2010 VOLUNTEER GUIDE - Cool Cities - Energy Sustainabiltiy

8/9/2019 2010 VOLUNTEER GUIDE - Cool Cities - Energy Sustainabiltiy

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2010VOLUNTEER

GUIDEhttp://coolcitiesde.us


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COOL CITIES DELAWARE

ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY, ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ANDCLIMATE PROTECTION FOR ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

2010VOLUNTEER GUIDE

Revised March 1, 2010

Sierra ClubDelaware ChapterCool Cities Program

http://coolcitiesde.us

Prepared by Amy Roe and Ron Zink


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COOL CITIES DELAWARE 2010 VOLUNTEER GUIDE PAGE ii

Table of Contents

Campaign Background.................................................................................. 1

Program Objectives ............................................................................. 1Cool Cities............................................................................................ 2Cool Counties.......................................................................................2Delaware a State of Risk .................................................................. 3The Cool Cities Strategy...................................................................... 7U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement........................................ 8U.S. Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration ....................... 10

Delawares Cool Cities Program ................................................................. 13

Volunteer Opportunities .....................................................................14Step-by-Step Activism........................................................................14Program Materials.............................................................................. 16Cool Cities Benefits............................................................................17

Policies and Programs ................................................................................ 19

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ........................................ 19Green Buildings ................................................................................. 19Good Government .............................................................................20Land Use ............................................................................................20Open Space ....................................................................................... 20Transportation Planning..................................................................... 20Waste Reduction................................................................................ 21Water Conservation and Stormwater ................................................ 21

Financing Opportunities .............................................................................. 23

Energy Performance Contracting ...................................................... 23Tax-Exempt Lease-Purchase Agreements........................................ 23Short Payback for Efficiency Improvements...................................... 24

Cost of W aiting to make Efficiency Improvements ............................ 24Financing Renewable Energy Projects.............................................. 25Delawares Sustainable Energy Utility Energize Delaware............26

Vocabulary...................................................................................................27

Example Letters to Elected Officials ...........................................................29

Letter to Mayor ................................................................................... 29


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COOL CITIES DELAWARE 2010 VOLUNTEER GUIDE PAGE iii

Letter to City Council..........................................................................30

Regional Cool Cities....................................................................................31

Delaware ............................................................................................31Maryland ............................................................................................32

New Jersey ........................................................................................ 32Pennsylvania......................................................................................32


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COOL CITIES DELAWARE 2010 VOLUNTEER GUIDE PAGE 1

Campaign Background

Cool Cities is a national campaign of the SierraClub to that provides an opportunity for

volunteers to encourage their local governmentsto take real action to reduce their greenhousegas emissions by endorsing the U.S. MayorsClimate Protection Agreement and adoptingenergy sustainability, environmental stewardshipand climate protection policies and programs.

This Volunteer Guide is designed to assist volunteers throughout the stateto promote energy sustainability, environmental stewardship and climateprotection at the local level.

Program Objectives

The objectives of the Delaware Cool Cities Program are to:

1. Promote local energy sustainability, environmental stewardship andclimate protection. Through outreach, public education and localgovernment counseling and support, we encourage the adoption ofenergy sustainability, environmental stewardship and climate

protection measures at the local level. The U.S. Mayors ClimateProtection Agreement provides the foundation for this initiative.

2. Help every village, town and city. Delawares 57 villages, towns andcities represent 30% of our states population. Improving energy andenvironmental sustainability on the local level can dramaticallyimprove our environmental quality for present and future generations.

3. Encourage volunteer involvement in Cool Cities. We strive to createopportunities for Sierra Club members, as well as the public and

members of other organizations, to become involved in their localgovernments energy sustainability, environmental stewardship andclimate protection programs.


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Cool Cities

Cool Cities are villages, towns and cities that endorse the U.S. MayorsClimate Protection Agreement. This agreement was initiated by Seattle

Mayor Greg Nickels in 2005 to encourage local governments to reduceenergy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while promotingenvironmental stewardship. Since then, over 1000 U.S. cities have madethis commitment to energy sustainability, environmental stewardship andclimate protection.

The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement includes twelve actionitems: (1) greenhouse gas emissions inventory, reduction targets andclimate action plan; (2) land use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve openspace and create compact walk-able communities; (3) transportation

options such as bicycle trails, commuter reduction, carpooling and transit;(4) renewable energy programs; (5) energy efficiency in municipalbuildings; (6) Energy Star procurement policy; (7) land use planning andbuilding codes that promote energy efficiency; (8) increase the efficiency ofgovernment-owned vehicles; (9) water and wastewater pump efficiency;(10) recycling programs; (11) urban forests and habitat protection; and (12)public education and outreach.

Delaware's 57 villages, towns and cities represent 30% our state'spopulation. Improving energy and environmental policies on the local level

can dramatically improve our environmental quality.

An endorsement of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement is astatement in support of energy sustainability, environmental stewardshipand climate protection. Mayors need only sign the support signature page,which can be found in this handbook and on our website athttp://coolcitiesde.us.

Cool Counties

Cool Counties are counties that endorse the U.S. Counties ClimateStabilization Declaration. Cool Counties was launched in September2007 at the National Association of Counties County Climate ProtectionForum to provide best practices, tools and resources to assist counties inenergy sustainability, environmental stewardship and climate protectionpolicies and programs.


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Just as the Cool Cities Program encourages local governments to endorsethe U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, the Cool Counties Programencourages counties to endorse the U.S. Counties Climate StabilizationDeclaration.

Of the 3,066 counties in the United States, 42 have already adopted theU.S. Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration and have committed toaddress the challenges climate change poses to our communities.

Participating counties commit to:

1. reduce greenhouse gas contributions to climate change throughinternal operations;

2. demonstrate regional leadership to achieve climate stabilization and

protect communities;3. help communities become climate resilient;4. urge the federal government to support these efforts.

Delaware a State of Risk

Increasing energy consumption and our choice of fuels to supply ourhunger for energy are creating some of the most substantial environmentalrisks of the modern era. Air pollutants from our energy use, be it fromelectricity, natural gas and fuel oil for the building sector, or gasoline and

diesel fuel for the transportation sector, contribute to greenhouse gasemissions, particulates, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, mercury, andother hazardous pollutants.

Lowering energy consumption also reduces the amount of energy thatneeds to be mined or extracted, resulting in energy savings throughout theentire energy cycle. By saving energy through efficiency and conservationwe can reduce the water pollution and environmental destruction at coalmines and oil wells, air emissions from power plants and refineries, as wellas lower the need to store spent nuclear fuel.


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Delaware Average Electricity Fuel Resource Mix, 2008

The fuel resource mix of our electricity supply in Delaware in 2008 shows that weare heavily dependent on coal, which contributes to a variety of environmentalpollutants, including toxic and carcinogenic air pollutants, water pollution andecosystem destruction through the increasingly prevalent mining techniquecalled mountaintop removal.


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Climate Vulnerability and Responsibility: with 90 miles of coastline,Delaware is particularly vulnerable to climate change and the State ofDelaware is already planning for a rise in sea level. Anticipated effects ofclimate change include wetlands degradation, critical habitats and speciesloss, saltwater intrusion into groundwater and surface water, beachimpacts, agricultural and fishery impacts, flooding, and an increase instorms - all which could dramatically alter the quality of life forDelawareans.

While our coastal communities are most at risk, there are no communitiesin Delaware that are isolated from climate change. We all have aresponsibility to protect the climate by reducing our greenhouse gasemissions, conserving energy and adopting environmental stewardshipprograms that mitigate our risks. Climate protection initiatives protect

quality of life for present and future generations.

Cool Cities recognizes these responsibilities and the importance of localgovernments in improving environmental conditions, lowering energyconsumption and protecting the climate.

The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement assists local governmentswith identifying priorities, implementing policies and developing programsthat can reduce climate risks, while simultaneously improving access toservices and reducing financial burdens.

Air Quality: Burning fossil fuels decreases the quality of our air inDelaware. Poor air quality aggravates lung conditions and contributes to illhealth and chronic disease. The State of Delaware violates the Clean Actthrough non-attainment of criteria air pollutant goals for ozone and fineparticulates. Air quality is at its worst on hot summer days when heat andsunlight convert nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds that areemitted from burning fossil fuels into ozone. Ozone is an asthma triggerthat exacerbates respiratory disease and makes breathing more difficult.

Fine particulates are small particles 2.5 microns in size that penetrate deepinto lung tissue, contributing to cardiopulmonary and respiratory disease.


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The American Lung Association (2009) gives Delawares three counties the

following grades for ozone and particulate pollution:

New CastleCounty

KentCounty

SussexCounty

Ozone Grade F C FParticle Pollution Grade F C C

Populations vulnerable to respiratory disease in each of Delawares threecounties include (American Lung Association 2009):

New CastleCounty

KentCounty

SussexCounty

Pediatric Asthma 11,886 3,443 3,543Adult Asthma 38,081 10,629 13,228Chronic Bronchitis 17,023 4,713 6,465Emphysema 7,200 2,030 3,258Cardiovascular Disease 132,760 37,179 56,390

By reducing the amount of energy that we need to generate at power

plants, as well as lowering the emissions from government-owned vehicles,Cool Cities can assist local governments in improving the quality of the airin their own jurisdictions.

Inventorying greenhouse gas emissions and developing climate actionplans enable local governments to establish benchmarks to measureresults for their energy efficiency, environmental stewardship and climateprotection goals. By convening a citizens conservation advisorycommission, local governments can solicit the assistance of concerned andinvolved citizens who can recommend conservation initiatives and educateothers on energy efficiency, conservation and pollution reduction.

Energy efficiency and conservation protect our fragile environment,climate and health. We all have an important role in improving energy

sustainability, environmental stewardship and climate protection.Cool Cities Delaware Volunteers bring this message to our local

governments and encourage changes to benefit earth.


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The Cool Cities Strategy

The Cool Cities strategy is to use the U.S. Mayors Climate ProtectionAgreement to achieve two important goals: 1). Get cities (and eventually

states and the federal government) to take action with smart energysolutions that reduce global warming emissions, and 2) Energize, supportand build local volunteer activism and influence, both inside and outside theSierra Club.

Accordingly, each local Cool Cities campaign has two major overlappinggoals, one environmental and the other organizational.

On the environmental side, your primary goal is to have your city implementmeaningful smart energy solutions (cleaner vehicles, energy efficiency and

renewables) which result in measurable reductions of global warmingpollution.

Successful local Cool City campaigns build public demand for clean energysolutions and turn mayors and other local officials into clean energyadvocates. As more cities in your state sign the Mayors agreement, publicsupport for statewide action (e.g. climate protection plan, renewableportfolio, clean car, and appliance efficiency standards, etc) will increase.And as more states move forward, the federal government will be forced toact more responsibly to curb global warming.

The organizational goal for your local Cool City campaign is as importantas conservation victories: Attract, engage and empower more local long-term volunteer activists and form stronger partnerships across yourcommunity.

By establishing and deepening a positive working relationship with yourmayor and local government, and through coalition work with traditionaland non-traditional partner organizations (environmental, labor, faith,business), your local Cool Cities campaign will build power and influencefor your group. In this way, you will increase your capacity to tackle larger

conservation and organizational goals in the future.1

1Excerpt from Sierra Club Cool Cities Campaign Activist Toolkit (April 2006, page 5) available online at

http://www.coolcities.us/resources/activistTools/CoolCities_ActivistToolkit.pdf


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U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement

This agreement was initiated by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels in 2005 to encourage localgovernments to make commitments to adopt policies that reduce energy consumptionand greenhouse gas emissions while promoting environmental stewardship. Over 1000

U.S. cities have already signed on to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

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A. We urge the federal government and state governments to enactpolicies and programs to meet or beat the target of reducing globalwarming pollution levels to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012, includingefforts to: reduce the United States dependence on fossil fuels andaccelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources andfuel-efficient technologies such as conservation, methane recovery for

energy generation, waste to energy, wind and solar energy, fuel cells,efficient motor vehicles, and biofuels;

B. We urge the U.S. Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reductionlegislation that 1) includes clear timetables and emissions limits and 2) aflexible, market-based system of tradable allowances among emittingindustries; and

C. We will strive to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducingglobal warming pollution by taking actions in our own operations and

communities such as:

1. Inventory global warming emissions in City operations and in thecommunity, set reduction targets and create an action plan.

2. Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserveopen space, and create compact, walkable urban communities;

3. Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute tripreduction programs, incentives for car pooling and public transit;

4. Increase the use of clean, alternative energy by, for example,investing in green tags, advocating for the development ofrenewable energy resources, recovering landfill methane for energyproduction, and supporting the use of waste to energy technology;


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5. Make energy efficiency a priority through building codeimprovements, retrofitting city facilities with energy efficient lightingand urging employees to conserve energy and save money;

6. Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for City use;

7. Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S.Green Building Council's LEED program or a similar system;

8. Increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles;reduce the number of vehicles; launch an employee educationprogram including anti-idling messages; convert diesel vehicles tobio-diesel;

9. Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water andwastewater systems; recover wastewater treatment methane forenergy production;

10. Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community;

11. Maintain healthy urban forests; promote tree planting to increaseshading and to absorb CO2; and

12. Help educate the public, schools, other jurisdictions, professional

associations, business and industry about reducing global warmingpollution.

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Cool Cities encourages local governments to commit to energysustainability, environmental stewardship and climate protection by

endorsing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

This commitment is a first step in the relationship between local

governments and Cool Cities volunteers, as policies and programsare developed, expanded and improved.


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U.S. Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration

WHEREAS, there is a consensus among the world's leading scientists thatglobal warming caused by human emission of greenhouse gases is amongthe most significant problems facing the world today;

WHEREAS, documented impacts of global warming include but are notlimited to increased occurrences of extreme weather events (i.e., droughtsand floods), adverse impacts on plants and wildlife habitats, threats toglobal food and water supplies all of which have an economic impact oncommunities and their local governments;

WHEREAS, leading scientists have projected that stabilization of climatechange in time to minimize such impacts will require a reduction of global

warming emissions to 80 percent below current levels by the year 2050;

WHEREAS, currently the United States is responsible for producingapproximately 25 percent of the worlds global warming pollutants;

WHEREAS, many leading U.S. companies that have adopted greenhousegas reduction programs to demonstrate corporate and operationalresponsibility have also publicly expressed preference for the federalgovernment to adopt precise and mandatory emissions targets andtimetables as a means by which to provide a uniform and predictableregulatory environment to encourage and enable necessary and long-termbusiness investments;

WHEREAS, state, regional and local governments throughout the UnitedStates are adopting emissions reduction targets and programs and that thiseffort is bipartisan, coming from Republican and Democratic leadership;

WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has endorsed the U.S. MayorsClimate Protection Agreement, which commits cities to reduction of global

warming emissions to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012, and calls for afederal limit on emissions;

WHEREAS, the State of California has mandated statewide reduction ofgreenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2 050;


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WHEREAS, more than 100 county leaders signed a letter written by DaneCounty, Wisconsin, that was sent to the President in March 2006 calling forincreased energy investment and development of jobs focused on cleanenergy technologies;

WHEREAS, counties have a unique role to play in reducing greenhousegas emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change throughtheir regional jurisdiction over policy areas such as air quality, land useplanning, transportation, zoning, forest preservation, water conservation,and wastewater and solid waste management;

WHEREAS, the economic arguments for implementing climate solutionsare compelling, from the near-term economic gains of energy efficiency tothe long-term climate stabilization that can prevent irreparable harm from

catastrophic climate change impacts;

WHEREAS, many counties throughout the nation, both large and small,are reducing global warming pollutants through programs that provideeconomic and quality of life benefits such as reducing en ergy bills,preserving green space, implementing better land use policies, improvingair quality, promoting waste-to-energy programs, expanding transportationand work choices to reduce traffic congestion, and fostering moreeconomic development and job cr eation through energy conservation andnew technologies;

NOW, THEREFORE WE DECLARE,

We as Cool Counties will take immediate steps to help the federal, state,and our governments within our county to achieve the 2050 climatestabilization goal by making the following commitments:

i. Create an inventory of our county government (operational) greenhousegas (GHG) emissions and implement policies, programs and operations

to achieve significant, measurable and sustainable reduction of thoseoperational GHG emissions to help contribute to the regional reductiontargets as identified in paragraph ii;

ii. Work closely with local, state, and federal governments and otherleaders to reduce county geographical GHG emissions to 80 percent belowcurrent levels by 2050, by developing a GHG emissions inventory and


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regional plan that establishes short-, mid-, and long-term GHG reductiontargets, with recommended goals to stop increasing emissions by 2010,and to achieve a 10 percent reduction every five years thereaft er through to2050.

iii. Urge Congress and the Administration to enact a multi-sector nationalprogram of requirements, market-based limits, and incentives for reducingGHG emissions to 80 percent below current levels by 2050. UrgeCongress and the Administration to strengthen standards by enactinglegislation such as a Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standardthat achieves at least 35 miles per gallon (mpg) within 10 years for carsand light trucks.

We will take immediate steps to identify regional climate change impacts;

we will draft and implement a county plan to prepare for and build resilienceto those impacts.


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Delawares Cool Cities Program

The Delaware Chapter of the Sierra Clubs Cool Cities Program providesvolunteer training and outreach to the public, professionals and municipal

governments to encourage energy sustainability and environmentalprotection at the local level.

Delawares 57 villages, towns and cities in our 3 counties represent 30% ofour states population. Improving energy and environmental sustainabilityon the local level can dramatically improve our environmental quality.

Through the efforts of volunteers and local governments, the DelawareCool Cities Program can assist all local governments in Delaware, largeand small, to embark on the path of sustainability, reduce their energy

consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and protect the environmentwhile saving money and creating local jobs.

Delawares Cool Cities Program provides opportunities for volunteers to getinvolved in a variety of activities, including meeting with local governments,calling and writing letters to elected officials, developing program materials,fundraising, participating in public events, publicizing sustainability effortsthrough letters to the editor of local newspapers, coordinating withcommunity partners and increasing public awareness of the importance ofenergy sustainability, environmental stewardship and climate protection.

If you would like to become involved, contact the Chairman of Cool CitiesDelaware:

Ron Zink28 Winged Foot Road

Dover, DE 19904

[email protected](302) 735-8996


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Volunteer Opportunities

Cool Cities Delaware Committee has the following volunteer opportunities:

Local Government Outreach

Sierra Club Membership Outreach

Volunteer Training

Annual Conference

Fundraising

Publicity and Media

Research and Materials Development

Website Development

Monthly Newsletter

Tabling and Special Events

Annual Survey

Step-by-Step Activism

Step 1. Join Cool Cities Delaware.

Step 2. Volunteer Training. Learn what Cool Cities is all about so that youcan effectively communicate the goals of this effort with local governments,other volunteers and the public at large.

Step 3. Local Government Outreach. In order to endorse the U.S. MayorsClimate Protection Agreement and adopt energy sustainability,environmental stewardship and climate protection programs, localgovernments will need pressure and support from their constituents. Localoutreach teams comprised of community members and volunteers canaddress the unique needs of each jurisdiction, conduct outreach and buildpartnerships with other organizations.

Step 4. Research Your Community. Find out what actions in your

community are already being done, and how these actions fit within theobjectives of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. You will wantto celebrate these actions, no matter how slight, since they are thefoundation upon which your city can build, and they will help you determinewhat kinds of solutions make sense to ask for


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Step 5. Connect with Your Local Government. Analyze how yourgovernment works and get to know your mayor and other key decisionmakers. Participate in government events, speak at public meetings andmeet with your elected officials so that they understand the importance ofyour concerns.

Step 6. Publicity. Organize public meetings in your community to educateothers on the importance of energy sustainability, environmentalstewardship and climate protection. Cool Cities Delaware has developedmaterials and visual aids for your use at these meetings.

Step 7. Ask for the Endorsement. Convince your local government toendorse the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Continue to applypressure your local government for the endorsement.

Step 8. Hold your Local Government Accountable. Once your localgovernment endorses the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, theywill need public input and assistance in developing programs. Your localteam will be critical in a continued effort towards action and accountability.

Step 10. Stay Organized. Coordination between Cool Cities Delaware,volunteers and local governments is critical to the long term success ofenergy sustainability, environmental stewardship and climate protection.The keys to keeping the momentum of your local Cool City campaign

moving forward are to stay involved in your citys energy solution decision-making process, and to communicate regularly with fellow volunteers andpartners.

If you were able to arrange for a representative from your campaign toparticipate in your citys conservation advisory commission, make sure thatyou distribute progress reports and meeting notes widely. Reports ofspecific successes are particularly important to keeping people motivated,as is celebrating these accomplishments. Keep up public exposurethrough a newsletter, tabling and participation in public events, submissionsto the local newspaper, and making presentations to community groups.

Your campaign should also try to enlist your mayor to become an advocateto other mayors in your state. Ask your mayor for a letter that urges othermayors to sign on the Mayors agreement and to adopt the money and


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energy-saving solutions that are proving successful in your city. Successbreeds success!

2

The success of local government energy sustainability, environmentalstewardship and climate protection initiatives depends upon the

involvement of citizen volunteers. We play an important role in thefuture health of our communities and the vitality of our planet.

Program Materials

Cool Cities Delaware has developed support materials to assist volunteersand local governments.

1. Cool Cities Delaware Website http://coolcitiesde.us has a variety ofmaterials, including a resource library, funding opportunities, bestmanagement practices, and details on the U.S. Mayors ClimateProtection Agreement. All of the program materials described in thisVolunteer Guide are available for download on the website.

2. Cool Cities Delaware Handbook this

resource is designed to assist localgovernments with understanding theU.S. Mayors Climate ProtectionAgreement and evaluating theirenergy sustainability, environmentalstewardship and climate protectionprograms.

3. Cool Cities Delaware Factsheet abrief overview of Cool Cities and an

introduction to the U.S. MayorsClimate Protection Agreement.

2 Excerpts from Sierra Club Cool Cities Campaign Activist Toolkit (April 2006, pages 8-15) availableonline at http://www.coolcities.us/resources/activistTools/CoolCities_ActivistToolkit.pdf


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Cool Cities Benefits

There are numerous financial, environmental and climate benefits to CoolCities, including:

Reduce operating expenses and save tax-payer money: Localgovernments can save on the energy used to heat, cool and lightbuildings, fuel vehicles, support computers and communicationssystems, light streets, assist police and engage in the many publicservices provided to residents, businesses, schools and communityorganizations.

Shovel-ready grant proposals: A carbon emissions inventory andclimate action plan enables local governments to have thebackground research at the ready to prioritize energy sustainability,

environmental stewardship and climate protection efforts. Improve building stock: Buildings are a legacy for future

generations. Improvement in building standards for energy efficiencyand their enforcement can promote long-term energy sustainabilityand climate protection.

Healthy communities: Local governments often have the authorityto adopt land use policies that reduce sprawl, protect open space andmaintain urban forests and wetlands, as well as promote walk-ableand bike-able communities. Such community infrastructuredevelopments as streets and sidewalks are among the mostimportant services that local governments provide.

Create green jobs: Local investment in renewable energy, energyefficiency and conservation, green buildings, alternativetransportation, and sustainability creates markets for local green jobgrowth.

Waste reduction: Recycling and composting reduces waste whilelowering tipping fees, which can lead to substantial savings in wastetransport and disposal.

Parkland and open space: Parklands are opportunities for local

governments to reduce their maintenance costs and improveenvironmental quality by planting and protecting trees. Trees offervaluable storage for greenhouse gasses, as well as habitats,stormwater retention and other environmental benefits. By reducingmowing in park areas, fuel costs and pollution emissions can bereduced.


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Water and stormwater: Water conservation and stormwaterprotection can reduce the overall operating expenses of localgovernments while promoting the sustainability of our waterresources. Delaware has experienced several droughts and serious

floods in the past decade. Through conservation-based planning,local governments and communities can reduce their water useneeds during droughts and limit their stormwater runoff to preventfloods.

Lower energy burdens: Energy burden, the percentage of incomethat is spent on energy, is particularly high for low-income families,disabled residents and senior citizens. Helping families andbusinesses to reduce their energy use can dramatically improve theirfinancial situation and living conditions.

Renewable energy: Distributed or consumer-sited renewable

energy is coming down in price, gaining in popularity, and has thepotential to produce tremendous environmental benefits by reducingtransmission loss, lowering peak load, and reducing our dependenceon fossil fuels and nuclear power. Local governments can promotegovernment-, commercial- and residential-owned renewable energyand purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) to improve theirrenewable portfolio.

Pollution reduction: Reducing our energy use through efficiencyand conservation lowers the pollution to mine, extract, transport,

refine and generate energy from these fuels. Improved air quality: Fewer air emissions at power plants and from

vehicles and equipment improves air quality in communities andguards against asthma and respiratory triggers and acid rain. Wecan all benefit from cleaner air and breathe a little easier.

Measurable results: Greenhouse gas emissions inventory enablesa method for effectively measuring the impacts of government actionsto reduce energy consumption and improve energy sustainability,environmental stewardship and climate protection.


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Policies and Programs

A wide variety of policies and program alternatives are available for localgovernments to improve their energy sustainability, environmental

stewardship and climate protection efforts.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Strategic energy plan for your village, town or city Energy efficient street lighting Energy efficient water and/or wastewater pumping Energy efficiency and conservation advancement program for

families and businesses Compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) recycling

Government-owned distributed renewable energy (solar, wind,geothermal)

Purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) Grant or revolving loan program to help families and businesses

install distributed renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal), suchas the Green Energy Fund

Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard for government-owned electricutilities, which sets targets for an increasing percentage of renewableenergy over the next decade

For government-owned electric utilities, interconnection and netmetering policy to encourage consumer-sited renewable energy

Green Buildings

Incorporate energy efficiency in residential, commercial and industrialbuildings (for example LEED building standards)

Energy efficient lighting in government-owned buildings Buy only Energy Star rated appliances and electronics Conduct an energy audit of government-owned buildings

Weatherize government-owned buildings Programmable thermostats in government-owned buildings Heating and cooling systems upgraded to more efficient models in

government-owned buildings


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Good Government

Establish a conservation advisory commission to guide governmentdecisions on the areas of energy and the environment

Educate government officials and employees on the importance ofenergy sustainability, environmental stewardship and climateprotection

Promote community, school and business outreach to protect theenvironment and use less energy

Offer flexible time, compressed work week and/or staggered workhours for city employees, where appropriate

Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Climate Action Plan Evaluate greenhouse gas emissions from government operations and

set targets to reduce those emissions

Land Use

Comprehensive land use development strategic plan for your village,town or city

Promote mixed-use development and incorporate language intodevelopment plans, building codes and ordinances to encouragecompact development and a mix of residential, commercial and officespace

Open Space

Promote tree and wetlands preservation and tree planting efforts Establish tree cover goals and minimum tree cover thresholds for

new developments in the building code Protect and preserve natural areas Encourage the use of conservation easements to protect farmland

and open space Plant and protect trees in all government-owned parks

Reduce mowing in government-owned parks and open spaces

Transportation Planning

Develop a transportation strategic plan for your village, town or city Promote transit-oriented development


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Consider fuel efficiency when replacing a government-owned vehicle(for example, alternative fuel vehicles, hybrid vehicles and/or smallervehicles)

Consider reducing the number of government-owned vehicles Provide commuter incentives to city employees, including carpooling

and use of public transportation Establish an anti-idling ordinance Promote public transportation by encouraging the use of public

transit, providing incentives, car-sharing and carpooling, shelters atbus stops, etc.

Encourage the use of alternative fuel vehicles Implement a complete streets approach to new infrastructure Locate public facilities near public transit Improve sidewalks and bicycle paths

Increase access to bicycle parking in apartment complexes andcommercial areas

Waste Reduction

Solid-waste reduction plan Recycling in government-owned buildings Curbside recycling for residents and businesses Composting or mulching program for yard waste Procurement policy for purchasing only recycled-content paper

materials Backyard composting / grasscycling program Consumer education program for waste reduction, recycling and

composting

Water Conservation and Stormwater

Water conservation and stormwater strategic plan Promote residential, commercial and industrial water conservation

Establish a water conservation-oriented rate structure forgovernment-owned water utilities, such as seasonal rates andinclining block rates

Establish a stormwater utility to finance stormwater managementefforts


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Adopt outdoor water conservation best management practices toreduce water consumption, such as native species, drought tolerantplants and mulching

Vegetation buffers (50-100 feet) along all rivers, creeks, streams andwetlands

Encourage the use of rain gardens and rain barrels Minimize area of impervious cover and use porous pavement

wherever possible Encourage the use of porous pavement for residential and

commercial driveways and parking lots Protect sensitive watershed areas and special value features Direct flow from impervious surfaces onto pervious areas (i.e.,

disconnect impervious surfaces) Maximize tree canopy over impervious areas (pavement, sidewalks,

buildings) Install green roofs on government buildings and encourage green

roofs on commercial and industrial buildings


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Financing Opportunities

Local governments can afford to make energy efficiency improvementsnow! Indeed, we cannot afford to wait.

There are a variety of financing opportunities that enable immediate actionto reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Thefollowing financing options are well established and utilized by localgovernments for this purpose.

Energy Performance Contracting

One of the most popular financing mechanisms for energy efficiencyimprovements, energy performance contracting enables local governments

to bundle energy savings guarantees with the purchase of efficiencyupgrades by contracting with an Energy Service Company (ESCo). Localgovernments then return this investment out of the amount of money thatthey save through reduced energy consumption, based upon theguaranteed energy savings of their contract.

For more information on energy performance contracting, consult the EPAfactsheets Easy Access to Energy Improvement Funds in the PublicSector and Innovative Financing Solutions: Finding Money for yourEnergy Efficiency Projects located in the Cool Cities Delaware

Resource Library at http://coolcitiesde.us/library.html#financing

Tax-Exempt Lease-Purchase Agreements

This common public sector financing alternative enables repayment ofenergy efficiency investments from operating expense dollars instead ofcapital expense dollars. By allowing local governments to pay for energyupgrades through money already set aside in annual utility budgets, tax-exempt lease purchase agreements are not considered debt and enable

savings from future utility bills to pay for new, energy-efficient equipmenttoday.

For more information on tax-exempt lease-purchase, consult the EPAfactsheet Innovative Financing Solutions: Finding Money for yourEnergy Efficiency Projects located in the Cool Cities DelawareResource Library at http://coolcitiesde.us/library.html#financing


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Short Payback for Efficiency Improvements

Local governments use energy to heat, cool and light buildings, fuelvehicles, support computers and communications systems, light streets,assist police and engage in the many public services provided to residents,businesses, schools and community organizations. When localgovernments reduce the amount of energy that they need to provideservices, they are able to save money and reduce their vulnerability torising energy costs. Often, investments in energy efficiency can pay forthemselves in the amount of energy that they save in a short period of time.Reduced energy costs enable local governments to use their revenue toimprove other services or make new investments in infrastructure.

The following energy efficiency improvements can return short payback on

investment and should be encouraged:

Replace conventional street lights with high-efficiency light emittingdiode (LED)

Increased efficiency of water and wastewater pumps

Retrofit lighting

Weatherization

Energy Star Appliances

Fuel Efficient Vehicles

For more information on using short payback periods to encourage energyefficiency improvements, consult Cool Cities factsheet Cool Ca$hlocated in the Cool Cities Delaware Resource Library athttp://coolcitiesde.us/library.html#financing

Cost of Waiting to make Efficiency Improvements

Given the recent increases in energy costs, local governments cannotafford to delay making energy efficiency improvements.

The Environmental Protection Agency has created several tools that assistlocal governments in determining the financial metrics of energy efficiencyimprovements. These tools are located in the Cool Cities DelawareResource Library at http://coolcitiesde.us/library.html#financing


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Building Upgrade Value Calculator: calculate the financial impactin energy efficiency investment.

Cash Flow Opportunity Calculator: determine how much energyefficiency equipment can be purchased from anticipated savings, theappropriate timing for efficiency improvements (now or in futurebudgets), and if money is being lost by waiting for a lower interestrate.

Financing Renewable Energy Projects

While the upfront costs are often seen as a barrier to local renewableenergy projects, local governments can afford to install distributedrenewable energy, such as solar photovoltaics (solar panels).

The Dover Sun Park, currently being constructed in Dover, Delaware, is anexample of how a local government partnership with non-governmententities enabled creative financing opportunities. The City of Doverdemonstrates how to make distributed renewable energy a reality.

For more information on financing renewable energy projects for localgovernments, the following resources are available in the Cool CitiesDelaware Resource library at http://coolcitiesde.us/library.html#renewable

Center for Energy and Environmental Policy (CEEP), 2009. Creating aSolar City: Determining the Potential of Solar Rooftop Systems in theCity of Newark.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2009. Financing Non-ResidentialPhotovoltaic Projects: Options and Implications.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 2008. Solar PhotovoltaicFinancing: Deployment on Public Property by State and LocalGovernments.


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Delawares Sustainable Energy Utility Energize Delaware

The Delaware Legislatureestablished the SustainableEnergy Utility to providefinancing mechanisms for energysavings and distributedrenewable energy projects. Thisprogram currently offers anEnergy Performance ContractingProgram for local governments.

Energy Performance Contracting Program: provides acomprehensive approach to assess energy use and toimplement energy and water efficiency improvement projects byproviding contractual and financing mechanisms to execute theupgrades with minimal financial risk.

The Performance Contracting Program uses long-term utilitycost savings derived from implementation of the projects tofund the improvements.

Pre-Certified Energy Services Contractors (ESCOs) executethe Performance Contracting Program, offering guaranteedenergy savings which cover annual payments for project costs,usually over a contract terms of 10 to 15 years.

To learn more about the SEUs Performance ContractingProgram, contact your Energize Delaware representativetoday at (302) 504-3077 and visit them online athttp://www.energizedelaware.org


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Vocabulary

Energy and environmental policy involves terms that volunteers may not befamiliar with. The following list includes frequently-used terms and their

meanings.

Climate Action Plan: a strategy to improve energy efficiency, reducegreenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate change.

Climate Change: any significant change in the earths climate, includingtemperature and precipitation, that lasts for an extended period of time.Climate change may result from natural factors and processes, as well ashuman activities that change the atmosphere's composition, including therelease of excessive amounts of greenhouse gasses.

Complete Streets: transportation policy and design approach thatimproves the livability of communities through integrated transportationplanning for all roadway users to insure safety and access for pedestrians,bicyclists and public transportation.

Energy Conservation: changing behaviors to intentionally reduce theamount of energy used. Examples include shutting off the lights when youleave a room.

Energy Efficiency: using technologies that require less energy to providethe same amount of services. Examples include using compact fluorescentlight bulbs (CFL), that require 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs toproduce the same amount of light.

Energy Star: a U.S. government program that establishes guidelines torecognize the energy efficiency of various products, including appliancesand electronics.

Global Warming: an average increase in the temperature of theatmosphere, which can contribute to changes in global climate patterns.

Global Warming Emissions Inventory: a detailed accounting of theemissions of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

Greenhouse Gas: gasses that trap heat in the earths atmosphere,including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane.


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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory: a detailed accounting of theemissions of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

Green Building: a building constructed according to design standards forenergy and resource efficiency.

Green Jobs: jobs that contribute to energy sustainability, environmentalstewardship and climate protection, including energy efficiencyimprovements, weatherization, renewable energy installation andmaintenance,

Green Tag: also known as a Renewable Energy Credits (REC), a tradablecommodity that represents the renewable attributes of 1 megawatt hour(MWh) of electricity generated from an eligible renewable energy resource.

LEED: Leadership in Energy Efficient Design, a green building certificationsystem developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Renewable Energy: energy generated from natural sources which arenaturally replenished, including sunlight, wind and geothermal.

Renewable Energy Credit (REC): a tradable commodity that representsthe renewable attributes of 1 megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity generatedfrom an eligible renewable energy resource.

Weatherization: protecting the interior of a building from weather toimprove indoor comfort, especially from heat in the summer and cold in thewinter. Weatherization measures include insulation, air sealing andweatherstripping, and can dramatically reduce the amount of energyrequired to heat and cool a building.


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Example Letters to Elected Officials

Letter to Mayor

Dear Mayor _____(name):

I am writing to ask you to sign onto the U.S. Mayors Climate ProtectionAgreement. Since the agreement was initiated by Seattle Mayor GregNickels in 2005, over 1000 mayors nationwide have pledged to reduce theirnegative impacts on our climate through energy sustainability andenvironmental stewardship policies and programs. In Delaware, the citiesof Dover and Wilmington have already made this commitment and areexperiencing many benefits.

Local governments large and small are putting into place practical, cost-effective local energy solutions. These include weatherization and energyefficiency of municipal buildings, energy efficient street lighting, investing inrenewable energy and improving the fuel economy of government-ownedvehicles. These local strategies are already saving taxpayer dollars andimproving public health by reducing energy waste and pollution.

I urge you to consider signing on to the Mayors Agreement and to beginformulating a comprehensive energy savings plan for our city. I amconfident that there are a number of your constituents in our community

that would support you in this endeavor.

For more information on the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, Iurge you to refer to the Cool Cities Delaware webpage athttp://coolcitiesde.us. This website was developed by volunteers to assistlocal governments like ours in developing energy sustainability,environmental stewardship and climate protection policies and programs.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Respectfully,

_____________(your name)_____________(your address)_____________(your telephone number)_____________(your email address)


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Letter to City Council

Dear Councilman/woman _____(name):

I am writing to ask you to support energy sustainability, environmental

stewardship and climate protection in our local government by encouragingour Mayor to sign onto the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.Since the agreement was initiated by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels in 2005,over 1000 local governments nationwide have pledged to reduce theirnegative impacts on our climate through energy reduction andenvironmental protection policies and programs. In Delaware, the cities ofDover and Wilmington have already made this commitment and areexperiencing many benefits.

Local governments large and small are putting into place practical, cost-effective local energy solutions. These include weatherization and energyefficiency of municipal buildings, energy efficient street lighting, investing inrenewable energy and improving the fuel economy of government-ownedvehicles. These local strategies are already saving taxpayer dollars andimproving public health by reducing energy waste and pollution.

I urge you to support our joining the Mayors Agreement and to beginformulating a comprehensive energy savings plan for our city. I amconfident that there are a number of your constituents in our community

that would support you in this endeavor.

For more information on the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, Iurge you to refer to the Cool Cities Delaware webpage athttp://coolcitiesde.us. This website was developed by volunteers to assistlocal governments like ours in developing energy sustainability,environmental stewardship and climate protection policies and programs.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Respectfully,

_____________(your name)_____________(your address)_____________(your telephone number)_____________(your email address)


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Regional Cool Cities

Delaware

The following localgovernments have alreadyendorsed the U.S. MayorsClimate ProtectionAgreement:

Dover: April 9, 2007Newark: Feb 22, 2010

Wilmington: 2005

Delaware has 54 othervillages, towns and citiesthat have not yet made thecommitment to reduce theirgovernments carbonfootprint by signing the U.S.Mayors Climate ProtectionAgreement.

To date, no counties haveendorsed the U.S. CountiesClimate StabilizationDeclaration.


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Maryland

1. Annapolis2. Baltimore3. Brentwood

4. Brunswick5. Chestertown6. Chevy Chase

7. Edmonston8. Gaithersburg9. Hyattsville

10.Kensington11.Rockville12.Salisbury

13.Sykesville14.Takoma Park15.Anne Arundel

County16.Montgomery

County

17.Queen AnneCounty

New Jersey

1. AlexandriaTownship

2. Asbury Park3. Atlantic City4. Atlantic

Highlands5. Bayonne6. Belmar7. Berkeley

Township8. Bloomfield9. Brick Township10.Buena Vista

Township11.Caldwell12.Cliffside Park

Borough13.Closter14. Cranbury

Township15. Cranford16.Demarest17.East Orange18.Elizabeth19.Elk Township

20.Englewood21.Ewing22.Fair Lawn23.Franklin

Township24.Frelinghuysen

Township25.Galloway

Township26.Gloucester27.Greenwich

Township28.Hamburg29.Hamilton30.Hanover31.Harworth32.Highland Park33.Hightstown34.Hope35.Hopewell

Borough36.Hopewell

Township37.Irvington38.Jersey City

39.Kearny40.Lake Como41.Linwood42.Livingston43.Long Beach

Township44.Long Branch45.Long Hill

Township46.Longport47.Madison48.Mantua

Township49.Maple Shade50.Matawan51.Middletown52.Montclair53.Neptune54.New Milford55.Newark56.Ocean City57.Ocean Gate58.Oradell59.Pennington60.Pine Hill

61.Piscataway62. Pittsgrove63.Plainfield64.Plumstead

Township65.Point Pleasant66.Rahway67.Ringwood68.River Edge69. Riverside70.Robbinsville71.Runnemede72.Somerville73.South Orange74.Summit75.Teaneck76.Township of Elk77.Township of

Toms River78.Trenton79.Union80.West Milford81.West Orange82.West Windsor83.Westfield

Pennsylvania

1. Allentown2. Bethlehem3. Braddock4. Easton5. Erie

6. Forest Hills7. Harrisburg8. Kutztown9. Makefield

10.Lower MakefieldTownship

11.Mount Lebanon12.Oxford13.Philadelphia

14.Pittsburgh15.Reading16.Scranton17.Wilkes Barre18.York

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2010 VOLUNTEER GUIDE - Cool Cities - Energy Sustainabiltiy

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