Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community December 2016
ClimateAction
Plan
for the Eagle County
Community
December 2016
> Winters are getting warmer and shorter
There are now 23 fewer days with freezing temperatures than before the 1980s Scientists predict we’ll have 30 more days without freezing temperatures by 2060 Spring snow packs are declining and less predictable
> Summers are getting hotter
The last 15 months have been the hottest on record globally Warmer average summer temperatures are on the rise With every 1.0°F increase in temperature, we’ll see a 3-4% decrease in water supply
> Mountain ecosystems are changing
Increasing insect pests are changing our forests Scientistspredictmoreextremeevents–wildfires,droughts,andfloods Wildlife is on the move, adapting to changes in habitat Rising temperatures lead to declining runoff in creeks and rivers The Eagle County Community is Ready to Take Climate Action
Our mountain Community is at Risk
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments Page 1
Introduction Page 2
Why Climate Action? Why Now? Page 6
Targets for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions Page 13
Recommended GHG Reduction Goals by Sector Page 14 • Education and Outreach • Residential Buildings • Commercial Buildings • Transportation and Mobility • WasteandLandfill • Energy Supply
Recommendations for Decision Makers Page 21
What Does Success Looks Like? Page 22
Considerations for Implementation Page 23
Appendix A - Project Ideas and Recommendations Page 24 Appendix B - Stakeholder Meetings and Public Engagement Information Page 34
Appendix C - 2014 Eagle County Energy Inventory Page 35
Appendix D - Glossary of Key Terms Page 40
Appendix E - Literature Cited Page 40
ProtectingCommunity Values
Our Community Health and Well-BeingWe can help prevent community health
threats like increasing insect-borne diseases, increasing allergies, smoke waves from
wildfires,andotherformsofairand water pollution.
Our Environment and RecreationWe can protect the places we play, reduce
theriskofcatastrophicfiresinourforests,andreducefloodingin
our streams and rivers.
Our Economy and New JobsInvestinginenergyefficiency,solararrays,
electric and hybrid vehicles, smartgrowth, and creating new green jobs will
position us as leaders in the coming‘post-carbon economy’.
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 1
Acknowledgments
StakeholdersTerry Armistad, Town of MinturnJared Barnes, Eagle CountyKristen Bertuglia, Town of Vail Tom Boyd, Vail Valley Foundation Fritz Bratschie, Vail Resorts Shawn Bruckman, Ground Up Mikayla Curtis, Eagle River Youth Coalition Deron Dirksen, Town of Eagle Matt Donovan, Vail Honeywagon Lana Gallegos, Town of Gypsum Mac Garnsey, Vail Valley Foundation John Gitchell, Eagle County Chris Hildred, Holy Cross Energy Patrick Hirn, Eagle County SchoolsMelissa Kirr, Walking Mountains Science Center Stephanie Lewis, Vail Mountain School John-Ryan Lockman, Energy Smart CO at Walking Mountains Chris Lubbers, Eagle CountyNikki Maline, Energy Smart CO at Walking MountainsJesse Masten, Eagle County Anne McKibbin, Town of Eagle Roberto Morales, Vail Valley Medical Center Adam Palmer, Eagle County Glenn Phelps, Eagle River Water & Sanitation DistrictSusan Philp, Town of Basalt Mercedes Quesada-Embid, Ph.D., Colorado Mountain College Brian Rodine, Vail Resorts Clete Saunier, Eagle County Derek Schmidt, East West Destination Hospitality Sarah Smith-Hymes, Town of AvonHarry Taylor, Eagle County Brian Tracy, Eagle River Water & Sanitation District Mary Wiener, Holy Cross EnergyJohn Widerman, Town of Minturn
Technical Presentations / ConsultantsAbel Chávez, Ph.D., Western State Colorado UniversityPeter Krahenbuhl, Natural Capitalism SolutionsChris Menges, City of AspenErica Sparhawk, Clean Energy Economy for the Region
PreparersKim Langmaid, Ph.D., Walking Mountains Science Center Kelsey Maloney, Walking Mountains Science CenterLarissa Read, Common Ground Environmental Consulting, LLCScott Robinson, Walking Mountains Science Center
Special thanks to the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners for their support and leadership on climate action:Jeanne McQueeney, ChairKathy Chandler-Henry, CommissionerJillian H. Ryan, Commissioner
This planning effort was supported by funding from the Eagle County Government and coordinated by staff at Walking Mountains Science Center.
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 2
IntroductionClimate change is disrupting the basic operating system of our planet. Mountain regions are particularly vulnerable due to their hydrology, ecology, and recreational economies. In the past 30 years, the annual average temperature in Colorado has increased by 2.0°F (Lukas et al., 2014), and Eagle County’s natural environment is feeling the effects. The timing of snowmelt and peak runoff has shifted earlier in the spring, and there are more frost-free days (days with minimum temperatures above freezing) than there were before the 1980s. These fewer days of freezing temperatures impact the water storage in our snow pack, alter the timing and amount of river runoff, hamper the ability to make snow for skiing, debilitate the health ofourforestsandwildlife,increasethethreatofforestfiresandflooding,andsubsequently,putatriskthevery basis of our recreational economy and daily lifestyles.
Local climate change takes place within the context of global climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent GHG, has increased by 40% from 280 parts per million (ppm) in the pre-industrial era to 400 ppm today, a level that the earth has not seen in at least 800,000 years, due primarily to the burning of fossil fuels (Lukas et al., 2014). Each of us has a responsibility to take action to reduce GHG emissions and prevent increasing negative impacts of climate change. We can be proactive and embrace the challenge of climate change. We can learn to change; we can take action and innovate; and, we can each do our part to ensure a sustainable future for our Eagle County community.
Each of us hasa responsibilityto take action
to reduceGHG emissions
and preventincreasing
negativeimpacts of
climate change.
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 3
The stakeholders met regularly from March to November 2016, and each meeting included educational components, as well as activities to engage and solicit stakeholder feedback on critical elements of the plan. The stakeholders represented a diverse and engaged group of community leaders, county and municipal government employees, and representatives from key industries in the community. Guest speakers added technical expertise and an outside perspective to the process. Collectively,theplanreflectsthestrongvaluesof the Eagle County community including our health and well-being, our natural environment and recreational economy, and our potential as leaders in creating a robust
post-carbon economy. Highlights of the plan were shared at three public open house meetings during September 2016. A survey was available at the open house sessions and on the Walking Mountains Science Center website to solicit feedback and public comments. The stakeholders recommendedthefinalplanforadoptionbytheBoardofEagleCountyCommissionersandotherelectedofficialsinDecember2016.
Recommended GHG emissions
reductiontargets:
25% by 2025,minimum of
80% by 2050.Stakeholders hard at work discussing solutions.
This Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community is the culmination of a year-long effort that included more than 30 community stakeholders. Their tasks were to develop targets for the reduction of GHG emissions for the entire community within Eagle County and to identify and prioritize projects and policies by sector that will help the community achieve those targets. The plan calls for aspirational, yet achievable, targets for overall GHG emission reductions: 25% by 2025, and a minimum of 80% by 2050. The 2050 target is in alignment with the recent recommendation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2014). In order to meet the established targets, this plan also contains project recommendations for the community,includingthecountygovernment,towns,businesses,nonprofits,andotherpartnersto begin immediate climate action, as well as plan for the future.
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Summary of recommendations for climate action
Education and Outreach Establish climate education teamCreate county-wide marketing campaignEnhance Eco-Schools for K-12 schools
Expand Actively Green business trainings and certificationsLeverage special event platforms to change behaviors
Transportation and Mobility SectorReduce local GHG emissions 10% by 2025Include local commuter train or bus rapid transitExpand use of electric vehicles Encourage multi-modal transportation systemsStriveforefficientlandusepatternswithhousinginproximity to workplaces
Waste and Landfill Sector Set a waste diversion goal that is above the national averageDevelop a plan to increase waste diversion through recycling and compostingInstall waste-to-energy methane capturesystematlandfillProvide residential and commercial composting services
Energy Supply SectorExpand local exterior energy offsetprograms (Eco-Build example)Identify locations for local solar arraysEncourage energy utilities to set aggressiveGHG emission reduction goals
Commercial Buildings Sector Reduce GHG emissions 25% by 2025FocusonenergyefficiencyProvide incentives Adopt “above building code” standardsPromoteandincentivizeefficientuseofwater
Residential Building SectorReduce GHG emissions 25% by 2025FocusonenergyefficiencyExpand Energy Smart Colorado program and incentivesAdopt “above building code” standards Promoteandincentivizeefficientuseofwater
As the impacts of climate change become evident around the world and international efforts to curb GHG emissions are more prevalent, many local communities have begun serious climate action planning to be part of the solution. The Eagle County Board of County Commissioners made “climate action planning” a priority in the County’s 2016 strategic plan, and Walking Mountains Science Center’s Sustainability and Stewardship Programs Department was contracted to convene and facilitate a stakeholder and community-driven climate action plan.
The resulting Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Communityreflectsastrongcommitmenttoreducethecommunity’sGHGemissions by a minimum of 80% by 2050, an amount in alignment with that of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2014). Local, regional, and state efforts have become the cornerstone of climate action because national and international energy policyandemissionsreductioneffortsareslowedandoftenstifledbypolicy,politics,andbureaucraticprocesses.Furthermore,localgovernments and communities are often in a better position to engage citizens and have an immediate and direct impact toward reducing GHG emissions.
Thisclimateactionplanisspecificallyfocusedonmitigation.Climatemitigation isdefinedaseffortsthatreduceorpreventGHGemissions.Climate adaptationisdefinedaseffortsthathelpthecommunityprepareforandadjusttothecurrentandfutureimpactsofclimatechange.Althoughthisplandoesnotspecificallyaddressclimateadaptation,othereffortsarebeingtakenthroughouttheEagleCountycommunity to prepare for the changing climate. The stakeholders believe that future climate action planning initiatives should integrate both mitigation and adaptation.
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Why Climate Action? Why Now?We live in a county that is heavily dependent upon climatic conditions. As the climate warms, we enter an era of uncertainty. Imagine our ski and snowboard season starting a month later and ending a month earlier than it does now. Imagine hotter summers affecting our daily activities and our recreational opportunities. Imagine Western Slope ranchers and farmers facing severe droughts without enough water for crops and livestock
Scientificresearchindicatestherewillbeincreasingchangestotheflowsofourstreamsandrivers.Therewillbeearliersnowmeltinthemountainsandanincreaseinwildfireonoursurroundingopenlands.There is also evidence of future changes to our daily health and well-being due to increases in insect-borne diseases like West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and the length and intensity of allergy season.
Due to these local effects of climate change, communities across the state of Colorado and the U.S. are creating their own climate action plansandmakingsignificantcommitmentstoreduceGHGemissions.
This Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community includes a vision for success—what success looks like, and how it can be achieved. The actions recommended in the plan are broken into six sectors: 1) education and outreach, 2) residential buildings, 3)commercial buildings and industrial operations, 4) transportation and mobility, 5)wasteandlandfill,and6)energysupply.Detailedactionsandprojectshavebeenidentifiedbythestakeholdersto support GHG emission reductions in each of the sectors.
The plan also includes recommendations for decision makers at all levels within the community, ranging from needed policy changes to on-the-ground activities. Broader public comment on the plan was solicited during September2016atthreeopenhousesessions,andthecommunity’sideaswereincorporatedintothefinalplan.Thisfinalplanhasbeenapprovedbythestakeholderswithastrongrecommendationforadoptionbyalllocalgovernments,includingspecialdistricts,businesses,nonprofits,educationalinstitutions,andneighborhoodassociations, the goal is that GHG reduction targets are consistent with the ability of each entity to select the strategies and actions that are most appropriate for their situations.
The planincludes a vision for
success —what success
looks like, and how it can be
achieved.
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 7
“Scientificevidenceforwarmingoftheclimatesystemisunequivocal.”Intergovernmental Panel onClimate Change (IPCC, 2014)
“Earth-orbiting satellites and other technological advanceshave enabled scientists to see the big picture, collecting many different types of information about our planet and its climate on a global scale. This body of data, collected over many years, reveals the signals of a changing climate. The heat-trapping nature of CO2 and other gases was demonstrated inthemid-19thcentury.Thereisnoquestionthatincreasedlevels of greenhouse gases must cause the earth to warm in response.” NASA (2016)
“Reducinggreenhousegases requires honesty, courage, & responsibility…There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation through daily actions.”
~Pope FrancisCO2 is a heat-trapping GHG. As we burn more coal, natural gas, and oil, the “blanket” of GHGs in the atmosphere gets thicker, and the earth gets hotter.
“Climate change has and will continue to impact the state’s resources in a variety of ways, including more rapid snowmelt, longer and more severe droughts, and longer growing seasons.” (Gordon and Ojima, 2015)
References: IPCC (2014) and Doran and Zimmerman (2009)
SCIENTISTS AGREE (97%)
SCIENTISTSUNSURE (3%)
SCIENTIFIC CONSENSUS ON CLIMATE CHANGE
As a mountain resort community, much of Eagle County is made up of second homes, hotels, and energy-intensive tourism and recreation facilities. The amount of money that leaves the local economy due to high energy expenses is a compelling reason alone to tackle this issue and create solutions. The Eagle County community releases 1.4 million metric tons of CO2 each year, at a cost of $243.5 million (Eagle County, 2016).
Based on 2014 energy costs, if we achieve a 25% reduction in GHG emissions by 2025, we could retain $60 million annually in the local economy and create new jobs in the sustainability industry. Our per capita rate of CO2 emissions, 25 metric tons per person per year, is 30% higher than the national average.
One of the challenges to solving climate change is that GHGs are invisible. It can be helpful to think of one metric ton of CO2astheequivalentofonefullhot air balloon. For the Eagle County community, we canimagine1.4millionhotairballoonsfloatingupfrom the county each year.
2014 Eagle County Energy Costs by SourceTotal energy costs: $243.5 million
**More than half of energy costs in 2014 were for transportation fuels, primarily from passenger vehicles on Interstate-70. Source: Eagle County Energy Inventory, 2016.
If we achieve a 25% reduction
in GHGemissions by
2025, wewill retain
$60 millionannually in
the localeconomy.
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Buildings and commercial energy uses in our community had larger emissions (60%) than on-ground vehicles (27%) or landfill(10%)
The single largest source of emissions, at 39%, was from generation of electricity used to power residential and commercial buildings and facilities
About 22% of electricity was generated from renewable sources, and of that, 1% from solar. The bulk of our electricity during2014wasproducedfromcoal-firedpowerplants(62%)and natural gas generation (16%) In the vehicles category, 79% of emissions were from SUVs and passenger cars; 21% were from trucks and tractor trailers. Only 9% of total transportation emissions was from aviation
Key FindingsFrom the 2014 Eagle County Energy Inventory
In order to demonstrate scenarios of future GHG emissions for the Eagle County community, the Western State Colorado University Center for Environment and Sustainability was consulted. Expert data analyst Dr. Abel Chávez used the 2014 energy inventory to forecast the community’s ‘business as usual’ GHG emissions to the year 2050. The forecast accounts for several key drivers, including demographic, economic, and technical variables.
2014 Total =1,405,856 mt CO2e
2025 Total =1,639,545 mt CO2e
2050 Total =2,687,530 mt CO2e
Eagle County Community Business as Usual GHG Forecast Results
Inventory: Emissions by Sector
**See Appendix C for “2014 Eagle County Energy Inventory”
If we don’t take action, GHG emissions will increase
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 9
2014 2030 2050Year
GHGs
(mt C
O2e
)
Switch out 25 incandescentlights with LED
Reduce single car use by2,400 miles / year
Replace 5 old fridges withEnergy Star models
Install 1 KW of SolarElectric (3 panels)
Shut off lights, work stations, and equipmentwhennotneeded
Get help from Energy SmartColorado, and make improvements to your home or business
How YOU Can Cut One Tonof Carbon Pollution:
This graph demonstrates that positive measures can be taken by the Eagle County community to reduce GHG emissions. Included in this graph are energy efficiencyinresidentialandcommercialbuildings,morerenewableenergyfrom utilities, climate-friendly transportation, and reductions to waste in the landfill.Evenwithfuturepopulationgrowth,theEagleCountycommunitycanbe successful at climate action. The actions forecasted in this graph are a good start to climate action, but more actions will need to be included in order to meet the 25% by 2025 and minimum of 80% by 2050 GHG reduction targets.
2025 Total =1,394,582 mt CO2e(32% to 2025 Goal)
2050 Total =1,219,793 mt CO2e(334% to 2050 Goal)
Eagle County GHG Emissions with Hypothetical Mitigation Actions
If we take action, we can reduce our GHG emissionsIncreasingtheefficiencyofourhomes,commercialbuildingsandfacilitiesisour biggest opportunity.
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2014 2030 2050Year
GHG
Emiss
ions
(mt C
O2e
)
The Eagle County Community is Ready to Take ActionThe stakeholders involved in creating this plan believe that the Eagle County community is now ready and committed to undertake climate action. Involvement in the following existing programs is a good demonstration of peoples’ engagement and interest:
Over50localbusinessesarecertified“Actively Green” in sustainable business best practices, and awarenessoftheprogramisincreasingasbusinessesrealizethefinancial,environmental,andmarketingbenefitsofengagingemployeesandcustomersinsustainability.Moreandmorelocalbusinessesarealsoparticipating in the Colorado Environmental Leadership Awards program.
Through the Energy Smart Colorado program, more than 1,000 homes in the county have received energyassessments,andmorethan600homesand200businesseshavecompletedenergyefficiencyand renewable energy improvements, resulting in over 6,000 metric tons of carbon emission reductions annually.
Many more homes are adding rooftop solar; the number of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)certifiedbuildingsinthecommunityisincreasing; and, new community “solar gardens” are becoming a popular way for homes and commercial buildings to attain renewable energy.
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Holy Cross Energy board members and community volunteers installeda new solar array in Gypsum.
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Many community events now incorporate “zero waste” collection of recyclables and compostables while educating participants and diverting the majority of potentialwastefromthelandfill.
New electric vehicle charging stations are being added throughout the community, and more people are taking advantage of state and federal incentives for new purchases and leases on electric vehicles.
Across the Eagle County community, there is a growing desire and demand for sustainable infrastructure and systems that will engage and enable people to participate in reducing GHG emissions.
Another major reason why action should be taken now is that population growth in Eagle County is increasing. The state census found that there were 52,831 residents in the county in 2014. In less than 25 years, the county residential population is expected to increase to 94,000 people, or more than 40% by 2040 (DOLA, 2016). The growing population will result in more cars on the road, more homes being built, and more support services such as schools, stores, water infrastructure, and other utilities—all of which consume more energy and generate more GHG emissions.
Increasing GHG emissions into the future will contribute to escalated climate change and create negative impacts on the natural environment around us. The projected temperature increases, changes to snowpack and local water resources, health effects on residents and visitors, impacts to the recreation-based economy, increasing population growth, and demands on energy supply are compelling reasons to take climate action seriously. There is an urgent call-to-action for the Eagle County community and local decision makers to collaboratively undertake decisive, meaningful policy and programmatic changes in the areas of energy use in homes and commercial buildings, transportation, waste, energy supply, water conservation, and climate change education.
Set meaningful, feasible GHG emission reduction targets
Identify projects and policiesto achieve targets
Educate and engage the community about climate change
Build on the knowledge andcommitment of the stakeholders
Collaborate across towns,agencies, and organizations
Supportandreflectstategoals and regional efforts
Serve as a model for othercommunities
Goals for the Climate ActionPlanning Effort
Targets for GHG Emissions reduction
There are three main types of targets found in climate action plans: (1) directional (i.e., up or down from a baseline), (2) analytical (i.e., based on extensive modeling and projections), and (3) aspirational, (i.e., set to achieve something great). The stakeholders set an aspirational target for the year 2050, with interim targets, as well. These aspirational targets are realistic with concerted community action, and yet, they are high enough to have considerable impact andsignificance.Thereductiontargetsrefertothe2014EagleCountyEnergyInventorydataasabaseline.Theclimateactionplancallsforthecommunityto measure and monitor reductions on a regular basis, such as every three years.
By 2050, the Eagle County community will reduce GHG emissions by a minimum of 80%. This target is in alignment with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s recommendation for reductions of GHG emissions by industrialized nations (IPCC 2014). The stakeholders agree that, while challenging, thisaspirationaltargetisagoalthatmustbeachievedinordertofosterasignificantsetofactionstoreduceGHGemissions.Inaddition,collaborativeimpact would be greater by assuming a target that is in alignment with what the IPCC set, as many other local, regional, and state goals align with the target of 80% reduction by 2050. The science behind this aspirational target has been well-vetted by thousands of climate scientists, and it doesn’t need to be defended or re-calculated. Lastly, this robust target will outlast changes in local political leadership that will naturally occur between now and 2050.
By 2025, the Eagle County community will reduce GHG emissions by 25%.Thestakeholderssetaninterimtargetthatwillrequireconsiderableeffortsandharddecisions,butitalsoallowsadequatetimetoachieveresults.Thistargetisconsistentwithgoalssetbyothercommunities.Bysettingaconsiderablereduction—onequarteroftheemissionsthecommunityemitsnow—someactionsbeyondthe“low-hangingfruit”willberequired.TheaimistogetmovingquicklyonmakingannualGHGreductionsthroughoutthecommunity.Thestakeholdersalsofeelthattheslogan“25%by2025”wouldbecompelling and effective for early communication efforts throughout the community.
Using these targets, other interim reductions were calculated using a linear approach. The stakeholders agreed that a linear projection of emissions reduction would be the most understandable by the public; even though in reality, there might be large reductions followed by periods of fewer reductions as actions are put into place in different sectors at various times.
25% by 2025
50% by 2035
70% by 2045
80% by 2050*from 2014 Baseline (See 2014 Eagle CountyEnergy Inventory - Appendix C)
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Recommended GHG reduction Goals
& Strategies by sector
One of the most common ways that communities assess where gains can be made in reducing GHG emissions is by breaking down the source of emissions into understandable categories. These categories, or sectors, make decisions and actions for reducing GHG emissions easier during plan implementation.
This plan contains six “sectors” that correspond to the particular climate action opportunities throughout the Eagle County community: 1) education and outreach to help inform sustainable climate-friendly behaviors, 2) residential buildings, 3) commercial buildings and industrialuses,4)transportationandmobility,5)wasteandlandfill,and6)energysupply.
Listed in the following section are the top goals and strategy recommendations for each climate action sector. A full list of ideas generated by stakeholders is provided as Appendix A.
Use social-science research on climate change communications andeducation to inform strategies.
Create a climate action ‘tool kit’ to share throughout the community.
Develop a cross-sector Eagle County climate education team andeducation plan to reach all ages and demographics in Eagle County. Include Eagle County Schools, private K-12 schools, Colorado Mountain College, Walking Mountains Science Center, and other partners.
Create a county-wide marketing campaign to raise awareness to engage the community in projects and programs. Include regular announcements through e-newsletters and social media.
Ensurecommunityequitysothatclimateactionisall-inclusiveandprovidesequitablesocial,economic,andhealthbenefits.
Utilize special event platforms to share messages, provide resources,and engage participants in behaviors such as zero waste events and bike-to-work days.
Incorporatesoil-healtheducationtoimprovecarbonsequestrationandengage the community in stewardship.
Expand and enhance existing educational programs: -ActivelyGreensustainablebusinesstrainingandcertificationprogram,-EnergySmartColoradoenergyefficiencycoachingforhomeowners, businesses, contractors, and realtors
-ColoradoMountainCollegeCertificateinSustainabilityLeadership and Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies - Eco-Schools program for K-12 schools, supporting student learning and measurable GHG reduction through energy education and behavior change at schools - Colorado State University Extension Service programs and resources.
Greater community awareness and understanding of climate change is needed so that people can participate in climate-friendly sustainable behaviors in their daily lives at home, at work, and throughoutthecommunity.Effectivecommunityengagementinclimateactionstrategiesrequirespartnerships between multiple sectors, targeted education and outreach methods, and continual evaluation of program successes.
Education and Outreach
Education and Outreach: Top Recommended Strategies
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Residentialhomescreate24%ofthetotalGHGemissionsgeneratedinEagleCounty.Thereisasignificantopportunitytoreduceresidentialenergyusewithincreasedenergyefficiencyandconservationefforts.TheColoradoStateDemographerreportsthatofEagleCounty’s31,675housingunits(thisfiguredoesnotincludecommerciallodgingproperties),38%wereconsidered“vacant”orunoccupiedin2014.Energyefficiencyretrofitsfromlocalprograms,suchas Energy Smart Colorado, can reduce a home’s energy use by 20-30% and save residents hundreds of dollars on their annual energy bills.
Reduce GHG emissions 25% below 2014 levels in the residential buildings sector by 2025.
For existing residential buildings, expand the localEnergySmartColoradoenergyefficiencyprogramandincentives in order to reduce GHG emissions in 25% ofall residential buildings in Eagle County by 2025, 50%of all residential buildings by 2035, and 100% by 2050.
Provide support and incentives for rental units to be updatedwithenergyefficiencyimprovements.
For new residential buildings, adopt “abovebuilding code” standards and provide incentives, including “net zero” codes, that are consistent across jurisdictional boundaries throughout Eagle County.
Update Eagle County Eco-Build mitigation fees to include all energy-use for large homes over the average EagleCountyhomesizeof3,700sq.ft.,notjustoffsetting heated exterior surfaces and pools.
Promoteandincentivizeefficientuseofwaterininteriorand exterior of residential buildings.
Continue partnerships with local energy utilities in order to leverage more economic incentives.
This graph was developed by Dr. Abel Chávez using “EMiTT” (Effective Mitigation Transition Tool) to helpvisualize,model,track,andquantifyclimateactionmitigationtargets.Thisgraphisahypotheticalscenariothat includes the following GHG abatement pathways: 1) electricity from the grid would include 50% renewable energy by 2050 and 100% renewable energy by 2050, and 2) Energy Smart Colorado wouldreach the recommended goal of 100% of homes in Eagle County receiving home energy assessments, andhalfofthosehomeswouldcompletedeepenergyretrofits.ThisgraphillustratesthattheEagleCountycommunitycantakeclimateactionandmakesignificantGHGemissionreductions.Fixingaging,leakybuildings is a great start toward effective climate action, but more actions will be needed to reach recommended targets. (BAU = Business As Usual)
Reducing Emissions: Residential
Residential Buildings Sector: Top Recommended Goals and StrategiesResidential Buildings Sector Mitigation Wedges
2014 2025 2040 2050Year
mt C
O2e
Commercial buildings and facilities account for the top sources of GHG emissions in Eagle County. A large amount of energy waste occurs due to inefficientbuildings,highenergydemands,deferredmaintenance,inattentiontobuildingperformance,andinefficientbehavioronthepartofoccupants.Givencurrentadvancesinenergyefficiencytechnologyandfinancingprograms, there can be up to 40-60% reduction in building-generated GHGs (AmericanCouncilforanEnergyEfficientEconomy,2014).Thecommercialbuildings that exist today will be inhabited into the foreseeable future; therefore,maximizingbuildingefficiencywillhelpensurereducedenergy demands well into the future.
Reduce GHG emissions 25% below 2014 levels in the commercialbuildings and facilities sector by 2025.
Forexistingcommercialbuildings,expandtheEnergySmartColoradoenergyefficiencyprogram and incentives in order to reduce GHG emissions in 25% of all commercialbuildings in Eagle County by 2025, 50% of all commercial buildings by 2035, and 100%by 2050.
Providesupportandincentivesforbuildingsover10,000squarefeettomeasureandtracktheir energy use through CLEER’s Energy Navigator, the Energy Star Portfolio Manager, or other energy monitoring tools.
For new and newly remodeled commercial buildings, adopt “above building code” standards and incentives, including “net zero” codes that are consistent across jurisdictional boundaries throughout Eagle County.
Promoteandincentivizeefficientuseofwater.
Continue partnerships with local energy utilities in order to leverage for more economic incentives.
Reducing Emissions: Commercial
Commercial Buildings Sector:Top Recommended Goals and Strategies
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Transportation and Mobility
The majority of GHG emissions from transportation are generated from passenger vehicles. The Eagle County communityfacesasignificantchallengeduetoInterstate-70andthemanyvehiclesthatpassthroughthecounty.Nevertheless,significantimprovementsinlocaltransportation,mobilitysystems,andinfrastructurecan reduce locally generated GHG emissions dramatically, while engaging residents and visitors in healthy climate-friendly lifestyles.
Reduce GHG emissions 10% below 2014 levels in thetransportation and mobility sector by 2025. Consider FREE bus service and expanded services throughout the county.
Continue to pursue rail transit opportunities to utilize the existing railroad tracks from Dotsero to Leadville.
Expand the network of electric vehicle charging stations and promote state and federal incentives for purchasing electric vehicles.
Incentivize and encourage multi-modal transportation,including park-and-ride locations and safe county-widebike commuting paths and lanes.
Strive for compact mixed-use communities and land-use patterns with affordable workforce housing in close proximity to job centers to enable walking, biking, and transit.
Transportation and Mobility Sector: Top Recommended Goals and Strategies
This graph is a hypothetical scenario that includes the following GHG abatement pathways: 1) 1% of the Eagle County population annually adopts driving a zero emission at tailpipe vehicle/electric vehicle, 2) increase in paid-parking, reducing the number of people who drive a car to work; 3) all new population growth to the year 2050 lives and works in transit-oriented neighborhoods and workplaces. (BAU = Business As Usual)
MeetandexceedthecurrentEagleCountylandfillwastediversion goal of 30% diversion rate by 2030, and set an inspiring and achievable waste diversion target that is above the national average.
Divert30%oforganicscurrentlylandfilledby2030through increased composting infrastructure andservices.
Support sustainable purchasing policies and practices, and incorporate supply chain management systems.
Add new programs and infrastructure to increaserecycling and composting in public areas that are currentlydeficient,andaddresshard-to-recycleitemslike, construction waste and mattresses.
Support and incentivize recycling and compostingservices for multi-family buildings which often facechallenges, such as high resident turnover andcontamination of recycling containers.
Integrate local waste diversion plan and solutionswith the 2016 Colorado Integrated Solid Waste & Materials Management Plan, designed to provide guidance,cost analysis, strategies, and recommendations tocommunities and local governments.
Waste and Landfill
ThewasteandlandfillsectorreferstomethaneGHGemissionsthatresultfromanaerobicdecompositionoforganicwasteinthelandfill.Duringthefirst20yearsafteritsreleaseintotheatmosphere,methanegasis84timesmore potent as a GHG than CO2. The 2015 Eagle Valley waste diversion rate was 19.6%, and the recycling rate was 26.9%. There is an effort at the national and state levels to transition away from disposal and towards materials management. The greatest positive impacts in this sector can be realized through reducing materials altogether through more sustainable purchasing practices.
Waste and Landfill Sector: Top Recommended Goals and Strategies
This graph is a hypothetical scenario that includes diverting half of the compostable materials that currentlyendupinthelandfill.Compostableorganics,includingpaper,accountfor60%oftheoveralltonnagebroughttothelandfillonanannualbasis.(BAU=BusinessAsUsual)
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 19
2014 2030 2050Year
mt C
O2e
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 20
Energy Supply
In2004,ColoradobecamethefirststateintheU.S.tocreatearenewableenergyportfoliostandardinorderto reduce GHG emissions. As the primary provider of energy for buildings and commercial uses throughout the Eagle County community, member-owned utility Holy Cross Energy provides electricity and strives to be a conscientious steward of natural resources. Holy Cross Energy was a pioneer in Colorado, offering consumers the option of purchasing renewable energy to offset GHG emissions. Partnering with utilities, such as Holy Cross Energy, Xcel Energy, and Black Hills Energy, is key toward making large-scale energy supply transitions.
Createmorefinancialresourcesandincentives,andincreasethe capacity of exterior energy offset programs within the Eagle County community (examples: Eagle County Eco-Build Program, Avon Exterior Energy Offset Program, and Aspen Renewable Energy Mitigation Program), and strive for consistency across jurisdictional boundaries.
Research feasibility of local and regional locations for community solar arrays.
Encourage utilities to set aggressive goals to reduce their GHG emissions and transition over time away from coal-firedpowerproduction.
Energy Supply Sector: Top Recommended Goals and Strategies
This graph is a hypothetical scenario that includes reducing the GHG intensity from the electrical power mix by 50% in 2030 and 100% in 2050. (BAU = Business As Usual)
2014 2030 2050Year
mt C
O2e
The following recommendations support the success of the overall climate action plan and apply to all sectors in this plan:
Adopt this climate action plan.
Identify people to guide the implementation and follow-through of recommendations in the current plan—designate a task force and hire sustainability/climate staff as needed within local governments and large businesses.
Allocate funds for implementation of projects and infrastructure.
Collaborate across jurisdictional boundaries for greater impact and likelihood of success.
Measure and monitor GHG reduction impacts over time.
Begin to address climate change adaptation.
Key Recommendations for Community
Leaders & decision Makers
1
2
3
4
5
6
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 21
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 22
What Does Success Looks Like?Successful community-driven GHG reduction efforts have several key elements that are centered on realistic and achievable targets, community endorsement and support, and strong alignment with community and organizational values. Attheonsetoftheplanningprocess,thestakeholdersidentifiedthefollowingelements that are critical to long-term success of the Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community:
Set Realistic and Achievable Targets• GHG reduction targets must be achievable and measurable• A diverse number of GHG emissions reduction strategies and projects are needed• Actions must be taken by local governments • Progress should be monitored regularly• Celebrate successes along the way to reaching larger goals
Community Endorsement, Ownership, and Support of this Plan is Critical• There must be broader community awareness of the need for climate action• Individuals should understand their impacts and responsibilities• Private sector participation and public-private partnerships are keys to success• There must be simple, accessible opportunities for individuals to take action• The community has the tools and resources to reach short and long-term targets
Align the Plan with Community and Organizational Values• Local governments adopt the plan and hold values that align with the plan•Theplanintegratesbenefitstotheeconomy,theenvironment,andsocialequity• The plan is a catalyst to coordinated climate action across jurisdiction boundaries• Local organizations are aligned with the plan and keys to its success• Local governments strive to coordinate across boundaries• Minimize policy restrictions that limit people’s abilities to take action • Community-wide climate change education is imperative
Despite the rewards of success, there are challenges to climate action planning and implementation. These include concerns about communication to and adoption by the public, leadership and prioritization of climate change by decision makers, lack of available funding for new projects, lack of long-term coordinated climate action effort, and tangible obstacles such as technology and infrastructure.
Considerations for ImplementationThe success of this plan rests in the hands of the community and its leaders at many levels. The stakeholdershaveidentifiedprojects,programs,and policies that are both feasible and meaningful for the Eagle County community. In order to meet the 2025 target of 25% reduction of GHG emissions, and the aspirational but critical goal of achieving the 2050 target of a minimum of 80%reduction,thisplanmustbeadoptedquickly,shared throughout the community, and supported with meaningful resources.
Call To Action
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 23
Breadth of community: Develop programs and education for both residents and guestsCelebrate successes: Take time to recognize accomplishments along the way Clarity: Use language and communication tools that the public can understandFunding: Decision makers prioritize funding for GHG mitigation actionsDiversity: Include a variety of people, strategies, and actions to ensure successImplementation: Decision makers support human resources to enact projects and policiesInfrastructure: Be ready to make tough decisions about infrastructure and building codesMeasurement: Develop metrics that can be monitored and used by all stakeholdersLongevity: Instill a culture of sustainability, and enact policies that outlast changes in leadershipResistance to change: TackleincrementalactionsthatbuildconfidenceUnity: Support towns, county, and other organizations in new climate action partnerships
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 24
Appendixes
Appendix A: Project Ideas & RecommendationsThis Appendix includes detailed tables for each of the six sectors including a basic explanation of each and why they matter. This section alsoincludeslistsofrecommendationsforreducingGHGemissionsthroughwaterconservationandsoilcarbonsequestration.Thetablesinclude an overview of what is already being done in Eagle County, as the county, towns, and other entities have already undertaken meaningful work in reducing GHG emissions. Finally, the tables include details on programs, projects, and policies that can be undertaken to reduce GHG emissions. These robust lists were developed by the stakeholders in order to provide all users of this climate action plan a place to begin mitigatingGHG,andtheyarereflectiveofthe“triplebottomline”ofpeople,planet,andprofit.Thestakeholders’intentisthatthecounty,towns,and other entities use these tables to help guide conversations about planning, policy development, and project implementation.
The tables on the following pages also include three columns highlighting ideas that the stakeholders felt would be of special interest to businesses, towns, and the county.
Commercial Buildings and Industrial Energy
This sector includes traditional commercial buildings, multi-family housing, ski area operations, and commercial area heated streets and driveways.
Why focus on the commercial building sector? At 32% of 2014 emissions, this sector constitutes the largest component of the Eagle County community’s GHG emissions. The emissions from this sector can be mitigated through incentives for commercial building owners and landlords, newenergyefficienttechnologies,communitysolargardens,education,andsustainablepracticesinthehospitalitysector.
What’s already being done: Energy rebates from Energy Smart Colorado (Eagle County Eco-Build Fund, Avon Exterior Energy Offset Program) and HolyCrossEnergy,ActivelyGreenSustainableBusinessTrainingandCertificationProgram,countyandmunicipalgoalstoreduceenergyuse,private sector sustainability initiatives, Eco-Schools programming, and more.
Cont’d Page 25
Importancetostakeholders
Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses
Recommendedespeciallyfortowns
Recommendedespeciallyforcounty
High ü
High ü
High P P
High ü
High P P
High P P
P
ü P
ü P
P
ü
ü P
P
Importancetostakeholders
Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses
Recommendedespeciallyfortowns
Recommendedespeciallyforcounty
ü
High P
P P
ü
ü
Programsandprojects
Policiesandregulations
Expandlocalmitigationprogramsandfeesonsnowmelttoaddressoutdoorenergyuse
Developnetzerobuildingcodesandcertificationprograms
Setwattagelimitsforlightingfornew/remodeledbuildingsanddarkskycode
EncouragelocalstorestosellonlyLEDlights
Incorporateflexibleworkhoursandtelecommutingtoreducebuildingenergyuse
Supportfreebuildingphasetwoaudits/recommissioning
Holdannualmeetingofbuildingofficialsandplanninganddesignreviewboardstoexchangeideasandbestpractices
Requiregreenlaundrypracticesandefficienttoiletsathotels
Allowrentersinmulti-familybuildingstomakeenergy-smartrecommendationstobuildingowners
Encouragelandlordstouse“greenleases”;incentivesforlandlords
Developbaselineenergyusageforcommercialbuildings/plazas
Minimumrentalenergyefficiencyguidelines
Reducehotelenergyuse:installkeycardsthatturnson/offutilitiesforeachroom;installtimersongasfireplaces;installoccupancysensorsandbetterautomationsystems;moreeducationforhospitalitysector
ExpandEnergySmarttobeyondretrofits;focusonmulti-family,lowincomeunits
Modifybuildingstomaximizenaturallight;adddarkskycompliantlightingretrofits
Increaseassessmentsandrebatesforrenewableenergyuseoncommercialproperties
AdoptSmartRegsforbuildings
IncludemoreadvancedlevelsofActivelyGreen
Landplanning:encouragegardens,greenroofs,andnativeplantsinallcommercialbuildings;create infrastructure for construction and demolition waste, convert golf course “rough”areasintonaturalhabitat
Makesustainabilitypracticespartofconsiderationinawardingcontracts/newbuildingrequirements-onsiteoroffsets
Commercial Buildings & Industrial Energy
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 25
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 26
Residential Buildings
Thissectorincludesresidentialhomes,bothprimaryandsecondhomes,andmulti-familyresidenceswithfewerthanfiveunits.
Why focus on the residential building sector? Residential building-use constituted 28% of emissions in the Eagle County community in 2014.Thislargecomponentofthecommunity’semissionscanbeaddressedwithhomeownereducation,energyefficiencyauditsandincentives,building codes, and other local programs.
What’salreadybeingdone:EnergySmartColoradoandHolyCrossEnergyhomeenergyassessmentsandrebatesforretrofits,‘green’MLSprogram, access to community solar and wind projects through Holy Cross Energy, and more.
Programsandprojects Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses
Recommendedespeciallyfortowns
Recommendedespeciallyforcounty
ExpandEnergySmartColorado;moreeducationonexistingrebateprograms;shifttoperformancebasedprograms High
Incentivesforlandlordsandshort-termrentalstobemoreefficient High P
LEDlightbulbgiveawaysorconversions;requireonlyLEDholidaylights;buy-backprogramfornon-LEDlights ü
Multi-zonesplitsystemsforefficientelectricbaseboards
Smartsensorsinhomes,especiallylargesecondhomes
Town-sponsoredeventsandprogramsthatsupportenergyefficiency ü ü
Developnetzerobuildingcodesandcertificationprograms ü P
WorkwithHOAstopromotelowwateruseandenergyefficiencypractices P
Policiesandregulations Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses
Recommendedespeciallyfortowns
Recommendedespeciallyforcounty
Promotewaterconservation–nativegrasses,organicmatter,xeriscaping High ü
Generatenewsourcesofrevenueforincomequalifiedenergyefficiencyupgrades;employerscouldofferasbenefittoemployees High ü ü
Eco-Build3.0–above2015IRCcodesfornewandexistingbuildings High ü P
Consistentbuildingcodesacrosslocalpoliticalboundariestoincreasebuildingcontractor’stimeefficiencyandavoid“jurisdictionalshopping”bycontractors High ü P
Transportation and Mobility
This sector includes transportation and transit-oriented design. It also includes the Eagle County Regional Airport.
Why focus on the mobility sector? Almost 30% of the Eagle County community’s 2014 emissions came from this sector (3% was from the Eagle County Regional Airport). This sector represents an area in which great gains can be made with policy, infrastructure, education, and a “culture change” among residents and visitors.
What’s already being done: ECO Transit, Town of Vail bus system, Sole Power program, improved bike path development, policies to support use of electric bikes, small scale bike share programs, idling policies, and more.
Programsandprojects Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses
Recommendedespeciallyfortowns
Recommendedespeciallyforcounty
Changecarculture;companyincentivesforcollectivetransportandtelecommuting/encourageremoteworking High ü P
Bicycleeducationprograms(ex:learntoridesafely,bikerepair classes,bikedonation/earnabikeprograms);bicyclesharingprogram;E-bikessharingprogram
Electricvehicleinfrastructureandincentives;electricbuses,moreelectricchargingstations High ü P P
Carsharingprograms High ü
Bikesharingprogramsandmorebikeparkingareas High ü ü
Completeconnectivityforbiking/walkingbetweentownsandbetterdesignatedbikewaystoimprovesafety P P
Publictransportservicewithexistingrailline P
Sharedworkspaces(co-workingspacessharedbybusinessesandothers)sopeopledon’thavetocommutecrosscounty) ü
Policiesandregulations Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses
Recommendedespeciallyfortowns
Recommendedespeciallyforcounty
Transit-orienteddesignzoning High ü P
Localin-proximitytoworkplaceaffordablehousingtoreducecommutingmiles;reducecountysprawl infrastructureextensions
Committolowcarbonemission,andzerotailpipeemission,vehiclesandequipment ü P P
Rideshare/carpoolservice ü
Chargeforparking ü
Encouragecarpoolingincompanyvehicles ü
Emissionstesting;increaseMPGpolicies P
Fundingforlowcost/freetransit;firststudywhousesandifthiswouldbeproductive P
High ü P
High P
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 27
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 28
Waste and Landfill
Thissectorincludeswastediversion,residentialandcommercialrecycling,andthecountylandfill.
Why focus on the waste reduction sector? Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, all three R’s are important. In 2015, the overall waste diversion rate of the Eagle Valley was 19.6%. This included general recycled materials, organic materials including yard waste, and household hazardous waste including electronic waste. Eagle County has set an overall waste diversion goal of 30% by 2030. The Eagle Valley recycling rate was 26.9% in 2015; this is below the national average of 34%. Waste reduction, recycling and composting, and sustainable purchasing are areas in which the community can haveagreaterimpactthroughpolicy,betterinfrastructure,education,andprograms.A2010studyofthewastestreamattheEagleCountylandfillrevealedthat40%ofcurrentlandfillwastecouldbeprocessedascompostifacommercialscalefacilitywereavailable.
What’s already being done: Eagle County Materials Recovery Facility, waste haulers provide recycling, county and town supported recycling drop-off sites, e-waste collection events, zero waste events, collaboration amongst Eagle Valley Waste Diversion Steering Committee, waste reduction goalssetbylocalgovernmentsandotherentities,ActivelyGreenSustainableBusinessTrainingandCertificationProgram,Eco-Schools,andotherprograms. One town has recently implemented a plastic bag ban and a recycling ordinance.
Educationaltourstothelandfillandrecyclingfacilityareverypopular.
Cont’d Page 29
Programsandprojects Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses
Recommendedespeciallyfortowns
Recommendedespeciallyforcounty
UpdateEagleValleyWasteDiversionplan;considerincreasingwastediversiongoals High P
Ensureallschoolsrecycleandcompost(whencommercialcompostingbecomesavailable) High P P
Reuseconstructionmaterials(lumberandconstructionanddemolitionwaste) High P
Groupforsustainablepurchasing,includinglocalfoodpurchasing High ü
Infrastructureimprovementsforwastediversion,possiblesinglestreamatMRF,organicwastediversion High P
Zerowasteeventssupportedbytownsandeventproducers ü P
Repurposewasteintoenergyormaterials ü Addressinfrastructuregapsdiscoveredinwasteaccessauditofpublicspaces ü ü
Visiblepublicrecyclingareas,dropsites–atbusstops,sidewalks,atevents,etc. P P
HomeandcommunitycompostingAnaerobicdigestersandmethanecaptureoperations ü
Policiesandregulations Importancetostakeholders Recommendedespeciallyforbusinesses
Recommendedespeciallyfortowns
Recommendedespeciallyforcounty
Zerowasteeventgoals–encourageeventsandeventfacilitiestobezerowaste High ü ü
Researchfeasibilityofincreasinglandfilltippingfeetosupportwastediversionefforts High ü
SupportaColoradoBottlebill–recyclingofglassbottlesReduceuseofsingleuseshoppingbagscounty-wide ü P
Yardwastecollectioncounty-wide P P
Commercialcompostprovided P ü Packagingpolicies,getridofStyrofoam ü ü P
Registerpesticideuserstoprotectorganicwaste ü Consistentcounty-widerecyclingpracticesandprocedures ü P
Wastehaulerlicensing ü Payasyouthrow P P
Waste and Landfill
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 29
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 30
Give community members the knowledge and power to understand theirimpacts and make climate-friendly choices
• Use social-science research on climate change communications for education and outreach strategies (e.g., Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, and George Mason Center for Climate Change Communication resources)• Incorporate social diversity and inclusivity throughout education and outreach • Develop a climate action class to feed into current sustainability education programs and trainings• Convene and educate neighborhood climate action groups •Continuetohosteducationaltourstothelandfill,andincludethematerialsrecoveryfacility(MRF)andhazardous household waste facility• Host household zero-waste training for residential homeowners •Educatehomeownersandbusinessesonshuttingdownandunpluggingwhenleavingthehomeoroffice (reduce “vampire” energy-use)• Educate and incentivize second homeowners to reduce energy use• Promote use of “smart hubs” to understand real-time energy use•Conducttrainingsspecificallyforpropertymanagersandlandscapers• Educate land owners and users on climate-friendly land use practices
Support businesses in climate-friendly practices•EncouragemoreparticipationofbusinessesintheActivelyGreenSustainableBusinessTrainingandCertificationProgram• Reduce waste through sustainable purchasing practices and less packaging• Provide more employer/employee climate action and sustainability training • Leverage the VVP Actively Green Awards and the Annual Actively Green Awards Party for businesses• Engage local organizations and groups in educating businesses• Provide cards for hotel rooms and short-term rentals; educate guests on why their efforts matter (water-wise signage, etc.)•Developemployeefieldexperiences,retreats,andexperientiallearningforclimatescienceunderstandingformountaincommunities
Cont’d Page 31
Education and Outreach
Create a culture in the community that promotes climate action and sustainability • Create a climate education team to educate about and support implementation of the Climate Action Plan • Provide an e-newsletter with updates on progress related to the Climate Action Plan • Create a valley-wide marketing campaign to elevate day-to-day awareness of climate action and sustainable living • Use an “education-through-demonstration” approach to showcase climate-friendly building, landscaping, and other best-practices •Sharethebenefitswithvisitors,suchascarbonsequestrationandwaterconservation
Engage school children and their families for long-lasting change• Expand the Eco-Schools program at all K-12 schools to educate and recognize youth for their leadership, and incorporate energy saving programs and infrastructure at all schools• Develop competitions for schools on ‘how to reduce carbon footprint’ • Develop “farm-to-school” fresh, local food served in school cafeterias, and teach food production and gardening as part of the curriculum
Ideas for an education and marketing campaign promoting climate action• Develop a multi-media brand platform• Create a video about actions that can be taken to promote climate action• Utilize local media, TV, radio, and social media• Fund an educational point position with responsibilities to oversee implementation of climate action education and outreach•Usestandardizedandfrequentlycommunicated,measurablegoals• Use empowering positive messages and real-world examples•Focusmessagesonimprovedqualityoflife;connectthemessagetopeopleandthefuture•Identifyinfluencersandhavethemspeakup—localcelebritiesandleadersatregularandfuncommunityevents• Host “Trash Talk” about waste with winter visitors—education campaign • Train volunteer advocates for each neighborhood to share ideas with their neighbors; work through neighborhood and homeowner associations• Include outreach to all community sectors, associations, clubs, chambers, etc.
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 31
Education and Outreach
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 32
Reducerelianceoncoal-firedpowerplants,andaddmorerenewableenergysources
ProvideconsumersanoptiontoreturnequitychecksbacktoHolyCrossEnergytoinvestincleanpowerorenergyefficiencyprograms
Restructureutilityratestomakeenergyefficiencyandconservationmoreattractive
Educate utility co-op owners to advocate for changes
Identify areas for local solar arrays
Explore use of geothermal energy supply for homes and commercial buildings
Explore new technologies, such as storage, to increase renewable energy usage
Support Colorado Communities for Climate Action (policy initiatives and lobbyists at the state-level focused on GHG reduction)
12
3
45
6
7
8
Energy Supply
Additional Recommendations
Water Conservation and EnergyWater conservation reduces demand for both water and energy. Conserving water can play an important role in reducing GHG emissions. Thestorage,transport,anddeliveryofwaterforcommercial,residential,andagriculturalneedsleadtosignificantGHGemissions.Thestakeholders recommend several strategies to conserve water and save energy:
• Educatepeoplethatallwaterconsumedhastobepumpedandprocessed,requiringenergy• Support water utilities and local governments in initiatives to reduce water consumption in facilities and operations• Includemoreheatrecoverysystemsthatuseheatenergyfromdischargedtreatedeffluent,suchasAvon’sCommunityHeatRecovery System that heats the pools at the Avon Recreation Center using heat energy from the Avon Waste Water Treatment Facility• Reduce use of water in residential and commercial properties• Develop small hydro plants for electricity generation• Create a study on incentives to switch to xeriscaping for buildings and residences• WorkwithHOAstopromotelowwateruseandenergyefficiencypractices
Carbon Sequestration and Land ManagementOrganic matter holds carbon in the soil. Land management, landscaping, farming, and ranching practices that support healthy soildevelopmentcanalsobeimportantwaystocapture,orsequester,GHGsinthesoilandhelpprotecttheatmosphere.Belowarerecommendationsrelatedtocarbonsequestration:
• Engage agencies, such as CSU Extension, USDA, NRCS, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and The Ground Up, to provide education on land managementtechniquesthatincreasecarbonstorage• Reducemethaneemissionsbystoppingbiodegradablematerialsfromenteringthelandfill;compostingcanbeavitalwaytorestoreand protect the climate • Promote leaving grass clippings on the ground to return nutrients to the soil• Reduce impermeable surfaces, and encourage catchment of water that promotes healthy ecosystems • Encouragegreenroofswithnativeplantspeciesthatdonotrequirealargeamountofwater• Reduce use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that are made from fossil fuels that contribute to climate change • Encourage holistic approaches during revegetation and restoration after disturbances, such as after building and infrastructureconstructionorafternaturaldisasters(e.g.,firesandflooding)
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 33
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 34
Appendix B: Stakeholder Meetings and Public Engagement Information
Guiding Principles for Stakeholder Group• Value each other’s and the community’s input and knowledge•Keepinmindthetriplebottom-line:“people,planet,profit”• Take calculated risks• Address all sectors that contribute to GHG emissions• Develop meaningful goals and metrics to show progress through time• Strive for informed consent on decisions
Stakeholder Meeting DatesMarch 21, 2016April 18, 2016May 23, 2016June 20, 2016August 22, 2016November 14, 2016
Stakeholder Meeting Notes and Materials Meeting notes, slideshow presentations, and other supporting materials can be found atwww.walkingmountains.org/cap.
Public Open House SessionsSeptember 14, 2016, Brush Creek Pavilion, EagleSeptember 19, 2016, Grand View, Lionshead Welcome Center, VailSeptember 22, 2016, Miller Ranch Community Center, Edwards
Appendix C: 2014 Eagle County Energy InventoryEa
gle
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ty E
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resi
dent
ial a
nd th
e co
mm
erci
al/i
ndus
trial
sect
ors
cont
ribut
e th
e la
rges
t per
cent
age
of to
tal e
mis
sion
s in
the
coun
ty.
By fu
el, e
lect
ricity
use
con
tribu
tes
the
larg
est s
hare
of e
mis
sion
s, fo
llow
edby
gas
olin
e an
d di
esel
fuel
s fo
r tra
nspo
rtat
ion.
Sect
ion
2: U
tility
Ene
rgy
Sect
ion
3: E
mis
sion
s fr
om B
uild
ings
, Fac
ilitie
s an
d In
dust
ry
Eagl
e Co
unty
Ene
rgy
Inve
ntor
y/
2014
dat
a on
ene
rgy
cons
umpt
ion,
spe
ndin
g an
d em
issi
ons
/ Ap
ril 2
016
6. E
mis
sion
s by
Sec
tor
Met
ric to
ns o
f CO 2
e7.
Em
issi
ons
by U
tility
Met
ric to
ns o
f CO 2
e8.
Hol
y Cr
oss
Ener
gy E
lect
ricity
Sou
rces
CO2
emis
sion
s/ye
ar:
831,
384
met
ric to
nsAv
erag
e CO
2 in
tens
ity:
1.57
lb. p
er k
Wh
Rene
wab
le e
nerg
y:20
.3%
Mem
ber-o
wne
dre
new
able
sys
tem
s: 5
17Ca
paci
ty: 3
,492
kW
Met
ers
in E
agle
Cou
nty:
29,3
35 re
side
ntia
l6,
304
com
mer
cial
Elec
trici
ty is
the
dom
inan
t sou
rce
of e
mis
sion
s fro
m b
uild
ing
ener
gy u
se.
9. E
mis
sion
s by
Com
mun
ity
by R
esid
entia
l and
Com
mer
cial
Sec
tor,
2014
Met
ric to
ns o
f CO 2
e
Not
es fo
r Cha
rts
9 an
d 10
:Ed
war
ds:D
ata
for E
dwar
ds, a
n un
inco
rpor
ated
com
mun
ity, i
nclu
des
the
entir
e 81
632
zip
code
.Un
inco
rp:A
bbre
viat
ion
for “
unin
corp
orat
ed”
incl
udes
met
ers
in u
ninc
orpo
rate
d Ea
gle
Coun
ty o
ther
than
the
Edw
ards
816
32 z
ip c
ode.
Uni
ncor
pora
ted
Eagl
e Co
unty
has
mor
e po
pula
tion
and
hous
ing
units
than
any
of t
heco
unty
’s in
divi
dual
mun
icip
aliti
es.
Com
mer
cial
:A u
tility
des
igna
tion
for a
met
er o
npr
oper
ties
such
as
hote
ls, m
ulti-
fam
ily c
ompl
exes
with
one
met
er, r
ecre
atio
nal f
acili
ties
(lifts
and
sno
w-m
akin
geq
uipm
ent),
gov
ernm
ents
, sch
ools
, ret
ail,
indu
stria
l and
man
ufac
turin
g fa
cilit
ies.
Bu
sine
sses
and
gov
ernm
ents
ofte
n ho
ld m
any
utili
tyac
coun
ts fo
r the
mul
tiple
pro
pert
ies
they
ow
n or
leas
e.
In th
is c
hart
, eac
h ut
ility
acc
ount
is c
ount
ed s
epar
atel
y,re
gard
less
of o
wne
rshi
p.
Char
t 9 s
how
s t o
tal e
mis
sion
s in
eac
h co
mm
unity
from
build
ing,
faci
lity
and
indu
stria
l ene
rgy
use
in th
e re
side
ntia
lan
d co
mm
erci
al s
ecto
rs.
Char
t 10
show
s em
issi
ons
by c
omm
unity
base
d on
the
num
ber o
f res
iden
tial (
light
yello
w) a
nd c
omm
erci
al (d
ark
yello
w)
elec
tric
utili
ty a
ccou
nts
in e
ach
com
mun
ity a
nd in
uni
ncor
pora
ted
area
s(fa
r rig
ht b
ar).
Whi
le c
omm
erci
al e
nerg
y us
e pe
rac
coun
t is
high
er th
an re
side
ntia
l, it’
sim
port
ant t
o no
te th
at th
ere
are
abou
tfiv
e tim
es a
s m
any
resi
dent
ial a
ccou
nts
as c
omm
erci
al a
ccou
nts
acro
ss E
agle
Coun
ty. H
owev
er, t
otal
ene
rgy
use
betw
een
the
two
sect
ors
is c
lose
, 53
perc
ent f
or c
omm
erci
al a
nd 4
7 pe
rcen
tfo
r res
iden
tial (
see
Char
t 6).
10. E
mis
sion
s by
Com
mun
ity b
y R
esid
entia
l and
Com
mer
cial
Util
ity A
ccou
nt, 2
014
Met
ric to
ns o
f CO 2
e
Sect
ion
4: T
rans
port
atio
n En
ergy
Em
issi
ons
and
Use
11. E
agle
Cou
nty
Tran
spor
tatio
n Em
issi
ons,
20
14M
etric
tons
of C
O 2e
13. U
.S. T
rans
port
atio
n Se
ctor
Em
issi
ons
by S
ourc
eM
etric
tons
of C
O 2e
12. E
agle
Cou
nty
Ener
gy U
se b
y Ve
hicl
e Cl
ass,
201
4Th
ousa
nds
of G
allo
ns
Eagl
e Co
unty
Ene
rgy
Inve
ntor
y/
2014
dat
a on
ene
rgy
cons
umpt
ion,
spe
ndin
g an
d em
issi
ons
/ Ap
ril 2
016
Sect
ion
5: R
ecom
men
datio
nsEn
ergy
Eff
icie
ncy:
Ene
rgy
effic
ienc
y pr
ogra
ms
need
to a
ddre
ssel
ectri
city
con
sum
ptio
ns in
resi
dent
ial,
com
mer
cial
and
indu
stria
l sec
tors
acr
oss
the
coun
ty. T
he g
reat
est p
oten
tial f
orem
issi
ons
redu
ctio
n is
in c
omm
erci
al s
ecto
r ene
rgy
use.
Ren
ewab
le E
nerg
y:Pa
rtne
ring
with
Hol
y Cr
oss
Ener
gy to
incr
ease
the
amou
nt o
f ren
ewab
le e
nerg
y in
the
utili
ty’s
pow
erpo
rtfo
lio w
ill d
ecre
ase
emis
sion
s fro
m e
lect
ricit y
con
sum
ptio
n.Tr
ansp
orta
tion:
Prog
ram
s sh
ould
focu
s on
redu
cing
pass
enge
r veh
icle
trav
el a
nd s
hifti
ng to
cle
aner
-bur
ning
alte
rnat
ive
fuel
s. K
ey c
ompo
nent
s sh
ould
incl
ude
incr
ease
dav
aila
bilit
y of
pub
lic tr
ansi
t, gr
owth
in p
ublic
ele
ctric
veh
icle
char
ging
sta
tions
and
use
of e
lect
ric v
ehic
les,
and
mor
ebi
cycl
e tra
vel o
ptio
ns w
ithin
com
mun
ities
.Po
licy:
Loca
l gov
ernm
ent p
artn
ers
shou
ld w
ork
tow
ard
sim
ilar
polic
ies
that
redu
ce e
mis
sion
s, s
uch
as e
nerg
y ef
ficie
ncy
build
ing
code
s, la
nd u
se c
odes
that
enc
oura
ge c
ompa
ctw
alka
ble
com
mun
ities
and
tran
sit-o
rient
ed d
evel
opm
ent,
and
mul
ti-m
odal
tran
spor
tatio
n pl
anni
ng.
Area
s of
Fur
ther
Stu
dyTr
avel
pat
tern
stu
dy to
ass
ist w
ith lo
cal t
raffi
c em
issi
ons
•ca
lcul
atio
ns a
nd p
lann
ing
for m
ass
trans
it.
Upda
ted
was
te c
ompo
sitio
n st
udy
at th
e Ea
gle
Coun
ty•
Land
fill t
o en
sure
mor
e re
cent
dat
a is
inco
rpor
ated
into
futu
re in
vent
orie
s an
d to
ack
now
ledg
e im
prov
emen
ts a
tth
e la
ndfil
l. En
ergy
use
stu
dy to
diff
eren
tiate
bet
wee
n oc
cupi
ed a
nd•
unoc
cupi
ed h
ousi
ng.
Ener
gy u
se s
tudy
spe
cific
ally
focu
sed
on re
sort
•op
erat
ions
.
Char
t 11.
To
calc
ulat
e m
otor
veh
icle
ene
rgy
use,
the
rese
arch
team
det
erm
ined
that
the
best
avai
labl
e m
etho
d w
as to
use
Col
orad
o D
epar
tmen
tof
Tra
nspo
rtat
ion
traffi
c st
atis
tics
for E
agle
Cou
nty.
CDOT
dat
a do
es n
ot in
clud
e co
unty
road
s or
city
stre
ets.
Bec
ause
of t
his
mis
sing
info
rmat
ion,
this
inve
ntor
y’s
estim
ate
is in
here
ntly
con
serv
ativ
e an
dis
ver
y lik
ely
an u
nder
estim
ate
of to
tal
trans
port
atio
n en
ergy
use
. Be
caus
e of
the
econ
omic
impo
rtan
ce o
f I-7
0 to
the
regi
on fo
r des
tinat
ion
traffi
c, th
e hi
gh p
erce
ntag
eof
loca
l tra
ffic
on I-
70, a
nd th
e bu
ilt-in
unde
rest
imat
ion
due
to m
issi
ng c
ity s
treet
traf
fic,
the
rese
arch
team
cho
se to
incl
ude
100
perc
ent o
fI-7
0 tra
ffic
to re
pres
ent t
he c
ount
y’s
tota
l veh
icle
mile
s tra
vele
d.
Char
t 12.
The
maj
ority
of g
asol
ine
and
dies
elfu
el u
se is
for v
ehic
les
that
car
ry p
asse
nger
s.Th
e tw
o ba
rs o
n th
erig
ht re
pres
ent s
mal
lan
d la
rge
pass
enge
rve
hicl
es. C
ombi
ned,
they
acc
ount
for 7
9pe
rcen
t of g
asol
ine
and
dies
el g
allo
ns u
sed
inEa
gle
Coun
ty. M
ediu
man
d he
avy-
duty
truc
ksan
d se
mis
use
21
perc
ent o
f gas
olin
e an
ddi
esel
gal
lons
.
Char
t 13.
With
in th
e U.
S.tra
nspo
rtat
ion
sect
or, l
ight
-dut
yve
hicl
es (i
nclu
ding
pas
seng
er c
ars
and
light
-dut
y tru
cks)
wer
e by
far
the
larg
est c
ateg
ory,
resp
onsi
ble
for
61 p
erce
nt o
f em
issi
ons.
Med
ium
-an
d he
avy-
duty
truc
ks m
ade
up th
ese
cond
larg
est c
ateg
ory,
with
23
perc
ent o
f em
issi
ons.
Bet
wee
n19
90 a
nd 2
013,
em
issi
ons
natio
nwid
e in
the
trans
port
atio
nse
ctor
incr
ease
d m
ore
in a
bsol
ute
term
s th
an a
ny o
ther
sec
tor (
i.e.
elec
trici
ty g
ener
atio
n, in
dust
ry,
agric
ultu
re, r
esid
entia
l, or
com
mer
cial
).
Eagl
e Co
unty
Ene
rgy
Inve
ntor
y/
2014
dat
a on
ene
rgy
cons
umpt
ion,
spe
ndin
g an
d em
issi
ons
/ Ap
ril 2
016
14. E
nerg
y Us
e,in
mill
ion
BTUs
15. E
nerg
y Co
st
16. E
lect
ricity
Use
, in
mW
h17
. Ele
ctric
ity C
ost
Ener
gy p
er H
ouse
hold
per
Yea
r, 20
14El
ectr
icity
per
Hou
seho
ld p
er Y
ear,
2014
18. O
ccup
ied
and
unoc
cupi
ed h
ousi
ng u
nits
, 201
4Ea
gle
Coun
ty h
as a
hig
hpe
rcen
tage
of
unoc
cupi
ed h
ousi
ngun
its c
ompa
red
toCo
lora
do o
vera
ll, o
r to
non-
reso
rt c
ount
ies
such
as G
arfie
ld C
ount
y.Su
mm
it Co
unty
has
an
even
hig
her p
erce
ntag
eof
resi
dent
ial u
nits
cons
ider
ed u
nocc
upie
d.
Appe
ndix
Per c
apita
and
per
hou
sing
uni
t cal
cula
tions
are
one
way
toco
mpa
re o
ne c
omm
unity
’s e
nerg
y us
e to
oth
ers,
eve
n w
hen
popu
latio
n to
tals
are
diff
eren
t. H
owev
er, t
hese
cal
cula
tions
can
be d
iffic
ult t
o ap
ply
in a
reso
rt-d
omin
ated
com
mun
ity s
uch
as E
agle
Cou
nty.
Per C
apita
:A p
er c
apita
cal
cula
tion
divi
des
ener
gy u
se o
rem
issi
ons
by th
e pe
rman
ent p
opul
atio
n of
the
com
mun
ity, a
ssh
own
in C
hart
1 (p
age
1). T
he E
agle
Cou
nty
popu
latio
n us
edfo
r thi
s ca
lcul
atio
n w
as 5
2,83
1.
Char
t 1 s
how
s a
muc
h hi
gher
rate
of e
mis
sion
s pe
r cap
ita fo
rEa
gle
than
for C
olor
ado
or th
e Un
ited
Stat
es. E
agle
Cou
nty’
sla
rge
reso
rt in
dust
ry, w
hich
incl
udes
ski
lifts
and
on-
mou
ntai
nfa
cilit
ies,
and
a h
igh
dens
ity o
f lod
ging
, din
ing
and
reta
iles
tabl
ishm
ents
in e
aste
rn E
agle
Cou
nty,
acts
like
oth
er la
rge
ener
gy-u
sing
indu
strie
s w
ould
in s
kew
ing
the
per c
apita
emis
sion
s fig
ure.
Per H
ousi
ng U
nit:
Per h
ousi
ng u
nit c
alcu
latio
ns a
re a
noth
erm
eans
of c
ompa
ring
one
com
mun
ity’s
ene
rgy
use
to o
ther
s,sp
ecifi
cally
in th
e re
side
ntia
l sec
tor.
Thes
e ca
lcul
atio
ns d
ivid
eto
tal e
nerg
y us
e in
the
resi
dent
ial s
ecto
r by
the
num
ber o
fho
useh
olds
or r
esid
entia
l ser
vice
met
ers
in th
at c
omm
unity
.Th
is c
alcu
latio
n ex
clud
es e
mis
sion
s fro
m th
e co
mm
erci
alse
ctor
, avo
idin
g th
e im
bala
nce
seen
in C
hart
1.
How
ever
, the
per
hou
sing
uni
t cal
cula
tion
is a
lso
diffi
cult
to
appl
y in
Eag
le C
ount
y, be
caus
e a
high
per
cent
age
ofre
side
ntia
l uni
ts a
re u
sed
spor
adic
ally
or s
easo
nally
as
seco
ndho
mes
and
vac
atio
n re
ntal
s. T
hese
sec
ond
hom
es a
ndva
catio
n re
ntal
s us
e en
ergy
whe
ther
they
are
vac
ant o
roc
cupi
ed, a
lthou
gh th
ey w
ould
pre
sum
ably
use
less
ene
rgy
whe
n va
cant
.Th
e Co
lora
do S
tate
Dem
ogra
pher
repo
rts
that
of E
agle
Coun
ty’s
31,
675
hous
ing
units
(thi
s fig
ure
does
not
incl
ude
com
mer
cial
lodg
ing
prop
ertie
s), 3
8 pe
rcen
t wer
e co
nsid
ered
“vac
ant”
or u
nocc
upie
d in
201
4. C
olor
ado’
s av
erag
e va
canc
yra
te in
201
4 w
as 7
.6 p
erce
nt.
Utili
ty c
ompa
nies
, how
ever
, do
not d
iffer
entia
te b
etw
een
perm
anen
tly o
ccup
ied
hom
es a
nd s
pora
dica
lly o
ccup
ied
seco
nd h
omes
and
vac
atio
n re
ntal
s. S
o it’
s im
poss
ible
,w
ithou
t fur
ther
stu
dy, t
o ca
lcul
ate
ener
gy u
se b
y pe
rman
ently
occu
pied
com
pare
d to
spo
radi
cally
occ
upie
d ho
mes
.Fo
r thi
s in
vent
ory,
the
rese
arch
team
ran
the
per h
ousi
ng u
n it
calc
ulat
ion
both
way
s, d
ivid
ing
all r
esid
entia
l ene
rgy
use
by a
llho
usin
g un
its (s
econ
d ba
r fro
m ri
ght i
n Ch
arts
15-
18),
and
divi
ding
onl
y by
per
man
ently
occ
upie
d un
its (r
ight
bar
). N
eith
erba
r acc
urat
ely
depi
cts
aver
age
hous
ehol
d en
ergy
use
for E
agle
Coun
ty. D
ivid
ing
by a
ll un
its y
ield
s a
low
per
-uni
t ave
rage
, whi
ledi
vidi
ng o
nly
by o
ccup
ied
units
yie
lds
an u
nfai
rly h
igh
per-u
nit
aver
age.
The
true
nu m
ber i
s pr
obab
ly s
omew
here
in b
etw
een.
Wha
t is
a BT
U?Ch
arts
5 a
nd 1
5 re
port
tota
len
ergy
use
by
a co
mm
on u
nit,
Briti
sh th
erm
al u
nit o
r BTU
. On
e BT
U is
the
amou
nt o
f wor
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nd E
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sion
s by
Pop
ulat
ion
and
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seho
ld
Eagl
e Co
unty
Ene
rgy
Inve
ntor
y/
2014
dat
a on
ene
rgy
cons
umpt
ion,
spe
ndin
g an
d em
issi
ons
/ Ap
ril 2
016
Sour
ces
Spec
ial t
hank
s to
the
Eagl
e Co
unty
Com
mis
sion
ers,
Jean
neM
cQue
eney
, Jill
Rya
n an
d Ka
thy
Chan
dler
-Hen
ry, f
or th
eir
cont
inue
d w
ork
to a
ddre
ss c
limat
e ch
ange
, for
thei
run
ders
tand
ing
of th
e im
port
ance
of e
nerg
y, an
d fo
rco
mm
issi
onin
g th
is e
mis
sion
s in
vent
ory
for e
nact
ing
info
rmed
clim
ate
actio
n po
licie
s.
The
follo
win
g in
divi
dual
s pr
ovid
ed d
ata,
insi
ght,
supp
ort
and
expe
rtis
e fo
r thi
s re
port
: Jo
hn G
itche
ll an
d Ad
am P
alm
er, E
agle
Cou
nty
Hea
ther
McG
rego
r and
Alic
e La
ird, C
LEER
Chris
Men
ges,
City
of A
spen
Can
ary
Initi
ativ
eCh
ris H
ildre
d, H
oly
Cros
s En
ergy
Stev
e D
eGra
zio,
Xce
l Ene
rgy
Lisa
Pfit
zing
er a
nd R
enae
Cha
ndle
r, Bl
ack
Hill
s En
ergy
/So
urce
Gas
Aman
da N
olan
, Eag
le C
ount
y La
ndfil
lCh
ris A
nder
son
and
Jeffr
ey B
row
nbac
k, E
agle
Cou
nty
Airp
ort
Char
t 1U.
S. E
nerg
y In
form
atio
n Ad
min
istra
tion:
Car
bon
emis
sion
s by
stat
e: www.eia.gov/environment/emissions/state/analysis/
Colo
rado
Sta
te D
emog
raph
er’s
Offi
ce: P
opul
atio
n an
dH
ouse
hold
Est
imat
es fo
r Col
orad
o Co
untie
s an
dM
unic
ipal
ities
, 201
4: bit.ly/COCountyMuniHousing2014
Char
ts 2
- 7
Eagl
e Co
unty
Ene
rgy
Inve
ntor
y da
ta g
athe
red
from
Hol
y Cr
oss
Ener
gy, X
cel E
nerg
y, So
urce
Gas
, Col
orad
o D
epar
tmen
t of
Tran
spor
tatio
n, E
agle
Cou
nty
Airp
ort
Pitk
in, E
agle
and
Gar
field
Was
te C
ompo
sitio
n St
udy,
2009
,LB
A As
soci
ates
, fun
ded
by U
.S. D
ept.
of A
gric
ultu
reCh
art 7
In 2
016,
Bla
ck H
ills
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cqui
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as.
Char
t 8H
oly
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s En
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, 201
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issi
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rtCh
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gle
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nerg
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ory
data
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ge a
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usto
mer
coun
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athe
red
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y Cr
oss
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gy, X
cel E
nerg
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Gas
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Colo
rado
Dep
artm
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iles
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ata
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ided
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ff An
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t 12
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cle
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vele
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MT)
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a w
as c
ombi
ned
with
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n VM
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odel
201
4 pr
epar
ed b
y Ch
arlie
r Ass
ocia
tes
(201
5), t
he n
eare
st re
gion
al d
ata
avai
labl
e, to
est
imat
eve
hicl
e m
iles
trave
led
per v
ehic
le ty
pe, i
nclu
ding
car
s, p
icku
ps,
and
med
ium
and
hea
vy tr
ucks
.Ch
art 1
3U.
S. O
ffice
of T
rans
port
atio
n an
d Ai
r Qua
lity:
Fas
t Fac
ts: U
.S.
Tran
spor
tatio
n Se
ctor
Gre
enho
use
Gas
Em
issi
ons
1990
-201
3,EP
A-42
0-F-
15-0
32Oc
tobe
r 201
5: bit.ly/fastfacts15032
Char
ts 1
4 - 1
8U.
S. E
nerg
y In
form
atio
n Ad
min
istra
tion:
U.S
. & C
olor
ado
ener
gy c
ompa
rison
s: bit.ly/EIA-US-Colo
Colo
rado
Sta
te D
emog
raph
er’s
Offi
ce: P
opul
atio
n an
dH
ouse
hold
Est
imat
es fo
r Col
orad
o Co
untie
s an
dM
unic
ipal
ities
, 201
4: bit.ly/COCountyMuniHousing2014
Dat
a co
llect
ion
and
anal
ysis
by
Eric
a Sp
arha
wk,
CLE
ER, a
nd R
ick
Hee
de, C
limat
e M
itiga
tion
Serv
ices
Sour
ces
and
Ackn
owle
dgem
ents
Ener
gy In
vent
ory
Prot
ocol
The
Eagl
e Co
unty
Ene
rgy
Inve
ntor
y qu
antif
ies
tota
len
ergy
use
, cos
ts a
nd c
arbo
n em
issi
ons
by s
ecto
r and
by fu
el a
nd u
tility
sou
rce,
usi
ng 2
014
as th
e ba
selin
eye
ar.
The
inve
ntor
y’s
purp
ose
is to
und
erst
and
how
and
whe
reen
ergy
is u
sed
and
emis
sion
s ar
e ge
nera
ted.
With
this
info
rmat
ion
in h
and,
eac
h en
ergy
-usi
ng s
ecto
r can
iden
tify
oppo
rtun
ities
to in
crea
se e
ffici
ency
, red
uce
emis
sion
s an
d re
duce
cos
ts.
This
inve
ntor
y co
mpl
ies
with
the
U.S.
Com
mun
ityPr
otoc
ol fo
r Acc
ount
ing
and
Repo
rtin
g of
GHG
Em
issi
ons
(USC
P). A
t lea
st fi
ve e
mis
sion
-gen
erat
ing
activ
ities
mus
tbe
incl
uded
for a
n in
vent
ory
to b
e US
CP c
ompl
iant
. Thi
sin
vent
ory
surv
eys
five
activ
ities
: res
iden
tial e
nerg
y,co
mm
erci
al e
nerg
y, ve
hicl
es, a
viat
ion
and
the
land
fill.
CLEE
R: C
lean
Ene
rgy
Econ
omy
for t
he R
egio
nP.
O. B
ox 4
28 /
520
S. T
hird
St.,
Sui
te 1
7, C
arbo
ndal
e, C
olor
ado
8162
3(9
70) 7
04-9
200
/ Cl
eanE
nerg
yEco
nom
y.net
Appendix D: Glossary of Key TermsAdaptation – efforts by society or ecosystem to prepare for and adjust to future climate change (e.g., upgrading infrastructure to be prepared for climate change - induced changes in summer temperatures or annual rainfall)Climate – the average weather over 30 yearsClimate Change–astatisticallysignificantvariationineitherthemeanclimateorinitsvariability(decadeorlonger)duetonaturalor anthropogenic causesMitigation – an effort to reduce or prevent impacts of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., building more multi-modal trails to reduce vehicle use)Projection – a model that describes the future of the climate based on trajectories and dataTrend – the trajectory of past climate over short- and long-term periods of timeResilience – the capability to anticipate, prepare for, or recover from a complex, multi-hazard threatWeather – the current and short-term way the atmosphere is behaving
Appendix E: Literature CitedCO Integrated Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan. 2016. www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/integrated-solid-waste-management-plan
DoranandZimmerman.2009.ExaminingthescientificconsensusonclimatechangeTransactionsoftheAmericanGeophysicalUnion.
Eagle County. 2016. Eagle County Energy Inventory for year 2014. Eagle County Government and Clean Energy Economy for the Region. http://www.eaglecounty.us/EnvHealth/Documents/General/Energy_Inventory/
EnergyEfficiency-Report:AmercianCouncilforanEnergyEfficientEconomy.2014.www.aceee.org
GordonandOjima.2015.Coloradoclimatechangevulnerabilitystudy:AreportsubmittedtotheColoradoEnergyOffice.http://wwa.colorado.edu/climate/co2015vulnerability/
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 2014. Fifth assessment report. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg3/
Lukas et al. 2014. Climate Change in Colorado: A Synthesis to Support Water Resources Management and Adaptation. A report for the CWCB. http://cwcb.state.co.us/environment/climate-change
NASA. 2016. http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
State of Colorado. 2015. Colorado Climate Plan. http://cwcb.state.co.us/environment/climate-change
StateofColoradoDepartmentofLocalAffairs(DOLA).2016.StateDemographyOffice-Dashboard.Accessed7/2016;https://dola.colorado.gov/demog_webapps/dashboard.jsf
Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community | Page 40
Climate Action Plan
for the Eagle County
Community