HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Agenda Packet 2019-12-11
MEETING AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION
321 East Fifth Street
December 11, 2019 6:00 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
IV. ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS/OTHER BUSINESS
1. Discussion Item: Climate Action Plan Subcommittee Logistics
Review of other city’s plans and discussion on how to move forward
V. ADJOURNMENT
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Environment & Conservation
Introduction
Anacortes is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Residents identify
marine shorelines, streams, lakes, forested areas, and other natural features as
defining features of the City. Preservation of these natural features is
identified the community as an important priority. This policy is expressed
through the goals and polices that support environmental stewardship,
protection of habitat areas, and preservation of surface and groundwater
quality.
The Environment & Conservation Element addresses numerous sustainability
and healthy community goals and policies, including air quality, water quality,
tree cover, and sustainable development practices.
The Environment and Conservation Element Supporting Analysis/Background
Information contains the background data and analysis for this element.
Goals & Policies
Goal EC-1. Environmental protection. Serve as a leader in environmental stewardship of the natural environment for current and future generations.
Policy EC‐1.1. Recognize the inter‐relationship of natural systems, people and
the economy and promote integrated and interdisciplinary approaches for
environmental planning and assessment.
Policy EC‐1.2. Work cooperatively with local, state, regional and federal
governments and community organizations to protect and enhance the
environment. Encourage participation in local and national organizations such
as Tree City USA.
Policy EC‐1.3. Promote and lead public education and involvement programs
to raise public awareness about and involvement in environmental issues,
advocate respect for the environment and demonstrate how individual actions
and the cumulative effect of a community’s actions can have significant effects
on the environment.
A. Establish and promote an ongoing volunteer program in and out of our
schools aimed at educating residents and visitors with speakers, programs
and written information. This program shall promote stewardship of
Fidalgo Island.
B. Develop and implement a program aimed specifically at reduction of litter
and other nuisances.
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C. Support and encourage citizen involvement in backyard wildlife habitat
programs, forest education programs, tree preservation, and shoreline
stewardship programs.
D. Water conservation and water recycling shall be high priorities in the
City’s Water System Plan.
E. Maintain a continually updated list of City, County and State planning,
environmental and development documents at City Hall and the
Anacortes Public Library for public review.
F. Publish and make available information to help private property owners
maintain property in its historic or undeveloped state, such as tax
benefits, the Nature Conservancy, Skagit Land Trust, City Historic
Preservation Board saleback and leaseback, property donation, property
exchange, cluster development, and transferrable development rights.
G. Implement the educational provisions of the Critical Areas Ordinance.
Policy EC‐1.4. Actively work with local, regional, and state agencies and
private entities, to acquire larger tracts of key open lands in the region,
including through such programs as transfer of development rights (TDR).
Policy EC‐1.5. Identify/inventory areas of aesthetic, educational, historical,
cultural and/or biological significance, encourage their preservation, and
regulate development which could cause significant deterioration of these
qualities.
Policy EC‐1.6. Provide opportunities for residents to have access to
undeveloped natural areas where appropriate.
Goal EC-2. Marine waters and shorelines. Enhance and preserve the City’s shoreline areas and marine resources while accommodating uses reasonable and appropriate to shorelines.
Policy EC‐2.1. Adhere to the goals and policies outlined in the City of
Anacortes Shoreline Master Program (ASMP).
Policy EC‐2.2. Maintain, enhance and increase the public’s physical and visual
access to shorelines and tidelands.
Policy EC‐2.3. Develop a recreational and wildlife corridor along the Guemes
Channel with links to other natural areas including ACFL, Ship Harbor, and
Washington Park.
Policy EC‐2.4. Work to preserve and restore forage fish spawning areas as
shown in the Fidalgo Bay Sub‐Area Plan and its restoration element.
Policy EC‐2.5. Water dependent and water related uses should be allowed to
continue to locate and expand in industrial, commercial, and commercial
marine zones.
Policy EC‐2.6. Soft armoring of shorelines is generally preferred over riprap or
hard armoring.
Policy EC‐2.7. Plan to implement shoreline restoration and enhancement
projects where natural shorelines have been altered.
Policy EC‐2.8. City owned right of ways or street ends that afford access to, or
views of, marine shorelines should be evaluated for suitability of street end
parks and wildlife corridors, and the vacation of such should be avoided in
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most cases. Those street ends which lend themselves to park use should be
considered for development as such. The City street vacation policy shall
reflect this intent.
Goal EC-3. Natural hazards. Protect people, property and the environment in areas of natural hazards.
Policy EC‐3.1. Protect, and where possible, enhance or restore existing
shoreline and other flood‐prone areas.
Policy EC‐3.2. When development occurs within the 100‐year floodplain, seek
to minimize risk to people, property and the environment.
Policy EC‐3.3. Promote soil stability through retention of existing vegetation.
Policy EC‐3.4. Manage development in erosion hazard areas to minimize
erosion.
Policy EC‐3.5. Avoid potential impacts to life and property by strictly limiting
land disturbance and development in landslide hard areas.
Policy EC‐3.6. Support and promote seismic hazard preparedness efforts.
Policy EC‐3.7. Reduce the City’s exposure to landslides, tsunamis,
earthquakes; minimize reliance on federal and state programs for disaster
mitigation; and protect public and private property, save lives, and use
community resources wisely.
Policy EC‐3.8. Integrate regulatory standards such as buffers and setbacks
with hazard avoidance measures.
Policy EC‐3.9. Coordinate hazard vulnerability assessments with programs for
purchase or preservation of open space.
Policy EC‐3.10. Update hazard mitigation and disaster plans a minimum of
every five years as a joint effort with Skagit County in coordination with local
agencies.
Policy EC‐3.11. Coordinate related activities of City departments with the
County, State, and Federal agencies.
Policy EC‐3.12. Continue to compile and revise mapping of vulnerable areas by
using City, County, State, and Federal databases. As additional surveying and
other data collection is produced for infrastructure improvements, integrate
this information into the mapping system. Update mapped hazard
designations based on “real world” information as it becomes available.
Policy EC‐3.13. Revise the Zoning, Subdivision, Critical areas regulations and
the regulations portion of the Shoreline Master Program to incorporate hazard
avoidance provisions and assure consistency of definitions and mapping.
Policy EC‐3.14. Continue to update and maintain the City’s GIS database
inventory of city infrastructure.
Policy EC‐3.15. Support public outreach programs to ensure the citizenry is
aware of potential natural hazards and emergency procedures that are in
place.
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Goal EC-4. Water quality. Protect and enhance water quality.
Policy EC‐4.1. Work with neighboring jurisdictions and other partners to
maintain and restore natural hydrological functions on a drainage basin level.
Policy EC‐4.2. Promote the sustainable use of water resources, including
conservation efforts.
Policy EC‐4.3. Prevent pollution of surface and groundwater resources
through regulations, programs and public education.
Policy EC‐4.4. Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of City sewer
infrastructure according to public works policies to minimize impacts to
surface and groundwater.
Policy EC‐4.5. Require new development to utilize stormwater best
management practices, such as low impact development and other natural
drainage techniques.
Policy EC‐4.6. Strive to minimize impervious surfaces in the City.
Policy EC‐4.7. Encourage the proper use and maintenance of existing on‐site
septic systems and encourage connection to sanitary sewer whenever
possible.
Policy EC‐4.8. Protect and preserve areas that are critical for aquifer recharge,
such as wetlands, streams and water bodies.
Policy EC‐4.9. Strive for “no net loss” of wetland acreage, function and value
within each drainage basin over the long term.
EC-5. Fish & Wildlife. Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.
Policy EC‐5.1. Identify, plan for and preserve habitat areas, including wildlife
corridors and areas with healthy native ecosystems, through development
regulations and as part of the Parks, Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Policy EC‐5.2. Participate in regional species protection efforts, including
salmon habitat protection and restoration.
Policy EC‐5.3. Encourage the removal of invasive species and the replanting of
natural vegetation.
Policy EC‐5.4. With the exception of habitat improvements, stream alterations
should only occur when absolutely necessary and should minimize adverse
impacts to aquatic life.
EC-6. Surface water. Maintain or improve the functional integrity of water-courses, wetlands, bodies of water and their shores by keeping them in their existing natural condition where appropriate or restoring them as appropriate.
Policy EC‐6.1. Streams and wetlands should be examined in a basin‐wide
approach before adjustments to the system are considered.
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Policy EC‐6.2. Significant fills and excavations, which by their nature affect
both surface and groundwater dynamics and habitat, shall be allowed only by
permit process.
Policy EC‐6.3. Inventory all significant drainage patterns and make this
information available to City planners and residents.
Policy EC‐6.4. Place appropriate restrictions on land surface modifications and
tree removal that would cause unnecessary landscape scarring, hydrology
modifications, erosion, or undermining of support of nearby land, including,
but not limited to, dredging, filling, clearing, paving, and grading.
EC-7. Trees. Recognize the importance of mature trees as an integral part of the ecology and heritage of the city.
Policy EC‐7.1. Retention of mature trees should be an essential consideration
in project development and building plans.
Policy EC‐7.2. Encourage regulations which assist in preserving trees and
develop regulatory penalties for unauthorized tree removal.
Policy EC‐7.3. Education practices will encourage the planting and retention of
trees.
Policy EC‐7.4. Maintain and enhance a street tree maintenance program on
arterial streets and City–owned trees.
Policy EC‐7.5. Encourage community residents and property owners to
preserve the tree canopy within existing neighborhoods.
Policy EC‐7.6. Consider allowing off‐site options for replanting and restoration
in order to meet tree retention requirements and achieve tree canopy
coverage.
EC-8. Sustainability. Increase the sustainability and efficiency of building practices in Anacortes.
Policy EC‐8.1. Energy conservation shall be a goal in the design or remodeling
of commercial, public and residential building.
Policy EC‐8.2. Promote the use of environmentally friendly construction
practices, such as those specified under certification systems such as
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), __________.
Policy EC‐8.3. Consider developing incentives for construction or remodeling
of structures to utilize state of the art energy conservation techniques
(including, but not limited to, insulation, passive energy design, co‐generation).
Policy EC‐8.4. Encourage projects that utilize green energy strategies and
innovative approaches to conserving resources by providing incentives such as
flexibility in meeting regulatory requirements.
Policy EC‐8.5. Promote sustainable building management and maintenance
practices.
Policy EC‐8.6. Encourage conversion of existing low‐efficiency building stock to
cost‐effective and environmentally sensitive alternative technologies and
energy sources.
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Policy EC‐8.7. Continue to adopt the latest energy codes.
Policy EC‐8.8. Work with Puget Sound Energy to encourage conservation in
street lighting and other public and private uses and supp ort programs that
encourage renewable energy production.
Policy EC‐8.9. Become a leader in innovative energy efficiency and reduction
strategies through support and implementation of programs such as the City of
Anacortes Community Energy Plan.
Goal EC-9. Air quality.
Policy EC‐9.1. Promote compliance with federal and state air pollution control
laws and improvements to regional air quality in cooperation with the
Northwest Clean Air Agency.
Policy EC‐9.2. Maintain high air quality through land use and transportation
planning and management.
Policy EC‐9.3. Reduce the amount of airborne particulates through a street
sweeping program, dust abatement on construction sites, covered loads of
hauled materials, and other methods to reduce dust sources.
Goal EC-10. Noise.
Policy EC‐10.1. Maintain noise regulations to limit noise to levels that protect
the public health and that allow residential, commercial, industrial and
manufacturing areas to be used for their intended purposes.
Policy EC‐10‐.2. Ensure that mixed‐use developments are designed and
operated to minimize noise impacts. Measures may include provisions
controlling uses, design and construction measures, and timing requirements.
Policy EC‐10.3. Require buffering or other noise reduction and mitigation
measures to reduce noise impacts from Commercial and Industrial zones on
residential areas.
Goal EC-11. Light Pollution. Reduce light pollution.
Policy EC‐11.1. Minimize and manage ambient light levels to protect the
integrity of ecological systems and public health without compromising public
safety and cultural expression.
Policy EC‐11.2. Design and construct night lighting to minimize glare and to
avoid spillover onto nearby properties.
Policy EC‐11.3. Minimize overhead lighting that would shine on the water
surface of the City’s shorelines or streams. Encourage the use of pedestrian
level or shaded lighting when providing lighting along the Tommy Thompson
and Guemes Channel Trail.
Policy EC‐11.4. Establish design standards and other regulations, where
appropriate, that employ “dark skies” approaches.
EC- 12. Food security. Promote a resilient local food system.
Policy EC‐12.1. Support efforts to identify vulnerabilities and formulate
strategies to increase food resilience.
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Policy EC‐12.2. Support community workshops and educational programs
regarding local food production.
Policy EC‐12.3. Promote increased access to locally‐grown foods by providing
space for community gardens, encouraging backyard gardens, and encouraging
the location of fresh food markets and community food gardens in close
proximity to multifamily uses and transit facilities.
EC-13. Climate Change. Anacortes should be a regional leader in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
Policy EC‐13.1. Support local community and multi‐jurisdictional efforts to
raise awareness, address the impacts of, and develop solutions to the
challenges of climate change.
Policy EC‐13.2. Consider a multi‐pronged approach to climate change
adaptation and mitigation, including support for energy efficiency (Anacortes
Community Energy Plan), promotion of “green energy”, vehicle trip reduction,
and environmental protection.
Policy EC‐13.3. Advocate for administrative practices, land use patterns,
transportation systems, and building practices that will reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
Policy EC‐13.4. Initiate efforts to identify potential local climate change
impacts on built, natural and human systems and conduct a vulnerability
assessment.
Policy EC‐13.5. Promote community resiliency through the development of
climate change adaptation strategies.
Policy EC‐13.6. Recognize that the information surrounding climate change is
constantly evolving and track the best available science to use for planning
purposes.
Policy EC‐13.7. Consider climate change impacts when conducting review of
proposed land use and transportation actions and programs.
Policy EC‐13.8. Support local community efforts to raise awareness and
develop solutions to the challenges of climate change.
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Lara J. Hansen, Ph.D., EcoAdapt
Stacey Justus Nordgren, M.A., Foresight Partners Consulting
Eric E. Mielbrecht, M.S., EcoAdapt
Bainbridge Island, WA ~ 2016
www.EcoAdapt.org
Bainbridge Island
Climate Impact Assessment
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Acknowledgements:
EcoAdapt would like to thank the Bainbridge Community Foundation for their generous support and
belief in the importance of this project. We are also grateful to Sustainable Bainbridge and the City of
Bainbridge Island staff, City Council and Planning Commission for their partnership in conducting the
community elicitation workshop in November 2015. Thanks to the 54 community members who
participated in that workshop, sharing their time, wisdom and ideas to make the Bainbridge Island
Climate Impact Assessment more informed. This Assessment would also not be what it is were it not for
our reviewers Michael Cox and Cami Apfelbeck.
Finally, we dedicate this report to the past, current and future members of the Bainbridge Island
community. Our aim is that the Bainbridge Island Climate Impact Assessment will sustain the legacy of
our past, challenge the imagination of our present and foster the survival of our future.
Preferred citation:
Hansen, L.J., S.J. Nordgren and E.E. Mielbrecht. 2016. Bainbridge Island Climate Impact Assessment.
EcoAdapt, Bainbridge Island, WA.
Cover photo credit: Lara Hansen
Mitigation and Adaptation
There are essential roles for both climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in Bainbridge Island’s
actions relating to climate change, including in our Comprehensive Plan.
“Mitigation responses aim to reduce the rate and extent of climatic change caused by greenhouse
gas emissions, while adaptation responses address the effects of climate change by increasing
resilience and/or decreasing vulnerability. Combined, these two approaches create a comprehensive,
integrated strategy for addressing climate change.” (Central Puget Sound Regional Open Space
Strategy 2015)
Mitigation can be achieved through approaches such as higher-density development, reducing vehicle
miles traveled, non-motorized transit, green building techniques, and renewable energy sourcing.
Adaptation addresses the effects of climate change (including sea level rise, altered precipitation
pattern with related flood and drought, increasing temperature) through approaches such as low-impact
development; climate certified zoning, permitting & procurement; and climate-savvy hazard mitigation.
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Executive Summary
Why does Bainbridge Island need a Climate Impact Assessment?
By explicitly considering climate change in local planning and decision-making, Bainbridge Island will be
on a path to a resilient future. These actions must start today as the decisions currently being made will
set the stage for our ability to respond in the future. The broader vision and hope for this Climate
Impact Assessment is that the guidance contained herein will enable the City of Bainbridge Island
(COBI) to effectively adapt to the implications of a changing climate in the coming decades.
Communities need to know how to begin planning for climate change. One guiding premise of this
Assessment is that:
Communities can make good decisions when they have information and know what questions to ask.
Let’s break that down.
Communities: That means all community members, not just City Council members, not just City
department staff, but every member of the community in whatever their capacity — teacher, retailer,
physician, developer, emergency service provider, landscaper, student, you name it.
Good decisions: Good decisions are the ones that get you to good outcomes now and into the future.
They don’t trade short-term gains for long-term problems. They demonstrate prudent use of community
time and money in order to achieve community benefit and meet our collective goals.
Information: This means not just reflecting on what you want or what you think, but doing research to
learn what is the state of knowledge and analysis to determine how that knowledge applies to local
conditions and goals.
Questions: Sometimes the best place for a community to use information is by asking the questions that
will illuminate the path to a good decision.
The Bainbridge Island Climate Impact Assessment (BICIA) is a resource to guide the community to the
relevant and applied information to help us ask the questions that will lead us to climate-informed
decisions. Users of the BICIA should be able to find pertinent climate information, formulate questions
to help them evaluate the implications of climate change for their own work or interests, and make
climate-savvy decisions that will generate the best long-term outcomes for our community — its
businesses, schools, services, recreation, ecosystems and individuals.
What is within this Bainbridge Island Climate Impact Assessment (BICIA)?
Using the framework of local comprehensive planning, the Washington State Comprehensive Plan
requirements, and the existing 2004 Bainbridge Island Comprehensive Plan, which is actively
undergoing an update and review by the City, this Climate Impact Assessment was developed to enable
the understanding and inclusion of anticipated climate change impacts into the local long-range
planning by Bainbridge Island government officials and citizens.
This Assessment is presented in three main sections:
1. Impacts of Climate Change for Bainbridge Island. This report summarizes the climate change
impacts expected to affect Bainbridge Island in terms of six impact areas: temperature,
precipitation/storminess, sea level rise, vegetation change, ocean acidification and slope
stability. Table 1, Climate Change Implications for Comprehensive Plan Elements, identifies the
impacts of each of these six areas on the element areas within the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
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There will always be uncertainty in climate information, however this should not stop or delay
action. Climate change will alter the circumstances upon which everyone makes decisions; to
continue making durable and resilient choices one needs to overlay the expected impacts onto
an issue area, determine what the implications of climate change will be, and then to act in a
way that will allow for durable and resilient choices, development and investment.
2. Climate Change Implications for Various Areas of Interest. Climate adaptation planning requires
one to understand how climate change will impact the baseline information used to make
decisions within any area of expertise. Then, to understand how that baseline information will
change over time. Lastly, in order to adapt to climate change local government officials and
others need to accommodate that change in their planning, permitting, and fiscal decision-
making.
This section of the Assessment is organized by Comprehensive Plan element. It provides details
about each climate impact and how it will have implications on an elements’ concerns (see
Tables 2–8, Implications from Climate Change). Questions are provided for each element that
should be asked and discussed by the community at large and local decision-makers. Doing so
will imbed climate change into our thinking and enable us to adapt to likely implications.
3. What we need to do Now: Take Actions with Real Impact. This Assessment leads up to what is
perhaps the most important section – suggested actions for Bainbridge Island. Table 9,
Adaptation Planning Implementation, lays out climate adaptation implementation measures
that are called for. Three are called out as the primary actions that will begin to allow for future
adaptation. They are:
Action One: Create a Climate Change Task Force. This involves designation of the leaders,
managers and staff that should incorporate climate change and community resilience into
their duties. This will enable climate change considerations to be mainstreamed into the
actions and decisions of Bainbridge Island into the future.
Action Two: Develop and require a Climate Assessment Certification (CAC). This requires
evidence that any project proponent (including the City of Bainbridge Island) has assessed
future site/operating conditions and determined climate readiness, including the avoidance of
projected vulnerabilities. Such certification should be applied to and required prior to any
fiscal or permitting decision.
Action Three: Apply your understanding of how climate change will affect Bainbridge Island.
Use the BICIA and Table 9 in particular to support these efforts.
1. Integrate climate information into all decision-making processes and continuously
update access and understanding of the latest climate-relevant information.
2. Map all known and future vulnerable areas, showing overlays/intersections with critical
facilities, ecosystems and infrastructure. This visual tool will enable us to apply our
understanding of the climate changes that will have a locational effect on Bainbridge
Island. Many implications of climate change cannot be mapped, however for those that
can be pinpointed they should be made clear.
3. Track the application and efficacy of climate-savvy actions in order to modify and update
as needed to keep Bainbridge Island on a path to resilience.
How can local government use the BICIA?
The BICIA offers focused, applicable products and process for developing climate-savvy local planning
and management. Figure 1 below shows the process undertaken to develop the BICIA. Major
components included a community elicitation process, whereby local knowledge and community values
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were gathered to infuse the BICIA with innovative community-driven solutions. The community
workshop (held at Bainbridge Island City Hall on November 18, 2015) enabled citizen access to
informational materials and one-on-one engagement that helped to build local capacity and climate
literacy and began to help individuals apply that to what they each care about. An intended outcome of
this workshop and this project is to provide information and guiding questions so the community can
create a more resilient Bainbridge Island in the face of climate change. If used, it can lead the City to
effectively manage the changing conditions in the decades to come.
Figure 1. The BICIA
process, shown here, uses
existing information that
is freely accessible by all
community members and
community engagement
in order to provide a tool
for use by all Bainbridge
Islanders in their own
work, as well as in the
update of the
Comprehensive Plan. This
process will also provide
guidance for other
communities.
Rather than creating a stand-alone climate change plan for the City of Bainbridge Island (COBI), this
process encourages the integration of climate change information directly into existing decision-making
processes such that all decisions are climate informed and can benefit from the latest information,
because climate change is a topic of emerging information and has implications for virtually every facet
of our lives.
What is the intent of this Climate Impact Assessment?
The BICIA provides the foundation for the City and its citizens to create a more resilient Bainbridge
Island in the face of climate change, by giving a framework for regular integration of climate impacts
and implications into all local activities, including the update of the Comprehensive Plan. As individuals,
as a community and as a society, we need to plan for climate change, just as we plan for future growth,
social needs and economic trends. Doing so within a community’s Comprehensive Plan is logical and
appropriate.
The BICIA is intended to guide both government and citizens to incorporate climate change
considerations into all activities. COBI can use the BICIA to do the following:
• Inform the Comprehensive Plan update and implementation processes;
• Assist with planning and decision making, such as siting, improvements, finance and project
design undertaken by local government agencies including City of Bainbridge Island, Bainbridge
Island Police Department, Bainbridge Island School District, and Bainbridge Island Metropolitan
Park and Recreation District; and,
• Assist with public/private partnerships, such as business improvement, transportation, and housing.
Local government decisions can help improve local community outcomes, but the decisions each citizen
makes have implications for their own lives as well as our collective community resilience. The BICIA
contains information and ideas that can help us all make more informed and effective decisions in light
of climate change. See the following box, What Can Community Members Do, for ideas.
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WHAT CAN COMMUNITY MEMBERS DO?
1) Inform yourself. Resources to get you started include:
• An interview with Dr. Lara Hansen, EcoAdapt, by Bainbridge Community Broadcasting, providing
information on climate change and Bainbridge Island (bestofbcb.org/cafe-031-ecoadapt-helps-cobi-
comp-plan-to-adapt-to-climate-change/);
• Guides to evaluating the climate vulnerability of a Comprehensive Plan element. See Element Briefs
available at EcoAdapt.org/workshops/BICIA-workshop;
• Puget Sound regional climate change impacts reports (Mauger et al. 2015), available at
cses.washington.edu/picea/mauger/ps-sok/PS-SoK_2015.pdf;
• Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association’s website, including their “Ten Big Ideas,”
the first of which is to address climate change: www.washington-apa.org/address-climate-change.
2) Help the City incorporate climate change into all activities:
• Encourage the Planning Commission to add all climate-savvy recommendations into the 2016
Comprehensive Plan update.
• Ensure that the Comprehensive Plan recommendations become part of local code and practice.
• Be the voice that asks about climate change when decisions are being made.
3) Make your own climate-savvy decisions at home, school and work
• Consider how you can make a contribution to mitigation and adaptation on Bainbridge Island. There
are goals, policies and actions within the BICIA that translate to your business or home. Modify what
you see here for your own needs. Make your personal ecosystem climate savvy and durable.
• Take every opportunity you have to plan for climate change in building, maintenance and
transportation choices, including:
energy efficiency,
landscape and lawn care choices,
facilities siting and design,
encouraging non-motorized transport and car-pooling, and
conservation measures including reducing consumption and selecting smallest-footprint
products.
• Encourage your child’s school to:
Have a climate change curriculum that includes understanding of climate-relevant STEM
topics, implications of climate change for society and opportunities to improve outcomes for
their future.
• Encourage your community groups (e.g. religious or social organizations) to:
Make community projects climate savvy for long-term success, including activities across the
spectrum from social service support to recreational planning.
• Ensure that your business is climate savvy:
Improve your energy and water efficiency to reduce current and future costs;
Work to improve or select for a more stable supply chain, including transportation links;
Plan for climate change in building, maintenance and transportation choices, including
energy efficiency, landscape choices and other conservation measures and
Incorporate the premise that a stable, less climate-vulnerable local economy could benefit
your business.
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Table of Contents
Impacts of Climate Change for Bainbridge Island ............................................................................................ 1
Temperature ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Precipitation/Storminess .............................................................................................................................. 2
Sea Level Rise ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Vegetation Changes ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Ocean Acidification ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Slope Stability (confounded by climate change) ........................................................................................ 7
Climate Change Implications for Various Areas of Interest ........................................................................... 11
A Framework for Adaptation: Considering impacts and implications ...................................................... 11
Land Use ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Questions to Consider for Land Use Adaptation .................................................................................... 15
Water Resources .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Questions to Consider for Water Resources Adaptation ..................................................................... 19
Environment ................................................................................................................................................ 20
Questions to Consider for Environmental Adaptation.......................................................................... 22
Infrastructure - Transportation, Capital Facilities and Utilities ................................................................. 23
Transportation ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Capital Facilities ....................................................................................................................................... 23
Utilities ..................................................................................................................................................... 24
Questions to Consider for Infrastructure Adaptation ........................................................................... 28
Economic Development ............................................................................................................................... 31
Questions to Consider for Economic Adaptation .................................................................................. 33
Housing ........................................................................................................................................................ 34
Questions to Consider for Housing Adaptation .................................................................................... 36
Social Services (inclusive of human services and cultural resources) ...................................................... 37
Questions to Consider for Social Services Adaptation .......................................................................... 39
Actions with Real Impact: What We Can Do Now ......................................................................................... 40
Literature Cited ............................................................................................................................................... 46
Appendix 1: The How and Why to the Bainbridge Island Climate Impact Assessment .............................. 48
Project Activities ......................................................................................................................................... 48
Why did EcoAdapt conduct the BICIA? ...................................................................................................... 49
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Impacts of Climate Change for Bainbridge Island
The effects of climate change relevant to Bainbridge Island can be categorized in terms of six impact
areas: temperature, precipitation/storminess, sea level rise, vegetation change, ocean acidification and
slope stability.
Temperature
Regional climate has warmed over the past century, with increasing warming in the past thirty years
(Mauger et al. 2015)1. This pattern is expected to continue in the 21st century with an increase of double
to ten times as great. In degree terms, the historic average temperature for the Puget Sound lowland
region was 50.3° F between 1950 and 1999, with 1.3° F of warming by 2014. This is trend is consistent
throughout the region. Along with this warming, the frost-free season has grown longer by 30 days.
Between now and mid-century, average annual air temperatures have a +4-5.5° F projected increase,
with even greater warming possible in the years after. This warming, unlike warming observed to date,
which has not substantially affected spring temperatures, will affect all seasons, with the greatest
increase in summers.
Figure 2. Regional projections for changes in temperature and precipitation. Note current emissions trajectory
matches the RCP 8.5 curve on this graph. From Mauger et al. 2015.
Increasing temperature has implications for Bainbridge Island in many aspects of our community and
personal lives. Increasing temperatures may affect our demand for water, and it will certainly increase
the need for water by Island vegetation (natural systems, agriculture and landscaping). Increasing
temperatures will also affect our terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. They will also increase
1 State of Knowledge: Climate Change in the Puget Sound, Mauger et.al. 2015, is a report prepared by the University of
Washington’s Climate Impacts Group with a focus on the Puget Sound region and therefore with results applicable to
the Bainbridge Island.
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local incidence of heat-related illness, increase likelihood of diminished air quality, and add thermal
stress to the list of things degrading local infrastructure such as road and bridges. (Table 1)
Precipitation/Storminess
To date there has not been a long-term change in regional precipitation. However, there has been a
“modest increase” in rainfall events that are considered heavy. Going forward, year-to-year variation is
expected to be the dominant factor in precipitation for all seasons except summer, which is expected to
see declining precipitation (Mauger et al. 2015) (Figure 3). Additionally, there is an expectation for more
intense (+22%) and more frequent extreme winter precipitation events (seven events per year, up from
two events per year historically).
Figure 3. Projected percentage difference in precipitation by season for the Pacific Northwest based on six climate
scenarios (RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.0; SRES B1 and A1B). From the Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington.
Increasingly intense winter precipitation events have significant implications for all things affected by
episodic flooding. This includes homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. For example, increasing
“storminess” has the ability to overwhelm stormwater infrastructure that was designed to handle lower
flows. Intensity of precipitation also negatively affects groundwater recharge rates (faster-moving
water has less time to infiltrate) and surface water quality (heavier, faster rains pick up contaminants,
nutrients and sediments, enabling them to travel).
Declining precipitation during the summer, already our dry season, may result in decreased
groundwater recharge rates as well. These decreased rates may not be offset by more intense winter
precipitation, because periods of high flow often result in a greater percentage of the water running off
into the Sound, increased risk of vegetation or wild fires (which do already occur on Bainbridge Island;
Figure 4), and a change in the types of vegetation that can thrive on our Island.
Another concern with respect to changing precipitation patterns are the approximately 6,900 onsite
septic systems on Bainbridge Island, whose function will be affected by climate change because either
too much water or too little water adversely affects their ability to function. The remaining 1,500 of the
approximately 8,400 developed properties on-island are connected to sewer systems. The function and
use of septic systems is important to understand because their use impacts groundwater recharge.
Additionally, “increased precipitation or sea level rise may certainly affect septic system performance
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due to their impacts on shallow groundwater levels and soil saturation” (J. Kiess, Assistant
Environmental Health Director, Kitsap Public Health District, Pers. Comm., June 17, 2016).
Additional aspects of the implications of changing precipitation and storminess patterns for Bainbridge
Island are outlined in Table 1.
Figure 4. Wildfire hazards as
identified in the Bainbridge Island
Hazard Identification and
Vulnerability Assessment. This map
was created in 2010 based on an
assessment and ranking of spatial
hazards, proximity to a hydrant,
and past occurrence of vegetation
fires, which in part is related to
annual precipitation and weather.
The hazard shown here is based on
past conditions; climate changes
on top of this can result in
increased occurrences or intensity
of wildfires in some areas. From
BIFD 2012.
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Sea Level Rise
Global sea level rise and local factors are influencing sea level rise around Bainbridge Island. Over the
next century, conservative estimates show sea level rising 14 to 54 inches in our region (Mauger et al.
2015). Variability is largely due to our understanding of ice melt in Greenland and Antarctica, as global
sea level rise is due to thermal expansion as the ocean waters warm and increased volume as terrestrial
ice sources (especially Greenland and Antarctica) melt into the world’s oceans. Increases at even the
lower end of this range could seriously affect Bainbridge Island ecosystems and infrastructure,
inundating coastal habitat, flooding roads and structures, and compromising the function of
stormwater, septic and sewer systems. Areas of particular interest include the head of Eagle Harbor,
Point Monroe and Lynwood Center, as well as Bill Point, home of the former Wyckoff Company and now
an EPA Superfund site (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Point Monroe, Lynwood Center and Eagle Harbor with a projected 3m of sea level rise. From NOAA 2015.
It should be noted that shoreline planning will be directly affected by sea level rise. Shoreline Master
Programs (SMP) are local land use policies and regulations designed to manage shoreline use in
Washington State. They are prepared collaboratively by the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE)
and each shoreline community, and must comply with the Shoreline Management Act (SMA) and
Program Guidelines. SMPs are intended to “protect natural resources for future generations, provide
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for public access to public waters and shores, and plan for water-dependent uses” (WA Department of
Ecology, n.d.a website).
Currently, the SMA does not require consideration of or planning for sea level rise, and the Bainbridge
Island SMP does not either. At the time of this report, the DOE was considering updating the rules that
implement the SMA. Part of the scope under consideration is to include a new section on planning for
sea level rise, as evidenced by an April 1, 2016, DOE workshop on this topic (Talebi, Bobbak. 10 March
2016. “Re: Ecology Sea Level Rise Workshop Invitation.” Message to Christy Carr, COBI. E-mail.).
Guidelines could be amended to provide technical or procedural recommendations for jurisdictions that
elect to voluntarily address future conditions resulting from sea level rise.
Another effect of sea level rise is the potential for seawater/saltwater intrusion into Bainbridge Island’s
aquifers. The combination of rising sea level, increased extraction of water (due to population growth
and increased temperatures, each increasing demand) and decreasing recharge (due to declines in
summer precipitation, intensity of storm events, and reduced permeable surfaces) can increase the risk
of saltwater intrusion into our aquifers. Saltwater compromising an aquifer reduces or precludes that
aquifers’ utility as a source of drinking or agricultural water, possibly increasing local conflict and cost
for water resources. On Bainbridge Island there has been one reported potential occurrence of
saltwater intrusion detected in a nearshore community well causing it to be decommissioned and a new
well drilled (Bannister et al. 2016). Funding and studies are now needed to confirm whether the cause
was seawater intrusion, which would lead to mitigative or remedial actions to protect the drinking
water supply in that area (C. Apfelbeck, COBI, Pers. Comm. June 27, 2016).
In order to better understand groundwater resources, as well as future potential for saltwater intrusion,
COBI contracted with Aspect Consulting for a groundwater assessment and modeling project to: 1)
review recent groundwater data; 2) review and recommend updates and changes needed to the 2011
Bainbridge Island groundwater model by the United States Geological Survey (USGS 2011), and; 3)
evaluate scenarios supporting land-use planning including a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area assessment
and an aquifer system carrying capacity assessment (Bannister et.al. 2016). This third phase included
climate change projections by “considering three concurrent stressors on the aquifer system”: 1)
decreased groundwater recharge rates; 2) a 4-foot increase in mean sea level by the year 2100, and; 3)
increased groundwater withdrawal rates to reflect population increases (Bannister et al. 2016).
Predictive model results indicate that “groundwater from the Bainbridge Island aquifer system flows to
Puget Sound and keeps the freshwater/seawater interface at a distance from the Bainbridge Island
shoreline,” and that the “100-year simulated model results indicate no seawater intrusion and
groundwater level decreases were less than [Bainbridge] Early Warning Levels” (Bannister et al. 2016).
However, there are policy and planning implications that should follow from these findings that are
discussed below in the Water Resources section. Specifically, future conditions may prove to be
different from model parameters (e.g., future stressors may be greater than modeled) and seawater
intrusion could result locally.
It should also be noted that Bainbridge Island is home to a coastal Superfund site that involves soil and
groundwater contamination. The Wyckoff site, located at the mouth of Eagle Harbor, was evaluated for
vulnerability from climate change, especially sea level rise (EPA 2016a). Site managers are working with
the knowledge that local sea level rose approximately “8.6 inches from 1900 to 2008” and is projected
to rise up to 9.5 inches by 2030, up to 19.7 inches by 2050 and up to 60.7 inches by 2050. Over the past
several decades, projections of sea level rise have steadily increased. Therefore, prudence suggests
planning for the higher-end projections while preparing for even higher potential increases. This is
especially relevant since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has made estimates of water-level impacts
from the combination of sea level rise and 100 year extreme water levels, which have inundation at
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between 8 and 13 feet. To date there has not been any use of hydrological models to assess the
implications of sea level rise and storm events on the aquifers in the vicinity of the Wyckoff site in the
evaluation of treatment options. However, considerations around flooding and rainwater runoff have
been evaluated and are anticipated to be addressed with possible changes in outfall pipe diameter (H.
Bottcher, USEPA, Pers. Comm., June 1, 2016).
Additional aspects of the implications of sea level rise for Bainbridge Island are outlined in Table 1.
Vegetation Changes
Changes in our local climate (e.g., increasing temperatures, decreasing summer precipitation) will affect
local vegetation — forests, horticulture and agriculture. Forest distribution is projected to reduce
Douglas fir in the Puget Sound region by mid-century, with possible expansions of western hemlock,
whitebark pine and western red cedar across the Pacific Northwest (Mauger et al. 2015). Currently
Bainbridge Island has a maritime evergreen needle leaf forest; climate change is projected to result in
transition to temperate evergreen needle leaf forest or subtropical mixed forest. Summer water stress
will decrease tree growth and increase fire risk. These changing conditions (e.g. climatological, heat and
water stressed plants) are also likely to cause changes in pests. Therefore, while length of our growing
season may increase, more extreme stressful conditions (heat, drought, flooding), coupled with pest
pressure by new species and at different times may adversely affect agriculture and landscaping
species.
Figure 6. Projected vegetation changes for Bainbridge Island, based on MC1 models of A2 SRES emission scenarios.
(From DataBasin)
Local marine habitat will also see changes in flora and fauna. One area of particular concern is increasing
magnitude and frequency of Harmful Algal Blooms, which can adversely affect shellfish, marine
foodwebs and air quality. This is expected due to increasing temperature and altered pH (Mauger et al.
2015).
Additional aspects of the implications of vegetation changes for Bainbridge Island are outlined in Table
1.
Maritime evergreen needle-leaf forest Temperate evergreen
needle-leaf forest Subtropical mixed forest Temperate warm mixed forest
Warmer & Wetter
Future
2070-2099
Modeled Historic
Vegetation
1971-2000
Warmer & Drier
Future
2070-2099
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Ocean Acidification
As carbon dioxide levels increase in the atmosphere, more of carbon dioxide is absorbed by the world’s
oceans, resulting in acidification of the Puget Sound. Measurable declines in pH have already occurred
and are expected to continue (Mauger et al. 2015).
The impacts of ocean acidification on Puget Sound may be further compounded by changes in
circulation and salinity due to changing runoff (heavy precipitation, declining snowpack) and water
temperatures, and hypoxia (diminished dissolved oxygen). All of this has implications for water quality
compliance and activities that affect or rely on water quality, including aquaculture and municipal
sewage discharge compliance. Our understanding of the ramifications of ocean acidification is just
beginning, with new revelations being made regularly. Our community will need to monitor this issue in
order to plan and respond effectively. In addition to staying up to date on the emerging science and
management practices in relation to ocean acidification, we can also find out what is happening locally
by using the closest ocean acidification monitoring buoy to Bainbridge Island, located in Dabob Bay
(Dabob NANOOS ORCA buoy http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/Dabob ). This site provides a local
picture of how ocean conditions are changing and may help advise local decisions, such as marine
resource management, aquaculture planning and permitting, and run-off and discharge issues.
Additional aspects of the implications of ocean acidification for Bainbridge Island are outlined in Table 1.
Slope Stability (confounded by climate change)
Climate change has the potential to affect slope stability by increasing saturation (due to altered
precipitation intensity and timing), altering the vegetation that holds slopes together (due to altered
precipitation and increasing temperatures), increasing erosion (due to sea level rise and altered
precipitation) and undermining hillsides (due to sea level rise and flooding). As a result, it is necessary to
consider how planning, conservation and development may need to be modified due to changing slope
stability. According to the most recent building exposure risk analysis, Bainbridge Island has a significant
number of buildings (177, valued at $55 million) located within the landslide zone. Clearly this is not an
insignificant concern for local planners (FEMA 2015).
Since slope instability can threaten public and private infrastructure and natural resources, and
endanger lives, stability should be understood prior to any local permitting. Currently there are tools
provided by the Washington Department of Ecology intended to guide regional land use decisions,
although in most cases these do not incorporate climate change concerns. However localities can apply
their own knowledge of changing precipitation and sea level rise to shoreline slope stability mapping
products (Figure 7)(Coastal Zone Atlas of Washington 1979).
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Figure 7. Figure 7. Shoreline Stability and Future Sea Level Rise. Some of the areas potentially impacted by
simulated two feet sea level rise (light blue, circled in red; center). Sample areas showing slope stability concerns
(outer). Sea level rise and associated coastal erosion are likely to exacerbate shoreline stability. From the
Washington Department of Ecology (ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/femaweb/kitsap.htm) and NOAA
(coast.noaa.gov/slr).
Additional aspects of the implications of changing slope stability due to climate change for Bainbridge
Island are outlined in Table 1.
The following Climate Change Implications for Comprehensive Plan Elements table (Table 1) identifies
the climatic implications that Bainbridge Islanders can expect to affect the interests considered in each
local comprehensive plan element. This table, however, is not just useful for community planning;
anyone can use it to understand which climate impacts will affect their personal, organizational or
business choices, development decisions, capital expansions, future markets, landscaping, conservation
actions, etc.
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Table 1. Climate Change Implications for Comprehensive Plan Elements
Table 1 IMPACTS
ELEMENT Temperature Precipitation/ Storminess Sea Level Rise Vegetation Changes Ocean Acidification Slope stability Water Resources • Increased
temperature results
in increased water
use/extraction rates
• Increased
evaporation rates
• Diminished water
quality
• Changes in groundwater
recharge rates
• Alter storm water
retention &
infrastructure needs
and effects on
stormwater discharge
compliance
• Flooding effects on
water quality
• Effects on proper
function of septic &
sewage systems
• Risk of saltwater
inundation of some
aquifers and surface
waters
• Risk of salt/seawater
intrusion into aquifers
• Risk of inundating
shoreline aquatic
resources and habitat
• Changing vegetation
may require more
water, alter
hydrograph or limit
groundwater
recharge
• Loss of riparian
buffer function or
composition
• May affect sewage
and stormwater
discharge
compliance
• May negatively
affect aquaculture
• Potential negative
impacts to and loss
of flora/fauna,
particularly shellfish
• Loss of flora or new
species may alter
slope stability Land Use and Housing • Greater need for
water due to higher
temperatures
• Increased
agricultural stress
• Increased
temperature in
buildings
• Regional population
growth due to
impacts in other
regions
• Groundwater recharge
may be diminished and
further limited by
impermeable surfaces
• Potential risk to housing
stock (flooding, leaks)
• Stormwater retention
and infrastructure
needs may change
• Effects on proper
function of septic &
sewage systems
• Risk of saltwater
inundation of septic
systems and wells
• Loss of some land and
property
• Affect Shoreline
Master Plan efficacy
• Change in buffer and
green space
condition
• Limit suitability of
lands for some uses Economy • Increased costs
associated with
cooling, water and
some resources
• Possible changing
needs of heating &
cooling
• Changes in tourism
patterns
• Change in fisheries
• Increased costs
associated with water
and some resources
(food) due to less water
• Risk of flooding events
• Tourism disruption
• Service disruptions
• Increases in insurance
costs
• Increased costs for
energy
• Issues for boating and
ferries
• Cost of infrastructure
repair/retrofit
• Insurance costs
• May affect cost of
water if supply
diminished
• Changing agriculture
costs, output and
composition
• Altered energy
needs due to
changes in plant
cover
• Change in fisheries
• May affect cost of
sewage and
stormwater
treatment
• Loss/damage to
facilities and
infrastructure
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Table 1 IMPACTS
ELEMENT Temperature Precipitation/ Storminess Sea Level Rise Vegetation Changes Ocean Acidification Slope stability Environment • Thermal stress on
local habitat
• Diminished water
quality (including
nearshore marine,
including hypoxia
and harmful algal
blooms)
• Change in fisheries
• Decreased seasonal
stream flow, affects
native fish
• Stormwater systems
overwhelmed
• Recharge surface may
become insufficient
• Floodplain protection
may need to increase
• Altered fire risk
• Altered hydrograph of
estuaries and streams
• Diminished water
quality due to septic
and sewage
inundation
• Possible loss of some
protected or iconic
flora (forest,
agriculture)
• Change in fisheries
• Potential negative
impacts to and loss
of flora/fauna,
particularly shellfish
• Erosion
• Critical habitat loss Transport • Roads and bridges
adversely affected
by thermal stress
• Smog-related air
quality hazards
increase
• Heat may reduce
non-motorized
transport
• Increased risk of
flooding
• More drought may
increase non-motorized
transport, while strong
rain events may increase
auto dependence
• Inundation of coastal
roads
• Dock/harbor
infrastructure
affected
• Altered canopy cover
may reduce
protection for non-
motorized transport
• Loss or change of
vegetation near
roads may affect
road condition
(water flow, erosion)
• Loss or change of
vegetation may
affect slope stability
near roads Utilities and Capital Facilities • Changing energy
demand
• Changing energy
availability
• Capital facilities not
designed for higher
temperatures
• Increased risk of
flooding and fire
• More wind storms
increases risk of power
outage
• Septic and sewage
systems affected by
both heavy precipitation
and low-flow drought
events
• Inundation of coastal
infrastructure
• Energy demand
increases with
different % canopy
cover
• May affect sewage
and stormwater
discharge
compliance
• Infrastructure placed
in unstable locations Cultural Resources and Human Services • Increased incidence
of heat-related
illness (including
respiratory due to
adverse air quality)
• Introduction of new
disease-bearing
pests
• Potential risk to housing
stock (flooding, leaks)
• Drought and changes in
water supply leading to
rising costs
• Heightened risk of
waterborne pathogens
and bacteria from
flooding
• Loss of coastal art and
artifacts
• Changing agriculture
costs, output and
composition
• Loss of art and
artifacts
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Climate Change Implications for Various Areas of Interest
The preceding section provided an overview of the climatic changes forecast to impact our
local environment. This section intends to help Bainbridge Islanders begin adaptation
planning by enabling you to ask and answer the initial appropriate question:
What are the climate issues of concern for my area of interest and how will those issues affect
what I am planning to do?
Climate change will alter the circumstances upon which everyone makes decisions. To
continue making informed decisions one needs to overlay the expected impacts onto an
issue area and determine what the implications of climate change will be. For example, if you
are an infrastructure planner, you need to know about site conditions such as slope stability.
If you are planning for a capital investment near the shoreline, you would want to know
about future flooding and sea level rise impacts. If you are permitting or constructing
housing you should need to know about changes in average seasonal temperatures and the
impact on energy consumption. Transportation systems generate stormwater and their
function depends on its management; therefore transportation engineers and planners need
to know projected precipitation to properly design durable facilities. If you are a local first
responder, you need to know the hazards to which your community is vulnerable. This list
goes on.
Climate adaptation planning asks you to think about what baseline information you depend
on to make decisions within your area of expertise. Next, you are asked to understand how
that baseline information will change over time due to climate change. And lastly, you are
asked to accommodate that change in your planning.
A Framework for Adaptation: Considering impacts and implications
Arguably the most important goal of climate adaptation planning is to integrate climate-
informed thinking and apply the implications of climate projections into everyday decision-
making. Effective planning in the face of climate change seeks to reduce a community’s
contribution to climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and
increasing community resilience to the manifestations of climate change (adaptation) as
central organizing principles of local policymaking.
According to the APA Washington Chapter, there are three valid methods for fitting climate
change into the planning process: 1) integrating future climate considerations into all long-
term projects, 2) integrating climate change adaptation and resilience into existing planning
practices, and 3) developing a climate adaptation/resilience plan (American Planning
Association-Washington Chapter. 2015). It is also reasonable to use a combination of these
methods, thereby tackling adaptation from many angles at once. Because Bainbridge Island
is updating its Comprehensive Plan, this is an excellent opportunity to use an active planning
process to integrate climate change into the plan, achieving methods 1 and 2, and thereby
eliminating the need for a separate climate action planning process (method 3).
As an umbrella for incorporating climate change into a Comprehensive Plan, it is important to
have an overarching frame that provides perspective. To this end, a guiding principle for
climate change in local planning could be:
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Reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and increase the community’s climate
resilience (adaptation) in the face of shifting conditions (e.g. sea level rise, changing
precipitation patterns, increasing temperatures and more extreme weather events)
and the effects they cause (e.g., altered vegetation, changing water demands,
economic shifts).
One should also remember that climate adaptation planning is not only about dealing with
negative circumstances, though it is often framed in terms of avoiding loss and safeguarding
people, places, and things. There is opportunity to increase resilience and to construct a more
sustainable and climate-conscious community and economy. This section explores seven
community planning areas and provides questions to steer one toward climate-savvy
decision making. Areas include: land use, water resources, environment, infrastructure
(including transportation, capital facilities and utilities), economic development, housing, and
social services (including cultural resources and human services).
Land Use
Most if not all of the implications of climate change come into play in work related to land
use and land use planning. For example, sea level rise, changing precipitation patterns,
increasing temperatures, vegetation changes and our responses to those changes will all
affect the suitability and success of all land use decisions, and changes in these conditions
alter the foundation upon which most decisions are made today.
Local development patterns provide opportunities to either benefit or compromise both
climate mitigation and adaptation for the long term. The City should use its Comprehensive
Plan and the Land Use goals to give a clear directive to enact mitigation and adaptation
strategies:
• Mitigation measures include reducing vehicle miles traveled, encouraging non-
motorized transportation, taking other actions that will reduce consumption of fossil
fuels, establishing green building incentives or regulations, and preserving
vegetated/forested areas.
• Adaptation measures include shifting development and infrastructure from flood-
prone and other hazard areas, improving and integrating hazards planning, requiring
drought-tolerant plantings in drought-prone areas and other efficient uses of climate-
sensitive resources, Low-Impact Development, implementing economic development
strategies that are sustainable in future climates, and encouraging energy-saving
buildings, multimodal transportation, and redevelopment/retrofitting.
Land use decisions and local planning are in large part about protecting public health, safety
and welfare; therefore overarching most local government functions. Similarly, dealing with
the impacts of climate change spans all disciplines and elements of any comprehensive plan.
Several things should be acknowledged about climate change any time our community
makes a land use decision, including:
• Municipal officials will be called upon to address both the causes and consequences
of climate change;
• These same officials can be responsible for development of climate-aware goals and
actions within each element of the local Comprehensive Plan and its implementation;
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• The groundwork for a climate-savvy local plan needs to be laid down within the goals
and policies of the Land Use – or overriding – element;
• Regulations should acknowledge that climate change will impact future conditions
and should be factored into all decision-making today;
• Proactive climate-aware strategies and responses should be developed by all local
actors, not just the local government; and that,
• Bainbridge Island is, in fact, an island. We are bound by distinct borders and have a
finite carrying capacity.
In order to make land use decisions and investments today that will prove lasting in the
future, we must understand and acknowledge what our future may look like (e.g., what
resources and conditions will be present). Studies to determine components of this future
should be undertaken. When they are it will be critical that climate change and future climatic
scenarios be incorporated into any analysis. For example, if a City (or homeowner developing
a supply well) undertakes a water study, parameters should be given for scenarios of supply
and demand that consider altered precipitation patterns over time based on best available
climate predictions (e.g. through longer study time horizons). Efforts should be made to
evaluate potential future conditions to the degree possible.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through the Disaster Mitigation Act of
2000 and their subsequent implementing actions, encourages communities to integrate
hazard mitigation planning into local comprehensive planning in order to establish “resilience
as an overarching value of a community and provid[e] opportunity to continuously manage
development in a way that does not lead to increased hazard vulnerability” (FEMA, n.d.b).
Climate adaptation planning follows this same reasoning and asks the same of communities.
Resilience can be built through land use policies and regulations that take into consideration
“information of the location, frequency, and severity of hazards ... and setting forth
recommendations that influence development in a way that does not increase risks to life
and property” (FEMA, n.d.b. Web).
Basic questions about future climate must be asked when considering any development
proposal, investment, maintenance, or new project. See Table 2, Land Use Implications from
Climate Change, to determine what future climate related changes will affect land use.
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Table 2. Land Use Implications from Climate Change
CLIMATE IMPACT LAND USE IMPLICATIONS
Precipitation
changing patterns and extremes, longer
duration, and greater intensity
• Changing patterns have the potential to affect the proper functioning of local infrastructure. o stormwater inundation and localized flooding, chronic flooding, non-infiltrated run off, erosion and landslides
o increased maintenance needed
• Changing patterns and extremes will cause shifts in overall vegetation types and habitats on the Island.
• Groundwater recharge may be diminished and further limited by impermeable surfaces.
Temperature
more extremes and prolonged summer
highs
• Increases and seasonal changes will increase the frequency and duration of droughts:
o changes in growing seasons affects commercial agriculture and recreational gardening
o increased demand for water
o increased risk of wildfire (conflicts at the wildland-urban interface)
• Long-term temperature trend changes will cause shifts in vegetation and habitats on the Island.
Vegetation changes
shifts will occur in habitat suitability as a
factor of changing temperature and
precipitation
• Changes can occur in buffer and green space conditions due to vegetation shifts.
• There is the potential for deadwood and detritus as die-off occurs, which will increase the fuel load and risk for wildfires.
• Changes can be seen in flora and fauna habitat suitability.
Sea Level Rise
Projected Mean
2030: +2.6 in. (+/- 2.2 in)
2050: +6.5 in. (+/- 4.1 in) 2100: +24.3 in. (+/- 11.5 in)
• Coastal zone resources and shoreline stability are likely to be compromised by rising seas.
o Roadways could be undermined by shoreline instability and land loss. Mapping should be done to identify vulnerable
local infrastructure and critical community facilities. Consider linkages with Hazard Mitigation Planning.
o outright loss by inundation of land
• There is a risk of saltwater intrusion and its effect on the groundwater and drinking water supply of the Island.
• There is a risk of saltwater inundation of septic and sewer systems.
• The efficacy of the Shoreline Management Plan will be affected if it too doesn’t adapt to sea level rise.
Slope Stability
Sea level and precipitation pattern
changes will compromise once stable
slopes
• There is the potential for limited suitability of lands for some uses (both coastal and inland) due to changing slope stability
and associated conditions (temperature, precipitation, sea level rise).
RELEVANT NON-CLIMATE DATA THAT MAY AFFECT THE GOALS OF THE ELEMENT
Population changes
account for anticipated increase or
decrease due to climate refugees
• Will climate lead to larger or smaller population on-Island? Population projections are an important piece of data in long-
range planning. It is thought that regional population growth will occur due to impacts in other regions.
Transportation plans
Vehicle miles traveled is one of the
greatest contributors to greenhouse gas
emissions
• Sprawling versus compact development is fueled by transportation infrastructure, which will have a direct role in the Island’s
ability to address local greenhouse gas emissions and the long-term costs of infrastructure maintenance.
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Questions to Consider for Land Use Adaptation
The implications identified above in Table 2 should make it obvious that responsible planning
and development requires decisions be considered through a climate change lens. Prior to
any land use decision, we should ask:
1. Are our community and all stakeholders aware of effects on Island land uses from today’s
precipitation, temperatures, and sea levels?
• If these climate factors were to be altered, how would that affect our land use?
• How would alterations affect land use investments?
2. Will future conditions prevent or hinder a proposed system/infrastructure/use/parcel from
working as expected? Will they remain durable in the face of future climate?
3. Are our land use regulations sufficiently requiring compact, low-impact development
patterns?
• Does our community employ a host of land use tools that result in sustainable
development?
4. Are there particular land uses that are likely to be impacted more directly or to a greater
extent by climate changes? What special planning considerations can and should be made
for these?
• If we seek to preserve working waterfronts, will climate change alter conditions so
that they can’t function?
• If wetland was set aside, will it be wetland in the future?
• Are we allowing space for migrating species and habitats?
5. Does hazard mitigation factor into land use decisions?
• Does the permitting process explicitly require considering present and future
vulnerable site conditions?
• What hazard planning is required to be undertaken and how are vulnerability or risk
assessments used in decision-making?
o Are we as a community asking, “If development is allowed in a coastal zone
that is subject to future sea level rise, and therefore becomes vulnerable to
shoreline instability and localized flooding, is the City liable for any resulting
harm?” (After all, they allowed the development in a known/projected hazard
area.) Questions like this are beginning to be asked nationally (even by
insurers), and it is important for planners and City leaders to get out in front.
• If we do allow development in high-hazard areas, should we require bonding of the
property by the developer to avoid future cost to the community that may be
incurred by the risky development?
Water Resources
Water is an essential part of our Island life — for both natural and built environments — and
its health is linked to the sustainability of both people and ecosystems on the Island.
Bainbridge Island had chosen to add a Water Resources element to their 2004
Comprehensive Plan in order to elevate its importance and provide space to focus on it
appropriately. This element includes consideration of surface water (including marine and
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freshwater aquatic resources), stormwater, and groundwater. Typically in Washington
community water supply resources are discussed in Comprehensive Plan Land Use elements
where state statute requires that they “shall provide for protection of the quality and
quantity of groundwater used for public water supplies” (RCW 36.70A.070(1)). The 2004
Water Resources element (COBI 2004) states,
Adequate protection of the important [water] resource requires an
understanding of what can affect the quality and quantity. Also of great
importance is the management of the resource by guarding against potential
impacts and monitoring the resource to ensure that water quality and quantity
is in fact maintained at high standards.
In March 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency designated the Bainbridge Island
Aquifer System a sole source aquifer. According to that designation (EPA 2016b),
[a] sole source aquifer is an underground water supply designated ... as the
sole or principal source of drinking water for an area. The system EPA
designated encompasses the entire Bainbridge Island area and is made up of
six principal aquifers. One hundred percent of the current population on
Bainbridge Island obtains their drinking water from the designated aquifer.
There are no other sources of drinking water nearby that would be
economically feasible to supply all residents in the area.
It doesn’t take much thought to realize that there is a direct link between climate and the
health and abundance of our water resources. According to the 2015 Central Puget Sound
Regional Open Space Strategy, “natural and built systems are at risk from the effects of a
changing climate, including increased average temperatures, altered precipitation patterns,
altered hydrology (e.g., decreased snowpack, flow patterns), altered oceanic and
atmospheric circulation, sea level rise, and changes in water chemistry and quality,” and
these changes will stress water supplies and quality (ROSS 2015).
The local Comprehensive Plan has a 20-year time horizon for planning. However, like many
decisions a comprehensive plan informs, water resource decisions made in the past, present,
and near future will affect the resource well beyond 20 years from now. How is this
reconciled so that the community can ensure sustainable water resources? One part of the
answer needs to be the factoring of future climate conditions (changing precipitation,
temperatures, and sea level rise) into today’s decision-making.
The Washington Department of Ecology Shoreline Master Program (SMP) deals with water
resources in the nearshore and is a local document that drives policy and regulations
affecting coastal development. Unfortunately, climate change impacts, including sea level
rise, are not addressed or planned for by the SMP. The City has an opportunity within its
Comprehensive Plan to address this omission by requiring holistic shoreline management
under present and future conditions.
Recent groundwater modeling studies done by Aspect Consulting for COBI provide new
information the City can use to better protect its groundwater resources (Bannister et al.
2015, Bannister et al. 2016, Scrafford et al. 2015). This recent work clearly indicates that there
are policy and planning changes needed to protect groundwater resources, and they will be
especially important in light of climate change. In particular, while study results do not
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project the freshwater-saltwater interface being pulled closer to shore (Bannister et al. 2016),
achieving future groundwater conditions that align with the study parameters that stave off
seawater intrusion, will require both water conservation and on-site recharge being
maximized. To avoid degradation of our groundwater, a paradigm shift in planning around
water must occur with a regulatory system that maximizes recharge, conservation, and
reuse. This includes stormwater, sewer discharge, and all other wastewater stream runoff
that historically have been managed to be removed from the water cycle on-island (C.
Apfelbeck, COBI, Pers. Comm., May 31, 2016).
See Table 3, Water Resource Implications from Climate Change, to determine how climate
change has the potential to affect both the health and supply of Bainbridge Island's surface
and groundwater resources.
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Table 3. Water Resource Implications from Climate Change
CLIMATE IMPACT WATER RESOURCE IMPLICIATIONS
Precipitation
changing patterns and
extremes, longer duration, and
greater intensity
• More intense and frequent storms or heavier rainfall events can cause stormwater inundation and localized flooding, chronic
flooding, non-infiltrated runoff (degrading water quality), erosion, landslides, sediment loading and siltation downstream and in the
Island’s embayments and other nearshore habitat/areas.
• Stormwater systems may be undersized and development may have to accommodate greater flows and retrofit.
• Undersized stormwater systems and flood events lead to runoff that may degrade water quality.
• Changes in precipitation patterns will lead to changes in groundwater recharge rates (i.e., more intense events of shorter duration
will decrease recharge; because water will simply run off before it has a chance to infiltrate).
• Discharge compliance of sanitary and stormwater discharge may be affected.
• Flow flashiness can cause erosion that degrades instream habitat and negatively impacts macroinvertebrate diversity and health.
Temperature
more extremes and prolonged
summer highs
• Increases in temperature results in:
o increased water use/extraction rates
o rising surface water temperature that may affect aquatic species (e.g. salmon, macroinvertebrates, plankton)
o increased evaporation rates that will affect surface habitat and groundwater recharge rates
o diminished water quality
Vegetation Changes
shifts will occur in habitat
suitability as a factor of
changing temperature and
precipitation
• Species composition in natural areas will change as precipitation and temperature changes.
• Changes in water retention/recharge will affect wetland ecosystem functions, and result in the loss of riparian buffer function or
composition.
• Changing vegetation may require more water, alter the hydrograph or limit groundwater recharge.
Sea Level Rise
Projected Mean
2030: +2.6 in. (+/- 2.2 in)
2050: +6.5 in. (+/- 4.1 in) 2100: +24.3 in. (+/- 11.5 in)
• Changes to coastal zone resources and shoreline stability
o Shoreline instability and potential land loss can affect water pumping stations, sewer/septic and stormwater infrastructure as
well as water supply wells.
• Inundation risk to aquifers (intrusion), surface waters (overwash and increased tidal ranges), shoreline ecosystems and habitat.
Slope Stability
Sea level and precipitation
pattern changes will
compromise once stable slopes
• As vegetation changes and shifts there could be a loss of flora or addition of new species that alter slope stability. Slope failure may
impact water infrastructure and negatively affect wetland ecosystem function.
• Die-back and loss of root systems supporting slopes could lead to instability in highly vulnerable areas.
Ocean Acidification
decreasing pH of the waters of
Puget Sound
• This has the potential to affect stormwater discharge compliance as toxicity is affected by pH.
• Aquatic species may be affected by acidification due to climate change.
RELEVANT NON-CLIMATE DATA THAT MAY AFFECT THE GOALS OF THIS ELEMENT
Population changes
account for any anticipated
increase or decrease due to
climate refugees
• Climate change may increase population on-Island (climate migrants). o An increase in population will increase water use/extraction rates and require more sanitary disposal, as well as causing
additional pressure on local aquatic habitat integrity.
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Questions to Consider for Water Resources Adaptation
The implications identified above in Table 3 should make it obvious that responsible use and
preservation of Island surface and groundwater resources should be considered through a lens of
climatic changes. We should ask:
1. Are current precipitation patterns fully understood as to how they impact water
resources, wastewater systems, and stormwater management on-island?
• If precipitation were to increase, decrease or change in intensity and duration, would
it affect local water resources?
• What in-stream flow impacts will result during both during wet and dry season base
flow levels?
2. How will the many facets of climate change and our responses to it affect the islands
aquifer systems and water budget?
3. Will our groundwater recharge pathways be affected by altered precipitation patterns?
Will existing or proposed development and impermeable surfaces further confound this?
4. If sea level were to rise, would it affect our water resources? Do current tidal ranges have
an impact on coastal lands, shoreline stability, and infrastructure in the coastal zone?
• Do we know where vulnerable systems are located?
• How would sea level rise affect our groundwater/drinking water supply? Is saltwater
intrusion a risk under future conditions and what needs to be done to avoid the risk?
5. If average seasonal temperatures were to shift would it affect our water resources and
the aquifers on which we depend? Are there currently any seasonal/temperature related
impacts? Do isolated high-heat or cold days have an effect? Does use change with
increasing temperatures? Does the efficiency of our water system change?
6. What is the appropriate planning horizon that should be applied to decisions in order to
protect and sustain groundwater resources? If that timeframe is longer than a decision’s
effective time horizon, should we conduct appropriate analysis and modeling so that we
understand, as best we can, what state the resource is likely to be in 50 years? 100 years?
7. Are water resource conservation measures being fully implemented?
8. Can the Island use the Comprehensive Planning process and the Water Resources
element to address precipitation change, sea level rise and other climate-related impacts,
including altered patterns of use, which the Shoreline Master Program does not?
9. Has the City’s Critical Areas Ordinance, which has a role to play in water resources
protection, been reviewed under the climate lens? Are there protections that can be
strengthened or employed in this ordinance that will help reduce the impacts of
anticipated climate change?
10. Under current climate conditions, are there any locations on the Island that are currently
nearing or exceeding allowed discharge per sanitary or stormwater permits? What are the
current concerns and will they be exacerbated by expected future climate?
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Environment
Changing climatic conditions are anticipated to alter the long-term function of our natural
systems —plants, pests, animals, surface water, fires, forests, agriculture, and everything else
in the natural world around us (WA Department of Ecology, n.d.b website). Planning how we
will adapt to and accommodate these changes is what Bainbridge Islanders should be starting
today, and the Environmental Element of the Comprehensive Plan is an obvious place to start.
Various landscapes and ecosystems of the island should be considered holistically as
“environmental resources” of Bainbridge Island, including water resources, critical areas,
wellhead and aquifer recharge areas, agricultural lands, open spaces (forests, fields), as well as
the built environment and areas within it that form ecosystem corridor connections.
One part of our local environment (and a noted priority for Islanders) is our open space/natural
lands. There is opportunity to value and prioritize these natural areas beyond their aesthetic or
community character value if we think about them as the climate adaptation tools that they
are. The Central Puget Sound Regional Open Space Strategy (ROSS 2015) argues for the
thoughtful preservation of open space as one strategy to both mitigate and adapt to climate
changes. ROSS (ROSS 2015) defines open space as:
A diverse spectrum of lands across a rural and urban continuum on large and
small scales. Traditionally open space may be imagined as wilderness lands or
public parks, but it also encompasses resource lands for agricultural and timber
production, wetlands and water bodies, local and regional recreational trail
systems, as well as urban green spaces like parkways, rain gardens, and green
roofs.
Careful planning and acknowledgement of the importance of these open space resources on
Bainbridge Island should be a main goal of our local community planning. Natural resource
design standards will make natural systems and ecosystems more resilient to changing local
conditions.
In 2006, Bainbridge Island Mayor Darlene Kordonowy appointed the 2025 Growth Advisory
Committee and asked them to develop recommendations on how to accommodate the City’s
projected growth in a way that satisfied the mandates of the Growth Management Act, the
spirit of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and the community’s values and vision. The Committee
produced the 2008 Bainbridge Island Open Space Study that presents an assessment of high-
priority open space areas for conservation and gives a multi-pronged approach for
preservation that includes both regulatory strategies and landowner incentives (Bainbridge
Island Open Space Study 2008). The Open Space Study should be revisited and updated so that
it can serve as a guidance document to the Comprehensive Plan and be made climate savvy
itself.
See Table 4, Environmental Implications from Climate Change, to determine what future
climate related changes will have local effects on our environment.
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Table 4. Environmental Implications from Climate Change
CLIMATE IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
Precipitation
changing patterns and extremes, longer
duration, and greater intensity
• Changing patterns have the potential to cause stormwater inundation and localized flooding, chronic flooding, non-infiltrated
runoff, erosion and landslides, which have the potential to affect the proper functioning of local infrastructure and to degrade
water quality and local environments.
• Changing patterns and extremes will cause shifts in overall vegetation types and habitats on the Island.
• Groundwater recharge may be diminished by flow rates and increased speed of runoff, and further limited by insufficient
recharge surface area.
• Drought and flood will cause alterations to the wildfire hazard risk.
• Floodplain protection may need to increase and current floodplain delineations may become inaccurate.
• Changes in seasonal streamflow will affect native fish.
Temperature
more extremes and prolonged summer
highs
• Increases and seasonal changes will increase the frequency and duration of droughts.
• Changes in growing seasons will affect commercial agriculture and recreational gardening.
• Increased demand for water will result from drought, lower flows, etc.
• As temperatures increases, longer drought periods result in increasing wildfire risk (conflicts at the wildland-urban interface).
• Thermal stress will affect local habitats, and also local fisheries.
• Inland and nearshore water quality will diminish as temperatures change, causing hypoxia and harmful algal blooms.
Vegetation changes
shifts will occur in habitat suitability as a
factor of changing temperature and
precipitation
• Long-term temperature and precipitation trend changes will cause shifts in vegetation and habitats on the Island.
• Changes can occur in buffer and green space conditions due to vegetation shifts.
• There is the potential for deadwood and detritus as die-off occurs, which will increase the fuel load and risk for wildfires.
• Changes can be seen in flora and fauna habitat suitability, leading to possible loss of some protected or iconic flora.
• Agricultural operations and recreational gardeners will need to adapt to changes in crop suitability and species tolerance.
Sea Level Rise
Projected Mean
2030: +2.6 in. (+/- 2.2 in)
2050: +6.5 in. (+/- 4.1 in)
2100: +24.3 in. (+/- 11.5 in)
• Coastal zone resources and shoreline stability are likely to be compromised by rising seas. Outright loss of floodplain and other
critical habitat area will result from inundation of today’s shoreline.
• Saltwater intrusion can affect groundwater and drinking water supply of the Island.
• Water quality can be affected by saltwater inundation/flooding of sanitary sewer and septic systems.
• The efficacy of the Shoreline Management Plan will be affected if it too doesn’t adapt to sea level rise.
• Alterations to the Island’s hydrograph will affect estuaries and streams.
Slope Stability
sea level & precipitation pattern changes
will compromise once stable slopes
• Erosion of slopes can cause loss and damage to critical habitat.
Ocean Acidification decreasing pH
of the waters of Puget Sound
• Changes will occur in local fisheries.
RELEVANT NON-CLIMATE DATA THAT MAY AFFECT THE GOALS OF THIS ELEMENT
Population changes
account for anticipated increase or
decrease due to climate refugees
• Increases in Island population will place increased demands and stress upon all environmental resources.
Transportation plans Vehicle miles
traveled is one of the greatest
contributors to greenhouse gas emissions
• Transportation projects and associated development patterns will have a direct role in the Island’s ability to address local
greenhouse gas emissions. Vehicle miles traveled will directly impact Island air quality and ground level ozone (see
Environmental Goal 13).
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Questions to Consider for Environmental Adaptation
In order to comprehend the climate vulnerability of the environment and apply climate change
realities to decision-making, we should ask:
1. How do current precipitation patterns affect our environment? How will alterations in
precipitation patterns affect our local environment? (E.g., if water recharge set-asides or
permeability standards are devised, they would need to be sufficient under changing
precipitation patterns.)
2. Are there currently any seasonal/temperature-related impacts (e.g., do isolated high-heat or
cold days have an effect on our environment)? If average seasonal temperatures and patterns
were altered, would it affect our local environment?
• What effects will occur locally as the growing season changes? Will there be impacts for
crop suitability, including species tolerance, water needs and pest management?
3. How do sea level and associated conditions (high tides, inundation and frequency) affect the
Island today?
• How does sea level affect our coastal zone and nearshore environmental resources?
• Does this have an impact on sanitary sewers, septic systems, and stormwater drainage?
And how do the proper functioning of all these systems affect the Island’s environment?
4. Do changing patterns have the potential to affect critical area and habitat location and
function? Will natural resource lands and open space areas be affected?
• Should we prioritize areas likely to serve as climate refuges for local and migrating flora
and fauna (areas likely to maintain more stable conditions over time)?
• Do we need to look to yet-unprotected or unidentified lands in order to avoid future
flooding? To accommodate vegetation and habitat (e.g. wetlands) migration?
• Are local regulations sufficient to prevent or promote development that is desirable and
resource protective?
5. What effects would the Island experience if there are shifts in vegetation composition (die-
off, migration, new species) in natural areas?
• How can we ensure future ecosystem function under changed conditions?
• What effects will be seen on the type and quality of open space and the function of our
natural resource lands? Will it matter if these areas change?
• If a wetland, or other area, is protected or restored will it serve that function in the future?
Will areas we protect today hold the same resource values under changed conditions?
6. As temperature and precipitation patterns change (more frequent and prolonged drought)
the risk of wildfire may increase. (Note: Bainbridge experiences vegetation fires every year –
according to the Bainbridge Island Fire Department Hazard Vulnerability Assessment, from
1989-2009 there were 454 reported vegetation fires.)
• What actions should be taken now to prepare for this risk?
• Is it important to identify vulnerable forests and their interface with developed areas?
• What are the consequences of fires and firefighting efforts (e.g., physical breaks, chemical
use, water needed) for our local environment and community?
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7. How is local air quality today? Will Bainbridge Island exceed air quality standards in the future,
either due to warmer summers resulting in more ground level ozone, or colder winters
resulting in greater local fuel use?
Infrastructure - Transportation, Capital Facilities and Utilities
Infrastructure is a category that includes myriad capital facilities and services that a
government typically provides to its citizens, including utilities, roads, transportation
systems, public buildings, schools, parks, water, sewer and stormwater systems, and first
responder services. Climate change may significantly alter the proper functioning, longevity,
and fiscal responsibility of local infrastructure. Climate-savvy planning for infrastructure
would ensure that climate vulnerabilities/variabilities inform infrastructure improvements,
siting and design.
Transportation
Land use and transportation are clearly linked: good outcomes in one can allow good
outcomes in the other. If land use development patterns result in compact development,
then multi-modal transportation systems that generate lower numbers of vehicle miles
traveled can flourish. Low-impact modes such as walking and biking become more practical.
Transportation infrastructure and use patterns are directly linked to production of
greenhouse gas emissions and local air quality. Therefore, when they are managed to reduce
motorized transit they foster climate change mitigation.
On Bainbridge Island there are homes and businesses that are indeed spread out across the
island, and for many, transportation seems dependent on car trips. Improvements and
expansions in the non-motorized pathways and trail systems (if done well, such that they
provide routes to where people need to go) could reduce car dependence while increasing
safety, decreasing traffic, improving environmental quality and improving public health.
Every opportunity should be taken by the City to invest in non-motorized transportation
infrastructure (e.g., pedestrian and bicycle trail expansions, improvements, and linkages).
Additionally, great effort should be taken to improve public transportation, which reduces
traffic, improves environmental quality (think hybrid and electric buses), and reduces
greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, public transit and non-motorized transit corridors
can be designed to be more resilient to climate change, being built out of harm's way from
expected risks and vulnerabilities.
Capital Facilities
Hazard mitigation and climate adaptation strategies overlap perhaps nowhere else as
obviously as they do when thinking about capital facilities. Providing public facilities or
services and making capital expenditures in areas that are vulnerable to hazards is simply not
good public policy. FEMA recognizes that “a community’s facilities and infrastructure policies
are directly linked to land use patterns and community development” (FEMA n.d.a).
Resilience will be improved when policies limit or exclude facilities, services and capital
expenditures in present or future hazard areas. It is critical to ensure long-term durability and
continued function by not investing in climate vulnerable locations. Additionally, it is
important to ensure that any ongoing hazard identification and risk assessment on which
planning is based fully incorporates climate change impacts and implications. Plans relevant
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to Bainbridge Island include the 2012 Bainbridge Island Hazard Identification and Vulnerability
Assessment by Bainbridge Island Fire Department & Western Washington University, the
2015 Risk Report prepared by FEMA for Kitsap County, and the 2012 Kitsap County Multi-
Hazard Mitigation Plan by the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management.
Updates of these should all be informed by climate change implications.
Communities make major investment in stormwater infrastructure, which is quite vulnerable
to climate change due to its ability to function during low and high flow periods. Both of
these are likely to be more common on Bainbridge Island due to climate change. The
Washington Department of Ecology will soon begin to require Low Impact Development
(LID) Municipal Stormwater Permitting (also known as Green Stormwater Infrastructure).
Bainbridge Island will be required to incorporate LID best management practices into local
codes, ordinances, and standards. LID is “a stormwater and land use management strategy
that strives to mimic pre-disturbance hydrologic processes by emphasizing conservation, use
of on-site natural features, site planning, and distributed stormwater management practices
... that are integrated into a project design” (WA Department of Ecology, n.d.c website). LID
best management practices include infiltration, filtration, storage, evaporation and
transpiration through the use of bio retention, rain gardens, permeable pavements, minimal
excavation foundations, vegetated roofs, and rainwater harvesting. Bainbridge Island should
utilize this opportunity and require the use of LID to the greatest extent possible and design
LID standards such that they are responsive to the changes we will see in the coming
decades.
Utilities
Conversion and conservation are key words when it comes to developing climate resilient
and durable utilities. The reliance on and continued use of fossil fuels in the production of
energy is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. A community can work to
reduce its overall reliance on fossil fuels by increasing requirements on utility providers for
conservation of fossil fuels and conversion to renewable sources of energy. Communities
with an opportunity to switch to a utility provider that relies on renewable energy should
take every available opportunity to do so, as it is the most efficient and rapid path to reduced
carbonization. Additionally, an overall reduction in energy use and water use is a climate
adaptation strategy; if we need less, we can thrive when there is less. Other opportunities in
the utility sector for resilience include improved energy efficiency, grid redundancy and
“smart” control design coupled with renewable energy.
Forward-thinking communities are undertaking measures to change their energy footprint.
For example, the Metropolitan Council of Minnesota, the regional planning agency for the
Twin Cities area, is encouraging inclusion of climate change in local plans, and has developed
a regional plan, Thrive MSP 2040, that encourages resilience. The Resilience Plan provides
suggested implementation measures, such as suggesting “natural resource design standards
to make natural systems and ecosystems more resilient to development” (Metropolitan
Council 2016). Community forests, for example, will help to mitigate urban heat island
effects. Local Twin Cities’ governments are required by state law to include an element in
their Comprehensive Plan for protection and development of access to direct sunlight for
solar energy systems (a mitigation measure). Other communities have also prioritized
maximizing their local generation and renewable potential. Lancaster, Calif., for example, has
created a locally run, not-for-profit power program to promote local generation and use of
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sustainable energy, and aims to be the first net-zero city in the United States (City of
Lancaster n.d.). The city has also set in place high energy efficiency requirements and
incentives for all local development (residential and commercial), as well as incentives for
local generation (Center for Sustainable Energy n.d.).
Future climatic conditions and impacts on infrastructure must be considered in order to
effectively plan any long-term investment, maintenance, or new infrastructure project. See
Table 5, Infrastructure Implications from Climate Change, to determine what climate related
changes will have an impact on Bainbridge Island infrastructure.
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Table 5. Infrastructure Implications from Climate Change
CLIMATE IMPACT INFRASTRUCTURE: TRANSPORTATION, CAPITAL FACILITIES AND UTILITIES IMPLICATIONS
Precipitation
changing patterns and
extremes, longer duration, and
greater intensity
• Changing patterns have the potential to cause inundation and localized flooding, chronic flooding, non-infiltrated runoff, erosion
and landslides, which will affect the proper functioning of local infrastructure and the provision of utilities (including stormwater
inundation and localized flooding, more frequent power outages as transmission lines are compromised, and structural damage
to critical facilities from erosion and landslides).
• Predicted “storminess” includes the potential for more wind storms, which increases the risk of power outages and disruption to
the provision of other utilities.
• Drought and flood will cause alterations to the wildfire hazard risk, necessitating increases in fire department services and
infrastructure and potential costs associated with land management to prevent wildfire.
• Sanitary sewers and community/private septic systems will be impacted by both heavy precipitation and low-flow drought events.
• New infrastructure (capital projects) may be needed to remedy system failure or capacity.
• More rain or extreme storms may lead fewer people to use non-motorized transportation; the desirability of the bike/walker
culture may be affected. This shift would increase greenhouse gas emissions, degrade local air quality and increase Island ground-
level ozone. It may also impact demand patterns for other modes.
Temperature
more extremes and prolonged
summer highs
• Increases and seasonal changes will increase the frequency and duration of droughts, leading to increased demand for water.
New infrastructure may be needed to remedy system failure or increase capacity (capital projects).
• As temperatures increase and there are longer drought periods, there is an increased risk of wildfire, necessitating increases in fire
department services and infrastructure and potential costs associated with land management to prevent wildfire.
• Longer seasons, hotter hots and colder colds will change energy demand from what it is today and may change the availability of
certain types of energy. Additional and differentiated energy sources may be needed and will result in capital projects and costs,
as well as new or expanded infrastructure.
• Excessive or prolonged heat degrades infrastructure more quickly, necessitating increased maintenance budgets for repairs and
replacements (thermal stress).
• Smog-related air quality hazards may increase.
• The desirability of the bike/walker culture may be affected and more extreme temperatures (colder colds, hotter hots) may lead
fewer to use non-motorized transportation (thus increasing greenhouse gas emissions, degrading local air quality and increasing
Island ground level ozone). This may also impact demand patterns for other modes.
Sea Level Rise
Projected Mean:
2030: +2.6 in. (+/- 2.2 in)
2050: +6.5 in. (+/- 4.1 in)
2100: +24.3 in. (+/- 11.5 in)
• Coastal zone resources and shoreline stability are likely to be compromised by rising seas.
o Outright loss of floodplain and other critical habitat area will result from inundation of today’s shoreline and low-lying areas.
o Roadways can be undermined by shoreline instability, land loss, and inundation.
o Dock and harbor infrastructure will be compromised by rising seas, necessitating increased maintenance, retrofitting or
replacement.
• Saltwater intrusion can affect groundwater and drinking water supply of the Island.
• Water quality can be affected by saltwater inundation of sanitary sewer and septic systems or untreated stormwater runoff.
• The efficacy of the Shoreline Management Plan will be affected if it too doesn’t adapt to sea level rise.
Vegetation changes
shifts will occur in habitat
suitability as a factor of
changing temperature and
precipitation
• Long-term temperature and precipitation trend changes will cause shifts in vegetation and habitats on the Island. (If these
changes occur in transportation corridor buffers, they could impact roadways (brush fires, deadfall, water flow, etc.)
• There is the potential for deadwood and detritus as die-off occurs, which will increase the fuel load and risk for wildfires.
• Energy demand for heating and cooling will increase if the percentage of tree-cover/canopy changes over time.
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Table 5. Infrastructure Implications from Climate Change
CLIMATE IMPACT INFRASTRUCTURE: TRANSPORTATION, CAPITAL FACILITIES AND UTILITIES IMPLICATIONS
Slope Stability
Sea level and precipitation
pattern changes will
compromise once stable slopes
• Loss or change of vegetation, precipitation patterns, and rising sea level may affect slope stability near and under roadways or
other infrastructure, causing structural failure and necessitating repairs.
Ocean Acidification
decreasing pH of the waters of
Puget Sound
• Ocean acidification may compromise stormwater and sewage discharge compliance, making capital projects necessary.
RELEVANT NON-CLIMATE DATA THAT MAY AFFECT THE GOALS OF THIS ELEMENT
Population changes
account for anticipated increase
or decrease due to climate
refugees
• It is uncertain whether climate changes will lead to increased or decreased population on-Island:
• Increases in population will place increased demands and stress upon all capital facilities and utilities across the island,
including requiring additional transportation infrastructure; and
• Reductions in population may affect abilities to provide cost-effective public modes.
Transportation projections,
TIP projects, other
proposals vehicle miles
traveled contributes to
greenhouse gas emission
• All future transportation projects will have impacts related to Island air quality and local greenhouse gas emissions. Know what
new contributing sources may arise, and what to do about them. Projects including those that take cars off the road, decrease
idling, improve and increase non-motorized use and access, or use and develop alternative/green fuels use will help mitigate
future climate change by decreasing emissions.
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Questions to Consider for Infrastructure Adaptation
The implications identified in Table 5 should make it obvious that responsible infrastructure
development or commitment of resources should be considered through a lens of these
changes. In order to responsibly provide durable infrastructure, climate vulnerability should
be fully understood. We should ask:
1. Will future climatic conditions prevent existing or proposed infrastructure from working
as expected?
2. How do current precipitation patterns affect infrastructure on the Island? As precipitation
patterns are altered, how will they impact local infrastructure?
• What effect would an increase in intensity of rainfall/storminess have on Island
infrastructure?
• What effect would periods of drought have on island infrastructure?
• Are we prepared to respond and recover from infrastructure failures that may result
from “storminess”? (E.g., too wet and too dry are both conditions under which septic
systems fail.)
• Does precipitation cause any transportation impacts, including delays or changes in
levels of service, street flooding, changes in commuting/mobility patterns? (e.g., if it’s
rainier do fewer commuters bike and more drive instead?)
• Are Low Impact Development stormwater management techniques sufficiently
addressing concerns? Are they being used? Are they sufficient as designed? Do they
need to be updated?
3. Are there currently any seasonal/temperature related impacts to Island infrastructure? If
average seasonal temperatures were to shift, how might it impact our infrastructure?
• Do isolated high-heat or cold days affect our infrastructure?
• Are our capital facilities designed to function efficiently under altered temperature
scenarios?
• Can the community absorb increased costs of heating and cooling?
• Can we provide adequate energy to meet those needs?
• Do temperatures affect transportation patterns, e.g. fewer bikers and walkers?
4. How do sea level and associated conditions (high tides, inundation and frequency) impact
the Island today? Would sea level changes impact infrastructure?
• What community facilities and infrastructure are in places that may experience
inundation or storm surge?
• Which community facilities and infrastructure may experience functional impairment
due to sea level rise or storm surge?
• Are there transportation systems, locations, levels of service, or patterns that are
affected by coastal conditions? Do current tides have an impact?
5. How does existing vegetation affect infrastructure and utilities today? Will shifts in
vegetation composition (die-off, migration, new species) impact infrastructure and
utilities?
• As temperature and precipitation patterns change (more frequent and prolonged
drought), the risk of wildfire may increase. What actions should be taken now to
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prepare for this future risk? Does this involve capital projects and/or increases in
public safety infrastructure?
• Is it important to identify infrastructure and utilities that are located in or near
wildfire risk areas?
• What are our fire abatement techniques and what are the possible implication of
these actions given climate change (e.g., use of chemicals, need for water, vegetative
management)?
6. Does the community know where its vulnerable infrastructure is located? Is it likely that
today’s problems will be exacerbated by climate changes? Will stable infrastructure
become vulnerable?
• Do we know where our high hazard/vulnerable areas are and what critical facilities
and infrastructure lie within that area? What infrastructure may be located in a future
hazard area?
• Can we create a “watch list” for infrastructure that already exhibits climate
vulnerability? Which facilities or systems are likely to become more vulnerable under
future conditions (some may even become less problematic)?
• Does the City participate fully in ongoing hazard mitigation planning processes and
utilize those findings in their land use, capital facilities, and economic development
planning?
• Are we ensuring that any active hazard identification and vulnerability assessment
work includes climate change and its implications as hazards?
• If we do allow infrastructure development in high-hazard areas, should we require
bonding of the property by the developer (even if the “developer” is the City) to
avoid future cost to the community that may be incurred by the risky development?
7. Are there local mechanisms that Bainbridge Island should employ now to diversify the
provision of energy in the future?
• Can the City do anything to act in advance of the fact that climate change may dictate
significant cost structure changes and supply issues that are yet unknown and
necessitate the need to abandon fossil fuel use and turn to renewables?
8. What mechanisms can the City use to address any climate vulnerability identified in our
infrastructure? How can we require infrastructure investments that are designed to
function in future climate scenarios?
• Can any changes be made to the local building code and design requirements?
• Can we create a “climate-secure certification process” whereby infrastructure must
demonstrate consideration of present and future conditions and increased climate
vulnerability in any capacity calculations, studies, siting, and permit approvals? Such a
process could require inclusion of future projected conditions/climate scenarios to
understand future resource conditions, including groundwater recharge rates,
stormwater runoff calculations, supply conditions, location within a vulnerable area,
and sustainable power supply.
9. Does our community prioritize alternatives to fossil fuel based systems, thereby
acknowledging and demonstrating through action that our transportation and utility
infrastructure can play a role in climate change mitigation?
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• Is COBI doing all it can and should to support and plan for non-greenhouse gas
emitting transit?
• Is COBI developing infrastructures for low carbon, alternative green energy based
fuel systems?
• Are we supporting and enabling Low Impact Development techniques and green
transportation infrastructure sufficiently and without unnecessary barriers?
10. Does our community prioritize actions within the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan to
help address climate change?
• Are there potential climate impacts to non-motorized infrastructure that will diminish
its durability?
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Economic Development
Clearly, not all consequences of climate change are environmental, and impacts to the
environment are not without ramification to our cities and economy. “Potential costs to
Washington families, businesses and communities are projected to reach nearly $10 billion
per year by 2020 if Washington state and other states and nations fail to drive reductions in
climate-changing greenhouse gas pollution” (WA Department of Ecology, n.d.d website).
Potential costs to Washington economies include lost natural water storage from snowpack
decline, increased public health costs, reduced salmon populations, increased energy costs,
increased wildfire costs, lost recreation opportunities, coastal and storm damage, reduced
food production and increased infestation of pests in forests. Additionally, one close to home
example of economic impact is to Washington’s shellfish industry, which leads the nation in
the production of farmed oysters, clams and mussels. Even by 2011, shellfish producers in
Washington had already experienced declines in oyster production, due at least in part to the
increasing acidity of our marine waters due to increased carbon dioxide in our atmosphere
from the combustion of fossil fuels (WA Department of Ecology, n.d.d website). Conditions
are not getting any better.
The Comprehensive Plan gives Bainbridge Island an opportunity to address future economic
challenges from climate change and to plan for economic strength and diversity. Climate
adaptation strategies and policies can bring about economic benefit, and other communities
are beginning to recognize this and act. This is not a new idea, and is being done around the
country by forward-thinking, climate-savvy communities. The Metropolitan Council of
Minnesota (mentioned above as an energy leader) is encouraging planning for climate
change in local plans, and states within their Local Planning Handbook that “[a] diverse local
economy that strategically uses local resources is less vulnerable to economic volatility and
regional or global recession. Minimizing exposure of city budgets to the risk of property
value fluctuations or development cycles will help cities be better prepared for
circumstances beyond normal operations…” (Metropolitan Council 2016). Consider actions
taken by the City of Lancaster, Calif., to create economic incentives by decreasing local
power costs with renewable power generation (City of Lancaster website). Bainbridge Island
can position itself for a sustainable economic future by working toward energy efficiency and
renewable energy programs.
There is a clear link to be understood between climate and economy. See Table 6, Economic
Implications from Climate Change, to determine what future climate related changes will
affect our local economy.
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Table 6. Economic Implications from Climate Change
CLIMATE IMPACT ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS
Precipitation
changing patterns and extremes, longer
duration, and greater intensity
• Changing patterns have the potential to cause stormwater inundation and localized flooding, chronic flooding, non-infiltrated
runoff, erosion and landslides. This will affect the proper functioning of local infrastructure and lead to degraded water quality
and local environments. All island residents, businesses and governments depend on the proper functioning of these systems.
• Water supply may be reduced, which will likely increase the cost of water for all users.
• Floodplain protection may need to increase and current floodplain delineations may become inaccurate, leading to additional
insurance costs for businesses, residents, and local government.
• Changes in seasonal streamflow will affect native fish and fisheries.
• If tourism is largely weather-dependent, changes in precipitation patterns may result in changes in tourism numbers and
patterns.
Temperature
more extremes and prolonged summer
highs
• Increases and seasonal changes will increase the frequency and duration of droughts.
• Increases and seasonal changes will affect the costs associated with indoor climate control, leading to higher costs for heating
or cooling.
• Changes in growing seasons will affect commercial agriculture and recreational gardening, as well as associated businesses.
• Increased demand and rising costs for water will result from drought, lower flows, etc.
• Thermal stress will affect local habitats, and also local fisheries.
• If tourism is weather-dependent, changes in temperature patterns may result in changes in tourism numbers and patterns.
Vegetation changes
shifts will occur in habitat suitability as a
factor of changing temperature and
precipitation
• Long-term temperature and precipitation trend changes will cause shifts in vegetation and habitats on the Island.
• Agricultural operations and recreational gardeners will need to adapt to changes in crop suitability and species tolerance.
o Changes in production costs, output and composition may result in higher food prices.
o Changes in recreational gardening needs may boost related business, but may also increase resources required.
• If canopy and/or ground cover change, it could lead to altered energy needs for indoor climate control.
Sea Level Rise
Projected Mean
2030: +2.6 in. (+/- 2.2 in) 2050: +6.5 in. (+/- 4.1 in)
2100: +24.3 in. (+/- 11.5 in)
• Coastal zone resources and shoreline stability are likely to be compromised by rising seas. Outright loss of floodplain and other
critical habitat area will result from inundation of today’s shoreline. Water dependent uses will be adversely affected.
• Saltwater intrusion can affect the groundwater and drinking water supply of the Island – affecting costs and availability for all
water consumers.
• Water quality can be affected by saltwater inundation/flooding of sanitary sewer and septic systems.
• Shoreline infrastructure (docks, piers, drainage systems, roads) will be negatively affected, resulting in costs for repair,
maintenance, retrofitting, and loss of use.
• Changes in the coastal zone translates to changes in costs for coastal property owners (insurance, maintenance, loss of use).
Slope Stability
sea level & precipitation pattern changes
may compromise once stable slopes
• Erosion of slopes can cause loss and damage to facilities and infrastructure.
Ocean Acidification
Decreasing pH of the waters of Puget
Sound
• Changes will occur in local fisheries (recreational and commercially viable).
• Ocean acidification may affect the cost of sewage and stormwater treatment due to changes required to maintain compliance
with discharge permits).
RELEVANT NON-CLIMATE DATA THAT MAY AFFECT THE GOALS OF THIS ELEMENT
Population changes
account for anticipated increase or
decrease due to climate refugees
• Increases in Island population could place increased demands and stress upon all economic and environmental resources.
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Questions to Consider for Economic Adaptation
The implications identified in Table 6 should make it obvious that economic sustainability
depends on creating a flexible and durable economy in the face of climate change. In order
to comprehend the climate vulnerability of the economy and to plan future resilience, we
should ask:
1. Do current precipitation patterns affect our economy, and what will happen if
precipitation patterns change? Consider the economic impact of:
• increasing costs associated with water, food, transportation and energy;
• precipitation on tourism;
• increased risk of flooding, storm damage, wildfire (other impacts); and
• changes in precipitation (more flood-prone areas, more frequent flooding events)
and that effect on business costs (maintenance, insurance, continuity of service).
2. Do current average seasonal temperatures affect our local economy and what will happen
if temperature patterns change? Consider the economic impact of high-heat or cold days
and longer seasons:
• will they have an effect on our economy and the resources that drive it;
• will they affect personal and business operations and expenses (changes in energy
needs, increased cost of water); and
• does the weather affect tourism? Should we care?
3. Do sea level and associated conditions (high tides, inundation, etc.) affect the Island
today?
• If sea level rise affects our coastal zone and nearshore environmental resources, will
this affect our local economy (consider shellfish production, boating infrastructure,
homes, businesses, transportation, etc.)
• Does sea level affect proper functioning of drinking water wells, sanitary sewers,
septic systems, and stormwater drainage? And how would failures compromise the
Island’s economy (unanticipated expenses to business, government and taxpayers)?
4. Are there sectors of our local economy that are based on today’s climatic conditions?
Consider:
• economic implications of losing/lessening value of working waterfronts/shorelines;
• effects that will occur locally as the growing season changes;
• agriculture/aquaculture (crop suitability, including species tolerance, water, pests);
• water dependence (use of in processing, proximity to); and
• tourism (an important local economic factor).
5. Do we understand our climate-economy link (at the global, regional, and then local scale)?
• Is the Bainbridge Island economy vulnerable to changes elsewhere (e.g., supply
locations for food and other products, transportation corridors)? Can we take action
locally to reduce these vulnerabilities?
• Will changes on Bainbridge Island affect people elsewhere? For example, will we
receive and accommodate tourists at desired levels?
• Is there local support for the long-term sustainability, including extreme weather
event recovery, of local businesses?
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6. Does local economic policy support an economy that is based on business that will help
reduce community vulnerability to climate change (e.g., those that prioritize increased
efficiency of resource use such as water and energy, promotion of sustainability elements,
adaptable businesses as conditions change)?
7. Does the Island discourage a local economy that is vulnerable to climate change by
avoiding businesses that will exacerbate community vulnerability (e.g., excessive water
dependence, harmful land use change, transportation dependence, high greenhouse gas
emissions, and high energy use)?
8. Are we encouraging use of durable assets (natural elements, renewable resources) in
development of economy and community?
Housing
Housing is a basic human need that must be affordable and accessible to everyone. Changing
climatic conditions have the potential to greatly affect Bainbridge Island housing stock,
particularly in terms of location within vulnerable areas and energy efficiency of its basic
design. The Comprehensive Plan Housing Element gives us an opportunity to address both
adaptation and mitigation in our housing decisions. Climate mitigation (reducing greenhouse
gas emissions) will be affected by increases in sustainable and green building design that
improve efficiency and lower consumption (less water and energy use, less need for heating
and cooling through improved insulation, energy efficient appliances, alternative energy
access, drought-tolerant plantings), as well as transportation patterns associated with
location of housing (locations closer to non-motorized and public transit corridors could
decrease emissions). In the future, sustainable design and access to non-motorized and
public transit will help homeowners adapt to rising costs of resources because they will need
to consume less.
Planning for an adaptive housing stock would also require development of affordable
housing that remains affordable over time. If homes are not energy efficient under future
climate scenarios, affordability may not be lasting, or it may pass costs onto future
inhabitants. Similarly, adaptive housing should be located in areas associated with non-
motorized and public transportation, providing residents with climate-savvy choices.
Location of housing within a known or projected hazard area is a true indicator of
vulnerability. Just as we should consider the location of a home within a known or potential
future floodplain or tidal inundation zone, we should understand its susceptibility to other
climate related hazards as well. For example, wildfire is a hazard that already exists on the
Island, has the potential to affect housing stock, and may increase over time as temperature
and precipitation patterns change. Bainbridge Island experiences vegetation fires every year;
from 1989-2009 there were 454 reported vegetation fires (BIFD 2012). Identifying the
vulnerability of the existing housing stock to wildfire involves mapping wildfire risk areas and
locating the wildland-urban interface (WUI). WUI is something that Bainbridge Island
homeowners should be aware of, and homeowners should know their risk (Luke Carpenter,
BIFD, Pers. Comm., April 29, 2016).
See Table 7, Housing Implications from Climate Change, to determine what future climate
related changes will affect housing.
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Table 7. Housing Implications from Climate Change
CLIMATE IMPACT HOUSING IMPLICATIONS
Precipitation
changing patterns and extremes, longer
duration, and greater intensity
• Changing patterns have the potential to cause stormwater inundation and localized flooding, chronic flooding, non-infiltrated
runoff, erosion and landslides, which have the potential to affect the proper functioning of local infrastructure and to lead to
degrading water quality and local environments. Development and design standards should accommodate future conditions
to avoid failure, as well as increased maintenance, repair and other associated costs to homeowners and the community.
• Drought and flood will cause alterations to the wildfire hazard risk and affect housing stock at the wildland-urban interface.
• Floodplain protection may need to increase, and current floodplain delineations may become inaccurate. Be sure not to locate
new housing in future hazard zones.
• Localized flooding and heavy rains can affect low quality, older, or poorly located housing stock.
Temperature
more extremes and prolonged summer
highs
• Increases and seasonal changes will increase the frequency and duration of droughts.
• As temperatures increase and there are longer drought periods, there is an increased risk of wildfire (conflicts at the wildland-
urban interface).
• Local temperature fluctuations and new seasonal averages will affect energy use and a home’s ability to maintain a stable,
habitable climate in an affordable way.
• Local and regional greenhouse gas emissions may increase due to rates and types of home heating/cooling energy
consumption.
Sea Level Rise
Projected Mean
2030: +2.6 in. (+/- 2.2 in)
2050: +6.5 in. (+/- 4.1 in)
2100: +24.3 in. (+/- 11.5 in)
• Coastal zone resources and shoreline stability are likely to be compromised by rising seas. Outright loss of land can occur.
Housing stock may be vulnerable.
Slope Stability
Sea level and precipitation pattern
changes will compromise once stable
slopes
• Housing stock located on coastal and inland slopes may be in danger if instability develops or increase.
RELEVANT NON-CLIMATE DATA THAT MAY AFFECT THE GOALS OF THIS ELEMENT
Population changes
account for anticipated increase or
decrease due to climate refugees
• Increases in Island population will place increased demands and stress upon all types of housing stock.
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Questions to Consider for Housing Adaptation
The implications identified in Table 7 above make it clear that the provision of durable and/or
affordable housing can be adversely affected by changing climatic conditions. As community
housing decision are being made, the following questions should be asked:
1. If precipitation were to increase or decrease, how would it affect our housing stock? How
do current precipitation patterns affect housing?
• How does precipitation and “storminess” affect infrastructure related to housing? Will
changes in precipitation have an impact on sanitary sewers, septic systems, and
stormwater drainage? How do the proper functioning of all these systems affect the
Island’s housing stock and affordability?
2. If average seasonal temperatures are altered, would it affect our housing? Are there
currently any seasonal/temperature related impacts on housing?
• Do isolated high-heat or cold days have an effect on housing? What will happen if
patterns change?
• Does the community support and employ energy efficiency measures? (Future
conditions may necessitate them even more – retrofits and upgrades are expensive.)
• Is affordability affected by temperature extremes?
3. If sea level were to rise, would it affect our housing stock? How do sea level and
associated conditions (high tides, inundation, etc.) affect Island homes today?
• Should we continue the permitting of housing in high-hazard areas without requiring a
climate assessment and analysis of the resilience of the house and its systems into the
future?
• If we do allow building in high-hazard areas, should we require bonding of the
property by the developer to avoid future cost to the community that may be incurred
by the risky development?
4. Do we understand the connections between climate impacts and housing affordability?
• Are there some climate-vulnerable locations on-island that should be recognized as
unsuitable for affordable housing?
• Should the community acknowledge that climate vulnerability could cancel out the
intended affordability (i.e., avoid locations susceptible to systems failure due to
changing climate or show a preference for locations where alternative energy is more
easily accessed)?
• Should affordable housing be co-located with access to non-motorized and public
transit corridors (thereby also making transit affordable, and reducing further
greenhouse gas emissions)?
5. Are lands vulnerable to wildfire known and what is the area of interface with developed
areas/housing stock?
6. Are we supporting and enabling low-impact development techniques and residential
green infrastructure sufficiently and without unnecessary barriers? Are we incentivizing it?
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7. Are there state or local “green” residential building requirements that can be employed
on Bainbridge Island to reduce energy demand and water consumption?
8. Does COBI utilize any regulations and incentives to ensure the long-term durability and
efficiency of its housing stock?
9. Should priority and incentives be given to housing development near non-motorized and
public transit corridors?
Social Services (inclusive of human services and cultural resources)
The health, safety, welfare and quality of life of Islanders should be the priorities for our local
government. By electing to include the optional elements of human services and cultural
resources in the Bainbridge Island Comprehensive Plan, the City has an opportunity to raise
awareness about the connection between land use planning and long-term community
resilience. They also have the opportunity now to address the connection between climate
change and long-term community resilience.
Fostering a healthy community (both physically and mentally) will serve to increase local
adaptive capacity as systems change and become strained. For example:
• planning for a sustainable local food system can insulate us locally from fluctuations
in global food or fuel prices or long periods of drought in other areas;
• increasing conservation measures in housing stock and increasing walkability can
strengthen our population and reduce local dependence on fossil fuel;
• education about climate change and its impacts on health, safety and welfare should
be undertaken now so that our future citizenry is prepared for the climate-changed
future; and,
• climate migrations to our area can occur such that social service providers could be
stretched beyond capacity.
As regional and international systems are stressed by climate change, our local systems will
be better positioned to provide basic human needs if the community makes climate-savvy
choices now.
According to the 2004 COBI Cultural Resources element, the general purpose of the element
is to link community cultural planning to large community issues — all shape the quality of
life on Bainbridge. Also, according to the element, arts and humanities are tools for
accomplishing larger community goals such as economic vitality, quality education, and
community planning and design. Climate change is certainly a large community issue;
therefore the cultural resources element can be applied to matters of education and
awareness of its impacts and implications. Additionally, existing cultural resources can be
vulnerable to changes on the ground. For example, sea level rise and slope stability may
threaten art and artifacts in the coastal zone. It may be necessary for the Island to assess and
locate art/artifacts and determine their climate vulnerability.
See Table 8, Cultural and Human Services Implications from Climate Change, to determine
what future climate related changes may affect these planning areas.
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Table 8. Cultural and Human Services Implications from Climate Change
CLIMATE IMPACT CULTURAL AND HUMAN SERVICES IMPLICATIONS
Precipitation
changing patterns and extremes, longer
duration, and greater intensity
• Changing patterns have the potential to cause inundation and localized flooding, chronic flooding, non-infiltrated runoff,
erosion and landslides, which have the potential to affect the proper functioning of local infrastructure and lead to
environmental degradation. Localized flooding and heavy rains can disproportionately affect low quality, older, or poorly
located housing stock and increase costs for maintenance and repair.
• Predicted “storminess” includes the potential for more wind storms, which increases the risk of power outages and disruption
to the provision of other utilities. This can impact the provision of fair and equitable distribution of basic human services.
• Sanitary sewers and community septic systems will be impacted by both heavy precipitation and low-flow drought events.
New infrastructure may be needed to remedy system failure or capacity (capital projects). Rising costs may impact the
equitable distribution of basic human services.
Temperature
more extremes and prolonged summer
highs
• Higher temperatures and seasonal changes will increase the frequency and duration of droughts leading to increased demand
for water. Water shortages and/or increased costs for supply may result. Water as “an essential life need,” should be a
concern of the human services element.
• As temperatures increase and there are longer drought periods, there is an increased risk of wildfire. Cultural resources and
human service providers may be affected.
• Stress and changes to agriculture and food production systems may result from changes in the growing season caused by
increasing temperatures.
Sea Level Rise
Projected Mean
2030: +2.6 in. (+/- 2.2 in)
2050: +6.5 in. (+/- 4.1 in)
2100: +24.3 in. (+/- 11.5 in)
• Coastal zone resources and shoreline stability are likely to be compromised by rising seas. Outright loss of shoreline lands may
result from inundation. Coastal art and artifacts may be vulnerable. Human service facilities may be vulnerable.
• Saltwater intrusion can affect groundwater and drinking water supply and result in water shortages. Water quality can be
affected by saltwater inundation/flooding of sanitary sewer and septic systems. Water as “an essential life need,” should be a
concern of the human services element.
Vegetation changes
shifts will occur in habitat suitability as a
factor of changing temperature and
precipitation
• Long-term temperature and precipitation trend changes will cause shifts in vegetation and habitats on the Island, which will
impact agricultural operations and recreational gardeners alike, both of which will need to adapt to changes in crop suitability
and species tolerance.
• Changes in agriculture production costs, output and composition may result in higher food prices.
RELEVANT NON-CLIMATE DATA THAT MAY AFFECT THE GOALS OF THIS ELEMENT
Population changes
account for anticipated increase or
decrease due to climate refugees
• Increases in Island population will place increased demands and stress upon all human services.
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Questions to Consider for Social Services Adaptation
The implications identified in Table 8 should raise awareness of the fact that the provision of
human services and our links to cultural resources that help define us are at risk. In order to
comprehend the climate vulnerability of cultural resources and human services on Bainbridge
Island we should ask:
1. If precipitation patterns were to increase or decrease, how might they impact cultural
resources or human services? How does current precipitation (patterns and amounts)
affect them?
• What would be the effect of an increase in intensity of rainfall/storminess?
• What would be the effect of increased periods of drought on these community
resources?
2. If average seasonal temperatures were to shift, how might they impact our cultural
resources or human services?
• Are there currently any seasonal/temperature related impacts?
• Do isolated high-heat or cold days impact cultural resources or human services?
• Can the community absorb increased costs of heating and cooling? Is this a human
services issue to consider?
3. How do sea level and associated conditions (high tides, inundation, etc.) impact the Island
today? If sea level were to rise how might it impact our cultural resources or human
services?
• Are there stationary cultural resources located within the high-hazard coastal zone?
• Are there human services or cultural facilities located in places that may be subjected
to inundation or storm surge?
4. Population growth places more demands on human services, as does a more stressed,
displaced, underprivileged, or under-employed population. Climate refugees or migrations
may affect Bainbridge Island, thus increasing the demand for human services. Is there any
pre-planning or capacity building that should be undertaken?
5. If food systems become stressed by climate factors, prices will increase, placing stress on
lower-income families who are less financially resilient, triggering a need for more
services. Is there any pre-planning or capacity building that should be undertaken?
6. As temperature and precipitation patterns change (more frequent and prolonged
drought) the risk of wildfire will increase. Are cultural or human service resources and
facilities located in or near wildfire risk areas?
7. Can we create a “watch list” of cultural resources and human services that exhibit climate
vulnerability? What facilities and systems will be affected as conditions change over time?
8. Is our educational system preparing students for citizenship and employment in a climate-
changed future?
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Actions with Real Impact: What We Can Do Now
There are three action steps that should be paramount and undertaken by the City of
Bainbridge Island immediately. They are not small or easy steps, but they will begin the
adaptation planning process and enable a foundation on which Bainbridge Island has the
chance to build a climate-savvy and resilient community. They are:
Action One: Create a Climate Change Task Force. This involves designation of the leaders,
managers and staff that should incorporate climate change and community resilience into
their duties. This will enable climate change considerations to be mainstreamed into the
actions and decisions of Bainbridge Island into the future.
Action Two: Develop and require a Climate Assessment Certification (CAC). This requires
evidence that any project proponent has assessed future site/operating conditions and
determined climate readiness, including the avoidance of projected vulnerabilities. Such
certification should be applied to and required in any City fiscal or permitting decision.
Action Three: Apply your understanding of how climate change will affect Bainbridge Island.
Use the BICIA and Table 9 in particular to support these efforts.
1. Integrate climate information into our decision-making processes and continuously
update access and understanding of the latest information.
2. Map all known and future vulnerable areas, showing overlays/intersections with
critical facilities, ecosystems and infrastructure. This visual tool will enable us to apply
our understanding of the climate changes that will have a locational effect on
Bainbridge Island. Many implications of climate change cannot be mapped, however
for those that can be pinpointed they should be made clear.
3. Track the application and efficacy of climate-savvy actions in order to modify and
update as needed to keep Bainbridge Island on a path to resilience.
By explicitly considering climate change in our local planning and decision-making,
Bainbridge Island will be on a path to a resilient future. However, these actions must start
today as the decisions we are currently making will set the stage for our ability to respond in
the future. An initial suite of implementation recommendations for our community can be
found in the following table, Table 9: Adaptation Planning Implementation. We invite the
community to waste no time in bringing these actions to life and making Bainbridge Island
climate savvy.
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Table 9. Adaptation Planning Implementation
Planning Sector Main actions in this sector
that will effect Mitigation
Main actions in this sector
that will support
Adaptation
Implementation / Tool Kit Actions
(implementing authorities in addition to COBI are listed in italics)
Government
Operations
• Create a Climate Change Task Force to oversee and organize climate change
preparation and response strategies across the Island. (BIFD, BIPD, BIMPRD,
BISD)
• Develop and require a Climate Assessment Certification (CAC). Such CAC
should be required before any fiscal or permitting decision could be final. A
CAC would be evidence that any government action, project proponent,
fiscal decision, etc. has assessed future climate conditions and determined
durability of a choice, including the avoidance of projected vulnerabilities.
Criteria for determination are suggested in the planning sector rows that
follow here.
Land Use Conserve natural resource
lands and ecosystem
functions by preventing
land conversion to
sprawling or incremental
development.
Focus all new growth as
infill or compact
development.
Reduce consumption of
fossil fuels.
Locate all new growth
outside of future hazard
prone area.
Assess any proposed
project for its ability to
function in the long term
under climate change.
Minimize or avoid
potential for future
threats to the people,
property, environment
and economy of
Bainbridge Island.
Utilize all Island-based
hazard mitigation
planning, shoreline and
floodplain management
processes, and capital
facilities planning to
identify and address local
climate change concerns.
• Develop and require a Climate Assessment Certification. Include criteria for
Land Use:
o Require use of the Bainbridge Island Hazard Identification and Vulnerability
Assessment (BIHIVA) and create other local hazard identification
processes as tools to determine suitability of a site for development or
investment.
(BIFD, BISD, BIMPRD)
• Analyze Floodplain Management Plans and Hazard Mitigation Plans to be
sure climatic scenarios are adequate and considered in analysis.
• Promote compact development through tax incentives and other tools.
• Promote walkability and prioritize multimodal, non-fossil fuel dependent
transportation.
• Require the use of well-designed ecosystem based Cluster, Open Space
Residential Design, or Conservation Subdivision regulations for any
residential subdivision on-island.
• Create specific climate-informed Low Impact Development regulations and
require use in all new or re-development.
• Participate fully in the Kitsap County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (MHMP)
planning and update processes (due to be updated in 2017) and integrate the
findings into local decision-making. (BIFD, Kitsap County Department of Emergency
Management, FEMA)
o Work to have Climate Change included as a hazard category in the future
MHMP updates (currently climate change is not included as a hazard
category in the county’s plan).
• Participate in the process and fully incorporate climate change hazards into
the BI Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment (BIHIVA) (to be
updated by BIFD in 2016). (BIFD, FEMA)
• Utilize available land use tools to increase the preservation of land for future
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Planning Sector Main actions in this sector
that will effect Mitigation
Main actions in this sector
that will support
Adaptation
Implementation / Tool Kit Actions
(implementing authorities in addition to COBI are listed in italics)
agriculture, resource migration, open space, and population changes
(including an Agricultural Resource zoning classification).
• Update and implement the recommendations of the 2008 Bainbridge Island
Open Space Study. (BIMPRD, Bainbridge Island Land Trust)
Transportation Reduce consumption of
fossil fuels.
Link to land use and reduce
sprawling development.
Prioritize walkability, non-
motorized transit and mass
transit, and discourage
single occupancy vehicle
use.
Promote compact
development.
Place transportation
infrastructure in locations
that will not be affected
by climate impacts
• Develop and require a Climate Assessment Certification. Include criteria for
Transportation:
o Require any new transportation infrastructure to be located outside of
vulnerable areas (ensure long-term function).
o Projects must include non-motorized transportation components such
as trailway linkages and walkability, or include impact fees.
• Create a structure of impact fees for all development permits.
• Fund and implement the Non-motorized Transportation Plan.
• Adopt a Transportation Improvement Plan that prioritizes mass transit or,
pedestrian, bicycle and other non-motorized modes over single occupancy
vehicle use.
• Utilize land use regulations and incentives that promote compact, non-single
occupancy vehicle-dependent development.
• Inventory and create a “Watch List” of vulnerable transportation
infrastructure (combine with the list for other community infrastructure).
o Create a prioritized plan to relocate or retrofit vulnerable
infrastructure.
Housing
Increase sustainable and
green building design
(which reduce energy
consumption).
Prioritize siting in locations
that are not motorized-
vehicle dependent for
access to jobs, education
and commerce.
Development of
affordable housing should
require affordability over
time (if not energy-
efficient under future
climate scenarios, will
affordability remain?)
• Develop and require a Climate Assessment Certification. Include criteria for
Housing:
o Location of structures out of vulnerable areas
o Use of sustainable building practices
o Use of renewable energy and conservation measures/features
o Creation of non-motorized transportation corridor connections
• Adopt Green Building Codes such as energy- and water-efficient fixtures and
appliances, increased insulation requirements, including windows, etc.
• Enable use of green roofs, greywater and Low Impact Development
methods on site.
• Utilize bonds in residential permitting within known hazard areas to cover
potential future remediation.
Water Resources
and Environment
Retain vegetation and tree
canopy that serves to
enhance the local air and
Plan improvements,
source development, and
stormwater infrastructure-
• Develop and require a Climate Assessment Certification Include criteria for
Water Resources and Environment:
o Mandate demonstrated consideration of present and future conditions
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Planning Sector Main actions in this sector
that will effect Mitigation
Main actions in this sector
that will support
Adaptation
Implementation / Tool Kit Actions
(implementing authorities in addition to COBI are listed in italics)
water quality.
Maintain ecosystem
function and ability of
systems and habitats to
migrate and function over
time.
based on future
precipitation scenarios.
Implement supply and
demand-side water
conservation.
Protect ecosystems and
their buffers.
Retain vegetation and tree
canopy that serves to
reduce stormwater runoff,
promote ground water
recharge and stabilize
local climate.
Pay attention to shifting
species in revegetation,
restoration and other
projects.
Utilize all compact and
Low Impact Development
techniques (which reduce
impervious and
engineered area).
in any water resource calculations, studies, and permit approvals.
(Require inclusion of future projected conditions/climate scenarios to
understand future resource conditions, including groundwater
recharge rates, stormwater runoff calculations, etc.)
• Require any water resource data gathering and analysis to include metrics
that are sensitive to and identifiable as markers of climate changes.
• Continue the Groundwater Monitoring Program and periodically review its
program parameters.
• Update and reassess the predictive findings of the Groundwater Models
prepared for COBI by Aspect Consulting in 2015-2016. Adopt the
recommendations of Aspect Consulting for future carrying capacity
assessments.
• Set no-net groundwater extraction rates to ensure maximized aquifer
recharge and to stay below COBI early warning levels (balance the aquifer
stressors of increased population and rising demand, decreased recharge
from climate change, and rising sea levels).
• Require a Hydrologic Assessment Report that includes future climate
scenarios for any proposed development projects.
• Ensure full protections under the Critical Areas Ordinance, review and revise
as necessary.
• Adopt Critical Aquifer Recharge Area and Wellhead Protection Regulations.
• Adopt Low Impact Development standards and remove regulatory barriers
to encourage green infrastructure, which can lessen stress on our natural
systems (e.g., to promote on-site water retention/infiltration and slow
stormwater runoff rates).
• Adopt Lot Coverage Maximums (adjusted to lesser values in aquifer recharge
and other sensitive areas).
• Develop tree canopy and vegetation retention requirements (balanced with
FireWise vegetation-free envelopes). (BIFD)
• Place importance on ground cover and understory for their water retention
capacity.
• Enable systems and techniques that reduce energy and conserve resources
(e.g., greywater systems, green roofs, use of green energy technology).
• Conduct a wildfire vulnerability survey of public lands/interfaces on the
island and create a plan for wildfire management. (BIFD)
• Require drought-tolerant plantings.
• City tree planting efforts should require use of species that will persist for
expected lifetime.
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Planning Sector Main actions in this sector
that will effect Mitigation
Main actions in this sector
that will support
Adaptation
Implementation / Tool Kit Actions
(implementing authorities in addition to COBI are listed in italics)
Infrastructure2 Require utilities to use
renewable energy sources.
Reduce energy use and
water use.
Ensure that climate
vulnerabilities/variabilities
inform infrastructure
improvements, or siting
and design.
Ensure long-term return
on investments and
continued function by not
investing in climate
vulnerable locations.
Increase requirements on
utility providers for
conservation of
conventional and
conversion to renewable
sources of energy.
• Develop and require a Climate Assessment Certification. Include criteria for
infrastructure:
o Demonstrated consideration of present and future climate-vulnerable site
conditions in any infrastructure capacity calculations, siting and permit
approvals.
o Require inclusion of future projected conditions/climate scenarios to
understand future resource conditions, including groundwater recharge
rates, stormwater runoff calculations, supply conditions, and location
within a vulnerable area.
• Enable conversion to a utility dependent on renewable energy sources.
• Prioritize and develop expedited permitting and funding for infrastructure
that will decrease fossil fuel emissions and support adaptation.
o Priority given to infrastructure that increases walkability, is located in
Winslow or neighborhood service centers, and allows access by multi-
modes.
o Provide incentives through permitting for use of renewable energy
providers and systems.
• Identify and map infrastructure that is located within hazard areas and
create a “Watch List” of vulnerable infrastructure (combine with the list for
transportation infrastructure).
o Create a prioritized plan to relocate or retrofit vulnerable infrastructure.
• Adopt Low Impact Development techniques and remove regulatory barriers
to encourage green infrastructure, which can lessen stress on natural
systems.
Economy Support renewable energy
development and those
that utilize it in their
business practices.
Do not permit location of
industry/business on-island
Understand the
vulnerability of local
systems3 to climate
change and take measures
to reduce the potential for
exposure, damage and
loss.
• Study and identify economic and financial vulnerabilities of the community
and how they are likely to be worsened by climate change impacts.
• Enable incentives for actions that decrease vulnerability of the local
economy.
• Employ creative funding mechanisms that support and coordinate citywide
action to address climate and hazard mitigation. Develop a steady-state
funding mechanism.
2 Infrastructure is a category that includes myriad capital facilities and services that a government typically
provides to its citizens, including utilities, roads, public buildings, schools, parks, water, sewer & stormwater
systems, and first responder services. 3 Local systems include businesses, tourism, infrastructure, housing stock, transportation – disruption and losses in
any of these sectors will negatively affect the local and regional economy.
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Planning Sector Main actions in this sector
that will effect Mitigation
Main actions in this sector
that will support
Adaptation
Implementation / Tool Kit Actions
(implementing authorities in addition to COBI are listed in italics)
that are dependent on or
high-volume users of fossil
fuel.
Investment in a food
system based on local
production and one that is
not industrialized and
extractive.
Encourage a local
economy that is not based
on vulnerable resources or
sectors that will be
compromised by climate
change.
Encourage diversity and
independence of the local
economy.
Investment in a food
system based on local
production that is
adaptive to Washington’s
anticipated climate
changes.
Education about the
importance of early
awareness and action in
order to create resilience.
• Invest in the development of a local food system:
o Create an Agricultural Zoning classification.
o Use land use tools such as PDR, TDR and tax incentives to preserve
farmland.
o Incentivize farm practices that employ resource (fuel, water)
conservation methods and are not extractive or chemically dependent.
o Support markets for local farmers to sell goods locally.
• Form partnerships with local organizations and action groups to develop a
coordinated public outreach campaign intended to increase community
awareness of the issue of climate change in their own lives and on our
community’s long-term resilience.
o Create materials (including online and signage) promoting sustainable
features of our community that make us more resilient to climate
change, and encourage businesses, patrons and visitors to take their
own actions to reduce the effects of climate change.
o Engage the local media to ask questions about climate implications in
coverage of local planning issues.
(Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, Sustainable Bainbridge)
Cultural and Human
Services4
Ensure that services are
located and provided such
that transportation and
energy use are minimized.
Anticipate and be ready to
accommodate the rise in
demand for the provision
of human services if things
“get bad” due to climatic
changes.
Education about climate
change and the impacts
and implications on the
health, safety, welfare and
future of all to create a
ready and adaptive
citizenry.
• Develop and require a Climate Assessment Certification. Include criteria for
cultural and human services:
o Create criteria for public cultural and human service projects that ensure
they are not vulnerable to climate change.
• Create incentives for on-island agriculture and disincentives for the
conversion of agricultural landscapes to other uses. Recognize the
importance of a robust local food production system as a human service.
• Incorporate climate change into school curricula to help prepare our
students for their careers and citizenship in a climate-changed world. (BISD)
4 Human services are those that assist people in meeting the essential life needs of food, clothing, shelter and
access to health care.
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Literature Cited
American Planning Association-Washington Chapter. 2015 November. Planning for Climate
Change Adaptation: A WA-APA Discussion Paper about Community Resilience.
www.washington-apa.org/address-climate-change
Bainbridge Island Fire Department (BIFD), Western Washington University, March 2012.
Bainbridge Island Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment.
Bainbridge Island Open Space Study. October 2008.
http://www.bainbridgewa.gov/documentcenter/view/5507
Bannister, P., Flynn, T. 2016, March 25 as revised. Aspect Consulting Memorandum to Cami
Apfelbeck re: Bainbridge Island Groundwater Model: Aquifer System Carrying Capacity
Assessment (Task 3 Scenario). Aspect Consulting Project #140369.
http://www.bainbridgewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6542
Bannister, P., Flynn, T. 2015, December 21. Aspect Consulting Memorandum to Cami
Apfelbeck re: Review Findings and Recommendations (Task 2) and Critical Aquifer Recharge
Area Assessment (Task 3 Scenario). Aspect Consulting Project #140369.
http://www.bainbridgewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6235
Center for Sustainable Energy. Case Study: Lancaster Zero Net Energy Goal.
https://energycenter.org/case-study-lancasters-zne-goal. Accessed June 3, 2016.
City of Lancaster. n.d. website. http://www.cityoflancasterca.org/residents/lancaster-choice-
energy. Accessed May 31, 2016.
Coastal Zone Atlas of Washington, Volume 10. 1979. Kitsap County.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/femaweb/kitsap.htm
City of Bainbridge Island (COBI). Local Comprehensive Plan. 2004.
http://www.bainbridgewa.gov/162/Comprehensive-Plan
EPA. 2016. Wyckoff: Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. Document ID 100010233.
https://semspub.epa.gov/work/10/100010233.pdf
EPA. 2016b. Bainbridge Island Aquifer System, WA.
https://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/water.nsf/Sole+Source+Aquifers/bainbridge_ssa
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2015. Risk Report. Prepared for Kitsap
County including the Cities of Bremerton, Bainbridge, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, the Port
Gamble S’Klallam Indian Reservation, the Suquamish Tribe, and Unincorporated Kitsap
County.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). n.d.a website. www.fema.gov/multi-
hazard-mitigation-planning. Accessed May 2016.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). n.d.b. Fact Sheet: Building Community
Resilience by Integrating Hazard Mitigation into the Local Comprehensive Plan.
https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1908-25045-9918/factsheet1.pdf
Accessed May 2016.
Mauger, G.S., J.H. Casola, H.A. Morgan, R.L. Struach, B. Jones, B. Curry, T.M. Busch Isaksen, L.
Whitely Binder, M.B. Krosby and A.K. Snover. 2015. State of Knowledge: Climate Change in
Puget Sound. Report prepared for the Puget Sound Partnership and the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration. Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington, Seattle.
doi:10.7915/CIG93777D). http://cses.washington.edu/picea/mauger/ps-sok/PS-SoK_2015.pdf
Metropolitan Council. 2016. Local Planning Handbook.
http://www.metrocouncil.org/Handbook/Plan-Elements/Resilience.aspx
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). 2015. Digital Coast Sea Level Rise
and Coastal Flooding Impacts Viewer. https://coast.noaa.gov/slr/. Accessed June 2016.
Regional Challenges Overview Paper: Climate Change. Central Puget Sound Regional Open
Space Strategy (ROSS). 2015. http://openspacepugetsound.org/ross-reports
Scrafford, M., Bannister, P. 2015, December 21. Aspect Consulting Memorandum to Cami
Apfelbeck re: Task 1—Hydrogeological Assessment of Groundwater Quantity, Quality, and
Production. Aspect Consulting Project #140369.
http://www.bainbridgewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6236
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2011. Conceptual Model and Numerical Simulations
of the Groundwater-Flow System of Bainbridge Island, Washington.
WA Department of Ecology. n.d.a website. Shoreline Master Program.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/shorelines/smp/. Accessed June 2016.
WA Department of Ecology. n.d.b website. Climate Change: What’s Happening in Washington
State? http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/whatshappening.htm. Accessed April 20, 2016.
WA Department of Ecology. n.d.c website. Low Impact Development (LID) Resources.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/municipal/LID/Resources.html. Accessed
May 6, 2016.
WA Department of Ecology. n.d.d website. Climate Change Impacts.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/2012ccrs/impacts.htm. Accessed April 15, 2016.
Revised Code of Washington, Title 36, Comprehensive plans—Mandatory elements (Effective
until September 1, 2016). RCW 36.70A.070(1).
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Appendix 1: The How and Why to the Bainbridge Island Climate Impact Assessment
Project Activities
1. Research and general knowledge: This Climate Impact Assessment was informed by
published climate data, general research, and expert and community knowledge of
the project team.
2. Community Elicitation Workshop: EcoAdapt held a community elicitation workshop
on November 18, 2015, in collaboration with the City of Bainbridge Island and
Sustainable Bainbridge during which we solicited community input and fostered
education about climate impacts and implications that will affect Bainbridge Island.
Fifty-five participants attended, representing the general public, state government,
local government, local and regional nonprofit organizations, and local businesses.
Workshop participants were split into teams where they considered each
Comprehensive Plan element in the context of climate change data and then
determined relevant impacts and the implications those impacts would have on each
element’s issues. Participants were given planning questions to guide their
evaluation of the climate vulnerability of each element, and in turn added their local
knowledge and concerns by recording their thoughts and table discussion as follows:
individual issue of concern; how they understand climate change to affect their issue
of concern; ideas as to how the impact of climate change can be reduced; and how
they anticipated that change could happen (such as with partners, funds, regulations,
etc.)
Materials were prepared for use during the process that included:
• Analysis, depiction, and presentation of the climate science and findings that are
specifically relevant to Bainbridge Island and show what climatic changes are
expected to affect local ecosystems, and by extension the implications of those
impacts on land use planning and related comprehensive planning issues.
• Briefing documents for each Comprehensive Plan Element were created to inform
the participants of Washington State planning requirements, 2004 local goals,
specific climate impacts and implications that affect an element, and to prepare
them for thought and discussion by providing planning questions to guide
evaluation of the climate vulnerability of every element.
(For a full list of participants and materials see http://ecoadapt.org/workshops/BICIA-
workshop).
3. Comprehensive Plan element review: The EcoAdapt project team provided the
Planning Commission and city staff continuing input on each element throughout
their review and update process (August 2015 through June 2016). This included a
thorough reading of each element of the 10 elements through the lens of climate
change, and suggested revisions within existing text where it would be appropriate
to recognize climate change, future conditions, and the climate impacts on what
each element is intended to plan for, protect, and preserve. In other words, advice
was given on how to mainstream climate mitigation and adaptation goals, policies,
and implementation as appropriate throughout the City’s long-term planning
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framework. Project team members also provided public comment on this subject at
numerous Planning Commission meeting during this timeframe.
Why did EcoAdapt conduct the BICIA?
Beginning in April 2015, and continuing through December 2016, the City of Bainbridge Island
is undergoing an update of its 2004 Comprehensive Plan. This process has provided a golden
opportunity to make changes that would improve the community’s long-term outcomes.
EcoAdapt understands that by planning for its future while recognizing how climatic
conditions will be changing, this Island community has chosen to minimize the effects of
climate change on its social systems and environmental surroundings.
With ambitions such as sustainability almost ubiquitous in community management,
considering the effects of climate change (such as sea level rise, increasing temperatures,
changing precipitation patterns) and the responses to them (such as increasing use of water,
reduced aquifer recharge, changing vegetation and species ranges, movement of more
people into our region) is essential for durability. Considering the implications of such
changes in the update of its Comprehensive Plan, Multi-hazard Mitigation Plan and any other
planning, and then making it part of policy and management actions is the only way to
ensure a sustainable future in the face of climate change.
The need for including climate change in community Comprehensive Plans was called for in
the Puget Sound Regional Open Space Strategy (openspacepugetsound.org) Climate Change
Challenge paper (openspacepugetsound.org/sites/default/files/151026_ClimateChange.pdf ).
Responses to climate change require activities in two areas: adaptation and mitigation.
Mitigation is the action we take to reduce the root cause of climate change (greenhouse gas
emissions predominantly from burning fossil fuels for electricity generation, heating, and
transportation). Adaptation is the action we take to reduce the effects climate change has on
the world around us. Effective long-term outcomes require that we do both.
The City of Bainbridge Island has an opportunity to create a Comprehensive Plan that maps
out goals and policies that allow for a durable future for the Island. Community members
were invited to be part of the Comprehensive Plan process, including making suggestions
about how to incorporate climate change. EcoAdapt has created products (Element Briefs)
to support individuals and organizations as they think about each component of the Island
Comprehensive Plan. Comprehensive Plan elements include: Land Use, Utilities,
Transportation, Capital Facilities, Environment, Economy, Culture, Human Resources,
Housing and Water Resources – each has considerations for climate change and needs to be
considered through a mitigation and adaptation lens during this 2015-16 update process in
order to help make Bainbridge Island more resilient.
The City of Bainbridge Island is also proposing, for the first time, to add a Guiding Principle to
the Comprehensive Plan specifically highlighting the challenges of and opportunities to
address climate change. Creating a Guiding Principle that can truly guide us into the future
will be vital to the success of our interpretation and use of the Comprehensive Plan in
creating policy and code to guide management and daily decisions by the City. The new
Guiding Principle, if adopted, would provide a framework under which the City could make
climate-savvy decisions that enable our small island to adapt to whatever climate changes
may occur.
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page 1 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Report
City of BellinghamClimate ProtectionAction Plan
Emissions Reduction Measures
2018 Update
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page 2 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Introduction 12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 70
page 3 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Introduction
A Letter from Mayor Linville
More than ever before, local governments have the responsibility to protect our environment.
As federal and state support dwindles, cities are on the front line. I am proud to support a vision
of using clean and renewable energy in our community.
As Mayor of Bellingham and a former Washington State Legislator, I know firsthand the
harmful effects that pollution, the high cost of energy, and climate change have on residents and
families throughout Bellingham and Washington state. I have worked on environmental issues
for more than 20 years. I was a sponsor and key negotiator for new state pipeline-safety laws
after the tragic pipeline spill that killed three young people in Bellingham. I created the state’s
LIFT (Local Infrastructure Funding Tool) program and secured $25 million in state matching
funds to help clean up Bellingham’s waterfront after decades of industrial use. I sponsored the
Landscape Management Plan, which was created to protect Lake Whatcom. I also was an original
member of Governor Gregoire’s first climate action council.
Throughout my years of service, I have never lost focus on the goal: To create a better place for our children and
grandchildren. In 2007, Bellingham was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the state’s first
Green Power Community. Since then, the City of Bellingham has continued to invest in sustainability, and we have a lot
to be proud of on our progress towards providing a healthy community.
• City of Bellingham street lights are now all LED, resulting in brighter, safer streets -- as well as an annual energy
savings of approximately $200,000 and a hefty $442,443 rebate check from Puget Sound Energy.
• Because transportation accounts for more than a third of our greenhouse gas emissions, we now have 12 hybrid and
electric vehicles and plan to purchase more as we renew our fleet.
• We continue to implement the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans, which make travel by foot and bike more
accessible and interconnected.
• The City funded $9 million to the Whatcom Transportation Authority’s Enhanced Transit Service, including Sunday
services, from 2010 to 2016.
• We are getting guidance on the best placement for solar panels, which will be possible thanks in part to a $760,000
grant from the Northwest Clean Air Agency.
• This year, we began planning for resource recovery of biosolids to replace incineration at the Post Point Wastewater
Treatment Plant.
• And finally, as Mayor I have demonstrated the City’s commitment on the international stage by joining the U.S.
Climate Mayors as well as the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy to uphold the Paris Climate
Agreement goals.
We are committed to working towards our climate reduction targets, pursuing actions that will achieve those targets
to reduce emissions, and reporting back on progress to our community. I believe that this updated Climate Action Plan
will help lead the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and at the same time improve the lives of our
residents and visitors, grow our local economy, and create a more sustainable and equitable future for Bellingham.
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Introduction 12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 72
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Introduction
Contents
List of Figures .............................................................6
List of Tables ..............................................................8
Acknowledgements ........................................................9
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Executive Summary ......................................................12
Background .............................................................24
Climate Science Update ...............................................24
Climate Policy Update .................................................27
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Update .......................................32
Emissions Inventories ................................................32
Municipal Emissions Trends ..........................................32
Municipal Emissions Analysis by Sector ..............................33
Community Emissions Trends ........................................34
Community Emissions Analysis by Sector .............................35
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Goals ..............................38
2018 Climate Action Plan Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Core Climate Action Strategies ...........................................40
Emissions Forecast & Reduction Measures ................................41
All Municipal Emissions Reduction Measures (Past, Present, & Future) ....46
All Community Emissions Reduction Measures(Past, Present, & Future) ..49
Municipal Measures .....................................................52
Energy Efficiency and Conservation ..................................52
Renewable Energy ....................................................56
Transportation ........................................................58
Green Building .......................................................64
Waste Reduction ......................................................66
Land Use ..............................................................68
Community Measures ...................................................70
Energy Efficiency and Conservation ..................................70
Renewable Energy ...................................................84
Transportation .......................................................89
Green Building ........................................................95
Waste Reduction ......................................................97
Land Use ............................................................99
Appendix: Emissions Inventory Methods .................................101
References ..............................................................104
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Introduction
List of Figures
Figure 1. Cities for Climate Protection Milestones, a program of the International Council
for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). ..............................................13
Figure 2. Distance from average temperatures in 2016 (NASA, New York Times) .........24
Figure 3. The greenhouse effect (USGCRP 2014) ............................................25
Figure 4. Deming Glacier in 2016. The glacier has retreated 420 m from 1979 to 2015.
(Figure: Mauri Pelto). .......................................................................25
Figure 5. Observations and other indicators of a changing global climate system. (IPCC
2014) ........................................................................................26
Figure 6. Total U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Economic Sector in 2014. Total Emissions
in 2014 = 6,870 Million Metric Tons of CO2 equivalent .....................................28
Figure 7. Timeline of City of Bellingham climate policies ..................................30
Figure 8. Estimated Bellingham municipal emissions (tons CO2e) from 2000 to 2015, with
and without emissions reductions from purchased renewable energy credits (RECs) ........32
Figure 9. Estimated Bellingham municipal emissions (tons CO2e) by sector in 2015,
including emissions from electricity use (renewable energy credit emissions offsets are
omitted) .....................................................................................33
Figure 10. 2000-2015 municipal CO2e emissions by sector excluding solid waste ..........34
Figure 11. Normalized CO2e emissions from municipal sectors in 2000 and 2015 ..........34
Figure 12. Estimated Bellingham community emissions (tons CO2e) from 2000
to 2015 ......................................................................................35
Figure 13. 2015 Bellingham community CO2e missions by sector ...........................35
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Introduction
Figure 14. Estimated Bellingham community emissions (tons CO2e) by sector in 2000, 2005,
2012, and 2015. .............................................................................36
Figure 15. Per capita CO2e emissions from community sectors in 2000 and 2015 ..........37
Figure 16. City of Bellingham municipal emissions forecast by sector including proposed
emissions reductions actions (see Table 1) (2015-2030). . .....................................41
Figure 17. Bellingham community emissions forecast by sector including proposed emissions
reductions actions (see Table 5) (2015-2030) .................................................43
Figure 18. Total diesel and biodiesel use by city government from 2007 to 2015 .............58
Figure 19. Average daily roundtrip employee commuting vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by city
worksite. ....................................................................................61
Figure 20. City of Bellingham Habitat Enhancement Sites .................................68
Figure 21. Protected Land in the Lake Whatcom Watershed ..............................69
Figure 22. Energy benchmarking and reporting allows tenants to make choices based on
energy efficiency. This figure was sourced from the City of Seattle. ..........................81
Figure 23. Number of solar permits issued per year by City of Bellingham ..................84
Figure 22. Historic (2000-2014) and long-term (2016-2036) transportation mode shift
goals .......................................................................................90
Figure 23. Electric vehicle charging station locations in Bellingham. .......................92
Figure 24. City of Bellingham Urban Villages ............................................100
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Introduction
List of Tables
Table 1. Municipal (city government operations) and community (within city limits)
progress toward climate targets (which include green power purchases). ....................12
Table 2. City of Bellingham municipal emissions goals, forecasts, and inventories (2000 -
2030) (tons CO2e)................................................................................................................
Table 3. Bellingham community emissions goals, forecasts, and inventories (2000 - 2030)
(tons CO2e) .................................................................................38
Table 4. Ongoing and Proposed Municipal Emissions Reduction Measures included in
Emissions Forecast. .........................................................................42
Table 5. Ongoing and Proposed Community Emissions Reduction Measures included in
Community emissions forecast (continued on next two pages) ..............................44
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Introduction
Acknowledgements
This report required the effort of many
people across many City departments
and other organizations. Thanks to all
those who assisted in this process.
Nathan Rice, Primary Author
Kulshan Services
City of Bellingham staff
Anitra Accetturo
Freeman Anthony
Larry Bateman
Kim Brown
Jennifer Corfee
Myron Carlson
Ted Carlson
Chris Comeau
Clare Fogelsong
Mark Gardner
Riley Grant
Rob Johnson
Eric Johnston
Renee LaCroix
Cynthia May
Scott Moses
Chad Schulhauser
Clark Williams
ICLEI staff
Michael Steinhoff
J.R. Killigrew
Puget Sound Energy
Kim Gray
Heather Mulligan
Melvin Lie
Nick Hartrich
Cascade Natural Gas
Monica Cowlishaw
Amanda Sargent
Other contributors:
Jeff Aslan, Sustainable Connections
Jordan Beaudin, Sustainable Connections
Orion Eaton, Sustainable Connections
Rose Lathrop, Sustainable Connections
Alex Ramel, Stand
Seth Vidaña, WWU Office of
Sustainability
Joel Swisher, WWU Institute for Energy
Studies
Booklet design and layout:
Shew Design
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Overview
OVERVIEW
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Executive Summary
EMISSION SECTORS MONITORED
Municipal Sectors
• Buildings & Facilities
• Fleet
• Employee Commute
• Streetlights
• Water & Sewer Utility
• Waste
Bellingham Community Sectors
• Residential
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Transportation
• Waste
The movement to combat climate
change has been gaining momentum
around the world, with city
governments like Bellingham leading
the way in the public sector. In 2005,
City Council committed to the Cities
for Climate Protection Campaign
and its five milestones (Figure 1).
This process resulted in Bellingham’s
2007 Climate Protection Action Plan,
which included emissions reduction
targets for 2012 and 2020. The City has
completed all five Climate Protection
milestones, and this report represents
the continuation of this program,
reporting on progress so far and
charting a course to meet new targets
in 2030 and 2050.
Tracking progress
Bellingham’s efforts to curb
greenhouse gas emissions have worked.
Emissions inventories show that both
the municipal city government and
the Bellingham community within city
limits exceeded 2012 emissions targets
(Table 1). However, 2015 inventories
show an increase in emissions since
2012 so continuing the commitment to
action is necessary to reach targets in
2020 and beyond.
Table 1. Municipal (city government operations) and community (within city limits) progress toward climate targets (which include green power purchases).
2012 Target 2015 Actual Emissions 2020 Target 2030 Target 2050 Target
Municipal reduction measures: 3 completed, 20 long-term ongoing
-64% emissions from 2000 exceeded (-69.5%)-68.3% from 2000 -70% from 2000 -85% from 2000 -100% from 2000
Community reduction measures: 5 completed, 43 long-term ongoing
-7% emissions from 2000 exceeded (-17%)-10.4% from 2000 -28% from 2000 -40% from 2000 -85% from 2000
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Overview
Municipal successes
Between 2000 and 2012, municipal
emissions dropped by 69.5 percent,
exceeding the original target of 64
percent. This has been accomplished by
implementing 23 municipal emissions
reduction measures. In 2015, municipal
emissions increased slightly but the City
is still on track to meet the 2020 goal with
continued reductions in natural gas and
fleet emissions.
Community successes
Community emissions fell 17 percent
between 2000 and 2012, exceeding
the goal of a 7 percent reduction. This
was made possible by implementing
48 emissions reduction measures. In
2015, community emissions increased
compared to 2012, which could make it
harder to reach emissions targets in 2020
and beyond. Committed action across
the community will be necessary to meet
these goals.
Taking the Next Steps
This report includes new proposed
emissions reduction measures to meet
emissions targets for 2020 and beyond.
Looking forward, the City aims to further
reduce municipal greenhouse gas emissions
to 85% below 2000 levels by 2030 and 100%
below 2000 levels by 2050 – making the
city government carbon neutral. The new
community emissions targets are 70% below
2000 levels by 2030 and 85% by 2050.
Figure 1. Cities for Climate Protection Milestones,
a program of the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI).
Milestone 1
Inventoryemissions Milestone 2
Establish reductiontargets
Milestone 3
Develop climateaction planMilestone 4
Implement policiesand procedures
Milestone 5
Monitor and verify results
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one vision, six strategies
To reach these ambitious
goals, the City has identified
24 ongoing and proposed
municipal emissions
reduction measures and
56 community emissions
reduction measures in six
core strategies.
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COMM U N I T Y
MUNI C I P A LLand Use
Transportation
Renewable Energy
Green Building
Waste Reduction
Energy Efficiency
and Conservation
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Energy Efficiency and Conservation
MUNICIPAL
Buildings and Facilities generate 28
percent of municipal greenhouse gas
emissions. Between 2000 and 2015,
emissions from Buildings and Facilities
decreased 2 percent, including new
municipal buildings built during that
time. Emissions decreased 15 percent per
full-time equivalent employee. These
reductions were likely due to more than
$15 million in energy efficiency upgrades
to city buildings since 2007.1 Meanwhile,
emissions from streetlights dropped 75
percent from 2000 to 2015 after the City
upgraded 3,600 streetlights to LED (light-
emitting diode) bulbs, which will save
more than 2.2 million kilowatt-hours
(kWh) of electricity and more than 1,000
tons of CO2e emissions every year.
Looking ahead, the City will hire a
building engineer to continue improving
energy efficiency in city buildings and
facilities, and to incorporate resource
conservation measures identified in a
recent energy audit of 41 city-owned
buildings as appropriate.
Refer to page 52 to learn more.
COMMUNITY
Residential and Commercial energy
makes up 43 percent of community
emissions. Between 2000 and 2015,
Residential energy fell 13 percent. This
was possible in part due to community
programs like the Community Energy
Challenge, which help reduce energy use
in homes and businesses. Commercial
energy increased by 1 percent, suggesting
that more efficiency progress is possible
there.
Going forward, utilities and community
groups will continue to offer money-
saving rebates to help homeowners make
their homes more energy efficient. The
City will work with partners to expand
these efforts across the community
while exploring new ways to engage the
commercial and industrial sectors, multi-
family housing, and rental properties.
A district energy project in the new
waterfront development area would also
provide significant energy savings.
Refer to page 70 to learn more.
Renewable Energy
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Renewable Energy
MUNICIPAL
Since 2006, the City has purchased
renewable energy credits (RECs) from
wind power to “offset” the emissions
from the city government’s electricity
use. Starting in 2019, the City will
replace RECs with Green Direct, the
new Puget Sound Energy program that
will add more wind power to the grid.
The City will also expand on its three
solar power installations by building a
new one with the help of a Northwest
Clean Air Agency grant. In addition,
upgrading the Post Point wastewater
treatment plant biosolids process will
eliminate the need for incineration
and capture methane to use for energy,
greatly reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
Refer to page 56 to learn more.
COMMUNITY
Solar power is booming in Bellingham:
Between 2014 and 2015, annual
solar installation permits increased
127 percent. In 2016, Bellingham
homes and businesses generated
over 3 million kWh of solar power,
preventing more than 2,300 tons of
CO2e emissions. That’s enough to
power 225 homes for a year on nothing
but the sun, even here in the rainy
Northwest. In April 2016, Bellingham
was recognized by Washington
Governor Jay Inslee as a Northwest
Solar Community for making it easier
and cheaper for homeowners to install
rooftop solar.
Looking ahead, solar power continues
to grow with the help of community
solarize campaigns. Residents continue
to purchase Green Power from Puget
Sound Energy and others to bring more
renewable energy onto the grid.
Refer to page 84 to learn more.
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Transportation
MUNICIPAL
Between 2000 and 2015, vehicle
fleet emissions fell 29 percent due in
part to hybrid and electric vehicles
purchases. The City will purchase more
hybrid and electric vehicles and will
start using renewable diesel – a next
generation biofuel – in the City fleet.
Employee commute emissions dropped
12% between 2000 and 2015. The City
will continue to promote alternative
transportation for employees with free
bus passes and a City bike fleet, as well
as education and outreach.
Refer to page 58 to learn more.
COMMUNITY
Transportation is the largest source
of greenhouse gas emissions in
Bellingham, making up 32 percent of
all community emissions. Between
2000 and 2015, transportation
emissions dropped by 10 percent.
The City will continue to promote
alternative transportation in a variety
of ways: bike- and pedestrian-friendly
infrastructure and planning, incentives
for businesses that reduce car trips,
and smart land use decisions like
dense, urban villages designed around
walking rather than driving (see Land
Use section). Going forward, the City
will explore new ways to incentivize
electric vehicles and charging stations
in the private sector. Community
programs like Whatcom Smart
Trips also promote and incentivize
alternative transportation.
Refer to page 89 to learn more.
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Green Building
MUNICIPAL
Buildings and facilities generate 28
percent of municipal greenhouse gas
emissions. Building energy use can be
reduced by following green building
practices during construction. The City
has committed to LEED (Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design)
standards for most new municipal
buildings.
Refer to page 64 to learn more.
COMMUNITY
Residential and Commercial energy
makes up 43 percent of community
emissions. Between 2000 and 2015,
Residential energy fell 13% and
Commercial energy increased 1%.
The City promotes green building
through permitting incentives and
codes, and will ensure that these tools
are consistent with updated standards.
New efforts like 2030 Districts seek
to reach Net Zero Carbon emissions
in all new buildings, developments,
and major renovations by 2030. The
City will review and update codes and
policies in an effort to support this
ambitious goal.
Refer to page 95 to learn more.
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Waste Reduction
MUNICIPAL
The City reduces waste through
recycling, composting, and reusing
materials but lacks data on waste
volumes over time. The City will begin
monitoring its waste so that waste
reduction can be tracked over time.
With this data, a waste reduction plan
can be developed. In addition, the City
will continue to use recycled materials
in its construction projects.
Refer to page 66 to learn more.
COMMUNITY
Between 2000 and 2015, residential
solid waste emissions decreased by 10
percent while commercial, industrial,
and multifamily waste increased by
20 percent. The City can help reduce
community waste by working with
Whatcom County to increase diversion
and recycling. Community programs
like Sustainable Connections’ Toward
Zero Waste campaign are also
important efforts.
Refer to page 97 to learn more.
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Land Use
MUNICIPAL
City parks sequester carbon in
trees and wetlands. The Habitat
Restoration program increases carbon
sequestration by planting vegetation to
improve fish and wildlife habitat. The
City’s Property Acquisition Program
in the Lake Whatcom watershed
purchases property to prevent
development around our drinking
water source and protect carbon-rich
forests. The City will continue these
purchases and will also research the
feasibility of earning carbon credits for
these purchases.
Refer to page 68 to learn more.
COMMUNITY
At the community level, Goals and
Policies from the City’s Comprehensive
Plan aim to further decrease energy
use and reduce emissions. Those
land use polices promote alternative
transportation and Urban villages that
reduce transportation emissions by
making it easier to walk, bike, and bus
by concentrating a variety of services
in a small area with frequent transit.
High-density development
accomplishes similar goals while
preserving open space, reusing
buildings, and saving energy and
resources.
Refer to page 99 to learn more.
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What’s Next
The 2018 Climate Protection Action
Plan update is a guiding document
that provides strategies for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions at the
municipal and community levels.
Going forward, the City will report on
municipal and community emissions
every two years in City performance
metrics and in the mayor’s State of the
City address. This plan will be updated
every five years.
In order to achieve these ambitious
targets and lessen Bellingham’s
climate impact, the entire community
needs to get involved. Bellingham
continues to grow – our population
increased by 15 percent in the last
10 years – so reducing emissions to
meet our goals will be a challenge.
As we continue this important work,
it is essential to recognize the many
benefits of acting on climate change.
By saving energy, driving less, cutting
waste and pollution, and planning the
community with foresight and care,
Bellingham will create jobs, improve
health, save money, and enrich the
community, all while preserving the
natural beauty and resources it relies
on.
Core Strategies
Ongoing & Proposed Measures
Municipal Community
Energy Efficiency & Conservation 5 25
Renewable Energy 4 10
Transportation 12 11
Green Building 2 3
Waste Reduction 6 4
Land Use 2 3
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Core Strategies
Ongoing & Proposed Measures
Municipal Community
Energy Efficiency & Conservation525
Renewable Energy 410
Transportation1211
Green Building23
Waste Reduction64
Land Use23
I believe that this updated Climate Action Plan
will help lead the transition away from fossil
fuels to renewable energy, and at the same time
improve the lives of our residents and visitors,
grow our local economy, and create a more
sustainable and equitable future for Bellingham.
—Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville
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Background
Climate Science Update
2016 was the hottest year on Earth
since recordkeeping began in 1880
and the third year in a row to break
that record.2 3 4 Of the 17 hottest years
ever recorded, 16 have occurred since
the year 2000, topping off what were
likely the three hottest decades in the
Northern Hemisphere in the last 1,400
years.5 6
The oceans have never been warmer,
shrinking the polar sea ice extent like
never before. Meanwhile, global sea
level is rising faster than predicted
by the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change due to the expansion
of warming sea water, and melting
terrestrial glaciers and ice sheets in
Greenland and Antarctica.7 8 More
rapid ice sheet collapse could raise
global sea levels more than three
feet by 2100 and can’t be ruled out if
emissions are not reduced.9 One recent
study found that carbon emissions
through 2015 make four feet of sea
level rise unavoidable.10 Sea level
rise could threaten up to 94,000
Washington residents and 13 million
people nationwide by 2100.11
Local Impacts
The planetary warming trend is
evident here at home as well: 2015
marked the hottest year on record in
Washington State, and impacts were
felt in Bellingham and across the
region. The record drought in 2015
closed salmon fishing on the South
Fork of the Nooksack River in July
to protect stressed fish. Warm ocean
temperatures caused unprecedented
toxic algae blooms, leading to
widespread impacts to fisheries,
including closures of recreational razor
clamming in Washington and Oregon,
and much of the state’s Dungeness
crab harvest.12 Low snowpack, heat,
and drought led to Washington’s
worst-ever wildfire season, leaving
over a million acres charred across the
state and a $347 million firefighting
bill.13 Less dire but still emblematic
of a changing climate, 2015 marked
the first time ever that Bellingham’s
celebrated Ski to Sea race could not
live up to its name: The two ski events
were canceled for lack of snow. In 2016,
Bellingham again saw record-breaking
summer heat and historic El Nino
rains, consistent with climate change
predictions. 14 15 16
Isolated weather events or abnormal
seasons cannot necessarily be linked
to climate change, which acts on longer
Figure 2. Distance from average temperatures in 2016
(NASA, New York Times)
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time scales. But the recent trends
portend what is predicted to be the
new normal here in Bellingham: hotter
and drier summers and more intense
rain events in winter, spring, and
fall17 18.
These changes have already caused
glaciers in the North Cascades to
shrink to half their size since 1900—
smaller than any time in the last
4,000 years (Figure 4)19. This leads to
warmer rivers that harm salmon and
diminished run-off that reduces water
supply. Lakes worldwide are warming
faster than the oceans and the
atmosphere, threatening water quality,
and exacerbating existing problems
close to home.
The Greenhouse Effect
As greenhouse gases are emitted—
primarily carbon dioxide, but
also methane, nitrous oxide, and
others—heat is trapped in the
lower atmosphere, raising surface
temperatures through the greenhouse
effect (Figure 3). The current rate of
emissions is unprecedented in the last
66 million years due to pollution from
various human activities including
coal and gas-fired power plants;
transportation; production of cement,
metals, and other industrial products;
agriculture; oil and gas production; and
the degradation of forests, soils, and
other ecosystems that store carbon.20
Globally, the Earth's temperature has
risen almost two degrees Fahrenheit in
the last 150 years.21 In summer of 2016,
the concentration of carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere surpassed 400 parts
per million (ppm) for the first time in
three million years and it continues
to climb well above the 350 ppm that
climate scientists say is the safe level
to maintain a stable climate on Earth
(Figure 5c).22 23 24
Figure 3. The greenhouse effect (USGCRP 2014)
Figure 4. Deming Glacier in 2016. The glacier has retreated 420 m from 1979 to 2015. (Figure: Mauri Pelto).
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Puget Sound
Some of that excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is
being absorbed by the oceans, making sea water 26% more
acidic since the start of the industrial era.25 This could have
drastic ecological and economic consequences, particularly
in the Pacific Northwest where the sea is naturally more
acidic due to upwelling ocean currents. Already, Puget
Sound shellfish growers struggle to raise oyster larvae in
acidic conditions, and one of Washington's major oyster
growers has moved operations to Hawaii in search of less
corrosive seas. Along with reducing carbon emissions,
preventing pollution in local waters is the best way to reduce
these impacts.26
Facing the Future
Though striking, the effects of climate change seen today
are dwarfed by what's to come if emissions are not reduced
quickly. In fact, even if all carbon emissions were stopped
tomorrow, the climate would continue changing for some
time due to the amount of carbon dioxide and warming
already in the system.27
All these signs point to one undeniable truth: Climate
change is well underway and we must speed our efforts to
lessen its impact. At the same time, we must work to adapt
to a new world. The cost of inaction will be measured locally
in lives lost to extreme weather events, homes flooded
by storms, infrastructure damage on a rising sea, glaciers
melted, salmon runs gone extinct, fishing jobs dried up.
Figure 5. Observations and other indicators of a
changing global climate system. (IPCC 2014)
Observations: (a) Annually and globally averaged
combined land and ocean surface temperature
anomalies relative to the average over the period
1986 to 2005. Colors indicate different data
sets. (b) Annually and globally averaged sea level
change relative to the average over the period
1986 to 2005 in the longest-running dataset.
Colors indicate different data sets. All datasets
are aligned to have the same value in 1993, the
first year of satellite altimetry data (red). Where
assessed, uncertainties are indicated by coloured
shading. (c) Atmospheric concentrations of the
greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2, green),
methane (CH4, orange) and nitrous oxide (N2O,
red) determined from ice core data (dots) and
from direct atmospheric measurements (lines).
Indicators: (d) Global anthropogenic CO2
emissions from forestry and other land use as well
as from burning of fossil fuel, cement production
and flaring. Cumulative emissions of CO2 from
these sources and their uncertainties are shown as
bars and whiskers, respectively, on the right hand
side. The global effects of the accumulation of
CH4 and N2O emissions are shown in panel c.
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Despite these dire predictions,
scientists say it's not too late to protect
our climate. And there are signs of
progress in the fight against climate
change.
Climate Policy Update
Global Climate Policy
In 2015, for the first time, global
greenhouse gas emissions did not
increase despite a growing world
economy.28 In May 2015, Pope Francis
released a ground-breaking, 200-page
document declaring climate change to
be a moral issue of great concern. Such
recognition marked a turning point in
the global conversation on the gravity
of climate change and the urgency to
act now to cut carbon pollution.
In December 2015, all but two
countries in the world signed on
to the Paris Climate Agreement to
limit global warming to less than
two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees
F) above pre-industrial levels, and
to stop the rise of greenhouse gas
emissions as quickly as possible. This
marked an important step toward
global climate action, but critics say
it’s not nearly enough to spur rapid
emissions cuts since the combined
voluntary emissions reduction pledges
miss the Agreement’s two degree
target29. Required five-year reviews
of each country’s pledge may bolster
emissions reductions as renewable
energy becomes more affordable
and climate impacts become harder
to ignore. The Paris Agreement also
increased developed countries’ aid to
poorer countries. However, on June
1, 2017, President Trump removed
the United States federal government
from the Paris Climate Agreement and
is seeking to nullify the obligation to
contribute aid to other less developed
countries. When this policy takes
effect in 2020, the U.S. will be the only
world government not participating in
the Paris Agreement, since the original
two holdouts, Syria and Nicaragua,
joined in November of 2017.
Responding to the President’s
announcement withdrawing the
federal government from the Paris
Agreement, dozens of cities, states,
and U.S. corporations have joined the
We Are Still In campaign declaring
their continued commitment to
meeting the reduction goals of the
Paris Agreement. On June 5, 2017,
Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville
signed on to the Mayor’s National
Climate Action Agenda in support of
the Paris Climate Agreement. Leading
up to the Paris climate talks, the City
of Bellingham also signed on to the
United Nations Compact of Mayors, a
global campaign to strengthen cities’
commitments to climate action. The
680 participating cities are committed
to developing climate action and
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 95
page 28 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Overview
adaptation plans, and to monitor and
report emissions.
The World Climate Conference
COP23 was held in Bonn Germany
in November of 2017. With every
nation in the world — save the U.S.
— formally committed to the Paris
agreement, COP23 drew an estimated
25,000 participants representing
nations, subnational governments,
businesses, schools, universities, NGOs
and faith communities. Washington
Governor Inslee and the governors of
Oregon and California were invited
by COP23 President Bainimarama to
speak as representatives of the United
States Climate Alliance. During the
conference, work progressed on the
implementation guidelines for the
Paris Agreement that will be finalized
in 2020. Another significant outcome
was the establishment of the Talanoa
Dialogue, a mechanism to raise the
level of ambition needed to reach the
two degrees Celsius target by bringing
together contributions from science,
industry, and the civil sector. Despite
the changes to the U.S. position
on climate change, the U.S. federal
government delegation continued
to support past U.S. climate policy
positions.
Federal Climate Policy in Transition
Like the global economy, growth of
the U.S. economy is no longer directly
linked to carbon emissions. Since
2007, U.S. Gross Domestic Product
has grown by 12 percent, while
energy consumption has fallen by
3.6 percent.30 Wind and solar power
are booming as they become more
affordable, and coal production and
consumption are in decline. Renewable
energy is now a major part (22%) of the
U.S. power mix, with 244 gigawatts of
installed capacity across the country,
an 83% increase from 2007 levels.31 32
Meanwhile, U.S. greenhouse gas
emissions are falling. Total U.S.
greenhouse gas emissions hit a 25-year
low in 2016, down 12% from their peak
in 2007. The U.S. is now almost halfway
toward its Paris Agreement pledge to
reduce national emissions by 26 to 28
percent below 2005 levels by 2025.33
In 2013, President Obama put in place
a federal Climate Action Plan to cut
carbon emissions, prepare for climate
change impacts, and lead international
climate protection efforts. If fully
implemented, it would cut nearly
6 billion tons of carbon pollution
through 2030.34 The plan furthers the
2012 fuel efficiency standards for cars
and trucks, which could avoid 1 billion
tons of carbon pollution by doubling
efficiency by 2025.35 The plan also calls
for investments in energy efficient
buildings and technology, accelerating
renewable energy development
on public lands, improving low-
income access to solar power, cutting
Electricity (30%)
Commercial &
Residential (12%)
Agriculture(9%)
Industry
(21%)
Transportation(26%)
Figure 6. Total U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Economic Sector in 2014. Total Emissions in 2014 = 6,870 Million Metric Tons of CO2 equivalent
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page 29 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Overview
methane emissions from fossil fuel
production, and protecting carbon-rich
ecosystems.36 The fate of the federal
Climate Action Plan is so far unclear
under President Trump.
In 2015, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) announced
the Clean Power Plan to cut carbon
emissions from electricity generation
by 32 percent from 2005 levels by
2030 (about 900 million tons per year).
This reduction in air pollution would
prevent more than 3,500 premature
deaths, 1,700 heart attacks, and 90,000
asthma attacks in children per year,
according to EPA.37 38 In March of
2015, the City of Bellingham joined a
coalition of local governments around
the country submitting an amicus brief
to the U.S. Supreme Court in support
of the Clean Power Plan. Then, in
early 2016, the Supreme Court halted
implementation of the Clean Power
Plan pending judicial review at the
request of 29 states and state agencies.
In March 2017, President Donald
Trump signed an Executive Order to
revoke the Clean Power Plan and other
climate policies.39 This move appears
to put the U.S. emissions reduction
goal under the Paris Agreement out of
reach.40
The controversial Keystone XL oil
pipeline that would bring carbon-
intensive tar sands oil from Canada
to the Gulf Coast was approved by
President Trump in March 2017.41 He
has also reversed President Obama’s
decision to halt the Dakota Access
Pipeline after months of sustained
protests over water quality threats to
local tribes.
Given these and other significant
setbacks to federal climate policy,
city and state governments along
with major U.S. corporations are now
leading U.S. efforts to reduce emissions
and prevent catastrophic climate
change.
State Climate Policy
Governor Jay Inslee, with support
from many leaders in the state
legislature, has championed significant
greenhouse gas reduction policy in
Washington State and beyond. In
January 2017, the Governor’s Clean Air
Rule went into effect, capping state
carbon emissions and regulating the
state’s largest greenhouse gas emitters.
The rule also created incentives for
investments to reduce fossil fuel use
and adopt clean energy. Washington is
the first state to use its Clean Air Act
authority to fight climate change after
ambitious cap-and-trade legislation
failed in 201542 43 44. The rule is now
facing legal challenges from Puget
OTHER CLIMATE-RELATED CITY PLANS & POLICIES
• City of Bellingham Comprehensive Plan 2016 Update
• Mayoral Proclamation of Energy Year 2016
• Energy and Resource Conservation (ERC) Policy
• Resolution Endorsing the Earth Charter (Resolution 2002-44)
• Cities for Climate Protection Program (Resolution 2005-08)
• Construction and Renovation of Public Buildings Using LEED
Standards (Resolution 2005-21)
• Renewable Energy Purchase for Municipal Facilities (Resolution
2006-28)
• Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program (Resolution
2007-05)
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Resolution 2007-10)
• Electric Car Charging Station (Ordinance 2011-03-009)
• Single-use carryout Bag Ordinance (6.47.050)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 97
page 30 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Sound Energy, three other natural gas
utilities, and eight industry groups.
At the 2016 United Nations Marrakesh
Climate Conference, Washington State
joined the Under 2 MOU, a coalition
of 167 subnational jurisdictions in 33
countries that committed to cutting
carbon emissions below 80 percent
of 1990 levels by 2050 – a reduction
deemed necessary to limit global
warming to less than two degrees
Celsius by 2100. In 2015, Governor
Inslee attended the U.N. Paris Climate
Conference and committed to doubling
the percent of electric vehicles in
the state government fleet to 20%.
Nationwide, Washington ranks among
the top three states for electric vehicle
adoption. Washington also participates
in other regional climate agreements
like the Pacific Coast Collaborative
and Pacific North America Climate
Leadership Agreement.
These efforts build on Washington’s
2008 Climate Action Plan, which calls
for reducing statewide greenhouse gas
emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, 25
percent below 1990 levels by 2035, and
50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.
A State House of Representatives Bill
introduced in January 2017 calls for
accelerating those goals to reach 80
percent below 1990 levels by 205045. The
state’s Renewable Portfolio Standards
have reduced carbon pollution from
electricity generation and require
utilities to use 15 percent renewable
resources by 2020. In July 2016, Puget
Sound Energy settled a Clean Air Act
lawsuit from the Sierra Club by agreeing
to shut down the dirtiest units of its
coal-fired power plant in Colstrip,
Montana by 2022.46 In November 2016,
Washington voters rejected the nation’s
first state carbon tax initiative.47
After President Trump removed the
United States from the Paris Climate
Agreement in June 2017, Governor
Inslee joined the governors of New
York and California to form the United
Figure 7. Timeline of City of Bellingham climate policies
JAN-05 JAN-06 JAN-07 JAN-08 JAN-09 JAN-10 JAN-11 JAN-12 JAN-13 JAN-14 JAN-15 JAN-16 JAN-17 JAN-18
City council passes
Cities for Climate
Protection Program.
City commits to
LEED Building
Standards.
City starts
using 100%
green power.City adopts Climate
Action Plan.
Awarded Green Power
Partner of the Year.
APA award for
multimodal
transportation plan.
Community Energy
Challenge begins.
Energy and resource
conservation policy.
Energy Scarcity/Peak
Oil Task Force report.
Cities for
Climate
Protection
Program
completed.
Climate
Adaptation
Plan drafted.
City requests cumulative
impact analysis of
Gateway Pacific Terminal.
City begins retrofitting 3600
streetlights with LED bulbs.
Mayor Linville
declares
energy year.
Bellingham
named NW
Solar
Community
by Governor
Inslee.
Mayor signs Mayor’s
Climate Protection
Initiative.
City commits to
environmental
purchasing program.Awarded EPA
Green Power
Partner of the
Year again.
Bellingham named #1
Small city by NRDC
Smarter Cities program.
Streamlined permits
for rooftop solar.
EPA Climate
Showcase
community grant
supports CEC.
Mayor Pike joins over 100
mayors in a letter to
President Obama opposing
Keystone XL pipeline.
Environment chapter added
to comprehensive plan.
Mayor Linville joins
Amicus brief to US
Supreme Court supporting
EPA’s Clean Power Plan.
Mayor Linville joins
Climate Mayors to adopt
Paris Agreement
Mayor Linville
joins Mayors
for 100%
Clean Energy
Community-
wide
Campaign.
City joins the United Nations
Compact of Mayors.
Georgetown
Energy Prize
Competition
starts.
Energy
conservation
retrofits in
city building.Bellingham
named a top
10 finalist in
the George-
town Energy
Prize
Competition.
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 98
page 31 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
State Climate Alliance, a coalition of
U.S. states committed to upholding the
Paris Agreement and taking aggressive
action on climate change.
Local Climate Policy
Bellingham’s climate leadership began
in 2005 when the City committed
to the five milestones of the Cities
for Climate Protection Program.48
In 2006, the City began purchasing
renewable energy credits to offset
all municipal electricity use, earning
recognition from U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency in 2007 and 2009.
In 2007, City Council approved
the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and
Climate Protection Action Plan,
which committed the City to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by 64% in
2012 and 70% in 2020, compared with
the 2000 baseline levels.49 The City
also planned to reduce greenhouse
gas pollution in the entire Bellingham
community by 7% below 2000 levels
by 2012 and by 28% below 2000
levels by 2020. To reach these goals,
the City has put in place numerous
policies to increase renewable energy,
energy efficiency and conservation,
alternative transportation, and waste
reduction. Major policies are noted in
the Bellingham climate policy timeline
(Figure 7) and specific measures are
highlighted in the Climate Action
Plan Update section of this report.
Climate action involves numerous
sectors of City government including a
number of existing policies and plans.
Bellingham continues to implement
and revise the climate plans begun in
2007.
In addition to acting locally to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions the City has
also joined important state, national
and international campaigns to
support reduction measures.
JAN-05JAN-06JAN-07JAN-08JAN-09JAN-10JAN-11 JAN-12 JAN-13 JAN-14 JAN-15 JAN-16 JAN-17 JAN-18
City council passes
Cities for Climate
Protection Program.
City commits to
LEED Building
Standards.
City starts
using 100%
green power.City adopts Climate
Action Plan.
Awarded Green Power
Partner of the Year.
APA award for
multimodal
transportation plan.
Community Energy
Challenge begins.
Energy and resource
conservation policy.
Energy Scarcity/Peak
Oil Task Force report.
Cities for
Climate
Protection
Program
completed.
Climate
Adaptation
Plan drafted.
City requests cumulative
impact analysis of
Gateway Pacific Terminal.
City begins retrofitting 3600
streetlights with LED bulbs.
Mayor Linville
declares
energy year.
Bellingham
named NW
Solar
Community
by Governor
Inslee.
Mayor signs Mayor’s
Climate Protection
Initiative.
City commits to
environmental
purchasing program.Awarded EPA
Green Power
Partner of the
Year again.
Bellingham named #1
Small city by NRDC
Smarter Cities program.
Streamlined permits
for rooftop solar.
EPA Climate
Showcase
community grant
supports CEC.
Mayor Pike joins over 100
mayors in a letter to
President Obama opposing
Keystone XL pipeline.
Environment chapter added
to comprehensive plan.
Mayor Linville joins
Amicus brief to US
Supreme Court supporting
EPA’s Clean Power Plan.
Mayor Linville joins
Climate Mayors to adopt
Paris Agreement
Mayor Linville
joins Mayors
for 100%
Clean Energy
Community-
wide
Campaign.
City joins the United Nations
Compact of Mayors.
Georgetown
Energy Prize
Competition
starts.
Energy
conservation
retrofits in
city building.Bellingham
named a top
10 finalist in
the George-
town Energy
Prize
Competition.
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 99
page 32 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Overview
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Update
Emissions Inventories
An emissions inventory is a
comprehensive estimate of the
amount of greenhouse gases emitted
from a particular area or jurisdiction.
Inventories are the best way to track
progress towards emissions targets.
The City of Bellingham has completed
emissions inventories for the years
2000, 2005, 2012, and 2015 to track
progress toward targets set for 2012,
2020, 2030 and 2050. Inventories are
completed at two scales: municipal
city government operations and the
Bellingham community within city
limits.
Going forward, emissions inventories
will be completed every two years by
City of Bellingham Natural Resources
staff. See Appendix for Inventory
Methods.
Municipal Emissions Trends
Between 2000 and 2012, municipal
emissions dropped by 69.5%, including
reductions from renewable energy
credits purchased by the City to offset
electricity emissions (Figure 8). This
exceeds the goal set in 2007 to cut
emissions by 64% from 2000 levels by
2012, and puts within reach the 2020
goal to cut emissions by 70% below
2000 levels, despite emissions growth
in 2015. The increase in non-electricity
30K
25K
20K
15K
10K
TONS CO2eYEAR
5K
0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
no action
forecast
2020 target:
-70% from 2000RECs
included
RECs not
included
2012 target:
-64% from 2000
-13.3%
-69.5%
2007 No action
Forecast
Actual emissions
(no RECs)
2007 CAP
targets Measured
Emissions
Emissions
(RECs included)
Projected
Emissions
Figure 8. Estimated Bellingham municipal emissions (tons CO2e) from 2000 to 2015, with and without emissions
reductions from purchased renewable energy credits (RECs)
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page 33 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Overview
30K
25K
20K
15K
10K
TONS CO2eYEAR
5K
0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
no action
forecast
2020 target:
-70% from 2000RECs
included
RECs not
included
2012 target:
-64% from 2000
-13.3%
-69.5%
2007 No action
Forecast
Actual emissions
(no RECs)
2007 CAP
targetsMeasured
Emissions
Emissions
(RECs included)
Projected
Emissions
emissions in 2015 (blue line in Figure
8) and the corresponding decrease
in overall emissions (orange line)
reflects the City’s focus on reducing
electricity use; however, natural gas
and fleet emissions must be cut in
order to meet the City’s 2020 goal.
2012 emissions were 4% below 1990
levels, missing the Kyoto Protocol of
7% below 1990 levels when emissions
from new buildings are included.
Note that these emissions do not
include solid waste, which were not
factored into baseline emissions
or targets. Also note that these are
comparisons of discrete snapshots
in time; multi-year trends will better
reflect emissions reductions.
Municipal Emissions Analysis by Sector
Note: Renewable energy credit
emissions offsets not included in this
analysis.
Sewer utility emissions dropped an
estimated 8% between 2000 and 2012
due to improved incinerator use,
improved secondary treatment energy
efficiency, and a new centrifuge (Figure
10; see measures for details). However,
in 2015, the City sewer utility emitted
40% of municipal emissions -- by
far the most of any sector (Figure 9).
Buildings and Facilities accounted for
28% of 2015 municipal emissions with
a 3% reduction from the 2000 baseline
despite more city-owned buildings.
This decrease is likely due to energy
efficient retrofits and green building
practices. The increase in Building and
Facility emissions from 2012 may be
due to air conditioning during the hot
summer in 2015; there were 152 more
cooling degree-days in 2015 compared
to 2012. Streetlights and traffic signals
emitted just 3% of city emissions in
2015 – down from 12% in 2012 – thanks
to LED lightbulb upgrades that save
2,204,210 kWh of electricity and 1,000
tons of CO2e every year. The City’s
vehicle fleet, which made up 10% of
2015 emissions, saw a 29% emissions
reduction due
to a decrease in
diesel fuel use
and improved
average fleet fuel
efficiency, aided
by the City’s no
idling policy
and purchases
of hybrid and
electric vehicles.
Emissions from
Buildings and Facilities (28%)
Vehicle Fleet (10%)Water Utility (10%)
Sewer Utility (40%)
Solid Waste (1%)
Street Lights andTraffic Signals (10%)
EmployeeCommute (8%)
Figure 9. Estimated Bellingham municipal emissions (tons CO2e) by sector in 2015, including emissions from electricity use (renewable energy credit emissions offsets are omitted)
Municipal sectors Community sectors
Buildings & Facilities Residential
Vehicle Fleet Commercial
Employee Commute Industrial
Streetlights Transportation
Water & Sewer Solid Waste
Solid Waste
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page 34 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Overview
water treatment and delivery were 10% of all City emissions
in 2015 after decreasing 5 percent from 2000 with improved
water conservation. City employee commute emissions – 8%
of 2015 emissions – fell 12 percent as City jobs were cut and
commuting behavior changed under the City’s commute trip
reduction program. Solid waste emissions were an estimated
1% of 2012 emissions; however, as noted above, this is a very
rough estimate with no baseline data for comparison.
Community Emissions Trends
Between 2000 and 2012, community emissions dropped by
17%, exceeding the goal of a 7% reduction and preventing
419,284 tons of CO2e emissions when compared to the No
Action forecast (Figure 12). In 2015, however, emissions
increased to just 4% below 2000 levels. Some year-to-year
variation is expected due to weather. 2012 emissions were
10% higher than 1990 levels, missing the Kyoto Protocol goal
of 7% below 1990 levels. Note that these emissions do not
include solid waste, which were not factored into baseline
emissions or emissions reductions targets, but will be going
forward.
Figure 10. 2000-2015 municipal CO2e emissions by sector excluding solid waste TONS CO2eMUNICIPAL SECTOR BY YEAR
(elec./nat. gas) (elec./nat. gas) (elec./nat. gas) (gas/diesel) (gas/diesel) (elec.)
2000 2005 2012 2015 new buildings
0
2K
4K
6K
8K
10K
Employee CommuteWaterStreetlightsVehicle FleetBuildingsWastewater
+3% change since 2000
-3%
-29%
-75%
-5%-12%
Figure 11. Normalized CO2e emissions from
municipal sectors in 2000 and 2015 TONS CO2e0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2000
Wateremissionsper capita
Seweremissionsper capita
Fleet emissionsper vehicle
Building emissions per FTE
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2015
-15%
-35%
-18%-24%
2012 goal
1600K
1400K
1200K
1000K
800K
600K
400K
200K
0 TONS CO2eYEAR
2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
2007 CAPgoal2007 No action forecast Emissions Emissions (RECs included)Emissions (RECs included)
2007 No actionforecast
-7% from 2000 levels
-28% from 2000
2020 goal
Measured
Emissions
Projected
Emissions
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page 35 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Overview
Community Emissions Analysis by Sector
Transportation accounted
for an estimated 32% of
Bellingham community
greenhouse gas emissions in
2015 (Figure 13). A significant
portion of transportation
emissions come from
Interstate 5 traffic passing
through Bellingham, which
is outside the influence
of City climate policies.
Bellingham community
transportation emissions
are difficult to estimate over
this time period because
transportation models
changed from a state-level
model to a more accurate
local model. For consistency, the
local model was backcast to 2005
and 2000, though this represents
2012 goal
1600K
1400K
1200K
1000K
800K
600K
400K
200K
0 TONS CO2eYEAR
2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020
2007 CAPgoal2007 No action forecast Emissions Emissions (RECs included)Emissions (RECs included)
2007 No actionforecast
-7% from 2000 levels
-28% from 2000
2020 goal
Measured
Emissions
Projected
Emissions
Transportation
(32%)
Industrial
energy (23%)
Solid waste (2%)
Commercialenergy (23%)
Residential
energy (20%)
Figure 13. 2015 Bellingham community CO2e missions by sector
Figure 12. Estimated Bellingham community emissions (tons CO2e) from 2000 to 2015
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 103
page 36 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Overview
a gross estimate of past emissions.
It is similarly difficult to attribute
the emissions reductions to specific
measures, but City and community
efforts to promote alternative
transportation and improve access
to electric vehicles likely helped (see
Climate Action Plan measures for
details). Residential and Commercial
energy made up 43% of community
emissions in 2015. Residential natural
gas use saw the largest reduction (33%)
between 2000 and 2015 thanks to a
variety of community campaigns and
programs like the Community Energy
Challenge that provide rebates
and incentives for energy efficient
investments in homes and businesses.
Western Washington University and
the Bellingham School District have
also implemented ambitious energy
efficiency campaigns reflected in these
emissions reductions. The increase
in Residential and Commercial
electricity emissions from 2012 to
2015 may be due to air conditioning
during the hot summer in 2015; there
were 152 more cooling degree-days
in 2015 compared to 2012. Industrial
energy comprised 15% of community
emissions in 2015; industrial
electricity fell 26% over 15 years. Note
that utility accounting of industrial
energy use changed over this period
and so accurate comparison is
difficult. TONS CO2eCOMMUNITY SECTOR BY YEAR AND SOURCE
2000
*Changing utility accounting methods of industrial natural gas use confound consistent emissions tracking over time. For this reason, 2007 data was backcast to 2000 to better estimate non-CNG industrial users, raising baseline estimates. **Other=commercial, industrial, multifamily. These emissions were backcast from 2012 due to lack of data
2005 2012 2015
0
50K
100K
150K
200K
250K
300K
Other**ResidentialNatural GasElectricityNatural GasElectricityNatural GasElectricityDieselGas
transportation industrial energy residential energycommercial energy solid waste
-14% since 2000
+5%
+12%
-29%-26%
20%*
3%
-33%
-10%+20%
Figure 14. Estimated Bellingham community emissions (tons CO2e) by sector in 2000, 2005, 2012, and 2015.
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 104
page 37 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
OverviewPER CAPITA CO2e EMISSIONSCOMMUNITY SOURCE BY SECTOR
2000 Emissions 2015 Emissions
*Changing utility accounting methods of industrial natural gas use confound consistent emissions tracking over time. For this reason, 2007 data was backcast to 2000 to better estimate non-CNG industrial users, raising baseline estimates. **Other=commercial, industrial, multifamily. These emissions were backcast from 2012 due to lack of data
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
Other**ResidentialNatural GasElectricityNatural Gas*ElectricityNatural GasElectricityDieselGas
transportation industrial energy residential energycommercial energy solid waste
Figure 15. Per capita CO2e emissions from community sectors in 2000 and 2015
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page 38 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Overview
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Goals
Table 3. Bellingham community emissions goals, forecasts, and inventories (2000 - 2030) (tons CO2e)
1 RECs are assumed to offset all electricity emissions, which are excluded from these totals. Solid waste emissions are omitted due to lack of
data.
2000
backcast
2005 2012 % Change
('00-'12)
2015 Change
('00-'15)
% Change
('00-'15)
2020 % Change
('00-'20)
2030 % Change
('00-'30)
2050 % Change
('00-'50)
2007 CPAP goals1 - 1,019,680 892,397 -7%---
688,554
-28%----
2018 CPAP update
goals1
---------
573,795
-40%191,265 -85%
Emissions (RECs
included)1
956,325 - 764,506 -20.1% 866,572 89,753 -9.4%TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
2000 backcast 2005 2012 % Change ('00-'12)Change ('00-'12)2015 Change ('00-'15)% Change ('00-'15)2020 % Change ('00-'20)2030 % Change ('00-'30)2050 % Change ('00-'50)
2007 CPAP goals (with RECs)1
-- 7,505 -64%---- 6,254 -70%1,175 -85%--100%
2018 update goals (no RECs)2
-- ------ 15,848 -25% 12,678 -40%--65%
COB emissions (with RECs)1
-- 6,349 -69.5% 6,709 6,709 -14,421 -68.3%TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
COB emissions (no RECs)2
21,130 21,695 18,728 -11.4% 18,267 18,267 -2,863 -13.5%TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
Table 2. City of Bellingham municipal emissions goals, forecasts, and inventories (2000 - 2030) (tons CO2e)
1 RECs are assumed to offset all electricity emissions, which are excluded from these totals. Solid waste emissions are omitted due to lack of data.
2 Electricity emissions are included in these totals. Solid waste emissions omitted due to lack of data.
The City of Bellingham achieved the
2007 Climate Action Plan goal of
64% municipal emissions reduction
from 2000 levels by 2012. However,
this target did not include emissions
from City government electricity
use because the City’s purchase of
renewable energy credits (RECs)
accounted for 100% of these emissions
by helping to fund renewable energy
projects, and so they were not counted.
Going forward, the City will set targets
to cut actual emissions as well. This
will push the City to further reduce
electricity use and to find cleaner
energy sources, ideally close to home
(see the Renewable Energy and Energy
Efficiency and Conservation sections
below).
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Table 2. City of Bellingham municipal emissions goals, forecasts, and inventories (2000 - 2030) (tons CO2e)
1 RECs are assumed to offset all electricity emissions, which are excluded from these totals. Solid waste emissions are omitted due to lack of data.
2 Electricity emissions are included in these totals. Solid waste emissions omitted due to lack of data.
2018 CLIMATE
ACTION PLAN
UPDATE
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2018 Climate Action Plan Update
Core Climate Action Strategies
COMM U N I T Y
MUNIC I P A LLand Use
Transportation
Renewable Energy
Green Building
Waste Reduction
Energy Efficiency
and Conservation
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Emissions Forecast & Reduction Measures
Forecasting emissions allows for more
effective climate action planning to
meet future goals. In the 2007 plan,
an emissions forecast to 2020 was
used to develop the 2020 emissions
targets. For this plan update,
updated forecasts for municipal and
community emissions were calculated
to 2030 based on the most recent
emissions inventory from 2015 (Figure
16). This forecast includes estimated
emissions reductions from ongoing
and proposed measures (Table 4).
Emissions reductions calculations and
forecasting were done using ICLEI
ClearPath software. More information
on forecast methodology and
assumptions is in Appendix A.
Figure 16. City of Bellingham municipal emissions forecast by sector including proposed emissions reductions measures (see Table 4)
(2015-2030). The black line represents a no action forecast.
20K
15K
10K
5K
2015 2020 2025 20300 METRIC TONS CO2eEmployeeCommute Solid WasteFacilities Vehicle Fleet
Building and FacilitiesBuilding and Facilities Street Lights and Traffic SignalsStreet Lights and Traffic Signals Water and Wastewater Treatment FacilitiesWater and Wastewater Treatment Facilities
OriginalForecast 2020 Emissions Target 2030 Emissions Target
Municipal Emissions Forecast
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2018 Climate Action Plan Update
New and Ongoing
Emissions Reduction
Measures
Rating Phases Status Start
Year
CO2e
change
‘15-’30
(tons)
% of
2020
target
Lead Energy Efficiency and ConservationResource Conservation Management 2 ongoing 2007 -1238 52%COB Public Works, Facilities
Post Point Best Management Practices 2 ongoing 2007 -157 7%COB Public Works, Post Point
Operations and Employee
Actions 2 ongoing 2007 -19 1%COB Public Works, Facilities
Parks LED upgrades 4 proposed 2019 -595 25%COB Parks
Residential Water Metering 3 complete 2015 -54 2%COB Public Works
Renewable EnergyCity Solar 3 ongoing 2005 -332 14%COB Public Works
Post Point Resource Recovery 4 proposed 2025 -1558 NA
COB Public
Works, Post
Point
TransportationLimit Idling 2 ongoing 2007 -117 5%COB Public Works, Fleet
Increase Biofuel Use 2 ongoing 2007 -117 5%COB Public Works, Fleet
Free Employee Bus Passes 2 ongoing 2007 -18 1%COB Public
Works, Fleet
Invest in Hybrid & Electric Vehicles 3 ongoing 2007 -40 2%COB Public
Works, Fleet
Fleet Vehicle Telematics 4 proposed 2018 -88 4%COB Public
Works, Fleet
Commute Trip Reduction 2 ongoing 2008 -142 6%COB Public Works
Invest in Hybrid & Electric
Vehicles 2 ongoing 2022, 2028 -328 NA COB Public Works, Fleet
TOTAL:-4802 123%
NA = not applicable to 2020 goal
Table 4. Ongoing and proposed municipal emissions reduction measures included in emissions forecast.
*There are additional measures not included in the emissions forecast due to lack of emissions reduction data. All measures are
reported in the next section.
Ongoing and Proposed Municipal Measures Included in Forecast*
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Figure 17. Bellingham community emissions forecast by sector including proposed emissions reductions actions (see Table 5) (2015-2030)
250K
500K
750K
1000K
2015 2020 2025 2030
Commercial Energy Industrial Energy
Solid Waste
Transportationand Mobile SourcesTransportationand Mobile Sources
Residential EnergyResidential Energy
OriginalForecast 2020 Emissions Target (28% below 2000) Target 2030 Emissions Target(40% below 2000) Target
Community Emissions Forecast
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2018 Climate Action Plan Update
Community Reduction Measure Rating Phase Status Start year CO2e change ‘15-’30 (tons)% of 2020 target
Lead
Energy Efficiency and ConservationCOB municipal measures Various Various Various -4,821 2.12%Various (see Table 4; all strategies)
Puget Sound Energy Programs 2 Ongoing Various -233 0.10%Puget Sound Energy
Cascade Natural Gas Programs 2 Ongoing Various -149 0.07%Cascade Natural Gas
WWU Sustainability Program 1 Ongoing 2008 -1,342 0.59%WWU Office of Sustainability
Community Energy Challenge 2 Ongoing 2009 -4,116 1.81%Community Energy Challenge
COB Water Conservation Program 3 Ongoing 2016 -15 0.01%City Public Works Dept.
Single- & Multi-family Residential Outreach 3 Ongoing 2016 -7,263 3.19%PSE, Sustainable Connections, WWU
Residential Water Metering 3 Ongoing 2016 -471 0.21%City Public Works Dept.
Project RENT 3 Ongoing 2016 -9 0.00%WWU Office of Sustainability
Bellingham Energy Prize Energy Center 3 Discontin-ued 2016 -81 0.04%Sustainable Connections
COB Climate Education 1 Ongoing 2017 -2,879 1.26%City Public Works Dept.
PSE Sweeps Campaign 3 Ongoing 2017 -3,609 1.58%Puget Sound Energy
Bellingham Cold Storage Energy Efficiency 2 Ongoing 2017 -80 0.04%Bellingham Cold Storage
Building Performance Center grant 3 Ongoing 2017 -1,477 0.65%Building Perfor-mance Center
Toward Net Zero (elec + nat. gas) 3 Ongoing 2018 -17 0.01%Sustainable Connections
Industrial Energy Efficiency 4 Proposed 2018 -12,711 5.58%Community and City
Green Leases for City Tenants 4 Proposed 2018 -312 0.14%City Public Works Dept.
Weatherization Requirement 4 Proposed 2018 -8,389 3.68%City Planning and Development Dept.
PSE LED Streetlights 3 Proposed 2019 -413 0.18%Puget Sound Energy
Waterfront District Energy 4 Proposed 2020 -3,045 1.34%Port of Bellingham
Residential Energy Ratings 4 Proposed 2025 -28,207 NA City Planning and Development Dept.
Commercial & Multifamily Benchmarking 4 Proposed 2025 -1,102 NA City Public Works Dept.
Table 5. Ongoing and proposed community emissions reduction measures included in community emissions forecast (continued on next
two pages)
*There are additional measures not included in the emissions forecast due to lack of emissions reduction data. All measures are reported in
the next section.
Ongoing and Proposed Community Measures Included in Forecast*
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Community Reduction Measure Rating Phase Status Start year CO2e change ‘15-’30 (tons)% of 2020 target
Lead
Green Power (COB, WWU, Whatcom Cty, PSE) 1 Ongoing Various -57,465 25.23%PSE and organi-zations
Renewable EnergySolar Permitting Improvements 3 Ongoing 2009 -2,578 1.13%City Planning and Development Dept.
Solarize Whatcom 3 Ongoing 2016 -171 0.08%Sustainable Con-nections
Washington Goes Solar 3 Ongoing 2017 -141 0.06%RESources
Solar Incentives - Accelerated 4 Proposed 2018 -360 0.16%City Planning and Development Dept.
Promote Hybrid & Electric Cars 2 Ongoing 2007 -20,844 9.15%City Planning and Development Dept.TransportationPromote Biofuels 2 Ongoing 2007 -599 0.26%City Planning and Development Dept.
Vehicle Mode Shift Goal (gas + diesel)2 Ongoing 2015 -13,073 5.74%City Planning and Development Dept.
WTA Bus and Facility Upgrades 3 Ongoing 2017 -130 0.06%Whatcom Transit Authority
SSC CNG Truck Conversion 3 Ongoing 2018 -2,237 0.98%Sanitary Service Company
Promote Hybrids - Accelerated 4 Proposed 2019 -11,941 5.24%Community and City
Exceed Vehicle Mode Shift Goal by 10%4 Proposed 2025 -8,849 3.88%City Planning and Development Dept.Green BuildingPromote Green Building 1 Ongoing 2007 -2,906 1.28%City Planning and Development Dept.Waste ReductionConstruction and Demolition Recycling 1 Ongoing 2018 -4,122 1.81%City Planning and Development Dept.
TOTAL:-206,156 78%
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2018 Climate Action Plan Update
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Municipal measures Phase Status
Resource Conservation Management 2 Ongoing
Post Point Best Management Practices 2 Ongoing
Federal Building Retrofits 2 Ongoing
LED Streetlight Upgrades 3 Complete
Operations and Employee Actions 4 Proposed
Parks LED Upgrades 4 Proposed
Renewable Energy
Municipal measures Phase Status
100% Green Power I Ongoing
City Solar 3 Proposed
Post Point Resource Recovery 3 Proposed
Wastewater Heat Recovery 4 Proposed
All Municipal Emissions Reduction Measures (Past, Present, & Future)
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Transportation
Municipal measures Phase Status
Biodiesel Pilot Project 1 Discontinued
Commute Trip Reduction Program 1 Incomplete
Increase Biodiesel / Renewable Diesel Use 2 Incomplete
Invest in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles 2 Ongoing
10% Ethanol in City Fleet 2 Complete
Limit Idling 2 Proposed
35% Reduction in Employee Commute VMT 3 Incomplete
Free Employee Bus Passes 3 Ongoing
City Bike Fleet 3 Ongoing
Green Fleet Work Plan 4 Proposed
Western Washington Clean Cities 4 Proposed
Become Evergreen Fleets Certified 4 Proposed
Efficient Driver Training 4 Proposed
Advanced Vehicle Locator Systems 4 Proposed
Diesel Exhaust Retrofits 4 Proposed
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2018 Climate Action Plan Update
Waste Reduction
Municipal measures Phase Status
City Hall Recycling I Complete
Green Purchasing I Ongoing
All City Facility Recycling 2 Ongoing
Green Event Kits 3 Ongoing
Municipal Waste Monitoring 4 Proposed
Waste Reduction Plan 4 Proposed
Good-on-One-Side Notepads 3 Ongoing
Specialty Recycling 3 Ongoing
Green Building
Municipal measures Phase Status
LEED Buildings I Ongoing
Recycled Construction Materials 3 Ongoing
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Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Community measure Phase Status
Climate Outreach and Education 1 Incomplete
WWU Sustainability Program 1 Ongoing
County Courthouse Efficiency 1 Complete
Community Energy Challenge 2 Ongoing
Puget Sound Energy Programs 2 Ongoing
Cascade Natural Gas Programs 2 Ongoing
BCS Energy Efficiency 2 Ongoing
Toward Net Zero Energy 3 Ongoing
COB Water Use Efficiency 3 Ongoing
Residential Water Metering 3 Complete
Housing Rehab and Construction 3 Ongoing
Housing Authority Retrofits 3 Complete
Bellingham Energy Prize 3 Ongoing
Energy Prize Online Energy Center 3 Ongoing
Energy Efficiency and Real Estate 3 Ongoing
Project RENT 3 Complete
Multi-family Residential Efficiency 3 Ongoing
Bellingham Schools Energy Efficiency 3 Ongoing
Green Classroom Certification 3 Ongoing
Waterfront District Energy 4 Proposed
Energy Innovation Hub 4 Proposed
Single-family Residential Outreach 4 Proposed
PSE Streetlights LED Upgrade 4 Proposed
Commercial & Multi-family Building Benchmarking 4 Proposed
Industrial Energy Efficiency 4 Proposed
Green Leases for City Tenants 4 Proposed
Residential Energy Ratings 4 Proposed
Weatherization Requirement 4 Proposed
All Community Emissions
Reduction Measures
(Past, Present, & Future)
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2018 Climate Action Plan Update
Renewable Energy
Community measure Phase Status
Green Power Purchases I Ongoing
Green Power Community Challenge I Complete
WWU Sustainability Program I Ongoing
County Green Power I Ongoing
Solar Permitting Improvements 3 Complete
Solarize Whatcom 3 Ongoing
Washington Goes Solar Campaign 3 Ongoing
Waterfront District Energy 4 Proposed
Community Solar 4 Proposed
More Efficient Energy Distribution 4 Proposed
Support Wind Power 4 Proposed
Transportation
Community measure Phase Status
SSC Biodiesel 1 Ongoing
Car Sharing 1 Ongoing
Vehicle Mode Shift 2 Ongoing
Safe Routes to School 2 Ongoing
Limit Idling 2 Incomplete
Promote Biofuels 2 Incomplete
Promote Hybrid and Electric Vehicles 2 Ongoing
Whatcom Smart Trips 3 Ongoing
SSC Natural Gas Trucks 3 In Progress
Commute Trip Reduction 3 Ongoing
WTA Bus and Facility Upgrades 3 In Progress
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Waste Reduction
Community measure Phase Status
Construction/Demolition Recycling I Ongoing
Food Plus!I Ongoing
Increase Curbside Recycling I Incomplete
Plastic Bag Ban 3 Complete
Green Building
Community measure Phase Status
Promote Green Building I Ongoing
Advanced Materials and Methods Policies 3 Ongoing
2030 Districts 4 Proposed
Land Use
Community measure Phase Status
COB Habitat Protection and Restoration 1 Ongoing
Urban Villages 3 Ongoing
High Density Development 3 Ongoing
COB Carbon Fund 4 Proposed
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Municipal Measures | Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Municipal Measures
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Buildings & Facilities—Phase 2
RESOURCE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT
In 2009, the City of Bellingham
adopted a policy to establish baseline
energy use and cost information. The
next step was to kick off the Municipal
Facilities Energy Conservation Project
with a municipal facilities upgrade.50
After an energy audit and initial
energy use reduction projects, the
City began a larger effort to retrofit
systems in most city buildings and
facilities using a federally backed
financing program. In March 2011, the
City acquired $6.5 million in Qualified
Energy Conservation Bonds to fund
47 energy improvement projects in
22 buildings and facilities.51 After
installation, the contractor verified
over $200,000 in annual energy
savings, exceeding expectations by
28%. Nearly half of these savings
came from heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) and direct digital
controls (DDC) upgrades at the Arne
Hanna Aquatic Center.52 In addition,
the City received an incentive payment
of $109,312 from Cascade Natural Gas
for the Aquatic Center retrofits.53 The
package of upgrades is expected to
reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 1000
metric tons annually, representing a
15% reduction from the baseline.
In April 2016, the City hired
Sustainable Connections to host a
new Resource Conservation Manager
(RCM) to inspect buildings and provide
additional recommendations for
retrofits and conservation actions in
41 City-owned buildings. A number
of low and no-cost projects were
completed, including replacement
of more than 500 incandescent light
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Municipal Measures | Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Municipal Measures
bulbs with LEDs at the Lightcatcher
museum, saving substantial energy
and improving lighting quality.
Status: Ongoing
Goal: Implement recommended
RCM measures and ensure existing
RCM measures are being properly
implemented and monitored.
Emissions Reduction: 1,238 tons CO2e
per year.
Next Steps: Fund and implement
additional RCM recommendations.
In 2017 mid-biennium budget
adjustments, funding was included
for a building engineer position to
implement energy conservation
measures.
POST POINT BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
City staff at Post Point Wastewater
Treatment Plant have adopted a
number of best management practices
to reduce energy use. These include
adjusting incinerator temperatures
based on quantity of sludge, and
adjusting the space-heating thermostat
dependent upon need. City staff have
estimated that between 2000 and
2010, these actions allowed the plant’s
natural gas usage to remain relatively
constant despite approximately 1%
growth per year in amount of sludge
burned. This resulted in a savings of
about 13,940 therms or 82 tons of CO2.
Worthy of note, but not included in the
emissions inventory, is the significant
savings yielded in the early years of
the plant’s operation. Between 1994
and 1996, the incinerator’s gas use
declined by 255,000 therms per year.
In 2006-2007, Puget Sound Energy
funded a $300,000 power reduction
project that reduced energy cost of
secondary treatment by 25-30%. In
2011, a new centrifuge was installed,
resulting in savings of approximately
300,000 kWh annually. The City also
Puget Sound Energy presents an energy efficiency grant of over $500,000 to Bellingham City Council (Photo:
courtesy of PSE)
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Municipal Measures | Energy Efficiency and Conservation
replaced energy-related equipment for
an expected reduction in the plant’s
energy consumption by approximately
1.83 million kWh per year and a
savings of more than $115,000 in
energy costs annually. In recognition
of these efforts, the City received
$548,937 from Puget Sound Energy.
In 2017, Post Point staff completed an
energy saving upgrade for the oxygen
control of the treatment system with
energy savings around $30,000 and
323,000 kWh per year, and a cost
around $250,000.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: 157 tons CO2e per
year
Next Steps: A multi-year planning
process for biosolids treatment
and resource recovery is underway.
Switching from incinerators to a less
energy-intensive process such as
anaerobic digestion and biogas capture
would reduce emissions significantly
(see Post Point Resource Recovery
measure in the Renewable Energy
section).
FEDERAL BUILDING RETROFITS
The City of Bellingham Federal
Building, a structure built in 1913
that is on the National Register of
Historic Places, received mechanical,
electrical, and plumbing infrastructure
upgrades in 2015 to conform to the
State’s new energy code. Renovations
were completed on the first floor
(about 1/4 of the total square footage),
including replacement of inefficient
air distribution systems, conversion
of the heating system from steam to
hot water, new insulated plumbing and
water-saving fixtures, and upgrading
LED Streetlight Upgrades
In early 2016, the City finished replacing 3,615 conventional street-
lights with LED lighting and adaptive controls allowing lights to be
dimmed for certain periods of time for additional energy savings.
The total cost of this project was approximately $4 million and it will
save approximately $240,000 dollars annually. This investment will
save 2,204,210 kWh of electricity and more than 1.8 million pounds
of CO2 every year. City has qualified for at least $434,000 in Puget
Sound Energy rebates for the estimated energy savings. The City
pays for an additional 1,700 streetlights owned and operated by
Puget Sound Energy, which have not been upgraded. In 2005, red
and green stoplights were upgraded to LEDs.
Status: Complete
Before (above) and after (below) LED streetlight installation
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Municipal Measures | Energy Efficiency and Conservation
of lighting control systems and
replacement of lightbulbs with LEDs.
Several energy-efficiency measures
were implemented in the Federal
Building prior to city ownership.
These upgrades contributed to
the award of the Energy Star label
for buildings. Measures include a
lighting retrofit and installation
of an Energy Management System
(EMS). In addition, load-reduction
strategies were implemented to
reduce the amount of heating,
cooling and electricity used. These
energy-efficiency initiatives cost
approximately $230,000, providing
an annual energy cost savings of
$45,000, resulting in a payback time of
approximately five years.
Status: Ongoing
Goal: Implement recommended RCM
measures and ensure they are properly
monitored.
Emissions Reduction: Included
in Resource Conservation and
Management measure above
Next Steps: The Federal Building
is included in the City’s most
recent Resource Conservation and
Management analysis. Recommended
upgrades include additional HVAC
upgrades, LED lights, reduced flow
faucets, energy management system
programming, lighting occupancy
sensors, and storm windows.
OPERATIONS AND EMPLOYEE ACTIONS
In order to maximize the energy
savings from facilities improvements,
the City will conduct a focus group to
help develop best practices for energy
efficient behavior in the workplace and
at home. These materials can then be
adapted and distributed to other large
employers.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: 19 tons CO2e per
year
Next Steps: Establish employee contacts
in each department to communicate
energy saving information and
materials.
Buildings & Facilities - Phase 4 Measures
PARKS LED UPGRADES
The City Parks Department will
continue replacing indoor and outdoor
lights at Parks facilities. Maritime
Heritage Park lights and others have
already been replaced.
Status: Proposed
Goal: Replace all appropriate lights
with LEDs by 2019.
Emissions Reduction: 595 tons CO2e per
year
RESIDENTIAL WATER METERING
The City completed a residential water-
metering program to install about
15,000 water meters in 2017 . Metering
has been shown to reduce consumer
use by tying water use to cost, with
corresponding reductions in the
energy needed to treat and distribute
water.
Status: Complete
Emissions Reduction: 54 tons CO2
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Municipal Measures | Renewable Energy page 56 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Renewable
Energy
Buildings - Phase 1 Measures
100% GREEN POWER
In July 2006, the Bellingham City
Council voted unanimously to begin
buying renewable energy credits
(RECs) through Puget Sound Energy’s
Green Power Program to offset 100
percent of the electricity used by the
city government -- almost 20,700,000
kilowatt hours in 2007. As a result,
the city won the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency’s Green Power
Leadership Award for 2007 and 2008,
and was named the #1 Green Power
Community in the country. Bellingham
was also named an EPA Climate
Showcase Community.
In recognition of these
accomplishments, Puget Sound
Energy (PSE) donated a 2-kilowatt
solar project on the roof of the
Environmental Learning Center (ELC)
at Maritime Heritage Park, which was
installed in July 2007. A second PSE-
funded 2.4-kilowatt solar project was
dedicated in 2009 on the south-facing
parking shed at Depot Market Square
in downtown Bellingham.
In 2015, the City purchased renewable
energy credits (RECs) for 22,000,000
kilowatt-hours (kWh) through
Puget Sound Energy to support the
Wild Horse wind power project in
Washington’s Kittitas County. From
2016 to 2018, the City will purchase
RECs from 3 Degrees.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reductions: 11,054 tons CO2e
per year (not in forecast)
Next Steps: In 2019, the City will begin
participating in Puget Sound Energy’s
Green Direct Program, a long-term
agreement that allows the City to add
more renewable power to the electrical
grid by more directly funding (via PSE)
construction of new wind turbines in
Eastern Washington.
Buildings - Phase 3 Measures
CITY SOLAR
Currently, there are three solar panel
arrays on City property totaling more
than 4.4 kilowatts of capacity, two
of which were awarded to the City
from Puget Sound Energy. Installing
more solar would allow the City to
save money by producing energy and
feeding surplus solar power onto the
electric grid, while also avoiding the
cost of renewable energy credits per
the City’s commitment to purchase
100% green power.
Status: Ongoing
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Municipal Measures | Renewable Energy
Renewable
Energy
Emissions Reductions: 332 tons CO2e per
year
Next Steps: City staff are evaluating the
potential for a solar installation on a
City-owned building with the help of a
Northwest Clean Air Agency grant.
POST POINT WASTEWATER RESOURCE RECOVERY
In the past, the City assessed the
feasibility of implementing sludge
pyrolysis, a method of wastewater
treatment that collects methane from
sewage sludge and uses it as a fuel
source. However, this method was not
selected as the preferred treatment
technique due to numerous factors.
Currently, the City is conducting a
multi-year planning project to evaluate
ways to manage biosolids in an
environmentally, fiscally, technically,
and socially sustainable manner.
This project uses Triple Bottom
Line Plus accounting to develop
biosolids into a sustainable resource,
limiting environmental impacts
while maximizing resource recovery
opportunities. The next steps in this
multi-phased project will provide a
high-level evaluation of emerging
technologies including anaerobic
digestion with natural gas recovery. A
2012 analysis identified that anaerobic
digestion coupled with sludge drying
provided the most viable option to
meet the City’s strategic commitments
and legacy goals. The next study will
further evaluate potential biosolids
processing technologies that may be
suitable for the City’s application.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reductions: 1,558 tons
CO2e per year (This is a conservative
estimate based on natural gas use
reductions but does not include
additional emissions reductions from
not incinerating biosolids, or from the
carbon sequestration of biosolids land
application).
Next Steps: City staff are working with
consultants to determine the best
resource recovery method.
Buildings - Phase 4 Measures
WASTEWATER HEAT RECOVERY
Municipal wastewater contains heat
energy that can be absorbed using a
hygienic and odorless process, and
then reused to heat residential and
commercial buildings instead of using
electricity or natural gas. Vancouver,
British Columbia has implemented this
type of system. The City will continue
to monitor the feasibility to recover
heat from sewer lines.
Emissions Reductions: Unknown
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Municipal Measures | Transportation
Transportation
Vehicle Fleet - Phase 1 Measures
BIODIESEL PILOT PROJECT
Switching from fossil fuels to
agriculturally based fuels can reduce
carbon pollution because biofuel
emissions are part of the natural
carbon cycle. Recent concerns about
indirect environmental impacts
of biofuels on the degradation of
wild ecosystems and associated
carbon emissions, biodiversity, food
prices, water consumption, and
poor communities have dimmed
enthusiasm for the carbon reduction
benefits of biofuels. Fortunately,
Whole Energy Fuels produces biodiesel
locally from used cooking oil, avoiding
these impacts. According to the City
of Bellevue, which recently switched
to B20 (a blend of 20% biodiesel and
80% diesel), used cooking oil reduces
lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions
by 16.5% as compared to petroleum
diesel.54
In 2005, four Public Works vehicles ran
on B20 biodiesel as a pilot program.
Unfortunately, the fuel injector in one
vehicle clogged and the problem was
not covered under the manufacturer’s
warranty because of the use of
B20. Because of this, the program
was canceled. Today, many vehicle
manufacturer warranties now cover
biodiesel up to B20. However, a next
generation fuel known as renewable
diesel is now being considered for City
fleet use (see below).
Status: Discontinued
Vehicle Fleet - Phase 2 Measures
INCREASE USE OF BIODIESEL / RENEWABLE DIESEL
Biodiesel (B5) use in the City fleet has
fallen over the last six years (Figure 18).
Meanwhile, a next-generation biofuel
called renewable diesel is drop-in
ready in all diesel engines. The City’s
Figure 18. Total diesel and biodiesel use by city government from 2007 to 2015GALLONS OF FUEL0
10K
20K
30K
40K
50K
60K
70K
80K
201520142013201220112010200920082007
YEAR
B5 Biodiesel Diesel
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Municipal Measures | TransportationGALLONS OF FUEL0
10K
20K
30K
40K
50K
60K
70K
80K
201520142013201220112010200920082007
YEAR
B5 BiodieselDiesel
source of renewable diesel is made
from recycled oils but unlike biodiesel
it is chemically identical to petroleum
diesel and meets industry standard
specifications (American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) D975).
Biodiesel still has lower lifecycle
emissions, so Fleet could start with an
R95/B5 mix and increase the biodiesel
portion over time.
Status: Incomplete
Goal: 100% renewable diesel in City
pumps by 2018.
Emissions Reduction: 117 tons CO2e per
year
INVEST IN HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Due to the region’s relatively low-
carbon electricity, electric vehicles
are a particularly effective way to cut
emissions. As of December 2016, there
are 16 hybrid vehicles in the municipal
fleet, up from six in 2005. This makes
up 15% of existing fleet vehicles in
classes that could be replaced with
hybrids or EVs. As of 2015, these
vehicles had been driven 546,040
miles, preventing about 77 metric tons
of CO2 emissions, equivalent to the
annual emissions of about 16 passenger
cars. The City has two fully electric
vehicles (EVs) – 10% of existing fleet
vehicles that could be replaced with
EVs (not including police cruisers).
Status: Ongoing
Goal: Phase in electric and hybrid
vehicles to replace all City vehicles in
suitable classes by 2030 (approximately
8 vehicles, not including police
cruisers). (EVs 15% and hybrids 25%
passenger vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
by 2018; EVs 30% passenger VMT and
hybrids 50% SUV VMT by 2022; EVs
45% and hybrids 50% passenger VMT
by 2028). At least 10 percent of new
vehicle purchases should be electric
vehicles, consistent with state policy.
Emissions Reduction: 40 tons CO2e by
2018, 288 tons by 2022, 41 tons by 2028
Next Steps: Restructure City fleet
purchasing processes to prioritize
electric and hybrid vehicles. Develop
a Green Vehicle Purchasing Standard
for each vehicle class. Determine fleet
average fuel efficiency and set a goal to
increase average miles per gallon.
10% ETHANOL IN CITY FLEET
In 2014, the City’s gasoline vehicles
used 118,741 gallons of 10% ethanol
gasoline and 327 gallons of regular
unleaded -- a 99.7% adoption of
10% ethanol gasoline, reflecting a
nationwide shift in fuel types. This
prevented about 116 tons CO2 tailpipe
emissions compared to regular
gasoline; importantly, however,
this reduction does not include
indirect emissions from corn ethanol
production and refining, which
have been found to actually exceed
emissions from burning regular
gasoline.55 56
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Municipal Measures | Transportation
Status: Complete
Next Steps: Reinforce E85 use in Flex Fuel
vehicles through employee education and
reminders.
LIMIT IDLING
Limiting car and truck idling promotes
clean air, healthier work environments,
efficient use of City resources,
conservation of natural resources, and
good stewardship practices. The City’s
anti-idling policy states that no operator
shall unnecessarily idle the engine of
an unleaded or diesel fueled car or truck
that is stopped for a foreseeable period
in excess of 5 minutes except under rare
conditions.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: 117 tons CO2e
Next Steps: Remind drivers not to idle
through outreach campaign. Start
employee efficient driver training.
Purchase cars with idle management
systems or install them in cars that need
electricity when not driving (like police
cars).
Vehicle Fleet – Phase 3 Measures
CITY BIKE FLEET
Eight fully accessorized bikes are available
to staff for official business and personal
errands.
Status: Ongoing
Next Steps: Remind employees to use City
bikes via email.
Emissions Reduction: Unknown
Vehicle Fleet - Phase 4 Measures
Consider development of a Green Fleet
Work Plan outlining the following
measures:
WESTERN WASHINGTON CLEAN CITIES COALITION
This is a not-for-profit membership
organization dedicated to expanding the
As part of our
commitment to
reduce vehicle emissions, in 2017 Public Works purchased a mail delivery bike for official use between the multiple City buildings, eliminating daily short trips.
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Municipal Measures | Transportation
use of alternative fuels and advanced
vehicle technologies. A program of
the U.S. Department of Energy, they
provide education, technical expertise,
networking opportunities and funding
assistance to help members invest
in local, sustainable transportation
solutions (wwcleancities.org). The City
will research the feasibility of joining
this coalition.
Emissions Reduction: Emissions
reductions in related measures
EVERGREEN FLEETS
Evergreen Fleets is a voluntary,
tiered certification program that
recognizes fleets for making smart,
environmentally responsible choices
that save fuel, improve operational
efficiencies, and reduce air emissions.
The City will research the feasibility of
this certification.
Emissions Reduction: Unknown
EFFICIENT DRIVER TRAINING
Include anti-idling, best practices,
fueling, and acceleration practices to
reduce fuel use. This could also be an
online training format.
Emissions Reduction: Included in Limit
Idling measure above
FLEET VEHICLE TELEMATICS
Vehicle telematics, also known as
Advanced Vehicle Locator (AVL)
systems, are GPS-enabled locator
devices that monitor and correct
excessive idling, speeding, and
other inefficiencies. This improves
maintenance and overall driver
performance. City fleet has a few
vehicles with this technology; staff will
review effectiveness and feasibility of
wider use.
Figure 19. Average daily roundtrip employee commuting vehicle miles traveled
(VMT) by city worksite. Worksite goals were established during the Commute Trip
Reduction worksite survey process.DAILY EMPLOYEE VMTCITY WORKSITE
2013/2014 2011/2012 2009/2010 2007/2008
0
3
6
9
12
15
Fire DeptPost PointPublic WorksJudicialITSDPoliceParksCivic CenterMuseum
2007 CAP
Worksite Goals
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Municipal Measures | Transportation
Emissions Reduction: 88 tons CO2e
DIESEL EXHAUST RETROFITS
Install a filter technology with either a
passive or active cleaning system. This
technology does not reduce greenhouse
gas emissions but can reduce
particulate matter by more than 85
percent. Requires regular maintenance
and has temperature and opacity
requirements.
Emissions Reduction: Particulate
emissions reduction only
Employee Commute - Phase 1 Measures
COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION PROGRAM
As part of the statewide Commute
Trip Reduction Program (CTR), the
City conducted a commuter survey of
vehicle miles traveled per employee
(VMT) by Civic Center and Public
Works Operations employees in 1997
and every other year thereafter. In
2008, the City expanded the commuter
survey to all other worksites, so
the new CTR goal could be applied
Citywide. The program established
reduction goals of 25% in 2003 and
35% in 2009. The state revised these
goals in 2006 to 13% VMT reduction
and 10% drive alone rate reduction
from 2008 levels by 2012.
Whatcom Smart Trips is a program
through the Whatcom Council of
Governments in which City employees
can earn rewards when they make trips
by walking, biking, riding the bus,
or carpooling. Since the Smart Trips
program started in 2006, about 350
employees have participated, recording
a total of 86,065 work trips for a total
of 989,244 miles. Counting all trips
(work, errands, school, etc.), employees
have recorded a total of 107,260 trips
for a total of 1,290,992 miles. In 2016,
118 employees participated, an increase
from 72 employees in 2015.
Status: Incomplete. Civic Center
employees eventually met the
2009 goal in 2012 with 4.3 VMT per
employee only to jump back up to 6
VMT in 2014 (Figure 19). Public Works
Operations employees have increased
VMT over the last 15 years from 8.57
VMT in 1997 to 9.4 employee VMT in
2014, but met the 13% reduction goal
from 2009 to 2012. Only two of nine
worksites have stayed below their
respective VMT goals since 2008.
Judicial and Support Services cut
employee VMT from 2007 to 2014 by
26% while IT reduced per employee
VMT by 25%. In 2014, no other
worksites were meeting their 2008
goals. Civic Center, Parks, and Fire
increased VMT in that period. Across
worksites, the City achieved the 13%
VMT reduction goal in 2009-2010 and
2011-2012 but not in 2013-2014. For
drive alone rate, Post Point employees
have easily met the 10% reduction goal
every year since 2008. The only other
worksites to meet this goal were Parks
and IT in 2011-2012.
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Municipal Measures | Transportation
Emissions Reduction: 142 tons CO2e per
year
Next Steps: The City is discontinuing
worksite commuting surveys except
for the state-required sites (Civic
Center and Public Works Operations).
Employee education will continue
in order to encourage commute trip
reduction (see below).
Employee Commute - Phase 2 Measures
35% REDUCTION IN EMPLOYEE COMMUTE MILES
In the 2007 Climate Action Plan,
the City proposed an internal goal
to reduce vehicle miles traveled per
employee (VMT) for all worksites
by 35% from 2001 levels (4.86 VMT
using an average of Civic Center and
Public Works Operations 2001 VMT as
baseline data).
Status: Incomplete. City employees
still have a long way to go to reach
4.86 VMT. The lowest recorded
municipality-wide VMT was 7.12 VMT
in 2011/2012 and in 2014 it increased to
8.30 VMT, requiring a 42% reduction to
reach the 2007 goal. Similarly, the 2014
drive alone rate (82.0%) was higher
than in 2007 (78.8%).
Next Steps: The City is discontinuing
worksite commuting surveys except for
the state-required sites (Civic Center
and Public Works Operations).
Employee Commute – Phase 3 Measures
FREE BUS PASSES
Free quarterly bus passes are available
to employees who commit to ride the
bus to work on a regular basis. When
the program started in 2008, 155
employees signed up for bus passes.
Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA)
ridership data showed a 51% increase
in transit ridership for City employees
over the five-month trial period.
After one year, both City and County
employee transit use increased by
nearly two-thirds. In 2010, WTA
increased the price from $15 to $52.50
per quarterly pass, so the City started
requiring employees to make a certain
number of trips per quarter to be
eligible for a pass. Currently, about
30 employees sign up for passes each
quarter.
Status: Ongoing
Goal: Double employee participation
by 2020.
Emissions Reduction: 18 tons CO2e
Next Steps: Continue to encourage
City employees to ride the bus to work
and offer effective incentives.
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Municipal Measures | Green Building
Green Building
Buildings - Phase 1 Measures
LEED BUILDINGS
In 2005, City Council resolved to use
LEED (Leadership in Environmental
and Energy Design) standards in the
construction of all future municipal
buildings over 5,000 square feet.
Depot Market Square, home of the
Bellingham Farmer’s Market, was
completed in 2006 with a LEED
Silver certification. Large steel beams
were salvaged from the demolition
of the Highway 99 bridge over the
Skagit River and reused, saving
about $255,000. A rain garden and
pervious pavers allow infiltration of
runoff. Puget Sound Energy installed
a 14-panel, 2.4 kilowatt solar electric
power system on the roof of one of
the parking sheds in 2009. The City
also uses Low-Impact Development
standards focused on reducing
stormwater run-off and conserving
water.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: Unknown
Next Steps: Research feasibility
and benefits of committing to a
higher green building standard in
municipal buildings such as Net Zero
Energy.
The Lightcatcher has a living roof that helps absorb rainwater, lower air temperatures, and improve insulation.
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Municipal Measures | Green Building
Buildings - Phase 3 Measures
RECYCLED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
In August 2011, the City used 400
crushed recycled toilets to make 250
square yards of aggregate ‘poticrete’
to pave a sidewalk on Ellis Street. In
collaboration with the Bellingham
Housing Authority, the City diverted
toilets from the landfill, crushed them,
and tested them as an alternative
to virgin aggregate. Test results
demonstrated the ‘poticrete’ met City
requirements for flatwork concrete.
The final mix contained about
20% crushed toilets by volume and
represents about 5 tons of material
diverted from the landfill. Crushing
the toilets costs about the same as
using virgin aggregate from regional
gravel pits and likely prevents
carbon emissions. Upon successful
completion of this project, the City
revised the concrete specification to
allow the use of similar materials,
including crushed concrete for
flatwork concrete aggregate in City
projects. Crushed concrete would
provide greater emissions reductions
given the industry’s massive carbon
emissions. In 2012, Bellingham
received the first-ever Greenroads
silver certification for the project.
Greenroads requires a variety of
sustainable roadway design concepts
and construction specifications. Other
unique features of the road included
the first light-emitting diode (LED)
streetlights in the City, first porous
pavers pocket parking, rain gardens,
infiltration ditches, bike lanes, and
porous concrete. The project garnered
national news. The City has now
completed nine Greenroads-certified
projects.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions reductions: Outside of
current scope
Next Steps: Increase use of recycled
materials in City projects.
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Municipal Measures | Waste Reduction
Waste Reduction
NOTE: Accurate municipal waste
data is not available at this time so
emissions reductions from these
measures are not included. See
Municipal Waste Monitoring measure
below.
Buildings - Phase 1 Measures
CITY HALL RECYCLING
In 2006, City staff expanded the City
Hall recycling program to include
mixed-container recycling. A Green
Team was created, enlisting one or two
representatives from each department,
to help facilitate the implementation of
the recycling program and disseminate
information to City Hall employees.
Status: Complete
Next Steps: See below
Buildings - Phase 2 Measures
ALL CITY FACILITY RECYCLING
In July 2008, the City Council
committed to reducing garbage from
City facilities as part of Sustainable
Connections’ Toward Zero Waste
campaign. In order to achieve this
goal, the City implemented a variety
of waste-reduction programs aimed
at reducing waste by 50% in municipal
facilities. Efforts focus on pre-cycling
as well as increased recycling. In 2009,
City Hall reduced its waste by half,
modeling how to cut waste throughout
municipal facilities. All City facilities
also have Food Recycling bins
available. The City also has specialty
recycling of other items.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions reduction: Unknown
Next Steps: Continue providing can and
bottle recycling facilities and work to
improve diversion rate. See Municipal
Waste Monitoring measure below.
Assess feasibility of providing Food
Plus recycling in parks. Monitor use of
Food Plus bins (See Municipal Waste
Monitoring measure below).
GREEN PURCHASING
In April 2007, Bellingham City Council
passed a resolution to encourage
the purchase of environmentally
preferable materials by all
departments, as long as the price
of the environmentally preferable
product is 120% or less than the
price of the conventional product.
Environmentally friendly products
include those that are energy efficient,
recyclable, Persistent Bioaccumulative
Toxin (PBT)-free, and/or made from
post-consumer recycled material. The
City purchases 30% to 100% post-
consumer recycled paper, recycled
paper toilet paper, recycled office
supplies, green office equipment, and
green cleaning supplies. Computers
purchased by the City meet the
“gold” or “silver” EPEAT (Electronic
Product Environmental Assessment
Tool) standard and are manufactured
with minimal environmental
impact including materials, energy
consumption, and packaging.
Status: Ongoing
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Municipal Measures | Waste Reduction
Emissions reduction: Unknown
Next Steps: Research latest trends and
update purchasing policy.
OPERATIONS AND EMPLOYEE ACTIONS
In order to maximize the energy sav-
ings from facilities improvements, the
City will conduct a focus group to help
develop best practices for waste reduction
behavior in the workplace and at home .
These materials can then be adapted and
distributed to other large employers .
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: 19 tons CO2e per year
Next Steps: Establish employee contacts in
each department to communicate waste
reduction information and materials
Buildings - Phase 4 Proposed Measures
MUNICIPAL WASTE MONITORING
The City has implemented numerous
internal municipal waste reduction
actions but lacks accurate data to monitor
progress. For this reason, the City will
research methods to monitor waste volume
and composition at our worksites. This
could consist of quarterly monitoring
of dumpster volumes at all worksites as
well as a more in-depth survey of waste
composition. This will allow the City to
report more accurately on waste diversion
rates to recycling and composting, and
greenhouse gas emissions.
Emissions reduction: Unknown
WASTE REDUCTION PLAN
Using data from the municipal waste
monitoring, the City will develop a waste
reduction plan to further decrease waste
production.
Emissions reduction: Unknown
Recycling stations
throughout City
buildings make it easy
for staff and visitors to
reduce the waste they
produce.
Green Event Kits
In 2014, over 3,000 staff and members of the public attend-
ed City events with City-provided Green Event Kits that
include compostable cups, plates, napkins, and utensils.
Good-On-One-Side Notepads
Green Government Team members collect used office
paper that has only been printed on one side and turn it into
notepads for staff use.
Specialty Recycling
In addition to the above-mentioned recycled items, the City
also collects CFL bulbs, batteries, plastic film, metals. City
surplus computers are recycled by an authorized green
recycler. The recycler breaks down the computers in order
to re-use as many elements as possible.
Status: Ongoing
Next Steps: Continue these practices
City Waste Reduction
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Municipal Measures | Land Use
Land
Use
CITY OF BELLINGHAM NATURAL SYSTEM PROTECTION AND RESTORATION
The City preserves
areas of ecological
value that also
store carbon in
soils, wetlands,
and trees.
Protecting these
areas prevents
this stored carbon
from entering
the atmosphere
and allows these
ecosystems
to continue
absorbing carbon
dioxide from
the atmosphere.
These areas also
improve air and
water quality,
provide fish and
wildlife habitat,
and moderate air
temperature in
the city, which
prevents the
urban heat island
effect. These
ecological services
are increasingly
important as we
continue emitting
greenhouse
gases and as the climate changes,
worsening the effects of pollution
and other ecosystem stressors. In this
way, intact ecosystems make us more
resilient to climate change. A number
of policies and programs drive this
work. The state Growth Management
Act required environmental protection
via a Critical Areas Ordinance. The
Figure 20. City of Bellingham Habitat Enhancement Sites
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Municipal Measures | Land Use
City of Bellingham Comprehensive
Plan includes land use goals and
policies that promote carbon
sequestration through protection
and conservation of forests, street
trees, and landscape practices. The
Lake Whatcom Property Acquisition
Program protects over 2,000 acres of
mostly forested property in the City’s
municipal watershed. City Parks
protect an additional several hundred
acres of forested parkland.
The City also restores degraded lands
by planting native plants that absorb
and store carbon. Currently, the City
maintains 71 restoration sites (155
acres). In the 2015-2016 planting
season City restoration crews and
volunteers planted more than 25,000
native plants.
Status: Ongoing
Next Steps: Continue to protect and
restore lands of ecological value.
Quantify carbon storage of protected
and restored lands.
CITY OF BELLINGHAM CARBON FUND
The City continues to preserve
forestland in the City and in the Lake
Whatcom watershed through the
Lake Whatcom Watershed Property
Acquisition Program to prevent
impacts to our drinking water source
from development. There may be
an opportunity to account for the
amount of carbon sequestered and
sell carbon offset credits on the
carbon cap-and-trade market.
Alternatively, these credits could
be used internally to offset City
emissions. The first step is to
inventory the amount of carbon
sequestered in City properties that
have prevented development, and
the amount that will continue to be
sequestered with forest growth and
potential management regimes. This
opportunity will be further researched
and scoped for future consideration.
Figure 21. Protected Land in the Lake Whatcom
Watershed
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Community Measures | Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Residential - Phase 1
CLIMATE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
The City’s climate leadership positions
it as a strong messenger. The Public
Works Natural Resources Division
currently engages in a number of
education and outreach programs.
Climate protection can be incorporated
into these existing efforts and/or
developed as a stand-alone educational
program. Public education and
outreach would have a synergistic
effect, enhancing the effectiveness
on nearly all other community action
plan components. Ideally, the process
should begin with research into
existing attitudes, understandings and
receptiveness, which will maximize
the effectiveness of future efforts.
Status: Incomplete. The City has
not moved forward with a climate-
specific education program. However,
City staff worked closely with
utilities and community members
and organizations to support and
promote the Georgetown Energy Prize
competition (a.k.a. Bellingham Energy
Prize), which encouraged homeowners
to improve household energy
efficiency.57 The City also posts climate
protection resources on the City
website such as the Climate Protection
Action Plan, educational resources,
and links to energy saving incentives
for homeowners and businesses.58 In
2017, the City hired a new Education
and Outreach Specialist to work part
time.
Goal: Reach 1000 residents annually
who reduce energy use by 5%.
Emissions Reduction: 727 tons CO2e per
year.
Community Measures
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
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Community Measures | Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Next Steps: The climate outreach
strategy will prioritize opportunities
to engage municipal and community
audiences in a variety of emissions
reduction activities discussed
elsewhere in this report, including
energy efficient behaviors, limiting
vehicle idling, using biofuels, and using
alternative transportation.
Residential - Phase 2 Measures
COMMUNITY ENERGY CHALLENGE
In 2009, multiple community partners
including the City of Bellingham
and Sustainable Connections, the
Opportunity Council, Puget Sound
Energy, Cascade Natural Gas, and
others came together to begin an
energy efficiency campaign called the
Community Energy Challenge (CEC).
Operating in Whatcom, Skagit, Island,
and San Juan counties, this program
provides whole-building energy
assessments for homes and businesses,
resulting in a list of prioritized
upgrades from no- to low-cost actions,
as well as financing options for larger
retrofits.59 Participants can access
utility rebate programs for lighting
and insulation improvements, sealing,
and more efficient appliances. Puget
Sound Energy and Cascade Natural
Gas assist the program in a number
of ways including co-marketing, and
financial support.60 The Building
Performance Center, an affiliate of
the Opportunity Council, provides
weatherization training for contractors
and other community action programs
in one of the state’s three state-of-the
art building performance training
facilities.61 62 The Opportunity Council
also weatherizes low-income homes.
Recently, the CEC introduced a sliding
scale pilot for families just above
low-income levels, which reduces
the upfront audit cost and increases
incentives based on income.63 The pilot
will continue through the middle of
2017 and may be expanded. Through
the end of 2016, the low-income
program served five Bellingham
households, which are expected to save
more than 30% on annual utility bills.
According to an analysis of the
program, the CEC catalyzed $14
million in direct economic activity
and resulted in more than $793,000 in
energy savings per year from 2010 to
2014. In addition, more than 80 jobs
have been supported by the program.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: 755 tons CO2e per
year
Next Steps: Community partners
should continue with the CEC. Future
projects include deep energy retrofits,
in which homeowners or owners of
rental units pair more extensive energy
upgrades with planned remodels of a
residential unit. CEC will encourage
the inclusion of deep energy retrofits
in already-planned remodel projects.
Activities will include development of
educational materials for homeowners
and builders that emphasize long-
term savings, presentations to the
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Community Measures | Energy Efficiency and Conservation
City’s Permit Center staff, and other
educational activities.
PUGET SOUND ENERGY INCENTIVES
PSE offers free Home Energy
Assessments that include up to 20 free
LED lightbulbs, as well as a suite of
rebates and incentives for household
upgrades to more energy efficient
technologies. PSE recently expanded
its multi-family program and also
provides incentives for replacement
of old refrigerators in multifamily
dwellings. In 2016, PSE completed a
Sweeps Campaign to distribute free
LED lightbulbs and energy efficiency
information via targeted mailing and
door-to-door canvassing. PSE also
partnered with Lowes to further engage
Bellingham residents with energy-
efficient products, hosting two events
at Lowes in Bellingham in September
2016. The Sweeps Campaign delivered
5,861 LEDs to 2,000 individuals for an
estimated annual energy savings of
7,546,038 kWh in Bellingham.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: 47 tons CO2e per
year
Next Steps: Puget Sound Energy is
bringing a program to Bellingham that
will enroll three Bellingham/Whatcom
Housing properties and monitor
operational and behavioral changes for
both facilities and tenants, with a goal
of achieving 5% savings.
CASCADE NATURAL GAS INCENTIVES
Cascade Natural Gas offers rebates
for energy-efficient furnaces, high
efficiency or tankless hot water
heaters, whole house sealing, fireplaces
and hearth sealing, improving
insulation to higher R thresholds,
and Energy Star whole-house rebates
for new construction. Additional
services offered by CNG include free
home weatherization and energy
efficiency improvements for low-
income households offered through
local community action agencies
and Washington’s Weatherization
Assistance Program.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: 30 tons CO2e per
year
Next Steps: Cascade Natural Gas
anticipates increasing conservation
program goals for Bellingham,
and is striving to increase rebate
payments where feasible in the next
year, increasing outreach efforts to
customers, and expanding its low-
income program offerings.64
Residential - Phase 3 Measures
TOWARD NET ZERO ENERGY
This is a pilot project designed to
identify and understand the most cost-
effective ways to achieve maximum
energy savings in residential retrofit
construction. The Community Energy
Challenge, a partnership of the
Opportunity Council and Sustainable
Connections, is seeking qualified
contractors to participate in a new pilot
project offering funding, technical
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Community Measures | Energy Efficiency and Conservation
assistance, and marketing support
to companies seeking to hone their
expertise in high performance energy-
efficient building practices. Typical
single-family residential retrofits
through the CEC achieve an average
of 20-25% energy savings. The new
pilot builds upon this success by
utilizing local contractors to complete
retrofits achieving 50% or greater
energy reductions while maintaining
or improving indoor air quality. There
are currently four homes receiving
net-zero upgrades through this project,
with expected completion by spring
2017. Energy models project energy
savings in the four homes will meet or
exceed 50%.65
Status: Ongoing
Goal: Reduce 15 tons CO2e
Next Steps: The Building Performance
Center will be developing materials for
contractors interested in learning more
about the materials and techniques
used to get to Net Zero. Sustainable
Connections has written a grant
proposal to fund a series of Net Zero
trainings for building professionals in
2017. Partners will continue work to
identify the necessary incentives and
marketing to expand net zero to multi-
family owners.
CITY OF BELLINGHAM WATER USE EFFICIENCY PROGRAM
The City of Bellingham recognizes
that water and energy are inextricably
linked: It takes energy to treat and
transport drinking water from the
City’s water treatment plant to
households and businesses. The City’s
Water Use Efficiency Program partners
with the Opportunity Council and
Sustainable Connections to deliver
water use efficiency services via the
Community Energy Challenge (see
above). Each participating household
and business is provided with water
quality information, a full energy
assessment, a water assessment for
City of Bellingham water customers,
a customized energy action plan
detailing cost-effective actions,
assistance with utility and tax rebates
(water and energy), identification
of reliable contractors, and quality
assurance. Residential water customers
participating in the CEC have access to
rebates for purchase and installation
of WaterSense-labeled toilets or a
qualified energy and water efficient
clothes washer. Under this option,
approximately 144 rebates have
been issued, saving about 1.1 million
gallons of water over a five-year
period. Commercial water customers
participating in the CEC are also
eligible for rebates on water-efficient
equipment, ranging from toilets,
commercial clothes washers, and
commercial kitchen equipment. The
City also offers free water conservation
kits to its water customers. These
include one low-flow showerhead, a
kitchen and a bathroom faucet aerator,
and toilet leak detection tablets. This
program saves electricity in City
facilities and also results in water and
energy savings for end users.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: 4 tons CO2e per
year
RESIDENTIAL WATER METERING
The City completed a residential water-
metering program to install about
15,000 water meters in 2017. Metering
has been shown to reduce consumer
use by tying water use to cost, with
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corresponding reductions in the
energy needed to treat and distribute
water.
Status: Complete
Emissions Reduction: 54 tons CO2e
CITY-SPONSORED HOUSING REHABILITATION & CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS
The City of Bellingham Home
Rehabilitation Program uses federal
grants to pay for home rehabilitation
for owner-occupied low-income
homes. Although these renovations
are focused on health and safety,
improved energy efficiency is usually
a side-effect of the rehabilitation. For
example, the City requires Energy
Star-rated appliances when it pays
for appliance upgrades. The program
coordinates with the Opportunity
Council for additional energy upgrades
when possible. A citywide Housing
Levy was passed by voters in 2012
to increase and maintain affordable
housing stock. New construction and
renovation projects funded by the Levy
are required to be built to the state’s
Evergreen Sustainable Development
Standard that sets a high threshold
for energy efficiency and other
sustainability features.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: Unknown
Next Steps: Review green building
standards to ensure that the latest
energy efficiency methods and
technologies are included in this
program.
WHATCOM HOUSING AUTHORITY RETROFITS
The Bellingham Whatcom Housing
Authority is a local government agency
with about 3,000 units that house
over 7,000 residents in Whatcom
County. The Housing Authority works
to provide needed housing in the
community for low-income families,
seniors, and people with disabilities.
The Housing Authority has completed
energy efficiency retrofit projects on
all of its properties within city limits.
Status: Complete
Emissions Reduction: Unknown
BELLINGHAM ENERGY PRIZE
Bellingham finished 3rd in the
nationwide Georgetown University
Energy Prize (locally known as the
Bellingham Energy Prize), a two-
year contest between 50 mid-size
cities to reduce residential and
municipal energy use. The City
of Bellingham partnered with
Bellingham Public Schools, Cascade
Natural Gas, Community Energy
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Challenge, Opportunity Council,
Puget Sound Energy, RE Sources for
Sustainable Communities, Sustainable
Connections, Northwest Clean Air
Agency, and Western Washington
University. To increase participation
in the competition, the City and its
partners reached out to the community
by disseminating information on
energy conservation programs in
new ways, and by reaching new
audiences that may not have been
part of other efforts. These activities
included a large employer campaign;
enhanced canvassing; neighborhood
involvement; local bus, garbage
truck, and television ads; low-income
outreach; a middle school energy
efficiency and conservation contest;
and utility bill inserts.
Status: Complete
Emissions Reduction: See related
measures
BELLINGHAM ENERGY PRIZE ONLINE ENERGY CENTER
In partnership with the City, Puget
Sound Energy, and Cascade Natural
Gas, Sustainable Connections set up
an online Energy Center website for
residents to track their electricity
and natural gas use, find ways to save
energy, compare their energy use to
neighbors, and win prizes like free
utilities for a month and a free bike.
The Energy Center supported the
Bellingham Energy Prize (see above),
and in 2016 was viewed 8,300 times
with 1,124 signed up residents, 305 of
whom also linked their utilities.
Status: Discontinued due to lack of
funding
Emissions Reduction: 81 tons CO2e in
2016
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND THE REAL ESTATE MARKET
Efforts are underway to better connect
efficiency programs and real estate
professionals. The Community Energy
Challenge completed educational
classes with realtors in 2015 and 2016
to educate them on the benefits to
owners of efficient homes. Bellingham
Energy Prize team members also
conducted both resident and real
estate education at the annual Building
Industry Association of Whatcom
County Home Shows in both years.
As a foundation for future activity,
the WWU economics department has
received a $309,304 grant from the
Sloan Foundation to conduct a two-
year study on the impact of energy
efficiency on housing prices with the
Opportunity Council and its Building
Performance Center. The study will
document a home’s expected annual
energy usage to see whether more
efficient homes sell for a premium. The
study will also examine how upgrading
efficiency of a less efficient home
impacts its market price. As part of
the study, the Building Performance
Center will provide the energy audits
and modeling on 600 homes on the
market.66
Status: Ongoing
Goal: 600 audited households achieve
average energy reductions.
Emissions Reduction: 340 tons CO2e per
year
Next Steps: See Residential Energy
Performance Ratings and Multifamily
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and Commercial Benchmarking
measures below.
PROJECT RENT
In 2015, The Wstern Washington
University (WWU) Institute for
Energy Studies and the WWU Office
of Sustainability collaborated to start
Project RENT (Reducing ENergy with
Tenants) to provide energy efficiency
outreach and education to the 11,000
students living off-campus. Puget
Sound Energy, Cascade Natural Gas,
and the Opportunity Council trained
12 student Energy Educators to go into
student neighborhoods to promote
local energy resources such as PSE’s
Home Energy Assessments, free
Energy-Saving Kits from Cascade
Natural Gas, and smart powerstrips.
They also provided energy
conservation education and helped
with basic installations.
During the 2015-2016 school year,
Project RENT consulted nearly 70
off-campus students and distributed
100 water-saving kits (which included
a low-flow showerhead, kitchen and
bathroom sink aerators, and toilet
leak detector tablets) and 200 LED
lightbulbs to off-campus students.
Analysis of post-program surveys
revealed that students who engaged
in Project RENT became significantly
more aware of local energy efficiency
programs and practiced more
energy efficient behaviors than
before participating in the program.
Participating students receive periodic
reports that track their energy use and
can be involved in competitions to
reduce energy use. More information
here: www.energytrans.org/project-
rent.html
Status: This pilot program ended
in June 2016 but WWU’s Office of
Sustainability is examining results
of the project and may implement
a permanent version when a new
funding source can be secured.
Emissions Reduction: 20 tons CO2e in
2016
Next Steps: WWU students created
a prototype Sustainability Index
website allowing students to share
current energy information of
rental properties, as well as other
information useful for locating a
quality, efficient, and safe rental.
This concept is loosely based on a
Rent Rocket web site that is running
in several university towns in the
Midwest. The website will help off-
campus students choose their rental
homes based on several sustainability
factors, including the energy use of
that home. The site would produce
both an energy-related “Utility Score”
and a more general “Community
Score” combining other features of
sustainability such as a high walk
score, or being on a bus line. The effort
has created a prototype for collecting
renter data and is starting to populate
it in the testing phase. This program
is fully funded and is expected to be
launched in Spring 2017. There are
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plans for the future version of Project
RENT to work in close collaboration
with the Sustainability Index, with
outreach providing both renter energy
information, and encouraging students
to sign up on the site.
MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
City staff and partners are working
to expand energy conservation in
multi-family dwelling through
financing or incentive programs that
work around the “split incentive”
problem with rental housing. In
2016, City staff worked with PSE’s
Multi-family Retrofit Program
to provide Bellingham-specific
marketing to potential customers
in larger apartment buildings. As a
result, 103 units were assessed, and
one ten-unit building was set up for
direct install LEDs, new ventilation
fans, refrigerators, and windows.
This, however, represents a relatively
small number of larger multifamily
buildings in Bellingham.
The Community Energy Challenge
also expanded commercial audits
to include some large multi-family
buildings. In 2016, the program
audited the large Leopold senior
housing complex and changed out all
91 residents’ showerheads, kitchen
and restroom aerators, and they will
soon be converting all of the common
area lighting to LED. Expected savings
are $3,017 in gas costs per year for the
low-flow fixtures and $5,375 in electric
costs for the lighting upgrade.
WWU’s Institute for Energy Studies
students are researching the feasibility
of a “green lease” program to assist in
resolving incentive issues and provide
behavioral and technical components
of energy efficiency for both landlords
and tenants. One part of the program
could target master-metered rental
properties for conservation efforts.
Larger properties could access ESCO’s
(energy service companies) that do
retrofits with guaranteed savings. The
City’s Water Use Efficiency Program
will also provide incentives for water
use efficiency retrofits that result in
energy savings.
Status: Ongoing. Increasing
multifamily projects proved difficult.
Goal: Achieve above reductions every
year at minimum, as well as 15 million
kWh saved from PSE’s upcoming
program below.
Emissions Reduction: 1,392 tons CO2e
per year
Next Steps: Partners will continue
work to identify the necessary
incentives and marketing to expand
energy efficiency and conservation
programs to multifamily owners.
Puget Sound Energy is bringing a
program to Bellingham that will
enroll three Bellingham/Whatcom
Housing properties and monitor
operational and behavioral changes
for both facilities and tenants, with
a goal of achieving 5% savings. This
could amount to about 15 million kWh
savings for the 424 units involved.
BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Bellingham Public Schools have a
record of substantial investments
in energy efficiency as facilities
are renovated or rebuilt. Resource
Conservation Management work
is incorporated into the work plans
of key facilities management staff,
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who have developed the expertise to
continually develop and implement
projects resulting in steady reductions
in energy use. All schools are now
benchmarked on the ENERGY STAR®
Portfolio Manager, with some rated at
100 percent. Energy efficiency projects
have been incorporated into recent
school levies, and additional resources
have resulted from successful grant
applications. Retrofit projects for the
first half of 2015 included replacement
of 245 lights with LEDs in Bellingham
High School, and installations of 625
LED fixtures at Geneva Elementary
School. Additional lighting upgrades
were completed at five other schools
or facilities, for a total savings of
433,661 kWh for lighting annually. In
the second half of the year, outdated
control systems were replaced with
electronic control systems at four
elementary schools. A rebuild of
Sehome High School and the new
Options High School both exceed
the Washington Sustainable Schools
Protocol, which is equivalent to LEED
Silver building standards. Bellingham
Public Schools also helped promote the
Bellingham Energy Prize.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: Unknown
Next Steps: Classroom lighting
continues to be upgraded to LEDs. A
bond measure will be on the ballot
in February 2018 and will include a
wholesale change to LED lamps across
the district and low-energy rebuilds of
three elementary schools
GREEN CLASSROOM CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
In partnership with the City, ReSources
for Sustainable Communities
continued to implement its Green
Classroom Certification program that
provides education on energy, water,
and resource management at area
elementary schools. This program
is partially funded by the City and
it provides in-class education and
behavioral tips to save energy at
school. This program was adapted
in 2015 and 2016 for the Bellingham
Energy Prize (see above) to provide
additional educational materials
focused on residential conservation
and encouraging parents to sign up
for energy services. During 2016, 83
elementary classrooms either attained
their Green Classroom Certificate or
began working towards attaining this
Certificate in 2017. Some examples of
the conservation activities that these
classrooms pledged to practice during
2016 include using natural lighting in
classrooms when possible, turning off
electronics not in use, and avoiding
water waste when washing hands.
ReSources also worked with three high
school and 12 middle school classrooms
in 2016. ReSources has added a focus
on the water-energy nexus to its water
conservation programs in middle and
high schools, with the goal of raising
awareness about the indirect energy
use associated with using water.
Status: Ongoing
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Emissions Reductions: Unknown
Commercial - Phase 1 Measures
WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY
In 2007, WWU created an Office of
Sustainability to oversee a wide range
of initiatives and continue its efforts
toward becoming a national model for
campus sustainability.
• WWU Climate Action Plan - In
2007, the University approved
a Climate Action Plan and
began tracking its greenhouse
gas emissions with the goal of
achieving climate neutrality by
2050.
• Go for the Green - This energy-
reduction residence hall campaign
resulted in over 20 percent energy
use reduction.
• 10x12 Program - This program
reduced overall campus energy use
by 10 percent by the end of 2012.
The university contracted for $3.2
million in building energy retrofits,
resulting in annual savings of
$244,000 in year one, 7.8 percent
carbon emissions reduction, 8
percent natural gas reduction, 8
percent water use reduction, and 7.5
percent electricity use reduction.
In spring 2016, Puget Sound Energy
recognized WWU for more than
20 projects the two entities have
partnered on together, and for the
energy savings accrued through the
campus’ behavior change campaigns.
These campaigns resulted in more
than 5 million kilowatt hours saved
and $750,000 from PSE in incentive
funding.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: 250 tons CO2e per
year
COUNTY COURTHOUSE EFFICIENCY
This measure includes a number of
actions taken at county facilities. Most
of this reduction has been achieved
through lighting and HVAC upgrades
and intense energy management at the
County Courthouse and jail facilities.
Status: Complete
Industrial - Phase 1 Measures
BELLINGHAM COLD STORAGE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Prior to the 2007 Climate Action
Plan, Bellingham Cold Storage
(BCS) implemented a number of
energy-efficiency actions, including
an integrated energy management
system, increased insulation,
automatic doors, lighting upgrades and
installation of variable speed drives.
These actions allowed the business to
grow without a significant increase
in energy consumption, saving an
estimated 10-20 million kWh annually.
According to their website, “BCS
has continued to adopt the latest
technology to reduce power
consumption. New refrigeration
control systems at both plants have
reduced power consumption by 4.8
million kWh per year. In addition, we
have replaced more than 70 percent
of the facility’s older halogen fixtures
with more energy efficient florescent
lighting, reducing consumption by
approximately 800,000 kWh per year.”
BCS also promotes alternative
transportation for employee
commuting, has been recognized by
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EPA as one of the “Best Workplaces
for Commuters,” and twice won the
Governor’s Award for innovation in
workplace commuting.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: 73 tons CO2e
Next Steps: Convert to LED lighting.
This will save 168,434 kWh and
prevent 73 tons of CO2e per year. A
new energy audit of refrigeration is
also underway.
Residential/Commercial—Phase 4 Measures
WATERFRONT DISTRICT ENERGY
The City and Port of Bellingham
drafted a Waterfront District Sub-Area
Plan to rebuild a 180-acre site once
used by the Georgia-Pacific pulp and
paper mill. The plan includes exploring
development of advanced energy
systems on the site, and “additional
piping and infrastructure to support
the long-term development of district
heating and cooling, on-site energy
generation, and wastewater reuse.”
Bellingham waterfront. Image: Bellingham Herald
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The City took the next step to examine
this as part of its utility planning by
reviewing and updating the feasibility
numbers.67 The report also estimates
that a district energy project would
substantially reduce overall energy
use in the area, as well as greenhouse
gas emissions. Micro-hydro was
also considered but was found to be
unfeasible. This district could expand
beyond the waterfront area, and
separate energy districts should be
considered in other parts of the city.
This project is still being assessed for
feasibility.
Emissions Reductions: 609 tons CO2e per
year
SINGLE-FAMILY RENTAL HOUSING OUTREACH
Bellingham has a significant single-
family rental house population
due in part to the 14,000+ enrolled
students at Western Washington
University (WWU) and surrounding
neighborhoods that house a significant
number of these students in off-
campus housing. While tenants most
often do not have the expendable
income to make upgrades in their
rental homes, behavior change
education can be implemented, with
an emphasis on utility bill savings
that result through energy-saving
habits. WWU’s Project RENT (see
above) has implemented this on a pilot
basis. Additional engagement with
property management companies and
landlords to increase awareness of
energy efficiency programs available
to them will further address this
under-tapped sector. To supplement
this effort, utilities could set up energy
displays at colleges, with an emphasis
on LED upgrades and other low-cost
actions. In addition, students could be
provided with tools to assess their own
off-campus housing to identify other
potential energy saving activities.
Such a program could begin at Western
Washington University given its large
local enrollment, but an expanded
campaign could be appropriate for
Bellingham Technical College and
Whatcom Community College. This
program could be facilitated though
the rental inspection program.
Emissions Reductions: 20 tons CO2e per
year per Project RENT results
PUGET SOUND ENERGY STREETLIGHTS LED UPGRADE
The City pays for an additional 1,700
streetlights owned and operated by
Puget Sound Energy, which have not
Bill SavingsGreen JobsCO2 Emissions
Owner DisclosesEnergy Rating
Buyers/Renters
Fully Informed
Buyers/Renters Favor
Effcient Properties
Market Values
Energy Performance
Owners Invest in Energy Efficient Upgrades
Figure 22. Energy benchmarking and reporting allows tenants to make choices based on energy efficiency. This figure was sourced from the City of Seattle.
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been upgraded to high-efficiency
LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs.
City staff will work with PSE to assess
the feasibility of upgrading these
streetlights.
Emissions Reductions: 413 tons CO2e
MULTI-FAMILY & COMMERCIAL BUILDING BENCHMARKING
A building energy benchmarking and
reporting policy would require multi-
family and commercial buildings to
track and report their energy use. This
would allow tenants to choose energy-
efficient homes and workplaces, and
would introduce energy efficiency
into the marketplace (Figure 22). This
could be modeled after successful
policies in Seattle and 24 other U.S.
cities. The City of Portland, Oregon
organized an energy conservation
contest between businesses that used
the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)’s free energy-tracking
tool called Energy Star Portfolio
Manager, the use of which has
resulted in 7% energy savings over
three years, according to EPA. This
could provide a model to pilot a
benchmarking program. Research at
WWU will help inform this process
(see Energy Efficiency and the Real
Estate Market measure above).
Goal: Benchmark all multifamily and
commercial buildings by 2030
Emissions Reductions: 1102 tons CO2e
RESIDENTIAL ENERGY PERFORMANCE RATINGS
Residential energy performance
ratings would allow renters and
buyers to consider energy efficiency
in their decisions, effectively
introducing energy efficiency into the
marketplace, as with benchmarking
(Figure 22). Ratings would also
help agencies and utilities track
progress in energy efficiency across
the community. This could be
incorporated with the City’s recent
rental registration program.
Goal: Rate 90% of residential
properties by 2025.
Emissions Reductions: 28,207 tons CO2e
Residential/Commercial/Industrial Phase 4 Stretch Measures
GREEN LEASES FOR CITY TENANTS
The City owns numerous commercial
rental properties that are leased to
various tenants. Updating these leases
to include required energy efficiency
and conservation measures — also
known as green leases — would
save energy and reduce emissions.
According to the Institute for Market
Transformation, green leases can
reduce energy consumption in office
buildings by 11-22%.
Goal: Implement green leases as
existing leases are renewed.
Emissions Reductions: 312 tons CO2e
WEATHERIZATION REQUIREMENTS
The City will research the feasibility
of requiring weatherization upgrades
for buildings at the time of sale, which
could include insulation, double-
paned windows, and other energy-
saving upgrades.
Goal: Reduce residential energy use of
sold homes by 15%.
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Emissions Reductions: 1,678 tons CO2e
INDUSTRIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The industrial sector accounts for 23%
of Bellingham energy use. Engaging
businesses in the industrial sector
to adopt energy efficiency measures
could reduce emissions from this
sector. This could include existing
incentive programs as well as industry-
specific programs such as Puget
Sound Energy’s Industrial System
Optimization Program and the U.S.
Department of Energy Better Buildings
Accelerator Program’s Superior
Energy Performance Certification,
which uses the ISO 50001 global
energy management system standard,
“emphasizing measurable savings
through a transparent, independent,
and highly regarded verification
process.” Companies that join USDOE’s
Better Plants Challenge commit to
reducing energy intensity by 25% over
10 years. The International Energy
Agency reported in 2012 that energy
efficiency improvements could reduce
global industrial energy demand by
26%.
Goal: Reduce overall Industrial sector
energy use 15% below 2015 levels by
2030 in addition to getting one quarter
of industrial businesses to commit to
the USDOE’s Better Plants Challenge
goal of 25% energy reduction by 2030.
Emissions Reductions: 2,542 tons CO2e
2030 DISTRICTS
2030 Districts commit to reducing
building energy use, water
consumption, and transportation
emissions by 50% by 2030.
Communities across the country are
forming 2030 Districts led by the
private sector to focus efficiencies
and efforts such as district energy,
benchmarking, energy ratings,
collective buying power, and green
building standards. This model could
work well in densely populated areas
like Bellingham’s downtown and urban
villages.
Emissions Reductions: Unknown
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Community Measures | Renewable Energy page 84 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Renewable Energy
0
50
100
150
200
2016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001NUMBER OF SOLAR PERMITSYEAR
Figure 23. Number of solar permits issued per year by City of Bellingham
Residential - Phase 1 Measures
GREEN POWER PURCHASES
Even before the Bellingham Green
Power Community Challenge (see
sidebar), Bellingham residents and
businesses were participating in
Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power
Program. In this program, customers
pay an additional $4 to $12 per month
to help fund the development of
renewable energy sources. In 2005,
1,368 customers participated in the
program and purchased approximately
8,083,100 kWh. In 2014, 6,083
residential and business customers
participated and purchased 35,744,548
kWh—a 342 percent increase since
2005.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reductions: 18,922 tons CO2e
per year
Residential - Phase 3 Measures
SOLAR PERMITTING IMPROVEMENTS
In 2009, Bellingham became the first
city in Washington State to offer a solar
panel permit exemption program. In an
effort to reduce costs for solar projects,
the City of Bellingham adopted a
policy to exempt small rooftop solar
installations from standard structural
review and building permits on single
family, two family and town home
buildings (electrical permits are still
required).68 A similar exemption was
approved for solar hot water heating
projects.69 The cost of solar panels
is also excluded when determining
permit fees for non-residential
buildings. Program participants can
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0
50
100
150
200
2016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001NUMBER OF SOLAR PERMITSYEAR
Bellingham Green Power Challenge
As part of the City’s 2016 Energy Year, Puget Sound Energy
launched the Bellingham Green Power Challenge with the goal of
enrolling 400 more homes in Green Power. Participants pay extra
on their electric bills to support wind, solar, and/or biomass energy
projects. In seven months, Bellingham residents almost doubled the
goal with 779 enrolled, earning the City a $50,000 grant to install
a solar array on a visible building that will contribute to education
on solar power’s potential. This effort mirrored the 2006 Belling-
ham Green Power Community Challenge when the City, PSE, and
Sustainable Connections partnered to promote participation in the
Puget Sound Energy Green Power Program among Bellingham
businesses and residents. In six months, the Bellingham community
nearly doubled its green power purchases. As a result of these cam-
paigns, Bellingham is the #3 jurisdiction in the PSE service territory
for Green Power.
Status: Completed in 2006 and again in 2016
save more than $2,000 in fees and get an expedited, two-week permit review.
Streamlined permitting and
experienced local installers have put
Bellingham into the lead in the region
in residential installed systems per
capita. From 2009 to 2010, City-issued
permits for solar installations and
upgrades doubled and continued to
climb each year, reaching 145 in 2015
(Figure 23). In May 2016, Bellingham
had 3,349 kW of residential solar
capacity and 609 kW of commercial
solar capacity. In 2016, Bellingham
businesses and residents produced
3,037,439 kWh of solar power,
preventing over 2,300 tons of CO2e
emissions, about the same as the
annual emissions from 450 cars. That’s
enough to power 225 homes for a year.
Evidence suggests that many residents
will increase their energy efficiency
when they install solar.
Status: Ongoing
Goal: Increase solar capacity in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors by 10% every year. An accelerated goal would increase residential solar by an additional 5% every year.
Emissions Reductions: 608 tons per year
Next Steps: Develop a per capita solar
capacity goal. Include solar site orientation information on subdivision
maps to provide for passive solar heating and cooling opportunities. Find new ways to promote solar power in Bellingham.
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Community Measures | Renewable Energy page 86 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
SOLARIZE WHATCOM
Solarize Whatcom was a community
solar purchasing campaign organized
by Sustainable Connections with
help from installers Ecotech Solar
and Western Solar and local solar
panel manufacturer Itek Energy. This
campaign offered the best value for
homeowners and businesses for easy
solar installations on their homes,
businesses, or multi-family units.
Benefits to participants included a free
solar workshop, free site assessment,
competitive flat rate pricing from
vetted local installers, and low interest
loans. Puget Sound Cooperative
Credit Union offered a special rate
for participants as low as 4.25%
and up to $50,000. The campaign
was a resounding success, with 47
contracts signed, $1.2 million in solar
investment, and 311.15 kW of new solar
capacity. A large solar array will be
donated to the Food Bank by Itek, with
installation provided by Western Solar
and Ecotech.
This model of tying a residential
install campaign with donated solar
for a non-profit is a replicable model
for solar installations, as it not only
encourages more residential capacity,
but provides additional motivation
by helping improve the long-term
finances of popular local non-profits.
These win-win campaigns also raise
the profile of solar in the community
more generally.70
Status: Complete.
Emissions Reductions: 168 tons per year
WASHINGTON GOES SOLAR CAMPAIGN
ReSources for Sustainable
Communities started this program
in 2017 to help homeowners and
businesses get hassle-free solar
installation while helping RE Sources
earn a free solar array from Ecotech
Solar and Itek Energy. Benefits to
participants include a free solar
workshop, free site assessment,
competitive pricing from vetted local
installers, and low interest loans.
Status: Ongoing
Goal: 155 tons CO2e per year
Commercial - Phase 1 Measures
WWU SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM
In 2007, WWU created an Office of
Sustainability to oversee a wide range
of initiatives and continue its efforts
toward becoming a national model for
campus sustainability. WWU approved
a Climate Action Plan and began
tracking its greenhouse gas emissions
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Community Measures | Renewable Energy
with the goal of achieving climate
neutrality by 2050.
• WWU Green Power - Beginning
in 2005, WWU became the first
institution in the nation to offset
100 percent of its electricity use
with renewable energy credits.
This decision followed a vote by the
student body that overwhelmingly
supported an increase quarterly
fees to pay the premium cost.
Students each pay approximately
$10 more each quarter to help
offset 40 million kilowatt hours
of electricity with wind energy
through the Puget Sound Energy
Green Power Program. WWU
remains one of the nation’s top-20
buyers of renewable energy among
academic institutions as recognized
by the US EPA. Like the City, WWU
will enroll in PSE’s Green Direct
Program to more directly fund new
windmill construction in eastern
Washington.
• WWU Sustainable Action Fund -
Formerly called the Green Energy
Fee, the Sustainable Action Fund
Fee was adopted by students in
2009 to raise over $300,000
annually for on campus pilot
projects. One project included
a $167,000 solar array on the
Environmental Studies Building.
The fee also helps pay for Green
Power purchases (see above).
Emissions Reduction: 19,799 tons CO2e
per year
COUNTY GREEN POWER
In September 2006, the Whatcom
County Council voted to begin buying
renewable energy credits through
the Puget Sound Energy Green Power
Program to offset 100 percent of the
electricity used by county government,
and became a U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Green Power
Partner. In 2014, the County bought
credits equal to 5,800,000 kWh of
electricity.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: 2,871 tons CO2e
per year
Commercial - Phase 4 Measures
WATERFRONT DISTRICT ENERGY
This measure is also included in the
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
section due to overlapping emissions
reductions. The City and Port of
Bellingham drafted a Waterfront
District Sub-Area Plan to rebuild a
180-acre site once used by the Georgia-
Pacific pulp and paper mill. The plan
includes exploring development of
advanced energy systems on the site,
including “additional piping and
infrastructure to support the long-
term development of district heating
and cooling, on-site energy generation,
and wastewater reuse.”71 The City took
the next step to examine this as part of
its utility planning by reviewing and
updating the feasibility numbers. The
report also estimates that a district
energy project would substantially
reduce overall energy use in the area,
as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
Micro-hydro was also considered but
found to be unfeasible. This district
could expand beyond the waterfront
area, and separate energy districts
should be considered in other parts
of the city. This project is still being
assessed for feasibility.
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Community Measures | Renewable Energy page 88 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Goal: Reduce future waterfront
emissions by 90%.
Emissions Reduction: 3,045 tons CO2e
per year
Residential / Commercial Phase 4 Stretch Measures
COMMUNITY SOLAR
Community solar allows residents
who can’t install solar panels on
their homes to lease panels from
a centralized, off-site solar array.
Power generated from leased panels
is metered and subtracted from the
lessee’s home electricity bill. In 2017,
the Bellingham community is seeking
to expand this model of linking solar
purchases to assisting low income
communities by working with the
Opportunity Council to explore
community solar projects that could
result in permanently lower bills for
residents of low income housing. The
City of Bellingham energy intern
assists this project.
MORE EFFICIENT ENERGY DISTRIBUTION
Microgrids and smart grids are
possible solutions for more efficient
electricity distribution that will
require extensive planning between
municipalities and utilities.
Integrating land use and infrastructure
planning could optimize opportunities
for heat exchange between sources
that generate excess heat (e.g. data
centers or sewer lines) and buildings
that require additional heat (e.g. office
buildings or apartments).
SUPPORT RESIDENTIAL WIND POWER
Research and develop policies and
incentives for residential wind power
to increase local renewable energy
production. Ensure that City permits
and codes allow for residential wind
turbines.
Empowering Lydia Place
In a unique partnership between Western So-
lar, iTek Energy, and Aslan Brewing Company,
funds from the sale of Aslan’s Summer Solar
Ale were donated to help install solar panels on
Lydia Place, a non-profit agency serving home-
less families. The solar panels will offset power
use in Lydia Place’s Baker Place location,
saving money on electric bills. This partnership
highlights the many opportunities for multiple
benefits – economic, environmental, social --
when addressing climate change.
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Community Measures | Transportation
Transportation
Transportation - Phase 1 Measures
SSC BIODIESEL
In 2005, Sanitary Service Corporation
(SSC) began running 60 garbage
trucks on B20 biodiesel. This was
later changed to B5 (5% biodiesel, 95%
petrodiesel). SSC’s use of B5 prevents
about 156 tons of CO2 emissions per
year, equal to taking 30 passenger cars
off the road for a year.72 SSC is now
in the process of switching trucks to
compressed natural gas (see below).
Status: Complete
CAR SHARING
Car sharing programs allow occasional
needs for a vehicle to be met without
the burden of ownership, while also
reducing the number of cars on the
road. Such programs can help two- or
three-car households revert to one car,
or even provide for all of the private
vehicle needs for some residents. In
2006, a non-profit organization called
Community Car Share began offering
Bellingham residents access to the use
of a shared vehicle paid for on a per-
use basis. Community Car Share went
under in 2010, but in 2014 Western
Washington University began a car-
sharing program with two cars through
Zipcar, a nationwide membership-
based car-sharing company. Faculty,
staff, students and community
members can join this program.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: Unknown
Transportation - Phase 2 Measures
VEHICLE MODE SHIFT
The Bellingham Comprehensive Plan
2016 Update outlines a mode shift goal
to reduce total trips by automobile
from the current rate of 87% of all
trips to 70% of all trips by 2022 and
60% of all trips
Steady increases to the availability and convenience of public transportation will make Bellingham much more friendly to pedestrians and cyclists.
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page 90 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Community Measures | Transportation
Figure 22. Historic (2000-2014) and long-term (2016-2036) transportation mode
shift goals
20001 2005-20092 2010-20143 20164 20264 20364
Work From Home
WTA Public Transit
Bicycle
Pedestrian
Multi-OccupantVehicle and Taxi5
SingleOccupant
Vehicle
1) Table P030: 2000 U.S. Census Summary; Means of Transportation to Work
2) Table B08301: 2009-2013 Average from American Community Survey (U.S. Census)
3) Table S0801: 2010-2014 Average from American Community Survey (U.S. Census)
4) 2015 baseline and long-term mode shift goals [Monitor annual in TRAM; update goals in 2026 Comp Plan]
5) Taxi includes ridesharing organizations, such as “Uber” and “Lyft”
5.2%
3.6%
2.6%
2.6%
11.7%
70.2%67.9%68.4%66.5%61.0%50.0%
10.0%
12.0%
12.0%
9.0%
7.0%6.5%6.0%
6.0%
4.5%
8.5%
8.5%
5.4%5.5%
5.9%
4.1%
7.3%
9.3%
5.0%
3.5%
8.2%
8.1%
7.0%
7.0%
9.5%
9.0%
transport mode share trends long-term mode shift goals
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page 91 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Community Measures | Transportation
by 2036 (Figure 22). The goal outlines
a steady increase in other modes and
a concurrent decrease in the use of
automobiles.
Achieving this goal is expected to
depend on the success of a number
of factors including the Whatcom
Smart Trips program, the Social Data
Individualized Marketing program,
land use decisions, a steady increase
in availability and convenience of
mass transit (Whatcom Transportation
Authority’s Go Lines in particular) as
well as a widespread effort to make
the city more pedestrian- and bicycle-
friendly. Achieving this goal will
require a wide range of actions local
government can take to encourage the
development of a city that is not so
dependent on cars.
The City developed an incentive to
support transportation mode shifts
that reduces transportation impact
fees for performance measures
that are proven to reduce on-site
trip generation, such as location on
Whatcom Transportation Authority
Go-Lines. Bellingham is currently
certified as a silver-level “Bicycle
Friendly Community” by the League of
American Bicyclists.
Status: Ongoing
Goal: Reduce vehicle trips by 17% by
2022 and by 27% by 2036. Reaching the
2036 goal earlier may be necessary to
meet the 2030 emissions target.
Emissions Reduction: 2330 tons CO2e per
year
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
City of Bellingham Public Works
and Police Departments partners
with Bellingham School District,
Whatcom County Health Department,
and everybodyBIKE to implement
programs in local elementary and
middle schools that use education,
enforcement, and engineering
improvements to increase the number
of students walking and bicycling
to school, with the goals of reducing
vehicle trips and congestion and
improving air quality.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: Unknown
Next Steps: In 2018, City staff will
perform educationand enforcement
at Shuksan Middle School and start
Bellingham Bikes
From dedicated bike commuters on
the City’s freshly painted bike routes
to thrill-seeking mountain bikers up on
Galbraith Mountain, Bellingham’s bike
culture thrives. The Hub Community
Bike Shop is a non-profit organization
that encourages transportation alter-
natives and builds community around
bikes. They take old, donated bikes
and refurbish them to be sold back to
the community, reducing waste and
increasing the number of bikes on the
streets. They also provide reusable
parts and community shop space.
Every spring, more than 30 organi-
zations in Bellingham and Whatcom
County work together to support Bike
to Work and School Day with almost
30 “celebration stations” where bikers
can stop for refreshment and suste-
nance. The Hub’s Pancake Feed is a
popular stop.
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page 92 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Community Measures | Transportation
work on the Aldrich Road (Cordata
Elementary School) Safe Routes
to School grant project. The City
of Bellingham Comprehensive
Plan includes actions to: “Continue
and expand Safe Routes to School
programming, such as assemblies,
bicycle rodeos and in-classroom
safety education, to all schools in
the Bellingham School District,” and
“Encourage the Bellingham School
District to partner with the City in
funding Safe Route to School sidewalk
and bicycle facility improvements.”
LIMIT IDLING
The 2007 Climate Protection Action
Plan proposed working with regional
partners to limit vehicle idling. With
funding from the Northwest Clean Air
Agency, RE Sources worked with 22
schools in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island
counties to limit idling and reported
preventing 1,380 tons of carbon
dioxide emissions. RE Sources also
created a tool kit for municipalities that
focused on businesses in 2011.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: Unknown
Next Steps: The City will work with
partners to assess additional anti-
idling educational opportunities at the
community level.
PROMOTE BIOFUELS
Switching from fossil fuels to
agriculturally based fuels can reduce
carbon pollution because biofuel
emissions are part of the natural
carbon cycle. However, recent concerns
about indirect environmental impacts
of biofuels on wild ecosystems,
biodiversity, food prices, water
consumption, and poor communities
have dimmed enthusiasm for the
carbon reduction benefits of biofuels.73
Reflecting these trends and a variety
of other factors, biodiesel use in
Bellingham has fallen. Renewable
diesel is an emerging fuel chemically
identical to petroleum diesel but made
from renewable oils. This fuel is not
available to retail customers at this
time. Biodiesel and renewable diesel
made from recycled oils such as tallow
and fryer oil provide the greatest
Figure 23. Electric vehicle charging station locations in Bellingham.
(USDOE Alternative Fuels Data Center)
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Community Measures | Transportation
environmental benefit. Today, biodiesel
is available at the Bakerview Yorky’s
Market, Sammy’s Place on State Street,
and the Shell Station on Meridian and
Kellogg Road.
Status: Incomplete
Goal: 5% biodiesel or renewable diesel
use in Bellingham by 2025.
Emissions Reduction: 154 tons CO2e per
year
Next Steps: The City can lead by
example by switching the City fleet to
this new fuel, following the example of
other cities. The City and community
will explore options for other
incentives to gas stations to offer fuels
blended with biodiesel and ethanol
(E85), and outreach to auto dealerships
to encourage them to offer more
vehicles compatible with greater use of
biofuels.
PROMOTE HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
In 2005, there were 168 hybrid vehicles
registered in Bellingham. As of March
2017, there were 2,628—a more than
1450% increase to comprise 2% of all
vehicles in Bellingham. Combined
with 481 electric cars, this shift
saved more than 516,000 gallons of
gas or 5,057 tons of CO2e in 2017,
which is equivalent to taking 969
passenger cars off the road for a year.
In 2011, Bellingham mayor Dan Pike
helped break ground in the Sehome
Shopping Village for construction of
the first electric vehicle (EV) DC fast-
charging station on the West Coast
Electric Highway, a network of such
stations in Washington, Oregon, and
California. Today, Bellingham has 11
public charging stations, including
one fast charger and 23 total outlets.
In March 2016, there were 481 electric
vehicles registered in Bellingham, a
0.3% adoption rate. (This measure was
combined with the Phase 1 Hybrid
Vehicles measure from the 2007 plan).
Status: Ongoing
Goal: 40% EV adoption and 30% hybrid
adoption by 2030. This far exceeds
Bellingham’s estimated contributions
to the Washington Electric Vehicle
Action Plan goal of 50,000 EVs in the
state by 2020 and sets up Bellingham
to meet 2030 emissions targets.
Emissions Reduction: 5,160 tons CO2e
per year
Next Steps: Include promotion of
hybrid vehicles in climate change
education efforts. Create an
educational electric vehicle page on the
City website. Continue to partner with
utilities and community stakeholders
to promote electric vehicle adoption
and infrastructure, including large
employers and car dealers. Recognize
businesses offering EV benefits. Assess
feasibility of free electric vehicle
charging for the public at City charging
stations. Investigate if and how City
employees can use city chargers.
Standardize EV signage and consider
pavement markings to help EV
drivers find charging stations. Assess
permitting needs and opportunities
for incentives for installing EV
infrastructure. Assess opportunities
to include EV infrastructure in new
developments. Consider reducing
parking requirements for developers
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Community Measures | Transportation
when charging stations are installed.
Designate reserved preferential
parking for EVs. Provide free parking
to EVs at City buildings and metered
spaces. Assess ways to incentivize
charging stations at workplaces.
Research feasibility of waiving City
sales tax on electric vehicles. Join
Washington Clean Cities Coalition.
Transportation – Phase 3 Measures
WHATCOM SMART TRIPS
Whatcom Smart Trips is a unique
community-wide vehicle trip
reduction program that focuses on
all trip purposes (not just commute
trips.) Since the program started in
June 2006, participants have walked,
bicycled, shared rides and ridden the
bus for more than 52 million miles and
prevented over 21,000 tons of carbon
dioxide from being emitted (Figure 24).
Emissions Reduction: Included in Vehicle
Mode Shift
SSC NATURAL GAS TRUCKS
In 2015, the City required SSC to
convert their fleet of garbage trucks
from diesel to CNG with the last
contract revision and authorized the
necessary rate increase to pay for the
cost.
Emissions Reduction: 2237 tons CO2e
COMMUNITY COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION
Continue to work with Waatcom
Council of Governments to administer
the state-required Commute
Trip Reduction program for large
employers and encourage smaller
employers to help both employees and
customers make local trips by walking,
biking, and riding transit or sharing
rides (Bellingham Comprehensive Plan
Policy T-18).
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: Included in Vehicle
Mode Shift
Next Steps: Increase carpooling
incentives— provide carpool-only
spaces downtown, work with large
shopping centers.
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page 95 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Community Measures | Green Building
Green Building
Residential/Commercial - Phase 2
PROMOTE GREEN BUILDING
In 2010, the City of Bellingham’s
Permit Center launched a “Bin Bump-
Up” program to encourage and support
green building projects by reducing
building permit review time for
certified green projects. A project that
would typically be eligible for a 28-day
review will be “bumped-up” to a seven-
day review if it meets all applicable
requirements. These projects are also
eligible for one “integrated design”
meeting with the City’s Green Project
Review Team to identify potential
code conflicts between the project’s
concepts and City building codes.
These incentives will be offered for new
buildings and residences that achieve
either a Building Industry Association
of Whatcom County (BIA) Built Green
4- or 5-star standard or a U.S. Green
Building Council (USGBC) LEED Silver,
Gold, or Platinum standard. Project
registration with the BIA or the USGBC
is required to be eligible and third
party verification is required. Other
equivalent green programs may be
eligible as determined by the City’s
Planning Director or Building Official.
Status: Ongoing
Goal from 2007 Plan: 50% of new
residential, commercial, and
industrial building is LEED certified or
equivalent.
Emissions Reduction: 596 tons CO2e per
year
Next Steps: Review and consider
including more recent green building
standards in this program and consider
scaling incentives based on energy
savings. Review the feasibility of
making downtown multi-family tax
credit dependent upon meeting green
building standards.
Residential/Commercial/Industrial - Phase 3
ADVANCED MATERIALS AND METHODS POLICIES
The City and Sustainable Connections
developed policies for a variety of green
building techniques to help businesses
and homeowners achieve LEED and
BuiltGreen standards while saving
money:
• Roof-mounted Photovoltaic Solar
Panels to produce local, clean
energy.
• Solar Water Heating Systems to
lower energy use and costs.
• Advanced Framing to reduce the
amount of building materials used
on a project while increasing the
thermal efficiency of a home.
• Vegetated Roofing to reduce
stormwater runoff and cut energy
use by insulating roofs while
cleaning the air and reducing the
urban “heat island” effect caused by
heat absorption of pavement and
black rooftops.
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page 96 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Community Measures | Green Building
• Rainwater Harvesting to save water,
reduce stormwater runoff, and save
money on stormwater development
charges through a 50% discount
for qualifying projects. Rainwater
Harvesting can also help avoid
stormwater detention or mitigation
requirements.
• Composting Toilets and waterless
urinals to cut energy and water use.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions reduction: Included above
Next Steps: Research feasibility of
updating policies and incentives to
include more recent green building
standards. Research policies to support
advanced materials and methods in the
industrial sector.
Residential/Commercial/Industrial - Phase 4
2030 DISTRICT
Cities across the country are forming
2030 Districts led by the private sector
to focus efficiencies and efforts such as
district energy, benchmarking, energy
ratings, collective buying power,
and green building standards. 2030
Districts commit to reducing building
energy use, water consumption, and
transportation emissions by 50% by
2030. This model could work well in
Bellingham’s downtown and urban
villages.
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page 97 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Community Measures | Waste Reduction
Waste Reduction
Residential, Commercial - Phase 1 Measures
CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION RECYCLING
According to the Washington State
Department of Ecology, about 30
percent of all solid waste consists of
construction and demolition waste.74
This presents a major opportunity to
reduce waste by increasing recycling
rates during construction and
demolition.
The RE Store sells used building and
home improvement materials at prices
up to 50% off of new items. In 2005
they diverted more than an estimated
875 tons of material from the landfill.
In 2014, that number reached
1825 tons.
Status: Incomplete
Next Steps: Work with Whatcom
County to assess feasibility of
requiring recycling at all construction
sites. Ensure that all City construction
and demolition projects recycle waste
and use recycled building materials.
Emissions reduction: 4,122 tons CO2e
FOOD PLUS!
Sanitary Service Corporation (SSC)
began offering FoodPlus! organic
food waste recycling opportunities
in 2004. The program has been made
available to a wider and wider range of
customers since its inception. In 2005,
the program diverted about 1600 tons
of food waste from the landfill. At this
time, SSC does not provide data on the
volume of composted waste.
Goal: Unknown emissions reduction
Next Steps: Consider measuring use.
Increase usage of program
Residential - Phase 2 Measures
INCREASE RESIDENTIAL CURBSIDE RECYCLING RATE
The 2007 Climate Protection Action
Plan set a goal of a 35% curbside
recycling rate. From 2009 to 2012
and in 2015, the residential recycling
rate was 32%, up from 31% in 2005.
Countywide, the percent of all waste
diverted or recycled is around 46%.
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page 98 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Community Measures | Waste Reduction
In 2008, Bellingham-based non-profit
Sustainable Connections launched
a “Toward Zero Waste” campaign as
a local business challenge. The City,
along with the Farmer’s Market,
Western Washington University,
Whatcom Community College, RE
Sources, and SSC, partnered in this
effort. 161 businesses are participating
in Toward Zero Waste.
Status: Incomplete
Goal: Unknown emissions reduction
Next Steps: Support County efforts
outlined in Comprehensive Waste Plan
for recycling and diversion.
Commercial - Phase 3 Measures
PLASTIC BAG BAN
In 2011, City Council banned single-
use plastic bags from retail stores in
Bellingham in order to prevent litter,
reduce solid waste and greenhouse gas
emissions, preserve natural resources,
and prevent harm to wildlife.
Emissions reduction: Unknown
The RE Store sells used
building materials and
offers other support such
as salvage services. This
sustainable and low cost
alternative to demolition
provides strip-out, and
tear-down of building
materials for reuse. By
choosing to salvage
rather than demolish,
Bellingham residents
conserve valuable
natural resources,
build a healthier local
economy and reduce fuel
costs and emissions.
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Community Measures | Land Use
URBAN VILLAGES
The City of Bellingham is fulfilling
the Comprehensive Plan goal of
master-planning urban villages
as part of a larger “centers and
corridors” planning approach that
links mixed-use centers of activity
through vibrant, high-frequency
transit corridors. The Urban Village
designation encourages the creation
of intensely developed mixed-
use areas where infrastructure,
transit, and other public facilities
and services are available or
can be provided (Bellingham
Comprehensive Plan LU-12). As
implementation of these urban
villages progresses, planning work
can begin on the transit corridors
that connect them to each other
and the surrounding community.
The six planned urban villages are
Downtown, Waterfront, Fairhaven,
Fountain, Samish Way, and Old
Town Districts. Barkley Village
lacks a formal plan but it functions
as an urban village in many ways.
Other potential urban villages that
have not yet been formalized with
master plans include James Street,
Cordata, Lakeway/Lincoln, and
Birchwood/Northwest/Maplewood.
New and updated urban village
plans should consider sustainable
development practices and the
use of the Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design for
Neighborhood Development (LEED-
ND) rating system, or similar system,
to action the potential sustainability
outcomes of the proposed plans
(Bellingham Comprehensive Plan
Policy LU-18 and LU-43).
Status: Ongoing
Next Steps: Continue effective
incentives and develop new
incentives where needed for the
planned urban villages. These
incentives should be targeted to
areas where they have proven to be
successful and/or where the greatest
need has been identified. Incentives
should be flexible to respond to
opportunities and changing markets.
(Comprehensive Plan Policy LU-15).
HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT
The Bellingham Comprehensive
Plan supports higher-density
development with parks,
monuments, schools, and other
public amenities (Policy LU-6). The
City will continue to implement
and seek new, innovative tools to
achieve a healthy mix of housing
that is affordable to a wide range of
incomes, including
• Density bonuses;
• Inclusionary zoning;
• Cluster subdivisions that preserve
open space, retain natural
features and provide other public
benefits;
• The Infill Housing Toolkit,
which includes small lot homes;
townhomes and other housing
forms;
• Accessory dwelling units;
Land Use
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Community Measures | Land Use
• Adaptive re-use of existing
structures; and
• Purchase and transfer of
development rights (TDR)
programs; and
• Public-private partnerships
for shared parking
facilities, wetland
mitigation, and regional
stormwater management.
Status: Ongoing
Emissions Reduction: Included
in Mode Shift measure
Next Steps: Review infill
opportunities across different
neighborhoods and consider
policies to further encourage
infill and higher density
housing.
Figure 24. City of Bellingham Urban Villages
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 168
page 101 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Appendix
Figure 24. City of Bellingham Urban Villages
Appendix: Emissions Inventory Methods
Emissions inventories are calculated
using a web-based application
called ClearPath (www.icleiusa.org/
clearpath), which was developed by
the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)
and replaces the discontinued Clean
Air and Climate Protection (CACP)
software used in the 2007 Climate
Action Plan. The City follows the Local
Government Operations Protocol75
and the U.S. Community Protocol76 for
accounting and reporting greenhouse
gas emissions.
Municipal Emissions Inventories
Methods for greenhouse gas emissions
inventories continue to be updated
with new science and protocols. For
this Climate Action Plan update, the
City recalculated previous emissions
inventories from the 2007 Climate
Action Plan (which followed the
1996 Revised Interagency Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines)
using the new standard IPCC 4th
Assessment Report guidelines. This
means that emissions calculations
from 2000 and 2005 have changed
slightly to reflect updated science,
and to improve consistency between
multi-year emissions comparisons.
In this update the City also included
nitrous oxide emissions and off-road
vehicle emissions (like landscaping
and construction equipment) in all
inventory years, which were omitted
in the 2007 Climate Action Plan.
Previous emissions reductions target
percentages have not changed but have
been applied to the updated baseline
emissions values. It is important
to note the difficulty of calculating
accurate greenhouse gas emissions
given data collection challenges
across multiple agencies and service
providers, as well as other challenges.
The emissions reported in this report
should be taken as estimates meant
to show trends over time rather than
exact calculations.
For solid waste emissions, inventory
protocol has changed since the
first Climate Action Plan such that
carbon sequestration in landfills is
no longer included. This results in a
new source of emissions that were
not included in past inventories. Solid
waste emissions were not included in
the baseline inventory or the initial
emissions reductions goals, so they
will be omitted from 2012 emissions
reductions goal assessment. However,
they are included in total 2012 and
2015 emissions and will be included in
future emissions reductions targets.
Unlike other inventoried emissions
that are emitted during the inventory
year, solid waste emissions of carbon
dioxide and methane will be emitted
as waste decomposes over time. The
methane that these landfills recover
for energy use is subtracted from
the emissions estimates. The City
lacks data on City government waste
generation and so needs to survey
waste generation and composition to
improve these estimates.
For the fleet inventory, City
departments have changed, as have
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 169
page 102 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Appendix
data tracking procedures, making
it difficult to accurately compare
emissions between departments across
years. Similarly, past vehicle-specific
data is difficult to verify so methane
and nitrous oxide emissions, which
are calculated from miles traveled in
different vehicle types, represent an
estimate. This is not a concern since
these trace gases are such a small
percentage of total fleet emissions
(~1.3% for 2012). However, gross
emissions for each year should be more
complete and accurate than previous
inventories.
For emissions from electricity use,
the City uses electricity use data and
emissions factors provided by Puget
Sound Energy. Natural gas use data is
provided by Cascade Natural Gas.
For wastewater emissions, this report
focuses on natural gas and electricity
emissions over which the City has the
most control. There are additional
nitrous oxide emissions associated
with the decomposition of organic
waste in Bellingham Bay that are not
reported here.
Municipal Emissions Forecast
Growth rates were applied to the
2015 emissions inventory to forecast
“business-as-usual” emissions
to 2030. Buildings and Facilities,
Employee Commute, and Solid Waste
emissions were forecasted to grow
based on projected FTE (full time
equivalent) positions at the City of
Bellingham. Streetlight electricity
use was forecasted based on planned
projects. Vehicle Fleets emissions were
forecasted based on projected FTE
positions and an average projected
increase in fuel efficiency. Water and
Wastewater Treatment emissions
were forecasted based on the high
population growth scenario adopted by
the City (Berk 2013). Carbon intensity
of grid electricity was projected
to decrease with state Renewable
Portfolio Standards to 2020; after
that, U.S. Energy Information
Administration projections for this
region were used to estimate further
reductions.
Community Emissions Inventories
Community transportation emissions
were estimated using the Whatcom
Council of Governments (WCOG)
Regional Travel Demand Model, which
began in 2008. This model estimates
higher vehicles miles traveled
(VMT) compared to the previously
used Washington Department of
Transportation Highway Performance
Monitoring System, so the WCOG
model results were backcast to 2000
and 2005, which raised baseline
transportation emissions from the
2007 Climate Action Plan. These
estimates are likely more accurate
than past estimates and also allow
more accurate comparisons between
inventory years going forward.
Community natural gas use data
for Residential, Commercial, and
Industrial sectors is provided by
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 170
page 103 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
Appendix Appendix
Cascade Natural Gas. CNG’s accounting
of industrial natural gas use changed
between inventory years 2005 and 2012
such that natural gas transported by
CNG’s pipes but not purchased directly
from CNG is now included. This is
likely a more accurate representation of
natural gas used within Bellingham city
limits. For this reason, 2012 industrial
natural gas use data was backcast
to 2005 and 2000, raising baseline
emissions from the 2007 Climate
Action Plan, but allowing for more
accurate comparison between years
going forward. Propane use appears
to be minimal within city limits so is
excluded from emissions inventories.
Community electricity data for
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial
sectors is provided by Puget Sound
Energy.
Community solid waste data for
Residential and Commercial (which
includes multifamily Residential,
Commercial, and Industrial) sectors
is provided by Sanitary Service
Company for 2012, 2015, and going
forward. However, recycling and
composting data is not provided.
Waste characterization data is from
Whatcom County. Electricity emissions
are included in the municipal forecast
despite being “offset” by the City’s
purchase of renewable energy credits
(which will be replaced by PSE’s
Green Direct Program in 2019). This
is because the City wants to continue
to track its electricity emissions, both
to understand the actual amount of
emissions generated by City operations,
and to track energy efficiency progress.
Community Emissions Forecast
Growth rates were applied to the
2015 emissions inventory to forecast
“business-as-usual” emissions to 2030.
Residential, commercial, and industrial
energy use was forecasted using U.S.
Energy Information Administration
projections of electricity and natural
gas demand for each sector in this
region. Transportation emissions were
forecasted based on a VMT growth rate
derived from the Whatcom Council of
Governments Regional Travel Demand
Model and an average projected
increase in fuel efficiency. Solid Waste
was assumed to increase at the high
population growth rate adopted by
the City (Berk 2013). Carbon intensity
of grid electricity was projected to
decrease with state Renewable Portfolio
Standards to 2020; after that, U.S.
Energy Information Administration
projections for this regions were used to
estimate further reductions.
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 171
page 104 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
References
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can.com/article/earths-CO2-could-spike-to-
a-level- not-seen-since-the-dinosaurs
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References
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assessment report of the Intergovern-
mental Panel on Climate Change. Re-
trieved from: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/
ar5/syr/
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Chornesky, E.A., Dickson, A.G., Feely,
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Variability and Change in the Past and
the Future. Chapter 2, 25-40, in M.M.
Dalton, P.W. Mote, and A.K. Snover
(eds.) Climate Change in the North-
west: Implications for Our Landscapes,
Waters, and Communities, Washing-
ton D.C.: Island Press. Retrieved from:
https://cig.uw.edu/learn/climate-change/
28. Hertsgaard, M. (2015, July 19) Cli-
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31. Ibid.
32. Pyper, J. (2017, February 8) The
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34. The White House. (2015) President
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(https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/
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archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/08/03/
fact-sheet-president-obama-announce-his-
toric-carbon-pollution-standards
36. Ibid.
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 174
page 107 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
References References
37. Kolbert, E. (2017, April 12) Earth Day
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38. Clean Power Plan Factsheet. (2016)
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41. Davenport, C. (2015, November 6)
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42. Washington State Governor’s Of-
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47. Lavelle, Marianne. (2016, Novem-
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48. Bellingham City Council. (2005)
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49. Bellingham City Council. (2007)
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51. City of Bellingham Ordinance
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ingham/?BellinghamOT/bellinghamOT876.
html&?f
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52. Johnson Controls. (2013) Post
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53. Bellingham City Council (2011, No-
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ham Georgetown University Energy
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12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 176
page 109 City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan | 2018 Update
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67. FVB Energy. (2014, April) Belling-
ham Waterfront Utility Master Plan
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68. Tinner, J. (2009, September 4) Roof
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70.Gardner, M. (2016) City of Belling-
ham Georgetown University Energy
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71. FVB Energy. (2014, April) Belling-
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72. USEPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalen-
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county.us/674/Solid-Waste-Management
75. International Council for Local
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12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 177
For additional information please visit
www.cob.org/climate or contact City of
Bellingham Public Works Natural Resources
at 360-778-7800
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 178
Final – Adopted November 14, 2011 Page 1 of 54
Climate Action Plan
Port Townsend/Jefferson County, Washington
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 179
Final – Adopted November 14, 2011 Page 2 of 54
City of Port Townsend & Jefferson County 2011 Climate
Action Plan
Board of County Commissioners
John Austin, Phil Johnson, David Sullivan
City Council
Michelle Sandoval George Randels
David King Catharine Robinson
Laurie Medlicott Kris Nelson
Mark Welch
Climate Action Committee
Kees Kolff, Chair
Faith-Based
John Austin
Jefferson County BoCC
Barney Burke
Jefferson PUD No. 1
Larry Crockett
Port of Port Townsend
Richard Dandridge
Citizen-At-Large
Denise Pranger
Citizen-At-Large (forestry)
Pete Raab
Building Industry Representative
Deb Stinson
Citizen-At-Large
Ayla Taylor
Student Alternate
Scott Walker Non-Motorized Transportation
Mark Welch Port Townsend City Council
Stanley Willard
Citizen-At-Large
Annie Young
Port Townsend High School Student
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 180
Final – Adopted November 14, 2011 Page 3 of 54
Climate Action Staff
Judy Surber, City of Port Townsend Planning Manager
Zoe Ann Lamp, Jefferson County Associate Planner/ DRD Lead
An electronic version of this document is available at
http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/commdevelopment/ClimateChange.htm
Acknowledgements
Climate Action Committee - Former members
Taylor Beard
Port Townsend High School Student
Tim Behrenfeld
Education
Nora Burnfield
Port Townsend High School Student
Josh Bryant
Port Townsend High School Student
Jim Fritz
Olympic Stewardship Foundation
Barbara Nightingale
Citizen-At-Large (marine)
Tom Opstad
Education (alternate)
Kristin Marshall
Port Townsend Paper
Mike Pollack
Jefferson Transit
Dana Roberts
Jefferson PUD No. 1
David Turissini
Jefferson Transit
The City of Port Townsend and Jefferson County and Climate Action
Committee members wish to thank the following individuals for their
contribution in developing this Climate Action Plan.
Al Cairns, Jefferson County Soild Waste
Kathyrn Lamka of Meeting Works – for her facilitation of the
prioritization exercise
Karen Barrows – former Jefferson County Associate Planner
Special mention to the following individuals:
Joanna Loehr, who spearheaded the Baseline Emissions Inventory for 2005
with her husband Thomas, who died Aug. 20, 2010
Deb Stinson for her tireless editing work and expert software skills
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 181
Final – Adopted November 14, 2011 Page 4 of 54
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
I. Introduction
A. General Intro
B. How Was the Plan Created?
C. What’s Next?
II. The Challenge of Climate Change
A. The Problem
B. The Benefits of an Aggressive Response
III. Our Goal – Think Globally, Act Locally
References federal and state goals as well
IV. Summary of Inventory of Energy Usage and
Associated Greenhouse Gas Emissions
V. The Plan: Objectives and Actions
A. Reducing Government Emissions - Leading By Example
General Policies 26 discrete municipal actions
1. Buildings and Energy
2. Urban Form and Transportation
3. Consumption and Solid Waste
B. Encouraging Community-wide Reductions
With18 specific measures for the community to consider
VI. Transportation and Land Use Policies – For Further
Consideration
C. Rural Resource Management to enhance the carbon
sequestering potential of the County’s forests, farms and open
spaces
D. Urban Form and Transportation to locate and move both
people and goods in a carbon-efficient manner and provide
regional tools for compact, livable communities of mixed uses.
VII. Monitoring Systems and Adaptive Management
VIII. Glossary of Terms
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 182
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Appendices
Appendix A: Joint Resolution County 44-07 City 07-022 to commit to
addressing energy use and climate change
Appendix B: Joint Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners
County Resolution No 02-08 and the Port Townsend City Council City
Resolution No 08-001 Providing Composition Terms of Office And
Procedural Rules for the Climate Action Committee
Appendix C: Worksheets – CO2e Forecasts and Targets
Appendix D: Potential Funding Sources
Appendix E: Worksheets - Proposed Actions for Government Operations
Appendix F: Portland Climate Action Now’s, Climate-friendly Actions At
Home & For your Business
Appendix G: CAC List of Prioritized Ideas for
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measures (Draft February 25, 2009)
Appendix H: Letter Extending the Climate Action Committee
Figures
Figure 1. ICLEI Climate Action Plan 5-Milestone Process
Figure 2. Procedural Flowchart
Figure 3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Jefferson County – Base
Year, Backcasts, Forecasts and Reduction Targets
Figure 4. Annual Per Capita Emissions Targets Compared to
Population Growth Over Time
Figure 5. Community-wide CO2e Emissions in 2005
Figure 6. Port Townsend City Operations - CO2e Emissions in 2005
Figure 7. Jefferson County Operations – CO2e Emissions in 2005
Figure 8. CO2e Projections and Targets for City & County Operations
contrasted against projected population growth.
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Tables
Table 1 Baseline Conditions and Emissions Targets
Table 2 Sample of Pledges Under the Copenhagen Accord
Table 3 Baseline Conditions and Emissions Targets
Table 4 Community-Wide and Government Subset Emissions 2005
Table 5 2005 Carbon Dioxide Emissions per capita
Table 6 2020 Objectives for City and County Operations
Table 7 Actions for Reducing Emissions from City Government
Operations
Table 8 Actions for Reducing Emissions from County Government
Operations
Table 9 Objectives & Recommended Actions for Community-wide
Emissions Reductions
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Letter from the Mayor and County
Commissioner
This Climate Action Plan was inspired by a grass-roots citizen effort and we appreciate
the many hours of research, interviews, meetings, and writings by our citizen volunteers. It is clearly time for an organized approach to addressing global climate change, and by adopting this Plan we commit ourselves to the patience, organization and leadership
necessary for its implementation. Special thanks are due to Thomas and Joanna Loehr
who provided inspiration and an initial push to get the project started.
More and more cities and counties across the country are taking advantage of opportunities created by addressing global warming now, rather than later. A year ago the
city of Seattle commissioned a study to show how they could become carbon neutral by
the year 2050. The preliminary report is no surprise - be more energy efficient in
buildings, reduce the use of gasoline cars, consume less and recycle more.
Our own Port Townsend/Jefferson County Climate Action Plan echoes those ideas. Many of the specific measures listed for our city and county governments are also appropriate
for businesses and individual citizens. Energy efficiency efforts in homes, stores and
offices can save money. Walking, biking and riding our bus system can improve health
and reduce traffic. Buying local food, products and services helps support local entrepreneurs and keeps profits in the community. As an added bonus, all of these efforts
reduce our carbon footprint.
We are aware that our city and county represent a small fraction of this earth’s surface
and population. Our contribution to global climate change is small, but we recognize our
responsibility as global citizens to do what we can to protect this fragile ecosystem now and for those who follow.
Many of us in Jefferson County are already taking action to reduce our carbon emissions,
save money, and support the local economy, but we can and must do more. This plan
offers many additional ideas for us to consider, individually and collectively. Working
together we can improve the vitality of this community and leave it an even better place for future generations.
Michelle Sandoval John Austin
Mayor County Commissioner
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Executive Summary
A near total consensus of the world’s leading climate scientists has
concluded that carbon-based fossil fuel emissions from human activity
are destabilizing the Earth’s climate, making it the most significant
challenge for the future of our planet and our community. Average global
temperatures and sea levels are already rising, and further climate
changes will have far reaching effects on public health, local economies,
food production, water supplies, power production, and habitability for
many of Earth’s life forms.
Reducing carbon emissions is a global challenge that must be met by all
of us, locally and beyond. Much of the heavy work must take place at
the federal and state level through alternative transportation
investments, progressive energy policies, appropriate utility regulations,
wise public lands use patterns, and stronger building codes. At the local
level, we must also do our part, and both city and county governments
must not only lead by example, but must also pursue policies that help
our community reduce our carbon emissions.
This Climate Action Plan is a product of the Climate Action Committee
(CAC), which was appointed by the Port Townsend City Council and
Jefferson County Commissioners in 2007. The council and commission
set a goal of reducing county-wide carbon-based emissions to 80% lower
than 1990 levels by the year 2050. This document begins to address the
immense challenge required to attain that goal.
The CAC ultimately decided on a phased approach to reach our goal.
This plan is only phase one. It addresses specifically what the City and
County governments can do to lead by example while recognizing that
funding and resources are limited. It also recommends measures that
the community should consider, as well as outreach, education, and
partnership opportunities. Finally, it outlines land use and
transportation policies that the City and County should refer to their
respective planning commissions for further consideration.
To produce this plan the committee first studied the sources and amount
of carbon-based emissions in 2005. This was the year for which good
data was available to develop a baseline and then be able to “backcast”
an estimate for 1990 and forecast to 2050 with our projected population
increase and “business as usual”.
Here in Jefferson County, stationary emission sources like buildings and
industry contribute 61% and the transportation sector contributes 39%
to our emissions. The estimate for 1990 was slightly more than half a
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million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, and the forecast with
“business as usual” for 2050 was twice that amount of emissions, or just
over one million tons per year.
To set the community on course for the ultimate 2050 goal of an 80%
reduction, interim targets were adopted. Due to energy efficiency
measures implemented during the past 20 years, mostly at the local
paper mill, our community-wide CO2 equivalent emissions are estimated
to have gone up only slightly from 1990 to 2005, the baseline year for
which we gathered data. In addition we assumed that due to ongoing
efficiencies there has been no significant increase between 2005 and
2012. The targets for 2020 and 2030 were arbitrarily set with a straight-
line reduction from 2012 to the goal of an 80% reduction by 2050,
knowing that this is not the pattern in which emissions are likely to be
reduced.
With broad community and government staff input, the committee then
compiled a set of potential measures and implementation steps to
address each significant source. The plan includes a beginning list of
specific actions to be taken by local county and city governments so that
they can do their part. It also includes numerous action ideas for the
community at large to consider.
The interim targets and ultimate goal of an 80% reduction in emissions
may not apply to every sector, every building, every business or every
individual. Instead, a reasoned approach needs to be applied that
considers many factors, especially cost effectiveness.
A case in point is the Government Sector, which produces less than 1%
of the emissions in our county. Some of these are generated by essential
services like the fire departments, police and sheriff departments, and
water and sewer utilities, where emissions reductions may be very costly
or unwise. It may be more cost effective to reduce emissions in the
community rather than in the government sector. Some government
investments could significantly reduce overall community emissions for
example, limited resources may yield greater reductions in emissions in
helping homeowners make private homes more energy efficient than in
further retrofitting historic government buildings.
In some situations, the most cost effective answer might even yield
higher government sector emissions. Another low hanging fruit would be
to encourage a shift in transportation mode away from motor vehicle use
and toward increased walking, bicycling and transit use. This could be
realized by implementing a number of strategies including: a significant
investment for expanded Jefferson Transit service; greater investment in
walking and biking facilities; a reduction, maximum cap, or elimination
of motor vehicle parking requirements; and instituting parking fees in the
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commercial centers. These steps would result in a modest increase in
Jefferson Transit’s emissions but could yield an immense reduction in
overall community emissions.
The Government Sector must play a leadership role in continuing to
make this challenge a high priority and should do what it reasonably can
to reduce its own emissions.
This plan will guide future efforts by the community and provide an
innovative framework for the transition to a less carbon-based future.
Irrespective of climate change issues, fossil fuels are a finite and costly
resource and the steps taken to reduce carbon emissions will lead to a
more stable, prosperous and healthy community. Implementing the plan
will strengthen our economy, create local jobs, improve social equity,
improve public and individual health, reduce our exposure to
fluctuations in energy price and energy availability, improve air and
water quality, and save money.
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I. Introduction
A. General Intro
In the fall of 2007, Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend made
a joint commitment to achieve a community-wide standard of cutting
green house gas emissions1 to levels 80% lower than 1990 levels
by the year 2050 (Appendix A, County Resolution No. 44-07; City
Resolution No. 07-022).
To set the community on course for the ultimate 2050 goal, interim
targets were adopted as shown in the table below. Due to energy
efficiency measures implemented during the past 20 years, mostly at the
local paper mill, our community-wide CO2 equivalent emissions are
estimated to have gone up only slightly from 1990 to 2005, the baseline
year for which we gathered data. In addition we assumed that due to
ongoing efficiencies there has been no significant increase between 2005
and 2012. The targets for 2020 and 2030 were arbitrarily set with a
straight-line reduction from 2012 to the goal of an 80% by 2050,
knowing that this is not the way in which emissions are likely to be
reduced.
Table 1 - Baseline Conditions and Emissions Targets
Year Percent in relation to
1990 levels
Emissions in
Tons of CO2eq
1990 (backcast) 100% 522,868
2005 (data base) 3% higher 536,713
2012 (target) 3% higher 536,713
2020 (target) 15% lower 445,737
2030 (target) 37% lower 332,016
2050 (goal) 80% lower 104,574
(For additional details see Section II, Our Goal In our Community, page 18*).
This Jefferson County/Port Townsend Climate Action Plan may at first
appear overwhelming, unrealistic, politically infeasible, impossibly
expensive and/or absolutely unnecessary. Indeed, these would all be
true if the plan were intended for immediate implementation with only
local funding and resources and without significant policy changes and
additional support from state and federal governments. That is NOT how
this plan is meant to work.
The plan proposes ambitious carbon-reduction efforts that promise to
benefit the region’s long-term economic, social and environmental
prosperity while we lower our greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting
this climate action plan, the City and County are not obligated to
implement all the policies described herein. Rather, the activities listed
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are intended as a menu of ideas from which can be selected over time the
specific actions that are affordable, feasible, and appropriate for our
community. Measures can be phased in as funding and resources
become available.
Port Townsend and Jefferson County governments have already taken
many steps towards trying to reduce energy use and the resulting
greenhouse gas emissions. They range from buying and using electric
and hybrid vehicles to building a LEED Silver certified City Hall annex.
We must be ready with a comprehensive, long-term plan in order to take
advantage of funding and other opportunities as they arise. Additional
strategies will likely be developed over time further to meet the
challenges and opportunities posed by global warming and climate
disruption.
Other government entities in the Pacific Northwest, like the state of
Washington, King and Skagit Counties, Tacoma, Seattle and City of
Portland-Multnomah County are also responding to the challenge with
climate action plans. Two of the plans, the Skagit County Plan and the
Portland-Multnomah Plan, proved to be especially valuable models in the
drafting of this plan.
B. How Was the Plan Created?
The Jefferson County- City of Port Townsend Climate Action Plan is the
culmination of a multi-year process, various stakeholders were
represented on the committee (Appendix B) and numerous public
meetings were held including two separate series of open houses.
Launched in the Fall of 2007 by the City and County’s joint commitment
to reduce carbon emissions1, the process to develop the Climate Action
Plan followed the 5-Milestone process developed by ICLEI Local
Governments for Sustainability (www.iclei-usa.org):
1 The City and County committed to reduce community-wide carbon emissions1 by 80%
from the 1990 level by the year 2050 (County Resolution No. 44-07; City Resolution No.
07-022).
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Milestone One - Conduct a baseline emissions inventory - was
completed by the Climate Protection Task Force, a motivated group of
citizen activists (Appendix C). Working in collaboration with City and
County staff and with technical support from ICLEI the task force
compiled the 2005 emissions inventory for both community-wide and
municipal operations. The inventory was adopted by City Council and
the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on January 12, 2009 (City
Resolution 09-022 and County Resolution 06-09). A copy of the
complete inventory is available for public inspection at the City and
County planning departments and is posted on the County website at
http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/commdevelopment/ClimateChange.htm
The Climate Action Committee (CAC), appointed by the Council and
BoCC, continued to build on the momentum initiated by the task force.
Per the adopted scope of work, the CAC was tasked with establishing
interim targets (Milestone 2) and developing a Climate Action Plan
(Milestone 3). This Action Plan provides guidance on implementation
(Milestone 4) and outlines a monitoring program (Milestone 5).
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More detailed guidance was provided in the Climate Action Committee
Workplan2. CAC members completed the following steps:
• Develop Initial List of Potential Measures to Reduce Emissions –
The committee brainstormed ideas and borrowed ideas from
numerous sources including but not limited to: ICLEI Milestone
guide, State CAT report, Natural Capitalism Solutions Climate
Protection Manual for Cities, and models from other jurisdictions.
In crafting the list of potential measures, the Committee was directed
by the adopted resolution, to apply the following hierarchical
approach:
Conservation/Efficiency Measures
Voluntary/Incentive based interventions
Regulatory controls
• Identified Existing Measures – CAC members interviewed various
community leaders (including but not limited to US Navy, City and
County Department Heads, Port Townsend Paper Mill, etc. ) to identify
existing measures. Where feasible, emissions savings were estimated.
• Conduct a Series of three Open Houses - In October 2008, three
open houses were conducted in Port Townsend, Brinnon, and
Chimacum to inform the public of the adopted goal and solicit input
on potential measures.
• Conduct Backcasting and Forecasting of GHG Emissions and
Proposed Interim Targets for Reductions.
• Solicit Input on Potential Measures from State Departments of
Commerce and Ecology as well as ICLEI support staff.
• Refine the List of Potential Measures – CAC members narrowed the
list of potential measures to those that seemed the most promising
given various factors including potential benefit/emissions
reductions, cost, and public perception. The committee was aided by
Kathryn Lamka and the MeetingWorks software. A software tool,
Climate and Air Pollution Planning Assistant (CAPPA) designed by
ICLEI was then used to compare the relative benefits and help identify
those most likely to be successful. CAPPA includes a customizable
and expandable library of more than 110 distinct emissions reduction
strategies for local governments. Its calculation functions are based
on real-world data from other U.S. communities and a variety of
expert sources.
2 County Resolution No 02-08; City Resolution No 00-081
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• Conduct Series of Open Houses - A Public Discussion Document
dated June 9, 2009, was vetted by BOCC and City Council on June
17, 2009. This document was then presented at a series of open
house events (Port Townsend, Brinnon, and Chimacum) which
included informational displays, a slideshow lecture, and an audience
participation activity.
• Compile and Review the Draft Climate Action Plan over a series of
noticed public meetings.
Identifying Identifying
Potential MeasuresPotential Measures
Public Input
October 2008
Summer 2009
Meeting Works
Research guidance documents,
model plans
Climate Action Committee Brainstorming
Select most likely candidates
Complete data
sheets CAPPA SoftwareCAPPA Software
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C. What’s Next?
With adoption of the 2011 Climate Action Plan, the City and County have
taken a substantial step forward in meeting adopted goals to reduce
GHG emissions, both as organizations and as a region. But there is more
work to be done.
1. Implementation:
The target will only be achieved by building a movement that achieves
sustained action and coordination across stakeholders and sectors. Key
to our success is our ability to generate awareness and educate the
community about ways to reduce emissions. This Action Plan
recommends:
1) Specific measures to reduce government sector emissions (Chapter V.A)
2) Community outreach and engagement (Chapter V.B) and
3) Further consideration of transportation & land use policy (Chapter VI)
What will implementation cost? In the current challenging fiscal
environment, no one is more aware than the City Council and Board of
Commissioners of the need to make the best use of the taxpayer dollar
and to eliminate waste and overhead wherever possible. For actions
targeting government sector emissions, the City and County, with the
assistance of the Resource Conservation Manager (RCM), will need to
develop an implementation strategy and, during budget proceedings,
each will need to consider earmarking funds for implementation of
recommended measures. It is anticipated that the City and County will
take a phased approach to implementation based on specific types of
funding available, feasibility, and rate of return. There will be many
competing priorities and at times it will be more effective to help fund
activities to reduce emissions in the community sector rather than
attempt to make smaller, more expensive reductions in the government
sector.
Fortunately, actions that reduce emissions also reduce electricity and
fuel use, minimizing energy costs which in turn can also save an
enormous amount of taxpayer dollars. Nearly every action in this
document will save money, some in the near-term while others will
require a longer period for cost recovery.
In 2005, through ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection ® (CCP) Campaign,
more than 160 U.S. local governments reported collective savings of over
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23 million tons of global warming pollution and $600 million in related
energy and fuel costs. Wise investments in retrofits can reap great
rewards; for example, with a total investment of $105,000, the Portland
City Hall Renovation Project saves the city an estimated $15,000 a year
and $80,000 of upgrades to Fire Station #1 saves $8,000 a year.
2. Climate Change Preparation/Adaptation:
This phase involves an examination of the possible impacts of future
climate changes (e.g., increased incidence of drought, flooding, forest
fires, and disease, and other impacts like rising sea levels) and
developing strategies to deal with these impacts.
3. Endorse Federal and State Initiatives:
The federal government must make fundamental shifts in energy policy
and align its vast research and development resources with climate
protection. The State of Washington has an invaluable role in
transportation investments, strengthening building codes, regulating
utilities, managing forest lands, reducing waste and guiding local land
use policies. We have an indispensable role in pressuring federal and
state governments to support our efforts. Our local action plan therefore
also calls for the endorsement of state and federal actions that are
required to make our actions both effective and affordable.
We in Jefferson County have the primary role in developing the
fundamental shape of our local community, transportation systems and
buildings, and in helping individuals make informed decisions about
everyday business and personal choices.
In conclusion, this Climate Action Plan will guide future efforts by the
City, the County and the citizens with an innovative framework for our
transition to a more prosperous, sustainable and climate-stable future.
In doing so, it will strengthen local economies, create more jobs, improve
health, and help maintain the high quality of life for which we are already
known.
1 Throughout this document, the term “carbon emissions” refers to all
greenhouse gas emissions.
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II. The Challenge of Climate Change
A. The Problem:
Climate change is the defining challenge of the 21st century. The world’s
leading scientists report that carbon emissions from human activities
have begun to destabilize the Earth’s climate. Millions of people are
already experiencing these changes through threats to public health,
national and local economies, and supplies of food, water and power.
Low-income and vulnerable citizens have fewer resources to respond to
these changes and are facing disproportionate impacts of climate change
and rising energy prices.
As reported by the Department of Ecology, “This increase in greenhouse
gases is resulting in an unpredictable climate that is changing rapidly.
Our state is particularly vulnerable to a warming climate — especially
our snow-fed water supplies that provide our drinking water, irrigation
for agriculture- and nearly three-fourth of the electrical power we
produce. Close to 40 communities – including some of the state’s largest
population centers — along our 2,300 miles of shoreline are threatened
by rising sea levels. Ocean acidification, which is created when carbon
dioxide reacts with seawater and reduces the water’s pH, threatens our
abundant shellfish. The survival of local salmon and shell fish is at
stake, as are the economies that depend upon them.” For more
information on impacts visit the Department of Ecology website at
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/index.htm
Unfortunately all of these changes will intensify in the decades ahead
even as we begin to reduce our emission. There is a long time lag
between changes in emissions and global climate patterns. Our near
future climate will first reflect the past century of emissions, while
ultimately reflecting our choices today. Efforts to reduce emissions must
be coupled with preparations for this climate change.
B. Benefits of an Aggressive Response:
To respond to these intertwined problems — climate change, social
inequity, economic stressors, rising energy prices, and degraded natural
systems — requires an integrated response that goes far beyond reducing
carbon emissions. Climate protection must be linked with actions to
create and maintain jobs, improve community livability and public
health, address social equity and foster strong, resilient natural systems.
By integrating these elements, Port Townsend and Jefferson County will:
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1. Create Local Jobs:
The past decade has proven that many of the technologies, products and
services required for the shift to a low-carbon future can be provided by
regional and local companies. More dollars currently spent on fossil
fuels will stay in our local economy to pay for home insulation, lighting
retrofits, solar panels, bicycles, engineering, design and construction.
2. Improve Social Equity:
Low income and vulnerable citizens face disproportionate impacts from
climate change in part because they have fewer resources to respond to
these changes. We must ensure that impacted communities are
included in the implementation of the Climate Action Plan in a
meaningful and engaging way. Fortunately, measures that reduce
emissions may also serve to improve social equity through increased
access to local green jobs, healthy local food, affordable and efficient
transportation and energy-efficient homes. We will need to seek out
programs that ensure energy efficiency is affordable for all, for example
Portland’s “Clean Energy Works” program. This program provides
financing to homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades. Low income
households receive the lowest interest loans. Loans are repaid through
the energy cost savings. The program is a model for creation of quality
jobs and advancing social equity.
3. Create Healthier Residents:
Walkable neighborhoods, fresh foods and clean air mean healthier, more
active residents. The “health dividend” is potentially vast in financial
terms and invaluable in its contribution to quality of life.
4. Become More Energy Self-Sufficient and Secure:
Every action in this Plan will reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As prices
continue to increase and supplies become more uncertain, a reduced
reliance on volatile oil supplies will diminish the risks faced by everyone.
5. Protect and Enhance Air and Water Quality and Natural Systems:
Sustaining the values and functions of our tree canopies, forests, rivers,
streams, wetlands and oceans is an essential part of our strategy. It can
simultaneously reduce emissions, sequester carbon and strengthen our
ability to adapt to a changing climate.
6. Save Money:
Using less energy in our homes, buildings and vehicles means lower
energy and transportation costs for residents, business and government.
Likewise, home-grown food saves on grocery bills. The savings from
reduced health-care costs of a healthy, active community are potentially
most significant of all.
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III. Our Goal – Think Globally, Act
Locally
Globally - In its Fourth Assessment report in 2007, the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calculated that
developed countries need to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to
25-40% below 1990 levels by 2020 and to 80-95% below 1990 levels by
2050 in order to keep global atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations
below 450 ppm of CO2e. Subsequent studies indicate that keeping
atmospheric CO2e below 350 ppm may be necessary to avoid significant
climate impacts, which would require even more significant decreases in
GHG emissions.
In 1994, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) was formed. The Convention promotes cooperation,
information sharing, implementation of national strategies for reducing
GHG emissions and adapting to climate change. Recently, participating
countries began to submit pledges under the Copenhagen Accord
(December 18, 2009) to limit global warming to less than two degrees
Celsius (3.6°F) above the average global surface temperatures in the
preindustrial era. As of December 2010, 114 countries have submitted
pledges, including the United States. In January of 2010, the US
administration announced a target to reduce emissions in the range of
17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, 42 percent below 2005 levels by
2030, and 83 percent below 2005 levels by 2050. Congress has not yet
adopted these targets. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, the Copenhagen
Accord is not legally binding.
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Table 2: Sample of Pledges Under the Copenhagen Accord3
Developed Countries Quantified economy-wide
emissions targets for 2020
Base Year
Australia 5 to 25% 2000
Canada 17% 2005
European Union 20% to 30% 1990
Japan 25% 1990
Russian Federation 15 to 25% 1990
United States 17% 2005
Developing Countries Pledge
China 40 to 45% emission intensity
reduction
2005
India 20 to 25% emission intensity
reduction
2005
Source: http://www.pewclimate.org
Unfortunately, a UN report completed in 2010 found that even if all the
pledges were met, it is likely that further reductions will be needed to
reach the stated goal.4
At the State level - More than two years ago, Governor Gregoire
committed Washington State as a whole to reducing statewide
greenhouse gas emissions to 50% below 1990 levels by 2050.5 Later in
2007, the Legislature codified these goals. The Department of Ecology
(Ecology) is charged with monitoring the state’s progress (RCW
70.235.020). Although, according to Ecology, policies currently being
implemented will limit Washington’s emissions growth to 3 percent
between now and 2020; the state is not on track to meet its statutory
reduction limit for 2020 or beyond. In a February 7, 2011 News Release,
Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant said: “Washington state agencies have
taken significant actions to reduce their own energy use and carbon
emissions; to work with businesses and others on carbon reductions; to
develop a program for reporting greenhouse gas emissions; and to
implement the federal program to regulate greenhouse gas emissions
3 "These numbers target 450ppm for GHG, not the 350 required. Furthermore, many signatories
included the following proviso "provided that other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emission reductions and that developing countries contribute adequately according to
their responsibilities and respective capabilities.” 4 http://www.climatecentral.org/blog/emissions-reduction-pledges-to-date-fall-far-short-of-copenhagen-accor/ 5 http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/washington.htm
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under the federal Clean Air Act.” “However, the actions that nations and
states are taking now aren’t enough to forestall the impacts of climate
change. So we in Washington are building a plan to help prepare our
coastal communities and vital infrastructure, ensure water supply in
water-short areas, and provide emergency relief for people in prolonged
heat waves. It will take all of us working together to be ready for the
changes that already are affecting our state.”
In our Community - Jefferson County Commissioners and the
Port Townsend City Council have committed to the following goals of
reducing our estimated 1990 community-wide greenhouse gas emissions
(an estimated 536,000 ton CO2e) as follows:6
Table 3 - Baseline Conditions and Emissions Targets
Year Percent in relation to 1990
levels
Emissions in
Tons of CO2eq
1990 (backcast) 100% 522,868
2005 (data base) 3% higher 536,713
2012 (target) 3% higher 536,713
2020 (target) 15% lower 445,737
2030 (target) 37% lower 332,016
2050 (goal) 80% lower 104,574
In developing the interim year 2012, 2020, and 2030 targets, the CAC
began with calculated 2005 emissions, and then estimated a “backcast”
to 1990 and business as usual forecasts. The emission forecast to the
target year of 20507 represents a “business-as-usual” prediction of how
GHG emissions would grow in the absence of GHG policy, including any
existing or future legislation at the state or federal level.
The following figure illustrates how the business-as-usual emissions are
estimated to increase, thus widening the emissions reductions needed by
2050.
6 Resolutions 44-07 and 07-022 respectively.
7 Adopted January 12, 2009 (City Resolution No 00092 County Resolution No 069).
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CAC used Clean Air Climate Protection Software, created by ICLEI Local
Governments for Sustainability, which allows for computer-calculated
backcasting and forecasting using census and estimated population
growth data. (For additional detail, please see Appendix C. Worksheets –
C02e Forecasts and Targets)
Interim years 2012, 2020 and 2030 were selected for showing emissions
from “business as usual” and for interim emission level targets with the
rational that this would allow the community adequate time to
implement some measures to reduce emissions as we work towards our
long-term goal for 2050.
The interim target for 2012 is the same level as our baseline for 2005. It
is hoped that due to increasing efforts already underway and new
measures planned in the community and by local, state and federal
governments, our emissions may have begun to level off and will return
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to the 2005 baseline by the year 2012 in spite of continued growth in the
population.
After that date, the target follows a straight-line decline in emissions
towards our long-term goal, resulting in a target of 17% below 1990
emissions by 2020, and a 38% reduction by 2030.
Putting the goals into perspective – how can
individuals help?
These targets are difficult to comprehend. What does it mean? What will
it take to achieve these targets?
To put the overall targets into perspective, the CAC estimated the per
person reductions that would be needed to meet the interim targets. (To
be clear, the action plan focuses on actions that the City and County can
carry out on their own operations. It encourages, but does not require,
individuals to take action to reduce GHG emissions.)
The goal is to reduce emissions despite population growth. Thus, if we
were proposing to reach our goal by asking each individual to conserve
energy, it would become increasingly more difficult as the population
grows.
Figure 4. Annual Per Capita Emissions Targets Compared to Population
Growth Over Time
If each of us were willing to reduce our carbon foot print, what would it
take to reach the adopted targets?
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It may seem impossible to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and
electricity enough for us to attain our goal by 2050. We should recall
that it will be easier to do so as new technologies and efficiencies are
employed during the next several decades. An example of this is shown
in the Climate Action Plan for Portland/Multnomah County. They have
estimated that a mere 63% reduction in vehicle miles traveled per capita
will result in an 80% reduction in the total CO2 emissions from the
transportation sector between 2005 and 2050, in spite of a 94% increase
in population. Similarly, they project that they will require an only 68%
reduction in per capital electricity use.
Fortunately, there are a myriad of ways to reduce emissions. Portland
Climate Action Now provides a number of ideas for reducing your carbon
footprint www.portlandclimate action.org (also see Appendix F) for
example, eating locally grown foods, switching to an electric mower, etc.
Each of us will choose a different combination of ways to reduce energy
consumption.
Action must be taken at all levels if we are to succeed.
The Process of change:
Adopting new policies and changing behaviors will take time. The
activities in our plan will be implemented gradually and their effect will
at first be modest. Over time the effects will increase as ideas spread,
additional policies are adopted and the benefits of our actions become
more apparent. Our progress will not likely be in a straight line, but
rather in a roughly “S” shaped curve with little effect at first while we get
started, increasing success as actions are adopted, technologies
developed and policies accepted, and then only gradual change again
when we finally tackle the most difficult sources of emissions last.
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IV. Summary of Inventory of Energy
Usage and Associated Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
In order to set targets and develop strategies to curb our emissions, an
inventory of energy usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was
performed by the Climate Protection Task Force, and adopted by the
Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners and the Port
Townsend City Council (January 12, 2009). The following is a brief
summary. (A complete copy is on file at both the City and County
planning departments).
Data was gathered for the Jefferson County community as a whole and
for the County and City government operations as subsets of the whole.
Energy use and emissions were grouped into 3 different Sectors:
Stationary (buildings and equipment), Transportation (on-road mobile
sources), and Solid Waste. The Clean Air and Climate Protection (CACP)
software provided by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability
converted the energy-usage data into units of MMBtu and calculated
CO2e (equivalents of CO2)released in tons (one ton equals 2,000 pounds).
Table 4. Community-Wide and Government Subset Emissions 2005
Sector
or Subsector
Community-
Wide1
(tons CO2e)
Community-
Wide1
(% CO2e)
Jefferson
County
Operations
(tons CO2e)
Port
Townsend
City
Operations
(tons CO2e)
Stationary
Energy
325,133 61% 1,443 1,609
Residential 121,605 23%
Commercial 49,017 9% 1,443 1,609
Industrial 154,511 29%
Transportation 209,079 39% 1,886 533
Solid Waste 2,502 <1% 35
Water, PUD#18 364
Total 536,714 100% 3,728 2,142
8 The inventory included electricity consumed by Jefferson Public Utility District No. 1 to provide water service to County residents.
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1 Community-wide includes County and City operations. 2 Data obtained
from CACP Model output.
How do we compare with others?
Table 5. 2005 Carbon Dioxide Annual Emissions per capita
Area Metric tons of CO2 per
capita
United States 19.3
Canada 17.3
Jefferson County 19.4
Washington State 16.4
Germany 9.8
Sweden 5.7
China 4.3
India, Vietnam, Peru
<1.5
Source: Washington State and Jefferson County numbers from Backcasting and Forecasting of GHG
Emissions and Proposed Targets for Reductions in Jefferson County (available on the Jefferson County website http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/commdevelopment/ClimateChange.htm);
remainder taken from: Wikipedia which provides a list of countries by carbon dioxide emissions per capita from 1990 through 2007. All data were calculated by the US Department of Energy's Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC), mostly based on data collected from country agencies by the United Nations Statistics Division.
Why would per capita emissions be higher in Jefferson County than
elsewhere in Washington State? To answer this we turn to the source of
the emissions -
What is the source of these emissions?
As depicted in the Community-Wide Summary below, the transportation
sector is the largest emitter of GHG, representing 39% of community-
wide emissions. Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for Jefferson County in
2005 were 1.3 times greater than the Washington State average. This
helps explain why the total CO2e emissions of 19.4 tons per capita (Table
5 above) in Jefferson County were 1.2 times greater than the value for
the entire state.
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Stationary Sector emissions account for 61% of total GHG emissions
community-wide, with approximately one-half coming from electricity
usage. Stationary sources refer to emissions generated from fixed places
or objects, such as buildings and machinery. Stationary emissions
include electricity, fuel oil, propane, and wood used in the Residential,
Commercial, and Industrial Sectors
Figure 5. Community-Wide CO2 Emissions in 2005
THIS FIGURE IS MISSING???
Emissions are for Transportation Sector and for Residential, Commercial and Industrial
Subsectors of the Stationary Energy Sector. Emissions from the Solid Waste Sector were
too small to include. Data obtained from CACP Model output.
The inventory identified a very different profile for the City of Port
Townsend when compared to the County. Thus, the two may have
different priorities when it comes to reduction strategies.
Residential
23%
Commercial
9%
Transportation
39%
Industrial
29%
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Figure 6. Port Townsend City Operations - CO2e Emissions in 2005
Water/Sewage
38%
Employee Commute
9%
Streetlights
7%
Vehicles
15%
Buildings
31%
Figure 7. Jefferson County Operations – CO2e Emissions in 2005
Employee
Commute,
19%
Water PUD,
10%
Buildings, 38%
Vehicles, 32%
Streetlights,
1%
Source: CACP Model output
It should be noted that at the time of the inventory, Puget Sound Energy
(PSE) was the sole electric purveyor to Jefferson County. PSE's fuel mix
for electricity delivered in 2010 consisted of: 41% Hydroelectric, 36%
Coal, 20% Natural Gas, 1% Nuclear, and 2% Other (Source of data: PSE).
The Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) is in the process of
purchasing the local electric infrastructure from PSE. The PUD has a
contract to buy power from the Bonneville Power Administration; BPA
power is approximately 85 percent hydro and 15 percent nuclear. But
while the change to BPA-supplied power will significantly boost our
efforts to reduce carbon emissions, it does not diminish the need to
conserve energy and look to green technologies as the local demand for
power increases over time.
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V. The Plan: Objectives and Actions
The goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Port Townsend and
Jefferson County by 80 percent (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050 will be
difficult, if not impossible, using technologies that are currently available
or expected to be available in the near future. Nonetheless, the actions
outlined here offer ways to begin reducing greenhouse gases today
The actions contained in this plan provide a menu of recommended
measures for the City and the County – the list is not intended to be
limiting. We fully expect and hope that additional measures will be
identified and implemented.
This section is divided into two main categories:
Government actions - This section recommends actions to reduce
emissions from City and County operations.
Community-wide actions - This section recommends education
and outreach and the formation of partnerships. Several
recommended voluntary measures are included. Our success
requires participation at all levels.
The municipal and community categories are explored independently for
several reasons:
• As documented in the inventory, a much finer resolution is
possible for municipal operations (energy use by facility, etc.)
than for the community as a whole.
In this document:
“Plan" refers to the entire climate action effort.
"Goals" are the broad overall carbon emissions reductions - 80 percent
by 2050 and 17 percent by 2020.
“Objectives" are specific measurable outcomes. Objectives have been
identified by sector. If we are successful in achieving each of the
objectives, we will meet our 2020 interim goal.
"Actions" are the specific steps that will be strategically implemented
to meet the 2020 objectives.
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• When attention is turned to the question of where emissions
reductions are possible, there will be a different set of
options for municipal facilities than for private sector
emissions. For example, a county might opt to implement a
procurement policy requiring that certain vehicles in the
county fleet be replaced by hybrid vehicles, whereas in the
private sector an education program about hybrids or an
incentive program would be appropriate.
• Actions for government operations are under the operational
or financial control of City/County government; while
community-wide efforts are voluntary and incumbent upon
all.
A. Government Leading by Example
Together, the City of Port Townsend and Jefferson County government
account for less than one percent of the total emissions in our county.
Despite their limited emissions, governments have an essential obligation
to do their part and to lead by example. Just as the City and County
must provide enabling policies, technical assistance, education,
incentives and other support to help the community achieve the
objectives of this Climate Action Plan, the City and County must also
lead the way in their own operations.
If we can demonstrate success, others may follow suit. Most of the
actions listed here can also be taken by other public entities in the
county, like the Public Utility District, the Port of Port Townsend,
Jefferson Health Care, the school districts, the fire districts, Jefferson
Transit and Fort Worden State Park. Representatives from many of these
entities participated in the development of this Climate Action Plan.
Furthermore, it is hoped that these different public entities will
collaborate in making their operations more energy efficient by sharing
resources and funding opportunities. One example of this is the new
Resource Conservation Manager partly funded by grants from PSE and
WSU and jointly hired by the City, the County, Fort Worden State Park,
Chimacum and Port Townsend School Districts to reduce energy
consumption.
Most of the actions listed here are also applicable to private businesses.
Hopefully citizens of our community will become increasingly motivated
to take actions in their personal lives as well as in their places of work to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Increasingly, tourists and other
consumers have demonstrated support for those businesses that make
efforts to demonstrate their concerns about climate change.
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Table 6. 2020 Objectives for City and County Operations – An 18%
decrease in CO2e emissions from 2005 levels.
(Greenhouse gas emissions in tons of CO2e)
Stationary
Sources
Trans-
portation
Solid
Waste
Water
(& Sewer
in UGAs)
Total Percent
of 1990
County 1,182 1,545 29 298 3,055 115%
City 661 437 -- 657 1,755 115%
An 18% decrease from the high emissions mark in 2005 is still 15%
higher than the estimated 1990 emissions levels. As shown in Figure 8
below, this rate of reduction keeps us on track for making the needed
reductions between 2020 and 2050. Once again, the reduction targets
have been arbitrarily assigned to each category identified in the
Inventory, realizing that one size does not fit all and that some sources of
emissions may be more cost-effective to address than others. The actions
listed in this plan further demonstrate some of these differences.
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Figure 8 CO2e Projections and Targets for City & County Operations contrasted against
projected population growth.
Actions listed in the following tables were derived from the CAC, citizen
workshops and action plans from other communities, especially those in
Portland and Multnomah County. They have been vetted by the
Resource Conservation Manager (RCM) and City and County Department
Heads. Existing measures currently being implemented by the City and
County have been included. Actions are listed in the order by which the
magnitude of emissions reductions appeared to be the highest
(Additional detail is provided in the Worksheets, Appendix F). For the
rough analyses, the CAC relied on municipal information, research, and
the assistance of ICLEI CAPPA Software.
It is anticipated that the City and County will take a phased approach to
implementation based upon specific types of funding available,
feasibility, and rate of return (See Appendix E. Potential Funding
Sources). City and County, with the assistance of the RCM, will need to
develop an implementation strategy and, during budget proceedings,
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each will need to consider earmarking funds for implementation of
recommended measures.
The RCM will play a significant role in implementing the government
actions outlined below. However, it is important to keep the scope of the
RCM clear. Due to the source of grant funding, the RCM does not
currently handle transportation related energy costs. The first two years
of the RCM scope also exclude assessment of costs associated with the
pool and golf course. Though it is hoped the RCM’s position will be more
flexible in future, in the interim others will need to take the lead in these
areas.
Tables 7 and 8, Actions for Reducing Emissions from City and County
Government Operations, refer to worksheets found in Appendix E which
provide additional detail.
Again, we emphasize, the actions contained in this plan are not intended
to be limiting. We fully expect and hope that additional measures will be
identified and implemented and that some of these may allow a further
reduction in Government Sector emissions as well as those in the
community at large. Furthermore, the city and county should continue
to monitor action at the federal and state level and encourage legislation
that supports local efforts.
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Table 7. Actions for Reducing City Government Emissions
City of Port Townsend
Government Operations
Worksheet Action Lead
Cost
Recovery
(Years)
CO2e
(metric tons)
1.14 Purchase Green Energy from the grid City Manager n/a 320
1.1
Build all new City buildings and develop sites to at least
a LEED Silver criterion, or some other third‐party
certification of energy, water and waste conservation
strategies (e.g., Architecture 2030)
City Council
and Public
Works 0.46 118
1.4
Conduct energy audits for each city or county owned
buildings and infrastructure to develop and implement a
plan to reduce energy consumption. RCM 4.81 112
1.9 Convert Streetlights to LED Public Works 2.49 43
1.13
Set goals for government departments and encourage
all local businesses to become certified by the Green
Business program of Jefferson County Health
City
Manager,
RCM &
County Env.
Health 40
1.6
Install photovoltaic panels on existing buildings and for
stand‐alone lighting on streets and in parks, where
appropriate and productive
RCM & Public
Works 18.26 24
1.7
Establish a reduced idling policy for all government
vehicles (heavy trucks)
Dept. Heads,
Fleet Mgr &
CAC 0.04 61
E‐Cars More efficient fleet and use of vehicles
Fleet
Manager 40
1.5
Replace low‐efficiency and high‐emission vehicles with
fuel‐efficient & low‐emission vehicles, like plug‐in
hybrids, as soon as possible
Fleet
Managers &
Dept. Heads 0.00 22
1.10
Create incentives for employees to reduce
emissions in their daily commute Dept. Heads 1.08 14
1.2
Implement vehicle trip reduction policy incorporating
teleconferencing, telecommuting and alternative work
schedules, where practical. Establish video and/or web
conferencing capabilities in all major City and County
facilities Dept. Heads 4.09 14
1.3
Use electric vehicles or bicycles whenever possible (e.g.,
for meter reading and building inspection)
CAC & Fleet
Manager 5.09 11
E‐Meters
Replace all the water meters with remote read meters.
About 400 of the total 5,000 are already remote read. Public Works 1.44 9
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1.7
Establish a reduced idling policy for all government
vehicles (light vehicles)
Fleet
Managers &
Dept. Heads 0.03 4
Total Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (* above 2020 goal)832
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Table 8. Actions for Reducing County Government Emissions
Jefferson County
Government Operations
Worksheet Action Lead
Cost
Recovery
(Years)
CO2e (metric
tons)
1.14 Purchase Green Energy from the grid BOCC n/a 967
1.4
Conduct energy audits for each city or county owned
buildings and infrastructure to develop and implement a
plan to reduce energy consumption. RCM 6.42 188
1.13
Set goals for government departments and encourage
all local businesses to become certified by the Green
Business program of Jefferson County Health
RCM &
County Env.
Health 0.09 124
1.6
Install photovoltaic panels on existing buildings and for
stand‐alone lighting on streets and in parks, where
appropriate and productive
RCM &
Public
Works 18.26 47
1.2
Implement vehicle trip reduction policy incorporating
teleconferencing, telecommuting and alternative work
schedules, where practical. Establish video and/or web
conferencing capabilities in all major City and County
facilities
BOCC,
Electeds &
Dept. Heads 1.03 54
1.7
Establish a reduced idling policy for all government
vehicles
BOCC,
Electeds &
Fleet Mgr. 0.05 42
1.5
Replace low‐efficiency and high‐emission vehicles with
fuel‐efficient & low‐emission vehicles, like plug‐in
hybrids, as soon as possible
Dept Heads,
Electeds,
Fleet Mgr. 0.00 28
1.10
Create incentives for employees to reduce
emissions in their daily commute
BOCC,
Electeds,
Dept Heads 1.95 23
1.3
Use electric vehicles or bicycles whenever possible (e.g.,
for meter reading and building inspection)
BOCC,
Electeds,
Dept. Heads 5.09 7
E‐4day 4‐Day Work Week Dept. Heads 0.00 6
E‐Zenn Electric Vehicles Dept. Heads 0.00 4
Total Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (9% above 2020 goal)1,490
In developing this plan, we listed and analyzed the actions that we
believed were within our current capabilities. They clearly do not yield
reductions below 1990 by the year 2020, but they do put the government
sector on track to meet the 2050 goal. Perhaps interim targets for all of
Jefferson County should not be arbitrarily applied to every sector, every
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building, every business or every individual. Instead, a reasoned
approach needs to be applied that considers many factors.
A case in point is the Government Sector, which produces less than 1%
of the emissions in our county. Some of these are generated by essential
services like the fire departments, police and sheriff departments, and
water and sewer utilities, where emissions reductions may be very costly
or unwise. It may be more cost effective to reduce emissions in the
community rather than in the government sector. Limited resources may
yield greater reductions in emissions in helping homeowners make
private homes more energy efficient than in further retrofitting historic
government buildings. Some government investments could significantly
reduce overall community emissions for example, investments in
promoting a shift in transportation mode away from motor vehicle use
and toward increased walking, bicycling and transit use. This could be
realized by implementing a number of strategies including: a significant
investment for expanded Jefferson Transit service; greater investment in
walking and biking facilities; a reduction, maximum cap, or elimination
of motor vehicle parking requirements; and instituting parking fees in the
commercial centers. These steps would result in a modest increase in
Jefferson Transit’s emissions but could yield an immense reduction in
overall community emissions.
In spite of our limited abilities to reduce emissions further today, we
must be prepared to take advantage of every opportunity to reduce our
community-wide emissions in the near future. The Government Sector
must play a leadership role in continuing to make this issue a high
priority.
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B. Encouraging Community-wide Reductions
While the City or County will have a major role in carrying out many of
the following objectives and actions, successful implementation will
require many diverse partners, including neighboring jurisdictions, non-
profit organizations, business leaders, and neighborhood associations.
Education and Outreach. Educating ourselves about the need for
change, the choices available to us, and the values that motivate us is a
fundamental part of this plan. In order to reach our greenhouse gas
emission reduction targets, Port Townsend & Jefferson County need
informed and supportive employees and citizens. Government must
promote a broad awareness of the predicted effects of climate change and
provide the tools and incentives to reduce GHG emissions in homes,
businesses, and workplaces.
Outreach efforts will require the formation of partnerships – both
municipal partnerships and public-private partnerships. The City and
County have already begun to reach out to other counties and cities,
here on the Olympic Peninsula including Clallam County, Port Angeles
and Sequim. Examples of government partnerships include:
• Peninsula Development District (PDD), through the PDD, local
jurisdictions collaborated on a proposal and submitted a grant
application (the DOT TIGER II – HUD Community Challenge
Planning Grant) to develop and implement a regional strategy to
reduce vehicle miles traveled and plan for a more sustainable
transportation system across the North Olympic Peninsula.
Though the DOT TIGER II grant was not funded, the PDD will
continue to seek funding.
• Jefferson County Public Health Green Business Program – Staff
from the Green Business Program have been coordinating with
CAC staff and anticipate enhanced outreach under the existing
Green Business program. This program is focused on assisting
businesses in developing cost-effective “green” solutions to prevent
waste and pollution, and to conserve valuable resources. The
program provides free technical assistance to business aimed at
improving existing practices. Green Business is a voluntary
program that gives recognition to businesses that are working to
reduce waste, recycle and otherwise conduct business in an
environmentally conscience manner.
http://www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/index.php?green-
business
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• The Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) is in the process
of purchasing the local electric infrastructure from Puget Sound
Energy (PSE). As a public utility, the PUD uses community input in
making local energy policy decisions, and takes a lead role in
encouraging energy conservation and the reduction of greenhouse
gases through incentive and outreach efforts.
• ICLEI for Sustainable Governments is another example of a
collaborative effort. With over 600 member jurisdictions, ICLEI
provides software support for analyzing the effect of reduction
activities, and other resources for ideas. ICLEI tools have proven
invaluable in the development of the inventory and targets as well
as evaluating measures to reduce emissions.
Other potential partners include:
• Local 2020 - a citizen-based organization dedicated to exploring
opportunities in our local community to promote economic self-
reliance, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
Local 2020 holds regular meetings offering opportunity for
community members to voice their thoughts and get involved,
maintains an informative website, and distributes a weekly email
newsletter. http://www.L2020.org
• Jefferson CAN - Jefferson Climate Action Now is a website
dedicated to giving individuals the tools needed to save energy,
save money, and reduce their carbon (CO2) footprint – at home, at
work, and on the road – with tools specific for Jefferson County,
Washington.– www.JeffersonCAN.org
• Jefferson County HomeBuilders - As per Homebuilders website,
“Built Green™ of Jefferson County’s program is tailored to fit our
unique community. The guidelines demonstrate that green
building is not an “all or nothing” method of construction.
Experienced builders will not be daunted by any of this. The
checklist provides a baseline for determining minimum thresholds
for cost-effective, resource-efficient homebuilding. Conservation of
materials, energy efficiency and good site planning are among the
items considered.”
http://www.jeffcobuiltgreen.com/
• Other local government entities such as the Port of Port
Townsend, the local school districts, and the PUD.
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Objectives & Recommended Actions
The Climate Action Committee has identified several potential actions to
be implemented as part of the campaign. All are voluntary. With the
exception of the First Priority Item - Task the CAC with Designing
and Implementing the Community Outreach Campaign - they are
not listed in any particular order nor are they all inclusive. There
are numerous measures that may be implemented to reduce emissions
and new opportunities will arise as technology evolves.
Five Action Areas have been identified and are further outlined in
the following tables:
• Education and Outreach
• Buildings and Energy
• Urban Form and Transportation
• Consumption and Solid Waste
• Food & Agriculture
Table 9. Objectives & Recommended Actions for Community-wide
Emissions Reductions
Education and Outreach
Objective: Actively engage the public in reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
1. Task the CAC with Designing and Implementing the Community
Outreach Campaign.
The campaign should be designed to build on existing efforts, foster
partnerships and develop new initiatives. The CAC committee
membership may be modified to include representatives from the
following:
Jefferson County Builders Association – Built Green
Jefferson County Public Health – Green Business
Local 20/20 – JeffersonCAN
WSU Jefferson County Extension
RCM
Research has identified a set of tools to promote behavior change:
obtaining commitments, using prompts, utilizing social norms,
designing effective communications, providing incentives, and
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removing external barriers.
Depending on the audience and available funding, a variety of
outreach materials may be produced (e.g., expanded websites,
electronic newsletters, email messages, brochures, print ads, flyers,
and postcards for direct mailings; newspaper articles; workshops,
festivals or fairs, curriculum or lesson plans for grades K-12).
At a minimum, the CAC should: • Apprise electeds and interested parties of federal and state
plans and legislative actions which may impact the
County’s/City’s ability to attain GHG reduction goals.
• Partner with local media to publish articles and a regular
newspaper column with information about sustainability and
maintain a reference list and links on the website. (B-1.14)
• Engage and inspire other public institutions and private
businesses to incorporate climate protection action into their
daily affairs.
• Promote voluntary measures that reduce emissions – including
measures recommended herein.
• Partner with local educational institutions to develop and
provide classes for clean energy, gardening, agriculture,
sustainability skills. (B-1.15)
Buildings and Energy
Encourage Community Action
Objective. Community-wide emissions target of 445,737 tons of
CO2eq by 2020. Currently, this sector accounts for 61% of
overall emissions.
1 Conservation – Encourage businesses and homeowners to reduce
energy and water consumption (e.g., energy from outdoor lighting
can be reduced by minimizing the number, using motion sensors,
or installing highʖefficiency bulbs, etc.) Note: Lower water usage
cuts energy consumption for water treatment and pumping.
2 Promote the use of drought-tolerant native plants as well as
tolerant non-natives.
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3 Increase use of energy assessments in homes and businesses by
encouraging owners to conduct assessments periodically.
4 Encourage all local businesses, to become certified by the Green
Business program of Jefferson County Health. (NOTE: This
program incorporates many of the measures listed throughout
this Climate Action Plan.) (A-1.13)
5 Establish lowʖinterest loan and energy assistance programs that
reduce energy consumption (e.g., weatherization, appliances,
lighting, heating, ventilating and air conditioning improvements,
and renewable energy) for both existing and new housing.
6 Provide and/or promote incentives for carbonʖreducing design &
retrofit of buildings (e.g. passive solar, solarʖthermal,
solarʖphotovoltaic, heat pumps, wind, and other
renewableʖenergy systems.) One example is the FIRST program.
Objective: 15% of total energy used within Jefferson County will
be from renewable energy sources.
This figure was taken from the City of Portland Multnomah County Climate Action Plan
2009 and serves as a reminder of the hierarchy of energy efficiency for transportation.
Urban Form and Transportation
Encourage Community Action
Objective: Community-wide emissions target of 445,737 tons of
CO2eq by 2020. Currently, the transportation sector accounts for
39% of overall emissions.
1 Develop a program to promote ride‐sharing, walking and biking; such
as Whatcom County’s Smart Trips program and the grant application
developed by the Peninsula Development District (PDD) for the 2010
DOT TIGER II – HUD Community Challenge Planning Grant)
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2 Develop a commuter‐friendly transit plan and increase service.
3 Reduce transportation energy needs by promoting the purchase of
local goods and services.
4 Increase consumption of local food in facilities with central
cafeterias; such as schools, hospital and housing.
5 Provide strategically placed recharging stations and priority parking
for electric vehicles.
6 Increase non‐motorized transportation infrastructure by fully
implementing existing plans in PT. Build "complete streets" with
facilities for pedestrians and bicycles.
7 Explore barge shipping as a more efficient means of transporting
freight.
8 Support investments to provide high-performance broadband
connectivity to every business and residence to enable widespread e-
commerce, telecommuting and improved emergency response.
Consumption and Solid Waste
Encourage Community-wide
Objective: Community-wide emissions target of 445,737 tons of
CO2eq by 2020. Currently, solid waste accounts for less than 1% of
overall emissions. .
1 Reduce trash through incentives and other measures. (E.g.
Require waste recycling especially for construction sites;
increase pickʖup services for reuse, upcycling and recycling;
and encourage reduced use of packaging, especially for
building materials.)
2 Increase composting of all food and yard waste through a
variety of measures (e.g. neighborhood composting centers,
worm bins, etc.)
3 Encourage relocation or deconstruction and recycling of
structures to be demolished.
4 Encourage adaptive reuse of buildings.
Food & Agriculture
Encourage Community-wide
Objective: Community-wide emissions target of 445,737 tons of
CO2eq by 2020.
1 Promote sustainable local organic farming -
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VI. Transportation and Land Use Policies
- For Further Consideration
City Council and the Board of County Commissioners tasked the CAC
with developing recommended amendments to the county and city codes
and comprehensive plans to align with the Climate Action Plan strategies
City and County Codes define distinct public participation processes for
adoption of land use comprehensive plan amendments and development
regulations, through which the suggested code and policy amendments
specified below, have not yet been vetted. The City Council and Board of
County Commissioners hereby direct their respective Planning &
Development Services Departments to take the following steps:
• Review the recommended strategies for consistency with adopted
policies.
• If consistent and non-regulatory in nature, implement the strategy as
resources allow.
• For all other strategies, further investigate the potential emissions
reductions and feasibility of strategies and advance those with the
greatest potential for success during the next cycle of
Comprehensive Plan update/amendments to the development
regulations.
Land Use Policy recommendations are divided into three sections:
Rural Resource Management, to enhance the carbon sequestering
potential of the County’s forests, farms and open spaces
Urban Form and Transportation, to locate and move both people and
goods in a carbon-efficient manner and provide regional tools for
compact, livable communities of mixed uses.
A: Rural Resource Management
Maximizing Carbon Sequestration in Natural
Resource Lands and Open Space
Much of Jefferson County’s land is natural resource land, including
forestry, agriculture, open space, conservation land, and critical areas
such as wetlands and wildlife habitat. Our large land base, particularly
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that in forestry, provides a large amount of sequestration for carbon
emissions generated elsewhere. Jefferson County should maximize this
“carbon sink” function of our natural resource lands by supporting and
encouraging management practices that retain or improve storage.
Jefferson County should work with the forestry and agricultural
communities to explore ways to turn net-carbon-emitting natural
resource lands into carbon sinks, without jeopardizing the profitable
industry. Options to be explored include, but are not limited to:
1. Explore economic incentives (e.g., Tax benefits or other subsidies)
that may encourage landowners to increase carbon storage on
their land as well as decrease the conversion out of farmland and
forest use.
2. Fund demonstration projects and highlight best practices for
forestry and agriculture.
3. Seek ways to cluster legally allowed development rights on smaller
portions of natural resource lands and permanently conserve the
carbon sequestration qualities of the remaining land (this may be
accomplished on a working forest/farm if properly managed).
4. Identify key areas with high carbon sequestration rates and
consider protection measures such as transfer of development
rights, purchase of development rights/conservation easements.
5. Assess the potential for increasing carbon sequestration on
County-owned forest lands.
6. Increase tree planting requirements or incentives for all public and
private projects, including transportation projects that incorporate
the use of trees. Tree lined corridors provide a carbon sponge and
increase the attractiveness of the area.
7. Increase investment in local wood manufacturing businesses that
are able to supply local products for wood markets.
8. Increase the amount of local wood products grown and
manufactured locally and purchased by government and private
sectors. Thus encouraging the economic viability of forest land in
our area.
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B: Urban Form and Transportation
There is no practical way to divorce land use and transportation. As our
community develops, we must be mindful of where we build and how we
build. Emissions from buildings account for more than half of the total
community-wide GHG emissions in Jefferson County (Stationary
emissions including buildings and machinery account for 61%).
Traveling between destinations accounts for over half of the carbon
emissions released in Washington State and 39% of Jefferson County
community-wide emissions.
In general, concentrating development within established community and
economic centers will produce fewer harmful effects than development
outside these centers. For this reason, the County, in coordination with
the City, should emphasize the need for future development to occur
within urban growth areas (UGAs) and other areas suitable for more
intensive development as identified in each jurisdiction’s Comprehensive
Plan
Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend should collaborate to
manage growth in accordance with the Growth Management Act (GMA) in
a manner that:
• Adheres to principles of sustainability and reduction of carbon
emissions
• Promotes more livable, pedestrian/bike-friendly, transit-oriented
communities
• Preserves carbon sink potential of surrounding rural and natural
resources areas.
Built Green and LEED are two national standards for energy efficiency
and sustainability in new construction and remodeling. In practice, Built
Green is used more in residential projects while LEED is used more in
commercial projects. Both organizations offer comprehensive means to
rate newly proposed subdivisions or other large-scale residential
development: the Built Green Communities Checklist and LEED for
Neighborhood Development.
The City and County should consider the following policy options:
1. Direct staff to research the benefits of implementing a city and county
energy code for commercial and residential construction that exceeds
current WA state code (e.g. greater insulation, passive solar, Passive
House and small footprints) and for new buildings, site development and
substantial remodels consider establishing a minimum compliance target
(e.g., meet at least a LEED Silver or similar level for Built Green or
another green building standard).
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2. Within designated UGAs, encourage increased urban density through
code revisions for items such as setbacks, height restrictions, cluster and
mixedʖuse development.
3. Consider further reductions in off‐street parking requirements in
order to increase density and further promote transportation choices.
4. Increase non‐motorized transportation infrastructure by completing
NMTP plans for areas in the county.
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VII. Monitoring & Adaptive Management
As with the Objectives and Actions in Section V, monitoring for the
municipal and community categories are explored independently,
primarily because a much finer resolution is possible for municipal
operations (energy use by facility, etc.) than for the community as a
whole.
Applying an adaptive management approach, we will monitor our
progress, track changing conditions, and explore the feasibility of
additional measures as we become aware of new information and
technological advancements. In general, when vetting new measures the
following basic criteria should be considered:
Benefits: the primary goal is reduction of GHG emissions, however several
measures will have side benefits such as cost savings and indirect benefits (e.g.,
jobs, health benefits)
Feasibility – including cost, technical, economic, and political/social aspects of
the measure
We must be able to implement new measures in a timely fashion.
Though regulatory measures will require time to vet through the public
process; measures to reduce government emissions may be implemented
at the direction of the city manager/county administrator (BoCC/Council
approval may be required if capital expenditures are involved) and
voluntary measures may be encouraged at anytime.
Government Emissions Tracking
For each action recommended for implementation, the City and County
will work to refine, monitor, and report on measurable indicators of
success. A number of tools and practices exist that can enable the City
and County to track and report progress toward achieving the goals
outlined in this plan, including monitoring the funds allocated to
climate-protection goals. Tools can be as simple as spreadsheet tracking
sheets developed to monitor estimated annual energy and water savings;
waste diverted, and associated GHGs reduced.
Most of the actions recommended in Section A are under the purview of
and will be monitored by the Resource Conservation Manager. Those
measures falling outside of the RCM’s scope of work (e.g., measures to
reduce fuel consumption by vehicles) will need to be monitored by the
fleet manager or other designated staff.
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Community-wide Emissions Tracking
The Climate Action Committee should be tasked with conducting a GHG
emissions inventory approximately every three to five years. Measuring
GHG emissions on a regular basis is important to verifying that the
climate initiatives are effectively reducing emissions and that the
appropriate scale of GHG reductions are being pursued.
The CAC should use all available and emerging tools (e.g., ICLEI’s CAPPA
software) to aide in monitoring progress. Other indicators of success may
include miles of bike lanes, transit ridership, increased fuel efficiency,
and number of households actively participating in composting and
recycling programs.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Adaptation
Climate adaptation refers to the ability of a system to adjust to climate
change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential
damage, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the
consequences. For example, relocating development from areas prone to
flooding, adjusting to increased summer drought conditions).
Compare to mitigation.
Backcasting
The process of estimating a previous GHG emission if a base year's
emissions are known. This estimate is based primarily on the ratio of the
population of the base year to the population at some previous time. It is
assumed that this population ratio is proportional to the ratio of the base
year emissions to that of the previous year being backcast. (For our
reports, the base year for which we had good data was 2005. In
backcasting to 1990 we used not only changes in population but
included as well an estimate of how the Port Townsend Paper
Corporation emissions had been reduced since then.)
Carbon footprint
Shorthand for an estimate of the total GHG emissions caused by, or
associated with, a person, product, activity, or organization. Usually
expressed in units of CO2e. An average. In 2007, an average American’s
carbon footprint was about 19 tons of CO2e per year. In the United
Kingdom it was 9, while in China it was 5.
(www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_carbon_dioxide_emissi
ons_per_capita)
CAPPA Software
‘Climate and Air Pollution Planning Assistant' is designed by ICLEI to
help U.S. local governments explore, identify and analyze potential
climate and air pollution emissions reduction opportunities. CAPPA
allows users to compare the relative benefits of a wide variety of
emissions reduction measures, and helps identify those most likely to be
successful for a community based on its priorities and constraints.
CAPPA includes a customizable and expandable library of more than 110
distinct emissions reduction strategies for local governments. Its
calculation functions are based on real-world data from other U.S.
communities and a variety of expert sources.
CO2
Carbon dioxide, a colorless, odorless gas consisting of one atom of
carbon and two atoms of oxygen. CO2 is created during combustion of
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carbon-based fuels and absorbed by most plants in photosynthesis. CO2
currently exists at a global average concentration of 385 parts per million
by volume in Earth’s atmosphere. (As reported by NOAA, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, in January 2011.
www.co2now.org)
CO2e
Carbon dioxide equivalent. A measure used to compare the effect of a
greenhouse gas in terms of an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide.
Emission intensity reduction
Reduction of carbon emissions per Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Fossil fuels
Fuels derived from geologically ancient vegetation that has been
transformed into coal, petroleum and natural gas over long periods of
time.
GHG
Greenhouse gas. Chiefly carbon dioxide (CO2), Water, Methane (CH4),
Nitrous oxide (N2O) Chlorofluorocarbons, all of which in the atmosphere
absorb heat radiation coming from the earth and reradiate it back to the
earth thus causing a net increase in the heat balance of the earth. This
is actually different than how greenhouses work by isolating warm air
inside the structure so that heat is not lost by convection.
See CO2e.
Gigaton
A unit of measure equal to one billion metric tons. A metric ton is
approximately 2,205 pounds.
ICLEI
Also known as “ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability”, ICLEI
is an association of over 1200 local government Members from 70
different countries representing more than 569,885,000 people who are
committed to sustainable development. ICLEI provides technical
consulting, training, and information services to build capacity, share
knowledge, and support local government in the implementation of
sustainable development at the local level. Our basic premise is that
locally designed initiatives can provide an effective and cost-efficient way
to achieve local, national, and global sustainability objectives. Founded
in 1990 and initially called 'International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives' (ICLEI), its mission expanded and its name
was changed in 2003. (www.iclei.org)
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IPCC
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The IPCC is a scientific
intergovernmental body set up by the World Meteorological Organization
and by the United Nations Environment Programmed. Visit the IPCC
website at www.ipcc.ch.
kW-h
Kilowatt-hour, when you use 1000 watts for 1 hour, that's a kilowatt-
hour. For example, it is the amount of energy needed to light a 100 Watt
light bulb for 10 hours.
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an ecology-
oriented building certification program run under the auspices of the
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED concentrates its efforts on
improving performance across five key areas of environmental and
human health: energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials
selection, sustainable site development and water savings.
LEED has special rating systems that apply to all kinds of structures,
including schools, retail and healthcare facilities. Rating systems are
available for new construction and major renovations as well as existing
buildings. There are 4 levels of energy efficiency of a building. They are in
increasing order: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Mitigation
Climate mitigation is any action taken to permanently eliminate or
reduce the long-term risk and hazards of climate change to human life,
property. Examples include making our vehicles and buildings more
energy efficient, expanding carbon “sinks”, trading single-occupancy cars
for mass transit, switching to renewable energy sources, etc.
Compare to adaptation.
MMBtu
1million Btu. The British thermal unit (BTU or Btu) is a standard unit of
measurement used to denote both the amount of heat energy in fuels
and the ability of appliances and air conditioning systems to produce
heating or cooling... It is approximately the amount of energy needed to
heat 1 pint (which weighs 16 ounces) of water one degree Fahrenheit.
One Btu is approximately one fourth of a food Calorie or 0.29 kW-h.
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Resource Conservation Manager (RCM)
Individual dedicated to supporting an agency’s resource conservation
program, focusing on energy, water and solid waste. Five jurisdictions
(Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend, Port Townsend and
Chimacum School Districts, Fort Worden State Park) hired a shared RCM
in November 2010 on a three year contract to evaluate their resource
usage and create facility action plans.
UGA
Urban Growth Area (UGAs) - areas designated by a county, with input
from towns and cities, where urban development is to occur. The UGA is
one of the major tools provided by the Growth Management Act for
deciding where urban development should be encouraged and where the
limits to that development should end. UGAs are areas where growth and
higher densities are expected and supported by urban services. By
directing growth into urban areas, natural resource lands – such as
farms and forests – can be conserved and the rural character of rural
lands can be maintained.
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Appendix A
Joint Resolution County 44-07 City 07-022 to commit to addressing energy use and
climate change
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL TO
COMMIT TO ADDRESSING ENERGY USE
AND CLIMATE CHANGE GLOBAL
WARMING
44 07
COUNTY RESOLUTION NO
07 022
CITY RESOLUTION NO
The Bo d of County Commissioners of Jefferson County Washington and the City Council of Port
Townsend Washington do jointly resolve as follows
WHEREAS numerous scientific organizations havedetermmed that warming of the climate
system is unequivocal as evidenced by increases in global average air and ocean temperatures recedipg
glaciers decreasing snow pack and coral bleaching and by rising global mean sea levels and further is
pot ntially damaging to our environment and our economy and
WHEREAS energy consumption specifically the burning of fossil fuels e g coal oil and gas
accounts for more than 80 of U S greenhouse gas emissions and that the U S produces nearly one
quarter of all global emissions and
WHEREAS the governments of Jefferson County and the City ofPort Townsend can greatly
influence the community s energy usage by exercising power over land use transportation building
construction waste management and energy supply and management and
WHEREAS governments can provide leadership by motivating andsupportiilg citizens to improve
energy use within businesses port facilities schools churches and homes and
WHEREAS Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend recognize that the probable adverse
effects on our citizens and infrastructure and on our mountains glaciers forests rivers oceans and other
waterways from severe weather rising temperatures and rising sea levels due to climate change pose a risk
to future economic viability and
WHEREAS actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency
provide multiple local benefits by decreasing air pollution creating jobs reducing energy expenditures
saving money and reducing tax burdens for governments businesses and citizens
NOW THEREFORE BE rI RESOLVED that Jefferson County and the City ofPort Townsend
commit to collaborate in a program to reduce greenhouse gasemissions specifically
Collaborating with the Climate Protection Campaign volunteers in conducting a comprehensive
baseline inventory oflocal energy uses that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions especially C02
and making estimates ofcurrent emissions and forecasts offuture emissions if current practices do
not change
Appointing a joint City County citizen s committee tasked with developing a Local Climate Action
Plan Specifically the committee should provide recommendations for achieving a community
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wide standard of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to levels 80 percent lower than 1990 levels by
2050 with preliminary reduction targets to be set for earlier years
Implementing policies and measures to meet the emission reduction targets and
Monitoring and verifying results
This resolution shall become effective upon adoption by the Board of County Commissioners and the City
of PortTownsend
APPROVED AND SIGNED THIS 29th DAY OF MAY 2007
SEAL
f
W i
ATTEST
YlC
Clerk of the Board
SIGNED THIS q fh Jq tVDAYOFMkY 2007
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
Mark Welch Mayor Delufy
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Consent Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST
TO Board of County Commissioners
John Fischbach County Administrator ItAlScalfDirectorDepartmentofCommunityDevelopmentDC
Karen Barrows Assistant Planner Long Range Planning LRP
FROM
DATE May 29 2007
SUBJECT RE Request for Consent Agenda item for the Joint Resolution to
Commit to Addressing Climate Change Global Warming
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
The Department of Community Development Long Range Planning Division is requesting that the Board of County
Commissioners BoCC adopt the Joint Resolution committing Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend to
collaborate in a program to measure energy use and to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions The proposed Joint
Resolution is attached for your review
ANALYSIS STRATEGIC GOALS
In April 2007 a citizen s group called theClimate Protection Campaign drafted a climate change resolution modeled on
a resolution which recently passed in Clallam County The BoCC has recently been briefed by members ofthe
citizen s group which includes Kees Kolff and Bill Wise and ajoint City CouncillBoCC meeting on the issue was held
on May 17 2007 Prior to the joint meeting the Climate Protection Campaign hosted a rallying event called Step It
Up in Port Townsend on Saturday April 14 2007 which was part of a nationwide effort to address the issue
approximately two hundred 200 people attended the function and pledged support via petitions for the ideas
contained in the resolution
The proposed draft resolution is consistent with The Strategic Goals of the BoCC set forth in 2001 especially numbers
14 5 and 7 Briefly these Goals provide for the need to create a sustainable and balanced economic base by
seeking to lower energy and infrastructure costs new opportunities for local businesses as energy needs and delivery
systems change a sustainable utilization of natural resources a healthy and safe citizenry affordable government
The resolution is also consistent with the Leadership s Guiding Principles section of the Strategic Goals document
FISCAL IMPACT
Ifthe City and County choose to do so it will cost 600 00 to join the Task Force of the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives ICLEI which includes computer software and consultation fees Implementation of the
resolution will be long range and multifaceted and thus calculating total costs is impossible at this stage of the
process Since lowering carbon based energy usage emissions is a primary goal ofthe resolution an eventual net
cost savings is the predicted result
RECOMMENDATION
DCD staff recommends BoCC approval
REVIEWED BY
John Fischbach County Administrator
s fL 07
Date
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Appendix B
Joint Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners County Resolution No 02-08
and the Port Townsend City Council City Resolution No 08-001 Providing Composition
Terms of Office and Procedural Rules for the Climate Action Committee
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
City of Port Townsend
Joint Resolution of the
Board of County Commissioners
And the Port Townsend City Council
Providing Composition Terms of Office
And Procedural Rules for the
Climate Action Committee
County Resolution No 02 08
City Resolution No 08 001
The Board of County Commissioners BoCC of Jefferson County Washington and the City Council ofPortTownsendWashingtondoherebyjointlyresolveasfollows
WHEREAS Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend have adopted a joint resolution County44 07 City 07 022 to commit to addressing energy use and climate change global warming and
WHEREAS the above mentioned resolution establishes a joint County City committee herein called
the Climate Action Committee CAC tasked with developing a local climate action plan and
WHEREAS the CAC is charged with providing recommendations for achieving a community widestandardofcuttinggreenhousegasemissionstolevels80lowerthan1990levelsby2050with
preliminary reduction targets to be set for earlier years and
WHEREAS Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend have committed to implementing policiesandmeasurestomeettheemissionreductiontargetsandtomonitoringandverifyingresultsand
WHEREAS the CAC will bring together representatives from the city and county governments as well
as from various sectors of our community that may provide input as well as furthering communityacceptanceoftheactionplanand
WHEREAS Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend value the natural resources of the regionandrecognizetheimportanceofprotectingandconservingsaidresourcesand
WHEREAS Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend recognize that the probable adverse
effects on our citizens and infrastructure and on our mountains glaciers forests rivers oceans and
other waterways from severe weather rising temperatures and rising sea levels due to climate change
pose a risk to future economic viability
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend and the
Board of County Commissioners as follows
Section 1 Establishment
Formation of the Climate Action Committee is hereby specifically approved by the Port Townsend CityCouncilandbytheBoardofCountyCommissionersofJeffersonCountyTheCommitteeshallfollow
applicable County and City rules pertaining to citizen advisory committees The BoCC and City Council
shall resolve any conflict that may arise between applicable rules
Section 2 Purpose and Scope of Work
2 1 The Purpose of the Climate Action Committee CAC is to serve as an advisory group to the
City of Port Townsend and Jefferson County on climate protection policies programs and
priorities CAC will have no formal decision making responsibilities
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Joint County City Resolution re Climate Action Committee
2 2 The principal role of the CAe is to create a Climate Action Plan with specific focus on reducing
energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
2 3 The draft Climate Action Plan to be approved by the City Council and the Board of County
Commissioners shall include at a minimum
2 3 1 Preliminary reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions for years prior to
2 3 2 A set of strategies and relative priorities
2 3 3 Climate Action Plan implementation steps
2 34 A monitoring plan including quantifiable benchmarks
2 3 5 Recommended amendments to the county and city codes and comprehensive plans in
accordance with the Climate Action Plan strategies
24 Within six months of its formation the CAC shall present for approval by the Board of County
Commissioners and City Council a work plan outlining the proposed process timelines and
resources required to prepare the Climate Action Plan The timeline shall include each of the
above listed elements of the plan with preliminary recommendations to be submitted within one
year opportunities for public comment periodic reports to the BoCC and City Council The
CAC shall work with County and City staff to develop a work plan that is cognizant of available
financial and human resources
2 5 The CAC will meet as needed to complete the scope of work outlined herein
2 6 Participation as a CAC member will not and does not preclude one s later participation in any
formal review or comment process before the City Council and or Board of County
Commissioners
Section 3 Committee Members Appointment and Confirmation Process Terms Vacancies
3 1 The Board of County Commissioners and the City Council shall each appoint an elected official
as a representative to the CAC
3 2 The Chair of the BoCC and the Mayor in consultation with the County Administrator and City
Manager shall review letters of interest and recommend individuals to serve on the CAC for
appointment by the Council and Board of County Commissioners The committee shall consist
of no more than 15 members representing a broad range of interests which may include but is
not limited to
Board of County Commissioners
City Council
Education Schools
Builders
Industry e g PortMarine Trades
Port Townsend Paper Corporation
Business e g Chamber EDC
Non motorized transportation and or Transit
Faith Based Organizations
Citizens at Laroe
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Joint County City Resolution re Climate Action Committee
3 3 Each person shall be deemed appointed and shall commence service after confirmation by the
Board of County Commissioners and City Councilor on the effective date of the previous
member s resignation or on the expiration of the existing term for the position as applicable
Section 4 Officers Election and Duties
4 1 The officers of the CAC shall consist of a Chair and a Vice Chairperson elected from the
appointed members of the CAC and such other officers as the CAC may by majority vote
approve and appoint
4 2 The election of officers shall take place once each year on the occasion of the first meeting of
each calendar year The term of each officer shall run from that meeting until the first meeting
of the subsequent calendar year
4 3 In the event of a vacancy of the Chair the Vice Chairperson would replace the Chair and the
Vice Chairperson replaced by vote of the members of the CAC
4 4 The Chair will sign documents of the CAC and represent the committee before the Board of
County Commissioners and City Council The Chair is entitled to a single vote and shall retain
the right and responsibility to participate in all deliberations and to vote on all matters The
Vice Chair will act for the Chair in the Chair s absence
Section 5 Meetings
5 1 The CAC shall meet as needed to complete the tasks outlined in Section 2 of this resolution and
as may be further detailed in the approved work plan Section 24 All meetings of the CAC
shall be subject to all requirements of the Washington Open Public Meetings Act and shall be
open to the public and shall be held at a public place
5 2 All meeting dates and terms shall be posted consistent with adopted County and City policies
No meeting shall be scheduled without a t least 48 hours notice to the County and City Clerk s
offices
5 3 Except as modified by these rules of procedure the CAC rules of procedure shall be guided by
Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised 101h Edition Perseus Publishing as the same may be
amended or updated
Section 6 Attendance and Alternates
6 1 To achieve its greatest effect the CAC will meet with the regular attendance of its members at
most meetings the CAC benefits greatly from full participation of each member
6 2 In light of this CAC members are expected and required to notify the chair of anticipated
absence from any meeting of the CAC as far in advance of the meeting as possible In the
event that such notifications indicate that a quorum will not be present the chair will ordinarily
cancel or reschedule the meeting
6 3 If a member is absent for three 3 consecutive regular meetings without excuse or absent for
thirty five percent 35 of all meetings including committee meetings in any six 6 month
period the member s record of attendance may be forwarded to the Mayor and the Chair of the
BoCC for consideration of removal in accordance with RCW 35 63 030
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Joint County City Resolution re Climate Action Committee
64 If the CAC determines a need it will recognize an appropriate designated alternate in the event
of a member s absence An appropriately designated alternate will have been recommended
by the CAC and approved by the Board of County Commissioners and City Council In the
event of that member s absence the alternate can exercise the voting privilege of the seat that
he she represents
Section 7 Quorum Voting
7 1 The decision making approach of the CAC will be by consensus If consensus cannot be
reached the CAC will require a 2 3 majority vote Any dissenting opinions will be recorded and
included in the meeting summary
7 2 A simple majority of the total of the members currently appointed to CAC shall constitute a
quorum for the conduct of CAC business No meeting shall occur unless a majority plus one of
the appointed CAC members are present Voting is by voice vote except where these rules or
the CAC itself may require a roll call vote
Section 8 Conflicts of Interest
8 1 Conflicts of interest will rarely arise as a matter of concern for CAC members however in the
discussion or recommendation of funding proposals for CAC projects it is possible that a conflict
or the appearance of a conflict may arise When a conflict or appearance of conflict may arise
applicable state county and city policies regarding Appearance of Fairness shall apply
Section 9 Order of Business Meeting Procedure
9 1 Call to order roll call and determination of quorum
9 2 Agenda items
9 2 1 Minutes of previous meeting
9 2 2 Old business
9 2 3 New business
9 24 Discussions of next meeting date and agenda
9 2 5 General Announcements
9 2 6 Community Member Comments
9 2 7 Adjournment
9 3 The chair may alter the regular order of business in preparing the agenda when special
circumstances and the efficient use of time dictate
9 4 All meetings of the CAC shall be conducted pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act as
codified in RCW 42 30 as the same may be amended or updated
Section 10 Minutes and Records
10 1 Findings and recommendations etc of the CAC are prepared at the direction of the chair
Copies will be provided to all CAC members in a timely manner for review and approval at the
next regular CAC meeting
10 2 The CAC shall provide for the taking of minutes and maintaining the records of all meetingsCommitteeminutesshallbefiledwiththeCountyandCityClerksofficeswithin10daysof
approval
Page 4 of 6
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 241
Joint County City Resolution re Climate Action Committee
Section 11 Term of Committee Sunset Provision
CAC shall formally end within three years from the date of adoption of this Resolution unless otherwise
extended by ordinance or resolution or by written permission from the County Director of the
Department of Community Development
Section 12 Communications to the Board of County Commissioners and City Council
The Committee shall report to the Board of County Commissioners and Port Townsend City Council at
least semi annually
Section 13 Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses
Members of CAC shall serve without compensation
Section 14 Amending Rules
14 1 CAC may recommend amendments to these rules at any meeting by a vote of the majority of
the entire membership provided five 5 days notice has been given to each CAC member
14 2 CAC is a joint county city committee and thus the two government entities agree to maintain
consistency by processing any amendments hereto as Joint Resolutions requiring approval by
both entities
This resolution shall become effective upon adoption by the Board of County Commissioners and the
City of Port Townsend
APPROVED AND SIGNED THIS 7th day of January 2008
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL
1 v
SJf t
V l
M t 1
Jr i
1
Phil JQ nson Ch
Dat
J a5
i ltz A r
JoHn Austin Member
U
Attest
gJu em G
lie Matthes CMC
Deputy Clerk of the Board
Approved as to Form
f lllvJ aalJrrtK 13 09
David Alvarez
Deputy Civil Prosecuting Attorney
Page 5 of 6
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 242
Joint County City Resolution re Climate Action Committee
APPROVED AND SIGNED THIS 114 day of JaHCAOtfl 2008
Michelle Sandoval Mayor
Attest9
City Clerk
Approved as to form
John P Watts
City Attorney
Page 6 of 6
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 243
Appendix C.
CO2e Forecasts and Targets
Backcast Base Year
Category Sectors/Subsector 1990 2005 2012 2020 2030 2050
Community Stationary Energy
Residential 86827 121605 131487 143936 168974 261127
Commercial 32902 49017 53868 60012 74893 114641
Industrial 225665 154511 154511 154511 154511 154511
Stationary Subtotal 345394 325133 339866 358459 398378 530279
Rate of Change from previous milestone 1.05 1.05 1.11 1.33
Transportation 175697 209079 228455 256018 319449 488989
Rate of Change from previous milestone 1.09 1.12 1.25 1.53
Solid Waste 1777 2502 2831 3261 3823 5852
Rate of Change from previous milestone 1.13 1.15 1.17 1.53
Community Total 522868 536714 571154 617738 721650 1025120
Rate of Change from previous milestone 1.06 1.08 1.17 1.42
Jefferson County Gov't Stationary Energy 1025 1443 1508 1591 1768 2353
Transportation 1340 1886 2061 2309 2882 4411
Solid Waste 25 35 40 46 53 82
Water 259 364 412 474 556 851
Jefferson County Total 2648 3728 4021 4420 5259 7698
City of Port Townsend Stationary Energy 573 807 844 890 989 1316
Transportation 379 533 582 653 814 1247
Water/Sewage 570 802 907 1045 1225 1876
City of Port Townsend Total 1522 2142 2333 2588 3029 4439
Population Data/Estimates 20406 28724 32500 37427 43858 55656
Greenhouse Gas Emissions in tons of CO2e
Forecasts, assuming current practices
Notes on calculation methods Draft 4‐29‐11
For both backcast and forecasts, the method was to apply the annual percentage change from the base year of 2005 for any given year in
the Jefferson county population to the various inputs in the Clean Air and Climate Protection (CACP) software.
For each period, this annual percentage change was applied to the following inputs:
Residential: Electrical usage and number of households
Commercial: Electrical usage, propane usage, floor area, number of employees and number of establishments
Transportation: Gasoline and diesel usage
Waste: Total tons CO2e
The annual percentage population changes used were:
1990 – 2005 2.31%
2005 – 2012 1.78%
2005 – 2020 1.78%
2005 – 2030 1.71%
2005 ‐2050 1.90%
For the industrial backcast an estimate of the reduction of Port Townsend Paper from 1990 to 2005 of about 32% was used basedon the
information supplied by Kristin Marshall and Bruce McComas. Thereafter, the future emissions were assumed to be constant based on the
assumption that the production of green house gas was not population dependent.
Stanley Willard
These calculations were made at the community level. The City and County Government Operations are a included in the Community
total. The rate of change for a each subsector was applied to the known baseline inventory values for the City and County to determine
the forecast their respective subsectors. Example: Transportation CO2e increased 9% in the community between 2005 and 2012. City
Transportation in 2012 is calculated to be 582, reflecting a 9% increase over 2005.
Deborah Stinson
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 244
Category Sectors/Subsector ‐1990 ‐2005 2012 2020 2030 2050
Community Stationary Energy
Residential 86827 121605 121605 99660 72228 17365
Commercial 32902 49017 49017 40083 28915 6580
Industrial 225665 154511 154511 131484 102700 45133
Stationary Subtotal 345394 325133 325133 271227 203844 69079
Transportation 175697 209079 209079 172460 126687 35139
Solid Waste 1777 2502 2502 2050 1485 355
Grand Total 522868 536714 536714 445737 332016 104574
Percent from 1990 0.03 0.03 ‐0.15 ‐0.37 ‐0.80
Jefferson County Gov't Stationary Energy 1025 1443 1443 1182 857 205
Transportation 1340 1886 1886 1545 1120 268
Solid Waste 25 35 35 29 21 5
Water 259 364 364 298 216 52
County Total 2648 3728 3728 3055 2213 530
Percent from 1990 0.41 0.41 0.15 ‐0.16 ‐0.80Percent from prev benchmark 0.41 0.00 ‐0.18 ‐0.28 ‐0.76
City of Port Townsend Stationary Energy 573 807 807 661 479 115
Transportation 379 533 533 437 316 76
Water/Sewage 570 802 802 657 476 114
City Total 1522 2142 2142 1755 1272 304
Percent from 1990 0.41 0.41 0.15 -0.16 -0.80Percent from prev benchmark 0.41 0.00 -0.18 -0.28 -0.76
Calculation Notes
Calculations by Stanley Willard 5-23-11
Targets for Future GHG Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Emissions in tons of CO2e
This version of Targets treats each SubSector separately with 2050 being 20% of what was Backcast for that particular category. The Targets for 2020 and 2030 are simply proportioned from the reduction between 2012 and
2050 according to the number of years.
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
‐1990‐2005 2012 2020 2030 2050
County
City
0
100000
200000
300000
400000
500000
600000
Community
Community
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
‐
1990
‐
2005
2012 2020 2030 2050
County City
0
100000
200000
300000
400000
500000
600000
‐
1990
‐
2005
2012 2020 2030 2050
Community
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 245
Appendix D.
Potential Funding Sources
The Resource Conservation Manager (RCM) is tasked with identifying
funding for energy savings related to government operations. Savings on
energy costs can then be directed toward other measures.
In regards community-wide emissions, stay in touch with ICLEI - they
have several recommendations for where to turn when municipal
resources fall short such as:
• Local utilities should invest in energy conservation and offer rebates
and other incentives for residential and commercial energy
consumption.
• Assistance through federal and state programs - ICLEI’s program
staff can help connect city and county liaisons to resources at the
state and national level to provide opportunities for obtaining
financial and technical assistance available to local governments.
• Energy service corporations (ESCOs) ESCOs finance energy
improvements which are then paid back by the cost savings from
reduced energy bills. These businesses encourage the
implementation of energy-saving measures and may be valuable
resources for technical assistance, financing, and program
implementation.
We’ll need to get creative – for example, - seek out partnerships for
Education and Outreach like the 'partnership with non-profit' model
implemented by Sustainable Connections, Bellingham & Whatcom WA.
Another option is to look into funding for community outreach
specifically, or even local economic development grants for business
outreach (as opposed to just energy/environmental funding sources.)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 246
Appendix D. Potential Funding Sources Source What is eligible? Contact/Website Federal American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Loan Program Low-interest loans (with an interest rate of 1%) to help pay for energy efficiency retrofits in municipal, residential, commercial, non-profit, and low-income housing facilities. Eligible projects include improving lighting systems, replacing streetlights or traffic signals LEDs, installing automated energy management systems/controls and building insulation, energy generation including renewable and combined heat and power projects, heating and air conditioning modifications and upgrading waste water treatment equipment. Swimming pools and golf courses are not eligible for funding under this program. http://www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/financing/index.html. http://www.recovery.wa.gov/ EPA The Federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program was created by the American Investment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009. http://www.dot.gov/recovery/ost/. 12/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 247
Appendix D. Potential Funding Sources DOT TIGER II – HUD Community Challenge Planning Grant) VMT Reduction Strategy - to develop and implement a regional strategy to reduce vehicle miles traveled and plan for a more sustainable transportation system across the North Olympic Peninsula. Grants and Budget Division HUD's Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities Phone: 202-402-7683 Zuleika Morales-Romero, Director zuleika.k.morales@hud.gov. State Funding Washington State Department of General Administration (GA) Retrofit government buildings for energy efficiency Local Government/Utility Electricity Provider Incentives for conservation and renewable energy , rebate programs for lighting, insulation, LEDs, high-efficiency HVAC equipment, etc. Non-Governmental Organizations American Forests Global ReLeaf Grant Program Forest conservation/ tree planting projects in urban and natural areas. http://www.americanforests.org/global_releaf/. 12/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 248
Appendix E
Worksheets – Proposed Actions for Government Operations
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 249
Actions
Estimated
Annual GHG
Reductions
(CO2e Tons)
Estimated
Cost
Recovery
(Years)
Sector
City of Port Townsend
Buildings 657
Transportation 175
Total Estimated GHG Reduction 832
833 percent toward 2020 Goal 100%
Jefferson County
Buildings 1,326
Transportation 164
Waste 0
Total Estimated GHG Reduction 1,490
1,366 percent toward Goal 109%
Combined GHG
Reduction Goal
(CO2e Tons)
Combined Estimated GHG Reduction 2,322
2,198 Percent toward 2020 Goal 106%
County
GHG Reduction
Goal
(CO2e Tons)
2020 Goals, Objectives and Actions
Governments Leading by Example
Objectives
Annual GHG
Reduction Goal
(Difference between
FORECAST and
TARGET emissions)
City
GHG Reduction
Goal
(CO2e Tons)
Appendix E ‐ CAC_CAP_GOV #15 Gov Overview 11/23/201112/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 250
CO2e (metric tons) SectorActionsEstimated CostEst Annual SavingsPayback Years CAPPA Worksheet Notes ‐ Please see numbered worksheets for details320 Building 1.14 $6,000 $0 n/a Green Energy Cost is annual ‐ fixed as proposed118 Building 1.1 $12,500 $27,230 0.46 Green Building Library and Mountain View112 Building 1.4 $124,500 $25,863 4.81 Retrofits RCM Estimates merged with CAPPA43 Building 1.9 $24,750 $9,937 2.49 LED Streetlight Replace only, already optimized for number40 Building 1.13 $800 $9,200Green Business Green Business in 8 Departments24 Building 1.6 $100,000 $5,475 18.26 Solar PVRCM estimates run through CAPPA0 Building 1.8 $0 $0Lighting Retrofits Do not include, most already switched (pre inventory)61Transport 1.7 $1,000 $25,749 0.04 Truck Idling 1.7 combines truck & LV idling40 Transport E‐CarsExisting Electric Cars22 Transport 1.5 $0 $103,500 0.00 Small Vehicles Cost previously budgeted (replacement schedule)14 Transport 1.10 $6,250 $5,806 1.08 Carpool14 Transport 1.2 $23,750 $5,806 4.09 Telecommute11 Transport 1.3 $30,000 $5,889 5.09 Electric Vehicles9 Transport E‐Meters $5,000 $3,475 1.44Existing Remote Water Meters4 Transport 1.7 $1,000 $35,000 0.03 Light Vehicle Idling 1.7 combines truck & LV idling832 Governments Leading by Example Action AreaPrioritized Actions for City of Port TownsendAs Generated by CAPPA and Refined by RCM with Maximum Green EnergyAppendix E ‐ CAC_CAP_GOV #15 City Plan 11/23/201112/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 251
CO2e (metric tons) SectorActionsEstimated CostEst Annual SavingsPayback Years CAPPA Worksheet Notes ‐ Please see numbered worksheets for details967 Building 1.14 $13,500 $0 n/a Green Energy Cost is annual ‐ incremental per kWh188 Building 1.4 $279,000 $43,468 6.42 Retrofits RCM Estimates run through CAPPA124 Building 1.13 $2,500 $28,750 0.09 Green Business Green Business in 25 County Departments47 Building 1.6 $200,000 $10,950 18.26 Solar PVRCM estimates run through CAPPA0 Building 1.1 $0 $0Green Building No new construction anticipated ‐ RCM0 Building 1.8 $0 $0Lighting Retrofits Do not include, most already switched (pre inventory)0Building 1.9 $0 $0Streetlight LED None (too few) for County ‐RCM54 Transport 1.2 $23,750 $23,157 1.03 Telecommute42 Transport 1.7 $1,000 $22,163 0.05 Truck & LV Idling 1.7 combines truck & LV idling CAPPA worksheets28 Transport 1.5 $0 $103,500 0.00 Small Vehicles Cost previously budgeted23 Transport 1.10 $18,750 $9,610 1.95 Carpool7 Transport 1.3 $20,000 $3,926 5.09 Electric Vehicles6 Transport E‐4day $0 $48,244 0.00 Telecommute Existing 20 employees w/20% reduced commute4 Transport E‐Zenn ? $6,758 0.00 Electric Vehicles Existing 1 Taurus replaced by ZENN0 Waste 1.12 $0 $0DigesterCity Only1,490 Governments Leading by Example Action AreaPrioritized Actions for Jefferson CountyAs Generated by CAPPA and Refined by RCM with Maximum Green EnergyAppendix E ‐ CAC_CAP_GOV #15 County Plan 11/23/201112/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 252
Category Sectors/Subsector ‐1990‐2005 2012 2020 2030 2050Community Stationary Energy Residential 86827 121605 121605 99660 72228 17365 Commercial 32902 49017 49017 40083 289156580 Industrial 22566515451115451113148410270045133 Stationary Subtotal 345394 325133 325133 271227 203844 69079 Transportation 175697 209079 209079 172460 126687 35139 Solid Waste 17772502250220501485355 Grand Total 522868 536714 536714 445737 332016 104574Percent from 19900.03 0.03‐0.15‐0.37‐0.80Jefferson County Gov't Stationary Energy 1025 1443 14431182 857205 Transportation 1340 1886 18861545 1120 268 Solid Waste 25 35 3529 21 5 Water 25936436429821652County Total 2648 3728 3728 3055 2213 530Percent from 19900.41 0.41 0.15‐0.16‐0.80Percent from prev benchmark0.41 0.00‐0.18‐0.28‐0.76City of Port Townsend Stationary Energy 573 807 807661 479115 Transportation 379 533 533437 31676Water/Sewage 570802802657476114City Total 1522 2142 2142 1755 1272 304Percent from 19900.41 0.41 0.15 -0.16 -0.80Percent from prev benchmark0.41 0.00 -0.18 -0.28 -0.76Calculation NotesCalculations by Stanley Willard 5-23-11Targets for Future GHG EmissionsGreenhouse Gas Emissions in tons of CO2eThis version of Targets treats each SubSector separately with 2050 being 20% of what was Backcast for that particular category. The Targets for 2020 and 2030 are simply proportioned from the reduction between 2012 and 2050 according to the number of years. 05001000150020002500300035004000‐1990‐2005 2012 2020 2030 2050CountyCityCommunity0100000200000300000400000500000600000‐1990‐20052012202020302050Community01000200030004000‐1990‐2005 2012 2020 20302050CountyCity0100000200000300000400000500000600000‐1990‐2005 2012 2020 20302050CommunityPerpared by Stanley Willard 3‐24‐1112/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 253
Backcast Base YearCategory Sectors/Subsector 1990 2005 2012 2020 2030 2050Community Stationary Energy Residential86827 121605 131487 143936 168974 261127 Commercial 32902 49017 53868 60012 74893 114641 Industrial 225665154511154511154511154511154511Stationary Subtotal 345394 325133 339866 358459 398378 530279Rate of Change from previous milestone1.05 1.05 1.11 1.33Transportation 175697 209079 228455 256018 319449 488989Rate of Change from previous milestone1.09 1.12 1.25 1.53 Solid Waste 177725022831326138235852Rate of Change from previous milestone1.13 1.15 1.17 1.53Community Total 522868 536714 571154 617738 721650 1025120Rate of Change from previous milestone1.06 1.08 1.17 1.42Jefferson County Gov't Stationary Energy 1025 1443 1508 1591 1768 2353Transportation 1340 1886 2061 2309 2882 4411Solid Waste 25 3540 46 53 82Water 259364412474556851Jefferson County Total 2648 3728 4021 4420 5259 7698City of Port Townsend Stationary Energy 573 807 844 890 989 1316 Transportation 379 533582 653 814 1247 Water/Sewage 570802907104512251876 City of Port Townsend Total 1522 2142 2333 2588 3029 4439Population Data/Estimates20406 28724 32500 37427 43858 55656Greenhouse Gas Emissions in tons of CO2eForecasts, assuming current practicesNotes on calculation methods Draft 4‐29‐11 For both backcast and forecasts, the method was to apply the annual percentage change from the base year of 2005 for any given year in the Jefferson county population to the various inputs in the Clean Air and Climate Protection (CACP) software. For each period, this annual percentage change was applied to the following inputs: Residential: Electrical usage and number of households Commercial: Electrical usage, propane usage, floor area, number of employees and number of establishments Transportation: Gasoline and diesel usage Waste: Total tons CO2e The annual percentage population changes used were:1990 – 2005 2.31%2005 – 2012 1.78%2005 – 2020 1.78%2005 – 2030 1.71%2005 ‐ 2050 1.90% For the industrial backcast an estimate of the reduction of Port Townsend Paper from 1990 to 2005 of about 32% was used based on the information supplied by Kristin Marshall and Bruce McComas. Thereafter, the future emissions were assumed to be constant based on the assumption that the production of green house gas was not population dependent. Stanley WillardThese calculations were made at the community level. The City and County Government Operations are a included in the Community total. The rate of change for a each subsector was applied to the known baseline inventory values for the City and County to determine the forecast their respective subsectors. Example: Transportation CO2e increased 9% in the community between 2005 and 2012. City Transportation in 2012 is calculated to be 582, reflecting a 9% increase over 2005.Appendix E ‐ CAC_CAP_GOV #15 Forecast 11/23/201112/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 254
Category Sectors/Subsector 2012 2020 2030 2050
Community Stationary Energy
Residential 9882 44276 96746 243762
Commercial 4851 19929 45978 108061
Industrial 0 23027 51811 109378
Stationary Subtotal 14733 87232 194534 461200
Transportation 19376 83558 192762 453850
Solid Waste 329 1211 2338 5497
Grand Total 34438 172001 389634 920546
Jefferson County Gov't Stationary Energy 65 409 911 2148
Transportation 175 764 1762 4143
Solid Waste 5173377
Water 48 176 340 800
County Total 293 1366 3046 7168
City of Port Townsend Stationary Energy 37 228 510 1202
Transportation 49 216 498 1171
Water/Sewage 105 388 749 1762
City Total 191 833 1757 4134
GHG Reduction(in tons of CO2e) Needed to Reach Targets
Forecast Emissions minus Target Emmissions
Appendix E ‐ CAC_CAP_GOV #15 Reductions 11/23/201112/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 255
CO2e Projections & Targets ‐ County & City Operations01000200030004000500060007000800090001990 2005 2012 2020 2030 2050CO2e0100002000030000400005000060000County PopulationPopulationCounty ProjectionCounty TargetCity ProjectionCity Target12/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 256
1990 2005 2012 2020 2030 2050
Population 20406 28724 32500 37427 43858 55656
County Projection 2648 3728 4021 4420 5259 7698
County Target 2648 3728 3728 3055 2213 530
City Projection 1522 2142 2333 2588 3029 4439
City Target 1522 2142 2142 1755 1272 304
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 257
Worksheet ActionLeadCost Recovery (Years)CO2e (metric tons)1.14Purchase Green Energy from the gridCounty Administratorn/a 3201.1Build all new City & County buildings and develop sites to at least a LEED Silver criterion, or some other third‐party certification of energy, water and waste conservation strategies (e.g., Architecture 2030)City Council and Public Works0.46 1181.4Conduct energy audits for each city or county owned buildings and infrastructure to develop and implement a plan to reduce energy consumption.RCM4.81 1121.9Convert Streetlights to LED Public Works2.49 431.13Set goals for government departments and encourage all local businesses to become certified by the Green Business program of Jefferson County HealthRCM & County Env. Health401.6Install photovoltaic panels on existing buildings and for stand‐alone lighting on streets and in parks, where appropriate and productiveRCM & Public Works18.26241.7Establish a reduced idling policy for all government vehicles (heavy trucks)Dept. Heads, Fleet Mgr & CAC0.04 61E‐CarsMore efficient fleet and use of vehiclesFleet Manager401.5Replace low‐efficiency and high‐emission vehicles with fuel‐efficient & low‐emission vehicles, like plug‐in hybrids, as soon as possibleFleet Managers & Dept. Heads0.00221.10Create incentives for employees to reduce emissions in their daily commuteDept. Heads1.08 14City of Port TownsendGovernment OperationsAppendix E ‐ CAC_CAP_GOV #15 City CAP 11/23/201112/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 258
1.2Implement vehicle trip reduction policy incorporating teleconferencing, telecommuting and alternative work schedules, where practical. Establish video and/or web conferencing capabilities in all major City and County facilitiesDept. Heads4.09 141.3Use electric vehicles or bicycles whenever possible (e.g., for meter reading and building inspection)CAC & Fleet Manager5.09 11E‐MetersReplace all the water meters with remote read meters. About 400 of the total 5,000 are already remote read.Public Works1.44 91.7Establish a reduced idling policy for all government vehicles (light vehicles)Fleet Managers & Dept. Heads0.03 4832Total Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (100% of 2020 goal)Appendix E ‐ CAC_CAP_GOV #15 City CAP 11/23/201112/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 259
Proposed Actions for City OperationsCO2e (metric tons)Stationary SourcesPurchase Green Energy from the grid320New City buildings & sites developed w/certification 118Energy Audits and Conservation 112Convert Streetlights to LED 43City Departments Green Business Certified40Photovoltaic panels where appropriate & productive24Transportation SourcesReduced idling policy for all City vehicles65Existing ‐ More efficient fleet and use of vehicles40Replace vehicles with fuel‐efficient & low‐emission vehicles22Employee commute incentives14e‐government, telecommuting, alternative work schedules14Use electric vehicles or bicycles 11Existing & projected ‐ Remote read water meters9832City of Port TownsendGovernment OperationsTotal Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (13% above 2020 goal)Appendix E ‐ CAC_CAP_GOV #15 City CAP Pres 11/23/201112/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 260
Worksheet ActionLeadCost Recovery (Years)CO2e (metric tons)1.14Purchase Green Energy from the gridBuildingn/a 9671.4Conduct energy audits for each city or county owned buildings and infrastructure to develop and implement a plan to reduce energy consumption.RCM6.42 1881.13Set goals for government departments and encourage all local businesses to become certified by the Green Business program of Jefferson County HealthRCM & County Env. Health0.091241.6Install photovoltaic panels on existing buildings and for stand‐alone lighting on streets and in parks, where appropriate and productiveRCM & Public Works18.26 471.2Implement vehicle trip reduction policy incorporating teleconferencing, telecommuting and alternative work schedules, where practical. Establish video and/or web conferencing capabilities in all major City and County facilitiesDept Heads1.03 541.7Establish a reduced idling policy for all government vehicles Dept. Heads, Fleet Mgr & CAC0.05 421.5Replace low‐efficiency and high‐emission vehicles with fuel‐efficient & low‐emission vehicles, like plug‐in hybrids, as soon as possibleFleet Manager & Dept Heads0.00 281.10Create incentives for employees to reduce emissions in their daily commuteDept Heads1.95 231.3Use electric vehicles or bicycles whenever possible (e.g., for meter reading and building inspection)CAC & Fleet Manager5.09 7E‐4dayTelecommuteTransport0.00 6E‐ZennElectric VehiclesTransport0.00 41,490Jefferson CountyGovernment OperationsTotal Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (109% of 2020 goal)Appendix E ‐ CAC_CAP_GOV #15 County CAP 11/23/201112/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 261
Proposed Actions for County OperationsCO2e (metric tons)Stationary SourcesPurchase Green Energy from the grid967Energy Audits and Conservation 188County Departments Green Business Certified124Photovoltaic panels where appropriate & productive47Transportation Sourcese‐government, telecommuting, alternative work schedules54Reduced idling policy for all County vehicles42Replace vehicles with fuel‐efficient & low‐emission vehicles28Employee commute incentives23Use electric vehicles or bicycles 7Existing ‐ 4‐day work week6Existing ‐ Electric Vehicles41,490Jefferson CountyGovernment OperationsTotal Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (9% above 2020 goal)Appendix E ‐ CAC_CAP_GOV #15 County CAP Pres 11/23/201112/11/2019 PC Agenda PacketPg. 262
Appendix F
Portland Climate Action Now’s, Climate-friendly Actions At Home & For Your Business
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 263
Between driving, heating, cooling and powering our homes, Portland residents are responsible for about 50 percent of
all local carbon emissions — and that’s without counting the contribution of all the things we buy. At a national level, the
production and distribution of goods amounts to another 38 percent of carbon emissions.
Climate-friendly Actions at Home
Most of these actions can be done
in less than 20 minutes,
for less than $20. Why wait?
TAKE ACTION TODAY!NEXT STEPS...START PLANNING FOR CHANGE.
Some changes take time and
planning. Start thinking
about these goals now.
With just a little set up time, you
can get your household
on the right track.GETTING STARTEDBUILDINGS & ENERGYCONSUMPTION& SOLID WASTEFOOD, AGRICULTURE& URBAN FORESTRYMOBILITYCalculate your carbon footprint.
Quick:
www.footprintnetwork.org
Thorough:
www.epa.gov/climatechange/
emissions/ind_calculator.html
Save energy and costs:
replace incandescent light bulbs with
efficient compact fluorescent light
bulbs (CFL).
www.18seconds.org
Plug your microwave, stereo, chargers,
television and computer equipment
into power strips that can be shut off
when not in use.
Turn down your thermostat three
degrees (or 66°F daytime and 55°F
night time). If you have air conditioning,
turn up your air conditioner three
degrees.
Maintain your car: properly inflate
tires and keep it tuned up for efficient
driving.
Visit a local farmers market to purchase
fresh, local produce:
www.portlandfarmersmarket.org
Reduce the number of times you eat
beef and pork each week.
Use native species and wildlife
attracting plants in landscaping your
yard.
Plant a vegetable garden
or more trees:
Portland Parks and Recreation,
Community Gardens: 503-823-1612
www.portlandonline.com/parks
Friends of Trees: : 503-282-8846
www.friendsoftrees.org
Recycle right: recycle all paper, metal
and glass, as well as yogurt tubs and
other plastics accepted at curbside:
503-823-7202
www.portlandonline.com/bps/carts
Paper or plastic? No thanks!
Take reusable bags with you every time
you go shopping.
Shift daily trips to walking, bicycling,
transit and carpooling to reduce
driving.
www.portlandonline.com/transportation
Compost food scraps in your backyard:
www.oregonmetro.gov
Shop Local: visit neighborhood shops
and keep your dollars in Portland:
www.portlandisbettertogether.com
Buy the most fuel-efficient
vehicle that meets your needs.
If your household has more than
one car, try to eliminate a car
and borrow or share a second
vehicle when you need one.
Be a smart consumer:
• Make a list.
• Cross off any items that can
be rented, purchased used or
borrowed instead.
• Buy long-lasting, durable goods.
Create a “carbon budget” for your
household: identify areas where you
can cut back.
Set up a free home energy review with
Energy Trust of Oregon:
866-968-7878
www.energytrust.org
Get a free water conservation kit from
the Portland Water Bureau:
503-823-7439
www.portlandonline.com/water/
conservationkits
Buy clean energy from your utilities:
PGE: 503-228-6322
www.portlandgeneral.com
Pacific Power: 1-800-869-3717
www.pacificpower.net
NW Natural: 1-800-422-4012
www.nwnatural.com
Make a plan to reduce your
carbon emissions by 5
percent every year.
Fully insulate your home
and seal ducts.
Replace your furnace and home
appliances with ENERGY STAR
models that qualify for Oregon
tax credits:
www.oregon.gov/ENERGY
When planning a home renovation
project, call the Green Building
Hotline for expert advice.
503-823-5431
www.buildgreen411.com
Install solar water heating
or a solar electric system on
your home: 1-877-546-8769
www.solarnoworegon.org
www.portlandonline.com/bps/Climate
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 264
Follow the five easy
steps to setting up a
successful workplace
recycling system:
www.recycleatwork.com/portland
Minimize energy use when your
building is unoccupied: Turn off
all lights and computers each
evening and turn back heating/
cooling settings at night with a
programmable thermostat.
Convert all incandescent lights to
compact fluorescent lights (CFL).
Upgrade old T12 lights to T8 lights.
If electricity fees are included in
your lease, purchase renewable
energy credits:
www.green-e.org/gogreene.shtml
Buy clean energy from your
utilities:
PGE: 503-228-6322
www.portlandgeneral.com
Pacific Power: 1-800-869-3717
www.pacificpower.net
NW Natural: 1-800-422-4012
www.nwnatural.com
Add occupancy sensors to
infrequently used areas like
bathrooms and storage rooms.
Attend a free workshop to learn
more about solar electric or solar
water heating for your business:
www.solaroregon.org/workshops
Create an office policy
that requires ENERGY
STAR certification for new
equipment, like computers,
printers and refrigerators.
www.energystar.gov
Install solar panels on
your building:
www.solarnoworegon.org
Encourage employees to drive less
and save more:
www.drivelesssavemore.com
Ask employees what would make
it possible for them to commute
without driving alone.
Reduce corporate air travel by
substituting web-conferencing or
encouraging travel by train:
www.webconferencing-test.com
Offer employees pre-tax transit
passes.
Provide information on nearby bus
routes, bike parking and carpooling
options:
www.trimet.org
www.tinyurl.com/pdxbikeparking
www.carpoolmatchnw.org
Offer incentives for employees to
bike, walk, bus or carpool to work;
consider $30 per month cash or two
extra vacation days per year.
Offer employees
telecommuting options.
Locate your business
near transit facilities.
Provide secure bike parking.
Remove or significantly reduce
free or subsidized parking for
employees.
Offer employees a car-sharing
membership for
transportation needs
during the day:
www.zipcar.com
Contact the BEST Business
Center for a free evaluation of
your business operations.
Receive ideas on how to reduce
energy usage, save money and
shrink your carbon footprint.
www.bestbusinesscenter.org
Create a green team:
Write a sustainability plan and
keep it fresh: review and evaluate
success on a regular basis.
Host annual employee
sustainability education and
engagement events.
Become a Portland
Climate Champion:
www.bestbusinesscenter.org/
recognition
Create a sustainable purchasing
strategy for your workplace:
identify products that contain
recycled content or those that can
be easily recycled at the end of use.
Cut your waste in half.
Identify products that
don’t need to be consumed,
used, disposed or recycled.
Climate-friendly Actions for Your Business
GETTING STARTEDBUILDINGS & ENERGYCONSUMPTION& SOLID WASTEMOBILITYDid you know that the commercial sector accounts for 25 percent of the total volume of carbon emissions? And that’s
not counting carbon produced by employee commuting habits. Take action at work and you’ll not only being doing your
part to slow climate change; you’ll also save money, conserve resources and enhance your reputation.
Most of these actions can be done
in less than 20 minutes,
for less than $20. Why wait?
Some changes take time and
planning. Start thinking
about these goals now.
With just a little set up time, you
can get your business
on the right track.
TAKE ACTION TODAY!NEXT STEPS...START PLANNING FOR CHANGE.
2 009-10
Recycle at WorkCertified
City of Portland
www.portlandonline.com/bps/Climate
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 265
Appendix G
CAC Complete List of Prioritized Ideas for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measures
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 266
Climate Action Committee
Prioritized Ideas for
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measures
DRAFT
February 25, 2009
Not Recommended for Adoption - This list has not been endorsed by the CAC. It
is merely intended to be a starting point for further refinement. The list is comprised of ideas brainstormed during CAC meetings and ideas submitted by government staff and
the general public. Some of the ideas may not be practical, feasible or desirable. This
list shows an initial attempt to prioritize the ideas using a crude scale of general
feasibility and benefit, and i is anticipated that the document will be further modified.
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 267
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures i
Table of Contents
Process Description ..................................................................................1
Section 1 - City and County Government Operations and Businesses:
Leading by Example..............................................................................2
Section 2 - Community-wide Transportation: Moving People and
Goods More Efficiently .........................................................................6
Section 3 - Community-wide Stationary Sources: Energy Efficiency in
Our Buildings, Homes, and Industries................................................8
Section 4 - Community-wide Land Use: Enhancing Compact,
Walkable, and generally more Livable Neighborhoods...................10
Section 5 - Community-wide Waste Management: Re-use, Recycling, and Disposal........................................................................................12
Section 6 - Community-wide Education: Promoting Sustainability in K-
12 Schools, Community Colleges, Extension Service, and News
Media ....................................................................................................13
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 268
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 1
Process Description
The Climate Action Committee met on February 25, 2009 to begin a process of prioritizing the list of potential actions gathered in each of six categories. They used a
software product called Meetingworks to score the potential ideas.
These committee members participated in the voting exercise:
John Austin
Taylor Beard/Nora Burnfield Richard Dandrige
Jim Fritz
Kees Kolff
Denise Pranger
Pete Raab Dana Roberts
Stanley Willard
The results presented here reflect the prioritization in each of six sections using two
criteria (Benefit and Feasibility). Each table shows the average votes for each item for
each criterion and a total of the two averages. The percentage indicated in each cell reflects the variability in the scores (a measure of agreement). The higher the
percentage, the higher the disagreement.
Each table reflects the entire list in the section as well as the “keepers” highlighted in
light blue. At the end of the table results, there is a Keeper List by section.
The Appendix contains all graphs so you can see the vote distribution for each idea on each criterion. Also, I included a “What If Scenario”, which shows a merged list of all of
the keepers (top 25 ideas in light blue).
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 269
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 2
Section 1 - City and County Government Operations and Businesses: Leading by Example
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
1. Support sustainable forestry practices and
protect existing trees, where appropriate.
4.22
(16%)
4.22
(13%)
8.44
2. Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights or LEDs in buildings and street
lights.
4.22 (13%) 4.11 (20%) 8.33
3. Build all new buildings to at least a LEED Silver
criterion (or a similar level in another green
building standard).
4.44
(14%)
3.89
(18%)
8.33
4. Purchase fuel-efficient and/or alternative-fuel vehicles when available and suitable. 4.44 (14%) 3.78 (21%) 8.22
5. Renovate existing buildings to lessen energy
consumption (e.g., insulation, windows), being
mindful of Historic Preservation requirements
when appropriate.
4.56
(14%)
3.44
(23%)
8.00
6. Install high-efficiency furnaces, variable-speed pumps and ultra-efficiency motors in all
government facilities where replacement seems
warranted.
4.33 (16%) 3.56 (21%) 7.89
7. Use electric-vehicle or bicycles for government
functions whenever possible (e.g., meter
reading, building inspection).
4.00
(23%)
3.89
(15%)
7.89
8. Phase out low-efficiency and high-emission
vehicles as quickly as possible.
4.33
(21%)
3.56
(14%)
7.89
9. Regularly publish departmental carbon footprints
and results of efforts to reduce them.
3.67
(19%)
4.22
(13%)
7.89
10. Establish a reduced idling policy for fleet
vehicles.
3.44
(29%)
4.44
(14%)
7.88
11. Subsidize bus passes for employees. 3.89 (20%) 3.78 (16%) 7.67
12. Install heat pumps, air or geothermal, as a first
choice for heating.
4.33
(13%)
3.33
(21%)
7.66
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 3
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
13. Install photovoltaic panels on existing buildings and for stand-alone lighting on streets and parks.
4.22 (16%) 3.44 (10%) 7.66
14. Research options for natural, wetland
wastewater treatment, particularly in new urban
growth areas.
3.89
(18%)
3.56
(21%)
7.45
15. Purchase products with the lowest possible
energy footprint, including embedded energy in production and transportation as well as lifecycle
costs.
3.67
(25%)
3.67
(19%)
7.34
16. Encourage teleconferencing for meetings. 3.78
(23%)
3.44
(19%)
7.22
17. Accept new, low-impact development ideas that are presented as "demonstration projects." 3.67 (19%) 3.44 (17%) 7.11
18. Install software or power strips to ensure that
computers and other electrical equipment is
turned off when not in use.
3.00
(27%)
4.00
(16%)
7.00
19. Accept pervious paving methods for storm water
management without requiring construction of duplicate "traditional" storm water system.
3.33
(23%)
3.56
(21%)
6.89
20. Develop alternative work schedules for
employees, including a 4-day workweek for
government operations.
3.56
(14%)
3.11
(24%)
6.67
21. Use electronic rather than paper-based
communication when possible, including
"paperless" meetings.
3.11
(24%)
3.56
(19%)
6.67
22. Perform regular route-efficiency analyses for
routine routes for waste pickup, mail delivery,
transit, police rounds, mill deliveries, etc.
3.44
(19%)
3.22
(23%)
6.66
23. Subsidize vanpools for employees if deemed
cost effective.
3.44
(23%)
3.22
(16%)
6.66
24. Develop policies for inter-departmental car sharing and for using the most energy-efficient
vehicle for the job.
3.33 (25%) 3.33 (13%) 6.66
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 4
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
25. Use double-sided printing for all documents when possible. 2.33 (28%) 4.22 (16%) 6.55
26. Form an internal committee to oversee the
implementation of a comprehensive energy
conservation plan for each department or
business.
3.00
(19%)
3.44
(21%)
6.44
27. Support the development of an energy-efficient
community swimming pool.
3.22
(28%)
3.11
(24%)
6.33
28. Encourage telecommuting for employees. 3.00
(23%)
3.33
(23%)
6.33
29. Invest in "green power," carbon offsets, and/or
other renewable energy developments.
3.33
(21%)
3.00
(23%)
6.33
30. Install wind turbines on public property, where
appropriate.
3.44
(19%)
2.78
(21%)
6.22
31. Replace inefficient pumps or modify how they are used in order to increase their efficiency. 3.11 (26%) 3.11 (22%) 6.22
32. Adjust shipping schedules and capacities to
reduce vehicle-miles traveled.
3.22
(18%)
2.89
(11%)
6.11
33. Promote the installation and use of composting
toilets.
3.00
(21%)
3.11
(22%)
6.11
34. Assure that software allows screen review of requested reports before printing. 2.00 (19%) 4.00 (23%) 6.00
35. Install roundabouts rather than new traffic
signals, when possible.
3.00
(25%)
2.78
(21%)
5.78
36. Prohibit use of public funds for purchase of
water in single-use plastic bottles,
3.00
(27%)
2.56
(32%)
5.56
37. Give bidding preference to contractors who use renewable fuels in their equipment. 2.78 (16%) 2.78 (18%) 5.56
38. Educate employee unions to the need for more
efficient vehicles.
2.11
(22%)
3.44
(23%)
5.55
39. Install heat exchangers at public shower
facilities.
2.56
(25%)
2.78
(18%)
5.34
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 5
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
40. Have local neighborhoods adopt local parks to reduce park staff travel. 2.67 (27%) 2.22 (21%) 4.89
41. Reduce mowing of grass in parks. 1.78
(16%)
3.00
(28%)
4.78
42. Replace mowers with grazing animals for park
lawn maintenance.
2.56
(23%)
2.22
(23%)
4.78
43. Modify the city potable water system to eliminate
need for chlorinating water that goes to the PTPC (the Mill).
2.67
(23%)
2.11
(18%)
4.78
44. Celebrate the 4th of July without the use of
fireworks.
2.33
(16%)
1.89
(20%)
4.22
45. Eliminate need to transport and store chlorine
for city water by generating chlorine at the site of
chlorination.
2.11
(20%)
2.11
(22%)
4.22
46. Prohibit electric vending machines on public property. 2.11 (24%) 2.11 (28%) 4.22
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 273
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 6
Section 2 - Community-wide Transportation: Moving People and Goods More Efficiently
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
1. Develop a Smart Trips program to promote
public transportation, ride-sharing, walking and
biking.
4.11
(22%)
4.00
(21%)
8.11
2. Increase funding for public transportation. 4.56
(14%)
3.44
(17%)
8.00
3. Develop a commuter-friendly transit plan and
increase service where appropriate.
3.89
(18%)
3.78
(8%)
7.67
4. Promote use of fuel efficient, alternative-fuel
and hybrid vehicles, including low-pollution scooters.
4.00
(23%)
3.56
(17%)
7.56
5. Provide electric vehicle recharging stations at
government offices, in residential areas, and in
commercial crossroads.
4.44
(14%)
3.00
(23%)
7.44
6. Increase bicycle-carrying capacity of buses by
promoting portable bikes.
3.56
(23%)
3.78
(18%)
7.34
7. Implement existing City non-motorized transportation plan. 3.56 (17%) 3.67 (19%) 7.23
8. Adopt reduced-idling ordinance. 3.33
(23%)
3.89
(24%)
7.22
9. Build "complete streets" (including facilities for
pedestrians and bicycles) on major arterials and other locations, where appropriate.
4.00
(19%)
3.22
(26%)
7.22
10. Institute parking fees in commercial centers, to
encourage use of transit and other
transportation modes.
3.78
(16%)
3.22
(25%)
7.00
11. Develop a bounty for retiring a high-emission
vehicle.
3.67
(16%)
3.33
(19%)
7.00
12. Develop a comprehensive county-wide bicycle and pedestrian plan for all appropriate areas of
the county.
3.11 (20%) 3.67 (21%) 6.78
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 7
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
13. Establish a low-interest loan program for private initiatives that reduce energy consumption (e.g., vehicle emission-reduction
devices)
3.44 (14%) 3.00 (19%) 6.44
14. Establish and consistently enforce policies for
bicycle safety.
2.67
(21%)
3.67
(16%)
6.34
15. Implement a car/truck-sharing service. 3.44
(23%)
2.89
(20%)
6.33
16. Provide covered bicycle parking at commercial,
school, and government buildings.
2.67
(23%)
3.56
(10%)
6.23
17. Use parking fees to discourage single
occupancy vehicle travel, and financially
support transit and non-motorized transportation options.
3.33
(13%)
2.89
(20%)
6.22
18. Tax parking areas as part of the "land
improvements" for property tax calculations.
3.00
(21%)
2.67
(19%)
5.67
19. Retrofit diesel trucks with emission-reducing
devices,
3.22
(23%)
2.44
(14%)
5.66
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 8
Section 3 - Community-wide Stationary Sources: Energy Efficiency in Our Buildings, Homes, and Industries
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
1. Provide incentives for installation of solar-
photovoltaic, solar-thermal, geothermal, wind,
and other renewable-energy systems.
4.44
(10%)
4.11
(18%)
8.55
2. Establish a low-interest loan program for
private initiatives that reduce energy
consumption (e.g., weatherization, furnace
improvement, renewable energy).
4.44
(10%)
3.89
(26%)
8.33
3. Expand home-weatherization assistance programs for low-income residents. 4.22 (13%) 3.89 (11%) 8.11
4. Require use of a standardized green-building
point-system (e.g., LEED, Built Green) for
permitting of construction and remodeling
projects.
4.44
(17%)
3.67
(23%)
8.11
5. Revise building codes to require greater insulation. 4.11 (15%) 3.67 (21%) 7.78
6. Encourage use of motion sensors for outdoor
lighting.
3.44
(17%)
4.22
(18%)
7.66
7. Reduce total number of streetlights. 3.56
(19%)
3.89
(22%)
7.45
8. Use energy-saving lamps (e.g., led) for outdoor
lighting.
3.78
(21%)
3.56
(14%)
7.34
9. Distribute "green building" advice booklets. 2.78 (21%) 4.56 (14%) 7.34
10. Eliminate unnecessary or overly bright outdoor
lighting (e.g., "full cut-off" fixtures).
3.67
(13%)
3.56
(21%)
7.23
11. Promote energy auditing in homes and
businesses.
3.67
(13%)
3.56
(17%)
7.23
12. Require sellers to provide current energy audit information to buyers before the sale of any
building.
3.56 (14%) 3.56 (23%) 7.12
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 9
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
13. Expedite building permits for projects that reach a prescribed level on the green-building point system.
3.78 (23%) 3.33 (21%) 7.11
14. Develop programs to improve, convert, or
replace inefficient furnaces.
3.44
(19%)
3.33
(16%)
6.77
15. Implement a "Dark-Sky" ordinance to reduce
nighttime energy use (prohibit lighting
"trespass" by poorly directed fixtures).
3.33
(27%)
3.33
(19%)
6.66
16. Promote the use of efficient wood burning
heating appliances.
3.33
(13%)
3.22
(16%)
6.55
17. Replace all two-stroke engines with four-stroke
engines.
3.67
(27%)
2.78
(16%)
6.45
18. Provide information on carbon reduction
strategies for homebuyers at real estate offices.
2.67
(21%)
3.67
(16%)
6.34
19. Revise building codes to allow for greater heights and reduced setbacks in projects
seeking solar or wind access.
3.44 (19%) 2.89 (18%) 6.33
20. Eliminate use of gas-powered leaf blowers. 3.33
(28%)
2.67
(19%)
6.00
21. Create awards for businesses and
developments with exemplary strategies for lowering GHG emissions.
2.33
(13%)
3.67
(23%)
6.00
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Potential Measures 10
Section 4 - Community-wide Land Use: Enhancing Compact, Walkable, and generally more Livable Neighborhoods
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
1. Promote townhouse, cluster and mixed-use
development, encouraging density and multi-
modal transportation options.
4.22
(18%)
4.11
(15%)
8.33
2. Create pedestrian and bicycle-friendly
communities and commercial areas (e.g., trails,
pathways, rights-of-way on pavement).
4.00
(25%)
3.67
(16%)
7.67
3. Promote urban density through code revisions
for items such as setbacks, lot orientation, and, height restrictions,
3.89
(15%)
3.67
(25%)
7.56
4. Promote programs that offers carbon credits for
timberlands.
3.78
(18%)
3.56
(23%)
7.34
5. Establish tree planting incentives for
developments in locations where they do not
block passive solar access, and disincentives for tree removal in established neighborhoods.
3.67
(19%)
3.67
(21%)
7.34
6. Promote the use of drought-tolerant native
plants as well as tolerant non-natives.
3.11
(29%)
4.11
(20%)
7.22
7. Develop program for use of local produce in
school menus.
3.33
(27%)
3.67
(21%)
7.00
8. Make farm produce stands an allowed use
anywhere and not a conditional use only allowed in some zones and on certain types of
streets.
3.44
(25%)
3.56
(23%)
7.00
9. Promote small and affordable housing by
including surcharges on permits for residences
greater than a specified size (e.g., 2400 square feet).
3.44
(21%)
3.56
(25%)
7.00
10. Encourage more street plantings and home
garden plots through permitting process.
3.11
(26%)
3.67
(23%)
6.78
11. Restrict development on land that is ideally
suited for agriculture.
3.67
(23%)
3.11
(18%)
6.78
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 11
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
12. Encourage the planting of rain gardens and other "Low-Impact Development" techniques. 3.11 (22%) 3.67 (16%) 6.78
13. Support biogas production from manure. 3.44
(19%)
3.33
(13%)
6.77
14. Provide space for farmer's markets and
produce stands.
3.00
(21%)
3.67
(23%)
6.67
15. Reduce and/or eliminate parking requirements
for developments to encourage walkability, use of transit and other transportation modes.
3.22
(18%)
3.44
(17%)
6.66
16. Promote worm bins and composting systems
for the food and yard debris diversion program
as part of the state-wide Beyond Waste effort.
2.67
(23%)
3.78
(25%)
6.45
17. Support a cooperative "mobile meat processing
plant" to provide for local processing.
3.00
(25%)
3.44
(21%)
6.44
18. Provide incentives for contractors to use pervious concrete/asphalt on new paving
projects if it reduces the total amount of
construction required.
3.11 (20%) 3.22 (21%) 6.33
19. Prohibit outdoor burning. 3.11
(20%)
3.00
(25%)
6.11
20. Develop in-school food production programs for student lunch menu. 3.00 (23%) 3.11 (18%) 6.11
21. Allow and promote the use of city rights-of-way
for community gardens.
2.67
(16%)
3.33
(21%)
6.00
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 12
Section 5 - Community-wide Waste Management: Re-use, Recycling, and Disposal
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
1. Require waste recycling. 4.22
(23%)
3.78
(25%)
8.00
2. Encourage dis-assembly, deconstruction and recycling of structures to be demolished. 3.78 (16%) 4.11 (18%) 7.89
3. Promote adaptive reuse of historic or older
buildings.
4.00
(21%)
3.78
(21%)
7.78
4. Develop a program for mandatory recycling of
construction waste at all construction sites that
take delivery of dumpsters.
3.78
(21%)
3.89
(20%)
7.67
5. Investigate wetland filtration systems as an alternative to traditional sewage treatment. 3.78 (16%) 3.78 (21%) 7.56
6. Publicize pick-up services for pre-cycling,
recycling and trash.
3.11
(20%)
4.11
(15%)
7.22
7. Encourage reduced use of packaging,
especially for building materials.
3.78
(21%)
3.44
(14%)
7.22
8. Promote neighborhood composting centers. 3.44 (25%) 3.78 (18%) 7.22
9. Ease restrictions on rainwater catchment
systems.
3.22
(28%)
3.89
(18%)
7.11
10. Investigate wastewater reclamation strategies
for users such as golf courses.
3.33
(21%)
3.67
(21%)
7.00
11. Establish compost credits for payment of yard waste tipping fees. 2.89 (11%) 3.67 (13%) 6.56
12. Establish a home pick-up pre-cycling program
for items that might be reused.
3.00
(21%)
3.33
(16%)
6.33
13. Develop better incentives for small garbage
containers via the rate structure for solid waste.
2.89
(20%)
3.11
(15%)
6.00
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 280
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 13
Section 6 - Community-wide Education: Promoting Sustainability in K-12 Schools, Community Colleges, Extension Service, and News Media
Idea Benefit Feasibility Total
1. Publish articles and a regular newspaper
column with information about sustainability.
2.89
(18%)
4.56
(14%)
7.45
2. Develop classes for clean energy, gardening, agriculture, sustainability skills. 3.56 (21%) 3.78 (16%) 7.34
3. Coordinate curriculum of sustainability course
offerings at WSU, Peninsula College and other
local schools.
2.89
(15%)
3.56
(21%)
6.45
4. Develop civics and environmental classes on
sustainable practices at all levels of education, including offerings for adult learning.
3.11
(24%)
3.22
(18%)
6.33
5. Develop lists for student projects on
sustainability.
2.33
(13%)
3.33
(16%)
5.66
6. Create banners and signs promoting
sustainability programs.
1.67
(19%)
3.44
(30%)
5.11
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 14
Keeper List
• Section 1
• 8.44 Support sustainable forestry practices and protect existing trees,
where appropriate.
• 8.33 Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights or LEDs in buildings and street lights.
• 8.33 Build all new buildings to at least a LEED Silver criterion (or a similar
level in another green building standard).
• 8.22 Purchase fuel-efficient and/or alternative-fuel vehicles when available
and suitable.
• 8.00 Renovate existing buildings to lessen energy consumption (e.g., insulation, windows), being mindful of Historic Preservation requirements when appropriate.
• 7.89 Use electric-vehicle or bicycles for government functions whenever
possible (e.g., meter reading, building inspection).
• 7.89 Regularly publish departmental carbon footprints and results of
efforts to reduce them.
• 7.89 Phase out low-efficiency and high-emission vehicles as quickly as possible.
• 7.89 Install high-efficiency furnaces, variable-speed pumps and ultra-
efficiency motors in all government facilities where replacement seems
warranted.
• 7.88 Establish a reduced idling policy for fleet vehicles.
• 7.67 Subsidize bus passes for employees.
• 7.66 Install photovoltaic panels on existing buildings and for stand-alone lighting on streets and parks.
• 7.66 Install heat pumps, air or geothermal, as a first choice for heating.
• 7.45 Research options for natural, wetland wastewater treatment, particularly in new urban growth areas.
• 7.34 Purchase products with the lowest possible energy footprint,
including embedded energy in production and transportation as well as
lifecycle costs.
• 7.22 Encourage teleconferencing for meetings.
• 7.11 Accept new, low-impact development ideas that are presented as
"demonstration projects."
• 7.00 Install software or power strips to ensure that computers and other
electrical equipment is turned off when not in use.
• Section 2
• 8.11 Develop a Smart Trips program to promote public transportation,
ride-sharing, walking and biking.
• 8.00 Increase funding for public transportation.
• 7.67 Develop a commuter-friendly transit plan and increase service where
appropriate.
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 282
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 15
• 7.56 Promote use of fuel efficient, alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles,
including low-pollution scooters.
• 7.44 Provide electric vehicle recharging stations at government offices, in
residential areas, and in commercial crossroads.
• 7.34 Increase bicycle-carrying capacity of buses by promoting portable
bikes.
• 7.23 Implement existing City non-motorized transportation plan.
• 7.22 Build "complete streets" (including facilities for pedestrians and
bicycles) on major arterials and other locations, where appropriate.
• 7.22 Adopt reduced-idling ordinance.
• 7.00 Develop a bounty for retiring a high-emission vehicle.
• 7.00 Institute parking fees in commercial centers, to encourage use of
transit and other transportation modes.
• Section 3
• 8.55 Provide incentives for installation of solar-photovoltaic, solar-thermal,
geothermal, wind, and other renewable-energy systems.
• 8.33 Establish a low-interest loan program for private initiatives that
reduce energy consumption (e.g., weatherization, furnace improvement,
renewable energy).
• 8.11 Require use of a standardized green-building point-system (e.g., LEED, Built Green) for permitting of construction and remodeling projects.
• 8.11 Expand home-weatherization assistance programs for low-income
residents.
• 7.78 Revise building codes to require greater insulation.
• 7.66 Encourage use of motion sensors for outdoor lighting.
• 7.45 Reduce total number of streetlights.
• 7.34 Distribute "green building" advice booklets.
• 7.34 Use energy-saving lamps (e.g., led) for outdoor lighting.
• 7.23 Promote energy auditing in homes and businesses.
• 7.23 Eliminate unnecessary or overly bright outdoor lighting (e.g., "full cut-
off" fixtures).
• Section 4
• 8.33 Promote townhouse, cluster and mixed-use development,
encouraging density and multi-modal transportation options.
• 7.67 Create pedestrian and bicycle-friendly communities and commercial
areas (e.g., trails, pathways, rights-of-way on pavement).
• 7.56 Promote urban density through code revisions for items such as
setbacks, lot orientation, and, height restrictions,
• 7.34 Establish tree planting incentives for developments in locations
where they do not block passive solar access, and disincentives for tree
removal in established neighborhoods.
• 7.34 Promote programs that offers carbon credits for timberlands.
• 7.22 Promote the use of drought-tolerant native plants as well as tolerant
non-natives.
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 16
• 7.00 Promote small and affordable housing by including surcharges on
permits for residences greater than a specified size (e.g., 2400 square
feet).
• 7.00 Make farm produce stands an allowed use anywhere and not a conditional use only allowed in some zones and on certain types of
streets.
• 7.00 Develop program for use of local produce in school menus.
• Section 5
• 8.00 Require waste recycling.
• 7.89 Encourage dis-assembly, deconstruction and recycling of structures to be demolished.
• 7.78 Promote adaptive reuse of historic or older buildings.
• 7.67 Develop a program for mandatory recycling of construction waste at all construction sites that take delivery of dumpsters.
• 7.56 Investigate wetland filtration systems as an alternative to traditional
sewage treatment.
• 7.22 Publicize pick-up services for pre-cycling, recycling and trash.
• 7.22 Promote neighborhood composting centers.
• 7.22 Encourage reduced use of packaging, especially for building materials.
• 7.11 Ease restrictions on rainwater catchment systems.
• 7.00 Investigate wastewater reclamation strategies for users such as golf courses.
• Section 6
• 7.45 Publish articles and a regular newspaper column with information about sustainability.
• 7.34 Develop classes for clean energy, gardening, agriculture,
sustainability skills.
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 284
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 17
Appendix
What If Scenario (All Keepers, Sorted Descending)
Top 25 in light blue 1. 8.55 Provide incentives for installation of solar-photovoltaic, solar-thermal,
geothermal, wind, and other renewable-energy systems.
2. 8.44 Support sustainable forestry practices and protect existing trees, where appropriate.
3. 8.33 Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights or LEDs in
buildings and street lights.
4. 8.33 Promote townhouse, cluster and mixed-use development, encouraging
density and multi-modal transportation options. 5. 8.33 Establish a low-interest loan program for private initiatives that reduce
energy consumption (e.g., weatherization, furnace improvement, renewable
energy).
6. 8.33 Build all new buildings to at least a LEED Silver criterion (or a similar level in
another green building standard). 7. 8.22 Purchase fuel-efficient and/or alternative-fuel vehicles when available and
suitable.
8. 8.11 Require use of a standardized green-building point-system (e.g., LEED,
Built Green) for permitting of construction and remodeling projects.
9. 8.11 Expand home-weatherization assistance programs for low-income residents.
10. 8.11 Develop a Smart Trips program to promote public transportation, ride-
sharing, walking and biking.
11. 8.00 Require waste recycling.
12. 8.00 Renovate existing buildings to lessen energy consumption (e.g., insulation, windows), being mindful of Historic Preservation requirements when appropriate.
13. 8.00 Increase funding for public transportation.
14. 7.89 Use electric-vehicle or bicycles for government functions whenever possible
(e.g., meter reading, building inspection). 15. 7.89 Regularly publish departmental carbon footprints and results of efforts to reduce them.
16. 7.89 Phase out low-efficiency and high-emission vehicles as quickly as possible.
17. 7.89 Install high-efficiency furnaces, variable-speed pumps and ultra-efficiency
motors in all government facilities where replacement seems warranted. 18. 7.89 Encourage dis-assembly, deconstruction and recycling of structures to be demolished.
19. 7.88 Establish a reduced idling policy for fleet vehicles.
20. 7.78 Revise building codes to require greater insulation.
21. 7.78 Promote adaptive reuse of historic or older buildings. 22. 7.67 Subsidize bus passes for employees. 23. 7.67 Develop a program for mandatory recycling of construction waste at all
construction sites that take delivery of dumpsters.
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 18
24. 7.67 Develop a commuter-friendly transit plan and increase service where appropriate.
25. 7.67 Create pedestrian and bicycle-friendly communities and commercial areas
(e.g., trails, pathways, rights-of-way on pavement).
26. 7.66 Install photovoltaic panels on existing buildings and for stand-alone lighting
on streets and parks. 27. 7.66 Install heat pumps, air or geothermal, as a first choice for heating.
28. 7.66 Encourage use of motion sensors for outdoor lighting.
29. 7.56 Promote use of fuel efficient, alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles, including
low-pollution scooters.
30. 7.56 Promote urban density through code revisions for items such as setbacks, lot orientation, and, height restrictions,
31. 7.56 Investigate wetland filtration systems as an alternative to traditional sewage
treatment.
32. 7.45 Research options for natural, wetland wastewater treatment, particularly in
new urban growth areas. 33. 7.45 Reduce total number of streetlights.
34. 7.45 Publish articles and a regular newspaper column with information about
sustainability.
35. 7.44 Provide electric vehicle recharging stations at government offices, in
residential areas, and in commercial crossroads. 36. 7.34 Use energy-saving lamps (e.g., led) for outdoor lighting.
37. 7.34 Purchase products with the lowest possible energy footprint, including
embedded energy in production and transportation as well as lifecycle costs.
38. 7.34 Promote programs that offers carbon credits for timberlands.
39. 7.34 Increase bicycle-carrying capacity of buses by promoting portable bikes. 40. 7.34 Establish tree planting incentives for developments in locations where they
do not block passive solar access, and disincentives for tree removal in
established neighborhoods.
41. 7.34 Distribute "green building" advice booklets. 42. 7.34 Develop classes for clean energy, gardening, agriculture, sustainability skills.
43. 7.23 Promote energy auditing in homes and businesses.
44. 7.23 Implement existing City non-motorized transportation plan.
45. 7.23 Eliminate unnecessary or overly bright outdoor lighting (e.g., "full cut-off" fixtures). 46. 7.22 Publicize pick-up services for pre-cycling, recycling and trash.
47. 7.22 Promote the use of drought-tolerant native plants as well as tolerant non-
natives.
48. 7.22 Promote neighborhood composting centers. 49. 7.22 Encourage teleconferencing for meetings. 50. 7.22 Encourage reduced use of packaging, especially for building materials.
51. 7.22 Build "complete streets" (including facilities for pedestrians and bicycles) on
major arterials and other locations, where appropriate.
52. 7.22 Adopt reduced-idling ordinance. 53. 7.11 Ease restrictions on rainwater catchment systems.
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 286
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 19
54. 7.11 Accept new, low-impact development ideas that are presented as "demonstration projects."
55. 7.00 Promote small and affordable housing by including surcharges on permits
for residences greater than a specified size (e.g., 2400 square feet).
56. 7.00 Make farm produce stands an allowed use anywhere and not a conditional
use only allowed in some zones and on certain types of streets. 57. 7.00 Investigate wastewater reclamation strategies for users such as golf
courses.
58. 7.00 Institute parking fees in commercial centers, to encourage use of transit and
other transportation modes.
59. 7.00 Install software or power strips to ensure that computers and other electrical equipment is turned off when not in use.
60. 7.00 Develop program for use of local produce in school menus.
61. 7.00 Develop a bounty for retiring a high-emission vehicle.
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 20
Section 1 Graphs
Support sustainable forestry practices and prot... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.2 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Support sustainable forestry practices and protect ... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.2 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Regularly publish departmental carbon footprint... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.2 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Regularly publish departmental carbon footprints an... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Research options for natural, wetland wastewate... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Research options for natural, wetland wastewater tr... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
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Potential Measures 21
Purchase products with the lowest possible ener... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Purchase products with the lowest possible energy f... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Accept new, low-impact development ideas that a... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 17%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Accept new, low-impact development ideas that are p... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Install software or power strips to ensure that... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.0 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Install software or power strips to ensure that com... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 27%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 22
Accept pervious paving methods for storm water ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Accept pervious paving methods for storm water mana... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Use electronic rather than paper-based communic... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Use electronic rather than paper-based communicatio... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 24%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Use double-sided printing for all documents whe... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.2 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Use double-sided printing for all documents when po... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.3 Variability 28%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
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Potential Measures 23
Form an internal committee to oversee the imple... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Form an internal committee to oversee the implement... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Invest in "green power," carbon offsets, and/or... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Invest in "green power," carbon offsets, and/or oth... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Replace inefficient pumps or modify how they ar... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 22%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Replace inefficient pumps or modify how they are us... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 26%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 24
Promote the installation and use of composting ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 22%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote the installation and use of composting toil... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Assure that software allows screen review of re... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.0 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Assure that software allows screen review of reques... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.0 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Prohibit use of public funds for purchase of wa... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.6 Variability 32%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Prohibit use of public funds for purchase of water ... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 27%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 292
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 25
Give bidding preference to contractors who use ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.8 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Give bidding preference to contractors who use rene... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.8 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Install heat exchangers at public shower facili... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.8 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Install heat exchangers at public shower facilities. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.6 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Modify the city potable water system to elimina... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.1 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Modify the city potable water system to eliminate n... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.7 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 293
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 26
Prohibit electric vending machines on public pr... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.1 Variability 28%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Prohibit electric vending machines on public property. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.1 Variability 24%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Eliminate need to transport and store chlorine ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.1 Variability 22%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Eliminate need to transport and store chlorine for ... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.1 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Celebrate the 4th of July without the use of fi... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 1.9 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Celebrate the 4th of July without the use of firewo... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.3 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
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November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 27
Build all new buildings to at least a LEED Silver c... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.4 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Build all new buildings to at least a LEED Silv... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescen... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.2 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Replace incandescent lights with compact fluore... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.1 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Purchase fuel-efficient and/or alternative-fuel veh... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.4 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Purchase fuel-efficient and/or alternative-fuel... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 295
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 28
Renovate existing buildings to lessen energy consum... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.6 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Renovate existing buildings to lessen energy co... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Phase out low-efficiency and high-emission vehicles... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.3 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Phase out low-efficiency and high-emission vehi... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Use electric-vehicle or bicycles for government fun... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.0 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Use electric-vehicle or bicycles for government... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 15%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 296
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 29
Install high-efficiency furnaces, variable-speed pu... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.3 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Install high-efficiency furnaces, variable-spee... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish a reduced idling policy for fleet vehicles. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 29%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish a reduced idling policy for fleet veh... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.4 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Subsidize bus passes for employees. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Subsidize bus passes for employees. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 297
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 30
Install photovoltaic panels on existing buildings a... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.2 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Install photovoltaic panels on existing buildin... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 10%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Install heat pumps, air or geothermal, as a first c... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.3 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Install heat pumps, air or geothermal, as a fir... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage teleconferencing for meetings. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage teleconferencing for meetings. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 298
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 31
Develop alternative work schedules for employees, i... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop alternative work schedules for employee... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 24%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop policies for inter-departmental car sharing... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop policies for inter-departmental car sha... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Subsidize vanpools for employees if deemed cost eff... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Subsidize vanpools for employees if deemed cost... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 299
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 32
Perform regular route-efficiency analyses for routi... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Perform regular route-efficiency analyses for r... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage telecommuting for employees. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage telecommuting for employees. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Support the development of an energy-efficient comm... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 28%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Support the development of an energy-efficient ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 24%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 300
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 33
Install wind turbines on public property, where app... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Install wind turbines on public property, where... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.8 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Adjust shipping schedules and capacities to reduce ... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Adjust shipping schedules and capacities to red... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.9 Variability 11%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Install roundabouts rather than new traffic signals... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Install roundabouts rather than new traffic sig... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.8 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 301
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 34
Educate employee unions to the need for more effici... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.1 Variability 22%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Educate employee unions to the need for more ef... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Have local neighborhoods adopt local parks to reduc... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.7 Variability 27%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Have local neighborhoods adopt local parks to r... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.2 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Replace mowers with grazing animals for park lawn m... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.6 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Replace mowers with grazing animals for park la... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.2 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 302
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 35
Reduce mowing of grass in parks. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 1.8 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Reduce mowing of grass in parks. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 28%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 303
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 36
Section 2 Graphs
Develop a Smart Trips program to promote public tra... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.1 Variability 22%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop a Smart Trips program to promote public... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.0 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Increase funding for public transportation. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.6 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Increase funding for public transportation. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 17%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop a commuter-friendly transit plan and increa... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop a commuter-friendly transit plan and in... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 8%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 304
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 37
Promote use of fuel efficient, alternative-fuel and... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.0 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote use of fuel efficient, alternative-fuel... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 17%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Provide electric vehicle recharging stations at gov... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.4 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Provide electric vehicle recharging stations at... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Increase bicycle-carrying capacity of buses by prom... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Increase bicycle-carrying capacity of buses by ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 305
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 38
Implement existing City non-motorized transportatio... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 17%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Implement existing City non-motorized transport... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Build "complete streets" (including facilities for ... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.0 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Build "complete streets" (including facilities ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 26%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Adopt reduced-idling ordinance. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Adopt reduced-idling ordinance. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 24%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 306
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 39
Develop a bounty for retiring a high-emission vehicle. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop a bounty for retiring a high-emission v... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Institute parking fees in commercial centers, to en... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Institute parking fees in commercial centers, t... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop a comprehensive county-wide bicycle and ped... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop a comprehensive county-wide bicycle and... vsFeasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 307
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 40
Establish a low-interest loan program for private i... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish a low-interest loan program for priva... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish and consistently enforce policies for bic... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.7 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish and consistently enforce policies for... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Implement a car/truck-sharing service. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Implement a car/truck-sharing service. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.9 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 308
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 41
Provide covered bicycle parking at commercial, scho... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.7 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Provide covered bicycle parking at commercial, ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 10%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Use parking fees to discourage single occupancy veh... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Use parking fees to discourage single occupancy... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.9 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Tax parking areas as part of the "land improvements... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Tax parking areas as part of the "land improvem... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.7 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 309
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 42
Retrofit diesel trucks with emission-reducing devices, vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Retrofit diesel trucks with emission-reducing d... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.4 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 310
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 43
Section 3 Graphs
Provide incentives for installation of solar-photov... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.4 Variability 10%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Provide incentives for installation of solar-ph... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.1 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish a low-interest loan program for private i... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.4 Variability 10%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish a low-interest loan program for priva... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 26%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Require use of a standardized green-building point-... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.4 Variability 17%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Require use of a standardized green-building po... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 311
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 44
Expand home-weatherization assistance programs for ... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.2 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Expand home-weatherization assistance programs ... vsFeasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 11%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Revise building codes to require greater insulation. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.1 Variability 15%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Revise building codes to require greater insula... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage use of motion sensors for outdoor lighting. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 17%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage use of motion sensors for outdoor lig... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.2 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 312
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 45
Reduce total number of streetlights. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Reduce total number of streetlights. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 22%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Distribute "green building" advice booklets. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.8 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Distribute "green building" advice booklets. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.6 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Use energy-saving lamps (e.g., led) for outdoor lig... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Use energy-saving lamps (e.g., led) for outdoor... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 313
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 46
Promote energy auditing in homes and businesses. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote energy auditing in homes and businesses. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 17%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Eliminate unnecessary or overly bright outdoor ligh... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Eliminate unnecessary or overly bright outdoor ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Require sellers to provide current energy audit inf... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Require sellers to provide current energy audit... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 314
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 47
Expedite building permits for projects that reach a... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Expedite building permits for projects that rea... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop programs to improve, convert, or replace in... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop programs to improve, convert, or replac... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Implement a "Dark-Sky" ordinance to reduce nighttim... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 27%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Implement a "Dark-Sky" ordinance to reduce nigh... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 315
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 48
Promote the use of efficient wood burning heating a... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote the use of efficient wood burning heati... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Replace all two-stroke engines with four-stroke eng... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 27%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Replace all two-stroke engines with four-stroke... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.8 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Provide information on carbon reduction strategies ... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.7 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Provide information on carbon reduction strateg... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 316
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 49
Revise building codes to allow for greater heights ... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Revise building codes to allow for greater heig... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.9 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Create awards for businesses and developments with ... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.3 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Create awards for businesses and developments w... vsFeasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Eliminate use of gas-powered leaf blowers. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 28%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Eliminate use of gas-powered leaf blowers. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.7 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 317
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 50
Section 4 Graphs
Promote townhouse, cluster and mixed-use develo... vsFeasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.1 Variability 15%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote townhouse, cluster and mixed-use developmen... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.2 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Create pedestrian and bicycle-friendly communit... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Create pedestrian and bicycle-friendly communities ... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.0 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote urban density through code revisions fo... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote urban density through code revisions for it... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 15%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 318
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 51
Establish tree planting incentives for developm... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish tree planting incentives for developments... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote programs that offers carbon credits for... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote programs that offers carbon credits for tim... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote the use of drought-tolerant native plan... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.1 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote the use of drought-tolerant native plants a... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 29%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 319
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 52
Promote small and affordable housing by includi... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote small and affordable housing by including s... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Make farm produce stands an allowed use anywher... vsFeasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Make farm produce stands an allowed use anywhere an... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop program for use of local produce in sch... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop program for use of local produce in school ... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 27%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 320
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 53
Encourage the planting of rain gardens and othe... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage the planting of rain gardens and other "L... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 22%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Restrict development on land that is ideally su... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Restrict development on land that is ideally suited... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage more street plantings and home garden... vsFeasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage more street plantings and home garden plo... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 26%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 321
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 54
Support biogas production from manure. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Support biogas production from manure. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Provide space for farmer's markets and produce ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Provide space for farmer's markets and produce stands. vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Reduce and/or eliminate parking requirements fo... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 17%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Reduce and/or eliminate parking requirements for de... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 322
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 55
Promote worm bins and composting systems for th... vsFeasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote worm bins and composting systems for the fo... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.7 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Support a cooperative "mobile meat processing p... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Support a cooperative "mobile meat processing plant... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Provide incentives for contractors to use pervi... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Provide incentives for contractors to use pervious ... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 323
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 56
Develop in-school food production programs for ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop in-school food production programs for stud... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Prohibit outdoor burning. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Prohibit outdoor burning. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Allow and promote the use of city rights-of-way... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Allow and promote the use of city rights-of-way for... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.7 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 324
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 57
Section 5 Graphs
Require waste recycling. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Require waste recycling. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.2 Variability 23%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage dis-assembly, deconstruction and recy... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.1 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage dis-assembly, deconstruction and recyclin... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote adaptive reuse of historic or older bui... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote adaptive reuse of historic or older buildings. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.0 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 325
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 58
Develop a program for mandatory recycling of co... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop a program for mandatory recycling of constr... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Investigate wetland filtration systems as an al... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Investigate wetland filtration systems as an altern... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Publicize pick-up services for pre-cycling, rec... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.1 Variability 15%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Publicize pick-up services for pre-cycling, recycli... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 326
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 59
Promote neighborhood composting centers. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Promote neighborhood composting centers. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 25%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage reduced use of packaging, especially ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Encourage reduced use of packaging, especially for ... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Ease restrictions on rainwater catchment systems. vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.9 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Ease restrictions on rainwater catchment systems. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 28%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 327
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 60
Investigate wastewater reclamation strategies f... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Investigate wastewater reclamation strategies for u... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish compost credits for payment of yard w... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.7 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish compost credits for payment of yard waste... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.9 Variability 11%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish a home pick-up pre-cycling program fo... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Establish a home pick-up pre-cycling program for it... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.0 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 328
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 61
Develop better incentives for small garbage con... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 15%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop better incentives for small garbage contain... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.9 Variability 20%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 329
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 62
Section 6 Graphs
Publish articles and a regular newspaper column... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 4.6 Variability 14%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Publish articles and a regular newspaper column wit... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.9 Variability 18%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop classes for clean energy, gardening, ag... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.8 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop classes for clean energy, gardening, agricu... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
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5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Coordinate curriculum of sustainability course ... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.6 Variability 21%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Coordinate curriculum of sustainability course offe... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.9 Variability 15%)
0
1
2
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6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 330
November 23, 2011
Potential Measures 63
Develop civics and environmental classes on sus... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.2 Variability 18%)
0
1
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6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop civics and environmental classes on sustain... vsBenefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.1 Variability 24%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop lists for student projects on sustainab... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.3 Variability 16%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Develop lists for student projects on sustainability. vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 2.3 Variability 13%)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Create banners and signs promoting sustainabili... vs Feasibility
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 3.4 Variability 30%)
0
1
2
3
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5
6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
Create banners and signs promoting sustainability p... vs Benefit
Number of responsesResults summary (Average 1.7 Variability 19%)
0
1
2
3
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6
Abs. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
(9 responses)
12/11/2019 PC Agenda Packet Pg. 331
Appendix H
Letter Extending the Climate Action Committee
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