HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-16 City CouncilCity of Palo Alto
C ty Ma ager Report
TO:
FROM:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL ~
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGERS OFFICE
DATE: JUNE 16, 2003
SUBJECT: 2002-03
PROGRAM
CMR: 307:03
ANNUAL REPORT ON CITY SUSTAINABILITY
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that
Sustainability Program.
Council accept the 2002-03 annual report on the City
BACKGROUND
On April 2, 2001, the City Council adopted a Sustainability Policy. On December 2, 2002
staff discussed a conceptual plan of implementation with Council in study session. As
part of the plan, City activities and programs were divided into ten key areas of
sustainability focus, referred to as categories. Within the categories, staff identified goals,
objectives and measurable aspects (indicators) that can be used to gauge progress.
The primary resource for determining the goals for each category is the Comprehensive
Plan (Plan), in order to ensure that all sustainability efforts are closely aligned with, and
are complementary to, the Plan. This has the added benefit that the majority of the work
required to implement and track the sustainability plan is already being done in
conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan. The sustainability plan itself is still evolving.
It is intended to be flexible, and allow for adjustment as needed to ensure that the
appropriate indicators are being monitored in each category. Adjustments to the
indicators can also be made as progress is defined in order to refocus efforts on other
areas that need monitoring.
DISCUSSION
Significant Accomplishments for FY 2002 - 03
Affordable Housing: Two significant affordable housing projects were approved; policies
encouraging smaller housing units were put in place.
Air Quality: On May 2, 2003 the American Lung Associations of the Bay Area
recognized Palo Alto for an "Honorable Mention" in the leadership category of its annual
Clean Air Awards. Some of Palo Alto’s programs singled out for special recognition by
CMR:307:03 Page 1 of 4
the American Lung Association include Palo Alto’s Green Business certification, the
Commute Alternatives Program, alternative fueled vehicles and the use of bio-diesel for
the heavy equipment at the landfill.
Energy: Palo Alto received a grant for $!.5 million for a photovoltaic pilot project as
part of the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill under the Department of Energy.
Electricity usage in City facilities has declined from a peak in FY1999-00 of 30.4 million
KwH to 29.3 million KwH in FY2001-02, for a savings of $75,000 over two years. The
City of Palo Alto Utilities was recognized with an American Public Power Association’s
(APPA) "2003 Energy Innovator" award. The award was made for the "Water, Energy
and Environmental Management Program for City Facilities (WEEMP)." Only one other
municipality received this award.
Public Safety/CommuniO, Services: A new homeland security and disaster preparedness
program was initiated which will help ensure that staff and community are prepared in
the event of a natural disaster or terrorist incident.
Solid Waste: 126,549 tons of solid waste was diverted from landfills for FY 2000-01, a
diversion rate of 59%. In FY 2001-02 119,373 tons were diverted, but the diversion
increased to 6t% . Although businesses apparently were not generating as much waste
due to the faltering economy, the increase in the percent diverted can be attributed, in
part, to the aggressive marketing and public outreach campaigns of City recycling and
waste reduction!diversion programs.
Transportation." The Commute Alternatives Program received a "Commuter Choice
Leadership Initiative" award from the Environmental Protection Agency. The League of
American Bicyclists also designated Palo Alto as a "Bicycle Friendly Community" on
May 16, 2003.
Other accomplishments:
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) awarded a green business
certification to the City of Palo Alto in October 2002. Palo Alto was the very first
local government to receive, or even apply for, such certification.
Council adopted a Green Building Policy on April 21, 2003 (CMR # 243:03). This
policy will help to minimize the environmental impact of al! future City facility
construction and rehabilitation projects.
Implementation of the 2001 Annual Pest Management and Pesticide Use Report
continued. The focus has been to reduce the use of the top five pesticides of
concern identified in the report. Outreach efforts continue. Over 200 people
attended Bug Buster.t Workshops and the regional document Our Water, Our
World has been advertised in movie theaters, local papers and utility bill inserts.
The 2002 Annual Pest Management report will be released this summer.
CMR:307:03 Page 2 of 4
The Palo Alto Sustainability Program’s website went live in early October 2002.
In the first six months it received 27,000 hits. The site can be reached from the
City of Palo Alto website or accessed directly at www.pafd.org/sustainablity.
Palo Alto participated as an exhibitor in sustainability/environmental fairs at three
local corporations: Roche, Varian and Incyte Genomics; and staff spoke at an
outreach event sponsored by Youth for Community Service, a local non-profit.
Four segments on various sustainability topics were aired on CityBeat, the City’s
monthly cable television show. Those topics include: sustainable flooring options,
life cycle cost analysis, water-based, low volatile organic compound paints; and
alternative fueled vehicles.
Staff has produced a series of full color brochures on four green building topics.
Student interns from Stanford University assisted with the research and writing of
these brochures which are also available on the sustainability website.
Facilities maintenance staff made the decision to use low volatile organic
compounds (V.O.C.), water-based paints and finishes whenever possible. A cost
/benefit analysis showed that this will save time and money as well as reduce the
generation of hazardous waste in the form of used solvents and excess paint.
Comparison of Palo Alto’s Indicators to the Silicon Valley Environmental Index (SVEI)
The 2003 Silicon Valley Environmental Index is published by the Silicon Valley
Environmental Partnership, which was formed by Joint Venture Silicon Valley, in 1993.
The SVEI defines Silicon Valley as all of Santa Clara County; San Mateo County south
of Highway 92; the cities of Fremont, Newark and Union City, in Alameda County; and
Scotts Valley, in northern Santa Cruz County. This report can serve as a tool for Palo
Alto to compare its sustainability performance to the larger region of which it is a part.
Ene~oy Usage." In the area of electricity usage, both the SVEI and Palo Alto show about
a 5 per cent drop over the last two years. The SVEI attributes the decline in electricity
usage to the down economy. The high vacancy rate in commercial and rental properties
and the lower productivity level of business and industry created less of a demand for
electricity. The decline in electricity usage in City facilities can be attributed to efficiency
programs such as The Water and Energy Environmental Management Plan (WEEMP),
and lighting retrofits throughout City Buildings.
Solid Waste Disposal/Diversion: An average of 58% of solid waste produced in the
region is being diverted from landfills compared to 61% for the Palo Alto community.
Pesticide Use: SVEI reports that the use of most toxic pesticides is increasing after
trending downward since 1992. Use of most toxic pesticides rose 12 per cent from 1997
to 2000. Data for Palo Alto is not yet available. However, with the implementation of the
IPM (Integrated Pest Management) plan, Palo Alto is committed to using least toxic and
natural pest control methods at all City facilities.
CMR:307:03 Page 3 of 4
Land Use." 60% of the land area in Palo Alto is used for residential housing (both single
and multi-family), commercial/industrial and non-developed!agricultural purposes. Forty
percent is dedicated to parks and protected open space. SVEI says that only about 22% of
the Silicon Valley is "open space restricted from agriculture and grazing," in other words
protected open space.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Implementation of the sustainability plan is overseen by the City Managers Office. Staff
from departments that play key or pivotal roles in each sustainability category have been
designated as Category Champions, and report annually on their specific category
indicators. For the past two years, a "special assignment" in the City Managers Office has
provided the .opportunity for staff from other City Departments to coordinate ci~ywide
sustainability efforts.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This report is consistent with
Comprehensive plan.
the City’s Sustainability Policy and is based on the
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This report does not qualify under CEQA.
PREPARED BY:
Richard Dodds
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
Emily Harrison, Assistant City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Affordable Housing
Attachment 2: Air Quality
Attachment 3: Economic Vitality
Attachment 4: Energy
Attachment 5: LandUse
Attachment 6: Procurement
Attachment 7: Public Safety/Community Services
Attachment 8: SolidWaste
Attachment 9: Transportation
Attachment 10: Water
CMR:307:03 Page 4 of 4
ATTACHMENT 1
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY OF PALO ALTO SUSTMNABILITY PROGRAM
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Palo Alto Goal
To provide affordable housing that meets Palo Alto’s share of re~onal needs, conserve
existing housing and residential neighborhoods, provide housing opportunities for
diverse populations and work to end housing discrimination (CP Goals H-l, H-2, H-3,
H-4)
Overview
Adequate housing supply, particularly affordable housing, is one of ~he social aspects
of sustainability. Market rate housing is also important and necessary for sustainability.
Affordable housing has been a public policy concern for some time throughout the
country. Based on recognized definitions for classifying affordable housing,
inclusionary zoning programs have been established to require affordable housing. The
City of Pato Alto has a below market rate (BMR) program that requires all new market
rate housing to provide a percentage of affordable units based on the size of the
development or, for small projects, an affordable housing in-lieu fee. This is the
approach of the City of Palo Alto for its continuous improvement efforts.
Sustainability means moving beyond meeting arbitrary targets to ensuring that the
needs of the community are being met today and in the future. Many people who work
in Palo Alto are forced to live in other cities because of the high cost of housing in Palo
Alto. In fact, the City’s jobs/housing ratio is very imbalanced with a much larger
number of people working in Palo Alto than living here. Sustainability as it relates to
housing may mean that sufficient °’attainable" housing is available for the work force to
live either in Palo Alto or in a nearby neighboring community or in a community where
there is available mass transit. This allows the work force the flexibility to choose
where they live without adversely affecting other sustainability categories such as air
quality or transportation.
Sustainability Objectives
Continuous Improvement:
e Increasing the anaount of affordable housing in the City; encourage smaller
housing units
e Encourage intensification of units in new housing developments
Restorative:
~ Meet or exceed ABAG’s thresholds for affordable housing
ATTACHMENT 1
Leading Indicators
% of new units developed each year set aside as affordable: 60 new housing
units were built in 2002. Of that, none were set aside as affordable. 56 of those
units are part of the SOFA project and four paid in lieu of fees.
# of housing units developed each year: 60
Jobs/housing imbalance ratio: Information will be available in early summer
with the release of the 2000 census data.
City Programs
Approximately 50% of CDBG monies set aside annually to assist in affordable
housing development or retention of existing affordable housing
Below Market Rate Housing progam
Housing Trust Fund
In lieu fees from commercial development
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In the last year, two significant affordable housing projects were approved by
the City Council, Oak Court and the Opportunity Center
New Housing Element policies provide incentives to encourage higher-density
affordable housing
2
ATTACHMENT 2
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY OF PALO ALTO SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM
AIR QUALITY
Palo Alto Goal
To ensure clean, healthful air for Palo Alto and the San Francisco Bay Area
(CP Goal N-5)
Overview
Since standard setting, as well as most testing and reporting, are done on a regional
level, City government is less involved in air quality issues than with other
envirormaental concerns. There are various re~onal, state and federal regulatory bodies
that set standards for the allowable level of pollution from various sources such as
automobiles and industry in order to maintain acceptable air quality and to address
global warming. Most people living in the Bay area are familiar with "spare the air"
days. These happen when the air quality is so poor that it can cause immediate health
problems for some people. Palo Alto’s residents mad businesses can and do help work
on these regional air quality problems. Although considered a regional problem, the
City of Palo Alto does have several progams desig-ned to reduce the amount of air
pollution produced by its own operations. Along with these pro~ams, the City also
offers pro~ams to staff that allow them to reduce the amount of air pollution created by
commuting to and from work.
The City expanded its use ofbio-diesel fuel in City vehicles. The Employee Commute
Progam, Flexible Work Hours Progam, and the Spare the Air Progam all continued
to contribute to lower vehicle emissions.
The City was recently recog-nized as a leader in the clean air movement. It received a
special Honorable Mention award from the Bay Area Chapter of the American Lung
Association for its 2003 Clean Air Awards. Palo Alto was singled out for this special
mention because of the number, variety and success of its commute alternatives
pro~ams and its pilot progam in bio-diesel fuel, as well as the number of alternative
fueled vehicles in the fleet.
Air quality will be considered "sustainable" when pollutants are kept below harmful
levels and when pollutant amounts are no longer increasing.
Sustainability Objectives
Continuous Improvement."
o Compliance with government regulations for limiting air pollution.
ATTACHMENT 2
Restorative."
Moving toward zero emissions fi~om man-made sources and restoring damage to
the ozone layer and other natural systems impacted by air pollution.
Leading Indicators
Cio’ Operations bldicators:
Compliance of City-owned stationary air sources permitted by Bay Area Air
Quality Management District: City operations complied with Bay Area Air
Quality Management District requirements for City-owned stationary sources,
demonstrating leadership through this leading indicator.
City Programs
Pilot Spare the Air Program for maintenance operations.
Alternative fuel vehicles used extensively: 73 AFV’s used in fleet, or 21% of the
City’s light duty vehicles
City Employee Commute Program: 136 people enrolled
Pilot Bio-diesel Fuel Program instituted with vehicles at the landfill: 50,000
gallons of bio-diesel fuel used atmually.
Flexible Work Hours Program for many City employees; 9/80 (nine hour days
with City Offices closed every other Friday), and the 4/1 l(eleven hour days four
days per week) for Police: 14,000 less commuter trips each year equaling
1,200,000 vehicle miles saved per year.
City clean air programs reduced over 5.5 tons of gaseous and particulate
emissions annually.
ATTACHMENT 3
A~NNqJAL REPORT
CITY OF PALO ALTO SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM
ECONOMIC VITALITY
Palo Alto Goal
To create and maintain a thriving business environment comprising a diverse mix of
commercial, retail and professional services that is compatible with Palo Alto’s residential
character and natural environment (CP Goals B-1 & B-2).
Overview
Economic vitality is one of sustainability’s three main points of focus. Along with social equity
and the environment, these three components are critical to the city’s sustainability.
The city’s economic health can be evaluated by measures such as sales tax revenue, transient
occupancy tax revenue, property tax revenue, commercial vacancy rates and unemployment.
City initiatives that strengthen the economic base will also contribute to the economic strength
of the community. These initiatives can include land use policies, local purchasing policies
and enhancements to make the business climate a more positive one in which to conduct
business operations.
Measurements to gauge sustainability must be flexible. As the economy changes and regional
variables (e.g. traffic, unemployment, business climate) fluctuate, ways to measure economic
health must also adapt.
The community must maintain its local commercial centers and diversity of businesses to
sustain City revenues that service community needs. By maintaining the ratio of large business
to small business, the relative diversity of business and industry types and the ratio of service
providers versus retail firms, the City can maintain its economic health.
As Palo Alto is a part of a larger region, many of the decisions that are made by government
must reflect the needs of the re,on as well as the needs of the local community. Energy,
transportation, and land use are all components of the regional environment that impact
economic viability.
Sustainability Objectives
Continuous Improvement:
o Increase the number of certified green businesses
o Foster initiatives that positively affect the City’s business climate and stren~hen
business operations in Palo Alto
Facilitate the development of an effective mix of businesses (size, type and geogaphic
location)
Work to maintain diversity in economic sectors to weather economic fluctuations and
provide needed goods and services required to meet community needs
Restorative;
Work with the private sector to solicit, incubate and sustain a diverse business and
industry mix to ensure the local economy can react quickly to impending regional,
national and global changes and provide needed goods and services to the local
residential and business community.
Leading Indicators
Revenues from sales tax, transient occupancy tax, mzd propert), tax
Commercial vacancy rates
Unemployment rate
56,000,000
S5,000,000
54,000,000
S3,000,000
S2,000,000
$1,000,000
5-
2002 Sales Tax
1Q02 2Q02 3Q02 4Q02
In 2002, sales tax declined through the first three
quarters. There was an increase in fourth quarter
sales; however, historically there is a rise in sales
during this quarter due to the holiday season.
Despite this increase, fourth quarter 2002 sales
were down compared to fourth quarter 2001
sales.
2002 Transient Occupancy Tax Revenues
52,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
5500,000
1Q02 2Q02 3Q02 4Q02
Transient occupancy tax revenues declined
during the second half of 2002. Fourth quarter
2002 revenues were down compared to the same
quarter in 2001.
2002 Palo Alto Vacancy Rates
~0.00%
~5.00%
’.0.00%
5.00%
0.00%
5.00%
0.00% .
1Q02 2Q02 3Q02 4Q02
sou~: co,~..~ ~nt~,~o~l [] Office Vacancy[] All Types
Office vacancy rates fluctuated mildly between
24-27% during the first three quarters of 2002,
but increased to 28.29% by year’s end.
Similarly, the vacancy rate for all types of space
ended calendar year 2002 at a high of 16.44%.
2002 Palo Alto Unemployment Rate
4.8%
4.6%
4.4%
4.2%
4.0%
3.8%
Unemployment hovered around 4.2% during the
first part of 2002, gadually increasing through the
summer and peaking at 4.6% during the fall.
According to the Long Range Financial Plan (LRFP), property tax revenues for fiscal year 2001-
02 were $13,229,000. The LRFP, produced in November 2002, expects property tax revenues to
rise by 3% in fiscal year 2002-03. However, the LRFP cautions that economic conditions could
eventually lead to declines in property values and tax revenues (Long Range Financial Plan, page
6).
City Programs
o Economic Development and Redevelopment
*Development of local business preference policies
o Business ombudsman services in the permitting process
o Matching conmaercial vacancies with prospective tenants
,Business outreach
~Support of Chamber of Commerce
o Support of Downtown Marketing Committee
,Support of California Avenue Business Association
~Initiation of a "Shop Palo Alto" campaign
o Exploration of a Downtown Business Improvement District
3
ATTACHMENT 4
CITY OF PALO ALTO SUSTAINABILITY PROG1L&M
ANNUAL REPORT
ENERGY
Palo Alto Goal
Palo Alto’s long-term energy goal for City facilities is to reduce their energy
consumption, while providing an adequate level of physical and mechanical building
performance required by the users of the facilities. (City of Palo Alto 2002-03 Water,
Energy and Environmental Management Plan; Utilities Strategic Plan; Palo Alto
Comprehensive Plan Goal N-9 & Programs N-63 & N-65)
Overview
With the advent of new and higher capacity, and high power, communication and data
technolo~es, the workplace environment has seen an ever-increasing reliance on
energy-using systems over the years. Few could have foreseen the rapid and total
deployment of computers, servers, monitors, fax machines, printers, plotters and the
other energy intensive "plug loads" found in today’s municipal buildings when those
facilities were designed and constructed years, or in some cases, decades, ago.
Reducing overall consumption may be possible as existing inefficient electrical and
natural gas systems reach the end of their 15, 20, or in some cases, 30 year lives. They
are being replaced by more efficient mechanical systems that are shown to have lower
overall "life cycle costs" than simply replacing in-kind, or selecting those products with
less expensive "first cost" but greater long-term inaintenance and operating (M&O)
costs.
In the short-term, however, the City is seeking to both slow the rate of growth for Energy
consumption in those facilities, and improve the level of energy information available to
the managers of those facilities. Enhanced operating information will a!low for more
timely and intelligent operating and purchasing decisions. This short-term approach has
been addressed through the original "2001-02 City of Palo Alto water and Energy
Management Plan" (WEMP), and carried forward into the current "2002-03 City of Palo
Alto Water, Energy and Environmental Management Plan for City facilities" (WEEMP).
WEEMP, like its predecessor plan, operates under four Key Principles:
*To implement the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Sustainability Policy by being a
responsible steward;
oTo educate staff and citizens on the wise and efficient use of natural resources;
*To offset current and future environmental impacts by making resource-efficient
investments guided by prudent business practices; and,
*To maintain health and safety for residents and City staff.
ATTACHMENT 4
Sustainability Objectives
Continuous Improvement:
Reduce overall energy consumption to the greatest cost-effective extent possible by:
o Replacement of inefficient energy systems in existing buildings and offices.
Increased use of solar thermal, geothermal sources or waste heat recovery in
appropriate applications to offset natural ga~ use.
Reduce non-renewable energy consumption to the greatest extent possible (even when
not cost effective) by:
o Installation of efficiency measures to reduce non-renewable resource consumption
that are not financially cost-effective but do meet some other necessary criteria.
o Building new facilities to greater-than-minimum construction and!or "green"
standards.
Decrease use of non-renewable electricity by installing or purchasing renewable
sources for less than 100% of requirements for existing facilities.
Restorative:
o
o
Use 100% renewable electricity for all City systems.
Ceasing all use of natural gas through 100% use of solar thermal, geothermal, landfill
gas or heat recovery sources.
City. Programs
Several specific strategies shaped the activities under WEEMP. The 2002-03 WEEMP
Goals and Results are indicated below each Strategy:
1. Provide financial and human resources to achieve the objectives for WEEMP;
Objective Tactic
a) Provide internal funding for
resource efficiency and
sustainability
improvements in new
construction and retrofit
projects
b)Provide internal staff
support for water and
energy efficiency and
management
Create a "Sustainability .....
Contingency" funded by the
Infrastructure Reserve based
upon five percent of the gross
total general fund
infrastructure CIP. (FY 2002-
03 would equal $450,000.).
Create 1.0 FTE in FY 2003-04,
either as an internship or
authorized position to serve as
the "Resource Coordinator for
City Facilities", if such a
position can be determined to
result in at least 100% cost
recovery.
Projected Status at
Year End
Completed,
Project expenses for the
five-year CIP have been
identified for
implementation.
Deleted due to budget
concerns.
2
ATTACHMENT 4
2. Leverage City resources with local, state and national resources to assist in the
implementation of WEEMP;
objective Tactic
a)Seek external funding for
resource efficiency and
sustainability
improvements in new
construction and retrofit
projects
b)S~ek external temporary
labor for technical
assistance
Utilize existing Utilities rebate
and technology
demonstration programs, and
seek other sources of funding
including state and federal
rebate programs, and grant
funding opportunities,
Request the on-site
assistance of a "Resource
Conservation Manager"
(RCM), from the Federal
Department of Energy, for six
months. The RCM Program
provides technical assistance
and documents savings.
Projected Status at Year
End
completed, ’
Council accepted $70,000
grant on November 12, 2002
(CMR:430:02).
This supplemental SB-SX
grant was used to expand the
City Hall Load Control System
to encompass the Downtown
Library and the RWQCP to
control an additional 45 kW of
electric demand.
~ompleted,
City contracted with the
University of Washington for
an on-site cost-effectiveness
analysis of hiring a dedicated
"Resource Efficiency
Manager" for the Palo Alto
General Fund. Consultant was
on-site in Palo Alto November
18-21, 2002. Report
submitted to Sustainability
Committee in February.
Modify the City budgeting, bid and construction policies by incorporating Life Cycle
Costing calculations in decision-making for water and energy end-use systems in the
Infrastructure Management Plan;
Objective Tactic
a)Develop a "new
construction policy" for
energy, water and green
standards for City facilities
which exceed current Title
24 building codes for
remodeled or retrofitted
facilities
b) Provide Life Cycle Costing
Creation of high, uniform
design standards, based on
City policy, not requiring full
LCC analysis
Uniform decision making
training to City staff criteria
through Human Resources
Training
Projected Status at Year
End
Completed.
Council adopted "green"
building policy. (Cmr 243:03)
Will allow for LCC analysis on
major component
replacement projects.
Completed.
Initial classes held the week
of November 4, 2002 (10
attendees representing City
and others). Supplemental
class held week of March 10,
2003 for senior management,
3
ATTACHMENT 4
"~) Make Life Cycle Costing
(LCC) methodology
available on the City
intranet for internal use,
For staff to use to evaluate
project alternatives and bid
responses
d) Provide Life CYcle costing
instructions, criteria and
templates to Purchasing
for inclusion in outgoing
Request for Proposals and
Request for Bids.
Bidders required to provide
LCC calculations for all
projects affecting water and
energy consumption.
executive staff and project
managers (15 attendees).
Cubberley chiller replacement
project used LCC
methodology and saved 4.5
kW, and will last eight years
longer than competing
alternatives.
Completed.
Software now loaded onto
City -server.
Utilities-funded "LCC Review"
is available to CIP-writers for
the PC 2003-04 budget.
Volunteers will be evaluating
a new CIP-preparation
methodology.
In progress. Sustainable
purchasing policy, green
building policy will require
LCCA language in all RFP’s for
appropriate projects
4. Incorporate "Green Building" design elements in new infrastructure projects;
,Objective Tactic
a)Adopt the LEED Green
Building Rating SystemTM
which evaluates
environmental
performance from a
"whole building"
perspective over a
building’s life cycle, into
new construction design;
alternatively, consider
City of Palo Alto-specific
standards as Stanford
University has recently
done.
b)Evaluate the use of
photovoltaic lighting
systems in public areas
Formal policy to have new
construction projects
designed to a particular LEED
standard.
Decide whether to specify
PV’s in stand-alone outdoor
lighting applications.
Projected Status at Year
End
Completed.
"Green" building policy
(CMR243-03).
C~ompleted.
Demonstration project for
parking lot lights utilizing
solar photovoltaic (PV) and
battery modules awaiting
construction bids. System will
provide operational and
security lighting without
trenching or grid connection.
ATTACHMENT 4
5.Install real-time information systems in City facilities which monitor, calculate and
report on water and energy consumption and cost;
Objective Tactic
a)Install prototype
automated meter reading
(AMP,) modules on gas
meters in five City
facilities.
b)Provide Public Works,
Community Services, and
P,eal Estate with
aggregated and site-
specific billing data, in
both hard copy and
spreadsheet formats, on a
monthly basis.
c) Expand the data gathering
and reporting capability of
the City Hall energy
management system
Analyze daily and weekly gas
loads and usage
Track overall usage of all
facilities and distribute to
each facility for internal
tracking
To use the data and control
functions of the system to
include additional City
buildings.
Projected Status at Year
End
Delayed (and redirected
from gas to electric
meters)
Working to identify a new
vendor to for a Utilities’
demonstration project linking
the 25 largest City facility
electric accounts to an
internet portal for data
reporting, accumulation and
analysis.
Completed.
Reports now available on
aggregated and individual
account basis.
Completed (See #2-a
above).
6. Establish annual targets for water and energy consumption in City facilities;
Objective Tactic Projected Status at Year
End
Cancelled due to lack of
resources
a)Complete detailed energy
and water audits for five
selected City-owned
facilities or facilities under
long-term lease
b)Clarify current Municipal
Code language which apply
the "Landscape Water
Efficiency Standards" to
City facilities
c) Establish a quantifiable
objective for FY 2003-04
for the overall water,
electricity and natural gas
consumption (adjusted for
temperature) of the City of
Palo Alto facilities by a
percentage as measured
Establish a baseline for
resource reduction targets
through retrofits for FY 2003-
04
Ensure City projects are
assigned Maximum Water
Allowances
Goal setting and
accomplishment reporting for
FY 2003-04
PostPoned pending a
formal, comprehensive
review of the "Landscape
Standards" in FY 2003-04.
Cancelled due to a lack of
resources.
ATTACHMENT 4
from the prior year
7.Provide appropriate publicity for staff efforts to reduce water and energy
consumption in City facilities;
Objective Tactic
a) Achieve the "Green
c)
d)
Business" designation from
Santa Clara County for
City government
Develop and implement
Phase Two of the external
communication strategy
Develop and implement
Phase Two of the internal
communication strategy
Apply for Recognition
Awards from local, state
and national organizations
Recognition for past and
current efforts to reduce
waste and adopt green
practices
inform residents about
actions.
Inform staff about actions
High level visibility and
recognition
Projected Status at Year
End
Completed:
October 29, 2002.
Completed.
Substantial publicity
regarding the City’s "Green
Business" certification.
City Council Study Session on
"Sustainability Plan" held
December 2, 2002.
Ongoing. Items of note are
publicized in "the- Loop",
Frank’s weekly memo and in
CitYPages, CityBeat.
Received special "Honorable
Mention" Lung Assoc. Clean
A.ir Awards, April.t 2003
8. Review and update the WEEMP annually.
Objective Tactic Projected Status at Year
End
a)Cancelled due to lack of
resources,
a)
Transition ....... management
of WEEMP from Utilities to
General Fund if resources
can be identified (see Key
St_rategy #1)
Consult with stakeholders
to determine future
direction and resource
needs (based upon
resource reduction
targets identified in
strategy 6 above.
Create long-term, program
management
Draft of water, Energy "and
Green Mgmt. Plan-III (for FY
2003-04)
Cancelled due to
resources.
lack of
6
ATTACHMENT 5
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY OF PALO ALTO SUSTAINABILITy PROG1L&M
LAND USE
Palo Alto Goal
To provide attractive neighborhoods, work places, shopping districts, public facilities,
and an open space system that protects and conserves natural resources (CP Goals L-1
and N-l)
Overview
Land use is the direct impact our society has on the local ecosystem. Every building
that is erected and every road constructed has consumed some of the local ecosystem.
Trees and plants have been removed which are the homes and food for many species.
They also provide natural drainage systems for the rain and are the main antidote for
carbon dioxide.
The desire for a thriving economy and with it the need for residential, commercial,
industrial, and public land use must be balanced with the need for open space. Open
space al!ows native habitat to survive while giving the community natural beauty and
recreation areas.
Traditionally, land use tends to look at efficiency in terms of return on investment.
Office buildings are designed based on the return the rent is expected to generate, as are
industrial and retail businesses. The part missing from this equation is the ’return on
investment’ for open space to the environment or for society overall.
Sustainable land use considers the factors of the environment and society along with the
economic return. Local species of plants and animals must be preserved in their natural,
regenerative habitat. The materials used for the roads and buildings should also follow
sustainable principles.
Viewed from this perspective, land use works hand-in-hand with other aspects of a
sustainable community such as transportation, economic vitality, energy, solid waste,
etc.
Sustainability Objectives
Continuous Improvemem:
o Maintain and preserve existing protected open space, parks and preserves
o Restore open spaces
o Require native species replacement in protected open spaces
o Encourage sustainable development
ATTACHMENT 5
Restorative.
o Require sustainable development
o A process to create sustainable development balanced with open space goals.
~Wildlife and habitat restoration
o Restore vacant, former industrial land to usable and!or natural state
Leading Indicators
Ratio of open space to developed land: Currently 40% parks and open space vs.
60% developed.
Total developed area occupied by city, broken down by land use type: 25%
residential-single family; 15% open space/controlled development/agscultural;
7.5% R&D/limited manufacturing; 4.5% public facilities; 4% residential-multi
family; 3% commercial; 0.5% vacant.
City Programs
Coordinated Area Planning
Arastradero Preserve Master Plan
Baylands Master Plan
MSC Master Plan
Achievements for 2002 -03
Opportunity Center (conserved existing trees, nominated for APA award)
Ongoing development review by staff and Architectural Review Board, Historic
Resources Board, Planning and Transportation Committee and City Council
Ongoing review of two story single family homes (Individual Review)
2
ATTACHMENT 6
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY OF PALO ALTO SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM
PROCUREMENT
Palo Alto Goal
To research, establish and promote model City procurement policies and procedures,
which support markets for sustainable products and services, first targeting the areas of
construction, facilities maintenance and general office activities. (C.P. Goals C-12, N-27)
Overview
During the first three quarters of fiscal year 2002-03, the City of Palo Alto spent
approximately $47 million on goods and services. Recognizing that procurement
decisions have important environmental consequences, the City continues to examine its
traditional procurement practices in order to move toward more sustainable alternatives.
For example, the Municipal Code allows a price premium of 5% for products made with
recycled content. In order to remain sustainable, which includes financial responsibility,
the City switched to a 30% post consumer content chlorine free office paper from a 100%
post consumer content office paper. The City continues to purchase 100% recycled, 20%
post consumer toilet paper. Public Works converted to least-toxic custodial products for
use by City contractors and staff. Additional policy and practices are being developed to
further sustainable products and service procurement goals while adhering to the
traditional price and performance considerations influencing every purchasing decision.
One way to evaluate the sustainable benefits of an item is by life cycle cost analysis. By
looking beyond the initial cost of an item or product and evaluating all of the expenses
involved in acquiring, operating, maintaining and disposing of it, the total cost of
ownership can be established. If a "sustainable" product has a higher initial cost, it may
be proven, through a life cycle cost analysis, to be less expensive to own, over its
anticipated life, than its "traditional" counterpart.
Educating staff about sustainable products, services and processes, can allow the City’s
purchases to improve the environment, the economy, employee health, and ultimately,
the community as a whole.
A conmaittee consisting of staff and members of the public and business conmaunities has
been assembled to investigate ways to align City purchasing activities with Council’s
policy on sustainability. The goal of this committee is to introduce a sustainable
purchasing policy, develop implementation procedures and educate staff on how to make
informed, sustainable choices on the items, goods and services they purchase.
Sustainability Objectives
Continuous hnprovement:
ATTACHMENT 6
Increase the categories and types of sustainable goods and services purchased by
the City.
Incorporate more sustainable technical requirements when developing plans and
specifications for construction and maintenance services for the City.
Evaluate all products, services, supply chains and Purchasing-related projects and
policies using sustainability criteria.
Restorative:
o The City purchases only goods and services that meet economic, environmental
and socially sustainable and restorative criteria.
Leading Indicators
Dollar amount of goods purchased that meet the sustainability goals of
departments: It is anticipated that this figure will be available for next year’s
report.
Ci~’ Programs
Certified ~een business initiative
Sustainable Procurement Committee - on going
Researching a new product line of paper plates, knives and forks, bowls and
plates of a potato starch, making them biodegadable and from a renewable
source.
Implementing into the new SAP/RAFTS project the ability to code the material
~oup and commodity code as a recycled product. The information on recycled
content products will be collected for reporting purposes.
2
ATTACHMENT 7
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY OF PALO ALTO SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM
PUBLIC SAFETY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Palo Alto Goal
To maintain a safe city that provides excellent community services that meet the needs of
its residents. (C.P. Goals @2, G-4, T-6, N-10, Policy N-55, Programs G10,11,13, T45)
Overview
The category of Public Safety and Cormnunity Services encompasses many aspects such
as public health and cleanliness; the arts, recreation, education, human and social services
and personal enrichment; architecture and landscaping; police and fire services;
hazardous materials management; and community participation and interaction with the
programs and services the City provides. These features are crucial in defining a
community and establishing it as a desirable place to live.
Within the Community Services element, great strides towards defining the Palo Alto
community are being made through the Family Resources progam that trains community
based "ambassadors" to help families understand the myriad resources available to them.
The CityWorks projects continue to update the infrastructure that is the core the City’s
wonderful parks, open space and con~nunity facilities. More people than ever before are
participating in arts, library, and recreational pro~ams. Additionally, pro~ams such as
the Youth Master Plan and Positive Alternatives for Youth provide youth with positive
ways to learn and grow as community members.
Sustainability, in this sense, can be defined as the point at which the community moves
from concentrating on the negative to emphasizing and celebrating the positive.
In the area of Public Safety, the City added a new program pertaining to homeland
security and completed the second year of an innovative program to improve the safety of
children in automobiles. Additional accomplishments are referenced in the tables and
charts below.
Sustainability Objectives
Contimtous Improvement:
Provide basic social services that provide a safety net of services in the areas of
child care, homelessness, economically disadvantaged and senior services
Reduce automobile accidents
Reduce likelihood of fires and hazardous materials incidents
Continue to provide superior emergency medical response services
Reduce crime
ATTACHMENT 7
Maintain pedestrian safe sidewalks and streets
Promote the arts, the libraries and recreational activities
Maintain City facilities at optimal level considering their age
Encourage more community members to participate in programs
Provide services and programs in the arts, libraries and recreation that are relevant
to the needs of our constituents.
Assist community members to take ownership in resolving their problems.
Ensure public safety facilities provide the capability of protecting life and
property is maintained
Restorative:
Prevention programs and community involvement that address each area of public
safety and protection to the degree desired by the community.
Community services that effectively meet the needs of all members of the
community.
Leading Indicators
Number of automobile accidents for 2002:1,575
Number of fires (all types) for 2001/02:285
Number of medical rescue calls for 2001/02:2986
Number of hazardous materials incidents (all types) for 2001/02: 218
Number of permitted hazardous materials facilities for 2001/02: 463
Number of hazardous materials facilities inspections for 2001/02:306
Nmnber of major crimes: See chart below
Number of street and sidewalk claims received: N/A
Number of library materials and collections avaiIable for EY 2001-02: 273,167;
for FY 2002-03:291,514
Number of people registered for arts, recreation and sciences class and camps
pro~ams in 2001/02: 20,167; For 2002/03:21,088
Number of residents involved in problem solvin~resolution activities (active
graduates from the Family Resources Ambassador Program plus residents
enrolled as community mediators) for 2001-02:137 ; For 2002-03:168
2
ATTACHMENT 7
Crimes Committed in Palo Alto
90O
8OO
700
600
50O
400
300
200
100
[] Vehicle Theft
[]Burglary
[]Assaults
[] Robbery
[] Rape
[] Homicides
=Y 98-99
=Y 99-00
=Y 00-01
=Y 01-02 ~_85 2986
457
455 est.
454
463
326
273 est.
304
306
City Programs
Infrastructure programs to maintain community services facilities
Volunteer programs for safety and community service programs
Building renewal program to provide for services envisioned for the future
Marketin~outreach plan for community services programs
Crime prevention programs
Hazardous Materials Inspection and Permitting Program
High Rise Inspection Program
Fire Prevention and Inspection Program
PANDA program
NeigJaborhood watch program
Business watch program
Family Resources
Seasonal Worker Program
3
ATTACHMENT 7
Special Events
Day care and summer camps
Continuing Education Progams
ATTACHMENT 8
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY OF PALO ALTO SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM
SOLID WASTE
Palo Alto Goal
To reduce the amount of solid waste generated and ensure that which is generated is
recycled or efficiently disposed in an environmentally safe manner (CP Goal N-7)
Overview
One of the ultimate goals of sustainability, as architect William McDonough suggests, is
to design for no waste. In California and especially in Palo Alto, landfill space is
diminishing rapidly. The waste management practice of landfilling solid waste has
enviromnental impacts associated with it. When examined closely, the solid waste we
generate contains many materials that are recyclable or reusable. It is prudent to focus on
maximizing these waste management practices rather than land filling.
The City is actively building progams to divert potential waste away from landfills
through source reduction, reuse, recycling and composting. Improvements are already
noticeable. Beyond the goal of reducing waste is the idea of a city (or world) in which
everything either safely biodegrades or could be recycled forever.
With that vision as a long-term goal, the City focuses in the short term on measuring the
waste generated and the percentage of waste diverted from the landfills. Many progams
are already in place and achieving positive results. Achieving the long-term goals will
require other approaches as well, including efforts from other sustainability categories
such as Procurement, Transportation, and Water Quality.
Sustainability Objectives
Continuous Improvement."
o Implement source reduction, reuse,recycling and composting progams that
reduce waste.
Promote usage of products or materials that are either reusable, recyclable or able
to be composted.
Purchase products, if practical and feasible, which have been made with recycled
content.
Manage hazardous waste in a safe manner with a priority of using recycling and
energy extraction methods first and landfilling methods last.
Restorative:
ATTACHMENT 8
O Eliminate, if practical and feasible, waste generated within the community.
Eliminate, if practical and feasible, the use of hazardous or toxic materials that,
when used, generate hazardous waste.
Leading Indicators & Accomplishments
Palo Alto waste diversion programs and tons of each type of waste diverted.
Calendar Year 2001 2000
City Recycling Center (Drop off progam, Curbside progam: Residential,
Multifamily, Business, City Facilities & City Parks)
-Paper ...................................11,428.95 tons 11,690.33 tons
-Glass ....................................1,829.37 tons 1,930.47 tons
-Metal ...................................1,055.47 tons 1,039.59 tons
-Plastic ..................................256.54 tons 214.75 tons
Sunnyvale Materials Recovery and Transfer Station
-Paper ...................................3,980.96 tons 2,773.87 tons
-Glass ...................................409.65 tons ! 76.49 tons
1 .a~ tons 1,042.45 tons-Meta! ...................................1,21
-Plastic ..................................86.14 tons 28.43 tons
-Other Organics ........................956.06 tons 506.81 tons
-Concrete ...............................1,031.83 tons 806.15 tons
-Other ...................................2,075.00 tons 3,237.53 tons
Landfill Recycling
-Inert pro~am .........................4,349.37 tons 5,319.97 tons
-Tire pro~am ..........................! 8.69 tons 20.46 tons
-Scrap metal recovery program ........47.24 tons 42.34 tons
-Mattress Recycling ..................6.22 tons 10.82 tons
-Goodwill trailer .......................26.23 tons 43.29 tons
Pilot Progam Business Food Waste Composting
357.18 tons N/A
Tons of yard trin~rnings tons processed at the City Compost Facility. Calendar
year 2002=16,776.53 tons compared to 2001 tons of 15,211.16.
Total amount ofrecyclables collected and processed at the City’s Recycle Center.
Calendar year 2002=14,133.28 tons compared to 2001 tons of 14,663.37.
Tons of hazardous waste collected througah the Household Hazardous Waste
Program for FY 2001/02: 218. (FY 02/03 numbers will be available in August
2003)
Tons of hazardous waste generated by City operations for FY 2001/02: 156. (FY
02/03 numbers will be available in August 2003)
Tons of hazardous waste collected through the Small Businesses Collection
Program for FY 2001/02: 3. (FY 02/03 numbers will be available in August 2003)
Educational outreach pro~ams to the community on waste prevention and
estimated number of residents that participate. For calendar Year 2002:
-Earth Day electronic event with approximately 469 residents attending.
-May Fete Parade with approximately 10,000 residents attending.
2
ATTACHMENT 8
-Chili Cook-Off event with approximately 10,000 residents attending.
-California Avenue Fair with approximately 5,000 residents attending.
-Winter Fest event with approximately 5,000 residents attending.
-Maintained a booth at several company fairs promoting waste prevention.
-Participated in three business environmental fairs promoting waste prevention,
reaching approximately 500 employees.
-Six newsletters (three residential and three businesses) sent to approximately
16,000 residents and 4000 businesses.
-Monthly Utility bill announcements and six inserts sent to approximately 29,000
residents.
-Chamber of Commerce newsletter inserts & ads sent to approximately 1,000
businesses.
-Recycle Center tours with approximately 28 ! people attending.
-Staff visited approximately 50 business sites promoting waste prevention within
the workplace.
-Monthly television spots promoting waste prevention.
-Backyard-composting classes with approximately 201 residents attending.
-Continue to maintain the City’s waste prevention web site.
-Created recycled paper outreach campaig-n, offering businesses free samples of
recycled content copy paper. 200 businesses participated.
School outreach efforts. For calendar year 2002:
-America Recycles Day event/Athletic shoe recycling competition between local
high schools. Approximately 450 pounds of shoes were collected.
-Assembly Progam that promotes waste prevention to local students using a
recycling wizard/juggler.
-Work with volunteer Recycling coordinators at the schools to help improve their
pro~ams. Offer recycled content give-aways to reward participating students.
-Waste reduction and prevention materials are offered at the school district
resource library, which is available for teachers through out the district.
Solid Waste Generated
200,000
150,000
lOO,OOO
50,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
[] Residentia! non-hazardous waste generated.
[] Commercial/Industrial waste generated
2001
Annual Solid Waste Diverted From Disposal By The Community
3
ATTACHMENT 8
Calendar Year Tons Dive~ed geportedWaste Diversionto St~e
1995 55,255 39%
!996 86,256 49%
1997 96,627 52%
1998 105,656 57%
1999 113,740 59%
2000 126,549 59%
2001 119,373 61%
CiU, Programs
Integrated Pest Management Policy
Sustainable Purchasing Committee
Household and Small Business Hazardous Waste Collection/Drop Off Program
Recycling Programs
Junk Mail Reduction Programs
Home Composting Program
Pollution Prevention Program
Educational Programs
Backyard composting classes
Garage Sale event (approximately 300 households)
Business waste audits
Grasscycling
Source reduction, reuse & buy recycled programs
School Programs
Phone book recycling pro~am
Special events
Shop Smart campaign
Traffic signal retrofit project
Stores Warehouse Film Plastics Recycling
Electronic Waste Recycling event/EarthFest 2001
ATTACHMENT 9
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY OF PALO ALTO SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM
TRANSPORTATION
Palo Alto Goal
To provide accessible, attractive, and economically viable and environmentally sound
transportation options that meet the needs of residents, employers, employees and
visitors for safe, convenient and efficient travel by a variety of methods. (CP Goals T-1
through T-9)
Overview
Anyone who drives in the Bay area knows about traffic (then try to find a place to
park.) During the busiest, most congested drive times, people tend to be driving in their
cars alone. Why do people make that choice? Why not use public transportation or
carpool or bike or walk? Usually the reasons are accessibility, cost, and convenience.
Current efforts to improve the transportation situation focus on reducing the number of
trips people make; encouraNng car-pooling, biking, walking, and the use of public
transportation; and using vehicles with alternative fuels. Sustainable transportation
would utilize all of these approaches with the additional aspect of encouraging the use
of renewable energy to fuel vehicles and using sustainable methods in the construction
of transportation systems, such as roads, bridges and railway tracks.
Ultimately, in a sustainable world, transportation would be part of a larger desig-n for a
community. Walking, riding a bike, and taking public transportation become better
options than driving a car. Alternative fuels such as hydrogen would be as readily
available as gasoline is today.
Sustainability Objectives
Continuous Improvement:
*Reduce vehicle trips
o Encourage shared rides, bicycling, and walking
.Decrease transportation related accidents
o Increase the use of clean fuel
*Encourage and maximize the use of transportation fueled with renewable energy
Restorative:
Transportation is designed into eco-effective communities; bicycling, walking,
and using public transportation become the most convenient and cost effective
modes.
ATTACHMENT 9
Leading Indicators
Percentage of City workers commuting to work via public transportation,
bicycles, carpooling, and walking: Currently 12% of total FTE’s or 136
members of staff participating in commute incentives progam.
City-owned altematively fueled vehicles as a percentage of the City owned
fleet: Currently 21.8% of total light duty fleet vehicles, including electric,
compressed natural gas (CNG) and hybrid, for a total of 73 vehicles.
City Programs
City-Owned Alternative Fuel Vehicles: 73 (21% of fleet)
City Employee Commute Proffam: 136 participants
Way2Go pro~am encouraging community participation in alternative
transportation modes.
Palo Alto Shuttle
Creation of a Palo Alto Intermodal Transit Center
Development of new bicycle and pedestrian facilities
Adult and Youth Bicycle Education Training. 15 adult training classes have
been held, an estimated 225 people attended.
ATTACHMENT 10
AN ~NUAL REPORT
CITY OF PALO ALTO SUSTAINAB1LITY PROGRAM
WATER
Palo Alto Goal
To prudently manage water resources to sustain plant and animal life, support urban
activities and protect public health and safety (CP Goal N-4).
Overview
Water is the lifeblood of human, animal, and plant life. It is also critically important for
industry and commerce globally, and here in Palo Alto.
Water supply sustainability goals are driven by three needs, 1) to maximize water
conservation efforts, 2) maintain the current high level of water quality, and 3)
continuously improve the reliability of the delivery system to prevent interruptions from
earthquakes and other disasters.
With respect to used water, the current focus is on reducing the mass loading of
persistent, bioaccumulative, or toxic chemicals to San Francisco Bay. Palo Alto has
substantially reduced the discharge of copper, silver, and other toxics and has
documented corresponding reductions in indicator clams in the Bay. The challenge for
the future would be to identify how much and which other chemicals must be reduced to
achieve sustainability. However, due to the thousands and thousands of chemicals
society uses, determining chemical specific goals is not possible, so more universal goals
are stated below. The mass reduction goals for Bay Discharge could, in theory, be met
by further treatment, pollution prevention or reusing water. More and more, reuse will be
relied upon to keep contaminants out of San Francisco Bay.
Water usage and the wastewater flow rate to the sewage treatment plant peaked in 1997-
98 and 2000, with values decreasing since then. While water conservation played an
important role, the down economy, reduced business activity and increased commercial
space vacancy rate has contributed to the reduced water use. The pounds of the indicator
pollutant (copper) discharged to the Bay showed a corresponding decrease - one of the
few positive aspects of the current economic problem in Silicon Valley. New pollution
prevention controls on cooling systems and other copper sources contributed to the
reductions. The RWQC Plant received a National EPA Award for its efforts in
controlling pollutant releases to San Francisco Bay.
For storm water, the challenge is even more daunting, because City facilities (streets,
gutters, and storm drains) are conveyances for all kinds of pollutants emitted by vehicles,
businesses, residents, erosion, and construction. Yet a sustainable ecosystem will be one
in which these activities are not causing a build-up of these contaminants in the
ATTACHMENT 10
ecosystem (air, water, or land). Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented by
business, government and residents will be the key to reducing pollutants in storm water.
SustainabiliU, Objectives
Continuous ]mprovement:
,, Improve the reliability of the Hetch-Hetchy water supply system so that
alternative supplies can cover potential service interruptions.
Maintain the existing high quality of water delivered by water supply systems in
Palo Alto
Reduce the mass of persistent, bioacumulative, or toxic chemicals discharged to
San Francisco Bay.
Achieve stable Hetch-Hetchy water supply use by using RWQCP effluent for any
needed increases.
Achieve "no-net increase" in the volume of Bay discharge from the RWQCP
through reuse of effluent.
Achieve "no-net increase" of the mass discharge of each pollutant to the creeks
and bay throu~h a combination of RWQCP effluent reuse, RWQCP pollutant
decreases and storm water pollutant decreases.
Achieve "no-net increase" of pollutant concentrations in the ecosystem (air,
water, and land) from the residuals generated by the RWQCP.
Match water supplies and needs, by choosing the least pure water supply which
can fulfil! a given human need.
Restorative:
Assist in the mitigation of any negative effects that the water supply system is
found to have in the watersheds remote to Palo Alto.
~ Reuse all RWQCP effluent except that needed to optimize the fresh water flow
into Lower South San Francisco Bay.
Eliminate the mass and concentration of pollutants entering the ecosystem (air,
land, and water) from the RWQCP.
Leading Indicators: (See charts)
Potable water quality compliance: Palo Alto drinking water met or exceeded all
federal and state water quality standards.
Water consumption at City municipal facilities: City parks and facilities averaged
approximately 590,000 thousand gallons per day for 2002
~ Water efficiency investments, expenses and benefits at city municipal facilities:
Data not available.
Reclaimed water use: Approximately 25 million gallons of water was reclaimed at
RWQCP for purposes such as watering landscaping in traffic medians and City
trees.
ATTACHMENT 10
CitT Programs:
2002-03 Water and Energy Environmental Management Plan for City Facilities
(WEEMP, see a~mual report on Energy)
Source Control Program to reduce Industrial Pollutants
(See chart)
SUSTAINABLE
CONSERVATION USE
WATER VOR THE ECOSYSTEM
TREATMENT REUSE POLLUTION PREVENTION
activities and protect public health and safeo?.
PALO ALTO WATER USE WASTEWATER TREATED ~ REUSED
Objective: Conserve Water!
18 -17.07 Supply Assm’ance*
15-
12-
1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000
Year r~"*From San Francisco (Not guaranteed during droughts.)IA
RESIDENTIAL WATER USE
Objective: Conserve Water!
._~ 2 -~Residential Total1
~"===’Per Cap ta
1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000
200
150~
c-
O
100 ~
50 g
Year
COMMERCIAL & CITY WATER USE
4
3
2
1 ~
Objective: Conserve Water!
÷
~===City Parks & Facilities
0.0
1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002Year
Objective: Stay below Plant eapaciO, attd maximize
re-use!
20 T Existing Wastewater - 200
1 _’~.,.6 ~ "Plant Capacity,’
1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002
Year
POLLUTANT (COPPER)
To SAN FRA~XC~SCO BAY
Objective: MinimizePoHutantDischarge!
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
I[]lnfluent (lb/yr) ]
I[] Effluent (Ib/yr)
1980 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001
Year [ E
POLLUTANT (COPPER) CONCENTRATION IN
CLAMS (M.BATrlICA)
O~_~ective: ~Ilinimize Pollutant Concentration !
o 100
1980 1983 1986 1989 1992 1~)5 1~ 2001
Year ~
PALO ALTO FY 02-03 ACTIONS
WATER
EFFICIENCY
Implement the Water Efficiency Measures
identified in the Water and Energy
Management Plan for City Facilities.
Implement water rate schedules specifically
for outdoor irrigation at commercial
facilities.
Implement and report on the City’s actions to
meet the requirements of the Best
Management Practices of the. California
Urban Water ConseFvation Council.
Work cooperatively with Federal State and
local water agencies to increase market
penetration of water efficiency programs in
Palo Alto.
Revise the Palo Alto Municipal Code’s
"Landscape Water Efficiency Standards" as
appropriate.
POLLUTION PREVENTION
Mercury Release Reduction
Pollution prevention training for dental
offices.
Mercury investigations at hospitals
Investigate alternatives for industrial
switches.
Expand fluorescent tube recycling.
Copper Release Reductio~z
Establish new ordinance restrictions on
copper roofs and gutters.
Training for engineers and plumbers to
reduce corrosion of copper pipe.
Pesticide Release Reduction
Implement new Plan for City use of
pesticides.
Continue less-toxic alternative outreach
through hardware stores.
Assist School District in implementing
new legislative restrictions at school sites.
Conduct residential workshops.
Dioxin Release Reduction
Publicize BMPs for dioxin control in
fireplaces and implement new Ordinance.
Encourage expansion of City’s chlorine-
free paper purchases to private sector.
REUSE
hnplement Sewer
Repair & Replacement
projects to continue to
reduce chloride
(saltwater) inflow,
making the wastewater
better for reuse.
500
400
300
200
100
0
1990
CHLOI~DE CONTENT-RWQCP EFFLUENT
Irrigation Guideline
1992 1994 1996 1998
Y~R
2000