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