+ All Categories
Home > Documents > EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and...

EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and...

Date post: 15-Jul-2020
Category:
Upload: others
View: 0 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend
44
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community December 2016
Transcript
Page 1: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

ClimateAction

Plan

for the Eagle County

Community

December 2016

Page 2: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

> Winters are getting warmer and shorter

There are now 23 fewer days with freezing temperatures than before the 1980s Scientists predict we’ll have 30 more days without freezing temperatures by 2060 Spring snow packs are declining and less predictable

> Summers are getting hotter

The last 15 months have been the hottest on record globally Warmer average summer temperatures are on the rise With every 1.0°F increase in temperature, we’ll see a 3-4% decrease in water supply

> Mountain ecosystems are changing

Increasing insect pests are changing our forests Scientistspredictmoreextremeevents–wildfires,droughts,andfloods Wildlife is on the move, adapting to changes in habitat Rising temperatures lead to declining runoff in creeks and rivers The Eagle County Community is Ready to Take Climate Action

Our mountain Community is at Risk

Page 3: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments Page 1

Introduction Page 2

Why Climate Action? Why Now? Page 6

Targets for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions Page 13

Recommended GHG Reduction Goals by Sector Page 14 • Education and Outreach • Residential Buildings • Commercial Buildings • Transportation and Mobility • WasteandLandfill • Energy Supply

Recommendations for Decision Makers Page 21

What Does Success Looks Like? Page 22

Considerations for Implementation Page 23

Appendix A - Project Ideas and Recommendations Page 24 Appendix B - Stakeholder Meetings and Public Engagement Information Page 34

Appendix C - 2014 Eagle County Energy Inventory Page 35

Appendix D - Glossary of Key Terms Page 40

Appendix E - Literature Cited Page 40

ProtectingCommunity Values

Our Community Health and Well-BeingWe can help prevent community health

threats like increasing insect-borne diseases, increasing allergies, smoke waves from

wildfires,andotherformsofairand water pollution.

Our Environment and RecreationWe can protect the places we play, reduce

theriskofcatastrophicfiresinourforests,andreducefloodingin

our streams and rivers.

Our Economy and New JobsInvestinginenergyefficiency,solararrays,

electric and hybrid vehicles, smartgrowth, and creating new green jobs will

position us as leaders in the coming‘post-carbon economy’.

Page 4: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 1

Acknowledgments

StakeholdersTerry Armistad, Town of MinturnJared Barnes, Eagle CountyKristen Bertuglia, Town of Vail Tom Boyd, Vail Valley Foundation Fritz Bratschie, Vail Resorts Shawn Bruckman, Ground Up Mikayla Curtis, Eagle River Youth Coalition Deron Dirksen, Town of Eagle Matt Donovan, Vail Honeywagon Lana Gallegos, Town of Gypsum Mac Garnsey, Vail Valley Foundation John Gitchell, Eagle County Chris Hildred, Holy Cross Energy Patrick Hirn, Eagle County SchoolsMelissa Kirr, Walking Mountains Science Center Stephanie Lewis, Vail Mountain School John-Ryan Lockman, Energy Smart CO at Walking Mountains Chris Lubbers, Eagle CountyNikki Maline, Energy Smart CO at Walking MountainsJesse Masten, Eagle County Anne McKibbin, Town of Eagle Roberto Morales, Vail Valley Medical Center Adam Palmer, Eagle County Glenn Phelps, Eagle River Water & Sanitation DistrictSusan Philp, Town of Basalt Mercedes Quesada-Embid, Ph.D., Colorado Mountain College Brian Rodine, Vail Resorts Clete Saunier, Eagle County Derek Schmidt, East West Destination Hospitality Sarah Smith-Hymes, Town of AvonHarry Taylor, Eagle County Brian Tracy, Eagle River Water & Sanitation District Mary Wiener, Holy Cross EnergyJohn Widerman, Town of Minturn

Technical Presentations / ConsultantsAbel Chávez, Ph.D., Western State Colorado UniversityPeter Krahenbuhl, Natural Capitalism SolutionsChris Menges, City of AspenErica Sparhawk, Clean Energy Economy for the Region

PreparersKim Langmaid, Ph.D., Walking Mountains Science Center Kelsey Maloney, Walking Mountains Science CenterLarissa Read, Common Ground Environmental Consulting, LLCScott Robinson, Walking Mountains Science Center

Special thanks to the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners for their support and leadership on climate action:Jeanne McQueeney, ChairKathy Chandler-Henry, CommissionerJillian H. Ryan, Commissioner

This planning effort was supported by funding from the Eagle County Government and coordinated by staff at Walking Mountains Science Center.

Page 5: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 2

IntroductionClimate change is disrupting the basic operating system of our planet. Mountain regions are particularly vulnerable due to their hydrology, ecology, and recreational economies. In the past 30 years, the annual average temperature in Colorado has increased by 2.0°F (Lukas et al., 2014), and Eagle County’s natural environment is feeling the effects. The timing of snowmelt and peak runoff has shifted earlier in the spring, and there are more frost-free days (days with minimum temperatures above freezing) than there were before the 1980s. These fewer days of freezing temperatures impact the water storage in our snow pack, alter the timing and amount of river runoff, hamper the ability to make snow for skiing, debilitate the health ofourforestsandwildlife,increasethethreatofforestfiresandflooding,andsubsequently,putatriskthevery basis of our recreational economy and daily lifestyles.

Local climate change takes place within the context of global climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent GHG, has increased by 40% from 280 parts per million (ppm) in the pre-industrial era to 400 ppm today, a level that the earth has not seen in at least 800,000 years, due primarily to the burning of fossil fuels (Lukas et al., 2014). Each of us has a responsibility to take action to reduce GHG emissions and prevent increasing negative impacts of climate change. We can be proactive and embrace the challenge of climate change. We can learn to change; we can take action and innovate; and, we can each do our part to ensure a sustainable future for our Eagle County community.

Each of us hasa responsibilityto take action

to reduceGHG emissions

and preventincreasing

negativeimpacts of

climate change.

Page 6: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 3

The stakeholders met regularly from March to November 2016, and each meeting included educational components, as well as activities to engage and solicit stakeholder feedback on critical elements of the plan. The stakeholders represented a diverse and engaged group of community leaders, county and municipal government employees, and representatives from key industries in the community. Guest speakers added technical expertise and an outside perspective to the process. Collectively,theplanreflectsthestrongvaluesof the Eagle County community including our health and well-being, our natural environment and recreational economy, and our potential as leaders in creating a robust

post-carbon economy. Highlights of the plan were shared at three public open house meetings during September 2016. A survey was available at the open house sessions and on the Walking Mountains Science Center website to solicit feedback and public comments. The stakeholders recommendedthefinalplanforadoptionbytheBoardofEagleCountyCommissionersandotherelectedofficialsinDecember2016.

Recommended GHG emissions

reductiontargets:

25% by 2025,minimum of

80% by 2050.Stakeholders hard at work discussing solutions.

This Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community is the culmination of a year-long effort that included more than 30 community stakeholders. Their tasks were to develop targets for the reduction of GHG emissions for the entire community within Eagle County and to identify and prioritize projects and policies by sector that will help the community achieve those targets. The plan calls for aspirational, yet achievable, targets for overall GHG emission reductions: 25% by 2025, and a minimum of 80% by 2050. The 2050 target is in alignment with the recent recommendation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2014). In order to meet the established targets, this plan also contains project recommendations for the community,includingthecountygovernment,towns,businesses,nonprofits,andotherpartnersto begin immediate climate action, as well as plan for the future.

Page 7: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 4

Summary of recommendations for climate action

Education and Outreach Establish climate education teamCreate county-wide marketing campaignEnhance Eco-Schools for K-12 schools

Expand Actively Green business trainings and certificationsLeverage special event platforms to change behaviors

Transportation and Mobility SectorReduce local GHG emissions 10% by 2025Include local commuter train or bus rapid transitExpand use of electric vehicles Encourage multi-modal transportation systemsStriveforefficientlandusepatternswithhousinginproximity to workplaces

Waste and Landfill Sector Set a waste diversion goal that is above the national averageDevelop a plan to increase waste diversion through recycling and compostingInstall waste-to-energy methane capturesystematlandfillProvide residential and commercial composting services

Energy Supply SectorExpand local exterior energy offsetprograms (Eco-Build example)Identify locations for local solar arraysEncourage energy utilities to set aggressiveGHG emission reduction goals

Commercial Buildings Sector Reduce GHG emissions 25% by 2025FocusonenergyefficiencyProvide incentives Adopt “above building code” standardsPromoteandincentivizeefficientuseofwater

Residential Building SectorReduce GHG emissions 25% by 2025FocusonenergyefficiencyExpand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentivesAdopt “above building code” standards Promoteandincentivizeefficientuseofwater

Page 8: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

As the impacts of climate change become evident around the world and international efforts to curb GHG emissions are more prevalent, many local communities have begun serious climate action planning to be part of the solution. The Eagle County Board of County Commissioners made “climate action planning” a priority in the County’s 2016 strategic plan, and Walking Mountains Science Center’s Sustainability and Stewardship Programs Department was contracted to convene and facilitate a stakeholder and community-driven climate action plan.

The resulting Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Communityreflectsastrongcommitmenttoreducethecommunity’sGHGemissions by a minimum of 80% by 2050, an amount in alignment with that of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2014). Local, regional, and state efforts have become the cornerstone of climate action because national and international energy policyandemissionsreductioneffortsareslowedandoftenstifledbypolicy,politics,andbureaucraticprocesses.Furthermore,localgovernments and communities are often in a better position to engage citizens and have an immediate and direct impact toward reducing GHG emissions.

Thisclimateactionplanisspecificallyfocusedonmitigation.Climatemitigation isdefinedaseffortsthatreduceorpreventGHGemissions.Climate adaptationisdefinedaseffortsthathelpthecommunityprepareforandadjusttothecurrentandfutureimpactsofclimatechange.Althoughthisplandoesnotspecificallyaddressclimateadaptation,othereffortsarebeingtakenthroughouttheEagleCountycommunity to prepare for the changing climate. The stakeholders believe that future climate action planning initiatives should integrate both mitigation and adaptation.

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 5

Page 9: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 6

Why Climate Action? Why Now?We live in a county that is heavily dependent upon climatic conditions. As the climate warms, we enter an era of uncertainty. Imagine our ski and snowboard season starting a month later and ending a month earlier than it does now. Imagine hotter summers affecting our daily activities and our recreational opportunities. Imagine Western Slope ranchers and farmers facing severe droughts without enough water for crops and livestock

Scientificresearchindicatestherewillbeincreasingchangestotheflowsofourstreamsandrivers.Therewillbeearliersnowmeltinthemountainsandanincreaseinwildfireonoursurroundingopenlands.There is also evidence of future changes to our daily health and well-being due to increases in insect-borne diseases like West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and the length and intensity of allergy season.

Due to these local effects of climate change, communities across the state of Colorado and the U.S. are creating their own climate action plansandmakingsignificantcommitmentstoreduceGHGemissions.

This Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community includes a vision for success—what success looks like, and how it can be achieved. The actions recommended in the plan are broken into six sectors: 1) education and outreach, 2) residential buildings, 3)commercial buildings and industrial operations, 4) transportation and mobility, 5)wasteandlandfill,and6)energysupply.Detailedactionsandprojectshavebeenidentifiedbythestakeholdersto support GHG emission reductions in each of the sectors.

The plan also includes recommendations for decision makers at all levels within the community, ranging from needed policy changes to on-the-ground activities. Broader public comment on the plan was solicited during September2016atthreeopenhousesessions,andthecommunity’sideaswereincorporatedintothefinalplan.Thisfinalplanhasbeenapprovedbythestakeholderswithastrongrecommendationforadoptionbyalllocalgovernments,includingspecialdistricts,businesses,nonprofits,educationalinstitutions,andneighborhoodassociations, the goal is that GHG reduction targets are consistent with the ability of each entity to select the strategies and actions that are most appropriate for their situations.

The planincludes a vision for

success —what success

looks like, and how it can be

achieved.

Page 10: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 7

“Scientificevidenceforwarmingoftheclimatesystemisunequivocal.”Intergovernmental Panel onClimate Change (IPCC, 2014)

“Earth-orbiting satellites and other technological advanceshave enabled scientists to see the big picture, collecting many different types of information about our planet and its climate on a global scale. This body of data, collected over many years, reveals the signals of a changing climate. The heat-trapping nature of CO2 and other gases was demonstrated inthemid-19thcentury.Thereisnoquestionthatincreasedlevels of greenhouse gases must cause the earth to warm in response.” NASA (2016)

“Reducinggreenhousegases requires honesty, courage, & responsibility…There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation through daily actions.”

~Pope FrancisCO2 is a heat-trapping GHG. As we burn more coal, natural gas, and oil, the “blanket” of GHGs in the atmosphere gets thicker, and the earth gets hotter.

“Climate change has and will continue to impact the state’s resources in a variety of ways, including more rapid snowmelt, longer and more severe droughts, and longer growing seasons.” (Gordon and Ojima, 2015)

References: IPCC (2014) and Doran and Zimmerman (2009)

SCIENTISTS AGREE (97%)

SCIENTISTSUNSURE (3%)

SCIENTIFIC CONSENSUS ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Page 11: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

As a mountain resort community, much of Eagle County is made up of second homes, hotels, and energy-intensive tourism and recreation facilities. The amount of money that leaves the local economy due to high energy expenses is a compelling reason alone to tackle this issue and create solutions. The Eagle County community releases 1.4 million metric tons of CO2 each year, at a cost of $243.5 million (Eagle County, 2016).

Based on 2014 energy costs, if we achieve a 25% reduction in GHG emissions by 2025, we could retain $60 million annually in the local economy and create new jobs in the sustainability industry. Our per capita rate of CO2 emissions, 25 metric tons per person per year, is 30% higher than the national average.

One of the challenges to solving climate change is that GHGs are invisible. It can be helpful to think of one metric ton of CO2astheequivalentofonefullhot air balloon. For the Eagle County community, we canimagine1.4millionhotairballoonsfloatingupfrom the county each year.

2014 Eagle County Energy Costs by SourceTotal energy costs: $243.5 million

**More than half of energy costs in 2014 were for transportation fuels, primarily from passenger vehicles on Interstate-70. Source: Eagle County Energy Inventory, 2016.

If we achieve a 25% reduction

in GHGemissions by

2025, wewill retain

$60 millionannually in

the localeconomy.

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 8

Page 12: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Buildings and commercial energy uses in our community had larger emissions (60%) than on-ground vehicles (27%) or landfill(10%)

The single largest source of emissions, at 39%, was from generation of electricity used to power residential and commercial buildings and facilities

About 22% of electricity was generated from renewable sources, and of that, 1% from solar. The bulk of our electricity during2014wasproducedfromcoal-firedpowerplants(62%)and natural gas generation (16%) In the vehicles category, 79% of emissions were from SUVs and passenger cars; 21% were from trucks and tractor trailers. Only 9% of total transportation emissions was from aviation

Key FindingsFrom the 2014 Eagle County Energy Inventory

In order to demonstrate scenarios of future GHG emissions for the Eagle County community, the Western State Colorado University Center for Environment and Sustainability was consulted. Expert data analyst Dr. Abel Chávez used the 2014 energy inventory to forecast the community’s ‘business as usual’ GHG emissions to the year 2050. The forecast accounts for several key drivers, including demographic, economic, and technical variables.

2014 Total =1,405,856 mt CO2e

2025 Total =1,639,545 mt CO2e

2050 Total =2,687,530 mt CO2e

Eagle County Community Business as Usual GHG Forecast Results

Inventory: Emissions by Sector

**See Appendix C for “2014 Eagle County Energy Inventory”

If we don’t take action, GHG emissions will increase

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 9

2014 2030 2050Year

GHGs

(mt C

O2e

)

Page 13: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Switch out 25 incandescentlights with LED

Reduce single car use by2,400 miles / year

Replace 5 old fridges withEnergy Star models

Install 1 KW of SolarElectric (3 panels)

Shut off lights, work stations, and equipmentwhennotneeded

Get help from Energy SmartColorado, and make improvements to your home or business

How YOU Can Cut One Tonof Carbon Pollution:

This graph demonstrates that positive measures can be taken by the Eagle County community to reduce GHG emissions. Included in this graph are energy efficiencyinresidentialandcommercialbuildings,morerenewableenergyfrom utilities, climate-friendly transportation, and reductions to waste in the landfill.Evenwithfuturepopulationgrowth,theEagleCountycommunitycanbe successful at climate action. The actions forecasted in this graph are a good start to climate action, but more actions will need to be included in order to meet the 25% by 2025 and minimum of 80% by 2050 GHG reduction targets.

2025 Total =1,394,582 mt CO2e(32% to 2025 Goal)

2050 Total =1,219,793 mt CO2e(334% to 2050 Goal)

Eagle County GHG Emissions with Hypothetical Mitigation Actions

If we take action, we can reduce our GHG emissionsIncreasingtheefficiencyofourhomes,commercialbuildingsandfacilitiesisour biggest opportunity.

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 10

2014 2030 2050Year

GHG

Emiss

ions

(mt C

O2e

)

Page 14: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

The Eagle County Community is Ready to Take ActionThe stakeholders involved in creating this plan believe that the Eagle County community is now ready and committed to undertake climate action. Involvement in the following existing programs is a good demonstration of peoples’ engagement and interest:

Over50localbusinessesarecertified“Actively Green” in sustainable business best practices, and awarenessoftheprogramisincreasingasbusinessesrealizethefinancial,environmental,andmarketingbenefitsofengagingemployeesandcustomersinsustainability.Moreandmorelocalbusinessesarealsoparticipating in the Colorado Environmental Leadership Awards program.

Through the Energy Smart Colorado program, more than 1,000 homes in the county have received energyassessments,andmorethan600homesand200businesseshavecompletedenergyefficiencyand renewable energy improvements, resulting in over 6,000 metric tons of carbon emission reductions annually.

Many more homes are adding rooftop solar; the number of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)certifiedbuildingsinthecommunityisincreasing; and, new community “solar gardens” are becoming a popular way for homes and commercial buildings to attain renewable energy.

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 11

Holy Cross Energy board members and community volunteers installeda new solar array in Gypsum.

Page 15: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 12

Many community events now incorporate “zero waste” collection of recyclables and compostables while educating participants and diverting the majority of potentialwastefromthelandfill.

New electric vehicle charging stations are being added throughout the community, and more people are taking advantage of state and federal incentives for new purchases and leases on electric vehicles.

Across the Eagle County community, there is a growing desire and demand for sustainable infrastructure and systems that will engage and enable people to participate in reducing GHG emissions.

Another major reason why action should be taken now is that population growth in Eagle County is increasing. The state census found that there were 52,831 residents in the county in 2014. In less than 25 years, the county residential population is expected to increase to 94,000 people, or more than 40% by 2040 (DOLA, 2016). The growing population will result in more cars on the road, more homes being built, and more support services such as schools, stores, water infrastructure, and other utilities—all of which consume more energy and generate more GHG emissions.

Increasing GHG emissions into the future will contribute to escalated climate change and create negative impacts on the natural environment around us. The projected temperature increases, changes to snowpack and local water resources, health effects on residents and visitors, impacts to the recreation-based economy, increasing population growth, and demands on energy supply are compelling reasons to take climate action seriously. There is an urgent call-to-action for the Eagle County community and local decision makers to collaboratively undertake decisive, meaningful policy and programmatic changes in the areas of energy use in homes and commercial buildings, transportation, waste, energy supply, water conservation, and climate change education.

Set meaningful, feasible GHG emission reduction targets

Identify projects and policiesto achieve targets

Educate and engage the community about climate change

Build on the knowledge andcommitment of the stakeholders

Collaborate across towns,agencies, and organizations

Supportandreflectstategoals and regional efforts

Serve as a model for othercommunities

Goals for the Climate ActionPlanning Effort

Page 16: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Targets for GHG Emissions reduction

There are three main types of targets found in climate action plans: (1) directional (i.e., up or down from a baseline), (2) analytical (i.e., based on extensive modeling and projections), and (3) aspirational, (i.e., set to achieve something great). The stakeholders set an aspirational target for the year 2050, with interim targets, as well. These aspirational targets are realistic with concerted community action, and yet, they are high enough to have considerable impact andsignificance.Thereductiontargetsrefertothe2014EagleCountyEnergyInventorydataasabaseline.Theclimateactionplancallsforthecommunityto measure and monitor reductions on a regular basis, such as every three years.

By 2050, the Eagle County community will reduce GHG emissions by a minimum of 80%. This target is in alignment with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s recommendation for reductions of GHG emissions by industrialized nations (IPCC 2014). The stakeholders agree that, while challenging, thisaspirationaltargetisagoalthatmustbeachievedinordertofosterasignificantsetofactionstoreduceGHGemissions.Inaddition,collaborativeimpact would be greater by assuming a target that is in alignment with what the IPCC set, as many other local, regional, and state goals align with the target of 80% reduction by 2050. The science behind this aspirational target has been well-vetted by thousands of climate scientists, and it doesn’t need to be defended or re-calculated. Lastly, this robust target will outlast changes in local political leadership that will naturally occur between now and 2050.

By 2025, the Eagle County community will reduce GHG emissions by 25%.Thestakeholderssetaninterimtargetthatwillrequireconsiderableeffortsandharddecisions,butitalsoallowsadequatetimetoachieveresults.Thistargetisconsistentwithgoalssetbyothercommunities.Bysettingaconsiderablereduction—onequarteroftheemissionsthecommunityemitsnow—someactionsbeyondthe“low-hangingfruit”willberequired.TheaimistogetmovingquicklyonmakingannualGHGreductionsthroughoutthecommunity.Thestakeholdersalsofeelthattheslogan“25%by2025”wouldbecompelling and effective for early communication efforts throughout the community.

Using these targets, other interim reductions were calculated using a linear approach. The stakeholders agreed that a linear projection of emissions reduction would be the most understandable by the public; even though in reality, there might be large reductions followed by periods of fewer reductions as actions are put into place in different sectors at various times.

25% by 2025

50% by 2035

70% by 2045

80% by 2050*from 2014 Baseline (See 2014 Eagle CountyEnergy Inventory - Appendix C)

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 13

Page 17: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 14

Recommended GHG reduction Goals

& Strategies by sector

One of the most common ways that communities assess where gains can be made in reducing GHG emissions is by breaking down the source of emissions into understandable categories. These categories, or sectors, make decisions and actions for reducing GHG emissions easier during plan implementation.

This plan contains six “sectors” that correspond to the particular climate action opportunities throughout the Eagle County community: 1) education and outreach to help inform sustainable climate-friendly behaviors, 2) residential buildings, 3) commercial buildings and industrialuses,4)transportationandmobility,5)wasteandlandfill,and6)energysupply.

Listed in the following section are the top goals and strategy recommendations for each climate action sector. A full list of ideas generated by stakeholders is provided as Appendix A.

Page 18: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Use social-science research on climate change communications andeducation to inform strategies.

Create a climate action ‘tool kit’ to share throughout the community.

Develop a cross-sector Eagle County climate education team andeducation plan to reach all ages and demographics in Eagle County. Include Eagle County Schools, private K-12 schools, Colorado Mountain College, Walking Mountains Science Center, and other partners.

Create a county-wide marketing campaign to raise awareness to engage the community in projects and programs. Include regular announcements through e-newsletters and social media.

Ensurecommunityequitysothatclimateactionisall-inclusiveandprovidesequitablesocial,economic,andhealthbenefits.

Utilize special event platforms to share messages, provide resources,and engage participants in behaviors such as zero waste events and bike-to-work days.

Incorporatesoil-healtheducationtoimprovecarbonsequestrationandengage the community in stewardship.

Expand and enhance existing educational programs: -ActivelyGreensustainablebusinesstrainingandcertificationprogram,-EnergySmartColoradoenergyefficiencycoachingforhomeowners, businesses, contractors, and realtors

-ColoradoMountainCollegeCertificateinSustainabilityLeadership and Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies - Eco-Schools program for K-12 schools, supporting student learning and measurable GHG reduction through energy education and behavior change at schools - Colorado State University Extension Service programs and resources.

Greater community awareness and understanding of climate change is needed so that people can participate in climate-friendly sustainable behaviors in their daily lives at home, at work, and throughoutthecommunity.Effectivecommunityengagementinclimateactionstrategiesrequirespartnerships between multiple sectors, targeted education and outreach methods, and continual evaluation of program successes.

Education and Outreach

Education and Outreach: Top Recommended Strategies

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 15

Page 19: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 16

Residentialhomescreate24%ofthetotalGHGemissionsgeneratedinEagleCounty.Thereisasignificantopportunitytoreduceresidentialenergyusewithincreasedenergyefficiencyandconservationefforts.TheColoradoStateDemographerreportsthatofEagleCounty’s31,675housingunits(thisfiguredoesnotincludecommerciallodgingproperties),38%wereconsidered“vacant”orunoccupiedin2014.Energyefficiencyretrofitsfromlocalprograms,suchas Energy Smart Colorado, can reduce a home’s energy use by 20-30% and save residents hundreds of dollars on their annual energy bills.

Reduce GHG emissions 25% below 2014 levels in the residential buildings sector by 2025.

For existing residential buildings, expand the localEnergySmartColoradoenergyefficiencyprogramandincentives in order to reduce GHG emissions in 25% ofall residential buildings in Eagle County by 2025, 50%of all residential buildings by 2035, and 100% by 2050.

Provide support and incentives for rental units to be updatedwithenergyefficiencyimprovements.

For new residential buildings, adopt “abovebuilding code” standards and provide incentives, including “net zero” codes, that are consistent across jurisdictional boundaries throughout Eagle County.

Update Eagle County Eco-Build mitigation fees to include all energy-use for large homes over the average EagleCountyhomesizeof3,700sq.ft.,notjustoffsetting heated exterior surfaces and pools.

Promoteandincentivizeefficientuseofwaterininteriorand exterior of residential buildings.

Continue partnerships with local energy utilities in order to leverage more economic incentives.

This graph was developed by Dr. Abel Chávez using “EMiTT” (Effective Mitigation Transition Tool) to helpvisualize,model,track,andquantifyclimateactionmitigationtargets.Thisgraphisahypotheticalscenariothat includes the following GHG abatement pathways: 1) electricity from the grid would include 50% renewable energy by 2050 and 100% renewable energy by 2050, and 2) Energy Smart Colorado wouldreach the recommended goal of 100% of homes in Eagle County receiving home energy assessments, andhalfofthosehomeswouldcompletedeepenergyretrofits.ThisgraphillustratesthattheEagleCountycommunitycantakeclimateactionandmakesignificantGHGemissionreductions.Fixingaging,leakybuildings is a great start toward effective climate action, but more actions will be needed to reach recommended targets. (BAU = Business As Usual)

Reducing Emissions: Residential

Residential Buildings Sector: Top Recommended Goals and StrategiesResidential Buildings Sector Mitigation Wedges

2014 2025 2040 2050Year

mt C

O2e

Page 20: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Commercial buildings and facilities account for the top sources of GHG emissions in Eagle County. A large amount of energy waste occurs due to inefficientbuildings,highenergydemands,deferredmaintenance,inattentiontobuildingperformance,andinefficientbehavioronthepartofoccupants.Givencurrentadvancesinenergyefficiencytechnologyandfinancingprograms, there can be up to 40-60% reduction in building-generated GHGs (AmericanCouncilforanEnergyEfficientEconomy,2014).Thecommercialbuildings that exist today will be inhabited into the foreseeable future; therefore,maximizingbuildingefficiencywillhelpensurereducedenergy demands well into the future.

Reduce GHG emissions 25% below 2014 levels in the commercialbuildings and facilities sector by 2025.

Forexistingcommercialbuildings,expandtheEnergySmartColoradoenergyefficiencyprogram and incentives in order to reduce GHG emissions in 25% of all commercialbuildings in Eagle County by 2025, 50% of all commercial buildings by 2035, and 100%by 2050.

Providesupportandincentivesforbuildingsover10,000squarefeettomeasureandtracktheir energy use through CLEER’s Energy Navigator, the Energy Star Portfolio Manager, or other energy monitoring tools.

For new and newly remodeled commercial buildings, adopt “above building code” standards and incentives, including “net zero” codes that are consistent across jurisdictional boundaries throughout Eagle County.

Promoteandincentivizeefficientuseofwater.

Continue partnerships with local energy utilities in order to leverage for more economic incentives.

Reducing Emissions: Commercial

Commercial Buildings Sector:Top Recommended Goals and Strategies

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 17

Page 21: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 18

Transportation and Mobility

The majority of GHG emissions from transportation are generated from passenger vehicles. The Eagle County communityfacesasignificantchallengeduetoInterstate-70andthemanyvehiclesthatpassthroughthecounty.Nevertheless,significantimprovementsinlocaltransportation,mobilitysystems,andinfrastructurecan reduce locally generated GHG emissions dramatically, while engaging residents and visitors in healthy climate-friendly lifestyles.

Reduce GHG emissions 10% below 2014 levels in thetransportation and mobility sector by 2025. Consider FREE bus service and expanded services throughout the county.

Continue to pursue rail transit opportunities to utilize the existing railroad tracks from Dotsero to Leadville.

Expand the network of electric vehicle charging stations and promote state and federal incentives for purchasing electric vehicles.

Incentivize and encourage multi-modal transportation,including park-and-ride locations and safe county-widebike commuting paths and lanes.

Strive for compact mixed-use communities and land-use patterns with affordable workforce housing in close proximity to job centers to enable walking, biking, and transit.

Transportation and Mobility Sector: Top Recommended Goals and Strategies

This graph is a hypothetical scenario that includes the following GHG abatement pathways: 1) 1% of the Eagle County population annually adopts driving a zero emission at tailpipe vehicle/electric vehicle, 2) increase in paid-parking, reducing the number of people who drive a car to work; 3) all new population growth to the year 2050 lives and works in transit-oriented neighborhoods and workplaces. (BAU = Business As Usual)

Page 22: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

MeetandexceedthecurrentEagleCountylandfillwastediversion goal of 30% diversion rate by 2030, and set an inspiring and achievable waste diversion target that is above the national average.

Divert30%oforganicscurrentlylandfilledby2030through increased composting infrastructure andservices.

Support sustainable purchasing policies and practices, and incorporate supply chain management systems.

Add new programs and infrastructure to increaserecycling and composting in public areas that are currentlydeficient,andaddresshard-to-recycleitemslike, construction waste and mattresses.

Support and incentivize recycling and compostingservices for multi-family buildings which often facechallenges, such as high resident turnover andcontamination of recycling containers.

Integrate local waste diversion plan and solutionswith the 2016 Colorado Integrated Solid Waste & Materials Management Plan, designed to provide guidance,cost analysis, strategies, and recommendations tocommunities and local governments.

Waste and Landfill

ThewasteandlandfillsectorreferstomethaneGHGemissionsthatresultfromanaerobicdecompositionoforganicwasteinthelandfill.Duringthefirst20yearsafteritsreleaseintotheatmosphere,methanegasis84timesmore potent as a GHG than CO2. The 2015 Eagle Valley waste diversion rate was 19.6%, and the recycling rate was 26.9%. There is an effort at the national and state levels to transition away from disposal and towards materials management. The greatest positive impacts in this sector can be realized through reducing materials altogether through more sustainable purchasing practices.

Waste and Landfill Sector: Top Recommended Goals and Strategies

This graph is a hypothetical scenario that includes diverting half of the compostable materials that currentlyendupinthelandfill.Compostableorganics,includingpaper,accountfor60%oftheoveralltonnagebroughttothelandfillonanannualbasis.(BAU=BusinessAsUsual)

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 19

2014 2030 2050Year

mt C

O2e

Page 23: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 20

Energy Supply

In2004,ColoradobecamethefirststateintheU.S.tocreatearenewableenergyportfoliostandardinorderto reduce GHG emissions. As the primary provider of energy for buildings and commercial uses throughout the Eagle County community, member-owned utility Holy Cross Energy provides electricity and strives to be a conscientious steward of natural resources. Holy Cross Energy was a pioneer in Colorado, offering consumers the option of purchasing renewable energy to offset GHG emissions. Partnering with utilities, such as Holy Cross Energy, Xcel Energy, and Black Hills Energy, is key toward making large-scale energy supply transitions.

Createmorefinancialresourcesandincentives,andincreasethe capacity of exterior energy offset programs within the Eagle County community (examples: Eagle County Eco-Build Program, Avon Exterior Energy Offset Program, and Aspen Renewable Energy Mitigation Program), and strive for consistency across jurisdictional boundaries.

Research feasibility of local and regional locations for community solar arrays.

Encourage utilities to set aggressive goals to reduce their GHG emissions and transition over time away from coal-firedpowerproduction.

Energy Supply Sector: Top Recommended Goals and Strategies

This graph is a hypothetical scenario that includes reducing the GHG intensity from the electrical power mix by 50% in 2030 and 100% in 2050. (BAU = Business As Usual)

2014 2030 2050Year

mt C

O2e

Page 24: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

The following recommendations support the success of the overall climate action plan and apply to all sectors in this plan:

Adopt this climate action plan.

Identify people to guide the implementation and follow-through of recommendations in the current plan—designate a task force and hire sustainability/climate staff as needed within local governments and large businesses.

Allocate funds for implementation of projects and infrastructure.

Collaborate across jurisdictional boundaries for greater impact and likelihood of success.

Measure and monitor GHG reduction impacts over time.

Begin to address climate change adaptation.

Key Recommendations for Community

Leaders & decision Makers

1

2

3

4

5

6

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 21

Page 25: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 22

What Does Success Looks Like?Successful community-driven GHG reduction efforts have several key elements that are centered on realistic and achievable targets, community endorsement and support, and strong alignment with community and organizational values. Attheonsetoftheplanningprocess,thestakeholdersidentifiedthefollowingelements that are critical to long-term success of the Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community:

Set Realistic and Achievable Targets• GHG reduction targets must be achievable and measurable• A diverse number of GHG emissions reduction strategies and projects are needed• Actions must be taken by local governments • Progress should be monitored regularly• Celebrate successes along the way to reaching larger goals

Community Endorsement, Ownership, and Support of this Plan is Critical• There must be broader community awareness of the need for climate action• Individuals should understand their impacts and responsibilities• Private sector participation and public-private partnerships are keys to success• There must be simple, accessible opportunities for individuals to take action• The community has the tools and resources to reach short and long-term targets

Align the Plan with Community and Organizational Values• Local governments adopt the plan and hold values that align with the plan•Theplanintegratesbenefitstotheeconomy,theenvironment,andsocialequity• The plan is a catalyst to coordinated climate action across jurisdiction boundaries• Local organizations are aligned with the plan and keys to its success• Local governments strive to coordinate across boundaries• Minimize policy restrictions that limit people’s abilities to take action • Community-wide climate change education is imperative

Despite the rewards of success, there are challenges to climate action planning and implementation. These include concerns about communication to and adoption by the public, leadership and prioritization of climate change by decision makers, lack of available funding for new projects, lack of long-term coordinated climate action effort, and tangible obstacles such as technology and infrastructure.

Page 26: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Considerations for ImplementationThe success of this plan rests in the hands of the community and its leaders at many levels. The stakeholdershaveidentifiedprojects,programs,and policies that are both feasible and meaningful for the Eagle County community. In order to meet the 2025 target of 25% reduction of GHG emissions, and the aspirational but critical goal of achieving the 2050 target of a minimum of 80%reduction,thisplanmustbeadoptedquickly,shared throughout the community, and supported with meaningful resources.

Call To Action

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 23

Breadth of community: Develop programs and education for both residents and guestsCelebrate successes: Take time to recognize accomplishments along the way Clarity: Use language and communication tools that the public can understandFunding: Decision makers prioritize funding for GHG mitigation actionsDiversity: Include a variety of people, strategies, and actions to ensure successImplementation: Decision makers support human resources to enact projects and policiesInfrastructure: Be ready to make tough decisions about infrastructure and building codesMeasurement: Develop metrics that can be monitored and used by all stakeholdersLongevity: Instill a culture of sustainability, and enact policies that outlast changes in leadershipResistance to change: TackleincrementalactionsthatbuildconfidenceUnity: Support towns, county, and other organizations in new climate action partnerships

Page 27: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 24

Appendixes

Appendix A: Project Ideas & RecommendationsThis Appendix includes detailed tables for each of the six sectors including a basic explanation of each and why they matter. This section alsoincludeslistsofrecommendationsforreducingGHGemissionsthroughwaterconservationandsoilcarbonsequestration.Thetablesinclude an overview of what is already being done in Eagle County, as the county, towns, and other entities have already undertaken meaningful work in reducing GHG emissions. Finally, the tables include details on programs, projects, and policies that can be undertaken to reduce GHG emissions. These robust lists were developed by the stakeholders in order to provide all users of this climate action plan a place to begin mitigatingGHG,andtheyarereflectiveofthe“triplebottomline”ofpeople,planet,andprofit.Thestakeholders’intentisthatthecounty,towns,and other entities use these tables to help guide conversations about planning, policy development, and project implementation.

The tables on the following pages also include three columns highlighting ideas that the stakeholders felt would be of special interest to businesses, towns, and the county.

Commercial Buildings and Industrial Energy

This sector includes traditional commercial buildings, multi-family housing, ski area operations, and commercial area heated streets and driveways.

Why focus on the commercial building sector? At 32% of 2014 emissions, this sector constitutes the largest component of the Eagle County community’s GHG emissions. The emissions from this sector can be mitigated through incentives for commercial building owners and landlords, newenergyefficienttechnologies,communitysolargardens,education,andsustainablepracticesinthehospitalitysector.

What’s already being done: Energy rebates from Energy Smart Colorado (Eagle County Eco-Build Fund, Avon Exterior Energy Offset Program) and HolyCrossEnergy,ActivelyGreenSustainableBusinessTrainingandCertificationProgram,countyandmunicipalgoalstoreduceenergyuse,private sector sustainability initiatives, Eco-Schools programming, and more.

Cont’d Page 25

Page 28: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Importancetostakeholders

Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses

Recommendedespeciallyfortowns

Recommendedespeciallyforcounty

High ü

High ü

High P P

High ü

High P P

High P P

P

ü P

ü P

P

ü

ü P

P

Importancetostakeholders

Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses

Recommendedespeciallyfortowns

Recommendedespeciallyforcounty

ü

High P

P P

ü

ü

Programsandprojects

Policiesandregulations

Expandlocalmitigationprogramsandfeesonsnowmelttoaddressoutdoorenergyuse

Developnetzerobuildingcodesandcertificationprograms

Setwattagelimitsforlightingfornew/remodeledbuildingsanddarkskycode

EncouragelocalstorestosellonlyLEDlights

Incorporateflexibleworkhoursandtelecommutingtoreducebuildingenergyuse

Supportfreebuildingphasetwoaudits/recommissioning

Holdannualmeetingofbuildingofficialsandplanninganddesignreviewboardstoexchangeideasandbestpractices

Requiregreenlaundrypracticesandefficienttoiletsathotels

Allowrentersinmulti-familybuildingstomakeenergy-smartrecommendationstobuildingowners

Encouragelandlordstouse“greenleases”;incentivesforlandlords

Developbaselineenergyusageforcommercialbuildings/plazas

Minimumrentalenergyefficiencyguidelines

Reducehotelenergyuse:installkeycardsthatturnson/offutilitiesforeachroom;installtimersongasfireplaces;installoccupancysensorsandbetterautomationsystems;moreeducationforhospitalitysector

ExpandEnergySmarttobeyondretrofits;focusonmulti-family,lowincomeunits

Modifybuildingstomaximizenaturallight;adddarkskycompliantlightingretrofits

Increaseassessmentsandrebatesforrenewableenergyuseoncommercialproperties

AdoptSmartRegsforbuildings

IncludemoreadvancedlevelsofActivelyGreen

Landplanning:encouragegardens,greenroofs,andnativeplantsinallcommercialbuildings;create infrastructure for construction and demolition waste, convert golf course “rough”areasintonaturalhabitat

Makesustainabilitypracticespartofconsiderationinawardingcontracts/newbuildingrequirements-onsiteoroffsets

Commercial Buildings & Industrial Energy

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 25

Page 29: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 26

Residential Buildings

Thissectorincludesresidentialhomes,bothprimaryandsecondhomes,andmulti-familyresidenceswithfewerthanfiveunits.

Why focus on the residential building sector? Residential building-use constituted 28% of emissions in the Eagle County community in 2014.Thislargecomponentofthecommunity’semissionscanbeaddressedwithhomeownereducation,energyefficiencyauditsandincentives,building codes, and other local programs.

What’salreadybeingdone:EnergySmartColoradoandHolyCrossEnergyhomeenergyassessmentsandrebatesforretrofits,‘green’MLSprogram, access to community solar and wind projects through Holy Cross Energy, and more.

Programsandprojects Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses

Recommendedespeciallyfortowns

Recommendedespeciallyforcounty

ExpandEnergySmartColorado;moreeducationonexistingrebateprograms;shifttoperformancebasedprograms High

Incentivesforlandlordsandshort-termrentalstobemoreefficient High P

LEDlightbulbgiveawaysorconversions;requireonlyLEDholidaylights;buy-backprogramfornon-LEDlights ü

Multi-zonesplitsystemsforefficientelectricbaseboards

Smartsensorsinhomes,especiallylargesecondhomes

Town-sponsoredeventsandprogramsthatsupportenergyefficiency ü ü

Developnetzerobuildingcodesandcertificationprograms ü P

WorkwithHOAstopromotelowwateruseandenergyefficiencypractices P

Policiesandregulations Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses

Recommendedespeciallyfortowns

Recommendedespeciallyforcounty

Promotewaterconservation–nativegrasses,organicmatter,xeriscaping High ü

Generatenewsourcesofrevenueforincomequalifiedenergyefficiencyupgrades;employerscouldofferasbenefittoemployees High ü ü

Eco-Build3.0–above2015IRCcodesfornewandexistingbuildings High ü P

Consistentbuildingcodesacrosslocalpoliticalboundariestoincreasebuildingcontractor’stimeefficiencyandavoid“jurisdictionalshopping”bycontractors High ü P

Page 30: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Transportation and Mobility

This sector includes transportation and transit-oriented design. It also includes the Eagle County Regional Airport.

Why focus on the mobility sector? Almost 30% of the Eagle County community’s 2014 emissions came from this sector (3% was from the Eagle County Regional Airport). This sector represents an area in which great gains can be made with policy, infrastructure, education, and a “culture change” among residents and visitors.

What’s already being done: ECO Transit, Town of Vail bus system, Sole Power program, improved bike path development, policies to support use of electric bikes, small scale bike share programs, idling policies, and more.

Programsandprojects Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses

Recommendedespeciallyfortowns

Recommendedespeciallyforcounty

Changecarculture;companyincentivesforcollectivetransportandtelecommuting/encourageremoteworking High ü P

Bicycleeducationprograms(ex:learntoridesafely,bikerepair classes,bikedonation/earnabikeprograms);bicyclesharingprogram;E-bikessharingprogram

Electricvehicleinfrastructureandincentives;electricbuses,moreelectricchargingstations High ü P P

Carsharingprograms High ü

Bikesharingprogramsandmorebikeparkingareas High ü ü

Completeconnectivityforbiking/walkingbetweentownsandbetterdesignatedbikewaystoimprovesafety P P

Publictransportservicewithexistingrailline P

Sharedworkspaces(co-workingspacessharedbybusinessesandothers)sopeopledon’thavetocommutecrosscounty) ü

Policiesandregulations Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses

Recommendedespeciallyfortowns

Recommendedespeciallyforcounty

Transit-orienteddesignzoning High ü P

Localin-proximitytoworkplaceaffordablehousingtoreducecommutingmiles;reducecountysprawl infrastructureextensions

Committolowcarbonemission,andzerotailpipeemission,vehiclesandequipment ü P P

Rideshare/carpoolservice ü

Chargeforparking ü

Encouragecarpoolingincompanyvehicles ü

Emissionstesting;increaseMPGpolicies P

Fundingforlowcost/freetransit;firststudywhousesandifthiswouldbeproductive P

High ü P

High P

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 27

Page 31: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 28

Waste and Landfill

Thissectorincludeswastediversion,residentialandcommercialrecycling,andthecountylandfill.

Why focus on the waste reduction sector? Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, all three R’s are important. In 2015, the overall waste diversion rate of the Eagle Valley was 19.6%. This included general recycled materials, organic materials including yard waste, and household hazardous waste including electronic waste. Eagle County has set an overall waste diversion goal of 30% by 2030. The Eagle Valley recycling rate was 26.9% in 2015; this is below the national average of 34%. Waste reduction, recycling and composting, and sustainable purchasing are areas in which the community can haveagreaterimpactthroughpolicy,betterinfrastructure,education,andprograms.A2010studyofthewastestreamattheEagleCountylandfillrevealedthat40%ofcurrentlandfillwastecouldbeprocessedascompostifacommercialscalefacilitywereavailable.

What’s already being done: Eagle County Materials Recovery Facility, waste haulers provide recycling, county and town supported recycling drop-off sites, e-waste collection events, zero waste events, collaboration amongst Eagle Valley Waste Diversion Steering Committee, waste reduction goalssetbylocalgovernmentsandotherentities,ActivelyGreenSustainableBusinessTrainingandCertificationProgram,Eco-Schools,andotherprograms. One town has recently implemented a plastic bag ban and a recycling ordinance.

Educationaltourstothelandfillandrecyclingfacilityareverypopular.

Cont’d Page 29

Page 32: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Programsandprojects Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses

Recommendedespeciallyfortowns

Recommendedespeciallyforcounty

UpdateEagleValleyWasteDiversionplan;considerincreasingwastediversiongoals High P

Ensureallschoolsrecycleandcompost(whencommercialcompostingbecomesavailable) High P P

Reuseconstructionmaterials(lumberandconstructionanddemolitionwaste) High P

Groupforsustainablepurchasing,includinglocalfoodpurchasing High ü

Infrastructureimprovementsforwastediversion,possiblesinglestreamatMRF,organicwastediversion High P

Zerowasteeventssupportedbytownsandeventproducers ü P

Repurposewasteintoenergyormaterials ü Addressinfrastructuregapsdiscoveredinwasteaccessauditofpublicspaces ü ü

Visiblepublicrecyclingareas,dropsites–atbusstops,sidewalks,atevents,etc. P P

HomeandcommunitycompostingAnaerobicdigestersandmethanecaptureoperations ü

Policiesandregulations Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses

Recommendedespeciallyfortowns

Recommendedespeciallyforcounty

Zerowasteeventgoals–encourageeventsandeventfacilitiestobezerowaste High ü ü

Researchfeasibilityofincreasinglandfilltippingfeetosupportwastediversionefforts High ü

SupportaColoradoBottlebill–recyclingofglassbottlesReduceuseofsingleuseshoppingbagscounty-wide ü P

Yardwastecollectioncounty-wide P P

Commercialcompostprovided P ü Packagingpolicies,getridofStyrofoam ü ü P

Registerpesticideuserstoprotectorganicwaste ü Consistentcounty-widerecyclingpracticesandprocedures ü P

Wastehaulerlicensing ü Payasyouthrow P P

Waste and Landfill

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 29

Page 33: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 30

Give community members the knowledge and power to understand theirimpacts and make climate-friendly choices

• Use social-science research on climate change communications for education and outreach strategies (e.g., Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, and George Mason Center for Climate Change Communication resources)• Incorporate social diversity and inclusivity throughout education and outreach • Develop a climate action class to feed into current sustainability education programs and trainings• Convene and educate neighborhood climate action groups •Continuetohosteducationaltourstothelandfill,andincludethematerialsrecoveryfacility(MRF)andhazardous household waste facility• Host household zero-waste training for residential homeowners •Educatehomeownersandbusinessesonshuttingdownandunpluggingwhenleavingthehomeoroffice (reduce “vampire” energy-use)• Educate and incentivize second homeowners to reduce energy use• Promote use of “smart hubs” to understand real-time energy use•Conducttrainingsspecificallyforpropertymanagersandlandscapers• Educate land owners and users on climate-friendly land use practices

Support businesses in climate-friendly practices•EncouragemoreparticipationofbusinessesintheActivelyGreenSustainableBusinessTrainingandCertificationProgram• Reduce waste through sustainable purchasing practices and less packaging• Provide more employer/employee climate action and sustainability training • Leverage the VVP Actively Green Awards and the Annual Actively Green Awards Party for businesses• Engage local organizations and groups in educating businesses• Provide cards for hotel rooms and short-term rentals; educate guests on why their efforts matter (water-wise signage, etc.)•Developemployeefieldexperiences,retreats,andexperientiallearningforclimatescienceunderstandingformountaincommunities

Cont’d Page 31

Education and Outreach

Page 34: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Create a culture in the community that promotes climate action and sustainability • Create a climate education team to educate about and support implementation of the Climate Action Plan • Provide an e-newsletter with updates on progress related to the Climate Action Plan • Create a valley-wide marketing campaign to elevate day-to-day awareness of climate action and sustainable living • Use an “education-through-demonstration” approach to showcase climate-friendly building, landscaping, and other best-practices •Sharethebenefitswithvisitors,suchascarbonsequestrationandwaterconservation

Engage school children and their families for long-lasting change• Expand the Eco-Schools program at all K-12 schools to educate and recognize youth for their leadership, and incorporate energy saving programs and infrastructure at all schools• Develop competitions for schools on ‘how to reduce carbon footprint’ • Develop “farm-to-school” fresh, local food served in school cafeterias, and teach food production and gardening as part of the curriculum

Ideas for an education and marketing campaign promoting climate action• Develop a multi-media brand platform• Create a video about actions that can be taken to promote climate action• Utilize local media, TV, radio, and social media• Fund an educational point position with responsibilities to oversee implementation of climate action education and outreach•Usestandardizedandfrequentlycommunicated,measurablegoals• Use empowering positive messages and real-world examples•Focusmessagesonimprovedqualityoflife;connectthemessagetopeopleandthefuture•Identifyinfluencersandhavethemspeakup—localcelebritiesandleadersatregularandfuncommunityevents• Host “Trash Talk” about waste with winter visitors—education campaign • Train volunteer advocates for each neighborhood to share ideas with their neighbors; work through neighborhood and homeowner associations• Include outreach to all community sectors, associations, clubs, chambers, etc.

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 31

Education and Outreach

Page 35: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 32

Reducerelianceoncoal-firedpowerplants,andaddmorerenewableenergysources

ProvideconsumersanoptiontoreturnequitychecksbacktoHolyCrossEnergytoinvestincleanpowerorenergyefficiencyprograms

Restructureutilityratestomakeenergyefficiencyandconservationmoreattractive

Educate utility co-op owners to advocate for changes

Identify areas for local solar arrays

Explore use of geothermal energy supply for homes and commercial buildings

Explore new technologies, such as storage, to increase renewable energy usage

Support Colorado Communities for Climate Action (policy initiatives and lobbyists at the state-level focused on GHG reduction)

12

3

45

6

7

8

Energy Supply

Page 36: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Additional Recommendations

Water Conservation and EnergyWater conservation reduces demand for both water and energy. Conserving water can play an important role in reducing GHG emissions. Thestorage,transport,anddeliveryofwaterforcommercial,residential,andagriculturalneedsleadtosignificantGHGemissions.Thestakeholders recommend several strategies to conserve water and save energy:

• Educatepeoplethatallwaterconsumedhastobepumpedandprocessed,requiringenergy• Support water utilities and local governments in initiatives to reduce water consumption in facilities and operations• Includemoreheatrecoverysystemsthatuseheatenergyfromdischargedtreatedeffluent,suchasAvon’sCommunityHeatRecovery System that heats the pools at the Avon Recreation Center using heat energy from the Avon Waste Water Treatment Facility• Reduce use of water in residential and commercial properties• Develop small hydro plants for electricity generation• Create a study on incentives to switch to xeriscaping for buildings and residences• WorkwithHOAstopromotelowwateruseandenergyefficiencypractices

Carbon Sequestration and Land ManagementOrganic matter holds carbon in the soil. Land management, landscaping, farming, and ranching practices that support healthy soildevelopmentcanalsobeimportantwaystocapture,orsequester,GHGsinthesoilandhelpprotecttheatmosphere.Belowarerecommendationsrelatedtocarbonsequestration:

• Engage agencies, such as CSU Extension, USDA, NRCS, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and The Ground Up, to provide education on land managementtechniquesthatincreasecarbonstorage• Reducemethaneemissionsbystoppingbiodegradablematerialsfromenteringthelandfill;compostingcanbeavitalwaytorestoreand protect the climate • Promote leaving grass clippings on the ground to return nutrients to the soil• Reduce impermeable surfaces, and encourage catchment of water that promotes healthy ecosystems • Encouragegreenroofswithnativeplantspeciesthatdonotrequirealargeamountofwater• Reduce use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that are made from fossil fuels that contribute to climate change • Encourage holistic approaches during revegetation and restoration after disturbances, such as after building and infrastructureconstructionorafternaturaldisasters(e.g.,firesandflooding)

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 33

Page 37: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 34

Appendix B: Stakeholder Meetings and Public Engagement Information

Guiding Principles for Stakeholder Group• Value each other’s and the community’s input and knowledge•Keepinmindthetriplebottom-line:“people,planet,profit”• Take calculated risks• Address all sectors that contribute to GHG emissions• Develop meaningful goals and metrics to show progress through time• Strive for informed consent on decisions

Stakeholder Meeting DatesMarch 21, 2016April 18, 2016May 23, 2016June 20, 2016August 22, 2016November 14, 2016

Stakeholder Meeting Notes and Materials Meeting notes, slideshow presentations, and other supporting materials can be found atwww.walkingmountains.org/cap.

Public Open House SessionsSeptember 14, 2016, Brush Creek Pavilion, EagleSeptember 19, 2016, Grand View, Lionshead Welcome Center, VailSeptember 22, 2016, Miller Ranch Community Center, Edwards

Page 38: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Appendix C: 2014 Eagle County Energy InventoryEa

gle

Coun

ty E

nerg

y In

vent

ory

2014

dat

a on

ene

rgy

use,

cos

ts a

nd G

HG

em

issi

ons

KEY

FIN

DIN

GS

• G

reen

hous

e ga

s em

issi

ons

from

ene

rgy

use

in E

agle

Coun

ty in

201

4 to

tale

d 1.

4 m

illio

n m

etric

tons

of c

arbo

ndi

oxid

e eq

uiva

lent

(CO2

e).

• T

he s

ingl

e la

rges

t sou

rce

of e

mis

sion

s, a

t 39

perc

ent,

is fr

om th

e ge

nera

tion

of e

lect

ricity

use

d to

pow

erre

side

ntia

l and

com

mer

cial

bui

ldin

gs a

nd fa

cilit

ies.

Gre

enho

use

gas

e mis

sion

s on

a p

er c

apita

bas

is a

rehi

gher

in E

agle

Cou

nty

than

in C

olor

ado

or th

e U.

S. A

s a

reso

rt c

omm

unity

, Eag

le C

ount

y ha

s m

ore

seco

ndho

mes

, hot

els

and

ener

gy in

tens

ive

recr

eatio

n fa

cilit

ies.

• C

onsi

sten

t with

nat

iona

lfin

ding

s, E

agle

Cou

nty

trans

port

atio

n em

issi

ons

com

epr

imar

ily fr

om p

asse

nger

veh

icle

s.•

The

Eag

le C

ount

y co

mm

unity

spe

nt $

243

mill

ion

in20

14 o

n en

ergy

, for

ele

ctric

and

nat

ural

gas

bill

s an

d fo

rdi

esel

and

gas

olin

e tra

nspo

rtat

ion

fuel

s.

• If

the

com

mun

ity a

s a

who

le b

ecam

e 10

per

cent

mor

een

ergy

effi

cien

t, $2

4 m

illio

n co

uld

stay

in th

e co

mm

unity

each

yea

r to

stre

ngth

en th

e lo

cal e

cono

my.

Sect

ion

1: O

verv

iew

of E

mis

sion

s, E

nerg

y Co

sts

and

Ener

gy U

seTo

tal 2

014

carb

on d

ioxi

de e

quiv

alen

t (CO

2e) e

mis

sion

s:

1,38

7,08

0 m

etric

tons

2. E

mis

sion

s by

Sec

tor,

2014

Met

ric to

ns o

f CO 2

e3.

Em

issi

ons

by S

ourc

e, 2

014

Met

ric to

ns o

f CO 2

e

4. E

nerg

y Co

sts

by S

ourc

eTo

tal e

nerg

y co

sts:

$24

3.5

mill

ion

1. E

mis

sion

s pe

r Cap

ita, 2

014

Met

ric to

ns o

f CO 2

5. E

nerg

y Us

e by

Sou

rce,

201

4To

tal e

nerg

y us

e: 1

8.8

trilli

on B

TUs

Gre

enho

use

gas

emis

sion

sdi

vide

d on

a p

er c

apita

bas

is a

re28

per

cent

hig

her i

n Ea

gle

Coun

tyth

an in

Col

orad

o. C

ontri

butin

gfa

ctor

s ar

e tra

nspo

rtat

ion,

sec

ond

hom

es a

nd lo

dgin

g.

See

appe

ndix

for d

etai

ls a

bout

hous

ehol

d en

ergy

use

and

the

impa

ct o

f sec

ond

hom

es o

nen

ergy

use

.

Char

t 4 s

how

s th

at m

ore

than

hal

f of e

nerg

yco

sts

are

for t

rans

port

atio

n fu

els

(bas

ed o

n20

14 a

vera

ge p

rice

of $

2.92

/gal

lon)

. Nat

ural

gas

pric

es in

Col

orad

o ra

nk 4

7th

in th

e U.

S.,

thus

the

smal

l wed

ge fo

r nat

ural

gas

cos

ts.

Char

t 5 c

onve

rted

gal

lons

of t

rans

port

atio

nfu

el, k

ilow

att h

ours

of e

lect

ricity

and

ther

ms

of n

atur

al g

as in

to a

com

mon

, ind

ustr

yst

anda

rd e

nerg

y un

it, th

e Br

itish

ther

mal

uni

t(B

TU).

See

Appe

ndix

for t

he d

efin

ition

of B

TU.

Char

t 2 il

lust

rate

s th

e so

urce

s of

em

issi

ons

by u

se, w

hile

Cha

rt 3

illu

stra

tes

emis

sion

s by

fuel

sou

rce.

The

resi

dent

ial a

nd th

e co

mm

erci

al/i

ndus

trial

sect

ors

cont

ribut

e th

e la

rges

t per

cent

age

of to

tal e

mis

sion

s in

the

coun

ty.

By fu

el, e

lect

ricity

use

con

tribu

tes

the

larg

est s

hare

of e

mis

sion

s, fo

llow

edby

gas

olin

e an

d di

esel

fuel

s fo

r tra

nspo

rtat

ion.

Page 39: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Sect

ion

2: U

tility

Ene

rgy

Sect

ion

3: E

mis

sion

s fr

om B

uild

ings

, Fac

ilitie

s an

d In

dust

ry

Eagl

e Co

unty

Ene

rgy

Inve

ntor

y/

2014

dat

a on

ene

rgy

cons

umpt

ion,

spe

ndin

g an

d em

issi

ons

/ Ap

ril 2

016

6. E

mis

sion

s by

Sec

tor

Met

ric to

ns o

f CO 2

e7.

Em

issi

ons

by U

tility

Met

ric to

ns o

f CO 2

e8.

Hol

y Cr

oss

Ener

gy E

lect

ricity

Sou

rces

CO2

emis

sion

s/ye

ar:

831,

384

met

ric to

nsAv

erag

e CO

2 in

tens

ity:

1.57

lb. p

er k

Wh

Rene

wab

le e

nerg

y:20

.3%

Mem

ber-o

wne

dre

new

able

sys

tem

s: 5

17Ca

paci

ty: 3

,492

kW

Met

ers

in E

agle

Cou

nty:

29,3

35 re

side

ntia

l6,

304

com

mer

cial

Elec

trici

ty is

the

dom

inan

t sou

rce

of e

mis

sion

s fro

m b

uild

ing

ener

gy u

se.

9. E

mis

sion

s by

Com

mun

ity

by R

esid

entia

l and

Com

mer

cial

Sec

tor,

2014

Met

ric to

ns o

f CO 2

e

Not

es fo

r Cha

rts

9 an

d 10

:Ed

war

ds:D

ata

for E

dwar

ds, a

n un

inco

rpor

ated

com

mun

ity, i

nclu

des

the

entir

e 81

632

zip

code

.Un

inco

rp:A

bbre

viat

ion

for “

unin

corp

orat

ed”

incl

udes

met

ers

in u

ninc

orpo

rate

d Ea

gle

Coun

ty o

ther

than

the

Edw

ards

816

32 z

ip c

ode.

Uni

ncor

pora

ted

Eagl

e Co

unty

has

mor

e po

pula

tion

and

hous

ing

units

than

any

of t

heco

unty

’s in

divi

dual

mun

icip

aliti

es.

Com

mer

cial

:A u

tility

des

igna

tion

for a

met

er o

npr

oper

ties

such

as

hote

ls, m

ulti-

fam

ily c

ompl

exes

with

one

met

er, r

ecre

atio

nal f

acili

ties

(lifts

and

sno

w-m

akin

geq

uipm

ent),

gov

ernm

ents

, sch

ools

, ret

ail,

indu

stria

l and

man

ufac

turin

g fa

cilit

ies.

Bu

sine

sses

and

gov

ernm

ents

ofte

n ho

ld m

any

utili

tyac

coun

ts fo

r the

mul

tiple

pro

pert

ies

they

ow

n or

leas

e.

In th

is c

hart

, eac

h ut

ility

acc

ount

is c

ount

ed s

epar

atel

y,re

gard

less

of o

wne

rshi

p.

Char

t 9 s

how

s t o

tal e

mis

sion

s in

eac

h co

mm

unity

from

build

ing,

faci

lity

and

indu

stria

l ene

rgy

use

in th

e re

side

ntia

lan

d co

mm

erci

al s

ecto

rs.

Char

t 10

show

s em

issi

ons

by c

omm

unity

base

d on

the

num

ber o

f res

iden

tial (

light

yello

w) a

nd c

omm

erci

al (d

ark

yello

w)

elec

tric

utili

ty a

ccou

nts

in e

ach

com

mun

ity a

nd in

uni

ncor

pora

ted

area

s(fa

r rig

ht b

ar).

Whi

le c

omm

erci

al e

nerg

y us

e pe

rac

coun

t is

high

er th

an re

side

ntia

l, it’

sim

port

ant t

o no

te th

at th

ere

are

abou

tfiv

e tim

es a

s m

any

resi

dent

ial a

ccou

nts

as c

omm

erci

al a

ccou

nts

acro

ss E

agle

Coun

ty. H

owev

er, t

otal

ene

rgy

use

betw

een

the

two

sect

ors

is c

lose

, 53

perc

ent f

or c

omm

erci

al a

nd 4

7 pe

rcen

tfo

r res

iden

tial (

see

Char

t 6).

10. E

mis

sion

s by

Com

mun

ity b

y R

esid

entia

l and

Com

mer

cial

Util

ity A

ccou

nt, 2

014

Met

ric to

ns o

f CO 2

e

Page 40: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Sect

ion

4: T

rans

port

atio

n En

ergy

Em

issi

ons

and

Use

11. E

agle

Cou

nty

Tran

spor

tatio

n Em

issi

ons,

20

14M

etric

tons

of C

O 2e

13. U

.S. T

rans

port

atio

n Se

ctor

Em

issi

ons

by S

ourc

eM

etric

tons

of C

O 2e

12. E

agle

Cou

nty

Ener

gy U

se b

y Ve

hicl

e Cl

ass,

201

4Th

ousa

nds

of G

allo

ns

Eagl

e Co

unty

Ene

rgy

Inve

ntor

y/

2014

dat

a on

ene

rgy

cons

umpt

ion,

spe

ndin

g an

d em

issi

ons

/ Ap

ril 2

016

Sect

ion

5: R

ecom

men

datio

nsEn

ergy

Eff

icie

ncy:

Ene

rgy

effic

ienc

y pr

ogra

ms

need

to a

ddre

ssel

ectri

city

con

sum

ptio

ns in

resi

dent

ial,

com

mer

cial

and

indu

stria

l sec

tors

acr

oss

the

coun

ty. T

he g

reat

est p

oten

tial f

orem

issi

ons

redu

ctio

n is

in c

omm

erci

al s

ecto

r ene

rgy

use.

Ren

ewab

le E

nerg

y:Pa

rtne

ring

with

Hol

y Cr

oss

Ener

gy to

incr

ease

the

amou

nt o

f ren

ewab

le e

nerg

y in

the

utili

ty’s

pow

erpo

rtfo

lio w

ill d

ecre

ase

emis

sion

s fro

m e

lect

ricit y

con

sum

ptio

n.Tr

ansp

orta

tion:

Prog

ram

s sh

ould

focu

s on

redu

cing

pass

enge

r veh

icle

trav

el a

nd s

hifti

ng to

cle

aner

-bur

ning

alte

rnat

ive

fuel

s. K

ey c

ompo

nent

s sh

ould

incl

ude

incr

ease

dav

aila

bilit

y of

pub

lic tr

ansi

t, gr

owth

in p

ublic

ele

ctric

veh

icle

char

ging

sta

tions

and

use

of e

lect

ric v

ehic

les,

and

mor

ebi

cycl

e tra

vel o

ptio

ns w

ithin

com

mun

ities

.Po

licy:

Loca

l gov

ernm

ent p

artn

ers

shou

ld w

ork

tow

ard

sim

ilar

polic

ies

that

redu

ce e

mis

sion

s, s

uch

as e

nerg

y ef

ficie

ncy

build

ing

code

s, la

nd u

se c

odes

that

enc

oura

ge c

ompa

ctw

alka

ble

com

mun

ities

and

tran

sit-o

rient

ed d

evel

opm

ent,

and

mul

ti-m

odal

tran

spor

tatio

n pl

anni

ng.

Area

s of

Fur

ther

Stu

dyTr

avel

pat

tern

stu

dy to

ass

ist w

ith lo

cal t

raffi

c em

issi

ons

•ca

lcul

atio

ns a

nd p

lann

ing

for m

ass

trans

it.

Upda

ted

was

te c

ompo

sitio

n st

udy

at th

e Ea

gle

Coun

ty•

Land

fill t

o en

sure

mor

e re

cent

dat

a is

inco

rpor

ated

into

futu

re in

vent

orie

s an

d to

ack

now

ledg

e im

prov

emen

ts a

tth

e la

ndfil

l. En

ergy

use

stu

dy to

diff

eren

tiate

bet

wee

n oc

cupi

ed a

nd•

unoc

cupi

ed h

ousi

ng.

Ener

gy u

se s

tudy

spe

cific

ally

focu

sed

on re

sort

•op

erat

ions

.

Char

t 11.

To

calc

ulat

e m

otor

veh

icle

ene

rgy

use,

the

rese

arch

team

det

erm

ined

that

the

best

avai

labl

e m

etho

d w

as to

use

Col

orad

o D

epar

tmen

tof

Tra

nspo

rtat

ion

traffi

c st

atis

tics

for E

agle

Cou

nty.

CDOT

dat

a do

es n

ot in

clud

e co

unty

road

s or

city

stre

ets.

Bec

ause

of t

his

mis

sing

info

rmat

ion,

this

inve

ntor

y’s

estim

ate

is in

here

ntly

con

serv

ativ

e an

dis

ver

y lik

ely

an u

nder

estim

ate

of to

tal

trans

port

atio

n en

ergy

use

. Be

caus

e of

the

econ

omic

impo

rtan

ce o

f I-7

0 to

the

regi

on fo

r des

tinat

ion

traffi

c, th

e hi

gh p

erce

ntag

eof

loca

l tra

ffic

on I-

70, a

nd th

e bu

ilt-in

unde

rest

imat

ion

due

to m

issi

ng c

ity s

treet

traf

fic,

the

rese

arch

team

cho

se to

incl

ude

100

perc

ent o

fI-7

0 tra

ffic

to re

pres

ent t

he c

ount

y’s

tota

l veh

icle

mile

s tra

vele

d.

Char

t 12.

The

maj

ority

of g

asol

ine

and

dies

elfu

el u

se is

for v

ehic

les

that

car

ry p

asse

nger

s.Th

e tw

o ba

rs o

n th

erig

ht re

pres

ent s

mal

lan

d la

rge

pass

enge

rve

hicl

es. C

ombi

ned,

they

acc

ount

for 7

9pe

rcen

t of g

asol

ine

and

dies

el g

allo

ns u

sed

inEa

gle

Coun

ty. M

ediu

man

d he

avy-

duty

truc

ksan

d se

mis

use

21

perc

ent o

f gas

olin

e an

ddi

esel

gal

lons

.

Char

t 13.

With

in th

e U.

S.tra

nspo

rtat

ion

sect

or, l

ight

-dut

yve

hicl

es (i

nclu

ding

pas

seng

er c

ars

and

light

-dut

y tru

cks)

wer

e by

far

the

larg

est c

ateg

ory,

resp

onsi

ble

for

61 p

erce

nt o

f em

issi

ons.

Med

ium

-an

d he

avy-

duty

truc

ks m

ade

up th

ese

cond

larg

est c

ateg

ory,

with

23

perc

ent o

f em

issi

ons.

Bet

wee

n19

90 a

nd 2

013,

em

issi

ons

natio

nwid

e in

the

trans

port

atio

nse

ctor

incr

ease

d m

ore

in a

bsol

ute

term

s th

an a

ny o

ther

sec

tor (

i.e.

elec

trici

ty g

ener

atio

n, in

dust

ry,

agric

ultu

re, r

esid

entia

l, or

com

mer

cial

).

Page 41: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Eagl

e Co

unty

Ene

rgy

Inve

ntor

y/

2014

dat

a on

ene

rgy

cons

umpt

ion,

spe

ndin

g an

d em

issi

ons

/ Ap

ril 2

016

14. E

nerg

y Us

e,in

mill

ion

BTUs

15. E

nerg

y Co

st

16. E

lect

ricity

Use

, in

mW

h17

. Ele

ctric

ity C

ost

Ener

gy p

er H

ouse

hold

per

Yea

r, 20

14El

ectr

icity

per

Hou

seho

ld p

er Y

ear,

2014

18. O

ccup

ied

and

unoc

cupi

ed h

ousi

ng u

nits

, 201

4Ea

gle

Coun

ty h

as a

hig

hpe

rcen

tage

of

unoc

cupi

ed h

ousi

ngun

its c

ompa

red

toCo

lora

do o

vera

ll, o

r to

non-

reso

rt c

ount

ies

such

as G

arfie

ld C

ount

y.Su

mm

it Co

unty

has

an

even

hig

her p

erce

ntag

eof

resi

dent

ial u

nits

cons

ider

ed u

nocc

upie

d.

Appe

ndix

Per c

apita

and

per

hou

sing

uni

t cal

cula

tions

are

one

way

toco

mpa

re o

ne c

omm

unity

’s e

nerg

y us

e to

oth

ers,

eve

n w

hen

popu

latio

n to

tals

are

diff

eren

t. H

owev

er, t

hese

cal

cula

tions

can

be d

iffic

ult t

o ap

ply

in a

reso

rt-d

omin

ated

com

mun

ity s

uch

as E

agle

Cou

nty.

Per C

apita

:A p

er c

apita

cal

cula

tion

divi

des

ener

gy u

se o

rem

issi

ons

by th

e pe

rman

ent p

opul

atio

n of

the

com

mun

ity, a

ssh

own

in C

hart

1 (p

age

1). T

he E

agle

Cou

nty

popu

latio

n us

edfo

r thi

s ca

lcul

atio

n w

as 5

2,83

1.

Char

t 1 s

how

s a

muc

h hi

gher

rate

of e

mis

sion

s pe

r cap

ita fo

rEa

gle

than

for C

olor

ado

or th

e Un

ited

Stat

es. E

agle

Cou

nty’

sla

rge

reso

rt in

dust

ry, w

hich

incl

udes

ski

lifts

and

on-

mou

ntai

nfa

cilit

ies,

and

a h

igh

dens

ity o

f lod

ging

, din

ing

and

reta

iles

tabl

ishm

ents

in e

aste

rn E

agle

Cou

nty,

acts

like

oth

er la

rge

ener

gy-u

sing

indu

strie

s w

ould

in s

kew

ing

the

per c

apita

emis

sion

s fig

ure.

Per H

ousi

ng U

nit:

Per h

ousi

ng u

nit c

alcu

latio

ns a

re a

noth

erm

eans

of c

ompa

ring

one

com

mun

ity’s

ene

rgy

use

to o

ther

s,sp

ecifi

cally

in th

e re

side

ntia

l sec

tor.

Thes

e ca

lcul

atio

ns d

ivid

eto

tal e

nerg

y us

e in

the

resi

dent

ial s

ecto

r by

the

num

ber o

fho

useh

olds

or r

esid

entia

l ser

vice

met

ers

in th

at c

omm

unity

.Th

is c

alcu

latio

n ex

clud

es e

mis

sion

s fro

m th

e co

mm

erci

alse

ctor

, avo

idin

g th

e im

bala

nce

seen

in C

hart

1.

How

ever

, the

per

hou

sing

uni

t cal

cula

tion

is a

lso

diffi

cult

to

appl

y in

Eag

le C

ount

y, be

caus

e a

high

per

cent

age

ofre

side

ntia

l uni

ts a

re u

sed

spor

adic

ally

or s

easo

nally

as

seco

ndho

mes

and

vac

atio

n re

ntal

s. T

hese

sec

ond

hom

es a

ndva

catio

n re

ntal

s us

e en

ergy

whe

ther

they

are

vac

ant o

roc

cupi

ed, a

lthou

gh th

ey w

ould

pre

sum

ably

use

less

ene

rgy

whe

n va

cant

.Th

e Co

lora

do S

tate

Dem

ogra

pher

repo

rts

that

of E

agle

Coun

ty’s

31,

675

hous

ing

units

(thi

s fig

ure

does

not

incl

ude

com

mer

cial

lodg

ing

prop

ertie

s), 3

8 pe

rcen

t wer

e co

nsid

ered

“vac

ant”

or u

nocc

upie

d in

201

4. C

olor

ado’

s av

erag

e va

canc

yra

te in

201

4 w

as 7

.6 p

erce

nt.

Utili

ty c

ompa

nies

, how

ever

, do

not d

iffer

entia

te b

etw

een

perm

anen

tly o

ccup

ied

hom

es a

nd s

pora

dica

lly o

ccup

ied

seco

nd h

omes

and

vac

atio

n re

ntal

s. S

o it’

s im

poss

ible

,w

ithou

t fur

ther

stu

dy, t

o ca

lcul

ate

ener

gy u

se b

y pe

rman

ently

occu

pied

com

pare

d to

spo

radi

cally

occ

upie

d ho

mes

.Fo

r thi

s in

vent

ory,

the

rese

arch

team

ran

the

per h

ousi

ng u

n it

calc

ulat

ion

both

way

s, d

ivid

ing

all r

esid

entia

l ene

rgy

use

by a

llho

usin

g un

its (s

econ

d ba

r fro

m ri

ght i

n Ch

arts

15-

18),

and

divi

ding

onl

y by

per

man

ently

occ

upie

d un

its (r

ight

bar

). N

eith

erba

r acc

urat

ely

depi

cts

aver

age

hous

ehol

d en

ergy

use

for E

agle

Coun

ty. D

ivid

ing

by a

ll un

its y

ield

s a

low

per

-uni

t ave

rage

, whi

ledi

vidi

ng o

nly

by o

ccup

ied

units

yie

lds

an u

nfai

rly h

igh

per-u

nit

aver

age.

The

true

nu m

ber i

s pr

obab

ly s

omew

here

in b

etw

een.

Wha

t is

a BT

U?Ch

arts

5 a

nd 1

5 re

port

tota

len

ergy

use

by

a co

mm

on u

nit,

Briti

sh th

erm

al u

nit o

r BTU

. On

e BT

U is

the

amou

nt o

f wor

kne

eded

to ra

ise

the

tem

pera

ture

of 1

pou

nd o

fw

ater

by

1 de

gree

F. F

or a

phys

ical

exa

mpl

e, b

urni

ng o

ne4-

inch

woo

den

kitc

hen

mat

chge

nera

tes

1 BT

U.

Ener

gy a

nd E

mis

sion

s by

Pop

ulat

ion

and

Hou

seho

ld

Page 42: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Eagl

e Co

unty

Ene

rgy

Inve

ntor

y/

2014

dat

a on

ene

rgy

cons

umpt

ion,

spe

ndin

g an

d em

issi

ons

/ Ap

ril 2

016

Sour

ces

Spec

ial t

hank

s to

the

Eagl

e Co

unty

Com

mis

sion

ers,

Jean

neM

cQue

eney

, Jill

Rya

n an

d Ka

thy

Chan

dler

-Hen

ry, f

or th

eir

cont

inue

d w

ork

to a

ddre

ss c

limat

e ch

ange

, for

thei

run

ders

tand

ing

of th

e im

port

ance

of e

nerg

y, an

d fo

rco

mm

issi

onin

g th

is e

mis

sion

s in

vent

ory

for e

nact

ing

info

rmed

clim

ate

actio

n po

licie

s.

The

follo

win

g in

divi

dual

s pr

ovid

ed d

ata,

insi

ght,

supp

ort

and

expe

rtis

e fo

r thi

s re

port

: Jo

hn G

itche

ll an

d Ad

am P

alm

er, E

agle

Cou

nty

Hea

ther

McG

rego

r and

Alic

e La

ird, C

LEER

Chris

Men

ges,

City

of A

spen

Can

ary

Initi

ativ

eCh

ris H

ildre

d, H

oly

Cros

s En

ergy

Stev

e D

eGra

zio,

Xce

l Ene

rgy

Lisa

Pfit

zing

er a

nd R

enae

Cha

ndle

r, Bl

ack

Hill

s En

ergy

/So

urce

Gas

Aman

da N

olan

, Eag

le C

ount

y La

ndfil

lCh

ris A

nder

son

and

Jeffr

ey B

row

nbac

k, E

agle

Cou

nty

Airp

ort

Char

t 1U.

S. E

nerg

y In

form

atio

n Ad

min

istra

tion:

Car

bon

emis

sion

s by

stat

e: www.eia.gov/environment/emissions/state/analysis/

Colo

rado

Sta

te D

emog

raph

er’s

Offi

ce: P

opul

atio

n an

dH

ouse

hold

Est

imat

es fo

r Col

orad

o Co

untie

s an

dM

unic

ipal

ities

, 201

4: bit.ly/COCountyMuniHousing2014

Char

ts 2

- 7

Eagl

e Co

unty

Ene

rgy

Inve

ntor

y da

ta g

athe

red

from

Hol

y Cr

oss

Ener

gy, X

cel E

nerg

y, So

urce

Gas

, Col

orad

o D

epar

tmen

t of

Tran

spor

tatio

n, E

agle

Cou

nty

Airp

ort

Pitk

in, E

agle

and

Gar

field

Was

te C

ompo

sitio

n St

udy,

2009

,LB

A As

soci

ates

, fun

ded

by U

.S. D

ept.

of A

gric

ultu

reCh

art 7

In 2

016,

Bla

ck H

ills

Ener

gy a

cqui

red

Sour

ceG

as.

Char

t 8H

oly

Cros

s En

ergy

, 201

4 CO

2 Em

issi

ons

Repo

rtCh

arts

9 -

10Ea

gle

Coun

ty E

nerg

y In

vent

ory

data

(usa

ge a

nd c

usto

mer

coun

ts) g

athe

red

from

Hol

y Cr

oss

Ener

gy, X

cel E

nerg

y an

dSo

urce

Gas

Char

t 11

Colo

rado

Dep

artm

ent o

f Tra

nspo

rtat

ion:

Veh

icle

s M

iles

Trav

eled

Sta

tistic

s, D

ata

prov

ided

by

CDOT

sta

ff An

drew

Hog

lean

d Le

o Li

vecc

hi.

Char

t 12

Vehi

cle

mile

s tra

vele

d (V

MT)

dat

a w

as c

ombi

ned

with

the

Aspe

n VM

T M

odel

201

4 pr

epar

ed b

y Ch

arlie

r Ass

ocia

tes

(201

5), t

he n

eare

st re

gion

al d

ata

avai

labl

e, to

est

imat

eve

hicl

e m

iles

trave

led

per v

ehic

le ty

pe, i

nclu

ding

car

s, p

icku

ps,

and

med

ium

and

hea

vy tr

ucks

.Ch

art 1

3U.

S. O

ffice

of T

rans

port

atio

n an

d Ai

r Qua

lity:

Fas

t Fac

ts: U

.S.

Tran

spor

tatio

n Se

ctor

Gre

enho

use

Gas

Em

issi

ons

1990

-201

3,EP

A-42

0-F-

15-0

32Oc

tobe

r 201

5: bit.ly/fastfacts15032

Char

ts 1

4 - 1

8U.

S. E

nerg

y In

form

atio

n Ad

min

istra

tion:

U.S

. & C

olor

ado

ener

gy c

ompa

rison

s: bit.ly/EIA-US-Colo

Colo

rado

Sta

te D

emog

raph

er’s

Offi

ce: P

opul

atio

n an

dH

ouse

hold

Est

imat

es fo

r Col

orad

o Co

untie

s an

dM

unic

ipal

ities

, 201

4: bit.ly/COCountyMuniHousing2014

Dat

a co

llect

ion

and

anal

ysis

by

Eric

a Sp

arha

wk,

CLE

ER, a

nd R

ick

Hee

de, C

limat

e M

itiga

tion

Serv

ices

Sour

ces

and

Ackn

owle

dgem

ents

Ener

gy In

vent

ory

Prot

ocol

The

Eagl

e Co

unty

Ene

rgy

Inve

ntor

y qu

antif

ies

tota

len

ergy

use

, cos

ts a

nd c

arbo

n em

issi

ons

by s

ecto

r and

by fu

el a

nd u

tility

sou

rce,

usi

ng 2

014

as th

e ba

selin

eye

ar.

The

inve

ntor

y’s

purp

ose

is to

und

erst

and

how

and

whe

reen

ergy

is u

sed

and

emis

sion

s ar

e ge

nera

ted.

With

this

info

rmat

ion

in h

and,

eac

h en

ergy

-usi

ng s

ecto

r can

iden

tify

oppo

rtun

ities

to in

crea

se e

ffici

ency

, red

uce

emis

sion

s an

d re

duce

cos

ts.

This

inve

ntor

y co

mpl

ies

with

the

U.S.

Com

mun

ityPr

otoc

ol fo

r Acc

ount

ing

and

Repo

rtin

g of

GHG

Em

issi

ons

(USC

P). A

t lea

st fi

ve e

mis

sion

-gen

erat

ing

activ

ities

mus

tbe

incl

uded

for a

n in

vent

ory

to b

e US

CP c

ompl

iant

. Thi

sin

vent

ory

surv

eys

five

activ

ities

: res

iden

tial e

nerg

y,co

mm

erci

al e

nerg

y, ve

hicl

es, a

viat

ion

and

the

land

fill.

CLEE

R: C

lean

Ene

rgy

Econ

omy

for t

he R

egio

nP.

O. B

ox 4

28 /

520

S. T

hird

St.,

Sui

te 1

7, C

arbo

ndal

e, C

olor

ado

8162

3(9

70) 7

04-9

200

/ Cl

eanE

nerg

yEco

nom

y.net

Page 43: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Appendix D: Glossary of Key TermsAdaptation – efforts by society or ecosystem to prepare for and adjust to future climate change (e.g., upgrading infrastructure to be prepared for climate change - induced changes in summer temperatures or annual rainfall)Climate – the average weather over 30 yearsClimate Change–astatisticallysignificantvariationineitherthemeanclimateorinitsvariability(decadeorlonger)duetonaturalor anthropogenic causesMitigation – an effort to reduce or prevent impacts of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., building more multi-modal trails to reduce vehicle use)Projection – a model that describes the future of the climate based on trajectories and dataTrend – the trajectory of past climate over short- and long-term periods of timeResilience – the capability to anticipate, prepare for, or recover from a complex, multi-hazard threatWeather – the current and short-term way the atmosphere is behaving

Appendix E: Literature CitedCO Integrated Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan. 2016. www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/integrated-solid-waste-management-plan

DoranandZimmerman.2009.ExaminingthescientificconsensusonclimatechangeTransactionsoftheAmericanGeophysicalUnion.

Eagle County. 2016. Eagle County Energy Inventory for year 2014. Eagle County Government and Clean Energy Economy for the Region. http://www.eaglecounty.us/EnvHealth/Documents/General/Energy_Inventory/

EnergyEfficiency-Report:AmercianCouncilforanEnergyEfficientEconomy.2014.www.aceee.org

GordonandOjima.2015.Coloradoclimatechangevulnerabilitystudy:AreportsubmittedtotheColoradoEnergyOffice.http://wwa.colorado.edu/climate/co2015vulnerability/

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 2014. Fifth assessment report. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg3/

Lukas et al. 2014. Climate Change in Colorado: A Synthesis to Support Water Resources Management and Adaptation. A report for the CWCB. http://cwcb.state.co.us/environment/climate-change

NASA. 2016. http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/

State of Colorado. 2015. Colorado Climate Plan. http://cwcb.state.co.us/environment/climate-change

StateofColoradoDepartmentofLocalAffairs(DOLA).2016.StateDemographyOffice-Dashboard.Accessed7/2016;https://dola.colorado.gov/demog_webapps/dashboard.jsf

Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 40

Page 44: EC Climate Action Plan SR...Focus on energy efficiency Expand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentives Adopt “above building code” standards Promote and incentivize efficient

Climate Action Plan

for the Eagle County

Community


Recommended