HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-17-2012 PH3 City of San Luis Obispo Climate Action PLan - Planning Commission DraftN3
City of San Luis Obispo
Draft Climate Action Plan
City Council
Jan Marx, Mayor
John Ashbaugh, Vice Mayor
Andrew Carter
Kathy Smith
Dan Carpenter
Planning Commission
Michael Draze
John Fowler
John Larson
Eric Meyer
Michael Multari
Airlin Singewald
Charles Stevenson
Projeo Managers
Kim Murry, Deputy Director, Long Range Planning
James David, Associate Planner, Long Range Planning
C itv 5tat1
Derek Johnson, Community Development Director
Steve Aanonson, First Transit Manager
Todd Beights, Parks Maintenance Supervisor
Cheryl Blair, Administrative Assistant
Ron Combs, City Arborist
Andrew Collins, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Doug Davidson, Deputy Director, Development Review
Anudeep Dhaliwal, Planning Intern
Dean Furukawa, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor
Tim Girvin, Chief Building Official
Ron Holstine, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
Peggy Mandeville, Principal Transportation Planner
Ron Munds, Conservation and Recycling Manager
Tessa Salzman, Planning Intern
Dave Smith, Administrative Services Manager
John Webster, SLO Transit Manager
Cal Poty Climate l eam
Dr. Adrienne Greve, Faculty Advisor
Matthew Goehring, Graduate Student Assistant
Thomas Markel, Graduate Student Assistant
CRP Senior Undergraduate Planning Lab
Steven Degar
Julie Epshteyn
Jonelle Fournet - Collazos
Tyler Hartrich
Monica Kittinger
Neil Ledsam
Katelyn Lewis
Donald Nielsen
Staci Ordiz
Leeanne Singleton
Jordan Smith
Sean Tiedgen
Scott TwitchelI
With Assistance from PMC'
Acknowledgement -;
The San Luis Obispo Draft Climate Action Plan was a collaborative effort of City and
Regional Planning Department students at California Polytechnic State University -
San Luis Obispo, City staff, and community members. The plan sets forth objectives
and strategies that the City and community members can implement to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
City staff would like to express its appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce, SLO
Greenbuild Alliance, Homebuilder's Association, Association of Realtors, Kiwanis
Club, Workforce Housing Coalition, Empower Poly, and all other community
members who provided input on the Plan. Sincere appreciation is extended to the
Cal Poly Climate Team students who drafted the initial strategies in the Climate
Action Plan after extensive public outreach and research.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ....... ............................... i
J
Climate Action Plan Development ..................................... ..............................i
GHG Reduction Strategies .................................................. ............................... ii
GHG Reduction Summary ................................................. ............................... iii
Conclusion.............................................................................. ............................... iv
Introduction.................................................. 1
Purpose, Scope & Organization ......................................... ..............................1
Understanding Climate Change ........................................ ..............................2
Climate Change Impacts ...................................................... ..............................4
Five Milestone Process ........................................................ ............................... 5
GHG Inventory
................................... ............................... 6
GHGReduction Target ................................................................ ..............................7
Business -As -Usual Forecast ....................................................... ..............................7
State Policies to Reduce GHG Emissions .... .................... ............,..,..............8
Adjusted Business -As -Usual Forecast .................................. .............................11
Climate Action Plan Development .................................. .............................12
Buildings ..................... ........,..,........ 17
State Reductions ........................................... .............................17
ExistingActions ............................................. .............................17
H Buildings Strategies ..................................... .............................18
Buildings Adaptation............ .......................................... .............................21
Draft Climate Action Plan
Renewable Energy . ............................... . .... 23
State Reductions .......................................... ............................... 23
ExistingActions ............................................ ............................... 23
Renewable Energy Strategies .................. ............................... 23
Adaptation..................................................... ............................... 25
Transpor Latio1-i 6Z Land Use ...................... 27
State Reductions ............................................ .............................27
Existing Actions: Transportation ............... .............................27
i Existing Actions: Land Use .......................... .............................28
Transportation and Land Use Strategies .............................29
Adaptation....................................................... .............................34
Water............................ ............................... 35
State Reductions ............................................ .............................35
ExistingActions .............................................. .............................35
Water Strategies ............................................. .............................36
Adaptation....................................................... .............................37
Solid Waste ..
State Reductions ............................................ .............................39
ExistingActions .............................................. .............................39
Solid Waste Strategies .................................. .............................40
Adaptation....................................................... .............................42
,olc�� w:,.Il
City of San Luis Obispo
Parks & Open Space .........
Existing Actions: Parks and Open Space .............................43
Existing Actions: Urban Forest .................. .............................44
Existing Actions: Community Garde ns ... .............................44
Parks & Open Space Strategies ................. .............................44
Adaptation..................................................... ............................... 47
Government Operations ......................
GHG Forecast for Government Operations ........................... 49
_ Government Operations Reduction Target .......................... 50
iExisting Actions ..................................... _....................................... 51
Government Operations Strategies_ ........ ............................... 51
Conclusion.................... ............................... -77
Technical Appendix .. ............................... A -1
State Legislation
AB 32 ....................... .....................California Global Warming Solutions Act
AB 117 .... ............................... ......................Community Choice Aggregation
AB737 ..................... ............................... ..........................Solid Waste Diversion
AB 758 .......................... Energy Efficiency Program for Existing Buildings
AB 811 ......Contractual Assessments: Energy Efficiency Improvements
AB 939 .......... .....................California Integrated Waste Management Act
AB 1103 ...............Commercial Building Energy Use Disclosure Program
AB1358 ....................... ............................... .......................Complete Streets Act
AB 1493 ............ ............................... .....................California Vehicle Emissions
Executive Order S- 01- 07 ... ............................... Low Carbon Fuel Standard
Executive Order S- 3- 05 .... ............................... Emission Reduction Targets
SB 97 ................................ ..........................CEQA: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
SB 107 ........ ............................... ......................Renewable Portfolio Standards
SB 375 ............................... ....................Sustainable Communities Strategies
SB 1078.... ...................... Amendment to Renewable Portfolio Standards
Topic Abbreviations
Buildings BLD
Renewable Energy
Transportation & Land Use TLU
WTR
Solid Waste WST
Parks & Open Space PKS
Government Operations GO
List of Acronyms
ADA ............. ............................... ......................Americans
with Disabilites Act
afy .................................... ............................... ...........................Acre
feet per year
ARB .................................... ...............................
California Air Resources Board
BAU....................................... ...............................
.......................Business as usual
BTU............................... ............................... ........................British
Thermal Units
CAP ................................. ............................... ........................Climate
Action Plan
CCA ............................... ............................... Community Choice Aggregation
CCP .............. ............................... .......................Climate Protection Campaign
CCR ............... ............................... .....................California Code of Regulations
CEC .................................... ............................... California Energy Commission
CEQA ............................... .....................California Environmental Quality Act
CFL ........ ............................... ........................Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs
COSE .................... ............................... Conservation & Open Space Element
CPUC ............................. .....................California Public Utilities Commission
CSI ............................. ............................... .....................California Solar Initiative
C -C Zone ..................................... ............................... Community Commercial
C -D Zone ..................................... ............................... Downtown Commercial
C -N Zone .............................. ............................... Neighborhood Commercial
C -R Zone ......................... ............................... .........................Retail Commercial
C -S Zone ....................... ............................... ........................Service Commercial
C -T Zone ....................... ............................... ........................Tourist Commercial
GHG.......................................................... ............................... Greenhouse gases
GIS ............ ............................... .....................Geographic Information Systems
HASLO ....................... ........................Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo
HVAC .................. .......................Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
ICLEI ..................... ............................... Local Governments for Sustainability
IEPR ............ ............................... .....................Integrated Energy Policy Report
Draft Climate Action Plan
IPCC ....................... ..............Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
IWMA .......... ............................... Integrated Waste Management Authority
kWh............................................ ............................... .......................kilowatt hours
LCFS .............. ............................... ............................Low Carbon Fuel Standard
LED ............................. ............................... ..........................Light Emitting Diode
LEED ........ .....................Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
LEED- CS ............................................. ...........................LEED for Core and Shell
LEED- NC ..................................... ...........................LEED for New Construction
MZone .......................................... ............................... ..................Manufacturing
MPG_ ........................................................... ............................... miles per gallon
MPH........................................ ............................... ..........................miles per hour
MTCOze ........................... ............................... Metric Ton of CO2 Equivalents
NEV ................. ............................... ...................Neighborhood Electric Vehicle
OZone ............................................................................. ............................... Office
PG& E ................................................ ............................... Pacific Gas and Electric
PV.............................................. ............................... ..........................Photo Voltaic
RPS ............... ............................... ......................Renewable Portfolio Standard
R -1 Zone ........... ............................... ............................Low Density Residential
R -2 Zone ...... ............................... .........................Medium Density Residential
R -3 Zone ............................... ....................Medium -High Density Residential
R -4 Zone ........... ............................... ...........................High Density Residential
SLOCOG .......... ............................San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
SRTP .................... ............................... ..........................Short Range Transit Plan
TRIP .... ............................... .......................Employee Trip Reduction Program
USGBC ............................................ ............................... Green Building Council
VMT ........................... ............................... ........................ Vehicle Miles Traveled
WRF ................. ............................... ..........................Water Reclamation Facility
City of San Luis Obispo
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Executive Summary F -
The global challenge of climate change requires action at all levels
of government. A wide range of policies have been adopted at the
state and regional levels to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,
such as developing clean energy resources and promoting energy -
efficient buildings and vehicles.
States with Adopted GHG Emission Reduction Targets
VT 25% below 1990 levels by 2012
Cr, MA, ME, NH, NY, OR, RI
10% below 1990 levels by 2020
CA, HI, NJ, MT, IL, WA
1990 levels by 2020
FL
1990 levels by 2025
NM
10% below 2000 levels by 2020
AZ
2000 levels by 2020
CO, MI, MN
15 -20% below 2005 levels by 2015 -25
UT
2005 levels by 2020
MD
25% below 2006 levels by 2020
VA
30% below BAU by 2025
Executive Summary
Draft Climate Action Plan
California is among the nation's leaders in GHG emission reduction
initiatives, including: an aggressive renewable energy portfolio
standard, public benefit funds for renewables and efficiency,
alternative fuel policies, new vehicle standards, and a statewide
emission reduction target. The State's Global Warming Solutions Act
of 2006 (AB 32) establish a goal of reducing statewide GHG
emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020.
Local governments are well positioned to develop and implement
locally effective strategies to address the consequences of climate
change and mitigate GHG emissions. In 2008, the City of San Luis
Obispo committed to address climate change and joined ICLEI -Local
Governments for Sustainability's Cities for Climate Protection
campaign. Since that time, the City has completed the first step of
the five milestone climate protection process: conduct a baseline
emissions inventory. This Climate Action Plan (CAP) marks
completion of the second and third milestones: adopting a GHG
emissions reduction target and developing a plan to achieve that
target. The adopted target is a reduction of communitywide
emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, consistent with AB 32. The fourth
and fifth milestones are implementation and monitoring.
Climate Action Plan Development
The process of drafting a CAP included a series of steps
accomplished from 2010 thru 2012: research, outreach, local policy
audit, and strategy review. Research included review of climate
science, climate planning guidance documents, climate policy
enacted in other jurisdictions, and existing local policies and
programs already serving to reduce GHG emissions. In addition, an
City of San Luis Obispo
extensive public outreach effort was begun that continued
throughout the process. Outreach was conducted through farmers'
market booths, community group meetings, a website
(SLOCOOL.org) and Facebook page, digital surveys, feedback boards
at local grocery stores, and a visit to a local elementary school. Early
in the plan development process, the goal of public outreach was to
raise public awareness of climate planning and to hear from
community members about their hopes and fears for the future of
San Luis Obispo.
The research phase of plan development was concluded with
development of a policy audit. This audit served as a basis for
emissions reduction strategy development. During strategy
development, outreach efforts shifted focus with the intent of
gauging the level of support for potential measures. Feedback was
solicited from the community, City staff, and multiple local groups,
and used to refine strategies in the plan. A complete list of public
outreach events is included in the Appendix. Strategies that act
directly on emissions sources were quantified to demonstrate the
projected effectiveness of the CAP.
GHG Reduction Strategies
Community strategies for climate change adaptation and reduction
of GHG emissions are divided into six chapters: Buildings,
Renewable Energy, Transportation & Land Use, oll i Solid
Waste, and Parks & Open Space. Strategies that will help reduce
GHG emissions associated with City G vernment Operations have
been separated into their own chapter.
Buildings addresses emissions associated with the
h heating, cooling, and operating of structures. This
H
includes electricity and natural gas consumption in
■ ■ residential and commercial buildings, as well as the
Cuildings'
energy needed to run industrial processes. The goal is to
make buildings more energy efficient. In the GHG Emissions Inventory,
buildings account for 43% of total GHG emissions, largely due to
aging inefficient structures. Over 80% of the City's housing stock is
more than 20 years old. New construction is already subject to
stringent State efficiency standards, so significant emission
reductions will be achieved through energy efficiency
improvements to older building stock.
The chapter focuses on local
f energy production from renewable sources that
j produces no or minimal GHG emissions. The goal is
7�iclean and renewable energy sources. One of the barriers
to renewable energy installations is high upfront costs.
Several strategies seek to ease the initial financial burden through
the use of incentives, including: federal, state and local financing,
reduced permit fees, and streamlining of development review
processes.
OTransportation & Land Use addresses the largest con-
tributor to community emissions: vehicles. The goal is to
improve transportation options. This chapter encourages
�M,011 use of a variety of transportation modes and cleaner
vehicles. It also outlines long -term changes to land use
Executive Summary
patterns to reduce trip lengths and encourage safe, attractive
environments where people will want to walk or bike.
Water used by the community must be pumped,
treated, and delivered. Each of these steps uses energy,
which creates GHG emissions. The goal is to reduce and
reuse consumed water. Community -wide strategies focus
on voluntary programs to reduce water use in existing
buildings, require new buildings to reduce anticipated water use,
and encourage use of reclaimed water when possible.
Solid Waste deposited in a landfill emits methane,
which is 21 times more powerful in trapping GHGs than
carbon dioxide. The goal is to prevent, reduce, reuse and
Solid waste recycle waste. The chapter focuses on increasing the rate
at which waste is diverted from the Cold Canyon Landfill
through recycling and other programs. Strategies include
consideration of an adjusted volume -based rate system, improved
recycling and composting options, and researching other waste
reduction programs such as a food packaging ordinance or waste
audits.
While the maintenance of Parks & Open Space areas
generates GHG emissions, these areas also have the
potential to directly reduce emissions through carbon
b.•, sequestration; trees, plants and soils absorbing carbon.
The goal is to maintain natural areas, plant additional
trees and acquire more open space. Strategies in this chapter cover
energy- efficient maintenance, water conservation, tree planting,
community gardens and open space acquisition.
Draft Climate Action Plan
Government Operations identifies GHG reduction
strategies for City facilities, fleets, infrastructure and
rt employees. The goal is to reduce GHGs from government
operations to 1990 emissions levels. This is the same level
of GHG reductions as the community target. Strategies
focus on facilities, streetlights and traffic signals, water and
wastewater infrastructure, the vehicle fleet, employee commuting,
and employee business travel.
GHG Reduction Summary
This CAP is a policy document, adopted by Resolution, that provides
a road map to achieve the City's GHG reduction goals. It needs to be
dynamic, with continual updates that address changes in
technologies and the natural environment. When combined with
State policies, the local GHG reduction strategies presented in this
CAP can achieve the target of 1990 emissions levels by 2020; a 22%
reduction from projected business -as -usual (15% below the 2005
emissions baseline).
2020 GHG Reductions by Topic Contribution
Renewable Transportation
Buildings_ Energy R land H-P
State Policie!
-69%
Water
<1%
Naste
-12%
Parks and
)pen Space
-2
Government
Operations
-1%
City of San Luis Obispo
The majority of local emissions reductions come from
transportation, waste and buildings strategies. Collectively, local
strategies included in this CAP will address 31% of the emissions
reduction required to achieve the 2020 target. State policies to
reduce GHG emissions, such as vehicle fuel efficiency standards,
renewable portfolio standards, and building energy efficiency and
CALGreen construction standards, will result it emissions reductions
in the community that make up the remaining 69% required to
reach the target.
Conclusion
350,000
Adjusted Forecast of Community -wide GHG
Emissions ,..�
300,000 —
250,OCO
200,00
150,00
The adjusted GHG emissions forecast shows that implementation of
all strategies in this plan can achieve a 15% reduction from baseline 100,0co
2005
levels by 2020, which will meet required AB 32 State reduction goals.
For consistency with County and regional planning efforts, a second
reduction forecast year of 2035 is included. The target emissions
curve slopes dramatically downward after 2020 in response to the
Governor's executive order (S -3 -05) to reach a reduction in
statewide emissions of 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. This is
a laudable yet challenging goal, which will likely require significant
technological innovation. Nevertheless, the path to the closer target
in 2020 is a measurable reality. The appendix provides further detail
on the calculations and assumptions used to document that path.
Public Outreach and Edcucation
The majority of the GHG reduction strategies in the CAP are based
on voluntary behavior from the community. The most vital step
towards achieving the reduction target is public outreach and
X
2010 2020 2035
.. •*• • Business As Usual Forecast
--E - Baseline
—A— Adjusted Forecast with State Reductions
Adjusted Emissions with State & Local Reductions
-CIE Target Emissions
education. A well informed community is empowered to make
alternative decisions, or in many cases, to continue environmentally
sound practices already taking place in SLO. The City will work with
the County, State and other regional organizations to develop a
comprehensive education program targeting energy- efficiency,
renewables, alternative transportation, and other CAP
commun tywide objectives. A specific Public Outreach and Education
strategy section is ncluded at the end of each chapter.
Executive Summary
Introduction
Rising concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
gases are altering temperature and rainfall patterns and
contributing to rising sea
levels. Climate change is a
global issue, but local
governments are uniquely -
positioned to identify the
specific risks and most
effective solutions for their
communities.
The City of San Luis Obispo joined ICLEI -Local Governments for
Sustainability's ( ICLEI) Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Campaign
and adopted its five milestone process. This Climate Action Plan
(CAP) represents step three of this five -step campaign and is
consistent with recently enacted statewide climate legislation and
San Luis Obispo's established General Plan goals.
Recognizing the importance of local action, the CAP presents
measures that will serve as a road map to meeting San Luis Obispo's
greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. It addresses government
operations emissions under the City's control, as well as community -
wide emissions. The emissions reduction measures build on existing
plans, policies and practices already adopted by the City, including
the General Plan.
Draft Climate Action Plan
Purpose, Scope & Organization
Purpose
The CAP is a strategic document, rooted in the idea that effective
global solutions to climate change will largely be the result of
collective action of local communities and governments. The CAP
enables the City to maintain local control of implementing State
direction (AB32 - the California Global Warming Solutions Act) to
reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. GHG reduction
strategies align with existing General Plan policies, and adoption of
a CAP is an Other Important Objective in the City's 2011 -13 Financial
Plan. Having an adopted CAP will also allow the City to streamline
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review process of
certain development projects.
The plan identifies strategies to guide the development and
implementation of GHG reduction measures in the City of San Luis
Obispo and quantifies the emissions reductions that result from
these strategies. In addition to addressing strategies to reduce GHG
emissions, the CAP includes adaptation measures to improve the
City's ability to address the potential impacts that climate change
may have on the City and its residents. The overall benefit of the
CAP is larger than reducing GHG emissions; it is quality of life
improvements for the community, potential energy cost savings for
residents and businesses, and protection of the environment for
future generations.
Scope
The CAP is adopted by Resolution, and is not law. Some strategies
will be implemented through ordinance, while others will require
City of San Luis Obispo
development of educational programs or prioritizing resources for
infrastructure. The CAP proposes strategies to reduce GHG
emissions from community -wide activities and government
operations. Community -wide activities are broken down into six
focus areas: buildings, y„ transportation and
land use, solid waste, and parks and open space.
Corresponding goals include: energy - efficient buildings, clean and
renewable energy sources, improved transportation options,
reduced water consumption, reduced waste, and maintenance and
growth of the urban forest.
Organization
Each chapter describes sources of GHG emissions, existing actions,
and new strategies. Where possible, the GHG reduction strategies
are quantified in terms of expected amount of emissions reduced by
2020. When combined with anticipated emissions reductions from
State requirements, San Luis Obispo can reach its adopted GHG
reduction target.
Adaptation measures are included at the end of each chapter.
These measures indicate actions the City can take to respond to
climatic changes that will occur regardless of actions taken to
reduce emissions.
Understanding Climate Change
The Evolution of Climate Science
Mounting scientific evidence links rising atmospheric GHG
concentrations to global climate change caused by human activities.
Although uncertainty has surrounded the issue of climate change
since the mid - twentieth century, it is evident that higher levels of
GHG emissions in the atmosphere are warming temperatures.
Melting Arctic sea ice, shrinking glaciers, rising sea levels,
lengthening growing seasons, and shifting flora and fauna
geographic ranges all point to climate change.
The questions surrounding climate change are no longer about
whether the earth's temperature is rising, but to what extent, how
fast, and with what impacts. Ongoing scientific studies have
documented a rise of 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit in the average surface
air temperature of the earth over the last century along with a
continual rise in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide.'
Global climate models accounting for both natural and human -
related activity have shown that the global climate is warming more
rapidly than it would under solely natural conditions. The natural
cycle produces and removes GHGs via forests and oceans to keep a
1 Henson, R, 2008.
Introduction
balance, but humans produce extra GHGs without removing any.
While fossil -fuel derived GHGs are a very small component of the
global carbon cycle, the extra GHGs are cumulative because the
The Global Carbon Cycle
KIP
Note: Numbers represent flux of carbon dioxide in gigatons
Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007
4
I
ti
natural carbon exchange cannot absorb all the additional GHGs.2 A
climate action plan identifies ways humans can reduce the GHGs
they generate to bring the cycle closer to balanced.
The Mechanics of Climate Change: Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse gases play an essential role in keeping earth habitable;
without them, surface temperatures would average negative two
degrees Fahrenheit.' Approximately 50% of solar radiation is
absorbed by the earth's surface, 30% is reflected back to space, and
20% is absorbed by the earth's atmosphere. The energy absorbed by
the earth's surface is released as infrared radiation from the earth.
2 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007
3 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2009.
Introduction
Draft Climate Action Plan
While some energy is lost to space, GHGs trap the majority of heat
and radiate it back to the earth's surface. This delicate energy
balance, called the Greenhouse Effect, nurtures life and supports the
complex natural ecosystems in which humans thrive.
Human activities are altering this delicate balance. Since the days of
the Industrial Revolution, atmospheric concentrations of
greenhouse gases have increased due to the burning of fossil
fuels — including coal, oil, and natural gas —in vehicles, power
plants, factories, and homes. Concentrations of nitrous oxide,
carbon dioxide, and methane have increased 18 %, 36 %, and 148%
respectively.4 Higher concentrations of greenhouse gases have
resulted in a stronger Greenhouse Effect that traps more heat and
reduces the radiation of heat into space. The result is a documented
increase in the average surface temperature of the earth.
The challenges associated with climate change are complex and
forecasting continues to be plagued with uncertainty. Under
business -as -usual scenarios, scientific models suggest that
atmospheric carbon dioxide levels may double those of the pre-
industrial period by the mid - twenty -first century. The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a
corresponding rise in average global surface temperature between
2.7 and 8.1 degrees Fahrenheit in the same time period.' The extent
of future impacts depends on how quickly and to what degree GHG
emissions can be reduced on a global scale in addition to how well
4 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007,
5 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007.
City of San Luis Obispo
areas are able to adapt to climate change effects. The solution lies in
global action, which is the cumulative sum of local reform.
The Greenhouse Effect
Some solar
radiation is
reflected by the
Earth and the
atmosphere Some of the infrared
radiation is absorbed
and re- emitted by
3reenho gas
molecules
Solar radiation
passes through
c�
the atmosphere
and most is
fta-ed rad
absorbed by the
med from
Earth's surface
+s urface
Source: Tufts University.
Climate Change Impacts
California's climate is already changing. Annual nighttime
temperatures statewide have increased 0.33 degrees Fahrenheit per
decade since 1920, while daytime temperatures have increased by
0.1 degrees Fahrenheit per decade during the same period.'
Increases in average temperatures in California result in variations in
6 California Natural Resources Agency, 2009.
temperature by area and by season, which will have a number of
potential consequences including: wildfire, public health issues,
flooding, drought, and agricultural risks.
Higher
Emissions
Scenario
Medium
Emissions
Scenario
Lower -
Emissions
Scenario
Potential Climate Change Impacts
13T
12
n
k NghM
10 }'
0
•
1&Kk n
R-W
S
4 lacer
IYarnung Rage
3 13550
2
1
Source: California Energy Commission
Increased Wildfires
Wildfires have increased in frequency and intensity in recent years.'
Rising temperatures cause shifts in precipitation patterns and earlier
melting of mountain snowpack. This reduction in rainfall, combined
with a longer growing season (i.e. more fuel) and higher
7 California Natural Resources Agency, 2009.
ern troduction
temperatures, can lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity
of wildfires. In a relatively hot and arid climate like that of San Luis
Obispo, an increase in wildfire danger in wildland -urban interface
areas is an expected consequence of climate change.
Impacts on Public Health
Higher overall temperatures increase the likelihood and severity of
heat waves. Higher temperatures are associated with increased risk
of heat - related deaths and illness. This risk is greater for people in
economically depressed areas with reduced access to air
conditioning. Higher temperatures also increase air pollution by
increasing fuel evaporation, raising energy demand, and creating
ideal conditions for smog formation.
Flooding, Drought & Reduced Snowpack
Climate change threatens to alter rainfall patterns in San Luis
Obispo, increasing the frequency and severity of both flooding and
drought. It also threatens the State's overall water cycle. The
majority of precipitation in California falls as winter snow in the
mountains. The mountain snowpack stores this water, supplying the
State's water needs in the dry summer months. Rising temperatures
will have two significant impacts on this important process: more
precipitation comes as rain and less as snow causing flooding; and
spring snowmelt will happen earlier. This means a longer period of
low -flow conditions in the warmer months causing impacts to water
supplies, fish and other aquatic life."
8 California Natural Resources Agency, 2009.
Introduction
Draft Climate Action Plan
Threats to Agriculture
Agriculture is a critical industry in California ($37.5 billion in revenue
in 2010) that supplies half of the nation's domestic fruits and
vegetables.' Rising temperatures and increased drought conditions
in the State's agricultural areas will increase water demand and
constrain agricultural output when water supply becomes less
reliable. Rising temperatures can also negatively impact crop yield
and quality. Many of the most valuable crops in California —such as
fruits and nuts — require a certain period of cool temperatures in the
winter to properly set their fruit. Rising winter temperatures can lead
to late or irregular blooms, meaning lower quality and yield at
harvest time.10
Five Milestone Process
The City of San Luis Obispo has a long history of supporting
sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives and practices.
Upon joining the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign in 2008,
San Luis Obispo committed to following its established Five
Milestone Process consisting of the following steps:
1. Conduct a baseline emissions inventory and forecast.
2. Adopt an emissions reduction target for the forecast year.
3. Develop a local climate action plan.
4. Implement the plan's policies and measures.
5. Monitor and verify results.
9 California Department of Food and Agriculture, 2012.
10 California Natural Resources Agency, 2009.
City of San Luis Obispo
GHG Inventory
Pursuit of the first milestone began in 2008 when the City
conducted an emissions inventory and business -as -usual (BAU)
forecast." The emissions inventory identifies 2005 as the baseline
year for which comprehensive energy use data is available. The
baseline data in the inventory provides a basis for establishing
strategies that are appropriate for San Luis Obispo's emissions
patterns and for quantifying any reductions over time. Emissions
resulting from government operations were quantified separately as
a subset of community -wide emissions and are addressed in this
document under Government Operations.
In addition to naturally occuring GHGs, human processes generate
emissions that impact the Greenhouse Effect. Emissions inventories
use carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) as a standard unit for
measuring carbon footprints. The idea is to express the impact of
each different greenhouse gas in terms of the amount of CO2 that
would create the same amount of warming. 12 For example, methane
traps over 21 times more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide
and one metric ton (MT) of methane would show as 21 MTCO2e.
Community -wide emissions were split into four sectors: Commercial
& Industrial, Residential, Transportation, and Solid Waste. The City's
community -wide emissions in 2005 came to a total of 264,240
MTCO2e. Half of community emissions come from transportation
11 City of San Luis Obispo, 2009.
12 The Guardian, April, 2011.
'V
sources, which includes vehicle trips passing through San Luis
Obispo on Highways 101 and 1.
2005 Community Wide GHG emissions (264,240 MTCO2e)
Waste
7%
Residential
0,� 21%
Transportation J
50%
Commercial/
Industrial
22%
Government operations emissions were separated into Vehicle
Fleet, Employee Commute, Business Travel, Buildings or Facilities,
Streetlights, Traffic Signals, Water Delivery and Wastewater.
City Operations Emissions (6,700 MTCO2e)
Business
Employee Travel
Commute < 1 %
15% _ Buildings
18%
Streetlights
3%
Traffic Signals
1%
Water
Vehicle Fleet_ Delivery
29% 16%
Wastewater
Treatment
18%
In 2005, government operations accounted for 2.5% of the total
community -wide emissions, or 6,700 MTCO2e.
GHG Reduction Target
The emissions inventory identified a GHG reduction target,
consistent with the Proposed Scoping Plan for AB 32, of 15% below
the baseline year by 2020. This equates to 22% below the projected
buisness -as -usual (BAU) forecast by 2020, which takes into account
anticipated growth in the population and built environment.
Business -As -Usual Forecast
The GHG emissions inventory report included a business -as -usual
(BAU) forecast for community and government emissions.
Business -As -Usual Forecast of Community -wide Emissions
350,000
')AA I I n 771 in 287,750 318,420
_S
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
9
2005 2010 2020 2035
■ Waste ■ Transportation
Commercial/ Industrial �- Residential
Draft Climate Action Plan
The BAU forecast indicates that emissions will increase, especially in
the commercial /industrial sector, as the community's population
and jobs continue to grow. The BAU forecast for both community -
wide emissions and City government operations reflects actual and
anticipated growth rates between 2005, 2010, 2020, and 2035.
Community growth rates are based on 2010 San Luis Obispo Council
of Governments (SLOCOG) adopted growth projections of
population and jobs. The BAU forecast for City governement
operations also reflects anticipated changes in facilities, vehicle
fleet, streetlight use, and employee commuting behaviors.
Business -As -Usual Forecast of Government Operations
Emissions
I
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
6,700 6,920 7,010 7,030
2005 2010 2020 2035
■ Waste Employee Business Travel Employee Commute
Vehicle Fleet ■ Wastewater Treatment Water Delivery
■ Traffic Signals Streetlights = Buildings
7._
Introduction
City of San Luis Obispo
State Policies to Reduce GHG Emissions
AB 32, SB 375 and SB 97
Various pieces of climate change legislation have become law in
California since San Luis Obispo's emissions inventory baseline year
of 2005. AB 32 is the primary legislation that contains the State's
adopted GHG reduction strategies to reduce GHG emissions to 1990
levels by the year 2020. This target is estimated to be 15% below
emissions measured in the baseline year of 2005. One of the central
requirements of AB 32 directed the California Air Resources Board
(ARB) to create a Climate Change Scoping Plan, which was adopted
by ARB in 2008. The Climate Change Scoping Plan recognizes the
unique ability of local governments to impact emissions reductions
through policy change.
The Climate Change Scoping Plan also recognizes that passenger
vehicles are the single biggest source of GHG emissions in California,
and one of the biggest obstacles to reaching the goal of 1990 GHG
levels by 2020. To address this, Senate Bill (SB) 375 was signed into
law in 2008. This bill — largely an anti - sprawl measure — supports the
implementation of AB 32 by (1) requiring that metropolitan
planning organizations (MPO) create regional transportation plans
that include strategies for reducing GHG emissions from passenger
vehicles, (2) aligning the regional housing needs allocation process
with regional transportation planning, and (3) incentivizing transit -
oriented residential projects that further AB 32 goals. SLOCOG, the
region's MPO, has adopted reduction targets for per capita
emissions from passenger vehicles of 8 percent below baseline
(2005) for the years 2020 and 2035.13
Another important: piece of State legislation is SB 97 (2007). SB 97
identifies greenhouse gas emissions associated with a project as
potentially significant environmental impacts under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA allows lead agencies to
analyze and mitigate the significant effects of greenhouse gas
emissions at a programmatic level, such as in a general plan, or as
part of a separate plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (CEQA
15183.5). The CAP serves as the City's qualified GHG reduction plan,
because it contains the following required plan elements:
0 Community -wide GHG emissions inventory and "business -as-
usual" forecast of 2020 community -wide GHG emissions;
0 GHG reduction targets consistent with AB 32 (i.e. a level,
based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution
to greenhouse gas emissions from activities covered by the
plan would not be cumulatively considerable);
0 Analysis of local and state policies and actions that may
impact GHG emissions within the jurisdiction;
• Quantification of GHG reduction measures demonstrating
that, if implemented, the GHG reduction targets will be met;
• Implementation and monitoring strategy and timeline; and
• Adequate environmental review of the CAP.
13 SLOCOG Preliminary Sustainable Communities Strategy
IntrodLIC0011
Incorporation of these plan elements allows the CAP to be used in
the cumulative impacts analysis of later projects. The environmental
document for each project must identify those requirements
specified in the CAP that apply to the project, and if those
requirements are not otherwise binding or enforceable, should be
incorporated as mitigation measures applicable to the project
(CEQA 15183.5b). The City will develop a mitigation matrix as an
offshoot of the CAP for projects that exceed specified GHG
thresholds. The matrix will include quantifiable CAP reduction
measures consistent with SB 97 direction.
A number of other laws directly relate to local climate planning
efforts and will result in local GHG emissions reductions. The laws
are outlined in the following sections.
Clean Car Standards, AB 1493 (Pavley)
Signed into law in 2002, AB 1493 requires carmakers to reduce GHG
emissions from new passenger cars and light trucks beginning in
2011. Regulations were adopted by ARB in 2004 and took effect in
2009 with the release of a waiver from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) granting California the right to implement
the bill. ARB anticipates that the Pavley standards will reduce GHG
emissions from new California passenger vehicles by about 22% in
2012 and about 30% in 2016, all while improving fuel efficiency and
reducing motorists' Costs.14
14 California Air Resources Board, 2010.
Introduction
Draft Climate Action Plan
Low Carbon Fuel Standard
Established in 2007 under an executive order from Governor
Schwarzenegger, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) directs the
California Environmental Protection Agency, the California Energy
Commission, and the California Air Resources Board to develop
protocols for measuring the life -cycle carbon intensity of
transportation fuels to be included as part of the state's early action
item for implementing AB 32. The LCFS will reduce the average
carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 10 %.15
Renewable Portfolio Standard
California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is one of the most
ambitious renewable energy standards in the country, mandating
that 33% of electricity delivered in California is generated by
renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal by 2020. The
California RPS was first codified in 2002 by SB 1078 (requiring 20%
renewable electricity mix by 2010) and further strengthened in April
2011 with the adoption of SB X 1 -2 (requiring 33% renewable
electricity mix by 2020).16 The RPS intends to boost the economy
and establish California as a leader in the development and use of
renewable energy.
Despite the 2020 goal of California's RPS, technological and political
challenges may prevent some investor -owned utilities from meeting
the 33% target by 2020. In 2010, the California Public Utilities
Commission reported that 18% of California's electricity came from
15 California Air Resources Board, 2011.
16 California Public Utilites Commision, 2011.
City of San Luis Obispo
renewable sources in 2010, missing the 20% goal by 2 %. California
utilities have more than enough renewable electricity under
consideration to meet the 33% target by 2020. However, due to
contract and transmission limitations, not all of this new electricity
may be available in time." Taking these issues into account, this
document assumes a more conservative forecast of a 28%
renewable mix by 2020.
California Building Codes, Title 24
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) regulates how
each new home and business is built or altered in California. It
includes requirements for the structural, plumbing, electrical, and
mechanical systems of buildings, and for fire and life safety, energy
conservation, green design, and accessibility in and about buildings.
Two sections of Title 24 - Part 6, the California Energy Code, and Part
11, the California Green Building Standards Code or CALGreen Code
- contain standards that address GHG emissions related to new
construction. These two sections require direct electricity, natural
gas, and water savings for every new home or business built in
California. Part 6, which was last updated in January 2011, also
includes requirements for lighting, insulation and equipment
upgrades to residential and nonresidential buildings undergoing
additions, alterations or repairs. CCR Title 24 are statewide codes
and standards that must be enforced by local agencies through the
construction application process.
"California Public Utilites Commision 2011.
F1-01
Part 11, 2010 California Green Building Code
California is the first state in the nation to adopt a mandatory green
building code, the California Green Building Standards Code, or
CALGreen. The CALGreen Code became a mandatory code
beginning January 1, 2011. The code takes a holistic approach to
green bu lding by including minimum requirements in the areas of
planning and design, energy efficiency, water efficiency and
conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and
environmental quality. The CALGreen code has minimum
mandatory standards and two additional tiers of voluntary measures
intended to achieve greater levels of effeciency which result in lower
levels of GHG emissions. Local governments must enforce the
minimurr standards and can choose to adopt either Tier 1 or Tier 2
standards to achiElve greater positive environmental impacts. The
CAP maintains minimum CALGreen requirements, and proposes
incentives for projects that elect to meet Tier 1 standards.
Mandatory CALGreen standards do not require explicit reductions in
energy consumption beyond the minimum Title 24 Part 6 standards.
However, if a local agency elects to adopt either of the optional tiers
of CALGreen, additional prerequisites and electives must be
implemented by new development projects. For the voluntary
energy efficiency prerequisites, Tier 1 is a 15% and Tier 2 is a 30%
improvement over minimum Title 24 Part 6 requirements.
The GHG forecast in this plan incorporates the net energy and water
benefit of new T tie 24 requirements that did not exist in the
baseline year. These estimates are based on California Energy
Commission studies that compare each new update of Title 24 to its
former version. The AB 32 Scoping Plan calls for ongoing triennial
Ill t] "b d LI C t ] oil
updates to Title 24 that will yield regular increases in the mandatory
energy and water savings for new construction. As such, the GHG
forecast also includes a conservative estimate of the energy and
water reductions due to future updates of Title 24 based on historic
growth rates. The energy reductions quantified in the forecast from
Part 6 Energy Code updates are based on the assumption that the
triennial updates to the code will yield regular decreases in the
maximum allowable amount of energy used from new construction.
California Solar Initiative
The California Solar Initiative (CSI) was authorized in 2006 under SB 1
and allows the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to
provide incentives to install solar technology on existing residential,
commercial, nonprofit, and governmental buildings if they are
customers of the State's investor -owned utilities (IOUs): Pacific Gas &
Electric (PG &E), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG &E), or Southern
California Edison (SCE). The CSI program has a budget of nearly $2.2
billion to be expended by 2016 with a goal to reach 1,940
megawatts (MW) of installed solar power throughout the State by
that time. 18 The CSI program has several components, including the
Research and Development, Single- family Affordable Solar Housing
(SASH), Multi- family Affordable Solar Housing (MASH), and Solar
Water Heating Pilot Program, each of which provides incentives to
further the installation of solar technology on California's buildings.
Adjusted Business -As -Usual Forecast
Implementation of State legislation has direct impacts on the
current and future GHG emissions in San Luis Obispo. State policies
18 California Energy Commission and California Public Utilities Commission, 2011.
Introduction
Draft Climate Action Plan
address emissions that are difficult for the City to directly influence
with local policy such as vehicle fuel efficiency and the emissions
associated with the generation of electricity.
Local Impact of State Emissions Reduction Policies
Clean Car Standards (Pavley)
Amount of
010
0
Emissions • -
2020
- 21,020 - 35,420
Low Carbon Fuel Standard
0
-9,330 -8,690
Renewable Portfolio Standard
-3,490
- 10,290 - 17,070
California Solar Initiative
-640
-1,490
-1,420
Title 24
0
-980
-4,850
Total Emissions Reductions
- 4,130
- 43,110
- 67,450
350,000
Adjusted Business -As -Usual GHG Emissions
320,000 - -
287,740'.... .
290,000
264,230
260,000
��•%244,630 - - -.�
%f-- - --
230,000
224,600
2005 2010 2020 2035
• • �$ • Business As Usual Forecast
Baseline
— -A— Adjusted BAU with State Reductions
State Recommended Reduction Targets
City of San Luis Obispo
Reductions resulting from State policies are estimated to reduce
GHG emissions 15% below projected business -as -usual (BAU) GHG
emissions. This means the City must implement local strategies to
reduce emissions by an additional 7% to reach the 2020 reduction
target of 22% below BAU (15% below baseline;.
Climate Action Plan Development
In 2009, the City partnered with the Cal Poly Climate Team to
develop a CAP. The draft plan was developed over two phases: (1)
auditing the City's existing policies, and (2) drafting the CAP.
Education and outreach was conducted throughout the process and
is described in more detail below.
Phase 1: Development of a citywide policy audit and other
background research was completed by December 2009. This
included identifying existing policies and programs that either
support or conflict with the City's GHG reduction goals,
reviewing strategies implemented in other jurisdictions to
identify those strategies that are applicable to San Luis Obispo,
and holding community workshops to gather public feedback.
Phase 2: The research and community input completed in Phase
1 served as an informational foundation for creation of a draft
CAP that identifies specific emissions reduction strategies,
establishes progress- tracking indicators, and makes policy
implementation recommendations. The expected emissions
reduction from each strategy was calculated to demonstrate
how the City can reach its GHG reduction target of 1990 levels by
the year 2020.
Public Engagennent
City residents were involved at all stages of plan development.
Outreach efforts included
hosting booths at four
separate Thursday night -Farm ers' Markets, four
community meetings,
electronic outreach
including a Facebook page
and a website, digital
surveys, visits to local
schools, and Saturday visits
to local supermarkets.
Early in the plan clevelopment process, public engagement efforts
focused on sharing information with the public, raising awareness,
and gaining an understanding of community needs. Activities
included an educational climate change game, a board where
residents could identify the ways they are already working to reduce
their own carbon footprint, and walking surveys. Emphasis was
placed on soliciting community -based ideas for addressing climate
change, which was used as the foundation for draft GHG emissions
reduction strategies.
The Climate Team and staff made a number of Saturday visits to
local supermarkets, where the team shared details of the project
with interested residents, solicited feedback on draft strategies, and
invited residents to upcoming meetings. In an attempt to engage
residents of all ages, visits were also made to local schools. Students
were given an opportunity to share some of their ideas and to learn
more about climate change and how it might affect San Luis Obispo.
Flyers announcing upcoming community meetings were also
dropped off at schools for students to take home to their parents.
Subsequent public workshops and events focused on presentation
of draft GHG reduction strategies and gathering feedback on which
strategies residents could support. Presentations and participation
excercises were also held at regular meetings of local community
groups, including: Home Builder's Association, Greenbuild Alliance,
Association of REALTORS, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club,
Empower Poly, and Workforce Housing Coalition.
A website (SLOCOOL.org) and Facebook page allowed residents to
post questions and comments via Facebook or email, and review
updates and information about future events. Three digital surveys
were administered through web resources. Two of the surveys
focused on residents, and a third survey was sent to the business
community via the Chamber of Commerce.
Sample Survey Question
12. What would encourage you to ride a bicycle more often? (select all that apply)
Safer Bike Routes
More Bike Lanes s
Bike-Share/Rental Options
More Storage Areas
Route Information
Free Safety Classes
Other (please specify)
iii troductlon
Draft Climate Action Plan
Finalizing the City's Reduction Strategies
GHG emissions reduction policies and programs reflect public input,
climate science literature, State and Federal legislation, emerging
planning policy, and CAPS adopted by other jurisdictions. The
majority of the community GHG reduction strategies are based on
voluntary behavior. The CAP guides residents and workers to make
alternative efficiency -based decisions, or in many cases, to continue
environmentally sound practices already taking place in SLO. The
overall benefit of the CAP is larger than reducing GHG emissions; it is
quality of life improvements for the community and protection of
the environment for future generations.
City of San Luis Obispo
How to Read this Document
BLD ;: Energy Ccnservatior ,ir:ance Strategy Title and Measure
The City shall develop an Energy Conservation Ordinance for residential and commercial properties. — —
Implementation:
Z BLD 1.1 Develop residential energy conservation (REC) standards for properties being renovated or sold.
✓i BLD 1.2 Develop commercial energy conservation (CEC) standardsfo, properties being renovated or sold.
J BLD 1.3 Identify alternative energy conservation measures for historic structures that do notcompromise the
integrity of the building.
Emissions Reduction: +► •,�':� � '��
Program Description:
An Energy Conservation Ordinance will require energy efficient; upgrades a- the time of sale or as
a condition of processing a construction permit far a major renovation or addition to a building, The
REC and CEC standards will require property owners to comple -e an energy audit prior to the sale
of a building. It is anticipated the ordinance will - equire property/ owners to implement a combina-
tion of these strategies proportional to the scale of the construction projec or value of property
sold. Exemptions may be made for structures built after the year 2000, ene -gy efficiency retrofits
completed within the previous five years, or part cipation in the Energy Upgrade California rebate
program. The ordinance will include specific measures for single- family homes, multi -unit homes,
and commercial properties, with specific provisions for historc structures ,BLD 1 1 through 1.3).
Property owners will be expected to make upgrades that will reduce energy use by a minimum of
20% at the time of sale.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Number of properties completing retro- t upon sale, renovation or addition.
Community Benefits
14
�O
Necessary Action Items
Actions that implement the strategy. A
checked box indicates continuation of
existing efforts.
Emissions Reductions
-500 MTCO2e
Estimated amount of GHG emissions
reduced by the year 2020, measured in
metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
(MTCOZe).
Measure Time Frame:
Identifies the time frame for implementing each
measure to achieve the GHG reduction.
Monitoring:
Indicators that will be used to measure progress.
Co- Benefits:
Identifies the additional benefits to be achieved
through the implementation of each program.
Introduction
Provides
Health Benefits
Draft Climate Action Plan
Supports Local
Business
Rcduccs
[)Crlla;lJ
Reduces Water
Consumption
Improves
Municipal Mobility
Revenues
Introduction M
City of San Luis Obispo
This page intentionally left blank.
mIntroduction
Buildings
Goal: Reduce energy - related emissions by promoting
energy efficiency at the point of final use in buildings.
13% of Tota I
ciP, Community GHG
Reductions
Draft Climate Action Plan
provide significant energy savings, which results
in emissions reductions. Energy efficiency
improvements also can increase property values,
greater reduce monthly utility costs, and improve indoor
Reduces Community Education
Energy Savings &
Demand Awareness
The GHG emissions associated with energy use from buildings
account for 43% of community -wide GHG emissions (113,620
MTCOze). These emissions come from fossil fuels that supply energy
to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, facilities and
associated appliances. Energy - related GHG emissions can be
reduced by using less energy through conservation and making
buildings more efficient with the energy they use.
Energy is used to light, heat, and cool buildings, as well as power
appliances, equipment, and electronics that are used within each
building. Small, low -cost actions such as switching to more efficient
light bulbs, or line drying clothes instead of using a dryer, can
Buildings
air quality.
State Reductions
Title 24 - Part 6, the California Energy Code, and
Part 11, the California Green Building Standards
Code or CALGreen Code - require direct
electricity, natural gas, and water savings for
every new home or business built in California.
Part 6 also includes requirements for lighting,
insulation and equipment upgrades to residential and
nonresidential buildings undergoing additions, alterations or
repairs.
Existing Actions
Existing local policies that reduce energy use within the community
can be found in the General Plan, Community Design Guidelines,
and Zoning Regulations. These policies include:
Q Design standards that promote sustainable and efficient
development, such as maximizing passive ventilation and
cooling systems, and use of natural lighting within buildings.
0 Application requirements for large development projects to
complete green building and low impact development
checklists.
0 Additional energy efficiency performance standards for
proposed buildings taller than 50 feet.
City of San Luis Obispo
Q Energy efficiency mitigations for projects that may have a
significant environmental impact.
Buildings Strategies
Local strategies to reduce community -wide energy - related
emissions from buildings include energy efficiency requirements,
programs, incentives, education and outreach. Many of the building
strategies align with policies in the County EnergyWise Plan and
pending State legislation.
Building GHG Emissions Reductions by Strategy ( -3,543 MTCO2e)
Efficiency
Improvemer
to Existin@
Buildings
New
Construction
Energy
Conservation
Public
itreach and
Frluration
The majority of emissions reductions can be achieved through
energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings. Conserving
existing building stock also preserves "embodied energy', which is
the sum of energy inputs used in initial building construction.
BLD 1: Efficiency Improvements to Existing Buildings
Implement local programs, and i f
i
/ i
•/, .* •0 %
collaborate with the County and' dW WS``l
State, to improve energy efficiency J
in older building stock. -1,745 MTCO2e
�8:]
Program Description:
An efficient building ensures that space heating and cooling, water
heating, insulation systems and electrical systems are working
together to achieve the optimal comfort using the least amount of
energy. Building performance is improved by sealing leaks and
insulating the "envelope" or exterior shell. Efficiency upgrades can:
eliminate drafts, quiet the interior, reduce mold, save money on
utility bills, reduce respiratory irritants, reduce energy use, improve
fire safety, and lower GHG emissions.
Energy ratings by certified professionals are the first step. Energy
ratings inform owners and buyers about the energy efficiency of a
building, its operating costs, and improvements that can be made to
make the building more energy efficient. Making this information
available helps consumers make better decisions. Property owners
Buildings
Draft Climate Action Plan
will be able to receive incentives for completing energy ratings of ❑ BLD 1.3 Evaluate options for a local
older buildings and submitting the results to the City. energy conservation ordinance, pursuant
Energy efficiency upgrades to older buildings are a common goal of
the City, County and State. Continuing education of the public using
energy ratings, online resources, State - mandated annual energy
reports for nonresidential buildings (AB 1103), and energy monitors
will create the basis of information that leads to more retrofits. This
aligns with the State's Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Program for
Existing Buildings (AB 758), which requires the Energy Commission
to develop and implement strategies for energy assessments,
benchmarking, energy use ratings and labels, cost - effective energy
efficiency improvements, financing, outreach and green workforce
training.
Implementation:
❑ BLD 1.1 Accomplish 425 residential energy- efficiency
retrofits and 10,000 square feet of commercial efficiency
retrofits annually, by encouraging energy ratings, offering
rebates and incentives, and supporting regional education
efforts such as an EnergyWatch energy- efficiency website.
❑ BLD 1.2 Encourage property owners to monitor building
energy use through energy monitors, web applications and
State - required energy use disclosures (AB 1103).
Buildings
to pending State legislation (AB 758), that
requires entry -level efficiency upgrades
identified in certified energy ratings.
❑ BLD 1.4 Identify energy efficiency
upgrades for historic structures that do
not compromise the historic integrity of
the building, such as interior upgrades like
insulation, air sealing, and wrapping
ducts.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Number of energy ratings submitted to City in exchange for
nominal compensation.
• Number of permits issued that include energy - efficiency
retrofits.
• Annual review of PG &E Green Communities local data on
residential and nonresidential energy consumption trends.
BLD 2: New Construction Energy Conservation
Encourage and incentivize new
development to exceed minimum Cal Green `: -288 MTCOze
requirements.
Program Description:
The City has established incentives for certain green building
practices in new construction. Downtown development projects
0
City of San Luis Obispo
that exceed Cal Green standards have the opportunity to develop at BLD 3: Public Outreach and Education
taller heights than those that only meet minimum efficiency Collaborate with local utility providers,
standards. Expansion of incentives for projects that go beyond Cal the County and State, businesses, and
Green requirements will encourage additional energy conservation
community organizations to develop
in new construction, and reduce energy - related GHG emissions energy conservation campaigns and -1,510 MTCO2e
beyond State law. marketing for existing programs.
Utilization of the latest "smart" appliances and other green
technologies such as cool roofs and cool pavement in new
construction helps reduce energy demand. Cool roofs use special
reflective pigments that reflect sunlight, making a building cooler
and air conditioning use less frequent. Cool pavement reflects more
solar energy reducing heat absorption in the built environment.
Implementation:
❑ BLD 2.1 Expand incentive program for projects that exceed
Title 24 energy efficiency standards.
❑ BLD 2.2 Require new development to install energy -
efficient appliances.
❑ BLD 2.3 Amend design guidelines and other documents to
promote low impact development strategies such as cool
roofs and cool paving surfaces.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Percentage of new construction projects that exceed Cal
Green requirements.
• Percentage of new projects with smart grid appliances.
2+Q
Program Description:
Voluntary energy efficiency and conservation programs provide
incentives to residents and businesses to reduce energy use, and
collectively work: towards reducing community -wide GHG
emissions. Energy Upgrade California is one program being
implemented statewide that offers rebates up to $4,000 for energy
efficient upgrades to buildings. Energy- efficiency mortgages,
sponsored by federally insured mortgage programs (FHA and VA)
and the conventional secondary mortgage market (Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac), are used to purchase existing homes that will have
energy efficiency improvements completed. The City will work to
educate the public about this financing option and other programs
offered by Federal, State and regional agencies and utility
companies via publications and online materials.
The City will also strengthen partnerships with local organizations
committed to promoting green building design and energy- efficient
living standards. Development of a certification program that
recognizes businesses with energy efficient operations will help
promote energy conservation and grow community -wide
awareness.
Buildings
Draft Climate Action Plan
Implementation: Heat waves can also threaten vulnerable
El
C
LE
BLD 3.1 Promote energy efficiency programs and available
financing options including energy- efficiency mortgages,
State energy programs, Energy Upgrade California, utility
company upgrade programs, and local rebates.
BLD 3.2 Collaborate with the County, State, and energy
providers to develop a central website for streamlined access
to energy efficiency resources, including a database of
certified energy raters and recommended upgrades.
BLD 3.3 Work with local green building organizations on
education and outreach programs.
BLD 3.4 Work with the business community to establish a
green business certification program.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Number of local participants in Energy Upgrade California.
• Number of hits on community web portal.
• Number of certified green businesses.
Adaptation
An increase in the frequency and severity of heat waves is one
anticipated consequence of climate change in California. Higher
temperatures mean increased energy demand to power residential
and commercial air conditioning, and increased strain on energy
distribution systems. Improved standards to promote more energy -
efficient buildings can reduce indoor air temperatures during heat
waves, thereby reducing energy consumption of cooling systems.
populations such as infants, elderly, and those
without access to cool indoor spaces. Improving
emergency preparedness for heat waves will help
at -risk residents avoid the negative impacts of
higher than normal temperatures.
BLD Adaptation 1: Public Relief during
Extreme Heat
Facilities that provide air - conditioned indoor ' �i i
space should be accessible to the general public
during heat waves. They should be City -owned
facilities, educational buildings, commercial
structures or any other air - conditioned building that is centrally
located and can accommodate up to 100 people. Agreements shall
be developed that define an extreme heat event and the hours each
facility will be available to the public.
Buildings 0
City of San Luis Obispo
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0 Buildings
Renewable Energy
Goal: Use cleaner and renewable energy sources.
u
7% of Total
Community
�.
GHG Reductions Supports Local Community
Business Savings
Energy conservation and efficiency reduce GHG emissions by
decreasing demand for energy created from burning fossil fuels. A
third alternative to reduce GHG emissions is utilization of renewable
energy sources like solar and wind. Renewable energy generation
does not produce GHG emissions, making it a cleaner alternative to
traditional energy sources. State and local programs and incentives
have led to the installation of nearly 200 renewable energy systems
on residential and commercial properties within the City since 2005.
State Reductions
State incentives such as the California Solar Initiative (CSI) offer cash
back on the costs of installing solar technology on existing
residential, commercial, nonprofit, and governmental buildings if
they are customers of the State's investor -owned utilities.
California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is one of the most
ambitious renewable energy standards in the country, mandating
that 33% of electricity delivered in California is generated by
renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal by 2020.
Renewable Energy
Draft Climate Action Plan
Existing Actions
The City continues to support renewable energy
through policies in the Conservation and Open
Space Element (COSE) of the General Plan,
including:
Q Solar access standards for new
development that ensure new and existing
buildings maintain adequate solar access
for future solar installations.
Q Solar power requirements for new single -
family residential projects of 20 or more dwelling units.
Q Photovoltaic solar collector requirements for common -use
facilities in multi - family residential developments with 20 or
more units.
Renewable Energy Strategies
Local strategies supporting installation of renewable energy systems
are a combination of financing, incentives and outreach. A local
renewable energy financing program can help develop the City's
clean energy economy.
Renewable Energy GHG Reductions by Strategy ( -2,240 MTCO2e)
Renewables
Implementation
Renewables
Financing
City of San Luis Obispo
RF 1 Renpimable Fnerov Financin a
Promote a wide range of renewable �► �' i; .-6,. , %$ -
energy financing options including a -
renewable energy fund or loan
-2100 MTCOze
program.
Program Description:
Financing programs help to remove the high upfront costs of
renewable energy equipment by allowing participants to take out
low- interest loans that will be offset by low to minimal monthly
energy costs. The City will evaluate the feasibility of a public and /or
private low- interest loan program. The California Energy
Commission offers energy- efficiency financing for cities, counties,
and special districts. A community- funded renewable energy fund
asks customers to voluntarily pay a little extra on their utility bills.
These customer donations are distributed once a year to individuals,
schools and nonprofit agencies that are generating solar and wind
power. Renewable energy generated goes into the electrical grid
and is distributed to customers.
The County's EnergyWise Plan includes formation of a countywide
energy collaborative that will include cities, the County, state and
local agencies, and investor -owned utilities. The City will support
this regional approach to provide renewable funding and financing.
Implementation:
❑ Support efforts to implement a revolving low- interest
loan program or renewable energy fund.
F24:]
❑ RE 1.11 Work with the County to build a collaborative network
to promote renewable funding and financing.
❑ RF ? Work with the County and regional energy providers
to evaluatE a "feed -in tariff' program that pays property
owners generating renewable energy based on the amount
of energy generated.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Number and size of renewable energy projects installed.
• Number of residents and /or businesses taking advantage of
financing and funding programs.
a•
RIB 2: Reiiewa0ieL -nergy driipieirnentation -]� -140 MTCO:c-
Incentivize renewable energy generation in new and existing
developments.
Program Description:
The City will offer incentives to offset elevated construction costs
associated with renewable energy installations. New developments
receiving incentives will need to generate a minimum share of their
energy requirements through on -site renewable technologies.
Amendments to development codes, design guidelines and the
Zoning Regulations will be completed as necessary to make
renewable energy use easier.
Implementation:
❑ Incentivize renewable energy generation by
streamlining review processes, reducing permit costs, and /or
Renewable Energy
allowing modest density bonuses for construction projects
with renewable energy installations.
❑ RE 2.2 Revise City policies and regulations as needed to
eliminate barriers to the use of renewable energy, and
implement General Plan programs that require solar power
for certain residential projects (COSE 4.6.17).
❑ RE 2.1 Evaluate the feasibility of a regional Community
Choice Aggregation program to procure electricity from
renewable resources.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Number and size of renewable energy projects installed.
• Number of residents and /or businesses taking advantage of
incentive programs, and associated cost savings.
Increase community awareness of renewable energy programs.
Educate professionals about benefits of integrating renewable
technologies in project design.
Program Description
Community members need to be informed about federal, state,
regional and local renewable energy programs using a mixed media
approach; online, in- person, and on television. The Renewable
Energy Secure Communities project for SLO County (SLO- RESCO)
project is a regional partnership working to identify the best mix of
resources for clean, secure and affordable energy. The City supports
Renewable Energy
Draft Climate Action Plan
SLO- RESCO's efforts and will help the public and
decision makers consider their research results.
Photovoltaic cells are becoming more
commonplace on residential and commercial --_
rooftops, but design professionals should consider iP
additional opportunities to capture solar energy
on accessory structures.
Implementation:
❑ Educate the community about
renewable energy programs using various methods, such as
the City's website, TV channel, flyers in reception areas, and
public events.
❑ -,- Consider results of the SLO -RESCO project.
❑ RE 3.3 Encourage the use of photovoltaic installations
whenever possible during design review process.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Attendance at public events focused on energy.
• Number of projects with photovoltaic systems.
Adaptation
Climate change increases the probability of extreme heat events,
which increases the demand for cooling systems in buildings.
Alternative energy generation reduces demand on traditional
transmission infrastructure, and provides additional energy security.
City of San Luis Obispo
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Renewable Energy
Transportation & Land Use
Goal: Improve transportation options.
NJ 40% of
Total �'
Community
GHG Improves Health Supports Local Community
Reductions Mobility Benefits Business Savings
Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is the main indicator used to track GHG
emissions produced from vehicle combustion of fossil fuels. VMT is
estimated using traffic counts from 176 locations and includes
vehicle trips on all streets, highways, and freeways within the City
limits. The 2005 Baseline GHG Inventory estimates a citywide daily
VMT of 768,239, and approximately 50% of the community -wide
GHG emissions, from vehicle traffic. While this is higher than the
statewide percentage of total emissions coming from vehicles
(41 %), some of the transportation - related emissions in the City may
be attributable to pass- through traffic on State Highways 1 and 101.
Based on the City's traffic model, about 34% of citywide daily VMT is
pass- through traffic. With a land area of just over 10 square miles,
many trips within San Luis Obispo are short and may not require an
automobile.
Transportation - related GHG emissions are directly influenced by trip
length, mode of travel, and vehicle efficiency. Mode choice and trip
length are indirectly influenced by land use patterns. Replacing
vehicle trips with alternative modes of transportation, including
Draft Climate Action Plan
bicycling and walking, reduces VMT and related
GHG emissions. Expanding the existing network of
bicycle and pedestrian routes, increasing the
safety of alternative modes of travel, and
conducting additional education and outreach
efforts facilitate and promote car -free alternatives.
State Reductions
The Pavley Standards (AB 1493) require carmakers
to reduce GHG emissions from new passenger
cars and light trucks beginning in 2011. The
anticipated statewide GHG emissions reductions
are about 22% in 2012 and about 30% in 2016.
4
1 rmist "L t,itiart
& Land Use
These standards
build upon the State's Low Carbon Fuel Standard to improve fuel
efficiency and reduce motorists' costs.
The State has also indirectly reduced local VMT from campus
commuters. Over the last several years, California Polytechnic State
University (Cal Poly) has developed additional on- campus housing,
which reduces vehicular travel to and from campus.
Existing Actions
Transportation
The City of San Luis Obispo's first Bicycle Facilities Plan was adopted
in 1985. Since then, the City has increasingly focused on providing
additional bicycle infrastructure, safety education, and community
outreach programs for cyclists. This investment in infrastructure and
safety programs earned the City the status of a Silver Level Bicycle
Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists in 2007.
Transportation & Land Use 0
Cit\ of San Luis Obis.Llo
In 2010, there were more than 39 miles of bikeways in the City. A
major goal of the City's 2007 Bicycle Transportation Plan is to have a
complete network of bikeways, including Class II (striped bike lanes
for one -way bicycle travel on a street) and Class III (designated bike
routes along lightly traveled streets) by 2017, and Class I (bike paths
reserved for bicycles and pedestrians separated from streets) by
2027. Recent bicycle infrastructure projects include the dedication
of Morro Street south of downtown as a Bike Boulevard, bike -
specific arrow markings, called "sharrows," along Monterey Street,
the completion of portions of the City to Sea Bike Trail to Avila
Beach, the Madonna Bike Path, and portions of the Railroad Safety
Trail. Additionally, improvements include bike sensors at signalized
intersections along Class II and Class III bikeways and a Caltrans Bike
Box striped at the Madonna Road and Higuera Street intersection.
Efforts have also been made to encourage bicycle transportation
through development review. In 1993, the City adopted bicycle
parking standards requiring new development to provide safe and
accessible long- and short -term bike parking as a condition of
approval. New developments may reduce the number of required
parking spaces by providing additional bike parking, above the
minimum requirements. The Racks with Plaques program allows
community groups to sponsor additional bike parking and has
provided 100 additional bike parking spaces since 2005. Since 2006,
the City has supported the County Bike Coalition's Bike Valet
program at community events. Providing opportunities for bike
parking facilitates alternative transportation, thereby reducing GHG
emissions from vehicular travel.
r^�
2$
The City continues to support community outreach and education
related to bike and pedestrian safety through programs and events
like the Bike Rodeo and the employee TRIP reduction program.
Additionally, the community can participate in countywide events
and programs like the Rideshare program, Commute for Cash
Challenge, Safe Routes to School program, and Bike Month
organized by SLOCOG's Regional Rideshare.
Land Use
Land use patterns influence the transportation choices we make in
our community on a daily basis. Compact mixed -use neighborhoods
that locate housing, jobs, recreation, and other daily needs within
close proximity give us more choices in what mode of
transportation to use. Walkable and transit - oriented communities
are better serviced by public transit and make cycling and walking
more attractive modes of transportation by reducing the distances
to be traveled and allowing transit and infrastructure investments to
be focused in areas where they will have the highest utility. Research
has shown that compact development which includes higher
density, increased diversity, and greater accessibility can reduce
VMT to 20% to 400ro below average.'
The City encourages mixed -use projects that mix residential and
commercial on the same site. Mixed -use projects play an
increasingly important role in providing additional housing, without
' U.S. Department of Transportation, 2010.
Transportation & Land Use
Draft Climate Action Plan
sacrificing opportunities for commercial and office spaces. The City to grow transit ridership by implementing best
has entitled several mixed -use projects in the Downtown core. practices in transit planning and development.
Transportation and Land Use Strategies
Strategies to reduce transportation - related GHG emissions focus on
supporting alternative modes of travel, and making it easier for
people to get to jobs, goods and services without traveling long
distances in a vehicle.
Transportation Emission Reductions by Strategy (- 10,509 MTCO2e)
Parking Shared Parking
KAnnna. -t I
Land Use
Diversity and
Density
Corn
StrL
Reduce the
d for
nuting
Bike Travel
.'J ;r %.
TLU 1: Transit Services i" L -420 MTCOze
Continue to maintain and expand transit services utilizing best
practices in planning and management.
Program Description:
Transit expansion promotes additional ridership and aligns with San
Luis Obispo's Council of Governments (SLOCOG) Sustainable
Communities Strategy. Approximately 50% of those additional
transit trips would otherwise be made by car, which means a
reduction in VMT and related GHG emissions. The City will continue
Transportation & Land Use
Implementation:
0 TLU 1.1 Implement the Short Range Transit
N
0
U
Plan.
TLU 1.2 Continue to research federal and
local funding for transit service upgrade
projects.
TLU 1.3 Support the County's EnergyWise
Plan strategy to add transit routes that - rransporlali0t3
provide intercity express services. S, Land use
TLU 1.4 Continue to offer a free or discounted bus passes to
residents who work in the downtown core, seniors and
students.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Number of discounted bus passes distributed annually.
• Average number of passengers per revenue hour.
• Number of annual transit trips.
TLU 2: Alternative Vehicles sib
Promote clean- energy vehicles, and expand the
network of electric car charging stations and car- -1,110 MTCOze
sharing parking spaces.
Program Description:
Access to designated parking and charging infrastructure facilitates
r,
29
� J
Citv of San Luis Obispo
alternative vehicle use. The Air Pollution Control District's (APCD) Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Electric Vehicle (EV) Community Readiness Plan promotes expansion
of EV charging infrastructure in the County. The City will take Indicators & Monitoring:
advantage of available EV Plan funding to retrofit existing charging Number of working electric vehicle charging stations.
stations, and establish requirements for large developments to pre- Number of local car -share vehicles and members.
wire for EV readiness. The SLO2035 General Plan update should Percent of parking in new developments reserved for ARB-
identify a street network appropriate for Neighborhood EVs. designated clean vehicles.
Number of registered NEVs in the City.
Car - sharing helps reduce the number of cars on the road by
providing an alternative to car - ownership. The City will encourage
the continued expansion of car- sharing services by allowing parking
spaces for these vehicles in additional places such as public lots and
residential areas.
Implementation:
❑ TLU 2.1 Require new retail centers with 10 or more parking
spaces to designate a minimum 8% of parking spaces for
ARB- certified clean vehicles.
❑ TLU 2.2 Require all new development with 10 or mcre
parking spaces to pre -wire for electric vehicle (EV) charging
stations, and provide a minimum 2 percent charging spaces.
❑ TLU 2.3 Work with the APCD on the Electric Vehicle
Community Readiness Plan for the Central Coast.
❑ TLU 2.4 Identify a network of streets appropriate for
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) use in the SLO2035
General Plan update.
❑ TLU 2.5 Allow car - sharing companies to designate spaces in
public parking areas and multifamily housing projects.
F3
TLU 3: Bike Travel
Increase the percentage of non -
recreational trips that are made by
bicycle.
,%#�ih, .to�i.
+ +
top %I
ai• .. i .� •• .. +r 4 %�
-4,818 MTCO2e
Program Description:
The City will continue to invest in bicycle infrastructure and
programs that support the safe use of bicycles. A 20% bicycle mode
share by 2020 can be achieved via the City's Bicycle Transportation
Plan (BTP) and supporting State and Federal funding. The BTP
establishes a citywide network of Class I, II, and III bikeways over the
next 20 years.
Improvements to bicycle access and parking will make it easier to
use a bicycle for commuting or running errands. Development of a
bike -share program with self -serve rental kiosks throughout the
community will be explored.
Implementation:
❑ TLU 3.1 Modify Bicycle Transportation Plan (BTP) to achieve
20% bicycle mode share by 2020.
Transportation & Land Use
❑ TLU 3.2 Develop additional funding and staff resources to
implement the BTP, including cyclist safety programs and
bicyclist commuter incentives.
❑ TLU 3.3 Research opportunities for a bike -share program near
parking facilities.
Implementation Time Frame: Long -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Miles of bike lanes and bike paths installed.
• Number of bike trips observed in biannual bike counts.
• Percentage of BTP projects completed.
%10
r 1i.
�\ •a
TLU 4: Complete Streets -551 MTCOze
Modify General Plan policies in the SLO2035 update to support a
balanced, multimodal transportation network.
Program Description:
Implement the Complete Streets Act of 2008 by developing General
Plan policies in the SLO2035 update that plan for a multimodal
transportation network that safely accommodates all users. Develop
a Downtown pedestrian master plan for safety and accessibility that
includes best practices to increase safety at intersections, addresses
discontinuous or poor quality sidewalks, and ensures that the City
meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Expansion of the Safe Routes to School program will encourage
students to use alternative modes of transportation to get to and
from school. The City will focus on infrastructure improvements
surrounding schools on City maintained streets.
Draft Climate Action Plan
Maintaining travel corridors in the transportation
network allows pass- through traffic to separate
from local users, which keeps traffic flowing.
Reducing vehicle idling from stop and go traffic
reduces GHGs from engine emissions.
Implementation:
❑ TLU 4.1 Require new and redeveloped
street designs to address the needs of all
users - motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists,
children, persons with disabilities, seniors
and users of public transit - where
"i'Y� :t t s���rtt�li�7t�
�L Land Use
appropriate.
❑ TLU 4.2 Develop and adopt a Downtown Pedestrian Plan.
❑ TLU 4.3 Collaborate with SLO Regional Rideshare to expand
Safe Routes to School programs, events, and projects.
❑ TLU 4.4 Research traffic congestion management techniques
that decrease vehicle stop rate and time, such as signal
synchronization or roundabouts.
Implementation Time Frame: Long -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Completed projects that improve the balance of the City's
transportation network for all users.
• Adopted Downtown Pedestrian Plan.
• Safe Routes to School participation rates.
Transportation & Land Use M
Citv of San Luis O bisvo
TLU 5: Land Use Diversity and Density X04. .� #;I, ,��„�_ Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Encourage compact urban form and mixed -
use developments. -2850 MTCO2e
Program Description:
Promote compact urban form by amending regulatory documents
to increase density and allow mixed -use projects in suitable zones,
excluding low- density residential (R -1) neighborhoods. Transit -
oriented development (TOD) is a type of mixed -use project
designed to maximize access to public transit, and often
incorporates features to encourage transit ridership. Mixed -use
development can reduce the distance traveled for jobs, goods and
services, and diminish transportation - related GHG emissions.
Implementation:
• TLU 5.1 Improve connectivity between neighborhoods and
services based on opportunities identified in the SL02035
General Plan update.
• TLU 5.2 Promote infill by amending the General Plan and
Zoning Regulations to increase residential densities in
suitable zones.
• TLU 5.3 Incentivize mixed -use development by reducing
parking requirements, allowing alternatives to Parking and
Driveway Standards, and streamlining permit review.
• TLU 5.4 Evaluate allowing mixed -use projects in the High -
density residential zone in the SL02035 General Plan update.
❑ TLU 5.5 Apply a Mixed -Use (MU) overlay zone to areas
suitable for TOD based on the 5L02035 General Plan update.
3?
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Area of the City rezoned to allow higher residential density.
• Increased land use index (diversity of land uses).
• Number of new mixed -use developments.
• Mean travel time to work.
TLU 6: Parking Management � -460 MTCO2e
Motivate Downt01Nn visitors to park once and walk or ride to
multiple destinations, or use transit to get to and from downtown.
Program Description:
Circling the block looking for parking increases vehicle emissions
and creates Downtown traffic. Higher costs for short -term parking
on the street will motivate Downtown visitors to park once in less
expensive parking garages and walk or ride to multiple locations. It
will also ensure that short -term parking close to businesses is
available for consumers with a specific destination.
Implementation:
0 TLU 6.1 Make Downtown parking structures an attractive
alternative to meter parking by making on- street meter fees
more expensive than structure parking.
0 TLU 6.2 Locate transit stops and bicycle racks near parking
structures to make alternative transportation choices
Downtown more convenient.
Implementation 1rime Frame: Near -Term
Transportation & Land Use
Draft Climate Action Plan
Indicators & Monitoring: Program Description:
• On- street parking vacancy rate. Maintaining an appropriate jobs- housing balance
• Parking structure occupancy rates. helps give residents the opportunity to live close
• Annual revenue from parking structures versus parking to where they work, which reduces VMT from
meters.
TLU 7: Shared Parking -250 MTCOze
Reduce VMT and associated GHG emissions by further reducing
parking requirements for land uses that share the same parking lot.
Program Description:
Businesses that have different peak hour parking usage can satisfy
their parking needs, while consuming less land, by sharing lot space.
Reductions in available parking spaces can reduce VMT if alternative
modes of transportation are easy and accessible.
Implementation:
❑ TLU 7.1 Amend the Zoning Regulations to increase the
potential shared parking reduction from 10% to 30 %.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Average shared parking reduction for tenants in multi -use
centers.
TLU 8: Reduce the Need for Commuting -50 MTCO2e
Increase local housing options for workers in the community that
include variety in location, type, size, tenure and style of dwellings.
Transportation & Land Use
commuting. Supporting below market -rate (BMR)
infill housing construction, including secondary
dwelling units, helps increase housing options for
workers in the community.
Implementation:
F&I
hAl
TLU 8.1 Support infill housing projects that
implement General Plan policies, especially
BMR housing close to job opportunities.
TLU 8.2 Continue to allow secondary
construction and look for opportunities to rE
their production.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
srktil.tc?ti
Lana Use
dwelling unit
!duce barriers to
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Jobs - housing ratio listed in the General Plan Annual Report.
• Number of BMR housing units built, including secondary
dwelling units.
TLU 9: Public Outreach and Education
Increase community awareness of transit options and established
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Inform residents and
businesses about available incentives for commuting via carpool,
transit and bicycle.
City- of San Luis Obispo
Program Description:
Education and outreach informs the community about safe and
attractive alternative transportation options. Transportation
welcome packets will include information on transit services, bicycle
paths, and electric car charging stations. Additional bicycle signage
is needed to direct bicyclists to the Bike Boulevard and other safe
routes throughout the community.
The City will continue partnership with regional transportation
organizations and seek new outreach opportunities such as
Department of Motor Vehicles training on sharing the road with
bicyclists. Marketing available incentives for commuting by
alternative tranportation will help employers and workers stay
informed about ways to reduce VMT and associated GHG emissions.
Implementation:
0 TLU 9.1 Distribute informational transportation welcome
packets and bus passes to new residents and businesses.
❑ TLU 9.2 Install additional informational bike signage.
0 TLU 9.3 Continue partnership with regional organizations,
including SLOCOG's Regional Rideshare and SLO County's
Bicycle Coalition, on outreach and education events.
❑ TLU 9.4 Market incentive programs in the Bicycle Commuter
Act to employers and workers in the community.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Number of transportation welcome packets distributed
annually.
• Amount of iparticipation in commuting events and programs.
Adaptation
Climate change is projected to have a limited impact on
transportation infrastructure and land use in San Luis Obispo.
Impacts, including increased frequency of fires, elevated air
temperatures, reduced air quality, and rising sea levels, require
relatively little adaptation in terms of transportation infrastructure
within the City limits.
Higher average daytime temperatures and more frequent heat
waves may contribute to increases in GHG emissions and a
reduction in air quality. This could cause an increase in vehicular
travel as people try to reduce exposure to declining air quality and
excessive temperatures. Stricter Federal and State vehicle emissions
will help counteract temperature impacts on vehicle emissions.
Elevated daytime temperatures can compromise the integrity of
roads and railroad tracks. More severe rainstorms, although
infrequent, could potentially flood streets and neighborhoods along
local creeks. More frequent fires may impact traffic on roads in and
surrounding the wildland -urban interface and also pose a greater
risk of property damage for structures adjacent to open space areas.
0 Transportation &Land Use
r
Goal: Reduce and reuse water consumed by the community.
0.41 %of Re0cl1
uces Water Reduces Energy Community
Total GHG Consumption Demand Savings
Reductions
The bulk of water - related GHG emissions are tied to the electricity
required to pump, treat, and deliver water. Strategies that will
reduce emissions associated with water delivery and wastewater
treatment are included in the Government Operations section. The
community can help reduce water - related GHG emissions indirectly
through water conservation, which reduces water demand and the
amount of energy needed for delivery and treatment.
One disincentive for water conservation is that less revenue for the
City is generated if customers use less water, which may lead to
increased water billing rates to maintain the water distribution
system. The Utilities Department is investigating different rate
structures to address this paradox of water conservation.
State Reductions
The State adopted the California Green Building Standards Code
(CALGreen) in 2011. CALGreen includes minimum requirements in
the areas of planning and design, energy efficiency, water efficiency
and conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency,
Water
Draft Climate Action Plan
and environmental quality. CALGreen water
efficiency and conservation standards require
new construction to reduce building potable
water use by 20 %.
Existing Actions
The City's Urban Water Management Plan
outlines present and future water use reduction
programs for the community and its residents.
San Luis Obispo aims to maintain water use at or
below 125 gallons per person per day. Since water
2005, per capita water usage has dropped to
approximately 120 gallons per person per day. Community -wide
water use has remained relatively stable over the last several years
while continuing to allow growth. The most effective water
conservation programs for residents include three components:
hardware retrofits, dynamic pricing, and public education. Past and
current programs to promote water conservation include high -
efficiency washer rebates, retrofit upon sale requirements, and a
leak- detection program. Educational information regarding water
conservation is available on the City's website, which has guides for
both indoor and outdoor water conservation techniques.
The Conservation and Open Space Element recommends new
development adheres to the Ahwahnee Principles, which encourage
the use of greywater, recycled water, and efficient water use. The
City has also implemented water - efficient landscape standards in
the Zoning Regulations and Community Design Guidelines.
City of San Luis Obispo
Water Strategies
Strategies for water conservation promote water - efficient
construction and landscapes, and reuse of greywater and rainwater.
Implementation of existing policies is a large part of this section
since the City has numerous ongoing water conservation plans and
standards already in place.
Water GHG Emissions Reductions by Strategy ( -110 MTCOZe)
Conservation:
New
Developme
ion:
3
ueveiopment
WTR 1: Water Conservation: Existing Development
Implement Water Efficient Landscape % %I
Standards (MC 17.87) when landscape -90 MTCO
projects trigger building permit review.
Program Description:
Applications for all landscape projects requiring building permit
review need to submit a landscape documentation package that
responds to required landscape and irrigation design criteria. Project
review and final field inspection will include a list of any observed
deficiencies and recommended correction measures. Opportunities
for rainwater - harvesting or use of greywater will be identified.
[3G
Implementation:
R1 IAITR 1.1 Require landscape projects that trigger building
permit review to incorporate native and drought tolerant
plant materials and minimize irrigated turf areas.
Q Require landscape projects that trigger building
permit review to incorporate irrigation system designs that
avoid runoff, low -head drainage, and overspray.
❑ ✓`/ s k i.3 Encourage the use of recycled water, greywater or
rainwater - harvesting systems.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Reduction in the amount of potable water used for irrigation.
• Number of rainwater - harvesting systems installed.
• Annual increase in recycled water use.
WTR 2: Water Conservation: New Developp it
Implement CALGreen standards, Water
Reuse Master Plan, and Water Efficient
Landscape Standards to reduce potable i -20 MTCO;e
water use in new development.
Program Description:
Builders may comply with CALGreen requirements by installing
fixtures that do not exceed maximum flow rates or by
demonstrating that the building will achieve a 20% reduction in
water use through alternative methods.
The City's recycled water distribution system can provide
approximately 1,000 acre feet per year of recycled water. The
mandatory use ordinance for recycled water adopted in 2001 allows
the City to require the use of recycled water on parcels when
considered feasible.
Implementation:
0 Review new development projects for consistency
with CALGreen water efficiency standards.
Q V Expand recycled water infrastructure to encourage
use of greywater in new construction and landscape projects.
0 WTR 2.3 Require use of native and non - invasive drought
tolerant plant materials combined with conservative use of
water and landscape designs that prevent run -off.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Average water use reduction for new development.
• Annual increase in recycled water use.
WTR 3: Public Outreach and Education
Inform the community about household water usage, and ways to
reduce indoor and outdoor water consumption.
Program Description:
Informed water customers may choose to reduce water
consumption if household usage details are presented clearly and
compared to community averages. Maintaining a database of
Draft Climate Action Plan
simple do- it- yourself water conservation
measures will help willing customers achieve
measurable reductions.
Implementation:
❑ VV i n: _�.: Provide a graphical history of
household water usage on utility bills, and
a comparison to average water usage for
similar types of homes in the community.
R1 , I/ P ? Maintain Utilities Department
online resources and outreach materials
for water saving tips, planting guides and
available rebates.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Reductions in household water usage after graphic utility
bills are released.
• Number of households that take advantage of available
rebates.
Adaptation
As a result of climate change, drought conditions may become more
frequent and persistent in the future. San Luis Obispo is adapting to
climate change by reducing per capita water use and increasing
water reserves. Completion of the recent Nacimiento pipeline
project increased the amount of available water, which means the
City is more capable of dealing with potential drought conditions.
Reducing water demand further strengthens available water supply,
City of San Luis Obispo
making the City better prepared for drought. The reduction in
demand also lowers GHG emissions, as there is less water to treat,
deliver and collect.
Reusing water is one conservation measure that can serve both
adaptation and GHG reduction goals. The City treats approximately
4.5 million gallons of wastewater a day, approximately 5,000 acre
feet annually. This flow, except what is needed to support creek
flows for endangered steelhead, can be. reutilized.
WTR Adaptation 'i : ' ecycied Water
Continue to implement the Water Reuse Master Plan.
Program Description:
Based on the City's current Recycled Water Master Plan area and its
associated demand, the City's anticipates utilizing approximately
1,000 acre feet per year of recycled water for approved uses,
primarily landscape irrigation. The recycled water distribution
system will be expanded over time as well as the ability to store the
recycled water for distribution.
The use of recycled water for non - potable needs directly reduces
drinking water demand and conserves water resources. The City will
continue to implement the Water Reuse Master Plan to utilize the
capacity of recycled water when available.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
Reduction in the amount of potable water used for irrigation
purposes.
0
Annual increase in recycled water use.
Solid Waste
Goal: Prevent, reduce, reuse and recycle solid waste to minimize
the amount of waste being sent to the landfill.
28% of Total
GHG Reductions
Education &
Awareness
In 2005, San Luis Obispo sent 84,439 tons of waste to Cold Canyon
Landfill, resulting in the release of 18,769 MTCO2e. The
decomposition of organic materials, including paper products, food
waste, plant debris, wood and textiles releases methane, a
greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide'.
Approximately 60% of the methane released through
decomposition at Cold Canyon is captured and transferred to the
Price Canyon Oil Fields, where it is used as an energy source 2. The
remaining methane emissions are released into the atmosphere. In
addition, transportation - related GHG emissions occur with waste
collection and transport to Cold Canyon Landfill. A community's
waste diversion rate is the percentage of material diverted from the
landfill, which is recycled, composted or reused. Increasing the
community's waste diversion rate can reduce solid waste - related
' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007.
z San Luis Obispo County, 2006.
Solid Waste
Draft Climate Action Plan
GHG emissions associated with transport and
organic decomposition.
State Reductions
The California Integrated Waste Management Act
of 1989, or AB 939, required all California cities
and counties to achieve a 25% diversion rate by
1995 and a 50% diversion rate by 2000. It also
requires all jurisdictions to improve construction
and demolition recycling.
Existing Actions
Solid Waste
The City surpasses AB 939 goals through its
successful "single stream recycling" or "comingled recycling ", green
waste, and construction and demolition recycling programs. The
community diverts approximately 63% of its waste from
landfills. The single stream recycling program allow for all types of
common recyclables, including glass, metals, plastics, and paper, to
be collected in one bin. Switching to this type of recycling system in
1998, along with the addition of yard waste pickup, was well
received by the community. San Luis Obispo also requires new
development and major improvement projects larger than 1,000
square feet or greater than $50,000 in valuation to recycle 50% of
construction and demolition materials.
The City contracts with Waste Connections, Inc. to provide its
comingled recycling and green waste services through its franchise
The San Luis Garbage Company. Waste Connections, Inc. owns and
operates Cold Canyon Landfill. An expansion of Cold Canyon Landfill
City- of San Luis Obispo
is expected to absorb Count waste disposal needs until the year s '�'� •� �° ��'�° 'r'"
p Y P Y WST 1: Increased Waste :..� ,• - 4• •_. �� •.. �+ •`
2047. The anticipated expansion will provide opportunities for Diversion ,.� r.
additional methane capture, commercial recyclables, additional �`'• �'i` #
Reduce the community waste �` ,: Ti '` -
capacity, and separate composting facilities for residential, industrial stream to as close to zero waste as �e r 1,
and commercial users. �- *� `�= *�� �' �* ' i ::'
possible, with a 75% diversion rate � ;•
b th 2020
The City has a long history of proactive waste management
practices that reduce waste - related GHG emissions, including:
• A purchasing policy for recycled products, including bonuses
for outside contractors that use recycled products in their
goods and services provided to the City.
• Curbside pickup of hard -to- recycle items twice a year.
• Support for the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste
Management Authority's (IWMA) "SLO Take Back Program ",
which requires any retailer who sells mercury- containing
household batteries, fluorescent tubes, and compact
fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to recycle them at no charge.
• City government use of online electronic documents first,
and printing double -sided on recycled paper second.
Q Backyard composting guides on the City's webpage.
Solid Waste Strategies
The City can employ several strategies to improve its diversion rate,
including educational programs to help businesses and residents
make informed decisions regarding waste management behavior.
Other strategies aim to improve the City's capacity to divert waste
by adding new services such as food composting or enhanced
recycling programs.
F4O ,
Y e year -7,440 MTCOze
Program Description:
In 2005, the City diverted approximately 61 % of all waste generated.
The City will work with IWMA to reach a 75% diversion rate by 2020
through reduce>°i waste disposal, increased recycling, and
composting programs at home or at the landfill.
The City currently offers four sizes of bins for residential garbage
collection under a variable can system. The cost to rent a bin rises as
the size increases, while recycling and green waste collection is
incentivized because these cans are large and are offered at no
additional cost to users.
Owners of multifamily dwellings and commercial buildings are
required to provide tenants with the appropriate facilities to recycle
comingled recyclables and green waste. The City will collaborate
with IWMA to develop an enforcement program to address
noncompliant properties. Notices will be distributed and fines may
be charged to landlords and commercial property owners that do
not provide recycling and green waste bins.
A compost bin for backyard use will be provided at a discounted
price to households that wish to pursue home composting. This will
help reduce the amount of food waste entering the City's waste
Solid Waste
stream. The City would provide a one -time subsidy for a portion of
the market price of bins. The City has previously implemented a
similar program with positive results.
A feasibility study of a waste audit program will be completed. One
strategy could be working with garbage haulers to carry out audits
of curbside waste generated by businesses and residences. Those
who fail to comply with correct disposal practices would be issued
educational material. Customers who continuously mix regular
garbage with recyclable materials could be subject to enforcement.
An ordinance that requires biodegradable food packaging in
restaurants and other food vendors can reduce the amount of non -
recyclable Styrofoam that is sent to the landfill. Successful examples
in other California cities will be explored.
Implementation:
0 WST 1.1 Continue to provide and incentivize recycling and
green waste services for single - family residential, multi-
family, and commercial customers.
❑ WST 1.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of a more aggressive
volume -based rate schedule for waste pickup.
Q WST 1.3 Enforce existing IWMA standards that require
landlords and commercial businesses to provide recycling
service.
❑ WST 1.4 Re- establish financial support for home composting.
❑ WST 1.5 Explore the feasibility of a waste auditing program.
❑ WST 1.6 Consider residential and commercial curbside food
waste pickup.
Draft Climate Action Plan
❑ WST 1.8 Evaluate the effectiveness of a
Food Packaging Ordinance that requires
biodegradable containers.
❑ WST 1.9 Conduct a feasibility assessment
of waste cooking oil collection for City -run
biodiesel production and distribution.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Annual waste diversion rate.
• Pounds of waste per person and per
employee per day.
• Tonnages of green waste and recycling.
WST 2: Public Outreach and Education
, Fta
� Solid Waste
Provide waste reduction education to the City's consumers.
Program Description:
Education and outreach should focus on recycling and composting
at the household and business level. Periodic public site visits to
waste facilities serving the City will help consumers realize the
cumulative impact of community waste.
Implementation:
❑ WST 2.1 Provide the option for home and commercial waste
audits to identify and educate consumers where waste
production can be reduced.
21 WST 2.2 Maintain Utilities Department online resources and
outreach materials for recycling.
F____1
41
L J
City of San Luis Obispo
❑ WST 2.3 Host interactive workshops on home composting.
❑ WST 2.4 Explore options for landfill and Water Reclamation
Facility site visits open to the public and school groups.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Home composting workshop attendance.
• Number of waste audits.
• Number of field trips to waste facilities annually.
Adaptation
The City anticipates limited impacts on GHG emissions associated
with solid waste disposal at Cold Canyon from climate change.
Potential temperature increase may alter the amount of methane
produced at Cold Canyon Landfill as decomposition of domestic
refuse speeds up. An increase in methane production may
strengthen the greenhouse effect, but methane can also be
harvested as an alternative energy source.
0 Solid Waste
Parks & Open Space
Goal: Maintain natural areas and plant trees and green spaces.
6% of Total GHG ti •
Reductions
Provides Reduces Adaptation
Health Energy Measure
Benefits Demand
San Luis Obispo has a diverse range of parks and open space,
including natural landscapes, managed sports facilities, community
gardens, and small neighborhood parks. These areas are important
to the physical and mental well -being of residents, offering
recreational opportunities, social interaction, and an enhanced
sense of place. Parks and open spaces provide community benefits,
but there are associated GHG emissions from park maintenance
equipment (leaf blowers, trimmers, mowers and water trucks),
lighting and irrigation systems.
However, the GHG emission reduction benefits of parks, open space
and other urban green spaces outweigh the costs of ongoing
maintenance. Trees, plants and undisturbed soil in these spaces
capture carbon dioxide, known as carbon sequestration, which
helps offset community -wide GHG emissions. These benefits can be
increased through preservation and additional planting. Parks and
open spaces also provide opportunities for non - motorized forms of
recreation, such as hiking, biking and horseback riding, which do not
produce GHG emissions.
Draft Climate Action Plan
Existing Actions
Parks and Open Space
As of 2011, there are 21 designated parks within
the City, totaling 158 acres of park landscape and
82 acres of turf. The General Plan requires
annexation areas to provide parkland at the rate
of 10 acres per 1,000 residents, with 5 of those
acres dedicated as neighborhood parks (Parks &
Recreation Element 3.13). The Subdivision
Regulations require each new subdivision to
dedicate 5 acres of parkland per 1,000 anticipated
residents, or pay an in -lieu fee equivalent to fair
market value.
The City actively works to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from
parks maintenance where possible. Existing actions include:
Q Use of a computerized irrigation control system for all parks
that facilitates efficient monitoring and use of landscape
irrigation.
Q Use of water - efficient irrigation systems with long -term
reliability.
Q Use of recycled water to irrigate 28 acres of turf and 1.15
acres of additional landscaping.
Q Use of drought - tolerant landscaping in 23 acres of parkland.
Q Recycling of green waste from mowing and trimming.
Q Reduction of mowing frequency during the off.- season, when
the focus switches to annual turf renovation.
Parks & Open Space ,'_-
City of San Luis Obispo
Since 2005, the City has restored approximately 62 acres of open Parks and Open Space Strategies
space. Of that space, 32 acres have been restored as brush or oak
woodland habitats that provide carbon sequestration benefits to
the community. The City has created or is in the process of creating
conservation plans for the Bishop's Peak, Irish Hills, Johnson Ranch,
Stenner Springs, and South Hills open spaces.
Urban Forest
The urban forest includes trees and woody plant vegetation that
grow within the City. Existing actions that enrich the City's urban
forest include:
0 General Plan policy direction for a nearly continuous tree
canopy in the Downtown (LUE 4.5).
Q Ongoing development of a Master Street Tree list (most
native) that guides plantings in front yard setbacks and the
public right -of -way.
Q A Tree Maintenance Program responsible for planting and
maintenance of municipal trees.
Q The Commemorative Grove Program, which enables citizens
or community groups to plant a tree in recognition of a
person or event.
Community Gardens
General Plan policy directs the City to make community gardens
available in appropriate park locations. Four community gardens are
available to City residents including the recently constructed garden
in Meadow Park. The City is actively looking for new infill community
garden opportunities since demand exceeds available plots.
GHG emissions reduction strategies associated with Parks and Open
Space focus on carbon sequestration, water conservation, and
maintenance efficiency. Public education is required for upkeep and
care of the urban forest and to foster successful community
stewardship.
Parks & Open Space GHG Emissions Reductions by Strategy
( -1,700 MTCO2e)
Parks and Open
Space
Development
Enrich the Urban
Forest
PKS 1: Enrich the Urban Forest -340 MTCOZe
Increase the number of native trees along City streets, parks, and
open spaces, with sensitivity to potential locations for solar energy
opportunities.
Program Description:
Increasing the number of trees in the City will increase carbon
sequestration and beautify outdoor spaces. An audit of existing
parks and open spaces will identify and prioritize available land for
additional trees. Community planting events and volunteer tree
maintenance programs help enrich the urban forest and establish a
sense of ownership for residents.
The City will work with the Cal Poly Forestry and Natural Resources
Department to create an Urban Forester internship program.
Students could receive training in tree maintenance and urban
forest management and would, in turn, join City staff in ongoing
maintenance of the urban forest.
Implementation:
❑ PKS I J Conduct an audit of parks and open space to identify
and prioritize potential tree planting locations.
Q PKS 1.2 Continue to expand tree planting through adopt -a-
tree, commemorative plaque, and other volunteer -based
planting programs.
❑ Nh5 i . Establish an unpaid Urban Forester internship
program with Cal Poly.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Number of net new trees planted per year.
PKS 2: Parks & Open Space A @ J
Development
Continue to develop and acquire p arks -
1,360 MTCOze
and open space resources.
Draft Climate Action Plan
Program Description:
Successful parks and open space acquisition
requires a mix of strategies including donations,
dedications, easements, grants, and mitigation
fees from projects. The City will continue to
implement local conservation plans. A donation
program allocated for open space preservation
could be offered on utility bills and the City's
website. Continued partnership with the County
and others committed to expanding open spaces,
such as The Land Conservancy of SLO County and
The Nature Conservancy, will enable the City to
realize more opportunities for land preservation.
Implementation:
Parks &
y���L1i �rs�z
0 Continue to negotiate easements and land donations
for conservation.
0 Continue to develop and implement conservation
plans for large City open space areas.
❑ PKS 2.3 Use conservation easements in a coordinated fashion
to create trails.
❑ PKS 2.4 Establish a donation program for open space
preservation and maintenance.
0 Partner with other local organizations committed to
open space preservation and parkland development.
Implementation Time Frame: Long -Term
City of San Luis Obispo
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Acres of open space preserved, restored or rehabilitated.
• Amount of parkland created annually.
• Amount of park in -lieu fees collected annually.
PKS 3: Green Waste Recycling
Utilize green waste from trimming, mowing, and other landscaping
maintenance as compost.
Program Description:
Reuse of green waste from parks maintenance will reduce GHG
emissions by diverting waste going to the landfill. Residents will also
benefit from a free source for compost, wood chips and firewood.
Implementation:
❑ Store green waste from park maintenance at
established composting facilities or other park properties.
0 OVc- ?.-� Continue to chip larger green waste at the City's
Corporation Yard and redistribute for public and private use.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Tons of green waste stored and composted.
• Amount of firewood and wood chips recycled and
distributed from the Corporation Yard.
PKS 4: Establish more Community Gardens
Foster local food production by increasing the availability and
sustainability of community gardens.
Program Description:
Community gardens foster a sense of community and increase the
potential for local self - reliance. Local and personal food production
reduces GHG emissions by decreasing the distance that food must
travel from farm to plate. Community gardens also have the
potential to educate residents about composting and the
environmental and health benefits of eating locally produced food.
Implementation:
D Cortinue to identify suitable locations for community
gardens on public and private property.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
Number of community garden plots.
PKS 5: Public Outreach and Education
Educate the community about tree planting, habitat restoration,
and available resources for home landscape projects.
Program Description:
The City will collaborate with local organizations and nurseries to
provide education events and publications regarding best practices
for tree planting and maintenance. Parkways in between sidewalks
and residential streets are primarily maintained by the residents
along the street. A more informed community will foster greater
care for the ongoing survival of street trees.
Established volunteer trail work programs will continue in
partnership with regional organizations dedicated to open space
preservation. Information on open space stewardship, suitable plant
and tree types for home and professional use, and green waste
recycling will be available through City websites and publications.
Implementation:
❑ PKS S.'; Continue tree planting and maintenance education
programs such as Arbor Day and Downtown Foresters.
❑ Partner with regional organizations to create
volunteer opportunities for trail work, habitat restoration and
open space maintenance.
❑ PKS 5.3 Advertise availability of composted green waste,
wood chips and firewood.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Number of attendees at outreach and training events.
• Number of partnerships with local organizations.
Adaptation
The potential impact of climate change on parks and open space is
significant and could influence wildlife habitat, public safety, and
outdoor leisure and recreation opportunities. Higher temperatures
and a lack of water are both likely to have a direct impact, resulting
in changed ecosystem dynamics, increased wildfires, and depleted
water resources. Higher temperatures increase evapo- transpiration
rates from plants, soils, and open water surfaces, drying out
landscaped and natural spaces. As temperatures increase, droughts
Draft Climate Action Plan
will become more prevalent, yet more water will
be required for upkeep of plant life. Drier
conditions and hotter temperatures can also
impact the size, severity, duration, and frequency
of wildfires.
CALFIRE is designated to assist government
agencies, universities, and the private sector in
preparing for disasters and reducing the risk of
disaster through local planning. The City's Safety
Element calls for adequate fire services and
wildland fire safety, which classifies and places Parks &
rules on different vegetation types. The Local
Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) also addresses avoidance and
mitigation of fire hazards. It identifies areas and vegetation types
prone to wildfire, and existing ordinances and regulations
pertaining to fire safety standards. The 2009 California Climate
Adaptation Strategy also provides a number of strategies to
confront issues associated with parks and open space statewide.
The City has planned for emergency wildfire events, and the Natural
Resources Department will continue to implement its Best
Management Practices Guidelines for Open Space Lands, which
includes the following adaptation strategies.
PKS Adaptation 1: Vegetation Management
Control invasive species, erosion and sediment, re- vegetate open
space with native plants and trees, and restore natural processes.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
4' � �
City of San Luis Obispo
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Status of open space preservation efforts reported each year
in the General Plan Annual Report.
PKS Adaptation 2: Fire Management
Monitor open space areas to determine if brush, weeds or other
heavy fuel materials need to be thinned or removed.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Status of open space preservation efforts reported each year in
the General Plan Annual Report.
Government Operations
Goal: Reduce GHG emissions from government operations to 1990
levels using a mix of strategies, including: conservation, clean
energy, efficiency upgrades, recycling, and alternative
transportation incentives for employee commute.
4% of Total Community GHG 0 • v
Reductions
S
Community Reduces Reduces
Savings Water Energy
Consumption Demand
Community -wide GHG reduction strategies rely on active
participation from City residents and businesses to reduce their
carbon footprint. Those GHG reduction strategies that can be
directly implemented by City government involve changes to the
way government operates. This section focuses on Government
Operations and what can be done to reduce associated GHG
emissions.
GHG Emissions Forecast for Government Operations
As discussed in the introduction, the City's Government Operations
GHG emissions were forecast to reflect the anticipated growth in
facilities and energy use. GHG emissions have been forecast for
2010, 2020, and 2035. Projected emissions for buildings, water
Government Operations
Draft Climate Action Plan
delivery, wastewater treatment, and streetlights
and traffic signals utilize actual energy use data
compiled by staff.
In cases where electricity use has decreased in
facilities due to a change to renewable energy
source or retrofits, the forecast for that facility
remains constant. In these cases, the reduction _
benefit will be represented in the CAP as a GHG j
reduction measure to clearly demonstrate the
beneficial impact of the retrofit or installation. For
instance, the installation of the co- generator at
the Sinsheimer pool has resulted in a significant
reduction in electricity use. The pool's electricity use decreased from
391,000 kWh in 2005 to just 87,000 in 2010. In the business -as -usual
(BAU) forecast, the pool electricity use is forecast to stay at 2005
levels, and the reduction of 304,000 kWh is presented in reduction
measure GO 2: City Renewable Energy.
The GHG forecast assumes that the number of employees will
remain nearly constant over the next 25 years; therefore, GHG
emissions from the City's vehicle fleet, employee commuting, waste
disposal, and employee business travel will not grow beyond 2005
levels. The following graphics summarize the Government
Operations GHG emissions forecast from 2005 to 2035.
City of San Luis Obispo
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
Government Operations GHG Emissions Forecast
2005 -2035
A inn 6,920 7,010 7,030
2005 2010 2020 2035
• Waste Employee Business Travel ■ Employee Commute
• Vehicle Fleet ■ Wastewater Treatment ■ Water Delivery
• Traffic Signals Streetlights ■ Buildings
The BAU forecast growth in GHG emissions is approximately a 4%
increase in GHG emissions by 2020 and 5% by 2035. Similar to the
community -wide forecast, the Government Operations business -as-
usual forecast is adjusted for State reductions. By 2020, State
legislation will reduce government operations GHG emissions by
approximately 520 MTCO2e.
SO
7,500
7,000
6,500
6,000
5,500
5,000
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
Government Operations Business -As -Usual Forecast
2005 -2035
6,990
f-- - - - - - 6,700
6,470
' )K 5,700
2005 2010 2020 2035
— -0— Baseline Emissions
• • Growth Forecast
—Ar— Adjusted with State Reductions
—X- - Target Emissions
Government Operations GHG Reduction Target
The City government will demonstrate leadership in reducing GHG
emissions through cost - effective changes to operations that help
achieve the reduction target of 18% below the BAU forecast by 2020
(15% below baseline). State legislation will reduce government
operations emissions by 7% below BAU, and the City will need to
make up the remaining 12% reduction to achieve the target.
Government Operations
Existing Actions
Several General Plan policies and programs in the Conservation and
Open Space Element require efficient City operations that help to
reduce GHG emissions (COSE 2.3, 4.3, 4.6, 5.5, 10.3). Facility retrofit
highlights to date include:
0 Environmental control systems and indoor and outdoor
lighting system upgrades.
0 Installation of photovoltaic panels on the Ludwick
Community Center and the Utilities Administration Building.
0 Installation of a co- generator at the Sinsheimer Swim Center.
0 Upgrades at the Water Reclamation Facility including a
replacement energy - efficient aeration blower and a methane
gas - powered electricity generator.
Government Operations Strategies
Strategies to reduce GHG emissions from government operations
include energy conservation, fleet and equipment upgrades,
building and facility retrofits, water - conserving irrigation and
minimizing employee commutes made by single- occupant vehicles.
Government Operations Reductions by Strategy ( -980 MTCO2e)
Employee
Fleet and Commute Energy
Equipment Conservation
Upgrades ~�
IbL-
Park Water Use
Renewable
Waste W Energy
Collection
Water and
Wastewater Transit Fleet
Infrastructure Energy EfficienF % Upgrades
Street Lighting
Government Operations
Draft Climate Action Plan
GO 1: City Energy Conservation -190 MTCO2e
0 Create and implement a City Building Retrofit
Program.
Program Description:
Facilities will be prioritized based on an evaluation
of potential energy- saving retrofits versus
implementation cost. Retrofit program will include
automatic shutoff sensors for interior lights during
non - business hours to reduce energy use and
related GHG emissions.
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
tip=• -
1j0t1 ".11101'15
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Annual facility energy use. O
GO 2: City Renewable Energy IF—_1 50 MTCO -e
Q Generate renewable energy at City -owned facilities.
Program Description:
The City will continue to install renewable energy systems at
appropriate facilities and will consider installing photovoltaic
systems on top of City -owned parking lots and structures.
Implementation Time Frame: Long -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Energy generated from renewable sources at City facilities.
City of San Luis Obispo
GO 3: Transit Fleet Upgrades
0 Continue to upgrade to fuel - efficient
vehicles as part of fleet replacement
Y r.
program.
Program Description:
The City will continue to replace buses every 12 years as federal
transportation grants permit. Replacement buses will utilize the best
available technology for fuel efficiency as feasible. This commitment
to utilize the best available technology includes the evaluation of
the feasibility of hybrid buses and other technologies, such as
biodiesel or natural gas.
Implementation Time Frame: Long -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
Average fuel efficiency of transit fleet.
G04: Energy- Efficient Street Lighting A0,
Install energy- efficient streetlights and traffic '"A -SO MTCO,e
signals.
Program Description:
LED bulbs use less electricity and need to be replaced less frequently
than conventional bulbs. Existing outdoor light fixtures, including
street lights, will continue to be retrofitted for efficiency.
Implementation:
0 Continue to replace traffic signal fixtures with light -
emitting diode (LED) lighting.
❑ Replace public streetlights with high - efficiency
fixtures.
0 Continue to upgrade outdoor lighting fixtures with
best available technology at City -owned facilities.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
Percentage of streetlights and traffic signals replaced.
GO 5: Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Continue energy - efficient upgrades to water
pumping and lift stations, and processes at�E/
-
the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). 190 MTCO,e �—
Program Description:
Implement a schedule for the replacement water and wastewater
infrastructure, prioritizing the oldest and least efficient equipment,
with the goal of reducing overall energy use from pumping and lift
stations by 10% by 2020. Continue efficiency upgrades to the WRF
including additional energy - efficient blowers and plant expansion.
Implementation:
0 .I Implement a schedule to prioritize replacement of
water pumping and lift stations.
0 X30 5.2 Continue implementation of the WRF energy
conservation plan.
Implementation Time Frame: Long -Term
Government Operations
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Annual reduction in water and wastewater energy use.
GO 6: Increase Waste Diversion from
City -owned Property
-40 MTCO,e
Enhance recycling and composting efforts at parks, plazas, bus
stops, offices and facilities.
Program Description:
Audit all City -owned property for recycling receptacles and install
recycling containers where needed. Consider composting
receptacles at City facilities to minimize waste sent to the landfill.
Implementation:
R1 GO 6.1 Ensure that all City facilities have recycling containers.
❑ GO 6.2 Assess the feasibility of food scrap collection and
pickup in public places.
Implementation Time Frame: Long -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Percentage of facilities with recycling and composting
receptacles.
• Annual disposal tonnages from City facilities.
GO 7: Water Conservation
Continue implementation of General Plan policies for efficient water
use (COSE 10.3).
Draft Climate Action Plan
Program Description:
Water conservation lowers operating costs and
reduces GHG emissions associated with water
delivery. Landscaping replaced in the City,
including turf, should be water - efficient. Periodic
review of irrigation systems and building plumbing
systems will help reduce water waste from leaks.
Implementation:
0 GO 7 Choose appropriately -sized plants for
City landscapes that are suitable for the
climate, with emphasis on use of drought -
tolerant plants.
`-_Maw
❑ GO 7.2 Prepare soils for water penetration and retention.
0 GO 7.3 Design and operate efficient irrigation systems.
0 GO 7.4 Install water - efficient fixtures and maintain leak
control at City facilities.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Acres of landscape replaced with low- maintenance plants.
• Annual facility water use.
GO 8: Fleet and Equipment Upgrades
0 Utilize best available technology for 46
equipment and poolcar upgrades 0
identified in the vehicle fleet -150 MTCO2e
replacement program.
Government Operations M
City of San Luis Obispo
Program Description:
Standard gasoline- burning vehicles and maintenance equipment
can be replaced with more fuel- efficient or electric equipment.
Vehicles such as tractors and riding mowers can be replaced with
biodiesel, natural gas, or propane powered alternatives.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
Vehicle fleet average fuel efficiency.
GO 9: Employee Commute
Q Continue to reduce single-
t
occupant employee commuting
through trip reduction incentives. -50 .MTCO2e
Program Description:
The City currently participates in SLO Regional Rideshare's
Transportation Choices Program, which provides resources for
employees to utilize alternative commuting options. Employees
who elect to use alternative transportation for commuting can earn
additional vacation hours or a small monetary benefit. The City also
allows staff to utilize an alternative work schedule, reducing VMT
through one less day of commuting per two -week period. The City
will explore additional programs and options to reduce employee
commuting by single- occupant vehicles through additional
incentives and programs.
�5]4
Implementation Time Frame: Near -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Percentage of total commute trips made by alternative
transportat on such as carpooling, bicycling, walking or
transit.
GO ln' St -istainahility C oordinatoy
❑ Allocate or hire staff to implement CAP and energy
programs.
Program Description:
Staff resources are needed to secure funding, work with City staff
and contractors and complete annual monitoring for CAP programs.
This staff person will also act as the City's representative in regional
sustainability efforts.
Implementation Time Frame: Mid -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Number of CAP programs implemented through dedication of
staff time.
GO 11 Piihlic Oiatrpach and Fducation
Demonstrate the City's commitment to reducing GHG emissions
using outreach about CAP program implementation.
Program Description:
Updates on Climate Action Plan progress will keep the public
informed. Highlighting successful programs that reduce GHG
Government Operations
emissions from government operations will set a good example, and
lead to community support for future implementation efforts.
Implementation:
0 GO 11.1 Publish information on the City's climate action
planning website about successful programs aimed at
reducing GHG emissions.
0 GO 11.2 Participate in Earth Day activities, the County's
Energy - Efficiency Month, and other regional events to
educate the community about City climate action planning.
Implementation Time Frame: Long -Term
Indicators & Monitoring:
• Number of hits on the City's climate action planning website.
• Attendance at various outreach events.
Draft Climate Action Plan
C,L�\ftj ,,,..-
Government Operations 0
City of San Luis Obispo
This page intentionally left blank.
0 Government Operations
Conclusion
Climate change is a global problem that must be addressed at all
levels of government. This Climate Action Plan (CAP), which
represents the City of San Luis Obispo's strategies for addressing
climate change, builds on actions taken at the State level to curb
GHG emissions. Many of these State policies influence local GHG
emissions and contribute to the City's reduction goals.
Forecast of Community GHG Emissions with Different
Reductions Strategies
350,000 -- —
.•t
300,000
..............
...� -.
250,000
200,000 1% .
i
150,000 —�—
100,000 —
2005 2010 2020 2035
• • 4• • Business As Usual Forecast
Baseline
—A r- Adjusted Forecast with State Reductions
Adjusted Emissions with State & Local Reductions
CIE • Target Emissions
Draft Climate Action Plan
The forecast of community GHG emissions compares anticipated
GHG emissions factoring in different emission reduction strategies;
Business as Usual (BAU) forecast (no action), forecast with State
climate action laws, and forecast with State laws and
implementation of the City's CAP. It is projected that State and local
actions will enable the City to meet the AB 32 reduction target with
an overall reduction in community -wide GHG emissions of 22%
below BAU by 2020 (15% below baseline). Timely implementation of
the local strategies defined in the CAP will be required to reach this
target, in addition to regular updates to the GHG Emissions
Inventory.
For consistency with County and regional planning efforts, a second
reduction forecast year of 2035 is included. The target emissions
curve slopes dramatically downward after 2020 in response to the
Governor's executive order (5 -3 -05) to reach a reduction in
statewide emissions of 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. This is
a laudable yet challenging goal, which will likely require significant
technological innovation. The local and State reduction strategies
included in this CAP will only get the City part of the way there.
Nevertheless, the path to the target in 2020, consistent with State
goals in AB 32, is a measurable reality. The majority of local GHG
reduction strategies have a near -term (0 to 5 years) or mid -term (5 -
10 years) implementation time frame. Assuming implementation of
all strategies with near or mid -term objectives, the City will achieve
approximately 73% of projected emissions reductions by the target
year 2020. Implementation time frames may be adjusted over time
depending upon resource availability.
City of San Luis Obispo
Implementation Time Frame
(% of total emissions reductions)
58%
• Near - terra
(0 to 5 years)
Mid -term
(5 to 10 years)
• Long -term
(10+ years)
Among local strategies aimed at 2020, the largest potential
reductions are associated with waste diversion and transportation
strategies. The projected GHG emissions reductions were developed
by making assumptions, which are included in the Appendix.
2020 Local GHG Emissions Reductions by Issue Area
Issue Area
Waste
Reductions
2020 GHG Emissions •
-7,440
Transportation and Land Use
-5,140
Buildings
-3,543
Renewable Energy
-2,240
Government Operations
-440
Parks and Open Space
-340
Water
-110
Total
- 19,253
Additional details about strategy- specific reductions,
implementation methods, and city costs appear in the following
Local GHG Reductions Matrix. City costs are based on assumptions
consistent with those used in the City's two year Financial Plan:
Low (L): Minimal staff effort and no consultant assistance will
be needed to complete the analytical work and coordinate
stakeholder - public outreach. While this is a qualitative
assessment, this generally means that less than 80 hours of
staff work and no additional budget resources will be needed
to implement the program.
Medium (M): Significant staff effort, some consultant
assistance or supplemental funding for operations or capital
projects will be needed to complete the analytical work and
coordinate stakeholder - public outreach or implement the
program. Again, while this is a qualitative assessment, this
generally means between 80 to 500 hours of staff work
and /or up to $25,000 for added budget resources will be
needed to implement the program.
High (H): Major staff effort, consultant assistance or
supplemental funding for operations or capital projects will
be needed to complete the analytical work, coordinate
stakeholder - public outreach or implement the program.
Generally, this means that more than 500 hours of staff work
and /or more than $25,000 for added budget resources will
be needed :,o implement the program.
Draft Climate Action Plan
Local GHG Reductions Matrix
Implementa
#
GHG Citylt
Strategy Reductions w Methodi -.
Near -Term (0 to 5 years) GHG
Reduction Strategies
-4,018 MTCO2e (15 %) a 1,480 — 4,800+ staff
hours • $50,000 - $200,000+ City costs
BLD 3
Public Outreach
and Education
-1,510
Low
Regional Program
Community
Development,
Number of local participants in
Energy Upgrade CA
Number of hits on
Number of certified green
businesses
Utilities
community web portal
Alternative
-1,110
Community
_
` Number of EV charging stations
TLU 2
Medium
General Plan Update
Number of local car -share
_
Number of registered NEVs
Vehicles
Ordinance
Development
f and clean vehicle parking spaces
vehicles and members
in City
TLU 6
Parking
Management
-460
Medium
Fee Program
Downtown Parking Access
Parking
public Works
On- street parking vacancy rate
Parking structure
Annual revenue from
parking structures versus
t_
_
& Management Plan
occupancy rates
parking meters
BLD 2
New Construction
Energy
-288
Low
Community Design
Guidelines
Building Code Changes
Community
Development
Percentage of new construction
projects that exceed Cal Green
Percentage of new
projects with smart grid
Conservation
-250
Medium
Incentive Program
Community
Development
requirements
Average shared parking
reduction for tenants in multi-
appliances
TLU 7
Shared Parking
Zoning Code Amendment
ICity Energy
Conservation
High
City Program
Public Works,
Utilities
use centers
Annual facility energy use
G01
-190
Water
WTR
Conservation:
-90
Low
City Program
Utilities
Reduction in the amount of
Number of rainwater -
harvesting systems
Annual increase in recycled
1
Existing
potable water used for irrigation
installed
water use
Development
Jobs- housing ratio reported
Reduce the Need
LUCE Update
Community
Number of BMR housing
TLU 8
for Commuting
-50
Low
Fee Program
Development
each year in the General Plan
units built, including
Medium
Parking
Annual Report
seconds dwelling units
GO 9
Employee
Commute
-50
City Program
Percentage of total commute
trips made by alternative
transportation
Water
WTR
Conservation:
-20
Low
City Program
Community
Average water use reduction for
Annual increase in
2
New
Development
new development
recycled water use
Development
�59:]
City of San Luis Obispo
RE 3
Public Outreach Support Low Regional Program Community I Attendance at public events Number of projects with
and Education Measure Development focused on energy photovoltaic systems
Public Outreach Support Community Number of transportation Amount of participation in
TLU 9 and Education Measure Medium Regional Program Development welcome packets distributed commuting events and
°
annually programs
WTR Public Outreach Support Community Reductions in household water Number of households
3 and Education Measure Medium City Program Development usage that take advantage of
available rebates
WST Public Outreach Support Low C ty Program Number of waste audits Community Composting workshop Number of field trips to
2 and Education Measure _ Development _ attendance waste facilities
Community
PKS 5 Low C ty Program
Public Outreach Support Development, Number of attendees at Number of partnerships
and Education Measure y Parks & outreach and training events with local organizations
Recreation
GO Public Outreach Support Community Number of hits on the City's Attendance at various
11 and Education Measure Low Regional Program Development climate action planning website outreach events
Green Waste Support Amount of firewood and
PKS 3 Re clin Measure Low City Program Public Works Tons of green waste collected wood chips distributed
GO Sustainability Support City Program Community Number of CAP programs
10 Coordinator Measure High Financial Plan Priority Development, implemented through
Utilities dedication of staff time
Mid -Term (5 to 10 years) GHG Reduction Strategies
- 15,235 MTCO2e (58 %) • 3,400 — 5,500+ staff hours • $150,000 - $275,000+ City costs_
Ordinance Pounds of waste per
WST Increased Waste City Program Tonnages of green waste
1 Diversion -7,440 High Fee Program Utilities Annual waste diversior rate person and per employee and recycling
_ Renal Program _ per day —� —
Number of new mixed -use
Land Use Diversity General Plan Policy Community Increased land use index developments and area of Mean travel time to work
TLU 5 -2,850 High
and Density Ordinance Development (diversity of land uses) the City rezoned for higher
-r residential density
Renewable Regional Program Community Number and size of renewable Number of residents
RE 1 Energy Financing -2,100 Medium Incentive Program Development energy projects installed and /or businesses in
financing programs
F�]
Draft Climate Action Plan
State Requirement Annual review of PG &E Green
Energy Efficiency Ordinance Community Number of energy ratings Number of permits issued Communities local data on
BLD 1 Improvements to -1,745 Medium Historic Preservation Development, submitted to City in exchange that include energy- residential and
Existing Buildings Guidelines update Utilities for nominal compensation efficiency retrofits nonresidential energy
City Program consumption trends
Short Range Transit Plan Public Works, Average passengers per Number of discounted bus
TLU 1 Transit Services -420 High Fee program Community Annual transit trips revenue hour passes distributed annually
City Program Development
Enrich the Urban Number of net new trees
IRKS 1 Forest -340 High City Program Public Works planted per year
Fleet and Vehicle fleet average fuel
G08 Equipment -150 Medium City Policy Public Works efficiency
Upgrades
Number of residents
Community and /or businesses taking
Renewable Ordinance Number and size of renewable
RE 2 Energy Incentives -140 High Incentive program Development, energy projects installed advantage of incentive
Utilities programs, and associated
cost savings
Energy - Efficient -50 Hi Percentage of streetlights and
GO 4 Street lighting gh City Program Public Works traffic signals replaced
General Plan Policy
Establish more City Program
PK Measure S 4 Community Support Medium Collaboration with Parks & Number of community garden
Gardens community groups Recreation plots
Regional Program
Parks &
GO 7 Water Support Medium City Program Recreation Acres of landscape replaced with Annual park water use
Conservation Measure low- maintenance plants
Public Works
City of San Luis Obispo
-.
JU .- - .. .-
-. .. ..
Indicators AROMA
Long -Term (10+ years) GHG
Reduction Strategies
-7,269 MTCO2e (27 %) • 3,080 — 3,500+ staff
hours • $160,000 — $175,000+ City costs
General Plan Policy
Bicycle Transportation
Public Works,
Miles of bike lanes and bike Number of bike trips Number of Bicycle
TLU 3 Bike Travel
-4,818
High
plan update
Community
observed in biannual bike Transportation Plan projects
paths installed
Financial Plan priority
Development
counts completed
City Program
Parks and Open
City Program
Natural
Acres of open space preserved,
Amount of parkland
Amount of inAieu fees
PKS 2 Space
-1,360
High
Regional Program
Resources
restored or rehabilitated
created annually
collected for parks.
Development
General Plan Policy
Public Works,
Completed projects that
Ordinance
improve the balance of the City's
Safe Routes to School
Adopted Downtown
TLU 4 Complete Streets
-551
High
Street Design Manual
Community
transportation network for all
participation rates
Pedestrian Plan
Regional Program
Development
users
Water and
City Program
Annual reduction in water and
GO 5 Wastewater
-190
High
Financial Plan Priority
Utilities
wastewater facility energy use.
Infrastructure
GO 3 Transit Fleet
-160
High
City Program
Public Works
Average fuel efficiency of transit
Upgrades
Financial Plan Priority
fleet
City Renewable
City Program
Public Works,
Utilities,
Energy generated from
GO 2 Energy
-150
High
Financial Plan Priority
Community
renewable sources at City
Grantor Utility Funding
Development
facilities
Increase Waste
Percentage of facilities with
Diversion from
GO 6
-40
Medium
City Program
Utilities, Public
recycling and composting
Annual disposal tonnages
City -owned
Works
receptacles
from facilities
Property
MTCO — ,..x Tons of
.. Dioxide
City Costs — Low: 0 to 80
hours, no additional
budoet; Medium: 80 to 500 hours. uR to $25,000;
High: 500+ hours,$25,00L
Technical Appendix
The technical appendix provides more detail on how GHG emissions
reductions were calculated for each strategy. Policies and
implementation steps are restated, followed by costs, and
assumptions used to estimate the amount of GHG emissions
reduced by 2020.
BLD 1: Efficiency Improvements to Existing Buildings
Implement local programs, and collaborate with the County and
State, to improve energy efficiency in older building stock.
Implementation:
❑ BLD 1.1 Accomplish 425 residential energy- efficiency
retrofits and 10,000 square feet of commercial efficiency
retrofits annually, by encouraging energy ratings, offering
rebates and incentives, and supporting regional education
efforts such as an EnergyWatch energy - efficiency website.
• BLD 1.2 Encourage property owners to monitor building
energy use through energy monitors, web applications and
State - required energy use disclosures (AB 1103).
• BLD 1.3 Evaluate options for a local energy conservation
ordinance, pursuant to pending State legislation (AB 758),
that requires entry -level efficiency upgrades identified in
certified energy ratings.
❑ BLD 1.4 Identify energy efficiency upgrades for historic
structures that do not compromise the historic integrity of
the building, such as interior upgrades like insulation, air
sealing, and wrapping ducts.
Draft Climate Action Plan
2020 Reductions (MTCOze): -1,745
City Costs: Medium
Assumptions:
Implementation of an energy- efficiency retrofit incentive program
will begin in 2013. 3,400 housing units (425 annually), and 80,000
square feet of commercial (10,000 sq. ft. annually), will be retrofitted
by the end of 2020. The average electricity savings per retrofitted
household is estimated to be 874 kWh, and the average natural gas
savings per retrofitted household is 62 therms. The average
electricity savings per retrofitted commercial square foot is
estimated to be 3 kWh, and the average natural gas savings per
retrofitted commercial square foot is 0.082 therms.
Smart grid integration will reduce energy demand through
continuous feedback of real -time energy use. Studies have shown
that the more frequently feedback is given to users on their energy
use, the more significantly they alter their behaviors to reduce their
energy use.
Sources:
California Energy Commission. 2010. Nonresidential Building Energy
Performance Rating Disclosure Regulations. Sacramento, CA.
Earth Advantage Institute. 2011. Program Sustainability with EPS.
http: / /www.earthadvantage.org.
EnergySavvy. 2010. Energy Audit Programs that Work: Program
Comparison Data. http: / /www.energysavvy.com.
Zillow, Inc. 2011. San Luis Obispo Home Prices and Home Values.
http: / /www.zi I low.com /local -i nfo /CA- San - Luis - Obispo- home - value /.
City of San Luis Obispo
BLD 2: New Construction Energy Conservation
Encourage and incentivize new development to exceed minimum
Cal Green requirements.
Implementation:
❑ BLD 2.1 Expand incentive program for projects that exceed
Title 24 energy efficiency standards.
❑ BLD 2.2 Require new development to install energy -
efficient appliances.
❑ BLD 2.3 Amend design guidelines and other documents to
promote low impact development strategies such as cool
roofs and cool paving surfaces.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -288
City Costs: Low
Assumptions:
Reduction in electricity and natural gas use from new buildings is
based on average energy reductions by building type and climate
zone as provided in the California Air Pollution Control Officers
Association's (CAPCOA) Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
Measures. It is assumed that 10% of new projects will exceed Title 24
energy efficiency requirements by a minimum of 10% by 2020, for
an average electricity savings of 0.7% to 2.6 %, and an average
natural gas savings of 7.2% to 9 %.
Additional energy savings will be achieved through the installation
of smart grid appliances that can be pre - programmed to run at off -
peak energy times.
Sources:
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2010.
"Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures."
California Building Standards Commission. 2010 California Green
Building Standards Code. Sacramento, CA: California Building
Standards Commission.
California Energy Commission. 2007. Impact Analysis: 2008 Update
to the California Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and
Nonresidential Buildings. Sacramento, CA: California Energy
Commission.
Caltrans. 2010. Highway Performance Monitoring System 2009
California Public Road Data. http: / /www.dot.ca.gov.
City of San Luis Obispo. 2010. Zoning Regulations.
Pike Research. 2010. Smart appliance sales to start off slow, but 118
million units will be sold worldwide by 2019.
http : / /www.smartgridnews.com /artman /publish /.
BLD 3: Public Outreach and Education
Collaborate with local utility providers, the County and State,
businesses, and community organizations to develop energy
conservation campaigns and marketing for existing programs.
Implementation:
❑ BLD 3.1 Promote energy efficiency programs and available
financing options including energy - efficiency mortgages,
State energy programs, Energy Upgrade California, utility
company upgrade programs, and local rebates.
Draft Climate Action Plan
❑ BLD 3.2 Collaborate with the County, State, and energy U.S. Census Bureau. 2009.2005 -2009 American Communities Survey
providers to develop a central website for streamlined access 5 -Year Estimates. Washington, D.C. http: / /factfinder.census.gov.
to energy efficiency resources.
❑ BLD 3.3 Work with local green building organizations on
education and outreach programs. Promote a wide range of renewable energy financing options
❑ BLD 3.4 Work with the business community to establish a including a renewable energy fund or loan program.
green business certification program. Implementation:
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e)• -1,510 ❑ 1 1.1 Support efforts to implement a revolving low- interest loan
program or renewable energy fund.
City Costs: Low ❑ Work with the County to build a collaborative network to
Assumptions: promote and provide renewable funding and financing.
Participation in energy efficiency financing programs and the ❑ Work with the County and regional energy providers to
average energy savings per participant are based on program evaluate a "feed -in tariff" program that pays property owners
evaluations and research of existing programs in other jurisdictions generating renewable energy based on the amount of energy
with 10% of owner - occupied residential units and 5% of owner- generated.
occupied nonresidential units participating by 2020.
2020 Reductions (MTCOZe): -2,100
Sources: City Costs: Medium
City of Berkeley. 2010. Berkeley FIRST Initial Evaluation. Berkeley, CA.
Assumptions:
City of San Luis Obispo. 2010. General Plan Housing Element. San
Luis Obispo, CA.
National Resources Defense Council; PACE Now; Renewable Funding
LLC; The Vote Solar Initiative. 2010. Property Assessed Clean Energy
Programs White Paper.
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. 2009.
Spare the Air Control Measure Program; Revision to State
Implementation Plan Staff Report. http: / /www.airquality.org /notices
/CAPU pdate/ STA- revisiontoSIP- StaffRpt23Apri12009.pdf.
Participation in energy efficiency financing programs and the
average energy savings per participant are based on program
evaluations and research of existing programs in other jurisdictions.
Sources:
City of Berkeley. 2010. Berkeley FIRST Initial Evaluation. Berkeley, CA.
National Resources Defense Council; PACE Now; Renewable Funding
LLC; The Vote Solar Initiative. 2010. Property Assessed Clean Energy
Programs White Paper.
City of San Luis Obispo
RIF 2.- Renc-wmable Fnprna i I ncente
Incentivize renewable energy generation in new and existing
developments.
approximately 20% of new homes would include a solar
photovoltaic system at the time of purchase.
Sources:
Implementation: California Energy Commission. 2010. New Solar Homes Partnership,
❑ RE Incentivize renewable energy generation by Third Edition. Sacramento, CA: California Energy Commission.
streamlining review processes, reducing permit costs, and /or lie 3: Pulbiic Uutreach and Itdiucai:ion
allowing modest density bonuses for construction projects Increase community awareness of renewable energy programs.
with renewable energy installations. Educate professionals about benefits of integrating renewable
❑ RE 2.2 Revise City policies and regulations as needed to technologies in project design.
eliminate barriers to the use of renewable energy, and
implement General Plan programs that require solar power Implementation:
for certain residential projects (COSE 4.6.17). ❑ Educate the community about renewable energy
❑ RE Z.- Evaluate the feasibility of a regional Community programs using various methods, such as the City's website,
Choice Aggregation program to procure electricity from TV channel flyers in reception areas, and public events.
renewable resources. ❑ RE 3., Consider results of the SLO -RESCO project.
2010 Reductions (MTCO2e)• 0 ❑ RE 3.3 Encourage the use of photovoltaic installations
whenever possible during design review process.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -140
2035 Reductions (MTCO2e): -280 Supporting Measure
City Costs: Low City Costs: Low
Assumptions: TLU 1: Transit Services
This measure quantifies the GHG reduction benefit of installing
renewable energy on new residential development. The State of
California has developed the New Solar Homes Partnership,
requiring new developments to have a solar option for all new
home purchases. The California Energy Commission has estimated
that the average solar system size would be 2 kW and that
Maintain and expand transit services consistent with the City's Short
Range Transit Plan.
Implementation:
0 TLU 1.1 Implement the Short Range Transit Plan.
0 TLU 1.2 Continue to research federal and local funding for
transit service upgrade projects.
❑ TLU 1.3 Support the County's EnergyWise Plan strategy to add
transit routes that provide intercity express services.
0 TLU 1.4 Continue to offer a free or discounted bus pass
(Downtown Pass) to residents who work in the downtown
core, seniors and students.
2020 Reductions (MTCOze): -420
City Costs: Medium
Assumptions:
Since 2005, SLO Transit has seen an increase of over 200,000 transit
trips per year. It is anticipated that the City's transit system will
continue to carry additional riders by expanding services and
through additional promotions and press. It is estimated that
approximately 50% of those additional transit trips would have
otherwise been made by car.
Sources:
Federal Transportation Administration. 2009. National Transit
Database: City of San Luis Obispo Transportation Program Profile.
http://www.ntdprogram.gov/ntdprogram/pubs/profiles/2005/agen
cy_p rofi l es/9156. pdf.
TLU 2: Alternative Vehicles
Promote clean- energy vehicles, and expand the network of electric
car charging stations and car - sharing parking spaces.
Draft Climate Action Plan
Implementation:
❑ TLU 2.1 Require new retail centers with 10 or more parking
spaces to designate a minimum 8% of parking spaces for
ARB- certified clean vehicles.
❑ TLU 2.2 Require all new development with 10 or more
parking spaces to pre -wire for electric vehicle (EV) charging
stations, and provide a minimum 2 percent charging spaces.
❑ TLU 2.3 Work with the APCD on the Electric Vehicle
Community Readiness Plan for the Central Coast.
❑ TLU 2.4 Identify a network of streets appropriate for
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) use in the SLO2035
General Plan update.
❑ TLU 2.5 Allow car - sharing companies to designate spaces in
public parking areas and multifamily housing projects.
2020 Reductions (MTCOze): -1,110
City Costs: Medium
Assumptions:
This measure quantifies the VMT and fuel savings impacts of
expanded use of electric vehicles through the installation of public
and private electric vehicle charging stations. VMT reductions may
also occur through the increased participation and availability of
local car - sharing programs.
Sources:
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2010.
Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures.
City of San Luis Obispo. 2010. Zoning Regulations.
City of San Luis Obispo
Department of Transportation. 2001. National Household Travel
Survey. Washington, D.C.
Idaho National Laboratory. 2006. Full Size Electric Vehicles:
Advanced Vehicle Testing Reports.
TLU 3: Bike Travel
Increase the percentage of non - recreational trips that are made by
bicycle.
Implementation:
❑ TLU 3.1 Modify Bicycle Transportation Plan (BTP, to achieve
20% bicycle mode share by 2020.
0 TLU 3.2 Develop additional funding and staff resources to
implement the BTP, including cyclist safety programs and
bicyclist commuter incentives.
0 TLU 3.3 Research opportunities for a bike -share program near
parking facilities.
2020 Reductions (MTCOze): -4,818
City Costs: High
Assumptions:
In 2005, The City's estimated bike mode share was 5.5 %. The
Circulation Element of the General Plan sets modal split objectives
for bicycles of 14% in 2010, and 16% in 2020. The CAP sets a goal of
achieving a 20% mode share by 2020 through the continued
expansion of bike infrastructure, facilities and the development of a
bike -share program.
Sources:
Dierkers, G., E. Silsbe, S. Stott, S. Winkelman, and M. Wubben. 2007.
CCAP Transportation Emissions Guidebook. Center for Clean Air
Policy. Washington, D.C. http: / /www.ccap.org /safe /guidebook.php.
as cited in California Air Pollution Control Officers Association
(CAPCOA) 2008. CEQA and Climate Change.
Nelson, Arthur C., and David Allen. 1997. If You Build Them,
Commuters Will Use Them: Cross - Sectional Analysis of Commuters
and Bicycle Facilities.
U.S. Census Bureau. 2009.2005 -2009 American Communities Survey
5 -Year Estimates. Washington, D.C. http: / /factfinder.census.gov.
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.
2009. National Household Travel Survey. http: / /nhts.orni.gov.
U.S. Department of Transportation; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
2004. Summary of Travel Trends: 2001 National Household Travel
Survey. http: / /nhts.oml.gov /2001 /pub /STT.pdf
TLU 4: Complete Streets
Modify General Plan policies in the SL02035 update to support a
balanced, multimodai transportation network.
Implementation:
❑ TLU 4.1 Require new and redeveloped street designs to
address the needs of all users - motorists, pedestrians,
bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, seniors and
users of public transit - whenever feasible.
• TLU 4.2 Develop and adopt a Downtown Pedestrian Plan.
• TLU 4.3 Collaborate with SLO Regional Rideshare to expand
Safe Routes to School programs, events, and projects.
❑ TLU 4.4 Research traffic congestion management techniques
that decrease vehicle stop rate and time, such as signal
synchronization or roundabouts.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -551
City Costs: Medium
Assumptions:
Continuing to improve and renovate streets to accommodate all
transportation user modes will provide a safer pedestrian
environment and encourage residents to make trips by foot or other
alternative modes instead of by car. This measure also includes the
VMT reduction associated with increased participation in local Safe
Routes to School programs.
Sources:
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2010.
"Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures."
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments. 2007. SLO County Safe
Routes to School Update. http: / /library.slocog.org.
U.S. Census Bureau. 2009.2005 -2009 American Communities Survey
5 -Year Estimates. Washington, D.C. http: / /factfinder.census.gov.
TLU 5: Land Use Diversity and Density
Encourage compact urban form and mixed -use developments.
Implementation:
0 TLU 5.1 Improve connectivity between neighborhoods and
services based on opportunities identified in the SL02035
General Plan update.
Draft Climate Action Plan
0 TLU 5.2 Promote infill by amending the General Plan and
Zoning Regulations to increase residential densities in
suitable zones.
0 TLU 5.3 Incentivize mixed -use development by reducing
parking requirements, allowing alternatives to Parking and
Driveway Standards, and streamlining permit review.
❑ TLU 5.4 Evaluate allowing mixed -use projects in the High -
density residential zone in the SL02035 General Plan update.
❑ TLU 5.5 Apply a Mixed -Use (MU) overlay zone to areas
suitable for TOD based on the SL02035 General Plan update.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -2,850
City Costs: Low
Assumptions:
The increased connectivity, density, and diversity of land uses within
San Luis Obispo will decrease the distances that will need to be
traveled to reach jobs, housing, services, and other amenities by
approximately 2.5% by 2020. Decreased distances between land
uses will not only reduce VMT, but will also make it more convenient
to utilize non -auto modes of travel.
Sources:
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2010.
"Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures."
City of San Luis Obispo. 2010. General Plan Housing Element. San
Luis Obispo, CA.
City of San Luis Obispo. 2010. Zoning Regulations.
City of San Luis Obispo
U.S. Census Bureau. 2009.2005 -2009 American Communities Survey
5 -Year Estimates. Washington, D.C. http: / /factfinder.census.gov.
U.S. Department of Transportation. April 2010. Transportation's Role
in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Volume 1: Synthesis Report.
TLU 6: Parking Management
Motivate Downtown visitors to park once and walk or ride to
multiple destinations, or use transit to get to and from downtown.
Implementation:
0 TLU 6.1 Make Downtown parking structures an attractive
alternative to meter parking by making on- street meter fees
more expensive than structure parking.
0 TLU 6.2 Locate transit stops and bicycle racks near parking
structures to make alternative transportation choices
Downtown more convenient.
2020 Reductions (MTCOae): -460
City Costs: Medium
Assumptions:
Higher costs for short -term parking on the street will motivate
Downtown visitors to park once in less expensive parking garages
and walk or ride to multiple locations.
Sources:
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2010.
"Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures."
TLU 7: Shared Parking
Reduce VMT and associated GHG emissions by further reducing
parking requirements for land uses that share the same parking lot.
Implementation:
❑ TLU 7.1 Amend the Zoning Regulations to increase the
potential shared parking reduction from 10% to 30 %.
2020 Reductions (MTCOze): -250
City Costs: Low
Assumptions:
The VMT reductions associated with this measure assume that on
average a 7% shared parking reduction will occur for all new non -
single- family residential developments. A 7% reduction in parking
provisions will result in a 0.2% reduction in VMT.
Sources:
City of San Luis Obispo. 2010. Zoning Regulations.
TLU 8: Reduce the Need for Commuting
Increase local housing options for workers in the community that
include variety in location, type, size, tenure and style of dwellings.
Implementation:
0 TLU 8.1 Support infill housing projects that implement
General Plan policies; especially below market rate (BMR)
housing close to job opportunities.
0 TLU 8.2 Continue to allow secondary dwelling unit
construction and look for opportunities to reduce barriers to
their production.
2020 Reductions (MTCOze): -50
City Costs: Low
Assumptions:
Maintaining an appropriate jobs- housing balance helps give
residents the opportunity to live close to where they work.
Supporting below- market -rate (BMR) infill housing construction,
including secondary dwelling units, helps increase housing options
for workers in the community with varying income levels. New BMR
housing opportunities will result in a 4% decrease in household VMT
per new BMR unit.
Sources:
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2010.
Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures.
City of San Luis Obispo. 2010. General Plan Housing Element. San
Luis Obispo, CA.
Nelson /Nygaard. 2005. Creating Low - Traffic Developments:
Adjusting Site -Level Vehicle Trip Generation Using URBEMIS, pg. 12.
Urbemis. 2007. Version 9.2.4. Rimpo and Associates.
TLU 9: Public Outreach and Education
Increase community awareness of transit options and established
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Inform residents and
businesses about available incentives for commuting via carpool,
transit and bicycle.
Draft Climate Action Plan
Implementation:
0 TLU 9.1 Distribute informational transportation welcome
packets and bus passes to new residents and businesses.
❑ TLU 9.2 Install additional informational bike signage.
R1 TLU 9.3 Continue partnership with regional organizations,
including SLOCOG's Regional Rideshare and SLO County's
Bicycle Coalition, on outreach and education events.
❑ TLU 9.4 Market incentive programs in the Bicycle Commuter
Act to employers and workers in the community.
Supporting Measure
City Costs: Low
WTR 1: Water Conservation: Existing Develooment
Implement Water Efficient Landscape Standards (MC 17.87) when
landscape projects trigger building permit review.
Implementation:
D Require landscape projects that trigger building
permit review to incorporate native and drought tolerant
plant materials and minimize irrigated turf areas.
Ri JVTR 1.2 Require landscape projects that trigger building
permit review to incorporate irrigation system designs that
avoid runoff, low -head drainage, and overspray.
0 '�I T P I Encourage the use of greywater or rainwater-
harvesting systems.
2020 Reductions (MTCOze): -90
City Costs: Low
City of San Luis Obispo
Assumptions:
Reduced water use by the community will result in reduced energy
consumption by City facilities to pump, deliver, and treat the City's
water supply. It is assumed that communitywide water use will be
reduced by 5% by 2020 and 10% by 2035, resulting in gallons per
capita per day of 115 and 110, respectively.
Sources:
California Energy Commission. 2005. California's Water- Energy
Relationship. http:/ /www. energy. ca .gov /2005publications /CEC -700-
2005 -011 /CEC-700-2005-01 1 -SF.PDF.
- - -. 2006. Refining Estimates of Water - Related Energy Use in
California. http: / /www.energy.ca .gov /2006publications /CEC -500-
2006 -118 /CEC -5 00- 2006 -118. P D F .
City of San Luis Obispo. 2006. 2005 Annual Water Resources Status
Report. http: / /www.slocity.org /utilities/
WTR 2: Water Conservation: New Development
Implement CALGreen standards, Water Reuse Master Plan, and
Water Efficient Landscape Standards to reduce potable water use in
new development.
Implementation:
0 WTR 2.1 Review new development projects for consistency
with CALGreen water efficiency standards.
Q WTR 2,7 Expand recycled water infrastructure to encourage
use of greywater in new construction and landscape projects.
A -10
D z_,, use of native and non - invasive drought
tolerant plant materials combined with conservative use of
water and landscape designs that prevent run -off.
2020 Reductions (MTCOZe): -20
City Costs: Low
Assumptions:
Reduced water use from new buildings will result in reduced energy
consumption by City facilities to pump, deliver, and treat the city's
water supply. The new CALGreen requirements include standards to
reduce building potable water use by 20 %. This measure also
quantifies the impact of the expanded use of recycled water, which
is less energy intensive than potable water use. Approximately 150
acre -feet of recycled water were utilized in 2010. Recycled water use
will increase to 250 acre -feet per year by 2020 and 600 acre -feet per
year by 2035.
Sources:
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2010
"Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures."
California Building Standards Commission. 2010 California Green
Building Standards Code. Sacramento, CA: California Building
Standards Commission.
California Energy Commission. 2005. California's Water- Energy
Relationship. http: / /www.energy.ca .gov /2005publications /CEC -700-
2005 -011 /CEC- 700 - 2005 - 011- SF.PDF.
- - -. 2006. Refining Estimates of Water - Related Energy Use in
California. http: / /www. energy. ca .gov /2006publications /CEC -500-
2006- 118 /CEC -500- 2006- 118.PDF.
City of San Luis Obispo. 2006. 2005 Annual Water Resources Status
Report. http: / /www.slocity.org /utilities /download /annualwater
resourcereport /wrsr06.pdf.
Natural Resources Defense Council. 2004. Energy Down the Drain:
The Hidden Costs of California's Water Supply.
WTR 3: Public Outreach and Education
Inform the community about household water usage, and ways to
reduce indoor and outdoor water consumption.
Implementation:
❑ WTR 3.1 Provide a graphical history of household water
usage on utility bills, and a comparison to average water
usage for similar types of homes in the community.
Q WTR 3 Maintain Utilities Department online resources and
outreach materials for water saving tips, planting guides and
available rebates.
Supporting Measure
City Costs: Low
WST 1: Increased Waste Diversion
Reduce the community waste stream to as close to zero waste as
possible, with a 75% diversion rate by the year 2020.
Draft Climate Action Plan
Implementation:
• WST 1.1 Continue to provide and incentivize recycling and
green waste services for single - family residential, multi-
family, and commercial customers.
• WST 1.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of a stricter volume -based
rate schedule for waste pickup.
❑ WST 1.3 Enforce existing IWMA standards that require
landlords and commercial businesses to provide recycling
service.
❑ WST 1.4 Re- establish financial support for home composting.
❑ WST 1.5 Explore the feasibility of a waste auditing program.
❑ WST 1.6 Consider residential and commercial curbside food
waste pickup.
❑ WST 1.8 Evaluate the effectiveness of a Food Packaging
Ordinance that requires biodegradable containers.
❑ WST 1.9 Conduct a feasibility assessment of waste cooking oil
collection for City -run biodiesel production and distribution.
2020 Reductions (MTCOze): -7,440
City Costs: Medium
Assumptions:
In 2005, the City diverted approximately 61% of all waste generated.
It is assumed that the City will reach a 75% diversion rate by 2020
through reduced waste disposal, increased recycling, and the
development of a food waste pickup program.
City of San Luis Obispo
Sources:
California Integrated Waste Management Board. 2004. Statewide
Waste Characterization Study. Sacramento, CA: California Integrated
Waste Management Board.
CalRecycle. 2011. Jurisdiction Profile for San Luis Obispo County
Integrated Waste Management Authority.
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov.
WST 2: Public Outreach and Education
Provide waste reduction education to the City's consumers.
Implementation:
❑ WST 2.1 Provide the option for home and commercial waste
audits to identify and educate consumers where waste
production can be reduced.
0 WST 2.2 Maintain Utilities Department online resources and
outreach materials for recycling.
❑ WST 2.3 Host interactive workshops on home composting.
❑ WST 2.4 Explore options for landfill and Water Reclamation
Facility site visits open to the public and school groups.
Supporting Measure
City Costs: Low
PKS 1: Enrich the Urban Forest
Increase the number of native trees along City streets, parks, and
open spaces, with sensitivity to potential solar energy opportunities.
Implementation:
❑ Conduct an audit of parks and open space to identify
and prioritize potential tree planting locations.
0 Continue to promote tree planting through adopt -a-
tree, commemorative plaque, and other volunteer -based
planting programs.
❑ Establish an unpaid Urban Forester internship
program with Cal Poly.
2020 Reductions (MTCOze): -340
City Costs: High
Assumptions:
The City has an established tree canopy of over 18,000 trees within
the public right -of -way and within City- maintained parks and
facilities. The City has estimated that there are 4 trees on private
property or natural spaces within San Luis Obispo for every tree
maintained by the City. These assumptions have been used to
calculate the carbon sequestration and climate cooling benefits of
additional shade trees, which will be planted at a rate of 200 new
trees per year. The calculation also incorporates the added GHG
emissions from increased maintenance equipment, water use, and
the decomposition of the tree at the end of its life.
Sources:
McHale, Melissa R., E. Gregory McPherson, and Ingrid C. Burke. 2007.
The potential of urban tree plantings to be cost effective in carbon
credit markets. Fort Collins, CO: Elsevier.
PKS 2: Parks and Open Space Development
Continue to develop and acquire parks and open space resources.
Implementation:
Q Continue to negotiate easements and land donations
for conservation.
Continue to develop and implement conservation
plans for large City open space areas.
❑ Use conservation easements in a coordinated fashion
to create trails.
❑ PKS -,. Establish a donation program for open space
preservation.
❑ PKS 2. Partner with other local organizations committed to
open space preservation and parkland development.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -1,360
City Costs: High
Assumptions:
This measure quantifies the carbon sequestration benefit of open
space and habitat restoration and re- vegetation. The GHG reduction
benefit of replanting open space areas utilizes average annual
sequestration rates for forestland scrub, trees, cropland, and
grasslands. The total areas to be rehabilitated are based on the
conservation plans created for each of the City -owned open spaces.
Sources:
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2010.
"Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures."
Draft Climate Action Plan
PKS 3: Green Waste Recycling
Utilize green waste from trimming, mowing, and other landscaping
maintenance as compost.
Implementation:
❑ Store green waste from park maintenance at
established composting facilities or other park properties.
0 Continue to chip larger green waste at the City's
Corporation Yard and redistribute for public and private use.
Supporting Measure
City Costs: Low
PKS 4: Establish more Community Gardens
Foster local food production by increasing the availability and
sustainability of community gardens.
Implementation:
Continue to identify suitable locations for community
gardens on public and private property.
Supporting Measure
City Costs: Low
PKS 5: Public Outreach and Education
Educate the community about proper tree maintenance, gardening
and available resources for home landscape projects.
Cite of San Luis Obispo
Implementation:
0 PKS 5.1 Continue tree planting and maintenance education
programs such as Arbor Day and Downtown Foresters.
0 PKS 5.2 Partner with regional organizations to create
volunteer opportunities for trail work, habitat restoration and
open space maintenance.
0 Advertise availability of composted green waste,
wood chips and firewood.
Supporting Measure
City Costs: Low
GO 1: City Energy Conservation
Q Create and implement a City Building Retrofit Program
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -190
City Costs: Medium
Assumptions:
The City has already achieved a 5% reduction in facility energy use
between 2005 and 2010 through upgrades and retrofits such as
indoor and outdoor lighting fixture retrofits, roof replacements,
lighting sensor controls, and HVAC upgrades.
Sources:
Blair, Cheryl. 2011. Administrative Analyst, City of San Luis Obispo.
Email correspondence.
Collins, Andrew. 2011. Facilities Supervisor, City of San Luis Obispo.
Personal communication.
11
GO 2: City Renewable Energy
Q Generate renewable energy at City -owned facilities.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -150
City Costs: High
Assumptions:
This measure quantifies the impact of the City's renewable energy
installations at the Ludwick Community Center, Utilities
Administration building, and Sinsheimer Swim Center. Additionally,
the opportunity to install photovoltaic panels on additional City
facilities, including parking lots, has been quantified.
Sources:
B @air, Cheryl. 2011. Administrative Analyst, City of San Luis Obispo.
Email correspondence.
Munds, Ron. 2011. Utilities Coordinator, City of San Luis Obispo.
Personal communication.
GO 3: Transit Fleet Upgrades
Q Continue to upgrade to fuel- efficient vehicles as part of fleet
replacement program.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -160
City Costs: Medium
Assumptions:
Incremental increases in the fuel efficiency of the City's transit
vehicles will continue to occur as the City replaces the transit fleet.
The City's fleet averaged approximately 3.5 miles per gallon (MPG) in
2005 and is expected to reach 4.5 MPG by 2020.
Sources:
Webster, John. 2011. Transit Manager, City of San Luis Obispo. Email
correspondence.
GO 4: Energy- Efficient Street Lighting
Install energy- efficient streetlights and traffic signals.
Implementation:
0 GO 4.1 Continue to replace traffic signal fixtures with light -
emitting diode (LED) lighting.
❑ GO 4.2 Replace public streetlights with high- efficiency
fixtures.
0 Continue to upgrade outdoor lighting fixtures with
best available technology at City -owned facilities.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -50
City Costs: Medium
Assumptions:
The City will continue to retrofit the existing 682 traffic signals and
2,200 streetlights. The City has already reduced traffic signal energy
use by installing LED lighting, which will also reduce maintenance
and replacement costs. This measure anticipates that the City will
retrofit 25% of the city's streetlights by 2020 with LED or other
energy- efficient lighting, which will result in a 48% decrease in
electricity use per fixture.
Draft Climate Action Plan
Sources:
Blair, Cheryl. 2011. Administrative Analyst, City of San Luis Obispo.
Email correspondence.
City of Little Rock. 2003. "Conventional Vs LED Traffic Signals;
Operational Characteristics and Economic Feasibility." Little Rock,
AR.
U.S. Department of Energy, Pacific Gas & Electric. 20081ED Street
Lighting: U.S. DOE Solid -State Lighting Technology Demonstration
Gateway Program and PG &E Emerging Technologies Program.
http: / /appsl .eere. energy. gov / buildings /publications /pdfs /ssl /gatew
ay_sf- streetl ig hti ng.pdf.
GO 5: Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Continue energy- efficient upgrades to water pumping and lift
stations, and processes at the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF).
Implementation:
0 Implement a schedule to prioritize replacement of
water pumping and lift stations.
0 Continue implementation of the WRF energy
conservation plan.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -190
City Costs: High
Assumptions:
It is assumed government operations will reduce energy use related
to water delivery and wastewater treatment by 10% by 2020. This
will be achieved through pump upgrades, more efficient treatment
City of San Luis Obispo
systems, and the use of more efficient equipment at the water and
wastewater treatment facilities.
Sources:
City of San Luis Obispo. 2009. Baseline Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Inventory.
GO 6: Increase Waste Diversion from City -owned
Property
Enhance recycling and composting efforts at parks, plazas, bus
stops, offices and facilities.
Implementation:
❑ GO 6.1 Ensure that all City facilities have recycling containers.
❑ GO 6.2 Assess the feasibility of food scrap collection and
pickup in public places.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -40
City Costs: Low
Assumptions:
The City will continue to install recycling and composting
receptacles at City facilities to reduce the waste collected by the City
and sent to the landfill.
Sources:
Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District. 2008. "Solid
Waste Composition Study." http: / /www.metrovancouver.org /about
/ publications / Publications/ SolidWasteCom position StudyFinal-
2007.pdf.
GO 7: Water Conservation
Continue implementation of General Plan policies for efficient water
use (COSE 10.3).
Implementation:
Q GO 7.1 Choose appropriately -sized plants for City landscapes
that are suitable for the climate, with emphasis on use of
drought - tolerant plants.
❑ _0 7, % Prepare soils for water penetration and retention.
0 GO 7.3 Design and operate efficient irrigation systems.
0 1: C, 7,4 Install water - efficient fixtures and maintain leak
control at City facilities.
Supporting Measure
City Costs: Low
GO 8: Fleet and Equipment Upgrades
0 Utilize best available technology for equipment and poolcar
upgrades identified in the vehicle fleet replacement
program.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -150
City Costs: Medium
Assumptions:
The City will continue to replace existing vehicles with the most fuel -
efficient models available. The City's police fleet accounts for over
60% of the City's vehicle gasoline consumption. Since 2005, the
City's police fleet has been replaced with more fuel - efficient
vehicles, and the City will continue to replace vehicles with more
fuel- efficient vehicles.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Energy. 2011. FuelEconomy.gov.
GO 9: Employee Commute
0 Continue to reduce single- occupant employee commuting
through trip reduction incentives.
2020 Reductions (MTCO2e): -50
City Costs: Low
Assumptions:
This measure assumes that the City will continue to offer employee
incentives for utilizing alternative transportation options to
commute to work.
Sources:
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association. 2010.
"Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures."
GO 10: Sustainability Coordinator
❑ Allocate or hire staff to implement CAP and energy
programs.
Supporting Measure
City Costs: High
GO 11: Public Outreach and Education
Demonstrate the City's commitment to reducing GHG emissions
using outreach about CAP program implementation.
Draft Climate Action Plan
Implementation:
21 GO I I J Publish information on the City's climate action
planning website about successful programs aimed at
reducing GHG emissions.
Q Participate in Earth Day activities, the County's
Energy- Efficiency Month, and other regional events to
educate the community about City climate action planning.
Supporting Measure
City Costs: Low