HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.council.044-07
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RESOLUTION NO. 44
Series of 2007
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, ADOPTING THE
CANARY ACTION PLAN AND THE COMMUNITY GHG EMISSIONS REDUCTION
GOALS.
WHEREAS, the City Council has, through the creation of the Canary Initiative,
recognized that global warming and its affects upon the health and economic well-being
of Aspen citizens and guests is, and should be, of the highest priority for the City of
Aspen; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that global warming of the magnitude
now predicted by the scientific community will cause extreme and costly disruption of
human and natural systems throughout the world, including Aspen and other similar
mountain communities; and
WHEREAS, climate change is possibly the most critical current threat to Aspen's
way of life, health, and economy; and
WHEREAS, local actions can help to pave the way for national and international
leadership; and
WHEREAS, the Aspen Global Warming Alliance recommended the emissions
reduction goals and approved the Action Items in the Canary Action Plan; and
WHEREAS, the citizens and economic stakeholders of Aspen were solicited
through public meetings and their ideas incorporated in the Canary Action Plan; and
NOW, WHEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ASPEN, COLORADO, THAT:
Section One.
The City Council of the City of Aspen hereby approves the entitled "Canary Action
Plan" as mandated under the Canary Initiative.
Section Two.
The City Staff is hereby directed to:
1. Execute the Action Items identified in the Canary Action Plan for
implementation.
2. Pursue community and government emissions reductions strategies
through specified policy action and community outreach and education
-~-~~~-,-,-,'-'-""'-~~--'-""-"-~-
to achieve the GHG emissions reductions goals outlined in the Canary
Action Plan.
INTRODUCED, READ AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the C'ty of Aspen on the.,:::'?
daYOf~'2007.
I, Kathryn S. Koch, duly appointed and acting City Clerk do certify that the
foregoing is a true and accurate copy of that resolution adopted by the City Council of the
City of Aspen, Colorado, at a meeting held "--7tJ
,~OO~
athryn S. Koch; City Clerk
DRAFT
E. Landfill: Waste Reduction & Recycling
The City shall promote solid waste management practices that reduce GHG emissions and promote commu-
nity understanding of the relationship between solid waste reduction and global warming.
Principles for Reducing Emissions from Solid Waste
1. Reduce the generation of solid waste, including source prevention and reduction in packaging and
other excess materials by recovering materials from the waste stream for direct reuse and recycle
whenever possible.
Reducing waste, recycling and reusing products and materials all reduce GHG emissions. Preventing waste
at the source and reducing extraneous materials like packaging reduces the need for raw materials and energy
throughout the life cycle of manufacturing, transportation, reuse, and eventual disposal. Using recycled materi-
als in manufacturing processes typically requires substantially less energy than using virgin materials. Lasdy, de-
creasing the amount of waste sent to landfills reduces emissions of methane (a GHG more potent than carbon
dioxide). Pitkin County is currendy in the process of exploring electricity generation from methane capture.
Should this project go forward the City of Aspen will work with the County to purchase electricity from the
landfill.
the 2006 baseline by
Government Actions
2007-2009
1. Track waste disposal and recycling practices and quantities at all City facilities. Use this information to set a
recycling rate goal for City facilities.
Objective2: Decrease the amount of solid waste generated.
DRAFT
Government Actions
2007-2009
1. Require that all events that receive City funding minimize waste.
a. Establish policy that would require that all City-funded events to be "Zero-Waste".
b. Create a 'Guide to Zero- \\'aste' for departments.
c. Secure use and location for compost bin.
d. Obtain a supply of reusable materials and utensils for small City meetings and functions, and
develop a strategy to reuse them.
2. Expand City policies for greater paper reduction.
a. Use recycled products with at least 30% post consumer recycled-content. Investigate establishing
standards for the purchase of additional recycled-content products.
b. Require purchasing printers and copiers with duplexing capacity.
c. Make duplexing the default setting for all City owned computers.
d. Implement a City practice of posting and/ or circulating memos, using fax post it notes or
reusable cover sheets, dedicating one tray in printers to "recycled" paper (i.e. paper that has
already been printed on one side).
3. Require City contractors and vendors to documcnt the use of recovered material in their product and fol-
low environmentally responsible solid waste management practices.
4. Require that all City funded construction projects be deconstructed and/or use 10% of recycled -content
and or reclaimed products.
Community Actions
2007-2009
1. Explore policy action to require the use of compostable plastic, recyclable paper and/ or reusable checkout
bags by all stores located in the City of Aspen.
2. Expand the viability of deconstruction (and use of recycled materials) for small and large scale building
projects throughout Aspen.
3. Increase curb side recycling and other residential/ commercial recycling.
4. Develop residential food and yard waste collection options.
5. Assist local businesses in implementing improved solid waste management practices and recycling.
6. Continue to promote the reuse and recovery of electronic devices and increasing recycling capacity.
DRAFT
F. Localization: Carbon Offsets, Food & Other
Principals for Enhancing C02-e Sequestration and Mitigation
1. Pursue carbon-offset strategies to complement, but not substitute for, local emissions reduction
strategies.
2. Promote consumer behavior that reduces GHG emissions by purchasing locally produced food
and other products and services.
Offsets
One of the largest and easiest up-front actions Aspen can t;ke to mitigate its GHG emissions is to purchase
carbon offsets. However, there are a few important limitations to offsets that must be addressed for an off-
set purchase program to be scientifically and economically sound. There is not a given ratio of money to any
specific weight of carbon offset; different renewable energies and efficiency measures produce or save varying
amounts of electricity and thus mitigate carbon emissions at varying levels. Adding to this uncertainty is the
fact that the carbon market in the United States is currently unregulated; there arc no rules or baselines for the
industry, leading to an overall lack of transparency and consistency in accounting and implementation of offset
programs. Wbile the purchase of offsets does consolidate small amounts of funding for large-scale offset
projects, because the money leaves the community, an offset program is ultimately an economic and financial
drain as it fails to increase the efficiency or economic development of the cotnmunity investing in offsets.
To address both of these issues, the City of Aspen with cooperation from the Board of County Commisioners
and CORE will create a local offset program in which revenue from locally purchased offsets will go towards
funding local carbon offset projects, and energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. This ",ill allow the
City to accurately track the volume of emissions offset per dollar invested and actually reduce the emissions for
which Aspen is responsible. A local offset program could also provide additional funding for the longer term,
more complex residential and transportation action measures.
Food & Other
The large'scale food and beverage industry uses huge amounts of energy for growing, cooking, cooling, freez-
ing, cold storage and transport. The average North American, purchasing conventional groceries, contributes
on average 4.3 tons of greenhouse gases per year in food alone. The purchase of local or organic foods con-
tributes 90% less GHGs on average. In terms of energy 9.14 % of total energy consumption in the U.S. is due
to the production, processing and transportation of food. The transportation of food within the US accounts
for over 20% of all commodity transport and results in at least 120 million tons of C02-e emissions every
year.
A good way to address the issues surrounding food is to look at how we can get the services we want while
minimizing the energy used to procure them. The concept of a service based economy has been pioneered
by Aspen's neighbor Amory Lovins, who points out that, " people don't actually want kilowatt-hours of elec-
tricity or barrels of oil, but rather the 'end-use services' they provide-lighting, heating, refrigeration, mobil-
City of Aspen Canary Initiative
Climate Action Plan
2007-2009
. .. .
www.CanarYlmttattve.com
DRAFT
Table of Contents
Letter from the Mayor
Introduction............................. ...................................................................1
The Science of the Greenhouse Effect..................................................3
Aspen's Story .................................................... ...... .............. .... .................. 6
Canary Action Plan Components..........................................................14
A. Policy, Research & Education......................................................... 17
B. Buildings: Energy Efficiency ..........................................................20
C. Transportation: Air & Ground.......................................................23
D. Electricity.......................................................................................... .28
E. Landfill: Waste Reduction & Recycling.........................................30
F. Locali7.ation: Offsets & Food .........................................................32
Adaptation ............................... ..... ............ ....... ..................... .....................35
The City of Aspen would like to thank the City Environmental Health De-
partment staff for its innovation and support of this project. Special thanks
to the Aspen Global Warming Alliance members for their guidance and
input and to the Community Office for Resource Efficiency for their col-
laboration. The City of Aspen would also like to thank Portland's Office of
Sustainable Development which generously allowed the City of Aspen
to use its 'Global Warming Action Plan' as a template for the
Canary Action Plan.
DRAFT
May 2007
Dear Aspen Residents and Visitors,
On behalf oj the City oj Aspen and the Aspen City Counci~ it is my pleasure to
introduce the Canary Initiative Action Plan, With its long history oj commitment
to protection oj the environment, the City oj Aspen recognizes the significant threat
global warming poses not onfy to our beautiful valley and its quality oj life, but to the
global community, In 2005, the city adopted the ambitious Canary Initiative that
identifies Aspen and other mountain communities as the canary in the coal mine for
global warming. The goal is to aggressivefy reduce Aspen s carbon footprint to protect
our communitys future, and to contribute to global reduction oj global warmingpol-
lution.
In coryunction with Aspen:r Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory and Climate Im-
pacts Assessment, the Action Plan outlines the steps Aspen can take to achieve neces-
sary reductions in its carbon emissions.
It is Aspens hope that we will be successful in our reduction oj carbon emissions, and
that our commitment and action will be an example to other communities. This is
not to scry Aspen doesn't have a long wcry to go, because it does - but we have taken
the first steps and will continue to take the necessary steps to meet the global warming
challenge - a challenge unlike atry other. If we are to ensure our communitys future,
and leave our children and grandchildren a livable planet, we all must commit ourselves
to this challenge.
I urge all to join us. Together we will make a difference.
Helen Kalin Klanderud
Mcryor
DRAFT
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Global climate change presents one of the foremost economical, social
and environmental threats to the new century. Increasing concentrations
of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are causing higher temperatures.
These increases are expected to lead to: more frequent intense storms,
rising sea levels, changes in precipitation, snow pack and water availability,
biodiversity loss, species extinction, changes in infectious disease inci-
dence, increases in mortality due to heat stress, and human displacement.
The scientific community agrees that human
activities are almost certainly contributing to the rise in global temperature.
The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through burning fos-
sil fuels to generate electricity, manufacture goods, heat our homes, power
our transportation, and grow our food is trapping additional heat in the
atmosphere, thus causing global warming.
Global warming is more than a quality of life issue. It is about our furture
ability to live and how that future rests on the choices we make in our daily
lives. In order to address the threats presented by global climate change,
governments, businesses and the individual citizen must take action now
and into the future. The City of Aspen recognizes the need to address the
political challenges we face head-on, with facts and figures, and with an ac-
tion agenda that involves the entire community. This Canary Action Plan
seeks to fulfill our fundamental desire to continue to raise the standard of
living by taking an active, responsible approach to protect our environ-
ment, increase our economic prosperity, and foster a sustainable commu-
nity. Only by taking action now can we fulfill the desire to provide future
generations with the same quality of life we enjoy.
"People say time changes things, but really you
have to change them yourself."
-Andy Warhol
DRAFT
Introduction: The Canary Initiative - A Local Plan for Action
In March of 2005, the City of Aspen adopted a plan to aggressively address global warming by reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time other cities from around the county also recognized the need to
address greenhouse gas emissions locally in the absence of federal action. With the leadership of Mayor Nick-
els of Seattle, the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement was created. Since then signatory cities and other
U.S. cities concerned about global warming have been pioneers, working as individual entities and collabora-
tors to address this shared and immensely challenging issue through policy, education, business partnerships,
and leadership. Aspen was one of the first to take the lead by creating a comprehensive plan to address global
warming- the Canary Initiative.
The Canary Initiative is so named because Aspen (which is economically dependent on winter snow for recre-
ation and summer snow pack for water supply.) sees itself as a canary in the coal mine for climate change. The
Initiative called for: a green house gas (GHG) emissions inventory, an assessment of impacts due to climate
change, an action plan and eduction and advocacy on regional, state and national levels. This document, the
Canary Action Plan, is intended as the central policy piece for the Initiative and will outline the City of Aspen's
goals for addressing global warming and how they can be achieved. The Canary Action Plan is also meant to
act as a mechanism to monitor progress and as a guiding document for all policies developed within the City
of Aspen.
DRAFT
The Science of the Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is essential to life as we know it. Without it, the Earth would be permanently icy and
inhospitable. The greenhouse effect results when naturally occurring water vapor and other gases in the Earth's
atmosphere absorb some of the infrared energy radiating from the sun thus warming Earth's surface. These
gases, called greenhouse gases (GHGs), allow Earth's atmosphere to function as a sort of thermostat, keeping
temperatures on Earth ",-ithin a specific habitable range. Increasing the atmospheric concentration of these
energy-absorbing gases primarily from human combustion of fossil fuels, has and will continue to disrupt the
global climate, substantially altedng temperature and precipitation patterns.
The gases of greatest concern are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and halocarbons.
. Carbon dioxide, which is produced primarily through burning gasoline, natural gas, coal, and oil is
the largest contributor to the greenhouse effect, with emissions estimated to be over 80% of all U.S.
GHG emissions.
. Methane is the result of decomposing landfill waste, manure and fermentation from livestock,
fertilizers, mining, and natural gas and accounts for 100/0 of U.S. emissions.
. Nitrous oxide, comes from agricultural soil management and combustion engines and accounts
for 5% of U. S. emissions
. Halocarbons, \vhich include chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochloro-Ruorocarbons, and
perfluorocarbons, are typically produced during the industrial process and account for approximate
11' 3~/O of U. S. emissions.
. Black Carbon aerosols from fossil fuels and biomass burning also have a warming effect, as docs
black carbon soot which changes the albedo of snow and ice causing them to melt more quickly.
DRAFT
Changing patterns of land use and land cover can also contribute to climate change in three important ways.
First, C02-e is removed from the atmosphere through naturally occurring physical, chemical, and biological
processes and is deposited in sediments. These sediments are carried by tectonic action below the crust for
millions of years and later are released back into the atmosphere through ocean vents and volcanoes. The car-
bon cycle and concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been relatively stable, fluctuating up and
dO'-'TI by about 30 percent during the ice age and interglacial cycles (see figure on p. 5). However, since humans
began extracting and burning fossil fuel deposits accumulated over millions of years in just the last several
hundred years, the natural carbon cycle has been significantly altered.
Portage Glacier, Alaska
Photos: NOA.:\ Photo Collection and Gary Braasch - WorldViewOfGlobal\X'arming.
Boulder Glacier, Glacier National Park
Photos: George Grant, Glacier National i\rcruve; Jerry DeSanto, national Park Service
Second, land surface disruption that disrupts the natural uptake of carbon dioxide -- such as the slash and
burn clearing of tropical forests -- also contributes to a build-up of C02 in the atmosphere. Because soil, for-
ests, and plankton remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, change in vegetation type alters the amount
of stored carbon. Since the industrial revolution began, fossil fuel combustion and disruption of the land
surface has increased the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by 37 percent and continues to
climb at an unprecedented rate. Finally) patches of land and \vater covered in snow or ice reflect n10rc heat,
while patches of trees, dark ground and water absorb more heat. As more land and water is uncovered by
melting snow and ice, the earth's surface absorbs more heat. This warming leads to more tnelting which causes
more warming in a self-reinforcing cycle known as a positive feedback cycle.
DRAFT
The Earth is Warming... and so is Aspen
There is no scientific debate that the atmospheric concentration of GHGs is increasing and that this is leading
to significant changes in the global climate. In 1988 the United Nations and the World Meteorological Orga-
nization convened the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC remains the primary
authority on global climate change and (since its inception) bas pointed to the human contributions to global
wannlng.
The 2001 IPCC Third Assessment, drawing on an expanded and improved body of scientific research, con-
cluded that temperatures are likely to be much hotter than previously expected. The report found that a range
of scenarios is expecred to lead to a temperature rise of between 2.5 degrees F and 10.4 degrees F by 2100.
The report also strengthened its conclusion about the role of humans, finding that "there is new and stronger
evidence thar most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities."
Stacked records C02-e (blue) with the temperature proxy (white) from the European Project for Ice Coring
in Antarctica (EPICA) ice core from Dome Concordia covering the last 650,000 years. The isoropic records
indicate the sequence of 6 full glacial cycles [EPICA Community Members, 2004]. New C02-e data measured
at the University of Bern are from ice at older than 420,000 years. These data confirm that the present C02-e
concentrations in the atmosphere are unprecedented for least the last 650,000 years.
Gort' Power Point: An Inconvenient Truth Slide Presentation and Science, submitted, 2005. Spahni, R., et aL
DRAFT
Aspen Climate Impacts Assessment
In Aspen scientists have already observed measurable effects of global warming. Over the past 25 years aver-
age temperature has increased 3 degrees F, frost free days have incteased by about 20 per year (see inset chart),
while overall precipitation has decteased by 6%-17% (depending on elevation), and the amount of precipita-
tion falling as snow has decreased by 16%. These and other findings were compiled in the Aspen Climate
Impacts Assessment (ACI1\) released in July 2006:
the "low" (optimistic) emissions
scenario, in which global green-
house gas emissions peak around
500 ppm, Aspen is projected to
experience about 6 degrecs F of
additional warming by 2100, giv-
ing it a similar climate to that of
Los Alamos, New !'vlexico. Un-
der the "high" scenario, in which
global clnissiol1S would continue
their rapid "business as usual" increase to around 700pplU, Aspen is projected to warm 14 degrees F by the
end of this century, giving it a similar climate to that of Amarillo, Texas. Aspen and the world can do better
than the "l<W,r" scenario, but we must start noVl.
Using the 2000 IPCC report, state
of the art climate models, and
data specific to the Aspen area the
J\CIA was able to make climate
projections and illustrate the pos-
sible consc<-]ucnces of tempera-
ture change through the end of
the century.
The projcctions used three dif-
ferent climate scenarios. Under
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Frost.free days per year in Aspen as recorded at the Aspen National Weather Service
Cooperative Network Station, 1949-2004. In 1980 the Station was moved approx. 200 ft.
higher- causing the graph to depict less warming than actually oo:.:urred.
Climate Change and Aspen: An ~\ssessment of Impacts and Potencial Responses- Aspen
Global Change lnstitute 2006
The changes to climate and environmental systems that are likely to occur in the Aspen area under both sce-
narios, high or low, will affect the local environment, economies, and our quality of life. Some of these impacts
are listed on the following page.
DRAFT
Likely Impacts from Global Warming
Colorado and the other western Rocky Mountain states rely on snow pack for at least 75% of their water stor-
age. Increases in temperature \\~ll have significant impacts including, but not limited to:
. Peak run-off coming earlier; adversely altering the \'vorking of natural water distribution
. Decreased natural water storage
. Increased summertime droughts
. Increased potential for water shortages throughout the \'<;'estern Rockies
Current low water levels at Lake ~'fead
Pine beede kill forests in CO
As temperature and C02-e concentrations increase, the plants and animals of Aspen's fragile alpine ecosystems
will likely be adversely affected:
. Local plant and animal c01nmunities will be pushed upward in elevation, causing
fragmentation and diminishing populations
. Some plant and animal populations will disappear altogether
. Tree growth will be limited by drier summers
. Spruce-fir forests will become more vulnerable to spruce beetle infestations (this is
already seen in SUlnmit County's current blight and predicted loss of 900/{) of its
spruce-fir forests by 2(10)
. Aspen stands will become susceptible to gypsy moth invasions
. All forests will be increasingly susceptible to wildfires
Aspen's economic base as a resort ski town will also be affected by warmer temperatures due to the following:
. The winter starting later and spring snow melt coming a month earlier
. The ski season starting later and ending earlier
. Degradation of snow quality and an increase in precipitation coming as rain
. Reduced snow making capacity due to warmer temperatures and decreased water availability
ror more key findings and in-depth illfimnation, }Oll can dOlVnload each chapter or the fillll~por/ 'Climate Chan,ge alld Aspen:
An Assessment 11/ Impacts and Potential Raponses' by the AJpen Global Challge Instilllte at hip:/ / lVlvw.a,gci.01;g/.
DRAFT
Aspen's Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In 2004 the Aspen community's emissions totaled 840,875 tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (C02-e) or 50
tons of C02-e per person, which is roughly double the US. per capita average. The break-down of GHG
emissions produced in Aspen is illustrated in Graph (1) below. If Aspen's emissions increase at the same rate
projected for the rest of U.S. they will reach 1,116,291 tons by 2025. Forecast emissions are based on popula-
tion growth and the associated increases in energy use and vehicles miles traveled. Commercial and industrial
energy uses are projected to increase as well.
The Aspen Greenhouse Gas Emissioll" Invelltory Summary on the following page shows GHG emissions in Aspen
by sector and fuel. These inventories do not include halocarbons, nor do they consider land use and land cover
changes. A detailed description of the Aspen Emissions GHG Inventory and methodology is available at
wwwaspenglobalwarming.comjwhereC02comcsfrom.cfm.
Graph 1: GHG Emissions by Sector
(short tons)
Aspen Emissions: Major Sources 2004
Thallands of Tans CO...
60
20
~
20
00
80
60
~
o
Aspen Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2004: Richard Heedc, Climate ~Etigati()n Services.
DRAFT
City of Aspen / Canary Initiative Summary
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DRAFT
A Community Goal for Reducing Emissions
A rapidly increasing demand for energy will make slowing the growth in emissions a challenge. Reducing total
emissions will be even more challenging. Like all challenges, getting started is often the most difficult step.
Realizing this, the City began with small, achievable steps while simultaneously conducting more scientific
research and community outreach. In 2005, the City of
Aspen made a legally-binding commitment to reduce
its GHGs (government operations only) by 1% per
year by joining the Chicago Climate exchange and in
doing so created the GHG cap and trade challenge of
a 1 ~/o emissions reduction for all internal City depart~
ments (see inset).
By the end of 2006 the City of Aspen reduced its
emissions by 11.5% below 2005 levels. Aspen also
made a commitment to reduce community-wide emis-
sie)l1s when Mayor Klanderud signed the U. S. Mayors
Climate Protection Agreement in 2005. The Agree-
ment calls for communities to meet the Kyoto Proto-
col, however, Aspen did not set an official community
goal initially. After the release of the Aspen Climate
Impacts Assessment (hcreafter referred to as the
ACIA), Canary Initiative staff held meetings with the
community at large, reprc~entativcs from the sectors specified in the Canary Action Plan, and with the Aspen
Global Warming Alliance. The consensus was that the City of Aspen needed to set a very aggressive reduc-
tion goal. Combining this directive with the information received from the ACL\, recommended targets from
the IPCC, and the emissions reduction path laid out by state of California, the following community goal was
established (see Graph 2, page 12).
The Energy Behind the Goal
Economic and population growth, the energy intensity of our economy, and the carbon intensity of that
energy have historically been the four factors responsible for produing the GI IGs that drive global warming.
I Iowever, population and economic growth are broader community issues that are not addressed in this plan,
except to point out how certain efficiency strategies can enhance the economic bottom line. Instead, this plan
seeks to achieve absolute reductions of GHGs (not tied to per capita consumption and regardless of economic
expansion) by directly addressing the energy intensity of our economy and the carbon intensity of energy.
DRAFT
To do this, the first thing we must do is lower the 'energy intensity' of our econolny - doing more \\11th less en-
ergy. This means that while we still need to heat and cool our buildings, and transport ourselves and our goods,
we must do so with much greater efficiency useing far less energy during the process. Lowering the 'energy
intensity' through improved energy efficiency has the added benefits of simultaneously lowering energy bills,
reducing our dependence on foreign energy, and strengthening local economies. Thus, it is extremely impor-
tant to immediately capture the 'low hanging fruit' and reduce our 'energy intensity' through energy efficiency
and by implementing existing technology.
E~qually important to lowering the 'energy intensity' of our activities is the need to lower the 'carbon intensity'
of the energy we do use. Today nearly all of our energy comes from the burning of fossil fuels - the domi-
nant source of global warming pollution. I t is crucial that we replace this energy with clean, rencwable energy
sources such as wind, hydro, solar and biofuels. While the renewable energy industry is still in its infancy, we
undoubtably havc the ingenuity to make thc current technology more cost-cffective as well as create new and
improved technology to lead us into the future. Investing in renewable energy technolocy today decreases
emissions now, encourages development of better technologies, thus ultimatly enabling us to achieve our end
goal.
Establishing a goal and creating an action plan are only the beginning,
Impressive achievements in building energy efficiency, transportation,
recycling, and renewable energy have already helped and will continue
to help Aspen reduce per capita emissions. However, significant po-
litical and community will is needed if these goals and the challenges
presented by global warming are to be met. Ultimately, meeting this
challenge will be a direct result of individual action that drives a
revolution.
DRAFT
Graph 2: Aspen Emissions Scenarios to 2100
To05eo 2.
Aspen GHG emissions 1990-2100: three scenarios
1,600,000
600,000
Aspen 2004 emissions:
840,875 tons C02-eq
1,400,000
1,200,000
400,000
, ,000,000
800,000
200,000
Aspen on business as usual (IPCC's A 1)
Aspen on IPee's 81 emissions path
-Aspen Emissions Goals 2020 and 2050
(200,000)
1990
2000
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
2060
2070
2080
2090
2100
Year
Above are three emissions scenarios for Aspen to 2100.. The base year is 2004 with emissions of 840,875
tons CO,." The black line represents a business-as-usual scenario, with an emissions peak in 2050. The blue
line shows the IPCC's B 1 scenario applied to l\spen, with an emissions peak in 2040. The red line shows the
emissions path proposed by Canary Staff as the City's emissions targets: reductions of 30% of 2004 by 2020
and by 80% of 2004 by 2050 with a peak in 2008.
Aggregate Emissions: 1990-2100 for each scenario
"",5pen BAD (lrcc A 1).............. ..................... .................... .......130.1 million tons of CO".-
......96.4 million tons of CO",
Aspen's Emissioos Goals 2020 and 2050. ....................,.. ...........37.2 million tons of CO2_t;'
Aspen Bl scenatto......................
Scenarios and chart by Rick Hcede, Climate 1..fitigacion Services, January 2007.
DRAFT
Public Process, Results & Actions
The final Canary j\ction Plan is the result of collaboration between the Aspen Global Warming Alliance,
members of the public, businesses, non-profit organizations, utilities, and City and County staff The draft plan
was released for public comment in April 2006, and copies were distributed to community members and the
various entities listed above. As is illustrated in the section, '~\ Community Goal for Reducing Emissions", the
City of Aspen held meetings ,,"th community members and the specific sectors highlighted in this document,
building, transportation and electricity, to present the draft and to invite comments and improvements. Com-
munity members and sector representatives were encouraged to engage in conversation with City staff regard-
ing how to address global warming and were invited to submit conuncnts on the Canary Action Plan.
The final plan makes use of much of this feedback in identifying specific measures that the City government
can implen1cnt to reduce emissions. This plan also emphasizes a need to equip community leaders and decision
makers with the knowledge and tools needed to address the causes, and expected impacts, of climate change
so that they may lead their families, neighborhoods, and companies to reduce GHG emissions in the ways
tllost effective to them.
The City of Aspen recognizes that in order to reach any meaningful goal for emissions reduction, consider-
able effort will be reqnircd by the City, Pitkin County, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA),
County Employees Advocating Saving Energy (CEASE), other local governments, utilities, schools, the com-
l11crcial and non-proht sectors, individual residents, and visitors. In the interest of open dialogue and with the
recognition that the problems of, and solutions for, global warming will continue to evolve the Canary Action
Plan will also continue to evolve. Emissions reduction goals and sector objectives willlikcly remain the same,
however, the action items will be retired and updated at the time of each inventory as deemed necessary by
staff and City Council. The City of Aspen will continue to engage ti,e public sector and community at large in
the Canary Action Plan. Ideas for future n1casures are listed in the document "Canary Action Ideas" which can
be found online at www:canaryinitiative.org. C01nments and suggestions for this document can also be submit-
ted via the web site.
I t is vital that everyone recognize that addressing global warming requires action on the individual level. [,:ach
of us can and must make a difference. For example, the typical Aspen household generated approximately
52,540 pounds of C02-e in 2004. The Canary Counter on page 16 gives average individual emissions for a
U.S. resident and can be used to calculate personal emissions. To precisely calculate and track your personal
emissions as well as the money you spend on energy services, you can use the Energy Tracker. To access the
Energy 'Tracker visit WW\\~canaryinitiative.com click on "Calculate Your C02 Emissions" and click on En-
ergy Tracker. If you choose to fill out the Energy Tracker please consider sending it to us at globalwarming@
ci.aspen.co.us . Your data "ill help the City learn more about the energy usage of local citizens. To learn how
you can reduce your individual emissions please go to the Canary Initiative web site or feel free to contact the
City of Aspcn Canary Initiative at (970) 429-1831. To learn morc about the impacts of global warming on "in-
ter sports and to speak out for federal action please visit \V\\'"\v.savesnow.com. For more information on how
to make your home energy efficient please visit WW\\T.:lspencore.org.
DRAFT
Canary Action Plan Components
This plan identifies five priJnary sections "\\.>ith specific GHG reduction targets and timelines as well as a Policy,
Research & Education section which will help enhance the success of the other five strategies but is not cred-
ited directly with quantifiable reductions. Each section has a set of main objectives. These objectives, which act
as the core of the Canary Action Plan, will be met by key reduction measures that will be revisited every two
years, when the Emissions GHG Inventory is updated. Table (1) indicates the target reductions for each com-
ponent in units of short tons (2,000 pounds).
Table (1) : Action Plan Sections & Reduction Goals from 20041evels (in tons)
Component/Emissions reductions in tons of C02-e by _2020 2050
Policy, Research & Education................. ............ ............. ........... ......... ............. ....... NA
Buildings: Energy Efficiency......................... ..............................21 ,351.......... ...85,403
Ground & Air.............................................................................111,132...........444,530
Electricity: Renewable Energy....................................................33,311...........133,246
Landfill: Waste Reduction, Recycling..........................................2,315................9,262
Carbon Offsets: Local Energy Offsets............................................66...................259
TOTAL...................................................................................... .168, 1 75............672,700
Objectives
A. Policy, Research & Education
1. Ensure that education and policy decisions at all levels - government, business, and indi-
vidual - seek to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Provide education in a variety of venues, and data needed by the community to understand the
need for action to reduce global warming.
B. Buildings: Energy Efficiency
1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2004 levels in all City of Aspen
facilities by 2009.
2. Require all new construction (commercial & residential) to be 500/0 more energy
efficient than the International Energy Conservation Code by 2009.
3. Encourage and incentivize existing buildings (commercial & residential) to reduce
GHG emissions 20% below 2004 levels by 2009.
C. Transportation: Ground & "'\it
1. Reduce the volume of single occupancy traffic into Aspen and around town.
2. Create a mass transit-oriented transportation alternative into Aspen that is more convenient and
affordable and has lower GHG emissions per passenger mile than the average private vehicle.
3. Increase the use of highly fuel-efficient and low emissions-fuel engines and machinery in em-road
and off-road vehicles.
DUAFT
4. Require that all new development projects have a net decrease in transportation related emissions
cOlllpared to existing development conditions.
5. Reduce emissions from air travel.
D. Electricity
1. Generate and/or purchase 45% of Aspen's electricity (community-wide) from renewable
resources by 2012.
E. Landfill: Waste Reduction & Recycling
1. Increase the overall solid waste recycling rate by 20% over the 2006 baseline by 2009.
2. Decrease the amount of solid waste generated.
E Carbon Offsets: Local Energy Offsets, Forestry & Other
1. Provide a reliable and effective option to offset GHG emissions.
2. Educate City staff and the community on the global warming impacts of the industrialized food
supply chain and encourage the cultivation and purchase of locally produced foods.
Indicators & Other Measures of Success
Tracking and measuring the results of the Canary Action Plan is very important as it will help City staff deter-
mine the success of the Action Plan, and in doing so, will guide future policies, outreach, and education. The
City of Aspen will mo;'itor the success of Canary Initiative efforts by updating the inventory for all GHG
emissions (within the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary) every two years and at the same time prepare a report
on our progress in implementing this plan. The report will include data on local energy use, renewable power
purchases, travcl, solid waste disposal, and recycling rates. The progress report will also identify areas from the
plan needing continuing work as well as additional actions from the Canary Action Ideas to pursue over the
next t\VQ years. The follo\ving indicators will be used to measure the Canary Action Plan's success.
. Tons of C02-e reduced
. Tons of C02-e offset
. Energy upgrades performed through the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) and
Holy Cross incentives
. Nutnber of City departments actively reducing emissions
. Number of businesses tracking their energy use and actively reducing their emissions
. Number of households tracking their energy use and actively implementing efficiency measures
. The carbon intensity of each dollar spent in the local economy
. Average annual daily trips into Aspen
. Tourism and lodging occupancy
(PleaJ' nole thai all of IheJefadors applyfor activity ocmnin.g wilhin Ihe Aspen Urban Growth Boundary)
DRAFT
The Canary Counter
Per household greenhouse gas emissions
Source Units Rules of Thumb
Electricity
~11-
Natural Gas I
Propane tt
Waste
~~
kWh
(Aspen Electric)
kWh
(Holy Cross Energy)
kWh
(Xcel Energy)
kWh
(Renewable credit)
CCF
(Kinder Morgan)
gallons
(Propane)
gallons
of trash can)
# of full
recycling bins
$100 electric bill = 1,300 kwh
Total Ibsl Total Ibs
Units unit of CO2
0.611
1.65
2
-1
10.077
'- 10.077
62.5
500
$100 electric bill = 1,000 kwh
$100 electric bill = 900 kwh
$2.50 Renewable fee -
100 kwh
$100 gas bill = 100 CCF
$100 propane bill = 40 gallons
(size standard can = 32 gal
large can wi hinged lid = 96 gal
1 bin I wk = 500 Ibs I yr
Air Miles
~
gallons (gasoline)
gallons (diesel)
miles (RFTA bus)
miles (carpooling)
miles
(commercial)
20 miles = 1 gallon
20 miles = 1 gallon
Glenwood to Aspen = 45 miles
Glenwood to Aspen = 45 miles
Aspen-New York = 1,895 miles
Aspen - LA = 935 miles
Aspen - Chicago = 1,021 miles
Aspen - Miami = 1,828 miles
Aspen - Paris = 4,980 miles
19.59
22.38
0.23
0.69
0.574
Tree Planting
# of trees planted
trees act as a carbon 'sink' thus
preventing the carbon dioxide it
absorbs from entering the
atmosphere
-25
DRAFT
Canary Action Plan
A. Policy, Research and Education
The City of Aspen will assume a leadership role in taking aggressive, prudent action to reduce GHG emis-
sions. This action will be rooted in performance-bascd policy to allow creativity and flexibility in accomplish-
ing our goal. Policies will strive to incorporate life-cycle analysis, considering the long-term costs and impacts
whenever feasible, so that policy makers and the community and can make better decisions. High quality,
accurate, and timely information is essential to implementing these policies successfully. The City must ensure
that the community has access to this information and becomes increasingly aware of global warming and the
impacts residents and businesses have on GHG emissions.
Objective 1: Ensure that education and policy decisions at all levels - government, business,
and individual - seek to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Government Actions
2007-2009
1. Update the inventory of GIIGs from City operations and track related solid waste, energy, economic, and
environmental data every two years starting with 2007 data.
2. Explore City initiated funding mechanisms to reduce GHGs.
a. GflG reduction impact fee on development.
b. GHG reduction fee for city government utility accounts.
c. System improvement fee and/ or a system benefit charge and/or energy intensity target-based
billing for electricity, natural gas, and propane.
d. W'aste diversion charge dedicated to GHG emissions reduction.
e. Extend parking pricing to all appropriate areas to reduce single occupancy vehicle use, and dedi-
cate a portion of revenue to reduce vehicle miles traveled.
f. Increase paid parking rates as needed.
g. Offset program with revenue dcdicated to local rcduction projects.
h. Establish a carbon tax that dedicates its revenue to future energy efficiency projects.
3. Expand education of employees and department heads on global warming with a focus towards specific
operational changes that can be made to reduce GHG emissions.
a. Require employee education on fuel efficient driving and reducing energy consumption at work.
b. Create an interactive web page/blog where City employees can share progress and ideas, and
solicit feedback for energy efficiency and other C02-e reducing measures.
PROGRESS 2006: At the All City Employee Meetillgs durillg Ottober 2006 time was spmt educatillg, sharillgprogress
and takingjeedback from staff on the Canary Initiatit!e.
DRAFT
4. Establish policy that accurately accounts for specific dcpartmcntal energy use/savings.
a. Explore allocating cnergy use/ expenclitures to the respective City department budgets.
b. Help City departments establish their own GI-IG reduction action plans, consistent with or
exceeding community goals.
PROGRESS 2006: In 2006. Jlafl aui.rted the Parks Department in (reating it.r own adioll plan.
c. Create an employee advisory committee to advise the Canary Initiative on ways the city can con-
tinue to reduce GHG emissions.
5. Review all major City policies and programs in the early stages of development to integrate the goals and
actions set out in this plan and to identify other ways to reduce related GHG emissions.
a. Explore the feasibility and implications of converting the down town Fire Hearth into an alterna
tive fuel demonstration project, that if successful in providing a lower emissions output would act
as an example of a low emissions alternative to other conventionally fueled 'decorative' fire places or
hearths in Aspen.
6. Identify the largest areas of growth in Aspen and forecast future emissions from projected growth rates in
order to effectively target emission reduction policies.
Objective 2, Provide education, in a variety of venues, and data needed by the community
to understand the need for action to reduce global warming,
Community Actions
2007-2009
1. Implement and support education and outreach programs to inform local and regional elected officials, the
general public, media, and community leaders about the causes and impacts of and solutions for global
warrmng.
a. Demonstrate how it is possible to improve Aspen's economy and cnviromncnt through emissions
reductions.
b. Improve community understanding of global warming and the projccted global, regional and
local impacts of climate change.
c. Inform residents, businesses, and institutions about how their actions affect global warming by
reporting C02-e Ibs on utility bills, energy audits on transfer of property, etc.
d. Encourage residents, businesses and institutions to reduce GHG emissions via City
programs, public meetings, public educational events, etc.
c. Provide tcachers and students with access to educational materials about global warming.
d.. Create educational programs, groups and challenges in the local schools that advocate sustainable
living and global warming awarness.
DRAFT
PROGRESS 2006: (a) In 2005 JtaJf mnduiled a workJhop jor ACRA memhm on how to liS( energy efficiency as an
economic development tool. (b) In 2005 & 2006, Jtaii presented the Canary Initiati,;e to reprmntativeJ fi'om over 50 "fies
and over 20 organizations. (c) FOllr 'town meetingJ' wm held to Jolidt publkjiedback. Prw releases for the GHG EmiJ-
Jions ftwentory and the ACIA received e:wellentloca! and regional coverage. Additional media coverage haJ included Colorado
Public Radio, Nationa! Pllb!ic Radio, ABC News, as well as t11lmerollJpieceJ on !owl radio, TV and newspapers. The Aspen
Climate Ailion Conjilm"', hosted in October 2006 was attended by at'er 120 repreJentati,'eJjrom reJorts, towns and bllsinwes
ji'om arollnd the West.
2. Provide tools to the community to estitnate its GHG elnissions and make emissions reductions.
PROGRESS 2006: ne Energy Tracker was introduced to individllals e::.,. bllsinesses with the help of Maroon Corps. At
feast 4 major businesses are nonf tracki/(g their ene~f!,Y mnsumption. Our website
www.cana~J!initiative.com provideJ !1JaI!Y resourcesfor emissions redudions. Bonnet,jlle Elw;ronment foundation a/so created
www.aspengmntagJ.org that a!lows A.pettites to quantify their GHG emiSJions with !ocal acmracy and offiettheir emisJiotlS
online - with 10% of the promds returning to Aspenfor emiSJions reduilion projectJ.
3. Encourage and support reduction efforts at regional, state, national and international levels.
a. Work with other cities to create sound climate policy.
b. Support efforts to lobby for state and federal climate policy.
PROGRESS 2006: In order to ad,'ocate for change at a larger Hale as ,vell as learn from othel' "fies, Aspen has been a
member 0/ ICLEn Cities jor Climate Protedion Jince 1997 and haJ participated in thm U.S. Mayors Summits including
Sundan,". The City has been a supporter of Native Ene~f!,Y. To ad,'ocate jor Jtate action on GHG} the City tol!borates with
Rocky Mountain Rail Authority and iJ a plimary Jponsor and active participant in the Colorado Climate Projed.
4. Prepare a progress report on the Canary Action Plan every two years, and propose action items for the sub-
sequent years, starting in 2008 in conjunction with the updated emissions inventory.
DRA.FT
B. Buildings: Energy Efficiency
The City of Aspen will collaborate with the Community
Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) in scope, staffing
and budget to promote energy efficiency and conservation
as the preferred strategy. With REMP funding and funds
generated through other local emissions offset programs,
CORE will take a lead role in developing energy-saving
programs and continue to build partnerships with other
valley governments, non-profits, utilities and private sector
business to implement energy programs.
,Principles for Reducing Building Energy Use:
1. Consider community values along with a broad defini-
tion of cost effectiveness that includes total costs to indi-
viduals and all resource savings.
2. Benefit allncighborhoods and citizens with particular
attention to low income residents.
3. Support local business and expand local infrastruc
ture for delivering energy-efficiency services.
Greenhouse gas emissions from buildings accounted for
32.5 % of Aspen's GIIGs in 2004. Electricity, natural gas,
and fuel generated 273,311 tons of greenhouse gas emis-
sions in 2004. The GHGs associated with electricity use in
the Aspen Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 2004 ac-
curately reflect the carbon intensity frOIn each source: coal,
nuclear, hydroelectric and wind generation.
The energy efficiency objectives arc achievable, but ambi-
tious, particularly given the growth trends and changing nature of the energy industry. Fully implementing and
expanding existing CORE programs and other City, County, State, and regional initiatives as well as the servic-
ing utilities will capture maXimUlTI energy savings.
Objective 1: Reduce GHG's 20% below 2004 levels in all City of Aspen facilities by 2009.
Government Actions
2007 -2009
I. Invest in all energy efficiency measures with simple pay backs of 10 years or less.
DRAFT
PROGRESS 2006: MajO/'projects that have heen implemented or apprwed indude hoiler replacement at the 1I7heeler Opera
HOIlJe, energy audits at the Red Bri,*- & Yellow Brick school bllildings an1 some affordable hOllsing 1Inits, distribution pumps
.lor the water de/il!ery system, irrigation pllmp replai'ement at the golf ,'01lrse, and $1 million worth oj improvements at the
Aspen Recreation Center. Several other minor projeds have been implemented or funding ha.r hem approwd
2. Require the calculation of life cycle cost analysis in the City j\sset Management Program when applicable
under the "Energy Systems & Materials checklist".
3. Develop and adopt energy and resource-efficient building standards for all existing City facilities.
a. Require all city-funded remodel projects to exceed the International Energy Conservation Code
by 15 % on retrofits.
b. Require Energy Star<i\l or equivalent products, when available, for any new equipment that uses
electricity or nahlral gas.
e. Explore requiring audits of affordable housing properties at time of sale, funded by the City.
Improve audited units to the Energy Star<i\l level or better.
PROGRESS 2006: Tbe High Performance Building Policy was incorporated into city policy, requiring all city:fllllded projetis
to estahlish peiformance targetf, ind1lde them in the budget and bid process and provide lifecyde analysis.
3. Continue to convert City street lights and work with CDOT to convert traffic signals to the most cnergy ef-
ficient technology where appropriate.
Objective 2: Require all new construction (commercial and residential) to be 50% more
energy efficienct than the International Energy Conservation Code by 2009,
Community Actions
2007 - 2009
1. Actively promote/ expand the implementation of local residential energy efficiency programs funded
through CORE, City of Aspen, and utility providers. Continue to expand financing for the purchase of high-
efficiency appliances at time of thier replacen1ent, heating and cooling systetTIs, weatherization services, and
renewable energy systelTIs.
a. Implement community based outreach efforts to promote energy and water conservation, solid
waste reduction, safety, and livability.
PROGRESS 2006: (a) The City oj Aspen Utilities Departmetltla1lnched a Demafld Side Managemeflt program includi1(g
financial aSJiJtani'efor appliance rehates, r(!lewahle energy systems and ener,gy audits. (h) Preset1tatiofls on waste redlli'tion and
recycling were ,gilJen by EH and Canary staff to local 5tb graderJ and the general pllhlii' through America Rtcydes Day.
b. Provide efficient building design assistance and technical resources to Aspen residential
developers, designers, home builders, and residents.
DRAFT
c. Develop and implement a plan whereby each housing and commercial unit in Aspen must meet
its REMP requirements through on site renewable energy and efficiency practices, effectively
retiring the REMP in-lieu fee option within a 10 year period through incrcmental increases in the
percentage of renewable energy required and raises in the fee structure.
2. Increase energy efficiency requirenlents for all construction.
a. Expand the requirements for the Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (REMP) in residential
projects and extend it to include commercial development.
PROGRBSS 2006: The City set very high performam'e targetsfor recent affordable hOllslngprOJ'cts. BTlrlingame residential
Tllllts are expected to be 50% more elJi,ient than the Internatlollal Energy Efftdemy Code.
Objective 3: Encourage and incentivize existing buildings (commercial and residential) to
reduce GHG emissions 20% below 2004 levels by 2009,
Community Actions
2007-2009
1. The City of Aspen ",,-ill actively promote! expand the implementation of local residential energy efficiency
programs funded through CORE, the City of Aspen and utility providers. Continue to expand financing for
the purchase of high-efficiency appliances, heating and cooling systems, weatherization services, and renewable
energy systems.
a. Facilitate the auditing and weatherization of 50 households.
b. Implement community based outreach efforts to combine and promote energy and water
conservation, solid waste reduction, safety and livability.
c. Provide efficient building design assistance and technical resources to Aspen developers,
designers, builders, and building users.
PROGRESS 2006: The Gty Is in the process of condllctln.g it.r first rOTlnd of aTldits on affordable homing IInlts aroTlnd
A.rpen.
2. Increase energy efficiency requirements for all construction.
a. Explore requiring an energy rating of residential properties at time of sale.
b. Explore requiring energy use per square foot benchmarking for commercial properties at time of
sale, change of use, and/ or building permit application.
3. Assist small businesses, non-profit organizations, and public agencies to gain access to energy efficiency
serVIces.
PROGRESS 2006: In 2006 the Maroon Corp.r and the Canary Initiatioe teamed Tip to assist local bTl.rlnesses In tracking
tbler energy flse and GHG eml.rsions via the Ener;gy Trmker, Identifying strategies to redllce emissions, and potentially offset
emissio11s.
DRAFT
C. Transportation: Air & Ground
The City shall pursue energy efficient transportation that provides convenient, affordable access to goods, jobs,
education, recreation, and information with reduced G HG emissions.
Principles for Reducing Transportation Emissions:
1. Actively encourage and continue to itnprovc the means of public and alternative
transportation.
2. Promote the economic, environmental, and social benefits of alternative transportation, including
developing an active and healthy community.
In 1993 the City of Aspen adopted the Aspen Area Community Plan which outlined several transportation
goals to reduce congestion and air pollution, most of which would also reduce GHG emissions. Thirteen years
later the accomplishments from this plan include maintaining Hwy 82 traffic volumes at 1993 levels, develop-
ing a comprehensivc Transportation Demand Management program, instituting paid parking, the purchase of a
valley-wide transportation corridor, and significant transit improvements.
Recently the City requested COOT undertake a re-evaluation of the Entranee to Aspen EIS and is currently
conducting a eommunity proeess to determine a solution to the long debated issue. The City views alternative
transportation to be a crucial element to reducing GHG emissions. \'{re recognize that reducing transportation
emissions will require a multi-pronged approach. First, the need for vehicle trips in and out of Aspen should
be reduced as much as possible. Second, a clean-fuel transit system must make access in and out of the city
convenient and affordable, while producing emissions much lower than today's levels. These two measures by
themselves might actually increase emissions by reducing cars on the road thereby making driving that mueh
lnore attractive. Therefore, a third cOlnponent is necessary which is to discourage or even limit driving into
Aspen.
Objective 1: Reduce the volume of single occupancy traffic into Aspen and around town.
Government Actions
2007 -2009
1. Expand City policies to further encourage alternative transit whenever appropriate for employee commuting
and to require alternative transit during travel for business whenever feasible.
2. Reduce per employee vehicle miles traveled in City vehicles by 10% by 2009 by promoting teleconferencing
and the availability of pedestrian and bicycle transit and carpool options for business commutes and trips.
a. Promote the City Car Share program to City departments.
DRAFT
PROGRESS 2006: Starting in 2006, each departmellt was challenged to reduce its GHG emissiolls 1% below a 2005
baseline. If the department met the ,goal, every employee receilJed a $100 bonlls. If the entire City met the goal, each employee
got an additional $1 00 bonlls. This challenge inc/uckd tracking electricity, natllral gas, ,gasoline, diesel and air trUl)e/. Partly as
a reflllt of thi.r challellge, the Cit)' redllced it.r emiHions 11.5% the firsl)'ear, with lIearl)' all departments meeting their goals.
In additioll to the challenge, an interactilIC chnklist of redllction strategies (ine/llding alternative transportation options) was
prolJided.
3. Continue to encourage City telecommuting and flexible hours policies to avoid one commuting day per
month per employee (average).
Community Actions
2007-2009
1. Continue to work as a member of RFT A to improve transit service in the Roaring Fork Valley by increasing
the speed, frequency, reliability, and attractiveness of transit service between and within valley communities.
a. Partner with surrounding communities and RFTA to implement Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) includ-
iog faster valley service, new vehicles (alternative fuel, cleaner, greener, quieter), new or enhanced
transit centers, ITS Components, valley-wide trail, and valley-,,~de safe pedestrian/bike linkages
with public transit as quickly as possible.
PROGRESS 2006: The City Council, CDOT. the Transportation department and RFTA experimented loith meral
options to illcrease transit service and implemented a bus lane down Main Street that greatly improlJed tramit service. RFT A
also initiated y, hOllr service to the lower Roaring Fork Valley and committedfund., to purehasillg more hybrid buses.
2. Expand the participation in the Transportation Options Program (TOPs) and reduce single occupancy ve-
hicle (SOV) rrips by 10% .
a. Expand the number of businesses that offer transit passes to all employees and tourists by 10%.
b. Encourage businesses to offer transit passes to customers/clients.
c. Encourage businesses to provide transportation in and around Aspen so that personal vehicles
arc not necded to commutc.
d. Encourage all employers who offer subsidized parking to employees to also offer a parking
"cash out" - an equivalent payment to employees \\Tho do not require vehicle parking.
PROGRESS 2006: The Cit)' sponsers the Roaring Fork V"lley Vehie/es Car,fhare program.
3. Extend paid parking to/increase parking rates in all appropriate areas to SOV use, and dedicate excess rev-
enue to reduce vehicle miles traveled.
PROGRE,fS 2006: P(/rking Department staff proposed (/ plan to expand the limits of p(/id parkillg.
DRAFT
4. Investigate a City-wide residential parking permit and state-wide registration fee based on a vehicle's GHG
emissions. Revenue should go towards reducing use of SOVs.
5. Advocate for transit-based alternative transportation to and from Denver, competitive with the personal
automobile.
Objective 2: Create a mass transit-oriented transportation alternative into Aspen that is more
convenient and affordable and has lower GHG emissions per passenger mile than the aver-
age private vehicle,
Community Actions
2007-2009
1. Commit to endorsing the lowest emissions, transit oriented solution that is feasible for the Entrance to
Aspen.
Objective 3: Increase the use of highly fuel-efficient and low emissions fuel engines and
machinery in on-road and off-road vehicles.
Government Actions
2007 -2009
1. Create City policy that sets a minimum fuel-efficiency for each class/type of vehicle purchased.
a. Increase the average fuel efficiency of passenger vehicles in the City fleet by 10% by 2009.
2. Require the use of low or no-C02-e technologies in all City vehicles and equipment, such as medium-duty
construction equipment.
a. Dedicate funding for research and development of these technologies.
3. Educate all employees on fuel-efficient driving practices, such as avoiding unnecessary idling.
4. Maintain EPA's "Best Environmental Practices for Fleet Maintenance", or similar policy in the City's Street
Shop.
PROGRESS 2006: The City .JtreetJ Departmmt iJ currently ".ring thi.r practice.
DRAFT
Community Actions
2007 -2009
1. Shift all SOV trips above 1993 levels to alternative modes.
2. Strongly advocate raising the federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard.
3. Encourage the use of low or no-C02-e technologies in non-road vehicles and equipment.
4. \'X/ark to increase private citizen fuel efficiency.
a. \Xlork with vehicle maintenance providers to educate consutners about the potential savings and
impact on fuel consumption of maintaining vehicles properly and practicing fuel--dficient driv-
ing techniques.
b. Support programs to retire and recycle inefficient vehicles.
Objective 4: Require that all new development projects have a net decrease in transportation
related emissions compared to existing development conditions,
Government Action
2007-2009
1. Establish City policy that requires a net decrease in transportation related emissions compared to existing
developments, such as affordable housing projects (this may involve offsetting new GHG emissions).
2. Minimize construction traffic on Highway 82 and around town.
a. Limit parking passes for construction projects.
b. Work with the construction industry and transportation providers to reduce vehicle trips to and
ftOnl construction sites. This could include new services for shuttling workers, tools and materials.
Community Actions
2007-2009
1. Continue to support the connection between land use and transportation impaets by supporting the City of
Aspen's Community Development Office in its effort to align City policies in both areas.
3. Continue to promote growth through redevelopment and infill that maintains or improves the quality of life
for existing neighborhoods.
a. Explore limiting development where alternative transportation options are not available.
DRAFT
3. Expand the City's TOPs Program, which includes policies to reduce vehicle miles traveled and increase non-
motorized vehicle trips.
4. Implement new parking ratios in the Land Use Code and support programs that allow for innovative new
development to occur with alternative transportation in design.
a. Explore loosening parking requirements for development where significant alternative transpor-
tation options arc incorporated.
5. Continue, as a member of RFI'A to work with other jurisdictions/ organizations to improve access to transit
serVIces.
PROGRESS 2006: Tbe City Transportatioll department Clnd RfTA experimented witb s,,'eral options to increase tran-
sit sen'Ii", and implemented a hus lane down Main S treetthat greatly improtJed transit servil<. RFTA also initiated i'2 haul'
servil< to the lower Roaring Fork Vallry and committed fundf to p"rchasing more hybrid bllses.
Objective 5: Reduce emissions from air travel.
Community Actions
2007-2009
1. Conduct a new comprehensive GHG Emissions Inventory of the air travel emissions of residents and visi-
tors arriving and departing from the airport in Aspen.
2. Work with the Board of County Commissioners, the Aspen Pitkin Airport and CORE to create, manage and
promote a voluntary carbon offset program funds from which will be invested in local, verifiable ghg emissions
offset projects and efficiency programs in order to mitigate ghg emissions from air travel.
3. Encourage the use of more fuel efficient jets and discourage use of less fuel efficient jets.
PROGRESS 2006: United Airlines, with the SIIPport of Aspen Pitkin Airport purchases a new fleet of CRJ700s
therehy il/creasillg theirfue! efficiet/€y hy approx. 30%.
4. Encourage visitors and residents to use the most fuel efficient tnethod of transportion ,vhen traveling Den-
ver, Eagle or Grand Junction.
a. Promote alternative transportation to visitors and encourage fuel efficient rental car fleets.
5. Explore new technologies for auxiliary power units (APUs), runway taxi energy use, etc.
DRAFT
D. Electricity
Aspen Electric provides renewable energy at no additional charge to the customer. Holy Cross Energy offers
cllst01ners the option of purchasing electricity from renewable sources.
Principles for Reducing Building Energy Use:
1. Support environmentally responsible, sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal,
biomass, and small hydroelectric power plants.
2. Meet all growth in electricity demand since 2004 with new, zero-carbon dioxide sources of electric-
ity with an end goal of 100% renewable energy by 2015.
The City anticipates that future development of renewable energy resources by Holy Cross Energy, other re-
gional utilities, and private power producers will depend substantially on customer demand. However, because
Holy Cross Energy serves a substantial portion of the population within the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary,
the City is committed to working with it directly as we estimate it will need to substantially increase its renew-
able portfolio if we are to meet the Canary Initiative emissions reduction goals.
The GHGs associated with electricity use in the Aspen Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 2004 were
calculated to accurately reflect the carbon intensity from each source, such as coal, nuclear, hydroelectric and
wind-generated electricity. It should be noted that per the steps outlined in this plan, our electricity will contin-
ue to be generated by more and more renewable energy sources, therefore lowering its 'carbon intensity', and
thereby making it a 'clean' source of energy. \XThen it becomes cleaner than natural gas and oil, we 111a1' turn to
electricity to meet the needs of heating our buildings and/ or powering our vehicles. Although this would likely
result in more energy use, greenhouse gas emissions could drop dramatically. This is an example of how we
must constantly re-evaluate our energy use, always focusing on lowering 'energy intensity' and 'carbon inten-
sity.'
Objective 1: Generate and/or purchase 45% of Aspen's electricity from renewable resources
by 2012,
Government Actions
2007-2009
1. Create a plan to generate and/ or purchase 100% of Aspen Electric's electricity from renewable energy re-
sources or as close to it as is feasible.
a. Expand the Demand Side Management program to reduce demand by 5% by 2009.
b. Install on-site renewable energy systems at appropriate City facilities.
c. Continue to explore cost effective opportunities to invest directly in new larger-scale renewable
projects like wind, photovoltaic, geothermal, and landfill gas systems.
d. In all new contracts with outside electricity providers require that 10% of the purchased portfo
lio be from renewable sources.
e. Require any new coal power the City buys be "clean" to encourage innovative technology.
DRAFT
PROGRESS 2006: ThiJyearAspen Electric increased its percentage of non-carbon electricity to 73% tbrollf,b increased
bydroelectric output and an increased investment iI/ wind-generated electricity. Aspen Eleclric ba.r also intplemmted a Demal/d
Side Mal/f{gement Program il/celltil'iZil/g mergy ejJi,imC) tbrol(gb rebates..4Jpm Electric is a/Jo exploring tbe IJiability of
bui/dil/g anotber bydroelectric pial/I.
2. Explore establishing a 'hot water' utility where hot water would be produced by renewable resources and
could be provided for space and domestic water use.
3. Explore partnering with Pitkin County by purchasing electricity from the methane recaptute project at the
landfill, should the project develop.
Community Actions
2007-2009
1. Encourage Holy Cross Energy, through its customers, staff and board of directors, to inctease its renewable
energy portfolio to 25%.
PROGRESS 2006: As a fo"l/dil/g melllber of CORE al/d tbe Aspm Globa/lFannil/gAlliance, Holy Cross Energy baJ
beel/ actil'ely pursuing rmewable mergy and demal/d side managemenl. Tbeir existing remwable energy portfolio is 7.5%. of
tolaloutput.
2. Include renewable resource requirements in utility franchise agreements.
3. Support the deployment of small-scale renewable energy systems in mobile applications.
4. Provide technical assistance to builders and developers to incorporate passive solar design, solar water heat-
ing and photovoltaics in building-integrated designs.
5. Support a gradual increase in the renewable percentage requirement under Colorado Amendment 37- Tbe
Rm'n>able EI/ergy Stal/dard..
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E. Landfill: Waste Reduction & Recycling
The City shall prOlTIote solid \-vaste management practices that reduce GHG emissions and promote commu-
nity understanding of the relationship between solid waste reduction and global warming.
Principles for Reducing Emissions from Solid Waste
1. Reduce the generation of solid waste, including source prevention and reduction in packaging and
other excess materials by recovering materials from the waste stream for direct reuse and recycle
whenever possible.
Reducing waste, recycling and reusing products and materials all reduce GHG emissions. Preventing waste
at the source and reducing ex~rancous materials like packaging reduces the need for raw materials and energy
throughout the life cycle of manufacturing, transportation, reuse, and eventual disposal. Using recycled materi-
als in manufacturing ptocesses typically requires substantially less energy than using virgin materials. Lastly, de-
creasing the amount of waste sent to landfills reduces emissions of methane (a GHG more potent thancarbon
dioxide). Pitkin County is cuttently in the process of exploring electticity generation from methane capture.
Should this project go forward the City of Aspen will work with the County to purchase electricity from the
landfill
Objective 1: Increase the overall solid waste recycling rate by 20% over the 2006 baseline by
2009,
Government Actions
2007 -2009
1. Track wastc disposal and recycling practices and quantities at all City facilities. Use this information to set a
tecycling rate goal fot City facilities.
Objective2: Decrease the amount of solid waste generated,
DRAFT
Government Actions
2007-2009
1. Require that all events that receive City funding minimize waste.
a. Establish policy that would require that all City-funded events to be "Zero-Waste".
b. Create a 'Guide to Zero-Waste' for departments.
c. Secure use and location for conlpost bin.
d. Obtain a supply of reusable materials and utensils for small City meetings and functions, and
develop a strategy to reuse them.
2. Expand City policies for greater paper reduction.
a. Use recycled products with at least 30(%1 post consumer recycled-content. Investigate establishing
standards for the purchase of additional recycled-content products.
b. Require purcliasing printers and copiers with duplexing capacity.
c. Make duplexing the default setting for all City owned computers.
d. Implement a City practice of posting and/ or circulating memos, using fax post it notes or
reusable cover sheets, dedicating one tray in printers to "recycled" paper (i.e. paper that has
already been printed on one side).
3. Require City contractors and vendors to document the use of recovered material in their product and fol-
low environmen tally responsible solid waste management practices.
4. Require that all City funded construction projects be deconstructed and/or use 10% of recycled --content
and or reclaimed products.
Community Actions
2007 -2009
1. r,xpand the viability of deconstruction (and use of recycled materials) for small and large scale building
projects throughout Aspen.
2. Increase curb side recycling and other residential! commercial recycling.
3. Develop residential food and yard waste collection options.
4. Assist local businesses in developing and implementing improved solid waste management practices and
continue to increase commercial recycling.
5. Continue to promote the reuse and recovery of electronic devices and increasing recycling capacity',
DRAFT
F. Localization: Carbon Offsets, Food & Other
Principals for Enhancing C02-e Sequestration and Mitigation
1. Pursue carbon-offset strategies to complement, but not substitute for, local emissions reduction
strategies.
2. Promote consumer behavior that reduces GHG emissions by purchasing locally produced food
and other products and services.
Offsets
One of the largest and easiest up-front actions Aspen can take to mitigate its GHG emissions is to purchase
carbon offsets. However, there are a few important limitations to offsets that must be addressed for an off-
set purchase program to be scientifically and economically sound. There is not a given ratio of money to any
specific weight of carbon offset; different renewable energies and efficiency measures produce or save varying
amounts of electricity and thus mitigate carbon emissions at varying levels. Adding to this uncertainty is the
fact that the carbon market in the United Srates is currently unregulated; there are no rules or baselines for thc
industry, leading to an overall lack of transparency and consistency in accounting and implenlentarion of offset
programs. While the purchase of offscts does consolidate small amounts of funding for large-scale offset
projects, because the money leaves the con1nlUnity, an offset program is ultimately an economic and financial
drain as it fails to increase the efficiency or econon1ic development of the conununity investing in offsets.
To address both of thcse issues, the City of Aspen with cooperation from the Board of County Commisioners
and CORE will create a local offset program in which revenue from locally purchased offsets will go towards
funding local carbon offsct projects, and energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. This will allow the
City to accurately track the volume of emissions offset per dollar invested and actually reduce the emissions for
which Aspen is responsible. A local offset program could also provide additional funding for the longer term,
more complex residential and transportation action lneasures.
Food & Other
The large scale food and beverage industry uses huge amounts of energy for growing, cooking, cooling, freez-
ing, cold storage and transport. The average North American, purchasing conventional groceries, contributes
on average 4.3 tons of greenhouse gases per year in food alone. The purchase of local or organic foods con-
tributes 90% less GHGs on average. In terms of energy 9.14 % of total encrgy consumption in the u.s. is due
to the production, processing and transportation of food. The transportation of food within the US accounts
for over 20% of all commodity transport and results in at least 120 million tons of C02-e emissions every
year.
A good way to address the issues surrounding food is to look at how we can get the services we want while
minimizing the energy used to procure them. The concept of a service based economy has been pioneered
by Aspen's neighbor Amory Lovins, who points out that, " people don't actually want kilowatt-hours of elec-
tricity or barrels of oil, but rather the 'end-use services' they provide-lighting, heating, refrigeration, mobil-
DRAFT
ity, or cold beers and hot showers." With food, in order to supply the desired pwduct and avoid the energy
consumption and waste usually incurred in the process, we need to reduce and simplify the long and cOluplex
energy chain it takes to get food f.rom the farm to the shelf. At each stage in the chain there is loss and waste,
both of which add to cost and create pollution. Shorter chains are therefore inherently more economically
efficient and environmentally sound as they reduce packaging and rransport-related energy consumption.
Thus, a particularly powerful action which can be taken at the local and individual levels is to purchase lo-
cally pwduced food. There are also local economic and environmental benefits produced from localizing food
consumption: From an economic perspective onc dollar spent in your community will circulate roughly seven
times before leaving, whereas one dollar spent on an imported producr leaves the community immediately.
Environmentally, buying locally protects open agricultural lands and other local natural resources.
Objective 1: Provide a reliable and effective option to offset GHG emissions.
Government Actions
2007-2009
1. Establish a local trust, either through CORE or through another contracted entity to manage a local off-
set program that would keep the majority of revenue local. This program would allow residents, businesses,
visitors and governmental bodies to purchase offsets and provide funds to invest in local emission reduction
projects, such as renewable and energy efficiency projects and specified offset programs. The reductions from
these programs would be tracked and inventoried and would work to reduce the overall Aspen Emissions
Inventory.
PROGRESS 2006: Bonne/Jille Ef/IJironmentall'IJflndation (BEF) created www.aspengreentags.com a w,b page that allows
IIsm to calmlate their emissions and Pllrchase 'greelltc{gS' to offset their emissions. BEF has agreed to retllrn 10% of revenlle to
CORE jor liS' in its existingjllndingproj,et.f.
2. Explore requiring permitted events to reimburse all City departlncnts for energy use and offset their respec-
tive emissions.
a. Require permit applications to quantify projected GHG emissions.
Community Actions
2007-2009
1. Create a comprehensive marketing plan for the local offset program which, among other strategies, effec-
tively integrates it with the 'ZGreen Visitor' program.
2. Work with special events to mitigate their ghg footprint by p\\rchasing offsets from the local program.
DRAFT
Objective 2: Educate City staff and the community on the global warming impacts of the
industrialized food supply chain and encourage the cultivation and purchase of locally
produced foods.
Government Actions
2007-2009
1. Create a 'Low Carbon Footprint' guideline for all city-funded events, including picnics, parties and meetings,
that encourages food providers to purchase product within a SOO mile radius.
Community Actions
2007-2009
1. Survey the ,".spen area to inventory existing and potential land for food cultivation, and catalog what types
of food are currently being and could be produced.
2. Increase the land area dedicated to food cultivation.
a. Support the expansion and matience of the Community Garden.
b. Incentivize local food cultivation to homeowners and businesses.
3. Create and maintain on-line resources for the global warming impacts and solutions for food.
a. Create and maintain an on-line list of available locally-grown food and restaurants in the valley.
b. Provide an on-line resource that assists the public in quantif}~ng the carbon footprint of various
foods.
c. Create a booth at the Farmers Market for Aspen locals to share and sell small quantities of home
grown food.
DRAFT
Adaptation
This section is a place holder for future setions that may need to be added.
Aspen bas beenfeelin<~ the effedr of climate change for at least a quarter ,mtury. Tbe Aspen Climate
Impact ASJeJJment haJ afro identified that we experieflce more change - and perhaps much greater cbange
_ in tbe dmJdes to come. Unfortunately Jve ba/le committed to some additional change because of the nature
of globalwarmillgpollution. Some GHGJ remain in the atmOJpherefor up to a l?ntury, .1'0 thefossilfuels
burned a half century ~~o will Jtill be impacting climate ,hangefor some time.
It isfor tbiJ reason that in addition to ~ggressil'ely redudng olir GHG emiJJions, we mUJt aim adapt to a
raPidly ,han..~illg emlironment. To do .1'0 in a slistainablefaJhion reqliires tholight, collaboration and ,n-
ativity. The City of Aspen and tbe AJpen Global Warming Alliamv wOlild like to lindertake, su,h an
endea/lor by creating an Adaptation Plan. It is olir intent to add this to the Canary Artion Plan Jometime
in thefliture. TbiJpage iJ a plarebolderfor that plan.
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