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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 07-09-2026; 12-3 - Information Item - Memorandum - 2nd Annual Climate Action Plan Report (2) 1 ORANGE COUNTY COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE Memorandum To: Board of County Commissioners Travis Myren, County Manager From: Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager Date: July 9, 2026 Subject: 2nd Annual Climate Action Plan Report Background: In November 2023, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Orange County's Climate Action Plan, establishing a roadmap to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The Plan includes 70 strategies across five key focus areas: Transportation, Built Environment & Energy, Resource Conservation, Green Community, and Resilient Community. The attached 2025 Climate Action Plan Annual Report provides an update on the second year of implementation and highlights key accomplishments, partnerships, community engagement efforts, and progress toward Climate Action Plan goals. The report summarizes activities completed during 2025, including fleet electrification efforts, solar and energy efficiency projects, community resilience initiatives, waste reduction programs, outreach and education activities, and the Community Climate Action Grant Program. The report also identifies several initiatives planned for 2026. This item is provided for the Board's information. 1 Orange County Climate Action Plant--7= �., m in Electric 2025 ANNUAL REPORT ■SII I� � �,_�' ��■� 111111�� ,�T �,, J Together,with our community,we commit to taking urgent action on the climate emergency by creating and implementing an innovative,equitable,and just �� '_■■■ =' ■■■■■■ v OTT, transition to carbon neutrality and climate resiliency. NollNu IN Mall Sam will, I I ROOM Al i� L- n. I r�4 CNMe - - _ - ,,;. = _ =APPLY TODAY!Ntt e Q 9h Y N Nprofi ❑ ❑. Y _ � ntYn � M P Y❑ � �� `�Y O• •UNTY jSTAIN9ecouIm. .. . 1 B r> SUSTAINABILITY ORoNHE�COUNTY Introduction In November 1 Board of •unty Commissioners approved OrangeCounty's emissionsAction Plan (www.orangecountync.gov/CAP), setting an ambitious course to cut greenhouse gas by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. startedWe by finding the • of our emissions. ORANGE COUNTY1INVENTORY The graph on shows - emissions . •r • •• •: SOURCES sector . .- FUGITIVE • NS 43% where we • . focus our r r WASTE efforts • have the greatest impact. WATER&WASTEWATER communityUsing .ut, INDUSTRIAL ENERGYco expert• - gas data, identified the Top 10 actions for Orange County to take to cut emissions. These are the priorities that can help us meet our climate goals more rapidly while building a more resilient community. Tvp Ten Things The Caun#y Is Doing ExpandCounfy Integrate sustainability Identify and Bel:�rel>arecl TARGET funding to include as a framework prioritize actions for c:liir�ate Decrease vehicle climate expenditures wl4hin 4heoverall targe4edto emere��ncia'' milestraveied(VMTJ and additlonalfull time County's planning wlnerabie populations } 30%from a 2019 sustainahllityandgrant process within the County base!lneby2050 adrninistratar staff TARGET TARGET TARGET TARGET TARGET Increase community Achieve 54% Achievel4DYo Increase eammunity-wide Complete an EVadoptianto emissianreduction eenewableelecHrlcity solar capacity to33.6h electrification study and 5490 by 2435 and targetof all Scope 1 arxJ by 2454 in municipal MW by 2035:2590 above establish a lang-term 144%by 2450 2 emissions'by 2034 and operation and the 2423 baseline implementation pian 108Y by2050 using a community-wide �, 05 baseline Tv Be�cvme Mere sustalne'�le 4 With 70 targeted strategies across five key areas, the Climate Action Plan is already driving meaningful progress toward a healthier, more sustainable future. In the next few pages, you can see the achievements of the second year of implementation. We've seen measurable achievements that reflect the collective effort of County staff, community partners, and residents. The following pages highlight key accomplishments and progress made in each of the following focus areas: m ❖ Transportation ❖ Built Environment & Energy ❖ Resource Conservation ❖ Green Community !! ❖ Resilient Community 3 5 Transportation Transportation is the largest source of emissions in Orange County, accounting for 43% of our community's carbon footprint. Cutting down on fossil fuel vehicle travel and transitioning to electric vehicles is necessary to meet the targets set in our Climate Action Plan. Projects & Progress The County continues to increase the number of electric vehicles both within the County fleet and within the community at large. More EV charging stations support this growing number of vehicles. Fleet Services continues ■ I � Y to transition from gas to electric vehicles with 22 moreas - - a. .., M d electric vehicles in 2025. The graphic below highlights the growth of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure in Orange County between 2024 and 2025. The Sustainability team continues outreach and education a at public events like National Drive Electric Week with Orange County Electric Bus the help of EV ambassadors. Electric Vehicles (EV) & Charging Stations in Orange County .74 Us Registered cr* Electric County 4 ' I Vehicles L 6&& 41 Increase of 517 over 2024 & Charging Increase of 22 over 2024 StationsPublic Charging Stations County Vehicle Charging in Orange County # in Orange 74 'Ail County L 6 . . Increase of 32 over 2024 2025 Increase of 2 over 2024 Ir ■ Notes:The number of °g •i reflects the change between March 2024April 2025 hybrids.electric vehicles and plug-in r 4 6 National Drive Electric Month Orange County hosted two electric vehicle showcase events in fall 2025 for National Drive Electric Month, giving residents a chance to explore EVs up close and talk with local owners. The September 20 event at the - Orange County Sportsplex featured 8 personal EVs, an electric bus, and members of the Triad Electric Vehicle Association. The October 4 event at Carrboro's Century Center was co-hosted by Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and highlighted personal and municipal EVs, including Town of Chapel Hill's Ford Mach-E police vehicle. National Drive Electric Month event in Carrboro _ Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteer EV ambassadors, our community members are learning more about EVs. (Watch a video of the Hillsborough event: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnZrDU71 zPA&t=4s) 5 7 Built Environment & Energy The second largest source of emissions in Orange County comes from energy use in commercial buildings, making up 34% of our total emissions, with residential buildings following at 19%. The solution? Boosting energy efficiency, transitioning from gas to electric equipment and increasing solar adoption. By making smart upgrades, we can cut emissions, lower energy costs, and create healthier spaces for everyone. Projects & Progress Solar Energy in Orange County Solar EnergyGrowth in Orange County Solar Installations in the County Total Kilowatts GeneratedInd ol End of'- 1039,1592025 ■ ■ Increase of 173 Installations over 2024 ® Increaseof2,061 kWover2024 Solar Installations on County Buildings Orange County received an almost $200,000 state grant to install solar panels at Cedar Grove F' ML Community Center. This project will produce ae���ix• ; 85,438 kWh of electricity each year—enough to power about 7 homes—and will save more than 5 $1 1,000 annually. With the new solar roof, the , center will also be better equipped to support the community as a "resiliency hub" during `. emergencies such as storms, extreme heat or #� power outages. Also, crews installed 155 solar panels on the roof of the new Drakeford Library Complex in Carrboro that will produce over 12% of the Drakeford Library Complex roof solar array energy that the building uses. A solar feasibility study completed in 2025 is helping guide future solar installations, ensuring the County can continue this work strategically and effectively as it works toward its renewable energy goals. 6 8 Energy Efficiency through LEDs Sustainability and Asset Management Services upgraded the Whitted Human Services building's lighting to LED. This is saving 100,184 kilowatt hours per year, resulting in annual savings of more than $9,000. Altogether, five buildings now have LED lighting, saving the county a total of over $32,000 each year. ed tin) ORANGE Savings from Conversion to LED lighting in 2024 and 2025 Orange County Library 80,000 $6,000 DSS/Hillsborough Commons 1 1 1,000 $8,000 Southern Human Services Center 55,572 $4,483 Seymour Center 56,587 $4,786 Whitted Human Services Center 100,184 $9,017 TOTAL 403,343 $32,286 The NC Energy Burden & Emissions Reduction Program (EBERP) EBERP is a $1.5 million Department of Energy grant dedicated to lowering energy costs and improving energy efficiency in neighborhoods ® _ across Durham, Granville, and Orange County. In - � - Orange County, the program began in the Efland Cheeks area. DURHAM • GRANVILLE • ORANGE EBERll Energy Burden &Emissions Reduction Program EBERP information session at Efland Cheeks Community Center C-PACE In 2025, the Board approved participation in the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C- PACE) program, a financing mechanism that supports businesses in improving building sustainability. Through C-PACE, commercial property owners can access capital to fund upgrades such as energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy installations, water conservation measures, and storm resilience enhancements. 7 9 El Resource Conservation The Resource Conservation section of our Climate Action Plan focuses on key actions to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Projects & Progress tirl Clothing & Art Supply Swap oma_ In May, Orange County hosted its first Clothing and Art Supply Swap at the Eno _ Arts Mill with Circular Triangle. More than 100 people attended, donating and picking up free items like hats, sunglasses,shirts, books, paint,fabric, puppets, h' art,and more. After the event, remaining items were redistributed to local organizations or recycled so almost nothing went to waste. ''`` •'• , Electronic Waste Recycling Proper electronics recycling (ecycling) helps reduce land and water pollution and decreases the amount of waste sent to landfills. Clothing &Art Supply Swap in Hillsborough The Department of Social Services donated surplus electronic equipment to Triangle Ecycling, resulting in the ecycling of 326 items and five boxes of cables.At Triangle Ecycling, equipment is refurbished whenever possible,while remaining components are reused or responsibly recycled.The program also provides valuable educational opportunities for local high school students,who learn about the environmental impacts of e- waste, computer refurbishment, secure data destruction,and customer service. Repair Cafes Orange County Sustainability and Repair Cafe North Carolina hosted two free Repair Cafes at the Whitted Human Services Center.A Repair Cafe offers residents the opportunity to bring in damaged clothing, electronics,furniture,jewelry, or small appliances and work alongside volunteer repair coaches to restore them. Sustainable Swag Orange County offices are choosing to give out sustainable swag items. For example, the Solid Waste team gives out stainless steel utensils,and the Planning Team has been handing out cotton canvas tote bags. Sustainability's bamboo sporlks have been a big hit too! y m soma WASTO Repair Cafe event in Hillsborough Orange County Solid Waste swag metal spork example 8 10 Green Community A healthy environment supports the health and well-being of Orange County residents by improving air, land, and water quality. This section of the Climate Action Plan includes actions that promote environmental health and green our community. Projects & Progress Tree Giveaway Orange County held its first tree giveaway in March of 2025. This event provided 100 free red maple (Acer rubrum) seedlings to community members to support a greener, �� healthier community. Leave Your Leaves All Orange County participated in the Leave Your Leaves campaign for a second year in collaboration with the local towns. The campaign encourages residents to leave fallen Volunteers and staff giving out red maple seedlings in leaves on the ground to nourish soil, support Hillsborough in March 2025 wildlife, and reduce waste. Together, we're helping create healthier ecosystems and a more sustainable community—one leaf at a time. No Mow March This new campaign encourages residents to Join mow less early in the spring. This practice saves NO MOW MARCH! time, effort, and money while also supporting plants and animals. We partnered with the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks a' & Recreation and eight parks participated in this initiative in 2025: - • Blackwood Farm Park • Fairview Park Letting Your Lawn Grow Can: • Efland-Cheeks Park ORANGE COUNTY • Cedar Grove Park - Save -• - SUSTAINABILITY - - - • Twin Creeks Greenway and•" - Give birds resting materials and food • Seven Mile Creek Natural Area - Help ,, , Departmnt fEnviranment, Agriculture,Parka&Recreation • Hollow Rock Nature Park • Little River Regional Park 9 11 Resilient Community The Resilient Community section of our Climate Action Plan focuses on building the County's ability to withstand and recover from extreme weather events, from scorching heat to heavy flooding. With a combination of proactive strategies and adaptive solutions, we're preparing to safeguard our homes, businesses, and public spaces. Projects & Progress "Beat the Heat" Campaign � � ��� Extreme heat is the deadliest form of weather in the U.S —worse than hurricanes or floods. To address the growing health risks of EXTREME EXTREME rising temperatures, the County Board of Commissioners declared HF47 I FHEAT May 25-31, 2025, as Heat Awareness Week, and the County WATCH WARNING BE PBFPA RED! launched a four-month "Beat the Heat" campaign in May to help llaomoHm L iImq Fn71irii iIN residents stay safe by sharing multilingual information on heat risks heel,' w! Hr,i1,&. and prevention. :-tthl lem?a.�Rl GRiI GGIiM1 Iii NON Heat Action Plan :aA4 .�.,. Given the urgent need to prepare for extreme heat as rising temperatures threaten public health and safety across the region, Orange County worked together with the towns of Hillsborough, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill to develop a Heat Action Plan to better prepare for and respond to heat. The North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency recognized our multi-jurisdictional plan as the "gold standard" for emerging heat plans statewide. Duke Energy Foundation Grant Orange County's Sustainability Office received a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to identify local heat islands—areas made significantly warmer by limited tree cover and extensive heat-retaining surfaces—and to plant trees in those neighborhoods. With the help of Trees for the Triangle, the project partners directly with families living in heat-affected areas to expand tree canopy, strengthen community connections, and increase awareness of how trees reduce F extreme heat and combat climate change. This initiative represents an important step toward the County's Climate Action goal of planting 10,000 trees over 10 years. N,, k Trees for the Triangle staff planting a tree in Orange County 10 12 People Power Many people, in addition to the Sustainability staff, contributed to the progress of the Climate Action Plan. Below, we provide the 2025 community engagement metrics and highlight some of the key individuals that supported sustainability efforts in 2025. 2025 Engagement • 648 Community Members We Spoke With • 349 Volunteer Hours Volunteers Volunteers are helping sustainability information reach more people. Their help makes events like Repair Cafe possible. Some of our volunteers help with education and outreach such as EV ambassadors who attend events with their electric vehicles to engage the public, answer questions, and showcase all the different features of their EVs. Interns The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill EcoStudio interns provide important support for our sustainability efforts, and our team is passionate about mentoring them by offering real-world opportunities to develop creative solutions, engage with the community, and make lasting impacts in the fight against climate change. Providing these hands-on experiences inspires and prepares the next generation of leaders to pursue careers in climate action. Annie Georgeson Annie developed two training modules for Orange County staff. During the spring, she created a module on anti-idling, and in the fall, she developed a sustainability training titled Sustainability 101. She also helped launch the Green Team. Elizabeth Gold During the fall semester, Elizabeth contributed to the development of Orange County's EV Playbook, assembled water and energy conservation kits to serve as community resources, and explored ways to bring the Orange County Climate Action Plan to life. Lily Knudsen Lily collaborated with the Heat Action Cohort to update a Heat Action Plan for Orange County and analyzed heat-related illness and EMS call data in the County. She also performed tree-planting outreach, inviting Orange County residents in heat-stressed neighborhoods to receive a free tree through a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. Sofia LeMoal Sofia collaborated with the Heat Action Cohort to update the Heat Action Plan for Orange County. She also supported the development of the County's Heat Task Force to gather community input and led educational and outreach efforts. Yuguo Tan Yuguo used mapping and spatial analysis to identify potential locations to plant trees in Orange County where there are single-family homes in disadvantaged communities that have higher heat risk. 11 13 Boards & Commissions Commission for the Environment The Commission for the Environment supports Orange County sustainability efforts by scoring the Community Climate Action Grants every year. They also amplify our reach by doing outreach, disseminating information, and in 2025, they also co-developed the RIPPLE awards (You can read more about these awards on the last page.). Human Relations Commission The Human Relations Commission helps score the Community Climate Action Grants every year. Partners & Collaborators Many collaborations and partnerships contribute to our success. We worked with the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough on many initiatives like the newly developed Heat Action Plan and Leave Your Leaves. We also continued to partner with Durham and Granville Counties for the EBERP project. The ArtsCenter Sustainability partnered with The ArtsCenter in Carrboro ldsx—w-- 4)-r ORANGE COUNTY COUNTY 0 to host Down to Earth!, an art and sustainability exhibition ORANGE held from early March through late April 2025. The exhibit showcased works by local artists created from recycled, natural, and sustainable materials, alongside NC pieces exploring themes of environmental conservation, climate change, and human impacts on the planet. Artists were recognized with awards for their creative down to contributions. This collaboration blended artistic eiwth 1. expression with environmental education, engaging the community and raising awareness of sustainability issues through creative reuse and visual storytelling. MARCH 7-4PRIL 27,2025 The Hussman School of Journalism The UNC Hussman School of Journalism helped us design a Year of Electrification campaign. In a Social Marketing Campaigns class, students did group projects where they developed a Year Of Electrification campaign for either homeowners or for property managers. Each student group conducted audience research through interviews, focus groups and surveys. These campaigns will help Orange County encourage the public to move toward electrification in their homes and businesses via vehicles, bikes, landscaping equipment, cars, appliances and buildings. Food Share Program The Orange County School Food Share pilot program launched in five schools with strong results. Through a partnership among the schools, SCHLthe Orange County Extension Office, Solid Waste Services, and the F0 )D Sustainability Team, the program rescues unopened cafeteria food and makes it available to students instead of sending it to the landfill. SHARE Students can leave or take approved items from pantry carts and refrigerators throughout the school day or after school while waiting ORANGE COUNTY for a late ride. Hungry children can supplement a meal or get a healthy snack such as fresh apple slices, carrots with hummus, or bananas. 12 14 Community Outreach & Education Our Sustainability team (staff, volunteers and interns) was spreading the word and inspiring action at public events like Earth Evening, the Orange County Agriculture Summit, Summer Reading Kickoff, and UNC Climate Action Day. We also shared information through our quarterly newsletter and through graphics distributed both digitally and in print. Projects & Progress Events Orange County Sustainability set up information booths at 12 events this year. Three new events we participated in were the Summer Reading Kickoff, the Efland Cheeks Community Center Back to School Event, and the Orange County Staff Appreciation Celebration. Communications In addition to publishing our digital newsletter, the Climate Connection (www.orangecountync.gov/ClimateConnection), and updating our web pages, we also encourage sustainable behaviors and share information on a variety of topics through digital media and other outlets. Some of the subjects we covered in 2025 were sustainable swag, food waste, and sustainable school supplies. Below are a few examples of graphics that we shared with the community in 2025. Dwee'k'"' COMP0Sss •' ' o Why you should compost at home: , 1 50 •Less waste •The sail loves it! ' " �� -- Limits harmful landfill gases •No need to buy fertilizer j A1C YESI Fruit,& eggte, Pet litter �` v r� '�a i� s t 1 7_0 �60 rice Dairy products �g 40 Bread Bones Coffee grounds B,firters • w a fish Orange County Food Waste Drop-Offsites accept meat/fish, PO dairy,andsmall bones.Forlocations and morelnfo,goto _—a orangecountync.gov/Compost SI AINABILIT1f 6a waar Visitor angecountync.gov/Heat for Heat Safety Information! AIR QUALITY AWARENESS .loin NATIONAL BIKE MONTH! Reasons To Bike More: Bike,walk, How To Keep C Mope the ride the bus, •�� shipping or carpool ` Our Air Clean option with Save money on gas Better your health Avoid traffic p less packages •�' Meet people- See new places r. join a biking club! �. Fix your Combine ' car when errands to needed drive less r Don't top off r Turn off your your gas tank- car when stop after the rs y stopped for a click while =— ORANGE COUNTY RI H0WlillOsUsT0 AB0�0TY ORANGE COUNTY ORANGE CO1INA SUSTAINABILITY NORTH CAROLINA NONG CARU 13 15 Community Climate Action Grant Program The Community Climate Action Grant Program is driving impactful projects Community Climate that reduce greenhouse gas emissions APPLY Y. and make a lasting positive impact in our Action Grant Program community. Open to all public and The Community Climate Action Grant Program is dedicated to accelerating climate change mitigation actions in Orange County. Applications must nonprofit entities, as well as small All public and non-profit entities and small businesses are be received by businesses, this program is key to eligible to apply. P g Y August 15,2025. engagingll s in We are looking for great project ideas that help ocagroups climate acreduce greenhouse gas emissions and make a and maximizing Orange County's efforts positive impact in our community. to combat climate change. In 2025, we received 16 applications �► , from nonprofits, small businesses and public organizations whose total ` r requests added up to $619,095. In the , Formoreinformation,visitwww.orangecountync.gov/CCAG 2025-2026 fiscal year, eight incredible ORANGE COUNTY Or contact orange CountySustainahllltyatsustainabitity@orangecountync.gov NORTH CAROLINA projects were awarded $267,750 to help move us closer to a greener, more sustainable future. Together, these eight projects will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 22,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide over their lifetime — equivalent to taking about 4,800 gasoline-powered cars off the road for one year. By supporting these initiatives, the grant program empowers community groups to take action, creating a more significant collective impact on our climate goals. We're thrilled to be a part of these exciting projects and can't wait to see the positive changes they bring to our community. NUMBERFISCAL OF . ■ . ■ AWARDS AMOUNT 2019-2020 4 $469,272 ,t 2020-2021 6 $478,657 2021-2022 7 $536,665 2022-2023 7 $550,1501, 2023-2024 8 $564,085 2024-2025 7 $262,500 2025-2026 gUrban Sustainability Solutions students at work $267,750 on a green infrastructure project So far, the program has awarded $3,129,079 across 47 projects. 14 16 Looking Ahead Green Team The new Green Team brings together staff from across County departments to spark ideas, share best practices, and advance more sustainable and resilient operations. Members collaborate to find creative ways to save energy, reduce waste, and champion projects that make a meaningful difference for both employees and the community. The initiative launched in early 2026 with a "Waste Wise" lunch in partnership with Solid Waste Services, demonstrating how departments can host waste-wise events and embed sustainability into everyday operations. Sustainability 101 Training The new Sustainability 101 training module will be part of every employee's onboarding. In it, we will walk through the goals outlined in Orange County's Climate Action Plan, the progress the County has made so far, and—most importantly—what each OC employee can do to help move those climate goals forward. Ripple Awards Working with the Commission for the Environment, we are beginning a new environmental recognition program called the R'PPLq4 RIPPLE Awards—Recognizing Innovative Rerqnu,. mtwPmp1Prolmigl-IlEw. ends People Protecting Local Environments. The Do you know a person,organization,or business t that's creating a ripple effect of positive 41, goal of the awards is to recognize and environmental change? celebrate individuals and groups that are Nominate them for the RIPPLE Award— w celebrating local leadership driving environmental, s making a meaningful impact within Orange climate,and sustainability progress in Orange County. Honoring the ripple effect—where local actions County on climate change, protecting nature, createlastingchange. E and promoting sustainability. The first round of awards will be in 2026 in the following r r lr=MV IR M n r categories: Community Environmental Excellence Award, Environmental Leadership in Government Award, Individual Environmental Impact Award, Next Generation Environmental Leadership Award (for individuals ages 12-25), and Sustainable Business Impact Award. Other Programs Listed below are some of 1 programs . initiatives we are planning on. FleetUpdated Greenhouse Gas Inventory Solar roof installation on Southern Human Services building and Cedar Grove Community Center buildings EV . Charging Infrastructure Study Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Heavy-Duty Truck Grant 15