The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutAgenda Packet - 2009-11-23 Special :Aro,,,KEos wi,, CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING iii a ► AGENDA Monday, November 23, 2009 6:30 p.m. OREGON West End Building, Santiam Room 2009 City Council 4101 Kruse Way Jack Hoffman, Mayor Donna Jordan, Council President Also published on the internet at: ci.oswego.or.us Roger Hennagin Contact: Robyn Christie, City Recorder Kristin Johnson E-Mail: rhristie@ci.oswego.or.us Mary Olson Phone: 503-675-3984 Sally Moncrieff Bill Tierney The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact Public Affairs at 503-635-0236, 48 hours before the meeting. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. WORKSHOP 3.1 Sustainability Leadership Training 4. ADJOURNMENT ``��co LAKE()site A� CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO um/ / SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD MEMO OREGO$ 7 TO: Jack D.Hoffman,Mayor Members of the City Council Alex D. McIntyre, City Manager FROM: Jean Baumann,Member, Sustainability Advisory Board COPY: SAB Members and Alternates David Donaldson,Assistant City Manager Susan Millhauser, Sustainability Coordinator Jonna Papaefthimiou,Natural Resource Planner SUBJECT: Examples of Community Sustainability Plans DATE: November 16,2009 Action Requested City Council to review the attached examples of Community Sustainability Plans prior to the sustainability training on November 23,2009. The material will be discussed after the training. Background At the October 26,2009 study session with the City Council,representatives of the SAB shared the progress made on the pre-planning for a community-wide sustainability planning and engagement process. Three requests surfaced that would help the City Council better understand the scope, output, and results of a community sustainability planning process: 1) examples of finished Community Sustainability Plans,2)a description of the key steps of a typical process, and 3) a discussion with representatives from communities that have undertaken the process. Regarding item#1, sample Community Sustainability Plans from Vancouver,WA and Santa Monica, CA are attached. Council members could also peruse the Whistler 2020 plan at the following webpage: http://www.whist1er2020.ca/whistler/site/ourVision.acds?context=193 0515&instanceid=1930516 In terms of item#2,the article "Integrated Community Sustainability Planning Tool"spells out the typical stages that can take many months to a couple of years to complete. Briefly,these include: • Pre-planning—identify the processes and stakeholders that will inform the planning process. • Mapping the Community—conduct a comprehensive audit of the community's current ecological, social, and economic baseline. • Engaging the Community—learn from other communities, design input processes for one's own community, and engage individuals and sectors in the community in those processes. • The Plan—use community input to define the vision,principles, goals, actions areas,timeframes, and an evaluation method, and then implement the plan including revising policies and laws. For item#3 regarding talking with representatives from communities about their experiences,the SAB will invite representatives to a study session with the City Council in early 2010. Please contact Jean Baumann if you have any questions for clarifications. Thank you. Attachments CREATING A MORE SUSTAINABLE VANCOuvER A CONTINUING, DYNAMIC PLAN FORA BETTER FUTURE \C V ,,,, ,_ _____,,_ 0 „4.4 , co „. L 11/411!I a ` S is -~ - i AUGUST 25, 2009 The City of Vancouver acknowledges and thanks the members of the Green Ribbon Panel, supporting City staff, neighborhood associations, businesses and citizens for their time, interest, involvement and contributions. Your efforts have made the creation and development of the Sustainable Vancouver Plan possible. Your contiuing commitment will carry us forward as we strive to reach our shared community objectives for a healthy environment, high quality of life and vital economy. 611Sitlr YE VANCO[VE WASHINGTON! J ©2009 City of Vancouver ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Green Ribbon Panel Members • Bonnie Anderson, Vice President, ShoreBank Pacific • Leonard Bauhs, President,Northwest Neighborhood Association • Timothy Buckley, Greenstone Architecture • Roger Cole, Sierra Club • Vance Corum, Farmer's Markets America • Glen Durden, citizen at large, Vancouver • Amy Dvorak, Sustainability Director, Maul Foster Alongi, Inc • Anne Garlinghouse, M.A., J.D., John L. Scott Real Estate • Jeff Harvey, Chief Operating Officer, Holland Corporation • Melinda Hinkley, Director of Catering Services, Hilton Vancouver Washington • Jonnie Hyde, Environmental Health Services Manager, Clark County Public Health • Erika Johnson, Cascade Highlands Neighborhood Association • Greg Jones, President, The Rocketshop • Jim Lalone, citizen at large, Vancouver • Steve Madsen, Government Affairs Director, Building Industry Association • James Martin, Director of Facility Operations, Washington State University • Sen. Craig Pridemore, 49th District, Washington State Legislature • Tabitha Reeder, JD White, Division of Berger ABAM Engineers • Al Schauer, President, McKay& Sposito, Inc. • Heather Christine Tischbein, citizen at large, Vancouver (moved from area) • Commissioner Brian Wolfe, Port of Vancouver City Leadership/Directors • Betsy Williams, Assistant City Manager • Brian Carlson, Director, Department of Public Works • Laura Hudson, Director, Community Planning • David Judd, Director, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation (retired) • David Scott, Director, Development Review Services • Thayer Rorabaugh, Director, Transportation Services • Tim Haldeman, Director, Facilities, Risk and Property Services • Eric Holmes, Director, Economic Development Other City Management/Supporting Staff • Judi Bailey, Coordinator, Office of Neighborhoods • Gary Bock,Vancouver Watersheds Council • Loretta Callahan, Public Information/Community Relations, Public Works • Rita Davidson, Facility Coordinator, Water Resources Education Center, Public Works • Kymberlee Elliot, Staff Assistant, Water Resources Education Center, Public Works • Tanya Gray, Analyst, Solid Waste Services, Public Works • Rich McConaghy, Manager, Environmental Resources, Public Works • Donna Mason, Manager, Media Services • Tom Nosack, Performance Analyst, Finance • Mike Piper, Sustainability Coordinator • Alisa Pyszka, Manager Business Development, Economic Development • Peggy Sheehan, CDBG Program Manager, Community Planning Advisory Services • Jill Sughrue, Sustain—NW Active Citizen Contributors • Bill Creger, David Evans and Associates, Vancouver • James Clark, SGA Engineering, Vancouver • Kristi Langdon, First Independent Bank, Vancouver • Mary Mattix, Port of Vancouver, Vancouver • Lona Rerick, Yost Grub Hall Architecture, Vancouver • Alicia Sampath, citizen, Vancouver • Bill Turlay, citizen, Vancouver Vancouver City Council: Mayor Royce E. Pollard• Pat Jollota• Jeanne Harris • Jeanne E. Stewart • Tim Leavitt• Larry J. Smith• Pat Campbell • City Manager Pat McDonnell TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Background 2-6 Vision for a Sustainable Vancouver 7 Mission for a Sustainable Vancouver 7 Guiding Principles 7 Major Goals by Indicator 8-17 Climate 9 Environment and Public Health 10 Resource Conservation 11 Transportation 12 Economic Development 13 Land Use 14 Built Environment 15 Social Equity 16 Civil Engagement 17 Where We Are Today 18-28 Targeted Goals for 2009-2010 29-33 Endnotes 33 Appendices: Appendix A: Recommended Specific Goals and Strategies Suggested for Future Consideration Appendix A-1: Recommended Specific Goals and Strategies with Criteria Suggested for Future Consideration Appendix B: City of Vancouver Corporate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory Mayors Climate Protection Agreement CREATING A MORE SUSTAINABLE VANCOUVER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Sustainable communities are generally defined as towns and cities that have taken steps to remain healthy over the long term. Sustainable communities have a strong sense of place. They have a vision that is embraced and actively promoted by all of the key sectors of society, including businesses, disadvantaged groups, environmentalists, civic associations, government agencies, and religious organizations. They are places that build on their assets and dare to be innovative. These communities value healthy ecosystems, use resources efficiently, and actively seek to retain and enhance a locally based economy. There is a pervasive volunteer spirit that is rewarded by concrete results. Partnerships between and among government, the business sector and nonprofit organizations are common in sustainable communities. In 2008, the City of Vancouver adopted a Strategic Plan that included among its major goals a "Healthy, Livable, and Sustainable Vancouver." The City of Vancouver's Sustainability Plan aims to provide a foundation or roadmap for creating a sustainable Vancouver. It is not intended to replace or replicate the Strategic Plan or the many other planning processes or business plans incorporated in City operations and planning. The Sustainability Plan, in fact, builds upon or integrates many of those efforts already underway within the City of Vancouver. In late 2008, leaders from an array of businesses, agencies, organizations and neighborhoods throughout the community were charged with helping the City of Vancouver forge a plan to address sustainability in both City operations and Vancouver community strategies. The resulting Green Ribbon Panel, made up of these appointed citizen representatives and key City directors, met from October 2007 through January 2009, aided by involved City managers and staff and other interested citizen contributors. The Green Ribbon Panel established a working vision, mission and guiding principles,which are listed in this Sustainability Plan. In addition, the Plan sets out nine major goal areas: Climate Change; Environment and Public Health; Resource Conservation; Transportation; Economic Development; Land Use; the Built Environment; Social Equity; and Civic Engagement. Each of these areas is represented in the plan by a graphic icon and key indicators. With adoption, this Plan is intended to be a"living" document, changing and evolving just as information, technological, environmental, economic, and societal and community factors change and evolve. The Plan also provides identified specific goals and strategies that include indicators and variables for consideration, such as costs, savings, sustainability benefits and feasibility. These are ranked subjectively on a scale from one to four and are intended to provide possible areas of focus and consideration for future sustainability efforts. To begin to move the overall effort forward, the Sustainability Plan also provides general cost-effective goals for 2009 -2010. Most importantly, the Plan and its creation reflects an important belief held by the Green Ribbon Panel and that is, no matter the global and local challenges, sustainability is best served by active participation and feedback, challenge and encouragement, fluid strategies and bold efforts 1 INTRODUCTION The City of Vancouver has embarked on creating a more sustainable future. This policy guidance and direction has been born out of the leadership of Vancouver's Mayor, City Council and City Manager. Responsible Sustainability—a term intended to reflect shared objectives for a healthy environment, quality of life and economic vitality— has been included in the Vancouver City Manager's goals for the City since 2007. The City of Vancouver Strategic Plan, adopted in 2008, also establishes sustainability as a major goal, specifically a"Healthy, Livable, and Sustainable Vancouver." The City of Vancouver is also signatory to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and participates in a number of organizations that support sustainable communities. The City of Vancouver Sustainability Plan is intended to be a living document that continually evolves with new information, technological advances, environmental factors,progress and feedback from a wide range of shareholders. The Plan is intended to inform other City planning processes; set goals and strategies and measurements for the City and larger community; and identify opportunities for change and progress. Though it will serve to help shape future City planning activities and goals, it is not intended to supersede other planning efforts or documents. This plan aims to flow from the direction set forth in the City's Strategic plan and not conflict with specific strategies in that plan. Most importantly, this plan aspires to encourage all of us, as a community, to participate in a nonpartisan way to help create a more sustainable Vancouver and a strong future. BACKGROUND In order to develop a comprehensive approach to sustainability, the City of Vancouver appointed an ad hoc task force, called the Green Ribbon Panel, charged with creating a policy and plan to address sustainability in both City operations and the greater Vancouver community. The Sustainability Plan will serve as a tool and roadmap for helping the City coordinate efforts, track progress and focus energies on the highest priorities. These policies and strategies are expected to be presented to the City Council for formal consideration in 2009. Certain practices or actions identified early in the process have been or will be put into effect immediately when applicable. Green Ribbon Panel To incorporate the perspectives of City and community leadership, the Green Ribbon Panel was made up of key citizen leaders and stakeholders working with the City of Vancouver directors and other City staff. The panel first convened in late 2007. (See membership list at end of this report.) The Green Ribbon Panel generally met monthly to review and inform on a variety of sustainability topics and principles. These topics included climate change and greenhouse gases; peak oil; agriculture and food; biomimicry; energy; transportation; natural resources; land use; natural capitalism; economic development; the built environment; social equity and civic engagement. The Panel's meetings continued through January 2009, and were regularly attended by various elected officials and members of the public, including school groups on occasion. To assist in the Panel's efforts, the City also embarked on its own baseline greenhouse gas inventory 2 for city operations and the community during this time. The inventory serves to identify and position the City for opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as conserve natural resources. This inventory has since become a State of Washington reporting requirement. To set the stage for overall successful sustainability planning, the Green Ribbon Panel chose the Natural Step as an underpinning and framework. The Natural Step as a Foundation The Natural Step (TNS)was founded in the 1980s by Dr. Karl Henrik-Robert, a pediatric oncologist and leading cancer researcher in Sweden. Dr. Robert observed that all cells in nature have similar basic requirements for sustaining and propagating life,but some of these requirements were being systematically eroded by industrial activity. He also noted that when faced with a crisis, people showed amazing depths of compassion, courage and willingness to sacrifice for others. In an effort to move beyond the endless and confusing environmental debate between interest groups and instead focus on the systemic causes of environmental degradation and increasing human illness, Dr. Robert set out to define the guiding principles for a sustainable society. In collaboration with 50 colleagues, rigorously debating through 21 drafts, the scientists agreed on the fundamental principles necessary for a truly sustainable and full-functioning society and economy. Based on the laws of thermodynamics, these system conditions are as follows: In a sustainable society, nature is not subject to systemically increasing: 1. concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth's crust (e.g. fossil fuels, major metals, mined minerals and radioactive elements); 2. concentrations of substances produced by society(i.e. bioaccumulative persistent toxins aka PBTs); 3. degradation by physical means (or depletion of eco-system services such as water, soil, forest, fisheries, etc.); and in that society... 4. people are not subject to conditions that systemically undermine their capacity to meet their needs. Today, society and our communities are operating outside the framework set by these conditions, and as a result, running towards increasing economic problems as fresh and non-polluting diminish. This is often referred to as the funnel of declining resources and increasing demand: Declining S0''Fores!s natural resources and A sustainability plan requires bold steps that ecosystem services recognize the diminishing opportunities The presented in this metaphor of the funnel. At the funnel / same time, it acknowledges that the planet is a joipowecwesiVW* Increasing complex system where everything and every renalogy demand for natural Atftuance action are interconnected at some level. Pam, resources and ecosystem services Closing Margin for Action 3 Over the years, The Natural Step framework has successfully developed into an education, training package and compass—an effective strategic planning tool for decision makers. The Natural Step (TNS)uses "backcasting" as the primary method for planning, also known as the A-B-C-D process. The first step (A) is sharing the framework to build general awareness and a shared language. The second step (B) invites the group to do a baseline analysis of current practices based on the four system conditions to see where they are potentially being violated. For the third step (C), the group brainstorms to envision a sustainable future that honors the four system conditions. During the fourth step (D), the group considers new and specific strategies to reach that sustainable future, keeping in mind three questions: 1. Does this take us in the right direction? 2. Is it a flexible platform, where future innovations are possible? 3. What is the long-term cost vs. benefit? The Natural Step has been embraced by numerous organizations and municipalities in the United States and in ten other countries from Australia to Canada to the United Kingdom, in developing sustainability plans. Studies and Resources Reviewed and Considered by the Green Ribbon Panel Several studies, books and articles were reviewed by the Green Ribbon Panel, including the availability of a lending library on various topics related to sustainability. (A complete listing of these resources is available from the Sustainability Coordinator upon request.) Definition of Sustainability The Green Ribbon Panel considered many different definitions of sustainability. The most commonly quoted definition of sustainability is from the United Nations 1987 publication, Our Common Future, known as the Bruntland Report, which states: "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Other definitions refer to the triple bottom line or where a sustainable society must support the economy,while protecting the environment and promoting social equity. This has also been referred to as people, planet and profit or commerce, community and climate. Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles The Green Ribbon Panel spent considerable time developing and embracing a Vision Statement, Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. (See Page 4) The vision, mission and guiding principles were developed by the Green Ribbon Panel to help guide and inform the establishment of the goals of the plan. 4 The nine major goal areas set forth by the Green Ribbon Panel include: 04, -1•..---7.:'.1:), (7-- 1 LTh1/4.= —__ - trill\--, - Climate Change Environment and Public Health Resource Conservation yr AAP Transportation Economic Development Land Use n ( '' I,' a fi Built Environment Social Equity Civic Engagement Note: Indicators on "Sustainability Gauges"above have been placed at random and are for purposes of illustration only in this report. Plan for City Operations and the Community: Lead By Example Vancouver's Sustainability Plan considers measures that City operations could take to improve conditions for the environment, economy and social equity. While many of these relate to how the City does its day-to-day business of providing public services, they also go further, recognizing that the City needs to lead by example. As a result, the Plan also envisions strategies that move the community,businesses, other agencies and the public in concert together toward a more sustainable future and encourages neighboring jurisdictions to do the same. Need for Strategic Alliances: Sustainability Cannot be Accomplished Alone Additionally, the City recognizes that many of the goals and strategies needed to create a more sustainable future cannot be accomplished alone. Strategic alliances with business, industry, energy providers, developers, neighborhood associations, state and federal agencies, nonprofit 5 groups, education and others are needed for the Sustainability Plan to be successful. The Plan also calls upon City leaders to promote changes at state and federal levels through innovations, incentives and rules. Climate Change In considering the many issues related to sustainability, climate change can be addressed as a distinct, important and related topic. The City is a signatory to the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement. (See appendix for Greenhouse Gas Inventory.) As such, the City has pledged to meet the Kyoto Treaty requirements and is working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 7 percent below its 1990 levels, according to the commitment laid out in that agreement. While there has been some community disagreement of over the extent of climate change or the causes of climate change; there is a consensus that remedies necessary to reduce impacts from greenhouse gas emissions are consistent with actions necessary to conserve resources and ensure a thriving community for future generations, thereby making sense on their own merit. The goals in this area should be consistent with U.S. and State of Washington goals and requirements. The Washington State Legislature has enacted legislation addressing Climate Change (RCW 70.235.020) and(RCW 47.01.440) and the Governor has issued Executive Order 09-05, Washington's Leadership on Climate Change,which directly impact the operation of the City of Vancouver. The federal government is currently developing climate change legislation that is likely to impact the city, as well. Reaching the goals of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement is complicated by the fact that the City has substantially grown and annexed additional area since 1990. In addition, accurate, sufficient data on City and community activities do not adequately exist to allow an in- depth baseline analysis for 1990. Instead, the City has identified years 2006 and 2007 as its baseline for measurement. (See appendix for City of Vancouver Greenhouse Gas Inventory.) Those years were selected as a result of best and most accurate data and will assist in striving for the goals in the agreement and state and national requirements. The City recognizes that goals and strategies in this sustainability plan will support a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and move the community toward meeting its goals. 6 VISION FORA SUSTAINABLE VANCOUVER Vancouver is a healthy and engaged community. We are sensitive to balance between our wants and needs and those of future generations. MISSION FORA SUSTAINABLE VANCOUVER Vancouver— City and citizens in partnership—promotes social equity, protects and restores the natural environment, and provides for a vibrant economy, while inspiring all communities to make a similar commitment. GUIDING PRINCIPLES Vancouver recognizes the long-term, critical interconnection between the social, environmental and economic health of our community. As such, we agree that: 1. Social and cultural equity and diversity contribute to a thriving and vibrant economy and environment; 2. Our ability to sustain and restore natural resources informs the way we produce, trade and consume; 3. The consequences of unlimited growth and physical development on society and the environment demand careful consideration in community planning and governance; and 4. The quality of environmental, economic and social health requires the full engagement and involvement of the community. 5. Strategies for creating a sustainable community should include an evaluation of the costs and benefits of proposed actions and preference given to actions that produce the greatest long-term benefit for the least cost. 7 MAJOR GOALS BY INDICATOR The Sustainable Vancouver Plan includes the following indicators for sustainability. It is intended that whenever possible reported data come from existing City programs or other plans and reports (e.g., annual accomplishments, performance reports, departmental snapshots and business plans) and minimize the increase in new reporting requirements unless there is a justifiable purpose for collecting the additional data. Those areas of data which are not already collected and reported in the City's Strategic Plan, City of Vancouver's Comprehensive Plan Implementation Monitoring Report, or new state or federal reporting requirements are noted by each indicator. Indicators work best when decision makers who have the power to create policies and programs are actively involved in creating the vision, researching the data and collaborating to help one another understand the meaning of trends. Please note: Indicators by themselves do not drive policy; they simply provide information and feedback to monitor the status of the objects/goals. 8 CLIMATE CHANGE , h4 ik. Air Outcome: Greenhouse gas emissions meet existing and emerging state and federal requirements. Please Note: The Vancouver Sustainability Plan does not include a formal Climate Action Plan due to emerging new state and federal polices with varying standards, though considerable related discussion is afforded in Vancouver's greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory discussed elsewhere in this report. Key Indicators: INDICATOR INDICATOR TARGET Greenhouse gas emissions for the City and community on a per Downward Trend capita basis for Scopes 1 and 2, plus waste reduction and trip commute reduction 9 ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH Outcome: Environmental health is protected or improved by minimizing and where possible, eliminating: 1. The use of hazardous or toxic materials by residents, businesses and City operations. 2. The levels of pollutants entering the air, soil and water. 3. The risks that environmental problems pose to human and ecological health. No one geographic or socioeconomic group in the City is being unfairly or disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution. Consumption of fresh, locally produced, organic produce and foods increases to promote public health and to minimize resource consumption and negative environmental impacts. Key Indicators: INDICATOR INDICATOR TARGET Reported improved changes in air quality per Southwest Clean Upward Trend Air Agency Reports Reported improved water quality changes in lakes and streams Upward Trend per the Washington State Department of Ecology Clean drinking water—percent of citizens rating drinking water Upward Trend I quality as good or excellent Per cent of residential locations that are connected to city sewer Upward Trend service and decommissioned septic tanks Change in per consumption and purchase of fresh, locally Upward Trend produced food Change in childhood obesity rates for city residents Downward Trend Change in smoking habits per capita Downward Trend Increase in dental health for City residents Upward Trend 10 RESOURCE CONSERVATION (----- (A • .r- '''). 1.t _..ii Outcome: City and community consumption - specifically consumption on non-local, non- renewable, non-recyclable and non-recycled materials, water, energy and fuels - decrease. City takes a leadership role in encouraging sustainable or green procurement, and considers ways to become a zero waste city over the long term. The use of local, non-polluting, renewable and recycled resources is encouraged. Key Indicators: INDICATOR INDICATOR TARGET Energy use per city employee per year Downward Trend Energy use in City owned or operated buildings Downward Trend Water use per household within served by City water system. Downward Trend Percent of City purchases from environmentally responsible or Upward Trend "' sustainable source Percent of waste diverted from the landfill Upward Trend Percent of City vendors who have sustainability efforts underway Upward Trend Fuel use (diesel and gasoline)use per employee per year Downward Trend 11 TRANSPORTATION Outcome: A multi-modal transportation system exists that minimizes and, where possible, eliminates pollution and motor vehicle congestion while ensuring safe mobility and access for all without compromising our ability to protect public health and safety. Auto dependency is reduced and affordable alternative, sustainable modes of travel are increased. Key Indicators: INDICATOR INDICATOR TARGET Travel Times by Car. Change in peak hour commuter travel time Downward Trend on the City's two major corridors Seriousness of Congestion. Percent of residents who rate traffic Downward Trend congestion as a top three community challenge Mass Transit Use—Annual bus ridership (C-Tran) Upward Trend Increase in multi-modal transportation Upward Trend Connectivity through Paths and Walkways. Total miles of bike, Upward Trend walking and hiking trails Street Maintenance Conditions—Percent of lanes miles in Upward Trend satisfactory or better condition using PAVR evaluation system Trip commute mileage reduction Increase in the number of miles in the program 12 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Outcome: Vancouver has a diverse, vibrant, stable, local economy that supports the basic needs of all segments of the community. Businesses, organizations and non-profits within the city work with the City of Vancouver to increase efficient use of resources through sustainable business practices. Sustainable or "green" businesses are encouraged to locate in the City of Vancouver. Key Indicators: INDICATOR INDICATOR TARGET Percent of businesses or nonprofits that have adopted Upward Trend sustainability plans or practices Number of new businesses that locate in Vancouver Upward Trend Number of employees that work and live in Vancouver Upward Trend Number of new start up or existing businesses that are sustainable Upward Trend or have adopted sustainable business practices The number of people who live below the poverty level in Clark Downward Trend County Resident Median Income Change—Clark County median family Upward Trend income 13 LAND USE rilk 640 Outcome: A sufficient open-space system is developed and maintained so that it is diverse in uses and opportunities and includes natural functions/wildlife habitat, as well as passive and active recreation with equitable distribution of parks, trees, pathways throughout the City. Land use and transportation planning and policies create compact, mixed-use projects, forming urban villages designed to maximize affordable housing and encourage walking, bicycling and the use of existing or future public transit options. Residents recognize that we all share the local ecosystem with other living things that warrant respect and responsible stewardship. Vancouver uses land efficiently in order to minimize the need to expand the urban footprint to accommodate growth. All development meets the 2030 Challenge in urban growth areas. Clark County and cities have an integrated approach to achieving sustainability. Key Indicators: INDICATOR INDICATOR TARGET Improving Tree Canopy—Percent of City covered by trees Upward Trend iv Preserving Open Space—City has acquired sufficient park and natural spaces to meet city residents' state needs Upward Trend " Percent change in the number of housing units per acre, and ratio of single family to multi-family units Upward Trend Conversion of existing high maintenance landscaping, such as Upward Trend°' lawns, to native and climate friendly landscaping 14 BUILT ENVIRONMENT �f bP Via__ `. a t U • ■ Outcome: A mix of affordable, livable and green housing types is achieved and maintained throughout the City of Vancouver for people of all socio-economic/cultural/household groups, including seniors, singles and the disabled. LEED-certified or equivalent commercial new buildings are encouraged and promoted. Key Indicators: INDICATOR INDICATOR TARGET Number of new homes and commercial/industrial facilities built Upward Trend to LEED or other sustainability development standards Percent of existing homes or commercial/industrial facilities Upward Trend retrofitted for energy efficiency or sustainability standards Percent of residents residing in affordable housing (percent of Upward Trend rent or mortgage not over 30 percent of annual income) Percent of residents with special needs or other cultural groups Upward Trend residing in affordable housing 15 SOCIAL EQUITY ----% ((lii \ '' - I) Outcome: All residents of Vancouver are able to meet their basic needs and are empowered to enhance their quality of life. Community members have access to housing, health and social services, education, economic opportunity, and cultural and recreational resources. There is respect and appreciation of the value added to the community by differences among its members in race, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, disabilities, immigration status and other special needs. Key Indicators: INDICATOR INDICATOR TARGET Percentage of residents/households with income below the Downward Trend poverty level Percent change in homeless individuals and families Downward Trend Percent change in individuals or families seeking social and Downward Trend health services Amount of charitable giving per capita Upward Trend Change in juvenile and adult crime rates Downward Trend Percent of school children participating in free or reduced lunch Downward Trend programs Percent change in families seeking assistance from food banks or food stamp programs Downward Trend Community feels safe walking in their neighborhoods Upward Trend `II 16 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT --- . 4 w_ i rId l i, 'lir.- _a Outcome: Community members of all ages participate actively and effectively in civic affairs and community improvement efforts. Community members of all ages and cultures understand the basic principles of sustainability and use them to guide their decisions and actions, personally and collectively. An actively engaged community helps the City of Vancouver to carry out and improve Vancouver's Sustainability Plan. Key Indicators: INDICATOR INDICATOR TARGET Neighborhoods are active—percent of neighborhood associations Upward Trend vill that meet at least quarterly Number of events sponsored by the City Upward Trend Residents feel they belong and welcome—residents who report Upward Trend they feel like part of the community Community Center Activity- annual number of visits to Upward Trend Vancouver community centers Volunteerism—self-reported hours per month volunteered outside Upward Trend the home Residents participating in government—number of applications Upward Trend for commissions and boards annually Voting -percent of eligible voters who voted in the last election Upward Trend Percentage of city residents who are aware of the sustainability Upward Trend efforts for Vancouver Number of community and stakeholder groups involved in Upward Trend sustainability efforts 17 WHERE WE ARE TODAY CLIMATE The Vancouver Sustainability Plan does not include a formal Climate Action Plan, though considerable related discussion is afforded in Vancouver's greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, discussed below. The Sustainability Plan purposely avoids setting forth a Climate Action Plan due to emerging new state and federal polices with varying standards. Though the validity of climate change may continue to be contentious to some, all government agencies and major scientific bodies have concluded that climate change is real and largely impacted by humans. This recognition has spurred coming state and federal policies, which are expected to bring significant new regulations, risks and opportunities. The City of Vancouver has elected to allow state, regional and national climate goals to become more clearly defined before setting forth the its own climate goals. However, it is expected those same strategies which would address climate change are inherent in many of the recommendations within the Plan, such as increasing the efficiency of City operations; promoting new efficient building practices; reducing our fuel usage; and saving taxpayer dollars. Additionally, if carbon becomes regulated in regional or national regulations, there will likely be those entities and organizations that will benefit and those that might be penalized by such actions. The city can work to help our businesses and others to be on the winning side of the carbon ledger. Greenhouse Gas Inventory In anticipation of new climate regulations and potential emerging regional climate cap-and-trade markets or the pricing of carbon, the City conducted a very robust greenhouse gas inventory to establish a baseline of emissions. This greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory documented the major emissions from City government operations for the City of Vancouver using established methods. For those emissions sources that the City will be most likely required to report, based on the State of Washington's HB 2815, (Scope I and II emissions as defined by The Climate Registry), the study measured approximately 13,928 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent(CO2e) greenhouse gas emissions for the 2007 calendar year. In 2006, emissions totaled 13,282 MT CO2e. This is an increase of approximately 4.9 percent. When the boundaries of the inventory are expanded to include additional emissions sources such as emissions from landfilled solid waste, employee commute and embodied emissions within purchased goods (Scope III as defined by The Climate Registry), the full carbon footprint for the City of Vancouver comes to approximately 39,980 MT CO2e for 2007 and 41,133 MT CO2e for 2006. This fully documented analysis describes all major sources of emissions and explains how the information can inform the City's thinking and planning as it moves to reduce, offset and address these emissions. Based on information available in early February 2009, current and pending legislation will likely require the City to report and reduce emissions from Scopes I and II. Reporting and reduction of Scope III emissions will likely be voluntary from a regulatory point of view. Documentation of Scope III emissions is important to understand a complete picture of the City's carbon footprint. Taking action to reduce Scope III emissions will reduce the City's risk 18 associated with a cost of carbon imposed by emerging regulatory frameworks at the state and/or national levels. Methodology Data was available in most categories from calendar year 2002 through 2007,but to avoid gaps and ensure consistencies, 2006 was chosen as the baseline year for this GHG report. Once the data was collected, GHG emissions were calculated using the methodology outlined by The Climate Registry's General Reporting Protocol,Version 1.0,March 2008. Additionally, data was entered into ICLEI's Clean Air and Climate Protection software, developed jointly by the State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators and the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials (STAPPA/ALAPCO), ICLEI and Torrie Smith Associates. Boundaries Any inventory must define its boundaries-those emissions that it documents and those emissions that it excludes. The boundaries used in this report follow Scopes I, II and III as defined by the World Resources Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development: • Scope I: Direct sources of greenhouse gas emissions that originate from equipment and facilities owned or operated by the City of Vancouver. • Scope II: Indirect GHG emissions from imported electricity, heat or steam. • Scope III: All other indirect sources of GHG emissions that may result from the activities of the institution but occur from sources owned or controlled by another company or entity, such as: business air travel; embodied emissions in material goods purchased by the institution; emissions from landfilled solid waste; and the institution's employee commuting habits. For municipalities, these definitions result in somewhat unclear and controversial boundaries that demand deeper analysis. The City's responsibility for and ability to control emission sources are reflected in a discussion on boundaries in the full report,which is available at www.cityofyancouver.us/sustainability. 19 Greenhouse Gas Emission results Figure 1: City of Vancouver, WA GHG Inventory Results for 2006 and 2007 Emissions Source, by World Resources Institute (WRI) /The MT CO2e Climate Registry Category 2006 2007 Scope I Vehicle Fleet 4,200 4,628 Natural Gas 1,008 1,102 Diesel, Stationary 399 486 Refrigerants unknown >46 Scope I Subtotal 5,6071 6,261 Scope II Electricity 7,675 7,666 Scope II Subtotal 7,6751 7,666 Scopes I and II Total' 13,2821 13,928 Scope III Solid Waste 51 53 Estimated Employee Commute 4,800 5,000 Estimated Embodied Emissions in Purchases 23,000 21,000 Scope III Subtotal 27,851 26,053 Scopes I, II and III Grand Total 41,133 39,980 Figure 2: Comparison of City of Vancouver, WA GHG Emissions by Scope, 2007 25,000 Scope I Scope II Scope III 21000 20,000 iii N 0 0 2 15,000 c 0 N Cl) E W 10,000 0 = 7,666 0 V 1-1 5,000 4 628 5,000 1,078 _ 48 46 53 Vehicle Fleet Natural Gas Diesel, Refrigerants Electricity Solid Waste Estimated Estimated Stationary Employee Embodied Commute Emissions in Purchases 20 Figure 3: City of Vancouver, WA GHG Inventory Results for 2007, Scopes I and II Only Vehicle Fleet 33 Electricity 56 Natural Gas 8% Diesel, Stationary 3% Corporate and Community Inventories When a municipality decides to conduct a greenhouse gas inventory, there are two different types of inventories to consider: corporate (city operations) and community inventories. Both offer valuable information for informing decision-making, risk management and community development. The difference between the two types of inventories has to do with which boundaries, or which emissions sources, are included. In a Corporate Inventory,the greenhouse gas emissions from the City government's internal operations are measured. Often this includes direct emissions from any fossil fuels burned on site, indirect emissions from energy sources imported for business use such as electricity or steam, and indirect emissions resulting from mission-critical activities such as business air travel, employee commuting or waste generation. These emissions are not tied to a geographic location, but instead to the scope of an organization's internal operations. This is the focus of the report completed for the City of Vancouver. In a Community Inventory,boundaries are drawn around a set geographic region. The City of Vancouver's Community Inventory is expected to be completed by March 2009. Protocols for Community Inventories of cities have not been fully developed, but are based on the protocol developed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for nations. There are many challenges associated with setting boundaries around a geographic region such as a city, due to the fact that a city is a part of a larger economy. First, there may be activities demanded by the population that cause emissions outside the city's geographic boundaries, such as emissions from electricity-generating power plants. Conversely, there may be city-owned infrastructure such as airports or wastewater treatment facilities inside the geographic boundary that serves a greater population than just those that exist within city limits. The Vancouver Community Inventory will provide details on methods for treating GHG-emitting activities with ambiguous geographical boundaries. 21 This Community Inventory is a voluntary and proactive effort by the City of Vancouver to quantify and report greenhouse gas emissions from municipal government operations. While previously no laws required the City to regularly account for and report its emissions, this has changed with the passage of the House Bill 2815, discussed below. Furthermore, this inventory seeks to prepare the City for other emerging policy frameworks that will require both emissions reporting and climate action. Climate policies are currently being developed simultaneously at the state, regional and national levels. The two frameworks most likely to directly impact the City of Vancouver in the immediate future are state regulations developed in accordance with the state of Washington House Bill (HB) 2815 and regulations developed as part of the Western Climate Initiative, of which Washington is a founding member. HB 2815 will begin requiring GHG reporting by public and private entities above a certain scale as of fiscal year 2010, beginning with fiscal year 2009. The set threshold is far below the City's total emissions, based on Vancouver's completed Corporate Inventory. Detailed rules are anticipated from the Washington State Department of Ecology. To the extent possible, the City's GHG inventory attempted to follow all existing and likely future protocols to ensure maximum consistency and comparability with future inventory efforts. Beyond all current and future statutory obligations that the City of Vancouver will face, this inventory attempts to take the broadest feasible view of greenhouse gas emissions from activities and services on which the City relies and provides, in order to provide the strongest base for understanding obstacles and achieving future goals. Implications for Planning First, the City should consider prioritizing efforts based on a few major concerns: • Focus on major emissions sources by size • Focus on opportunities for control • Leverage opportunities for influence and collaboration even where total control does not exist. In other words, the City must focus primarily on those emissions sources that are largest and over which it has the most control. However, City efforts must also draw in a vast array of partners—employees,utility providers, vendors and others—to reduce those shared emissions in Scopes II and III. At the same time, the City should integrate GHG concerns into expansion plans and facilities management, including: • Construction and major renovation practices • On-going maintenance, such as retro-commissioning of buildings • Purchasing practices, especially energy-using equipment • Siting/locations, such as long-term transportation implications of site selection Additionally, given the substantial indirect supply chain emissions, the City should refine its understanding of the GHG implications of alternative purchasing patterns. 22 Importantly, all sustainability actions must involve citizens and businesses, helping them address their goals, risks and related costs. Additional insight in this area is provided in the community GHG inventory for the City of Vancouver. ENERGY EFFICIENCY A complete inventory of energy use of every City of Vancouver building and activity has been identified and sourced through a State of Washington General Administration contract for energy service companies. Working with the City of Vancouver Facilities, Risk and Property Services Department, the contract with McKinstry Engineering will provide detailed energy audits for the buildings operating systems. The resulting audits will be used to make modifications and upgrades to the operating systems that have a guaranteed payback period through utility savings. As of February 2009, work had begun in three City facilities: Firstenburg Community Center, Marshall Community Center and the Water Resources Education Center. In addition to saving City energy and taxpayer dollars, at a more regional level, this program promotes jobs such as in the mechanical engineering fields and allows additional energy to be offered to other sectors to meet peak challenges in the near future. It is expected that a portion of any retrofit costs might also be paid for through programs administered by local energy providers or on behalf of the Bonneville Power Administration Future efforts should include a possible centralized monitoring system of energy for all or multiple city facilities that may also include safety, lighting and other factors. SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS The City of Vancouver, in partnership with Clark County and funded by a Washington Department of Trade and Community and Economic Development grant, has undertaken a study of regulatory barriers to extremely high standards for residential"green"buildings—or the Living Building Challenge (LBC). This study, conducted by the Cascadia Region of the United States Green Building Council, looked at six actual residential projects, similar to developments that might be proposed in the City. Using those projects' base plans, City and County planners considered the obstacles or issues that prevent them from meeting standards of the LBC, which promotes construction of homes that generate their own power, treat water on-site and provide restorative environmental impacts. Identifying these barriers allows the City to identify solutions to help builders and developers achieve higher building standards through the regulatory process. The City of Vancouver, with help from a grant obtained by Clark County,proposes to further build on this work by partnering with other small cities considering how to create incentives for a higher standard of green development. 23 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY The City's Information Technology (IT) Department is moving forward on reducing energy usage over the next two to four years through four significant projects. These are as follows: Mobile Computing The IT Department is currently working with departments to provide mobile technology to employees that work primarily in the field. These include Operations Center staff, Building inspectors, Fire Department staff, Police Department school resource officers and others. IT is using a combination of broadband cellular network cards (air cards), network encryption and security software, and virtual application software to provide mobile staff with the ability to remotely access all their applications from the field. This provides multiple benefits: • Employee travel time and fuel costs are reduced and more time can be spent working on the job site when real time information is available or employees have the ability to enter the status of an inspection or work order while in the field. • With access to real-time data in the field and the ability to update information from a vehicle or job site, the requirement for a stationary computer workstation decreases. This opens up the possibility to work out of smaller shared spaces or potentially eliminate some office space altogether. Reducing space requirements reduces the need for heating, cooling,power utilization and other facility resources. Telecommuting Using the same encryption and security software and virtual application software that supports mobile computing, employees that have City laptops and either an air card or home broadband connection can gain access to all their city applications and data from home or any other telework location. Telecommuting provides benefits similar to mobile computing: • Where this is an appropriate and effective for the City, telecommuting can save travel time and fuel consumption, and help Vancouver achieve its computer trip reduction (CTR) goals. This also provides emergency preparedness and ability to continue to serve the public in case of severe inclement weather or emergencies. • Employees working from home may be able to work from a smaller or shared workspace within a City office. A smaller space requirement reduces the need for heating, cooling, power utilization and other facility environmental factors. Server Virtualization Server virtualization is the process of examining current physical server hardware use and determining if it is under utilized. Many applications that run on servers specify that they require a dedicated server so as to not conflict with other applications. This often results in servers being under utilized. Virtualization takes many physical servers and moves them to individual virtual 24 servers running on a single physical server. Applications on virtual servers "believe"they are the only application running on the server. This avoids conflicts between applications. Benefits are seen when by consolidating physical servers into virtual servers; the City is able to reduce the overall number of physical servers in the data center. This results in less space, energy and cooling required to run the same number of City sever-based applications. Computer Power Management City computers have typically been left on for 24-hours so that security updates and virus patches can be applied during non-work hours. Although the computer processing unit remains on, all monitors are programmed to turn off automatically after 20 minutes of inactivity. The City's IT Department is looking at mechanisms to automatically control the power off and power on of the CPU portion of computers to allow for continued security patching. The technology that allows this remote automated capability called"Wake on LAN,"means that computers on the network(LAN) can be remotely"awakened" or continue to "sleep."As the City looks at the migration to Microsoft Vista, which has this capability but is resource intensive and may not be compatible with some existing systems, the "wake on LAN" functionality will be an important part of the implementation. The benefits are energy savings. PUBLIC WORKS Fuel Usage The Public Works Department has made major strides in reducing fuel usage in city owned vehicles. A recently enacted anti-idling policy has been mandated for Public Works employees. Within the Operations Division of Public Works, a concerted sustainability effort and friendly competition between work groups was conducted to reduce fuel in fleet vehicles. Between July and November 2008 alone, increased efficiencies in equipment and an anti-idling effort by Operations employees led to a reduction of 7,500 gallons of fuel, saving energy and tax dollars and improving air quality. These two strategies are worth continuing and considering applying to all city operated vehicles. Increasing Urban Tree Canopy, Reducing Runoff Vancouver was named Tree City USA for the 19th year and received the Tree City USA Growth Award for the third year in 2008 for achieving notable improvements in the Urban Forestry Programs over the past year. Urban Forestry's partnership with the Home Depot Foundation and Friends of Trees allowed for an AmeriCorps staff, which led to increasing neighborhood planting participation by 250 percent in 2008. Urban Forestry partnerships with neighborhood associations have also resulted in an additional 385 street and yard trees in more than 18 neighborhoods. Urban Forestry is continuing to increase tree canopy throughout the city, reducing erosion, improving air quality and increasing livability and neighborhood sustainability. A citywide program to educate the community about proper tree pruning began in spring 2009. 25 Volunteerism and Sustainability Outreach With support from the City, the Vancouver Watersheds Council officially became a new non- profit organization, launched with the mission to bring together and engage the community to protect and enhance the natural environment of Vancouver watersheds. For 2008,programs that benefit and improve the watersheds that exist within the city included: Martin Luther King Jr, Day(Jan 21), Down By the Riverside (May 17), and Can U Dig It(Oct 25) Planting/Clean-Up Events, hosted with a number of partner organizations. These efforts are expected to continue in 2009, expanding opportunities for citizens to take ownership of our community's environment. In 2008, more than 5,500 people of all ages visited the Water Center and nearly 800 hours of volunteer service were provided in 2008. During the 2007-2008 school year, the Water Center's school programs served 4,666 students, including 160 students who participated in Service Learning Projects. For 2009, exhibit improvements are planned that will further educate people of all ages on how to care for and make wise decisions about water resources. More than 2,698 donated hours were spent on Urban Forestry projects in 2008. The Urban Forestry Program's achievements in creating partnerships and engaging the community in hands- on sustainability offer a successful model for other sustainability programs in Vancouver. Reducing, Reusing and Recycling In 2008, a Resource Conservation Challenge was initiated to encourage neighborhoods to make their annual cleanups more sustainable by rewarding and recognizing the implementation of innovative strategies. Twenty-four neighborhoods, more than half of the neighbors participating in cleanups, accepted the challenge. Vancouver also coordinated with Clark County and other cities to complete a pilot assessment of cart-based curbside recycling as an option to increase the volume of recovered materials, potentially by 20 percent. In 2009, Solid Waste Services negotiated with contractor Waste Connections Inc. on customer rates and collection frequency, leading to a change from residential recycling bin system to roll cart program,poised to begin in late 2009. A pilot commercial recycling project began in September 2008 in the Fourth Plain Corridor area to evaluate whether container, including glass, and paper recycling services could be improved to these customers. As many as 500 businesses are targeted for participation and 100 had already signed up by late November 2008. Solid Waste Services staff prepared for the transition of the 6 year old CREAM computer reuse/recycling program to continuing operations as a non-profit focused on"upgrading the community"through providing technology access and training reusing recovered electronic materials. A new industry funded statewide program starting in January 2009 is providing a new infrastructure for recycling residential computers and televisions. 26 Native Vegetation and Greenway Improvements In 2008, the Sensitive Lands Team was involved with more than 10,600 trees and shrubs planted in areas adjacent to Burnt Bridge Creek. Plant survivability was increased on City greenway areas by using mulch around plantings to decreases weeds in planting areas. More than 2,000 cubic yards of mulch was placed in 2008. Cost-saving measures continue to be achieved by changing irrigation systems from traditional irrigation heads to drip systems. Waste Treatment Wastewater treatment infrastructure and facilities around the country are experiencing an increase in maintenance and operations due to increasing presence of materials—diapers,wipes, towels, etc. —entering the sanitary sewer system. The City of Vancouver's Public Works divisions in Engineering, Operations and Environmental Resources have teamed to develop public education and outreach around the appropriate use of the waste treatment system (i.e., not using drains and toilets to dispose of pharmaceuticals, grease, diapers,wipes, etc.). Initial contacts with other agencies, including the Clark Regional Wastewater District and Clark County, indicate strong potential for a regional partnership to assist in this effort, which the City expects to launch in 2009. Efficient Technologies for City Equipment The City of Vancouver's Public Works is continuing the replacement/retrofitting of remaining less-efficient incandescent lamps with new LED (light emitting diodes) lamps in traffic signals. In total, this overall retrofit will generate approximately 75 percent in energy savings that help the city keep pace with increasing needs at a time of decreasing budget resources. The City has also launched a Street Light Lamp Recycling Program. Several projects have been undertaken to increase efficiencies of the City's sanitary sewer infrastructure and water reclamation(wastewater) facilities. Cured-in-place pipe trenchless technology has allowed Public Works to line 3,484 feet of 24-inch main, 1,398 feet of 18-inch main, 286 feet of 10-inch main, and 3,391 feet of 8-inch main. This technology to reline old clay mains reduces maintenance needs and prolongs life at a fraction of the costs and impacts of replacing the mains, and is far less disruptive to neighborhoods and the environment. Other examples of new wastewater efficiencies include: upgrades of pumps at the Orchards and Andresen pump stations, programmable logic controller at the Westside treatment facility, a capital project designed in 2008 that will allow decommissioning of the old Chateau Crest Pump Station. These are expected to reduce energy and maintenance costs while increasing reliability. CITY PLANNING EFFORTS Many City Departments are preparing planning updates, such as Community Planning, Parks, Transportation, Economic Development and others. Several meetings have been held with key departments and we are working to imbed sustainability strategies and goals within updated city planning efforts and business plans. 27 ADDITIONAL PUBLIC OUTREACH Several dozen meetings have been held various community organizations, neighborhood organizations, Clark College, Washington State University—Vancouver, University of Oregon— Portland Branch and others to present the City of Vancouver's proposed Sustainability Plan. More than 250 residents have been reached through a panel of sustainability experts from Clark Public Utilities, City Solid Waste, City Sustainability Coordinator, Leonard Bauhs, of the NW Neighborhood Association, to engage citizens in the topic of sustainability to seek feedback and provide additional information. Additionally, the City of Vancouver hosted a very successful Second Annual Sustainability Conference in July 2008. More than 350 people attended the full conference and another 700 attended the keynote address by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A participant survey produced good feedback with much support for specific, targeted workshops such as green buildings, climate change information, energy conservation, environmentally responsible procurement. As such, the City has embarked on a number of partnerships to provide focused workshops, which are revenue neutral, and address the topics requested by the community. A good example of this is the recent Sustainability Breakfast Series for Businesses sponsored by ShoreBank Pacific and the City of Vancouver. The goal of public outreach is to continue to reach out to various constituencies and community members through a variety of mechanisms to continually engage the public; so that the plan becomes dynamic and evolves as situations, circumstances, environment and technology change over time. GREEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GREEN JOBS Vancouver's Economic Development Office and the City's Sustainability Coordinator,working with the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC), have been promoting and encouraging sustainable businesses and industries to relocate to Southwest Washington. In addition, efforts are underway to reach out to existing businesses to assist them on adopting sustainable practices and improving their bottom line. This will likely result in the creation of a Vancouver Sustainable Business Council, comprised of local businesses working to support each other in these efforts. Also under way is consideration of Green Industrial Park or Sustainable Business Incubator of start-up businesses that need assistance in bringing new"green" or sustainable technologies to the marketplace. Separately,but similarly, the City supports the efforts of a"buy local" campaign for sustainable businesses located in the City of Vancouver and surrounding areas. A key number of local businesses working in concert with the Vancouver Downtown Association are creating a local chapter of BALLE—Business Alliance for a Local Living Economy; organized under the name of Lower Columbia Alliance for Living Sustainably(LOCALS). 28 TARGETED ACTIONS FOR 2009 - 2010 City leadership has agreed that those sustainable practices or strategies should be implemented immediately when and where appropriate. Therefore, the City has begun work on sustainability efforts, prior to completion of the planning process, where costs and substantial return on investment or sustainable impact made sense to do so- as noted in the Where We Are Today section of this Plan. However, a more deliberative implementation of the plan is necessary. The changing regulatory and policy environment at federal and state levels; the extreme fluctuation in oil prices from a high in June 2008 to low in November 2008 with prices likely to rise yet again; changing downward economic situation, here and globally; all require a more strategic investment of time and resources. In other words, we should pursue those strategies where immediate savings can be realized or limited and identified resources can produce ongoing savings revenue to the City and its taxpayers given the current economy. 1. Continue the efforts of the Green Ribbon Panel, changing membership to reflect citizen representation only. Throughout much of 2008, the Green Ribbon Panel has been meeting monthly and providing input and education in developing the first Sustainable Vancouver Plan. In addition to the appointed citizen Panel members and key City directors and department heads,participants in the meetings have included elected officials, city staff, interested community members, visiting students and media. The City should consider transitioning the Green Ribbon Panel to an appointed advisory group for Sustainability Efforts. Suggestions are as follows: Existing members, or at least four existing members,who wish to remain, should be considered, for inclusion in the new committee and new members would be invited and should include representation from existing constituencies,plus K-12 and utility representatives. The Green Ribbon panel would include no more than 12 member's total. Terms of service for the Green Ribbon Panel will be two years or until the panel is terminated by the City Manager's Office. Duties of the Green Ribbon Panel will include: • Upon initial formation, meet with the City Manager and staff of the City Green Team to review City Manager's proposed sustainability work plan for the start up and make recommendations regarding the plan's ability to meet the intent of the plan, • Submit a written evaluation to the City Manager's Office annually on progress towards implementation of the plan, 29 • Make recommendations to the Sustainability Coordinator and City officials on communitywide sustainability efforts for which the City has no direct control or accountability but are contained in the Sustainability Plan. • Meet semi-annually with City Green Team to review progress and help evaluate progress based upon annual sustainability scorecard. 2. Establish a City Staff Green Team. The Green Ribbon Panel recommends the City Manager appoint a"Green Team" consisting volunteer staff from several City departments. This will be responsible for developing and coordinating sustainability strategies, and for reporting on the City's progress toward sustainability goals and targets contained in the approved Sustainable Vancouver Plan. The Sustainability Coordinator will be charged with implementing the plan and coordinating the efforts of the Green Team. The Sustainability Coordinator will also support the efforts of the Green Ribbon Panel and assist in community-wide strategies. Additionally, the city should establish an internal intranet discussion and idea forum for city operations that help move the city to a more sustainable future and save energy and dollars. The Green Team's mission shall include an emphasis on in-house education and outreach with a specific focus on implementing the plan as it pertains to City operations. These activities will be tempered by available local resources; possibly funded through savings achieved through sustainable strategies; and available grants from state or federal agencies. Duties of the Green Team shall include: • Implementing the goals and recommended actions that the City is charged with completing in the Council approved Sustainability Plan and by the City Managers Office; and for which resources are available, • Assist the Sustainability Coordinator in preparing an Annual Sustainability Scorecard and related reports, • Assist in providing in-house public education and outreach on City-related sustainability issues, • Lead through example by demonstrating commitment to sustainable practices within City operations. 3. Continue to provide training to City employees on Sustainability issues and practices. A great deal of success has already been realized by efforts of employees in the City's 4400 building through the self-guided study courses provided by the Northwest Earth Institute. These employees,with limited assistance from the Sustainability Coordinator, have embarked on a self study program on their own time and own expense. This grassroots involvement initiative has received high reviews by the participating employees. There are 30 six subject areas: Global Warming, Changing Co2rse; Choices for Sustainable Living; Menu for the Future; Voluntary Simplicity; Healthy Children—Healthy Planet; and Exploring Deep Economy. It is recommended that these same or similar self-guided study programs be offered to other work areas on their own time, such as lunch hours. The Sustainability Coordinator and volunteers from the 4400 building have offered to help host and organize these discussions. 4. Continue providing targeted community and sector specific workshops on various topics of sustainability, including a major keynote speaker to the community at large. Feedback from the Southwest Washington Sustainability Conference (July 2008) recommended that specific workshops for key community sectors be offered for more hands- on or specific guidance on how to effectively and efficiently incorporate sustainability. Already, some workshops have been offered including, with sponsorship from ShoreBank Pacific and others, Buying Local and Sustainable Business Breakfast Series, etc. Future workshops could include Green Buildings; Low-Impact Development; Green Jobs and Green Economic Development; New Carbon Markets and opportunities; Community Gardens, etc. Additionally, the City should consider, hosting a national keynote lecturer each year, much like the Marshall Lecture,but focused on topics of Sustainability. All of these events would need to identify funding resources outside of City funding. 5. Establish a green or environmentally responsible procurement policy for all city purchases. The City should grow on efforts recently begun by establishing procurement policies that encourage and increase the use of environmentally preferable products and services. By including environmental consideration in purchasing decisions, the City can promote practices that improve public and worker health, conserve natural resources, and reward environmentally conscious manufacturers, while remaining fiscally responsible. Where legally allowable and appropriate, the City should also support local businesses in purchasing supplies and services. 6. Continue identifying barriers to green or sustainable development.Develop recommendations for incentives or other mechanisms that increase green residential and commercial development. The City of Vancouver in partnership with Clark County has embarked on a study with the U.S. Green Building Council to identify code barriers to constructing a variety of residential types to the Living Building Challenge. The final deliverable of this study is due in March 2009. In the final report to be published in 2009, recommendations will be provided on how to convert these barriers to incentives. While there is limited opportunity to change federal and state codes, and low likelihood for future funding of similar opportunities, creative incentives could be crafted from this study to advance the practice of green buildings. 31 Additionally, the City of Vancouver should consider linking infrastructure investment in partnership with the private sector to require sustainable development practices in our major developments, such as the waterfront and elsewhere. 7. Continue efforts at fuel use reduction by City vehicles. Expand on the efforts of Public Works to other service areas. Significant voluntary strides have been made to reduce fuel use in city operated vehicles, especially the employees of Public Works—Operations Center. Strategies and goals should be developed for all city operated vehicles (including Police and Fire), including anti-idling policies for all city vehicles. 8. Maximize use of the new U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant(EECGB) and other sustainability related federal stimulus dollars to bring energy efficiency opportunities and funding to the City of Vancouver. The City Department of Facilities, Risk, and Property Management have undertaken energy audits of selected City owned facilities and are embarking on conservation improvements and capital improvements through ESCO agreements where it is cost effective. These efforts should continue and consider acceleration, especially with measures that have short pay-back periods. In addition to reducing City expenses these efforts will help us meet our targeted reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 9. Continue work with other local governments, K-12,WSU-V, Clark College and the Skills Center, Clark Public Utilities, businesses, neighborhood associations and others to develop a regional approach for sustainability in Southwest Washington. The City of Vancouver has been working regionally with Clark County and small cities within Southwest Washington to promote sustainable business practices. There are also numerous other examples of regional cooperation around sustainability, such as solid waste and recycling efforts. The City should continue in these and other efforts that develop a consistent message and regulatory environment, save tax payer resources, and recognize we share in the same bio-region. Additionally, the efforts contemplated under this plan cannot be completed alone and need to be coordinated. 10. Consider increasing the renewable portfolio (wind, solar, etc.) of energy use consumed by the City operations. Where cost effective and where energy price stabilization may be foreseeable, the City of Vancouver should work in partnership with Clark Public Utilities to increase the portfolio of renewable energy in the energy we purchase. Not only does this help move our country off foreign oil, it offers potential to reduce our future energy price increases and reduce our greenhouse gas impacts. Additionally, it signals the region and potential commercial and industrial businesses we are supporting a"green"region. 32 11. Work to increase the number of community gardens in City parks; other publicly owned land, and residences. In partnership with other organizations help educate homeowners and residents in sustainable gardening techniques and practices. In many community meetings and neighborhood association meetings, citizens and residents have consistently called for the increase in the number of community gardens.Not only does this increase the availability of locally grown and organic food, but it helps build community and reduce household costs. 12. Begin the electrification of our transportation system. This region likely will become the hub for the manufacture and initial promotion of electric plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric cars. Working with Clark Public Utilities and corporate sponsors; start developing an infrastructure that supports plug-in options and set aside a percentage or specific parking for plug-in hybrids and all electric vehicles. Endnotes 'At least 70%Benchmark for regional average 'At least 70%Benchmark for regional average Work with procurement to examine cost of tracking this data i" Greater 26% - national average v.6.0 acres per 1,000 residents "'Research available indicators "" Set base goal, research available indicators 50% or more 33 SANTA MONICA SUSTAINABLE CITY PLAN Adopted September 20, 1994 Update Adopted February 11,2003 Revised October 24,2006 Co serve_ Today. preserve ToFv orvow. Santa Monica A Sustainable Community Introduction We live in a time in which increased population growth, high levels of consumption and the desire to feed growing economies have created escalating demands on our resources - natural, human and social - on a local, regional, and global scale. These demands negatively impact the natural environment, our communities and the quality of our lives. In the face of these challenges, people worldwide have developed a growing concern for the environment and a desire to live sustainably. In 1994 the Santa Monica City Council took steps to address these pressures locally by adopting the Santa Monica Sustainable City Program. The Sustainable City Program was initially proposed in 1992 by the City's Task Force on the Environment to ensure that Santa Monica can continue to meet its current needs—environmental, economic and social -without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. It is designed to help us as a community begin to think, plan and act more sustainably—to help us address the root causes of problems rather than the symptoms of those problems, and to provide criteria for evaluating the long-term rather than the short-term impacts of our decisions—in short, to help us think about the future when we are making decisions about the present. The program includes goals and strategies, for the City government and all sectors of the community, to conserve and enhance our local resources, safeguard human health and the environment, maintain a healthy and diverse economy, and improve the livability and quality of life for all community members in Santa Monica. To check our progress toward meeting these goals, numerical indicators were developed and specific targets were set for the city to achieve by the year 2000 in four goal areas— 1) Resource Conservation, 2) Transportation, 3) Pollution Prevention and Public Health Protection, and 4) Community and Economic Development. 1 Following eleven years of implementation the Santa Monica Sustainable City Program has achieved much success. Many of the initial targets have been met or exceeded and Santa Monica is now recognized as worldwide role model for sustainability. However, we are not"there"yet. While we have made progress in the right direction, Santa Monica's economy and the activities of its residents,businesses, institutions and visitors continue to negatively impact human health and the environment. And our community does not yet provide for the basic needs of all its members. Many challenges remain before Santa Monica can truly call itself a Sustainable City. Sustainable City Update Process In reviewing the progress made since the 1994 adoption of the program, the Task Force on the Environment recognized the need to update and expand the Sustainable City goals and indicators to provide a more complete picture of community sustainability, and to develop new indicator targets for 2010. The Task Force felt that a comprehensive update would allow Santa Monica to build on its initial success and to better address the challenges to sustainability that remain. The update process began in July 2001 with the formation of the Sustainable City Working Group - a large group of community stakeholders that included elected and appointed officials, City staff, and representatives of neighborhood organizations, schools, the business community and other community groups. The Working Group met numerous times over the course of 15 months to discuss the myriad issues related to the sustainability of the community. They evaluated the long-term sustainability of Santa Monica using a framework comprised of three forms of community capital that need to be managed with care in order to ensure that the community does not deteriorate. These include natural capital—the natural environment and natural resources of the community; human and social capital—the connectedness among people in the community and the education, skills and health of the population; and financial and built capital— manufactured goods, buildings, infrastructure, information resources, credit and debt. The group proposed significant changes to the initial Sustainable City goals and indicators, and assisted with the creation of new indicator targets. Early drafts of the proposed update were revised based on a large amount of public input received during the summer of 2002. The result of this process is this updated Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan, which represents the community's vision of Santa Monica as a sustainable city. The change in name from Sustainable City Program to Sustainable City Plan was made to better reflect the long-term comprehensive nature of Santa Monica's vision and the community's efforts to become a sustainable city. Sustainable City Plan Structure The Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan is founded on nine Guiding Principles that provide the basis from which effective and sustainable decisions can be made. These Guiding Principles have been revised and updated from the versions initially adopted in 1994. 2 The Plan has also been expanded to include eight Goal Areas: • Resource Conservation • Environmental and Public Health • Transportation • Economic Development • Open Space and Land Use • Housing • Community Education and Civic Participation • Human Dignity Within each Goal Area are specific Goals which comprise the core of the community vision and represent what Santa Monica must achieve in order become a sustainable city. For each goal specific Indicators have been developed to measure progress toward meeting the goals. Indicators are tools that help to determine the condition of a system, or the impact of a program, policy or action. When tracked over time indicators tell us if we are moving toward sustainability and provide us with useful information to assist with decision-making. Two types of indicators are tracked as part of the Sustainable City Plan. System level indicators measure the state, condition or pressures on a community- wide basis for each respective goal area. Program level indicators measure the performance or effectiveness of specific programs, policies or actions taken by the City government or other stakeholders in the community. Many of the goals and indicators measure more than one area of sustainability. A Goal/ Indicator Matrix has been included to demonstrate the linkages between these areas. The amount of overlap shown by the matrix demonstrates the interconnectedness of our community and the far ranging impact of our decisions across environmental, economic and social boundaries. Specific Targets have been created for many of the indicators. The targets represent aggressive yet achievable milestones for the community. Unless otherwise noted, the targets are for the year 2010 using 2000 as a baseline. For some indicators no specific numerical targets have been assigned. This was done where development of a numerical target was determined to be not feasible or where limits on data type and availability made it difficult to set a numerical target. In many of these cases a trend direction was substituted for a numerical target. Terms throughout this document that may be unfamiliar to the general reader are defined in a Glossary. Words or phrases defined in the glossary are shown in italics the first time they appear in the document. Leadership, Guidance and Implementation of the Sustainable City Plan The City's Task Force on the Environment assumed the initial leadership role on behalf of the community for the Sustainable City Program. With the update and expansion of the Sustainable City Plan into new and more diverse goal areas, the Task Force on the Environment recommended the creation of a Sustainable City Task Force (SCTF) that 3 includes broad representation from community stakeholders with expertise in all of the SCP goal areas The Sustainable City Task Force was created in 2003 to provide leadership and guidance for implementation of the SCP. At the City staff level, an interdepartmental Sustainability Advisory Team (SAT) was created to coordinate existing City activities so they are consistent with the Sustainable City goals and facilitate the future implementation of innovative programs and policies to achieve the goals. Members of this group serve as Sustainable City liaisons to their respective departments. Between them, the SCTF and the SAT are responsible for developing a comprehensive implementation plan for meeting Sustainable City goals and targets, and for coordinating implementation, both interdepartmentally and between the City and community stakeholder groups. Reporting Following the City Council adoption of the Sustainable City Plan, the SCTF , SAT and city staff will present Council with a baseline indicators report and a Sustainable City Implementation Plan. The indicators report will be updated and presented to Council annually. The report is intended to provide useful information to City Council, City staff and community members on progress being made toward meeting goals and targets of the Plan, and will provide a basis for decision-making about policies and actions that influence the City's ability to meet the goals and targets. 4 Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan GUIDING PRINCIPLES 1. The Concept of Sustainability Guides City Policy Santa Monica is committed to meeting its existing needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The long-term impacts of policy choices will be considered to ensure a sustainable legacy. 2. Protection, Preservation, and Restoration of the Natural Environment is a High Priority of the City Santa Monica is committed to protecting, preserving and restoring the natural environment. City decision-making will be guided by a mandate to maximize environmental benefits and reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts. The City will lead by example and encourage other community stakeholders to make a similar commitment to the environment. 3. Environmental Quality, Economic Health and Social Equity are Mutually Dependent Sustainability requires that our collective decisions as a city allow our economy and community members to continue to thrive without destroying the natural environment upon which we all depend. A healthy environment is integral to the city's long-term economic and societal interests. In achieving a healthy environment, we must ensure that inequitable burdens are not placed on any one geographic or socioeconomic sector of the population and that the benefits of a sustainable community are accessible to all members of the community. 4. All Decisions Have Implications to the Long-term Sustainability of Santa Monica The City will ensure that each of its policy decisions and programs are interconnected through the common bond of sustainability as expressed in these guiding principles. The policy and decision-making processes of the City will reflect our sustainability objectives. The City will lead by example and encourage other community stakeholders to use sustainability principles to guide their decisions and actions. 5. Community Awareness, Responsibility, Participation and Education are Key Elements of a Sustainable Community All community members, including individual citizens, community-based groups, businesses, schools and other institutions must be aware of their impacts on the environmental, economic and social health of Santa Monica, must take responsibility for reducing or eliminating those impacts, and must take an active part in community efforts to address sustainability concerns. The City will therefore be a leader in the creation and sponsorship of education opportunities to support community awareness, responsibility and participation in cooperation with schools, colleges and other organizations in the community. 5 6. Santa Monica Recognizes Its Linkage with the Regional, National, and Global Community Local environmental, economic and social issues cannot be separated from their broader context. This relationship between local issues and regional, national and global issues will be recognized and acted upon in the City's programs and policies. The City's programs and policies should therefore be developed as models that can be emulated by other communities. The City will also act as a strong advocate for the development and implementation of model programs and innovative approaches by regional, state and federal government that embody the goals of sustainability. 7. Those Sustainability Issues Most Important to the Community Will be Addressed First, and the Most Cost-Effective Programs and Policies Will be Selected The financial and human resources which are available to the City are limited. The City and the community will reevaluate its priorities and its programs and policies annually to ensure that the best possible investments in the future are being made. The evaluation of a program's cost-effectiveness will be based on a complete analysis of the associated costs and benefits, including environmental and social costs and benefits. 8. The City is Committed to Procurement Decisions which Minimize Negative Environmental and Social Impacts The procurement of products and services by the City and Santa Monica residents, businesses and institutions results in environmental, social and economic impacts both in this country and in other areas of the world. The City will develop and abide by an environmentally and socially responsible procurement policy that emphasizes long-term values and will become a model for other public as well as private organizations. The City will advocate for and assist other local agencies,businesses and residents in adopting sustainable purchasing practices. 9. Cross-sector Partnerships Are Necessary to Achieve Sustainable Goals Threats to the long-term sustainability of Santa Monica are multi-sector in their causes and require multi-sector solutions. Partnerships among the City government, businesses, residents and all community stakeholders are necessary to achieve a sustainable community. 10. The Precautionary Principle Provides a Complimentary Framework to Help Guide City Decision-Makers in the Pursuit of Sustainability The Precautionary Principle requires a thorough exploration and careful analysis of a wide range of alternatives, and a full cost accounting beyond short-term and monetary transaction costs. Based on the best available science, the Precautionary Principle requires the selection of alternatives that present the least potential threat to human health and the City's natural systems. Where threats of serious or irreversible damage to people or nature exist, lack of full scientific certainty about cause and effect shall not be viewed as sufficient reason for the City to not adopt mitigating measures to prevent the degradation of the environment or protect the health of its citizens. Public participation and an open and transparent decision making process are critical to finding and selecting alternatives. 6 Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan GOALS, INDICATORS AND TARGETS RESOURCE CONSERVATION Goals Across all segments of the community: 1. Significantly decrease overall community consumption, specifically the consumption of non-local, non-renewable, non-recyclable and non-recycled materials, water, and energy and fuels. The City should take a leadership role in encouraging sustainable procurement, extended producer responsibility and should explore innovative strategies to become a zero waste city. 2. Within renewable limits, encourage the use of local, non-polluting, renewable and recycled resources (water, energy—wind, solar and geothermal—and material resources) Indicators — System Level Targets Solid waste generation Generation: Do not exceed year 2000 • Total citywide generation(also report per levels by 2010 capita and by sector) • Amount landfilled Diversion: Increase amount diverted to • Amount diverted(recycled, composted, 70% of total by 2010 etc) from landfill Water use • Total citywide use (also report per capita Reduce overall water use by 20%by 2010. and by sector) Of the total water used,non-potable water • Percent local vs. imported use should be maximized • Potable vs. non-potable Increase percentage of locally-obtained potable water to 70% of total by 2010 Energy use • Total citywide use (also report per capita (Target pending completion of and by sector) Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Strategy in 2003) 7 Renewable Energy use Percent of citywide energy use from By 2010 25% of all electricity use in Santa renewable and more efficient sources Monica should come from renewable • Total renewable energy use (also report sources by sector) By 2010 1% of all electricity use should • Total energy use from clean distributed come from clean distributed generation generation sources in SM (also report by sources in Santa Monica sector) Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Total citywide emissions (also report per At least 30%below 1990 levels by 2015 capita, by source and by sector) for City Operations At least 15%below 1990 levels by 2015 citywide Ecological Footprint for Santa Monica i downward trend Indicator of Sustainable Procurement Indicator and target to be developed by 2007 Indicators—Program Level Targets "Green" Construction 100% of all buildings* greater than 10,000 Total number of LEEDTM certified square feet eligible for LEEDTM buildings in Santa Monica as a percent of certification constructed in Santa Monica new construction in the year 2010 shall achieve LEEDTM certification or its equivalent. Of these, 20% should attain LEEDTM Silver, 10% LEEDTM Gold and 2%LEEDTM Platinum certification or equivalent. In addition, 50% of all new, eligible buildings* less than 10,000 square feet constructed in 2010 shall achieve LEEDTm certification or its equivalent. *including all municipal construction 8 ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH Goals 1. Protect and enhance environmental health and public health by minimizing and where possible eliminating: • The use of hazardous or toxic materials, in particular POPs (persistent organic pollutants) and PBTs (persistent bioaccumulative & toxic chemicals),by residents, businesses and City operations; • The levels of pollutants entering the air, soil and water; and • The risks that environmental problems pose to human and ecological health. 2. Ensure that no one geographic or socioeconomic group in the City is being unfairly impacted by environmental pollution. 3. Increase consumption of fresh, locally produced, organic produce to promote public health and to minimize resource consumption and negative environmental impacts. Indicators—System Level Targets Santa Monica Bay 0 warnings and closures at any Santa Number of days Santa Monica beaches are Monica beach location during dry weather posted with health warnings or closed. months Measure for both: • Dry weather months (April -October) No more than 3 days with warnings or • Wet weather months (November-March) closures at any Santa Monica beach location on non-rainy days during wet weather months (a target for rainy days during these months will be determined in 2003) Wastewater (sewage) generation • Total citywide generation (also report per Reduce wastewater flows 15% below 2000 capita, and by sector) levels by 2010 Vehicle miles traveled • Total Downward trend • Local vs. drive-through (no target for local vs. drive through) Air Quality By 2007 all significant emissions sources Percent and demographic profile of Santa in Santa Monica should be identified Monica residents who live within a 1/2 mile radius of significant emissions sources 9 Indicators—Program Level Targets Residential household hazardous waste • Total volume of household hazardous 50% cumulative participation rate at the waste (HHW) collected from Santa City's HHW collection facility by S.M. Monica residents households by 2010 (i.e. by 2010 50% of • Number and Percent of Santa Monica all households in the city will have households using the City's HHW delivered HHW to the facility since 2000) collection facility • Cumulative number and percent of Santa Monica households using the City's HHW collection facility since 2000 City purchases of hazardous materials Volume and toxicity of hazardous material (Target to be developed by City staff by (including POP &PBT containing 2007) materials)purchased by the City Toxic air contaminant(TAC) releases • Number of facilities in SM permitted to Complete feasibility study for data release TACs availability and collection by 2007 • Total volume of TACs emitted in SM annually Urban Runoff Reduction Percent of permeable land area in the City Upward trend Fresh,Local, Organic Produce Percent of fresh, locally produced, organic Annual increase over baseline produce that is served at City facilities and other Santa Monica institutions (including hospitals, schools, Santa Monica College, and City-sponsored food programs) Organic Produce—Farmers Markets Total annual produce sales at Santa Monica Annual increase in percent of organically farmers' markets grown and low-chemical produce sales • Percent organically grown over baseline • Percent grown using low-chemical methods • Percent conventionally grown Restaurant produce purchases Percent of Santa Monica restaurants that Annual increase over baseline purchase ingredients at Santa Monica farmers' markets Food choices Percent of Santa Monica residents who Annual increase over baseline report that vegetable-based protein is the primary protein source for at least half of their meals 10 TRANSPORTATION Goals 1. Create a multi-modal transportation system that minimizes and, where possible, eliminates pollution and motor vehicle congestion while ensuring safe mobility and access for all without compromising our ability to protect public health and safety. 2. Facilitate a reduction in automobile dependency in favor of affordable alternative, sustainable modes of travel. Indicators—System Level Targets Modal split An upward trend in the use of sustainable • Number of trips by type, citywide (bus, bike, pedestrian,rail)modes of • Average vehicle ridership (AVR) of transportation Santa Monica businesses with more than 50 employees AVR of 1.5 by 2010 for Santa Monica businesses with more than 50 employees Residential use of sustainable transportation options Upward trend Percent of residents who have intentionally not used their car but have instead used a sustainable mode of transportation in the past month Sufficiency of transportation options Percent of residents who perceive that the Upward trend available sustainable modes of transportation in Santa Monica meet their needs Bicycle lanes and paths • Percent of total miles of city arterial 35%by 2010 streets with bike lanes • Total miles of bike paths in Santa No net decrease Monica Vehicle ownership Average number of vehicles per person of 10%reduction in the average number of driving age in Santa Monica vehicles per person by 2010 • total number of vehicles per person • percent of total that are qualified low Upward trend in% of qualified low emission/alternative fuel vehicles emission/alternative fuel vehicles 11 Indicators—Program Level Targets Bus ridership • Annual ridership on Santa Monica Upward trend Big Blue Bus (BBB) • Percent of residents who have ridden Upward trend the BBB in the past year • Percent of residents who have ridden Upward trend the Tide shuttle in the past year • Annual ridership on MTA routes Upward trend originating in Santa Monica Alternative fueled vehicles Percent of the City's non-emergency fleet (City staff to develop target by 2007) vehicles using alternative fuels • Public works vehicles • BBB vehicles • Non emergency police and fire vehicles Traffic congestion • Number of signalized intersections with Downward trend unacceptable motor vehicle congestion (LOS D, E or F) during peak hours • Level of service (LOS) for sustainable Upward trend modes of transportation at impacted intersections • Locally classified streets that exceed Downward trend City thresholds for traffic levels Pedestrian and bicycle safety Number of bicycle and pedestrian Downward trend collisions involving motor vehicles Traffic impacts to emergency response Average emergency response times for No upward trend public safety vehicles • Police • Fire 12 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Goals 1. Nurture a diverse, stable, local economy that supports basic needs of all segments of the community. 2. Businesses, organizations and local government agencies within Santa Monica continue to increase the efficiency of their use of resources through the adoption of sustainable business practices. The City takes a leadership role by developing a plan by 2005 to increase the adoption of sustainable practices by Santa Monica businesses and encouraging sustainable businesses to locate in Santa Monica. Indicators—System Level Targets Economic Diversity Percent of total economic activity/output No single sector shall be greater than 25% by business sector(expressed as a percent of total economic activity/output; and the of total wages) top three sectors shall not be greater than 50% of total economic activity/output. Business reinvestment in the community Annual increase in reinvestment by (indicator to be developed by 2007) businesses Jobs/Housing Balance • Ratio of the number of jobs in Santa Ratio should approach 1 Monica to the amount of housing • Percent of Santa Monica residents Increasing trend employed in Santa Monica Cost of Living Santa Monica household incomes in (no target) relation to Santa Monica cost of living index (SMCOLI) Quality Job Creation Number of net new jobs created in Santa Increasing trend Monica that pay greater than or equal to the SMCOLI as a percent of total new jobs created 13 Income Disparity • Percent of Santa Monica households (no target) earning less than $25,000/year • Percent of households earning more than $100,000/year Resource efficiency of local businesses • Ratio of energy use to total economic Downward trend activity by business sector • Ratio of total water use to total Downward trend economic activity by business sector Indicators—Program Level Targets Local employment of City staff • Percent of City employees who live in (no target) SM • Distance City employees travel to work 14 OPEN SPACE AND LAND USE Goals 1. Develop and maintain a sufficient open space system so that it is diverse in uses and opportunities and includes natural function/wildlife habitat as well as passive and active recreation with an equitable distribution of parks, trees and pathways throughout the community. 2. Implement land use and transportation planning and policies to create compact, mixed-use projects, forming urban villages designed to maximize affordable housing and encourage walking,bicycling and the use of existing and future public transit systems. 3. Residents recognize that they share the local ecosystem with other living things that warrant respect and responsible stewardship. Indicators—System Level Targets Open Space • Number of acres of public open space Upward trend by type (including beaches,parks, public gathering places, gardens, and other public lands utilized as open space) • Percent of open space that is Upward trend permeable Trees • Percent of tree canopy coverage by Upward trend neighborhood • Percent of newly planted and total Target to be developed by 2007 trees that meet defined sustainability criteria* *to be developed by 2007 Parks -Accessibility Percent of households and population Upward trend in park accessibility for within '/4 and 1/2 mile of a park by Santa Monica residents neighborhood Land Use and Development Percent of residential, mixed-use projects Upward trend that are within '/4 mile of transit nodes and are otherwise consistent with Sustainable City Program goals Regionally Appropriate Vegetation Percent of new or replaced, non-turf, Target to be developed in 2007 public landscaped area and non- recreational turf area planted with regionally appropriate plants 15 HOUSING Goals 1. Achieve and maintain a mix of affordable, livable and green housing types throughout the city for people of all socio-economic /cultural/household groups (including seniors, families, singles, and disabled). Indicators—System Level Targets Availability of Affordable Housing Percent of all existing and new housing in (Target to be developed by City staff in Santa Monica affordable to very low, low, 2008 with the next update of the City's moderate, and upper income households Housing Element) Distribution of Affordable Housing Distribution of low income housing by (no target) neighborhood Indicators— Program Level Targets Affordable Housing for Special Needs Groups Number of new or rehabilitated affordable Upward trend housing units for families, seniors,the disabled and other special needs groups as a percentage of all new or rehabilitated affordable housing development Production of"Livable" Housing ■ Number of new housing units in non- Upward trend residential zone districts as a percentage of the total new housing ■ Percent of new units within 1/4 mile of: Upward trend • transit stop • open space • grocery store Production of"Green" Housing Percent of new and substantially- Upward trend rehabilitated housing that complies with Green Building Ordinance #1995 as a percentage of the total new and rehabilitated housing 16 COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION Goals 1. Community members of all ages participate actively and effectively in civic affairs and community improvement efforts. 2. Community members of all ages understand the basic principles of sustainability and use them to guide their decisions and actions -both personal and collective. Indicators—System Level Targets Voter Participation Percent of registered Santa Monica voters Increase SM voter participation to 50% in who vote in scheduled elections. Compare off year elections by 2010 to voter participation rates at the regional and national levels. Participation in Civic Affairs Percent of Santa Monica residents who Upward trend have attended a city-sponsored meeting of any kind in the past year, including City Council meetings, City Commission meetings, or special-topic workshops Empowerment Percent of Santa Monica residents who feel Upward trend that they have the opportunity to voice their concerns in the city on major community decisions that affect their lives Community Involvement Percent of Santa Monica residents who Upward trend attend community events such as the Santa Monica Festival, a summer concert at the Pier, an event at Virginia Avenue Park, a neighborhood block party, a weekly farmers' market Volunteering Percent of Santa Monica residents Upward trend volunteering and total hours volunteered in selected City funded public benefit programs 17 Participation in Neighborhood Organizations Upward trend Percent of Santa Monica residents that are active members in recognized neighborhood organizations (by neighborhood) Sustainable Community Involvement Percent of Santa Monica residents who are 25%by 2010 aware of the Ecological Footprint for Santa Monica and understand their contribution to it Sustainable Community Involvement Percent of Santa Monica residents who Upward trend have an understanding of how each Sustainable City goal area is a component of a sustainable community and the extent to which this affects their decisions 18 HUMAN DIGNITY Goals Santa Monica will be a community in which: 1. All its members are able to meet their basic needs and are empowered to enhance the quality of their lives; and 2. There is access among community members to housing, health services, education, economic opportunity, and cultural and recreational resources; and 3. There is respect for and appreciation of the value added to the community by differences among its members in race, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, disabilities, immigration status and other special needs. Indicators—System Level Targets Basic Needs—Shelter • Number of homeless living in Santa (no target) Monica • Percent of Santa Monica homeless Upward trend population served by the city shelter that transition to permanent housing Basic Needs—Health Care • Percent of residents with health Upward trend insurance • Capacity of local health service Upward trend providers to meet the basic health care needs of Santa Monica residents Basic Needs—Economic Opportunity Percent of Santa Monica residents who Downward trend work more than 40 hours per week in order to meet their basic needs Basic Needs—Public Safety Crime rate per capita—report by Downward trend neighborhood/reporting district, and by type (property, violent, hate) 19 Residents' perception of safety Percent of residents who feel that Santa Upward trend Monica is a safe place to live and work Incidents of Abuse • Number of incidents of abuse Downward trend (domestic, child, and elder abuse) • Percent of cases prosecuted Upward trend Incidents of Discrimination • Number of reports regarding Downward trend Employment and housing discrimination • Number of cases prosecuted Upward trend Education/Youth • SMMUSD student drop-out rates Downward trend • SMMUSD student suspension rates Downward trend • SMMUSD student substance abuse Downward trend rates • Percent of SMMUSD students who Upward trend feel safe at school • Percent of SMMUSD students that Upward trend enroll in college or university • SMMUSD students enrolled in Upward trend advanced placement courses and percent that receive passing grades Empowerment Women, minorities and people with Upward trend disabilities in leadership positions • business • local government • non-profit organizations Ability to Meet Basic Needs Percent of residents who perceive that Downward trend in all areas needs are not being met for: • Individual and family counseling • Emergency food, clothing, shelter • Employment services and job training • Recreation and services for youth • Health care • Substance abuse treatment/prevention • Affordable housing • Seniors and people with disabilities • Transportation and mobility 20 Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan GOAL/INDICATOR MATRIX The matrix below lists all of the Sustainable City indicators down the left side and the eight Sustainable City goal areas across the top. For each indicator dots are shown for every goal area that the indicator provides information about. While each indicator was developed to measure progress toward meeting goals in one goal area,this matrix shows that many of the indicators measure the conditions, impacts or effectiveness of our actions in several goal areas. This demonstrates the linkages between each of the goal areas and the impact of our decisions across environmental, economic and social boundaries. n 7� b t� Hi-t t7 r� r O x n rri n x •s 0 x o o • p o' — t7 sv Q.. I. I A- 0 Resource Conservation Indicators _ Solid waste generation • • Water use • • • • Energy use • • • • • Renewable energy use • • • • Greenhouse gas emissions • • • • • • Ecological Footprint for Santa Monica • • • • • • Indicator of sustainable procurement • • • "Green"construction • • • • Environmental and Public Health Indicators Santa Monica Bay—beach closures • • Wastewater(sewage)generation _ • • • Vehicle miles traveled • • • • • Air quality • • • • Residential household hazardous waste • City purchases of hazardous materials • Toxic air contaminant releases • Urban runoff reduction • • • • Fresh, local, organic produce • • • Organic produce—Farmer's markets • • • Restaurant produce purchases • • • Food choices • • • • Transportation Indicators Modal split • • • • Residential use of sustainable trans. options • • • • • Sufficiency of transportation options • Bicycle lanes and paths • • Vehicle ownership • • • • 21 (-.) ~drt H dm ro x (*-.) rtn x c O .• _ � o a � �• n p' ¢. O. p- Bus ridership • • • Alternative fueled vehicles—City fleet • • • Traffic congestion • • • Pedestrian and bicycle safety • Traffic impacts to emergency response • • • Economic Development Indicators Economic diversity • Business reinvestment in the community • • Jobs/Housing balance • • • • Cost of living • • • Quality Job Creation • • Income disparity • • Resource efficiency of local businesses • • • Local employment of City staff • • • Open Space and Land Use Indicators Open Space • • Trees • • • Parks -Accessibility • • • • Land Use and Development • • • Regionally appropriate vegetation • • Housing Indicators Availability of affordable housing • • • Distribution of affordable housing • • • • Affordable housing for special needs groups • • Production of"livable"housing • • • • • Production of"green"housing • • • Community Education and Civic Participation Indicators Voter participation I • Participation in civic affairs • Empowerment • • Community involvement • Volunteering • Participation in neighborhood organizations • Sustainable community involvement 1 • • • • Sustainable community involvement 2 • • • • • • • • Human Dignity Indicators Basic Needs- Shelter • • 22 C .0rT H titi r © x nttn x a 0 o -• tn. o 0 V• —. 'Cl") 0 14 ci 0 8' �C Uo o 5 P, O P, Pa 1'8• �C P ¢. O. p- Basic Needs—Health Care • Basic Needs—Economic Opportunity • • Basic Needs—Public Safety • Residents' perception of safety • Incidents of abuse • Incidents of discrimination • • • Education/Youth • Empowerment • • Ability to meet basic needs • • • • 23 Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan GLOSSARY active recreation: recreational opportunities including sports and other activities that typically require playing fields, facilities or equipment. affordable housing: any housing that is deed restricted for, and occupied by, households earning less than 120% of the Los Angeles County median family income. alternative fuel vehicles: vehicles that operate on fuels other than gasoline or diesel. Alternative fuel vehicles include those that operate using compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid natural gas (LNG), propane, electricity, hybrid of gasoline and electricity, and hydrogen. alternative (and/or sustainable) modes of transportation: for the purpose of this document alternative(and/or sustainable) modes of transportation include transportation by public transit(bus or rail),bicycle, walking, or alternative fuel vehicles. average vehicle ridership (AVR): a measurement of vehicle occupancy indicating the average number of persons traveling in a measured number of vehicles. AVR is an indicator of the effectiveness of and participation in ridesharing programs bike lane/path/route: As defined in the City's Bicycle Master Plan, a bike lane is a signed and striped lane along a roadway for use by bicycles. Other types of bicycle ways in the city are bike paths and bike routes. A bike path is a dedicated bicycle way that completely separates bicycles from motor vehicles. Bike routes are signed routes which bicyclists share with motor vehicles. Bike routes differ from bike lanes in that routes do not include any striping on the roadway- they are only designated by signage. community: for the purpose of this document, whenever the term community is used it is meant to include the following groups: individuals of all ages, races and abilities; organizations; government agencies; businesses; employers; employees; residents; property owners; renters; visitors; schools; students; public and private service agencies; faith communities; and local media. companion animals: animals kept by residents in their homes, yards, or other properties, for purposes of providing mutual companionship. clean distributed generation: distributed generation refers to generation of electricity at or near the location where that electricity will be used. This differs from traditional electricity generation,which occurs at centralized power plants and is distributed over hundreds of miles to millions of customers through the electricity "grid". For the purpose of this document, clean distributed generation(in order of preferred technology type) refers to 1) renewable distributed generation, including electricity generated by solar photovoltaic systems, fuel cells (powered by hydrogen generated from solar, wind, or 24 other non-fossil fuel,renewable energy technologies), and small wind generators; 2) electricity generated by high efficiency(i.e., meeting or exceeding efficiency of large natural gas power plants)natural gas generators and fuel cells using hydrogen generated through a natural gas catalyst; and 3) medium scale, high-efficiency co-generation systems (powered by natural gas) serving many properties located within close proximity of each other. Clean distributed generation does not include electricity generated by gasoline or diesel powered generators. diversion: in reference to solid waste, diversion refers to all waste that is kept out of a landfill through recycling, beneficial reuse, composting, or other means. ecological footprint: The ecological footprint is a tool to help measure human impacts on local and global ecosystems. The ecological footprint of a given population (household, community, country) is the total area of ecologically productive land and water used exclusively to produce all the resources (including food, fuel, and fiber) consumed and to assimilate all the wastes generated by that population. Since we use resources from all over the world and affect far away places with our wastes, the footprint is a sum of these ecological areas wherever that land and water may be on the planet. Thus the ecological footprint of Santa Monica is that area of productive land inside and outside its borders that is appropriated for its resource consumption or waste assimilation. There is a finite area of ecologically productive land and water on the Earth, which must be shared among 6 billion people as well as all of the planet's other species. The amount of ecologically productive land available globally at today's current population is approximately 5 acres per person. The ecological footprint of the average American is approximately 25 acres, far exceeding the "fair earthshare". The ecological footprint is an excellent tool for illustrating the magnitude of the change necessary for our world to become sustainable. It is also useful for evaluating and comparing the total environmental impact of specific activities and in this way, helpful for decision-making. environmentally preferable: a product, service, activity or process that has a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to other products, services, activities or processes that serve the same purpose. extended producer responsibility: responsibility of producers or manufacturers across the entire life cycle of their products,particularly to the post-consumer stage (after products are discarded and become waste). Typically once a product is sold to a consumer the responsibility of disposing of that product becomes the responsibility of the consumer. Extended producer responsibility requires that the producer of the product maintain responsibility for recycling or proper disposal of the product once it has surpassed its useful life. green: for the purpose of this document,green is used as shorthand to refer to any environmentally preferable product, activity, service or process. 25 green housing: housing that meets or exceeds the requirements of the City's Green Building Design and Construction Guidelines. greenhouse gas (GHG): greenhouse gases are natural and manmade gases in the earth's atmosphere that allow incoming solar radiation to pass through the atmosphere and warm the earth but trap radiant heat given off by the earth. The radiant heat absorbed by these gases heats the atmosphere. This is a natural process known as the "greenhouse effect"that keeps the earth habitable. The four primary greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Since the onset of the industrial period, human activities have lead to sharp increases in the levels of GHGs in the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect and contributing to rising global temperatures. hazardous material: a material that,because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics,poses a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment if released into the workplace or the environment. hazardous waste: a waste or combination of wastes which, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, may cause or significantly contribute to an increase in serious, irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health, safety, welfare or to the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, used or disposed of, or otherwise managed. household hazardous waste (HHW): hazardous waste that is generated by residents through the use of hazardous or potentially hazardous products in the home. Typical household hazardous wastes include spent batteries, cleaning products, pesticides, paints and solvents. HHW collection facility: a permanent facility maintained by the City for the collection and proper recycling or disposal of hazardous waste generated by Santa Monica residents and small quantities of hazardous waste generated by Santa Monica businesses. This is provided as a free service to Santa Monica residents. The facility is located at 2500 Michigan Avenue. Call (310)458-8255 for more information. Income levels: With respect to the indicators of housing affordability the following are definitions of the income levels mentioned in this document: Very low income: annual earnings between 0 and 50% of the Los Angeles County Median Family income (MFI) Low income: annual earnings between 51 and 80% MFI Moderate income: annual earnings between 81 and 120% MFI Upper income: annual earnings above 120% MFI 26 LEEDTM certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design): A rating system developed by the United States Green Building Council(USGBC) that sets definitive standards for what constitutes a green or environmentally preferable building. The certification system is self-assessing and is designed for rating new and existing commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential buildings. It evaluates environmental performance of the entire building over the building's life cycle. LEED certifications are awarded at various levels (certified, silver, gold, and platinum) according to a point-based scoring system. level of service (LOS): a concept used to describe street intersection operating conditions. It is based on average vehicle delay measurements and/or the volume/capacity ratio of the intersection in question. LOS grades range from A to F with A representing excellent (free-flow) conditions and F representing extreme traffic congestion. For the purpose of this document, LOS grade D represents marginally acceptable levels of traffic and grades E and F represent unacceptable levels. A definition of level of service for sustainable modes of transportation will be developed as part of the update of the Circulation Element of the City's General Plan scheduled for adoption in 2003. livable housing: housing that is within close proximity to neighborhood serving commercial areas, transit stops and community resources such as parks and open space. local: the term local has different definitions depending upon the context in which it is used in this document. These are described below: 1) Where local is used in reference to the economy ("local economy" or"local businesses") it refers to Santa Monica's economy or businesses located within Santa Monica. 2) Local government agencies refer to any agencies or departments of the Santa Monica city government. 3) Where local refers to food production("locally produced") it refers to food grown in the southern half of the state of California 4) Where local refers to resources, it refers to resources obtained or impacted within a 500-mile radius of Santa Monica. mixed-use projects: developments which incorporate both residential and commercial uses. modal split: the split in use of various transportation modes including: single passenger vehicles; carpools of more than one passenger; bus; rail; bicycle; and pedestrian modes. multi-modal transportation system: a transportation system that includes affordable, alternative modes of transportation such as public transit, and infrastructure and access for alternative fueled vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, in addition to standard vehicular transportation. 27 native species: plant or animal species native to the southern California bioregion. natural function/wildlife habitat: geographic areas that provide life-supportive functions associated with atmospheric, biological,biochemical and hydrological processes that keep our air and water clean, process waste and support survival and reproduction of plant and animal life. non-renewable resources: natural resources that have a finite availability worldwide. Examples include coal, oil and other petroleum products. open space: for the purpose of this document open space refers to all land uses defined as open space in the Open Space Element of the City of Santa Monica's General Plan. These include beaches, parks,public gathering places,usable green open space in street medians, scenic highway corridors, gardens, and other publicly accessible land. passive recreation: recreational opportunities that occur in a natural setting which require minimal development or facilities, and the importance of the environment or setting for the activities is greater than in developed or active recreation settings. PBTs (persistent bioaccumulative toxics): chemicals that are toxic,persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in food chains and,thus,pose risks to human health and the environment. The term PBT is used primarily by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its preparation of a list of such chemicals that will receive special regulatory emphasis in the United States. POPs (persistent organic pollutants): Organic chemical substances that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in food chains and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. The term POPs is commonly used in the context of the United Nations Environment Program(UNEP) and are subject to international negotiations aiming toward their global elimination. Note: The primary difference between the PBTs and POPs is that the list of PBTs includes non-organic toxins that are not included on the list of POPs. potable: suitable for drinking qualified low emission/alternative fuel vehicles: Vehicles recognized by the State of California as being low emission and/or alternative fuel vehicles. These vehicles exceed the basic standards all new vehicles must meet to be sold in California and include low emission vehicles (LEVs), ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs), super ultra low emission vehicles (SULEVs) and zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). Additional information about these vehicle designations can be found on the internet at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ccbg/ccbg.htm rainy day: for the purpose of this document, a rainy day is any day with recorded precipitation greater than .1" in 24 hours. 28 recognized neighborhood organization: Tax-exempt, non-profit organization representing a commonly recognized neighborhood in Santa Monica. regionally appropriate vegetation: plant and tree species that are environmentally appropriate for the Southern California region and that do not negatively impact native plants or animals. A specific list of regionally appropriate vegetation for Santa Monica will be developed in 2003. rehabilitated housing: rehabilitation that increases by 25% or more the after-rehab value of the property; or a rehabilitation in which at least fifty percent of exterior walls have been removed or relocated for any duration of time. renewable limits: harvesting resources within renewable limits refers to harvesting a renewable resource at a rate that is lower than the rate the resource can replace itself(e.g. catching fish at a rate that will allow the fish population to be maintained over time. If too many fish are caught, exceeding renewable limits, the fish population will decline). The terms renewable limits and sustainable limits are synonymous. renewable resources: natural resources that have an unlimited supply (such as solar radiation) or that can be renewed indefinitely if ecosystem health is maintained(e.g. fisheries or forests). routine: for the purpose of this document, routine,when describing generation of hazardous waste by City government operations, refers to regular and consistent operational practices such as vehicle maintenance, regular cleaning procedures, etc. Non- routine refers to hazardous waste generated during unanticipated events such as chemical spills or leaks. Santa Monica cost of living index (SMCOLI): Los Angeles County cost of living for a two-person household adjusted for the cost of housing in Santa Monica. SMCOLI for 2000 is $21,800 (LA County cost of living) x 1.46= $31,828. The 1.46 multiplication factor refers to the relative cost of housing in Santa Monica as compared to the average for Los Angeles County, based on the Housing Authority Survey of Rents. significant emissions source: sources of toxic air contaminants and other air emissions that pose a threat to human health and the environment. A specific list of significant emission sources within Santa Monica will be developed in the course of tracking this indicator. SMMUSD: Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District special needs groups: with respect to affordable housing,special needs groups refers to the elderly, disabled persons, large families, female-headed families, and the homeless. 29 sustainable: sustainable can mean slightly different things depending on the context in which it is used. For the purpose of this document, the following definitions are used: sustainable (in reference to resource use): a method of harvesting or using a resource so that resource is not depleted or permanently damaged. sustainable business: for the purpose of this document,sustainable business refers to a business that provides goods and services, and/or has incorporated into its daily operations practices that result in cleaner air and water, less waste and pollution, conservation of energy and natural resources, less traffic, improved quality of life for residents and workers, and contribute to a strong and viable local economy. sustainable community/city: a community or city that meets its present needs without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. More specifically, a sustainable community is one that improves and enhances its natural, social and economic resources in ways that allow current and future members of the community to lead healthy, productive and satisfying lives. sustainable modes of transportation/travel: same as alternative modes of transportation above sustainable procurement: procurement of environmentally preferable goods and services in a way that also takes into consideration social responsibility and sustainable economic development issues in the manufacture, transportation, sale and use of those goods and services. toxic material: a substance that causes illness, injury or death by chemical means. A poison. toxic air contaminants (TACs): air pollutants which may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or serious illness, or which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health. transit node: a station for public transportation along a regional transit corridor(usually rail or rapid bus)with access routes for buses, taxis, automobiles, bicycles and pedestrians. urban villages: mixed-use developments in walkable, livable and transit-oriented districts that balance the need for sufficient density to support convenient, high-frequency transit service within the scale of the adjacent community. vehicle miles traveled (VMT): one vehicle traveling one mile constitutes a vehicle mile. VMT is primarily an indicator of automobile use. Increasing VMT typically corresponds with increases in traffic and vehicle-related pollution. zero emissions vehicle (ZEV): motor vehicle that produces neither tailpipe nor evaporative pollutant emissions. zero waste: recycling or reuse of all natural and man made materials back into nature or the marketplace rather than sending those materials landfills or similar disposal options. 30