HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/27/2009 - STAFF REPORTS - SS.1.A. Sustainability Commissioner comments
RE: Draft Sustainability Master Plan report
The following specific comments were received from the Commissioners and
reviewed and considered by the Commission. They are categorized by section of the
draft report.
DASHBOARD METRICS
1. The "dashboard metrics" are not specific enough. For example, if we are
concerned with water consumption,why not a simple graph showing
historical data and the degree of savings that could be anticipated by
alternate policies.
2. Dash board metrics throughout document need refinement
GENERAL COMMENTS
1. There should be an explanation for the order of the chapters, so it's
understood that water conservation is as important as any of the other topics
in the master plan.
2. Climate change threatens the long term economic viability of the city and
valley as a tourist destination. Simply put, fewer people will need a "winter
get away" if their winters become more mild. Snowbirds won't fly south if
they no longer have to deal with snow.
3. We are quite literally running out of water, and this point is not made
strongly enough in the document. I will point out some particular areas in my
detailed comments below- but the DWA groundwater recharge document
states quite clearly that we now have 908,000 acre feet of cumulative
overdraft-which is more than 3 trillion gallons of water that has been
removed from the aquifer, and this is after accounting for all of the recharge
we are doing. We cannot havegrowth and development without adequate
water supplies. i think goad old Dr. Suzuki would take us to task for not
explicitly stating this reality and working to address it.
4. Rising energy costs could make the cost of living in Palm Springs so high that
people flee the region for more affordable climates.As we examine this
document through the lens of the triple bottom line,we must acknowledge
that the twin forces of rising temperatures and rising energy costs could
cripple all three legs of the triple bottom line.
5� 1 find the layout to be very confusing.All of the side bars /text boxes
interfere with what i believe should be the presentation of a straight-forward
statement of where we are and where we should be going.
6. The report is attractive, but is not in my view the "expert report" I had
anticipated.
7. Eliminate the phrase "Desert Oasis" from the entire document. Labeling Palm
Springs as a Desert Oasis not only implies that we don't understand what an
Oasis is but it could be inferred that we don't value our natural landscape for
what it truly is. It indicates a lack of regard for the whole concept of
sustainability.
8. All chapters should include outreach and education as an action item
9. Develop a matrix that shows the relationships between objectives and goals
across the document. For instance many energy conservation objectives
positively affect air quality; water conservation objectives simultaneously
work toward energy conservation and improving air quality, etc. In this way
we can see the multiple benefits of working on single objectives - may help
with prioritizing objectives and/or demonstrating effectiveness of objectives.
ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
1, The Climate change issue/opportunity is weals I would re-write as follows:
Issue: Climate change diminishes the need for Palm Springs as a winter
destination resort and threatens the feasibility of an economically viable
summer existence.
Opportunity: The city can attract resources by becoming a living laboratory
for scientific research into ultra-efficient housing construction and
retrofitting.
2. 1 think the water one is weals as well. I would re-write as follows:
Issue: According to the most current Groundwater Replenishment report by
the Desert Water Agency, the aquifer that supplies Palm Springs has 908,000
acre Coot cumulative overdraft- even with the continued purchase of
supplemental water. The ongoing drought in the Colorado River basin and
increased competition for scarce water resources makes conservation of this
limited resource a critical need.
Opportunity: The city of Palm Springs can demonstrate leadership by
working with DWA to bring the Palm Springs community into a balanced
water budget,where continual overdraft is no longer the norm in water
management.
3. I think the oil/gas price issue could be better characterized as well:
Issue: Rising energy costs will erode the standard of living and deplete
financial resources of the city and residents.
Opportunity: City government can encourage the expansion of solar PV in
both government and private sectors. It can also adopt zoning changes which
would expand the use of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines in wind-prone areas of
the city. These initiatives, combined with support for energy conservation
will result in a more stable and secure energy supply and reduced capital
outflows from the Palm Springs area.
4. 1 think some additional issues/opportunities could be added to make this
document more robust. Here are some suggestions:
Issue: The public does not have easy access to practical information on how
they can make their lifestyles more sustainable.
Opportunity: Use the Palm Springs city cable channel to run informative
videos for homeowners and business owners on reducing water use,waste,
recycling, energy consumption, GHGs, air pollution and retrofitting older
buildings.This would not only educate the public, but also stimulate the
economy by encouraging productive local investments into long term
conservation measures.
Issue: The urban landscape of Palm Springs is largely built-out with
inefficient materials and suffers from tremendous energy loss.
Opportunity: Include sustainable tips sheets with every house sale and
every renovation / construction permit.
OUTREACH THEMES
1. Page 12. I take issue with the statement: The desert landscape is a
foundation on which to build the desert oasis.
Palm Springs is not an oasis, it is a true desert.An oasis is a localized area in a
desert where water is at the surface allowing for a small flourishing riparian
environment. To characterize all 95 square miles of the city of Palm Springs
as a foundation upon which to build an oasis is completely inaccurate and
adverse to the principles of sustainability. Palm Springs only has a few areas
of surface water, and most of them are seasonal streams coming from the
mountains. The hot springs under the Spa hotel are one of the few
exceptions. So, this statement is simply misleading.
I believe this statement should stricken entirely from the document or
replaced with the following:
The desert landscape is a fragile ecosystem which requires active care and
management in order to flourish.
CHAPTERS
SUSTAINABLE CITY MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
No Commissioner comments submitted
ECONOMIC VITALITY
1. Goal: Consider adding green industries to acknowledge Objectives 2 & 3
2. Objective #1
Add that The City has the opportunity to become a base of scientific research
into cost-effective housing that is ultra-efficient in an intense desert
climate. This technology will increase in value as populations continue
to grow in large urban centers set in dry desert climates such as Las
Vegas and Phoenix.
Add reclamation to list of industrial focuses
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSPORTATION CHOICE
1. Develop enhanced bike route plan.
2. Develop improved timing of traffic lights to promote more effective travel.
CLIMATE CHANGE
1, Air Quality issues are completely absent from this document.
Gl-1Gs are important, but they are only a slice of the pie.A master plan should
address air quality as well. I feel this is a critical missing element.
I would add a new goal under #4 of the Ex. Summary Goals &Strategies to
read as follows:
Palm Springs meets State and Federal Air Quality Standards
1. Palm Springs establishes baseline air quality indicators
2. PS develops strategies to reduce air pollution and airborne
particulate matter
3. PS works to reduce air quality impacts due to landscape
maintenance
4. PS works to reduce air quality impacts due to transportation and
industrial sources
5. PS works with CVAG to standardize best practices across the
Coachella Valley
2. Objective #2:
Add: Consider adopting zoning changes which allow the addition of Vertical
Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) in areas of the city that have sustained winds.
VAWTs do not require the large land areas of traditional windmills and are
silent, due to magnetic levitation, thereby malting them suitable for
residential and small business installation.
Add: Encourage the use and proper care of shade trees in parking lots.
3_ Work with Sun Line, taxi companies or others to provide an inexpensive electric
transport system in downtown palm springs at least during peak season.
4. Be a catalyst for efforts within the state legislature to amend the Southern
Caliiomia Edison tari If to require Edison to purchase surplus energy generated by
homeowners by alternative methods (e.g. solar, wind) at a fair and equitable rate.
5. Consult with regional agricultural extension service to deterinine the trade off
between planting of specific trees or plants in terms of water use vs. impact on air
quality (PM reduction, cooling of surrounding environment, air duality).
6. Objective#3
Add: Encourage alternative modes of transportation and establish necessary
infrastructure such as bike lilies, sidewalks, and electric vehicle lanes
7. New Objective- 94
ENERGY CONSERVATION AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
1. Objective #2:
Add: Consider adopting zoning changes which allow the addition of Vertical
Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) in areas of the city that have sustained winds.
VAWTs do not require the large land areas of traditional windmills and are
silent, due to magnetic levitation, thereby malting them suitable for
residential and small business installation.
Add: Encourage the use and proper care of shade trees in parking lots.
HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS
1. i am really bothered by this term "desert oasis" -- I think it gives the false
impression that we are a water rich region,when in fact we are not. I believe
that a more appropriate "goal" here would be: Palm Springs is a flourishing
desert ecosystem.
This, to me, is more closely aligned with the principles of sustainability.
The under that goal I would add:
2. Preserve open space, mountain vistas,wildlife habitat and healthy water
ways.
3. Consider adding and Community so title reads Healthy Ccosystems and
Community to document relationship between sustainable communities and
community health (implied by Objective 1)
WASTE
1. Under waste,the policies and actions are lofty but where arc the specifics?
No guidance is provided concerning feasibility, cost, or return on investment
in many instances.What is the history of using solid waste as a methane
source?What is the experience of other cities?
2. Engage merchants (especially in large stores) as well as newspapers in reducing
use of plastic bags
3. Work with restaurants and other food dispensaries to eliminate styrofoam
packaging containers
WATER
1. Include the Mayor's goal for water conservation of 50% reduction by 2012
(or some other year) at the city.
2. To say that the city should "work with DWA" to accomplish conservation is of
little help.What SPECIFIC changes should the city enact to promote water
conservation?What jurisdiction does the City have to direct changes that
would yield conservation?
3. This is great, but it is not necessarily sustainable.We can be a leader in
something,yet completely fail to be sustainable because those that fall
behind us could be so bad that being a leader is still not good enough. I
strongly recommend that our goal is the following:
Palm Springs endeavors to have a balanced water budget over 5 year
periods of time
1. PS is a leader in water efficiency and recycling
2. Reduce water use in City facilities
3. Reduce water usage per capita
Add: 4. Begins repayment of the 908,000 acre feet of cumulative
aquifer overdraft by banking surplus water with a goal of 50% aquifer
recharge by 2050
4. Water, context...
Must add in the actual Fact: DWA states that even with our ground water
recharge program, there is a cumulative overdraft of 908,000 acre feet of
water,which is more than 3 trillion gallons of overdraft. In order to be
sustainable, our community must balance its water budget over time and
begin replenishment of the Whitewater Sub-basin as quickly as possible.
5. Key Metrics
Add: Status of Cumulative Aquifer Overdraft'
Add:Adherence to a balanced water budget over 5 year periods of time
6. Objective 3
Action I Revise: Collaborate with local water agencies to promote, incentfvile,
and implement water conservation measures in Palm Springs_
Add: 4. Removal of ornamental grass from all median strips, from slopes or
hillsides, and within 2 feet of a sidewalk or street gutter.
Add: 5. Initiate a dry-gutter campaign among homeowners with the goal of
having zero water runoff from houses into the street wastewater system due
to irrigation.
7. Develop a revised rate structure with Desert Water Agency that rewards
customers who conserve water as indexed by water consumption per sq_ ft of
property
8. Offer incentives to existing projects to reduce water usage, such as rebates for
removing turf, and credits on their water bills for reducing water usage in the
landscape.
9. Adopt specific landscape irrigation ordinances such as Indio, that will help to
reduce waste from broken sprinklers and the like.
10_ Eliminating sprinklers from within 18 inches ofhardscape, as they do in Santa
Monica.
11. DWA to implement a policy of separate metering of Landscape water vs. potable
water on all commercial projects, this will allow us to accurately asses water
savings due to various conservation efforts.
12. The City of Palm Springs should impose an ordinance that prohibits the use of
lawn except as active use turf, play areas,ball fields etc, and prohibits it entirely
in the fi-ont yards of residences. This would apply to all new construction as well
as any re-model work.
13. Drip irrigation and smart controllers would be required on all projects, residential
and commercial.
14. Research alternatives to standard Bermuda grass for low water use alternatives to
lawn, this may be done in test plots possibly at the new City hall demonstration
garden area.
15. Require the use of native or native adapted species for all plant materials.
16. Remove the flower beds from the airport landscape plan as it sends a message to
arriving passengers that we are not sensitive to the issue of water conservation.
17. Offer an education program that is an outreach to residents and maintenance
personnel about proper annaintenance practices for desert plant materials to reduce
waste, water use and unnecessary maintenance.
18. Adopt water efficiency landscape ordinance for new development, redevelopment
and remodeling
19. Develop a turf removal incentive program for HOAs and commercial properties
targeted at perimeter grass areas
The Palm Springs Path
to a Sustainable
Community
• Sri.
Joint Study Session
� May 28, 2008
"We have not been living
sustainably for generations . "
Dr. David Suzuki
Palm Springs Sustainability Summit
November 2008
_1 1
Sustainability
Meeting the needs of
the present without
compromising the ability
of future generations to
meet their own needs.
Sustainability Related Actions
• Co-gen since the 1980's
• Recycled water on golf courses, greenbelts
since 1988
• First US Solar Bicycling/Green Commuter
Program
• US Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement
• Recycled Products Purchasing Policy
• Wastewater treatment plant gas recovery
system
• LED lights in City Hall sign, traffic signals, taxi
areas and runways
• Solar trash compactors
Sustainability Related Actions
• Formation of Resource Conservation/Sustainability
Commission
• New Animal Shelter built to LEED standards
• CNG Police Patrol vehicles & dump truck
• 100% recycling at all city facilities
• E-waste, shredding and neighborhood clean ups
• > 2 billion gallons of reclaimed water used annually
on golf courses
• Parking lot and median re-landscape design pilot
20 First Steps
✓ Strategic Plan ✓50% clean fleet
✓ Reduce water use by ✓Sustainable events policy
50 ✓COD green jobs campus
✓ Reduce energy use by ✓Create a green economy
20% with new green jobs
✓ Public/private solar roof ✓Sustainable Procurement
initiative ✓Ecotourism
✓ Zero waste ✓Priority pkg for green
✓ City Hall as showcase vehicles
✓ Green website ✓Add to capital plan
✓ Summit ✓Develop Master Plan,
✓ Annual Awards including a Staff
✓ Model Re-Landscape implementation process
Project
Leadership Council
• 23 Public agency, private business and
community partners
• All passed resolutions of support, committed to
take action
— Energy, waste and water audits
— Implement recommendations
— Adopt sustainable principles and practices
Collaborate on projects
Sustainability Master Plan
Council Subcommittee &
Sustainability Commission ,
Review /
Outreach &
Online Survey
r
r
Kick Off r City Council
Summit Week Review
Draft Plan
Vision and
Guiding
r Principles Staff Recommended Key
fr Best Practice Review Initiatives
Low HangingFruit
November 2008 May 2009
A Framework for Future Action
Our Shared Vision
Palm Springs is a thriving
community that
maximizes its renewable
resources and conserves
and restores its limited
resources, so that
residents can be assured
of a future that is
economically viable and in
balance with the local
environment.
Guiding Principles
Will this action:
• conserve resources?
• help the City eliminate waste and recycle and reuse
resources?
• action reduce/eliminate toxic materials?
• help the City develop and/or support renewable
resources?
• help the City grow innovation and green businesses?
• restore ecosystems and habitats?
• help to promote and communicate the idea of
sustainability within the community?
• improve health, safety and quality of life for all
citizens?
• Is there a balance between the cost and benefit of
this action?
The Draft Plan
• Priority areas & framework for
future operational and policy
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Recommendations for
strategies, action steps and
- - - potential dashboard metrics
• Incorporates input and
feedback from stakeholders
A Framework for Action
Priority Areas
1 . Sustainable City Management & Operations
2. Economic Vitality
3. Urban Development and Transportation
Choice
4. Climate Change
5. Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
6. Healthy Ecosystems
7. Waste
8. Water
Palm Springs is a model for
sustainable practices
Sustainability Coordinator/Office of Sustainability
Green Team" Department Head meetings/reports
Employee Sustainability Training Sessions for Initiate
Annual Sustainability Report Card
— Outreach and education including Website "Green"
Guide
Energy efficiency retrofit plan for city facilities
Form task force to identify sustainable procurement
opportunities for each division
Develop green product purchasing policy
Develop sustainable events policy
— Facilitate development of community garden pilot
project
Pala Springs is a center for clean tech,
renewable energy and innovation
— Expanded Local Procurement Policy Proposal
— Application Submittal for Incubator/Clean Tech Zone
— Creation of Small Business Green Guide
Eco-Tourism Line Item in Tourism Budget
Green Hospitality Tourism Marketing Plan
Facilitate "Green" Data Gathering
Palm Springs is a leader in Smart Growth,
Green Building & Transportation Options
— SB 375/AB32 "next steps" Strategy for Council Review
— Proposal for Green Building Standard Ordinance and
Fast Track Incentive
— Bike Path Grant Application
— Initiate Smart Growth/Lead Training for at Least Two
Staff Members
— Policy for 100% conversion to clean/green fleet
Palm Springs is Carbon Neutral
SIB 375/AB32 "next steps" Strategy for Council
Review
— Join CVAG's Effort to Develop Regional Emission
Inventory
Citywide Traffic Sync Study
Permissive Left Turns — Four Additional Intersections
Request CVAG to Pursue Valleywide Traffic
Sync/Permissive Left Turns
Reduce 4 Commuting Days Per Month for Approx. 1/2
of City Workforce
Palm Springs is a high efficiency,
renewable energy city
City Facilities Solar/Energy Efficiency RFQ and
Implementation Contract with Successful Vendor
Pilot AB 811 Loan Program
Formalize New State Building Codes
Implement Desert Cities Energy Efficiency Partnership
program
Facilitate energy audits for top users and support
recommended energy efficiency actions
Solar incentives and rebates
— Outreach and education
Access to open space, recreation and
natural resources is ensured for all
residents, employees and visitors
— Trails Signage at All City Access Points
— MSHCP implementation
-- Outreach and education
Palm Springs is a zero waste community and
model for resource management and closed
loop resource streams
Once a Week Residential Waste Pick Up/Increased
Recycling
Zero waste plan
Construction and Demolition Waste Ordinance
Expanded ABOP Hours of Operation
WWTP -- Methane Gas Conversion Proposal to
Council
-- Inventory waste streams and identify economic
development potential
Outreach and education
Palm Springs is a leader in
water efficiency and reuse.
Finalize and Implement Tahquitz Median Pilot
Program
Study session on water supply risk assessment
Plan for 50% Water Usage Reduction
Outreach and education
Working Together
City Council - Direction, Policy & Priorities
City Manager - Implementation
Sustainability Commission - Advisors, Advocates,
Prepares Annual Report Card
Green Team - Interdepartmental projects and action
items
Office of Sustainability - Resource, research, support
and coordination
Leadership Council - Early adopters, project leaders
and advocates
Staff, Public Agencies, Local Experts,
Neighborhoods & Civic Groups, Business,
Residents - Individual Action and Support
Sustainability Commission Review
• Endorsed Draft Master Plan
• Recommended several revisions
— Add "Air Quality" to Climate Change Chapter & Goal
— Clarify Healthy Ecosystems Goal
— Revise Water Goal
Next Steps
• Green Team & Office of Sustainability
• Sustainability Commission Subcommittees
• Identify Baseline Conditions
• Develop Specific Targets
• Develop Report Card
• Implement Key Initiatives
• Identify/Seek Additional Funding Sources
• Expand Outreach & Education
it
The Palm Springs
Path to a Sustainable
Community
The Future Is Ours
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Item No. Study Session 1 . A.
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c�`1)7WL P CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 28, 2009
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY MASTER PLAN FRAMEWORK
AND FY2009/10 KEY SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
SUMMARY
In March 2008, sustainability was identified as one of five top priority issues for focused
attention and action by the City. Shortly thereafter, the City Council unanimously
approved a set of twenty first steps towards making Palm Springs a sustainable city.
Development of a master plan was identified as an important first step to provide an
overall vision and framework to guide the Palm Springs Path to a Sustainable
Community.
Following issuance of a Request for Proposals in June 2008 and review of proposals, a
team of Portland based consultants, led by the firm Cogan Owens Cogan, was
contracted in October, 2008 to guide development of the plan with outreach support
from Palm Springs Economic Development Corporation and staff liaison Kay Hazen.
The resulting draft Sustainability Master Plan (Attachment 1) builds upon existing plans
and policies, best practices and programs, including input and feedback obtained during
community outreach efforts conducted October through December of 2008. The plan
provides a vision, guiding principles and strategic framework for future operational and
policy decisions and sets priorities for action that begin to embed sustainability concerns
into City decision-making and processes.
Following receipt of the draft plan in March 2009, a Council Subcommittee, comprised
of Councilmembers Foat and Hutcheson, became liaisons to the Sustainability
Commission,
The Sustainability Commission acted May 5, 2009 to unanimously support the draft
Plan and forwarded several recommendations for revisions for consideration by the City
Council (Attachment 2). On May 13, 2009, the City Council approved creation of a new
position, Manager - Office of Sustainability, to coordinate and support implementation of
anticipated plans and programs.
City Council Staff Report
May 28, 2009 -- Page 2
Sustainability Plan
In addition, based upon the priorities identified in the plan, specific action items were
identified by staff as key initiatives for implementation in the 2009110 fiscal year
(Attachment 3). The actions follow the organization of the draft master plan and include
key initiatives from each of the eight priority goal and outcome areas included in the
plan. While the draft master plan is broad in its framework and direction, the staff
recommended that actions focus on what can be realistically accomplished in the near
term with existing resources and capacity.
Following Council consideration, staff anticipates beginning work on developing specific
targets for each objective, along with baselines and metrics to track and report
progress. The newly established Office of Sustainability will coordinate this effort and
work with the Sustainability Commission on final recommendations For consideration by
the City Council.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
1) Receive and file Draft Master Plan for Sustainability
2) Consider comments and recommendations from Council, Sustainability
Commission and public, and direct staff to incorporate additions, corrections and
revisions to the Draft Master Plan
3) Accept staff recommendations for key sustainability initiatives for 2009/2010.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Local governments across the country and the world are working to define and take
action to address sustainability. Simply put, sustainability means meeting present needs
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Palm Springs boasts a proud history of environmental sensitivity and action that
embraces the triple bottom line of sustainability — economy, environment and
community. The Draft Sustainability Master Plan builds upon the important work already
accomplished and currently underway to provide an important strategic framework and
direction to chart the way forward on the Palm Springs Path to a Sustainable
Community.
Led by the consultant team, and with significant support from city staff, the Office of
Neighborhood Involvement and the Sustainability Commission, public outreach for the
master plan kicked off in November, 2008 with a week long Sustainability Summit
featuring public events including a Neighborhood Rally, public workshops, school and
classroom visits, Village Fest and Certified Farmers Market exhibits and presentations
and concluded with a public lecture by international sustainability expert David Suzuki.
Outreach also Included workshops with businesses and civic groups and an online
survey seeking input, ideas and feedback to help identify what sustainability means for
the City of Palm Springs.
City Council Staff Report
May 28, 2009 -- Page 3
Sustainability Plan
Throughout the planning process, thousands of local residents were introduced to the
Palm Springs Path to a Sustainable Community Hundreds of comments and ideas
were submitted during workshops and online. Education and information about steps we
can all hake were shared.
Throughout the process, the consultant team also provided ongoing support for
implementation of the twenty first steps and related city and community sustainability
efforts that occurred in tandem with the master planning process. Along the way, a list
of "quick start" items were recommended for consideration for near term
implementation, including greening office supplies, switching to 100% post-consumer
recycled content paper, establishing a fruit collection program, establishing an Office of
Sustainability and development of a pilot energy efficiency loan program focused on
energy efficiency measures
A Clean Tech Task Force and Eco Tourism Task Force were assembled to provide
input and Ideas on strategies for economic development and identify potential strategies
to promote and enhance eco tourism.
The Sustainability Commission completed a water audit of City facilities, reviewed staff
proposals for energy efficiency plans and projects, coordinated educational and
informational exhibits and events, supported the Sustainability Summit Week activity
and continued subcommittee work related to energy, water and waste conservation and
efficiency.
Led by the Commission and community based non-profit groups, businesses, and
vendors, a community anxious and willing to support the City sustainability efforts
embraced the Palm Springs Path in a wide variety of ways: the Green Fridays program
was initiated downtown, the Palm Springs International Film Festival performed a waste
characterization study and adopted recycling goals and action plans for the 2009
Festival, the annual AIDS Assistance event went totally green, green websites were
developed, plans for community gardens sprouted, green conferences were solicited,
and energy retrofits were scheduled.
The twenty-three local business and organizational partners that comprise the
Leadership Council scheduled energy and water audits, investigated solar energy
options, re naturalized landscaping, performed waste characterization studies and
implemented energy and water efficiency measures.
Going forward, the City's role will be important in addressing policy and planning and
services issues related to sustainability. The Plan calls for the City to continue to take
the lead in working with residents, neighborhoods, businesses and community groups to
model sustainable practices and to promote, encourage and empower the community to
take actions that will improve the environment, the economy and the quality of life for
the entire community.
City Council Staff Report
May 28, 2009 -- Page 4
Sustainability Plan
While the draft plan and proposed actions build upon activity already underway, many
recommendations surpass the capacity and resources currently available. Implementing
the plan, therefore, will require increased, coordinated efforts in all areas, including
developing new infrastructure to support new programs, identifying and securing
resources to implement actions, developing tracking mechanisms and indicators to
measure progress, establishing an Office of Sustainability within City Hall, establishing
an interdepartmental working group, and documenting and reporting progress to the
public.
Implementation is not the sole responsibility of any one individual, department, agency,
Commission, agency, business or group. The plan provides a guide for the City to show
the way.
While the City Council sets direction for policy and priorities, and allocates funding to
implement plans and programs, everyone has an important and interrelated role to play
(Attachment 4). The Sustainability Commission will advise and recommend
sustainability related policy, review and recommend projects, be advocates for
sustainability principles and action, and support educational and outreach efforts. The
Leadership Council will continue to model sustainable practices, implement pilot
projects and programs, and share results.
The staff-recommended key initiatives for implementation in 2009/2010 include the
following:
POLICIES AND PILOT PROGRAMS
New and expanded policies and ordinances will be brought forward through existing
public processes with recommended changes in how we operate and promote green
building, sustainable purchasing, economic development, transportation impacts and
energy efficiency. Pilot programs will be developed to model sustainability practices
and principles, including water and energy efficiency in landscaping, energy efficiency
loans for residents, and community gardens. The City will issue a Request for
Qualifications as the first step in a process leading to a contract for outfitting all City
facilities with solar/energy efficiency.
PARTNERSHIPS IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Palm Springs will also initiate participation in the Desert Cities Energy Partnership with
energy efficiency retrofits of several City facilities, small business retrofits, energy audits
for all businesses and an outreach and education campaign on energy efficiency
measures all citizens can take. Staff will also bring forward an expanded fleet
conversion policy and a proposal for methane gas conversion for the Palm Springs
Waste Water Treatment Facility designed to reduce emissions and enhance energy
efficiency.
City Council Staff Report
May 28, 2009-- Page 5
Sustainability Plan
STAFF TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Staff training in sustainable principles and practices will occur at the departmental level
this year and at least two staff members will begin smart growth/LEED training and
certification.
ACTION PLANS & STRATEGIES
Economic development efforts will include development of action plans for both
supporting local green businesses and for promoting ecotourism, clean tech, innovation,
and renewable energy, as well as for existing small businesses.
City efforts toward zero waste will include identifying economic development potential
for waste streams and expansion of our existing construction and demolition ordinance.
A reduction in frequency of residential waste pick up may also be considered. We will
ask our Sustainability Office to work with the Sustainability Commission and our waste
franchise holder to develop a zero waste plan for consideration and adoption by Council
before the end of the fiscal year.
A next steps strategy for SB375 and AB32 will be brought before the City Council in
2009. Staff will also complete a plan to reduce City water use by 50% by 2012 and bring
it to the Sustainability Commission in 2009 for review and recommendation to Council.
TRAILS, BIKEPATHS AND TRANSPORTATION CHOICE
Trails signage will be added to all access points to support our magnificent system of
trails, and staff will complete at least one new grant proposal to support expansion of
our bike paths. In addition, the City will commit to a plan to reduce at least four
commuting days per month for half of our workforce to reduce vehicle miles travelled
(VMT) and associated emissions.
BASELINE MEASURES, TARGETS AND REPORTING
The Sustainability Office will be tasked with working with the Green Team to identify
measurable baselines and targets for our overall plan and program during the fiscal
year 2009/10. We will also ask the Sustainability Commission to work with the new
Sustainability Office to develop an annual Sustainability Report Card in conjunction with
this effort and a process to monitor and report on progress.
NEXT STEPS
Upon receipt of the Plan and acceptance of recommended key initiatives by the City
Council, the Office of Sustainability will be created and the interdepartmental Green
Team will be formed. Over the course of the next few months, the Manager of the Office
City Council Staff Report
May 28, 2009-- Page 6
Sustainability Plan
of Sustainability will work with the Sustainability Commission, Green Team and others
to develop a detailed action plan with specific targets, roles and responsibilities and
measures.
An important early factor in implementation will be enhanced public engagement and
outreach on sustainability. The creation of the Office of Sustainability and the hiring of a
Sustainability Manager will jump start efforts with the Office of Neighborhood
Involvement, the Sustainability Commission, Leadership Council, business and civic
groups and others to identify and leverage existing resources and develop new tools to
help promote sustainable principles and practices throughout the community.
In the meantime, staff will continue to work on identifying additional capacity and
resources to enhance sustainability and remain open to new ideas and opportunities
that may emerge along the way.
While the current economic realities pose very real challenges for the City and
community, we must also begin now to incorporate sustainability principles and
practices into our decision making and practices to ensure that residents can be
assured of a future that is economically viable and in balance with the local
environment. We look forward with anticipation and enthusiasm to the Path ahead.
w
David H. Ready, Ci nager
Attachments:
1. Draft Sustainability Master Plan
2, Sustainability Commission Action & Recommendations
3. Staff Recommended Key Sustainability Initiatives for 2009/2010
4. Working Together for a Sustainable Community Chart
ATTACHMENT
Sustainabili-ty Carmnission action taken at 0e May 5, 2009 special meeting:
The Commission voted unanimously to endorse the draft sustainability master
plan and recommended the following revisions:
A_ CLIMATE CHANCE (CHAPTER 4 )
Add Air Quality to the title of. the Climate Change Chapter - now to
read "Climate Change and Air Quality"
Add an objective to the Climate Change and Air Quality Chapter as
follows:
"Palm Springs meets State and Pcdnral. Air Quality Standards"
"1. 2alm Springs establishes baseline air quality indicators
2. PS develops strategics to reduce air pollution and airborne
participate matter
1. PS works to reduce air quality impacts due to landscape
maintenance
4. PS works Lo reduce air quality impacts due to
transportation, r_onstrucLion and industrial sources"
S. HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS (CHAPTER 6)
Revise Chapter. 6 Healthy Ecosystems goal from "Palm Springs is a
Desert Oasis reflecting and capitalizing on the desert ecosystem" to
-Palm Springs is a flourishing desert ecosystem ensuring access to
open space, recreation and natural resources
Remove references to desert oasis in ouLreach themes and context.
The Commission believes that Lhe city should view itself as a
proacLive participant in ecosystems protection, and therefore
recommended removing "regional partners" from the second objective
"Support (regional partners) efforts to protect and enhance regional
ecosystems".
Add a third recommended action: "Preserve open space, mountain
vistas, wildlife habitat and healthy waterways" under objective 2.
C. WATER (CHAPTEH S)
Revise goal for, the water chapter from "Palm Springs is a leader in
water efficiency and reuse" to Palm Springs endeavors to have a
balanced water budget_
Add "Palm Springs is a leader in water efficiency and recycling" as
an objective.
Add "Reduce city facility water use by 501 by 2012" as an objective.
ATTACHMENT
I1iJ
STAFF RECOMMENDED KEY SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES 2009/2010
Sustainability City Management and Operations Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
1. Hire Sustainability Manager and set up Office of Sustainability 1. Issue Request for Qualifications for City facilities Solar/Energy
2. Incorporate"Green Team"into Department Head meetings/ efficiency program and contract with successful vendor
monthly reports 2. Initiate Pilot AB 811 Energy Efficiency Loan Program and
3. Identify baselines and specific targets for improvement investigate funding sources for expansion
4. Conduct at least two in-house sustainability training sessions 3. Formalize new state building codes to enhance energy
for employees efficiency
S. Initiate Annual Sustainability Report Card 4. Implement Desert Cities Energy Efficiency Partnership
6. Expand sustainability outreach/education including website program
"Green"Guide 5. Facilitate energy audits for top users and support
7. Develop energy efficiency retrofit plan for city facilities recommended energy efficiency actions
8. Identitylimplement sustainable procurement opportunities for 6. Develop solar incentives and rebates
each division 7. Expand outreach and education regarding energy efficiency
9. Develop green product purchasing policy and renewable energy options
10. Develop sustainable events policy
11. Facilitate community garden pilot project Healthy Eco Systems
1. Develop and place trails signage at all City access points
Economic Vitality 2. Continue to implement Multiple Species Habitat
1. Develop proposal for expanded Local Procurement Policy Conservation Plan
2. Develop application/incentives for Incubator/Clean Tech Zone 3. Expand outreach and education
3. Develop Small Business Green Guide
4. Add Eco-Tourism line item in tourism budget Waste
5. Develop Green Hospitality Tourism Marketing Plan 1. Move to once a week residential waste pick up/increased
6. Facilitate"Green"data gathering recycling
2. Develop a Zero waste plan
Sustainable Urban Development and Transportation Choice 3. Develop expanded proposed construction and demolition
1. Develop SB 375/AB32"next steps"strategy for Council review waste ordinance
2. Develop proposed Green Building Standards Ordinance and 4. Expand ABOP Household Hazardous Waste facility
Fast Track Incentives hours of operation
3. Submit at least one bike path expansion grant application 5. Bring Wastewater Treatment Plant-Methane gas conversion
4. Initiate Smart Growth/LEER Training for at least two staff proposal to Council
members 6. Inventory waste streams and identify economic development
5. Develop policy and plan for 100%conversion to clean/green potential
fleet 7. Expand outreach and education regarding waste reduction
and recycling
Climate Change
1. Develop SB 375/AB32 "next steps"strategy for Council Review Water
2. Participate in regional Green House Gases emission inventory 1. Finalize and implement Tahquitz median Pilot Program
3. Initiate Citywide Traffic Synchronization Study 2. Schedule study session on water supply risk assessment
4. Add four additional Permissive Left Turn intersections 3. Develop a plan for 50%city water usage reduction
5. Request CVAG pursue valley-wide Traffic Sync/Permissive 4. Expand outreach and education regarding water
Left Turns efficiency measures
6. Reduce 4 commuting days per month for approximately 50%
of City workforce
� F p►LM gw8 ... _
...._. - �.... .. - -•.- -DRAFT May 21, 2009
J 7�'�a JC' ';7' 1� �ATTr C�J�� I� �i1J,=J�
A HMEN 1�4
VArM s
�'�If''IRI S�RRgS V N
<1coR�
Vision/Direction
Policy, Priorities, Funding
Evaluation and Support
aADERSXP COUNCL '�j`' 7.���],1 ;� SUSTAWAal>>T:c KMn 5s,o,v
Agency&Community Overall Responsibility for Citizens
Partners Implementation Appointed by Council
• � Advise &
Adopt Shared .......................: o mmend Policy
Rec
GoalsiObjectives ----� ------ Review&
]<E 9j]]7Lli;��EE
Implement �. �� Recommend
Projects/Share / City Operations �Economic Vitality o Urban Development&Mobility \ projects
Results Climate Change°Energy Conservation&Renewable Energy
Healthy Ecosystems Waste -Water Advocates for
Advocates for _ _ Principles and
principles and ---�- — — - Action
actions -- . - Support Education
OF and Outreach
l Direct7 a1J7.1] ]. B;L]i - -
Department Directors Sustainability Manager
Educate and train staff Staff to Sustainability
Commission &Green Team
Assess and develop i
action plans Identifies Resources
and Opportunities
Coordinate and implement
interdepartmental Coordination, Outreach
projects/plans - & Education
STAFF PUBLIC AGENCIES LOCAL EXPERTS NEIGHBORHOOD&CIVIC GROUPS BUSINESS RESIDENTS
;.DRAFT May 15, 2009 - -
•
• ATTACHMENT
• � I
•
• i
THE
• � � , `�,:,, -�' PALM -SPRINGS ' .
• , , ,. "PATH- TO A `_" __
• ` �,�-. ."ice;,; ,
SUSTAI NABE
• ;:'.�y}err ,� COMM-UNITI -:==__
I
• `4 March
i
• VALM V
40
• r V rn
JI �I
• C9L/FORN�P
• I
•
•
•
•
- TABLE OF •
CONTENTS •
pal I springs •
path . w ,V •
,c"I,C1Ji�k� ^v,[alliTlv�iaPi�: 'Gvi7"a:°I'i1fUl'1b�ni:.
•
•
Message from the Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 •
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 •
Sustainability in Palm Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12 •
What is Sustainability? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8 •
Why Sustainability? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10 •
Community Engagement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12 0
A Framework for Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Sustainable City Management and Operations . . . . . . . . 14-17
Economic Vitality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-21 40
•
Sustainable Urban Development and Mobility . . . . . . . . 22-27 •
Climate Change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-31 .
Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy- - - - - - - - - 32-35 •
Healthy Ecosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-38 •
Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-42 •
Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43-45 •
Key Roles and Responsibilities . . . . 0
46 COGAN
OWENS •
COGAN •
•
•
With •
Dave Mayfield,Advisor •
Dorothy Anaood,Advisor •
•
_._ _ 1. O
THE PALM SPRINGS_PATH-TO ASUSTAINABLi'ZOMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 2 •
•
•
•
._�d.
• We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.Our quality of life is second to none. r
• But concerns about water scarcity,energy costs,environmental degradation,climate change
and economicthrcat surround us. We must take steps now to enhance,preserve and protect
our environment,economy and community for future generations.
• The city of Palm Springs has long been a leader in environmental stewardship and innovation. MESSAGE
• From the early days of co-generation to aggressive waste diversion and recycling strategies
• to innovative responses to local energy issues, Palm Springs has consistently been an early TO THE
• adopter of energy efficiency and conservation policies and practices. COMMUNITY
• While local government is uniquely positioned to lead on this issue, a sustainable future will
• require investment, innovation and efficiency improvement at every level of government as
• well as the commitment and participation of the entire community.
• And so we will ask our business,community and education leadersto work together with our
citizens and visitors to make positive change and to ensure that sustainabihty is embedded
into our behavior and culture.Our community must be fully informed and engaged to ensure
• that our good intentions are translated into reality for Future generations.
•
• Many important first steps on the Palm Springs Path to a Sustainable Community have
already been taken. I am especially grateful to the local leaders who committed early on
• as a Leadership Council to help shape, coordinate, leverage resources and implement
• sustainable actions in the community. I am also deeply appreciative of the efforts of our city
• staff, Sustainability Commissioners,task force members, businesses, local civic groups and
neighborhoods who have all contributed to our progress thus far.
•
• While the challenges ahead are great,we can control our own destiny by taking action now
to ensure a livable and prosperous community for today and forfuture generations.
• Please join us on the Palm Springs Path to a Sustainable Community.
•
•
• Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet 'The world will not
• evolve past its current
r
state of crisis by using
• � ,.,� the same thinking that
• created the situation."
• Albert Einstein
• THE PALM SPRINGS PATH-TO A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009
•
•
INTRODUCTION •
Palm Springs is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and quality oflifesecond "EVERY PATH BEGINS
to none. The city is also challenged by many of the same urban stressors faced by WITH A STEP." •
other municipalities—aging infrastructure and housing,growth Impacts,declining Palm Springs Mayor it •
resources, air pollution, carbon emissions, increasing congestion and threats to
energy and water supply. Steve Pougnet •
May 2008
Palm Springs also boasts a proud history of environmental sensitivity and action that .
embraces the triple bottom line—economy, environment&community. In early 2008,
in order to further advance its triple bottom line agenda,the City Identified sustainability •
as a priority for more rnoused attention and adopted 20 First Steps to begin the Path to a __ •
Sustainable Community.
Palm Springs Path to a •
Sustainable Community
This Sustainability Plan for Palm Springs builds upon existing plans and policies, best practices and Twenty First steps •
programs and input and feedback obtained during community outreach efforts including public •
workshops,briefings,presentations and an online publicsurvey conducted October through December strategic plan for
susl .
2008. The plan sets priorities for action and provides a framework for future operational and policy 2. Reduceuce city city water use by
decisions that begin to embed sustainability concerns into City decision making and processes. 50%by 2012. •
3. Reduce city energy use by
. •
Chapters 1-8 include context and background,summaryofac onsalreadytak 20 by 2012
en,suggestedbenchmarks, 4. Become a zero waste
goals and near term action items designed to meetsustainability objectives for the Ciry. community. •
5. The city as a model for •
energy,water and waste
While the proposed actions build upon activity already underway by the city, many recommendations conservation. •
surpassthe pace ol[currently contemplated plans throughout the City Implementing the plan,therefore, 6. Sustainablldywebsite
will require increased,coordinated efforts in all areas,including: 7. Sustainable Community •
Summit
8 Palm Springs Partners in •
•Developing infrastructure to support new programs SustamabilityAward. •
•Securing resources to implement 9. Model re-landscaping actions project •
•Developing tracking mechanisms and indicatorsto measure progress 10.50/clean air/energy
efficient fleet. .
•Establishing and staffing an Office of Sustainability within city hall 11.Green Economic
•Establishing an interdepartmental working group(Green Team) Development Strategy. •
12.Ecomunsm Plan.
•Documenting and reporting progress to decision makers and the public 13 Sustainable procurement •
and contracting •
14.Priority parking for
Implementation is not the sole responsibility of any one individual,department, agency, Commission, alternative energy vehicles. •
agency,business or neighborhood.The entire community has a stake in and must be a part of creating a 15.Five year capital
sustainable future. This plan provides a guide for the City to lead the way funding plan including •
sustalnability.
16.Sustainable city funded •
Following acceptance of a final plan,immediate next steps will be to ground these recommendations in events.
the Palm Springs context,refine the actions,develop baselines and measures,and begin to implement IT Sustainable workforce •
strategies and actions. education and training. •
18.Evaluate public/private solar
roof Initiative. •
19.National sustainability,
summit in Palm Springs •
in 2012.
20.Stuff implementation •
process for sustainablllty. •
THE.PALM SPRINGSYATH TO ASUSTAINABLE'COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 4 •
•
•
•
• VISION STATEMENT The Graft Vision stdement
and Guiding principles will
• support a continuing process
to improve,to leverage
• Palm Springs is a thriving community that maximizes 13 renewable resources and conserves and resources and to support
• restores its limited resources,so that residents can be assured of a future that is economically viable and the implementation of
in balance with the local environment sustainable programs and
• practices.
• Palm Springs aspires to be a place where:
• *Citizens are engaged and share a vision of a sustainable future.
• -Businesses support clean technology,the production of renewable energy and the
• intemationally-renowned eco-destination thrives-
Children learn that sustainability is the local culture early,and this learning continues
• throughout life.
• Water and materials are recycled and reused.
• Homes,businesses and neighborhoods are built to high green building standards.
• Local businesses are supported and new ideas flourish-
•
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
• The purpose of the Master Plan is to identify and implement actions that simultaneously benefit the
• economy,ecosystems and quality of life. In order for all actions to be consistent with this vision and its
guiding principles it is important to qualify all actions by asking the following:
•
Will this action conserve resources?
• Will this action help the City eliminate waste and recycle and reuse resources?
Will this action reduce/eliminate toxic materials?
• Does this action help the City develop and/or support renewable resources?
. Will this action help the City grow innovation and green businesses(green technology,green
• collar jobs,green building,ecotourism,dean processes and products)?
•Does this action restore ecosystems and habitats?
• Does this action help to promote and communicate the idea of sustainability within the
• community?
• How does this action improve health,safety and quality of life for all citizens?
• Is there a balance between the cost and benefit of this action?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• THE-PALM SPRINGS,PATH TOA SUSTAINABLE'COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 5
•
•
"SUSTAINABILITY \ •
GOAL AND STRATEGIES MEANS LIVING ON •
8 STRATEGIC OUTCOMES FOR CHANGE NATURE'S INCOME •
RATHER THAN ITS
Palm Springs is a model for sustainable practices. CAPITAL" •
1. Embed sustainable principles and practices into city operations. Murray Ge1I-Mann •
2.Adopt sustainable purchasing policies. Nobel Prize •
3. Retrofit existing and develop new public facilities as models of sustainability. Winning Scientist
4. Embed sustainability concepts and practices into the local culture through / •
education, promotion and community engagement. •
Palm Springs is a center for clean tech, renewable energy and innovation. •
1. Incubate, grow and attract new sustainable industries to Palm Springs, focusing on innovation, renewable energy •
production, clean technology, green products and services and climate change- •
2. Grow Palm Springs' local economy by retaining and expanding small and locally-owned businesses, increasing •
exports and decreasing imports.
3. Establish Palm Springs as a premiere ecotourism destination in the US by improving existing industry practices and •
expanding cultural and nature-based tourism. •
Palm Springs is a leader in smart growth and green building practices. •
1. Increase the number of green buildings in Palm Springs- •
2 Promote smart growth and transportation choice. •
3. Promote alternative sustainable transportation options and infrastructure using alternative modes,fuel and vehicles.
•
Palm Springs is carbon neutral. •
1 Establish a baseline inventory and forecast, ongoing tracking and reporting mechanism for GHG emissions.
2. Develop strategies to reduce contributions to GI-IG emissions by 1990 levels by 2020- •
3. Pursue energy efficient transportation options that reduce GHG emissions. •
Palm Springs is a net zero importer of energy. •
1. Reduce local government and per capita energy consumption •
2.Support development of local and regional renewable electric power generation including onsite solar and,where •
appropriate, use clean distributed generation to supply base load electricity. •
Palm Springs is a flourishing desert ecosystem ensuring access to open space, recreation and natural resources. •
1. Promote access to sustainable open space, recreation and natural resources. a
2. Support regional partners' efforts to protect and enhance regional ecosystems. •
(Palm Springs is a zero waste community and model of resource conservation and closed loop resource streams-
1. Reduce waste and increase recycling for all segments of the community. •
1. Create closed-loop systems in which waste from one source becomes the supply for another.
•
(Palm Springs is a leader in water efficiency and reuse_ •
1. Support efforts to ensure a secure water supply for the future. •
2. Reduce water use in City facilities.
3. Reduce water usage per capita in Palm Springs. •
•
THE PALM SPRINGS PATH-TOA SUSTAINAB_LECOMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009alk
s
•
•
• wHAT is susTAINABILITY?
• There are multiple cidnitions of sust3inability but the most commonly used dellniucri can be "YOU MUST BE THE
traced to the 1987 Brunddand Commission Report. This groundbrealang document was CHANGE YOU WISH TO
• dc-velopedbytheWorldCommissiononEnvironmentandDevelopment(WCED),knownas SEE IN THE WORLD"
• the Brunddand Commission,In the repertthe Commission defined.5ustainabledeveloprnent Mohandes Ghandi
• as that which"meet present needs without compromising the ability offituregeneraoonsto
meet-their needs." Some have defined this definition as an application of the Golden Rule to
• futuregenerations.
The BrunddandReportalsonotedthatsustainabledevelopmentsshouldsimuhaneouslypreserve \
• the environment,strengthentheeconomyandincreasesocialequity. Thismutual-6enef-its framework
• has become known as the triple bottom line. Sustainability and environmental researcher Dr. David
• Suzuki noted in the Sustainability Summit November 2008 public presentation in Palm Spnngs that the
words economy and ecology share a common Greek root word"oikos"for home.
•
•
SUSTAINABLE
• SOCIETY
Z W 0
• - - Z
W
•
• THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE
•
. The Natural Step approach to sustainability, peer reviewed by several Nobel Prize winning scientists,
. definestheprerequisitestoasustainablesocietybydefiningthesystemconditionsnecessarytosustain
life on planet Earth:
•
• in the sustainable society,nature is not subject to systematically increasing:
• • Concentrations of substances produced by society
• Degradation by physical means and,in that society
• • People are not subject to conditions that systematically undermine their capacity to
• meet their needs
•
•
• THE PALM SPRINCrSPATHTOASUSTAINABLE-COMMUNITY DRAFT March25,2009 7
•
•
•
WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY? (CONT.) Two well-accepiedsystems to
eiraivale the s ualaimblllty of •
cities am me Sustaintano US •
The Palm Springs Plan incorporates and reflects all throe definitions The Natural Step and Triple Bottom City Ranking system and the
bneframeworksarespecificallyincorporatedintotheguidingprinciplesandhaveinformedmanyofthe United Nation Environmental •
(UNEP)Urban
goals and actions in the Master Plan. The guiding prnciples,ineffect,serve asadedsion-maWng filter or Environ entalAccord
Envimmnenml Accords.
checklistfor consideration when City plans,programs and actions are initiated. Other comments on the Sustainlane ranks cities for
goals,objectives and actions wore developed from commuruty meetings and a Web-based survey. addressing 16 measures of -
urbansuslaimlbilityineight •
Local governments throughout the world are defining and acting on what it means to address .
sustainability Cities from all over the world have developed local governmental plans for sustainability. -Air and water quality
Several of these are listed in the Best Practices Example Plans Goal Area Comparison in the Appendix •City programs •
•waste management
In most cases these plans address the following or similar topics: •Transportanon •
•Green business and economy
•Resources and Waste •Watersupply
•Pollution and public health •Built environment
•Natural disaster risk
•Transportation/mobility .
•Land use and the built environment
•Economic development and clean technologies -
•Energy and carbon management .
•Ecosystem protection and enhancement •
SUSTAINABILITY:
These and other resources are listed in the appendix for future reference and MEETING PRESENT •
investigation. Consulting team members and staff reviewed these and other NEEDS WITHOUT
plans and resources, applied them to Palm Springs'unique geographic,cultural
and economic setting and offer the Master Plan as a point of departure for a COMPROMISING THE •
coordinated framework of location specific actions to further Palm Springs on its ABILITY OF FUTURE -
Path toA Sustainable Community. GENERATIONS TO MEET •
Following a review of potential criteria,and in consideration of input and feedbackocllected THEIR NEEDS •
during the outreach period,the consultant team selected eight priority areas for focused •
attenuon in the Palm Springs plan: •
•City Management and Operations •
•Economic Vitality The United Nations Urban
•Urban Development and Mobil' Environmental •
p � accords,signed in San •
•Climate Change Francisco in 21105,
•Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy presents a framework •
including seven key
•Heathy Ecosystems targets,some mom relevant
•Waste to palm
•Water Springs than others -
•Energy •
-Waste Reduction •
•Urban Design
•Urban Nature •
•Transportation
•Environmental Health .
Water •
,--THE-PALM SPRINGS PATH TO A_SUSTANABLE-COMMUNITY DRAFT March25,2009 $ -
A
•
•
• WHY SUSfAINABILrry?
• "AS THE SAYING GOES,
• The serious challenges before us are well documented-but with challenges A RISING TIDE RAISES
. come opportunities For Palm Springs- ALL SHIPS. SUSTAINABIL-
ITY WORKS IN MUCH
• �� �' THE SAME. WAY."
. Global economic downturn. Many predictthatthecitiesthatwill fare best in Malcolm Gladwell
this recession will focus on their local strengths,resiliency and niche markets- Author, The Tipping
• In addition,incorporating majortrends,such as renewable energy,clean
technology,and green business,will make current niche markets more attractive. Point
. Sustainable Industries Journal' January 20D9 issue states:"While no sector is immune
• to larger economic realities,institutions and companies that put less emphasis on-Fast
growth and more on the triple-bottom-line are better situated to weatherthe storm...
• with business and investors flocking to smaller institutions that emphasize community and
• sustainability."
• OPPORTUNITY'
• Palm Springs can become a leader in sustainable industries by supporting new and
• existing"green"businesses through City economic development efforts,adopting
• and sharing sustainable best practices and investing in sustainable technologies when
economicallyfeasible.
•
. The financial and banking crises are decreasing the ability of our economies to support
real estate development and consumer spending,including tourism.
• OPPORTUMM
The response to the recession by the Obama Administration and Congress provides
opportunities to use stimulus funding for housing,educational facilities,infrastructure,
• energy efficiency and renewable energy to benefit and grow the local economy In
• addition,the City can encourage local purchases,banking and ecotourism to increase
• circulation of capital locally and further refine a distinguishing brand for Palm Springs.
• Climate change is affecting regional ecosystems,their productivity and water availability.
• OPPORTU+'>!I'Irf.
• The City can build on California legislation to become a regional leader in addressing and
• adapting to climate change-
•
•
•
•
•
•
• THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA.SUSfAINABLE-COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 9
•
•
•
WHY SUSTAINABILITY? (CONT.) i
•
Watersupplies appearto be seriously threatened by climate change,related weather
patterns,reduced snow packs and increased competition for water in the Colorado Basin. .
OPFOR1117NUY: •
City government can support increased water conservation and reuse in Palm Springs to
protect existing water resources and provide a potential source of water supply forfuture
growth. •
Oil and natural gas energy supplies are outside local and state control and characterized by •
wide price swings. •
City government can support energy conservation and efficiency,alternative fuel uses,and •
renewable energy production,resulting in a more stable and secure energy supply and •
reduced capital outflows from the Palm Springs area.
Global oceanic pollution is reaching a crisis with a sea of plastic in the Pacific Ocean now
encompassing an area twice the size of the United States.This"trash vortex"has been •
referred to as a plastic soup. .
®PPORTUNiTer: •
The CVs supportfor waste reduction,recycling,and reuse,especially plastics,can help •
reduce negative impacts on the environment and create new sustainable businesses and
employment opportunities. •
•
•
•
"We have not been living
sustainably for generations."
Dr. David Suzuki, •
noted environmental researcher
&journalist •
Palm Springs Sustainability
Summit, •
November2008 •
•
---THE PALM SPRINGS-PATH=TOASUSTAINABLF COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 10 •
•
r
•
•
•
• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• "Community awareness,
As a core element of the work to develop a Master Plan that is specific to responsibility, involvement
• Palm Springs,the City engaged In a broad outreach and involvement effort and education are
• from October to December of 2008. Community involvement helped frame key factors."
the overall plan,the vision and the guiding principles. Comment from
• Over the course of the initial outreach period, thousands of local Palm Springs Online Survey
Participant
residents were introduced to the Palm Springs Path to a Sustainable
• Community and offered their feedback in a variety of ways. Hundreds of
. local students participated in assemblies, classes and presentations.
• Other engagement included: ----- `
• iw
A.
Sustainability Summit Week activities November 4-9,2008, including 1_ ,
neighborhood rally,school and classroom visits,Chamber of Commerce `.
workshop,VillageFe5t,Certified Farmers Market exhibits, public
• workshop and David Suzuki lecture. li j
• • Online survey posted on the city website and promoted widely
• throughout the public engagement period.
• Outreach briefings/meetings/workshops conducted with a variety of -
• stakeholder groups, including neighborhood groups, business and
• hospitality groups,civic and industry groups, public agencies, schools
• and teachers, City staff and Leadership Council members. -
. The Leadership Council, composed of leading business,educational
. o ganizations, public agencies and institutions each adopted a
resolution to support the Palm Springs Path to Sustainability and take j
in
• related actions within their own organizations. See Appendix for a p'pall,•rn fr
• summary of those early actions.
• i
• i r t ..
• Local businesses participate in a Palm Springs chamber of Commerce Sustainability workshop V.
• TOP RIGHT.Neighborhood ro;idont5 gathered in early November to kickoff Sustainability Summit
Week,MI ee ,MIDDLE RIGHT:Mayor Pvugnct,Palm S rings Unified School Orstnct bomd member Shan • •
P •
• Stewart,Distrlct Superintendent or Lori McCune,staff and smdenss following a classroom talk
about atepa we can all rake,BOTTOM RIGHT.Hundreds of IoB l students signed on to the Palm
• Springs Path to a Sustainable Community during Summit Wcck in November 2008
• iTHE PALM SPRINGS km TOkmSfAINAeLE-COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 11
•
•
•
•
(COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (CONT.) +
Of the 118 online surveys completed,the majority were residents of the City of Palm
Springs(74%) and over the age of 50(62%). The overwhelming majority of respondents •
supported the first draft concepts for the vision (96%) and guiding principles(95%). There •
also were several ideas for how to improve them. Most comments centered on Improving
clarity and readability of the vision and guiding principles. •
More detailed results are available in the Summary Outreach Report and Recommenda- •
dons available on the Clty's website: www.ci.palm-springs.ca.us.
•
•
•
• • •
• Strong support for the City's overall sustainability effort and the need for a plan,with interest from public, private, •
educational and institutional sectors. •
• Palm Springs must achieve cultural and behavioral change in order for sustainability to be a success- •
• Education and youth involvement will be at the core of achieving cultural change-
• Sustainability is not just a local issue; it transcends jurisdictional boundaries and must be employed at all scales— •
city, regional,state, national and global. .
• Incentives should be employed along with regulations to encourage sustainability in the private industry. •
• Conservation and efficiency is at the core of sustainability, including water, energy,and waste reduction. .
• Curtailing the production of waste and reusing waste and water Is a high priority.
• Palm Springs could be a center for production of renewable energy and ecotourism. -
• Neighborhoods should be a focus for sustainable development in the City.The City should lead the overall •
sustainability effort with support from other public agencies, private business, neighborhood groups and interested •
citizens.
•
•
•
"'d'• Or.OavZSuzukl •
Sustainability
ChamberMemberFonitn •
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•
A serres of pu61rc workshops presenWnons and forams were conducted during Palm Spring-,Sumimhiliry Summit week November 4-91h 2009
THE PALM SPRINGS-PATH TO XSUSTAINABLE,COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 12 -
r
•
•
• PURPOSE AND STRUcfURE
•
. Pursuing the Palm Springs Path will require both long term change and more near term
capacity building and action. The priority areas in the following eight chapters build upon
• the momentum of existing City initiatives, address critical resource issues and harness the
. ability of local government to model behavior change and build public awareness to jump
. start progress and support long term strategic goals.
The purpose of this section of the Master Plan is to chart a specific path, with
goals, objectives and strategies/actions For the City of Palm Springs to continue taking the
• steps necessary to achieve its vision by the year 2030.
• Each goal area is its own chapter, with the following information-
• Context for the goal area
• Steps the City has already accomplished or that are underway
• General Plan Guidance
• Goal for the future
Key dashboard metrics
• Ch)ectives and strategies/actions
Municipal government, public agencies, the business community, community and civic
groups and individuals all have an important role to play in leading sustainability actions.
• Each goal area provides an opportunity for all segments of the community to identify a
• role and contribution toward a Sustainable Community.
•
•
•
•
•
• "Environmental quality
• and economic health are
mutually dependent."
Palm Springs Workshop
• Participant
•
•
• THE-PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA SUST%UNAeL'E COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 13
•
•
'C11� ✓7,\ 1,=,,�; T -EN7 CHAPTER 1 •
CONTEXT
In recent years,the City has advanced on the Path to Sustainability with important policy
action,including adopting the Mayor's Climate Change Resolution as well as goals to reduce
energy use by 20%and reduce water use by 50%by 2012,The City has also taken important •
sustainable action steps including installation of a gas recovery program at the city waste
treatment facility, installation of LED for traffic lights and airport runway lighting,addition •
of solar powered waste compactors downtown,aggressive waste recycling and diversion •
programs, participation in the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, •
partial public fleet conversion to fuel efficient vehicles, PM10 and other air emission reduction
programs, as well as incorporation of sustainable land use and building policies and programs •
into the General Plan.
Strategies that encourage people to buy locally are also an important component of economic
sustainability. Retaining local dollars within a community reduces economic export and •
increases the financial productivity of taxpayer dollars. It increases the consumption of local
goods and services and fosters a sustainable community. In working toward a sustainable
economy,the City of Palm Springs recognizes that sustainable procurement policies are an •
important early step on the Palm Springs Path to a Sustainable Community. •
With the recent adoption of a local preference ordinance,the city took an important step
toward sustainable procurement policies-local preference to support local business and jobs. •
Step two is social equity to insure inclusion. Step Three is environmental to reduce impacts and •
set a standard for green purchasing.This triple bottom line approach, integrating local,social
and environmental considerations into a unified policy, is important to the eventual success of •
sustainable procurement. •
In the future the City should be able to comprehensively assess vendors in terms of economic
contribution,social responsibility and environmental performance.That way the City can use •
its purchasing power to work with vendors that offer the most long-term benefit for the City •
which strengthens the local economic activity and employment as well as sets an example that
helps foster and maintain a vital economic community for future generations.
•
•
•
•
•
"Government should lead •
and set the example" •
Palm Springs Online Survey •
Participant
•
•
':-THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TO_A SUSTAINABCE'COMMIINITY DRAFT March 25,2009 14
•
•
• THE CITY'S ROLE
• The city's role is important in addressing policy, planning and service issues related to
climate change, water and energy use, waste generation and other sustainability Factors.
• But ultimately, public involvement and community wide behavior change will be the key to
• the long term success of the Palm Springs Path to a Sustainable Community.
The City should take the lead in working with residents, neighborhoods, businesses
• and community groups to model sustainable practices and to promote, encourage and
empowerthe community to take actions that will improve the environment,the economy
and the quality of life forfuture generations.
• In addition to a commitment to expand its knowledge on sustainability generally, the City
• should lead by example by committing to build public buildings to high green standards,
• transition the public fleet to clean fuels, enhance energy efficiency and the use of
sustainable products and develop the infrastructure to support the use of alternative forms
• of transportation.
• This chapter addresses how the City, as a public agency, addresses sustainability in terms
of its internal management and operations and how it promotes and facilitates change in
• the community.
•
•
. STEPS ALREADY • . OR r
• •Organizing a Sustainability Summit Week including a public lecture on
. sustainability Featuring noted environmentalist David Suzuki.
•Identifying sustainability as a top priority for the City during the City's 2008
• Priority Setting Session.The annual setting of priorities guides work plans,
• funding and budget decisions for City government.
• •Expanding and refocusing the role of the Resource Conservation
Commission to become the Palm Springs Sustainability Commission
• •Adopting a local preference ordinance.
. •Committing to transition 50%ofthe municipal fleet to clean air fuels.
• •Participating in the Coachella Valley Association of Governments(CVAG)
Energy and Environment Committee, Energy and Water Conservation
• Sub-Committee,Coachella Valley Conservation Commission and
• Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy.
• •Appointing a Leadership Council.24 members have adopted a
resolution pledging specific action and supportforthe overall initiative.
' •Hosting a week long Sustainability Summit Week to raise awareness and "Look outside the box for
• provide apportunityfor public input,education and information and ways to fund programs and
featuring a presentation by noted sustainability expert incentives"
• Dr.David Suzuki. Palm Springs Online Survey
• Participant
•
• \1
• THE PALM SPRINGS-PATH TOASUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 is
•
0
•
GOAL: Palm Springs is a model for sustainabie practices. GENERAL PLAN •
GUIDANCE •
KEY DASHBOARD Goals: •
•Establish the City as a leader in •
•Annual City sustainability report card. energy efficient and
•Number of community participants engaged in sustainability projects. onvimnmen sustainable •
•Number of green conferences,workshops and events- development
an tl planning
p practices.(CO29) •
•Percentage of renewable energy powering public facilities.
•Number of businesses using sustainable practices.
•Sustainabdity website hits/page views- .
•Number of community gardens.
•
OBJECTIVES&ACTIONS •
OBJECTIVE 1. •
Embed sustainable principles and practices into dry operations. •
•
1.Enhance sustainability capacity by establishing and staffing an Office of Sustainability. •
2.Appoint and support an inter-departmental Green Team(see Key Roles and Responsibilities).
3.Develop an annual sustainability report card and system for reporting progress and promote •
accomplishments with a short"dashboard"of key metrics that are easily communicated .
4.Train all employees in the basics of sustainability and how to manage an organization based on
sustainability.Consider the Natural Step as a framework(see Appendix). •
5.Conduct a sustainability assessment and action plan for internal operations. (See example Gry •
Operations Planning Workbook in Appendix.) •
6.Incorporate employee sustainabilrty performance into City personnel recruitment,hiring,review
and evaluation. •
7.Integrate sustainability objectives into a five year capital funding plan- •
•
OBJECTIVE 2. •
Adopt sustainable practices and purchasing policies. •
1.Form a task force(Procurement,key city division reps and the Office of Sustainability)to collaborate •
on a review of current and future contracts and municipal best practices and policies(including life
cycle cost analysis)For sustainable procurement opportunities for each division •
2.Develop and adopt an interim policy that provides for the purchase of independently certified •
sustainable,green products when available,affordable,within budget and meet quality
requirements(this is first cycle cost analysis)- •
3.Expand the City's local preference ordinance to include social equity(women and minority owned •
businesses)and environmental practices.
•
•
•
- •
THE PALM SPRINGSPATH-TOA SuSfAINABLECOMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 16 •
•
•
•
•
• OBJECTIVES&ACTIONS(CONT.)
• OBJECTIVE 3.
Retrofit existing and develop new public facilities as models of sustainability.
1.Develop a polity that guides the sustainable design,construction and renovation of all city owned
• public facilities.Consider LEED Gold as a minimum standard or equivalent(see chapter 3).
. 2-Complete an assessment,including audits of energy,water,waste and consumption of other
• resources at major City facilities and develop an action plan and timeline to retrofit existing
facilities to minimum LEED-ES standards(see section 3).
3.Complete construction and develop a plan to replicate the model re-landscaping projects for
• Tahquit7 median and at City Hall.
4.Develop a plan to maximize distributed generation and cogeneration in public facilities-
OBJECTIVE 4.
• Embed sustainability concepts and practices into the local culture through education,
promotion and community engagement.
•
• 1.Develop and maintain a City sustainability website as a resource to the community.
• 2.Establish a local network of sustainability related groups to share resources build partnerships and
unify outreach efforts-
3.Initiate the Mayors hike in the Canyons and award annual Sustainability Leadership Recognition
• Awards.
. 4.Develop and promote a local rating system for green business that can be replicated and
incorporated as part of the Palm Springs brand.
5.Adopt a policy moving all City funded events toward zero waste and sustainable event practices.
• j.Work with community partners and public and private schools to incorporate sustainability into
curriculum.
• 7.Develop a community garden pilot project in partnership with local stakeholders.
•
•
•
•
•
. THE PALM,SPRINGS.PATH TOA SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 17
•
•
� �0�\]S jl I CZ V1,s L 17 7 CHAPTER 2 •
CONTEXT •
Economic vitality is a cornerstone of sustainability and includes prosperity for residents,a •
strong tax base for providing needed City services, and economic activity that respects and •
restores the natural environment.
The financial and economic downturn reinforces the need for Palm Springs to attract and •
support enterprises in growing industries and to take advantage of new state and federal •
policies and programs. By leveraging the City's strengths now, Palm Springs can mitigate •
impacts and position the City to take advantage of future opportunities when the national and •
global economy rebound.
SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY CLUSTERS •
California has been the source of many innovations that have driven the state'-5 growth and •
prosperity.A recent report from the University of California at Berkeley, California 2008 •
Innovation Index,suggests that climate policies can stimulate economic growth by providing •
incentives for investment in new technologies. Innovations in climate change,clean technology .
and renewable energy can address several pressing environmental challenges while bringing
economic benefits to the City of Palm Springs and the region. •
The City has the opportunity to leverage its assets to attract innovators to the region. Palm •
Springs'strengths include its strong foundation of local small businesses, a vital tourism •
industry, assets in renewable energy and clean technology and the City's commitment to •
sustainable growth. •
Palm Springs is well-positioned to share in the growth of California's green innovation •
economy.The City's location, climate and topography make it an ideal production center for •
renewable energy,specifically solar and wind power. Renewable energy is a growth industry, •
especially in California. From 2002-2007, CaliFornia's total energy generation grew by 11%,
while power generation from renewable sources increased by 19%. •
Clean technology(clean tech), an emerging field that develops and uses industrial processes •
that cause little or no pollution, is one of the fastest growing business sectors in the world and •
has a strong presence in California. Clean technology investment in California reached an all- •
time high of$3.3 billion in 2008, nearly double that of 2007-Clean tech investments continued .
to grow even as investments in nearly all other technology sectors fell at the end of last year.
•
Investment is spread across a range of technologies: •
• Distributed energy—onsite power and distributed hydrogen •
• Intelligence—software, sensors and data management .
• Research .
"Clean Tech" can be applied in a variety of ways, even down to"green construction and •
building materials." Pursuit of a Clean Tech target becomes an ongoing effort to attract •
companies by implementing green practices as well as marketing Palm Springs as a
competitive location for"clean-and-green" companies- •
•
•
THE PALM SPRINGS-PATH TOASUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 18 •
•
•
•
• LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES
• Research has proven that small, established businesses have the highest potential for
. growth and newjobs creation. Focusing on a small group of high-growth, high-potential
businesses can generate a large number of now sustainable jobs. Littleton, Colo.,successfully
implemented this"economic gardening" economic strategy in the late 1980s.
• Local small businesses are the backbone of the Palm Springs economy- The degree to which
these businesses prosper will depend on the overall economic vitality of the City within the US
and global economy- Many factors,such as fuel prices and monetary policy, are outside the
. City's control- However,there are actions the City and the Palm Springs business community
can take to retain and expand locally-owned businesses, increase tourists visits, increase
exports and decrease imports, and recruit new businesses.
Support for local businesses can take many Forms, including: building a strong local
infrastructure(e-g-,airport facilities and public transportation), local purchasing preferences,
• Flexibility with local development permits and fees,targeted incentives that provide a solid
• return to the City,advocacy and support for incubators, education and training programs, and
variety of other actions.Several of these are addressed below and elsewhere in this report.
ECOTOURISM
• Ecotourism is known as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment
and improves the well-being of local people." It is defined by cultural sensitivity, responsible
travel, benefits to local peoples and preservation or improvement of natural areas.
• The City of Palm Springs has identified ecotourism as a potential growth area, building upon
the City's existing identity as a tourist destination and its tourism-driven economy. The City
. welcomed one million guests in 2007. Retail, restaurant and hotel revenues are significant
• economic generators forthe City.
A successful strategy to boast ecotourism will include both internal and external positioning
• and marketing.This includes internal activity such as introducing more sustainable practices
to the established hospitality industry as well as promoting Palm Springs as an ecotourist
destination to new external markets.To build a reputation for ecotourism,the City and its
. partners should enhance access to cultural and natural resources while expanding options for
responsible travel.
i SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES
• The City of Palm Springs can strengthen its position as a regional and national leader in
sustainability and improve its own Triple Bottom Line by developing a set of sustainable
performance standards for City operations and decision-making- It can also encourage local
. businesses to use green materials and adopt sustainable practices.
• THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA.SUSTXlNABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 19
•
•
•
GOAL: Palm Springs is a center for clean tech, renewable
energy and innovation. .
DASHBOARDKEY METRIC GENERALPLAN •
• Number of clean tech industry sector businesses. Goals: GUIDANCE
ees as a share of overall •
• Number of small business employees P Y •Attractantlretalnhigh-quality •
employment. industrial and business park
• Number of new businesses licensed in and recruited to Palm Springs. development(1-1-13). •
•Annual number of visitors_ •Attractand retain high quality.
sustainable commercial
• Percentage of year-round jobs/employees compared to part-time/ development(LU4) •
seasonal employees.
Policies: •
•Provide areas that allow a
STEPS ALREADY • r OR . combination of alternative •
energy development and
Palm Springs has already taken a leadership position toward sustainable economic growth, industrial uses.(LU3.9) •
includingthe following actions: Encourage"green •
g technologies,"renewable
energy,and related activities •
•City Council Membcr Task Force appointed to focus on small business support. as a business development
Mayor of Palm Springs launched a Task Force charged with supporting goal and to attract this type
•In 2008,the Ma •
Y9 PP 9 or business activity Palm
development of an overall clean tech economic development strategy and creating a Stenngs.(RC84)
clean tech economic cluster. •Work with the Coachella Valley
• In 2009,the Cityadopted a referential purchasing policy for contractors and su lies. Association of Governmentst0 •
P P P 9 P cY PP develop a regional energy policy
•The Mayorformed a Task Force on Ecotourism in 2008 to begin to develop a strategy to and foster the development of •
enhance and expand nature-based tourism. associated energy industries in
the Coachella Valley.(RC8.5) •
•
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS •
OBJECTIVE 1: •
Incubate,grow and attract new sustainable industries to Palm springs,focusing on •
innovation,renewable energy production,clean technology,green products and services and •
climate change.
•
1. Develop an economic profile of Palm Springs'sustainable industry sectors and a site •
inventory of space for sustainable development. .
2- Interview business owners and other industry representatives to identify key decision factors
for business incubation,expansion and site selection far target industries.
3.Designate a Clean Tech Zone to provide and promote incentives and incubate and recruit
new clean tech and related innovative businesses.
4.Develop a package of local incentives(possibly including grant and loan programs,City- •
owned land and energy donations and preferential permitting policies)to make Palm .
Springs more attractive to target industries. •
5.Work with education partners to identify and focus resources from the College of the
Desert, UC Riverside, K-12 and others to support sustainable industries cluster and •
other local businesses(workforce development, incubation, research and development, •
technology transfer etc.). .
6. Provide start-up firms with low-cost materials,technical assistance and opportunities for
collaboration-Support development of a new sustainable business incubator. •
THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 20 •
•
•
•
•
• OBJECTIVE 2:
• Grow Palm Springs'local economy by retaining and expanding small and locally-owned
• businesses increasing exports and decreasing imports.
• 1. Educate residents and visitors on where to buy local goods and services-consider a "Buy
• Local" campaign.
• 2.Increase support for small businesses to form,expand and innovate.Consider an economic
gardening model.
• 3.Complete a market analysis including an input-output model to identify opportunities
. for export and import substitution to maximize local wealth generation, circulation and
economic multiplier effects.
• 4. Promote local purchasing and procurement strategies outlined in Chapter 1, City
• Management and Operations.
• OBJECTIVE 3:
• Establish Palm Springs as a premiere ecotourism destination in the US by improving existing
• industry practices and expanding cultural and nature-based tourism.
• 1. Support and promote Palm Springs hospitality and service industries to become green.
• 2.Convene existing tourism-based business owners and industry representatives to identify
• opportunities for expanding nature-based tourism. Research and report on best practices
from other regions for consideration and adaptation.
3.Working with the local hospitality industry,develop a comprehensive marketing and
promotional strategy for local and regional eco-tourism businesses,building the City's
identity as a gateway to the San Jacinto National Forest,Joshua Tree National Park,the
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument and other nearby recreational and natural
resources_
4. Increase the options for ecologically-responsible travel to the region,popular tourist
• destinations,carbon-offset alternatives and resource conservation strategies for visitors.
5.Work with community partners to develop an ecotourism volunteer program to engage the
• visitors in ecological restoration and other locally-beneficial activities.
• OBJECTIVE 4:
• Encourage sustainable business practices.
•
. 1. Establish a set of criteria for sustainable business practices based on sustainability guiding
principles or other leading best practices.
• 2 Provide technical support and training to businesses in Palm Springs on sustainable business
• best practices.
• 3 Partner with local business organizations to develop a promotional and marketing plan to
increase the utilization of sustainable businesses
• 4. Incorporate evaluation of sustainable practices(energy efficiency,waste reduction,recycling,
• reuse, local hiring,pollution prevention, continuing education)in identifying businesses to
• attract,retain and assist.
5-Distribute materials on sustainable business practices and resources with business license
and permit information.
•
• THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 21
•
a
CHAPTER 3 i
i
CONTEXT •
Sustainable urban development and mobility(transportation choice)means ensuring General •
Plan policies and associated implementing ordinances reflect smart growth principles such as: •
•Civic engagement/collaboration •
•Compact building design
• Cultivating a strong sense of place
• Energy and resource efficiency •
•Good governance/clear decision-making
•Green building practices i
• Historic preservation and redevelopment of existing communities as opposed
to Greenfield development •
• Housing choice
• Opens space preservation and recreational opportunities i
• Providing a mix of land uses for residents daily needs -
•Transportation choice
•Walkable neighborhoods
•
Some of the key benefits of these approaches to development include: .
•Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Lower electric and water utility costs •
• Enhanced human health and productivity
• Long-term economic returns •
• Reduced environmental impact
•
Sustainable site design principles include: i
•Optimize site potential i
• Protect and conserve water
• Minimize non-renewable energy consumption i
• Use environmentally preferable products and materials i
• Enhance indoor environmental quality
•Optimize operation and maintenance practices i
Land use planning that adheres to smart growth principles can help create sustainable •
communities by preserving open space, contributing to a range of housing options and
minimizing travel times. Many smart growth objectives are already incorporated into existing
General Plan policies and actions. In addition, strong smart growth policies and implementing i
ordinances that are measured over time can assist local government in meeting the •
requirements of the 2009 California local government protocol for reduced greenhouse gas
emissions(see also the chapter on Climate Change).
i
•
•
•
•
•
•
10
CONTEXT (CONT.)
According to the US Department of Energy's Center for Sustainable Development, buildings
consume 40%of the world's total energy,25%of its wood harvest and 1 b%of its water.
Energy use and material consumption for buildings will be an important focus for strategies to
address global climate change.Green building addresses new construction, redevelopment,
neighborhood development and other related developments and is generally focused at the
site, rather than at the community level on: sustainable site locations,water efficiency, energy
and atmosphere,materials and resources, indoor air quality and innovative design. Dramatic
. savings in energy use have been documented in a wide range of green buildings in California.
There are numerous green building programs and standards.The California Green Builder
• program encourages voluntary partnerships between builders and local governments to
. build cost-effective,green homes that benefit homebuyers and the community at large_The
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)Green Building Rating SystemTM
encourages and accelerates adoption of sustainable green building and development practices
• through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and
. performance criteria.The LEED program consists of a set of prerequisites and credits with
specific requirements for obtaining points in order to become a certified green building.
Prioritizing reuse,redevelopment and retrofit of existing buildings supports sustainability by
• preserving embodied energy and avoiding new impacts from construction, reducing new
waste added to landfills,and reducing the demand for production of new materials as well
• as reducing the carbon footprint and GHG emissions by improving the energy and water
• efficiency of current facilities_The U.S. Green Building Council recently adopted LEED-Ese as a
guideline for greening Existing Buildings.
. THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TO SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 23
•
•
•
CONTEXT (CONT.)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA •
•
On September 23,2008,Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 1389,which requires the •
Department of Housing and Urban Community Development to review relevant green building
guidelines when preparing proposed building standards for submittal to the California Building
Standards Commission.Additionally,the Department should consider Proposing as mandatory
building standards those green building features determined by the Department to be cost
effective and feasible to promote greener construction. •
On July 17,2008,the California Building Standards Commission passed the California Green •
Building Standards Code,which aims to reduce water and energy use in buildings through
landscaping,appliance efficiency, building design,and the use of recycled materials.The code
is voluntary through 2009 at which time it becomes mandatory.The Code is written so as to not •
preempt more stringent local policies. •
Governor Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order#S-20-04 on December 14,2004, requiring •
the design,construction, and operation of all new and renovated state-owned facilities to be •
LEED Silver.The state is pursuing LEED for New Construction for its projects and the Silver
certification level,and LEED for Existing Buildings certification For existing facilities.
•
Many cities and counties across the state require public and/or private projects to meet green •
building standards and/or certifications(See Appendix for a sample and summary list of over 40
entities, including links to resolutions and contacts). In addition, new California Title 24 Building •
Efficiency Standards are expected to raise the bar for energy efficiency for new construction. •
The new standards will be in effect in August 2009. •
•
0
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
THE PALM SPRINGS_PATH-TO ASUSTAINABLE:COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 24 •
•
•
•
•
•
• CONTEXT (CONT.)
• TRANSPORTATION
•
• In California,transportation accounts for over 40%of greenhouse gas emissions. Ninety-six
• percent of the state's transportation fuel comes from ail. Savings can be gained in transportation
with alternative fuels and technologies but efficiencies in land use planning and design will also
• contribute to reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Providing transportation
• choice and encouraging and incentivizing use of cleaner fuels should be lead strategies in this
. arena.
• Palm Springs and much of the state of California continue to be dominated by single-occupancy
. vehicle travel.Although weather limits lengthy bike and pedestrian trips in summer months,
there are many opportunities to increase non-motorized trips during cooler seasons and use
• altemative-fuel and hybrid vehicles as well as carpool and shuttle vehicles for many trips.
•
STEPS ALREADY
•
ACCOMPLISHED .
•
• Green Building and Related Sites
•Constructing the City's new Animal Control Center to meet LEED green
• building certification standards.
•Including passive green systems in the design of the Convention Center
• building,resulting in 60%efficiency.
•Utilizing cold waterstorage HVAC systems atthe Convention Center
• to reduce energy use during peak hours and automated controls to
• minimize load-
Land Use and Transportation Planning
• • Implementing Traffic Signal Management Program to reduce vehicle
• operating costs and emissions via expected reductions in stops and
delays.
• • Maintaining emergency response times for public safety vehicles above
standards.
• Alternative fuels,vehicles and modes
• •Supporting a 100%CNG bus fleet,placement of solar panels on bus
• stops,placing CNG fueling stations at airport and City Hall.
• •Incorporating bike lanes in City streets.
•Transitioning the City's non-emergency vehicles and equipment to a 50%
• clean air/energy efficient fleet.
•
•
•
• THE PALM SPRINGSMATH-T.OEISOSTAIN] COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 25
•
•
•
GENERALPLAN
GOAL: Palm Springs is a leader in smart growth and green GUIDANCE •
coati •
building practices. •andEInshon Cityasally usatlenn energy
veloo entt
andendmnmenhtices(CO29) deuzlopment •
andplanning ptatices(CD29)
•Reduce the Clryb dependence on the use of
KEY DASHBOARD stnglcpasscngcrvemclesbyenhanctngmass •
• Percent of new develo mentandredevelo mcntoccurrin inalread built/ tmnsiesandctions,(CR4) gasocacd
p p 9 Y pmtciesandaaions(CR4) •
urbanized areas policies.
•Operational costs savings for municipal buildings. •Require
heueofenergyeAtctentandgreen -
•Number of staff and indust professionals that received green building training, building practices untateappropdale to[he
Y p 9 9 9 dcsencllmal0(00291) •
• Number of LEED Accredited Professions on staff and industry professionals in the •Require me use of green bullding techniques In •
[he design and conslnotion 01 public buildings
community. andfacilihes.(CC292)
•N umber of buildin sachievin LEEDcertificationor uivaIen •Suppon the tichveryof improved regionaltransit •
9 9 eY. services to and within the City(CR41)
•Share of hybnd and altemative-fuel vehicles in City fleet" •Adopt a program ofnonmolorlsid hanspodadan
type taeiulies,mcodmg those for bicyclesantl
•Number and •
IYp Encourrage (CRE1) •
•Encourage Ne use of green building practices
including The 24 energy consenetton
standards,Inmeconehuctlon,rehabilitation, •
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS and renovation of housing,to the wcntfeasibl
OBJECTIVE 1: (H543) •
Increase the number of green buildin & Actions •
9 9 ImplcmCn['grWnplanning'sll0 dr„stgn
mcenuvxs tha use
of •
1. Require all cit -owned buildings be built to Leadership In Energy and Environmental 'incnurngemeu emgycenhminmgpstadar
q Y 9 P� 9Y including tine 24energy conservation standards •
Design(LEED)Gold standards. (r1542)
•Qmlopa groan building ordmanceand the
2.Adopt LEED-ES(existing building)sustainable green standards for rehabilitated City- suslaw8bihtyvision. (HS41)(CO291) •
owned buildings. •Implementaprogramto address me
9 maintenance ofva ant lots and develop •
3. Develop a plan For adopting and implementing green building standards for private an implementing entrance toencourage
temporary uses of mi-it Land within the City
development. to encourage urban amenllles such as pah6, -
4.Conduct a systematic review of the General Plan and implementing ordinances and demonstration gardens,community supported •
agncultureand renewable energy development,
standards to identify additional opportunities to incentivize and encourage green (CD12)
•Encourage large employers to adopt incentive .
building practices. programs list Include rldcsharing,pmteremral
5. Develop criteria and adopt fast track permit process for green development that meets parkmgtorndeshares,lelecommuting,Ilex •
hours bike raclaand olheramemltes to
clear and objective standards such as LEED or equivalent. Evaluate the City's focused promote commuting pacems otherthan single
omuentitlement process for expedited review for affordable housing as a model •EnncouuranqodvcloDores sio rovldekactllhessuch •
G. Provide smart growth and LEED training and accreditation for select City staff. asrarpeolsand vanpoolsanu bicycle perktng •
facilities(CR 111)
7. Incentivize green architectural and historic preservation and remodeling Practices. •PmkemaMaslerPlanolMmtt aseTrailsmrlhe '
8. Develop an outreach and education plan for developers, realtors, and institutions addresss d3aagIn9 gnecce;nd(RpCd4alel ertoat ally to
(schools and hospitals)focused on sustainable design principles and green building. -Publlcandrrrate parking misshoutd provide -
loreleartcvehtclerecrargtngaauons(CR83) •
-Encourage the use of hybrid,low,Or cere
emissions vehicles In the CltySvehicula fleet •
Easug vehicles should be replaced by clean"
orallemahve-fuel vehicles as lheyare normally •
retired.(AC4.3)
•Develop a program to encourage the use of
almmative•luel vehicles This pmgmm could -
Include incentives such as prlorlly/[me parking
or lax breaks.KV) •
•Create an Incrunivesprpffram tb erlfAu2ge
developers to incorporate bike paths, •
sidewalks and pedestrian aaess points
beyond[hose required(AC45), •
•
•
THE PALM SPRINGS PATH.TO A.SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY Draft March 17,2009 26 •
•
•
•
•
• OBJECTIVE 2:
• Promote smart growth and transportation choice.
• 1. Engage the Green Team and Sustainability Commission to review the City General Plan,
• zoning and development ordinances For compliance with SB 375 and identify additional
opportunities to promote efficient,sustainable development practices.
• 2. Evaluate effectiveness of General Plan action CD1.3(Implement a program to address
• the maintenance of vacant lots)and develop an implementing ordinance to encourage,
• temporary uses of vacant land within the City to encourage urban amenities such as
parks,demonstration gardens,community supported agriculture and renewable energy
• development
• 3.Adopt an ordinance addressing the aesthetics of infdl sites during permitting associated
with demolition and design.
4.Consider expanding General Plan policy to encourage all,not Just large employers to
• adopt incentive programs that include ridesharing, preferential parking for rideshares,
• telecommuting,flex hours,bike racks and other amenities to promote commuting patterns
• other than single occupancy vehicles.
5-Amplify and augment efforts to encourage developers to provide facilities such as carpools
• and van pools and bicycle parking facilities.
• 6. Engage Green Team and Sustainability Commission members in strategies to implement
General Plan goal to "Reduce the City's dependence on the use of single-passenger
• vehicles by enhancing mass transit opportunities." Including associated policies and actions-
•
• OBJECTVE 3:
Promote alternative,sustainable transportation options and infrastructure using alternative
• modes, fuels and vehides.
1.Adopt a polity to transform the full municipal fleet conversion to clean fuel vehicles.
2. Participate in the regional non-motorized transportation plan implementation,including
• annual expansion of the existing system.
. 3- Dedicate a portion of the transportation budget to go to pedestrian and cyclist amenities.
4. Develop a clean airport shuttle service to major destinations within the City and Valley.
• 5. Develop partnerships with local public health agencies and hospitals to promote biking and
• walking as alternatives to vehicle trips when weather permits.
• 6- Require clear signage and pedestrian access to parking at trail heads-
7. Investigate the feasibility of car-sharing(e.g.,Zipcar)in the City and at the airport.
• 8. Explore and evaluate a City-wide bike rental program with outlets located at major
• destinations similar to the Velib bike share program in Paris.
• 9. Develop ordinances allowing neighborhood electric vehicles(e.g.,golf carts and other
similar vehicles)as a mode of travel on appropriate routes in the City.
• 10. Develop a strategy to support development of the electric vehicle infrastructure including
charging stations at City-owned parking facilities and incentivize private development of
electric vehicle plug-in infrastructure.
• 11. Explore and evaluate feasibility of alternative energy fuel production and fueling stations in
• Palm Springs.
•
•
• =THE PALM SPRINGS PATH7o A SU5fAINABLE,COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 27
•
CHAPTER 4 •
•
CONTEXT •
As predicted by the US National Academy of Sciences in 2008, global climate change will •
have wide ranging negative impacts on Palm Springs and the entire desert southwest.
Indications are that global temperatures could rise by up to 11 degrees in the next hundred
years. In addition,a recently released study by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric •
Administration (NOAA)documents the long term impacts of climate change with specific
indication that the desert Southwest is in particular danger. The recently released UC Berkeley -
California Climate Risk and Response report also identifies wide ranging impacts including: •
Water scarcity
Risk to hydroelectric energy sources -
u Energy supply and timing of demand •
• Transportation disruption
• Travel and tourism viability -
• Wild Gres and storms impacts on real estate •
• Agriculture,forests,and fisheries productivity •
Public health
•
WHAT ARE GREENHOUSE GASES Greenhouse gases include,,carhon •
Greenhouse gases are naturally occurring emissions that help trap heat within our atmosphere diomde(W2)and melhane These
and allow the planet to maintain a temperature suitable for life. Increasing human activity has gassamproducedasa mull oiburning •
resulted in increasing green house gases beyond their naturally occurring state,resulting In a WI
phenomenon known as global warming. ourhomcsandiopomrourveh¢Is •
Methane is a byproduct oforganicxasfe
The California Risk Assessment and other reports call for bold action to address the human and sewage decamposNon
causes of climate changes. In addition,California participates in The Western Climate Initiative •
that was created to identify,evaluate, and implement collective and cooperative ways to reduce •
greenhouse gases in the region, focusing on a market-based cap-and-trade system. •
However extensive the impacts of climate change on the desert Southwest are likely to be, the •
UC Berkeley report suggests that climate policies can stimulate economic growth by providing •
incentives for investment in new technologies.
Three California laws are paramount to understanding the implications of climate change •
policy:
AB 32,the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, requires reduction of green •
house gases to 1990 levels by 2020,which represents a 25%reduction A California executive
order further mandates an 80%reduction by 2050.California Is required to develop a •
comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gases. The Air Resources Board's Scoping
Plan outlines the main strategies California will use to reduce the greenhouse gases(GHG) •
that cause climate change.The Scoping Plan includes a range of GHG reduction actions •
which include direct regulations,alternative compliance mechanisms, monetary and non-
monetary incentives,voluntary actions, and market-based mechanisms such as a cap-and- •
trade system. •
•
THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA-SUSTAINABLE'COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 28 -
•
i
•
•
• CONTEXT(CONT.)
• •58 97 requires the Office of Planning and Research by July 1,2009,to prepare and transmit
• to the Resources Agency amendments to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEOA)
guidelines to assist public agencies in the mitigation of GHG emissions or the effects of GHG
• including the effects associated with transportation and energy consumption.
•SB 375 is the nation's first policy to integrate four planning processes: land-use planning,
transportation planning, housing development and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• focused on the use of incentives. By addressing greenhouse gas emissions in the aggregate,
• from these sources at the regional planning level,a new system is designed to avoid
conducting duplicative, project-specific CEQA greenhouse gas analysis and mitigation
• strategies. In addition,the legislation provides the opportunity for the Coachella Valley to
• develop a regional plan separate from the Southern California Association of Governments
• (SCAG). By June 1,2009 the regional planning agency Coachella Valley Association of
Governments(CVAG)is required to decide whether to opt into an eight year planning cycle
• for the act.
•
• COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
Palm Springs can position the City to profit from the changes underway in California. Innovations
• in climate change,clean technology,energy efficiency and renewable energy can address
• several pressing environmental challenges while bringing economic benefits to the region. See
. also related chapters on economic development and energy-
California is a national leader in addressing Climate Change. Building on this leadership,there
• are many opportunities for the Coachella Valley communities to work together to develop
• strategies to address climate change.
• The production and use of energy is the single most significant driver of GHG emissions in a
• community;about 40%of fossil fuel combustion emissions,the primary GHG source, is from
the residential and commercial end-use sectors(US EPA,2007). Palm Springs should address
• Climate Change through aggressive actions to improve energy efficiency and encourage
• renewable energy,encourage multimodal transportation,encouraging green building and the
. reduction of waste and recycling of waste.
The City has already begun retrofitting traffic lights with Light-Emitting Diode(LED)to enhance
energy efficiency and durability. Research has shown LEDs to be brighter, longer lasting and cost
• effective. Synchronizing traffic lights and incorporating permissive left turn lanes is another area
targeted for improvement by the City-Synchronization and permissive left turn lanes increase
• travel speed without road widening, reduces traffic congestion and air emissions and cut
commute times.
• By modeling these kinds of positive changes,the City will influence others to make the kinds
• of changes necessary to reduce green house gases and positively influence carbon emission
• reduction efforts overall.
•
•
•
•
• ATHE PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA.SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 29
•
•
•
'GOAL: Palm Springs is carbon neutral.
GENERALPLAN •
KEY DASHBOARD METRIC Goals: GUIDANCE
ti .
•Carbon footprint. Inventory of carbon dioxide producon sources forthe City
•Improve regional air quality •
government,Palm Springs municipal boundary,and the Coachella Valley for energy to protect the health of the
supply,transportation,real estate(residential,industrial and commercial). community.(AGt) •
•Greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets for the building industry by sectors: Encourage energy efficiency
municipal,commercial and residential. and conservation inland •
p use,transportation demand •
management,subdivision,and
building design.(RC 8.3) •
•Encourage"green
technologies",renewableSTEPS ALREADY •
ACCOMPLISHED • . UNDERWAY energy and related activities as
a business development goal. •
c 8.4)
•Adopting Mayors Climatc Change Resolution in March 2008- Encourage cogeneration
nceuragecogeneratlon•Adopting Coachella Valley Association of Government Regional facilities.(RC 815) •
Resolution to reduce energy use by 10%by 2012.
Policies:
•Adopting city goal to reduce energy use by 20%by 2012, Facilitate the orderly and •
•Two co-generation plants use natural gas to produce and supply power to efficient development of wind
city facilities,including the airport. energy resources and regulate
•LED lights are in use in traffic signals throughout the City and all taxi areas their location,operation,and •
management.(RG8.1). .
and runways at Palm Springs International Airport. •Supportand encouragethe use
of alternative energy sources... •
and generating industries
to provide more reliability .
in the supply of electricity
to the City and to promote •
the development of clean, •
sustainable,and alternative
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS energy industries in the City.
(RC8.2). •
OEL)ECTIVE I- •
(Establish a baseline inventor d forecast, ongoing tracking and Actions:
� an g g g •Develop incentives that •
reporting mechanism for GHG emissions. encourage local businesses
to incorporate emissions •
reduction measures that go
1. Develop a comprehensive GHG emissions Inventory for City government and the City beyond[hose required or •
of Palm Springs geographic area in partnership with other area governments. recommended bySCACMC,
2.Annually inventory and report GHG emissions so that reductions can be tracked in a SSAB,and the City.Such -
incentives might include
transparent, consistent and accurate manner. permit streamlining,priority
processing,orfee reductions. •
(AC1.3) •
•Implement energy conservation
practices in existing buildings
and subdivision design by -
enforcing energy efficiency •
standards,solar energy
development regulations, •
incorporation of alternative
energy sources and •
conservation practices
at all public facilities;and -
other practices as deemed
appropriate.(R08.5). -
THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA-SUSTAINABLE'COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 30 •
•
Y
•
• OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS (CONT_)
•
• OBJECTVE 2-
• Develop strategies to reduce contributions to GHG emissions to 1990
• levels by 2020 and carbon neutrality by 2030.
• 1. Develop a local climate change action plan to reduce GHGs for Palm Springs.
• 2- Retrofit and install Light-Emitting Diode (LED) energy efficient lighting in all of the City's
. traffic lights.
• 3. Improve city-wide traffic signalization, including permission left turn lanes.
4. Lead a valley-wide effort to improve traffic signalization and incorporate permission left
• turn lanes throughout the Coachella Valley.
• 5. Review current zoning and building codes to minimize the impact of GHG.
• 6. Participate in the development and implementation of regional strategies to meet the
requirements of AB32.
• 7. Establish incentives and disincentives to reduce production of GHGS by sectors in the
• City(such as energy production,transportation and real estate residential, commercial,
and industrial).
• 8. Participate in a regional carbon offset program, carbon trading or "cap and trade"
• system to capture funding for local/regional actions to reduce contributions to GHGs.
•
• OBJECTIVE 3: Pursue energy efficient transportation options that reduce GHG emissions.
1. Reduce employee vehicle miles traveled in city vehicles by promoting teleconferences
and the availability of alternative transportation options for business and trips.
• 2. Encourage telecommuting and flexible hours policies to avoid at least one commuting
day per month per employee (average).
• 3.Work with the building industry to reduce vehicle trips to and from construction sites.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA-SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2W9 31
•
•
•
CHAPTER 5 •
•
CONTEXT •
NATIONAL ENERGY SITUATION
Many analyses continue to document the Nation's dependency on foreign sources of oil and •
to a lesser extent natural gas. This dependency has major consequences for our economy, •
environment and national security. Every dollar sent overseas is a dollar not spent in the US.
Thomas Friedman has documented this case in detail and argues that a strategy of energy •
efficiency and renewable energy development will benefit our economy,communities, •
environment and national security. •
In addition,carbon dioxide emissions account For roughly 72%of all greenhouse gas emissions. •
Fossil fuel combustion(petroleum,natural gas and coal)from electricity generation and •
transportation makes up the largest category of carbon emissions in the world.
•
CALIFORNIA ENERGY SITUATION •
Because of aggressive measures undertaken to conserve and develop alternative energy,the •
average 2005 monthly electricity bill in California was almost half that of Texas and two-thirds
the average bill in Florida. •
•
Recent work by researchers at UC Berkeley concludes that California's residential low energy •
use is real.The report states that from 1970 to 2004,California decreased its annual residential
energy consumption by 35%while other states increased. Alternative explanations including •
weather, income, prices and economic structure account for at most 15%. California has •
implemented efficiency programs and standards that have yielded increasing electricity savings •
totaling about 120 MW per year compared to 500 MW for the three major investor-owned
utilities. In addition,projected savings associated with recently adopted updates to California's
energy efficiency standards for buildings and appliances are expected to eliminate the need for •
five giant power plants in the next 10 years.
•
The California Green Innovation Index finds that total Gross Domestic Product(GDP)produced •
per unit of energy(energy productivity)is 68%higher in California than the rest of the nation, •
which generates billions for the local economy. Since 2005,statewide green jobs have grown
at a rate 10 times faster than total job growth. Green tech venture capital investment nearly •
doubled in one year,hitting an all-time high of$3.3 billion in 2008, capturing 57%of the •
national total. •
California has benefited both economically and environmentally from a first wave of green .
innovation as a result of increasing energy efficiency since the 1970s. •
PALM SPRINGS ENERGY SITUATION •
Like many Southern California cities,Southern California Edison(SCE)is the electricity provider for •
Palm Springs. Natural gas is supplied by Southern California Gas Company. Oil is provided through •
a variety of global oil companies. It is well understood that oil and natural gas prices have been
difficult to predict based on global forces of supply and demand,political instability and the use •
Of resources(e-g.,use of natural gas a preferred fuel to generate electricity). For example,natural gas •
prices rose from under S1 perthousand cubic feet in 1970 to$12 perthousand cubic feet in 2005. Most •
` THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TO A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 32 •
•
•
•
• everyone realizes that prices for gasoline have been highly volatile. _
• The City imports the vast majority of its energy supply. Importing energy results in the direct
• outflow of large amounts of valuable capital to energy companies and foreign suppliers. California
law requires electricity providers to furnish customers with power content labels which provide
• information on the mix of resources used to generate electricity. Southem California Edison's mix for
• Palm Springs is 50%natural gas,21%nuclear,16%renewables,8%coal and 5%large hydro-electric.
This indicates there is a significant opportunity to replace non-renewable resources with renewables.
•
• The largest consumers of electricity in Palm Springs include,in descending order:residences,office
• buildings,hotels and motels,water agencies,all other commercial,hospitals,retail and restaurants-
This mix allows a focus on real estate and buildings as a major focus-
•
• The price of electricity in Palm Springs is relatively high because of summer air conditioning peak
• power requirements and the current California rate structure-
With the national and state focus on reducing greenhouse gas production,reducing imported
• energy,developing renewable energy sources and saving money for customers,the time has come
• to develop an aggressive new sustainable energy approach for Palm Springs-
• COMPErr17VE ADVANTAGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
. There are two key strategies to reduce the consumption of electric energy: replace non-renewable
with renewable energy and increase the efficiency of energy use. With its abundant sunshine and
• wind resources,Palm Springs has significant opportunities to produce more renewably generated
• energy.
• The first place to start is increasing the efficiency of current electrical energy use
• In this area,Palm Springs has considerable opportunity,working with partners,to
• increase its energy efficiency. Estimates indicate that the cost of energy efficiency
• measures are approximately three cents per kilowatt hour compared to an average
of 10 cents per kilowatt hour for new power generation.These savings are even
more significant when considering: "Promote energy
•
•Lower prices efficiency first."
• •Local jobs for suppliers and installers Sustainability Workshop
• •Reducing capital exports Participant
• •Improved market value of real estate and savings to homeowners and businesses
•Potential for technological innovation
•
• California has adopted energy policies that require substantial increases in `
• the generation of electricity from renewable energy resources.Governor
Schwarznegger issued an executive order in November 2008 establishing a 33 percent renewable
energy target for the state by 2020,
• The second focus for Palm Springs should be on substituting renewable,preferably local,for non-
renewable resources-Opportunities include:
• •Passive solar/temperature regulation through green building design
• •Installed solar water heaters
•Installed solar power generation(photovoltaics and thin film)
• •Wind power generation
•
• —THE-PALM SPRINGSTATH TO-ASUSTAINABLE.COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 33
•
•
•
.� lb.�l Il.na� i� Lrr y Ne
J L���of\��,1.L9�.._,. y����� �� •
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES AND OPPORTUNITIES(CONT.)
GENERAL PLAN -
• District geothermal and ground source heating and cooling Goals: GUIDANCE •
•District water source heatingand cooling -Empl •
9 •Employ the efficient,
• Power From waste(both methane from waste water treatment systems and from solid waste) sustainable and environmentally
• Low impact small-scale hydropower apprcprate use and •
•Advanced storage systems(flywheel,thermal, battery etc.)to address the intermittent supply management of a •
mineral resources to to ensure
of solar and wind power thelr availability for future •
generations.(1108)
Concerns about increasing costs,environmental impacts,grid security and other issues have led •Support and encourage the use •
of altemative energy sources.
many cities to pursue renewable energy options.While near term efforts are rightly placed upon (RC8.2)
conservation strategies,the city also has an opportunity to pursue a longer term energy strategy -Encourage energy efficiency
that would position Palm Springs as a Renewable Energy City. The concept of a sustainable and conservation in land •
use,transportation demand •
city envisions the community not as energy consumers; rather as net producers of energy. management,subdivision,and
The integration of solar energy into existing housing stock,through retrofits and renovation, building design-(RC as) -
supports a reduced carbon footprint strategy as well as an increased energy security strategy. Encourage"green
monetary incentives,voluntary actions, and market-based mechanisms such as a cap-and-trade technologies',renewable .
energy and related activities as
system. a business development goal •
(RC 8.4) •
•Encourage cogeneration
facilities.(RC 8.15) •
•Coordinate with local utility
companies to explore the •
implementation of a district-
wide,heat-pump-generated •
cooling system to reduce
ALREADYSTEPS ACCOMPLISHED • . UNDERWAY dependency on Individual -
airconditiomngunitsthat •
consume high levels of energy.
•Adopting Mayors Climate Change Resolution in March 2008. (RC8.6) .
•Adopting Coachella Valley Association of Governments Resolution to
reduce energy use by 10%by 2012- Policies: .
•Adopting City goal to reduce energy use b 20%and water use 6 50% Facilitate the develorderlyopment
and
P 9 tY 9 rgY Y Y efficient development of wind
by 2012. energy resources and regulate
•Two Co-Generation plants use natural gas to produce and supply power their location,operation,andmaria •
through the
to all City facilities,including the airport- EnergyeConversion Systemsind •
• LED lights used in all traffic signals throughout the City and all taxi areas Development Agreement, .
and runways at the Palm Springs airport. conditional-use permit process,
• Installing solar powered trash compactors in high traffic areas downtown and appropriate environmental •
clearance.(RC8.1) .
to replace over 150 trash containers presently downtown which must be •Support and encourage the
emptied on a daily basis-reducing the CO2 emissions by over 70%. use of alternative energy •
•Wastewater treatment plant gas recovery system reduces fuel use. sources...and generating
Industries to provide more
reliability in the supply of
electricity to the City and to •
promote the development •
of clean,sustainable,and
alternative energy industries in -the City.The use of alternative
energy sources should also be •
encouraged in the construction
of new buildings and retrofit of -
existing buildings.(RCrS.2)
-THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TO SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 34 -
•
•
•
•
'GOAL: Palm Springs is a high efficiency, renewable energy city.
. KrHY DASHBOARD METRIC
•Per capita energy use compared to California average
• •Percent of energy from renewable sources
•
. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS
• OBJECTIVE 1.
Reduce local government and per capita energy consumption.
• 1. Evaluate contracting with an energy service company(ESCO)to evaluate municipal
. operations from a systems perspective and develop, install and finance energy
efficiency projects.
2. Complete municipal building retrofits For energy efficiency, (including installation
• of Variable Frequency Devices, lights, window film and other energy conservation
• measures) and integration of renewable energy technology.
3. Implement the pilot energy efficiency loan program focusing on energy efficiency
benefits.
• 4. Secure funding and implement a community-wide energy efficiency loan program.
• 5. Explore and evaluate the potential energy savings from installation of solar hot water
systems and electric water storage water heaters as an alternative to natural gas water
storage backup systems.
. b. Facilitate the auditing of top energy users and support implementation of
recommended actions to reduce use and increase efficiency-
• 7. Evaluate impact of new Title 24 requirements in concert with the potential adoption of a
Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance (RECO Ordinance) and Commercial Energy
. Conservation Ordinance(CECO Ordinance).
• OBJECTVE 2.
• Support development of local and regional renewable electric power
generation including onsite solar and, where appropriate, use clean
• distributed generation to supply base load electricity-
1. Explore and evaluate a joint venture with third parry providers and/or other public partners to
implement a public/private solar roof initiative designed to maximize the installation of solar
. systems on public,residential and commercial rooftops in Palm Springs.
• 2.Aggressively pursue state legislation to reduce barriers to residential and commercial
installations of solar e-g-feed in tariffs-
3-Adopt a Palm Springs Solar Incentive and Rebate Program—Waive or reimburse permit fees
• associated with installation of solar units-
4- Hold demonstration workshops for city permitting and inspection staff to enhance
understanding and familiarity with renewable and new technology and installation
• procedures.
. 5. Explore and evaluate the potential for a pilot district energy system to focus on local and
shared power generation and resource exchange for educational campuses, institutional
facilities,tourist destinations and neighborhoods.
•
•
• THE PALM SPRINGS-PATH TOA-SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 35
•
'�g.�`1;�: J'JJJS CHAPTER 6
CONTEXT •
Palm Springs'name identifies the desert oasis and special place where the California Fan Palm
thrives,fed by underground springs. What makes Palm Springs unique is its world famous
visitor facilities location within a stunningly beautiful and complex ecosystem .
Palm Springs is located on the western edge of the Sonoran Desert protected by Mt. San
Jacinto and the Santa Rosa Mountains,nestled in the Coachella Valley.The Sonoran Desert
ecosystem is arid,starkly beautiful and has a sunny climate and diverse set of plants and •
desert wildlife-The greatest threat to this ecosystem is urbanization. From 1973 to 2000,the
US Geological Survey estimates that urbanization consumed 481 square kilometers of Sonoran
Desert landscape across the Southwest.Although urbanization has major impact on the desert, .
the rate of change compared to other Western ecosystems has been relatively small.
Palm Springs'special character is identified not only by the desert but by the backdrop of the .
San Jacinto Peak and the Santa Rosa Mountains. The mountains and the transition to the peak
include a range of ecosystem types:
•Sonora Desert with its creosote and brittlebush,sycamore and other plant communities.
•Lowland Cienega with underground springs that provide a fertile environment of cottonwood, .
sycamore and the emblematic California Fan Palm •
Lower Transitional above 4,000 feet with scrub oak, mountain mahogany, Manzanita,wild
lilacs and junipers.
•Upper Transitional zones blanketed with conifers aL the world-famous Aerial Tram Mountain •
Station.
The Aqua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians(Aqua Caliente Tribe)are a major influence on the
region with their original 31,500 acre reservation substantially developed. They are responsible •
for major oases including Palm, Murray and Andreas Canyons that are famous for their Palm
tree oases and the richness of the 150 species of plants and animals that live there-
According to the Palm Springs General Plan,the city owns and maintains 156 acres of •
developed parkland, 160 acres of City-owned golf courses open to the public,as well as
miles of developed greenbelts along major Lhoroughfares throughout Lhe City.There are 80
miles of Lrails that provide hiking,equestrian and recreational uses for residents and visitors. •
The Recreation,Open Space and Conservation element of the General Plan details plans by .
regional partners to protect and enhance regional ecosystems including:
•The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Management Plan addresses
the recreational assets on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management.
•The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation has also adopted a recreation
plan for the San Jacinto State Park. S
•Agua Caliente Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan. •
•Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
•Species plans subject Lo the Endangered Species Act-
--THE PALM SPRINGS PATH-TOA SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 36
Y
•
•
• CONTEXT(CONT.)
• In addition,the General Plan addresses several goals and policies related to City's connection to
the regional ecosystem:
•Parks and recreation
-Golf courses G GUIDANCE
N
•Greenbelts Goals'.
• •Trail networks -Develop a strategyto
• Natural resources—biological species,habitats and wildlife corridors incorporate sustainabuity
• to
Biologically sensitive and conservation areas principles and practices ign
• golf course and park design and
maintenance.(CR6)
• COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES -Establish the city as the premier
• tonal ecosystem and City arks,trails, and open aces are the foundational element provider of recreational trails
The regional Y t'l p P P and bikeways in the Coachella
for the quality of life of Palm Springs, the tourism economy and provide a natural setting that is Valley.(CR6)
• unparalleled in the Desert Southwest. Sustainability actions outlined below help position Palm -Providea comprehensive trail
• Springs to closely connect and nurture its vision of the City as an oasis to the surrounding larger networkthat Is sensitive to[lie
dlife
desert ecosystem- natural environment.
Y and habitat,culture andnd history,
ory,
. and recreational and circulation
needs of residents.(RC4).
• -Support the preservation
and protection of biological
. resources,especially sensitive,
rare,threatened,or endangered
• species,wildlife,or habitats-
• (RC7).
• Policies-
-Support local and regional
• efforts to evaluate,acquire,
and protect natural habitats
• for sensitive,threatened,and
ALREADYSTEPS - ' OR UNDERWAY endangered species occurring
i in the City and wcmity.(RCT1)
• Multiple actions by partner organizations have been taken to plan for and Actively participate with the
• protect the regional ecosystem and wildlife as described above. Coachella valley Association
of Governments and member
• •The Palm Spring General Plan provides goals and polices to enhance the agencies to support the
• City's open space,parks and habitats. Identification,monitoring,
-Open space acquisitions provided habitat,improved air quality and and preservation of important
• enhanced recreational opportunities. biological resources.(RC7.2)
•Wellness Park developed in cooperation with Desert Healthcare District, Actions:
Palm Springs Unified School Dishict and Desert Water Agency features Resolve any inconsistencies
• demonstration gardens and low water use landscaping.The Park also between the CiryS Master Plan
of Bikeways and the CVAG Non-
features walking track and exercise stations. Motored Transportation Plan
. -Re-vegetating public landscapes including pilot projects in City medians- (NMTP),and adopt the CVAG
-Goals to increase public access to trails with new trailheads. NMTP(CR62).
• -Prepare a Recreation and
•Community clean-up efforts throughout the City including the Tahquitz Trails Management Plan that is
• Creek neighborhood project- consistent with regional habitat
conservation plans.(RC4.2).
• •Implementthe provisions of
• the Coachella Valley Multiple
Species Habitat Conservation
. Plan and the Tribal Habitat
Conservation Plan.(RC7.1).
• THE_PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA-SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 37
•
•
CSII=Ili 1IW� L LSJK1 �l •
GOAL: Palm Springs is a flourishing desert ecosystem ensuring access to
open space, recreation and natural resources. •
•
K8Y DASHBOARD METRIC
•
-No net loss to conservation areas identified in the Coachella Valley Multi-species •
Habitat Conservation Plan. •
•Number of miles of public access trails.
•Number of miles of bike and walking paths. •
•
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS -
OBJECTIVE 1: •
Promote access to sustainable, open space, recreation •
and natural resources.
•
1- Create and implement a plan to ensure that all residences live within a 20 minute walk -
of a park, school, source of food, open space and/or community garden. .
2 Enhance public trails access by securing parking, placing trailhead markers and •
promoting use via directional signage, maps and website.
3. Develop an action plan and budget to establish the City as the premier provider of •
recreational trails and bikeways in the Coachella Valley. .
4. Implement sustainability principles and practices into golf course and park design and
maintenance. •
OBJECTIVE 2: •
Support efforts to protect and enhance regional ecosystems. •
1.Work cooperatively with the Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian Tribe, Bureau of •
Land Management, US Forest Service, State of California Department of Parks and •
Recreation, local and regional conservation groups and others to implement plans to
protect and enhance elements of regional ecosystems. •
2. Continue to work cooperatively with regional partners to implement the CVMSHCP. •
•
•
•
•
•
•
-THE PALM SPRINGS-PATH TOA SUSTAINABLE;COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 38 -
•
•
•
• ru CHAPTER 7
• CONTEXT
CALIFORNIA AND PALM SPRINGS
In 1989,California passed the Integrated Waste Management Act(AB 939)to reduce the waste
• stream and demand on landfills.The Act required municipalities to cut waste in half by the year
2000-Achieving this goal entailed reducing consumption,reusing materials,recycling,composting
• and buying products made from recycled material.
• The California Integrated Waste Management Board promotes Zero Waste California,a campaign
• to get cities,counties and residents to change their goal from "reduce,re-use,recycle"to creating V
zero waste communities.They also provide public education and links to local resources for a variety
• of programs such as materials exchange,electronics or e-waste,recycling and hazardous household
• waste disposal.
• California's recycling industry now accounts for 85,000 jobs.It generates$4 billion yearly in salaries
• and wages,and produces$10 billion worth of goods and services annually.Recycling has become a
• viable,mainstream industry that is equwvalentto the size of the motion picture industry in California_
• The City of Palm Springs has a very successful residential recycling program,diverting 67%of
household waste and ranking third out of 24 cities in Riverside County. By weight,newsprint,paper,
. mixed glass and cardboard are the most collected materials.
• One challenge Facing the City's recycling programs are fluctuating commodity values of materials
. gathered,which affect the ability of the City or waste management agency to sell these goods for
• recycling. The prices of commodities have gone up and down with the fate of the global economy.
China is a major end user of waste-related commodities from the entire West Coast.
•
• The City has many efforts underway to increase waste recycling and re-use.Future efforts are
• centered on expanding residential recycling to multi-family residences,winter-only residents,
homeowners associations(HOAs)and commercial development,using waste as a resource and
seek ng economic opportunities associated with these efforts.
ZERO WASTE
Zero waste is based on the concept that wasting any resources is inefficient and that we should
• achieve efficient use of natural resources.This involves reducing the production of waste,
maximizing existing recycling and reuses efforts,while ensuring that products are designed for the
• environment and have the potential to be repaired,reused or recycled.
•
• The success of zero waste requires that we redefine the concept of"waste" in our society.Typically,
we have viewed waste as a by-product of production and consumption.A zero waste approach
• requires that waste be considered a residual product or potential resource.This entails using a
• whole systems approach to designing products that do not become unusable,unmanageable or
• hazardous. Zero waste strategies consider the entire life-cycle of products including working to
design wastes From one process to become inputs into another system.
•
• Zero Waste California expresses this as a shift from waste management to resource
• management.
• THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA-SUSTAINABLE'COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 39
•
•
•
CONTEXT(CONTJ
•
A similar approach was proposed by William McDonough and Michael 8raungart in their •
nfluential book Cradle to Cradle.They propose a model in which commerce and nature co- •
exist without the hazards we generally associate with waste.Through ecologically intelligent
design,products can either biodegrade without leaving synthetic toxins or become "technical •
nutrients"--inputs into new closed-loop industrial systems. •
In April 2008, China adopted a visionary law promoting its "circular economy" approach to •
sustainable development.This proposed system of resource management includes cleaner .
production and closed-loop systems on three levels—the firm or business, industrial parks or •
related businesses and regions.
•
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PALM SPRINGS •
These new approaches to resource management and product design can create economic .
opportunities for innovators and cost savings for households and businesses through increased
efficiency. •
Resource conservation and recovery and resource development are strategies with the greatest
need for a strong local government role because these strategies require consumer investments
at the local level instead of producer investments by national and regional corporations and •
governments.Conservation decisions tend strongly to be decentralized while production .
decisions tend strongly to be very centralized.
•
Getting to zero waste is more than asking how we deal with the garbage we've got. It is also •
about how we handle things upstream,at the point of product design and distribution. If waste .
is designed out from the start we eliminate the throwaway end product as well as the materials,
time and energy required to get it there in the first place. •
Palm Springs is well-positioned to build on and expand its successful recycling programs to
shift towards becoming a zero waste community.This can be accomplished through the rapid •
acceleration of aggressive waste reduction and re-use programs as well as adopting policies •
and finding opportunities to create closed-loop systems where waste from one source becomes •
a food stock or input for another.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TO SUSTAINABL'E.COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 40 •
•
•
•
•
• STEPS ALREADYACCOMPLISHED OR UNDERWAY
• •Diverting 67%of waste in 2008,up from 40%in 1995,
• • Including over 14,000 households and 70 HOAs in residential recycling
• program.
•Recycling efforts for 100%of waste are currently underway at all City
• facilities,including collection and diversion of paper,batteries, ink GENERAL PLAN
. I cartridges,cans,bottles,concrete,metal,green waste,fluorescent light GUIDANCE
• i bulbs,paints,oils, used tires and more. Goals:
•Considering a draft ordinance to require 100%diversion of all Decrease the risk of exposure
• construction and debris waste, of life,property,and the
environment to hazardous
• •Sponsoring two free events per year to collect electronic waste.Over and toxic materials and waste.
50,000 lbs,of a-waste collected per event. ($At)
• •Solartrash receptacles being installed downtown and throughout the
•
City. Trash compactors will result in estimated 70%reduction in emissions Policies:p •utilize municipal Sewage and
• related to City vehicles servicing receptacles. solid wastes as an alternative
Providing information on website,CCTV and distributed to resident energy source.(RC8.14)
• including recycling wheels,recycling brochures,construction and •Promote the proper disposal,handling,transport,delivery,
• demolition debris brochures,information on composting classes, treatment,recovery,recycling,
• household hazardous waste(HHVV)collection,used oil collection and and storage of hazardous
more- materials in accordance with
applicable federal,state,and
• •Holding two free events per year for paper shredding.Over three tons local regulations.(8A1.1)
• of paper is collected at each event. Two neighborhood clean-up events Actions:
offered per year •Achieve the mandated waste
reduction and recycling
•Using 100%environmentally friendly service-ware produces that are bio- objectives set forth by the
• degradable or can be composted at Convention Center. California Integrated Waste
• •Sending used computer electronics to ComputerTech program at Management Board and
Cathedral City High School- implement a program to recycle
construction and demolition
•Approved recycling plans for the airport and the Convention Center debris,in particular concrete
• enabling the City to move one step closer to recovering food scraps from and gravel products.(RC8.4)
these locations. •Compile and maintain an
• Inventory of all hazardous waste
•Gathering unused client product and material gathered at the Convention sites in the City-(SA1-1)
• Center following all events for donation to local charities.
• •Providing street sweeping program to remove dust and debris material
• deposited at sand source locations.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TO A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 41
•
•
J� a� •
71/
GOAL: Palm Springs is a zero waste community and model for resource •
management and dosed loop resource streams.
KEY DASHBOARD METRIC
•
•Percent of households, Homeowner Associations and commercial establishments
participating in recycling program. •
•Tons of waste collected from residential recycling program and bi-annual events.
Percent of waste recycled. Percent of electronic waste taken back by manufactures
or recycled. •
•Per capita waste •
•Number and type of local businesses using local waste streams as inputs.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS •
OBJECTIVE 1: •
Reduce waste and increase recycling for all segments of the •
community.
•
1. Identify waste reduction programs and purchasing options that will allow residents and -
businesses to be essentially waste free.
2. Expand commercial recycling for businesses in the City, including adding incentives and .
mandates on waste diversion.
3. Provide an economic incentive for residents to reduce waste and recycle more.
4. Reduce residential waste pick up to once a week. •
5. Evaluate feasibility of creating a commercial food composting program. -
6. Develop an ordinance requiring the diversion of construction and demolition waste.
7. Expand Homeowner Association, multi-family residences, and seasonal resident •
participation in the residential recycling program participation. .
S.Work with Palm Springs Unified School District to educate and promote recycling and
make schools essentially zero waste facilities.
9. Establish a permanent Household Hazardous Waste and electronics recycling center •
facility to provide the community a continuous opportunity to properly dispose of these •
waste products and increase the potential for repair and reuse.
OBJECTIVE 2: •
Create closed-loop systems in which waste from one source becomes •
the supply for another.
1. Inventory targeted existing businesses'waste stream and identify opportunities to •
match waste with businesses that can use them as inputs. -
2. Recruit businesses to Palm Springs who can use these waste streams as inputs. .
3.Work with existing businesses Lo define resource flows for opportunities to improve
internal resource reuse. •
4. Implement a food waste program for local restaurants and research the potential for .
composting businesses that use food waste.
-THE PALM SPRINGS-PATH TOA-SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 42 -
•
•
• 11 j CHAPTER 8
•
• CONTEXT
•
• WATER SUPPLY
The State of California began 2009 in the midst of what is being called the "worst drought in
• modem history,"with an average snow water content of 61%throughout the state,following on a
• dry spring in 2008. Due to this drought,the State of California's Department of Water Resources
• (CDWR)estimates that it only will be able to deliver 15%of requested water under the State Water
Project program to the Bay Area,San Joaquin Valley,Central Coast and Southern California in
• 2009. Even if the 2009 drought eases, the situation is unlikely to improve in the long term due to the
• effects of climate change.See Climate Change chapter for more information.
• Desert WaterAgency(DWA)provides water to the City of Palm Springs.Public water agencies
• prepare an Urban Water Management Plan every five years,which identifies historic and projected
water usage,identifies existing and future water supply sources,describes purveyors'demand
management programs,and sets forth a program to meet water demands during normal,dry and
• multiple dry years-More recently,adjoining water suppliers have begun collaborating on integrated
• regional plans.
• Supplementing natural groundwater replenishment with artificial recharge is necessary to reduce
• annual and cumulative overdraft. Increases in cumulative overdraft,without artificial recharge,
• will result in declining groundwater levels and increasing pump lifts,thereby increasing energy
• consumption For groundwater extraction.
• Palm Springs and the surrounding watershed rely on the artificial recharge from the Colorado River
• to maintain its groundwater levels,either directly from the river or through trading State Water
Project entitlements to obtain water from the river. However,even though the DWA and CVWD
• are legally entitled to the Colorado River through 2035,there is not likely to be enough water in the
• Colorado River to meet all of its entitlements. In addition,deliveries of State Water Project water
• are not guaranteed.While 100%of the water requested in 2006 was eventually delivered,the initial
allocation for 2007 was only 60%. Prior to the drought declared at the beginning of 2009,the CDWR
• expected only to deliver 35%over the 2008/2009 fiscal year.Recently,deliveries were reduced to
. 15%allocation.
• WASTEWATER TREATMENT
• The City contracts with Veolia Water North America to operate a comprehensive wastewater
• treatment program,including a City-owned,10.9 million gallon per day(mgd)trickling filter
• wastewater treatment plant,five pump stations and sewer collection pipelines.
• Recycling wastewater is an important water conservation strategy for Palm Springs,because it
• reduces the amount of potable water used for irrigation.DWA operates a wastewater recycling
facility.The City provides primary and secondary treated domestic sewage to DWA,who then
• provides tertiary treatment.The recycled water is then used to irrigate public facilities such as the
Tahquitz Creek Golf Course,DeMuth Park and the Mesquite Golf Course.
•
•
•
• _
• THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TOASUSTAINABLE'COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 43
•
•
•
7—711
CONTEXT(CONT.) •
WATER CONSERVATION IN LANDSCAPING •
The Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 2006(AB 1881,Laird)requires the California •
Department of Water Resources(DWR)to prepare an updated model State Water Efficient •
Landscape Ordinance for improving the efficiency of water use in new and existing urban irrigated
landscapes in California by January 1,20W. That model ordinance has been finalized and distributed -
to local agencies who are required to adopt,not later than January 1,2010,a local model water •
efficient landscape ordinance that Is at least as effective in conserving water as the State Model GIENERAL PLAN .
Ordinance. Jurisdictions failing to submit such an ordinance are subject to the state's Model GUIDANCE
Ordinance by statute. Goals: •
•Ensure an adequate supply of •
quality water is provided to the
KEY ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES City.(1109) •
The Coachella Valley and Palm Springs water supply is vulnerable as long as it depends on Policies:
replenishment outside sources. The State of California's Water Plan Update 2009 includes Work with the Closet Water
p p Agency,Coachella valley water
several strategies for managing an uncertain water future,including understanding existing District,and Mission Springs •
uncertainties,anticipating change,assessing water risk and incorporating more sustainable water Water District to ensure that a
supply and flood management systems. sufficient quantity and quality •
of potable water is available for •
current and future residential,
Water conservation and reuse strategies ultimately reduce impacts on the entire system to achieve business,and visitor uses. .
the most use from the least amount of water with the least impact. (RC9.1)
-Encourage the responsible •
management and use of water
As Palm Springs continues to grow and thrive,it should continue to collaborate with its water resources through appropriate •
providers to enhance water security and support aggressive water efficiency strategies and practices. water conservation measures .
A path towards water independence includes the following: financial Incentives,and
regulations.(RC92)
•An assessment of water risk and a strategy to securing local water sources •Ensure the highest quality •
•Sustainable strategies to protect water sources from stormwater runoff and other sources of of potable water resources •
pollution,climate change and other adverse effects. continues to be available managing stormwater runoff,
•A plan for conservation and reuse of water that allows the community to continue to grow,yet use wellhead protection,septic
only as much water as its local sources can support. tanks,and other potential
sources of pollutants.(RC9.3)
Actions: •
•Enact ordinances that promote
water Conservation In existing •
ALREADYSTEPS • ` • ' UNDERWAY facilities,and that make wafer
Conservation a mandatory
Palm Springs has already taken a leadership position toward water conservation and reuse, requirement for all new
•
including the following actions: development(CR101.1)•Develop and implement an
•Participate on the Energy and Water Conservation Subcommittee of the Resource integrated water-conservation •
Conservation Commission to evaluate opportunities for water and energy conservation. program(Rai). •
•Partial rebate available for residents who purchase low-flush toilets. •
•Reclaimed water in use on two municipal golf courses—Tahquitz Creek and Mesquite.
DeMuth Park and Indian Canyons Golf Resort also use recycled water. .
•Artificial turf being installed In some City's medians. •
•Low water use fixtures and landscaping incorporated at Convention Center.
•
•
•
THE PALM SPRINGS PATH-TO' LISTAINABLi COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 44 -
•
•
GOAL: Palm Springs is a leader in water efficiency and reuse.
DASHBOARDKEY METRIC
•Water supply availability forecast
•Water consumption per capita
•Total water used for City operations
-Potable
-Irrigation
•Gallons of water reused by golf courses per year
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS
OBJECTIVE 1:
Support efforts to ensure a secure water supply for the future.
. 1. Schedule a study session to review a risk assessment of the Palm Springs water supply
to understand its vulnerability, including all water sources and the potential effect of
influences such as climate change and population growth on that supply.
. 2.Work with local water agencies to lower the risk of the City's water supply, including
• increased efficiency, grey water use, and water reuse.
omci-IVE 2:
Reduce water use in City facilities.
1.Work with the DWA to finalize baseline and finish auditing water use at all City Facilities.
2. Using the water audit, identify the sources of highest water use at City facilities and
develop an action plan,timeline and budget to reduce municipal use and increase
• efficiency.
3. Review and revise current landscaping and irrigation policies and practices to reflect
water efficiency practices.
. OBJECTIVE 3:
Reduce water usage per capita in Palm Springs.
. 1. Collaborate with local water agencies to promote and implement water conservation
• measures in Palm Springs.
2.Work with the DWA to increase the reach of their public information campaign
targeting multi Family, HCA and commercial user-5-
3. Promote money saving benefits and extend existing incentives to encourage property
• owners to install smart irrigation controllers.
. -- - `
. THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TOA-SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 45
f
•
•
•
Implementation of the Master Plan(Plan)and progress towards the Plan goals will be the shared •
responsibility of many parties.These include political leadership including the Mayor,City Council, •
and Sustainability Commission;administration including the City Manager,Office of Sustainability
and Sustainability Coordinator,and all department managers as the Green Team.Other ac ive •
contributors include the Leadership Council and other community partners. •
CITY COUNCIL •
•Set the overall vision and direction. •
•Establish policy,set priorities and make funding decisions. •
•Evaluate ongoing outcomes and performance against goals.
•Build support for goals through advocacy,outreach and partnerships. •
•
CITY MANAGER •
•Responsible for embedding sustainability practices and principles into city government and operations-
Overall responsibility for plan implementation,progress and outcomes. •
•
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
•Responsible for day-to-day operations,coordination,communications,tracking and reporting.
•Oversee sustainabilitywebsite creation and maintenance.
•Provide staff supportio Green Team,Sustainability Commission,and Leadership Council. •
•Lead community outreach and education efforts.
•
GREEN TEAM •
•Educate and train staff members on sustainability principles and practices. •
•Conduct sust inability assessments and develop internal action plans-
6 Coordinate interdepartmental projects and plans. •
•
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION •
•Recommend policy direction.
•Review and provide input on potential plans and actions. •
•Advocate for sustainability principles and actions. •
•Regularly monitor progress and prepare an annual report card.
•Support outreach and education to stakeholders and partners- •
•
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL •
•Help advance the plan by advocating,collaborating and sharing resources.
•Adopt shared goals and objectives. •
•Advocate forthe principles and collaborate on implementation. •
•Implement programs and projects and share results-
�16
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
-THE PALM SPRINGS PATH TO A_SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DRAFT March 25,2009 •
•