HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 12-12-23; 6-b - Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG) - FY 2023-24 Project Selection for General Applicants and Schools 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 12, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 6-b
SUBJECT: Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG) — FY 2023-24 Project Selection for
General Applicants and Schools
DEPARTMENT: County Manager
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
1) CCAG 2023-24 Project Descriptions, Amy Eckberg, (919) 245-2626
Scoring, and Comments for General
Applicants and Schools
2) CCAG Project Status Summary
Including Estimated GHG Reductions
PURPOSE: To:
1) Receive the grant project funding recommendations from the Commission for the
Environment (CFE) and the Human Relations Commission (HRC) for the FY 2023-24
Orange County Community Climate Action Grant Program; and
2) Approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY
2023-24 as outlined in the attached report.
BACKGROUND: As part of the FY 2019-20 budget, the Board of Orange County Commissioners
(BOCC) created the Orange County Climate Action Fund dedicated to accelerating climate
change mitigation actions in Orange County. This decision was motivated in part to help the
County meet the climate change mitigation goals set by the Board in recent years:
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions community-wide by 26 percent by 2025 (from 2005
levels).
• Transition to a 100% renewable energy-based economy by 2050
• Newly adopted Climate Action Plan (November 2023)
For the 2023-24 funding cycle, $564,085 in funding was budgeted to support climate action
projects that will benefit Orange County residents both socially and financially. Following the
direction of the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC), the process for soliciting and
selecting projects to receive funding was conducted through a formal Community Climate Action
Grant (CCAG) program.
For this grant cycle, the BOCC reserved half of the total funding for this grant program
($282,042.50) to be awarded to projects submitted by either of Orange County's two public school
districts. The remaining half ($282,042.50) was to be made available to all other eligible general
applicants in this round.
2
The Community Climate Action grant program received eleven (11) applications in this round from
a variety of general applicants representing non-profit and public organizations whose total
requests added up to $614,540. Two (2) projects totaling $557,959 were submitted from the
Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools districts.
Grant applications were completed over the summer and reviewed and scored by the Commission
for the Environment (CFE) and the Human Relations Commission (HRC). In fall 2023, each of
these Commissions voted to forward their final scoring and comments to the BOCC.
The following is a rank-order summary table of the combined project scoring and
recommendations. More details on each project are available in Attachment 1:
General Applications:
Total
Name Project Name Description Amount Recommended Rank Score out
Requested Funding level of 26
Points
Habitat for Humanity Supplemental Habitat's Home Preservation $55,000 $55,000 1 21
Weatherization program support.
Urban Sustainability Growing More than Create a Green Infrastructure
Solutions Rain Gardens Workforce Development $69,156 $69,156 2 21
Apprenticeship Program
LED Lighting Upgrade for
Town of Chapel Hill LED Lighting Upgrades Hargraves Community Center $95,000 $0 3 20
Basketball Court
Hillsborough United
Church of Christ Solar Panel Project Rooftop Solar Installation $10,000 $10,000 4 20
Binkley Baptist Church Let There Be (cleanener Li ht. Install 50 solar panels $49,046 $49,036 5 18
gy) g
EMPOWERment Rooftop solar on Rooftop solar installation $134,562 $61,623 6 18
PEACH apartments
Big Impact Small Support Installation of
Club Nova Footprint garden,greenhouse,terrace. $37,227 $37,227 7 17
Eco-Institute at Community Garden Expand Community Garden
Sanctuary Farm Cooperative Cooperative and create a $50,800 $0 8 17
new Training Program
Haven for Outdoor Solar Powered Shelter with
The Arts Center Eco-Classroom 16 places to charge up, $41,729 $0 9 17
explore,create,and learn.
St.Thomas More EV Charging Station
Catholic Church EV Charging Station Installation $22,030 $0 10 16
Discount eBike with Voucher
Triangle ECycling The e is for Equity. Pilot Program $50,000.00 $0 11 13
3
School Applications:
Total
Name Project Description Amount Recommended Rank Score out
Requested Funding Level of 26
Points
Chapel Hill Carrboro LED Lights LED Campus Lighting $270,000 $94,014 1 17
City Schools Changeover
Orange County Solar 54 Panel Solar Pedestal with $287,959 $188,029 2 11
Schools Battery Storage
* All projects were placed in rank order by CFE and HRC voting.
Attachment 2 provides a status summary including estimates of GHG emissions avoided annually
from projects that have been approved by the Community Climate Action Grant program to date.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Community Climate Action Grant Tax funding of$564,085 in FY 2023-
24, intends to identify impactful projects and distribute these funds promptly to accelerate action
on the urgent issue of climate change and to help further stimulate the local economy.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are
applicable to this item:
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their
dependents.
Social Justice and Racial Equity is the most heavily-weighted factor in scoring projects proposed
through this grant program, ensuring that the equitable distribution of funds and the repair of
environmental inequities are a central element of each funded project. Local investments in
energy efficiency and renewable energy in Orange County provides direct reduction of monthly
energy bills and supports jobs and investments in clean energy technologies.
• GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes
and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of environmental
laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no group of people
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.
4
Investing in local climate change mitigation actions will conserve energy, reduce resource
consumption, and increase the use of renewable resources.
• RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AIR QUALITY
Assess and where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of
the site and adjoining area. Minimize production of greenhouse gases.
The Climate Action Fund will continue to support high-impact projects which will improve local air
quality and minimize the local production of greenhouse gases, reducing Orange County's
contribution to the adverse impacts of climate change on human and natural resources both inside
and outside of the County.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
1) Receive the grant project funding recommendations from the Human Relations
Commission and the Commission for the Environment for the FY 2023-24 Orange County
Community Climate Action Grant Program; and
2) Approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY
2023-24.
Attachment 1
5
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Date: December 12, 2023
To: Board of Orange County Commissioners
From: Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager
RE: Orange County Community Climate Action Grant- Project Descriptions, Scoring, and Comments for
General and School Applicants
For the 2023-24 funding cycle of the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant program, $564,085 in
funding was budgeted to support climate action projects that benefit Orange County residents both socially and
financially. For this grant cycle,the Board of Orange County Commissioners reserved half of the total funding for
this grant program ($282,042.50)to be awarded to projects submitted by either of Orange County's two public
school districts.The remaining half($282,042.50)was to be made available to all other eligible "general"
applicants.
Based on feedback received from the Board, a concerted effort to publicize the grant opportunity was made this
year. A UNC-Chapel Hill Eco Studio intern helped support our community engagement efforts through phone
calls,flyer distribution and "door to door" canvassing of local businesses, churches, and community groups. A
special info graphic announcing the grant was distributed via social media, Orange County TV screens,website,
and weekly happenings email. A targeted mass email went out to community groups, churches, nonprofits and
small businesses announcing the grant opportunity. As a result of all these outreach efforts, we received the
most grant applications ever received since the inception of the grant and many new applicants!
The Community Climate Action grant program received 11 "general" applications in this round from a variety of
nonprofit and public organizations whose total requests add up to almost$615,000. In addition, both school
districts submitted applications totaling almost$558,000.
Following the scoring and eligibility guidelines of the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC),the
applications were reviewed and scored by the Commission for the Environment (CFE) and the Human Relations
Commission (HRC).The BOCC asked the Human Relations Commission to score the applications on the Social
Justice and Racial Equity criterion, as this pertains to their expertise and because the racial representation of the
CFE as a whole does not reflect the racial diversity of Orange County.
The following is a rank-order summary table of the combined project scoring and recommendations.A full table
showing the scores for each project on each of the 7 scoring elements is included in the Appendix.
P.O. Box 8181 * Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Telephone: (919)245-2625
General Applications: 6
Total
Name Project Name Description Amount Recommended Rank Score out
Requested Funding level of 26
Points
Habitat for Humanity Supplemental Habitat's Home Preservation $55,000 $55,000 1 21
Weatherization program support.
Urban Sustainability Growing More than Create a Green Infrastructure
Solutions Rain Gardens Workforce Development $69,156 $69,156 2 21
Apprenticeship Program
LED Lighting Upgrade for
Town of Chapel Hill LED Lighting Upgrades Hargraves Community Center $95,000 $0 3 20
Basketball Court
Hillsborough United
Church of Christ Solar Panel Project Rooftop Solar Installation $10,000 $10,000 4 20
Binkley Baptist Church Let There Be (cleanener Li ht. Install 50 solar panels $49,046 $49,036 5 18
gy) g
EMPOWERment Rooftop solar on Rooftop solar installation $134,562 $61,623 6 18
PEACH apartments
Club Nova Big Impact Small Support Installation of $37,227 $37,227 7 17
Footprint garden,greenhouse,terrace.
Eco-Institute at Community Garden Expand Community Garden
Sanctuary Farm Cooperative Cooperative and create a $50,800 $0 8 17
new Training Program
Haven for Outdoor Solar Powered Shelter with
The Arts Center Eco-Classroom 16 places to charge up, $41,729 $0 9 17
explore,create,and learn.
St.Thomas More EV Charging Station
Catholic Church EV Charging Station Installation $22,030 $0 10 16
Triangle ECycling The e is for Equity. Discount eBike with VoucherPilot Program $50,000.00 $0 11 13
School Applications:
Total
Name Project Description Amount Recommended Rank Score out
Requested Funding Level of 26
Points
Chapel Hill Carrboro LED Lights LED Campus Lighting $270,000 $94,014 1 17
City Schools Changeover
Orange County Solar 54 Panel Solar Pedestal with $287,959 $188,029 2 11
Schools Battery Storage
Below is a set of expanded details for each proposed project, in rank order per HRC and CFE scoring.The quoted
text was pulled directly from various sections of the submitted applications.Also summarized below are the
comments from the HRC and the CFE, along with scores and funding recommendations.
#1 Ranked Project— Habitat for Humanity
Applicant(Collaborators): Habitat for Humanity
Funding Requested: $55,000
Recommended Funding Level: $55,000
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 21
Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Orange County proposes to use$55,000 in Orange County Climate 7
Action Grant Funds to provide supplemental weatherization services on five homes being repaired through the
organization's Home Preservation program in the coming year. Habitat's Home Preservation program serves
Orange County residents who own their homes but are unable to afford necessary repairs due to low or fixed
incomes. Of this amount, $50,000 will go towards the direct cost of the weatherization projects, including
materials, subcontractor labor, and direct construction staff labor.The remaining$5,000 is a 10%overhead
charge for support staff and other costs to administer the program.
Project Benefits: Funds will increase the energy efficiency of homes through projects such as repair or
replacement of aging HVAC systems, repair or replacement of drafty windows, and the addition of insulation in
crawl spaces and attics. Of the repair applications that Habitat receives, about half are for these types of
weatherization projects. Increasing the energy efficiency of aging homes can immediately create savings for
Orange County homeowners while reducing the demand on the power grid or removing gas and oil furnaces.
Habitat considers this work to preserve the affordable housing stock that already exists in our County to be
essential and urgent. Once these properties are sold and often redeveloped,they will likely never be affordable
again.
Reviewer Comments:
We are pleased to continue supporting this community leader in their efforts to provide energy efficiency
services for low-income residents in Orange County.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $733
#2 Ranked Project— Urban Sustainability Solutions
Applicant(Collaborators): Burts Bees Foundation, NC DEQ/EPA, Carrboro Stormwater/Public Works,Triangle
Community Foundation
Funding Requested: $69,156
Recommended Funding Level: $69,156
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 21
Project Description: Urban Sustainability Solutions is requesting grant funding to create a Green Infrastructure
Workforce Development Apprenticeship Program for underserved youth and to fund 40%of the installation cost of Green
Infrastructure on single family residences that are in neighborhoods that the North Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality's Environmental Justice Program has designated as underserved and low income.
Project Benefits: Students will obtain after-school green-jobs training by job shadowing with environmental contractors
who will be installing rain gardens, rain-harvesting cisterns, riparian buffers, and other sustainable stormwater"best
management practices" (BMP's)on underserved/low-income properties suffering from flooding and erosion issues in
Orange County.The curriculum specifically targets students who have not performed at grade level in math and sciences.
Based on direct past experience this hands-on curriculum leads to improved student performance in traditional STEM
curricula and improves environmental literacy and stewardship.
Reviewer Comments: We are pleased to support this project as it builds on work previously started in
neighboring Durham County. Additionally, we are excited to receive an application that is focused on nature-
based climate solutions that engage young people in our community.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $191
#3 Ranked Project—Town of Chapel Hill
Applicant(Collaborators): The Hargraves Community Center
Funding Requested: $95,000
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 20
Project Description:The requested funds will be used to purchase and install new LED light fixtures to replace 8
the existing, less efficient metal halide fixtures at the Hargraves Community Center outdoor basketball court.
Hargraves Community Center is located in Chapel Hill's largest historically black neighborhood and is part of the
NC Civil Rights Trail. In addition to the emissions reductions,this retrofit would enhance safety, improve
neighborhood relations, and minimize maintenance and energy costs.
Project Benefits:This proposed upgrade would provide both better lighting and better quality of life. Carbon
emissions will be reduced through improved energy efficiency, and this new lighting system will significantly
reduce spill light and glare while also allowing the lights to be consistently turned off each night by 11 pm.This
has biodiversity benefits (especially for migrating birds in spring and fall) and would benefit neighbors by
reducing light spillage, glare, and noise after 11 pm.
Reviewer Comments:This initiative is supported, however funding was not recommended this year as there
were many community applicants that had not received funding from the CCAG program in the past.This
project's benefits included lighting areas that are not currently lit and reduced energy consumption due to
timers which also reduced nighttime light pollution. We encourage Chapel Hill to continue to pursue this effort.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $956
#4 Ranked Project— Hillsborough United Church of Christ
Applicant(Collaborators): N/A
Funding Requested: $10,000
Recommended Funding Level: $10,000
Total Score (Out of 25 pts): 20
Project Description: The project is to add solar panels to provide green energy for our building.This project is
part of a long-term vision to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint and to live out part of our calling and
mission to care for creation. As a smaller faith community, we have wanted to move toward solar but the costs
have made it prohibitive for a congregation of our size. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the
inclusion of faith communities for the federal rebate, it began to be a real possibility.
Project Benefits: This project indirectly benefits the wider community by reducing the use of fossil fuels that
contribute to global warming.The project over its lifetime will have the equivalent impact of planting 4,987
trees, creating nearly 160 new acres of forest land and will have the same impact of not driving fossil fueled cars
for 481,470 miles.These benefits directly help Hillsborough but also our world as we all move to do our part to
reduce the harmful impacts of climate change. We hope at the completion of this project we can share with
other congregations our success and that solar is a real possibility for them as well.
Reviewer Comments: We are pleased that this project utilized funding from additional sources beyond the
CCAG furthering their larger sustainability efforts and that there is intentional community focus on awareness of
renewable impacts. We are also happy to support an organization in the northern portion of Orange County.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $126
#5 Ranked Project— Binkley Baptist Church
Applicant(Collaborators): N/A
Funding Requested: $49,036
Recommended Funding Level: $49,036
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 18
Project Description: With this grant we wish to install 46 solar panels (18.86 DC Net-metered) with an annual
production of 23,905 kWh/year to reduce Binkley's energy-generated carbon emissions by more than 32,500
lbs/year. By doing so, Binkley will demonstrate its continuing commitment to do all we can as a
multiracial/multiethnic congregation to care for the Earth and reduce the impacts of climate change which are 9
felt most acutely by poor and marginalized people.
Project Benefits:This project will directly benefit the multiracial/multiethnic congregation,the preschool, and
day care program for low-income families, and the many community users of the church, such as AA,
Al anon groups and others. In total, approximately 500 people/week will benefit from the 'clean energy'
generated by the added panels. In addition, our Earth Ministry team is active in all of the towns within Orange
County providing education and outreach for the community, our congregation and user groups about the
positives of solar energy for the climate, and other topics such as waste-diversion,global climate change, and
environmental issues.
Reviewer Comments: We are excited to support a community organization that is also leveraging the Solarize
the Triangle program for additional cost savings. We love the community outreach portion of this application
and believe their engagement with the broader community has great potential to reach individuals outside of
the direct Binkley Baptist community to educate and inform the community about climate change, programs
such as Solarize the Triangle and promoting sustainable practices.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $122
#6 Ranked Project— EMPOWER-ment
Applicant(Collaborators): SolarEquity
Funding Requested: $134,562
Recommended Funding Level: $61,623
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 18
Project Description: The funds provided by Orange County's Community Climate Action Grant Program
will go directly towards installing rooftop solar on EmPOWERment's PEACH Apartments located in
Chapel Hill.The funds will cover 18.1%of operations, 100%of equipment, and 100% of personnel
costs.
Project Benefits: EmPOWERment Inc. (EI) is building an apartment building. As a partner, SolarEquity will install
rooftop solar on the PEACH Apartments, a rental complex for ten low-income and very low-income families.
Installing rooftop solar will mitigate carbon emissions while decreasing the target population's energy burden.
Reviewer Comments: We are excited about this project and recognize that EMPOWERment is in the early stages
of construction with opportunity to seek additional funds through the next CCAG round of funding and/or other
outlets to support the remaining funding need. We feel strongly that the final outcome of this project should
emphasize any savings received going directly to the tenants of the PEACH apartments through reduced utility
expense.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $106
#7 Ranked Project— Club Nova
Applicant(Collaborators): Carrboro Farmers' Market, NC Botanical Garden
Funding Requested: $37,227
Recommended Funding Level: $37,227
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 17
Project Description: Club Nova will use funds for completing plans for our garden, greenhouse, and terrace to
grow our own vegetables and herbs; purchasing materials for these areas including accessible raised beds and
planters, purchasing an energy efficient stackable washer and dryer that utilizes less water and sanitizes
reusable items such as dish clothes, cloth napkins, and towels.
Project Benefits: Club Nova works with individuals living with serious mental illness. We anticipate at least 100 10
members will directly benefit from our project. Our project includes minimizing the greenhouse gas emissions
and minimizing our carbon footprint through accelerating and expanding the following:
Plant based diet,food waste reduction plan, composting, growing our own vegetables and herbs, increasing
local purchasing, recycling, utilizing reusable products/items (i.e. cloth napkins and limiting one time use items),
and capturing and reusing rainwater. Our members will benefit from a healthier, sustainable diet and from being
part of a larger focus to make a significant, positive impact on climate change.
Reviewer Comments: We are pleased to support an organization that supports an underserved population
within our County. We also love that this population will have a voice in the voting and execution of this project.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $116
#8 Ranked Project— Eco-Institute at Sanctuary Farm
Applicant(Collaborators): N/A
Funding Requested: $50,800
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 17
Project Description: Funds will be used to expand the existing Community Garden Cooperative and to create a
new Community Garden Training Program by providing scholarships for residents from low-income households
and/or marginalized communities. Funds will also be used to hire Orange County Farmers and Gardeners as
guest teachers.
Project Benefits: Participants learn to grow organic food while engaging in intergenerational conversations
about climate resilience. Climate resilient gardening includes practices like increasing native plant diversity,
composting household food waste, improving soil health, growing heat tolerant vegetable crops, and using
stormwater management practices. Participants are invited to bring their household compost, which serves as
fertilizer for the garden. We share in the labor and share in the harvest. Participants go home with a basket full
of fresh, healthy garden produce each week.This reduces their dependence on the industrial food system.
Reviewer Comments: Recommended not funding due to limited public benefit and uncertainty due to
community being served. Suggest that the organization seek other philanthropic funding sources.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $not
estimated
#9 Ranked Project—The ArtsCenter
Applicant(Collaborators): N/A
Funding Requested: $41,729
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 17
Project Description: At our new home,we have an enclosed garden space that we will turn into an Outdoor Eco-
Classroom.This outdoor learning center will educate patrons of all ages on our rooftop solar system as well as other eco-
friendly projects they can incorporate into their lives from outdoor hydroponics to garden art created using recycled
materials.The learning center of this classroom will be Haven,a solar powered shelter in the sun with 16 places to charge
up,explore, create and learn. Haven is made by the NC based company,Spotlight Solar.The structure was designed in
Raleigh and is manufactured in Sanford, NC.
Project Benefits:This project will help us educate the community about our solar project made possible through
previous funding The ArtsCenter received last year through the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant
Program. This shelter will offer our community a solar workspace, a solar classroom and a solar charging station
for up to 16 devices. By adding signage to Haven with QR codes that link to our website, we can share how both 11
Haven and our full rooftop solar system are positively impacting our community. By amplifying our commitment
to green design and initiatives, Haven will become the focal point of our Outdoor Eco-Classroom. Our youth will
learn creative ways they can incorporate ecofriendly life choices into their day-to-day routines. Making our
commitment to the environment more visible, individuals and businesses alike will be inspired to adopt similar
initiatives, specifically solar.
Reviewer Comments:This project did not offer a significant amount of GHG reduction for the expenditure and
therefore we did not recommend funding. We would like to encourage the ArtsCenter to continue to apply for
funding for impactful projects that are highly visible to the community and that provide educational
opportunities.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime:
$1,354
#10 Ranked Project—St Thomas More Catholic Church
Applicant(Collaborators): N/A
Funding Requested: $22,030
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 16
Project Description: Installation of an EV charging Station in the church/parish center area that would be freely
accessible to visitors on campus. Equipment costs are for parts and equipment. Personnel costs are for
installation and project associated labor.
Project Benefits: The station will be located in the parking area of the building where most meetings and
activities happen making it accessible to any visitor on campus with an EV. EV chargers offset fossil fuels that
would be burned by internal combustion engines in fuel engine vehicles.The EV charger station would be tied to
the solar array to be installed on the building roof later this year,therefore offsetting electric grid electricity
generated by fossil fuel plants in NC.
Reviewer Comments: In the future,this grant would be more likely to receive recommendation for funding if
the project were expanded to offer benefits to those beyond the St.Thomas More community due to the nature
of the time it takes to complete a full charge.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $225
#11 Ranked Project—Triangle ECycling
Applicant(Collaborators): Bike Walk NC, Carolina Tarwheels, City of Raleigh, Chapel Hill Cycling, Bicycle Alliance
of Chapel Hill
Funding Requested: $50,000
Recommended Funding Level: $0
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 13
Project Description: To purchase 25-30 electronic bikes and sell them to Orange County residents at below market
prices. Half of the bikes will be sold to qualified low-income residents using a discount voucher program to promote social
justice and racial equity.This pilot program will raise awareness of ebikes as a healthy,environmentally friendly way of
reducing car trips and commuting, including accessing public transportation for work and school. It will be the first step in
making Orange County a leader in the national ebike voucher movement."
Project Benefits:
The people who purchase the ebikes will benefit most directly. Indirectly the community will benefit from
reduced GHG emissions.This is a small pilot program but OC residents will benefit from the increased use of
ebikes as they are proven to replace cars for short "around town" trips and provide a way to commute from
home and work for public transportation riders.The positive impact on air quality and traffic congestion are benefits 12
that can be shared by all.
Reviewer Comments: Recommend not funding at this time. We support the idea and would love to see this
concept considered further in future grant cycles with additional information on the specific logistics of this
proposal further described.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $791
#1 Ranked School Project— Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools
Applicant(Collaborators):
Funding Requested: $270,000
Recommended Funding Level: $94,014
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 17
Project Description: Funds will be used to accelerate LED campus lighting changeovers on school district's
campuses—specifically,to fund 50%or more of the cost to complete this work at Carrboro High School.
Project Benefits:To provide the latest lighting technology to reduce energy usage while providing superior
lighting for students, staff and campus visitors. Over 500 students and 100 staff will benefit each day. There is
an on-going benefit of eliminating lighting maintenance which is very significant. The project accelerates and
expands the LED campus lighting project.
Reviewer Comments:These funds may be spent over the next 2 years and although we cannot fully fund either
project, we are in full support of these projects.The allocation of school funds is split 1/3 CHCCS and 2/3 OCS
due to the fact that OCS has not been able to apply for and receive funding over the past two grant cycles. Since
the creation of the Community Climate Action Grant, CHCCS has received $525,075 more than OCS.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $93
#2 Ranked School Project— Orange County Schools
Applicant(Collaborators):
Funding Requested: $287,959
Recommended Funding Level: $188,029
Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 11
Project Description: To add a second 54-panel solar pedestal and battery bank storage which can generate
power for four EV chargers, stadium lights at Orange Middle School and irrigation pumps for athletic fields at
Orange High School while creating a battery bank of storage sufficient to sell energy back to Duke Energy.
Project Benefits: Solar power reduces operating expenses of the schools and provides opportunity for overall
budget cost reductions, while also generating revenue to offset utility expenses. Off the grid energy production
creates resiliency and opportunities for educating about solar power within the schools.
Reviewer Comments:These funds may be spent over the next 2 years and although we cannot fully fund either
project, we are in full support of these projects.The allocation of school funds is split 1/3 CHCCS and 2/3 OCS
due to the fact that OCS has not been able to apply for and receive funding over the past two grant cycles. Since
the creation of the Community Climate Action Grant, CHCCS has received $525,075 more than OCS.
Grant Dollars Requested Per Metric Ton of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced During Project Lifetime: $340
Appendix: Full Scoring Table: 13
General Applications:
Social Local Amount
Justice GHG Efficient Capacity Economic Duration of Total
Funding Racial Emissions Use of of Develop- Engage- Time to Score out Final
Name Project Requested Equity Reduced Funds Applicant ment ment Complete of 26 Rank
Out of 6 Out of 4 Out of 4 Out of 3 Out of 3 Out of 3 Out of 3 Points
points points points points points points points
Habitat for Humanity Supplemental $55,000.00 4 3 4 3 3 2 2 21 1
Weatherization
Urban Sustainability Growing More than
$69,156.00 6 2 3 3 2 3 2 21 2
Solutions Rain Gardens
Town of Chapel Hill LED Lighting $95,000.00 4 3 4 3 2 2 2 20 3
Upgrades
Hillsborough United
Church of Christ Solar Panel Project $10,000.00 3 4 4 3 2 2 2 20 4
Binkley Baptist Let There Be(Clean
$49,036.02 4 3 3 3 1 2 2 18 5
Church Energy)Light!
EMPOWERment Rooftop Solar on $134,562.00 5 3 3 2 2 1 2 18 6
PEACH Apartments
Club Nova Big Impact Small $37,227.38 5 1 2 3 2 2 2 17 7
Footprint
Eco-Institute at Community Garden
i $50,800.00 6 1 1 3 2 2 2 17 8
Sanctuary Farm Cooperative
The Arts Center Haven for Outdoor $41,729.00 4 2 2 3 2 2 2 17 9
Eco-Classroom
St.Thomas More
Catholic Church EV Charging Station $22,030.00 2 3 3 3 1 2 2 16 10
Triangle ECycling The e is for Equity $50,000.00 3 2 2 2 1 1 2 13 11
School Applications:
Chapel Hill Carrboro LED Lights $270,000 3 3 3 3 1 I I 2 I 17 1
City Schools
Orange County Solar Panel $287,959 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 I 11 2
Schools
14
Attachment 2 - Community Climate Action Grant Project Status
Fiscal Project Organization Award Estimated Annual Project Status
Year A Amount GHG Reduction
metric tons CO2e
19-20 Solar for Schools* Orange County Schools $150,000 82 In progress
19-20 Solar for Schools** Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools $150,000 194 In progress
19-20 Supplemental Weatherization Orange County $150,000 22 In progress
19-20 LED Light Campaign* Orange County $19,272 10.5 COMPLETED
20-21 Tree Planting Program Town of Chapel Hill $40,000 533lbs Planting trees now
20-21 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Town of Chapel Hill $18,500 6 COMPLETED
20-21 Cedar Falls Park LED Light Conversion Town of Chapel Hill $128,057 9 COMPLETED
20-21 Cane Creek Reservoir 352.4 kW Solar OWASA $75,000 119 COMPLETED
20-21 Water heater replacements NAACP $122,100 26 In progress
20-21 Solar Panels on Affordable Habitat Homes Habitat for Humanity of Orange County $95,000 43 COMPLETED
21-22 Low Income HVAC Replacement Rebuilding Together of the Triangle $113,000 34 In progress
21-22 Neighborhood Energy Resiliency Project NC Sustainable Energy Association $90,000 10 In progress
21-22 Food Waste Monitor Eno River Farmer's Market $4,000 37 COMPLETED
21-22 Food Waste Monitor Town of Carrboro $3,765 44 In progress
21-22 Bike Rack and EV Charging Station The ArtsCenter $17,000 6 COMPLETED
21-22 203 Project Solar Array and Green Roof Town of Carrboro $40,567 See FY 22-23 In progress
21-22 Solar for Schools Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools $250,00 See FY 19-20 In progress
22-23 Habitat Rooftop Solar Habitat for Humanity $100,000 70 In progress
22-23 Weatherization Rebuilding Together of the Triangle $25,000 26 In progress
22-23 Food Waste Monitors Eno River Farmers' Market $4,500 37 In progress
22-23 203 Solar Project Town of Carrboro $40,575 23 In progress
22-23 Fleet Electrification Project Town of Chapel Hill $50,000 33 In progress
22-23 Solar Roof The ArtsCenter $55,000 28 COMPLETED
22-23 Emission Reductions Through HVAC Replacements Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools $275,075 80 In progress
* 54 Panel bi-facial solar pedestal and two EV chargers; ** Chapel Hill and East Chapel Hill High School and Morris Grove and Northside Elementary receiving
solar (installation August 2024)