HomeMy WebLinkAboutMunicipal_Climate_Action_Plan_for_Policy_Meeting_5_14_08.pdf a �x
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Hattie Baker, Sustainability Coordinator
SUBJECT: Municipal Climate Action Plan for Policy Meeting
MEETING DATE: May 14, 2008
BACKGROUND: The Bozeman City Commission signed onto the Mayor's Climate Protection
Agreement (MCPA) in November 2006. The MCPA, initiated in 2005 by Seattle's Mayor
Nickel's, is a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in local communities. 850
Mayors across the United States have signed onto the agreement.
The City of Bozeman hired a Sustainability Coordinator for a one year internship in May
2007 to begin developing the Bozeman Climate Action Plan(CAP). The CAP identifies ways in
which the community can begin addressing Climate Change. Facilitated by the efforts of the
Sustainability Coordinator, The Bozeman Climate Protection Task Force (CPTF) was appointed
in July 2007 and given one year to identify a baseline emissions inventory of greenhouse gas
emissions and submit recommendations for reduction strategies.
The Task Force set a target of reducing municipal greenhouse gas emissions to 15 percent
below 2000 levels by 2020 as the City's reduction goal. The target year of 2020 was specifically
identified to coincide with the efforts of the Bozeman 2020 Community Growth Plan. GHG
reductions 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
While this report in not exhaustive, it is a good starting point for the City's efforts in
Climate Change mitigation. In addition, many energy efficiency measures also save money.
Chapters 1 &2 provide a brief description and a summary of recommendations. Chapters 4-7
provide deeper analysis for each recommendation. We believe this plan provides realistic and
achievable goals for reducing the City's greenhouse gas emissions.
Hattie Baker, Sustainability Coordinator Chris A. Kukulski, City Manager
Bozeman Climate Action Plan
Municipal Operations
Presented to the Bozeman City Commission
27 May 2008
by the
Citizens Climate Protection Task Force
Scott Bischke,Co-chair
Otto Pohl,Co-chair
Peter Belschwender
David Boggeman
Steve Bruner
Molly Cross
Mark Johnson
Martin Knight
Mel Kotur
Matthew Madden
Pat McGowen
Collin Moore
Greg Pederson
and Bozeman Sustainability Coordinator
Hattie Baker
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................................i
GlobalWarming: A Brief Summary...............................................................................................................................2
GlobalWarming Potential and COse.............................................................................................................................3
Global Warming Potential Units of Measure................................................................................................................4
Terminology: Weather,Climate,Climate Change,and Global Warming..................................................................4
Climate Change and Bozeman...............................................................................................................................6
Climate Change Impacts to our Bozeman Community................................................................................................6
What is Bozeman Doing About Climate Change?.........................................................................................................7
Scope of this Municipal Climate Action Plan(CAP)......................................................................................................8
Bozeman Municipal Emissions Inventory.....................................................................................................................9
Bozeman Municipal CAP Process and Summary of Recommendations...................................................................11
Planning,Building,and Energy(PBE)Sub-Committee Recommendations............................................................14
Basisfor Recommendations........................................................................................................................................14
PBERecommendations................................................................................................................................................15
Transportation and Land Use(TLU)Sub-Committee Recommendations..............................................................20
Basisfor Recommendations........................................................................................................................................20
BasicData......................................................................................................................................................................20
AlternativeFuels...........................................................................................................................................................21
Magnitudeof the Problem...........................................................................................................................................21
TLU Recommendations for Reducing the City's Carbon Footprint...........................................................................22
Waste,Water&Recycling Sub-Committee Recommendations............................................................................26
Basisfor Recommendation..........................................................................................................................................26
BasicData......................................................................................................................................................................26
WWRRecommendations: Incoming Water Treatment............................................................................................27
WWRRecommendations: Solid Waste and Recycling..............................................................................................29
WWR Recommendations: Water Reclamation Facility.............................................................................................33
Education and Outreach.......................................................................................................................................37
Implementation.................................................................................................................................... ..39
Acknowledgements..............................................................................................................................................41
Bozeman's Climate Protection Task Force..................................................................................................................41
CityStaff........................................................................................................................................................................41
OtherAgencies..............................................................................................................................................................42
AppendixA:Transportation and Land Use CAP....................................................................................................43
Basisfor Recommendations........................................................................................................................................43
Incentives......................................................................................................................................................................44
improving the Feasibility of Carbon Friendly Transportation Modes.......................................................................45
Other..............................................................................................................................................................................48
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
ii
Printed on recycled paper
Chapter 1
Introduction
Climate Change is an issue which has the potential to have devastating effects on the
Bozeman community 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 efforts of the Citizens Concerned for Climate Change,the Bozeman
City Commission signed onto the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement(MCPA)in November
2006.The MCPA,initiated in 2005 by Seattle's Mayor Nickel's,is a commitment to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions to 12 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.
The City of Bozeman hired a Sustainability Coordinator for a one year internship in May
2007 to begin developing the Bozeman Climate Action Plan(CAP). The CAP identifies ways in which
the community can begin addressing Climate Change. Facilitated by the efforts of the Sustainability
Coordinator,The Bozeman Climate Protection Task Force(CPTF)was appointed in July 2007 and
given one year to identify a baseline emissions inventory of greenhouse gas emissions for the
community and create benchmarks for reducing the community's emissions.
The CPTF met once a month to review,discuss,and understand the scope of the CAP.In
October of 2006,the CPTF agreed to focus the first part of the CAP on Municipal operations.The
reasons are two-fold.First,the CPTF believes that the city should lead by example.The Municipal
Climate Action Plan(MCAP)outlines the basis for each recommendation,the carbon reduction
potential of that recommendation,and financial considerations associated with that
recommendation.This three-step approach is also referred to as the Triple Bottom line in public
sector full cost accounting;People,Planet,Profit. Second,the CPTF agreed that given the time
constraints of ten months to produce a report,a meaningful and thoughtful approach to GHG
mitigation recommendations could only begin with municipal operations.It is important to stress
that this plan is only a first part to a two-part plan,and the city must complete a Community
Climate Action Plan to fulfill the requirements of the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.
The recommendations provided in this MCAP are divided into five sections:(1)Planning Building&
Energy,(2)Transportation and Land Use;(3)Waste Water&Recycling,(4)Education&Outreach,and
(S)Implementation.Realistic and achievable goals along with innovative and progressive ideas were
balanced to provide policies from which city officials can make effective decisions. Carbon reduction
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
1
Printed on recycled paper
policies and fiscal responsibility are not mutually exclusive;forth is reason,these recommendations will
create a healthier community while saving taxpayer dollars.
This report also includes several appendices for a future Community Climate Action Plan.
During the process,the CPTF found overlap between municipal and community operations.For this
reason,the CPTF decided to append the recommendations to include possible community
recommendations.These recommendations are only suggestions and intended to be used a tool to
help guide the Community Climate Protection Task Force in their efforts(See Appendix A).
Global Warming: A Brief Summary
Scientific evidence clearly tells us that the Earth is warming,and that humans 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."
The Greenhouse Effect
A Some of the infrared radiation passes
��v through the atmosphere and some is
absorbed and remitted in all
A, Some solar radiation direcotxrs b1 greenhouse gas
►TA is retiected by the moiecWm The efleot ofthls is to warm
earth and the the earths surface and the lower
Solar atrnosphem
radiation atmosphere.
PaWts
through
1ho CksSr
At
vtmc�splxva
l/.ost radiation is absorbed
try tieearth's surtace stied
and warms It r
.ti .
4
Figure 1. Graphical representation of the greenhouse effect
(adapted from 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). Withoutthe natural greenhouse effect,
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
2
Printed on recycled paper
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 adsorbs infra-red radiation and thereby
contributes to the greenhouse effect. There are numerous greenhouse gases but the three of
major concern to normal citizens and municipal operations—and thus the focus of this report—are
carbon dioxide,methane,and nitrous oxide:
Carbon Dioxide(COA 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.
•8 Methane(CH,)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(N20)emissions result from agricultural and industrial activities,as well as
during combustion of solid waste and fossil fuels.
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 they 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 afterthe 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,while 750 ppm would lead to a
4.3°C warming,1,000 ppm to 5.5°C and 1,200 ppm to 6.3`C.
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 Act,the City of Bozeman has declared its intention to
take action to minimize its output of global warming gases.
Global Warming Potential and COZe
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.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
3
Printed on recycled paper
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.,CO2 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 260 times more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide and thus has a
GWP of 260.
Table 1. Relative global warming potential of the most common greenhouse gases.(Source EPA
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange%missions/downloads/ghg_gwp.pdf. Accessed 519108).
Chemical Expected lifetime(years)
Greenhouse gas Symbol Global warming potential in the atmosphere
Carbon Dioxide CO, 1 50-150
Methane CH, 21 10.5
Nitrous Oxide N20 260 132
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"COZe"). For instance,1 ton of carbon dioxide
emissions would equal 1 ton of COZe;1 ton of methane would equally 21 tons of CO2e.
Note that given the scale of greenhouse gas emissions,a further abbreviation—metric tons
of carbon equivalents(MTCE)—is useful. This measure focuses on just the carbon portion of the
emission(i.e.,on the"C"and not on the"02"). A metric ton is 2,000 lbs.
For the entirety of the Bozeman Climate Action Plan we will use CO2e or MTCE as the units
of measurement. We generally will refer to MTCE as simply"tons"of CO,e.
Terminology. Weather, Climate,Climate Change,and Global Warming
Weather versus Climate
The terms weather and climate are often used interchangeably.In fact,they are different:
weather is a condition of the atmosphere at one particular time and place,while climate is the
average pattern of weather in a given place.
Measures of weather include wind speeds,temperature,humidity,atmospheric pressure,
and precipitation.The weather often changes substantially from day to day. Weather patterns are
a product of climate. Unlike weather,climate generally refers to large scales in time and space.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
4
Printed on recycled paper
Climate includes the broader overall relationships between the earth's atmosphere,oceans,land,
and solar radiation.
Global Warming versus Climate Change
Global warming refers to the overall rise of the Earth's average temperature over time due
to anthropogenic emissions of global warming gases. Climate change describes the potentially
dramatic changes in such areas as sea level,weather patterns(storm events,flood,drought),and
soil moisture resulting from global warming. It is important to note that wetter,cooler climates
may result in some local areas even while on average the Earth is getting hotter.
Critical to current concerns about global warming is recognizing that human-induced
climate change is occurring on time scales far faster than would be expected naturally. While
humans are accustomed to living with daily and seasonal weather changes,we do not have
experience adapting to rapid climate change. These changes are likely to have long-lasting and
widespread adverse impacts on ecological systems,human health,and economies.Similarly,other
species may be incapable of adapting to the changes resulting from rapid climate change.
The lag time between the emissions of greenhouse gases and their full impact on the
climate can be decades or even centuries.The time required to reverse any effects is similarly long
making it imperative to start activities such as outlined in the Bozeman CAP now to best minimize
global warming and the resulting climate changes.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
5
Printed on recycled paper
Chapter 2
Climate Change and Bozeman
Climate Change Impacts to our Bozeman Community
While the global climate system is large,complex,and dynamic evidence 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.
Figure 2. 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.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
6
Printed on recycled paper
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 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
The Mayor of 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 2008,852 Mayors across the United States have
signed onto the MCPA,thereby committing their cities to attempt to meet measurable goals for
greenhouse gas reductions.
The Mayors Climate Protection Agreement is at least in part tied to the federal
government's decision not to sign the International Kyoto Protocol agreement. The Kyoto
agreement commits nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions seven percent below 1990
levels by 2010. As of the writing of the Bozeman Municipal CAP,the United States has still not
ratified the Kyoto protocol agreement.
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. The new City Hall is being renovated using LEED Existing Building
designs.When possible,the City uses bio-diesel in its vehicle fleet,and the City has 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.
Climate Protection Task Force
The Bozeman City Commission appointed the Bozeman Climate Protection Task Force in
July of 2007 to create a Bozeman Climate Action Plan(CAP). The Task Force is made up of diverse
volunteers from the community,including people from the business,building,energy,science,
engineering,and non-profit sectors,as well as citizen-at-large representatives. Over the course of
the year the Task Force membership changed(losses and adds)due to members moving and
changes in availability. Overall the group was relatively stable for the—10 months required to
create this Municipal CAP.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
7
Printed on recycled paper
Bozeman Global Warming Gas Reduction Goal
The Task Force identified a baseline year of 2000 to measure Bozeman municipal emissions
performance against. The year 2000 was selected because it was the first year with sufficient
records available to calculate a baseline for City of Bozeman greenhouse gas emissions. An interim
emissions inventory for 2006 was also performed.
The Task Force set a target of reducing municipal greenhouse gas emissions 15 percent
below 2000 levels by 2020 as the City's reduction goal.The target year of 2020 was specifically
identified to coincide with the efforts of the Bozeman 2020 Community Plan. GHG reductions
policies are far reaching and affect all sectors of society;forthis reason,a holistic approach to GHG
mitigation management must be used to effectively address climate change reduction strategies
Scope of this Municipal Climate Action Plan(CAP)
This Municipal CAP serves as a guideline and tool for the Bozeman City government to
decrease its greenhouse gas emissions. This document is not intended to drive change in
businesses or individuals in the City of Bozeman,though it certainly will serve as a foundation for
the Community Climate Action Plan to follow(see below). The Task Force would like to stress to
the Commission that to be in compliance with the MCPA the City of Bozeman must still complete
a Community Climate Action Plan separate from the Municipal CAP.
All the recommendations in the Municipal Climate Action Plan were achieved by
unanimous consent.
This Municipal 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).
The Task Force started with municipal operations rather than attempting a full blown
private/public plan believing that in the end lessons learned in the Municipal plan would greatly
inform the Community plan and,as a result,lead to higher likelihood of overall greenhouse gas
reductions before the 2020 target year. The Task Force recognizes that municipal operations have
far smaller potential reductions than those that will be available from a plan directed at the entire
community including private businesses,Montana State University,and the general citizenry.
The Task Force unanimously agrees that a Community Climate Action Plan must be
completed and adopted no later than 18 months from the adoption of the Municipal Climate Action
Plan. The Community CAP should incorporate this Municipal CAP,thus provide a complete
private/public greenhouse gas reduction plan for the City of Bozeman. The Task Force believes
that a facilitator/leader will be required to assist the current Climate Protection Coordinator to
complete the Community CAP. We believe that the current Climate Protection Coordinator
position does not have sufficient hours to lead the Community CAP,unless the position is re-
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
Printed on recycled paper
scoped. A consultant or graduate student intern could also be considered to facilitate/lead the
Community CAP.
Bozeman Municipal Emissions Inventory
The City of Bozeman hired a Sustainability Coordinator for a one-year internship to manage
the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement.The Sustainability Coordinator was charged with
conducting a baseline emission inventory and facilitating the efforts of the Bozeman Climate
Protection Task Force(CPTF).
The CPTF was given one year to examine emission reduction strategies and make
recommendations for the City's CO2 reduction policies.As previously noted,the CPTF unanimously
agreed that the recommendations would focus solely on Municipal operations with a commitment
to Community recommendations as a second phase of the Climate Action Plan.
Using the Clean Air Climate Protection(CACP)software version 1.1,June 2005 provided by
ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability,a baseline emissions inventory was performed on the
following municipal sectors: Buildings,Vehicle Fleet,Streetlights,Water/Sewage,and Waste(see
Appendix B for data).
Based on the CACP analysis,Bozeman's total Municipal Operations COze emissions for 2000
were 6,083 tons of CO2e. Buildings were the leading source of emissions(all in tons COZe)with
2,384;Water/Sewage 1,458;Vehicle Fleet 1,487;Streetlights 326;and Waste-72
(
Figure 3).
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
9
Printed on recycled paper
Bozeman%CO2e Emissions 2000
Streetlights Waste
5%
Vehicle fleet Buildings
24°.6 39%
MO
Water/�
Sewage
31%
Figure 3.Percentage breakdown of Bozeman Municipal CO2e emissions in the year 2000.
Bozeman%CO2e Emissions 2006
Streetlights Waste
7% 2%
Vehicle fleet
19% Buildings
39%
Water/
Sewage
33
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
10
Printed on recycled paper
Figure 4.Percentage breakdown of Bozeman Municipal CO2e emissions in the year 2006.
An interim year of 2006 was also measured to effectively gauge the city's most current emissions. Based
on CACP analysis,Bozeman's Municipal Operations CO2e emissions for 2006 were 7,866 tons of CO2e.
Buildings were the leading source with 3,226;Water/Sewage 2,652;Vehicle Fleet 1543;Streetlights 564,
and Waste-119(
Figure 4).
The negative emissions from the Waste sector deserve comment. Greenhouse gas
emissions generated from waste are dependent on the type of waste being disposed of and the
configuration of the landfill where waste is disposed. Two processes generally occur in a typical
landfill. First,the waste does not completely decompose causing some of the carbon that would
have been released as COzto be sequestered in the landfill. This process is representative of the
current Bozeman Story Hill landfill resulting in a negative CO2e inventory. In a second process,
because of the lack of oxygen in the landfill decomposing organic matter is released as methane,a
greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than COz. If methane is not captured or burned,landfills are
usually net sources of greenhouse gas emissions(showing as positive emissions). In some cases,
the methane released can be captured to produce energy or heat,which converts it back to the less
potent CO2 while at the same time displacing the need to supply new methane for energy or heat.
Bozeman Municipal CAP Process and Summary of Recommendations
To begin addressing global warming gas reductions,the Task Force divided into three
subcommittees: (1)Planning,Building,and Energy(PBE);(2)Transportation and Land Use(TLU);
and(3)Waste Water and Recycling(WWR). The CPTF did not explicitly state that each group must
achieve the 15 percent reduction within its sector. Instead,the groups are tasked with determining
baseline carbon footprint numbers and identifying greenhouse gas reduction opportunities within
their sectors.
In the chapters that follow,we provide recommendations to the City from each of the
three subcommittees. Table 2 provides a
summary of those recommendations for easy The City's goal is to reduce its
reference. Note that in some instances greenhouse gas emissions to a level
recommendations from the three sub- 15%below 2000 levels by 2020,
committees overlapped;Table 2 shows those or thus a numeric goal of
relationships.
5,172 tons of CO2e by the year 2020
(i.e., [1-0.15)]*6,083)
Chapters 3-6 of this report provide
recommendations on how
Bozeman can reduce its greenhouse
gas emissions to achieve this goal.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
11
Printed on recycled paper
Table 2. Summary of recommendations for the Bozeman Climate Protection Task Force to the City of
Bozeman.
Climate Protection Task Force Recommendation Closely
Related To...
Planning,Building,and Energy
PBE-1, Manage Energy Usage ED-4
PBE-2. Revise Building Codes to Include LEED
PBE-3. Retrofit City Buildings to LEED Standards
PBE-4. Create Sustainable Operations and Maintenance Manual for all Buildings
PBE-5. Create Employee Conservation and Education Programs
PBE-6. Purchase Green Tags
PBE-7. Convert to Daylight Janitorial Services
PBE-8. Create an Energy Fund
Transportation and Land Use
TLU-1. Improve Traffic Signal Operations
TLU-2. Consider Roundabouts
TLU-3. Modify Vehicle Purchasing Policies WWR-8
TLU-4. Establish Vehicle Tracking Method for City Fleet
TLU-5. Increase City Average Fuel Efficiency Standard WWR-8
TLU-6. Create Transportation Demand Management Pilot Program
TLU-7. Anti-idling ordinance
TLU-8. Green Bike Program
TLU-9. Fund LED Program
Waste Water and Recycling
WWR-1. Install an Electricity-producing Turbine for the Sourdough Creek Plant
WWR-2. Enforce LEED Building_Standards for the Sourdough Treatment Plant Expansion PBE-3,4
WWR-3. Stop the Purchase of Bottled water with City of Bozeman Taxpayer Funds PBE-5
WWR-4. Install a turbine for electrical generation at the City's Lyman Water Treatment Plant
WWR-S. Set Goals for Water Conservation,then Measure,Monitor,Verify and Act on these Goals PBE-1
WWR-6. Support Solid Waste Recycling in Municipal Buildings and Facilities,and in public spaces
WWR-7. Explore Grant and Other Opportunities for Glass Recycling/Reuse
WWR-8. Convert 100%of City Fleet of Solid Waste Collection Vehicles to the Use of Non-fossil Fuels TLU-3,5
WWR-9. Produce an On-line Monthly Report of Municipal Recycling Activities PBE-1,EDA
WWR-10. Develop/continue Program For Solid Waste Co-use and Resale Opportunities mcl.Compost
WWR-11. Capture and Use Methane Gas Coming Off the Story Mill Landfill Site
WWR-12. Install a Micro-turbine Power Generation System for Methane Capture and Use
WWR-13. Secure Funding for Currently Unfunded Upgrades in Phase I ofthe WRF Upgrade Plan
WWR-14. Commend City for Increases in Energy Efficiency Planned in Phase I of WRF Upgrade
Education
ED-1. Create and Adapt Community Action Plan
ED-2. Participate in National Conversation on Climate Action,October 4th
ED-3. Participate in Gallatin Earth Celebration
EDA, Hire SustainabihtyDirector j PBE-1,8
ED-5. Create a Tree Planting Program 1
ED-6. Create k-12 Education Program
ED-7. Create an Adaptation Plan
Implementation
IMP-1. Adapt Milestones for Reducing Bozeman's COze Footprint PBE-1,ED 4
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
12
Printed on recycled paper
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
13
Printed on recycled paper
Chapter 3
Planning, Building, and Energy (PBE) Sub-Committee
Recommendations
Basis for Recommendations
The Planning Building&Energy(PBE)subcommittee was comprised of Peter Belschwender,
Steve Burner,Mel Kotur,Matthew Madden,and Otto Pohl.
The PBE developed recommendations based on the baseline emissions inventory,their own
knowledge,and recommendations proposed by various experts during committee meetings.
Certain recommendations were removed from consideration based on feedback from these experts
and information collected by the PBE. Local experts thatthe PBE met with included James
Goehrung(Facilities Superintendant),Andy Epple(Planning Director),Kath William(LEED
consultant),Linda Revenaugh(SWMBIA),Alice Meister(Library Director),Chuck Winn(Public
Service Director),Gary Griffith(Bozeman Public School System Energy Director),Ed Sondeno
(Bozeman Public School System Energy Manager).
Table 3 provides a summary of actual energy used by City buildings,as well as the CO,,
resulting from that use. This information served as the basis for reduction planning and for the
resulting recommendations provided below.
Toble 3. City Building Energy Use for the years 2000 and 2006.
2000 2006
Electricity(kWh) 1,474,535 3,514,933
Natural Gas(Dkt) 26,502 22,819
Total tons COZe resulting from City electricity 2386 3226
and natural gas usage for the given years
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
14
Printed on recycled paper
PBE Recommendations
PBE-1. Manage Energy Usage
Description. Energy management is the systematic,on-going process of determining where and
how energy is used,controlling energy use to optimize consumption and assessing opportunities.
In order to succeed,an appropriate staff person must be assigned the ownership and overall
responsibility for coordinating the implementation of the CAP. This staff person will provide the
leadership and supervision necessary to the various departments to complete the following tasks:
• Track and monitor all energy use;electricity,natural gas,fleet and equipment fuel.
• Integrate the Climate Action Plan with Operations,Maintenance,and Administration staff.
• Arrange energy audits on all City facilities.
• Publicize the efforts and accomplishments of the City regarding implementation of the Plan.
• Arrange for or provide training to all City staff members involved with Plan implementation.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. Efficient use of resources will result in reduced carbon output.
Demand Side Management strategies require staff support and necessary tools,and an established
operations and maintenance manual(see recommendation PBE-4)to provide sound guidance in
efficient use of energy and resources.
Financial considerations. There are no costs associated with this recommendation.However,
demand side management strategies have shown to reduce energy usage and overall utility costs.
PBE-2. Revise Building Codes to Include LEED
Description. In our growing City there is a considerable amount of new construction. As the City
expands in every direction focus should be brought to projects and designers who are willing to
take the next step in"green building." LEED certification of new buildings is a formidable task. This
certification focuses on site development,water savings,energy savings,material selection,and
indoor environment quality. The City should take steps to embrace this level of construction and
the systems that make it effective. Some strategies used for LEED are non-conventional and may
not be"how we have always done it". These approaches should be given due consideration and,if
safe,code should be modified to allow for change.
Example: The new LEED Certified Silver Library has waterless urinals. During construction the code
required that water be plumbed to all locations(just in case). This is an unnecessary use of
resources and contrary to the intent of the waterless urinals.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. Easing the way for LEED certification will encourage designers and
builders to push the envelope of efficiency and therefore reduce the CO2 emissions of future
buildings.According to a study by the New Building Institute,LEED certified buildings are 25
percent to 30%percent more energy efficient than their non-certified counterparts.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
15
Printed on recycled paper
Financial Considerations. The Building Department,with the support of the City Commission,could
easily make this step with a minimum amount of staff time. No initial investment is necessary.
PBE-3. Retrofit City Buildings to LEED Standards
Description. The City should lead by example and adopt the LEED for Existing Buildings:Operations
&Maintenance(LEED-EB)standards,allowing it to measure operations,improvements,and
maintenance of all City-owned buildings.
The City owns and operates 32 buildings. The facilities manager should be commended for efforts
to maintain and upgrade these buildings. However,at this point there is no system in place to
monitor energy performance or predict what affect any retrofit action will have on each building
(see recommendation PBE-1).
Using LEED-EB guidelines during a regularly scheduled upgrade or retrofit creates a comprehensive
approach to building performance. This system will take the guess work out of upgrades by
providing tools to predict performance and reduce CO2 output.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. By retrofitting buildings to LEED-EB standards the City can reduce its
CO2 output from buildings by 25 percent.
Financial Considerations. Retrofitting buildings to the LEED-EB standard will typically be more
expensive than standard construction practices.However,many aspects of the retrofit will have
long term paybacks in energy savings that need to be figured into the total cost.For instance,a 25
percent reduction in overall building energy usage would result in an annual savings of
approximately$111,000. Administration of LEED certification is estimated to be only$1,200 per
building.
PBE-4. Create Sustainable Operations and Maintenance Manual for all Buildings
Description. The creation of a documented Operations and Maintenance manual(0&M)will
reduce the amount of energy consumed in all municipal buildings. Consulting LEED for existing
buildings(see recommendation PBE-2)could be used as a guideline for developing a maintenance
program.MSU has developed and currently uses a comprehensive O&M manual.
The 0&M program should be implemented considering the following:
• A baseline energy usage measurement per building should be established as soon as
possible.
• The manual should be used in conjunction with monthly and annual reports for energy use
per building to both identify opportunities and measure the positive effects on energy
usage per building.
• The O&M manual should be developed by documenting all current maintenance and
operations practices and committing to continually updating this manual for new facilities
and equipment.
• Set goals of reducing each City building to use at least 15 percent less BTUs per SF Heating
Degree Days(SFHDD)of conditioned space.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
16
Printed on recycled paper
Through energy usage tracking and prompt maintenance of buildings,the Bozeman School District
has reduced the amount of energy use in all of buildings from 12 to 19 BTUs/SFHDD to less than 7
BTUs/SFHDD,or around 50 percent.
It is realized that the City buildings are used year-round and have a greater total energy load
because of air conditioning in the summer. This must be considered when setting realistic goals for
energy usage reductions.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. A reduction of 15 percent BTUs/SFHDD—achievable using a
sustainable 0&M manual—the City would reduce its CO2 output by 484 tons of CO2 annually.
Financial Considerations. The costs of writing the manual are relatively minimal.Energy savings will
offset some or all investments in maintenance.
PBE-5. Create Employee Conservation and Education Programs
Description. Employee Conservation and Education Programs can help reduce wasteful(though
innocent)practices among City employees. Such programs can also introduce employees to
innovative efforts to reduce energy/resource consumption.This recommendation is intended to
keep conservation in the forefront of City employees'minds.The following could be included in
such a program:
• Ask City employees what ideas they have for reducing their own energy consumption at
work and implement their ideas.
• Require each City employee to read this Climate Action Plan and discuss its contents.
• Offer incentives for reducing consumption or penalties for wasteful practices.
• Keep employees informed about ongoing City efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by
presenting results of energy monitoring and energy audits to all employees at regular
meetings.
• "The last one to leave turns off the lights...and coffee maker...and copier...and air
conditioners...and computers...and power strips...and other phantom loads..."
• Promote healthy competition between divisions or occupants of different buildings to win
the race to a 15 percent reduction in energy consumption.
Carbon Footprint Reduction.According to ACC Environmental Consultants,"tenants control 70
percent of the energy used in office buildings."Significant reductions are possible simply by
ensuring that computers are turned off at night.Using 2006 emissions data,a 5 percent reduction
in energy usage would save 161 tons of CO2.
Financial Considerations. In 2006,the city spent$444,346 on utility costs for buildings.A 5 percent
reduction in energy consumption would save approximately$22,000 a year. There is little,if any,
expense associated with this recommendation.
PBE-6. Purchase Green Tags
Description. Green Tags represent the environmental attributes associated with electricity
generated from renewable technologies like wind and solar energy. Each Green Tag represents the
greenhouse gas reduction from 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity generated by a new renewable
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
17
Printed on recycled paper
source. One of the"products"produced by renewable energy is the package of environmental
benefits resulting from avoided greenhouse gases. Purchasing Green Tags can be a viable tool for
the City of Bozeman in achieving the goal of reducing its carbon footprint.
Reducing energy usage is preferable to offsetting. However,offsetting is a valuable tool for
achieving carbon reduction goals.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. In our region of the country,the average emission per MWh of
electricity generated is approximately 1,107 Ibs of COz. This means one Green Tag would represent
the reduction of approximately 1,107 Ibs of COz.
Financial Considerations. Investing in renewable energy is a large capital investment and initially
increases electricity generation costs relative to established fossil fuel facilities.The purchase of
Green Tags offsets this capital investment by helping existing renewable energy facilities expand,
thus making affordable renewable energy more widely available.
Green Tags are not a small investment.For example,offsetting 10 percent of the City of Bozeman's
entire annual carbon output[3,342 tons in 20061 would cost$12,000.However,the benefits of
green tags are twofold because they reduce our environmental impact and expand renewable
energy capacity and associated technologies,which makes it more affordable in the long term.In
our region,Green Tags can be purchased from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation
www.GreenTagsUSA.org or through Northwestern Energy www.northwesternenergy.com and
these entities can be contacted for pricing information.
PBE-7. Convert to Daylight Janitorial Services
Description. Daylight cleaning can reduce the amount of energy consumed compared to night-time
operations. Day cleaning has been commonplace in hospitals for years and is becoming more and
more common in a variety of different private and municipal facilities.
Sampled companies and municipalities with varied operations like the City of Bozeman have
documented an up to 8 percent reduction in utility costs.
Some other positive effects of day cleaning are:
• Less janitorial turnover with less supervision.
• Safer,more secure facilities for cleaners and occupants.
• Better social and family situations for janitorial staff.
Additional recommendations concerning janitorial operations:
• Use reduced or non-toxic cleaners.
• Use cleaners,materials,equipment,and practices that use less water.
• Implement a preferred purchasing program keeping the following sustainable questions in
mind:
o Toxicity concerns?
o Sustainable raw materials?
o Recycled content?
o Transportation requirements?
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
18
Printed on recycled paper
o Amount of packaging?
o End life disposal options?
Carbon Footprint Reduction. A conservative estimate of 5 percent reduction in energy usage would
save 161 tons of CO2 annually.
Financial Considerations. A 5 percent reduction in energy consumption would save approximately
$22,000 a year.
PBE-8. Create an Energy Fund
Description. It is important both on a political and community level that we draw attention to the
tangible financial benefits generated by energy usage reduction and equipment investment. An
energy fund allows this by placing the costs and benefits of the programs outlined in this document
on the same balance sheet. For example,a new$50,000 high-efficiency boiler using this fund is not
seen as just an expense,but rather as the investment necessary to produce the$20,000 of annual
savings(i.e.,profit)the boiler creates. This venture-capital mindset helps encourage the City to
rigorously pursue the investments and upgrades that yield the greatest savings.
The energy fund should receive initial funding from two sources:
Capital investments the City agrees to make under this plan.
• Savings resulting from the implementation of the recommendations in this plan.
It is critical that energy savings accrue to the balance sheet of the energy fund and be made
available for further investment. PBE-1 could oversee these investments and the resulting savings.
Benefits overview:
• Makes investment more politically palatable byframing the energy savings as profit
• Self-sustaining:makes additional investment the result of previous savings
• Encourages rigorous cost-benefit analysis to prioritize investments from a profit
perspective
Carbon Footprint Reduction. This energy fund will not save carbon by itself but will encourage the
City to pursue the highest"bang-for-the-buck"investments.
Financial Considerations.There is little,if any,expense associated with this recommendation,and a
great opportunity for greater profit realization from the investments made by the fund.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
19
Printed on recycled paper
Chapter 4
Transportation and Land Use (TLU) Sub-Committee
Recommendations
Basis for Recommendations
The Transportation and Land Use(TLU)subcommittee was comprised of David Boggeman,
Patrick McGowen,Martin Knight,and Greg Pederson. The TLU developed recommendations based
on their own knowledge and based on those recommendations proposed by various experts who
met with the TLU subcommittee.Local experts that the TLU met with included Lisa Ballard
(Streamline Bus System),Jason Delmue(Bicycle Advisory Board),John Vandelinder(Streets
Superintendent),Brian LaMeres(City Controller),Ron Gompertz(EcoAuto),Dan Alexander(Story
Distributing),Ron Dingman(Park and Recreation Director),Chris Saunders(Assistant Planning
Director),Stephen Johnson(Gallatin Valley Land Trust).
Basic Data
When considering the annual transportation impacts on greenhouse emissions,it is
convenient to consider the following relationships. Community greenhouse gas emissions area
function of the number of people,how much each person drives,and the carbon efficiency of their
vehicle.
GHG=Population*Miles_Travelled*CO,_Equiv.
Person Mile
The carbon efficiency of their vehicle is a function of how much carbon is released per
gallon of fuel burned(alternative fuels may have lower impact),and the fuel efficiency of their
vehicle.
CO___Equiv.
CO,_Equiv. I Gallon
mile Miles
Gallon
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
20
Printed on recycled paper
Although simplified,this equation emphasizes individual impact and changes that can be
made by personal choice such as reducing the miles travelled or by reducingthe emissions per mile
(purchasing a more fuel efficient car,less impacting mode such as bike or transit,etc).
When data are not available for analyzing a specific alternative the following basic values
can be used.
• The National Personal Transportation Survey(NPTS)estimated that the vehicle miles
traveled was 8200 miles per person in 2001.
• From the same survey(NPTS)the average fuel efficiency for passenger cars in 2001 is 22.1
mpg and 17.6 for SUVs and pickups. If the vehicle mix is unknown one could use an
average of 20 miles per gallon.
• For regular unleaded gasoline the emissions are 21.4 pounds of CO2 per gallon.
• There are 2000 Ibs in one ton
From the above equations and basic values,the average person releases 4 tons of carbon per year
from driving(8200*21.4/20/2000).
Alternative Fuels
The two most viable alternative fuels currently are biodiesel and ethanol. It should be
noted that based on Farrell et al.(2006)the current production methods for ethanol result in only
slight gains over gasoline. However,cellulose based ethanol production,a developing technology,
is estimated to produce about 1/10th the GHG of gasoline. If cellulose production technology
becomes available,the switch to bio-fuel vehicles should become a top priority for the City. In the
interim,the move to bio-fuel vehicles should still be implemented in order to realize the gains
(though small)currently available and be prepared to take full advantage of the huge gains when
cellulose production becomes available. There is consensus in the literature that biodiesel does
reduce GHG emissions.
Magnitude of the Problem
From the CACP data the carbon emissions from the transportation related municipal
operations are shown in Table 4. Note that the increase annual increase is calculated assuming a
constant rate of increase.
Table 4. GHG from Transportation Related Municipal Operations
2000 tons equiv.CO2 2006 tons equiv.CO2 Annual Increase
Vehicle Fleet 1487 1,543 0.6%
Streetlights 326 564 10.0%
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
21
Printed on recycled paper
TLU Recommendations for Reducing the City's Carbon Footprint
The primary sources of transportation carbon emissions from municipal operations come
from street light/traffic signal operations and City-owned vehicle operations. Thus our
recommendations focus on these two areas,as follows.
TLU-1. Improve Traffic Signal Operations
Description. Traffic signals are installed at intersections with high traffic flows and or safety issues.
The traffic flows are dramatically less during late evening/early morning hours. Many
municipalities change to a flashing operation during this time. Flashing operations gives a red
flashing light to the minor street,and a flashing yellow light to the major street.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. In 2006,the City of Bozeman used 234,000 kWh resulting in 128 tons
CO2 emissions. Flashing operations use slightly more than half the energy of regular operations.
Assuming this operation would be for six hours per day,flashing operations would result in a one-
eighth reduction in total energy use and CO2 emissions.
Financial Considerations. In addition to the carbon savings,the reduction in energy would save the
City approximately$19,000 per year(assuming 8 cents per kWh). The primary challenge is
pedestrian safety.
TLU-2. Consider Roundabouts
Description. A roundabout is an intersection alternative that can provide higher traffic flow than an
un-signaled intersection,yet in some cases can be abetter option than a traffic signal. Under the
right circumstances and when properly designed roundabouts can be a safer alternative. Currently
roundabouts are often included as an option when considering improving an intersection. Carbon
impacts should also be included when intersection upgrade options(i.e.,signal verses roundabout)
are considered.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. They do not require the electrical power a signal would. Currently
signals at a single intersection in Bozeman use approximately 5-10,000 kWh per year. This results
in several tons of CO,per year per intersection. There may be additional positive impact in vehicle
emissions since vehicles can move through a roundabout without coming to a complete stop except
under high traffic conditions.
Financial Considerations. Roundabouts do take more land area. They have generally proven to be
safer. They may not be appropriate for extremely high volume intersections.
TLU-3. Modify Vehicle Purchasing Policy
Description. The goal of this effort is to increase the fuel efficiency and/or use of alternative fuels
(primarily biodiesel)of the City vehicle fleet through purchasing of new vehicles. The following
changes should be implemented in the vehicle requisition and purchasing process:
• If a department requests a vehicle that is not diesel or alternative fuel vehicle the
department must write a justification for the reason as part of the requisition.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
22
Printed on recycled paper
• When selecting the vehicle purchased based on the lowest bid,the estimate must include
the fuel costs for the first 100,000 miles of operation based on EPA mileage rating and
current fuel costs. There is precedence for this since the state vehicle procurement process
utilizes this method.
• The vehicle purchased should be the smallest size needed for the job. Including bicycles.
Electric vehicles are becoming a more viable option for smaller vehicles being purchased.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. The current average fuel efficiency for City cars and small trucks
under three-fourths ton is estimated at 17 miles per gallon. The exact reduction is dependent on
how many vehicles are replaced,and actual fuel efficiency of new vehicles.
Financial Considerations. The financial impact should be minimal. If a department can show that
there is significantly higher cost for alternative fuel vehicles,the City can choose to waive this
requirement as described in the first bullet above. Considering fuel costs along with the purchase
price should result in a more economical choice over the life of the vehicle and actually reduce
spending.
TLU-4. Establish Vehicle Tracking Method for City Fleet
Description. The estimates in this report are based on limited data. There is no centralized
database of existing vehicles in the City fleet. This would not have a direct impact on carbon
emissions,but is necessary for tracking the success of these impacts. Additionally,understanding
the vehicle fleet could result in other ideas. The City should begin tracking fuel usage of all City
vehicles starting August 2008 in order to get more accurate data of fleet efficiency.
Carbon footprint Reduction. Accurate tracking of vehicle fuel usage will provide better estimates
for future data on carbon emissions.
Financial Considerations. This measure would not add any additional costs to the City.
TLU-S. Increase City Average Fuel Efficiency Standard
Description. The vehicle tracking system will allow determination of baseline average fuel
efficiency by department. Departments should be encouraged to increase their average fleet fuel
efficiency. Each department should be encouraged to increase their average fuel efficiency
according to the schedule in Table 5. The exact incentive to encourage departments to meet these
goals is not specified. One possibility is to incorporate priority in approving vehicle requisitions
based on a departments meeting these goals.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. If this is followed,by 2020 it would result in an annual reduction in
carbon emissions of 444 tons of COz. Considering growth,this would have a net effect of 222 tons
Of COZ,or 15 percent below year 2000 baseline.
Financial Considerations. Including fuel efficiency as part of purchasing policy will provide a return
on investment for future fuel usage.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
23
Printed on recycled paper
Toble S. Fuel Efficiency Standard Goals
Tons Equiv.CO..
Year Increase in MPG No change With Change Net Impact
2000 0% 1487 1487 0
2006 Oro(assumed) 1574 1574 +6%
2010 5% 1612 1535 +3%
2015 20% 1661 1384 -75/
2020 35% 1711 1267 -15%
**assumes 0.6%growth per year in vehicle fleet based on 2000 to 2006 data
TLU-6. Create Transportation Demand Management Pilot Program
Description. This program does not impact City operations directly,but could have an impact on
City employee's personal choices about transportation to and from work. The program would
provide incentives for employees to use alternative modes to get to and from work. Alternative
modes could include carpooling,bicycling,walking,and public transit. Incentives could include such
things as gift certificates,or better parking spots(for carpoolers). Additionally,this would allow a
chance to pilot the program before implementing it on community scale.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. Again this would not have an impact on the carbon emissions from
municipal operations. The impact to the community would be dependent on the success of the
program. Each participant could result in one ton of carbon reduction annually.
Financial Considerations. The program would cost money to provide appropriate incentives.
However,with innovative incentives and donations,the cast could be cut considerably. For
example,local businesses could donate gift certificates that could be given to those employees who
use alternative modes. Increasing biking and walking modes of travel could have benefits to the
wellness of employees. These programs are typically implemented for congestion and parking
management,so these benefits would also be realized.
TLU-7. Anti-idling ordinance
Description: The city should be commended for instating an informal anti-idling policy and should
further its efforts by creating an official anti-idling policy for all City fleet unless it is deemed unsafe.
Carbon Footprint Reduction: According to the EPA,anti-idling measures can help reduce air
pollution and wear-and-tear on engines.
Financial Considerations. Significant reduction in fuel costs are associated with anti-idling poilicies.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
24
Printed on recycled paper
TLU-8. Green Bike Program
Description. Buy two bicycles per building for employees use. Encouraging the use of bicycles for
in town use can help avoid employee emissions and also increase healthy activity.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. 3 tons of COze could be reduced per year if 10 employees used the
Green Bike program to travel 2 miles once a day.(20 miles x 260 days=5200 miles,5200 miles
/20MPG=260 Gallons,260 gallons=3 tons of COZe)
Financial Considerations: There are upfront costs associated with this program.A potential savings
of$910/year(if gas prices remain constant)is associated with fuel usage avoided by biking.
TLU-9. Fund LED Program
Description. Light Emitting Diodes use 10-20 percent of the energy used by incandescent light
bulbs.The City has started converting all of its traffic signals to LED's and should be commended for
its efforts.Continued funding should support this effort to ensure all City lights use LEDs.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. A significant carbon reduction is associated with this
recommendation.
Financial Considerations. The true savings from LEDs are found not only in the amount of money
saved on electricity,but also money saved on labor and the cost of replacement over time.Labor
and replacement cost is substantial when you are looking at a large building with many lights.If you
use LEDs,maintenance costs will be much less than if you used traditional incandescent bulbs.The
other major variable in savings is the amount of power used compared to the power used for an
incandescent bulb.LEDs use only 10-20%of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs.As you can
see,LEDs save much more money and energy in the long run.(D:\LED traffic light FAQ-Appropedia
The sustainability wiki.htm)
Examples: Denver switched 20500 traffic signals to LEDs which saves them$430,000 annually.This
also saved criteria pollutant emission and 1440 MTCE in annual emissions savings.The LED signals
have a payback period of less than four years and the total cost savings of over the lifetime of the
fixtures is estimated to be over$6.1 million.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
25
Printed on recycled paper
Chapter 5
Waste, Water £t Recycling Sub-Committee Recommendations
Basis for Recommendation
The Waste,Water&Recycling subcommittee(WWR)was comprised of Scott Bischke,Molly
Cross,Mark Johnson,and Collin Moore. The WWR developed recommendations based on the
baseline emissions inventory,their own knowledge,interactions with citizens in the community,
and recommendations proposed by various experts during committee meetings. Local experts that
the WWR met with included Paul Layton(Water Reclamation Facility Assistant Superintendent),
Dan Harmon(HDR/Morrison Maierle Engineering),Mitch Mihalovich(National Center for
Appropriate Technology),Dave Ryan(NorthWestern Energy),Marc Gaines(City employee),Herb
Bartle(City employee),Steven Johnson(Solid Waste Superintendent for the City of Bozeman),Rick
Moroney(Water Treatment Plant Superintendant for the City of Bozeman),Rick Hixson(City
engineer),Brian Heaston(City Water Conservation Manager).
Basic Data
An initial energy usage inventory associated with the City's energy usage was completed by
Hattie Baker,Sustainability Coordinator for the Mayors'Climate Protection Agreement. Non-
transportation energy usage was tabulated by data collection from all City accounts with North
Western Energy,City supplier of both electricity and natural gas(Table 6).
Table 6. Energy use and resulting CO2e output from City wastewater and solid waste
operations.
Energy 2000 2006
Electricity(kWh) 3,310,671.000 4,186,384.000
Natural Gas(Dkt) 4,248 5,870
Tons of CO2e 1958 Tons CO2e 2652 Tons of CO2e
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
26
Printed on recycled paper
WWR Recommendations: Incoming Water Treatment
Basis for recommendation
On February 21st,2008,the Waste Water and Recycling subcommittee met with Rick
Hixson,Rick Moroney,and Brian Heaston of the City Engineering office. The meeting focused on
potential changes to the City's incoming water supply and treatment system that would help
decrease Bozeman's municipal carbon footprint.
Current operation overview
Bozeman citizens currently receive their water supply from two incoming water treatment
plants: one on Sourdough Creek as it emerges from the Gallatin Range south of town,one on
Lyman Creek as it comes out of the Bridger Range north of town. The Sourdough plant is the City's
primary source of water. It is fed by Sourdough Creek,as well as a large pipe that runs across the
front of the Gallatin Range from Hyalite Creek several miles and several drainages west of
Sourdough Creek. Hyalite Creek is supplied by Hyalite Reservoir,—ten miles up the Hyalite Creek
drainage above the water outtake pipe for the Sourdough plant. Water runs from the outtake
facilities to the Sourdough Treatment Plant via gravity.
Based on those discussions,the Task Force developed a list of five recommendations for
the City to undertake with respect to reducing the carbon footprint of its incoming water treatment
facilities. A rigorous calculation of cost per pound of CO,reduced was beyond the scope of the
Task Force. We do,however,provide our best guess at the order of preference for carrying out
these recommendations based on our perception of greatest carbon footprint reduction per dollar
of taxpayer expenditure.
WWR-1. Install an Electricity-producing Turbine for the Sourdough Creek Plant
Description. Several hundred feet of head(vertical distance)are available between the Hyalite
Creek outtake and the Sourdough Creek Treatment Plant. Given this untapped hydraulic pressure
and the high volumetric flow rates("4M gal/day in the winter,—13M gal/day in the summer),
potential exists for creating a watertreatment plant that is fully(or at least partially)self-sustaining
from an energy usage standpoint.
Carbon footprint reduction. In 2006,the Water Treatment Plant currently used 364,166 kWh of
electricity and 4058 Dkt of natural gas,and emitted 450 tons of CO2e.Energy derived from the
turbine will emit no carbon(beyond turbine manufacture and transport to point of installation).
Additionally,the electrical energy produced will directly replace current electricity usage,which is
generated by coal combustion.
Financial considerations. The Water Treatment Plant spent$73,560 in utility costs for 2006.A
breakeven point for turbine purchase will be most strongly determined by four items: (a)cost per
kWh that the City is paying for electricity,which is expected to go up;(b)cost of purchase and
installation of the turbine(note that a preliminary study is available from the City engineer);(c)
final design—and hence overall power needs—of the upcoming expansion of the Sourdough plant,
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
27
Printed on recycled paper
to be completed in 2013;and(d)possible future charges for carbon emissions(rate is unknown,
though current carbon markets in Europe have hovered in the$20-40/metric ton CO2).
WWR-2. Enforce LEED Building Standards for the Sourdough Treatment Plant Expansion
Description. Design goals for the expansion of the Sourdough Treatment plant,slated for
completion in 2013,should follow LEED standards. Given the current treatment plant has little or
no insulation,a large carbon footprint reduction opportunity exists,Additional design goals should
include energy efficient operation of chemical processes(e.g.,microfiltration,chlorination,
fluoridation),which might include such items as replacing inefficient pumps,stirrers,and motors.
Note that this recommendation is a specific implementation of PBE-3.
Carbon footprint reduction. LEED design principles specifically(among many areas)address
minimizing energy usage and thus will drive carbon footprint reduction.
Financial considerations. Cost for LEED certification is unknown,though from a carbon footprint
reduction standpoint the Task Force recommends that energy-associated LEED(or similar)
principles be followed,not that LEED certification be sought. Currently energy usage(electricity
and gas heating)atthe Sourdough Plant costs$73,560/yr. Task Force calculations provide an
estimate that the Sourdough Plant emits 437 tons of CO,/yr. Carbon footprint reduction for the
electrical portion of energy usage will be addressed by the recommended new turbine power(see
#1);the natural gas load will be reduced by the redesign of the new Sourdough Plant.
WWR-3. Stop the Purchase of Bottled water with City of Bozeman Taxpayer Funds
Description. Declare official City policy to be that no bottled water can be purchased with City of
Bozeman taxpayer funds. The consumption of bottled water causes millions of pounds of CO2
emissions each year. Additionally,plastic bottles associated with bottled water have become a
large volume waste stream. The Task Force recognizes that the recommended action will have real
consequences for carbon footprint reduction,plus be a symbolic statement to Bozeman citizens(a)
about the environmental issues associated with drinking bottled water,and(b)that the water
supplied through the City's water plants is of exceptional quality. The Task Force recognizes the
potential need for exceptions in times of emergency when bottled water could be the most
convenient method of water distribution.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. The consumption of bottled water causes millions of pounds of CO2
emissions each year due to energy consumption in plastic bottle creation and in long distance
shipping of a locally available resource(of,almost certainly,superior quality to what can be
purchased). By stopping the purchase of bottled water with City funds,the City will no longer be
participating in the CO2 emissions associated with this inefficient use of resources.
Financial Considerations. This change will provide a net savings if City employees are required to
drink City-produced water.
WWR-4. Install a turbine for electrical generation at the City's Lyman 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.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
28
Printed on recycled paper
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 Creek reservoir 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 Creek Plan paid$8,100 in utility costs.Project financial viability
will be driven by the same metrics listed under WWR-1. The break-even point should be readily
calculated based on performance(energy production performance,low maintenance and down
time)of the Hyalite/Sourdough turbine.
WWR-5. Set Goals for Water Conservation,then Measure,Monitor,Verify and Ad on these Goals
Description. Declare water conservation a Commission goal and request quarterly reports from the
City engineer on water usage per capita. With the aid of the City Engineering department,set firm
goals for water usage,beginning with City facilities and grounds(e.g.,parks).The Task Force
recognizes that in our dry western climate,water quality and quantity have a huge influence on
development,lifestyle,and quality of life. The Task Force recommends that the City Commission
support such water conservation programs such as low water use landscaping and incentives for
high volume toilet replacement.
Carbon footprint reduction. Water conservation leads to decreased carbon footprint through
reduced need for(a)future incoming water treatment plant capacity and(b)future waste water
treatment plant capacity(and coincident energy usage at both).
Financial Considerations. Similarly,water conservation leads to decreased use of taxpayer funds
through reduced need for(a)future incoming water treatment plant capacity and(b)future waste
water treatment plant capacity.
WWR Recommendations: Solid Waste and Recycling
Basis for recommendations
The following recommendations result in part from multiple meetings by the Waste Water
and Recycling subcommittee with City staff. Those meetings include Solid Waste Superintendant
Steve Johnson's(a)recycling presentation to the City Commissioners in January 2008(with follow-
up questions from the subcommittee via e-mail),and(b)a presentation to a Citizens Concerned for
Climate Change meeting in September 2007. We also received information on landfill methane
recapture options from the U.S.EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program and discussed them with
Steve Johnson and City Engineer Dustin Johnson.
Current operation overview
The Bozeman City landfill(Story Mill landfill)is closing in June 2008. At that time all solid
waste will be diverted to the Gallatin County landfill at Logan. City dump truck and recycling truck
29 Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
Printed on recycled paper
operations will continue to be housed at Story Mill landfill,and there will be an expansion of
administrative offices associated with solid waste at the Story Mill site. Even though the City's
Story Mill landfill will be closed,the site will continue to produce methane far into the future,
leading to opportunities for carbon footprint reduction.
WWR-6. Support Solid Waste Recycling in Municipal Buildings,at Municipal Facilities,and in public
spaces
Description. Immediately follow through on the plan to support solid waste recycling in municipal
buildings and at municipal facilities,and expand that plan to include facilitating recycling and
composting during all events held in public spaces. Bozeman has approved a municipal recycling
program,but not all City offices and building are equipped and participating. We recommend that
the City take immediate steps to ensure that all municipal facilities have the necessary collection
bins and other infrastructure to facilitate recycling. Further,we recommend that City employees
be educated about the City recycling program and be encouraged to recycle. Materials to be
collected should be at a minimum cardboard,aluminum,newspapers,mixed paper/magazine,and
plastic bottles.The City should also adopt practices for events that occur in public places to foster
recycling and composting of waste.
Carbon footprint reduction.Globally,recycling decreases carbon footprint by capturing embodied
energy in an object(for example,recycling an aluminum can eliminates mining bauxite as the first
step in creating a new can). Locally recycling reduces the volume of solid waste,thereby reducing
the number of—60 mile round trips to Logan landfill and thus the carbon emissions related to solid
waste transportation.
Financial Considerations. The Task Force believes that the City's recycling program will be,at a
minimum,cost neutral depending on the volume of materials recycled and current markets for
recyclable materials. Mandatory recycling will avoid certain materials from being included in the
waste stream. Thus,a potential for reducing waste and costs of tipping fees would be probable.
Existing Measures. The City started recycling cardboard and office paper in 2005. In 2006,the City
avoided dumping 12 tons of office paper and 15 tons of cardboard in the landfill. This reduced the
City's carbon footprint by 40 tons of COze and 30 tons of COZe,respectively.
WWR-7. Explore Grant and Other Opportunities for Waste Glass Recycling/Reuse
Description. For the citizens of Bozeman,glass is a highly visible part of the waste stream that most
people recognize as recyclable throughout the US. As part of its municipal operations,the Task
Force recommends that the City begin now to explore funding opportunities for a glass grinding
machine that would allows for reuse of waste glass as a sand adjunct in local roadway construction.
Separately,a discussion should be undertaken with local vendors regarding the possibility of
grinding glass at facilities outside the City's Solid Waste Department. We recommend that the City
talk with Allied Waste Systems and TMC Sand and Gravel who recently ground toilets into gravel for
use as road bed material during the Great Gallatin Toilet Tradeout program.
Carbon footprint reduction. The Task Force is not aware of any large scale,local program to wash
and reuse glass containers. Currently the closest point of recycle for Bozeman glass is Spokane,
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
30
Printed on recycled paper
Washington. It is not economically nor carbon-wise to ship trucks filled with heavy glass to the
Pacific Northwest for recycle. A glass grinding program would help reduce the need for sand and
gravel extraction and transportation,thus helping reduce the carbon footprint associated with new
road building in the Gallatin Valley. This carbon reduction should be traded off against the power
required to run the glass grinder before proceeding with the project.
Financial considerations. A combination of cheap competing material(i.e.,locally mined sand)and
high cost of the grinder make purchase of a glass grinder financially difficult. Thus the Task Force
believes that either(a)procuring a federal grant for purchase of a grinding machine or(b)
partnering with private industry may be the only current realistic opportunities to return glass
recycling to Bozeman.
W WR-8. Convert 100 percent of the City Fleet of Solid Waste Collection Vehicles to the Use of
Non-fossil Fuels
Description. Convert or replace 100 percent of the fleet of City-owned solid waste collection
vehicles to the use of non-fossil fuels. Biofuels selected should be derived from Montana sources if
at all possible. By 1 January 2014 the Task Force recommends that 100 percent of all City-owned
solid waste collection vehicles be powered by alternatives to fossil fuels. Given a most likely
scenario of the continued us of diesel fuel,the Task Force further recommends a minimum of B20
biodiesel be employed,or whatever the maximum biodiesel blend available during any year.
Finally,the Task Force wants to be clear that its goal focuses on the use of non-fossil fuels not
simply on the conversion of vehicles(i.e.,that might be biofuel compliant but continue to use
regular fossil fuels). Note that this recommendation is closely related to TLU-3 and 5.
Carbon footprint reduction. Solid Waste collection and disposal operations emitted 444 tons of
COZe in 2006.By converting to Montana based biofuels(likely biodiesel),the City will reduce its
carbon footprint in two major ways: (1)Transportation associated with fuel shipment to Bozeman
will be reduced dramatically over petroleum-based products. (2)Biofuels reduce dependence on
fossil fuels and cycles carbon currently in the terrestrial carbon cycle. In contrast,fossil fuel
extraction releases stable sub-surface carbon that would otherwise remain sequestered
underground. Thus biofuels are carbon neutral as the plants from which they are produced can be
grown again while fossil fuels pull ancient carbon from the ground non-sustainably,at least relative
to any time-frame meaningful to current climate change concerns
Financial Considerations. The City spent$45,823 in fuel costs for Solid Waste operations.Relative
market value of petroleum-based diesel and biodiesel will determine the payback on the fleet
conversion.
Existing Measures, The City currently has a biodiesel tank and used 10,000 gallons of biodiesel in
2007 which avoided 24 tons of COze from being emitted into the atmosphere. Roughly 50 percent
of the City's trucks already run on biodiesel.
WWR-9. Produce an On-line Monthly Report of Municipal Recycling Activities
Description. Beginning January 2009,produce a monthly report of municipal recycling operations
that can be accessed online by City employees and Bozeman citizens alike. The report should
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
31
Printed on recycled paper
include data on the pounds of recycling separated by type.The monthly report can be used to
monitor and drive municipal recycling rates and goals,educate the public and City employees on
recycling progress at municipal facilities,and provide a foundation for building a similar reporting
infrastructure for reporting of community-wide recycling efforts.
Carbon Footprint Reduction. The report alone would not reduce carbon footprint but would act as
an on-going highlight to performance of carbon footprint reduction efforts,thereby helping the City
modify its activities as needed.
Financial Considerations. The Solid Waste division should produce reports for the effort defined in
PBE-1.
WWR-10. Develop/continue a Program for Solid Waste Co-use and Resale Opportunities,Including
Compost
Description. Develop/continue a program for solid waste co-use and resale opportunities,including
composting and resale of organic materials. The Task Force recommends that the City begin a
program focused on treating segment of the solid waste stream as reusable resource rather than as
waste. The Task Force recognizes that some of this work is underway--for example combustibles
are now regularly separated and sold as hogfuel. However,we believe further opportunities exist,
such as the sale to citizens of compost derived from City landscaping and mowing operations. The
Task Force recommends that the potential for composting facilities at the Mandeville farm be
explored. Similarly we recommend that any and all materials segregated for exchange be
publicized on a regularly updated website called the"Bozeman Landfill Exchange"that citizens can
access in their search for materials.
Carbon footprint reduction. Leaving some materials(for example wooden pallets)in the landfill
might be considered a form of carbon sequestration,at least for many years. The Task Force,
however,believes that a true life cycle analysis would show that reuse of almost any collected
material will result in a net carbon decrease due to capturing the embodied energy in a material for
a new use,and because a new material for that use will not have to be produced and transported
to Bozeman. Also,creation of a composting facility would result in a great carbon footprint
reduction—organic materials make up a great percentage of landfill(25 percent by one estimate;
for the City this would include mowing and similar waste from City parks),that would no longer
need to be trucked-60 miles round trip to the County Landfill.
Financial considerations. Money must be budgeted to provide for materials segregation,and for
website posting for citizen review of materials available at the Bozeman Landfill Exchange.
WWR-11. Capture and Use Methane Gas Coming Off the Story Mill Landfill Site
Description. The soon-to-be-closed Story Mill landfill site generates considerable methane(CH,)
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.
Carbon footprint reduction, Methane has a global warming potential 21 times as great as COZ. By
capturing the methane the City will eliminate a potent global warming gas that is currently being
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
32
Printed on recycled paper
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. 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.
WWR Recommendations: Water Reclamation Facility
Basis for Recommendations
In November 2007,the Waste Water and Recycling subcommittee met with Mitch
Mihailovich(North Western Energy(NWE)E+Efficiency Contractor),Dave Ryan(Energy
Conservation Program,National Center for Appropriate Technology(NCAT)),Dan Harmon
(HDR/Morrison Mairle Engineering consultant),Paul Layton(Water Reclamation Facility Assistant
Superintendent),Marc Gaines(City employee),and Herb Bartle(City employee).Each party's main
goals were identified: Water Reclamation Facility(WRF)—increase capacity with new technology;
NWE/NCAT—reduce gas and electrical energy usage;WWR—reduce carbon footprint. The meeting
focused on potential changes to the City's WRF that would help decrease Bozeman's Municipal
carbon footprint while also satisfying the other identified goals.
Current Operation Overview
All waste water from the City of Bozeman is treated at a single Water Reclamation Facility
(WRF)on the northern edge of the City. The current facility treats an average of S.8 MGD(million
gallons per day),but the WRF is in the process of upgrading its capacity to an average of 8.5 MGD.
Included in the first phase of the upgrade plan are several advanced treatment technologies and
improved energy efficiency measures that will serve to increase the WRF's overall energy efficiency
(i.e.,energy per gallon of waste treated). The design for the first phase of WRF upgrades will be
completed in March/April 2008,and the job will be advertised for bids around August 2008. The
first phase of the planned upgrade to the Bozeman WRF is expected to be completed in October
2011.
Based on the November 2007 discussion and a site visit to the WRF,the Task Force
developed a list of three recommendations for the City to undertake with respect to reducing the
carbon footprint of its waste water treatment plant. Some of the recommendations have been
translated into a calculation of cost per pound CO2 reduced by HDR/Morrison Maierle Engineering,
although for some recommendations we can only roughly estimate the cost-benefit calculation.
Some of the recommendations are already included in the budget for the first phase of the WRF
upgrade plan,some recommendations represent unfunded upgrades included in the first phase of
the WRF upgrade plan,and some recommendations go beyond the first phase of the WRF upgrade
plan.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
33
Printed on recycled paper
The ability of these recommendations to decrease absolute COze emissions is dampened by
the increase in emissions that will result from increased waste water generation from a growing
population. Recommendation 12 is the main option that has great potential to decrease absolute
emissions from the WRF. Recommendations 13 and 14 will decrease the amount of COze produced
per gallon of waste water treated,but given the planned WRF capacity expansion absolute amount
Of COZe produced relative to 2000 are expected to increase.
WWR-12. Install a Micro-turbine Power Generation System for Methane Capture and Use
Description. A micro-turbine system would allow the 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.
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 COzeq 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.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
34
Printed on recycled paper
WWR-13. Secure Funding for Currently Unfunded Upgrades in Phase I of the WRF Upgrade Plan
Description. Funding should be secured for upgrades that are part of the WRF's first phase,but for
which there are currently insufficient funds. The WRF design team has proposed to replace the
existing conventional blowers with new blowers with 40 percent greater efficiency.Also,funds for
extending waste biogas use as an energy source for heating and cooling all new or existing buildings
(not just some)if at all practical should be secured.
Carbon footprint reduction.It is unknown how much the carbon footprint would be reduced by
heating and cooling all existing and new WRF buildings using waste biogas_A preliminary analysis
by HDR/Morrison Mairle suggests that replacing the existing blowers with high efficiency blowers
would reduce the WRF carbon footprint by roughly 1,000 tons CO2/year,relative to a facility with
expanded capacity that has less efficient blowers.It is important to note that the absolute carbon
footprint of the WRF will increase relative to the existing(2008)facility due to a growing population
in Bozeman,no matter whether conventional or more efficient approaches are employed.
Therefore,the Task Force strongly recommends that the City adopt the most efficient proposed
upgrades to minimize emissions from the WRF,and consider the installment of a micro-turbine as
mentioned in Recommendation WWR-12 to reduce absolute carbon emissions.
Financial Considerations. The Task Force strongly recommends that the City find sufficient funds to
supply the necessary WRF upgrades. Financial assistance through NWE,including the motor rebate
program,should be pursued.These upgrades are critical to minimize global warming gas output,
plus protect the Gallatin River and the air quality of the Gallatin Valley.
WWR-14. Commend the City for Increases in Energy Efficiency Planned in Phase I of WRF Upgrade
Plan
Description. The City should be commended for increases in energy efficiency already budgeted for
in the first phase of the WRF upgrade plan. Several of the proposed upgrades will increase the
efficiency of the operation in terms of the number of gallons of water treated per ton of CO2
emitted. These include:(1)a requirement that new and replacement motors be of"premium"
efficiency(92 percent)rather than"standard efficiency(88 percent);(2)the inclusion of an
improved dewatering facility that will reduce the amount of biosolids hauled to land application
sites;(3)new administration/laboratory buildings will have improved energy performance by
following the LEED initiatives for a silver rating;and(4)waste biogas from the anaerobic digester
will be reused to heat and cool several of the facility's existing buildings.
Carbon footprint reduction.A preliminary analysis by HDR/Morrison Mairle suggests that: (1)
requiring new process equipment to be of premium efficiency rather than standard efficiency will
lead to a decrease of roughly 75 tons CO2/year;(2)including an improved dewatering facility will
reduce the amount of biosolids transported to land application sites which will lead to a decrease
of roughly 10 tons CO2/year;and(3)using waste biogas to heat the new administration and
laboratory buildings will lead to a decrease of roughly 57 tons CO2/year,relative to a facility with
expanded capacity that uses less efficient upgrade technologies.It is important to note that the
absolute carbon footprint of the WRF will increase relative to the existing facility due to a growing
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
35
Printed on recycled paper
population in Bozeman,no matter whether conventional or more efficient approaches are
employed.Therefore,the Task Force strongly recommends that the City adopt the most efficient
proposed upgrades to minimize emissions from the WRF,and consider the installment of a micro-
turbine as mentioned in Recommendation WWR-12 to reduce absolute carbon emissions.
Financial considerations. The City has already budgeted for the changes described and the work to
accomplish these goals is in progress or completed.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
36
Printed on recycled paper
Chapter 6
Education and Outreach
Basis for Recommendation
Awareness is essential to the success of Climate Protection in Bozeman.The Task Force
proposes several outreach events as part of the City budget and ongoing efforts to keep the public
informed.
ED-1. Create and Adopt Community Action Plan
Description. The recommendation in the municipal plan is only a first step in reducing the
community's carbon footprint.The municipal plan is a leadership tool for the community and is
intended to help guide future carbon reduction strategies.To make a significant reduction in
Bozeman greenhouse gas emissions a Community Plan must be adopted.The City should appoint a
Community Climate Protection Task Force from a list of stakeholders created by CPTF no later than
six months from adoption of the Municipal Climate Action Plan and complete a Community Climate
Action Plan no later than 18 months from adoption of Municipal Climate Action Plan.A facilitator
will be required to assist the current Climate Protection Coordinator to complete the Community
CAP. We believe that the current Climate Protection Coordinator position does not have sufficient
hours to lead the Community CAP,unless the position is re-scoped. A consultant or graduate
student intern could also be considered to lead the Community CAP.
ED-2.Participate in National Conversation on Climate Action,October 4th
Description. The first annual National Conversation on Climate Action was held in Bozeman on
October 4`",2007.Seventy cities around the country held national conversations at the same time.
One hundred people from the community attended the conversation and speakers in the
community discussed ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.The purpose of the event is to
engage citizens to find was they can take action in reducing emissions in Bozeman.
ED-3. Participate in Gallatin Earth Celebration
Description. Building on the successful work of the Bozeman Beautification Board's Clean-up Day,
the first annual Gallatin Earth Celebration brings together the community to clean up our
neighborhoods,learn what the City is doing to confront climate change,and enjoy a picnic,music,
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
37
Printed on recycled paper
and vendor exhibits related to green products or services.The City should budget appropriately
every year for the Gallatin Earth Celebration held the weekend after Earth Day.
ED-4. Create an Office of Sustainability
Description. The city should investigate opportunities for creating an Office of Sustainability and
hiring a full-time Sustainability Director to lead the efforts of the Climate Action Plan.The
Sustainability Director should work under the office of the City Manager and provide information to
the various departments on climate reduction strategies.The Office of Sustainability is responsible
for monitoring the success of the Climate Action Plan,outreach and education in the community,
and working towards a Community Acton Plan.The position can be justified through the energy
savings achieved from emissions reduction policies enacted.
ED-5. Create a Tree Planting Program
Description. The Task Force recommends that the Sustainability Director be charged to work with
the City Forester to create a once yearly program to engage City employees to plant trees. The tree
planting would be done with a goal of promoting the importance of trees in removing carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere. This effort could take place on Gallatin Earth Celebration Day,Arbor
Day,Earth Day,or a day selected by the City Forester as optimal for tree planting. We envision this
program growing to include Community involvement in the Community CAP.
ED-6. Create k-12 Education Program
Description. The Sustainability Director should be responsible for coordinating with the Bozeman
Public School System and Montana State University to create k-12 student education programs to
teach students concepts such as the importance and methods of recycling;the value of alternative
modes of transport(walk,bike,bus);and simplified concepts about global warming;
ED-7. Create an Adaptation Plan
Description. The consensus among climate experts is that climate change is happening now and is
likely to increase.Average global surface temperatures rose 1.1 degrees Fahrenheit during the 20th
century.Northwest winters have warmed 2.7 degrees since 1950,in part because of cycles in ocean
conditions.Global sea levels have risen around four to eight inches.Even if the world was to stop
burning fossil fuels tomorrow,existing levels of atmospheric CO2 would continue to contribute to
warming temperatures,melting sea ice,disappearing glaciers and the myriad other climate changes
and impacts already being observed.Our approach is that we can and must reduce our levels of
climate pollution to slow the rate of climate change.But we must also plan for and adapt to the
climate change that is inevitable here in the Northwest.The City should create an adaptation plan
to deal with the impacts due to already occurring climate change.
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
38
Printed on recycled paper
Chapter 7
Implementation
The Task Force recognizes that with the current level of information on City operations it is
not in the position to declare an implementation plan,nor define for the City which of its
recommendations should be implemented first or second,done in parallel,etc. However,we do
feel strongly,that the City must have tangible goals to achieve the desired goal of reducing
municipal greenhouse gas emissions 15 percent below 2000levels by 2020 as the City's reduction
goal.
IMP-1. Adapt Milestones for Reducing Bozeman's CO2e Footprint
Description. The Task Force recommends that the City adapt a yearly inventory of its greenhouse
gas emissions,measured as CO2e to begin no later than January 2010. The City should seek to
achieve a yearly milestone of CO2e emissions that meet,at a minimum,a linear decrease from 2006
levels to desired 2020 level(Error!Reference source not found.). In other words,the City's goal is
to reduce municipal greenhouse gas emissions 15 percent below 2000levels by 2020. However,
given that our most recent data is 2006,the Task Force recommends a linear decrease from 2006
levels to 2020 levels.
Given the adaption of the Energy Fund(PBE-8),we further recommend that this yearly measure be
used to determine financial input(i.e.,budgeting)to the Energy Fund. More funds will be budgeted
to the fund for the subsequent year if the year under review did not meet its CO2e emission
milestone.
39 Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
Printed on recycled paper
Table 7. Milestone emission levels for the City
of Bozeman
Year Emissions(tons CO2e)
2000 6083
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006 7866
2007
2008 7481
2009 7289
2010 7096
2011 6904
2012 6711
2013 6519
2014 6327
2015 6134
2016 5942
2017 5749
2018 5557
2019
2020 5172
Yearly Global Warming Gas Emissions Milestone for
9000 Bozeman
N 8000
0 7000
6000
0 s000
N 4000
0 3000
t2 2000
E 2000
W 0
0 N N N N - - N N - N N - - - N N N N N
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o e e e e o e o e e e e o
l
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
40
Printed on recycled paper
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to all who helped in developing and writing Bozeman's Municipal Climate
Action Plan. It was a collaborative effort,which makes it all the more likely to succeed.
Bozeman's Climate Protection Task Force
Scott Bischke,Co-chair
Otto Pohl,Co-chair
Peter Belschwender
David Boggeman
Steve Bruner
Molly Cross
Mark Johnson
Martin Knight
Mel Kotur
Matthew Madden
Pat McGowen
Collin Moore
Greg Pederson
City staff
Hattie Baker,Sustainability Coordinator John Vandelinder,Street Superintendant
Debbie Arkell,Public Works Director
Ron Dingman,Parks and Recreation Director
Andy Epple,Planning Director
James Goehrung,Facilities Superintendant
Brian Heaston,Water Conservation Manager
Rick Hixson,Engineer
Steve Johnson,Solid Waste Superintendant
Brian LaMeres,Controller
Paul Layton,WRF Assistant Superintendant
Alice Meister,Library Director
Rick Moroney,WTP Superintendant
Natalie Meyer,Grants/Climate Protection Coordinator
Chris Saunders,Assistant Planning Director
Chuck Winn,Public Safety Director
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
41
Printed on recycled paper
Other Agencies
Dan Alexander,Story Distributing
Lisa Ballard,Streamline
Jason Delmue,Bozeman Bicycle Board
Ron Gompertz,Eco Auto
Gary Griffith,Bozeman Public School System
Stephen Johnson,Gallatin Valley Land Trust
Linda Ravenaugh,SWMBIA
Amy Shatzkin,ICLEI
Ed Sondeno,Bozeman Public School System
Kath Willaims,LEED Consultant
Bozeman Municipal Climate Action Plan May 2008
42
Printed on recycled paper