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• Building I Land Use Programs
~ 2012 International Energy Conservation Code
The City of College Station has adopted the 2012 Edition of the
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The IECC addresses the
design of energy-efficient building envelopes and the selection and
installation of energy efficient mechanical, water heating, electrical
distribution and illumination systems and equipment in residential and
commercial construction alike. The 2012 Edition of the IECC achieves a
30 percent increase in energy savings when compared to its 2006
predecessor -capturing a goal pursued for the last several years by the
U.S. Department of Energy and many collaborating organizations in the
energy codes community.
~ 2012 International Building Code
The City of College Station has adopted the 2012 Edition of the
International Building Code (IBC). The IBC contains several important
provisions related to green building practices. First, the IBC allows the
use of used or refurbished materials in new construction provided they
comply with the code provisions for new materials.
Second, the IBC empowers the Building Official with the ability to accept
"alternative materials, design and methods of construction" as long as
the safety of the alternative can be demonstrated. This flexibility allows
the Building Official to accept green construction methods and practices
that may not be explicitly allowed by the code.
Lastly, the IBC allows the use of numerous building products that
employ proven "wood-efficient" approaches to design, material selection,
and construction. Engineered wood products such as parallel strand
lumber, micro-laminated beams, finger-joint lumber, and oriented strand
board are just a few examples of materials that use wood very efficiently
and rely less on large-diameter, old-growth trees for their production.
It is important to note that the International Codes are updated on a
three-year cycle to recognize new and innovative construction materials
and techniques. The next version of the International Codes will be the
2015 edition. The City of College Station has traditionally been very
proactive regarding the review and adoption of the latest building codes.
~ Comprehensive Plan (including Land Use Map, Bicycle, Pedestrian, &
Greenways Master Plan, and T-Fare Plan)
The current Comprehensive Plan contains several elements that relate to
green building practices. The Land Use Plan identifies redevelopment
areas, making way for denser, more efficient development (cite recent
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examples such as the Plaza redevelopment). The land use plan also
contains a floodplain and streams designation, protecting flood-prone
areas from development. Staff is currently working to develop new zoning
districts designed to align with the new land uses in the Comprehensive
Plan (get with JP regarding the status of this effort and its relevance to
our green initiatives)
Implementation of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Greenways Master Plan
provides residents with alternative means of transportation such as
biking and walking. Greenways are becoming increasingly recognized as
ways to connect people and places with alternative transportation
choices, such as bicycling, skating, and walking. Their linear nature
creates an opportunity for regional connectivity, following the course of
creek beds, drainage ways, and other natural features. They plug into the
larger community effort to develop an adequate and safe transportation
network that connects neighborhoods, schools, parks, retail/office areas,
and the University. This plan also promotes the preservation and
protection of flood-prone areas (cite number of acres purchased thru this
program).
~ Landscaping Standards
The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requires landscaping and
streetscaping for new development. The landscaping provisions are based
on a point system and fifty percent of the required landscaping for each
site must be provided by canopy trees. The UDO also contains a
landscape point credit system to encourage efficient watering practices. A
ten percent point credit is allowed when an irrigation system utilizes a
water-conserving system (such as drip irrigation).
The landscaping standards were recently amended by the City to require
trees as part of single-family development.
~ Tree Protection Measures
The UDO also provides incentives for tree protection measures. The tree
protection standards award additional landscaping points for retaining
native trees that are protected during development.
~ ICC Green Building Inspector Certification
The International Code Council (ICC) recently developing a Green
Building Certification for building inspectors. The certification exam
addresses the green aspects of the International codes and helps ensure
that green and sustainable buildings are also safe. The City currently
has one staff member certified as a Green Building Inspector.
~ Landscape Irrigation Standards
The City recently adopted a landscape irrigation ordinance that increases
the effectiveness and efficiency of landscape irrigation systems.
Requirements of the ordinance include a limitation on overspray and
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J . Tree Protection Standards
In addition to landscaping requirements for new development, some
communities also have tree protection standards as a part of their
landscaping ordinances that requires existing mature trees to be
protected from new development. Staff recommends that tree protection
be a mandatory requirement or that greater incentives to protect trees be
provided. Such incentives may include increased landscaping
requirement bonuses, density bonuses by clustering housing units to
protect an area of trees, dimensional standard variations where trees
may pose a site design challenge, buffer bonuses or a tree replacement
program. In addition, Staff recommends an inventory be taken of native
species and growth patterns in College Station to determine which trees
should be protected.
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Green College Station - A White Paper on Resource Conservation
and Sustainability
Sustainability and resource conservation has become
a constant on the local government landscape.
Communities across the nation, indeed the world,
have undertaken sustainability initiatives. The
International City -County Management Association
launched a major policy discussion earlier this year
designed to help local communities to successfully
conceptualize and launch sustainability programs in
response to the growing desire by local governments
to address this growing global concern.
This White Paper -Green College Station - A White
Paper on Resource Conservation and Sustainability
has a threefold purpose:
1) To present a policy rationale for resource
conservation and sustainability;
2) To identify existing resource conservation and
sustainability programs offered by the City of
College Station; and
3) To recommend specific policy initiative(s) to
enhance existing programs.
Rationale for Resource Conservation and
Sustainability Programs
Too often, cities can be guilty of following fads. The
local government landscape is littered with fads -
reinventing government, policy governance, and zero based
budgeting, just to name a few. Sustainability and
conservation of resources cannot become a fad.
Future generations are at stake in our wise use of
current resources. Our ability to meet the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet our own needs. Our stewardship
of current resources is a legacy we leave to future
generations. No doubt, many will view sustainability
efforts as some fringe concept left to the odd balls in
the community. The harsh reality is that we have
finite resources which have been bequeath to us by
earlier generations for which we have been made the
stewards.
Sustainability and conservation of resources has a
direct connection to the quality of life in the
community. Communities which are strategic in their
use of resources have been able to improve and
enhance the quality of life by making wise choices
about providing for open and green space, reducing
the carbon footprint, reduced water consumption,
and reduced energy consumption. ICMA suggests
four interdependent elements to the quality of life
aspects of sustainability: (a) balancing environmental
stewardship; (b) economic development; (c) social
equity; and (d) financial and organizational viability.
These four factors assist cities in their ability to
address the quality of life quotient in real and tangible
ways.
Finally, sustainability initiatives when properly
formed should result in real and tangible fiscal
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
responsibility. Viewing sustainability holistically,
cities can account for real savings in terms of
deferring capital and operating costs. There should
not be a one sided view of the initial cost to fund an
initiative but the savings both in terms of hard costs
and conserving resources for future generations to
enjoy and benefit.
College Station citizens have been dear in their desire
to promote sustainability and resource conservation.
Throughout the Comprehensive Plan Update, citizens
have encouraged the protection of resources. The
CP AC spoke specifically to the issue by adding
language in the Plan goals to address sustainability
and resource conservation.
There is a dear case to be made for sustainability and
conservation of resources in College Station. Our
emphasis on the quality of life for the community
demands that we aggressively work towards creating
a culture in the community which embraces
sustainability as its mantra. We can ill afford to
sacrifice precious resources while expecting to be a
community with a high quality of life.
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Benefits of Comprehensive Green Program
There are a number of benefits to College Station to
develop and implement a comprehensive Green
program.
SA VET AXP A YER DOLLARS
A comprehensive strategy to promote green
technology reduces the capital investments in
building new and additional infrastructure.
Reducing water consumption could result in our
not needing to invest in new water wells and
increased treatment costs. Energy efficient
facilities reduce the amount of energy consumed
and in turn the dollar outlay for energy costs.
BUILD LOCAL ECONOMY AND CREATE JOBS
Decreased energy costs and the provision of new
energy services and technologies give local
government and private firms a competitive
edge. Demand for energy efficient products,
services, and for new or alternative energy
technologies expands local business and creates
local jobs.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Communities with efficient transportation,
abundant biking and recreation areas, reliable
long-term water and energy supplies, and similar
programs report higher quality of life for their
residents.
LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
Now is the right time to implement a
comprehensive sustainability policy for College
Station. If we do not change what we are doing
now, we face a future with traffic problems,
inadequate water supplies, a deficient tax base,
and lower quality of life.
Current Program and Activities
College Station has a rich history of resource
conservation and sustainability programs. As
background data in preparing this White Paper, a
survey of current City programs was conducted. The
number of programs was indeed impressive.
The City is already investing meaningful dollars in
resource conservation and sustainability programs
throughout the organization and community.
The survey of existing programs and activities
revealed one key finding -while College Station has
a number of important programs in place, we lack
focus and purpose for those programs . There is no
unifying strategy or expected outcome to be achieved
by our efforts. This lack of focus and purpose limits
our ability to move towards more meaningful efforts
and with clear benchmarks for success. Our review of
best practice cities indicates we have a number of
opportunities to systematically enhance our existing
programs and activities. Additional investment
without clear policy objectives will result in wasted
resources and run counter to our overall efforts to
conserve resources and provide for a sustainable
community.
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
Our current programs and activities fall into seven
main categories (See Appendix 1 for a list of
programs and activities).
*
*
*
*
*
*
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Energy conservation
Hazardous waste management
Natural areas and open space preservation
Recycling
Water resource conservation
Building codes
Citywide public education
Best Practices
During the course of developing this White Paper, a
number of communities were examined for Best
Practices in sustainability and resource conservation.
Best Practices were identified on two levels:
1) How are other communities addressing
sustainability and resource conservation
initiatives?
2) What are the gaps between what other
communities are doing and our current College
Station programs?
Our Best Practices analysis revealed a number of
key findings. These findings appear to fall into
seven broad categories. Indeed, they appear to
establish several guiding principles worthy of
our consideration.
* Best Practice cities have taken a
comprehensive -integrated approach to
developing their programs. While often
times there may be various elements of
sustainability, there is an overriding purpose
and focus.
*
*
*
*
*
All the Best Practice cities have adopted
aggressive public education programs
focused around their sustainability
initiatives.
There are clearly stated goals and supporting
strategies to measure the success of
sustainability efforts. The goal setting efforts
clearly define responsibilities and
expectations.
Small things add up. It was clear in looking
at best practices that cities did small things
to advance their sustainability efforts. This
approach obviously lends itself to achieving
results while dealing with the practicality of
cost.
Every Best Practice city established clear
policies as a predicate to its actions. This
point speaks clearly to the idea of focus and
establishment of outcomes.
Community buy-in was a critical factor in all
the Best Practice communities. Initial efforts
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focused on obtaining community sentiment
about sustainability and large measures of
community engagement around specific
strategies and goals.
Major Programmatic Emphasis
Best Practice cities tended to focus their sustainability
efforts around six issues.
1) Energy efficiency and renewable energy
2) Reduction HCF footprint
3) Water conservation
4) Protection of open space and green areas
5) Green building
6) GHG emission reduction
Gap Analysis
While there are common themes and points of
emphasis to every community working towards
sustainability, many of the problems and solutions
are different for each Best Practice community
because each community faces a different
environment, has different resources, and holds
different values. It is for these very reasons that our
approach to sustainability in College Station must be
customized to our community environment, resource
base, and values. It is not appropriate for us to
appropriate another community's sustainability
program. Our program must be unique to College
Station with clearly articulated purpose and
objectives.
With that premise as a backdrop and an examination
of our current plans, there were several items
identified in our gap analysis.
*
a.
b.
c.
* a.
b.
c.
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Energy Conservation
We lack a green energy component to our energy
program.
We lack clearly defined goals for our energy
conservation efforts, i.e. reduction in KWH
consumption over a specified period.
We lack an aggressive public education
component to market our efforts and expected
outcomes.
Water Conservation
We lack a coherent water conservation program.
Our development regulations run counter to our
need to conserve water resources.
We lack an aggressive water conservation strategy
which has clearly stated goals.
We lack an aggressive public education program
to educate our citizens on our need to conserve
water.
Building Codes
Our current building codes encourage energy
conservation. The codes do not encourage or
promote green building standards.
Cm OF COLLEGE STATION
* General Observations
One of the consistent findings from our review of
Best Practice communities is the lack of a coherent
policy framework on which to build our
sustainability efforts. We currently are doing a
number of programs with no clear set of
objectives to be accomplished. Our efforts cannot
be easily measured. We tend to be involved in feel
good activities without any clear direction or
purpose.
Secondly, we are failing to connect what we are
doing in a meaningful and systematic way to the
general population of College Station.
Sustainability encompasses what businesses are
doing, what major institutions like Texas A&M
and College Station schools are doing, what
neighboring jurisdictions and region are doing.
The fact is we have not been very effective in
building partnerships with the community to
achieve clearly stated sustainability objectives.
Moving Forward
This White Paper has focused thus far on developing
an appreciation of what we are currently doing and
how we compare to other sustainability communities.
The balance of this paper is designed to describe the
path forward for discussion and deliberation.
Policy Formulation
The first major action required to establish direction
for College Station programs and services is the
establishment of clear policy parameters to guide the
development of College Station's Green Program. The
absence of a well thought out intentional policy will
result in inefficient use of resources and
opportunities.
The Green College Station policy should articulate the
aspirations of community, areas of focus, and clear
goals and expected outcomes.
Proposed Policy Statement
College Station is committed to being a leader in
resource conservation and protection of our
environment. Green College Station will express the
City's commitment to achieve resource conservation
and sustainability over the long-term. It is recognized
there are four interdependent elements to the quality
of life aspects of sustainability: (a) balancing
environmental stewardship; (b) economic
development; (c) social equity; and (d) financial and
organizational viability. College Station City Manager
is directed to develop the Green College Station
Action Plan for Council approval to direct the City's
efforts to implement its green strategies.
Proposed Plan of Action
The Proposed Green College Station Action Plan will
focus our efforts into a comprehensive plan of action
with real and measurable results. The plan will
address four areas.
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Energy conservation and renewable energy sources.
We will include renewable green energy in a portion
of our purchased power for resale to College Station
Utility customers while reducing the overall energy
consumption. We will pursue these strategies through
public education, ordinance revisions, incentive
programs, and alternative rate strategies.
Water conservation. We will reduce our overall water
consumption and develop mechanisms to reuse water
in the community. We will implement our strategies
through aggressive public education programs,
changes to our development ordinances, and
instituting a conservation rate structure.
Solid and hazardous waste reduction. We will reduce
the overall volume of waste generated in the
community while developing environmentally sound
and economically feasible means to dispose of waste.
We will implement these strategies through
aggressive public education programs and investing
in alterative waste reduction programs.
Land use/green and open space/development codes.
We will develop specific strategies to promote
efficient use of our land while protecting our natural
resources. We will promote open and green space as a
prominent component of our community character.
We will achieve these strategies by focusing our
comprehensive plan update around these concepts
and amend our development ordinances to achieve
the desired results.
The Plan of Action will include measurable outcomes
and reported to Council on an annual basis.
Municipal Leadership Program. It is proposed to
place the City of College Station in major leadership
role through setting of policies and by example to
promote Green principles throughout the community.
There are several initiatives (strategies) which can be
undertaken as a part of the Municipal Leadership
program.
*
*
Commit to reducing energy consumption in all
City facilities by a specific percentage over the
next 5-7 years. This will require an aggressive
effort to achieve this ambitious program. It will
require a highly focused and concentrated effort.
Commit to LEED standards for all newly
constructed and major remodel projects in
Cfn' OF COLLEGE STATION
*
*
municipal facilities. This will require a change in
our basic design standards for new or remodeled
facilities.
Commit to migrating the city fleet to use hybrid
vehicles. The use of hybrid vehicles will be
employed where appropriate and consistent with
the proposed use.
Commit to a reduction in water usage in city
facilities. This should be a comprehensive
program which includes irrigation practices,
water efficient plumbing fixtures, and reuse of
treated effluent.
Citizen Engagement
Engaging College Station citizens in a meaningful
discussions of options, actions and tools to
accomplish the overall policy objective to become a
leader in resource conservation and protection is vital.
While the City government can play a key leadership
role, our citizens must embrace our green strategies
and support our comprehensive efforts.
Council should consider implementing a citizen
engagement strategy that will provide our citizens
with the opportunity to provide input, suggestions,
and assist us in crafting workable strategies. Citizen
Engagement tools which lend themselves to citizen
connection to our Green strategies:
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*
*
Citizen Congress focused on green issues
Community wide engagement sessions (2-3)
Green College Station Advisory group
Conclusions
The White Paper has attempted to set forth broad
policy parameters to begin crafting an integrated
green policy for College Station. The paper is a
beginning point. A Plan of Action must be built which
implements Council policy direction. We will need to
engage our citizens in a meaningful discussion to
begin building broad based support and education on
the importance of resource conservation and
protection.
Finally, it is imperative that we focus our efforts and
develop specific measures to gauge our success. We
must be strategic in our efforts to produce long term
quality results.
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Appendix 1
City of College Station Environmental Programs
Summary of current resource-efficient programs, prepared for the Green College Station
Discussion Group: September 2007
This document was prepared to provide a
"baseline" detailing current efforts of the
City of College Station regarding energy
efficiency, water conservation and pollution
prevention.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
Good Cents New Home Rebate
Program
This energy efficiency program for new
homes is a flexible, performance-based
program that allows the future homeowner
and homebuilder various combinations of
energy efficient, thermal and mechanical
components to meet the Good Cents heat
gain and air infiltration requirements. Good
Cents Homes are designed and built with
construction techniques that exceed the
current International Energy Codes. New
homes that meet all heat gain, insulation
and blower door inspections are eligible for
rebates of $400 to $800.
Energy Back II Rebate
Program
The Energy Back II Rebate program offers
savings to ratepayers who upgrade to a
more efficient air conditioning system.
Higher-efficiency A IC units not only save
the ratepayer money, they also help to
reduce the peak demand placed on the
City's electrical system during the summer
months.
Energy Back II Rebate HV AC replacements
must be sized no more than 12,000 BTU's (1
Ton) for every 500 square feet of
conditioned space. Minimum Seasonal
Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) value is 14
SEER. Rebate amounts vary from $200 to
$600 based on SEER rating for the unit.
In FY 2006, College Station Utilities
provided 179 rebates for certified Good
Cents homes and high efficiency air
conditioner replacements, resulting in an
annual savings of 456 kW.
Energy Audits
Energy personnel provide free on-site
energy surveys to help commercial and
residential customers evaluate and pinpoint
energy conservation measures specific to
each customer's location and suggest
practices to reduce utility costs. In FY 2006
College Station Utilities provided 158 on-site
energy audits, resulting in an estimated $191
annual savings per customer.
Automated Light Systems for
Athletic Fields
Athletic light systems for the Parks and
Recreation Department's softball, baseball
and soccer are equipped with computer-
controlled systems to reduce the amount of
time that lights are left on after games have
finished play.
Adoption of the International
Energy Conservation Code
(IECC)
The City Council recently adopted the 2006
edition of the International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC). The IECC
requires energy conservation through
efficiency in the building envelope design,
mechanical systems, lighting systems and
the use of energy efficient materials and
techniques in new construction. Note: The
Good Cents New Home Program requires
performance above and beyond the requirements
of the IECC.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
MANAGEMENT
Waste Oil Recycling
The City of College Station maintains two
drop-off sites for people to safely dispose of
used motor oil and oil filters, one at Public
Works and one at the Rock Prairie Road
Landfill. The Brazos Valley Solid Waste
Management Agency (BVSWMA) has
maintained a used oil recycling center at the
Rock Prairie Road Landfill since 1997. This
center was a result of grant funding from
the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality as part of their used oil program.
Used motor oil and oil filters are also
accepted at BVSWMA's twice-yearly
Household Hazardous Waste Collections.
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Approximately 1,500 gallons of used oil and
over 1,000 used oil filters are recycled
through this program each year. The oil is
eventually used as a burner fuel under the
regulations of the Clean Air Act. The filters
are recycled according to Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and
Federal regulations.
Household Hazardous Waste
Collection
The Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management
Agency (BVSWMA) in partnership with the
City of College Station, City of Bryan and
Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality sponsors a twice yearly Household
Hazardous Waste Collection for the Brazos
Valley, where residents can bring hazardous
items as well as computers and mercury
thermometers for recycling and safe
disposal. Contaminated fuels, oils,
antifreeze, chemicals, and solvents are
collected for disposal. BVSWMA contracts
with a contractor to perform these services
and shall attempt, whenever possible and
practicable, to recycle materials for energy
or material recovery.
Landfill Gas Collection
Gases, largely methane, produced from the
decomposition of garbage causes nuisance and
hazardous conditions around a landfill. The
BVSWMA Rock Prairie Road Landfill has
installed a landfill gas (LFG) collection and
flare system to help remedy these problems.
The LFG system consists of numerous wells
to extract the gas from various locations,
which are then piped to a candlestick flare
station where the gas is burned. Gas quality
and flare operations are monitored to ensure
the safety of BVSWMA personnel,
surrounding citizens and environment. The
current goal of the LFG collection and flare
system is to control this natural occurrence
and eliminate the migration of LFG offsite
into surrounding air and water.
Future considerations for BVSWMA's LFG
collection system may include installation of an
electricity generator or other suitable use. The
LFG can be converted to electricity and
potentially return that electricity back to the
power grid or use as a fuel for other uses.
CITY OF COl.LEGE STATION
Tires
Although TCEQ regulations prohibit landfill
disposal of tires, the Rock Prarie Road
Landfill receives approximately 8,000 used
tires per year. These tires are usually
commingled with customers' loads and
pulled out of the waste. Customers are then
charged for tires disposed at prices ranging
from $3 to $20 based on size. BVSWMA
employees remove the tires from the
working face and stack them in an enclosed
trailer. A trailer holds approximately 1,000
used tires. The cost of a pickup for a full
trailer, return of empty trailer, and
processing of used tires is $1200.00.
The used tires are then taken to a processing
plant where 99% of the material is recycled
by the vendor. Whole tires are shredded to
l/z'' to 2" and used as a fuel source for cement
kilns, electric utilities, and pulp and paper
mills.
NATURAL AREAS AND OPEN
SPACE PRESERVATION
Natural Areas
College Station's park system includes 51
parks totaling over 1,300 acres of land. Most
of these parks include some natural areas.
The park site planning process deliberately
avoids the destruction of existing natural
areas as much as possible to maintain the
native habitat. These park areas help reduce
the overall heat effect, reduce runoff and
help with the absorption of the effects of
emissions. In addition, the Greenways
Master Plan identifies designated areas for
future conservation.
Native Plantings
The Department utilizes native and adaptive
plantings as much as possible.
Tree Plant ings
The Department plants hundreds of trees
annually in conjunction with new park
developments; public improvement projects
and volunteer efforts such as the annual
"Aggie Replant".
Interpretat ion
The Department has a nice interpretive
program along the Wolf Pen Creek Trail
system. This provides helpful information
about local plant and animal species in
addition to information about wetlands and
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greenways. This educational component is a
small step in encouraging responsible
behavior regarding the creeks, parks and
greenways within the community.
SOLID WASTE RECYCLING
Residential Curbside
Collection
The City of College Station adopted
citywide residential curbside recycling in
1991, for the purpose of diverting recyclable
materials from landfill disposal. In FY 2006,
the curbside recycling program diverted
1,155 tons of recyclables from the landfill,
an average of 15 pounds per household. The
following items are collected through the
weekly residential curbside collection
program:
GLASS: clear and brown glass bottles and
jars
MET AL: steel and aluminum cans; cans
PLASTIC: All" #1" coded plastic soda,
liquor, or drink bottles and "#2" coded
plastic milk, juice, and water jugs
PAPER: newspapers and magazines (not
including phone books)
OTHER: Automotive batteries
City Office Recycling
All City offices are supplied with recycling
containers to collect and store their
recyclable materials for collection. The
recyclable materials are collected by the
City and then transported to a facility to be
recycled. The City provides a weekly
collection service for the following
materials:
Paper: White paper, colored & mixed
paper, corrugated cardboard, and
telephone books
Printer Cartridges
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
• Rechargeable Batteries
Styrofoam Peanuts
Recycling Drop-Off
The Public Works Office lobby has a
recycling drop-off area for various electronic
media and other items not picked up
through the curbside program. The
recyclable materials are collected by the City
and then transported to a facility to be
recycled.
phone books;
cell phones and pagers;
• rechargeable batteries;
CITY OF COLLEGE. STATION
ink jet cartridges;
compact fluorescent bulbs
digital cameras and accessories;
computer media (CD's, DVD's, floppy
discs);
audio and video tapes;
handheld games and "palm pilot" type
handheld personal digital assistants
(PDA's)
White Goods Recycling
"White Goods" are bulky appliances such as
refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and
washer I dryer units. The White Goods
Recycling Program was started in 1995 to
divert large appliances and remove Freon-
containing appliances from the landfill. A
BVSWMA employee, certified in Freon
recovery, extracts Freon when necessary
from A/ C units, refrigerators, and
compressors and the unit is recycled as
scrap metal.
E-Waste Collection
Since 2003, BVSWMA has collected computers
and computer components for recycling in
conjunction with the twice-yearly Household
Hazardous Waste. The computer recycler
transports these back to their facility where the
computers are either recycled or refurbished
and donated to non-profit agencies and low-
income individuals. This program diverts
approximately twelve tons of e-waste per year
that otherwise would have been landfilled.
Surplus Property Program
The Purchasing Division operates a surplus
property program for the City of College
Station. When departments have equipment
and other items that are no longer needed
for their operations, the items are
transferred into the Surplus Property
Process. The property is then made
available to all departments via transfer for
use in their operations. If the property is
not transferred out of surplus to another
department, it is offered to other
governmental agencies at fair market value.
Unsold surplus is disposed of through
public auction.
WATER RESOURCES
Irrigation Systems in City
Parks and Facilities
Irrigation systems are used on athletic turf,
around key buildings and in small focal
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areas. Drip irrigation is used for trees. The
majority of the parks areas are not irrigated
and the predominant turf is common
Bermuda grass which tends to do very well
in this climate without irrigation systems.
Water Reuse
The Water Services Department is working
on plans to implement a water reuse system
to irrigate athletic fields in City parks using
recycled water from the Carter's Creek
Wastewater Treatment Plant (CCWWTP).
Water reuse will reduce demands on
potable water resources and provide a
drought-resistant water supply for non-
potable water uses, such as irrigation of
athletic fields.
When the water reuse system is fully built
out to serve Veterans Park and Athletic
Complex, Central Park and the City Center
area, the reuse system can save over one
million gallons of potable water per day. As
more facilities throughout the City are
converted to reuse water for irrigation,
demand on limited potable water supplies
will be further reduced.
UDO Landscape Irrigation
Provision
Water conservation is encouraged by
Section 7.5 C in the Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO). Section 7.5 C states, "A 10
percent point credit will be awarded where
the irrigation system employed is a
recognized water-conserving system."
Learning to be WaterWise
Water Conservation
Curriculum
The Water Services Department sponsors
this award-winning program in the fifth
grade at Cypress Grove and Oakwood
Intermediate Schools. For the 2006 I 2007
school year 694 fifth grade students and
their families participated in the program.
62% rated the Water Wise Program as good
or great and 73% reported they changed the
way they use water. By installing the water-
efficient fixtures in their homes and
changing their water use habits, the students
and their families will save a combined
6,772,876 gallons of water and wastewater,
18,562 therms of gas, and 398,629 kWh this
year alone.
CITY oF Coll.EGE STATION
Page 8
REFERENCES
City of College Station Municipal Recycling
Guide
City of College Station Resource Efficient
Procurement and Utilization Policy
Good Cents Rebate Application
Energy Back II Rebate Application
City of College Station Code of Ordinances
Learning to be Water Wise Program
Summary Report, August 2007
Performance Measures reports for various
City departments and programs
City of College Station Water Conservation
Plan, October 2006
City of College Station Veterans Park
Irrigation Update, Camp Dresser & McKee,
August2006
ABBREVIATIONS
BTU -British Thermal Unit
BVSWMA-Brazos Valley Solid Waste
Management Agency
CCWWTP-Carter's Creek Wastewater
Treatment Plant
HDPE -High Density Polyethylene (plastic)
HHW -Household Hazardous Waste
HVAC -Heating, Ventilating, and Air
Conditioning
IECC -International Energy Conservation
Code
LCWWTP-Lick Creek Wastewater
Treatment Plant
LFG -Landfill gas
PET -Polyethylene Terephthalate (plastic)
SEER -Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
TCEQ -Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality
Cm' OF Cou.EGE STATION
Page 9
NAP Natural Areas Protected Concepts
Purpose Statement
This district is designed for publicly-owned property or private property intended for the conservation of
natural areas. Properties with this designation are relatively undeveloped and are often used for
recreational or open space purposes or for the conveyance of floodwaters. Properties with this
designation are not projected for conversion to more intense land use in the future in the
Comprehensive Plan.
Allowed Uses
Parks and trails f P'11M~ ~·
Utility (P*)-includes accessory structures
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities -Unregulated, Intermediate (P*), Major (CUP)
•
Green College Station Action Plan
A road map to environmentally and fiscally responsible solutions
The Green College Station Action Plan has been formulated to support the Council's vision for city
operations to be more environmentally conscious while being mindful of the economic and cultural
realities that exist. The plan intends to support the long term needs and goals of the City as identified
through the City Council's strategic planning process.
Guiding Principles
The concept of energy efficiency and environmental conservation are constant moving targets as
emerging technologies, economic uncertainty and evolving public opinion impact how the issue is
addressed . College Station must approach these challenges with a plan that is flexible while rooted in
fiscal stewardship.
During its Strategic Planning process in 2011 and the spring of 2012, the City Council made a significant
amendment to the city's Green College Station Policy, shifting more towards a model that is focused on
practical solutions:
College Station is committed to a comprehensive sustainability program that promotes and achieves
conservation and environmental awareness that is fiscally responsible and results in a real and tangible
return of investment to the City.
This updated policy statement serves as the primary guiding principle for the Green College Station
Action Plan and its components. The current and proposed programs and practices have been selected
for inclusion in this plan because they are aligned with Council's policy and are anticipated to accomplish
the stated goal of fiscally responsible conservation and efficiency. Viewing the strategic initiative of
Green College Station holistically, it is imperative that there not be a one-sided view of the initial cost to
fund an initiative. Each program should be measured in terms of hard costs, deferred capital and
operating costs, and the value of conserving resources.
Timeframe of Action Plan
The implementation of the Action Plan is intended to consist of two phases. Phase one, which
essentially began with the formulation of this Plan will consist of an evaluation period in which the City
will assess its current footprint and begin to coordinate activities which are most appropriately handled
within the organization; it is anticipated that this phase could take approximately one to one -and-a-half
years to complete. Phase two will implement further strategies that will have been prioritized and
identified as having an impact both in terms of environmental and fiscal responsibility with an expedient
return on investment period and that may potentially be best coordinated in conjunction with an
outside third party; it is anticipated that this phase will take approximately five years or more.
The Purpose of the Plan
The basic goals of the Action Plan are to build upon and ensure the coordination and continuity of
existing efforts currently underway and identify and prioritize activities for leveraging fiscal and non-
fiscal resources in support of the city's green objectives. For several years the City as an organization
has implemented numerous green policies, programs and practices -albeit in piecemeal fashion. A
major goal of this plan is to bring those current practices under a singular guiding plan to assess our
current performance, promote our successes, identify gaps and plan for the future. It is important to
note that this plan should not to be considered a "sustainability plan" in the traditional sense; rather it is
a management plan to better allocate our human, environmental and fiscal resources in a manner that
is responsible in both the near and long-term being particularly mindful about the impact on future
generations and tax payer dollars.
Implementation and Coordination of Roles
Due to the scope of the initiatives and strategies laid out in this plan, a variety of parties will need to be
involved in the implementation of this plan to realize its success. While many of the ongoing and
proposed practices and programs are being coordinated and performed in-house, some components of
this plan are recommended to be performed utilizing outside technical expertise when it is fiscally
appropriate.
THIS SECTION TO BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE BULLETED ROLES FOR COUNCIL, STAFF, POSSIBLE OUTSIDE
THIRD PARTIES
Action Plan Map
The Action Plan is divided into four topical chapters:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Resource Conservation
3. Waste Reduction and Management
4 . Environmental Conservation
Each of the chapters contain strategies, initiatives and programs that relate to the topic. The chapters
are presented in a consistent manner allowing users to find and compare information quickly and easily.
Below is a brief explanation of the subsections within each chapter.
The Topic Defined
Each chapter begins by defining how its subject matter can be applied through the city's updated Green
College Station Policy Statement, drawing a clear relationship between the topic and how it relates to
the policy statement.
Goal
A clear goal statement(s) for each topic provides the framework for current and proposed actions
contained therein to achieve the stated goal.
Current Programs and Initiatives
These are programs or initiatives already being implemented by the city. This section reviews the
programs and provide information on the benefits that have been or anticipated to achieve and provide
a determination as to whether or not the current initiatives should be maintained, reduced or
expanded.
Future Opportunities
These are action items that have been identified to be implemented during the course of this action plan
and consist of both short and long term programs and initiatives that fulfill the mission of the action
plan.
Action Matrix
At the conclusion of each chapter is a matrix that briefly summarizes the actions contained in the
chapter and can be used as a quick reference guide. In some instances however, data may not be
available as the appropriate technical study has not been completed. An example of this matrix is
below:
Goal Metrics Strategy Action Leaders Timeline Cost
Improve Energy Gas= gal/yr. Establish fleet Draft efficiency Fleet 2013 N/A
Efficiency of Diesel=gal/yr. MPG efficiency standard policy Council
City Fleet standard Purchasing
Establish Draft policy to require Fleet 2013 N/A
purchasing policy financial analysis of Purchasing
for cost effective cost effectiveness of
alternative fuel alternative fuel
vehicles vehicles be conducted
prior to vehicle
purchase
Reduce vehicle Promote and/or CMO 2013 N/A
miles traveled mandate IT
teleconference
opportunities when
available
Chapter 1: Energy Efficiency
Goa/#1: Improve energy efficiency of city facilities and reduce operating costs
Current Programs/Initiatives
Facility Retrofits
o Traffic Signals
o Parking Lots -Parks
o City office fixtures
o Street light management systems
Rebate and Community Programs
o Good Cents Program
o Energy Back II HVAC Replacements
o Energy Audits
Future Opportunities:
Strategy: Support and implement green building practices
Facility Retrofitting
o Expand lighting retrofits to all city parking lots
o Street light retrofitting/ cost efficient
o Conduct investment grade energy audit of all city facilities
o Converting Christmas at the Creek to LED lighting
o Energy Star Equipment Purchasing Policy
o Explore possibi lities to secure third party performance based contracting for
comprehensive building retrofit plan
• Lighting
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Automated Control Systems
• Waste Water Treatment Plants
• Automated metering infrastructure
Develop comprehensive standards for future city facility construction
Expanded rebate opportunities I programs
Goal#2: Improve efficiency and reduce operating costs of city fleet
Current Programs/Initiatives
Hybrid vehicle purchasing through grant funds
Synthetic motor oil pilot
Nitrogen tire pilot
Re-treaded tire pilot
No idle policy sanitation
Used fleet oil sale for refinement I re-use
Diesel vehicle emission reduction
Future Opportunities
Strategy: Support and implement green fleet program
Fleet Management
o Alternative fuel vehicle purchasing policy
o Establish minimum MPG efficiency standards for city fleet
o Reduce mileage through teleconferencing
o Route planning and trip coordination
Comprehensive Fleet Study
o Explore possibilities to secure third party technical analysis of fleet
• Fleet right-sizing, number and size of vehicles
• Partnership for use of CNG or other new technology
• Aging/Non-efficient vehicle replacement
Chapter 2: Resource Conservation
Goal #1 : Protect potable water supply and ability to expand
Current Programs I Initiatives
Irrigation retrofitting I Rain water harvesting/ Water reuse
o City facility irrigation retrofits
o Rain water harvesting CSU training
o Water reuse @Veteran's/ Pebble Creek
Rebates and Community Programs
o Irrigation check-up program
o HE toilet and rain barrel rebate program
o "Top 2011 water user notification outreach
o UDO landscaping provisions for using water conservation techniques
o Meter replacement program
Protecting water supply
o On -going efforts with Water Conservation District
o Drought contingency plans
o Well site planning and acquisition
o System water audits I Water loss prevention
Future Opportunities
Strategy: Expand water conservation efforts
Develop new water conservation programs
o Water on Request
o Hotel Linens
o Expand water conservation rebates -irrigation sensors, xeriscaping
o Explore incentives/restrictions on specific grass types
o Expand reuse of treated effluent
Goal #2: Promote energy security through renewable I alternative sources
Current Programs I Initiatives
Wind Watts
Solar Rebate program
Future Opportunities
Strategy: Support alternative energy production
Alternative energy sources
o Methane gas recapture
o Waste Water Treatment Plant Digester Technology
Chapter 3: Waste Reduction and Management
Goal: Further lengthen the longevity of current landfill
Current Programs I Initiatives
Recycling Program
o Curbside Recycling
o Commercial/Multi-Family Recycling Franchises
o Used motor oil recycling center
o Tire Recycle Center
o Recycle Rewards Program
Waste Reduction/ Diversion Programs
o Public Works Drop-Off Center
o Household Hazardous Waste Collection
o Compost training classes
o Compost facility at landfill
o City-wide light weight paper usage
Future Opportunities
Strategy: Support an expansion of current recycling programs to divert waste from landfill
Expanded Recycling Program
o Consider single stream recycling program for residential customers/ MRF
o Recycled materials purchasing policy
o Cooking oil and cardboard recycling drop-off center
Waste Reduction/ Diversion Programs
o Zero waste city events
o Hazardous waste drop-off facility
Chapter 4: Environmental Conservation
Goal #1: Maintain the most efficien~ use·~~~nd protect n(j}atural environment
Current Programs/ Initiative~\) \W'cJ; ~
-Land use planning -"~ t; ~
-Greenway master plan l';t::--~ , A.~· )
Tree ordinance "-1 • c§"'
Hike/Bike Trails l~j~
Adoption of most recent Building I Energy Codes fJ\.;, r-
[Future Opportunities 1
Strategy: Promote ope and green space as a component of our community character
Continue to acquire green space according to the Greenway master plan
Promote infill and mixed use development to reduce sprawl -----0 \(A.,~·
Implement codes based on multiple use concepts X'
Adopt parking lot design standards to filter storm water run-off
Adopt soil erosion management plan
Green College Station Action Plan
A road map to environmentally and fiscally responsible solutions
The Green College Station Action Plan has been formulated to support the Council's vision for city
operations to be more environmentally conscious while being mindful of the economic and cultural
realities that exist. The plan intends to support the long term needs and goals of the City as identified
through the City Council's strategic planning process.
Guiding Principles
The concept of energy efficiency and environmental conservation are constant moving targets as
emerging technologies, economic uncertainty and evolving public opinion impact how the issue is
addressed. College Station must approach these challenges with a plan that is flexible while rooted in
fiscal stewardship.
During its Strategic Planning process in 2011 and the spring of 2012, the City Council made a significant
amendment to the city's Green College Station Policy, shifting more towards a model that is focused on
practical solutions:
College Station is committed to a comprehensive sustainability program that promotes and achieves
conservation and environmental awareness that is fiscally responsible and results in a real and tangible
return of investment to the City.
This updated policy statement serves as the primary guiding principle for the Green College Station
Action Plan and its components. The current and proposed programs and practices have been selected
for inclusion in this plan because they are aligned with Council's policy and are anticipated to accomplish
the stated goal of fiscally responsible conservation and efficiency. Viewing the strategic initiative of
Green College Station holistically, it is imperative that there not be a one-sided view of the initial cost to
fund an initiative. Each program should be measured in terms of hard costs, deferred capital and
operating costs, and the value of conserving resources.
Timeframe of Action Plan
The implementation of the Action Plan is intended to consist of two phases. Phase one, which
essentially began with the formulation of this Plan will consist of an evaluation period in which the City
will assess its current footprint and begin to coordinate activities which are most appropriately handled
within the organization; it is anticipated that this phase could take approximately one to one-and-a-half
years to complete. Phase two will implement further strategies that will have been prioritized and
identified as having an impact both in terms of environmental and fiscal responsibility with an expedient
return on investment period and that may potentially be best coordinated in conjunction with an
outside third party; it is anticipated that this phase will take approximately five years or more.
The Purpose of the Plan
The basic goals of the Action Plan are to build upon and ensure the coordination and continuity of
existing efforts currently underway and identify and prioritize activities for leveraging fiscal and non-
fiscal resources in support of the city's green objectives . For several years the City as an organization
has implemented numerous green policies, programs and practices -albeit in piecemeal fashion. A
major goal of this plan is to bring those current practices under a singular guiding plan to assess our
current performance, promote our successes, identify gaps and plan for the future. It is important to
note that this plan should not to be considered a "sustainability plan" in the traditional sense; rather it is
a management plan to better allocate our human, environmental and fiscal resources in a manner that
is responsible in both the near and long-term being particularly mindful about the impact on future
generations and tax payer dollars.
Implementation and Coordination of Roles
Due to the scope of the initiatives and strategies laid out in this plan, a variety of parties will need to be
involved in the implementation of this plan to realize its success. While many of the ongoing and
proposed practices and programs are being coordinated and performed in-house, some components of
this plan are recommended to be performed utilizing outside technical expertise when it is fiscally
appropriate.
THIS SECTION TO BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE BULLETED ROLES FOR COUNCIL, STAFF, POSSIBLE OUTSIDE
THIRD PARTIES
Action Plan Map
The Action Plan is divided into four topical chapters:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Resource Conservation
3. Waste Reduction and Management
4. Environmental Conservation
Each of the chapters contain strategies, initiatives and programs that relate to the topic. The chapters
are presented in a consistent manner allowing users to find and compare information quickly and easily.
Below is a brief explanation of the subsections within each chapter.
The Topic Defined
Each chapter begins by defining how its subject matter can be applied through the city's updated Green
College Station Policy Statement, drawing a clear relationship between the topic and how it relates to
the policy statement.
Goal
A clear goal statement(s) for each topic provides the framework for current and proposed actions
contained therein to achieve the stated goal.
Current Programs and Initiatives
These are programs or initiatives already being implemented by the city. This section reviews the
programs and provide information on the benefits that have been or anticipated to achieve and provide
a determination as to whether or not the current initiatives should be maintained, reduced or
expanded.
,.
Future Opportunities
These are action items that have been identified to be implemented during the course of this action plan
and consist of both short and long term programs and initiatives that fulfill the mission of the action
plan.
Action Matrix
~t the conclusion of each chapter is a matrix that briefly summarizes the actions contained in the
chapter and can be used as a quick reference guide. In some instances however, data may not be
available as the appropriate technical study has not been completed. An example of this matrix is
below:
Goal Metrics Strategy Action leaders Timeline Cost
Improve Energy Gas= gal/yr. Establish fleet Draft efficiency Fleet 2013 N/A
Efficiency of Diesel=gal/yr. MPG efficiency standard policy Council
City Fleet standard Purchasing
Establish Draft policy to require Fleet 2013 N/A
purchasing policy financial analysis of Purchasing
for cost effective cost effectiveness of
alternative fuel alternative fuel
vehicles vehicles be conducted
prior to vehicle
purchase
Reduce vehicle Promote and/or CMO 2013 N/A
miles traveled mandate IT
teleconference
opportunities when
available
Chapter 1: Energy Efficiency
Goal#l: Improve energy efficiency of city facilities and reduce operating costs
Current Programs/Initiatives
Facility Retrofits
o Traffic Signals
o Parking Lots -Parks
o City office fixtures
o Street light management systems
Rebate and Community Programs
o Good Cents Program
o Energy Back II HVAC Replacements
o Energy Audits
Future Opportunities:
Strategy: Support and implement green building practices
Facility Retrofitting
o Expand lighting retrofits to all city parking lots
o Street light retrofitting I cost efficient
o Conduct investment grade energy audit of all city facilities
o Converting Christmas at the Creek to LED lighting
o Energy Star Equipment Purchasing Policy
o Explore possibilities to secure third party performance based contracting for
comprehensive building retrofit plan
• Lighting
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Automated Control Systems
• Waste Water Treatment Plants
• Automated metering infrastructure
Develop comprehensive standards fo r future city facility construction
Expanded rebate opportunities/ programs
Goal#2: Improve efficiency and reduce operating costs of city fleet
Current Programs/Initiatives
Hybrid vehicle purchasing through grant funds
Synthetic motor oil pilot
Nitrogen tire pilot
Re-treaded tire pilot
No idle policy sanitation
Used fleet oil sale for refinement I re-use
Diesel vehicle emission reduction
Future Opportunities
Strategy: Support and implement green fleet program
Fleet Management
o Alternative fuel vehicle purchasing policy
o Establish minimum MPG efficiency standards for city fleet
o Reduce mileage through teleconferencing
o Route planning and trip coordination
Comprehensive Fleet Study
o Explore possibilities to secure third party technical analysis of fleet
• Fleet right-sizing, number and size of vehicles
• Partnership for use of CNG or other new technology
• Aging/Non-efficient vehicle replacement
Chapter 2: Resource Conservation
Goal #1 : Protect potable water supply and ability to expand
Current Programs/ Initiatives
Irrigation retrofitting I Rain water harvesting I Water reuse
o City facility irrigation retrofits
o Rain water harvesting CSU training
o Water reuse @Veteran's I Pebble Creek
Rebates and Community Programs
o Irrigation check-up program
o HE toilet and rain barrel rebate program
o "Top 20" water user notification outreach
o UDO landscaping provisions for using water conservation techniques
o Meter replacement program
Protecting water supply
o On -going efforts with Water Conservation District
o Drought contingency plans
o Well site planning and acquisition
o System water audits I Water loss prevention
Future Opportunities
Strategy: Expand water conservation efforts
Develop new water conservation programs
o Water on Request
o Hotel Linens
o Expand water conservation rebates -irrigation sensors, xeriscaping
o Explore incentives/restrictions on specific grass types
o Expand reuse of treated effluent
Goal #2: Promote energy security through renewable I alternative sources
Current Programs I Initiatives
Wind Watts
Solar Rebate progra.m
Future Opportunities
-.
Strategy: Support alternative energy production
Alternative energy sources
o Methane gas recapture
o Waste Water Treatment Plant Digester Technology
Chapter 3: Waste Reduction and Management
Goal: Further lengthen the longevity of current landfill
Current Programs I Initiatives
Recycling Program
o Curbside Recycling
o Commercial/Multi-Family Recycling Franchises
o Used motor oil recycling center
o Tire Recycle Center
o Recycle Rewards Program
Waste Reduction I Diversion Programs
o Public Works Drop-Off Center
o Household Hazardous Waste Collection
o Compost training classes
o Compost facility at landfill
o City-wide light weight paper usage
Future Opportunities
Strategy: Support an expansion of current recycling programs to divert waste from landfill
Expanded Recycling Program
o Consider single stream recycling program for residential customers/ MRF
o Recycled materials purchasing policy
o Cooking oil and cardboard recycling drop-off center
Waste Reduction I Diversion Programs
o Zero waste city events
o Hazardous waste drop-off facility
Chapter 4: Environmental Conservation
Goal #1 : Maintain the most efficient use of land and protect ndtural environment
Current Programs I Initiatives
Land use planning
Greenway master plan
Tree ordinance
Hike/Bike Trails
Adoption of most recent Building I Energy Codes
Future Opportunities
Strategy: Promote open and green space as a component of our community character
Continue to acquire green space according to the Greenway master plan
Promote infill and mixed use development to reduce sprawl
Implement codes based on multiple use concepts
Adopt parking lot design standards to filter storm water run-off
Adopt soil erosion management plan
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
Green College Station Ac tion Plan
Objectives
1) To build an Action Plan with measurable outcomes to implement Council policy
on Green College Station initiative
2) To develop an aggressive citizen engagement process in connection with the
recommendations presented in the GCS Action Plan
Green College Station Action Plan Elements (page 4 White Paper)
Energy conservation and renewable energy sources. We will include renewable green energy
in a portion of our purchased power for resale to College Station Utility customers while
reducing the overall energy consumption. We will pursue these strategies through
public education, ordinance revisions, incentive programs, and alternative rate
strategies.
Water conservation. We will reduce our overall water consumption and develop
mechanisms to reuse water in the community. We will implement our strategies through
aggressive public education programs, changes to our development ordinances, and
instituting a conservation rate structure.
Solid and hazardous waste reduction. We will reduce the overall volume of waste generated
in the community while developing environmentally sound and economically feasible
means to dispose of waste. We will implement these strategies through aggressive
public education programs and investing in alterative waste reduction programs.
Land use/green and open space/development codes. We will develop specific strategies to
promote efficient use of our land while protecting our natural resources. We will
promote open and green space as a prominent component of our community character.
We will achieve these strategies by focusing our comprehensive plan update around
these concepts and amend our development ordinances to achieve the desired results.
Air Quality. We will inventory global warming emissions in the City operations and in
the community and set realistic reductions targets. We will accomplish this objective by
promoting transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction
programs, and incentives for car pooling and public transit.
J
*
*
*
*
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
Municipal Leadership Program (page 4-5 White paper)
Commit to reducing energy consumption in all City facilities by a specific percentage
over the next 5-7 years. This will require an aggressive effort to achieve this
ambitious program. It will require a highly focused and concentrated effort.
Commit to LEED standards for all newly constructed and major remodel projects in
municipal facilities. This will require a change in our basic design standards for new
or remodeled facilities.
Commit to migrating the city fleet to use hybrid vehicles. The use of hybrid vehicles
will be employed where appropriate and consistent with the proposed use.
Commit to a reduction in water usage in city facilities. This should be a
comprehensive program which includes irrigation practices, water efficient plumbing
fixtures, and reuse of treated effluent.
Action Plan Process
1) Create 5 GCS Workgroups to develop each Action Plan element.
a. GCS Discussion Group member on each team
b. Technical experts appointed by Council
c. Staff resource members
d. CPAC (as applicable)
2) Workgroups
Workgroup
Energy Conservation
Water Conservation
Solid and Hazardous Waste
Green Building I Land Use
Air Quality
Action Plan Elements
Energy Conservation and renewable
energy resources; reduction of energy
usage in City facilities.
Water conservation and reuse;
reduction of water usage in City
facilities.
Reduction in waste volume.
Land use I green and open spaces I
development codes
Air quality emissions; hybrid vehicles
3) Prepare prospectus around general objectives from White Paper
C ITY OF C OLLEGE STATION
4) Technical Advisors to assist in developing Action Plan Elements
a. Best practices
b. Gap analysis
c. Opportunities
d . Measurable outcomes
e. Application feasibility
5) Key Milestones
Task
Technical Advisory Committee Appointments
Plan element prospectus
Working Draft Plan element
Citizen Engagement Proposal
Presentation Action Plan to City Council
Due Date
2/28/08
3/31/08
6/30/08
9/15/08
10/23/08
__ ,,...
GREEN POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES ANALYSIS -
A REPORT OF SURVEY RESULTS
Edward J. Jepson, Jr., Ph.D., AICP
Assistant Professor
University of Tennessee
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
865-974-4630
ejepson@utk.edu
In October, 2002, your city and one hundred and two ( 102) others around the country
with more than 50,000 population agreed to participate in a survey that was distributed
over the internet regarding "green" policies and techniques, as drawn from the
sustainable development and smart growth literature. The purpose of the survey was to
(a) measure the extent to which actions relative to such policies and techniques were
being initiated, and (b) to identify the impediments to, and the level of planning office
involvement in, such initiation of action.
The list and descriptions of the thirty-nine policies and techniques that were evaluated are
provided as Appendix A.
The responding cities had an average and median population of 202,553 and 118,000,
respectively. As can be seen in Table 1, the responding cities were fairly evenly
distributed among the four main Census regions. While only ten cities from the
Northeast responded, this is reflective of the fact that there are fewer cities of 50,000
persons or more in that region than in the other regions. In fact, as a percentage of the
total number of cities in that size range, this response rate is actually equivalent to
response rates in other regions.
TABLE 1 -DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONSES
Northeast 10 9.7%
South 35 34.0%
Midwest 26 25.2%
West 32 31 .1%
Total 103
Table 2, on page 2 depicts the top cities in terms of the number of times actions were
indicated as having been taken. Since there was a total of thirty-nine policies and
techniques, a perfect action "score" would be 39. The average number of times action
was reported to be taken among all surveyed communities was 14.5. Austin and Boulder
can be seen to lead the list, with each indicating action being taken relative to thirty-one
of the policies and techniques.
TABLE 2 -ACTION TAKEN -25 HIGHEST SCORING COMMUNITIES
City Name State Actions taken
Austin TX 31
Boulder co 31
Minneapolis MN 28
Savannah GA 28
Kansas City MO 27
Oakland CA 26
San Jose CA 26
Fort Collins co 25
Iowa City IA 25
Tallahassee FL 25
Lincoln NE 24
Oceanside CA 24
Santa Monica CA 23
Tacoma WA 23
Ventura CA 23
Troy Ml 22
Eugene OR 21
St Paul MN 21
Chicago IL 20
Gresham OR 20
Lakewood co 20
Tucson AZ. 20
Albuquerque NM 19
Boston MA 19
Eau Claire WI 19
Vancouver WA 19
As can be seen in Table 3, there was only slight variation in terms of the number of times
actions were taken by cities in each of the four regions. None of the variations from the
U.S. average was statistically significant.
TABLE 3 -ACTION TAKEN, BY
REGION
Average# of
Region Actions taken
Northeast 13.4
South 12.1
Midwest 14.7
West 17.2
us 14.5
2
Table 4 lists in alphabetical order the states that had three or more responding
communities. The three states with the largest average number of actions taken among
the responding communities are Colorado (21.8), Oregon, and Washington (each with
18.7).
TABLE 4-ACTION TAKEN, BY STATE
(with 3 or more responding communities)
Average # of
State actions taken
CA 16.9
co 21 .8
FL 13.5
IA 14.7
IL 13
MA 16.5
MN 15.8
MO 16.3
OK 8.7
OR 18.7
TN 12.3
TX 10.2
VA 9.7
WA 18.7
Tables 5 and 6 show the number of times action was taken among the 103 communities
with respect to each of the thirty-nine policies and techniques. In Table 5, the policies
and techniques are arranged alphabetically; in Table 6 they are arranged in order from
highest to lowest. It can be seen that actions were taken most frequently with respect to
Bicycle Access Plans (84 times) and least frequently with respect to Import Substitution
(4 times). Any policy or technique that exceeds the median can be considered to be more
common than uncommon. Your community might find this information useful as a
means of gauging your own progress relative to the other surveyed cities.
3
TABLE 5 -ACTION TAKEN, BY POLICY/ ALPHABETICAL
Policy/technique Policy # Actions taken
Ag district provisions 1 27
Ag protection zoning 2 23
Bicycle access plan 3 84
Brownfield reclamation 4 56
Community indicators 5 46
Community gardening 6 40
Cooperative housing 7 34
Eco-industrial park 8 14
Ecological footprint 9 15
Env site design regs 10 63
Green building requirements 11 19
Green procurement 12 28
Green maps 13 41
Greenprint plan 14 37
Greenways development 15 81
Heat island analysis 16 7
Import substitution 17 4
lncentive/inclu zoning 18 64
Infill development 19 83
Life-cycle pub construction 20 15
Living wage ordinance 21 17
Low emission vehicles 22 49
Neotraditional development 23 74
Open space zoning 24 60
Pedestrian access plan 25 68
PDR 26 10
Rehab building codes 27 45
Right-to-farm legislation 28 12
Solar access protection 29 20
Solid waste life-cycle 30 33
Tax base/rev sharing 31 19
TDR 32 11
TOD 33 47
TOM 34 62
Urban growth boundary 35 33
Urban forestry program 36 62
Urban ecosystem analysis 37 20
Wiidiife/green corridor 38 54
Wind energy development 39 13
Average 38.2
Median 34.0
4
Green College Station Technical Task Force
The City of College Station has embarked upon a green initiative. Green College Station
is designed to incorporate existing green programs and potential new programs to foster
resource conservation and sustainability.
To assist the City Manager to develop an Action Plan to promote objectives of the
initiative, a Technical Task Force is being formed to work with city staff in various
areas. The Action Plan will initially create base data from which to measure the success
of specific goals, programs, and actions recommended in the Action Plan.
Task Force members will possess specific technical expertise in the six areas of emphasis
and will assist City staff members in identifying specific issues, opportunities,
programmatic responses, and critical data required to develop a meaningful plan of action
for consideration by the City Manager and Council. It is expected the Technical Task
Force will be in place for 60-90 days and then disbanded upon completion of the various
elements of the Action Plan.
I
\
Green College Station
Appointment of
Members to Technical
Task Force
CklT-.
CrTY01'Co1.u...rSnru.JN
Aetion Plan Emphasis Areas
Water Cons ~ation And Reuse;
Building Cod
Solid And Ha rdous Waste Reduction;
Land Use I G en And Open Space;
Air Quality
I
Task Force Charter
• Members chosen for specific expertise in
Green College Station areas of emphasis
• Members will assist City staff members in
developing specific elements of the Green
College Station action plan for consideration
by City Manager and Council
• Limited time frame: 60 to 90 days
CrlY(Jlt('J.M.W,f.STAllllN
I
Policy Statement -Jan. 24, 2008
"College Station is committed to
being a leader in resource conservation
and protection of our environment.
The Green College Station program
will express the City's commitment to
achieve resource conservation and
sustainability over the long-term."
itizen Engagement
Suggestions to allow citizen inpu on green
strategies:
• Green College Station
l
Proposed Task Force I hembers
• Bahman Yazdani, PE, GEM
• Ronald A Kaiser
• Ming Han Li Ph.D., PE
• Stella Woodard
• Bruce Dvorak
• Hugh Stearns
• Robin L. Autenrieth, Ph.D., PE
• Margrit Moores v --
0TTOl'Ctll.l.1t;t:Sr.'1'1UN
1
To:
From:
April 24, 2008
Regular Agenda
Appointment of Technical Task Force Green College Station
Glenn Brown, City Manager
Terry L. Childers, Deputy City Manager
Agenda Caption: Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding appointments
to Technical Task Force for Green College Station Action Plan.
Recommendation{s): Consider names suggested for appointment to Technical Task
Force.
Summary: The Council adopted the Green College Station resolution at their January 24,
2008. Part 3 of the resolution called for the appointment of a Technical Task Force to assist
the City Manager to develop the Green College Station Action Plan. The Council
subsequently asked the City Manager to identify a potential list of names for consideration
to appoint to the Task Force. The following names have been identified and have agreed to
serve if appointed by the Council:
Bahman Yazdani, PE, CEM
Ronald A Kaiser
Ming Han Li Ph.D., PE
Stella Woodward
Bruce Dvorak
Hugh Stearns
Robin L. Autenrieth, Ph.D., PE
Margrit Moores
The Task Force will serve through the completion of the Green College Station Action Plan.
In addition to the persons suggested, it is recommended the green building component be
developed in conjunction with a subcommittee from CPAC. Many of the green building
components will need to be fully integrated with elements of the Comprehensive Plan
Update.
Budget & Financial Summary: None.
Attachments: List of Recommendations.
Green College Station Technical Advisory Team
Bahman Yazdani, P.E., C.E.M.
(energy efficiency, emissions reduction)
Associate Director
Energy Systems Laboratory
Texas A&M University System
3581 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-3581
979-862-2775 (office)
979-862-2457 (fax)
979-575-7878 (cell)
byazdani@tamu.edu
Robin L. Autenrieth, Ph.D., P.E.
(water resources engineering, water
safety)
Environmental & Water Resources
Division Head
Department of Civil Engineering
979-845-3593 (office)
979-862-1542 (fax)
r-autenrieth@tamu.edu
Ronald A. Kaiser
(water issues)
Chair, Graduate Water Program
Professor, Department of Recreation,
Park & Tourism Sciences
Texas A&M University
156 Francis Hall, Campus 2261
College Station, TX 77843-2261
979.845.5303 (office)
979.845.0446 (fax)
rkaiser@tamu.edu
Stella Woodard
(general interest)'
979-845-5767 (office)
979-820-2608 (cell)
swoodard@ocean.tamu.edu
@
Ming Han Li, Ph.D., P.E., ASLA
(stormwater quality and management,
soil erosion, sediment control, and
landscaping)
Assistant Professor
Department of Landscape Architecture
and Urban Planning
Texas A&M University
Mail Stop 3731
College Station, TX 77843-3731
979-845-7571
minghan@tamu.edu
Bruce Dvorak
(green roofs, landscaping, "green" site
development, xeriscaping)
Assistant Professor
Department of Landscape Architecture
and Urban Planning
Texas A&M University
Mail Stop 3731
College Station, TX 77843-3731
979-845-1019
bdvorak@archmail.tamu.edu
Hugh Stearns
(green construction)
Stearns Construction
316 Suffolk
College Station, TX 77840
979-696-0524 (office)
hugh@stearnsdesignbuild.com
Margrit Moores
(Solid/hazardous waste issues)
979-530-0238
margrit@suddenlink.net
_...,.
Greening the US Conference
of Mayors
Thanks to a generous donation from the Home Depot
Foundation and a partnership with the Hotel
Intercontinental, the City of Miami and Dream in Green,
the 76th US Conference of Mayors is Green. A few of the
Green aspects of the conference include:
Green Lodging Certified
• The Intercontinental Hotel is certified by the Florida
Green Lodging program.
Energy Efficiency
• AC is regulated in meeting rooms by maintaining
higher temperatures and turning off when not in use.
• CFLs are installed throughout the hotel.
•
•
•
Timers used on outdoor lights and motion sensors in
meeting rooms minimize unnecessary lighting.
The hotel uses Energy Star rated washing machines,
LCD monitors, and computers.
Outdoor events at the Conference are powered by
biodiesel generators.
Water Conservation & Pollution Prevention
• Water efficient showerheads, faucets and toilets have
been installed throughout the hotel.
• Guests may opt to have linens and towels laundered
every 3-days through the Project Planet Program.
Waste Reduction
• Handouts at the Conference will be reduced, printed
on recycled content paper with soy ink, and double
sided.
• USS drives have been provided to download
conference materials.
• Recycling bins are used throughout the Conference to
collect office paper, beverage containers,
newspapers, and recyclable food service items.
• Plastic coverings from the name tags are being
collected and reused. Paper tags are printed on
recycled content paper.
• Drinking water is tap water and served from pitchers.
• Limited use of bottled water is from a local source in
eco-shaped recyclable bottles.
• Unused Food is being donated to local charities.
• Flowers are locally grown and potted plants are
being donated to local charities.
• No Styrofoam is being used .
• Condiments are served from bulk containers &
silverware is not individually wrapped .
• All paper towels and napkins are made from
recycled, unbleached paper .
Transportation
• The conference is utilizing nine biodiesel buses, thirty
hybrid vehicles, and two electric vehicles to transport
guests.
Tree Planting
• Each Mayor has received a tree sapling to plant in
their city and a Florida native tree will be planted in
the City of Miami in honor of each Mayor attending
the conference.
Recommendations for Federal Action Important to Cities
Cities have begun to recognize that the twin pillars of the new energy economy -job creation
and job training build a vibrant and prosperous city. The federal government must recognize that
there are opportunities to invest in this new green economy through their support of new
programs and the realignment of existing ones -towards a clean and green America.
Right Now
Fully fund the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants and Green Jobs Act
Job Creation - A fully funded Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program will
distribute $2 billion per year to local governments for energy efficiency, fuel conservation programs,
and renewable energy. These "Green" block grants could create tens of thousands of green-collar
jobs -accessible to low-income residents who need opportunities and careers.
Job Training -A fully funded Green Jobs Act will distribute $125 million per year to identify
needed skills, develop training programs, and train workers for jobs in a range of green
industries. Jhis program would train 30,000 people in green trades each year and target a
broad range of populations for eligibility, but with a special focus on creating "green pathways
out of poverty."
This Year
Support substantial long-term investments in green jobs and clean energy solutions
Global warming legislation has the potential to build on green-collar job initiatives that have
started across America by ensuring that sufficient investments are made to bring existing efforts
to scale and kick start new efforts in every community.
A significant amount of revenue will be generated by almost any variation on a federal cap and
trade system. Global warming legislation should channel a portion of these revenues to make
investments that create and prepare people for green-collar jobs, which are well-paid, career-
track jobs that contribute directly to preserving or enhancing environmental quality.
Increase investments in Buildings & Infrastructure
New investments in buildings and infrastructure are investments that create new jobs and
increase livability of metropolitan areas where these jobs are located.
• Upgrade the nation's transmission grid to a 'smart grid' that will reduce costly blackouts,
increase security of the grid from both natural disasters and terrorist attacks, and quickly put
thousands of linemen and women to work without many of the permitting battles associated
with building new transmission corridors.
• Build world-class metropolitan rapid transit systems and high-speed regional rail networks
that give the 80 percent of Americans who live in metropolitan areas an attractive,
affordable, and convenient way to get to shopping, school, and work.
• Establish a new federal "Energy Smart Fund" to finance homeowner, commercial,
industrial, and public investment in high-performance buildings with the goal of reducing
energy use in buildings 40 percent by 2025.
• Support an aggressive program to promote domestic manufacturing of renewable energy
products through a long-term commitment to production and investment tax credits.
At Home
Commit to starting or growing a green jobs training program in your city
Local efforts send a message to the federal government that a clean energy, good jobs agenda
grows the American economy and improves the environment.
Sources: Apollo Alliance, Green For All
·~
Key Components in the Design of a Cap and Trade Program
Policymakers have many options as they consider how to achieve greenhouse
gas (GHG) reductions within the framework of a cap-and-trade system, the most
likely design of a federal market-based approach to emissions reductions .
Important decisions have to be made about what a cap-and-trade program will
look like, including:
Scope of the Program: What emissions will be capped by the program?
Point of Regulation: What entities will be required to hold allowances?
Stringency: At what level should the cap on emissions be set?
Cost Containment Mechanisms: Should provisions to help ensure the
costs of the program do not get too high or volatile be included?
Linkage: How should the program be linked to other programs?
Allowance Distribution: How should emissions allowances be
distributed?
Scope and Point of Regulation: Some sectors that might be included under
the cap are electric power, manufacturing, transportation, or fossil fuel use. In
theory, market-based programs are most cost-effective if they cover all GHGs in
all major emitting sectors because including more sources and greenhouse
gases offers a broader range of opportunities for low-cost reductions. However,
including sources that are small or difficult to monitor can make the program
more administratively complex; these sources may be addressed more efficiently
through other regulatory mechanisms.
Point of Regulation: There are three primary options for point of regulation:
Upstream: A pure upstream, economy-wide system for C02 would place a
cap on the total amount of carbon contained in fossil fuels and other products
used in the economy, upstream, as they enter the US economy. The key
argument made in favor of an upstream approach is that one can achieve
greater coverage of emissions at a smaller number 6f sources, making
administration simpler.
Downstream: Under a downstream, source-based system, the covered
entities are direct emitters of greenhouse gases (generally large emitters such
as power plants or manufacturing facilities). Key arguments in favor of a
downstream approach are 1) most past experience with cap and trade has
been based on downstream regulation, 2) downstream sources generally
have more emission reduction options available and may be better able to
respond to requirements.
Product-or Load-Based: In a product-or ~oa?-based ~ap-and.-trade
system covered entities are responsible for the em1ss1ons associated w1.th the
production of electricity, natural gas, or other product that they provide to
consumers.
Source: PEW Center on Global Climate Change
CLIMATE CHANGE 101: Cap and Trade
Cost Containment Mechanisms: There are a variety of cost containment
mechanisms that can help manage the cost of compliance for covered entities in
a cap-and-trade program.
Offsets. By bringing in low-cost emission reduction opportunities from
outside of the cap, offsets can lower the overall cost of a program. An offset
mechanism enables covered entities to offset their own emissions by
purchasing emission reduction credits generated at facilities not covered by
the cap.
Borrowing, Banking and Compliance Period. Markets can also be
designed to include mechanisms for inter-temporal trading, allowing firms
greater flexibility in compliance, which can reduce allowance price volatility.
• Banking allows firms to save, or "bank" any excess allowances for future
use or to sell them later on, encouraging early or over-compliance.
• Borrowing allows entities to use allowances that will be issued in a future
year to cover emissions in the current year, under the condition that these
allowances are paid back (perhaps with interest) by reducing emissions
more in the future.
• A compliance period is the length of time for which covered sources
must submit allowances equivalent to their level of emissions, or face a
penalty for failing to do so. Longer compliance periods are essentially the
same as short-term banking and borrowing.
Safety Valves. Generally, a safety valve is a mechanism that triggers a
change in the cap-and-trade program if compliance costs are higher than
expected. The mechanism is often a pre-determined allowance price which
triggers additional cost containment measures. The safety valve may allow
emitters greater flexibility in how they comply with a cap, for example, by
increasing availability of offset credits, changing the timing of program
compliance, or expanding the use of "borrowing" allowances. A safety valve
may or may not affect the environmental integrity of a program. One version
of a safety valve sets an allowance price cap that triggers the issuance of
additional allowances to ensure price stays below a certain threshold. Since
additional allowances enable the emissions cap to be exceeded, this type of
safety valve does not ensure that environmental goals will be achieved .
Lin~age. Cap-~nd-trade programs can be designed to link with other similar
tradrn~ systems rn. other regions. Linki.ng to other programs has the advantage of eff~ctr~ely expan?rng the market, leading to even more opportunities for low-cost
emrssrons reductr~ns an~ a. larger market for new technologies. There are few
hard-and-fast barriers to lmkrng, but it is more easily achieved if certain structural
elements are comparable in both programs.
Source: PEW Center on Global Climate Change
CLIMATE CHANGE 101 : Cap and Trade
Allowance Distribution. In general, how allowances are initially distributed
should not affect the emission reductions achieved by the program, but will affect
how the program's costs are distributed and can sometimes affect overall
program costs. There are two basic approaches: some form of free allocation or
some form of auction. A combination of auctioning and free allocation, or a shift
from one to the other over time, is also possible. It is also important to bear in
mind that the point of regulation (described above) does not necessarily need to
be the same point at which allowances are initially distributed.
Free Allocation. Several types of free allocation exist. Allowances can be
given away for free based on participating entities' historic emissions.
Output-based methods of allowance allocation are based on the output of a
product in a given sector (e.g., allowances might be distributed based on
megawatt-hours generated or tons of product manufactured). Allowance
allocations may also be updated over time as input, output, or emissions
change.
There are tradeoffs between simplicity and equity if allowances are distributed
for free. For example, basing allocation on historic emissions is relatively
simple. However, it means that some form of credit for early action will be
needed to ensure that firms who took voluntary measures to reduce their
emissions before the base year are not penalized for doing so. Updating has
the advantage of adjusting allocation to changing circumstances. However,
while fixed allocations will not affect firms' future behavior, updating
encourages firms to behave in ways that will maximize their future allocation.
For example, if a firm believes that allowances will be distributed based on
future emissions, they may try to increase their emissions in order to receive
more allowances. Free allocation of credits may reduce costs to regulated
entities of early compliance and allow for increased investment in mitigation
technology in preparation for the long-term.
Auction. As an alternative to free allocation, allowances can be a~ction~d.
Auctioning generates revenue that the government can use to provide relief
for compliance or higher energy costs. The government can . also use th_e
auction revenue to reduce other taxes that may_ be disco~ragmg economic
rowth, or to fund complementary policies. _As with_ th~ various forms of free
g llocation there are tradeoffs involved with auction mg all_o_wances. The ~ t of costs on a given firm depends on the compet1t1veness of the ~mpac . . . firm o erates as well as that industry's regulat?ry md~stry in w~1ch the ses ~uctioning may unfairly hurt participants lac~mg
environment. n some ca 'h allowances from outside the covered region.
the funds to purchase enoug ss on some or all of the costs of
This is especially true for firms wh~ C:~~~: ~~ms in other industries might be
their allowances to ~onsume_rs. o osts ~nder a cap and trade system. In
able to pass on their compliance c ensated if most or all allowances were
these cases, firms would ~eh ov~r-~~~!d to windfall profits for thes~ firms.
given away for free, wh1c m1g Id help avoid such windfalls.
Auctioning some or all allowances cou
. PEW Center on Global Climate Change
Source.CLIMATE CHANGE 101: Cap and Trade
Auctioning can also help address concerns about cre?iti~g earl~ acti~n ~y
firms, as it rewards those who have already reduced em1ss1ons by investing in
lower-carbon technologies.
Additional Considerations: Many argue that regardless of which entities are
covered, an effective cap-and-trade program should follow some basic design
criteria:
simple, consistent, and transparent rules
accurate emissions measurement, monitoring, reporting, preferably done
electronically and including public access to emissions data
sound auditing practices to ensure that emissions are being accurately
reported
consistent enforcement with real penalties for non-compliance and
inaccurate reporting
unrestricted trading of allowances and minimal transaction cost
Source Material:
Pew Center on Global Climate Change: http ://www.pewclimate.org/
http://www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/Cap&Trade.pdf
http://www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/Climate101-FULL 121406 065519.pdf
Congressional Budget Office: http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/80xx/doc8027 /04-25-
Cap Trade.pdf
Local Government Emissions Tracking and Reporting
Status of Current Efforts
For many communities, the first step in meeting climate protection goals is to
conduct an inventory of current greenhouse gas emissions. Depending on the types
of emission sources in a jurisdiction, and the goals established by a local climate
protection program, this inventory effort may measure emissions from municipal
operations, community-wide or geographic emissions, or both.
Some of the key reasons why a local government may choose to voluntarily
measure community-wide emissions include:
• Understanding community's impact on climate change
• Daylighting opportunities and responsibilities for local policy and programs, as
well as policy areas that are better addressed at the state and national level.
• Measuring progress toward meeting political climate protection goals.
• Comparing climate impacts and reductions across jurisdictions using
consistent methodology.
A number of states have either adopted or are considering climate change legislation
that would require mandatory reporting for various sectors, including local
governments. Federal climate change legislation should help to establish reporting
standards and identify protocols appropriate for measuring emissions from various
sectors. A number of organizations are in the process of developing national
standards for measuring both types of emissions inventories. The following is a
summary of those efforts.
The Climate Registry
The Climate Registry (TCR) established by states, tribes and provinces in North
America to provide standardized measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
across industry sectors and borders, officially launched on January 15, 2008. Local
governments may join as "reporters" with initial reporting requirements beginning in
2009 or 2010. http://www.theclimateregistrv.org/ The Climate Registry supports
both voluntary and mandatory reporting.
California Climate Action Registry
The California Climate Action Registry (CCAR) was established by California statute
as a non-profit voluntary registry for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. CCAR
encourages voluntary actions to increase energy efficiency and decrease GHG
emissions. Registry participants include businesses, non-profit organizations,
municipalities, state agencies, and other entities. http://www.climatereqistrv.org/
ICLEI -Local Governments for Sustainability
ICLEI has developed inventory guidance for local governments to help establish
baselines for greenhouse gas emissions and to measure progress resulting from the
implementation of action plans. http://www.iclei-usa.org/programs/climate
Local Government Operations Protocol
The California Climate Action Registry is partnering with ICLEI, the California Air
Resources Board, and The Climate Registry to develop a greenhouse gas reporting
protocol for local government operations. The Local Government Operations
Protocol is an industry-specific protocol that will provide the policy framework,
calculation methodologies, and reporting guidance for qualifying emissions from
local government operations, and will be based largely on existing CCAR and ICLEI
protocols, but will provide additional guidance in areas such as wastewater
treatment, solid waste management, etc. A draft protocol will be released for public
comment in June/July 2008 and with a final version due out by September 25, 2008.
More information available at:
http://www.climateregistrv.org/tools/protocols/protocols-in-progress/local-
government-operations.html
Local Government Community-Wide Emissions Inventory Protocol
As a next step, this partnership (CCAR, TCR, ICLEI and CARB) will be developing a
protocol for community-wide emissions. This process is slated to start in following
completion of the Local Government Operations Protocol (Fall 2008) and is expected
to take at least one year.
International Local Government GHG Emissions Analysis Protocol
ICLEI has completed a draft International Local Government GHG Emissions
Analysis Protocol in April 2008. The Protocol establishes an easily implemented set
of guidelines to assist local governments in quantifying the greenhouse gas
emissions from both their internal operations and from the whole communities with
their geopolitical boundaries. Country/Regional Supplements are being developed in
order to address issues in an appropriate local context (in the US, this equates to the
partnership between ICLEI, CCAR, TCR and CARB).
Available at: http://www.iclei-usa.org/programs/climate/ghg-protocol
Project 2 Degrees
A partnership between ICLEI, the Clinton Climate Initiative and Microsoft, is
developing a software tool in tandem to support measurement using these local
government protocols. This resource has been launched in alpha form and is due to
launch later in 2008 in beta form.
Resources for Individuals and Businesses
http://www.seattle.gov/climate/docs/C02 Tool 2.1.xls
http://www.zerofootprint.net/calculators/seattle
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Dick Lilly/DL
SPU Green Fee ORD
June 4, 2008
Version # 19a
AN ORDINANCE relating to the City of Seattle's solid waste system, establishing an advanced
recovery fee (a green fee) for disposable shopping bags, providing a deduction for the
green fee from the City's business license tax, amending the position list, and amending
Seattle Municipal Code Chapters 21.40 and 5.45.
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature in RCW 70.95.010(8)(a) established waste
reduction as the first priority for the collection, handling, and management of solid waste;
and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature in RCW 70.95.010(4) found that it is "necessary
to change manufacturing and purchasing practices and waste generation behaviors to
reduce the amount of waste that becomes a governmental responsibility"; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature in RCW 70.95.010(6)(c) found that it is the
responsibility of city governments "to assume primary responsibility for solid waste
management and to develop and implement aggressive and effective waste reduction and
source separation strategies"; and
WHEREAS, in 2007 the City Council adopted, the Mayor concurring, Resolution 30990, which
reaffirmed the City's 60% recycling goal and set a longer-term goal of 70% recycling
along with targets for waste reduction; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 30990 called for studies on how to reduce Seattleites' use ofhard-to-
recycle materials, many of them plastics, and specifically required Seattle Public Utilities
("SPU") to propose strategies, including bans, to discourage the use of disposable plastic
shopping bags; and
WHEREAS, SPU has completed the first of those studies, finding that the production, use and
recycling or disposal of both plastiy and paper disposable shopping bags have significant
adverse impacts on the environment; and
WHEREAS, costs associated with the use and disposal of disposable shopping bags in Seattle
creates burdens on the City's solid waste disposal system; and
WHEREAS, to discourage and decrease the use of disposable shopping bags in the city, it is
necessary to regulate such use; and
Fonn Last Revised on December 3 I, 2007
Dick Lilly/DL
SPU Green Fee ORD
June 4, 2008
Version #19a
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the people that regulation
include the imposition of a fee to discourage the use of disposable shopping bags, to
2 reduce the cost of solid waste disposal by the city, to protect the environment, and to
recover the costs of regulation; and
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WHEREAS, Seattle has become a national leader among cities in green house gas reduction and
seeks to further that effort through waste reduction and increased recycling; NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 21.40 is amended by adding new Section
21.40.075 to read as follows:
SMC 21.40.075 Advanced recovery fee (green fee) for disposable shopping bags
A. Effective Janu 1 2009 all stores dru stores and convenience stores eac
as defined in subsection J, shall charge and collect a twenty cents ($0.20) advanced recovery fee,
a Green Fee, for each disposable shopping bag provided to customers .. It shall be a violation of
this section for any store that is subject to the requirements of this section to pay or otherwise
reimburse a customer for any portion of the Green Fee.
B. All grocery stores, drug stores, and convenience stores shall indicate on the customer
transaction receipt the number of disposable shopping bags provided and the total amount of the
Green Fee charged.
C. The Director of Seattle Public Utilities may establish by Administrative Rule,
pursuant to Seattle Municipal Code Section 3 .12.020, limitations on the application of the Green
Fee for sales of non-grocery merchandise at warehouse clubs and supercenters.
Form Last Revised on December 31, 2007 2
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Dick Lilly/DL
SPU Green Fee ORD
June 4, 2008
Version #I 9a
D. On a quarterly basis and as otherwise may be required by the Director, all stores
required to collect Green Fees under this section shall report and remit the City's portion of the
Green Fees collected to the Director, as provided below, and may retain the remaining portion to
offset administrative and other costs incurred in implementing the Green Fee required by this
section.
1. Grocery stores, drug stores, and convenience stores with annual gross sales of
less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) may retain one hundred percent (100%) of the total
amount collected.
2. Grocery stores, drug stores, and convenience stores with annual gross sales of
one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more shall remit seventy-five percent (75%) of the total
amount collected to the City.
3. Payments and receipts shall be reported on forms prescribed by the Director.
The form shall be signed by a responsible officer or agent of the store. The individual signing
the form shall swear or affirm that the information in the form is true and complete.
E. City revenue generated from the Green Fee on disposable shopping bags shall be
deposited in the Solid Waste Fund and used tO support solid waste prevention and recycling
programs.
F. The Director shall develop and maintain a database of all grocery stores, drug stores,
and convenience stores required to collect the Green Fee and shall collect and deposit payments
into the Solid Waste Fund.
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G. If payment of any amounts due under this section are not received by the Director on
or before the due date, the Director shall add a penalty calculated in the same manner as the
penalty imposed under Seattle Municipal Code Section 5.55.110 A, as it now exists or as it may
be amended. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to deem any fees required under this
chapter to be a tax.
H. If the Director determines that any amounts due under this section have been
substantially underpaid, as defined in Seattle Municipal Code Section 5.55.110 B, there shall be
added a penalty calculated in the same manner as the penalty imposed under Seattle Municipal
Code Section 5.55.110 B; as it now exists or as it may be amended. Nothing in this subsection
shall be construed to deem any fees required under this chapter to be a tax.
I. Any fee required by this section that is not paid within ninety (90) days after the due
date shall be subject to interest and calculated in the same manner as the interest imposed under
Seattle Municipal Code Section 5.55.090 B, as it now exists or as it may be amended. Nothing
in this subsection shall be construed to deem any fees required under this chapter to be a tax.
J. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply.
1. "Advanced Recovery Fee" or "Green Fee" means a charge or regulatory fee
levied against the distribution, purchase, or use of a product in order to discourage its use,
thereby reducing its presence in the waste stream and its ancillary environmental impacts, and to
recover costs associated with the recycling or disposal of the product.
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2. "Convenience stores" means all retail stores falling under North American
Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 445120 (convenience stores) orNAICS code
44 7110 (gasoline stations with convenience stores).
3. "Director" means the Director of Executive Administration or any officer,
agent or employee of the City designated to act on the Director's behalf.
4. "Disoosable shonning bag" means a bag of anv material. commonlv kraft oaoer
or plastic film, designed for one-time use to carry customer purchases from a store. "Disposable
shopping bag" does not include: bags used by customers inside stores to package bulk items such
as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candy, or small hardware items, such as nails and bolts; bags
used to contain or wrap frozen foods, meat or fish, whether prepackaged or not, flowers or potted
plants, or other items where dampness may be a problem; bags used to protect prepared foods or
bakery goods; bags provided by pharmacists to contain prescription drugs; or newspaper bags,
door-hanger bags, laundry-dry cleaning bags, or bags sold in packages containing multiple bags
intended for use as garbage, pet waste, or yard waste bags.
5. "Drug stores" means all retail stores falling under NAICS code 446110
(pharmacies and drug stores) or NAICS code 446191 (food and health supplement stores).
6. "Grocery stores" means all food stores falling under NAICS code 445110
(supermarkets and other grocery), or NAICS code 452910 (warehouse clubs and supercenters).
Section 2. The purpose of the Green Fee established by this ordinance is to regulate the
generation of waste from disposable shopping bags by creating an economic incentive for
customers to use reusable shopping bags. To further promote the use of reusable shopping bags
Form Last Revised on December 3 I, 2007 5
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and reduce the quantity of disposable shopping bags entering the City's waste stream, the
Director of Seattle Public Utilities is authorized to make available to the public free-of-charge
reusable shopping bags to the extent the director determines that such a program will
significantly reduce the costs associated with the recycling and disposal of disposable shopping
bags.
Section 3. Section 5.45.100 of the Seattle Municipal Code is amended as follows:
5.45.100 Deductions.
In computing the license fee or tax, the following may be deducted from the measure of
tax:
* * * * *
X. Amounts collected by grocery stores, drug stores, and convenience stores from
customers to pay the Green Fee imposed under SMC 21.40.075, including that portion of the fee
that the store is entitled to retain to offset costs incurred to implement and administer the Green
Fee.
Section 4. Section 21 .36.922 of the Seattle Municipal Code is amended as follows :
SMC 21.36.922 Civil infractions.
A. The violation of or failure to comply with any section of this subtitle ((chapter))
identified in this section is designated as a civil infraction and shall be processed as contemplated
by RCW Chapter 7.80.
B. The violation of or failure to comply with any of the following section~ shall be a
civil infraction and subject as a Class 1 civil infraction under RCW 7.80.120 to a maximum
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monetary penalty and default amount of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00), not including
statutory assessments:
SMC Section 21.36.420 (Unlawful dumping of solid waste)
SMC Section 21.40.075 (Advanced recovery fee (green fee) for disposable shopping
* * * * *
Section 5. To carry out the purposes ofthis ordinance, the following new positions are
created in the Department of Executive Administration.
Department Position Title Position Status Number of Positions
Department of Admin Spec II Full Time 1 Executive BU, DEA
Administration
Department of Tax Auditor Full Time 1 Executive DEA
Administration
The Director is authorized to fill these positions subject to civil service and personnel rules and
laws.
Section 6. The provisions of this ordinance are declared to be separate and severable. If
a court of competent jurisdiction, all appeals having been exhausted or all appeal periods having
run, finds any provision of this ordinance to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or
circumstance, such offending provision shall, if feasible, be deemed to be modified to be within
the limits of enforceability or validity. However, if the offending provision cannot be so
modified, it shall be null and void with respect to the particular person or circumstance, and all
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other provisions of this ordinance in all other respects, and the offending provision with respect
to all other persons and all other circumstances, shall remain valid and enforceable.
Section 7. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days from and after
its approval by the Mayor, but if not approved and returned by the Mayor within ten (10) days
after presentation, it shall take effect as provided by Seattle Municipal Code Section 1.04.020.
Passed by the City Council the __ day of __________ , 2008, and
8 signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this
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__ day of ________ , 2008.
President _____ of the City Council
Approved by me this __ day of _________ , 2008.
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
Filed by me this __ day of ___________ , 2008.
City Clerk
(Seal)
Form Last Revised on December 31, 2007 8
•
Green College Station Action Plan
Planning & Development Services
Green Building & Land Use Prospectus
I. Current Building I Land Use Programs
A. 2006 International Energy Conservation Code
The City of College Station has adopted the 2006 Edition of the
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The IECC addresses the
design of energy-efficient building envelopes and the selection and
installation of energy efficient mechanical, water heating, electrical
distribution and illumination systems and equipment in residential and
commercial construction alike.
B. 2006 International Building Code
The City of College Station has adopted the 2006 Edition of the
International Building Code (IBC). The IBC contains several important
provisions related to green building practices. First, the IBC allows the
use of used or refurbished materials in new construction provided they
comply with the code provisions for new materials.
Second, the IBC empowers the Bu ilding Official with the ability to accept
"alternative materials, design and methods of construction" as long as
the safety of the alternative can be demonstrated. This flexibility allows
the Building Official to accept green construction methods and practices
that may not be explicitly allowed by the code.
Lastly, the IBC allows the use of numerous building products that
employ proven "wood-efficient" approaches to design, material selection,
and construction. Engineered wood products such as parallel strand
lumber, micro-laminated beams, finger-joint lumber, and oriented stand
board are just a few examples of materials that use wood very efficiently
and rely less on large-diameter old-growth trees for their production.
C. Comprehensive Plan (including land use map, hike & bike plan, and
T-Fare Plan)
The current Comprehensive Plan contains several elements that relate to
green building practices. Examples include:
• The Future Land Use Plan -identifies redevelopment areas,
making way for denser, more efficient development. The land use
plan also contains a floodplain and streams designation,
protecting flood prone areas from d evelopment.
• Hike/Bike Trails and Thoroughfare Plan -through the
implementation of the hike and bike plan and thoroughfare plan,
residents have the opportunity to use alternative means of
transportation.
D. Greenways Master Plan
The current Greenways Mater Plan was adopted in 1999 and defines a
Greenway as linear open spaces that follow natural features such as
floodplains, creeks and rivers or man-made features such as utility, road,
or rail corridors. Ideally, Greenways are developed to create highly-
connected networks, linking developed urban corridors with undeveloped
natural areas. Greenways can also serve to protect flood-prone areas
from development.
E. Landscaping
Section 7.4 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requires
landscaping and streetscaping for new development. The landscaping
provisions are based on a point system and fifty percent of the required
landscaping for each site must be provided by canopy trees. The UDO
also contains a landscape point credit system to encourage efficient
watering practices. A ten percent point credit is allowed when an
irrigation system utilizes a water-conserving system (such as drip
irrigation).
F. Tree Protection
Our current tree protection requirements are included in Section 7.5 of
the Unified Development Ordinance. The tree protection standards are
incentive based where additional landscaping points are awarded for
retaining native trees that are protected during development. In general,
this option is not routinely used by developers.
II . Planned Projects and Program Proposals
A. ICC Green Building Certification
The International Code Council (ICC) is developing a Green Building
Certification for building inspectors. The certification exam will cover the
green aspects of the International codes and help ensure that green and
sustainable buildings are also safe. Once the Green Building Certification
is available, the city should pursue having one or more plan examiners
and/ or building inspectors certified.
B. 2009 International Codes
The International Codes are updated on a three-year cycle to recognize
new and innovative construction materials and techniques. The next
available version of the International Codes will be the 2009 edition.
Once the updated Codes are published, staff plans to review them and
present them to City Council for adoption.
C. National Green Building Standard for Residential Construction
The National Green Building Standard, a new document jointly developed
by the International Code Council and the National Association of Home
Builders (NAHB), is designed to maintain the flexibility of green building
practices while providing a common national benchmark for builders,
remodelers and developers. The National Green Building Standard is
based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines, but
enhanced to include residential remodeling, multifamily building, and lot
and site development. Like the Guidelines that they are based on, the
standard requires builders to include features in seven categories:
energy, water and resource efficiency; lot and site development; indoor
environmental quality and homeowner education. It also adds the higher
Emerald Level to the Bronze, Silver and Gold certification levels for the
Guidelines.
Staff recommends that the National Green Building Standard be
endorsed and promoted as a supplement to the International Codes
which are typically viewed as the minimum standard.
D. LEED Standards for Municipal Facilities
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green
Building Rating System encourages and accelerates adoption of
sustainable green building and development practices through the
creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted
tools and performance criteria. LEED promotes a whole-building
approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of
human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water
savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental
quality.
Staff recommends that the city commits to LEED standards for all newly
constructed municipal facilities.
E. Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping refers to landscaping in ways that do not require
supplemental irrigation. Plants whose natural requirements are
appropriate to the local climate are emphasized, and care is taken to
avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off.
The UDO currently requires a landscape irrigation system of some type.
Staff recommends that the City pursue changes to the landscaping and
irrigation requirements that would encourage water-conserving
landscapes that incorporate drought-tolerant plantings.
F. Landscape Irrigation Standards
As previously mentioned, the city has measures in place to encourage
water-conserving irrigation systems, however, additional measures could
be incorporated into the UDO and/ or plumbing code to increase the
effectiveness and efficiency of landscape irrigation systems. Provisions
such as placing limits on outdoor watering times, requiring "rain
detectors" on new systems, and limiting overspray, runoff, and ponding
of water should be explored and implemented if feasible.
G Comprehe nsive Plan Update (land use, t -fare plan, and hike/bike
plan, etc.)
The City is currently working with a consultant (Kendig Keast
Collaborative) and the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC)
to update the Comprehensive Plan. The City of College Station has
experienced significant growth since our current plan was adopted in
1997. Staff recommends that we make the most of this rare opportunity
by incorporating sustainable elements in the plan such as:
• identify and designate redevelopment and infill areas on the land
use plan,
• update the hike/bike trail plan,
• update the thoroughfare plan, and
• incorporate measures that encourage smart growth
H. Greenways Master Plan
'ttfy~ ~unction with the Comprehensive Plan Update, the Greenways
~ ~Plan should be updated t Greenways are becoming increasingly recognized as ways to connect
people and places with alternative transportation choices, such as
bicycling, skating, and walking. Their linear nature creates an
opportunity for regional connectivity, following the course of creek beds,
drainage ways, and other natural features. They plug into the larger
community effort to develop an adequate and safe transportation
network that connects neighborhoods, schools, parks, retail/ office areas,
and the University.
I. Storm Wat er Treatment
Traditional parking lot design allows rain water to transport motor oil
and other automobile fluids directly into storm drains where they
ultimately end up in nearby streams, rivers and lakes. An
environmentally friendly parking lot design reduces pollution by
providing a filter for storm water. This can be accomplished by a pervious
parking lot surface, bioswales, or constructed wetlands that filter the
pollutants from rainwater before it enters the storm water system.
Staff recommends that the feasibility of these alternatives be studied to
determine if they could be included as part of our site design guidelines.
A similar effort is already underway as part of the City's Storm Water
Management Plan (SWMP). The City is required to develop a SWMP that
describes specific actions that will be taken over a five-year period to
reduce pollutants and protect the storm water quality to the maximum
extent practicable.
J. Tree Protection Standards
In addition to landscaping requirements for new development, some
communities also have tree protection standards as a part of their
landscaping ordinances that requires existing mature trees to be
protected from new development. Staff recommends that tree protection
be a mandatory requirement or that greater incentives to protect trees be
provided. Such incentives may include increased landscaping
requirement bonuses, density bonuses by clustering housing units to
protect an area of trees, dimensional standard variations where trees
may pose a site design challenge, buffer bonuses or a tree replacement
program. In addition, Staff recommends an inventory be taken of native
species and growth patterns in College Station to determine which trees
should be protected.
•
Green College Station Action Plan
Public Works
Carbon Footprint Reduction Prospectus
A carbon footprint is the measure of the amount of carbon dioxide (C02) emitted
into the environment as a result of human activity. The Public Works
Department of the City of College Station manages, among other things, the
city's fleet operations and the transportation infrastructure, which is used by all
city employees, residents and visitors. These two elements have a direct impact
on the carbon footprint of the city and reducing this carbon footprint is an
important city goal.
Current Practice
The City of College Station currently utilizes several programs and procedures to
reduce the city's carbon footprint.
1. Fleet Operations
a. Preventative Maintenance -The City of College Station utilizes a
preventative maintenance system to keep vehicles and equipment
running smoothly, lasting longer, and burning fuel efficiently.
b. Recycle Program -The City of College Station has adopted a
recycling program to ensure that used oil, anti-freeze, oil filters,
batteries, tires, and parts from city owned vehicles are not sent to
the land fill. Old brake drums, junk parts, etc. go into scrap iron.
Recycling these environmentally harmful items will ensure that they
will not contaminate the environment. The city also owns a
refrigerant recycling machine.
c. Emission Reduction -All city vehicles with a diesel engine that
were purchased after 2006 are equipped with a specific
regeneration system that keeps unburned fuel out of the
atmosphere.
d. Alternative Fuel Vehicles -The City of College Station owns 9
vehicles which have a flexible fuel engine and one hybrid vehicle.
Also, the city plans to replace old vehicles with hybrids when
feasible.
e. No Idle Policy -The City of College Station's Public Works
Department has successfully implemented a policy requiring all
diesel vehicle engines to be turned off when the vehicle is not
being driven. This policy saves fuel and prevents additional
emissions from being expelled into the atmosphere when the
vehicles are not in use.
2. Transportation
a. Signal Coordination -The City of College Station conducts signal
coordination studies of roadways which operate under signal
control to ensure that the signals are properly timed to provide an
optimum level of vehicle progression along the roadway. Poorly
timed signals cause inconsistent travel on streets resulting in
frequent stops, and unnecessary delays, which wastes fuel.
Research has shown that properly timed signals can reduce vehicle
delay by up to 10 percent and reduce vehicle emission. By
conducting signal coordination studies, the city can insure that the
proper signal timings are being utilized and vehicle delay and
emission are minimized.
b. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) -The City of College Station, when
installing new signals or replacing old ones, uses LED signal heads
because they consume significantly less electricity (10 Watts to 22
Watts) compared to conventional incandescent signal heads, which
use approximately 135 Watts. Additionally LED signals typically
have a longer life (7 to 10 years) compared to ones with
incandescent bulbs.
c. Signal Connectivity -The City of College Station owns and
maintains 76 traffic signals and 87% of them are connected to the
central computer located at Public Works via a hard-wire
connection or radio. Through these connections, the signal timings
can updated or modified without someone having to drive out to
each individual signal, saving both time and fuel. Because of this
efficiency, the City is working towards connecting the remaining
signals in the near future.
Planned Programs
To further reduce the city's carbon footprint, the City of College Station plans to
implement or evaluate the potential of several programs.
1. Fleet Operations
a. Alternative Fuels -The City of College Station has looked into the
use of alternative fuels and is interested in getting more
information about bio-fuels. This fuel alternative appears to be a
good option for the city by being environmentally friendly and less
...
expensive than conventional fuels. Also, Fleet Services is exploring
grant opportunities available for the use of propane or natural gas
fueled vehicles.
2. Transportation
a. Regional Traffic Operation Center -The City of College Station is
working with the City of Bryan, Brazos County, the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Texas Transportation
Institute (TTI), and Texas A&M University to create a regional
traffic operations center to monitor and potentially direct the areas
transportation systems thus ensuring the most efficient use of the
existing transportation system.
b. Congestion Monitoring -The City of College Station has participated
in a research study conducted by TTI to measure the levels of
congestion along city streets. With this information, the necessary
steps, such as more frequent signal coordination studies, capacity
improvements, etc. can be taken to combat increasing congestion
levels. By reducing the level of congestion on city streets, the city
can help reduce the amount of vehicle emissions emitted into the
atmosphere.
c. Car Sharing -The idea of sharing a car began in Switzerland in
1987 and was introduced in the United States in 1993. The
program allows its members access to vehicles strategically placed
around a city, which are to be reserved and used on an hourly
basis. The average hourly rate is $6 which covers gas,
maintenance, and insurance. Car Sharing programs claim to reduce
vehicle emissions and reduce the number of vehicles on the street
by offering a less expensive way to have a car. The City of College
Station has been approached by a vendor requesting permission to
reserve four parking spaces for car sharing vehicles.
Green College Station Action Plan
College Station Utilities -Energy Conservation
Draft Action Plan
I. Current Energy Conservation Programs
A. Good Cents New Home Program
Home performance program for new home construction above
current International Code and local ordinances.
1. AC SEER value and sizing, above standard insulation
installation , radiant barrier, roof decking, and increased
attic ventilation.
2. Rebates from $600 to $800 paid to homebuilder
dependant on ongoing inspections, insulating
materials, and final blower door test completion.
3 . Certified homes receive certification document and
Good Cents Home Medallion .
B. Energy Back II Air Conditioning Rebate Program
Air conditioning rebate program for existing homes replacing
central unit air condition ing systems above current International
Code and local ordinances.
1. AC SEER value, sizing requirements and both coil and
condenser replacements.
2. Rebates from $200 to $600 paid to homeowner dependant
on passing of mechanical inspection & SEER value of
replacement unit.
C. Energy Audits
On-site energy audits provided for both residential
and commercial CSU electric customers.
1. Audits scheduled through t elephone contacts, advertised
in area phone books and Pocket Pages, referrals from
other City departments, apartment managers, realtors,
builders, contractor, BVCAA, neighbor to neighbor,
Website's "Request for Audit", direct e-mail contacts and
event participant contacts.
2. Audits followed up with letter addressing customer's
personalized energy conservation measures.
Green College Station Action Plan
College Station Utilities -Energy Conservation Cont.
D. Community Awareness and Education
Public awareness of College Station Utilities' programs and
offers are actively promoted through energy personnel's
involvement in various events throughout the year.
1. Home Products and Garden Show -One weekend
each February annually sponsored by the B/CS
Home Builders Association -over 7,000 attendees
at last event.
2. Planet Earth Celebration -One Saturday on Planet
Earth Day annually -joint effort by numerous
COCS Departments with City of Bryan, TAMU,
BVSWMA, Brazos Valley Council of Governments
and Keep Brazos Beautiful.
3 . Safety Sparktacular -One Saturday annually in
October during Public Power Week and Fire
Prevention Week -joint effort between CSU and
CSFD.
4 . Neighborhood B lock Parties -Annually at Southside,
Eastgate, Shenandoah and Brothers Park.
5. Service Excellence -City sponsored quarterly.
6. Citizens University -City sponsored annually.
7. Youth to Career Fair -Annually -B /CS Chamber of
Commerce sponsored.
8. Electrical Safety Presentations -As coordinated with
local schools, clubs, groups and events.
9. In-house Publications -Energy personnel authored
"Does You Home Need Inefficiency Checkup?" self audit
publication and Residential and Commercial FYI
Handbooks. TEES sponsored specific topic
pamphlets.
E. Other Energy Conservation Programs, Special Offers and
Rebates
Energy personnel further promote energy conservation measures
through pilot programs, product distributions, system upgrades
and joint efforts with other agencies.
1. Duct Leakage Testing Pilot Program -Rebates to customer
after receiving duct leakage test and properly sealing.
2 . Lighting coupons -Coupons issued for Yi off price of
compact fluorescent lighting purchase at specified
retailers.
3. Product Distributions -Through special events distributed
over 2 ,900 CFL's in the last 5 years equating to an
estimated reduction of 130.5 kW's.
Green College Station Action Plan
College Station Utilities -Energy Conservation Cont.
4. System Upgrade -City-wide Mercury Vapor security and
street lighting to more efficient High Pressure Sodium
lighting.
5. Rebuild America -DOE Grant Program -In conjunction
with TAMU Energy Systems Laboratory, CSU assisted in
CSISD participation and retrofitted all school facilities'
fluorescent fixtures from magnetic ballasts to electronic
ballasts with T-8 lamps, changed chillers, and upgraded
motors in various school locations.
F. Advertising
Television, radio, newspaper and periodical event and program
advertising.
1. KBTX Channel 3 's television weather sponsor, web-site
Weather Web-cast sponsor, B/CS Home Builders A
Association Parade of Homes commercial advertising
package appearing Spring and Fall on television and KBTX
web-site.
2. Newspaper, magazine and periodical ads and articles
(event and season related) in Bryan Broadcasting's At
Home Magazine, Insite Magazine, Eagle Home & Lifestyle
Magazine and the Bryan College Station Eagle.
3. Radio ads (event and season related) on Bryan
Broadcasting and Clear Channel Broadcasting stations.
G. Tree Programs
Electric T&D contract for ROW trimming and tree replacement
and utility friendly roadway beautification tree planting program.
1. Roadway beautification tree planting program established
2007 in conjunction with College Station Parks &
Recreation Department.
2. Electric Department Transmission and Distribution
Division contract for ROW trimming and tree replacement.
II. Planned Projects and Program Proposals
A. Key Accounts Program
2009 Strategic Business Plan proposal to add a
Key Accounts Manager position to be responsible for handling
large utility commercial customers accounts.
Green College Station Action Plan
College Station Utilities -Energy Conservation Cont.
1. Create improved relationship and communications
between key utility customers and the utility.
2 . Encourage and assist large use customers to address
personal energy consumption through personalized energy
audits.
3 . Enhance utility's demand-side-management efforts.
B. Green Power
Off Offer CSU electric customers the opportunity to participate in
renewable electric rates (wind power) beginning in 2009.
1. Further efforts of Green College Station Action Plan.
2. Enhance community relations with City and utility.
C. Expand Tree Program
Expand current tree programs to encourage citizen involvement.
1. Extend tree offer to Good Cents homebuyers.
2. Extend tree offer to participants in the AC replacement
program.
3. Incorporate sapling promotional give-away at events such
as Safety Sparktacular and Planet Earth Celebrations.
4. Collaborate in annual tree sale events with Brazos
Beautiful.
D. Demand Response Program
2010 Strategic Plan proposal for a special study for AMI
(Automated Metering Infrastructure) feasibility.
1. AMI technology would allow development of an air
conditioning demand response program that would
permit the utility to cycle customers' AC units in small
increments during peak loads.
2 . AMI technology would allow utility to provide commercial
customers with individual real-time demand-side-
management capabilities.
E. Efficient Lighting Incentives and Programs
Establish commercial lighting rebate programs to
encourage CSU Electric commercial customers with
inefficient lighting systems to retrofit to lower usage,
College Station Action Plan
College Station Utilities -Energy Conservation Cont.
more efficient systems and provide residential lighting incentives
to convert incandescent bulbs to compact
fluorescent lamps.
1. Retrofit program for the replacement of magnetic
ballasts with T-12 tube light fixtures to electronic
ballasts and T-8's.
2. Program for the replacement of incandescent
bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps.
3 . Program for the replacement of outdoor and
security lighting with more efficient, lower wattage
lighting options.
4. Program for the installation of lighting motion
sensors in areas of intermittent use, e.g.
restrooms, conference rooms, copy and file rooms.
5. Program for the replacement or retrofit of
incandescent exit lighting to fluorescent or LED
technology.
6. Collaborate with lighting dealers and local retailers
for purchase discounts for qualifying compact
fluorescent lamps.
7. Continue event promotional give-away programs of
compact fluorescent lamps.
8. Apply Commercial Lighting Programs to existing
City facilities where feasible.
9. Incorporate Commercial Lighting Programs to all
new City facility construction.
F. Residential Low Interest Loans for Weatherization and
Energy Conservation Measures
Develop program for residential CSU Electric
customer /homeowners to obtain low interest loans for the
replacement of existing central air conditioning systems
and the installation of additional insulation.
1. Must have been a CSU electric customer for at
lease one year with a credit history in good
standing, (no more than two late payments within
a 12 month period).
2. Must be property owner of the home of
replacement.
3. Installation must adhere to current City code,
Development Services permitting standards and
Electric Energy Conservation recommendations
and standards.
4. HVAC replacement must be a complete replacement (coil
and condensing unit) with a minimum of a 13 SEER
College Station Action Plan
College Station Utilities -Energy Conservation Cont.
rating not to exceed 24 BTU's per square foot of
conditioned space.
5. Payments will be amortized at 10% interest
not to exceed 60 months and will be paid through
utility bill. In the event of discontinuance of utility
account, full unpaid balance will be due upon final
bill.
I. Program Enhancements
A. Public Education and Utility Marketing
Expand current efforts through broader use of utility-associated
media (bill inserts, website, etc.) along with existing City media
outlets (Channel 19, radio, television, etc.).
1. Link current KBTX weather sponsorship to Energy
Conservation Programs i.e. spotlighting a new
Good Cents homeowner and builder.
2 . More utility bill insert availability to Electric Department
to vigorously highlight energy conservation programs
and measures available to CSU customers and
legislative news that affects the utility and its
customers.
3 . Develop an individual CSU web-site for billing information
and payments, energy and water conservation information
and legislative news affecting the utility and its customers
with links from City web-site and to City web-site.
4. Develop Channel 19 programming for energy and water
conservation measures, programs and pertinent legislation
affecting CSU customers.
B. Rate Re-structuring
Incorporate Automated Metering Infrastructure to offer more
flexible rates to customers.
1. Restructure current commercial T-0 -U rate ordinance
to offer more incentive for current and qualified rate
users and enhance utility efforts to manage peak periods.
2. Further educate current and qualified T-0-U rate users to
better understand the benefit s for the rate user and the
utility.
3. Develop Time-of-Use rate structure for residential
customers to help further manage utility peak
periods.
4. Develop rate structure incorporating both demand and
consumption charges for high usage residential
customers.
Green College Station Action Plan
College Station Utilities -Energy Conservation Cont.
5 . Restructure current residential Budget Billing
methods to modify annual "settle-up"
payment/ credit adjustment to a
prorated 12 month pay-back. Discontinue services
to have "settle-up" payment/credit required upon
final bill.
C. Code of Ordinances
Amend current ordinances pertinent to electric strip
heating systems and air conditioning Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ratio (SEER) values.
1. Enhance current Energy Code to eliminate the new
or replacement installation of direct electric strip
heating systems in all residential and commercial
applications.
2 . Amend current ordinance to require minimum 14
SEER HV AC installations.
~~fJ..~ w e fi)pr ~ ~~ \j~ Green College Station
~\'I'-") Water Conservation Prospectus
"" 5 Aug 08 \)~
I. Existing Water Conservation Programs
1. UDO Landscape Irrigation Provision
a. 10% point credit towards required landscaping is given where irrigation systems use
water conservation techniques.
2. System Water Audits and Water Loss Programs
a. Maintain non-revenue water percentage at 10% or less of water produced monthly &
annually
3. School Education Programs
a. Leaming to be WaterWise 5th grade Science/Social Studies curriculum
b. Major Rivers 4th grade Science/Social Studies curriculum
c. Water Production I Wastewater Treatment plant tours
4. Meter Replacement Program
a. Replace aging, inaccurate W' & 5/8" water meters.
b. 4,000 of these meters replaced in April/May 2008; more to be replaced FY 09.
5. Reuse o(Treated Effluent
a. Design contract underway with Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam (LAN) to design reuse
system between Carter's Creek WWTP and Veterans Park & Athletic Complex.
II. Proposed Water Conservation Programs
I . Establish Conservation Rates
a. Residential Customers
i. Rate Ordinance will be approved during Budget Hearings in Sep 08
ii. Brief to City Council on 6 Aug 08
iii. Revenue model worked out with CFO
b. Commercial Customers
i. Targeting commercial conservation rates for FY-10
11. Considering "Water Budget" method
m. Need to hire Water Auditor position in Oct 08
2. Enact Conservation Ordinances
a. Require Commercial customers to have irrigation meters
b. Landscape requirements must include conservation measures
c. Prohibitions and penalties against water waste
3. Incentive Programs
a. Rain sensors on irrigation systems
b. Water-wise fixtures
c. Rain water collection systems
4. Public Education
a. Talk to "top 20" water users directly
b. Send bill inserts to all customers
c. Talk to Landscape Maintenance companies
d. Visit Classrooms
e. Outreach to HOAs
PtU-eJ
Janu ary 2009
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY -"~~r THURSDAY '""' FRIDAY SATURDAY
4
COLLEGE STATON GOES GREEN!
Five key components of the College Station's
"Green College Station" campaign include:
WatPr Consprv,1t1or
Energy Conservation
W;J<;te Reducti on
Green Building/Land Use
Air Quality
5
CSISD Classes Begin
11 12
[)LCl \\Ill '')(18
·v1 I " ,,
6
13
Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board, 7 pm,
WPC Hospitali ty Room,
18
25
1 9 City Offices, **RPL,
CSISD, BISD, TAMU
Closed.
Regular Waste/Recycling
Collection Today I MLK Freedom March
Begins at Sad ie Thomas
Park, Bryan, 9:30 am ,;
MARTIN LUTHER ;
KING JR. DAY ·-!,
26
Senior Advisory Committee
Meeting, 10 am,
Teen Center, 764-6371
CHINESE NEW YEAR
764-6271
20
27
•Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. It 1s co-sponsored by Project Sunshine.
.. Ringer Public Library, 979-764-3416, www.bcslibrary.org
f L!)l{l \ Y 2 I '
7
14
21
28
1
No Waste Collection Today
No Recycling
City Offices, **RPL, CSISD,
BISD, TAMU Closed
NEW YEAR'S DAY
8
15
22
29
2 All Thursday Route
Waste & Recycling
Collected
CSISD Student Holiday
Staff Development
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
All Friday Route
Waste & Recycling
Collected
Youth MLK Program,
5:30 pm; Musical Tribute,
6:45 pm at
Lincoln Recreation
Center,
24
31
Phone: 979-764-3486 Fax: 979-764-3737 www.cstx.gov
Online Regislralion: htlpsJ/parksweb.cstx.gov
'
~~ City of College Station ,/J""'i.-·=~
Parks & Recreatwn Department'.· Ci\PRA ~ "* . . Nationally Accredited ,~~Ji;
Providing good things 111 lite c;111cc 7 977 ··•..,-;;; .• ·· f ebruary 2009
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
8
15
22
IANl <\KY 11101!
' \\ I W I I <,
1
4 , h -8 lJ 1
211141)16 -
18 19 20 21 22 2 < 24
2S 26 27 28 29 ,,) ] I
2
9
16
PRESIDENT'S DAY
23
Senior Advisory Committee
Meeting, 10 am,
3
10
Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board, 7 pm,
W PC Hospitality Room,
764-6271
17
24
Teen Center, 764-6371 FLAG DAY
\1Ak'.( fl 21111'1
<, 1 v\ T
' \ ~ l "
Llll21l4
f -1x l'J .!O !.
..!2 -24 2.1 !.() 27 28
2<i l)
Recycle used
motor oil at the
Oil Center behind
the CS Police
Department,
764-3690
•Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. It is co-sponsored by Project Sunshine.
.. Ringer Public Library, 979-764-3416, www.bcslibrary.org
4
11
18
25
ASH WEDNESDAY
5
12
19
26
BRAZOS VALLEY
AFRICAN AMERICAN
MUSEUM
lv\-F, 1 pm -~ pm,
Saturday 10 am -4 pm,
Sunday Closed.
Adults SS, Seniors S4,
Students $2,
Children (S & under) Free
979-775-3961
6
13
20
27
On-line & Phone Registration
Available Now'
7
14
VALENTINE'S DAY
21
28
www.cstx.gov Pool Trout Fish-Out
979-764-3486 "Catch your own Trout!"
Phone: 979-764-3486 Fax: 979-764-3737 www.cstx.gov
Online Registration: https://parksweb.cstx.gov
SUNDAY M NDAY TUE DAY
1 2 3
8 9 1 0
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
BEGINS
1 5 1 6 1 7
.... ..........................................
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
22 23 24
Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board, 7 pm,
WPC Hospitality Room,
764-6271
29 30 31
Senior Advisory Committee
Meeting, 10 am,
Teen Center, 764-6371
•Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. It is co-sponsored by Project Sunshine.
*'Ringer Public Library, 979-764-3416, www.bcslibrary.org
WEDNESDAY
4
1 1
1 8
................ SPR ING BREAK .
25
Ff-RRl A.RY 'lltJ'J
' ,\\ \">, I I ' l I ) ,,
tl <) \l ' ·.:
5 lf> 7 8 q 2l) !.
") L ...! ~ 24 " )ii !.7 -~
March 2009
THURSDAY
5
1 2
1 9
..........................................
26
A.l'Rll l{'J1'Jl)
' "" V\ l I ' I ' ' -H y ) > t
2 ! 4 1) h -18
'J --~.:.2~..'.4..'.;
.!b ! ... i8 21J H
FRIDAY SATURDAY
6 7
1 3 1 4
20 21
......
SPRING BEGINS
PERSIAN NEW YEAR
27 28
Waler Conservation
................................
............................
..........................
····························· ...........................
Phone: 979-764-3486 Fax: 979-764-3737 www.cstx.gov
Online Registration: https://parksweb.cstx.gov
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY
COLLEGE STATON
GOES GREEN! 'v\ . 'I 'v\ -l
' F ' : r ' F Energy Conservation l 0 -
........................................... I -l
'I l ································· -. -.................................. '<\ {I _ .. -., -....................................
······················
5 6 7
12 13 14
Parks & Recreation
Mk>
Advisory Board, 7 pm,
WPC Hospitality Room,
EASTER CSISD Student Holiday 764-6271
19 20 21
EARTH DAY
26 27 28
HR\
Senior Advisory Committee
Meeting, 10 am,
Teen Center, 764-6371
•Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. It is co-sponsored by Project Sunshine.
**Ringer Public Library, 979-764-3416, www.bcslibrary.org
WEDNESDAY
1
.
I
8
15
22
ADMINISTRATIVE
PROFESSIONALS DAY
29
( 1411 PRIL h ~1 y
1 un t """\!
April 2009
THURSDAY
2
9
PASSOVER
16
23
30
FRIDAY SATURDAY
3 4
10 11
All City Offices, CSISD
Closed
GOOD FRIDAY
1 7 18
24 25
Phone: 979-764-3486 Fax: 979-764-3737 www.cstx.gov
Online Registration: https://parksweb.cstx.gov
N trh lJY\t4..L ?> 1 lu.. l'AOV\-th .
f3 i lu... iii ~oil.\<.. w~et'-?? May 2009
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY
Waste Reduction
....................
.....................
·················· ........................
3 4 5
I I
10 11 12
~·,u, 1u~
Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board, 7 pm,
WPC Hospitality Room,
MOTHER'S DAY 764-6271
17 18 19
Senior Advisory Committee
Meeting, 10 am,
Teen Center, 764-6371
24 25 26
M'1> CSISD, City Offices, **RPL
& TAMU Closed, BISD (Bad
Weather Day)
All Waste Collected/No I 31 Recycling/No Make up
MEMORIAL DAY
•Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. It is co-sponsored by Project Sunshine.
**Ringer Public Library, 979-764-3416, www.bcslibrary.org
WEDNESDAY
\Pl{!L ~PP'
~ \I T \\ T ' ) I .\
h ) I
'I l (,
) 4 --
( . -'
6
13
~
20
27
THURSDAY
IL NL llHl'l
<; \I T \'\! T I )
l 4 ' " -I l'
.\ ) h -' I ~ 21 . 24 -.lh , ...
'I
7
I\. Wl
14
21
28
FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2
8 9
15 16
\3'\ Ill-tb
y.J 6"l.¥-
\)~
ARMED FORCES DAY
22 23
29 30
..
CSISD Ends
Phone: 979-764-3486 Fax: 979-764-3737 www.cstx.gov
Online Registration: httpsJ/parksweb.cstx.gov
'
~ City of College Station .f~-"4-·:~
~ Parks & Recreation Department'·; :@>Rl ·,.1
-. ~ati~na~ty ~ccredited \~~™:!.· Providing good thtngs 111 lite <>tncc 7 971 '" .... ~ .. • June 2009
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
'v1'\Y lll0'.1
s ~\ T V\ I F <;
, 4 ' I ')
11' I 2 I .
11 18 11> 2 l -!.! I)
24 r; 2(1 ... .., lH .!<J i
n
7
14
FLAG DAY
21
FATHER'S DAY
SUMMER BEGINS
28
1
8
15
22
29
Senior Advisory Committee
Meeting, 10 am,
Teen Center, 764-6371
2
9
Parks & Rec real ion
Advisory Board, 7 pm,
W PC Hospitality Room,
764-6271
16
23
30
•Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. II is co-sponsored by Project Sunshine.
.. Ringer Public Library, 979-764-3416, www.bcslibrary.org
3
10
17
24
IL 1 fll''I
'> 1 l \\ I '>
' 4 , , .. a ,)
...! .) <.I. l t -18
y ll _1 2! 1 1 _4 2)
.?b --2q 2CJ ~(\ 1
4
11
18
25
~ff EXIT
TEEN CENTER
764-6351
Grades 6-9
Summer Hours Mon-Thurs .......... 12 pm-7 pm
Fri ........................ 12pm-llpm
5
12
19
JUNETEENTH
26
Hurricane Season
Begins June 1
&
Ends November 30
764-6210
6 . ~~5
D~·
13
Juneteenth Parade, 10 am,
MLK St., Bryan
20
27
www.cstx.gov
Online Registration: httpsJ/parksweb.cstx.gov
July 2 009
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
5
Green Building/
Land Use
12
19
26
N 1119
' ' \'v F " .; ) f, -' I, 1;
1~ lb l·J 'Ii
! I 'l !_(, ,-
lK c l )
6
All City Offices Closed
13
20
27
Senior Advisory Committee
Meeting, 10 am,
Teen Center, 764-6371
7
A Ct ST 1i ,~!
) \I v T F s
I t l f I
J 11 I I_ l + I
(, 7 \ ) 'I ... 2:..
~:$ .24 l .!Ji • ' !(·) .!.Cl
:'iU .>
14
Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board, 7 pm,
WPC Hospitality Room,
764-6271
21
28
•Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. It 1s co-sponsored by Project Sunshine.
**Ringer Public Library, 979-764-3416, www.bcslibrary.org
1 2
8 9
15 16
22 23
29 30
3
10
17
24
31
4
INDEPENDENCE DAY
11
18
25
FLASH FLOOD A,';2 llt.
SAFETY:
Flash flooding '\..\O ~(ii
can occur ~Ii "'
with no warning.
Caution your children
not to play around
rising water in creeks,
764-6210.
Phone: 979-764-3486 Fax: 979-764-3737 www.cstx.gov
Online Registration: https://parksweb.cstx.gov
2
9
16
23
30
to obtain information on
non-emergency health,
human services and
disaster-related needs
operated locally by
United Way.
3
10
17
24
Senior Advisory Committee
Meeting, 10 am,
Teen Center, 764-637131
''CALL BEFORE YOU DIG!"
TEXAS ONE CALL
1-800-344-8377
A 48-hour notice is
required prior to an
excavation
4
11
Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board, 7 pm,
WPC Hospitality Room,
764-6271
18
25
• Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. It is co-sponsored by Project Sunshine.
.. Ringer Public Library, 979-764-3416, www.bcslibrary.org
August 2 009
WEDNE DAY THUR DAY ATURDAY
Air Quality ll l' 200')
<; \\ \'\ T I "
1 ' q
' f -Fi q
I 1 I 4 , 1
1 I ! I ~ 2
lJ H
5 6
12 13
19 20
26 27
7
'>I PIL'v\lll I< 21HJ'I
'>MTV\TI'~
; 4 '
1) 1
I I 14 1, I 1" 1< 'l
't .!. .! ' ) -'~ ~ '(
,-28 !. ~
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
Phone: 979-764-3486 Fax: 979-764-3737 www.cstx.gov
Online Registration: hupsJ/parksweb.cstx.gov
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY
Al 1;L 5T '·11J ( ,, L~ ) ' 1
S ~\ T \'\ T "
2 ~ 4 -h I -( 0
9 10 11 IL I , -I I , I l ' Jh 1-
,(, 1' ' 1 i 11 ... . -) ) } ... ~
~ ~ 24 ) !•J .!_7 ' _ I {() i
<) ll
6 7 I 8
Parks & Recreation
City Offices, **RPL Closed Advisory Board, 7 pm,
WPC Hospitality Room,
LABOR DAY 764-6271
13 14 15
20 21 22
AUTUMN BEGINS
27 28 29
Senior Advisory Committee
Meeting, 10 am,
Teen Cen ter, 764-6371
YOM KIPPUR
• Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. It 1s co-sponsored by Project Sunshine.
••Ringer Public Library, 979-764-3416, www.bcslibrary.org
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
2 3
9 10
16 17
23 24
30
FRIDAY SATURDAY
4 5
11 12 Kolache Festival,
Caldwell,
979-567-3218
PATRIOT DAY
18 19
ROSH HASHANAH
25 26
Phone: 979-764-3486 Fax: 979-764-3 737 www.cstx.gov
Online Registration: hllpsJ/parksweb.cstx.gov
~\(L \o ~dtru{ . .
Octobe r 2 009
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
t,1.~TIO-t 1 2 3 il(i~
College Station ?: ~ I'°' l -41~ k .21 t < ';( I \1lll ' ') oJ...,-t:
T \ ' Curbside Rec:rcli11g: t' . ' Alumi11u111/steel cans, I
glass, pfostic and I ~ ' new~paperlmagazilles ([re . -,, . ' ,, " being picked up once a '
week. 764-3690.
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2nd Annual
Weinerfest, Veterans
Park, animalshelter.org
f '\RT I ( f E \'\E ~ S( vV "0,.,
Buddy Walk
www.downsyndromeofbcs.
11 12 13
Parks & Recreation
Scarecrow Festival, Advisory Board, 7 pm,
Chappell Hill, Noon - 5 pm WPC Hospita lity Room,
979-836-6033 COLUMBUS DAY 764-6271
18 19 20
25 26 27
Senior Advisory Committee
Meeting, 10 am,
Teen Center, 764-6371
•Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. It 1s co-sponsored by Pro1ect Sunshine.
.. Ringer Public Library, 979-764-3416, www.bcslibrary.org
14 15
21 22
28 29
Scarecrow Festival,
Chappell Hill, 10 am - 6 pm
979-836-6033
16 17
NATIONAL BOSS DAY
23 24
UNITED NATIONS DAY
30 31
HALLOWEEN
Phone: 979-764-3486 Fax: 979-764-3737 www.cstx.gov
Online Registration: hllpsJ/parksweb.cstx.gov
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY
1 2 3
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
ENDS ELECTION DAY
8 9 10
15 16 17
Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board, 7 pm,
WPC Hospitality Room,
764-6271
22 23 24
29 30 0( TOHrR (
' ·" r '" T f ' 2
-l ) (, >i <) II
1 111 > 4 ) (, -
18 l'J .!O .!1 2-.!~ 14
Senior Advisory Committee .!5 .!.b 17 28 .!q H1
Meeting, 10 am,
Teen Center, 764-6371
•Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. It is co-sponsored by Project Sunshine.
**Ringer Public Library, 979-764-341 6, www.bcslibrary.org
Nove111ber 2009
WEDNESDAY
4
11
VETERANS' DAY
18
25 •
Christmas in the Park
Lights will come on
November 25 -January 2,
6-11 pm
DrU \.lflrR ' 111'l
S M T \'v T F ' I --l ' (, -8 9 Ill 11 12
l 1-l ) !h 17 l!! I'!
20 11 22 2 ~ 2..i r; 2<,
.!i 18 ...'.'l HI \I
THURSDAY
5
12
19
26
THANKSGIVING
FRIDAY SATURDAY
6 7
13 14
20 21
27 28
Phone: 979-764-3486 Fax: 979-764-3737 www.cstx.gov
Online Registration: https://parksweb.cstx.gov
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY
1 NC J\'I Ml IR 'Oll'I \!'< \ ' ~ ) [)
<; \I I ,., T I ' ' vi \\ r ' 2 I I ' h 1
') .!. • J I'
,.. ](, -'I IJ 2 "-• 1
_}. .! ) 14 ') ... (, ·-I ,, .! '4 -
( ~ . ) .1
6 7 8
Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board, 7 pm,
WPC Hospitality Room,
764-6271
13 14 15
20 21 22
WINTER BEGINS
27 28 29
•Challenger Sports are for youth with special needs. It 1s co-sponsored by Project Sunshine.
••Ringer Public Library, 979-764-3416, www.bcslibrary.org
December 2 009
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
2 3
Senior Computer Club
9 am, Carter Creek Training
Room, 764-6371
9 10
16 17
23 All Waste Collected, 2 4 No Waste Collected,
Recycling Collected I No Recycling/ I No Make-Up
City Oftices & **RPL Closed
CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS
30 31
NEW YEAR'S EVE
FRIDAY SATURDAY
4 5 Breakfast With Santa,
9 am -12 noon,
Lincoln, Center, 764-3779
.£. Christmas In The Park Holiday Ce lebration ~
, Central Park, 6:00 -8:30 pm, Visit Santa, '
Hayrides, Entertainment, Cookies & Hot Chocolate
11 12
..£.Christmas In The Park Holiday Celeb1ation ~
, Central Park, 6:00 -8:30 pm, Visit Santa,
Hayrides, Entertainment, Cookies & Hot Chocolat~
18 19
Senior Bridge 9 am,
Teen Center, 764-6371
25 26
Christmas Tree
Recycling
January 9, 2010
Noon -5 pm
Phone: 979-764-3486 Fax: 979-764-3737 www.cstx.gov
Online Registration: https://parksweb.cstx.gov
To:
From:
April 24, 2008
Regular Agenda
Appointment of Technical Task Force Green College Station
Glenn Brown, City Manager
Terry L. Childers, Deputy City Manager
Agenda Caption: Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding appointments
to Technical Task Force for Green College Station Action Plan.
Recommendation{s): Consider names suggested for appointment to Technical Task
Force.
Summary: The Council adopted the Green College Station resolution at their January 24,
2008. Part 3 of the resolution called for the appointment of a Technical Task Force to assist
the City Manager to develop the Green College Station Action Plan. The Council
subsequently asked the City Manager to identify a potential list of names for consideration
to appoint to the Task Force. The following names have been identified and have agreed to
serve if appointed by the Council:
Bahman Yazdani, PE, CEM
Ronald A Kaiser
Ming Han Li Ph.D., PE
Stella Woodward
Bruce Dvorak
Hugh Stearns
Robin L. Autenrieth, Ph.D., PE
Margrit Moores
The Task Force will serve through the completion of the Green College Station Action Plan.
In add ition to the persons suggested, it is recommended the green building component be
developed in conjunction with a subcommittee from CPAC. Many of the green building
components will need to be fully integrated with elements of the Comprehensive Plan
Update.
Budget & Financial Summary: None.
Attachments: List of Recommendations.
C1TY OF COLLEGE STAfION
Green College Station Discussion Grou,
Agenda
May 27, 2008
1. Action Plan Progress
a. Energy Conservation ·'"""'"~·~. b. Water Conservation llUUC\t(f\O'IN -~cMV"(...S. .
ottrJ..'?ttmc..J.,r \ t~~~ .1,,.. ~
c. Waste Reduction I~~~ J .\bi kit'!, I \i'l~~ >'-t
i. Purchasing Manual changes (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rebuy)
11.
d. Green Building/Land Use ....,
e. Air Quality/Transportation
i. ICLEI "Webinars" 5/29 & 5/30: climate protection software I carbon
footprint calculations
2. Green College Station Marketing I Branding
• Website
• Athletic events
3. Upcoming Events I Open Discussion
4. Adjourn
Milestones:
Task
Technical Advisory Committee Appointments
Plan element prospectus
Working Draft Plan element
Citizen Engagement Proposal
Presentation Action Plan to City Council
Due Date
4124108 **revised from 2128108**
5131108 **revised from 3131108**
6/30/08
9/15/08
10/23/08
Green College Station Action Plan Elements and
Technical Task Force Members:
Energy Conservation:
Staff Lead: David Massey
Task Force member(s): Bahman Yazdani
Staff member(s): Brian Henry
Jane Sayers
Water Conservation:
Staff Lead: Dave Coleman
Task Force member(s): Ronald A. Kaiser
Robin L. Autenrieth
Minq Han Li
Staff member(s): Jennifer Nations
Pete Lamont
Waste Reduction:
Staff Lead: Heather Woolwine
Task Force member(s): Margrit Moores
Staff member(s): Mark Smith
Sanitation Division
Shelia McQueen
Green Building I Land Use:
Staff Lead: Bob Cowell
Task Force member(s): Huqh Stearns
Bruce Dvorak
Staff member(s): Lance Simms
Mark Smith
Jennifer Nations
Chris Haver
Eric Barton
Air Quality I Transporation:
Staff Lead: Mark Smith
Task Force member(s): Stella Woodard
Bahman Yazdani
Staff member(s): Bob Cowell
David Massey
David Gwin
Green College Station Technical Advisory Team
Bahman Yazdani, P.E., C.E.M.
(energy efficiency, emissions reduction)
Associate Director
Energy Systems Laboratory
Texas A&M University System
3581 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-3581
979-862-277 5 (office)
979-862-2457 (fax)
979-575-7878 (cell)
byazdani@tamu.edu
Robin L. Autenrieth, Ph.D., P.E.
(water resources engineering, water
safety)
Environmental & Water Resources
Division Head
Department of Civil Engineering
979-845-3593 (office)
979-862-1542 (fax)
r-auteruieth@tamu.edu
Ronald A. Kaiser
(w ater issues)
Chai r, Graduate Water Program
Professor, Department of Recreation,
Park & Tourism Sciences
Texas A&M University
156 Francis Hall, Campus 2261
College Station, TX 77843-2261
979.845 .5 303 (office)
979.845.0446 (fax)
rkaiser@tamu.edu
Stella Woodard
(general interest)
979-845-5767 (office)
979-820-2608 (cell)
swoodard@ocean.tamu.edu
Ming Han Li, Ph.D., P.E., ASLA
(stormwater quality and management,
soil erosion, sediment control, and
landscaping)
Assistant Professor
Department of Landscape Architecture
and Urban Planning
Texas A&M University
Mail Stop 3731
College Station, TX 77843-3731
979-845-7571
minghan@tamu.edu
Bruce Dvorak
(green roofs, landscaping, "green" site
development, xeriscaping)
Assistant Professor
Department of Landscape Architecture
and Urban Planning
Texas A&M University
Mail Stop 3731
College Station, TX 77843-3731
979-845-101 9
bdvorak@archmail.tamu.edu
Hugh Stearns
(green construction)
Stearns Construction
316 Suffolk
College Station, TX 77840
979-696-0524 (office)
hugh@stearnsdesi gnbuild. com
Margrit Moores
(Solid/hazardous waste issues)
979-530-0238
margri t@suddenlink.net
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
l. Wind Power program:
a. Logo
b. Draft of wind PSA
Green College Station Discussion Group
Agenda
July l l, 2008
2. Reports from any Task Force subcommittees that have met
3. Update on prospectus completed I to be completed
4. Discussion on changes needed to City ordinances/policies to implement Green CS Action
Plan
5. Green College Station Marketing I Branding I Outreac h efforts
a. Marketing Plan
b. Website
c. "Sustainability Day" -TAMU, 10/22/08
d. 2009 Parks Calendar-green tips throughout the year
6. Citizen contacts
7. Open Discussion
8. Next meeting date I agenda items
9. Adjourn
G reen C II oe ge a1on c1on an St r A r Pl El emen s:
ENERGY WATER
Enerqy Efficiency Conservation
Renewable Reuse
Enerqy
Stormwater
Milestones
Technical Advisory Committee Appointments
Working Draft Action Plan
Progress report to City Council
Citizen Engagement Proposal
Present Green CS Action Plan to City Council
WASTE
Recyclinq
Hazardous Waste
Solid Waste
Date:
4/24/08
6/30/08
8/28/08
9/1 5/08
10/23/08
AIR
Air Quality
Transportation
Emissions
Reduction
GREEN BUILDING
Land Use
LEED standards
Open Space
Green College Station
Qollege Station City Council
December 13, 2007
Presentation Overview
• Overview of existing City resource
conservation programs
• Gap analysis
• Recommended Green College Station policy
Green College Station
Discussion Group
• Ric Ploeger, Interim Director PARO
• Bob Cowell, Director PDS
• Lance Simms, Assistant Director PARO
• David Massey, Director Electric Utility
• Brian Henry, Energy Auditor
• Dave Coleman, Director Water Utilities
• Jennifer Nations, Water Utilities
• Mark Smith, Director Public Works
• David Gwin, Director Economic and Community Development
• Ben Roper, Director IT
• Terry Childers, Deputy City Manager
Benefits of a Greener College
Station
• Saves Taxpayer Dollars
• Supports Local Economy and Creates Jobs
• Improves Quality of Life
• Fosters Legacy of Leadership
Existing Programs
• Energy Conservation
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Solid Waste Recycling
• Water Resources
Gap Analysis: Findings
What can we do to make existing programs
better?
• Need green energy component
• Need better defined goals for conservation
programs
• Need more aggressive public education
program
• Ensure that building codes don't impede
conservation
Proposed Policy Statement
"College Station is committed to
being a leader in resource conservation
and protection of our environment.
The Green College Station program
will express the City's commitment to
achieve resource conservation and
sustainability over the long-term."
Program Emphas is Areas
• Energy conservation and energy from
renewable resources;
• Water conservation and reuse;
• Reduction of solid and hazardous waste ;
• Changes to land use/green space and
building codes.
Plan of Action
·. ·~ ·"* ,, :~> • -·~.". _.", -~ .•. •, ' ._..._, ;;;....;.,·· ' :>
• ~; • " <.; ~3-· ~ : ~ -:-
• Promote Green College Station through:
-Aggressive public education programs
-Changes to ordinances
-Incentive programs
-Conservation rate structures
-Alternative waste reduction strategies
-Focus Comp Plan update around promoting open
space
Mu nicipal Lead ership
• Energy conservation in City facilities
• New and remodeled City facilities built to
LEED standards
• Hybrid vehicles in City fleet
• Water conservation in City facilities
Ci t izen Engageme nt
Suggestions to allow ci tizen input on green
strategies:
• Green College Station Advisory group
• Citizen Congress for green issues
• Community-wide public input sessions
Next Steps
• Council resolution establishing Green Policy
• Develop proposed Action Plan
• Citizen Engagement
• Presentation of Action Plan to Council
Conclusions