Climate Action Planning

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1 County of Albemarle: Climate Action Planning Climate action plans outline the specific activities that an institution will undertake to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Climate action plans are informed by information gathered as part of GHG inventories. The plan should ideally include: clearly stated emission reduction goals for the entire community policies declaring County commitments strategies to achieve desired results tools that may be used to execute the strategies ways to evaluate progress made towards emission reduction goals The goal is to target those activities that can achieve the relatively greatest emission GHG = greenhouse gas reductions in the most cost-effective manner. Emission Sector Teams: The development of strategies and identification of tools will be done by teams focusing on specific emission sectors. These emission sector teams are based on the sectors included in the 2000 GHG inventory and an earlier planning effort to address climate change the Local Climate Action Planning Process (LCAPP): Community Buildings Municipal Buildings Renewables/Sourcing Municipal Fleet Natural Resources Materials/Waste Transportation Do you have comments, questions, or suggestions? Contact us any time at climate@albemarle.org!

2 County of Albemarle: Climate Action Planning Staff Recommended Goal As part of Phase I of the climate action planning process, County staff will recommend that the Board establish an overall community GHG emissions reduction goal consistent with the latest recommendations of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), as 100% 50% GHG reductions needed to keep global temperature rise within 1.5 C 45% reduction by 2030 depicted on the right. Phased Process: % (net zero) reduction by 2050 The County is developing a climate action plan in two phases, followed by recurring assessment and adjustments. The phasing will allow for the formal adoption of high level goals by the Board before effort is put into the details. It will also allow the County to more quickly undertake straightforward measures identified in Phase I.

3 Emission Sector: Buildings (Community) Residential single family homes, apartments, and condominiums Commercial retail, restaurants, offices Industrial manufacturing, potable water, sanitary sewer Major Emission Sources: In 2017, about 39% of total U.S. energy consumption was consumed by the residential and commercial sectors. Baseline: total sector (Year 2000 baseline): 607,189 tons CO2 equivalent / yr. Example Strategies: Strategy Action Reduce grid energy consumption in residential buildings Facilitate the purchase of energy efficient fixtures and appliances Increase available energy efficiency programs for residents Increase energy performance of new commercial Revise energy standards code for new construction Increase available energy efficiency programs for businesses

4 More Info: Current Progress: Connect with us: The team holds meetings every other week to explore community buildings energy topics with relevant experts. The team is working to identify goals and strategies to publish in the Climate Action Plan. Goals for Summer Public Workshop: Create draft of the Climate Action Plan framework with measurable goals and strategies How you can help: Contact the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) for a Residential Home Energy Checkup for reduced cost to Albemarle County citizens Increase public awareness of buildings energy performance For More Information:

5 Emission Sector: Transportation This sector accounts for GHG emissions associated with the combustion of fossil fuels in personal and commercial vehicles throughout the larger community. Major Emission Sources: Single Occupancy Vehicles (SOVs) are the single largest contributor to emissions in the transportation sector. The quantity of emissions is worsened by inefficient trip patterns, and unnecessary single-occupancy vehicle trips. Baseline: total sector (Year 2000 baseline): 783,196 tons CO2 equivalent / yr. Example Strategies: Strategy Strategy 1: Expanded and Affordable Public Action Action 1a: Assess existing system Transit (RVA) Action 1b: Address gaps through coordination with regional agencies Strategy 2: Complete Streets (RVA) Action 2a: Promote alternative forms of transit Action 2b: Implement the region s Bike Ped Plan Strategy 3: Encourage growth within existing Urban Growth Areas (Multnomah, OR) Action 3a: Create incentives for urban development Action 3b: Activate growth areas using public spaces and community events to ensure their success

6 More Info: Efforts underway Transit Oriented Design around pulse "Nodes" to design land use and transit to support each other and to support 'Park Once Each node has multimodal networks economic converge on that node to vitality extend neighborhood, park-once and transit access Connect with us: Current Status: Arranging to meet with and start working on combining forces with regional and state initiatives and efforts How you can help: Go to destinations through means other than Single Occupancy Vehicles (SOVs) whenever possible: take transit, walk, bike, carpool; when not possible, park once in a central location and walk from there to your destinations For More Information: Rio29: Pantops:

7 Emission Sector: Buildings (Municipal) Includes operational impacts and capital projects for existing local government and public school buildings (totaling approximately 2,850,000 square feet). Major Emission Sources: Combustion of fossil fuels to provide heating, cooling and lighting, and to power electrical equipment; construction impacts from new facilities and renovations Baseline: total sector (Year 2000 baseline): 53,531 tons CO2 equivalent / yr. Example Strategies: Strategy Action Set emissions reduction goals to guide policy and investment decisions Develop goals and policies for energy use intensity and reduction at new facilities and existing buildings Develop green building design standards for new facilities and renovations Secure reliable funding for investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy Establish revolving Green Opportunity Funds, funded from energy conservation measure budget savings Actively pursue alternative funding strategies, such as DMME Energy Efficiency Program grants, performance contracts and public/private partnerships Promote awareness among employees and students to reduce energy use in both public Develop Green Procurement Toolkit Innovation project incentives for employees/students and private facilities

8 More Info: Current Status: Local Government and Schools have implemented various energy conservation and renewable Connect with us: energy projects. Efficient HVAC equipment and energy conservation projects continually reduce our impact. Over 1 MW of solar PV systems, solar thermal and a wind turbine project have reduced our carbon footprint. Goals for Summer Public Workshop: By the summer workshop, the sector team will have detailed action items and progress updates. For More Information: Schools solar Energy Performance Contract

9 Emission Sector: Municipal Fleet This sector accounts for the emissions produced by: 1) vehicle assets of the local government and schools, and 2) government employees vehicle use in commuting to/from work. Major Emission Sources: Operating vehicles that use high-carbon (i.e., conventional) fuels. The carbon emissions during electrical power generation must also be considered with regard to electric vehicle use. Baseline: total sector (Year 2000 baseline): 53,531 CO2 equivalent / yr. Example Strategies: Strategy Strategy 1: Replace vehicle assets with most efficient vehicles practical Action Action 1a: establish minimum fuel efficiency standards Action 1b: purchase low or 0-emission vehicles (alternative fuel/electric) Strategy 2: Effect change in driving/operating habits Action 2a: establish anti-idling policy for government vehicle use Action 2b: provide incentives for alternative employee commuting (e.g., public transportation, car pooling) Strategy 3: Right Size Government Fleet Action 3a: evaluate requests for additional assets to eliminate unnecessary growth in fleet size Action 3b: select most suitable vehicle for intended use

10 More Info: How you can help: Connect with us: Increase student ridership on school buses: On average, a school bus removes 36 vehicles from roadways. Use public transportation if available. Carpool to and from work and during the workday. Walk or ride a bike if circumstance allow.

11 Emission Sector: Sustainable Materials Management The Sustainable Materials Management Work Team consists of leaders from the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority, UVA and the community. The team aims to come together to identify best solid waste practices for the community. Major Emission Sources: Landfills: third-largest source of methane in the US, a heat-trapping gas roughly 30 times *Shown as 1% of chart for visibility. more potent than carbon dioxide. Wastewater Treatment: the associated processes produce greenhouse gases. Other sources of greenhouse gas emissions include: transportation of waste (Transportation Sector) and the energy associated with wastewater treatment (Municipal Buildings Sector). Baseline: total sector (Year 2000 baseline): 2,205 tons CO2 equivalent / yr. Example Strategies: Goal Strategy Improve trash and recycling metrics. Improve existing landfill waste reporting regulations. Collect recycling metrics. Reduce food scraps sent to landfill by 90 percent. Increase voluntary participation in composting. Implement municipal composting operations. Reduce per capita landfill waste by 33 Improve recycling education. percent. Improve recycling access.

12 More Info: Connect with us: Current Status: The team holds meetings every other week to explore solid waste topics with relevant experts. The team is working to identify goals and strategies to publish in the Climate Action Plan. Goals for Summer Public Workshop: Identify goals and strategies. Create draft of the Climate Action Plan framework. How you can help: Recycle and compost. Purchase products with minimal and recyclable packaging. For More Information: Scan the code to the right with your smartphone camera for a video on recycling in Albemarle County

13 Emission Sector: Renewables/Sourcing Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity is a primary source of carbon emissions. Renewable energy consists of sources like solar and wind energy. By increasing the amount of renewables in the electric grid, we reduce our carbon emissions and imported fossil fuels. Major Emission Sources: When natural gas or coal is burned it emits carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses that cause climate change. Even when we import electricity from outside of Albemarle County, we are responsible for the carbon emissions. Baseline: Historic emissions data for this sector is not available. Example Strategies: Photo courtesy of Jane Centafonte Strategy Increase the amount of renewables on buildings in Albemarle County Action Encourage renewable energy in new construction Deploy innovative funding models for renewables on existing buildings Increase the amount of utility scale renewable energy generation in Albemarle County Encourage medium scale renewable energy development Pursue SolSmart Silver Increase the amount of renewable energy in the grid Make renewable energy a legislative priority Encourage innovative tariff structures to enable renewables

14 More Info: Connect with us: Current Status: The team holds meetings every other week to explore renewable energy topics with relevant experts. The team is working to identify goals and strategies to publish in the Climate Action Plan. Goals for Summer Public Workshop: Identify goals and strategies. Create draft of the Climate Action Plan framework. How you can help: Use less electricity. Install solar panels. Consider buying green power or renewable energy credits. For More Information: Scan the code to the right with your smartphone camera to learn about student-led solar initiatives in Albemarle County Public Schools.

15 Emission Sector: Natural Resources Reducing atmospheric carbon by increasing tree and plant cover that absorbs carbon. Also using increased tree cover to reduce energy use by providing shade, as well as other benefits. Major Opportunities: Increasing tree cover in non-wooded area removes carbon from the atmosphere Increasing shade with trees reduces energy use for air conditioning. Baseline: Historic emissions data for this sector is not available. Example Strategies: Strategy Action Strategy 1: Sequester carbon through increased green infrastructure (trees, Action 1a: Tree-planting and treepreservation programs plants, soil) and natural areas. Action 1b:Plant trees in low-canopy neighborhoods to reduce heat-island effect. Action 1c: Plant riparian tree buffers

16 More Info: Current status: Team is searching for effective opportunities for increasing tree cover in the County. Connect with us: Goals for Summer Public Workshop: Recommendations for carbon-uptake strategies through planting programs How you can help: Consider planting native trees and shrubs on your land to sequester carbon and provide shade to dwellings and commercial buildings.