HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016CV144 - FARVER V. CITY OF FORT COLLINS - 048C - EXHIBIT EE - PART 2This unofficial copy was downloaded on Feb-09-2017 from the City of Fort Collins Public Records Website: http://citydocs.fcgov.com
For additional information or an official copy, please contact City Clerk's Office City Hall West 300 LaPorte Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521 USA
EXHIBIT EE
DATE FILED: February 9, 2017 4:29 PM
FILING ID: 9B5E9BDEA737B
CASE NUMBER: 2016CV144
This unofficial copy was downloaded on Feb-09-2017 from the City of Fort Collins Public Records Website: http://citydocs.fcgov.com
For additional information or an official copy, please contact City Clerk's Office City Hall West 300 LaPorte Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521 USA
EXHIBIT EE
1
City of Fort Collins: Cities for Climate Protection Project
11
1
2008 Fort Collins
Climate Action Plan
City Council
December 2, 2008
1
22
2
The Challenge
Widespread consensus exists
that human emissions of
greenhouse gases are
impacting the Earth’s climate
systems, causing the potential
for unprecedented large-large -
scale adverse health, social,
and ecological effects.
Communities can and should
play an important role in
mitigating this issue.
2
EXHIBIT EE
2
City of Fort Collins: Cities for Climate Protection Project
33
3
Multiple Goals Addressed
Through Climate Protection
9 Economic development - job creation,
attraction and retention
9 Environmental protection goals - air pollution
reduction, reduce filling of landfills, water
conservation
9 Cost savings
9 Diversify energy sources; decrease reliance
on fossil fuels
3
44
4
Community Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Goals
Adopted by Council - May 2008
20% reduction below 2005 levels, by 2020
80% reduction below 2005 levels, by 2050
“intent to reduce current community-wide
emissions by the end of 2012 to a level not
to exceed 2.466 million tons.”
4
EXHIBIT EE
3
City of Fort Collins: Cities for Climate Protection Project
55
5
Community Goals
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Goals
0
500,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
3,000,000
3,500,000
4,000,000
1990
1994
1998
2002
2006
2010
2014
2018
2022
2026
2030
2034
2038
2042
2046
2050
Year
Tons CO2e
2012 Intent = 2,466,000
2020 Goal = 2,032,000
2050 Goal = 508,000
Business As Usual Forecast
Emissions
5
66
6
To get from here to there...
Year
Future Projection
(Business As Usual)
Tons CO2
Goal
Tons CO2
Reduction Needed
Tons CO2
2012 2,951,000 2,466,000 485,000 tons/yr in
2012
2020 3,407,000 2,032,000 1,375,000 tons/yr in
2020
2050 Not calculated 508,000 1,524,000/year below
2020 goal level
6
EXHIBIT EE
4
City of Fort Collins: Cities for Climate Protection Project
77
7
Climate Task Force
Fort Collins
Climate Task Force
Recommendations
June 2008
aCompiled, evaluated and filtered cost-effective
strategies to reduce emissions.
aCompleted recommendations in June 2008
(fcgov.com/ctf)
7
88
8
Draft Climate Action Plan
aFocus on LOCAL action
aProvides a range of approaches (education,
incentives, regulation)
aEngages all stakeholders (citizens, businesses,
schools, other organizations)
aAddresses all sources of emissions
aBuilds on existing successes
aContains cost-effective strategies
aSupports the local economy
aBrings multiple other benefits
8
EXHIBIT EE
5
City of Fort Collins: Cities for Climate Protection Project
99
9
Builds On Existing Successes
Measure Name
Estimated Tons CO2e
Reduced in 2012
Above 2007 Levels
Energy Efficiency Programs 40,000
Climate Wise Program 37,000
Single Stream Recycling 14,000
Business and Residential Recycling 7,000
Electronics Waste Ban 6,000
State-mandated Natural Gas Efficiency
Programs (HB1037) 5,000
2005 Residential Energy Code 4,000
FortZED Jumpstart 3,000
Others 4,000
TOTAL
(After double-counting removed) 104,000
9
10
10
Supports the local economy
Climate Wise -
Improve business bottom lines, increase
employee attraction and retention
Colorado Carbon Fund –
Local purchase of carbon offset return reinvestment
funds to Fort Collins for implementing more clean
energy projects
Energy efficiency and green building
New jobs associated with increased demand for
building energy audits and upgrades
10
EXHIBIT EE
6
City of Fort Collins: Cities for Climate Protection Project
11
11
Reduction Measures in Draft Plan
(Oct ’08)
Measure name 2012 Estimated Benefit
(Tons CO2e)
2020 Estimated
Benefit
(Tons CO2e)
EXISTING MEASURES 104,000
Expand Climate Wise 73,000 – 94,000 143,000
Government Organizations Set GHG Goals 42,000 217,000
Community-wide Climate Challenge 28,000 34,000
Colorado Carbon Fund 5,000 8,000
Push Toward 50% Diversion Goal 73,000 – 137,000 253,000
2008 Energy Policy
Efficiency Programs
20,000 – 30,000
214,000
SmartGrid, Advanced Metering Infrastructure,
Pricing, Conservation
10,000 – 20,000
246,000
Renewable energy (Colorado RPS and
voluntary programs)
0
190,000
Natural Gas Energy Conservation 5,000 – 10,000 52,000
Update Residential Building Code 1,000 4,000
Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 2,000 – 12,000 14,000
Modern Roundabouts 1,000 2,000
TOTAL (before double-counting removed) 366,000 -486,000 1,481,000
TOTAL (after double-counting removed) 268,000 – 378,000 1,212,000
Needed to meet objectives 485,000 1,375,000
11
12
12
City Council Work Session Input
from October 28, 2008
Develop an alternative plan for Council
consideration that fully meets 2012 and
2020 reduction objectives
Revisit assumptions in Community Climate
Challenge
Concerns about long-term “Time of Sale
Energy Conservation Ordinance”
Integrate whole-systems thinking as much
as possible
12
EXHIBIT EE
7
City of Fort Collins: Cities for Climate Protection Project
13
13
Proposed Addendum
Quantified Measures
2012
Tons CO2e
2020
Tons CO2e
ADDITIONAL BENEFIT of Potential Additional Strategies
Purchase Carbon Offsets 77,000 81,000
Construction & Demolition Debris Deposit 20,000 44,000
Long-term VMT Reduction 28,000
Increase participation targets for Community
Climate Challenge 3000 3,000
Increase participation targets for Colorado
Carbon Fund 7,000 7,000
Sub-total Additional Strategies 107,000 163,000
Existing and New Measures in draft Plan 268,000 - 378,000 1,212,000
TOTAL (After double-counting)
375,000 -
485,000 1,375,000
13
14
14
Proposed Addendum
Qualitative changes
Replace long-term “Time of Sale Ordinance”
with “Explore Additional Opportunities to
Increase Efficiency of Existing Buildings”
Add: Explore Integrated Waste Optimization
Add: Promote Fort Collins as Green Community
Minor text revision to Acknowledgements,
add brief description of global warming.
14
EXHIBIT EE
8
City of Fort Collins: Cities for Climate Protection Project
15
15
Costs
There will be costs associated with
implementing actions in the plan.
Cost estimates are provided where possible.
Adopting the Plan by resolution does not
commit budget resources at this time.
Costs estimates will be fully developed
before Council considers individual actions
using the most up-to-date information.
Significant savings can be realized over time.
15
16
16
Multiple Benefits
9 Actions support many other City policy goals
9 Reduce energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting
9 Reduce motor vehicle fuel costs
9 Support local businesses and the economy
9 Redirect investments back into local economy
9 Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and
volatility
9 Reduce peak demand and need for new base load
capacity
9 Reduce air pollution emissions (incl. ozone precursors)
9 Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates
16
EXHIBIT EE
9
City of Fort Collins: Cities for Climate Protection Project
17
17
Requires Monitoring and Reporting
Year
Annual
Progress
Report
Milestone
Tons Co2
Biennial
Review
Budget
Recommendations
2009 X Fall 2009 for
2010/2011
2010 X
2011 X Spring 2011
for 2010
Fall 2011 for
2012/2013
2012 X 2,466,000
2013 X Spring 2013
for 2012
Fall 2013 for
2014/2015
2014 X
2015 X Spring 2015
for 2014
Fall 2015 for
2016/2017
2016 X 2,263,000
2017 X Spring 2017
for 2016
Fall 2017 for
2018/2019
2018 X
2019 X Spring 2019
for 2018
Fall 2019 for
2020/2021
2020 X 2,032,000
17
18
18
Action Being Considered
Tonight, by Council Resolution
• Accept the Plan as a blueprint for achieving
the 2020 reduction goal, without committing
budget resources to any specific action at this
time.
• Grant the City Manager flexibility to select
specific actions from the Plan, to be
advanced in budget recommendations and
staff work plans.
18
EXHIBIT EE
10
City of Fort Collins: Cities for Climate Protection Project
19
19
Action Being Considered
Tonight, by Council Resolution
(cont’d)
• Require preparation of an annual status
report and biennial progress report that
evaluates progress and recommends future
climate protection actions.
• Authorizes continued evaluation of
emerging best practices and cost-effective
strategies for inclusion in biennial report.
19
20
20
Resolution Options Tonight
9 Resolution A – Adopts draft 2008 Climate
Action Plan plus Proposed Addendum –
meets 2012 and 2020 reduction objectives
9 Resolution B – Adopts draft 2008 Climate
Action Plan without Proposed Addendum –
Achieves 55-80% of 2012 reduction objective
and 90% of 2020 reduction objective
20
EXHIBIT EE
11
City of Fort Collins: Cities for Climate Protection Project
21
21
Questions?
Thank you.
21
EXHIBIT EE
This unofficial copy was downloaded on Feb-09-2017 from the City of Fort Collins Public Records Website: http://citydocs.fcgov.com
For additional information or an official copy, please contact City Clerk's Office City Hall West 300 LaPorte Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521 USA
EXHIBIT EE
This unofficial copy was downloaded on Feb-09-2017 from the City of Fort Collins Public Records Website: http://citydocs.fcgov.com
For additional information or an official copy, please contact City Clerk's Office City Hall West 300 LaPorte Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521 USA
EXHIBIT EE
This unofficial copy was downloaded on Feb-09-2017 from the City of Fort Collins Public Records Website: http://citydocs.fcgov.com
For additional information or an official copy, please contact City Clerk's Office City Hall West 300 LaPorte Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521 USA
EXHIBIT EE
Interim Strategic Plan Towards 2020 Goal
2008
Draft October 2008
EXHIBIT EE
EXHIBIT EE
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . i
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .1
Need For Climate Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .1
Benefits of Climate Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .2
Role of Local Governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .3
Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Fort Collins Evolving Commitment
to Greenhouse Gas Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Original Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Goal and Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Success to Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Reporting and Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . .7
Climate Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .9
New Greenhouse Gas Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 10
Development of Fort Collins Climate Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Inventory
and Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . 12
Climate Protection Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Support for Multiple Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 15
Existing Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . 15
New Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . 16
New Qualitative Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 33
Monitoring and Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Metrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . 39
Biennial Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . 39
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . 40
Appendix — City Council Resolution 2008-051 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Climate Action Plan Outline
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Our gratitude goes out to members of the 2007/2008 Fort Collins Climate Task
Force for their significant contribution to the content of this Plan . Thanks are also
due to citizens and Board and Commission members for sharing their insights
and suggestions along the way, and to the City Manager and City staff who
worked in many capacities to support the process .
EXHIBIT EE
Executive Summary
The Challenge
Widespread consensus exists that human emissions of greenhouse gases are im-
pacting Earth’s climate system, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale
adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects . Coloradoans may not be
surprised by predictions such as these because we are already seeing the changes .
Observations in recent decades show that Colorado is already experiencing shorter
and warmer winters, with thinner snow pack and earlier spring runoff, less precipita-
tion overall, longer periods of drought, more wildfires and other ecological effects
potentially related to climate change .
Our Responsibility
Local communities are vulnerable to the many risks posed by a changing climate .
Likewise, cities can make a difference in avoiding climate instability by exercising key
powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste management and
energy and water supplies and management . It is fitting for local governments to take
responsibility for emissions occurring within their jurisdictions . Local actions not only
bring local benefits, they can speed the development of technology-based solutions
and promote more rapid market transformation that will help drive reductions in
global emission levels .
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions
About half of Fort Collins’ greenhouse gas emissions come from electricity use, primar-
ily to light and cool buildings . The second largest source is emissions from combus-
tion of fossil fuels for transportation (30%) . The third largest source is natural gas use,
primarily for heating buildings (~20%) and a small portion of emissions result from
organic matter decay in the landfill .
Fort Collins 2007 Greenhouse
Gas Emissions by Source
i
executive summary
Fort Collins 2007 Greenhouse Emissions
Sources by Use Sectors
2.65 Millon Tons CO2 2.65 Millon Tons CO2
EXHIBIT EE
ii
executive summary
Fort Collins Greenhouse Reduction Goals and Efforts
In 1999 Fort Collins was among the first wave of communities in the nation to commit
to reducing local emissions . City Council adopted a greenhouse gas reduction goal for
2010 and a plan to meet it . Through innovation, leadership and local involvement, the
community has benefited significantly from climate protection actions . Thanks to the
success of the voluntary Climate Wise program, for example, by 2007, innovative busi-
nesses avoided emitting more than 82,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e),
while saving over $12 million since 2000 . As a result of foresight in leadership, Fort
Collins established the first renewable energy standard in the state of Colorado . And
our participatory community tells us through recent surveys that they not only sup-
port but also expect further greening efforts .
In 2008 City Council renewed its commitment to climate protection by adopting
Colorado’s statewide goals to reduce emissions .
• Reduce emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020
• Reduce emissions 80% below 2005 levels by 2080
During 2007 and 2008, a dedicated citizen task force worked to recommend actions
that will help Fort Collins make progress on climate protection . Their report can be
found at: http://fcgov .com/ctf
Fort Collins Greenhouse Reduction Goals
Climate Action Plan
This Climate Action Plan offers a well-considered list of strategies that will help Fort
Collins advance our progress towards future carbon reduction goals, while affording
the community other economic and environmental benefits . The Plan is based largely
on the recommendations of the Climate Task Force . It builds upon existing successes
and encompasses a range of strategies such as expanding the enormously successful
Climate Wise program, increasing residential and business recycling, reducing vehicle
miles traveled, providing various incentives for reducing CO2 and increasing energy
efficiency . It offers cost-effective strategies that will also support our local economy,
reduce risks for energy and fuel price increases and volatility and bring a wide range of
other environmental, social and economic benefits . Actions that reduce greenhouse
emissions also support other local community goals and contribute to sustaining Fort
Collins as a vibrant, world class community .
Business As Usual Forecast
Emissions
Tons CO2e
EXHIBIT EE
iii
executive summary
New Measures
2012 Estimated Benefit 2020 Estimated Benefit
MEasurE NaME (Tons CO2e) (Tons CO2e)
EXISTING MEASURES 104,000 104,000
MENu OF OPTIONs
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Expand Climate Wise 73,000 – 94,000 143,000
Government Organizations Set GHG Goals 42,000 217,000
Community-wide Climate Challenge 28,000 34,000
Colorado Carbon Fund 5,000 8,000
Community Leadership sub-total 148,000 – 169,000 402,000
RECYCLING — Push Toward 50% Diversion Goal
Ban cardboard from waste stream 46,000 – 58,000 68,000
Private paper/glass drop-off 5,000- 6,000 8,000
Increase residential education 4,000 – 5,000 15,000
Larger residential recycling containers 3,000 – 4,000 5,000
Require haulers to provide residential
yard waste collection for added cost 1,000 1,000
Enhance residential PAYT (2nd can costs more) 11,000 – 17,000 21,000
Commercial recycling co-ops 1,000 – 7,000 8,000
Residential yard waste drop-off and ban yard waste 0 – 4,000 5,000
C&D Drop-off 0 – 34,000 39,000
C&D contract preferences for City contracts 1,000 1,000
Commercial recycling fee embedded in rates
(Additional benefit above cardboard ban) 81,000
recycling sub-total 73,000 – 137,000 253,000
ENERGY
2008 Energy Policy
Efficiency Programs 20,000 – 30,000 214,000
SmartGrid, Advanced Metering
Infrastructure, Pricing, Conservation 10,000 – 20,000 246,000
Renewable Energy (Colorado Renewable
Portfolio Standard and voluntary programs) 0 190,000
Natural Gas Energy Conservation 5,000 – 10,000 52,000
Energy sub-total 35,000 – 60,000 703,000
GREEN BUILDING
Update Residential Building Code 1,000 4,000
Green Building sub-total 1,000 4,000
TRANSPORTATION
Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 2,000 – 12,000 14,000
Modern Roundabouts 1,000 2,000
Transportation sub-total 3,000 – 13,000 16,000
TOTAL (before double-counting removed) 366,000 – 486,000 1,481,000
TOTAL (after double-counting removed)* 268,000 – 378,000 1,212,000
*Double-counting between measures with overlapping benefits was addressed as follows:
• Climate Wise — 50% overlap with other measures
• Gov. Orgs Set GHG Goals — 75 % overlap
• Community Climate Challenge — 90% overlap
• Local Carbon Offset Program — 62% overlap
EXHIBIT EE
If fully implemented, the Plan will bring Fort Collins to nearly 80% of the 2012 reduc-
tion objective and 90% of the 2020 goal . Annual progress reports and biennial reviews
will allow the plan to evolve along with City budget priorities, carbon markets and
technology opportunities .
Future Projection reduction Estimated
(Business as usual) Goal Needed reductions from
Year Tons CO2 Tons CO2 Tons CO2 Climate action Plan
2012 2,951,000 2,466,000 485,000 tons/yr 268,000 – 378,000
in 2012 tons/yr in 2012
2020 3,407,000 2,032,000 1,375,000 tons/yr 1,212,000
in 2020 tons/yr in 2020
2050 Not calculated 508,000 1,524,000/year
below 2020 goal level Not estimated
Fort Collins’ 2020 goal allows the opportunity to embrace strategies that have a long-
term benefit yet take more time to develop and implement . The Plan also includes
measures that have not been quantified but that can play an important role in mak-
ing progress towards the 2020 goal . These strategies are listed in the table below and
described in this Climate Action plan .
Summary of New Qualitative Measures
Community Engagement
• City of Fort Collins Government Leadership
Transportation
• Seek Adequate Funding to Implement Transportation Plans,
with Funding for Transit as a Priority to Achieve Best Practices
• Develop Partnerships to Reduce Vehicle Travel
• Parking Management
Land Use
• Implement Land Use Code Changes that
Support Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions
• Promote and Pursue Infill and Refill Development
• Promote Transit-Oriented Development
• Consider Requirements for New Developments to Have Less
Travel Demand than Comparable Existing Developments
Green Building
• Regular Updates of Building Energy Codes
• Continued Support for Above Code Green building Initiatives
• Time of Sale Energy Conservation Ordinance
• Require Green Building as a Prerequisite for Public Financing
• Explore Net Zero Ready Homes
• Explore LEED for Neighborhoods
Urban Forestry
• Promote Tree Planting
Support State and Federal Climate Protection Actions
iv
executive summary
EXHIBIT EE
v
executive summary
Conclusion
Reducing our community’s carbon footprint will be a major challenge . Implementing
some of these strategies will not be easy; nor will it be cost free . However, because
these strategies are cost-effective, the future payback is expected to be large . It is
far more costly to ignore global warming than to take action to avert the worst of its
impacts . An increasing number of studies show that, in addition to being less costly
overall, taking action to avert global warming can be immediately profitable .
Fortunately, Fort Collins abounds with innovators and technical expertise that can be
harnessed to help address this challenge . Organizations leading sustainability efforts
locally include Poudre School District, Colorado State University and the wide array of
Climate Wise partners who have publicly committed to voluntarily reduce their orga-
nization’s greenhouse gas emissions . The groundbreaking work of the Clean Energy
Cluster and the vision of FortZED position Fort Collins well for success in reducing
emissions while maintaining a robust economy .
The benefits to our community from increased efforts to reduce carbon emissions will
be significant . Not only will our CO2 footprint be reduced, but the City will introduce
leading edge practices and technologies that will save consumers and businesses
money, create new business opportunities and cement Fort Collins’ reputation and
reality as a high performing, vibrant and attractive place to live and conduct business .
EXHIBIT EE
1
introduction
Introduction
Need For Climate Protection
Widespread consensus exists that human emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) are
impacting Earth’s climate system, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale
adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects . In the past two decades, the
science connecting global warming to human augmentation of the greenhouse effect
has progressed dramatically . Many changes that had been predicted are now occur-
ring, and the observed pattern of change points to the enhanced greenhouse effect .
Climate disruption is likely to cause, and may already be causing, damage to the en-
vironmental and economic health of Colorado communities, introducing risks associ-
ated with reduced snow pack and earlier snowmelt that could affect both water supply
and tourism and secondary impacts such as changes in agriculture economics .
Two summary reports of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released in
2007 find that global warming is real and will have significant impacts . Approximately
600 authors from 40 countries produced the IPCC reports . Over 620 expert reviewers
and a large number of government reviewers also participated . Representatives from
113 governments reviewed and revised the summaries before adopting them .
In February 2007 Working Group I of the IPCC released a summary for policy makers on
the science of climate change . They concluded that:
• Warming of the climate system is unequivocal.
• Most of the warming that our climate system has experienced in the last 50 years
is very likely (meaning over 90% likely) due to human caused greenhouse gas
emissions .
• It is very likely (meaning over 90% likely) that heat extremes, heat waves and heavy
precipitation will become more frequent .
In April 2007 Working Group II of the IPCC released a summary of expected global
warming impacts . Their conclusions about impacts in North America include:
• Tens of millions of Americans are likely to be exposed to greater risk for injury, dis-
ease and mortality due to higher pollution levels, more frequent and more intense
heat waves, more intense storms and more favorable conditions for the spread of
water and insect-borne diseases, in the absence of effective counter-measures .
• Western regions are already facing increased water scarcity and are expected to
experience inadequate water supplies and reliability losses as snow pack diminishes
and evaporation increases .
• North American forests face escalating destruction from increasing outbreaks of
wildfire, insect infestation and disease .
• Between 15% and 40% of North American plant and animal species are likely to
become extinct by 2050 .
Coloradoans may not be surprised by predictions such as these . Observations in recent
decades show that Colorado is already seeing the following:
• Shorter and warmer winters, with thinner snow pack and earlier spring runoff.
• Less precipitation overall, and more falling as rain than snow.
• Longer periods of drought.
• More wildfires, burning twice as many acres each year than before 1980.
• Rapid spread of West Nile Virus due to higher summer temperatures.
EXHIBIT EE
2
introduction
The European Union considers that a temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius (3 .6°
Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial times is the threshold for “dangerous change” that must
be avoided . The Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo
found that, in order to have a 50% chance of avoiding this 2 degree Celsius threshold,
we would have to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases 80% by the year 2050,
at the latest .
The cost of inaction may exceed the cost of taking action by an order of magnitude .
Sir Nicholas Stern, head of the UK Government Economic Service and former Chief
Economist of the World Bank, stated in October 2006:
There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we take action now…
If we don’t act, the overall costs and risks of climate change will be equivalent to losing at
least 5% of global GDP per year, now and forever. If a wider range of risks and impacts is
taken into account, the estimates of damage could rise to 20% of GDP or more…
In contrast, the cost of action — reducing greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst
impacts of climate change — can be limited to around 1% of GDP per year.
The evidence of climate change is overwhelming and undeniable . The vast majority
of scientists agree that global warming is real, it’s already happening and that it is the
result of human activities and not a natural occurrence . We are already seeing changes .
It is far more costly to ignore global warming than to take action to avert the worst of
its impacts .
Benefits of Climate Protection
An increasing number of studies show that, in addition to being less costly overall,
taking action to avert global warming can be immediately profitable .
Nations and corporations that take action to reduce greenhouse gases end up sav-
ing money . David Northrop, director of Sustainable Development for the Rockefeller
Brothers Fund, reported in July 2006, “Every company and city taking action to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions has saved money doing so .” Examples include:
Table 1 — Example Economic Benefits
Greenhouse
Entity Gas Reductions Economic Benefits
DuPont 72% since 1990 $2 Billion Savings
Alcoa 26% since 1990 $100 Million Savings
through 2006
British Petroleum 10% below 1990 $650 Million Net
Present Value Savings
IBM 38% $791 Million
Germany 19% since 1990 450,000 New Jobs
in Renewable Energy
Urban regions can thrive while also reducing greenhouse gases, as demonstrated
by Portland/Multnomah County . While net greenhouse gas emissions in Multnomah
County are about at 1990 levels, and per capita CO2 emissions have dropped over
12%, the inflation-adjusted payroll has increased 29% and employment has increased
about 12% .
EXHIBIT EE
3
introduction
Finally, to demonstrate local benefits we need look no further than Fort Collins’ own
Climate Wise program . In 2007 Climate Wise reported a cumulative cost savings of
over $12 million from projects completed by partners through 2007, the same year the
partners collectively reduced over 82,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) .
The Fort Collins community could realize tremendous ancillary economic, envi-
ronmental and social benefits by undertaking responsible steps to combat climate
change, including:
• Support local businesses and stimulate economic development.
• Provide economic stimulation of research and development activities.
• Reduce home and business energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting.
• Reduce home and business motor vehicle fuel costs.
• Reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources.
• Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility.
• Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system.
• Diversify energy supply and reduce loads on transmission system.
• Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles.
• Improve public health.
• Improve local visibility.
• Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates.
• Reduce vehicle miles of travel and road congestion.
• Reduce water consumption in the community.
• Increase Fort Collins’ ability to adapt to a changing climate.
• Provide opportunities for regional, state and national leadership and recognition.
Local governments have strong financial incentives to address climate change .
Reducing local carbon emissions means pursuing a variety of programs and practices
that are energy prudent, and thus ultimately fiscally responsible .
Role of Local Governments
Local governments can greatly influence their communities’ greenhouse gas emissions
by exercising key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste
management and, in many cases, energy and water supplies and management .
Cities can make a difference in avoiding climate instability . The U .S . is among the larg-
est emitters of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions . Across the country, more
and more local governments are committing to reduce emissions and developing
plans to achieve their pledges . Over 160 cities and counties, including Fort Collins,
have joined the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign of the International Council
for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) . These cities represent about 20% of the
U .S . population, have reduced 23 million tons CO2 annually and have eliminated over
43,000 tons of local air pollutants .
As of June 2008, 850 mayors across the country signed the Seattle “Mayor’s
Agreement,” pledging their community to:
• Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through
actions ranging from anti-sprawl land-use policies to urban forest restoration proj-
ects and public information campaigns;
• Urge their state governments and federal government to enact policies and programs
to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the
United States in the Kyoto Protocol — 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and,
EXHIBIT EE
4
introduction
• Urge the U.S. Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation,
which would also establish a national emissions trading system .
It is appropriate for Fort Collins to reduce greenhouse gas emissions even if some
neighboring communities do not . City Council in 1999 adopted the policy that “The
city shall proactively identify and implement actions that reduce Fort Collins’ contribu-
tion to total global greenhouse gas emissions .” Numerous benefits accrue from climate
protection activities including pollution reduction, human heath benefits, cost savings,
economic development, reduced vulnerability to peak oil, reduced dependence on
foreign oil, increased opportunity to attract grant funding and leadership . Collectively,
climate protection activities will enhance the sustainability of our community .
It is equally appropriate for local governments to take responsibility for their emis-
sions, even if they are overshadowed by rapidly increasing emissions elsewhere in
the world . Despite this size disparity, it should be recognized that the U .S . still leads
the world in per capita greenhouse gas emissions . By acting to reduce emissions, Fort
Collins joins other communities in sending a signal that will speed the development of
technology-based solutions and more rapidly promote the transformations needed to
drive change in global emission levels .
Cities need not wait for state or national programs to begin . It may take a few to sev-
eral years before carbon emission legislation, programs and regulations are developed .
The sooner local communities begin to take action, the sooner they will reap the
benefits .
These are some examples of Colorado cities taking action:
• Denver has committed to reduce per capita greenhouse gas emissions 10% below
1990 levels by 2011 in their Greenprint plan .
• Boulder recently passed a carbon tax that will enable their community to reduce
emissions 7% below 1990 levels by 2012 through home energy efficiency, switching
to renewable energy and alternative fuels and reducing vehicle miles of travel .
• Recognizing special vulnerability to disruptions in water supply from climate
change, Aspen launched the Canary Initiative in 2005 to reduce global warming pol-
lution, inform the public about impacts and solutions and advocate for actions at all
levels of government .
• Carbondale has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 2004
levels by 2012, and voters passed a $1 .8 million Clean Energy Bond to fund a town-
owned renewable energy facility .
• Telluride has committed to decrease emissions from 2004 levels by no less than 15%
by December 2010, and by no less than another 15% of 2004 levels by December
2015 .
Opportunities
The Fort Collins community offers a unique combination of innovation and technical
expertise that can be leveraged to develop long-term sustainable solutions and facili-
tate action by community sectors and organizations to reduce emissions .
Market opportunities and technologies are evolving rapidly to support carbon reduc-
tion activities . Technology-based advancements are occurring in the areas of biofu-
els, including algae-based biofuels; electricity grid distribution improvements; and
bio-refineries that integrate biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce
fuels, power and chemicals from biomass . A dramatic increase in cleaner and more
efficient energy technology and sources has occurred in recent years . New industries
and programs bring with them strong economic growth opportunities .
EXHIBIT EE
5
introduction
Northern Colorado has become a leader in many aspects of clean energy technology
development and application . The Northern Colorado Clean Energy cluster, a public/
private sector partnership, aims to provide “clean” energy by using renewable energy
(e .g ., solar and wind), efficient energy technology, green building and energy utiliza-
tion . Sixty businesses in the cluster employ more than 450 people locally . Colorado
State University is recognized internationally for pioneering clean and renewable
energy technologies. Additionally, FortZED, a zero-energy district in the historic down-
town, will begin to model what policy makers and scientists deem to be the living
situation of the future: balanced energy use and renewable energy sourcing . Action on
climate change supports the local economy by increasing demand for the services and
products that companies in the Clean Energy Cluster provide .
Markets are being created to make greenhouse gas reduction economically efficient .
Carbon markets are thriving in Europe, and although the U .S . does not have a national
carbon registry and trading policy, voluntary markets are emerging here as well .
Examples include the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a greenhouse gas
cap-and-trade system being developed by seven northeast states; California’s cap-
and-trade system to meet its strict greenhouse gas emission targets; and the Chicago
Climate Exchange (CCX), a voluntary mechanism for trading carbon; and the Colorado
Carbon Fund, a voluntary carbon offset program .
In light of all these financial and business development initiatives, the Fort Collins com-
munity has the opportunity to create a thriving future based on practical energy use .
EXHIBIT EE
Fort Collins Evolving Commitment to
Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Original Greenhouse Gas Goal and Plan
In 1997 the City of Fort Collins joined ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection (CCP)
Campaign . In doing so, Fort Collins committed to:
• Develop a 1990 baseline greenhouse gas inventory and forecast for 2010.
• Set a greenhouse gas reduction goal.
• Develop a plan to meet the goal.
The community-wide 1990 emissions inventory showed emissions at 1 .36 million tons of
CO2e, which includes both carbon dioxide and methane emissions . The majority of emis-
sions were produced by electricity use . The 2010 forecast was developed by applying a
business as usual projection from 1997 out to the year 2010 . This included a 7% annual
increase in vehicle miles traveled, causing the transportation sector to increase signifi-
cantly . The original 2010 forecast, often referred to as the worst case forecast, shows a
160% increase in emissions above 1990 levels . Figure 1 illustrates the 1990 emissions
inventory and the 2010 forecast prepared in 1998 .
Figure 1 — Fort Collins Original Emission Inventory, Forecast and Goal (1999)
Following completion of the emissions inventory and forecast, a Staff Technical Team
and a Citizen Advisory Committee met for over a year to identify and recommend a
prioritized list of cost-effective actions to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions . In
1999 City Council adopted Resolution 99-137, setting a goal to “Reduce (community-
wide) greenhouse gas emissions 30% below predicted 2010 levels by 2010.” The
1999 Fort Collins Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (LAP) was also
adopted by Council Resolution 99-137 . The plan outlined how to accomplish that goal
and called for biennial progress reporting .
Success to Date
Benefits to the City from implementing the 1999 LAP have been wide-ranging and
include air pollution reduction, reduced waste disposal in the landfill, increased
6
Fort collins evolving
commitment to
greenhouse gas reduction
Million Tons CO2e
EXHIBIT EE
7
Fort collins evolving
commitment to
greenhouse gas reduction
support for local businesses and the economy and generally improved quality of life .
The highlights from several specific measures identified in the 1999 LAP that have now
been implemented are discussed below .
Conversion of Traffic Signals to Energy Efficient Light-Emitting Diodes
This action was ranked the highest priority for implementation in the LAP . The conver-
sion of red and green signals to LEDs in 2001 saves over $110,000/year in electricity
and maintenance costs, with an initial capital cost of $370,000, for a 3+ year payback .
Climate Wise Business Outreach
The Fort Collins Climate Wise program, a voluntary business outreach program, was
initiated in 2000 and has been growing ever since . As of 2007, the 75 partners col-
lectively avoided over 82,000 tons CO2e in that year alone, and reported over $12 .5
million in cumulative cost savings since 2001 . The program has now grown to over 115
partners, and the greenhouse gas reduction and cost savings are increasing as well .
2004 Update to Residential Building Code
The 2004 energy code update for Fort Collins’ residential buildings requires energy
efficiency improvements (R-18 walls, low-e windows, more effective furnaces, duct
work, right-sized AC systems) . These upgrades will save homeowners $90 - $150 a year
per home in utility costs and will avoid 1 .2-1 .5 tons CO2e per home per year .
Wind Energy Program
Fort Collins Utilities has offered renewable energy to customers through the wind pro-
gram since 1998 . The wind program went through a rebranding in 2007 to the Green
Energy program . By 2007, there were over 1,700 residential and over 110 commercial
subscribers, purchasing over 35,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy .
Electric Energy Supply Policy
In addition to measures included in the 1999 LAP, the passage of the Fort Collins
Electric Energy Supply Policy in 2003 has led to significant greenhouse gas reductions .
The targets of the supply policy are:
• Reduce per capita electric consumption 10% from 2002 levels by 2012.
• Reduce per capita peak demand 15%.
• Achieve 15% renewable energy by 2017.
A 2% fee on utility bills funds the energy efficiency and renewable energy programs .
The Policy has supported a rapid expansion of energy efficiency programs and the
addition of renewable energy to the rate-based electricity sources .
Addition of a Centralized Recycling Drop-Off Site
A City recycling drop-off facility opened at Rivendell School in March 2002 . Approxi-
mately 1,400 tons of materials are recycled annually . This results in approximately
1,800 tons CO2e avoided and provides added convenience to citizens for recycling .
Reporting & Progress
Council Resolution 99-137 which established the original greenhouse gas goal also
called for a biennial report to track progress and identify additional greenhouse gas-
reducing activities that merit consideration, in recognition of changing scenarios and
advances in technology . Several biennial climate status reports have been completed
and are posted at: http://fcgov .com/climateprotection/policy .php
EXHIBIT EE
8
Table 2 shows that the quantified tons of avoided CO2e have grown steadily since
2000 . However, Figure 2 shows that the reductions have not been able to keep pace
with emissions growth, and net emissions have continued to grow .
Table 2 — Biennial Climate Protection Status Reports
report Tons CO2 avoided in Year % reduction
2000 Climate 190,000 tons CO2e 9%
Protection Status Report avoided in 2000
2001/2002 Climate 237,000 tons CO2e 10%
Protection Status Report avoided in 2001
2003/2004 Climate 241,000 tons CO2e 9%
Protection Status Report avoided in 2004
2005/2006 Climate 244,000 tons CO2e 9%
Protection Status Report avoided in 2006
Figure 2 — Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Following the completion of the 2005 emissions inventory, it became apparent that
Fort Collins was not on track to meet the 2010 goal, as 2005 emissions exceeded the
2010 goal threshold . One of the reasons Fort Collins is not on track to meet the 2010
goal is that the 1999 LAP included a few large strategies that were directly within
local control (Denver Commuter Rail, More Stringent Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Standards
and Landfill Methane Capture), and one strategy was not met (VMT Growth Rate Not
Exceed Population Growth Rate) . Together, these four strategies represented over 50%
of the total reduction strategies contained in the original LAP . Additionally, the original
LAP did not establish interim milestones by which to assess progress on the 2010 goal .
Fort collins evolving
commitment to
greenhouse gas reduction
Million Tons CO2e
EXHIBIT EE
9
While early biennial climate status reports identified strategies for implementation in
the next budget cycle, projections of these strategies to 2010 were not done . Some of
the additional strategies were only partially implemented or were not implemented .
Consequently, Fort Collins could not meet the 2010 goal, despite successful implemen-
tation of a number of measures .
Climate Task Force
When it became apparent that Fort Collins was not on track to meet its 2010 emissions
target, a local community group, the Fort Collins Sustainability Group, approached City
Council in the Fall of 2006, asking that efforts be undertaken by the City to update the
Plan . In March 2007 Fort Collins City Council passed Resolution 2007-015, approving the
formation of a task force to address the issue . (See Appendix X for Resolution 2007-015 .)
The Climate Task Force (CTF) was convened in May 2007, consisting of 12 members
representing key community organizations and stakeholders in local climate protec-
tion efforts .
CTF Findings
Through its investigation into climate protection in Fort Collins, the CTF made the
following findings:
• The Fort Collins community has demonstrated its leadership on the issue of climate
protection and should continue to act from a position of leadership and focused in-
tent so as to inspire other communities across the region, state and globe to likewise
step up to share in the solution .
• The community will realize tremendous ancillary economic, environmental and
social benefits when taking responsible steps to combat climate change . Accord-
ingly the goal and plan should actively pursue and manage these benefits including
but not limited to economic vitality, community cohesion, societal and individual
health, improved air quality and state and national recognition .
• The City of Fort Collins government should play a special role in energizing the com-
munity by first leading by example in greening its own operations, then by establish-
ing policy directions that will lead the community to a sustainable future, and most
importantly by inspiring community involvement .
• Fort Collins is fortunate to have a number of organizations leading sustainability ef-
forts including Poudre School District, Colorado State University and the wide array
of Climate Wise partners that have publicly committed to voluntarily reduce their
organizations’ greenhouse gas emissions . For perspective, the Climate Wise program
represents the city’s top employers (representing more than 20,000 employees) and
the city’s top energy users (representing approximately one third of Fort Collins
Utilities’ total annual electricity delivered) . Collaborating and sharing experiences with
other leaders in the community and region will be integral to achieving success .
• Based on scientific evidence, forecasts and models under different scenarios of
action, the CTF believes that the local goal should target an 80% or greater reduc-
tion in our greenhouse gas emissions inventory by mid-century in order for Fort
Collins to perform at a level consistent with global requirements for reversing the
effects of climate change .
• In the end, we must come together as a community, a state, a nation and a globe to
dedicate ourselves to the serious task of addressing climate change while not losing
sight of the fact that we can make a difference and leave the world a better place for
future generations .
Fort collins evolving
commitment to
greenhouse gas reduction
EXHIBIT EE
10
CTF Process
The CTF met 17 times between May 2007 and May 2008, working primarily to develop
strategies to meet the 2010 goal . During this process, citizen input was gathered
from several City advisory boards, two public open houses were held, and input was
received via a Web comment form . In February 2008 a preliminary list of strategies was
presented at a City Council work session, along with estimated costs and benefits . At
that time, Council decided to revisit the appropriateness of the 2010 goal . Based in
part upon recommendations from the CTF, the City Council adopted new community-
wide carbon reduction goals in May 2008 . These goals are discussed below .
The CTF revisited its recommendations in light of the new goals . The CTF final recom-
mendations address how a 2012 milestone could be met and how significant progress
towards the 2020 goal could be achieved . The CTF final recommendations were pre-
sented to the City Manager in June 2008 . The full report of the CTF recommendations
can be found at: http://fcgov .com/ctf
New Greenhouse Gas Goals
In May 2008 Fort Collins City Council set visionary new community-wide greenhouse
gas goals for 2020 and 2050 that align with goals for the State of Colorado:
• Reduce GHG emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020
• Reduce GHG emissions 80% below 2005 level by 2050
Council also expressed interest in continuing short-term progress and stated the intent
to reduce 2012 emissions to 2 .466 million tons of CO2e (comparable to the original
2010 goal) .
Figure 3 below illustrates these goals .
Figure 3 — Fort Collins Greenhouse Reduction Goals
Achieving the 2020 goal will mean reducing community emissions to 2 .032 million
tons of CO2e, a 40% drop below predicted 2020 business as usual levels . This 40% drop
equates to 1 .375 million tons of CO2e reduction that are needed by the year 2020,
campared to business as usual levels, to achieve the goal . In order to meet the 2012
reduction intent, 485,000 tons of CO2 per year will be needed by 2012, compared to
predicted business as usual emission of that year .
Fort collins evolving
commitment to
greenhouse gas reduction
Tons CO2e
Business As Usual Forecast
Emissions
EXHIBIT EE
11
Development of Fort Collins Climate Action Plan
Following completion of the CTF recommendations, City staff evaluated the strate-
gies, updated the assumptions and made adjustments, where necessary . This Climate
Action Plan presents a list of strategies that current and future City Councils can select
in order to continue making progress towards the 2020 goal . These flexible, innovative
strategies will benefit Fort Collins’ citizens and businesses in many ways, now and into
the future, regardless of changes in carbon regulation or advancements in technology .
Fort collins evolving
commitment to
greenhouse gas reduction
EXHIBIT EE
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Inventory
and Projections
An important first step in developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to
understand current sources and estimate future emissions . Understanding emissions
sources can help guide the selection of reduction strategies . This inventory reflects the
two most common human-caused greenhouse gases; carbon dioxide and methane .
Fort Collins’ inventory looks at total gross emissions; it does not subtract carbon
sequestration by vegetation or soils . It considers consumption-based emissions within
the energy sector by evaluating community usage of electricity and natural gas . The
emissions inventory does not factor in the energy needed to manufacture materi-
als, products and food that is transported into and used in Fort Collins . The inventory
methodology follows currently generally accepted principles and guidelines estab-
lished by ICLEI and represented in the Clean Air Climate Protection Software . As inven-
tory methodologies evolve, Fort Collins will continue to evaluate and, when appropri-
ate, update its inventory methods .
In 2007 Fort Collins generated approximately 2,653,000 tons of carbon dioxide equiva-
lent (CO2e)1 . The largest source is electricity consumption, followed by the transpor-
tation sector and then natural gas consumption . Below, Figures 4 and 5 show 2007
emissions by emissions source and user category .
Figure 4 — Fort Collins 2007
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
by Source
Emissions in Fort Collins have grown by 94% since 1990, when community-wide emis-
sions were 1,366,000 tons CO2e . Figures 6 and 7 compare 1990 and 2007 greenhouse gas
emissions by source . The electricity sector contribution grew from 42% in 1990 to 48%
in 2007, while the natural gas percentage dropped from 25 % to 19% of citywide GHG
emissions for the same period . The relative increase in electricity generation’s contribu-
tion to emissions can be attributed to reduced availability of federal hydroelectric power
to Platte River Power Authority, increased use of electronics in homes and a dramatic
increase in the use of residential air conditioning . The transportation sector decreased
slightly in relative contribution of total GHG emissions from 1990 to 2007 .
1CO2e = Carbon dioxide equivalent. Since methane is at least 21 times more potent a greenhouse gas
than carbon dioxide, the relative global warming potential of CO2 = 1 and of methane = 21. When
methane and carbon dioxide emissions are summed, they are referred to as CO2e, indicating methane
has been converted to CO2 equivalent.
12
Fort collins greenhouse
gas inventory
and Projections
Figure 5 — Fort Collins 2007
Greenhouse Emissions Sources
by Use Sectors
2.65 Millon Tons CO2 2.65 Millon Tons CO2
EXHIBIT EE
13
Figure 6 — Fort Collins 1990 Emissions
Figure 8 — Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Projections to 2020
Fort collins greenhouse
gas inventory
and Projections
Figure 7 — Fort Collins 2007 Emissions
1.366 Millon Tons CO2 2.65 Millon Tons CO2
Natural Gas
18%
Tons CO2e
EXHIBIT EE
14
Figure 9 illustrates that Fort Collins’ emissions growth is not solely attributable to
population growth, as there has been a steady growth in per capita emission as well .
The exception is 2006 . The 2006 per capita emissions drop slightly below 2005 levels .
This can be attributed to reductions in natural gas usage and the amount of solid
waste generated .
Figure 9 — Fort Collins Per Capita Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Fort collins greenhouse
gas inventory
and Projections
Tons CO2e Per Person
Per Capita Emissions
EXHIBIT EE
15
Climate Protection Strategies
Support for Multiple Goals
The majority of actions that reduce emissions also support other local community
goals and contribute to sustaining Fort Collins as a vibrant, world class community . In
fact, many existing actions that benefit the climate were initiated to meet other prior-
ity goals, such as supporting the economy, reducing environmental impacts, exercis-
ing fiscal responsibility and increasing mobility . However, carbon reduction adds one
more important reason for implementing these strategies . See Figure 10 .
Figure 10 — Fort Collins: A Vibrant, World Class Community
Existing Measures
Efforts to identify new emissions reduction strategies should start with an analysis of
existing actions to reduce emissions . Fort Collins has been working to reduce its green-
house gas emissions since 1999, when the original reduction goal was adopted . This
Plan recognizes the role that existing efforts, if continued, will have on reducing future
emissions . It considers only the benefit of these actions above 2007 levels, as projected
out to the year 2012 under current plans and anticipated growth rates .
climate Protection
strategies
Fort Collins: A Vibrant, World Class Community
Economic
Health
(More green jobs)
Quality
Neighborhoods
(Efficient neighborhood design)
Environmental
Health
• Climate
• Energy
• Water Policy
• Waste Reduction
• Natural Areas
Safe
Community
(Roundabouts)
High-Performing
Government
(Energy efficient facilities & fleets)
Cultural
(Local food)
Improve
Transportation
(Improved mobility)
SUSTAINABILITY
(Includes climate protection)
EXHIBIT EE
16
Table 3 — 2012 Anticipated Benefits of Existing Actions
Estimated Tons CO2e reduced
Measure Name in 2012 above 2007 Levels
Energy Efficiency Programs 40,000
Climate Wise Program 37,000
Single Stream Recycling 14,000
Business and Residential Recycling 7,000
Electronics Waste Ban 6,000
State-mandated Natural Gas
Efficiency Programs (HB1037) 5,000
2005 Residential Energy Code 4,000
FortZED Jumpstart 3,000
PSD Greenhouse Gas Goal 2,000
Commercial Energy Code 1,000
Mason Corridor 400
VAN GO 300
Test Ride Transit and FC Bikes 100
TOTAL (After double-counting removed)* 104,000
* 50% of Climate Wise program benefit is assumed to overlap with
other existing measure benefits.
New Measures
The strategies listed in Table 4 are identified to help Fort Collins achieve progress
towards the 2020 reduction goal . If fully implemented, the existing and new
measures combined sum up to 1,212,000 tons of CO2e avoided in the year 2020, or
approximately 90% of the reductions needed to meet the 2020 goal . The strategies
listed would lead Fort Collins to achieve between 55-80% of the 2012 stated reduc-
tion intent . Through the biennial review process, the list of strategies can be updated
to incorporate changes in the carbon market and technology opportunities, as well as
citizen support for climate protection and City budget priorities .
Many of the strategies presented will require significant decisions about City budget
priorities and trade-offs between community costs and benefits . However, the list of
strategies proposed here is sound and will move Fort Collins towards its carbon reduc-
tion goals .
climate Protection
strategies
EXHIBIT EE
17
Table 4 — New Measures
2012 Estimated Benefit 2020 Estimated Benefit
MEasurE NaME (Tons CO2e) (Tons CO2e)
EXISTING MEASURES 104,000 104,000
MENu OF OPTIONs
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Expand Climate Wise 73,000 – 94,000 143,000
Government Organizations Set GHG Goals 42,000 217,000
Community-wide Climate Challenge 28,000 34,000
Colorado Carbon Fund 5,000 8,000
Community Leadership sub-total 148,000 – 169,000 402,000
RECYCLING — Push Toward 50% Diversion Goal
Ban cardboard from waste stream 46,000 – 58,000 68,000
Private paper/glass drop-off 5,000- 6,000 8,000
Increase residential education 4,000 – 5,000 15,000
Larger residential recycling containers 3,000 – 4,000 5,000
Require haulers to provide residential
yard waste collection for added cost 1,000 1,000
Enhance residential PAYT (2nd can costs more) 11,000 – 17,000 21,000
Commercial recycling co-ops 1,000 – 7,000 8,000
Residential yard waste drop-off and ban yard waste 0 – 4,000 5,000
C&D Drop-off 0 – 34,000 39,000
C&D contract preferences for City contracts 1,000 1,000
Commercial recycling fee embedded in rates
(Additional benefit above cardboard ban) 81,000
recycling sub-total 73,000 – 137,000 253,000
ENERGY
2008 Energy Policy
Efficiency Programs 20,000 – 30,000 214,000
SmartGrid, Advanced Metering
Infrastructure, Pricing, Conservation 10,000 – 20,000 246,000
Renewable Energy (Colorado Renewable
Portfolio Standard and voluntary programs) 0 190,000
Natural Gas Energy Conservation 5,000 – 10,000 52,000
Energy sub-total 35,000 – 60,000 703,000
GREEN BUILDING
Update Residential Building Code 1,000 4,000
Green Building sub-total 1,000 4,000
TRANSPORTATION
Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 2,000 – 12,000 14,000
Modern Roundabouts 1,000 2,000
Transportation sub-total 3,000 – 13,000 16,000
TOTAL (before double-counting removed) 366,000 – 486,000 1,481,000
TOTAL (after double-counting removed)* 268,000 – 378,000 1,212,000
*Double-counting between measures with overlapping benefits was addressed as follows:
• Climate Wise — 50% overlap with other measures
• Gov. Orgs Set GHG Goals — 75 % overlap
• Community Climate Challenge — 90% overlap
• Local Carbon Offset Program — 62% overlap
climate Protection
strategies
The quantified,
“short-term” measures
are discussed in more
detail on the following
pages.
EXHIBIT EE
18
MEasurE
Expand Climate Wise
Supporting City Polices:
Resolution 07-051 — The Fort Collins community offers a unique combination of in-
novation and technical expertise that can be utilized to develop long-term sustainable
solutions and facilitate all sectors and organizations in Fort Collins to take action to
reduce emissions .
Budgeting for Outcomes Economic Health Result — Support Fort Collins having a
healthy economy that reflects the values of our community in a changing world .
Budgeting for Outcomes Environmental Health — Seek reductions in greenhouse gas
emissions that puts the City on track to meet the…policy objectives .
City Plan Policy ENV 1-13. Innovations — The City will consider adoption of successful
air quality improvement strategies in effect elsewhere, including municipal practices,
public information campaigns, incentive/promotion programs and regulations .
Measure Description: Climate Wise is a successful voluntary business outreach pro-
gram . It offers technical assistance and recognition to partners who reduce their emis-
sions and report progress . This measure proposes to increase Climate Wise program
savings from 82,000 tons CO2e avoided in 2007 to 200,000+ tons in 2010 by adding
130 new partners above 2007 levels and providing additional resources to assist exist-
ing partners implement and report more projects . This measure adds new personnel
and resources to provide direct hands-on assistance for partners . As more partners and
resources are added, the efficiency of the program will increase even further, due to
economies of scale .
Other Benefits:
• Support local businesses and stimulate economic development
• Improve employee attraction and retention
• Increase partner customer loyalty
• Provide peer networking opportunities
• Reduce business energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting
• Reduce business motor vehicle fuel costs
• Specifically, Climate Wise partners have saved over $12M cumulatively since 2000
• Reduce partner vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility
• Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system
• Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles
• Improve public health
• Improve local visibility
• Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates
• Reduce vehicle miles of traveled and road congestion
• Reduce water consumption in the community
• Provide opportunities for regional, state and national leadership and recognition
Relationship to Other Programs: The Colorado Climate Action Panel has recom-
mended implementation of a state-wide voluntary business program offering free
technical assistance and continuous support as a means of reducing carbon emissions
from energy, water, transportation and solid waste, emulating Fort Collins’ successful
Climate Wise program .
climate Protection
strategies
expand climate Wise
Estimated Additional CO2
Savings in 2012:
73,000 – 94,000 Tons CO2e
Estimated Additional CO2
Savings in 2020:
143,000 Tons CO2e
Double-Counting:
Considered to overlap 50%
with other short-term
climate strategies
Lead Implementing
19
Climate Wise was selected as one of
the top 50 Innovation Goverment
Programs in the U.S., as recognized
by Harvard University, from a pool
of approximately 1,000 applicants.
climate Protection
strategies
expand climate Wise
“
”
“The recognition of the Climate Wise
Program as one of the Top 50
innovative government programs in
the country speaks volumes about
the commitment by Fort Collins
businesses to lead in environmental
stewardship and economic vitality,”
says City of Fort Collins City
Manager Darin Atteberry . “We are
proud of the close collaboration the
City has forged with local organiza-
tions, as we pave the way to making
Fort Collins a world-class green city
through sustainable, economic and
quality of life improvements.”
EXHIBIT EE
20
MEasurE
Local Government Organizations
Establish Greenhouse Gas Goals
Supporting City Polices:
Air Quality Plan Policy AQ-16.1. Lead by Example — The City will make efforts to reduce
and mitigate its own air pollution emissions before asking or requiring others to
reduce and mitigate their own emissions .
Air Quality Plan Policy AQ-16.2. Cooperation — The City will initiate and cooperate with
other efforts to improve air quality, while avoiding unproductive duplication of effort .
Others include governmental entities, non-profit sector, businesses and educational
institutions .
BFO Environmental Health — Seek reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that puts
the City on track to meet the…policy objectives .
City Plan Policy ENV 1-13. Innovations — The City will consider adoption of successful
air quality improvement strategies in effect elsewhere, including municipal practices,
public information campaigns, incentive/promotion programs and regulations .
Measure Description: Recognizing the importance of leading by example, the mea-
sure supports large local government organizations (CSU, City of Fort Collins, Larimer
County and Poudre School District) in making progress on carbon reduction goals . All
four organizations are currently members of the Climate Wise program .
In their 2006 Sustainability Management System, Poudre School District set a goal to
reduce their emissions from energy and water 15% between 2006 and 2016 . In June
2008, Colorado State University signed the American College and University Presidents
Climate Commitment. In July 2008, CSU President Penley announced CSU’s goal to
become carbon neutral by 2020 . In July 2008, the City of Fort Collins drafted a
municipal goal identical to the community’s goal; to reduce emissions 20% below
2005 levels by 2020, by reducing municipal emissions at least 2% per year, starting
in 2009 . Larimer County is actively implementing carbon–reduction programs and is
discussing a goal for the organization .
Recommended Approach for Implementation for the City:
• City of Fort Collins will develop a process to reduce, track and report municipal
greenhouse gas emissions by the first quarter 2009 .
• All large local government organizations (CSU, PSD, City, County) will report progress
annually through Climate Wise reporting . The Climate Wise program encourages and
inspires partner members to advance to the Platinum Level, which involves complet-
ing an emissions inventory, setting a reduction goal and reporting progress .
Cost Savings: The City of Fort Collins spends over $1 .9 million on the utilities for the
majority of its buildings . Over ¾ of this is for electricity and natural gas . As these utility
costs increase, the potential for avoided costs also increases .
Other Benefits:
• Reduce business energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting
• Reduce business motor vehicle fuel costs
• Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility
Estimated CO2 Savings in 2012:
42,000 Tons CO2e
Estimated CO2 savings in 2020:
217,000 Tons CO2e
Double-Counting:
Considered to overlap 75%
with other short-term climate
strategies
Lead Implementing Department
for City of Fort Collins:
Operations Services
Recommended Timeframe for
Completion:
Variable
Estimated Cost to the City:
Currently undetermined
Potential Funding Source(s):
City General Fund; grants;
Utilities rebates
climate Protection
strategies
local government organizations
establish greenhouse gas goals
EXHIBIT EE
Department:
Natural Resources and Utilities
Recommended Approach
for Implementation:
Seek new FTE and funding for
expanded partner outreach as
soon as possible
Recommended Timeframe
for Completion:
2010
Estimated Cost to the City:
$100,000/yr
Potential Funding Source(s):
City General Fund; grants
Cost Savings:
Net $2/ton average savings for
CO2 avoided by Climate Wise part-
ners (historic average)
EXHIBIT EE