HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RES 2015-83RESOLUTION NO. 2015-83
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA CERTIFYING ADOPTING THE GREEN FOR
LIFE PROGRAM, INCLUDING AN UPDATE TO THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT'S GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) INVENTORY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN, AN ENERGY ACTION
PLAN WITH A BENCHMARKING POLICY AND COMMISSIONING /
RETRO-COMMISSION POLICY, AND A VOLUNTARY GREEN
BUILDING PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert which relies heavily on the stability of the
climate for our environment, economy and quality of life is committed to the long-range
goal of protecting the natural environment, increasing sustainability efforts and
improving overall quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases released into
the atmosphere have been found to have a profound effect on the Earth's climate and
reducing the potential magnitude of climate change may lower its harmful effects on
public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, in September 2006, the State of California adopted the Global
Warming Act of 2006 (AB 32) which created a statewide greenhouse gas emission
requirement and goal to reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020; and
WHEREAS, at the 2009 Coachella Valley Energy Summit all CVAG jurisdictions
signed the Coachella Valley Sustainability Pledge committing all to take leadership roles
and commit to a valley wide effort to ensure the maintenance of our air quality,
encourage sustainable use of resources, and preserve our environment for future
generations through collaboration on regional greenhouse gas emissions and the
promotion of energy efficiency and clean alternative energy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert, as a member of the Desert Cities Energy
Partnership with partners Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Co, and
Imperial Irrigation District joins all CVAG Jurisdictions in a regional effort to promote
energy independence by the adoption and implementation of the elements contained in
this document; and
WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas reduction activities contribute to the
achievement of many of the City's environmental values and is consistent with the City's
Environmental Sustainability Plan, including promoting clean and efficient energy use,
commuter trip reduction efforts and other clean air initiatives, solid waste reduction and
recycling; and promoting low -impact economic development; and
WHEREAS, "green building" is a whole systems approach to the design,
construction and operation of buildings that promote natural resource conservation,
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-83
energy efficiency, and a good indoor air quality; and green buildings benefit building
industry professionals, residents, and communities by improving construction quality,
increasing building durability, reducing utility, maintenance, water and energy costs,
creating healthier homes, and enhancing comfort and livability; and
WHEREAS, the rating system contained in the Voluntary Green Building Manual
is based on a checklist of green features that are easily administered and provides
designers and builders with great flexibility in choosing desired green features; and
WHEREAS, voluntary compliance for all newly constructed and reconstructed
(remodel) residential and non-residential structures currently subject to the 2013
California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) and consistent with CALGreen,
Title 24, 2010 and the California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan to exceed the
minimum energy efficiency standards established shall exceed current Code by 15
percent; and
WHEREAS, technologies to promote green building, energy efficiency, and
reduce greenhouse gases will also contribute to the economic vitality of the area
through the development and use of clean technologies and the addition of jobs; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct, and constitute the findings of the
City Council.
2. Based on its consideration, the City Council hereby determines that the adoption
of the Green for Life Program is consistent with the provisions of the State law,
and is in the public interest.
3. It is also understood that where measures require ordinance or zoning code
amendments further evaluation and analysis will be conducted to determine
adequacy prior to implementation.
4. Adoption includes a 2013 Update Greenhouse Gas Inventory, an amended
Environmental Sustainability Plan with accompanying Benchmarking Policy and
Commissioning/Retro-Commissioning Policy, and a Voluntary Green Building
Program.
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RESOLUTION NO. 2015-83
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, at a regular meeting held on this 24th day of September, 2015.
AYES: HARNIK, JONATHAN, SPIEGEL, TANNER, and WEBER
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ATTEST:
RAC` L D. KLASSEN,� TY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
�o(SUSAANN MARIE SP
WEti OR
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