,the budget section presents a clear trajectory of expenditures and investments to facilitate the County's vision of a sustainable future. An overview of the funding plan is provided in the core body of the CAP, providing a breakdown of the estimated costs associated with each core goal. The implementation year for each strategy was selected based on its priority score and alignment with the top 10 things the County could do. Strategies set for immediate rollout have a higher priority score,whereas those with a later implementation year indicate a lower priority score.To further clarify our financial commitments and implementation timeline, the appendices serve as a detailed resource. Within them, there is a table delineating possible internal funding mechanisms, a table detailing potential funding sources from federal, state, regional, and local levels, a comprehensive funding plan that itemizes each strategy's estimated cost, the proposed implementation year, and possible funding source(s) and a detailed implementation plan specifies each strategy's projected rollout timeline, primary implementation lead,tracking milestones and the potential impact on GHG reduction. More details on funding and implementation schedule can be found in Appendices D-G. CONCLUSION While the proposed CAP actions can be daunting,the cost of inaction is much higher. Investments now will substantially reduce long-term operation costs, reduce recovery costs from climate-related disasters, and promote growth in local jobs and the economy. The goals are ambitious, but ones that we believe we can achieve.There will undoubtedly be twists and turns on this path, and we will need to stay flexible and adapt along the way. But if we can achieve these goals, we believe that we can build a community that is healthy, connected, and vibrant. We encourage everyone to embrace and fully participate in implementing this CAP. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA 15 r � r Y_ 19 .ate �' °�. M �`����� >>•d� `7t�` `'� ��c't °�\.; � 3� ' '�! �tle�.^L��k�M1e ,pw \,r� �a"'r'r � v � w sR ,��'@i�'4��'`��54�� .�i . aR' -.., 1 � t•� F �- � ;ti "i� $, �K 16 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 20 • • • , IBAC KG R O U N D Nestled in the hills of the North Carolina Piedmont, Orange County is located between the Research Triangle Park and the Triad cities of Greensboro, Winston- Salem and High Point.There are an estimated 153,166 residents with a growth rate of 0.9% in the past year according to the most recent United States census data. Orange County includes historic Hillsborough,the county seat;Chapel Hill,home of the University of North Carolina;and Carrboro and Mebane,former railroad and mill towns.The County encompasses 400 square miles of rolling farms and forest,vital urban centers and small towns.Orange County combines the best of cosmopolitan and rural values with an abundance of historical,social and cultural resources. Recognizing the need for urgent and ambitious climate action based on public concern and scientific evidence, Orange County saw the imperative to systematize and accelerate efforts. This 2023 CAP represents the next step, unifying existing climate work under one strategic umbrella to equitably transition Orange County to a low-carbon,climate-resilient community. In response to the need for a formal CAP, a Climate Action Team sub committee assembled to lead the planning process.This subcommittee has representatives from 17 county-wide departments including Asset Management Services, the Budget office, Emergency Services and the Health department to name a few. The group is led by a full time Sustainability Manager who keeps the County's Board of Commissioners updated on progress. ^APPROACP Climate actions are not isolated events. They require collaboration and cross- cutting strategies across multi-jurisdictions, public agencies, nonprofits, commercial businesses and residential communities. This CAP emerged as a result of an extensive review of both environmental state mandates, the commitments of local and regional jurisdictions, and existing public private partnership structures.The County leveraged existing planning commitments where feasible and integrated new strategy elements to tailor this plan uniquely to the County. Orange County has committed toworkingwith state,regional and local partners to maximize our impact through collective planning and implementation of climate initiatives. Some of the ways the County engages are: •STATE PLANNING • REGIONAL PLANNING • LOCAL PLANNING 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA 17 21 North Carolina Clean Energy Plan sets a net zero GHG emissions target by 2050 and has established goals to support this target by fostering long-term energy affordability and accelerating clean energy innovation,development, and deployment to better serve business and residential communities. To support these goals,the plan states a commitment to develop carbon reduction policies and the tools needed to support these policies as well as to modernize the grid to support clean energy resource adoption. The Cities Initiative,led bythe Environmental Defense Fund,is a collaborative effort among North Carolina local governments to address GHG emission reductions to evaluate barriers, business needs, and partnership opportunities. During Phase 1, the Initiative identified 12 core goals around clean energy, transportation, and the built environment that the collaborative will focus on in the coming months. A large part of the analysis process is to uncover funding approaches to support these areas. Phase 2 will unfold in 2024. During this phase,specific strategies and actions will be determined to lay out a roadmap for implementation. REGIONAL PLANNING Triangle Clean Cities Coalition leverages resources from the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technology office to promote alternative fuels and electric vehicle adoption. The coalition provides collaboration, multi-jurisdiction grant opportunities, workshop education and technical assistance to municipalities who are committed to finding sustainable transportation solutions. Orange County, the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, and the towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough are coordinating on a climate action initiative to identify areas within the County that are well suited for new public electric vehicle charging stations. The Triangle Climate Resilience Partnership is a cooperative partnership among the Town of Cary, the Town of Chapel Hill, the City of Durham, the City of Raleigh, Durham County, and Orange County. The Steering Committee is composed of the partners' Sustainability Managers, Sustainability Directors, and Resilience Officers. This partnership—in partnership with UNC Asheville's National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center and the Central Pines Regional Council—performed a quantified assessmentto help regional decision makers understand which assets are most vulnerable to specific threats and provide guidance on potential solutions. 1s 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 22 Triangle Sustainability Partnership has successfully initiated the "Solarize the Triangle" program which, in the first year of the partnership(2022), hit its top goal of reaching Tier 8 pricing, lowering the cost of solar for all participants by thirty- seven cents per kilowatt (kW), achieving $300,500 in annual utility bill savings, generating$5.98million in new clean energy development,creating 1,731 kWof new clean energy capacity,and avoiding 3.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually. This is a crowd source funding campaign that bundles solar projects together to attract wholesale pricing from developers.This program will be expanded in 2024 to focus on electrification with a new program entitled "Electrify the Triangle". Central Pines Regional Council(formerly Triangle J Council of Governments) is a resource and support hub for local governments, community members, and partners across Chatham, Durham, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, and Wake counties. This public private partnership focuses on building networks to address gaps, barriers, and funding opportunities in five key areas, including Environment & Resilience and Mobility &Transportation. The Southeast Sustainability Directors Network is another consortium that Orange County is involved with to help facilitate and advocate for regional climate initiatives. This network offers peer learning opportunities, equity resources, and information on regional funding. A number of agencies work together to provide public transportation in Orange County. Orange County Public Transportation, GoTriangle, Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Planning Organization,Chapel Hill Transit,UNC and thetownsof Chapel Hill,Carrboro and Hillsborough are all partners in planning transit and developing the Orange County Transit Plan. In November 2012,Orange County voters approved a transit-dedicated half-cent sales tax investment to expand and better connect the public transit network in Orange County and throughout the Triangle region. The Orange County 2030 Comprehensive Plan serves as a "blueprint"document to guide future policy decisions for the County through the year 2030.Chapter One indicates aformal commitmentto sustainabilitywhich has laid the foundation forthis CAP planning process.The County is currently updating the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and will take into consideration the goals and strategies outlined in this document and integrate the two planning documents as much as possible. The 2023 Orange County Five-Year Strategic Plan is underway which will lay out priorities to guide policies and budget decisions from 2024 through 2028. The plan will have underpinning themes of sustainability and equity and will prioritize actions that support and defend vulnerable populations. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 19 23 A .- -MR-0 Parks and Recreation Master Plan offers a robust overview of park facilities and services. The plan's intent is to examine the lessons and experiences of the past, identify current issues and challenges, and project community needs and desires into a vision for the future-a future that ensures a legacy of parks and public open spaces for current and future generations. In addition to the agency collaborations underway, the County has taken into account the alignment of regional commitments. Following state guidance, the County will work with its neighboring cities and university to share funding resources and best practices and maintain a dedicated focus to work collectively to ensure that these commitments stay on course.Table A portrays a snapshot of current state and regional commitments. CURRENT STATE AND REGIONAL COMMITMENTS SECTOR ORANGECOUNTY STATE CHAPEL HILL CARRBORO Z O Increase community EV EO 246:Establishing targets Create atown-wide Emissions reduction challenge � a adoption rates 50%by 2030 of 1.25 million zero-emission to reduce communitywide O electric vehicle charging p and 100%by 2050 using a vehicles registered and 50%of transportation emissions by a 2023 baseline sales by 2030 station network 50%by 2025 W EO 246.The order requires Create walkable, Decrease vehicle miles NCDOT to develop actionable bikeable,transit-served Reduce Greenhouse traveled(VMT)30%from a strategies for Vehicle Miles neighborhoods,Increase Gas Emissions from Motor > 2019 baseline by 2050 Traveled(VMT)reduction will walking,biking and transit Vehicle Use by 80%by 2030 be included use(mode-shift) EO 246.Reduce statewide The 2014 plan set a goal of a Z N Achieve 50%emission Halfway to net zero by I' w reduction target by 2030 2050:15%of commercial,GHG emissions to at least 50% reduction in emissions from ai�f ° 30%below 2005 levels by 2030 and ° of residential,100%° of municipal operations on the and 100%by 2050 using a a achieve net zero emissions by order of 5-10%within a 2 year W 2005 baseline 2050 Town buildings time frame Achieve 100%clean HB 951.Reduce electric 80%clean renewable Projects on Town buildings, O renewable energy by 2050 power sector greenhouse gas including solar leasing; LU Z in municipal and community emissions by 70%below 2005 2050 energy by 2030;100%by dedicate adequate funding to W sectors levels by 2030 these projects W J There are 31 community solar WIncrease the%of projects that operate in 93 of Green the Grid; Pursue Community Solar Z community wide solar by 100 counties in North Carolina Participating in Solarize Projects;Participate in W 20%by 2035 providing electricity to 25%of the Triangle Solarize the Triangle North Carolina residents Z Complete an electrification O study and establish a a All-electric new construction Net-zero emissions for V long-term implementation Facilitate Low Cost Financing standards;All newly sold new construction;Energy M plan(Phase 1 and Phase for Energy Efficiency and a: appliances are high-efficiency audit requirement at time F 2)for both municipal and Renewable Energy Projects w community infrastructure models of sale W by 2025 Table A:Current State and Regional Commitments 20 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 2, A� R. - Li-� CURRENT STATE AND REGIONAL COMMITMENTS CONTINUED HILLSBOROUGHSECTOR ZO Develop and adopt electric Encourage the use of plug-in Encourage private vehicle vehicle requirements electric vehicles in Durham owners to use electric vehicles; 1= for developments;Offer Increase fuel efficiency as a substitute for petroleum develop charging stations n. O of campus fleet based on powered vehicles to help for electric vehicles and p incentives for electric vehicle a charging infrastructure in CAFE standards achieve community-wide air encourage apartmentartment owners > quality and greenhouse gas and homeowners to install W developments emissions reduction goals charging stations The Comprehensive Increase use of environmen- F Sustainability Plan identifies Expand Vehicle telematics; tally referred transportation Expanded public transit is a > ways Hillsborough can convert Establish a Commuter options stated goal of the CAP vehicle trips into walking, Alternative Program biking,or transit trips. The 2014 plan set a goal of O� Commitment to reducing a reduction in emissions Commitment to reducing LU Focus on energy efficiency and N 0 emissions to net zero in the from municipal operations emissions to net zero in the community EV adoption a electricity sector on the order of 5-10% electricity sector W~ within a 2 year timeframe > 80%renewable energy by Commit to onsite solar 80%renewable energy by 100%clean energy by 2050; W 2030;100%by 2050 and RECs 2030;100%by 2050 Install rooftop solar panels Z where feasible W W Identify potential sites or 3 Participating in Solarize the Commit to onsite solar Participating in Solarize the areas location of W Triangle and RECs; Triangle renewaableble a energy facilities, Z including solar farms and wind W plantations Z Investigate opportunities and O a incorporate sustainability Continue Building Reducing total energy use Encourage energy audits for v and climate initiatives Optimization is a key tenant of Durham private and public buildings with a in facility development Program;Continue Energy including geothermal,solar, Conservation Measures County's ability to reach its incentives forfollow-upretrofits v weatherization,snd green Program renewable energy goals. on existing buildings W W infrastructure Table A:Current State and Regional Commitments(continued from page 20) In 2008, sustainability was threaded throughout Orange County's 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The integration and collective impact of environmental, social and economic elements was recognized as a contributing factor to ensuring a healthy and vibrant community. Since then, Orange County has demonstrated a long-term commitment to pursuing initiatives that support this vision, as listed in the following sectors. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 21 25 BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY 2 Set a goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2050 2 Ordinances in place to preserve 33%of acreage 2 Set goal of a 3%yearly reduction in energy use in from new developments County operations 2 Rainwater collection systems built at County's 2 Efficient lighting and HVAC (heating,ventilation & Animal Services facility air conditioning) policies in place 2135%of County land area has designated green 2 On-site solar on several County buildings,with more stormwater infrastructure under way 2 5 County buildings served b RESILIENT COMMUNITY g y geothermal ground- source heat pumps 2 The County participated in the Triangle Regional 2 Received LEED for Cities and Communities(Gold Resilience Assessment(completed in 2018) certification) 2 Updating the FEMA Hazard mitigation Plan now 2 All major County facilities served by energy-saving 2 Updated the County's State of the Environment HVAC control systems Report in 2019 2 Updating County lighting to LED using County's 2 Offers Orange County Mobility Sustainability Fund and Duke Energy's Small on Demand rideshare services to Cooling Centers Business Energy Saver Program during extreme heat days 2 Policy of installing solar on all new County capital 2 Continues to pursue hazard mitigation action projects,where feasible items including acquiring structures in floodplains and returning the land to green space. TRANSPORTATION 2 Adopted the Eno Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation 2 Updated Orange County Transit Plan in 2020 Plan in 2020 and continued to participate in five 2 Operates a network of 23 free electric vehicle year update cycles charging stations GOVERNANCE 2 Employee commute reduction programs are in place 2 The Board of County Commissioners voted 2 Operates County Commuter Options program to uphold the Paris Agreement offering alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle 2 travel for the community Conducted greenhouse gas inventories in 2005 and 2017 2 Transitioned 7 county vehicles to all electric; 2 Providing staff support for the Commission for 10 more on order the Environment RESOURCE CONSERVATION 2 Installed aerators on all bathroom and breakroom FINANCE fixtures at County facilities to conserve water 2 The Community Climate Action grant program, financed from a 1/4 cent property tax, has provided 2 Created a dedicated Recycling Education & funding for a variety of climate action projects Outreach Coordinator position including weatherization, solar installations,tree 2 Achieved an approximately 60% increase is waste plantings, EV charger installations, LED lights, diversion compared to 1990 levels heat pump water heater replacements, compost 2 Developed Lands Legacy Program in 2000 monitors at farmer's markets, and more. 2 Diverted over 1,200 surplus county computers for re- 2 The County has provided low-to-moderate(LMI) use by an Orange County student training program income funding through the Solarize the Triangle 2 Established a Waste Wise Event Program to reduce program to fund solar installations for LMIhouseholds. trash at County staff events 22 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 26 THINGS YOU CAN DO YOURSELF While governments and corporations can make significant mitigation impacts in the way they operate, individuals can make a difference in the way we live our daily lives. Our decisions give us the power to set a course for change by taking small actions that cause rippling effects across communities and can build dialogues that lead to broad behavior change. Join Orange County as it sets a course for community-wide climate change. IMAGEPROVI113?-�YCl6_!fGECOUNTY NC. mr_RGY PLEDGE TO: PURCHASING PLEDGE TO: W Turn off the lights when you leave if your home or p Prioritize local and minority owned farms office does not have occupancy sensors and businesses and support those with a 2 Skip the elevator and take the stairs for exercise climate mission and energy savings 2 Purchase products with reduced packaging P Unplug or use a power strip p Make your next purchase an electric one W Obtain an energy audit for your home instead of gas W Take advantage of your energy provider's incentives for reducing your energy consumption rtNSPORTATION PLEDGE TO: p Ride your bike or carpool to work VVA I'LH PLEDGE TO: p Take public transportation as often as possible W Bring a reusable water bottle to work each day p Telecommute when possible W Reduce meat consumption (biggest water user) W Reduce water use at home and work `BASTE PLEDGE TO: Z Plant native plants that require less water than 0 Reduce/eliminate use of single use plastic bags non natives p Reduce food waste p Start composting �oon PI_F17(�F Tll W Purchase second-hand clothing W Say no to plastic by bringing a reusable to go whenever possible container to work and for restaurant leftovers p Reduce paper copies and print double sided W Not ask for a straw W Only take what you can eat 0 Fix first before buying new W Eat a more plant-based diet (ENGAGE PLEDGE 10: W Talk and share ideas with others GREEN SPACES PLEvvc about climate change R Bea good steward to the earth by planting a tree p Volunteer for a community climate action project p Convert some or all of your lawn space p Stay informed and involved with what the County to native plants and region are doing to tackle climate change Z Use an electric mower or battery operated mower p Participate in community engagement efforts around climate change 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 23 27 An updated GHG Emission Inventory was conducted as part of this CAP planning process in order to understand the present state of environmental impacts and to establish a baseline for the forecasting of future emissions. The methodology was built using the US Community Protocol provided by the ICLEI ClearPath tool coupled with United States Environmental Protection Agency GHG emission factors which serve as the benchmark for GHG emission inventory analysis nationwide. Emissions were estimated based on best practices drawn from these resources.The year 2019 was selected for the GHG Emission Inventory to offer a more typical representation of GHG emissions against the year 2023,given that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced travel emissions and markedly impacted emissions from other sectors as well. Notably,the years 2020,2021, and 2022 recorded significantly lower emissions compared to current levels. A full understanding of the inventory can be found in the Appendix A: 2019 GHG Emissions Inventory . The GHG Emission Inventory considers two distinct greenhouse gas accounting tracks: community and government sectors. The two tracks are considered on the following pages as distinct inventories. 24 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 28 COMMUNITY GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY In 2019, the Orange County community produced a total of 1,631,671 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions(MT CO2e). As illustrated in Figure B, the greatest percentage of emissions was from transportation and mobile service at 43%,or 702,701 MT CO2e. Energy use in buildings represent the next largest emission sources at 34%,19%, and 2%respectively. Building energy use can be categorized by Commercial(business,university,and medical buildings), Residential (single and multi-family residences), and Industrial (agricultural and factory buildings) sectors to assist in determining reduction strategies. Commercial energy produced 556,800 MT CO2e, Residential energy resulted in 299,216 MT CO2e, and industrial energy contributed 33,626 MT CO2e. The remainder of the community inventory includes solid waste with 21,350 MT CO2e,water and wastewater with 12,585 MT CO2e, and fugitive emissions with 5,393 MT CO2e. ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY INVENTORY PROCESS& TRANSPORTATION& FUGITIVE EMISSIONS MOBILE SOURCES ���_ 43% SOLID WASTE RESIDENTIAL ENERGY 1% WATER&WASTEWATER 1% INDUSTRIAL ENERGY COMMERCIAL ENERGY 2% 34% Figure B:Orange County Community Inventory 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 25 29 ft- -, COUNTY OPERATIONS GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY As shown in Figure C, county operations GHG emissions were also analyzed. Orange County local government operations (LGO)were responsible for 21,124 MT CO2e. The largest emission sources were Employee Commuting at 33% (6,329 MT CO2e), followed by the Buildings & Facilities sector with 32% (6,185 MT CO2e). Water & Wastewater electricity at 23% (4,479 MT CO2e) which the local ICLEI advisor recommended including emissions in the county operation inventory. Vehicle Fleet at 11% (2,106 MT CO2e) and Transit Fleet accounted for the remaining 1% (251 MT CO2e). Fugitive emissions produced 9 MT CO2e. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS INVENTORY PROCESS& BUILDING&FACILITIES FUGITIVE EMISSIONS 32% 0% VEHICLE FLEET 11% WATER&WASTEWATER TRANSIT FLEET USAGE 23% EMPLOYEE COMMUTE 33% Figure C:County Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory 26 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA .7� �� •" ;i.. r, 4� � 4: � 'w�'v +aa14;P ,fit 1 �� S � 1.: �,, iF •M � t �� +al .""•� n'4k��y, + '�S+ .!l Y � � r �'v s•'� ,�'+ ty mel P° WIN- kw 77, W. 00 �yy'A��r `A�`"' •' -t 7 L.Y�� `v!3 ..� �v�p 'Irv. J �: Y' _ � 9 vY� �s o •�^y �-�'' 'nz rte`Vic= ,�r ''' / 1i►I7`,., m W OOKING TO 0 0 2023 • ORANGE COUNTY, • CAROLINA 27 q3F y f Awk, To determine what the County's emissions might look like in 2050, a series of GHG emissions forecasts were developed.As illustrated in Figure D,a Business- As-Usual forecast was developed to forecast the County's emissions without any additional action from federal, State, or local governments. A series of growth factors such as population and household growth were applied to the County's baseline emissions. Without any additional action, the County's emissions are expected to increase from 1,640,492 metric tons in 2019 to 1,823,115 metric tons in 2050. To project the County's emissions in 2050 including the expected impacts of State and local actions, an Adjusted Business-As-Usual forecast was developed.This forecast, shown in Figure E, includes expected increases in fuel economy and building energy efficiency in North Carolina, as well as the local utility companies' commitments to 50% emissions reduction in 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. Further methodology on the emission forecast can be found in Appendix B. The Adjusted Business as usual shows the emissions in Orange County dropping from 1,631,674 MT CO2e per year to 947,191 MT CO2e peryear.A reduction of 42%should Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards continue, and the local utility companies become net zero in 2050. GROWTH FACTORS • • ENERGY rVEHICLE • I • GROWTH - • GROWTH TRAVELED 28 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA IMAGE PROVIDED BY ORANGE COUNTY,NC. EMISSIONS FORECAST CONTINUED ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS AS USUAL rn 2 Z 1.8 J 1.6 ---- , 1.4 1.2 1 0 0.8 U ~ 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 ,yN by,yb ryA tiOb fyl ,bO r�'�31 ,3l,bf 4 ,bb !4k ,b1b 3Q NO t N11. R3 Nb Ah Nb NA o0 tp y0 ,LO,LO ,L0,LO,LO,LO,LO,LO,LO,LO,LO,LO 1,0,LO,LO,LO,y0,LO,LO,y0,LO,LO ,L0,y0,y0 ,LO ,LO ,LO ,t0,LO ,y0 ry0 TRANSPORTATION& RESIDENTIAL ENERGY PROCESS&FUGITIVE EMISSIONS MOBILE SOURCES WATER&WASTEWATER INDUSTRIAL ENERGY SOLID WASTE COMMERCIAL ENERGY Figure D:Orange County Business as Usual ORANGE COUNTY ADJUSTED BUSINESS AS USUAL z 1.8 O 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 N '- 0 - .. 0.6 - 0.4 0.2 0 "q ,y0 rI�,y1,10,yR tih,yby'1, rl�,tiA ,bO r3'�,3'L,33 ,bD ,3h ,fib ,b1 ,�� ,3A a0 A^ N1 a9 NNPO ab �'1 OP op y0 1p 10 ,L0,L0,L0 1,0,LO,L0,y0 10,L0,10 10;p 1p 10 10 1L0 10 11P 110,LO ,L010,LO 10 10 10 1p ,LO ,y0 TRANSPORTATION& RESIDENTIAL ENERGY PROCESS&FUGITIVE EMISSIONS MOBILE SOURCES WATER&WASTEWATER INDUSTRIAL ENERGY ®SOLID WASTE COMMERCIAL ENERGY Figure E:Orange County Adjusted Business as Usual 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 29 P � 1,14 • • LOOKING TO 2050 DEVELOPMENT AND METHODOLOGY Through quantitative and qualitative analysis, goals, strategies, and actions were identified to enable the County to form a clear path toward implementation.Some of the strategies were derived from existing programs and policies within local and regional planning documents,while others emerged as new strategies drawn from the ongoing stakeholder process and the Climate Action Team subcommittee. DEVELOPMENT PROCESS: ► Preliminary quantitative and qualitative strategies identified and agreed upon ► Development of"Long List"of CAP actions to implement each strategy ► Community and stakeholder feedback ► Further refine into a "Short List"of CAP actions ► Quantify emission reductions from actions There are two development tools that are being used to track annual progress of the CAP. ICLEI tracks the success of GHG emission reductions over time and the Climate Action Tracker acts as an internal tracking system for staff roles and responsibilities,timelines and funding approaches. Local Governments for Sustainability is the first and largest global network of local governments devoted to solving the world's most intractable sustainability challenges.They have produced an online software platform,ICLEI,which tracks GHG emissions and forecasts models for strategy implementation. ICLEI also has a monitoring component, Clearpath, which can be used to report ongoing implementation of the CAP. In ICLEI ClearPath each strategy developed can be inputted and updated with real time progress of emission reductions achieved. Reports can then be exported to provide data visualizations on the progress of strategy implementation. 30 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA oM il F IMAGE PROVIDED: ORANGE COUNTY, LOOKING TO 2050 DEVELOPMENT AND METHODOLOGY CONTINUED The Climate Action Tracker combines stakeholder feedback with strategy development to determine and clearly identify what additional gaps in data or funding is needed. The Tracker functions like a workbook and serves as the single point for planning, reporting and ongoing performance monitoring. The Tracker: (1) establishes a "starting point" for future comparisons; (2) tracks strategies and actions identified in the CAP; (3) ensures contributions and actions of multiple County leaders; and (4)summarizes results and impacts.The Climate Action Tracker can be used to assign various action and reporting items to key departments responsible for reporting. DepartmentAction Steps Milestones&Tracking Emissions Implementation Timeline Lead Impact Year Ill T 1.1.1 Hire a Transportation Demand Orange County Public Management Coordinator Complete Low Transportation,GoTriangle, Durham-Chapel Hill T 1.1.2 Implement changes to address service Complete Low Metropolitan Planning gaps in Northern OC by 2030 2028 Mid term Transportation $320,000 Organization(DCHC-MPO), T 1.1.3 Extend service hours by 3%and locations Chapel Hill Transit,UNC-Chapel by 3%by 2030 %of Service Extensions Medium Hill and the towns of Chapel Hill,Carrboro and Hillsborough T 1.2.1 Develop plan to transition to EV buses Complete High T 1.2.2 Monitor and adjust off-peak schedules improvement in off- 2024 Near term Transportation Orange County Transportation $500,000 to ensure more frequent and reliable services. peak service reliability Low and frequency T 1.3.1 Conduct a comprehensive study on successful micro-transit programs in other Complete Medium regions for reference and insight;(i.e.Shared bike/car/scooter programs) TDM Coordinator,Orange County Transportation;EVS for T 1.3.2 Carry out stakeholder engagement to 2024 Near term Transportation Orange;"TransLoc."rideshare $170,000 understand local commuting needs and identify Complete Low app features key areas that would benefit from micro-transit. T 1.3.3 Expand Orange County Mobility on Complete Low demand services in selected areas Climate Action Tracker sample. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 31 �► ..r..' - . , # - Ar IMAGE PROVIDED BY ORANGE COUNTY,NC. _ - • s CO-BENEFITS LOOKINGTO2050 KEY DEVELOPMENT AND METHODOLOGY CONTINUED Greenhouse Gas PRIORITIZATION Reduction potential The Climate Action Tracker provides initial priority 0 (High, medium, and low) GHG rankings and timelines for each CAP strategy. REDUCTION As a primary step, each strategy is ranked by its potential impact on GHG emission reductions: Cost-Effectiveness Tier 1 Foundational, Tier 2 Supportive, and Tier (Net present value, impact 3 Complementary. Foundational strategies will 0 versus dollar spent) be key to reducing the environmental impacts of COST- climate change and are drawn out as immediate EFFECTIVENESS priorities, regardless of funding available or political will. Supportive strategies are ranked Community Benefits next in line and indicate strategies that have (Clean air, livable community, less of a GHG reduction potential but are still resiliency, etc.) critical elements in reducing the environmental COMMUNITYBENEFITS impacts. Complementary strategies are focused on educational strategies that are a cornerstone to Effects on the Economy the CAP's ability to succeed. (Impacts on workforce, broad A second step is to assign co-benefits which help economy) EFFECTS ON us understand the feasibility and effectiveness of THE ECONOMY each strategy. Four of the co-benefits are given a numerical score of 1 and ranked based on the Alignment with State high/medium/low impacts that each brings. The0 and Local Policies greenhouse gas reduction and equity and climate (EO 246, HB951, 100% justice co-benefits are weighted higher, at 1.25%,to ALIGNMENT renewable energy resolution) indicate further emphasis on these environmental WITH and social impacts. The numerical scores are STATE/LOCAL POLICIES combined into a Priority Score which is highlighted after each strategy. Incorporates Equity and Climate Justice (Fair distribution of resources) EQUITY& CLIMATE JUSTICE 32 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA _ 36 l ts_ _ r .. LOOKING TO 2050 DEVELOPMENT AND METHODOLOGY CONTINUED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Orange County hosted a series of focus groups and workshops and embarked on a public education campaign to disseminate a public Climate Action Survey. At the 2023 Orange County Agricultural Summit, the project team presented a baseline assessment of existing actions and potential best practices that the County could consider. Feedback centered around the need to strengthen support for young farmers and the need to increase local food networks. Breeze Farm was highlighted as a showcase property for teaching farmers various sustainability features such as agro voltaics. In addition to an internal County staff focus group,the County initiated outreach to key community stakeholders throughout the year. The County presented two focus groups: a Business and Vendor Perspectives and a Community and Environmental Priorities focus group. The County heard critical feedback from businesses, non profits, and public agencies on how the CAP could best support the broad community in terms of resources, education and additional programming needed. A Student Voices workshop was held at UNC to learn about potential research that is happening on campus and determine if there were opportunities to leverage that research to pilot new technologies within County facilities. Finally, the final draft of the CAP was presented at a Community Symposium in the Fall. The public was invited to learn about the County's priorities and roadmap for implementation. 500 people participated in the County's Climate Action Survey which was distributed as a OR code at local Farmer's Market and similar outreach events in the County.Outreach examples include all threefarmer'smarkets in Hillsborough, Chapel Hill and Carrboro, Climate Action Day at UNC, events through EI Centro Hispano, Orange County Juneteenth event, and Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro city schools. In addition,the survey was sent to all Orange County churches, community groups, and targeted local businesses with physical flyers with the OR code posted at libraries, grocery stores, parks, etc. The survey was translated in Spanish, Karen, Burmese and Mandarin. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 33 r� IL t +j I MXGE 1 j 1 _ • _ •- s r LOOK,,,, T02050 L)EVEYLUIF MEN T AND METHODOLOGY CONTINUED An example of the survey results is shown in Figure F. A full Stakeholder Report, outlining specific feedback received, can be found as Appendix C. ORANGE COUNTY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN SURVEY Q1 How worried are you about climate change? Answered: 493 Skipped: 0 Very worried Somewhat - worried Not worried at all 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%u 80% 90% 100% ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Very worried 73.02% 360 Somewhat worried 18.66% 92 Not worried at all 8.32% 41 TOTAL 493 Figure F:An example of survey results 34 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA D STRA P PW\OXAS -qj BUILT GREEN ENVIRONMENTRESILIENT IF COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY ENERGY RESOURCE CONSERVATION • SCOPEA LOOKING iv 2U1_:;. As part of this process, the County reviewed current policies and programs and produced a comprehensive, annotated list of high-impact strategies that could be analyzed and prioritized based on feasibility, financial considerations, health benefits,and equity. In addition, many opportunities and barriers were considered as part of this process. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 35 T VkLk \ • : ! • \ Transportation is the largest source of emissions within Orange County,with 43% of all community emissions coming from vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and 30% 4 (� of County operations emissions coming from employee commutes; therefore, reducing fossil fuel vehicle travel is imperative. By increasing active transit like walking and biking and helping create a walkable and bikeable county, public health and social connectivity will be increased. The strategies and actions in this section are designed to make alternatives to single-occupant,fossil fuel trips easy, convenient, and attractive to residents and visitors. One of the Top 10 Things the County should do is to transition all community-wide vehicles away from fossil fuel. This follows North Carolina's Executive Order 246 which calls for an increase in registered zero-emission vehicles to at Ieast1,250,000 a. by 2030 and for 50%of sales of new vehicles in North Carolina to be zero-emission j by 2030. The County expects this guidance to continue its trajectory of 100% ofr sales of new vehicles by 2050. To support this, the County will need to ramp up education and charging infrastructure to support this transition. CO-BENEFITS KEY00 @Go GHG COST COMMUNITY EFFECTS ON ALIGNMENT WITH EQUITY& REDUCTION EFFECTIVENESS BENEFITS THE ECONOMY STATE/LOCAL CLIMATE JUSTICE POLICIES 36 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 40 LOOKING TO 2050 7 GOAL1 TARGET ••• FROM PUBLICDIVERSIFY • • BASELINE BY 2050 TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY ACTION T 1.1 T 1.1.1 Continue updating and executing Hire a Transportation Demand Management Coordinator the Orange County Transit Plan, T 1.1.2 addressing service gaps in Northern Implement changes to address service gaps in Northern OC by 2030 OC and scheduling issues T 1.1.3 TIER: FOUNDATIONAL Extend service hours by 3%and locations by 3% by 2030 PRIORITY SCORE:4.38 CO-BENEFITS: 00000 STRATEGY ACTION T 1.2 T 1.2.1 Transition to smaller,energy- Develop plan to transition to EV buses efficient buses or vans during T 1.2.2 peak hours, providing more Monitor and adjust peak schedules to ensure more adequate and adequate and reliable services reliable services in response to measured demand TIER: FOUNDATIONAL PRIORITY SCORE:3.88 CO-BENEFITS: 0000 STRATEGY ACTION T 1.3 T 1.3.1 Explore innovative public Conduct a comprehensive study on successful micro-transit transportation options programs in other regions for reference and insight; (i.e.Shared bike/car/scooter programs) TIER: FOUNDATIONAL T 1.3.2 PRIORITY SCORE: 3.88 Carry out stakeholder engagement to understand local commuting needs CO-BENEFITS: and identify key areas that would benefit from micro-transit ® ® O O T 1.3.3 Expand Orange County Mobility on Demand services in selected areas 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 37 LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL2 TARGET COUNTYT21MPROVEORANGE DECREASE VIVIT 30% FROM • 2019 BASELINE BY 2050 OPTIONS (• • r. PROGRAM STRATEGY ACTION T 2.1 T 2.1.1 Initiate pilot marketing campaigns Partner with Health Department on messaging campaigns to emphasize that use innovative means/ health benefits of commuting (cleaner air) methods to inform community T 2.1.2 about public transportation Expand Orange County Commuter Options program community-wide options/programs/incentives participation by 5%annually from 2025 to 2030 TIER: FOUNDATIONAL PRIORITY SCORE:3.25 CO-BENEFITS: Goo STRATEGY ACTION T 2.2 T 2.2.1 Partner with chamber networks to Collaborate with chamber networks to host one Orange County develop education programs around Commuter Options program seminar annually the Orange County Commuter Options program for implementation at private businesses TIER: FOUNDATIONAL PRIORITY SCORE:4.88 CO-BENEFITS: 00000 38 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET 1 'R• • •'. WALKING AS SUSTAINABLE FROM • • BASELINE TRANSPORTATIONOPTIONS BY2050 Im STRATEGY ACTION T 3.1 T 3.1.1 Publicize and promote bike trails and biking Cross promote rides and educational programs with Parks and as an alternative means of transportation Recreation and Health Department to emphasize the health through Parks and Recreation educational benefits of biking programs,special events,promotions, T 3.1.2 outreach and marketing efforts Partner with local bike shops and bike clubs to provide programs TIER: FOUNDATIONAL on bike safety and bike rides PRIORITY SCORE:3.88 CO-BENEFITS: 00000 STRATEGY T 3.2 T 3.2.1 Create an e-bike subsidy program Develop an E-Bike Subsidy Allocation Plan: In collaboration with that provides higher subsidies for low local stakeholders and transportation experts,develop a plan that income residents. Similar to what City outlines the structure of the e-bike subsidy program of Raleigh and Denver have done T 3.2.2 TIER: FOUNDATIONAL Implement a Subsidy Application and Distribution Process: Create PRIORITY SCORE: 4.38 a clear and accessible application process for residents to apply for the e-bike subsidy CO-BENEFITS: 0000 ® STRATEGY T 3.3 T 3.3.1 Work with NCDOT and the Towns of Carrboro, Identify road closures in high traffic walkable areas of town Chapel Hill,Hillsborough and Mebane to explore the opportunities for closing roads to vehicle traffic occasionally or permanently TIER: FOUNDATIONAL PRIORITY SCORE:3.63 CO-BENEFITS: ®0 ® *. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 39 43 LOOKING TO 2050 GOALTARGET T41NCREASE TRANSITION THE EV INFRASTRUCTURE COUNTY'S FLEET TO ALL AND ADOPTION ELECTRIC BY STRATEGY ACTION T 4.1 T 4.1.1 Continue efforts to introduce more Implement"EV-first"vehicle purchasing policy to ensure that EVs are EVs into the county's fleet considered as the primary replacement option for every vehicle T 4.1.2 TIER: FOUNDATIONAL Develop an EV maintenance training program and training on how to PRIORITY SCORE:3.13 address and provide EV road assistance CO-BENEFITS: T 4.1.3 0000 Conduct a review of charging infrastructure deployment,with an emphasis on rural connectivity, by 2025 T 4.1.4 Develop a policy to reimburse County staff who charge County vehicles at their personal residence 40 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 44 LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET T41NCREASEEV INCREASE COMMUNITY t INFRASTRUCTURE EV ADOPTION RATES % t AND ADOPTION (CONT.) BY 2035 AND 100% BY 2050 'law USING 1 2023 BASELINE STRATEGY ACTION T 4.2 T 4.2.1 Accelerate the transition to EVs in Increase number of EV charging stations community-wide the community through advocacy, T 4.2.2 education and awareness Apply for grants for EV infrastructure expansion TIER: FOUNDATIONAL T 4.2.3 PRIORITY SCORE: 5.00 Create an EV playbook for businesses detailing different levels of chargers, CO-BENEFITS: electrical capacity,and the process for installing EV chargers T 00000 Partner with Triangle Clean Cities and/or NC State Clean Technology Center to host an annual EV webinar/workshop for residents and commercial businesses T 4.2.5 Add screening/landscaping/shade standards for EV charging stations T 4.2.6 Prepare and improve our capabilities to respond to EV related emergencies STRATEGY ACTION T 4.3 T 4.3.1 Explore the idea of providing rental EVs Conduct feasibility study for a rental EV program as an additional transportation option T 4.3.2 TIER: FOUNDATIONAL Pilot a rental EV program at a strategic location PRIORITY SCORE:3.88 T 4.3.3 Develop an EV ambassador program-Current EV drivers who can show CO-BENEFITS: off their vehicles at farmer's markets and participate in events like 01800 National Drive Electric Week to provide education/answer questions 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 41 LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET T5CONTINUEAND INCREASE NUMBER OF EXPAND •• PARTICIPATING INITIATIVES ANTI-IDLING INITIATIVES BY • SCHOOLS PER YEAR FROM • TO 2035 - A _; + STRATEGY ACTION T 5.1 T 5.1.1 Expand the"Driving is Exhausting" Continue to partner with local schools to incorporate anti-idling signages at public education campaign school drop-off/pick-up zones T 5.1.2 TIER:COMPLEMENTARY Support the transition to EV buses at schools county-wide PRIORITY SCORE:3.13 T 5.1.3 CO-BENEFITS: Expand anti -idling program to other types of county vehicles such as 0 0 0 004" 0 Sheriff's Office vehicles 42 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA GOALS AND STRATEGIES GOB U I LT E ALS , \ • , 1I Following transportation, commercial buildings contribute the second highest emission percentage at 34% (collectively, building energy consumption represents the highest contribution of emissions in the County,however,for the purposes of the CAP,individual building sectors are attributed their own emissions).The next greatest contributor is residential energy which emits 19%of the total. Buildings offer a unique opportunity to transition to a low carbon future. Buildings can reduce emissions in two ways. First, the energy efficiency of buildings can be improved. This reduces the need for carbon emitting energy from both electricity and natural gas. Second, gas-use equipment can be switched to electrical in both commercial and residential buildings. As utilities transition to 100% carbon-free renewable energy sources, building energy use will gradually become carbon free as a result. - -To effectively manage this transition, some considerations should be kept i in mind. For example,as the County and community transition theirvehicles from internal combustion to all electric (EVs), EV charging stations may create spikes in energy usage for commercial and residential buildings. A concerted effort will need to be made on both the supply and demand sideto ensure the transition to renewables is happening in a balanced way. CO-BENEFITS KEY00 @Go GHG COST COMMUNITY EFFECTS ON ALIGNMENT WITH EQUITY& REDUCTION EFFECTIVENESS BENEFITS THE ECONOMY STATE/LOCAL CLIMATE JUSTICE POLICIES 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA 43 GOALS AND STRATEGIES • _ B U I LT E 1MWVMTrVT7r, TVSV, GY-- LOOKINGTO2050 GOAL TARGET BE11ISTRENGTHEN ACHIEVE •'. EMISSION ENERGY EFFICIENCY REDUCTION TARGETOF AND CONSERVATION SCOPE • • BY 2030 AND 100% BY 2050 USING A 2005 BASELINE STRATEGY ACTION BE 1.1 BE 1.1.1 Continue and strengthen policies Achieve a 20%energy usage reduction in energy consumption by 2035 for yearly reductions in energy use using a 2019 baseline in County operations BE 1.1.2 TIER: FOUNDATIONAL Install energy-efficient technologies in two County facilities each year PRIORITY SCORE:6.50 CO-BENEFITS: 000000 STRATEGY ACTION BE 1.2 BE 1.2.1 Continue the transition to efficient Replace traditional lighting with LEDs in all county facilities by 2030 lighting and green infrastructure BE 1.2.2 across all County facilities Evaluate high energy use in two County buildings for deployment of green infrastructure measures:vertical gardens and tree plantings to TIER: FOUNDATIONAL reduce energy used to cool these buildings by 2030 PRIORITY SCORE:5.25 CO-BENEFITS: 00090 44 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA GOALS AND STRATEGIES • _ B U I LT E 1MWVMTrVT7r, TVSV, 050 STRATEGY ACTION BE 1.3 BE 1.3.1 Advocate for policy-driven measures Provide an exhaustive list of all possible commercial and residential for energy efficiency in new rebate programs on the County's website(BE4.1) construction for County facilities BE 1.3.2 by recognizing green developers Advocate for an all electric building code with the North Carolina through newsletters and similar Building Code Council County communication networks TIER: FOUNDATIONAL PRIORITY SCORE:5.25 CO-BENEFITS: 00000 STRATEGY ACTION BE 1.4 BE 1.4.1 Promote energy-saving behaviors Launch annual energy-saving education program to encourage through comprehensive education actions such as turning off lights, powering down computers, and and incentive programs conducting energy audits TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:5.38 CO-BENEFITS: 000000 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 45 GOALS AND STRATEGIES GY-- LOOKINGTO2050 GOAL TARGET RENEWABLE • •'. ENERGYUSAGE RENEWABLEENERGYBY • • IN MUNICIPAL COMMUNITY • ' STRATEGY ACTION BE 2.1 BE 2.1.1 Proactively adopt and expand the use Complete a solar siting survey for County facilities of clean energy solutions within County BE 2.1.2 facilities and the community Consider adding electric battery storage to critical facilities and TIER: FOUNDATIONAL resilience hubs identified in CR 1.4.1 PRIORITY SCORE:5.50 BE 2.1.3 Continue with the"Solarize the Triangle" program among commercial CO-BENEFITS: and residential communities 004DOO BE 2.1.4 Regularly monitor, review, and comment on utility programs and legislative proposals impacting the adoption of clean energy in the County to ensure they align with the County's climate action goals BE 2.1.5 Provide training to staff on maintenance of renewable energy systems STRATEGY ACTION BE 2.2 BE 2.2.1 Explore partnerships and funding opportunities Participate in Duke Energy's"Green Source Advantage Choice" to address barriers to renewable energy adoption, program to secure renewable energy from projects connected to such as the"Solarize the Triangle"program and the Duke Energy grid the Inflation Reduction Act(IRA)funding BE 2.2.2 TIER: FOUNDATIONAL Incorporate the 10-year avoided cost bill credit option that Duke PRIORITY SCORE:6.50 Energy is offering to receive a rebate for the cost of avoided utility infrastructure expenses CO-BENEFITS: 000 OO Se 2.2.3 Secure IRA funding for four renewable energy projects by 2035 STRATEGY ACTION BE 2.3 BE 2.3.1 Leverage parking lots to apply solar canopies Include analysis on locations as part of the to increase renewable energy generation and Solar Siting Survey (BE 2.1.1) to combat urban heat island effects TIER: FOUNDATIONAL PRIORITY SCORE:6.00 CO-BENEFITS: 006WO 46 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA GOALS AND STRATEGIES 1-.- 50 • _ BUILT , , Fill, LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET EXPAND RENEWABLE INCREASE THE • OF ENERGYUSAGE BY 20% BY 2035 STRATEGY ACTION BE 2.4 BE 2.4.1 Continue to release rounds of the Release rounds of"Solarize the Triangle" annually "Solarize the Triangle" program BE 2.4.2 which would work to install solar Designate a portion of the Community Climate Action Grant on residences, businesses and to incentivize participation in Solarize the Triangle for small nonprofits in Orange County businesses, nonprofits and farms TIER: FOUNDATIONAL PRIORITY SCORE:6.50 CO-BENEFITS: ® 0 ® ® ° ® STRATEGY ACTION BE 2.5 BE 2.5.1 Implement an expedited permitting Work with Planning Department to expedite permitting process for process for all new solar projects all new solar projects across the county TIER: FOUNDATIONAL PRIORITY SCORE:6.50 CO-BENEFITS: 000900 STRATEGY ACTION BE 2.6 BE 2.6.1 Schedule a Focus Group to discuss Establish a Working Group as part of the annual Ag Summit capacity and implementation of agro BE 2.6.2 voltaics and community solar projects Utilize the seed funding for County's Cooperative Extension and TIER: FOUNDATIONAL Sustainability to launch this discussion PRIORITY SCORE:6.50 CO-BENEFITS: 000000 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 47 GOALS AND STRATEGIES • _ B U I LT E 1MWVMTrVT7r, TVSV, GY-- LOOKINGTO2050 • TARGET W , 1 COMPLETE • PROMOTE STUDY AND ESTABLISH A ELECTRIFICATION • LONG-TERM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2) FOR BOTH MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNIT`� INFRASTRUCTURE BY 2025 Jr y _ ACTION BE 3.1 BE 3.1.1 Facilitate the transition from Support energy efficiency programs and partners that provide natural gas to electricity, energy efficiency services and education that serve historically- providing support in terms of disadvantaged communities by providing services and education funding, resources, and branding that reduce emissions, improve standards of living, support the local economy and workforce development TIER: FOUNDATIONAL BE 3.1.2 PRIORITY SCORE:6.50 Release rounds of the"Electrify the Triangle"program which would CO-BENEFITS: work to install EV chargers, induction ovens,electric heat pumps,etc 004D@00 in the community 48 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA GOALS AND STRATEGIES • _ B U I LT E 1MWVMTrVT7r, TVSV, GY-- LOOKINGTO2050 GOAL TARGET COUNTY'SBE4 ENHANCE PUBLIC STRENGTHEN THE EDUCATIONROLE AS AN ACTIVE ACCESSIBILITY OF • TO THE LOCALje RESOURCES COMMUNITY STRATEGY ACTION BE 4.1 BE 4.1.1 Re-design sustainability website Launch the website by December 31,2024 for one-stop-shop information that BE 4.1.2 educates public on the County's Compile a list of funding sources that local residents, businesses, Climate Action Plan and sustainability or the County could potentially access to fund energy audits and practices,offering a centralized energy efficiency improvements platform for information and resources BE 4.1.3 TIER:COMPLEMENTARY Develop and provide educational kits through the library and PRIORITY SCORE:2.50 community groups to help with home energy audits and energy CO-BENEFITS: improvement education,summarizing information from the one- stop-shop website to create accessible resources 0111800 STRATEGY ACTION BE 4.2 BE 4.2.1 Develop a program to support businesses Launch a sustainable business toolkit for businesses by 2026 in adopting sustainable practices BE 4.2.2 TIER:SUPPORTIVE Develop an EV playbook for businesses/homes PRIORITY SCORE:5.25 CO-BENEFITS: © 0 ® 0 STRATEGY ACTION BE 4.3 BE 4.3.1 Develop volunteer energy ambassador Staff tables at outreach events; Energy ambassadors staff program. Use ambassadors to provide informational tables at local events,engaging attendees with education about energy saving tips and energy-saving tips and resources resources BE 4.3.2 TIER:SUPPORTIVE Host a community-wide event showcasing energy conservation, featuring workshops,exhibits,and expert speakers PRIORITY SCORE:5.38 CO-BENEFITS: 000000 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 49 GOALS AND STRATEGIES • _ B U I LT E 1MWVMTrVT7r, TVSV, GY-- LOOKINGTO2050 GOAL TARGET IMPROVE BUILDINGSUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE PRACTICES • • AND DURING THE TIME OF R• STRATEGY ACTION BE 5.1 BE 5.1.1 Formalize and enhance the Follow LEED standards for two county facilities each year commitment to achieving LEED standards for County facilities TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:3.13 CO-BENEFITS: 0000 STRATEGY ACTION BE 5.2 BE 5.2.1 Encourage the use of geothermal Evaluate geothermal heat pumps in county buildings ground-source heat pumps in more County buildings, based on the success of current implementations TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:3.13 CO-BENEFITS: 0000 STRATEGY ACTION BE 5.3 BE 5.3.1 Invest in training and salary increases Set up a Train-the-Trainer model that can be implemented County-wide for permitting department to research green building materials/methods and do engineering work in-house to lower cost TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:3.00 CO-BENEFITS: %'%" ® 0 50 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA LOOKING TO 2050 While waste disposal, water use, and consumption are all essential activities in the community, disposing of natural resources generates community GHG emissions, albeit a small amount. The effects of these activities can be reduced by diverting waste from the landfill, conserving water, and promoting sustainable consumption patterns. Orange County has access to many resources to better support a circular economy. The overarching approach to resource conservation is to create a consistent framework of outreach resources and developing public private partnerships to disseminate those resources. Conservation measures are about , changing community habits and connecting them with the right solutions. w� •' ; { ''' I �l 4 � I CO-BENEFITS KEY 00 Goo GHG COST- COMMUNITY EFFECTS ON ALIGNMENT WITH EQUITY& REDUCTION EFFECTIVENESS BENEFITS THE ECONOMY STATE/LOCAL CLIMATE JUSTICE POLICIES 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA 51 LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET RC1 ENHANCE WASTE ACHIEVE R• WASTE REDUCTION •4• RECYCLING PROGRAM STRATEGY ACTION RC 1.1 RC 1.1.1 Expand the existing reuse network with Add one new partner organization to the reuse network annually; add partner organizations, improving the resource to website(BE 4.1) ability to divert waste and increase the RC 1.1.2 reuse of items within the county Identify and Increase accepted reuse items at the county's Solid Waste TIER:SUPPORTIVE Convenience Centers; report tonnage each year in overall diversion; add resource to website(BE 4.1) PRIORITY SCORE:3.25 RC 1.1.3 CO-BENEFITS: Promote Habitat for Humanity which sells new and used furniture, building ® O materials, appliances and household goods at discounted prices; add 0resource to website(BE 4.1) RC 1.1.4 Set up a recycling and donation location for old gas appliances at the County Solid Waste Convenience Centers; add resource to website(BE 4.1) STRATEGY ACTION RC 1.2 RC 1.2.1 Partner with local businesses and Regularly track and report the program's impact on waste reduction; nonprofit organizations to build a Add resource to website(BE 4.1) comprehensive reuse program for items RC 1.2.2 such as pallets,takeout containers, Consider implementing a"repair cafe"at libraries where residents can go to electronics and school supplies get help repairing common household items and electronics to keep them in TIER:COMPLEMENTARY circulation longer PRIORITY SCORE:3.25 CO-BENEFITS: 0 ®® 52 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA LOOKING TO 2050 STRATEGY ACTION RC 1.3 RC 1.3.1 Promote policies to eliminate Promote a"Don't Waste Orange County"program,similar to non-essential single-use plastics Durham's Green to Go program and prioritize reusable food ware and utensils TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:2.00 CO-BENEFITS: 00 STRATEGY ACTION RC 1.4 RC 1.4.1 Develop comprehensive educational Launch annual community Zero Waste workshop in partnership with and outreach programs in the Solid Waste Department conjunction with the Solid Waste Department, encouraging waste reduction and recycling, and fostering a more informed and actively involved community TIER:COMPLEMENTARY PRIORITY SCORE:3.25 CO-BENEFITS: 0190 STRATEGY ACTION RC 1.5 RC 1.5.1 Evaluate the potential of Complete a feasibility study for a curbside composting a curbside composting program by 2031 as part of the County's updated waste program, backed by a hauler agreement county-led educational RC 1.5.2 campaign on the importance Work with the Solid Waste Department to launch an and benefits of composting educational campaign on composting benefits TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:3.13 CO-BENEFITS: 00000 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 53 LOOKING TO 2050 STRATEGY ACTION RC 1.6 RC 1.6.1 Examine the implementation of Work with Cooperative Extension and other partners to expand an edible food recovery program, funding to build out the food recovery program potentially in partnership with local restaurants and food pantries TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:4.38 CO-BENEFITS: 0019 * 0 STRATEGY ACTION RC 1.7 RC 1.7.1 Work with the Solid Waste Department Select one dumpster from county facilities that would be emptied to conduct a post consumer waste and sorted into material type audit of county facilities RC 1.7.2 TIER:SUPPORTIVE Make a list of items that are not recyclable PRIORITY SCORE:2.00 RC 1.7.3 From this list, pinpoint where these non recyclable items are being CO-BENEFITS: generated and determine how to eliminate them completely 000 54 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET RC 2 PROMOTE WATER ACHIEVE 35% REDUCTION IN CONSERVATION MUNICIPAL • s WATER USAGE BY 2035 FROM • • BASELINE STRATEGY ACTION RC 2.1 RC 2.1.1 Continue to install water-saving Install water-saving devices in two additional county facilities annually devices such as aerators and dual (i.e. low flow) handles in county facilities and RC 2.1.2 broaden these efforts to include Regularly review and upgrade to newer water-saving technologies other water-saving technologies; in partnership with all water providers TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:2.50 CO-BENEFITS: 00 STRATEGY ACTION RC 2.2 RC 2.2.1 Collaborate with educational Utilize parks and other County owned facilities as demonstration areas institutions and the wider that also include interpretive educational signage on sustainable community to increase awareness practices about water-saving practices RC 2.2.2 TIER:COMPLEMENTARY Distribute water-saving practice stickers in county facilities and residential properties PRIORITY SCORE:2.00 RC 2.2.3 CO-BENEFITS: Provide water conservation kits in partnership with all water providers 0 ® 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 55 T02050 STRATEGY ACTION RC 2.3 RC 2.3.1 Analyze facility design and usage Conduct annual audits of county facilities to identify water-saving to pinpoint opportunities for and energy-savings opportunities water conservation, including RC 2.3.2 restrooms and optimized heating Implement identified savings measures in all facilities and cooling systems TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:1.50 CO-BENEFITS: 0® STRATEGY ACTION RC 2.4 RC 2.4.1 Transition 20%of the Consider implementing a Rainwater Rewards program similar to community water supply to the City of Raleigh's to help businesses and residences capture recycled water by 2035 from a stormwater runoff, reduce flood impacts, and help prevent water 2019 baseline pollutants from entering storm drains and streams TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:3.61 CO-BENEFITS: 00000 56 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 60 • • \ : ! • \ LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET RC 3 PROMOTE 1STRATEGIZE AND ESTABLISH1 SUSTAINABLE CHAIN PROCUREMENT POLICY STRATEGY ACTION RC 3.1 RC 3.1.1 Transition one procurement item Identify item using the list from the waste audit as outlined in annually to a more sustainable option Action RC 1.7.1 TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:2.00 CO-BENEFITS: (9 STRATEGY ACTION RC 3.2 RC 3.2.1 Eliminate purchasing of Implement reuse items for break rooms and meetings/events disposable or single-use RC 3.2.2 plastics for nonessential uses guy bulk when available for County operations TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:3.13 CO-BENEFITS: 00000 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 57 1050 STRATEGY ACTION RC 3.3 RC 3.3.1 Consider increasing the numbers Acknowledge the importance of this consideration during of vendors who are small business- planning sessions owned or run by people of minority RC 3.3.2 identities as much as possible Mention this acknowledgement in county grant proposals TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE: 2.25 CO-BENEFITS: ®® STRATEGY ACTION RC 3.4 RC 3.4.1 Establish Sustainable Materials Add specific language to the RFP process to provide additional criteria Purchasing Guidelines with a list points in the selection process of construction materials with low RC 3.4.2 embodied GHG emissions Write guidelines for the Sustainable Materials Purchasing Guidelines TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:3.63 CO-BENEFITS: ®0 ® ® ° 58 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AAAL GOALS AND STRATEGIES HET-r-, M, \ E E , • ,/ W U IJ I T Y Living in a green community contributes to an improved quality of life by providing a range of " benefits for residents, including improved health and wellbeing, increased morale, and cleaner air. There is a mental health aspect to walking the streets lined with old growth trees and having 'N o access to a connectivity of open space. Additional community benefits include sheltering us from ' the intense rays of the sun, cooling temperatures, providing resilience to flooding, and using the carbon sequestration benefits that trees provide. Climate change has refocused our attention on providing a way of living that places people's long f _ �• term needs as a core value. These projects also indirectly reduce GHG emissions. CO-BENEFITS KEY 00 000 GHG COST• COMMUNITY EFFECTS ON ALIGNMENT WITH EQUITY& REDUCTION EFFECTIVENESS BENEFITS THE ECONOMY STATE/LOCAL CLIMATE JUSTICE POLICIES 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA 59 1� G 2, E E \ • 1/ 1/ U k] I T Y LOOKI NG TO 2050 GOAL TARGET GClENHANCEGREEN PRIORITIZE AND IMPLEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE . NATURE BASED SUSTAINABLE 1 • Womm ACTION GC 1.1 GC 1.1.1 Continue and enforce policies Focus on connectivity of open space that preserve a significant GC 1.1.2 percentage of acreage from Support the Department of Environment,Agriculture, Parks and new developments,with Recreation to develop a resource that identifies those areas of the an emphasis on natural highest natural value that should be prioritized for preservation landscapes and native plants from new developments TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:5.38 CO-BENEFITS: ®0 ® ® ° STRATEGY GC 1.2 GC 1.2.1 Reduce/eliminate amount of Transition landscaping at two County buildings per year beginning mowed/manicured lawns on in 2027 County properties; replace GC 1.2.2 with native pollinator gardens, Install rainwater collection systems in two County buildings per year native grasses beginning in 2027 TIER:SUPPORTIVE GC 1.2.3 PRIORITY SCORE• 4.75 Organize an event showcasing the County's green infrastructure CO-BENEFITS: 00000 60 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 1� G 2, E E \ • 1/ 1/ U k] I T Y LOOKI NG TO 2050 INCREASEGOAL TARGET • ••• TREE CANOPYTHE TREE • YEARS • COMMUNITY-WIDE ••• A YEAR) GC 2.1 GC 2.1.1 Create a Tree Master Plan, Develop a tree master plan by 2029 quantifying the value of trees GC 2.1.2 to preserve and increase tree Utilize"citizen scientist"residents to support tree inventory efforts cover across the county GC 2.1.3 TIER:SUPPORTIVE Organize a bi-annual tree giveaway program, native plant sale/seed PRIORITY SCORE:4.00 giveaways. Maintain and make available list of local native plant growers CO-BENEFITS: 0000 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 61 000 N GO4LS G 2, E E \ • 1/ 1/ U k] I T Y LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET PROMOTEGC 3 REPORT ON SUSTAINABLE SUSTAINABLEAR AGRICULTURE PRACTICES EACH YEAR I 4 k=. STRATEGY ACTION GC 3.1 GC 3.1.1 Expand and promote initiatives within Launch two new initiatives or collaborations with local the agricultural space,potentially farms each year; prioritize carbon sequestration projects including collaborations with local GC 3.1.2 farms and Orange County Master Direct the public to resources from research-based Gardeners for innovative practices like organizations such as Cooperative Extension and other rooftop gardens and agro voltaics land-grant institutional programs TIER:COMPLEMENTARY PRIORITY SCORE: 4.38 CO-BENEFITS: © 0 ® *m), ® 62 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 1� G 2, E E \ • 1/ 1/ U \ I T Y LOOKI NG TO 2050 ORraAuiC, •A TARGET H.a ry -�I.snJL6 GC i • • REPORT ON SUSTAINABLE • • ® NETWO.,LOCAL FOOD ' ® AGRICULTURE AND, EACH or SYS, f a'IrPV.'.' • 1 ACTION GC 4.1 GC 4.1.1 Strengthen the branding and promotion Enhance branding of locally sourced food and focus on building a of locally sourced food, linking together stronger ag tourism network existing farmers'markets and creating GC 4.1.2 a unified front to support an Orange Host gardening workshops utilizing community center gardens; County foods movement promote staff/volunteer led gardens on County properties/parks that TIER:COMPLEMENTARY have space and especially in areas that may be considered food deserts PRIORITY SCORE: 5.38 CO-BENEFITS: 000 00 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 63 1� G 2, E E \ • 1/ 1/ U k] I T Y LOOKI NG TO 2050 GOAL TARGET GC 5 i • • 1BREEZE AND RESOURCES FARM BETTER SUPPORT THE PRACT111 AL • A • • STR t ACTION GC 5.1 GC 5.1.1 Encourage the use of County land Define sustainable farming practices outlined in the U.S. Code for sustainable farming practices Title 7, Section 3103 and education, leveraging GC 5.1.2 Breeze Farms as a model for Provide a clearinghouse of information for farmers and funding sustainable farming; increasing opportunities available for implementation of sustainable farm sustainable farming acres by 5% practices through County Extension office each year beginning in 2025 GC 5.1.3 TIER:SUPPORTIVE Target incentives for carbon sequestration and renewable energy PRIORITY SCORE:5.38 projects for farmers practicing sustainable farming on County land CO-BENEFITS: 000 0 0 GC 5ote y y g O Promote the County's Community Garden Grant Pro ram 64 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 00 N 00 0 GO4LS G 2, E E W • 1/ 1/ U k] I T Y LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET GC 6 BROADEN OUTREACH IDENTIFY PARTNERSHIPS AND RESOURCES TO AND INTERNAL FUNDING BETTER SUPPORTSUPPORT" • BUILD A MORE COMMUNITYTHE • STRATEGY ACTION GC 6.1 GC 6.1.1 Develop programs and Organize community workshops on the importance of native educational resources to landscaping and pollinators promote native landscaping and GC 6.1.2 support pollinators, potentially Establish a recognition program for households and businesses in partnership with organizations that adopt native landscaping like the Audubon Society and Master Gardeners TIER:COMPLEMENTARY PRIORITY SCORE:3.25 CO-BENEFITS: 000 STRATEGY ACTION GC 6.2 GC 6.2.1 Expand workshops and resources Organize a workshop on rainwater capture each year for rainwater capture, learning beginning in 2024 from successful programs in GC 6.2.2 other regions and leveraging tools Distribute free rainwater capture kits at each workshop like the EPA's EnviroAtlas GC 6.2.3 TIER:COMPLEMENTARY Showcase rainwater capture infrastructure at the Davis Center and replicate at other park facilities PRIORITY SCORE:3.75 CO-BENEFITS: 18000 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 65 1� G 2, E E \ • 1/ 1/ U k] I T Y LOOKI NG TO 2050 STRATEGY ACTION GC 6.3 GC 6.3.1 Utilize the County's existing Establish partnerships with two new initiatives each year to improve Lands Legacy Program to protection of lands and streams beginning in 2030 through 2035 conserve important natural and GC 6.3.2 cultural resources,working with Develop educational resources on land and stream protection the Eno-New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan and other GC 6.3.3 initiatives to improve the natural Implement a volunteer program for natural environment protection environment through protection and linkage of lands and stream protection TIER:COMPLEMENTARY PRIORITY SCORE:3.75 CO-BENEFITS: 0000 STRATEGY ACTION GC 6.4 GC 6.4.1 Convert abandoned railroad Provide staff support for the implementation of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro corridors and integrate into Freight Train Trail Feasibility Study initiative bike/hike trail networks bringing GC 6.4.2 about positive impacts on mental Ensure that public transit pick up/drop off locations are located along health,transportation emissions, these networks(Action T.1.1) and the economy GC 6.4.3 TIER:SUPPORTIVE Promote the Train Trail initiative through the Parks and Recreation PRIORITY SCORE:4.50 Department CO-BENEFITS: 000000 66 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 1� G 2, E E \ • 1/ 1/ U k] I T Y LOOKI NG TO 2050 STRATEGY ACTION GC 6.5 GC 6.5.1 Expand Community Climate Action Receive Board of Commissioner approval Grant program to provide funding to community projects that support the strategies in this CAP TIER: FOUNDATIONAL PRIORITY SCORE:6.50 CO-BENEFITS: 000000 STRATEGY ACTION GC 6.6 GC 6.6.1 Phase out off-road fossil fuel engines Coordinate a swap out program for gas powered landscaping (landscaping and construction equipment with all electric equipment,recreational vehicles,etc.) GC 6.6.2 TIER:SUPPORTIVE Apply for grants that could offer subsidies for swapping out gas to all electric landscaping equipment PRIORITY SORE: 5.25 CO-BENEFITS: 00000 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 67 E S1 L , • „ 1I U IJ I T Y From a climate change perspective, natural variability '" in the climate and weather produce extreme events r like droughts, wildfires, and floods over long time periods. While natural, living systems respond to and ° ; even rely on these phenomena, our dense settlementR , and production of greenhouse gas emissions have greatly changed climate hazards and their impacts. From a resilient community perspective, climate impacts will not be felt equally. Some populations are more vulnerable to climate events because there is a lack of the physical or mental ability to adapt to changing conditions. Isolated individuals have a more difficult time receiving warnings and emergency services and may depend on sources of food, water, and energy that are more subject to interruption. } As part of the Top 10 things the County should do, z ' County operations needs to be prepared for climate' , change. The County should identify ahead of time ` ti and prioritize considerations around vulnerable " ar populations and ensurethatall decisions made moving forward Integrate sustainability as a framework within the overall County's planning process. AN CO-BENEFITS KEY00 @Go GHG COST- COMMUNITY EFFECTS ON ALIGNMENT WITH EQUITY& REDUCTION EFFECTIVENESS BENEFITS THE ECONOMY STATE/LOCAL CLIMATE JUSTICE POLICIES 68 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA GOALS AND STJ \ E S I L I E , • „ 1I U iJ I TY GOAL TARGETCR I BE • PREPAREDINTEGRATE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE INTO EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESPONSE r - STRATEGY ACTION CR 1.1 CR 1.1.1 Continue updating the FEMA Conduct annual reviews and updates of the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Hazard Mitigation Plan and Mitigation Plan ensure effective implementation CR 1.1.2 of the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Organize quarterly meetings with stakeholders to assess the Mitigation Plan implementation of the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan TIER:SUPPORTIVE CR 1.1.3 PRIORITY SCORE:3.75 Produce an annual report on mitigation plan progress,seeking a 5% CO-BENEFITS: improvement each year beginning in 2030 CR 1.1.4 0600 Seek funding through FEMA hazard mitigation grants STRATEGY ACTION CR 1.2 CR 1.2.1 Develop and promote a clear Develop a comprehensive communication plan communication plan for underserved for climate threats by 2026 communities during climate threats, CR 1.2.2 leveraging social media,community Partner with at least four community leaders, nonprofits and leaders, non-profits, and churches schools annually to disseminate the communication TIER: FOUNDATIONAL CR 1.2.3 PRIORITY SCORE:3.25 Conduct monthly training sessions on the use of social media for climate threat communication CO-BENEFITS: 0010 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 69 GOALS AND STRA Ai�, 9, , • „ 1/ U iJ I T Y STRATEGY ACTION CR 1.3 CR 1.3.1 Implement a program for discounted Develop and implement a program offering discounted generators to battery powered generators for at least eight lower-income residents per year beginning in 2032 lower-income residents with health CR 1.3.2 issues who may be affected by Organize an annual information campaign about the electric-powered power outages generator discount program TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:2.75 CO-BENEFITS: 000 STRATEGY ACTION CR 1.4 CR 1.4.1 Identify,fund, and prepare Identify potential public facilities that can serve existing and new public facilities as resilience hubs by 2030 and amend the Unified Development Ordinance to serve as resilience hubs to allow for these by right in certain zoning districts CR 1.4.2 TIER:SUPPORTIVE Prioritize the allocation of funding for preparation of these facilities PRIORITY SCORE:3.75 CR 1.4.3 CO-BENEFITS: Organize resilience hub preparation and training sessions for facility staff 0 ® ° ® 70 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA ft, , 2, E S I L I E \ • 1l 11 U \ I T Y 050 GOAL TARGET EXPANDCR 2 INVEST IN • INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TO INCLUDE CLIMATE CLIMATE RESILIENCE RESILIENCE EXPENDITURESF STRATEGY ACTION CR 2.1 CR 2.1.1 Expand the use of green Develop a five-year plan to disincentivize the use of wet ponds infrastructure to manage CR 2.1.2 stormwater runoff,considering Partner with higher education resources within the County(UNC-CH, incentives to encourage Durham Tech)to perform research and test pilot programs aimed at implementation in local creating resilience with climate change. Plan for one research project neighborhoods per year beginning in 2027 TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:4.75 CO-BENEFITS: All ® 00 STRATEGY ACTION CR 2.2 CR 2.2.1 Assess strategies for reducing Develop and implement comprehensive riparian ecosystem impacts of climate change restoration plan and relevant floodplain management policies on municipal and community CR 2.2.2 infrastructure Partner with Arts Commission to create murals using heat reflective paint on County properties that do double duty as a resiliency measure TIER:SUPPORTIVE but also to inform and educate the community about climate change PRIORITY SCORE:4.75 and its impacts CO-BENEFITS: CR 2.2.3 ® ® 0 O Do a study to evaluate reducing unnecessary parking spaces to decrease impervious surfaces and create more green spaces on County property only CR 2.2.4 Promote light-colored roofs and/or a minimum specified reflectance for commercial roofs when new or at replacement CR 2.2.5 Promote alternative cooling strategies like shade trees,green roofs, and building awnings. Determine and enact standards for new buildings(supportive of BE 1.2.2) 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 71 GO4LS )l 2, E S I L I E VT-C-0-14 11 U \ I T Y LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET V/ CR 3 PROMOTE CLIMATETRACK OUTREACH EDUCATIONRESILIENCE • INCLUDE AND AWARENESS 1 PROGRESS REPORTING 4 STRATEGY ACTION CR 3.1 CR 3.1.1 Develop programs to educate the Organize annual public events to increase climate impact awareness public on climate impacts CR 3.1.2 TIER:COMPLEMENTARY Establish partnerships with at least two schools or community organizations like Urban Sustainability Solutions who can support rain PRIORITY SCORE:3.25 garden installations and green infrastructure education in the community CO-BENEFITS: 0 ® ® STRATEGY ACTION CR 3.2 CR 3.2.1 Disseminate climate resilience Provide climate resiliency information in newsletters information to the business geared for the business community community through newsletters and CR 3.2.2 regular networking events Organize bi-annual networking events focused on TIER:COMPLEMENTARY climate preparedness and resiliency PRIORITY SCORE:3.75 CR 3.2.3 CO-BENEFITS: Promote the sustainable business toolkit 0 ® 0 STRATEGY ACTION CR 3.3 CR 3.3.1 Follow through on recommendations Utilize the Climate Action Tracker to record progress on the from the Triangle Regional Resilience Triangle Regional Resilience Assessment planning document Assessment,ensuring its findings CR 3.3.2 are acted upon and incorporated into Identify areas most vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat; ongoing climate resilience efforts prioritize tree plantings in these areas TIER:SUPPORTIVE CR 3.3.3 PRIORITY SCORE:4.25 Monitor and report annually on the implementation of the CO-BENEFITS: Resilience Assessment recommendations 00900 72 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 9, , • „ 1/ U iJ I T Y CR 4.1 CR 4.1.1 Conduct a Heat Island Mapping Study Encourage the usage of reflective paint, installation of misters in outdoor spaces, and the planting of trees in areas that the heat island TIER:SUPPORTIVE study identifies as needing relief from urban heat island effects PRIORITY SCORE:2.75 CO-BENEFITS: 019 CR 4.2 CR 4.2.1 Encourage and prioritize the Monitor and report annually on the progress of this Joint Planning conservation of green spaces in the Agreement initiative County to serve as natural buffers against climate impacts,continuing the goal of conserving a significant portion of total County land area TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:5.50 CO-BENEFITS: ®0 ® ® ° ® STRATEGY ACTION CR 4.3 CR 4.3.1 Expand green infrastructure(GI)program Implement permeable, GI alternatives to paving in sidewalks, parking to reduce impermeable surface areas lots and driveways and capture runoff from paved areas TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:3.00 CO-BENEFITS: 01500 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 73 RESILIEK� 1i 1i U iJ I TY I GOALS LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET CR 5 BUILD AND PRIORITIZE RESPONSEROBUST EMERGENCY ACTIONS TARGETED TO NETWORKVULNERABLE POPULATIONS WITHIN TH�� ACTION CR 5.1 CR 5.1.1 Continue outreach and Use the Department of Social Services' registry to continue to comprehensive care strategies access populations with special needs during the time of disasters for vulnerable populations CR 5.1.2 TIER:COMPLEMENTARY Conduct survey of and outreach to vulnerable populations(e.g. isolated seniors,outdoor workers, long-term care residents)and the PRIORITY SCORE:3.25 people and institutions that care for them CO-BENEFITS: CR 5.1.3 oo Collaborate with community-based organizations to develop an Ginventory of locations with isolated seniors and develop a plan for a social support network during heat waves, bad air quality days,and other emergencies CR 5.1.4 Expand the Steps to Neighborhood Preparedness Program that helps communities connect and build neighborhood emergency plans 74 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 2, E S I L I E \ • 1l 11 U \ I T Y LOOKING TO 2050 GOAL TARGET • INCORPORATE INTEGRATESUSTAINABILITY CLIMATE ACTION1FRAMEWORK COUNTY POLICY, BUDGET, • AND PLANNING PLANNING PROCESS i STRATEGY ACTION CR 6.1 CR 6.1.1 Incorporate climate preparedness Ensure that maintenance reflects expected future climate conditions and into County programs,operations, variability and not historical climate data for all County buildings,facilities, and maintenance protocols structures,and infrastructure TIER:SUPPORTIVE CR 6.1.2 Establish an interdepartmental working group to integrate climate PRIORITY SCORE:3.75 preparedness in planning, maintenance, and capital improvements through CO-BENEFITS: the development of work plans,screening of capital improvements, and 000 ® cross-sector collaboration CR 6.1.3 Develop a "Green Team"whose purpose is to educate departments on implementing sustainable practices STRATEGY ACTION CR 6.2 CR 6.2.1 Integrate CAP goals into County Integrate annual CAP report goals during the budget review process at projects as an order of business the direction of the Board of County Commissioners. Plan to inventory GHG emissions every two years and track against targets TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:4.25 CO-BENEFITS: 01900 STRATEGY ACTION CR 6.3 CR 6.3.1 Provide funding for more sustainability Evaluate staffing levels needed to implement CAP strategies staff in order to implement strategies and provide community outreach TIER:SUPPORTIVE PRIORITY SCORE:5.00 CO-BENEFITS: © 0 ® ® ° ® 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 75 w-`e�.�,. 'p y'�' � {.,• ► y6C-� `�>,31�', YID r� `� �I �7rs� a,-:.. - Y j-► �K'fr�l���.:_�-.. ::.. "�rxi��T.1►t, !'Xt c�'-' �•i',�.'v ",meq' +,144!./' � ���,��q�) w.p VV .y > • z !,. ;= ;�' j ; �r�� , i,*?.fir ;,vii _ -alb i E�� •q° ��Y�lh / �� s"J � j-7 ���,: � ,�,• ,�• � �� •� � �. ��•- '�:; a,.. 3.n � - y*// �°fir: : •+" ��- - ,AAi ' ak��' • .rte"` � 't L i P pp�e ', r � � � N1p•� �M` r''tpv .w��r TTT d ;P' ='�r'°`' �v. .� Ti's t � • �'+ i ���•t/` -� ,.y � �� ,. ��. . ,a+^ yr`" �?$� "'fie•, t a W (7 Q . . • 1 AND REPORTING OVERVIEW The Commission for the Environment (CFE) is a citizen advisory board, composed of 15 members who are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The CFE's primary responsibility is to advise the Board of County Commissioners on matters related to the environment. The CFE will act as an oversight committee,working with the Sustainability Manager, as the implementation and reporting process unfolds. Sustainability is inherently wide-ranging and not every action can be implemented at once. Some strategies can start immediately while other strategies,such as policies and regulations,relyon staff putting time in upfront. Other strategies like capital investments involve a long term series of steps from project scoping and procurement, to planning, design, and construction. Many of the actions will be dependent upon the allocation of staff time and resources, and budget prioritization. The plan identifies a responsible department for each strategy and offers timeframes and relative costs associated with each policy. The Sustainability Manager will monitor implementation progress using implementation and monitoring tools outlined in this CAP and will report to the Board of Commissioners on annual progress. As part of annual progress reports, the Sustainability Manager will evaluate the effectiveness of each strategy to ensure that anticipated emissions reductions are occurring. In the event that reductions do not occur as expected, Orange County can modify and add policies or actions to ensure the target is achieved. Not everything will necessarily be easy or work perfectly the first time, and perseverance will be important. It will also be important to maintain flexibility in implementing the CAP. As technologies, business models, and political agendas across all levels of government evolve, Orange County will need to remain flexible in "when" and "how" it implements the actions in this plan. As costs and feasibility change, the county will periodically evaluate and adjust course as necessary. Similarly, as progress towards key targets is tracked, the county may need to scale up or down its efforts, depending on the results observed. The County should update the CAP in 2029 and 2034, respectively, and report every year on progress towards their goals. 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 77 JIML 11 \ \ AND REPORTING REPORTING TOOL Anon I ine dashboard has been designed for Orange County to serve as a public- facing platform to report on the progress of GHG reduction efforts.This intuitive dashboard showcases various graphs depicting the emissions' progression in alignment with the GHG reduction goals.Users can probe specific data spanning from 2019 to 2050, choosing an emission strategy, and exploring results within diverse sectors such as Energy, Transportation, and Waste. Strategies are presented against an Adjusted Business As Usual (ABAU) scenario, which captures reductions achieved through third-party interventions. The dashboard also illustrates the County's commitment and impact by adopting mitigation strategies throughout 2023-2050. A distinguishing feature allows for a visual comparison of each strategy's influence on the cumulative emissions for this period. Various charts on the platform show emission distributions across different sectors for select scenarios. Notably, the dashboard's second segment presents a map spotlighting climate-centric activities throughout Orange County. Refer to Figure G. 78 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND REPORTING ORANGE COUNTY TOP 10 EMISSION REDUCTION STRATEGIES Figure G:We are keeping as a placeholder and presenting the dashboard for the final CAP TOP 10 STRATEGIES STRATEGIES VS.TOTAL EMISSIONS 2M Transportation&Mobile Sour... Commercial Energy - 0 Residential Energy _ N 1M E w Solid Waste ' Industrial Energy ' OM 2020 2030 2040 J 2050 Water&Wastewater I Process&Fugitive Emissions I Year Top 10 Strategies Selection All 0% 20% 40% Emissions ADJUSTED BUSINESS AS USUAL(ABAU) 2M STRATEGIES SAVE 0M 3 01 M 3 9 M N 1M E w EMISSIONS PRODUCED(ABAU) OM 2020 2030 2040 2050 OM39M 39M Year ABAU selection All TOTAL EMISSIONS(ABAU) COMMUNITY EMISSIONS LGO EMISSIONS 1M(2%) 34K(2%) CK(1%) bM(15%) —� 2K(10%) 308K(19%) 'I 6K(30%) 6K(30%) 703K(43%) 13M(33%)----' '-',-18M(47%) 1557K(34%)� 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA 79 MPLE1 \ \ AND REPORTING BUDGET In 2019, the Board of Commissioners created the Community Climate Action Grant Program (CCAG)to help meet adopted goals that would uphold the Paris Agreement and achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050. The Community Climate Action Grant Program provides funding for impactful public, non- profit, and small business projects, such as solar power at school districts and weatherizing affordable housing. The County will allocate a portion of those funds to incentivize participation in climate action projects identified within the CAP. In addition to the grant program, a review of the Sustainability budget will need to be revisited. FUNDING PLAN Securing the necessary funding to effectively execute the CAP demands a diverse range of funding strategies and avenues. An integral facet of this financial approach is identifying potential external funding sources,particularly for actions that require additional support. Recognizing that certain strategies might surpass the County's current resources, tapping into external funding becomes essential. Within this framework, specific funding sources are identified where known.The implementation year for each strategy is selected based on the prioritization score, as well as the Top 10 commitments, as introduced in the CAP's Executive Summary. An imminent implementation year signifies a high prioritization score for that strategy, while a later year means a comparatively lower score. The cost estimates are indicative only; they are based on preliminary assessments, comparisons with similar programs, and expert input and are meant to provide a rough order of magnitude evaluation. For example, several of the strategies involve efforts of County staff. In these cases a percentage of a staff's time, reflected as a portion of a "full time equivalent" has been estimated. In other cases, estimated costs of newly purchased goods and services are used.' An inflation factor of 3% year-over-year was applied to the estimated costs. 2 The full description for all costs has been provided to the County, in a Climate Action Tracker,which accompanied this CAP,and is available upon request. so 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA WPM VTATI \ AND REPORTING FUNDING PLAN CONTINUED The financial details are organized into two tables. Table B outlines the total estimated costs by focus area that are needed over the next nine years, adding together the costs of all strategies related to that focus for the given year. On the other hand,Table C shows the total estimated costs needed for each primary goal, summing up the costs of the strategies supporting these goals. For a more comprehensive outline of funding mechanisms,costs,sources,and an Implementation Schedule, refer to Appendices D-G, which aligns each strategy with its corresponding funding source(s). IMPLEMENTATION FOCUSAREA TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS YEAR Transportation $1,080,000 Built Environment and Energy $665,000 2024 Resource Conservation $159,000 Green Community $700,000 Climate Resilience $175,000 Transportation - Built Environment and Energy $216,300 2025 Resource Conservation $175,100 Green Community $82,400 Resilient Community $61,800 Transportation - Built Environment and Energy $716,108 2026 Resource Conservation $27,583 Green Community $265,225 Resilient Community $36,071 Transportation $10,927 Built Environment and Energy - 2027 Resource Conservation $54,636 Green Community $120,200 Resilient Community $103,809 Transportation $922,917 Built Environment and Energy - 2028 Resource Conservation $118,178 Green Community $28,138 Resilient Community $33,765 Table B:Total Estimated Costs by Focus Area 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 81 0111=14=11111 \ \ AND REPORTING FUNDING PLAN CONTINUED IMPLEMENTATION JhL FOCUS AREA TOTAL COST YEAR Transportation $289,819 Built Environment and Energy - 2029 Resource Conservation - Green Community $127,520 Resilient Community - Transportation $238,810 Built Environment and Energy - 2030 Resource Conservation $286,573 Green Community $89,554 Resilient Community $330,752 Transportation $24,597 Built Environment and Energy $860,912 2031 Resource Conservation $67,643 Green Community $86,091 Resilient Community $66,413 Transportation - Built Environment and Energy $240,686 2032 Resource Conservation - Green Community - Resilient Community $164,680 Table B:Total Estimated Costs by Focus Area(continued from page 82) 82 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 0111=14=11111 \ \ AND REPORTING FUNDING PLAN CONTINUED Table C outlines the total estimated costs that are needed by each core goal. CORE GOALS O T1.Enhance and Diversify Public Transportation $1,030,163 QT2.Improve Orange County Commuter Options(OCCO)Program $30,000 H M T3.Promote Cycling and Walking as Sustainable $812,492 O Transportation Options IL N Z T4.Increase EV Infrastructure and adoption $669,819 Q f� T5.Continue and Expand Anti-idling Initiatives $24,597 ZBE1.Strengthen Energy Efficiency and Conservation $488,570 W 12>. BE2.Expand Renewable Energy Usage $200,100 ZO OIZ 0 LLI>Z BE3.Promote Electrification $480,000 ZW W o3 BE4.Enhance Public Education and Accessibility of Resources $504,744 H J_ M BE5.Advance Sustainable Building Practices $1,025,592 Z W O RC1.Enhance waste reduction and recycling program $401,498 0: RC2.Promote water conservation $475,275 yW Wy �Z VRC 3.Promote a sustainable supply chain $11,941 GC1.Enhance Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Land Use $120,200 >_ GC2.Increase the tree canopy community-wide $127,520 F W Z GC3.Promote Sustainable Agriculture $28,138 W � GC4.Promote Sustainable Agriculture and Local Food Systems $41,200 O GC5.Broaden outreach and resources to better support the $41,200 V agricultural industry GC6.Broaden outreach and resources to better support $1,103,974 the community CRI.Be prepared for climate change $456,224 F H CR2.Invest in Infrastructure for Climate Resilience $103,809 WZ CR3.Promote Climate Resilience Education and Awareness $112,119 NCR4.Implement Measures to Reduce Heat and Drought Impact $125,138 UJIV CR5.Build a more robust emergency response network $15,000 CR6. Incorporate climate action into County policy,budget, $160,000 and planning Table C: Estimated cost by core goal 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 83 a r� F 1� 1 NMI OR WWI a . fA- x* APPENDIX A 2019 GREENHOUSE • . - REPORT Appendix A: 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emission InventoryReport ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Introductory Summary 3 Previous Inventories and Climate Resolutions 3 Methodology 4 Results 6 Community Inventory 6 Municipal Inventory 10 Conclusion 11 Appendix A: Attached Use Data 12 Appendix B: Detailed Methodology 15 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 85 89 Executive Summary INTRODUCTION The goal of this report is to provide an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are attributable to human activities in Orange County, North Carolina. This report acts as a foundational document for the 2023 climate action plan, which provides a roadmap for reducing carbon emissions while preserving the living standards of county residents. A GHG inventory describes the primary sources of emissions within the county, including those originating from residents, commercial enterprises, and governmental operations. The emissions studied can be either direct or indirect. Direct emissions are those emitted at the location of use such as natural gas combustion in heating buildings, whereas indirect emissions are purchased and used at one location but generated elsewhere, such as those originating from the electrical grid'. A GHG inventory is crucial for creating strategies and programs that reduce future emissions and providing insight into the environmental condition of the county during the study year. This report was reviewed by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives(ICLEI)for completeness and accuracyto ensure its reliability as a foundation for informed decision-making and action. This GHG inventory analyzes two different tracks, which are presented separately. The community track encompasses all Orange County residents, including businesses, individuals, and industrial emissions sources. Community emissions were divided into sectors: commercial, residential, and industrial energy; transportation and mobile services; solid waste; and water and wastewater. The county government operations track includes the emissions related to Orange County government activities, including government facilities, vehicle fleets, and employee commuting. The County operations inventory is a subset of the community inventory, and has specific usage portioned out from the community inventory. This report relies on the best available data to date. If certain data could not be collected, best estimates were used. Emission factors were compiled for each sector from reliable sources, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Community Protocol, which update information regularly. This GHG inventory offers a reliable reflection of real-world emissions in Orange County. All calculations were made using the US Community Protocols for Greenhouse Gas Accounting studies, as published by ICLE12. Two appendices are included in this report. Appendix A lists raw usage data collected from utilities and other sources,while Appendix B provides a detailed methodology of all calculations used in determining emission totals. https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/scope-1-and-scope-2-inventory-guidance 2 U.S.Community Protocol for Accounting And Reporting of GHG Emissions Version 1.2 July 2019 ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA 1 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 90 APPENDIX A 2019 COMMUNITY INVENTORY RESULTS County operations GHG emissions were also analyzed. Orange County government operations were responsible for 19,359 MT CO2e. The largest emission sources were employee commuting at 33%(6,329 MT CO2e). Buildings and Facilities contributed 32%, with 6,185 MT CO2e. Water and Wastewater treatment facilities at 23% (4,479 MT CO2e) followed by Vehicle Fleet at 11%with 2,106 MT CO2e. The Transit Fleet accounted for the remaining 1% (251). Fugitive emissions produced 9 MT CO2e (less than 1%). ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY INVENTORY PROCESS& TRANSPORTATION& FUGITIVE EMISSIONS MOBILE SOURCES 0% 43% SOLID WASTE RESIDENTIAL ENERGY 1% WATER&WASTEWATER .e , 1% INDUSTRIAL ENERGY COMMERCIAL ENERGY 2% 34% Fig.1: Orange County 2019 community inventory by sector COUNTY OPERATIONS INVENTORY RESULTS County operations GHG emissions were also analyzed. Orange County government operations were responsible for 19,359 MT CO2e. The largest emission sources were employee commuting at 33%(6,329 MT CO2e). Buildings and Facilities contributed 32%, with 6,185 MT CO2e. Water and Wastewater treatment facilities at 23% (4,479 MT CO2e) followed by Vehicle Fleet at 11%with 2,106 MT CO2e. The Transit Fleet accounted for the remaining 1% (251). Fugitive emissions produced 9 MT CO2e (less than 1%). GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS INVENTORY PROCESS& BUILDING&FACILITIES FUGITIVE EMISSIONS 0% VEHICLE FLEET 11% WATER&WASTEWATER TRANSIT FLEET USAGE 23% '=. EMPLOYEE COMMUTE 33% Fig 2:Orange County 2019 government operations emissions by sector 2 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 91 Introductory Summary This inventory was performed using the U.S. Community Protocol Version 1.2, as developed by ICLEI and updated for this specific GHG accounting exercise in July 2019. Inventory emissions were calculated using best practices and were based on 2019 data gathered from the County. These "usage" data were assigned an appropriate emission factor to arrive at a figure for emissions emitted. The calculations took place within the ICLEI ClearPath tool. ClearPath assists in GHG accounting and management at the community and municipal levels. Emission factors were compiled from 2019 data and information from the federal Environmental Protection Agency GHG Emission Factors Hub 3 utilized in the ICLEI ClearPath tool. As a result, this report compiles data from the County and models GHGs to provide an accurate depiction of the County's real-world emissions. It also identifies key areas to focus on for strategy development and program creation to reduce emissions in the County. Finally, it serves as an update to the County's existing GHG inventories completed in 2005 and 2017.4 Previous Inventories and Climate Resolutions Orange County has been actively striving to reduce carbon emissions. The County's first GHG inventory was conducted in 20055 and the second in 2017. This inventory builds upon previous inventories and provides valuable data on how the County is progressing towards reducing carbon emissions. On June 6, 2017, Orange County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution to uphold the Paris Climate Agreement, committing to reduce GHG emissions between 26 and 28 percent by 2025 from 2005 levels and on September 5, 2017,the Board made an additional commitment to transition to a 100% renewable energy-oriented economy by 2050. These resolutions and GHG inventories demonstrate the County's leadership towards climate action and creating informed decisions based on data contained in GHG inventories. Not all sectors were consistently measured across the 2005, 2017, and the current 2019 inventory; however, comparisons can be made in several sectors such as residential, commercial, and industrial energy, transportation, and solid waste. As shown in figure 3, these sectors have experienced significant emission reductions since 2005. In 2005, Orange County was responsible for emissions amounting to 2.8 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. In 2017 emissions in Orange County had fallen to 1.78 million tons of CO2e. By 2019, emissions fell further, to 1.63 million tons of CO2e, a decrease of 40.71% between 2005 and 2019. 3 https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/ghg-emission-factors-hub 4 https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10049/ Orange-County-Greenhouse-Gas-Inventory-2017 5 https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2002/ Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions-Inventory-and-Forecast-PDF 3 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIXA 2019 GREENHOUSE GAS EP 92 . - Ns GHG INVENTORY COMPARISON BY YEAR Solid waste Transportation Industrial Energy Commercial Energy Residential Energy 200,000 400,000 600,000 500,00© 1,000,000 1,200,000 1,400,000 1,600,000 ■2019 ■2017 ■2005 Fig 3: GHG Inventory Comparison by Year Methodology The methodology for this inventory was based upon best practices from the US Community Protocol provided by the ICLEI ClearPath tool, coupled with the United States Environmental Protection Agency GHG Emission Factors, which serve as the benchmark for greenhouse gas inventory analysis nationwide. Emissions estimates incorporate real-world usage data (listed in Appendix A), which were subsequently processed through ICLEI ClearPath functions.6 INVENTORY YEAR The year 2019 was selected for this inventory because it offers a more typical representation of GHG emissions for the year 2023 since the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced travel emissions and markedly impacted other sectors as well. Notably, the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 recorded significantly lower emissions compared to current levels. Additionally, the Science Based Targets Initiative recommends using 2019 as a baseline year for future emission reduction targets.' COMMUNITYAND COUNTY OPERATIONS INVENTORIES The inventory considers two distinct greenhouse gas accounting tracks: community and County operations. The community inventory includes emissions from residents within Orange County's jurisdiction, accounting for both emissions from residents within the 6 https://icleiusa.org/clearpath 7 https://sciencebasedtargetsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SBTs-for-cities-guide-nov-2020.pdf 4 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES . . . . 93 . .EE County's limits and from people who recreate and work in Orange County; the community inventory is inclusive of all towns within the County. Required sectors for community GHG inventories are:1)community building energy use from kilowatt hours and natural gastherms usage, and other significant energy sources 2) transportation emissions from vehicle miles traveled in the county, 3)solid waste disposed,4)wastewater and water electricity used and gallons consumed. In contrast, the County operations inventory encompasses emissions resulting from Orange County operations and facilities, making it a subset of the community inventory. Although county emissions represent a small fraction of the emissions inventory, managing them is significant,given the government'sabilityto influence and lead byexample to combat climate change.The county operations inventory includes emissions from county buildings,county vehicle fleets,employee commutes,and water consumption., CALCULATING EMISSIONS GREENHOUSE GASSES Local governments are expected to evaluate emissions of the six internationally recognized greenhouse gasses(GHG) under the Kyoto Protocol,9 namely Carbon dioxide (CO2),Methane(CH4),Nitrous oxide(N20),Hydrofluorocarbons(HFCs),Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Each of these greenhouse gasses is reported and converted into metric tons (MT), differentiated by their respective Global Warming Potential (GWP). The GWP of each is benchmarked on Carbon dioxide's potential, which is set at 1, as it serves as the reference point for the other gasses. Methane, with a GWP of 28, is largely emitted from landfills, wastewater, and natural gas leakage. Nitrous Oxide, with a higher GWP of 265, is primarily associated with energy production and wastewater treatment. Hydrofluorocarbons, having a wide GWP range of 12-11,700, are mainly tied to refrigerant usage. Perfluorocarbons, with a GWP between 6,500-9,200, typically result from manufacturing and production processes. Sulfur Hexafluoride, possessing the highest GWP of 23,900, is principally connected with power transmission and distribution. This inventory primarily uses Carbon, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide10 to establish the carbon dioxide emission equivalents (CO2e)for all sectors analyzed." SECTOR ACTIVITY DATA AND EMISSIONS FACTORS The process of calculating Carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) utilizes both activity data and emission factors. When activity data is multiplied by corresponding emission factors, the result is an amount of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions. By converting each sector's activity data into carbon dioxide equivalents, a comparative ratio for each sector can be established, enabling further analysis and facilitating decision-making about potential reduction strategies. 8 Data were not available for solid waste from County Operations to be differentiated from community waste,therefore all solid waste emissions are included only in the community inventory. 9 https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/convkp/kpeng.pdf 10 As referenced in the US Community Protocol the high GWP GHG's perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride are not required to complete an accurate inventory.The County reported no refrigerant loss,and therefore hydrofluorocarbons do not appear in the inventory.All other GHGs are measured and reported. 11 https://icleiusa.org/ghg-protocols 5 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 94 - - EMISSIONS REPORTING Emissions are quantified using the measure of Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) and compared across sectors. Each sector is individually reported and assessed in relation to others,offering a comprehensive picture of emissions across the County.The community inventory covers building energy use, transportation, solid waste, wastewater, and water. Building energy is further divided into commercial, residential, and industrial use and consists of both electricity and natural gas consumption. The municipal inventory includes building energy use, employee commute, vehicle fleet, water, and wastewater. Results The following sections detail the findings from the community and county government operation greenhouse gas inventories,with results organized by sectors.The community and county operations inventories are separate endeavors, but the information is combined within this report. There will be slight overlap in emissions data for the two inventories,and each inventory should be considered as a benchmark for future emission reductions. Calculation methodologies for all results are provided in Appendix B. Community Inventory In Orange County, total community emissions were 1,631,671 MT CO2e. This result includes emissions from the combustion of fuel for transportation and mobile services, onsite burning of natural gas in commercial, residential, and industrial structures, emissions linked to electricity procurement for commercial, residential, and industrial edifices, emissions connected to water and wastewater services within the County, as well as solid waste emissions emanating from the County. TABLE 1:ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY INVENTORY BY SECTOR Sector MT CO2e Percentage (%) Transportation & Mobile Sources 702,701 43% Commercial Energy 556,800 34% Residential Energy 299,216 19% Industrial Energy 33,626 2% Solid Waste 21,350 1% Water&Wastewater 12,585 1% Process & Fugitive Emissions 5,393 0.33% Total 1,631,671 6 ORANGE COUNTY, NC - APPENDICES 95 COMMERCIAL ENERGY Commercial energy is the largest emitter of the three classes of energy emissions (the others being residential and industrial), producing 556,800 MT CO2e. Data on commercial electricity energy consumption were provided by Piedmont Electric Cooperative, extrapolated from 2017 data from Duke Energy, and obtained from the cogeneration plants at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Data for natural gas usage were sourced from Dominion Energy. Of the commercial total, electricity accounted for 258,454 MT CO2e, natural gas contributed 79,263 MT CO2e, and coal-powered cogeneration accounted for 219,083 MT CO2e. Thus, commercial energy constitutes 34% of total community emissions in Orange County. COMMERCIAL ENERGY ELECTRICITY COGENERATION 46% 40% NATURAL GAS 14% Figure 5. Commercial Energy Breakdown 7 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES . . . . . 96 APPENDIX A . RESIDENTIAL ENERGY Residential energy consumption incorporates emissions from natural gas combustion, electricity production, the burning of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), and the use of distillate fuel oil No. 2, all specific to residential communities within Orange County. Data regarding Orange County's residential electricity usagewere supplied by Piedmont Electric Cooperative and Duke Energy,while Dominion Energy provided data for natural gas. Statewide data served as the source for LPG and oil No. 2 usage - Orange County's proportionate share was established based on population demographics. Electricity data for 2019 from Duke Electricity were extrapolated from 2017 usage statistics. Overall residential energy use contributed 299,216 MT CO2e. Of that total, emissions attributed to electricity was 200,750 MT CO2e, natural gas contributed 70,445 MT CO2e, LPG resulted in 26,538 MT CO2e, and distillate fuel oil no. 2 generated 1,483 MT CO2e. Residential energy constituted 19% of total community emissions. RESIDENTIAL ENERGY ELECTRICITY OIL N0.2 67% NATURAL GAS 24% LPG Figure 4. Residential Energy Breakdown INDUSTRIAL ENERGY Industrial Energy data were supplied by two entities: Dominion Electric for natural gas and Duke Energy for electricity. The cumulative emissions from industrial energy amounted to 33,626 MT CO2e. Industrial electricity accounted for 18,024 MT CO2e, making up 53% of all emissions from industrial energy. Emissions originating from the combustion of natural gas totaled 15,602 MT CO2e, contributing to 46% of overall industrial energy emissions. Industrial energy usage comprises 2% of the total community emissions in Orange County. 8 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 97 TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILE SERVICE Transportation and Mobile services are the primary contributor of emissions in Orange County, generating 702,701 MT CO2e and accounting for 43% of the County's total emissions. Orange County is characterized by its widespread rural communities, where reliance on cars is significant, leading to a considerable amount of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)within the County. The emissions produced by gasoline fuel vehicles is 513,127 MT CO2e, while the emissions produced from diesel vehicles equaled 189,575 MT CO2e. SOLID WASTE Emissions resulting from the waste sector are derived from estimated methane production due to decomposition of solid waste generated in the County. These calculations incorporate data gathered from the landfill and consider factors such as methane capture processes. Solid waste disposal contributes to 1%of the total emissions in Orange County, accounting for 21,350 MT CO2e.12 In 2013, the County landfill, Orange County Regional Landfill in Chapel Hill, was closed. All subsequent solid waste has been disposed outside of the county. The methane that is still produced at the County's retired landfill is being destroyed through a partnership with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and the County. Data received from Universities Sustainability Office states that the following totals of CO2e have been destroyed during fiscal years 2020 and 2021: 25,000 MTCO2e (2020) and 22,000 MTCO2e (2021). These amounts generally correspond to the EPA 13 and estimations from ClearPath calculations of landfill gas emitted for the same fiscal years: 23,940 MTCO2e(Calendar year 2020) and 18,490 MTCO2e(Calendar year 2021). WATER AND WASTEWATER The Orange Water and Sewer Authority(OWASA) manages some of the County's potable water supply and wastewater disposal and supplied all related data.Total emissions from water and wastewater amount to 12,585 MT CO2e, accounting for 1% of total emissions across the County. Electricity emissions from potable water processes in Orange County are 1,763 MT CO2e. Wastewater electricity consumption is 2,446 MT CO2e and natural gas usage is 196 MT CO2e MT CO2e. Emissions from digester gas consumed equal 5 MT CO2e. Digester gas flaring emitted 68 MT CO2e. Nitrogen discharge from water treatment emitted 103 MT CO2e. Specific to the community inventory are emissions related to household septic systems which produced 8,004 MT CO2e. PROCESSES AND FUGITIVE EMISSIONS Fugitive emissions, which are defined as unintended leaks or releases of gasses during the transportation or handling of substances like natural gas, contribute less than one percent to the total emissions of the County, amounting to an equivalent of 5,393 MT CO2e. These inadvertent emissions can occur at various stages of production, processing, storage, transmission, and distribution. 12 Waste management and landfill operations in Orange County were undergoing changes during recent years,the information used is extrapolated from 2017 data. 3 https://ghgdata.epa.gov/ghgp/service/facilityDetail/2021?id=1005524&ds=E&et=&popup=true 9 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 98 County Operations Inventory The following sections provide detailed insights into the municipal GHG emissions within Orange County. The County's emitting sectors include buildings and facilities, vehicle fleets, transit fleets, and employee commuting. In 2019, the County's municipal activities generated a total of 19,359 MT CO2e, making up roughly 1% of the County's total emissions. TABLE 2:ORANGE COUNTY'S COUNTY OPERATIONS INVENTORY BY SECTOR Sector MT CO2e Percentage(%) Buildings & Facilities 6,185 32% Vehicle Fleet 2,106 11% Transit Fleet 251 1% Water and Wastewater 4,479 23% Employee Commute 6,329 33% Processes and Fugitive Emissions 9 0.05% Total 19,359 BUILDING AND FACILITIES Orange County's government-owned and operated buildings and facilities contribute 32% of the total emissions in the Municipal Inventory, and total 6,185 MT CO2e. The generation and consumption of electricity, along with the combustion of natural gas, are the primary sources of these emissions. Electricity usage for the government consumed 4,510 MT CO2e, where the natural gas combustion consumed 1,675 MT CO2e.94 VEHICLE AND TRANSIT FLEET The County's vehicle fleet (i.e., county maintenance, county law enforcement vehicles, etc.) represents 11% of total emissions, producing 2,106 MT CO2e. Further, since the County contributes funds towards the operation of transit vehicles (buses, vans, etc.), a portion of those emissions are also included. The County's share of the transit fleet produced 251 MT CO2e. 14 The County does not have any streetlights under its jurisdiction,which are included at the community inventory level. 10 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 99 EMPLOYEE COMMUTE A survey of commuting habits was disseminated among all Orange County employees to gauge the carbon impact of the daily commute by the County's workforce. Based on the surveys, employee commuting is estimated at around 33% of the total emissions generated by local government operations, producing 6,329 MT CO2e. WATER AND WASTEWATER Emissions associated with water and wastewater contribute to 23% of municipal emissions, as these services are managed and operated by government-owned programs.Electricity emissions from potable water processes in Orange Countyare1,763 MT CO2e.Wastewater electricity consumption consumed 2,447 MT CO2e.Wastewater natural gas consumed 196 MT CO2e. Emissions from digester gas consumed equal 5 MT CO2e. Digester gas flaring emitted 68 MT CO2e. Nitrogen discharge from water treatment emitted 103 MT CO2e. Total emissions from government related water and wastewater processes is 4,479.15 PROCESSES AND FUGITIVE EMISSIONS Fugitive emissions account for less than 1% of the total emissions in the municipal inventory of Orange County and are estimated at 9 MT CO2e. Conclusion In 2019, Orange County, North Carolina, the community generated a total of 1,631,671 MT CO2e and County government operations produced 19,359 MT CO2e. The most significant contributors were transportation and mobile sources, accounting for 43% of community emissions. Commercial energy sources, including electricity, natural gas, and UNC-CH Cogeneration Coal Boilers, were the second highest contributor, constituting 34%of the emissions. Residential energywasthe third highest contributor; other sources contributed relatively minor amounts in comparison.As forthe emissions attributable to Orange County's government operations, three primary areas were prominent: Employee commute, Buildings and Facilities and Water and Wastewater are responsible for 33%, 32%, and 23%of the total emissions, respectively. Moving forward, Orange County is committed to maintaining its leadership role in North Carolina's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 5 This is not considered double counting emissions according to ICLEI protocols,since these are two separate inventories. In other sectors,municipal data is included in the community inventory in a less explicit way. For example,all County's municipal facilities electricity is included in the community's commercial electricity. 11 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 100 INVENTORYAPPENDIX A 2019 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION • . - Appendix A.1: Attached Use Data COMMUNITY INVENTORY Activity Unit Data Source Duke Residential Electricity kWh 477,946,069 Duke Energy 2017. Piedmont Residential Piedmont Electric kWh 173,705,809 Electricity Cooperative 2019. Dominion Residential Dominion Energy MMBtu 1,324,493 Natural Gas 2019. Orange County U.S. Census, and Energy LPG Usage MMBtu 417,443 Information Administration (EIA) 2019. Orange County U.S. Census, and Energy Distillate fuel oil #2 MMBtu 19,925 Information Administration (EIA) 2019. Dominion Commercial MMBtu 1,490,289 Dominion Energy Natural Gas 2019. Duke Commercial Electricity kWh 793,824,045 Duke Energy 2017 Piedmont Educational Piedmont Electric kWh 9,947,766 Electricity Cooperative 2019. Piedmont Commercial Piedmont Electric kWh 35,193,563 Electricity Cooperative 2019. 2018 Annual Air UNC-CH Boiler#6 Coal MMBTU MMBtu 848,000 Emissions Inventory Cogeneration Facility 2018 Annual Air UNC-CH Boiler#7 Coal MMBTU MMBtu 913,000 Emissions Inventory Cogeneration Facility 12 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 101 APPENDIX A NV�F -0 COMMUNITY INVENTORY CONTINUED Activity Unit Data Source Google Environmental Diesel Transportation VMT 128,745,750 Insights Explorer(EIE) 2019. Gasoline Google Environmental Transportation VMT 1,243,103,837 Insights Explorer(EIE) 2019. Solid Waste Tons 53,150 2017 GHG Inventory Potable Water 2019 Orange Water Electricity kWh 5,722,491 And Sewer Authority (OWASA) 2019 Orange Water Gas combustion scf/day 108,960 And Sewer Authority (OWASA) 2019 Orange Water Wastewater Electricity kWh 7,939,258 And Sewer Authority (OWASA) Wastewater Natural 2019 Orange Water Gas Therms 36,890 And Sewer Authority (OWASA) Flaring of Digester 2019 Orange Water Gas Cubic ft/day 54,480 And Sewer Authority (OWASA) Septic Systems Population 65,884 2019 Orange County Emissions U.S. Census Data Daily Nitrogen 2019 Orange Water discharge kg N/day 135 And Sewer Authority (OWASA) 13 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 102 COUNTY OPERATIONS INVENTORY DATA Activity Unit Data Source MWH 14,639 2019 Orange County Usage Building and Facilities Therms 315,060 2019 Orange County Usage Vehicle Fleet Gallons 238,996 2019 Orange County Usage Transit Fleet Gallons 28,595 2019 Orange County Usage Employee Commute Miles 17,443,305 2019 Orange County Commute Survey Wastewater Electricity kWh 7,939,258 2019 Orange Water And Sewer Authority(OWASA) Digester Gas Combustion scf/day 108,960 2019 Orange Water And Sewer Authority(OWASA) Digester Gas Flaring cubic 54,480 2019 Orange Water And Sewer feet/day Authority(OWASA) Wastewater Natural Gas Therms 36,890 2019 Orange Water And Sewer Authority(OWASA) Potable Water Electricity kWh 5,722,491 2019 Orange Water And Sewer Authority(OWASA) 14 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES • 103 APPENDIX A 2019 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INVENTORY REPORT Appendix A.2: Detailed Methodology COMMUNITY INVENTORY ELECTRICITY Residential, commercial, and industrial electricity usage data for 2019 were furnished by Duke Energy and Piedmont. The process of determining emissions involved multiplying electricity usage by the emissions factor relevant to the jurisdiction where the electricity was generated. ICLEI: Local Governments for Sustainability16 provided emission factors for local jurisdictions, which is based on data from the EPA Emissions Hub for SERC Virginia/Carolina (SRVC) eGRID 2019. The specific emission factors are as follows: the CO2 emission factor is 0.089765 MT/MMBtu,the CH4 emission factor is 7.7084 x 10-1 MT/ MMBtu, and the N20 emission factor is 1.0632 x 10-6 MT/MMBtu.When these are added to carbon emissions the result is CO2e which represents the total Global Warming Potential. Duke Energy's recent billing modifications resulted in the loss of certain emission data for 2019.This prompted usto estimate emissions using the growth rate of Orange Countyfrom 2010-2020 using census data. The County experienced an average annual growth rate of 1.1%,which we used as the basis for our electricity usage estimations. For example, in 2017, residential electricity usage from Duke amounted to 467,602,240 kWh. After applying the growth factor, we estimated that Duke's residential electricity for 2019 would be around 477,946,069 kWh. We used the same method to estimate commercial electricity usage growth from 776,643,905 kWh to 793,824,044.8 kWh. We also estimated that Duke's industrial energy usage would rise from 57,245,643 kWh to 58,511,973.87 kWh. NATURAL GAS Data on residential and commercial natural gas was provided by Dominion Energy. The calculation of natural gas emissions involves multiplying the usage data by an emission factor provided by the US Community Protocol BE.1.1.17 The respective emission factors are 53.02 kg/MMBtu CO2,0.005 kg/MMBtu for CH4,and 1 xE-4 for N20.The full methodology is detailed in the U.S. Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Appendix C: Built Environment Emission Activities and Sources. LPG AND DISTILLATE FUEL OIL NO.2 These categories are calculated using data from the United States Census Bureau information1'and methodologies from the US Community Protocol.19 The Census Bureau tracks statewide residential non-utility fuel usage. To determine the proportion of fuel usage in Orange County, we compared the number of households in the County using each type of fuel to the total number of households in the entire state using the same fuel 16 U.S.Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Appendix C: Built Environment Emission Activities and Sources. 17 U.S.Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Appendix C: Built Environment Emission Activities and Sources 18 https://data.census.gov 79 U.S.Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Appendix C: Built Environment Emission Activities and Sources 15 ORANGE COUNTY, NC - APPENDICES . . . . 104 . G. Ilius,type. In Orange County, 6,078 households use bottled, tank, or LP gas, and 445 use fuel oil, kerosene,or similarfuels.Statewide,256,257 households use bottled,tank,or LP gas, and 91,569 use fuel oil, kerosene, etc. The proportion of households in Orange County using bottled, tank, or LP gas is 0.0237, while the proportion using fuel oil, kerosene, etc., is 0.0486. To calculate the County's share of energy consumption, we multiply these proportions by the statewide energy use. According to data from the US Energy Information Administration 20 North Carolina consumes 17.6 trillion Btu of Hydrocarbon Gas Liquids (HGL, which includes LPG) and 4.1 trillion Btu of Distillate Fuel Oil. After converting these figures from trillion Btu to MMBtu and applying Orange County's proportions, we estimate that the County's consumption of LPG is 417,443 MMBtu and its consumption of Distillate Fuel Oil #2 is 19,925 MMBtu.These estimates are calculated to carbon equivalencies using the US Community Protocol in ICLEI, applying emission factors of 62.98 kg/MMBtu for CO2, 0.01087 kg/MMBtu for CH4, and 0.0010870 kg/ MMBtu for N20. COAL Emissions data from the coal cogeneration boilers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are sourced from the 2018 Annual Air Emissions Inventory Cogeneration Facility report, prepared by ClimeCo Corporation in 2019.21 Detailed information about emissions from Boiler 6 can be found on pages 31-33, while Boiler 7's emissions are documented on pages 54-56. TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILE SERVICE Transportation emissions in Orange County were computed using the Google EIE transportation data'22 a source recommended by ICLEI. The emissions factors are sourced from the US Community Protoco1,23 which are as follows: CO2 Emissions Factor 0.07024 CO2 Emissions Factor Units MT/MMBtu CH4 Emissions Factor 1.9493 x 10-$ CH4 Emissions Factor Units MT/mile N20 Emissions Factor 1.0608 x 10-8 N20 Emissions Factor Units MT/mile 20 https://www.eia.gov/state/search 21 2018 Annual Air Emissions Inventory Cogeneration Facility.The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:Chapel Hill,North Carolina 22 https://insights.sustainability.google/places/ChIJEejT22XdrlkRPupCdcVJtOk?hl=en-US 23 U.S.Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Appendix D: Transportation and Other Mobile Emission Activities and Sources 16 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . 105 SOLID WASTE Due to the existence of five waste haulers in the County and the closure of the local landfill in 2013, tracking the amount of solid waste produced in Orange County proved challenging. The destination landfill was unable to provide the required data in time for this report, necessitating an estimation of total solid waste based on 2017 levels and a growth factor for two subsequent years. Emission factors were determined using the 2019 Orange County Recyclables Characterization Study24 and the 2017 Waste Characterization study25 conducted by Kessler Consulting. The following are the specific emission factors: Mixed MSW Emission Factor (MT CH4/wet short ton) 0.0648, Newspaper Emission Factor(MT CH4/wet short ton)0.042,Office Paper Emission Factor (MT CH4/wet short ton) 0.1556, Corrugated Cardboard Emission Factor (MT CH4/wet short ton) 0.1048, Magazines/Third Class Mail Emission Factor (MT CH4/wet short ton) 0.0476, Food Scraps Emission Factor (MT CH4/wet short ton) 0.0648, Grass Emission Factor (MT CH4/wet short ton) 0.0228, Leaves Emission Factor (MT CH4/wet short ton) 0.026, Branches Emission Factor (MT CH4/wet short ton) 0.058. The calculation methodology was adopted from the US Community ProtocoI.26 WATER AND WASTEWATER Both potable water and wastewater systems consume electricity,and the emissions from this are calculated as previously outlined. Additionally, wastewater treatment processes utilize natural gas, the emissions from which are calculated using the aforementioned methods. The process of digester gas combustion is estimated using site-specific data obtained from OWASA. This information is converted into emissions data by applying emission factors from the US Community Protocols. Specifically, the Biogenic CO2 Emissions Factor is 52.07 kg/MMBtu, the CH4 Emissions Factor is 0.0032 kg/MMBtu, and the N20 Emissions Factor is 6.3 x 10-4 kg/MMBtu. Further details on digester combustion calculations can be found in US Community Protocols WW.1.A, WW2.A, and WW.3. Emissions resulting from the flaring of digester gas are also considered in this inventory. This is determined using site-specific data sourced from OWASA and adhering to the best calculation practices provided by the US Community Protocol. The CH4 Emissions Factor in this case is 1.2177 x10-7 MT CH4/scf. Daily nitrogen discharge is another factor incorporated in this inventory. Using the daily nitrogen load provided by OWASA, emissions data is calculated in line with the US Community Protocol. Here, the N20 Emissions Factor stands at 0.005 kg N20/kg N in effluent. Additional details concerning effluent discharge can be referenced in the US Community Protocol, specifically WW.12. The final aspect of the water and wastewater analysis pertains to emissions from septic systems. While OWASA services the majority of households in 24 ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA RECYCLABLES CHARACTERIZATION STUDY,Kessler Consulting,Inc. 25 https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2826/ 2017-Orange-County-Waste-Characterization-Study-Final-Report-PDF 26 U.S.Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Appendix E:Solid Waste Emission Activities and Sources 17 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 106 Orange County, approximately 65,000 are not covered by the local wastewater agency. This results in widespread use of septic systems for wastewater disposal. Emissions from these systems can be calculated using a population-based method,which incorporates a CH4 Emissions Factor of 0.048213 MT CH4 per daily kg BOD5.An alternative calculation approach is documented in the US Community Protocol under reference WW.11 (aIt).21 FUGITIVE EMISSIONS Fugitive emissions were calculated by usage data summed from natural gas. This was multiplied bya leakagefactorofan industry standard recommended bythe U.S.Community Protocol.28 The leakage emissions are multiplied by an emissions factor of 6.1939x10-5 MT CH4/MMBtu natural gas used, and CO2 emission factor of 6.6316 x 10-5 MT CO2/MMBtu natural gas used. COUNTY OPERATIONS INVENTORY BUILDING AND FACILITIES Orange County's buildings and facilities emissions were calculated using usage data obtained from the government's tracking software.This software monitors both electricity and natural gas usage data.The calculations were carried out in the same manner as those for the community inventory of natural gas and electricity. VEHICLE FLEET Fuel usage for Orange County's vehicle fleet was supplied by the County and calculated using the US Community Protocol.29 The annual miles traveled, and annual fuel usage are tracked and multiplied by emission factors from ICLEI. These include a CO2 Emissions Factor of 0.070268 MT/MMBtu, a Biogenic CO2 Emissions Factor of 0 MT/MMBtu, a CH4 Emissions Factor of 2.153 x10-8 MT/vehicle mile, a Biofuel CH4 Emissions Factor of 0 MT/ vehicle mile, a N20 Emissions Factor of 1.248 x10-8 MT/vehicle mile, and a Biofuel N20 Emissions Factor of 0 MT/vehicle mile. TRANSIT FLEET Data on Orange County's transit fleet usage was also provided by the County. This data was broken down by vehicle types, with transit fleet vehicles identified as buses within the data sheet. Emission factors for transit fleet buses include a CO2 Emissions Factor of 0.07024 MT/MMBtu, a CH4 Emissions Factor of 1.93 x 10-8 MT/vehicle mile, and a N20 Emissions Factor of 1.48 x10-8 MT/vehicle mile.ao 2e https://www.edf.org/sites/default/files/US-Natural-Gas-Leakage-Model-User-Guide.pdf 29 U.S.Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Appendix D: Transportation and Other Mobile Emission Activities and Sources 31 U.S.Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Appendix D: Transportation and Other Mobile Emission Activities and Sources 18 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 107 EMPLOYEE COMMUTE Data on employee commutes was provided by the 2019 commuting survey of Orange County employees. This survey asked employees about their commuting habits, and total annual Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) was extrapolated from the responses. While the survey results did not include total mileage, it was possible to calculate this by multiplying the average miles per commute by the average workdays per week and then calculating the yearly VMT using the average number of working weeks in a year,which is 49.31 This yields the total annual commuting VMT for Orange County.The emissions were then calculated using the US Community Protocol emission factors of CO2 Emissions Factor 0.07024 MT/MMBtu, CH4 Emissions Factor 1.8300 x10-8 MT/Mile, and a N20 Emissions Factor 8.3 x10-9 MT/Mile. WATER AND WASTEWATER The emissions from water and wastewater operations for Orange County's municipal activities were calculated in the same manner as in the community inventory.32 As OWASA is a municipal operation, its emissions should be included under those from the County. The difference between the two sectors is that the municipal inventory does not include emissions from septic systems. FUGITIVE EMISSIONS These are calculated in the same way as the community inventory. Fugitive emissions were calculated by usage data summed from natural gas used by the county operations. Usage was multiplied by a leakage factor of an industry standard recommended by the U.S. Community Protocol. 33 The leakage emissions are multiplied by an emissions factor of 6.1939x10-5 MT CH4/MMBtu natural gas used, and CO2 emission factor of 6.6316 x 10-5 MT CO2/MMBtu natural gas used. 31 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/atus.pdf 32 U.S.Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Appendix F: Wastewater and Water Emission Activities and Sources 33 https://www.edf.org/sites/default/files/US-Natural-Gas-Leakage-Model-User-Guide.pdf 19 ORANGE COUNTY, NC - APPENDICES APPENDIX B METHODOLOGY OF • FORECAST Appendix Bm Methodology of Emission Forecast ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 105 109 Summary This report describes greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions reduction targets and estimated forecasts that are identified in Orange County's 2023 Climate Action Plan (the Plan). It also describes the County's mitigation target plan to the year 2050.The report quantifies the carbon reduction impact that local and federal laws, utility grid mix changes, and transportation efficiencies will have on Orange County's business-as-usual forecast, which results in an"adjusted business-as-usual forecast."Finally,it provides visualizations of the results of Orange County's"Top 10"emission reduction strategies from the Plan. Provisional targets for Orange County's GHG mitigation efforts are as follows: 1. Achieve 50% emission reduction target by 2030 from a 2005 baseline. 2. Achieve 100%emissions reduction by 2050 from a 2005 baseline This "forecasting" report focuses on emissions in comparison to the 2005 baseline. In 2005 the total tracked emissions' for Orange County were 2,802,5002 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).3 In 2017 the GHG inventory was 1,777,667 MT CO2e.4 The total emissions in 2019 fell to 1,631,671 MT CO2e which represented a reduction of 41.77% in 14 years.5 Looking forward, a business-as-usual (BA U)6 forecast for Orange County shows emissions will grow to 1,693,944 MT CO2e by 2030, and to 1,813,315 MT CO2e by 2050, if no further action is taken. The adjusted business- as-usual (ABAU) forecast shows emissions will reduce to 1,311,816 MT CO2e in 2030, and to 947,191 in 2050; this forecast considers the expected effect of several policy measures that are described below. To achieve targets set in the 2023 Climate Action Plan emissions from sectors listed in the 2005 GHG inventory(residential, commercial, and industrial energy, transportation, and solid waste) should not exceed 1,410,250 MT CO2e by the year 2030. To further reach a 100% reduction in emissions would require significant investment in the strategies listed in the Plan, in addition to other actors achieving State and local policy goals (i.e. utility renewable energy targets, vehicle efficiency measures, etc.). If targets from policy goals plus the Top 10 Emission reduction strategies from the 2023 Plan are met, the County's emissions will reduce to 993,646 MT CO2e by 2030 and 56,991 MT CO2e by 2050. https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/scope-1-and-scope-2-inventory-guidance z https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2002/ Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions-Inventory-and-Forecast-PDF 3 The only sectors surveyed in the 2005 inventory were residential,commercial, and industrial energy, transportation,and solid waste. Further,The GHG inventory associated with this Plan comes from 2019 data. 4 https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10049/ Orange-County-Greenhouse-Gas-Inventory-2017 5 In 2019 there was tracking of water and wastewater,and fugitive emissions from natural gas processes, which increased total emissions. b The business-as-usual forecast was estimated starting in the year 2019 using projected growth in population, households,employment,and vehicle miles traveled between 2010 and 2020.Projections were obtained from the United States Census Data. Data for the years 2020 and 2050 were estimated using straight-line interpolation from the USA Census. 1 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 110 CO 3 Z O J 3 2 N O V F- 2 N Z O 1 N W 1 — O 2 O 2005 2019 2030 2050 12005 Baseline Business As Usual Adjusted Business as usual —.0—Top 10 Emission Reductions Scenario --*---Target FIGURE 1: SUMMARY OF ORANGE COUNTY'S GHG EMISSIONS AND REDUCTION TARGETS Background Orange County has set its goals within the context of a strong commitment for environmental mitigation from state and regional partners. The following describes several of the State, regional, and local policies that precede and form a foundation for the County's Plan. STATE GUIDANCE North Carolina Executive Order NO.80 aligns the State to the 2015 Paris Agreement and the United States Climate Agreement. Further, North Carolina has ratified reduction targets for carbon emissions to 40% from 2005 levels.' Executive Order 2528 builds upon the prior order to reduce GHG emissions by 50 to 52 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. House Bill 9519 authorizes utility companies in North Carolina to take necessary steps to reduce carbon emissions by 70% from 2005 levels by the year 2030, and to become carbon neutral in 2050. ' https://www.deq.nc.gov/energy-climate/climate-change/nc-climate-change-interagency-council/ climate-change-clean-energy-plans-progress a https://governor.nc.gov/executive-order-no-246/open 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2021.Session Law 2021-165.House Bill 951 2 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 111 The North Carolina Clean Energy Plan10 sets a net zero GHG emissions target for 2050 and established goals to support this target by fostering long-term energy affordability and accelerating clean energy innovation, development, and deployment to better serve business and residential communities. To support these goals, the plan states a commitment to develop carbon reduction policies, tools to support the policies, and to modernize the grid in support of clean energy resource adoption. The Cities Initiative," led by the Environmental Defense Fund, is a collaborative effort among North Carolina local governments to reduce GHG emissions, evaluate barriers, understand business needs, and pursue partnership opportunities. During Phase 1, the Initiative identified 12 core goals around clean energy, transportation, and the built environment on which the collaborative will focus in the coming months. A large part of the process is to uncover funding approaches to support these goals. Phase 2 will unfold in 2024. During this phase, specific strategies and actions will establish a roadmap for implementation. Triangle Clean Cities Coalition12 leverages resources from the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technology office to promote alternative fuels and electric vehicle adoption. The coalition provides collaboration, multi-jurisdiction grant opportunities, workshop education and technical assistance to municipalities who are committed to finding sustainable transportation solutions. Duke Energy company has committed to a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.13 Piedmont Energy, another County supplier, also commits to reducing energy by 50% by 2030, and to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.14 REGIONAL GUIDANCE The Triangle Climate Resilience Partnership15 is a cooperative partnership among the Towns of Cary and Chapel Hill, the Cities of Durham and Raleigh, and the Counties of Durham and Orange.The Steering Committee iscomposed of the partners'Sustainability Managers, Sustainability Directors, and Resilience Officers. This partnership—in conjunction with UNC Asheville's National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center and the Triangle J Council of Governments—performed a quantified assessment to help regional decision makers understand which assets are most vulnerable to specific threats and provide guidance on potential solutions. ° "Clean Energy Plan.North Carolina Environmental Quality."Clean Energy Plan I NC DEQ. 11 https://www.deq.nc.gov/energy-climate/climate-change/mitigation/cities-initiative 12 https://cleancities.energy.gov/coalitions/triangle 13 https://www.duke-energy.com/business/products/renewables/sustainability/ sustainability-goals#:-:text=We've%20already%20seen%20002,your%20higher%20carbon%20 energy%20usage. 14 https://pemc.coop/smart_energy/energy-portfolio/#:-:text=Piedmont%20EIectric%2Opledges%20 to%20reduce,providers%20to%20meet%20these%20goals. 15 https://www.tjcog.org/focus-areas-environment-resilience-climate-and-energy/ triangle-regional-resilience-partnership 3 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 112 Triangle Sustainability Partnership has successfully initiated the "Solarize the Triangle" program, which hit its top goal of reaching Tier 8 pricing in its first year. It was also successful in lowering the cost of solar for all participants by thirty-seven cents per kilowatt ($0.37/kW), achieving $300,500 in annual utility bill savings, generating $5.98 million in new clean energy development, creating 1,731 kW of new clean energy capacity, and avoiding 3.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually. This program will be expanded in 2024 to focus on electrification with a new program entitled "Electrify the Triangle". Central Pines Regional Council (formerly Triangle J Council of Governments) is a resource and support hub for local governments, community members, and partners across Chatham, Durham,Johnston, Lee, Moore,Orange,and Wake counties. This public private partnership focuses on building networks to address gaps, overcome barriers, and surface funding opportunities in key areas, including Environment & Resilience and Mobility&Transportation. The Southeast Sustainability Directors Network is another consortium with which Orange County is involved. The Network helps facilitate and advocate for regional climate initiatives, offers peer learning opportunities, equity resources, and information on regional funding. Provisional GHG Reduction Targets Blue Strike Environmental recommends the County adopt two GHG mitigation targets, one for 2030 and another for 2050.The targets are similar to those of nearby cities and the State of North Carolina. These goals are fully described in the 2023 Plan, but are summarized as follows: 1. Achieve 50% emission reduction by 2030 from a 2005 baseline. 2. Achieve 100% emissions reduction by 2050 from a 2005 baseline These goals are consistent with state laws, regional partners, and local organizations regarding GHG mitigation. North Carolina identified a mid-term goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2005 baseline, and a long-term goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 with Executive Order NO. 80, Executive Order NO. 252 and House Bill 951. By executing the strategies in the 2023 Plan, Orange County will meet these State guidelines.These targets are realistic given the surrounding local, regional, and state commitments, including those of the utilities from which the County draws its power. TABLE 1:2020 AND 2035 GHG EMISSIONS TARGETS 2005 Baseline GHG Emissions 2,802,500 MT CO2e 2030 Target(50%below 2005 Levels) 1,401,250 MT CO2e 2050 Target(100%below 2005 Levels) Carbon Neutrality 4 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 113 GHG Emissions Forecasts GHG emission forecasts can be used to estimate the effectiveness of the Plan's carbon reduction strategies in reaching the County's goals. Emission forecasts that include the implementation of the strategies, can be compared to forecasts that do not include the strategies, which are called BAU forecasts. A BAU forecast considers factors such as population and employment, projecting emission changes based on expected growth, but without the County taking any mitigation action.An ABAU forecast is similar,but additionally considers relevant,anticipated behaviors of outside actors on the County.A good example is an electricity utility that has committed to reduce emissions from its energy mix; by virtue of their commitment, County emissions would fall due to declining emissions of the electricity used within the County. Finally, to measure the impact of the Plan, the GHG reduction potential of each strategy is subtracted from the BAU and/or ABAU forecasts. BUSINESS-AS-USUAL FORECAST The Orange County business-as-usual forecast scenario shows an estimate of how GHG emissions would change between the years 2019 and 2050 if population trends, vehicle efficiencies, and energy usage continue, without further application of regulations that would reduce local emissions. As shown in Figure 2, under the 2019 business-as usual forecast,Orange County's GHG emissions are estimated to grow approximately 10%above 2019 emission levels by the year 2050 (from 1,631,674 MT CO2e to 1,813,315 MT CO2e).15 ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS AS USUAL CO) 2 Z g 18 g 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 p 0.8 U 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Ng ,Ory A3qRhb to !1 ,o bll3 !001;,!b gh bA b1b bq op t:, pab p` Nlb o NA N1 0gpOtiOOOti00O0titiOti 0ti01P 1P 1P 1P 1P 1P OOOOti ti tiOO TRANSPORTATION& RESIDENTIAL ENERGY PROCESS&FUGITIVE EMISSIONS MOBILE SOURCES WATER&WASTEWATER INDUSTRIAL ENERGY ®SOLID WASTE COMMERCIAL ENERGY FIGURE 2: BUSINESS-AS-USUAL FORECAST 5 This forecast was developed in the ICLEI ClearPath program and utilizes baseline annual population growth which is calculated to be approximately 1.1%as according to the US Census Bureau between 2010 and 2020. 5 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 114 ADJUSTED BUSINESS-AS-USUAL FORECAST There are several federal, state, and local regulations, along with organizational commitments, that have been enacted that would reduce Orange County's GHG emissions. The influence of these regulations and commitments was quantified and included into the ABAU forecast to provide a more complete picture of emissions growth to 2050. This forecast also shows the remainder of emissions the County will need to reduce if it wants to achieve carbon neutrality. As shown in the figure below, state regulations are expected to reduce Orange County's business-as-usual GHG emissions by approximately 319,855 MT CO2e by 2030 and 684,480 MT CO2e by 2050. North Carolina Executive Order NO. 80 aligns the State to the 2015 Paris Agreement and the United States Climate Agreement. North Carolina ratified targets for reducing carbon emissions 40%from 2005 leve 1S.16 House Bill 951"provides for utility companies in North Carolina to take steps to reduce carbon emissions by 70% from 2005 levels by the year 2030, and further to become carbon neutral by 2050. Duke Energy has committed to a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, and to net zero emissions by 2050.18 Piedmont Energy has also committed to reducing energy by 50% by 2030, and to carbon neutrality by 2050.19 Emission reductions from these commitments move the County towards green energy, with average reductions of 13,742 MT CO2 per year to 2050. The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards also impact Orange County emissions by reducing the amount of carbon emitted by transportation and vehicle miles traveled. According to ICLEI ClearPath, increasing CAFE standards will reduce emissions by 1.8% per year. Within the County, CAFE standards can reduce emissions by an average of 8,322.6 MT CO2e annually. 16 https://www.deq.nc.gov/energy-climate/climate-change/nc-climate-change-interagency-council/ climate-change-clean-energy-plans-progress 17 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2021.Session Law 2021-165.House Bill 951 18 https://www.duke-energy.com/business/products/renewables/sustainability/sustainability- goa is#:-:text=We've%20a I ready%20seen%20002,your%20h ig her%20carbon%20energy%20usage. 19 https://pemc.coop/smart_energy/energy-portfolio/#:-:text=Piedmont%20EIectric%2Opledges%20 to%20red uce,provide rs%20to%20meet%20these%20goa Is. 6 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 115 ORANGE COUNTY ADJUSTED BUSINESS AS USUAL z 1.8 O 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 N 0.8 O F 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 "Qrpti'gtiptib`Ptib0ti�tiQp° '3'gpbp� p�pb$Ap$pQ a° tk� DtiDp NNa� oo'° aA op 0° h° ,LO,LO ,LO,y0,y0,y0 ,y0,LO ti0,LO,LO�O ,yo,LO ry0 ry0,LO�O,y0�O,LO,y0 ti0 ti0,y0 ,y0 ry0 ,LO ,LO ry0 ,y0 ,y0 0 TRANSPORTATION& RESIDENTIAL ENERGY PROCESS&FUGITIVE EMISSIONS MOBILE SOURCES WATER&WASTEWATER INDUSTRIAL ENERGY ®SOLID WASTE COMMERCIAL ENERGY FIGURE 3:ADJUSTED BUSINESS-AS-USUAL FORECAST TOP 10 EMISSION REDUCTION STRATEGIES To evaluate the targets set in the 2023 Plan, Blue Strike modeled five of the Top 10 emission reduction strategies-those with associated quantifiable emissions reductions. Table 2 shows the annual emission reductions for each individual strategy. The annual emission reductions were calculated and modeled in the ICLEI ClearPath program. TABLE 2:EMISSION REDUCTIONS STRATEGIES FROM 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN Decrease vehicle miles traveled (VMT) 30%from a 2019 613 MT CO2e/year baseline by 2050 Increase community EV adoption rates to 50% by 2035 using 12,828 MT CO2/year a 2030 baseline per EO 246 and 100% by 2050 Achieve 50% energy emission reduction target by 2030 and 30,871 MT CO2/year 100% by 2050 using a 2005 baseline Achieve 100%clean renewable energy by 2050 in municipal 912 MT CO2/year and community sectors Increase the %of community wide solar by 25% by 2035 439 MT CO2/year 7 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 116 A forecast of emission reductions that includes the strategies is shown in Figure 3. When the strategies are added to the ABAU scenario the County could reduce its 2030 emissions to 993,646 MT CO2 per year, which achieves the target of 50% emission reduction by that year, against a 2005 baseline. By 2050 the County would emit just 56,991 MT CO2 annually, if the strategies are implemented. The remaining emissions are due to solid waste, water, and wastewater treatment. The reduction of these remaining emissions, to fully meet a target of net zero emissions by 2050 is discussed in the 2023 Plan but is not quantified in the forecast. ORANGE COUNTY TOP 7 EMISSION REDUCTIONS 1,800,000 1,640,492 1,600,000 1,400,000 1,320,772 1,200,000 1,028,184 955,357 1,000,000 ,-_ _,-«_ _ -,--- - 800,000 993,646 600,000 454,033 400,000 56,991 200,000 O, O N M C In �O N 00 P O NM V N �0 I� 00 O• O N M of Ln �O I, CO O• O N N N N N N N N N N M M M M M M M M M M -T d' v a v d' v v v v Ln O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N TRANSPORTATION&MOBILE SOURCES RESIDENTIAL ENERGY COMMERCIAL ENERGY INDUSTRIAL ENERGY SOLID WASTE WATER&WASTEWATER PROCESS&FUGITIVE EMISSIONS --BAU —SCENARIO FIGURE 3: Orange County Top 7 Emission Reductions Meeting the Targets Achieving emission reductions as substantial as those outlined in the 2023 Climate Action Plan will depend upon fully implementing the strategies of the 2023 Plan. By tracking these strategies, and regularly updating the GHG inventory,the County can look towards achieving its goals with a hope of 50% emissions reductions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. 8 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX C STAKEHOLDER REPORT Appendix C : Stakeholder Report ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Olin `IP Will Frei �lli{',r€§{9�'EILi�}�E�1!y�4ij51,ly� ESE fit slFE E Ew E r 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 114 APPENDIX C STAKEHOLDER REPORT Background The project team established a stakeholder outreach plan in advance of the CAP planning process. The purpose of this plan was to establish a baseline of actions taken by the County that were already underway, identify gaps and barriers for why some actions fell short, and to better understand what the communities' values and goals are in the near, mid and long term time horizon. Four workshops were conducted over the course of three months. The Agricultural Summitwas held in person and the remaining workshops were held on an online platform. This report highlights the feedback received. Workshops #1 - Farming Community & Climate Impact Date: February 20, 2023 .11:00-12:00pm EST Location: Orange County Agricultural Summit @ Cedar Grove Community Center Est.Attendance: 40 people KEY TAKEAWAYS(OPPORTUNITIES): • Regional knowledge and resourcesto support carbon sequestration are lacking.Consider engaging in discussions with the water and soil district' to explore the possibility of incorporating it into their education and outreach initiatives. • Breeze Farms serves as an incubator farm and a pilot for various sustainability features, such as agro voltaics, EVSE, and carbon sequestration. This presents a significant opportunity to integrate climate action into conversations and determine the optimal utilization of the land. •Currently, only two farmer/ranchers have small solar projects on their properties. Investigate Duke's restrictions and find solutions to facilitate bulk purchases. • Local support is available, with Garland Truffles' expressing interest in participating in the planning process. •There are numerous programs and funding opportunities through NIC Cooperative Extension. Explore possibilities for collaboration. The 2030 Comprehensive Plana is being updated by the Planning Department. •A representative from the Community Land Trust'attended the workshop and could serve as a valuable resource for education and outreach initiatives. https://www.ocsoiIny.org/agricultural-conservation.htm1 2 https://garlandtruffles.com/ 3 chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/ advocacy/docs/top-priorities/housing-affordability/case-study-orange-county-nc.pdf 4 chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/ advocacy/docs/top-priorities/housing-affordability/case-study-orange-county-nc.pdf 1 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX C • . REPORT• Determine the regulations pertaining to property line enhancements, as concerns were raised about the need for additional buffer zones between commercial and residential land units. •There is limited knowledge regarding agroforestry. Define the potential role it could play in the Climate Action Plan(CAP). • Agrotourism appears to be a popular topic. Assess the number of participating farms offering these services and establish how locally produced goods can contribute to the CAP. We asked attendees to describe in one word their concerns about climate change. These were the results: Dead soil Permaculture Synthetic agriculture Security Petroleum Extremes y existential Urgency Stormwater Ignorance warming, Temperatures Storms Opportunity �t� Production Growing Scary Cost Equity Drought Energy BEST PRACTICES:PRIORITIES Note:Attendees were asked to vote for the action items they would like to see implemented • Promote water conservation and water-smart fixtures and appliances(1 dot) • Increase waste diversion from construction and demolition debris(1 dot) • Increase recycled and greywater use(3 dots) • Increase the County's tree canopy(3 dots) • Pilot carbon farming opportunities(0 dots) • Develop extreme heat protocols for outdoor workers(0 dots) • Develop comprehensive riparian restoration plans(1 dot) • Expand Green Infrastructure to reduce run-off(1 dot) • Enact reflectivity standards for new development to reduce impact of Heat Islands(0 dots) • Expand number of water fountains and cooling stations(0 dots) • Update safety protocols to include climate hazards(1 dot) •Adopt Green Building/Zero Net Energy building standards(0 dots) • Develop County-supported energy efficiency programs(3 dots) 2 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX C • . REPORT• Develop and incentivize residential and commercial fuel switching programs(1 dot) • Development of on-site and off-site renewable energy projects(1 dot) • Promote/incentivize the sale of electric vehicles in the County(1 dot) • Expand the number of public and private EV charging stations(0 dots) • Promote transit-oriented development principles for new development(3 dots) • Increase the number of local public transit options(2 dots) • Increase shared mobility options(bikes, scooters, etc.) (0 dots) • Pass ordinance banning non-essential single use items(4 dots) Workshops#2 - Business and Vendor Perspectives Date: March 14 @ 9:00-10:30am EST Location:Online via Zoom Attendee(s): •Jensen Anderson,Director of Community Engagement and Assistant to the President, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce • Leigh Anne King, Clarion Associates • David Shaw, CEO of Roc Records •Scott Czechlewski, CEO, Hillsborough/Orange County(NC) Chamber of Commerce KEY TAKEAWAYS: GREEN COMMUNITY • Reducing energy use and climate footprint in land use requires accessible office space located in town, but finding such space is challenging due to limited availability, particularly for smaller firms. •Lack of affordable housing in their area could lead to people having to move further away and increase emissions from commuting. •While businesses care about the environment, they may be hesitant to participate in a green business program due to current financial struggles. •Complexity,cost, and time will be significant factors in getting the business community interested in a green business program.Need to start with easy,low-cost initiatives to get businesses invested,with community support and incentives being key motivators for participation. Food recovery program could be a good first step. • If lots of businesses are participating in the program, others will (marketing/publicity important) • Need to talk with developers/HOAs for green infrastructure (get boots on ground perspective/support) 3 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX C • . - • - •Some communities have implemented a sustainability point system in their ordinances, allowing developers to choose from a list of sustainable options to earn benefits such as increased density or an expedited process. Providing this flexibility and offering sustainable options is the way forward for building development. •Opportunities for businesses to attract and retain customers through sustainability practices (brand loyalty). Local food network/recognition The county could potentially support and create a network around this to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices. - Example: David Shaw is a music distributor and he is actively working on becoming more sustainable in their manufacturing and packaging practices to improve their brand and attract more business. •The county could provide resources such as networking sessions for businesses to share best practices and talk about cost, benefit, and analysis to help build out the conversation around sustainability practices. RESOURCE CONSERVATION • David Shaw's Yep Roc label company, is interested in installing solar panels on their warehouse roof but the initial investment is a bit of a hurdle. Solarize the Triangle He suggests having incentives for businesses to convert to more sustainable power and even install electric vehicle chargers. He also has a palette disposal issue and would benefit from a reuse program, as would other similar businesses in the area. Interest in building out a reuse market for C&D •There is a nonprofit organization called Don't Waste Durham5 that has implemented a program to work with local restaurants on using reusable takeout containers, and there may be interest from business owners in the county to participate in similar programs if they are financially viable. • Incentivizing reusable practices such as bringing your own bag and offering discounts for businesses that participate,ratherthan penalizing those who use plastic bags or take out containers, could be more effective in reducing waste. • Requiring new mixed-use spaces to have chargers for residents,would be important for addressing the issue of limited charging access in rural areas. BUILT ENVIRONMENT - Incentivizing LEED certification for construction through additional tax benefits as a means of ensuring that county standards are being followed. TRANSPORTATION •It would be helpful for businesses to have an EV playbook that guides them on the different levels of chargers,electrical capacity,and the process for installing EV chargers. s http://www.dontwastedurham.org 4 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX C • . REPORT• Having quarterly networking sessions for discussing public transportation options for large manufacturing businesses and school buses could be helpful in reaching climate goal •Working with the chamber networks to develop education programs around the Commuter Options program (Go Triangle program) • More traffic may push people to take public transit, but there are interesting options beyond traditional transit,such as Wilson,NC's microtransit program partially paid for by the community. The program offers "on-demand trips' ' with smaller vehicles and are affordable. • Providing more bike racks and water stations, to encourage people to use alternative transportation such as walking and biking • Encouraging the inclusion of bike racks or garages in new apartment construction and showers in office buildings to increase bike usage and accessibility. CLIMATE RESILIENCE •Consider using tools like the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index and programs like Fern Leaf to identify disadvantaged populations in flood-prone areas and prioritize protection of important community assets from a safety standpoint. •A discount or program to provide discounted generators for people with health issues who live in lower income areas would be helpful, especially since power outages can be a significant problem in those cases. • Providing places like spray pads, pools, misters and similar amenities in outdoor malls and dining areas that can offer relief for people who do not have air conditioning during extreme heat events. • Recommended to check out the Sustainable Development Code,6 a helpful website with sustainable development provisions by type, for resources on land use planning and zoning. • Newsletter and quarterly network events would be a good way to disseminate information to the business community. https://sustainablecitycode.org 5 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX C STAKEHOLDER REPORT Workshops#3 - Community and Environmental Priorities Date:: March 15 @ 1:00pm-2:30pm EST Location: Online via Zoom Attendee(s): • Blake Tedder,Assistant Director of Engagement, Duke Forest •Victor Lancaster • Melissa McCullough, Vice Chair Orange Co Climate Council Chair, Climate Action Coalition of Orange Co. • Kristin Prelipp, Orange County Community Relations • Bill Black, Co-founderof the Orange County Business OwnerAdvisory Team •William Ward KEY TAKEAWAYS: Climate Resilience •To identify emergency response center, we should look at potential for resiliency hub at community center; solar and community gardens, resource to community and educational resource - Communicate out?What is the plan? Especially to underserved communities - Emergency services dept has communications in that regard, and community engagement office - Social media announcements • Social media is used to get the word out when there are climate threats. For underserved communities, and for people who do not have access to social media, they rely on community leaders and non-profits, as well as churches to disseminate info. •1 out of 10 people speak Spanish as first language; important to tap into all communities and strengthen relationships • Need programs to educate the public on climate impacts. • Explore options for engaging Duke or other local providers to approve or install microgrids and discuss potential concepts for implementing microgrids. Duke Univ. created programs the county could apply for. • Melissa: expanding green infrastructure: lots relevant to education, but need to enable and expand green runoff in more diffuse way in order to address at the source; maybe tax incentives, or just get people to help in local neighborhoods; problems caused by what has been done in the past 6 ORANGE COUNTY, NC - APPENDICES APPENDIX C STAKEHOLDER REPORT Resource Conservation •Want to talk to Habitat about expanding reusable items networks so more can be reused in county •We should focus not just on where things go after purchase, but looking more upstream (ex.: using durables and reusable items). For example we could work with restaurants to build reuse program; identify partners/vendors, maybe have incentive program led by county • Priority is on collaborating with the community; leverage county education programs/resources •A curbside composting program is effective and becoming a standard practice, but requires education to emphasize its importance, and it can be replicated in OC. • Melissa is the chair of the local Sierra Club and is willing to act as a conduit and suggests the Sierra Club could have a role in developing and implementing the CAP.She mentioned creating a train-the-trainer model. Need to follow up with her. She would be open to the idea of reposting social media posts or leveraging their newsletter,to help with outreach. Built Environment • IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) could be a significant resource for non-profits, local governments, and businesses, but the summary is too long and requires someone to coordinate and educate groups on how to tap into it effectively. • County to develop a one-stop-shop type of website to educate on CAP and sustainability practices. • Advocate for low-income individuals regarding IRA funding, which flows through states, and suggests using state representatives or emailing the governor's office to ensure that the state does not drop the ball. • Natural gas is one of the biggest issues, and proactive county efforts are needed to help transition from gas to electric, which may require intervention and support in funding, resources, and branding. Orange County home preservation coalition could be a valuable partner to help low-income people navigate the transition. • Interest in Solarize the Triangle, but funding is currently a barrier. Need to have templates to secure funding and a 30% credit from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to expedite the request, which could be a significant incentive for developers. •The transition to EVs is slow and needs more focus on multi-unit dwellings and minimizing costs, along with finding ways to make charging more accessible • Exploring micro-mobility options like e-bikes and infrastructure incentives. • Implementing a policy/requirement for all-electric new construction may face political challenges • Need to make sure no disincentives for EV conversion, e,g. in the form of increased registration fees 7 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX C STAKEHOLDER REPORT Green Community • Breeze Farms serves as an incubator farm and a pilot for various sustainability features such as agro voltaics, EVSE, carbon sequestration, which presents a significant opportunity to weave climate action into discussions and explore how to best utilize the land •The branding around native and water-efficient and landscapeswill bevery important •Audubon Society has programs/resources;could be good partner("OC protects our pollinators") • Promoting locally-sourced food is a low-hanging fruit and an easy win in the Climate Action Plan, as there are already many farmers markets and a unified front could be created to link them together •There is potential for an OC foods movement outside of restaurants. • Opportunities to improve the natural environment include fighting sprawl, joining initiatives such as the Eno New Hope working group, which focuses on protecting and linking lands, as well as protecting streams. •There is currently no value given to trees in Orange County and North Carolina, and exploring ways to quantify their value and compensate the county for cutting them down, such as through a tree master plan, could be a potential recommendation for the Climate Action Plan. • Melissa suggests moving away from initiatives that promote transitioning lawns towards native landscaping, and recommends a program to accompany efforts to support pollinators. •There are currently no major obstacles for rainwater capture, and there are online resources available, but more hands-on workshops and exploration of programs such as those in California could be beneficial. The EPA EnviroAtlas is worth looking into Transportation • Need to find a better way to publicize county commuter program •The lack of bike lanes outside of Chapel Hill in the county and the high risk involved in using county roads are major barriers to walking and biking. Infrastructure improvements are necessary. •While it may be challenging and expensive, there is an opportunity to coordinate with land linkage efforts for infrastructure, although wildlife habitat may pose some challenges for bike lanes. • Bike infrastructure is a high priority, with a focus on creating an integrated network, securing funding sources, and linking opportunities with big employers, as well as exploring the possibility of converting abandoned railroads to bike/hike trails. 8 ORANGE COUNTY, NC - APPENDICES APPENDIX C STAKEHOLDER REPORT Workshops#4 - Student Voices Date: March 23 @ 1:00pm-2:00pm EST Location: Online via Zoom Attendee(s): • Environmental Club @ University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • 30 students participating in Climate Action Day KEY TAKEAWAYS: Resource Conservation • Stickers in bathrooms and on washing machines were suggested as a way to encourage water-saving behaviors and promote more efficient washing cycles. • Recycling bins were praised for being readily available in dorm rooms, while the addition of side-by-side recycling and trash bins in bathrooms was suggested for better waste separation. • Presence of recycling and composting systems in dining halls and highlighted the involvement of the Green Guides program in educating students about proper waste sorting. •The potential for implementing edible food recovery programs on campus was raised, as well as the focus on sustainability efforts by Caroline Dining Services. •Implementation of Water Conservation Measures: - Installing aerators in bathrooms and break rooms. - Exploring the possibility of using dual handles in bathrooms for water conservation. - Utilizing stickers in bathrooms and on washing machines to promote water-saving practices, such as adjusting washing cycles and reducing paper towel usage. •Effectiveness of Recycling System: - Recycling bins are provided in dorm rooms, but no trash cans are available. - More trash cans than recycling bins on campus. - Recycling and composting systems in dining halls. - Green Guides program educates students on waste sorting. - Accessibility of recycling facilities is considered good. •Improvement in Waste Disposal Infrastructure: - Suggestion for side-by-side recycling and trash bins in dorm rooms and bathrooms. - Benefits of a 3-bin system or separate recycling and trash bins in all locations. 9 ORANGE COUNTY, NC - APPENDICES APPENDIX C • . REPORT•Potential for Edible Food Recovery Programs: - Awareness of composting programs like Compost Mates. - Focus on sustainability in dining services, but no mention of edible food recovery programs. - Interest in exploring the possibility of implementing edible food recovery initiatives. Green Community • Incorporate green infrastructure practices, such as green roofs and rainwater collection systems, in campus buildings and facilities. • Promote native and water-efficient plantings for landscapes on campus, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers. • Explore collaborations with the local farm community to establish rooftop gardens and other innovative green initiatives on campus.For example,Eco-studio internships are focused on the edible campus gardens. Climate Resilience • Students considerclimate impactswhen making decisions about their future locations. • Usage of reflective paint and the installation of misters in outdoor spaces on campus to mitigate heat island effects and enhance comfort for students, faculty, and staff. • Assess the campus infrastructure to identify opportunities for incorporating stormwater catchment systems, swales, and vegetative solutions. These measures can help manage drought and flooding challenges, ensuring the availability and efficient use of water resources. Transportation • Acknowledgement that the Chapel Hill transit system has programs in place to promote bus usage • Program to reserve or rent a bike on campus so that students are able to bike around the classes, or even off campus for a little. • It was noted that charging stations are already available on campus, and efforts by organizations like Orange County Anytown are underway to increase their number. •The idea of providing rental electric vehicles to students for specific purposes was suggested as an appealing benefit. • Limited parking on campus promotes sustainable transportation. Built Environment •The Renewable Energy Fee at UNC, managed by the Renewable Energy Special Projects Committee (RSPC), was mentioned, highlighting its significant budget and successful project implementation. The RSPC is a student-run committee that generates project ideas, presents proposals, and votes on funding allocation. 10 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX C • . REPORT• Energy-saving measures implemented on campus included automated/sensor lights,solar panels on buildings,energy savings stickers,and low-flow showerheads. •The potential use of technology and apps for waste sorting, water conservation, and sustainable choices was mentioned, although specific examples were not identified. ADDITIONAL STUDENT OUTREACH • Bladen Currier,Orange County Sustainability Intern did an outreach event atUNC'sClimate Action Day on April 13-where she extrapolated survey questions and had students put a mark next to the ones they agreed with. She also had a mural out where students could add pictures of climate action measures they would like to see in our community. 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Images on right: 1 Student mural project from the outreach event. Images by Bladen Currier. ^ 11 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 129 STAKEHOLDERAPPENDIX C - . - Workshops#5 - Staff Perspectives Date:April 20, 2023 @ 1:00pm-2:00pm EST Location: Online via Zoom Attendee(s): • Bruce Woody,Assistant Director of Solid Waste • Chad Phillips, Deputy Tax Assessor • Janice Tyler,Aging Director at Orange County Government • Rhea Colmar, Nurse • Caroline Hausler, Recycling Education and Outreach Coordinator • Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Program Manager KEY TAKEAWAYS: Resources Conservation • Inconsistency in Sustainable Resources across County Facilities:Discrepancies in resources across different county bathrooms were highlighted. Differences include the presence of automatic faucets and air blowers in some facilities but not all,which necessitates the need to consider the trade-offs when implementing sustainable solutions like installing electric hand dryers versus using paper towels, especially in older buildings. • Proposal for Composting: Composting was proposed as a potential addition to county buildings, although usage levels were uncertain. • Hybrid Working Model as a Resource Conservation Strategy: The newly approved hybrid working model was cited as a positive move towards conserving gas and reducing traffic. • Preference for No Towels to support Conservation Efforts: In order to save money and reduce waste, it was proposed that the county phase out the use of towels in the restrooms. • Need for Facility Design Changes for Resource Conservation: Changes to facility design, like barrier-free entrances to restrooms, would be needed for some conservation measures. Challenges with temperature control were also noted, indicating room for optimization in heating and cooling systems. • Struggles with Recycling and Waste Management: Struggles with recycling and waste management were identified. Public education on what materials are recyclable was cited as a major challenge, with policy initiatives such as wastewise events proposed as potential solutions. 12 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX C • . - • - Green Community • Promotion of Native Plants and Natural Landscaping:The use of native plants and natural landscaping instead of maintaining green grass lawns was suggested, which could reduce chemical use and water consumption.The county was suggested to set an example for the community in this regard. •Appreciation for Local Farmers' Markets and Suggestions for Expansion: Local farmers' markets were appreciated and suggestions were made for bringing these markets to county buildings for easy access to county employees. Expansion of farmers' markets to underserved areas to tackle food deserts was also proposed. - Opportunities within Agricultural Space:There was a consensus on the potential to expand on initiatives within the agricultural or farming space. Climate Resiliency • Implementation of 2018 Assessment: One of the participants mentioned their involvement in the creation of the 2018 Assessment but was unsure whether the findings have been acted upon. It was suggested that the group needs to revisit the document, and potentially, COVID-19 has delayed some of the actions. • Emergency Response System: It was stated that the county is doing well with its emergency response system, with improvements seen over the past five years. The system is effectively alerting the community during emergencies and efficiently setting up shelters. • Assessment of Parking Spaces: A suggestion was made to assess the number of parking spaces and determine whether all are necessary. The idea is to reduce impervious pavement, lessen runoff, and create more green spaces. This approach aligns with a future vision of increased car-sharing, more public transportation, and reduced need for single-use vehicles. •Cycling Infrastructure: It was recommended that the county invest more in creating safe spaces for cycling and preserving green spaces.Thegoal istoencourage residents to use alternative modes of transportation, such as bicycles, rather than relying on cars. A participant shared a vision for a greenway that connects different parts of the county, providing a safe and eco-friendly transportation route. Transportation • Positive Response to EVs in County Fleet: The introduction of EVs in the county's fleet is seen as a positive step, with a recognition that more work needs to be done. • Expansion of Bike Lanes and Greenways: Upgrades to bike lanes in Chapel Hill were positively received. Staff suggest similar upgrades and the addition of long- distance greenways connecting all parts of Orange County. 13 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX C STAKEHOLDER REPORT • Improvements in Public Transportation: Public transportation in Northern Orange is limited, and bus routes/schedules don't cater to everyone. Smaller, energy- efficient buses or vans could be utilized during off-peak hours for a more reliable and frequent service. • Expansion of Mobility On-Demand Service:There is a call to expand the mobility on demand service,which is currently limited in terms of hours and locations it's offered. • Micro-vehicles over Larger Buses: A suggestion was made to switch from larger buses to smaller micro-vehicles in some areas. • Concerns About Aging County Fleet: Concerns were raised about the aging and non-functional vehicles in the Orange County fleet, with an ongoing effort to improve the fleet. Built Environment: • New Lighting System: A new $46,000 lighting system has been installed to a County's facility to significantly reduce electricity use. This system uses sensors to turn off lights when rooms are not in use. • Policy-Driven Energy Efficiency:There's a caIIfor policy-d riven approaches toenergy efficiency, including mandating energy-efficient buildings for new constructions. •Water-Saving Measures:Water-saving measures like aerators and low-flush toilets are mentioned as beneficial for energy saving. • Energy-Saving Education and Incentives: Staff suggest more education or incentives to encourage energy-saving behaviors such as turning off lights and computers when not in use. 14 ORANGE COUNTY, NC - APPENDICES APPENDIX C STAKEHOLDER REPORT Community Symposium Date: REVIEW THE BUR CLIMATE ACTION, PLAN Location: Please join us for a community symposium to review the Attendee(s): draft Climate Action Plan for Orange County! See how the plan is shaping up and share your input Wednesday, Sept. 6 KEY and feedback on the draft plan. TAKEAWAYS: ,�;3Q-7;3Qp� After September 6,the draft will be available for review and comments online for those Solid Waste Services Administrative Bldg, not able to attend the symposium. 1207 Eubanks Road,Chapel Hill,NC lr � I iq -d' r ♦r1������1l�s1 A For more information,visit www.orangecountync.gov/(IimateAction ORANGE COUNTY Or contact the Orange County Sustainability Programs Manager, NORTH CAROLINA Amy Eckberg at aeckberg@orangecountync.gov 15 ORANGE COUNTY, NC - APPENDICES APP AENDIX D FUNDING MECHANISMS ppendix D: ORANG CE OUNTY The full description for all costs has been NORTH CAROLINA provided to the County,in a Climate Fundin Mechanisms Action Tracker,which accompanied this CAP,and is available upon request. •- Examples Description Special Benefit-Based Community Improvement Fee Levied on property owners to fund Assessments neighborhood enhancements. Special Taxes Open Space Preservation Tax Tax on properties for preserving county open spaces and green areas. Property Tax Increment Tax Increment Financing Incremental property tax revenue allocated for development projects. Utility User Tax Energy Consumption Tax County tax on utility service consumption such as natural gas. Parking Fee County Parking Revenue User fee for county-owned parking facilities. Enterprise Fund Waste Management Fund Self-sustaining funds generated from county-owned enterprises. Development Fee Land Use Development Charge Fee paid by developers for funding county infrastructure. Carbon Development Carbon Footprint Charge Fee based on carbon emissions Impact Fee from developments to fund mitigation. Congestion Pricing Traffic Congestion Charge User fee to reduce traffic congestion and raise funds. Green Bond Environmental Impact Bond Bonds for capital improvements with an environmental focus. Green Revolving Fund Sustainability Investment Fund An internal fund where savings from efficiency projects are reinvested in future green initiatives. Energy Performance Energy Efficiency Agreement Contracts for energy upgrades in Contracts(EPC) exchange for cash flows from a portion of savings. Public-Private Partnerships Renewable Energy Partnership County partnerships with private (PPP) companies for energy projects. Infrastructure as a Service Energy Infrastructure Lease Leasing energy infrastructure from (IAAS) private entities for funds. 130 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA APPENDIX E FUNDING SOURCES Appendix E . Funding Sources ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 131 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA APPENDIX E FUNDING SOURCES Geography/Agency Program Description Federal/ DOT DOT Surface Transportation Block Funding for public road, pedestrian, Grant Program bicycle infrastructure, and transit capital projects. Federal / DOT DOT Transportation Alternatives Funding for pedestrian/bicycle Program facilities, safe routes to schools, and other related projects /$20 million annually for NC Federal/ DOT Charging and Fueling Funding for deployment of publicly Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure and other alternative fueling infrastructure. Federal/ DOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Funding for local governments for Block Grant Program energy efficiency and conservation projects. Federal/ DOE Energy Improvements in Rural or Funding for clean energy projects in Remote Areas (ERA) rural or remote areas aiming to improve energy systems, reduce emissions, modernize infrastructure, develop microgrids, and enhance energy efficiency. Funding varies based on project specifics. Federal/ DOE Energizing Rural Communities A$15 million prize challenging Prize (American-Made Challenges) individuals and organizations to create plans or financing strategies for rural communities to enhance their energy systems and further clean energy projects. Federal/ EPA Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Grants and rebates for clean diesel Program projects, up to 50%of cost. Federal/ USDA Rural Energy for America Program Grants/Loans for agricultural producers and small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems; funding varies based on project. Federal/ DOE Weatherization Assistance Provides funding to increase the Program (WAP) energy efficiency of homes.Typically, up to $6,500 per home. 1 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES FUNDING SWRCSS Federal/ EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Grants to reduce diesel emissions; (DERA) varies based on project size. Federal/ DHHS Low Income Home Energy Provides assistance to low-income Assistance Program (LIHEAP) households to help pay for energy bills and weatherization improvements Federal (tax credits and Inflation Reduction Act(IRA) Provides various tax credits, deductions) various programs: deductions,grants, loans and bonds. • The Empowering Rural America (New ERA)Clean • Energy Investment Tax Credit(ITC) • Clean Energy ITC Technology Neutral • Clean Energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) • Clean Energy Production Tax Credit (PTC)Technology Neutral • Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit • Etc... Federal (tax credits and 179D for energy efficiency Section 179D of the U.S. tax code deductions) initiatives provides a tax deduction for building owners or designers who implement energy-efficient improvements in commercial buildings. Under Section 179D, eligible non-profit universities can claim a deduction of up to $1.88 per square foot for energy-efficient improvements made to their buildings.This includes upgrades to lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, as well as improvements to the building envelope, such as insulation and windows. Federal/ DOE Property Assessed Clean Energy Provides clean energy financing. (PACE) Financing Funding varies by program 2 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES FUNDINGSOURCES Geography/Agency Program Description Federal/ EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Grants and rebates to reduce harmful (DERA) Program emissions from diesel engines ($115 million for FY 22-23) Federal/ EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program Grants and rebates available for up to 100%of the costs associated with clean heavy-duty vehicles. Part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Federal/EPA Solar Energy System Tax credits Tax credits for solar water heaters and PV systems. 30%of your total solar system costs as a federal tax credit. Federal/ FTA Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Capital funding to replace, Program rehabilitate, and purchase buses and bus-related equipment Federal/ DOT RAISE grants Grants for transportation projects Federal/ FEMA FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants to projects that implement Program long-term risk reduction from future hazards and climate events while reducing dependence on future federal disaster recovery assistance. Eligible projects include generator installation at critical facilities, eligible acquisition, elevation and mitigation reconstruction projects, and more State North Carolina's Utility Savings Promotes energy savings in the state. Initiative (USI) State Energy Star Plus State Rebate Provides rebates to residential Program customers for installing certain energy efficient appliances and equipment that are Energy Star certified. Rebates typically range from $50-$500 per appliance. State Energy Improvement Loan Low-interest loans to fund energy Program (EILP) efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects for commercial, industrial, nonprofit, schools, and local government customers. 3 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX E SOURCES _A LLFUNDING Geography Agency Program Description State North Carolina Energy Efficiency Offers rebates for homes/businesses Rebates implementing energy-efficient solutions; amounts vary by project. State North Carolina Department of Funds for zero emission vehicle Environmental Quality(DEQ) infrastructure and transportation, $92 Volkswagen Settlement Mitigation million through 2027. Program State North Carolina Energy Office Rebates for purchasing energy Appliance Rebate Program efficient appliances.Varies based on products. State North Carolina GreenPower Payments for renewable energy Production Incentive produced;varies based on system size and energy generated. State North Carolina Green Business Offers grants and loans to small Fund businesses and farms for implementing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable practices. State Clean Water State Revolving Fund Provides low-interest loans to commercial, industrial, nonprofits, schools, and local governments for funding a wide range of water infrastructure projects. Regional/ Piedmont Piedmont Clean Energy Program Provides financial support for clean Authority energy initiatives. Regional/ Piedmont Piedmont Together Zero Emission Planning grant from Duke Energy for Authority Vehicle Readiness Planning EV infrastructure development. Regional/Central Pines Central Pines Regional Council Free energy assessments and plan Regional Council Energy Planning&Technical development support for local Assistance governments. Local/OWASA Orange County Water and Sewer Offers rebates for water-efficient Authority(OWASA) Programs appliances and fixtures Local/Duke Energy Home Energy Improvement Offers rebates for qualified energy Program efficiency improvements; up to $600 per home for various improvements. Local/Duke Energy Smart Save r Incentive Program On-bill financing program for certain energy efficiency improvements for homeowners and businesses. Varies. https://www.duke-energy.comhome/products/smart-saver 4 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX F COMPREHENSIVE Appendix Fm. Comprehensive Funding Plan ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA The cost estimates are indicative and based on preliminary assessments, comparisons with similar programs, and expert input. They are meant to give a broad idea of the possible funding source(s) for each strategy. The estimates are not exhaustive and may be subject to change based on various factors such as inflation, specific requirements during the time of execution, emerging technological advancements, or adjustments in the scope of a given strategy. As we navigate the details of various grants and funding avenues, the allocation of dedicated staff resources cannot be overstated. A role such as a Grants Administrator is crucial for adeptly handling the nuances of grant processes and ensuring optimal use of the funds received. Allocating resources to such specialized staff positions underscores our commitment to both fiscal responsibility and the maximization of grant opportunities. 136 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 140 • RAKWIVE FUNDING IMPLEMENTATIONIL STRATEGY • POSSIBLE YEAR LEAD • TRANSPORTATION T 1.1 Continue updating and executing the Orange County Transit Plan, addressing 2028 $360,163 U.S. FTA/DOT programs service gaps in Northern OC and Operating and Capital budgets scheduling issues. T 1.2 Transition to smaller,energy-efficient FTA/DOT programs buses or vans during peak hours,providing more adequate and reliable services in 2024 $500,000 Low interest loans Operating and Capital budgets response to measured demand. T 1.3 Explore innovative public transportation 2024 $170,000 DOT programs options T 2.1 Initiate pilot marketing campaigns that use innovative means/methods to inform the community about public transportation 2024 $20,000 Operating and Capital budgets options/programs/incentives. T 2.2 Partner with chamber networks to develop education programs around the OCCO 2024 $10,000 Operating and Capital budgets program for implementation at private businesses. T 3.1 Publicize and promote bike trails and biking as an alternative means of transportation through Parks and 2027 $10,927 Operating and Capital budgets Recreation educational programs, special events,promotions,outreach and marketing efforts. T 3.2 Create an e-bike subsidy program that provides higher subsidies for low income 2028 $562,754 State programs residents.Similar to what City of Raleigh and Denver are doing T 3.3 Work with NCDOT and the Towns of Carrboro,Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and State programs Mebane to explore the opportunities 2030 $238,810 Operating and Capital budgets for closing roads to vehicle traffic occasionally or permanently.. T 4.1 Continue efforts to introduce more EVs 2024 IRA funding into the county's fleet DOT and DOE programs T 4.2 Accelerate the transition to EVs in the community through advocacy,education 2024 DOT and DOE programs and awareness IRA funding T 4.3 Explore the idea of providing rental EVs as DOT and DOE programs an additional transportation option 2029 IRA funding Operating and Capital budgets T 5.1 Expand the"Driving is Exhausting"public 2031 $24,597 Operating and Capital budgets education campaign 1 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES ® -DOMPREHENSIVE FUNDING PLAN IMPLEMENTATIONSTRATEGY • POSSIBLE YEAR LEAD • RESOURCES • • RC 1.1 Expand the existing reuse network with partner organizations, improving the 2025 $82,400 State(DEQ)grants ability to divert waste and increase the Operating and Capital budgets reuse of items within the county. RC 1.2 Partner with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to build a State(DEQ)grants comprehensive reuse program for items 2025 $92,700 Operating and Capital budgets such as pallets,takeout containers, electronics and school supplies. RC 1.3 Promote policies to eliminate non- essential single-use plastics and 2027 $54,636 Operating and Capital budgets prioritize reusable foodware and utensils. RC 1.4 Develop comprehensive educational and outreach programs in conjunction with the Solid Waste Department, 2024 $26,000 Operating and Capital budgets encouraging waste reduction and recycling,and fostering a more informed and actively involved community. RC 1.5 Evaluate the potential of a curbside composting program,backed by a State(DEQ)grants county-led educational campaign on the 2028 $78'786 Operating and Capital budgets importance and benefits of composting. RC 1.6 Examine the implementation of an edible State(DEQ)grants food recovery program, potentially in 2028 $39,393 Operating and Capital budgets partnership with local restaurants and food pantries. USDA programs RC 1.7 Work with the Solid Waste Department to conduct a post consumer waste audit of 2026 $27,583 Operating and Capital budgets county facilities RC 2.1 Continue to install water-saving devices such as aerators and dual handles in county facilities and broaden these State(DEQ)grants efforts to include other water-saving 2024 $37,500 Operating and Capital budgets technologies;in partnership with all water providers RC 2.2 Collaborate with educational institutions and the wider community to increase 2024 $95,500 Operating and Capital budgets awareness about water-saving practices RC 2.3 Analyze facility design and usage to pinpoint opportunities for water 2031 $67,643 State grants conservation, including restrooms and Operating and Capital budgets optimized heating and cooling systems. RC 2.4 Transition 20%of the community water supply to recycled water by 2035 from a 2030 $155,227 State(DEQ)grants Operating and Capital budgets 2019 baseline RC 3.1 Transition at least one procurement item 2024 $0 N/A annually to a more sustainable option 2 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX F COMPREHENSIVE FUNDING PLAN STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATIONPOSSIBLEFUNDING YEAR LEAD • RC 3.2 Eliminate purchasing of disposable or single-use plastics for nonessential uses 2031 $0 N/A for County operations RC 3.3 Consider increasing the numbers of vendors who are small business-owned 2033 $0 N/A or run by people of minority identities as much as possible RC 3.4 Establish Sustainable Materials Purchasing Guidelines with a list 2030 $11,941 Operating and Capital budgets of construction materials with low embodied GHG emissions BUILT ENVIRONMENT&ENERGY BE 1.1 Continue and strengthen policies for yearly reductions in energy use in County 2024 $160,000 Green Revolving Fund operations BE 1.2 Continue the transition to efficient Green Revolving Fund lighting green infrastructure across all 2026 $212,180 Energy Efficiency Grants County facilities Programs with local utility and U.S.DOE BE 1.3 Advocate for policy-driven measures for energy efficiency in new construction for County facilities by recognizing 2026 $106,090 Programs with U.S. DOE developers at the Board of County Commissioner meetings BE 1.4 Promote energy-saving behaviors through comprehensive education and 2025 $10,300 Operating and Capital Budgets incentive programs BE 2.1 Proactively adopt and expand the use Federal Grants of clean energy solutions within County 2025 $175,100 FEMA programs facilities and operations. BE 2.2 Explore partnerships and funding opportunities to address barriers to renewable energy adoption,such as the 2024 $20,000 Operating and Capital Budgets "Solarize the Triangle"program and the Inflation Reduction Act(IRA)funding. BE 2.3 Leverage parking lots to apply solar canopies to increase renewable energy 2024 $0 N/A generation and to combat urban heat island effects. BE 2.4 Continue to release rounds of the "Solarize the Triangle"program which would work to install solar on 2024 $0 N/A residences,businesses and nonprofits in Orange County BE 2.5 Implement an expedited permitting process for all new solar projects across 2024 $0 N/A the county. 3 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES -APPENDIX • FUNDING IMPLEMENTATIONSTRATEGY • POSSIBLE FUNDING YEAR LEAD • BE 2.6 Schedule a Focus Group to discuss capacity and implementation of agro 2024 $5,000 Operating and Capital Budgets voltaics and community solar projects. BE 3.1 Facilitate the transition from natural gas to electricity, providing support 2024 $350,000 Local utility and state in terms of funding, resources, and programs branding. BE 4.1 Re-design sustainability website for one-stop-shop information that educates public on the County's Climate 2024 $76,006 Operating and capital budgets Action Plan and sustainability practices, offering a centralized platform for information and resources BE 4.2 Develop a program to support IRA funding for charging businesses in adopting sustainable 2026 $397,838 infrastructure practices BE 4.3 Develop volunteer energy ambassador program. Use ambassadors to provide 2025 $30,900 Operating and capital budgets education about energy saving tips and resources BE 5.1 Formalize and enhance the commitment to achieving LEED standards for County 2031 $0 N/A facilities BE 5.2 Encourage the use of geothermal ground-source heat pumps in more 2031 $860,912 IRA funding County buildings, based on the success of current implementations. BE 5.3 Invest in training and salary increases for IRA funding permitting department to research green 2032 $164,680 (Low-Carbon Transportation building materials/methods and do Materials Grants program)and engineering work in-house to lower cost LEED credits COMMUNITYGREEN GC 1.1 Continue and enforce policies that preserve a significant percentage of acreage from new developments,with 2025 $0 N/A an emphasis on natural landscapes and native plants. GC 1.2 Reduce/eliminate amount of mowed/ manicured lawns on County properties; 2027 $120,200 Operating and Capital budgets replace with native pollinator gardens, native grasses GC 2.1 Create a tree master plan,quantifying Operating and Capital budgets the value of trees to preserve and 2029 $127,520 Conservation Trust increase tree cover across the county. Grants GC 3.1 Expand and promote initiatives within the agricultural space, potentially including collaborations with local farms Operating and Capital budgets 2028 $28 and Orange County Master Gardeners ,138 Community Garden for innovative practices like rooftop Grants gardens and agro voltaics. 4 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 144 -APPENDIXF COMPREHENSIVEFUNDING IMPLEMENTATIONSTRATEGY •N POSSIBLE FUNDING YEAR LEAD • GC 4.1 Strengthen the branding and promotion of locally sourced food,linking together Operating and Capital budgets existing farmers'markets and creating 2025 $41,200 Agricultural Grants a unified front to support an Orange County foods movement. GC 5.1 Encourage the use of County land for sustainable farming practices and education,leveraging Breeze Farms as a 2025 $41,200 Operating and Capital budgets model for sustainable farming;increasing sustainable farming acres by 5%each year beginning in 2025 GC 6.1 Develop programs and educational resources to promote native landscaping, community gardens and support pollinators,potentially in partnership 2031 $49,195 Operating and Capital budgets with organizations like the Audubon Society and Master Gardeners. GC 6.2 Expand workshops and resources for rainwater capture,learning from 2030 $65,673 Operating and Capital budgets successful programs in other regions and leveraging tools like the EPA's EnviroAtlas GC 6.3 Utilize the County's existing Lands Legacy Program to conserve important natural and cultural resources,working with the Eno-New Hope Landscape 2030 $23,881 Operating and Capital budgets Conservation Plan and other initiatives to improve the natural environment through protection and linkage of lands and stream protection GC 6.4 Convert abandoned railroad corridors and integrate into bike/hike trail networks bringing about positive 2024 $700,000 per mile Operating and Capital budgets impacts on mental health,transportation emissions,and the economy GC 6.5 Expand Community Climate Action Grant program to provide funding to 2024 $0 N/A community projects that support the strategies in this CAP GC 6.6 Phase out off-road fossil fuel engines (landscaping and construction 2026 $265,225 Operating and Capital budgets equipment, recreational vehicles,etc.) COMMUNITYRESILIENT CR 1.1 Continue updating the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan and ensure effective 2030 $65,673 FEMA grants implementation of the Eno-Haw Regional Operating and capital budgets Hazard Mitigation Plan. CR 1.2 Develop and promote a clear communication plan for underserved communities during climate threats, 2026 $36,071 Operating and capital budgets leveraging social media,community leaders,non-profits,and churches. 5 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 145 POSSIBLEQ-011VIEREHANSIVE FUNDING PLAN STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION YEAR LEAD SOURCE(S) CR 1.3 Implement a program for discounted battery powered generators for lower- Federal(EPA) 2032 $101 income residents with health issues who ,342 and state grants may be affected by power outages. Operating and capital budgets CR 1.4 Identify,fund,and prepare existing and new public facilities to serve as 2030 $253,139 FEMA grants resilience hubs CR 2.1 Expand the use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff,considering Upper Neuse River Basin incentives to encourage implementation 2027 $43,709 Association funds in local neighborhoods. CR 2.2 Assess strategies for reducing EPA grants impacts of climate change on public 2027 $60,100 Parks and Recreation infrastructure Trust Fund CR 3.1 Develop programs to educate the public 2031 $66,413 BOCC-appropriated on climate impacts funds CR 3.2 Disseminate climate resilience information to the business community 2030 $11,941 Operating and Capital budgets through newsletters and regular networking events. CR 3.3 Follow through on recommendations from the Triangle Regional Resilience Assessment,ensuring its findings 2028 $33,765 Operating and Capital budgets are acted upon and incorporated into ongoing climate resilience efforts. CR 4.1 Conduct a Heat Island Mapping Study 2025 $20,600 State grants CR 4.2 Encourage and prioritize the conservation of green spaces in the County to serve as natural buffers 2025 $41,200 Land Conservation Fund against climate impacts,continuing the goal of conserving a significant portion of total County land area. CR 4.3 Expand green infrastructure program to Federal(EPA)grants reduce impermeable surface areas and 2032 $63,339 Operating and Capital budgets capture runoff from paved areas CR 5.1 Continue outreach and comprehensive care strategies for vulnerable 2024 $15,000 Operating and Capital budgets populations CR 6.1 Incorporate climate preparedness into County programs,operations,and 2024 $20,000 Operating and Capital budgets maintenance protocols CR 6.2 Integrate CAP goals into County projects as an order of business 2024 $15,000 Operating and Capital budgets CR 6.3 Provide funding for more sustainability Operating Budget staff and in order to implement 2024 $125,000 Community Climate Action strategies, provide community outreach and apply for funding grants Grant Program 6 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX G COMPREHENSIVE • Appendix G . Comprehensive Implementation Plan ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 143 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA APPENDIX G COMPREHENSIVE • IMPLEMENTATIONSTRATEGY • POTENTIAL TRANSPORTATIONYEAR LEAD Orange County Public T 1.1 Continue updating and executing Transportation,GoTriangle,Durham- the Orange County Transit Plan, Chapel Hill Metropolitan Planning addressing service gaps in Northern 2028 Transportation Organization(DCHC-MPO),Chapel OC and scheduling issues. Hill Transit, UNC-Chapel Hill and the towns of Chapel Hill,Carrboro and Hillsborough T 1.2 Transition to smaller,energy-efficient buses or vans during peak hours, providing more adequate and reliable 2024 Transportation Orange County Transportation services in response to measured demand. T 1.3 Explore innovative public TDM Coordinator,Orange County transportation options 2024 Transportation Transportation;EVS for Orange; "TransLoc."rideshare app features T 2.1 Initiate pilot marketing campaigns TDM Coordinator,Orange County that use innovative means/methods Transportation; PIO office to come to inform the community about public 2024 Transportation up with a'Just the Bus"or similar transportation options/programs/ campaign(s),distribute through incentives. communication networks T 2.2 Partner with chamber networks to develop education programs Hillsborough-Orange County around the OCCO program 2024 Transportation Chamber of Commerce,Chapel Hill- for implementation at private Carrboro Chamber of Commerce businesses. T 3.1 Publicize and promote bike trails and biking as an alternative means DEAPR,Climate Action Coalition of of transportation through DEAPR Orange Co.;local bike shops,Carolina educational programs,special 2027 DEAPR Tarwheels;BikeWalkNC;Chapel Hill Cycling; Bicycle Alliance of Chapel events,promotions,outreach and marketing efforts. Hill T 3.2 Create an e-bike subsidy program TDM Coordinator to work with EI that provides higher subsidies for 2028 Sustainability/ Centro Hispano,Rogers-Eubanks low income residents.Similar to what Transportation Neighborhood Association,Marion City of Raleigh and Denver are doing. Cheek Jackson Center T 3.3 Work with NCDOT and the Towns of Carrboro,Chapel Hill,Hillsborough and Mebane to explore the 2030 Transportation Internal opportunities for closing roads to vehicle traffic occasionally or permanently. T 4.1 Continue efforts to introduce more 2024 Transportation Internal EVs into the county's fleet. T 4.2 Accelerate the transition to EVs in Car dealers provide incentives; the community through advocacy, 2024 Sustainability EVS for Orange;Climate Action education and awareness. Coalition of Orange Co.Triangle Clean Cities Coalition T 4.3 Explore the idea of providing rental Hertz Rental Car; EVs as an additional transportation 2029 Sustainability EVS for Orange'Climate Action option. Coalition of Orange Co. 1 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX G COMPREHENSIVE • IMPLEMENTATIONSTRATEGY • POTENTIAL YEAR LEAD Sustainability Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public Schools; T 5.1 Expand the"Driving is Exhausting" 2026 Solid Waste Orange County Schools;PTAs; public education campaign. Services Transportation Triangle Clean Cities RESOURCES • • RC 1.1 Expand the existing reuse network Solid Waste Waste hauler,Habitat for Humanity, with partner organizations, Services Solid Waste Convenience Centers, improving the ability to divert waste 2025 Sustainability Climate Action Coalition of Orange and increase the reuse of items within the county. Housing Co. RC 1.2 Partner with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to build Solid Waste a comprehensive reuse program Services Climate Action Coalition of Orange for items such as pallets,takeout 2025 Economic Co.,Community Worx,Chamber of containers,electronics and school Development Commerces supplies. RC 1.3 Promote policies to eliminate non- essential single-use plastics and Solid Waste prioritize reusable food ware and 2027 Services Internal utensils. RC 1.4 Develop comprehensive educational and outreach programs in conjunction with the Solid Waste Department,encouraging 2024 Solid Waste Waste hauler waste reduction and recycling, Services and fostering a more informed and actively involved community. RC 1.5 Evaluate the potential of a curbside composting program,backed by a Solid Waste Internal,waste hauler,Waste county-led educational campaign 2028 Services Reduction Partners to conduct audits on the importance and benefits of composting. RC 1.6 Examine the implementation of Table Feeding Local Hungry Kids, an edible food recovery program, Orange County Food Council,OC potentially in partnership with 2028 Solid Waste Food Bank,Second Harvest Food local restaurants and food Services Bank of Orange County,Orange pantries. County's Food Assistance Program RC 1.7 Work with the Solid Waste Department to conduct a post 2026 Solid Waste Solid Waste Services,Waste hauler; consumer waste audit of county Services build into annual Franchise facilities. RC 2.1 Continue to install water-saving devices such as aerators and dual handles in county facilities and 2024 Asset Management Orange County Water and Sewer broaden these efforts to include Services Authority other water-saving technologies;in partnership with all water partners. RC 2.2 Collaborate with educational institutions and the wider Orange County Water and Sewer community to increase awareness 2024 DEAPR Authority,UNC about water-saving practices. 2 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES 149 APPENDIX G COMPREHENSIVE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN STRATEG IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION POTENTIAL PARTNERS 01YEAR LEAD RC 2.3 Analyze facility design and usage to pinpoint opportunities for water Asset Management Orange County Water and Sewer conservation, including restrooms 2031 Services Authority and optimized heating and cooling systems. RC 2.4 Transition 20%of the community Planning Orange County Water and Sewer water supply to recycled water by 2030 Asset Management Authority 2035 from a 2019 baseline Services RC 3.1 Transition at least one procurement Finance and item annually to a more sustainable 2024 Administrative Internal option Services RC 3.2 Eliminate purchasing of disposable or single-use plastics 2031 All Internal for nonessential uses for County operations RC 3.3 Consider increasing the numbers of vendors who are small business- Finance and owned or run by people of minority 2033 Administrative Internal identities as much as possible Services RC 3.4 Establish Sustainable Materials Finance and Purchasing Guidelines with a list Administrative of construction materials with low 2030 Services Best Practices embodied GHG emissions Asset Management Services ENVIRONMENTBUILT BE 1.1 Continue and strengthen policies Asset Management for yearly reductions in energy use 2024 Internal in County operations Services BE 1.2 Continue the transition to efficient Asset Management Internal,ESCOs lighting green infrastructure 2026 Services Duke Energy Saver Program across all County facilities BE 1.3 Advocate for policy-driven measures for energy efficiency in new construction for County Asset Management facilities by recognizing developers 2026 Services Internal through newsletters and similar County communication networks BE 1.4 Promote energy-saving behaviors Asset Management through comprehensive education 2025 Services/ Internal and incentive programs Sustainability BE 2.1 Proactively adopt and expand Asset Management Duke Energy the use of clean energy solutions 2025 Services/ Dominion Energy within County facilities and the Sustainability North Carolina Piedmont Electric community. Cooperative BE 2.2 Explore partnerships and funding opportunities to address barriers to EmPOWERment,Duke Energy, renewable energy adoption,such as Dominion Energy the"Solarize the Triangle"program 2024 Sustainability North Carolina,Piedmont Electric and the Inflation Reduction Act Cooperative,Triangle Sustainability (IRA)funding. Partnership,NC Clean Energy Fund 3 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX G COMPREHENSIVE • POTENTIALSTRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION YEAR LEAD BE 2.3 Leverage parking lots to apply solar canopies to increase renewable Asset Management energy generation and to combat 2024 Services/ Solar siting survey consultant urban heat island effects. Sustainability BE 2.4 Continue to release rounds of the "Solarize the Triangle"program which would work to install solar 2024 Sustainability Triangle Sustainability Partnership on residences,businesses and nonprofits in Orange County. BE 2.5 Implement an expedited permitting process for all new solar projects 2024 Planning Internal across the county. BE 2.6 Schedule a Focus Group to discuss Sustainability, capacity and implementation of 2024 Cooperative Orange County Ag Summit, NC Clean agro voltaics and community solar Extension Technology Center projects. BE 3.1 Facilitate the transition from natural gas to electricity,providing support 2024 Asset Management ESCOs,Utility companies in terms of funding, resources,and Services branding. BE 4.1 Re-design sustainability website for one-stop-shop information that educates public on the County's Climate Action Plan and 2024 Sustainability Internal sustainability practices,offering a centralized platform for information and resources BE 4.2 Develop a program to support Green Business Program Best businesses in adopting sustainable 2026 Sustainability Practices practices BE 4.3 Develop volunteer energy ambassador program.Use EI Centro Hispania, Climate Action ambassadors to provide education 2025 Sustainability Coalition of Orange Orange about energy saving tips and County Home Preservation Coalition, Commission for the Environment resources BE 5.1 Formalize and enhance the commitment to achieving LEED 2031 Asset Management Internal standards for County facilities Services/Planning BE 5.2 Encourage the use of geothermal ground-source heat pumps in more 2031 Asset Management Internal,ESCOs County buildings,based on the Services success of current implementations. BE 5.3 Invest in training and salary increases for permitting department to research green building materials/ 2032 Planning Internal methods and do engineering work in-house to lower cost 4 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX G COMPREHENSIVE • IMPLEMENTATIONSTRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION YEAR LEAD GREEN COMMUNITY GC 1.1 Continue and enforce policies that preserve a significant percentage Cooperative Extension, of acreage from new developments, 2025 Planning, DEAPR Eno River Association, with an emphasis on natural Triangle Land Conservancy landscapes and native plants. GC 1.2 Reduce/eliminate amount of mowed/manicured lawns on County 2027 DEAPR Soil&Water Conservation District, properties;replace with native Cooperative Extension pollinator gardens,native grasses GC 2.1 Create a Tree Master Plan, quantifying the value of trees to 2029 DEAPR Soil&Water Conservation District, preserve and increase tree cover Commission for the Environment across the county. GC 3.1 Expand and promote initiatives within the agricultural space, Cooperative potentially including collaborations Extension, Orange County Master Gardeners, with local farms and Orange County 2028 Economic Good Agricultural Practices(GAP) Master Gardeners for innovative Development, Certification practices like rooftop gardens and DEAPR agro voltaics. GC 4.1 Strengthen the branding and promotion of locally sourced food, Refugee Community Partnership, linking together existing farmers' 2025 Cooperative Soil&Water Conservation District, markets and creating a unified front Extension,DEAPR OC Food Bank,Second Harvest to support an Orange County foods Food Bank movement. GC 5.1 Encourage the use of County land for sustainable farming practices and education,leveraging Breeze Eno River Association,Soil& Farms as a model for sustainable 2025 Cooperative Water Conservation District,Ag Extension,DEAPR Summit,Carolina Farm Stewardship farming; increasing sustainable Association farming acres by 5%each year beginning in 2025 GC 6.1 Develop programs and educational resources to promote native landscaping,community gardens Cooperative and support pollinators,potentially 2031 Extension,DEAPR Audubon Society,Master Gardeners in partnership with organizations like the Audubon Society and Master Gardeners. GC 6.2 Expand workshops and resources for rainwater capture,learning DEAPR, EPA's EnviroAtlas, from successful programs in other 2030 Cooperative Master Gardener regions and leveraging tools like Extension the EPA's EnviroAtlas 5 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX G COMPREHENSIVE • POTENTIALSTRATEGJY �����l IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION YEAR LEAD GC 6.3 Utilize the County's existing Lands Legacy Program to conserve important natural and cultural resources,working with the Eno- Eno River Association,Soil&Water New Hope Landscape Conservation 2030 DEAPR Plan and other initiatives to Conservation District improve the natural environment through protection and linkage of lands and stream protection GC 6.4 Convert abandoned railroad corridors and integrate into bike/ hike trail networks bringing about 2024 DEAPR Internal positive impacts on mental health, transportation emissions,and the economy GC 6.5 Expand Community Climate Action Grant program to provide funding 2024 Sustainability Internal to community projects that support the strategies in this CAP GC 6.6 Phase out off-road fossil fuel engines(landscaping and DEAPR,Solid Waste construction equipment, 2026 Services Internal recreational vehicles,etc.) COMMUNITYRESILIENT CR 1.1 Continue updating the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan and ensure effective 2030 Emergency Internal implementation of the Eno-Haw Services Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. CR 1.2 Develop and promote a clear EI Centro Hispano,Nami Orange communication plan for underserved Emergency County.PORCH Hillsborough,Orange communities during climate threats, 2031 Services,Aging, County Rescue Mission,Orange leveraging social media,community Social Services County Home Preservation Coalition, leaders,non-profits,and churches. Marion Cheek Jackson Center, Orange County Community Centers EI Centro Hispano,Nami Orange CR 1.3 Implement a program for Emergency County.PORCH Hillsborough,Orange discounted battery powered Services,Social County Rescue Mission,Orange generators for lower-income 2032 County Home Preservation Coalition, residents with health issues who Services,Housing, Marion Cheek Jackson Center, may be affected by power outages. Aging Orange County Community Centers, Refugee Community Partnership Emergency Orange County Public Library,Rogers CR 1.4 Identify,fund,and prepare existing Services/ ad Community Center, and new public facilities to serve as 2030 Sustainability, Road Cheeks Community Center, resilience hubs Asset Management EflCedar Grove Community Center Services CR 2.1 Expand the use of green Sustainability, UNC,Durham Tech research, infrastructure to manage stormwater DEAPR,Asset Community Climate Action grant runoff,considering incentives to 2027 Management funding,Urban Sustainability encourage implementation in local Services Solutions neighborhoods. 6 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX G COMPREHENSIVE • IMPLEMENTATIONSTRATEGY • POTENTIAL YEAR LEAD CR 2.2 Assess strategies for reducing Sustainability, The Triangle Climate Resilience impacts of climate change on 2027 Asset Management Partnership public infrastructure Services CR 3.1 Develop programs to educate the Sustainability, "I Pledge," 'Just the Bus"and"Leave public on climate impacts 2031 Community the Leaves"campaigns Relations CR 3.2 Disseminate climate resilience Economic Chamber and faith based information to the business 2030 Development, organizations community through newsletters Sustainability newsletters,student environmental and regular networking events. clubs,rotaries,etc. CR 3.3 Follow through on recommendations Emergency from the Triangle Regional Resilience Assessment,ensuring its findings 2028 Services/ The Triangle Climate Resilience are acted upon and incorporated into Sustainability/ Partnership ongoing climate resilience efforts. Planning CR 4.1 Conduct a Heat Island Mapping 2025 Sustainability, Study DEAPR,Planning North Carolina State Climate Office CR 4.2 Encourage and prioritize the conservation of green spaces in the Ag Summit,CooperativeExtension, County to serve as natural buffers Soil&Water Conservation District, against climate impacts,continuing 2025 DEAPR, Planning Eno River Association,Triangle Land the goal of conserving a significant Conservancy portion of total County land area. CR 4.3 Expand green infrastructure Cooperative Extension,Soil& program to reduce impermeable Asset Management Water Conservation District,Eno surface areas and capture runoff 2032 Services/Planning River Association,Triangle Land from paved areas Conservancy,Urban Sustainability Solutions CR 5.1 Continue outreach and Aging,Social EI Centro Hispano,Nami Orange comprehensive care strategies for 2024 Services,Health County.PORCH Hillsborough,Orange vulnerable populations Department County Rescue Mission Asset Management CR 6.1 Incorporate climate preparedness Services, into County programs,operations, 2024 Sustainability, Internal and maintenance protocols Emergency Services CR 6.2 Integrate CAP goals into County 2024 All Departments Internal projects as an order of business CR 6.3 Provide funding for more sustainability staff and in order Finance and to implement strategies,provide 2024 Administrative Internal community outreach and apply for Services funding grants 7 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX H EMISSION . • Appendix H . Emission Reduction Analysis ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 151 2023 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA APPENDIX H EMISSION . • TRANSPORTATION ImpactAction Steps Emissions T 1.1.1 Hire a Transportation Demand Management Coordinator Medium T 1.1.2 Implement changes to address service gaps in Northern OC by 2030 Medium T 1.1.3 Extend service hours by 3%and locations by 3% by 2030 Medium T 1.2.1 Develop plan to transition to EV buses High T 1.2.2 Monitor and adjust peak schedules to ensure more adequate and reliable services Medium in response to measured demand. T 1.3.1 Conduct a comprehensive study on successful micro-transit programs in other regions Medium for reference and insight; (i.e.Shared bike/car/scooter programs) T 1.3.2 Carry out stakeholder engagement to understand local commuting needs Low and identify key areas that would benefit from micro-transit. T 1.3.3 Expand Orange County Mobility on Demand services in selected areas Medium T 2.1.1 Partner with Health Department on messaging campaigns to Low emphasize health benefits of commuting(cleaner air) T 2.1.2 Expand Orange County Commuter Options program community-wide Medium participation by 5%annually from 2025 to 2030 T 2.2.1 Collaborate with chamber networks to host one Medium Orange County Commuter Options program seminar annually. T 3.1.1 Cross promote rides and educational programs with Parks and Recreation and Low Health Department to emphasize the health benefits of biking. T 3.1.2 Partner with local bike shops and bike clubs to provide programs on bike safety Low and bike rides T 3.2.1 Develop an E-Bike Subsidy Allocation Plan: In collaboration with local stakeholders and transportation experts, develop a plan that outlines the structure of the Low e-bike subsidy program T 3.2.2 Implement a Subsidy Application and Distribution Process: Create a clear and Low accessible application process for residents to apply for the e-bike subsidy T 3.3.1 Identify road closures in high traffic walkable areas of town Medium T 4.1.1 Implement"EV-first"vehicle purchasing policy to ensure that EVs are considered as Medium the primary replacement option for every vehicle T 4.1.2 Develop an EV maintenance training program and training on how to address Low and provide EV road assistance T 4.1.3 Conduct a review of charging infrastructure deployment, with an emphasis on rural connectivity, by 2025 High T 4.1.4 Develop a policy to reimburse County staff who charge County vehicles Low at their personal residence T 4.2.1 Increase number of EV charging stations community-wide High T 4.2.2 Apply for grants for EV infrastructure expansion High T 4.2.3 Create an EV playbook for businesses detailing different levels of chargers, Medium electrical capacity, and the process for installing EV chargers 1 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX H EMISSION REDUCTION TRANSPORTATION CONTINUED ImpactAction Steps Emissions T 4.2.4 Partner with Triangle Clean Cities and/or NC State Clean Technology Center Medium to host an annual EV webinar/workshop for residents and commercial businesses T 4.2.5 Add screening/landscaping/shade standards for EV charging stations. Low T 4.2.6 Prepare and improve our capabilities to respond to EV related emergencies Medium T 4.3.1 Conduct feasibility study for a rental EV program Low T 4.3.2 Pilot a rental EV program at a strategic location Medium T 4.3.3 Develop an EV ambassador program-Current EV drivers who can show off their vehicles at farmer's markets and participate in events like Low National Drive Electric Week to provide education/answer questions T 5.1.1 Continue to partner with local schools to incorporate anti-idling signages Low at school drop-off/pick-up zones T 5.1.2 Support the transition to EV buses at schools county-wide High T 5.1.3 Expand anti -idling program to other types of county vehicles Low such as Sheriff's Office vehicles 2 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX H EMISSION . • CONTINUED RESOURCE CONSERVATION Action Steps Emissions Impact RC 1.1.1 Add one new partner organization to the reuse network annually; Low add resource to website (BE4.1) RC 1.1.2 Identify and increase accepted reuse items at the county's Solid Waste Convenience Low Centers; report tonnage each year in overalll diversion; add resource to website (BE4.1) RC 1.1.3 Promote Habitat for Humanity which sells new and used furniture, building materials, Low appliances and household goods at discounted prices; add resource to website (BE4.1) RC 1.1.4 Set up a recycling and donation location for old gas appliances at the County Solid Medium Waste Convinence Centers; add resource to website (BE4.1) RC 1.2.1 Regularly track and report the program's impact on waste reduction.; Low add resource to website (BE4.1) RC 1.2.2 Consider implementing a "repair cafe" at libraries where residents can go to get help Low repairing common household items and electronics to keep them in circulation longer RC 1.3.1 Promote a "Don't Waste Orange County" program, similar to Durham's Low Green to Go program RC 1.4.1 Launch annual community Zero Waste workshop in partnership with the Solid Waste Department Low RC 1.5.1 Complete a feasibility study for a curbside composting program by 2031 as Medium part of the County's updated waste hauler agreement RC 1.5.2 Work with the Solid Waste Department to launch an educational campaign Medium on composting benefits. RC 1.6.1 Work with Cooperative Extension and other partners to expand funding to Medium build out the food recovery program RC 1.7.1 Select one dumpster from county facilities that would be emptied and Low sorted into material type RC 1.7.2 Make a list of items that are not recyclable Low RC 1.7.3 From this list, pinpoint where these non recyclable items are being generated Low and determine how to eliminate them completely RC 2.1.1 Install water-saving devices in two additional county facilities annually. (i.e low flow) Low RC 2.1.2 Regularly review and upgrade to newer water-saving technologies. Low RC 2.2.1 Utilize parks and other County owned facilities as demonstration Low areas that also include interpretive educational signage on water-savings practices RC 2.2.2 Distribute water-saving practice stickers in county facilities and residential properties Low RC 2.2.3 Provide water conservation kits in partnership with all water providers Medium RC 2.3.1 Conduct annual audits of county facilities to identify water-saving Medium and energy-savings opportunities. RC 2.3.2 Implement identified savings measures in all facilities Low RC 2.4.1 Consider implementing a Rainwater Rewards program similar to the City of Raleigh's to help businesses and residences capture stormwater runoff, reduce flood impacts, Medium and help prevent water pollutants from entering storm drains and streams 3 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX H EMISSION REDUCTION RESOURCE CONSERVATION Action Steps Emissions Impact RC 3.1.1 Identify item using the list from the waste audit as outlined in Action RC 1.7.1 Low RC 3.2.1 Implement reuse items for break rooms and meetings/events Low RC 3.2.2 Buy bulk when available Low RC 3.3.1 Acknowledge the importance of this consideration during planning sessions Low RC 3.3.2 Mention this acknowledgement in county grant proposals Low 4 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX H EMISSION REDUCTION • BUILT ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ImpactAction Steps Emissions BE 1.1.1 Achieve a 20%energy usage reduction in county operation by 2035 using a 2019 baseline High BE 1.1.2 Install energy-efficient technologies in two County facilities each year High BE 1.2.1 Replace traditional lighting with LEDs in all county facilities by 2030 High BE 1.2.2 Evaluate high energy use in two County buildings for deployment of green infrastructure measures:vertical gardens and tree plantings to reduce energy used to cool these Medium buildings by 2030 BE 1.3.1 Provide an exhaustive list of all possible commercial and residential rebate programs High on the County's website (BE4.1) BE 1.3.2 Advocate for an all electric building code with the North Carolina Building Code Council High BE 1.4.1 Launch annual energy-saving education program to encourage actions such as Medium turning off lights, powering down computers, and conducting energy audits BE 2.1.1 Complete a solar siting survey for County facilities' High BE 2.1.2 Consider adding electric battery storage to critical facilities and resilience hubs Medium identified in CR 1.4.1 BE 2.1.3. Continue with the "Solarize the Triangle" program among commercial and High residential communities BE 2.1.4 Regularly monitor, review, and comment on utility programs and legislative proposals impacting the adoption of clean energy in the County to ensure they align with the High County's climate action goals. BE 2.1.5 Provide training to staff on maintenance of renewable energy systems Medium BE 2.2.1 Participate in Duke Energy's "Green Source Advantage Choice" program to secure renewable High energy from projects connected to the Duke Energy grid BE 2.2.2 Incorporate the 10-year avoided cost bill credit option that Duke Energy is offering Low to receive a rebate for the cost of avoided utility infrastructure expenses BE 2.2.3 Secure IRA funding for four renewable energy projects by 2035. High BE 2.3.1 Include analysis on locations as part of the Solar Siting Survey(BE 2.1.1) Medium BE 2.4.1 Release rounds "Solarize the Triangle" annually High BE 2.4.2 Designate a portion of the Community Climate Action Grant to incentivize participation in High Solarize the Triangle for small businesses, nonprofits and farms BE 2.5.1 Work with Planning Department to expedite permitting process for all new solar projects Medium BE 2.6.1 Establish a Working Group as part of the annual Ag Summit High BE 2.6.2 Utilize the seed funding for County's Cooperative Extension and Sustainability to Medium launch this discussion BE 3.1.1 Support energy efficiency programs and partners that provide energy efficiency services and education that serve historically-disadvantaged communities by providing services High and education that reduce emissions, improve standards of living, support the local economy and workforce development BE 3.1.2 Release rounds of the "Electrify the Triangle" program which would work to High install EV chargers, induction ovens, electric heat pumps, etc in the community BE 4.1.1 Launch the website by December 31, 2024. Medium BE 4.1.2 Compile a list of funding sources that local residents, businesses, or the County could Medium potentially access to fund energy audits and energy efficiency improvements ' https://starwl.ncuc.gov/NCUC/ViewFile.aspx?ld=1452268d-1905-4dle-a5c8-a9e84351e53a 5 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX H EMISSION REDUCTION • BUILT ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED Action Steps Emissions Impact BE 4.1.3 Develop and provide educational kits through the library and community groups to help with home energy audits and energy improvement education, Low summarizing information from the one-stop-shop website to create accessible resources. BE 4.2.1 Launch a sustainable business toolkit for businesses by 2026 Medium BE 4.2.2 Develop an EV playbook for businesses/homes Medium BE 4.3.1 Staff tables at outreach events; Energy ambassadors staff informational tables Low at local events, engaging attendees with energy-saving tips and resources. BE 4.3.2 Host a community-wide event showcasing energy conservation,featuring workshops, Low exhibits, and expert speakers. BE 5.1.1 Follow LEED standards for two county facilities each year. Medium BE 5.2.1 Install geothermal heat pumps in county buildings Medium BE 5.3.1 Set up a Train-the-Trainer model that can be implemented County-wide Low 6 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX H EMISSION REDUCTION GREEN COMMUNITY ImpactAction Steps Emissions GC 1.1.1 Focus on connectivity of open space Medium GC 1.1.2 Support the Department of Environment,Agriculture, Parks and Recreation to develop a resource that identifies those areas of the highest natural value that should be prioritized Medium for preservation from new developments GC 1.2.1 Transition landscaping at two County buildings per year beginning in 2027. Low GC 1.2.2 Install rainwater collection systems in two County buildings per year beginning in 2027. Low GC 1.2.3 Organize an event showcasing the County's green infrastructure. Low GC 2.1.1 Develop a Tree Master Plan by 2029 Medium GC 2.1.2 Utilize "citizen scientist"residents to support tree inventory efforts Low GC 2.1.3 Organize a bi-annual tree giveaway program, native plant sale/seed giveaways. Low Maintain and make available list of local native plant growers GC 3.1.1 Launch two new initiatives or collaborations with local farms each year; Medium prioritize carbon sequestration projects GC 3.1.2 Direct the public to resources from research-based organizations such as Low Cooperative Extension and other land-grant institutional programs GC 4.1.1 Enhance branding of locally sourced food and focus on building a stronger Medium ag tourism network GC 4.1.2 Host gardening workshops utilizing community center gardens; promote staff/volunteer led gardens on County properties/parks that have space and especially in areas that Low may be considered food deserts GC 5.1.1 Define sustainable farming practices outlined in the U.S. Code Title 7, Section 3103 Low GC 5.1.2 Provide a clearinghouse of information for farmers and funding opportunities available Low for implementation of sustainable farm practices through County Extension office GC 5.1.3 Target carbon sequestration and renewable energy projects for Low farmers practicing sustainable farming on County land GC 5.1.4 Promote the County's Community Garden Grant Program Low GC 6.1.1 Organize community workshops on the importance of native landscaping and pollinators. Low GC 6.1.2 Establish a recognition program for households and businesses Low that adopt native landscaping. GC 6.2.1 Organize a workshop on rainwater capture each year beginning in 2024 Low GC 6.2.2 Distribute free rainwater capture kits at each workshop Low GC 6.2.3 Showcase rainwater capture infrastructure at the Davis Center and replicate Low at other park facilities GC 6.3.1 Establish partnerships with two new initiatives each year to improve protection Low of lands and streams beginning in 2030 through 2035 GC 6.3.2 Develop educational resources on land and stream protection. Low GC 6.3.3 Implement a volunteer program for natural environment protection Low GC 6.4.1 Provide staff support for the implementation of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Low Freight Train Trail Feasibility Study initiative GC 6.4.2 Ensure that public transit pick up/drop off locations are located along these networks Low (Action T.1.1) GC 6.4.3 Promote the Train Trail initiative through the Parks and Recreation Department Low GC 6.5.1 Receive Board of Commissioner approval to expand the Community Climate Action Medium Grant program GC 6.6.1 Coordinate a swap out program for gas powered landscaping equipment with all electric Medium GC 6.6.2 Provide incentives for all electric landscaping equipment Medium 7 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX H EMISSION REDUCTION RESILIENT COMMUNITY ImpactAction steps Emissions CR 1.1.1 Conduct annual reviews and updates of the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan Low CR 1.1.2 Organize quarterly meetings with stakeholders to assess the implementation Low of the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan CR 1.1.3 Produce an annual report on mitigation plan progress, seeking a 5% improvement Low each year beginning in 2030 CR 1.1.4 Seek funding through FEMA hazard mitigation grants Medium CR 1.2.1 Develop a comprehensive communication plan for climate threats by 2026 Medium CR 1.2.2 Partner with at least four community leaders, nonprofits and schools annually Low to disseminate the communication CR 1.2.3 Conduct monthly training sessions on the use of social media for Low climate threat communication CR 1.3.1 Develop and implement a program offering discounted electric-powered generators Low to at least eight lower-income residents per year beginning in 2032 CR 1.3.2 Organize an annual information campaign about the electric-powered generator Low discount program CR 1.4.1 Identify potential public facilities that can serve as resilience hubs by 2030 and amend Medium the Unified Development Ordinance to allow for these by right in certain zoning districts CR 1.4.2 Prioritize the allocation of funding for preparation of these facilities Low CR 1.4.3 Organize resilience hub preparation and training sessions for facility staff Low CR 2.1.1 Develop a five-year plan to disincentivize the use of wet ponds Low CR 2.1.2 Partner with higher education resources within the County(UNC-CH, Durham Tech) to perform research and test pilot programs aimed at creating resilience with Low climate change. Plan for one research project per year beginning in 2027 CR 2.2.1 Develop and implement comprehensive riparian ecosystem restoration plan and Low relevant floodplain management policies CR 2.2.2 Partner with Arts Commission to create murals using heat reflectant paint on County properties that do double duty as a resiliency measure but also to inform Low and educate the community about climate change and its impacts CR 2.2.3 Do a study to evaluate reducing unnecessary parking spaces to Low decrease impervious surfaces and create more green spaces. CR 2.2.4 Promote light-colored roofs and/or a minimum specified reflectance Low for commercial roofs when new or at replacement CR 2.2.5 Promote alternative cooling strategies like shade trees,green roofs, and building awnings. Low Determine and enact standards for new buildings (supportive of BE 1.2.2) CR 3.1.1 Organize annual public events to increase climate impact awareness Low CR 3.1.2 Establish partnerships with at least two schools or community organizations like Urban Sustainability Solutions who can support rain garden installations Low and green infrastructure education in the community CR 3.2.1 Provide climate resiliency information in newsletters geared for the business community Low CR 3.2.2 Organize bi-annual networking events focused on climate preparedness and resiliency Low CR 3.2.3 Promote the sustainable business toolkit Low CR 3.3.1 Utilize the Climate Action Tracker to record progress on the Triangle Regional Resilience Low Assessment planning document 8 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES APPENDIX H EMISSION REDUCTION ANALYSIS CONTINUED RESILIENT COMMUNITY CONTINUED ImpactAction steps Emissions CR 3.3.2 Identify areas most vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat; prioritize Medium tree plantings in these areas. CR 3.3.3 Monitor and report annually on the implementation of the Low Resilience Assessment recommendations. CR 4.1.1 Encourage the usage of reflective paint, installation of misters in outdoor spaces, and the planting of trees in areas that the heat island study identifies as needing Medium relief from urban heat island effects CR 4.2.1 Monitor and report annually on the progress of this conservation initiative CR 4.3.1 Implement permeable, GI alternatives to paving in sidewalks, parking lots and driveways Low CR 5.1.1 Use the Department of Social Services' registry to continue to access populations Medium with special needs during the time of disasters CR 5.1.2 Expand Community Emergency Response Team program that teaches community members real world disaster response skills to respond Medium to community emergencies in the event that public safety is compromised CR 5.1.3 Collaborate with community-based organizations to develop an inventory of locations with isolated seniors and develop a plan for a social support network during heat waves, Medium bad air quality days, and other emergencies CR 5.1.4 Expand the Steps to Neighborhood Preparedness Program that helps communities Medium connect and build neighborhood emergency plans CR 6.1.1 Ensure that maintenance reflects expected future climate conditions and variability and not historical climate data for all County buildings,facilities, structures, Low and infrastructure. CR 6.1.2 Establish an interdepartmental working group to integrate climate preparedness in planning, maintenance, and capital improvements through the development Medium of work plans, screening of capital improvements, and cross-sector collaboration. CR 6.1.3 Develop a "Green Team"whose purpose is to educate departments on Low implementing sustainable practices CR 6.2.1 Integrate annual CAP report goals during the budget review process at the direction of the Board of County Commissioners. Plan to inventory High GHG emissions every two years and track against targets. CR 6.3.1 Evaluate staffing levels needed to implement CAP strategies High 9 ORANGE COUNTY, NC • APPENDICES