Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBaseline 2009: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report-Community (Spring 2011)BASELINE 2009: GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY REPORT- Government SPRING 2011 Town of Ithaca, NY 215 North Tioga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 www.town.ithaca.ny.us SPRING 2011 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY REPORT: Local Government SUPERVISOR Herb Engman TOWN BOARD Chair: Herb Engman, Supervisor Councilperson: Bill Goodman, Deputy Supervisor Councilperson: Rich DePaolo Councilperson: Tee Ann Hunter Councilperson: Pat Leary Councilperson: Eric Levine Councilperson: Nahmin Horwitz SUSTAINABILITY PLANNER Katie Stoner Compiled by: Katie Stoner, Town of Ithaca Sustainability Planner Acknowledgements: Herb Engman: Town of Ithaca, Supervisor Debby Kelley: Town of Ithaca, Bookkeeper Al Carvill*: Town of Ithaca, Budget Officer Sue Ritter: Town of Ithaca, Planning Director Chris Balestra: Town of Ithaca, Planner Mike Smith: Town of Ithaca, Environmental Planner Lisa Carrier-Titti: Town of Ithaca, Network/Records Specialist Dan Walker*: Town of Ithaca, Senior Civil Engineer Paul Tunison: Bolton Point, General Manager Joan Foote: Bolton Point, Production Manager Pam VanGelder: Bolton Point, Finance Manager Gail Kroll: Town of Ithaca, Administrative Assistant John Licitra: Town of Ithaca, Engineering Technician Creig Hebdon: Town of Ithaca, Senior Civil Engineer Jim Weber: Town of Ithaca, Director of Public Works Dan Ramer: Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, Chief Operator Evan Hallas: Taitem Engineering, Energy Analyst Katie Borgella: Tompkins County Planning, Principal Planner Leslie Schill: Tompkins County Planning, Senior Planner Lee Tryhorn: Cornell University Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science, Postdoctoral Research Associate Lara Crawford**: Regional Officer, ICLEI Jamie O’Connell: Regional Officer, ICLEI Angela Vincent: Regional Director, ICLEI *since retired **former staff member Review Team: Herb Engman Rich DePaolo Sue Ritter Jim Weber Creig Hebdon Dan Ramer Evan Hallas Leslie Schill Katie Borgella TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory: What is it and why do one? ................................................................................... 7 Accounting and Reporting Principles ............................................................................................................................................ 8 Methodology ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 2009 Emissions Inventory Findings: Town of Ithaca Government Operations ............................................................ 10 Existing Measures ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Appendix A: Glossary ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15 Appendix B: Model ............................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Appendix C: Scopes ........................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Appendix D: Data Sources and Contacts ................................................................................................................................... 19 Appendix E: Climate Smart Communities Resolution ........................................................................................................... 20 Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Town of Ithaca boldly asserted its commitment to climate protection and sustainability in April of 2009 as its Town Board passed a resolution to join the “Climate Smart Communities” initiative, a partnership program between New York State and local municipalities (see Appendix E). In signing on to this partnership, the Town of Ithaca pledged to work toward lowering greenhouse gases and saving taxpayer dollars through climate smart actions that also promote community health and safety, affordability, economic strength and quality of life. In pursuit of these goals, the Town of Ithaca acquired funding to hire a half-time Sustainability Planner to carry out planning and implementation objectives. In September 2010, the Sustainability Planner came on board, and shortly thereafter, the Town of Ithaca became a member of ICLEI: Local Governments for Sustainability. In doing so, the Town further solidified its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) at the local level and to enhance sustainability efforts. This analysis marks the first milestone in a multi-step process to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Town of Ithaca through a Climate Action Planning process: 1. Conduct a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis: Baseline Inventory and Forecast 2. Establish a Reduction Target 3. Develop a Climate Action Plan 4. Implement the Climate Action Plan 5. Monitor Progress and Report Results This report details the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere that are attributable to the Town of Ithaca’s government facilities and operations for the baseline year of 2009. The inventory also provides information about the activities that cause emissions (combustion of fossil fuel for heat, electricity, and transportation) as well as methods used to calculate these figures. The sources of emissions calculated in this GHG emissions inventory include: In 2009 - the baseline year chosen for this analysis - the Town of Ithaca’s government operations used 46, 548 MMBTus of energy and emitted 3,928 tons of CO2e at a cost of $1,015,508. The Water Delivery Facilities sector accounted for the greatest proportion of Sector Details Building and Facilities Town Hall Public Works Streetlights 10 Lighting Districts 2 School Crossing Lights Water Delivery Bolton Point Facility 4 Pump Stations 19 Pump Houses and Tanks Wastewater Treatment Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (42%) 14 Pump Houses Vehicle Fleet 73 Vehicles and Equipment (Public Works and TOI) 13 Vehicles (Bolton Point) Employee Commute 72 Employees from TOI, Public Works & Bolton Point Passenger cars, vans, light trucks, SUVs Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 2 energy and emissions at 17,300 MMBTus and 1,609 tons CO2e, respectively, or 45.2% of all government emissions. This inventory provides the Town of Ithaca with a baseline for comparing future performance and tracking progress of energy conservation initiatives and emission reduction strategies. These initial findings will guide the Town in setting a reduction target, identifying energy improvement priorities, and developing and implementing a long-term Climate Action Plan. Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 3 INTRODUCTION A Global Context Climate change is one of the most urgent, pressing issues faced by the global community. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global GHG emissions resulting from human activities have grown since pre-industrial times, with an increase of 70% between 1970 and 2004. The IPCC is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. Thousands of scientists from all over the world contribute to the work of the IPCC on a voluntary basis. Since 1750, global atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases have significantly increased as a result of human activities, and now far exceed pre-industrial values. Most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic (human-made) GHG concentrations. Although the Earth’s climate has changed throughout history, never before have we seen such significant disruptions to the systems that make life on Earth possible. According to the IPCC, human influences have: (Source: https://www.ipcc-wg1.unibe.ch/publications/wg1-ar4/faq/wg1_faq-2.1.html “Very likely contributed to sea level rise during the latter half of the 20th century.” “Likely contributed to changes in wind patterns, affecting extra-tropical storm tracks and temperature patterns.” “Likely increased temperatures of extreme hot nights, cold nights and cold days.” “More likely than not increased risk of heat waves, area affected by drought since the 1970s and frequency of heavy precipitation events.” Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 4 A National Context The Town of Ithaca has joined a community of more than 600 local governments nationwide who are committed to climate protection and sustainability. Founded in 1990, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is an association of city and county governments dedicated to improving global environmental conditions through cumulative local action. ICLEI encourages action by focusing on improvement to the quality of life for the entire community by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. improving air quality, reducing traffic congestion and achieving financial savings for residents and businesses). In 2005 alone, local government members of ICLEI reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 23 million tons. This translates to about $600 million in annual cumulative savings, largely on energy expenditures. A State Context These changes to the Earth’s climate and ecosystems may not appear to be an immediate threat to local communities like Ithaca, NY. It is worth noting, however, that impacts are already being felt in New York State, and that our choices and actions today will determine the world that we will inhabit tomorrow. A recent report by Horton et al. (2011) entitled, “The New York State Climate Adaptation Assessment,” details some of the changes already observed and anticipated closer to home:  Annual temperatures have been rising throughout the state since the start of the 20th century. State-average temperatures have increased by approximately 0.6ºF per decade since 1970, with winter warming exceeding 1.1ºF per decade  Sea level along New York’s coastline has risen by approximately 1 foot since 1900  Mean temperatures across in our region could increase 2.0 to 3.0F by the 2020s, 3.5 to 5.5 F by the 2050s, and 4.5 to 8.5F by the 2080s  Precipitation could increase from an average of 38 inches/year by 0 to 5% by the 2020s, 0-10% by the 2050s, and 5-10% in the 2080s  Extreme heat events are very likely to increase, and extreme cold events are very likely to decrease throughout NYS (Source: Horton et al. (2011). Climate Risks. Chapter 1. ClimAID. NYSERDA.) New York State has committed to working aggressively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become a hub of the new clean energy economy. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation estimates that recent regulations will result in a reduction of 15 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2020 and 26 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2030, or 6% and 9% below the 2008 baseline, respectively. Executive Order 24 issued in 2009 by Governor Paterson committed the state to reduce GHG emissions by 80% by 2050 and create a Climate Action Plan; the interim Climate Action Plan was released in November 2010. Other NYS initiatives include:  The establishment of the Office of Climate Change with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, charged with program and policy development  Adoption of a Renewable Portfolio Standard, requiring that the state obtain 30 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015 – referred to as “30 x 15.”  Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) cap-and-trade program aimed at reducing power plant emissions by 10% by 2019  Vehicle manufacturers will be required to meet a fleet average standard of emissions that becomes more stringent each year through 2016. Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 5 A Local Context Clearly, climate change is a global issue that requires immediate and considerable action. In a political climate where attempts to pass comprehensive national climate legislation have been ineffectual, local governments have an opportunity to effect meaningful change. They have asserted themselves as leaders in the climate movement by acknowledging the urgency of the threats posed by climate change, committing to reducing their impacts, and implementing action plans that have tangible, positive results. The following examples demonstrate the commitments of several municipalities in Tompkins County: Tompkins County  Adoption of county-wide goal to reduce GHG emissions 80% below 2008 levels by 2050  Implementation of 2020 Energy Strategy to reduce GHG emissions 20% below 2008 levels by 2020  Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Element adopted into Comp Plan  Significant accomplishments already within county government operations City of Ithaca  Adoption of Local Action Plan, committing City to reduce government GHG emissions 20% below 2001 levels by 2016  Energy efficiency upgrades in City facilities carried out  Energy Sustainability Coordinator hired in 2011 Town of Caroline  Town Hall underwent energy upgrades o Super-insulated o Sun tubes to lighten spaces on the north side o Powered by 12.6 kW PV array, which is net metered into the grid o Heated solely by geo-thermal, with roof overhangs sized to reduce thermal loading in the summer and maximize solar gain in the winter Town of Danby  Exploring the possibility of a biomass boiler to heat Town facilities  Conducted energy audit in Town Hall Town of Dryden  Energy efficiency upgrades at highway department  Geothermal system and high efficiency lighting at Town Hall  Funding for local residents to conduct energy audit provided  Sustainability Planner hired in 2010  Energy Coordinator hired in 2011  Sustainability Planning process underway Town of Ithaca  Sustainability Planner hired in 2010  GHG Emissions Inventory/Climate Action Planning carried out  Sustainability integrated into Comprehensive Plan Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 6  Energy efficiency upgrades at wastewater treatment plant  Efficient motors in water treatment plants  Energy efficient lighting upgrade at Town Hall Town of Lansing  Energy Educator hired  Facilities staff focused on energy upgrades to Town facilities and operations Whether considered a moral imperative, a smart business strategy, or some combination thereof, the Town of Ithaca is taking leadership by committing to combat climate change at the local level. Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY: WHAT IS IT AND WHY DO ONE? A greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory is an assessment of energy use. It can also be thought of as an audit of the activities that cause or release greenhouse gases along with a projection of how much these activities are likely to grow in the future. Information from the greenhouse gas emissions inventory allows the Town of Ithaca to identify energy and cost saving measures, create a strategy to reduce emissions in a quantifiable and transparent way, and provides baseline data to help monitor the success of future initiatives. Furthermore, data from the inventory will help prioritize energy improvements, guide policy decisions, inform the Energy and Climate Change section of the Comprehensive Plan, and build public support for broader sustainability initiatives in the Town. The Town of Ithaca benefits from the development of a greenhouse gas emissions inventory in the following ways: Risk Management - Voluntarily reporting GHG emissions could help the Town of Ithaca manage climate risk by documenting early actions to reduce GHG emissions. Addressing Inefficiencies - Accounting for emissions can help the Town of Ithaca gain better insight into the relationship between improving efficiency (reducing energy and waste) and reducing emissions, while at the same time saving money and resources. Readiness for a Carbon Constrained Future - Identifying emissions sources to develop a GHG profile and management strategies will prepare the Town of Ithaca to respond to the potential impact of new regulations. Recognition as an Environmental Leader - Voluntarily reporting GHG emissions provides the Town of Ithaca with a pathway to recognize, publicize, and promote our environmental stewardship. Stakeholder Education - Assembling an annual GHG emissions inventory can help inform management, constituents, employees, and the public about the Town of Ithaca’s GHG emissions profile. “...the greenhouse gas emissions inventory allows the Town…to identify energy and cost saving measures, create a strategy to reduce emissions in a quantifiable and transparent way, and provides baseline data to help monitor the success of future initiatives.” ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING PRINCIPLES Following the processes and models established by ICLEI, the Town of Ithaca conducted a community-wide GHG inventory and a government operations GHG inventory using data from the calendar year 2009. This report contains the findings from the government analysis. The inventory is the first step in ICLEI’s “Five Milestones” methodology, which is followed by ICLEI’s 600+ member governments nation-wide: 1) Conduct a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis: Baseline Inventory and Forecast 2) Establish a Reduction Target 3) Develop a Climate Action Plan 4) Implement the Climate Action Plan 5) Monitor Progress and Report Results Standardized Protocols Because of the complexities involved in directly measuring greenhouse gas emissions, inventory’s report emissions that are based on accepted models and methodologies, providing the greatest degree of accuracy possible. In the larger context of the ICLEI Five Milestones process, this greenhouse gas emissions inventory was conducted in accordance with the Local Government Operations Protocol (LGOP), a set of principles designed to provide a standardized guide to local governments quantifying and reporting GHG emissions associated with their operations. The overarching principles of this protocol are relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, and accuracy. The LGOP facilitates the standardized and rigorous inventorying of GHG emissions, which helps local governments to track energy consumption, benchmark progress, assess risks, and identify opportunities. The Town of Ithaca’s efforts to reduce emissions will be compatible with programs already in place throughout the region, state and nation, as the LGOP is the official standard for all local governments in the United States. Baseline Year The GHG emissions inventory report for the Town of Ithaca government was conducted using 2009 as the baseline year. Setting a baseline reveals high priorities for energy savings, guides reduction targets, and establishes a benchmark to compare progress against. In essence, a baseline year provides a snapshot of the current state of affairs that is useful in articulating goals and visions for the future. According to the LGOP, the baseline should be selected based on a calendar year (not fiscal), and should be a year for which the records are accurate, complete, and representative, or devoid of data anomalies, such as a particularly cold or warm year. 2009 was chosen for the Town of Ithaca for the following reasons:  The data itself was well organized and easily accessible; much more so than any other years prior  2009 is relatively consistent with other climate action plans in the region and state, such as New York State creating a synergy that is potentially helpful for future collaborations and community-wide programs  Relatively few energy improvements have been implemented up to this point, allowing the Town to track the impacts of future energy efficiency and carbon reduction strategies. Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 9 METHODOLOGY Data for the government emissions analysis is collected from all sources of emissions within the organizational/geopolitical boundaries of the municipality. Emissions to be inventoried within the organizational boundary are determined based on operational control and influence. Operational control is defined as any facility or operation for which the town has the authority to introduce and implement changes in operational policies and processes. For the Town of Ithaca, this includes emissions categorized in the following sectors: In almost all cases, utility bills were available for the emissions sources within each sector. Fuel consumption and vehicle miles traveled for fleet vehicles and equipment were not available for the chosen baseline year, 2009, so 2010 was substituted and is reasonably comparable to the previous year. The water treatment facility, Bolton Point, is owned and operated by several municipalities in the form of an intermunicipal commission. 100% of the emissions resulting from water treatment activities are included in this inventory. This is based on the assumption that the other smaller municipalities will not inventory emissions from Bolton Point in the near future, nor will they have the resources to drive energy efficiency and carbon reduction strategies. The wastewater treatment facility is also an intermunicipal facility with joint ownership amongst several municipalities. The Town of Ithaca has a 42% ownership share of this facility, and therefore has included 42% of attributable emissions in this inventory. The City of Ithaca included 100% of this facility’s emissions in their Government Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory which used 2001 as the baseline year. Their Climate Action Plan was adopted by the Common Council in 2006. The Town and the City will work together to create an arrangement that guides all municipalities involved to account for the emissions proportional to their ownership, and to avoid double-counting. Sector Details Emissions Sources Building and Facilities  Town Hall  Public Works (office building, town barn, salt shed) Natural Gas and Electricity Streetlights  10 Lighting Districts  2 School Crossing Lights Electricity Water Delivery  Bolton Point Facility  4 Pump Stations  19 Pump Houses and Tanks Natural Gas and Electricity Wastewater Treatment  Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility  14 Pump Houses Natural Gas, Electricity, and Methane Vehicle Fleet  73 Vehicles and Equipment (Public Works and Town)  13 Vehicles (Bolton Point) Gasoline and Diesel Employee Commute  72 Employees from Town, Public Works, & Bolton Point  Passenger cars, vans, light trucks, SUVs Gasoline and Diesel Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 10 2009 EMISSIONS INVENTORY FINDINGS: TOWN OF ITHACA GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS Results In the Spring of 2011, the Town of Ithaca completed an inventory to measure greenhouse gas emissions for the baseline year of 2009. The following section provides the 2009 emissions inventory findings by sector and source, as well as the associated energy costs. In 2009, the Town of Ithaca emitted approximately 3,928 tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). 3,928 tons sounds like a lot, but what does that mean? The amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted by the Town of Ithaca in 2009 is equivalent to: 432 homes using electricity throughout a year, or 699 passenger vehicles on the road for a year, or 78,287 barrels of oil consumed, or 399,487 gallons of gasoline consumed, or 47 tanker trucks’ worth of gasoline (Source: EPA GHG Equivalencies Calculator: http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy- resources/calculator.html ) GHG Emissions by Sector Sectors % Total CO2 Equivalent (tons) Energy (million Btu) Cost ($) Buildings 5.8% 229 3,133 $56,419 Streetlights and Traffic 2.3% 92 867 $29,025 Water Delivery Facilities 45.2% 1,774 17,300 $459,479 Wastewater Facilities 20% 784 8,249 $278,734 Vehicle Fleet 23.3% 915 11,486 $74,937 Employee Commute 3.4% 134 5,512 $116,914 TOTAL 100% 3,928 46,548 $1,015,508 Source Percent of Total CO2 Equivalent (tons) Energy (million Btu) Cost ($) Diesel 10.8% 422 4,697 $58,503 Electricity 59.6% 2,342 21,995 $647,853 Gasoline 15.9% 627 11,710 $169,378 Methane 2.4% 94 0 $0 Natural Gas 11.3% 443 7,555 $175,804 TOTAL 100% 3,928 46,548 $1,015,508 GHG Emissions by Source Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 11 Buildings and Facilities The four buildings owned and operated by the Town of Ithaca were responsible for 6% of overall emissions. They used 3,133 MMBtus of energy and emitted 229 tons of CO2e, costing the town $56,419 annually. Streetlights/Traffic Signals The streetlights and traffic signals under the jurisdiction of the town in 2009 were responsible for 2.4% of overall emissions, using 867 MMBtus of energy, emitting 92 tons of CO2e, at a total cost of $29,025. Water Delivery Facilities The Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission, a.k.a. Bolton Point, is jointly owned by five municipalities in the county. The 21 pump stations provide water to 5,900 total housing units and nearly 5,000 housing units in the Town of Ithaca using 17,300 MMBtus and emitting 1,774 tons of CO2e at a cost of $459,479. Wastewater Treatment Facilities Given the joint ownership structure explained previously, this inventory measured 42% of the energy consumption, CO2e output, and cost associated with the Town of Ithaca’s proportional share of ownership. The Town’s share of emissions from the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility in 2009 represented 20% of overall government emissions, using 8,249 MMBtus of energy, emitting 784 tons of CO2e, and costing the Town $278,734. Vehicle Fleet Due to gaps in data, 2010 data, which was comparable to 2009, was used to calculate emissions from the Town of Ithaca’s vehicle and equipment fleet. There are 86 vehicles in the Town’s fleet, which comprises 23.3% of overall CO2e emissions. The fleet used 11,486 MMBtus of energy, and emitted 915 tons of CO2e, which cost the Town $74,937. Employee Commute Employees at Town Hall, Public Works, and Bolton Point were surveyed in order to better understand commuting patterns, which the Town of Ithaca may have some influence over by incentivizing activities that promote energy-savings, such as alternative modes of transportation, carpooling, etc. Employee commuting in 2009 represented 3.4% of overall emissions, using 5,512 MMBtus of energy, emitting 134 tons of CO2e, costing government employees a total of $116,914 Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 12 Emissions Sources Electricity was the primary source of emissions for the Town of Ithaca’s operations in 2009, with 60% of emissions resulting from electricity to power buildings, facilities, and pumps associated with water and wastewater treatment. Gasoline accounted for 16% of emissions, with diesel fuel and natural gas representing 11%. 2% of overall emissions are attributable to methane from the wastewater treatment plant. Energy Costs Overall, the Town of Ithaca spent $1,015,508 in 2009 on energy. Employee commuting costs are incurred directly by individual employees, therefore making the actual cost of energy for government operations $934,632. The greatest energy expense is the water treatment facility, accounting for 43% of all energy costs. The Town’s share of the wastewater treatment facility accounts for 27% of overall energy costs, with the fleet representing 11% of overall energy spending by the Town. 6% of energy expenditures are in the Town’s buildings, while less than 1% is spend on streetlights. Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 13 EXISTING MEASURES The Town of Ithaca has been implementing energy saving measures long before any officially sanctioned commitment to greenhouse gas emissions reduction and climate protection was made. The following practices and activities highlight a strong tradition of energy efficiency and conservation within Town operations, which can be leveraged to support the upcoming climate action planning process: Town Hall  Uses computer-based Energy Management System to maximize heating/cooling efficiency  Undergoing lighting upgrade, saving 9 tons of CO2/year and $2,000/year in electricity costs  Uses daylight for space lighting  Member of Tompkins County Solid Waste “ReBusiness Program,” and working to enhance recycling and waste reduction strategies Public Works  Purchases used and refurbished vehicles and equipment when possible  Most byproducts/waste collected and generated are reused in some way: leaves to compost, dirt and gravel from excavation to road material, brush and downed trees to mulch  Lubricants, oil, hydraulic fluid and antifreeze from vehicle fleet are collected and returned to vendor where it is reprocessed and made available for reuse  Uses a road de-icing product, “Ice B’Gone,” that has positive impacts on public health by improving water quality, increasing safety, protecting and preserving the natural environment and wildlife habitat, and providing cost savings  Vehicle/equipment lending and borrowing structure with neighboring towns  Energy efficient lighting in Public Works office facility  Uses solar power for remote bank monitoring Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility  Methane from digesters provides 100% of the heat for the digesters, ¼ of electricity needs, and some heat for the buildings  Recently entered into a building performance contract and is expected to reduce CO2e emissions by 961 tons annually (67% from electricity reductions, 33% from natural gas.) With a 42% share of the plant, the Town of Ithaca can expect to reduce emissions by 404 tons CO2e annually. Over the next 20 years, it is estimated that IAWWTF will save close to $9 million in utility costs, based on a mutually agreed upon 3.5% annual escalation rate. Bolton Point Water Treatment Facility  Significant savings on energy bills by using off-peak rates  Occupancy sensors in main facility  Energy efficiency lighting in main facility  Variable speed drives utilized in most pump stations. Over the past 15 years, variable speed drives have been phased in as older, less efficient drives are replaced. Despite these meaningful upgrades, it makes sense to explore measures that can expand upon the existing improvements Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 14 CONCLUSION Government operations emissions in the Town of Ithaca constitute about 2% of the entire community’s Ithaca’s total emissions. A forthcoming Community GHG Emissions Inventory Report will detail the findings of the GHG emissions analysis completed for the residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, and waste sectors within the Town of Ithaca at large. As a minor contributor to total emissions, actions to reduce municipal energy use may have a limited impact on Ithaca’s overall community emissions levels. However, municipal action has symbolic value and demonstrates leadership that extends beyond the magnitude of emissions actually reduced. This report provides an initial understanding of current GHG emissions in the Town of Ithaca’s government operations and serves as a foundation for setting GHG reduction targets and developing and implementing energy reduction strategies. At first glance, the best opportunities to reduce emissions are in the following sectors:  Water Delivery Facilities  Wastewater Facilities  Vehicle Fleet Following the establishment of a reduction target, measures and strategies will be recommended to guide the achievement of the Town’s goals in the form of a Climate Action Plan. The Climate Action Plan for the Town of Ithaca will be co-created through a multi-stakeholder process, which will serve as the basis of the forthcoming community-wide Climate Action Plan. Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 15 APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY CO2e - Carbon Dioxide equivalent A carbon dioxide equivalent is the unit used to report greenhouse gas emissions or reductions. Greenhouse gases are converted to CO2e by multiplying emissions by their respective GWP (see below). The CO2e allows for reporting of overall greenhouse gas emissions in one standardized value and aids in greenhouse gas emission comparisons. Every greenhouse gas - carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N20), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) - each gas has different physical properties. For convenience and simplicity, it is conventional to express all gas emissions in “equivalent amounts of carbon dioxide,” where “equivalent” means “having the same warming effect over a period of 100 years.” IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change The IPCC is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. It is comprised of a group of scientists around the world that was formed in 1988 to provide policymakers with objective information regarding climate change. The IPCC convenes approximately every five or six years to update the science and recommendations. GWP - Global Warming Potential Each greenhouse gas has a different potential to trap heat in the atmosphere. A GWP is a measure of the heat trapping ability of a particular gas relative to CO2 typically reported over a 100-year period. ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability Membership association of local governments committed to advancing climate protection and sustainable development. Since its inception in 1990, ICLEI has grown to include over 1,100 cities in the world, more than 600 of which are in the United States. ICLEIs mission is to build, serve, and drive a movement of local governments to advance deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and achieve tangible improvements in local sustainability. LGOP - Local Government Operations Protocol The Local Government Operations Protocol (Protocol) is designed to provide a standardized set of guidelines to assist local governments in quantifying and reporting GHG emissions associated with their government operations. Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 16 METRIC TON - The metric ton is the unit of measurement for greenhouse gas inventories and carbon offset projects. One metric ton is equal to 1.10231 short tons and one short ton is equal to 0.90718 metric ton. MMBTU - British Thermal Unit (BTU), MBTU, MMBTU A standard unit of measurement used to denote both the amount of heat energy in fuels and the ability of appliances and air conditioning systems to produce heating or cooling. A BTU is the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of a pint of water (which weighs exactly 16 ounces) by one degree Fahrenheit. A wooden kitchen match produces approximately 1 BTU, and air conditioners for household use typically produce between 5,000 and 15,000 BTU. MBTU stands for one million BTUs, which can also be expressed as one decatherm (10 therms). MBTU is occasionally used as a standard unit of measurement for natural gas and provides a convenient basis for comparing the energy content of various grades of natural gas and other fuels. One cubic foot of natural gas produces approximately 1,000 BTUs, so 1,000 cu.ft. of gas is comparable to 1 MBTU. MBTU is occasionally expressed as MMBTU, which is intended to represent a thousand thousand BTUs. (Source: http://www.energyvortex.com/energydictionary/british_thermal_unit_%28btu%29__mbtu__mmbtu.html) Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 17 APPENDIX B: MODEL Emissions from government operations were calculated using ICLEI’s Clean Air and Climate Protection software (CACP 2009), which supports emissions inventories and climate action planning based on the LGOP’s principles and guidelines. CACP 2009 is a tool that calculates and tracks emissions and reductions of criteria air pollutants (particulate matter) and the following greenhouse gases:  Carbon Dioxide (CO2)  Methane (CH4)  Nitrous Oxide (N20)  Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)  Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)  Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 18 APPENDIX C: SCOPES Greenhouse gas emissions are categorized as direct or indirect: Direct and indirect emissions are organized in the following scopes under the LGOP, which also facilitates clear and effective reporting: DIRECT EMISSIONS result from sources within the Town’s organizational boundaries that are also under the ownership and control of the Town. INDIRECT EMISSIONS result from sources within the organizational boundaries of the Town, but under the ownership and control of another entity. SCOPE 1: Direct emissions resulting from on-site energy generation for both stationary (e.g., buildings) and mobile (e.g., fleet vehicles) sources, through combustion of fossil fuels SCOPE 2: Indirect emissions resulting from energy purchased off- site, usually electricity (can include steam) SCOPE 3: Indirect emissions resulting from emissions resulting from purchased goods and services, transport and disposal of products and waste, outsourced activities such as grounds care and landscaping, employee travel, and other “upstream” and “downstream” sources Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 19 APPENDIX D: DATA SOURCES AND CONTACTS Buildings and Facilities Natural gas and electricity consumption for the buildings and facilities within the Town is tracked and maintained by the Town of Ithaca Accounting Department. In 2009, they started compiling all utility bills into a centralized spreadsheet, making data collection and aggregation markedly smooth. Debby Kelley is the primary contact for this data, as well as for Streetlights and Traffic Signals, and water and sewer pump stations. Debby Kelley: Bookkeeper to the Supervisor, Town of Ithaca 607-273-1721 x114 dkelley@town.ithaca.ny.us Streetlights and Traffic Signals Electricity consumption for all streetlights and traffic signals is maintained by the Town of Ithaca Accounting Department. Debby Kelley: Bookkeeper to the Supervisor, Town of Ithaca 607-273-1721 x114 dkelley@town.ithaca.ny.us Water Delivery Facilities Bolton Point tracks and maintains natural gas and electricity data for the main facility and the three main pump stations, while the Town of Ithaca tracks the individual pump stations, which only use electricity. Most of the energy consumption is the electricity used to power the pumps. Natural gas is used for space heating in the main facility. Pam VanGelder is the primary contact for this data. Pam VanGelder: Finance Manager, Bolton Point Water System 607-277-0660 x224 pvg@twcny.rr.com Wastewater Treatment Facilities IAWWTF provided data on natural gas and electricity consumption from the plant itself, while the Town of Ithaca maintains the data for the pumps. Dan Ramer was the primary contact for this data. Dan Ramer: Chief Operator, Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility 607-273-8381 dramer@cityofithaca.org Vehicle Fleet Gail Kroll and John Licitra provided data on vehicle/equipment model year and make, gasoline and diesel fuel consumption, and overall spending on fleet fuel. This data is stored in a software program, “FleetMaster,” which pulled reports on these data points. “FleetMaster,” was not able to pull 2009 data, so we had to rely on 2010 data, which according to Jim Weber, Director of Public Works, should be comparable to 2009 data (i.e. no major changes to the fleet). John Licitra was the primary contact for this data. John Licitra: Engineering Technician, Town of Ithaca Public Works 607-273-1656 x230 jlicitra@town.ithaca.ny.us Employee Commute A survey designed by ICLEI was distributed to Town of Ithaca, Public Works, and Bolton Point full-time employees by Katie Stoner, Sustainability Planner. We received a 42% response rate, which was then scaled up to 100% Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 20 APPENDIX E: CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITIES RESOLUTION MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009 TB RESOLUTION NO. 2009-086: Town of Ithaca Resolution to Participate in New York State Department of Environmental Conservation “Climate Smart Communities” Initiative WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca Board believes that climate change poses a real and increasing threat to our local and global environments which is primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels; and WHEREAS, the effects of climate change may endanger our infrastructure, economy and livelihoods; harm our farms, orchards, ecological communities, including native fish and wildlife populations; reduce drinking water supplies; and pose potential health threats to our citizens; and WHEREAS, we believe that our response to climate change provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to save money, and to build livable, energy-independent and secure communities, vibrant innovation economies, healthy and safe schools, and resilient infrastructures; and WHEREAS, we believe the scale of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions required for climate stabilization will require sustained and substantial efforts; and WHEREAS, we believe that even if emissions were dramatically reduced today, communities would still be required to adapt to the effects of climate change for decades to come, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that Town of Ithaca, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate will 1. Combat Climate Change by Becoming a Climate Smart Community Set goals to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to predicted climatic changes. Establish a task force of local officials and Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 21 community members to review the issues and propose a plan of action. Work cooperatively with similar task forces in neighboring communities to ensure that efforts complement and reinforce one another. 2. Set Goals, Inventory Emissions, Move to Action Gather data, inventory GHG gas emissions, and establish baselines for local government operations and community sectors. Develop quantifiable interim GHG emission targets consistent with emission reduction goals and propose a schedule and financing strategy to meet them. Encourage stakeholder and public input and develop an action plan. Report emissions to The Climate Registry (TCR), which has developed a standardized method for reporting emissions inventories; track and evaluate progress. 3. Decrease Energy Demand for Local Government Operations Adopt a goal of reducing electricity use by 15 percent from projected levels no later than 2015. Existing Public Facilities. Inventory current building electricity usage and identify opportunities for conservation and efficiency retrofits. Obtain energy assessments from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York Power Authority, the Long Island Power Authority or other professionals. Consider actions such as purchasing energy efficient equipment and appliances, such as ENERGY STAR®; improving lighting, heating, and cooling efficiency; setting thermostats for maximum energy conservation; decreasing plug load from office equipment; and increasing pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems. New Public Buildings. Achieve at least minimum U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards (LEED Silver) for all new local government buildings. Infrastructure. Incorporate energy efficient technologies and operations and maintenance practices into municipal street lighting, traffic signals, and water and wastewater treatment facilities. Vehicle Fleet and Commuting. Improve the average fuel efficiency of local government fleet vehicles. Discourage vehicle idling and encourage bicycling, car-pooling and public transit for employees. Consider reducing the number of vehicles; converting fleet vehicles to sustainable alternative fuels; and using electric vehicles where possible. 4. Encourage Renewable Energy for Local Government Operations Supply as much of the local government's power, heat and hot water needs as is deemed feasible from solar, wind, and small hydro through purchase or direct generation. Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 22 5. Realize Benefits of Recycling and Other Climate Smart Solid Waste Management Practices Expand the "reduce, reuse and recycle" approach to waste management in local government operations and in the whole community. Reduce the amount of solid waste generated -- promote backyard composting and educate residents on how to prevent waste. Provide recycling receptacles in local government buildings and outdoor spaces, require duplex printing in government offices, compost food scraps and green waste, and develop a comprehensive green purchasing program. 6. Promote Climate Protection through Community Land Use Planning Combat climate change by encouraging low-emissions development that is resilient to climatic changes. When updating land use policies, building codes or community plans, include provisions to combat climate change; reduce sprawl; preserve and protect open space, biodiversity, and water supplies; promote compact, transit-oriented, bikeable and walkable communities; promote infill development; minimize new development in floodplains; maintain or establish healthy community forests; and promote best forest management practices and encourage tree planting, especially along waterways, to increase shading and to absorb carbon dioxide. 7. Plan for Adaptation to Unavoidable Climate Change Evaluate risks from unavoidable climate change, set adaptation goals and plan for adaptation. Identify climate change impacts (such as flooding, drought, and extreme temperatures) that could affect the community. Identify areas such as water supply and sewer infrastructure that may be at risk due to future changes in climate. Factor risks into long-term investments and decision-making. Execute climate change adaptation and preparedness measures through local government planning, development and operations, giving priority to the highest risk areas. 8. Support a Green Innovation Economy Identify opportunities to incorporate climate protection, sustainability and environmental goods and service industries into economic development plans. Encourage workforce development training and school curricula that support the emerging green collar job sector, including renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as climate smart solid waste management practices. Procure climate smart goods and services for local government operations. 9. Inform and Inspire the Public Lead by example. Highlight local government commitment to reducing energy use and adapting to changing conditions. Demonstrate the benefits of energy savings, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects by hosting open houses; holding local meetings; working with school districts, colleges, and universities to develop climate change curricula and Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report – GOVERNMENT 23 programs; and regularly communicating community climate protection goals and progress to constituents. 10. Commit to an Evolving Process Acknowledge that research and policy on climate protection are constantly improving and evolving. Be willing to consider new ideas and commit to update plans and policies as needed. Compare successes, cooperate and collaborate with neighboring communities to redirect less-effective actions and amplify positive results. MOVED: Councilwoman Hunter SECONDED: Councilman DePaolo VOTE: Supervisor Engman, aye; Councilwoman Leary, aye; Councilman Stein, aye; Councilman Goodman, aye; Councilman Levine, aye; Councilman DePaolo, aye; Councilwoman Hunter, aye. Carried unanimously.