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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMunicipal Climate Action Plan Update Commission Memorandum REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and Commission Members FROM: Natalie Meyer, Grants and Climate Protection Coordinator Chris Kukulski, City Manager SUBJECT: Municipal Climate Action Plan Update MEETING DATE: June 1, 2009 SPECIAL PRESENTATION: We will update the Commission on our organization’s progress with the adopted Municipal Climate Action Plan (MCAP.) Supplemental materials are attached. Report compiled on: May 27, 2009 Attachments: Municipal Climate Action Plan Update 14 1 PBE-1 Mange Energy Use Progress to date: We have collected gas and electric utility bill information since August 2008. Electric and gas reports are now available. Planned activity: Reports will be available on-line for employees by August 2009. PBE-2 Revise Building Codes to Allow LEED Progress to date: The Planning Department is processing a UDO amendment so that PV panels and solar hot water heaters do not require screening. Placement may be on a building or to the rear of principal buildings. PV is allowed in all districts including historic districts. Allowance for green roofs, storm water minimi- zation, and other ‘green’ standards are complete or currently under develop- ment. Planned activity: We will continue to work with Planning and Building to identify codes and regulations that may be contrary to LEED related activities. Plan- ning continues to explore policy options for wind turbines. PBE-3 Retrofit City Buildings to LEED Standards or Equivalent Progress to date: Bozeman City Hall was remodeled to meet the LEED for Existing Buildings (EB) Gold standard. LEED buildings are considered to be 30 to 40% more efficient than the average building. Facilities is working to improve the effi- ciency of all city buildings. $131, 625 of DOE Energy Efficiency Conserva- tion Block Grant funds will be invested into energy efficient retrofits. Planned activity: Facilities is currently working with the National Center for Advanced Tech- nology to procure advanced energy audits for City buildings. Energy effi- ciency improvements will be inventoried and prioritized based on a cost- benefit analysis. PBE-4 Create Sustainable Opera- tions and Maintenance Manual for All Buildings Progress to date: The 2008 Facilities Condition Inventory outlines current maintenance needs and will serve as a launching point for a formal O&M manual. Through the LEED certification process at City Hall, Facilities is considering all of the components needed in an effective O&M manual. Two employees have been sent to training where development and implementation of O&M manuals will be a discussed. Planned activity: That National Center for Advanced Technology will provide advanced en- ergy audits for all buildings, which will serve as a baseline for the O&M pro- gram implementation and monitoring. Municipal Climate Action Plan Commission Update June 1, 2009 Section 1: Planning, Building, and Energy 15 2 PBE-5 Create Employee Conserva- tion and Education Programs Progress to date: Recycling information is distributed by e-mail and weekly updates. City Hall employees received training on the energy efficient features and operations within the LEED City Hall building. The energy generated by the City’s two solar arrays, and recycling activities are available on the City website. In pur- chasing, Forest Stewardship Council paper is encouraged as a responsible, cost-effective purchasing option. Planned activity: Two City employees are participating in the Yellowstone Business Partner- ship course, Un-Common Sense, which provides businesses with the tools to implement more sustainable practices. The first action item in the course is to develop “green teams”. We plan to recruit a member from each department to help contribute to sustainable practices throughout the organization. Team members will help disseminate information and educate within their depart- ments. We plan to compile a green purchasing office catalogue containing cost- effective, local, and environmentally responsible purchasing options that will be distributed to each department. PBE-6 Purchase Green Tags Progress to date: Green tags are not likely to be considered until opportunities related to con- servation, energy efficiency, and city-owned renewable energy development are exhausted. Planned activity: No activity is planned. PBE-7 Convert to Daylight Janitorial Services Progress to date: This is not currently possible under the existing contract. Planned activity: The option will be re-evaluated when the contract is renewed. Light sensors are a cost-effective retrofit that will likely be installed through the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant. We will evaluate whether light sensors effectively address wasteful lighting after hours. PBE-8 Create Energy Fund Progress to date: Energy Funds are useful tool to capture energy savings for re-investment, but require significant administrative time and accounting manipulation. A more direct strategy may be to simply budget for energy efficiency improvements each year. Facilities requests $30,000 each year under Energy Upgrades for Public Buildings. Committing to fund this General Fund request would fulfill the intent of the MCAP recommendation and require considerably less time. Planned activity: Energy efficiency retrofits funded through the Energy Efficiency Conserva- tion Block Grant will generate North Western Energy rebates. These rebates will be placed into an Energy Fund for re-investment into subsequent energy upgrades. Section 1: Planning, Building, and Energy (cont.) 16 3 Section 2: Transportation & Land Use TLU-1 Improve Traffic Signal Operations Progress to date: Main Street traffic signals are coordinated. MT Department of Transporta- tion coordinates with Gallatin County on signal operations, thus we need to cooperate with those entities. Flashing lights during non-peak traffic hours creates pedestrian safety concerns. Planned activity: We plan to initiate a discussion with the Department of Transportation re- garding signal operations. Staff are investigating traffic signal technology that would allow pedestrians to reactivate traffic lights when cross-walk buttons are pressed. TLU-2 Consider Roundabouts Progress to date: Roundabout feasibility is evaluated for all new intersections. A roundabout installation is underway at College & 11th Street. Planned activity: Current activities will continue. TLU-3 Modify Vehicle Purchasing Policies Progress to date: All vehicle purchases are approved by the Streets Superintendent, who modi- fied the purchasing policy to include an evaluation of fuel-efficiency in the total vehicle cost estimate. No vehicles have been purchased since the MCAP was accepted by the Commission. Planned activity: Alternative fuels and vehicles will continue to be evaluated for use in the City fleet. TLU-4 Establish Vehicle Tracking Method for City Fleet Progress to date: Data on total gas and diesel use is collected. Fuel efficiency monitoring for individual vehicles has not yet been implemented. Planned activity: Monitoring of individual vehicles is a short-term priority and our goal is to implement a program for FY10. TLU-5 Increase City Average Fuel Efficiency Standard Progress to date: The baseline fuel efficiency for each department has not yet been es- tablished, thus a goal cannot be established for improved fuel effi- ciency. Planned activity: Following implementation of TLU-4, a goal will be established ac- cording to the guidelines established within the MCAP recommenda- tion. 17 4 TLU-6 Create Transportation De- mand Management Pilot Program Progress to date: A pilot ride-share program is in the planning stages. The Program would cre- ate an on-line forum for City employees to coordinate rides with other em- ployees. Planned activity: The Program will be made available to City employees within weeks. Links to the Streamline bus schedules and regional transportation will be provided within ride-share program. Section 2: Transportation & Land Use (cont.) PBE-7 Anti-Idling Ordinance Progress to date: The City Manager signed an Idle Policy Administrative Order on May 5, 2009. The Policy provides guidance concerning proper management and op- eration of motor vehicles in a way that conserves energy and minimizes emissions. Planned activity: The Idle Policy will help guide behavior and we will strive to educate em- ployees on the purpose and content of the policy. PBE-8 Green Bike Program Progress to date: Departments will purchase bikes based on need and budget. The Professional building has two bicycles available. City Hall purchased one bicycle at the bike auction and the Shop Complex also plans to purchase a bike. Planned activity: The Legal Department is assisting us in the development of bicycle use safety guidelines. PBE-9 Fund LED Program Progress to date: Most traffic signals use LEDs and signals are replaced with LEDs as needed. Street lighting is the responsibility of North Western Energy, but will be re- placed with LEDs as needed. Planned activity: We will continue to watch the evolving light technology industry for the most cost-effective, energy efficient lighting opportunities. PBE-10 Streamline Funding Progress to date: The Commission allocated $15,000 for Streamline Funding in 2008. An ad- ditional $16,075 of the City’s EECBG allocation will be used to partially fund two Streamline bus shelters. Planned activity: To be determined by the Commission. 18 5 Section 3: Waste, Water, & Recycling WWR-1. Install an Electricity- producing Turbine for Sourdough Creek Plant Progress to date: Feasibility cannot be assessed until pilot testing and plant pre-design are completed. Pilot testing will be complete by the end of June. Planned activity: Engineers will evaluate the feasibility as the project progresses. WWR-2 Stop the Purchase of Bot- tled Water Progress to date: The City Manager signed a Waste Reduction and Recycling Policy that lim- its the purchase of single-use bottled water. Bottled water is not allowed ex- cept where human health and safety is a concern, or when needed in emer- gency or repair situations. Planned activity: The City is participating in a Take Back the Tap campaign aimed at encour- aging the use of re-useable water bottles and municipal drinking water. WWR-3 Enforce LEED Building Standards for the Sourdough Treatment Plant Expansion Progress to date: The new WTP will be designed to LEED standards and LEED certification will be considered. Planned activity: Continue to research and evaluate LEED certification or Energy Star for the Plant. WWR-4 Install a turbine for elec- trical generation at Lyman WTP Progress to date: Engineers will investigate turbine feasibility. Planned activity: We will continue to research upcoming technologies. WWR-5 Set Goals for Water Con- servation, Measure, Monitor, Act Progress to date: We do not currently monitor water use, though water conservation is a fun- damental goal in City Facilities, Engineering, and Parks and Recreation. Planned activity: Water monitoring will be established next year. Funding for numerous water conservation measures in buildings, pools, and park irrigation are being ex- plored. WWR-6 Support Solid Waste Recy- cling in Municipal Buildings, Facili- ties, and Public Spaces Progress to date: Recycling pick-up at City buildings has been greatly expanded to include all facilities, except the Water Treatment Plant. Recycling volumes for the curb- side program and municipal operations are reported on the website. Planned activity: Summer will present an opportunity to introduce recycling bins to select parks for a trial period. 19 6 Section 3: Waste, Water, & Recycling (cont.) WWR-7 Explore Grant and Other Opportunities for Glass Recycling Progress to date: A sustainable strategy for handling glass has not yet been identified. Planned activity: City representatives are working with MSU to explore possibilities for local glass re-use. According to the EPA, the emissions generated from virgin glass are only slightly greater than those generated from recycled glass. Con- servation of landfill space is the primary reason to explore glass landfill di- version strategies. WWR-8 Convert 100% of City Fleet of Solid Waste Collection Ve- hicles to the Use of non-fossil fuels Progress to date: The local supply of bio-diesel is dictated by demand from Yellowstone Na- tional Park. Availability of bio-diesel was limited during the winter, thus lit- tle discussion has occurred. Planned activity: The practicality and sustainability of converting Solid Waste to bio-diesel will continue to be discussed. WWR-9 Produce an On-line Monthly Report of Municipal Re- cycling Activities Progress to date: Data continues to be collected for the curbside and municipal recycling ac- tivities, and reports are available on the Bozeman.net website under Sustain- ability. Planned activity: Reports will be updated quarterly. WWR-10 Develop/continue Pro- gram for Solid Waste Co-use and Resale Opportunities Incl. Compost Progress to date: There is potential for a composting facility at the Story Landfill or Logan Landfill. Separation and collection of organic material would be a challenge and funding resources are not currently available. Planned activity: Continue to explore possibilities and seek grant funding for a compost facility. WWR-11 Capture and Use Meth- ane Gas from the Story Mill Land- fill Progress to date: Based on analysis, we are not confident there is sufficient methane generated at the site to justify the capital investment. Logan landfill is larger and a bet- ter candidate. Gallatin County has expressed interest in a composting meth- ane capture system, but compost collection is the primary challenge. Planned activity: Continue discussion with the County on the feasibility of methane recovery at the Logan landfill. 20 7 Section 3: Waste, Water, & Recycling (cont.) WWR-12 Install a Micro-turbine Power Generation System for Methane Capture and Use Progress to date: Engineers and Water Reclamation Facility Staff have identified the Jen- bacher engine generator as a superior methane recovery system and we are aggressively pursuing grant funding for the project. Planned activity: We submitted an Federal FY10 appropriations request for funding. All grant possibilities will be thoroughly explored. WWR-13 Secure Funding for Cur- rently Unfunded Upgrades in Phase I of the WRF Upgrade Plan Progress to date: WRF upgrades continue to be a top priority. Our TSEP grant award ($500,000) and SRF Recovery Act funding ($750,000) will go toward build- ing the Admin/Lab building. Planned activity: Continue to pursue grants. WWR-14 Commend City for In- creases in Energy Efficiency Planned in Phase I of WRF up- grades Progress to date: According to EPA Energy Star, the current Bozeman Water Reclamation Facility is in the 75th percentile for energy efficiency in facilities of compa- rable size. Planned activity: Continue to recognize the Water Reclamation Facility operators for their excellence. Section 4: Education EDU-1 Create and Adopt Commu- nity Climate Action Plan Progress to date: Through grant funding provided by New Priorities Foundation, a private con- tractor was hired to lead a Community Climate Task Force charged with drafting a Community Climate Action Plan. Planned activity: Results of the community emissions inventory will be available by the end of June. The Task Force will be recruited during the summer of 2009 and be- ginning meetings in the fall. They will set an emissions reduction goal and draft recommendations that may ultimately be adopted by the Commission within two years. EDU-2 Participate in the National Conversation on Climate Action Progress to date: On April 21, 2009 we participated in the 2nd annual National Conversation on Climate Action. The Conversation was focused on Neighborhood Conser- vation Clubs as a vehicle to take action. Commissioners, community leaders, and citizens participated in the Conversation. Planned activity: Continued participation will occur, next year’s conversation will focus on the Community Climate Action Plan. 21 8 EDU-3 Participate in the Gallatin Earth Celebration Progress to date: This year we participated in the 2nd annual Gallatin Earth Celebration, April 18-25th. Planned activity: This community partnership will continue into next year with a focus on ex- panding education, outreach, and service. EDU-4 Create Office of Sustainability Progress to date: One employee’s time is 50 percent dedicated to implementing the Municipal Climate Action. Additional assistance would be beneficial. A portion of EECBG funding may be used to support a temporary part-time intern to as- sist with monitoring. Planned activity: Continue to pursue grant opportunities to help fund additional positions. Un- til then, we plan to form a “green team”, which will help improve communi- cation and successful implementation of the MCAP recommendations. EDU-5 Create Tree Planting Program Progress to date: The City Forestry Department currently administers a tree planting cost- share program. The City Forester pursues grant funding for additional mate- rials annually. Planned activity: Continue to pursue grants and other means of expanding the program. Section 4: Education (cont.) EDU-6 Create k-12 Education Program Progress to date: This year MSU students involved with the Gallatin Earth Celebration devel- oped a recycling education program and reached out to elementary students throughout Bozeman. Planned activity: Continue to support the evolution of this recycling education program with the goal of creating demand for Bozeman Public School recycling programs. EDU-7 Create an Adaptation Plan Progress to date: The City is planning for future challenges that may be exacerbated by cli- mate change, including water shortages and increased wildfire intensity. Long-term planning for the Mystic Dam would help secure water supply should late summer droughts become more intensified. Bark beetle has be- come increasingly problematic in our region due to milder winters and has increased the quantity of dead timber. We plan to seek grants that will fund forest restoration thinning in the municipal watershed to help protect against catastrophic wildfire. Planned activity: A comprehensive plan will be further discussed during the second year of implementation of the MCAP. 22 9 Section 5: Implementation IMP-1 Adapt Milestones for Reduc- ing Bozeman’s CO2 Footprint Progress to date: The City is expected to begin conducting annual emissions inventories by January 2010. The Task Force recommends that inventory results serve as a gauge to determine the level of investment needed for the Energy Fund. Planned activity: A portion of the EECBG allocation may be used for a temporary, part-time employee to assist with the upcoming inventory. An updated emissions in- ventory for City operations will by delivered by January 2010. 23