HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/25/2008 - GREENHOUSE GAS GOAL FOR FORT COLLINS DATE: March 25, 2008 WORK SESSION ITEM
STAFF: Lucinda Smith FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Greenhouse Gas Goal for Fort Collins.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 1999, Fort Collins City Council adopted a community-wide greenhouse gas reduction goal and
a plan to meet it. Biennial progress reports have shown that good progress is being made but that
Fort Collins is not on track to meet the goal "to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30% below
predicted 2010 levels, by 2010". In March 2007, City Council authorized a citizen task force to
develop an updated plan for the 2010 goal and to recommend a future direction for climate
protection. The Climate Task Force (CTF) developed an interim package of measures that were
designed aggressively to meet the 2010 goal. At a February 26, 2008 work session, Council
reviewed the interim Short-Term Provisional Package and raised questions about the appropriateness
of the 2010 goal. They decided to step back and revisit the community's greenhouse gas goal in
hopes of finding an approach that reflects longer-term thinking yet be appropriately aggressive in
the short-term.
The purpose of this work session is to offer City Council alternatives to the existing 2010
greenhouse gas goal and learn their preference for a future goal direction.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does Council support establishing a new greenhouse reduction goal for Fort Collins?
2. Which greenhouse gas reduction goal(s) does Council prefer?
3. If a new goal is preferred, does Council wish to adopt it by resolution separately and soon,
or include it in a resolution that also adopts an updated climate protection plan?
4. Does Council agree that the Climate Task Force should complete its report to the City
Manager that will include recommendations on interim steps to make progress on Fort
Collins' greenhouse gas goal?
BACKGROUND
I. Function of a Goal
Local government policy goals are useful to identify a common direction and provide a framework
for strategic planning. hi many cases,goals are used to identify future milestones needed to achieve
a collective vision. The "Climate Protection Manual for Cities", published in 2006 by"Natural
March 25, 2008 Page 2
Capitalism"in conjunction with ICLEI(see http://www.climatemanual.org/Cities/index.htm)offers
advice to local governments when setting climate goals. The Manual advises that cities set targets,
that the targets should be tied to scientific studies that calculate the amount of reductions needed by
future date, and that goals should be as aggressive as possible while still being achievable. The
Manual also notes that, while some communities are ready to move rapidly to protect the climate,
others will wish to move more slowly.
It is anticipated City Council would ultimately adopt a community greenhouse gas goal by Council
resolution,therefore formally establishing it as a City policy. Policies form the framework for staff
work plans. However, it is through the process of budget-setting and passage of ordinances that
specific actions necessary to meet goals are authorized by Council. Council will have opportunities
to prioritize greenhouse gas reduction efforts in the context of other City needs and priorities when
making decisions about budget, City services, City ordinances, etc. Factors such as cost,
environmental impacts and social impacts can be considered at each decision point along the way.
II. Goal Alternatives
Three alternative community-wide greenhouse gas goals are presented below for Council
consideration. They are drawn from other example of goals set in Colorado.
Table 1 below summarizes the alternatives. Note that the emissions projections and needed
reductions reflect current best estimates and are subject to change as new or updated data become
available or the emission inventory methodology changes.
Table 1.Greenhouse Gas Goal Alternatives
Estimated 2010
Tons CO2e
Reductions
Number Goal Example from needed,compared
to "Business As
Usual" 2010
scenario
A-1 20%below 2005 by 2020 State of Colorado 542,000
A-2 80%below 2005 by 2050 State of Colorado Same as Above
B 30%below 2004 by 2020 Aspen 852,000
C 10%Per capita reduction below 1990 by Denver 727,000
2012
Attachment 3 provides an illustration of how the two state goals (A-1 and A-2) would look when
applied to Fort Collins greenhouse gas emissions and projections.
Attachment 4 provides examples of other local government greenhouse gas goals and other states'
goals.
March 25, 2008 Page 3
III. Recommended Goals
City staff and the Climate Task Force recommend adoption of the goals identified for the state of
Colorado.
• 20%reduction below 2005 levels, by 2020
• 80%reduction below 2005 levels,by 2050.
The CTF unanimously recommends these goals. It believes that local alignment with the statewide
goals will increase cohesion of efforts and reduce confusion and lack of focus that could result when
different goals are established by different entities. The CTF recognizes that significant thought
went into the selection of statewide goals, including considerations of short-term feasibility and
longer-term efforts needed to avert the worst impacts of climate change.
The CTF specifically recommends these goals because they are the same as those established for
the state of Colorado under the Colorado Climate Action Plan. The recommended 2050 goal is
grounded in scientific basis indicating that reductions of global greenhouse gas emissions by at least
of 80% are needed by mid-century to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. The
state's 2020 goal is largely built upon a plan of action strategies, and state leaders believe it is
achievable.
Along with the goals, the CTF believes that a clear vision statement is needed to create a common
understanding among the wide range ofparticipants needed to meaningfully address climate change
in Fort Collins. Without this clear picture, goals and plans run the risk of drifting off course. The
CTF offers a vision for Council consideration that Fort Collins would ultimately become a carbon
neutral community. Its proposed vision statement, below, is meant as illustrative, acknowledging
that it is City Council's role, not the role of the CTF, to set the vision for the community.
"Fort Collins will be a carbon neutral, environmentally sustainable, economically
healthy community that offers its citizens a high quality of life. We will build on our
culture of 'heroic pragmatism' to lead by example and do our part to thwart the
known global environmental threat of climate change. We are inspired to action
now so that as future generations look back on this period, they too can be inspired
and know that we did everything in our power to create a future world that is
thriving, vibrant, sustainable, and full ofpossibility. "
Attachment 2 provides a full explanation of the CTF recommendations for setting a goal.
Staff believes the recommended goals meet several important criteria. The 2020 goal is reasonably
aggressive yet potentially attainable. The 2020 goal meets the "SMART" criteria often used for
goal-setting, discussed in more detail below. There are two important factors that set these
recommended goals above other alternatives: consistency and need.
March 25, 2008 Page 4
1. Consistency
The recommended goals mirror those set for the state of Colorado in the Colorado Climate Action
Plan. The Plan, released by Governor Ritter in November 2007, can be viewed at
http://fcgov.com/climateprotection/pdf/ctf-other-ccap.pdf
The goals also mirror those recommended by the Colorado Climate Action Panel (CAP). The
greenhouse gas reduction goals recommended by the CAP were meant to be consistent with the
parallel goal of an efficient,robust economy.A super majority(one objection, 5 qualified votes)of
the 37-member CAP voted for these goals. The objecting CAP member felt the target was not
aggressive enough. The five qualified "Yes But" votes ranged from concerns that the goals were
not aggressive enough, to the goals were too aggressive.
The CAP believes these goals should guide actions in the state but not be a firm cap. The CAP also
believes these goals are realistic because the panel's quantified recommendations would achieve
most of the reduction needed to meet the goal, the remaining unquantified CAP recommendations
would provide additional reductions, and other measures beyond the CAP recommendations are
available now and more will become available in the future. (See Attachment 5 for a more complete
discussion of the CAP vote on the goals.)
In addition,the recommended 2020 goal is in alignment with the directive provided to Platte River
Power Authority in the Colorado Climate Action Plan,that utilities should seek to lower emissions
20%below 2005 levels by 2020. The recommended 2020 goal is also in alignment with discussion
currently underway by the City of Fort Collins Energy Policy Update Committee.
The terminology of goals can be confusing to the public. Adopting the same goals that have been
set for the state may help diminish this confusion.
2. Need
The recommended local 2050 goal to reduce emissions by 80%below 2005 levels is based on the
global scale of greenhouse gas reductions that scientists are currently saying is needed to avert the
most significant impacts of climate change. This goal is in line with an ultimate vision of Fort
Collins as a climate neutral community(no net emissions).
3. "SMART"
The 2020 goal meets the"SMART"criteria often used for goal-setting.
• Specific
The goal to reduce greenhouse gas emission 20%below 2005 levels can be translated into
a specific number.Using the current inventory methodology,Fort Collins 2005 greenhouse
gas emissions equals 2,540,000 tons CO2e, therefore the desired emissions levels in 2020
is 2,032,000 tons CO2e.
March 25, 2008 Page 5
• Measurable
Progress on this goal can be measured by conducting an annual greenhouse gas emissions
inventory and determining if the trend is approaching the desired 2020 target.
• Attainable
Attaining the recommended 2020 goal is not likely to be a simple or easy task,given today's
technology and market situation.However,it is within grasp. Technology advancements in
areas of renewable energy, smart grid technology, vehicle technology and fuel alternatives
are anticipated to come into play by 2020. The marketplace is also likely to evolve under
anticipated regulation of carbon emissions.
• Realistic and result-oriented
The 2020 planning horizon allows for more strategic planning. It allows incorporation of
actions such as land use and transportation planning that can institute systemic sustainable
change over the long term. A 2020 goal removes the pressure to implement actions that
might sacrifice long-term benefit just to achieve short-lived reductions. While it may not be
appropriate or even possible to develop a detailed implementation plan for meeting the 2020
goal at this time, it will be possible to develop a strategic plan that recommends interim
goals and steps to begin the process of shifting the trajectory of emissions curve from rising
tofalling. An interim plan would necessarily incorporate periodic monitoring,reporting,and
allow for course corrections where necessary.
• Time-sensitive
The recommended 2020 goal includes a time frame.
IV. Anticipated Next Steps
In order to make progress on a goal, it is important to develop interim implementation plans,
monitor progress and update plans as necessary. It is not appropriate or feasible to develop a
detailed implementation plan that addresses the entire path from now to 2020 in light of evolving
technology and market conditions. However,it will be important to develop and propose to Council
an interim implementation plan that will set the community on course to meet the goal. This
implementation plan should include milestones and metrics, a process for tracking, reporting and
updating the plan as necessary,and should consider cost,environmental impacts and social impacts.
Several elements need to be addressed in the development of an implementation plan. It will be
important to ensure that Fort Collins' emissions and reduction accounting methodologies reflect
current best practices. Potential policy conflicts that may exist in some emissions reduction
strategies need to be addressed moving forward. The implementation plan should also ensure
alignment with other relevant City policies and programs including the Electric Energy Policy
update.
March 25, 2008 Page 6
In addition,it will be important to develop a comprehensive,thoughtful public engagement approach
that reflects the community's values. Outreach efforts can highlight the cost-effectiveness of
actions in order to gain community support and promote market transfonnation.
The following timetable is proposed:
End of April CTF complete its recommendation to City Manager, including interim
implementation steps
Early May Staff develop recommended implementation steps, considering Task Force
recommendations
May Boards and Commissions review and public input
June 10 Council work session
(Alternate dates of July 8 or July 22)
July or August Council Action
ATTACHMENTS
1. February 26, 2008 Work Session Summary .
2. Climate Task Force Recommendation on Goals.
3. Illustration of Recommended Greenhouse Gas Goals.
4. Examples of Other Goals.
5. Colorado Climate Action Panel Discussion on Statewide Reduction Goals.
6. Electric Board Input to the Climate Task Force.
7. PowerPoint presentation.
ATTACHMENTI
risins,
Resources Department
t Mountain Ave.,Suite A
580
l CO 80522
City of Fort Collins .6600
970.224.st 77-fax
fcgov.com
Attachment 1- February 26,2008 Work Session Summary
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Hutchinson and City Councilmembers
THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Diane Jones, Deputy City Manager
FROM: Lucinda Smith, Sr. Environmental Planner
CC: Marty Heffernan, CPRE Director
John Stokes,NRD Director
DATE: February 29, 2008
SUBJECT: February 26, 2008 Work Session Summary—Climate Task Force
• On February 26, 2008, City Council held a work session to discuss the Climate Task Force work
to date. All Councilmembers were present except Councilman Brown. In addition to John
Stokes and Lucinda Smith, several staff were present in the audience as well as a number of
Climate Task Force members, in case questions arose.
In summary, Councilmembers present indicted support for Fort Collins working to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. They did not discuss many details of the Short-term Provisional
Package,but raised questions about the appropriateness of the existing 2010 greenhouse gas
goal. They recognized the challenge of achieving a 2010 goal that was accentuated by the cost
estimates of the Short-Term Provisional Package. They encouraged an approach that reflects
longer-term thinking yet be appropriately aggressive in the short-term. They asked about the
relationship of Fort Collins' existing goal (to reduce emissions 30% below predicted 2010 levels,
by 2010)to the state's 2020 goal (to reduce emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020).
Councilmembers individually suggested that the task force consider economic opportunities and
impacts to Fort Collins, whole energy-systems thinking, green building, regional coordination,
the importance of community engagement, the importance of periodic progress reporting, and
ensuring synchronization with other City planning efforts currently underway.
Next Steps
On March 3,2008, the City Leadership Team will discuss the process by which the City's
• greenhouse gas goal will be revised to consider a longer planning horizon. The results of this
discussion will be communicated to the Climate Task Force so the next steps can be planned
accordingly.
where renewal is a way of life
ATTACHMENT
Natural Resources Department
200 West Mountain Ave.,Suite A
PO Box 580
Fort Collins,CO 80522
City of Fort Collins 97o.zz1.68o0
970.224.6177-fax
fcgov.com
Igo
Attachment 2-Climate Task Force Goal Recommendation
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Hutchinson and City Council Members
Darin Atteberry, City Manager
FROM: Fort Collins Climate Task Force
DATE: March 12, 2008
SUBJECT: Recommendations on Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Goal
Executive Summary
The Climate Task Force(CTF)unanimously recommends that Fort Collins adopt the statewide
greenhouse gas reduction goals to:
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20%below 2005 levels,by 2020
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80%below 2005 levels,by 2050
• The CTF believes that local alignment with the statewide goals will increase cohesion of efforts
and reduce confusion and lack of unified focus that would result from differing goals. The CTF
recognizes that significant thought went into the selection of statewide goals, including
considerations of short-term feasibility and longer-term efforts needed to avert the worst impacts
of climate change.
Introduction
This memo summarizes the Climate Task Force input into your discussions about Fort Collins'
greenhouse gas reduction goals. The CTF work over the past ten months has afforded ample
opportunities to carefully consider the importance and feasibility of greenhouse gas reduction
efforts for Fort Collins, and this has informed the content of this memo.
For context and to inspire the change that will be needed to meet the greenhouse gas policy
goal(s) City Council chooses, the CTF recommended goals are presented in a broader framework
that includes a discussion of rationale,vision statement suggestions, and guiding principles.
This broader framework accommodates many important points that you raised during the
February 26 study session that a numeric goal alone cannot achieve. Namely, this framework
attempts to shift towards a positive vision of the future that capitalizes on the numerous ancillary
benefits from a comprehensive and systems-approach to climate protection.
Above all, the CTF would like to impart the importance of City Council providing a firm
statement of leadership and commitment to climate protection in developing and delivering the
• revised goal to the community.
where renewal is a way of life
Rationale
The Climate Task Force holds the following statements as true and therefore has used to guide
the development of the vision,goal, and guiding principles:
• The Fort Collins community has demonstrated its leadership on the issue of climate
protection and should continue to act from a position of leadership and focused intent so
as to inspire other communities across the region, state, and globe to likewise step up to
share in the solution.
• The community will realize tremendous ancillary economic, environmental, and social
benefits when taking responsible steps to combat climate change. Accordingly the goal
and plan should actively pursue and manage these benefits including but not limited to
economic vitality, community cohesion, societal and individual health, improved air
quality, and state and national recognition.
• The City of Fort Collins government should play a special role in energizing the
community by first leading by example in greening its own operations, then by
establishing policy directions that will lead the community to a sustainable future, and
most importantly by inspiring community involvement.
• Fort Collins is fortunate to have a number of organizations leading sustainability efforts
including Poudre School District, Colorado State University, and the wide array of
Climate Wise partners that have publicly committed to voluntarily reducing their
organization's greenhouse gas emissions. For perspective,the Climate Wise program
represents the city's top employers (representing 12,000 employees)and the city's top
energy users(representing approximately one third of Fort Collins Utilities total annual
electricity delivered). Building collaborations and sharing experiences with other leaders
in the community and region will be integral to achieving success.
• Based on scientific evidence, forecasts, and models under different scenarios of action,
the CTF believes that the local goal should target an 80%or more reduction in our
greenhouse gas emissions inventory by mid-century in order for Fort Collins to perform
at a level consistent with global requirements for reversing the effects of climate change.
• In the end,we must come together as a community, a state, a nation, and a globe to
dedicate ourselves to the serious task of addressing climate change while not losing sight
of the fact that we can make a difference and leave the world a better place for future
generations.
Vision statement
The CTF believes that a clear vision statement is needed to create a common understanding
among the wide range of participants needed to meaningfully address climate change in Fort
Collins. Without this clear picture, goals and plans run the risk of drifting off course. As well,
it's difficult to create a vision around climate protection without acknowledging the broader
topic of sustainability.
2
• Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without jeopardizing the ability of future
generations to do the same...hi other words, living off the interest of the earth,not the capital
itself. The process io be increasingly sustainable addresses known issues of major social,
economic, and environmental importance. Climate change is one of these issues that will have
major impact on the world and on the Fort Collins community, if steps are not taken to address it.
Using the rationale statements as a guide and sustainability as the backdrop, the CTF offers the
following example vision statement for consideration. This is meant as illustrative,
acknowledging that it is City Council's role,not the role of the CTF, to set the vision for the
community.
"Fort Collins will be a carbon neutral, environmentally sustainable, economically
healthy community that offers its citizens a high quality of life. We will build on our
culture of`heroic pragmatism'to lead by example and do our part to thwart the known
global environmental threat of climate change. We are inspired to action now so that as
future generations look back on this period, they too can be inspired and know that we
did everything in our power to create a future world that is thriving, vibrant, sustainable,
and full of possibility."
Guiding Principles
• The City of Fort Collins must lead by example in policy-making and implementation.
• Embrace the opportunity to tap into the unique combination of innovation, creativity and
• technical expertise that abounds within the Fort Collins community to develop long-term
sustainable solutions.
• Address all aspects of the challenge, including emissions source categories (electricity,
transportation, natural gas, and municipal solid waste) and user sectors(residential,
commercial and industrial).
• Engage all sectors, including large organizations within the community who can provide
leadership and influence.
• Focus on action but use goals as guidance to develop plans.
• Greenhouse gas reduction strategies must consider technical, economic,political, and
social feasibility, and be reasonable and prudent.
• Identify and factor the multiple co-benefits of strategies into decision-making.
• Strategies should promote economic vitality and prioritize investments into our
community
• Identify interim goals,milestones and reporting metrics in implementation plans.
• Commit to and institutionalize regular reporting to track progress and determine whether
course corrections are needed.
Recommended Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Goals
The Climate Task Force unanimously recommends adoption of the following goals:
• Reduce Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions 20%below 2005 levels,by 2020
• Reduce Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80%below 2005 levels,by 2050
• All twelve CTF members voted to recommend these goals to Council,but one task force member
had serious concerns that there is no limit or"safety valve" placed on cost to reach the goal.
3
These goals are the same as those established for the state of Colorado under Governor Ritter's
Climate Action Plan. The recommended 2050 goal is grounded in scientific basis indicating that
reductions of global greenhouse gas emissions by at least of 80% are needed by mid-century to
avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.
The state 2020 goal is largely built upon a plan of action strategies, and state leaders believe it is
achievable. The measures introduced in the Fort Collins"Short-Term Provisional Package"can
play an important role in achieving progress on the recommended 2020 Fort Collins goal. Many
of these measures are very cost-effective and a number are voluntary. Recognizing the
importance of getting additional actions underway soon,the CTF looks forward to refining its
recommendations to optimally address Council's recommendation on the community's
greenhouse gas goals.
4
Attachment 3 . Illustration of Recommended Goals
Figure 1 below illustrates how the goal to "reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005
levels, by 2020" would look when applied to Fort Collins emission inventory and 2010
projection.
Figure 1 . Illustration of Goal to Reduce Emissions 20% Below 2005 Levels by 2020
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions
20 % below 2005 by 2020
3 . 500
3 . 000 2 . 913 M tons
(Updated 2010 Projection )
N 2 . 500 2 . 371 M tons
2 . 000
c
o 2 . 032 M t ns
0 1 . 500 (20 % below 2005 )
1 . 000
0 . 500
0 . 000
N N N N N N N N N N N
QD CG QD QD CG O O O O O O O O O O O
QD CG QD QD CG O O O O O N
O N 4�b, O 00 O N 4�b, O 00 O N ? O 00 O
The revised emissions projection for 2010 equals 2 ,913 ,000 tons CO2e, and the desired
emissions level for 2020 is 2, 032, 000 tons CO2e(20% below the 2005 level) . If a straight line is
projected from 2005 to 2020 , the needed emissions level in 2010 would be 2, 371 ,000 tons CO2e .
Fort Collins would need to reduce 542,000 tons CO2e/year by 2010 to be on a straight-line
course for meeting the 2020 goal. The numbers are presented in Table 1 below.
Table 1 . Fort Collins Emissions Estimates
20% below 2005 by 2020 Estimated Tons CO2e
2005 Emissions 215401000
Updated 2010 Projection 279131000
2020 Target Emissions (20 % below 2005 ) 21032 , 000
2010 inventory needed to meet 2020 targetl 213711000
2010 reductions needed to hit 2020 targeti 5427000
Note that all emissions projections and needed reductions reflect current best estimates and are
subject to change as new or updated data become available or the emission inventory
methodology changes .
1
Table 2 below identifies how a goal to "reduce emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020"
would look relative to population projections and per capita estimates . If Fort Collins met the
goal to reduce emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2002, per capita emission in 2020 would be
approximately 20% lower than 1990 per capita levels and 37% lower than 2005 per capita levels .
Table 2 . Fort Collins Per Capita Emissions Estimates
Tons Per Percent
Population Per CO2e if capita Change Percent
( 1 .6%/yr Capita meet if meet from below
Estimated growth from Tons 2020 2020 1990 Per 2005 Per
Year Tons CO2e 2006) CO2e goal goal Capita Capita
1990 113661000 871758 15 . 6
2005 215401000 1277686 19 . 9
2010 23913 , 000 138 , 001 21 . 1 213713000 17 . 2 + 10 . 38% 13 . 63%
2012 31129 , 000 1421452 22 . 0
2015 311951000 1497400 21 .4
2020 314787000 161740 21 . 5 23032 , 000 12 . 6 1 - 19 . 29% 36 . 84 %
Figure 2 below illustrates how the goal to "reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 2005
levels, by 2050" would look when applied to Fort Collins emission inventory and 2010
projection.
Figure 2 . Illustration of Goal to Reduce Emissions 80% Below 2005 Levels by 2050
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions
3 . 500
3 . 000 2 . 913 M tons
( Updated 2010
MOO !.
projection )
2 . 032 M Tons
= 2 . 000 i ••'''•••• • (20 % below 2005 )
..
o ''••..
.••.
rM 1 . 500 ••
o •'''•••.
1 . 000 •••
0 . 500 0 . 508 M tons
0 . 000 ( 80 % below 2005)
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050
2
Attachment 4 — Other Greenhouse Goal Examples
Table 1 below provides examples of goals set by other local government in the USA and Table 2
provides examples of other state goals .
Table 1 . Example Community Goals
ons CO2e reduction
Location Goal needed
30% below 2004 by 2020 ; 80 % 500 , 000 tons Co2e
Aspen , CO below 2004 by 2050 by 2020
Boulder, CO 7 % below 1990 by 2012
Carbondale , CO 25% below 2004 by 2012
10 % per capita reduction below 1 . 8 million metric tons
Denver, CO 1990 by the year 2012 by 2012
Basalt , Durango , Frisco ,
Glenwood Springs , Gunnison , 7 % below 1990 by 2012
Nederland , new castle , Pagosa
Springs , Telluride , Westminster
Austin , TX multiple specific goals
Berkeley, CA 15% below 2010 , by 2010 2010
Burlington , VT 10 % below 1990 by 2010
Cambridge , MA 20 % below 1990 by 2010 494 , 000 tons CO2e
Los Angeles , CA 30 % below 1990 by 2010
Portland , OR 10% below 1990 by 2010
Seattle , WA 7 % below 1990 by 2012
Table 2 . Exam le State Commitments to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
1990-2020
Forecast
State (% increase) State Goal
AZ 149 % 2000 levels by 2020 ; 50% below 2000 by 2040
CA 34 % 1990 levels by 2020, 80% below 1990 by 2050
CT 32 % 1990 levels by 2010; 10% below by 2020; 75 -85 % ultimately
CO 20% below 2005 levels by 2020, 80% below 2005 by 2050
ME 34 % 1990 levels by 2010; 10% below by 2020; 75 -85 % ultimately
NJ 5 % below 1990 by 2005
NM 48 - 64 % 2000 levels by 2012 ; 10% below by 2020; 75 % below 2000 by 2050
OR 38 % 1990 levels by 2010 ; 10% below by 2020; 75 % below 1990 by 2100
Puget Sound 37 % 1990 levels by 2010; 10% below by 2020; 75 % by 2100
RI 35 % 1990 levels by 2010; 10% below by 2020; 75 % -85 % ultimately
Source : Information compiled for Colorado Climate Project, see
http ://www . coloradoclimate. org/Climate_Action_Panel. cfm
Carbon/Climate neutral
Definition - Carbon/Climate neutral is defined having a net zero impact on the climate, typically
1
through a combination of direct greenhouse reduction efforts and purchasing offsets for the
remaining emissions .
City Commitment
Resolution 2007-015 , convening the Climate Task Force states,
"The City 's long-term goal is to he climate neutral in its operation and in the provision
of services to citizens of Fort Collins, and the City Council wishes to undertake
additional, affirmative steps toward achieving that goal '.
(Note this pertains to the municipal organization, not the entire community.)
Carbon Neutral Examples
• Costa Rica has set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2030
(http ://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_neutral#Carbon-neutral states)
• City of Stockholm' s goal to be fossil fuel free by 2050 (http ://www. iclei-
europe . orghndex. php?id =4332) ,
• Newcastle, England has a goal to become carbon neutral .
http ://www. carbonneutralnewcastle . com/home/
• Seattle City Light
• Oberlin College (Climate Neutral by 2020)
• Boulder County — internal operations ultimately climate neutral (Resolution 2005 - 137)
• Currently, 507 American colleges and universities have signed the American College and
University Presidents Climate Commitment, including CU Boulder and Metro State
Denver. By signing this commitment, the universities commit themselves to pursue
carbon neutrality. The commitment outlines ways to pursue carbon neutrality, including
setting a timeline for schools to make comprehensive plans for carbon neutrality, explore
ways to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases and plan for an increase in sustainable
energy sources .
http : //www. presidentsclimatecommitment. org/index. ph p
2
Attachment 5. Colorado Climate Action Panel Summary of Statewide Goal Discussion
The information below was excerpted from Chapter 7, page 6, of the Climate Action Panel ' s
final report, which can be viewed at
hLtp ://www.coloradoelimate.org/ewebediMro/items/01 4FI 3863 .pdf)
CC4 Statewide GHG Reduction Goals and Targets
The overarching purpose of the CAP stakeholder effort is to develop recommendations for
actions that can be taken in Colorado to reduce the state' s contribution and vulnerability to a
changed climate. The GHG reduction goals or targets recommended by the CAP are meant to be
consistent with the parallel goal of an efficient, robust Colorado economy. Within this
framework, a statewide goal or target can provide vision and direction, as well as a basis for
implementation of CAP policy recommendations and regular periodic assessments of progress
toward reaching the statewide goal .
Scientists have concluded ( 1 ) that global GHG emissions may have to be reduced by 50 to 85%
by 2050, compared to 2000 levels, to stabilize global temperature increases at no more than
about VF, a level that some scientists have suggested represents a threshold of dangerous
interference with the global climate; and (2) that emission reductions in the next two to three
decades will have a large impact on opportunities to achieve that kind of climate stabilization?
Consistent with these scientific conclusions, the CAP recommends, by super-majority of those
members present and voting (with one objection), and with five qualified votes of approval, that
the Governor of Colorado should set goals for the reduction of GHG emissions in Colorado. The
CAP believes the goals should be in the vicinity of a 20% reduction in GHG emissions by 2020
and an 80% reduction by 2050, both compared to 2005 levels. The CAP believes the goals
should guide actions in the state, but should not be a firm cap. The CAP believes these kinds of
goals are realistic because ( I ) the panel' s recommendations that have been analyzed
quantitatively would achieve most of the emission reductions that would be needed to meet such
a 2020 goal ; (2) other panel recommendations that were not analyzed quantitatively would lead
to additional reductions; and (3) other reasonable measures to reduce emissions beyond those
recommended by the panel are available now, and more will become available in the future.
ATTACHMENT
• Attachment 6. Excerpt from Electric Board Meeting Minutes of March 12 2008
Climate Task Force Recommendations—presented by Lucinda Smith Senior Environmental
Planner
The Electric Board was impressed by the amount of effort the Climate Task Force invested in
assembling their recommendations. Lucinda Smith was complimented on her capable
coordination of the effort. The Electric Board recognizes the need to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and expects the Climate Task Force recommendations will provide benefits to Fort
Collins Utilities consumers. While the Electric Board supports the general concepts and ideas
presented, some refinement is needed. Funding mechanisms and feasibility need to be
determined. Because the process is not yet completed, the board felt it was premature to vote on
support of the measures. The following comments were offered to the Climate Task Force to be
conveyed to City Council:
1. Be clear about the time frames addressed by the Climate Task Force. There was some
combination of analysis for 2010 and 2020 that needs to be clarified.
2. The tiered rate structure is preferred to the two percent flat rate increase as a method to get
additional funding for these measures. This will encourage conservation and mitigate impacts on
low income households.
• 3. The time-of-sale energy upgrade should not be mandated. An energy usage rating for a home
or building that is up for sale was suggested as a market-based alternative.
4. The Climate Task Force needs to investigate if accelerating purchases of Renewable Energy
Certificates is feasible, cost effective or necessary, especially if a new time frame for emissions
reduction is adopted. The cost and availability of RECs must be weighed against the potential
benefits.
5. The idea of smart metering is generally supported, but it's necessary to go beyond smart
metering to smart grid technology.
6. There needs to be a focus on marketing. People must to be educated on the value of investing
in these measures and their benefits and savings over time.
•
Fort Collins
Greenhouse Gas
Goals
Council Work Session
March 25 , 2008
City of Fort Collins
1
■
Background
■ 1999 — Council established goal to reduce Fort
Collins greenhouse gas emissions 30 % below
predicted 2010 levels , by 2010 .
■ 2000 through 2007 - Good progress made but not
on track to meet goal
■ 2007 — Council convened Climate Task Force to
update greenhouse gas plan
■ Feb . 26 , 2008 Council work session raised
questions about appropriateness of existing 2010
greenhouse gas goal
Z
1
■
Challenges of 2010 Planning
Horizon
■ Precludes important longer-term strategies , i . e .
land use planning , transportation planning
■ May lead to choices that bring short-term
reductions at the expense of more strategic long -
term investments offering greater community
benefit
■ Higher cost associated with ramping up strategies
for high level of implementation by 2010
3
■
Goals in Context
Vision --> Goals --> Implementation Plans 4 Budget
■ The Climate Task Force has also suggested a draft
vision statement and guiding principles for Council Is
consideration .
■ It is through budget-setting and other Council actions
that specific actions necessary to meet goals are
authorized by Council .
■ Council will have opportunities to prioritize
greenhouse gas reduction efforts in the context of
other City needs and priorities when making
decisions .
4
2
■
Draft Vision Proposed by CTF
■ " Fort Collins will be a carbon neutral ,
environmentally sustainable , economically
healthy community that offers its citizens a hiqh
quality of life . We will build on our culture of
` heroic pragmatism ' to lead by example and do
our part to thwart the known global environmental
threat of climate change . We are inspired to
action now so that as future generations look
back on this period , they too can be inspired and
know that we did everything in our power to
create a future world that is thriving , vibrant ,
sustainable , and full of possibility . "
5
■
Other key points from
Climate Task Force
■ The Fort Collins community has demonstrated its
leadership on climate protection and should
continue to act from a position of leadership and
focused intent so as to inspire others . . . . . .
■ The community will realize tremendous ancillary
economic , environmental , and social benefits
when taking responsible steps to combat climate
change . . . . . including economic vitality , community
cohesion , societal and individual health , improved
air quality , and state and national recognition .
■ Recognize the importance of getting additional
actions underway soon .
6
3
■
Other Colorado Communitywide Goals
Location Goal
30% below 2004 by 2020;
Aspen , CO 80% below 2004 by 2050
Boulder, CO 7% below 1990 by 2012
Carbondale, CO 25% below 2004 by 2012
10 % per capita reduction
Denver, CO below 1990 by the year 2012
Basalt, Durango, Frisco, Glenwood
Springs, Gunnison , Nederland , 7% below 1990 by 2012
New Castle , Pagosa Springs,
Telluride, Westminster
■
Other Communitywide Goals
Location Goal
Austin , TX multiple specific goals
Berkeley, CA 15% below 2010, by 2010
Burlington , VT 10% below 1990 by 2010
Cambridge, MA 20% below 1990 by 2010
Los Angeles, CA 30% below 1990 by 2010
Portland , OR 10% below 1990 by 2010
Seattle, WA 7% below 1990 by 2012
s
4
■
3 Alternatives to Consider
Estimated 2010
# Goal Example Tons CO2e
from Reductions
Needed
A- 1 20 % below 2005 , by 2020 State of 5423000
Colorado
A-2 80 % below 2005 , by 2050 State of Same as Above
Colorado
B 30 % below 2004 , by 2020 Aspen 852 , 000
C 10 % Per capita reduction Denver 7273000
below 1990 by 2012
9
■
Recommended Fort Collins Goal
■ 20 % reduction below 2005 levels , by 2020
■ 80 % reduction below 2005 levels , by 2050
Recommended by :
■ Fort Collins Climate Task Force ( unanimous )
■ City staff
10
5
■
20 % Below 2005 Levels , by 2020
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions 3.478 M tons
2020 "Business As
3 .500 Usua LProie� ctigp
2.913 M tons
(Updated 2010
3 .000 Projection) ...
N 2 .500 �:....... + ....
C 2 .000 2.371 M tons
♦ 2.032 M ton
0 1 .500 ♦ (20% below 2005)
1 .000
0 .500
0 .000
N N N N N N N N N N
W W W W O O CD CD CD CO O O O O O
W
CO CO O O O O O > > > > > Pi
O N AM
CO W O N ? T 00 O N ? O W O
11
■
20 % Below 2005 Levels , by 2020
■ Estimated 542 , 000 Tons CO2e reduction needed
in 2010 to be in line with meeting 2020 goal
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions
3.500
3.000 2.913 M tons
y 0.542 M ton gap
0 2.500
w 2.000 2.371 M tons
c
♦ 2.032 M tons
O 1 .500 ♦ (20% below 2005)
1 .000
0.500
0.000
t0 CO f0 CO f0 O O O O O O O O O O O
Q
N A M Gn W O N ? 01 N O N A Gn O O
12
6
■
80 % Below 2005 Levels , by 2050
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions
3. 500
3. 000 2.913 M tons
:.� ( Updated 2010
O 2. 500 ♦ t; projection )
2 .032 M Tons
U (20% below 2005)
c 2. 000
0
1 . 500
0
1 . 000
0. 500 0 .508 M to~
0. 000 (80% below 2005)
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050
13
■
Reasons for Recommendation
■ Consistent with statewide goals
■ Increase cohesion and unify focus
■ Reduce confusion
■ 2020 Goal — state level 2020 goal built "from the
ground up " ; Strategies recommended by
Colorado Climate Action panel plus additional
efforts will get there .
■ 2050 Goal - global scale of greenhouse gas
reductions that scientist are currently saying is
needed to avert the most significant impacts of
climate change .
14
7
■
Reasons for Recommendation
■ Specific — can be quantified
■ Measurable — can be measured
■ Attainable — State leaders and the Colorado
Climate Action Panel believe 2020
goal is attainable
■ Results- Oriented — the 2020 planning horizon
allows more strategic
planning
■ Time -sensitive — identifies a timeframe
15
■
Consistent with
Climate Action Panel ( Oct ' 07 )
■ October 2007 — Project Directors released
recommendations of Climate Action Panel
■ Recommend goals " in the vicinity of 20 %
reduction by 2020 and 80 % reduction by 20509
compared to 2005 levels " .
■ Consistent with parallel goal of an efficient ,
robust Colorado economy
■ Recommended 55 policy actions to reduce
emissions :
33 quantified — get 75% of the way to 2020 goal
22 non -quantified recommendations would fill in rest of
gap
16
8
■
Consistent with
Colorado Climate Action Plan ( Nov 507 )
Released in November 2007 ; sets goals to
■ Reduce emissions 20 % below 2005 levels , by 2020
■ Reduce emissions 80 % below 2005 levels , by 2050
Sets goal for major Utilities to reduce emissions
20 % by 2020
17
■
Proposed Next Steps
■ March - Receive Council direction on goal
■ April - CTF complete recommendation
to City Manager , including interim
implementation steps
■ Late April - Staff develop recommended
implementation steps , considering
Task Force recommendations
■ May - Board and Commission review and
public input
■ June 10 - Council work session
■ July - Council Action
18
9
■
Questions for Council
■ Does Council support establishing a new
greenhouse reduction goal for Fort Collins ?
■ Which greenhouse gas reduction goal ( s ) does
Council prefer?
■ If a new goal is preferred , does Council wish to
adopt it by resolution separately and soon , or
include it in a resolution that also adopts an
updated climate protection plan ?
■ Should the Climate Task Force should complete
recommendations on interim steps to make
progress on Fort Collins ' greenhouse gas goal ?
19
■
20
10
■
Draft Guiding Principles Proposed by CTF
■ The City of Fort Collins lead by example
■ Tap into Fort Collins ' innovation , creativity and
technical expertise to develop long -term sustainable
solutions
■ Address all aspects of the challenge
■ Engage all sectors
■ Focus on action but use goals to develop plans .
■ Consider technical , economic , political , and social
feasibility
■ Consider co- benefits of strategies in decisions
■ Promote economic vitality and prioritize investments
into our community
■ Identify interim goals , milestones and metrics
■ Report regularly to track progress and determine
whether course corrections are needed
21
■
Questions for Council
■ Does Council support establishing a new
greenhouse reduction goal for Fort Collins ?
■ Which greenhouse gas reduction goal (s ) does
Council prefer?
■ If a new goal is preferred , does Council wish to
adopt it by resolution separately and soon ; or
include it in a resolution that also adopts an
updated climate protection plan ?
■ Should the Climate Task Force complete
recommendations on interim steps to make
progress on Fort Collins ' greenhouse gas goal ?
22
11