HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 Bozeman Community Climate Action PlanBozeman Community
Climate Action Plan
2011
Photo Source MSU: Hyalite Reservoir
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 2
Hattie Baker, climateprotection@bozeman.net
Principal contacts: Natalie Meyer, Climate Protection Coordinator, 406-582-2317,
nmeyer@bozeman.net
City of Bozeman
Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement
121 North Rouse
Bozeman, MT 59715
www.bozeman.net
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Acknowledgments
This report is the culmination of a yearlong effort, the result of which would not have been possible
without the assistance of many people.
Task Force Members
Mary Cloud Ammons, Chair Inter-Neighborhood
Council
Kevin Barre, Facilities Director Bozeman Public
Schools
Scott Bischke, Citizen-at-large
Jeff Butler, Director of Facilities Operation and
Maintenance, Montana State University
Lee Hazelbaker, Director HRDC/Streamline/Galavan
Transportation
Mel Kotur, Community Relations Manager
Northwestern Energy
Anders Lewendal, President, Southwest Montana
Building Industry Association
Bill Murdock, Gallatin County Commissioner
Chris Naumann, Executive Director Downtown
Business Partnership
Daryl Nourse, Chamber of Commerce
Otto Pohl, Citizen-at-large
Dawn Smith, U.S. Green Building Council
Dan Stevenson, Assistant Facilities Director,
Montana State University
John Vincent, Montana Public Service Commissioner
Leroy Wilson, Director Facility Services, Bozeman
Deaconess Hospital
Residential Working Group Members
Susan Bilo, Citizen
Casey Dudley, Kath Williams LEED Consultant
Gary Gannon, TruVue Solution
Heather Higinbotham, Yellowstone Business
Partnership
Adrien Tanguay, Carbon Neutral Builders
Jon Shafer, Powerhouse
Commercial Working Group Members
Joshua Bowden, Gradient Systems
Bill Stoddart, D.A. Davidson
Gary Gannon, TruVue Solution
Pete Strom, Powerhouse
Transportation Working Group Members
David Boggeman, Retired MSU Chemist
Lisa Ballard-Current Transportation Solutions
Ron Gompertz- EcoAuto
Ted Lange- Gallatin Valley Land Trust
Waste Water & Recycling Working Group
Members
Jonas Grenz, Gradient Systems
Heather Higinbotham, Yellowstone Business
Partnership
Dennis Steinhauer, Powerhouse
Wendy Weaver, Green Stone Consulting
Beth Schneider, Triple R Recycling
City Staff & Interns
Gabriele Dennehy, IT
Brit Fontenot, Economic Development Coordinator
Paulae Frojae, Building Inspector
Rob Green, Sanitation
Mike Haddock, IT
Jon Henderson, Geographical Information Systems
Steve Johnson, Sanitation Superintendant
Marina Krob, IT
Brian Krueger, Planner
Natalie Meyer, Climate Protection Coordinator
Rebecca Piersol, Sustainability Intern
Chris Saunders, Assistant Planning Director
Karen Semerau, City Manager’s Office
City Sustainability Team
Economic Development Council
We would also like to thank the locally owned restaurants who partnered with the Mayor’s Climate Task
Force:
Community Food Co-Op
John Bozeman Bistro
MacKenzie River Pizza
Nova Café
Sola Café
Weebee’s
Finally, thank you to the New Priorities Foundation for providing the grant to fund this project.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Executive Summary
The Mayor of Bozeman signed the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement (MCPA) in November 2006.
The purpose of this agreement is to engage US cities to decrease their output of gases known to cause
global warming. As of 2011, over 1,000 Mayors across the United States signed onto the MCPA thereby
committing their cities to attempt to meet measurable goals for greenhouse gas reductions. The 5
milestone process for achieving greenhouse gas reductions include:
1. Conduct an emissions inventory
2. Set a reduction target
3. Develop a climate action plan
4. Implement policies and measures
5. Monitor and verify results
Scientific evidence clearly tells us that the Earth is warming, and that anthropogenic (man-made) causes
are influencing this trend. That was the conclusion of the second scientific assessment of the United
Nation Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988 and reinforced by the third and
fourth scientific assessments by the IPCC submitted in 2001 and 2007. In 2007 the IPCC concluded, “The
balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate.”
An emission inventory, measuring fossil fuel based sources in Bozeman, was performed for the years
2000 and 2008. This inventory is a snapshot of greenhouse gas emissions in Bozeman and should not be
considered a detailed engineering analysis of all sources. Emissions measured include electricity and
natural gas usage in the residential and commercial building sectors, gasoline and diesel usage through
vehicle miles traveled in the transportation sector, and landfill operations in the waste sector. Total
emissions for 2000 was 365,843 metric tons of CO2e; 36 percent of total emissions came from the
residential sector with 133,100MT of CO2e; 41 percent from the commercial sector with 148,010MT of
CO2e; 19 percent from the transportation sector with 70,965MT of CO2e, and 4 percent from the waste
sector with 13,769MT of CO2e. Total emissions for 2008 was 524,062 metric tons of CO2e; 34 percent of
emissions came from the residential sector with 179,908MT of CO2e; 38 percent from the commercial
sector with 197,822MT of CO2e; 26 percent from the transportation sector with 137,372MT of CO2e; and
2 percent from the waste sector with 8,961MT of CO2e
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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The Mayors’ Community Climate Task Force (MCCTF), a 15 member stakeholder group, was appointed in
October 2009 to develop recommendations for the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP).The MCCTF
recognizes that there is no silver bullet in reducing emissions. Greenhouse gas reduction policies are far
reaching and affect all sectors of society; for this reason, a holistic approach to GHG mitigation
management must be used to effectively address climate change reduction strategies. After careful
consideration and thoughtful planning, the MCCTF proposes a two part approach to reduction.
1) Reduce emissions to 10MT per capita by 2020 with aggressive conservation measures
2) Reduce emissions to 10 percent below 2008 levels by 2025 by developing alternative energy
capacity
Realistic and achievable goals along with innovative ideas were balanced to provide policies from which
city officials can make effective decisions. Carbon reduction policies are fiscally responsible. By
encouraging greater efficiency in energy use, they provide for significant savings over the long term.; for
this reason the task force believes the recommendations in this report will create a healthy community,
“green” jobs, and save taxpayer dollars
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Summary of Recommendations
Table 1: Summary of Recommendations
Item Description Yearly Carbon Reduction
Metric Tons CO2e
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
CEI1 CREATE A COMMUNITY COORDINATOR POSITION N/A
CEI2 APPOINT A PERMANENT CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD N/A
CEI3 SUPPORT THE YELLOWSTONE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP N/A
CEI4 PARTICIPATE IN THE SOUTHWEST MONTANA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION HOME SHOW N/A
CEI5 PROMOTE NORTHWESTERN ENERGY REBATES 85
CEI6 PROMOTE THE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION CLUBS N/A
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDING
RCB1 REQUIRE BENCHMARKING AT POINT OF SALE FOR ALL COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS N/A
RCB2 REQUIRE COMMISSIONING FOR ALL NEW COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION 938
RCB3 LAUNCH A 10 PERCENT ENERGY REDUCTION CHALLENGE FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
BUILDINGS
1,370
RCB4 ADOPT A RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION ORDINANCE
(RECO/CECO)
N/A
RCB5 REQUIRE BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS FOR MUNICIPALLY FUNDED PROJECTS N/A
RCB6 ENCOURAGE PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN AT THE PLANNING STAGE 2,500
RCB7 SUPPORT PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY (PACE) BOND LEGISLATION 1,130
RCB8 SUPPORT ARCHITECTURE 14X STIMULUS LEGISLATION 1,130
TRANSPORTATION
TSP1 EXPAND AND IMPROVE MULTI-MODAL INFRASTRUCTURE 700
TSP2 ALLOCATE A 1MILL LEVY FOR STREAMLINE DIRECTLY 175
TSP3 INSTALL PAY ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS 22
TSP4 ADOPT AN ANTI IDLING ORDINANCE 230
TSP5 BIKE AND SHOWERS IN LIEU OF PARKING SPACES 7
TSP6 INTERCONNECT AND ENHANCE SIDEWALK NETWORK 150
TSP7 SUPPORT A LOCAL OPTION GAS TAX 100
TSP8 EXAMINE EMISSIONS FROM GALLATIN FIELD AIRPORT N/A
TSP9 REFORM TAXI PERMITTING PROCESS N/A
WASTE, WATER, & RECYCLING
WWR1 CONDUCT A FULL WASTE FACILITY STUDY N/A
WWR2 EXPAND/REQUIRE CURRENT COMPOSTING PROGRAM 35
WWR3 PROMOTE RECYCLING N/A
WWR4 ADOPT A 5 CENT FEE ON PLASTIC BAGS N/A
WWR5 SUPPORT AN INCREASE IN TIPPING FEES TO ENCOURAGE WASTE REDUCTION 240
WWR6 SUPPORT AN OPT-OUT POLICY FOR THE DELIVERY OF PHONE BOOKS N/A
ENERGY PRODUCTION
EP1 DEVELOP AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PLAN N/A
EP2 DEVELOP SOLAR HOT WATER PROGRAM 400
EP3 SOLICIT THIRD PARTY SOLAR PHOTO VOLTAIC LEASE PROGRAM N/A
EP4 EXPLORE RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT OPTIONS 31,200
EP5 CREATE REGIONAL ENERGY TEAM N/A
EP6 DEVELOP INCENTIVES FOR COMMERCIAL SOLAR PHOTO VOLTAIC PROGRAM 548
EP7 SUPPORT INCENTIVES FOR CURRENT NET-METERING LEGISLATION 330
EP8 HYDRO-GENERATION CAPABILITY MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE CONSIDERATION OF A NEW DAM N/A
EP9 DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE ENERGY POTENTIAL AT CITY FACILITIES N/A
EP10 EXAMINE POTENTIAL OF METHANE CAPTURE FROM LOGAN LANDFILL N/A
TOTAL REDUCTION POTENTIAL 41,290
*N/A refers to the fact that many Task Force recommendations are for studies for action. Until the change resulting from these studies is more
tightly defined, it is not possible to quantify CO2e reductions. However, all Task Force recommendations have CO2e reduction as their final goal
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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CONTENTS
Acknowledgments........................................................................................................................... 3
Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 5
Summary of Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 7
List of Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................... 11
Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................... 12
Global Warming: A Brief Summary .......................................................................................... 12
Global Warming Potential and CO2e ..................................................................................... 14
Global Warming Potential Units of Measure ........................................................................ 15
Chapter 2: Climate Change and Bozeman ................................................................................... 16
Climate Change Impacts to our Bozeman Community ............................................................. 16
What is Bozeman Doing About Climate Change? ..................................................................... 16
Mayors Climate Protection Agreement ................................................................................. 16
Mayors’ Community Climate Task Force ............................................................................... 17
Bozeman Global Warming Gas Reduction Goal .................................................................... 17
Scope of this Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) .......................................................... 20
Community CAP Process ........................................................................................................ 21
Chapter 3: Bozeman Emissions Inventory ................................................................................... 22
Community Emissions Inventory ............................................................................................... 22
Boundary Definition............................................................................................................... 24
Defining Emissions .................................................................................................................... 27
Per Capita Emissions .............................................................................................................. 27
Carbon Footprint ................................................................................................................... 27
Source .................................................................................................................................... 27
Residential: Electricity and Natural Gas .................................................................................... 28
Commercial: Electricity and Natural Gas .................................................................................. 28
GS-1 and GS-2 ........................................................................................................................ 29
Irrigation .................................................................................................................................... 31
Transportation ........................................................................................................................... 31
Vehicle Miles Traveled ........................................................................................................... 31
Streamline Bus System .......................................................................................................... 31
Waste ........................................................................................................................................ 32
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Story Mill and Logan Landfill ................................................................................................. 32
Waste to Energy .................................................................................................................... 32
Recycling ................................................................................................................................ 32
Chapter 4: Municipal Climate Action Plan ................................................................................... 34
Description ................................................................................................................................ 34
Recommendations .................................................................................................................... 34
Chapter 5: Community Engagement and Implementation ......................................................... 37
Description ................................................................................................................................ 37
Summary of Recommendations ................................................................................................ 37
Community Spotlight .................................................................................................................... 45
Neighborhood Conservation Clubs ........................................................................................... 45
Chapter 6: Residential and Commercial Buildings .......................................................................... 46
Description ................................................................................................................................ 46
Strategies ................................................................................................................................... 46
Existing Measures ...................................................................................................................... 46
Summary of Recommendations ................................................................................................ 47
Community Spotlight .................................................................................................................... 56
Bozeman Deaconess Hospital ................................................................................................ 56
Chapter 7: Transportation ........................................................................................................... 57
Description ................................................................................................................................ 57
Strategies ................................................................................................................................... 57
Existing Measures ...................................................................................................................... 57
Summary of Recommendations ................................................................................................ 58
Community Spotlight .................................................................................................................... 72
Bozeman Public Schools Safe Routes to School Program ......................................................... 72
Chapter 8: Waste, Water, & Recycling......................................................................................... 73
Description ................................................................................................................................ 73
Strategies ................................................................................................................................... 73
Existing Measures ...................................................................................................................... 73
Summary of Recommendations ................................................................................................ 73
Community Spotlight .................................................................................................................... 81
Bozeman Toilet Rebate Program .............................................................................................. 81
Chapter 9: Energy Production ...................................................................................................... 82
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Description ................................................................................................................................ 82
Strategies ................................................................................................................................... 82
Setting Bozeman’s Municipal Reduction Goal .......................................................................... 83
Summary of Recommendations ................................................................................................ 84
Appendix A .................................................................................................................................... 97
Raw Data ................................................................................................................................... 97
Appendix B .................................................................................................................................... 98
Mayors Climate Protection Agreement .................................................................................... 98
Appendix C .................................................................................................................................... 99
CAPPA Calculations ................................................................................................................... 99
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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List of Abbreviations
AERO- Alternative Energy Resource
Organization
ASHRAE- American Society of Heating
Refrigerating and Air
Conditioning Engineers
BBAB- Bozeman Bicycle Advisory Board
BLM- Bureau of Land Management
BTU- British Thermal Unit
CACP- Clean Air Climate Protection
CAPPA- Climate and Air Pollution
Planning Assistant
CAP- Climate Action Plan
CCAP- Community Climate Action Plan
CO2- Carbon Dioxide
CO2e- Carbon Dioxide Equivalent
COB- City of Bozeman
CFL-Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb
CH4- Methane
CTEP-Community Transportation
Enhancement Program
DBA- Downtown Business Association
DEQ- Department of Environmental
Quality
DSM- Demand Side Management
EDP- Economic Development Plan
EPA- Environmental Protection Agency
EV- Electric Vehicles
FDA- Food and Drug Administration
FERC- Federal Energy Regulatory
Committee
FTA- Federal Transit Authority
GHG- Greenhouse Gas
GPF- Gallons per Flush
GSWMD-Gallatin Solid Waste
Management District
GVLT- Gallatin Valley Land Trust
GZWC-Gallatin Zero Waste Coalition
HVAC-Heating Ventilation and Air
Conditioning
HRDC- Human Resource Defense
Council
ICLEI- Local Governments for
Sustainability
INC- Inter-Neighborhood Council
IPCC- Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change
kWh- Kilowatt Hour
LED-Light Emitting Diode
LEED- Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design
LMOP- Landfill Methane Outreach
Program
MCA- Montana Code Annotated
MCAP- Municipal Climate Action Plan
MCCTF- Mayor’s Community Climate
Task Force
MDT- Montana Department of
Transportation
MSU- Montana State University
MSW- Municipal Solid Waste
MT- Metric Tons
N2O- Nitrous Oxide
NCC- Neighborhood Conservation Clubs
NWE- NorthWestern Energy
PC&D- Planning and Community
Development
PPM- Parts Per Million
PROST- Parks, Recreation, Open Space
and Trails
PSC- Public Service Commission
RPS- Renewable Portfolio Standard
SCFM-Square Cubic Feet Per Minute
SWMBIA- Southwest Montana Building
Industry Association
TCC- Transportation Coordinating
Committee
TIF- Tax Increment Financing
USGBC - United States Green Building
Council
USDA-United States Department of
Agriculture
WARM- Waste Reduction Model
WRF- Water Reclamation Facility
YBP- Yellowstone Business Partnership
Chapter 1: Introduction
The City of Bozeman recognizes the impacts and implications of climate change if immediate and
aggressive policies are not taken to begin mitigating for anthropogenic (man-made) greenhouse gas
(GHG) concentrations which are a major cause of global warming. Urged by the Citizens Concerned for
Climate Change, the Bozeman City Commission signed onto the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement
(MCPA) in November 2006 (Appendix B). This report is a reflection of the citizen led effort to address
climate change concerns in Bozeman
The City of Bozeman hired Sustainability Planning Solutions through a grant by the New Priorities
Foundation in February 2009 to complete the Bozeman Climate Action Plan (CAP) (as described later,
this was split into two efforts, the Municipal CAP, and a Community CAP) . The CAP identifies ways in
which the community can begin addressing climate change. The Mayor’s Community Climate Task Force
(MCCTF) was appointed in October 2009 to develop the Community CAP (CCAP).
The MCCTF met once a month to review and discuss the scope of the CAP. In addition, technical working
group members representing industry experts from each sector were appointed and met from February
2010 to May 2010. The City of Bozeman has been leading by example with the adoption and
implementation of the Municipal CAP. This document represents the Community Climate Action Plan. It
is important to stress that this plan is the second part to a two-part plan which fulfills the
requirements of the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.
The recommendations provided in this Community CAP are divided into five sections: (1) Community
Engagement & Implementation (2) Residential & Commercial Building, (3) Transportation; (4) Waste,
Water & Recycling, and (5) Energy Production. Chapters 1 and 2 describe the scientific basis for climate
change and its effect on Bozeman. Chapter 3 discusses the results of the emissions inventory. Chapter 4
discusses the Municipal Climate Action Plan. Chapters 5-9 provide specific recommendations for each
sector. Each recommendation is given a description and summary of benefits. Given the nature of the
board, specific calculations on reduction and cost were beyond the scope of the Task Force; however,
when possible carbon reduction potential, savings and costs estimates , comprehensive support
previously identified in current City plans, a timeline for implementation, existing actions similar to the
recommendation, and potential partnerships to assist in implementation have been provided. All
estimates are for one given year.
Realistic and achievable goals along with innovative ideas were balanced to provide policies from which
city officials can make effective decisions. Carbon reduction policies are fiscally responsible. By
encouraging greater efficiency in energy use, they provide for significant savings over the long term.; for
this reason, the task force believes the recommendations in this report will create a healthy community,
“green” jobs, and save taxpayer dollars.
Global Warming: A Brief Summary
Scientific evidence clearly tells us that the Earth is warming, and that anthropogenic causes are
influencing this trend. That was the conclusion of the second scientific assessment of the United Nation
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988 and reinforced by the third and fourth
scientific assessments by the IPCC submitted in 2001 and 2007. Thousands of scientists from all over the
world contribute to the work of the IPCC on a voluntary basis. Review is an essential part of the IPCC
process, to ensure an objective and complete assessment of current information. IPCC aims to reflect a
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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range of views and expertise. In 2007 the IPCC concluded, “The balance of evidence suggests a
discernible human influence on global climate.”
Figure 1. Graphical representation of the greenhouse effect
(www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/greenhouse.html)
The greenhouse effect (Figure 1) is the process whereby short wavelength energy from the sun hits the
Earth and is re-radiated back toward space as long wavelength infra-red heat energy. Some of this heat
energy passes into space, but some is absorbed by the atmosphere, resulting in the retention of heat
around the Earth. The natural greenhouse effect helps keep the Earth’s average temperature at around
59 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Without the natural greenhouse effect, the Earth’s average temperature
would be around 0°F, and the planet would be largely uninhabitable.
Since industrialization humankind has markedly increased the concentration of molecules in the
atmosphere that absorb heat energy (known as “greenhouse gases”). These measurable concentration
increases, along with upward trends in temperatures and rapid climate change around the globe, are
the underlying basis for the current concerns of global warming.
A greenhouse gas is any gas in the atmosphere that absorbs infra-red radiation and thereby contributes
to the greenhouse effect. There are numerous greenhouse gases, but the three of major concern to the
average citizens are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions result from the burning of fossil fuels (e.g., oil, coal, or natural gas) most
often for transportation, industrial operations, or the heating of buildings.
Methane (CH4) emissions result from the anaerobic decay of organic materials in landfills and water
treatment plants, as well as from fuel production, livestock production, and farming.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) emissions result from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during
combustion of solid waste and fossil fuels.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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These gases are also naturally occurring (e.g., plants “breathe” out carbon dioxide, and methane is a
natural byproduct of decomposition). However, human activities such as those mentioned above have
increased the concentration of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere far beyond natural levels.
That is why man-made GHG are the primary focus of efforts to reduce the impact that humans are
having on the climate system.
For the first time, the IPCC is providing best estimates for the warming projected to result from
particular increases in greenhouse gases that could occur after the 21st century along with uncertainty
ranges based on more comprehensive modeling. If atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases
double compared to pre-industrial levels, this would “likely” cause an average warming of around 3°C
(5.4°F), with a range of 2 - 4.5°C (3.6 - 8.1°F). A GHG level of 650 ppm (parts per million)would “likely”
warm the global climate by around 3.6°C(6.5°F), while 750 ppm would lead to a 4.3°C(7.7°F) warming,
1,000 ppm to 5.5°C(9.9°F) and 1,200 ppm to 6.3°C(11.3°F).
Future GHG concentrations are difficult to predict and will depend on economic growth, new
technologies, government policies and actions to stem GHG growth, and other factors. By signing on to
the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, the City of Bozeman has declared its intention to take action
to minimize its output of global warming gases.
Global Warming Potential and CO2e
Each greenhouse gas differs in its ability to absorb heat in the atmosphere. The difference in absorption
ability results from the different chemical bond characteristics for each molecule as well as their
expected lifetime in the atmosphere.
Scientists use the term “global warming potential” (or GWP) to describe how much a given mass of
greenhouse gas will contribute to global warming. GWP is a relative scale that compares the gas in
question to the same amount of CO2 (i.e., C02 has a GWP of 1.0). CO2 was chosen as the reference
because it is the most prevalent of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As shown in Table 1, methane
traps 21 times more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide and thus has a GWP of 21. Nitrous oxide
absorbs 310 times more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide and thus has a GWP of 310.
Table 2: Relative global warming potential of the most common greenhouse gases
Greenhouse gas Chemical
Symbol
Global warming potential Expected lifetime (years)
in the atmosphere
Carbon Dioxide CO2 1 50-150
Methane CH4 21 10.5
Nitrous Oxide N20 310 132
(Source EPA http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/downloads/ghg_gwp.pdf. Accessed 5/9/08)
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Global Warming Potential Units of Measure
When actual emissions are being discussed, global warming potentials allow policy makers to use one
unit of measurement for comparing the various greenhouse gasses. That unit of measure is the known
as “CO2 equivalents” (or “CO2e”). For instance, one ton of carbon dioxide emissions would equal 1 ton
of CO2e; 1 ton of methane would equally 21 tons of CO2e. The entirety of the Community Emissions
Inventory will be in terms of CO2e.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Chapter 2: Climate Change and Bozeman
Climate Change Impacts to our Bozeman Community
While the global climate system is large, complex, and dynamic, the overwhelming scientific consensus
strongly suggests that human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases are directly tied to recent warming
of the globe. Scientists are increasingly confident that the impacts of global warming over the next 50 to
100 years promise to be substantial. Anticipated climate-related challenges include rising sea levels,
disrupted water resources, lessened food security, threats to human health, and disruptions to natural
ecosystems. The frequency and severity of extreme weather events is also expected to increase.
Picture 1. Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley as seen from the Bridger Crest.
Anticipating the impacts of climate change for a local area, such as Bozeman, is more difficult than
predicting average change across the globe. However, for the Bozeman area, climate change may lead
to such tangible, life-impacting alterations as increased catastrophic forest fires, shortened ski seasons,
hotter summers, lower summer river flows, and drought.
Decreased tourism may result from shortened ski and fishing seasons, with a resulting decrease in
business income and related tax income. Increased drought can have severe impacts on agri-business,
as well as lead to increased property loss due to forest fires. Importantly, these impacts will stress
municipal services such as fire prevention and maintaining a clean and abundant water supply.
In addition to human-related concerns in the Bozeman area, local ecological diversity and our natural
resources are likely to suffer a broad range of negative impacts and losses due to global warming. These
changes are intrinsically important, as well as with respect to their impact on tourism and other
industries. Such changes might include disruption of native fisheries (e.g., west slope cutthroat trout
populations), increased plant disease (e.g., blister rust), increased plant pathogens (e.g., bark beetles),
and negative impacts on high elevation species (e.g., white bark pine).
What is Bozeman Doing About Climate Change?
Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
Bozeman signed on to the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement (MCPA) in November 2006. The
purpose of this agreement is to engage US cities to decrease their output of gases known to cause global
warming. As of 2011, over 1,000 mayors across the United States have signed onto the MCPA; thereby
committing their cities to attempt to meet measurable goals for greenhouse gas reductions.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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The City of Bozeman should be commended for its leadership and progressive approach towards
beginning to address climate change prior to this report. For instance, the City has the first silver rated
LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) public building in the state of Montana with its
public library. City Hall has been renovated using LEED Existing Building designs. When possible, the City
uses bio-diesel in its vehicle fleet, adopted and anti-idling policy, and converted most of its traffic signals
from incandescent light bulbs to Light Emitting Diodes (LED’s). LED’s are 80 percent more energy
efficient than incandescent bulbs. Most importantly, the City adopted its first Municipal Climate Action
Plan in 2008. Led by the Climate Protection Coordinator, the City Sustainability Team has been working
on reducing emissions in municipal operations.
Mayors’ Community Climate Task Force
The Bozeman City Commission appointed the Mayors’ Community Climate Task Force (MCCTF) in
October 2009 to create a Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). Stakeholders included:
City of Bozeman- Climate Protection Coordinator and Mayor
Public Agencies- Montana State University, Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, Streamline
Transportation, Gallatin County
Business- Chamber of Commerce, NorthWestern Energy, Downtown Business Association,
Southwest Montana Building Industry Association, United States Green Building Council
Residents- Inter-Neighborhood Council, three citizens–at-large
Bozeman Global Warming Gas Reduction Goal
A community emissions inventory was performed for 2000 and the interim year 2008. The Task Force
identified a baseline year of 2000 to be consistent with the Municipal Climate Action Plan. The Task
Force began by asking the facilitator to do a review of other city plans and their level of success at
achieving the reduction goals of those plans. A website was created to keep the task force and
commissioners informed at www.cacheo.com
To date, most cities have not reached the final date set forth in their plans. Some evidence was found
that cities are struggling to meet strict goals that are based solely on a CO2e reduction goal relative to
some past date (for example, under the Kyoto Protocol whose signees pledged to reduce greenhouse
gases 7% below 1990 levels by 2012).
Bozeman’s own municipal plan, focused only on City operations, mandates a 15% reduction of
greenhouse gases below 2000 levels by 2020. Rather than adopt this goal, the Task Force was careful to
recognize that it is far easier to control tightly bound—by culture, budget, and so on—city operations
than a diverse city of private individuals, non-profits and businesses.
Thus, some Task Force members argued for a less aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goal.
Recognizing projections that show the possibility of Bozeman’s population roughly doubling by 2025,
much debate was held regarding setting a normalized (i.e., per person) reduction goal. This idea was
not unanimously agreed to by the Task Force. All, however, agreed that the idea provided the ability to
compare our city’s greenhouse gas production with that of different cities in the USA, and even different
countries around the world (Figure 2).
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Figure2 Worldwide per capita emissions
In the end, the Task Force decided to use both normalized and absolute reduction goals to drive
Bozeman’s Climate Action Plan. Part of the reason for that decision was that the group realized it had
two main types of recommendations with two different timeframes for implementation (Table 2).
Table 3.—Planning and implementation timeframe comparison for Task Force recommendations.
Type
recommendations
Potential
greenhouse gas
reduction
Planning
phase
Expected Bozeman implementation phase
of Task Force recommendations
Conservation-based
(shorter term) Low to medium
2011
to
2020
Easiest efforts beginning in 2011 with work ongoing as projects
are readied. We expect major efforts to be completed by 2020
but strong likelihood of ongoing efforts through 2025 and
beyond
Production-based
(longer term) High
2011
to
2025
Planning for energy production will be substantial. Some major
efforts such as energy planning may begin as soon as possible,
but major implementation efforts for these recommendations
more likely to occur from 2020 – 2025.
As the conservation-based recommendations are less likely to result in substantial reductions, the Task
Force believes it reasonable to allow actual emissions to grow during the period of 2011 (expected plan
adoption) until 2020 (Figure 3). However, the Task Force caps the allowed increase at a per capita usage
between now and 2020 to less than that of today (i.e., a cap of 10 MT CO2e / person / year vs. today’s
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 19
level of 13 MT CO2eq / person / year). It is important to note that Figure 3 is based on population
growth as stated in the Bozeman Community Plan (adopted in 2009). That plan projects a population of
88,700 for Bozeman in 2025.
From 2020 forward we expect that Bozeman will have initiated its own energy production capabilities,
as outlined in the remainder of this chapter. Given that change, and the far larger reductions expected
once alternative sources of energy are tapped to supply the city, the Task Force recommends an
absolute goal of returning to ten percent below 2008 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 or the
numeric equivalent of 472,000MT of CO2e. The scenario described is reflected in Figure 3, both for
absolute CO2e output (upper graph) and per person output (lower graph).
The Task Force believes the final 2025 goal is obtainable without threat to the quality of life for the
people of Bozeman. Assuming that Bozeman’s population does grow to 88,700 by 2025, we would be
using 5.4 MT CO2e /person/ year, identical to Sweden’s use in 2007. If Bozeman does not grow that
rapidly, our allowable use to meet the Task Force’s goal will be greater than 5.4 MT CO2e / person /
year.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Figure 3.—Task Force recommendations for reduction of Bozeman global warming gas emissions (i.e., CO2eq). Top graph shows
actual emissions based on population growth projections from the Bozeman Community Plan. Bottom graph shows per person
carbon emissions under Task Force recommendations which emphasize implementing conservation goals until 2020, then
implementing City-controlled alternative energy production from 2020-2025.
Scope of this Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP)
This Community CAP serves as a guideline and tool for the community to decrease its greenhouse gas
emissions. All but one recommendation, RCB2, in the Community Climate Action Plan were achieved by
unanimous consent of the MCCTF. RCB2 had one dissenting voice.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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The Community CAP should be used as a living document to be reviewed, monitored, and adjusted as
necessary. It is important to note that further analysis of proposed changes might be required before
action is taken. While the Task Force believes that all recommendations are warranted ecologically, in
most cases a rigorous analysis of cost (or benefit) per unit of CO2 reduced was beyond the Task Force’s
scope and/or knowledge and/or time availability. Thus we cannot present these recommendations as
an ordered list of preferred actions (i.e., beginning with the most cost beneficial changes and running to
most expensive changes per unit of CO2 reduction).
Community CAP Process
The task force divided into 4 sub-committees: (1) Residential Building and Energy, (2) Commercial
Building and Energy; (3) Transportation; and (4) Waste, Water, & Recycling. The groups were tasked
with identifying greenhouse gas reduction opportunities within their sectors. In the chapters that follow,
we provide recommendations from each of the subcommittees. Given the limited scope and resources
of the Task Force, a preliminary assessment of yearly potential carbon reduction and cost estimates
are included in the report. Further analysis is strongly recommended on a case by case basis to
determine priority during the implementation phase of the program.
The CCAP Reduction Target Goal
1) Reduce emissions to 10 metric
tons per capita not to exceed
695,000 metric tons by 2020
2) Reduce emissions to
10 percent below 2008 levels by
2025 to 472,000 metric tons
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Chapter 3: Bozeman Emissions Inventory
Community Emissions Inventory
The City of Bozeman joined ICLEI-(Local Governments for Sustainability) - in June of 2007. ICLEI is an
international association of local governments as well as a national, regional, and local government
organization that has made a commitment to sustainable development. Through its membership, ICLEI
provides the City of Bozeman access and support to its Clean Air Climate Protection (CACP) software
among other tools.
The CACP 2009 version 2.1, June 2009 software was used for this emissions inventory. CACP was
originally developed for ICLEI-by Torrie-Smith associates. ICLEI collaborated with the National
Association of Clean Air Agencies to create the software. All of the data and information is saved to the
city-owned software and is available for future emission inventories. All data tables, assumptions, and
calculations are included in Appendix A.
The emissions coefficients and methodology employed by the software are consistent with national and
international inventory standards established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (1996
Revised IPCC Guidelines for the Preparation of National GHG Emissions Inventories), the U.S. Voluntary
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Guidelines (EIA form1605), and, for emissions generated from solid waste,
the U.S. EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM).Carbon reduction potential figures were derived using
ICLEI’s Climate and Air Pollution Planning Assistant (CAPPA) as an estimate. CAPPA is not to be used in
lieu of a detailed engineering analysis.
An emissions inventory was presented to the Bozeman City Commission in August 2009. Since that time,
new information on transportation vehicle data, which was unavailable at the time of the report, has
been received; thus significantly changing 2008 emissions for the transportation sector and increasing
total emissions from the previous inventory by nearly 47,000 metric tons. The Community CAP reflects
those changes
Total emissions for 2000 were 365,843 metric tons of CO2e; 36 percent of total emissions came from the
Residential Sector with 133,100 MT of CO2e; 41 percent from the Commercial Sector with 148,010 MT of
CO2e; 19 percent from the Transportation Sector with 70,965 MT of CO2e, and 4 percent from the Waste
Sector with 13,769 MT of CO2e.
Total emissions for 2008 were 524,062 metric tons of CO2e; 34 percent of emissions came from the
Residential Sector with 179,908 MT of CO2e; 38 percent from the Commercial Sector with 197,822 MT of
CO2e; 26 percent from the Transportation Sector with 137,372 MT of CO2e; and 2 percent from the
Waste Sector with 8,961 MT of CO2e
A previous inventory for City operations for calendar year 2000 resulted in 5,518 MT of CO2e in 2000
which represents only 2 percent of the community’s total emissions. While it is important that municipal
operations take steps to reduce its emissions, community emissions represent a much larger carbon
footprint.
Bozeman has a unique opportunity to successfully reduce its emissions. A majority of emissions are from
energy and natural gas usage in the residential and commercial sector. Policy initiatives may want to
focus on energy conservation and reduction strategies. Clear benefits can be gained through measures
such as energy efficiency retrofits, insulation, and lighting, which typically have a good return on
investment.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Figure 4: 2000 GHG Sector Emissions
Figure 5: 2008 GHG Sector Emissions
According to the US Census Bureau and the Bozeman Community Plan, the population in 2000 was
27,509 and was estimated to be approximately 38,000 in 2008. The population increased by 38 percent
while emissions increased by 43 percent. Bozeman experienced almost a two-fold increase in total
vehicle miles traveled during this period.
Total Emissions in MTCO2e: 365,483; Residential 133,100; Commercial 148,010,
Transportation 70,965, Waste 13,769
Total Emissions in MTCO2e: 524,062; Residential 179,908; Commercial 197,822;
Transportation 137,372; Waste 8,961
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Table 5: Community Emissions Totals
Sector 2000 MT of CO2e 2008 MT of CO2e Increase
Residential 133,100 179,908 35%
Commercial 148,010 197,822 34%
Transportation 70,965 137,372 95%
Waste 13,769 8,961 -35%
Total 365,843 524,062 43%
Boundary Definition
NorthWestern Energy (NWE) is the largest utility provider in Montana with 392,600 customers. NWE
service territories cover 73 percent of Montana’s land area (www.northwesternenergy.com.)
Figure 6: NorthWestern Energy Service Area
Source: NorthWestern Energy
Creating a greenhouse gas emissions inventory is an overwhelming challenge for many communities.
Consistent data management is one obstacle to accurate reporting. Because the information needed for
a GHG inventory in Bozeman has not been previously gathered, an initial inventory can help lay the
foundation for improved data collection mechanisms in the future. The electrical and natural gas usage
information in this inventory was largely provided by NorthWestern Energy’s sales data for Bozeman.
The jurisdiction of the CCAP is defined by the boundaries set forth in the Community Plan for the City of
Bozeman and represented by the blue line in Figure 6. Any real sustainable solution for this area,
however, should include goals and participation for the entire Valley and the Big Sky community which is
directly tied to materials and resources from the Bozeman/Belgrade area.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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The energy usage boundary in this inventory is limited to the data available by NWE which exceeds the
boundaries set forth in the CCAP. Through the City of Bozeman’s Geographical Information Systems
(GIS) department, a boundary map was created to illustrate the coverage area accounted for in this
inventory (red line Figure 6). The emissions boundary provided by NorthWestern Energy’s Bozeman
town code runs from Bear Canyon in the East to Black Bull in the west; Springhill in the North and
Hyalite in the south. Future collaboration with NorthWestern Energy must create opportunities for
monitoring and reporting energy usage within the City limits more accurately. Utilizing the City’s GIS
program and NWE’s customer billing information, a more accurate emissions inventory within the
jurisdiction of Bozeman could be extracted.
This plan strongly recommends that the City of Bozeman and NorthWestern Energy work together to
streamline energy usage data for future inventories. This inventory is intended to be a snapshot of
emissions produced in 2000 with an interim inventory for 2008. Included in the inventory is energy
usage for electricity and natural gas from the residential and commercial sector, transportation fuel
usage determined by vehicle miles traveled provided by the Montana Department of Transportation,
and waste from both the Story Mill (Bozeman) and Logan (Gallatin County) Landfills. The City of
Bozeman closed down its landfill operations in June of 2007. Community wide waste is being sent to the
Gallatin County Logan Landfill.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Figure 7 NWE Bozeman Town Code Map
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Defining Emissions
Per Capita Emissions
Per capita emissions in Bozeman for 2000 and 2008 were 13MT CO2e. Per capita emissions remain lower
than the US national average of 23mt CO2e per capita; however, it is the total amount emitted into the
atmosphere that should remain the focus. Per capita emissions were derived using population estimates
for the City of Bozeman. Because the emissions coverage area represents a much larger area than the
City’s jurisdiction, a future inventory may find that per capita emissions are lower still.
(http://www.eia.doe.gov/iea/carbon.html).
Carbon Footprint
The amount of vegetation needed to use the CO2 emitted is one way to put a community’s carbon
footprint into context. The US EPA provides specific estimates of storage or sequestration for different
plant types, including a value for Douglas fir, a tree in abundance in Montana, of .3 tons/acre/year for
reforestation. (http://www.epa.gov/sequestration/rates.html)
This allows us to convert known emissions totals for our community into land area. In this case, it is land
area that would have to be reforested with Douglas fir and preserved as forest. Roughly 2,100 square
miles and 3,000 square miles respectively of land would need to be reforested and preserved to offset
CO2 emissions at 2000 and 2008 levels. (366,000MT/.27MT/640acres= 2,100sq mi/ 524,000/.27/640acres= 3,000sqmi)
Figure8: Bozeman's Carbon Footprint
Source
The main source of emissions calculated in this inventory were electricity and natural gas usage, diesel
and gasoline consumption based on EPA national standards derived from vehicle miles traveled and
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 28
paper products. Paper products were obtained from the Montana solid waste distribution averages
(Appendix A).
Figure 9: Emissions Source
Nearly all of the emissions sources are fossil fuel based carbon dioxide with a small portion derived from
the decomposition of organic matter from waste in the landfills. The two highest sources of emissions
for both inventory years were electricity and natural gas.
Recommendations focused on reducing emissions will want to tackle the highest sources of emissions
most aggressively. Sources included in the other category are plant debris, wood or textiles, and food
waste.
Residential: Electricity and Natural Gas
Energy usage in the Residential and Commercial sector was determined by total consumption numbers
provided by NorthWestern Energy; the major utility provider in Bozeman. Energy
for electricity and natural gas usage is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh) and
therms, respectively; however, for the purpose of the inventory all metrics for
energy consumption have been converted to kWh. A count of individual
services/meters, rather than billing accounts was used to determine the number
of utility customers. The Residential Sector includes 18,048 customers and is
represented in the Bozeman area town code map previously mentioned.
Residential sector energy usage for 2000 was 547 million kWh. Emissions were
133,100 MT of CO2e or the equivalent of consuming over 15 million gallons of
gasoline. In 2008, the Residential Sector used 712 million kWh of electricity.
Emissions were 179,900 MT of CO2e or the equivalent of consuming over 20
million gallons of gasoline. (http://www.epa.gov/RDEE/energy-
resources/calculator.html)
Commercial: Electricity and Natural Gas
Commercial sector usage is made up of five categories: General Service- 1,
General Service-2, Gas Transportation, Interdepartmental, and Irrigation.
A kilowatt hour
(kWh) is 1000
watts of energy
usage burning for
one hour. Ten 100
watt light bulbs
burning for 1 hour
is a kilowatt hour.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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General Service encompasses four Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting classes:
Commercial, Industrial, Public Authority and Interdepartmental. There are no Public Authority
customers in Bozeman. Industrial and Interdepartmental customers have been classified as Commercial
in this inventory.
General Service-1 (GS-1) includes non-demand and demand metered commercial
customers taking service at secondary and primary voltage levels. This class is made up
primarily of Main Street-type businesses. As a point of reference, Bozeman City Hall has
GS-1 demand metered service.
General Service-2 (GS-2) is for customers with larger capacity requirements that dictate
they take their service at substation or transmission level voltages. Montana State
University is the only GS-2 customer in Bozeman.
Gas Transportation is available to customers with meters capable of delivering 5,000
cubic feet per hour or more. Transportation customers purchase supply on their own
and pay NWE to transport their gas commodity over NWE's transmission and
distribution lines on either a firm or interruptible basis. This includes a number of school
district buildings, MSU, some large retailers and several industrial customers.
Interdepartmental is NWE's own buildings and facilities.
Irrigation is primarily related to agriculture (irrigation ditches, center pivots, hand lines,
wheel lines) and can include golf courses if they have their own pump.
The Commercial Sector accounted for 41 percent of total emissions in 2000, the largest portion of
emissions, with 549 million kWh of energy usage and 148,010 MT of CO2e emitted or the equivalent of
consuming 344 thousand barrels of oil. Commercial Sector usage remained at 41 percent of total usage
in 2008 with 689 million kWh of energy used and 197,822 MT of CO2e or the equivalent of consuming
460 thousand barrels of oil ( http://www.epa.gov/RDEE/energy-resources/calculator.html).
GS-1 and GS-2
Bozeman has a vibrant and diverse commercial sector. Montana State University and Bozeman
Deaconess Health Center are the largest employers in the City. Historic downtown Bozeman serves as
the city commercial center with banking, professional, and hospitality services. Working together to find
ways to aggressively reduce emissions will be essential to the success of the Community Climate Action
Plan. Several communities have initiated voluntary programs to encourage public and private
institutions to reduce their carbon footprint. In Burlington VT, the Ten Percent Challenge has been a
success with 93 businesses and 1200 residencies participating in the program. The program fosters
recognition of individual actions, while motivating and tackling the larger community’s progress towards
its climate protection goals.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Source: Bozeman Economic Development Plan 2008
As a signatory to the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), MSU is
leading the way to reduce emissions in the community. The ACUPCC is a commitment to eliminate
global warming emissions and integrate sustainability into the curriculum. MSU has appointed a Campus
Sustainability Advisory Council which meets
once a month to discuss sustainability projects
on campus. MSU is in the process of
developing its Climate Action Plan which is
expected to be completed in the spring of
2011.
The majority of commercial emissions are a
result of electricity and natural gas usage in
the GS-1 sector with 97,226mt of CO2e
emitted in 2000 and 176,769mt of CO2e
emitted in 2008. MSU is the only GS-2
consumer with 16,740mt of CO2e emitted in
2000 and 19,594mt of CO2e emitted in 2008. Emissions only represent energy usage provided by
NorthWestern Energy. A more comprehensive inventory by MSU will likely reveal other sources of
emissions.
Table 6: Largest Public and Private Employers in Bozeman Number of Employees
Montana State University 2,679
Bozeman Deaconess Hospital 1,238
Bozeman Public School District 587
Gallatin County Government 460
Right Now Technologies* 400
Wal-Mart Stores 370
City of Bozeman 351
Kenyon Noble Lumber Company 236
Williams Plumbing and Heating 200
Zoot Enterprises* 177
Costco Wholesale 176
Bozeman Community Food Co-Op 170
Simkins Hallin Lumber Company 169
Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply 160
Martel Construction 150
Gibson Guitar- Montana Division 140
Billion Auto Group 135
Bozeman Daily Chronicle 128
Rosauer’s Supermarket 123
Best Western Gran Tree Inn 115
Target Stores 110
*Zoot Enterprises and Right Now Technologies are
located outside Bozeman City limits
Photo Source: MSU
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 31
Irrigation
Irrigation covers agricultural land and golf courses within NWE’s Bozeman Town Code coverage. There
are three golf courses located within this area: Valley View, Bridger Creek, and Riverside Country Club.
Valley View is the only golf course located within the City limits.
The Gallatin Valley has the highest prevalence of irrigation in the state. The US Department of
Agriculture (USDA) performs an agricultural census every five years. According to the 2002 Census,
Gallatin County had 1,074 farms and 708,728 acres dedicated to farm land. According to the 2007
Census, Gallatin County had 1,071 farms and 776,868 acres of land dedicated to farm land. MSU has
three farms. BART (Bozeman Area Research and Teaching) Farm, located on 19th and Garfield, is within
the City limits, Fort Ellis Farm is within the Bozeman Town Code coverage area, and the Arthur Post
Farm in New Middle Creek is located outside the coverage area.
Transportation
Vehicle Miles Traveled
Bozeman is a regional service community. The traffic counts performed in 1998
for the 2001 Update of the Bozeman Community Plan documented 60,000
trips per day traveling into or out from Bozeman’s municipal boundaries.
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) annually for 1998 was used as a proxy for 2000.
With the existing street network, 111,600,000 vehicle miles were calculated by
the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) as cars traveling in and out
of Bozeman. This is enough to circle the earth’s equator 4,485 times. Vehicle
miles traveled for 2008 increased more than 50 percent with total VMT at 233
million miles.
Streamline Bus System
Photo Source: Streamline
Public transportation can help reduce a community’s carbon footprint by reducing the number of
individual vehicle miles traveled. Bozeman’s public transportation is the Streamline bus system which
has been in service since 2006. The cost is free to the public thanks in large part to funding from the
Federal Transit Authority and local municipalities such as Bozeman and Belgrade.
Miles of Streets
2000- 136
2007- 206
2009- 242
Source: City of
Bozeman Engineering
Division
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 32
In 2008, Streamline’s fixed route ridership increased dramatically averaging 792 rides per day in January
and February, with a record high of 922 rides on February 3, 2008. Streamline estimates 195 tons of CO2
reductions per year.
Waste
Story Mill and Logan Landfill
Story Mill Landfill was Bozeman’s main landfill site in 2000. The site was closed down on July 1, 2007 and
a solid waste district was created. Bozeman now hauls its waste to Gallatin County’s Logan Landfill.
Emissions figures for 2008 reflect this change. Story Mill collected 55,941 tons of waste in 2000 and
emitted 13,769 MT of CO2e. Story Mill collected 13,996 tons of waste in 2008 and emitted 3,445MT of
CO2e. Logan collected 22,411 tons of waste in 2008 and emitted 5,516 MT of CO2e. Total emissions for
2008 were 8,961 MT of CO2e.
There are a number of reasons for the decrease in emissions in the Waste sector. The Bozeman Landfill
closed down in July of 2007. The only waste allowed into the Story Mill Landfill from January 1, 2008 –
June 30, 2008 was from the Bozeman Solid Waste trucks. Waste previously brought to the Story Mill
landfill is now being sent to the Gallatin County landfill site in Logan. Second, the recent downturn in the
economy, largely in the construction sector, has had a ripple effect in the amount of waste being
collected. Because the county does not track all waste coming in from Bozeman, the waste share usage
was determined by calculating the total waste at Logan from July 1 –December 31, 2008 by the
percentage of county population living in Bozeman. According to the latest Bozeman Community Plan,
Bozeman represents 43.4 percent of the population in Gallatin County.
Waste to Energy
Story Mill landfill explored preliminary feasibility studies with the EPA for the Landfill Methane Outreach
Program; however, results concluded that Story Mill landfill would not generate enough methane to use
for heat at this time. The County may consider exploring methane recovery programs with the increased
waste being diverted to Logan landfill. Grant funding may be available through the EPA’s Landfill
Methane Outreach Program (LMOP).
Recycling
In 2007, the City avoided nearly 7,000 metric tons of
CO2e from being emitted into the atmosphere
through its recycling programs. Diverting waste
through recycling has a positive effect on reducing
emissions. Several organizations provide recycling
services in the community. Triple R Recycling and Full
Circle recycling are private companies which provide
recycling in and out of the City limits. Headwaters
Recycling was contracted by the City of Bozeman to
collect recycling through various drop off sites in town. The program began in 1998, and the City ended
its contract with Headwaters in April of 2008 to begin a City curbside recycling program in December of
2008. The Solid Waste District continues to operate convenience sites in Bozeman. Recycling figures for
2000 were not available; however, Headwater was able to provide recycling figures for 2007. At the time
of this inventory, Bozeman curbside recycling was only 6 months into its program and did not have
sufficient data to include into the report. The City of Bozeman has been actively monitoring its municipal
recycling operations since the adoption of the Municipal CAP.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Table 7: 2007 Headwaters Recycling Bozeman
Tons Recycled MT CO2e Reductions
Paper 1500 2869
Aluminum 128 2061
Glass 1230 360
Plastic 114 225
Cardboard 675 1482
Total Reductions 6970
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Chapter 4: Municipal Climate Action Plan
Description
The City of Bozeman adopted the first Municipal Climate Action Plan (MCAP) in August 2008. The MCAP
provides 40 recommendations on how to reduce emissions in
municipal buildings, vehicle fleet, and landfill operations. The City
has been leading by example by adopting a no-idling policy, using
bio-diesel when available, installing photo voltaic panels at City Hall
and renovating it to LEED existing buildings standards.
A part-time Climate Protection Coordinator has been hired to
implement the recommendations in the MCAP. A number of
recommendations are worth noting in the CCAP given the strong
impact they could have on the community as a whole. The Task
Force felt it was important to include the following
recommendations, which have already been discussed in the MCAP,
in the CCAP and believes they should be given high priority when
considering future projects for implementation.
Recommendations
MCAP WWR-4
INSTALL A TURBINE FOR ELECTRICAL GENERATION AT THE CITY’S LYMAN CREEK WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Description. Following the installation and beginning operation of the Hyalite/Sourdough turbine,
budget funds for the study of a similar turbine to be placed into operation at the Lyman plant.
Successful carbon footprint reduction may additionally be available at the City’s smaller Lyman plant.
The Task Force recommends basing the decision for installation of a turbine at the Lyman Plant on the
successful operation of the Hyalite/Sourdough turbine.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. In 2006, Lyman plant used 84,817 kWh and emitted 46 tons of CO2e. A
carbon footprint reduction could again be possible based on capturing energy from the head of water
available leading to the Lyman plant.
Financial Consideration. The Lyman plant paid $8,100 in utility costs. The break-even point should be
readily calculated based on performance (energy production performance, low maintenance and down
time) of the Hyalite/Sourdough turbine.
Updates. The City of Bozeman requested a review of the hydropower option for the new Sourdough
Water Treatment Plant. The report concludes that hydro power will not pay for the capital costs over
the 20-year useful life of the equipment and is, therefore, not economically feasible. The City is currently
reviewing this report and examining alternative turbines.
MCAP- WWR-11.
Description. The soon-to-be-closed Story Mill landfill site generates considerable methane (CH4) from
rotting organic material. This methane production will continue, even after landfill closure. The Task
Force recommends that the City capture this gas and use it for heating or electrical generation.
CAPTURE AND USE METHANE GAS COMING OFF THE STORY MILL LANDFILL SITE
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Carbon footprint reduction. Methane has a global warming potential 21 times as great as CO2. By
capturing the methane the City will eliminate a potent global warming gas that is currently being vented
directly to the atmosphere. By using the methane a heat source or for electrical generation in micro-
turbines, the City will additionally eliminate the need to buy methane (i.e. natural gas) for these
operations, or similarly electricity generated by coal-fired power plants.
Financial considerations. Several financial studies have been undertaken by the U.S. EPA’s Landfill
Methane Outreach Program (LMOP). These options, including capture of the methane for resale, for
heating or powering the new landfill administrative building should be strongly reviewed for payback
viability. If viability is not proven, the Task Force recommends that the City review methane capture
once yearly as increasing energy prices are likely to make the program financially viable in the near
future.
Updates. In 1997, the City of Bozeman installed a gas extraction candlestick flare at the Story Landfill to
help mitigate the threat of groundwater contamination. The flare collects and burns methane emitted
from the landfill, thus converting it to carbon dioxide-- a less potent greenhouse gas.
While there is wide recognition of the merits of landfill gas-to-energy projects, the Story Landfill site
may not provide the necessary volume or quality of gas needed for a successful project. Small landfill
gas-to-energy projects can be defined as having methane flow rates of less than 350 standard cubic feet
per minute (scfm). The Story Landfill flows at approximately 130 scfm and is considered a dying landfill
as this flow rate is on a gradual decline. For the purpose of a gas-to-energy project, the quality of the
Story Landfill gas is poor with methane levels below 30 percent.
The City Engineering Department continually monitors the gas flow rate at the Story Landfill and stays
informed of innovative landfill gas-to-energy projects. The City will watch for opportunities at the Story
Landfill, as well as the Gallatin County Logan Landfill where the potential for a successful project may be
greater in the future.
MCAP-WWR-12.
Description. A micro-turbine system would allow the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to turn biogas
waste from the anaerobic digesters (75 percent of which would otherwise be flared) into power that can
be used by the WRF to heat, cool, and light its buildings. At this time, there is insufficient biogas
production to operate the smallest available micro-turbine (approximately 230 kW). Therefore, the
micro-turbine operation would need to be augmented by natural gas until approximately 2020. To
reduce the need for supplemental natural gas and maximize the utility of the micro-turbines, the
anaerobic digesters could be turned into “cash cows” by accepting high strength waste directly into the
digesters. The higher levels of biogas produced from this high strength waste would off-set the need for
added natural gas, and increase the cost effectiveness of the micro-turbines. High strength waste
streams in Bozeman that could be directly fed into the digesters include waste from the Darigold Milk
Plant, and the grease traps at Montana State University’s cafeteria and other food facilities. A receiving
facility would need to be built to accommodate the extra inputs, adding to the cost of this option, but
the potential for power generation would be significant. Also, with high strength waste being directly
input into digesters, the efficiency of the current system that treats all influent prior to the digesters
would be increased (using less energy in the absence of the high strength waste). Additional analyses
would need to be done to determine how much of the WRF’s power needs could be met by directly
feeding the anaerobic digesters with high strength waste.
INSTALL A MICRO-TURBINE POWER GENERATION SYSTEM FOR METHANE CAPTURE AND USE
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
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Carbon footprint. Installing a micro-turbine would have a significant impact on reducing the Municipal
carbon footprint by turning waste into energy. According to HDR/Morrison Mairle Engineering, we can
reasonably estimate that the micro-turbine would lead to a reduction of 225 -250 kW of electrical load
at the WRF. A more accurate estimate of the carbon footprint reduction for the micro-turbine will only
be possible once they know the efficiency of the micro-turbine machine they would like to install
(research into which machine will be best is still on-going). It will also depend on whether the Darigold
Milk Plant will be included in the high strength waste collection program. Given the fact that increasing
demand on the WRF due to a growing population in Bozeman will result in an absolute increase in CO2eq
emissions from the WRF, a micro-turbine linked to a digester that accepts high strength waste is the
only way to reduce the absolute amount of emissions produced by operations at the WRF. Although
there is a high cost to installing a micro-turbine (see below), the Task Force recommends that the City
seek funding to support the installment of such a micro-turbine as a means of significantly reducing the
Municipal carbon footprint.
Financial Considerations. A ~230kW micro-turbine would cost approximately $1.8 million, so the Task
Force recommends that the City seek financial assistance from the electrical utility (NorthWestern
Energy) to balance out the costs of purchasing and operating a micro-turbine.
Updates. The City of Bozeman is actively pursuing grant opportunities and alternative financing
mechanisms to fund a cogeneration system at the new WRF. The WRF was designed and constructed
with the ability to incorporate a cogeneration system at a later stage when funding becomes available.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 37
Chapter 5: Community Engagement and
Implementation
Description
The Task Force recognizes the challenges associated with
implementing the recommendations in this report. For
this reason, the Task Force strongly recommends utilizing
the existing resources available in the community as they
begin prioritizing and implementing programs in the
CCAP. In an attempt to aid in the effort, this chapter
identifies several organizations which have initiated
carbon reduction strategies. Limited resources and time will make implementation of all programs
difficult. Many measures cut across various City departments, County and State jurisdictions, and
private/public realms. The successful implementation of this report will be the culmination of increased
cooperation and collaboration between these entities. Some measures presented in this section cannot
be specifically quantified in terms of greenhouse gas reductions; however, they are critical tools which
should be used to further the goals of the CCAP. The Task Force recommends that all measure in this
section be given the highest priority as the first step in implementing the Community CAP.
Summary of Recommendations
INDEX# DESCRIPTION COST
CEI1 COMMUNITY COORDINATOR $40,000-$60,000
CEI2 CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
STAFF TIME
CEI3 YELLOWSTONE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP $500 FOR PILOT PROJECT
CEI4 PARTICIPATE IN SWMBIA HOME SHOW STAFF TIME
CEI5 PROMOTE NORTHWESTERN ENERGY REBATES STAFF TIME
CEI6 PROMOTE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION CLUBS STAFF TIME
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 38
CEI1- CREATE A COMMUNITY COORDINATOR POSITION FOR CLIMATE
ACTION PLANNING
DESCRIPTION
As climate action planning is a fluid process, the successful implementation
of the strategies presented in this climate action plan will require continual
management, measurement, and course correction. Presently this effort is
handled through the efforts of a contract position and the efforts of a
voluntary committee. This recommendation is to formalize a position
within City government to handle management of the climate action plan as
well as other sustainability initiatives.
The Coordinator position would facilitate the objectives of the Community
Climate Action Plan. Working with businesses, utilities, and community
members, the Coordinator would develop collaborative projects, measure
progress, and produce periodic greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
The Coordinator should be skilled in climate action plan development and
management, emissions inventorying, project management, and city
government processes. Since this person will help promote rebates
available through NWE, the City should partner with NWE to research
opportunities for partial funding of this position. The CC should work with
NorthWestern Energy and the Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Department to create a energy usage database. A memorandum of use
(MOU) can be signed by both parties to obtain energy usage data
information for the City of Bozeman. This should be viewed as a high
priority as obtaining this information could take several years.
Responsibilities should include but are not limited to:
Perform an emissions inventory every 3 years
Provide annual project update to City Commission
Work with Advisory Board to identify projects
Provide an assessment of programs every 3 years
Create community webpage to interface with the public which
includes a carbon calculator
Develop educational campaign for all relevant programs
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Organized and credible management of Community Climate Action
Plan implementation.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Pittsburgh, PA Climate Action Plan
http://www.pittsburghclimate.org/documents/PittsburghClimateA
ctionPlan.pdf
http://www.nukejobs.com/nucdetailjobs/2886479/1/Sustainability
-Coordinator.html
http://www.medford.org/Pages/MedfordMA_Energy/sustmedford
_060907
DEPARTMET
Planning
TIMELINE
2011
EXISTING
ACTIONS
COB Climate
Protection
Coordinator
MSU
Sustainability
Coordinator
Bozeman
Deaconess
Sustainability
Coordinator
PARTNERS
NWE
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 39
CEI2-APPOINT A PERMANENT CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD (CAB)
DESCRIPTION
The City of Bozeman elected officials and staff rely on the advice of over
275 volunteer citizen board members serving on more than thirty
Advisory Boards and Task Forces. These unpaid volunteers provide a
critical connection to the community and the values and concerns of
residents.
Successful
implementation of
the CCAP will rely on
effective monitoring
of progress by
members in the
community. This
recommendation is to
create a permanent
advisory board which
will meet quarterly
and who will work with the Community Coordinator to promote projects
as technology and opportunities arise. The Task Force recommends the
board represent, but not limited to, the following sectors:
City
County
Business
Energy
Non profits
University
Transportation
Citizen-at-large
Public Schools
Hospital
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Monitor programs
Develop implementations strategies
Build coalitions and partnerships in the community
DEPARTMENT
Climate
Protection
COST
Staff Time
TIMELINE
2011
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 40
CEI3: PARTICIPATE IN THE YELLOWSTONE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP’S GREATER
YELLOWSTONE FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PILOT PROJECT
(GY-FRAMEWORK)
DESCRIPTION
The GY-Framework is a voluntary ecosystem-based rating system that is
modeled after the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) program. This regional rating system includes
and goes beyond the application of LEED green building standards to
address the nationally significant natural and cultural values of the Greater
Yellowstone ecosystem, including biodiversity, land use and conservation,
transportation, recreation resources, public service and infrastructure, and
community vitality.
City of Bozeman employees were instrumental not only in developing the
GY-Framework, but also in tailoring the existing requirements to better
suit governmental jurisdictions using a more applicable and highly flexible
and voluntary, rating system. This system will guide our communities on a
path to increasing the livability of our region, and ultimately, reducing our
carbon footprint. Being a pilot for the GY-Framework will assist the City of
Bozeman in coordinating its various sustainability efforts.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Contract with a code-writing consultant with experience on a
regional scale to develop model codes and tools to implement
measurable metrics/goals outlined in existing plans
Complete affordability band/analysis of need/immediate post-
recession assessment of where development dollars should be
focused: what is the housing stock, current/continuing need,
what is affordable given current employment pictures in each
area?
Coordinate with/expansion of Linx regional transportation co-op
Highlight several “commuter-sheds” (targeted areas are the two
Teton Counties Idaho and Wyoming, Gallatin/Park counties,
Pocatello and surrounding communities, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and
Billings/Yellowstone County/Carbon County)
Tie-in existing plans and visions
Identify catalytic projects in each commuter-shed for
implementation funding
YBP and local government pilot sponsors will utilize the GY-
Framework as a guidance document, and demonstrate how each
prerequisite and credit can be practically achieved on the ground.
Jurisdictions will utilize and improve existing growth plans, codes,
policies and regulations to follow the criteria outlined in the
Framework, and collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions in
implementation and information sharing to address development
on a regional scale.
www.yellowstonebusiness.org
DEPARTMENT
Planning
COST
$500 (pilot
registration fee with
grant )
TIMELINE
3-year pilot phase
starting in early
2011
EXISTING
ACTIONS
Common Sense
Program Partners-
Archer
Construction, City of
Bozeman, DA
Davidson,
Montana Import
Group,
Riverbend Builders,
The Garage,
Greenspace
Landscaping,
Intrinsik
Architecture, Inc
Bridger
Bowl,Montana
Yellowstone
Expeditions,
Blanchford
Landscape
Contractors
Mackenzie River
Pizza Co, Mountain
Home Montana
Vacation Rentals,
On Site
Management,
Refuge Sustainable
Building
PARTNERSHIPS
YBP, USGBC ,
SWMBIA, MSU
Chamber of
Commerce, NWE,
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 41
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
City of Pocatello, Community of Teton County Idaho/Driggs/Victor
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
www.yellowstonebusiness.org
COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT FOR ACTION
MCAP, COB Community Plan Implementation Policy 12
PARTNERSHIPS
YBP, USGBC ,SWMBIA, MSU, Chamber of Commerce, NWE
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 42
CEI4 PARTICIPATE IN THE SOUTHWEST MONTANA BUILDING INDUSTRY
ASSOCIATION (SWMBIA) ANNUAL HOME SHOW
DESCRIPTION-
The SWMBIA Home Show offers the city of Bozeman the opportunity to
educate the public about its efforts to mitigate CO2 emissions. The City will
also have an opportunity to learn from the public creative ways to
implement the existing recommendations and may also learn new and
pioneering ideas to compliment its efforts.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Provide an educational opportunity engaging the City of Bozeman
and the public.
Offer another venue for the public to participate and take personal
ownership of our community goals to increase our local energy
efficiency.
Inspire voluntary action to reduce CO2 emissions.
Display CAP timeline to 2025 emission goal.
Provide outreach, awareness, and to garner widespread support of
the CAP.
Further efforts to brand the CAP with the public
Provide updates and results of CAP progress.
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
SWMBIA http://www.swmbia.org/#bf_miniCal_180
DEPARTMENT
Climate Protection
COST
Staff Time
TIMELINE
2012
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 43
CEI5: PROMOTE EXISTING NORTHWESTERN ENERGY’S DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT ENERGY
EFFICIENCY AND REBATE PROGRAMS
DESCRIPTION
NorthWestern Energy offers a variety of programs, services, and resources to help
their Montana electric and natural gas customers better manage energy use and
energy costs. The Task Force recommends that the City encourage energy
efficiency and energy conservation by promotion these existing programs.
During the period from July 2009 through June 2010, NorthWestern Energy offered
23 programs to its residential and commercial customers. Some of these programs
offered rebates for energy efficiency improvements, while others were primarily
educational in nature and scope. Details and descriptions of each program are
available on NorthWestern’s website www.northwesternenergy.com.
E+ Energy Audits for the Home
E+ Business Partners Program
E+ Irrigation Efficiency Program
E+ Commercial Lighting Rebate Program
E+ Residential Lighting Program
Builder Operator Certification Training
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Programs
E+ Free Weatherization Program
E+ Renewable Energy Program
E+ New Home Program
E+ Residential Electric Savings Program
Motor Management Training
E+ Electric Motor Rebate Program
Energy Star Television Program
E+ Residential New Home Gas Rebates
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Reducing electric and natural gas consumption through energy efficiency
will reduce carbon emissions.
Since NorthWestern Energy already has these successful programs in
place, the cost to the City will be minimal to promote these programs.
Nearly all of the residents of the City of Bozeman are NorthWestern
Energy electric and natural gas customers, so they qualify to participate in
these programs.
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
www.northwesternenergy.com
www.montanagreenpower.com
www.deq.mt.gov
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
85 MT
( 2% participation rate or
4,284 MT if all 29,827 electric
customers and 22,685 natural
gas customers living in
Bozeman. This number is
also based on historic
customer participation during
the tracker year July 2009
through June 2010)
DEPARTMENT
Climate Protection
Coordinator,
Neighborhood
Coordinator, Finance
Department
COST
Staff Time
SAVINGS
$16,000
(2% participation rate or if all
29,827 electric and 22,685
natural gas customers fully
participated in the
NorthWestern energy
programs, the energy savings
within the Bozeman city
limits could approach
$800,000).
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 44
CEI6: PROMOTE PROGRAMS THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION CLUBS
DESCRIPTION
Neighborhood Conservation Clubs (NCCs) are a forum to take action and conserve
resources by working within small neighborhood groups. The NCCs are guided
with resources and suggestions from the NCC organizers who include home
energy efficiency specialists, transportation experts, landscape designers and
building contractors. Bulk pricing for home weatherization efforts could be realized
through effective use of the NCC’s.
Neighborhood conservation clubs (NCCs) though our Bozeman neighborhoods
would be responsible for informing homeowners of bulk insulation programs that
would be made available at a reduced cost if more than 15 homeowners would be
willing to upgrade their insulation at the same time. This block type program would
be voluntary and labor would be provided by volunteers as well as homeowners
who wanted the discounted pricing to upgrade attic and other insulation for their
homes.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
This will benefit the homeowners by reducing their energy bills while also reducing
their carbon emissions. This is the most cost effective way to reduce energy
demand while also reducing carbon emissions
from residential buildings. This may also provide
additional work for local insulators where
homeowners want a professional installer to do
the work instead of the conservation club
members.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
AERO promotes NCCs around the state of
Montana and is currently looking to expand
support to neighborhoods who have members
that want to make a difference in terms of climate
change and energy efficiency. Missoula is also
attacking energy efficiency through block grants
where whole neighborhoods that sign up get free
or reduced cost upgrades to their insulation by professional installers.
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
http://www.aeromt.org/ncc.php
http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=4035
DEPARTMENT
Neighborhood
Coordinator
COST
Staff Time
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 45
Community Spotlight
Neighborhood Conservation Clubs
The Neighborhood Conservation Clubs are a volunteer organization of community
members promoting energy efficiency and conservation. Building on the mantra of
neighbor helping neighbor, NCC members work together to promote programs
which reduce energy consumption and connect neighbors to resources in their
community. Together they build a sense of community engagement and pride in the neighborhoods. In
2010, with the help of the Alternative Energy Resource Organization, the City of Bozeman initiated its
first NCC program. Everybody can agree that saving resources makes good sense, especially as we
witness record breaking gasoline and diesel prices, winter heating costs that only increase, and a record
drought in Montana. True reduction in emissions will only occur if all community members take action
and make choices which will benefit the efforts of the climate action plan.
Part of the NCC effort in Bozeman included a monthly speaker series and newsletter with information
ranging from composting and gardening to taking advantage of City rebates to replace old toilets with
low flow flush toilets. A very successful program included NCC partners donating their time to help
install low-flow toilets around the neighborhood. More information on the NCC’s can be found at
http://www.bozeman.net/SpecialPages/Search.aspx?searchtext=ncc&searchmode=anyword
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 46
Chapter 6: Residential and Commercial Buildings
Description
The residential and commercial working group members met in February
and March of 2010. Members included builders, architects, city building
inspectors and planners, and citizens at large. A number of
recommendations are beyond the scope of the City’s jurisdiction; as such,
these recommendations are intended to be part of an inter-governmental
commission designed to promote and further the objectives of the CCAP.
According to Bozeman’s Economic Development Plan, the construction, land
development, and real estate sector is a significant component of
Bozeman’s economy. Everything from building contractors, subcontractors,
and trades; building material suppliers, home furnishings, and landscaping
to realtors and financial institutions are impacted by the construction industry in Bozeman. As such, the
Task Force worked hard to balance the efforts to mitigate emissions in this sector and its impacts on the
economy.
The building sector accounted for 77% and 72% of emissions for 2000 and 2008 respectively. Reducing
energy consumption in existing homes and developing a systematic and consistent database of
information for commercial buildings was identified as a first priority. Promoting voluntary
benchmarking tools would help businesses more clearly identify the
impacts of energy usage and how to reduce both its bottom line and
reduce its carbon footprint. Partnering with NorthWestern Energy to
help promote the rebates available to the community is a low-cost,
effective way to promote existing resources. The recently adopted
2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) was identified as
being 15-30 percent more efficient than current standards for new
construction. Applied to new construction, this will help minimize the
impacts of growth on emissions. Reducing demand on fossil fuels
through intensive conservation measures coupled with renewable
energy applications, where appropriate, was identified as yielding the most optimal results of carbon
reduction in the long-term. The group identified four strategies to help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in the building sector. The strategies should be used a guiding principle for future
implementation of programs.
Strategies
1. Inventory energy usage of new and existing commercial buildings
2. Increase energy efficiency in existing building stock
3. Promote the development of renewable energy and conservation programs
4. Promote strong state and federal climate change policies
Existing Measures
As mentioned previously, the Task Force believes the City should utilize the resources already available
in the community as they begin to implement the recommendations in this report. Several
organizations in Bozeman are consistent with the efforts promoted in CCAP and the Advisory Board
should look to these organizations when implementing the recommendations in this sector.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 47
Neighborhood Conservation Clubs
Yellowstone Business Partnership
US Green Building Council
National Association of Builders Green Building Program
Summary of Recommendations
ITEM # DESCRIPTION COST/SAVINGS
RCB1 BENCHMARKING STAFF TIME
RCB2 COMMISSIONING .25-.35 CENTS/SQUARE FOOT
RCB3 ENERGY CHALLENGE $1000/HOUSEHOLD INVESTMENT/
$200/YEAR SAVINGS
RCB4 RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION
ORDINANCE
.75% OF SALE OF PROPERTY
RCB5 ENERGY BUIDLING ANALYSIS FOR MUNICPAL LOANS TBD
RCB6 PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN $1,300/YEAR SAVINGS
RCB7 PROPERTY ASSESED CLEAN ENERGY LEGISLATION STAFF TIME
RCB8 ARCHITECTURE 14X STIMULUS LEGISLATION NONE
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 48
RCB1- REQUIRE BENCHMARKING AT POINT OF SALE FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND
ENCOURAGE RESIDENTIAL WHEN METRICS ARE AVAILABLE
DESCRIPTION
Energy benchmarking for commercial, institutional, and governmental buildings (herein referred
to as commercial buildings) is an initiating step toward energy efficiency improvements. This
recommendation would require benchmarking at the point of sale for commercial buildings and
would encourage voluntary benchmarking for the entire commercial building stock.
Benchmarking would include building size, function, energy indexes for electric, gas, and total
energy on a btu per square foot per year basis.
Benchmarking enables people to compare the general energy performance of a building against
similar buildings in the region. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is one example to provide a
uniform method of benchmarking as well as comparison of individual buildings to similar
buildings. The process yields a 1-100 score that is generally a function of how the building
operates and what energy efficiency features are present. The score makes energy
consumption information easy to grasp for building owners, operators, and tenants.
A 2005 California Energy Commission endorsed benchmarking “as a means to motivate decision
makers, usually building owners, to implement measures that will improve the energy efficiency
of a building….Benchmarking is an initial step in a comprehensive efficiency program.” It is also
referred to as an “entry point for other strategies,” such as retro-commissioning and energy
auditing.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Provides a quantified measure of building performance.
Enables the consideration of energy efficiency strategies through informing owners and
decision makers.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
California AB 1103 Requires Energy Benchmarking Data Released During Sales
http://www.facilitiesnet.com/energyefficiency/article/California-AB-1103-Requires-
Energy-Benchmarking-Data-R
State and Local Governments Leveraging Energy Star
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/government/State_Local_Govts_Leveraging_E
S.pdf
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
Energy Star Portfolio Manager
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/government/State_Local_Govts_Leveraging_ES.p
df
Energy Stars Portfolio Manager – How it’s Used for Benchmarking
http://www.facilitiesnet.com/energyefficiency/article/Energy-Star-Portfolio-Manager-
How-It-is-Used-for-Benchmarking--11022
DEPARTMENT
Building/Planning
TIMELINE
Pilot program in
2012.
EXISTING ACTIONS
City of Bozeman
Gradient Systems’
Automated
Benchmarking
System (ABS) with
ENERGY STAR.
MSU Energy
Strategic Planning
Partnerships
MSU
ENERGY STAR
Gradient Systems
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 49
RCB2- - REQUIRE COMMISSIONING FOR ALL NEW COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
DESCRIPTION
The American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers define
commissioning as "a quality-oriented process for achieving, verifying, and documenting that
the performance of facilities, systems, and assemblies meets defined objectives and criteria".
Building Commissioning accomplishes higher energy efficiency, environmental health, and
occupant safety and improves indoor air quality by making sure the building components are
working as designed and with the greatest efficiency. Commissioning also can restore
existing buildings to high productivity through renovation, upgrade and tune-up of existing
systems.
While the practice of building commissioning process is still fairly new in the construction
industry, it has quickly become common practice as savvy building owners have seen
substantial returns on their investment by way of utility savings.
The Task Force recommends the City commissioning requirements focus on heating,
ventilating and air conditioning systems which have shown to give the highest return on
investment. Other systems to consider include building envelope, emergency power, and any
other system that has been a problem for the building owner on previous construction
projects.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Commissioning benefits owners through improved energy efficiency and improved workplace
performance due to higher quality environments.
Benefits include:
Precise tune-up of HVAC systems and controls
Lower energy and maintenance costs
Improved indoor air quality and a comfortable building environment.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
12/2009, New York City Council signed into law to require energy audits and retro-
commissioning of base building systems of certain buildings and retro-fitting of certain city-
owned buildings.
The City of Houston adopted a new Commercial Energy Conservation Code that provides
minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design of all buildings except low-rise
residential buildings. This new code took effect August 1, 2008 and includes several new
energy conserving provisions, including a requirement for Commissioning.
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
http://www.ashrae.org/certification/page/2086
http://www.wbdg.org/project/buildingcomm.php
http://www.houstoncommissioning.com/code.htm
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/ccg01_covers.pdf
CARBON
REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
938 MTCO2e
(Based on
700,000
square feet of
facilities)
DEPARTMENT
Building
COST
.25-.35cents
per square
foot
SAVINGS
2-5 years
return
TIMELINE
Phase in
beginning in
2013
EXISTING
ACTIONS
Bozeman City
Library
Bozeman City
Hall
Morrison
Maierle
Building
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 50
RCB3- LAUNCH A 10 PERCENT ENERGY REDUCTION CHALLENGE FOR RESIDENTIAL AND
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
DESCRIPTION
An energy efficiency challenge is an effective way to motivate people to save
energy. A challenge keeps track of personal energy reductions and awards a prize
to the highest-saving individual.
Partnering with the Neighborhood Conservation Clubs and the Chamber of
Commerce the City can leverage existing resources for marketing and promotional
campaigns. Events such as “Bozeman Green Drinks” and the NCC Club speaker
series can be used to disseminate information and sign-up participants. An
effective campaign will require the city to monitor all participants’ energy usage
from initiation to completion of program.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Reduction in energy usage will create less demand for fossil fuel
production
Energy challenge can be utilized as an effective education and awareness
campaign
Low-cost, voluntary approach
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Gallatin County realized a 20% reduction in energy consumption and $2,200 in
energy savings over a five month period by simply asking employees to change
their behaviors.
Burlington, VT http://www.10percentchallenge.org/
Putney, VT http://pec.putney.net/files/docs/10percentchallenge.pdf
Montana 20 by 10 initiative http://governor.mt.gov/20x10/default.asp
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
www.MontanaHomeEnergy.com
http://www.10percent
challenge.org/
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
1,379MT (based on 100
businesses and 250
households)
DEPARTMENT
Economic Development,
Climate Protection,&
Neighborhood
Coordinator
SAVINGS/COST
$200/year in savings per
households
$1,500/year in savings
per businesses
$1,000 investment per
household & business
TIMELINE
Yearly challenge starting
January 2012
EXISTING ACTIONS
Neighborhood
Conservation Clubs
PARTNERSHIPS
NWE/Chamber of
Commerce/
Neighborhood
Associations/Downtown
Business
Partnership/Green
Drinks Bozeman
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 51
RCB4- ADOPT A RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION ORDINANCE
(RECO & CECO)
DESCRIPTION
The purpose of a RECO/CECO is to increase the energy and water efficiency in buildings.
RECO/CECO has been found to insulate building owners from energy price increases by
reducing the amount of energy used for heat, hot water, and lighting. RECO/CECO’s focus on
older buildings by establishing a minimum requirement of upgrades in certain areas. Owners
may choose from a list of options not to exceed .75% of the final sale price. More than half of
the buildings in Bozeman were built before 1990 when less stringent energy codes were in
place. This is a first step, low-impact measure designed to encourage energy efficiency in
existing buildings.
The Task Force recommends the City further develop a RECO/CECO to include:
the sale or transfer of property
a combined value of $50,000 or more in renovations .
Energy efficiency measure can include:
Toilets:1.6 gallon/flush or flow reduction devices;
Showerheads: 3.0 gallon/minute flow rate;
Faucet aerators:2.75 gal/minute flow rate for kitchens and bathrooms;
Water Heater Blankets: Insulation wrap of R-12* value.
Hot Water Piping in Pumped, Re-circulating Heating Systems: Insulate all pipes to R-3
value.
Exterior Door Weather-stripping: Permanently affix weather stripping, and door sweeps or
door shoes.
Furnace Duct Work: Seal duct joints add insulation wrap to R-3 value;
Ceiling/Attic Insulation: Insulate to R-39 value or greater.
Common Area Lighting in Multi-Unit Buildings: Replace incandescent bulbs with compact
fluorescent lamps (CFL) of at least 25 lumens; these cost $10-15 each but last up to 10,000
hours versus 750 hours for incandescent bulbs. A 20-watt CFL is equivalent to a 75-watt
incandescent bulb in output. A CFL uses 1/4 the watts of an incandescent bulb, thus, CFLs
will save up to 75% of energy costs.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Significant reductions in energy usage and GHG emissions
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Boulder, CO CAP assessment identified RECO’s and CECO’s as a successful program.
Berkeley, CA experience a 13% reduction in energy use as a result of RECO/CECO
programs
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCESCase Study RECO
http://www.c40cities.org/docs/casestudies/buildings/berkeley_standards.pdf
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/contentdisplay.aspx?id=20068
http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Berkeley/html/pdfs/Berkeley19.pdf
DEPARTMENT
Building,
Finance
COST
Should not exceed
.75% of sale of
home
TIMELINE
Planning and
Education Phase
2011 -2012
adopt 2013
PARTNERSHIPS
HRDC, MSU
Extension and
Film, NWE USB
Grants
JURISDICTION
Municipal
Ordinance
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 52
RCB5- REQUIRE BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS FOR MUNICIPALLY FUNDED
PROJECTS
DESCRIPTION
In keeping with the State of Montana's goals to maintain a clean and healthful
environment as well as the City's goal to reduce its overall negative impact on the
environment, each applicant for municipal loan monies for building construction
should include documentation on planned water, energy use, and waste output as
well as any possible mitigations they may contemplate within the scope of the
project.
Often, energy performance and corresponding metrics related to the use of
renewable resources is measured on a short-term basis. To fully illustrate the
long-term costs and benefits of using energy conservation/renewable energy
resources, each applicant should include a brief comparison of the contemplated
energy requirements relative to the most appropriate renewable energy
technology available for a given project and/or situation. Large construction
projects typically have an idea of the amount of energy their building will
consume. Including it the application process should not add any additional
burden to the applicant.
In requiring applicants to include as part of the application process a side by side
comparison of the costs of traditional versus renewable technologies; the city will
have played a part in encouraging its applicants to become conversant in available
technologies while also furthering its goal of reducing emissions
Where public assistance is sought from the City of Bozeman, said projects will be
required to document projected energy and water usage and waste stream data
for the various intended purposes of the building(s).
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Education and awareness
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Kane County, IL, Corvallis, OR, Harrisburg, PA
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/solutioncenter/financialproducts/RevolvingLo
anFunds.html
http://www.nrmrcd.org/energy_fund.htm
DEPARTMENT
Finance & Economic
Development
TIMELINE
2011-2013 Education
Period
2014- Adopt
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR ACTION
EDP Goals and Strategies
6e
EXISTING ACTIONS
Big Sky Energy Revolving
Loan Fund
PARTNERSHIPS
Financial Institutions,
County, State, Federal
‘
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 53
RCB6- ENCOURAGE PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN AT THE PLANNING STAGE
DESCRIPTION
The Passive Haus Institut and Passive House Institute U.S. have developed research- and
performance-based passive design building standards that achieve an overall energy
savings of 60-70% and space heating savings of 90 to 95% compared to savings realized
with current codes (including Bozeman’s current IECC 2009 code).
Bozeman could encourage use of Passive House Institute Standards by providing incentives
to builders/developers and tax incentives to buyers. The Passive House Institute provides
training and certifies professionals that utilize a Passive House Planning Package
design/verification tool. Training classes could be brought to Bozeman.
Passive solar design takes advantage of the sun’s path in the sky to provide natural heat
and cooling. An east/west-elongated building uses its south-facing glazing (typically high-
performance windows) to capture the winter sun’s rays providing natural heat. Summer’s
higher-angled sun is blocked to prevent heat gain. Other elements: thermal mass (masonry
walls, floors, etc.) and super insulation. The Passive House concept builds upon these basics
and is a comprehensive, building-as-a-system approach that maximizes passive energy gain
and minimizes energy loss. This is accomplished with an airtight building, a heat/energy
recovery ventilation system, and elimination of thermal bridging.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
U.S. Energy Information Administration data shows that buildings emit the most
greenhouse gases and most of the energy used in both residential and commercial
buildings is for heating and cooling. Thus, buildings built to Passive House design standards
will have the greatest impact on reducing energy use/greenhouse gas emissions. Plus,
these buildings will be more comfortable, durable, healthy, and owners will have greatly
reduced utility bills. The money not spent on utilities will likely be circulated into/boost
Bozeman’s local economy. And, these buildings are excellent candidates for smaller, more
affordable active renewable energy systems or becoming net zero energy buildings.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Baltimore County High Performance Homes Bill, property tax incentives based on energy
performance including the Passive House Institute standard:
Bill 43-10 at http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/countycouncil/legislation/10bills.html
Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, Burlington, currently working on performance-
based incentives to include the Passive House standard: www.veic.org
http://www.veic.org/Implementation_Services/Green_Building/GreenBuildingServices.aspx
Habitat for Humanity programs in Kentucky, Vermont, and Washington DC are building to
Passive House standards.
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
Klingenberg, Katrin, and Mike Kernagis. “The Passive House: Strategies for Extreme
Efficiency.” Home Power Magazine, August/Sept. 2010: 70-75.
Passive House Institute U.S. website: www.passivehouse.us
U.S. Department of Energy, Building Energy Codes Program. Impacts of the 2009 IECC for
Residential Buildings at State Level. Washington, DC, Sept. 2009.
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
2,500MTCO2e
(based only on heating+cooling
load of 202 single-family homes
at 2,400 sf)
DEPARTMENT
Planning & Community
Development
SAVINGS
$261,994/year
(202 households)
TIMELINE
Fall 2011
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR ACTION
Community Plan
Chapter 8 Objective E 3.2
Chapter 4 Goal C 6
Objective C 6.2
Objective C 6.3
UDO 18.36.040.090E.a.4
PARTNERSHIPS
- SWMBIA, USGBC,
Habitat for Humanity
- MSU: Extension,
Engineering. &
Architecture
Departments,
- NWE, Passive House
Institute U.S.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 54
RCB7- SUPPORT PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY (PACE) BOND LEGISLATION
DESCRIPTION
PACE is a way to finance solar systems or energy efficient retrofits, where the city
offers a property owner a loan, and he/she pays it back through property tax bills
over 15 to 20 years.
The city partners with a company to administer the program or the city decides to do
it themselves. It’s usually funded with municipal bonds. The homeowner gets a site
evaluation for solar power or energy efficiency improvements with any company they
choose. Once a quote is given, the property owner applies with the city program
administrator. A small fee covers the cost of the municipal financing program
administration and discourages frivolous applications. Once the improvements are
approved by the city, the program administrator pays the contractor for the system
that the homeowner purchased. The check is forwarded directly to the installer.
There is no upfront payment for the homeowner, except possibly a deposit. The
property owner pays it off on his or her property tax bill over 20 years, at a
competitive rate of interest. If the home is ever sold, the improvement goes with it
along with any tax liability.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
The program doesn’t require that the property owner supply any cash up front or
reduce equity of the home. This type of financing leaves the system or improvement
installation with the residence as well as the financial obligation. If the property
changes hands, so does the loan.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
The program was originally developed in Berkeley, California.
California passed AB811 to allow other cities to use the program.
Other Cities include:
District of Columbia
San Francisco, CA
Berkeley, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Boulder, CO
Houston, TX
Dallas, TX
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
www.pacefinancing.org
Renewable Funding: https://www.renewfund.com/
Pace Now: http://pacenow.org/blog/
Efficiency Maine: http://www.efficiencymaine.com/pace/faqs In Maine, a PACE
mortgage is not entitled to any special or senior priority. The PACE mortgage is junior
and subordinate in priority to the first mortgage, regardless of the date that any of
the mortgages were recorded.
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
1,130 MT
(2000 homes
retrofitted at 10%
energy savings)
DEPARTMENT
Finance & Economic
Development
SAVINGS
$103/year
COST
$5,000/household
TIMELINE
5 years for adoption.
10 years for results
EXISTING ACTIONS
Tax Credits offered
through
NorthWestern Energy
and the State for
green mechanical
systems
PARTNERSHIPS
Gallatin County
JURISDICTION
State
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 55
RCB8- SUPPORT ARCHITECTURE 14X STIMULUS LEGISLATION
DESCRIPTION
This program would be for those homeowners that currently have loans at least
2% higher than current market rates that would also like to pursue energy
efficiency investments in their property. The program would pay for the
refinancing of their current loan while also taking more money out of their homes
to pay for energy efficiency improvements.
For example, if a homeowner had a current mortgage of $184,000 at 6% interest
their payments would be $1,103 per month. With the new program, this
homeowner could take out another $16,000 to do energy efficiency
improvements and end up with a $200,000 loan at 4% interest where their new
payment would be $954 per month. That would be a savings of $150 per month
plus another $60 in energy savings. Giving the current homeowner $210 per
month more to either spend or save in the local community.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
With every $1 spent by the government to refinance high interest loans, we would
generate $14 spent in the local economy to generate local jobs, increase state and
local tax revenue by $1 and federal tax revenue by $3. The program basically pays
for itself and will allow a huge investment by homeowners who don’t have the
upfront cash to complete these energy efficiency projects.
Other benefits include greater comfort in the home, better air quality, and lower
carbon emissions.
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
http://architecture2030.org/hot_topics/14x_stimulus
http://www.architecture2030.org/downloads/14x_stimulus.pdf
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
1,130 MT
(2000 homes retrofitted
at 10% energy savings)
DEPARTMENT
Finance & Economic
Development
SAVINGS/COST
$210/Month for
Homeowners
No Cost to governments.
TIMELINE
5 yrs
EXISTING ACTIONS
State of Montana
provides a similar
program to provide low
cost loans for renewable
energy systems with
energy efficiency
measures also included in
their proposal.
PARTNERSHIPS
State of Montana, NWE,
Financial Institutions,
SWMBIA
JURISDICTION
State
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 56
Community Spotlight
Bozeman Deaconess Hospital
Bozeman Deaconess Hospital is the Gallatin Valley’s top provider for patient care.
Four years in a row, the hospital has earned a “Five Star Rating for Community
Value” from Cleverley + Associates for quality of care, low cost, low charge, and a
strong financial position allowing it to reinvest back into the provision of care at
the facility. LeRoy Wilson is the Director of Facilities at Bozeman Deaconess and plays a direct role in
plant reinvestment, sustainability practices and the environment of care within the hospital. In addition,
Wilson directs the Joint Commission Environment of Care committee and serves as Safety Officer.
Over the last several years, the hospital has adopted climate friendly practices to ensure Gallatin County
a clean bill of environmental health for the future. Bozeman Deaconess’s sustainability goals revolve
around recycling, reducing, reusing, education & awareness, and sustainability. Accordingly, the hospital
has installed several recycling locations throughout the building, encouraged the use of recycled
products, and provided outlets for education and feedback such as bulletin board locations, and
paperless meetings. These small and simple changes have resulted in big savings and waste reduction.
Because over half the square footage of the hospital is office space, mass amounts of paper waste can
be created. Wilson conducted an audit and determined that only 10 percent of all trash was actually
waste, while the rest could be recycled. Many of the 1300 employees at Bozeman Deaconess have
participated in the new “green” practices by recycling waste, and a number of employees have
volunteered to champion the efforts for change within their department and throughout the hospital.
While the hospital has adopted many small efforts, it also invested in big changes. For instance,
Bozeman Deaconess replaced the heating plant for its medical office buildings, Highland Park 2 and 3.
Two older boiler units were replaced with a high efficiency hot water system. Within six months, the
new efficient hot water system made such a positive impact and lessened the use of natural gas to such
an extreme that engineers from NorthWestern Energy paid a visit to the hospital to replace the meter
under the assumption it was malfunctioning. Surprisingly, says Wilson, the best investment came in the
form of a cardboard-baler, which reduced trips to the landfill in half and has resulted in substantial
savings. The hospital produces close to a bale of cardboard a week.
Bozeman Deaconess Hospital is setting the standard in caring for patients and the environment. Part of
its mission as a nonprofit organization is to “improve the quality of life” within the community.
Preserving the environment for present and future residents is one component of their mission. Thanks
to their sustainable investments and practices, Bozeman Deaconess Hospital is working to fulfill that
promise.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 57
Chapter 7: Transportation
Description
The transportation working group met four times over the month of April 2010. Members included
representatives from city planning, engineering, and streets department, electric car industry
representatives, the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, Streamline transportation, transportation consultants,
and citizens at large. Transportation accounted for
19% and 26% of emissions in 2000 and 2008
repectively. Transportation will continue to become a
large source of emissions as Bozeman continues to
grow. Smart growth principles of accessibility
walkable neighborhoods, mix land use, and varied
transportation options will all work toward reducing
emissions in this sector. A recent study by the Center
for Clean Air Policy found that in 1996 economic
growth began to outpace drving growth, which
means it takes fewer miles to make a GDP dollar. The
extra miles families are driving to and from work are
considered “empty miles”and contibute little or
nothing to households and local economies To
reduce emissions in this sector the transportation
working group identified three strategies.
Strategies
1. Support policies for long-term integrated multi-modal transportation and land use planning for a
20-30 year horizon.
2. Develop infrastructure for electric vehicle friendly community and provide incentives for the
production, sale and use of clean fuels.
3. Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and fuel emissions by promoting a pedestrian and bike
friendly community.
Existing Measures
Several organizations in Bozeman are already
implementing GHG reduction measures in this
sector. The Advisory Board should look to these
programs when implementing the measures in
this section.
Bozeman Public Schools No-Idling Policy
Safe Routes to School Program
City of Bozeman Bike Share Program
Figure 1: Photo Courtesy of SPS
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 58
Summary of Recommendations
ITEM# DESCRIPTION COST
TSP1 EXPAND AND INPORVE MULTI-MODAL
INFRASTURCTURE
TBD
TSP2 ALLOCATE 1 MILL LEVY TO STREAMLINE DIRECTLY 1 MILL ($80,783)
TSP3 INSTALL PAY ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS NEGLIGIBLE
TSP4 ADOPT AN ANTI-IDLING ORDINANCE STAFF TIME
TSP5 BIKE AND SHOWERS IN LIEU OF PARKING
REQUIREEMENTS
NONE
TSP6 INTERCONNECT AND ENHANCE SIDEWALK NETWORK TBD
TSP7 SUPPORT A LOCAL OPTION GAS TAX 2 CENTS PER GALLON
TSP8 EXAMINE EMISSIONS FROM GALLATIN FIELD AIRPORT TBD
TSP9 REFORM TAXI PERMITTING PROCESS STAFF TIME
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 59
TSP1 EXPAND AND IMPROVE MULTI-MODAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND IMPLEMENT POLICIES
RECOMMENDED IN THE TRANSPORTATION, PROST & GROWTH PLANS
DESCRIPTION
The CCAP supports recommendations included in the
Bozeman Community Plan, Bozeman Area
Transportation Plan (2007), and the Parks Recreation
Open Space and Trails Plan that call for a development
pattern that encourages and enables the use of diverse
modes of transportation through design that is
neighborhood-based, higher density, mixed use and
pedestrian friendly. Specifically, the CAP supports
incorporating an interconnected network of trails, bike
lanes, safe street crossings, transit infrastructure and a
grid street system as part of all new development and
street construction. Construction of specific infrastructure improvements cited in
these plans should be pursued proactively whenever possible. A multi-modal
coordinator between City departments, developers, and the public is critical to
ensure opportunities are not missed and that construction of thee facilities is well
planned.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
By themselves and especially in combination, implementing these recommendations
will both reduce the number and shorten the length of vehicle trips. Subsequent
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be considerable. Fully integrating
facilities for safe and convenient walking, biking and transit into our community’s
infrastructure will result in immediate benefits as well as a long term cultural shift
toward less dependence on personal vehicles. It will also provide significant
community benefits by improving public health and overall livability and quality of life.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Most of Montana’s other larger communities – especially Missoula, Great Falls and
Billings – are actively pursuing similar policies and infrastructure improvements and
have designated bicycle-pedestrian coordinators and other staff positions to facilitate
these efforts.
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
Missoula bicycle-pedestrian program:
http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/index.aspx?nid=404
Missoula planning for parks, open space, trails and transportation:
http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/index.aspx?NID=174
Billings Trails & Bike System:
http://www.prpl.info/parks/trails.html
Great Falls Transportation planning & Rivers Edge Trail:
http://www.greatfallsmt.net/people_offices/plancomdev/planning/transportation.php
http://thetrail.org/
CARBON
REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
700MT(based on
reducing VMT to ½ of 1
percent)
DEPARTMENT
P&C D
SAVINGS/COST
$132,000/year (based
on 25MPG and 2.85/gal)
TIMELINE
On-going
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR
ACTION
MCAP,
COB Complete
Streets Ordinance,
Bozeman Area
Transportation Plan
COB Community
Plan Chapter 16
Implementation
Policies 70-74,
1982 Energy
Element
EXISTING ACTIONS
College/Huffine
Pathway Project
GVLT Main Street to
the Mountains Trail
System
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 60
PARTNERSHIPS
Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP), Transportation Coordinating Committee (TCC) , Gallatin
Valley Land Trust (GVLT)
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 61
TSP2- ALLOCATE THE EQUIVALENT OF 1-MILL LEVY FOR STREAMLINE DIRECTLY
DESCRIPTION
Streamline provides fare free transportation in the Bozeman/Belgrade/Livingston
area. Planning for the new
transportation line began in 2001.
The genesis of the project, however,
goes back to a 1986 study by the
College of Engineering at Montana
State University that analyzed the
possibility of a transit system in
Bozeman. In 2001, the results of
much analysis developed the
Greater Bozeman Area Transit
Development Plan which, laid the
foundation for a public bus system
and supplied the information
needed to request Federal funding for a transit system. The City of Bozeman created
a Transit Task Force, which studied transit systems across Montana and surrounding
regions. The task force then created the feasibility report: Bozeman Area Transit.
A reliable public transportation system is an essential component to a carbon
footprint reduction portfolio. Many cities and counties have a mass transit system
that receives an 80:20 split between federal and local dollars. Bozeman depends on
local donations and partners for its existence with the majority of funding coming
through the state with federal dollars. One mill would provide the necessary
revenue to allow Streamline to expand its coverage of the city and make its
services more reliable.
In 2009, Streamline provided nearly 200,000 rides to the community.
Daytime Rides- 171,858
Saturday Ride- 11,894
Late night rides- 7,766
Livingston Ride- 4,300
Bridger Bowl Rides- 2,855
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Reduction of vehicle miles traveled
Reduce fuel costs
Increase air quality
Increased safety for late night drivers
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
Streamline Transportation - http://www.streamlinebus.com/
http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/fares/reduced.aspx
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/research-
center/Completed_Proj/Summary_PTO/FDOT_BC137_38_FF.pdf
http://www.capemaycountygov.net/Cit-e-Access/webpage.cfm?TID=5&TPID=8504
http://www.alternet.org/environment/57802/
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
175 MTC02e (based on
500 additional daily
passengers)
DEPARTMENT
Finance
COST
1 mill levy ($80,783)
TIMELINE
Yearly support starting
in 2012
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR ACTION
Community Plan
EDP
PROST
EXISTING ACTIONS
.5 mills for 2011.
PARTNERSHIPS
Belgrade, Livingston,
Gallatin County
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 62
TSP3-ENCOURAGE THE INSTALLATION OF PAY ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS
DESCRIPTION
The City should work with Northwestern Energy to streamline the installation of pay
charging stations around town. Northwestern energy would be responsible for all costs
associated with installation which would be recouped through a fee for charging. A first
step could include a pilot project at the parking garage.
The first affordable, mainstream plug-in electric vehicles from GM (Chevrolet VOLT) and
Nissan (LEAF) are now available. EVs from Mitsubishi, Think, Wheego, Coda, Fisker and
Tesla are expected to hit the road within the next year. The Electric Power Research
Institute estimates that by 2020, over 35% of all new vehicles sold will be plug-ins.
Replacing a gas combustion engine vehicle with an EV is one of the easiest and quickest
ways to reduce GHG emissions without compromising lifestyle. Initially launching in key
metro areas, EVs won’t be available in Montana showrooms until the end of 2011. As
hybrids became very popular when a gallon of gas exceeded $4.00, EV ownership in
Montana will increase with the next spike in fuel prices.
Most EV owners will charge their cars in home garages at night. However, cities across the
country are preparing for the EV by installing quick-charging stations in key locations.
Electric cars can be plugged into either a standard 110-volt outlet or a dedicated 220 volt
charging station. The higher the voltage / amperage, the faster the charge time and thus,
the daily driving range. For example, the 2011 LEAF has a 24 Kw Lithium battery pack
which provides a range of 80 miles between charges. If one commutes to Bozeman in a
LEAF, plugging-in while at work doubles the range to 160 miles. Similarly, a city-owned EV
could be plugged-in during a lunch break or meeting, thereby making it a practical fleet
vehicle. Charging stations reduce “range anxiety” and they are an essential component to
popularizing the EV.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
For every gallon of gas consumed by an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle,
20 lbs of CO2 are emitted.
A city vehicle, such as a Jeep Liberty gets 16 mpg (City). Driven 15K miles per year,
it emits over 9 tons of CO2.
A gas/electric hybrid emits under 4 tons of CO2 per year.
An all-electric vehicle produces ZERO CO2 if charged using solar, wind, Energy’s
buys a mix of Coal, NG, biomass, hydro and wind).
In addition to reducing CO2 emissions, EVs eliminate smog-causing pollutants
EVs use local domestic Montana-made electricity, not imported oil.
EVs are quieter and don’t idle at traffic lights.
Electric heater work quickly and don’t require a warm engine running.
CARBON
REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
22MTCO2e (based
on 10 charging
stations)
DEPARTMENT
Finance
SAVINGS
$6,084 (Based on
20MPG/2.85 gallon)
TIMELINE
Implement 2015
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR
ACTION
EDP
EXISTING
ACTIONS
MSU Electic Car
Pilot Project
PARTNERSHIPS
NWE, Chamber
of Commerce
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 63
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
The City of Houston and NRG Utility will invest $10million in 2011 on 50-150 charging stations around town.
First wave EV cities: Austin, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Madison, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Raleigh,
Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle.
Portland, OR - http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=128103660048734100
Madison, Wisconsin -http://www.mge.com/images/pdf/electric/other/ElectricVehicleChargingStations.pdf
Sacramento, CA - http://www.evchargernews.com/regions/ch-sac-all.htm
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
CO2 calculator - http://www.afteroilev.com/emissions.php
Vulcan CO2 study - http://www.purdue.edu/eas/carbon/vulcan/GEarth/index.html
Nissan Leaf - http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/index#/leaf-electric-car/index
Chevy Volt - http://www.chevrolet.com/volt
EV Cities - http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2010/11/12/how-americas-50-largest-cities-rate-ev-readiness?page=full
Project Get Ready - http://www.projectgetready.org
The EV Project - theevproject.com
Ecotality Charging Stations - http://www.ecotality.com/
Coulomb Technologies – Charging Stations http://www.coulombtech.com
A Better Place - http://www.betterplace.com
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 64
TSP4- ADOPT AN ANTI-IDLING ORDINANCE
DESCRIPTION
Adopt an anti-idling ordinance to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, conserve
energy and protect the health of citizens. 31 states across the US have already
enacted some form of ordinance.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Reduce vehicle miles traveled and fuel emissions by promoting a pedestrian
and bike friendly community. Vehicle idling is responsible for millions of dollars
per year in wasted fuel. Idling for 10 minutes per day wastes an average of 26
gallons of gasoline per year. An average individual can expect to save more
than $40 per year by simply turning off their engine. Reducing idling will also
reduce the emission of nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide and VOCs that are
emitted from a vehicle’s tailpipe. According to the American Lung Association,
asthma is the most common chronic illness in children and the leading cause of
school absences, and children’s asthma symptoms increase as a result of
exposure to car exhaust.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Hundreds of communities around the country have adopted anti-idling
ordinances, and a full list of locations and codes can be found on the EPA’s
website at http://www.epa.gov/smartway/documents/420b06004.pdf. Other
specific cities are:
Town of Brattleboro, VT. “No-idling” public education campaign and
require a clause in its contracts with construction firms prohibiting
idling. http://www.brattleboroclimateprotection.org/
City of Bellingham WA. Education campaign with a goal to reduce
5,295 MTCO2E by 2012. Whatcom Transportation Authority
established a policy that buses staging for more than two minutes
should not be idled except in extremely cold weather.
http://www.cob.org/issues/climate-protection.aspx
City of Burlington, VT. Legacy launched its No Idling Campaign in April
2007 with public outreach, education, and policy advocacy efforts.
http://burlingtonclimateaction.com/climate-action-plan/
City of Medford, MA. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has
mandated a 5-minute maximum idling time for vehicles. Idling
Enforcement Program for municipal operations, which will enforce the
5 minute idling time. The primary method of enforcement will be
through an educational program as well as through incentives.
http://www.medford.org/Pages/MedfordMA_Energy/FINAL_LAP.pdf
City of Seattle, WA. Anti-idling signs have been posted at key places.
The City partners with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
(http://www.pscleanair.org/actions/vehicles/noidle.aspxto) to get the
word out. http://www.seattle.gov/archive/climate/
Jackson Hole, WY. They proposed an Idle Free regulation in 2008.
(http://www.ci.jackson.wy.us/resources/files//Government/F.%20Me
eting%20Agendas/Council%20Packets/2008/051908/Public%20Comm
ent/idling.pdf)
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
80 MT
(based on 100 Heavy Duty Trucks)
DEPARTMENT
City Attorney
Parking Enforcement
SAVINGS
$67,000/year
24,000 gallons of fuel
(based on 2.78 cents /gallon diesel)
TIMELINE
2012-Education Campaign
2014- Adopt Ordinance
COMPREHENSICVE SUPPORT
FOR ACTION
COB Community Plan Chp 13
Implementation Policy 70
EXISTING ACTIONS
MCAP-TLU‐7.
Anti‐idling ordinance
MCA 61-8-357.
Bozeman Public Schools
Anti-idling policy
COB Anti-idling policy
PARTNERSHIPS
Gallatin Community
Health Partners
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 65
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
http://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/antiidling.htm
http://deq.mt.gov/Recycle/CleanAirZone.mcpx, Clean Air Zone Montana
http://www.jhunderground.com/2010/03/15/idle-free-ordinance-advances/
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 66
TSP5- ALLOW BUSINESSES TO INSTALL SHOWERS AND PROVIDE BIKE PARKING TO REDUCE
THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED PARKING SPACES FOR THE SIZE OF THE BUSINESS
DESCRIPTION
Every bicycle ridden for transportation is one less car which reduces traffic and the
need for parking. People who ride bikes for transportation, which would most likely
be increased by this change in regulation, are healthier and need less medical care.
Provide an alternative to parking requirements such as “payment in lieu of parking"
options for the downtown area, and allowing developers (throughout the
municipality) to replace some of the required parking with on-site/near-site bicycle or
transit improvements to reduce the number of miles driven and encourage more
people to bike to work.
Zoning requirements could include:
In situations where a mix of uses creates staggered peak periods of parking demand,
shared parking calculations can be made to reduce the total amount of required
parking. All non-residential uses may share parking areas.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Promote use of alternative transportation
Decrease fuel usage and vehicle miles traveled
Increased health benefits
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
DC Zoning Shower
http://app.dcoz.dc.gov/content/schedule/ViewFile.aspx?fileId=206&fileName=PHN08-
06-2_07-31-08.pdf
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
http://www.piercetrips.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
7MT/year
(based on 36 people
switching to bikes)
DEPARTMENT
Planning
SAVINGS/COST
No cost
TIMELINE
2014
PARTNERSHIPS
Bicycle Advisory
Board
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 67
TSP6- INTERCONNECT AND ENHANCE SIDEWALK NETWORK
DESCRIPTION
In an effort to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), the fragmented sections of the
existing sidewalk network should be better connected. In addition to
interconnecting the existing sidewalk system, additional sidewalks, shared-use
paths and trails should be added to the network connecting a variety of
destinations. Connecting neighborhoods, schools, employment centers,
commercial districts, and socio-cultural destinations with sidewalks, trails and
paths will encourage citizens to drive less. Where possible, high-priority sidewalks,
trails and paths should be lit with pedestrian scale lighting to encourage more use
at night and during the winter months.
The Municipal Climate Action Plan mentions the “Sidewalk Program” ordinance:
“This program is currently on the books and requires homeowners to pay for
sidewalks to provide connectivity in the pedestrian system. This program has been
put on hold because of public backlash, but there is still the need for a connected,
usable pedestrian facility.”
Considering that public sentiment has not dramatically changed, this policy could
be more strategically implemented. Focusing on specifically identifying,
prioritizing and constructing important missing links in the sidewalk network
would be more pragmatic than trying to enforce a city-wide blanket ordinance.
The most important aspect of this recommendation is to connect high-use districts
with one another thus providing citizens with an alternative to driving a vehicle for
their day-to-day needs.
Recent projects have done just this by targeting key areas of town needing better
pedestrian connectivity. For example:
College/Huffine Pathway Project which connects MSU with housing down
College Avenue and the growing commercial district west on Huffine.
The recent installation of missing sidewalks to better connect the North
7th corridor.
Both of these examples used complimentary funding sources:
Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP)
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
A comprehensive system of sidewalks, trails and paths will encourage and
accommodate more citizens walking and riding bicycles rather than driving
vehicles. The reduction in VMT will not only yield a reduction in CO2 emissions,
but will also lower the impact on streets thus reducing maintenance costs.
An interconnected network of sidewalks, trails and paths contribute significantly to
Bozeman’s quality of life that is based on healthy lifestyles and the great outdoors.
This healthy outdoor-centric quality of life attracts tourists, new residents, and
relocating businesses which in turn bolster the local economy.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Missoula Complete Streets Resolution
http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1956
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
147 MT
(Based on reducing VMT
by 1/10th of 1 percent)
DEPARTMENT
City of Bozeman Streets
Department
COB Parks & Recreation
Department
COB CTEP Committee
SAVINGS
$26,448/year
(based on 2.85/gallon)
TIMELINE
On-going
COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT
FOR ACTION
Municipal Climate Action
Plan
COB Complete Streets
Ordinance
Bozeman Area
Transportation Plan
COC Community Plan Chp
13 Implementation Policy
70,71,73& 74
1982 Energy Element
EXISTING ACTIONS
Recent examples of similar
projects:
College/Huffine Pathway
Project
North 7th Sidewalk
Project
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 68
Missoula Sidewalk Master Plan
http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=3041
Helena Non-Motorized Travel Council
http://www.ci.helena.mt.us/fileadmin/user_upload/City_Public_Works/hats/Documents/NMTAC.pdf
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
www.walkscore.com
www.completestreets.org
PARTNERSHIPS
Tax Increment Finance Districts (TIF)
Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP)
Montana Department of Transportation (MDT)
Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT)
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 69
TSP7-SUPPORT THE ADOPTION OF LOCAL OPTION GAS TAX
DESCRIPTION
A local gas tax has the potential to reduce transportation caused carbon for two
reasons; first the slight increase in fuel costs may motivate individuals to choose
more carbon friendly alternatives. Second the gas tax could be used primarily to
support carbon friendly options (alternative fuel vehicles, improved bicycle and
pedestrian facilities, and better public transit).
Small increases in fuel prices have proven to be mostly inelastic. The demand for
fuel does not decrease with small increases in fuel cost, so the reduction caused by
the increase in cost will likely be minimal. Most of the mitigations mentioned in this
report have a real cost associated with them, with no identified source of funding.
This could be a source of funding for a carbon reduction program.
According to state law, the city could not pass such a tax; this would have to be
passed by the Gallatin County Commission and possibly approved by voters. The tax
could not exceed 2 cents per gallon. The City should encourage the county to
implement this tax and encourage the use go to GHG reduction programs
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
A dedicated funding source supports carbon friendly transportation options. Other
benefits have been conservatively estimated at $3.40 for every $1 spent
(Ecosometrics 1998). An incomplete list of benefits for an improved transportation
system are:
Improved mobility and access to jobs for people who are economically,
socially, or physically disadvantages.
Reduced cost of vehicle ownership, operating costs, and parking costs for
people who choose alternative transportation. This is more apparent to
people when the price of gas rises.
Supports land use objectives such as infill, efficient public services,
clustering, accessibility, land use mix, and preservation of ecological and
social resources.
Healthier lifestyles among riders, bikers, and walkers. Potential savings on
parking garages or surface lots at MSU and other places of high demand
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Pinellas County LGOT http://www.clearwater-
fl.com/gov/depts/omb/docs_pub/archive/approved_06-
07_budget/pdf/j_Capital_Improvement_Plan/h_Local_Option_Gas_Tax.pdf
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
Litman, T. Evaluating Public Transit Benefits and Costs Best Practices Guidebook.
Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Victoria, BC, 2010.
http://www.vtpi.org/tranben.pdf
Ecosometrics, Inc. Assessment of the Economic Impacts of Rural Public
Transportation. Transit Cooperative Research Program, TCRP Report 34. Final
Report., Nov. 1998. http://www.trb.org/publications/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_34.pdf
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
100MT
(200 additional passengers)
DEPARTMENT
Finance/ Legal/City
Administration &
Climate Protection
COST
2 cents gallon
TIMELINE
2011
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR ACTION
Transportation Plan
JURISDICTION
County
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 70
TSP8-EXAMINE EMISSIONS FROM GALLATIN FIELD AIRPORT
DESCRIPTION
Gallatin Field Airport is the only airport serving as a year-round gateway for two Yellowstone
National Park entrances. It also serves the recreation areas of Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin
and the Bridger Bowl Ski Area as well as the business centers of Bozeman, Belgrade and
Livingston and higher education at Montana State University. The Gallatin Airport Authority has
embarked on a significant expansion of the airline terminal building. This expansion is the
largest airline terminal expansion ever in the state of Montana. The Gallatin Field Airport
handles approximately 700,000 passengers every year. Of these passengers, 300,000 use rental
cars, 100,000 use buses, taxis and shuttles and 300,000 are either dropped off at the terminal or
use the pay parking lot. Aircraft arrivals and departures from Gallatin Field most certainly
contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions in the Bozeman area. Reducing the amount of
airplane trips would not be economically feasible to the community; however, thoughtful and
early planning should look to encouraging the use of alternative types of fuels.
A life cycle analysis of the carbon footprint of camelina-based biojet fuel concludes that the
renewable fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 75 percent compared to traditional petroleum-based
jet fuel, according to a peer-reviewed paper published in the journal Environmental Progress &
Sustainable Energy. The study also found that “green” diesel made through the same process
reduces CO2 emissions by 80 percent.
Since air transport is a relatively "compact" industry, it would be logical for the air transport
industry to be one of the first sectors within the transport industry to take the lead by using
alternative fuels. However, the challenge is that aviation's demand may not be sufficient to
justify the important investments required. Hence the idea to consider the role of airports in
supplying alternative fuels not only to aircraft and ground airport activities, but also to the local
communities around airports.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Reduce emissions in the aviation sector
Create jobs by increasing demand for locally produced camelina
Decrease dependency on foreign oil
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
In 2009, the U.S. Navy and the Air Force contracted with Sustainable Oils for more than 140,000
gallons of camelina biojet fuel. Just recently, both groups exercised contract options for
additional camelina biojet fuel, bringing the total to nearly 500,000 gallons to be delivered in
2010 and early 2011
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
http://www.bozemanairport.com/
http://www.susoils.com/dynamic-content/csArticles/articles/000000/000093.htm
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~murty/planetravel2/planetravel2.html
http://www.atag.org/content/showissue.asp?level1=3&level2=472&folderid=472&pageid=1084
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
TBD
DEPARTMENT
Climate Protection
SAVINGS
TIMELINE
On-going
PARTNERSHIPS
County/
Sustainable Oils/
Airport Authority
JURISDICTION
Airport Authority
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 71
TSP9-REFORM TAXI PERMITTING PROCESS TO REMOVE CURRENT BARRIERS FOR CLEAN FLEET
SERVICES
DESCRIPTION
When taxi service is more convenient and affordable, citizens are more likely to use
cabs rather than their own cars to get around. Visitors arriving at the airport are more
likely to take cabs from the airport to hotels, or visit friends and relatives.
Bozeman is currently served by only one taxi cab company – Greater Valley Taxi. GVT
typically operates 3 cabs at a time, with an additional cab Thursday – Saturday nights.
GVT cabs are older sedans and mini-vans and get between 15 and 20 MPG. It typically
takes between 20 minutes and an hour to call a cab. Cabs are not generally not
available at the airport or downtown without a reservation.
GVT fares are comparable to other Montana cities where little or no competition
exists. Fares are $4.50 for the first person plus $3.50 for each additional passenger
plus $2.50 per mile. There is an additional $1.50 pickup fee at the airport.
By comparison, Yellow Cab in Missoula charges $5.50 plus $1.00 for additional
passengers. Green Taxi in Missoula, which runs hybrid Prius cabs, charges $5.00 for
pickup plus $2.50 per mile. Helena Transportation has a base rate of $10 or less for
most fares within the City limits.
Montana Representative Mike Phillips has submitted a bill draft request (LC 1070)
that would allow the first green taxi fleet in any Montana community to be
automatically permitted and would disallow any protest to the PSC on that
application. The bill draft is currently on "hold," which probably means that Rep.
Phillips has received a first draft of the bill and is waiting more information before
having it finished. This bill would accomplish the goal of the task force. The bill will
likely be opposed by taxi operator who already has permits simply because they don't
want competition.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Affordable and readily available cabs offer an alternative to people who do not have a
drivers license, cannot afford, or do not wish to own a car, and are traveling at times
or going to places not serviced by Streamline.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES.
Missoula Hybrid Taxi Service - http://missoulagreentaxi.com
Eugene Oregon Hybrid Taxi Service- http://eugenehybridtaxis.com
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES:
http://tinyurl.com/2g48nx2
http://www.greatervalleytaxi.com
http://missoulagreentaxi.com/
http://yellowcabmissoula.com/
http://www.helenatransportation.com/
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
Negligible
SAVINGS/COST
None likely
TIMELINE
2011 Legislative session
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR ACTION
Montana LC 1070 by
Rep Mike Phillips
EXISTING ACTIONS
Missoula Green Fleet
JURISDICTION
PSC
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 72
Community Spotlight
Bozeman Public Schools Safe Routes to School Program
One way to reduce traffic congestion, improve our environment and provide a
healthy opportunity to today’s children is the “Safe Routes to School” program.
The Safe Routes to School program provides a healthy and safe alternative to
driving to school. Having fewer children dependent on vehicle transportation
allows for less congestion surrounding the school, encourages children to live healthy and active
lifestyles, and creates positive environmental effects.
Safe Routes to Schools is a competitive program that utilizes federal funding for infrastructure within a
community as well as an educational campaign component. The program originates from the U.S.
Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration as part of the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, And Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. Over 6,400 schools across the U.S.
participate in the program. In support of the program, the City of Bozeman, the Bozeman Area Bicycle
Advisory Board, and the Gallatin Valley Safe Routes to School Task Force have hired a specialized firm,
Alta Planning + Design, to create a plan tailored to fit the needs of the Bozeman area schools.
Over the last several years the Bozeman School District has identified barriers and obstacles preventing
student pedestrians, bicyclists and the disabled from traveling to school without the assistance of a
vehicle. Today, the district is prepared to combat these obstacles from two approaches. First and
foremost, create safe routes to schools by improving infrastructure. The addition and improvement of
trails and sidewalks where needed. Traffic redirection and calming devices will be added to surrounding
schools, such as raised crosswalks. And finally, more bicycle racks to encourage biking to school. The
second approach is through education. The school district will campaign their efforts and raise
awareness of the benefits to the public through marketing campaigns and educational forums.
The program will focus on the following schools: Emily Dickinson, Hawthorne, Hyalite, Irving, Longfellow,
Morning Star, Whittier, and Chief Joseph
Middle School, and Sacajawea Middle School.
Walking audits are conducted by parents,
students, teachers, and administrators to
address safety, concerns and safety.
Volunteers are encouraged to participate in
these events and the program. For more
information regarding participation and the
plans for each respective school, please visit
http://www.altaprojects.net/bozemanschools/
Welcome.html .
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 73
Chapter 8: Waste, Water, & Recycling
Description
The WWR working group met four times throughout May 2010. The group included members from the
City Sanitation and Water Reclamation facilities, the MSU Pollution Prevention Program, Gallatin Zero
Waste Coalition, Liquid Solar Systems, civil engineers,
Green Stone Consulting, TruVue Accounting Solutions,
Global Gradient Systems, and citizens at large. Waste
accounted for 4% and 2% of emissions in 2000 and 2008
respectively. Although emissions in this sector were
considerably lower than other sectors, opportunities for
increased education and awareness were identified as
key priorities.
Increasing visibility of recycling and composting
programs, adopting a fee on plastic bag usage, and
developing renewable energy generation were identified
as potential funding mechanism and carbon offset
programs. The working group identified three strategies
to reduce emissions in this sector.
Strategies
1. Promote an Integrated Waste Management System
2. Promote Waste Reduction and Water Conservation
3. Pursue Alternative Energy Generation
Existing Measures
Several programs are in place to help reduce emissions in this sector. The Advisory Board should look to
these programs as they begin implementing the recommendations in this section.
Bozeman Recycling Program (Public & Private)
Gallatin Zero Waste Coalition
Livingston Glass Recycling Program
Summary of Recommendations
ITEM# DESCRIPTION COST
WWR1 WASTE FACILITY STUDY $80,000- $100,000
WWR2 COMPOSTING PROGRAM $5-$30 PROFIT PER TON COLLECTED
WWR3 PROMOTE RECYCLING STAFF TIME
WWR4 PLASTIC BAG FEE 5 CENTS PER BAG
WWR5 INCREASE TIPPING FEES 15 PERCENT INCREASE OF CURRENT RATES
WWR6 OPT-OUT POLICY FOR PHONE BOOKS STAFF TIME
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 74
WWR1- CONDUCT A FULL WASTE FACILITY STUDY
DESCRIPTION
As a community, there are many opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint
through waste reduction. The first place to start is by developing a full waste
facility study which would identify the
various components to effectively
reducing the waste stream. These
could include but are not limited to
community composting systems, a
material recovery facility, improving
waste reduction and recycling
opportunities, household chemical
collection, and glass
crushing/pulverizing and re-use
options.
A study is critical to identifying these opportunities and to determine ways to
improve the existing waste disposal infrastructure and system to make it more
efficient, reduce the carbon footprint, and save money.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Reduced vehicle miles traveled to haul waste
Conserve landfill space
Reduce landfill reclamation costs/materials
Reduce threat to local water quality and ecosystems
Increase supply of reclaimed materials and reduce consumption of virgin
raw materials
Produce compost for sale and/or for landfill reclamation
Reduce methane gas pollution
Collaboration with regional communities and efforts to increase
quantity and decrease costs associated with recycling and transporting
materials
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Boulder, CO
Regional Recycling Feasibility Study (YBP, MT DEQ. Recycle Montana)
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
http://www.stopwaste.org/home/index.asp?page=2
http://www.regionalrecycling.org/
http://www.mahoningcountyoh.gov/tabid/773/default.aspx
www.lakecountyil.gov
www.cityofshawnee.org
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
TBD
DEPARTMENT
Solid Waste Department
SAVINGS/COST
$80K-100K
TIMELINE
2012
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR ACTION
COB Community Plan Goal
E-4,Obejective E4.4
EXISTING ACTIONS
COB waste analysis
PARTNERSHIPS
GZWC, Private Recyclers,
YBP, Recycle Montana,
MT DEQ, GSWMD
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 75
WWR2 - EXPAND/ REQUIRE COMPOSTING PROGRAM TO INCLUDE COLLECTION AND
SEPARATION OF ORGANICS ALONG WITH EXISTING PICK-UP
DESCRIPTION
All households, farms, most businesses, schools, and municipal waste treatment plants all
produce organic waste, including food, coffee grinds, and yard or landscaping materials,
including leaves, branches, and wood scraps. Every year, each American throws out about
1,200 pounds of organic garbage that can be composted. Vegetable scraps represent the
largest un-recycled portion of the residential waste stream. In fact, about 35% of
residential garbage is food waste and up to 70% of all municipal waste is organic by
weight. The city has an opportunity to collect and process this organic material and
combine it with other organic material in order to provide a beneficial and useful product:
organic compost.
In order for this to work, garbage collectors need to provide a separate garbage can for
organic waste for their customers, and to pick up and transport that waste to a dedicated
area in site of the Water Reclamation Facility or the old Story Mill landfill site. Treated
municipal organic waste material can be combined with farm, landscaping, residential, and
business organic waste brought to the site. The waste is shredded and composted in
about 12+ weeks, providing a number of saleable compost products.
One alternative composting option identified by the Task Force for city consideration is to
ship organic materials to the existing West Yellowstone composting facility. The
shipments could be back loaded on trucks that regularly bring garbage to the Logan
Landfill, then return to West Yellowstone empty.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Organic material can be converted into high-grade planting and mulching material
that will help support city landscaping and local food production Less trips to landfill
to carry organic matter, reduced garbage truck fuel (including reduced CO2 emissions)
and reduced tipping fees for traditional dumping;
Less production of untreated methane which is times more potent as a greenhouse
gas than carbon dioxide. By careful composting, around 75% of the methane can be
captured and used for energy;
Less need to ship compost into Bozeman and lower costs for city landscaping;
Provide an improved soil base for new plant material that will absorb carbon dioxide
and reduce need for fertilizers and pesticides;
The material is a new source of income to help offset waste management costs.
Separated organics can also be used to generate energy
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Sonoma County in Northern California implemented a municipal composting
program. In 2008, this program converted 92,000 tons of yard debris into
compost.
Seattle Washington organic recycling program
Eko-Compost in Missoula, MT & Glacier Gold in Olney, MT both us municipal
biosolids in composting
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
35 Metric Tons of CO2e
DEPARTMENT
COB Solid Waste and
GSWMD
SAVINGS/COST
From $5 to $30 profit per
ton of collected organic
waste
TIMELINE
4th Quarter 2011 to 2nd
quarter 2012
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR ACTION
City waste management
plan, MCA 75-10-803
EXISTING ACTIONS
Small scale farm or
personal recycling
PARTNERSHIPS
Private Business or NGO’s
can compost and sell the
product, sharing revenue
with the City.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 76
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Sonoma County in Northern California implemented a municipal composting program. In 2008, this
program converted 92,000 tons of yard debris into compost.
Seattle Washington organic recycling program
Eko-Compost in Missoula, MT & Glacier Gold in Olney, MT both us municipal biosolids in composting
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
Recycling Economic Benefits study
Municipal yard trimmings cost benefit study
Organic Waste Feasibility Study, Grant County WA
Municipal composting of yard waste
Cal Recycle
Sonoma Compost Company
Seattle Zero Waste Strategy
San Francisco organic recycling
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 77
WWR3 - PROMOTE RECYCLING
DESCRIPTION
Bozeman avoided nearly 7,000 metric tons of CO2e from being emitted in 2007
through its recycling efforts. Increasing participation through accessible receptacles
is a low-cost effective way to promote recycling in the community. The City should
work with the private sector to facilitate recycling programs. The City could create a
pilot project in the following locations to determine viability of a program.
Recycling receptacles should be visible in public and private spaces including but
not limited to:
High use public
locations
Gas stations
Hotels
Stadium
Main Street
Trails and parks
Public
recreational
facilities
Gallatin Valley Mall
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Recycling reduces greenhouse gas production by utilizing the embodied energy of
the material being recycled. An example serves to best demonstrate this
reduction: Creation of an aluminum can from bauxite requires 1) mining of the raw
ore, 2) transporting it; 3) crushing it; 4) dissolving it in sodium hydroxide; 5) heating
under pressure; 6) filtering; 7) heating to 2000F to dry; 8) smelting (high electrical
use); 9) ingot production. The process entails much waste. Recycling of aluminum
cans essentially eliminates steps 1-7, thereby capturing the embodied energy in the
can and eliminating the greenhouse gas production associated with those steps.
SIMILAR ACTION IN OTHER CITIES
Salt Lake City sets a goal to divert 50% of waste stream by 2015
http://www.slcgov.com/slcgreen/recycle/expansionplan.htm
Keene, NH sets a 70% waste reduction goal
http://www.ci.keene.nh.us/departments/planning/keene-cmp-
2010/plan/infrastructure/recycling-solid-waste-disposal
DEPARTMENT
Solid Waste and Parks
Division
SAVINGS/COST
Staff Time
TIMELINE
2011
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR ACTION
MCA 75-10-803
COB Community Plan
Goal E.4, Objective E4.1
EXISTING ACTIONS
Gallatin Airport
DBA purchased
receptacles for Main
Street
PARTNERSHIPS
Full Circle Recycling
Triple R Recycling
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 78
WWR4- ADOPT A 5 CENT FEE ON ALL PLASTIC BAGS
DESCRIPTION
Adopting a fee on single-use plastic and bags will help shift consumers away from the
disposable mentality. This measure will reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the source level
by creating diminished demand for virgin sourced material. In addition, it will also reduce
plastic bags in the Logan landfill and provide funding for other CAP measures.
The U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually at an estimated cost to
retailers of $4 billion. (The Wall Street Journal). The average family accumulates 60 plastic
bags in only four trips to the grocery store. In good circumstances, high-density polyethylene
will take more than 20 years to degrade. In less ideal circumstances (landfills or as general
refuse), a bag will take more than 1,000 years to degrade. An estimated 3,960,000 tons of
plastic bags, sack and wraps were produced in 2008. Of those, 3,570,000 tons (90%) were
discarded. This is almost triple the amount discarded the first year plastic bag numbers were
tracked (1,230,000 tons in 1980) (EPA). Anywhere from .5 percent to 3 percent of all bags
winds up recycled. (BBC, CNN). When plastics break down, they don't biodegrade; they
photodegrade. This means the materials break down to smaller fragments which readily
soak up toxins. They then contaminate soil, waterways, and animals upon digestion.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Decrease demand for virgin material
Reduce contamination of soils and waterways
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Use of disposable bags in the District of Columbia has plummeted 86 percent since the city
first began imposing a fee on their use. Customers who tote their food or liquor purchases
home in store provided bags are now charged 5 cents for each one they use. The fees go to a
fund for cleaning up the city’s Anacostia River. Fewer than 3 million disposable bags were
sold in January 2010, according to a report by the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue. That’s
down from an estimated 22.5 million bags per month used and disposed of by residents in
previous months. A report shows the city collected roughly $150,000 in January for the river
clean-up fund. The bag fee is estimated to raise $10 million over four years
Kaui bans plastic bags http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=13827367
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/16/oregon-plastic-bag-ban-
ga_n_797549.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40221169/ns/us_news-environment/
http://www.lbpost.com/news/ryan/10768
http://plasticbagbanreport.com/
DEPARTMENT
Legal/Finance/ Climate
Protection
SAVINGS
$50,000 generated on
1 million bags
TIMELINE
Education
Campaign2011--12
Adopt 2013
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR ACTION
MCA 75-10-803
GSWD Goals
JURISDICTION
Plastic bag ordinance
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 79
WWR5- SUPPORT AN INCREASE IN TIPPING FEES TO ENCOURAGE WASTE REDUCTION
DESCRIPTION
Communities, businesses, and individuals around the country have found creative ways to
reduce and better manage Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) through a combination of
practices that include source reduction, recycling (including composting), and disposal.
According to the US EPA, the most environmentally sound management of MSW is achieved
when these approaches are implemented in this preferred order: source reduction first,
recycling and composting second, and disposal in landfills or waste combustors last.
The City of Bozeman provides both private (Allied Waste) and municipally operated solid
waste services. Waste is brought to the Gallatin County landfill and charged the following
rates:
Regular Municipal Solid Waste……………………….$27.00/ton
(Kitchen waste, furniture, yard clippings, etc.)
Light Construction Materials………………………….$48.00/ton
(2x4s, drywall, plywood, sawdust, insulation, carpet, etc.)
Heavy Construction Materials………………..……….$58.00/ton
(Steel beams, timber beams, concrete, etc.)
Rates in other communities across Montana include:
Helena- $68.75/ ton
Park County- $90/ton
Billings $94/ton
The Task Force recommends supporting an increase in tipping fees to a minimum of 15% at
Logan Landfill to encourage waste diversion efforts.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Reduced vehicle miles traveled to haul waste
Conserve landfill space
Reduce landfill reclamation costs/materials
Reduce threat to local water quality and ecosystems
Increase supply of reclaimed materials and reduce consumption of virgin raw
materials
Produce compost for sale and/or for landfill reclamation
Reduce methane gas pollution
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Newton Iowa – (pop 15,000)
http://www.iowadnr.gov/waste/p2/files/cs/newton02.pdf
Alameda County, CA www.stopwaste.org
Porter County, IN www.itmeanstheworld.org
Mahoning County, Ohio www.mahoningcountyoh.gov/tabid/773/default.aspx
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
US EPA Waste Reduction Model
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/waste/calculators/Warm_home.html
US EPA Waste Wise Program
http://www.epa.gov/osw/partnerships/wastewise/index.htm
CARBON
REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
240MT
(300lbs/person/year
waste avoided)
COST
15% increase
DEPARTMENT
GSWMD
TIMELINE
2011-2013-
Education Period
2014- Adopt
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORT FOR
ACTION
MCA 75 10 803
PARTNERSHIPS
Gallatin County
Solid Waste
Management
District
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 80
WWR6- SUPPORT AN OPT-OUT POLICY FOR THE DELIVERY OF PHONE BOOKS IN THE AREA
DESCRIPTION
According to the Product Stewardship Institute, telephone books represent significant
tonnage in the waste stream (660,000 tons per year1). In recent years, the number of phone
books delivered to households and businesses has increased, with two or more competing
company’s now publishing and distributing books in similar or overlapping geographic areas.
Most residents and businesses lack a way to “opt out” of receiving those they don’t want. In
addition, phone book recycling presents challenges. Phone books are made with a low grade
of paper, and are sometimes distributed with materials that become contaminants in the
recycling process (e.g., magnets and plastics), which represents a problem for certain end-use
applications. Local governments currently bear costs to recycle and/or dispose of phone
books, and the sometimes limited or absent opportunities to recycle make the need to
provide an opt out mechanism and to increase recovery particularly.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
According to a recent article in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, regulators in many states are
giving phone companies permissions to stop printing residential listings since fewer people are
using them. New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania have recently approved requests to halt
distribution of white pages. Phone books represent a large cause of global warming. First,
thousands of trees must be harvested to create the phone books. The cutting, transport,
milling, pulping, and paper making processes all entail large energy expenditures.
Additionally, removal of the trees eliminates their ability to sequester carbon as they grow.
Large numbers of phone books are never used and simply dumped to the landfill, where they
decompose to methane.
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
If you do not wish to receive an annual phone book you may go to this website:
http://www.yellowpagesoptout.com, enter your zip code and make the choice to “opt-out”.
There is also information regarding the waste reduction techniques to lower the
environmental impacts of phone books, such as non-toxic inks. A Harris Interactive Poll
revealed that 87% of adults would choose an opt-out program if one existed. The Poll
revealed that only 22% of the respondents recycle their phone book, and that 60% of those
with access to the Internet preferred to use that. Many states have legal requirements that
phone companies provide these listings although some states are changing that.
Product Stewardship Institute
http://www.productstewardship.us/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=59
NYTimes http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/time-to-scrap-the-white-pages/
NPR http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111831737&ft=1&f=1006
ABC http://www.greenrightnow.com/kabc/2009/09/30/phone-book-fatique-petition-pushes-
opt-in-plan/
USA Today http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2011/01/harris-
americans-dont-use-phone-books/1
LA Times http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2011/01/phone-books-arent-wanted-
arent-recycled-study-finds.html
Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2005 Facts and Figures
DEPARTMENT
Solid Waste
Division
JURISDICTION
PSC
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 81
Community Spotlight
Bozeman Toilet Rebate Program
The Bozeman Toilet Rebate Program was established in 2008 to encourage City
water users to replace old, inefficient toilets with new high-efficiency models. In
order to qualify for the rebate, specific toilets must be installed and an application
form must be submitted. WaterSense toilets use 20% less water than current
industry standards mandate. Only toilets connected to the city’s water supply are eligible for this
program The program and important links to the acceptable models with the WaterSense label can be
found at (www.bozeman.net/bozeman/engineering/waterConservation.aspx)
In 2009, the Neighborhood Conservation Clubs worked to install new WaterSense toilets to residents in
the northeast neighborhoods by providing free labor Thanks to the NCC’s and City rebates, many
residents were able to install WaterSense at no cost
When a pre-1996 model using 3.5GPF toilet is replaced thru the
rebate program with a WaterSense model which uses 1.28GPF,
there’s a water savings of 2.22 gallons every time the toilet is
flushed. Additionally, many old toilets leak at their flush valve,
unless regularly maintained so the realized water savings is likely
much higher. To-date, 561 rebate applications have been received
and the City estimates between 800 and 900 toilets have been
replaced.
Toilets installed before 1996 qualify for $125 rebate. Toilets
installed after 1996 qualify for a $50 rebate. There is a maximum
rebate amount of $250 per address. Rebate application must be
accompanied with proof of installation. New construction is
eligible for a $50 rebate per new installation with a maximum of
$250 for each building.
The Bozeman Toilet rebate program provides an example of a successful incentivized program created
by the City to reduce water consumption in our community. Although water usage is not directly tied to
greenhouse gas reduction, the availability of a reliable and abundant water source in Bozeman will
affect all residents.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 82
Chapter 9: Energy Production
Description
After completing multiple work meetings over the course of a year, the Task Force had created a list of
36 recommendations. For the most part those recommendations focused on conservation.
Using ICLEI-supplied software, the Task Force attempted to quantify the reduction in CO2e that its 36
recommendations might return. With respect to that quantification, Task Force members would like to
provide a critical caveat:
While several members of the Task Force are engineers capable of the analysis necessary to develop
such quantification, this is not a trivial job that lends itself to volunteer work. Instead this is an
intense, interesting engineering task. Not all recommendations could be quantified with respect to
their viability for reducing global warming gases; those estimates that the Task Force does put forth
throughout this plan need to be recognized as highly first-pass in nature.
Given that caveat, the ICLEI software did reveal that the measures the Task Force had scoped looked
unlikely to allow Bozeman to reach a 10% reduction CO2e output from 2000 levels by 2020, one of the
goals that the group had considered—though not yet firmly settled on at the time—for the City’s
Climate Action Plan.
With this result in hand, the Task Force decided to look at the need to add production to the Climate
Action plan and to revisit the reduction goals it would propose for the Climate Action Plan. The
production strategies created by the Task Force follow; the reduction goal strategy has already been
presented in Chapter 2.
Strategies
Reduction of Bozeman’s production of global warming gas output can come from three places:
decreasing the amount of greenhouse gases we produce given current energy sources, finding a way to
keep greenhouse gases we do produce out of the atmosphere, and/or not producing greenhouse gases
in the first place. The Task Force finds the first idea insufficient to meet our goals and the second not
ready in the timeframe we need. Thus, we believe adding alternative energy production to our list of
recommendations is necessary, as supported by the bullets that follow:
Decreased energy use, or conservation, is already set forth as part of most aspects of the plan
described thus far. As previously noted, the Task Force does not believe that conservation alone
will allow Bozeman to meet its reduction goals.
Capture and sequestration of global warming gases to keep them from being emitted to the
atmosphere is a potential future method for mitigating greenhouse gas output to the
atmosphere. However, the Task Force does not believe CO2 capture and sequestration (for
example, in geologic repositories or scrubbers currently under development) is a viable solution
in the short term so we have made no recommendations in that realm. The Task Force has
recommended that methane at the waste water treatment plant and landfill be captured and
used for energy production (with CO2, a less potent global warming gas, still resulting as a
gaseous emission). Methane capture is technically viable because of the economic return
resulting from combustion or fuel cell recovery of the energy stored within it.
Changing the source of Bozeman’s energy supply to one that—at least in part—does not
depend on fossil fuels largely eliminates our production of greenhouse gases, principally CO2.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 83
By changing to solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and other non-fossil fuel sources of energy,
our city, like those across the country and the world, can greatly decrease our carbon footprint.
The Task Force recognizes issues such as chemical use in solar cell production, land use concerns
in wind power and transmission line placement, forest practices for biomass production, even
potential disruption of geothermal resources that might be a concern because of our proximity
to Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal features. However, we also believe these issues
must be balanced against the environmental and cultural damage already taking place as a
result of our current energy infrastructure. We believe in that light the case for moving to an
alternative energy future is compelling.
In our 29 November 2010 meeting with the Bozeman City Commission, the Task Force brought forth our
concerns regarding the need to greatly expand energy production opportunities to our list of
recommendations. The Commission agreed to this request, hence the addition of this final, initially
unplanned, chapter of Bozeman’s Climate Action Plan.
Setting Bozeman’s Municipal Reduction Goal
As noted previously, the Task Force had been tentatively considering a 10% CO2eq reduction goal from
2000 levels by 2020. Following review of the ICLEI-derived results from the multiple conservation
methods described in Chapters 4-8, the Task Force decided that it must make two changes to its Climate
Action Plan: a) greatly expand energy production recommendations (the focus of this chapter); and b)
take a hard look at the a reasonable goal for Bozeman’s Climate Action Plan.
The remainder of this chapter details Task Force recommendations for energy production as a way to
decrease Bozeman’s greenhouse gas emissions. The reduction goal strategy has already been presented
in Chapter 2.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 84
Summary of Recommendations
ITEM# DESCRIPTION COST
EP1 DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PLAN $50,000 - $80,000
EP2 SOLAR HOT WATER PROGRAM $3,000/HOME
EP3 PHOTO VOLTAIC LEASE PROGRAM TBD
EP4 RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PURCHASING AGREEMENT $520,000
EP5 REGIONAL ENERGY TEAM STAFF TIME
EP6 COMMERCIAL PHOTO VOLTAIC PROGRAM $9,000/KW INSTALLED
EP7 NET-METERING LEGISLATION $9,000/KW INSTALLED
EP8 HYDRO-GENERATION TBD
EP9 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY AT CITY FACILITIES $500-$5000
EP10 METHANE CAPTURE AT LOGAN LANDFILL TBD
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 85
EP1—DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PLAN
DESCRIPTION
Renewable energy generation must be examined for Bozeman to achieve its target
reduction goals. The Task Force believes that the City must undertake a
comprehensive planning effort to develop a rigorous alternative energy production
plan as the first step in moving to large scale alternative energy production capable
of servicing the City.
Given the necessary planning horizon, the goals set forth in the plan reflect the
concept that alternative energy production will not occur immediately. Most
measures will be labor and capital intensive and will require at perhaps 5-10 years
to develop. Our expectation is that the while some smaller scale production may
start in the next five years, the larger scale items may take until 2020 to come
online. This expectation is reflected in the reduction goals set by the Task Force.
The Task Force recommends that a portfolio of alternative energy production
techniques under a Bozeman Alternative Energy Plan should include, but are not
limited to:
Solar
Create community based solar array to allow citizens the option of buying
locally produced alternative energy (i.e., investor or community owned
solar projects).
Create solar hot water program for heating City pools (Bogert, Bozeman
High)
o set funding goal with City youth (grades k-8 for Bogert; grades 9-
12 for high school) and have design and implementation of
project be run by MSU engineering students in conjunction with
Bozeman high school science classes;
o team with MSU and the Ridge to extend program to include solar
heating of two pools at those facilities.
Create solar roofs (or ground based) on all Bozeman city schools (also City
buildings, parks buildings, library, jail, etc) as solar aspect and building
infrastructure allow.
Develop ground mounted solar at the Bozeman / Belgrade airport using
the large available open space.
Develop ground mounted solar at the closed Story Mills facility using the
large available open space.
Develop ground mounted solar at any large, City-owned open space
including parks.
Geothermal, wind
Team with MSU engineering and geology classes, plus USGS Northern
Rockies Science Center to assess:
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
TBD
DEPARTMENT
Multiple City
Departments
COST
$50K-$80K
TIMELINE
Planning phase
2011-2014.
PARTNERSHIPS
NW Energy, MSU
College of Engineering,
Ridge, Solar hot water
and solar PV providers,
wind energy providers,
Gallatin Airport, USGS
Northern Rockies
Science Center,
Bozeman Public schools,
Gallatin National Forest,
Zoot Enterprises
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 86
o geothermal energy potential in the Gallatin Valley. Based on results, potentially create City
geothermal electricity plant.
o Wind potential at City-owned sites
Require new PUD's (planned unit development) and existing to look into shared geothermal heating
provided from pond often located in unit common areas.
o Water geothermal system are thought to be the most efficient.
o Another option would be geothermal trenching in the ground underneath common areas. While
not as efficient as water, this method could be used the same way.
Biomass, waste-to-energy
Work with Gallatin National Forest to create biomass power facility from the logging to be done in the
forest directly south of town (expected to begin in 2011/12).
Work with MSU engineering (civil, chemical, mechanical) to develop waste-to-energy plant as currently
fully operational in many European countries (similarly a plastic-to-oil program has been developed in
Japan)
Follow recommendations described under the Municipal portion of the Climate Action Plan (a separate
document) for alternative energy development at City-owned facilities, including such items as in-line
turbines for water supply systems, micro-turbine, building space heat generation, or fuel cell use of excess
methane from the waste water facilities and landfills. Expertise on electricity generation from fuel cells is
available through MSU engineering and ZOOT Enterprises.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Community benefits from City-driven alternative energy production may include long-term reduction in taxes
and/or utility bills due to decreased operating costs of City facilities that result from lower energy bills.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
1. Create community based solar arrays: see Clean Energy Collective in the Roaring Fork Valley CO or
Ellensburg WA Solar Community Project.
2. Solar hot water program for heating City pools: follow model of Arvada CO—their array is expected to 30-
40% of their recreation building’s natural gas usage.
3. Create solar roofs on Bozeman city buildings: see a) Santee CA where they created solar covered picnic
areas that save the school district $80k/yr; and b) Athenia School in Danville CA.
4. Develop ground mounted solar at the Bozeman/Belgrade airport: see Denver CO model where they
entered into a power purchase agreement with the solar array owner.
5. Develop ground mounted solar at the closed Story Mills landfill facility: see Sacramento CA, San Antonio
TX, Fort Carson CO, Ellensburg WA, Phoenix AZ, and Haywood County NC who all have solar farms built on
retired landfills.
6. Develop ground mounted solar on any large, City-owned open spaces: see for example Wyandot County
OH, Buffalo Ranch Yellowstone National Park
7. For geothermal planning, see for example operations at Boise ID and Klamath Falls OR.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 87
8. Develop biomass power facility: see for example biomass power plant at Middlebury College, Middlebury
VT.
9. Develop waste to energy plant: see for example programs in Denmark
10. Precedent for geothermal set in the Midwest (reference forthcoming).
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 88
EP2—DEVELOP SOLAR HOT WATER PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
The average household in the United States expends 20-30% of its energy to heat
hot water. Many small commercial applications heat more than 500 gallons of
hot water per day. Without solar, all of this energy is traditionally provided by
conventional fossil fuel based means (electricity, propane or natural gas). All of
these are nonrenewable resources that generally require extensive infrastructure
and transport from their sources to the homes where they are consumed.
The Task Force recommends that Bozeman create a solar hot water program to
incentivize the installation of solar hot water on homes and businesses in the
City. The successful Bozeman Toilet Rebate program could be used as a model
for setting up a city-wide solar hot water installation program. Education of the
public as to the merits of solar hot water will be a key to the program.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Community benefits will include long-term reduction in energy bills. Also, the
program will be a step toward replacing natural gas use and thus help NW Energy
meet its required renewable portfolio standard.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
The Thermal Program of the California Solar Initiative was recently (Oct2010)
instituted to provide cash rebates for multifamily and commercial solar water
heating systems. This most recent program augments the single-family program
that launched May 1, 2010. The single-family program component offers
homeowner’s cash rebates of up to $1,875 on the installation of qualifying solar
hot water systems.
California’s program was designed to overcome four barriers to installation of
solar hot water: education as to cost benefit, upfront cost, permitting, and need
for installation workforce.
To qualify for the rebate, the SWH system must displace the use of natural gas or
electricity, and the homeowner must verify that the system was installed after
July 15, 2009.
See description of the California Solar Initiative—Thermal Program at
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Solar/swh.htm
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
http://www.liquidsolarsystems.com/
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
400MT
(500 homes using
50gallons/day)
DEPARTMENT
Climate Protection,
Engineering, and Water
Department
SAVINGS
$214/year
COST
$3,000/home
TIMELINE
Planning can begin
immediately. Many
partnerships will need to
be developed. Likely
implementation of most
plans to be beyond 2015,
even from 2020 to 2025.
EXISTING ACTIONS
Buggy Bath
PARTNERSHIPS
NW Energy, Liquid Solar
Systems
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 89
EP3—SOLICIT THIRD PARTY SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC LEASE (OR POWER PURCHASE) PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
Solicit private companies to bring solar-as-a-service business model to Bozeman
homes and businesses. Programs such as that provided by SolarCity (and others)
allow both residential and commercial sectors to add solar to their rooftops with
minimal up-front costs and few risks.
Quoting from a US EPA text, “A Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) is a
financial arrangement in which a third-party developer owns, operates, and
maintains the photovoltaic (PV) system, and a host customer agrees to site the
system on its roof or elsewhere on its property and purchases the system’s
electric output from the solar services provider for a predetermined period. This
financial arrangement allows the host customer to receive stable, and
sometimes lower cost electricity, while the solar services provider or another
party acquires valuable financial benefits such as tax credits and income
generated from the sale of electricity to the host customer.”
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Often formulated as a power purchase agreement. The customer/
building owner generally pays for power at below market rates.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Solar City agreement with City of Tucson. See
http://www.solarcity.com/pressreleases/68/SolarCity-Introduces-
SolarLease%C2%AE-and-Solar-Service-Agreement-Option .
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
Companies operating solar-as-a-service include SolarCity (www.solarcity.com),
SunRun (www.sunrunhome.com), Sungevity (http://www.sungevity.com/),
SolarTech (www.solartech.com), and others.
A description of solar power purchase agreements can be found from the US
EPA at http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/buygp/solarpower.htm.
Example templates for solar power purchase agreements can be found at
http://www.solartech.org/index.php?option=com_st_document&view=general
&Itemid=58.
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
Direct replacement for
each kW of energy
replaced by clean power
purchase.
DEPARTMENT
Economic Development
SAVINGS/COST
Lease programs can offer
below market price energy
costs to building owner.
TIMELINE
Negotiations can begin
immediately.
Implementation likely will
take place over 10 years
from 2015-2025.
PARTNERSHIPS
NW Energy, Solar City or
similar full service solar
provider.
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 90
EP4—EXPLORE RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT
DESCRIPTION
Explore and develop power purchase agreements for utility scale wind power from
Judith Gap—or other large scale alternative energy production facilities as they
become available—to offset fossil fuel (coal, natural gas, oil) derived energy usage.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Potential for decrease in taxes as cost of City operations decrease given power
purchase negotiations can be done at lower than fossil fuel market prices. May
require incentives program or grant.
Power purchase agreements feature a variety of benefits and considerations
(source US DOE), including :
No up-front capital costs
Ability to monetize tax incentives
Typically a known, long-term energy price
No operations and maintenance responsibilities
Minimal risk
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
The City Council of Santa Barbara CA directed the Facilities department to pursue
this solar energy on a large scale. The City favored a Power Purchase Agreement in
which the City would pay a predictable rate for power generated by photovoltaic
panels over the 20-year life of the contract, with no upfront capital expense or
ongoing maintenance responsibilities. As such the city contracted with Tioga
Energy to provide large scale solar generation. Tioga retains ownership and
management responsibility for the solar generation system, thus shielding the City
of Santa Barbara from the complexities associated with financing, construction,
and ongoing operation, allowing City staff to focus on their other duties.
See http://www.tiogaenergy.com/tioga-energy-powers-santa-barbara.php .
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
Information on power purchase agreements can be found from the US
Department of Energy at
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/financing/power_purchase_agreements.html,
and http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/documents/purchasing_guide_for_web.pdf.
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
31,240 MTCO2e
(10 % of electricity
renewable)
DEPARTMENT
Cost$520,000
(based on usage
4,100kWh/person at
$.022/kWh)
TIMELINE
Negotiations can begin
immediately. Program
start will depend on
achieving suitable pricing
structure and availability
of utility-based clean
energy.
EXISTING ACTIONS
MSU Power Purchase
Agreement
PARTNERSHIPS
NW Energy, Judith Gap,
other wind energy
providers
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 91
EP5—CREATE A REGIONAL ENERGY TEAM
DESCRIPTION
Develop an active intergovernmental, public/private partnership to create and
oversee clean energy projects (“Gallatin Valley Energy Team”). Examples include:
Create a tight City/NW Energy relationship that co-promotes NW Energy
energy savings programs. This must be a strong relationship and should
emphasize such efforts as NW Energy’s E+ program.
Create an active City of Bozeman/MSU partnership to seek grants using
MSU engineering expertise matched with City energy needs
Solicit MSU engineering alumni working in the energy industry
nationwide to help bring new alternative energy to Bozeman as a test
bed.
Create an active City/Deaconess Hospital relationship. Projects might
include making use of large open space owned by Deaconess to create
solar farm that supplies large % of hospital electrical needs
Consider partnerships with faith-based communities in the City as
already set up in the EPA Energy Star Congregations program
Hire an energy manager for the City. This person would be responsible
for Bozeman’s energy profile from grant writing to project
implementation, working with members of the Gallatin Valley Energy
Team as appropriate. Potential to make the job a consulting effort with
pay based fully on performance.
Partner with Google Smart Meter or IBM Smart Cities to create one of
nation’s first smart grid cities. Both companies—and others—are
starting smart grid programs.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Along with reducing emissions, program will reduce energy costs for both public
and private entities.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
City / university partnership examples:
o Solar energy farm created by St. Johns University in conjunction
with St John's Abbey
o Biomass power plant using willows grown just outside of town
at Middlebury College, Middlebury VT
o New Boeing concentrating PV system recently installed at
California State U in Northridge CA
City / Hospital partnership examples:
o VA Hospital in Philadelphia
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
See, for example, partnership between the City of Miami FL, General Electric,
Cisco Systems and others are launching a $200M smart grid effort:
http://www.gepower.com/about/press/en/2009_press/042009.htm .
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
Dependent on projects
selected
DEPARTMENT
City Manager’s Office
TIMELINE
Begin formation and
planning efforts
immediately
EXISTING ACTIONS
NW Energy audits and
rebate programs already
in progress
PARTNERSHIPS
NW Energy, Chamber of
Commerce, MSU,
Deaconess Hospital,
Gallatin County
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 92
EP6- DEVELOP INCENTIVE FOR COMMERCIAL PHOTO VOLTAIC PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
The capture of solar energy is the most effective renewable energy application
for urban areas with commercial roof space providing opportunities for large
scale applications. The Task Force recommends that the City provide
incentives—for example but not limited to tax exemptions, reduced permit fees,
and similar—for business who build large scale solar systems on their roofs or
grounds.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
1) Reduce demand on foreign oil; 2) Increased demand of PV applications;
3) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions; 4) Reduce utility bills; 5) Improved Bozeman
business climate (“a business friendly community”).
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Boulder, Colorado—Providing City Sales Tax Rebates for Solar Energy
Equipment. The city of Boulder applies a portion of sales tax paid on
solar energy equipment to a fund for solar system sales tax rebates in
the ClimateSmart Solar Grant Fund. This fund supports both PV and SWH
systems on housing in the city’s permanently affordable housing
program and on the facilities of nonprofit entities.
Harford County, Maryland—Offering Residential and Commercial
Property Tax Credits for Solar Energy Systems. Harford County offers a
credit against real property taxes imposed on residential or commercial
buildings or other structures that use solar for heating, for cooling, or for
generating electricity for on-site consumption. The credit amount is
equal to 1 year of total real property taxes or $2,500, whichever is less.
Montgomery County, Maryland—Offering Residential Property Tax
Credit for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects.
Montgomery County offers residents property tax credits for energy
efficiency and renewable energy projects implemented at home.
Property tax credits of up to $250 are available for installing eligible
energy-efficient devices. The county offers a credit of up to 50% of the
installed cost for PV or geothermal systems. All property tax credits are
limited to the amount of Montgomery County property taxes paid over 3
years.
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
A description of tax exempt bonds, loans and guarantees, energy financing
districts, and other methods of incentivizing large scale (including urban) solar
development can be found from the American Solar Energy Society at
www.ases.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1034&Itemid=2
3.
A similar discussion is available from the US Department of Energy at
http://solaramericacommunities.energy.gov/resources/guide_for_local_governm
ents/2/9/ . The text for the city examples above is pulled directly from this US
DOE website
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
315 MT with 500 kW of
PV installed
DEPARTMENT
Building
COST
$9,000 per kW installed
SAVINGS
140/kW installed
TIMELINE
2011
EXISTING ACTIONS
Arby’s Solar PV
PARTNERSHIPS
NWE, State and Federal
tax incentives and grants
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 93
EP7- SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR THE USE OF
RENEWABLE ENERGY APPLICATIONS TO CURRENT NET-METERING CUSTOMERS
DESCRIPTION
You can meet some or all of your home energy needs by installing a renewable
electric generation project at your home or business. You can further reduce your
own energy costs and add energy to the utility’s energy system through net
metering. Bozeman currently has installed an estimated 330 kWs of photo voltaic
systems in 108 separate homes and businesses reducing emissions by 8,800MT
over 30 years.
Many renewable energy projects include net metering applications on
NorthWestern Energy’s distribution system. Net metering is a special installation
that allows any surplus energy generated by your system to go back on the utility
grid and gives you a “credit” for the electricity put back on the system at retail
rates. The system, however, does not pay you for any surplus energy you may
have generated. Adjusting the current rate structure to reward customers who
consistently produce over and above the electricity consumed, would add a direct
financial incentive to increase renewable energy generation in this sector.
Refunds must be consistent with current market rates rather than “avoided
costs” to create a direct financial incentive for increased participation. The City
should work with the intergovernmental body to help further this initiative at the
state legislature.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Increased capacity of residential and commercial solar photo voltaic applications
Create increased demand in market place to help lower coast of PV applications.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
At least New Hampshire and California appear to be providing feed in tariffs (i.e.,
pay for excess capacity created by small scale producers that is fed back in to the
energy grid).
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
A state-by-state listing of financial incentives and rules, regulations, and policies
for renewable energy can be found at
http://www.dsireusa.org/summarytables/index.cfm?ee=1&RE=1 . Further state-
by-state descriptions of net metering programs can be found at
http://www.serconline.org/netmetering/stateactivity.html .
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
190 MT
(yearly reductions for 300 kWs)
DEPARTMENT
Climate Protection
COST
$9,000- cost per kW of PV
installed
SAVINGS
$140/kW installed
TIMELINE
2011 legislative session
EXISTING ACTIONS
NWE Renewable Energy
Grants, State and Federal
Tax incentives
PARTNERSHIPS
Independent Power
Systems
Jurisdiction
FERC, State Legislature
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 94
EP8- HYDRO-GENERATION CAPACITY MUST BE INCLUDED WHEN CONSIDERING THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW DAM
DESCRIPTION
The Task Force takes no position on the construction of a dam in Sourdough
Canyon, as currently under consideration by the City. The Task Force recognized
that Sourdough Canyon is home to a range of wildlife—moose, elk, mule deer,
mountain lions, bears, lynx, and more—that could be displaced by the dam.
People also hunt, ski, hike and mountain bike in the roadless forest.
If, after consideration of all factors, the City decides to construct a dam and create
a reservoir on Sourdough Creek, the Task Force recommends that the project
include renewable energy power generation. It would be unconscionable to build
a new dam for water supply and accept the downsides that many will see without
also creating a big positive: that of making use of the clean, non-fossil fuel based
energy newly available.
The new dam would be built downstream from the old Mystic Lake dam, in a more
geologically stable site than the old dam. The Mystic Lake dam was breached by a
landslide in 1984 and knocked down in 1985. The new reservoir would measure
somewhere around 100 acres in surface area and the added water supply could
allow Bozeman to grow to about 80,000 people.
While consideration of the dam continues, the Task Force recommends improved
water conservation efforts such as low-flush toilets, tiered water rates, and leak
detection as does purchasing water rights and covering the Lyman Creek reservoir
to limit evaporation.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Source of renewable energy generation
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Seattle Power and Water Supply Collection http://content.lib.washington.edu/ww-
spwsweb/index.html .
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
TBD
DEPARTMENT
Various
SAVINGS/COST
TBD
TIMELINE
TBD
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 95
EP9- DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE ENERGY POTENTIAL AT CITY FACILITIES
DESCRIPTION
The Task Force recommends a feasibility study to determine the potential for
alternative energy generation at all City facilities. The study should assess the
quantity of energy available via solar, wind, geothermal, or other non-carbon
producing energy forms, as well as the cost and benefit of developing that energy
source. Number of projects and timeline for on-site development and start up
will be determined as an outcome of the feasibility study.
The Task Force recognizes a load analysis is a large part of a feasibility study. The
City is currently working with Gradient Systems and has the capability to produce
a load analysis for any facility owned by the City. The process would be initiated
by the City requesting a facility feasibility study.
The Task Force is particularly interested in the potential of a large-scale, on-site
solar farm at the closed Story Mills site. Many other communities around the
country have developed such solar farms (e.g., Sacramento CA, San Antonio TX,
Fort Carson CO, Phoenix AZ, Houston TX, Haywood County NC, and many others)
built on retired landfills. Such a project would fall under the state of Montana’s
“Renewable Power Production and Rural Economic Development Act,” which
directs the state’s investor-owned utilities (IOU) to incorporate an increasing
amount of renewable energy into their mix of electricity resources. The logistics
involved with transmission of power in large quantities to the grid from a solar
farm to NorthWestern Energy would be negotiated through a site-specific Power
Purchase Agreement.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Positive public perception for Bozeman’s leadership in decreasing carbon
emissions by making use of citizen-owned city facilities as sources of
alternative energy generation
Opportunity for tax incentives and support by grant funding
A large scale solar farm would support the local economy while
contributing to City (and State) GHG reduction goals.
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
Other Montana Power Purchase Agreements
http://www.mtstandard.com/news/article_87a87129-2618-5459-8e2a-
09e5967c4e68.html
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_81533d3d-
d0c7-5495-9f28-c371ebe7faa3.html
City of Ellensburg WA Community Renewable Park: http://wa-
ellensburg.civicplus.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=254
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
Montana Climate Action Plan
http://www.mtclimatechange.us/ewebeditpro/items/O127F14041.pdf
Montana Legislature
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
TBD
DEPARTMENT
Administration
SAVINGS/COST
$500 - $5000 depending
on extent of the facility
feasibility study
TBD for a large scale solar
farm
TIMELINE
A facility feasibility study
could be completed in 30
days. Date TBD for a
large scale solar farm
based on feasibility study
outcome.
EXISTING ACTIONS
Bozeman Public Library
Bozeman City Hall
Baxter Fire Station
PARTNERSHIPS
NorthWestern Energy
http://www.montanagreenpower.com/greenpower/legislation.php
http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2005/billhtml/SB0415.htm
http://www.mtrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?RN=38.5.8302
http://www.mtrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?RN=38.5.8301
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 96
EP10- EXAMINE POTENTIAL OF METHANE CAPTURE FROM DIGESTION OF ORGANIC
MATERIALS BEING SENT TO LANDFILL
DESCRIPTION
Most any organic materials can be reduced and modified via aerobic
(composting) or anaerobic (digestion) processing. See WWR 2 for a Task Force
recommendation on composting). Anaerobic digestion serves as a fuel source for
creating “bio-gas” (principally methane) that can serve as an energy source.
Companies are willing to install a bio-gas digester and pay the upfront capital cost
recouping the money invested with the energy sold back onto the market
Implementation of a organic digester differs from capture via pipes and linings of
methane generated “naturally” in the landfill as the organic material in garbage
rots. Instead, this recommendation centers on the creation of a digester plant
where separated organic materials would be taken for processing. This plant
could be located at the Logan Landfill, at the Bozeman Wastewater Treatment
Facility, or somewhere else. .
Bio-gas is a carbon neutral energy source which can be used in various
applications such as:
Electricity—for electrical production with combined heat and power
(CHP) units for residential and commercial applications.
Heat—Direct burning applications in biogas boilers for industrial thermal
applications, residential and commercial
Natural gas substitute—Biogas can be implemented in any natural gas
application by direct burning or further scrubbing.
Biofuel—Direct use in biogas fleet and as a LPG/ natural gas substitute
after processing for fleet applications.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
Reduce organic waste volume
Produce energy in the form of heat, electricity, and fuel
Extend life of landfill
Prevent the creation of LFG and the emission of GHGs
Provide a proven and industrial scale technology
SIMILAR ACTIONS IN OTHER CITIES
http://www.anaerobic-digestion.com/html/msw_biogas_plants_in_china.php
REFERENCES AND OTHER RESOURCES
www.biofermenergy.com
CARBON REDUCTION
POTENTIAL
TBD
DEPARTMENT
GSWMD
SAVINGS/COST
TBD
TIMELINE
2011-2014 Feasibility
Study
COMPREHENSIVE
SUPPORTFOR ACTION
Municipal CAP
EXISTING ACTIONS
PARTNERSHIPS
Belgrade, Logan, Three
Forks, Manhattan,
Gallatin County
JURISDICTION
GSWMD
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 97
Appendix A
Raw Data
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 98
Appendix B
Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
City of Bozeman Community Climate Action Plan 2011
Page 99
Appendix C
CAPPA Calculations