Protecting San Rafael from wildfire is a team effort, we need your help. Take a look at our Wildfire Safety Action Plan and let us know what you think.

Sustainability

  1. Sustainability
  2. Sustainability Program Priorities 2018

Sustainability Program Priorities 2018

San Rafael’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) is organized by:

  • Our Lifestyles – transit-oriented development, non-auto, energy efficient vehicles, waste reduction
  • Our Buildings – resource & energy conservation, renewable energy, water conservation
  • Our Environment – urban forestry, local food, habitat protection, adaptation to climate change
  • Our Economy – green businesses, social equity, affordable housing

CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN UPDATE

This year we will conclude an update to our Climate Change Action Plan, adopted in 2009, in order to remove programs that have been completed, update our targets to meet the new 2030 State target, and include new programs to assist us in meeting our goals. This continues to be a high priority item, and the city will adopt an updated CCAP in summer 2018.


OUR LIFESTYLES

2017 Accomplishments

  • Commenced a multi-jurisdictional review of our recycling revenue fund, rate-setting methodology and franchise Agreement, and started required meet-and-confer process with Marin Sanitary Service
  • Continued to utilize Zero Waste Grant funds for a Climate Corps Fellow to assist with zero waste outreach, including single-use take-out plastics reduction at restaurants, illegal dumping research and outreach, waste reduction activities in City facilities and augmentation of other community outreach activities

2018 Goals

High priority      Complete multi-jurisdictional review of recycling revenue fund, rate-setting methodology and franchise agreement, and required meet-and-confer process with Marin Sanitary Service

Low                        Work with stakeholders to develop a county-wide electric vehicle readiness plan
Ongoing              Work with SMART, TAM and Marin Transit to improve low-carbon transit connectivity, alternative fuel vehicle promotion, and public outreach
Ongoing              Support efforts of Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and assist with revision of Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan


OUR BUILDINGS

2017 Accomplishments

Completed three solar installations for City facilities. Conducted material salvage and reuse from Fire Station 51 and Economic Development building during demolition to make way for the new public safety center. Converted all City electricity accounts to 100% renewable Deep Green energy.

2018 Goals:

High priority       Complete construction of solar power system on City Hall with electric vehicle charging infrastructure
High priority       Support and advise for successful implementation of LEED Gold certification of new public safety center


OUR ENVIRONMENT

2017 Accomplishments:

Completed Local Hazard Mitigation Plan with climate overlay. Completed work with County to develop a sea level rise vulnerability assessment.

2018 Goals:

High priority       Work with local stakeholders and interested agencies to host an emergency preparedness workshop


OUR ECONOMY

2017 Accomplishments:

  • Continued to support Chamber Green Business Committee, including development of sustainability workshops and lectures.
  • Sponsored and presented at Marin Sustainable Enterprise Conference.

2018 Goals

Ongoing               Support Chamber Green Business Committee and green business events, including Marin Sustainable Enterprise Conference


COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EMPOWERMENT

2017 Accomplishments

  • Secured 3 year funding grant for full time Resilient Neighborhoods assistant to promote and grow the program
  • Continued to promote and develop City Green Team and Employee Commute Program, including popular Earth Day events and waste-reduction efforts at City events
  • Continued active membership with Marin Climate Energy Partnership


2018 Goals

Ongoing               Support Chamber Green Business Committee and green business events, including Sustainable Enterprise Conference
Ongoing               Support Resilient Neighborhoods program
Ongoing               Host CCAP Quarterly meetings
Ongoing               Support City Green Team and Employee Commute Program
Ongoing               Participate in Marin Climate Energy Partnership
Ongoing               Continue participation in the Beacon Award for Sustainability
Ongoing               Convene county-wide meetings of sustainability coordinators to further our collective efforts


MONITORING

2017 Accomplishments

Convened CCAP Green Ribbon Working Group and began CCAP 2030 update

2018 Goals

High Priority       Complete annual Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy report
High Priority       Complete 5-year City operations greenhouse gas inventory
High Priority       Integrate updated CCAP 2030 into General Plan
Ongoing                 Meet annual commitments of Compact of Mayors


SUMMARY OF 2018 HIGH PRIORITY GOALS

  • Climate Change Action Plan 2030 adopted
  • Climate Change Action Plan 2030 integrated into General Plan 2040
  • MSS rate setting methodology, recycling meet-and-confer, and contract revisions completed
  • Solar power on City Hall with EV charging stations completed
  • LEED Gold certification for new public safety facility
  • Emergency preparedness workshop hosted with local stakeholders
  • Greenhouse Gas Inventory completed for City operations and facilities
  • Annual Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy completed

Additional Resources:
City Council Sustainability Priorities for 2017

Close window