HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 11/16/1999 - RESOLUTION 99-137 ESTABLISHING A POLICY TO TAKE CO AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM NUMBER: 29
DATE: November 16, 1999
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
STAFF: Lucinda Smith
SUBJECT:
Resolution 99-13 7 Establishing a Policy to Take Cost-effective Actions That Benefit the Community
to Reduce Local Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution. The Electric Board, the Transportation Board, Air
Quality Advisory Board,and the Natural Resources Advisory Board recommend that Council adopt
an amended Resolution to reflect a stronger commitment to take action to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and include a numerical target for greenhouse gas reduction.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Adopting the Resolution incurs no financial impact. However, the Resolution directs the City
Manager to consider greenhouse gas reducing activities in the Plan in budget and staff work plan
development. At each budget cycle, Council would evaluate greenhouse-gas-reducing activities in
the overall context of budgetary decision-making and determine whether the actions merit funding
at that time. For measures in the Plan with cost estimates, known capital costs would be about
$500,000 over ten years,and annual operating costs would be about$237,000/year,which is more-
than-offset by annual savings of$336,000/year.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
At a June Study Session, Council reviewed the Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas
Emissions ("the Plan"). In response to Council direction,the Plan has been amended to focus on
actions that not only reduce greenhouse gases but also improve local air quality,reduce local energy
bills,support existing goals and City projects,or provide other benefits to Fort Collins' citizens and
businesses. The purpose of the proposed resolution is to begin Plan implementation. By adopting
the Resolution Council would:
Acknowledge the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
■ Accept the Plan as a blueprint for implementation. 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 convene a staff Energy Management Team. to sustain a focus on
effective greenhouse gas reducing activities and to coordinate reduction of greenhouse gases
from municipal operations
DATE: November 16, 1999 2 ITEM NUMBER: 29
■ Require the City Manager to prepare a biennial report for Council, in advance of City, budget
preparation,evaluating past greenhouse-gas-reducing activities, and making recommendations
for future action
■ Require the City Manager to consider greenhouse-gas-reducing activities in his budget
recommendations, and Council would decide whether to commit funds to implement specific
plan measures in the context of budget adoption.
BACKGROUND:
The City has an outstanding track record for implementing programs to address environmental
concerns. The City's environmental programs focus on local issues, but they take a broader
perspective and attempt to make a difference in addressing environmental concerns that cross
jurisdictional boundaries. The programs take to heart the time-honored phrase of"thinking globally
and acting locally."
Climate change is a prime example of a global issue with local implications. Scientific consensus
is growing that the risk of a climate change is significant enough to warrant prudent action to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions now, especially since such actions provide many local benefits such as
decreasing air pollution, creating jobs, and reducing energy bills.
The "Cities for Climate Protection Campaign," coordinated by the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives OCLEI), helps local government to identify and implement community
actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More than 300 municipalities worldwide now
participate in the campaign, including Denver, Boulder,and Aspen.
The 1996 Fort Collins Air Quality Action Plan calls for participation in the "Cities for Climate
Protection Campaign," and the City became a member in July 1997. By joining the campaign,the
City voluntarily committed to the following:
• Audit 1990 greenhouse gas emissions and forecast emissions in 2010.
• Set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target.
• Develop a local action plan to meet the target.
In July 1998, an interdepartmental staff team and a citizen advisory committee were convened to
carry out these commitments, supported by a grant from ICLEI. The staff team and citizen
committee labored for over a year to develop the Plan,a ten-year blueprint to guide efforts to reduce
local greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion and waste generation. Since June 1997.
many hours of staff time and volunteer services have been invested in the careful development of
this Plan. Reasonable, defensible numbers were used in developing the emissions audit and in
estimating the reduction potential of proposed actions. The staff team and citizen committee
completed its work by developing the Local Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gases. A full copy
of the Plan is available in the Council Office.
The emissions audit and draft plan were completed in May 1999 and extensive public outreach was
conducted,including a Council study session on June 8, 1999. Asa result of feedback received from
Council and the public in May and June,the draft plan was modified in the following ways:
DATE: November 16. 1999 3 ITEM NUMBER: 29
• Reorganization of the measures into the following categories
• Existing-measures that already exist in the community or City organization although they
are not necessarily completed.
New-measures that emerged initially though greenhouse gas reduction discussions and are
primarily intended to reduce greenhouse gases.
Pending - measures not yet approved by the City, but that would be brought forward for
consideration under the normal course of business, regardless of their capacity to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions,
• Improved quantification of the costs and benefits of New and Pending
Measures.
• Prioritization by the Staff Technical Team and the Citizen Advisory Committee
of the new and pending measures.
• Elimination of the following measures:
Cleaner Buses,
Mandatory Recycling,
Transportation Funding Advisory Committee Recommendation,
Establish a Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station for Gov. Fleets.
• Addition of the following measures:
Satellite parks shop,
Natural areas shrub planting,
City fleet propane vehicles.
Attachment 1 provides the best available estimates of the costs and savings associated with the
III proposed measures, although not all costs or savings could be estimated.
Public Outreach
Public comment was gathered on the original draft plan in May from civic groups. interested
citizens, via the Web, and at a public open house. No major concerns were identified through this
process. Efforts were made to send the revised plan (September 1999) to all those commenting on
the original draft.
Staff has made presentations to four City advisory boards in the course of the development of the
Plan (Air Quality, Electric, Transportation, and Natural Resources) and six additional boards
received a copy of the original draft plan in May.
All comments received by the Natural Resources Department on the Plan are documented in the
Listening Log (See Attachment 3.)
Board Review
The Air Quality, Transportation. Electric. and Natural Resources Advisory Boards all support the
Plan. Each of these Boards has recommended that the Council adopt stronger language in the
resolution that resolves to implement the Plan over its ten year period, and identifies a desired
greenhouse gas reduction target. These recommendations are based on the belief that adoption of a
reduction target makes a stronger statement to City staff, the community. and other local
governments about Fort Collins' commitment to reduce greenhouse gases. The recommendations
DATE: November 16, 1999 ) 4 ITEM NUMBER: 29
i
of the Boards are included in Attachment 2 and its comments are included in the Listening Log
(Attachment 3).
If Council were to follow the Boards' suggestion,then:
• The City Manager would be required to consider the reduction target when recommending
actions for implementation.
• The final decision to implement measures in the Plan would still be made as each successive
biennial budget is developed.
■ Council would resolve to adopt a numeric greenhouse gas reduction target.
■ Council would have to approve any changes to the reduction target
Please note that there is no penalty or sanction from ICLEI or any other governmental entities if the
Council chooses not to set an emission reduction target,or if it does set a target and fails to meet it.
Response to Questions Raised by Council at June 8, 1999 Study Session
See Attachment 4.
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
1) Table 1,Incremental Cost Estimates for New and Pending Measures
2) Board Comments on Cities for Climate Protection
3) Listening Log
4) Response to Questions Raised by Council at June 8, 1999 Study Session.
5)Executive Summary-Fort Collins Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions(full
copy of the Plan is available in the Council Office)
RESOLUTION 99-137
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ESTABLISHING A POLICY TO TAKE COST-EFFECTIVE
ACTIONS THAT BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY
TO REDUCE LOCAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
WHEREAS,the Fort Collins Air Quality Policy Plan,approved by the Council in 1993,first
established the goal of "continually improving air quality as the City grows"; and
WHEREAS,the 1996 Air Quality Action Plan defined strategies for meeting the goals and
objectives articulated in the Policy Plan,and specifically called for participation by the City in the
Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, as an important intergovernmental partnership that will
strengthen Fort Collins' ability to meet the goal of continually improving air quality; and
WHEREAS, over three-fourths of Fort Collins citizens believe it is City government's
responsibility to maintain local air quality, according to the results of the General Air Quality
Surveys of 1997 and 1999; and
WHEREAS, on February 18, 1997, the Council, by Resolution 97-25, adopted the
Community Visions and Goals 2015, City Structure Plan, and City Plan Principles and Policies as
elements of the Comprehensive Plan of the City, also known as "City Plan", and established the
following policies related to the global climate and energy use:
ENV-1.23 Global Climate. The City will employ strategies to increase energy
efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources (except residential woodburning), in
order to reduce the impact of the Fort Collins community on global warming,
ENV-4. Energy efficiency and use of renewable energy resources will be encouraged,
facilitated, and regulated in both the public and private sector through information and
educational services,financial incentive programs,requirements and incentives in the
planning process, and enforcement of regulations such as the Energy Code.
WHEREAS, on April 1, 1997,the Council adopted Resolution 97-51,reaffirming the need
for energy efficiency in the operation of City facilities and City vehicles, and promoting energy
conservation of its customers, in order to reduce consumption of fossil fuels, and
WHEREAS, there is increasing scientific evidence that carbon dioxide (CO2) and other
greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere will have a profound effect on the Earth's climate,
increasing the risk to municipal governments from increased extreme weather events, changing
rainfall and crop productivity patterns,and migration of infectious diseases; and
WHEREAS, local government actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through
increased energy efficiency, and reduced vehicle miles traveled and waste generation can provide
multiple local benefits by decreasing air pollution,creating jobs,extending landfill life, and saving
• money for the City government, its businesses and its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Council intends for the City to take a leadership role in increasing energy
efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations; and
WHEREAS, on July 1, 1997, the Fort Collins City Council adopted Resolution 97-97,
thereby joining the Cities for Climate Protection campaign, and committing the City to develop a
greenhouse gas inventory, set a greenhouse gas reduction target,and develop a plan for meeting the
target; and
WHEREAS, a Staff Technical Team and a Citizen Advisory Committee have worked for
over a year to identify and recommend a prioritized list of cost-effective actions to reduce local
greenhouse gas emissions that, if fully implemented, would reduce Fort Collins' predicted
greenhouse gas emissions in the year 2010 by thirty percent; and
WHEREAS,as a product of such efforts,the "Fort Collins' Local Action Plan to Reduce
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: September 19"", (the Plan), which is on file in the City Clerk's
office and on the Natural Resources Department Web site and available for public review,has been
developed to guide City actions to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, if the measures contained in the Plan are fully implemented by the year 2010,
it is estimated Fort Collins will be able to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions thirty percent
below predicted 2010 levels.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. Council hereby declares its intent that the City shall proactively identify and
implement actions that will reduce Fort Collins' contribution to total global greenhouse gas
emissions, in direct support of City Plan Policy ENV-1.23 on the global climate.
Section 2. The City Manager is hereby directed to form an"Energy Management Team",
the role of which will be to coordinate and oversee municipal greenhouse gas reduction
activities from municipal operations, including energy conservation, waste reduction, and
fuel use reduction, and other measures set forth in the Plan.
Section 3. The City Manager shall biennially, in advance of City budget preparation,
submit to City Council a report that evaluates the progress of City staff on greenhouse gas
reduction efforts,recommends actions for consideration in the upcoming budget cycle, and
identifies additional greenhouse gas reducing activities that merit consideration two or more
years into the future. The City Manager shall incorporate into this report the energy
efficiency evaluation previously required in Resolution 97-51, and this requirement shall
supercede and replace the requirement of annual report set forth therein.
Section 4. The City Manager is hereby directed to consider, in budget and staff work plan
development, municipal greenhouse gas reducing activities identified in the Plan, or other
greenhouse gas reducing measures that have been recommended for future implementation
in the reporting requirement set forth in Section 3.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 16th day of November.
A.D. 1999.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Cities for Climate Protection
Agenda Item Summary
Attachment 1
Table 1. Cities for Climate Protection-Incremental Cost Estimates for Proposed Measures
. Tons CO2 Cost Capital or Annual
Line Page NEW MEASURES (12) reduced in Savings One-Time Operating
# # 2010 Costs Costs
$101,961 /yr
Replace Traffic Signals with in 2010;
1 58 LEDs 3,137 $992,650 $370,968 NA
cumulative
by 2010
2 60 Continuation of wind program 10,255 Zero investment $10,000
(5 more turbines) risk
$60,000-
Climate Change Education Educator;
3 93 and Outreach 40,553 Unknown Unknown $60'000
Purchasing
Agent
4 62 Optimization of WasteWater 961 $37,450/yr $ 83,960 NA
Treatment motors/pumps
Reduce City Gov. Building $185,101/yr $60,000
5 64 Energy Use 15/o below 1990 3,129 in 2010 Unknown for HVAC
levels (per SgFt) technician
City Gov purchase a portion Investment
6 68 of wind for own elec needs 2,051 Zero for turbine $47,000
(1 turbine)
• 7 48 Increase awareness of fuel 62 $6.380/yr to NA Existing
consumption, by dept. the City staff time
Share an
$15,000 to FTE with
8 70 Green building program — 3,186 Unknown develop Residential
Commercial Program
program (See
Pending)
Push for Mandatory
Renewable in Electric Existing
9 72 Deregulation (4 k of all in 71,561 Unknown Unknown staff time
2010) or Comparable Energy
Conservation
$30,000 for
10 86 Increase citywide tree planting 125 Unknown tree-planting; Existing
Lelectronically
more trees) $5,000 for staff time
study
ute bids and proposals 3 $5,000/yr to Existing Existing
City staff time staff time
se mortality age of City Existing
d trees Unknown Unknown staff time
$335,892/yr $499,928 $237,0001
W MEASURES TOTAL 136,023 for the City for the yr for the
+ Unknowns City + City +
0
Unknowns Unknowns
Table 1.(continued)
Pending Measures
Tons COZ Estimated Capital or One-Time Annual
Line Page reduced in Cost Operating
# # PENDING MEASURES (12) 2010 Savings Costs to Costs
the City
1 79 50% Diversion Goal 112,787 Unknown Unknown Unknown
Push for tighter fuel efficiency $15,000,000 Existing
2 49 120,750 to citizens in zero
(CAFE) standards 2010 1 staff time
3 81 1 Second centralized recycling 1095 $40,000/yr $100,000 $60,000
drop-off site
4 51 Fort Collins-Denver 32,500 Unknown Unknown Unknown
Commuter Rail
5 82 Expand Larimer County 18,834 Unknown Unknown Unknown
Recycling Center
6 83 Landfill Gas to Energy 84,307 Unknown Unknown Unknown
Increase energy efficiency $10,000/yr
7 75 training for builders 20,840 Unknown for Unknown
trainings
$70,000
(.5 of this
$15,000 to FTE to be
8 76 Green-Building program for 1,665 Unknown develop shared with
residences program Commercia
Green
Building
IL program)
9 1 52 Trash Districting 292 Unknown $81,000 $50,000
10 53 Parks Satellite Shop 13 $35,000 to Unknown Unknown
the City/yr
11 84 Construction and Demolition ?? Unknown $30,000 NA
Pilot
12 92 Work with MAPO to ?? Unknown Unknown Unknown
encourage bulk purchasing
PENDING MEASURES 373,154
TOTAL
Utilities Cities for Climate Protection
light & power • stormwater • wastewater • water Agenda Item Summary
Attachment 2
Aj
ity of Fort Collins
November 1, 1999
Dear Mayor Martinez and Council Members:
I am writing on behalf of the Electric Board to advise you of our support for the Local Action Plan of the
Cities for Climate Protection.
We enthusiastically endorse the sections pertaining to renewable energy, including the wind program, the
energy reduction goals for residential and commercial customers, and the green building program.
Although some of these programs are in the utility's current work plan, we believe with increased
education and publicity, we can reach more people and attain greater savings in reducing greenhouse
gases and lowering overall costs to our customers and the environment.
We realize that it is in the area of transportation that the greatest increases of greenhouse gases will occur,
and that it is this area which will be the most difficult to contain or reduce greenhouse gases. However,
reducing congestion and air pollution and increasing transportation alternatives benefit all segments of the
Fort Collins community. This plan helps focus on how we can accomplish these goals over a number of
years.
The board voted to support the plan in an earlier version this summer. At a recent board meeting, we had
a chance to review the current resolution. We feel that the following change to the resolution would best
reflect the community's interest in moving forward on the plan. We propose that the first sentence in
Section 2 of the resolution be changed from, "The City Manager is hereby directed to consider municipal
greenhouse gas reduction activities in the Plan..." to:
"The City Manager is hereby directed to implement municipal greenhouse gas reduction activities in the
Plan to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions by at least thirty percent below predicted 2010 levels..."
We hope you will endorse the entire plan, and we look forward to helping the Council and staff
implement the parts pertaining to the electric utility.
Please feel free to call any of the Electric Board members if you have questions regarding the electric
portion of the plan.
Sincerely yours,
Ji Welch, Chair
Fort Collins Electric Board
cc: John Fischbach, City Manager
Mike Smith, Utilities General Manager
Lucinda Smith, Environmental Planner
700 Wood St. • P.O.Box 580 • Fort Collins,CO 5032-0350 • (970)221-6700 • FAX (970)221-6619 • FAa (970)221-6-593 • TDD (970)224-6003
e-mail:ulilitiesCici.fort-collins.co.us • lvxvw.ci.fort-collins.co.us'UTILITIES
Community Planning and Environmental Services
Natural Resources Department
Citv of Fort Collins
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 2, 1999
TO: Mayor Martinez and City Council members
FROM: Eric Levine, Air Quality Advisory Board chair�+/�
SUBJECT: Cities for Climate Protection—greenhouse gas reduction
Members of the Air Quality Advisory Board recommend that the City Council direct the
Manager to implement the actions contained in the"Local Action Plan to Reduce
Greenhouse Gases." We are concerned, however,that the present proposed resolution
does not commit the City government to take such action. Instead, the resolution directs
only that the Manager"consider"funding for proposed actions within his budget
recommendations to City Council.
The Board is also very concerned that the proposed resolution gives no emission
reduction target, and is therefore inconsistent with City resolution 97-97,which Council
passed July 1, 1997. Resolution 97-97 directs the City Manager"to establish a CO2 or
greenhouse gas emission reduction target: and to develop a strategy for meeting the
greenhouse gas reduction target' (emphasis added).
The Board therefore recommends that the resolution be strengthened by adding a
specific emissions reduction target and directing the Manager to implement the Local
Action Plan. These amendments are contained in the attached substitute resolution,
which the Board recommends for City Council adoption.
Please contact me if there is any question about the Air Quality Advisory Board
recommendation in this matter.
281 N. Colleze Ave. • PO. Boa 580 • Fort Collins,CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6600 • FAX(970) 224-6177
Amendments recommended by the Air Ouality Advisory Board
• RESOLUTION 99-
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ESTABLISHING A POLICY TO TAKE COST-EFFECTIVE
ACTIONS THAT BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY
TO REDUCE LOCAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
WHEREAS, the Fort Collins Air Quality Policy Plan, approved by the Council in
1993, first established the goal of "continually improving air quality as the City grows';
and
WHEREAS, the 1996 Air Quality Action Plan defines strategies for meeting the
goals and objectives articulated in the Policy Plan, and specifically called for
participation by the City in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, as an important
intergovernmental partnership that will strengthen Fort Collins' ability to meet the goal of
continually improving air quality; and
WHEREAS, over three-fourths of Fort Collins citizens believe it is City
government's responsibility to maintain local air quality, according to the results of the
General Air Quality Surveys of 1997 and 1999; and
WHEREAS, on February 18, 1997, the Council, by Resolution 97-25, adopted the
Community Visions and Goals 2015, City Structure Plan, and City Plan Principles and
Policies as elements of the Comprehensive Plan of the City, also known as "City Plan",
and established the following policies related to the global climate and energy use:
ENV-1.23 Global Climate. The City will employ strategies to increase energy
efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources (except residential
woodburning), in
order to reduce the impact of the Fort Collins community on global warming.
ENV4. Energy efficiency and use of renewable energy resources will be
encouraged, facilitated, and regulated in both the public and private sector
through information and educational services, financial incentive programs,
requirements and incentives in the planning process, and enforcement of
regulations such as the Energy Code.
WHEREAS, on April 1, 1997, the Council adopted Resolution 97-51, reaffirming
the need for energy efficiency in the operation of City facilities and City vehicles. and
promoting energy conservation of its customers, in order to reduce consumption of fossil
fuels, and
WHEREAS. there is increasing scientific evidence that carbon dioxide (CO2) and
other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere will have a profound effect on the
Earth's climate, increasing the risk to municipal governments from increased extreme
•
Amendments recommended by the Air Quality Advisory Board
weather events, changing rainfall and crop productivity patterns, and migration of
infectious diseases; and
WHEREAS, local government actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
through increased energy efficiency, and reduced vehicle miles traveled and waste
generation can provide multiple local benefits by decreasing air pollution, creating jobs,
extending landfill life, and saving money for the City government, its businesses and its
citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Council intends for the City to take a leadership role in
increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from municipal
operations; and
WHEREAS, on July 1, 1997, the Fort Collins City Council adopted Resolution
97-97, thereby joining the Cities for Climate Protection campaign, and committing the
City to develop a greenhouse gas inventory, set a greenhouse gas reduction target, and
develop a plan for meeting the target,and
WHEREAS, a Staff Technical Team and a Citizen Advisory Committee have
worked for over a year to identify and recommend a prioritized list of cost-effective
actions to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions that, if fully implemented, would reduce
Fort Collins' predicted greenhouse gas emissions in the year 2010 by thirty percent; and
WHEREAS, as a product of such efforts, the "Fort Collins' Local Action Plan
to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: September 1999", (the Plan), which is on file
in the City Clerk's office and on the Natural Resources Department Web site and
available for public review, has been developed to guide City actions to reduce local
greenhouse gas emissions; and
i
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. The City shall proactively identify and implement actions that will
reduce Fort Collins' contribution to total global greenhouse gas emissions, in
direct support of City Plan Policy ENV-1.23 on the global climate.
Section 2. The City Manager is hereby directed to form an "Energy
Management Team", the role of which will be to
. ,._ .... ._ .._,.....: _.. .._. ,.. _ _
"'•::: set and intnicmew annualk. reduction measure,
contained ir:. and amzistent with the timetrame of the Phan.
Amendments recommended by the Air Quality Advisory Board
Section 3. The City Manager shall biennially, ❑t least si-: :nontn in advance
of City budget preparation, submit to City Council a report that evaluates the
progress of City staff on greenhouse gas reduction efforts, recommends actions
for consideration in the upcoming budget cycle, and identifies additional
greenhouse gas reducing activities that merit consideration two or more years into
the future. The City Manager shall incorporate into this report the energy
efficiency evaluation previously required in Resolution 97-51, and this
requirement shall supercede and replace the requirement of annual report set forth
therein.
Section 4. The City Manager is hereby directed to
_ . . :. imnlcn;_nt municipal greenhouse gas reducing activities
identified in the Plan _.:_.......... . ...._ .._. ....:.... __. _
reduce local Lrreenliouse Las emissions by at least thirty' nercent
nrcdictcd 201(t levels.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 16th
day of November,A.D. 1999.
Mayor
ATTEST:
Cite Clerk
Transportation Services
Administration
Citv of Fort Collins
MEMORANDUM
DATE: Wednesday,November 03, 1999
TO: Mayor Martinez and City Council members
FROM: Tim Johnson,Transportation Advisory Board chairSUBJECT: Local Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Transportation Advisory Board voted to endorse the draft Cities for Climate Protection
Local Action Plan (I.AP) to Reduce Greenhouse Gases. The Board recommends that City
Council act favorably upon this plan while considering the following changes to the Council
resolution
1. Resolve to establish a greenhouse gas reduction target of" 30%reduction below
predicted 2010 levels, by 2010".
The Transportation Board recommends that City Council adopt a Resolution that identifies
a greenhouse gas reduction target of a 30% below reduction below predicted 2010 emission
levels. It's should be noted that this target is achievable because we are counting existing
measures toward the target reduction. These existing measures get us halfway there already.
2. Clearly define the membership and size of the Energy Management Team in the
Council Resolution
The Transportation Board suggests that the Section 3(below) of the draft Council
Resolution be modified to reflect the scope of the Energy Management Team (EMT).
Section 3. The City Manager is hereby directed to form an "Energy
Management Team",the role of which will be to coordinate and oversee
greenhouse gas reduction activities from municipal operations,including energy
conservation,waste reduction, and fuel use reduction,and other measures set forth
in the Plan.
The Transportation Board wants to ensure the EMT has a scope consistent with the Local
Aaron Plan's direction. The Board acknowledges the need for the EMT as long as its
membership is consistent with its scope. Lastly,the Board would like to see some citizen
interaction with this team
210 E.Olive • P.O.Box 580 • Fort Collins,CO 80522-0580 • (970)221-6608 • Fax (970)221-6239
Community Planning and Environmental Services
Natural Resources Department
ea
City of Fort Collins MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 8, 1999
TO: Mayor and Council Members
John Fischbach, City Manager
FROM: Randy Fischer on Behalf of the Natural Resources Advisory Boardll
RE: NRAB Recommendation: Cities for Climate Protection Resolution
At our November 3, 1999, meeting, the Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB)
reviewed for the third and final time the City document entitled The City of Fort Collins
Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases (the Local Action Plan) dated
September 1999. We also reviewed the staffs proposed Resolution 99- , Establishing
a Policy to Take Cost-Effective Actions to Reduce Local Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
After reviewing these documents, the NRAB voted unanimously to endorse the
September,1999 draft of the Local Action Plan. This plan represents the fruits of 18
months of concerted effort by the Staff Technical Team and the Citizen Advisory
Committee. The plan identifies and prioritizes cost-effective actions for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions in the City. We consider this document to be the best Local
Action Plan achievable at this time in the City's history. We strongly urge Council to
adopt the Local Action Plan as a City policy guidance document
Although we wholeheartedly endorse the Local Action Plan, we believe staffs proposed
resolution does not provide decisive direction to the City Manager to actually implement
the plan. The NRAB agrees with the recommendations of the Air Quality Advisory Board
(AQAB) and the Transportation Board that the resolution be strengthened significantly.
At our November 3 meeting, we voted unanimously to recommend that Council adopt
the AQAB's altemative resolution, instead of staffs proposed resolution. This alternative
resolution was presented in the AQAB's memorandum to City Council dated November
2, 1999. We believe the atemative resolution merits adoption because it is more
consistent with Council Resolution 97-97 regarding establishment of a Gear numerical
target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The altemative resolution is also clear in
its direction to the City Manager to implement actions identified in the Local Action Plan,
rather than simply considering the actions in his staffing and budget plans.
Thank you for your consideration of the NRAB's recommendations. As always, please
feel free to contact me with any comments or questions regarding these
recommendations.
Page 1 of 1
Cities for Climate Protection Resolution
2S1 \ C olie_e Ave. • PO.Box SSG • Fort Collins. CO S:52-2-05S") • (570) 221-o000 • ;AX !Q701 224-61-7
Cities for Climate Protection
Agenda Item Summary
Attachment 3
Listening Log:Cities for Climate Protection
January 20 Transportation Board Decrease development fees to promote telecommuting
Transportation Board If you entertain development fees reductions, can you have
rar'sp recourse to check up on the applicants?
Transportation Board Does it mean that population growth makes VMT rise? How are
i�isp the two linked?
Transportation Board Wiry did we set 1990 as the standard?
We should become a red tennis shoe community. We need to
Transportation Board promote walking. Fort Collins could be changed to "Foot
Collins"
Transportation Board Encourage local dealerships to promote/sell energy efficient cars.
Transportation Board Make the "green guide" available in libraries/auto shops
Transportation Board Could you link your website with the Green Guide?
Transportation Board Have you heard of the New Zealand program to cook manure to
capture methane to fuel automobiles.
January 20 Electric Board Western could sell to Cities in Northern Wyoming and Northwest
Electric Board Would another source be needed to backup the wind?
Electric Board Can Hydro backup wind.)
Electric Board Will PSC have a strangle hold on the market or will they have to
breakup with dere ation?
Electric Board Why green-pricing if deregulated? Why wouldn't every tax paying
citizen share the cost?
Electric Board Why are we concentrating so much on wind.) We should be
concentrating on reducing air conditioning and energy use.
Electric Board What are the distribution improvements requested in the plan?
Electric Board If we set a goal to progressive to build 40 turbines and it doesn't
happen,what are the repercussions?
Electric Board If the Board sets a goal and it is not met,will someone say we
screwed up?
Electric Board What is Fort Collins impact on global emissions? Infinitesimal?
Electric Board Utilities has a lot of money....the general fund is "pie-in-the-sky"
Electric Board He manind y subscribers would come to the table with respects to
Electric Board Can we count turbines out of Fort Collins?
Electric Board Wind installation prices are always going up.
Electric Board Get our 3, as a symbol, and then address new infrastructure.
Electric Board Discriminatory rate-basing should be considered. Industrial
clients should have to pay for wind,too.
Electric Board If we had all customers included,would it be cheaper than the
green customers?
1
Date Source Input
Electric Board Have light bulbs been considered?
Natural Resources I don't see how tree planting is bad thing when we've plowed over
Board natural
of our native forest anywise. Planting trees is a proven
natural air conditioning practice,too.
Natural Resources Energy engineer should only be paid from the saving accrued
Advisory Board
NRAB How much staff time is being requested for the CCP once it is
passed.)
NRAB Why weren't CFCs considered?
NRAB Does PRl have an energy conservation program?
NRAB Could the City share the energy engineer with the school district?
11 A Are we collaborating with RMI?
NRAB I have a "whole-house" fan. Could we have an incentive program
to purchase them in the city?
NRAB What is the source of the Electric emissions in 1990 at 41%?
Rawhide?
We have to do a better job getting influential people like
NRAB businesses, schools to participate. We need the bigger players
with their expertise to identify items we haven't considered.
NRAB How would have trash picked up every other week reduce
GHG's?
NRAB Politically,bimonthly would fail.
NRAB We should focus our capital on the biggest reductions. Focus our
money on the most difficult measures with the biggest bang.
NRAB Do we enforce the CFC ordinance? Who enforces?
NRAB Get the base-rate lowered if I put my trash out bi-monthly instead
of w
5/12/99 Fort Collins should take the lead in moving the rail plan forward.
Citizen Open House (transportation)
Increase visibility,safety and accessibility of bike-paths,laws,
Citizen Open House trails, etc. and develop new incentives for biking!
(transportation)
Citizen Open House Passive solar increases w productivity(DOE)
Citizen Open House Energy Efficient and well-insulated and passive solar homes and
business should be mandatory in new building codes. OE
Citizen Open House If this leadership role is truly the case, is the city removing
the active solar system from CityHall. resolution
Citizen Open House Require clean wood stoves?
All new buildings and retrofits should set examples— be models
for energy efficiency. (Autos too)Growth and population
Citizen Open House increases will counter our efficiency efforts! We need mandatory
standards,not voluntary. People should be paying "full costs" of
global gases.
2
• ,.
ate Source 111PLIL
Change or add to the criteria by which we evaluate or successes
(priority to generations of the unborn of all species). Professor
Citizen Open House Yates and Mayor Martinez should be sent to a 4 or 5 day "The
Natural Step" conference and babysit them with staff and others
that have sustainability backgrounds.
Land-use planning to place housing close to employment centers
Citizen Open House to reduce SOV commuting. Think globally, act locally.
Synchronize traffic signals to reduce idling at intersections.
Citizen Open House By following the sustainability principle,the city should also be
leading by example.
Citizen Open House This issue is globally significant but change will only occur if we
aply local solutions.
Not enough consideration is given to natural causes of global
climate changes. City of Ft Collins should take a role in GHG
Citizen Open House reduction if it does not force change to the individual life style.
People should be given a chance to vote on wind power, not a
government decision.We need to look to verify the real cause of
GHG.
Citizen Open House We should pass net metering to encourage PV use- look at
Sacramento as an example. Carbon tax should be instituted.
Taxes on gas/electricity etc should be raised to reflect the
Citizen Open House greenhouse gas emissions and other detrimental ecological and
societal effects of burning fossil fuels and using energy,
• I am not entirely sure,if let along,that life will be livable in 20
Citizen Open House yam• Discourage auto transportation. Do not widen more roads,
reduce car access, and charge for parking, -then alternative
transportation will have a chance.
Citizen Open House Revitalize or replace solar water collectors on top of City Hall.
Give rebates to energy conservative appliances.
Citizen Open House The sooner we implement this plan the better.
Citizen Open House Keep up the good work!
Citizen Open House One of the most pressing issues facing the City is the general
consumptive attitudes,which effect all of the above.
If the City doesn't take the lead role in this plan -who will? An
Citizen Open House important issue for the City is Energy Management - we need an
energy manager or management team. This is the most important
issue facing the city- act now!
Citizen Open House City purchasing wind energy is not a large added cost per citizen.
"Pain" now or more "pain"later. 1. The county should be
involved in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign. 2.
Citizen Open House Incorporate Green building/sustainabiliry principles into all Cite-
and County projects and City building code. 3.Aggressively
sue construction waste recycling.
3
May 7, City Employee Open Begs the question:What Does The Goal Mean... What Effect
May
House Does It Have?We need more choices for the plan. What can the
1999 Janet sustain,not what effort can we sustain.
Have a"Phase 2" plan which might go into effect when a pre-
determined percentage of goals in the 1"phase have been
May 7, City Employee Open accomplished The City should definitely lead by example but
1999 House there needs to be an active publicity campaign informing the
citizen of what the City is doing,the advantages and how much
effort is required.
May 7, City Employee Open We should do whatever is the biggest bang for the buck and
1999 House resources.
May 7, City Employee Open Would it be less "painful"to contract this type of work out?
1999 House
May 7, City Employee Open The City should do what it takes!
1999 House
May 7, City Employee Open The most potential for CO2 savings rests with transportation.
May
House Make the number one priority in Transportation planning safe,
1999 accessible and convenient human-powered transportation.
May 7' Phone Start requiring that public service and City vehicles do not idle
1999 unnecessarily, Some idle for up to 30 minutes,unnecessarily.
May 19, Transportation Board At the tailpipe,you don't have emission in electric vehicles, but
1999 1281 North College you do gjobally from the energy production.
Transportation Board Have you considered fuel cells along with hybrid vehicles?
Detroit is moving in that direction.
Transportation Board Has anyone done an audit of 1991 Levels?
Easily achieved initiatives are important. Many of these ideas are
Transportation Board out of our control. Yet, I don't think we should say these
initiatives are impossible just because they are out of our control.
Transportation Board Any new changes over the next ten years could be educated, like
fuel-efficient vehicles,as they become available.
How large is the capacity of our wind power site? If the wind
Transportation Board doesn't blow,then we have to provide a back-up, alternative
energy source.
What is the future of photovokaics? We should evaluate them in
Transportation Board the contest of solar and wind subscription together. It may
compliment wind capacity better.
Little will happen with fuel cells in the next couple of years. This
plan should implement a step function. Many of these initiatives
Transportation Board will not be realized until the plan is well online. The plan is not a
failure,if all these initiatives aren't realized in the first couple
ears.
Transportation Board Has a carbon tax been considered? At the state level maybe?
Transportation Board There seems to be a huge savings from compact fluorescents.
The City should be the first to convert.
4
Date Source Input
Transportation Board Are you looking at additional incentives to reduce VMT beyond
P the currentplans? We need to look at more.
Transportation Board Are there any other types of disincentives beyond parking?
Parking availability.'
VMT reduction is not achievable if we need people to not drive 3
Transportation Board days/week. Have someone take on the job to work with the
private sector to see what inhibitor is hurting teleworking. Get
businesses interested in a more efficient fleet/autos.
Transportation Board I would like to see the trash districting on the list of priority
uutiatives.
Did anyone notice the City of Longmont compacts trash in the
Transportation Board truck and waits to dump it when the truck is full. This reduced
the VMT needed to-and-from the landfill.
Global warming seems ominous. I think we should consider the
Transportation Board established 2010 goal. If 20% is the goal scientists promote,we
shouldn't consider any other goal
Transportation Board We need to keep alternative modes—SAFE. Then people will use
it. SAFE and REALISTIC
May 19, Electric Board Suppose we use all hydropower,would we drop to zero
1999 Wood Street emissions?
Electric Board Are all transportation forms lumped together in the emissions
audit and forecast?
Electric Board Is it possible to receive money for a fuel cell pilot?
Electric Board How much under "Reduced City Building" initiative is already
being done?
Electric Board Are we looking into LED's at the Utilities?
On solar hot water heaters, do we know the average repair costs?
Electric Board 3% of the systems failing seems for the age of many systems
Electric Board Are the transportation numbers in these initiatives supported by
the transportation measure defeated in April?
Electric Board Aren't recycling rates declining? Isn't the market poor.
Electric Board There isn't a way that the streetlights could be lowered at a certain
time in the evening)
Electric Board Is this plan written in anticipation of emissions trading and a
carbon tax?
Electric Board Is this program all based on the Kyoto conference?
The idea is,if Council approves this plan,they would delegate
Electric Board City Departments to adopt,implement, and budget for some or
all of these initiatives over the next ten years.
5
Date Source 111PUt
Is air condition the most cost-effective measure for the Utilities to
consider? Could we charge a premium to residents that use
Electric Board AC/energy during the peak summer months and use this money
to fund more turbines? Will this plan center on those
people/businesses who will have to pay for their ability to pollute.
Electric Board Are Canadian cities a part of this campaign?
It is interesting,philosophically,how pollution is currently being
addressed by medium For water,you can never have enough
Electric Board money/research and the health effects are i*nimirtent. For air
pollution,you can buy your way out. Yet,they haven't gotten to
the point with air pollution where its effects are easily defined.
Electric Board Are you familiar with the memo about methane flaring that
includes a 4 in estor to reduce the flaring?
If you have changes in the next month to the plan, could you
Electric Board please print an amendment handout for us to make our final
recommendation.
May 20, Lions Club In the 1980's,recycling had big push in Fort Collins. Why has
1999 Lincoln Center that changed)
Lions Club What does LED stand for?
Lions Club Wiry don't we look at 002 emissions from woodburning?
Lions Club Are the existing turbines fully subscribed?
Irons Club We spent a lot of money on our fireplace when we moved into
our home. Now it is worthless because of regulation.
Lions Club Is there any reason why Colorado is lagging behind on wind
power.?
Lions Club Is there a CO2 emissions reduction by making our homes more
energy efficient?
The reason why Colorado hasn't gone into fast deregulation is
Lions Club because our electric bills will go up. We have very cheap energy
here in Colorado. Where some states will have lowered rate with
dereaation,Colorado's will go up.
May 24, Sierra Club Have you considered promoting motion sensor switches in
1999 Harmony Library residences?
Sierra Club Have you quantified a carbon tax scenario?
Sierra Club How much do cleaner buses contribute to the global warming
trend])
When presenting this local action plan to City Council, I would
Sierra Club advise you to promote the "thoroughness" of your research and
cations.
Sierra Club How do `per capita" emissions compare to the overall emissions
forecast described here?
Sierra Club Please mention the direct impact of population growth and
greenhouse emissions in your presentation to Council.
6
Date Source Input
All cities wt71 have to go through a process of quantifying
Sierra Club emissions.Yet,you're raising the cost to "me" because of
population growth and other people moving here.
Sierra Club Is Larimer County also included in this program?
May 25 Kiwanis Club of Fort There is a great deal of discussion surrounding big buses around
1999 Collins town. Are big buses a concern.
Holiday Inn
Kiwanis Club Compared to a single occupant auto,what is the emissions output
of a bus?
Kiwans Club How close are we to a commuter rail to Denver?
Big bus routes are not convenient for people. Have you
Kiwanis Club considered smaller buses running more frequently to residential
areas?
Kiwanis Club A great deal of money for big buses comes from the Federal
overnment. Why can't this money for smaller buses?
Kiwanis Club I would like to commend the City for offering a bus (Foxtrot)
from Fort Collins to Loveland.
How much have you given thought to changing auto engines?
Kiwanis Club Can the City influence the requirement of less polluting, newer
auto engines?
Kiwanis Club Transportation is a major problem in this city. The transportation
people need to be able to solve thisproblem: "No car, no job."
Kiwanis Club Change how the auto propels. We need an economic car that
produces less pollution.
Kiwanis Club Are the big garbage trucks a factor in this all?
Kiwanis Club I think I read that 1 of 4 vehicles today is a SUV. Why are SUV's
allowed to emit more pollution than a regular vehicle?
Scientists developed a device to record vehicle emissions as they
drive through a sensor. They found 96% of the emissions came
Kiwanis Club from 2% of the vehicles. We should fix these cars free of charge
By detecting and fixing them,we will take care of much of the
problem.
Kiwanis Club If government could focus in and correct the worst offenders
and leave everybody else alone,it could help.
Kiwanis Club What is the rest of the world doing to address this problem of
global warmin ?
Kiwanis Club At what vehicle speed do we create more pollution? Doesn't gas
last longer when we go slower?
Kiwanis Club College Avenue has too many stop lights on it. Tune the lights
better.
Air Quality Advisory Concerns that the 2.2%population growth rate used by the City
May 25 Board for planning purposes (and in the CCP plan) is inaccurate, as
recent population growth rates are not nearly that low.
Air Quality Advisory Is it appropriate to take credit for the CO2 sequestration of all
• Board trees in Fort Collins in one year alone, 2010?
7
Date Source Input
Air Quality Advisory Compact fluorescent bulbs seem lice a good approach to reducing
Board greenhouse gases, and recent improvements in bulb shape might
make them more acceptable.
Air Quality Advisory The City could consider buying CF bulbs in bulk at a lower price,
Board and selling them similar to the compost bin sales .
On what basis does the Transportation Department assume that
Air Quality Advisory the City will reduce VMT growth rates at the rate they have
Board suggested in this plan,when the Mobility Report Card indicates
we are so far away from that level of reduction?
Air Quality Advisory Education is an important component of greenhouse gas
Board reduction. Consider working with CSU and PSD students.
Air Quality Advisory Consider working with non-profit groups to accomplish some
Board education and outreach strategies.
Air Quality Advisory 5 turbine only constitute 1% of the energy production here in
Board Fort Collins.
Air Quality Advisory How many people have never owned an AC unit? Are
Board evaporative coolers considered an alternative?
Air Quality Advisory It strikes me that the bigger load comes from commercial AC.
Board
Air Quality Advisory If that tonnage for CF bulbs is true, should we push for more in
Board homes?
Air Quality Advisory Don't we have a new parking garage going up? How will this help
Board TDM disincentives?
Upon what assumption does transportation promote their
Air Quality Advisory optimism to reach 2.2%. This initiative is a 38% component of
Board the current reduction goal. It's possible,if we take a highly
aggressive action and support stronger goals.
Air Quality Advisory Retirees have named Fort Collins as the most desirable place to
Board five in America.
Air Quality Advisory We need to promote the global warmirig teacher kits.
Board
Advisory City staff and the former City Council for the work and foresight
Air Quality ry put into this campaign. I hope that our new Council will support
Board the initiatives in this local action plan.
May 26, Greyrock Commons Take at look at "Natural Homes", a new local publication
1999 addressing green home building.
Greyrock Commons How did some cities achieve a 50 or 60%diversion rate? Was the
more limited space for landfill (back East a factor?
Greyrock Commons The bus route is inconvenient. For example,it takes three bus
connections to get from here to FIR
Improve bite trails. Consider a link from Greyrock to the Poudre
Greyrock Commons River Trail via the gravel mining operation,once that operation
ceases.
8
Date Source Input
We have a communal telework center here that is popular.
Greyrock Commons Consider encouraging multi-family unit developers to include a
telework center in each development.
Greyrock Commons It would be helpful if the Colorado=provided coverage of this
plan,in segments, as the plan covers so many different areas.
Vehicle emissions could be reduced through improving traffic
flow. This could be accomplished by adding right-hand turn
Greyrock Commons lanes. In some cases, existing road configurations could be
change to incorporate right-hand turns, i.e.Timberline
northbound at Harmony.
A full blown recycling drop-off site for all recyclable materials
accepted by the Latimer County recycling center,in the north end
Greyrock Commons of town would be used a great deal. This would be much more
valuable than a second co-mingled site lice the City's existing site
at Mason and Maple.
Greyrock Commons It appears that N-S streets have better traffic flow than E-W
streets.
Greyrock Commons What is being considered to boost recycling rates?Has mandatory
recycling been considered? How would it bepromoted?
Develop and distribute information about where the local recycled
Greyrock Commons good are taken, and what they are made into, and encourage
consumer purchase of these goods.
Greyrock Commons Reduction of junk matt,possibly through a national program,
could have a big impact on solid waste reduction.
Greyrock Commons It would be useful to highlight success stories that other CCP
cities have had, especially in the areas of affordable housing.
It's important to be sure that affordable housing is still available,
Greyrock Commons even in the presence of"green budding" criteria.
What about scrappage programs to remove high-emitting,low
Greyrock Commons
fuel efficiency cars from the road.A jobs program could refurbish
old Honda's (more fuel efficient) and use them to replace low fuel
efficiency..
The ZILCH loan program to reduce air conditioning energy
Grevrock Commons consumption should include swamp coolers, not just whole house
fans.
Greyrock Commons Consider a "per capita" greenhouse gas reduction target". This
will make the issue more personally relevant to each.
Consider a microscale test of efforts to reduce greenhouse gases,
such as at the neighborhood level. A competition between two
Greyrock Commons neighborhoods or cohousing community groups would be good
PR and an excellent education campaign for global warming and
sustainability.
Encourage more biking by continuing to add and improve bike
Greyrock Commons lanes. I read about the possibility of making a street, such as
Mason, just for bikes, and I think this sounds excellent!
9
Date Source 111PUt
There is no doubt among the vast majority of scientists
that a comprehensive approach to global warming is crucial. The
potential
negative impacts are not all known. I strongly recommend that
city council direct staff to implement as many of the
recommendations as possible;please pass my comments on to
council. I especially recommend pursuing the following measures:
Reduce City Government Bldg. Energy Consumption (Page
45)
My council unanimously passed a resolution requiring the city to
Incorporate the best energy conservation measures in all new
facilities it
Builds or participates in building. I feel this resolution should be
Interpreted to include at least one of your suggested strategies
under this
heading.
"Insure that City Buildings constructed by Facilities
Services use Green
Building Criteria"
Given our resolution,this should be mandated if it isn't already. If
necessary,council should quickly revise and pass an addition to
our
previous resolution.The other measures should also be standard
Policy.-
energy audits of bldgs.by Light and Power and/or PRPA,
purchasing more
energy efficient motors, and joining the ENERGY STAR
BUILDINGS PROGRAM All
of these measures save taxpayer dollars as well as energy. I would
think
that HVAC Control could be contracted with local companies
very cost
effectively.
WIND PHASES II AND III (pages 49 and 50)
WIND Power should no longer be considered a "pilot program".
It has proven
itself, and, as the dozens of turbines outside of Cheyenne,
Wyoming prove,
marry other utilities see Wind as an essential and cost effective
May 25, Alan A part of
1999 the nations energy future. I hope council can support these next
logical phases foe consumers with raze based expansion,AND
have city government purchase WIND POWER for its own use.
Lobby for Mandatory Renewables (page 52)
Date Source 111put
It is evident that there has been substantial attention paid to
quantifying emissions, and to identifying existing and proposed
measures to reduce greenhouse gases. Several questions must be
Christopher Clausen, addressed more fully within the plan...before the plan can be
May 28, Enviro.,Health& adequately reviewed
1999 Safety Engineer, 1) What are the socio-economic impacts of implementing the
Teledyne WaterPik plan?
2) What are the impacts to businesses in the communiry?
3) What are the criteria used for evaluating which alternatives to
im lement?
June 2, Natural Resources Figure 2,pg 11. Electricity is responsible for 42% of the 1990 i
1999 Advisory Board emissions. You need to focus on coal-fired electricity sources, not
general electricity. PRPA should be replaced by Rawhide here.
Natural Resources Typo on Figure 2. Fort Collins is misspelled
Advisory Board
Natural Resources The largest contribution is from coal-fired plants. Have we
Advisory Board considered going to gas turbines for energy? Anything else we
can do to make this more efficient.
Natural Resources Why are we using 1990 numbers? Shouldn't we be using 1999?
Advisory Board
Natural Resources The language needs to be cleaned up on PRPA and Rawhide.
•" AdvisoryBoard 0.00%of Rawhide electricity was used by Fort Collins residents
until recently
Natural Resources What percentage of Rawhide is currently being used by Fort
Advisory Board Collins?
Natural Resources On Page 11, should the paragraph below the CO2e graph use
Advisory Board CO2e,not CO2?
Natural Resources On Page 2 of the executive summary,Fig A-Baseline vs Forecast. !,
Advisory Board I couldn't understand what its trying to say.
Why was carbon sequestration in grasslands dropped? We need I
Natural Resources to keep it in the plan just in case a viable study comes around in
Advisory Board the next 10 years calculating the sequestration rates.
If the City of Fort Collins is willing to incur the risk of along with
PRPA to purchase wind power for its own use,the utilities should
not have a problem with that. Yet,it has a specific pro/con
AdvisoryBcarr Resources
described in the plan,where other initiatives aren't provided with
a pro/con scenario. Either each initiative has a pro/con or we
should remove that from this initiative. It draws attention, for
good or bad,awav from the other initiatives.
Natural Resources Low-loss transformers come at a premium to Utilities, yet we
Advisory Board can't afford the premium to buy wind?
Natural Resources Its not the Utility buying the wind,it's the City. My taxes might
Advisory Board go up, but my Utility bill won't. The Utility should not care if the
City s wind for itself.
11
Datc Soul-cc Input
Natural Resources What individuals/groups were on the Citizens committee? There
Advisory Board were no environmental leaders on the board as far as I can see.
Natural Resources Why don't you recommend the 20% below reduction in your final
Advisory Board analysis?
Natural Resources If I was a Council Member,I would like a menu of option that I
Advisory Board could choose from.
Natural Resources How will Council support the VMT measure if they've read the
Advisory Board bad news in the Mobility Report Card?
Natural Resources I haze pretend plans. I appreciate you hard work and honesty in
Advisory Board this plan.
Natural Resources Where are the lobbying efforts in this plan to address the National
Advisory Board CAFE standards? Will we be able to fund groups like the
Colorado Municipal League to lobby for this?
Natural Resources Fleets is categorized in the wrong list on Coucil's chart.
Advisory Board
PIT How can you decrease VMT by increasing charges for
Natural Resources parking It seems counter-intuitive. Won't people be driving
AdvisoryBoard
around looking for free places to ark?
Natural Resources Downtown employees take up most of the parking. We subsidize
Advisory Board Parking and nobody complains,yet they complain about the
subsidizing buses.
Natural Resources We have free/$0.25 parking. How is this going to reduce VMT?
Advisory Board
We need to address the acres of parking available at the mall,too.
Natural Resources If people don't have to pay for parking there,it will hurt
Advisory Board Downtown businesses where parking is charged This will create
a shift where driving will occur, not a VMT reduction.
Natural Resources We should not confuse the parking charges for long term vs short
term. Long term should be charged more for taking the short
Advisory Board
term away.
I support all of the thing in this plan. It'd be great if all of these
Advisory s things happens, but many seem "pie in the sky." It would be
helpful to see the concrete vs opaque measures.
I believe the document lays out the problem and needed future
Natural Resources actions very well. I would be good for Council to see the measure
Advisory Board The City can concretely take along with the associated cost. We
should also call attention to the large emission reduction from the
"pie in the sky"measures as well.
Natural Resources The City will not have a significant impact on market decisions
Advisory Board that control the fuel-efficiency of vehicles.
Natural Resources You're going to get killed if you don't have the cost estimates
Advisory Board available for Council.
Natural Resources Don't give up right away on fuel efficiency standards. The need
Advisory Board to remain in the plan to ensure their consideration in the
upcoming ears.
12
Date Source Input
It's important to accurately ID .`cost per ton' of CO2 reduction to
Oct. 20, help citizens make informed choices. i.e. C sequestration on
1999 Electric Board prairies might be very cost effective. Fort Collins could consider a
voluntary CO2 reduction funding program where citizens would
donate to C sequestration projects.
Electric Board What is Fort Collins'liabflity from CO2 generated at Rawhide?
Could we develop (voluntary?) programs to offset it?
The Utility will add a natural gas turbine "pecker'to Rawhide.
Electric Board This should lower the avg Cot/BTU because nat gas emits less
002 per unit of energy. (Phis should be quantified in the EIA
report.)
How likely is deregulation?What happens to the plan if
deregulation and mandatory renewable is not an option?
Electric Board Municipal utilities in Colorado are in support of reinstating a tax
credit (to citizens) for renewables IF deregulation happens.
However,they don't support deregulation in general.
Add an "Existing measure" of bio solids recycling at
Electric Board MeadowSprings,which enhances prairie grass growth. (Steve
Comstock is the contact.
Electric Board The resolution should be changed to acknowledge ALL GHG
types of measures.
October The City should promote telecommuting in the private sector.
20, 1999 Transportation Board
Transportation Board The City should solicit volunteer organizations to plant trees to i
meet the tree planting initiative.
The City should purchase a tree for every yard in Fort Collins.
Transportation Board Have the owner plant the tree on their property and let them take
care of them.
Transportation Board Has th City considered a neighborhood/homeowner based trash
distz program'
Transportation Board Does the LAP allow for changes to fleets intiatives should clean
po diesel fuels be implement by the Clean Air Act in 2004?
Transportation Board The resolution need to have specific guidelines for the scope and
membership of the EMT.
Transportation Board The EMT should be relative in size to a City board. I would like
to see some citizen input on this team
The City should provide buses from the athletic facilities, like the
Transportation Board new soccer fields,to reduce VMT. Summer camps should have
seasonal bus routes.
Transportation Board The City should provide parent/child days to teach children how
to use the bus.
Transportation Board 'Who will assume the outreach responsibilities of reducing VMT in
po thisplan?
October We need to ask the City Manager about his level of concern about
26, 1999 AQAB keeping the goal in the plan.
13
The City has identified actions, new and pending,to reduce
B greenhouse gas emissions. Wouldn't they be the most logical to
implement? Whycan these not become bindingin the resolution?
AQAB "To consider"in the resolution is way too soft. The resolution
needs to use more binding, com ellin language.
AQAB
AQAB I'd like to see this plan as a management plan not forced down
staffs throat.
VMT is very high, yet City and State officials feel these numbers
aren't compelling enough to take action to reduce VMT. Street
AQAB scaping is more important that climate protection. If this is a high
priority to the City,we need to state it and be more compelling in
the resolution.
AQAB Section 2 of the resolution should"direct" the City Manager to
implement the plan.
We're an advisory board that makes recommendations to Council.
AQAB We need to recommend that the emissions goal be mandated in
the plan.
I would like to see flexibility in management of the plan,yet it
needs to be implemented. While Natural Resources is losing
AQAB money this budget,Transportation is receiving more. We need to
put money towards climate change solutions sometimes and not
to roads.
Yes,more science needs to be learned about climate change. The
AQAB resolution calls for Fort Collins to be a leader in local greenhouse
gas reduction. How can we be a leader if we don't do anything as
leaders to reduce these emissions?
AQAB EMT needs an incremental implementation plan.
AQAB Can we recommend rewording to the Council of the resolution?
AQAB Resolution 97-97 commits us to making reduction targets, yet this
new resolution doesn't require the Citc meet any target.
AQAB please clarify carbon requestration to something like carbon
capturing vegetation.
AQAB Move the 301/6 reduction goal from a"Whereas" to a mandate in
the bottom of the resolution.
The City should be mandated to do something each year versus
AQAB doing the initiatives in the last year of the plan when they aren't
likely to be done.
AQAB How doe you not take action on a plan? We want the document
implemented.
AQAB Will the original draft of the resolution be going to Council, or
just the amended City Manager draft.
AQAB I would think the City Manager would consider a similar
viewpoint shared by three boards pertaining to this goal.
October Chamber of If we switch to LED's,how are greenhouses gases going to be
29, 1999 Commerce reduced?
14
Chamber of How much do the changes to the city buildings cost?
Commerce
We contribute .0064% to the total global emissions. This plan
Chamber of seems to a be a bold plan towards leadership for a city our size.
Commerce Cost efficiency is the key to the success of this plan. While LSD's
are effective,recycling doesn't pay for itself.
Chamber of How are the CAFE standards calculated to save $15 Millon?
Commerce
Chamber of How do you push for mandatory renewables? Are we double-
Commerce counting wind with mandatory renewables?
Chamber of Why aren't there cost savings to the wind program? Why do we
Commerce continue it?
Chamber of The City shouldn't concern its time with small numbers of
Commerce emission reductions. The big ticket items should be the focus.
Chamber of Can you explain the 50% goal? You need to fill in unknowns for
Commerce the big ticket items to be voted on.
Chamber of Can you give examples of more than two renewables (solarwind).
Commerce Is hvdro considered for Fort Collins?
Chamber of Is there a safety concern with LSD's. You can't see LSD's very
Commerce well at an an e.
Chamber of Why is recycling not profitable?
Commerce
Chamber of If we reach the VMT goal, it is the best emissions reduction. It
Commerce seems there is a market for businesses to help reduce VMT. We
need to retool SmarTri s to get the job done.
Natural Resources A per capita emission reduction target would have been a more
Advisory Board acceptable goal.
Natural Resources I couldn't support the plan or process without the stronger
Advisory Board language. Too much time has been put into this project to not
include the stronger language.
Natural Resources During your presentation to Council, can your explain the
Advisory Board differences between the Kvoto/ICLEI target and our 301/o target?
Natural Resources For Drop-off Site initiative, are we referring to the new site at the
Advisory Board landfill or a new site altogether?
Natural Resources Why would staff rate the landfill higher than the CAFE standards?
Advisory Board
This resolution is watered down to reflect Top-Down decision
Natural Resources making. Why do we have to water down the resolution to
Advisory Board appease all Council Members for a 7-0 vote. I believe you already
have enough support without the disapproving Council members.
Natural Resources The resolution needs to be firm.
Advisory Board
Natural Resources Could the Council weaken the resolution more at their session?
Advisory Board
•
15
Natural Resources Staff is trying to appease the minority Council members. We
already have the support. They're basically throwing"red-meat"
Advisory Board
at the minori opinion.
Natural Resources Motion to endorse the plan.
Advisory Board
Natural Resources Motion to endorse the memorandum written by the AQAB.
Advisory Board
16
Cities for Climate Protection
Agenda Item Summary
Attachment 4
Response to Questions Raised by Council at June 8, 1999 Study Session
What is Fort Collins'relative contribution to both global and national greenhouse gas
emissions?
1997 Carbon dioxide and MMTCE Short Tons Fort Collins
methane emissions Million metric CO2e Percent
tons of carbon (carbon dioxide
equivalent)
Global 8,340 27,722,704,425 0.0067%
U.S. 1,668 5,544,540,885 0.034 %
Fort Collins 1,861,000 100 %
All CCP cities 5-10% of total
global
greenhouse gas
emissions
+++
from b=://www.epa.eov/globalwamung/climate/index.html, stating "In 1994,the
United States emitted about one-fifth of total global greenhouse gases"
+ Source: Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990— 1997(April
1999) EPA 236-R-99-003.
I from the CCP Web page at http://www.iclei.org/co2/citinact.htm
Where does Fort Collins'population rank compared to other cities in the campaign?
CCP US Member Cities
4000000
3500000
3000000
0 2500000
W
5
0 2000000
a
0
°rn 1500000
1000000
500000
0
Fort Collins' 1990 population is in the lowest third of U.S. CCP cities. US CCP cities
size range from 5000 (Aspen)to 3.5 million (Los Angeles).
What progress have other cities in the campaign made towards achieving their
reduction targets?
There is no summary report available from ICLIE measuring the progress of participating
cities on meeting their stated reduction target. However, in 1997, ICLEI surveyed the
150 member cities about their progress on campaign milestones. The results indicated:
Based on a 78% survey response, they found:
•65 CCP participants have formally adopted a reduction target and timetable for its
achievement; and
•31 CCP participants have completed all five milestones and are well on their way to
implementing policies and measures to reduce CO2 emissions.
ICLEI reports the following insights gained from administering the milestone process:
-Most CCP participants appear to be following through on their initial political
commitments.
-CCP participants take 2 - 3 years on average to complete all five milestones.
-CCP participants set and adopt a target and timetable usually after careful deliberation
involving a thorough analysis of local energy use and emissions, as well as quantification
of the potential for energy use reductions locally.
.Many cities, as a first step, begin to implement measures right away, in order to build
public support and to gain initial experience in energy efficiency retrofits before
considering more comprehensive measures.
The survey results are available at httv://www.iclei.oriz/co2/abmi/tabl.htm
What are the local effects of increased CO2 concentrations?
There are studies that show that increased CO2 enhances photosynthesis,thus promoting
vegetation growth. While this may be viewed positively in isolation, EPA's predictions
about the possible impacts of CO2-induced climate change in Colorado are:
• By 2100, temperatures in Colorado could increase 34°F in spring and fall and 5-6 OF
in summer and winter.
• Spring and fall precipitation could increase by 10%.
• Winter precipitation could increase 20-70%.
• An increased frequency and intensity of winter storms is possible.
• Ground level ozone concentration could increase.
• The habitat and infectivity of disease carrying insects may expand, thus increasing the
potential for the transmission of diseases.
Source:"Climate Change and Colorado"(EPA 2330-F-97-008f)
• Prepare a recent year emissions analysis for Fort Collins (1997?) and prepare a 2010 .
forecast that takes into account progress we have made from all our existing
actions.
Modified 2010 Emissions Forecast
m ,k—
w
E % Increase
om 1990
N ••�
O
w
C r �
O �
C
O
6
Nz
1990 1997 2010
An interim year energy audit was conducted for 1997,revealing Fort Collins emitted
1.861 millions tons of CO2 in 1997. An alternative 2010 emissions forecast was prepared
that:
a) uses a VMT growth rate of 51/o/year from 1999-2000, and 3%per year from 2000-
2010, and
b) takes into account the projected benefit of existing measures, if continued at today's
rate.
c) It DOES NOT include benefits from achieving the existing VMT reduction goal,
since we are currently not achieving it.
Under this scenario, Fort Collins' emissions are projected to increase 106 percent
between 1990 and 2010.
Provide more information on hybrid vehicles.
One of the most promising new motor vehicle technologies is the hybrid gasoline-electric
car. Hybrid-car technology combines an electric motor and a small gasoline engine or
gasoline-powered generator. The electric motor recharges as you drive, can be refueled at
any gas station, and can get twice the mileage of conventional vehicles. Because the
gasoline engine is much smaller and operates at a steady pace, it produces far fewer
pollutants than conventional combustion engines. According to Department of Energy
estimates, a hybrid car driven 12,000 miles per year will cut carbon dioxide emissions by
4,700 pounds over its predecessor.
Most major automakers are currently developing hybrids. Toyota has already released
the Prins in Japan in December 1997. This compact sedan carries five people, gets 60
MPG,and has a range of 850 miles. Toyota has sold over 27,000 in Japan already, and
plans to release the Prins in the US in 2000. Honda also plans to market its two-door
hybrid,the Insight, in the U.S. in 2000. The big three automakers are also developing
hybrid vehicles under the"Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles" (PNGV)
Program. Industry experts say that hybrid vehicles may make up 5% of the vehicle
market by 2007.
In general,hybrid electric vehicles are just as safe as today's gasoline powered vehicles.
This is because they must adhere to the same strict federal motor vehicle safety standards
as today's conventional vehicles. However, because there are some differences in the
components used, special designs must be considered and new codes created for hybrid
(and electric)vehicles.
(Sources:NRDC Fall 1999 Amicus Joumal,plus http://www.nrdc.org/bkgrd/trhybrid.htrnl)
Cities for Climate Protection
Agenda Item Summary
Attachment 5 — 'Xc-t Ve
Sum r y
CITIES for CLIMATE PROTECTION =Lc•L-Eei
DRAFT
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
LOCAL ACTION PLAN TO REDUCE
GREENHOUSE GASES
i
DRAFT— September 10, 1999
Prepared by
The City of Fort Collins
Natural Resources Department
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
City of Fort Collins (970) 221-6600
Fort Collins Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
EXE(UTIVE SUMMARY
The earths temperature is determined by the level of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere. As sunlight passes through our atmosphere,the incoming solar radiation is re-
radiated from the earth's surface as heat energy. Greenhouse gases hike carbon dio)dde,
methane,nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor trap some of this reradiated
energy. This trapped heat energy warms the earth,much as the glass of a greenhouse traps
reradiated energy from sunlight and thereby warms the interior of the greenhouse. The
temperature at the Earth's surface is about 60°F warmer than it would be without the
greenhouse effect.
While greenhouse gases play a vital role in maintaining the necessary conditions for
life on Earth,the rapidly increasing concentrations of these gases are causing a rise in global
temperature—Global Warming. Carbon dioxide (CO)is responsible for about half of the
greenhouse gases causing the global warming trend CFC's and methane comprise almost an
additional 20%.
Evidence is growing that human activities are changing our climate. In 1995,the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)said
humans have made a discernible impact on climate change."-MR 1995
More recently,in January of 1999,the American Geophysical Union (AGU), one of
our nation's leading science professional societies,reaffirmed the findings of their previous
assessments that greenhouse gases are increasing in the atmosphere,impacts could be highly
disruptive to society, and there is a compelling basis for public concern. More importantly,
the AGU report warns that scientific uncertainty over the details of climate change does not
justify inaction by policy makers.
Many large companies now acknowledge the very real threat of global warming as
well and argue that some kind of early response is appropriate. Both British Petroleum and
Royal Dutch Shell plan to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions 10% below 1990 levels
within the next decade.
We will remember the 1990's as a decade of international agreements to reduce
global warming and climate change. The United States participated in the two largest
agreements this decade: 1) 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil and,2) 1997 Kyoto
Protocol in Kyoto,Japan
Our City Council realized that local actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and increase energy efficiency provide marry local benefits: decreasing air
pollution, creating jobs, reducing enemy expenditures and saving money for the City
government,its businesses and its citizens. Consequently,on July 1, 1997,our City Council
committed Fort Collins,its government,businesses,and residents to reducing the emissions
of greenhouse gases. By passing CamdI Rego &*n 97.97,the City of Fort COMM joined'a
family of more than 300 cities and counties around the world in the Cities for Climate
Protection Campaign.
viii
Fort Collins Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• By joining the campaign,the City of Fort Collins committed to:
• conducting a greenhouse gas emissions analysis for 1990 and a forecast for 2010,
• setting a greenhouse gas reduction target,and
• developing a plan to meet the target.
Fort (ollins 6reenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis
A greenhouse gas emissions inventory was conducted for the baseline year of 1990. This
inventory includes only carbon dioxide, generated by combustion of fossil fuel,and methane
from landfill waste decay. The inventory covers residential,commercial,and industrial and
transportation sector emissions of CO,,and Fort Collins'portion of landfill gas generation.
In 1990, Fort Collins was responsible for approximately 1,360,000 tons of CO2, or 15.5 tons
per person. By 2010,in the absence of actions to reduce emissions, our emissions are
predicted to increase 159%to 3,523,000 tons,or 24.56 tons per person.
y c�tars p Fort Collins 2010 Gmnbowa Gas Soumaa
1.36 m6nen tons CO2 (3.623 million tons CGi)
Solid Wash
Solid Was* 3%
Natural Gas 4%Jiiii,,,iii Natural Gn
24% Elac 13%
42%
EN
3ctacky
Transport
30%
Transport
61%
Figure A. Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions Estimates for 1990 and 2010
Role of Project
The role of this project is not to debate the issue of global warming. In recent years,the
scientific community has reached a nearly unanimous consensus that global warming is
occumng and the potential consequences could be severe. The role of this plan is to identify
local actions we can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity in
and around Fort Collins.
Fort (ollins Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target
The combined benefits of existing,pending,and new measures identified in this plan,if fully
implemented,would result in approximately a 30%reduction of 2010 predicted emissions
levels.
Ix
Fort Collins Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Despite the fact that Fort Collins greenhouse gas emissions only account for approximately_
0.037% of the U.S. 1990 greenhouse gas emissions and a much smaller fraction of global
emissions, it is incumbent upon any responsible City to consider efforts to reduce the
emissions we are responsible for.
Measures listed in this Plan
The remainder of this Executive Summary discusses the Existing,New,and Pending
Measures identified by the Staff Committee and the Citizen Committee.
Existinn measures are those that already exist in the community or City organization
although they are not necessarily completed
New measures are those that emerged initially though greenhouse gas reduction
discussions and are primarily intended to reduce greenhouse gases.
Pendin¢measures are those actions not yet approved by the City,but that would be
brought forward for consideration under the normal course of business, regardless of their
capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Tables A,B, and C list the measures along with their associated CO, reduction capability.
The total CO.reduction capacity of the measures is summarized in Table D and Figure B.
The last section provides a brief description of the Existing,New and Pending measures. In
an effort to address City Council's request for a prioritized list of greenhouse gas reducing
actions,both the Staff Team and the Citizen Advisory Committee rank—ordered the twelve
New measures and the twelve Pending measures (where 1 equals best),taking into account
CO,reduction capability,cost,other environmental impacts,public and political support,
and feasibility. These rankings are displayed to the left of each New and Pending measure's
description.
x
Fort Collins Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Table A. Existing ' ed Measures
tons CO2
EXISTING MEASURES reduced in
2010
VMT Goal: not exceed pop. growth rates 337,676
Business Recycling (apply '98 per capita rate to 2010 pop) 41,735
1997 City Energy Code (existing and projected benefits) 40,436 i
Curbside Recycling (apply '98 per capita rate to 2010 pop) 39,732
Climate Wise for businesses 38,390
Methane Flaring & Heat Recovery at City's water reclamation plant 35,607
Sequestration of CO2 by all trees in Fort Collins 21,071
FC Electricity Distribution System Improvements 15,189
CSU Utility System (Energy Conservation Programs) - Benefit from 12,524
existing programs
CSU's Industrial Assessment Center (savings in 2010 from existing 4,429
projects)
Wind Power Pilot Program 4,013
Wind Phase II (2.5 more turbines) 5,128 1
Promote Telecommuting 3,076
Poudre School District Energy Conservation Programs (Existing and 2,552
projected benefits)
ZILCH w/ Energy Score (Existing and projected benefits) 652
ZILCH -without Energy Score (Existing and projected benefits) 291
Lighting Upgrades - City Buildings: 1990-1998 257
Propane City Fleet vehicles (assume 1998 use rates) 139
10% Reduction of Municipal Solid Waste in 2010 121
Natural Areas Shrub Plantings 58
Converting to Variable Frequency Drives (City gov. actions through 1998) 48
Consider Accelerated TDM Program; Disincentives for Driving Unknown
ULEV and ZEV Vehicles for City Fleet; Including Electric Vehicles Unknown
Clean Cities Program Unknown
Pollution Prevention (P2) to Promote Energy Efficiency in the Unknown
Commercial Sector
Municipal Pilot of Environmentally Preferable Products Unknown
"Green Building"for the New City Office Building Unknown
xi
Fort Collins Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Table B.New Measures
Tons CO2 Staff Citizen
NEW MEASURES (12) TYPE reduced in Team Comm.
2010 Rank Rank
Replace Traffic Signals with LEDs Energy 3,137 1 1
Continuation of wind program (5 more turbines) Energy 10,255 3 2
• Climate Change Education and Outreach Education 40,553 2 5
• Optimization of WasteWater Treatment Energy 961 4 4
motors/pumps
• Reduce City Gov. Building Energy Use 15% Energy 3,129 7 3
below 1990 levels (per SgFt)
• City Gov purchase a portion of wind for own Energy 2,051 5 7
LDeregulation
eeds (1 turbine)
• se awareness of fuel consumption in City Transportation 62 6 10
ments
• Building program for Commercial Energy 3,186 8 8
ruction
for Mandatory Renewable in Electric Energy 71,561 11 6
ulation (4% of all in 2010) or
arable Energy Conservation
se citywide tree planting (3600 more Vegetation 125 9 9
bute bids and proposals electronically Waste 3 10 11
ase mortality age of City-owned trees Vegetation ?? 12 12
NEW MEASURES TOTAL 135,023
Table C. Pending Measures
Tons CO2 Staff Citizen
PENDING MEASURES (12) TYPE reduced in Team Comm.
2010 Rank Rank
50% Solid Waste Diversion Goal Waste 112,787 2 1
Push for tighter national fuel efficiency (CAFE) Transportation 120,750 5 2
standards
Second centralized recycling drop-off site Waste 1095 1 7
Fort Collins-Denver Commuter Rail Transportation 15-50000 3 6
Expand Larimer County Recycling Center Waste 18,834 6 3
Landfill Gas to Energy Waste 84,307 7 4
Increase energy efficiency training for builders Energy 20,840 4 9
Green-Building program for residences Energy 1,665 8 5
Trash Districting Transportation 292 12 1 8
Parks Satellite Shop Transportation 13 9 12
Construction and Demolition Pilot Waste ?? 10 11
Work with MAPO to encourage bulk purchasing Waste ?? 11 10
PENDING MEASURES TOTAL 373,154
xii
Fort Collins Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
. Table D. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Potential of all Measures
Greenhouse Cumulative 2010
Gas Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cumulative Percent
TYPE OF Reductions Reductions Rate Reduction from
MEASURES Tons CO2 2010 predicted
reduced in Tons CO2 Tons CO2 emissions levels
2010 reduced in 2010 in 2010
In the Absence
of Actions 0 0 3,523,000 0 %
EXISTING 603,000 603,000 2,920,000 17 %
PENDING 373,000 976,000 2,547,000 28 %
NEW 135,000 1,112,000 2,411,000 32 %
Table D and Figure B identify the greenhouse gas reduction potential of Existing,Pending,
and New measures, if they are successfully implemented by 2010. Full implementation of all
measures is estimated to result in a 32% reduction of Fort Collins'predicted 2010 emissions
levels.
Emissions Reduction Benefits
• from Existing, Pending, and New Measures
3.523 mill tons
Existing
CV ,2.92
VPending 2.547
to 2.411
C
O
H
C
O
1990 2010
Figure B. Emissions Reduction Benefits from Exisfing,Pending, and New Measure
•
xiii
Existing Measures
Existing Measures
Vehicle Miles Traveled(VMT)Goal:
VMT Growth Rate Not to Outpace Population Growth Rate
7RANSPORTA770N SER VICES
Tons 337,676 Both the Fort Collins Master Transportation Plan and the Transportation Demand
Of COs Management Plan contain the Council-approved goal of]seeping the Vehicle Miles
Saved Traveled(Wl)growth rate from exceeding local population growth rue. However,
In the 1998 Mobility Report Card indicates that Fort Collins'VMT is rising at a rate of
2010 about 8%per year,more than double the approximate 3.5%per year population
growth rate.Assuming that population grows at the historic rate of 22%per year,the
Transportation Department estimates that it is still possible to achieve this goal by the
year 2010 if successful VMT reduction strategies are implemented Implementing
priority programs in the Bicycle and the Pedestrian Plans as well as construction of the
Mason Street Transportation corridor will aid in achieving this goal.
Business Recycling
COMMUNITY-WLDE
Tons 41,735 In 1999,the Natural Resources Department conducted a study to identify the full
Of CCh extent of waste diversion tatting place throughout Fort Collins. Seventeen businesses
Saved and materials processors engaged in recycling activities that diverted over 20,000 tons
In of material from landfill,representing about 60% of all Fort Collins'material recycled
2010 in 1998.Applying the 1998 per capita business'recycling raze to the predicted 2010
population,business recycling activities would reduce 41,735 tons of CO2e in 2010.
1997 City Energy Code(Existing Model Energy Code)
BUILDING Alm ZONING
Tons 10,379 In 1997,the City of Fort Collins enacted a more progressive version of the Model
of CC2 C97-'99) Energy Codes for both residential and commerciaVindustial new constnuction,which
Saved 34057 • asks builders to consciously consider energy saving alternatives throughout
in 2010 fi=e construction. Code revisions were developed with much public input,especially from
Wn residential home builders.To calculate the effectiveness of,It was assumed that the
to 2010 1997 Model Energy Code reduces 2ekwh per square foot per year of energy use.
Residential Curbside Recycling
NA7RUAL RESOURCES
Tons 39,732 The City influences solid waste management by requiring haulers to 1)apply variable
Of CCh trash rues,and 2)provide recycling at no extra charge for residential customers. Since
Saved these ordinances were passed,haulers have reported an increase in residential curbside
in recycling from 53%to 86%participation,as well as a slight decrease in trash volumes.
2010 Applying the 1998 per capita curbside recycling rate to the predicted 2010 population
of 143,450,it is estim d that the curbside program would be responsible for
reducing 39,732 tons of CO2e in 2010.
xiv,
Existing Measures
Promote DOE's "Climate Wise"Program to Local Businesses
NA7RUAL RESOURCES
Tons 38,390 Climate Wise is a voluntary partnership program designed to assist businesses in
Of C,02 tuning energy efficiency and environmental performance into corporate assets. In
Saved 1999,the Coy received a grant to assist in recruiting eight local businesses to the
In program,and to provide technical assistance so that at least three businesses file action
2010 plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The greenhouse gas benefits have been
estimated based on the assumption that the program could reduce 5% of the industrial
sector greenhouse gas emissions predicted for 2010.
Methane Flaring and Heat Recovery at Waste Water Treatment Plant
FORT C OLLM U77LMES
Tons 35,607 The Crty's main wastewater treatment plant currently uses approximately eighty-five
Of CO2 percent of all methane(C2i4)produced from water treatment processes to power
Saved boilers located at the facility. The City is considering adding another methane-
In powered boiler to power the NW digester at the plant. If this is installed,all the C H4
2010 geed from the digesters would be consumed for energy generation. This process
of using the heat energy generated by methane combustion for power generation is
estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 35,000 tons in 2010.
i
Sequestration of C,02 by All Trees in Fort Collins in 2010
FORESTRY
Tons 21,071 Urban forests provide a number of benefits to society including stormwater
of CO-, management,noise and air pollution reduction,and adding beauty to streets and
Saved developed areas. Trees also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow,
In and thus offset carbon dioxide emissions from other sources. Fort Collins has an
2010 estimated 604,527 trees that sequester 002 at an estimated rate of 69.7 pounds CO2
/year/tree,equating to over 21,000 tons of 002 removed
Fort Collins Electricity Distribution System Improvements
FORT C OLLINS U77LI77ES
Tons 15,189 The Fort Collins Utilities has made substantial investments to keep distribution losses
Of Co -, low even as population growth necessitates system expansion.Fort Collins'entire
Saved system uses oversized conductors to reduce normal operating losses and to provide
In enough system capacity to allow backfeeds in the event of system failures. Calculations
2010 of greenhouse gas benefits were taken directly from Platte River Power Authorit/s
1997 report to the Energy Information Administration.
xv
Existing Measures
Colorado State University Energy Conservation Upgrades
COMMUNI7Y
Tons 12,524 According to CSU s 1997 Utility and Energy Management Report, 29,819 tons of
Of CO2 CO2 were reduced in the 1996-1997 school year.CSU staff have indicated that
Saved approximately 42%of those projects were implemented after 1990,and thus credit
In could be taken as part of the Cities for Climate Protection project.
2010
Colorado State University's Industrial Assessment Center
OOMMUN17Y
Tons 4,429 Since inception,the IAC has performed assessments at 25 Fort Collins businesses.
Of CO2 The savings calculated here represent savings from the approximately 140 projects
Saved implemented in Fort Collins since 1990. These projects include recommendations
in made for several of the major energy consumers in Fort Collins.
2010
Wmd Pilot Power Program
FORT COLLINS U77Li'TIES
Tons 4,103 In 1997,the Fort Collins Utilities offered customers the opportunity ity to subscribe to
Of CO2 wind power for an additional$0.02/kWh,or an estimated average increase of
Saved $12/month on utility brills. Through the initial subscription program,over 600
In residential customers and 13 commercial customers signed up to buy all their electrify
2010 power from wind,and two 600 kW and one 65 kW turbines were installed at the
Medicine Bow,Wyoming farm
Wind Power Program-Phase II
FORTC07LLINS U77L=S
Tons 5,128 In 1999,the Fort Collins Utility committed to adding 2.5 more turbines to the existing
Of CO2 two turbines at the Platte River Medicine Bow site,making Fort Collins Utility the
Saved Colorado leader in per capita wind energy investment.
In New Belgium Brewing Company has set a leadership example of employee-based
2010 decision-making by commixing to purchase wind-power from one of the new
turbines.Fort Collins Utilities will workwith other local employers to propose a wind
power donation program modeled on United Way's charitable donations system
Employees could elect to subsidize green power,demonsmting a shared commitment
between employer and employee to support renewable energy.
Promote Telecommuting
7RANSPORTA770N SER VICES
Tons 3,076 The C ty's"Employee Trip Coordinator Network"has already established a good
Of CO2 avenue for encouraging employees at large businesses to telecommute.The Mobility
Saved Report Card indicates that the average employee drives 42 miles per day. Assuming
In that in 2010,5%of all citizens telecommuted twice a month,3,076 tons of CO2
2010 would be saved in 2010.Leading by example,the City has just established its own
Teleworking Policy.
xvi
Existing Measures
Poudre School District Energy Conservation Upgrades
COMMUNITY
Tons 2,552 Twenty energy efficiency projects were implemented at Poudre School District
Of CO2 schools between 1995 and 1998. These projects resulted in a total annual savings of
Saved 971,195 kWh/year of electricity and 53,073 CCF/year of natural gas.If Poudre School
In District were to continue implementing energy efficiency projects at the past rate out
2010 to 2010,over 2,500 tons of CO2 would be eliminated in 2010.
Zero Interest Loans for Conservation Help(ZILCH)
FORTCOLLINS UTIL=S
Tons 943 The Zero Interest Loans for Conservation Help (ZILCH)program,started in 1992,
Of CO2 makes zero interest loans available to residents for energy upgrades to homes. If the
Saved E-Score energy rating method is used,higher loan amounts are available. Between
In 1992and 1997,28 "non-E-Score"loans were awarded that resulted in natural gas
2010 savings,and 15 that resulted in electricity savings.45 residences used ZILCH E-Score
loans between 1992 and 1998 on natural gas project improvements.The benefit of
completed and projected future ZILCH projects (both E-Score and Non-E-Score)is
estimated to be 943 tons of CO2 eliminated in 2010.
. Lighting Upgrades in City Buildings
FACIL17YSERVICES
Tons 257 Twenty-three lighting retrofit projects were implemented between 1993 and 1998 at a
Of COr number of City buildings.Total annual savings for these projects — 225,576
Saved kWh/year.If the City continues to implement lighting upgrades at the past rate,the
In benefit of completed phis future lighting projects is estimated to be 257 tons of CO2
2010 eliminated in 2010.
Propane City Fleet Vehicles
FLEET SER VICES
Tons 139 The City of Fort Collins Fleets Services has demonstrated a longtime commitment to
Of CCh alternative fuel vehicles.As an example,in 1997, 34%of the City's fleet of 450
Saved vehicles was powered by propane. In 1998,the municipal fleet consumed 166,245
In gallons of propane fuel(representing about 1/3 of the fleet vehicles). This translates
2010 to 139 tons of CO2 eliminated in 1998 through the use of propane fuel. It is likely the
composition of municipal ahemative fueled vehicle fleet will change between 2000 and
2010,depending on the price and availability of fuels. The fleet will grow and may
acquire more compressed natural gas,electric, or hybrid vehicles. In any case,the
002 savings will increase with these acquisitions,so the CO2 savings presented here
represents a very conservative estimate.
•
xvii,
Existing Measures
100/6 Reduction of Municipal Solid Waste in 2010
FLEET SERVICES
Tons 139 In 1997,the City of Fort Collins joined WasteWife,a U.S.Department of Energy
Of CO2 program designed to assist local governments in reducing the municipal waste
Saved generation.The City established goals for itself in the areas of waste prevention and
In reduction,recycling,and buying recycled products. If the City were to reduce its
2010 municipal waste stream 10%by 2010, 139 tons of Co2 would be eliminated in 2010.
Natural Areas Shrub Plantings
FLEET SERVICES
Tons 58 Since 1991,the Natural Resources Department has planted an estimated 28,500 native
Of 002 shrubs and 525 native trees on City-owned natural areas. Much of this vegetation was
Saved planted m an effort to restore the area's naive vegetation. Recently,many of the
In shrub planting have been intended to create barriers to discourage the movement of
2010 prairie dogs onto private property. It has been roughly estimated that this vegetation
can sequester(store)between 15 and 100 tons of CO2 in 2010.
City Government Converting to Variable Frequency Drives
FACILITY SER VICES
Tons 48 The City recognizes the benefit of replacing variable frequency drives with more
Of 002 energy efficient models once they bum out Since 1990,variable frequency drives
Saved have been upgraded at Police Services,the public library,and at Mulberry Pool,for a
In total annual energy savings of 42,526 kWh. These completed projects will result in a
2010 002 reduction of 48 tons in 2010.
Consider Accelerated TDM Program;Disincentives for Driving
77ZANSPORTA77ON SERVICES
Tons The Trmzuprnt mDxwadMmKararouPYT= adopted by the North Front Range
Of CO2 Urlm Transportation and Air Quality Planning Council in April 1996 outlines five levels,or
Saved "strategy Packages",for consideration in to achieve regional modal shift goals.
In I. Voluntary programs and transit improvements
2010 11. Developer requirements and subsidy program
M.Regional parking pricing and Haigh Occupancy Vehicle 00'V)study
IV.Mandatory Program and Distance-based Fee
V.Comprehensive program
Levels I and II are largely being implemented now.This measure recommends
accelerated evaluation and implementation of TDM measures outlined above
xviii
Existing Measures
ULEV and ZEV Vehicles for the City Fleet;Including Electric Vehicles
7RA NSPOR TA 77ON SERVICES
Tons The City of Fort Collins Fleet Services has established a goal that by the year 2008,
of CO2 u"A°'°°'° 75%of light duty vehicles in the City fleet exceed the 1998 ULEV(ultra low emission
Saved vehicle) standards. Fleet Services has expressed interest in purchasing electric
In vehicles,as part of their commitment to improving air quality and meeting their 75%
2010 ULEV goal by 2008.A pilot project to evaluate the use of electric vehicles is being
considered.
Clean Cities
7RANSPORTA770N SERVICES
Tons In May 1996,a Weld/Latimer/Rocky Mountain Rocky Mountain National Park
of CO2 u"�°°t° coalition(W/L./RMNP)received the nations 47th Clean Cities designation. The City
Saved of Fort Collins played an instrumental role in creating the coalition. The
In W/L/RMNP is part of one of the nation's longest clean fuels corridors and extends
2010 from Colorado Springs to the Wyoming Border. The coalition promotes the use of
alternative fueled vehicles,which emit less CO2 per mile than gasoline or diesel.
Pollution Prevention to Promote Energy Efficiency in the Commercial Sector
FOR TCOLLINS UTILITIES and NA7VRAL RESOURCES
Tons This measure promotes existing programs that encourage energy efficiency in the
Of CO2 commercial sector. Existing programs include the Pollution Prevention Pilot Program
°nl '
Saved conducted by natural Resources and the energy audits,advice,and technical assistance
In (especially integrated design assistance)offered by the Fort Collins Utility.
2010
Municipal Pilot of Environmentally Preferable Products
PURCHASING
Tons The City's Affirmative Procurement Plan of 1990 established the requirement to
Of CO2O°° conduct and report on one pilot program for purchasing environmentally preferable
Saved products each year by the City government Products to consider piloting that are in
In support of WasteWi$e goals include cleaning produce,re-refined motor oil,and low
2010 emission,high fuel economy vehicles,such as the Honda hybrid vehicle.
Green Building for the New City Office Building
FACILI77ES mrdPURCHASING
Tons The City is currently in the process of finalizing a contract for the new City office
of CO2 (1,222) building at 301 N.Mason. This building will be bolt according to the Green Building
Saved Criteria developed by Facility Services,using green products where possible,including
In the use of solar lighting and other energy saving products. In addition,the use of a
2010 "design/build"process will be organized so as to reduce construction waste. This is
projected to eliminate 1,222 tons of 002 emissions in 2010.
xix
New Measures
New Measures
Replace Incandescent Traffic Signals with Light Emitting Diodes
Staff Citizen 7RANSPORTA770NSERVICES
Tons 3,137 The conversion of traffic signals'red light bulbs from incandescent lamps to LED's is
Of CO2 a growing practice across the nation. Red LED's consume less energy,have a longer
Saved life,and require less maintenance. Generally,LED's pay for themselves in three to
in 2010 four years,and have a seven to ten year lifetime.
$ 2 Increasing Utility Commitment to Wind Energy through
Staff Citizen Green Pricing Programs
U77LPTIES
Tons 10,256 Continue to expand the City's wind program.It is assumed that voluntary support and
Of CO2 legislative standards will enable the project to grow by an average of one additional
Saved turbine every otheryear beginning in 2002. If implemented at this rate,a total of five
in 2010 more turbines would be installed between 2002 and 2010.
y 5 Conduct Climate Change Education and Outreach
Staff Citizen CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL
Tons 40,829 The City of Fort Collins has stressed the importance of public education and outreach
Of CO2 in Al of its activities.An extremely important component of the Cities for Climate
Saved Protection Campaign is to get the "messages" out to the citizens of the community. A
in 2010 central education coordinator could be established and housed either within the City
Manager's Office or the Natural Resources Department This person would
coordinate climate change outreach activities,and assist with outreach as requested by
individual departments,as well as act as lead for assisting applicants to the
Development Review process to use P2.
4 4 Optimization of City's Wastewater Treatment System
Staff Citizen U7TZITIES
Tons 961 By upgrading to high efficiency motors and pumps,the Fort Collins water reclamation
of CO: and water treatment plants would reduce electrical load This reduction in electrical
Saved energy translates into CO:savings from reduced coal consumption by power
in 2010 suppliers.
xx
New Measures
• ) $ Reduce City Government Building Energy Consumption
staff cluzen By 15% per gross square foot.
Ong Ranging FA CIL17Y SER WCES
Tons of 3,129 The goal of 15%reduction per gross square foot can be achieved through
002 implementation of numerous short-tem and long-range strategies,including creating a
Reduced focal point for municipal energy management by hiring an Energy Manager or creating
2010 an Interdepartmental Energy Management Team,hiring an HVAC technician for the
City,and implementing cost-effective energy audit recommendations.
5 ) City Government Purchase of WIND POWER
Staff Citizen I UTILITIES
Tons 2,051 The City would commit to wind-generated power from one 660 Watt wind turbine.
Of CO2
Saved
in 2010
6 16 Increase Awareness of Fuel Consumption,by Department
Staff Citizen FLEET SERWCES
Tons 62 A campaign would be conducted within City departments to raise awareness about
Of CO2 how to reduce fuel consumption and about how much fuel is consumed This
saved campaign would encourage employees to eliminate unnecessary vehicle idling,link
in 2010 trips and optimize routes.In addition,Fleets would provide each department with a
standard monthly list of fuel consumption and publicize the information to encourage
departments to be more conscious about vehicle usage and fuel consumption.
6 6 Develop a Commercial Green Building Program
Staff Citizen BUILDING AID ZONING
Tons 3,186 The City would establish a program for builders to integrate environmental features
Of CO2 into the design and construction of new commercial buildings. The measure could be
saved voluntary,mandatory,or a hybrid The measure could establish a"green" certification
in 2010 program for new commercial buildings as well as an education and outreach effort to
stimulate the market. The certification program could be similar to Boulder and
Denver's programs,allowing the budder to choose from a list of green design features.
•
xxi
New Measures
r 6 Lobby for Mandatory Renewables in Deregulation
Staff Citizen (or Comparable Energy Conservation Measures)
U77LMES
Tons 71,561 Production of energy from renewable sources such as wind,solar,or hydropower
of does not produce CO2 in the course of generating electrical power. In the near future,
002 utility companies will become deregulated and the market will open up to power
Saved producers in the private sector. By requiring utilities to provide a certain percentage
in of power from renewable resources,CO2 reductions can be obtained The Fort
2010 Collins Utility has the mandate to provide low-cost,reliable power to the citizens of
Fort Collins. Arguments have been made that energy conservation is a more cost-
effective way to reduce the environmental impacts of electric power generation than is
the use of renewable energy. This debate should actively be carried out by City elected
officials,with input from citizens and City staff. If a decision was made to support a
renewable portfolio standard, changes could be adopted in the City's 2000 Legislative
Policy Agenda to designate a lobbyist,with the responsibilityto identify relevant bills
and actions at the state and national legislature and to draft the City s responses.
9 9 Increase tree-plantings citywide so that restocking levels equal tree
Staff Citizen mortality/removal levels.
FORESTRY
Tons 125 Recent calculations by the City Forestry Department suggest the number of tree
Of CO2 plantings needed to maintain current stocking and storage levels are estimated to be
Saved 16,500 and that about 12,800 trees were planted citywide in 1998.Therefore,the
in 2010 number of additional tree-plantings needed to maintain current storage levels is about
3,600. Recommendations to support more planting citywide include offering
matching funds for tree-planting grants,conducting an education campaign,
conducting a study to identify appropriate species for planting and optimal planting
locations and to identify percent cover by trees,citywide.
16 Distribute Bids and Proposals Electronically
Staff Citizen PURCHASING
Tons 3 The Purchasing Department is required by ordinance to maintain a list of all vendors
Of CO2 requesting to be placed on the City bid list. This process involves receiving vendor
Saved applications from contractors and then mailing either notices or the entire bid and
in 2010 proposal packages to these vendors.A change in ordinance would place the burden on
the vendors to look at an electronic means of receiving information and copies of City
bids and proposals electronically or by fax.It would allow Purchasing to save
significant money through reduced printing and marling costs.
12 12 Increase Mortality Age of Trees on City-owned Property
Staff Citizen FORESTRY
Tons ??? The City's Forestry and Horticulture Program has responsibility for the care,
Of CO2 maintenance,and perpetuation of all City property trees.Recommended actions to
Saved increase the age of trees include expansion of funding of urban tree maintenance, and
in 2010 focusing on planting in open planting sites.
xxii
Pendin6 Measures
Pending Measures
2 1 50 %Waste Diversion Goal by 2010
Staff Citizen NATURAL RESOURCES
Tons 112,787 Because the 1995 overall goal to divert 20% of the waste scream from landfill disposal
Of CO2 has been met and exceeded,the City will evaluate how much higher to "raise the bar".
Saved A proposal has been made to City Council to incrementally increase the City s waste
in 2010 diversion goal from 30%diversion rate by the year 2002, 35%by the year 2004,and
ultimately 50%diversion by the year 2010.
5 2 Lobby for More Stringent National Fuel Efficiency Standards
Staff Citizen CITYMANAGER'S OFFICE/NATURAL RESOURCES
Tons 121,000 Increasing the fuel economy of vehicles would significantly decrease the amount of
of CO2 fuel burned,and thus lower 002 emissions. This initiative will adopt changes to the
Saved City's 2000 Legislative PolicyAgenda to include language specifically authorizing work
in 2010 on this issue. It will designate one individual as having the responsibility to identify
relevant bills/debates,actions at the state and national legislature and draft City
m response to the Lastly,it will establish working relationships with the Colorado
Municipal League,National League of Cities,the Cities for Climate Protection
Campaign,and other coalitions to leverage efforts to raise fuel efficiency standards.
g 12 Create satellite maintenance areas to minimize Park employee travel
Staff Citizen PARKS AND RECREA77ON
Tons 13 Currently,the Parks Department is developing a Districting Plan to evaluate the most
Of CO2 cost-effective approach for minimizing travel times,taking into account future as well
Saved as existing parks.The Parks Department conducted an informal study that showed
in 2010 that more than a full FTE was spent driving between Eudora Park and the Parks
Shop.This suggests that satellite maintenance areas would reduce staff time spent
driving as well as fuel consumption.
3 6 Support Fort Collins — Denver Commuter Rail
Staff Citizen TRANSPORTA7YONSERWCES
Tons 15,000- Build transportation infrastructure in Fort Collins to accommodate or improve access
of CO2 50,000 to potential future rail links.The population of the North Front Range (including
Saved Denver)is forecast to increase by 43%between now and 2020,and employment is
in 2010 projected to grove by 35%. If these trends continue traffic congestion along the
North Front Range will increase until most major roads reach their capacities.
xxiii
Pending Measures
4 Latimer County Landfill Gas-to-Energy Project
Staff Citizen NA7VRAL RESOURCES
Tons 84,308 The Latimer County landfill has initiated a process of sampling and evaluation to
Of CO2 determine whether a gas collection system will be required. If installation is required,
Saved it would be useful to evaluate the cost effectiveness of installing a system that creates
in 2010 energy.(gas to energy),rather than simply flaring off the piped methane.This measure
recommends that the City work with the County to locate funding assistance for the
installation of a gas-to-energy system for the landfill.
6 $ Expand Larimer County Recycling Center
Staff Citizen NATURAL RESOURCES
Tons 18,834 This initiative calls for the expansion of the Larimer CountyRecycling Facility.The
Of CO2 expansion would also allow Larimer County to consider adding new streams of
Saved material at the processing plant and more opportunities for citizens to recycle. Since
in 2010 the City requires trash haulers to charge by volume(pay-as-you-throw rates),the
expansion could help reduce residential trash bills as well.
1 ) Expand Central Recycling Drop-off Site or Add Second Site
Staff Citizen NATURAL RESOURCES
Tons 1,095 A new,expanded drop-off site is proposed that would increase the range of the
Of CO2 materials that are currently collected through Fort Collins drop-off programs,and also
Saved to serve as a recycling education center.
in 2010
4 ]Qcdiwn
Increased Voluntary Energy Efficiency Training for Builders
Staff BUILDING AND ZONING
TonsIncreased training oppomuities on energy efficiency construction would help local
of CO2homebuilders implement existing City energy codes for residential and commercial
Savedconstruction.The City's Building and Zonmg Department would be interested in
in 2010offering more training opportunities to builders.
g 5 Develop a Residential Green Building Program
Staff Citizen BUILDING AND ZONING
Tons 1,665 Under this new measure,the Cary would establish a program for builders to integrate
Of CO2 environmental features into the design and construction of new residential buildings.
Saved The measure would establish a"green"certification program for new residential
in 2010 buildings,allowing builders to chose from a list of Green design standards,as well as
an education and outreach effort to stimulate the market for "green"homes.
xxry
Pending Measures
12 8 Trash Districting
Staff Citizen NATURAL RESOURCES
Tons 292 Trash collection in Fort Collins is currently privatized,with six private haulers
Of 002 competing to provide services. A City-adm,nis eyed"districted'system would create
Saved routes for trash trucks. The City currently has about 250 miles of streets. If we
in 2010 assume that each of five companies drive two tricks per day on one quarter of the
street system per day,this results in a total of 1950,000 miles driven by trash trucks
per year. An ideal districted system would result in only one truck covering a route,
rather than six. Trash districting would provide some greenhouse gas-reducing
benefits by decreasing the number of miles driven by trash tricks.
11 10 Work with Municipal Association of Purchasing Officials to Encourage
Staff Citizen the Purchase of Environmental Products and Bulk Purchasing.
PURCHASING
Tons Fort Collins is a member of MAPO and participates in bulk ordering. The City could
Of CO2 take a leadership role in educating the MAPO group about environmental products as
Saved well as encouraging bulk pie of energy efficient and recycled content products.
in 2010
• 10 11 Construction and Demolition Debris Project
Staff Citizen NATURAL RESOURCES
Tons The objective of this project would be to continue research into the design and
Of 002 implementation of a C&D diversion project in the vicinity of greater Fort Collins.
Saved The intended outcome of the pilot project is for the City and its partners to create a
in 2010 source-separated disposal system for builders. The project would run 18 months or
more,and volumes of diverted C&-D waste would be measured
(hallenge
Even achieving a 30% reduction below 2010 levels will be challenging,much less a larger
reduction target. It will take each new and existing measure to reach it. It will take the
commitment of the City government to provide adequate funding to implement the actions
outlined here. It will take the commitment of businesses, small and large,to pay attention to
energy consumption and waste generation, and strive to reduce it. It will take the
commitment of each individual citizen to make the choices to drive less, conserve energy,
produce less garbage, and recycle more. No one entity has the responsibility or the ability to
do it alone.Together,if we embrace the actions laid out in this plan,we can achieve our
greenhouse gas reduction goal and realize the multiple additional benefits of unproved air
quality,reduced energy consumption and associated cost savings.
xxv