HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-122-12/02/2008-APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE 2008 FORT COLLINS CLIMATE ACTION PLAN RESOLUTION 2008-122
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING AND ADOPTING
THE 2008 FORT COLLINS CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
WHEREAS,there is widespread consensus that human emissions of greenhouse gases are
impacting the earth's climate system, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale adverse
health, social, economic and ecological effects; and
WHEREAS,climate disruption is likely to cause,and may already be causing,damage to the
environmental and economic health of Colorado communities,risks associated with reduced snow
pack that could affect both water supply and tourism, and secondary impacts such as changes in
agriculture economics; and
WHEREAS, local governments can greatly influence their communities' greenhouse gas
emissions by exercising key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste
management, and, in many cases, energy and water supplies and management; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate for local governments to take responsibility for emissions
occurring within their jurisdictions since local community actions can speed the development of
technology-based solutions and more rapidly promote market transformation that will help drive
reductions in global emission levels; and
WHEREAS,by the adoption of Resolution 1999-137,the City Council established a policy
that the City shall proactively identify and implement actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
within the City by at least 30% below predicted 2010 levels by 2010 while achieving cost-
effectiveness in each program, and
WHEREAS, despite progress in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through
implementation of Climate Wise,the Electric Energy Supply Policy,recycling initiatives and other
programs to reduce emissions,Fort Collins is not on track to meet the greenhouse gas emissions goal
established by Resolution 1999-137 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to an inventory level of
2.466 million tons in the year 2010; and
WHEREAS,by the adoption of Resolution 2008-051,the City Council established the goals
of reducing Fort Collins' community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by
2020 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050, and further expressed its intent to reduce community-
wide greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2012 to a level not to exceed 2.466 million tons
pending attainment of such goals; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Resolution 2008-051, the City Manager has prepared for
Council consideration the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan(the"Plan")to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions within the Fort Collins community that identifies interim milestones needed to put
Fort Collins on a trajectory to meet the 2020 goal, including a milestone for the year 2012 as
referenced above,a copy of which is attached hereto,marked as Exhibit"A"and incorporated herein
by reference; and
WHEREAS,the Plan includes a list of strategies that consider relevant technical,economic,
political,and social factors;promote economic vitality and prioritize investments in the Fort Collins
community; address all emissions sectors; and promote involvement by all segments of the
community(local businesses,governments,utilities,schools,universities,non-profit organizations,
homeowners, and other individuals); and
WHEREAS,the Transportation Board has considered the transportation-related elements of
the Plan and recommended that the City Council approve and adopt those portions of the Plan; and
WHEREAS, in addition, the Electric Board, Air Quality Advisory Board and the Natural
Resources Advisory Board have all considered the Plan,together with certain additional action items
presented by staff,and recommended that the City Council approve and adopt the Plan incorporating
those additional action items; and
WHEREAS,upon consideration of the Plan,and the additional items prepared and presented
by staff in response to discussion by the City Council at its October 28,2008 work session,the City
Council has determined that it should approve the Plan as presented at the work session.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan is hereby approved and
adopted with the exception of any references therein to the Time of Sale Energy Conservation
Ordinance, and said Plan shall supersede the 1999 Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas
Emissions.
Section 2. That the City Manager is hereby directed to:
a) prepare an annual status report tracking progress toward attainment of the goals
established herein,including a community-wide greenhouse gas emissions inventory
and a list of quantified emission reductions actions for the preceding calendar year,
b) biennially, at least six months in advance of the City's biennial budget adoption,
prepare a report evaluating progress on greenhouse gas reduction relative to
established interim milestones and recommending actions for consideration in the
upcoming budget cycle (the `Biennial Report"), and
(c) consider greenhouse gas reduction actions identified in the Plan and future biennial
progress reports in annual staff work plan development.
Section 3. That the City Council hereby recognizes that new data, scientific findings,
mitigation technologies, and quantification methodologies may emerge over time and that future
Councils may choose to eliminate, modify or add specific action items contained in the 2008 Fort
Collins Climate Action Planto take into account evolving science,technology or other opportunities.
Section 4. That the City Manager is hereby authorized to continue to examine and
evaluate emerging best practices and new cost-effective strategies to identify local emissions
reductions opportunities for inclusion in future Biennial Reports.
Section 5. That it is the intent of the City Council that Fort Collins city government lead
by example in this area by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions in its own operations through the
establishment of policies and directions that will lead the community to a sustainable future,and by
inspiring community involvement in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of his 2nd
day of December A.D. 2008. /
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City Clerk
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Climate Action Plan Outline
Table of Contents
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . . . . 1 . 1 . . . . . . . . . 1
Need For Climate Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Benefits of Climate Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Role of Local Governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Fort Collins Evolving Commitment
to Greenhouse Gas Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Original Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Goal and Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Success to Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Reporting and Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Climate Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
New Greenhouse Gas Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . . . 10
Development of Fort Collins Climate Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Inventory
and Projections . . I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I * . 12
Climate Protection Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Support for Multiple Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Existing Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
New Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 16
New Qualitative Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Monitoring and Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 39
Metrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
AnnualReport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 39
Biennial Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Appendix — City Council Resolution 2008-051 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Acknowledgements
Our gratitude goes out to members of the 2007/2008 Fort Collins Climate Task
Force for their significant contribution to the content of this Plan . Thanks are also
due to citizens and Board and Commission members for sharing their insights
and suggestions along the way, and to the City Manager and City staff who
worked in many capacities to support the process.
•t :, � - Executive Summary
The Challenge
Widespread consensus exists that human emissions of greenhouse gases are im-
pactingEarth's climates stem, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale
Y g p P g
d ' " �' adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects. Coloradoans may not be
surprised by predictions such as these because we are already seeing the changes.
Observations in recent decades show that Colorado is already experiencing shorter
and warmer winters, with thinner snow pack and earlier spring runoff, less precipita-
,q. 4; tion overall, longer periods of drought, more wildfires and other ecological effects
potentially related to climate change.
Our Responsibility
• Local communities are vulnerable to the many risks posed by a changing climate.
Likewise, cities can make a difference in avoiding climate instability by exercising key
powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste management and
energy and water supplies and management. It is fitting for local governments to take
responsibility for emissions occurring within their jurisdictions. Local actions not only
bring local benefits, they can speed the development of technology-based solutions
and promote more rapid market transformation that will help drive reductions in
global emission levels.
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions
About half of Fort Col Iins' greenhouse gas emissions come from electricity use, primar-
ily to light and cool buildings. The second largest source is emissions from combus-
tion of fossil fuels for transportation (30%) . The third largest source is natural gas use,
primarily for heating buildings (�20%) and a small portion of emissions result from
organic matter decay in the landfill .
Fort Collins 2007 Greenhouse Fort Collins 2007 Greenhouse Emissions
Gas Emissions by Source Sources by Use Sectors
2.65 Millon Tons CO2 2.65 Millon Tons CO2
Waste
4% Waste
4%
Residential
24%
Transport
Transport Electricity 29%
` 29% 49%
Commercial
19%
Natural Gas Industrial
18% 24%
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Fort Collins Greenhouse Reduction Goals and Efforts qO
In 1999 Fort Collins was among the first wave of communities in the nation to commit
to reducing local emissions. City Council adopted a greenhouse gas reduction goal for
2010 and a plan to meet it. Through innovation, leadership and local involvement, the
community has benefited significantly from climate protection actions. Thanks to the
success of the voluntary Climate Wise program, for example, by 2007, innovative busi-
nesses avoided emitting more than 82,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2e), j
while saving over $ 12 million since 2000. As a result of foresight in leadership, Fort
Collins established the first renewable energy standard in the state of Colorado. And
our participatory community tells us through recent surveys that they not only sup- " t$
port but also expect further greening efforts. 4 �'-
n
In 2008 City Council renewed its commitment to climate protection by adopting
Colorado's statewide goals to reduce emissions.
• Reduce emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020
• Reduce emissions 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 - —
During 2007 and 2008, a dedicated citizen task force worked to recommend actions
that will help Fort Collins make progress on climate protection . Their report can be
found at: http://fcgov.com/ctf
Fort Collins Greenhouse Reduction Goals
4,000,000
Business As Usual Forecast
3,500,000
390009000
O2,500,000 Emissions =
U 290009000 2020 Goal = 2,032,000
N
1 ,500,000
12
190009000
500,000 2050 Goal = 508 000
0
�000 Boa o%moo goo�o��o��o��k%'V %N k%nS�o,�a�%O�0�0�%I'S
Year
Climate Action Plan
This Climate Action Plan offers a well-considered list of strategies that will help Fort
Collins advance our progress towards future carbon reduction goals, while affording
the community other economic and environmental benefits. The Plan is based largely
on the recommendations of the Climate Task Force. It builds upon existing successes
and encompasses a range of strategies such as expanding the enormously successful
Climate Wise program, increasing residential and business recycling, reducing vehicle
miles traveled, providing various incentives for reducing CO2 and increasing energy
efficiency. It offers cost-effective strategies that will also support our local economy,
reduce risks for energy and fuel price increases and volatility and bring a wide range of
other environmental, social and economic benefits. Actions that reduce greenhouse
emissions also support other local community goals and contribute to sustaining Fort
Collins as a vibrant, world class community.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
New Measures
2072 Estimated Benefit 2020 Estimated Benefit
MEASURE NAME (Tons COze) (Tons CO�e)
EXISTING MEASURES 104,000 104,000
MENU OF OPTIONS
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Expand Climate Wise 73,000 - 94,000 143,000
Government Organizations Set GHG Goals 42,000 217,000
Community-wide Climate Challenge 28,000 34,000
Colorado Carbon Fund 51000 8,000
Community Leadership Sub-total 148,000 - 169,000 402,000
RECYCLING - Push Toward 50% Diversion Goal
Ban cardboard from waste stream 46,000 - 58,000 68,000
Private paper/glass drop-off 51000- 6,000 81000
Increase residential education 41000 - 51000 15,000
Larger residential recycling containers 31000 - 41000 5,000
Require haulers to provide residential
yard waste collection for added cost 11000 11000
Enhance residential PAYT (2nd can costs more) 11 ,000 - 17,000 21 ,000
Commercial recycling co-ops 11000 - 71000 8,000
Residential yard waste drop-off and ban yard waste 0 - 4,000 5,000
C&D Drop-off 0 - 34,000 39,000
C&D contract preferences for City contracts 11000 1 ,000
Commercial recycling fee embedded in rates
(Additional benefit above cardboard ban) 81 ,000
Recycling Sub-total 73,000 - 737,000 253,000
ENERGY
2008 Energy Policy
Efficiency Programs 20,000 - 30,000 214,000
SmartGrid, Advanced Metering
Infrastructure, Pricing, Conservation 10,000 - 20,000 246,000
Renewable Energy (Colorado Renewable
Portfolio Standard and voluntary programs) 0 190,000
Natural Gas Energy Conservation 5,000 - 101000 52,000
Energy Sub-total 35,000 - 60,000 703,000
GREEN BUILDING
Update Residential Building Code 11000 41000
Green Building Sub-total 11000 41000
TRANSPORTATION
Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 2,000 - 12,000 14,000
Modern Roundabouts 11000 21000
Transportation Sub-total 31000 - 13,000 16,000
TOTAL (before double-counting removed) 366,000 - 486,000 11481,000
*Double-counting between measures with overlapping benefits was addressed as follows:
• Climate Wise - 509/6 overlap with other measures
• Gov. Orgs Set GHG Goals - 75 % overlap
• Community Climate Challenge - 90% overlap
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • Local Carbon Offset Program - 62% overlap
iii
If fully implemented, the Plan will bring Fort Collins to nearly 80% of the 2012 reduc-
tion objective and 90% of the 2020 goal . Annual progress reports and biennial reviews ;+
will allow the plan to evolve along with City budget priorities, carbon markets and lip
technology opportunities.
Future Projection Reduction Estimated
(Business As Usual) Goal Needed Reductions from
� k
Year Tons CO 2 2 Tons CO Tons CO2 Climate Action Plan w" � • i '
y
s.
2012 21951 ,000 21466,000 485,000 tons/yr 268,000 - 378,000
in 2012 tons/yr in 2012
2020 31407,000 2,032,000 1 ,375,000 tons/yr 11212,000
in 2020 tons/yr in 2020
2050 Not calculated 508,000 1 ,524,000/year
below 2020 goal level Not estimated
Fort Collins' 2020 goal allows the opportunity to embrace strategies that have a long-
term benefit yet take more time to develop and implement. The Plan also includes
measures that have not been quantified but that can play an important role in mak-
ing progress towards the 2020 goal . These strategies are listed in the table below and
described in this Climate Action plan .
Summary of New Qualitative Measures
Community Engagement
• City of Fort Collins Government Leadership
Transportation
• Seek Adequate Funding to Implement Transportation Plans,
with Funding for Transit as a Priority to Achieve Best Practices
• Develop Partnerships to Reduce Vehicle Travel
• Parking Management
Land Use
• Implement Land Use Code Changes that
Support Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions
• Promote and Pursue Infill and Refill Development
• Promote Transit-Oriented Development
• Consider Requirements for New Developments to Have Less
Travel Demand than Comparable Existing Developments
Green Building
• Regular Updates of Building Energy Codes
• Continued Support for Above Code Green building Initiatives
• Require Green Building as a Prerequisite for Public Financing
• Explore Net Zero Ready Homes
• Explore LEED for Neighborhoods
Urban Forestry
• Promote Tree Planting
Support State and Federal Climate Protection Actions
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
iv
Conclusion
X Reducing our community's carbon footprint will be a major challenge. Implementing
s+ • some of these strategies will not be easy; nor will it be cost free. However, because
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
• _ �WO t
locally include Poudre School District, Colorado State University and the wide array of
V Climate Wise partners who have publicly committed to voluntarily reduce their orga-
nization's greenhouse gas emissions. The groundbreaking work of the Clean Energy
Cluster and the vision of FortZED position Fort Collins well for success in reducing
emissions while maintaining a robust economy.
The benefits to our community from increased efforts to reduce carbon emissions will
be significant. Not only will our CO2 footprint be reduced, but the City will introduce
leading edge practices and technologies that will save consumers and businesses
money, create new business opportunities and cement Fort Collins' reputation and
reality as a high performing, vibrant and attractive place to live and conduct business.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
v
Introduction
Need For Climate Protection
Widespread consensus exists that human emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) are
impacting Earth's climate system, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale "" : t ►
adverse health, social, economic and ecological effects. In the past two decades, the `
science connecting global warming to human augmentation of the greenhouse effect
has progressed dramatically. Many changes that had been predicted are now occur-
ring, and the observed pattern of change points to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Climate disruption is likely to cause, and may already be causing, damage to the en-
vironmental and economic health of Colorado communities, introducing risks associ-
ated with reduced snow pack and earlier snowmelt that could affect both water supply
and tourism and secondary impacts such as changes in agriculture economics.
Two summary reports of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released in
2007 find that global warming is real and will have significant impacts. Approximately
600 authors from 40 countries produced the IPCC reports. Over 620 expert reviewers
and a large number of government reviewers also participated . Representatives from
113 governments reviewed and revised the summaries before adopting them .
In February 2007 Working Group I of the IPCC released a summary for policy makers on
the science of climate change. They concluded that:
• Warming of the climate system is unequivocal .
• Most of the warming that our climate system has experienced in the last 50 years
is very likely (meaning over 90% likely) due to human caused greenhouse gas
emissions.
• It is very likely (meaning over 90% likely) that heat extremes, heat waves and heavy
precipitation will become more frequent.
In April 2007 Working Group II of the IPCC released a summary of expected global
warming impacts. Their conclusions about impacts in North America include:
• Tens of millions of Americans are likely to be exposed to greater risk for injury, dis-
ease and mortality due to higher pollution levels, more frequent and more intense
heat waves, more intense storms and more favorable conditions for the spread of
water and insect-borne diseases, in the absence of effective counter-measures.
• Western regions are already facing increased water scarcity and are expected to
experience inadequate water supplies and reliability losses as snow pack diminishes
and evaporation increases.
• North American forests face escalating destruction from increasing outbreaks of
wildfire, insect infestation and disease.
• Between 15% and 40% of North American plant and animal species are likely to
become extinct by 2050.
Coloradoans may not be surprised by predictions such as these. Observations in recent
decades show that Colorado is already seeing the following :
• Shorter and warmer winters, with thinner snow pack and earlier spring runoff.
• Less precipitation overall, and more falling as rain than snow.
• Longer periods of drought.
• More wildfires, burning twice as many acres each year than before 1980.
• Rapid spread of West Nile Virus due to higher summer temperatures.
INTRODUCTION
1
The European Union considers that a temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius (3 .6°
Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial times is the threshold for "dangerous change" that must
be avoided . The Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo
found that, in order to have a 50% chance of avoiding this 2 degree Celsius threshold,
we would have to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases 80% by the year 2050,
at the latest.
The cost of inaction may exceed the cost of taking action by an order of magnitude.
Sir Nicholas Stern, head of the UK Government Economic Service and former Chief
a Economist of the World Bank, stated in October 2006:
�.- There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we take action now. . .
j If we don't act, the overall costs and risks of climate change will be equivalent to losing at
_ least 5916 of global GDP per year, now and forever. If a wider range of risks and impacts is
taken into account, the estimates of damage could rise to 20916 of GDP or more. . .
In contrast, the cost of action — reducing greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst
impacts of climate change — can be limited to around 196 of GDP per year.
The evidence of climate change is overwhelming and undeniable. The vast majority
of scientists agree that global warming is real, it's already happening and that it is the
result of human activities and not a natural occurrence. We are already seeing changes.
It is far more costly to ignore global warming than to take action to avert the worst of
its impacts.
Benefits of Climate Protection
An increasing number of studies show that, in addition to being less costly overall,
taking action to avert global warming can be immediately profitable.
Nations and corporations that take action to reduce greenhouse gases end up sav-
ing money. David Northrop, director of Sustainable Development for the Rockefeller
Brothers Fund, reported in July 2006, " Every company and city taking action to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions has saved money doing so:' Examples include:
Table 1 — Example Economic Benefits
Greenhouse
Entity Gas Reductions Economic Benefits
DuPont 72% since 1990 $ 2 Billion Savings
Alcoa 26% since 1990 $ 100 Million Savings
through 2006
British Petroleum 10% below 1990 $650 Million Net
Present Value Savings
IBM 38% $ 791 Million
Germany 19% since 1990 450,000 New Jobs
in Renewable Energy
Urban regions can thrive while also reducing greenhouse gases, as demonstrated
by Portland/Multnomah County. While net greenhouse gas emissions in Multnomah
County are about at 1990 levels, and per capita CO2 emissions have dropped over
12%, the inflation-adjusted payroll has increased 29% and employment has increased
about 12%.
INTRODUCTION
2
Finally, to demonstrate local benefits we need look no further than Fort Col I ins' own
Climate Wise program . In 2007 Climate Wise reported a cumulative cost savings of
over $ 12 million from projects completed by partners through 2007, the same year the
partners collectively reduced over 82,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2e) .
The Fort Collins community could realize tremendous ancillary economic, envi-
ronmental and social benefits by undertaking responsible steps to combat climate
change, including :
• Support local businesses and stimulate economic development.
• Provide economic stimulation of research and development activities.
• Reduce home and business energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting .
• Reduce home and business motor vehicle fuel costs. ,
• Reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources.
• Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility.
• Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system .
• Diversify energy supply and reduce loads on transmission system .
• Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles.
• Improve public health .
• Improve local visibility.
• Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates.
• Reduce vehicle miles of travel and road congestion .
• Reduce water consumption in the community.
• Increase Fort Collins' ability to adapt to a changing climate.
• Provide opportunities for regional, state and national leadership and recognition .
Local governments have strong financial incentives to address climate change.
Reducing local carbon emissions means pursuing a variety of programs and practices
that are energy prudent, and thus ultimately fiscally responsible.
Role of Local Governments
Local governments can greatly influence their communities' greenhouse gas emissions
by exercising key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste
management and, in many cases, energy and water supplies and management.
Cities can make a difference in avoiding climate instability. The U .S . is among the larg-
est emitters of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Across the country, more
and more local governments are committing to reduce emissions and developing
plans to achieve their pledges. Over 160 cities and counties, including Fort Collins,
have joined the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign of the International Council
for Local Environmental Initiatives ( ICLEI) . These cities represent about 20% of the
U.S. population, have reduced 23 million tons CO2 annually and have eliminated over
43,000 tons of local air pollutants.
As of June 2008, 850 mayors across the country signed the Seattle "Mayor's
Agreement;' pledging their community to:
• Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through
actions ranging from anti-sprawl land- use policies to urban forest restoration proj-
ects and public information campaigns;
• Urge their state governments and federal government to enact policies and programs
to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the
United States in the Kyoto Protocol — 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and,
INTRODUCTION
3
• Urge the U.S. Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation,
which would also establish a national emissions trading system .
It is appropriate for Fort Collins to reduce greenhouse gas emissions even if some
neighboring communities do not. City Council in 1999 adopted the policy that "The
city shall proactively identify and implement actions that reduce Fort Collins' contribu-
tion to total global greenhouse gas emissions." Numerous benefits accrue from climate
protection activities including pollution reduction, human heath benefits, cost savings,
economic development, reduced vulnerability to peak oil, reduced dependence on
foreign oil, increased opportunity to attract grant funding and leadership. Collectively,
climate protection activities will enhance the sustainability of our community.
It is equally appropriate for local governments to take responsibility for their emis-
sions, even if they are overshadowed by rapidly increasing emissions elsewhere in
the world . Despite this size disparity, it should be recognized that the U.S. still leads
the world in per capita greenhouse gas emissions. By acting to reduce emissions, Fort
Collins joins other communities in sending a signal that will speed the development of
technology-based solutions and more rapidly promote the transformations needed to
drive change in global emission levels.
Cities need not wait for state or national programs to begin . It may take a few to sev-
eral years before carbon emission legislation, programs and regulations are developed.
The sooner local communities begin to take action, the sooner they will reap the
benefits.
These are some examples of Colorado cities taking action :
• Denver has committed to reduce per capita greenhouse gas emissions 10% below
1990 levels by 2011 in their Greenprint plan .
• Boulder recently passed a carbon tax that will enable their community to reduce
emissions 7% below 1990 levels by 2012 through home energy efficiency, switching
to renewable energy and alternative fuels and reducing vehicle miles of travel .
• Recognizing special vulnerability to disruptions in water supply from climate
change, Aspen launched the Canary Initiative in 2005 to reduce global warming pol -
lution, inform the public about impacts and solutions and advocate for actions at all
levels of government.
• Carbondale has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 2004
levels by 2012, and voters passed a $ 1 .8 million Clean Energy Bond to fund a town-
owned renewable energy facility.
• Telluride has committed to decrease emissions from 2004 levels by no less than 15%
by December 2010, and by no less than another 15% of 2004 levels by December
2015 .
Opportunities
The Fort Collins community offers a unique combination of innovation and technical
expertise that can be leveraged to develop long -term sustainable solutions and facili-
tate action by community sectors and organizations to reduce emissions.
Market opportunities and technologies are evolving rapidly to support carbon reduc-
tion activities. Technology-based advancements are occurring in the areas of biofu-
els, including algae-based biofuels; electricity grid distribution improvements; and
bio- refineries that integrate biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce
fuels, power and chemicals from biomass. A dramatic increase in cleaner and more
efficient energy technology and sources has occurred in recent years. New industries
and programs bring with them strong economic growth opportunities.
INTRODUCTION
4
Northern Colorado has become a leader in many aspects of clean energy technology
development and application . The Northern Colorado Clean Energy cluster, a public/
private sector partnership, aims to provide "clean" energy by using renewable energy
(e.g ., solar and wind), efficient energy technology, green building and energy utiliza-
tion . Sixty businesses in the cluster employ more than 450 people locally. Colorado
State University is recognized internationally for pioneering clean and renewable
energy technologies. Additionally, FortZED, a zero-energy district in the historic down-
town, will begin to model what policy makers and scientists deem to be the living
situation of the future: balanced energy use and renewable energy sourcing. Action on
climate change supports the local economy by increasing demand for the services and %
products that companies in the Clean Energy Cluster provide.
Markets are being created to make greenhouse gas reduction economically efficient. €
Carbon markets are thriving in Europe, and although the U .S. does not have a national
carbon registry and trading policy, voluntary markets are emerging here as well .
Examples include the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI ), a greenhouse gas
cap-and-trade system being developed by seven northeast states; California's cap-
and-trade system to meet its strict greenhouse gas emission targets; and the Chicago
Climate Exchange (CCX), a voluntary mechanism for trading carbon ; and the Colorado
Carbon Fund, a voluntary carbon offset program .
In light of all these financial and business development initiatives, the Fort Collins com-
munity has the opportunity to create a thriving future based on practical energy use.
INTRODUCTION
5
Fort Collins Evolving Commitment to
,� , Greenhouse Gas Reduction
P .
,N P A•. It I.QJ t; Original Greenhouse Gas Goal and Plan
td
In 1997 the City of Fort Collins joined ICLEI 's Cities for Climate Protection (CCP)
Campaign . In doing so, Fort Collins committed to:
Develop a 1990 baseline greenhouse gas inventory and forecast for 2010.
• Set a greenhouse gas reduction goal .
' • Develop a plan to meet the goal.
The community-wide 1990 emissions inventory showed emissions at 1 .36 million tons of
Cote, which includes both carbon dioxide and methane emissions. The majority of emis-
sions were produced by electricity use. The 2010 forecast was developed by applying a
• +�_ r �, ' -Ad business as usual projection from 1997 out to the year 2010. This included a 7% annual
increase in vehicle miles traveled, causing the transportation sector to increase signifi-
cantly. The original 2010 forecast, often referred to as the worst case forecast, shows a
160% increase in emissions above 1990 levels. Figure 1 illustrates the 1990 emissions
inventory and the 2010 forecast prepared in 1998.
Figure 1 — Fort Collins Original Emission Inventory, Forecast and Goal ( 1999)
4 -
3. 5
■ Measure
3 Q Fomcasl FLeduotl
v 2. 5
W
C 2
H
OO 1 . 5
1
o.s
0
1990 1995 1997 2004 2010
Years
Following completion of the emissions inventory and forecast, a Staff Technical Team
and a Citizen Advisory Committee met for over a year to identify and recommend a
prioritized list of cost-effective actions to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions. In
1999 City Council adopted Resolution 99- 137, setting a goal to "Reduce (community-
wide) greenhouse gas emissions 30% below predicted 2010 levels by 201 O " The
1999 Fort Collins Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (LAP) was also
adopted by Council Resolution 99- 137 . The plan outlined how to accomplish that goal
and called for biennial progress reporting .
FORT COLLINS EVOLVING Success to Date
COMMITMENT TO Benefits to the City from implementing the 1999 LAP have been wide- ranging and
GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION include air pollution reduction, reduced waste disposal in the landfill, increased
6
support for local businesses and the economy and generally improved quality of life.
The highlights from several specific measures identified in the 1999 LAP that have now
been implemented are discussed below.
Conversion of Traffic Signals to Energy Efficient Light-Emitting Diodes
This action was ranked the highest priority for implementation in the LAP. The conver-
sion of red and green signals to LEDs in 2001 saves over $ 110,000/year in electricity
and maintenance costs, with an initial capital cost of $ 370,000, for a 3+ year payback.
� C
Climate Wise Business Outreach At L
The Fort Collins Climate Wise program, a voluntary business outreach program, was
initiated in 2000 and has been growing ever since. As of 2007, the 75 partners col- 1702
lectively avoided over 82,000 tons CO2e in that year alone, and reported over $ 12.5
million in cumulative cost savings since 2001 . The program has now grown to over 115
partners, and the greenhouse gas reduction and cost savings are increasing as well .
2004 Update to Residential Building Code
The 2004 energy code update for Fort Collins' residential buildings requires energy
efficiency improvements (R- 18 walls, low-e windows, more effective furnaces, duct
work, right-sized AC systems) . These upgrades will save homeowners $ 90 - $ 150 a year
per home in utility costs and will avoid 1 .2- 1 .5 tons CO2e per home per year.
Wind Energy Program
Fort Collins Utilities has offered renewable energy to customers through the wind pro-
gram since 1998. The wind program went through a rebranding in 2007 to the Green
Energy program . By 2007, there were over 1 ,700 residential and over 110 commercial
subscribers, purchasing over 35,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy.
Electric Energy Supply Policy
In addition to measures included in the 1999 LAP, the passage of the Fort Collins
Electric Energy Supply Policy in 2003 has led to significant greenhouse gas reductions.
The targets of the supply policy are:
• Reduce per capita electric consumption 10% from 2002 levels by 2012 .
• Reduce per capita peak demand 15%.
• Achieve 15% renewable energy by 2017.
A 2% fee on utility bills funds the energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
The Policy has supported a rapid expansion of energy efficiency programs and the
addition of renewable energy to the rate- based electricity sources.
Addition of a Centralized Recycling Drop-Off Site
A City recycling drop-off facility opened at Rivendell School in March 2002 . Approxi-
mately 1 ,400 tons of materials are recycled annually. This results in approximately
1 ,800 tons CO2e avoided and provides added convenience to citizens for recycling .
Reporting & Progress
Council Resolution 99- 137 which established the original greenhouse gas goal also
called for a biennial report to track progress and identify additional greenhouse gas-
reducing activities that merit consideration, in recognition of changing scenarios and
advances in technology. Several biennial climate status reports have been completed
and are posted at: http://fcgov.com/climateprotection/poIicy.php
FORT COLLINS EVOLVING
COMMITMENT TO
GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION
7
Table 2 shows that the quantified tons of avoided CO2e have grown steadily since
2000. However, Figure 2 shows that the reductions have not been able to keep pace
with emissions growth, and net emissions have continued to grow.
Table 2 — Biennial Climate Protection Status Reports
Report Tons CO2 Avoided in Year % Reduction
2000 Climate 190,000 tons CO2e 9%
Protection Status Report avoided in 2000
2001 /2002 Climate 237,000 tons CO2e 10%
Protection Status Report avoided in 2001
2003/2004 Climate 241 ,000 tons CO2e 9%
Protection Status Report avoided in 2004
2005/2006 Climate 244,000 tons CO2e 9%
Protection Status Report avoided in 2006
Figure 2 — Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions
4, 000
3,500 0
m 3,000
O
= 2,500
H 2,000 • •
_ • r Muni
O Emisslons
1 ,500
1 ,000
500
0
t00 tOtpp � O C �
O A co N Qf O
Following the completion of the 2005 emissions inventory, it became apparent that
Fort Collins was not on track to meet the 2010 goal, as 2005 emissions exceeded the
2010 goal threshold . One of the reasons Fort Collins is not on track to meet the 2010
goal is that the 1999 LAP included a few large strategies that were directly within
local control ( Denver Commuter Rail, More Stringent Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Standards
and Landfill Methane Capture), and one strategy was not met (VMT Growth Rate Not
Exceed Population Growth Rate) . Together, these four strategies represented over 50%
FORT COLLINS EVOLVING of the total reduction strategies contained in the original LAP. Additionally, the original
COMMITMENT TO LAP did not establish interim milestones by which to assess progress on the 2010 goal .
GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION
8
While early biennial climate status reports identified strategies for implementation in
the next budget cycle, projections of these strategies to 2010 were not done. Some of
the additional strategies were only partially implemented or were not implemented .
Consequently, Fort Collins could not meet the 2010 goal, despite successful implemen-
tation of a number of measures.
Climate Task Force
When it became apparent that Fort Collins was not on track to meet its 2010 emissions
target, a local community group, the Fort Collins Sustainability Group, approached City
Council in the Fall of 2006, asking that efforts be undertaken by the City to update the
Plan . In March 2007 Fort Collins City Council passed Resolution 2007-015, approving the _
formation of a task force to address the issue. (See Appendix X for Resolution 2007-015 .)
- I
The Climate Task Force (CTF) was convened in May 2007, consisting of 12 members
representing key community organizations and stakeholders in local climate protec-
tion efforts.
CTF Findings
Through its investigation into climate protection in Fort Collins, the CTF made the
following findings:
• The Fort Collins community has demonstrated its leadership on the issue of climate
protection and should continue to act from a position of leadership and focused in-
tent so as to inspire other communities across the region, state and globe to likewise
step up to share in the solution .
• The community will realize tremendous ancillary economic, environmental and
social benefits when taking responsible steps to combat climate change. Accord -
ingly the goal and plan should actively pursue and manage these benefits including
but not limited to economic vitality, community cohesion, societal and individual
health, improved air quality and state and national recognition .
• The City of Fort Collins government should play a special role in energizing the com-
munity by first leading by example in greening its own operations, then by establish -
ing policy directions that will lead the community to a sustainable future, and most
importantly by inspiring community involvement.
• Fort Collins is fortunate to have a number of organizations leading sustainability ef-
forts including Poudre School District, Colorado State University and the wide array
of Climate Wise partners that have publicly committed to voluntarily reduce their
organizations' greenhouse gas emissions. For perspective, the Climate Wise program
represents the city's top employers ( representing more than 20,000 employees) and
the city's top energy users ( representing approximately one third of Fort Collins
Utilities' total annual electricity delivered). Collaborating and sharing experiences with
other leaders in the community and region will be integral to achieving success.
• Based on scientific evidence, forecasts and models under different scenarios of
action, the CTF believes that the local goal should target an 80% or greater reduc-
tion in our greenhouse gas emissions inventory by mid-century in order for Fort
Collins to perform at a level consistent with global requirements for reversing the
effects of climate change.
• In the end, we must come together as a community, a state, a nation and a globe to
dedicate ourselves to the serious task of addressing climate change while not losing
sight of the fact that we can make a difference and leave the world a better place for FORT COLLINS EVOLVING
future generations. COMMITMENT TO
GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION
9
CTF Process
The CTF met 17 times between May 2007 and May 2008, working primarily to develop
strategies to meet the 2010 goal . During this process, citizen input was gathered
from several City advisory boards, two public open houses were held, and input was
4 received via a Web comment form . In February 2008 a preliminary list of strategies was
presented at a City Council work session, along with estimated costs and benefits. At
that time, Council decided to revisit the appropriateness of the 2010 goal . Based in
part upon recommendations from the CTF, the City Council adopted new community-
wide carbon reduction goals in May 2008. These goals are discussed below.
The CTF revisited its recommendations in light of the new goals. The CTF final recom-
mendations address how a 2012 milestone could be met and how significant progress
towards the 2020 goal could be achieved . The CTF final recommendations were pre-
sented to the City Manager in June 2008. The full report of the CTF recommendations
can be found at: http://fcgov.com/ctf
New Greenhouse Gas Goals
In May 2008 Fort Collins City Council set visionary new community-wide greenhouse
gas goals for 2020 and 2050 that align with goals for the State of Colorado:
• Reduce GHG emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020
• Reduce GHG emissions 80% below 2005 level by 2050
Council also expressed interest in continuing short-term progress and stated the intent
to reduce 2012 emissions to 2 .466 million tons of CO2e (comparable to the original
2010 goal ) .
Figure 3 below illustrates these goals.
Figure 3 — Fort Collins Greenhouse Reduction Goals
4,000,000
Business As Usual Forecast
3,500,000
3,000,000
Emissions _
2,5009000 -
V 2,000,000 2020 Goal = 2,032,000
c 195009000
0
~ 100000000
5009000 2050 Goal a 508 000
0
►% kcs No;
Year
Achieving the 2020 goal will mean reducing community emissions to 2 .032 million
tons of CO2e, a 40% drop below predicted 2020 business as usual levels. This 40% drop
equates to 1 .375 million tons of CO2e reduction that are needed by the year 2020,
FORT COLLINS EVOLVING campared to business as usual levels, to achieve the goal. In order to meet the 2012
COMMITMENT TO reduction intent, 485,000 tons of CO2 per year will be needed by 2012, compared to
GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION predicted business as usual emission of that year.
10
Development of Fort Collins Climate Action Plan
Following completion of the CTF recommendations, City staff evaluated the strate-
gies, updated the assumptions and made adjustments, where necessary. This Climate
Action Plan presents a list of strategies that current and future City Councils can select
in order to continue making progress towards the 2020 goal . These flexible, innovative
strategies will benefit Fort Collins' citizens and businesses in many ways, now and into
the future, regardless of changes in carbon regulation or advancements in technology.
FORT COLLINS EVOLVING
COMMITMENT TO
GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION
11
Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Inventory
and Projections
An important first step in developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to
understand current sources and estimate future emissions. Understanding emissions
sources can help guide the selection of reduction strategies. This inventory reflects the
two most common human-caused greenhouse gases; carbon dioxide and methane.
Fort Collins' inventory looks at total gross emissions; it does not subtract carbon
sequestration by vegetation or soils. It considers consumption-based emissions within
the energy sector by evaluating community usage of electricity and natural gas. The
emissions inventory does not factor in the energy needed to manufacture materi-
als, products and food that is transported into and used in Fort Collins. The inventory
methodology follows currently generally accepted principles and guidelines estab-
lished by ICLEI and represented in the Clean Air Climate Protection Software. As inven-
tory methodologies evolve, Fort Collins will continue to evaluate and, when appropri-
ate, update its inventory methods.
In 2007 Fort Collins generated approximately 2,653,000 tons of carbon dioxide equiva-
lent (CO 2e) ' . The largest source is electricity consumption, followed by the transpor-
tation sector and then natural gas consumption . Below, Figures 4 and 5 show 2007
emissions by emissions source and user category.
Figure 4 — Fort Collins 2007 Figure 5 — Fort Collins 2007
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Greenhouse Emissions Sources
by Source by Use Sectors
2.65 Millon Tons CO2 2.65 Millon Tons CO2
Waste
4% Waste
4%
Residential
24%
Transport
Transport 29%
29% Electricity
49%
Commercial
19%
Industrial
Natural Gas 24%
18%
Emissions in Fort Collins have grown by 94% since 1990, when community-wide emis-
sions were 1 ,366,000 tons CO2e. Figures 6 and 7 compare 1990 and 2007 greenhouse gas
emissions by source. The electricity sector contribution grew from 42% in 1990 to 48%
in 2007, while the natural gas percentage dropped from 25 % to 19% of citywide GHG
emissions for the same period. The relative increase in electricity generation's contribu-
tion to emissions can be attributed to reduced availability of federal hydroelectric power
to Platte River Power Authority, increased use of electronics in homes and a dramatic
increase in the use of residential air conditioning. The transportation sector decreased
slightly in relative contribution of total GHG emissions from 1990 to 2007.
FORT COLLINS GREENHOUSE ' COe = Carbon dioxide equivalent. Since methane is at least 21 times more potent a greenhouse gas
GAS INVENTORY than carbon dioxide, the relative global warming potential ofCO2 = 1 and of methane = 21 . When
AND PROJECTIONS methane and carbon dioxide emissions are summed, they are referred to as CO2e, indicating methane
has been converted to CO2 equivalent.
12
Figure 6 — Fort Collins 1990 Emissions Figure 7 — Fort Collins 2007 Emissions
1 . 366 Millon Tons CO2 2 .65 Millon Tons CO2
Waste Waste
4% 4 %
Transport ElectricityCTransport31 % ° Electricity
42 /0 49 %
Natural Gas
25 % Natural Gas i
18 %
Figure 8 — Fort Collins Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Projections to 2020
4 , 000 , 000
31500 , 000 ❑ Waste
3 , 000 , 000 ° Transportation
o Natural Gas
m
2 , 5001000 ❑ Electricity
N
v 2 , 000 , 000
N
c 1 , 5009000
1 , 000 , 000
500 , 000
0
'ob rb 19), O�� O�h � .00 �^N Orb O^� D,LO
FORT COLLINS GREENHOUSE
GASINVENTORY
AND PROJECTIONS
13
Figure 9 illustrates that Fort Collins' emissions growth is not solely attributable to
population growth, as there has been a steady growth in per capita emission as well .
x ' The exception is 2006. The 2006 per capita emissions drop slightly below 2005 levels.
This can be attributed to reductions in natural gas usage and the amount of solid
waste generated .
Figure 9 — Fort Collins Per Capita Greenhouse Gas Emissions
. t
Per Capita Emissions
- . 25.00
,x. 19.89 19.70 20.09
20 .00 18. 30
i 16. 19 16.40 16.79 17.82
N
a 15.00
i
a
0 10 .00
U
V7
C
12 5.00
0 .00
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
FORT COLLINS GREENHOUSE
GASINVENTORY
AND PROJECTIONS
14
Climate Protection Strategies
Support for Multiple Goals
The majority of actions that reduce emissions also support other local community
goals and contribute to sustaining Fort Collins as a vibrant, world class community. In
fact, many existing actions that benefit the climate were initiated to meet other prior-
ity goals, such as supporting the economy, reducing environmental impacts, exercis-
ing fiscal responsibility and increasing mobility. However, carbon reduction adds one
more important reason for implementing these strategies. See Figure 10.
Figure 10 — Fort Collins: A Vibrant, World Class Community `
Fort Collins : A Vibrant, World Class Community
t
SUSTAINABILITY
( Includes climate protection )
Economic Improve Environmental
Health Transportation Health
(More green jobs) (Improved mobility) • Climate
• Energy
• Water Policy
Quality Safe . Waste Reduction
Neighborhoods Community • Natural Areas
(Efficient neighborhood design) (Roundabouts)
I Cultural
High - Performing ( Local food)
Government
(Energy efficient facilities & fleets)
Existing Measures
Efforts to identify new emissions reduction strategies should start with an analysis of
existing actions to reduce emissions. Fort Collins has been working to reduce its green-
house gas emissions since 1999, when the original reduction goal was adopted . This
Plan recognizes the role that existing efforts, if continued, will have on reducing future
emissions. It considers only the benefit of these actions above 2007 levels, as projected
out to the year 2012 under current plans and anticipated growth rates.
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
15
Table 3 — 2012 Anticipated Benefits of Existing Actions
1 �S
;4 d v'�' �►�•. Estimated Tons CO a Reduced
Measure Name in 2012 Above 2007 Levels
Energy Efficiency Programs 40,000
Climate Wise Program 371000
Single Stream Recycling 14,000
� J�e►�1 Business and Residential Recycling 71000
Electronics Waste Ban 61000
State- mandated Natural Gas
Efficiency Programs ( HB1037) 51000
2005 Residential Energy Code 41000
FortZED Jumpstart 31000
PSD Greenhouse Gas Goal 21000
Commercial Energy Code 11000
Mason Corridor 400
VAN GO 300
Test Ride Transit and FC Bikes 100
TOTAL (After double-counting removed)* 104,000
* 5096 of Climate Wise program benefit is assumed to overlap with
other existing measure benefits.
New Measures
The strategies listed in Table 4 are identified to help Fort Collins achieve progress
towards the 2020 reduction goal . If fully implemented, the existing and new
measures combined sum up to 1 ,212,000 tons of CO2e avoided in the year 2020, or
approximately 90% of the reductions needed to meet the 2020 goal . The strategies
listed would lead Fort Collins to achieve between 55-80% of the 2012 stated reduc-
tion intent. Through the biennial review process, the list of strategies can be updated
to incorporate changes in the carbon market and technology opportunities, as well as
citizen support for climate protection and City budget priorities.
Many of the strategies presented will require significant decisions about City budget
priorities and trade-offs between community costs and benefits. However, the list of
strategies proposed here is sound and will move Fort Collins towards its carbon reduc-
tion goals.
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
16
Table 4 - New Measures
The quantified,
2012 Estimated Benefit 2020 Estimated Benefit "short-term " measures
MEASURE NAME (Tons COze) (Tons C01e)
EXISTING MEASURES 104,000 104,000 are discussed in more
detail on the following
MENU OF OPTIONS
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP pages.
Expand Climate Wise 73,000 - 94,000 143,000
Government Organizations Set GHG Goals 42,000 217,000
Community-wide Climate Challenge 28,000 34,000
Colorado Carbon Fund 51000 8,000
Community Leadership Sub-total 148,000 - 169,000 402,000
RECYCLING - Push Toward 50% Diversion Goal
Ban cardboard from waste stream 46,000 - 58,000 68,000
Private paper/glass drop-off 51000- 6,000 81000
Increase residential education 41000 - 51000 15,000
Larger residential recycling containers 31000 - 41000 5,000
Require haulers to provide residential
yard waste collection for added cost 11000 11000
Enhance residential PAYT (2nd can costs more) 11 ,000 - 17,000 21 ,000
Commercial recycling co-ops 11000 - 71000 8,000
Residential yard waste drop-off and ban yard waste 0 - 4,000 5,000
C&D Drop-off 0 - 34,000 39,000
C&D contract preferences for City contracts 11000 1 ,000
Commercial recycling fee embedded in rates
(Additional benefit above cardboard ban) 81 ,000
Recycling Sub-total 73,000 - 737,000 253, 000
ENERGY
2008 Energy Policy
Efficiency Programs 20,000 - 30,000 214,000
SmartGrid, Advanced Metering
Infrastructure, Pricing, Conservation 10,000 - 20,000 246,000
Renewable Energy (Colorado Renewable
Portfolio Standard and voluntary programs) 0 190,000
Natural Gas Energy Conservation 51000 - 10,000 52,000
Energy Sub-total 35,000 - 60,000 703,000
GREEN BUILDING
Update Residential Building Code 11000 41000
Green Building Sub-total 11000 41000
TRANSPORTATION
Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel 2,000 - 12,000 14,000
Modern Roundabouts 11000 21000
Transportation Sub-total 31000 - 13,000 16, 000
TOTAL (before double-counting removed) 366,000 - 486,000 11481 ,000
TOTALdouble-counting r - . - . • : 1 1 1 1 1 1 11212,000
*Double-counting between measures with overlapping benefits was addressed as follows:
• Climate Wise - 509/6 overlap with other measures
• Gov. Orgs Set GHG Goals - 75 % overlap
• Community Climate Challenge - 90% overlap CLIMATE PROTECTION
• Local Carbon Offset Program - 62% overlap STRATEGIES
17
MEASURE
Expand Climate Wise
Estimated Additional COZ Supporting City Polices:
Savings in 2012: Resolution 07-051 — The Fort Collins community offers a unique combination of in-
73,000 - 94,000 Tons CO2e novation and technical expertise that can be utilized to develop long-term sustainable
solutions and facilitate all sectors and organizations in Fort Collins to take action to
Estimated Additional CO2 reduce emissions.
Savings in 2020:
143,000Tons CO2e Budgeting for Outcomes Economic Health Result - Support Fort Collins having a
healthy economy that reflects the values of our community in a changing world .
Double-Counting :
Considered to overlap 50% Budgeting for Outcomes Environmental Health - Seek reductions in greenhouse gas
with other short-term emissions that puts the City on track to meet the . . . policy objectives.
climate strategies
City Plan Policy ENV 1 - 73. Innovations - The City will consider adoption of successful
Lead Implementing air quality improvement strategies in effect elsewhere, including municipal practices,
Department* public information campaigns, incentive/promotion programs and regulations.
Natural Resources and Utilities
Measure Description : Climate Wise is a successful voluntary business outreach pro-
Recommended Approach gram . It offers technical assistance and recognition to partners who reduce their emis-
for Implementation : sions and report progress. This measure proposes to increase Climate Wise program
Seek new FTE and funding for savings from 82,000 tons CO2e avoided in 2007 to 200,000+ tons in 2010 by adding
expanded partner outreach as 130 new partners above 2007 levels and providing additional resources to assist exist-
soon as possible ing partners implement and report more projects. This measure adds new personnel
and resources to provide direct hands-on assistance for partners. As more partners and
Recommended Timeframe resources are added, the efficiency of the program will increase even further, due to
for Completion : economies of scale.
2010
Other Benefits:
Estimated Cost to the City: • Support local businesses and stimulate economic development
$ 100,000/yr • Improve employee attraction and retention
• Increase partner customer loyalty
Potential Funding Source(s): provide peer networking opportunities
City General Fund; grants
• Reduce business energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting
Cost Savings: • Reduce business motor vehicle fuel costs
Net $ 2/ton average savings for • Specifically, Climate Wise partners have saved over $ 12M cumulatively since 2000
CO2 avoided by Climate Wise part- . Reduce partner vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility
ners (historic average) . Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system
• Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles
• Improve public health
• Improve local visibility
• Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates
• Reduce vehicle miles of traveled and road congestion
• Reduce water consumption in the community
• Provide opportunities for regional, state and national leadership and recognition
Relationship to Other Programs: The Colorado Climate Action Panel has recom-
mended implementation of a state-wide voluntary business program offering free
technical assistance and continuous support as a means of reducing carbon emissions
CLIMATE PROTECTION from energy, water, transportation and solid waste, emulating Fort Collins' successful
STRATEGIES Climate Wise program .
Expand Climate Wise
18
"The recognition of the Climate Wise
Program as one of the Top 50
innovative government programs in
the country speaks volumes about
the commitment by Fort Collins
businesses to lead in environmental
stewardship and economic vitality;" ClimabewiAC
says City of Fort Collins City
Manager Darin Atteberry. " We are
proud of the close collaboration the Climate Wise was selected as one of
the top 50Innovation Goverment
City has forged with local organiza- Programs in the U.S., as recognized
by Harvard University, from a pool
tions, as we pave the way to making of approximately 1, 000 applicants.
Fort Collins a world-class green city
through sustainable, economic and
quality of life improvements."
z
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Expand Climate Wise
19
MEASURE
Local Government Organizations
Establish Greenhouse Gas Goals
Estimated CO2 Savings in 20129 Supporting City Polices:
42,000Tons CO2e Air Quality Plan PolicyAQ- 16. 1 . Lead b Example xample - The City will make efforts to reduce
and mitigate its own air pollution emissions before asking or requiring others to
Estimated CO savings in 2020: reduce and mitigate their own emissions.
217,000 Tons CO2e
Air Quality Plan PolicyAQ- 16.2. Cooperation - The City will initiate and cooperate with
Double-Counting: other efforts to improve air quality, while avoiding unproductive duplication of effort.
Considered to overlap 75% Others include governmental entities, non -profit sector, businesses and educational
with other short-term climate institutions.
strategies
BFO Environmental Health — Seek reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that puts
Lead Implementing Department the City on track to meet the . . . policy objectives.
for City of Fort Collins:
Operations Services City Plan Policy ENV 1 - 13. Innovations — The City will consider adoption of successful
air quality improvement strategies in effect elsewhere, including municipal practices,
Recommended Timeframe for public information campaigns, incentive/promotion programs and regulations.
Completion:
Variable Measure Description : Recognizing the importance of leading by example, the mea-
sure supports large local government organizations (CSU, City of Fort Collins, Larimer
Estimated Cost to the City: County and Poudre School District) in making progress on carbon reduction goals. All
Currently undetermined four organizations are currently members of the Climate Wise program .
Potential Funding Source(s): In their 2006 Sustainability Management System, Poudre School District set a goal to
City General Fund; grants; reduce their emissions from energy and water 15 % between 2006 and 2016. In June
Utilities rebates 2008, Colorado State University signed the American College and University Presidents
Climate Commitment. In July 2008, CSU President Penley announced CSU 's goal to
become carbon neutral by 2020. In July 2008, the City of Fort Collins drafted a
municipal goal identical to the community's goal; to reduce emissions 20% below
2005 levels by 2020, by reducing municipal emissions at least 2% per year, starting
in 2009. Larimer County is actively implementing carbon-reduction programs and is
discussing a goal for the organization .
Recommended Approach for Implementation for the City:
• City of Fort Collins will develop a process to reduce, track and report municipal
greenhouse gas emissions by the first quarter 2009.
• All large local government organizations (CSU, PSD, City, County) will report progress
annually through Climate Wise reporting . The Climate Wise program encourages and
inspires partner members to advance to the Platinum Level, which involves complet-
ing an emissions inventory, setting a reduction goal and reporting progress.
Cost Savings: The City of Fort Collins spends over $ 1 .9 million on the utilities for the
majority of its buildings. Over 3/4 of this is for electricity and natural gas. As these utility
costs increase, the potential for avoided costs also increases.
Other Benefits:
• Reduce business energy costs for heating, cooling and lighting
CLIMATE PROTECTION • Reduce business motor vehicle fuel costs
STRATEGIES • Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility
Local Government Organizations
Establish Greenhouse Gas Goals
20
• Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system
• Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles
• Improve public health
• Improve local visibility
• Reduce waste and increase landfill diversion rates .► Ltd � _
. . . . . .. • • L LM.�
• Reduce vehicle miles of traveled and road congestion
• Reduce water consumption in the community =i lip
_
• Provide opportunities for regional, state and national leadership and recognition04
jr b
n
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Local Government Organizations
Establish Greenhouse Gas Goals
21
MEASURE
Community Climate Challenge
Estimated CO2 Savings in 2012: Supporting City Polices:
28,000 Tons CO2e Principle ENV-9 - The City will continue to develop and implement sustainability
practices that address long-term social, environmental and economic considerations
Estimated CO2 savings in 2020: of the Fort Collins community.
34,000 Tons COze
PolicyAQ-S - Toolbox ofApproaches. The City will seek to achieve local air quality
Double-Counting: goals through education, incentives and price mechanisms and regulation .
Considered to overlap 90% with
other short-term climate strate- PolicyAQ-7 - Information. The City will report available air quality information to the
gies. Tree-planting and unantici- public on a frequent and regular basis. The City will assist citizens in finding air quality
pated behavior changes account information that is of interest to them .
for the new 10% of benefit.
Measure Description : Develop a local "Community Climate Challenge" for the
Lead Implementing residential sector, focusing on an educational campaign to promote actions with a
Department: goal of reducing 1 % of per capita GHG emissions. A key component would be youth-
Utilities (for 2009 Pilot program) focused programs (in-school programs, scouts, youth groups, church groups, services
groups, etc.) .
Estimated Cost to the City:
$ 30,000/yr (pilot program) for Recommended Approach for Implementation :
incentives plus existing staff time • Assemble interdepartmental City team for input
• Establish carbon calculator protocol
Potential Funding Source(s): Develop then implement pilot challenge
Fort Collins Utilities . Report on progress and recommendation for next steps by end of 2010
Cost Savings:
Variable Other Benefits:
• Support local businesses and stimulate economic development
• Assist businesses and citizens in meeting carbon reduction goals
• Reinvestment dollars can fund other local carbon-reducing projects
Relationship to Other Programs: Many other communities are implementing
community climate chanllenges. Denver has proposed a community climate
challenge that they believe will achieve 28% of their GHG goal . Burlington, VT, has
the " l0% Challenge," a voluntary program to raise public awareness about global
climate change and to encourage households and businesses to reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10%.
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Community Climate Challenge
22
MEASURE
Colorado Carbon Fund
Supporting City Polices: Estimated CO2 Savings in 20120
Budgeting for Outcomes Economic Health Result — Support Fort Collins having a healthy 5,000Tons CO2e
economy that reflects the values of our community in a changing world .
Estimated CO savings in 2020:
Budgeting for Outcomes Environmental Health — Seek reductions in greenhouse gas 7,000Tons CO2e (conservative)
emissions that puts the City on track to meet the . . . policy objectives.
Double-Counting:
Measure Description : The Colorado Carbon Fund is a voluntary carbon offset Considered to overlap 62%
program developed by the Governor's Energy Office (GEO) to advance the following with other short-term climate
objectives: 1 ) develop a funding source for community-based efficient energy and strategies
renewable energy projects in Colorado; 2) support Colorado's climate change mitiga-
tion objectives; and 3) provide high quality, credible offsets for individuals, businesses Lead Implementing
and government agencies interested in mitigating their carbon footprint. GEO is Department:
developing a mechanism to reinvest a portion of the revenue ( 10-40%) to participating Utilities and Natural Resources
communities. These dollars can then fund new local carbon reduction programs and
marketing efforts. Estimated Cost to the City:
Staff time to participate with
This measure recommends that the City of Fort Collins partner with GEO on the Colorado Carbon Fund
Colorado Carbon Fund, market the program heavily and urge Fort Collins citizens
and businesses to donate to the Colorado Carbon Fund to offset their emissions and Potential Funding Source(s):
support new clean energy. Voluntary purchases in private
sector at $ 20/ton
Recommended Approach for Implementation :
• Apply to the GEO for $ 3,000-$ 5,000 in grant funding for participation in the
Colorado Carbon Fund
• Consider and propose local offsets projects for Colorado Carbon Fund
• Actively promote the project to Fort Collins' businesses and citizens
• Develop and implement local clean energy projects to be funded with reinvestment
revenue
Other Benefits:
• Support local businesses and stimulate economic development
• Assist businesses and citizens in meeting carbon reduction goals
• Reinvestment dollars can fund other local carbon-reducing projects
If two percent of Fort Collins citizens
(2, 600 people) offset one roundtrip
airline flight from Denver to New
York City each year, it would cost
them $34/year, would collectively
avoid 5,000 tons CO2e and would
lead to reinvestment revenue of
$8, 000 - $34,000 to support addi-
tional local programs.
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Colorado Carbon Fund
23
MEASURE
Push Towards 50% Waste Diversion Goal
Estimated CO2 Savings in 20120
73,000 — 137,000Tons CO2e Supporting City Polices:
PRINCIPLE ENV- 10 — The city will apply cost-effective pollution prevention and zero-
Estimated CO2 savings in 2020: waste strategies that will help protect all environmental resources, including air, soil
253,000 Tons CO2e and water and accelerate the community's ability to meet the city's adopted goal of
diverting 50% of the waste stream from disposal in landfills by 2010.
Lead Implementing
Department: ENV 10.2 Coordination — The City will participate with private businesses, non-profit
Natural Resources Department groups, CSU, Poudre School District and other government agencies to increase local
infrastructure and improve market conditions for recycling, composting and reuse
Potential Funding Source(s): industries, and to educate the public about pollution prevention and recycling .
General Fund, grants, public/pri-
vate partnerships, fees ENV 10.3 Composting - Organic waste materials should be diverted from landfill
disposal and put to beneficial secondary use, such as amending soils to increase local
Cost Savings: water conservation or to generate alternative sources of energy.
Avoided landfill costs (gate fees)
of $ 75,000 - $ 285,000 (calculated ENV 10.4 Regulation - Existing municipal ordinances that promote waste reduction,
at $ 5/ton trash) efficient resource use and recycling will continue to be an important mechanism for
helping people reach public policy goals. The city will support efforts that reduce
materials consumption and facilitate reuse, recovery and recycling .
Budgeting for Outcome Environmental Health Indicator # 4 - Improvement in solid
waste diversion rate.
Measure Description : A number of strategies have been identified from the 2006
Draft Strategic Plan for 50% Waste Diversion that are especially effective at reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. These strategies include a residential yard waste drop-off
site, the option to recycle yard waste though trash haulers and an ultimate ban on
yard waste from curbside trash collection . The Draft Strategic Plan also recommends
amending Fort Collins Pay As You Throw ordinance to include commercial customers,
and implementing construction and demolition debris reduction strategies. Many of
these strategies are also being considered under the 2008Trash Services Study. These
strategies include:
Residential Customers:
• Implement on -going curbside recycling program improvements, including more
designated materials and standard options for larger recycling containers.
• Amend Fort Collins' Pay As You Throw residential trash ordinance so that rate design
further enhances waste reduction efforts.
• Ban yard waste from Fort Collins' curbside collection . Require haulers to provide
residential yard waste pick-up as a separate new service.
Commercial Customers:
• Help form recycling cooperatives for small businesses.
All Customers:
• Implement cardboard ban in all sectors. (As a long-term alternative, consider the
measure to embed recycling fees in commercial trash rates for all commercial
customers.)
CLIMATE PROTECTION • Enhance short-term education around new measures.
STRATEGIES
Push Towards 50% • In absence of appropriate private sector facilities, create City-sponsored
Waste Diversion Goal construction and demolition (C&D) drop-off site.
24
City Government.
• Establish contract preferences to encourage recycling and waste reduction for
City C&Djobs.
• The City would encourage private partnerships for constructing multiple community r '`
drop-offs to collect more recyclables (paper, glass, etc.) .
Strategies recommended by staff for higher priority consideration are increasing custom- j •
er education and outreach, providing larger recycling containers, requiring trash haulers
to provide residential yard waste collection, developing public/private partnerships for
glass and paper recycling drop-off sites and banning cardboard from the waste stream .
This later strategy is anticipated to more cost-effectively achieve a good portion of the
benefits associated with embedding recycling fees in commercial trash rates.
Recommended Approach for Implementation :
• Develop ordinances for Council consideration including, but not limited to; Pay As ,4
You Throw and recycling enhancements; additional licensing requirements and
implementation of recycling strategies; and possible city-wide contracts for trash
collection services.
• Consider implementation of any new waste reduction initiatives that emerge from
the Trash Services Study, such as larger recycling bins for commercial customers,
cardboard ban, curbside yard waste or changes to haulers' licensing requirements.
• Consider future budget requests for any new solid waste reduction initiatives that
were adopted as a result of the 2008 Trash Services Study, including a budget
request for an additional staff person .
Estimated Cost to the City:
• $ 106,000/year by 2010 for strategies recommended for early consideration
• $ 235,000/year by 2010 for full suite of measures
• $ 524,000/year by 2015 for full suite of measures
Other Benefits:
• Support local businesses and stimulate economic development Did You Know:
• Offer diversion strategies designed to reduce trash bill costs • The EPA estimates that 75% of
• Prolong lifespan of the local landfills, thus delaying costly construction of new whatAmericans throw in the trash
landfill facilities could actually be recycled.
• Promote viable re-use of waste materials • Typical business offices generate
• Stimulate better markets for recycled items about 1 .5 pounds of wastepaper
• Assist businesses and citizens in meeting carbon and waste reduction goals per employee per day.
• Reduce upstream pollution associated with manufacture and transport of • Recycling one aluminum can
new materials saves enough energy to run a
TV for three hours — or the
• Lower dependence on foreign oil by reducing petrochemicals needed for virgin equivalent of a half gallon of
plastics manufacture gasoline.
• Promote wise use of natural resources such as minerals and forest products
Relationship to Other Programs: Pay As You Throw is an industry best practice. A
principal element of the Fort Collins waste reduction program is PAYT trash systems
that provide financial rewards for households that reduce the amount of waste they
generate.
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Push Towards 50%
Waste Diversion Goal
25
Am MEASURE
Fort Collins 2008 Energy Policy
Estimated CO2 Savings in 2012 : Measure Description : The draft 2008 Fort Collins Energy Policy proposes a 2050
30,000 - 50,000 Tons CO2e vision "to serve the community with highly reliable, affordable carbon neutral electric
service, guided by an ethic of sustainable innovative and responsible management."
Estimated CO savings in 20200 The policy has four goals:
650,000 Tons CO2e 1 ) Provide highly reliable electric service.
2) Support the community's carbon emissions goal of reducing the City's carbon
Supporting City Polices: footprint 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
Council Resolution 2003-038,Adopting the Electric Energy 3) Enhance local economic vitality.
Supply Policy 4) Maintain Fort Collins Utilities collaborative relationship with Platte River Power
Authority.
Lead Implementing
Department* To achieve these goals, it also proposes the following actions that support carbon
Fort Collins Utilities reduction :
• Develop a methodology for reporting carbon emissions and savings related to
Recommended Approach overall electricity consumption, reductions in energy use from efficiency programs,
for Implementation : substitution of fossil fuel based electricity with renewable or clean resources and
The 2008 Energy Policy is being increases in use of electricity for transportation .
considered by City Council in a . Reduce electric utility related emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020.
separate but parallel process to • Reduce electricity use 1 % per year through energy efficiency and conservation
the Climate Plan . programs.
Recommended Timeframe for • Comply with the state-mandated Renewable Portfolio Standard ( 10% renewable
Completion : energy by 2020) .
2020 to reduce electricity emis- • Increase the contribution of renewable energy enough to reach 20% reduction by
sions 20% below 2005 levels. 2020, after accounting for the contributions of energy efficiency, conservation, mini-
mum renewable energy requirements and voluntary renewable energy programs.
Estimated Cost to the City: • Develop a SmartGrid road map by the end of 2009.
To be determined. Implementa- • By 2020, manage 10% of peak load demand through load management, smart grid
tion plans for elements of the and distributed generation .
Energy Policy will be presented to
Council during budget and typical Other Benefits$
review processes. • Reduce utility bills
• Maintain high electric reliability
• Improve the economy
• Support smart grid development
• Reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources
• Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility
• Reduce peak energy demand and improve utilization of the electricity system
• Diversify energy supply
• Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles
• Improve public health
• Improve air quality
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Fort Collins 2008 Energy Policy
26
MEASURE
Natural Gas Energy Conservation
Supporting City Polices: Estimated CO2 Savings in 20120
Principle ENV-5 — Energy efficiency and use of renewable energy resources will be 5,000 - 10,000 Tons CO2e
encouraged, facilitated and regulated in both the public and private sector through
information and educational services, incentive programs, requirements and enforce- Estimated CO2 savings in 20200
ment of regulations such as the Energy Policy. 52,000 Tons CO2e
Measure Description : Natural gas use comprises 19% of Fort Collins greenhouse Lead Implementing
gas emissions. The City levies a Gas Company Occupation Tax to Xcel Energy of Department:
$445,000/year that has been unchanged since 1988. (See Chapter 25, Article VI of the Finance
Code at: http://www.colocode.com/ftcollins/municipal/chapter25 .htm#articleVI )
Estimated Cost to the City:
This measure would seek to replace Xcel 's Occupation Tax with a Franchise Fee Existing staff resources
Agreement. The vast majority of local governments in Colorado including Loveland,
Longmont, Louisville, (list others too) have a 3% franchise fee agreement for natural
gas. Under this agreement, the City would charge Xcel 3% of annual revenue for gas
sales. Xcel would pass this increase (� 1 .5% increase above the current Occupation Tax)
on to customers and return the revenue to the City. The City could use this additional
revenue to fund climate protection programs.
Recommended Approach for Implementation :
• Determine City Council interest in pursuing franchise fee agreement
• Develop agreements with Xcel Energy
• Obtain approval from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission
Potential Funding Source(s) : Any increase that would result from the franchise fee
(above the existing Occupation Tax) would be passed through to Xcel customers.
Other Benefits:
• Conservation and efficiency programs can lead to lower utility bills
• Reduce consumption of a limited natural resource
• Reduce vulnerability to natural gas price increases and volatility
Relationship to Other Programs: The vast majority of local governments in
Colorado, including Loveland, Longmont, Louisville, Denver and Boulder, have a
3% franchise fee agreement for the provision of natural gas.
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Natural Gas Energy Conservation
27
MEASURE
Update Residential Building Code
Estimated CO Savings in 2012: Supporting City Polices: "The City aspires to become a coordinated center for
1 ,000Tons CO2e advancing green building in the Fort Collins community by increasing general aware-
ness, raising the bar for what is required, helping engaged stakeholders achieve better
Estimated CO savings in 20200 and greener buildings, and rewarding high performers.
" ( Excerpt from 2007 City of Fort
4,000 tons of CO2 Collins Roadmap for Coordinated and Enhanced Green Building Services.)
Lead Implementing Depart- Policy HSG-2. 7- Impacts of New Policies and Regulations. The City will assess the effects
ment: Neighborhood and of new policies and regulations, or changes to existing policies and regulations, on
Building Services housing development costs and overall housing affordability, in order to achieve an
appropriate balance between housing affordability and other objectives such as urban
Estimated Cost to the City: design quality, maintaining neighborhood character and protecting public health,
No anticipated additional costs safety and welfare.
Measure Description : Electricity and natural gas use by residences is responsible
for 24% of Fort Collins' greenhouse gas emissions. Fort Collins has historically been,
and will continue to be, on the leading edge of progressive building and energy code
updates with our local amendments. The residential code was significantly updated in
2005 to the 2003 IRC and the 2005 Fort Collins Residential Energy Code, which exceeds
the model code energy-efficiency. The Commercial Code was updated in 2008 to the
latest model energy code (ASHRAE 90. 1 -2007 and IECC 2006) .
Starting in late 2008, the City will again consider upgrades to the residential building
and energy codes. Alternatives codes to consider include the recently adopted 2009
IECC model energy code or the "30% Solution " The 2009 IECC model energy code
governing new home construction will offer significant improvements over the current
code. The 30% Solution" is an alternative code that boosts energy efficiency 30% over
the former model code. Although the 30% Solution fell just short of adoption by the
IECC in September 2008, it has been endorsed by the National Association of State
A recent poll by the National Energy Officials, the American Council for an Energy- Efficient Economy, the Consumer
Association of Home Builders Federation of America, the American Public Power Association, U .S. Department of
confirms that energy efficiency is Energy, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
a feature that appeals to home Recommended Approach for Implementation :
buyers. The 2/14/2008 issue of
BuilderOnline reports: "Home Buyers • Convene citizen task group to provide input in residential code update process
Willing to Pay for Energy Efficiency. • City Council considers adoption of code update
New NAHB study of consumers
reports that 51 percent are willing Cost Savings: It is more cost effective to incorporate energy efficiency measures into
to pay up to $ 11, 000 more if energy buildings during new construction and major renovations because the improvements
costs are reduced $ 1, OOOannually." can be financed as part of the entire package, and benefits are realized throughout the
entire life of the building.
Other Benefits:
• Reduced energy bills
• Reduced peak electricity demand
• Improved (electrical ) system reliability
• Supports the economy because dollars saved on energy bills tend to be reinvested
locally
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Update Residential
Building Code
28
MEASURE
Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel
Supporting City Polices: Estimated CO Savings in 20120
City Plan Vision — Fort Collins will confront and mitigate the negative impact of cars 21000 - 12,000Tons CO2e
on our life.
Estimated CO2 savings in 20200
Policy ENV-2. 1 Actions on Vehicle Miles Traveled — The City will slow the growth of 14,000 Tons CO2e
vehicle- miles of travel by employing strategies that reduce vehicle trip rates, reduce
vehicle trip length and increase vehicle occupancy. Lead Implementing
Department:
PRINCIPLE T- 1 — The physical organization of the City will be supported by a frame- Planning, Development
work of transportation alternatives that balances access, mobility, safety and emergen - and Transportation
cy response throughout the city, while working towards reducing the rate of growth of
vehicle miles of travel and dependence on the private automobile. Estimated Cost to the City:
Increased capital and operations
PRINCIPLET-2 — Mass transit will be an integral part of the City's overall transportation funding will be needed . (Transit
system . improvement costs will be identi-
fied in the Transit Strategic Plan .)
PRINCIPLET-3 — City transportation programs shall address themselves to reduce
vehicle miles of travel through strategies that reduce trip generation, reduce trip Potential Funding Source(s):
length and increase vehicle occupancy. General fund, state and federal
grants, other grants
PRINCIPLE T-4 — Bicycling will serve as a practical alternative to automobile use for all trip
purposes.
PRINCIPLE T-5 — The City will acknowledge pedestrian travel as a practical transportation
mode and elevate it in importance to be in balance with all other modes. Direct pedestrian
connections will be provided from places of residence to transit, schools, activity centers,
work and public facilities.
Policy 9. 1 Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) — The City will continually strive to reduce the
growth rate in VMT by implementing a VMT reduction program that strives to meet or
exceed the performance of similar programs in comparable cities.
Measure Description : Transportation demand management (also called mobility
management or VMT reduction) includes a range of strategies that improve travel
options and encourage people to use more efficient forms of travel . Reducing travel
demand is in the public interest, provides multiple community benefits and is worthy
of community support and investment.
This measure recommends four key strategies to reduce Fort Collins VMT by almost
2%. Since the City of Fort Collins is already implementing efforts in all of these areas,
these measures refer to efforts beyond the current Ievel . The relative anticipated VMT
reduction from each program area is identified in Table 6.
Collectively, these approaches would avoid 12,000 tons CO2e per year, above the busi-
ness as usual scenario. Accomplishing these objectives will require the provision of
adequate funding and increased partnership and collaboration with other organiza-
tions throughout the community.
Walking and Bicycling Improvements: According to some estimates, 5% to 10% of
automobile trips can reasonably be shifted to non-motorized transport in a typical
urban area, and non- motorized improvements can have leverage effects that increase CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel
29
their importance. This analysis assumes that through a combination of pedestrian and
bicycle programs, 1 % of total Fort Collins VMT could be avoided by 2012, or approxi-
mately 10,000,000 VMT/year reduced . The 2008 Bicycle Plan provides specific recom-
mendations in the areas of engineering and the bike network, education, enforcement,
enhancing community benefits and multi-modal connectivity that, if implemented,
will serve to significantly advance bicycling in Fort Collins.
Transportation Demand Management-Type Program with Employer Focus:
Historically, the Fort Collins SmartTrips program has worked with businesses, schools
and organizations to reduce VMT. More recently, City Transportation Services has
implemented several elements of TDM programs including Fort Collins Bikes, transit
promotions, Test Ride Transfort, Safe Routes to School as well as the updated Passfort
employer bus pass program . The North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organiza-
tion is handling VanPool and carpool activities in the region .
This recommendation calls for a special focus on increasing employee commuter
outreach . Employee commute trip reduction programs have achieved noteworthy
success, including the Seattle area and Utah . Denver's Greenprint plan has established
a goal to increase employee transit ridership 10% over the 2005 baseline level by 2011 .
They assume that 20% of employees approached with a program will participate, and
that those participating reduce 0.55 tons CO2/employee/year (about 1 ,000 miles/year/
employee) . If a Fort Collins commuter outreach program achieved the same level of
effectiveness, this would result in approximately 8,566,000 VMT reduced.
School Transport Management Program: School Transport Management Programs
encourage parents, students and staff members to reduce automobile trips and use
alternative modes for travel to and from schools. These programs generally include
walking, cycling and ridesharing encouragement. In addition, these programs may
have significant long-term impacts by helping children establish more multi- modal
travel habits that continue later in life. (Source: Mobility Management Review at:
http://fcgov.com/airquality/pdf/mm-best- practices06. pdf)
This analysis assumes that at least 1 ,000,000 miles could be avoided through car pool-
ing, Walk a Child to School, Safe Route to School and prize-based competitions encour-
aging students to use and document alternative modes. The number of avoided VMT
could grow through increased efforts to decrease travel by single-occupancy vehicle
to school campuses.
Transit Service Innovations and Improvements: It is recognized that the Mason
Corridor will serve as a key backbone to an enhanced transit system in Fort Collins.
The City is optimistic about receiving federal funding to build the Bus Rapid Transit ele-
ment of the corridor, with completion anticipated by 2011 . The Transit Strategic Plan
update (2008/2009) will foster a dialogue with the community and region on transit
opportunities and challenges; review existing fixed route service and performance
standards; examine the existing four-phased approach to a grid transit network; and
address the financial solutions required to create and sustain a high-performing transit
system for our community and region . Poudre School District and the City of Loveland
are participating as strategic partners.
Recommended Approach for Implementation :
• Fund and implement the 2008 Bicycle Plan
• Complete and consider adoption and funding for the Transit Strategic Plan (2009)
• Implement the Safe Routes to School Program
• Seek funding to implement the Master Streets Plan and transportation
CLIMATE PROTECTION improvements
STRATEGIES
Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel
30
Cost Savings: Fuel and vehicle maintenance savings to participants in VMT-reduction
programs.
Other Benefits: , 1
• Economic development benefits through the expansion of alternative modes
• Improve mobility in Fort Collins
• Reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources
• Reduce vulnerability to energy price increases and volatility
• Reduce air pollution emissions including ozone precursors and fine particles
•�5 11r ram+ �apr�
• Improve public health
• Improve local visibility i6i;
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Reduce Vehicle Miles of Travel
31
MEASURE
Modern Roundabouts
Estimated CO Savings in 2012: Supporting City Polices:
1 ,000 Tons CO2e Policy T-- 1 .2 Multi-Modal Streets — Street corridors will provide for safe, convenient
Estimated CO savings in 2020:
and efficient use of all modes of travel, including motor vehicles, transit, bicycles and
pedestrians.
2,000Tons CO2e
Policy T- 1 .4 Adequate Facilities — The City will ensure the provision of adequate facili-
Lead Implementing ties for the movement of goods and people while maintaining the integrity of existing
Department:Planning, Development streets and minimizing travel- related impacts within neighborhoods.
and Transportation Measure Description : Roundabouts are an alternative to the standard traffic signal
that provide a safer, more efficient, economically advantageous and environmentally
Estimated Cost to the City: friendly way to move traffic along the roadway system . This strategy recommends that
Net savings for O&M; Capital the City build five roundabouts at new or significantly redeveloped intersections by
costs can be variable but typically the end of 2013 . A recent study of 10 Virginia intersections demonstrated 200,000 gal-
roundabouts are less expensive Ions of fuel savings annually, from the construction of roundabouts.
to build than traditional
intersections. Recommended Approach for Implementation : A City 2001 ordinance requires
that roundabouts be considered for any arterial or arterial collectors slated for im-
Potential Funding Source(s): provements. Staff anticipates possible construction of four (possibly five) new round-
Funding for roundabouts abouts in the next few years, including the Ziegler and Horsetooth roundabout that
would come through capital has just been completed .
improvement dollars or private
developers. Other Benefits:
Roundabouts save lives...
Cost Savings: . Up to a 90% reduction in fatalities
Fuel savings to roundabout users • 76% reduction in injury crashes
• 30-40% reduction in pedestrian crashes
• 75% fewer conflict points than a 4-way intersection
Slower vehicle speeds mean...
• Drivers have more time to judge and react to other cars or pedestrians
• An advantageous situation for older and novice drivers
• A reduction in the severity of crashes
• A safer situation for pedestrians
Efficient traffic flow...
• 30-50% increase in traffic capacity
• Reduction in pollution and fuel use
• Improved traffic flow for intersections that handle a high number of left turns
• Reduced need for storage lanes
Money saved...
• No signal equipment to install and repair
• Savings estimated at an average of $ 5,000 per year in electricity & maintenance costs
• Service life of a roundabout is 25 years, compared to 10 years for a traditional traffic
signal
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Modern Roundabouts
32
New Qualitative Measures
This Plan also includes measures that have not been quantified but that can play an
important role in making progress towards the 2020 goal . These measures are outlined
in Table 5 and described on the following pages.
Table 5 — Summary of New Qualitative Measures
Community Engagement
• City of Fort Collins Government Leadership
Transportation
• Seek Adequate Funding to Implement Transportation Plans,
with Funding for Transit as a Priority to Achieve Best Practices
• Develop Partnerships to Reduce Vehicle Travel
• Parking Management
Land Use
• Implement Land Use Code Changes that
Support Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions
• Promote and Pursue Infill and Refill Development
• Promote Transit-Oriented Development
• Consider Requirements for New Developments to Have Less
Travel Demand than Comparable Existing Developments
Green Building
• Regular Updates of Building Energy Codes
• Continued Support for Above Code Green building Initiatives
• Require Green Building as a Prerequisite for Public Financing
• Explore Net Zero Ready Homes
• Explore LEED for Neighborhoods
Urban Forestry
• Promote Tree Planting
Support State and Federal Climate Protection Actions
City of Fort Collins Government Leadership
The City government is well positioned to influence a community's carbon footprint
through modeling best practices for the internal organization and establishing policies
that support greenhouse gas reduction within the community.
This strategy recommends that the City of Fort Collins identify and communicate
overarching organizational goals that will support greenhouse gas reduction, not only
for the municipal government but for the community. It is also recommended that the
City adopt a standard management framework such as ISO ] 4001 , an Environmental
Management System or a Sustainability Management System to implement and track
progress on these overarching goals.
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Qualitative Measures
33
Seek Funding to Implement Transportation Plan
with a Focus on Transit
The 2004Transportation Master Plan contains numerous strategies to improve trans-
portation efficiency, yet there is inadequate funding to fully implement the plan .
In addition to the Transportation Master Plan, the City has numerous plans that sup-
port reduced single-occupancy vehicle trips, including the Bicycle Plan Update, the
Pedestrian Plan and the Transit Plan . Further, Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) strategies are most effective when they are implemented as an integrated
package, where strategies can support each other (e.g ., improved transit along with
improved pedestrian access to bus stops) .
It is recommended that the City dedicate resources to pursue funding to finance the
key components of the 2004Transportation Master Plan and associated TDM Plans,
with a special emphasis on expanding transit infrastructure and completing enhanced
travel corridors.
Develop Partnerships to Reduce Vehicle Travel
Seek to develop effective partnerships among major community and regional institu-
tions to reduce single-occupancy trips. Optimizing mobility management in Fort Collins
will require active support not only from the City Council, but also from the North Front
Range MPO, major employers, Poudre School District, Colorado State University, the
Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association and many others.
Table 6 — Multiple Benefits of Transportation Demand Management
Economic Social Environmental
• Reduced congestion • Improved mobility • Energy conservation
• Road and parking cost for non-drivers . Reduced air, noise
savings • Increased community and water pollution
• Consumer cost livability • Reduced pavement
savings • Improved public and sprawl
• Crash cost savings health and fitness
• Increased local
employment and
business activity
As large Fort Collins institutions examine their footprint (environmental, economic and
social impacts), the Fort Collins City Council could encourage each of them, including
the City of Fort Collins, to include the impact of all the vehicle trips taken to and from
their campuses, and to become active in finding ways to reduce them . The City Council
could perhaps offer a sample resolution that each organization could adopt. Partner-
ships could also be extended through channels such as the Mason Corridor Project,
Downtown Area planning, and the UniverCity Connections.
Parking Management
Parking Management includes a variety of strategies that encourage more efficient use
of existing parking facilities, improve the quality of service provided to parking facility
CLIMATE PROTECTION users and improve parking facility design . Current parking planning practices (such as
STRATEGIES generous minimum parking requirements and public provision of on - and off-street
Qualitative Measures parking) tend to result in abundant and generally free parking at most destinations.
34
This subsidizes automobile travel and encourages lower-density land use patterns.
More efficient parking management can address these problems, helping to achieve a
variety of transportation, land use development, economic and environmental objec-
tives. Examples of parking management programs include:
• Create a downtown parking district to optimize the parking resource and reduce
pollution and congestion .
• Optimize the availability and use of parking garages.
• Encourage use of low emission vehicles by offering free parking spaces or low cost PL
parking to those vehicles.
• Implement parking cash out programs that allows employees to opt-out of having a
parking space and instead receive compensation .
In addition to new strategies, parking management elements can be implemented
through existing projects such as the Mason Corridor, the Downtown Way Finding
Project and the Transit-Oriented Development Overlay Zone.
Implement Land Use Code Changes that Support Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Reductions
City Plan contains the community's 2010 greenhouse gas policy goal to reduce
emissions 30% below predicted 2010 levels by 2010. Additionally, City Plan and the
resulting Structure Plan were built upon the analysis of a range of density and land use
configurations. The final scenario upon which these plans were built optimized trans-
portation and land use efficiencies.
While City Plan policies and the Structure Plan support smart growth, the City could
improve the speed of implementation . Many of these changes would be made within
the Land Use Code that implements City Plan and the Structure Plan . Specific recom-
mendations for Fort Collins include:
• Adhere to the existing Structure Plan .
• Implement Green Roofs.
• Marry historic preservation efforts with green building .
• Establish requirements for green building in affordable housing developments.
• Establish and require a minimum level of green building standards for any develop-
ment project to receive City subsidies.
• Enhance public/private partnership to support green building and sustainable
design .
• Consider incentives in the development review process for green building.
• Develop a revolving zero interest loan fund to help developers of green projects
overcome initial upfront high development costs.
Promote and Pursue Infill and Refill Development
Infill and refill developments have the potential to address air quality and greenhouse
gas emissions by reducing the number of vehicle miles of travel (VMT) and allowing
easier access to transit and pedestrian-oriented facilities. According to the Center for
Clean Air Policy's Transportation Emissions Guidebook, infill and brownfield redevel-
opment has the largest potential for reducing site-specific VMT. These strategies are
believed to reduce VMT 15-50%. (The only other strategy showing up to a 50% VMT
reduction potential in this source is "smart school siting" )
Redevelopment and infill can help revitalize aging commercial areas, contribute to the CLIMATE PROTECTION
vitality of Fort Collins downtown area and add variety to our housing opportunities. STRATEGIES
Qualitative Measures
35
Experience has shown, however, redevelopment and infill projects frequently encoun-
ter particular challenges - obsolete structures, contamination, poor access to utilities,
public opposition, etc. impeding development.
In 2006 EDAW completed a report for the City of Fort Collins that identified a number
of challenges and solutions to refill development. The Refill Fort Collins 2006 report
specifically identifies the challenge that the City fee structure can be unreasonably
burdensome for infill and redevelopment projects. Recommended solutions include:
y� Consider the use of public/private financing mechanisms to pay for needed infra-
structure improvements and infill/refill areas.
Consider reduction of fees in specially designated redevelopment areas.
Promote Transit- Oriented Development
Transit-oriented development is one of the top strategies for reducing a community's
carbon footprint from transportation . The Center for Clean Air Policy's Transporta-
tion Emissions Guidebook lists this as typically reducing VMT by 20-30%. Fort Collins
already has established at TOD overlay zone along the Mason Corridor. A second
potential location would be along the Harmony Corridor.
Consider Requirements for All New Developments to have
Less Travel Demand than Comparable Existing Developments
The City of Aspen has included a strategy in their Climate Action Plan to establish a city
policy to require a net decrease in transportation-related emissions compared to exist-
ing developments, such as affordable housing projects. For some developments, this
may involve purchasing carbon offsets for new emissions.
Green Building
Promote green building in new and existing buildings as an overall strategy to im-
prove the built environment and reduce carbon emissions. The Fort Collins Green
Building Roadmap provides a summary of current programs and services related to
green building and a set of recommendations for advancing green building efforts.
The recommendations are specific actions that can be undertaken now and in the
future to sustain green building in Fort Collins. These specific actions are categorized
according to the following four general actions:
1 ) Mandate minimum performance and remove barriers
2) Encourage green building innovation
3) Reward green building success
4) Build internal City capacity to support green building
Potential strategies for reducing carbon emissions through green building include are
discussed below.
Regular Updates on Building Energy Codes
New construction and major renovation represent cost-effective times to incorporate
energy efficiency measures into buildings because the improvements can be financed
as part of the entire package, and benefits are realized throughout the entire life of the
building .
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Qualitative Measures
36
Continued Support for 'Above Code' Green Guilding Initiatives
Many "above code" initiatives already exist, including the Northern Colorado ENERGY
STAR New Homes collaboration and the Integrated Design Assistance Program :
• http://www.fcgov.com/conservation/biz-idap.php
• http://www. nocoenergystarhomes.org/
Require Green Building as a Prerequisite for Public Financing
The City of Fort Collins' Roadmap for Green Building calls for a mid-term strategy
(within three years) to require green building as a prerequisite for any projects that
offer public financing. The City already has a Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design ( LEED) goal for new City buildings. This strategy recommends developing new
policies requiring green building targets for projects that receive direct or indirect
public financing from the City. I ,
As one example, the Portland Development Commission's Green Building Program 1
requires developers receiving financial assistance from the commission, as well as
direct commission funded projects, to integrate green building practices into con-
struction projects and meet established LEED standards.
Promote Net Zero Ready Homes
This measures calls for the exploration of building codes and ordinances requiring
that all homes over a certain size be required to achieve net zero energy use and the
expansion of this requirement, over time, to all new homes.
Austin, TX, intends to pass a series of code amendments that will make new homes
built by 2015 all "net zero" capable. See: http://ci .austin .tx. us/council/downloads/
mw_zech_release.pdf
Boulder County has included a "Net Zero Energy Homes" strategy in their
Sustainable Energy Plan approved by County Commissioners in February 2008.
See: http://bouldercounty.org/sustain/pdf/SEP_final_draft.pdf
Promote LEED for Neighborhoods
The LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System integrates the principles of
smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first national system for neighbor-
hood design . LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that
a development's location and design meet accepted high levels of environmentally
responsible, sustainable development.
Currently in its pilot period, LEED for Neighborhood Development is a collaboration
among the U.S. Green Building Council, the Congress for the New Urbanism and the
Natural Resources Defense Council . The City of Fort Collins should consider incorpora-
tion of LEED for Neighborhood requirements into the development review process.
Urban Tree Planting
Urban trees are a good economic and environmental investment. A study published in
2003 in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service, the Center for Urban Forest
Research and the City of Fort Collins (Benefit-CostAnalysis of Fort CollinsWunicipal CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Qualitative Measures
37
Forest) concludes that the 31 ,000 park and street trees in Fort Collins provide substan-
tial environmental and economic benefits for taxpayers. For every $ 1 invested in tree
management, residents receive $2. 18 in benefits. The net cost benefits are presented
below.
Energy savings $ 112,045
Carbon dioxide reduction $43,686
Air quality improvement $ 18,472
` Stormwater $403,597
a Property value $ 1 ,596,247
TOTAL BENEFITS $2, 147,047
_ Goals should be established to maximize responsible tree planting on public and
private propertytofill emptyplanting spaces. Trees should be strategically planted
k _ to optimize building energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling needs. Trees
should be selected and maintained in a way that minimizes carbon emissions associ-
ated with maintenance, fertilizers and irrigation .
Partnerships with other local organizations could be developed to increase local tree
planting. For example, the City of Boulder set a long-term goal to increase industrial
canopy cover from 7% to 9%. Denver set a goal to plant thousands of new trees an -
nually in parks, natural areas and on private property, thus increasing Denver's tree
canopy from 6% to a total of 18% tree cover, as identified in the Denver Parks Game
Plan . Portland planted 750,000 trees and shrubs between 1996 and 2005 to help
sequester carbon emissions.
Promote Climate Protection and Adaptation Strategies at
State, Regional and Federal Levels
While Fort Collins' climate protection efforts should not be unduly reliant on actions
at other levels of government to reach its stated goals, local progress could be greatly
advanced by passage of climate protection programs at the state and federal levels.
Fort Collins should support or lobby for legislation that cost-effectively reduces green-
house gas emission . Some programs are better addressed at high levels of govern-
ment. Examples include regulations to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of trans-
portation fuels and/or establish greenhouse gas emissions standards for new vehicles.
CLIMATE PROTECTION
STRATEGIES
Qualitative Measures
38
Monitoring and Reporting - �
IWLA
A key to the achievement of any goal is measurement and accountability. Council
Resolution 2008-051 establishes regular reporting requirements for assessing progress
towards established climate goals.
Metrics
Progress towards the 2020 goal will be monitored through changes to the community-
wide emissions inventory. During 2009 the City will assess its inventory methodology
and update it if appropriate. As inventory methodologies evolve, the baseline (2005)
and subsequent inventories will be updated to reflect those changes.
Y
Annual Report
City Council Resolution 2008-051 calls for an annual report tracking progress toward A a
attainment of the goals established for 2020 and 2050. This annual report should
include an evaluation of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and a list of
quantified reduction activities for the prior year. This report will be prepared by the
City's Energy Management Team and presented to the City Manager no later than June
for the prior year. Annual reporting will commence in 2009 for the year of 2008.
Biennial Review
City Council Resolution 2008-051 also establishes a requirement that biennially, at
least six months in advance of the City's budget, a report should be prepared that
evaluates progress on greenhouse gas reduction relative to interim milestones and
recommend actions for future implementation . The interim milestones identified in
Table 7 below approximate a linear descent from 2007 to 2020. However, progress
towards the 2020 goal may not follow a linear path, as some programs take longer to
ramp up and as future carbon reduction opportunities emerge. The biennial review
process will address progress towards the 2020 goal and recommend adjustments as
necessary.
The biennial review reports will serve as informal updates to the Climate Action Plan .
Table 7 — Biennial Review Schedule
Annual
Progress Milestone Biennial Budget
Year Report (Tons CO) Review Recommendations
2009 X Fall 2009 for 2010/2011
2010 X
2011 X Spring 2011 for 2010 Fall 2011 for 2012/2013
2012 X 21466,000
2013 X Spring 2013 for 2012 Fall 2013 for 2014/2015
2014 X
2015 X Spring 2015 for 2014 Fall 2015 for 2016/2017
2016 X 2,263,000
2017 X Spring 2017 for 2016 Fall 2017 for 2018/2019
2018 X
2019 X Spring 2019 for 2018 Fall 2019 for 2020/2021
2020 X 2,032,000
MONITORING AND REPORTING
39
Conclusion
'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
— Lao Tzu
Fort Collins has been a pioneer in climate protection among US cities and continues
to lead the way. Since taking a momentous step in 1999 when City Council committed
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Fort Collins recognized the significance of global
` climate change and embraced the active role its citizens play in this challenging local
task with global implications.
r Through innovation, leadership and local involvement, the community has benefited
significantly from climate protection actions. Thanks to the success of the voluntary
Climate Wise program, for example, innovative businesses avoided emitting more than
82,000 tons of CO2e, while saving over $ 12 million since 2000. Thanks to foresight in
leadership, Fort Collins established the first renewable energy standard in the State of
Colorado. And our participatory community tells us through recent surveys that they
not only support but also expect further greening efforts.
Clearly, our community is ready to tackle the next set of climate protection action chal -
lenges that recommits our City to the shared duty of reducing our local greenhouse
gas emissions. Stepping up to the plate again with vision and leadership in May 2008,
the Fort Collins City Council established an aggressive goal to reduce emissions 80%
by 2025, an interim reduction goal of 20% by 2020 and an insightful 2012 check-point
to ensure we remain on track to the longer-term goals.
Reducing emissions 80% by 2050 sets Fort Collins on the path towards a sustainable
future. The mid-term target to reduce emissions 20% by 2020 represents an ambitious
undertaking that is within our grasp. Both goals will require staunch commitment and
participation by all community sectors and forward-thinking leadership by City gov-
ernment and other large organizations in Fort Collins.
Our path to making significant progress early on is guided by the hard-working efforts
of the Fort Collins Climate Task Force that developed specific, short-term strategies.
They also recommended that work begin on important long-term strategies, such as
setting performance standards for new buildings, establishing land use policies that
will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and seeking funding to build sustainable trans-
portation systems. Additional work will be needed to develop short-term implementa-
tion plans as well as longer-term plans to clarify the path to 2020 and 2050 goals.
The time for action is now. We have begun this journey alongside other committed
municipalities, state agencies, universities, business and citizens in Colorado's Front
Range and around the nation . Working cooperatively, we can reduce our emissions,
maximize technologies and co-create the evolution of carbon markets. Together we
can sow the seeds to reap the benefits of a more sustainable life experience for our-
selves and generations to come.
CONCLUSION
40
Appendix — City Council Resolution 2008 - 51
RESOLUTION 2008-051
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ESTABLISHING CITY GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION GOALS
WHEREAS, there is widespread consensus that human emissions of greenhouse gases are impacting the earth's
climate system, causing the potential for unprecedented large-scale adverse health, social, economic and ecological
effects; and
WHEREAS, climate disruption is likely to cause, and may already be causing, damage to the environmental and
economic health of Colorado communities, risks associated with reduced snow pack that could affect both water sup-
ply and tourism, and secondary impacts such as changes in agriculture economics ; and
WHEREAS, local governments can greatly influence their communities ' greenhouse gas emissions by exercising
key powers over land use, transportation, building construction, waste management, and, in many cases, energy and
water supplies and management; and
WHEREAS, there is currently no comprehensive federal regulations of greenhouse gas emissions and the United
States is itself the largest per capita emitter of greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate for local governments to take responsibility for emissions occurring within their
jurisdictions since local community actions can speed the development of technology-based solutions and more rap-
idly promote market transformation that will help drive reductions in global emission levels ; and
WHEREAS, the Fort Collins community could realize tremendous ancillary economic, environmental, and social
benefits by undertaking responsible steps to combat climate change; and
WHEREAS, by the adoption of Resolution 1999- 137, the City Council established a policy that the City shall
proactively identify and implement actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the City by at least 30% below
predicted 2010 levels by 2010 while achieving cost-effectiveness in each program; and
WHEREAS, by the adoption of Resolution 1999- 137, the City Council established a policy that the City shall
proactively identify and implement actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the city by at least 30% below
predicted 2010 levels by 201 while achieving cost-effectiveness in each program; and
WHEREAS, the City has demonstrated its leadership on the issue of climate protection through the implementa-
tion of Climate Wise, the Electric Energy Supply Policy, recycling initiatives and other programs to reduce emis-
sions, and should continue to lead by example so as to encourage other communities across the region, state, and
globe to share in the solution to the problem of greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, despite this progress, Fort Collins is not on track to meet the greenhouse gas emissions goal estab-
lished by Resolution 1999- 137 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to an inventory level of 2 .466 million tons in the
year 2010; and
WHEREAS, the Fort Collins community offers a unique combination of innovation and technical expertise that
can be utilized to develop long-term sustainable solutions and facilitate all sectors and organizations in Fort Collins
in taking action to reduce emissions; and
WHEREAS, scientists have identified a need to reduce the global emission of greenhouse gases by 80% by the
year 2050, at the latest, in order to avert the worst impacts of global warming; and
WHEREAS, the 2007 recommendations of the Colorado Climate Project convened by the Rocky Mountain
Climate Organization to reduce the state 's contribution and vulnerability to climate change include reducing state-
wide emissions in the vicinity of 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050; and
WHEREAS, the 2007 Colorado Climate Action Plan establishes these same goals ; and
APPENDIX -
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION
41
WHEREAS, the City Council is intent upon continuing its efforts to achieve meaningful reductions in local
greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, aligning local greenhouse gas goals with state goals will minimize confusion on the part of the pub-
lic and facilitate statewide collaboration in reducing the damage caused and risks created by greenhouse gas emis-
sions, and
WHEREAS, the Fort Collins Climate Task Force has recommended that Council include in this Resolution an
additional goal to the effect that the Fort Collins community reduce its current greenhouse gas emissions so that, by
the end of 2012, such emissions do not exceed 2 .466 million tons .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows :
Section 1 . That the Council hereby establishes the goals of reducing Fort Collins ' community-wide greenhouse
gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050.
Section 2 . That, pending attainment of such goals, the Council hereby expresses its intent to reduce current
community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2012 to a level not to exceed 2 .466 million tons .
Section 3 . That the City government must lead by example in this area by minimizing greenhouse gas emis-
sions in its own operations through the establishment of policies and directions that will lead the community to a
sustainable future, and, most importantly, by inspiring community involvement in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
Section 4 . That the City Manager is hereby directed to prepare for Council consideration an updated plan to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the Fort Collins community that identifies interim milestones needed to put
Fort Collins on a trajectory to meet the 2020 goal, including a milestone for the year 2012 referenced in Section 2
above.
Section 5 . That such updated plan shall include a list of strategies demonstrating how interim milestones can
be met and that these strategies should: consider relevant technical, economic, political, and social factors; promote
economic vitality and prioritize investments in the Fort Collins community; address all emissions sectors; and pro-
mote involvement by all segments of the community (local businesses, governments, utilities, schools, universities,
non-profit organizations, homeowners, and other individuals) .
Section 6 . That the City Manager is further hereby directed to : (a) prepare an annual report tracking progress
toward attainment of the goals established herein, including a community-wide greenhouse gas emissions inventory
and a list of quantified emission reductions actions for the preceding calendar year; and (b) biennially, at least six
months in advance of the City 's biennial budget preparation, prepare a report evaluating progress on greenhouse gas
reduction relative to established interim milestones and recommending actions for consideration in the upcoming
budget cycle.
Section 7 . That the Council hereby recognizes that new data, scientific findings, mitigation technologies, and
quantification methodologies may emerge over time and that future Councils may choose to update the community
greenhouse gas goal to take in account evolving science, technology or other opportunities.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Co s this 20th day of Ma A.D . 2008 .
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk fC&LQc�rr�
APPENDIX -
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION
42
City of
Fort Collins
For more information,
visit http://fcgov.com/cli mate protection
or call the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department
at (970) 221 -6600