The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 12/02/2008 - RESOLUTION 2008-122 ADOPTING THE 2008 FORT COLLINS ITEM NUMBER: 32 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: December 2, 2008 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Lucinda Smith SUBJECT Resolution 2008-122 Adopting the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan. (Options A &B) RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution. The Air Quality Advisory Board, the Natural Resources Advisory Board and the Electric Board recommend adoption of the 2008 Climate Action Plan, including the Proposed Addendum. The Transportation Board recommended adoption ofthe transportation-related elements of the Plan version presented to it on October 15, 2008. FINANCIAL IMPACT Adopting the Resolution incurs no financial impact. However, the Resolution directs the City Manager to consider greenhouse gas reducing activities in budget and staff work plan development. Council must take additional actions to implement many of the items in the Plan. Council can determine the timing and magnitude of the financial impacts (costs and savings) in the overall context of evolving City budget and policy priorities,and developing carbon markets. Many of the strategies identified in the Plan will come before Council to fulfill other City goals and objectives but are included in the Plan because of their important role in greenhouse gas reduction. Comprehensive cost/benefit analyses will be developed for individual strategies using up-to-date information as Council considers the individual strategies. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In May 2008, City Council adopted Resolution 2008-051, setting new goals to reduce Fort Collins greenhouse gas emissions 20%by 2020 and 80%by 2050,both when compared to 2005 emissions levels, and states the "intent' to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2012 to a level not to exceed 2,466,000 tons CO2e. A Climate Action Plan has been developed that identified actions that will help the community meet these reduction objectives. The Plan is based largely on the recommendations of the Fort Collins Climate Task Force who worked for over a year to seek public input,evaluate and filtered ideas, and consider cost-effectiveness. The Plan is based on existing successes,focuses on actions within local control,engages all sectors of the community December 2, 2008 -2- Item No. 32 and addresses all emission sources. Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions result in multiple other benefits for the community and support other priority policy objectives for the City of Fort Collins. The Resolution would accept the proposed Plan as a blueprint for achieving the 2020 reduction goal, without committing budget resources to any specific action at this time. Two versions of the Resolution are presented: Option A approves the Plan as presented at the October City Council work session with the incorporation of additional measures as described in an Addendum prepared by staff in response to the work session discussion; Option B approves the Plan as presented at the October work session,without the additional measures prepared by staff in response to the work session discussion. BACKGROUND By adopting the Resolution, Council would: • Acknowledge the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. • Accept the Plan as a blueprint for achieving the 2020 reduction goal, without committing budget resources to any specific action at this time. • Grant the City Manager flexibility to select specific actions from the Plan, to be advanced in budget recommendations and staff work plans. • Require the City Manager to prepare an annual emissions inventory and progress report. • Require the City Manager to prepare a biennial progress report, in advance of City budget preparation, evaluating progress and recommending future climate protection actions. • Require the City Manager to examine evolving best practices and cost-effective strategies to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals for inclusion in the biennial progress reports. I. Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals Resolution 2008-051 adopted by City Council in May 2008 establishes two greenhouse gas goals for the Fort Collins community and one near-term"intent'to reduce emissions. The two goals are identical to statewide goals set for Colorado. Goals • Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 • Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 2005 levels by 2050. 2012 Intent • Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2012 to a level not to exceed 2,466,000 tons CO2e. The Fort Collins community could realize significant ancillary economic,environmental and social benefits by undertaking responsible steps to combat climate change, including: • Support local businesses and stimulate economic development. • Provide economic stimulation of research and development activities. December 2, 2008 -3- Item No. 32 • Reduce home and business energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting. • Reduce home and business motor vehicle fuel costs. • Reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources. • Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility. • Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system. • Diversify energy supply and reduce loads on transmission system. • Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles. • Improve public health. • Improve local visibility. • Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates. • Reduce vehicle miles of travel and road congestion. • Reduce water consumption in the community. • Increase Fort Collins' ability to adapt to a changing climate. • Provide opportunities for regional, state and national leadership and recognition. There are numerous reasons to take action to reduce emissions. The cost of inaction may exceed the cost of taking action by an order of magnitude. Sir Nicholas Stern,head of the UK Government Economic Service and former Chief Economist of the World Bank, stated in October 2006: There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we take action now... If we don't act, the overall costs and risks of climate change will be equivalent to losing at least 5% of global GDP per year, now and forever. If a wider range of risks and impacts is taken into account, the estimates of damage could rise to 20% of GDP or more.... In contrast, the cost ofaction--reducing greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change—can be limited to around 1%of GDP per year. An increasing number of studies show that, in addition to being less costly overall,taking action to avert global warming can be immediately profitable. Urban regions can thrive while also reducing greenhouse gases, as demonstrated by Portland/Multnomah County. While net greenhouse gas emissions in Multnomah County are about at 1990 levels, and per capita CO, emissions have dropped over 12%,the inflation-adjusted payroll has increased 29%and employment has increased about 12%. To demonstrate local benefits we need look no further than Fort Collins' own Climate Wise Program. In 2007 Climate Wise reported a cumulative cost savings of over$12 million from projects completed by partners through 2007,the same year the partners collectively reduced over 82,000 tons COZe. Local governments have strong financial incentives to address climate change. Reducing local carbon emissions means pursuing a variety of programs and practices that are energy prudent, and thus ultimately fiscally responsible. II. Development of the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan In 1999, Fort Collins was among the first communities in the nation to adopt a community-wide greenhouse gas reduction goal and a plan to meet it. Good progress has been made over the past several years but Fort Collins was not on track to meet the 2010 goal. In 2007, the Fort Collins Climate Task Force was convened to develop an updated plan and recommend a future direction for climate protection. After a year of evaluating strategies and considering cost-effectiveness, the Climate Task Force completed its recommendations in June 2008. (See http://fcgov.com/ctf.) City December 2, 2008 -4- Item No. 32 staff then evaluated the strategies, updated the assumptions and made adjustments to incorporate subsequent council and citizen input. The result is the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan (the Plan) and Proposed Addendum. III. 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan The 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan builds upon existing successes and encompasses a range of strategies such as expanding the successful Climate Wise Program, increasing residential and business recycling, reducing vehicle miles traveled, and providing various incentives for reducing CO2 and increasing energy efficiency. The majority of actions that reduce emissions also support other local community goals and contribute to sustaining Fort Collins as a vibrant, world class community. The draft 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan contains several quantified strategies and sixteen qualitative strategies to put Fort Collins on a path towards the 2020 reduction goal. The Plan presents a medium level of detail for the proposed strategies. Table 1 provides the list of quantified reduction strategies in the Climate Action Plan. Table 1.Quantified Measures Climate Action Plan Measure Name 2012 Estimated 2020 Estimated Benefit Benefit (Tons CO2e) (Tons CO2e) Existing Measures 104,000 104,000 NEW MEASURES COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Expand Climate Wise 73,000-94,000 143,000 Government Organizations set GHG Goals 42,000 217,000 Community-wide Climate Challenge 28,000 34,000 Colorado Carbon Fund 5,000 8,000 Community Leadership Subtotal 148,000-169,000 402,000 RECYCLING-Push toward 50% Diversion Goal Ban cardboard from waste stream 46,000-58,000 93,000 Private paper/glass drop-off 5,000-6,000 8,000 Increase residential education 4,000-5,000 15,000 Larger residential recycling containers 3,000-4,000 5,000 Require haulers to provide residential yard waste 1,000 1,000 collection for added cost December 2, 2008 -5- Item No. 32 Measure Name 2012 Estimated 2020 Estimated Benefit Benefit (Tons CO2e) (Tons CO2e) Enhance residential PAYT (2nd can costs more) 11,000-17,000 21,000 Commercial recycling co-ops 1,000-7,000 8,000 Residential yard waste drop-off and ban yard waste 0-4,000 5,000 Construction and demolition (C&D) drop-off 0-34,000 39,000 C&D contract preferences for City contracts 1,000 1,000 Commercial recycling fee embedded in rates 81,000 (additional benefit above cardboard ban) Recycling Subtotal 73,000-137,000 253,000 ENERGY 2008 Energy Policy 20,000-30,000 214,000 Efficiency programs SmartGrid, Advanced metering infrastructure, 10,000-20,000 246,000 pricing, conservation Renewable energy (Colorado Renewable 0 190,000 Portfolio Standard and voluntary programs) Natural Gas Energy Conservation 5,000-10,000 52,000 Energy Subtotal 35,000-60,000 703,000 GREEN BUILDING Update Residential Building Code 1,000 4,000 TRANSPORTATION Reduce vehicle miles of travel 2,000-12,000 14,000 Modern roundabouts 1,000 2,000 Transportation Subtotal 3,000-13,000 16,000 TOTAL (after double-counting removed*) 268,000-378,000 1,212,000 If all strategies in the plan were implemented,they would achieve between 268,000—378,000 tons CO2e avoided by 2012(approximately 55 to 80%of the 2012 stated reduction intent)and 1,212,000 tons CO2e avoided by 2020 (approximately 90% of the 2020 reduction goal). Cost estimates of quantified measures are provided in Attachment 1. December 2, 2008 -6- Item No. 32 Fort Collins' 2020 goal allows the opportunity to embrace strategies that have a long-term benefit yet take more time to develop and implement. The Climate Action Plan also includes measures that have not been quantified but that can play an important role in making progress towards the 2020 goal. These strategies are listed in Table 2 below and described in the draft Climate Action Plan. Table 2. Summary of Non-Quantified Measures Community Engagement • City of Fort Collins Government Leadership Transportation • Seek adequate funding to implement transportation plans, with funding for transit as a priority to achieve best practices. • Develop partnerships to reduce vehicle travel • Parking management. Land Use • Implement Land Use Code changes that support greenhouse gas emissions reductions. • Promote and pursue infill and refill development. • Promote transit-oriented development. • Consider requirements for new developments to have less travel demand than comparable existing developments. Green Building • Regular updates of Building Energy Codes. • Continued support for above Code green building initiatives. • Time of sale Energy Conservation Ordinance • Require Green Building as a prerequisite for public financing • Explore Net Zero Ready homes. • Explore LEED for neighborhoods. Urban Forestry • Promote tree planting. Support state and federal climate protection actions. IV. Proposed Addendum At the October 28, 2008 work session Council reviewed the draft Climate Action Plan, provided a number of comments and asked staff to prepare an alternate plan that would fully meet the 2012 and 2020 greenhouse gas reduction objectives adopted in May 2008. The Proposed Addendum attached to the Resolution(Option A)as Exhibit B was prepared in response to Council comments and it provides additional strategies to meet the 2012 and 2020 reduction objectives. The greenhouse gas reduction measures contained in the original draft plan, plus the additional strategies in the Proposed Addendum, if fully implemented, would meet the 2012 and 2020 reduction objectives. If the Proposed Addendum is adopted, it will be incorporated into the draft December 2, 2008 -7- Item No. 32 Climate Action Plan in the manner described in the Addendum, in order to create the final Fort Collins Climate Action Plan. A. Proposed New Quantified Strategies The following quantified strategies are recommended as an addendum to the 2008 Climate Action Plan in order to close the gap to meet the 2012 and 2020 reduction objectives,without being over- reaching. They are discussed in more detail in the Addendum and summarized in Table 3 below. • Purchase certified carbon offsets • Construction and Demolition Debris Deposit • Long-term VMT Reduction • Increase Per Capita Reduction Goal in the Community Climate Challenge • Increase participation goals in Colorado Carbon Fund Table 3. Quantified Strategies in the Proposed Addendum ADDITIONAL BENEFIT of Potential Additional 2012 2020 Strategies Tons CO2e Tons CO2e Purchase Carbon Offsets 77,000 81,000 Additional VMT Reduction by 2020 28,000 Add recycling strategy—Construction and Demolition 20,000 44,000 Deposit Increase participation targets for Community Climate 3,000 3,000 Challenge Increase participation targets Colorado Carbon Fund 7,000 7,000 Subtotal of Additional Strategies 107,000 163,000 Measures in Climate Action Plan 268,000- 1,212,000 378,000 TOTAL measures in Climate Action Plan plus 375,000- 1,375,000 Addendum (After double-counting) 485,000 Reductions Needed to meet Objectives 485,000 1,375,000 Cost estimates are provided in Attachment 1. B. Proposed Changes to Qualitative long-term strategies • Replace: "Time of Sale Energy Ordinance" with "Explore Additional Opportunities to Increase Efficiency of Existing Buildings" Instead of calling for long-term consideration of a Time of Sale Energy Conservation ordinance,the Plan now identifies a range of incentive-based and regulatory approaches that could be considered December 2, 2008 -8- Item No. 32 to increase the efficiency of existing buildings after other strategies in the Plan have been implemented. • Add: Integrated Waste Optimization The strategy incorporates whole systems-thinking by recognizing that there is embodied energy in "waste' materials that are buried in the landfill that could be put to a higher use. A new, non- quantified long-term strategy has been proposed that would reduce the direct methane emissions of the landfill by converting the embodied energy in the residual waste stream (materials not already diverted for reuse or recycling) into useable energy through non-combustion clean "conversion technologies". • Modify: City of Fort Collins Leadership to add promotion of Fort Collins as a "Green" Community Further progress on carbon reduction activities will provide additional opportunities for Fort Collins to promote itself as a "Green" community. This strategy was recommended by the Economic Advisory Commission. • Expand: Promote Action at State, Regional, and Federal Levels In addition to recognizing the importance of supporting state and federal programs aimed at reducing emissions, it adds text estimating the GHG benefit Fort Collins would receive if Colorado adopts clean fuel requirements and the California Clean Car emissions standards. C. Other Proposed Modifications to Climate Action Plan • Add brief discussion of climate change science to the Climate Action Plan. • Expand the Acknowledgments section to include an explicit recognition of the Climate Task Force members,boards and commissions and the Fort Collins Sustainability Group for their roles in advancing this plan. V. Public Input Public comment was gathered on the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan from stakeholder groups, interested citizens via the Web, and at a public Open House on November 12, 2008. This outreach included: Stakeholder Groups Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce—November 14, 2008 Fort Collins Board of Realtors—November 20, 2008 December 2, 2008 -9- Item No. 32 The Public Comments were invited via the on-line Web comment form City Council Advisory Boards Air Quality Advisory Board—October 20 and November 17, 2008 Economic Advisory Commission—October 23, 2008 Electric Board—October 15 and November 19, 2008 Natural Resources Advisory Board—October 15 and November 19, 2008 Transportation Board—October 15, 2008 All written comments received by the Natural Resources Department on the Plan since October 2008 are provided in Attachment 2. VI. Implementation Schedule The 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan and Proposed Addendum provide a list of strategies that, if fully implemented, would achieve the 2012 reduction intent and the 2020 reduction goal. Table 4 below outlines the anticipated first steps in implementing the Climate Action Plan. Table 4. Anticipated Climate Action Plan Implementation Schedule for 2009 Action Timing Council Action Required? Budget request to expand Climate Wise resources 2009 exceptions Yes request or request in 2010/2011 BFO Community Climate Challenge Pilot challenge in No 2009 Colorado Carbon Fund Formalize relationship No via small outreach grant Council work session to review alternative trash December 9, 2008 No services strategies Potential trash services strategies to be implemented: 2009 Yes Increase education and outreach • Larger recycling containers • Revise the Pay-as-you-throw Ordinance • Curbside yard waste/compost options • Ban cardboard from waste stream Develop Implementation Plan for 2008 Energy Policy First Quarter 2009 Council review December 2, 2008 -10- Item No. 32 Action Timing Council Action Required? Begin implementing strategies in Energy Policy 2009 No Implementation Plan Update Residential Building Code 2009 Yes Transit Strategic Plan 2009 Yes BFO Requests to implement action in Climate Action November 2009 Yes Plan i.e., consideration of Natural Gas Franchise Fee to be effective in 2010, resources to monitor and track progress, etc. VI. Reporting Process Annual progress reports and the biennial review process called for by City Council Resolution 2008- 051 will provide a critical opportunity to maintain accountability to the goals and to update and adjust the Plan in the future. Details on the reporting schedule for 2009, 2010 and 2011 are identified in Table 5 below. Table 5. Climate Action Plan Reporting Schedule for 2009 - 2011 Action Timeline 2009 Review Community Emissions Inventory Protocol and update as First quarter 2009 needed Climate Wise partner reporting for 2008 By April 2009 Energy Policy Report for 2008 By May 2009 Community Emissions Status Report for 2008 (including inventory, By June 2009 quantified reductions, and progress towards goals for the community and municipal government Develop and submit BFO budget recommendations associated with May or June 2009 Climate Action Plan 2010 Community Emissions Status Report for 2009 (including inventory, By June 2010 quantified reductions and progress towards goals for the community and municipal government) December 2, 2008 -11- Item No. 32 Action Timeline 2011 Community Emissions Status Report for 2010 (including inventory, By April 15, 2011 quantified reductions and progress towards goal for the community and the municipal government Involved relevant Council advisory boards in process to review April and May 2011 progress and develop recommended climate protection actions for 2012/2013 Develop and submit BFO budget recommendations May 2011 ATTACHMENTS 1. Cost/Savings Estimate. 2. Public Input. 3. Summary Memo from October 28, 2008 Council Work Session. 4. Board Recommendations. 5. Colorado Carbon Fund. 6. Natural Gas Franchise Fee. 7. PowerPoint Presentation. Attachment 1 Attachment I - Estimated Costs/Savings (as of November 24, 2008) The tables below provide cost and savings estimates that are available for measures in the draft Climate Action Plan and for measures in the Proposed Addendum. Because numerous initiatives are in development right now that are integral to the Climate Plan (Energy Policy, Trash Services Study, Transit Strategic Plan), it is not possible to provide final estimates of costs and savings in some instances . For strategies without complete cost estimates, the costs impact will be fully developed before Council considers action on them, using the most up-to-date information at that time. Implementing some of the strategies will not be easy; nor will it be cost free. However, the future payback is expected to be large. A number of other plans have been developed that show net savings in the future. The 55 quantified recommendations of the Colorado Climate Action Panel are anticipated to save a net $2 . 6 billion dollars for Coloradoans by 2020 . The Boulder County Sustainable Energy Plan is estimated to lead to $445M in annual cost savings by the year 2020 . Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that the cost of inaction is much higher than the cost of taking responsible action now. It is important to note that the adoption of the Plan does not implement any of the proposed measures in the Plan. The Plan represents a menu of options that may be considered by Council in the future as it weighs carbon reduction strategies against other City needs. As technology evolves and opportunities emerge throughout the course of implementation, the City will be updating implementation plans and utilizing the most appropriate approaches to reach our goals . 1 Table 1 . Cost Estimates for Quantified Strategies in Climate Action Plan November 24, 2008 2012 Estimated Ton Estimated Annual Cost to Measure name CO2 Estimated Annual Cost to City the Users/Public STRATEGIES IN CLIMATE ACTION PLAN Expand Climate Wise 73 ,000 - 94 , 000 $ 100 , 000/yr ( 1 FTE plus $30 ,000 ) Net savings of $2+/ton CO2 avoided Government Organizations Set GHG Goals 42 ,000 Currently Undetermined No direct costs Voluntary lifestyle changes (no cost) or voluntary investments Community Climate Challenge 287000 $30,000/ year for pilot program in efficiency improvements; both lead to long-term net savings Voluntary acquisition of Colorado Carbon Fund 59000 Marketing (existing budgets? ) carbon offsets at $20/tons CO2 Push to Meet 50% Waste Diversion Goal Larger residential recycling containers Private paper/glass drop-off $ 106, 000 - $ 133 ,000 plus possible Estimated at $7 . 25 - $9 . 12 per Increase residential education 13 , 000 - 179000 additional FTE for enforcement household Require haulers to provide residential yard waste collection for added cost No extra cost for households . 46 , 000 - 58,000 Impacts on businesses not yet Prohibit disposal of cardboard in waste stream Existing staff resources estimated . Enhance residential PAYT 2nd can costs more Commercial recycling co -o s $ 15 . 81 - $ 16 . 81 /home if Offer residential yard waste drop-off 13 , 000 - 639000 $ 164 , 000 - $391 , 000 all strategies were Prohibit disposal of yard waste implemented by 2012 Construction and Demolition C&D drop-off C&D preference for City contracts 2008 Energy Policy Efficiency Programs; SmartGrid , AM [ , Pricing Costs and savings estimates will be developed as part of the Conservation Renewable Energy (to meet Colo . 30 , 000 - 50,000 implementation plans for the new Energy Policy, once adopted . RSD and voluntary programs) Fee increase would be passed through to customers. A 1 . 5% Natural Gas Energy Conservation 5 , 000 - 10 ,000 Existing staff resources increase is estimated to raise residential customer bills $ 12- 18/year. Not calculated for 2008 update yet. The 2004 residential Update Residential Building Code 19000 No anticipated additional costs energy code update was estimated to save home owners 7- 10% on monthly energy bills. An increase in capital and operation Fuel and vehicle maintenance Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 2 , 000 - 12 ,000 funding is anticipated . Not quantified savings to program et. participants. Roundabout construction costs are variable; typically considered to be Fuel savings to roundabouts Modern Roundabouts 1 , 000 lower than traditional intersections. Maintenance is less than traditional users. intersections. TOTAL (after double-counting removed) 268 ,000 - 378,000 2 Table 2 . Cost Estimates for Quantified Strategies in Proposed Addendum 2012 Estimated Ton Estimated Annual Measure name CO2 Estimated Annual Cost to City Cost/Savings to the Public STRATEGIES IN PROPOSED ADDENDUM $770 ,000 @ $ 10/ton CO2 offsets ; $ 1 . 51VI if $20/ton offsets ; $ 1 . 1 M Purchase Certified Carbon Offsets 775000 for RECs at $ 10/MWh Constrcution & Demolition Debris Deposit system 20 , 000 $9 , 000 $282 , 000/ ear cost Increase Community Cliamte Challenge Goal to 2 % per capita reduction 3 , 000 No additional cost No additional cost Increase Colo . Carbon Fund Participation goal 71000 No additional cost No additional cost Subtotal of Additional Strategies 107 , 000 3 Attachment 2 Public Input I. Public Comments/Questions from the November 12, 2008 Open House The City of Fort Collins held a public open house on November 12,2008 from 5:00—7:00 p.m. at the Northside Aztlan Center. Approximately 63 citizens attended. A presentation was made about the Climate Action Plan and a Q&A session was held. The comments below were received from written comment cards collected at the open house. ENERGY Reduce energy needs=get rid of"no more than 3 unrelated people living together". Larger homes now have less people,using same amount of energy to heat;just spreading people out thins but doesn't save $ (water,lawn, etc.) I was glad to have the opportunity to talk to people about insulating crawl spare. (from 11/17/08 Energy Open House) I love having the City own the production of electricity. (from 11/17/08 Energy Open House) WASTE REDUCTION We need to start trash-districting. City Council is too protective of the trash hauling businesses. The trash haulers led a huge lobbying campaign to frighten their customers regarding districting. Too bad! Why is trash hauling such an important business in Fort Collins that the City must protect the status quo? We need to implement an act requiring garbageltrash companies to provide free recycling to apartment complexes that use their service just like they are required to do for homeowners/renters. Require trash haulers to provide for apartment complexes. For the trash plan to coordinate with the overall goal of climate protection,we must reduce the number of trash trucks on individual streets—either by licensing a single haulers or using a`districting"process. We also must better publicize the"Pay as You Throw"cost/benefit. Many residents do not realize the cost benefit of reducing their waste and increasing recycling/waste reduction,etc. Suggest that trash haulers contribute$to public recycling education,administered by the City or a private contractor,not the trash hauler. I would love to see the City move aggressively on incorporating trash districting, increasing recycling and conversion rates,especially in the commercial sector. The benefits of improving trash hauling will greatly improve the whole approach to carbon reduction, sustainability and overall "quality of life" in Fort Collins. Implement commereial/industrial office recycling. I would love to see our local trash haulers voluntarily come forth with a plan to divide the city into hauling districts and optimal routes. Street maintenance,noise pollution, air pollution would all see improvement with trash districting. TRANSPORTATION To better access Transfort routes, citizens could ride their bikes to the bus stop. When will Transfort add more bike capacity to the busses? Two bikes per bus is not enough, especially on the FoxTrot route. When promotinglexpanding the bike program,there will be more bikes sharing the rod with cars. Bikes and smaller vehicles are hard to see in traffic situations,i.e.there will be a greater public safety challenge. 1 I suggest that you seriously consider creating alternate bike routes that are located where there will be viable commuting routes, so that bikes(and skateboards and pedestrians)will have their own paths(and stay safe). Also,where these new (and any existing)bike routes cross roadways, clear tall foliage/trees for 20' in either side of the crossroad so bikes, etc.can more readily be seen by unsuspecting drivers before the bike crosses in front of cars. GENERAL/OTHER CSU is a very large facility and community on their own. How are they going to help? They state a `green"university but the report card for sustainability for 2008 getting a B-; not good. Example: recycling poor, compostable plant and silverware in dorms but throw in trash. It may be helpful to chose one of the measures and promote within Fort Collins. Funding a measure, working it successfully and then advertising to the community would tend to pull others through the process. Felt the plan is good but without compliance no good. I would like to know the equivalent of Coe reduction in kWh,gallons of gas or therms to better assess my personal contribution or reduction. Per person reduction needed in terms of percent, i.e. kWh 105 or 20% to meet the 2012 goal. If the goal is a 20%reduction from 2005, should we all try to personally reduce 20%? What is the role of education in achieving the Fort Collins Climate Plan goals and objectives. Beyond public and higher education,is there a plan for education/messaging to increase awareness and participation from our community? Is there a way to achieve higher than a 40%investment return from the purchase of carbon offsets from the Colorado Carbon Fund? Is there a way to use carbon offsetting to achieve 100%community investment, 100%additionality,transparency, and importantly not to miss the opportunity to'tell a story'within our community on the benefit and inspiration of local carbon offset projects? QUESTIONS What does it mean to be carbon neutral? Why do you want to reduce carbon dioxide? How does reducing CO2 protect our climate? What other factors impact global warming besides CO2 (i.e. other Earth changes such as volcanoes effect on CO2)? Why is CO2 considered a pollutant? How do you measure the amount of CO2 in the air? Is there a difference between reducing carbon and reducing CO2? CSU is a very large facility and community on their own. How are they going to help? Roads, homes, man-made things increase the temperature in the environment vs.nature decreases temperature in the environment. More natural surfaces maybe stabilize our climate better. Before we get smart meters,what hours would you recommend we try to cut back on consumption? We are retired and our schedule is somewhat flexible. 2 What happens if we don't need reduction guidelines? Where will the money come from to buy carbon offsets?From tax revenue? Would you consider buying more affordable carbon offsets from local organizers like Trees,Water,people if you encountered a budget shortfall? H.Web-Based Comments Comments have been sought via the on-line comment form at http://fcgov.com/climateprotection. Those comments are outlined below. WEB COMMENTS FOR CLIMATE TASK FORCE In reverse chronolo 'call order;First Comment received 11/12/08 Date: 11/24/08 Name: Eric Sutherland E-mail: sutherix(lyahoo.com Comments: Just some random contents of emalls. Don't forget about the $1100/day Fort Collins Utilities/PRPA is wasting on micro-subsidies to distant renewable energy generation sources. If It had not been for Andra Coberly/The Weekly this incredible waste of money and opportunity would never have been brought to light. She won a prestigious award for her Investigative reporting. When I explained to the General Manager of PRPA and the head of Light and Power that the Climate Action folks were counting this as a massive GHG reduction, they denied It. I had to run down the evidence twice for them. But for heaven's sake, if not for GHG reductions, what the hell are we mlcro-subsidizing somebody else's energy furl! Everybody In town pays 1% of their electric bill towards this waste. I couldn't make this up. Fort Collins Utilities Is coming forward with this"policy"which Is extremely GHG-centric, yet no one in City Government can logically account for GHG emissions. Noone can demonstrate that the million$ that ratepayers have and will spend on junk REC's will keep an ounce of CO2 out of the atmosphere. To make things even more absurd,when the Climate Task Force originally put their minds to what could be done to Incentivize LOCAL energy development,they came up with some cockamamy freebie program as some sort of token gesture. This recommendation was ultimately dropped. Incentivizing LOCAL RE is where REC's would have been beneficial. The City could then use these RECs, purchased from local compan)'s that were powering our economy financially and electrically to comply with the Colorado State mandate for renewable energy. Councilmen Ohlson, Roy, Poppaw, Manvel and Brown questioned and even opposed this ridiculousness. Folks like the Mayor and Councilman Troxell have defended current practices and the people responsible for them. Kelly and David pushed to sell contracts. Even at 50 cents on the dollar, Fort Collins would have had a couple nickels to rub together for local programs. Once again, Hutchinson and Troxell were the ones who argued to stay the coarse. We are still on the hook for millions. How can we trust City Government to pursue any new GHG reduction Initiative when we can't get them to stop wasting money on the ones that aren't working? 11/21/08 Name: Charles Potter E-mail: o er485(tbaoi.com Comments: I am disappointed. With the exception of reliability, most of the plans and objectives are far too nebulous.That is management 101. And It Is insufficiently aggressive.Those which are more concrete are simply restatements of state level minmum directives. Neither this area, nor the state will meet the objectives if its most capable regions attempt only the minimums. 3 11/21/08 Name: benicer E-mail: 5xen3ut(ib mail.com Comments: Thank you for the good work. Date: 11/14/08 Name:Joe Rowan E-mail: olelauren0comcast.net Comments: Staff and citizen participants are to be commended for the considerable effort put Into this report. Clearly, passion surrounding the issue is In no short supply. Critical analysis, however, has not been demonstrated. Somewhat familiar with public policy process, once again we have an example of well-intentioned desire to create a model community to the detriment of open, honest dialogue of the trade-offs every decision encompasses. Each recommendation and assumption within the report is presumed to be virtuous,where disclosure of costs, qualitative Impacts, reliability of data and outcomes are unnecessary. How are we to make such profound Impact without understanding how and why these recommendations were derived? It remains beyond my comprehension how"Cost Effectiveness"estimations are derived within the tables if the report is thus far unable to show absolute costs, Moreover,the 2012 effectiveness impacts are further complicated by the notation that 2020 goals are used for the calculation. Perhaps unintentional, this methodology strongly discourages any layman attempt to derive a financial estimation of each strategy. While admirable in Its secondary Intents- preservation of scarce resources and ultimate reduction in financial burdens of status quo-the report solidifies an Impression held by more than just a few citizens that efforts to reduce emissions is little more than repackaging the old saw on 'dosing the door on everyone behind me'. Carbon credits and RECs are little more than a parlour trick to make folks feel better-checkbook environmentalism- while the goals outlined for 2020 and 2050 rely on the introduction of technologies not currently available. I agree that shooting high is a worthy endeavor, but public policy should never be formed based upon unrealistic expectations. Please engage a more constructive process than the echo chamber this plan has been built upon. Date:11/12/08 Name: Richard Schroeder E-mail: ridkschroeCkDamail.com Comments: I am in strong support of the efforts of the City to develop and Implement the Climate Action Plan. These kinds of actions require government involvement at all levels,and Fort Collins has the opportunity to be a real leader in this work. Date: November 6, 2008 Telephone comment from a citizen regarding the Planned open house on November 12: Expressed concerns over the government resources being used to put on an open house with a speaker on the need for climate action (Stephen Saunders)while not providing the opposite perspective on the Issue that climate change is not an Important issue for communities to address. III. Written comments submitted by the Fort Collins Sustainability Group at the 11/12/08 open house are on the following pages. 4 Comments on the Draft Climate Plan By the Fort Collins Sustainability Group November 12,2008 The Fort Collins Sustainability Group(FCSG)has reviewed the draft Climate Plan discussed at the City Council Work Session on October 28h. We have also reviewed a summary of the differences between that document and the Climate Task Force recommendations prepared by Lucinda Smith on November 6'h We are disappointed that the draft Climate Plan would only achieve 55—80% of the 2012 greenhouse gas emissions reduction intent adopted by City Council in Resolution 2008- 051, even if all recommended strategies were to be implemented. We believe that several of the proposed strategies in the draft Climate Plan need to be strengthened, and that several strategies need to be added. We offer the following list of changes and additions that we believe will enable the City to reach the 2012 intent: 1. Fort Collins Utilities should implement energy efficiency and conservation programs resulting in a 1.75% annual decrease in electric energy use for 2010 through 2020. Electric energy used to charge electric vehicles should be exempted from this requirement. a. The draft plan only calls for a 1.0% annual electric energy decrease through 2020. This goal should be contrasted with the goal set by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District of a 1.5% annual decrease in electric energy use for ten years,and with the goal set by Efficiency Vermont of a 1.75%decrease in electric energy use for two years. The goal we propose would establish Fort Collins Utilities as a(if not THE) national leader in reducing customer energy consumption. It would also help realize City Council's goal of stimulating the local economy, expressed in Resolution 2007-015, by promoting business activity focused on delivering energy efficient products and services. b. The FCSG recognizes the desirability of shifting from gasoline powered vehicles to hybrid or electric vehicles, and therefore believes that electricity used to charge electric vehicles should be exempted from the annual reduction goal. The benefit in lower overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of electric vehicles should be quantified in the annual progress reports to be prepared for Council. c. The FCSG acknowledges that it will take some time to put public and private programs in place to realize this aggressive reduction goal. We therefore believe that the 2009 electric energy decrease goal should be 1.0%to allow public and private programs to ramp up to meet the goal for 2010 through 2020. 2. The city's recycling program should be enhanced to include commercial customers in the Ft. Collins "Pay as You Throw" ordinance by the end of 2009. Page 1 of 3- F C SG a. This strategy was included in the set of recycling strategies proposed by the Climate Task Force, but removed by City Staff from the 2012 estimate. It was replaced by a less impactful "cardboard ban"that is described as "a simpler, more cost effective way to achieve a major increase in diversion." Currently, the set of strategies included under the heading"Recycling—Push Towards 50%Diversion Goal"will only achieve 30%to 60% of the greenhouse gas emissions reductions identified under this heading by the Climate Task Force. We need to do better than this, and can do so by reinstating the"Pay as You Throw" recommendation for commercial customers. 3. The city should provide an enhanced combination of utility incentives and Zilch loans to people whose houses fail to meet minimum energy performance standards, in order to upgrade home energy performance. This program should be put in place by the end of 2009. a. This strategy should replace the"Time of Sale Energy Conservation Ordinance"proposed by the Climate Task Force. The FCSG recognizes the burden that would be placed on homeowners by forcing them to implement energy efficiency upgrades paid for out-of-pocket prior to selling their homes. We believe that this proposed strategy offers an alternative path to upgrading the energy performance of less efficient homes. Funds for accomplishing these upgrades could be provided through a combination of an electric rate increase for the highest usage tier,the natural gas franchise fee, and the existing ZILCH revolving fund loan program. b. Substandard home energy performance should be determined by voluntary low cost home energy assessments provided through Fort Collins Utilities. These assessments were part of the original set of recommendations set forth by the Climate Task Force. 4. Fort Collins Utilities should provide incentives for individual renewable energy projects,such as roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. a. This strategy was recommended by the Climate Task Force,but is not included in the draft Climate Plan. Since the Climate Task Force completed its study, Congress has enhanced the residential federal income tax credit for renewable energy systems. A small Fort Collins Utilities program could help promote and leverage the federal income tax credit. 5. As a last resort,Fort Collins should purchase carbon offsets through the Colorado Carbon Fund to meet the 2012 emissions reduction goal. a. The FCSG strongly believes that city resources should be used to enhance the local economy and quality of life while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the fullest extent possible. However,we recognize that it may be necessary to purchase carbon offsets or renewable energy credits (RECs)in order to meet the 2012 reduction intent. Carbon offsets offered by the Colorado Carbon Fund are significantly cheaper than RECs,and Page 2 of 'FcSG) will result in some funds being returned to the community. However,we believe that no carbon offsets should be purchased prior to the first biennial performance review in the spring of 2011. b. It may be possible to fund the purchase of carbon offsets through an electric rate increase for the highest usage tier. Achieving the 2012 greenhouse gas emissions reduction intent would require reducing emissions by 485,000 tons of CO2(e)per year. The gap between reductions that can be delivered by the Climate Plan in its current form and this figure is 107,000 -217,000 tons/year. Based on city documents, we estimate that adopting the first four changes and additions to the current package listed above would result in the following approximate net additional reductions: Additional reduction, Strategy tons CO2 e Increase energy efficiency and conservation program goals 35,000 Commercial"Pay as You Throw"ordinance 129,500 Energy performance upgrades for substandard homes 5,500 Incentives for individual renewable energy projects 2,000 Subtotal: 172 000 Comparing the subtotal in the table above to the gap, it appears that the City would have to purchase 0-45,000 tons worth of carbon offsets in order to achieve the 2012 reduction intent,depending on the performance of all other strategies. At$20/ton, the 2012 cost to the city of these offsets would be$0- $900,000. We urge the City of Fort Collins to include the strengthened and additional strategies outlined above in the final version of the Climate Plan. Respectfully submitted by: The Fort Collins Sustainability Group V John Anderson Kevin Cross Phil Friedman G� Deanna Kowal Eric Levine Reiner Lomb Page 3 of 3- Fc s c 7 City r Natural Resources Department y�` /ti f - 215 North Mason Fort Collins 97 Box, 6° Fort Collins,CO 80522 Attachment 3 970.221.6600 970.2214.6177 Fax icpoy.corn/natura/resources 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 Brian Janonis, Utilities Executive Director Patty Bigner, Utilities Customer/Electrical Relations Manager DATE: October 31, 2008 SUBJECT: October 28, 2008 Work Session Summary—Climate Action Plan On October 28, 2008, City Council held a work session to discuss the draft Fort Collins Climate Action Plan. All Councilmembers were present except Councilman Diggs Brown. In addition to Lucinda Smith, Brian Janonis, John Phelan, Susie Gordon and several other staff members were present in the audience in case questions arose. Because of its focus on local action and removal of RECs as a carbon reduction strategy, the draft plan presented to Council did not contain enough strategies to fully meet the 2012 reduction intent or the 2020 goal. A majority of Council expressed interest in seeing an alternative plan that contains enough strategies to meet the 2012 and 2020 reduction objectives, without including over-reaching strategies. Specific Council comments on the draft plan included: ■ A request for staff to revisit the assumptions in the "Community Climate Challenge" to see if they were overly conservative. ■ Concerns about the "Time of Sale Energy Ordinance" that appears in the plan as a qualitative strategy. ■ An interest in proactively addressing low income concerns (which the new Energy Policy implementation plans will address). Interest in having a waste stream diversion study. • Concern about the possibility of increased truck traffic associated with potential curbside yard waste recycling (which could be addressed by an alternative truck scheduling). Fort Collins ■ Request that the climate plan and the City integrate plans for electricity and natural gas strategies into a more integrated focus on energy. • Questions about the carbon reduction calculations for the natural gas franchise fee. • To the extent possible, the climate plan should incorporate systems-approach thinking. ■ Support for tree planting, recycling initiatives; infill and refill development. • Provide further information about the Colorado Carbon Fund and how that would compare to a local carbon offset program. ■ Question about the appropriateness of a carbon neutral goal. ■ Question about how funding that was used for REC contracts will be reinvested as these REC contracts expire. • Request that the plan explicitly acknowledge the Climate Task Force, citizens, boards and commissions and the Fort Collins Sustainability Group for their roles in the plan. Many Council members expressed interest in taking actions to begin implementing the plan, once adopted, and looking forward to successes. Some Council members asked more broadly that the City endeavor to incorporate sustainability and carbon reduction objectives in all planning processes and that these processes are as integrated as possible. Next Steps • Complete three short white papers on the Colorado Carbon Fund, the natural gas franchise fee concept, and the pros and cons of becoming carbon neutral. • Prepare a response to the question about how the revenue from expiring REC contracts will be reinvested. ■ Prepare a climate action plan alternative that provides a pathway to attain the 2012 reduction intent and the 2020 goal for Council consideration on December 2, 2008. 2 ---t............... ............ ............. Attachment Attachment 4—Council Advisory Board Review of Climate Action Plan Several council advisory boards reviewed the draft Climate Action Plan this Fall. City Council Advisory Boards Air Quality Advisory Board—October 20 and November 17, 2008 Economic Advisory Commission—October 23,2008 Electric Board—October 15 and November 19,2008 Natural Resources Advisory Board—October 15 and November 19,2008 Transportation Board—October 15, 2008 Air Ouality Advisor Board On November 17, 2008,the Air Quality Advisory Board unanimously passed the following motion: The Air Quality Advisory Board reaffirms its support for the draft Climate Action Plan, including the proposed additional strategies, and we urge City Council to adopt them. Secondly, we recommend that, In 2009110,the Council plan to study and develop further Incremental and alternative strategies to attain both near and longer- term goals, Including alternatives to purchasing carbon offsets and enhancements to transportation and energy efficiency. Thirdly, we recommend that the Council direct the City Manager to provide resources and direction to continue the process. And finally,we point out that, although successful implementation of the Climate Action Plan would most its stated goal, the goal itself falls short of the need for carbon emission reduction. Staff summary of discussion points from the November 17 meeting are given below, since the draft minutes are not available yet. ■ Could the Community Climate Challenge include promotion of hybrid and electric vehicles? ■ The plan projections should build in the reality of significant fleet changeover as vehicle of the future become more economical. ■ What about more aggressive recycling, although that relies on a market for recycled good. ■ The Plan should acknowledge the role that state and federal actions will play in reducing emissions. ■ The existing climate change goals may not be adequate as climate change scenario projections become more dire. The plan should at minimum meet the stated reduction targets, and be more proactive. ■ There should be more community outreach about the climate goals and tips to reduce emissions. People need to know what to do. • Can we promote the installation of scales at the landfill to aid in better data collection and ability to measure accomplishments. • Direct carbon reduction adds more value to the community than indirect reduction. ■ It's important for the Plan to be bold; this,is not a bold plan. Pages 4 - 10 provide the excerpt of the AQAB minutes from the October 20,2008 discussion about the Climate Action Plan. 1 Economic Advisory Commission The Economic Advisory Commission reviewed the draft Climate Action Plan on October 23, 2008 and prepared a recommendation for City Council. • The EAC sees great potential for these ideas to assist in the marketing of our community values to the community, nation, and world, as our community has consistently prided Itself and marketed itself as a community that acts progressively when It comes to the Issues of sustainability. • By in large most of the recommendations do not directly affect businesses and the economy. The main areas where the EAC sees direct effect are in the Energy Supply Policy and the Natural Gas Franchise Fee recommendations. These issues should not be handled in a vacuum, but rather looked at in conjunction with each other. • Consider adding the Importance of a marketing/education component especially for items that involve the most impact to businesses and/or citizens. Pages 11 - 13 of this attachment provide the complete EAC memo to Council on the Climate Plan. Electric Board On November 19, 2008, the Electric Board passed the following motion regarding the Climate Action Plan and Proposed Addendum; 5 in favor, 0 against, i abstain. Moved to accept the Climate Action Plan as presented (including the Addendum) Staff summary of discussion points from that meeting are given below, since the draft minutes are not available yet. ■ Use the carbon offsets and the Colorado Carbon Fund as a last resort to meet goals. ■ Public lands,including natural areas, should be open to considering installation of renewable energy projects. • We can learn from the ecological studies that will be occurring at Maxwell Ranch. An excerpt of the October 15, 2008 Electric Board discussion regarding the Climate Action Plan is provided on pages 14— 15 of this attachment. Natural Resources Advisory Board On November 19, 2008, the Natural Resources Advisory Board passed the following motion regarding the Climate Action Plan and Proposed Addendum.They passed the following motion 5 in favor-1 opposed. The Natural Resources Advisory Board recommends City Council adopt the Draft 2008 Climate Action Plan, Including addendum to meet the 2012 intent and 2020 goal. Priority Items for NRAB, include: • Expanding the Climate Wise program • Banning cardboard from community waste stream • Energy efficiency • Smart grid and smart meters 2 • Upgrading residential building codes • Community Climate Challenge • Implementing customer-based renewable energy solutions by 2012 • Embedding commercial recycling fee in trash rates by 2012 Before purchasing carbon offsets, consider accelerating all priority items. Staff has listed some of the discussion points from the meeting below, since the draft minutes are not available yet. ■ Why isn't the City willing to support(individual scale)renewable energy projects in the Plan? Incentives are necessary to make significant advancements in individual-scale renewable energy ■ It is hard to achieve VMT reduction. ■ If developing an implementation proposal for the proposed C&D deposit system,maybe it should not automatically exclude the smallest 25%of projects,as these small impacts can add up. ■ What are the risks of partnering with others on implementing non-combustion waste- conversion technologies? Distributed generation powered by non-combustion waste conversion technologies is more scalable. An excerpt of the October 15,2008 Natural Resources Advisory Board discussion regarding the Climate Action Plan is provided on pages 16— 17 of this attachment. The NRAB memo to Council is included on page 18 of this attachment. Transportation Board On October 15,2008, the Transportation Board unanimously passed the following motion regarding the Climate Action Plan. Their schedule precluded their having a presentation on and considering a recommendation in November that included the Proposed Addendum. Based on the Climate Action Plan presented, the board finds the Transportation elements of the plan consistent with our overall mission and we recommend their adoption. The Transportation Board memo to City Council is provided on Page 19 of this attachment. 3 ... ...._._......... ... ..... AQAB—October 20, 2008 Minutes AIR QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES October 20,2008 DATE: Monday, October 20, 2008 LOCATION: 215 N. Mason Conference room 1-A TIME: 5:30-8:00 P.M. Dinner is served starting at 5:15 For Reference: Eric Levine, Chair - 493-6341 David Roy, Council Liaison - 407-7393 Brian Woodruff, Staff Liaison - 221-6604 Board Members Present: Nancy York, Eric Levine, Dennis Georg, Dale Adamy, Katrina Winbom Board Members absent: Dave Dietrich,Kip Carrico, Greg McMaster Staff Present: Alexis Hmielak,Brian Woodruff Eric Levine called the meeting to order at 5:35 Introduction of Guests John Schmeer—guest Public input None Climate Action Plan Lucinda Smith presented an update on the progress of the Draft Climate Action Plan. This Draft Plan is based largely on the recommendations of the Climate Task Force and will be presented to City Council for a work session on October 28,2008. The draft plan addresses the new goals set by City Council in May, 2008, for 20%emission reduction below 2005 levels by 2020, and 80% reduction below 2005 levels,by 2050. • Lucinda showed a graph that tracks community-wide emissions from 1990 to 2007 and then projects, in a business as usual scenario, the 2012 intent and 2020 goal. o She pointed out the 2050 goal is a huge goal and very difficult to project. o Dennis Georg interjected a quote by Tom Friedman: "The difference between a vision and a hallucination is investment." In order to make this happen we must invest. o In answer to a question by Katrina Winbom, Lucinda stated community-wide emissions are composed of carbon dioxide and methane from residential, commercial and industrial,natural gas and electricity, transportation fuels and the amount of waste we generate. Electricity is almost half of our community emissions=48%. • According to the Plan, the amount of reduction we need to have to close the gaps is 485,000 tons/year in 2012, 1,375,000/tons/yr in 2020 and 1,524,000 tons/year below 2020 goal level in 2050. y AQAB— October 20, 2008 Minutes o Katrina suggested, for clarity,this could also be expressed in layman's terms such as"what would be the average person's contribution." Lucinda stated the Community Climate Challenge is seeking 1%per capita reduction or about 28,OOOtons/yr. o Eric stated it was 15.5 tons originally when CTF began,but it has gone up. Lucinda added it is also not just population growth that is increasing emissions. We are also using more energy per capita. Fort Collins Utilities Department statistics state only 20%of FC homes from 1980-90 had air conditioners. Now 60%of FC homes have air conditioners. This is a large increase in energy use. o Eric Levine asked if per capita usage has started to go down yet. Lucinda stated per capita use had a tiny reduction in 2006-7. • Features of the Draft Climate Plan: o Largely based on Climate Task Force Recommendations o Builds on existing successes o Contains cost-effective strategies o Involves long-term thinking o Supports the local economy o Brings multiple other benefits o Flexible implementation schedule ■ Dennis pointed out there are two flexibilities: one of businesses and one of rates of implementation via Council and via the public. • The Plan is largely based on the Climate Task Force's Recommendations o CTF recommended 16 short-term strategies o Draft Climate Action Plan retains most strategies but is a little more generic regarding energy o Incorporates the draft Energy Policy o Adds more green building measures ■ Planned update to residential building code ■ Some long term green building measures o Removes"Incentives for Individual Renewable Energy Projects" ■ Cost was too high o Removes "Incentives for Low Emission Vehicles"since the high cost of gas could, alone, be a good incentive to drive less. o Considers"Time of Sale Ordinance"to upgrade buildings to higher energy efficiency when sold as a long-tem strategy o Removes the goal to achieve"15% Renewable Energy by 2011" ■ Moves away from a rapid ramp-up of renewable energy and focusing on achieving a carbon reduction goal via energy efficiency and directs funding to local projects Discussion: o Dennis Georg stated his opinion that utilities do not have an incentive for efficiency. They are in the business to sell energy, not encourage energy efficiencies. He encourages Council to think about incentives are we going to provide the utilities to get out and aggressively promote savings. o Eric felt the mandate must go higher up than the City Utilities. o Lucinda interjected Governor Ritter set the state goal for utilities to reduce their emissions 20%below 2005 by 2020 that may involve rate increases. (AMR-2) AQAB—October 20, 2008 Minutes o Katrina added that getting permits to build or expand coal fired plants is very difficult and that may be an incentive for utilities to be more efficient. o Brian Woodruff stated Fort Collins is fortunate to own its own utilities so the City Council can establish parameters for them. Council is scheduled to adopt the revised Energy Policy on December 2,2008. Utilities will be coming back to Council in the spring with their implementation plan. o Eric Levine expressed his opinion that there is a difference of opinion between several Council members and staff on the Climate Protection Project and the Trash Policy. He asked what kind of money is behind the recommendation to purchase less green energy, where it was budgeted and could it go somewhere else. Lucinda stated it couldn't be determined right now since Utilities still has to develop the implementation plan. o In answer to a question from Dennis Georg who wanted to know what measures were added to the Plan, Lucinda stated items added were: residential energy code update and long term green building updates. o Lucinda pointed out the new Plan does not add up to meet the 2012 intent. One option is to purchase carbon offsets. o Dennis wondered if all buildings on Mason Corridor could be required to be green buildings. Lucinda stated there is a measure in the Green Building Roadmap to require green building as a prerequisite to public financing through the City that was identified as a 3-year strategy. ■ Nancy York suggested homes and businesses on Mason Street Corridor should pay a transit access fee, also. Lucinda continued the presentation. • The Draft Plan builds on existing measures such as energy efficiency, ClimateWise, single stream recycling,mandated natural gas efficiency, 2005 residential energy code and the FortZed jumpstart program. • It incorporates the following energy policy strategies: o Regarding efficiency: ■ Reduce electricity emissions 20%. ■ Reduce electricity use 1%per year through efficiency and conservation programs. • Develop a smart grid road map by end of 2009. ■ Manage 10% of peak load demand through load management, smart grid, and distributed generation. o Regarding renewable energy ■ We must comply with state-mandated renewable portfolio standard (10% renewable energy by 2020). ■ Increase the contribution of renewable energy enough to reach 20%reduction by 2020, after accounting for the contributions of energy efficiency, conservation, minimum renewable energy requirements and voluntary renewable energy programs. • It contains cost-effective strategies o Climate Wise- average net savings for reducing carbon($2/ton) o Reduce electricity use 1%per year through energy efficiency and conservation programs- (Efficiency Programs—lowest cost utility resource) o Update building energy codes o Advanced Meter Infrastructure 33) AQAR—October 20, 2008 Minutes • It contains long-term thinking which is important, even though they are not quantified for carbon reduction. o Regular updates on building energy codes o Continued support for"above code"green building initiatives o Time of Sale Energy Conservation Ordinance o Require Green Building as a Prerequisite for Public Financing o Promote Net Zero Ready Homes o Promote LEED for Neighborhoods • Supports the local economy o ClimateWise improves bottom lines of local businesses o Colorado Carbon Fund o It identifies 10%40%investment back to the community. Also have projects have carbon benefit ■ The program identifies between 10%to 40% of reinvestment of the carbon offset revenue that came from the community back to the community. So if we can get our businesses and citizens to buy carbon offsets through the Colorado Carbon Fund instead of elsewhere, some of it will come back to us. o Energy efficiency and green building would provide green-collar job opportunities in Fort Collins. Currently there are not enough green job service providers. • Other benefits o Reduce energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting o Reduce motor vehicle fuel costs o Support local businesses and the economy o Redirect investments back into local economy o Reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources o Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility—important for organizations with a budget that is trying to plan. o Reduce peak demand and need for new base load capacity o Diversify energy supply o Reduce air pollution emissions (including ozone precursors) o Improve public health o Improve local visibility o Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates. o Reduce road congestion o Increase Fort Collins' ability to adapt to a changing climate o Provide opportunities for leadership • Dennis Georg commented that this Plan not only addresses a changing climate but also a changing economy. • Lucinda pointed out the Plan also estimated the benefits of each strategy if they were implemented all the way out to 2020. • The Plan as it stands now falls short and only meets 55%-80%of the 2012 reduction objective and 90%of the 2020 intent. Purchasing carbon offsets could help meet those goals. • It is important the Plan stays active and alive by having monitoring and annual progress report/biannual review. o The review happens in spring of the year and the budget recommendations would be adopted in the fall of that year. o There are three milestones during the period: 2012, 2020, and 2050. • Implementation flexibility 4) (D _ . L411 _. _ AQAB—October 20, 2008 Minutes o Council can determine implementation priorities in context of evolving City budget and policy priorities, carbon markets and technology opportunities. o Possible fall 2008 decisions: • 2009 budget exception requests to support Utilities' programs? • Pursue a franchise fee agreement with Xcel for natural gas? • Adopt new Energy Policy? • Adopt Climate Action Plan? • Decisions regarding Trash Services Study and Recycling programs o Possible 2009 Decisions • Electric rate changes? • Adopt Transit Strategic Plan? • Implement new waste reduction initiatives such as commercial recycling, curbside yard waste, or changes to haulers' licensing requirements? o Possible 2010/2011 budget requests • Capital and operations funding for transportation? • Capital and operations requests for municipal carbon reduction projects? • Budget requests for any new solid waste reduction initiatives? Discussion: • In answer to a question by Katrina Winborn, Lucinda stated as years go on it is incumbent on staff to remind City departments and City Council that future measures are part of the Climate Plan. Eric Levine emphasized every service sector in the City should keep the Climate Plan in mind because their activities could make or break the Plan. • Nancy York suggested there should be a monitoring agency to keep track of the Plan's implementation. • Dennis Georg stated Fort Collins is one of the few cities without a natural gas franchise fee and wondered why we don't move in that direction. Lucinda stated cost is a factor because if we implement a franchise fee most of it would get passed along to the consumer. In summary: • Lucinda stated the targets are aggressive and will be challenging. • Responsible measurement,verification, and reporting are critical and we need to come up with comprehensive guidelines for community-wide emissions reporting. A major question is whether community emissions should include the energy used to make the materials used in our community and the transportation used to bring those materials to US. • Next steps o Council work session October 28—presentation of Draft Plan to determine if Council has any comments or directions before it comes back for Council adoption. o Nov 12, public open house o Dec 2, Council considers adoption 0 2009—ongoing implementation. • Challenges o Targets are aggressive o More funding and outreach will be required o Immature EE infrastructure and slow ramp up (/ ) AQAB—October 20, 2008 Minutes o Responsible measurement,verification and reporting • Opportunities o Energy efficiency and conservation o Manage risk: energy prices, carbon regulation, environmental impact o Plug-in hybrids, smart grid, connecting transportation and electric distribution infrastructures Discussion: • Dennis Georg was disappointed renewable energy programs that would close the gaps had been deleted from the Plan. He suggested Council address plans that can reduce the gaps as a part of the regular review cycle and commit to them. • Eric reminded the group much of the Plan is a guestimate and some of these things are outside of our control. Having enough strategies in the package is important to its success. • Dennis pointed out the American Wind Energy Association's (AWEA)latest comparative report of power generation systems regarding costs and benefits shows that by 2012 there will be several modes of renewable energy generation where the cost of megawatt generation will be very close to coal. He felt this is a solvable engineering problem and the City needs to be more open-minded how the carbon reductions can be achieved with alternative energy and should be well positioned to take advantage of them. Investing in renewable energies is a wise business decision because it may ultimately provide citizens with the lowest cost of electricity. • Lucinda stated, if the Council would adopt the Plan, it would be by resolution,which expresses their willingness to implement these programs but doesn't say when. However, it is important that they support the Plan. • Dale Adamy suggested,in order to keep it on track, language be added to the Plan such as: 'in order to succeed,the Plan expects the timeline be met,regulatory measures be taken, and the proposed measures be completed,"plus a timeline. This would be necessary because, in government,officials change with term limits and this would allow the Plan to be passed on from person to person. o Lucinda felt these expectations are a reasonable addition to the implementation schedule • Dennis suggested this be a branded Plan,similar to ClimateWise to help with the community challenge buy-in. • Eric Levine stated it would be most productive for the AQAB to discuss the Plan with Council members individually before the October 28,work session. The group discussed and crafted a recommendation that Eric Levine will incorporate into a letter to the City Council on behalf of the Air Quality Advisory Board. Dennis Georg moved and Nancy York seconded the following motion: The Air Quality Advisory Board recommends that the City Council adopt the Revised Climate Action Plan. As part of that adoption, Council will recognize there is a gap in meeting the goal of 2012 and 2026 of 107,000 tons. Also, as part of that recognition, Council will commit to evaluation of incremental programs to close those gaps and adopt a timeline for the implementation of the individual aspects of the plan. Motion approved unanimously act AQAB—October 20, 2008 Minutes • In response to a request from Dale Adamy, Lucinda explained that Utilities hired a consulting firm, R.W. Beck, to analyze the utility-related measures in the Plan. R. W. Beck has a model they use to quantify the costs and benefits of the programs and they are going to use to develop the implementation plan. R.W.Beck has completed their analysis that included the carbon benefit of the costs and strategies of 2012 and 2020 recommended by the Climate Task Force.Utilities supported the concept but didn't agree with all the cost estimates. Also, R.W. Beck's determined"no benefit" from the Colorado Carbon Fund because it depends on the market and we can't be sure about it. Utilities didn't agree with this analysis. 7:00 Review and approve minutes of September meeting Nancy York moved and Dale Adamy seconded a motion to approve the September 15, 2008, minutes. Motion approved unanimously The September minutes stated there was some erroneous information at an August City Council meeting regarding the Climate Action Plan. Eric Levine will review the video of the Council meeting and if there is erroneous information,he suggested the AQAB should give Council corrections. Regarding the presentation by Jeff Scheick at last month's AQAB meeting,Dennis Georg is trying to communicate with Jeff's office to find out the exact per-passenger cost for Transfort. He was impressed with a study done in San Francisco and wondered if Transfort would be able to calculate cost of transportation in Fort Collins. Eric encouraged the Board to follow through on any questions they may still have. AQAB 2009 Work Plan The Board's annual work plan is due at the end of November. At this meeting the Board discussed the previous work plan and considered changes for 2009. Final adoption could take place at the November meeting. • Dennis Georg submitted the following revisions to the work plan as a result of this discussion: 1. Review progress on the city implementation of the climate action plan and make recommendations for adjustments required to meet the citys objectives. 2. Track progress on the city's implementation plan to reduce the air quality impact of residential and commercial diversion and trash hauling. Make recommendations for adjustments. 3. Review the revised EPA standards on airborne lead and make recommendations to city council on required actions the city must take to be in compliance. 4. Understand policy and code changes mechanisms in the city and adopt a protocol for the board to use in affecting policy and code changes. <AQA%- 7) City of Financial Services 300 LaPorte Ave Collins Po 560 Fort Fort Collins,CO 80522 970.221.8505 970.224.6107-fax fcgov.com Memorandum To: Mayor Hutchinson and City Council Members From: Christophe Febvre, Chair and Economic Advisory Commission CC: Darin Atteberry, City Manager Mike Freeman, Chief Financial Officer Lucinda Smith,Senior Environmental Planner Date: October 23, 2008 Subject: Recommendation on City of Fort Collins Climate Action Plan The Economic Advisory Commission met October 23, 2008 and discussed the subject of the Climate Action Plan. All members unanimously agreed to make the following recommendation to City Council,in advance of the October 28,2008 work session. EAC Recommendations: • The EAC sees great potential for these ideas to assist in the marketing of our community's values to the community, nation, and the world, as our community has consistently prided itself and marketed itself as a community that acts progressively when it comes to issues of sustainability, • By in large most of the recommendations do not directly affect businesses and the economy. The main areas where the EAC sees direct effect are in the Energy Supply Policy and Natural Gas Franchise Fee recommendations. These issues should not be handled in a vacuum, but rather looked at in conjunction with each other. • Consider adding the importance of a marketing/education component especially for items that involve the most impact to business and/or citizens. Thank you for considering this recommendation EAC Presentation Documentation and Analysis Form Organization and/or person presenting to the EAC: Lucinda Smith, City of Foil Collins Natural Resources Department, Climate Action Plan. kcon, CcmmirslOr' - I 0 .Clty of Date 1012312008 Does the city fund the organization, or will city funds be required for the proposed project, and if so how much? The presentation was focused on the Climate Action Plan being recommended to the City Council. Mite estimates of costs have been given, the exact cost of implementation will be based on the measures that are chosen for implementation. What other funding does the organization receive? NIA Is the organization requesting funding from the City? Funding will be based on strategies that are chosen for implementation, and will be looked into in greater detail at that time. Purpose of the presentation Inform the Economic Advisory Commission (EAC) on recommendations that will go to City Council from the Climate Action Plan. Desired outcome for presenter Feedback and Questions that the EAC have on the Climate Action Plan. Impact of presented material to the ofty's economy: [Rate from 0 to 10 where 0 means no relevance] Rank of Comments: • Many of the recommendations will require some type of financial support to be effective. • Many of the recommendations result in savings, mostly through efficiencies. • It has significant potential positive effects for the long-term economy. The ideas discussed also have some potential costs to the city, citizens, and businesses. The EAC has identified some possible risks for businesses that at least need to be carefully managed and or marketed, • The EAC feels fairly strongiy that there is strong potential for the plan to interact positively with the City's current long-term economic vision. • The EAC noted that there are risks that need to be assessed and managed for some of the potential items relative to impact to local business. What area(s) of the economy are impacted by the presenting organization? [rate Impact from 0 to 101 Primary Employment 7.—new costs may effect current and future emolovers Local economic generation ... F—rtr% . city af Fort Cothns 7—has Potential to create new lobs and industry Lower Income assistance ... 8—offers assistance to low income High-technology generation 8—support Clean Energy Cluster and CSI developments Cluster activity 9 - Clean Energy Other Electric Sumly Policy/Air Quality... 9 Comments: • Depending upon the recommendations that the Council chooses to move forward with will effect how much this plan will affect positively/negatively on the local economy, Is there a quantifiable or potential Retum-on-Investment for the City and if so explain? Yes, through efficiencies, possible natural gas franchise fee. Cost of doing nothing, knowing that a Federal level cap & trade system is likely in the future. Are there any issues that the EAC feels should be addressed by the presenter, or are there any additional documents or data that the EAC requests from the presenter? How does it support local business and economy? What will this cost local business? Who oversees the process? How does City market the benefits? Who saves and who benefits? ECOr1 Gmm i ss i on- 3 Q3 Fort Collins Utilities Electric Board Minutes Wednesday, October 15,2008 Electric Board Chairperson City Council Liaison John Morris, 377-8221 Wade Troxell, 219-8940 Electric Board Vice Chairperson Staff Liaison Dan Bihn, 218-1962 Robin Pierce,221-6702 Roll Call Board Present Chairperson John Morris,Vice Chairperson Dan Bihn,Board Members Tom Barnish and Steve Wolley Board Absent Board Members John Graham, John Harris and Jeff Lebesch Staff Present Brian Janonis, Steve Catanach, Tom Rock, Kraig Bader,John Phelan, Patty Bigner,Bob Hover, Lucinda Smith, Robin Pierce and Meagan Peil Guests Rick Coen,Bevan Noack,Eric Sutherland and Stephen Yurash Meeting Convened Chairperson John Morris called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. Approval of September 17,2008,Minutes Vice Chairperson Bihn motioned to approve the minutes from the September 17,2008, meeting. Board Member Wolley seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Public Comment Eric Sutherland requested the Board give consideration to the importance of providing City Council with financial framework and planning data for approval items. Mr. Sutherland cited two recent examples of such items,the draft Energy Policy and 2009 rate increase request. Climate Action Plan Update Senior Environmental Planner Lucinda Smith provided an update on the development of the Climate Action Plan. It will be brought to Council at the October 28 work session. The Climate Task Force recommended 16 short-term strategies, and the draft Climate Action Plan retains most of the strategies. It also incorporates concepts from the draft Energy Policy, such as advanced metering infrastructure. The goal to achieve 15%renewable energy by 2011 was removed from the Plan in response to input from various Boards for more emphasis on carbon reduction and energy efficiency, and the focus has changed from the 2012 to the 2020 goal. The Plan will achieve 268,000-378,000 tons/year reduction in 2012, 1.2 million tons/year in 2020 and complies with the State's Renewable Portfolio Standard. 1-3a�� Council expressed interest in focusing more efforts on green building. Support continues for pursuing"above (building)code"initiatives and assessing the Time of Sale Energy Conservation Ordinance. The green building roadmap requires green building as a prerequisite in order for projects to receive public financing. The Plan supports the local economy through growth of the existing Climate Wise Program. It aligns with the Governor's Energy Office (GEO) on the Colorado Carbon Fund in lieu of a local carbon offset program. The GEO program will enable the reinvestment of some offset revenues to return to our community and be used to implement projects. Diversifying energy supply, and reducing vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility were noted as other important Plan benefits. Monitoring and reporting will occur annually through emissions inventory and biennially through budget cycle reviews with planned milestones. The Plan provides a framework for moving forward on climate protection activities, while providing flexibility for Council to make decisions at incremental points and determine implementation priorities within the context of evolving City budget and policy priorities, carbon markets and technology opportunities. Public outreach will be conducted through November,including a public open house on November 12. Council considers adoption of the Climate Action Plan on December 2. Questions from the Board: Where would progress be by 2012 without the proposed rate increases? The Plan does not contain this information,but if Council adopts the new Energy Policy, it would be followed by the development of an implementation plan which would contain estimated results of different rate options. Utilities staff expects to have an implementation plan ready for Council to study in the January to February, 2009,time frame. Council will be asked to pass a resolution approving the intent and general direction rather than an ordinance to adopt the Plan. There is no budget associated with the Plan at this time. However, some modeled costs per year are in the Plan. Is it unusual for both the Energy Policy and Climate Action Plan to evolve at the same time? It presents a challenge for the Climate Action Plan as it is preceding more detailed strategy development on many fronts. With the mid-level approach of the Plan,it affords the opportunity to fold in plans from other areas around the City and the Energy Policy when those become available. Board Member Wolley served on the Climate Task Force and stated the task force recommendations included costs per ton and, if a specific recommendation required funding from a rate increase, estimates were provided for Council. Ms. Smith noted estimated impacts to customers will be included in the agenda item materials. Board Member Barnish noted the positive effect lifestyle changes and education may have on the carbon emission goals. Ms. Smith noted a community climate challenge is incorporated in the Climate Action Plan. Economic conditions also provide motivation for consumers to reduce energy use. 5 2- EG:ir'c (ioq.� NRAB-October 15, 2008 Minutes NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES- EXCEPRT Regular Meeting October 15,2008 DATE: Wednesday, October 15,2008 LOCATION: 215 N.Mason-Conference Room 1-A TIME: 6:00pm For Reference: Alan Apt,NRAB Chair 221-9875 Ben Manvel,Council Liaison 217-1932 John Armstrong, Staff Liaison 416-2230 Board Members Present: Alan Apt, Clint Skutchan,Joe Piesman,Phil Friedman,Heather Manier, Liz Pruessner,Glen Colton Board Members Absent: Linda Knowlton Climate Action Plan Update Lucinda Smith and Ana Arias presented an overview of the status of the Draft Climate Action Plan and recognized that the NRAB has been closely following this process. The Draft Plan will be presented to Council October 28,2008. NRAB comments below were extracted from the minutes text that summarized the presentation content. • Phil Friedman stated the IRS is considering a$7500 tax incentive for plug-in hybrid cars when they are available. • In answer to a question from Alan Apt, Lucinda stated the City looks at alternative and high fuel efficiency vehicles for every vehicle purchase. • Alan Apt stated he would rather see subsidizing insulating low income homes than for hybrid vehicles. It's important for incentives to be transparent. We should support the low income people first. • In answer to a question from Alan Apt, Lucinda stated it is critical that the plan have periodic reporting and re-evaluation and this plan needs to evolve as circumstances evolve. • In answer to a question from Joe Piesman,Lucinda stated Fort Collins' reduction is currently at approximately 6%. • Joe Piesman mentioned the nature of the low bid structure does not promote building great buildings. Lucinda stated that a mandate for state agencies requires them to consider environmentally referable products and to not necessarily or automatically go with the lowest bid. • Clint Skutchan stressed people need to arrive at decisions themselves and not be forced to accept becoming sustainable and practical. Lucinda stated the Plan has both voluntary and regulatory approaches. • Glen Colton felt conservation makes sense,but suggested keeping everyone involved, even those who are already doing a lot-be sure to offer them programs and options too. ( NP.kf3- 11) �i wJ • Clint suggested the Plan needs to have a funding stream identified and the City should have a strategy on how offsets will be purchased and define that early on. • Alan questioned why we are looking outside the community instead of subsidizing local businesses such as Climate Wise partners. Focus on Fort Collins first. Then spend money elsewhere. • Glen Colton suggested the community needs to decide if it wants to pay higher electric rates to help meet these goals,plus reduce usage to reduce bills. • Alan suggested better insulated homes or smart meters would help avoid volatility of electric rates. • Some felt a pilot program for smart meters soon would be a good way to start. • Lucinda stated any electric rate change is also an opportunity for other funding mechanisms. For example,Boulder is considering a ballot initiative for creative ways to fund energy efficiency. • Rosemarie Russo stated the Governor's Committee wants to come to Fort Collins to talk to Utilities and may want to partner with us. If so,there may be some money available there. Ouestions and discussion • Lucinda stated the Council will be discussing the draft plan in their October 28, work session. She has been asked to work on costs/benefits as it relates to a household in dollars per year but that information is not included in the Draft Plan. It is to give Council a better sense of the impact on the community. • Clint thanked Lucinda for taking notes when board members had suggestions. • Liz Pruessner commented she liked the way it's evolving, especially tying things together to do big things in as coordinated way as possible. It's also very challenging and exciting. • In answer to a question by Heather Manier regarding how you know when carbon is reduced, Lucinda stated that carbon dioxide concentrations are measured in the air. It is calculated by creating a carbon inventory,based on things like electricity use, fuel consumed and trash generated • Alan Apt applauded the Draft Plan and asked if Lucinda wanted a recommendation from the Natural Resources Advisory Board. After discussion, the NRAB agreed to wait until after the October 28, Council work session. Lucinda will convey the NRAB discussion points to Council so they know what the board is thinking. • Joe Piesman suggested Council keep in mind how quickly the U.S. economy and energy prices are changing and suggested Council focus on the long term,keep focused on reducing our carbon footprint and that be aware that actual budget initiatives will make this Plan a reality. • Glen Colton questioned whether Fort Collins should do things based on population growth. • Lucinda pointed out that the 1%reduction in electricity usage may not be a true reduction because the population is still growing-The goals are not based on per capita. Actually, there is an effort to develop a statewide network of communities working on climate. Sometimes things can be done more effectively if regional.Transportation might be one. Larimer County is already moving in this direction. • Glen Colton stated people need to realize when Governor Ritter sets a goal they should take into consideration the population could triple. (NMB-2) 61 ........... ....... MEMORANDUM FROM THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BAORD Date: November 19,2008 To: Mayor and Council Members From: Alan Apt on behalf of the Natural Resources Advisory Board Subject: Draft Climate Action Plan recommendations The Natural Resources Advisory Board recommends City Council adopt the Draft 2008 Climate Action Plan,including addendum to meet the 2012 intent and 2020 goal.Priority items for NRAB, include: • Expanding the Climate Wise program • Banning cardboard from community waste stream • Energy efficiency • Smart grid and smart meters • Upgrading residential building codes • Community Climate Challenge • Implementing customer-based renewable energy solutions by 2012 • Embedding commercial recycling fee in trash rates by 2012 Before purchasing carbon offsets,consider accelerating all priority items. NRAB voted 5-1 in favor of this resolution. Please feel free to contact me regarding the NRAB's recommendation on this issue. Respectfully Submitted, Alan Apt, Chair Natural Resources Advisory Board cc: Darin AtteberTy,City Manager John Armstrong, Staff Liaison memo City O� Transportation Board Gary Thomas, Chair Fort Collins October 27, 2008 To: Mayor Hutchinson and Members of City Council From: Transportation Board RE: Climate Action Plan On Wednesday, October 15, 2008,the Transportation Board heard a presentation by Lucinda Smith of the Fort Collins City Natural Resources Staff regarding the Climate Action Plan. At this time, the plan is still in the development process so the Transportation Board's recommendation is based on the current version. In reviewing the elements of the Climate Action Plan that speak to transportation issues, the Board finds that all are consistent with our overall mission and goals and by unanimous vote of members present we recommend their adoption. The Board is very appreciative of the effort that has gone into this plan. We note that one of our members, Gary Steen, served on the Climate Task Force and kept the Board apprised of the work, Although not currently referenced in the Climate Action Plan,a comment was noted that maintaining the road infrastructure, in particular keeping up with pavement management was another way to contribute to better air quality: Potholes are an impediment to mode shifts away from automobiles and major street reconstruction involves more fuel consumption and carbon releases than timely smaller repairs. I would be pleased to further discuss this recommendation at your convenience. Sincerely yours, Gary D. Thomas TMncpo-6-6o 13oarj h City offort Collins, Natural Resources Departments November 25, 2008 Attachment 5 Colorado Carbon Fund What is the Colorado Carbon Fund? The Colorado Carbon Fund(CCF) is a voluntary program designed to provide high quality carbon offsets to consumers to support new energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Colorado. The donations are tax-deductible and offsets are retired on behalf of consumers. Carbon offsets projects will support the economy and climate goals. The Colorado Carbon Fund is different from other offset programs because: ■ Donations to CO Carbon Fund are tax-deductible Carbon offsets support Colorado projects Supports local clean energy and climate goals • Provides funds for local re-investment in small community clean energy projects ■ Provides funds for local community groups for educational outreach One of the distinguishing elements of the CCF is that it provides "verifiable" offsets for individuals, businesses and government agencies. Some other carbon programs do not offer "verifiable" offsets which makes them less attractive to businesses. Any entity that anticipates having its carbon emissions regulated in the future may prefer to acquire "verifiable" offsets. The Governor's Energy Office has partnered with the Climate Trust, a national non-profit, to administer the program. CCF covers all administrative and marketing costs including: ■ Partnering with an established 501 ( c) 3 non-profit to retire credits on behalf of consumers ■ carbon footprint calculators for individuals, businesses and events, developed specifically for Colorado, • ColoradoCarbonFund.org website - including promotion of local community partners, programs and services, ■ creditcard/check processing, fiscal management of donations received, • verification/certification and offset project management, ■ customer service, marketing materials, and paid advertisements in local media outlets, such as radio and newspaper. As a partner to the CCF, the City of Fort Collins would be eligible for local re-investment funds, anticipated to range from 10—40% of our community investment in offsets. These funds can be used to support new or existing clean energy projects and educational outreach activities. CCF community partners will have the responsibility and authority to choose which local projects receive funding. Educational outreach will be critical to the success of the Climate Action Plan. 1 City of Fort Collins, Natural Resources Departments November 25, 2008 Other communities that have expressed interest in supporting the CCF include Aspen, Boulder, Denver, Durango, Steamboat Springs, Telluride and Vail. The CCF has raised over $70,000 from interested individuals and business owners since launching the program in August 2008. The CCF will broaden the base of people addressing climate change because it allows citizens to: • Measure their emissions from energy use and travel; • Reduce their emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy; and • Offset unavoidable emissions through the CCF. Benefits of Participating in A State Carbon Offset Program Significant capital and other resources are needed to start and maintain a high quality carbon offset program. Activities range from developing protocols for certifiable offsets, hiring a third party to verify offset programs, arranging for all the financial transactions and providing sound fiscal management of all donations received, and marketing and outreach. The state has invested significant resources into development of the CCF. If Fort Collins were to develop its own carbon offset program, significant resources would need to be identified to do these same tasks. There are very few municipally-managed carbon offsets programs in the county. Aspen has the Canary Tags program and Austin, TX is still in the process of developing their own program. By partnering with the CCF, Fort Collins will be able to promote consumer participation in a program that is up and running now. Over time, Fort Collins will gain experience with developing and implementing local carbon-reduction projects funded through the re-investment piece, and may be able to expand a local program. What is a "Carbon Offset"? Actions such as driving, flying, and heating buildings directly emit carbon dioxide. Carbon offsets counteract these activities by investing in projects that reduce emission at another source to compensate for these direct emissions. Carbon offsets help to fund projects that reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Offsets should be sought after efforts to reduce emission right at their source have been implemented. Quality control is an important issue for carbon offsets. In order to be sure the offset is providing a true benefit to the environment, every offset project must be held to the highest quality standards. High quality offset projects: Provide new or additional benefits: A high quality offset project is one that would not have happened without the specific funding provided by the purchase of carbon offsets. Are rigorously measured and verified: The benefits of the offset project must be measured and verified by an independent third party over the entire length of the project. Have lasting benefits: The effects of the offset project must be long-lasting, not temporary. 2 Attachment 6 Potential Greenhouse Gas Benefits of Natural Gas Franchise Fee "Natural gas demand side management programs reduce natural gas consumption by improving the efficiency of buildings, space heating systems, water heating and other gas appliances. This lowers the bills of consumers and businesses that adopt these measure and also provides broader societal benefits such as reducing natural gas imports, reducing the risk of gas shortages and putting downward pressure on natural gas prices". The 2008 draft Climate Action Plan includes a measure called "Natural Gas Energy Conservation". This measures proposes to replace the $445,000/year Gas Company Occupation Tax the City levies on Xcel Energy for the right to provide natural gas with a franchise fee agreement where the City would charge Xcel an annual fee equal to 3% of gas sales revenue in Fort Collins. This would result in an approximate 1.5% increase in natural gas rates to Fort Collins customers and approximately $555,000/.year increased revenue to the City General Fund. The greenhouse gas benefit is estimated at 5,000— 10,000 tons CO2e avoided per year in 2012. A question arose at the October 28, 2008 City Council work session about how greenhouse gas benefits were calculated. A review of natural gas efficiency programs published by SWEEP in 20061 showed that of the ten natural gas demand side management(DSM)programs studied, the annual natural gas savings ranged from 0.2%to 1.0% of usage, with the average reduction being 0.5% of usage. The annual investments made, as a percent of gas retail sales revenue, ranged from 0.5%to 1.6%, with the average investment being 0.8% of retail sales. The average of the ten natural gas DSM programs studied suggest that investing 0.8% of revenue could lead to reducing 0.5% of natural gas usage. The analysis of the "Natural Gas Energy Conservation" strategy in the draft 2008 Climate Action Plan uses slightly more conservative assumptions. First, the natural gas savings estimated for the existing measure "State-Mandated Natural Gas Efficiency Programs under HB 1037" was subtracted from the projected base natural gas usage numbers. The low-end estimate of natural gas saving for the "Natural Gas Energy Conservation" measure (5,000 tons CO2 avoided) was then calculated based on achieving 0.3% annual reduction in natural gas use in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The high-end estimate (10,000 tons CO2 avoided) is based on achieving 0.3% reduction in 2010, 0.7% reduction in 2011 and 1.0%reduction in 2012. The percent of natural gas savings estimated savings from both the "Existing HB 1037 and the new Natural Gas Energy Efficiency (franchise fee) measures are shown in Table 1 below. 1 Natural Gas Demand Side Management Programs: A National Survey by Suzanne Tegan and Howard Gellar, SWEEP, January 2006, see http://www.swenergy.org/pubsNatural_Gas DSM_Programs_A_National_Survey.pdf 1 Table 1. Estimated Percent Reduction in Fort Collins Natural Gas Usage as a Result of Natural Gas Measures in the Climate Action Plan Year EXISTING MEASURE NEW MEASURE Total Reductions in State-Mandated Natural Gas Natural Gas Energy Natural Gas Usage Efficiency Programs Conservation - HB1037 Franchise Fee 2009 0.50% 0.30% 0.80% 2010 0.50% 0.30% 0.80% 2011 0.3% -0.7% 0.3% -0.7% 2012 0.3% - 1.0% 0.3% - 1.0% The new measure benefits assume that the majority of additional revenue provided to the City is used to fund natural gas efficiency programs. There may be a small reduction in natural gas use that results directly from the price increase, but natural gas demand has been proven to be relatively inelastic to price signal. However, a slight increase in the price of natural gas may further motivate natural gas customers to take advantage of efficiency programs. The vast majority of local governments in Colorado have a franchise fee agreement with their natural gas utility providers. These include the following local governments which have a 3% fee unless otherwise noted: Ault (5%), Boulder, Breckenridge, Broomfield, Denver, Dacono (2.35%), Estes Park, Glendale, Gunnison, Littleton, Longmont, Louisville, Loveland, Mead ($0.02/CCF), Platteville (5%), Thornton, Steamboat Springs, and Wiggins. 2 City of Fort Collins : Cities for Climate Protection Project `AY of OeJrtCoWns 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan City Council December 2, 2008 f 4 - SLAP .91 .� •s l � ■ r L The Challenge Widespread consensus exists that human emissions of greenhouse gases are impacting the Earth 's climate systems, causing the potential for unprecedented large- scale adverse health , social , and ecological effects . Communities can and should play an important role in mitigating this issue . 2 1 City of Fort Collins : Cities for Climate Protection Project Multiple Goals Addressed Through Climate Protection ✓ Economic development - job creation , attraction and retention ✓ Environmental protection goals - air pollution reduction , reduce filling of landfills , water conservation ✓ Cost savings ✓ Diversify energy sources ; decrease reliance on fossil fuels `art Collin 3 Community Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals Adopted by Council - May 2008 ■ 20 % reduction below 2005 levels, by 2020 ■ 80 % reduction below 2005 levels, by 2050 ■ "' intent to reduce current community-wide emissions by the end of 2012 to a level not to exceed 2 . 466 million tons . " art Collin 4 2 City of Fort Collins : Cities for Climate Protection Project Community Goals Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Goals 4,000,000 Business As Usual Forecast 375003000 370003000 , O2 ,500,000 Emissions 2012 Intent = 2 466 000 a 270003000 2020 Goal = 290329000 c F 1 ,500,000 170003000 5003000 2050 Goal = 508,000 0 II III I1111 - 1 - IIII O � 00 N O O � 00 N O O qq 00 N O O O 0 O O O O O O O O O O O O O O r r r N N N N N N N N N N N N N Year 5 To get from here to there . . . Future Projection Year ( Business As Usual ) Goal Reduction Needed Tons CO2 Tons CO2 Tons CO2 2012 2 ,951 , 000 2 ,4665000 485,000 tons/yr in 2012 2020 3 ,4075000 2 ,0325000 1 , 375,000 tons/yr in 2020 2050 Not calculated 508 , 000 1 , 524,000/year below 2020 goal level 6 3 City of Fort Collins : Cities for Climate Protection Project CI i mate Task Force Compiled , evaluated and filtered cost-effective strategies to reduce emissions . Completed recommendations in June 2008 (fcgov . com/ctf) Fort Collins Climate Task Force Recommendations June 2008 7 Draft Climate Action Plan • Focus on LOCAL action • Provides a range of approaches (education , incentives, regulation ) • Engages all stakeholders ( citizens, businesses, schools, other organizations) • Addresses all sources of emissions • Builds on existing successes • Contains cost-effective strategies • Supports the local economy • Brings multiple other benefits cl' n 8 4 City of Fort Collins : Cities for Climate Protection Project Builds On Existing Successes ..................................................................................................... ................................ Estimated Tons CO2e Measure Name Reduced in 2012 Above 2007 Levels Energy Efficiency Programs 40,000 Climate Wise Program 37,000 Single Stream Recycling 14,000 Business and Residential Recycling 7,000 Electronics Waste Ban 61000 State- mandated Natural Gas Efficiency 5,000 Programs ( HB1037 ) 2005 Residential Energy Code i 41000 FortZED Jumpstart � � � 3,000 Others 41000 (After double-counting removed) TOTAL 104,000 9 Supports the local economy ❑ Climate Wise = Improve business bottom lines, increase employee attraction and retention ❑ Colorado Carbon Fund — Local purchase of carbon offset return reinvestment funds to Fort Collins for implementing more clean energy projects ❑ Energy efficiency and green building New jobs associated with increased demand for building energy audits and upgrades 10 5 City of Fort Collins : Cities for Climate Protection Project Reduction Measures in Draft Plan (Oct 108) 2020 Estimated Measure name 2012 Estimated Benefit Benefit (Tons CO2e) (Tons CO2e) EXISTING MEASURES 1043000 Expand Climate Wise 73,000 — 94, 000 1431000 Government Organizations Set GHG Goals 42,000 2177000 Community-wide Climate Challenge 28,000 341000 Colorado Carbon Fund 51000 8,000 Push Toward 50% Diversion Goal 731000 — 1371000 2535000 2008 Energy Policy Efficiency Programs 201000 — 301000 2145000 SmartGrid , Advanced Metering Infrastructure, 10,000 — 20, 000 Pricing , Conservation 2461000 Renewable energy (Colorado RPS and voluntary programs) 0 1901000 Natural Gas Energy Conservation 51000 — 101000 52 ,000 Update Residential Building Code 11000 41000 Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 21000 — 121000 14 ,000 Modern Roundabouts 1 ,000 2 ,000 TOTAL (before double-counting removed) 366,000 -486,000 114817000 TOTAL (after double-counting removed) 268 ,000 - 378, 000 11212,000 Needed to meet objectives 485, 000 11375, 000 11 City Council Work Session Input from October 28, 2008 ❑ Develop an alternative plan for Council consideration that fully meets 2012 and 2020 reduction objectives ❑ Revisit assumptions in Community Climate Challenge ❑ Concerns about long -term "'Time of Sale Energy Conservation Ordinance " ❑ Integrate whole - systems thinking as much as possible r . 0bown 12 6 City of Fort Collins : Cities for Climate Protection Project Proposed Addendum Quantified Measures 2012 2020 Tons CO2e Tons CO2e ADDITIONAL BENEFIT of Potential Additional Strategies Purchase Carbon Offsets 779000 81 ,000 Construction & Demolition Debris Deposit 209000 443000 Long -term VMT Reduction 28 ,000 Increase participation targets for Community Climate Challenge 3000 39000 Increase participation targets for Colorado Carbon Fund 7,000 71000 Sub-total Additional Strategies 1073000 163,000 Existing and New Measures in draft Plan 2689000 - 3785000 1 ,212,000 375, 000 - TOTAL (After double-counting) 485 ,000 133753000 13 Proposed Addendum Oualitative chancres ❑ Replace long -term "'Time of Sale Ordinance " with " Explore Additional Opportunities to Increase Efficiency of Existing Buildings " ❑ Add : Explore Integrated Waste Optimization ❑ Add : Promote Fort Collins as Green Community ❑ Minor text revision to Acknowledgements, add brief description of global warming . �14 q ` - w City of Fort Collins : Cities for Climate Protection Project Costs ❑ There will be costs associated with implementing actions in the plan . ❑ Cost estimates are provided where possible . ❑ Adopting the Plan by resolution does not commit budget resources at this time . ❑ Costs estimates will be fully developed before Council considers individual actions using the most up -to - date information . ❑ Significant savings can be realized over time . 15 Multiple Benefits ✓ Actions support many other City policy goals ✓ Reduce energy costs for heating , cooling and lighting ✓ Reduce motor vehicle fuel costs ✓ Support local businesses and the economy ✓ Redirect investments back into local economy ✓ Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility ✓ Reduce peak demand and need for new base load capacity ✓ Reduce air pollution emissions ( incl . ozone precursors) ✓ Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates Cftt (.•OI.�o� � � 16 8 City of Fort Collins : Cities for Climate Protection Project Requires Monitoring and Reporting Annual Milestone Biennial Budget Year Progress Tons Cot Review Recommendations Report 2009 X Fall 2009 for 2010/ 2011 ............. 2010 X 2011 X Spring 2011 Fall 2011 for for2010 2012/ 2013 2012 X 2,466,000 2013 X Spring 2013 Fall 2013 for for2012 2014/ 2015 2014 X 2015 X Spring 2015 Fall 2015 for for2014 2016/ 2017 ............ 2016 X 2,263,000 2017 X Spring 2017 Fall 2017 for for2016 2018/ 2019 2018 X = 2019 X Spring 2019 Fall 2019 for for2018 2020/ 2021 2020 X 21032,000 17 Action Being Considered Tonight, by Council Resolution Accept the Plan as a blueprint for achieving the 2020 reduction goal , without committing budget resources to any specific action at this time . • Grant the City Manager flexibility to select specific actions from the Plan , to be advanced in budget recommendations and staff work plans . 18 °h'rtn 9 City of Fort Collins : Cities for Climate Protection Project Action Being Considered Tonight, by Council Resolution (cont'd ) • Require preparation of an annual status report and biennial progress report that evaluates progress and recommends future climate protection actions . • Authorizes continued evaluation of emerging best practices and cost- effective strategies for inclusion in biennial report . 19 Aeoff Resolution Options Tonight ✓ Resolution A — Adopts draft 2008 Climate Action Plan plus Proposed Addendum — meets 2012 and 2020 reduction objectives ✓ Resolution B — Adopts draft 2008 Climate Action Plan without Proposed Addendum — Achieves 55 - 80 % of 2012 reduction objective and 90 % of 2020 reduction objective Zo 10 City of Fort Collins : Cities for Climate Protection Project Questions ? Thank you . `ity �oll�ns 21 11 OPTION A (with Addendum) RESOLUTION 2008-122 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE 2008 FORT COLLINS CLIMATE ACTION PLAN WHEREAS, there is widespread consensus that human emissions of greenhouse gases are impacting the earth's climate system, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects; and WHEREAS,climate disruption is likely to cause,and may already be causing,damage to the environmental and economic health of Colorado communities,risks associated with reduced snow pack that could affect both water supply and tourism, and secondary impacts such as changes in agriculture economics; and WHEREAS, local governments can greatly influence their communities' greenhouse gas emissions by exercising key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste management, and, in many cases, energy and water supplies and management; and WHEREAS, it is appropriate for local governments to take responsibility for emissions occurring within their jurisdictions since local community actions can speed the development of technology-based solutions and more rapidly promote market transformation that will help drive reductions in global emission levels; and WHEREAS,by the adoption of Resolution 1999-137,the City Council established a policy that the City shall proactively identify and implement actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the City by at least 30% below predicted 2010 levels by 2010 while achieving cost- effectiveness in each program, and WHEREAS, despite progress in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through implementation of Climate Wise,the Electric Energy Supply Policy,recycling initiatives and other programs to reduce emissions,Fort Collins is not on track to meet the greenhouse gas emissions goal established by Resolution 1999-137 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to an inventory level of 2.466 million tons in the year 2010; and WHEREAS,by the adoption of Resolution 2008-051,the City Council established the goals of reducing Fort Collins' community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050, and further expressed its intent to reduce community- wide greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2012 to a level not to exceed 2.466 million tons pending attainment of such goals; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Resolution 2008-051, the City Manager has prepared for Council consideration the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan(the"Plan")to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the Fort Collins community that identifies interim milestones needed to put Fort Collins on a trajectory to meet the 2020 goal, including a milestone for the year 2012 as referenced above,a copy of which is attached hereto,marked as Exhibit"A"and incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS,the Plan includes a list of strategies that consider relevant technical,economic, political,and social factors;promote economic vitality and prioritize investments in the Fort Collins community; address all emissions sectors; and promote involvement by all segments of the community(local businesses,governments,utilities,schools,universities,non-profit organizations, homeowners, and other individuals); and WHEREAS,the City Council has directed City staff to prepare an addendum to the Plan to take steps beyond those identified in the Plan to meet the 2020 and 2012 objectives (the "Addendum"), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit `B" and incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS, on November 19, 2008, the Electric Board considered the Plan and the Addendum and recommended that the City Council approve and adopt the Plan incorporating the Addendum; and WHEREAS, on November 19, 2008, the Air Quality Advisory Board considered the Plan and the Addendum and recommended that the City Council approve and adopt the Plan incorporating the Addendum; and WHEREAS, on November 19,2008,the Natural Resources Advisory Board considered the Plan incorporating the Addendum and recommended that the City Council approve and adopt the Plan incorporating the Addendum. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan and the Proposed Addendum are hereby approved and adopted and shall supersede the 1999 Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The City Manager is hereby directed to incorporate the provisions of the Addendum into the Climate Action Plan to create a final 2008 Climate Action Plan(December 2008). Section 2. That the City Manager is hereby directed to: a) prepare an annual status report tracking progress toward attainment of the goals established herein,including a community-wide greenhouse gas emissions inventory and a list of quantified emission reductions actions for the preceding calendar year, b) biennially, at least six months in advance of the City's biennial budget adoption, prepare a report evaluating progress on greenhouse gas reduction relative to established interim milestones and recommending actions for consideration in the upcoming budget cycle (the `Biennial Report"), and c) consider greenhouse gas reduction actions identified in the Plan and future biennial progress reports in annual staff work plan development. Section 3. That the City Council hereby recognizes that new data, scientific findings, mitigation technologies, and quantification methodologies may emerge over time and that future Councils may choose to eliminate, modify or add specific action items contained in the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan to take into account evolving science,technology or other opportunities. Section 4. That the City Manager is hereby authorized to continue to examine and evaluate emerging best practices and new cost-effective strategies to identify local emissions reductions opportunities for inclusion in future Biennial Reports. Section 5. That it is the intent of the City Council that Fort Collins city government lead by example in this area by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions in its own operations through the establishment of policies and directions that will lead the community to a sustainable future,and by inspiring community involvement in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 2nd day of December, A.D. 2008. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk City , F6rt Collins ■ ■ ' Fort Collins Climate . ■ e StrategicInterim Plan Towards ■ ■ Goal 5 \ � � » - z ■ � - : � � airA . ( � k � 4f _ - - - , � , � Z �_ ` � ` � • . � �_� - � � � Draft October 2 ■ ■ ; Climate Action Plan Outline Table of Contents Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . . . . 1 . 1 . . . . . . . . . 1 Need For Climate Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Benefits of Climate Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Role of Local Governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Fort Collins Evolving Commitment to Greenhouse Gas Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Original Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Goal and Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Success to Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Reporting and Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Climate Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 New Greenhouse Gas Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . . . 10 Development of Fort Collins Climate Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Projections . . I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I * . 12 Climate Protection Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Support for Multiple Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Existing Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 New Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 16 New Qualitative Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Monitoring and Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 39 Metrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 AnnualReport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 39 Biennial Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Appendix — City Council Resolution 2008-051 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Acknowledgements Our gratitude goes out to members of the 2007/2008 Fort Collins Climate Task Force for their significant contribution to the content of this Plan . Thanks are also due to citizens and Board and Commission members for sharing their insights and suggestions along the way, and to the City Manager and City staff who worked in many capacities to support the process. •t :, � - Executive Summary The e Challen9 Widespread consensus exists that human emissions of greenhouse gases are im- pactingEarth's climates stem, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale Y g p P g d ' " �' adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects. Coloradoans may not be surprised by predictions such as these because we are already seeing the changes. Observations in recent decades show that Colorado is already experiencing shorter and warmer winters, with thinner snow pack and earlier spring runoff, less precipita- ,q. 4; tion overall, longer periods of drought, more wildfires and other ecological effects potentially related to climate change. Our Responsibility • Local communities are vulnerable to the many risks posed by a changing climate. Likewise, cities can make a difference in avoiding climate instability by exercising key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste management and energy and water supplies and management. It is fitting for local governments to take responsibility for emissions occurring within their jurisdictions. Local actions not only bring local benefits, they can speed the development of technology-based solutions and promote more rapid market transformation that will help drive reductions in global emission levels. Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions About half of Fort Col Iins' greenhouse gas emissions come from electricity use, primar- ily to light and cool buildings. The second largest source is emissions from combus- tion of fossil fuels for transportation (30%) . The third largest source is natural gas use, primarily for heating buildings (�20%) and a small portion of emissions result from organic matter decay in the landfill . Fort Collins 2007 Greenhouse Fort Collins 2007 Greenhouse Emissions Gas Emissions by Source Sources by Use Sectors 2.65 Millon Tons CO2 2.65 Millon Tons CO2 Waste 4% Waste 4% Residential 24% Transport Transport Electricity 29% ` 29% 49% Commercial 19% Natural Gas Industrial 18% 24% EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Fort Collins Greenhouse Reduction Goals and Efforts qO In 1999 Fort Collins was among the first wave of communities in the nation to commit to reducing local emissions. City Council adopted a greenhouse gas reduction goal for 2010 and a plan to meet it. Through innovation, leadership and local involvement, the community has benefited significantly from climate protection actions. Thanks to the success of the voluntary Climate Wise program, for example, by 2007, innovative busi- nesses avoided emitting more than 82,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2e), j while saving over $ 12 million since 2000. As a result of foresight in leadership, Fort Collins established the first renewable energy standard in the state of Colorado. And our participatory community tells us through recent surveys that they not only sup- " t$ port but also expect further greening efforts. 4 �'- n In 2008 City Council renewed its commitment to climate protection by adopting Colorado's statewide goals to reduce emissions. • Reduce emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 • Reduce emissions 80% below 2005 levels by 2080 - — During 2007 and 2008, a dedicated citizen task force worked to recommend actions that will help Fort Collins make progress on climate protection . Their report can be found at: http://fcgov.com/ctf Fort Collins Greenhouse Reduction Goals 4,000,000 Business As Usual Forecast 3,500,000 390009000 O2,500,000 Emissions = U 290009000 2020 Goal = 2,032,000 N 1 ,500,000 12 190009000 500,000 2050 Goal = 508 000 0 �000 Boa o%moo goo�o��o��o��k%'V %N k%nS�o,�a�%O�0�0�%I'S Year Climate Action Plan This Climate Action Plan offers a well-considered list of strategies that will help Fort Collins advance our progress towards future carbon reduction goals, while affording the community other economic and environmental benefits. The Plan is based largely on the recommendations of the Climate Task Force. It builds upon existing successes and encompasses a range of strategies such as expanding the enormously successful Climate Wise program, increasing residential and business recycling, reducing vehicle miles traveled, providing various incentives for reducing CO2 and increasing energy efficiency. It offers cost-effective strategies that will also support our local economy, reduce risks for energy and fuel price increases and volatility and bring a wide range of other environmental, social and economic benefits. Actions that reduce greenhouse emissions also support other local community goals and contribute to sustaining Fort Collins as a vibrant, world class community. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY New Measures 2072 Estimated Benefit 2020 Estimated Benefit MEASURE NAME (Tons COze) (Tons CO�e) EXISTING MEASURES 104,000 104,000 MENU OF OPTIONS COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Expand Climate Wise 73,000 - 94,000 143,000 Government Organizations Set GHG Goals 42,000 217,000 Community-wide Climate Challenge 28,000 34,000 Colorado Carbon Fund 51000 8,000 Community Leadership Sub-total 148,000 - 169,000 402,000 RECYCLING - Push Toward 50% Diversion Goal Ban cardboard from waste stream 46,000 - 58,000 68,000 Private paper/glass drop-off 51000- 6,000 81000 Increase residential education 41000 - 51000 15,000 Larger residential recycling containers 31000 - 41000 5,000 Require haulers to provide residential yard waste collection for added cost 11000 11000 Enhance residential PAYT (2nd can costs more) 11 ,000 - 17,000 21 ,000 Commercial recycling co-ops 11000 - 71000 8,000 Residential yard waste drop-off and ban yard waste 0 - 4,000 5,000 C&D Drop-off 0 - 34,000 39,000 C&D contract preferences for City contracts 11000 1 ,000 Commercial recycling fee embedded in rates (Additional benefit above cardboard ban) 81 ,000 Recycling Sub-total 73,000 - 737,000 253,000 ENERGY 2008 Energy Policy Efficiency Programs 20,000 - 30,000 214,000 SmartGrid, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Pricing, Conservation 10,000 - 20,000 246,000 Renewable Energy (Colorado Renewable Portfolio Standard and voluntary programs) 0 190,000 Natural Gas Energy Conservation 5,000 - 101000 52,000 Energy Sub-total 35,000 - 60,000 703,000 GREEN BUILDING Update Residential Building Code 11000 41000 Green Building Sub-total 11000 41000 TRANSPORTATION Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 2,000 - 12,000 14,000 Modern Roundabouts 11000 21000 Transportation Sub-total 31000 - 13,000 16,000 TOTAL (before double-counting removed) 366,000 - 486,000 11481,000 *Double-counting between measures with overlapping benefits was addressed as follows: • Climate Wise - 509/6 overlap with other measures • Gov. Orgs Set GHG Goals - 75 % overlap • Community Climate Challenge - 90% overlap EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • Local Carbon Offset Program - 62% overlap iii If fully implemented, the Plan will bring Fort Collins to nearly 80% of the 2012 reduc- tion objective and 90% of the 2020 goal . Annual progress reports and biennial reviews ;+ will allow the plan to evolve along with City budget priorities, carbon markets and lip technology opportunities. Future Projection Reduction Estimated (Business As Usual) Goal Needed Reductions from � k Year Tons CO 2 2 Tons CO Tons CO2 Climate Action Plan w" � • i ' y s. 2012 21951 ,000 21466,000 485,000 tons/yr 268,000 - 378,000 'r in 2012 tons/yr in 2012 2020 31407,000 2,032,000 1 ,375,000 tons/yr 11212,000 in 2020 tons/yr in 2020 2050 Not calculated 508,000 1 ,524,000/year below 2020 goal level Not estimated Fort Collins' 2020 goal allows the opportunity to embrace strategies that have a long- term benefit yet take more time to develop and implement. The Plan also includes measures that have not been quantified but that can play an important role in mak- ing progress towards the 2020 goal . These strategies are listed in the table below and described in this Climate Action plan . Summary of New Qualitative Measures Community Engagement • City of Fort Collins Government Leadership Transportation • Seek Adequate Funding to Implement Transportation Plans, with Funding for Transit as a Priority to Achieve Best Practices • Develop Partnerships to Reduce Vehicle Travel • Parking Management Land Use • Implement Land Use Code Changes that Support Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions • Promote and Pursue Infill and Refill Development • Promote Transit-Oriented Development • Consider Requirements for New Developments to Have Less Travel Demand than Comparable Existing Developments Green Building • Regular Updates of Building Energy Codes • Continued Support for Above Code Green building Initiatives • Time of Sale Energy Conservation Ordinance • Require Green Building as a Prerequisite for Public Financing • Explore Net Zero Ready Homes • Explore LEED for Neighborhoods Urban Forestry • Promote Tree Planting Support State and Federal Climate Protection Actions EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iv Conclusion X Reducing our community's carbon footprint will be a major challenge. Implementing s+ • some of these strategies will not be easy; nor will it be cost free. However, because Ott these strategies are cost-effective, the future payback is expected to be large. It is ' far more costly to ignore global warming than to take action to avert the worst of its impacts. An increasing number of studies show that, in addition to being less costly overall, taking action to avert global warming can be immediately profitable. 7 { J Fortunately, Fort Collins abounds with innovators and technical expertise that can be L harnessed to help address this challenge. Organizations leading sustainability efforts ir • locally include Poudre School District, Colorado State University and the wide array of Climate Wise partners who have publicly committed to voluntarily reduce their orga- nization's greenhouse gas emissions. The groundbreaking work of the Clean Energy Cluster and the vision of FortZED position Fort Collins well for success in reducing emissions while maintaining a robust economy. The benefits to our community from increased efforts to reduce carbon emissions will be significant. Not only will our CO2 footprint be reduced, but the City will introduce leading edge practices and technologies that will save consumers and businesses money, create new business opportunities and cement Fort Collins' reputation and reality as a high performing, vibrant and attractive place to live and conduct business. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY v Introduction Need For Climate Protection Widespread consensus exists that human emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) are impacting Earth's climate system, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale "" : t ► adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects. In the past two decades, the ` science connecting global warming to human augmentation of the greenhouse effect has progressed dramatically. Many changes that had been predicted are now occur- ring, and the observed pattern of change points to the enhanced greenhouse effect. Climate disruption is likely to cause, and may already be causing, damage to the en- vironmental and economic health of Colorado communities, introducing risks associ- ated with reduced snow pack and earlier snowmelt that could affect both water supply and tourism and secondary impacts such as changes in agriculture economics. Two summary reports of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released in 2007 find that global warming is real and will have significant impacts. Approximately 600 authors from 40 countries produced the IPCC reports. Over 620 expert reviewers and a large number of government reviewers also participated . Representatives from 113 governments reviewed and revised the summaries before adopting them . In February 2007 Working Group I of the IPCC released a summary for policy makers on the science of climate change. They concluded that: • Warming of the climate system is unequivocal . • Most of the warming that our climate system has experienced in the last 50 years is very likely (meaning over 90% likely) due to human caused greenhouse gas emissions. • It is very likely (meaning over 90% likely) that heat extremes, heat waves and heavy precipitation will become more frequent. In April 2007 Working Group II of the IPCC released a summary of expected global warming impacts. Their conclusions about impacts in North America include: • Tens of millions of Americans are likely to be exposed to greater risk for injury, dis- ease and mortality due to higher pollution levels, more frequent and more intense heat waves, more intense storms and more favorable conditions for the spread of water and insect-borne diseases, in the absence of effective counter-measures. • Western regions are already facing increased water scarcity and are expected to experience inadequate water supplies and reliability losses as snow pack diminishes and evaporation increases. • North American forests face escalating destruction from increasing outbreaks of wildfire, insect infestation and disease. • Between 15% and 40% of North American plant and animal species are likely to become extinct by 2050. Coloradoans may not be surprised by predictions such as these. Observations in recent decades show that Colorado is already seeing the following : • Shorter and warmer winters, with thinner snow pack and earlier spring runoff. • Less precipitation overall, and more falling as rain than snow. • Longer periods of drought. • More wildfires, burning twice as many acres each year than before 1980. • Rapid spread of West Nile Virus due to higher summer temperatures. INTRODUCTION 1 The European Union considers that a temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius (3 .6° Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial times is the threshold for "dangerous change" that must be avoided . The Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo found that, in order to have a 50% chance of avoiding this 2 degree Celsius threshold, we would have to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases 80% by the year 2050, at the latest. The cost of inaction may exceed the cost of taking action by an order of magnitude. Sir Nicholas Stern, head of the UK Government Economic Service and former Chief a Economist of the World Bank, stated in October 2006: �.- There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we take action now. . . j If we don't act, the overall costs and risks of climate change will be equivalent to losing at _ least 5916 of global GDP per year, now and forever. If a wider range of risks and impacts is taken into account, the estimates of damage could rise to 20916 of GDP or more. . . In contrast, the cost of action — reducing greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change — can be limited to around 196 of GDP per year. The evidence of climate change is overwhelming and undeniable. The vast majority of scientists agree that global warming is real, it's already happening and that it is the result of human activities and not a natural occurrence. We are already seeing changes. It is far more costly to ignore global warming than to take action to avert the worst of its impacts. Benefits of Climate Protection An increasing number of studies show that, in addition to being less costly overall, taking action to avert global warming can be immediately profitable. Nations and corporations that take action to reduce greenhouse gases end up sav- ing money. David Northrop, director of Sustainable Development for the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, reported in July 2006, " Every company and city taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has saved money doing so:' Examples include: Table 1 — Example Economic Benefits Greenhouse Entity Gas Reductions Economic Benefits DuPont 72% since 1990 $ 2 Billion Savings Alcoa 26% since 1990 $ 100 Million Savings through 2006 British Petroleum 10% below 1990 $650 Million Net Present Value Savings IBM 38% $ 791 Million Germany 19% since 1990 450,000 New Jobs in Renewable Energy Urban regions can thrive while also reducing greenhouse gases, as demonstrated by Portland/Multnomah County. While net greenhouse gas emissions in Multnomah County are about at 1990 levels, and per capita CO2 emissions have dropped over 12%, the inflation-adjusted payroll has increased 29% and employment has increased about 12%. INTRODUCTION 2 Finally, to demonstrate local benefits we need look no further than Fort Col I ins' own Climate Wise program . In 2007 Climate Wise reported a cumulative cost savings of over $ 12 million from projects completed by partners through 2007, the same year the partners collectively reduced over 82,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2e) . The Fort Collins community could realize tremendous ancillary economic, envi- ronmental and social benefits by undertaking responsible steps to combat climate change, including : • Support local businesses and stimulate economic development. • Provide economic stimulation of research and development activities. • Reduce home and business energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting . • Reduce home and business motor vehicle fuel costs. , • Reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources. • Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility. • Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system . • Diversify energy supply and reduce loads on transmission system . • Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles. • Improve public health . • Improve local visibility. • Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates. • Reduce vehicle miles of travel and road congestion . • Reduce water consumption in the community. • Increase Fort Collins' ability to adapt to a changing climate. • Provide opportunities for regional, state and national leadership and recognition . Local governments have strong financial incentives to address climate change. Reducing local carbon emissions means pursuing a variety of programs and practices that are energy prudent, and thus ultimately fiscally responsible. Role of Local Governments Local governments can greatly influence their communities' greenhouse gas emissions by exercising key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste management and, in many cases, energy and water supplies and management. Cities can make a difference in avoiding climate instability. The U .S . is among the larg- est emitters of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Across the country, more and more local governments are committing to reduce emissions and developing plans to achieve their pledges. Over 160 cities and counties, including Fort Collins, have joined the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives ( ICLEI) . These cities represent about 20% of the U.S. population, have reduced 23 million tons CO2 annually and have eliminated over 43,000 tons of local air pollutants. As of June 2008, 850 mayors across the country signed the Seattle "Mayor's Agreement;' pledging their community to: • Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through actions ranging from anti-sprawl land- use policies to urban forest restoration proj- ects and public information campaigns; • Urge their state governments and federal government to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol — 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and, INTRODUCTION 3 • Urge the U.S. Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation, which would also establish a national emissions trading system . It is appropriate for Fort Collins to reduce greenhouse gas emissions even if some neighboring communities do not. City Council in 1999 adopted the policy that "The city shall proactively identify and implement actions that reduce Fort Collins' contribu- tion to total global greenhouse gas emissions." Numerous benefits accrue from climate protection activities including pollution reduction, human heath benefits, cost savings, economic development, reduced vulnerability to peak oil, reduced dependence on foreign oil, increased opportunity to attract grant funding and leadership. Collectively, climate protection activities will enhance the sustainability of our community. It is equally appropriate for local governments to take responsibility for their emis- sions, even if they are overshadowed by rapidly increasing emissions elsewhere in the world . Despite this size disparity, it should be recognized that the U.S. still leads the world in per capita greenhouse gas emissions. By acting to reduce emissions, Fort Collins joins other communities in sending a signal that will speed the development of technology-based solutions and more rapidly promote the transformations needed to drive change in global emission levels. Cities need not wait for state or national programs to begin . It may take a few to sev- eral years before carbon emission legislation, programs and regulations are developed. The sooner local communities begin to take action, the sooner they will reap the benefits. These are some examples of Colorado cities taking action : • Denver has committed to reduce per capita greenhouse gas emissions 10% below 1990 levels by 2011 in their Greenprint plan . • Boulder recently passed a carbon tax that will enable their community to reduce emissions 7% below 1990 levels by 2012 through home energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy and alternative fuels and reducing vehicle miles of travel . • Recognizing special vulnerability to disruptions in water supply from climate change, Aspen launched the Canary Initiative in 2005 to reduce global warming pol - lution, inform the public about impacts and solutions and advocate for actions at all levels of government. • Carbondale has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 2004 levels by 2012, and voters passed a $ 1 .8 million Clean Energy Bond to fund a town- owned renewable energy facility. • Telluride has committed to decrease emissions from 2004 levels by no less than 15% by December 2010, and by no less than another 15% of 2004 levels by December 2015 . Opportunities The Fort Collins community offers a unique combination of innovation and technical expertise that can be leveraged to develop long -term sustainable solutions and facili- tate action by community sectors and organizations to reduce emissions. Market opportunities and technologies are evolving rapidly to support carbon reduc- tion activities. Technology-based advancements are occurring in the areas of biofu- els, including algae-based biofuels; electricity grid distribution improvements; and bio- refineries that integrate biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce fuels, power and chemicals from biomass. A dramatic increase in cleaner and more efficient energy technology and sources has occurred in recent years. New industries and programs bring with them strong economic growth opportunities. INTRODUCTION 4 Northern Colorado has become a leader in many aspects of clean energy technology development and application . The Northern Colorado Clean Energy cluster, a public/ private sector partnership, aims to provide "clean" energy by using renewable energy (e.g ., solar and wind), efficient energy technology, green building and energy utiliza- tion . Sixty businesses in the cluster employ more than 450 people locally. Colorado State University is recognized internationally for pioneering clean and renewable energy technologies. Additionally, FortZED, a zero-energy district in the historic down- town, will begin to model what policy makers and scientists deem to be the living situation of the future: balanced energy use and renewable energy sourcing. Action on climate change supports the local economy by increasing demand for the services and % products that companies in the Clean Energy Cluster provide. Markets are being created to make greenhouse gas reduction economically efficient. € Carbon markets are thriving in Europe, and although the U .S. does not have a national carbon registry and trading policy, voluntary markets are emerging here as well . Examples include the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI ), a greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system being developed by seven northeast states; California's cap- and-trade system to meet its strict greenhouse gas emission targets; and the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), a voluntary mechanism for trading carbon ; and the Colorado Carbon Fund, a voluntary carbon offset program . In light of all these financial and business development initiatives, the Fort Collins com- munity has the opportunity to create a thriving future based on practical energy use. INTRODUCTION 5 u PAID Fort Collins Evolving Commitment to Greenhouse Gas Reduction ,N P � fA•. It I.QJ t; Original Greenhouse Gas Goal and Plan td In 1997 the City of Fort Collins joined ICLEI 's Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Campaign . In doing so, Fort Collins committed to: • Develop a 1990 baseline greenhouse gas inventory and forecast for 2010. • Set a greenhouse gas reduction goal . ' • Develop a plan to meet the goal. The community-wide 1990 emissions inventory showed emissions at 1 .36 million tons of Cote, which includes both carbon dioxide and methane emissions. The majority of emis- sions were produced by electricity use. The 2010 forecast was developed by applying a • +�_ r �, ' -Ad business as usual projection from 1997 out to the year 2010. This included a 7% annual increase in vehicle miles traveled, causing the transportation sector to increase signifi- cantly. The original 2010 forecast, often referred to as the worst case forecast, shows a 160% increase in emissions above 1990 levels. Figure 1 illustrates the 1990 emissions inventory and the 2010 forecast prepared in 1998. Figure 1 — Fort Collins Original Emission Inventory, Forecast and Goal ( 1999) 4 - 3. 5 ■ Measure 3 Q Fomcasl FLeduotl v 2. 5 W C 2 H OO 1 . 5 1 o.s 0 1990 1995 1997 2004 2010 Years Following completion of the emissions inventory and forecast, a Staff Technical Team and a Citizen Advisory Committee met for over a year to identify and recommend a prioritized list of cost-effective actions to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions. In 1999 City Council adopted Resolution 99- 137, setting a goal to "Reduce (community- wide) greenhouse gas emissions 30% below predicted 2010 levels by 201 O " The 1999 Fort Collins Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (LAP) was also adopted by Council Resolution 99- 137 . The plan outlined how to accomplish that goal and called for biennial progress reporting . FORT COLLINS EVOLVING Success to Date COMMITMENT TO Benefits to the City from implementing the 1999 LAP have been wide- ranging and GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION include air pollution reduction, reduced waste disposal in the landfill, increased 6 support for local businesses and the economy and generally improved quality of life. The highlights from several specific measures identified in the 1999 LAP that have now been implemented are discussed below. Conversion of Traffic Signals to Energy Efficient Light-Emitting Diodes This action was ranked the highest priority for implementation in the LAP. The conver- sion of red and green signals to LEDs in 2001 saves over $ 110,000/year in electricity and maintenance costs, with an initial capital cost of $ 370,000, for a 3+ year payback. � C Climate Wise Business Outreach At L The Fort Collins Climate Wise program, a voluntary business outreach program, was initiated in 2000 and has been growing ever since. As of 2007, the 75 partners col- 1702 lectively avoided over 82,000 tons CO2e in that year alone, and reported over $ 12.5 million in cumulative cost savings since 2001 . The program has now grown to over 115 partners, and the greenhouse gas reduction and cost savings are increasing as well . 2004 Update to Residential Building Code The 2004 energy code update for Fort Collins' residential buildings requires energy efficiency improvements (R- 18 walls, low-e windows, more effective furnaces, duct work, right-sized AC systems) . These upgrades will save homeowners $ 90 - $ 150 a year per home in utility costs and will avoid 1 .2- 1 .5 tons CO2e per home per year. Wind Energy Program Fort Collins Utilities has offered renewable energy to customers through the wind pro- gram since 1998. The wind program went through a rebranding in 2007 to the Green Energy program . By 2007, there were over 1 ,700 residential and over 110 commercial subscribers, purchasing over 35,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy. Electric Energy Supply Policy In addition to measures included in the 1999 LAP, the passage of the Fort Collins Electric Energy Supply Policy in 2003 has led to significant greenhouse gas reductions. The targets of the supply policy are: • Reduce per capita electric consumption 10% from 2002 levels by 2012 . • Reduce per capita peak demand 15%. • Achieve 15% renewable energy by 2017. A 2% fee on utility bills funds the energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. The Policy has supported a rapid expansion of energy efficiency programs and the addition of renewable energy to the rate- based electricity sources. Addition of a Centralized Recycling Drop-Off Site A City recycling drop-off facility opened at Rivendell School in March 2002 . Approxi- mately 1 ,400 tons of materials are recycled annually. This results in approximately 1 ,800 tons CO2e avoided and provides added convenience to citizens for recycling . Reporting & Progress Council Resolution 99- 137 which established the original greenhouse gas goal also called for a biennial report to track progress and identify additional greenhouse gas- reducing activities that merit consideration, in recognition of changing scenarios and advances in technology. Several biennial climate status reports have been completed and are posted at: http://fcgov.com/climateprotection/poIicy.php FORT COLLINS EVOLVING COMMITMENT TO GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 7 Table 2 shows that the quantified tons of avoided CO2e have grown steadily since 2000. However, Figure 2 shows that the reductions have not been able to keep pace with emissions growth, and net emissions have continued to grow. Table 2 — Biennial Climate Protection Status Reports Report Tons CO2 Avoided in Year % Reduction 2000 Climate 190,000 tons CO2e 9% Protection Status Report avoided in 2000 2001 /2002 Climate 237,000 tons CO2e 10% Protection Status Report avoided in 2001 2003/2004 Climate 241 ,000 tons CO2e 9% Protection Status Report avoided in 2004 2005/2006 Climate 244,000 tons CO2e 9% Protection Status Report avoided in 2006 Figure 2 — Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions 4, 000 3,500 0 m 3,000 O = 2,500 H 2,000 • • _ • r Muni O Emisslons 1 ,500 1 ,000 500 0 t00 tOtpp � O C � O A co N Qf O Following the completion of the 2005 emissions inventory, it became apparent that Fort Collins was not on track to meet the 2010 goal, as 2005 emissions exceeded the 2010 goal threshold . One of the reasons Fort Collins is not on track to meet the 2010 goal is that the 1999 LAP included a few large strategies that were directly within local control ( Denver Commuter Rail, More Stringent Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Standards and Landfill Methane Capture), and one strategy was not met (VMT Growth Rate Not Exceed Population Growth Rate) . Together, these four strategies represented over 50% FORT COLLINS EVOLVING of the total reduction strategies contained in the original LAP. Additionally, the original COMMITMENT TO LAP did not establish interim milestones by which to assess progress on the 2010 goal . GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 8 While early biennial climate status reports identified strategies for implementation in the next budget cycle, projections of these strategies to 2010 were not done. Some of the additional strategies were only partially implemented or were not implemented . Consequently, Fort Collins could not meet the 2010 goal, despite successful implemen- tation of a number of measures. Climate Task Force When it became apparent that Fort Collins was not on track to meet its 2010 emissions target, a local community group, the Fort Collins Sustainability Group, approached City Council in the Fall of 2006, asking that efforts be undertaken by the City to update the Plan . In March 2007 Fort Collins City Council passed Resolution 2007-015, approving the _ formation of a task force to address the issue. (See Appendix X for Resolution 2007-015 .) - I The Climate Task Force (CTF) was convened in May 2007, consisting of 12 members representing key community organizations and stakeholders in local climate protec- tion efforts. CTF Findings Through its investigation into climate protection in Fort Collins, the CTF made the following findings: • 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 in- tent 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. Accord - ingly 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 com- munity by first leading by example in greening its own operations, then by establish - ing 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 ef- forts including Poudre School District, Colorado State University and the wide array of Climate Wise partners that have publicly committed to voluntarily reduce their organizations' greenhouse gas emissions. For perspective, the Climate Wise program represents the city's top employers ( representing more than 20,000 employees) and the city's top energy users ( representing approximately one third of Fort Collins Utilities' total annual electricity delivered). Collaborating 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 greater reduc- tion 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 FORT COLLINS EVOLVING future generations. COMMITMENT TO GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 9 CTF Process The CTF met 17 times between May 2007 and May 2008, working primarily to develop strategies to meet the 2010 goal . During this process, citizen input was gathered from several City advisory boards, two public open houses were held, and input was 4 received via a Web comment form . In February 2008 a preliminary list of strategies was presented at a City Council work session, along with estimated costs and benefits. At that time, Council decided to revisit the appropriateness of the 2010 goal . Based in part upon recommendations from the CTF, the City Council adopted new community- wide carbon reduction goals in May 2008. These goals are discussed below. The CTF revisited its recommendations in light of the new goals. The CTF final recom- mendations address how a 2012 milestone could be met and how significant progress towards the 2020 goal could be achieved . The CTF final recommendations were pre- sented to the City Manager in June 2008. The full report of the CTF recommendations can be found at: http://fcgov.com/ctf New Greenhouse Gas Goals In May 2008 Fort Collins City Council set visionary new community-wide greenhouse gas goals for 2020 and 2050 that align with goals for the State of Colorado: • Reduce GHG emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 • Reduce GHG emissions 80% below 2005 level by 2050 Council also expressed interest in continuing short-term progress and stated the intent to reduce 2012 emissions to 2 .466 million tons of CO2e (comparable to the original 2010 goal ) . Figure 3 below illustrates these goals. Figure 3 — Fort Collins Greenhouse Reduction Goals 4,000,000 Business As Usual Forecast 3,500,000 3,000,000 Emissions _ 2,5009000 - V 2,000,000 2020 Goal = 2,032,000 c 195009000 0 ~ 100000000 5009000 2050 Goal a 508 000 0 ►% kcs No; Year Achieving the 2020 goal will mean reducing community emissions to 2 .032 million tons of CO2e, a 40% drop below predicted 2020 business as usual levels. This 40% drop equates to 1 .375 million tons of CO2e reduction that are needed by the year 2020, FORT COLLINS EVOLVING campared to business as usual levels, to achieve the goal. In order to meet the 2012 COMMITMENT TO reduction intent, 485,000 tons of CO2 per year will be needed by 2012, compared to GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION predicted business as usual emission of that year. 10 Development of Fort Collins Climate Action Plan Following completion of the CTF recommendations, City staff evaluated the strate- gies, updated the assumptions and made adjustments, where necessary. This Climate Action Plan presents a list of strategies that current and future City Councils can select in order to continue making progress towards the 2020 goal . These flexible, innovative strategies will benefit Fort Collins' citizens and businesses in many ways, now and into the future, regardless of changes in carbon regulation or advancements in technology. FORT COLLINS EVOLVING COMMITMENT TO GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 11 Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Projections An important first step in developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to understand current sources and estimate future emissions. Understanding emissions sources can help guide the selection of reduction strategies. This inventory reflects the two most common human-caused greenhouse gases; carbon dioxide and methane. Fort Collins' inventory looks at total gross emissions; it does not subtract carbon sequestration by vegetation or soils. It considers consumption-based emissions within the energy sector by evaluating community usage of electricity and natural gas. The emissions inventory does not factor in the energy needed to manufacture materi- als, products and food that is transported into and used in Fort Collins. The inventory methodology follows currently generally accepted principles and guidelines estab- lished by ICLEI and represented in the Clean Air Climate Protection Software. As inven- tory methodologies evolve, Fort Collins will continue to evaluate and, when appropri- ate, update its inventory methods. In 2007 Fort Collins generated approximately 2,653,000 tons of carbon dioxide equiva- lent (CO 2e) ' . The largest source is electricity consumption, followed by the transpor- tation sector and then natural gas consumption . Below, Figures 4 and 5 show 2007 emissions by emissions source and user category. Figure 4 — Fort Collins 2007 Figure 5 — Fort Collins 2007 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Greenhouse Emissions Sources by Source by Use Sectors 2.65 Millon Tons CO2 2.65 Millon Tons CO2 Waste 4% Waste 4% Residential 24% Transport Transport 29% 29% Electricity 49% Commercial 19% Industrial Natural Gas 24% 18% Emissions in Fort Collins have grown by 94% since 1990, when community-wide emis- sions were 1 ,366,000 tons CO2e. Figures 6 and 7 compare 1990 and 2007 greenhouse gas emissions by source. The electricity sector contribution grew from 42% in 1990 to 48% in 2007, while the natural gas percentage dropped from 25 % to 19% of citywide GHG emissions for the same period. The relative increase in electricity generation's contribu- tion to emissions can be attributed to reduced availability of federal hydroelectric power to Platte River Power Authority, increased use of electronics in homes and a dramatic increase in the use of residential air conditioning. The transportation sector decreased slightly in relative contribution of total GHG emissions from 1990 to 2007. FORT COLLINS GREENHOUSE ' COe = Carbon dioxide equivalent. Since methane is at least 21 times more potent a greenhouse gas GAS INVENTORY than carbon dioxide, the relative global warming potential ofCO2 = 1 and of methane = 21 . When AND PROJECTIONS methane and carbon dioxide emissions are summed, they are referred to as CO2e, indicating methane has been converted to CO2 equivalent. 12 Figure 6 — Fort Collins 1990 Emissions Figure 7 — Fort Collins 2007 Emissions 1 . 366 Millon Tons CO2 2 .65 Millon Tons CO2 Waste Waste 4% 4 % Transport ElectricityCTransport31 % ° Electricity 42 /0 49 % Natural Gas 25 % Natural Gas i 18 % Figure 8 — Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Projections to 2020 4 , 000 , 000 31500 , 000 ❑ Waste 3 , 000 , 000 ° Transportation o Natural Gas m 2 , 5001000 ❑ Electricity N v 2 , 000 , 000 N c 1 , 5009000 1 , 000 , 000 500 , 000 0 'ob rb 19), O�� O�h � .00 �^N Orb O^� D,LO FORT COLLINS GREENHOUSE GASINVENTORY AND PROJECTIONS 13 Figure 9 illustrates that Fort Collins' emissions growth is not solely attributable to population growth, as there has been a steady growth in per capita emission as well . x ' The exception is 2006. The 2006 per capita emissions drop slightly below 2005 levels. This can be attributed to reductions in natural gas usage and the amount of solid waste generated . Figure 9 — Fort Collins Per Capita Greenhouse Gas Emissions . t Per Capita Emissions - . 25.00 ,x. 19.89 19.70 20.09 20 .00 18. 30 i 16. 19 16.40 16.79 17.82 N a 15.00 i a 0 10 .00 U V7 C 12 5.00 0 .00 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 FORT COLLINS GREENHOUSE GASINVENTORY AND PROJECTIONS 14 Climate Protection Strategies Support for Multiple Goals The majority of actions that reduce emissions also support other local community goals and contribute to sustaining Fort Collins as a vibrant, world class community. In fact, many existing actions that benefit the climate were initiated to meet other prior- ity goals, such as supporting the economy, reducing environmental impacts, exercis- ing fiscal responsibility and increasing mobility. However, carbon reduction adds one more important reason for implementing these strategies. See Figure 10. Figure 10 — Fort Collins: A Vibrant, World Class Community ` Fort Collins : A Vibrant, World Class Community t SUSTAINABILITY ( Includes climate protection ) Economic Improve Environmental Health Transportation Health (More green jobs) (Improved mobility) • Climate • Energy • Water Policy Quality Safe . Waste Reduction Neighborhoods Community • Natural Areas (Efficient neighborhood design) (Roundabouts) I Cultural High - Performing ( Local food) Government (Energy efficient facilities & fleets) Existing Measures Efforts to identify new emissions reduction strategies should start with an analysis of existing actions to reduce emissions. Fort Collins has been working to reduce its green- house gas emissions since 1999, when the original reduction goal was adopted . This Plan recognizes the role that existing efforts, if continued, will have on reducing future emissions. It considers only the benefit of these actions above 2007 levels, as projected out to the year 2012 under current plans and anticipated growth rates. CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES 15 Table 3 — 2012 Anticipated Benefits of Existing Actions 1 �S ;4 d v'�' �►�•. Estimated Tons CO a Reduced Measure Name in 2012 Above 2007 Levels Energy Efficiency Programs 40,000 Climate Wise Program 371000 Single Stream Recycling 14,000 � J�e►�1 Business and Residential Recycling 71000 Electronics Waste Ban 61000 State- mandated Natural Gas Efficiency Programs ( HB1037) 51000 2005 Residential Energy Code 41000 FortZED Jumpstart 31000 PSD Greenhouse Gas Goal 21000 Commercial Energy Code 11000 Mason Corridor 400 VAN GO 300 Test Ride Transit and FC Bikes 100 TOTAL (After double-counting removed)* 104,000 * 5096 of Climate Wise program benefit is assumed to overlap with other existing measure benefits. New Measures The strategies listed in Table 4 are identified to help Fort Collins achieve progress towards the 2020 reduction goal . If fully implemented, the existing and new measures combined sum up to 1 ,212,000 tons of CO2e avoided in the year 2020, or approximately 90% of the reductions needed to meet the 2020 goal . The strategies listed would lead Fort Collins to achieve between 55-80% of the 2012 stated reduc- tion intent. Through the biennial review process, the list of strategies can be updated to incorporate changes in the carbon market and technology opportunities, as well as citizen support for climate protection and City budget priorities. Many of the strategies presented will require significant decisions about City budget priorities and trade-offs between community costs and benefits. However, the list of strategies proposed here is sound and will move Fort Collins towards its carbon reduc- tion goals. CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES 16 Table 4 - New Measures The quantified, 2012 Estimated Benefit 2020 Estimated Benefit "short-term " measures MEASURE NAME (Tons COze) (Tons C01e) EXISTING MEASURES 104,000 104,000 are discussed in more detail on the following MENU OF OPTIONS COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP pages. Expand Climate Wise 73,000 - 94,000 143,000 Government Organizations Set GHG Goals 42,000 217,000 Community-wide Climate Challenge 28,000 34,000 Colorado Carbon Fund 51000 8,000 Community Leadership Sub-total 148,000 - 169,000 402,000 RECYCLING - Push Toward 50% Diversion Goal Ban cardboard from waste stream 46,000 - 58,000 68,000 Private paper/glass drop-off 51000- 6,000 81000 Increase residential education 41000 - 51000 15,000 Larger residential recycling containers 31000 - 41000 5,000 Require haulers to provide residential yard waste collection for added cost 11000 11000 Enhance residential PAYT (2nd can costs more) 11 ,000 - 17,000 21 ,000 Commercial recycling co-ops 11000 - 71000 8,000 Residential yard waste drop-off and ban yard waste 0 - 4,000 5,000 C&D Drop-off 0 - 34,000 39,000 C&D contract preferences for City contracts 11000 1 ,000 Commercial recycling fee embedded in rates (Additional benefit above cardboard ban) 81 ,000 Recycling Sub-total 73,000 - 737,000 253, 000 ENERGY 2008 Energy Policy Efficiency Programs 20,000 - 30,000 214,000 SmartGrid, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Pricing, Conservation 10,000 - 20,000 246,000 Renewable Energy (Colorado Renewable Portfolio Standard and voluntary programs) 0 190,000 Natural Gas Energy Conservation 51000 - 10,000 52,000 Energy Sub-total 35,000 - 60,000 703,000 GREEN BUILDING Update Residential Building Code 11000 41000 Green Building Sub-total 11000 41000 TRANSPORTATION Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 2,000 - 12,000 14,000 Modern Roundabouts 11000 21000 Transportation Sub-total 31000 - 13,000 16, 000 TOTAL (before double-counting removed) 366,000 - 486,000 11481 ,000 TOTALdouble-counting r - . - . • : 1 1 1 1 1 1 11212,000 *Double-counting between measures with overlapping benefits was addressed as follows: • Climate Wise - 509/6 overlap with other measures • Gov. Orgs Set GHG Goals - 75 % overlap • Community Climate Challenge - 90% overlap CLIMATE PROTECTION • Local Carbon Offset Program - 62% overlap STRATEGIES 17 MEASURE Expand Climate Wise Estimated Additional COZ Supporting City Polices: Savings in 2012: Resolution 07-051 — The Fort Collins community offers a unique combination of in- 73,000 - 94,000 Tons CO2e novation and technical expertise that can be utilized to develop long-term sustainable solutions and facilitate all sectors and organizations in Fort Collins to take action to Estimated Additional CO2 reduce emissions. Savings in 2020: 143,000Tons CO2e Budgeting for Outcomes Economic Health Result - Support Fort Collins having a healthy economy that reflects the values of our community in a changing world . Double-Counting : Considered to overlap 50% Budgeting for Outcomes Environmental Health - Seek reductions in greenhouse gas with other short-term emissions that puts the City on track to meet the . . . policy objectives. climate strategies City Plan Policy ENV 1 - 73. Innovations - The City will consider adoption of successful Lead Implementing air quality improvement strategies in effect elsewhere, including municipal practices, Department* public information campaigns, incentive/promotion programs and regulations. Natural Resources and Utilities Measure Description : Climate Wise is a successful voluntary business outreach pro- Recommended Approach gram . It offers technical assistance and recognition to partners who reduce their emis- for Implementation : sions and report progress. This measure proposes to increase Climate Wise program Seek new FTE and funding for savings from 82,000 tons CO2e avoided in 2007 to 200,000+ tons in 2010 by adding expanded partner outreach as 130 new partners above 2007 levels and providing additional resources to assist exist- soon as possible ing partners implement and report more projects. This measure adds new personnel and resources to provide direct hands-on assistance for partners. As more partners and Recommended Timeframe resources are added, the efficiency of the program will increase even further, due to for Completion : economies of scale. 2010 Other Benefits: Estimated Cost to the City: • Support local businesses and stimulate economic development $ 100,000/yr • Improve employee attraction and retention • Increase partner customer loyalty Potential Funding Source(s): provide peer networking opportunities City General Fund; grants • Reduce business energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting Cost Savings: • Reduce business motor vehicle fuel costs Net $ 2/ton average savings for • Specifically, Climate Wise partners have saved over $ 12M cumulatively since 2000 CO2 avoided by Climate Wise part- . Reduce partner vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility ners (historic average) . Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system • Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles • Improve public health • Improve local visibility • Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates • Reduce vehicle miles of traveled and road congestion • Reduce water consumption in the community • Provide opportunities for regional, state and national leadership and recognition Relationship to Other Programs: The Colorado Climate Action Panel has recom- mended implementation of a state-wide voluntary business program offering free technical assistance and continuous support as a means of reducing carbon emissions CLIMATE PROTECTION from energy, water, transportation and solid waste, emulating Fort Collins' successful STRATEGIES Climate Wise program . Expand Climate Wise 18 "The recognition of the Climate Wise Program as one of the Top 50 innovative government programs in the country speaks volumes about the commitment by Fort Collins businesses to lead in environmental stewardship and economic vitality;" ClimabewiAC says City of Fort Collins City Manager Darin Atteberry. " We are proud of the close collaboration the Climate Wise was selected as one of the top 50Innovation Goverment City has forged with local organiza- Programs in the U.S., as recognized by Harvard University, from a pool tions, as we pave the way to making of approximately 1, 000 applicants. Fort Collins a world-class green city through sustainable, economic and quality of life improvements." CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Expand Climate Wise 19 MEASURE Local Government Organizations Establish Greenhouse Gas Goals Estimated CO2 Savings in 20129 Supporting City Polices: 42,000Tons CO2e Air Quality Plan PolicyAQ- 16. 1 . Lead b Example xample - The City will make efforts to reduce and mitigate its own air pollution emissions before asking or requiring others to Estimated CO savings in 2020: reduce and mitigate their own emissions. 217,000 Tons CO2e Air Quality Plan PolicyAQ- 16.2. Cooperation - The City will initiate and cooperate with Double-Counting: other efforts to improve air quality, while avoiding unproductive duplication of effort. Considered to overlap 75% Others include governmental entities, non -profit sector, businesses and educational with other short-term climate institutions. strategies BFO Environmental Health — Seek reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that puts Lead Implementing Department the City on track to meet the . . . policy objectives. for City of Fort Collins: Operations Services City Plan Policy ENV 1 - 13. Innovations — The City will consider adoption of successful air quality improvement strategies in effect elsewhere, including municipal practices, Recommended Timeframe for public information campaigns, incentive/promotion programs and regulations. Completion: Variable Measure Description : Recognizing the importance of leading by example, the mea- sure supports large local government organizations (CSU, City of Fort Collins, Larimer Estimated Cost to the City: County and Poudre School District) in making progress on carbon reduction goals. All Currently undetermined four organizations are currently members of the Climate Wise program . Potential Funding Source(s): In their 2006 Sustainability Management System, Poudre School District set a goal to City General Fund; grants; reduce their emissions from energy and water 15 % between 2006 and 2016. In June Utilities rebates 2008, Colorado State University signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. In July 2008, CSU President Penley announced CSU 's goal to become carbon neutral by 2020. In July 2008, the City of Fort Collins drafted a municipal goal identical to the community's goal; to reduce emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020, by reducing municipal emissions at least 2% per year, starting in 2009. Larimer County is actively implementing carbon-reduction programs and is discussing a goal for the organization . Recommended Approach for Implementation for the City: • City of Fort Collins will develop a process to reduce, track and report municipal greenhouse gas emissions by the first quarter 2009. • All large local government organizations (CSU, PSD, City, County) will report progress annually through Climate Wise reporting . The Climate Wise program encourages and inspires partner members to advance to the Platinum Level, which involves complet- ing an emissions inventory, setting a reduction goal and reporting progress. Cost Savings: The City of Fort Collins spends over $ 1 .9 million on the utilities for the majority of its buildings. Over 3/4 of this is for electricity and natural gas. As these utility costs increase, the potential for avoided costs also increases. Other Benefits: • Reduce business energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting CLIMATE PROTECTION • Reduce business motor vehicle fuel costs STRATEGIES • Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility Local Government Organizations Establish Greenhouse Gas Goals 20 • Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system • Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles • Improve public health • Improve local visibility • Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates .► Ltd � _ . . . . . .. • • L LM.� • Reduce vehicle miles of traveled and road congestion • Reduce water consumption in the community =i lip _ • Provide opportunities for regional, state and national leadership and recognition04 jr b n CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Local Government Organizations Establish Greenhouse Gas Goals 21 MEASURE Community Climate Challenge Estimated CO2 Savings in 2012: Supporting City Polices: 28,000 Tons CO2e Principle ENV-9 - The City will continue to develop and implement sustainability practices that address long-term social, environmental and economic considerations Estimated CO2 savings in 2020: of the Fort Collins community. 34,000 Tons COze PolicyAQ-S - Toolbox ofApproaches. The City will seek to achieve local air quality Double-Counting: goals through education, incentives and price mechanisms and regulation . Considered to overlap 90% with other short-term climate strate- PolicyAQ-7 - Information. The City will report available air quality information to the gies. Tree-planting and unantici- public on a frequent and regular basis. The City will assist citizens in finding air quality pated behavior changes account information that is of interest to them . for the new 10% of benefit. Measure Description : Develop a local "Community Climate Challenge" for the Lead Implementing residential sector, focusing on an educational campaign to promote actions with a Department: goal of reducing 1 % of per capita GHG emissions. A key component would be youth- Utilities (for 2009 Pilot program) focused programs (in-school programs, scouts, youth groups, church groups, services groups, etc.) . Estimated Cost to the City: $ 30,000/yr (pilot program) for Recommended Approach for Implementation : incentives plus existing staff time • Assemble interdepartmental City team for input • Establish carbon calculator protocol Potential Funding Source(s): Develop then implement pilot challenge Fort Collins Utilities . Report on progress and recommendation for next steps by end of 2010 Cost Savings: Variable Other Benefits: • Support local businesses and stimulate economic development • Assist businesses and citizens in meeting carbon reduction goals • Reinvestment dollars can fund other local carbon-reducing projects Relationship to Other Programs: Many other communities are implementing community climate chanllenges. Denver has proposed a community climate challenge that they believe will achieve 28% of their GHG goal . Burlington, VT, has the " l0% Challenge," a voluntary program to raise public awareness about global climate change and to encourage households and businesses to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10%. CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Community Climate Challenge 22 MEASURE Colorado Carbon Fund Supporting City Polices: Estimated CO2 Savings in 20120 Budgeting for Outcomes Economic Health Result — Support Fort Collins having a healthy 5,000Tons CO2e economy that reflects the values of our community in a changing world . Estimated CO savings in 2020: Budgeting for Outcomes Environmental Health — Seek reductions in greenhouse gas 7,000Tons CO2e (conservative) emissions that puts the City on track to meet the . . . policy objectives. Double-Counting: Measure Description : The Colorado Carbon Fund is a voluntary carbon offset Considered to overlap 62% program developed by the Governor's Energy Office (GEO) to advance the following with other short-term climate objectives: 1 ) develop a funding source for community-based efficient energy and strategies renewable energy projects in Colorado; 2) support Colorado's climate change mitiga- tion objectives; and 3) provide high quality, credible offsets for individuals, businesses Lead Implementing and government agencies interested in mitigating their carbon footprint. GEO is Department: developing a mechanism to reinvest a portion of the revenue ( 10-40%) to participating Utilities and Natural Resources communities. These dollars can then fund new local carbon reduction programs and marketing efforts. Estimated Cost to the City: Staff time to participate with This measure recommends that the City of Fort Collins partner with GEO on the Colorado Carbon Fund Colorado Carbon Fund, market the program heavily and urge Fort Collins citizens and businesses to donate to the Colorado Carbon Fund to offset their emissions and Potential Funding Source(s): support new clean energy. Voluntary purchases in private sector at $ 20/ton Recommended Approach for Implementation : • Apply to the GEO for $ 3,000-$ 5,000 in grant funding for participation in the Colorado Carbon Fund • Consider and propose local offsets projects for Colorado Carbon Fund • Actively promote the project to Fort Collins' businesses and citizens • Develop and implement local clean energy projects to be funded with reinvestment revenue Other Benefits: • Support local businesses and stimulate economic development • Assist businesses and citizens in meeting carbon reduction goals • Reinvestment dollars can fund other local carbon-reducing projects If two percent of Fort Collins citizens (2, 600 people) offset one roundtrip airline flight from Denver to New York City each year, it would cost them $34/year, would collectively avoid 5,000 tons CO2e and would lead to reinvestment revenue of $8, 000 - $34,000 to support addi- tional local programs. CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Colorado Carbon Fund 23 MEASURE Push Towards 50% Waste Diversion Goal Estimated CO2 Savings in 20120 73,000 — 137,000Tons CO2e Supporting City Polices: PRINCIPLE ENV- 10 — The city will apply cost-effective pollution prevention and zero- Estimated CO2 savings in 2020: waste strategies that will help protect all environmental resources, including air, soil 253,000 Tons CO2e and water and accelerate the community's ability to meet the city's adopted goal of diverting 50% of the waste stream from disposal in landfills by 2010. Lead Implementing Department: ENV 10.2 Coordination — The City will participate with private businesses, non-profit Natural Resources Department groups, CSU, Poudre School District and other government agencies to increase local infrastructure and improve market conditions for recycling, composting and reuse Potential Funding Source(s): industries, and to educate the public about pollution prevention and recycling . General Fund, grants, public/pri- vate partnerships, fees ENV 10.3 Composting - Organic waste materials should be diverted from landfill disposal and put to beneficial secondary use, such as amending soils to increase local Cost Savings: water conservation or to generate alternative sources of energy. Avoided landfill costs (gate fees) of $ 75,000 - $ 285,000 (calculated ENV 10.4 Regulation - Existing municipal ordinances that promote waste reduction, at $ 5/ton trash) efficient resource use and recycling will continue to be an important mechanism for helping people reach public policy goals. The city will support efforts that reduce materials consumption and facilitate reuse, recovery and recycling . Budgeting for Outcome Environmental Health Indicator # 4 - Improvement in solid waste diversion rate. Measure Description : A number of strategies have been identified from the 2006 Draft Strategic Plan for 50% Waste Diversion that are especially effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These strategies include a residential yard waste drop-off site, the option to recycle yard waste though trash haulers and an ultimate ban on yard waste from curbside trash collection . The Draft Strategic Plan also recommends amending Fort Collins Pay As You Throw ordinance to include commercial customers, and implementing construction and demolition debris reduction strategies. Many of these strategies are also being considered under the 2008Trash Services Study. These strategies include: Residential Customers: • Implement on -going curbside recycling program improvements, including more designated materials and standard options for larger recycling containers. • Amend Fort Collins' Pay As You Throw residential trash ordinance so that rate design further enhances waste reduction efforts. • Ban yard waste from Fort Collins' curbside collection . Require haulers to provide residential yard waste pick-up as a separate new service. Commercial Customers: • Help form recycling cooperatives for small businesses. All Customers: • Implement cardboard ban in all sectors. (As a long-term alternative, consider the measure to embed recycling fees in commercial trash rates for all commercial customers.) CLIMATE PROTECTION • Enhance short-term education around new measures. STRATEGIES Push Towards 50% • In absence of appropriate private sector facilities, create City-sponsored Waste Diversion Goal construction and demolition (C&D) drop-off site. 24 City Government. • Establish contract preferences to encourage recycling and waste reduction for City C&Djobs. • The City would encourage private partnerships for constructing multiple community r '` drop-offs to collect more recyclables (paper, glass, etc.) . Strategies recommended by staff for higher priority consideration are increasing custom- j • er education and outreach, providing larger recycling containers, requiring trash haulers to provide residential yard waste collection, developing public/private partnerships for glass and paper recycling drop-off sites and banning cardboard from the waste stream . This later strategy is anticipated to more cost-effectively achieve a good portion of the benefits associated with embedding recycling fees in commercial trash rates. Recommended Approach for Implementation : • Develop ordinances for Council consideration including, but not limited to; Pay As ,4 You Throw and recycling enhancements; additional licensing requirements and implementation of recycling strategies; and possible city-wide contracts for trash collection services. • Consider implementation of any new waste reduction initiatives that emerge from the Trash Services Study, such as larger recycling bins for commercial customers, cardboard ban, curbside yard waste or changes to haulers' licensing requirements. • Consider future budget requests for any new solid waste reduction initiatives that were adopted as a result of the 2008 Trash Services Study, including a budget request for an additional staff person . Estimated Cost to the City: • $ 106,000/year by 2010 for strategies recommended for early consideration • $ 235,000/year by 2010 for full suite of measures • $ 524,000/year by 2015 for full suite of measures Other Benefits: • Support local businesses and stimulate economic development Did You Know: • Offer diversion strategies designed to reduce trash bill costs • The EPA estimates that 75% of • Prolong lifespan of the local landfills, thus delaying costly construction of new whatAmericans throw in the trash landfill facilities could actually be recycled. • Promote viable re-use of waste materials • Typical business offices generate • Stimulate better markets for recycled items about 1 .5 pounds of wastepaper • Assist businesses and citizens in meeting carbon and waste reduction goals per employee per day. • Reduce upstream pollution associated with manufacture and transport of • Recycling one aluminum can new materials saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours — or the • Lower dependence on foreign oil by reducing petrochemicals needed for virgin equivalent of a half gallon of plastics manufacture gasoline. • Promote wise use of natural resources such as minerals and forest products Relationship to Other Programs: Pay As You Throw is an industry best practice. A principal element of the Fort Collins waste reduction program is PAYT trash systems that provide financial rewards for households that reduce the amount of waste they generate. CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Push Towards 50% Waste Diversion Goal 25 Am MEASURE Fort Collins 2008 Energy Policy Estimated CO2 Savings in 2012 : Measure Description : The draft 2008 Fort Collins Energy Policy proposes a 2050 30,000 - 50,000 Tons CO2e vision "to serve the community with highly reliable, affordable carbon neutral electric service, guided by an ethic of sustainable innovative and responsible management." Estimated CO savings in 20200 The policy has four goals: 650,000 Tons CO2e 1 ) Provide highly reliable electric service. 2) Support the community's carbon emissions goal of reducing the City's carbon Supporting City Polices: footprint 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Council Resolution 2003-038,Adopting the Electric Energy 3) Enhance local economic vitality. Supply Policy 4) Maintain Fort Collins Utilities collaborative relationship with Platte River Power Authority. Lead Implementing Department* To achieve these goals, it also proposes the following actions that support carbon Fort Collins Utilities reduction : • Develop a methodology for reporting carbon emissions and savings related to Recommended Approach overall electricity consumption, reductions in energy use from efficiency programs, for Implementation : substitution of fossil fuel based electricity with renewable or clean resources and The 2008 Energy Policy is being increases in use of electricity for transportation . considered by City Council in a . Reduce electric utility related emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020. separate but parallel process to • Reduce electricity use 1 % per year through energy efficiency and conservation the Climate Plan . programs. Recommended Timeframe for • Comply with the state-mandated Renewable Portfolio Standard ( 10% renewable Completion : energy by 2020) . 2020 to reduce electricity emis- • Increase the contribution of renewable energy enough to reach 20% reduction by sions 20% below 2005 levels. 2020, after accounting for the contributions of energy efficiency, conservation, mini- mum renewable energy requirements and voluntary renewable energy programs. Estimated Cost to the City: • Develop a SmartGrid road map by the end of 2009. To be determined. Implementa- • By 2020, manage 10% of peak load demand through load management, smart grid tion plans for elements of the and distributed generation . Energy Policy will be presented to Council during budget and typical Other Benefits$ review processes. • Reduce utility bills • Maintain high electric reliability • Improve the economy • Support smart grid development • Reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources • Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility • Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system • Diversify energy supply • Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles • Improve public health • Improve air quality CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Fort Collins 2008 Energy Policy 26 MEASURE Natural Gas Energy Conservation Supporting City Polices: Estimated CO2 Savings in 20120 Principle ENV-5 — Energy efficiency and use of renewable energy resources will be 5,000 - 10,000 Tons CO2e encouraged, facilitated and regulated in both the public and private sector through information and educational services, incentive programs, requirements and enforce- Estimated CO2 savings in 20200 ment of regulations such as the Energy Policy. 52,000 Tons CO2e Measure Description : Natural gas use comprises 19% of Fort Collins greenhouse Lead Implementing gas emissions. The City levies a Gas Company Occupation Tax to Xcel Energy of Department: $445,000/year that has been unchanged since 1988. (See Chapter 25, Article VI of the Finance Code at: http://www.colocode.com/ftcollins/municipal/chapter25 .htm#articleVI ) Estimated Cost to the City: This measure would seek to replace Xcel 's Occupation Tax with a Franchise Fee Existing staff resources Agreement. The vast majority of local governments in Colorado including Loveland, Longmont, Louisville, (list others too) have a 3% franchise fee agreement for natural gas. Under this agreement, the City would charge Xcel 3% of annual revenue for gas sales. Xcel would pass this increase (� 1 .5% increase above the current Occupation Tax) on to customers and return the revenue to the City. The City could use this additional revenue to fund climate protection programs. Recommended Approach for Implementation : • Determine City Council interest in pursuing franchise fee agreement • Develop agreements with Xcel Energy • Obtain approval from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission Potential Funding Source(s) : Any increase that would result from the franchise fee (above the existing Occupation Tax) would be passed through to Xcel customers. Other Benefits: • Conservation and efficiency programs can lead to lower utility bills • Reduce consumption of a limited natural resource • Reduce vulnerability to natural gas price increases and volatility Relationship to Other Programs: The vast majority of local governments in Colorado, including Loveland, Longmont, Louisville, Denver and Boulder, have a 3% franchise fee agreement for the provision of natural gas. CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Natural Gas Energy Conservation 27 MEASURE Update Residential Building Code Estimated CO Savings in 2012: Supporting City Polices: "The City aspires to become a coordinated center for 1 ,000Tons CO2e advancing green building in the Fort Collins community by increasing general aware- ness, raising the bar for what is required, helping engaged stakeholders achieve better Estimated CO savings in 20200 and greener buildings, and rewarding high performers. " ( Excerpt from 2007 City of Fort 4,000 tons of CO2 Collins Roadmap for Coordinated and Enhanced Green Building Services.) Lead Implementing Depart- Policy HSG-2. 7- Impacts of New Policies and Regulations. The City will assess the effects ment: Neighborhood and of new policies and regulations, or changes to existing policies and regulations, on Building Services housing development costs and overall housing affordability, in order to achieve an appropriate balance between housing affordability and other objectives such as urban Estimated Cost to the City: design quality, maintaining neighborhood character and protecting public health, No anticipated additional costs safety and welfare. Measure Description : Electricity and natural gas use by residences is responsible for 24% of Fort Collins' greenhouse gas emissions. Fort Collins has historically been, and will continue to be, on the leading edge of progressive building and energy code updates with our local amendments. The residential code was significantly updated in 2005 to the 2003 IRC and the 2005 Fort Collins Residential Energy Code, which exceeds the model code energy-efficiency. The Commercial Code was updated in 2008 to the latest model energy code (ASHRAE 90. 1 -2007 and IECC 2006) . Starting in late 2008, the City will again consider upgrades to the residential building and energy codes. Alternatives codes to consider include the recently adopted 2009 IECC model energy code or the "30% Solution " The 2009 IECC model energy code governing new home construction will offer significant improvements over the current code. The 30% Solution" is an alternative code that boosts energy efficiency 30% over the former model code. Although the 30% Solution fell just short of adoption by the IECC in September 2008, it has been endorsed by the National Association of State A recent poll by the National Energy Officials, the American Council for an Energy- Efficient Economy, the Consumer Association of Home Builders Federation of America, the American Public Power Association, U .S. Department of confirms that energy efficiency is Energy, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. a feature that appeals to home Recommended Approach for Implementation : buyers. The 2/14/2008 issue of BuilderOnline reports: "Home Buyers • Convene citizen task group to provide input in residential code update process Willing to Pay for Energy Efficiency. • City Council considers adoption of code update New NAHB study of consumers reports that 51 percent are willing Cost Savings: It is more cost effective to incorporate energy efficiency measures into to pay up to $ 11, 000 more if energy buildings during new construction and major renovations because the improvements costs are reduced $ 1, OOOannually." can be financed as part of the entire package, and benefits are realized throughout the entire life of the building. Other Benefits: • Reduced energy bills • Reduced peak electricity demand • Improved (electrical ) system reliability • Supports the economy because dollars saved on energy bills tend to be reinvested locally CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Update Residential Building Code 28 MEASURE Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel Supporting City Polices: Estimated CO Savings in 20120 City Plan Vision — Fort Collins will confront and mitigate the negative impact of cars 21000 - 12,000Tons CO2e on our life. Estimated CO2 savings in 20200 Policy ENV-2. 1 Actions on Vehicle Miles Traveled — The City will slow the growth of 14,000 Tons CO2e vehicle- miles of travel by employing strategies that reduce vehicle trip rates, reduce vehicle trip length and increase vehicle occupancy. Lead Implementing Department: PRINCIPLE T- 1 — The physical organization of the City will be supported by a frame- Planning, Development work of transportation alternatives that balances access, mobility, safety and emergen - and Transportation cy response throughout the city, while working towards reducing the rate of growth of vehicle miles of travel and dependence on the private automobile. Estimated Cost to the City: Increased capital and operations PRINCIPLET-2 — Mass transit will be an integral part of the City's overall transportation funding will be needed . (Transit system . improvement costs will be identi- fied in the Transit Strategic Plan .) PRINCIPLET-3 — City transportation programs shall address themselves to reduce vehicle miles of travel through strategies that reduce trip generation, reduce trip Potential Funding Source(s): length and increase vehicle occupancy. General fund, state and federal grants, other grants PRINCIPLE T-4 — Bicycling will serve as a practical alternative to automobile use for all trip purposes. PRINCIPLE T-5 — The City will acknowledge pedestrian travel as a practical transportation mode and elevate it in importance to be in balance with all other modes. Direct pedestrian connections will be provided from places of residence to transit, schools, activity centers, work and public facilities. Policy 9. 1 Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) — The City will continually strive to reduce the growth rate in VMT by implementing a VMT reduction program that strives to meet or exceed the performance of similar programs in comparable cities. Measure Description : Transportation demand management (also called mobility management or VMT reduction) includes a range of strategies that improve travel options and encourage people to use more efficient forms of travel . Reducing travel demand is in the public interest, provides multiple community benefits and is worthy of community support and investment. This measure recommends four key strategies to reduce Fort Collins VMT by almost 2%. Since the City of Fort Collins is already implementing efforts in all of these areas, these measures refer to efforts beyond the current Ievel . The relative anticipated VMT reduction from each program area is identified in Table 6. Collectively, these approaches would avoid 12,000 tons CO2e per year, above the busi- ness as usual scenario. Accomplishing these objectives will require the provision of adequate funding and increased partnership and collaboration with other organiza- tions throughout the community. Walking and Bicycling Improvements: According to some estimates, 5% to 10% of automobile trips can reasonably be shifted to non-motorized transport in a typical urban area, and non- motorized improvements can have leverage effects that increase CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 29 their importance. This analysis assumes that through a combination of pedestrian and bicycle programs, 1 % of total Fort Collins VMT could be avoided by 2012, or approxi- mately 10,000,000 VMT/year reduced . The 2008 Bicycle Plan provides specific recom- mendations in the areas of engineering and the bike network, education, enforcement, enhancing community benefits and multi-modal connectivity that, if implemented, will serve to significantly advance bicycling in Fort Collins. Transportation Demand Management-Type Program with Employer Focus: Historically, the Fort Collins SmartTrips program has worked with businesses, schools and organizations to reduce VMT. More recently, City Transportation Services has implemented several elements of TDM programs including Fort Collins Bikes, transit promotions, Test Ride Transfort, Safe Routes to School as well as the updated Passfort employer bus pass program . The North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organiza- tion is handling VanPool and carpool activities in the region . This recommendation calls for a special focus on increasing employee commuter outreach . Employee commute trip reduction programs have achieved noteworthy success, including the Seattle area and Utah . Denver's Greenprint plan has established a goal to increase employee transit ridership 10% over the 2005 baseline level by 2011 . They assume that 20% of employees approached with a program will participate, and that those participating reduce 0.55 tons CO2/employee/year (about 1 ,000 miles/year/ employee) . If a Fort Collins commuter outreach program achieved the same level of effectiveness, this would result in approximately 8,566,000 VMT reduced. School Transport Management Program: School Transport Management Programs encourage parents, students and staff members to reduce automobile trips and use alternative modes for travel to and from schools. These programs generally include walking, cycling and ridesharing encouragement. In addition, these programs may have significant long-term impacts by helping children establish more multi- modal travel habits that continue later in life. (Source: Mobility Management Review at: http://fcgov.com/airquality/pdf/mm-best- practices06. pdf) This analysis assumes that at least 1 ,000,000 miles could be avoided through car pool- ing, Walk a Child to School, Safe Route to School and prize-based competitions encour- aging students to use and document alternative modes. The number of avoided VMT could grow through increased efforts to decrease travel by single-occupancy vehicle to school campuses. Transit Service Innovations and Improvements: It is recognized that the Mason Corridor will serve as a key backbone to an enhanced transit system in Fort Collins. The City is optimistic about receiving federal funding to build the Bus Rapid Transit ele- ment of the corridor, with completion anticipated by 2011 . The Transit Strategic Plan update (2008/2009) will foster a dialogue with the community and region on transit opportunities and challenges; review existing fixed route service and performance standards; examine the existing four-phased approach to a grid transit network; and address the financial solutions required to create and sustain a high-performing transit system for our community and region . Poudre School District and the City of Loveland are participating as strategic partners. Recommended Approach for Implementation : • Fund and implement the 2008 Bicycle Plan • Complete and consider adoption and funding for the Transit Strategic Plan (2009) • Implement the Safe Routes to School Program • Seek funding to implement the Master Streets Plan and transportation CLIMATE PROTECTION improvements STRATEGIES Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 30 Cost Savings: Fuel and vehicle maintenance savings to participants in VMT-reduction programs. Other Benefits: , 1 • Economic development benefits through the expansion of alternative modes • Improve mobility in Fort Collins • Reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources • Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility • Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles •�5 11r ram+ �apr� • Improve public health • Improve local visibility i6i; CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 31 MEASURE Modern Roundabouts Estimated CO Savings in 2012: Supporting City Polices: 1 ,000 Tons CO2e Policy T-- 1 .2 Multi-Modal Streets — Street corridors will provide for safe, convenient Estimated CO savings in 2020: and efficient use of all modes of travel, including motor vehicles, transit, bicycles and pedestrians. 2,000Tons CO2e Policy T- 1 .4 Adequate Facilities — The City will ensure the provision of adequate facili- Lead Implementing ties for the movement of goods and people while maintaining the integrity of existing Department:Planning, Development streets and minimizing travel- related impacts within neighborhoods. and Transportation Measure Description : Roundabouts are an alternative to the standard traffic signal that provide a safer, more efficient, economically advantageous and environmentally Estimated Cost to the City: friendly way to move traffic along the roadway system . This strategy recommends that Net savings for O&M; Capital the City build five roundabouts at new or significantly redeveloped intersections by costs can be variable but typically the end of 2013 . A recent study of 10 Virginia intersections demonstrated 200,000 gal- roundabouts are less expensive Ions of fuel savings annually, from the construction of roundabouts. to build than traditional intersections. Recommended Approach for Implementation : A City 2001 ordinance requires that roundabouts be considered for any arterial or arterial collectors slated for im- Potential Funding Source(s): provements. Staff anticipates possible construction of four (possibly five) new round- Funding for roundabouts abouts in the next few years, including the Ziegler and Horsetooth roundabout that would come through capital has just been completed . improvement dollars or private developers. Other Benefits: Roundabouts save lives... Cost Savings: . Up to a 90% reduction in fatalities Fuel savings to roundabout users • 76% reduction in injury crashes • 30-40% reduction in pedestrian crashes • 75% fewer conflict points than a 4-way intersection Slower vehicle speeds mean... • Drivers have more time to judge and react to other cars or pedestrians • An advantageous situation for older and novice drivers • A reduction in the severity of crashes • A safer situation for pedestrians Efficient traffic flow... • 30-50% increase in traffic capacity • Reduction in pollution and fuel use • Improved traffic flow for intersections that handle a high number of left turns • Reduced need for storage lanes Money saved... • No signal equipment to install and repair • Savings estimated at an average of $ 5,000 per year in electricity & maintenance costs • Service life of a roundabout is 25 years, compared to 10 years for a traditional traffic signal CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Modern Roundabouts 32 New Qualitative Measures This Plan also includes measures that have not been quantified but that can play an important role in making progress towards the 2020 goal . These measures are outlined in Table 5 and described on the following pages. Table 5 — Summary of New Qualitative Measures Community Engagement • City of Fort Collins Government Leadership Transportation • Seek Adequate Funding to Implement Transportation Plans, with Funding for Transit as a Priority to Achieve Best Practices • Develop Partnerships to Reduce Vehicle Travel • Parking Management Land Use • Implement Land Use Code Changes that Support Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions • Promote and Pursue Infill and Refill Development • Promote Transit-Oriented Development • Consider Requirements for New Developments to Have Less Travel Demand than Comparable Existing Developments Green Building • Regular Updates of Building Energy Codes • Continued Support for Above Code Green building Initiatives • Time of Sale Energy Conservation Ordinance • Require Green Building as a Prerequisite for Public Financing • Explore Net Zero Ready Homes • Explore LEED for Neighborhoods Urban Forestry • Promote Tree Planting Support State and Federal Climate Protection Actions City of Fort Collins Government Leadership The City government is well positioned to influence a community's carbon footprint through modeling best practices for the internal organization and establishing policies that support greenhouse gas reduction within the community. This strategy recommends that the City of Fort Collins identify and communicate overarching organizational goals that will support greenhouse gas reduction, not only for the municipal government but for the community. It is also recommended that the City adopt a standard management framework such as ISO14001 , an Environmental Management System or a Sustainability Management System to implement and track progress on these overarching goals. CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Qualitative Measures 33 Seek Funding to Implement Transportation Plan with a Focus on Transit The 2004Transportation Master Plan contains numerous strategies to improve trans- portation efficiency, yet there is inadequate funding to fully implement the plan . In addition to the Transportation Master Plan, the City has numerous plans that sup- port reduced single-occupancy vehicle trips, including the Bicycle Plan Update, the Pedestrian Plan and the Transit Plan . Further, Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies are most effective when they are implemented as an integrated package, where strategies can support each other (e.g ., improved transit along with improved pedestrian access to bus stops) . It is recommended that the City dedicate resources to pursue funding to finance the key components of the 2004Transportation Master Plan and associated TDM Plans, with a special emphasis on expanding transit infrastructure and completing enhanced travel corridors. Develop Partnerships to Reduce Vehicle Travel Seek to develop effective partnerships among major community and regional institu- tions to reduce single-occupancy trips. Optimizing mobility management in Fort Collins will require active support not only from the City Council, but also from the North Front Range MPO, major employers, Poudre School District, Colorado State University, the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association and many others. Table 6 — Multiple Benefits of Transportation Demand Management Economic Social Environmental • Reduced congestion • Improved mobility • Energy conservation • Road and parking cost for non-drivers . Reduced air, noise savings • Increased community and water pollution • Consumer cost livability • Reduced pavement savings • Improved public and sprawl • Crash cost savings health and fitness • Increased local employment and business activity As large Fort Collins institutions examine their footprint (environmental, economic and social impacts), the Fort Collins City Council could encourage each of them, including the City of Fort Collins, to include the impact of all the vehicle trips taken to and from their campuses, and to become active in finding ways to reduce them . The City Council could perhaps offer a sample resolution that each organization could adopt. Partner- ships could also be extended through channels such as the Mason Corridor Project, Downtown Area planning, and the UniverCity Connections. Parking Management Parking Management includes a variety of strategies that encourage more efficient use of existing parking facilities, improve the quality of service provided to parking facility CLIMATE PROTECTION users and improve parking facility design . Current parking planning practices (such as STRATEGIES generous minimum parking requirements and public provision of on - and off-street Qualitative Measures parking) tend to result in abundant and generally free parking at most destinations. 34 This subsidizes automobile travel and encourages lower-density land use patterns. More efficient parking management can address these problems, helping to achieve a variety of transportation, land use development, economic and environmental objec- tives. Examples of parking management programs include: • Create a downtown parking district to optimize the parking resource and reduce pollution and congestion . • Optimize the availability and use of parking garages. • Encourage use of low emission vehicles by offering free parking spaces or low cost PL parking to those vehicles. • Implement parking cash out programs that allows employees to opt-out of having a parking space and instead receive compensation . In addition to new strategies, parking management elements can be implemented through existing projects such as the Mason Corridor, the Downtown Way Finding Project and the Transit-Oriented Development Overlay Zone. Implement Land Use Code Changes that Support Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions City Plan contains the community's 2010 greenhouse gas policy goal to reduce emissions 30% below predicted 2010 levels by 2010. Additionally, City Plan and the resulting Structure Plan were built upon the analysis of a range of density and land use configurations. The final scenario upon which these plans were built optimized trans- portation and land use efficiencies. While City Plan policies and the Structure Plan support smart growth, the City could improve the speed of implementation . Many of these changes would be made within the Land Use Code that implements City Plan and the Structure Plan . Specific recom- mendations for Fort Collins include: • Adhere to the existing Structure Plan . • Implement Green Roofs. • Marry historic preservation efforts with green building . • Establish requirements for green building in affordable housing developments. • Establish and require a minimum level of green building standards for any develop- ment project to receive City subsidies. • Enhance public/private partnership to support green building and sustainable design . • Consider incentives in the development review process for green building. • Develop a revolving zero interest loan fund to help developers of green projects overcome initial upfront high development costs. Promote and Pursue Infill and Refill Development Infill and refill developments have the potential to address air quality and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the number of vehicle miles of travel (VMT) and allowing easier access to transit and pedestrian-oriented facilities. According to the Center for Clean Air Policy's Transportation Emissions Guidebook, infill and brownfield redevel- opment has the largest potential for reducing site-specific VMT. These strategies are believed to reduce VMT 15-50%. (The only other strategy showing up to a 50% VMT reduction potential in this source is "smart school siting" ) Redevelopment and infill can help revitalize aging commercial areas, contribute to the CLIMATE PROTECTION vitality of Fort Collins downtown area and add variety to our housing opportunities. STRATEGIES Qualitative Measures 35 Experience has shown, however, redevelopment and infill projects frequently encoun- ter particular challenges - obsolete structures, contamination, poor access to utilities, public opposition, etc. impeding development. In 2006 EDAW completed a report for the City of Fort Collins that identified a number of challenges and solutions to refill development. The Refill Fort Collins 2006 report specifically identifies the challenge that the City fee structure can be unreasonably burdensome for infill and redevelopment projects. Recommended solutions include: y� Consider the use of public/private financing mechanisms to pay for needed infra- structure improvements and infill/refill areas. Consider reduction of fees in specially designated redevelopment areas. Promote Transit- Oriented Development Transit-oriented development is one of the top strategies for reducing a community's carbon footprint from transportation . The Center for Clean Air Policy's Transporta- tion Emissions Guidebook lists this as typically reducing VMT by 20-30%. Fort Collins already has established at TOD overlay zone along the Mason Corridor. A second potential location would be along the Harmony Corridor. Consider Requirements for All New Developments to have Less Travel Demand than Comparable Existing Developments The City of Aspen has included a strategy in their Climate Action Plan to establish a city policy to require a net decrease in transportation-related emissions compared to exist- ing developments, such as affordable housing projects. For some developments, this may involve purchasing carbon offsets for new emissions. Green Building Promote green building in new and existing buildings as an overall strategy to im- prove the built environment and reduce carbon emissions. The Fort Collins Green Building Roadmap provides a summary of current programs and services related to green building and a set of recommendations for advancing green building efforts. The recommendations are specific actions that can be undertaken now and in the future to sustain green building in Fort Collins. These specific actions are categorized according to the following four general actions: 1 ) Mandate minimum performance and remove barriers 2) Encourage green building innovation 3) Reward green building success 4) Build internal City capacity to support green building Potential strategies for reducing carbon emissions through green building include are discussed below. Regular Updates on Building Energy Codes New construction and major renovation represent cost-effective times to incorporate energy efficiency measures into buildings because the improvements can be financed as part of the entire package, and benefits are realized throughout the entire life of the building . CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Qualitative Measures 36 Continued Support for 'Above Code' Green Guilding Initiatives Many "above code" initiatives already exist, including the Northern Colorado ENERGY STAR New Homes collaboration and the Integrated Design Assistance Program : • http://www.fcgov.com/conservation/biz-idap.php • http://www. nocoenergystarhomes.org/ Time of Sale Energy Conservation Ordinance Many communities have established requirements that buildings (rental properties, residential and/or commercial ) be upgraded at time-of-sale to meet some minimum level of energy efficiency. This measure recommends bringing inefficient buildings up -� to some minimum level of energy efficiency. It would require energy efficiency up- VIP graded at the time of sale for residential and commercial structures that do not meet a certain level of energy efficiency, as determined by an energy audit. Utility demand- side management ( DSM) programs could be designed in a way that help customers comply with the requirement. Require Green Building as a Prerequisite for Public Financing The City of Fort Collins' Roadmap for Green Building calls for a mid-term strategy (within three years) to require green building as a prerequisite for any projects that offer public financing. The City already has a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ( LEED) goal for new City buildings. This strategy recommends developing new policies requiring green building targets for projects that receive direct or indirect public financing from the City. As one example, the Portland Development Commission's Green Building Program requires developers receiving financial assistance from the commission, as well as direct commission funded projects, to integrate green building practices into con- struction projects and meet established LEED standards. Promote Net Zero Ready Homes This measures calls for the exploration of building codes and ordinances requiring that all homes over a certain size be required to achieve net zero energy use and the expansion of this requirement, over time, to all new homes. Austin, TX, intends to pass a series of code amendments that will make new homes built by 2015 all "net zero" capable. See: http://ci .austin .tx. us/council/downloads/ mw_zech_release.pdf Boulder County has included a "Net Zero Energy Homes" strategy in their Sustainable Energy Plan approved by County Commissioners in February 2008. See: http://bouldercounty.org/sustain/pdf/SEP_final_draft.pdf Promote LEED for Neighborhoods The LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first national system for neighbor- hood design . LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a development's location and design meet accepted high levels of environmentally responsible, sustainable development. CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Qualitative Measures 37 Currently in its pilot period, LEED for Neighborhood Development is a collaboration among the U .S. Green Building Council, the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Natural Resources Defense Council . The City of Fort Collins should consider incorpora- tion of LEED for Neighborhood requirements into the development review process. Urban Tree Planting Urban trees are a good economic and environmental investment. A study published in 2003 in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service, the Center for Urban Forest Research and the City of Fort Collins (Benefit-Cost Analysis of Fort Collins' Municipal Forest) concludes that the 31 ,000 park and street trees in Fort Collins provide substan- tial environmental and economic benefits for taxpayers. For every $ 1 invested in tree w_ management, residents receive $2. 18 in benefits. The net cost benefits are presented below. Energy savings $ 112,045 Carbon dioxide reduction $43,686 Air quality improvement $ 18,472 Stormwater $403,597 Property value $ 1 ,596,247 TOTAL BENEFITS $2, 147,047 Goals should be established to maximize responsible tree planting on public and private property to fill empty planting spaces. Trees should be strategically planted to optimize building energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling needs. Trees should be selected and maintained in a way that minimizes carbon emissions associ- ated with maintenance, fertilizers and irrigation . Partnerships with other local organizations could be developed to increase local tree planting. For example, the City of Boulder set a long-term goal to increase industrial canopy cover from 7% to 9%. Denver set a goal to plant thousands of new trees an - nually in parks, natural areas and on private property, thus increasing Denver's tree canopy from 6% to a total of 18% tree cover, as identified in the Denver Parks Game Plan . Portland planted 750,000 trees and shrubs between 1996 and 2005 to help sequester carbon emissions. Promote Climate Protection and Adaptation Strategies at State, Regional and Federal Levels While Fort Collins' climate protection efforts should not be unduly reliant on actions at other levels of government to reach its stated goals, local progress could be greatly advanced by passage of climate protection programs at the state and federal levels. Fort Collins should support or lobby for legislation that cost-effectively reduces green- house gas emission . Some programs are better addressed at high levels of govern- ment. Examples include regulations to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of trans- portation fuels and/or establish greenhouse gas emissions standards for new vehicles. CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGIES Qualitative Measures 38 Monitoring and Reporting - � IWLA A key to the achievement of any goal is measurement and accountability. Council Resolution 2008-051 establishes regular reporting requirements for assessing progress towards established climate goals. Metrics Progress towards the 2020 goal will be monitored through changes to the community- wide emissions inventory. During 2009 the City will assess its inventory methodology and update it if appropriate. As inventory methodologies evolve, the baseline (2005) and subsequent inventories will be updated to reflect those changes. Y Annual Report City Council Resolution 2008-051 calls for an annual report tracking progress toward A a attainment of the goals established for 2020 and 2050. This annual report should include an evaluation of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and a list of quantified reduction activities for the prior year. This report will be prepared by the City's Energy Management Team and presented to the City Manager no later than June for the prior year. Annual reporting will commence in 2009 for the year of 2008. Biennial Review City Council Resolution 2008-051 also establishes a requirement that biennially, at least six months in advance of the City's budget, a report should be prepared that evaluates progress on greenhouse gas reduction relative to interim milestones and recommend actions for future implementation . The interim milestones identified in Table 8 below approximate a linear descent from 2007 to 2020. However, progress towards the 2020 goal may not follow a linear path, as some programs take longer to ramp up and as future carbon reduction opportunities emerge. The biennial review process will address progress towards the 2020 goal and recommend adjustments as necessary. The biennial review reports will serve as informal updates to the Climate Action Plan . Table 7 — Biennial Review Schedule Annual Progress Milestone Biennial Budget Year Report (Tons CO) Review Recommendations 2009 X Fall 2009 for 2010/2011 2010 X 2011 X Spring 2011 for 2010 Fall 2011 for 2012/2013 2012 X 21466,000 2013 X Spring 2013 for 2012 Fall 2013 for 2014/2015 2014 X 2015 X Spring 2015 for 2014 Fall 2015 for 2016/2017 2016 X 2,263,000 2017 X Spring 2017 for 2016 Fall 2017 for 2018/2019 2018 X 2019 X Spring 2019 for 2018 Fall 2019 for 2020/2021 2020 X 2,032,000 MONITORING AND REPORTING 39 Conclusion 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." — Lao Tzu Fort Collins has been a pioneer in climate protection among US cities and continues to lead the way. Since taking a momentous step in 1999 when City Council committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Fort Collins recognized the significance of global ` climate change and embraced the active role its citizens play in this challenging local task with global implications. r Through innovation, leadership and local involvement, the community has benefited significantly from climate protection actions. Thanks to the success of the voluntary Climate Wise program, for example, innovative businesses avoided emitting more than 82,000 tons of CO2e, while saving over $ 12 million since 2000. Thanks to foresight in leadership, Fort Collins established the first renewable energy standard in the State of Colorado. And our participatory community tells us through recent surveys that they not only support but also expect further greening efforts. Clearly, our community is ready to tackle the next set of climate protection action chal - lenges that recommits our City to the shared duty of reducing our local greenhouse gas emissions. Stepping up to the plate again with vision and leadership in May 2008, the Fort Collins City Council established an aggressive goal to reduce emissions 80% by 2025, an interim reduction goal of 20% by 2020 and an insightful 2012 check-point to ensure we remain on track to the longer-term goals. Reducing emissions 80% by 2050 sets Fort Collins on the path towards a sustainable future. The mid-term target to reduce emissions 20% by 2020 represents an ambitious undertaking that is within our grasp. Both goals will require staunch commitment and participation by all community sectors and forward-thinking leadership by City gov- ernment and other large organizations in Fort Collins. Our path to making significant progress early on is guided by the hard-working efforts of the Fort Collins Climate Task Force that developed specific, short-term strategies. They also recommended that work begin on important long-term strategies, such as setting performance standards for new buildings, establishing land use policies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and seeking funding to build sustainable trans- portation systems. Additional work will be needed to develop short-term implementa- tion plans as well as longer-term plans to clarify the path to 2020 and 2050 goals. The time for action is now. We have begun this journey alongside other committed municipalities, state agencies, universities, business and citizens in Colorado's Front Range and around the nation . Working cooperatively, we can reduce our emissions, maximize technologies and co-create the evolution of carbon markets. Together we can sow the seeds to reap the benefits of a more sustainable life experience for our- selves and generations to come. CONCLUSION 40 Appendix — City Council Resolution 2008 - 51 RESOLUTION 2008-051 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS ESTABLISHING CITY GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION GOALS WHEREAS, there is widespread consensus that human emissions of greenhouse gases are impacting the earth's climate system, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects; and WHEREAS, climate disruption is likely to cause, and may already be causing, damage to the environmental and economic health of Colorado communities, risks associated with reduced snow pack that could affect both water sup- ply and tourism, and secondary impacts such as changes in agriculture economics ; and WHEREAS, local governments can greatly influence their communities ' greenhouse gas emissions by exercising key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste management, and, in many cases, energy and water supplies and management; and WHEREAS, there is currently no comprehensive federal regulations of greenhouse gas emissions and the United States is itself the largest per capita emitter of greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS, it is appropriate for local governments to take responsibility for emissions occurring within their jurisdictions since local community actions can speed the development of technology-based solutions and more rap- idly promote market transformation that will help drive reductions in global emission levels ; and WHEREAS, the Fort Collins community could realize tremendous ancillary economic, environmental, and social benefits by undertaking responsible steps to combat climate change; and WHEREAS, by the adoption of Resolution 1999- 137, the City Council established a policy that the City shall proactively identify and implement actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the City by at least 30% below predicted 2010 levels by 2010 while achieving cost-effectiveness in each program; and WHEREAS, by the adoption of Resolution 1999- 137, the City Council established a policy that the City shall proactively identify and implement actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the city by at least 30% below predicted 2010 levels by 201 while achieving cost-effectiveness in each program; and WHEREAS, the City has demonstrated its leadership on the issue of climate protection through the implementa- tion of Climate Wise, the Electric Energy Supply Policy, recycling initiatives and other programs to reduce emis- sions, and should continue to lead by example so as to encourage other communities across the region, state, and globe to share in the solution to the problem of greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS, despite this progress, Fort Collins is not on track to meet the greenhouse gas emissions goal estab- lished by Resolution 1999- 137 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to an inventory level of 2 .466 million tons in the year 2010; and WHEREAS, the Fort Collins community offers a unique combination of innovation and technical expertise that can be utilized to develop long-term sustainable solutions and facilitate all sectors and organizations in Fort Collins in taking action to reduce emissions; and WHEREAS, scientists have identified a need to reduce the global emission of greenhouse gases by 80% by the year 2050, at the latest, in order to avert the worst impacts of global warming; and WHEREAS, the 2007 recommendations of the Colorado Climate Project convened by the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization to reduce the state 's contribution and vulnerability to climate change include reducing state- wide emissions in the vicinity of 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050; and WHEREAS, the 2007 Colorado Climate Action Plan establishes these same goals ; and APPENDIX - CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 41 WHEREAS, the City Council is intent upon continuing its efforts to achieve meaningful reductions in local greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS, aligning local greenhouse gas goals with state goals will minimize confusion on the part of the pub- lic and facilitate statewide collaboration in reducing the damage caused and risks created by greenhouse gas emis- sions, and WHEREAS, the Fort Collins Climate Task Force has recommended that Council include in this Resolution an additional goal to the effect that the Fort Collins community reduce its current greenhouse gas emissions so that, by the end of 2012, such emissions do not exceed 2 .466 million tons . NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows : Section 1 . That the Council hereby establishes the goals of reducing Fort Collins ' community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050. Section 2 . That, pending attainment of such goals, the Council hereby expresses its intent to reduce current community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2012 to a level not to exceed 2 .466 million tons . Section 3 . That the City government must lead by example in this area by minimizing greenhouse gas emis- sions in its own operations through the establishment of policies and directions that will lead the community to a sustainable future, and, most importantly, by inspiring community involvement in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Section 4 . That the City Manager is hereby directed to prepare for Council consideration an updated plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the Fort Collins community that identifies interim milestones needed to put Fort Collins on a trajectory to meet the 2020 goal, including a milestone for the year 2012 referenced in Section 2 above. Section 5 . That such updated plan shall include a list of strategies demonstrating how interim milestones can be met and that these strategies should: consider relevant technical, economic, political, and social factors; promote economic vitality and prioritize investments in the Fort Collins community; address all emissions sectors; and pro- mote involvement by all segments of the community (local businesses, governments, utilities, schools, universities, non-profit organizations, homeowners, and other individuals) . Section 6 . That the City Manager is further hereby directed to : (a) prepare an annual report tracking progress toward attainment of the goals established herein, including a community-wide greenhouse gas emissions inventory and a list of quantified emission reductions actions for the preceding calendar year; and (b) biennially, at least six months in advance of the City 's biennial budget preparation, prepare a report evaluating progress on greenhouse gas reduction relative to established interim milestones and recommending actions for consideration in the upcoming budget cycle. Section 7 . That the Council hereby recognizes that new data, scientific findings, mitigation technologies, and quantification methodologies may emerge over time and that future Councils may choose to update the community greenhouse gas goal to take in account evolving science, technology or other opportunities. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Co s this 20th day of Ma A.D . 2008 . Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk fC&LQc�rr� APPENDIX - CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 42 City of Fort Collins For more information, visit http://fcgov.com/cli mate protection or call the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department at (970) 221 -6600 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 Exhibit B - Addendum I . Background At a work session on October 28 , 2008 to review the draft Climate Action Plan, City Council asked staff to prepare an alternate plan that would fully meet the 2012 and 2020 greenhouse gas reduction objectives adopted in May 2008 . The greenhouse gas reduction measures contained in the original draft plan, plus the additional measures identified here, if fully implemented, would meet the 2012 and 2020 reduction objectives. If this addendum is adopted, it will be merged with the draft Climate Action Plan to create the final Fort Collins Climate Action Plan. II , Proposed New Quantified Strategies 2012 2020 ADDITIONAL BENEFIT of Proposed Strategies Tons CO2e Tons CO2e 1 , Purchase Carbon Offsets 773000 81 , 000 2. Construction &Demolition Debris Deposit 20, 000 44, 000 3 , Long-Term VMT Reduction 28,000 4. Increase participation targets for Community Climate Challenge 39000 39000 5 . Increase participation targets Colorado Carbon Fund 79000 75000 Sub-total Additional Strategies 107,000 163 , 000 268 , 000 - Existing and New Measures in draft Plan 378 , 000 152125000 375 , 000 - TOTAL (After double-counting ) 4859000 1 , 375, 000 1 . ADD : Purchase carbon offsets (avoids 77,000 tons in 2012 and 81 ,000 tons in 2020) In order to meet the 2012 reduction intent, it is likely that Fort Collins will need to acquire carbon offsets or carbon-certified renewable energy certificates . This strategy should be considered only after local emissions reduction programs have been maximized. It should be considered as a last strategy to implement if a gap still exists in 2011 and City Council wishes to achieve the 2012 reduction intent. Cost Estimates : $7701000 if purchase carbon offsets at $ 10/ton CO2 $ 1 . 5M/yr if purchase carbon offsets at $20/tonCO2 - or - $ 1 . 1 M/yr if purchase RECs at $ 10/MWh 2. ADD : Construction & Demolition Debris Deposit (avoids 20,000 tons in 2012 and 44,000 tons in 2020) Add one additional strategy from the list of strategies identified in the Fort Collins report "Advancing Climate Protection Planning Through Municipal Solid Waste Programs" (June 2007) . This measure proposes to create a refundable C&D deposit system, potentially based on square footage of a project, type of building, and type of work (new construction vs . remodel), or some comparable criterion; including an exclusion for roofing jobs and potentially excluding the smallest 25 % of projects . The total deposit would be refunded upon certification of appropriate level recycling i. e. materials brought to a certified C&D sorting MRF, or demonstrating recycling of at least 50% of materials . Implementation of this strategy would logically follow 1 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 the C&D strategy already included in the draft Climate Action Plan to create a city-sponsored C&D drop-off site . Even if the new construction market falls off for a period of time, recycling of demolition debris will remain as a key opportunity. 2012 GHG Benefit: 20,000 tons CO2e 2012 Cost Estimate to City: $9 ,000/yr* 2012 Cost Estimate to Users : $282,000/yr* (* Cost estimates modeled in 2006) 2020 GHG Benefit: 44,000 tons CO2e 3 . ADD : Long-term Vehicle Miles of Travel Reduction (avoids 281000 tons in 2020) The City of Fort Collins has an adopted policy to "continually reduce the growth rate in vehicle miles of travel by implementing a comprehensive VMT reduction program that strives to meet or exceed VMT reduction in comparable cities . " (City Plan Policy T-9 . 1 ) . City Plan and the Transportation Master Plan lay out a number of strategies for reducing VMT. In combination with these plans and the other long-term strategies identified in this Climate Action Plan (LEED for Neighborhoods, Promote Infill and Refill Development, Promote Transit -Oriented Development, Parking Management, Partnerships to Reduce VMT, and most importantly Seeking Funds to Implement Existing Plan) VMT reductions can increase by 2020 . The Colorado Climate Action Panel has recommended a strategy to reduce light-duty urban VMT 6% from the projected "business as usual ' VMT growth rates in 2020, primarily through expanded transit opportunities . Using this goal as a guideline, if Fort Collins reduced VMT 6% below projected business as usual levels in 2020, that would avoid an additional 28 ,000 tons CO2e in 2020 above the other measure in the Plan that is seeking to reduce VMT. 4. MODIFY : Increase Reduction Goals for the Community Climate Challenge (avoids an additional 3,000 tons after 90 % double-counting is removed) This modification recommends increasing the per capita carbon reduction goal for a Community Climate Challenge from 1 % per person to 2% per person. Two percent reduction is much more closely aligned with the overall communitywide goal to achieve a 20% reduction by 2020, and could inspire citizens and businesses towards greater action if the community climate challenge goal is aligned with the communitywide goal . 5. MODIFY : Increase participation goals in Colorado Carbon Fund (avoids an additional 7,000 tons in 2012) This addition recommends promotion of the Colorado Carbon Fund to local citizens such that 12,000 tons of offsets would be purchased by the year 2012, instead of 5 ,000 as proposed in the draft Climate Action plan. 12,000 tons of offsets could be accomplished if 5 % of the population (� 6 ,500 citizens) each offset one roundtrip airline flight from Fort Collins to New York, at a cost of $34/RT flight) . The draft Climate Action Plan is based on an effort to achieve only 5 ,000 tons of offset purchases from the Fort Collins community, or 2% of the population offsetting a RT flight from Denver to New York City. 2 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 III . Proposed Changes to Qualitative , Long -term Strategies 6. REPLACE : "Time of Sale Energy Conservation Ordinance" with "Explore Additional Opportunities to Increase Efficiency of Existing Buildings" Replace : "Time o Sale Energy Conservation Ordinance Many communities have established requirements that buildings (rental properties, residential, and/or commercial) be upgrades at time-of-sale to meet some minimum level of energy efficiency. This measure recommends bringing inefficient buildings up to some minimum level of energy efficiency. It would require energy efficiency upgrades at the time of sale for residential and commercial structures that do not meet a certain level of energy efficiency, as determined by an energy audit. Utility demand-side management (DSN4) programs could be designed in a way that helps customers comply with the requirement. " With : Explore Additional Opportunities to Increase Efficiency of Existing Buildings Existing buildings (residential, commercial and industrial) represent 67% of Fort Collins ' community-wide emissions . A range of tools exists to increase efficiency of existing buildings, including incentives and regulations . This strategy calls for exploring additional cost-effective tools to increase existing building efficiency that have not already been explored through other measures in the plan such as the Energy Policy and green building measures . The toolbox of potential approaches includes : Financing and Incentives ■ Private loan funds/low interest loans ■ Energy efficient mortgages ■ Add the cost of upgrades into property taxes ■ Publicly funded-green building revolving loan fund ■ Energy efficiency local improvement districts ■ Revenue bond issue ■ Energy efficient tax credits Mandates ■ Mandatory disclosure of historical building energy use or building energy performance ■ Mandatory upgrades at time of sale, using either prescriptive or performance requirements ■ Carbon feebates (fee for buildings not meeting minimum performance standards, rebate for building exceeding performance standards) (These tools were included in an REP released by Seattle City Light to analyze a range of policy options to achieve and increase of 20% in the efficiency of Seattle ' s existing buildings .) 7. ADD : Integrated Waste Optimization / Recovery Goal The City should take leadership to help shape the direction of local/regional solid waste management policies . In partnership with the County, the City could manage and control the waste stream so that, 1 ) the maximum amount of commodities are recovered for appropriate reuse and recycling opportunities, and 2) the remainder of the waste stream (residuals), is harvested as a feedstock for generating energy using conversion technology. This approach 3 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 reduces the direct methane emissions of the landfill by diverting trash through reuse and recycling and then converting the embodied energy in the residual waste stream into useable energy through non-combustion "conversion technologies". The term ` conversion technology ' is used here to describe all technologies that convert waste that are not landfills or incinerators . CT includes gasification, pyrolysis, and plasma arc systems. These processes are rapidly being developed and piloted. Over the next five years, the City should research the best options so that within 10 years, it would be positioned to invest efforts and resources into building new infrastructure using CT technology for, at minimum, all waste generated in the City. Conceivably, a local CT waste system would be designed and built to accept waste from an even broader geographic area, such as Larimer County or Northern Colorado . Ultimately, the Larimer County landfill would no longer be used as a disposal site, although it should be kept in use as a waste transfer facility. 8. MODIFY ` City of Fort Collins Leadership ' to add promotion of Fort Collins as Green Community Further progress on community carbon reduction activities will provide additional opportunities for Fort Collins to promote itself as a "Green" community. (The Economic Advisory Commission recommended adding this marketing opportunity. ) 9. MODIFY: Promote Action at State, Regional, and Federal Levels Append the following to the existing text: "For example, if two of the transportation strategies recommended by the Colorado Climate Action panel (adopt low carbon fuel standards and adopt California GHG emission standards) were implemented in Colorado, the estimated benefit in Fort Collins would be to reduce nearly 30,000 tons CO2 in 2012 and 150,000 tons CO2e in 2020. " IV. Proposed Other Additions to the CAP 10. Add brief discussion of global warming. This is in response to citizens questions at the November 12 , 2008 Open House . 11 . Expand the Acknowledgments Section Expand the Acknowledgements section to include an explicit recognition of the Climate Task Force members, boards and commissions and the Fort Collins Sustainability Group for their roles in advancing this plan. 4 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 V. Explicit Edits to 2008 Climate Action Plan (draft October 2008) The edits outlined below are the changes that would be made to the to 2008 Climate Action Plan (draft October 2008) if City Council adopts this Proposed Addendum. (The editing form calls for remove language that is struck out and adding underlined text.) ➢ Cover page Dfa ft Oct be f 2008 Add: December 2008 ➢ ADD : "Acknowledgements" section : Our jZratitude goes out to members of the 2007/2008 Climate Task Force for their significant contribution to the content of this Plan. Fort Collins Climate Task Force John Bleem Platte River Power Authority William H. Farland, Ph.D . Colorado State University William S . Franzen Poudre School District Phil Friedman Fort Collins Sustainabili . Group Stephen Gillette Larimer County Blue Hovatter Economic Advisory Commission Jeff Lebesch Electric Board Eric Levine Air Quality Advisory Board Liz Pruessner Natural Resources Advisory Board Garry W. Steen Transportation Board Norm Weaver City of Fort Collins Steve Wolley Climate Wise SteerinjZ Committee Climate Task Force Consultant and Analyst Judy Dorsey, The Brendle Group Climate Task Force Facilitator Art Bavoso, Third Sector Enterprises Thanks are also due to many citizens and Board and Commission members for sharing tg heir insights and suggestions along the way, and to the City Manager and city staff who worked in many capacities to support the process . Thank you to the Fort Collins Sustainabili . Group who raised the need to update Fort Collins ' Climate Action Plan. And thank you especially to Fort Collins City Council for leadership on the issue of climate protection. ➢ Table of Contents Modify to reflect accurate updated page numbers Remove : Acknowledgements Box and text ➢ Executive Summary — page iii 5 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 Replace table with the following : 2020 2012 Estimated Estimated Benefit (Tons Benefit (Tons MEASURE NAME CO2e ) CO2e ) EXISTING MEASURES 1049000 104 ) 000 New Measures - Menu of Options COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Expand Climate Wise 737000 - 94 , 000 1431000 Government Organizations Set GHG Goals 421000 2171000 Community Climate Challenge 59 , 000 687000 Colorado Carbon Fund 12 , 000 127000 Community Leadership Sub -total 186 , 000 - 207 , 000 440 , 000 REELING -Push Toward 50 % Diversion Goal Ban cardboard from waste stream 467000 - 58 , 000 687000 Private paper/glass drop-off 51000 - 7 , 000 87000 Increase residential education 47000 - 5 , 000 157000 Larger residential recycling containers 31000 - 41000 57000 Require haulers to provide residential yard waste 1 , 000 collection for added cost 11000 Enhance residential PAYT(2nd can costs more ) 11 , 000 - 17 , 000 213000 Commercial recycling cop-ops 19000 - 71000 81000 Residential yard waste drop-off and ban yard waste 0 - 4000 57000 Construction and Demolition (C& D ) drop-off 0 - 34000 397000 C& D contract preferences for City contracts 17000 17000 By 2020 - commercial recycling fee embedded in rates (Additional benefit above cardboard ban ) 815000 Construction and Demolition Debris Deposit 20 , 000 44 , 000 Recycling Sub -total 939000 - 157 , 000 297 , 000 ENERGY 2008 Energy Policy : Efficiency Programs 205000 - 30 , 000 214 , 000 SmartGrid , Advanced Meter Infrastructure , 10 , 00 - 20 , 000 Pricing , Conservation 246 , 000 Renewable Energy ( Colorado Renewable 0 Portfolio Standard and voluntary programs ) 190 , 000 Natural Gas Energy Conservation 59000 - 10 , 000 525000 Purchase Carbon Offsets 77 , 000 81 , 000 Energy Sub -total 112 , 00 - 1377000 7849000 GREEN BUILDING Update Residential Building Code 15000 47000 6 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 Green Building Sub -total 19000 4, 000 TRANSPORTATION Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 21000 - 127000 143000 Modern Roundabouts 15000 22000 Lonq -Term VMT Reduction 0 28 , 000 Transportation Sub-total 3 , 000 - 139000 44, 000 TOTAL ( before double-counting removed ) 499700 - 620 , 000 1 , 672 , 000 TOTAL (after double -counting removed ) 375, 000 - 485, 000 1 , 375 , 000 ➢ Executive Summary — page iv Modify as follows (remove strikeout, add underline) If fully implemented, measures in the Plan will bring Fort Collins to nearly Qnoi of the 2012 reduction objective and 9007ze of the 2020 greenhouse izas reduction objectives geul . Revise table as follows : Future Projection Year ( Business As Usual ) Goal Reduction Needed Reductions from Tons CO2 Tons CO2 Tons CO2 Climate Action Plan 2012 219517000 2 , 4665000 485, 000 tons/yr in 375 , 000 — 485 , 000 2012 tons/yr in 2012 2020 3 ,4075000 2 , 032 , 000 1 , 375, 000 tons/yr in 1 , 375 , 000 tons/yr in 2020 2020 2050 Not calculated 5087000 1 , 524, 000/year below 2020 goal level Not estimated Revise table of new qualitative measures as follows : Summary of new Qualitative Measures Community Engagement • City of Fort Collins Government Leadership Transportation • Seek adequate funding to implement transportation plans, with funding for transit as a priority to achieve best practices . • Develop partnerships to reduce vehicle travel • Parking management • Long-term VMT reduction 7 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 Land Use • Implement Land Use Code changes that support greenhouse gas emissions reductions . • Promote and pursue infill and refill development. • Promote transit-oriented development. • Consider requirements for new developments to have less travel demand than comparable existing developments . Green Building • Regular updates of Building Energy Codes . • Continued support for above Code green building initiatives. • Time of sale Energy Conservation Ordinance • Require Green Building as a prerequisite for public financing • Explore Net Zero Ready homes. • Explore LEED for neighborhoods . Waste Reduction • Integrated Waste Optimization / Recovery Urban Forestry • Promote tree planting. Support state and federal climate protection actions. ➢ Introduction, page 1 Insert the following text, taken directly from EPA ' s Web site on global warming (http ://www. epa.gov/climatechange/basicinfo.html) at the beginning of the Introduction Chapter. Need for Climate Protection The Earth's climate has changed many times during the planet's history, with events rangingfrom rom ice ages to long periods of warmth. Historically, natural factors such as volcanic eruptions, changes in the Earth's orbit, and the amount of energy released from the Sun have affected the Earth' s climate. Beginning late in the 18th century, human activities associated with the Industrial Revolution have also changed the composition of the atmosphere and therefore very likely are influencing the Earth's climate . For over the past 200 years , the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, and deforestation have caused the concentrations of heat-trapping " greenhouse gases " to increase significantly in our atmosphere. These gases prevent heat from escaping to space, somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse . Greenhouse gases are necessary to life as we know it, because they keep the planet's surface warmer than it otherwise would be . But, as the concentrations of these gases continue to increase in the atmosphere, the Earth's temperature is climbingabove bove past levels . According to NOAA and NASA data, the Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about 1 . 2 to 1 .4°F in 8 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 the last 100 years . The eight warmest years on record (since 1850) have all occurred since 1998 , with the warmest year being 2005 . Most of the warming in recent decades is very likely the result of human activities. Other aspects of the climate are also changing such as rainfall patterns, snow and ice cover, and sea level. (Source : EPA November 2008 , see http ://www. epa. gov/climatechange/basicinfo .html ) Widespread consensus now exists that human emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) are impacting Earth ' s climate system, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects . . . . . . . . . . . (continue with existing text) ➢ Climate Protection Strategies, New Measures, page 16 Modify as follows (remove strikeout, add underline) The strategies listed in Table 4 are identified to help Fort Collins achieve progress towards the 2020 reduction goal . If fully implemented, the existing and new measures combined sum up to i 121200 1 ,375 ,000 tons of CO2e avoided in the year 2020, ^r ��;,,., a*^' y onoi of the FeAfflUentieffins" :HPUP.A.ead. to ffl.eet the-, 2020 eal. The strategies listed. 41ATOUld lea'Ad FAVt C, 1411inq tA Ar-,:hipye between 55 80-0710 of the 2012 stated red uction int�liL ➢ Climate Protection Strategies, New Measures, page 17 Replace Table 4 — New Measures with the table below 2020 2012 Estimated Estimated Benefit (Tons Benefit (Tons MEASURE NAME CO2e) CO2e) EXISTING MEASURES 1041000 104 , 000 New Measures - Menu of Options COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Expand Climate Wise 73 , 000 - 94 , 000 1437000 Government Organizations Set GHG Goals 421000 2171000 Community Climate Challenge 597000 681000 Colorado Carbon Fund 125000 121000 Community Leadership Sub-total 186 , 000 - 2079000 4405000 RECYCLING -Push Toward 50 % Diversion Goal Ban cardboard from waste stream 461000 - 58 , 000 681000 Private paper/glass drop-off 51000 - 71000 89000 Increase residential education 47000 - 51000 157000 Larger residential recycling containers 31000 - 41000 52000 Require haulers to provide residential yard waste 1 , 000 collection for added cost 17000 Enhance residential PAYT(2nd can costs more ) 11 , 000 - 17 , 000 217000 Commercial recycling cop-ops 11000 - 71000 87000 9 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 Residential yard waste drop-off and ban yard waste 0 - 4000 51000 Construction and Demolition (C& D ) drop-off 0 - 34000 397000 C& D contract preferences for City contracts 17000 11000 By 2020 - commercial recycling fee embedded in rates (Additional benefit above cardboard ban ) 811000 Construction and Demolition Debris Deposit 20 , 000 44 , 000 Recycling Sub -total 937000 - 1577000 2977000 ENERGY 2008 Energy Policy : Efficiency Programs 20 , 000 - 301000 2141000 SmartGrid , Advanced Meter Infrastructure , 10500 - 20 , 000 Pricing , Conservation 2461000 Renewable Energy ( Colorado Renewable 0 Portfolio Standard and voluntary programs ) 1901000 Natural Gas Energy Conservation 51000 - 10 , 000 523000 Purchase Carbon Offsets 77 , 000 81 , 000 Energy Sub -total 112500 - 1377000 784, 000 GREEN BUILDING Update Residential Building Code 13000 4 , 000 Green Building Sub -total 15000 49000 TRANSPORTATION Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 21000 - 12 , 000 145000 Modern Roundabouts 15000 21000 Long-Term VMT Reduction 0 28 , 000 Transportation Sub-total 3 , 000 - 13 , 000 44, 000 TOTAL ( before double-counting removed ) 499 , 00 - 620 , 000 196729000 TOTAL (after double -counting removed ) 1 3759000 - 485, 000 1 , 375 , 000 Double-counting between measures with over-lapping benefits was addressed as follows: Climate Wise — 50% overlap with other measures Gov. Orgs Set GHG Goals — 75 % overlap Community Climate Challenge — 90% overlap Colorado Carbon Fund — 25% overlap ➢ Climate Protection Strategies, Community Climate Challenge, pale 22 Revise as follows (remove strikeout, add underline) Measure Description Develop a local "Community Climate Challenge" for the residential sector, focusing on an educational campaign to promote actions with a goal of reducing 4-OA 2% of per capita GHG emissions. A key component would be youth-focused programs (in-school programs, scouts, youth groups, church groups, services groups , etc .) . A two percent reduction is closely aligned with the overall communitywide goal to achieve a 20% reduction by 2020 and could inspire 10 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 citizens and businesses towards j4reater action because it is aligned with the communi . ide goal . Estimated CO2 Savings in 2012 28;000 59 ,000 Tons CO2e Estimated CO2 savings in 2020 : 341000 68,000 Tons CO2e ➢ Climate Protection Strategies , Colorado Carbon Fund, page 23 Revise as follows (remove strikeout, add underline) Estimated CO2 Savings in 2012 5-,000 12,000 Tons CO2e Estimated CO2 savings in 2020 : 7-,000 12,000 Tons CO2e Revise green call-out box text as follows : If tie five percent of For Collins citizens ( 6 , 500 people) offset one roundtrip airline flight from Denver to New York City each year, it would cost them $34/year and would collectively avoid 5-,000 12 ,000 tons CO2e and would lead to reinvestment revenue of $ 8 ,000 $334 ,000 $22 ,000 - $ 87,000 to support additional local programs . Climate Protection Strategies, Push Towards 50 % Waste Diversion Goal, pages 24-25 Revise as follows (remove strikeout, add underline) Commercial Customers ■ Help form recycling cooperatives for small businesses. ■ Implement a refundable C&D deposit system where the total deposit would be refunded upon certification of appropriate recyclinglevels . evels . Estimated Cost to the City $ 1061000 - N$ 1331 ,000 /year b 2010 for strategies recommended for early consideration ,-$ 235 nOWyeaCI 20 10 for- full suite of measures $ 270,000 - $524,000/year 1"� for full suite of measures Estimated CO2 Savings in 2012 461000 P 93 ,000 — 157,000 Tons CO2e Estimated CO2 savings in 2020 : 2535000 297,000 Tons CO2e ➢ Climate Protection Strategies, insert after page 27 Measure Name Purchase Carbon Offsets Estimated CO2 Savings in 2012 77 ,000 Tons CO2e Estimated CO2 savings in 2020 : 81 ,000 Tons CO2e Supporting City Polices 11 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 Budgeting for Outcomes Environmental Health — Seek reductions in ,greenhouse gas emissions that puts the City on track to meet the . . . policy objectives . . . " Measure Description In order to meet the intent to reduce community-wide emission to a level not to exceed 2 .466 million tons CO2e by the end of 2012, it is likely that Fort Collins will need to acquire carbon offsets or carbon-certified renewable energy certificates . This strategy should be considered only after local emissions reduction programs have been maximized. It should be considered as a last strategy to implement if a gap still exists in 2011 and City Council wishes to achieve the 2012 reduction intent. Lead Implementing Department Purchasin4 Recommended Approach for Implementation Upon completion of the 2011 biennial progress report for the year 2010, if a large gap exists between the City ' s projected emissions reduction by the end of 2012 from local carbon-reducing programs and the 2012 reduction intent, the concept of investing in carbon offsets could be explored with City Council. This evaluation could also be performed in 2012 , upon completion of reduction activities in the year 2011 . Recommended Timeframe for Completion by 2013 Estimated Cost to the City $770 ,000 if purchase carbon offsets at $ 10/ton CO2 -or- $ 1 . 5M/yr if purchase carbon offsets at $20/tonCO2 -or- $ I . IM/yrif purchase RECs at $ 10/MWh Potential Funding Source(s) City General Fund Other Benefits • Voluntary carbon offset markets can contribute to emissions mitigation and sustainable development objectives while ,government-mandated schemes are under development. • Voluntary markets can also foster innovation through new technologies and project types still under evaluation by co!npliance emission markets . CALL OUT BOX : What is a carbon offset? Actions such as driving, flying, and heating buildings directly emit carbon dioxide. Carbon offsets counteract these activities by investing in projects that reduce emission at another source to compensate for these direct emissions . Carbon offsets help to fund projects that reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Offsets should be sought after efforts to reduce emission right at their source have been implemented. 12 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 In order to be sure the offset is providing a true benefit to the environment, every offset project must be held to the highestquality standards . High quality offset projects : Provide new or additional benefits : A high quality offset project is one that would not have happened without the specific funding provided by the purchase of carbon offsets. Are rigorously measured and verified: The benefits of the offset project must be measured and verified by an independent third party over the entire length of the project. Have lasting benefits : The effects of the offset project must be long-lasting, not temporary . In 2007 , the voluntary "over the counter" market for carbon offsets grew 200% to 23 . 7 million metric tons of CO2e transacted. ➢ Climate Protection Strategies, insert after page 32 Measure Name Long-Term Reduction in Vehicle Miles of Travel Estimated CO2 savings in 2020 : 28 ,000 Tons CO2e Supporting City Polices Policy ENV-2 . 1 Actions on Vehicle Miles Traveled. The City will slow the growth of vehicle- miles of travel by employ strategies trategies that reduce vehicle trip rates, reduce vehicle trip length, and increase vehicle occupancy. PRINCIPLE T- 1 . The physical organization of the City will be supported by a framework of transportation alternatives that balances access, mobili . , safety and emergency response throughout the city, while working towards reducing the rate of growth of vehicle miles of travel and dependence on the private automobile. PRINCIPLE T-2 . Mass transit will be an integral part of the city' s overall transportation system. PRINCIPLE T-3 . Cit.. transportation programs shall address themselves to reduce vehicle miles of travel through strategies that reduce trip generation, reduce trip length, and increase vehicle occupancy, Policy T 9 . 1 Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) : The City will continually strive to reduce the growth rate in VMT by implementing a VMT reduction program that strives to meet or exceed the performance of similar programs in comparable cities. Measure Description The City of Fort Collins has an adopted policy to "continually reduce the growth rate in vehicle miles of travel by implementing a comprehensive VMT reduction program that strives to meet or 13 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 exceed VMT reduction in comparable cities . " City Plan and the Transportation Master Plan I out a number of strategies for reducing VMT . In combination with these plans and the other long-term strategies identified in the Climate Action Plan (Explore LEED for Neighborhoods , Promote Infill and Refill Development, Promote Transit-Oriented Development, Parking Management, Partnerships to Reduce VMT, and most importantly Seeking Funds to Implement Existing Plan) VMT reductions can increase by 2020 . The Colorado Climate Action Panel has recommended a strategy to reduce light-duty urban VMT 6% from the projected "business as usual ' VMT growth rates in 2020, primarily. through expanded transit opportunities . Using this goal as a guideline, if Fort Collins reduced VMT 6% below projected business as usual levels in 2020, that would avoid an additional 28 ,000 tons CO2e in 2020 above the other measure in the Plan that is seeking to reduce VMT. Lead Implementing Department Planning, Development and Transportation Recommended Approach for Implementation • Seek fundingto o implement the VMT-reducingstrategies trategies in transportation plans . • Consider carbon reduction goals as transportation-related plans are updated. Estimated Cost to the Citv Not estimated at this time. Potential Funding Source(s ) General fund, state and federal grants, other grants Cost Savings Fuel and vehicle maintenance savings to participants in VMT-reduction programs . Other Benefits • Economic development benefits through the expansion of alternative modes • Improve mobility in Fort Collins • Reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources • Reduce vulnerability to energy prices increases and volatility • Reduce air pollution emissions includingozone zone precursors and fine particles • Improve public health • Improve local visibility ➢ Climate Protection Strategies, Qualitative Measures, page 33 Revise as follows (remove strikeout, add underlined text) City of Fort Collins Government Leadership The City government is well positioned to influence a community ' s carbon footprint through modeling best practices for the internal organization and establishing policies that support greenhouse gas reduction within the community. 14 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 This strategy recommends that the City of Fort Collins identify and communicate overarching organizations goals that will support greenhouse gas reduction, not only for the municipal government but for the community. It is also recommended that the City adopt a standard management framework such as ISO 14001 , an Environmental Management System or a Sustainability Management System to implement and track progress on these over-arching goals . In addition, further progress on community carbon reduction activities will provide additional opportunities for Fort Collins to promote itself as a "Green" community. ➢ Climate Protection Strategies, Qualitative Measures, page 37 Revise as follows (remove strikeout, add underline) Many hal Y Te established r-equifements that buildings (rental pr-opeffies,Time of Sale 1RneFj4NTCE)iisef:Nra4ien Ofdina*ee aad/er- eommerzeial) be ttpgfades a4 time of sale to meet some miniffmm level of ener-g efficieney. This measufe reeommends bfinging ineffieient buildings up to some minimum level residential and eofmner-cial stfuetufes that do not meet a ceftain level of energy effi i W detefmined by an enefgy audit. Utility demand side manageffient (DSN4) pr-egfaffls eetild be designed eegne in n way that helps eustomorn eompl� T With the feq ifement Explore Additional Opportunities to Increase Efficiency of Existing Buildings Existing buildings (residential, commercial and industrial) represent 67% of Fort Collins ' community-wide emissions . A range of tools exists to increase efficiency of existing buildings, including incentives and regulations . This strategy calls for exploring additional cost-effective tools to increase existing building efficiency that have not already been explored through other measures in the plan such as the Energy Policy and green building measures . The toolbox of potential approaches includes : Financing and Incentives ■ Private loan funds/low interest loans ■ Energy efficient mortgages ■ Add the cost of upgrades into property. taxes ■ Publicly funded- ,green building revolving loan fund ■ Energy efficiency local improvement districts ■ Revenue bond issue ■ Energy efficient tax credits Mandates ■ Mandatory disclosure of historical building energy use or building energy,performance ■ Mandatory upgrades at time of sale, usingeither ther prescriptive or performance requirements ■ Carbon feebates (fee for buildings not meeting minimum performance standards, rebate for building exceeding performance standards) 15 Proposed Addendum to October 2008 Draft Climate Action Plan November 25, 2008 (These tools were included in an REP released by Seattle City Light in 2008 to analyze a range of policy options to achieve and increase of 20% in the efficiency of Seattle ' s existing buildings) ➢ Climate Protection Strategies, Qualitative Measures, page 38 Insert before Urban Tree Planting : Integrated Waste Optimization / Recovery Goal The City should take leadership to help shape the direction of local/regional solid waste management_ policies . In partnership with the County, the City could manage and control the waste stream so that, 1 ) the maximum amount of commodities are recovered for appropriate reuse and recycling opportunities, and 2) the remainder of the waste stream (residuals), is harvested as a feedstock for generating energy using conversion technology. This approach reduces the direct methane emissions of the landfill by diverting trash through reuse and recycling and then converting the embodied energy in the residual waste stream into useable energy through non-combustion "conversion technolo ig es" . The term ` conversion technology ' is used here to describe all technologies that convert waste that are not landfills or incinerators . CT includes gasification, pyrolysis, and plasma arc systems. These processes are rapidly being developed and piloted. Over the next five years, the City should research the best options so that within 10 years, it would be positioned to invest efforts and resources into building new infrastructure using CT technology for, at minimum, all waste generated in the City. Conceivably, a local CT waste system would be designed and built to accept waste from an even broader geographic area, such as Larimer County or Northern Colorado . Ultimately, the Larimer County landfill would no longer be used as a disposal site, although it should be kept in use as a waste transfer facility. ➢ Climate Protection Strategies, Qualitative Measures, page 38 Revise as follows (remove strikeout, add underlined text) Promote Climate Protection and Adaptation Strategies at State, Regional and Federal Levels While Fort Collins ' climate protection efforts should not be unduly reliant on actions at other levels of government to reach its stated goals, local progress could be greatly advanced by passage of climate protection programs at the state and federal levels . Fort Collins should support or lobby for legislation that cost-effectively reduces greenhouse gas emission. Some programs are better addressed at high levels of government. Examples include regulations to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of transportation fuels and/or establish greenhouse gas emissions standards for new vehicles . As a specific example, if two of the transportation strategies recommended by the Colorado Climate Action Panel (adopt low carbon fuel standards and adopt California GHG emission standards) were implemented in Colorado, the estimated benefit in Fort Collins would be to reduce nearly 30,000 tons CO2 in 2012 and 150,000 tons CO2e in 2020 . 16 OPTION B (without Addendum) RESOLUTION 2008- 122 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE 2008 FORT COLLINS CLIMATE ACTION PLAN WHEREAS , there is widespread consensus that human emissions of greenhouse gases are impacting the earth ' s climate system, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects ; and WHEREAS , climate disruption is likely to cause, and may already be causing, damage to the environmental and economic health of Colorado communities, risks associated with reduced snow pack that could affect both water supply and tourism, and secondary impacts such as changes in agriculture economics ; and WHEREAS , local governments can greatly influence their communities ' greenhouse gas emissions by exercising key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste management, and, in many cases, energy and water supplies and management; and WHEREAS , it is appropriate for local governments to take responsibility for emissions occurring within their jurisdictions since local community actions can speed the development of technology-based solutions and more rapidly promote market transformation that will help drive reductions in global emission levels ; and WHEREAS , by the adoption of Resolution 1999- 137 , the City Council established a policy that the City shall proactively identify and implement actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the City by at least 30% below predicted 2010 levels by 2010 while achieving cost- effectiveness in each program, and WHEREAS , despite progress in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through implementation of Climate Wise, the Electric Energy Supply Policy, recycling initiatives and other programs to reduce emissions, Fort Collins is not on track to meet the greenhouse gas emissions goal established by Resolution 1999- 137 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to an inventory level of 2 .466 million tons in the year 2010; and WHEREAS , by the adoption of Resolution 2008-051 , the City Council established the goals of reducing Fort Collins ' community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050, and further expressed its intent to reduce community- wide greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2012 to a level not to exceed 2 .466 million tons pending attainment of such goals ; and WHEREAS , in accordance with Resolution 2008 -051 , the City Manager has prepared for Council consideration the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan (the "Plan") to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the Fort Collins community that identifies interim milestones needed to put Fort Collins on a trajectory to meet the 2020 goal, including a milestone for the year 2012 as referenced above, a copy of which is attached hereto, marked as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS , the Plan includes a list of strategies that consider relevant technical, economic , political, and social factors ; promote economic vitality and prioritize investments in the Fort Collins community; address all emissions sectors; and promote involvement by all segments of the community (local businesses, governments, utilities, schools, universities, non-profit organizations , homeowners, and other individuals) ; and WHEREAS , the Transportation Board has considered the transportation-related elements of the Plan and recommended that the City Council approve and adopt those portions of the Plan; and WHEREAS , in addition, the Electric Board, Air Quality Advisory Board and the Natural Resources Advisory Board have all considered the Plan, together with certain additional action items presented by staff, and recommended that the City Council approve and adopt the Plan incorporating those additional action items ; and WHEREAS , upon consideration of the Plan, and the additional items prepared and presented by staff in response to discussion by the City Council at its October 28 , 2008 work session, the City Council has determined that it should approve the Plan as presented at the work session. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows : Section 1 . That the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan is hereby approved and adopted and shall supersede the 1999 Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions . Section 2 . That the City Manager is hereby directed to : a) prepare an annual status report tracking progress toward attainment of the goals established herein, including a community-wide greenhouse gas emissions inventory and a list of quantified emission reductions actions for the preceding calendar year, b) biennially, at least six months in advance of the City ' s biennial budget adoption, prepare a report evaluating progress on greenhouse gas reduction relative to established interim milestones and recommending actions for consideration in the upcoming budget cycle (the "Biennial Report"), and (c) consider greenhouse gas reduction actions identified in the Plan and future biennial progress reports in annual staff work plan development. Section 3 . That the City Council hereby recognizes that new data, scientific findings, mitigation technologies, and quantification methodologies may emerge over time and that future Councils may choose to eliminate, modify or add specific action items contained in the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan to take into account evolving science, technology or other opportunities . Section 4 . That the City Manager is hereby authorized to continue to examine and evaluate emerging best practices and new cost-effective strategies to identify local emissions reductions opportunities for inclusion in future Biennial Reports . Section 5 . That it is the intent of the City Council that Fort Collins city government lead by example in this area by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions in its own operations through the establishment of policies and directions that will lead the community to a sustainable future, and by inspiring community involvement in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions . Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 2nd day of December, A.D . 2008 , Mayor ATTEST : City Clerk Exhibit A is the same as "Exhibit A" attached to Option A of Resolution 2008-122