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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBZN Climate Plan Impact Report_2024 Bozeman’s Climate Goals Bozeman Climate Plan 2024 Impact Report Climate Vision Through leadership and collaboration, the City of Bozeman will advance innovative solutions to cultivate a more equitable and resilient low-carbon community for current and future generations. The 2024 Climate Plan Impact Report highlights the City of Bozeman's progress in advancing its climate goals over the past year. While it focuses on the initiatives of multiple city departments, we acknowledge and deeply appreciate the vital work being done by our many partners across the community. Achieving the goals of the Bozeman Climate Plan is not something the City can accomplish alone. It requires a community-wide effort that relies on collaboration with businesses, nonprofit organizations, Gallatin County, neighboring municipalities, state-level partners, institutions, the utility, and individual community members. While we’ve made meaningful progress toward our climate goals, there is still much more work to be done. Together, these collective efforts are driving meaningful progress toward a sustainable and resilient future for Bozeman. 1 The station prioritizes firefighter well-being with features like acoustic-treated sleeping areas and an air barrier that prevents toxic chemicals in the apparatus bay from entering the living quarters. Additionally, the building features water-smart landscaping, an irrigation flow meter, and water efficient plumbing fixtures. BOZEMAN FIRE STATION 2 Community Resilience & Sustainability in Action In 2024, the new Bozeman Fire Station 2 located in the heart of Montana State University's campus, opened to replace the older station on South 19th. The 14,000-square-foot facility embraces a whole-system approach to energy efficiency, integrating a high- performance building envelope and advanced technologies including Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pumps, heat recovery ventilators (HRV’s), SolarWalls, and more. The station currently operates on a dual-fuel system, utilizing both natural gas and electricity. It is designed to transition primarily to electric power and to support the installation of electric fire truck charging stations in the future. The ability to transition from natural gas to electricity enables Fire Station 2 to continue increasing its use of renewable energy sources. View the full case study: Fire Station #2 Community Resilience & Sustainability SUNLIGHT TO SAVINGS City of Bozeman’s Solar Production In 2024, the City-owned photovoltaic systems at the Bozeman Public Safety Center (BPSC), City Hall, and the Library collectively produced 246,641 kilowatt-hours of electricity, saving $21,021 in utility bills. In 2025, a 53 kW photovoltaic array installed on the roof of Bozeman Fire Station 2 will increase the City’s solar production capacity. BPSC (90%): 220,707 kWh Library (6%): 1,397 kWh City Hall (4%): 814 kWh Solar Energy Produced by Location Total Production: 246,641 kWh $21,021 UTILITY BILL SAVINGS 166 MT CO e GHG 2 AVOIDED 2 WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY Efficiency at the City’s Largest Energy User Water and wastewater processes are often among the highest energy consumers for municipalities. The Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) is the City of Bozeman’s largest energy user, accounting for 40% of the total electricity consumption across all City facilities. In 2024, the WRF staff achieved significant energy savings by enhancing operational efficiency, performing preventative maintenance, and overhauling the biological reactors. These efforts reduced electricity consumption by 5% compared to the previous year, resulting in annual savings of $34,622 on electricity costs. The tanks at the WRF contain over 1,200 aeration diffusers (similar to fish tank aeration systems). Replacing the diffusers as they start to wear out and lose efficiency provides better oxygen transfer and lowers aeration demands to reduce electricity usage. 5% DECREASE IN ELECTRIC USAGE in 2024, compared to 2023 $34,622 ELECTRIC BILL SAVINGS in 2024, compared to 2023 POWERING CHANGE Building Energy Efficiency & Electrification By collaborating with key partners the City is striving to help advance energy efficiency and building electrification throughout the community. The Sustainability Division has partnered with the MT DEQ to launch a pilot rebate program that offers residents a $500 rebate for qualifying heat pump water heaters (HPWHs). The City co-hosted education and contractor engagement events related to building energy efficiency, electrification strategies, technology adoption, upcoming financial incentives, and more. Education Partners Included: Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) NorthWestern Energy Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MT DEQ) Local distributors Heat pump manufacturers Weatherization Training Center BetterBuit NW Earth Advantage Many more! $500 HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER REBATE The City of Bozeman is offering customers a $500 rebate for qualified heat pump water heaters. Learn more at bozeman.net/sustainability 27 HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS INSTALLED through the City’s rebate program 650 LIFETIME MT CO2 e EMISSIONS AVOIDED based on a 15-year lifespan per water heater 225 HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS awarded to building industry professionals 3 MOVING TOGETHER Multimodal Solutions in Bozeman Streets Are for Everyone (SAFE) Plan Whether you are walking, using a car, bike, scooter, wheelchair, or even on horseback, all community members deserve to feel safe when traveling around town. In 2023, the Transportation Division introduced the Streets Are for Everyone (SAFE) plan, designed to guide changes that prioritize safety for all road users. As part of this initiative, the City reduced speed limits to 35 mph on many city streets in 2023. In 2024, the City worked with the Montana Department of Transportation (MTDOT), to lower speed limits on Kagy Boulevard and Oak St. The Transportation Division installed around a dozen seasonal traffic calming projects to slow vehicles and improve safety, including the Black Avenue Bicycle Boulevard pilot. Additionally, rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) were added at three high-traffic pedestrian crossings. Community Collaboration The City relies on collaboration between departments and community partners to improve safe, efficient, and reliable options for active transportation. The Economic Development Department contributed by completing two multi-modal transportation projects in 2024, including the Aspen Street Pedestrian Bridge and the 5th Avenue Trail. The Parks and Recreation Department continues to advocate for trail connectivity through initiatives like development review and special park planning projects like the Cattail Creek Anchor Route and Park Master Plan. The Transportation and Engineering Department regularly reviews development projects to ensure they provide connectivity and appropriate infrastructure to support active transportation. The City works closely with outside agencies and community partners to strengthen major planning initiatives, grant applications, and other large-scale efforts, while also supporting grassroots programs such as Safe Routes to Schools and commuter challenges. Bozeman Snow Angels During the winter of 2023-2024, the City launched the Snow Angels pilot program, connecting older residents and individuals with disabilities to volunteer neighbors for assistance with shoveling adjacent sidewalks. This initiative supports residents in need while ensuring safer sidewalks for everyone. 25 HYBRID & PLUG-IN VEHICLES in the City’s fleet In 2024, the City acquired 3 hybrid vehicles, expanding the fleet to 25 hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The Facilities and Transportation/Engineering Departments received 3 all-electric Ford Lightning trucks. The EV trucks are expected to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% per mile. 3 ELECTRIC TRUCKS in the City’s fleet 4 FOOD FOR THOUGHT Local Food System Preliminary Mapping Project The Bozeman Climate Plan highlights the importance of a robust local food system in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening community resilience. Gallatin Valley is home to a network of individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, institutions, and agencies that have laid the groundwork for a resilient local food system. To better understand this dynamic network and explore the City’s current and potential roles within it, the Local Food System Preliminary Mapping Project was launched in 2023. The project centered on in-depth discussions and interviews with over 80 participants representing diverse sectors of Bozeman’s local food system. These conversations provided valuable insights into the system's strengths and challenges, as well as opportunities for local government to support a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system. The project’s findings and actionable next steps for the City are detailed in the final report: Local Food Systems Preliminary Mapping Project Report 5 80+ Participants in the Local Food System Preliminary Mapping Project TRASH TALK Bozeman Secures $1.6 Million Grant for Waste Management and Composting The City of Bozeman was awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to go toward the purchase of 8,000 new trash carts, 100 bear-resistant carts, and the creation of the Bozeman Sustainable Organics Management Program. Throughout this year, the Solid Waste Division and City leadership have been preparing for the launch of a new compost collection pilot program, scheduled to begin in spring 2025. WATER SMART BOZEMAN Turf Removal Rebate Program In 2022 the Water Conservation Division launched the turf removal rebate program that incentivizes residents to remove high water use turfgrass to reduce Bozeman’s peak summer water demand. The rebate offers $1 per square foot of turf grass replaced (up to $2,000). Since the program began Bozeman residents have removed over 148,000 square feet of turfgrass, saving an estimated 1.9 million gallons of water annually. Often, residents choose to focus their efforts on areas of their property where the turf is decorative or unnecessary, maximizing water savings without impacting their ability to enjoy their yards. In addition to saving water, these projects result in increased plant diversity & pollinator habitat, enhanced drought resilience, and more. 148,000 1.9 MILLION SQFT OF TURFGRASS REMOVED through the turf removal rebate. GALLONS OF WATER SAVED through the turf removal rebate. Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Bozeman is a fast-growing drought-prone community facing numerous water supply constraints posed by its headwaters location in the Upper Missouri River Watershed, impacts of climate change on water supply yields, and a challenging legal framework regarding new water rights appropriations. Outdoor watering of lawns and landscapes represents 50% of annual residential water use in Bozeman. The City of Bozeman adopted a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) in May 2024, which revises landscape and irrigation standards for new development projects to reduce outdoor water demands associated with lawn and landscape irrigation. These standards, codified in Bozeman Municipal Code (BMC), require the design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes that conserve local water resources by limiting the installation of high water use turfgrass and requiring the installation of drought tolerant plants, adequate topsoil, and efficient irrigation. To support the implementation, the City developed the Landscape and Irrigation Performance and Design Standards Manual, which includes clear, detailed standards to ensure meaningful water savings are realized for years to come. 6 Bozeman’s Climate Goals Bozeman has ambitious climate goals to protect our community from climate change. The Bozeman Climate Plan outlines a pathway to reaching those goals. action ithout pathway w usual Business a s 2008 2022 14.7 14.7 12.5 12.2 11.6 10.8 2008 2012 2016 2018 2020 2022 2022* COMMUNITY GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY Together, we can take action on climate change! GHG Emissions Per Person From 2008 to 2022 Bozeman's population increased by 57%, however GHG emissions per person decreased by 17%. Population GHG Emissions per Person 52% Buildings 37% Transportation 10% Waste Total 2022 Emissions 687,194 mt CO₂e 29% 23% Commercial Residential 27% 10% Vehicles Aviation 1% Other 26% Reduction from 2008 Bozeman Climate Goals mt CO₂e GHG Inventory Year 2025 2030 2050 Climate P l a n R e d u c t i o n P a t h w a y 100% Net Clean Electricity Carbon Neutral *Community GHG Inventories are completed every two years with the 2024 GHG Inventory anticipated in 2025 We need YOU to help reach our goals 7 Learn more about how you can take action at: BOZEMAN.NET/SUSTAINABILITY Photos from Gallatin Valley Earth Day and Bozeman CleanUp Day Pictured: Solid Waste Division at Earth Day (top left); A & E Architects (middle left); Sidecar Bozeman (bottom left & top right); Water Conservation at Earth Day (bottom right)