HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6b. Lead by Example - A Plan for Carbon Neutral City OperationsCouncil- Report
Item 6b
Department:
Administration
Cost Center:
1005
For Agenda of:
7/6/2021
Placement:
Public Hearing
Estimated Time:
60 minutes
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Shannon Pressler, CivicSpark Fellow; Bob Hill, Sustainability and Natural
Resources Official; Chris Read, Sustainability Manager
SUBJECT: LEAD BY EXAMPLE: A PLAN FOR CARBON NEUTRAL CITY
OPERATIONS
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution entitled, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo, California, approving Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City
Operations."
REPORT -IN -BRIEF
Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations (Lead by Example)
establishes a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across City
operations to achieve the Council -adopted goal of carbon neutral City operations by 2030.
Lead by Example builds on the City's long standing tradition of operational sustainability
and commitment to excellence. Consistent with the foundation set by the Climate Action
Plan for Community Recovery (2020), Lead by Example establishes a trajectory towards
carbon neutral City operations through seven emissions sectors each with a long-term
goal, set of measurable objectives, and actions to be initiated in the 2021-23 Financial
Plan, 2023-25 Financial Plan, and 2025-27/2027-29 Financial Plans. Lead by Example
places a special focus on actions to be initiated in the 2021-23 Financial Plan.
The long-term sector specific goals are as follows:
1. No fossil fuels are used to power City buildings and facilities.
2. The City eliminates fossil fuel use in vehicle and equipment fleet.
3. City employee commute is aligned with and substantially exceeds General Plan
Mode Split Objectives by 2030.
4. City buildings, facilities, and operations are zero waste as defined by the Zero
Waste International Alliance (ZWIA).
5. Direct emissions from the provision of wastewater are minimized to the maximum
extent feasible.
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Item 6b
6. Carbon sequestration within the City's Greenbelt and Urban Forest system is
optimized.
7. The City's procurement, budget, investment, and finance processes support and
accelerate achieving the City's carbon neutrality goal.
At full implementation, Lead by Example objectives (not taking into account emissions
offsets from carbon sequestration activities) will contribute substantial progress towards
the operational carbon neutrality goal and achieve GHG reductions of 54 percent below
"business as usual" scenario emissions in 2025 and 84 percent below "business as usual"
scenario emissions in 2030. With GHG emissions offsets from carbon sequestration
initiatives included, the City is expected to achieve its carbon neutrality target.'
DISCUSSION
Background
In August 2020, the City of San Luis Obispo City Council adopted the Climate Action Plan
for Community Recovery (CAP) via Resolution R-11159 (2020 Series). The CAP
establishes a trajectory to carbon neutrality through six decarbonization pillars and 27
foundational actions. Throughout the CAP development and adoption progress, the City
heard from Council, the community, and key stakeholders that the City should play a
highly visible leadership role in demonstrating the viability of low carbon operations.
In response to this feedback, the first pillar of the CAP, titled "Lead by Example", is
focused on eliminating emissions from City operations while sharing successes and
lessons learned with the community. The goal for the pillar is to achieve carbon neutral
City operations by 2030, and foundational action "Leadership 1.1" calls for the City to
adopt a municipal carbon neutrality plan in summer 2021.
Like many organizations, the City operates buildings, facilities, and a vehicle fleet,
generates office and landscape waste, and has employees that commute to work. Allof
these activities, collectively referred to as "City operations," generate greenhouse gas
emissions.
For decades, the City has invested in organizational sustainability and over the last
decade has made substantial investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, and clean
fleet initiatives. Figure 1 shows a list of key climate and sustainability initiatives completed
by the City before and during Lead by Example. These incremental improvements have
established a foundation for the transformational actions required to achieve the Council's
goal of carbon neutral municipal operations by 2030.
Emissions offset estimates related to carbon sequestration initiatives currently have high levels of
uncertainty and are called out separately from the other emissions reductions sectors for transparency.
This issue is described in more detail in the body of the Council Agenda Report.
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Item 6b
The plan to achieve these transformational actions, referred to as "Lead by Example: A
Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations" is included as Attachment A and provides the
strategic framework and roadmap to achieve operational carbon neutrality while also
helping the organization to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Figure 1. Previous Municipal Climate Action and Sustainability Initiatives
• Installed a solar EV charger at City Hall
• Completed first purchase order for two electric
buses
• Continued to enhance the City's award- winning
bus system
• Completed area 4 and 5 paving with new bike
lanes
• Retrofitted streetlights with high-efficlency LED
bulbs in 2016
• Retrofitted 842 Palm parking garage with
high -efficiency LED bulbs in 2020
• ❑iverted recycled water for use at Corp Yard
car wash
• Retrofitted the Water Resource Recovery
Facility for energy efficiency and constructed a
methane gas recapture plant to generate
power
• Supported development of the regional
anerobic digester to generate clean power and -
compost from the City' green waste
• Supported development of the regional
anerobic digester to generate clean power and -
compost from the City' green waste
• Adopted Active Transportation Plan in Q 1
2021
• Established Solid Waste and Recycling Section
of the Utilities Department
Adopted a community transportation policy
with the goal of 20 percent of trips on bicycle,
12 percent on transit, and 18 percent walking,
car-pools, and other forms of transportation!
Purchased hybrid fleet vehicles, an electric
bicycle fleet vehicle, and transitioned diesel
fleet vehicles to renewable diesel
Conserved over 3,000 acres since 2005, and
over 7,800 acres since the inception of the
Open Space Conservation Program
Initiated energy efficiency and energy
generation project at the Water Treatment
Plant
Identified Climate Action as a Major City Goal
in the 2017-19 Financial Plan
Identified Climate Action, Housing, and
Sustainable Transportation, as Major City
Goals in the 2019-21 Financial Plan
Identified Climate Action, Open Space, and
Sustainable Transportation as Major City Goals
in the 2021-23 Financial Plan
Updated the Water and Wastewater Element
of the General Plan to include climate change
impacts to water supply projections
Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Lead by Example provides goals, objectives, and actions for each emissions sector will
allow the City to accomplish Council's goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. It also lays the
foundation for further strategic planning over the next nine years as new best practices
emerge and market conditions change to support actions that are currently infeasible.
While the plan is centered around reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions from
the City, it also focuses on using resources more effectively, orienting the organization to
thrive and provide excellent community services in a rapidly changing climate, accessing
funding opportunities, and improving employee well-being.
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Item 6b
This section describes the emissions sectors included in Lead by Example, the
organization of the planning document, the approach staff took to develop Lead by
Example, the greenhouse gas emissions reductions estimates associated with Lead by
Example implementation, and areas for improvement for future Lead by Example
updates.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Sectors
Lead by Example is organized around a total of seven emissions sectors. The sectors
broadly encompass the daily business activities undertaken by the City to carry out
regular functions. Each sector is described below:
1. Building & Facility Energy — this sector focuses on emissions from energy (electricity
and natural gas) used to power buildings, facilities, and equipment owned and
operated by the City.
2. Fleet — this sector focuses on emissions from fossil fuel (gasoline and diesel) used in
fleet vehicles owned and operated by the City, including maintenance vehicles, buses,
fire trucks, and police vehicles.
3. Employee Commute — this sector estimates emissions from vehicle miles traveled
(VMT) by employees traveling to and from work.
4. Solid Waste — This sector focuses on emissions from landfilled solid waste, including
the paper and food products disposed in offices and landscape maintenance waste.
5. Wastewater — This sector focuses on direct emissions from wastewater treatment
processes, specifically methane (CH4) from incomplete combustion of digester gas.
Informational GHG emission estimates for Wastewater are included in Attachment C:
Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory and Forecast Report. but are not included in the
total GHG emissions for the baseline, inventoried, or forecast year(s). Energy use from
wastewater treatment processes is included in the Building & Facility Energy sector.
6. Natural Solutions — This sector focuses on emissions offsets from carbon
sequestration activities, including tree planting and carbon farming. The Natural
Solutions sector is not included in the GHG emissions inventory for baseline year 2005
or inventory year 2019 because it is not considered an emissions source and
sequestration activities
7. are to be initiated after Lead by Example adoption. However, estimates for offsets are
included in the Lead by Example GHG emissions forecast.
8. Procurement, Budget, and Finance — This sector is not directly associated with an
emissions source. This sector focuses on aligning City financial processes with
Council's adopted goal. While purchasing, investments, and other financial activities
are associated with indirect GHG emissions, they are not currently quantified in Lead
by Example consistent with local government emissions reporting protocols.
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Item 6b
Lead by Example Organization
Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations contains four chapters:
1. Chapter 1: Introduction includes highlights of past climate actions and sustainability
initiatives completed by the City; reviews Council's goal and it's context in the Climate
Action Plan for Community Recovery; provides an overview of staff's approach to the
Lead by Example initiative; summarizes the 2005 baseline and 2019 Municipal
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories; describes the role of the Green Team; and
discusses diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations.
2. Chapter 2: The Path to Carbon Neutrality provides an overview of the City's approach
to achieving municipal carbon neutrality.
3. Chapter 3: Carbon Neutral City Operations provides the objectives and actions for
each of the seven emissions sectors and includes information about each sector's
strategy, goal and objectives, emerging challenges and opportunities, GHG reduction
actions grouped by Financial Plan period(s), and a summary of forecasted emissions
if the individual sector's actions are implemented.
4. Chapter 4: Achieving Our Goals includes a list of administrative actions to be
completed by staff to ensure active and effective implementation of Lead by Example
and an implementation matrix that includes all GHG reduction actions for each sector,
an extended action description, the department(s) primarily responsible for
implementation, and the planned initiation period by Financial Plan(s).
Lead by Example Development Process
The planning and implementation of Lead by Example occurred over three main phases
outlined in Figure 2. As opposed to following the traditional project development approach
of planning followed by implementation, staff began by identifying and supporting
immediate actions. For example, the Office of Sustainability supported the Fleet
Replacement Policy update to include guidance on electric vehicles, initiated
conversations with PG&E to explore on -bill financing retrofit opportunities, and helped
edit the Lead by Example portions of the Active Transportation Plan concurrent with the
development of Lead by Example.
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Item 6b
Figure 2. Lead by Example Planning and Implementation Process
Phase I: Immediate Action
What can be done now?
4
Phase II: Near Term Action
What are priority Financial Plan actions?
Phase III: Long Term Planning
What long term strategy is needed?
PLANNING
PROCESS
Phase IV: Strategic Action IMPLEMENTATION
How do we implement the plan? PROCESS
As staff were implementing immediate actions, Phase II was initiated. Staff recognized
the importance of integrating Lead by Example work into the 2021-23 Financial Plan to
properly allocate staff time and resources, and the Green Team worked together over
roughly three workshops to identify priority actions to include in the 2021-23 FP. Staff
narrowed actions to those that were considered to be foundational and essential for
scaling long-term emission reductions over the next nine years. A combination of capital
projects and programs were proposed, including the installation of electric vehicle
chargers and solar panels across key facilities and a Building and Facility Energy and
Decarbonization Study.
Phase III is the final phase of Lead by Example pre -adoption. Following Phase II, the
Green Team convened another series of workshops to brainstorm a sector -specific long-
term strategy to achieve Council's goal that builds upon actions identified for the 2021-23
Financial Plan. Staff developed a list of actions to be implemented in the 2023-25, 2025-
27, and 2027-29 Financial Plans. Leaving room for uncertainty in market developments
and future Lead by Example planning updates as opportunities emerge, the long-term
actions create a bridge between now and the 2030 goal and focus on emissions reduction
steps that will likely be feasible in the next five to ten years.
Lastly, Phase IV is focused on implementing the strategic Lead by Example plan and will
be initiated upon adoption. In Phase IV, the Green Team will continue to collaborate
around action implementation throughout the 2021-23 Financial Plan period. Ahead of
the next Financial Plan period in 2023, staff intend to revisit Phases II through IV with the
Green Team to re -align the trajectory towards carbon neutral City operations with
emerging best practices and market developments.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Estimates
Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations provides GHG reduction
estimates as a result of achieving each sector's objectives. Figure 3 shows forecasted
municipal operations GHG emissions across three scenarios: business as usual, Lead by
Example implementation, and Lead by Example implementation including emissions
offsets from the Natural Solutions sector. The Lead by Example GHG reduction
quantifications are a result of an exhaustive work effort completed by staff to model
expected emissions outcomes following implementation.
If objectives are achieved and assumptions that underscore quantification methodology
are accurate, full Lead by Example implementation (not taking into account emissions
offsets from carbon sequestration activities) will contribute substantial progress towards
the operational carbon neutrality goal and achieve GHG reductions of 54 percent below
"business as usual" scenario emissions in 2025 and 84 percent below "business as usual"
scenario emissions in 2030. The reductions will result in estimated annual remaining GHG
emissions of 2,290 MTCO2e in 2025 and 850 MTCO2e in 2030.
When taking GHG emissions offsets from carbon sequestration activities in the Natural
Solutions sector into account, operational emissions reach net -zero in 2027. While the
estimated emissions offsets from the Natural Solutions sector allow the City to technically
achieve and surpass carbon neutral City operations ahead of Council's 2030 goal, staff
recognize uncertainties surrounding the quantification methodology of carbon
sequestration activities. Staff used best available modeling, but local and site -specific
conditions can cause actual offset results to vary from estimates.
Based on these uncertainties and on Council's intention for the City to lead by example
to community partners and peer cities, it is important for the City to continue innovating,
learning, and refining its approach in order to lower annual operational GHG emissions
to as close to zero as possible.
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Item 6b
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
v
N
U 4,000
H
3,000
2,000
1,000
Figure 3. Forecasted Municipal Operations GHG Emissions
2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
Year
t Business as Usual Forecast (MTCO2e)
Reduction Measure Forecast without Natural Solutions (MTCO2e)
• Reduction Measure Forecast with Natural Solutions (MTCO2e)
2035
Administrative Actions
In addition to actions aimed at reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions, Lead by
Example also includes a series of administrative actions:
1. Administrative Action 1: Lead by Example Update. The City will update Lead by
Example every four years (concurrent with every other Financial Plan). The City will
synch the update with the Community Plan so that each plan is updated in an
alternating fashion concurrent with every Financial Plan.
2. Administrative Action 2: Plan Monitoring and Reporting. The City will monitor and
report implementation to City Council on a regular basis.
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
City Council adopted the Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery (CAP) in August
of 2020. The CAP includes the goal of carbon neutral municipal operations by 2030 and
direction to develop a plan by summer of 2021 to achieve this goal.
Public Engagement
Staff facilitated a variety of engagement activities and events both internally and
externally. This section provides an overview of the main outreach conducted by staff to
support Lead by Example.
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Green Team
The Green Team is a cross -departmental collaborative body of staff that have been re-
convened to help guide the City's approach to achieving carbon neutral City operations.
Originally formed during the 2017-19 Financial Plan, the group was recommitted to in the
2021-23 Financial Plan to support the development and implementation of Lead by
Example. The intent of the updated Green Team was to ensure staff from each
department participated in the planning and implementation of emissions reduction
measures to achieve a truly all -City approach to municipal carbon neutrality. The Green
Team was further divided into individual working groups based on each emissions sector.
The objectives of the Green Team are to:
1. Cultivate an educated core group of staff that understand how their department's
operations contribute to the City's overall GHG emissions and, in turn, recognize
opportunities for emission reductions
2. Build capacity within the organization to lead by example by developing and
implementing emissions reduction measures and supporting key technical tasks
3. Maximize opportunities for partnership between departments to share responsibilities
and take action
4. Establish a foundation for ongoing employee education and outreach on municipal
carbon neutrality
In September 2020, Office of Sustainability Staff coordinated with the Department Head
Leadership Team to identify staff that would participate in the Green Team. It was critical
that staff whose primary duties and workplans directly involve or relate to the emissions
sectors joined, and that each working group represented the diverse array of relevant
departments within the agency. The following is a list of participants broken down by
Green Team working group:
1. Building and Facility Energy — Greg Cruce, Alejandro Hernandez, and Brian Lindsey
(Public Works); Jennifer Metz and Cori Burnett (Utilities); Devin Hyfield (Parks and
Recreation)
2. Fleet — Chris Felt, Gamaliel Anguiano, Gaven Hussey (Public Works)
3. Employee Commute — Adam Fukushima (Public Works); Sharon Seitz (Human
Resources)
4. Solid Waste — Jordan Lane and Jennifer Metz (Utilities); Greg Cruce (Public Works)
5. Wastewater— Jennifer Metz and Cori Burnett (Utilities); Greg Cruce and Brian Lindsey
(Public Works)
6. Procurement, Budget, and Finance — Dan Clancy and Natalie Harnett (Finance);
Miguel Guardado (Information Technology)
Staff have convened four full Green Team meetings and 24 working group meetings,
three for each working group. During each full -team and working group meeting, staff
aimed to maximize the opportunity to collaborate and do work. To prepare, staff utilized
pre -meeting questionnaires and created activities to ensure each meeting was an
effective use of time.
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Item 6b
During these activities, participants were able to articulate current departmental priorities,
identify relevant and current work efforts in need of immediate support, and brainstorm
pathways to carbon neutral City operations. Outside of meetings, Green Team facilitators
would execute on identified priority tasks, summarize and refine ideas generated within
the meetings, and engage in technical work for Lead by Example to maintain forward
progress. Following Lead by Example adoption, staff intend to continue utilizing the Green
Team to collaborate around equity and resilience in implementation.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
On Monday, May 3, 2021, Staff facilitated a presentation and interactive discussion with
the City's Internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Staff framed the
presentation and discussion around the way DEI was currently integrated and reflected
in Lead by Example, the present equity nexus between DEI and the substantive aspects
of pursuing carbon neutral City operations, and opportunities for staff to pursue a more
equitable planning process in the future.
Through the discussion, staff were able to collect thoughtful feedback from the committee
to develop the following set of DEI-related actions staff are committed to taking throughout
the implementation of Lead by Example and future planning updates:
1. Staff will develop an employee outreach and education program to share accessible
information about Lead by Example and Council's operational carbon neutrality goal
to staff outside of the Green Team.
2. Staff will facilitate employee feedback sessions to continue exploring opportunities
and challenges in integrating and addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion through
the work.
3. A DEI committee member will be invited to join Green Team meetings quarterly to
facilitate collaboration around diversity, equity, and inclusion in Lead by Example
implementation.
4. Staff will integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion at the initial stages of the next Lead
by Example update in 2023 and intend to collaborate with the DEI committee
throughout the planning process.
SLO Climate Coalition
On Thursday, May 20, 2021, staff facilitated a presentation and interactive discussion
with the San Luis Obispo Climate Coalition. Staff framed the presentation and discussion
around the City's approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across operational
activities and how the City can engage the community on the initiative throughout
implementation. Attendants of the presentation provided valuable feedback on
opportunities to connect with peer organizations in the community that staff will consider
when moving into post -adoption engagement.
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Item 6b
Chamber of Commerce
On Tuesday, May 25, 2021, staff facilitated a presentation and interactive discussion with
the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Business and Economic Council. Staff
framed the presentation and discussion around the City's approach to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions across operational activities, how and in what circumstances
that approach is applicable to local businesses, and the kinds of steps businesses can
take to reduce emissions, advance sustainability, and be a community leader in the
climate action space. Attendants of the presentation provided valuable feedback on
opportunities to connect with local businesses that staff will consider when moving into
post -adoption engagement.
CONCURRENCE
There is concurrence from the Utilities Department, Public Works Department, Parks and
Recreation Department, Information Technology Department, Human Resources
Department, and Community Services in the approach to achieving Council's carbon
neutral City operations goal outlined in Lead by Example.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City prepared,
circulated for public review, and on August 19, 2020 adopted an Initial Study -Negative
Declaration (IS/ND) of environmental impact (EID-0275-2020) that addressed the
environmental impacts of implementing the City of San Luis Obispo 2020 update to the
Climate Action Plan and titled Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery that
established a community -wide target of carbon neutrality by 2035, adopted sector specific
goals, and provided foundational actions to establish a trajectory towards achieving those
goals. The Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery is a Qualified GHG Emissions
Reduction Plan to reduce GHG emissions within its jurisdictional boundary to meet and
exceed state targets consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5 for year 2030 and
includes CEQA Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Thresholds and Guidance.
The Lead by Example: Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations is a measure and
supportive action within the scope of the project covered by the already adopted IS/ND
for the Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery and includes quantified actions to
address emissions that were accounted for in the community inventory and forecast. On
the basis of substantial evidence in the light of the whole record, the project does not
trigger any of the conditions of CEQA Guidelines § 15162 (subsequent EIRs and negative
declarations) as outlined below, no new significant impact on the environment would
occur and no new mitigation measures are required, and no further environmental
analysis is therefore required:
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Item 6b
• No substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major revisions
of the previously adopted Negative Declaration due to the involvement of new
significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously
identified effect;
• No substantial changes will occur with respect to the circumstances under which the
project is undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous Negative
Declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a
substantial increase in the severity of an identified effect;
• No new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not
have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous
Negative Declaration was adopted, shows that the project will have one or more
significant effects not discussed in the previous Negative Declaration or that any
previously examined effect would be more severe than shown in the previous
Negative Declaration.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Budget Year: 2021-22
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund
$
$
$
$
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total
$
$
$
$
No funds are requested at this time. All tasks and work items described in this Council
Agenda Report and Attachment A are supported by annual program budget
appropriations and have been included in department budget requests for the 2021-23
Financial Plan and departmental work plans. Tasks and work items described in
Attachment A that are to be initiated after the 2021-23 Financial Plan will be re-evaluated
by staff and if feasible, will be proposed during future Financial Plan periods.
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Item 6b
ALTERNATIVES
1. Council could request more information, suggest substantial changes, or otherwise
request that Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations be
presented for adoption at a later date.
2. Council could take no action and direct staff to pursue other initiatives.
ATTACHMENTS
A — Draft Resolution - Approving Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City
Operations
B — Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
C — Lead by Example Appendix A — GHG Inventory and Forecast
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RESOLUTION NO. (2021 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING LEAD BY EXAMPLE: A PLAN
FOR CARBON NEUTRAL CITY OPERATIONS
WHEREAS, greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere as the result of
human activity is the primary cause of the global climate crisis; and
WHEREAS, in California alone, the initial impacts of climate change have resulted
in unpresented disasters with tremendous human, economic, and environmental costs;
and
WHEREAS, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that global
emissions need to be reduced by 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, and 100 percent
by 2050 to prevent global catastrophe; and
WHEREAS, the State of California enacted Assembly Bill (AB) 32 to require
greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and
Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-55-18 establishing a statewide target of
carbon neutrality by 2045; and
WHEREAS, City of San Luis Obispo residents, businesses, and community
partners have repeatedly identified climate action as a top priority; and
WHEREAS, in September 2020, the City of San Luis Obispo City Council adopted
the Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery via Resolution R-11159 (2020 Series)
that, in addition to establishing a pathway to achieve community carbon neutrality by
2035, highlights the role the City can play in "leading by example" and includes a goal of
carbon neutral government operations by 2030 and direction to complete a carbon neutral
government operations plan by summer 2021; and
WHEREAS, the City intends to lead by example and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from municipal operations in order to model the actions needed to reduce
community -wide emissions; and
WHEREAS, in pursuing a sustainability-oriented approach to achieving carbon
neutral government operations by 2030, the City can also promote a more resilient,
diverse, equitable, and inclusive City organization; and
WHEREAS, a carbon neutral government operations plan has been prepared and
titled, Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations (Lead by Example),
that establishes sector specific 2030 goals and objectives, and provides actions to
establish a trajectory towards achieving those goals and objectives; and
IV
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Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 2
WHEREAS, the City is committed to sharing resources and lessons learned from
Lead by Example implementation with local and regional community members,
businesses, organizations, and peer cities; and
WHEREAS, Lead by Example is a measure and supportive action within the scope
of the project covered by the already adopted Initial Study -Negative Declaration (IS/ND)
prepared by the City pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
circulated for public review, and adopted on August 19, 2020 (EID-0275-2020) that
addressed the environmental impacts of implementing the City of San Luis Obispo 2020
update to the Climate Action Plan and titled Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery;
and
WHEREAS, staff participating in the Green Team from the Public Works, Utilities,
Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Parks and Recreation, and
Administration departments co -created Lead by Example, including the sector goals,
objectives, and actions; and
WHEREAS, the Green Team worked closely with the Leadership Team to ensure
Lead by Example goals, objectives, and actions aligned closely with respective
departmental priorities and that all near -term actions to be implemented between 2021-
2023 are budgeted in the 2021-23 Financial Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The recitals set forth above are here by adopted as the
findings of the City.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The Lead by Example. Plan for Carbon
Neutral City Operations is a measure and supportive action within the scope of the project
covered by the already adopted IS/ND for the Climate Action Plan for Community
Recovery (EID-0275-2020) and includes quantified actions to address emissions that
were accounted for in the community inventory and forecast. On the basis of substantial
evidence in the light of the whole record, the project does not trigger any of the conditions
of CEQA Guidelines § 15162 (subsequent EIRs and negative declarations) as outlined
below, no new significant impact on the environment would occur and no new mitigation
measures are required, and no further environmental analysis is therefore required:
• No substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major
revisions of the previously adopted Negative Declaration due to the involvement
of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of
previously identified effect;
IV
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Resolution No. (2021 Series)
Page 3
• No substantial changes will occur with
which the project is undertaken which
previous Negative Declaration due to
environmental effects or a substantial inc
effect;
respect to the circumstances under
will require major revisions of the
the involvement of new significant
rease in the severity of an identified
• No new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could
not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the
previous Negative Declaration was adopted, shows that the project will have one
or more significant effects not discussed in the previous Negative Declaration or
that any previously examined effect would be more severe than shown in the
previous Negative Declaration.
SECTION 3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets. The City Council
reaffirms carbon neutral government operations by 2030 or sooner as its municipal
greenhouse gas emissions reduction target. The City Council also adopts the following
2030 sector specific goals:
1. No fossil fuels are used to power City buildings and facilities.
2. The City eliminates fossil fuel use in vehicle and equipment fleet.
3. City employee commute is aligned with and substantially exceeds General Plan
Mode Split Objectives by 2030.
4. City buildings, facilities, and operations are zero waste as defined by the Zero
Waste International Alliance (ZWIA).
5. Direct emissions from the provision of wastewater are minimized to the maximum
extent feasible.
6. Carbon sequestration within the City's Greenbelt and Urban Forest system is
optimized.
7. The City's procurement, budget, investment, and finance processes support and
accelerate achieving the City's carbon neutrality goal.
IV
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Resolution No. (2021 Series)
Page 4
SECTION 4. Lead By Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations.
The City Council hereby approves Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City
Operations including Technical Appendices.
Upon motion of Council Member
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of
ATTEST:
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM-
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
, seconded by Council Member
Mayor Heidi Harmon
2021.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
IV
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
F
Lead by E
A Plan for Carbon
Neutral City Operations �
Owl'
July 2021
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Acknowledgements
City Council
Mayor Heidi Harmon
Vice Mayor Erica A. Stewart
Council Member Carlyn Christianson
Council Member Jan Marx
Council Member Andy Pease
City Management
Derek Johnson, City Manager
Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Manager
Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Green Team Staff
Naomi Albert, Gamaliel Anguiano, Cori Burnett, Dan Clancy, Greg Cruce, Chris Felt, Adam
Fukushima, Natalie Harnett, Alejandro Hernandez, Robert Hill, Gaven Hussey, Devin Hyfield,
Jordan Lane, Brian Lindsey, Teresa McClish, Jennifer Metz, Brian Nelson, Shannon Pressler,
Chris Read, Sharon Seitz, Jennifer Thompson, and many others.
A Note from the City Manager
The City of San Luis Obispo is proud to present Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City
Operations. The City as an organization has a long tradition of promoting sustainability across
operations and leading by example to community partners. Building on the overwhelming community
support for the Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery, Lead by Example sets the City on a
trajectory to achieving the ambitious climate target of carbon neutral government operations by 2030.
As a trusted community leader, the City has a key role to play in implementing innovative climate
actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions across City operations, create a more resilient and
equitable City organization, and are highly replicable. It is important that the City "walk the walk"
throughout the transition to a carbon neutral San Luis Obispo, and through the sharing of resources
and lessons learned, demonstrate to the community that the City is doing its part. Our actions and
commitments demonstrate action, importance, and the need for City leadership in our own operations.
Lead by Example was developed with input from staff across City departments and nearly nine months
of research and technical work. Now that the City is preparing to implement Lead by Example, we will
need to carry on the tradition of sustainability throughout the organization, invest in meaningful climate
action while exploring emerging opportunities, and continue to amplify this work throughout the
community.
As an organization, we boldly embrace this challenge and look forward to making progress alongside
the community. I look forward to seeing our team and community come together to fight the climate
crisis and our leadership can and will make a difference.
Derek Johnson
City Manager, City of San Luis Obispo
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................ 1
2. The Path to Carbon Neutrality................................................................................................ 7
3. Carbon Neutral City Operations............................................................................................11
Building & Facility Energy......................................................................................................12
Fleet......................................................................................................................................15
EmployeeCommute..............................................................................................................18
SolidWaste...........................................................................................................................21
Wastewater........................................................................................................................... 24
Procurement, Budget, and Finance.......................................................................................26
NaturalSolutions...................................................................................................................29
4. Achieving Our Goals.............................................................................................................33
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:l*]III [y1[•
The City has a long history of supporting environmental stewardship through its operations, with
actions ranging from solar panel installations to conserving open space; from cutting -edge energy
and chemical management innovations at the Water Treatment Plan and Water Resource
Recovery Facility to divesting from fossil fuel investments. A partial list of recent greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions reductions and sustainability actions include:
• Conserved over 3,000 acres of open space
lands since 2005, and over 7,800 acres since
the inception of the Greenbelt Protection
Program
• Installed solar powered electric vehicle
chargers at City Hall
• Purchased two electric buses
• Retrofitted streetlights with high -efficiency LED
bulbs
• Retrofitted parking garage with high -efficiency
LED bulbs
• Retrofitted the Water Resource Recovery
Facility for energy efficiency and installing a
digester gas cogeneration engine for energy
capture
• Supported development of the regional
anerobic digester to generate clean power and
compost from the City' green waste
• Established a Solid Waste and Recycling
Section of the Utilities Department
• Established the Office of Sustainability in the
Administration Department
• Purchased hybrid fleet vehicles, electric
bicycles for fleet, and transitioning diesel fleet
vehicles to renewable diesel
• Initiated energy efficiency and energy
generation project at the Water Treatment Plant
• Identified Climate Action as a Major City Goal in
each Financial Plan since 2017
• Contracted for new solar generating systems at
three facilities
In August of 2020, the City of San Luis Obispo City Council adopted the Climate Action Plan for
Community Recovery via Resolution R-11159 (2020 Series). While the Climate Action Plan for
Community Recovery is primarily focused on community emissions, it also highlights the role the
City as an organization can play in "leading by example" and establishes a goal of carbon neutral
municipal operations by 2030.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral Municipal Operations (referred to in this document
as "Lead by Example" or "Plan") identifies an approach for achieving this goal. Carbon neutral
municipal operations by 2030 is an achievable but ambitious goal that requires nearly all City
policy and financial decisions to be aligned and oriented to a low carbon future. With this ambitious
goal comes many challenges and opportunities. The City is excited to embrace these challenges
and use this opportunity to reassess resource use, innovate to deliver core services that are low
carbon, and integrate efforts with ongoing community climate and diversity, equity, and inclusion
work, all while providing highly visible examples of this work to the community.
Lead by Example Process
The planning and implementation of Lead by Example has occurred over three main phases
outlined in Figure 1.1. Lead by Example includes the greenhouse gas emissions inventory
(summarized in this chapter and provided in full as Appendix A), establishes 2030 greenhouse
gas emissions targets per sector, explains how the targets are achievable (summarized in this
chapter and provided in full as Appendix B), and includes an action plan with identified actions
(Chapter 3). Implementation is the fourth phase following the adoption of this plan, as described
in Chapter 4.
Figure 1.1. Lead by Example Planning and Implementation Process.
Phase I: Immediate Action
What can be done now?
4
Phase II: Near Term Action
What are priority Financial Plan actions?
y
Phase III: Long Term Planning PLANNING
What long term Strategy is needed? PROCESS
y
Phase IV: Stra
How do we impler
2
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LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and
Forecast
A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory is an accounting of the GHG emissions that have occurred
as the result of activity in a calendar year. For this plan, the GHG inventory measures emissions
from activities that are directly related to City operations. The greenhouse gas emissions inventory
and related emissions forecasts provide the foundational technical analysis for staff to understand
baseline conditions and identify necessary actions to achieve Council's operational carbon
neutrality goal. For Lead by Example, the City updated its 2005 municipal operations baseline
inventory, completed a 2019 municipal operations inventory, and forecasted emissions for 2025
and 2030. Table 1. provides the emissions inventory and forecast years by emissions sector.
The municipal operations inventories and forecasts include emissions estimates for five sectors
as outlined in Table 1.1 Each sector uses activity data from City operations to estimate or model
GHG emissions:
• The Building & Facility Energy sector focuses on emissions from energy (electricity and
natural gas) used to power buildings, facilities, and equipment owned and operated by the
City.
• The Fleet sector focuses on emissions from fossil fuel use (gasoline and diesel) used in
fleet vehicles owned and operated by the City, including maintenance vehicles, buses, fire
trucks, and police vehicles.
• The Employee Commute sector estimates emissions from vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
by employees traveling to and from work.
• The Solid Waste sector focuses on emissions from landfilled solid waste, including the
paper and food products disposed in offices and landscape maintenance waste.
• The Wastewater sector focuses on direct emissions from wastewater treatment
processes, specifically methane (CH4) from incomplete combustion of digester gas.
Informational GHG emission estimates for Wastewater are included in Appendix A. but
are not included in the total GHG emissions for the baseline, inventoried, or forecast
year(s) due to data and method uncertainty. Energy use from wastewater treatment
processes is included in the Building & Facility Energy sector.
Table 1.1 Municipal Operations GHG Emissions Inventories and Business as Usual
Forecast, 2005-2030 (MTCOze).
Sector
2005
2019
2025
2030
% change from
baseline in 2030
Building & Facility
3,550
2,130
2,110
2,290
-35.5%
Energy
Fleet
2,250
2,090
2,130
2,130
-5.3%
Employee Commute
810
730
710
610
-24.7%
Solid Waste
120
120
120
120
0.0%
TOTAL
6,730
5,070
5,070
5,150
-23.5%
3
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LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Carbon Neutral by 2030
The term "carbon neutrality" refers to a state where the
total emissions of the inventoried sectors reported in Table
1.1, above, minus emissions captured through carbon
sequestration efforts are, at most, zero. To achieve carbon
neutral municipal operations, the City will need to pursue
all feasible pathways to decarbonize assets, reduce the
emissions intensity of daily business activities and
workspaces, and empower each department with the tools
to operate more efficiently and sustainably. Achieving
carbon neutrality is a challenge that will require the City to
implement priority near -term actions now and continue to
assess the feasibility of new emission reduction measures
as they emerge. Achieving municipal carbon neutrality will
require support from City Council and staff from all
departments.
Green Team
The Green Team is a cross -departmental collaborative body of staff convened to help guide the
City's approach to achieving carbon neutral City operations. The Green Team allows staff from
each department to participate in the planning and implementation of emissions reduction
measures to achieve a truly all -City approach to municipal carbon neutrality. For Lead by
Example, the Green Team was divided into individual working groups based on each emissions
sector. The stated and ongoing objectives of the Green Team are to:
• Cultivate an educated core group of staff that understand how their department's
operations contribute to the City's overall GHG emissions and, in turn, recognize
opportunities for emission reductions.
• Build capacity within the organization to Lead by Example by developing and
implementing emissions reduction measures and supporting key technical tasks.
• Maximize opportunities for partnership between departments to share responsibilities and
take action.
• Establish a foundation for ongoing employee education and outreach on municipal carbon
neutrality.
Lead by Example has been co -created by the Green Team and reflects the hard work of staff
members from throughout different City departments.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values for the City of San Luis Obispo. While Lead by
Example focuses on GHG emissions and reduction actions related to emissions, opportunities
exist to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization and the community.
Staff have collaborated with the Green Team and the City's internal Diversity, Equity, and
Page 754 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Inclusion (DEI) Committee to develop the following list of actions that staff are committed to
throughout the implementation of Lead by Example and during future planning updates:
• Staff will develop an employee outreach and education program to share accessible
information about Lead by Example and Council's operational carbon neutrality goal to
staff outside of the Green Team.
• Staff will facilitate employee feedback sessions to continue exploring opportunities and
challenges in integrating and addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion through the work.
• A DEI committee member will be invited to join Green Team meetings quarterly to facilitate
collaboration around diversity, equity, and inclusion in Lead by Example implementation.
• Staff will integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion at the initial stages of the next Lead by
Example update in 2023 and intend to collaborate with the DEI committee throughout the
planning process.
Additional information about equity considerations for specific emissions sectors is included in
Chapter 3: Carbon Neutral City Operations under "Emerging Issues and Opportunities".
61
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:0
IA I MWE90
AIMN:I•
The City's Approach to Municipal Carbon
Neutrality
The City's approach to municipal carbon neutrality is based on the guiding principles and
greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventories and forecasts and staff engagement as described
in Chapter 1. The City's approach to municipal carbon neutrality is organized into a total of seven
sectors, as shown in figure 2.1, each with a long-term goal and objectives, as well as foundational
actions to be initiated or completed by 2023.
The Municipal Operations GHG Inventory includes five emissions sectors as mentioned in
Chapter 1. Two additional sectors are included in Lead by Example that are not associated with
direct GHG emissions for the purposes of the inventory and forecast but play a critical supportive
role in the achievement of the City's carbon neutrality goal. The two additional sectors are:
• Natural Solutions. This sector captures the GHG emission sequestration activities
occurring on City -owned property that could partially offset operational emissions.
• Procurement, Budget, and Finance. This sector focuses on aligning the financial
processes that are the foundations of City operations with climate action and
sustainability..
Estimated Greenhouse Gas Emission
Reductions
With the support of the Green Team, the City identified a pathway to achieve deep GHG
reductions in municipal operations. The City conducted a robust work effort to model and estimate
the emissions reductions occurring as the result of implementing Lead by Example. The resulting
III
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LEAD BY EXAMPLE
GHG reduction estimates and underlying calculations show that the City can make significant
progress toward achieving its goal of carbon neutral municipal operations by 2030.
The combined reductions from the Lead by Example sectors and their objectives (not including
sequestered emissions from the Natural Solutions sector) are expected to result in a total
reduction of 2,780 MTCOze in 2025, or 55 percent below the "business as usual" forecast and
4,300 MTCO2e in 2030, or 84 percent below the business as usual forecast, as shown in Figure
2.2 and Table 2.1. In 2030, not including offset emissions from the Natural Solutions sector, a
remaining gap of 850 MTCOze between forecast emissions and carbon neutrality is estimated.
Considering offset emissions from the Natural Solutions sector, total emissions are estimated to
reach net -zero in 2027 and surpass it thereafter.
Figure 2.1. Emission Sectors and Goals.
sBuilding & Facility Energy
GOAL: The City eliminates fossil fuel use in buildings and facilities.
SECTOR 2
1k
sEmployee Commute
GOAL: City employee commute is aligned with and substantially
exceeds General Plan Mode Split Objectives by 2030.
SECTOR 4
Im
SECTOR 5
ii)._
• - • Natural Solutions
GOAL: The City optimizes carbon sequestration within the City's
Greenbelt and Urban Forest system.
• . Procurement, Budget, & Finance
'�►j GOAL: The City supports and accelerates achieving the carbon neutrality
goal through procurement, budget, investment, and finance processes.
0
Page 758 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
N
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
Figure 2.2. Municipal Operations GHG Emissions Forecast, 2005-2030.
2000 2005
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035
Year
0 Business as Usual Forecast (MTCO2e)
Reduction Measure Forecast without Natural Solutions (MTCO2e)
- & - Reduction Measure Forecast with Natural Solutions (MTCO2e)
Table 2.1 GHG Emissions Reduction and Offset Estimates (MTCO2e, 2025 and 2030)
Sector
2025
2030
"Business as Usual" Emissions
Forecast
5,070
5,150
Building and Facility Energy
-1,560
-1,950
Fleet
-930
-1,890
Employee Commute
-240
-350
Solid Waste
-50
-110
Natural Solutions offset
-1,790
-2,000
Total Emissions Reductions
(without Natural Solutions)
-2,780
-4,300
Total Remaining Emissions
(without Natural Solutions)
2,290
850
Getting to True Carbon Neutrality
Lead by Example's approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (not including sequestered
emissions from the Natural Solutions sector) leaves approximately 850 MTCO2e in annual
emissions in 2030 to reduce or offset to achieve true carbon neutrality. Considering the offset
emissions from the Natural Solutions sector, the City is expected to achieve net -zero greenhouse
gas emissions in 2027, three years before the City's goal year of 2030. While the estimated offsets
Page 759 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
from the Natural Solutions sector technically allow the City to achieve its carbon neutrality goal
ahead of schedule, it is necessary to emphasize the present uncertainty around the modeling
methodology used to estimate Natural Solutions offsets and the importance of continued action
to approach carbon neutrality without offsets.
To estimate emissions offsets associated with Natural Solutions, the City used commonly -
accepted protocols and modeling equations to estimate offsets as a result of activities on City -
owned properties. However, the City has not yet implemented pilot projects and do not yet have
site -specific data.
The City is committed to fully implementing emissions reduction actions described in Lead by
Example and pursuing opportunities for expansion and enhancement as supportive market
conditions emerge to continue driving down operational emissions. Both in achieving Council's
goal and leading in the community, it is important to continue making progress and engaging in
emerging decarbonization activities. As emissions quantification protocols evolve over time and
the City explores opportunities to further integrate Scope 3' indirect emissions into future
inventories and operations plans, a continued commitment to scaling decarbonization programs
and projects will be critical to achieve carbon neutral City operations.
The operational activities and sectors that are covered in Lead by Example fall under Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with the exception
of Employee Commute, which is considered to be Scope 3. Scope 3 emissions includes all other indirect emissions not covered in
Scope 2, such as emissions resulting from the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, transport -related
activities in vehicles not owned or controlled by the local government (i.e. Employee Commute), outsourced activities, waste
disposal, and more. More information can be found at https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/protocols/localgov/pubs/Igo protocol v1 1 2010-
05-03. pdf.
10
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•,W4MWI•
C U 2 lnkl.�V I I*
!offA
Each sector's actions present critical next steps in pursuing carbon neutral City operations by
2030. As described in previous chapters, the Green Team has worked closely with departmental
staff throughout the City to develop and refine each of the following actions to ensure consistency
with Council objectives, feasibility, and equity considerations.
This chapter provides an overview of each sector and its goal and objectives, a description of the
overall approach to reducing emissions, emerging challenges and opportunities that will guide
staff's approach, the actions that will enable the City to achieve the goal and objectives, and an
emissions quantification summary.
Following best practices, the actions are organized by the Financial Plan period when they are
expected to be initiated. Lead by Example includes specific actions to be initiated during the 2021-
23, 2023-25, 2025-27, and 2027-29 Financial Plan periods. Actions are grouped by Financial Plan
periods in order to closely align Lead by Example projects and programs with budgeted resources.
All actions identified for 2021-23 are included in the 2021-23 Financial Plan adopted on June 1,
2021 or are included in staff work programs.
It is important to note that for actions expected to be implemented beyond the 2021-23 Financial
Plan, the timelines presented are a best estimate and may change as lessons are learned through
Lead by Example implementation. Staff are committed to performing an ongoing re -assessment
of the actions necessary to achieve each sector goal and objectives and may recommend new or
updated actions and/or changes to the implementation timeline based on feasibility and emerging
best practices.
11
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Building & Facility
Energy
Strategy Overview
City -owned buildings and facility energy use was the
largest contributor to annual municipal greenhouse gas
emissions in 2019, accounting for 40 percent of
inventoried emissions. The City has historically pursued
long-term cost -saving retrofit opportunities on an ad -hoc
basis when funding or outside resources allow (e.g., the
2016 replacement of streetlights with high -efficiency
LED bulbs).
GOAL: The City eliminates fossil fuel
use in buildings and facilities.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Construct only all -electric new
buildings and facilities.
2. Eliminate fossil fuel use to the
maximum extent possible in
existing buildings and facilities.
Lead by Example includes a strategic pathway to identify
priority retrofit projects across buildings and facilities, align projects with new and existing funding
mechanisms and budget cycles, and initiate retrofits. Due to recent advances in electric high -
efficiency appliances and equipment, coupled with the City joining Central Coast Community
Energy (3CE), there is an opportunity to transition away from fossil fuels and decarbonize the
City's new and existing buildings and facilities. This can be achieved through a two -pronged
approach: (1) committing to constructing all -electric new buildings and facilities, and (2) laying out
a path for building decarbonization, efficiency, and energy resilience retrofits in existing buildings.
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
With recent Public Safety Power Shut -offs (PSPS) experienced across California during the 2019
and 2020 wildfire seasons, it is critical that City buildings and facilities are able to operate in a
rapidly changing climate. Additionally, as electric vehicles substantially increase load (and
potentially provide mobile storage), electricity pricing shifts to time of use, and the City adds
additional generation and storage assets, it will be increasingly complicated to manage onsite
energy use for optimal operations, cost, and low emissions.
As rapidly decreasing costs in onsite renewable energy systems (like rooftop solar PV arrays)
paired with battery storage, the City has an opportunity to gain greater energy independence and
enhance the resilience of facilities. Staff commit to continue considering these emerging issues
and integrating feasible solutions into this sector's long-term strategic approach.
12
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GHG Reduction Actions
Table 3.1 shows the reduction measure actions developed by the Green Team for the Building
and Facility Energy sector. The table includes immediate actions that were completed during
Phase I of the Lead by Example planning and implementation process as well as those near and
long-term actions collaboratively developed with the Green Team. All actions within the 2021-23
Financial Plan period are currently budgeted or scheduled and do not represent additional work
tasks. Chapter 4 provides additional implementation information, including responsible
departments.
Table 3.1. Building and Facility energy GHG reduction actions.
ReductionStatus GIHIG ■
Energy Immediate Action 1 Initiate conversations with PG&E and The Energy Network
to explore on -bill financing opportunities for City buildings and facilities.
o
Energy Immediate Action 2 Review and propose edits for lawn & garden Request for
U
Proposals
Energy 1.1 Initiate and complete Energy Master Plan to develop the approach to
decarbonization, comprehensive energy management, and efficiency across
buildings and facilities.
Energy 1.2 Complete On -Bill Financing Projects to retrofit buildings and facilities.
Energy 1.3 Complete solar projects at SLO Swim Center, Transit Yard, and Fire
Station 1 to offset energy use at key facilities.
U_
Energy 1.4 Complete battery storage project at the Water Treatment Plant to promote
N
resilience against power failure.
Energy 1.5 Continue ongoing and strategic efficiency improvements to advance the
o
goal and objectives for the Energy sector.
Energy 1.6 Develop and pilot an energy monitoring and management dashboard for
Utilities Department to identify additional areas for efficiency improvements and
quantify the impact of existing and future actions and consider scaling after pilot
phase.
Energy 1.7 Identify low or no cost energy efficiency improvements at the Wastewater
Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) through ongoing participation in energy
efficiency studies with PG&E to reduce energy demand and emissions for one of the
City's largest energy -consuming facilities.
Energy 2.1 Initiate implementation of Energy Master Plan, continue priority retrofits,
and initiate hard -to -reach retrofits to advance decarbonization and energy
a_
management across buildings and facilities.
LL
N
Energy 2.2 Continue funding building retrofits and identifying and pursuing innovative
co
funding and financing mechanisms such as on -bill financing.
N
CD
Energy 2.3 Procure and manage facility -wide energy management software and
consider supportive staffing to target opportunities for retrofits and other energy
efficiency measures.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Status GHG Reduction Action
Energy 2.4 "Opt -up" to Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Prime to receive
100% renewable energy.
Energy 3.1 Continue implementing Energy Master Plan and continue hard -to -reach
N U- retrofits to advance energy efficiency across buildings and facilities.
N
N N Energy 3.2 Continue funding building retrofits and identifying and pursuing innovative
funding and financing mechanisms such as on -bill financing.
Sector Emissions
The Building & Facility Energy sector focuses on emissions from energy (electricity and natural
gas) used in buildings and facilities owned and operated by the City. Figure 3.1 shows the
business as usual scenario for municipal building and facility energy emissions compared to
forecasted emissions as a result of implementing the sector's emission reduction actions,
described in the previous section. In 2025, Building and Facility Energy emissions are expected
to decrease by 1,560 MTCO2e relative to "business as usual", or approximately 74 percent. In
2030, emissions are expected to decrease by 1,950 MTCO2e relative to "business as usual", or
approximately 85 percent.
2,500
2,000
ca) 1,500
O
U
H
2 1,000
500
Figure 3.1. Building and Facility Energy forecasted emissions.
2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032
Year
Reduction Measure Forecast (MTCO2e) Business as Usual Forecast (MTCO2e)
14
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Fleet
Strategy Overview
Fleet is the second-largest contributor to annual
municipal greenhouse gas emissions, creating
approximately 39 percent of overall emissions. It is
necessary for the City to pursue a phased transition to
GOAL: The City eliminates fossil fuel
use in vehicle and equipment fleet.
OBJECTIVES:
an electrified fleet (including transit) to achieve 1. Achieve 100% all -electric light
emissions reductions in this sector. duty vehicles, excluding long -
range and certain public safety
Lead by Example includes a strategic pathway to vehicles.
identify priority electrification opportunities across the 2. Achieve 50% zero emissions
City's fleet, align fleet replacement and purchase medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
policies with the carbon neutrality goal, assess 3. Achieve 100% all -electric transit
charging capacity and needs, and identify external fleet.
funding opportunities to support the transition. By 4. Achieve 100% all -electric
enhancing charging capacity across key City facilities equipment, excluding certain
via grants and partnerships, integrating EV-related heavy-duty equipment, pumps,
objectives in procurement policies, accelerating and and backup generators.
supporting the Transit Electrification Strategy, and
exploring alternate modes for in -town travel, the City will be prepared to accommodate a growing
EV fleet while driving down emissions across the sector.
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
Reducing emissions in the Fleet sector is particularly challenging for medium and heavy-duty fleet
vehicles, off -road equipment, and the increasing need for diesel -powered backup generators. This
is especially true in divisions with medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including Public Works:
Streets, Utilities, Parks and Recreation, Police, and Fire. While there are many price and
performance -comparable options for light -duty vehicles, there is not currently a robust market for
large trucks and maintenance equipment powered by electricity, hydrogen, or other alternative
zero -emissions fuels. The inventoried Fleet sector also includes diesel used to power backup
generation systems. Diesel used for backup power generation presents a particularly difficult
fossil fuel source to decarbonize, as the need for reliable and accessible secondary power is
essential to maintain critical services during times of crisis.
Staff have designed the Fleet emissions reduction strategy to reflect market uncertainty and
integrated an action to lay the foundations for a hard -to -reach fleet vehicle transition once
technology and cost-effectiveness allow.
15
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GHG Reduction Actions
Table 3.2 shows the reduction measure actions developed by staff for the Fleet sector. The table
includes immediate actions that were completed during Phase I of the Lead by Example planning
and implementation process as well as those near and long-term actions collaboratively
developed with the Green Team. All actions within the 2021-23 Financial Plan period are currently
budgeted or scheduled and do not represent additional work tasks. Chapter 4 provides additional
implementation information, including responsible departments.
Table 3.2. Fleet GHG reduction actions.
ReductionStatus GHG
Fleet Immediate Action 1 Support Fleet Replacement Policy update to include
requirements for all -electric light duty fleet vehicles on replacement.
0
E
Fleet Immediate Action 2 Research and assess green fleet procurement case studies
0
U
Fleet Immediate Action 3 Create GIS layer with locations of fleet parking and existing
and planned EV chargers
Fleet 1.1 Expand EV charging infrastructure at strategic locations to accommodate a
growing EV fleet.
0-
Fleet 1.2 Begin priority fleet electrification of light -duty vehicles to initiate the
LL
transition to a zero -emissions fleet.
Fleet 1.3 Continue to research funding sources for charging infrastructure and
o
monitor best practices for zero emissions medium and heavy-duty vehicles to build
N
the foundation for a future "hard to reach" fleet transition.
Fleet 1.4 Advocate to Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) to fund a fleet
electrification plan to advance the goal and objectives of the Fleet sector.
Fleet 2.1 Develop and begin implementing landscape management and maintenance
equipment transition plan to reduce fossil fuel use in maintenance equipment.
Fleet 2.2 Launch landscape management pilot program to explore feasibility and
effectiveness of electric landscaping equipment ahead of a broader transition.
U_
Fleet 2.3 Expand charging infrastructure for electric landscaping equipment and
M
other electric/hybrid equipment to accommodate a growing electric equipment fleet.
N
NFleet
2.4 Explore feasibility of backup power generation transition plan to reduce
o
fossil fuel use in backup power generation.
Fleet 2.5 Develop onsite solar offsets for charging needs to prevent increased energy
demand and subsequent electricity purchases.
Fleet 2.6 Develop plan for charging `hard to electrify" light duty vehicles (e.g., police
cruisers), medium duty vehicles, and heavy-duty vehicles and install infrastructure as
feasible.
N ti ti
Fleet 3.1 Implement landscape management and maintenance equipment transition
N `�' �'
plan to advance the goal and objectives of the Fleet sector.
Page 766 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Status GHG Reduction Action
Fleet 3.2 Initiate backup power generation transition plan to advance the goal and
objectives of the Fleet sector.
tin
U_
6 N Fleet 3.3 Begin or continue transition to zero emissions medium and heavy-duty fleet
o vehicles to support the goal and objectives of the Fleet sector.
N N
Fleet 3.4 Procure vehicles for Police Department as identified in the FY 2025-26
Capital Improvement Project Budget to support the goal and objectives of the Fleet
sector.
Sector Emissions
The Fleet sector focuses on emissions from fossil fuel use (gasoline and diesel) used to power
on -road vehicles and maintenance equipment owned and operated by the City. Figure 3.2 shows
the business -as -usual scenario for municipal fleet emissions compared to forecasted emissions
as a result of implementing the sector's emission reduction actions, described in the previous
section. Please note that the Lead by Example implementation forecast is based on the
assumption that the City implements the Building & Facility Energy action 2.4, in which the City
will opt -up to Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Prime. In 2025, Fleet emissions are
expected to decrease by 930 MTCO2e relative to "business as usual", or approximately 44
percent. In 2030, emissions are expected to decrease by 1,890 MTCO2e relative to "business as
usual", or approximately 89 percent.
2,500
2,000 0.
0 1,500
0
U
1,000
KII17
Figure 3.2. Fleet forecasted emissions.
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Year
Reduction Measure Forecast (MTCO2e) Business as Usual Forecast (MTCO2e)
17
Page 767 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Employee Commute
Strategy Overview
Single -occupancy transportation represents one of the
largest community emissions sources in San Luis Obispo
and the State of California. While employee commute for
only represents approximately 13 percent of annual
municipal operations emissions, the sector is highly visible
and successful program implementation at the City could
be transferable to businesses and other organizations in
the community. For example, in 1998 the City initiated the
Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP) to help
employees track their commute and receive incentives for
taking less polluting commute options, which inspired
other regional organizations to take similar actions..
GOAL: City employee commute is
aligned with and substantially
exceeds General Plan Mode Split
Objectives by 2030.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Reduce single -occupancy
commute miles 25% by 2025,
50% by 2030.
2. Of the remaining single -
occupancy commute miles,
achieve 25% via electric vehicle
by 2025, 50% via electric vehicle
Lead by Example includes a strategic pathway to identify by 2030.
opportunities to enhance and expand the TRIP program,
leverage updated work -from -home policies to tailor new and existing commute reduction
initiatives, and pursue partnerships to develop innovative mobility platforms. By building on
evolving practices for employee tele-work and tailoring programs to encourage alternative
transportation when commute is necessary, the City can achieve substantial reductions in
commute vehicle miles traveled and related emissions.
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
The Employee Commute sector is a challenging, yet critical aspect of annual municipal GHG
emissions. Staff that live within and outside of San Luis Obispo overwhelmingly rely on single -
occupancy vehicle travel to report to work. This pattern can be attributed to the relatively far
distance between home and work for many out-of-town employees due to higher housing costs
in San Luis Obispo, the convenience of driving compared to other modes, perceived safety
compared to other modes, and cultural norms. Meaningful changes to the vehicle miles travelled
and commute mode chosen by employees will largely be based on behavioral change, over which
the City is able to exercise limited policy and program influence. Additionally, while the COVID-
19 pandemic has drastically reduced the number of employees physically reporting to work in
2020 and 2021, it is assumed that the transition back to in -person work could result in "business -
as -usual" commute habits.
In the commute emissions reduction strategy, staff are committed to utilizing equity -focused
incentives to encourage City employees to choose alternate modes and reduce overall vehicle
miles traveled. Work with staff in the Human Resources department will inform the planning
process to develop updated, long-term work -from -home policies that will allow flexibility for
employees to work remotely.
Page 768 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
GHG Reduction Actions
Table 3.3 shows the reduction measure actions developed by staff for the Employee Commute
sector. The table includes immediate actions that were completed during Phase I of the Lead by
Example planning and implementation process as well as those near and long-term actions
collaboratively developed by the Green Team. All actions within the 2021-23 Financial Plan period
are currently budgeted or scheduled and do not represent additional work tasks. Chapter 4
provides additional implementation information, including responsible departments.
Table 3.3. Employee Commute GHG reduction actions.
Reduction
Commute Immediate Action 1 Integrate "Lead by Example" into the Active
Transportation Plan.
E
Commute Immediate Action 2 Facilitate an initial meeting with San Luis Obispo
U
Council of Governments (SLOCOG) to expand iRideshare capabilities and leverage
"mobility as a service" for employee commute objectives.
Commute 1.1 Leverage updated work from home policies to provide VMT and provide
additional incentives for alternative transportation for field workers and shift workers.
Commute 1.2 Update TRIP program to reflect current Council priorities and
contemporary issues such as work from home, DEI, and electric vehicles.
Commute 1.3 Develop trip reduction program to show that the City holds itself to the
n
LL
same standards as current development and to reduce vehicle miles travelled.
co
N
Commute 1.4 Launch programs to increase employee access to bicycles (e.g.,
N
employee bike loan program).
Commute 1.5 Enhance/expand bus pass access to encourage alternate, low -carbon
transportation for commute purposes.
Commute 1.6 Explore mobility -as -a -service to connect employees with alternate, low -
carbon transportation for commute purposes.
Commute 1.7 Establish electric vehicle charging policy for personal vehicles at City
parking spaces to encourage use of EV's for commute purposes.
n
LL
N
Commute 2.1 Enhance access to trip reduction incentives for out-of-town employees
Nto
equitably advance the goal and objectives of the Employee Commute sector.
0
N
n
rnCommute
2.2 Evaluate staff commute habits and reevaluate strategic approach to
achieving sector objectives.
CD�
N N
Page 769 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Sector Emissions
The Employee Commute sector focuses on emissions from vehicle miles travelled (VMT) used
by City employees to travel to and from work. Figure 3.3 shows the business as usual scenario
for employee commute emissions compared to forecasted emissions as a result of implementing
the sector's emission reduction actions, described in the previous section. In 2025, Employee
Commute emissions are expected to decrease by 240 MTCO2e relative to "business as usual",
or approximately 34 percent. In 2030, emissions are expected to decrease by 350 MTCO2e
relative to "business as usual", or approximately 57 percent.
800
700
600
500
N
400
300
200
100
Figure 3.3. Employee Commute forecasted emissions.
I
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Year
Reduction Measure Forecast (MTCO2e) Business as Usual Forecast (MTCO2e)
20
Page 770 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Solid Waste
Strategy Overview
City facilities and operations produce a considerable volume GOAL: City buildings, facilities,
of annual solid waste, totaling about 280 tons in 2019. In and operations are zero waste as
terms of municipal operations GHG emissions, Solid Waste defined by the Zero Waste
represents approximately two percent of total emissions. International Alliance (ZWIA).
However, similar to Employee Commute, the Solid Waste OBJECTIVES:
sector presents an opportunity to develop and pilot waste
reduction programs and capital projects that can be 1. Achieve 90% reduction in
modeled by businesses and other organizations in the landscape waste.
community. The City has historically implemented 2. Achieve 90% reduction in
operations -based waste reduction policies consistent with office -based operation
state law and launched in -office programs that coincide with waste.
community programs, like the distribution of green waste bins across the organization.
The Utilities department is in a unique position to utilize its existing partnership with the Integrated
Waste Management Authority (IWMA) to scale community -based waste reduction initiatives for
municipal use. Lead by Example includes a strategic pathway to identify opportunities to enhance
and expand current waste reduction programs and policies through a waste reduction plan. By
implementing waste -reduction measures across City buildings and facilities and pursuing zero -
waste operations, the City can save money, cut emissions, and Lead by Example.2
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
Pursuing zero -waste operations poses various challenges and uncertainties. Notably, reducing
office -based waste is largely dependent on individual employee behavior. Even after the
infrastructure and policies are in place, employees must dispose of waste in the correct bin, follow
best practices, and develop new habits. This reality makes employee buy -in and education a
critical component of achieving our waste objectives.
The pathway to reducing waste will largely depend on the findings and recommendations of the
Municipal Waste Reduction Plan and Characterization Study (to be developed in FY 21-23). While
any waste diverted from a landfill is a success, reducing consumption first is the best approach to
minimize issues such as recycling contamination and green waste bin under -utilization.
2 The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) defines "zero waste" as "the conservation of all resources
by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and
materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or
human health." Lead by Example operationalizes this as a 90% reduction in landfilled waste.
21
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
GHG Reduction Actions
Table 3.4 shows the reduction measure actions developed by staff for the Solid Waste sector.
The table includes immediate actions that were completed during Phase I of the Lead by Example
planning and implementation process as well as those near and long-term actions collaboratively
developed with the Green Team. All actions within the 2021-23 Financial Plan period are currently
budgeted or scheduled and do not represent additional work tasks. Chapter 4 provides additional
implementation information, including responsible departments.
Table 3.4. Solid Waste GHG reduction actions.
ReductionStatus� GHG
2
Waste Immediate Action 1 Research and assess solution case studies for recycling
E
contamination in public spaces.
0
U
Waste 1.1 Hire a CivicSpark Fellow to support municipal zero waste goal.
Waste 1.2 Develop a Municipal Waste Reduction Plan & conduct municipal waste
characterization study to frame an approach to operations -wide solid waste reduction.
a
Waste 1.3 Adopt waste reduction and diversion ordinances to ensure consistency with
N
ordinance directives from the Integrated Waste Management Authority.
Waste 1.4 Survey office space throughout the City and assess opportunities to
optimize waste reduction through the TRUE certification program.
Waste 1.5 Develop & implement paper -free workplace policy to reduce paper waste
in office -based operations.
Waste 1.6 Initiate project to right -size existing waste bins to encourage appropriate
waste disposal across offices.
LO
o_
Waste 2.1 Implement Municipal Waste Reduction Plan to support the goal and
0 11
objectives of the Solid Waste sector.
N
n
rn
Waste 3.1 Continue implementing Municipal Waste Reduction Plan to support the
No c�
goal and objectives of the Solid Waste sector.
N N
Sector Emissions
The Solid Waste sector focuses on emissions from solid waste disposal as a result of City
operations. Figure 3.4 shows the business as usual scenario for solid waste emissions compared
to forecasted emissions as a result of implementing the sector's emission reduction actions,
Page 772 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
described in the previous section. In 2025, Solid Waste emissions are expected to decrease by
50 MTCO2e relative to "business as usual", or approximately 42 percent. In 2030, emissions are
expected to decrease by 110 MTCO2e relative to "business as usual", or approximately 92
percent.
140
120
m
0 80
U
7 60
40
20
Figure 3.4. Solid Waste forecasted emissions.
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Year
Reduction Measure Forecast (MTCO2e) tBusiness as Usual Forecast (MTCO2e)
2?
Page 773 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Wastewater
Strategy Overview
The City of San Luis Obispo owns and operates a major GOAL: The City minimizes direct
facility responsible for treating wastewater, the Water emissions from the provision of
Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). This facility and its wastewater to the maximum extent
processes use a significant amount of energy to power feasible.
equipment. Additionally, the WRRF is a source of direct
emissions in the form of biogas, which is a byproduct of the wastewater treatment process.
Operations at the WRRF are highly regulated and opportunities to reduce emissions and enhance
energy efficiency are constrained to allowable changes according to the regulatory agencies that
oversee wastewater recovery in the State of California and the County of San Luis Obispo. The
WRRF is currently undergoing an upgrade project that will replace the use of chemicals for
disinfection with UV technology. This project will reduce the negative environmental and
embodied GHG emission impacts of industrial chemicals and will result in greater onsite electricity
use.
Lead by Example includes a strategic pathway to identify opportunities for emissions reduction
actions within the existing regulatory framework that the WRRF operates. By strategically
pursuing onsite energy generation using digester biogas and exploring pathways to utilize
biosolids for local use, the City can capitalize on critical infrastructure in a strict regulatory
environment to reduce direct and indirect emissions.
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
Wastewater recovery is an essential function of the City. Critical services such as these operate
under strict regulatory standards which limit opportunities to pursue energy efficiency and other
climate actions. For example, new regulatory standards require the WRRF to phase -out it's
chemical disinfection processes and construct a more effective and less environmentally-
impactful technology (UV disinfection) that requires greater onsite energy use. By exploring the
feasibility of further enhancing onsite energy generation via the co -generation system paired with
battery storage, the City can potentially offset these increased energy needs while creating a
more resilient system overall. The WRRF is currently partnered with PG&E and the U.S.
Department of Energy in exploring opportunities for additional efficiency measures, including the
expansion of onsite energy production and optimization of existing and future facilities currently
under construction. Staff are committed to considering feasible avenues for reducing emissions
while maintaining high standards of operation.
GHG Reduction Actions
Table 3.5 shows the reduction measure actions developed by staff for the Wastewater sector.
The table includes immediate actions that were completed during Phase I of the Lead by Example
24
Page 774 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
planning and implementation process as well as those near and long-term actions collaboratively
developed with the Green Team. All actions within the 2021-23 Financial Plan period are currently
budgeted or scheduled and do not represent additional work tasks. Chapter 4 provides additional
implementation information, including responsible departments.
Table 3.5. Wastewater GHG reduction actions.
ReductionStatus GHG
m
Wastewater Immediate Action 1 Develop community engagement materials and
Q
E
outreach program for sewer lateral replacement policy.
0
U
Wastewater 1.1 Optimize onsite energy generation to reduce external energy demand
and subsequent electricity purchases.
n
coco
Wastewater 1.2 Continue to reduce inflow and infiltration into the wastewater
N
collection system through capital replacement of gravity sewer mains and private
N
sewer lateral programs, resulting in less wastewater to treat.
CD
Wastewater 1.3 Evaluate the potential for expanded onsite energy capture and
production through an ongoing partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy.
Sector Emissions
The Wastewater sector focuses on emissions from the wastewater treatment process. The energy
used to power the WRRF is included under the Building and Facility Energy sector. GHG
emissions estimates included in the 2019 Municipal GHG Inventory and Report are purely
informational, as staff are not confident that the calculation methods used are defensible.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Procurement, Budget,
and Finance
Strategy Overview
While activities related to Procurement, Purchasing, &
Finance are not directly quantified in the Municipal
Greenhouse Gas Inventory, this sector is of unique
importance due to its nexus with the other sectors. The
way the City spends money, by funding internal
projects and programs, investing, and entering into
vendor contracts has downstream impacts on
greenhouse gas emissions. The City has historically
integrated climate and sustainability considerations
into financial policy on an ad hoc basis per Council
direction, like the Municipal Code Environmentally
Preferred Purchasing Policy adoption in 1990 (updated
in 2015 and 2018).
GOAL: The City supports and
accelerates achieving the carbon
neutrality goal through procurement,
budget, investment, and finance
processes.
OBJECTIVES:
3. Establish sustainability criteria to
guide vendor selection and other
procurement activities.
4. Establish criteria to guide budget
development and selection of
CIPs.
5. Achieve 100% ESG investments
Lead by Example includes a strategic pathway to across the City's portfolio.
identify opportunities to formally integrate climate 6. Establish approach to enhancing
considerations across procurement, budgeting, and circularity in City procurement and
finance activities and pilot purchasing programs. operations.
Integrating climate considerations and priorities into the
City's financial operations serves as the foundation for the broader transition to carbon neutral
City operations across all sectors.
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
Currently, there are not strong case studies for how peer cities formally integrate quantitative
climate and sustainability metrics into financial decision -making processes. This space is rapidly
emerging as more municipalities aim to align financial policies and procedures with climate goals.
Staff have already begun integrating qualitative, high-level considerations and prompts into
purchasing and budget approval processes to frame the Council -adopted climate goal in the
context of financial activities. Staff are committed to considering opportunities to integrate climate
metrics broadly across financial activities and continuing to explore peer city case studies as the
emissions reduction strategy is implemented.
26
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
GHG Reduction Actions
Table 3.8 shows the reduction measure actions developed by staff for the Procurement, Budget,
and Finance sector. The table includes immediate actions that were completed during Phase I of
the Lead by Example planning and implementation process as well as those near and long-term
actions collaboratively developed with the Green Team. These actions are expected to result in
indirect emissions reductions and are therefore not included in the GHG emissions forecast. All
actions within the 2021-23 Financial Plan period are currently budgeted or scheduled and do not
represent additional work tasks. Chapter 4 provides additional implementation information,
including responsible departments.
Table 3.8. Procurement, Budget, and Finance GHG reduction actions.
ReductionStatus GHG
Procurement Immediate Action 1 Research and assess case studies on
green/sustainable budgeting at the municipal level.
_0
Procurement Immediate Action 2 Collect case studies from Green Cities California
2
(GCC) on draft purchase policy update.
a
o
Procurement Immediate Action 3 Adopt new policy focusing budget decisions on
v
sustainability, resilience, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Procurement Immediate Action 4 Update capital improvement project (CIP) intake
form to include carbon neutrality considerations.
Procurement 1.1 Develop and implement Capital Improvement Project (CIP)
climate and resilience quantification tool for 2023-25 FP to promote consistency
with Council -adopted climate goals for capital projects.
Procurement 1.2 Update and advance climate and equity budget approach for
n
2023-25 FP to promote consistency with Council -adopted climate goals for budget
U_
processes.
NProcurement
1.3 Update Environmentally Preferred section of Procurement Policy
N
and codify in the Municipal Code to reflect broader climate and sustainability
CD
considerations.
Procurement 1.4 Conduct pilot program with IT and consider updating IT strategic
plan regarding environmentally preferred equipment to identify/assess challenges
and opportunities with sustainable purchasing that can be scaled to other
operations and equipment.
LO
M n
Procurement 2.1 Develop and begin implementing Council -adopted sustainability
0 11
criteria for procurement contracts.
N
N U_
Procurement 3.1 Revisit janitorial contracts (amendment to request for proposal
N N
template & purchasing policy) to promote consistency with Council -adopted climate
N N
goals for janitorial products and services.
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LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Sector Emissions
The Procurement, Budget, and Finance sector is associated with indirect emissions not quantified
in the 2019 Municipal GHG Inventory and Report. Any emission reductions that will occur as a
result of implementation of emission reduction actions will also fall under indirect emissions and
are not currently quantifiable according to the Local Government Operations Protocol. Therefore,
staff did not estimate Procurement, Budget, and Finance sector emissions under a "business as
usual" or emission reduction measure scenario. The City recognizes the importance of taking
action within the sector despite not quantifying emissions, especially given the opportunity to "lead
by example" and implement highly replicable and scalable measures.
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Natural Solutions
Strategy Overview
The open space lands owned or managed by the City of
San Luis Obispo present a significant opportunity to
offset operational emissions via soil -based carbon
sequestration. Investment in the Urban Forest and
carbon farming in the City's Greenbelt can increase soil
carbon storage while benefitting the community through
the conservation of natural resources, maintenance of
ecosystem services, access to passive recreation
opportunities, and enhanced climate resilience.
Lead by Example includes a strategic pathway to build
on Natural Solutions foundational actions detailed in the
Climate Action Plan for Community Recovery to grow the
City's Greenbelt through conservation easements and
property acquisitions, implement targeted "carbon
farming" pilot projects, and expand the City's Urban
Forest system. The Natural Solutions sector allows the
City to demonstrate leadership in this emerging field,
support climate resilience, and enhance community well-
being.
GOAL: The City optimizes carbon
sequestration within the City's
Greenbelt and Urban Forest system.
OBJECTIVES:
1. The City has a healthy multi -
benefit Urban Forest system that
increases local carbon
sequestration.
2. The City open space and
Greenbelt support regenerative
agricultural practices and are
managed to sequester carbon,
where appropriate.
3. The City's landscape
management practices are
climate friendly and utilize
compost from the regional
anaerobic digester.
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities
Actions within the Natural Solutions sector need to be responsive to a changing climate. With the
frequency and intensity of extreme heat days and wildfire risk expected to increase over time,
many areas of San Luis Obispo will be left vulnerable. Specifically, when considering the
importance of tree cover to human health in cases of extreme heat, the co -benefits of a more
robust urban forest are apparent. Additionally, nature -based approaches to carbon sequestration
are a rapidly emerging field. Given uncertainty regarding methodology and the GHG sequestration
potential of "carbon farming," the City should remain flexible in pilot project implementation.
As the region anticipates more frequent extreme heat days, tree planting will be coordinated to
maximize cooling and energy efficiency benefits for the areas of San Luis Obispo with the least
tree cover and greatest expected heat intensity. The Urban Forest system expansion strategy
also includes considerations for tree species in order to ensure long-term tree success in a
changing climate. Staff are committed to being responsive to changing conditions and will
continuously seek opportunities to enhance climate adaptation and resilience co -benefits while
pursuing carbon sequestration activities.
29
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
GHG Reduction Actions
Table 3.6 shows the reduction measure actions developed by staff for the Natural Solutions
sector. The table includes actions that were included in the Climate Action Plan for Community
Recovery and those included in the 2021-23 Financial Plan. All actions within the 2021-23
Financial Plan period are currently budgeted or scheduled and do not represent additional work
tasks. Chapter 4 provides additional implementation information, including responsible
departments.
Table 3.6. Natural Solutions GHG reduction actions.
ReductionStatus GHG
Natural Solutions 1.1 Prepare the City's first Urban Forest Master Plan, to be
brought before City Council in 2022, including a comprehensive update of tree
inventory, assessment of tree canopy coverage, and implementation of an ongoing
tracking system.
Natural Solutions 1.2 Partner with ECOSLO and others in the community to support
the 10,000 Trees by 2035 goal through a tree planting and maintenance program.
Natural Solutions 1.3 Convene an inter -departmental staff team to assess and
provide recommendations for the Urban Forest Program's future role in advancing
sustainability goals and objectives.
U_
Natural Solutions 1.4 Identify a strategy for a prioritized replacement schedule for
N
downtown Ficus trees and begin implementation to ensure the long-term
preservation of the Downtown street tree canopy.
NNatural
Solutions 1.5 Develop a "Carbon Farm Plan" for the City's Johnson Ranch
Open Space and Calle Joaquin Agricultural Reserve ("City Farm") in 2021 to
strategically implement compost application.
Natural Solutions 1.6 Begin pilot implementation of compost application and
monitoring to implement the Carbon Farm Plans described in 1.5, above, beginning
in 2022 to advance carbon sequestration efforts.
Natural Solutions 1.7 Actively pursue opportunities to purchase open space lands
and permanent land conservation agreements in furtherance of the City's Greenbelt
Protection Program.
Natural Solutions 1.8 Explore opportunities to utilize regional green waste digester
compost for beneficial use across properties and operations.
Natural Solutions 2.1 Begin long-term implementation of "Carbon Farming"
practices to advance carbon sequestration efforts.
n
LO
Natural Solutions 2.2 Continue planting trees on an annual basis towards the
of 10,000 new trees by 2035 pending direction in the Urban Forest Master
coobjective
N
Plan.
CD
Natural Solutions 2.3 Launch pilot project to strategically phase -in regional green
waste digester compost for landscape management operations to promote
circularityand advance carbon sequestration efforts.
30
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Status GIHIG Reduction Action
NNatural Solutions 3.1 Continue planting trees on an annual basis towards the
N LL objective of 10,000 new trees by 2035 pending direction in the Urban Forest Master
CD N Plan to advance carbon sequestration efforts.
Sector Emissions
The Natural Solutions sector focuses on emissions reductions as a result of natural carbon
sequestration on City -owned properties. Table 3.7 shows the forecasted emissions reductions as
a result of implementing the sector's actions, described in the previous section.
Table 3.7. Natural Solutions forecasted emissions offsets.
Sector
2025
2030
Forecasted Emissions Offsets (MTCO2e)
1,790
2,000
3
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
4. ACHIEVING OUR GOALS
Administrative Actions
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
In addition to the sector specific actions in Chapter 3, the City commits to the following administrative actions to ensure active and effective
implementation of Lead by Example.
• Administrative Action 1: Lead by Example Update. The City will update Lead by Example every four years (concurrent with every other
Financial Plan). The City will synch the update with the Community Plan so that each plan is updated in an alternating fashion concurrent with
every Financial Plan.
• Administrative Action 2: Plan Monitoring and Reporting. The City will monitor and report implementation to City Council on a regular basis.
Action Implementation Matrix
The below table summarizes each action that the City is committed to pursuing as a part of Lead by Example, including the departments responsible
for implementing the action and the planned initiation period. Under the Responsible Department(s) column, departments that are bolded are the
primary lead for implementation and those that are not bolded have been identified as having a supportive role.
ResponsibleAction Description -. Initiation
Administrative Actions
The City will update Lead by Example every four years
Administrative Action 1:
(concurrent with every other Financial Plan). The City will
Lead by Example Update
synch the update with the Community Plan so that each plan
Office of Sustainability
Ongoing
is updated in an alternating fashion concurrent with every
Financial Plan.
Administrative Action 2:
Plan Monitoring and
The City will monitor and report implementation to City Council
Office of Sustainability
Ongoing
Reporting
on a regular basis.
Page 783 of 847
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LEAD BY EXAMPLE
ResponsibleAction Description
..
Energy
Energy Immediate Action
Initiate conversations with PG&E and The Energy Network to
Office of Sustainability,
explore on -bill financing opportunities for City buildings and
Public Works
Completed
facilities.
Energy Immediate Action
Review and propose edits for lawn & garden Request for
Office of Sustainability
Completed
2
Proposal
Initiate and complete Energy Master Plan to develop the
Energy 1.1
approach to decarbonization, comprehensive energy
Office of Sustainability,
2021-23
management, and efficiency across buildings and facilities.
Public Works
Energy 1.2
Complete On -Bill Financing Projects to retrofit buildings and
Public Works, Office of
2021-23
facilities.
Sustainability
Energy 1.3
Complete solar projects at SLO Swim Center, Transit Yard,
Public Works
2021-23
and Fire Station 1 to offset energy use at key facilities.
Energy 1.4
Complete battery storage project at the Water Treatment Plant
Utilities
2021-23
to promote resilience against power failure.
Energy 1.5
Continue ongoing and strategic efficiency improvements to
Public Works, Utilities
2021-23
advance the goal and objectives for the Energy sector.
Develop and pilot an energy monitoring and management
Energy 1.6
dashboard for Utilities Department to identify additional areas
Utilities
2021-23
for efficiency improvements and quantify the impact of existing
and future actions and consider scaling after pilot phase.
W
Page 784 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Description
ResponsibleAction
.
- Initiation
-..
Identify low or no cost energy efficiency improvements at the
Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) through
Energy 1.7
ongoing participation in energy efficiency studies with PG&E to
Utilities
2021-23
reduce energy demand and emissions for one of the City's
largest energy -consuming facilities.
Initiate implementation of Energy Master Plan, continue
Energy 2.1
priority retrofits, and initiate hard -to -reach retrofits to advance
Public Works, Office of
2023-25
decarbonization and energy management across buildings
Sustainability
and facilities.
Continue funding building retrofits and identifying and pursuing
Energy 2.2
innovative funding and financing mechanisms such as on -bill
Public Works
2023-25
financing.
Procure and manage facility -wide energy management
Energy 2.3
software and consider supportive staffing to target
Office of Sustainability,
2023-25
opportunities for retrofits and other energy efficiency
Public Works, Utilities
measures.
Energy 2.4
"Opt -up" to Coast Community Energy (3CE) Prime to
Office of Sustainability,
2023-25
oCentral
receive 100 /o renewable energy.
Public Works, Utilities
Continue implementing Energy Master Plan and continue
Energy 3.1
hard -to -reach retrofits to advance energy efficiency across
Public Works
2027-29
buildings and facilities.
Continue funding building retrofits and identifying and pursuing
Energy 3.2
innovative funding and financing mechanisms such as on -bill
Public Works
2027-29
financing.
Fleet
Support Fleet Replacement Policy update to include
Fleet Immediate Action 1
requirements for all -electric light duty fleet vehicles on
Office of Sustainability
Completed
replacement.
Fleet Immediate Action 2
Research and assess green fleet procurement case studies
Office of Sustainability
Completed
Page 785 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Action
EM
..
-. Initiation
_M"LDescription
-..
Fleet Immediate Action 3
Create GIS layer with locations of fleet parking and existing
Office of Sustainability
Completed
and planned EV chargers
Fleet 1.1
Expand EV charging infrastructure at strategic locations to
Public Works, Office of
2021-23
accommodate a growing EV fleet.
Sustainability
Fleet 1.2
Begin priority fleet electrification of light -duty vehicles to initiate
Public Works
2021-23
the transition to a zero -emissions fleet.
Continue to research funding sources for charging
Fleet 1.3
infrastructure and monitor best practices for zero emissions
Office of Sustainability,
2021-23
medium and heavy-duty vehicles to build the foundation for a
Public Works
future "hard to reach" fleet transition.
Advocate to Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) to fund a
Fleet 1.4
fleet electrification plan to advance the goal and objectives of
Office of Sustainability
2021-23
the Fleet sector.
Develop and begin implementing landscape management and
Public Works, Office of
Fleet 2.1
maintenance equipment transition plan to reduce fossil fuel
Sustainability
2023-25
use in maintenance equipment.
Launch landscape management pilot program to explore
Public Works, Office of
Fleet 2.2
feasibility and effectiveness of electric landscaping equipment
Sustainability
2023-25
ahead of a broader transition.
Expand charging infrastructure for electric landscaping
Fleet 2.3
equipment and other electric/hybrid equipment to
Public Works
2023-25
accommodate a growing electric equipment fleet.
Fleet 2.4
Explore feasibility of backup power generation transition plan
Office of Sustainability,
2023-25
to reduce fossil fuel use in backup power generation.
Public Works
Page 786 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Description
ResponsibleAction
.
- Initiation
-..
Develop onsite solar offsets for charging needs to prevent
Office of Sustainability,
Fleet 2.5
increased energy demand and subsequent electricity
Public Works
2023-25
purchases.
Develop plan for charging `hard to electrify" light duty vehicles
Public Works, Office of
Fleet 2.6
(e.g., police cruisers), medium duty vehicles, and heavy-duty
Sustainability
2023-25
vehicles and install infrastructure as feasible.
Implement landscape management and maintenance
Public Works, Office of
Fleet 3.1
equipment transition plan to advance the goal and objectives
Sustainability
2027-29
of the Fleet sector.
Fleet 3.2
Initiate backup power generation transition plan to advance
Public Works
2027-29
the goal and objectives of the Fleet sector.
Begin or continue transition to zero emissions medium and
Fleet 3.3
heavy-duty fleet vehicles to support the goal and objectives of
Public Works
2025-29
the Fleet sector.
Procure vehicles for Police Department as identified in the FY
Fleet 3.4
2025-26 Capital Improvement Project Budget to support the
Public Works
2025-29
goal and objectives of the Fleet sector.
Commute
Commute Immediate
Integrate "Lead by Example" into the Active Transportation
Office of Sustainability
Completed
Action 1
Plan.
Facilitate initial meeting with San Luis Obispo Council of
Commute Immediate
Governments (SLOCOG) to expand iRideshare capabilities
"mobility
Office of Sustainability
Completed
Action 2
and leverage as a service" for employee commute
objectives.
Page 787 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Description
ResponsibleAction
..
Leverage updated work from home policies to provide VMT
Human Resources, Office
Commute 1.1
and provide additional incentives for alternative transportation
of Sustainability
2021-23
for field workers and shift workers.
Update TRIP program to reflect current Council priorities and
Human Resources, Office
Commute 1.2
contemporary issues such as work from home, DEI, and
of Sustainability, Public
2021-23
electric vehicles.
Works
Develop trip reduction program to show that the City holds
Public Works, Office of
Commute 1.3
itself to the same standards as current development and to
Sustainability
2021-23
reduce vehicle miles travelled.
Commute 1.4
Launch programs to increase employee access to bicycles
Office of Sustainability,
2021-23
(e.g., employee bike loan program).
Public Works, Finance
Commute 1.5
Enhance/expand bus pass access to encourage alternate,
Public Works
2021-23
low -carbon transportation for commute purposes.
Commute 1.6
Explore mobility -as -a -service to connect employees with
Office of Sustainability,
2021-23
alternate, low -carbon transportation for commute purposes.
Public Works
Establish electric vehicle charging policy for personal vehicles
Public Works, Office of
Commute 1.7
at City parking spaces to encourage use of EV's for commute
Sustainability, Finance
2021-23
purposes.
Enhance access to trip reduction incentives for out-of-town
Human Resources, Office
Commute 2.1
employees to equitably advance the goal and objectives of the
of Sustainability, Public
2023-25
Employee Commute sector.
Works
Evaluate staff commute habits and reevaluate strategic
Human Resources, Office
2023-25
Commute 2.2
approach to achieving sector objectives.
of Sustainability, Public
Works
Solid Waste
Waste Immediate Action 1
Research and assess solution case studies for recycling
Office of Sustainability
Completed
contamination in public spaces.
Waste 1.1
Hire a CivicSpark Fellow to support municipal zero waste goal.
Utilities
2021-23
is
Page 788 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Description
ResponsibleAction
..
Develop a Municipal Waste Reduction Plan & conduct
Waste 1.2
municipal waste characterization study to frame an approach
Utilities
2021-23
to operations -wide solid waste reduction.
Adopt waste reduction and diversion ordinances to ensure
Waste 1.3
consistency with ordinance directives from the Integrated
Utilities
2021-23
Waste Management Authority.
Survey office space throughout the City and assess
Waste 1.4
opportunities to optimize waste reduction through the TRUE
Utilities
2021-23
certification program.
Waste 1.5
Develop & implement paper -free workplace policy to reduce
Utilities
2021-23
paper waste in office -based operations.
Waste 1.6
Initiate project to right -size existing waste bins to encourage
Utilities
2021-23
appropriate waste disposal across offices.
Waste 2.1
Implement Municipal Waste Reduction Plan to support the
Utilities
2023-25
goal and objectives of the Solid Waste sector.
Waste 3.1
Continue implementing Municipal Waste Reduction Plan to
Utilities
2027-29
support the goal and objectives of the Solid Waste sector.
Wastewater
Wastewater Immediate
Develop community engagement materials and outreach
Utilities, Office of
Completed
Action 1
program for sewer lateral replacement policy.
Sustainability
Wastewater 1.1
Optimize onsite energy generation to reduce external energy
Utilities
2021-23
demand and subsequent electricity purchases.
W
Page 789 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Action
Description '
Responsible
Planned Initiation
-..
Continue to reduce inflow and infiltration into the wastewater
Wastewater 1.2
collection system through capital replacement of gravity sewer
Utilities
2021-23
mains and private sewer lateral programs, resulting in less
wastewater to treat.
Evaluate the potential for expanded onsite energy capture and
Wastewater 1.3
production through an ongoing partnership with the U.S.
Utilities
2021-23
Department of Energy.
Procurement
Procurement Immediate
Research and assess case studies on green/sustainable
Office of Sustainability
Completed
Action 1
budgeting at municipal level.
Procurement Immediate
Collect case studies from Green Cities California (GCC) on
Office of Sustainability
Completed
Action 2
draft purchase policy update.
Procurement Immediate
Adopt new policy focusing budget decisions on sustainability,
Office of Sustainability
Completed
Action 3
resilience, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Procurement Immediate
Update capital improvement project (CIP) intake form to
Office of Sustainability
Completed
Action 4
include carbon neutrality considerations.
Develop and implement Capital Improvement Project (CIP)
Procurement 1.1
climate and resilience quantification tool for 2023-25 FP to
Office of Sustainability,
2021-23
promote consistency with Council -adopted climate goals for
Finance, Public Works
capital projects.
Page 790 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Description
ResponsibleAction
..
Update and advance climate and equity budget approach for
Office of Sustainability,
Procurement 1.2
2023-25 FP to promote consistency with Council -adopted
Finance
2021-23
climate goals for budget processes.
Update Environmentally Preferred section of Procurement
Finance, Office of
Procurement 1.3
Policy and codify in the Municipal Code to reflect broader
Sustainability
2021-23
climate and sustainability considerations.
Conduct pilot program with IT and consider updating IT
strategic plan regarding environmentally preferred equipment
Finance, Information
Procurement 1.4
to identify/assess challenges and opportunities with
Technology, Office of
2021-23
sustainable purchasing that can be scaled to other operations
Sustainability
and equipment.
Procurement 2.1
Develop and begin implementing Council -adopted
Finance
2023-25
sustainability criteria for procurement contracts.
Revisit janitorial contracts (amendment to request for proposal
Procurement 3.1
template & purchasing policy) to promote consistency with
Finance
2025-27
Council -adopted climate goals for janitorial products and
services.
Natural Solutions
Prepare the City's first Urban Forest Master Plan, to be
brought before City Council in 2022, including a
Public Works and Office
Natural Solutions 1.1
comprehensive update of tree inventory, assessment of tree
of Sustainability,
2021-23
canopy coverage, and implementation of an ongoing tracking
system.
Partner with ECOSLO and others in the community to support
Natural Solutions 1.2
the 10,000 Trees by 2035 goal through a tree planting and
Office of Sustainability
2021-23
maintenance program.
41
Page 791 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Action
Description '
Responsible
Planned Initiation
-..
Convene an interdepartmental staff team to assess and
Public Works and Office
Natural Solutions 1.3
provide recommendations for the Urban Forest Program's
of Sustainability
2021-23
future role in advancing sustainability goals and objectives.
Identify a strategy for a prioritized replacement schedule for
Public Works, Office of
Natural Solutions 1.4
downtown Ficus trees and begin implementation to ensure the
Sustainability
2021-23
long-term preservation of the Downtown street tree canopy.
Develop a "Carbon Farm Plan" for the City's Johnson Ranch
Natural Solutions 1.5
Open Space and Calle Joaquin Agricultural Reserve ("City
Office of Sustainability
2021-23
Farm") in 2021 to strategically implement compost application.
Begin pilot implementation of compost application and
Natural Solutions 1.6
monitoring to implement the Carbon Farm Plans described in
Office of Sustainability,
2021-23
1.5, above, beginning in 2022 to advance carbon
Parks & Recreation
sequestration efforts.
Actively pursue opportunities to purchase open space lands
Natural Solutions 1.7
and permanent land conservation agreements in furtherance
Office of Sustainability
2021-23
of the City's Greenbelt Protection Program.
Natural Solutions 1.8
Explore opportunities to utilize regional green waste digester
Office of Sustainability,
Public Works, Parks &
2021-23
compost for beneficial use across properties and operations.
Recreation
Natural Solutions 2.1
Begin long-term implementation of "Carbon Farming" practices
Office of Sustainability
2023-25
to advance carbon sequestration efforts.
Continue planting trees on an annual basis towards the
Natural Solutions 2.2
objective of 10,000 new trees by 2035 pending direction in the
Office of Sustainability
2023-25
Urban Forest Master Plan to advance carbon sequestration
efforts.
Page 792 of 847
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
ResponsibleAction Description -..
Launch pilot project to strategically phase -in regional green Office of Sustainability,
Natural Solutions 2.3 waste digester compost for landscape management Public Works, Parks & 2023-25
operations to promote circularity and advance carbon Recreation
sequestration efforts.
Continue planting trees on an annual basis towards the
Natural Solutions 3.1 objective of 10,000 new trees by 2035 pending direction in the Office of Sustainability 2027-29
Urban Forest Master Plan to advance carbon sequestration
efforts.
43
Page 793 of 847
Page 794 of 847
Draft Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Appendix A — Municipal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
A Plan for Carbon Neutral Municipal
Operations
17:7_1 1 1
Appendix A: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Inventory and Forecast
Page 795 of 847
Draft Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Appendix A — Municipal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
Page 796 of 847
Draft Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Appendix A - Municipal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
CONTENTS
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Municipal GHG Inventory Overview.................................................................................. 1
1.2 2005 Municipal GHG Inventory ......................................................................................... 2
1.3 2019 Municipal GHG Inventory ......................................................................................... 2
2. Building & Facility energy....................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Municipal Energy Sector Overview................................................................................... 4
2.2 Inventory Data and Methods............................................................................................. 4
2.2.1 Electricity................................................................................................................... 4
2.2.2 Natural Gas - Direct Emissions.................................................................................67
2.2.3 Natural Gas - Fugitive Emissions.............................................................................. 8
2.3 Total Energy GHG Emissions........................................................................................... 8
3. Fleet..................................................................................................................................1044-
3.1 Fleet Sector Overview.................................................................................................1044
3.2 Inventory Data and Methods........................................................................................1044
3.2.1 Gasoline................................................................................................................1044
3.2.2 Renewable Diesel and Biodiesel...........................................................................1142
3.3 Total Fleet GHG Emissions.........................................................................................124-3
4. Employee Commute..........................................................................................................134-4
4.1 Employee Commute Sector Overview.........................................................................134-4
4.2 Inventory Data and Methods........................................................................................134-4
4.3 Total Employee Commute GHG Emissions.................................................................1647
5. Wastewater...........................................................................................................................18
5.1 Wastewater Sector Overview...........................................................................................18
5.2 Inventory Data and Methods............................................................................................18
5.2.1 Stationary CHa from Incomplete Combustion of Digester Gas...................................18
5.2.2 Process N20 Emissions from Wastewater Treatment with Nitrification/Denitrification19
5.2.3 Other Wastewater Treatment Emissions...............................................................204-9
5.2.43. Potable Water Emissions...................................................................................204-9
5.3 Total Wastewater GHG Emissions...................................................................................20
6. Solid waste...........................................................................................................................21
4.1 Solid Waste Sector Overview..........................................................................................21
4.2 Updated Inventory Data and Methods.............................................................................21
4.3 Total Solid Waste GHG Emissions..................................................................................22
7. Forecast................................................................................................................................24
8. Areas for improvement.......................................................................................................26
City of San Luis Obispo
Page 797 of 847
Draft Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Appendix A — Municipal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
Listof Abbreviations..............................................................................................................27
City of San Luis Obispo
Page 798 of 847
Draft Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Appendix A — Municipal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1. San Luis Obispo municipal GHG emissions(2005)................................................... 2
Table 1.2. San Luis Obispo municipal GHG emissions(2019)...................................................
3
Table 2.1. Municipal electricity activity data, 2005-2019 (kWh) ..................................................
5
Table 2.3. Community natural gas activity data, 2005-2019 (Therms) ........................................
7
Table 2.4. Local Government Operations Protocol (LGOP) natural gas carbon dioxide equivalent.
..................................................................................................................................................
7
Table 2.5. Municipal Natural Gas GHG estimates, 2005-2019(MTCO2e).................................
87-
Table 2.6. Energy GHG emissions, 2005-2019(MTCO2e)........................................................98
Table 3.1. 2005 and 2019 gasoline use (gallons)......................................................................10
Table 3.2. Gasoline emissions factor (MTCO2e/gallon).............................................................10
Table 3.3. 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions for gasoline use(MTCO2e).................................1140
Table 3.4. 2005 and 2019 diesel use (gallons)..........................................................................11
Table 3.5. Diesel emissions factors (MTCO2e/gallon)................................................................11
Table 3.6. 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions for diesel use(MTCO2e).........................................12
Table 3.7. Total fleet GHG emissions(MTCO2e).......................................................................12
Table 4.1 2005 and 2019 total VMT per vehicle classification for combined single -occupancy and
carpoolmodes..........................................................................................................................14
Table 4.2 2005 and 2019 total VMT for vanpool........................................................................14
Table 4.4 2005 and 2019 total VMT for single -occupancy, carpool, and vanpool modes ...........
14
Table 4.4 2005 and 2019 emissions factors by vehicle classification for single -occupancy and
carpooltrips..............................................................................................................................15
Table 4.5 2005 and 2019 emissions factors for vanpool............................................................15
Table 4.6 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions per vehicle classification for single -occupancy and
carpool(MTCO2e)....................................................................................................................16
Table 4.7 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions for vanpool..............................................................16
Table 4.8 Total employee commute GHG emissions(MTCO2e)...............................................17
Table 5.1 Stationary CH4 from Incomplete Combustion of Digester Gas equation....................19
Table 5.2 2019 total GHG emissions from wastewater treatment processes .............................20
Table 4.1. City solid waste activity data, 2008-2019 (Disposal Ton)..........................................21
Table 4.2. Full-time employee (FTE) factor used to calculate 2019 annual solid waste disposal
tonnage.....................................................................................................................................22
City of San Luis Obispo
Page 799 of 847
Draft Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Appendix A — Municipal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
Table 4.7. Total solid waste disposed emissions(MTCO2e)......................................................23
Table 7.1. BAU forecasted GHG emissions, 2005-2030(MTCO2e)...........................................24
City of San Luis Obispo
Page 800 of 847
Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan
Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.2. Total municipal electricity activity data and GHG estimates, 2006-2019................... 6
Figure 2.3. Energy GHG emissions, 2005-2016(MTCOze)........................................................ 9
Figure 4.1. Total City solid waste (Disposal Ton)..................................................................2220
City of San Luis Obispo
Page 801 of 847
Public Review Draft Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Municipal GHG Inventory Overview
In 2020, the City of San Luis Obispo (City) adopted the City of San Luis Obispo Climate Action
Plan for Community Recovery (CAP). The CAP provides a pathway to achieve community carbon
neutrality by 2035 while also advancing equity initiatives and accelerating the transition to a green
local economy as the community recovers from the COVID-19 crisis. The CAP consists of six
greenhouse gas (GHG) sector related pillars including Clean Energy, Green Buildings, Connected
Community, Circular Economy, Natural Solutions, and Lead by Example.
The Lead by Example pillar's goals included achieving carbon neutral government operations by
2030 and adopting a carbon neutral municipal operations plan (now titled Lead by Example: A
Plan for Carbon Neutral Municipal Operations) by July 2021. Although the City's operational
emissions are only approximately 1.5% of community emissions, the Lead by Example pillar is
important because it allows the City to illustrate the feasibility, challenges, and benefits of pursuing
and achieving carbon neutral operations.
A GHG inventory and forecast is the technical foundation of any GHG emissions reduction plan.
The City prepared an updated 2005 baseline municipal GHG emissions inventory and a 2019
"check -in" emissions inventory update compliant with relevant protocols and guidance documents
including the Local Government Operations Protocol. The Local Government Operations Protocol
is the national standard for identifying sectors, quantifying, and reporting emissions from
operational activities and assets. Consistent with the Local Government Operations Protocol's
Scope 1 and Scope 2' emissions sectors, this inventory includes emissions from the use of
electricity, onsite fuel combustion (i.e., natural gas), energy used for water and wastewater
conveyance and treatment, on -road vehicles, and generation of solid-waste.2 This report presents
a summary of the updated 2005 GHG emissions, details the 2019 municipal operations GHG
inventory completed in 2021, and provides emissions forecasts for 2025 and 2030.3
Greenhouse gas emissions are not measured directly. They are modeled and estimated by
multiplying data about some activity (e.g., the amount of electricity consumed, the number of miles
travelled in fossil fuel powered vehicles, the tons of solid waste sent to the landfill, etc.) by the
greenhouse gas emission content of a typical unit of that activity (e.g., the average greenhouse
gas emissions content per therm of combusted natural gas). This inventory accounts for three
common greenhouse gasses: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N20).
Since methane and nitrous oxide are substantially more potent greenhouse gases than carbon
Scope 1 covers all direct emissions from City -owned property and assets, with the exception of direct CO2
from biogenic sources. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions associated with the consumption of purchased
or acquired electricity, steam, heating, or cooling. More information can be found at
https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/protocols/localgov/pubs/Igo protocol v1 1 2010-05-03.pdf.
2 The electricity and natural gas sectors of the City's GHG inventory include energy used to convey and
treat water.
3 Due to lagging data availability, 2019 is the most recent year for complete GHG inventory data. Annual
inventory updates will occur beginning in 2021. Where more current information is available by sector, it is
provided in this report.
City of San Luis Obispo Page A-1
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Public Review Draft Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
dioxide (86 and 265 times more potent, respectively), the emissions modeled from their release
into the atmosphere are multiplied by their respective potential to warm the atmosphere relative
to CO2. The common reporting unit for greenhouse gas emissions is "Metric Tons of Carbon
Dioxide Equivalence", or MTCO2e.
1.2 2005 Municipal GHG Inventory
In 2020-21, the City prepared a municipal operations inventory of GHG emissions for the 2005
calendar year. City municipal operations total 2005 baseline GHG emissions are estimated to be
6,730 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e). The inventory includes Building and
Facility Energy, Fleet, Employee Commute and Solid Waste sectors4. Of the four sectors, Building
& Facility Energy contributes the largest amount of GHG emissions with estimated emissions of
3,550 MTCO2e or 53 percent of the total municipal emissions. The second largest sector is Fleet
with estimated emissions of 2,250 MTCO2e or 33 percent of the total City emissions. The third
largest sector is Employee Commute with estimated emissions of 810 MTCO2e or 12 percent.
The Solid Waste sector makes up the remaining two percent of the total city operations emissions.
Table 1.1 presents the updated estimated 2005 GHG emissions by sector and their percent of
total emissions.
Table 1.1. San Luis Obispo municipal GHG emissions (2005).
Sector
Subsector
Subsector
MTCO2e
Sector
MTCO2e
Sector Percent
of Total
Energy
Municipal electricity use
2,830
3,550
53%
Municipal natural gas use
720
Fleet
Fleet gasoline
730
2,250
33%
Fleet diesel
1,520
Employee
Commute
810
12%
Solid Waste
120
2%
Total
6,730
100%
1.3 2019 Municipal GHG Inventory
Table 1.2 provides the 2019 GHG emissions inventory results. In 2019, total municipal GHG
emissions are estimated to be 5,100 MTCO2e. As in 2005, Building and Facility Energy is the
largest contributor, with an estimated 2,130 MTCO2e or 42 percent of the total operational
emissions. Fleet is the second largest sector with 2,090 MTCO2e or 41 percent of the total
operational emissions. The third largest sector is Employee Commute with estimated emissions
of 730 MTCO2e or 14 percent. The Solid Waste sector makes up the remaining two percent of
the total city operations emissions.
4 Staff also calculated direct process emissions from wastewater treatment, but they are not included in
total estimated emissions for 2005 or 2019 due to indefensible methods. Estimated emissions for these
processes are included in the Wastewater section as an informational item.
City of San Luis Obispo Page A-2
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Public Review Draft Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
Table 1.2. San Luis Obispo municipal GHG emissions (2019).
Sector
Subsector
Subsector
Sector
Sector Percent
MTCO2e
MTCO2e
of Total
Municipal electricity use
1,310
Energy
2,130
0
42 /o
Municipal natural gas use
820
Fleet gasoline
660
Fleet
2,090
41 %
Fleet diesel
1,430
Employee
--
730
14%
Commute
Solid Waste
--
120
3%
Total
5,070
100%
1.3 GHG Inventory Comparison
Between baseline year 2005 and inventory year 2019, municipal operations GHG emissions
decreased by 1,660 MTCO2e, or approximately 25 percent. This reduction in annual emissions
can be attributed to a variety of energy efficiency projects that were implemented by the City, and
the gradual reduction in greenhouse gas intensity of the electricity grid. Figure 1.1 shows the total
inventoried greenhouse gas emissions for calendar years 2005 and 2019.
QUIR
2019
Figure 1.1 Total municipal GHG emissions, 2005 and 2019.
1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000
MTCO2e
City of San Luis Obispo Page A-3
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Public Review Draft Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
2. BUILDING &
FACILITY ENERGY
2.1 Municipal Energy Sector Overview
This section presents the 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions for the Building & Facility Energy sector,
which includes emissions generated from electricity and natural gas use that has occurred as a
result of municipal operations.
2.2 Inventory Data and Methods
This section provides municipal electricity and natural gas activity data and emissions estimates
for the baseline years of 2005 and 2019. Emissions estimates are calculated by multiplying the
activity data (kWh for electricity and therms for natural gas) by an emissions coefficient provided
by the utility or from the Local Government Operations Protocol.
2.2.1 Electricity
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Company provides municipal operations electricity data upon
request from City staff. Between 2005 and 2019, annual electricity activity decreased by
2,839,970 kWh, or 23 percent. Between 2013 and 2019, the City implemented a number of energy
efficiency projects across municipal buildings and facilities, including key street lighting retrofits,
which is reflected in decreases in activity data. Activity data for calendar year 2017 was not
provided in its entirety by PG&E and is not included in this data set.
To calculate GHG emissions, an emissions factor is applied to the activity data. PG&E staff
provided CO2 emissions factors via a City staff request. Due to changes in PG&E's energy
portfolio (and particularly an increase in renewable energy supplies), the 2019 emissions factor
is approximately 40 percent lower than the 2005 factor.
Table 2.1 provides the activity data, emissions factor, and GHG emissions from municipal
electricity use from 2005 to 2019. During this time, electricity related GHG emissions decreased
by 1,520 MTCO2e, or approximately 54 percent. Staff attribute this decrease in energy use activity
data and GHG emissions to widespread facility efficiency projects beginning in 2013, including
streetlight LED retrofits and the integration of an onsite co -generation system at the Water
Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). Coupled with the observed decrease in electricity activity
data as explained above, decreasing emissions intensity for electricity (activity data for calendar
year 2017 was not provided in its entirety by PG&E, so annual MTCO2e was not calculated for
that year).
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Table 2.1. Municipal electricity activity data, 2005-2019 (kWh).
Year
Annual Activity Data
(kWh2005
MTCOze/kWh
Total (MTCOze)
12,615,160
0.000224
2,830
2006
13,235,010
0.000208
2,770
2007
13,547,430
0.000290
3,940
2008
13,524,290
0.000292
3,960
2009
13,821,810
0.000262
3,630
2010
13,157,170
0.000203
2,680
2011
11,219,720
0.000179
2,020
2012
11,877,650
0.000203
2,420
2013
13,924,720
0.000195
2,720
2014
12,766,050
0.000198
2,540
2015
12,098,390
0.000185
2,240
2016
10,888,880
0.000135
1,470
2017
--
--
--
2018
10,341,149
0.000134
1,390
2019
9,775,190
0.000134
1,310
Figure 2.1 illustrates GHG and kWh activity data between 2005 and 2019. It is important to note
that while overall electricity use has been steadily decreasing, GHG emissions have been more
variable due to changes in PG&E's power portfolio and the related carbon intensity of the
electricity it supplies.
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Figure 2.1. Total municipal electricity activity data and GHG estimates, 2006-2019.
16,000,000 4,500
14,000,000 4,000
12,000,000 3,500
10,000,000 3,000
2,500
8,000,000
2,000
6,000,000
1,500
4,000,000 1,000
2,000,000 500
0 0
2005 2010 2015 2020
tkWh MTCO2e
2.2.2 Utilities Electricity
The above total electricity data for the City of San Luis Obispo is tied to two major funding sources:
the General Fund and the Utilities Fund. The Utilities Fund includes electricity use for the
conveyance and treatment of potable drinking water and wastewater. Based on research from
staff, it is estimated that approximately 65 percent of total City electricity use can be attributed to
critical services related to water and wastewater within the Utilities Fund. In future Lead by
Example updates, staff commit to working with the Utilities Department to utilize the in -
development Utilities energy management dashboard to gain a deeper understanding of
electricity use associated with these critical services and more clearly communicate how energy
is used across City operations.
To source potable drinking water, the City actively manages a portfolio of reservoirs that are either
owned by the City or partner agencies and jurisdictions. The amount of water conveyed from a
given source at any time depends on a variety of factors that are overseen by the Utilities
Department. While electricity use associated with pumping at the City -owned Whale Rock
reservoir is included in this inventory, pumping at the Nacimiento and Salinas reservoirs are
considered out of scope as they are not owned by the City and are simultaneously utilized by
other jurisdictions. As new operational emissions reporting protocols emerge, staff will consider
including electricity use from these secondary reservoirs in future inventory updates.
2.2.3 Natural Gas — Direct Emissions
Natural gas is primarily composed of methane and includes very small amounts of ethane,
propane, butane, pentane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. When natural gas is combusted, most
of the methane becomes carbon dioxide and water. Traditionally, greenhouse gas emissions
inventories account for the emissions that occur as the result of the onsite combustion of natural
gas. However, some of the un-combusted gas escapes as fugitive methane. Southern California
Gas Company (SoCalGas) provides natural gas utility services to the City. Table 2.3 provides the
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natural gas activity data in therms from 2005-2019. Activity data for calendar years 2008 through
2013 was not provided by SoCal Gas and is not included in this data set.
Table 2.3. Community natural gas activity data, 2005-2019 (Therms).
Year
Total
2005
133,607
2006
193,517
2007
160,264
2008-2013
Data Not Available
2014
182,045
2015
130,865
2016
149,676
2017
154,877
2018
145,790
2019
154,125
Just as with electricity, GHG emissions are estimated from activity data by applying an emission
coefficient to the activity data. Table 2.4 shows the emission coefficient for converting therms of
natural gas combusted on -site to MTCO2e. Unlike electricity, the inventory assumes no changes
in the carbon intensity of combusting natural gas in any given year, as the chemical composition
of combusted natural gas does not substantially vary from year to year.
Table 2.4. Local Government Operations Protocol (LGOP) natural gas carbon dioxide
equivalent.
Greenhouse Gas
MTCO2e/Therm
CO2
0.005310
CHa
0.000043
N2O
0.000003
CO2e
0.005320
Table 2.5 provides GHG emissions estimates in MTCO2e for natural gas consumption in the
agency from 2005-2019. As noted in the natural gas activity data, there was a total increase in
natural gas -related emissions of approximately 13 percent. Activity data for calendar years 2008
through 2013 was not provided by SoCal Gas annual MTCO2e was not calculated for those years.
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Table 2.5. Municipal Natural Gas GHG estimates, 2005-2019 (MTCOze).
Year
Total (MTCO2e)
2005
720
2006
1,040
2007
860
2008-2013
Data Not Available
2014
970
2015
700
2016
800
2017
830
2018
780
2019
820
2.2.3 Natural Gas — Fugitive Emissions
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and 86 times stronger than carbon dioxide over a 20-year
time period in the atmosphere. As more is learned about the total natural gas system leakage rate
from well head, through the transmission system, to the distributions system, and at the end use,
it is becoming clear that fugitive methane emissions from the usage of natural gas is a critical
component of the climate crisis. Staff is currently working with technical experts to identify a
defensible method for estimating these emissions. Although not included in this report, they will
likely be included in future reports and are expected to substantially increase the emissions profile
of natural gas consumption.
2.3 Total Energy GHG Emissions
Table 2.6 and Figure 2.2 show the total energy related GHG emissions from electricity and natural
gas. Between 2005 and 2019, total energy related GHG emissions decreased by approximately
39 percent. Note that Figure 2.2 provides total energy sector emissions with a dark line; the
dashed line indicates a total emissions estimate necessitated by missing data.
As described in the above sub -sections, the net decrease in energy related GHG emissions
between 2005 and 2019 can be attributed to a decrease in electricity consumption because of
wide-ranging energy efficiency projects. The electricity emissions factor for PG&E also decreased
by nearly half between 2005 and 2019 due to a reduced carbon intensity of grid -sourced
electricity. Natural gas use showed a slight total increase between 2005 and 2019 but remained
relatively stable, and the natural gas emissions factor stayed consistent. These combined factors
resulted in a significant decrease in energy GHG emissions in 2019 compared to the baseline
year of 2005.
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Table 2.6. Energy GHG emissions, 2005-2019 (MTCO2e).
Year
Electricity
Natural Gas
Total
2005
2,830
720
3,550
2006
2,770
1,040
3,810
2007
3,940
860
4,800
2008
3,960
--
--
2009
3,630
--
--
2010
2,680
--
--
2011
2,020
--
--
2012
2,420
--
--
2013
2,720
--
--
2014
2,540
970
3,510
2015
2,240
700
2,940
2016
1,470
800
2,270
2017
--
830
--
2018
1,390
780
2,170
2019
1,310
820
2,130
Figure 2.2. Energy GHG emissions, 2005-2016 (MTCO2e).
6,OOC
5,000
4,000
a�
N
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
2004
2006 2008 2010 2012
Year
2014 2016 2018 2020
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3. FLEET
3.1 Fleet Sector Overview
This section presents 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions for the Fleet sector and includes emissions
from all on -road trips (including cars, trucks, buses, etc.) and the use of maintenance equipment
that have occurred as a result of City operations.
3.2 Inventory Data and Methods
This section provides updated activity data and an emissions estimate for baseline year 2005 and
activity data and an emissions estimate for 2019. The inventory utilizes gasoline and diesel fuel
usage data sourced from the Public Works Department's third -party fleet management system,
AssetWorks, as activity data for each year. Data for transit and fire vehicles were transmitted via
email from department staff.
3.2.1 Gasoline
Staff from the Public Works department provided activity data for the total gallons of gasoline
used in calendar year 2005 and 2019. Table 3.1 shows the activity data for gasoline used in 2005
and 2019 (gallons).
Table 3.1. 2005 and 2019 gasoline use (gallons).
Year
Gasoline (gallons)
2005
83,440
2019
75,570
To calculate total GHG emissions, an emissions factor is applied to activity data. Table 3.2 shows
the gasoline emissions factor CO2e. The emissions factor was provided by The Climate Registry's
2019 Default Emission Factor Report. Emissions factors for fuels have been relatively static over
time, so a single emissions factor is used for both 2005 and 2019 activity data.
Table 3.2. Gasoline emissions factor (MTCO2e/gallon).
Fuel Type MTCO2e/gallon
Gasoline 0.00878
The emissions factor was applied to gasoline activity data to calculate the GHG emissions for
gasoline in 2005 and 2019, as shown in table 3.3.
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Table 3.3. 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions for gasoline use (MTCO2e).
Year
MTCO2e
2005
730
2019
660
3.2.2 Renewable Diesel and Biodiesel
The City's Public Works Department uses a diesel blend of 90 percent renewable diesel and 10
percent biodiesel. The Public Works department began using this renewable and biodiesel blend
in 2017. Both renewable and biodiesel are petroleum -free alternatives to conventional diesel
sourced from renewable feedstocks such as fats and oils5. The production processes for
renewable diesel results in a fuel composition that mimics that of conventional diesel. This makes
the fuel ideal as a drop -in replacement for conventional diesel uses like heavy-duty fleet vehicles.
While biodiesel produces less tailpipe GHG emissions and renewable diesel produces less Scope
36 GHG emissions compared to conventional diesel, they are associated with other environmental
concerns related to the impacts of feedstock sourcing and production. Because the current blend
of renewable and bio-diesel does not have significant impacts on tailpipe emissions per gallon of
fuel used (Table 3.5), the City will continue to explore and pursue, when feasible, the transition to
zero -emission fuels and vehicles in order to achieve a truly carbon -neutral fleet. Table 3.3 shows
the activity data for diesel used in 2005 and 2019 (gallons).
Table 3.4. 2005 and 2019 diesel use (gallons).
Year
Diesel (gallons)
2005
149,040
2019
141,590
Given that the diesel used by the City is a blend of renewable and biodiesel, staff applied two
emissions coefficients to diesel activity data to calculate total GHG emissions. The emissions
factor was provided by The Climate Registry's 2019 Default Emission Factor Report. Table 3.4
shows the emissions coefficients for renewable diesel and biodiesel, respectively.
Table 3.5. Diesel emissions factors (MTCO2e/gallon).
Year
Fuel Type
MTCO2e/gallon
2005
Diesel
0.01021
2019
Renewable Diesel
0.01021
Biodiesel
0.00945
To calculate GHG emissions for the diesel blend, emissions coefficients were weighted based on
the composition of each respective fuel type and applied to activity data. Therefore, the renewable
5 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/renewable-diesel
6 Scope 3 emissions include all other indirect emissions not covered in Scope 1 and 2, such as the
emissions resulting from the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels. More information
can be found at: https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/protocols/localgov/pubs/Igo protocol v1 1 2010-05-03.pdf.
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diesel coefficient was applied to 90 percent of the diesel activity data and the biodiesel coefficient
was applied to 10 percent of the activity data. The sum of those two outputs was equal to the total
GHG emissions for diesel use. Table 3.5 shows the total GHG emissions for diesel use (MTCO2e).
Table 3.6. 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions for diesel use (MTCO2e).
Year
MTCO2e
2005
1,520
2019
1,430
3.3 Total Fleet GHG Emissions
Table 3.7 shows the total fuel related GHG emissions from gasoline and diesel combined.
Between 2005 and 2019, total fuel related GHG emissions decreased by 150 MTCO2e, or
approximately seven percent.
Table 3.7. Total fleet GHG emissions (MTCO2e).
Year
Total (MTCO2e)
2005
2,250
2019
2,090
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4. EMPLOYEE
COMMUTE
4.1 Employee Commute Sector Overview
This section presents the 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions for the Employee Commute sector and
includes emissions from all passenger vehicle trips taken by City employees traveling to and from
work.
4.2 Inventory Data and Methods
This section provides VMT activity data and emissions estimates for the baseline year of 2005
and inventory year 2019. Active Transportation staff collects biennial commute data that Office of
Sustainability staff used for the purposes of the inventory.
Employee commute data was collected by staff and then anonymized for analysis. VMT attributed
to trips where employees walked, rode a bicycle, took a bus, or drove an electric vehicle were
removed from the data set. For all active transportation modes, no direct GHG emissions are
produced as a result of activity. Direct emissions related to electric vehicles was not included in
this analysis. For those that utilized transit, those emissions are accounted for in the Fleet sector
of the inventory.
For single -occupancy and carpool trips, staff calculated the sum of VMT per vehicle type. Vehicle
types were classified according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Emissions Factor
(EMFAC) Model. Table 4.1 shows annual VMT per vehicle classification and percentage of total
VMT.
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Table 4.1 2005 and 2019 total VMT per vehicle classification for combined single -
occupancy and carpool modes.
Year
Vehicle Classification
Total VMT
% EMFAC VMT
Passenger Cars
870,460
46%
Light -Duty Trucks (0-3,750 lbs.)
81,590
4%
Light -Duty Trucks (3,750-5,750 lbs.)
386,610
20%
Light -Heavy -Duty Trucks (8,501-10,000 lbs.)
117,460
6%
2005
Light -Heavy -Duty Trucks (10,001-14,000
lbs.)
18,160
2%
Motorcycles
39,882
2%
Medium -Duty Trucks (5,751-8,500 lbs.)
306,120
16%
Other
70,768
4%
Total
1,902,716
100%
Passenger Cars
819,610
43%
Light -Duty Trucks (0-3,750 lbs.)
263,240
14%
Light -Duty Trucks (3,750-5,750 lbs.)
225,680
12%
2019
Light -Heavy -Duty Trucks (8,501-10,000 lbs.)
368,290
19%
Motorcycles
112,920
6%
Medium -Duty Trucks (5751-8500 lbs.)
113,930
6%
Total
1,903,670
100%
Table 4.2 shows 2005 and 2019 total VMT for the vanpool. Between 2005 and 2019, annual VMT
activity data for single -occupancy and carpool increased by 111,600 VMT, or approximately six
percent. In the same time period, annual VMT for vanpool increased by 23,820 VMT, or
approximately 130 percent. Table 4.3 shows total VMT for single occupancy, carpool, and vanpool
modes. Overall, annual VMT increased by 26,560 VMT between 2005 and 2019, or approximately
one percent.
Table 4.2 2005 and 2019 total VMT for vanpool.
Year
Annual VMT
2005
17,900
2019
43,520
Table 4.4 2005 and 2019 total VMT for single -occupancy, carpool, and vanpool modes.
Year
Annual VMT
2005
1,920,620
2019
1,947,180
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Similar to the Fleet and Building & Facility Energy sectors, emissions factors are applied to activity
data to calculate GHG emissions. Emissions factors were provided by the 2005 and 2019 EMFAC
Model, respectively, with an individual emissions factor provided for each vehicle classification
based on the fuel used and the weight of the vehicle. Table 4.4 shows the emissions factors for
single -occupancy and carpool trips by vehicle classification.
Table 4.4 2005 and 2019 emissions factors by vehicle classification for single -occupancy
and carpool trips.
Year
Vehicle Classification
MTCO2e/VMT
Passenger Cars
0.000339
Light -Duty Trucks (0-3,750 lbs.)
0.000396
Light -Duty Trucks (3,750-5,750 lbs.)
0.000470
2005
Light -Heavy -Duty Trucks (8,501-10,000 lbs.)
0.000765
Motorcycles
0.000154
Medium -Duty Trucks (5,751-8,500 lbs.)
0.000583
Total
0.000250
Passenger Cars
0.000296
Light -Duty Trucks (0-3,750 lbs.)
0.000333
2019
Light -Duty Trucks (3,750-5,750 lbs.)
0.000703
Light -Heavy -Duty Trucks (8,501-10,000 lbs.)
0.000192
Motorcycles
0.000401
Table 4.5 shows the emissions factors for vanpool trips for 2005 and 2019. The emissions factor
used for vanpool trips was the emissions factor for the LHD1 vehicle class, or light -heavy-duty
trucks (8,501 to 10,000 lbs.). This vehicle classification was chosen based on the type of vehicle
typically used for vanpools.
Table 4.5 2005 and 2019 emissions factors for vanpool.
Year
MTCO2e/VMT
2005
0.000764904
2019
0.000702558
Emissions factors were then applied to activity data to calculate the annual GHG emissions of
each vehicle classification. Table 4.6 shows the annual GHG emissions for single -occupancy and
carpool trips by vehicle classification. Table 4.7 shows the annual GHG emissions for vanpool
trips.
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Table 4.6 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions per vehicle classification for single -occupancy
and carpool (MTCO2e).
Year
Vehicle Classification
MTCO2e
Passenger Cars
300
Light -Duty Trucks (0-3,750 lbs.)
30
Light -Duty Trucks (3,750-5,750 lbs.)
180
2005
Light -Heavy -Duty Trucks (8,501-10,000 lbs.)
90
Motorcycles
0
Medium -Duty Trucks (5,751-8,500 lbs.)
180
Passenger Cars
210
Light -Duty Trucks (0-3,750 lbs.)
80
Light -Duty Trucks (3,750-5,750 lbs.)
80
2019
Light -Heavy -Duty Trucks (8,501-10,000 lbs.)
260
Motorcycles
20
Medium -Duty Trucks (5751-8500 lbs.)
50
Table 4.7 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions for vanpool.
Year
MTCO2e
2005
10
2019
30
4.3 Total Employee Commute GHG Emissions
Table 4.8 shows the total GHG emissions from employee commute. Between 2005 and 2019,
total GHG emissions decreased by 80 MTCO2e, or approximately ten percent. While annual VMT
increased between 2005 and 2019 (Table 4.3) and employee commute data showed a decrease
in light -duty vehicle use proportional to other medium and heavier -duty vehicles (Table 4.1),
annual emissions showed a net decrease between 2005 and 2019. This could be attributed to a
number of factors. First, the survey that is used to collect employee commute data is optional and
not representatively reflective of the entire employment of the City. This can yield inconsistent
and incomplete data. Additionally, as seen in Table 4.4 and Table 4.5, there is an observed overall
decrease in the GHG emissions intensity of passenger vehicles between 2005 and 2019 as a
result of federal emissions standards.
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Table 4.8 Total employee commute GHG emissions (MTCO2e).
Year
Total GHG Emissions
(MTCO2e)
2005
810
2019
730
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5. WASTEWATER
5.1 Wastewater Sector Overview
The treatment of wastewater produces direct and indirect GHG emissions. Indirect emissions
related to energy use are included in Chapter 2 Building and Facility Energy Use. Direct emissions
reported in this document are limited to methane produced by biogas generation. Due to data and
method limitations, this information is provided for reference but is not included in the municipal
operations inventories.
5.2 Inventory Data and Methods
The Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) is responsible for treating wastewater
within the City and has contractual agreements to treat the wastewater from Cal Poly and the San
Luis Obispo County airport. The facility is rated for 5.1 million gallons of wastewater and operates
24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The WRRF provides wastewater treatment starting with
preliminary treatment and ending with disinfection. The system processes included screening and
grit removal, clarification, biological nutrient removal, mono -media filtration, and disinfection. The
treated wastewater is discharged to San Luis Obispo Creek at the southern end of the property.
Solids removed by the treatment processes are either dewatered (grit and screenings) or
thickened, stabilized in anaerobic digesters, and dewatered (biological sludge). Biosolids are
trucked and disposed of off -site.
5.2.1 Stationary CH4 from Incomplete Combustion of Digester Gas
Anaerobic digesters are used to treat the solids stream in the wastewater process. These
digesters produce biogas as a part of the anaerobic process and conversion into biosolids. Staff
from Utilities provided process data for the measured standard cubic feet of digester gas produced
per day (ft3/day) and the fraction of CH4 present in biogas. Using that information, GHG emissions
from the incomplete combustion of digester gas were calculated. Staff utilized an equation from
the Local Government Operations Protocol where activity data was inputted, and other constants
and factors were provided. Table 5.1 shows the full LGOP equation, including provided constants
and factors and inputted activity data.
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Table 5.1 Stationary CH4 from Incomplete Combustion of Digester Gas equation.
CH4 emissions (MTCO2e) =
Year
(Digester Gas x F CH4 x p(CH4) x (1-DE) x 0.0283 x 365.25 x 10 -
Value
6) x GWP
2013
2019
= Digester gas
CH4 emissions
methane generation
Computed
210
320
potential
=Measured standard
Activity Data (Digester
cubic feet of digester
User Input
64,094
95,650
Gas)
gas produced per
day [ft3/day]
F CH4
= CH4 fraction in
User Input
0.56516
0.56516
biogas
p CHa
= Methane density
662
662
662
DE
= CH4 destruction
0.99
0.99
0.99
efficiency
0.0283
= Cubic feet to cubic
0.0283
0.0283
0.0283
meters
365.25
= Days per year
365.25
365.25
365.25
0.000001
= Grams to metric
0.000001
0.000001
0.000001
tons
GWP AR5
= GWP of methane
86
86
86
The data management system used by the Utilities Department that sourced digester gas activity
data was installed in 2012. Therefore, 2013 is the earliest available year with complete and
accessible activity data. Staff were not able to calculate a 2005 baseline inventory for this
emissions source.
It is important to note that between 2013 and 2019, the WRRF employed a co -generation system
to convert digester gas to electricity that is used at the facility. In 2018, the Utilities Department
deployed a pilot program to increase biogas production by supplementing the digesters with a
mix of microorganisms and enzymes. These supplements effectively increased biogas production
for on -site energy production via the co -generation system. This resulted in a net increase in
measured standard cubic feet of digester gas produced per day (Table 5.1), and subsequently,
an assumed decrease in flared biogas (not integrated into the quantification for stationary CH4).
5.2.2 Process N20 Emissions from Wastewater Treatment with
Nitrification/Den itrification
According to the Local Government Operations Protocol for quantifying GHG emissions for
wastewater treatment, process nitrous oxide (N20) emissions from wastewater treatment with
nitrification and denitrification should be calculated. However, the WRRF process only completes
the nitrification process and there are no guidance documents associated with quantifying the
emissions associated only with this process. Given the likely minimal nature of these emissions
as shown in the above calculations, the City omitted process N20 emissions quantification from
the total 2005 and 2019 GHG emissions for the Wastewater sector.
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5.2.3 Other Wastewater Treatment Emissions
Electricity is used power the processes to treat wastewater at the WRRF. Emissions associated
with energy use at the WRRF are included in Chapter 2 Building and Facility Energy.
5.2.43. Potable Water Emissions
The Wastewater section does not include GHG emissions quantifications for the treatment or
conveyance of potable water. Emissions from the City's Water Treatment Plant included in this
inventory are directly related to energy use, which is represented in Chapter 2 Building and Facility
Energy, above.
5.3 Total Wastewater GHG Emissions
Table 5.2 shows the total GHG emissions of stationary CHa from incomplete combustion of
digester gas. In 2019, total GHG emissions for stationary CHa from incomplete combustion of
digester gas was 320 MTCO2e. Staff ultimately determined the method for estimating emissions
for this activity is not justifiable and does not accurately represent emissions associated with the
wastewater treatment process, so the below values are only included as an informational item
and are not included in the 2019 Municipal GHG Inventory.
Table 5.2 2019 total GHG emissions from wastewater treatment processes.
Year
Total GHG Emissions
(MTCO2e)
2013
210
2019
320
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6. SOLID WASTE
4.1 Solid Waste Sector Overview
This section presents the GHG emissions for the solid waste sector, specifically emissions
generated from the disposal of waste that has occurred as a result of City operations. This section
presents the updated 2005 GHG emissions along with modeled emissions for 2019.
4.2 Updated Inventory Data and Methods
This section provides updated solid waste activity data for the baseline year of 2005, as well as
activity emissions estimates for years 2005 through 2019 to estimate the City's total greenhouse
gas emissions. The City of San Luis Obispo deposits all trash (not including recycling or organic
waste) generated as a result of municipal operations into the Cold Canyon Landfill. The Cold
Canyon Landfill provided solid waste disposal data that was used in this analysis. Table 4.1 and
Figure 4.1 provide annual municipal operation solid waste disposal tonnage for 2005 to 2019.
There is no available solid waste disposal data for calendar year 2019 as was calculated for
previous years. Staff use a per full-time employee (FTE) metric to project waste for 2019 based
on recorded waste generation from previous years. Table 4.2 shows the FTE factor used to
calculate 2019 annual solid waste disposal tonnage, which estimates that approximately 1.004
tons of solid waste are disposed per employee. Although this method is consistent with Local
Government Operations Protocol methods, staff will seek to update the inventory with empirical
data in Fiscal Year 2021-22.
Table 4.1. City solid waste activity data, 2008-2019 (Disposal Ton).
Year
Total Waste (Tons)
2005
276
2006
276
2007
276
2008
277
2009
262
2010
261
2011
253
2012
254
2013
255
2014
255
2015
269
2016
269
2017
--
2018
--
2019
270
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Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
Table 4.2. Full-time employee (FTE) factor used to calculate 2019 annual solid waste
disposal tonnage.
300
290
280
270
rn 260
co
c
250
0 240
230
220
210
200
2004
Solid Waste Coefficient
(tons per FTE)
1.003636
Figure 4.1. Total City solid waste (Disposal Ton).
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 202
tTotal Waste (Tons)
4.3 Total Solid Waste GHG Emissions
To estimate the solid waste GHG emissions, the carbon dioxide equivalency emissions factor was
multiplied by the disposal ton activity data. Once these were applied, the annual solid waste
disposal ton emissions were calculated. As shown in Table 4.7, from 2005 to 2019, the solid waste
sector remained relatively consistent in terms of total emissions.
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Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
Table 4.17. Total solid waste disposed emissions (MTCOze).
Year
Total Waste (Disposal Ton)
Solid Waste Total Emissions
MTCO2e
2005
276
120
2006
276
120
2007
276
120
2008
277
120
2009
262
110
2010
261
110
2011
253
110
2012
254
110
2013
255
110
2014
255
110
2015
269
120
2016
269
120
2017
--
--
2018
--
--
2019
270
120
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Public Review Draft Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon Neutral City Operations
Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
7. FORECAST
The adjusted business as usual (ABAU)' GHG emissions forecast estimates how municipal
emissions would change over time if no action were taken to reduce emissions. The forecast is
based on changes to the number of Full Time Employees (FTE), building and facility square
footage, and wastewater treatment service population.
Given projected changes to the three demographics mentioned above, total municipal emissions
are expected to increase slightly relative to 2019 (and remain decreased relative to 2005). As
shown in Table 7.1, emissions in 2025 are projected to be 5,070 MTCO2e (approximately 25
percent below 2005 levels), and in 2030 are expected to be at 5,150 MTCO2e (approximately 23
percent below 2005 levels).
Table 7.1. BAU forecasted GHG emissions, 2005-2030 (MTCO2e).
Sector
2005
2019
2025
2030
% change from
baseline in 2030
Building & Facility Energy
3,550
2,130
2,110
2,290
-35.5%
Fleet
2,250
2,090
2,130
2,130
-5.3%
Employee Commute
810
730
710
610
-24.7%
Solid Waste
120
120
120
120
0.0%
TOTAL
6,730
5,070
5,070
5,150
-23.5%
Change from 2005
--
-1,660
-1,660
-1,580
The results of the municipal operations GHG emissions inventory and forecast show total
emissions remaining steady in 2025 relative to baseline years 2005 and 2019 followed by a steady
increase in total emissions between 2025 and 2030. As described in previous sections, the overall
decrease in GHG emissions between 2005 and 2019 can be attributed largely to decreases in
facility and fleet energy use and corresponding decreases in emissions factors for respective fuel
sources.
The anticipated increase in emissions between 2019 and 2025 and again between 2025 and 2030
can be closely tied with forecasted increases in demographic data used to project emissions. For
example, when conducting this forecast, staff worked closely with other departments to
reasonably and justifiably forecast the expected number of City employees, building and facility
square footage as new and replacement development projects are implemented, and service
population. These growth factors directly contribute to the forecasted increase in total emissions
between 2019 and 2030.
For example, staff were able to confirm four planned development projects between 2019 and
2030, two of them large-scale facilities (new Police Department headquarters and the Palm-
' A business as usual emissions forecast projects greenhouse gas emissions based on expected changes in demographic data, such
as new building square footage and growth in the number of total employees, while using the same emissions coefficients for the base
inventory year (e.g. 2019). An adjusted business as usual emissions forecast utilizes those same metrics while also using projected
emissions coefficients for each forecast year (e.g. expected fuel and electricity emissions coefficients). Staff decided to create an
adjusted business as usual forecast in this analysis for accuracy and completeness.
City of San Luis Obispo Page A-24
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Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
Nipomo parking garage). These new developments are expected to add a total of 265,094
additional indoor air-conditioned and outdoor non air-conditioned square feet to the City's portfolio
by 2030, or an increase of approximately 51 percent. As shown in Table 7.1, this demographic
information has a significant impact on forecasted building and facility energy emissions.
City of San Luis Obispo Page A-25
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Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
8. AREAS FOR
IMPROVEMENT
A greenhouse gas emissions inventory is only a snapshot of the total emissions occurring in City
operations. The report as presented includes emissions sectors and categories as required by
accounting protocol and represent those sectors that have defensible and transparent methods
and data. As the City continues its path of climate action toward municipal carbon neutrality, the
following areas for improvement will be closely monitored:
Wastewater - The Local Government Operations Protocol requires local governments to
account for direct process emissions that occur from the treatment of wastewater. It is
known that the treatment of wastewater can release Nitrous Oxide and Methane, both of
which are powerful greenhouse gases. Although the GPC provides accounting methods
for estimating the direct release of Methane emissions, an accounting protocol does not
exist for estimating the direct release of Nitrous Oxide from the specific type of treatment
that occurs at the San Luis Obispo Water Resource Recovery Facility (nitrification, but no
denitrification). The City will continue to explore solutions to this accounting issue and
intends to seek support from partners and academic institutions to find a quantification
method for direct Nitrous Oxide emissions.
Fugitive Methane — From the well head to the appliance, methane leaks directly into the
atmosphere as the result of natural gas development and transmission. Some estimates
of total system leakage are high enough to make natural gas consumption as bad a climate
polluter as coal. A common protocol for amending the natural gas emissions coefficient to
account for this leakage is not available. The City will consider updating the coefficient in
future years when such information is vetted and available.
Employee Commute — Emissions for employee commute can only be feasibly measured
based on voluntary data submission. Since not every employee participates in the
voluntary survey, the annual greenhouse gas emission estimates are based on incomplete
data. Staff have in recent years, though, implemented more incentive opportunities which
has enhanced participation. As more accurate data collection methods emerge and/or the
City includes more incentives to support employee participation, emissions for employee
commute will be more accurate in future inventory years.
Procurement, Budget, and Finance — In accordance with the Local Government
Operations Protocol, the City has only measured and recorded Scope 1 and 2 emissions,
or emissions from sources owned and/or controlled by the City and from the purchased
use of electricity, respectively. This leaves significant gaps in the ability to quantify
emissions from activities related to procurement, budget, and finance. Therefore, those
activities are not included in the 2019 inventory. As new data collection methods for Scope
3 emissions emerge to feasibly and accurately calculate those types of emissions, the City
will explore integrating those quantification strategies in future inventory updates.
City of San Luis Obispo Page A-26
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Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast
Natural Solutions — This inventory does not account for ambient carbon emissions
sequestered or emitted within the City's urban forest network or Greenbelt (except fuel
use for maintenance equipment under the Fleet sector). In accordance with the Local
Government Operations Protocol, the City does not currently estimate or inventory direct
emissions as a result of landscape management practices, including the application of
synthetic fertilizers. Sequestered emissions from reduction actions within the Natural
Solutions pillar were estimated and are included in the Lead by Example: A Plan for
Carbon Neutral City Operations reduction measure forecast. However, these sequestered
emissions cannot be compared to a baseline or business as usual scenario like other
sectors due to the fact that they are not inventoried. Staff will continue to explore feasible
approaches to inventorying direct emissions under the Natural Solutions sector in future
emissions inventory updates.
List of Abbreviations
CHa: Methane
CO2: Carbon dioxide
CO2e: Carbon dioxide equivalent
EV: Electric Vehicle
FTE: Full-time employee
GHG: Greenhouse gas
kW: Kilowatt
kWh: Kilowatt-hour
LGOP: Local Government Operations Protocol
MTCO2e: Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
N20: Nitrous oxide
PG&E: Pacific Gas & Electric Company
VMT: Vehicle miles traveled
WRRF: Water Resource Recovery Facility
3CE: Central Coast Community Energy
City of San Luis Obispo Page A-27
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4
ti CITY OF SHR LUIS OBISPO
LEIS 00
Recommendation
As recommended by staff, adopt the Draft Resolution
(Attachment A) to:
1. Approve Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon
Neutral City Operations (Attachments B-C)
2
3
Background
■ In August 2020, City Council adopted the Climate
Action Plan for Community Recovery (CAP).
■ The CAP includes a goal of carbon neutral municipal
operations by 2030 and foundational action to
complete a carbon neutral municipal operations plan
by summer 2021.
■ Community partners have called for the City to lead
by example in climate action by modeling actions
and sharing resources/lessons learned.
El
What does carbon neutral
municipal
mean?.
operations
GAT Y O.h
CITY OF SHII DELIS OBISPO 5
Lars o�
Accomplishments before Lead by
Example
■ Solar electric vehicle charger installed at City Hall
■ Joined Central Coast Community Energy (formerly Monterey Bay
Community Power)
■ High -efficiency LED lighting retrofit projects at 842 and 919 Palm
garages
■ Retrofitted streetlights with high -efficiency LED bulbs
■ Purchase order issued for two electric buses
■ Retrofitted the Water Resource Recovery Facility for energy
efficiency and installed a digester gas cogeneration engine for
energy capture
■ Supported development of the regional anaerobic digester to
generate clean power and compost from green waste
■ Purchased hybrid fleet vehicles, electric bicycles for fleet, and
transitioned diesel fleet vehicles to renewable diesel
■ Initiated energy efficiency and energy generation project at the
Water Treatment Plant , V. -161
®,_ Contracted for new solar generating s lli4ems at three facilities
6
0
0
\lS
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
lw&mr-
wi11,W- Vr
Lead by Example
�- 1.
A Plan for Carbon
Neutral City Operations
�'7
July 2021 -
'k, Y d
CITY OF SMI LUIS OBISPO
LEI so
Staff Engagement: Green Team
■ Focused on alignment, co -creation, and capacity building
■ Composed of staff from the Administration, Public Works,
Utilities, Finance, Information Technology, Human
Resources, and Parks and Recreation department
■ Convened full -group every other month and held sector
working group sessions in between
■ Co -developed Lead by Example goals and actions
Collaborated to include immediate actions in 2021-23
Financial Plan
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Inventory
F,k0%
0 Employee
Commute
Building and 730 MTCO 2e
Facility Energy
21130 MTCO2e
rem
.CL. Fleet
[In2,090 MTCO2e
olid
Waste
120 MTCO2e
9
Lead by Example Sectors
Q 1. Building and Facility Energy
R,A, 2. Fleet
k 3. Employee Commute
III 4. Solid Waste
16 5. Wastewater
� 6. Natural Solutions
W * Procurement, Budget, and Finance
Sector Goals
Building & Facility Energy: The City eliminates fossil fuel use in buildings
and facilities.
Fleet: The City eliminates fossil fuel use in vehicle and equipment fleet.
Employee Commute: City employee commute is aligned with and
substantially exceeds General Plan Mode Split Objectives by 2030.
Solid Waste: City buildings, facilities, and operations are zero waste as
defined by the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA).
Wastewater: The City minimizes direct emissions from the provision of
wastewater to the maximum extent feasible.
Procurement, Budget, and Finance: The City supports and accelerates
achieving the carbon neutrality goal through procurement, budget,
investment, and finance processes.
Natural Solutions: The City optimizes carbon sequestration within the
City's Greenbelt and Urban Forest system.
Lead by Example Process
Phase I: Immediate Ai
What can be done now?
y
Phase II:
Near Term Action
What are priority Financial Plan actions?
y
Phase III: Long Term Planning
What long term strategy is needed?
y
Phase IV: Stra
How do we impler
PLANNING
PROCESS
12
Phase I: Immediate Action
■ Supported Fleet Replacement Policy update
■ Supported Active Transportation Plan review
■ Initiated conversations with PG&E and The Energy
Network to explore on -bill financing opportunities for
City buildings and facilities
■ Researched and assessed solution case studies for
recycling contamination in public spaces
■ Developed community engagement materials for
sewer lateral replacement policy
■ Updated Capital Improvement Project (CIP) intake
form to include carbon neutrality considerations
13
Phase II: 2021-23 Financial Plan
Capital Projects Programs
• Install electric vehicle Initiate and complete
chargers to support the Building and Facility Energy
transition to all -electric fleet and Decarbonization Study
vehicles in order to identify and
• Complete installation of prioritize projects for City
lighting retrofits at City Hall facilities.
and Fire Station 1 using Review options to further
available on -bill financing. integrate climate action into
• Complete installation of the 2023-25 Financial Plan.
solar panels at the City's Explore and launch, if
Bus Yard, Fire Station 1, feasible, a payroll loan
ro ram to
and Sinsheimer Pool. P help P employees
to P Y
• Install Transit EV charging purchase bicycles and e-
infrastructure bikes.
• Complete Urban Forest
Master Plan "/
14
Phase III and IV: Piloting and
Scaling Actions
Building and Facility Energy
2021-23 FP
■ Energy 1.1 Initiate and complete Energy Master Plan.
■ Energy 1.2 Complete On -Bill Financing Projects to retrofit
buildings and facilities.
2023-25 FP
■ Energy 2.1 Initiate implementation of Energy Master Plan,
continue priority retrofits, and initiate hard -to -reach retrofits.
■ Energy 2.4 "Opt -up" to Central Coast Community Energy
(3CE) Prime to receive 100% renewable energy.
2025-27, 2027-29 FPs
■ Energy 3.1 Continue implementing Energy Master Plan and
continue hard -to -reach retrofits.
15
Carbon Neutrality Goal Achievement
M
7,000
Forecasted Municipal Operations GHG Emissions
"Business As Usual"
5.000
a�
N
4,000 `
H
3,000
2,000 `
1,000 Lead by Example + Natural**
Solutions Offsets 111*4
2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025
Year
Business as Usual Forecast (MTCO2e)
Reduction Measure Forecast without Natural Solutions (MTCO2e)
Lead by Example
2030 2035 1
Administrative Actions
• Administrative Action 1: Lead by Example Update. The
City will update Lead by Example every four years (concurrent
with every other Financial Plan). The City will synch the update
with the Community Plan so that each plan is updated in an
alternating fashion concurrent with every Financial Plan.
• Administrative Action 2: Plan Monitoring and Reporting.
The City will monitor and report implementation to City Council
on a regular basis.
Equity in Implementation
• Staff will develop an employee outreach and education
program to share accessible information about Lead by
Example and Council's operational carbon neutrality goal
to staff outside of the Green Team.
• Staff will facilitate employee feedback sessions to continue
exploring opportunities and challenges in integrating and
addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion through the
work.
• A DEI committee member will be invited to join Green
Team meetings quarterly to facilitate collaboration around
diversity, equity, and inclusion in Lead by Example
implementation.
• Staff will integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion at the
initial stages of the next Lead by Example update in 2023
and intend to collaborate with the DEI committee
throughout the planning process.
Implementation and Next Steps
■ Lead by Example adoption is culmination of
a long process, but it is just the beginning of
the work
■ Next steps
■ Initiate the 2021-23 Financial Plan work program
■ Be highly visible
■ Continue to foster relationships
■ Inspire action
19
Recommendation
As recommended by staff, adopt the Draft Resolution
(Attachment A) to:
1. Approve Lead by Example: A Plan for Carbon
Neutral City Operations (Attachments B-C)
20
0
ti CITY OF Sff n Luls OBISI'O
Lars oo
Emissions Sector Goals and Objectives
Building & Facility Energy
GOAL: The City eliminates fossil fuel use in buildings and facilities.
OBJECTIVES:
1.Construct only all -electric new buildings and facilities.
2.Eliminate fossil fuel use to the maximum extent possible in existing
buildings and facilities.
Fleet
GOAL: The City eliminates fossil fuel use in vehicle and equipment
fleet.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Achieve 100% all -electric light duty vehicles, excluding long-
range and certain public safety vehicles.
2. Achieve 50% zero emissions medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
3. Achieve 100% all -electric transit fleet.
4. Achieve 100% all -electric equipment, excluding certain heavy-
duty equipment, pumps, and backup generators.
Employee Commute
GOAL: City employee commute is aligned with and substantially
exceeds General Plan Mode Split Objectives by 2030.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Reduce single -occupancy commute miles 25% by 2025, 50%
by 2030.
2. Of the remaining single -occupancy commute miles, achieve
25% via electric vehicle by 2025, 50% via electric vehicle by
2030.
Wastewater
GOAL: The City minimizes direct emissions from the provision of
wastewater to the maximum extent feasible.
Solid Waste
GOAL: City buildings, facilities, and operations are zero waste as defined by
the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA).
OBJECTIVES:
1. Achieve 90% reduction in landscape waste.
2. Achieve 90% reduction in office -based operation waste.
Procurement, Budget, & Finance
GOAL: The City supports and accelerates achieving the carbon neutrality
goal through procurement, budget, investment, and finance processes.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Establish sustainability criteria to guide vendor selection and other
procurement activities.
2. Establish criteria to guide budget development and selection of CIPs.
3. Achieve 100% ESG investments across the City's portfolio.
4. Establish approach to enhancing circularity in City procurement and
operations.
Natural Solutions
GOAL: The City optimizes carbon sequestration within the City's Greenbelt
and Urban Forest system.
OBJECTIVES:
1. The City has a healthy multi -benefit Urban Forest system that
increases local carbon sequestration.
2. The City open space and Greenbelt support regenerative agricultural
practices and are managed to sequester carbon, where appropriate.
3. The City's landscape management practices are climate friendly and
utilize compost from the regional anaerobic digester.
Environmental Review
■ Lead by Example is a
measure and supportive
action within the scope of
the project covered by the
already adopted IS/ND for
the Climate Action Plan
for Community Recovery
and includes quantified
actions to address
emissions that were
accounted for in the
community inventory and
forecast.
Draft
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