HomeMy WebLinkAboutC27850 Energy PD Sustainability Plan, Dvlpmnt & DocumentationCITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: PALM DESERT SUSTAINABILITY PLAN: APPROVE CONTRACT
NO. c2785o WITH ECOMOTION IN THE NOT -TO -EXCEED
AMOUNT OF $196,400.00 FOR DEVELOPMENT AND
DOCUMENTATION, GREENHOUSE GAS/CARBON FOOTPRINT
INVENTORIES, AND ENERGY POLICY GUIDANCE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH AB32.
SUBMITTED BY: Patrick Conlon, Director of Office of Energy Management
DATE: June 26, 2008
CONTENTS: 1) Staff Report and Resolution No. 07-78
2) EcoMotion Proposal for Palm Desert Sustainability Plan Contract
No. C27850
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion:
1. Approve Contract No. c27850 with EcoMotion in the not -to -exceed
amount of $196,400.00 for development and documentation,
greenhouse gas/carbon footprint inventories, and energy policy
guidance in accordance with AB32.
2. Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $57,000.00 from
current year (FY 07-08) unallocated funds in account #110-4511-442-
3090 for the Energy Policy portion of this contract.
3. Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $15,000.00 from fiscal
year 08-09 account #110-4511-442-3090 for the Energy Conservation
portion of work in this contract.
4. Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $62,000.00 from
unallocated AB939 Recycle Funds, account :#236 -4195-454-3090 for
the Renewable/Recycle/Landfill Diversion portion of work in this
contract.
5. Authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate $62,400.00 from the
current year (FY 07-08) unallocated funds in account # 110-4614-453-
3091 for all other areas covered in the Sustainability Plan.
Discussion:
On December 13, 2007 Council adopted Resolution No. 07-08 (copy attached),
which outlines the desired goals for the City of Palm Desert Sustainability Plan. This
Palm Desert Sustainability Plan Contract
June 26, 2008
Page 2 of 2
proposed contract is necessary to finish the development, inventory and documentation
of this Sustainability Plan. Included in this contract, EcoMotion will advise the City on
several upcoming issues which will affect the city's existing Energy Policy.
In accordance with Resolution 07-08, the city needs to inventory what it is
currently doing for sustainability, and identify any gaps that the city needs to fill with new
programs in the future. A team of staff members from Development Services,
Community Services and the Energy Department have identified eight major areas for
study as the necessary components of a Sustainable Community. Those areas are:
1. Energy Conservation
2. Water Conservation
3. Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Reduction
4. Waste Diversion from Landfills
5. Green Building Standards
6. Alternate Transportation Options
7. Open Space Preservation
8. Recycle, Renewable and Locally Produced Materials Usage
In addition, this EcoMotion contract will include researching and identifying potential
grants or other funding opportunities the city may utilize in the implementation of its
energy program.
On page one of the staff report dated 12/13/07 under Executive Summary, staff
discussed the need to come back to the City Council at a future date to begin the
Greenhouse Gas Carbon Foot Inventory and Action Plan. This proposal from EcoMotion
will fulfill these necessary tasks.
Fiscal Impact
No additional impact is anticipated on the new FY 08-09 budget as it already
contains funding for this contract.
1. $15,000.00 is already budgeted in the new fiscal year by the Energy Department.
2. $119,400.00 will come from the existing FY 07-08 budgeted funds.
3. $62,000.00 will come from AB939 Recycling Funds. I w,
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Submitted by:
t47101-1-----
Patri k Conlon
Paul Gibson
Director, Office of Energy Management Finance Director
Approval:
Carlos L. Orte
City Manager
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CI 0
Sheila Gilligan
ACM for Community Servi
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EcoMotion — The Power of the Inciement
15375 Barranc,a Parkwav F-104 Irvine Califomia 92618. (949) 450-7155.fax 450-7165
Proposal for
Professional Services to Develop the
City of Palm Desert Sustainability Plan
June 17,2008
'I'he purpose of this proposal is tc�suppc�rt the Ciry of Palm�esc:rt with major lacticsl
stcps towards a codi�cci,t:u�cc and �sition on`:au�tainabiliry"involving thrcc tasks:
1. Th� City of Palm nesert Sustainability Ylan
2. 'Il�e City of Palm llecere Cirecrihouse Gati Inventory
3. Encrgy Policy Guidancc
Like m�ny citics. Palm De;u:rt has rcccntly gotten on the"�u�tainability bandwabun:' For
many ycars.sustainability was best d�monsuated in terms of wastc managemcnt,
divcr�ion ofvw3stcs fct�m l:u�dfills and nccycling.Today,rccycling and buying"grcx.�n
materials"is cver-m�rc impoclt�nt a�recyclin�c�u,�e� far l�ss impact to the cnvironment
than the cxtraction,r+cfining, and usc of r.►w matcrials. Prcxiuc�ti that arc locally prcxiuccd,
lor cxamplc,have a highly licncficiul cffcct on the Gity's environmenwl I'cx�tprint.
Sustainability in Palm llesert now builds on carly succcsscs with rccycling�to include
careful procurcmcnt,u,�.and disposal c�f'all manner of natural resourccs. Tod:iy,
su.stainability is in the public rye:u�d timely given major concerns about elimate ehange
and energy and resc�urcc balar�ces wurldwidc.
This prc�posal spelfs out an action plan to respond to the City's sustainability
commitrnent�,notably Resolutinn 07-78 passcd on Ikccmbcr l 3, 2007 that prescnts
twclve�teps to cut breenhousc gas�mi�.tiions. Rcsolution 07-78 also spclls oul a 7%
rcduction of carl�on dioxide belaw 1�IU levelc by 2012,in the ncxt fivc ycars.
Sustainability builds on matenal pnxuroment and�ecycGng Successes,
ro include A number o�critica/resouroa-�lated actrvities,
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To many, sustainability is�elebstcd to wrbon f�otprints. complyin6 with AB 32,anci/or
u�ing cncrg,y cllicicncy a�a major levc;r to address climate changc while helpinb home
and bus�ncss owner:s reduu:thcir cz�erby bills. In roality,susteinabiliry cncompas�es a
bre:idth of resourcc-re�atod cicmcn�� from the resources and materials wc co�sume,to
disposal 01'wastes,a"cradle-tcrgrave"•�proach. Each of these areas are critieal for Palm
De�rt to track and responsibly address, trom water usc,lanciscapinb,houtiing and
building codcs; breen building end opcn tipaccs, materiais and eml�ddcd cnergy,bs well
as thc universe of transpurtation syscems and hc�w wc as a community get around.
This p�vposal p�+esenfs a cohesive plan to move recyclrng succasses
end City sustaint►bility policy�o full-scale implementation��d concerted a1foR.
Task i�1: The Palm Qesert Sustainability Plan
This propo�d work plan will lit,�:raJly hrin�sustainability togcthcr in the City of Palm
I�esert,and in a six-month timefr:une.
'1'he gcxxl ncws is thet there's lots goinb on ulre:uly for which the C:ity needs crcdit and
ca�fu!documentation.'I�e City h�,�an impressivc recxird with waste diversion and
aw:utii-winning recyclin�programs that providc a strnng found:rii�n for ncshin�ou�thc
sustainability planning pcor.�s. In addition to recycling, sustainability-related initiative�
havc hcen accomplitihed in Palm fk.-u;rt—the SunLinc bus company,thc Ll�l;n ex,�rtificd
Visitors Centcr,solar system�,ctc. -to rname a fcw. Many morc activitie�that dircctly
relate to the City's"footprint."frc�m landscapiab—which creates shed�, scqucsters
carbon,creates attractivc public spaccs,ctc. arc wcll underway. Efforts such e.�thcsc
sp�lc to thc City's comm;tment to sustainability.
Worlc Plan Aroas
Establish recycling program as foundation fw broader sustainability plan
Interview relevant departments and oifipais
Oocument past works
Docurnent works ir1 progress
Document viaWe strategies
Review City best practices
Taibr preliminary approaches for Palm Desert
Approximate costs of ineasures
wo�c wrth Sta�cehoiders to set goa�s
Devise Implementation Strategies to achieve goals
Determine ongoing measurement and reporting mechanisms
CraR first City of Palm Desert Sustainability Plan
F:coMotion will work with c�ch rcicvant cic,rartmcnt—Public Works.Community
T�velopmcn�the nnic�:of I;nergy Management and othcrs--to pull together all thcse
activities:ind strate6ies into a single dc�cument.'Ihe liuilding 011ieial recently�rc�duced a
rreen Building prdinance that i�now under review. This will be a key cicmcnt within
thc Su�tain�bility Plan,dovctailing with athcr sustainability initiativcs from citing ol'
trces to meuimizc shading ar►d appropriate u�i:ir bain. to water usc�,and tra,nsit pattern�.
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Onc ol'thc kcy activities fc�r thi�work plan wi11 bc:setting goals, This proccss will
involvc st�ff,st�keholdcrs and ultimately Council. The Plen will dcvise imptementation
str-dtcgics to achicvc thcsc gc�als,wl�ilc diligc:ntly muuuring:ind continudlly cvaluating
th�approaches u�seci for their efficacy.
Task#2: Greenhouse Gas InvenLory
A significant��tion of the Yalm Uexn S�titainability Ylan will relace to cazbon dioxide
r+eduction�.This cffort-whilc ultimatcly included within ihe Plan- is major enough to
warrant its ovm c:atcgory. Whcncvcr matcri�l consumpiion is reduc;�•ci.c�r if a t'orm of
local recycling-be it materisl�,watcr.cncrgy through ihcrmodynamic cfficiency.�tc. --
can talce place,tt�e City's footprint is le��ned.
Resolution 07-7li prescntcd twelve action��tep,. �ach of these will be:ulcirc;�scd by this
pro�sal's work plan:
l. Invcntory of grecnhou.�c:g�.ti cmissions
2. Latad use polic:ies
3. Transportation opiic�m
4. Clean enerby sy�tcros
5. Fncrgy cfficicncy
6. �nergy Star pmcurcmcnt buidclines
7. LEED ratcd buildings
8. !'uel efficienc:y within municipal flect
9. Inc;reesc�d water pumpin�;cflicicncy
IO. Inc;reasod rec;ycl�nb ratcs
1 1. Urban forests
12. F,ducation on global warmin�
Work will invc�lvc d�.�tcrmining thc best ta�ls to uac for inst�ncc Climate nction
Regi�try vs. Cities for Climate Protection softwaze modcls-and then ucing thcm to
deteRnine 1990, 200U,at�c1 cwrent baselines. Rc�ycling, for cxample, pmvide�si�ificant
carbon dioxide savings a� well a�tivings of other critical "u�stre:►m"resourccs such as
cncrgy(and elec;tricity rcquirod to refine bauxite lor aluminum)and precious water.
A mnjor impctus 1'�r this work i�Ali 32 cc►mpli:u�ce. Thcrcforc,a1t measures wiU be
ac;c<�unted i'or. A prudeot protc��l or protocols will hc uscd to mca�un and re�rt
findings.
Task#3: Energy Policy Guidance
l:coMotion will providc initial and ooboinb routine and spccial scrviccs for the Ciiy
Maneger and the Council for thc a�ming ycar, Fiscal Ycar 2009.Thraughout the year,
�coMotion-anci notably its principal '1'ed Flanigan -will stand ready to respond to
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qucries by thc Ciry Manaber:uld the C'ouncit. Yolicy rvcc�mmc;ndations will bc;madc in
;uws such as:
(in'cn Ruilding
Madcl Lnergy Ccxics
Climate Rcgistry and('c�mrnitments
Sc�ciaily Respc�mihle lnvcsUnents
Shapinb tltility Scrvices
Rcncwablc Partfolio StancLuris
Rcncwablc I?ncrKy Crcdit Allc�catic�n
llistributed C',cncration
Advocacy et Statc. Rcgional,and National I.cv�ls
Solar. Wind,anci othcr Rcnewable Regulations
�ee�-In Tatit�'s
CSI L•:nh;u�c;ements
GcNnmunity Rcncwablc Powcr Ylants
Prak-oil 'I'ranspc►rtation Planning
C;reen"C:�Ilar"Jobs and I:conc�mic Dcvclopmcnt
As rcquested by thc City M:u�uber and/or the Cc�uncil L;coMotion will providc cncrgy
policy scrviccs, This can takc many form�includinb:
■ t;nergy pnlicy analysis
■ Dcx:umcnting best practic;cs
• Prepar�ing whit�papcts for('ouncil
� Cc�mmenting on polic:y issucs at Cotuaci) meetinKs
� Cc►nvening Study Sessinn` li,r Council
■ Facilitating and conducling study lour� li>r Council
■ I�acilitat;ng poliey discussic�m among Palm Desen stakeholders
■ Advocating a City position in Sacr�mento
■ Advcx;etin�a C;ity positipn at thc Califomia 1'ublic iJtilitics Commission
■ Scckinb grants for special encr�y projectti
■ Prcparing testimony and le�slalion
• Working with PaJm I��rt of{icials on"mes�ging"within the community
Timeline
T:i.�ks�#1 artd#2 will be6in�imultancously, with thc goal of complcting hc�th t:Ltiks in six
months. This timeline is presentecf for two rcasons: I�irst,to jump on thc task and put its
resulting policies in pla�:c:. Second, by k�epinb the timc:linc relatively short, stalccholdcrs
can pmvidc timely input:tnd soc the results of thcir efforts. Finally.a�an annual plan,it
will invariably changc and cvolvc.This first cut will set the stabc, provide the key
bascline inforrr�ation,and sct goals th:�t will gct thc whccls in mation.
�'ask#3 will cover Ihe cntire ycnr, f'rc�m wntract signature in carly July 2008 thmugh
Junc 20U5>.
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Jun 17 08 11 : 30a p, g
Financial Terms
EwMotion propose�e budgct not t�cxccod$196,400 for F iscal Year 20U9.
- ()ne hundred and lwenty thou�:uicf doll�will be paid fc�r T�.tik #1 and Ta�k tt2
scrviccs dcscribed herein.'I'his sustainability placxning and greenhouse g��
inventory wc�rk will build on the sueee�ses ol'the City's reeyclinb probram to
encompass other rc�c�urce arcfls. Work will commencx immediately with a 25%
down payment!br scrvices(530,000).
• Fifty-scven thuu.wnd dollars will tx:available under thc contract for additional
'I'aSk #3 scrviccs and c:x�nscs incurred �,s rcqucsted by the City of Yaim ncsert.
Gach project within Taslc #3 will bc initiated by writt�n confirmation of dutics and
estimated houn and cc��t�.
� As presentc,�d in the budgct bclow, I;cc�Motion will be entiticxl to reeover up to
$19.400 i�n ex�en�es.Keceipte will be presented with quartcrly invoicx�.
Proposal Budget
Fixed Labor Cosis for Resource Manager»ern Efforts
Task#1: Sustainabiliry Planning 580,000
7ask�It2: GreeN�ouse Gas Inventory �40,000
Variable Labor Costs
7ask�3: Energy Policy Guidance 557,000
Expenses
TransporL�tion(mileage and parking) �4,000
lodg ing S2,400
Airtare, hotels, meals 56,000
Research oosts(conferences, references, services) 36.000
Misctllaneous office cost5(expr+ess mail, reproduct�on,etc) S1,000
Subtotal expenses $19,400
Total $196,400
F_cuMu�iun wi!!a�si��n uppruprra�e.c�afJand�irifl c'xpensec within!he t�tv!hud�et
presented F,a�Moliun wi11 pruvide��ccc•ip/s for ex/aeracr.c wilh quarle�ly inw�icr.c.
F.c•uMotio�'s I're.sid�nl wi!!ht bi!!ed u[,�225/huur; Mana�ement, crx�rclinulois, and.ctaf�"
will he hillcd us needcd at$/S�, $1(XI, ahJ$SO pc�r iu�tir re��peclively. LscoMv�ion r.�u
fully insured('aliforniu cor/x�ration arul»rain[�ir�ti al!»e•cessury licr►z�•es und irtsurpnce�.
Signatures
Through thc sibnatunh bclow,both parties agrcc to the term�listod in this proposal:
Patrick C:onlon, Dircctor '1'cd Flanig:ui, I'residcnt ^
Palm Desert Ufticc of L•'nergy Manabement I:coMotion Incorporated
S
CITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Adopt Resolution No. 07-78, a Resolution of the City of Palm Desert
Pledging to Enact Policies and Programs to Reduce Harmful Global
Emissions
SUBMITTED BY: Patrick Conlon, Director of Office of Energy Management
DATE: December 13, 2007
CONTENTS: 1) Resolution No. 07-78, a Resolution of the City of Palm Desert Pledging to
, EnactPolicies and Programs to Reduce Harmful Global Emissions
2) California AB32 Information
3) Interoffice Memo from Mark Greenwood, P.E. Public Works
Recommendation:
Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 07-78 pledging to enact
policies and programs to reduce harmful global emissions.
Executive Summary:
The proposed Resolution outlines 12 action steps the City can take to do its share in
reducing global warming emissions. As this report shows, many of these action steps are
already being done in Palm Desert as our normal course of business. The two major tasks
ahead, which start in 2008, will be the carbon footprint inventory and action plan for
greenhouse gas reduction. This is necessary for compliance with AB32 and development
of a green building ordinance.
Discussion:
The pledge of the Resolution is simple: strive to reduce greenhouse emissions in Palm
Desert 7% below 1990 levels by 2012, five years from now. The difficulty is the amount of
work the City needs to accomplish to establish how much greenhouse emissions were
produced in the City of Palm Desert in 1990, a consulting study will be necessary to
determine this and appropriate actions the City needs to take to reduce those emissions.
The State of California has adopted different goals in AB32, which were signed into law in
September 2006. A632's statewide goals will eventually impact California cities, by requiring
them to establish or estimate baseline years' inventory for greenhouse emissions within that
city in 1990 and 2000; produce an action plan, that will reduce the city's emissions levels to
the 2000 level by the year 2010 and 1990 level by the year 2020.
Greenhouse Gas Resolution
Page 2 of 7
December 13, 2007
Attached is a copy of AB32. One of the differences befin►een the City's Reso{ution and
California AB32 is that the Resolution has a more stringent 5-year goal of reduction of
emissions to 7% below 1990 levels by 2012. If the City of Palm Desert can strive to adopt
and implement the 12 suggestions outlined in the Resolution, then we will already be in
compliance with state law AB32.
The following is a discussion item by item on the Resolution.
Item #1: "Inventory global warming emissions in City operations and in the community, set
reduction targets and create an action plan."
This action item is on our "To Do" list. The City needs to establish two baseline years as
starting points: 1990 and 2000. Staff will be returning to Council in 2008 with a consultant's
proposal to perform a study of our City emissions impact in 1990, 2000 and today so we may
set targets and develop an action plan to meet these target emissions.
Item #2: "Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and
create compact, walkable urban communities." Submitted bv Tonv Baqato, Principal
Planner.
The City of Palm Desert has adopted and encourages policies and programs promoting infill
development reducing sprawl and creating a compact community that can provide for all
types of uses and services.
Policy 4 of the "Land Use Element" of the City's General Plan states "Every opportunity shall
be exploited to enhance the charaeter and viability of the City's commercial areas, including
Highway 111, EI Paseo, the University Park planning area and the Interstate-10 corridor, by
integrating nearby higher density residential uses with retail and office/business park land
uses".
This policy identifies the City's priority for development within our city, rather than sprawling
outside the City limits. The City also allows higher density residential uses adjacent to and
within commercial and office areas that provides a jobs/housing balance, as well as various
types of services within the City that create a compact urban footprint.
Most of the City's vacant land and area of future growth is located within an area known as
the University Park Planning Area. In the General Plan, this will be a compact, walkable
community. It provides a maximum of 1,050 acres for commercial and office use with 697
acres of residential land, allowing a maximum of 7,753 units, 272 acres of open space, and
208 acres for public facilities. The area provides for a high-density overlay, that requires
higher density projects to be in close proximately to public transportation, commercial, office
and open space areas.
In addition to this policy, the City has adopted and enforced land use principles that limit
development on the hillside area and encourages cluster development to create more open
G.\Energy Ma�agament�Pat ConlonlStaH Reportsl2007 Staff ReportslGreenhouse Gases Resolulron SR 12-13-07 tloc
� �Greenhouse Gas Resolution
Page 3 of 7
December 13, 2007
space. They also provide for public trails, and require 40 to 50 percent of 'open space' areas
in the City's highest density zones.
Item #3: "Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction
programs, incentives for car pooling and public transit.° Submitted bv Tonv Bas�ato.
Principal Planner.
The rapid growth of the City of Palm Desert, and the Coachella Valley in general, has caused
an increase in traffic and presents one of our toughest challenges of protecting the residential
character of our community while still meeting the accessibility needs of the community's
residents and visitors.
Over the past decade, the City has made a conscious effort with policies and programs to
promote alternative transportation methods by expanding options for pedestrians, bicycles
and golf carts. The City has expanded sidewalks next to major roads and has provided for 70
miles of on-street and off-street bicycle and golf cart paths. In addition, the City has adopted
policies promoting mass transit expansion by consulting and coordinating with the SunLine
Transit Agency and Coachella Valley Association of Govemments (CVAG) encouraging the
development of rideshare and other alternative, high occupancy transit programs.
Recently, the state of Califomia adopted Assembly Bill 32 (A632) committing to reduce its
greenhouse gases to 2000 levels by 2010, to 1990 levels by 2020 and to 80% below 1990
levels by 2050. To achieve this goal, the City of Palm Desert will have to rely on ridesharing
and mass transit as key components of our transportation future.
Item #4: "Increase the use of cfean, alternative energy by, for example, investing in Ggreen
tags", advocating for the development of renewable energy resources, recovering landfill
methane for energy production, and supporting the use of waste to energy technology."
Palm Desert through its �nergy Ordinance #1124 promotes the use of photovoltaic solar as
an optional avenue that developers may pursue in documenting compliance to the provisions
of the Ordinance. The current Palm Desert Energy_ Proaram.. vuill be workiilg in 2008 to
develop a photovoltaic solar concept for residential and commercial applications as well as a
low-cost financing program for homeowners and business owners who wish to install solar
panels on their buildings or invest in various energy efficiency improvements. The City of
Palm Desert's public transportation company, SunLine Transit Agency, utilizes a fleet of
compressed natural gas buses along with a hydrogen fuel cell bus covering the various
routes within Palm Desert. Per the franchise agreement with the solid waste company
Burrtec, all trucks used for sold waste coltection are required to run on compressed natural
gas.
Items #5 and #6: "Make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements,
retrofitting city facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conseroe
energy and save money; Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for City use."
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Greenhouse Gas Resolution � . �
Page 4 of 7
December 13, 2007
The City already has these energy-related items in place. Palm Desert Ordinance #1124
requires all new construction to be 10% to 15% more energy efficient than required by the
2005 energy conservation standards set forth in State law. The current Palm Desert energy
standards are approximately 70% more efflcient than what was required in 1990 and 45%
more efficient than what was required in 2000. New City buildings �sitoPs Information
Center and the Henderson Building) were designed and built in conformance with the
Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Standards. The City will continue
this practioe with future buildings. The Civic Center has been retroftted with various energy
efficiency measures such as a 75,000 watt photovoltaic solar system, urethane foam
insulated roof system with UV reflective coating, and T-8 fluorescent lighting to name a few.
As the existing HVAC equipment in all our City buildings is being replaced, we will use only
Energy Star-rated 14 SEER and higher equipment.
Item #7: °Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S. Green Building
Council's LEED program or a similar system." Submitbed bv Tonv Bas�ato. Princioal
Planner.
Currently, the City has no policies or mandatory requirements for sustainable building
practice using the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program. However, the City has
begun to practice sustainable building techniques by constructing the first LEED Certified
building in the Coachella Valley. The City is constructing a new community center using
sustainable building practices and will apply for LEED Certification. In addition, City staff
encourages developers to voluntarily use sustainable building practices to achieve LEED
Certification. Although the City has no specific policies or mandatory requirements for
sustainable building practices, we are committed to promoting altemative energy, water
conservation and recycling.
Regarding the use of energy, the City has pledged to reduce its energy demand and use by
30 percent over the next five (5) years. The City has developed a partnership between
Southern Califomia Edison, Southern Califomia Gas Company, and The Energy Coalition.
Palm Desert residents now have more reasons than ever to start conserving energy. Known
a� "�t tQ.��Y�"} the RartnsrshiR Offers_ cash.incentiues tn residents wha pursue a wid�
variety of conservation measures such as replacing aging air conditioners and pool pumps
with newer, more energy efficient models. The City is also offering free in-home energy
surveys to all Palm Desert residents to identify ways to save energy and money on their utility
biNs. The City has a{so adopted a Local Energy Efficiency Ordinance requiring minimum
energy efficiency standards for all new construction, including remodels, additions,
alterations, condominium conversions, and tentative improvements.
Regarding the use of water, the City has established a Water Efficient Landscaping
Ordinance that includes desert adapted and native trees and shrubs promoting green
sustainable design. The City has a City Arborist and fairly large professional landscape staff
for its size. In addition, the City provides local training and outreach programs for schools,
Home Owner Associations (HOA's), celebrates Arbor Day, and publishes City of Palm Desert
Landscape Maintenance Guidelines to educate the public about proper tree maintenance.
The City has a Landscape Beautfication Committee that reviews City projects and
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• . Greenhouse Gas Resolution
Page 5 of 7
December 13, 2007
landscaping in Public Rights-Of-Ways. The City co-sponsors water conservation programs
with the Coachella Water Valley District (CVWD) and works with the local grassroots
organization, The Desert Horticultural Society, on its projects.
Item #8: Increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles; reduce the number
of vehicles; launch an employee education program including anti-idling messages; convert
diesel vehicles to bio-diesel."
Attached to this report is a memo from Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works,
addressing the Palm Desert fleet and purchasing guidelines.
Item #9: Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater
systems; recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production."
We are currently in the process of completing this task as part of our Energy Program. Motor
and pump specialists ftom Southem Califomia Edison are visiting each of the City's 23 golf
courses to do a free evaluation on the existing pumps and indicate where energy savings can
occur. They also identify incentive funding to help offset those energy efficiency improvement
costs. After the golf courses are addressed we will be scheduling with the CVWD to inventory
the 38 active well sites within Palm Desert along with the pumps at the Cook Street plant.
The CVWD Cook Street sewage treatment plant does not use a methane digester to process
the solid waste, referred to as sludge. The sludge is instead compacted and exported from
the Cook Street location to be used as fertilizer. City staff will be working with CVWD staff to
address the feasibility of harvesting methane gas in the future.
Item #10: "Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community." Submitted bv
Frankie Riddle, Director of Saecial Pro�rams.
Since the approval of AB939 the City has always exceeded the required 50% diversion. The
following are the diversion rates for Palm Desert: In 2005 = 62%; 2004 = 63%; 2003 = 62%;
2002 = 60% and 2001 = 57%, with an average of 61% over the last five reporting years. The
CitK has als�n mo�red forward wriih the proawtio� o�the Fre,a CoaimeEcial Recycling Rrograrn.
We have 356 businesses implementing recycling programs and saving $6,000.00 monthly.
The City has also incorporated recycling requirements within most of our City construction
contracts. The City also approved a mandatory automated collection system for all
residences within the City. This system requires all residential customers (except multi-family
housing units) to have a trash and recycling container. This automatically increased
participation by approximately 25%. If the City decides to approve mandatory recycling, all
residences will have the proper setup and businesses will also have the ability and education
necessary to recycle.
Item #11: "Maintain healthy urban forests; promote tree planting to increase shading and to
absorb CO2." Submitted bv Tonv Bas�ato, Principal Planner.
Since we live in the desert, the term "Urban Forest" doesn't strictly apply. The City's General
Plan makes no clear statement as to the value and purpose of its "Urban Forest". However
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December 13, 2007
the City does promote tree planting and increased shading through the Parking Lot
Ordinanoe and Tree Ordinance. To be sustainable, the City allows water-efficient trees and
desert landscaping as long as a projeci complies with our Water E�cient Ordinance. The
Parking Lot Ordinance requires shade trees to mitigate the negative impact of roads and
parking fot surfaces.
{tem #12: Help educate the public, schools, other jurisdictions, professional associations,
business and industry about reducing globaf warming pollution."
As part of our existing Energy Program we are currently doing this activity in grade schools
as part of The Energy Coalition's `PEAK School Program'. In 2008, we propose to expand our
energy and environmental training to Palm Desert High School with the National Energy
Scholar Program. We have met with Pat Walsh, the Principal of PDHS, and the 40 members
of the PDHS Environmental Club who are excited about this new proposed program.
C.P. Shankar, with Americar� Grid, Inc. has successfully implemented the following Energy
Stewardship Program in the State of Maryiand.
National Energy Scholar� Program
YOUTH ACTION PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL & COLLEGE STUDENTS
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CA
"U.S. demand for electricity will increase by 19% over the next 10 years, while the
supply will increase by oniy 6%. This incremental supply will primarily be provided by the
addition of 100+ coal fired power plants at cost of over $100 billion. The project plans
are currently awaiting federaUlocal approvals." - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
— 10-year demand forecast (2006).
"U.S. contributes to over 25°l0 of the world wide carbon emissions and ranks number
one in the per capita carbon emissions among the developed nations." - United Nations,
Climate Action Report.
_ _ .
"U.S. energy consumption pattern can be divided as follows - '/3 residential use; '/a
industrial use and '/s transportation. In densely populated metro-areas, residential use
takes a higher share of up to 2/3 of total consumption. " - U.S. Dept. of Energy.
"ln major cities across the U.S., 'price-caps' established under the previous Energy Act
are expiring shortly, resulting in higher utifity prices - ranging from 20-200% over the
next 5 years." - U.S. Dept. of Energy.
There is an urgent need to educate today's America's youth - the next generation of
energy users, on environmental 8� energy stewardship. The National Energy Scholar�
certification program is a comprehensive and systematic course of study on the
principles of energy, its relationship to our environment, principles of personal, family
and community stewardship, and how they can enable responsible energy use and
respect for environment.
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Page 7 of 7
December 13, 2007
The course wifl empower students to learn practical and permanent ways to take
ownership and responsibility for their own personal energy use and local environment. It
would enhance a student's personal awareness of responsible energy use, its benefits
to their environment with strong reinforcement of their positive behavior. Upon
successful graduation, the student would become an ambassador for personal energy &
environmental stewardship and help transform their communities one home at a time.
Rising energy costs (for heating, cooling, lighting, and transportation) and rapid global
warming result in an urgent need for American families to seek effective ways to curtail
their energy waste and help protect their environment. Regulators and policy makers at
the nationaVlocal levels continue to debate a variety of alternatives including exploration
of new sources of fossil fuels, renewable energy resources and aggressive conservation
efforts using public transportation. These debates may be good for the media, but the
resulting actions may not be fast enough to help our citizens and communities.
Studies indicate that, (a) merely throwing expensive technology at consumers (at
significant direct or indirect costs to the tax payers) does not necessarily result in
desired outcomes when they fail to complement their behavior and lifestyles, (b) to be
effective, successful energy conservation programs require more permanent behavioral
changes through increased levels of awareness and positive reinforcement of good
behavior, and (c) these changes of enhanced personal responsibility and a keen sense
of stewardship at the individual, family and community level, must begin at a very young
age - at the high school and college level - so the next generation of energy users would
leam more responsible ways to use energy and protect their environment.
Whiie fear and guilt are often used as the tools to create change in human behavior, the
results are usually temporary since they create confusion and anxiety among
uninformed citizens. The primary pbjective of this program is to educate communities on
the practical ways to change every day energy use habits, and their impact on local
environment and climate action; resulting in a more permanent, intelligent and
responsible ch�ices that.citizens.can make fo� the,�ns�tv�s. Mcreasing-awareness and
encouraging energy stewardship at the personal, family & community levels is the
quickest, most economical, and the cleanest way to bring about this change. Each of us
needs to do our share to make this objective successful.
Staff will return to the Council in early 2008 to review the specifics of the above program for
possible financial support from the City of Palm Desert to implement this program.
Submitted by: Approval:
C'
Patri c onlon Carlos Ortega
Director of Office of Energy Management City Manager
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RESOLUTION NO. 07•78
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, PLEDGING TO ENACT POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS TO REDUCE HARMFUL GLOBAL EMISSIONS
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, by the City Council of Palm Dese�t, Califomia, as
follows:
The City of Palm Desert pledges to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the
target of reducing haRnful global emission levels to seven (7} percent below 1990 levels
by 2012, induding efforts to: reduce the United States' dependence on fossil fuels and
accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel-efficient
technologies such as conservation, methane recover for energy generation, waste to
energy, wind and solar energy, fuel cells, efficient motor vehicles, and bio.fuels.
1. Inventory harmful global emissions in City operations in the community, set
reduction targets and create an action plan;
2. Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space,
and create compad, walkable urban communities;
3. Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction
programs, incentives for car pooling, and public transit;
4. Increase the use of clean, altemative energy by, for example, investing in "green
tags", advocating for the development of renewable energy resources, recovering
landfill rnethane for energy production, and supporting the use of waste to energy
technology;
5. Make energy efficiency a priority through,building code imp�oveme�ts, retrofitting
city facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve
ene�gy and save money;
6. Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for City use;
7. Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S. Green
Building Councii's LEED program or a similar system;
RESOLUTION NO. O7-7 �,
8. Increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehiGes, reduce the
numbe� of vehiGes, launch an employee education program induding anti-idling
messages, and convert diesel vehides to bio-diesel;
9. Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater
systems and recove�wastewater treatment methane for energy production;
10.Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community;
11.Maintain healtfiy urban forests; and promote tree planting to increase shading
and absofptfon of CO2; and
12.Hetp educate tt�e pubtic, schools, other jurisdictlons, professional associations,
business and industry about reducing global warming pollu6on.
,�
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council vf the City of Palm
Dese�t, Califomia, on this 13�'day of Decembe�, 2007 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: FERCUSON, KELLY, SPIEGEL, and BENSON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: FINERTY
A63TAIN: NONE
� ,
l ��,�-„�
N M. BEN N, MAYOR
ATTEST:
HELL D. KLASSEN, ITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
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