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CITY OF CHULA VISTA
Climate Change Working Group
Final Recommended Measures
Measure Recommendation 1: Adopt strict community-wide energy code
requirements.
The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula
Vista adopt community-wide energy code requirements to help buildings exceed the
energy-efficiency standards set by California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title- 24.
Background
Energy use by existing building stock accounts for nearly half of Chula Vista’s
Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG). The City’s Climate Change Working
Group recommends that the City take action to reduce emissions from buildings by
creating municipal code requirements that encourage require builders to exceed Title- 24
requirementsstandards. Encouraging Require builders and building managers to meet
higher energy efficiency standards would help support the long-term value of the City’s
building stock by encouraging upkeep and assuring the future reliability and comfort of
structures.
Building energy efficiency standards are currently set by California Code of Regulations
(CCR) Title 24.12. Though Titlee -24 energy standards are among the strictest energy
codes in the U.S, buildings constructed to LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) standards are frequently 30% more efficient than buildings
simply built to Title- 24 Standards. Opportunities for energy savings are particularly
great in the residential sector, where Title- 24 requirements are comparatively less
stringent. The Climate Change Working Group recommends that the city take advantage
of this potentially tremendous energy savings by creating a municipal code requiring
buildings to exceed Title- 24 standards.
Options for Implementation
1) Adopt Architecture 2030 Standards: Upon implementation, Architecture 2030
Standards require energy use for new buildings to be reduced to only 50% of the regional
average for each building type. Architecture 2030 requires that, at a minimum, an equal
amount of existing building area be renovated to meet this 50% energy use reduction
goal. The standards apply to all buildings, and become increasingly stringent with time ,
requiring new building efficiency to be 60% of the average by 2010, 90% by 2025, and
carbon neutral by 2030. This ambitious agenda is designed to substantially reduce
contribution to Climate Change through building energy use.
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Implementation: These efficiency standards would function as an overlay on existing
Title- 24 energy efficiency standards. Buildings be required not only to meet Title-24,
but to exceed it by a set percentile.
Prior Execution: The City of Santa Barbara adopted Architecture 2030 Standards for all
buildings in October 2007. The ordinance will enact building regulations exceeding
Title- 24 by 20 percent for low-rise residential buildings, 15 percent for high-rise
residential buildings and 10 percent for non-residential buildings. The ordinance
should be in place by mid-2008.
2) Adopt a combination of LEED Standards, GreenPoint Standards and
Title-24 Custom Standards: The City could customize its Green Building code so
that it incorporates different standards for different building types and, sectors. As an
example, the city could require:
-All Municipally-Owned buildings to be LEED Silver or better. (San Diego)
- All Municipally-Financed buildings in the Urban Core Specific Plan Area must be
LEED Silver or better. (Chula Vista, already implemented by Urban Core SP)_
- All Buildings > 50,000 to be LEED Certifiable. (Boston, Washington D.C.)
- All commercial buildings to be built 10% more efficient than Title-24 (San Francisco,
Santa Barbara).
- All new housing to achieve a GreenPoint Rating of at least 60 OR to be built 10%
more efficient than Title-24 Standards (Boulder, CO, Santa Barbara, CA)
This hybridized code would allow the City to implement the “best” standards for each
sector; LEED offers the benefit of holistic sustainable building and design. Its rigors
would be best undertaken by the City or a large developer (building 50,000 SF +), and
its benefits would be comparably significant. Commercial standards set 10% above Title-
24 are both feasible, and easily implemented as part of existing Planning and Building
Department practice. Residential standards should be flexible, yet require large-scale
developers to build efficiently.
Implementation: In most sectors, these standards simply require buildings to exceed
Title- 24. This code could be implemented using existing Planning and Building
department policies. In large or municipally-owned/financed buildings, more
individualized efforts would need to be undertaken to guarantee that these buildings
were designed to be LEED certifiable.
Prior Execution: Please see “Energy Codes, Prior Execution” Table, next page.
While the Climate Change Working Group strongly recommends that the City enact
codes to make both new and remodeled buildings more efficient, the logistics of creating
a Green Building Code for Chula Vista require research time and effort beyond the scope
of the Working Group. By approving this measure, Council will direct staff to research
and develop an implementation plan for this coderecommendation.
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Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure: The implementation of this
measure requires an addition to the City’s municipal code stipulating the new green
building standard. Performance would be gauged by the number of building permits
applied for, the number accepted, and the number of compliant buildings built.
Fiscally Feasible: The city City of Chula Vista currently has building code requirements
that must be met in order to attain a building permitbefore a building can be permitted.
These proposedThis recommendation standards would require a modest addition to these
existing building standards, thus. The new codes should be designed to work within pre-
taking advantage of already existing implementation and enforcement mechanisms to
allow for cost-effective enforcement. Additional While additional training for existing
staff may be required,. However, it is not likely for there to beto impose significant
additional costs connected to this proposal.
upon the City.
The City already requires that buildings built with City funds in the Urban Core Specific
Plan Area meet LEED Silver standards. Our recommendation that buildings exceed Title
24 Standards would be a less costly to implement than the LEED requirement, since
certification fees are not applicable.
Short Timeframe: The implementation of these standards could occur as soon as
adequate notice is given to the publicmunicipal codes are amended and adequate notice is
given to the public. The fact that the implementation and enforcement process for
building new structures is already in place, allows the standards to be up and running
immediately. Shortens implementation time.
Quantifiable Results: Reductions in energy use by buildings are among the easiest
things to quantify in the City’s GHG emissions inventoryClimate Reduction Actions to
quantify. Mandatory green building requirements have proven throughout the nation and
according to credible Credible sources such ranging from as the DOE,Department of
Energy to AIA, and the California Attorney General,General have endorsed green
buildings standards as an effective means to dramaticallyof lowering reducing carbon
emissions.
Prior Execution: Mandatory green building standards have been adopted in Santa
Barbara, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, San Diego, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Boston,
and Washington, DCand Washington D.C. (to name a few). (Please see Appendix A)
No Adverse Effects: While these standards require project applicants to meet additional
requirements in order to be issued a building permit within the city before they can be
issued a building permit, thesethe areas to be regulated by these green building codes
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standards are no different than other building requirements currently imposed on
developers- including structural, lighting, earthquake safety, ventilation requirements,
etc. Such standards have proven to have little if any adverse effects on the number of
permits sought. Studies by the CPUC have shown that building to basic LEED Standard
can be done at virtually no extra cost. The fact that the proposed standards allows
developers the flexibility and autonomy to determine how best to meet these
requirements will offset the burden associated with meeting an additional procedural
requirement. Finally, considering these goals are based on those being adopted by two
state agencies illustrates how feasible these principles so as to be adopted in California.
In addition, such a requirement will reduce the future growth in peak demand for
electricity thus reducing the future need for the South Bay Power Plant.
Relevant Links:
1) Boston Green Building Program:
http://www.cityofboston.gov/bra/gbtf/GBTFhome.asp
2) Santa Monica Green Building Program: http://greenbuildings.santa-monica.org/
3) Santa Monica Municipal Code:
http://www.qcode.us/codes/santamonica/index.php?topic=8-8_108-8_108_060
4) Los Angeles Bar Association Review of California Municipal Green Building Codes:
http://www.lacba.org/showpage.cfm?pageid=8922
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Measure Recommendation 2: Mandatory Energy Assessments for Businesses
The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula
Vista-licensed businesses be required to participate in an energy assessment of their
physical premises every three years and upon change of ownership.
Background
The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula
Vista-licensed businesses be required to participate in an energy assessment of their
physical premises every three years as a way of helping city businesses take advantage of
rapidly evolving energy-efficiency practices and technologies. The City of San Diego
has had a similar code in place since the early nineties requiring that all buildings
receiving water service from the City of San Diego obtain a Water Conservation
Plumbing Certificate upon change of ownership. This requirement has led to widespread
installation of water-conserving equipment in the building stock. The City of Berkeley
has a similar municipal code in place requiring businesses to complete an energy
assessment upon change of ownership. This code has been shown to create a heightened
awareness of energy conservation among citizens.
The proposed requirement for businesses to complete an energy assessment would be
based on the City of San Diego/ City of Berkeley codes, but would require assessments to
take place every three years rather than upon change of ownership. The proposed code
would integrate the assessments into the existing Business License Renewal Program,
with assessments to be conducted by City Staff with support from the SDG&E
Partnership Programs. Specific energy-management standards would vary by business
type, but would be designed for flexibility in order to help take advantage of emerging
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technologies. Because water use and energy consumption are directly linked, water-
conserving practices and technologies would also be encouraged under this program.
Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure
The implementation of this measure requires an addition to the City’s municipal code
stipulating the energy assessment requirement. Before the code could be written it would
be necessary to establish who would perform the assessments (likely City Staff supported
by SDG&E), what standards were to be met, and how the assessments would be
integrated into the business licensing process. Once the code was in place, performance
could be gauged by measuring the number of assessments completed.
Fiscally Feasible: City Staff currently conduct energy assessments as part of the
SDG&E-City of Chula Vista Energy Conservation Partnership. The required business
assessments would be an outgrowth of that effort. In the last year, the City has completed
approximately 400 business assessments. The City currently licenses approximately
3,500 businesses with physical premises, meaning that the assessment efforts would
need to be stepped-up to assess an additional 700-800 businessesan additional 700-800
business per year. This is not unmanageable under the existing program format—it
would just require efforts to be re-focused on the business assessments rather than
residential lighting exchanges.
Short Timeframe: Increased business energy assessments could result almost
immediately in energy conservation/ efficiency behaviors. Reduction in CO2 emissions
can reasonably be expected within the 2-3 year time frame.
Quantifiable Results: Reductions in energy use are among the easiest things to quantify
in the City’s GHG emissions inventory. Effective energy assessments that change
business behaviors can be expected to yield quantifiable, albeit modest, GHG reductions.
Prior Execution: Berkeley, CA, San Jose, CA, San Diego, CA (water assessment)
No Adverse Effects: While requiring businesses to complete an energy assessment every
three years would add an additional complication to the business licensing process, the
benefit to businesses in cost savings through energy use reduction can be expected to
overwhelm the hassle of completing the assessment. It is possible that the assessments
would create additional complexity for the City’s business licensing staff.
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Measure Recommendation 3: Solar Energy Conversion Program
The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula
Vista facilitate widespread installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on commercial,
residential, and municipal facilities by developing and implementing a solar energy
conversion program. The Group also recommends that the City more proactively enforce
existing codes requiring pre-plumbing for solar hot water.
Background:
Developing cleaner sources of energy is one of the keys to curbing global warming and
preventing climate changeis an essential tool for slowing climate change. Solar energy
remains a largely untapped resource for generating clean energy. According to the U.S.
EPA:
Each day more solar energy hits the Earth than its inhabitants could consume in 27
years.
Solar energy technologies produce minor amounts of greenhouse gases, generated
mostly during the manufacturing process.
A 100-megawatt solar thermal electric power plant, over 20 years, will avoid more
than 3 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions when compared to the cleanest
conventional fossil fuel-powered electric plants.
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Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. PV panels can be
mounted to commercial, residential, and municipal buildings and connected directly to
the energy grid. For residential applications, annual audits by the energy company
provide a comparison between the energy contributed to the amount of energy used. If
there is a shortfall, the user then pays for the difference. Energy conservation is an
important part of an efficient solar system. Excess energy is considered a contribution or
a renewable energy credit.
Financing Options
The Working Group discussed reasons why more property owners are not doing solar
conversions. One of these reasons is that homeowners/owners of small commercial
properties generally do not trust contractors. A City sponsored contractor certification
program for residential solar conversions modeled on the program in Santa Monica and
California Center for Sustainable Energy is recommended. The primary barrier to the
installation of solar PV generation is cost. The average 2 Kilowatt (KW) Solar System
can cost between $16-$26,000 to install. The payback period for a solar system can be
anywhere from 15-30 years, depending on location, type of panels used, maintenance and
weather. Options for overcoming this barrier include:
1) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): In a PPA, a property owner allows a solar
energy contractor to install and operate PV solar panels on their property. Energy
Though Energy produced by the panels is used on-site, but the property owner continues
to pay their electric bills, this time to the solar installer rather than the utility. Once the
cost of the solar installation has been paid back, the property owner generally has the
option of taking over the ownership/ operation of the solar panels. This type of solar is
most often installed on large structures such as schools/ municipal facilities, big box
stores.
Application: This type of solar financing would most practical for City Facilities with
large roof areas, such as parking garages.
Implementation: The City could require a certain percentage of its municipal energy to
be generated on-site with Solar PV panels. PPAs are a tool which could be used to meet
help the city reach this solar goal, especially if the City was not able to afford Solar
through other means.
2) City Solar Financing/ Special Assessment: The City of Berkeley is helping residents
afford solar by paying up-front for the cost and installation of residential solar systems,
and then recouping the cost by assessing an additional tax on participating properties
which would pay back the cost of the system over a 20 year period. Residents would
benefit immediately from reductions on their energy bills. The City of Berkeley won a
$200,000.000 solar grant from the EPA to help cover the start-up costs for the program.
Application: This type of solar financing would help surmount the costs of solar system
installation for individual homeowners. By helping spread the cost of the solar system
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across a 20 year period, residents are able to experience the solar system payback as they
go along. more immediately.
Implementation: The City could establish a program like the one in Berkeley, giving
Chula Vista property owners the option installing City-financed solar systems on their
buildings, which property owners would pay off in taxes over some pre-determined time
frame.. These systems would then be paid off over a set time frame.
3) Community Solar “Trust Fund”/ Community Solar System: The City of Santa
Monica’s comprehensive solar program helps lower the cost of solar by simplifying the
permitting process for solar construction, identifying solar contractors who are willing to
do installations at a reduced “Santa Monica” rate, helping identify banks/lenders for solar
installation costs, and by providing free energy-assessments to residents . (Energy
assessments help residents so that as much energy as possible is saved through
conservation, reducing need for a large solar system.reduce their energy consumption
through conservation first, thereby reducing the size of the solar system they will
eventually install.
For residents who rent their properties homes, or have a site that is not adequate suitable
for the installation of solar panels, the City offers the option of buying shares in a
Community Solar System/ Fund. This fund helps pay for the installation of solar panels
on City Facilities, for the Solar Program taken as a whole and can help buy down the cost
of solar installation for the City overall.
Application: This tool could be used to create funds for the general establishment of
solar programs, to buy down the cost of solar installation in the City, and to expedite the
processing of solar permits.
Implementation: The City could establish a solar program modeled on “Solar Santa
Monica,” with an option that allows residents to buy into the “Solar Trust Fund.”
Determining which, or what combination of these financing options/ program designs is
most appropriate for the City would require research and policymaking beyond the scope
of the Climate Change Working Group. The group does recommend that the City hasten
to adopt a solar energy conversion plan that incorporates the strategies listed above.
At the same time, there are a variety of less elaborate actions the City can take to ensure
the adoption of solar technologietechnologiess.:
Pre-Plumb for Solar Hot Water
Since 1982 the City has had a code in place requiring pre-plumbing for solar hot water on
new homes. Though this code has been in place since the early 80s, there is little to no
enforcement. The Climate Change Working Group recommends that the Cit y enforce
this code requirement going forward. Furthermore, the Group recommends that this code
be amended to require that new homes are also pre-wired for solar PV. Pre-plumbing and
pre-wiring for solar reduces barriers to the installation of these technologies, and ensures
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that conventional homes can be easily converted to alternative energy sources as funds
become available.
Require Solar Installation as an “Upgrade Option” on New Homes:
Some homebuilders (Pardee Homes) offer solar PV systems as an “upgrade” option on
new homes. At this time, though, this option is not offered in the City of Chula Vista.
The Climate Change Working Group recommends the City require developers of new
homes in Chula Vista to offer Solar PV systems as an “upgrade” option.
Provide Residents Free Home Energy Assessments:
Home energy efficiency can reduce the cost making homes “Net Zero” by reducing the
size of the solar system needed to offset energy use. Any solar PV program should be
complemented by energy conservation programming. The City’s Conservation and
Environmental Services Department currently offers home energy assessments as part of
the City’s partnership with SDG&E. The Group recommends that the City continue to
provide these assessments going forward.
Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure
Performance can be measured by the number of commercial, residential, and municipal
facilities installing solar PV systems each year. Performance can also be measured by the
number of megawatts produced by program-installed PV systems. City-wide clean
energy generation goals could be established; i.e. 100 megawatts by 2012, 200 megawatts
by 2015, etc. This could then be compared to the total energy consumption by businesses,
residents and municipalities in the City of Chula Vista to establish a clean energy rating
for the City, adding to the City’s marketability as a center for Sustainable Development.
This clean energy rating could be used to benchmark cities across the country. The
amount of greenhouse gasses that would have been emitted if the City had continued to
rely on conventional fossil fuel power plants could also be calculated., and so on.
Fiscally Feasible: In addition to the financing mechanisms mentioned, a variety of
federal, state and non-profit funds for solar programs are available. In addition to
receiving a $160,000 “Solar America’ Grant from the EPA for the administrative costs of
establishing a solar program, Berkeley also received a $75,000 grant from its regional Air
Quality Management District. The Berkeley Program also benefits from the California
Solar Initiative Rebate, which is applied to the total cost the City pays for the solar
system. Solar systems installed on municipal facilities can take advantage of a similar
state and federal incentives. Because amount of these incentives and rebates is designed
to decrease over time, the Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City
work to take advantage of these financing opportunities while they are still significant.
Start up costs could be financed by the city, through state and federal grants, and private
financing. Partnerships could be developed between the City and financial institutions in
order to make low cost loans available to residential program participants. The City of
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Santa Monica, with its Solar Santa Monica program, recently selected financial partners
to provide low cost loans to program participants. Residential subsidies could also be
made available with the implementation of a tax measure program. A public global
warming survey by the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies showed 72
percent of those surveyed supported a city or local subsidy to encourage homeowners to
install electricity generating solar panels. Partnerships could be developed between the
City and specialty firms to help finance and implement commercial and municipality
solar systems.
Short Timeframe: If aggressively pursued, a basic program could be put in place in 12
to 18 months. Developing a more elaborate program with financing for residential solar
installation would be more within the 2 to 4 year time frame.
Quantifiable Results: Yes. Widespread solar energy conversion in the City of Chula
Vista would help shift energy production from green-house gas (GHG) producing
industries to non-GHG producing industries. See the discussion on Performance Metrics
above.
Prior Execution: City of Santa Monica “Solar Santa Monica” program, City of San
Francisco “Climate Action Plan”.
No Adverse Effects: Facilitating solar energy conversions would not cause adverse
economic or social impacts or shift negative environmental impacts to another sector.
Creating a robust solar energy conversion program would encourage economic
development and create opportunities for the struggling housing construction industry.
Attachments
1. U.S. EPA Fact Sheet: Climate Change Technologies, Solar Energy
2. Solar Santa Monica (Web pages)
3. The GfK Roper Yale Survey on Environmental Issues
4. Climate Action Plan for San Francisco (excerpt)
Relevant Websites:
1. DOE “Solar America” Grant ApplcationApplication:
https://e-center.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/UNID/00849B6B3BA2DDE385257380005F0936?OpenDocument
2. California Energy Commission “Go Solar California” website:
http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/csi/govt/cash_back_govt.html
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Measure Recommendation 4: Smart Growth around Trolley Stations
The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula
Vista facilitate smart growth around the H Street, E Street, and Palomar Street Trolley
Stations.
Background
Chula Vista’s trolley stations offer a unique smart growth opportunity. Smart growth is a
compact, efficient, and environmentally sensitive pattern of development that provides
people with additional travel, housing, and employment choices by focusing future
growth away from rural areas and closer to existing and planned job centers and public
facilities. Smart growth reduces dependence on the automobile for travel needs.
Automobile travel reductions reduce prevent the burning of fossil fuels that contribute to
greenhouse gasses and climate change.
The E Street and H Street trolley stations are defined as Primary Gateways within the
Promenade Vision Area in the City of Chula Vista Urban Core Specific Plan. The vision
description is as follows.
“A dynamic mix of regional transit centers, visitor serving uses and a retail
complex surrounds an enhanced, medium-rise residential quarter. Circulation is
improved by re-establishing the traditional street grid. A tree-lined, extended linear
park offers both neighborhood and community serving amenities supported by mid-
block paseos. The park transitions from an active community venue with a more
formal landscape to recreational features such as tennis and basketball courts to
passive greens. Anchoring the park, the retail plaza links the Bayfront to the
regional mall. Ample public spaces provide for open air markets, mercados,
cultural festivals, art exhibits and other community events.”
A difficult topic to address with any smart growth project is traffic impact. This issue
would be easier to address if a trolley station were made an integral part of the smart
growth project. Interstate 5 and a robust grid network of local streets are also in close
proximity to the E Street, H Street, and Palomar Street Trolley Stations.
Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure
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Performance could be measured by the number of building permits issued within one-
quarter mile of the trolley stations.
Fiscally Feasible: Yes.
Short Timeframe: If aggressively pursued, new building permits could be issued in 18
to 24 months.
Quantifiable Results: Possible. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions could be
quantified by developing an estimated emission value per square foot of smart growth
residential space and an estimated emission value per square foot of more traditional
suburban residential space. The difference between the two could be used to calculate the
emissions reduction due to new residential smart growth around the trolley stations.
Prior Execution: “New Places, New Choices: Transit-Oriented Development in the San
Francisco Bay Area, November 2006” www.mtc.ca.gov/library/TOD/index.htm,
transitvillages.org, transitorienteddevelopoment.org.
No Adverse Effects: Implementing smart growth around trolley stations would
potentially cause adverse economic or social impacts and potentially shift negative
environmental impacts to another sector.
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Measure Recommendation 5: Save Water by Encouraging Turf Grass
Conversion
The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula
Vista coordinate with Otay Water District, San Diego County Water Authority, and the
Sweetwater Authority on turf lawn conversions for commercial and residential properties.
Pumping water is a significant contributor to GHG emissions in California. Converting
lawns to water-wise gardens and/or artificial turf has been shown to reduce outdoor
residential water use by 40%, thereby reducing emissions from this sector.
Background
The pumping of water and wastewater in California is estimated to take up at least seven
percent of the State’s total energy usage, making water use a significant contributor to the
State’s overall CO2 emissions. (2007 PIER Report, http://www.energy.ca.gov/pier/iaw/industry/water.html).
According to the San Diego County Water Authority, up to fifty percent of household
water use goes to thirsty turf grass lawns. The Climate Change Working Group
recommends that the City support and coordinate with existing programs aimed at
reducing the amount of water used in landscaping.
The Otay Water District’s “Cash for Plants” program pays residents and businesses up to
$2,200 to convert turf lawns or other high-water-use plants to low-water-use plants. This
type of landscaping is called xeriscaping and utilizes San Diego native and California
friendly plants. However, the program is restricted to turf grass lawns larger than 750
square feet. This restricts restriction many prevents many smaller residential and
commercial properties from participating in the program. Otay Water District has
recently begun a second program that pays single-family homeowners to replace their
lawns with artificial turf, with a 1$/sf incentive. This program is only good for lawns up
toonly applies to lawns smaller than 1000 SF, though it supplements programs that pay
schools to convert their fields to artificial turf.
Ideally, the Climate Change Working GorupGroup would like to see the City develop its
own program to supplement the rebates offered by the water authority, and to extend the
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programs to parts of the City in the Sweetwater Water District where the programs aren’t
currently offered.
If developingg its own incentivean independent incentive program is not fiscally
possible, the Climate Change Working Group encourages the City d to work with Otay
Water District to open its program to all residents and businesses.
In this scenario, The City could help to promote these rebates by integrating the
information into existing community outreach activities, thereby increasing the numbers
of Chula Vista lawns converted to xeriscape. The City could also help residents
overcome HOA rules and other logistical barriers to xeriscape conversion. Additionally,
the City might act as a facilitator, helping to organize gropusgroups of homes that wanted
to participate in the conversion program so that they could collaboratively buy-down the
cost of contractor efforts.
Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure
The success of coordination/ support efforts could be gauged by comparing numbers of
existing turf-to-xeriscape grant applications with the numbers of applications two or three
years into the future, with the expectation that coordination would result in a marked
increase in applications.
Fiscally Feasible: The fiscalThis recommendations’ demands on the City would vary
depending on the degree (and type) of support the City chose to provide. At present, the
City has a Nature-Friendly gardening program (Naturescape) that encourages residents to
adopt California-Friendly Gardening practices. This program could be easily adapted to
put an even greater focus on turf-to-xeriscape conversion programs. The Naturescape
program is expected to end in June 2008, however, primarily due to lack of funding. The
City could re-instate this program with potential financial support from the water
authorities.
Short Timeframe: Because the City has funding in place for the Naturescape program
until June 2008, support and promotion of the Water District Cash For Plants programs
could begin at once. It is expected that increased promotion would lead to an accelerated
pace of landscape conversion in the next 2-3 years.
Quantifiable Results: A study from the Southern Nevada Water Authority shows a net
average residential water use savings of 30% for homes that have converted turf to
xeriscape. Large scale implementation of the Water Authority Cash for Plants Program
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would likely have an impact on GHG emissions from water use, though the overall effect
on the City’s GHG emissions would be relatively small.
Prior Execution: Similar programs have been implemented with success in
Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mesa, Arizona and Cathedral City, California.
No Adverse Effects: While some studies show that well-watered turf lawns function as
a carbon sink in some areas, we can reasonably assume that the CO2 cost of importing
water, maintaining the lawns (requiring gas-powered mowers and travel by landscaping
crews) and then managing runoff outweigh any carbon sequestration benefits the turf
might have in Chula Vista.
Attachments
5. Cash_For_Plants.pdf : Otay Water District Flyer promoting Xeriscape Conversion
Incentives
6. xeri_study_final.pdf: Southern Nevada Water Authority Study on residential
water savings from xeriscape conversion.
Measure Recommendation 6: Incorporate AFV (electric, plug-in hybrid
biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, CNG) into municipal fleet
The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that City of Chula
Vista expand its use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) in the
municipal fleet..
Background:
The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City of
Chula Vista expand its use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles including
electric, biodiesel, ethanol, hybrid, hydrogen and natural gas based on appropriateness for
vehicle task, fueling infrastructure, petroleum displacement, overall cost and
environmental benefit. Further, the Group recommends that the City develop policies to
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efficiently use the vehicles the currently has, implementing concepts like “right sizing”,
“trip chaining”, and maintenance in order to derive the most benefit from each VMT.
The City of Chula Vista has long been a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels. The
City’s transit fleet and some light-duty vehicles run on compressed natural gas and the
City has its own compressed natural gas fueling station and hydrogen fueling station.
Many cities throughout California have also successfully adopted the use of alternative
fuel vehicles from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks. Additionally, the State of
California has made the growth of the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles
a high priority and passed myriad legislation creating funding mechanisms to drive this
growth. Alternative fuel vehicle options exist in most every class of vehicle in use by the
City of Chula Vista, so it is reco mmended that the City seek out task and alternative fuel
appropriate options when considering all future vehicle acquisitions.
Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure:
Performance could be measured by setting aggressive goals for increasing the City’s use
of alternative fuel vehicles (i.e. number of AFVs) and alternative fuels (i.e. gallons used),
as well as development of associated fueling infrastructure. Alternatively, the
effectiveness of the new measure could be measured by tracking the average fleet MPG
in gasoline, and setting ambitious goals to lower this MPG. Not only would this measure
encourage greater adoption of AFVs, it would also focus the City on making the existing
fleet as efficient as possible.
Fiscally Feasible:
The City can purchase alternative fuel vehicles with existing vehicle replacement funds.
Substantial grant funding and incentives for light, medium and heavy duty alternative
fuel vehicles are also currently available and expected to increase in years to come.
Grant funding for fueling infrastructure may be available and private industry may also
invest in necessary fueling infrastructure with local commitment to use. Some alternative
fuel vehicles offer lower life-cycle economics and substantial fuel cost savings. Tax
rebates on qualifying alternative fuels also exist, bringing their cost below that of
petroleum-based fuels.
Short Timeframe:
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Alternative fuel vehicles can be implemented into fleet immediately with all scheduled
vehicle replacements and/or new vehicle acquisitions. Alternative fuel vehicle fueling
infrastructure can be accomplished in 2008 and 2009.
Quantifiable Results:
The use of alternative fuel vehicles will permit a reduction in the use of petroleum-based
fuels. All targeted alternative fuels can have significant greenhouse gas emissions
benefits over petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
Prior Execution:
Various cities including Burbank, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vacaville, CA, as well
as Boulder, CO.
No Adverse Effects:
While some alternative fuel vehicles may cost more than their gasoline and/or diesel
counterparts, billions of dollars in current and future State and Federal incentives, grants
and tax credits can bring the cost of those alternative fuel vehicles near or below that of a
comparable gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle. In some cases, grant applications may
need to be written and reports may need to be filed in the process of securing funding for
vehicles and/or infrastructure; however, an increase in City staff would not be
anticipated. Additionally, private industry may invest in necessary fueling infrastructure
to meet the City’s needs. Many alternative fuel vehicles currently offer significant fuel
and maintenance cost savings over gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
Measure NumberRecommendation 7: Encourage[BR1] City-contracted fleet
operators to adopt the use of Alternative Fuels/ Alternative Fuel Vehicles
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The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City of
Chula Vista work with fleets under City authority and influence to expand their use of
alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs).
Background
The City of Chula Vista Climate Change Working Group recommends that the City of
Chula Vista work with fleets under City authority and influence to expand their use of
alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles including electric, biodiesel, ethanol,
hybrid, hydrogen and natural gas based on appropriateness for vehicle task, fueling
infrastructure, petroleum displacement, overall cost and environmental benefit.
While there are a number of fleets operating in the City of Chula Vista, few are under
direct authority of the City with the exception of taxis and refuse trucks. There are
currently over 200 taxis permitted by the police department to pick up passengers in the
City of Chula Vista and 50 or more refuse trucks authorized to collect household
discards. There are currently hundreds of alternative fuel taxis and refuse trucks
operating throughout California. Being high volume fuel use fleets and under City
authority, these fleets should be concentrated on in the near-term. Additional fleet
operators not directly under the City’s authority that the City may be able to influence
include United Parcel Services (UPS) who uses alternative fuel vehicles at various hubs
throughout the Country, as well as various manufacturers, distributors and service
providers.
Recommended Performance Metrics for Measure:
Performance could be measured by setting aggressive goals for increasing fleet operators’
use of alternative fuel vehicles (i.e. number of AFVs) and alternative fuels (i.e. gallons
used), as well as associated fueling infrastructure.
Fiscally Feasible:
Fleet owners can purchase alternative fuel vehicles with existing vehicle replacement
funds. Substantial grant funding and incentives for light, medium and heavy duty
alternative fuel vehicles are also currently available and expected to increase in years to
come. Grant funding for fueling stations may be available and private industry may also
invest in necessary fueling infrastructure with local commitments to use. Some
alternative fuel vehicles offer lower life-cycle economics and substantial fuel cost
savings. Tax credits on qualifying alternative fuels also exist, bringing their cost below
that of petroleum-based fuels.
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Short Timeframe:
Alternative fuel vehicles can be implemented into fleets immediately with all scheduled
vehicle replacements and/or new vehicle acquisitions. Alternative fuel vehicle fueling
infrastructure expansion can be accomplished in 2008 and 2009.
Quantifiable Results:
The use of alternative fuel vehicles will permit a reduction in the use of petroleum-based
fuels. All targeted alternative fuels have significant greenhouse gas emissions benefits
over petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
Prior Execution:
Various cities and agencies in our neighboring South Coast Air Quality Management
District, as well as, Chula Vista, CA, Smithtown and Brookhaven, NY and San Antonio,
TX.
No Adverse Effects:
While some alternative fuel vehicles may cost more than their gasoline and/or diesel
counterparts, billions of dollars in current and future State and Federal incentives, grants
and tax credits can bring the cost of those alternative fuel vehicles near or below that of a
comparable gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle. In some cases, grant applications may
need to be written and reports may need to be filed in the process of securing funding for
vehicles and/or infrastructure; however, an increase in staffing would not be anticipated
and private industry partnerships are available to incur these costs on behalf of fleet
owners. Additionally, private industry may invest in necessary fueling infrastructure to
meet fleet owners’ needs. Many alternative fuel vehicles currently offer significant fuel
and maintenance cost savings over gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
Appendix A: Municipal Green Building Standards Summary
MANDATORY RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND ORDINANCES
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Boulder, CO- created their own point-based system for ALL residential development within the
city. The bigger the project, the more points they must acquire. The system is essentially based
on LEED criteria. It should be noted that one of the largest categories in which to get possible
points is focused completely around solar- solar energy, passive solar, solar hot water, etc.
http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=208&Itemid=
489
West Hollywood, CA- also created a custom-made point-based system. Requires new residential
development with three or more units to submit a green building plan and meet a minimum
number of points. All covered projects must be solar-ready.
http://www.weho.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/DetailGroup/navid/53/cid/4493/
Santa Cruz, CA- all new residential development are required to obtain a certain number of
points from GreenPoint. http://www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/pl/building/green.html
Marin County, CA- all new residential development in unincorporated sections of the county
are required to achieve a certain number of GreenPoint points. All single family dwellings larger
than 3,500 sq. ft. are subject to the energy efficiency budget of a 3,500 sq. ft. building.
http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/CD/main/comdev/advance/Sustainability.cfm
Santa Barbara, CA- The ordinance mandates building regulations, based on Architecture 2030
principles, which exceed Title 24 requirements by 20 percent for low-rise residential buildings,
15 percent for high-rise residential buildings and 10 percent for nonresidential buildings, among
other measures. http://sbdailysound.blogspot.com/2007/10/santa-barbara-boosts-green-
building.html
Chicago, IL- requires all residential development to meet energy requirements more stringent
than the IL state standard.
Palm Desert, CA- requires all new residential development less than 4000 sq. ft. to meet energy
requirements 10% beyond Title 24, and residential development greater than 4000 sq. ft. to meet
energy requirement 15% beyond Title 24.
Santa Monica, CA- requires all new multi-family homes to meet a series of energy efficiency
requirements that are 15% above Title 24.
http://www.greenbuildings.santa-monica.org/whatsnew/green-building-ordinance/green-
building-Ord-1-5-2002.pdf
Austin, TX- recently began adopting a series of building code requirements designed to create
net zero energy homes. These are related to duct system leakage, HVAC sizing calculations, new
lighting requirements, and building thermal envelope testing.
http://action.nwf.org/ct/C1_aQw51IaZd/
MANDATORY COMMERCIAL STANDARDS AND ORDINANCES
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West Hollywood, CA- requires all new commercial development to meet a certain number of
points within their custom-made point system.
Chicago, IL- requires all commercial development to meet energy code requirements that are
more stringent than the IL energy conservation code.
Santa Monica, CA- requires all new commercial development to meet energy code
requirements that are 15% above Title 24 requirements.
Washington, DC- requires LEED certification or LEED silver (depending on the project type)
for commercial development above 50,000 sq. ft. http://action.nwf.org/ct/Cd_aQw51IaZc/
Boston, MA- requires LEED certification for commercial development above 50,000 sq. ft.
http://www.bostongreenbuilding.org/
Seattle, WA- required all commercial development to meet energy code requirements that are
20% above American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) standards.
http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/stellent/groups/pan/@pan/@codes/@energycode/documents/web_i
nformational/2006SECsummary.pdf
Santa Barbara, CA- The ordinance mandates building regulations, based on Architecture 2030
principles, which exceed Title 24 requirements by 20 percent for low-rise residential buildings,
15 percent for high-rise residential buildings and 10 percent for nonresidential buildings, among
other measures. http://sbdailysound.blogspot.com/2007/10/santa-barbara-boosts-green-
building.html