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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 444-08City of Palo Alto C .ty Manager’s Report TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office DATE:NOVEMBER 17, 2008 CMR: 444:08 REPORT TYPE: REPORT OF OFFICIALS SUBJECT: Update on City Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives This is an informational report on ongoing environmental initiatives and projects staff is currently working on, and no Council action is required. The following report updates information brought to Council on April 28, 2008 (CMRs 216:08 and 217:08). Copies of the April reports may be found in Attachments A and B. DISCUSSION CITY SUSTAINABILITY STAFFING The City Manager is moving forward Coordinator, pending fiscal impact review. the Sustainability Team will continue its beyond. with recruiting a permanent Sustainability Meanwhile; to ensure continuity of staffing, work through February, 2009, and possibly ZER 0 WAS TE The Department of Public Works, Operations Division has been working on a variety of projects and collaborative efforts to implement the City’s Zero Waste Operational Plan. A few of those projects are listed below. Name Change from Recycling to Zero Waste Program One change of note is that the program has changed its name to better reflect its goal. The Palo Alto Recycling Program is now the Palo Alto Zero Waste Program. Hauling Contract and Program Changes The new hauling contract has been finalized with Green Waste. The Zero Waste Program is now ramping up its efforts to create the outreach, education and community engagement material needed for the transition and the implementation of new programs and services. City Zero Waste staff will work with the new garbage hauler to coordinate outreach efforts. Branding of the new Green Waste trucks will begin soon. CMR:444:08 Page 1 of 11 BYOBag! Campaign The Bring Your Own Bag (BYOBag!) campaign encourages shoppers to bring their own bags when they shop. All Palo Alto retailers are encouraged to partner in the campaign. Retailers are asked to commit to certain activities at their store for the campaign period April 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008. These activities encourage shoppers and reward them when they bring their own shopping bag. In exchange for businesses’ participation in the program, the Recycling program recognizes them as partners in campaign ads placed in the Palo Alto Weekly and the Palo Alto Daily. Action on Plastics and Polystyrene Staff has been developing potential regulatory restrictions on single-use plastic bags and polystyrene food containers. Staff first developed a proposed ordinance to eliminate single-use plastic checkout bags ("plastic bags") at larger supermarkets and pharmacies. Regulated stores and others recommended a more comprehensive approach, to (1) involve more stores and (2) prevent a conversion to single-use paper bags and, instead, to promote reusable bags. Staff conducted a series of stakeholder meetings and has developed a Comprehensive Reusable Bag Program ("Program"). A Council Study Session was held on this topic on November 3, and the Program will be. formally delivered to Council as soon as is practical. At that time, staff will also recommend adoption of the first of a set of ordinances outlined in the Program. The elements of the Program are: An ordinance to eliminate single-use plastic bags at large supermarkets An ordinance to impose a per-bag fee on single-use paper checkout bags at large supermarkets Subsequent similar actions for, first, food vendors and second, other retail stores ’ Continuation and augmentation of promotional programs to increase the use of reusable bags including: °Public Outreach on reusable bags °Positive incentives for reusable bags °Store employee training An ordinance amendment containing a control program for newspaper plastic bags A policy on City distribution of plastic bags and certain other single-use plastic products The primary goals of the Program are to decrease plastic bags in natural ecosystems and to effect a conversion from any single-use bags to reusable bags. Because restrictions on plastic bags could increase the use of paper bags, an environmental review was conducted focusing on that possibility with respect to supermarkets. Staff concluded that implementing the Program could result in a negligible increase in greenhouse gasses, one of the principal concerns raised by the plastic bag industry. Of Palo Alto’s seven large supermarkets, three have already voluntarily discontinued the distribution of plastic bags as would be required by the draft ordinance. While CMR:444:08 Page 2 of 11 community interest in reusable bags has been substantial, conversion to paper at the three stores has also been substantial. A quantitative "before" and "after" survey for the three stores is not yet available. A subsequent survey is being planned. Palo Alto would not be the first jurisdiction to restrict plastic bags, nor to impose a fee on paper bags, but the practice is not widespread. Staff estimated the increased cost of food caused by a shift to paper bags is 0.14%, but individuals could avoid those costs by using reusable bags. Compost Feasibility Study A study was conducted exploring a variety of municipal compost facility options. The report on this study is scheduled for Council consideration on December 15, 2008. Recycling Center Move The current Recycling Center must be moved since it is on one of the landfill’s final fill areas. There are two processes in progress for the Palo Alto Recycling Center: 1. The current recycling center is being reduced in size and scope to allow landfill operations to continue. A large portion of the current recycling center site will be filled with refuse per the approved landfill grading plan. The reconfiguration of the current recycling center site is in progress. 2. A new location for the recycling center is being studied as part of the Feasibility Study for the former .Los Altos Treatment Plant site. That feasibility study includes possible Zero Waste program uses of a vacant portion of land on the Regional Water Quality Control Plant site. Landfill Restrictions Earlier staff was considering imposing restrictions on certain materials permitted to be disposed of at the landfill. At this time, however, no ad, ditional restrictions are planned. Education and enforcement of existing programs are being emphasized. Landfill staff are distributing an informational flyer to landfill users to assist in diverting additional material from the Palo Alto landfill. They are also redirecting users through the Recycling Center, when appropriate, before they use the landfill. Compliance with the C&D Ordinance is resulting in less C&D debris being disposed. ¯Landfill staff will increase their diligence in verifying that clean-out loads are not coming to the landfill from outside of the Palo Alto limits. This will help reduce large, potentially recyclable loads from taking valuable landfill space. Bay-Friendly Landscaping and Gardening Coalition The Bay-Friendly Landscaping and Gardening Coalition is a membership organization comprised of individuals representing public agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations from all of the nine Bay Area counties. In January 2008, the City of Palo Alto signed the Bay-Friendly Coalition’s Declaration of Support of the Seven Bay-Friendly Principles, becoming one of the charter signatories. In October and November, three Bay-Friendly workshops were held in Santa Clara County CMR:444:08 Page 3 of 11 to gain interest in the emerging county-wide program. One of the workshops was hosted in Palo Alto. Staff is currently participating in a Santa Clara County Bay-Friendly stakeholder task group, formed in response to the above mentioned workshops, to bring Bay-Friendly into Santa Clara County. The task group is figuring out how Bay-Friendly links with other County programs, funding, staffing, and other issues. Staff is also continuing its efforts to build the regional coalition. These efforts include incorporating the coalition as a nonprofit, building i.ts membership, investigating funding sources, and creating an implementation plan for Bay-Friendly tools (e.g., workshops, tours, certifications, and ordinances) to be used by coalition members. Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility The goal of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), also known as Product Stewardship, is to shift responsibility for the growing group of products banned from landfills, such as fluorescent lamps, alkaline batteries, and electronics, from local governments to the product manufacturers. EPR is an essential component of achieving Palo Alto’s Zero Waste goal. In 2006, to advance EPR, the City joined other local governments to form the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC). City staff was instrumental in the formation of this organization, initially serving on its Steering Committee before it became a 501(c)(3) organization in 2007. Activities of City staff since April 2008 include: Serving on the Education and Policy Advisol3~ Committee to assist in the preparation of statewide EPR legislation to be introduced in 2009. Hosting two press conferences (one each for Joe Simitian and Ira Ruskin in October, 2008) to acknowledge the passing of the State Senate resolution for No Drugs Down the Drain !/Veek and legislation requiring industry-funded thermostat recycling options Working regionally with water quality groups to engage their participation in adopting EPR resolutions, contribution toCPSC and including EPR in City contracts URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN The State (Cal-Fire) notified the City in May that the City’s two grant applications for urban forestry projects were successful and all paperwork was appropriately completed. The total funding award is $180,000. Of this, the City will use $120,000 to update its tree inventory and enhance the availability of this information in the GIS system. The other $60,000 will be used for a consultant to assist in the development of the City’s Urban Forest Master Plan, a comprehensive strategy and planning document targeted at urban forestry issues in Palo Alto. The two projects are complementary, with the inventory work providing the data necessary to formulate goals and strategies for continued management and expansion of Palo Alto’s urban forest through the master plan. CMR:444:08 Page 4 of 11 A cross-departmental team, which also includes representatives from CANOPY, has begun work on the tree inventory update. Staff anticipates sending out a Request for Proposals (RFP) in December or January. The RFP will ask for a consultant to assist the City in completing the tl:ee inventory and integrating .it with the City’s GIS system. Following the work on the tree inventory, staff will restart work on the Urban Forest Master Plan, using the other State grant funds received. UTILITIES’ CONSER VA TION-RELA TED PROGRAMS Over the last fiscal year (2007-08), the results of the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU)’s efficiency and conservation programs have included; The Electric Utility has implemented demand-side efficiency programs and large long-term supply-side efficiency improvements, and installed over 270 PV systems. During the 2009 fiscal year, new third-party conservation programs have been implemented, which expand residential energy audits, provide in-home meter information, and expand direct installation of efficient equipment services for businesses. The Utility has also begun third-party measurement and verification of its efficiency programs. Preliminary results for fiscal year 2008 show energy savings of 4,500 MWh at a saved energy- cost below the market cost of procured energy. Major savings in demand-side programs come from business efficiency programs, low-income efficiency replacements, compact fluorescent lightbulb rebates, and the Right Lights small business programs. This third-party measurement and verification is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2009 and forwarded to the California Energy Commission, along with a joint California municipal utility report on the fiscal year 2008 demand-side program savings. Additional third party programs are being contemplated, in coordination with other Northern California municipal electric utilities, such as: ° Refrigeration efficiency programs (including LED lights for refrigeration cases) ° Steam Hood controls programs ° Direct Install efficiency programs, in which a utility hires a vendor to directly install efficiency measures, with the rebate then paid to the vendor. The Gas Utility implemented a Low Income Efficiency Program that repaired or replaced 66 furnaces and weather stripped/caulked leaks in 183 homes, saving a total of 9,700 therms. A Research and Development program with ground source heat pumps (GSHP) has been installed with ongoing comparisons made between traditional air conditioning and GSHP in two locations. Utility staff are currently reviewing the feasibility of offering a rebate for these installations. In May, the Utility launched the Solar Water Heating (SWH) Program which provides rebates to residential and commercial customers for installing qualifying SWH systems. To date, three SWH systems have been approved with seven pending final approval. In June, a residential high-efficiency clothes washer rebate was added to the Smart Energy Rebate Program to emphasize the water-energy relationship. CMR:444:08 Page 5 of 11 The Water and Wastewater Utilities are continuing their partnership with the Santa Clara Va!ley Water District to reduce residential and business water use by cost-sharing water conservation programs. Due to a second consecutive dry water year, outdoor water conservation programs are being emphasized. Programs include: Commercial Outdoor Water Surveys, Water Efficient Landscape Rebate Program, Weather Based Irrigation Controller Rebates, Irrigation Hardware Rebates, and the Water Wise House Call Program. A total of 91 acre feet of water and over 11,000 therms of gas were saved over the year. CLIMATE PR 0 TECTION PLAN The results of the cost-benefit analysis of the Climate Protection Plan’s recommendations were presented to Council on July 21, 2008. The report ranked the possible actions from lowest-to-highest cost per ton of CO2 reduced. Following presentation to Council, staff brought that information to departments for incorporation into their emissions reduction plans. To implement the Council-mandated 5% reduction in CO2 emissions throughout City- operations, staff launched an inter-departmental Climate Protection Team. This team comprises a representative from each department. The mission of each team member is to: (a) coordinate the development of an emissions reduction plan for his or her department; (b) bring their draft plan back to the team for a peer review process; (c) collaborate with other team members to share issues and solutions to streamline the process; and (d) summarize the department plans in a report to Council in January 2009. After the January report to Council, the team will continue to meet at least quarterly to monitor progress towards the 5% reduction goal. ENVIRONMENTAL L Y PREFERRED P UR CHASING Environmentally Preferred Purchasing (EPP) is the purchase of products or services that have a lesser or reduced impact on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. Since the April update to Council on EPP efforts, staff has: Launched the revision of contract criteria to green the City’s office supplies, cafeteria service, printers, and copiers. Staff is also revising custodial contracts to consolidate cleaning supply purchases and ensure that products are safe for staff and the environment. Most of these contract RFPs are expected to be released before January 2009, to align the contracts with City EPP policies and goals. Commenced outreach and planning to pilot LED street light technology in neighborhoods for completion by 2010. Other projects scheduled include the use of LED street lights in the California Avenue Business District (summer 2009) and the expansion of LED light pilot projects in parking structures at Cambridge surface lots and Cowper/Webster parking structures. Staff will explore requiring LED lighting for private development projects and has set an approximate target date of 2015 to replace the majority of current City CMR:444:08 Page 6 of 11 street lights with LED street lights. An informational report on this subject was presented to Council on October 6, 2008 (CMR 377:08). Scheduled a date with the EPP Team (Purchasing, Sustainability Team, Public Works and Utilities staff) to establish EPP priorities for 2009 and identify short- term and long-term goals as well as resource needs to continue EPP work, given limited staff resources. COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL A CTION PAR TNERSHIP The Community Environmental Action Partnership (CEAP) is a standing committee comprising representatives of all the segments of.the Palo Alto community: schools, businesses, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, government, Stanford, and the faith community. The first meeting of the CEAP took place on March 5, 2008, and monthly meetings have occurred since. Each segment is responsible for creating and implementing its own actions. A variety of projects have been started. Within the City segment, participants decided that creating a voluntary City Green Team would be an important way to move initiatives forward among City staff. The kick-off meeting was held on October 21, with well over fifty (50) people in attendance. The City Manager offered introductory remarks, and participants brainstormed on their vision for a green City and how we as staff could help achieve that vision. The next meeting is scheduled for November 18. More information on what other segments are discussing and planning is available at www.pa-ceap.org. CEAP also plans to present a report on its progress to Council and the Palo Alto community in April 2009. GREEN B UILDING AND CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION DEBRIS PROGRAM Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris recycling i~ a subset of the broader practice of green building and will be covered under green building in this and future reports. Updated activities since April 2008 include: Council Actions on Green Building In June 2008, the City Council apwdved the,,,Green Building Ordinance, which added Chapter 18.44 to the Palo Alto/Municipal Codle. The new ordinance required all non- residential construction greater II~an 50~)squar~ feet and some renovation projects, based on size and valuation, to meet e’stabhshed m~nlmum levels of compliance with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED rating system. It also required all residential new construction greater than 1,250 square feet and renovations greater than a $75,000 valuation to meet established minimum levels of compliance with the Build It Green (BIG) Green Point Rated rating system. The City Council approved the first reading of a new ordinance which would add chapter 16.18 to the Palo Alto Municipal Code to establish local energy efficiency standards to supplement the 2005 California Energy Code. The ordinance will return for a second reading following review and approval by the California Energy Commission. The energy efficiency ordinance would require new residential and non-residential construction projects to meet energy efficiency standards that are roughly 15% greater CMR:444:08 Page 7 of 11 than minimum standards in current Title 24 Energy Code requirements. These new energy efficiency requirements will be consistent with the City’s green building ordinance. Other neighboring cities and counties with similar green building ordinances include: San Mateo County, San Francisco, and San Jose. Like Palo Alto, all three rely on the USGBC and BIG rating systems. However, the other jurisdictions’ minimum levels of compliance by square feet and project type, as well as their verification requirements, vary. Palo Alto is at the forefront in implementing its ordinance, and is working with other cities in the Bay Area as well as nationally on developing effective implementation frameworks. Green Building Program Implementation In early October, the City hired a new staff member to implement the new City Green Building Program. The new staff member is a LEED Accredited Professional with experience in green building policy, standard development, education and project review. In addition, the City is fortunate to have a City of San Jose employee assisting through the Management Talent Exchange Program. The two staff members are being advised by the interdepartmental Green Building Working Group (group) that was responsible for development of the Green Building Ordinance, to ensure the new program runs smoothly and successfully. The group currently holds meetings monthly. Staff is currently working on a number of initiatives to ensure the success of the new program including: CMR:444:08 Establishing review and enforcement protocol through the planning and building application processes, including updating existing forms and the Accela building permit tracking system Assessing the financial and staff needg of the program, including consideration of any new review fees to ensure costs for the program are recovered Merging the construction and demolition debris program requirements with the green building program. Staff’s goal is to completely integrate the City’s C&D requirements with the green building rating system starting in December 2008. For example, rather than receiving two applications, one for C&D and one for green building, applicants will henceforward receive one green building application, which will include the 50% C&D diversion requirement. Developing a City Green Building Guide for the community to understand the scope and benefits of green building, Palo Alto’s requirements, the review and approval process, and useful resources. This Guide is targeted for release to the public in December 2008. Assessing complementary programs in other departments, particularly rebates and incentives, and how they can work together; gaining a better understanding of how the green building program will assist with other department goals. Information on these complementary programs will be included in the City Green Building Guide. Training staff members, the community, and design and construction professionals on the City’s green building requirements and review process Page 8 of 11 Establishing program performance indicators and a tracking system to capture the number of applications received for green building, point levels obtained, energy performance, water savings, and resource savings. The indicators and [racking system are also targeted for release in December, along with the Guide. Actively tracking the progress of a number of state and national green building initiatives by participating in the Santa Clara County Cities Association’s green building meetings and state and national green building conferences and trainings. On July 1, 2008, the City began enforcing the Green Building Ordinance for residential projects submitted on or after July 1, 2008 and certain commercial projects submitted after December 3, 2007. Over fifty (50) applications have been received for the program and are currently being reviewed. In spring 2009, staff intends to evaluate the expected impact of the California Green Building Code (CGBC) on the City’s green building program and provide recommendations on how the City’s ordinance can be amended to better complement the CGBC. TRANSPOR TA TION The overall goal of green transportation-related programs is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions generated by City employees commuting to and from work as well as those generated by travel during the work day using City vehicles. Since April 2008, the following has been accomplished: 0 The Earth Day Commute Challenge for Cit~¢ employees ran from Earth Day through the end of May. By offering incentives for new participants in the employee alternative commute program as well as extra rewards for fiscal year 2009 °’Cool Commute Regulars," this promotion highlighted the benefits of taking transit, carpooling, biking or walking to work. Feedback was very positive, with a significant increase in inquiries about the City’s program and registration of forty (40) new participants since May. An opportunity arose in August for the City to receive customized access to the 511.org Rideshare Ridematch Service. This will create a customized gateway from the City’s internal web site into the Internet-based ride- matching service. Employees will be able to find matches with other employees, or expand their search to the regional 511 Rideshare data base. This will respond to the requests for assistance from employees commuting more than 30 miles one way who do not live close to transit. Support from 511.org will reduce City staff time in implementing this option, as well as increase participation in the rideshare program. The site is expected to "go live" by the end of November. CMR:444:08 Page 9 of 11 A ,best practices" review of transportation options with high potential for influencing employee commute choices is now underway, expanding on the cost-benefit analysis of the Climate Protection Plan. Staff will provide recommendations for consideration in the upcoming budget process for changes to the current alternative commute incentives and for other measures that have been shown to reduce the number of employees choosing to drive solo to and from work. The Fleet Management Division of the Public Works Department continues to aggressively pursue alternative fuel/clean, air vehicle strategies in procm’ement of new City vehicles, particularly in market "segments where OEM equipment is available, such as passenger vehicles and light trucks. The City’s emphasis continues to be primarily on CNG-fueled vehicles, given the reduced carbon footprint, lower fuel cost, and operational advantages provided by virtue of the City gas utility. Additionally, public access to CNG fueling on a contract basis will become available in the spring of 2009 at the City Municipal Service Center when construction of the new fueling facility is completed. OPEN SPA CE Open Space and Parks staff have placed an emphasis on two important initiatives. The first is the development of a comprehensive Foothills Wildland Fire Management Plan and the second is the creation of a Baylands Conservation Plan. The Wildland Fire Master Plan is being developed in cooperation with the Fire Department and will not only look at strategies for creating defensible space around private property and facilities, but will also consider how to reduce natural fuel loads and flammable vegetation in the Pearson Arastradero Preserve and Foothills Park. The Management Plan will provide valuable opportunities ’to reintroduce native grass and plant species that will significantly improve the habitat of the open space areas and decrease fire potential. Biological controls are being integrated into the Fire Management Plan to ensure that natural resources in the foothills are enhanced and protected. Staff anticipates bringing the plan to Council for adoption in January 2009. The Baylands Conservation Plan is under development. A first chapter, which considers the vegetation of the Baylands tidal areas, has been completed by a consultant and reviewed by staff. This document will provide direction to staff on the species of non- native plants that are of greatest threat to wildlife habitat and to native plant species. The plan provides detailed recommendations to Open Space staff on strategies for removing non-native plants and reintroducing native grasses and aquatic plants. Two additional chapters of the plan are being developed that will analyze public access and wildlife habitat at the Baylands. These chapters will inform staff about ways to protect valuable breeding areas for shore birds and migratory species and strategies for enhancing their habitat through the introduction of beneficial native plants. The public access section will provide information on areas that are appropriate for humans and areas, because of their proximity to nesting and breeding areas, that may be appropriate only for restricted access by humans and pets. These sections will be completed by December 2009. CMR:444:08 Page 10 of 11 RESOURCE IMPACT Most of the programs discussed in this report are funded in the adopted 2009 budget. In cases where staff work on the above and related programs will require additional funding, staff will request the neede~l funds via the upcoming budget approval process. POLICY IMPLICATIONS All of the above programs are in line with the City’s Sustainability Policy, Council’s adoption of the Climate Protection Plan, and other existing City policies. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This report is infolxnational in nature. As such, no review of the activities mentioned is required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). However, certain programmatic elements discussed in the report may undergo or have already undergone environmental review as part of a separate approval process. PREPARED BY:NANCY NAGEL GREG BETTS AMANDA COX KATHY DURHAM AMY FRENCH WENDY HEDIGER KRISTEN HEINEN JOYCE KINNEAR KELLY MORARIU KARL VAN ORSDOL LARRY PERLIN ANNETTE PUSKARICH Cit~anager ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A: April 28, 2008 CMR: 216:08 Attachment B: April 28, 2008 CMR: 217:08 CMR:444:08 Page 11 of 11 Attachment A TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office DATE:APRIL 28, 2008 CMR: 216:08 SUBJECT:UPDATE ON RECYCLING, URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN, UTILITIES’ CONSERVATION-RELATED PROGRAMS, CLEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY BONDS AND CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN This is an informational report, and no Council action is required. As part of the Earth Day presentation to Council, the following updates on City sustainability programs are included: Recycling, Urban Forest Master Plan, Utilities Conservation Programs, Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, and Climate Protection. Due to time limitations, staff’s presentation at the Council study session will focus on Green Building, Environmentally Preferred Purchasing and the Community Environmental Action Partnership (CEAP). However, staff familiar with the issues in this report will also be available at the study session to respond to Council questions. DISCUSSION RECYCLING The Recycling Program has been working on a variety of projects and collaborative efforts to implement the City’s Zero Waste Operational Plan. This report provides details on the Green Business Program; Palo Alto landfill restrictions; school green team facilitation; Bay-Friendly Regional Coalition, product stewardship and extended producer responsibility; and a summary of the third year results of the Construction and Demolition Debris Diversion Program. A more detailed report of Recycling Program activities can be found in the Recycling Program’s annual report. Green Business Program The City of Palo Alto is a partner of the Bay Area Green Business Program which rewards local businesses for taking actions to conserve resources, prevent pollution, and minimize waste. The number of Palo Alto businesses certified by the Bay Area Green Business Program has increased dramatically since 2007, from 12 last year to 32 this year, with additional businesses enrolled in the Program. Upon certification, a one-page Green Business Profile is created for the business and posted to the City’s web site, highlighting the business’s accomplishments. City staff actively promotes the program and was asked to deliver a waste reduction presentation to 200 attendees of the 2008 CMR 216:08 Page 1 of 9 Santa Clara County Annual Green Business Conference. City staff also collaborates with the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce on its Palo Alto Business Goes Green initiative to increase ~he number of businesses certified by the Green Business Program. School Green Teams The Recycling Program is working with the Palo Alto Unified School District and interested Palo Alto schools to establish sustained, site-based, multi-stakeholder, action- oriented Green Teams. Public and private elementary, middle and high schools are all included. The City has hired a contractor to help facilitate the creation of the Green Teams in concert with school administration, teachers, students, and parent volunteers. The Green Teams will develop environmental programs/actions that are cost-efficient, are adapted to site needs, incorporate action-oriented research methods, and include social marketing techniques when applicable. Twelve Green Teams will be developed in calendar year. 2008. Schools have been selected according to. their .interest level. In addition, the contractor will support the five Green Teams already developed through efforts funded by the Palo Alto Unified School District. Bay-Friendly Regional Coalition Public Works and Utilities are taking an active role in the formation of the Bay-Friendly Regional Coalition, a membership organization comprised of individuals representing public agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations from all of the nine Bay Area counties, working together to promote Bay-Friendly landscaping and gardening. Bay-Friendly landscaping and gardening is a whole systems approach to the design, construction and maintenance of landscape that works in harmony with the natural conditions of the San Francisco Bay watershed. It is, based on seven principles for sustainable landscaping: Landscape locally; landscape for less.to the landfill; nurture the soil; conserve water; conserve energy; protect air and water quality; and create wildlife habitat. Bay-Friendly practices foster soil health and conserve water and other valuable resources while reducing waste and preventing pollution. The Bay-Friendly Regional Coalition builds on work done previously by StopWaste.Org. The Bay-Friendly program provides resources such as trainings, workshops and publications for the both public and private sector landscape professionals and the home gardener. The Bay-Friendly educational materials were developed with guidance from public and private landscape architects and designers, contractors, representatives from Alameda County public agencies and staff of StopWaste.Org. The Coalition is now working to provide these resources regionally. In January, the City of Palo Alto signed the Bay Friendly Coalition’s Declaration of Support of the Seven Bay-Friendly Principles, becoming one of the charter signatories. Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibili _ty The Principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), also known as Product Stewardship, are being applied by City of Palo Alto Public Works Refuse and CMR 216:08 Page 2 of 9 Environmental Compliance Divisions to reduce the amount and toxicity of waste generated. EPR is a policy approach, officially adopted by the State in 2007, holding producerg liable for the costs of responsibly managing products at the end of their useful lives. Producer responsibility from "cradle to cradle" is expected to drive green product design, reducing the burden on local governments which have neither the capacity nor funding to deal with toxic, disposable spent products. The goal of EPR is to shift responsibility for the growing group of products banned from landfills, such as fluorescent lamps, alkaline batteries, electronics and sharps (e.g., needles), local governments to the producers of those products. EPR is an essential component of achieving Palo Alto’s zero waste goal. In 2006, to advance EPR, the City joined other local governments to form the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC). City staff was instrumental in the formation of this organization, initially serving on its Steering Committee, and serving on the Education and Policy Advisory Committee since it became a 501(c)(3) organization in 2007. Activities of the CPSC to date include: Meetings with staff of Senator Joe Simitian and Assemblyman Ira Ruskin, key political consultants to the State Senate, and members of the Natural Resources Committee to provide education on EPR and an introduction to the CPSC Delivery of presentations at conferences and working groups of local, regional and State water quality and solid waste agencies, educating local businesses, and discussing opportunities for advancing EPR and zero waste Providing input at California Integrated Waste Management Board Policy Committee Meetings to indicate the City of Palo Alto’s support for EPR Signing and submitting a Pledge of Support to the CPSC, indicating support of the mission and function of the CPSC Sending letters to the State legislature in favor of or opposition to bills, based on inclusion in the bills of EPR language Working interdepartmentally to include EPR in City purchasing policies and practices Landfill Restrictions Landfill restrictions to help reduce waste disposed of in the Palo Alto landfill are currently under development, with an anticipated effective date of July 1, 2008. Proposed restrictions would target residents and businesses self-hauling waste to the landfill, and ¯ tentatively include restricting disposal of: ¯Recyclables that are accepted at Palo Alto Recycling Center ¯Construction and demolition debris ¯Large "clean-out" type loads, instead referring them to the SMART Station for sorting and recovery of recyclables These restrictions are based on data from the 2006 Palo Alto Waste Composition Study and recommendations of the Zero Waste Operational Plan, approved in 2007. Staff will bring a report to Council in May 2008. CMR 216:08 Page 3 of 9 Third Year Results of the Construction and Demolition Debris Diversion Program In May 2004, City Council adopted an ordinance, Requirement to Divert Construction and Demolition Waste from Landfill, which added Chapter 5.24 to the Palo Alto Municipal Code. In November 2004 the program was fully implemented with the primary goal of diverting construction and demolition debris from local landfills. November 1, 2007 marked the completion of the third year of the program. The program directly handles the debris generated from every demolition permit as well as all building permits with a valuation greater than $75,000. The third year of the program included review and approval of 531 projec[s participating in the program--a 9% increase from the previous year (483 projects). The total number of tons diverted from the landfill increased from 21,710 tons in the previous year to nearly 63,000 tons in 2006- 07. The number of projects completing salvage increased from 11% to 16%. The number of finished jobs that complied with the requirements of the program increased from 33% to 44%. (See Attachment A for complete details.) The most common material diverted from the landfill was concrete, representing 46% of all material diverted. Mixed C&D material (e.g., wood, metal, gypsum board, concrete) was the second most common material diverted from the landfill, representing 15% of all material diverted. Asphalt, ceramic tile and metal were the other materials most often diverted from the landfill. Additional program results include: Commercial demolition projects generated 79% of all debris diverted from the landfill ¯73% of all C&D related projects were residential: , 75%were building permits 25%were demolition permits , ¯62% of all C&D debris generated was concrete o Steven’s Creek Quarry accepted the largest amount of C&D debris of any approved recycling facility, accepting 16% of debris diverted from the landfill 41 projects received compliance letters for not complying with the program requirements Upon evaluation of the third year, the following adjustments to the program are planned to enhance the overall results: Placing more focus on salvage as a viable option for diversion. Options include: Researching the possibility of developing a Resource Recovery Center for building materials that still have reusable value. Bringing in outside personnel to conduct site audits to help the applicant identify what items are salvageable prior to the demolition phase of the project. (This idea was discussed after the second year of the program and is still being explored as a possible option.) ¯Exploring incentives to help increase salvage efforts. Developing a comprehens!ve web page as a resource for citizens to list materials that are available for reuse, and to increase overall awareness of salvage CMR 216:08 Page 4 of 9 URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN The State (Cal-Fire) notified the City in early February that the City’s two grant applications for urban forestry projects were successful. The total funding award is $180,000. Of this, the City will use $120,000 to update its tree inventory and enhance the availability of this information in the GIS system. The other $60,000 will be used for a consultant to assist in the development of the City’s Urban Forest Master Plan, a comprehensive strategy and planning document targeted at urban forestry issues in Palo Alto. The two projects are complementary, with the inventory work gathering the data necessary to formulate goals and strategies for continued management and expansion of Palo Alto’s urban forest through the master plan. The State required the completion of additional docmnentation prior to initiation of the grant projects. Staff submitted this paperwork in mid-March. Once the City receives final approval from the State, work will begin in earnest on the inventory. The current timeline for completion of the inventory and integration into the GIS system is April/May 2009. A cross-departmental team, which also includes representatives from CANOPY, has already begun work on the master plan development. However, the majority of the plan development work will occur after completion of the inventory, with anticipated Council adoption of the plan in spring or summer of 2009. The grant requires that work on the projects be completed by March 2010. Staff plans to provide the Council with periodic status reports as the work progresses. UTILITIES’ CONSERVATION-RELATED PROGRAMS Over the last year (2006-07), the results of the City o,f Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU)’s efficiency and conservation programs have included: The Electric Utility has implemented demand-side efficiency programs and large long-term supply-side efficiency improvements, and installed over 200 PV systems. Plans for 2008-09 include third-party conservation programs and required measurement and verification of the Utility’s efficiency program results. Achievements of the demand side programs include a reduction in peak demand by 1,100 kW; first year energy savings of 4,700 MWh; and lifecycle energy savings of 49,000 MWh, at a saved energy cost below the market cost of procured energy. Major savings in demand-side programs come from industrial cooling, low-income efficiency replacements, CFL rebates, and the Right Lights small business programs. Large long-term supply-side efficiency improvements come from a Shasta turbine upgrade (3,000 MWh/yr) and distribution system conversions (300 MWh/yr). The Gas Utility implemented a Low Income Efficiency Program that replaced 12 furnaces and weather stripped/caulked leaks in 54 homes in 2007, saving a total of 9,600 therms. A Research and Development program with ground source heat pumps (GSHP) has been installed with ongoing comparisons made between CMR 216:08 Page 5 of 9 traditional air conditioning and GSHP in two locations. The Utility is also developing a new solar water heating incentive program. The Water and Wastewater Utilities have partnered with SCVWD to reduce residential and business water use; signed a new 3-year contract with SCVWD to continue cost sharing of efficiency and water conservation programs; and implemented programs including Water Wise House Calls, High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Rebate and Replacement, Washing Machine Rebates, and Outdoor Irrigation Rebates. A total of 99 acre feet of water and 66,000 therms of gas were saved in water/gas efficiency programs in FY 06/07. Current year programs emphasize outdoor water reduction programs and the use of Bay-Friendly plants. CLEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY BONDS The Administrative Services Department worked with Utilities to issue $1.5 million in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds to help finance solar panels on three City properties: Baylands Interpretive Center, Cubberley Community Center, and the Municipal Services Center. The bonds were issued in November 2007. Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) are interest-free financing instruments (in lieu of receiving interest, lenders receive a tax credit against Federal income taxes) that can be used for wind, closed and open-loop biomass, geothermal, solar energy, small irrigation power, landfill gas, and other qualifying facilities. Congress authorized up to $800 million of these bonds with the passage of the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. The City applied for the CREBs in late April 2006, and received approval in November 2006 from the Internal Revenue Service on its application for $1.5 million in CREBs. These bonds were approved specifically for use on the Photovoltaic Solar Panel Project (PE-05001) which placed solar panels at the three sites indicated above. The remaining project expenses were funded by the Electric Utility’s pul~lic benefit funds. Palo Alto was one of the first jurisdictions in the nation to issue these bonds. CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN The Council approval of the CPP on December 3 2007 (CMR: 435:07) included recommendations for the City to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations by 5% (3,266 tons of CO2) by 2009 and by 15% (10,000 tons) by 2015. Additionally the Council directed the City Manager to produce an annual report that details the actions leading to emissions reductions and the impacts of those actions. Since that approval, staff has been working to implement the recommendations of the Council regarding the CPP. These efforts have focused on: Obtaining feedback from the public on the CPP. Staff has worked with a variety of public groups to solicit comments, suggestions and other feedback on the CPP. Staff has made many of the changes suggested by this feedback, and a revised version of the CPP is now on the City’s website. CMR 216:08 Page 6 of 9 Reducing City emissions in 2009. Staff has analyzed the emissions profiles of each City department and developed emission reduction goals for each. These departmental goals range from a low of 4 tons required reduction for the City Auditor, to a high of 1,381 tons reduction for Public Works. Staff has met with department heads to present these reduction goals and initiate a dialog on how to develop a strategy for each department to meet its goals. The proposed reductions for each department are presented in Table 1. Developing long term strategies for reducing emissions by 15% by 2015. The City has retained URS, a well respected BayArea environmental consulting firm, to work with City staff to enhance the cost benefit assessments of the 120 suggested actions contained in the CPP. Additionally, the City is working with a group of Stanford undergraduates to analyze sustainability efforts related to Environmental Purchasing. Finally, staff is working with the Rocky Mountain Institute to develop an overarching methodology to ensure that all areas being examined (transportation, waste, purchasing, energy, green building) follow a uniform analytical approach. These three groups of outside experts are worldng collectively with staff to develop a comprehensive and robust assessment of options for the City to accelerate its carbon emission reduction plan, and to do so in the most cost-effective manner possible. Staff expects to issue a final repo~’t on the cost benefit analyses in June 2008. CMR 216:08 Page 7 of 9 Department ASD Auditor City Attorney City Clerk City Manager Community Services Fire Human Resources Libra13, Planning Police PWD Utilities Total Table 1. Estimated greenhouse gas emissions by Department and 5% reduction requirements ReductionsEmissions As Reported in the Climate Protection Plan Required Non Fuel Emissions = Electricity +Gas + Travel+Office Products 2,099 759 203 127 217 1,834 2,396 294 825 1,005 3,075 3,714 4,414 20,962 Fuels = Mobile +Stationary and Off Road 19 59 245 281 1 Other "Responsible" Emissions (leakage. and biogenic) reported in CPP 34 527 934 22,970 677 19,358 2,172 42,328 "Total Departmental Emissions" 2005 2,118 759 203 127 276 2,079 2,677 295 825 1,039 3,602 27,618 24,449 66,067 5% Reduction = Tons of CO2e 106 4 10 6 11 104 134 15 41 52 180 1,381 1,222 3,266 RESOURCE IMPACT All of the programs discussed in this report, except for Recycling’s landfill restrictions, are covered under existing program budget and staffing. The landfill restrictions resource impact and policy implications will be discussed in a future report to Council. CMR 216:08 Page 8 of 9 POLICY IMPLICATIONS All of the above programs are in line with the City’s Sustainability Policy, Council’s adoptionof the Climate P~otection Plan, and other existing City policies. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The actions described in this report are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14 § 15061 (b)(3), because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. PREPARED BY:WENDY HEDIGER JOYCE KINNEAR KELLY MORARIU NANCY NAGEL JASON NORTZ ANNETTE PUSKARICH KARL VAN ORSDOL CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: EMILY HARRISON Assistant City Manager ATTACHMENT Attachment A: City of Palo Alto Construction and Demolition Diversion Program Year Three Review CMR 216:08 Page 9 of 9 Attachment B TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL 3 FROM: DATE: CITY MANAGER APRIL 28, 2008 DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office CMR: 217:08 SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION: PRESENTATION ON THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL’S (USGBC’S) LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (LEED) GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEM FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED PURCHASING AND THE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PARTNERSHIP The Earth Day Study Session will include updates on Environmentally Preferred Purchasing, the Community Environmental Action Pal"mership, and Green Building. ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED PURCHASING Environmentally Preferred Purchasing (EPP) is the purchase of products or services that have a lesser or reduced impact on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. Such products or services may include those which contain recycled content, minimize waste, conserve energy or water, and/or reduce the amount of toxics disposed of or consumed. In its 2007-08 Budget, the City allocated $16.5 million on materials and supplies from its General, Enterprise, and Capital Improvement Project Funds. Incorporating EPP criteria into these direct expenditures could have an indirect impact on the City’s climate protection goals, as well as on other sustainability policies and programs such as Zero Waste, green building, and pollution prevention. Beyond City operations, the City’s purchase of EPP products and services, in conjunction with the environmental purchasing efforts of other Bay Area or State public agencies, might stimulate market demand and further expand access to these products and services. The City has already incorporated environmental criteria into some of its purchasing. For example, since 2000, the City reduced its energy use by 17% through its purchase and installation of energy efficient office and LED street lighting and low-mercury fluorescent lights; its purchase of 30%-100% recycled=content for copy and bathroom papers respectively; and the use of "less-toxic" custodial, pest control and printing services and products. These efforts, however, have been driven by specific department initiatives rather than by a systemic, citywide approach and are not always uniformly applied across the organization. To institutionalize the consideration of environmental impacts that are cost neutral to the City during the purchasing process, staff is in the midst of incorporating EPP CMR 217:08 Page 1 of 6 criteria into several contracts that are going out to bid in spring of 2008. In addition, staff is drafting an EPP implementation plan which should be completed by June 2008. Since the adoption of the Climate Protection Plan in December 2007, which authorized the pursuit of EPP, staff has: Completed an EPP policy and initial procedures. Procedures will be revised iteratively as the EPP program unfolds. Set up an intranet infrastructure to connect the Purchasing Manual with environmental policies and related purchasing preferences Begun the development of a cost benefit methodology to incorporate adders and operational efficiencies into the evaluation of product costs Engaged City staff from several departments to redraft specifications and scoring for the copier contract and begun exploring options and drafting a timeline for the printer contract RFP to include automatic duplexing Incorporated EPP criteria into the City’s Office Supply Contract which is going out for bid in May 2008. The EPP priorities for the contract are to identify 100% recycled content paper and remanufactured toner cartridges that offer both waste and greenhouse gas reduction opportunities. In addition, the RFP seeks to increase vendor responsibility for packaging and hazardous waste reduction and to include an on-line ordering system to make it easier for staff to identify and purchase green office supplies. Worked with Stanford Student Environmental Consulting Team on assessing cost benefits of designated products Started planning EPP priorities for 2008-2009 Begun to explore opportunities to "green" other contracts including copiers, printers, and the City’s cafeteria and custodial vendors. This effort is in the beginning stages, and impacts will be contingent On cost benefits, City operational needs, and the extent of available products and services. Saved $30,000 through avoided purchases. One aspect of EPP is to look at operational changes that might reduce the need for purchases and resource use, or that might offset the cost of more expensive EPP products or services. The City’s Administrative Services Department identified an opportunity to avoid a significant cost by using PDFs for a selection of monthly IT Division reports instead of printing paper copies. Environmental benefits from this project’s avoided paper use alone were a reduction of .76 metric tons of GHG emissions and an equivalent of six trees. In addition, the department avoided purchasing a new printer that would have been required had the paper printing of these reports continued. Similar paper-saving measures are being explored in other City departments. Budget Implications of EPP The implementation of Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Procedures requires staff time and may require additional financial resources when "green" products or services cost more than conventional ones. Through the effort to green the City’s office supply contract, staff is exploring how to evaluate potential cost increases and find ways to offset these increases through operational efficiencies, and factor into cost-benefit CMR 217:08 Page 2 of 6 calculations multi-year use and the achievement of environmental priorities such as waste reduction and climate protection. As EPP efforts unfurl, staff may deem it necessary to return to Council to seel~ approval for contracts that help achieve environmental goals, but may cost more. COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PARTNERSHIP (CEAP) The Education and Motivation chapter of the CPP described a standing committee to be created including citizens, staff, and experts to implement community-wide emissions reduction efforts. It followed the model created by the Green Ribbon Task Force (GRTF) including representatives of all the segments comprising the community: schools, businesses, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, government, and the faith community. After a few weeks of planning with a core group of citizens, the first two meetings of the CEAP took place on March 5 and April 9. At the March 5 meeting, with over 100 in attendance, participants were broken into small groups to talk through the draft mission and goals for the CEAP, as well as to brainstorm potential actions. At the April 9 meeting, the mission and goals were approved, as were the structure of the group and the group’s focus for the first year: climate protection. Each of eight segments (medical and Stanford communities were added as segments) will have one liaison to the CEAP, while all members of the public are welcome to attend meetings. Liaisons are responsible for communicating with their segments and facilitating the implementation of the actions or initiatives selected by their segments. The next meeting will take place May 7, 4 to 6 pm, at Cubberley Community Center. Budget Implications of CEAP In 2008-09, it is anticipated that staff resources will be required for the initial half of the year, until the group is completely launched and self-Supporting. Additional expenses would be minor, under $5,000, and will be included in the 2008-09 City Manager’s (Sustainability Team) budget. GREEN BUILDING During the summer of 2007, City staff coordinated the presentation of two educational sessions in the Council Chambers regarding two green building programs: USGBC’s (United States’ Green Building Council) LEEDTM (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BIG’s (Build It Green) GPRTM (Green Point Rated). These sessions were intended for Council members in particular but were attended by others. Council Actions on Green Building in 2007 The Climate Protection Plan (CPP) included an incremental approach, originally recommended by the GRTF, requiring BIG’s program for residential projects and the USGBC’s program for non-residential projects. Also in 2007, Council: CMR 217:08 Page 3 of 6 Reviewed an implementation schedule for mandatory non-residential and multi- family residential_green building by July 2008, and low density residential green building by July 2009 Adopted a green building ARB approval finding and zoning text allowing the City to require green building checklists Adopted an amended green building policy for City facilities that lowered the threshold from 10,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet, raised the LEEDTM level from Certified to Silver, and included limited exemptions Adopted the 2005 California Energy Code Green Building Ordinance in 2008 On March 12 and April 9, 2008 the Planning and Transportation Commission (Commission) held study sessions to review and discuss staff’s proposal for green building criteria for private development. On April 9 and April 17, 2008, the Commission and ARB, respectively, were scheduled to review and recolmnend a draft green building ordinance and companion resolution to set green building criteria. Counci! adoption of the proposed ordinance and resolution will result in commencement of the mandatory residential green building program in 2008 rather than in 2009 as initially reported to Council in 2007. The Council date for adoption of the ordinance (May 12, 2008) would allow the ordinance to become effective by July 2008. The ordinance incorporates the use of the BIG’s GPRTM residential green building program and the (USGBC) LEEDTM non- residential green building program. The ordinance will include provisions for limited exemptions and specify methods of verification and enforcement. The staff report for Council’s May 12, 2008 public hearing of the proposed green building ordinance will provide additional discussion to support the adoption of the ordinance, and will include further description of outreach and Commission meeting minutes related to this topic. Green Building Workin~ Group and Outreach An interdepartmental Green Building Working Group (Group), led by the City’s Chief Building Official and comprised of City staff from Public Works, Administrative Services, Utilities, and Planning and Community Environment Departments, is focused on issues related to establishing a mandatory green building program. The group includes three BIG certified professionals and a LEEDTM Accredited Professional; the group has also sought input from the two ARB members and a contract planner (working in the Individual Review program), who are all LEEDTM accredited. The Group and its members have been engaging in the following pursuits: Assembling past-year data to assist development of the green building ordinance, and Title 24 data for summaries of building permit activity beginning in 2008 Researching how to achieve the greatest efficiencies, rebates for certification or similar incentives to increase the level of green building Pursuing staff training in conjunction with the rollout of the mandatory programs. Group staff members are attending regional BIG meetings, green building seminars and workshops, and members are looking toward obtaining additional training in LEEDTM and GPRTM. CMR 217:08 Page 4 of 6 Providing "At-a-Glance" Matrix of Incentives to Build Green, in collaboration with BIG, indicating rebates, tax credits and services available to help Palo Alto r~sidents build or remodel their home "green"; grouped into six categories, the incentives correspond to BIG guidelines for new and remodeled homes. Launching the Ask an Expert Hotline, a BIG service providing unbiased, customized responses, via phone or email, to green building questions from building professionals and residents of Palo Alto. The Hotline will provide information to make callers’ (clients’) homes healthier and higher performing; it is funded by Public Works (PW), Utilities, and Planning and Community Environment. Collaborating on an author event at the Palo Alto Main Library in September 2007 with the Public Works Recycling Program, Palo Alto City Library, Friends of the Library, and Books Inc. Jennifer Roberts, environmental management specialist, energy expert, and author of Good Green Homes Redux: Designs that Reuse, Recycle and Reveal, and Good Green Kitchens, presented information and answered questions on practica!, money-saving and enviromnentally conscious ways to build, remodel, and improve homes. In addition, the Palo Alto City Library expanded its collection of green building books available for loan to the community. Sponsoring the Green Home Tour planned for September 2008 to showcase innovative new and remodeled green homes in Santa Clara and San Mateo Countries, enabling homeowners and/or developers to share their green building experiences with the community, educate tour attendees on the variety of green building materials and methods currently being used locally, showcase green building features which are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly, and demonstrate that homes can incorporate green features on any budget. The event also includes a green building materials and vendor faire. This study session will include a "primer" from the Chief Building Official on the LEEDTM green building program, providing the opportunity to discuss the differences among LEEDTM green building levels. The primer will also identify LEEDTM checklist points most frequently gained by development projects registered with the USGBC. The April 28 study session does not include discussion of the BIG program, which is used only in California and only for residential projects. In Palo Alto, green building checklists are required to be submitted with other planning entitlement applications but are not required or provided with building permit application materials. Green building information is provided .at the Development Center kiosk and the Ask and Expert Hotline, and the Development Center website provides a link to USGBC and BIG web sites. The Santa Clara County Cities Association’s Green Building Collaborative advocates the countywide use of the LEEDTM checklist for non-residential projects and the GPRTM checklist for residential projects. Staff and a Council member are among the members of the Collaborative, and Palo Alto’s program development is being shared with the group. Other Bay Area cities have adopted policies and ordinances referring to these industry- recognized programs. CMR 217:08 Page 5 of 6 Budget Implications of Green Building Substantial staff hours will be required to implement the City’s green building program and ordinance. Detailed estimates of the staff hours involved in outreach, education, and training will be provided with the ordinance when presented to Council. Financial incentives for exceeding minimum green points for residential construction are under consideration -- specifically, the use of Utilities funds earmarked for improved energy efficiency in Palo Alto and for training and education. Rebates associated with a dollar amount per point exceeded are being conside~:ed, and this concept is supported by the ARB. The program would be designed to offset costs associated with review of the checklists and verification by a third party green point rater (for residential buildings). Additional, non-financial, incentives are being considered by other departments as well. PREPARED BY:AMY FRENCH NANCY NAGEL ANNETTE PUSKARICH JULIE WEISS CURTIS WILLIAMS CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: EMILY HARRIS ON Assistant City Manager ATTACHMENT: Attachment A: Environmental Purchasing Policy CMR 217:08 Page 6 of 6