HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 8/22/2017 - Memorandum From Lindsay Ex, Liesel Hans, John Phelan, Katy Bigner, Molly Saylor Re: Climate Action Plan: August Update2016 Community Carbon Inventory
UPDATE
2 COMMUNITY CARBON INVENTORY | 2016 UPDATE 3
Key 2016 Accomplishments
• Energy efficiency investments in 2016 achieved the savings equivalent
to removing 3,750 homes’ electricity needs.
• Businesses are saving more than $9.5M annually from investments
they’ve made in energy efficiency alone.
• The community has increased locally-installed solar capacity by almost
3.5X from 2014 to 2016, which not only supports cleaner air but helps to
avoid future development of additional electricity generation sources.
• Transfort ridership increased by 26% between 2015 and 2016.
• City Council unanimously adopted opt-in curbside yard waste pickup.
• The City partnered with GRID Alternatives and the Colorado Energy
Office to develop a 64 kilowatt solar system which, combined with
efficiency improvements, will reduce the energy bills of 20 families
annually for 25 years – impacting over 500 low-income households over
its lifetime.
“It makes financial, social and environmental
sense for us to increase our energy efficiency,
diversify our energy portfolio for resilience,
reduce waste, capitalize on valuable
discarded resources for a circular economy
and expand multi-modal transportation
options for our workforce and community.
Increased efficiency requires public-private
investments that will require leveraging our
role as a municipal utility and large consumer
of energy. Cities can be the best practitioners
of ‘leading by example’ and scaling up
practical solutions.”
– Mayor Wade Troxell
We are more than halfway to our 2020
goal while also growing our population
and economy.
20%
REDUCTION
2005
2016
2020
2030
2050
80%
REDUCTION
NEUTRAL
BY 2050
CARBON
DOWN
12%
2005 to 2016
Look how far we’ve come with
more than a decade of efforts
2005 2016
PER CAPITA
EMISSIONS
Per capita reductions: 5 Metric Tons per person (-28%)
18 Metric Tons
CO2e
per person
13 Metric Tons
CO2e
per person
4 COMMUNITY CARBON INVENTORY | 2016 UPDATE 5
What are GHGs?
What is CO2
e?
Why Measure?
GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG) are gases
in the atmosphere that can absorb and emit
heat. Science attributes a warming of the
Earth’s atmosphere to an increase in GHGs.
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) is a GHG emitted
naturally and from fossil fuel combustion
for energy and heat (e.g., coal, natural
gas, gasoline and diesel). Global warming
contributions from other greenhouse gases
(such as methane) are referred to in terms of
“carbon dioxide equivalent” or CO2e, which
represents the amount of CO2 that would have
the same global warming potential as other
GHGs. Community carbon inventory goals are
tracked in terms of tons of CO2e.
CITIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MORE THAN 70% OF
GLOBAL CARBON EMISSIONS.
By Fort Collins committing to carbon neutrality by 2050, our community is
signaling to the rest of the world we are part of the solution. Fort Collins
can have an impact by reducing more than 2 million tons of CO2e from the
atmosphere, and we have joined with 500 other communities, through the
Compact of Mayors, to illustrate the capacity that municipalities have to
significantly impact their future. Our commitment to climate is about more
than the environment – it’s about our quality of life, protecting community
health and clean air, and our transition to a clean-energy economy.
ELECTRICITY: 51%
Emissions from electricity use are caused by
fossil fuel combustion. Most of our electricity
is generated by coal and hydropower, with
a small amount from natural gas, and
increasing amounts of renewable wind and
solar resources.
GROUND TRAVEL: 25%
Transportation, or ground travel, emissions
come from the combustion of fuel, primarily
gasoline and diesel, within the City’s Growth
Management Area (GMA).
NATURAL GAS: 19%
Emissions are produced from the combustion
of natural gas, primarily for heat.
SOLID WASTE: 4%
Solid waste emissions in the inventory
estimate the decomposition of biodegradable
waste (e.g., food waste and yard trimmings)
in the landfill.
WATER RELATED: 0.3%
Emissions from energy and waste are
calculated for the collection, treatment,
distribution and reclamation of water.
Carbon Inventory Categories
50%
26%
19%
4%
0.3%
6 COMMUNITY CARBON INVENTORY | 2016 UPDATE 7
2016 Progress
Electricity
(51% of inventory)
EMISSIONS HAVE DECREASED
12% SINCE 2005.
Electricity emissions have decreased since
2005 due to increasing generation of
renewable energy and City-led programs
to help residents and businesses reduce
their electricity consumption. With the
inclusion of renewable energy credits, the
community is down an additional 2% below
the 2005 baseline. The community can help
reduce electricity emissions by conserving
electricity in their homes and offices.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• The Rawhide Flats Solar Project came
online, providing additional clean
energy to Fort Collins.
• 2016 saw unprecedented uptake of
energy efficiency rebates.
Ground Travel
(25% of inventory)
EMISSIONS HAVE DECREASED BY
6% SINCE 2005.
The ground travel portion of the inventory
is influenced by miles driven, the types of
vehicles on the road and their fuel economy.
The community can impact ground travel
emissions by taking mass transit, biking,
or walking whenever possible, as well as
by driving more efficient or alternative fuel
vehicles.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Looking forward, the new City Plan and
Transportation Master Plan will help
shape Fort Collins’ growth in a way that
reduces the amount of miles driven,
further reducing emissions.
• Northern Colorado had the 2nd fastest
growing market for electric vehicles in
the country in 2015.
Solid Waste
(4% of inventory)
EMISSIONS HAVE DECREASED
BY 60% SINCE 2005.
Solid waste emissions have decreased
significantly since the 2005 baseline due to
recycling and diversion programs. Further
steps are being taken to achieve the Fort
Collins’ 2030 zero waste goal, including
efforts to manage organic wastes (yard
trimmings and food waste) for composting.
The community can help lower waste
emissions by choosing optional curbside
yard waste pick-up.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• The Community Recycling Ordinance
was adopted, extending curbside
8 COMMUNITY CARBON INVENTORY | 2016 UPDATE 9
Trinity Church
The sun shone a bit more brightly on the roof of Trinity Lutheran Church
just in time for the 2016 holiday season. While that glare could have
been divine intervention, it was more likely the 198-panel, 53.5 kW roof-
mounted photovoltaic system, installed last fall as part of the church’s
longstanding commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.
The project supplies about 70 percent of the church’s power.
“It’s part of our faith to do this,” said Wally Jacobson, a member of the
church at 301 E. Stuart St., a ClimateWise partner since 2005. The church
obtained assistance from the City’s solar rebate program. Namasté Solar
installed the panels.
Revive
Homeowners in the new Revive development on the north side of Fort
Collins have been amazed that they can produce more energy than they
use in their homes and earn money on their monthly utility bills.
The Fort Collins developer, Revive Properties, earned the Grand Prize from
the 2016 DOE Housing Innovation Award for the three-story townhomes
and the 2016 Housing Innovation Award for their production homes. These
homes take advantage of the earth’s underground constant temperature
to heat and cool their homes through geothermal heat pumps, reducing
emissions typically associated with natural gas, said Susan McFaddin,
the development consultant.
Kerry Miller
Kerry Miller and her husband, Peter, are committed to helping the
community with its climate action goals, but they thought an electric car
was out of their reach. Rebates from the state and federal government
and their car dealer helped them, particularly since 90 percent of their
car travel is within the City limits.
“You can do really small things by planting a tree in your yard to riding
a bike to turning down your hot water heater… It strengthens us as a
community because it shows that we care.”
Evelyn Carpenter
Fort Collins resident Evelyn Carpenter has found it convenient for her
family to get curbside yard waste pickup from her trash hauler.
City Council in 2016 adopted a new Community Recycling Ordinance that
included a new requirement for all trash haulers licensed in the city to
offer optional curbside yard trimmings pickup at an additional cost. The
service is available annually between April and November.
“I like using the service because I really feel good about keeping
materials out of the landfill that can otherwise be diverted and used.”
Electricity Natural Gas
Fort Collins: A Community Making a Difference
Solid Waste Ground Travel
The City’s 2016 investments were
leveraged on an almost 1:1 basis,
turning $5.9M of city dollars into
over $11M of total investments.
Energy efficiency investments in
2016 alone have achieved a savings
equivalent to reducing the electricity
consumption of 3750 homes.
3750
ALL FOUR PLATTE RIVER POWER AUTHORITY COMMUNITIES invested in
a 30MW solar installation at the Rawhide Energy Station, which went online in October 2016,
increasing the City’s clean energy portfolio by 2%, equating to a full 1% decrease in emissions.
The energy output is equivalent to ~3,500 households with clean energy in Fort Collins alone.
MIL
MIL
5.9
10 COMMUNITY CARBON INVENTORY | 2016 UPDATE 11
In addition to existing programs,
key activities in 2017 will also include:
• An update to the City’s comprehensive
plan, the Transportation Master Plan, and
the Transit Plan, which will integrate the
community’s climate action goals into
these broader planning efforts.
• Development of the Climate Economy
Action Plan, which identifies potential
private-sector tools and financing
strategies in support of CAP objectives.
• Continued emphasis on community
engagement to involve as many
community members as possible to
achieve the goals.
• Options for additional composting for
residents and restaurants are being
explored through the community recycling
ordinance.
City Contacts
City Council/City Manager
• Wade Troxell, Mayor
• Gerry Horak, Mayor Pro Tem, District 6
• Bob Overbeck, District 1
• Ray Martinez, District 2
• Ken Summers, District 3
• Kristin Stephens, District 4
• Ross Cunniff, District 5
• Darin Atteberry, City Manager
CAP Executive Team
• Jeff Mihelich, Deputy City Manager
• Kelly DiMartino, Assistant City Manager
• Mike Beckstead, Chief Financial Officer
• Kevin Gertig, Utilities Executive Director
• Laurie Kadrich, Director of Planning,
Development, and Transportation
• Jackie Kozak Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer
• Lucinda Smith, Environmental Services
Department Director
• Lindsay Ex, Climate Program Manager
It Takes a Community
How can you help?
Here in Fort Collins, we are fortunate to have a
community that embraces conservation, active
lifestyles and innovative solutions. We have
ambitious goals, and as a community, we can
work together to get there.
• Sign up for local 2020 related news and
events at www.fcgov.com/climateaction.
How can you get engaged?
• Learn more at
www.fcgov.com/climateaction.
Where we are
HEADING IN 2017
• Innovate Fort Collins Challenge – We’re
also engaging the private, public and
academic sectors to help reach our
goals through this challenge, which will
fund projects up to $250,000 capable
2016 Community Carbon Inventory
17-13449
Auxiliary aids and services are available for
persons with disabilities. V/TDD: 711
www.fcgov.com/climateaction
Energy Policy
2016 ANNUAL UPDATE
2 ENERGY POLICY | 2016 UPDATE 3
To the Point: Electricity emissions are substantially lower from both
a community-use perspective and from our utility-ownership
perspective as a member owner of Platte River.
This report provides an update of 2016
activities and results related to the Fort Collins
Utilites’ Energy Policy, adopted in 2015.
The Energy Policy reflects our community’s
values of reliability, safety, affordability,
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
reduction, pollution prevention and energy
independence. It provides goals for the
prioritization of decision making, programs
and services related to the quantity of use,
and the sources of energy for electricity,
thermal end-uses and transportation.
Find out more:
fcgov.com/utilities/what-we-do
fcgov.com/conserve
fcgov.com/climateaction
2016 Key Outcomes 2005 to 2016 Look how far we’ve come.
Comparing electricity greenhouse gas emissions
• Electricity use per person has decreased by over 12% since 2005.
• Efficiency programs saved over 29,700 megawatt-hours;
enough to serve over 3,750 typical Fort Collins homes.
• Fort Collins buildings were over 18% more efficient than in 2005.
• Renewable energy comprised over 14% of electricity sources.
• Electric reliability remained high, with an average system downtime of less
than 19 minutes per customer.
• Fort Collins electricity rates remain in the lowest quartile of those in Colorado.
Energy Policy Update
Report Contents
Community Energy Use
Built Environment and Efficiency
Electricity Supply
Community Economics and Partnerships
Looking Ahead
Metric/Indicator 2016 Value % Change from 2005
Community electricity GHG
emissions *
1,031,255
metric tons
-14%
Utilities share of Platte River
Power Authority (Platte River)
electricity GHG emissions **
1,433,168
metric tons
-17%
*Utilities’ electric emissions reporting includes qualifying renewable energy credits. Without these
credits, emissions were down 12%.
**Utilities is a 48% equity share owner of Platte River.
To the Point: We can lead in energy efficiency and renewables
with affordable rates and high reliability.
GOOD
GOOD
4 ENERGY POLICY | 2016 UPDATE 5
Community Energy Use
2016 Energy Use Per Person
Compared to 2005
Fort Collins energy and climate goals
encompass all forms of energy
used in the community, including
electricity, natural gas and
petroleum-based liquid fuels.
To understand the challenges of
transitioning the community’s
energy systems, this section
characterizes energy use and
sources with both primary energy
and greenhouse gas metrics.
ELECTRICITY
12%
PETROLEUM
22%
NATURAL GAS
15%
To the Point: Per capita energy use is lower for all three primary
energy sources, demonstrating that Fort Collins continues to
improve efficiency.
To the Point: Electricity is the largest single energy-use source of greenhouse gas emissions,
followed by transportation fuels and natural gas used for heating and industrial processes.
Energy Sources
& Carbon Emissions
*Non-carbon at the point of
generation; includes wind,
solar and hydroelectric.
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6 ENERGY POLICY | 2016 UPDATE 7
75,300
MWh
11,300
250 MWh
MWh
Built Environment and Efficiency
The building sector is Fort Collins’ top energy consumer and contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Efficiency is generally the lowest cost
resource, compared to new sources of energy. For new construction, building right the first time locks in energy savings and offers benefits for
decades to come. By reducing the overall demand for energy, efficiency also makes all new resource options more feasible and cost effective.
Building Energy Use
Compared to 2005
SQUARE FOOTAGE
31%
ENERGY PER
SQUARE F00T
18%
2016 Efficiency Program Savings
• 29,700,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
• Equivalent to 2% of the community’s electric use
or over 3,750 typical Fort Collins homes
The Energy Policy efficiency target was 1.75% in 2016,
rising to 2% in 2018 and 2.5% in 2020.
Cumulative Energy Savings
Megawatt-hours (MWh) saved
To the Point: Customers are taking advantage of
efficiency programs at a record pace and energy-
use intensity data demonstrates the results. To the Point: Efficiency savings accumulate over time and are delivered by a wide
range of programs, with businesses driving 60% of the reductions.
Efficiency Works – Neighborhood Pilot
The 2016 pilot demonstrated that a streamlined process and
community-based marketing could dramatically improve
results. Participation doubled and resulted in 50% higher
energy savings and 60% higher carbon savings per home over
the traditional model.
2002 2005
2010
167,600 2015
MWh
How We Saved:
Efficiency Programs
Efficiency Works-
Business
60%
Other Existing
Programs
15%
Home Energy
Reports
15%
New
Construction
Programs
10%
New Construction Programs
Energy Code and Green Building
Integrated Design Assistance Program
Other Existing
Efficiency Programs
• Appliance Rebates
8 ENERGY POLICY | 2016 UPDATE 9
Fort Collins will provide the innovation and leadership
necessary to succeed in our transition to clean,
low-carbon energy systems.”
Kevin R. Gertig, Utilities Executive Director
10 ENERGY POLICY | 2016 UPDATE 11
Utilities’ Distributed Solar Capacity in kW
Electricity Supply
The objective of Utilities’ electricity supply system is
to design and maintain the infrastructure to facilitate
a diverse, efficient, economical, reliable, clean and
secure transition to higher levels of renewable energy
sources–both distributed and utility scale.
As a member owner, Utilities receives all electricity
from Platte River, while customers also are able
to provide electricity with on-site generation.
• 14% renewable (target 20% by 2020)*
• 1% local renewable (target 2% by 2020)
• 64% coal (target maximum 60% by 2020)
*includes wind, solar and bundled renewable energy credits
2016 Electricity Results
and Resource Mix
Coal
Hydro
Wind
Purchases
Solar
Gas
64%
19%
13%
2% 1% 0.5%
Rawhide Flats Solar Project
Platte River commissioned a 30-megawatt solar
array, located at the Rawhide Energy Station.
The solar array will add an additional 2% to
Utilities’ renewable energy resources in 2017.
Peak Partners Demand Response
Utilities’ demand response system includes over 2,000 Wi-Fi thermostats,
over 1,000 electric water heaters, in-home displays and commercial
openADR communications. The program is evolving
toward a distributed energy resource
management system with incorporation
of electric vehicles and battery storage.
1,383 kW of additional distributed
solar capacity was added in 2016.
PV SOLAR
Electric Reliability
Utilities continued to exceed
reliability targets with a SAIDI*
rating of 19 minutes. This is well
below the target of 24 minutes and the
national average of 63 minutes.
*System Average Interruption Duration Index
Solar Energy
Fort Collins Utilities
received the Solsmart Gold
Certification from the International
City Manager’s Association, recognizing
supportive policies and procedures
for expansion of solar energy.
To the Point: Utilities continues to focus on cleaner sources
of electricity, high reliability and advanced grid systems.
2004
13
12 ENERGY POLICY | 2016 UPDATE 13
Community Economics and Partnerships
Efficiency and
solar programs
supported
an estimated
191 jobs.
Utilities’ Electric Rates
2016 rate class ranking among Colorado utilities
The Energy Policy directs and supports Utilities’
leadership in the transition to a clean-energy
economy. The City has the potential to stimulate
local innovation and entrepreneurial activity, attract
new partners and outside capital, and encourage
funding for cutting-edge research and development.
Efficiency programs generated nearly
$38 million in local economic
benefits through reduced utility bills,
direct rebates and leveraged investment.
Platte River Power Authority and the other member cities are essential partners for efficiency,
renewable energy and resource planning.
The Lose-a-Watt competition, through the Georgetown University Energy Prize, was a two-year
community-scale efficiency challenge. A winner will be announced in 2017.
Xcel Energy is a key partner, as most Fort Collins Utilities customers also are Xcel customers.
Utilities is participating in a unique collaboration on data, outreach and programs through the
Partners in Energy Program.
Colorado State University is providing advanced electricity system modeling via a grant from
the National Science Foundation and the Sustainable Healthy Cities initiative.
Elevations Credit Union became the Home Efficiency Loan Program partner in 2016 to continue
helping customers finance efficiency improvements.
71 SOLAR
INDUSTRY
JOBS
120
EFFICIENCY
JOBS LOW
RATES
Residential: 13% $
Small Commercial: 15%
Large Commercial: 16%
Industrial: 22%
Key Partnerships
Source: Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities (CAMU)
14 ENERGY POLICY | 2016 UPDATE 15
Energy Policy Vision: Fort Collins is a leader in the transition to
sustainable and resilient local energy systems to serve the
community’s 2050 carbon neutral future.
Looking Ahead
City Contacts
City Council/City Manager
• Wade Troxell, Mayor
• Gerry Horak, Mayor Pro Tem, District 6
• Bob Overbeck, District 1
• Ray Martinez, District 2
• Ken Summers, District 3
• Kristin Stephens, District 4
• Ross Cunniff, District 5
• Darin Atteberry, City Manager
It Takes a Community
How can you help?
Here in Fort Collins, we are fortunate to have a
community that embraces conservation, active
lifestyles and innovative solutions. We have
ambitious goals, and as a community, we can
work together to get there.
Find out more:
fcgov.com/utilities/what-we-do
fcgov.com/conserve
fcgov.com/climateaction
2005
2016
2020
2030
2050
20%
REDUCTION
80%
REDUCTION
NEUTRAL
BY 2050
CARBON
DOWN
12%
This is a dynamic time for the energy industry, with
rapidly evolving technology and economics. Several
key initiatives for 2017 and beyond include:
Building Energy Scoring: Utilities will be looking at the
benefits of scoring building energy performance. This can
be a tool to support efficiency improvements and provide
important information for owners and occupants.
Time-of-Use Rates: Taking advantage of our advanced
metering system, Council will be reviewing options
for time-of-use rates. This fundamental pricing
change will open new avenues for innovation.
Customized Resource Planning: Platte River
is modeling electricity supply scenarios with
dramatically higher levels of renewable energy to
provide a roadmap for future decision making.
Electricity Markets: A group of intermountain west utilities
are investigating the formation of an organized electricity
market that will include Fort Collins Utilities and Platte River.
As a community, we are moving in the right
direction to reduce carbon emissions.
2016 Energy Policy
17-10736
970-212-2900 • utilities@fcgov.com
Auxiliary aids and services are available for
persons with disabilities. V/TDD: 711
ANNUAL UPDATE
WATER
2016 CONSERVATION REPORT
Cultivate a water-efficient, adaptive and
knowledgeable customer base through
education and cost-effective water
efficiency programs while supporting the
City’s Strategic Plan and its social,
environmental and economic health.
The City of Fort Collins Utilities has a
strong commitment to ensure the
efficient use of its natural resources.
The Utilities’ Water Conservation
Program is 40 years in the making and
has resulted in lower per capita water
use, even as population has grown
significantly. These programs have
benefited customers and Utilities by
delaying or avoiding significant capital
costs through reduced water bills.
Find out more at
fcgov.com/water-efficiency-plan
fcgov.com/conserve
On average, residential customers used
GALLONS PER PERSON
PER DAY
In 2016 alone, water conservation
programs saved about
which is equal to water use of 786
single-family homes in Fort Collins.
engaged customers thousands of times
throughout the year, with over
people attending a variety of classes
and events and about
Efficiency programs cost LESS THAN
A PENNY PER GALLON saved annually
(even less over the lifetime of the
action!). NEW WATER SUPPLIES CAN
COST UP TO 15 CENTS PER GALLON.
means that treatment facilities and other infrastructure
don’t need to be as large and will cost less.
The water treatment plant was
built for a larger average demand.
We now rent the excess capacity
to other water providers, which
OUR GOAL
Our Mission
CHEAPER THAN BUYING NEW
SUSTAINED
CONSERVATION
WATER EFFICIENCY is doing
MORE WITH LESS – not doing without
WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
SAVING EVEN MORE...
EXAMPLE: WATER TREATMENT PLANT
The Halligan Water Supply Storage project does not need
to be as big, which led to $6 MILLION IN AVOIDED COSTS.
EXAMPLE: HALLIGAN WATER SUPPLY STORAGE
THE XERISCAPE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
X 3,600
x 786
Audits & Assessments
Direct Install
ABOUT 20,000 FORT
COLLINS RESIDENTS
RECEIVED A HOME WATER
REPORT, which provided
engaging customized
information to households
and contributed to their
water use
We audited
THIS IS OVER 40 MILLION GALLONS OF WATER AND THE AVERAGE ANNUAL
USE OF 435 SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES.
Does not include wholesale or system losses, which totaled
1,058.9 million gallons.
It is illegal to waste water in
Fort Collins. Fortunately we have a
city full of caring citizens who can
be our eyes around town.
WE FOLLOWED UP
AND RESOLVED
55 INSTANCES OF
WASTING WATER.
reducing outdoor water waste while keeping Fort Collins beautiful.
in millions of gallons
in millions of gallons
SPRINKLER
SYSTEMS
REDUCING AN AVERAGE OF 2.5%.
REBATED & INSTALLED:
1,033
AERATORS
931
TOILETS/URINALS
525
SHOWERHEADS
1,146
WASHERS/DISHWASHERS
1,750
IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT
GOOD TO KNOW:
Auxiliary aids and services are available for persons with disabilities. V/TDD: 711
To read the 2016 Update, visit:
fcgov.com/residential-water-efficiency
LEARN MORE
WHERE DOES THE WATER GO?
GALLONS PER CAPITA PER DAY*
2016 SAVINGS BY PROGRAM AREA
TOTAL: 70 MILLION GALLONS
2,599
1,061
141
3,555
20K
416
Commercial
Single-Family
Multi-Family
Duplex
0
2016
Water Conservation
Annual Report
2016 Water Conservation Annual Report | 1
Meet the 2016 Water
Conservation Team
Liesel Hans
Water Conservation Manager
Renee Davis
Water Conservation Specialist
Eric Olson
Water Conservation Coordinator
Cindy Burge
Horticulturalist
Seasonal Sprinkler Auditors
Emilie Abbott
Kayla Betzold
Dan Graves
Ry Weber
Water Conservation Intern
Natalie Knowles
Cover photos (top to bottom, left to right):
watershed tour, sprinkler audit training,
a sprinkler head, gaillardia flowers, the
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden
Introduction
The 25th Water Conservation Annual Report is prepared
for the Fort Collins City Council and the Fort Collins
Utilities water service area. This report includes
accomplishments, information on water use in the
Utilities service area and an update on the provisions of
Utilities’ Water Efficiency Plan.
Utilities’ Water Conservation Program is a proactive
response to the increasing demands for water, the
natural variability of water supplies and the projected
impacts of climate change on the water supply.
The Water Conservation Team offers a comprehensive
portfolio of programs that provides resources and
education for the community to achieve sustained
reductions in water use. Programs include incentives for
efficient landscapes, technology, appliances and fixtures,
leak detection and reduction efforts, education and
outreach, as well as foundational activities like building
and land use codes and other regulations.
Water efficiency means doing more with less – not
without. Utilities strives to ensure that water resources
are used for beneficial purposes and not wasted. These
efforts help reduce the long-term costs of water supply
and meet the demands of current and future customers.
Students participating at the Children’s Water Festival
2016 Water Conservation Annual Report | 2
What Do We Do?
Educate and Inform
Education, information and outreach are the foundation of Utilities’ Water
Conservation programs. Events and programs raise awareness for residents,
businesses and children about how and why to be water-efficient. Staff provide in-
person guidance, including facility assessments for commercial and residential
programs, as well as Utilities’ popular, free sprinkler audit program. In addition to the
community-wide campaigns, customized information is provided through the leak
detection program, Home Water Reports and Utilities’ online Monitor My Use tool.
Incentivize and Motivate
Utilities offers rebates for installing water efficient fixtures, appliances and irrigation
equipment. This motivates customers to choose the most efficient options and
replace old, inefficient models sooner than they might have otherwise. Staff
continually evaluate these efforts and create new opportunities. For example, the
newly revamped Xeriscape Incentive Program provides guidance and rebates for
installing a water-efficient landscape at residential sites.
Develop and Support Regulations and Codes
Regulations ensure a minimum level of efficiency for both indoor and outdoor water
use. Water Conservation staff review and inspect irrigation plans and sites, ensuring
that new developments meet the water efficiency standards set out in the Land Use
code. This includes keeping an eye on upcoming regulations, like graywater and
rain barrels.
Participate in Communitywide Partnerships
Coordination and partnering with other City departments and community
organizations maximizes the effectiveness and reach of Water Conservation
programs. For example, Utilities partners with the Gardens on Spring Creek to
develop and support their spring education series.
Participate at State and Federal Level
The Water Conservation Team participates in state and federal organizations focused
on water efficiency, including Colorado WaterWise, the Alliance for Water Efficiency,
the Irrigation Association and more.
Did you know?
Water efficiency is cheaper than buying new supplies. Efficiency programs cost less than
a penny per gallon saved annually (even less over the lifetime of action), while new water
supplies can cost up to 15 cents per gallon.
2016 Water Conservation Annual Report | 3
Water Conservation Planning
In early 2015, the Water Conservation Team
began developing an update to the 2010 Water
Conservation Plan, which the Colorado Water
Conservation Board (CWCB) now refers to as a
Water Efficiency Plan. Water Conservation staff
recruited cross-departmental City staff along
with members of the City Water Board to create
a technical advisory group that met throughout
the summer to discuss key issues, set goals
and priorities and review content and materials.
Council approved and adopted this new plan on
March 1, 2016. Staff sent the plan to the CWCB
in early 2017 for state review and approval.
The new plan sets a goal to reduce community
water use to 130 gallons per capita per day
(GPCD) by 2030. It also outlines areas of
opportunity and implementation strategies to
guide the Water Conservation team’s activities.
The previous goal was to reach 140 GPCD by
2020. This planning effort is in compliance with
the state’s Water Conservation Act of 2004,
which requires all water providers that deliver
over 2,000 acre-feet of water to submit a plan
outlining conservation goals and the specific
measures to achieve those goals at least every
seven years. Learn more: fcgov.com/water-
efficiency-plan.
Did you know?
The savings from water conservation
programs (about 70 million gallons in
2016) is enough to provide water for 786
homes in Fort Collins.
0
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
200
225
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
2016 Water Conservation Annual Report | 4
Did you know?
Water use in 2016 was 145 GPCD for Utilities’ water service area, down over
29 percent from the 2000 GPCD of 204.
Water Use
Total treated water use was about 8.4 billion gallons, which
was about 5 percent greater than the projected demand.
This was, in part, due to relatively dry conditions throughout
the summer.
Water use in June and July was significantly higher in 2016
than in 2015. The region experienced a very warm fall where
the average high temperature in September was around 88
degrees while it was only 83 in 2015 and only 78 in 2014.
The highest daily water demand occurred July 11 with over
44 million gallons treated. As a comparison, the average
demand was about 23 million gallons per day.
Did you know?
It is illegal to waste water in
Fort Collins. Water
Conservation staff followed up
and resolved 55 instances of
reported water wasting.
Sprinkler Auditors assess homeowners’ sprinkler systems and advise clients on how to address issues that result in
wasting water.
2016 Water Conservation Annual Report | 5
How Are We Doing?
The new Water Efficiency Plan goal is to reduce Utilities’ water service area use to 130 GPCD. Since a
significant portion of water use is driven by the weather, hot, dry years like 2012 cause average water
use to spike, whereas cooler, wetter years like 2014 result in less water use. In order to compare
across years, we calculate an average water use that has been normalized to account for the varying
weather conditions. The graph below shows normalized average water use relative to our new goal.
Water Savings from Water Conservation Programs:
Total water savings from water conservation programs was estimated at about 70 million gallons. As a
comparison, total water savings in 2014 was only 27 million gallons. The additional savings are due to:
Improved tracking and evaluation of conservation efforts
Commercial customers taking on more efficiency projects
More direct installs (rather than only recommendations) during home efficiency audits
New and enhanced programs and projects
o Home Water Reports
o Xeriscape Incentive Program
Peak Partners showerhead replacement efforts, a Water-Energy Nexus initiative
144 152
147 143 146 145
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Fort Collins Utilities Service Area Water Use
Gallons per Capital per Day (GPCD)
Informational Reports
Residential Rebates
Commercial Rebates
Audits and Assessments
Direct Install
Continuous Consumption
Landscape Programs and
City Projects
40 10 9 4 4 2 1
2015 Goal:
130 GPCD by
2030
2016 Water Conservation Annual Report | 6
Did you know?
Over 20,000 Fort Collins residents received Home Water Reports that provide engaging,
customized information about their water use. These customers reduced their use by an
average of 2.5 percent. This resulted in 124 acre-feet of savings in 2016, or about 40 million
gallons of water and the average annual use of 453 single-family homes.
Water Use by Sector
28,898
2,560
2,320
1,323
2016 Accounts Served
Single Family
Commercial
Multi Family
Duplex
3,555
2,599
1,061
141
2016 Water Use (million gallons)
Commercial
Single Family
Multi Family
Duplex
2016 Water Conservation Annual Report | 7
Did you know?
Residential water use
in Utilities’ service area
was estimated at 78
GPCD in 2016, down
38 percent from 2000.
Water Use: Indoor vs. Outdoor
Using average winter water use levels as an estimate for average
indoor use, we can estimate how much water is applied outdoors. In
the hottest and driest months of the summer, Fort Collins uses around
60 percent of all treated water outdoors. Average daily water use in
the summer is about 30 million gallons each day; by comparison, only
14 million gallons are typically used on an average day in December.
8% 16%
46%
70%
71%
69%
61%
23%
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Water Use, million gallons
Estimated Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Commercial Customers 2016
Outdoor
Indoor
9% 8%
45%
67% 68%
63%
52%
13%
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Water Use, million gallons
Estimated Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Residential Customers 2016
Outdoor
Indoor
2016 Water Conservation Annual Report | 8
How Did the Community Save in 2016?
416 homeowners volunteered for free
sprinkler system audits, reducing outdoor
water waste while keeping Fort Collins
beautiful.
79 ClimateWise partners reported taking a
total of 409 water-saving actions. 41 of
these partners did enough to earn a water
badge. The most popular strategy was a
simple one: ensuring that hand-washing
sinks have an efficient aerator installed,
reducing flow to only 0.5 gallons per minute.
30 customers installed water-wise
landscapes, which provide year-round
interest and require less water.
More than 1,000 customers were contacted
via the Continuous Consumption program.
This new service helps customers track
down leaks, reduce water waste, save
money and fix issues that would otherwise
go unnoticed or cause significant
property damage.
Water Conservation staff reviewed 91 new
construction landscape plans and 66
irrigation plans and site inspections. This
helps generate efficient outdoor water use
on new properties from the start.
Since it became available in 2014, over
13,000 customers have signed up for
Monitor My Use, an online tool to help
understand utility bills, use patterns and
how to save water and money. More than
800 of these customers are taking
advantage of the alert features to warn them
about exceeding their budget or an unusual
spike in usage. 4,677 alerts and 7,381
weekly usage reports were sent in
2016 alone.
The City replaced the Senior Center toilets
and showerheads with high-efficiency
fixtures in 2016, which is reducing water use
by 163,630 gallons each year.
The City completed a comprehensive
remodel at the Eldora Pool Ice Center
(EPIC), including the pool and the facility’s
showerheads. This project is estimated to
save 662,570 gallons of water each year.
The City Parks Department has a goal to
water park areas at 90 percent of the
evapotranspiration (ET) rate or less. ET is
effectively how much irrigation water is
needed beyond the rainfall received. In
2016, the average water use was only 86
percent of the ET rate.
More than 3,600 people attended a variety
of classes and events, and over 4,500
benefited from an efficiency program like
rebates or the free sprinkler audit program.
o This includes the installation of:
Where Did You See Us?
Poudre Runs Through It
High Plains Landscape Workshop
Fix-a-Leak Week
CityWorks
City Technical Training Series
Gardens on Spring Creek Classes
Earth Day
Northern Water Conservation Fair
Children’s Water Festival
EnviroVation – a celebration of ClimateWise
partners’ achievements
Big Splash – a celebration of history at the
old Fort Collins Water Works
Watershed Bus Tours
National Mayor’s Challenge for
Water Conservation
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Party
Xeriscape Incentive Program Fall
Open House
Landscaping with Colorado Native Plants
Colorado WaterWise Conservation Summit
Utah Water Conservation Forum
Wyoming Green Industry Workshop
Irrigation Association CLIA trainings
WaterSmart Innovations Conference
Irrigation Association Annual Show
and Conference
Did you know?
The Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at
City Hall, the second ever in the world, was
built in 1986 after Denver Water's first
demonstration garden. The garden is open
to the public and demonstrates attractive,
water-saving landscapes.
Water Efficiency Saves Money
Water conservation is the most cost-effective water resource. Sustained water savings
allows Utilities to avoid or delay long-term capital expenses. For example, sustained
conservation means that treatment facilities and other infrastructure do not need to be as
large or expensive. As a result:
The Halligan Water Supply Storage project does not need to be as big as originally
thought, which results in $6 million in avoided costs.
The Water Treatment facility was built for a larger average demand; the excess capacity
now is rented to other water providers, which results in millions of dollars of revenue
each year.
The Water Conservation Team hosts several events and
booths throughout the year, like this one at the Poudre
Runs Through It.
2016 Water Conservation Annual Report | 9
Additional 2016 Highlights
Xeriscape Incentive Program
The Water Conservation Team developed a new program to help
homeowners transform high water-use landscapes into water-wise
“xeriscape” landscapes. The new Xeriscape Incentive Program “XIP”,
which replaces the old Xeriscape Design Assistance Program (XDAP),
includes free educational classes and online resources. It also puts
greater emphasis on helping the homeowner adapt their watering
technology and schedule to meet the needs of their new landscape and
reduce their summer water bills. Once a participant has successfully
installed a qualifying xeriscape, they can apply for a $0.75 per square
foot rebate for up to 1,000 square feet. In 2016, 15 participants
transformed a total of 15,700 square feet through XIP. 17 participants
also finished transformations through the old XDAP.
Toilet Recycling
In 2016, over 900 toilets were recycled, diverting tons of porcelain from
the landfill. The program is a partnership between the Utilities,
Environmental Services and Streets departments. Customers dropped
off their high water-using toilets at the City’s Hoffman Mill facility and
the Streets Department crushed them into road base. New in 2016,
customers could also drop their toilets off at the new Timberline
Recycling Center. Customers who replaced their toilets with qualifying
models were eligible to receive a $50 to $75 rebate.
WaterSense Legislation
In 2016, Colorado became a WaterSense state (SB14-103), which means that as of September 1,
2016, manufacturers can only sell WaterSense labeled fixtures to distributors, wholesalers, retailers,
developers and homebuilders in the State of Colorado. This includes lavatory faucets, showerheads,
flushing urinals and tank-type toilets and water closets. An EPA WaterSense label certifies that a
fixture has been independently tested through a public/private partnership to meet high standards for
water savings and performance. These standards help support water efficiency beyond the Utilities’
programs, especially in new homes.
Toilet Recycling Bin at the City
Streets Facility.
2016 Water Conservation Annual Report | 10
Learn more at:
fcgov.com/conserve
fcgov.com/water-efficiency-plan
Auxiliary aids and services are available for persons with disabilities. V/TDD 711
1,033 aerators, 931 toilets/urinals, 525
showerheads, 1,146 clothes
washers/dishwashers and 1,750 pieces
of irrigation equipment.
Fort Collins residents learn about water-wise landscapes.
2024
2026
2028
2030
Water use in gallons per capita per day (GPCD)
Water Conservation Milestones and Goals
2010 Goal: 140
GPCD by 2020
2015 Goal:
130 GPCD by
2030
Surge of conservation
activities in reaction to
the 2001-03 Drought
50
100
150
200
2000 2005 2010 2015
We reached out to over 1,000 RESIDENTS and helped them track down leaks.
This new service helps customers REDUCE WASTE, SAVE MONEY AND FIX
LEAKS that would have otherwise gone unnoticed or caused significant
property damage.
CONTINUOUS CONSUMPTION
Informational Reports
40
Residential Rebates
Commercial Rebates
Continuous Consumption
Landscape Programs
& City Projects
10 4 21
204 29% SINCE 2000
145
17-10648
9 4
*weather normalized
The updated Water Efficiency
Plan has a goal to reduce use to
130 GALLONS
PER CAPITA PER DAY
2030 BY THE YEAR
at City Hall was built in 1986 and is the 2nd oldest in
the world.
38%
DOWN
SINCE 2000
RESULTS IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF REVENUE EACH YEAR.
DEMONSTRATES ATTRACTIVE LANDSCAPES
EFFICIENCY IS
126
GAL
2000:
126 GAL
2016:
78 GAL
78
WATER
ENERGY NEXUS
WATER EFFICIENCY
REDUCES ENERGY USE:
Energy is used to treat,
transport and heat water.
2016 XERISCAPE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
During the pilot year of the Xeriscape Incentive Program,
15 TRANSFORMATIONS were completed, which equals
over 15,000 SQUARE FEET of high-water use turf
transformed into beautiful, water-wise landscapes.
THAT SAVE WATER
70 MILLION
GALLONS OF WATER
4,500 CUSTOMERS
participating in a program or
completing an efficiency project.
We are more than halfway to the 2020 goal!
Utilities Contacts
• Kevin R. Gertig
Executive Director
• Lisa Rosintoski
Customer Connections Manager
• Tim McCollough
Light & Power Operations Manager
• John Phelan
Resource Conservation Manager
2005
22
2006
36
2007
44
2008
63
2009
348
2010
722
2011
1,071
2012
1,372
2014
2,625
2013
1,667
2015
7,526
2016
8,909
and Recycling
• Home Lighting
• Conservation Corps
• Peak Partners Demand
Response
• Efficiency Works-Home
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of achieving carbon reductions in
energy, transportation, and waste. The
community responded by submitting over
60 applications worth $5.5 million!
More at www.fcgov.com/innovate.
• Addition of over 6 megawatts (over 6500
metric tons of C02e) of enhanced solar
development via expansion of residential
and commercial rebates, a new round of
Solar Power Purchase Program projects
and a joint community solar project with
Platte River Power Authority. Increased transparency of data via the CAP
Dashboard, which highlights community progress.
ftcollinscap.clearpointstrategy.com
Program Contacts
Lindsay Ex
lex@fcgov.com
970-224-6143
Molly Saylor
msaylor@fcgov.com
970-224-6143
11
2016
Highlights
• Partners reduced energy use by 4.3M kWh - the equivalent
of 542 homes worth of energy savings.
• 92% of partners earned the Waste badge and diverted
over 85,000 tons of material from the landfill.
• Partners also made significant contributions to the benefit
of the larger community through the Social Responsibility
Badge, donating over $3.3M for community benefit and
contributing 63,213 volunteer hours.
Good news!
CITY*
CITY &
COMMUNITY
*Represents new dollars invested
recycling to all businesses and multi-
family residents by 2020.
• The Timberline Recycling Center
opened in 2016, helping keep hard-to-
recycle materials out of the landfill.
Natural Gas
(19% of inventory)
EMISSIONS HAVE INCREASED
BY 5% SINCE 2005.
In Fort Collins, natural gas is primarily
used for heating homes and businesses.
Natural gas burns cleaner than other fossil
fuels, but it still contributes to greenhouse
gases, and production and processing
contributes to emissions outside of
our community. Growth in natural gas
emissions has increased more slowly than
the community’s population, one indicator
of per capita conservation. Community
members can help reduce their natural gas
emissions by lowering their thermostat in
the winter and raising it in the summer.
Water Related
(0.3% of inventory)
EMISSIONS HAVE INCREASED
BY 5% SINCE 2005.
Water-related emissions account for
less than 1% of overall greenhouse gas
emissions. Water use and conservation
have a low impact on our inventory but are
important to ecosystem services essential
to our community. Water conservation is an
important component of long-term climate
resiliency. Community members can help
reduce emissions and conserve water
by carefully monitoring their irrigation
systems for leaks.
HIGHLIGHT:
• Total system wide water use over the
last 10 years is 10% lower than the
Fort Collins may prior 10 years.
not be able to solve
climate change as one
community, but we can
be part of the solution.
What is a community
carbon inventory?
A community carbon inventory follows a standard protocol to quantify a
city’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including CO2, CH4, N2O. Carbon
inventories are iterative, meaning they fluctuate year-to-year as we
experience the impacts of weather, get access to better data, or learn
something new about how GHGs impact the atmosphere.
64%
19%
2% 1%
14%
0.5%
About 95% of the community’s emissions
come from electricity, natural gas, and
transportation activities
2016 Fort Collins
Electricity Resource Mix
Coal
Hydro
Wind
Purchases
Solar
Gas
The City’s Energy Policy is aiming for 20% of our energy to be
produced from wind and solar resources (up from 15% in 2016)
and to limit coal resources to no more than 60% by 2020.
2005 2016
COMMUNITY
CARBON INVENTORY
Net reductions: 275,813 Metric Tons (-12%)
2.3 Million
Metric Tons CO2e
2.1 Million
Metric Tons CO2e
-12%
-10%
-8%
-6%
-4%
-2%
-0%
COLORADO COMMUNITIES ARE MAKING PROGRESS*
LAKEWOOD:
DOWN 9%
From 2007 (2010)
12 MT per capita
FORT COLLINS:
DOWN 12%
From 2005 (2010)
13 MT per capita
COLORADO:
DOWN 5%
From 2005 (2010)
25 MT per capita
BOULDER:
DOWN 5%
From 2005 (2010)
17 MT per capita
DENVER:
DOWN 8%
From 2005 (2010)
13 MT per capita
*Community carbon accounting practices di
er; e
orts were made to align the data shown here to the extent possible.