HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-08-24 CSC Regular Meeting Agenda Packeti �
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEEE
AGENDA
MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2015 — 2:00 P.M.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Any person wishing to discuss any item not otherwise on the Agenda may address the
Citizens' Sustainability Committee at this point by giving his/her name and address for
the record. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes unless additional time
is authorized by the Committee. Because the Brown Act does not allow the Citizens'
Sustainability Committee to take action on items not on the Agenda, members will not
enter into discussion with speakers but briefly respond or instead refer the matter to staff
for report and recommendation at a future Citizen's Sustainability Committee meeting.
`►' This is also the time and place for any person who wishes to comment on Agenda
items. It should be noted that at Citizen's Sustainability Committee discretion, these
comments may be deferred until such time on the agenda as the item is discussed.
Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes unless additional time is
authorized by the Citizens' Sustainability Committee.
Reports and documents relating to each of the following items listed on the agenda,
including those received following posting/distribution, are on file in the Office of the
Department of Community Development and are available for public inspection
during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., 73-510 Fred
Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, telephone (760) 346-0611, Extension 484.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
ALL MATTERS LISTED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR ARE CONSIDERED TO BE
ROUTINE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE ROLL CALL VOTE. THERE WILL BE NO
SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS UNLESS MEMBERS OF THE CITIZENS'
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OR AUDIENCE REQUEST ITEMS BE REMOVED
FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND ACTION
UNDER SECTION V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER, OF THE AGENDA.
A. MINUTES of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meeting of May 18, 2015.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Action:
, : ,>; �
-�';�'
POSTED AGENDA
CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
AUGUST 24, 2015
VI. NEW BUSINESS
�
A. PRESENTATION of the Palm Desert Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHG) 2013
Update, and a draft amended Environmental Sustainability Plan.
Rec: Review the documents presented, and recommend approval of the
draft amended Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan.
Action:
B. DISCUSSION of the Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan
Rec: Provide staff direction on the Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability
Plan Implementation.
Action:
C. PRESENTATION of the draft Sustainability Education Program Series at
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School.
Rec: Receive oral report to be provided at the meeting.
Action:
VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
NONE
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
NONE
IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS
A. Committee Members Comments
X. ADJOURNMENT
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the
foregoing agenda for the Citizens' Sustainability Committee was posted on the City Hall
bulletin board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Dated on this 20'h day of
August, 2015.
. �
Monica O'Reilly, Recording Se tary
P/ease contact the Planning Department, 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, (760) 346-0611, for
assistance with access to any of the agenda, materials, or participation at the meeting.
�
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0
CITY OF PALM DESERT
CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMITTEEE
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015 — 2:00 P.M.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Susan Rosenberg called the meeti
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Member Tommy Edwards at 2:03 p.m.
Member Dean Gatons at 2:13 p.m.
Member Gregory Gritters at �,€}3 p.rn.,
Member Dennis Guinaw
Member David Mourhess
Member Oxana Wolfson
Vice Chair Susan Rt�sertbera
er ai 2:Q1 p.m.
ber Courtney Lingle
ber Ralph Raya
•drr�� �ecretary
Corrt�t�t�ee Member
Committee Member
III. ORAL ��MMUNICATtONS
KIM FLOYD, P�[m Desert, California 92260, introduced himself and said he bought
his home in Palm Desert six years ago. In his opinion, the City of Palm Desert has
done a great job and loves living here.
Ms. Jessica Kozlak, Youth Committee Member, commented that this is her last year
in high school, and there will be a new Youth Committee Member to take her place.
G
�
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
�c�nded by 1�t�t�b
,:: ��inaw, Mourhes:
; aBSTAIN: Gatons).
A. MINUTES of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meeting of February 23,
2015.
Rec: Approve as presented.
Upon a motion by Member Mourhess, second by Member Guinaw, and a 5-0-3-1
vote of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee (AYES: Gritters, Guinaw, Mourhess,
Rosenberg, and Wolfson; NOES: None; ABSENT: Gatons, Ling[e, and Raya; ABSTAIN:
Edwards), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented.
Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, asked Vice
under Reports and Remarks. He stated Mr. (
attend.
V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
►fR•TiTa
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. ELECTION of a Chairpersort �nd
�,,, Member Gritters moued, by Minut� J
Chairperson. Motion was s�+���tded by M�
(AYES: Edwards, G�tt�ns, Grittecs, Guin.
ABSENT: Lingle and Raya; ABSTA[N: Rose
Chair Rosenbe�g.'
Chairpersonr (1�otion wa
(AYES: ,Ec�w�rc#s, Gr�tte
ABSE�IT: Lingle anc� Raa
lt�ember Gregory
C��ir Person is.
Mr. Bag�tt� respo
B. DISCUSSI{��[ �
rp
Mourhess,
�)•
MAY 18, 2015
� to move to Item A
another meeting to
ate`Vice Chair Rosenberg for
fnd carried by a 6-0-2-1 vote
and Wolfson; NOES: None;
n, to nominate Member Gatons for Vice
Edwards and carried by a 6-0-2-1 vote
Rosenberg, and Wolfson; NOES: None;
rs a�ked how long the term for the Chairperson and Vice
that the term is one year.
Sustainability Plan
Chair Rosenberg stated Mr. Bagato emailed the Environmental Sustainability Plan to
the Committee members; however, not everyone received it because the file was too
big. She thanked staff for providing a copy. She recommended the Sustainability
Committee review the plan between now and the next meeting. She noted the plan
is five years old, and asked if the plan gets reviewed regularly.
Mr. Bagato indicated he would review the Environmental Sustainability Plan this
summer. He mentioned the City also has a new strategic plan that includes a section
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IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
MAY 18, 2015
on energy and sustainability (available at www.cityofpalmdesert.org). He commented
;,,�,,,,: he is currently working on updating the shade tree ordinance. Mr. Bagato also
commented that he will have an intern during the summer to assist him with
sustainability projects.
Chair Rosenberg asked if Ms. Lisa Ream is back from her leave of absence.
Mr. John Wohlmuth, City Manager, replied she is not back.
Mr. Bagato stated that he asked Ms. Ream's
insert.
Member Dean Gatons inquired if the Burrtec bill
Mr. Wohlmuth replied yes.
Member Gatons stated that his requ
inserted with the Burrtec bill is no lon�
property tax roll.
Chair Rosenberg asked why waste billing is
look into the Burrtec
to the property tax roll.
ar ago to have a qt�a�terly newsletter
ed sinc�;the bill will be i�leluded in the
ded to the property taxes.
Mr. Wohlmuth responded that tFte Ci�r �ues $1.1''6/p�r resident; per month to have
tax roll billing. He noted that for #fie City ta� ��lm Deseri, it is only tax roll billing in
� non-central billed ac�ounts. Non-�entral E����c� ���unts are single-family residents
and non-gated cc�mmurtities. The seciand reason for tax roll billing is for bad debt and
he gave a brief. explanati�n.
Member Gat€�ris, inquired ��;seasonal residents will be charged if they are not here
during the summ�r.
Mr, Wc�F�lmu�, repii�d ;,there is a provision in the franchise agreement that the
re�ident can stc�p and start service. It was also mentioned that the property owner
can get a rebaf�:ll"�:fund if �harged for service when they are not in the Coachella
�alley. In additiort, �r,63 of �F�e $1.16 will go to the recycle fund, and ultimately the
remainder will go to ��te road fund.
Last, IG�r. Bagato
Plan, and iFtey wi
1�/1 ���P.IIl►1�J1�7
None
the Committee to review the Environmental Sustainability
s the plan at the next meeting.
INESS
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
MAY 18, 2015
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
B. UPDATE ON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS (Tony Bagato, Principal Planner)
Mr. Bagato reported that the ban on single-use plastic bags was implemented on
April 1, 2015. He said information and reusable bags were given out at several store
events. He received approximately 20 complaints from mostly residents, and he
explained to them the environmental impacts due to single-use plastic bags.
At this point, there was discussion regarding retailers such� as JCPenny and Macy's
charging customers for a bag, and some misunderstan�� were also noted.
Councilman Sabby Jonathan communicated he ;�l�ett �is issue up to the City
Council for discussion because initially they re+��ived � lot of complaints. He
explained that his intention of bringing it up w��;to be responsitre to the citizens. He
said he did not have a preset notion about:vvl�at needed to be d�ne; however, he
thought it was worth to discuss. Since:the'ban went into effect, tE�ere have been
reactions from the retailers and cot�sumers. He rnentioned that th.e State of
California ban on single-use plastic bags has been temporarily revol�ed and has
failed to be reinstated. Now they are in a ktnd �f �urgatory since Palm Desert is one
of three Coachella Valley citi+es that have ��r; ordinance. Councilman Jonathan
thanked Mr. Bagato for his compr��r�nsive report. He said comments received from
residents and councilmembers �us�.k�im to be part Qf the unanimous vote to keep
the ban in place. However, he feels they v�l� �eed to re-address the issue if the State
bill is not passed. He hoped that h� did nt�t clisap�oint the Sustainability Committee
by initiating discu�i€�n,
Member G�tc��s stated that: the Stat� situation has made people confused, and
noted it will r�Q$ go to a, statewide vQte until October of 2016. He also noted
Huntington Bea� has nc�r�r r±�pealed their ban on single-use plastic bags. He voiced
they �eeti to mon�tt�r other cities ��� ar�e repealing the ban.
Ittl�etiiber Denn�s Guina� commented Ralph's is offering a heavier duty bag, with
uvashing instructitii�s on the bottom. He stated the next item on education is
cl�anliness of the �'eusable ���s. He mentioned the clerks are concerned because
bag� are being put r�n the belt with dog hair, dirt, and other stuff.
IX. REPORT� AND
A. Water Re�frictions (Oral Report — Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works)
Mr. Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works, gave a report and listed measures
the City of Palm Desert has taken to address the statewide drought and the
governor's goal of reducing water usage. He noted staff is reviewing and tracking the
City's water bills.
Member Oxana Wolfson said she thought there is a caveat that only gray water could
be used to irrigate medians.
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�
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
MAY 18, 2015
Mr. Greenwood responded gray water is not available to irrigate the medians on EI
� Paseo. He noted golf courses and major homeowners' associations in the northern
part of Palm Desert do have access to gray water.
Chair Rosenberg inquired what Desert Willow is doing to conserve water.
Mr. Wohlmuth directed Desert Willow to cutback 10 percent from their water usage.
He noted Desert Willow uses 90 percent of reclaimed water. He also noted Desert
Willow will overseed, and the superintendent will work on a plan for the overseeding.
Member Guinaw commented he noticed Coachella Valle� �iater District (CVWD) has
water enforcement trucks. He asked Mr. Greenw��cl:, if he knows how many
enforcement trucks they have and what the CVWD �s ic�ok[nc� for.
Mr. Greenwood replied that he does not know how many trucf��"fihey have; however,
he did ask the CVWD if they will hire more er�fc�rcement staff and �'iey said no.
Mr. Wohlmuth communicated that if City staff sees a�roken sprinkler, staff flags the
broken sprinkler and they leave a note �n the res�c��;��ss door. He stated the City's
Code Enforcement could enforce the code. Tt�� ��/D indicated they do not have
the same mechanisms to enforGe codes as fFte �ity does; however, they will start
enforcing through their billing pr�acess. .
Mr. Greenwood mentioned the City will
� noted staff proposed removal of tur�arou
The turf buyback �rogram, �riteria, ant� fi
Member Gritf�rs asked if tl�� �ode requirr
Mr. Wohlmuth respprtd�cl" he
er�f€�rcerner�t of brown lawns.
Bagato m
turf buyback program. He
ing was briefly discussed.
for brown lawns has been suspended.
e Department to soften up and suspend
wns still have to be well maintained.
Me��rer Gritters stated his business is landscape maintenance, and he has been
very ir�vc�lved with the �VWD. He said he is happy with the leadership the CVWD has
demonstr�ted for al�t�uving it to be a performance based system. He stated the
drought per�,�lties `v�+iii` do the most good in restricting water consumption. He noted
that the CV1�� [��s no time of day watering restrictions, but they strongly suggest
people do not` water between 10:00 a.m. and sunset. Member Gritters said the
Coachella Valley has already reduced their State water allocation 100 percent, and
there is no more people can do in the Coachella Valley to help the drought in the rest
of the State of California. He voiced there is no water shortage in the Coachella
Valley. However, there is a drought and there is an overdraft of the aquifer, which
needs to be addressed. Now is a good time to use the drought as leverage and use
penalties to influence people to change their landscapes so that they can get to a
sustainable withdraw of the aquifer, in addition to, the Colorado River. He thinks they
should recognize that good performance and management is better than knee jerk
5
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PRELIMINARY MINUTES
CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MAY 18, 2015
reactions. He also thinks the City has good staff, and feels the City should do more
��,,; analysis. For example, he stated that the City should not do anything to cut water for
kids, and the City should be taking another look at the Joe Mann Park water feature.
He stated the City should look into installing a recirculation system and operate the
water feature like most water parks, which will require chlorination and other things.
He is hopeful the CVWD, Desert Water Agency, and Indio Water Authority are
successful with their appeal to the State to cut 36 percent. He stated it is important for
people to take advantage of the turF buyback program to change landscapes and
work towards a sustainable aquifer. He also stated numbers need to be checked and
do what makes sense before imposing pain and hardship can people, kids, dogs, and
landscapes.
Chair Rosenberg asked if there will be an article
conservation.
Mr. Greenwood replied yes.
Member Gatons mentioned residents
landscape, and Temple Sinai has done
in the front.
Member Wolfson asked how
Coachella Valley.
Mr. Greenwood
Member
Councilman Janat
directive becaus� i
done.:�ct,rnuch to b
th� �t�t� :�-f� me
ac�riculture, anci it
Member Gritters ��
�reative and intellic
as�te� staff if there
water citaring the ev
Mr. Greer
have hom
that it vuas d
ed th�t it,.is pe
is neigh
was d
regarding water
od are cha
putting all d
to desert
landscape
ed to reduce water use for the
�an ca�mented th�r� are numerous flaws to the governor's
hey a�°� ��arimari{y arbitra�r. He said that the Coachella Valley has
� w�fer efficient, ar►d t�re are not being taken into consideration by
�tioned arguably 80 percent of California's water usage is by
is no� addressed by the governor. However, he does not want
�lid point� to be lost. He said he has encouraged staff to look at
Iertt ways fv further reduce water usage without causing pain. He
is � way to educate and encourage the gardeners to set clocks to
�ested adding an article to the City's BrightSide newsletter to
Ik to their gardeners.
Chair Rosenberg asked if gardeners could be identified through business license,
and have the City mail a notice to them in English and Spanish.
Mr. Wohlmuth responded there are a lot of gardeners that do not have business
licenses.
Member Wolfson asked if anyone knows how much pool water is wasted through
evaporation, and if pool covers are helpful.
6
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� PRELIMINARY MINUTES
CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MAY 18, 2015
Member Gritters answered that water is wasted the same as grass. He noted the
;�,,, CVWD recommends pool covers; however, it might make the pool water warm.
Chair Rosenberg asked if the City owns any decorative fountains.
Mr. Bagato responded there are two on EI Paseo. Mr. Wohlmuth added there is also
one in the Civic Center Park.
Member Gatons commented Temple Sinai filled their fountain with dirt and added
plants, with rocks trickling out of it.
Member Gritters noted homeowners' associations d�' not have money in their
reserves to do turf conversions.
With no further comments, Chair Rosenberg r�fux'ned to Item Vf. I11ew Business.
A. Committee Members Comments
Member Wolfson introduced herself, and asked staff if they will be updating the
Environmental Sustainability Plan soon.
Mr. Bagato responded he f
would like the Committee to
like for staff to address.
Member David Mat�r��
Mr. Bagato r�pfied no
Coachella Vall�yr,Asso�
inventory update �t the
Mern��r �dwards m�r�
a.re now runnin� on lan
X. AbJOURNMENT
�c�t had chance tc�
�w fh� j�t��, and n
if EcoMc�tian is stifl
through the plan. He said he
�nything the Committee would
nsultant to the City.
:r, the �ity has an energy partnership through the
Govemrt��nts, and he will provide a greenhouse gas
ned on May 1`, 2015, all SunBusses that run on natural gas
fl' aas.
Upon � motion by �ce Chair Gatons, second by Member Mourhess, and a 7-0-2
vote of the C`��ns' Sust�'t�tability Committee, Chair Rosenberg adjourned the meeting at
3:22 p.m. (AYES: Edwards; Gatons, Gritters, Guinaw, Mourhess, Rosenberg, and Wolfson;
NOES: None; ABSENT: Lingle and Raya; ABSTAIN: None).
Monica O'Reilly, Recording Secretary
7
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: PRESENTATION OF THE PALM DESERT GREENHOUSE GAS
INVENTORY (GHG) 2013 UPDATE, AND A DRAFT AMENDED
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
SUBMITTED BY: Tony Bagato, Principal Planner
DATE: August 24, 2015
CONTENTS: Palm Desert 2013 Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Draft Amended Environmental Sustainability Plan
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, review the documents presented, and recommend approval of
the Draft Amended Environmental Sustainability Plan.
Backqround
On February 11, 2010, the City Council approved the City' first Greenhouse Gas Inventory and
an Environmental Sustainability Plan that established policies and programs to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Over the past year, staff has been working with the Coachella Valley Association of Government
(CVAG) and Terra Nova Planning and Research as part of the Green for Life program. As part
of the Green for Life Program, the Terra Nova Planning and Research has prepared an update
to the City's 2008 Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHG) plan. The updated GHG plan is available
for review as part of this report.
Based on the updated GHG plan, staff is recommending changes to the City's Environmental
Sustainability Plan. The Draft Amended Environmental Sustainability Plan is provided with the
report. All the recommended changes are provided in redline comments and questions for the
review and approval by the Citizens' Sustainability Committee ("Committee"). The Committee
may add any additional changes or comments as part of the review. After the Committee has
endorsed the amended plan, staff will present the GHG Inventory and the Draft Amended
Environmental Sustainability Plan to the City Council for approval.
Submitted By: —
��
�
;�, Tony Bagato, Princi al Planner
<�
,: �� s�n:t��ttr� c:u.��t�
� [�► I SCC� I�
� Fnrsc�, rr r��w�.�t. c �
��,
Y` �c. a a1�:'e. . k A
, ,�
� � T� \
�" .� a •
CVAG
� � TERRA NOVA�
PLANNING & RESEARCH, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PALM DESERT GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY UPDATE 2013
Citywide Emissions Summary .......................................................................................3
Municipal Emissions Summary .....................................................................................4
Community Emissions Summary ................................................................................12
��Business as Usual" Emissions .....................................................................................17
Table 1 Citywide Emissions Summary: 2008 v 2013 Comparison .............................. 3
Table 2 Municipal Buildings and Facilities 2008 vs. 2013 Summary .......................... 5
Table 3 Municipal Buildings/Facilities Electricity Consumption ................................. 5
Table 4 Municipal Buildings/Facilities Natural Gas Consumption ............................ 6
Table 5 Streetlights and Outdoor Lighting, and Traffic Signals ................................. 8
Table6 Water Delivery .................................................................................................. 8
Table 7 Wastewater Treatment .................................................................................... 8
Table8 Municipal Fleet ................................................................................................. 9
Table9 Employee Commute ........................................................................................ 9 ,,,�
Table10 Transit Fleet .................................................................................................... 10
Table 1 1 Fleet Refrigerants .......................................................................................... 1 1
Table 12 Commercial Refrigerants ............................................................................ 1 1
Table 13 Residential Emissions ..................................................................................... 12
Table 14 Community-wide Residential Electricity Consumption ............................ 13
Table15 Commercial .................................................................................................. 14
Table 16 Resorts and Golf Courses ............................................................................. 14
Table17 Community VMT ........................................................................................... 16
Table18 Solid Waste .................................................................................................... 16
Table 19 Palm Desert Per Capita Comparison ......................................................... 17
Appendix A: Palm Desert Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2013 Methodology
Disclaimer
�` Statewide greenhouse gas modeling software and reporting methods have been
updated since the preparation of the 2008 Greenhouse Gas Inventory. The 2013
Greenhouse Gas Inventory update was prepared using the ClearPath California online
reporting platform made available through the California Statewide Energy Efficiency
Collaborative Program (SEEC). The ClearPath planning tool improves upon the Clean
Air and Climate Protection (CACP) software - the previous industry standard for tracking
local carbon emissions - by increasing accuracy and thoroughness of GHG inventory
reporting.
��...r
Changes in the reporting software resulted in variations of emission factor sets and CO2E
intensities that effect overall GHG emission totals. For example, 1,000 kWh of electricity
consumed in 2008 emitted "X" tonnes of CO2E according to CACP; however 1,000 kWh
of electricity consumed in 2013 may emit "Y" tonnes of CO2E according to ClearPath.
GHG reporting is relatively new and constantly being advanced due to expanding
research and innovations in technology. Therefore, subtle changes in reporting
methods and GHG intensity factors are expected and necessary for reporting GHG
data that represent current understanding of the field.
In addition, the 2010 U.S. Census update resulted in minor differences in population and
housing data that may affect future GHG projections and assumed per capita
consumption. However Census data and forecasts are subject to inherent uncertainty
and variations in accuracy over time are expected.
The 2013 methodology, reporting process, and variations in GHG factor sets are further
discussed in Appendix A: Palm Desert Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2013 Methodology.
2
PALM DESERT
GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY UPDATE 2013
Citywide Emissions Summary
In 2013, the City of Palm Desert emitted 615,941 metric tonnes of CO2E, representing a
5,284 metric tonnes decrease from 2008 (621,225 metric tonnes). This decrease in COzE
is accompanied by natural City growth, particularly in the commercial sector, meaning
the City is making progress in implementing GHG reduction programs, such as "Set to
Save," and applying strict environmental standards through Municipal Ordinances.
Table 1
Citywide Emissions Summary: 2008 v 2013 Comparison
Metric Tonnes Percentage of
Sector of CO2E Cit wide Emissions
Electricity
Natural Gas
Transportation
Solid Waste
Fugitive Emissions
TOTAL
2008
228,933
102,773
228,572
59,489
1,458
621,225
2013 2008 2013
226,977 36.9% 36.9%
93,230 16.5% 15.1 %
232,502 36.8% 37.8%
61,806 9.6% 10.0%
1,426 0.2% 0.2%
615,941 100% 100%
2013 Palm Desert Citywide CO2E Emissions
Fugitive
Emissions
Transportation
Solid Wasa^
CO2E
Increase or
Decrease
1,956 `L
9,543 `�
3,930 T
2,317 T
32 `Y
5,284 y
:�
�
3
MUNICIPAL EMISSIONS
�„ 2013
Municipal Emissions Summary
In 2013, municipal facilities and activities emitted 9,800 metric tonnes of CO2E,
representing a 9% decrease (978 MT of CO2E) from 2008. Municipal facilities accounted
for 16.0%, streetlights & traffic signals for 6.9%, water delivery for 25.0%, wastewater for
23.2%, the municipal fleet for 16.5%, the employee commute for 2.4%, transit fleet for
9.3%, and refrigerants from all sectors account for 0.7% of municipal emissions.
Municipal Emissions 2013
Employee
Commute Transit Fleet
Bufldings/Facilities Streetlights/Traffic
j Signals
Municipal Fleet � �������
1 �����
� p Wastewater
Treatment
�
�, ,
��'°�. � r �,, , ;
Water Delivery
Facilities
Fugitive Emissions
Municipal Buildings and Facilities
Palm Desert municipal buildings and facilities contributed 1,562 metric tonnes of CO2E,
representing 16% of total municipal greenhouse gas emissions. Of this, electricity
accounted for 1,398 tonnes (14% of municipal emissions), and natural gas accounted
for 164 tonnes (2% of municipal emissions).
Southern California Edison (SCE) provides electricity to most of the City of Palm Desert.
The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) provides electricity to a small portion of the City south
of Interstate-10 and east of Cook Street. SCE and IID provided electricity usage reports
for all municipal accounts for year 2013.
The Southern California Gas Company (SCG) provides natural gas supplies and services
� to the City. SCG tabulated total natural gas consumption for municipal buildings for
year 2013.
0
��:
2013 ( 2008
accounts)
2013 (Total +
additional)
Table 2
Municipal Buildings and Facilities
2008 vs. 2013 Summary
Electricity 1,446,822 kWh
Natural Gas 132,004 therms
Electricity 1,022,048 kWh
Natural Gas 0 Therms
Electricity 4,886,617 kWh
Natural Gas 30,822 therms
424 tonnes of CO�E
702 tonnes of CO2E
292 tonnes of CO2E
0 tonnes of CO2E
1,398 tonnes of CO2E
164 tonnes of CO�E
Electricitv
Compared to data provided in the 2008 Palm Desert GHG Inventory, municipal
buildings and facilities consumed 3,439,795 kWh (237�) more electricity in 2013 than in
2008. This dramatic increase is largely due to differences in data reporting and the
acquisition and construction of new municipal facilities after 2008, as described below.
In reality, the same buildings reported in 2008 consumed 424,774 kWH less in 2013
demonstrating an overall increase in efficiency and/or conservation.
Table 3
Municipal Buildings/Facilities Electricity Consumption
2008 vs. 2013
Buildings/Facilities
Accounts reported in 2008 GHG Inventory:
City Hall/Civic Center: 73510 Fred Waring Dr.
Sheriff Substation: 72990 Highway 1 1 1
City Office and Storage: 74833 Joni Dr.
Community Center: 45480 Portola Ave.
Dept. of Rehabilitation: 73720 Fred Waring
Visitors Center: 72567 Highway 1 1 1
Public Works Corporate Yard: 74705 42nd
City Apt. Bldg. Common Area
Civic Center - Common Area/Grounds
Unidentified (8 misc. low consumption GS-1 locations)
Subtotal:
Additional accounts reported in 2013:
Desert Willow Golf Resort pumps (acquired after 2008)
Desert Willow Golf clubhouse(omitted from 2008 report)
Palm Desert Aquatic Center (built in 201 1)
72559 Highway 1 1 1: Chamber of Commerce
38500 Portola Avenue: Palm Desert Golf Academy
44400 Town Center Way: Fire Station #33
73200 Mesa View Drive: Fire Station #67
73995 Country Club Drive: Fire Station #71
Misc. small consumers combined*
Subtotal:
Total:
Includes park restrooms, outdoor pedestal poles, and irriqation devices.
kWh Consumed
2008 2013
494,185
33,156
14,526
57,740
51,210
168,080
166,640
96,41 1
362,949
1,925
1,446,822
432,617
1,373
5,51 1
49,219
50,618
85,919
81,637
313,226
1,928
1,022,048
�
--- 1,817,046
--- 1,270,660
--- 495,171
--- 28,727
--- 55,636
--- 15,449
--- 8, 731
--- 6,916
--- 166,233
--- 3,864,569
1,446,822 4,886,617 �
5
As shown in the table above, the 2008 GHG Inventory included electricity consumption
data for 9 municipal buildings/facilities and 8 other "unidentified" low consumption
` locations; electricity consumed by them totaled 1,446,822 kWh. In 2013, those particular
facilities used 1,022,048 kWh of electricity, which represents a decrease of 424,774 kWh
(29%) compared to 2008.
In 2013, an additional 3,864,569 kWh of electricity were consumed by municipal
accounts that were not reported in 2008. Approximately 47% (1,817,046 kWh) of this
electricity was consumed by 4 pumps associated with the Desert Willow Golf Resort.
These pumps were acquired and upgraded by the City after 2008.' Approximately 33%
(1,270,660 kWh) was consumed at the Desert Willow Golf Resort clubhouse. The
clubhouse was built prior to 2008; however, the 2008 GHG Inventory omitted it.
Approximately 13% (495,171 kWh) of the electricity was consumed by the Palm Desert
Aquatic Center which was built after the 2008 GHG Inventory (in 201 1). Additional
electricity was consumed by the Chamber of Commerce, Palm Desert Golf Academy,
fire stations, and miscellaneous small consumer accounts, which include park restrooms,
outdoor pedestal poles, and irrigation devices.
In addition, the Palm Desert Golf Academy and Town Center Way Fire Station were in
operation prior to 2008, however they were not accounted for in the 2008 Inventory.
Natural Gas
In 2013, municipal buildings and facilities consumed 30,822 therms. Compared to data
provided in the 2008 GHG Inventory, this represents a decrease of 1 Ol ,182 therms (77�0)
from 2008. The difference is due to overstating 2008 natural gas usage rather than a
significant decrease in usage, as described below. A comparison of natural gas data
reported in 2008 and 2013 is provided in the following table.
Table 4
Municipal Buildings/Facilities
Natural Gas Consumption
2008 vs. 2013
Buildings/Facilities
City Hall/Civic Center: 73510 Fred Waring Dr.
Residential
Executive Offices
City Apartment Buildings: PDHA
Residential
Non-Residential
Community Center: 45480 Portola Ave.
Residential
Civic and Social Organization
Desert Willow: 38995 Desert Willow Dr.
Residential
Golf Courses and Country Clubs
Fire Protection: 73200 Mesa View Dr.
Residential
Fire Protection
Therms Consumed
2008 2013
6,154 ---
1,447 1,805
:� -•.
31
7, 289
319
.
.
: �:�
4,443
762
� Tony Bagato, Palm Desert Planning Department, personal communication April 14, 2015.
:�
20,573
767
�
Table 4 Continued
Fire Protection: 44400 Town Center Way 1,261 1,281
Henderson Community Bldg: 72559 Highway 1 1 1 93 454 ,�
Public Works Corporate Yard
74605 42nd Ave. 1,059 443
74705 42na Ave. 3,252 383
Visitors Center: 72567 Highway 1 1 1
Residential 1,739 ---
Convention and Visitors Bureau 1,334 4,805
TOTAL with 2008 "residential" accounts: 132,004 30,822
TOTAL without 2008 "residential" accounts: 28,072 30,822
As shown above, the 2008 GHG Inventory concluded that municipal buildings/facilities
consumed 132,004 therms of natural gas in 2008. However, recent consultation with
SCG indicates this overstated actual natural gas usage because it included
"residential" accounts.2
SCG staff reviewed the 2008 data and found that "residential" accounts do not exist for
municipal buildings, and such data should not have been included in the 2008 GHG
Inventory. SCG also reported that it does not disclose account information for City-
owned apartment buildings because tenants pay natural gas bills, not the City, and
such accounts are not considered municipal accounts.
To provide an accurate comparison of natural gas consumption at municipal buildings
between 2008 and 2013, "residential" accounts should be removed from the 2008 total
shown in the table above. The resulting comparison shows that 2013 consumption
increased by 2,750 therms (10%) compared to 2008.
Increases were most notable at: 1) the Henderson Community Building, which opened
after 2008 to include offices of the Chamber of Commerce and other community
groups, and 2) Visitors Center building on Highway 111, which now houses the Palm
Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert (opened in 2012). Notable decreases occurred at
the Public Works Corporate Yard, which eliminated a compressed natural gas (CNG)
fueling station after 2008.3
Streetlights and Outdoor Lighting, and Traffic Signals
Streetlights, outdoor lighting, and traffic signals contributed 672 tonnes of CO2e,
representing 6.9% of the municipal greenhouse gas emissions. The Electricity Municipal
Accounts Reports for 2013 provided by Southern California Edison and Imperial Irrigation
District give the electricity usage for Traffic Signals, Streetlights, Park Lighting and
Outdoor Lighting.
_,
�
2 Jeff Lawler, Southern California Gas Company, March 2015.
3 Carlos Hernandez, City of Palm Desert, March 17, 2015.
7
�
Table 5
Streetlights and Outdoor Lighting, and Traffic Signals
2008 vs. 2013
2008 Electricity 2,273,839 kWh
2013 Electricity 2,281,122 kWh
666 tonnes of CO2E
672 tonnes of CO2E
Electricity consumption in 2013 was 7,283 kWh (0.3%) greater than in 2008, and CO2E
was 6 tonnes 0.9%) greater.
Water Delivery
The energy associated with water pumping contributed 2,445 tonnes of CO2E,
representing 25% of municipal greenhouse gas emissions. Water for Palm Desert is
provided by the Coachella Valley Water District. The District serves a valley population
304,701 (2013�; this inventory accounts only for the proportion serving Palm Desert. For
the purposes of this inventory, emissions from the pumping energy (electricity) of the
water used within the city limits are included.
Table 6
Water Delivery
2008 vs. 2013
�
�
��:
2013
Wastewater Treatment
Electricity
Electricity
10,588,656 kWh � 3,099 CO2E
9,193,008 kWh � 2,445 CO2E
The energy associated with wastewater treatment contributed 2,274 tonnes of CO2E,
representing 23.2% of municipal greenhouse gas emissions. The Coachella Valley Water
District provides wastewater services to the following cities: Palm Desert, Indian Wells,
Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City. Wastewater from Palm Desert is transmitted
through sewer lines to the Cook Street treatment plant (Water Reclamation Plant #10),
operated by means of an —"aerobic treatment" or —"activated sludge" system. Palm
Desert contributes approximately 50� of the wastewater to the plant. Emissions from
electricity pumping and treatment of wastewater are the largest source of emissions
from the wastewater process.
��:
2013
Table 7
Wastewater Treatment
2008 vs. 2013
Electricity 8,016,206 kWh
Natural Gas 1,335 therms
Electricity 7,931,419 kWh
Natural Gas 816 therms
2,346 CO2E
7 CO2E
2,270 CO2E
4 CO2E
�'3
Municipal Fleet
In 2013, the municipal fleet contributed 1,615 tonnes of CO2e, representing 16.5% of the
municipal greenhouse gas emissions. The City of Palm Desert's municipal fleet is
comprised of vehicles from Administration, Council, Parks, Police, Streets, City Yard and
Visitor's Center. Unlike the 2008 inventory, 2013 total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and
consumption per specific vehicle type could not be provided. However it was assumed
that the majority of gasoline-fueled vehicles were passenger vehicles and the majority
of diesel-fueled vehicles were light-medium heavy trucks.
Table 8
Municipal Fleet
2008 vs. 2013
Gasoline Diesel CNG CO2E
allons allons m e
2008 124,240 61,596 41,086 1,917
2013 25,941 2,259 8,926� 1,615
l. The 2013 Inventory converted gallons to cubic feet of CNG.
Assumes 120 cu.ft = 1 gallon equivalent = 1,071,159 cu.ft of CNG
Employee Commute
Greenhouse gases are emitted by the consumption of fuel as City employees commute
to and from work. In 2013, employee commutes contributed 244 tonnes of CO2E, which
represents 2.4% of total municipal emissions. �
The number of annual vehicle miles traveled by employees was estimated using the
same formula and assumptions used in the 2008 Palm Desert GHG Inventory: the
number of employees was multiplied by miles per round trip and number of annual trips.
There were 1 16 City employees in 2013, and they worked 249 business days during the
year (excludes weekends and the City's 12 observed holidays). The analysis assumed
70% of employees traveled in passenger cars and 30% traveled in light duty trucks. It
also assumed 60% of employees traveled 25 miles round trip, 30% traveled 15 miles
round trip, and 10% traveled 5 miles round trip to and from work.
2008 Gasoline
2013 Gasoline
From 2008 to 2013, the number of vehicle miles traveled decreased by 268,920 miles or
32%, and CO2E emissions decreased by 202 tonnes or 45%. The same formula and
assumptions were used to calculate 2008 and 2013 emissions, and the only variables
were the number of municipal employees and a marginal increase in vehicle fuel �
efficiencies. Therefore, the decrease is a direct result of a 32% reduction in the number
of municipal employees, from 170 employees in 2008 to 1 16 employees in 2013.
Table 9
Employee Commute
2008 vs. 2013
846,600 VMT 446 tonnes of CO2E
577,680 VMT 244 tonnes of CO2E
E
Transit Fleet
� SunLine Transit Agency provides transit bus service in the Coachella Valley, including
the City of Palm Desert. In 2013, the transit fleet contributed an estimated 921 tonnes of
CO2E, or 9.3% of total municipal emissions, from fuel consumption in the City.
�
��.r
In 2013, five (5) fixed bus routes traversed the City. Because they extended into
neighboring communities, Google Earth and SunLine route maps were used to
calculate only the route mileage within the City limits. Additional mileage was added to
account for trips to and from transit stations each day. For each of the 5 routes, SunLine
staff provided the number of bus trips traveled per day. Total annual vehicle miles
traveled within the City limits were estimated at 361,867 miles.
ADA paratransit buses and SunLine support vehicles were not included in this analysis
because they do not use fixed routes and their activity levels fluctuate.
All buses serving the City use compressed natural gas (CNG). SunLine reported that the
average CNG bus gets 2.8 miles per 126.67 cubic feet of CNG. This resulted in estimated
emissions of 921 tonnes of CO2E in 2013.
2008 C N G
2013 CNG
Table 10
Transit Fleet
2008 vs. 2013
155,226 mpgge
361,867 VMT
126 tonnes of CO2E
921 tonnes of CO2E
From 2008 to 2013, greenhouse gas emissions generated by the transit fleet decreased
by 205 tonnes of CO2E, or 18%. The decrease is likely the result of differences in data
availability and assumptions used in the 2008 and 2013 analyses. The 2008 analysis relied
on bus route schedules to estimate the number of bus trips traveled along each route
per day, whereas the 2013 analysis obtained route-specific data from SunLine staff. The
2008 analysis used CNG fuel efficiency assumptions from an online source, and the 2013
analysis used fuel efficiency data provided by SunLine. There are also differences in the
number of bus routes traversing the City, bus routes, times of operation, and mileages
between 2008 and 2013.
Fugitive Emissions for All Sectors
Fugitive emissions include refrigerants used within the City limits, including those used by
Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD), the Riverside County Fire Department, and
commercial facilities in the community. In 2013, fugitive emissions contributed 67 tonnes
of CO2E, which is 0.7% of total municipal emissions.
DSUSD
The Desert Sands Unified School District fleet is comprised of 252 busses and
support vehicles. For those 252 vehicles, 367.92 pounds of R-134a (HFC-134a)
refrigerant are used annually. Based on student population, 82.19 pounds of
DSUSD refrigerants are attributed to Palm Desert.
10
Since 2008 DSUSD has increased its fleet by 57 vehicles, therefore increasing
refrigerant use by 21.65 pounds.
Fire Department ''�
Riverside County Fire Department reported seven of the eight Fire Vehicles used
three pounds of R-134a refrigerant additions in 2013, bringing the total of
refrigerants used by the Riverside County Fire Department in Palm Desert to 21
pounds.
This represents a 6-pound increase from 2008 and is attributed to the addition of
new fire vehicles reported in 2013.
Table 11
Fleet Refrigerants
2008 vs. 2013
DSUSD Fire CO2E
De artment
2008 60.541bs. 151bs. 45
2013 82.191bs 21 Ibs. 67
Communitv Commercial
Refrigerants are also used by commercial facilities in the community. The South Coast
Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) Rule 1415 strives to reduce emissions of
high global warming potential refrigerants from non-residential, stationary air
conditioning systems that "hold more than 50 pounds of high global warming potential
refrigerant and provide cooling to spaces to an intended temperature of not less than
68°F for the purpose of cooling objects or occupants." Rule 1415 requires submittal of a
Registration Form that discloses types and quantities of refrigerants stored and added.
In 2013, only two (2) commercial entities in Palm Desert submitted Rule 1415 Registration
Forms. They had a combined refrigerant storage capacity of 494 pounds, the majority
of which (96.8�) was R-22, a greenhouse gas that has been mostly phased out in new
equipment. The remaining 3.2% was R-410A, which is often used as a replacement for R-
22. Neither facility reported additions of refrigerants to their equipment.
Table 12
Commercial Refrigerants
2008 vs. 2013
2008 R-22
R-404
2013 R-22
R-41 OA
0 Ibs. of refrigerant
added
0 Ibs. of refrigerant
added
0 tonnes of CO2E
0 tonnes of CO2E
The 2008 GHG Inventory reported zero (0� tonnes of CO2E emitted by commercial
refrigerants. Results are the same for 2013.
�
�
L_I
11
COMMUNITY EMISSIONS
�,,,, 2013
Community Emissions Summary
In 2013, community-wide activities emitted 606,141 metric tonnes of COzE, representing
a 0.07% decrease (4,307 MT of CO2E) from 2008. The residential sector accounted for
27.0%, commercial for 19%, resorts and golf courses for 6.0%, community-wide
transportation for 38%, and solid waste for 10% of community emissions.
Community Emissions 2013
Solid Waste
Residential
�
Golf/Resort
Residential
Commercial
In 2013, the community residential sector contributed 163,657 tonnes of CO2E, which
represents 27.0% of total community greenhouse gas emissions. Of this, electricity
accounted for 98,159 tonnes (60%), and natural gas accounted for 65,498 tonnes (40%).
��:
2013
Table 13
Residential Emissions
2008 vs. 2013
Electricity 336,791,782 kWh
Natural Gas 13,747,419 therms
Electricity 332,321,323 kWh
Natural Gas 12,317,535 therms
98,583 tonnes of CO2E
73,131 tonnes of CO2E
98,159 tonnes of CO2E
65,498 tonnes of CO2E
12
Transportatian
Compared to 2008, this represents a decrease of 8,057 tonnes of CO2E (4.4%). Electricity
consumption in 2013 decreased by 4,470,459 kWh (1.3%) compared to 2008, and
natural gas consumption in 2013 decreased by 1,429,884 therms (10%).
Electricity
Community-wide electricity consumption in 2013 decreased by 4,470,459 kWh (1.3%)
compared to 2008. Electricity consumption per housing unit decreased by
approximately 5%, as shown in the following table.
Table 14
Community-wide Residential Electricity Consumption
2008 vs. 2013
Total Housing Units�
Occupied Housing
Units'
Total electricity
consumption (kWh)2
Electricity
consumption per
housing unit (kWh)
2008
36,079
22,991
336, 791, 782
9,335
Electricity
consumption per 14,649
occupied housing unit
kWh
Sources:
' California Department of Finance
2 SCE and IID
2013
37,495
23,394
332,321,323
8,863
14, 205
2008 vs. 2013
Difference �o Change
+ 1, 416 +3.9%
+403 + 1.8%
- 4,470,459
- 472
- 444
- 1.3%
- 5.0%
- 3.0%
Natural Gas
Compared to 2008, natural gas consumption in 2013 decreased by 1,429,884 therms
(10%), and CO2E emissions decreased by 7,633 tonnes (10%).
Commercial
Consistent with the methodology used in the 2008 GHG Inventory, the community
commercial sector includes all commercial accounts, except resorts and golf courses,
which are included in their own category. In 2013, the community commercial sector
generated 114,863 tonnes of CO2E, which represents 19% of total community-wide
greenhouse gas emissions. Of this, electricity accounted for 93,779 tonnes (82%), and
natural gas accounted for 21,084 tonnes (18%) .
�
..�'
13
,�
��:
Table 15
Commercial
2008 vs. 2013
Electricity 249,566,770 kWh
Natural Gas 3,187,971 therms
Electricity 301,489,180 kWh
Natural Gas 3,965,055 therms
73,051 CO2E
16,959 CO2E
93,779 CO2E
21,084 CO2E
2013
Electricity
Compared to 2008 figures, 2013 electricity consumption by commercial facilities
increased by 51,922,410 kWh (21%). This can be attributed to natural growth in the City,
particularly in that portion of the City served by IID. In 2008, IID reported consumption of
19,768,144 kWh by commercial facilities. In 2013, commercial consumption in IID's
service area increased to 25,845,759 kWh, which represents an increase of 6,077,615
kW h, or 31 %.
Natural Gas
A comparison of 2008 and 2013 natural gas consumption figures for commercial
facilities shows that consumption was 777,084 therms (24%) higher in 2013. This is
comparable to the 21% increase in electricity consumption described above.
Resorts and Golf Courses
In 2013, resorts and golf courses generated 36,093 tonnes of CO2E, which represents
6.0% of total community-wide greenhouse gas emissions. Of this, electricity accounted
�r for 28,254 tonnes (78%), natural gas accounted for 6,480 tonnes (18%), and nitrous oxide
accounted for 1,359 tonnes (4%).
The methodology used to estimate 2008 emissions from resorts and golf courses was also
used for the 2013 analysis. Natural gas data from Southern California Gas Company
(SCG) provided NAICS codes that indicated which natural gas accounts were
associated with resorts (hotels and motels) and golf courses. The percentage of natural
gas consumed by resorts and golf courses was also applied to electricity records to
estimate electricity consumption by resorts and golf courses. Fugitive emissions, namely
nitrous oxide from fertilizers applied to the golf courses, were calculated using the same
methodology as 2008 (See Section 20 of Appendix A, "Nitrous Oxide from Fertilizers on
Golf Courses") .
_��:,
2013
�
Table 16
Resorts and Golf Courses
2008 vs. 2013
Electricity 173,427,756 kWh
Natural Gas 2,254,595 therms
Nitrous Oxide 4,557 k
Electricity 98,731,717 kWh
Natural Gas 1,218,702 therms
Nitrous Oxide 4,557 kg
50,764 CO2E
1 1,975 CO2E
1,413 CO2E
28,254 CO2E
6,480 CO2E
1,359 CO2E
14
Electricity
Compared to 2008, electricity consumed by resorts and golf courses decreased by
74,696,039 kWh (43%). This is primarily due to the elimination of several hotel/motel
facility accounts between 2008 and 2013. Several "casinos" and "bed and breakfast �"'�
inns" accounts were listed in 2008; however, according to the City of Palm Desert, there
are no such uses in the City and inclusion of those accounts in the 2008 inventory were
done so in error4.
In addition, there was a change in ownership of 4 pumps at the Desert Willow Golf
Resort. After 2008, the pumps were removed from the commercial sector and
transferred to the City (municipal sector); they consumed 1,817,046 kWh in 2013 (see
Municipal Buildings/Facilities discussion of this Inventory).
Natural Gas
Natural gas consumption by resorts and golf courses in 2013 was 1,035,893 therms (46%)
less than in 2008. This is comparable to the reduction in electricity consumption
described above.
Nitrous Oxide
It was assumed that golf course acreage within the city had not changed, and
therefore the amount of fertilizers applied remained the same. However, there was a
3.8% reduction in CO2E emissions that is attributed to differences of emission factors
programed into the GHG modeling software used in 2008 versus 2013.
Transportation
The community transportation sector contributed 229,722 tonnes of CO2e, representing
37% of the community greenhouse gas emissions. Palm Desert's transportation data was
developed using information provided by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
specific to the Salton Sea air basin region of Riverside County for the year 20135.
Palm Desert accounts for approximately 13% of the Salton Sea air basin's population.
This percentage of the total vehicle miles traveled in the Salton Sea air basin of
Riverside County was attributed to Palm Desert.
Using the same methodology in the 2008 Inventory, vehicle miles traveled on Interstate
10 (heavy duty vehicles of +33,OOOIbs) were not factored into the 2013 inventory
because the Interstate falls outside of the Palm Desert boundaries. In addition, this
Inventory assumes the same special consideration for retired drivers used in 2008. It is
assumed that retired drivers (65+ years) drive 23% less than non-retired drivers. 2013
Census data shows that approximately 33% of the population in Palm Desert are 65
years old or olderb. However, 30% was assumed to remain consistent with the 2008
Inventory. These assumptions reduced vehicle miles traveled by passenger cars and
light duty trucks accordingly.
�
4 Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development, City of Palm Desert, August 18, 201 S.
5 Nesami Kalandiyur, Ph.D. Manager, Transportation Analysis Section, Air Quality Planning 8� Science �
Division. California Air Resources Board. Personal communication February 25, 2015.
6 ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates: 2009 - 2013 American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates,
United States Census Bureau.
15
Table 17
� Community VMT
2008 vs. 2013
2008 368,694,193 VMT 225,083 CO2E
2013 509,372,317 VMT 229,722 CO2E
The 2008 inventory reported an annual VMT of 368,694,193 and 225,083 tonnes of CO2E.
This represents a 35% increase in VMTs and only a 2% increase in CO2E emission. This
difference in emissions is attributed to increased vehicle fuel efficiency standards.
Solid Waste
In 2013, community solid waste contributed 61,806 tonnes of CO2e, representing 10% of
the community greenhouse gas emissions. According to the California lntegrated
Waste Management Board and the City of Palm Desert, the city produced 209,375 tons
of solid waste in 2013, with 62,812 tons being transported to a managed landfill outside
of the Palm Desert boundaries and 146,563 tons being diverted. Palm Desert's diversion
rate of 70% is well above the state average.
Table 18
Solid Waste
2008 vs. 2013
2008 74,992 tons of solid waste 59,489 tonnes of CO2E
�' 2013 62,812 tons of solid waste
61,806 tonnes of CO2E
Compared to 2008, this represents a decrease in overall waste by approximately 12,180
tons; however, CO2E emissions were higher by approximately 2,317 tonnes. The increase
in CO2E is likely due to changes of the modeling software and reporting process. Unlike
the 2008 Inventory, which used the CACP software, SEEC ClearPath analyzes waste
composition breakdowns specific to materials that contribute to greenhouse gas
emissions. The 2013 composition breakdown includes newspaper, office paper,
corrugated cardboard, magazines/third class mail, food scraps, grass, leaves,
branches, and dimensional lumber. The 2008 breakdown (CACP) is more generalized
and includes paper, food, plant, wood/textiles, and other.
16
TAKING ACTION
"Business as Usual" Emissions
The projected emissions for 2020 have been updated from the 2008 inventory based on
the revised 2013 per capita emissions and population growth estimated by the Riverside
County Center for Demographic Research�. According to the study, the estimated
population for Palm Desert will grow to 52,098 in 2020 as opposed to the 2008 projection
of 64,860 by 2020. This represents a 24.5% decrease in estimated population growth
rate.
The 2013 per capita rate for GHG emissions was multiplied by the projected population
to obtain business as usual GHG emissions projections. Projecting on the current path,
emissions will raise to 640,805 metric tonnes in 2020. The 2008 Inventory projected
791,292 metric tonnes in 2020 due to higher population estimates previously assumed by
the Riverside County.
Table 19
Palm Desert Per Ca ita Com
Year Population GHG Emissions
MT
1990 23,252 406,607
2008 50,907 621,225
2013 49,962 615,141
1000000
900000
800000
700000
600000
500000
400000
300000
q0 q�L qR qb q� �O �. D� �b ��
.�q �9 .�9 �q .�q �y0 �O� �O� �O �O
2013 Projections
--�2008 Projections
wuev� 1990 Levels
�� �m� � 7% Below 1990 Levels
�"Riverside County 2013 Progress Report: Palm Desert," Riverside County Center for Demographic
Research.
rison
Per Capita
(MT/CO2E)
17.4
12.2
12.3
�
17
`L��O `L�.`'.L�1.�1R �L�.\b �L�.\� �1.��0
APPENDIX A
PALM DESERT GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY 2013
METHODOLOGY
1. Definition of SEEC ClearPath and ICLEI
Scopes ,,r
Scope 1: Direct Emissions
Direct GHG emissions are emissions from sources within the local government's
organizational boundary that the community and local government owns or controls.
These emissions are divided into:
• Stationary combustion to produce electricity, steam, heat or power using
equipment in fixed location,
• Mobile combustion of fuels in fleet transportation sources and off-road equipment,
• Process emissions from physical or chemical processing and other fuel combustion,
• Fugitive emissions from refrigerants, fire suppressants, transportation and distribution
losses and storage of fuels and other substances.
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions
Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased or acquired
electricity, steam, heating or cooling. Indirect GHG emissions are emissions that are a
consequence of activities that take place within the organizational boundaries of the
reporting entity, but that occur at sources owned or controlled by another entity.
Scope 3 Emissions
Scope 3 emissions are emissions of potential policy relevance to local government
operations that can be measured and reported but do not qualify as Scope 1 or 2. This �
includes, but is not limited to, municipally generated solid waste, outsourced operations
and employee commute. Although the Protocol does not cover methodologies from
estimating Scope 3 emissions, ICLEI and the Protocol highly encourage local governments
to measure as many Scope 3 emissions as is practical and relevant. Additional guidance
for estimating Scope 3 sources is provided by ICLEI.
�
2. SEEC ClearPath 2013 Factor Sets
�
'�+
1. Grid Electricity
a. SCE
b. IID
2. Waste Characterization
a. Burrtec
3. Transportation
a. Transportation 2013 (Community Wide)
b. Palm Desert Sheriff
c. Palm Desert Fire Department
Grid Etereric�C}r
N�ut�s
SCE
� �. . t �,..�..;� i," . . _�x. ..
� . •..l,�lrlx;
��
N2U �SJG4Yh
Notes
Baged an Ga1EEMad Nersion 2Q13.2.2,
__. _.
2013 ;�
630.89
1!i •
�
Year
CO2 �sJMWh
ChW it�slG4Yh
,. �
,
� � t � � ��-
_.
i 2013
1270.9(}rt
1.l,! '
.� N2fl IbslGVYh .00406
Notss
Based on GalEEMod l�siun 2013.2.2.
'�q/
Wasie Characterizat�csn
r
I�iaulUe
. ... ... . . .. . .....
�UCI'i8G
. ,.__.,.
Ye�r � 2U13 :{
P�rC�tBge Mbted MSW
Percentage �ew5paper 1.9
Pero+�tstsge Otf�ce Paper 4.9
Rercentage Cbtrugated C�rdb�dard 5.2
Petr,�nLEtge Ma.gszlt�s / Th�Cci Clas� Mial1 5.9
Pet+centsge Fooci S�t�ps 15.5
Pet�cenffi�e Gr�as � .9
Percen�e L�av�s t.9
P+ementage Srar�t�s 3.3
Percentags Dfinensionai �urnb�er 14.5
Mo2es
Based on Table At : Defauft comrnus�iry Waste Generati� Cl�racterizaiion ft�om C6ear
Path Qus+ck Start Guide. Wh�ch is based oa� Tab#s 7: Compositian of Ca�#ornia°s Grera#
Dispose�d Waste Streaan: C��fornias 2t�8 Statewide Waste Gharacter�zat�un Study.
Prepa'e� Agust 2009.
�
�
'�.►
firansp�r£atiora
_
Transparacior� Factors 20 t 3
�,
YBar _ � 2013 : ;
Gas passeng� lfehicl�e Fue! Et�aarnomy (M1FG) 23.8
Gas P Vehicle g G#i4Jrr� 0.23
Gas Passettgerltet�icle g N2Wm1 OA23
C�as TrartsK 8t� F�t Ecat�omy (AAPGj g
Gag Tirenstt B� g CFl4lrnl 0.0333
Gas fi�ansit B�s g N2t)Imi OAi34
Di�se! Li�tt Truck Fuel Et�omy f�P�? ��
Diesei Lfghf 'Tn�ck g CN41m! �.001
Diesel Light 7nsck g N201mi 0.W15
Diesel Weavy Tn�ck Fu�sl Ec�tomy {1NPGl 6.06
Diesel Heavy Truck g CN4fmi .t�.1134
a,e�� Kea,�y ��c g r�2ar� .aoaa
Di�l "tFar,sit Bu.s F� Economy tMF+G) B
D4�asei Theu�sit Bt�s g CN4fmi 0.�5 t
D�esei TCanstk 8us g N2C1/rttl ,(�AS
�
" i � . A.�il1
. _.!.. .. _,,.. .» . . _ ....... ., .....
Ye�t` 2013 _ — ; :
Gas Passenger Vehicie Fue! Eaanomy (MPG} 17
Gas Passenger 1/BhHcle g CH41m1
C,as P�ssengerVehlcMe g M2Otmi
��
N�ii�
♦ :,.
• 'r�• ♦ i � ` • • �
3. Electricity Usage
�
�►►
Most of the City of Palm Desert lies within the service area of Southern California Edison
(SCE). However, a small portion south of Interstate-10 and east of Cook Street is within the
service area of the Imperial Irrigation District (IID).
The following reports were used to evaluate the City's 2013 electricity consumption.
• Electricity Use Report for City of Palm Desert, Year 2013, Southern California Edison,
November 19, 2014
• Palm Desert Gross Consumption - 2013, Imperial Irrigation District, November 3, 2014
• 2013 Municipal Accounts, Southern California Edison, report generated November
21, 2014
• 2013 Municipal Accounts, Imperial Irrigation District, report generated November 5,
2014.
Total Electricity Consumption
Total electricity consumption in Palm Desert in 2013 is shown in the table below. SCE data is
categorized by rate group, and IID data is categorized by land use. As shown, 769,350,562
kWh of electricity were consumed in 2013. Approximately 6% was consumed in the IID
service area, and 94% was consumed in the SCE service area.
Total Electricity Consumption, 2013
Rate Category/Land Use
Southern California Edison (SCE)
Domestic
GS-1 (General Service, Non-Demand)
GS-2 (General Service, Demand)
Street Lighting
AG TOU (Agricultural and Pumping, Time of Service)
TC-1 (Traffic Controls)
TOU-GS-3 (Time-of-Use General Service, Demand)
SCE Subtotal
Imperial Irrigation District (IID)
Residential'
Commercial2
Street Lights
Public Authority
IID Subtotal:
TOTAL:
kWh Consumed
321,726,835
9,937,989
24, 283, 308
3,906,536
71, 724, 795
342,017
288,332,091
720,253,571
10,594,488
25,845, 759
26,492
61,014
36,527,753
756,781,324
� Includes IID's "Residential," and "Energy Assistance" rate categories. The "Mobile
Home" rate group was not included because the Palm Springs RV resort is not within
Palm Desert jurisdictional boundaries.
�r 2 Includes "Small Commercial" and "Large Commercial" rate categories.
Sun City residential accounts were subtracted from IID's Palm Desert total residential
consumption because Sun City, which is a 55+ housing development, is not within the City
of Palm Desert's jurisdictional boundary. It was assumed that the average IID residential
consumption per household for 2013 was 12,308 KWH based on 5,714 residential accounts.
Sun City has 4,985 residences; therefore 61,355,380 KWH was subtracted from the IID Palm
Desert residential total (70,330,421 kWh). The updated IID residential total was then added
to the energy assistance consumption of 1,623,426 kWh, for a total Residential total of
10,594,488 kWh.
In addition, approximately 1,21 1,300 square feet of commercial, retail, warehouse and
other non-residential uses were subtracted from IID's total commercial consumption for
establishments north of I-10 that have the 9221 1 zip code, however are not within the City's
jurisdictional boundaries. Square footages were estimated using GoogleEarth and average
electricity consumption rates were derived from the California Energy Commission's
Commercial End-Use Survey�. It should be noted that the total square footage is
conservative and was purposely understated for analysis purposes. The approximate kWh
consumption of establishments north of the I-10 is 11,161,259 kWh. The updated
commercial total therefore is 25,845,759 kWh.
A. Municipal Accounts
The following table summarizes electricity usage for municipal facilities, lighting, and traffic
controls, by type of account.
Municipal Electricity Consumption, 2013
Use
Southern California Edison (SCE):
Domestic
General Service (GS-1, GS-2)
Other General Service (TOU-GS1 A, TOU-GSl B, TOU-GS2A, TOU-GS2B,
TOU-GS3B)
Outdoor Area Lighting (AL-2, OL-1)
Street 8� Highway Lighting (LS-1, LS-2, LS-3)
Traffic Controls (TC-1)
Agriculture 8� Pumping (PA-2, TOU-PA2B, TOU-PA3B, TPA3-SOP2)
SCE Subtotal:
Imperial Irrigation District (IID):
Landscape Lighting
Traffic Signals
Safety Lights
IID Subtotal:
TOTAL:
kWh
Consumed
53,062
205,763
3,499,140
1,045,348
627,807
355,369
1,318,510
7,104,999
1,750
30,390
30, 600
62,740
7.167.739
�
�
� California Commercial End-Use Survey," California Energy Commission, prepared by Itron, Inc. March 2006.
The accounts are categorized by land use type below.
Municipal Electricity Consumption Summary, 2013
Buildings and Facilities 4,886,617
Streetlights/Outdoor Lighting 1,819,983
Traffic Controls 461,139
TOTAL: 7,167,739
�
B. Water Pumping
The data below were provided by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), which is
responsible for water delivery services in Palm Desert. Domestic water wells serve a broad
area and are not restricted by jurisdictional boundaries and, therefore, it is not possible to
classify electricity consumption by city. The analysis uses a per capita factor to estimate the
amount of electricity used to serve the Palm Desert population. The same methodology
was used in the 2008 Palm Desert GHG Inventory.
Electricity Consumption by CVWD Domestic Water Well Production, 2013
Total CVWD Per capita Palm Desert
Pumped Pumping water Palm Desert Water Pumping
Acre-Feet kWh Population pumping population2 kWh based on
Consumed Served' kWh o ulation
77,741 52,206,284 283,000 184 49,962 9,193,008
� http://www.cvwd.org/about/domestic.php, accessed March 2015.
2 California Dept. of Finance, January 1, 2013.
As shown, an estimated 9,193,008 kWh of electricity were used for water pumping to serve
the City in 2013.
C. Wastewater Treatment
CVWD is responsible for providing wastewater treatment services to Palm Desert. The
following table describes electricity consumption by CVWD's Wastewater Treatment Plant
(WTP) # 10 located on Cook Street in Palm Desert in 2013. Consistent with the 2008 Palm
Desert GHG Inventory, the analysis assumes 50% of the wastewater treated at WTP # 10 is
generated by Palm Desert.
Electricity Consumption at CVWD Wastewater Treatment Plant #10, 2013
Total million Total % of Palm Desert
gallons �^'astewater wastewater portion in
wastewater Pumping from Palm million
kWh Desert� allons
4,21 1 15,863,063 50% 2,105.5
� same assumption used in 2008 GHG Inventory.
kWh per
million
gallons
3,767
Palm Desert
wastewater
pumping
kWh
7,931,419
�
D. Community-Wide Residential
To maintain consistency between the 2008 GHG Inventory and this 2013 update, the 2008
methodology was used to determine Community-Wide Residential electricity usage for �
2013. SCE "domestic" and IID "residential" annual usage were summed, then usage by SCE
"municipal domestic" accounts (basic electricity service for offices and maintenance at
City-owned residential buildings) was subtracted.
Table 6
City of Palm Desert
_ Community-Wide Residential Electricity Consumption, 2013
Source kWh Consumed
SCE "Domestic" 321,726,835
IID "Residential" 73,357,847
Subtotal: 395,084,682
SCE Municipal "Domestic" -53,062
TOTAL: 395,031,620
Note: data are taken from Total Electricity above.
E. Community-Wide Commercial
Consistent with the methodologies used in the 2008 GHG Inventory, Community-wide
Commercial electricity usage includes all remaining usage not accounted for under
Municipal Accounts, Water Pumping, Wastewater Treatment, and Community-Wide
Residential. The remaining total is 41 1,382,156 kWh. �
SCE assigns use codes for electricity accounts, such as GS (General Service) and TOU
(Time-of-Use); however, the codes do not indicate the specific type of commercial facility,
such as restaurant, hotel, bank, golf course, etc. that is consuming the electricity. Nor do IID
electricity records indicate which type of commercial facility is consuming electricity.
Therefore, as was done in the 2008 Palm Desert GHG Inventory, SCG's natural gas NAICS
codes were used to determine the percentage of accounts that was resorts/golf courses
(see section F, below) versus the percentage that was all other commercial users.
According to 2013 natural gas records, all other commercial-wide facilities consumed 76%
of commercial natural gas. This percentage was applied to electricity usage; in 2013,
community-wide facilities consumed 76% of 41 1,382,156 kWh, or 312,650,439 kWh.
Community-Wide Commercial Electricity Consumption, 2013
Source kWh Consumed
Community-wide Commercial 312,650,439
�
F. Resorts and Golf Courses
1�„ As explained in Section E, above, neither SCE nor IID provides specific land use codes for its
electricity accounts. Therefore, the 2013 SCG natural gas usage report was consulted; it
indicated that resorts and golf courses accounted for 24% of community natural gas
consumption. This percentage was used to determine electricity consumption by resorts
and golf courses. Total community-wide electricity consumption was 411,382,156 kWh; 24%
of this is 98,731,717 kWh.
Resorts 8� Golf Courses Electricity Consumption, 2013
Source
Resorts 8� Golf Courses
kWh Consumed
98,731,717
�
4. Natural Gas Usage
Southern California Gas Company (SCG) provides natural gas to the City of Palm Desert.
The following reports were used to analyze community-wide natural gas consumption.
• Palm Desert Natural Gas Usage tables, Southern California Gas Company, provided
December 5, 2014
• Palm Desert Municipal Accounts tables, Southern California Gas Company,
provided December 5, 2014
• Historical Energy Consumption, Domestic Water Well Production and Wastewater
Treatment, City of Palm Desert, provided by Coachella Valley Water District, March
20, 2015
Total Natural Gas Consumption
Total natural gas consumption for Palm Desert in 2013 is shown in the following table. A
total of 17,533,746 therms of natural gas were consumed.
Total Natural Gas Consumption, 2013
Land Use Category
Municipal
Wastewater Treatment
Community-wide Residential
Community-wide Commercial
Resorts 8� Golf Courses
TOTAL:
Therms Consumed
30,822
816
12,317,535
3,965,055
1,218,702
17,532,930
Breakdown of Natural Gas Consumption by Use
The following analysis breaks down total natural gas consumption by type of use.
Categories include: 1) municipal accounts, 2) wastewater treatment, 3) community-wide
residential, and 4) community commercial. A summary table is provided below.
Total Municipal Usage
Total Wastewater Treatment Usage
Total Community-wide Residential Usaae
Total Community-wide Commercial Usage
Total Resorts 8� Golf Courses
3,965,055 therms
1,218,702 therms
Total Palm Desert Natural Gas Usaae:
30,822 therms
816 therms
12,317,535 therms
17,532,930 therms
�
�
�
A. Municipal Accounts
As shown in the table below, 30,882 therms were consumed at municipal buildings in 2013.
�
Natural Gas Consumption at Municipal Buildings, 2013
Facilitv
45480 Portola Avenue/Portola Community Center
73600 Catalina Way/Catalina Garden Apts. (non-residential
38995 Desert Willow Drive/Desert Willow Golf Resort
72559 Highway 1 1 1/Henderson Community Buildin
73200 Mesa View Drive/Fire Station
74605-74705 42nd Avenue/Corporate Yard
73510 Fred Waring Drive/City Hall
72567 Highway 1 1 1/Palm Springs Art Museum
44400 Town Center Way/Fire Station
Total:
B. Wastewater Treatment
Therms
280
31
20,573
454
767
826
1,805
4, 805
1,281
30.822
According to CVWD, wastewater treatment in Palm Desert consumed 816 therms in 2013.
Wastewater Treatment Naturai Gas Consumption, 2013
'�..•
Land Use Category
Wastewater Treatment
C. Community-Wide Residential
Therms Consumed
816
SCG provided the following consumption data for residential accounts in 2013.
Community-Wide Residential Natural Gas Consumption, 2013
Land Use Category Therms Consumed
Single-Family Residential 10,033,282
Multi-Family Residential 2,284,253
TOTAL: 12,317,535
D. Community-Wide Commercial
To determine Community-wide Commercial natural gas usage, therms consumed at resorts
and golf courses, and sewage treatment facilities were subtracted from total Community-
wide Commercial therms.
Community-Wide Commercial Natural Gas Consumption, 2013
Land Use Category
Communitv-wide Commercial
Therms Consumed
3,965,055
�
Resorts and Golf Courses
The 2013 SCG natural gas report provides NAICS codes for all commercial facilities. Total
therms consumed by "Golf Courses & Country Clubs" and "Hotels (except casino hotels)
and Motels" are summarized in the following table.
Resorts 8� Golf Courses Natural Gas Consumption, 2013
Land Use Category Therms Consumed
Golf Courses & Country Clubs 280,478
Hotels 8� Motels 938,224
TOTA L: 1, 218, 702
5. Community Vehicle Miles Traveled
�
The 2013 Community Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) was calculated using information
provided by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) specific to the Salton Sea air basin
region of Riverside County for the year 20132.
2013 VMT and Fuel Consum t
Vehicle Class' VMT
miles/day
Passenger Vehicles 8,101,727
Light Duty Trucks 4,744,833
Light-Heavy Duty Trucks 692,828
Medium-Heavy Duty Trucks 163,095
Heavv Dutv Trucks 1,004,464
on for Riverside Cou
Gasoline
i 1000 allons/day'
344.71 1
305.742
36.066
3.432
0.681
Salton Sea)
Diesel
(1000 gallons/
0.842
0.110
1 1.689
12.825
170.880
TOTAL � 14,706,947 � 691
.�
Source: California Air Resources Board.
l. Passenger Vehicles (0-3750 Ibs), Light Duty Trucks (3751-8500 Ibs), Light-Heavy Duty Trucks (8501-
14000 Ibs), Medium-Heavy Duty Trucks (14001-33000 Ibs), Heavy Duty Trucks (33001-60000 Ibs).
Palm Desert accounts for approximately 13% of the Salton Sea air basin's population. This
percentage of the total vehicle miles traveled in the Salton Sea air basin of Riverside
County was attributed to Palm Desert.
Using the same methodology in the 2008 Inventory, vehicle miles traveled on Interstate 10
�,r (heavy duty vehicles of +33,OOOIbs) were not factored into the 2013 inventory because the
Interstate falls outside of the Palm Desert boundaries.
2013 VMT and Fuel Consumption for The City of Palm Desert
Vehicle Class VMT Gasoline Diesel
miles/da 1000 allons/da 1000 allons/da
Passenger Vehicles 1,053,225 44.206 0.108
Light Duty Trucks bl 6,828.29 39.209 0.014
Light-Heavy Duty Trucks 90,068 4.625 1.499
Medium-Heavv Dutv Trucks 21,202 0.440 1.645
TOTAL I 1,781,323 I 88
�
In addition, this Inventory assumes the same special consideration for retired drivers used in
2008. It is assumed that retired drivers (65+ years) drive 23% less than non-retired drivers.
2013 Census data shows that approximately 33% of the population in Palm Desert are 65
years old or older3. However, 30% was assumed to remain consistent with the 2008
Inventory. These assumptions reduced vehicle miles traveled by passenger cars and light
duty trucks accordingly.
z Nesami Kalandiyur, Ph.D. Manager, Transportation Analysis Section, Air Quality Planning & Science Division.
� California Air Resources Board. Personal communication February 25, 2015.
3 ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates: 2009 - 2013 American Community Survey 5- Year Estimates,
United States Census Bureau.
The following provides a comparison of the 2008 and 2013 modeling software inputs after
reducing the VMTs based on demographics. Note that fuel quantities were not needed to
be input, however fuel type percentages were used for the VMT breakdown.
Community VMT Soffware Inputs:
2008 vs. 2013
Year Vehicle T e' VMT
2008 Passenger 188,626,230
Light Duty 163,369,682
Heav Dut 16,698,281
TOTAL 368,694,193
2013 Passenger 295,318,025
Li ht-Med Dut 214,054,292
TOTAL 509,372,317
1. Variances in vehicle type are due to differences in
modeling software. 2008 = CACP; 2013 = SEEC Clearpath.
6. Municipal Fleet
�
The City of Palm Desert's municipal fleet is comprised of vehicles from the following
departments: Administration, Council, Parks, Police, Streets, City Yard and Visitor's Center.
The 2013 municipal fleet fuel consumption was provided by the Maintenance Service
Division of the City of Palm Desert4. Unlike the 2008 inventory, total vehicle miles traveled
(VMT) and consumption per specific vehicle type could not be provided for 2013. However
it was assumed that the majority of gasoline-fueled vehicles were passenger vehicles and
the majority of diesel-fueled vehicles were light-medium heavy trucks.
Municipal Fleet Software Inputs:
2008 vs. 2013
Year Gasoline Diesel CNG
allons allons allons
2008 15,664 810 15,326
2013 25,941 2,259 8,926'
1. The 2013 Inventory converted gallons to cubic feet
of CNG. Assumes 120 cu.ft = 1 gallon equivalent =
1,071,159 cu.ft of CNG
�
4 Carlos Hernandez, Maintenance Service Divisions, City of Palm Desert. chernandez@cityofpalmdesert.org.
7. Municipal Employee Commute
In 2013, the City of Palm Desert had 1 16 employees.s The following analysis accounts for
emissions generated by their commutes to and from work.
To maintain consistency with the 2008 GHG Inventory, the same assumptions about vehicle
type and miles traveled were used. It was assumed that 70% of City employees (81
employees) commuted by passenger car and 30% (35 employees) commuted by light
duty truck. Assumptions about round trip commuting distances were as follows: 10% of
employees have a 5-mile round trip commute, 30% have a 15-mile commute, and 60%
have a 25-mile commute. A total of 249 business days were counted; weekends and the
City's 12 observed holidays were excluded.
To estimate total annual vehicle miles traveled, the following equation was used:
Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) _(total number of employees) x(percentage of
employees by vehicle type) x(percentage of
employees by round trip commute mileage) x
(number of annual trips)
As shown in the following table, municipal employees commuted an estimated total of
577,680 miles in 2013.
�
Tabie 15
City of Palm Desert
Municipal Employee Commute, 2013 �,
Vehicle Percentage Number of Miles Percentage Number of Trips Annual
Type of Employees Employees Round Trip of Employees Employees Annually VMT
Passenger
Car 70% 81 5 10% 8 249 9,960
15 30% 24 249 89,640
25 60% 49 249 305,025
Light Duty
Truck 30% 35 5 10% 4 249 4,980
15 30% 10 249 37,350
25 60% 21 249 130, 725
Total Annual VMT: 577,680
Annual VMT/Employee: 4,980
Notes: Total number of authorized City staff positions = 1 16. Source: City of Palm Desert Resolution 2013-49, June 27,
2013. Methodology and assumptions are based on 2008 PD GHG Technical Appendices Section # 13 - Municipal
Employee Commute.
Passenger Car
Li�ht Duty truck
Total:
# of Vehicles
81
35
116
Annual VMT
404,625
173,055
577,580
�
5 City of Palm Desert Resolution 2013-49, June 27, 2013.
8. Riverside County Sheriff's Department Vehicle
�. Fleet Miles and Fuel Consumption
The City of Palm Desert contracts with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. The
Sheriff's Department also provides services to Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, and Thousand
Palms.
The vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for the Palm Desert portion of the Sheriff's fleet was
provided by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, totaling 656,310 for 2013.6 To
determine the gallons consumed for each vehicle, the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) were
divided by the vehicle's miles per gallon (MPG) which were obtained from the United
States Department of Energy fuel economy website.' Mpg assumptions were based on
2009-2014 model year mpg averages for Ford Crown Victorias, Toyota Camrys, and Nissan
Altimas. It was assumed that the sheriff fleet would achieve a lower mpg rating (10-15%)
due to department vehicle specifications. These gallons totaled 38,606.
Riverside County Sheriff Vehicle Fleet Software Inputs:
2008 vs. 2013
Year VMT Gasoline Diesel
annual allons allons
2008 1,394,895 75,824 379
2013 656,310 38,606 NA
The large reduction in VMT and gallons from 2008 to 2013 is attributed to the
difference in data source. 2008 made assumptions for Palm Desert based on
total Riverside Sheriff VMT, while 2013 was based on actual Palm Desert data
provided by Captain Kevin Vest.
�
6 Captain Kevin Vest, Riverside County Sheriff's Department. November 4, 2014.
' U.S. Department of energy, www.fueleconomy.qov. Assumes 17 mpg.
9. Riverside County Fire Department
Vehicle Miles and Fuel Consumption
The City of Palm Desert contracts its fire protection services to the Riverside County Fire
Department. Four of its stations (Station 33, Station 67, Station 71, and Station 81) serve the
City of Palm Desert. Annual miles traveled (86,591 miles) and gallons per year for each fire
vehicle were provided by the City of Palm Desert and Riverside County Fire.$
Fire Vehicles for Palm Desert 2013
Station
Station 33
Station 67
Station 71
Engine
Number
Engine 33
Truck 33
Medic 33
Rescue 33
Squad 33
Engine 67
Engine 71
Medic 71
Year
2008
2003
2012
1989
2008
2008
2008
2009
Model
Smeal
KME
Chevrolet
Ford
Ford
Smeal
Smeal
Ford
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
TOTAL:
Annual
VMT
15,164
6,962
20,438
106
939
9,327
16,442
17,213
86,591
Riverside County Sheriff Vehicle Fleet Soffware Inputs:
2008 vs. 2013
Number of VMT Gasoline Diesel
Year Vehicles annual allons allons
2008 8 86,781 1,556 10,428
2013 8 86,591 NA 17,961
The large increase in fuel consumption compared to the relatively stable
annual VMT is due to reduced vehicle fuel efficiency over time.
Gallons
�er Year
3,296
2,737
1,912
49
109
2,022
4,212
3,624
17,961
�
8 Stephen Aryan, City of Palm Deserf, saryan@cityofpalmdesert.org 8� Casey Hartman, Battalion Chief, CALFIRE /
Riverside County Fire, West Desert Division, casey.hartmanC�fire.ca.qov, (760) 346-2654 Office
10. Burrtec - Waste Transport Vehicle Miles and
�
Fuel Consumption
Waste and recycling pick up services in Palm Desert are subcontracted to Burrtec Waste
Industries with main offices at 9890 Cherry Avenue in Fontana, CA and with Palm Desert
offices and facility at 41575 Eclectic Street.
To remain consistent with the 2008 Palm Desert greenhouse gas inventory, the 2013 waste
transportation emissions are divided into two scopes.
Scope 1 emissions are emissions from local pickups and delivery to Burrtec sites in Palm
Desert as well as delivery to nearby Edom Hill Transfer Facility. Burrtec confirmed that the
Palm Desert mileage provided in 2008 has not changed in 2013.9
Scope 1- Burrtec VMT and Fuel Consumption Inputs:
2008 vs. 2013
Year Annual VMT MPG Gasoline Diesel CNG
allons allons allons
2008 214,000 5 24,899 2,515 15,406
2013 214,000 5 7,800 2,515 32,505'
1. The 2013 Inventory converted gallons to cubic feet of CNG. Assumes 120 cu.ft = 1
gallon equivalent = 3 900 600 cu.ft of CNG
Scope 3 emissions are the emissions from the transportation of solid waste to the various
landfill facilities used. Similar to the Scope 1 emissions, the mileage, tractor-trailer MPG
ratings, semi trailer capacities, and the density of solid waste used in 2008 are still
applicable for 2013. The original 2008 data was derived from information provided by the
California lntegrated Waste Management Board, Burrtec, and Palm Desert. It is assumed
that waste transported to Edom Hill will be transferred to Lamb Canyon Landfill in
Beaumont.
Scope 3- Burrtec VMT and Fuel Consumption Inputs:
2008 vs. 2013
�
Year
2008
2013
W aste to
Landfill (tons)
74,991
62,813
Converted to Capacity I Number of
Cubic Yards of Trucks Trips
299,964 100 CY 2,999
251,252 100 CY 2,513
Waste hauling from Edom Hill to landfill assumptions:
Round Trip to
Lambs Canyon
(74.14 mi)
222,346
186,314
MPG Gallons
of Diesel
5 44,469
5 37,263
• Garbage transfer trailers hold 100 cubic yards.
• Compacted garbage: 1 cubic yard is 0.25 tons.
• Semi tractors get 5 miles per gallon.
• Lamb Canyon landfill is 37.07 miles from Edom Hill Transfer Station, or 74.14 miles
roundtrip.
9 Mike Veto, Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services. mveto@burrtecdesert.com.
11. Desert Sands Unified School District
School Bus Vehicle Miles Traveled and Fuel
Consumption for Palm Desert
Using the 2012-2013 Bus Schedule provided by the Desert Sands Unified School District
(DSUSD), the bus routes were organized by school, the time of pick-up or drop-off, stop
location, and route number. The distance traveled was calculated by Google Maps and
only distances traveled in the City of Palm Desert were counted.
The number of miles traveled for the 2012-2013 school year for the entire bus fleet, which
includes elementary and middle school buses, was calculated to be 50,828.4 miles. It was
assumed that the starting point and end of day return of the school buses was at a bus
yard located in La Quinta, CA. It was also assumed that the one school year is
approximately 180 days, not including weekends.
To calculate the fuel consumption per school year, the number of school days was
multiplied by the total miles traveled per day and the product was divided by the school
busses' fuel consumption rate. According to DSUSD the bus fleet is comprised of a multi-fuel
type mix, of which approximately 45% is CNG, 30� is diesel, and 25% is gas10. It was
assumed that the diesel and gas buses get approximately 8 miles per gallon, and the CNG
buses get approximately 2.8 miles per 126.67 cubic feet of CNG. The fuel consumption
breakdown for the 2012-2013 school year is provided below.
DSUSD School Bus VMT:
2008 vs. 2013
Year
2008
2013
Annual Miles*
82,836
50,828
Fuel Consumption**
10,354.5 gal
Diesel: 1,877.19 gal
Gas: 1,588.39 gal
CNG: 1,045,200.23 cu.ft.
* 2008 accounted for elementary, middle, and high schools. High
schools did not provide school buses in 2013, thus reducing
overall mileage.
**A fuel type percentage breakdown was provided by DSUSD in
2013: 45� CNG, 30% diesel, and 25� gas. Assumes 8 mpg for
gas/diesel and 2.8 miles per 126.67 cu.ft of CNG.
�
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lo Patti Wright, DSUSD, patricia.wight@desertsands.us
12. Public Transit
SunLine Transit Agency provides public transportation services to the Coachella Valley,
including the City of Palm Desert. Its entire service area covers approximately 1,120 square
miles, and its total passenger boardings reached 4.71 million in Fiscal Year 2012/13."
Five (5) of SunLine's fixed bus routes traverse Palm Desert and provide direct service for City
residents. They include the following:
Route 32 - Palm Springs to Palm Desert, weekdays and weekends
Route 53 - Gerald Ford/Cook/Palm Desert Mall, weekdays and weekends
Route 54 - Palm Desert to Indio, weekdays only
Route 1 1 1- Palm Springs to Indio, weekdays and weekends
Route 220 - Palm Desert to Riverside (commuter link), weekdays only
All buses operating along these routes are fueled by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
ADA-compliant buses and vans provide curb-to-curb service on flex routes throughout the
City; however, their mileage and frequency is unpredictable. Therefore, these trips were
not included in this analysis.
Methodology
� Because the 5 routes serving Palm Desert extend into neighboring communities, SunLine
bus route maps and Google Earth were used to estimate only the route mileage within
Palm Desert's jurisdictional boundaries. SunLine provided the number of daily bus trips
made along each route listed above, for both weekends and weekdays (where
applicable: Routes 54 and 220 operate only on weekdays). Using these data, total annual
bus mileage within Palm Desert was estimated: 303,898 miles/year.
Additional mileage was added to account for fuel consumed while buses travel to and
from their transit stations at the beginning and end of each day: 57,969 miles/year. Buses
serving Routes 32, 53, 1 1 1, and 220 originate at the transit station located at 32505 Harry
Oliver Trail in Thousand Palms. Buses serving Line 54 originate at 83255 Highway 1 1 1 in Indio.
SunLine reported that its average CNG-operated bus gets 2.8 miles per 126.67 cubic foot of
CNG. This conversion factor was used in the model to estimate CNG transit fuel
consumption in Palm Desert.
As shown in the following table, the total annual mileage traveled on-route and to/from
transit stations in Palm Desert in 2013 is estimated at: 361,867 miles.
�' "Short Range Transit Plan FY 2014/15- FT 2016/17," SunLine Transit Agency.
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The City of Palm Desert
Environmental Sustainability Plan
February 11, 2010
Updated Aug�st 2015
_
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 1
�
.
Outline
Executive Summary
Regulation: AB 32 and SB 375
Environmental Sustainability
Greenhouse Gas Compliance
Taking Action
1. Introduction
Defining Sustainability
A History with Sustainability
Palm Desert's Chronology of Sustainability Initiatives
2. Sustainability Resource Areas
The Built Environment
Energy Management
Materials Management
Regional Air Quality
Transportation Resources
Water Management
3. Greenhouse Gas Compliance
Background
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Emissions Reduction Plan
4. The Action Plan
Organizational Design
Managing Costs
Three-Phase Implementation
Seizing the Opportunity to Lead
Appendices
• The Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Planning Process
• Lists of Sustainability Plan Resource Team Members
• Background Papers for Resource Team Meetings
• Background PowerPoint Presentations for each Resource Team
• Lists of Resource Team Recommendations
• Council Resolution on Sustainability: Resolution 07-78
• Greenhouse Gas 2008 Baseline Inventory
• Database of Recommended Actions
• Five-Point Ranking Values
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 2
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Executive Summary
�, Palm Desert is a leading sustainable city. This Sustainability Plan shows that Palm
Desert has already demonstrated high levels of civic leadership on many issues related
to environmental sustainability, from energy and water management, to storm-water
diversion, water reclamation, alternative transportation and fuels, and desert
landscaping. The bus system, civic center solar arrays, new LEED certified buildings,
and the City's bricks and mortar commitment to higher education speak to the City's
forward-thinking nature.
The Set to Save energy partnership program and the Energy Independence Program
wer� statewide models t{ ��t �v�; � emulated by cities and counties throughout California.
Palm Desert is recognized for its pioneering work with Assembly Bill 811 that enables
property assessments for energy efficient fixtures and renewable energy systems. By
October 2009, there was legislation in fourteen states including Texas and New York for
this new and appealing local government financing. ��are rec�ntly, tlfe Ci�y i�as
irnpl�m�q��t�d F'roperty Assessed Clean En�rgy (PRCE} finaricing prc,�ratn�� tilrough ti7e
r�gi7tie�' C'4� �.��,;ra�1� and HEF�O pr��gra;ns_ Through these kinds of initiatives and the
ones presented in this Plan, Palm Desert will maintain its preeminence in sustainability,
addressing climate change and land use planning mandates with clarity and conviction.
Regulation
This Plan presents an action plan. It is being driven by impending regulations and two
laws, specifically California Assembly Bill 32 — the Global Warming Solutions Act of
2006 — and the more recent California Senate Bill 375, known as the "anti-sprawl bill."
Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32)
The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 established a first-in-the-world
� comprehensive program of regulatory and market mechanisms to achieve real,
quantifiable, cost-effective reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. The law
proposes to reduce carbon emissions in California to 1990 levels by 2020.
The law will result in a 25% reduction of COz emissions by 2020. AB 32 requires
the California Air Resource Board to develop regulations and market
mechanisms to achieve the goals. Mandatory caps for key industries will begin in
2012 and will ratchet down.
Senate Bill 375 (SB 375)
SB 375, passed in 2008, is the nation's first law to control greenhouse gas
emissions by controlling sprawl and fully utilizing transportation demand models.
It mandates that the State's 18 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 3
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include sustainable community strategies in regional transportation plans for the
purpose of reducing greenhouse gases.
The Governor's Office believes that SB 375 will be as transformative in shaping
our communities as railroads were years ago, making them more walk-able with
increased transportation options, and improved quality of life.
SB 375 requires the California Air Resources Board to develop regional
greenhouse gas emission reduction targets to be achieved from the automobile
and light truck sectors for 2020 and 2035. The 18 MPOs in California will prepare
a"sustainable communities strategy" to reduce the amount of vehicle miles
traveled in their respective regions and demonstrate the ability for the region to
attain ARB's targets.
These ����r�� and others are forcing cities throughout California to re-think the way we
live. They are driving a transformation and Palm Desert is preparing for these changes. '' '
This Environmental Sustainability Plan integrates local visions with State regulations. It , oeieted: b�us
is a roadmap for action that begins with pragmatic, low-cost measures that have
significant effect.
This Plan presents a planning tool for Palm Desert to maintain a proactive position,
finding win-win solutions that are good for the environment and for business. The Plan's
actions will create jobs. Through a deliberate, phased-in approach, Palm Desert will
take strategic steps toward sustainability while maintaining the high quality of life
residents enjoy.
This Plan present three phases of planned activity in six resource areas, beginning with
low and no-cost measures to the City that deliver the greatest energy, consumer, and
carbon savings.
Environmental Sustainability
The Environmental Sustainability Plan addresses six resource areas. Resource Teams
of local stakeholders and staff were formed to examine each area during the planning
process. Each team meeting was marked by opinioned discussions of goals and
recommended policies and programs. These have been debated and prioritized, guided
by the Core Sustainability Team and Council. The six resource areas are as follows:
a. The "Built EnvironmenY' is also the man-made environment -- buildings, parking
structures, golf courses, rights of way, etc. Super-efficient building standards
suitable for desert conditions are proposed for immediate adoption. The Plan
identifies policies that comply with portions of SB 375, testing new forms of
development shaped by Palm Desert's style that has earned broad community
support.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 4
b. The Plan addresses "Energy ManagemenY' aggressively given its measures'
potential to cut use and avoid emissions. It calls for a major commitment to
achieve the �r;�r�y� effic;er7cy goals, reducing tens of thousands of inetric tons of
�r' COz emissions annually. The ,es�e� �y r�~=�n�E�err�.nt goals were developed as a
program to achieve,reductions city-wide in electricity and gas consumption along
with a reduction in peak electricity demanc�, In the short term, the Plan c� led for
securing ample financing for Energy Independence Program loans. The long-
term vision is to exceed the goals by fully developing renewable power
generation.
c. "Materials ManagemenY' — from cradle to cradle — is another area of City
excellence. Pilot programs have tested positive and can be expanded. The Plan
details upstream procurement policies and downstream management. It calls for
increasing the City's overall diversion rate�
d. "Regional Air Quality" is essential to Palm Desert. While largely out of direct local
control, the City's ultimate goal is to work with regional partners to siqniiicant9y
re�uce visible particulates, notably PM 10. Other goals are more local; reducing
airborne particulates during the annual reseeding process for golf courses and
lawns; ;�dus;ir,g automotive vehicle miles travelled and tightening buildings will
also result in better air quality.
e. "Transportation" is framed in terms of increasing mobility. This is being done in
Palm Desert in more "alternative" means — walking, golf carts, biking, buses —
decreasing vehicle miles travelled (VMT) and thus gasoline consumption. The
Plan calis for reducing municipal gasoline useA and throughout the communityr by
promoting personal and community-benefitting alternatives.
f. "Water Management" is a critical challenge, largely out of sight but not out of
mind at the City. Declining aquifer levels and increasing amounts of embedded
energy in water provide direction to leveraging efficient water use to "generate"
.� � savings. The Plan for the first time sets specific savings goals.
Greenhouse Gas Compliance
° �: ���� . . . � � ����������
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' water use in 5 years ,
Many experts believe that the threat of climate change is the most important
sustainability challenge of the century. Regulations — AB 32 in particular — are forcing
� local governments to take action. This Plan is linked with the City's �reenhouse Gas
Inventory and includes a sequenced approach to emissions reductions. '`'' ''
Deleted: first
In 1990 the City's ecological footprint was 406,607 metric tons of COz. By 2008, the
baseline year, this impact had increased to 621,225 metric tons. Through the Plan's
action steps, this trend will be reversed. Details of the inventory are presented in a
� separate document, The Palm Desert Greenhouse Gas Inventory with Technical m� ',
Appendix. ! oeieted: zooa 1
____ _ _
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 5
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Taking Action
Each of the six resource areas presented is critical for environmental sustainability.
They are presented in a narrative form in the Plan with discussions of visions,
principles, goals, policies, and programs. Many leading cities' programs were evaluated.
Over three hundred recommended actions were considered in the planning process.
The Plan presents,recommended actions to achieve the City's sustainability goals.
The actions are also presented in tabular form, an Excel spreadsheet decision-making
tool. It ranks measures with relative numeric values for five key variables according to a
five-point rating system. The highest ranked recommendations are most feasible, lowest
cost to the City, most cost-effective, embraced by the community, and cut significant
levels of CO2. Five-year costs to the City w�; e estimated; notes present assumptions.
The Plan concludes with a pragmatic, three-phase approach over a ten-year period.
Phase I activities are low and no-cost measures that are feasible given the current
economic situation and can be carried out in the rsho�t teYm. Financing and ordinances
will drive efficiency; collaborations will be strengthened.
� Phase II an�i I i I activities wil� build on Phase I initiatives. Policy initiatives will continue.
Sustainability investments will be required to leverage greater levels of efficiency. A
portfolio approach will blend cost-effective and non-cost effective measures for
� community benefit.,
Palm Desert will achieve its environmental and growth management goals, while
fostering local economic development and a positive economic and social impact. The
City will maintain its high quality of life while meeting the challenges of the times.
1. Introduction
The City of Palm Desert is unique in many ways, a desert community with many resorts
and an affluent population. It is marked by the distinction of having the most golf
courses per capita of any city, worldwide. Palm Desert is an idyllic place to live and
retire, with dry, warm winters. Visitors come for winter; many residents leave town to
escape the high heat of the summer.
Palm Desert is an unquestioned leader in the Coachella Valley in many ways. Palm
Desert's citizens are proud of their City; its businesses are pleased to be in the City; and
its institutio�s — from Desert Willow Golf Resort, to University of California Riverside at
Palm Desert, and College of the Desert — are strong, thanks to relationships with the
City. The City has certainly been a leader in sustainability as this Plan shows.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 6
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�
Defining Sustainability
The United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development defines
� sustainability in the following way: "Sustainability meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Clearly it is an
all-encompassing exercise.
• Sustainability is the ultimate environmental pursuit.
• Sustainability integrates all environmental and social and even economic issues.
While the definition of "sustainable" varies, one way to define it is to consider it as the
aggregate of people living day by day, on par, in ways that are workable, manageable;
in ways that maintain, support, conserve, restore, replenish, safeguard, perpetuate; in
ways that allow us to continue living versus grinding to a halt; in ways that do not
deplete, use up, or empty; in ways that have a net zero impact.
To some, sustainability goes beyond environmentalism. Whereas environmental
sustainability is a condition during which we make sure not to deplete finite natural
resources, social sustainability encompasses adequate access to health care and job
and educational opportunities. In a socially sustainable community, "all people have a
sense of well-being and purchasing power." Financial sustainability is living within our
means, our ability to pay.
In the broadest context, the "universe of sustainability" includes social, health, and
economic facets of the community. To be fully sustainable involves these three Es of
economy, environment, and equity in an ongoing balance. Cities, counties, and other
jurisdictions slice sustainability in many ways; defining sustainability draws on many of
the elements from public health to human dignity, economic development, food
production, and civic participation. While cognizant of the broader universe of
sustainability, this first Plan focuses on environmental sustainability and six resource
areas.
A History with Sustainability
Palm Desert has engaged in a mosaic of "green" policies and programs for over 25
years, starting before the City was incorporated. Its award-winning works have included
storm water management, waste stream diversion and recycling, drought-tolerant
landscaping, clean and efficient transportation, and most recently, unparalleled work
with energy management and the financing of energy efficiency and renewable energy
installations. The recommended actions presented in the Plan build on this record of
many years of progress and success.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 7
Palm Desert's Chronology of Sustainability Initiatives
1970
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert is established
The zoo and botanical garden is based entirely on the ecosystem of the desert. It
currently occupies about 1,200 acres of land, is a pioneer in environmental education, a
native wildlife rehabilitation preserve, is active in captive breeding and plant propagation
programs, and sustains itself through active membership and volunteers.
1973
The City of Palm Desert is Incorporated
1983
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Introduced
Palm Desert embraces water-wise desert and semi-arid plants to create vibrant arrays
in medians, parks, parkways, and open spaces around public facilities. Policy initiated
to remove turt from street medians and install water-wise desert landscaping.
1989
Palm Desert complies with AB 939: Integrated Waste Management Act
To comply with Act, Palm Desert had to recycle 50°/a of its waste. Today, Palm Desert
is diverting 72% and rising.
1990
State Implementation Plan for PM 10 in the Coachella Valley
The State Implementation Plan (SIP) for Particulate Matter 10 (PM 10) was jointly
developed by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), Coachella
Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), and member cities, approved by the US
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as a mechanism for reducing suspended
particulates, especially fugitive dust emissions in the Coachella Valley.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Implemented
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) implements the federal
Clean Water Act and mandates that plans and programs for storm water management
be developed, adopted, and implemented to assure that municipalities effectively
prohibit non-storm water discharge into storm drains. Palm Desert is a co-permittee
and Public Works manages the NPDES program.
Curbside Recycling Program Implemented
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 8
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The Curbside recycling program was started in partnership with Waste Management of
the Desert, now replaced by Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services. This was the first
curbside program in Riverside County.
Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance Passes
As required by California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 1990, the Water-
Efficient Landscape Ordinance passed by the Palm Desert City Council establishes
minimum water-efficient landscape requirements for some new and rehabilitated public
and private landscape projects, including tract homes.
1993
Palm Desert's Golf Cart Transportation Program Begins
Authorized by Assembly Bill 1229, the program allows golf carts for travel to schools,
parks, businesses, shopping centers, and government offices.
1994
Natural Gas Buses Join Fleet
Palm Desert worked with SunLine to convert their buses to natural gas over a period of
two years. Today, SunLine's natural gas buses serve the entire Coachella Valley.
Concurrently, SunLine engaged in a fuel cell demonstration project with Humboldt State
University.
Arbor Day Program Begins with Tree Planting Demonstration
A tree planting demonstration program for schools, the Arbor Day Program was created
to involve schoolchildren in the process and appreciation of planting trees.
1998
Light Emitting Diode Lights are Installed in Traffic Signals
`. Palm Desert was the first city in Coachella Valley to implement LED signals lights.
Palm Desert Air Resources Board Air Quality Forum is Held
Air Resources Board (ARB) seeks public participation in Palm Desert by setting a public
forum, one of the ten that ARB scheduled around the state to study new federal
standards, existing programs, local conditions, and planned future activities to reduce
PM 10 and 2.5.
1999
Landscape Services Division of Public Works is Established
Palm Desert established the Landscape Services Department Program to maintain City
properties and to conduct plan reviews. Its work is based on the Tree Maintenance
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 9
Ordinance, the Parking Lot Shade Tree Ordinance, and the Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance.
Fugitive Dust / PM 10 Control Ordinance is Passed
The ordinance established minimum dust control requirements for construction and
demolition activities and other specified land uses.
Bus Shelter Improvement Program Launched
In 1999, City Council approved the Bus Shelter Improvement Program to advocate
more contemporary, self-sufficient, and durable bus shelters with features such as solar
powered security lighting and advertisement elimination on all the new shelters.
Parking Lot Tree Resolution Passes to Cut Water Use and Increase Shade
This resolution identifies specific landscaping requirements for parking lots that will also
be responsive to water conservation goals. Shade must cover 50% of pavement.
2001
Local Particulate Matter 10 Air Quality Inspector Program Commences
Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), South Coast Air Quality
Management District (SCAQMD), and Building Industries Association (BIA) approved
the hiring of a PM 10 Air Quality Inspector to monitor and identify development activities
that are not meeting emission standards, and to work to educate developers and cities
on meeting PM 10 standards.
Employee Commute Program Takes Shape
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) developed and
implemented Rule 2202 designed to reduce vehicular emissions associated with
employee commutes at major employers by providing various emission-reducing
alternatives.
Six Cities Energy Project Puts Palm Desert among Leading Cities in Energy
Innovation
City joins Irvine, Santa Monica, Brea, Moreno Valley, and West Hollywood in the Six
Cities Energy Project managed by The Energy Coalition on behalf of Southern
California Edison. The creative approach included the PEAK Student Energy Actions
Program.
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
Palm Desert's water efficiency ordinance becomes the most conserving in the State of
California.
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City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 10
0
2004
' Palm Desert's Comprehensive General Plan is Adopted
�� Palm Desert's General Plan states the visions and goals of Palm Desert in community
development, environmental resources, environmental hazards, as well as public
services and facilities.
Community Energy Partnership Expands Six City Partnership to Ten Highly
Diverse Member Cities
In 2004, the City of Palm Desert joined the Community Energy Partnership (CEP), an
ongoing multidimensional collaboration that delivered programs educating communities
about sustainable energy efficiency in Southern California.
2005
City Publishes First Desert Flora Palette and Maintenance Manuals
These manuals highlight desert plant material and maintenance guidelines for
successful desert planting.
Weather-Based Irrigation /"Smart" Controller Program Begins
This program with the Coachella Valley Water District uses weather-based irrigation
clocks that automatically adjust irrigation systems' run time based on historic weather
data, reducing the amount of water in cooler months and increasing the amount in the
summer.
UCR Palm Desert Graduate Center Establishes Sustainable Native Garden
Two-year, $4.5 million demonstration project is a joint effort between four universities
which will use plants native to the desert and create a demonstration zone that shows
how desert plants can be used to create a suburban landscape with "curb appeal."
Energy Independence Program Enabled by Pioneering Work with Assembly Bill
�� 811
Palm Desert spearheaded effort to craft and get Assembly Bill 811 passed. Bill allows
cities and counties to provide preferential loans to property owners making energy
improvements through liens on their properties and assessments on their property
taxes.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 11
2006
Palm Desert Establishes the Office of Energy Management
The OEM was designed to work with Palm Desert residents, Southern California Edison
staff, and The Energy Coalition to raise awareness in the community.
Curbside Landscape Retro-Fit Pilot Project
A$75,000 program ($20,000 allotted to Palm Desert) partnered between Palm Desert,
Coachella Valley Water District, and the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control
District designed to focus initially on parkway areas near country clubs and hotels.
Palm Desert Features U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Certification Program
The City used the LEED certification for the Palm Desert Visitor Center (LEED Silver
Certification) and Henderson Community Building (LEED Silver Certification). The
Visitor Center opened as the first LEED-certified building in the Coachella Valley.
Estonia Protocol Signed / 30:30 Program Established
A stretch goal followed by a detailed analysis of how to achieve a 30% reduction in city-
wide electricity and gas consumption and 30% reduction in peak electricity demand in
five years.
2007
Resolution 07-78 Passes and Serves as the City's First Step in Greenhouse Gas
Reduction
Council adopted a resolution pledging to enact policies and programs to reduce harmful
global emissions.
Palm Desert Building Ordinance is Adopted by City Council
City Council passed Ordinance No. 1124 adopting local energy efficiency standards for
buildings covered by the 2005 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards, setting
forth minimum energy efficiency standards within the City for all new construction,
including remodels, additions, alterations, condominium conversions and tenant
improvements. The new standards required energy efficiency up to 15% above the state
standards.
Set to Save Program Launched
The 30:30 program was renamed for consumer marketing. This implementation
partnership with Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas provided
services to local businesses and homeowners to help decrease energy use with free
on-site energy surveys, on-line tips, and discount programs.
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City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 12
2010
Initiation of Cooperative Landscape Water Conservation Program
A program established along with CVWD to remove landscape turf and retro-fit
landscapes with desert plant material for homeowners and homeowners associations.
Desert Flora Design Manual Published
City publishes its Desert Flora Design Manual and makes all three Desert Flora
publications available on-line.
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Approved
City approves updated Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance which meets State AB
1881 requirements and continues to maintain its leadership in landscape water
conservation.
Greenhouse Gas Connection
Of the common elements of sustainable planning, the greenhouse gas (GHG)
connection is most challenging. Most experts agree that sustainability and sustainable
development require stemming and decreasing greenhouse gases in major proportions.
The magnitude of required, transformative changes that may be on the horizon is
impressive, as are the opportunities for job creation, professional workforce
development, and exported know-how. This Plan guides Palm Desert towards spurring
new businesses that benefit from this transformation. Palm Desert can work with the
business community to develop new products and services for a sustainable world. By
getting ahead of the curve, Palm Desert can prosper and profit, increasing the quality of
life and community through strategic investments.
California Assembly Bill 32 — the Global Warming Solutions Act — was passed in 2006. It
is the nation's most far-reaching GHG rule. It presents sweeping mandates for GHG
reductions with little direction on a) how local governments will be required to fulfill these
�, reductions, and b) when and how these will be measured. In 2007, Palm Desert passed
Resolution 07-78 that called for reducing COz emissions by 7% below the City's 1990
baseline. The City's first greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory was completed in 2009. After
careful consideration of Resolution 07-78 along with the mandates and measures
necessary to realistically achieve this goal, Palm Desert re-established the City's
baseline year to 2008, rather than 1990. Detailed data collected to complete the GHG
inventory was primarily obtained from 2008; logically, Palm Desert needs to establish
measures and reduction goals based on the current levels of GHG present in the
atmosphere today.
Palm Desert is preparing for GHG mandates and the climate protection requirements
that will be specified by the California Air Resources Board. Local governments will be
required to address those issues within their control, such as building standards, land-
use, and local mass transit. Palm Desert has joined the International Council for Local
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 13
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Cities for Climate Protection and has used the Clean
Air and Climate Protection (CACP) software to develop a baseline of GHG emissions.
2. Sustainability Resource Areas
The Built Environment
The Built Environment refers to all man-made structures, from buildings, to roads and
resorts. It is the collective "impression" that mankind makes upon the Earth, often best
seen from an aerial perspective. It's how communities are built within a particular
geography for mobility, residential, educational, recreational, and business activity.
Palm Desert has been very conscientious about maintaining continuity in design of its
built environment. As one travels through the City, the different neighborhoods transition
seamlessly into each other. Older neighborhoods lie next to newer ones. Country club
communities mix with time-shares; a half dozen mobile home parks provide affordable
desert living. The variety of housing products is desirable to the community.
A thousand low and moderate income housing units are located within the City. Over
the past few years, neighborhood malls/shopping centers in the "Palm Desert style"
have been developed along the perimeter of town to provide neighborhood shopping,
while "big box" and large commercial buildings have emerged in the area along the
Interstate 10 corridor. Development has been tasteful and cohesive.
Buildings and the built environment are resource intensive. They are responsible for
nearly 40% of greenhouse gases, even more than transportation. In Palm Desert, the
built environment is dramatically shaped by golf courses and resorts. Much of Palm
Desert was built during an era of cheap and plentiful energy. Many homes lack
� insulation and advanced window glazingr Thus the City's greatest savings will come
from retrofitting this aging and energy-inefficient housing stock.
Principle
Retrofitting the existing building stock for sustainability is the City's Built Environment priority.
Building efficiency standards continue to ratchet up; "greener" designs are resulting in
more efficient and comfortable spaces. Green building ordinances �re exemplary in
maintaining a focus on green building in new construction.
Principle
I The City will maintain a focus on green building in new construction.
�
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' Deleted: — like Palm Desert's — I
� ���
� Deleted: concurrent � I
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 14
Addressing the Heat
Palm Desert faces a very significant built-environment challenge: Climate. Palm Desert
'�►' homes use an average of 50% more energy than similar homes elsewhere. This places
a tremendous burden on the serving utility, especially during peak periods, and a
tremendous cost on consumers.
Palm Desert addressed this head on by implementing building efficiency standards that
were more stringent than the State's Title 24 at tne time. In 2007, and after a detailed
technical appeal to the California Energy Commission, Palm Desert instituted the Green
Building Ordinance that ���,� r�ss�� energy usage in all new buildings, retrofits,
condominium conversions and tenant improvements. It required new structures to be
5% - 15% more efficient than Title 24. More recently, the City_has implemented the
u���tes to -f�ile 2� ,�aandated by .th_e State and implemented a Voluntary_ Green
B�.�ilcling Prcg���m�
Taking a Green Building Leadership Position
Palm Desert, with the support of the Building Industry Association and others, �c�::� early
action, updating the ,Green Building Ordinance to make all new construction in the City
adhere to both the new California Title 24 and its Green Building Code. This harmonizes
the green building industry in the State, and provides for the energy and environmental
benefits that Palm Desert continues to desire. The City implemented_ _t_he most recent
---
upd�te� [o the 8uilding Goci�, which m�de Green Building Code components
mandatory� _ _ _
Two other goals for the built environment reflect the City's commitment to high
performance and sustainable design for the desert environment. The �ommunity center
reflects this goal. Parking lots are tremendous heat sinks, thus greater shading will
reduce the urban heat island effect and keep cars cooler, in turn reducing air
conditioning requirements.
Goal
Promote measurable, high performance, sustainable design throughout the
The �City �ed by example on this goal with the design and construction of Carlos Ortega
Villas. Carlos Ortega Villas is a 72- unit senior rental housing project. Specifications
required that the project achieve a minimum of LEED Silver Certification, and ultimately
designed and j�ui6t a net zero energy project. Net zero energy use is the ability to
produce an amount of renewable energy on-site equal to the amount of energy required
to sustain the energy used by the project. Through projects such as Carlos Ortega
Villas, the City is not only able to lead by example, but to provide detailed information,
based on experience, to individuals interested in sustainable design.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 15
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' Deleted: There is an opportunity for Palm
! Desert to lead, specificalty by taking early action
! on the new California Green Building Code. It is
I an addition to Title 24 building code. The
� California Green Building Code will be optional
I initially and then phased into law.
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' Deleted: new
: • � .,,
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Goal
I�educe the fiea# island effect.
The premise of this goal would require a complete review and analysis of the
effectiveness of the City's current ordinances,pertaininq ia heat gain fram hard surfaces.
----
Th� Ciiy h�as surveyed the im I�ementation of shade req�iirements to determine where
_ _ _ __ —__
reductions haye achieved goals, and will cantinue to pu# fon�vard proposals to rec�uce
the heat island eff�ct
Recommended Actions
New Construction
Recommended Action BE 1
': � : � r� Eau�Idin�P
Solar Readiness
The City rL�uires that developers of production homes sell °solar ready" homes — with
conduits and junction boxes in place for future solar installations �s required by the
Buiic�irig God�. Developers must also offer at least one sample home with solar in place;
all homes for sale must have a solar option.
Recommended Action BE 2
Developers must seli "solar ready" homes (conduits, junction boxes, etc_).
Recommended Action BE 3
I pevelopers must offer one sample home with solar; all with solar option.
In addition, solar readiness will be further defined through building design to
accommodate panels on south-facing roofs, avoid penetrations and obstructions, while
providing sufficient structural engineering to allow for additional weight on the roof,
known as "dead load."
Net Zero Buildings
In 2004, Palm Desert built the first LEED certified building in the Coachella Valley, and
now it has �r�a�ay that qualify or are in process. Now the City will support the State's
move toward net zero energy building (NZE), includir�g educating residents aboa_,t the
cos�cepts cf r,�t zer� ��� �7�..i�l� �`� �/c�!�_e=�� =y t�:����;�� Buildinq Proaram�
Recommended Action BE 4
Develop, define, and promote a net zero energy building approach and timeline.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 16
n
Deleted: Increase parking lot shading to
minimize the heat island effect
_ __--- _ I'
�
'� Deleted: requiring parking lot shading
_ _ _ — ---_ . ._�-
:•a ; �
Deleted: Current ordinances, including the
I Parking Lot Shade Tree Ordinance, will be
revisited and revised to increase shading design
i and minimize the heat island effect. The final ',
outcome may require shade trees, carports, �
', light colored pavers, or some combination of ,
��. these. '.
._ - e
Deleted: Pass Green Building Ordinance to i
adopt the California Green Building Code,
Title 24 addition
�.:a �. .e:�}.i,�"�s�� � , . t�
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' features from the 2007 ordinance. Specificalty, t�
_ _ --
• • • , '
� Deleted: new ordinance will maintain the I
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Recommended Action BE 5
Provide incentives, plan, and coordinate demonstration project(s).
Existing Buildings
� While the California Building Code focus��s on new construction, important for making
sure that all new buildings are highly efficient, Palm Desert is largely "built out." This
means that to reap large energy savings benefits, the focus has to be on existing
� buildings. They can be surveyed for their efficiency and solar potential� the City can
assist the property owners in many ways, and the City can launch energy savings
campaigns for specific, hard-to-reach demographics.
Recommended Action BE 6
Survey existing buildings' efficiency, sustainability, and solar potentiaL =� �""� ��
Recommended Action BE 7
i the benefit to property owners offered by local, State and Federal #ax
incentives and rebates for retrofits.
Recommended Action BE 8
Design targeted homeowner energy education programs for specific demographic audiences.
Municipal Buildings
The City will continue to lead by making sure that its buildings are efficient. Upgrades
could include waterless urinals, modern climate controls and occupancy sensors,
efficient lighting, etc. As funding becomes available, the City will invest in additional,
cost-effective solar systems.
Recommended Action BE 9
Continue to retrofit/renovate Civic Center and other City buildings with advanced energy/water
efficiency measures.
COOlI110f1i�[2]: For discuss�on with Councd� ... �. �
: • � �:».
' Deleted: Green Building Ordinances and the
� .;
Deleted: s
Y ` '�9f�Q15 �:46 AM
�- -
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 17
Recommended Action BE 10
Add capacity to the soiar systems at Civic Center; move/incorporate carports that are currentiy
shaded.
Hotels and Resorts
� h .. .� ` ,-,�,,;
COrtlf110t1t [3]: Should we explore generahon and
sroragc
� The Set to Save program jnitiated a peer-to-peer hotel and resort energy management
program. The City supports this effort and participates in it. The City can also design a '� °' '
program for small hotels that will identify energy and dollar-saving opportunities, such ' oeietea: nas ;
as existing utility and state incentives and potentially EIP assessments.
Technical services can steer hoteliers toward specific measures to assist a hotel in
improving its bottom line, the comfort of its guests, and its contribution to sustainability.
Other program highlights being discussed are "mentoring" by the larger hotel chains,
hotel sustainability audits, technical support, and guest information services.
Recommended Action BE 11
I a hotel
A number of greening opportunities involve positioning Palm Desert as an eco-tourism
destination. Imagine visitors coming to Palm Desert to relax, but also to learn about
solar power, wind turbines, and geothermal energy. Conferences might be situated in
Palm Desert to demonstrate the principles in reality, and throughout the community.
There are a number of action plans to build this reputation, making it part of the visitor
experience. Eco-tours can be promoted. Locally, interested citizens can form to discuss
what the green country club of the future might look like.
Recommended Action BE 12
Work with Chamber et al to promote sustainability as part of the "visitor experience."
Recommended Action BE 13
�"
Recommended Action BE 14
Co-promote "Eco-Tours" of wind turbines, solar systems, desert ecosystems, wildlife, and the
Salton Sea.
Parking Lots
Parking lots offer potential for a number of sustainability upgrades. The City has a
parking lot ordinance seeking to provide shade on 50% of its parking stalls. Additional
recommendations for a study of this sector:
• Identify potential for solar-covered shaded spaces.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 18
, �
Deleted: Support Set to Save partners in
developing
�
. - �
� Deleted: Develop a task force to position � j
.� _ _ , : o , �_ � �
Deleted: Palm Desert as an "Eco-Tourism" (
destination. �
0
0
• Identify where upgrades to the surFace of the lot could be improved, for
permeability and/or to offset heat island effect.
�
• Provide preferred parking to encourage alternate energy and fueled
vehicles, hybrids, car share and carpool vehicles.
• Provide incentives to retrofit parking lot lighting with LED or other high-
efficiency lights.
Recommended Action BE 15
Assess potential for liqht-colored su
Recommended Action BE 16
Provide incentives andlor demonstrations for
Recommended Action BE 17
Assess potential for semi-per
Recommended Action BE 18
Provide incentives and/or demonstrations for se
Recommended Action BE 19
rovide preferential parking for alternate vehicles, hybrids, car share, carpooi
vehicles.
to reduce urban heat island effect.
ed parking lot surfaces.
neable pavinq systems.
Recommended Action BE 20
Provide incentives to retrofit parking lot lighting wi#h LED or other
Urban Forestry
'ir Trees in any community provide profound benefits, from shading to ambiance and
sense of permanence. The City of Palm Desert has been deliberate in growing its urban
forest, and in maintaining it. Recently the City completed an inventory of trees on public
land. These trees each sequester about 28 pounds of COZ per year.
�
Recommended Action BE 21
Continue urban forestry initiatives on City land to minimize urban heat island and maximize
sequestration.
Energy Management
Palm Desert has been a leader with energy management in the Coachella Valley for at
least a decade. Council, senior management and staff have masterfully guided Palm
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 19
' Ie Sauviat Crisfe 8/1912015 9:01 AM "
� -
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� Commetlt [4]: For discussion with City Councl '
Deleted: '
\�i��1i�'-4[... _ .. . I =Y-7 ' s " � '
Deleted: Recommended Action BE 22�;�,, �,
�
Desert to be an energy inspiration for all of California.lts Civic Center showcases solar
power. Palm Desert has joined the ranks of Berkeley and San Francisco as the
"sustainable energy pioneers" in California.
Principle
Continue to exhibit leadership by demonstrating energy efficiency and use of solar power.
Principle
Continue to exhibit leadership by financing property owners' efficiency upgrades and solar
installations.
Palm Desert's quest for energy independence — local responsibility in partnership with
� utilities -- has not gone without mention. This preeminence has expanded statewide,
and even nationally.
Community Energy Partnership
In 2002 the City of Palm Desert joined the Six Cities Energy Partnership ("the
Partnership"), an innovative utility-sponsored program managed by The Energy
Coalition, a non-profit organization based in Orange County.
With enthusiastic City leadership, and with the financial support of the Partnership
(funded by California ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities
Commission), the City took on a number of activities for the first time. Within two years
Palm Desert's accomplishments included:
• Drafting the City's first comprehensive Energy Plan
• Establishing the position of Director, Office of Energy Management for the City
• Planning for the Visitors Center building which received the first LEED rating
certification in the Coachella Valley, ultimately achieving the certification level of
LEED Silver
• Hosting the 2003 Aspen Accord of senior utility, city government, and California
Public Utilities Commission regulators
• Completing "efficiency tune-ups" that reached over 600 homes and 300
businesses
• Incorporating the Peak Student Energy Actions program in all elementary
schools
Over the next three years, the Community Energy Partnership continued and expanded
these energy efficiency efforts, bringing energy awareness and new efficiencies to
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 20
0
' Deleted: Its building standards eclipse Title ' '
. _ -- .
�� - °
Deleted: In the past two years, '
�
' Deleted: In the past three years, t
�
hundreds more families and businesses. Through door-to-door outreach activities,
community events, demonstration projects and recognition at City Hall, Palm Desert
made clear its commitment to saving energy for the benefit of its citizens and of the
`�rr State.
�
Set to Save
In 2005, the City of Palm Desert's leaders and members of the Aspen Accord signed
the "Estonia Protocol" drafted by City of Palm Desert Council members. Its objectives
led to the development of "The Palm Desert 30:30 Strategic Plan" in 2006. The bold
goals set forth by this document — to save 30% in electricity and natural gas
consumption in five years across the entire City -- drove significant energy actions in the
City,
The Energy Partnership between Palm Desert, Southern California Edison, The Gas
Company, and The Energy Coalition was first funded with $14,000,000 to implement the
"Set to Save" program. These funds — matched with City funds for local marketing and
outreach -- have been used in a number of ways:
• Establishing the Office of Energy Management and storefront
• Marketing "Set to Save," the partnership name for the 30:30 program
• Offering special incentives for early HVAC replacement and pool pump upgrades
• Offering free in-home and in-business energy audits
The City of Palm Desert intends to continue this partnership into the next utility funding
cycle with its utility partners, both Southern California Edison and Southern California
Gas. As the previous funding ended, the City jofned the regional Desert Clties Energy
P�it��ershi ta cantinue_ its�articipation in energy efficiency�rajects.and programs The
City's participation__in Set to Save achieved a reduction of 17% in energy use_ With the
end of the Set to Save Program, the City is now implementing CVAG's Green For Life
Frogr�m to n�eet energy effici�ncy_goals.
Goal
(;ontinue to promote ener�y e�ficie
Energy Independence Program
In 2008, the City's now well-known AB 811 legislation became law, proving that a small
city can leverage huge opportunities for all cities and counties in California. It amended
the California Streets and Highways Code and enabled municipal assessment districts
to include efficiency and renewable system upgrades.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 21
�
' Deleted: have driven
h ., . � - --
' Deleted: since then '
a - s +�
' Deleted: So far, the City is about 40 % of the
way to achieving the 30:30 goals. The work I
' continues at the time of this writing. '
b... � e
Deleted: Successfully complete the 3030
program
Palm Desert immediately launched the Energy Independence Program with a broad
vision of securing the energy future. The first in California, the Energy Independence
Program has provided loans for hundreds of homeowners and provided financing for
over $7.5 million in energy projects that will result in over $40 million in savings in time.
The success of these initiatives is significant. This Plan builds on dramatic successes,
setting the bar that much higher.
The City also set net zero building energy goals to support State initiatives, and to
support the local economy. While considered far-fetched a few years ago, the net zero
building movement provides architects and builders with new specialties and
opportunities for income generation, anc� will b� required for new home construction bv
2C20.
Goal
Encourage net zero energy
The City has also taken on legislative efforts regarding utility regulations and solar
tariffs. Working with Assembly member Brian Nestande, the City pursued a form of
feed-in tariff to compensate property owners for extra power they may produce when
they are out of town. This work continues. Palm Desert recognizes that local actions
must in many cases be enabled by changes at the State and federal level.
Recommended Actions,
Ooigoing Initiatives
With the end of Set to Save and the Energy Independence program, the City has
continued to look for and implement innovative strategies for energy use reductions. In
2015, it partnered with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to
impl_ement the_ r�ce ion_al Green For Life�ro.gram. Green For_Life includes a Volunt_ary
Green Building Program and Zero Net Energy Guide; an update to this Plan and the
City's �reenhouse gas inventory� an_d to_ols to help the City mana�e energy_ use at City
facilitie_s, inciuding use_of an ener,gy mana.gement program �EEMIS�,_ and the adoption
of Benchmarking and Retro-Commissioning_policies.
The_Citv has also extended its incentives for private investment in energy efficient
upgrades through two re�ional_PACE rp ograms: CV Upqrade and HERO,.. Both these
proqrams allow home and buildinq owners to levera�e their equity to fund energy
efficiencv��c rades. The City will continue to participate and seek out innovative
programs that encourage energy efficiency i.n all walks of life.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 22
�
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Deleted: to achieve 10% penetration of
new construction starts in five years I
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�ederal Stimulus
� � Immediate actions can be taken that are no cost. Others are low cost relative to their
benefits and need to be carefully evaluated. The City seeks to leverage program
opportunities, minimizing risk and maximizing citizen, business, and municipal benefit.
�
Recommended Action EM 9
Continue to track stimulus grant opportunities.
Program announcements are being made on numerous stimulus funding opportunities
that the City is tracking. Some funding opportunities require innovative partnerships and
arrangements that may require special attention.
Recommended Action EM 10
Develop partnerships and prepare grant applications for innovative projects.
There is a need to continue to foster a climate of suggestion and innovation within the
City, to continue to develop innovative partnerships, preparing grant applications, and
contract partnerships, focusing on and preparing for "the green moment."
Student Actions
The City recognizes the profound impact of students on our future. Thus, it will continue
to develop and deliver school programs such as PEAK. This can foster new lesson
plans, specials, field trips, etc. that excite kids and stimulate action. The City can
support projects to start "energy clubs" in local middle and high schools. Similarly, the
� City can continue to collaborate with COD to develop/enhance its "Energy
Management" course.
Recommended Action EM 11
Expand delivery of schooi energy efficiency programs to educate young families and leverage
lasting change.
Recommended Action EM 12
upport school programs with field trips, special speakers, "energy clubs" in
middie and high schools; etc. _
City Coordination with the Community
There are many roles for the City's staff in promotmg energy efficiency and
management. Given the dominance of energy management in the realm of cost
effective measures for sustainability, it is of great importance and will necessarily be of
growing importance. The roles provide a variety of customer services:
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 23
_ �
�� Deleted: Energy Independence Program i
� Loans �?;�'� �
� - --
Deleted: — such as administering the Energy
Independence Program --
� �Deleted: S � , ��, � � � � ��
. a�i' w_ . -: • � ' "
� Deleted: Office of Energy Management I
- —_ _
. . _ .-: • � .
� Deleted: existing Office of Energy
'� Management . 1
• Technical services such as advising and facilitating complete demonstration
home retrofits.
• Basic customer support helping citizens take advantage of Set to Save
discounts, Energy Independence Program financing.
• Providing a, showcase of demonstration items, with counter space and
meeting spaces for customers, ared periodic workshops.
• Proposal and grant writing: Proposals to be a smart meter demonstration city,
or micro-grid pilot.
• Maintain campaigns and program visibility, with technology give-aways, and
perhaps an electronics educational program for business.
Recommended Action EM 13
Help citizens with financing, solar incentives, contractor referrats, technica� assistance.
Working with the Fuel Cell Consortium, College of the Desert and/or other
educational/research organizations, and outside funding resources, Palm Desert will
explore installing a fuel cell power generation plant within one of its buildings. Fuel cells
� convert natural gas at high efficiencies,.
Recommended Action EM 14
Provide ' demo items, counter space, meeting area; periodic 101 workshops on
efficiency and solar.
• Advertising campaigns (Web site, BrightSide, Desert Sun, etc.).
• Partner with manufacturers, installers to get group purchase discounts.
• Develop and deliver special "senior savings" campaign.
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meeting 30:30 program goals while
demonstrating the City's thirst for first-hand
experience with new and promising ',
technologies
. _ _ . _ J
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City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 24
�
_
Recommended Action EM 15
Propose to be a smart meter demonstration city to encourage and track community and
individual meter usage and savings.
Recommended Action EM 16
Maintain campaigns and program visibility; use contests and technology giveaways, e.g.,
smart power strips, etc.
Recommended Action EM 17
Develop "plug-load" electronics education and action program for businesses and institutions.
Recommended Action EM 18
Develop proposal for homeowners association demonstration micro-grid to demonstrate net
zero concept.
Recommended Action EM 19
Plan demonstration project to showcase fuel cell technology in large hotel or institution.
Messaging
Several actions relate to messaging, and keeping the word fresh and current in the
community about sustainability, and in this case energy management.
Recommended Action EM 20
Maintain the message of "save energy, money, and the environmenY' through on-going
advertising, BrightSide, etc. _
Recommended Action EM 21
Partner with manufacturers and installers to get and promote group purchase discounts.
Recommended Action EM 22
Develop and deliver special "senior savings" campaign.
Program Design
While IID serves a small fraction of the City of Palm Desert, residents within these
pockets do not currently have access to programs funded by Edison. This complicates
marketing Set to Save, as well as Energy independence Program assessments and
California Solar Initiative rebates. The City can work with IID to develop comparable
programs and services.
Recommended Action EM 23
I Encourage IID to offer additional energy-saving programs
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 25
� Deleted:���" � �. �'
.:^`4.. y `' . �I{_^1[_ ' • S IIlsi:/: �
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�IDeleted: with fask force participation and
specific recommendations
Policy Initiatives
AB 811 Financinq Provisions: At the Federal level, Palm Desert ras b�en active in
promoting tax-exempt financing for AB 811 loans. This would lower interest rates,
making the program more attractive to participants, and increasing energy savings and
thus climate protection values. A new opportunity involves,r����+on�' P,�G� �>roc�rams.
Recommended Action EM 24
Continue to promote tax-exempt financing and government backed bonds for -~F t s�si^
loans v, .,
Feed-In Tariffs: The City of Palm Desert continues to promote effective feed-in tariffs in
the California legislature to provide a complementary incentive structure for solar
developments — particularly related to multi-metered commercial and residential
properties -- so that cost-effective solar production can be maximized and excess power
generation from a solar system can be fairly compensated.
Recommended Action EM 25
Continue to promote feed-in tariff legislation for owners to maximize rooftops through solar
power development and to help the City achieve its COz reduction goais.
Utility Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) advocacv: One of the most profound
aspects of Palm Desert's carbon footprint is electricity, and its relative carbon content.
As the utilities achieve their RPS goals, their emissions are lessened. In turn, Palm
Desert's footprint is lessened.
For this reason, Palm Desert is interested, and may elect to lobby for, goals being met
despite the challenges. The City can also track regulatory matters at the CPUC and
CEC, preparing testimony and testifying as warranted on utility regulations from RPS to
efficiency portfolios.
Recommended Action EM 26
Continue to advocate that utilities achieve renewable portfolio standards.
Recommended Action EM 27
Track, comment, influence CPUC hearings/CEC meetings on efficiency/c
istributed qeneration.
,�,��s',�";°��, ' � c: u,:
Deleted: continues to be
�
Deleted: bonds backed with federal
�l,guarantees i
e
� Deleted: EIP I �
r�
One proven means of developing regulatory and legislative interest is by ��3d,r�«s�� ��zig a
Leadership Palm Desert program of young and upcoming professionals in the °'
community. This form of workforce has been used to tackle issues of importance Ifl ' Deleted: forming
other cities; these young professionals may well be eager for policy engagement.
Recommended Action EM 28
� � a Citizens Sustainability Committee to advise City end promote °Leadership Palm
', Desert" for young professionals.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 26
ns� 8119f2(T96 6:54 ANI
��--. .
Renewable Energy
� � The City reaiize:; th�t jt will have to promote solar power, Current incentives may be #
insu�cient. Thus the City may provide additional incentives, or piggy-back incentives, if p' " "' `
need be. This need will be tracked; potentially limited OPF2rS C211 I�2 @XpIOf2(i t0 Sj�Uf ' Deleted: realizes ihat to reach its 30:30 goals ,)
local investments and thus economic activity and jobs. �� "�` ` ix 4���
Deleted: in a significant way
Recommended Action EM 29
Explore the need/opportunity for additional incentives for renewable e
�
Recommended Action EM 30
additional incentives to help reach
Green Jobs
Jobs have been mentioned throughout the Plan. Strategically shifting to environmental
sustainability will open up many avenues for green jobs, from low-level manual labor, to
highly trained engineering and other technical services. The City can proactively work
with its institutions of higher learning — College of the Desert, Cal State San Bernardino,
and University of California Riverside at Palm Desert — to promote green curricula and
training programs.
Recommended Action EM 31
� Working with College ofi the Desert, ; ��r> ..� �Yrt�r���� technical training in the areas of
energy efficiency and renewables.
Recommended Action EM 32
Support Cal State in expanding research capabilities into aiternative fuels, transportation,
energy, water. _
Recommended Action EM 33
Promote a new course in environmental studies/sustainability at University of California
Riverside at Palm Desert.
Recommended Action EM 34
Identify and promote meaningful jobs in the economy that are attractive for younger
generations.
Local Level
Energy, naturally, is a critical resource. Electricity, the most refined energy product, is
responsible for nearly 40% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Palm Desert is
directed to focus on electricity use and how to reduce its use while maintaining services.
Energy management at the local level is done through ordinance�.
installations.
��a�. .� ,. � .,...�V K .. �.,.>. ,��. ..� ,v � ..
� Deleted: Provide� �y
��sCe �i�912Q15 9:29,�+i a�
�-
�� Deleted: et business school �I
, �
'� Deleted: such as the "solar ready" ordinance .;
in the Built Environment section
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 27
Long Term
Long-term energy visions for Palm Desert range considerably. Many Resource Team
members believe that the City can go far beyond simply reducing energy use in the
future. With a strong trio of wind, sunshine, and geothermal energy, the Coachella
Valley is rich in renewable energy.
This Plan suggests that these explorations be considered by ��7e Sustainability
Committee, recognizing that there is merit in exploring possibilities and finding '" '"
potentially unique opportunities. This can take the form of incentives per kW of capacity °eietea: a P�°P°Sed
(to complement the CSI incentives), expedited permitting, negotiable variances (height,
architectural review), and City-sponsored recognition.
Materials Management
Palm Desert takes great pride, and deserves recognition, for its comprehensive efforts
with materials management. When California passed AB 939, the Integrated Waste
Management Act of 1989, Californians were throwing away 90% of their waste.
Diverting half of this from landfills by the year 2000 seemed impossible.
Within a single year, Palm Desert instituted its first curbside recycling program. By the
year 2000, Palm Desert reached and surpassed the 50% diversion goal. The diversion
rate �tc�od at 72"% in 20Q�, �n�� h�d risen to 74% ir� 2014,.
This success was certainly not without effort. The City and its staff took action
promoting recycling at fairs, schools, and community events, launching and maintaining
the "Recycle Binny" advertisements, instituting commercial recycling programs,
managing commercial solid waste disposal, supporting green waste and biomass fuel
programs, developing demonstration food waste programs, and helping to develop local
markets for recycled materials.
When one thinks of materials management and progressive waste management,
recycling immediately comes to mind. But recycling is only one element of waste
management. Waste management involves landfills, composting facilities, incinerators,
etc. Recycling is third priority of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and "Recover."
Principle
The City embraces a"cradle-to-cradle" approach to materials management, from its
manufacturing to disposal and reuse.
Waste management is an element of the larger field called "materials management." It
consists of management of the entire "life cycle" of materials — the make-up and origin
of original components or products, how they are managed during their useful life, and
how they are dealt with at the end of their lives. This is known as a"cradle to grave"
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 28
K�I`rcaPe Sauviat Criste'8119t2015 8:30 AM
� -
�
' Deleted: is now at 72 % �
_ --__ _ ----
�
' Deleted: and growing '
�
�
perspective. This is refined with a"cradle-to-cradle" approach in which there is no
disposal, only re-use and "net zero."
� Goal
I Increase overall City landfill diversion
Goal
Pioneer innovative recycling approaches with commercial segments such as restaurants and
hotels.
Recommended Actions
Raising Awareness
,
' � Deleted: from 72 % to 75 % in five years �'
�� ��� a. a « ' . a
� Comment [5]: The Building Code now requires '.
�h�s
�, • �'�:� : � - _,,; , ,i� �, :
. �
Deleted: Goal �
� Without question, �c�ntinuing to ir-�cr��;.a=�e th� diversion rate will involve continued , _
marketing and outreach, raising awareness to boost participation levels. This can be '''' "
done in a variety of ways, none particularly compelling, but essential in aggregate. The De1ecea: a�n�e���9 a �e��
notion of developing and marketing a"green supplier of the month" speaks to the times.
Recommended Action MM 1
Continue recycling and re-use awareness through initiatives with schools, civic groups,
volunteers, etc.
Recommended Action MM 2
Develop targeted educational materials for young students, seniors, businesses, etc.
Recommended Action MM 4
Develop a"Palm Desert Green Su
City Leadership
r of the Month" promotion.
The City of Palm Desert has led in materials management, and will continue to do so
through purchasing policies, waste stream audits, and action plans.
Recommended Action MM 5
Enhance municipal purchasing policy to recognize sustainable materials management.
Recommended Action MM 6
Audit waste streams of government buildings to ascertain baseline usage. Begin with Civic
Genter.
a
Deleted: Recommended Action MM 3
�
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 29
Recommended Action MM 7
Set goals, policies, and procedures based on waste stream audit. Re-evaluate every two
vears.
Recommended Action MM 8
Implement program to reach municipal diversion goal including investments in bins, signage,
etc.
Deeper Education
Part of an effective campaign is capturing interest. WhaYs interesting about recycling?
The "Dirty Dozen" program is an ongoing means of shedding light on particularly difficult
materials to recycle. It is aimed to marshal community involvement and change
behavior.
For example, the "Dirty Dozen" might include Styrofoam food service containers, or
plastic bags, or Styrofoam packaging peanuts. Engage residents by developing a
contest based on getting residents to send in their list of offenders.
Recommended Action MM 9
Create an "Annual Dirty Dozen" initiative to focus community efforts on the least recyciable
materiais.
Recommended Action MM 10
home composting information.
Food Waste
Managing food waste is more challenging than managing green landscaping or wood
waste, yet is vital if Palm Desert is to reach sustainability goals. Palm Desert has
encouraged food waste management in the past; a reinvigorated effort is
recommended. A food waste demonstration project starts with education about ordering
and preparing food to avoid waste in the first place, then moves to distribution of excess
food, and finally to dealing with food waste. This can be developed in conjunction with
neighboring cities.
Recommended Action MM 11
Introduce the pilot food waste program to markets, hotels, and mor� t����p
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 30
�� � S�r,� GrisYe #l"[.Sf2ti1 � 9 41,�.�r1; ;,
�- .- -
�
Composting at home — or in HOAs, businesses, schools or other facilities — is relatively
easy, healthful and very effective at reducing amounts of green and some organic
waste. Composting can also be combined with community gardens. A composting
�►' workshop helps participants understand what can and can't be composted, which bins
or containers are available or appropriate, and how to keep the compost pile "healthy
and active."
Recommended Action MM 12
Work with Burrtec to create a food waste demonstration
Gonstruction Materials
for homes and businesses.
Re-use of construction materials will help in many ways, eliminating waste and
providing high quality materials. A creative idea is to open a center and to build a City-
sponsored database that lists inventory at the facility. Then contractors (and
homeowners) can buy, sell, and swap. The City might also sponsor lectures or training
sessions on salvaging recycled building materials.
Recommended Action MM 13
Identify and arrange for storage area/facility for reusable construction building materia�s.
Recommended Action MM 14
Build and update City-sponsored database that lists inventory at the re-usable construction
material facilitv.
Recommended Action MM 15
Support training for architects and green builders on the use of salvaged recycled building
materials.
Recycling Incentives
.r The City has and will remain open to all sorts of creative means of giving incentives and
recognition. It will consider adopting or designing a recycling "rewards" program that
identifies the amount of waste generated by a particular family or business and gives
points for rewards. Schools, apartment complexes, and business parks can compete for
prizes based on recycling.
Recommended Action MM 16
Explore needlcost for additional incentives for recycling and materials management.
Recommended Action MM 17
Promote a"Recyciing Rewards" system to identify waste champions diverting the highest
percent waste.
� .. �
` � :��,�
�:� .�.., .. _ � . . � � �, � . v, � �. .
COmOlCtit [6]: Delete this section �Diffiwit for
Ciry ro fers�biy implement ,
___ -- _
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 31
Recommended Action MM 18
Establish waste reduction competitions with prizes for schools, apartment complexes, and
business parks.
Mandatory Recycling
Recommended Action MM 19
Draft and pass ordinances for mandatory residential and commercial recycling
Key to mandatory recycling is the means for all to participate. The City will work with its
� vendor, Burrtec, to make bins available to all residents and businesse�,
Recommended Action MM 20
I City project recycling requirements: 100% inert, 75% other
Recommended Action MM 21
� � � � `:; i��� residential
� Deleted: by 2012
e ,
. ' y .
Deleted:
Deleted: . It will then begin to draft ordinance
for mandatory use to be required by 2012 for all
residential and commercial customers.
d2bflS .;. I � Deleted: Immediate
Recommended Action MM 22
Make bins available to all residents, businesses, and construction sites; provide periodic bin
inspections.
Enforcement will require both penalties and incentives. Penalties will come in the form
of "red tagging" a construction or renovation project until recycling requirements are
met.
� ,Regional Air Quality
Coming from the Los Angeles Basin into the Coachella Valley, one is struck by the
difference in air quality. In the desert, it seems as though mountains are clearer and
closer; colors are at the same time brighter and more nuanced. Take a deep breath, no
smell of diesel. At night, stars are clearly visible. This is the desert that attracts people
from all over the country and visitors from all over the world.
But long-time residents have more to say about air quality: "On a bad day, you can
watch the smog blowing down the valley from Los Angeles." "High winds and blowing
sand that caused problems for motorists in the Coachella Valley on Tuesday are
expected through Wednesday afternoon. In Palm Springs, police shut down Gene Autry
Trail at the wash about 2:30 p.m. due to "zero visibility." (weather report) Clearly, air
quality is an issue for Palm Desert — and an issue that will require not only local efforts
but regional cooperation to address.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 32
Deleted: s
Deleted: Enact by 2011 an ordinance for
Deleted: , that requires mandatory diversion
of 100 % inert, 75 % other debris by 2012
FlSC $119�20�5 �:4$ PM
� :
Principie
Palm Desert is committed to regional coilaboratives to combat negative regional air quality.
"� Palm Desert lies within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), the
local agency responsible for implementing and enforcing emissions primarily from
stationary sources of air pollution. Emission standards for mobile sources within the
region are set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In addition to these agencies, ,C1'�: ;G plays a significant role in addressing local air
quality issues. Palm Desert has been and will continue to be committed to working with
each of these to alleviate air quality concerns.
Air quality in Palm Desert is impacted by growth and activity in the Los Angeles Basin.
With prevailing winds traveling from the west, every day the Coachella Valley "imports"
smog and dust. Coastal cities have improved their air quality, but steady increases in
population and attendant development — particularly in Riverside County — have
resulted in little reprieve for the desert.
Principle
The City will actively address local air quality issues.
During the development process, there is a potential to negatively impact air quality if
soil stabilization techniques are not implemented. When construction occurs over the
delicate cover of the desert floor, the natural groundcover is disturbed and sand
becomes airborne. Over the past 20 years, Palm Desert has addressed these man-
made Particulate Matter — 10 (PM-10) issues; the region is verging on achieving
attainment status now.
Goals and Visions
� The most basic vision is just and far-reaching: The goal for air quality in Palm Desert is
for there to be no visible smog or particles in the air. A second goal is to help the
Coachella Valley meet State and Federal air quality standards, for the health and safety
of all Valley residents.
Goal
Reduce airborne particulates during annual over-seeding pr
Goal
� Work in regional collaboration toreci���� PM 10 from the air.
Goal
Continue participation with South Coast Air Quality Management District to support PM 2.5
I reduction.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 33
: • � . . :� . �
' Deleted: the Coachella Valley Association of I
' Governments (CVAG), of which Palm Desert is
' a member,
��b��a�'� €s `���. � ��' a.'���
� � , �:,..., � � �"�. " �a �, `.
� CORIfIICOt [7]: Elimina[ion of PM in Ihe Valley is '�..
not possible '
'�^� �„ .. . . w � .. � , �
__
�� ��"
� Deleted: remove � '
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� Deleted: removal �,i
�
The recommended action steps presented in this section fall into two primary
categories: outdoor and indoor air quality. Other sections of this Plan also support the
City's goals for air quality, for instance encouraging less driving.
Regional and State Policies
Working with CVAG includes helping to select projects to be funded by "non-attainmenY'
fees. The City can support CVAG with written and oral testimony as needed in hearings
and committee meetings.
Recommended Action RAQ 1
Continue to work with and support CVAG in devefoping regional solutions to air quality issues.
Recommended Action RAQ 2
Track and support as warranted, regional, state, national, and international policies to clean
the air.
Landscaping
One of the major pollutants of outdoor air comes from seasonal "scalping" of turf, both
residential and on golf courses.
In 2008 CVAG created a model ordinance for member jurisdictions and developed a
landscaping certification program for landscaping companies, with the recommendation
that enforcement take place in the business license process.
Recommended Action RAQ 3
� sustainable landscape education program for current a�d prospective home
owners and home owners associations.
Visitor Information
Visitors to Palm Desert have long expressed their desire to have it "lush." They like
green vegetation and rushing waters. ,�015 ds�auc�hi cond+tinr7s ft�sced resideolts �n�
_ _ _
F�usiress�; to learn quickly h�ow Co red��ce t�ei; Uv.�ter us�
fe Sauvi�t �ri�,te`Sti9F2Q't510:�1 AluC
�_ . ._ _..
` aautxiat Griste 8t1St2p�51b:0t
� _,
9
', Deleted: This speaks to the need to begin a j
gradual process of education on the beauty of !
' nalural desert landscaping.
__.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 34
r� �; e
, . .�.. ,d, r
�_.�'
�
Recommended Action RAQ 4
Develop additional community and visitor information to highlight the benefits of desert
landscaping.
Potential Landscaping Incentives
There are a number of ineans of providing incentives for water efficient landscaping, For
instance, the City ��ar�r�ers with CVWD to offer incentives for replacing turf with native
low water-use plants, trees and ground cover. The City can partner with AQMD to hold
periodic "lawn-mower trade-ins" to replace gasoline-powered lawn mowers with
electrical models. �t can promote the services of "solar landscaping services" (that use
on-site solar power to recharge their equipment) and other landscapers who use green
practices in their professions.
Recommended Action RAQ 5
Explore additional incentives to encourage residents to change their landscaping practices.
Recommended Action RAQ 6
mplement incentives for replacing turf with native low water-use plants, trees,
ground cover and "hardscapes."
Recommended Action RAQ 7
C ooperate with SCAQMD to hold "lawn-mower trade-ins°, to replace gasoline-
powered lawn mowers with electric models or push mowers.
Indoor Air Quality
People spend as much as 90% of their time indoors. The health of our homes and work
places, therefore, is profound. Studies have shown that the levels of pollutants inside
buildings can be as much as 2- 5 times higher than outdoor levels.
Indoor air quality is negatively affected by a number of factors:
• Building materials release gases into the space.
• Indoor air quality suffers from a lack of ventilation, high temperatures and
humidity.
Fortunately, healthier building materials are rapidly becoming more available at
competitive prices and many lessons are being learned about making healthier living
and work environments.
The,Bu�Ic�ir�g �ode contains requirements for ventilation (during construction) and a 14-
day flush-out process before a building is inhabited. These �onstruction standards also
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 35
.
Deleted::
_+ __ .
Deleted: wili partner _ _ ;
..a �
Deleted: And it I
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� _—
_ _ • , � a a �
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,�. ��r��-
� Deleted: - �
�
' Deleted: Green Building Standards Code i
coming into effect at year end 2009 __�
_; .
---
Deleted: new i
list volatile organic compound limits for paints and coatings, carpets, flooring, and
insulation.
Since Palm Desert is mostly built out, the focus on cleaning the air needs to be on
existing buildings and to intervene during remodeling. Most homes and businesses are
continually refreshing or re-decorating interior spaces — and they can be encouraged to
use healthier building materials and to install air-to-air heat exchangers in extreme
situations.
Raising IAQ Awareness
There are many ways to raise awareness about indoor air quality. A basic means is to
develop and distribute a flyer specifically on indoor air quality for property owners and/or
contractors. Information might be distributed at the permitting desk of the City;
brochures at retail establishments where paints, carpeting, etc. are sold. The City can
prepare and publish alerts in the BrightSide, on the City Website, and potentially outside
advertising resources. The City can also support presentations to home owners
associations and other community groups, service clubs, and church groups.
Recommended Action RAQ 8
Develop a strategy and plan for raising awareness on indoor air quality including brochures for
home owners and contractors.
Recommended Action RAQ 9
Provide community information through the BrightSide, City website, etc.
Cleaning Products
Indoor air quality can also be affected by products that property owners typically use for
cleaning. New "green" products are coming onto the market and Palm Desert will
identify reference materials and links that sell "green" cleaning products and post them
on the City's website for their promotion. The City can partner with manufacturers of
green cleaning products to provide discounts for Palm Desert consumers. This might
include a coupon in the BrightSide.
Recommended Action RAQ 10
Promote healthy and non-polluting consumer cleaning products through web site information
via a link on the City website and through publications in the BrightSide community newsietter.
Recommended Action RAQ 11
�tilize green cleaning products for munici ��' �' ;�'"�i�a�i���where feasible. �, ,<
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 36
�
�
?`4 . . ..� o : ai�,.a�',�..�.
COOlrtlent [8): Consider deletion. This is a private ��
sector activrtv
�' � ��� :��
, .. .,,�.,. . . �.a�.:�o� ^.v�ww:; .,
, I Deleted: U I ;
Transportation Resources
The City of Palm Desert has been a transportation leader in the Coachella Valley, and
�" the State and nation. In 1977, Palm Desert helped found the regional SunLine Transit
Agency to develop and run low-emission buses. Its fleet includes the most efficient and
clean burning buses in the world.
In 1993, Palm Desert sponsored Assembly Bill 1229 which allowed residents to use golf
carts for travel to schools, parks, businesses, shopping centers and government offices.
It was the first city in the nation to do so.
In 2001, when the South Coast Air Quality Management District implemented Rule
2202, Palm Desert established an employee commute program to reduce emissions by
providing incentives for alternative means of transportation. The City's Public Works
Department has made it a practice of replacing all gasoline-powered vehicles with
hybrid and alternate-fuel powered cars and trucks. And over 50 miles of committed
bicycle trails have been established, often in conjunction with golf cart lanes/routes. This
represents more bike trails than the rest of valley combined.
This leadership has resulted in a) transportation options, b) greater efficiency, and c)
cleaner air.
Principle
Palm Desert wiil enhance mobility and quality of life for residents and visitors by offering
transportation options.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that transportation sources
accounted for 28% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2006. Transportation is
also the fastest-growing source of GHGs in the U.S. and is expected to increase
another 48% by 2025. At the local level, this translates into traffic congestion.
�' For Palm Desert to enhance its transportation and the mobility of its residents, it will
explore means of providing transportation options. It will reinvigorate the SunLine bus
system, continue to promote more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly modes,
and increase vehicle occupancy rates.
SunLine
The crown jewel of Palm Desert's commitment to transportation management is the
SunLine Transit Agency. Palm Desert's partnership with SunLine Transit Agency was
essential to establishing the regional bus line; Palm Desert's stewardship of the line has
been and continues to be essential to its progressive management.
Thanks to a loan from the City of Palm Desert, SunLine opened for business in 1977
just five years after Palm Desert was founded. It is now the Valley's transportation link
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 37
with a network of established routes. It has offered a variety of different-sized vehicles
from its first years in business. In conjunction with College of the Desert, SunLine
helped develop the Energy Technology Training Center for mechanics.
In 1994, SunLine converted its fleet to 100% Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). In 2000,
SunLine became a founding partner in the International Fuel Cell Consortium. In 2005,
the first in-service, hydrogen-fueled electric hybrid bus joined the SunLine fleet.
SunLine's successes have been recognized around the world, and Palm Desert
residents have benefitted from the years of low and even no-emission public
transportation.
Goals
The City of Palm Desert has been a leader in transportation, and will continue to be so.
This Plan sets goals for cutting gasoline use —through more efficient vehicles and fewer
vehicle miles travelled — both within the City government itself, and throughout the
community.
Given the enormity of GHGs related to automobile transportation, the City of Palm
Desert has taken and will continue to take a multifaceted, carefully staged approach to
transportation demand management.
Goal
I Cut municipal fleet gasoline
Goal
I Community-wide, reduce gasoline use,,
Goal
I Increase passenger miles in alternative vehicles and
This Plan takes into account a number of factors related to mobility in and out of Palm
Desert. Mobility that takes place within the City can involve walking, biking, golf carts,
and buses, not just autos. With its location in the center of the Coachella Valley, Palm
Desert is bound closely to its neighbors and to regional transportation trends and
issues. As a tourist and retail center, Palm Desert serves as a destination, drawing tens
of thousands of visitors from outside the area to its resorts and shopping areas.
The workers and suppliers who support these activities are also pulled in from outside
the City on a daily basis. This dramatic influx constantly challenges the City's traffic
management experts, and is responsible for regular congestion, time delays, and a
decrease in air quality.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 38
�
e i�
Deleted: by 5% in two years; 10 % in five
years
�m� , ea
Deleted: by 5% in five years, 10 % in ten I
years
.. .. ..........._�
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Deleted: by 10 % in five years throughouC�
' the City
�
Biking
There is nothing more fundamental than offering safe walking and biking opportunities
� to Palm Desert residents. Great strides have already been made to accommodate these
� forms of transit. �y increasing these opportunities, intra-city vehicle miles travelled can
be cut by 5- 10%.
The City will continue to make sure that pedestrians have ample and safe sidewalks as
well as crosswalks. The City will continue to promote biking through the development of
bike lanes and in some instances bike paths. This Plan calls for increasing the
connectivity of Class 1 and 2 bike lanes and golf cart lanes to provide access
throughout the city.
Recommended Action T 1
Develop plan for increasing the connectivity �;Class 1 and 2 bicycle lanes and golf cart lanes.
Recommended Action T 2
Enhance the CitV's solar bus
Recommended Action T 3
Expand the Walk-to-Work
educational groups.
with free electric
stations.
and Bike-to-Work campaigns with the help of bicycling clubs,
Other ways of promoting biking include expanding the City's solar bus stop program
with free electric bicycle recharging stations. The City can also identify existing
alternative-commuter facilities such as bike racks. It can also study the requirement and
potential for additional facilities to promote bike commuting.
Commuter Programs (City)
Alternative commuter incentives will be promoted within the City government and to
'�.r other employers. This helps to avoids peak travel time, which in turn increases safety,
and allows for cool early morning biking. The City can promote alternate fuel and/or
hybrid limousines and taxis.
Recommended Action T 4
Explore partnerships to increase "Rideshare Reward" incentives for golf cart, bicycle travel to
work.
Shuttles and Taxis
The City also can explore mass transit options for visitors' and locals' airport
connections, and enhancing and developing resort employee mass transit program.
Other options include incentives — such as bonus and buddy tickets for students,
tourists, seniors. The City can explore developing recognition program such as "Clean
� �
Deleted: Cunently the City is seeking a
"Bicycle Friendly Community" designation.
__
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 39
Air Citizen of the Week." ./� key challenge and opportunity is exploring how resorts can
lessen reliance on private automobiles to enhance the visitor experience.
Recommended Action T 5
Explore options for promoting multi-person vehicles for local transport: shuttles, vans, and
taxis.
� „
, �.,�Av �N� � �,,,,�
�Recommended Action T 7 's ; �
Enhance and deve�op resort employee mass transit program. '"
Recommended Action T 8
Develop incentives — such as bonus and buddy tickets -- for students, tourists, seniors.
Recommended Action T 9
Immediately promote taxi and limousine services that employ alternative fuels or hybrid
technoloaies.
Recommended Action T 10
Develop City policies requir
Traffic Management
taxi and limousine services to be clean air vehicles.
There are a number of options for traffic management, some involving commuters,
others involving truckers. Homeowner associations can establish sites to encourage
ride sharing for work and shopping. A commuter ride-share site already exists. The City
can publish it with community partners.
Recommended Action T 11
C r. _�,;- coordinate traffic management with adjacent cities.
Recommended Action T 12
Provide support for homeowner associations' sites for ride sharing for work,
Recommended Action T 13
Publicize existing commuter ride-share site.
� :
Deleted: Addressing lessons learned from t�
failed Shopper Hopper, intended to move
passengers easily from the resorts to EI Pas�
will be instructive. J
s- . . - c • a�. t a �
Deleted: Recommended Action T 6 �, x
�31A�R S1 �f�S�� F a u ^$Y"����°�i
,.e:.txm;� wa'�n�3r�a.'��a �.,��P 5 �; "���a;� �
COIllrt1011t [9]: 7hese are a private sector {
function. Recommend deletion.
w��°��� � ���: ��a
„�a .`�'. .,�;-,n.. � �a « �• _.
. COfntlletlC (10]: Seek direc6on from Council,
. • i . i���
I � Deleted: Develop and �
���� �i A� >��� � � � a . .
c `�� , , ,,..,,��°
COmment [ll]: This is a private sector functioa '-
Recommend deletion. .
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 40
Community Education
There is no question that despite SunLine's great success, it is falling short of its
'�...Y potential in terms of popular acceptance and use. People may like to look at the buses,
but most don't ride them. Despite efforts to build ridership, it is generally relegated to
those that can't afford cars.
Mass transit is at the core of sustainability. Its energy intensity — measured in BTU's per
revenue passenger mile — varies wildly from single occupancy vehicles, to buses and
rail systems. This Plan begins a process of developing an outreach strategy to promote
mass transit.
The City can publish information and incentives in the "Brightside" and "Desert Sun" and
on the City's website, develop outreach campaigns for schools and local businesses,
and provide full information on mass transit options at employment centers. The City
can also work with SunLine on new promotions.
Recommended Action T 14
Develop outreach strategy to re-educate the public about transportation options within their
communitv.
Recommended Action T 15
Publish transportation maps, options and incentives in the "Brightside" and "Desert Sun" and
on the City's website.
Alternative Fuels
There are a number of ways to promote alternative transportation. These include
financing options as well as government mandates, and in this case, leading by
example.
��,. Palm Desert intends to promote alternative fuels in a number of ways, through
upholding City fleet purchasing requirements, encouraging local employers to take
similar actions, continuing to explore new technologies to reduce VMT and emissions,
encouraging suppliers to the City to use alternate-fuel vehicles, partnering with hybrid or
alternate vehicle manufacturers to demonstrate new vehicles, and working with
government and non-governmental organizations to demonstrate new fuel mixes.
Recommended Action T 16
City fleet purchasing requirements for alternative fuels.
Recommended Action T 17
Encouraqe employers in the City to develop policies to promote alternative fuel fleets.
Sauveai Criste 8113120151 q:12 AM
� - -
COffITOOt [12]: This is a private sector func[ion. ���.
Recommeud deletio��. �
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 41
Recommended Action T 18
Incent repetitive vendors to the City to use alternate-fuel vehicles.
Recommended Action T 19
Partner with alternate vehicle manufacturers, universities, etc. to demonstrate new vehicles
and new fuel mixes.
Recommended Action T 20
Establish procurement policy for contracted emergency vehicles to the greatest extent
possible. 'i
City Fleet
Palm Desert can boast an impressive array of alternatively fueled and propelled
vehicles. The City uses compact hybrids to run errands, and maintains trucks for heavy
earth moving. Public Works has taken several effective steps to be more and more
efficient. All agree, there is more that can be done with the City fleet.
For instance, replace larger trucks with smaller vehicles as appropriate, promote trip
planning (multiple tasks, one trip), and create contests, recognition events for
employees.
Recommended Action T 21
Optimize City fleet usage: Replace larger trucks with smaller vehicles as appropriate; promote
trip planning.
Recommended Action T 22
Create contests, recognition events for employees for reduced vehicle rtailes �`„ ��Isd {VniFF} "`'
Visitor Transportation
Visitors come to Palm Desert from around the world to enjoy its weather, golf, country
clubs, and exceptional ambience. The winter desert is wonderful, especially so to those
escaping the sleet, snow, and deep-freezes of their homes. Visitors come to thaw and
relax. Many look forward to NO driving!
For many visitors to Palm Desert, the experience begins at the Palm Springs airport.
There, visitors must typically rent cars, or take expensive taxis to their destinations. This
Plan promotes a convenient and relatively inexpensive alternative for airport
connections for both visitor experience and sustainability.
Recommended Action T 23
Work in collaboration with resort community to develop convenient, efficient airport-resort
shuttles.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 42
�+�'�ma�:.�4,s,sv".+.�.h � ��`�.a�eF�� �R ��.a���, �� � ,�iN$..
�
� COrnlnent [13]: The technology Is not yet �..
� available fqr effective emecgency vehicle alternative ',
fuels Recommend deletion
�
Once at their destinations, visitors who elect not to rent cars still have transportation
� needs. To fulfill the auto-free vacation requirements, tt�e City will explore providing
� additional bus stops, shuttle links, additional frequencies, downtown and conference
connections, etc.
Recommended Action T 24
Assure that hotei guests have ample transportation options and connections throughout their
visits.
Regional Transportation
Recent statistics show that there are nearly twice as many jobs in Palm Desert as there
are living units. Workers come to Palm Desert from outside on a daily basis, and then
travel through it to return home at the end of their workday. Nearly all of them use
personal automobiles for transportation.
The situation, from an energy, air quality, and congestion standpoint, is untenable and
inherently unsustainable. As such, the City of Palm Desert takes a long-term view to
effective transportation management. Palm Desert plans to continue to support the bus
system and help expand its effectiveness, support increased ridership through new
marketing and outreach and incentives, continue to support regional initiatives.
Recommended Action T 25
Continue to support the bus system and help expand its effectiveness.
Recommended Action T 26
Support increased ridership through new marketing outreach and incentives by working in
collaboration with SunLine and others.
Recommended Action T 27
Continue to support regional initiatives, such as getting older off the road, smog
checks, etc.
Long-Term Transportation
In the long term, Palm Desert will broaden its award-winning transportation system by
offering alternatives for its residents, commuters, and visitors. These alternatives — in all
forms from additional bike lanes to shuttles and perhaps ultimately fixed guideways —
will enhance the quality of life in the desert. Concurrently, the City and region will be
attaining energy and environmental protection goals.
The most dramatic enhancement that Palm Desert can make to the sustainability of its
transportation system involves creating a regional transportation link using a"backbone"
in the Valley. For years, alternative transportation advocates have called for using the
� ie Sa4viaf Crlsfie 8l18120i5 4Q.'1? AN1 '�'�
� _ ,
� I�Saua�k� Gkist�;Si'!9(24�� 1o;1R.Al�AA
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City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 43
Whitewater Channel as a regional transportation backbone. It could also link to high
speed rail to Los Angeles.
Developing a transportation backbone that uses a fixed or dedicated guide-way system
may take 10 - 20 years to complete. Steady leadership — and Valley-wide cooperation --
will be required to succeed in finding an agreeable alignment and building a system.
This Plan calls for ongoing investigation and discussions to advance the concept.
Recommended Action T 28
Continue to explore regional transportation strategies with one or more transportation
corridors.
School Siting
Recommended Action T 29
Water Management
�I.��� ��sii� ����h �� Eu� �t��. �. a�.��� t`��=i� -:°:;! �a� ,.. � . � �� 3���,��
�. �,� � �,..
t��:. t�a � �,�r„e�s
Palm Desert has been a Coachella Valley and Southern California leader in water
management. The City's focus on water conservation began in earnest in 1980. A fact-
finding trip to Arizona created the inspiration for Palm Desert's desert/drought tolerant
landscaping focus... what is known as "desert landscaping." This led to the City's first
desert landscaped median in 1984 along Fred Waring Drive 25 years ago.
I Principle
I Water conservation begins with reducing water waste.
Since then, the City has consistently managed its properties using the desert
landscaping model. In both policy and practice, Palm Desert has made a priority of
desert landscaping and "urban forestry" with clear results:
• The Visitors Center and the Henderson Community Center, LEED icons of Palm
Desert's sustainability initiatives, showcase desert landscaping and its beauty.
• The Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance sets minimum water-efficient
landscape requirements for newly installed and renovated landscapes.
• The Weather-Based Irrigation Controller Program, in partnership with Coachella
Valley Water District, offers "smart" irrigation systems at a discount.
�
«. - e r a �
Deleted: Develop task force to work with
relevant school district to make sure that new
new school construction brings schools back
to communities to enable walking lo school.
�
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 44
• The Nuisance Water Program focuses on eliminating wasteful and destructive
standing water or running water in gutters and street crossings, mostly from
overwatering.
��...�
• Working with CVWD, Palm Desert has a world-class water reclamation system
for golf courses.
Water-Wise in the Desert
Palm Desert sits atop a huge aquifer that is more than 135 square miles in size. But its
levels have been steadily dropping since the early 1990s, causing Valley water
agencies, farmers, and other property owners to dig deeper and pump harder. Despite a
series of replenishment and recharge programs, water levels continue to decline.
Principle
Palm Desert will encourage and educate others on the value and appropriateness of desert
style landscaping.
Palm Desert thrives as a beautiful resort and retirement community. Surveys show that
lush is desirable. The City, therefore, seeks to balance responsible use and
visitor/resident amenities.
In addition to declining aquifer levels, the water situation is exacerbated by the fact that
external water supplies are tight. Colorado River water supplies are limited. Since 2006,
California has suffered from drought with snowpack, precipitation, and reservoir storage
well below average. Some say that the current situation in the Coachella Valley is the
"worst dry spell in 80 years."
Principle
Palm Desert aspires to a sustainable state in which water use equals reliable
� Palm Desert is focused, with its partner agencies, on both water supply and demand. In
terms of demand, the City is focused on both interior and exterior water use.
Goals
Palm Desert has three key goals for managing its water use: First, a new educational r-�f��°i�'{'yk"�'
campaign is presented to break complacency and to spur action. Second, the City ' Deleted: will match
�,�orkr� .ova-�rd re�l,ci;,g electricity and natural gas�ase; �i�ci cutting water use City-wide� `"'�
Deleted:the
Goal
Gcr,tinue to ed�,�a':= residents and businesses in Palm Desert about the current water
situation and the need to conserve.
Deleted: 30:30 goal
�,. �r....��
Deleted: by 30 % in five years
Deleted: Re-educate
_ __ _
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 45
Goal
I Reduce water use City-wideahrough aggressive water management and reclamation.
The challenge — as with electricity and gas — is to achieve these deep cuts without loss
of vacation and resort amenity, without reducing landscapes' aesthetic quality.
Goal
ITo the greatest extent possible, eliminate "nuisance water'g
Third, the City will to the greatest extent possible eliminate nuisance water that results
from over-spray and malfunctioning irrigation systems, etc. Nothing is more troubling
than a precious resource heading down the drain.
Community Awareness
The City of Palm Desert has educated its residents on a number of resource issues,
from storm water management to recycling. Once again, residents and visitors to Palm
Desert need to be reminded and informed of the current water situation. This Plan calls
for a renewed awareness campaign about the Valley's water status. It will require
multiple messages featuring the benefits of treating water as a precious commodity.
The City can work with Coachella Valley Water District on a reinvigorated public media
campaign about the Valley's water status. This can include developing a series of public
service announcements — for TV, radio, and the press — that emphasize reality of the
current situation and thus the importance of water savings.
The City can develop simple printed checklists of water-saving tips, in both English and
Spanish. And it can distribute these tips widely at fairs, homeowner association
meetings, the Visitors' Center, tourist bureaus, restaurants, hotel lobbies, the Bright
Side, and on the website.
The City can develop educational materials to distribute through other channels
including the Chamber of Commerce, the Visitors and Convention Bureau, and real
estate developers. The City will consider expanding the public art program to include
desert landscaping.
Another option is to work directly with CVWD to explain the new tiered rates, promote
existing incentive programs for different categories of water customers and to develop
more urgent messaging. Deliver these messages via water bill inserts, local TV, etc.
Special messaging may be required for home owners associations.
The City of Palm Desert understands that its maximum leverage comes from educating
the next generation. Young students will pioneer highly efficient water use and — like
recycling -- it will become their norm.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 46
- e o .
', I Deleted: by 30 % over the next five years �
9 t
I Deleted: in five years I;
�
California teaching standards require education about water at all elementary levels.
The City will find and/or develop supplemental teaching materials that emphasize
� conservation in the desert environment. These materials will be augmented through
student field trips to local water-management sites such as CVWD's "The Dam Tour,"
Water Reclamation Plant #10, and "net zero" homes as they are developed to
demonstrate comprehensive efficiency and gray water use.
Concurrent to launching a new campaign for judicious water use, the City of Palm
Desert will continue to support pricing — as with energy — that reflects its actual costs.
The tiered rates being introduced by CVWD are the first significant step toward this
recommendation and will likely have a significant and measurable conservation effect.
Helping to make consumers aware of this and other pricing changes will smooth the
transition to cost-based pricing.
Recommended Action WM 1
I Educate citizens of the current status of water supplies through a oublic media campaign.
Recommended Action WM 2
Encourage time-of-use irrigating -- notably pre-dawn watering -- to minimize evaporation.
Recommended Action WM 3
ork with CVWD to coordinate educational campaigns including school focus.
Recommended Action WM 4
Support pricing and water-saving programs with Coachella Valley Water District so the City
achieves its goals.
Recommended Action WM 5
I pilot educational p
Exterior Water Use
ram on gray-water irrigation.
� Palm Desert and CVWD have made notable progress in reducing water usage by golf
courses and in new residential and commercial developments. The majority of water
usage, however, takes place in existing homes and buildings supporting traditional
landscaping like turf and flower gardens. In Palm Desert, 70% of residential water use is
for outdoor consumption.
There are many ways to raise awareness and to effect change regarding exterior water
use. These include drafting and distributing descriptions and photos of appropriate
desert landscaping, contrasting it to traditional landscaping. This might be particularly
effective in older neighborhoods.
� Deleted: refreshed and reinvigorated �
" �a � �
��-
� Deleted: or require ��
���� � d�: - t �
Deleted: Create a community task force to
w
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�_.:_ .__.... ....- .
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 47
Recommended Action WM 6
I
a � _ e ,, : a���a ���'".,� ��;
The City can partner with others on tours of demonstration gardens and low-water V Deleted: Draft and distribute descnptions
� and photos of appropriate desert
usage homes, and interview and write up the stories of people who have changed their , ia�ds�aP;�9, a�d,est;mo�;a,s�o�,�as,;�9
landscaping to be responsive to the regional water situation, and who I18V2 fOUIICI ' traditional, lush greenscapes with low water
' use landscapes with very pleasing and
means of making drought-tolerant planting very aesthetically pleasing. S�Sta;�ab,e P,a�r ma�e�;a�s
Recommended Action WM 7
I rS��, _- tours of demonstration gardens and low-water usage homes.
Creative means of getting action and transforming the look and feel include arranging
with local nurseries to co-promote special offers of water-efficient plants. These can be
supported by "reinvigorated" offers for drip irrigation and smart controller systems
through CVWD. Other options include promoting gray-water irrigation systems through
pilot programs and analysis.
Recommended Action WM 8
Partner with local nurseries and co-promote special offers of water-efficient plants.
Recommended Action WM 9
Continue supporting the offers for drip irrigation and smart controller systems throuqh CVWD.
The City can help raise awareness about evaporation and its direct and societal costs.
The City can consider incentives to promote swimming pool covers and potentially
surfactants to reduce evaporation.
Recommended Action WM 10
Explore education and incentives to limit swimming pool evaporation.
Interior Use
Interior water use has less potential for savings than exterior initiatives, but an effective
plan for water conservation includes all sectors and sources.
p��, option for residential water audits is to encourage and partner with CVWD to expand
existing audits (for golf courses and HOAs) to include residential properties.
Commercial sector programs can be customized, designed to address specific sectors
of the economy.
Palm Desert will explore the opportunity to develop a campaign to permeate the
community and various sectors. In the restaurant sector, conservation efforts might
have a goal of reaching 20% of all restaurants each year. Elements of the program
include recognition "window sticker" and table announcement cards describing the
program, drinking water on request only, retrofit for on-demand water heaters in
� SauvE�i Griste 8l19f7ii15 if?.26 AM :-
� .• _ ,
�
', Deleted: The existing Set to Save program for '
' electricity and gas, or its successor program, ,
' can be expanded to indude water and to "tap" '
I significant synergies, for instance including a �'
' water efficiency element to the current 5,000
; annual household audits. The program can '
'�. provide additional incentives for toilet :�
I replacement, and/or provide follow-up �;
�I, professional plumbing at a discounted group '��..
���. rate to fix home leaks. '
— _ _ --
. : �
Deleted: other
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 48
restrooms, instant-on faucets with automatic shut-offs, and low-flow toilets. In the
kitchens, there are opportunities for water-efficient dishwashers and efficient ice
machines
�"r.
Another City function is to coordinate with utility and Federal programs and rebates to
retrofit water-using appliances and to introduce or strengthen behavioral/awareness
programs at small hotels that lack the resources to do so on their own. Property owners
can retrofit laundry facilities to include high-efficiency washers for water and electricity
savings and dryers for gas and electricity savings. There are a number of ineans of
beating the water-saving drum such as announcing programs in lobbies, rooms, and on
websites.
Recommended Action WM 11
Analyze option of expanding CVWD's water ordinance 1302.1 to aiso include residential
properties with landscapes less than 5,000 square feet. _
Recommended Action WM 12
� ��� water e�ciency measures � 'a� '� i u �. � ,
a �" ' k
,�;_ . . . .. -.- .. . « <
Recommended Action WM 13 � Deleted: Expand Set to Save to �'
_. --
Develop and target new water efficiency campaign for restaurant sector. �' � � y� ��
� Deleted: include � I
Recommended Action WM 14
Develop and taraet water efficiency campaign for small hotels.
Golf Courses
More than a dozen golf courses in CVWD territory use recycled water for at least part of
their irrigation. Reportedly, they'll take as much of this less-expensive water as they can
get. This water commodity is in great demand, and dovetails nicely with sustainability.
Much more recycled water is needed to reach the goal of 100% of City golf courses to
� be irrigated with recycled water.
Palm Desert can help existing golf courses by encouraging redesign of courses to
reduce the amount of land that requires irrigation, providing incentives for replacing
traditional grass with drought-tolerant species, providing incentives for installing
moisture-sensor, controlled irrigation systems.
Recommended Action WM 15
Support special water conservation training for golf course managers and golfers.
Recommended Action WM 16
Promote golf course design and re-design that reduces the amount of land that �equires
irrigation.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 49
__
Recommended Action WM 17
Continue to support replacing "traditional" grass with more drought-tolerant species.
Recommended Action WM 18
Provide incentives for installing or upgrading existing computerized moisture-sensor,
controlled irrigation systems.
Recommended Action WM 19 ;�;��" ,
Educate homeowners about the merits of not over-seeding. f
Policies
This Plan takes a major step in developing a local policy of reducing water use
throughout the City, This commitment is based on a belief that the situation is dire, and
will get worse with no action. This Plan presents a broad menu of conservation and '°�
efficiency steps. There are also system considerations. The City supports the CVWD Deleted: by 30% in five years
efforts to expand its treatment plant to reclaim additional water for landscaping and golf
courses.
Recommended Action WM 20
Support CVWD efforts to expand water treatment plants.
There is also an interesting opportunity for the City to link water and energy resources,
by helping to arrange solar systems at pumping stations. These may be eligible for net
energy metering, or feed-in tariffs, and they might best be privately owned to take tax
benefits. This Plan calls for an exploration that begins by identifying the pumping
locations, and studying the feasibility of solar on top of back-feed ponds to generate
electricity and reduce evaporation.
Recommended Action WM 21
Analyze economics and benefits of a solar-powered water pump partnership with Coachella
Vailey Water District.
3. Greenhouse Gas Compliance
This section of the Plan covers greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and how Palm Desert
will reduce its "carbon footprinY' to comply with state, national and international
mandates and agreements.
��:.,,�; �
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 50
Background
� In 2007, the Palm Desert City Council adopted Resolution 07-78. It was a major step in
the City's systematic approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Resolution
was passed without in-depth analysis, and targets cutting greenhouse gas emissions in
Palm Desert to a level 7% below 1990 levels. With increased awareness of current
emissions levels, brought about by completion of the city's greenhouse gas inventory,
� the City �I�ct�ci to establish 2008 as the baseline year from which reduction ;n��,s
measured.
The findings of Palm Desert's first Greenhouse Gas Inventory — completed in parallel
with this Environmental Sustainability Plan — providecfi key insights. In particular, Palm
Desert's population has doubled since 1990. Despite a decoupling of population and
GHG growth, the City has experienced a major rise in emissions as presented in the
inventory.
This Plan, therefore, presents a framework for taking pragmatic action, beginning with
the first of three phases over a ten-year period.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Six primary greenhouse gases trap the Sun's heat within the Earth's atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide is the predominant greenhouse gas. The five others are methane,
nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. Carbon
dioxide (COZ), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N20) are particularly relevant for Palm
Desert. For measurement purposes, where GHGs occur in a local jurisdiction they are
all converted to "CO2 equivalents."
Developing an inventory involves assembling data and analysis of the major sources of
emissions: electricity, natural gas, transportation, and solid waste. Imagine putting a
bubble over the City limits. All emissions such as car and truck exhaust stay within the
�" bubble. The process then accounts for the "embedded carbon" of key materials coming
into the bubble, such as electricity and water for the City. Wastes pass from the bubble
to a regional landfill. These flows are tracked and calculated to establish an emissions
baseline year.
Since 1990, per capita energy and thus carbon intensity has fallen considerably in Palm
Desert. In 1990, the average per capita GHG emissions of a Palm Desert resident was
17.5 metric tons. (A measurement of mass, 1 metric ton is equal to 2,204.61b or
1,000 kg.) By 2008, this average intensity dropped to 12.2 metric tons, well below the
1990 value.
However, since 1990, the population within the Palm Desert bubble has doubled. With
an increased population, there's much more COZ in the bubble than before, while the
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s � _:. �
Deleted: will be �
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 51
City strives for an absolute 7% reduction. In 1990, the population was 23,252. By 2008,
the population had swelled to 50,907. Despite the drop in intensity, annual COz
emissions have risen from 406,607 metric tons in 1990 to 621,225 metric tons in 2008,
a 51 % increase.
Emissions Reduction Plan
This Plan calls for a ten year, three-phase period to address emissions reductions
goals. Adhering to th�, principles presented, and taking action on the , goals in this Plan
will be a major boost to realizing emissions reductions. Implementing the, actions ''
outlined for Phase I will be significant, providing an estimated 35,829 metric tons of l Deie�ea: >>
annual reductions. - ° �
Deleted: 17
The Top 20 Phase I Actions �
I Deleted: 20
The Top 20 recommended actions presented below scored the highest in the five- �i�"��"����������-��`e"
' Deleted: After one year, the City, and its Core
variable prioritization process. These measures are 1) feasibility, 2) low cost to the City, ' Sustainability Team in particular, will evaluate
3) efficiency of leveraging energy, dollar, and carbon savings, 4) level Of COCTIPT1UIlltY Phase I progress in achieving emissions
i reductions. The CST will also begin to frame the
support, and 5) ability to offset significant amounts of carbon. These actions 8f@ costs and benefits of Phase II and Phase III
presented in the accompanying decision-making matrix. ! em�ss���s fed�����ns Pia�s. ���
Top 20 Actions and Annual Carbon Offsets (Annual Metric Tons COze)
Resource Area Cateqory Action Score Offset Carbon
EM-7
EM-6
EM-12
EM - 26
MM-19
EM-3
EM-24
EM-28
MM-7
WM-12
EM-2
EM-8
EM-9
MM-20
MM-21
T-14
T-22
EM-25
MM-5
RAQ-8
Total
EIP Loans
EIP Loans
Office of Energy
Policy
Policies
Set to Save
Policy
Policy
City leadership
Interior Use
Set to Save
Federal stimulus
Federal stimulus
Policies
Policies
Shuttles/taxis
Alternative fuels
Policy Initiatives
City Leadership
Landscaping
Un-cap loan sizes
Assure ample EIP funding
Consumer and technical assistance
Advocate for utilities' renewable portfolios
Draft ordinances for mandatory recycling
Explore alternative funding
Promote tax-exempt / gov. backed bonds
Form leadership group
Waste stream audits and policy
Expand EIP to include water
Submit re-application
Track stimulus opportunities
Partner and prepare grants
City recyding, 100% inert, 75% other
Enact mandatory recycle ord. by 2011
Promote clean air vehicles
Codify City fleet procurement
Continue to promote feed-in tariff
Sustainable purchasing policy
Lawn mower trade-in
25
24
23
23
23
22
20
22
22
22
21
21
21
21
21
22
21
20
20
20
683
2,061
2,883
3,651
11,181
3,604
687
3,494
224
155
4,579
195
974
158
18
1,275
7
+/- 35,829
The scoring for the Top 20 in total score reflects the current economy: Equally weighted
in the scoring is a"Low CosY' parameter. This refers to low cost to the City.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 52
�
Implementing these measures will cost the City $27,500 —$742,500 depending on the
ability to use City staff time to carry out the action steps.
� Meanwhile, the benefit is significant as the City reverses two decades of carbon growth.
Estimates suggest that Phase I savings will be 35,829 metric tons, a reduction of 5.8%
I from the 2008 baseline.
� �
The City compieted an u�date to its GHG inventory in 2015. That effort demonstrated
that Cit� emissions had. been reduced by_ 5,284 tonnes of CO2E. Reductions were
achieved in the consumption of electrici� and natural gas as well as PM10. The
analysis showed increases in emissions related to transportation and solid waste. The
City_ wiil_ use this u�date to quide its focus in impiementin this Plan in the years to
came
Most importantly, these action steps begin a systematic and deliberate, strategic
process of shifting to carbon sustainability. Carrying out this Plan reverses the current
growth in GHG emissions, beginning the absolute downward trend essential to hit
targets.
4. The Action Plan
There are a number of common principles of sustainable development in Palm Desert.
For instance, all agree that Palm Desert:
a. Is a great place to live that needs to be nurtured
b. Continues to stay ahead and shape national, State, and regional mandates
c. Provides high levels of sustainability services for its residents and businesses
� d. Must plan strategically and cost effectively through timed roll-outs,
partnerships, bundling, and leveraging savings
To be effectively implemented, Palm Desert will a) integrate efforts internally, and b)
reach out to the community... building support for the long and tough marathon.
Organizational Design
Sustainability is ripe with challenge and potentially huge costs. Its benefits are
undeniable; the threat of un-sustainability is absolute. How to get there with the least
fiscal impact and greatest economic development benefit is the challenge for Palm
Desert and its residents.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 53
To coordinate the City's effort and to maintain the focus on sustainability within Palm
Desert's government and through-out the community, Palm Desert will:
a. Assign a Sustainability Coordinator
b. Formalize the Core Sustainability Team
c. Prepare and Present a Periodic Sustainability Report
Sustainability Coordinator: Most cities and corporations have established Sustainability
Coordinators. This individual is responsible for a number of tasks, foremost among them
integrating initiatives being carried out by various departments, linking disparate efforts
into a community-wide emphasis, and keeping sustainability and the City's progress
front and center. Palm Desert will accomplish this by reassignment of existing staff
through the completion work in Phase I of the Sustainability Plan.
Core Sustainability Team: The Core Sustainability Team has been essential to the
development of the City's Sustainability Plan. The City will formally establish the CST to
guide the Office of Sustainable Development and the Sustainability Coordinator.
Managing Costs
Palm Desert will climb the steps to sustainability. The process begins with no and low-
cost actions that the City can take that will lead to significant resource benefits. For
example, green building codes, expedited permitting, special treatment for super
efficient, green and LEED-certified buildings cost the City very little and result in major
benefits for the City and owner/developers over time.
The City will take care to document savings, in some cases creating savings accounts
that will later seed revolving loans to enable further investments of longer payback
measures. Going forward, City programs will be measured not just for their costs and
cost-effectiveness, but by how much carbon dioxide they avoid. An important screening
tool will be developed to help guide the City in fulfilling future climate protection goals.
Three-Phase Implementation
This Plan presents a three-step, multi-year implementation schedule and work plan.
While the three phases need not necessarily be sequential, they represent steps to
greater and greater complexity and program commitment.
Phase I: Low-Cost, No-Cost First Steps
Phase I focuses on actions that can be addressed immediately. These are low-cost, no-
cost measures that include maintaining existing programs and initiatives such as the
Energy Independence Program.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 54
�
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The first phase also includes steps in the critical path to sustainability... for instance
maximizing the City's own efficiency, and in turn, reducing its footprint. This report
� � identifies logical Phase I programs. Tt�e City will regulariy re-evaluate its progress and
make adjustments as necessary.
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' Deleted: After one year of implementation, the ;
t'� �
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 55
Phase II: Leveraging Opportunities
The second phase will necessarily cost more, and will involve innovative financing and
community partners. These policies and programs and activities will be detailed in the
framing process. How can the costs of sustainability be shared? What government and
foundation resources are available? How can Palm Desert position itself for external
funding? How much internal funding will be required? Are there means of co-marketing
to link private sector funding with public support? Are there ways for consumers to bear
the costs, while reaping multiple benefits? Issues like feed-in tariffs with effective prices
— that could open up great levels of participation in distributed solar generation — will
continue to be promoted given their potential leverage.
Phase III: Scaling up to Sustainability
Phase III is all about scaling up to sustainability, based on the success of initial phases.
This involves major steps that involve significantly increasing renewable energy
production and mandating net zero developments and remodels. New technologies and
ingenuity will help Palm Desert and other cities attain these seemingly impossible goals.
Phase III involves a longer-term view, and thus engages a variety of concepts, which
could include items such as distributed generation, carbon markets, and potentially
even reforms in land-use planning. In order to attain goals for resource efficiency, and to
fulfill global warming commitments, Palm Desert will continually explore different ways
of doing business and the ways in which we live and use the resources available in our
community.
Seizing the Opportunity to Lead
Can Palm Desert turn State mandates into opportunity?
Given the Coachella Valley's abundance of wind, sun, and geothermal energy, Palm
Desert can first improve its own energy-use profile, then support development of
regional energy resources, potentially providing excess generation to neighboring
communities and the regional power grids. With proper legislation, and appropriate
prices, this can be done for long-term profit and sustainable development.
Sustainability can drive local economic development in Palm Desert: Youth can be
trained for green collar jobs; the community can be retrofitted to care for the Earth,
water systems, energy generation, and materials. In collaboration with academic
institutions, the City can train energy specialists. The City intends to lure white and blue
collar industries to Palm Desert to "ride the wave" of sustainability.
This kind of strategic planning is at the core of Palm Desert's vision for the community.
Finding ways to profit, to transform threat into opportunity, is a key to garnering
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 56
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community support. Palm Desert will continue its leadership pace in the Coachella
Valley and throughout California in responsible sustainability. Sustainability will become
part of the City of Palm Desert's community fabric.
City of Palm Desert Environmental Sustainability Plan Page 57
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The Palm Desert ordinance "sunset" when new Title 24 requirements were
formally adopted on January 1, 2010. The new Title 24 requirements are
approximately 15% more stringent, obviating the Palm Desert ordinance.
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J�There is an opportunity for Palm Desert to lead, specifically by taking early action
on the new California Green Building Code. It is an addition to Title 24 building
code. The California Green Building Code will be optional initially and then
phased into law.
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Goal
Be early adopters of the California Green Building Code, an addition to Title 24.
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Recommended Action BE 22
Complement the recent City inventory with an inventory of privately-owned and
maintained trees.
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Set to Save
Recommended Action EM 1
_ --
Monitor Set to Save, report results and variances to City Manager and City Council
quarterly to gauge and support its five-year goals.
Objectively review savings reports and program status. Provide this information
to the partner utilities and the CPUC to build a case for completing the pilot
program.
In September of 2009, the City was notified that funding for the next phase of the
Set to Save program was in jeopardy. While SCE and SCG had applied for a
combined $18 million for the coming two years, the CPUC only authorized one-
sixth of the funding. The Commission was neither convinced that the pilot is
particularly unique, nor that its savings are bona fide. It may or may not provide
additional funds after an evaluation is complete.
The City will continue to work with Southern California Edison and The Gas
Company to secure ongoing program funding and support. The City will also
work to generate added support from government, foundations, non-profits,
manufacturers, and others.
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Recommended Action EM 2
Submit re-application to provide support and resource funding to continueContinue the
Set to Save program. __
Examine with partners the use and potential for an infusion of resources to
augment programs. This might include additional tune-ups, additional incentives
for efficiency technologies, and special solar incentives.
Recommended Action EM 3
Explore Continue to explore and apply for alternative funding for Set to Save from
utilities, CEC, DOE, and other sources.
Recommended Action EM 4
Expand Set to Save to include water efficiency and air quality measures into site visits.
In addition to providing referrals to home improvement contractors, Palm Desert's
Office of Energy Management could work with contractors and suppliers to
provide special services for property owners, to accelerate improvements to
buildings. "Special deals" might be designed for:
Home efficiency audits
Home weatherization services
Lighting retrofits
Home weatherization products
Plumbing services
Solar installations
Water-efficient landscaping services
Indoor air testing services
Recommended Action EM 5
Work with local contractors to develop innovative programs for Set to Save participants
such as the special "one stop shop" pool pump pricing.
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omm4.��. �m�.� �e � �...�. ...�x��w .e _ _ �..� . ,.m� �e,��.� �..�� � ,.
Energy Independence Program Loans
In 2008, the Energy Independence Program (EIP) was formed and added
another key tool for the City to meet its 30:30 goals. EIP allows residents to
borrow for permanent energy upgrades — both for energy efficiency measures
and renewable energy generation — using the assessment district mechanism.
new programs.
As a result of AB 811, Palm Desert is known as an energy leader not only in the
Coachella Valley, but throughout California. Its mayor, City Council and staff are
regularly quoted and their input is solicited on new legislation and the design of
Recommended Action EM 6 '
Assure that the Energy Independence Program has ample funding at reasonable
interest rates. �,
A top priority of the City Council, in regard to energy management, is making
sure that the City has ample funds to lend EIP participants. Thus far, the program
has been marked by starts and stops, disrupting momentum and falling short of
program potentials. Sorting this out, and assuring continued funding, is a top
priority for Palm Desert to achieve energy savings and climate protection results.
Bridge financing, or interim financing, is key. Until the bond market is familiar with
these portfolios of assessments, Palm Desert will have to determine where to get
the funds, potentially from the general fund, RDA monies, foundations, and
private benefactors/investors. The current bond validation procedure is an
important step in securing funds at reasonable interest rates.
Recommended Action EM 7
As funding becomes available, un-caq loan sizes.
Once funds are secured to provide bridge and long-term financing for the Energy
Independence Program, and the real estate market rebounds to some extent, the
City can consider "un-capping" loan sizes to allow for larger efficiency and
renewable energy investments.
While striving to maintain a balance between caution and action, Palm Desert �
may find a win-win solution in providing for larger loans that will realize bigger
savings — energy and avoided CO2 — while the higher volumes of aggregated
loans will help to drive down bond interest rates.
Recommended Action EM 8
Expand list of eligible technologies to include water efficiency and other sustainable
measures.
The Energy Independence Program currently funds energy upgrades — higher-
efficiency air conditioners and pumps; rooftop solar systems. While staying within
the definition of "permanent improvements," the City will explore offering loans for
property owners to replace toilets, and to install waterless urinals, drip irrigation
systems, desert landscaping, etc.
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" "° "� �° `" ' " �,�; 8/19/15 1:47 PM
The City of Palm Desert will continue to lead the way with an immediate
government projects requirement for mandatory diversion of 100% inert and 75%
of other construction debris, and by 2012 for the rest of the community.
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� .M�.� ....._.. �.. .,�� ... . ...� ..,��. �. ..
Recommended Action T 6 �
I Address lessons learned from the failed Shopper Hopper.
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After one year, the City, and its Core Sustainability Team in particular, will
evaluate Phase I progress in achieving emissions reductions. The CST will also
begin to frame the costs and benefits of Phase II and Phase III emissions
reductions plans.
�
,
CITY OF PALM DESERT
Sus
tainabilit Education
y
Se
ries at Abraham Lincoln
Elemen
After School Program-Bridge to Success
2015-2016
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Sustainability Education Series
The series is meant to be implemented in existing after-school programs. The City of Palm Desert will
serve as a medium between Palm Desert schools and educational organizations. The City of Palm Desert
may serve as a funding source to promote sustainability education at schools through speakers and
presentations and if feasible through field trips.
The series will take places under the direction of the Department of Special Programs and Community
Development. The series will be implemented in the Civic Engagement Program run by Special Programs
from the City of Palm Desert.
The Sustainability Education Series will cover topics on: Energy, Water, Waste/Recycling, Conservation,
Biodiversity, Ecology, Climate Change, Transportation, and Agriculture. This series will be a S-month
pilot program at Abraham Lincoln Elementary.
The City of Palm Desert will conduct a post survey during the last presentation with to gather data on
what fhe participants learned from the,.program and how effective it was. Valunteers can be from the
Youth Committee or the After-School Program staff. The surveys will then be given to the Sustainability
Coordinator to analyze the data.
Shart-term goal: Complete the 5-mo�tth pilot program with various speakers and presentations from
existing educational organizations and promote new "green" thinking among Palm Desert school
children.
Long-termgoal: Establish sustainabifity'education in school curriculum.
Program Details
The program will consist of 5 workshops/presentations, once per month, starting in December leading up
to Earth Day in April. The program will also consist of two field trips, only if feasible.
Existing organizations that could serve as speakers or field trips sites:
� The Living Desert
• Burrtec Waste and Recycling
• San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm
• Sunline Transit Agency
� Clean Energy Action
• Imperial Irrigation District
• Southern California Edison
• Coachella Valley Water District
• Alliance to Save Energy
• Center for Sustainable Energy
� Joshua Tree National Park
• Ocean Mist Farms
• Tree People
• Scrap Gallery
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Civic Engagement Program Timeline for the Sustainability Education Series
Month
January
March
Organization
Coachella Valley
Water District
Topic
Time Field Trip (end of
the month)
[Water] 40min-lhour (Biodiversity) The
Living Desert
FIND Food Bank or [
Ocean Mist Farms
;ulture/Food]
Omin-1 hour
(Energy)Wind Farm
Funding'
• Funding for the series will come from the existing funding the City of Palm Desert provides
Abraham Lincoln Elementary for its After-School program.
• If more funding is needed, the city will search for grants from companies that will fund the
presentations/ speakers and if feasible transportation for field trips.
• Speakers/Presentations will be funded as donations by the organizations. If speaker or
presentation has a mandatory fee then the presentation may be replaced or if funding is available
it will be funded through there.
• The school site, the City of Palm Desert, and grants will fund this series.
Costs
• Possible costs of presentation or speakers (but not likely.)
• Transportation costs for field trips
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The City of Palm Desert's Role
The role of the City of Palm Desert is to support the sustainability series and to serve as a resource. They
will encourage the participating school [Abraham Lincoln Elementary] to implement more sustainability
education and encourage other Palm Desert schools to do the same, which will follow with the 2013-2033
Strategic Plan on the Energy & Sustainability Priorities.
The City of Palm Desert will also create a post survey and have after-school staff or volunteers that will
commit to conducting the post survey during the last presentation. The data gathered will be analyzed by
the Sustainability Coordinator and will be used to put into perspective the education needed around
sustainability in Palm Desert.
Reason for a Sustainability Education Series
Now in day sustainability covers various topics on an environmental, economic, and social level.
Educating young people about sustainability involves conservation, landfills, new technology,
engineering, human rights issues and many other tangential topics that are
curriculum' is an advantage �or the future our students. Thus, an interdiscip
elementary school can introduce the topic of sustainability while integratin
provide a richer understanding. By having an educational series as such wF
sustamability early ta children'and as a result in the future they understand
; different disciplines to
are able to teach and introduc
he value of this planet and do
not threaten the resources of the generations ahead of them. '
In Palm Desert, the waste and recycling education efforts have been phenomenal and now it is crucial the
city;moves into deeper sustainability efforts. Piloting.a sustainability series`at Abraham Lincoln
Elementary in the after-school program is highly important because this school is recognized to.be a
recipient of `Realizing Environmental Action, Change Tomorrow" and as school with high percent of
low/moderate income students and it gives them apportunity to explare new thinking and experiences
they might not have ever had.
DSUSD has goals to expand environmental-based education and increase the integration between
standard-based instructional practices and on-site conservation efforts that provide participation in
integrated waste management, energy, and water conservation. The City of Palm Desert in their 2013-
2033 Strategic Plan they have goals to enact education programs encouraging schools to teach water and
energy conservation. With both parties wanting to expand sustainability education there should be no
obstacles hindering them from continuing with an Interdisciplinary Sustainability Education Series.
This potential program is more than an educational series; it is an equity-minded series that covers a range
of topics to students who may not have had the opportunity to participate in quality sustainability-based
education programs before.
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