HomeMy WebLinkAboutClimate Action PlanCity and Borough of Sitka
Climate Action Plan
June 11, 2010
Sitka Climate Action Plan Task Force:
Michelle Putz, Chairperson
Paul Olson, Co-Secretary Kenyatta Bradley, Co-Secretary
David Nicholls Norman Campbell
Kerry MacLane Jack Ozment, Assembly Liaison
David Neel Juliet Agne, Americorp Intern
Former Members:
Steve Ash, Ward Eldridge, Carter Hughes
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION Page Number
1.0 Summary 1
2.0 Climate Action Planning Background 3
2.1 Introduction 3
2.2 Implications Of Climate Change for Sitka-Adaptation and Mitigation 5
2.3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Sitka 10
2.4 Sitka's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets 12
2.5 Adjustments to Baseline Data 13
2.655,000 Tons of eC02 : Sitka's Electricity Shortfall 14
3.0 Emissions Reduction Initiatives 16
3.1 Actions Already Accomplished 17
3.2 Recommendations from Energy Audits 19
3.2.1 City Buildings -Energy Audit Initiatives 19
3.2.2 School Buildings -Energy Audit Initiatives 21
3.3 Other Initiatives: Facility Heating 22
3.3.1 City Buildings Heating 23
3.3.2 School Buildings Heating 24
3.4 Other Energy Efficiency Initiatives 25
3.4.1 Other City Energy Efficiency Initiatives 26
3.4.2 Other School Energy Efficiency Initiatives 28
3.5 Other Initiatives: Transportation 29
3.6 Other Initiatives: Purchasing and Waste Reduction 36
3.6.1 City Purchasing and Waste Policies 37
3.6.2 School Purchasing and Waste Policies 41
3.7 Other Initiatives: All Employees .43
3.8 Community Wide Measures: Planning, Zoning, Public Outreach, and Policy .47
4.0 References 54
APPENDICES
5.0 Appendix A Energy Audit Initiatives 55
6.0 Appendix B CAP Initiative Funding 59
7.0 Appendix C CAP Implementation 63
8.0 Appendix D CAP Monitoring 66
9.0 Appendix E Past City Energy Efficiency Actions 67
10.0 Appendix F Initiatives Not Included in the CAP 68
i I P age
1.0 Summary
The City and Borough of Sitka Assembly committed to taking action on climate change by endorsing the
U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement in December 01'2007. A key component of the Agreement
was the climate action planning process of which this Climate Action Plan (CAP or Plan) is a major part
(sections 2.0 & 3.0). This Plan specifically targets municipal operations and actions.
In this report, carbon dioxide is measured in terms of equivalent carbon dioxide (eC02) which is a
combination of the carbon dioxide formed by using/burning gas and diesel (in vehicles and for heating),
plus the carbon dioxide formed when the City uses diesel to generate electricity.
Municipal operations for the City and Borough of Sitka (City) generated 3,732 tons of eC02 in 2003 (City
of Sitka 2008). In 2009, the City set a goal for a municipal greenhouse gas reduction of 25% from 2003
levels by 2020. To meet this goal, the Sitka Climate Action Plan Task Force (Task Force) was formed
and asked to find actions that would reduce the City's emissions by 934 tons per year by 2020. Due to the
addition of the Performing Arts Center, an estimated additional 71 tons of eC02 not accounted for in the
City's 2008 emissions inventory are emitted by School operations. The Task Force compensated for this
addition and sought 1,005 tons per year of eC02 reductions to meet the overall goal. The initiatives (and
some baseline adjustments) are summarized in Table 1.
The Task Force came up with greenhouse gas emission-reducing initiatives through four processes:
1) reviewing and taking items directly from energy audits of City and School buildings,
2) taking direct recommendations from City and School staff, Assembly, and some City commission
members,
3) through our research into other City'S climate action plans, and
4) through individual proposals from the community or Task Force members.
The Task Force reviewed all planned and proposed initiatives that could reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. Several projects listed are planned and budgeted for, or planned but not yet budgeted. The
Task Force supports those proposals and displays these initiatives as information for the Assembly &
staff.
Many situations made meeting the City's carbon emissions goal more difficult and more expensive than
originally expected. The need for ventilation at Blatchley Middle School negated using the school's
energy audit proposals to reduce the City's greenhouse gas emissions because the proposals were all
needed to match the energy increase from proper ventilation. The energy audits at the City buildings were
helpful in finding useful, cost-effective energy/Ct.i, savings. However, the other schools (some of the
largest CO2 emitters) and some of the other City buildings do not have energy audits; thus, the Task Force
did not have enough information to recommend appropriate "low hanging fruit" energy conservation
proposals at many facilities. Additionally, while electricity-saving initiatives are absolutely necessary to
bring down the City'S overall electric load (and reduce the potential for using diesel), electricity-saving
actions have a miniscule effect on eC02 emissions (0.00007 tons of eC02/kWh). Past energy efficiency
activities have helped to reduce the City's current "carbon footprint." At the same time, those activities
cannot be used to provide additional reductions at this time; added activities may require additional
ventilation. The addition of the Performing Arts Center required additional measures to be found. The
City has done an excellent job of reducing energy use at its facilities; the Task Force realizes that to meet
the City's goal, more drastic energy reduction measures will be necessary.
The proposals are expected to be implemented over an extended time frame (from 20 I0 through 2020)
and the City is not expected to bear all the costs of the proposals. Lists of funding and implementation
opportunities are located in Appendices B & C of this Plan. In some cases, grant funds are already
available or being requested. To best implement this plan, the Task Force suggests the following be
completed first:
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I) Review funding and implementation opportunities and options (Appendix B and C),
2) Implement planned and budgeted items and energy conservation items related to behavior
modification (e.g., turning off computers, reducing vehicle idling, etc.-Appendix A, Table A-I);
these modifications cost little, but save a lot
3) Replace current diesel generators (see section 2.6) to have the greatest impact,
4) Install Sitka High School electric boiler (since parts are purchased and labor is budgeted-see
section 3.3.2).
Initiatives Proposed to Meet Sitka's Emissions Reduction Goal
eC02EnergyEnergy CAPLife Cycle ReductionImplementation Reduction Reduction SectionItem Savings (Tons per Cost (kWhNr) (GaINr) Numberyear)
Vehicle fuel adjustment N/A N/A 144 2.5 avg. snow year
Actions Already $1,801,613 41,340 9,990 103 ..'.Accomplished (2007-2009)
City Building Energy Audit $185,165 86,370 4,200 $257,300 48 3.2.1Initiatives -Planned
City Building Energy Audit $225,500 92,777 5,270 $215,400 59 3.2.1Initiatives -Unbudgeted
Blatchley Middle School
Energy Audit -All I$1,458,358 740,007 1 26,1781 $1,679,2281 Net 0 1 3.2.2
1
City Building Electric
Initiatives
$1,233,000 (823,308) 20,065 * 144 3.3.1Heating2
School Building Electric (1,343,922)Est. $900,000 37,629 * 376 3.3.2Heating (SHS, KGH, BE) 2
Other City Energy 783,043$5,500,000 20u,OOO * 90 5 3.4.1(over 11 yr)
Other School Energy
Efficiency Initiatives2
$3,000,000 (63,628) 1,379 * 13 3.4.2Efficiency Initiatives2
Vehicle Fuel Efficiency $180,0004 N/A 10,322 $36,088/yr5 100 6 3.5Projects
City Purchasing and $197,000
Waste Policies ($145,000 is N/A N/A $176,400/yr5 37 3.6.1
annual cost)
School Purchasing and
$5,000 N/A N/A $10,000/yr5 5 3.6.2Waste Policies
1Community Wide Generally low Low to Low to Low to Measures: Planning, Low 3.8moderate moderate moderateiZoning, Public Outreach I
cost
TOTAL 1,119 .. .."Electrtcity use Increases because electric heat IS substituted for 011 heat; savings IS minimal; In most cases the
Task Force assumed that when adding electric heat to a building, only 30% of the heating would be done with
electricity (use expected extra capacity at hydroelectric facilities and help avoid burning diesel to generate power).
1 All energy audit actions must be completed at BMS to offset the expected energy increase caused by improving
ventilation
2 These capital improvement projects are anticipated to be 70% grant funded
3 Estimate; SHS parts already purchased and labor budgeted
4 Estimated total vehicle cost, based on 6 vehicles being phased in over 10 years
5 Estimated annual savings
6 Assumes C02 emissions of 19.4 pounds per gallon of gasoline (source: US EPA
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/420f05001.htm )
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2.1
2.0 Climate Action Planning Background
Introduction
The City and Borough of Sitka Assembly committed to taking action on climate change by endorsing the
U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement in December of2007. A key component of the Agreement
was the climate action planning process; participating municipalities inventory greenhouse gas emissions
from municipal operations and from the surrounding community and use that information to set reduction
targets and to develop an action plan to reduce emissions.
Progress toward the development of a local climate action plan for Sitka began early in 2008 following a
series of presentations on ocean acidification and climate action planning sponsored by fishing and
environmental organizations. In April of 2008, the City of Sitka passed a motion to join Local
Governments for Sustainability (also known as ICLEP) joining over 600 local governments as a
participant in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign.
The Cities for Climate Protection Campaign assists local governments in the process of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and planning for community sustainability. The broader goal of the Campaign
is to achieve significant reductions in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions through the cumulative reductions
achieved by communities. Communities involved range in size from towns smaller than Sitka to cities
like Los Angeles and Chicago. The Campaign involves five steps:
(l) conduct a baseline emissions inventory and forecast;
(2) adopt an emissions reduction target;
(3) develop a local climate action plan;
(4) implement policies and measures and
(5) monitor and verify results.
According to a 2005 survey, communities that completed and implemented plans collectively reduced
greenhouse gas emissions by 23 million tons and collectively saved $535 million through reduced fuel
and electricity usage.
In June of 2008, the City and Borough of Sitka Assembly passed Resolution 2008-19 establishing a
Climate Action Plan Task Force. The resolution made the Task Force "responsible for studying and
making recommendations to the Sitka Assembly on ways to plan for and mitigate the impacts of climate
change on the City and Borough of Sitka's economy, infrastructure and future development, and methods
the City and Borough of Sitka can employ to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases."
During the summer of2008, an intern, Chandler O'Connell, assisted in completing the first step - the
inventory. The City of Sitka completed the second step in March of2009 by passing Resolution 2009-37,
which provides for a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 25% by 2020 using 2003 levels as a
baseline.
This climate action plan is the third step in the program. Using data from the emissions inventory, the
task force began researching measures that could be undertaken by the City to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from municipal and school operations and actions. Sections 3.1 through 3.7 of this plan display
actions the City and schools can take to move towards the greenhouse gas emission reduction goal. A
section on community wide measures (3.8) recommends adjustments to planning and zoning and seeks to
utilize public opportunities, funding, and education in order to increase community-wide reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions. These reductions are outside of municipal reductions, but are under the
management of the City and seek to reduce emissions mainly through small changes in current policy.
1 International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.
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This section also recommends policy changes at municipal, state, and federal levels to spur action at the
highest levels of government as part of a global response to mitigate climate change.
This plan also includes a section (2.2) on potential climate impacts to the Region and City that addresses
and suggests local adaptation measures to address local impacts of climate change. Sitka's climate is
changing and changes will continue even if global greenhouse reduction goals are met. Adaptation
recommendations have the objectives of maintaining a resilient local economy, protecting existing
infrastructure, increasing preparation for extreme weather events, and developing policies to guide future
development.
Finally, the Climate Action Plan addresses funding and monitoring in the attached appendices. If used as
intended, the Climate Action Plan will provide immediate local benefits and make a contribution to the
global effort to mitigate climate change that will serve as a model for many other small communities.
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2.2 Implications of Climate Change for Sitka -Adaptation & Mitigation
Climate Change Background
The planet receives heat from sunlight that passes largely unfiltered through the atmosphere and warms
the earth's surface. As the earth's surface warms, it emits heat energy back into the atmosphere.
Atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide and methane absorb some of this heat energy and another
portion reradiates back into space. But as carbon dioxide and methane gas concentrations increase in the
atmosphere, more heat is absorbed, causing increased warming of the earth-atmosphere system. This
warming affects temperatures, weather patterns, and climate. In tum, these changes affect things like
fisheries, forests and wildlife, sea level, and storm intensity. Increased carbon dioxide is also changing
ocean chemistry and increasing the acidity of sea water with resultant effects on marine organisms.
Climate Change and Sitka
The citizens of the City and Borough of Sitka have created a community and economy in an environment
heavily dependent on the existing climate. Sitka's vulnerabilities are those related to the City and
Borough's close relationship to the ocean, both economically and physically. Any significant increase in
temperature may cause the climate to change in an unpredictable manner, placing traditional means of
subsistence and our natural resource driven economy in jeopardy. These changes will have to be adapted
to while mitigation measures are put in place.
Fishery Impacts and Ocean Acidification
The oceans absorb considerable quantities of carbon dioxide, up to 525 billion tons since the start of the
Industrial Revolution (AMCC 2008). Carbon dioxide dissolves in sea water, making it more acidic and
corrosive to marine organisms that range from plankton to coral to crab and other shellfish. Scientists fear
that an increasingly acidic ocean environment could impact the biodiversity and food web in high-latitude
marine ecosystems in the near term (AMCC 2008).
When C02 reacts with seawater, the reduction in seawater pH also reduces the availability of carbonate
ions, which play an important role in shell formation for a number of marine organisms such as corals,
marine plankton, and shellfish. This phenomenon, which is commonly called "ocean acidification," could
have profound impacts on some of the most basic biological and geochemical processes of the sea in
coming decades. Some of the smaller calcifying organisms, such as pteropods, are important food sources
for higher marine organisms like salmon (NOAA 2010).
It is estimated that a 10% increase in water temperature leads to a 3% drop in mature salmon body weight
(due to physiological effects) while a 10% decrease in pteropod production leads to a 20% drop in mature
salmon body weight (due to prey limitation) (Aydin et al. 2005). Pteropods are estimated to be 45% of
juvenile pink salmon diet (Aydin et al. 2005). Other salmon are largely unstudied, but substantial effects
of ocean acidification are expected.
Declining coral reefs, due to increases in temperature and decreases in carbonate ions. would have
negative impacts on fisheries. Abundance of commercially important shellfish species may also decline
and negative impacts on finfish may occur. This rapidly emerging scientific issue and possible ecological
impacts have raised serious concerns across the scientific and fisheries resource management
communities (NOAA 2010, Fabry et al. 2008).
One of the most significant local impacts from temperature increases and changing precipitation patterns
pertains to watersheds and hydrological systems. In 2001, the Forest Service reported significant fish
kills in several southern Tongass watersheds that "corresponded with low stream-flow and high air
temperature events." That summer, the agency reported 318 days of high stream temperature at 18 sites
on Prince of Wales Island in between June and September. Seven of the sites had temperatures over 68° F
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that significantly exceeded the recommended 59° F threshold. Stream flows declined to roughly 17% of
the average flow for a ten day period in August and the low flows corresponded with high stream
temperatures. Alaska Department of Fish and Game reported widespread fish kills at some of these sites,
Staney Creek and Thome River, and estimated that there were up to 50,000 dead fish in each watershed.
Two years later, in 2003, there was another extensive kill of un spawned salmon in the same Staney Creek
Watershed. During the next year, 2004, there was yet another 20,000 fish kill in Staney Creek. As record
temperatures and record low levels of precipitation occurred throughout the Tongass that year, the
temperatures of some small streams rose to 82° F. In many cases salmon delayed their migration and in
some cases even bypassed their natal streams on the islands in order to spawn in mainland streams cooled
by glacial runoff. Two years later, the pink salmon run failed to show up and fish returns were nearly
80% less than predicted. The management director of the Alaska Department ofFish and Game's
Commercial Fisheries Division attributed the poor run in large part to the warm temperatures that
occurred during the parent year.
Forest and Wildlife Impacts
The Forest Service has documented Spruce Needle Aphid outbreaks on the Tongass beginning in 1998.
Aphids defoliated 30,000 acres in 2003 and 9,120 acres in 2006. Together, Black-headed Budworms and
Spruce Needle Aphids have defoliated or affected over 300,000 acres on the Tongass since 1991. The
panel unequivocally attributed the infestation to warming temperatures. The Forest Service observed the
presence of the Spruce Beetle on the Tongass in 2006, an insect it characterizes as "the most destructive
forest insect Alaska-wide" that can cause up to 75% mortality rates in Sitka spruce stands.
Southeast Alaska has had a dynamic geologic history, which caused many of its terrestrial species to be
isolated on its islands, resulting in a large number of endemic species that are highly susceptible to habitat
changes. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects high extinction
risks for 20 - 30% of all plants and animals if global air temperatures continue to increase rapidly.
Subsistence and game species may also face increased viability risks from climate change impacts.
Severe precipitation events can fundamentally alter prime winter deer habitat. Deer populations
plummeted in portions of Baranof and Chichagof Islands because of the 200612007 winter severe snow
event, causing the closure of the doe harvest by emergency order. The Department of Fish and Game
directed the closure after finding various locations where there was substantial winter-related deer
mortality.
Mitigation/Adaptation Measures for Fisheries, Forest, and Wildlife Impacts
Y Implement this plan and support climate action in other cities, and at the state, national, and
international levels.
Rising Sea Levels and Tides
Globally, ocean and sea levels have continued to rise between 1 and 3 millimeters (mm) per year. Due to
accelerated climate change effects, sea levels may rise as much as 1.3 meters over the next century
(Brahic 2008). However, models of glacial flow in the smaller present-day ice sheets show that a probable
maximum value for sea level rise in the next century is 800 mm.
Initially in Sitka and Southeast Alaska, rising ocean and sea levels may be mitigated by the "post-glacial
isostatic rebound" effect. This occurs when glacial melting relieves the underlying land mass of weight
and it is allowed to "spring" back up. Uplift rates from isostatic rebound are about 3 to 4 mm per year for
the Sitka area (Larsen et al. 2005). The current rate of sea level rise is estimated at 3.2 mm per year. In
their high scenario, the IPCC report projects that the rate of sea level rise will be somewhere between 2.6
to 5.9 mm year during this century (IPCC report, 2007). However, the report does not take into account
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losses due to ice dynamics. A recent publication (Pfeffer et al., 2008) takes ice dynamics into account and
projects the probable rate of sea level rise during the 21st century to be about 8 mm per year.
What this means for Sitka is that sea level rise is currently keeping pace with isostatic rebound, but in the
future sea level rise will outpace the rebound. Sitka should expect some inundation of low-lying coastal
areas in the coming decades (Motyka, Pers. Comm. 2010).
Resulting tidal changes are difficult to estimate, but the mean high tide line in Sitka Sound will rise
exponentially in relationship to each sea level increase (i.e. a 500 mm rise in sea level does not mean that
the mean high tide line only raises 500 mm). Low-lying residential, commercial, and government
properties are at the highest risk of being impacted by this climate change effect.
Rising sea levels and tides will most directly impact those properties and infrastructure along the
shoreline with damages and loss from flooding. These could include:
• Flooding of Commercial and Residential Properties
• Interruption of Commercial Air Service
• Increase in Property Flood Insurance Premiums
• Loss of Coastal Property Values
• Degradation of Harbor Protection for Marine Vessels/Aircraft
Mitigation/Adaptation Measures for Rising Sea Level and Tides
~ Increase zoning setbacks from mean high tide line for further coastal construction
~ Conduct engineering study on elevation, composition, and strength of harbor breakwaters and sea
walls
~ Partner with the FAA to explore impacts to the airport and airport operations in regards to runway
elevation and sea level change.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/global/2009/apr/ 17 /alaska-migration-climate-change
Increased Storm Intensity and Frequency
Sitka is the only city in the Southeast that directly faces the Gulf of Alaska; any increase in Gulf
generated storm intensity will directly impact the community. Since the late 1970s, the number of days in
south-central and southeast Alaska coastal areas with the fastest wind speed in excess of 50 knots has
increased dramatically (Weller and Anderson 1998). Increased storm intensities can be experienced as
one or a combination of the following: an increase in sustained wind intensities, increase in damaging
winter storm precipitation (ice/snow) levels (per storm), and greater breaking wave action. Raised sea
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level and tide effects can also be synergistically intensified by an increase in severe storm patterns. Sitka
could also experience coastal erosion due to higher sea levels and increased storm intensity (USGS 2006).
Damage will come from high wind damage, flooding, and severe sea action on fixed objects to include:
• Interruption in electric service due to downed power lines
• Wind/sea effects on property and infrastructure (roads, airport, harbor breakwaters, waste water
treatment plant, storm drains, etc.)
Mitigation/Adaptation Measures for Increased Storm Intensity and Frequency
~ Measures will have to take into consideration the proximity of residential and commercial
properties, as well as critical infrastructure to effects from violent sea action.
Increase in Temperature -Change in Precipitation
During the 21st century, Alaska (and the Arctic region as a whole) will warm at least twice as much as the
rest of the world. Annual average global temperatures have increased 1° F degree over the past fifty years
while annual average temperatures have increased 4° F in Alaska and 7° in the Alaskan Interior. Two of
the most accepted model results project additional warming ranges from either 2 to 5° For 1.5 - 3.6° F
between the present and 2030. Temperatures in Juneau increased roughly 3° F between 1940 and 2005
and annual precipitation increased by 2.6 inches over the same period. These statistics are consistent with
the projected effect that climate change will have in Southeast Alaska: a shift to a warmer, wetter climate
regime. The same study projected that average air temperatures there may increase by approximately 10°
F by the end of this century.
Because of these changes, the IPCC cautioned that "[t]he resilience of many ecosystems is likely to be
exceeded this century by an unprecedented combination of climate change associated disturbances" such
as flooding, drought, wildfire, insect infestations, and ocean acidification.
Recent winters have been consistent with climate change model projections indicating that during winter
months, there would be a greatly elevated area of precipitation adjacent to Southeast Alaska in the Gulf of
Alaska. The reason for the anticipated increase is because the atmosphere will have to absorb more
moisture from the warming ocean through evaporation - moisture that turns into precipitation as the air is
forced over our coastal mountains. Snowfall at lower elevations will generally decrease due to the
warming trend. Juneau has documented a decrease in snowfall at sea level over the past sixty years even
as overall precipitation increased.
Other studies indicate that the southern coastal regions of Alaska may experience up to a 10% reduction
in annual rainfall due to Climate Change (US Global Change Research Program 2000). This may affect
the City and Borough's production of potable water and electricity, as well as make the area more
susceptible to wild fires (Karl et al. 2009). Preliminary data provided by the Tongass National Forest
appears to indicate an increase in the number of wildland fires Forest-wide and somewhat of an increase
in the size of fires (see Figure 2; USFS Fire Dispatch 2010). Residential and commercial developments in
Sitka have resulted in many houses and neighborhoods integrated into heavily forested areas. Clearing for
construction and the loss of "old growth" forest has resulted in less mature trees with more underbrush
around residential areas. Warrner temps with increased transpiration will reduce stored water resources.
even with increased rainfall. The change in conditions is hard to determine, but will have multiple
effects:
• Changes in temperature and precipitation will affect coastal forest hydrology and salmon
spawning streams important to subsistence, commercial, and sport fisheries.
• Changes in hydrologic systems may reduce or change hydroelectric power production capabilities
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• Greater chance of forest fires in the City and Borough and insect infestations increasing in
frequency and intensity. In the past decade, Alaska has witnessed a record loss of forests to tires
and spruce bark beetles (State of Alaska 2009).
Figure 2: Number of Forest Fires from 1980 through 2009 on the Tongass National Forest
Number of Fires per Year
80 •
70 ••
60
~
II:
'0
~
50
40 • • • R2 =0.2359
:J
Z 30
20
10
0
•• •• •
••
•
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Year
Mitigation/Adaptation Measures for Increase in Temperature -Change in Precipitation
~ Ensure emerging businesses/industries are electric energy efficient, or have alternative
power/heating means during low power generation periods; encourage continued energy efficient
practices by citizens; investigate wind and/or tidal generators;
~ Prepare contingency water conservation plans/practices for the City and Borough
~ Investigate zoning changes that encourage non-flammable roofing materials; work with National
Forest Service (NFS) to educate the public about firebreaks and clearing underbrush; establish
bum bans when necessary; work with NFS and surrounding communities to explore the possibility
of maintaining and using a regional fire boat for islands and remote cabin sites as needed.
CONCLUSION
If climate model projections prove to be even moderately accurate, global temperatures by the end of the
next century will be higher than at any time during the last 120,000 years. With such unprecedented
climate change, impacts to all parts of the climate system are likely to be substantial. Failure to introduce
some form of global greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy will merely extend the time frame of
anthropogenic climate change that humanity may already be witnessing. Preparation for and adaptation to
changes in local climate will be crucial to protecting Sitka's physical and economic infrastructure.
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2.3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Sitka
Climate Action Planning Process and Methodology
The Climate Action Plan Task Force used the Clean Air and Climate Protection software provided by
ICLEI to prepare greenhouse gas emissions and forecasts. The software generates reports and charts
depicting community-wide emissions and those of municipal government separate from the rest of the
community. The separate municipal emissions inventory is for the purpose of establishing targets for the
municipality that can realistically be achieved through governmental action, whereas community
reductions will require the volunteer spirit and civic commitment of Sitka's citizens. as well as potential
assistance from the City of Sitka.
This Climate Action Plan is for adoption and implementation by the city government. Measures and
recommendations specifically target municipal operations and are for the purpose of helping the City meet
greenhouse gas reductions of 25% (from 2003 level) by 2020. Some of the measures will also help to
reduce community-wide emissions, such as land-use planning policies that reduce driving and outreach
efforts designed to help residents and businesses minimize their "carbon footprint."
It is important to note that it is difficult to calculate emissions from energy with precision even though the
software is a sophisticated and useful tool. The model depends on numerous assumptions, and there are
some limitations associated with the quality and quantity of data. Therefore, specific numbers generated
by the models are best viewed as approximations rather than exact values (City of Sitka 2008, especially
pp. 12-13).
Assumptions that were made throughout the plan:
• Fuel prices would be $4 per gallon. This value was chosen because, while fuel prices fluctuate,
they continue to rise because of increasing demand and reduced availability.
• eC02 and dollar savings will not be completely realized until full implementation of the initiative
occurs.
Conversion Factors Used:
When you bum gas or diesel, you are simultaneously vaporizing it and chemically bonding it with oxygen
in the air. Carbon dioxide - or C02 - is one carbon atom joined to two oxygen atoms. Oxygen is a little
bit heavier than carbon, so when you stick two oxygen atoms onto every available carbon atom, you end
up with an amount of CO 2 that is roughly triple the weight of the gasoline. Thus, one gallon of gas,
weighing roughly 6.3 pounds, ends up at 19.6 pounds of C02 (Terrapass 2010). In terms of Sitka's
electrical generation, C02 is produced when the City must use diesel to generate electricity. The
electricity to C02 conversion factor below is based on the recent average use of diesel.
• 1 KWh = 0.00007 tons of eC02 - source CACP software provided to us from ICLEI
• In general 1 gallon of distillate fuel = 0.01 tons of eC02 (based on a combination of 1 gallon of
diesel = 22.384 pounds eC02/gallon; 1 gallon of motor gasoline = 19.564 pounds eC02/gallon
Source: EPA)
Examples:
eC02 produced (or reduced) by electricity: 245 kWh/year x 0.00007 tons of eC02lkWh = 0.01715
tons/year of eC02
eC02 produced (or reduced) by fuel consumption: 650 gallons of fuel/year x 0.01 tons of eC02/gallon =
6.5 tons/year of eC02
Summary of Sitka's Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 2003 and 2006
10 I P age
According to Sitka's inventory, during the baseline year of2003, Sitka released 91,677 tons per year of
equivalent CO 2 (tons per year eC02). The residential sector produced the greatest amount of emissions,
31%, with most of this produced by burning heating oil. Road and marine transportation sectors were
similar, producing approximately 28% and 29% of community emissions. Commercial and industrial
facilities were responsible for the remainder - nearly 15% of community emissions (City of Sitka 2008).
Municipal operations generated 3,732 tons per year of eC02 in 2003 (Table 2). City facilities were
responsible for 81.6% of these emissions, with the city municipal vehicle fleet accounting for 14.7% of
total emissions (City of Sitka 2008).
Table 2: Sitka's Municipal Emissions Summary 2003
Equivalent
eC02 (Tons
per year)
Equivalent
eC02 (%)
Cost ($)
Buildings-Electricity 66 1.77% 671,990
Buildings-Heating Oil 2,981 79.86% 302,393
Vehicle Fleet-Diesel 105 2.81% 14,461
Vehicle Fleet-Gasoline 445 11.92% 63,002
Employee Commute-Diesel 9 0.24%
Employee Commute-Gasoline 111 2.97%
Streetlights-Electricity 7 0.19% 103,504
Water/Sewage-Electricity 9 0.24% 86,311
Waste -600 0.00%
Total (Waste not Included) 3,733 100% 1,241,661
O'Connell also collected data for 2006 to provide information from an intermediate year. Community
greenhouse gas emissions increased by 3,925 tons per year to a total of 95,620 tons per year of eC02 in
2006. Residential emissions remained at levels similar to 2003 and there was a decrease in emissions from
the commercial and road transportation sectors. However, there was a substantial increase in emissions
from the marine transportation sector - nearly 8,000 tons per year more than was produced in 2003 (City
of Sitka 2008).
Municipal operations in 2006 produced 3,728 tons per year of the community total-nearly the same
amount as in 2003. Between 2003 and 2006 total eC02 emissions remained nearly the same, decreasing
by 5 tons per year. While most sectors of municipal operations actually increased their total emissions in
this time period, the Building sector, the largest municipal contributor of greenhouse gases, decreased its
emissions by 294 tons per year, leading to a decrease in the net-total of city emissions. Figure 7 of the
emissions inventory shows the 10 greatest emissions contributors among city buildings for 2003 and
2006. While most buildings maintained similar energy consumption patterns between the baseline and
intermediate year, some showed significant changes. Blatchley Middle School decreased total emissions
by 385 tons per year of eC02. This is due to the fact that during this time period Blatchley added an
electric heating system and supplemented their oil heating system with electricity, thus decreasing their
annual heating oil use by 33,873 gallons.
Given the actions completed to improve energy efficiency (see section 3.1) and reduce fuel use, the Task
Force explored why the City's eC02 emissions were not significantly lower in 2006. The Task Force
recognized that the difference between 2003 and 2006 was a significant increase in diesel fuel for the
vehicle fleet. Discussions with City Staff and others pointed to a very high snow-removal load in 2006
(S. Brylinsky and others, Pers. Comm. 2010). This unusually high snow load was accounted for in the
development of this plan (see sections 1.0 and 2.5).
lllPage
2.4 Sitka's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets
The consensus of the global climate science community is that greenhouse gas reductions should strive
for levels that would prevent average global temperatures from rising more than 2° Celsius above pre
industrial levels. This temperature threshold would trigger a sharp rise in the risk of dangerous impacts.
The longer term goal endorsed by the world's leading climate scientists is to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions to 80% below 1990s levels by 2050 to avoid exceeding the 2° C threshold. The shorter term
goal set forth in the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement espoused the reduction goals set by the
Kyoto Protocol-a reduction of 7% below 1990 levels by 2012. Although the Task Force does not have
data on Sitka's 1990 emissions levels, the Task Force reviewed updated scientific findings and emission
reduction targets adopted over the past year with the goal of meeting Kyoto Protocol targets.
City and Borough of Sitka Resolution 2009-37 directs the Task Force to set a 25% reduction target from
2003 levels which entails reducing greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations by 933.25 tons
annually in order to achieve a 25% reduction. Such a reduction could reduce fossil fuel consumption by
up to 84,000 gallons per year, or a potential savings of up to $336,000 per year at four dollars per gallon
for fuel.
Due to the addition of the Performing Arts Center, an additional 71 tons per year of eC02 not accounted
for in the City's emissions inventory are now emitted by School operations. The Task Force compensated
for this addition (see section 2.5 below for more information) and sought 1,005 tons per year of eC02
reductions to meet the overall goal. The City needs to recognize that any future development (in terms of
increasing the number or size of municipal buildings) will increase the City's overall greenhouse gas
emissions. Thus, to continue to meet the Assembly's goal, high efficiency standards and the availability
of electric heat will be necessary in all new buildings and additions.
12IPage
2.5 Adjustment to Baseline Data
The Task Force recognized that several adjustments to the baseline eC02 emissions are necessary to
provide an accurate estimate of current and future municipal emissions based on additional information
gathered after completion of the original emissions inventory.
The Task Force noted a significant decrease in heating oil used by buildings and increase in diesel fuel
used by the vehicle fleet between the 2003 and 2006 emissions inventory results. The decrease in heating
oil can be accounted for through implementation of numerous building energy reduction/energy efficiency
projects (section 3.1). Discussions with City Staff and others pointed to a very high snow-removal load in
2006 (as first discussed in Section 2.3). The amount of snowfall in 2006 was greater than average,
necessitating a greater consumption of fuel for clearing snow.
The overall reduction in eC02 emissions from buildings between 2003 and 2006 was 294 tons. Except as
noted under Blatchley Middle School (section 3.2.2), these lowered emissions are expected to continue
since the reduction is based on building efficiency upgrades that will continue to reduce emissions
indefinitely. The unusually high use of diesel fuel to remove snow (that appeared in the 2006 inventory)
is not expected to continue in most years. Thus, in an average year, the Task Force expects a continuing
net reduction of about 144 tons per year of eC02 (estimating that lh of the amount of additional fuel used
(14,400 gallons) for snow removal would be needed in an average year). This continued savings of 144
tons per year of eC02 was included in Table 1 as a eC02 reduction that would help meet the City's goal.
Sitka High School's Performing Arts Center was completed in July 2008. That building and its energy
use were not accounted for in the 2003 or 2006 emissions inventories. On average. an approximate 10%
increase in diesel fuel use was observed with the addition of the Performing Arts Center (to the High
School's current fuel use); operation of the building emitted an average of about 71 tons of eC02per year.
The fuel and electricity needed to operate that facility will need to be added to the City's carbon footprint
and additional energy/fuel savings will need to be found to compensate for the additional emissions of
this building. To reach the City's emissions inventory goal, 1,005 tons of eC02 (934 tons + 71 tons) will
need to be reduced yearly.
Additionally, the Community Hospital was omitted from the City's emissions inventory despite the fact
that it is a City-owned building. This building has its own maintenance department and the City does not
track its maintenance or fuel use. While this building and its staff were not considered during the
inventory nor discussed here in a substantial way, actions by the City and the Hospital that reduce fuel
consumption by 22% or more and conserve electricity would help meet the City's overall CAP goal. The
hospital uses about 46,000 gallons diesel per year for heating. Ifthe hospital added electric heat, 145 tons
per year of eC02 could be reduced (assuming 30% of oil used). This equates to about $184,000 (at
$4/gal) in fuel use per year. A 2002 cost estimate for the addition of an electric heating system at the
hospital was about $150,000.
13IPage
2.6 55,000 Tons of eC02: Sitka's Electricity Shortfall
Historically, electricity generation from diesel has produced 1% or less of Sitka's electricity (City of Sitka
2008). Recent estimates indicate that diesel now produces about 1 to 2% of Sitka's electricity (Brewton,
Pers. Comm 2008). But if the load on the electrical system increases through a combination of alternative
building heat systems, residential conversions to electric heat and electric cars, system loads may require
supplemental power generation that currently relies on diesel (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Sitka's Electric Energy Requirements and Resources (1973-2030)
september 13, 2008
300.000
280.000
2!lO.000
240.000
220.000! 200.000
I 180.000
& 160.000
:I.5 140.000
~ 120.000
! 100.000
80.000
60.000
B1u"Lala>
Capacity
..~
..", Loal
~
40.000
20.000
I
~ Tabtz Lala>1
IAdd ~ble Loads I
I ~.=..,.....':
Add 3nl Turbine at Blue Lake ..."
Raise cWn 83 Fl to "lev 425 rverage ~faI I AndfiHla~ •Avg Energy Capability
~ I I ~
I
I
.."..... -rr.Added Gn!en Lake I. ..
.~~ ... ~ I
If! .-. .,.", ..,
~"...... ~ ., •
I~RanaH I HsIori<aI I F'nljeded
Flf1TI Energy Capab~ily Load I I.oad Load Growth Sc:en.ios
I I 2. 1% Add EJectric Ca~
I 1.9 % High Case
1."" Medium Case
I I
1970 '975 1llr8O UI85 UIOO HKl5 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
Year
Source: City and Borough of Sitka Electric Department
According to the Electric Department's 2008 Energy Plan, the demand for power will exceed supply
starting around 2010 while the community waits for the Blue Lake hydroelectric project to be completed.
The plan projects an annual increase in demand of 3%. If the price of heating oil increases dramatically
over the next decade, demand for electricity will rise as well. Figure 1 shows projected energy demand
(blue, green and red lines) largely being met by hydroelectric power generation (purple and blue lines)
except between 2010 and 2017, where the shortfall will be met by greatly increasing the amount of power
generated by burning diesel. These projections were based on construction of a dam at Takatz Lake and a
cost of $3.00 per gallon. It is highly likely the cost of diesel will be much higher during this time frame,
creating a greater shortfall as people try to switch to less expensive electric heating.
Projected diesel use for 2009 to 2019 is approximately 5.5 million gallons at a cost of$22,000,000 (Table
3) vs. the current trend of about 440,000 gallons for 1999 to 2009. Starting in 2017 the electric generation
capacity is again expected to meet 99% of the City and community's needs. **Note: As of 5/2010, Sitka
has not exceeded normal diesel use and design work on the Blue Lake Dam may bring the project on line
one year earlier than projected in this data. ** We typically use about 40,000 gallons of diesel generation
a year to meet energy shortfalls and to stabilize the power frequency. The Climate Action Plan helps the
City arrive at the goal of a 25% reduction in eC02 from our 2003 level by January 2020. However, we
will have a very expensive and high eC02 spike (54,716 tons over 11 years, see Figure 2) due to the
electricity shortfall,
14 I P age
Table 3: Gallons of Diesel Used/Tons of eC02 Figure 2: Electricity Shortfall (fuel use if
from Electricity Generation generators are not replaced)
Gallons of Diesel Used
Appx. Tons of eC02 to
Generate Electricity
GallonsI Year
I
40040,0002009
3,9452010 394,500
2011 627,929 6,279
2012 8,499849,929
10,7582013 1,075,786
2014 1,304,786 13,048
2015 659,286 6,593
3,9942016 399,429
2017 40,000 400
2018 40,000 400
400
Total
2019 40,000
5,471,645 54,716
1400000
1200000
1000000
5i
is-800000
0
M
C
0
'iii 600000
I:>
400000
200000
0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Year
Coping with the Short Term Electricity Shortage
The extremely inefficient old diesel generators will be put to increasingly hard use through 2012, when
the department plans on replacing them with new units to be housed in a new building. This replacement
is dependent on grant funding. The Task Force supports and recommends implementation of the Electric
Department's plan to replace the current, older model generators with newer, far more efficient
generators. The new generators will be about 22% more efficient than the old generators at a cost of
about $5 million. The Task Force recommends the City reassess this short-term increase in diesel
generation outside of the Climate Action Plan. Possible measures include:
• Continue to encourage citizens and businesses to maintain and use their efficient diesel heaters as
needed until the Blue Lake project is completed.
• Provide additional information to Sitka's citizens and businesses about the coming electricity
shortfall and what it will mean to their electric rates.
• Increase education and provide signs on Sitka's "Power Supply Status" (red, yellow, green light)
• Extreme Conservation Measures: Similar to those adopted in Juneau when their hydropower was
knocked out by avalanche.
• Encourage conservation through electric rate adjustment (see Appendix B, 1.1.1).
• Diversification and decentralization of energy supplies.
• Development of alternative energy sources, such as wind, ocean heat pumps, and geothermal
resources.
• Promote research and possibly stockpile alternative fuels, such as fish-based biodiesel. Silver Bay
Seafoods is planning on operating a fish meal plant at the industrial park. This plant would
process fish waste from all processors and allow for a source of fish oil. The Alaska Center for
Energy and Power has been successfully running generators on fish oil and fish/diesel mixtures.
Examples can be seen at www.uaf.edulacep
Keeping Up with Demand
The City's projections do not include new conservation measures or any energy sources besides dams and
diesel generators. Investing in renewable energy generation, such as wind, ocean heat exchangers, and
geothermal, would add diversity and stability to our power generation portfolio. Planning now for major
community-wide conservation measures beyond the scope of the Climate Action Plan would greatly
reduce the cost and eC02 emissions.
15 I P age
3.0 Emissions Reduction Measures
This section addresses energy conservation with an emphasis on heating, lighting, and powering
equipment within buildings as well as on transportation, purchasing and waste, and other measures.
Heating oil is a major source of municipal carbon emissions. Consequently, a primary objective of this
Climate Action Plan is to provide recommendations that will increase building efficiency and substitute
electric heat sources for oil heat where feasible.
Sitka is fortunate in that it generates the majority of its energy from hydropower. Because of
hydropower, electricity use in city facilities produces a comparatively modest amount of greenhouse gas
emissions. For example, in 2003, electricity use for buildings, streetlights and water was responsible for
82 tons per year of greenhouse gas emissions - 2.2% of total emissions from municipal operations (City of
Sitka 2008). There was a slight but notable increase in 2006 as municipal electricity use was responsible
for 91 tons per year of greenhouse gas emissions, or slightly more than 2.4% of total municipal emissions.
The quandary for the Task Force, then, was how to make a transition to increased electricity usage in
order to minimize fossil fuel consumption without increasing the use of diesel to create electricity. The
Task Force concluded that increased energy conservation and improved energy efficiency must
accompany the transition away from heating oil.
The Task Force came up with proposals through 4 processes:
I) reviewing and taking items directly from energy audits of City and School buildings,
2) taking direct recommendations from City and School staff and plans (City of Sitka 2009),
Assembly, and some City commission members,
3) through our research into other City'S climate action plans, and
4) through individual proposals from the community or Task Force members.
This section first addresses measures applicable to city and schools facilities because facilities are the
major source of emissions. Measures described in energy audits are first, followed by heating and other
energy efficiency projects. The section goes on to address transportation measures that can reduce
emissions from the Sitka's second largest emission sector. Subsequent sections address waste and
purchasing, energy conservation, planning, zoning, community outreach, and policy. These latter sections
will not yield high levels of emission reductions. But the Task Force believes that these recommendations
are equally important because of the need to offset the increased load on the electrical system in order to
minimize the use of diesel for electricity generation.
All initiatives ineluded in Chapter 3 of the Plan are recommendations from the Task Force. As further
research into initiatives occurs and other products and processes are developed, new initiatives not
included in this Plan may be developed and implemented, and initiatives proposed by this Plan may be
dropped because of infeasibility or extreme costs. The intent of the Plan is to meet the goal shown in
Section 2.4 using whatever initiatives are most feasible and cost-effective, whether they are in this Plan or
developed in the future.
16 I P age
3.1 Actions Already Accomplished
Sitka has completed a number of projects over the past eleven years that are and will continue to reduce
heating oil and electricity consumption. Between 2002 and 2006, the City of Sitka spent over $2.8
million on municipal energy conservation! greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects that ranged from
roof and insulation replacement to installing electric boilers. The city set up Direct Digital Control
(DDC) systems for heating/ventilation at several facilities in order to provide these facilities with
programmable and automatic adjustments to heat and ventilation. A 2005 library retrofit produced
savings as well as increased comfort (C. Wilbur, Interview 2/25/2009). Additional funds were spent
roofing/insulating schools and installing an electric boiler at Blatchley Middle School (see Appendix D
for past activities pre-2007). The Task Force assumed that all projects completed in or before 2006 were
included and counted in the 2003/2006 emissions inventory - any benefits gained from these projects
would be reflected in those numbers.
Since 2006, seven major energy conservation projects have been accomplished at a cost of $1.8 million to
the City (and their partners). These projects are saving approximately 41,340 kWh/year of electricity and
about 8,950 gallons/year of diesel fuel. The total eC02 reduction from these projects is about 95
tons/year. As the Task Force looked at reaching a goal of25% reduction from 2003 levels, this amount
(95 tons per year of eC02) was subtracted from the goal. Three additional completed projects, energy
audits on City buildings, an energy audit for Blatchley Middle School, and an automatic meter reading
fund do not save energy or eC02 directly, but will lead to savings as the actions related to them are
implemented.
Table 4: Energy Conservation Actions Already Accomplished; Projects Completed after 2006
Item Building Year
Accomplished
1m plementation
Cost
Energy
Reduction
(kWhNr)
Energy
Reduction
(GalNr)
eC02
Reduction
(Tons per
year)1
Install Control
System Airport 2007 $145,000
Replace Roofl
Increase Airport 2007 $893,000 0 2,289 22.89
Insulation
Optimize HVAC
controls Airport 2008 $160,000
Turn off Supply
Fan SF-3 Airport 2009 $200 3,300 220 2.43
Replace Control
System
Animal
Shelter 2007 $17,413 13,900 237 3.34
Replace Roofl
Increase WWTP 2008 $503,000 24,140 6,204 63.73
Insulation
Roundabout Vehicles 2009 N/A 0 1,040 10.4
Total --$1,801,613 41,340 9,990 102.79 ..
1 t this report, carbon dioxide IS measured In terms of equivalent carbon dioxide (eC02 ) ; It Includes the carbon
dioxide formed by using gas and diesel (in vehicles and for heating) plus the carbon dioxide formed by the use of
diesel to generate electricity.
The City also approved and participated in the construction of a roundabout/removal of a 4-way stop at a
main Sitka intersection (July 2009). City studies estimate a community fuel reduction of about 80,000
gallons/yr due to the relief of congestion. The City's motor vehicle fleet (107 vehicles) is approximately
1.3% of total motor vehicles in Sitka (estimated to be 8,171 vehicles) (Alaska Division of Motor
17 I P age
Vehicles 2007). The City's fuel savings that can be attributed to the roundabout's reduced stopping
requirements is estimated to be about 1,040 gallons per year (i.e. 1.3% of 80,000 gallons).
18 I P age
3.2 Recommendations from Energy Audits
Sitka's facilities generate the majority of municipal eCOz. In 2003, building heating generated 2,981 tons
per year of eCOz and building electricity generated 66 tons per year of eCO z (City of Sitka 2008). In
2003, electricity use in municipal buildings cost $670,990.00 (City of Sitka 2008). Energy audit
initiatives focus on conservation of electricity and heating oil at municipal facilities. Implementing these
and other energy conservation measures has two benefits - it reduces the cost of municipal operations and
reduces the chances of over-taxing the City's hydropower-generated electricity while allowing for use of
electricity for heating systems and vehicles.
Sitka contracted to have energy audits completed on eight municipal buildings in 2009: Sitka Airport,
Centennial Building, City Hall, Fire Hall, Library, Public Services Office/Shop, Senior Center, and Waste
Water Treatment Plant. These audits and the recommendations for projects from these audits form the
backbone of this Climate Action Plan. At a cost of$3,750 each, they are a tremendous value. The
recommendations contained in them move us toward the carbon reduction goal the city has set for itself in
the most cost-effective manner possible. The data they have provided, in terms of data and cost
projections, has been invaluable to the compilation of the Climate Action Plan.
Although reducing carbon emissions from Sitka's schools involves measures that are similar to those
needed to reduce emissions from Sitka's municipal operations, this Climate Action Plan addresses schools
separately for two reasons: Sitka's four schools continue to be the most significant emitters with the high
school being the highest emitter, and the school district has its own maintenance department and funding
sources. Carbon emission reductions in schools will be addressed by working with school district
personnel as much as or more than municipal departments.
One school building, Blatchley Middle School, was audited in 2010. While over 26 projects were
proposed in the energy audit for BMS, all of these projects will need to be implemented to maintain the
current eCOz emissions at the school. This is further explained below under section 3.2.2, Schools.
3.2.1 City Buildings -Energy Audit Initiatives 107 tons/yr eC02
The City of Sitka hired Alaska Energy Engineering, LLC to complete energy audits on eight City
buildings in 2009 at a cost of $30,000
The Task Force had originally proposed to prioritize projects by implementation cost, life cycle savings,
and eCOz reduction. However, with the realization that the Plan would be unable to meet the emissions
reduction goal without completing all medium and high priority projects in the energy audits, the Task
Force determined all the medium and high priority projects from the audit should be included in the Plan.
19 I P age
RECOMMENDATION: Implement City Energy Audit Initiatives Public Buildings
Measure Status: Ongoing and Proposed
Responsible Department: Public Works
eC02 Savings: 107 tons per year
Fourteen initiatives from the 2009 City Building energy audit are beginning to be implemented or are
planned to occur between Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 and FY 2012. Initiatives range from setting computers
to sleep mode and turning off unused computers to retrocommissioning six City buildings. The eCO z
reduction would be 48 tons per year (see Table 5). The complete list of planned city building initiatives
needed to meet this reduction is shown in Appendix A, as Table A-I.
Table 5: Summary 0/ City Building Energy Audit Initiatives-Planned
I Implementation
I Cost
TOTAL
Planned Initiatives $185,165
Energy
Reduction
(kWhNr)
86,370
Energy I
Reduction I
(GaINr)
Life Cycle
Savings
4,200 I $257,300
eC02
Reduction
(Tons per
year)
48
Most initiatives from the 2009 energy audits have not yet been scheduled or budgeted for. If implemented
before 2020, the remaining thirty-one medium and high priority initiatives from the 2009 energy audit
would yield an eCOz reduction of 59 tons per year at a cost of $225,500 (see Table 6, below). The
complete list of unbudgeted city building initiatives needed to meet this reduction is shown in Appendix
A, as Table A-2.
Table 6: Summary 0/ City Building Energy Audit Initiatives-Un budgeted
eC02
Energy Energy Reduction
Implementation Reduction Reduction Life Cycle (Tons per
Cost (kWhNr) (GaINr) Savings year)
TOTAL
Unbudgeted
Initiatives $225,500 92,777 5,270 $215,400 59 I
Method: Some actions will involve educating employees and asking for their support of actions. In other
cases, smaller initiatives may be completed by City staff. For larger projects, contracts with builders will
be necessary.
Calculations:
• Actions proposed are only those that were already planned or were described as medium or high
priority in the energy audits.
20 I P age
3.2.2 School Buildings -Energy Audit Initiatives 0 tons/yr eC02
Blatchley Middle School is the only school that has an energy audit in Sitka. The audit was completed in
2010. While over 26 projects were proposed in the energy audit for BMS, all of these projects will need
to be implemented to maintain the current eCO z emissions at the school. The audit found that the building
is currently under-ventilated. In a note to the Task Force from Jim Rehfeldt of Alaska Energy
Engineering, LLC, Jim explained, "Increasing the ventilation to proper levels-a likely scenario once the
renovation project is completed-will significantly increase fuel oil use .. .I estimate that fuel oil use will
increase to 66,900 gallons per year. It is from this baseline of 66,900 gallons per year that I evaluated the
energy savings of the [energy audit initiatives]. I calculate that [these initiatives] will reduce fuel use by
[about] 25,300 gallons, which results in an annual consumption of 41,600 gallons." (J. Rehfeldt, Pel's.
Comm. 2010). The heating fuel use is a net increase of 3,400 gallons of diesel per year. The items
proposed for Blatchley will not count towards the goal because all of these energy-saving projects are
needed to offset necessary ventilation adjustments that will increase the building's heating load. If all of
these items are not completed, the City should expect a rise in the schools' energy use and eCOz
production.
RECOMMENDATION: Implement Blatchley Middle School
Energy Audit Initiatives Schools
Measure Status: Ongoing and Proposed
Responsible Department: Sitka School District and Public Works
eC02 Savings: Net 0 tons per year
Several initiatives from the 2010 energy audits are being planned and budgeted for at Blatchley Middle
School. The 26 initiatives from the 2010 energy audit would cost approximately $1.5 million with a life
cycle savings of about $1.7 million (see Table 7, below). The complete list of initiatives needed to stay
at net 0 eCOz is shown in Appendix A, as Table A-3.
Table 7: Summary of Blatchley Middle School Energy Audit Initiatives
Implementation
Cost
Energy
Reduction
(kWhNr)
Energy
Reduction
(GalNr)
Life Cycle
Savings
TOTAL BMS
Initiatives $1,458,358 740,007 26,178 $1,679,228
Method: Some actions will involve educating school staff and asking for their support of actions. In
other cases, smaller initiatives may be completed by school staff. For larger projects, contracts with
builders will be necessary. Consider performance contracting for the entire set of projects.
Calculations:
• Actions proposed are all from the energy audit.
Note: Observations by building users find that the heat is constantly on in the building. Due to the
current ventilation issues and excessive heat in the building, many windows are left open during the
winter. There is a possibility that with correct ventilation and heating, comfort would increase and fewer
windows would be opened and less heating would be necessary. Users of the building may need
information and education to change their current behavior.
21 I P age
3.3 Other Initiatives: Facility Heating
In 2003, heating generated 2,981 tons per year of eC02 and building electricity generated 66 tons per year
of eC02 (City of Sitka 2008). Together, these emissions constituted 81.6% of municipal emissions during
the baseline year and heating oil was responsible for nearly all of the building emissions (79.9% of the
annual total).
While energy audit activities will help the City save money and move towards the greenhouse gas
emission reduction goal, more far-reaching measures will be needed to reach the goal and to set the City
up to take advantage of the future availability of electricity, reduce the effects of fluctuating oil costs, and
further reduce its emissions. The Task Force proposes the addition of an electric heating option to City
and School buildings.
As an example of the benefits of this heating option, in 2006, municipal building sector emissions
declined by 294 tons per year from 2003 levels. The decline was primarily attributable to the installation
of an electric boiler at Blatchley Middle School and the City/State building. The electric boiler enabled
the school to decrease its annual heating oil use by 33,873 gallons at a cost of a little under $300,000.
Blatchley's emissions dropped from 800 tons per year in 2003 to just over 400 tons per year in 2006 (City
of Sitka 2008). The percentage of emissions resulting from heating buildings declined to 71.7% from
2003.
The addition of electric heating in some buildings is simpler and less costly than in other buildings.
Buildings with room for the electric boiler in their current space will be less costly than those needing a
separate structure to house the electric boiler. The electric baseboard and unit heaters proposed for some
buildings will not require substantial space, but will require re-wiring.
Any future development (in terms of increasing the number or size of municipal buildings) will increase
the City'S overall greenhouse gas emissions. Thus to continue to meet the Assembly's goal, high
efficiency standards and the availability and use of electric heat will be necessary in all new buildings and
additions. All new construction design should include space, wiring, and equipment for an electric boiler
or other electric heating device. The ability to use electric heat in the future (once additional electrical
capacity is developed) will allow the City to use excess hydroelectricity and more quickly payoff any
debts on that development, as well as provide further opportunities for substantial greenhouse gas
reductions.
22 I P age
3.3.1 City Buildings Heating up to 144 tons/yr eC02
RECOMMENDATION: Add Electric Heating Option-City Buildings Electric/Public Works
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Electric Department/Public Works
eC02 Savings: 144 tons (all buildings 30% electric heat)
Install electric boilers in 7 City buildings and electric baseboard or unit heaters in 2 City buildings
alongside the current fuel boilers. This would allow the city to turn the boilers on at times when the
hydroelectric system has surplus electricity. Using excess electricity will increase the revenue paid to the
debt service especially in the colder, rainy season when the hydroelectric dams typically overflows.
Centennial Hall is recommended as the highest priority, followed by the Fire Hall and the other buildings.
Consider using heat pump technology in smaller buildings to drastically reduce the amount of electricity
needed to heat the building. Air-to-air heat exchangers provide equivalent heat using 25% of the
electricity of conventional, or conduction electric heat.
Method: The Electric and Public Works Departments would determine methods to purchase and install
these items.
Table 8: Add Electric Heating Option -City Buildings
IBuilding
Implementation
Cost
Energy
Increase
(kWhNr)
Energy
Reduction
(GaINr)
Yearly
Savings in
Dollars"
eC02
Reduction
(Tons/yr)
Centennial Hall $49,000 (2002) 88,643 2,190 $866 15.7
Fire Hall Est. $150,000 111,484 2,754 $375 19.7
Public Services
Center Est. $200,000 98,005 2,421 ($3,119) 17.3
I Sawmill Cove
Admin. Est. $100,000 78,127 1,930 ($1,621) 13.8
WWTP Est. $100,000 110,876 2,739 ($569) 19.6
Airport* Est. $500,000 214,516 5,300 $743 38
Library* $44,000 (2002) 65,656 1,622 ($33.91) 11.6
Animal Shelter** Est. $40,000 34,862 861 $379 6.2
Corrosion Control
Building** Est. $50,000 21,139 248 $154 1.8
Total Est. $1,233,000 823,308 20,065 N/A 143.7
1 Assumes fuel at $4/gal. and electnc pnce at current rate
* Will require construction of an added building to house electric boiler;
**Using electric baseboard and unit heaters (rewiring required)
Calculations/Assum ptions:
• The Task Force assumed that electric heat could only be used to replace about 30% of the diesel
used by these buildings (based on past data from Blatchley Middle School)
• Yearly savings based on $4/gal fuel; higher fuel costs provide better payback
• Schedule additions to coincide with availability of electricity; the electric option will be logical
preparation for the Takatz Lake Hydroelectric project.
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3.3.2 School Buildings Heating up to 376 tons/yr eC02
RECOMMENDATION:Add Electric Heating Option-School Buildings Schoolsl
Electric Dept.
Measure Status: Proposed (and Ongoing)
Responsible Department: Sitka School District and Electric Dept.
eC02 Savings: 376 tons per year
Complete installation of 1.5 MW electric boiler at Sitka High School. The majority of equipment and
materials for this installation has been purchased and are ready for installation. It is doubtful sufficient
hydroelectric generation will be available to operate the electric heat year round. However, during a
typical fall and early winter season, the City often spills water at the lakes. Utilization of electric heat at
that time would certainly reduce some oil usage while increasing electric revenues.
Install similar electric boilers at Keet Gooshi Heen and BaranofElementary School; utilize electric heat
when excess power is available. These replacements should be timed to coincide with increased
electricity availability.
Method: City would work with the school district to purchase and install these items.
Table 9: Add Electric Heating Option -Schools
Building Implementation
Cost
Energy
Increase
(kWhlYr)
Energy
Reduction
(GallYr)
Yearly
Savings in
Dollars"
eC02
Reduction
(Tons per
year)
Sitka High School
Appx. $500,000
parts are paid for;
labor is budceted
763,494 21,377 ($1,744) 214
Keet Gooshi Heen Estimated at
$230,000 299,394 8,383 ($3,495) 83
Baranof E.S. $170,000 (2002
est.) 281,034 7,869 ($928) 79
TOTAL Est. $900,000 1,343,922 37,629 376
1 Assumes fuel at $4/gal. and electnc pnce at current rate
Calculations/Assumptions:
• The Task Force assumed that electric heat could only be used to replace about 30% of the diesel
used by these buildings (based on past data from Blatchley Middle School)
• Total cost is low due to the previous purchase of SHS equipment
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3.4 Other Energy Efficiency Measures
The following energy efficiency activities are ongoing or will help the City and School District save
money and move towards the greenhouse gas emission reduction goal. These measures focus on
initiatives not covered by the sections on energy audits and heating.
3.4.1 Other City Energy Efficiency Initiatives 90 tons/yr eC02
Other City energy efficiency proposals are being considered or being implemented. Projects range from
small scale to large scale. Large scale proposals are described in the attached information sheets. Smaller
scale projects like the two described below also provide energy and cost savings.
Sitka uses LEED standards as best management practices for operation and maintenance for its facilities
and has been a member of the Green Building Council (c. Wilbur, Pers. Comm. 2/25/2009).
There is substantial interest in alternative energy projects in Sitka; however few individuals have a true
understanding of the cost and knowledge of the technical complexities to install a renewable system. A
renewable energy pilot project, under the direction of the Electric Department technical staff, could
procure and install a demonstration project, such as solar, wind or biomass that would provide renewable
energy for a city facility. The intent would be to provide a hands-on project for the general public to use
as a basis to make a decision about private investment in renewable energy. With the Electric Department
installing the project, the City would have accurate cost information and technical abilities to truly
demonstrate what is involved to install such a system.
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RECOMMENDATION: Diesel Generator Replacement Energy
Measure Status: Initial stage begun; EPA permit application and associated monitoring
Responsible Department: Electric Dept.
eC02 Savings: 88 tons per year
Replace existing generators with new, more efficient units in a new building. The Electric Department
projections call for considerably more diesel generation between 2010 and 2020 as demand grows while
additional hydroelectric generation is constructed. The department has embarked on a course of action
they hope will result in replacement of the generators by 2013.
Due to increasing demand during the Blue Lake expansion project, projected diesel usage between 2010
and 2019 is ~5.5 million gallons. If the new generators come on line by January 1,2013, the 22%
increased efficiency will save approximately 783,043 gallons of diesel ($3,132,000 at $4/gal) and avoid
7,830 tons eC02. By 2019, when the community returns to our average annual rate of 40,000 gallons a
year of diesel generation, the annual savings will be 8,800 gallons ($35,000/year at $4/gal) and 88 tons
per year of eC02 .
Payback Period: This measure is estimated to cost up to $5 million. Almost 50% of the cost of this
project ($3,132,000) will be paid back through fuel conservation between 2013 and 2016, when diesel
generation use will peak before the completion of the Blue Lake expansion project. From 2017 onward,
the anticipated savings of 8,800 gallons at $4/gallon shows an additional 53 years to retire the remainder
of the investment. Additional factors to consider in calculating the payback period include the%age of the
project that is grant funded, and the high probability that generator efficiency and the cost of diesel fuel
will exceed current predictions by 2013. Grants for generator replacement have been identified and EPA
permits for increased diesel use have been applied for.
Based on:
3% per year increase in demand for electricity
$4.00/gallon cost of diesel in 2013
Installation of generators capable of 22% greater efficiency by 2013
Return to present minimal usage of generators (40K gallons) by 2017
1 gallon of diesel emits 0.01 tons per year of eC02
Additional benefits:
• Improved air quality due to improved efficiency and better equipment
Special Note: Extreme conservation practices taken between 2012 and 2014 will reduce impending
financial and environmental problems associated with this measure.
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RECOMMENDATION: Conversion to Energy-efficient Streetlights Energy
Measure Status: Proposed (partially ongoing)
Responsible Department: Electric Dept.
eC02 Savings: 2.6 - 2.9 (estimated at 2.6) tons per year for 75 bulb replacement (32-36 for 900 bulb
replacement)
This project would be a continuation of a street light replacement project partially funded by an Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the Department of Energy. The City & Borough
of Sitka presently operates around 900 street and security lights of various sizes. The most common is the
150 watt High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamp and there are about 450 of these lamps installed. The City
started a pilot street light replacement project consisting of installation of new energy efficient types of
street lights at a few locations to allow public evaluation of the technology. The City will meter each
individual light to ensure accurate energy consumption data and promote a public campaign for input on
the quality and effectiveness of the lights. A major mistake some municipalities have made is focusing on
the energy savings without recognizing the quality of the light.
Based on the engineering evaluation of energy data and public input, the City would then proceed with
implementation of a full street light replacement project. It is estimated the City could replace 75 HPS
street lights with energy efficient LED lights for approximately $48,750 with an estimated energy savings
of 42.750 kWh per year. It is estimated the City could replace 75 HPS lights with energy efficient
magnetic induction lights for approximately $32,250 with an estimated energy savings of 38,000 kWh per
year. All the HPS streetlights on the State roads are under the control of Alaska Dept. of Transportation
& Public Facilities and as such require State approval before they are replaced with alternative fixtures.
The early focus on this measure would be to replace all City owned HPS fixtures with new energy
efficient fixtures.
Method: Replacements would be made by Electric Department staff.
Table 10: Streetlight replacement options
! eC02Energy Energy Life Cycle ReductionI Implementation Reduction ReductionCost Savings (Tons per(kWhlYr) (GallYr) year)
Street light
replacement -900 $580,500 35.9
LEOs
Street light
replacement -900 $349,200
$628,200 513,000 N/A
I 456,300 N/A $886,500 31.9magnetic I
induction i I I
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3.4.2 Other School Energy Efficiency Initiatives 13 tons/yr eC02
Several other City energy efficiency proposals are being considered or being implemented. Projects range
from small scale to large scale.
RECOMMENDATION: Energy Efficient Remodel of Pacific High School Schools
Measure Status: Awaiting Funding
Responsible Department: Sitka School District
eC02 Savings: 13 tons per year
Cost: 30% match of capital improvement grant = $900,000
Pacific High School (PHS) would like to be a model of Sitka's potential to be carbon neutral. The
school's location on Lincoln Street provides the ideal opportunity to showcase Sitka's resolve to make a
difference in reducing eCOz emissions to tourists and the public. Pacific High students and staff plan to
do much of the design work, and would like to pursue LEED certification.
In 2003, PHS consumed 3,390 gallons of fuel at a cost of$3,855, with an average price of$1.15/gallon; at
a future projected price of$4.00/gallon, it would have cost $13,560. In 2008, they consumed 4,491
gallons of fuel at a cost of $15,271; during this time fuel prices ranged from $4.47 to $2.42 per gallon.
Remodeling will also reduce the school's electric consumption and increase its heating efficiency.
Currently, the school building is inefficient. Heat sinks in PHS include the front door (single glazing, no
thermal break, and inefficient weather stripping); an arctic entrance here would provide savings. The
school walls are insulated below optimal R-values of R-25 to R-30. The roof is insulated below
recommended values ofR-50 to R-60. The windows are double-paned, but without a thermal break and
have worn seals. The boiler has no flu damper and loses heat when not in use. The building has no air
handling unit and is under-ventilated; windows and doors are kept open to compensate. The school needs
to replace the manual thermostat with digital controls. The school has three classrooms which are used
most of the day. Janitors tum off the lights at night, but occupancy sensors would help in the bathrooms.
If PHS uses energy efficient measures during its redesign, coupled with an electric baseboard heating
system, the projected heating bill would range from $13,157 to $13,789 (including both electric and oil
heat costs). The small size of the school could allow for more electric (heat) consumption and would
reduce the heating bill further.
An implementation cost of $900,000 is at the high end of a grant amount. PHS is trying to partner with
the Vo-Tech Youth Build program to bring down the costs for the city.
Calculations/Assumptions:
• While full conversion to electric heat is preferred the Task Force assumed that electric heat would
replace about 35% of the diesel used.
• PHS's design is comparable to the Career Center located next door. It has an electric baseboard
heating system, which is recommended for PHS. PHS is 38% larger than the Career Center. On
average, the electric boiler at the Career Center accounts for 40% to 65% of the building's
electricity usage. Projected annual consumption for PHS can be estimated from this information
• Estimate used fuel prices at $4.00/gallon, PHS's 2008 heating bill minus 35%, then adding 38% of
the Career Center's electric consumption.
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3.5 Other Initiatives: Transportation up to 100 tons/yr of eC02
Municipal transportation sector emissions increased between 2003 and 2006. The main factor appeared to
be the heavy snow in 2006 and the increased need for snow removal (see Section 2.5). Gas and diesel
fueled vehicles were responsible for nearly 15% of total municipal emissions in 2003 and approximately
22.5% of total municipal emissions in 2006 (City of Sitka 2008). The inventory indicates that these
emissions may level off over time due to projected changes in average vehicle emissions. The city spent
slightly more than $77,000 to fuel its vehicles in 2003 and more than twice that amount - nearly $166,000
- in 2006.
It is also notable that city employee commutes generate another 120 tons per year of eC02 -slightly more
than 3% of total municipal emissions. Finally, it is important to point out that transportation sector
emissions do not include all emissions associated with fossil-fuel driven transportation. Even though air
travel, ferry travel, and marine shipping are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions, local
government has little influence over these sectors and it would also be difficult to accurately approximate
emissions from these sectors (City of Sitka 2008).
The City currently owns a total of about 107 vehicles (Table 11). Replacement of vehicles is limited;
approximately 12 passenger vehicles are expected to be replaced between 2010 and 2020 (Fitzsimmons
2010). Heavy trucks, light trucks, and pickups were not considered for replacement with hybrid vehicles
or all-electric vehicles (due to the recognized need for large trucks to do heavy work). The current
emission reductions are based on the current expected vehicle replacement rate. This evaluation considers
comparisons of actual emissions during transportation (but not during the entire life cycle of the vehicle).
Therefore, all-electric vehicles are considered to have zero emissions.
FIGURES AND TABLES
Table 11. City and Borough of Sitka VEHICLE TYPES in 2006 and projected for 2020.
2006 2020
Car type Number of vehicles
Gasoline Diesel Total Gasoline
Number of vehicles
Diesel Hybrid AII-
electric
Total I
Auto full-size 7 0 7 4 0 2 1 7
Passenger vehicle
Light
truck/SUV/Pickups
Heavy Truck
23
44
2
10
2
19
33
46
21
17
40
2
10
2
19
2
0
0
1
0
0
30
42
21
Total 76 31 107 63 31 4 2 100
Note: 2020 vehicle totals are based on the City and Borough adopting "Right Sizing" and "Hybrid/Electric Vehicle
Purchase" recommendations (pages 31-32).
Table 12. City and Borough of Sitka FUEL CONSUMPTION in 2006 and projected for 2020.
2006 2020
Car type Total gallons fuel Total gallons fuel
Gasoline Diesel Gasoline Diesel Hybrid* AII-
electric
Auto full-size 8,670 0 4,325 0 1,238 0
Passenger vehicle 11,252 6,449 8,541 5,630 1,238 0
Light truck/SUV/Pickups 23,146 1,108 20,206 967 0 0
Heavy Truck 1,021 27,042 891 23,608 0 0
Total 44,089 34,599 33,963 30,205 2,476 0
"assumes that hybrids have a 50% fuel savings (vs. conventional vehicles)
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Added Information about ElectriclHybrid Vehicles:
• Commercial all-electric vehicles are likely to be available within the next few years
• Sitka already has several all-electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles in use (i.e. demonstration and
community awareness has already begun)
• Sitka's relatively level terrain bodes well for all-electric vehicles, which generally have less
powerful motors than conventional vehicles (same for relatively low speed limits)
• Widespread use of all-electric vehicles in Sitka would need to be phased in only after additional
hydroelectric capacity is added
• Strong community cooperation could help with issues such as scheduling recharging periods (for
night-time and day-time users); strong community support and environmental ethic should favor a
transition to all-electric vehicles.
• Policy incentives (local, state, and/or federal) could assist with all-electric vehicle implementation
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RECOMMENDATION: "Right stze" City Vehicle Fleet Transportation
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: City Administrator with Department Staff input
eC02 Savings: 34.63 Tons per year
Financial Savings by 2020 (Fuel Only): $14,284
Current vehicles in every department would be evaluated to determine if the number, size and the fuel
type of the vehicles are appropriate based on the frequency and type of use. Overall, the City may
determine that 23 (33 total) passenger and 44 (46 total) Light Truck/SUV /Pickup vehicles are excessive to
their needs. A minimal 6% overall reduction in the City and Borough 107 vehicle fleet can net a large
return in savings and eC02 reduction (these savings are based on the assumption that a reduction in the
vehicle fleet will net a proportional decrease in usage, thereby reducing average gasoline consumption by
the municipal fleet). Additionally, where feasible, the City will purchase smaller, more fuel efficient
vehicles for each department. In the future, when upgrading the fleet, the City would take into account the
main use of the vehicle and will purchase the smallest and most fuel-efficient vehicle in the class required
for the job (see additional proposals concerning vehicle fleet transition to hybrid/all electric).
• Reduction of Gasoline Passenger Vehicles from 23 to 20: 3 x 489 gal/yr = 1467 gallons
• Reduction of Light Trucks/SUV s/Pickups from 44 to 40: 4 x 526 gal/yr = 2104 gallons
• Financial Savings from avoided fuel costs: 3571 gallons at @$4/gal = $14, 284
• eC02 reduction: 3571 gallons of gasoline x 19.41bs eC02/gal gas (most smaller vehicles use gas,
not diesel) = 69,277 Ibs.
• Total Implementation Cost: $0
• Payback: No costs incurred to reduce fleet.
Co-Benefits
• Reduced Maintenance Costs
• Potential income from sale of excess vehicles
• Better Air Quality
• Reduced insurance costs
• More efficient operating practices
Success Stories
The governor of the State of California ordered the sale of 15% of the state's vehicle fleet in July of 2009
to reduce surplus and address complaints about the unnecessary use of state vehicles by employees. This
reduction is estimated to save California $24 million.
The City of Vancouver, City of Victoria, and City of Toronto have all gone through vehicle and fleet
right-sizing efforts. They have reduced the amount of their capital investment in vehicles and lowered
eC02 emissions as a result.
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RECOMMENDA TION:Hybridand Electric Vehicle Purchases Transportation
Measure Status: Proposed
Duration: Phased in between 2010 and 2020
Responsible Department: All Departments purchasing full size and passenger vehicles
eC02 Savings: 26.2 tons per year
Financial Savings: $10,800 per year (assumes $4.00 per gallon fuel cost)
Replacement of 6 passenger vehicles with conventional hybrid vehicles (4) and all-electric vehicles (2)
will save approximately 2,700 gallons of gasoline per year (3.4% of current fuel consumption).
Passenger vehicles and auto full-size vehicles would be considered for replacement with either
conventional hybrid or all-electric vehicles. By 2020, we would expect about 4 hybrid vehicles and 2 all
electric vehicles in the CBS t1eet. This is based on a replacement schedule of 12 vehicles over a 10 year
period (where 6 of the replacements would continue to be convention gasoline or diesel vehicles). If this
replacement schedule were realized, in year 2020 approximately 6% of CBS vehicles would be
"alternative fuel" vehicles.
Vehicle replacement strategies for hybrid and/or all-electric vehicles would depend on specific needs as
these vehicles are being phased into the CBS fleet over the next 10 years. For example, all-electric
vehicles could be used to replace light duty vehicles (i.e. passenger cars) with limited driving ranges,
while hybrids could replace larger vehicles. It would also be important to review the availability and
prices of specific models throughout the 10 year replacement period. Given the difficulty in projecting
what types and models of new vehicles will be available between now and year 2020, in this report we do
not make specific recommendations regarding vehicle replacement.
*As replacements occur, consider research showing limited to no fuel savings through the use of hybrids
in local (other SE Alaska cities) situations.
Calculations:
• total fuel consumption by City and Borough of Sitka t1eet in 2006: approx. 78,688 gallons/year
• Hybrid vehicles would achieve a fuel efficiency (miles per gallon) of approximately twice the fuel
efficiency of conventional (gasoline) vehicles.
• expected fuel reduction: 2,700 gallons per year (3.4% of vehicle fuel consumption)
• expected eCOz reductions (based on 19.4 lbs. per gallon): 26.2 tons per year
Additional benefits:
• Improved air quality due to reduced combustion of fossil fuels
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RECOMMENDATION: Increase fuel efficiency Transportation
Measure Status: Proposed
Duration: Phased in between 2010 and 2020
Responsible Department: All Departments purchasing full size and passenger vehicles
eC02 Savings: 7.6 tons per year
Financial Savings: $3,144 per year (assumes $4.00 per gallon fuel cost)
Increase fuel efficiency by purchasing more fuel efficient models when replacing 6 conventional
(gasoline) vehicles for the city fleet as well as when replacing any light trucks/SUVs/pickups. This
measure will save an estimated 1% of current fuel consumption.
Vehicles could potentially have greater fuel-efficiency in year 2020 than today (2010). This is based on a
reasonable expectation of rising fuel prices over the next 10 years, and the response by automakers to
make vehicles less costly to operate. If this trend occurs, fuel consumption could be reduced for City and
Borough of Sitka vehicles in year 2020, even with no reduction in fleet driving miles. Vehicles affected
could include trucks, SUVs, and heavy duty vehicles, as well as some passenger vehicles.
The estimated fuel savings for this measure is 786 gallons per year (approximately 1% of current fleet
wide fuel consumption). The bulk of this savings would be realized from the 6 new conventional (i.e.
gasoline powered) vehicles that would be purchased over the next 10 years with some contribution from
replacement of light trucks/SUV s/pickups.
Calculations:
• total fuel consumption by City and Borough of Sitka fleet in 2006: approx. 78,688 gallons per year
• fuel reduction due to increased efficiency of new vehicles: estimated to be I % of total
• expected fuel reduction: 786 gallons per year
• expected eC02 reductions (based on 19.4lbs. per gallon): 7.6 tons per year
Additional benefits:
• Improved air quality due to reduced combustion of fossil fuels
• Reduced fuel costs of close to $3,144 per year
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RECOMMENDA TlON: Reduce Vehicle Idling Transportation
Status of this Measure: proposed
Duration: phased in between 2010 and 2020
Responsible Department: All Departments
eC02 Savings: 19 tons per year
$ savings: $7,860 per year (assumes $4.00 per gallon fuel cost)
Practices to reduce vehicle idling will be encouraged for all City and Borough of Sitka vehicles. When
fully implemented, this measure could save up to 3,930 gallons per year (2.5% of current fleet-wide fuel
consumption).
Reduced vehicle idling should not be overlooked as an opportunity for increased fuel efficiency. Reduced
idling has been recognized as being important in improving air quality and health, as well as saving fuel
(www.idlefreeVT.org). It has been estimated that between 5 and 7% of total fuel used in private vehicles
can be attributed to idling (Taylor 2003), and that idling reduction programs could reduce consumer fuel
use by up to 1.8%.
This measure will also include other fuel conservation measures, including driving fewer miles when
possible, making fewer trips, monitoring tire pressures, and/or carpooling whenever feasible.
Calculations:
• total fuel consumption by City and Borough of Sitka fleet in 2006: approx. 78,688 gallons per year
• fuel reduction due to reduced idling and other conservation measures: estimated to be 2.55% of
total
• expected fuel reduction: 1,965 gallons per year
• expected eC02 reductions (based on 19.4 lbs. per gallon): 19 tons per year
Additional benefits:
• Improved air quality due to reduced combustion of fossil fuels
• Reduced fuel costs of close to $7,860 per year
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RECOMMMENDATION: Commuter Transit Reimbursement Program Transportation
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: City Administrator
eC02 Savings: 12.6 Tons per year
U.S. Public Law 101-509 authorizes Federal agencies to use appropriated funds to pay all or a portion of
their employees' public transportation costs, provided such payments are in conjunction with existing
programs encouraging the use of public mass transportation. The City and Borough of Sitka could adopt
a similar measure to encourage the use of the Community Ride bus system, reducing the number of single
-occupancy vehicles on the road for the purpose of transiting to/from work. This proposal assumes 5 City
employees per week would use multi-trip (l-day) passes.
Participants would receive a monthly transit benefit equal to their actual bus fare commuting cost,
maximum $25 per week.
Calculations:
eC02 reduction: 1 gallon per person, per day, gasoline usage for travel only to/from place of work = 1300
gallons of gasoline x 19.4 lbs eC02 /gal = 25,220 lbs.
Total Implementation Cost: $6500/yr (5 City employees per day. per 52 weeks = 1300 all day bus passes
at $5 per pass)
Co-Benefits
• Greater utilization of existing mass transit programs
• Improved air quality
• Potential tax benefit for City and Borough
• Reduced traffic congestion at peak periods
Success Stories
The Regional Transportation District in partnership with GO Boulder offers a bus pass program especially
for neighborhoods called the Neighborhood Eco (NECO) Pass. As of November 2009, 45
neighborhoods in Boulder and one in Lafayette offer the NECO Pass to more than 7,100 eligible
households and 11,000 residents.
Go Green is a project developed in British Columbia, Canada to provide alternatives to single-occupancy
vehicle transportation and to help create a cleaner environment. This program was the first of its type to
be started in Canada.
Idle-free Vermont. Internet reference: http://www.idlefreevt.org/.
Taylor,G.W.R. 2003. Review of the Incidence, Energy Useand Costsof PassengerVehicle Idling. Final Report, Prepared for: Office of EnergyEfficiency.
Natural ResourcesCanada. 40 p.
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3.6 Other Initiatives: Purchasing and Waste Reduction
Purchasing and waste go hand-in-hand, since almost everything that is tossed as garbage was at one time
acquired through deliberate purchase. While it is not always practical to reduce the quantity of purchased
goods, selecting recyclable, durable, or re-usable products will lead to less landfilling and less methane
and carbon dioxide emissions. In this way, thoughtful procurement guidelines lead to greenhouse gas
reductions.
Waste reduction strategies primarily seek to prevent or reduce the release of methane at landfills and other
facilities by diverting recyclable and compostable material from the waste stream. As a greenhouse gas,
methane is more than 20 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. (It is also the primary ingredient in
natural gas, and if it is burned, it is far less harmful than other fossil fuels, such as coal.) In some cities,
methane capture at landfill sites serves not only to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, it also provides a
relatively efficient fuel source.
In Sitka the waste sector is reported as producing negative emissions. In Sitka's Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Inventory our waste production was assigned a negative value (of -2,423 tons per year of
eC02) . It is surprising that an island community that ships its garbage hundreds of miles via barge and
truck can have negative carbon output. This is explained by the fact that all of Sitka's waste (other than
sewage sludge from the waste water treatment plant) is shipped to the Roosevelt Regional Landfill in
Washington, a facility that has a methane recovery rate of approximately 95%. This means that the vast
majority of the methane produced by Sitka's decomposing waste is captured and burned to produce
electricity, the final result being that more carbon equivalent is buried and trapped in the landfill than is
added to the atmosphere. The balance remains negative even when emissions produced from shipping the
waste from Sitka to Roosevelt are taken into account. However, if it was possible to quantify the
emissions produced in the entire life cycle of our community's waste, specifically from upstream energy
use, this component of the inventory would be significantly larger. Consider the following example of
upstream energy use: To produce high-grade office paper, a paper manufacturer uses gasoline powered
machinery to cut down trees (which store carbon), diesel trucks to carry the lumber to the paper mill.
fossil fuels or wood products to power the mill, and more diesel trucks to distribute the product to
customers.
The same avoided emissions from methane burning can be obtained by reducing, recycling, and reusing
our municipal solid waste on our island. We need not ship our waste to Washington to reduce our carbon
dioxide output. By reducing the amount of waste we ship out, and by storing carbon in the form of
compost, we realize even greater savings than shipping our waste to the highly efficient Washington
landfill. This can be achieved by using the compost material generated by organic waste diversion for use
in producing agricultural products and replacing imported synthetic fertilizers.
Recycling leads to CO 2 reductions at the material extraction and manufacturing levels. as well as methane
reductions at the landfill. Similarly, composting leads to methane reductions and produces a product that
can be used in place of manufactured chemical fertilizers. An emphasis on waste reduction also helps
promote a culture of conservation and sustainability with broad environmental and economic benefits.
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3.6.1 City Purchasing and Waste Policies 37 tons/yr eC02
RECOMMENDATION: Curbside Recycling Municipal Waste
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Public Works
eC02 Savings: 3.12 tons per year
Institute curbside recycling. Each dwelling and business will be provided with a blue receptacle for
paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, and tin cans, which will be picked up every other week using
existing trucks and staff. Garbage will be picked up every other week. This will increase the amount of
material recycled by a minimum of 15%, from the current 5.5% of the waste stream to 7.7%.
Item Implementation
Cost
Energy
Reduction
(kWhNr)
Energy
Reduction
(GalNr)
Payback
Period
Annual
Savings
eC02
Reduction
(Tons per
year)
Curbside Recycling
$20,000 initial
investment +
$10,000/yr
N/A N/A 19 mos $18,700 gross
$8,700 net 3.1
Method: Contract with Rabanco and subcontractor Stragier Sanitation.
Cost: $30,000: $10,000 for recycling containers, $10,000 for additional labor, and $10,000 for
implementation costs (new container shipping, storage, and distribution).
Annual Cost Savings: $18,700 per year: $16,500 in avoided waste shipping costs and an increase of
$2,200 in recycling income, based on 2009 prices.
Feasibility: Existing equipment and a slightly increased workforce are capable of adapting to this plan.
It is anticipated that there will be some initial resistance from the public that can be overcome through
education and successful implementation of the plan. Residents will learn how to reduce waste, or if not,
opt for additional waste service. A new contract will need to be negotiated with Rabanco and Stragier
Sanitation.
Calculations for initiatives in the waste and purchasing recommendations are based on the
following figures:
• $91,073 average monthly barge cost (2009)= $1,092,876 ($1.2 million in 2009)
• 567 tons average monthly waste (2009) = 6,804/yr /$1.2 m = $176/ton
• 6,804 tons/year x 1.65% = ~94 tons/year reduction in waste
• $63,000 low winter invoice; $116,000 high summer invoice
• 15% increase in recycling, from 5.5% of the MSW to 7.65%, a net increase of 1.65%
• 1.65% decrease in waste barged out
• 2009 recycling report form Stragier x 12/2010 recycling prices = ~$40,000 income/credit
• eCOz reduction: 3.1 tons per year eCOz will be reduced. (Assume .033 tons of eCOz released per
ton of trash)
• 94 tons per year x .033 = 3.1 tons per year eCOz reduction
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RECOMMENDATION: Materials Reuse Center Municipal Waste
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Public Works
eC02 Savings: .5 tons per year
Approximately 1.5% of the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream can be diverted via a Materials Reuse
Center. This measure will consist of a three-sided metal shed (20'x 20' on with a concrete footing and a
gravel f1oor) installed adjacent to the transfer station that will serve as a "Materials Reuse Center". Items
that are of obvious value will be removed from the waste stream and placed in the facility for sale to the
general public. Typical materials include lumber, furniture, fixtures, and household goods. These items
will be sold on site for modest prices, typically 25% of new prices. All income will be paid to the City.
Item Implementation
Cost
Energy
Reduction
(kWhNr)
Energy
Reduction
(GaINr)
Payback
Period
Annual
Savings
eC02
Reduction
(Tons per
year)
Materials Reuse
Center
$32,000 ($12,000
initial investment
+ $20,OOO/yr)
N/A N/A 19
months
$25,000 gross
$5,000 net 0.5
It is estimated that an additional 0.5 Full Time Equivalent position will be required to oversee the flow of
materials into and out of the Materials Reuse Center. It should be noted that this practice currently takes
place on an informal basis, but the majority of reusable materials go south. The increased cost of the
contracted service, currently provided by Stragier, will be exceeded by avoided costs (shipping materials
to landfilling in Washington) and by sales of materials.
Calculations:
• $20 per sq. ft. for the metal building + $10 sq. ft. for the concrete footing = $30 per sq. ft. =
$12,000
• $15,000 annual waste shipping savings + $10,000 annual sales of materials = $25,000
income/savings
• $20,000 cost of a .5 FTE materials handler
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RECOMMENDATION: Municipal Composting Municipal Waste
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Public Works
eC02 Savings: 22.5 tons per year
For every 1% of waste not shipped to Washington, the city saves approximately $10,000 and 2.25 tons
per year of carbon dioxide emissions. Approximately 20% of the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream
can be composted using simple technologies. This proposed measure assumes a 10% diversion of organic
material from the solid waste stream. This includes food wastes from the grocery stores, schools,
hospitals, senior centers, and the commercial kitchens associated with these faculties. Two more
important components are waste fish carcasses from sport fishing and chipped wood waste from local tree
services. This measure only addresses the waste collected by the city's enterprise program, and
accordingly does not address the millions of pounds of fish waste that are presently pumped out, or hauled
out, to sea by local fish processors. Additional compostable materials include wooden pallets, sheetrock
and some construction waste. The City currently pays about $.06 a pound to ship waste south, or about
$1,250,000 a year. This measure assumes that the city pay a private contractor $.06 a pound to divert
organic waste into a compo sting facility, which will also benefit horticultural efforts in Sitka by greatly
increasing the amount of affordable soil amendments available. It is assumed that the private contractor
will bear the implementation and operating costs.
Item Implementation
Cost
Energy
Reduction
(kWhNr)
Energy
Reduction
(GaINr)
Annual Savings
eC02
Reduction
(Tons per
year)
Municipal Composting $125,000/yr N/A N/A $125,000 gross
$0 net 22.5
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RECOMMENDATION: Ban Yard Waste from Garbage Pick Up Municipal Waste
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Public Works
eC02 Savings: 11.2 tons per year
Yard waste typically makes up 10 - 15% of the solid waste stream. Currently residents dispose of yard
wastes through natural decomposition, burning, and depositing materials in Sitka facilities such as the
independently operated Overburden site. To discourage burning/encourage yard waste composting, a
container could be made available for this purpose at the recycling center and outreach/education efforts
should be made to educate the public about this preferred waste method. The yard waste container can be
dumped at facilities such as Overburden and/or be chipped and composted. Both of these alternatives
would pay local contractors about $.05 a pound for handling the material, representing a savings of $.01 a
pound from not shipping the materials to Washington State. Assuming that banning the disposal of yard
waste in weekly pickups was able to divert 5% (385 tons per year) of the solid waste stream from being
shipped to Washington at ~$.01 a pound savings, the city would reduce shipping costs by $7,700/year but
with similar costs incurred for implementation and monitoring.
Item Implementation
Cost
Energy
Reduction
(kWhlYr)
Energy
Reduction
(GallYr)
Annual
Savings
eC02 Reduction
(Tons per year)
Yard Waste Ban $7,700 N/A N/A $0 net 11.2
RECOMMENDA TlON: Maintain Parks with Non-Chemical Inputs Procurement
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Parks and Recreation
eC02 Savings: Unknown
Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides all have high carbon footprints and their transportation to
Sitka incurs additional carbon and financial costs. Formal adoption of non-chemical and locally procured
inputs (i.e. compost for fertilizer and vinegar from local stores for use as an herbicide) will reduce our
carbon footprint, improve the health of our citizens, build soil quality, reduce pollution and keep the over
$10,000 spent annually on synthetic inputs in our community. The substitution of a compost-based
fertilizer, especially on the larger areas (ball parks), would enhance the health of the soil and those using
these recreation areas. An initial investment in a compost spreader ($10,000 including shipping) will be
necessary for application to the large acreage of turf maintained by Parks and Recreation. While locally
purchased soil amendments wil1likely be less expensive than synthetics, the increased labor for
application will keep the annual costs at about $10,000. This pays Sitkans for labor instead of importing
products from the lower 48.
Item Implementation
Cost
Energy
Reduction
(kWhlYr)
Energy
Reduction
(GallYr)
Annual
Savings
eC02 Reduction
(Tons per year)
Park Maintenance $10,000 N/A N/A $0 net Unknown
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3.7.1 School Purchasing and Waste Policies 5 tons/yr eC02
RECOMMENDATION: Compost School Food Waste Municipal Waste
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Sitka School District
eC02 Savings: 5.0 tons per year
The Sitka School District spends almost $50,000 annually for waste disposal, of which approximately
30% by weight is food waste. A modest lunchroom-based separation program would save the school
system over $10,000 a year in waste collection fees and reduces the city's waste disposal costs. A portion
of these savings can be used to cover the additional labor needed to oversee the collection of waste in the
lunch rooms. An outside contractor would be required to operate a commercial composting system and
pick up the waste on a daily basis. While the daily pickup will only be between 200 and 500 lbs, the
annual total will be over 151 tons per year. Additional benefits include educational opportunities for
students and production of valuable compost for the Parks and Recreation Department as well as for local
food production.
Item Implementation
Cost
Energy
Reduction
(kWhNr)
Energy
Reduction
(GaINr)
Payback
Period
Annual
Savings
eC02 Reduction
(Tons per year)
Recycle
School Food
Waste
$5,000/yr N/A N/A 6 months
$10,000/yr
($5,000/yr
net)
5.0
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RECOMMENDA TlON: Serve Locally Caught Fish in Schools School Procurement
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Sitka School District
eC02 Savings: Unknown
The Sitka School District contracts for food services via a contract from Nana Management Services.
Virtually none of the food served is produced in Sitka. The environmental and health costs of food
transported hundreds or thousands of miles have been well documented. At present, Sitka has no
agricultural producers capable of supplying the school system's needs. Plans for commercial greenhouses
may remedy this situation. Sitka, however, has a thriving fishing fleet that typically sells fresh caught
salmon for $2.50/1b to the processing plants. Additionally, the longline fleet delivers sufficient bycatch
whitefish to provide local fish once a week to all the schools. which is sometimes ground into gurry and
dumped at sea due to a lack of procurement procedures. Working with the local food service contractor
and processors, fresh and frozen locally harvested fish can replace "fish sticks" at competitive prices, with
significant nutritional and local economic benefits.
Item Implementation
Cost
Energy
Reduction
(kWhNr)
Energy
Reduction
(GaINr)
Life Cycle
Savings
eC02 Reduction
(Tons per year)
Locally Caught Fish Unknown N/A N/A $0 Unknown
Success Stories
The Healthy Tomorrows Kodiak group is implementing a program to use locally caught seafood in the
school lunch program. The program, named Fish to School, will start at the high school. Sitka could use
their project as a learning tool for implementation of a similar project.
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3.7 Other Initiatives: All Employees
One recommendation/request heard from several City staff members was to provide education to
employees about energy conservation and sustainable business practices. While not all employees make
decisions about what vehicle to purchase or how much insulation to put in a building, all employees do
have the ability and initiative to make choices that reduce energy consumption. Education and incentives
support employees making good choices and can lead to energy conservation at home as well as at work.
These actions will not yield high levels of emission reductions, but they support the overall effort. The
Task Force believes that these recommendations are especially important because of the need to offset the
increased load on the electrical system in order to minimize the use of diesel for electricity generation.
Other Initiatives: Estimating Benefits
In the CAP sections above, the Task Force estimated actual costs (in dollars) or energy reductions (in
terms of gallons of fuel or electricity/kilowatt hours) and reported those numbers. In other cases,
particularly related to code changes, zoning changes, training, etc., the Task Force recognized that
estimating specific values would be impossible. Instead, the Task Force used a 1 through 5 rating system;
1 being equal to the least benefit/most difficult/most costly/etc.; 5 being equal to the highest
benefit/easiest/least expensive. The Task Force provided the initiatives and their ratings to City Staff for
review and revision.
In general, the Task Force expected most education efforts and changes in zoning/code would be
relatively inexpensive to the City (Implementation cost) because changing the code or zoning is mostly a
paper exercise by the City staff. The Feasibility rating recognizes difficulty or ease of getting some of
these initiatives through the process (for example, due to environmental reasons, permits, permissions, or
passage through the Assembly). Energy reduction (in kWh or gallons) is self-explanatory, but hard to
estimate since many code changes will reduce the community's energy use, but not necessarily the City
government's use; this rating is reported in terms of "how much will we reduce energy use overall (City
AND community)?" C02 reduction provides an equivalent that was used to compare reduced electricity
vs. reduced fuel; it is based on energy reduction. Annual cost savings was looked at in terms of cost
savings overall (not just the City's savings).
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RECOMMENDA TlON: Energy/Fuel Conservation Training All Departments
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Recycling
Overall score: 22
Develop and provide comprehensive energy/fuel saving training (to promote "easy" energy conservation).
Local, small-scale employee training. reminders, and a small brochure. emails or other formats (to include
some "myth busting") on various energy-saving methods and techniques such as turning off lights and
computers, keeping doors closed, recycling, low-fuel-usage driving tips.
eC02 Savings: 3 - Most savings would be in electricity.
Cost: 5 -Training could be done quickly, in-house, possibly with volunteers, and use behavior audits
described above. Training could be done in small doses via current communication methods-email, pay
stubs, current meetings, word-of mouth. Training would lead to future behavior modification.
Annual Cost Savings: 5 -Training would lead to behavior changes that save energy/money
Payback Period: 5 -Behavior modifications of energy-wasting practices would lead to fast payback.
Feasibility: 4 -Energy-saving methods and techniques list would be developed, disseminate using
currently used methods. Added training (on simple items) should likely occur. This initiative requires
buy-in and interest of employees. Need to make sure that employees know that training is meant to
educate and benefit them, not punish them.
Co-benefits: Training/brochure could be shared with other businesses in Sitka or shared with other small
communities. US Forest Service may be developing training items that could be shared.
441Page
RECOMMENDATION: Energy and Fuel Saving Behavior Audits All Departments
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: All; oversight by Electric Dept
Overall score: 22
Conduct internal, informal audits of employee behaviors that save or waste energy as a
learning/improvement opportunity. Observe and log employee behaviors for using energy in each
building and office in Sitka. Have individuals use a check list to observe items like lights left on in
unused rooms, computers left on and unused, doors left open to outside air, recycling behavior, l-sided
copying, etc. Best method would be to ask 1 or 2 individuals from each staff to visit a different staff's
office to observe (be sure that these are unannounced visits); this would give the opportunity for staff to
connect between departments while also giving observers a chance to learn better (or worse) energy
conservation habits. Results would help to determine what employee training, reminders. and small
brochure or other information would be beneficial.
eC02 Savings: 3 -Most savings would be in electricity
Cost: 5 -Audits could be done quickly, in-house, possibly with volunteers, and used to determine
employee concerns and needs, energy-saving training needs and future behavior modification.
Annual Cost Savings: 5 -Audit would quickly show where behavior changes could save energy/money.
Payback Period: 5 -Behavior modifications of energy-wasting practices would lead to fast payback.
Feasibility: 4 -Once a list of items to look at is developed, checking buildings and behaviors should be
relatively simple and fast. Audits may be needed during different seasons since habits change with
temperature, light, etc. This initiative requires buy-in and interest of employees. Need to make sure that
employees know that audits are meant to benefit them, not punish them.
Co-benefits: Audit procedure could be shared with other businesses in Sitka or shared with other small
communities.
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RECOMMENDATION: Employee Incentive Program for Saving Energy/Fuel All Departments
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Finance
Overall score: 18
Develop an employee incentive program for implementing fuel and energy savings. This program would
provide small but tangible incentives either for individuals, groups, buildings, or departments to reduce
their energy and/or fuel use. Incentives might involve competitive efforts (and small prizes) between
buildings to reduce electricity use per capita or between departments in reduction of fuel consumption in
vehicles. Incentives for employee carpooling, improved recycling, etc. can improve educational efforts
and morale while reducing energy costs for the City.
eC02 Savings: 3 - Most savings would be in electricity.
Cost: 4 -Appropriate, inexpensive incentives would need to be discussed and determined.
Annual Cost Savings: 4 -If employees like the program, energy-saving behavior will be reinforced
through this appreciation effort.
Payback Period: 5 -Behavior modifications of energy-wasting practices would lead to fast payback.
Feasibility: 2 - It may be difficult to determine what provides motivation and would take some
organization to plan a "contest". This initiative requires buy-in and interest of employees.
Co-benefits: Program idea could be shared with other businesses in Sitka or shared with other small
communities.
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3.8 Community Wide Measures: Planning, Zoning, Public Outreach, and
Policy
This section on community wide measures recommends adjustments to planning and zoning and seeks to
utilize public opportunities, funding, and education in order to increase community-wide reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions. These reductions are outside of municipal reductions, but are under the
management of the City and seek to reduce emissions mainly through small changes in current policy.
This section also recommends policy changes at state and federal levels to spur action at the highest levels
of government as part of a global response to mitigate climate change.
In this section, the Task Force used a 1 through 5 rating system to determine costs and benefits of
proposals - 1 being equal to the least benefit/most difficult/most costly/etc.; 5 being equal to the highest
benefit/easiest/least expensive as described in section 3.7 above under Other Initiatives: Estimating
Benefits. One important additional assumption - when the Task Force talks about zoning and
development - they are talking about new developments.
Policy Recommendations:
With the mayor's signature on the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in December 01'2007, the
City and Borough of Sitka agreed to:
..,urge the federal government and state governments to enact policies and programs to meet or
beat the target of reducing global warming pollution levels to 7% below 1990 levels by 2012,
including efforts to: reduce the United States' dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the
development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel-efficient technologies such as
conservation, methane recovery for energy generation, waste to energy, wind and solar energy,
fuel cells, efficient motor vehicles, and biofuels;
and
...urge the U.S. Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation that 1) includes
clear timetables and emissions limits and 2) a f1exible, market-based system of tradable
allowances among emitting industries ...
The Task Force recommends that:
• the City of Sitka enact and explicitly recognize that this plan serves as the rationale for investing
in renewable energy development, energy efficiency, and energy use reductions projects that
demonstrate how local actions can work towards reducing our community overall carbon
footprint; and
• the City of Sitka use their investments and projects to articulate to state and federal decision
makers how local governments, businesses, and citizens are taking action to reduce carbon
emissions and act on global climate change challenges; and
• the City of Sitka urge state and federal decision makers to enact legislation that sets goals for
action on carbon emission reduction, energy efficiency, and action on climate change, especially
in ways that result in funding and financing opportunities for municipal governments, local
businesses, and local homeowners to make investments towards the climate change goals; for
example:
salmon-friendly hydroelectric or tidal power. And that the City recognizes and articulates
the need to develop and help finances these renewable energy sources for long-term social,
economic, and environmental sustainability for Sitka and other Alaskan communities;
the City of Sitka integrate carbon emission reduction/action on climate change into its
long-term community energy plan;
47 I P age
the City of Sitka articulate to state and federal decision makers the need to invest oil and
gas tax revenues into energy efficiency and renewable energy investment; and
the City of Sitka continue to seek local opportunities to take action on climate change and
reduce carbon emissions while using our local community's efforts to draw attention to
climate change threats, opportunities for municipalities to take action, and the need for
state and federal legislation and funding streams to assist municipal government's actions
and initiatives.
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RECOMMENDATION: Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Building Dept.
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Building Department
Overall score: 20
Ensure that 100% of City or Agency funded affordable housing projects incorporate energy
efficiency/green building techniques. Proposals, contracts, and grants would be written to ensure that all
new affordable housing projects will include high standards for energy efficiency, particularly as related
to items such as insulation, windows, heating systems, and other efficiency items.
eC02 Savings: 4 -Savings would be in heating fuel and electricity.
Cost: 5 -City/agency is providing funds for these projects that will be paid back.
Annual Cost Savings: 4 -Energy savings accrue right away and every year thereafter.
Payback Period: 5 -Energy savings occur immediately.
Feasibility: 3 -It may be difficult to initially fund these programs since the cost of green building/high
energy efficiency is currently higher than typical construction.
Co-benefits: Proposal benefits and reduces community eC02 production. Short-term costs are higher,
long-term costs are substantially lower through reduced energy costs.
RECOMMENDA TION: Green Building Education Building Dept.
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Building Department
Overall score: 16
Research and make available green building education materials. Make information available to builders
and home owners. This program would provide green building and energy efficiency education and
outreach efforts to builders and citizens, and involve the creation of informational material and workshops
that outline available resources, contacts and strategies for energy efficiency.
eC02 Savings: 3 -Savings would be in heating fuel and electricity.
Proposal benefits and reduces community eC02 production. Short-term costs are higher, long-term costs
are substantially lower through reduced energy costs.
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RECOMMENDA TlON: Home Rehabilitation Loan Program Adjustment Building Dept.
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Building Department
Overall score: 20
Incorporate energy-savings retrofits in at least 75% of all Home Rehabilitation Loan Program projects.
75% of contracts for home rehabilitation loans would be written to ensure that retrofits will include high
standards for energy efficiency, particularly as related to items such as insulation, windows, heating
systems, and other energy efficiency items.
eC02 Savings: 4 - Savings would be in heating fuel and electricity.
Cost: 5 - City/agency is providing funds for these projects that will be paid back.
Annual Cost Savings: 4 - Energy savings accrue right away and every year thereafter.
Payback Period: 5 - Energy savings occur immediately.
Feasibility: 3 - It may be difficult to initially fund these programs since the cost of green building/high
energy efficiency is currently higher than typical construction.
Co-benefits: Proposal benefits and reduces community eC02 production. Short-term costs are higher,
long-term costs are substantially lower through reduced energy costs.
RECOMMENDA TlON: Adjust Contract Bidding Public Works
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Public Works Project Manager
Overall score: 20
Integrate energy efficiency into city contracts and consider modifying lowest cost bidding process to
incorporate life cycle costs and energy efficiency to promote sustainability. All new proposals, contracts,
and bidding process documents would be written to ensure that all projects will include high standards for
energy efficiency. Lowest cost bidding would be modified to require all contracts and bidding to
incorporate life cycle costs and energy efficiency.
eC02 Savings: 4 - Savings would be in heating fuel and electricity.
Cost: 5 - Initial cost is higher, but long-term costs are substantially reduced when improved energy
efficiency is realized.
Annual Cost Savings: 4 - Energy savings accrue initially and every year thereafter.
Payback Period: 3 - Energy savings occur over time; often there is a premium paid for efficiency
making the item initially more expensive. Long-term costs are reduced.
Feasibility: 3 -It may be difficult to convince departments to adjust their contracting.
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Enforce/Strengthen Secondary Heat Source Requirement Public Works
Measure Status: Ongoing
Responsible Department: Public Works, Building Inspector
Overall score: 16
Enforce and strengthen the secondary heat requirement to improve community's adaptability to electricity
shortfalls. Consider adding fines or other wording to strengthen the enforceability of the code. Require
strong enforcement of this code. Remind residents that this requirement provides flexibility for the City
and the residents during electricity shortfalls.
The following excerpt from The Sitka General Code is provided (Chapter 19.01- BUILDING CODE)
19.01.030 International Residential Code Section R303.8-Required heating
Amended.
International Residential Code Section R303.8, Required heating, is amended to include
the following paragraph:
.'Ifa dwelling should be designed to use electricity as the primary energy source to
provide heat to habitable spaces. a permanently installed code-compliant secondary heat
source must be provided. The secondary heat source must be either a solidfuel-burning
appliance, an oil-burning appliance. a compressed gas-burning appliance, or approved
alternate heat source. The secondary heat source must be listed, be designedfor general
heating, and be capable ofproviding a heat output of no less than twenty thousand BTU/hI'
at design output. ,.
eC02 Savings: 4 - Savings would be in fuel used to run City's generators.
Cost: 3 - Cost to adjust code wording is minimal to the City; cost for enforcement is moderate.
Annual Cost Savings: 3 - Savings are generally limited to the community, not the City. However, for
individuals who may be forced to heat with electricity under dramatically higher costs, savings accrue
initially and every year thereafter.
Payback Period: 2 - During the short-term electricity shortfall, payback would occur immediately.
Long-term costs are reduced for residents.
Feasibility: 4 - Proposal would have to pass through the assembly. Change in code would be limited.
Overview:
Energy Savings
• Depends on rate of adoption of alternate heating sources (i.e. wood energy) for secondary heat
• Depends on availability of hydroelectric power for new homes wishing to use electricity as
pnmary energy source
Benefits
• Potentially increased availability of hydroelectric power for home heating
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions if alternative heating sources (i.e. wood energy) replace fossil
fuel systems
• Potentially greater awareness of alternative heating systems and options available for Sitka
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RECOMMENDA TlON: Adjust New Development Zoning Planning
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Planning
Overall score: 20
Adjust new development zoning ordinances to allow for: compact development; increased zoning for
smaller homes that are closer together; and increased mixed-use zoning and allow for development of
small stores, etc. close to housing in new developments. This proposal is designed to help communities
reduce their carbon footprint by reducing the amount of driving required.
eC02 Savings: 4 - Savings would be in fuel for transportation.
Cost: 5 - Cost to adjust code wording is minimal to the City.
Annual Cost Savings: 3 - Fuel savings is generally limited to the community, not the City. However, for
individuals living in these zones, savings accrue initially and every year thereafter.
Payback Period: 4 - Due to the low cost of adjusting zone wording, payback would occur immediately.
Long-term costs are reduced for residents.
Feasibility: 2 -Proposal would have to pass through the assembly. It may be difficult to convince
individuals to allow for adj ust the zones. However, since development and purchase of lots is just
beginning in the benchlands, now is a good opportunity to institute smart-development concepts.
Co-benefits: Proposal benefits and reduces community eC02 production. Smart development that puts
parks, small stores, day care, and other developments near existing housing reduces the need for driving
and increases walking/biking. This can lead to healthier individuals, less cars and congestion, and shift in
future housing demand to smaller homes and lots, townhouses, and condominiums in neighborhoods
where jobs and activities are close at hand.
Success Stories: In September 2007, the Urban Land Institute and the National Center for Smart Growth
Research and Education at the University of Maryland published Growing Cooler: The Evidence on
Urban Development and Climate Change. After reviewing dozens of empirical studies, the authors
predict that if sprawling development continues to fuel growth in driving, the increase in total miles
driven will overwhelm expected gains from vehicle efficiency and low-carbon fuels. Lead author Reid
Ewing stated, "The research shows that one of the best ways to reduce vehicle travel is to build places
where people can accomplish more with less driving."
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RECOMMENDATION: Adjust Code for Solar Panels Zoning
Measure Status: Proposed
Responsible Department: Zoning
Overall score: 18
Adjust code to allow for solar panels higher or closer to edge of lot than current code. This proposal
would allow for small adjustments to the code to allow solar panels to be slightly higher than current code
allows or closer to current setbacks. While use of solar panels in Sitka is currently limited mainly to
islands, it is a reasonable technology for use in Sitka. Allowing panels to be slightly higher or closer to
setbacks than is currently allowed may make their use more feasible for some homeowners and businesses
as they try to take full advantage of sun.
eC02 Savings: 2 - Savings would be in electricity; limited current interest in solar.
Cost: 5 - Cost to adjust code wording is minimal to the City.
Annual Cost Savings: 3 -Electricity savings is generally limited to the community, not the City.
However, for individuals living in these zones. savings accrue initially and every year thereafter.
Payback Period: 4 - Due to the low cost of adjusting zone wording, payback would occur immediately.
Long-term costs are reduced for residents.
Feasibility: 4 -Proposal would have to pass through the Assembly. Change in code would be limited.
Since many solar panels are "roof' mounted (often on a small, raised bed), a small change in the code
could benefit many people who may be interested).
Co-benefits: Increased use of solar power by individuals would reduce the electric load on the City,
reducing the need for burning diesel. Proposal benefits and reduces community eC02 production.
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4.0 References
AMCC. 2008. Ocean Acidification. (citing CNRS (2008, May 29). Ocean Acidification and Its Impacts
on Ecosystems. Science Daily.
Aydin, K. Y., G. A. McFarlane, J. R. King, B. A. Megrey, and K. W. Myers. 2005. Linking oceanic food
webs to coastal production and growth rates of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), using models
on three scales. Deep-Sea Research Part II Topical Studies in Oceanography 52:757-780.
Brahic, Catherine. 2008. "Sea level rises could far exceed IPCC estimates," New Scientist, September 1,
2008.
Brewton, Chris (City of Sitka). Pers Comm. At 3/13/2008 Task Force Meeting (see minutes)
City of Sitka. 2009. Facilities Strategic Plan for Sustainability. Public Services, March 17,2009.2 pp.
City of Sitka. 2008. City and Borough of Sitka Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. Report. 23 pp.
Fabry, V. J., Seibel, B. A., Feely, R. A., and Orr, J. C. 2008. Impacts of ocean acidification on marine
fauna and ecosystem processes. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 414-432.
http://icesjms.oxfordj ournals.orglcgi/content/full/65/3/414
IPCC. 2007. 4th Assessment Report. United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Karl, Melillo, Peterson, 2009. "Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States,"
Larsen, CF, Motyka, RJ, Freymueller, JT, Echelmeyer, KA, Ivins, ER. 2005. Rapid viscoelastic uplift in
southeast Alaska caused by post-Little Ice Age glacial retreat. Earth and Planetary Science Letters:
237.548-560.
Motyka, Prof. Roman J Ph.D (Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks). Pers. Comm.
Email toTaskForce.1/21/2010.
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), 2010.
http://www.pmel.noaa.go vIc02/0A/background.html
Pfeffer, W.T. Harper, J.T.; O'Neel, S. 2008. Kinematic Constraints on Glacier Contributions to 21st
Century Sea-Level Rise, Science (New York, N.Y.), September 2008. 321(1340), DOl:
10.1126/science.1159099.
State of Alaska. 2009. "What will Climate Change mean to Alaska?" Alaska Climate Change Strategy,
The State of Alaska, URL: http://www.climatechange.alaska.gov/cc-ak.htm. accessed 2 December
2009.
Terrapass. 2010. http://www.terrapass.com/blog/posts/how-to-turn-8-p.
U.S. Global Change Research Program. 2000. "U.S. National Assessment of the Potential Consequences
of Climate Variability and Change -Alaska Region," National Assessment Synthesis Team, pg
287.
USGS. 2006. "Climate Change Impacts in Alaska," Global Change Research, USGS, 15 March 2006.
Weller and Anderson, University of Alaska - Fairbanks, April 1998. "Forests, Climate Stress, Insects and
Fire," Implications of Global Change in Alaska and the Bering Sea Region, Page 36.
54 I P age
APPENDICES
5.0 Appendix A. Energy Audit Initiatives
The following energy audit initiatives are those that are summarized in section 3.2 of this Plan. These
items would all need to be implemented to meet the goal set by the Assembly.
• Table A-I are planned activities arranged by the Fiscal Year or time frame planned for the item.
• Table A-2 is remaining medium and high priority audit items arranged with the highest eC02
saving initiatives at the top.
• Table A-3 is Blatchley Middle School initiatives arranged with a combination of the most cost
effective and highest eC02 saving initiatives at the top.
City Buildings
Table A -1: City Building Energy Audit Initiatives-Planned
litem Building Status Implementation Energy
ReductionCost (kWhNr)
Energy
Reduction
(GaINr)
Life Cycle
Savings
eC02
Reduction
(Tons/yr)
Set Computers to
sleep mode
8 City
Bldqs Ongoing $1,900.00 22130 0 $33,200.00 1.54
Turn off inactive
computers
8 City
Bldgs Ongoing $2,000.00 35600 0 $19,600 2.49
Install water
conservinq aerators
7 City
Bldgs Ongoing $1,200 4,310 270 $33,300 3.30
Retrocommission
(mostly HVAC)
includes controls and Airport FY 10 $25,000 4200 1200 $72,500 12.29
switches
Retrocommission Fire Hall FY 10 $24,200 1900 600 $24,700 6.13
Retrocommission Centennial
Buildlnq FY 10 $31,700 1600 630 $18,600 6.41 I
Retrocommission Kettleson
Library FY 10 $19,600 550 310 $5,000 3.1385
Retrocommission Wwtp FY 10 $25,600 460 420 $7,300 4.2322
Retrocommission Public
Services FY 10 $37,465 540 480 $12,100 4.84
Install Unit Heater
Automatic Valves Airport FY'11 $1,200 0 100 $6,800 1
Install Unit Heater
Automatic Valves Fire Hall FY'11 $800 0 60 $3,500 0.6
Boiler Flue Damper Library FY'11 $2,000 80 0 $3,400 0.01
Install Refrigeration
Heat Recovery
Senior
Center FY'11 $9,500 15000 0 $11,400 1.05
Install Boiler Flue
Damper Airport FY'12 $3,000 0 130 $5,900 1.3
TOTAL THIS
SECTION $185,165.00 86,370 4200 $257,300.00 48.3307
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Table A -2: City Building Energy Audit Initiatives-Unbudgeted
Item Building Implementation
Cost
Energy
Reduction
(kWhlYr)
Energy!
Reduction I
(GallYr)
.
Life C?ycle
Savings
eC02
Reduction
(Tons/yr)
Boiler Room
Heat Recovery Fire Hall $15,500 8000 560 $14,800 6.16
Install Boiler
Room Heat
Recovery Centennial $15,500 0 600 $17,900 6
Install TSA
Natural Cooling
System Airport $9,500 2900 540 0 5.603
Install Boiler
Room Heat
Recovery
Psc
Office/Shop $16,500 0 500 $13,100 5
I Replace
Entrance
Window and
Door Glazing I Airport $15,900 0 420 $16,200 4.2
Install
Refrigeration
Waste Heat
Recovery Airport $7,500 0 410 $20,500 4.1
Boiler Room
Heat Recovery Wwtp $13,000 0 410 $8,600 4.1
Boiler Room
Heat Recovery Library $11,000 0 290 $3,600 2.9
Install Unit
Heater
Automatic
Valves
Psc
Office/Shop $6,000 0 280 $15,300 2.8
. Increase Roof
Insulation Fire Hall $14,900 0 270 $6,000 2.7
Install Unit
Heater
Automatic
Valves Wwtp $4,000 0 190 $10,200 1.9
Boiler Flue
Damper Wwtp $6,000 0 160 $5,100 1.6
Replace
Transformer Wwtp $19,200 21700 0 $16,600 1.519
Install Boiler
Flue Damper
Psc
Office/Shop $6,000 0 150 $4,200 1.5
Install Boiler
Flue Damper Centennial 0 0 150 $4,000 1.5
Boiler Flue
Damper Fire Hall $4,000 0 140 $5,300 1.4
Install VFD on
AHU-1 City Hall $7,300 15000 0 $11,800 1.05
Replace
Entrance
Glazing Library $4,900 0 75 $900 0.75
Variable Hold
Room Air Flow Airport $11,800 9800 0 $800 0.686
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Reduce Exterior
LiQhtinQ Centennial $200 9700 0 $18,600 0.679
Install CUH
Automatic
Valves Centennial $800 0 60 $3,500 0.6
Replace
Transformer Airport $7,500 7100 0 $4,200 0.497
Replace
Entrance Doors City Hall $10,000 6700 0 $400 0.469
i Replace Jetway
Windows Airport $1,700 0 35 $1,000 0.35
I Install Water-
Conserving
Shower Heads Fire Hall $200 0 30 $2,000 0.3
Replace HW
Recirculating
Pump Wwtp $600 3200 0 I $4,700 0.224
Replace HVAC
Motors Centennial $2,500 3200 0 $3,100 0.224
Install Computer
Room Natural
Cooling System City Hall $7,500 I 3200 0 0 0.224
Replace
Entrance Doors Senior Center $3,000 2200 0 $500 0.154
Install Domestic
HW Heater
Demand
Controls Senior Center $1,500 45 0 $1,700 0.00315
Install HW
Heater Demand
Controls City Hall $1,500 32 0 I $800 0.00224
Perform Meeting
I Room HVAC
Optimization
I Analysis Centennial 0 0 0 0 0
I
Total this section $225,500.00 92777 5270 $215,400.00 59.19439
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Table A-3: Blatchley Middle School Energy Audit Initiatives -ALL items
Item Implementation
Cost
Energy
Reduction
(kWhlYr)
Energy
Reduction
(GallYr)
Life Cycle
Savings
eC02
Reduction
(Tons/yr)
Optimize Pool HVAC
(AHU-7) $26,992 174800 5203 $622,066 64.266
Install Water
Conservation Shower $2,000 12400 985 $78,324 10.72
Heads
Reduce Pool Temp $200 22985 985 $108,810 11.46
Optimize Gym HVAC
(AHU-1) $19,592 31100 1260 $117,515 14.78
Pool Locker Heat
Recovery $89,465 36700 2340 $146,684 25.97
Install Swimming Pool
Cover $95,185 59100 3430 $249,522 38.437
Install Water Conserving
Aerartors $2,000 8040 470 $43,542 5.2628
I Inactive Computers $1,800 8500 0 $9,855 0.595
Optimize MPR (VU-2) $17,592 15600 490 $41,246 5.992
Optimize Commons
HVAC (AHU-4) $16,652 11500 390 $27,694 4.705
Install Heat Recovery
Library Area (VU-1) $20,300 7740 510 $29,800 5.6418
Install UH Auto Valve $1,800 770 45 $2,750 0.5039
Increase Heat Pipe
Insulation $5,750 2392 106 $5,594 1.22744
Install Gym Heat
Recovery (AHU 2, 3) $56,894 22623 969 $50,400 11.2736
Convert to Variable
Speed Hydraulic Pump $74,592 117782 0 $48,856 8.24474
(CP-1, 2, 9, DHW)
Install Basement Interior
Heat Recovery (VU-12) $16,093 9482 406 $12,675 4.72374
Exterior Lighting
Replacement $13,539 8558 0 $5,286 0.59906
Upgrade HVAC Motors
(AHU-1,2,3,6) $5,080 3311 0 $1,701 0.23177
Optimize Music Room
HVAC $16,792 5814 160 $4,128 2.00698
I
Install Boiler Room Heat
Recover $35,592 4144 671 $10,108 7.00008
Replace Wood Shop
Overhead Door $6,000 1668 71 $1,911 0.82676
Install Home Ec heat
recovery $19,000 2329 100 $9,946 1.16303
Install Classroom
Lighting Occupancy $650 234 0 $329 0.01638
Sensors
Replace Control System $870,000 146190 6303 $47,337 73.2633
Unit Ventilation Demand
Control Ventilation 0 10442 607 0 6.80094
Install Science Area Heat
Recovery (AHU-6) $44,798 15803 677 $3,149 7.87621
TOTAL THIS SECTION $1,458,358.00 740007 26178 $1,679,228.00 313.58753
58 I P age
6.0 Appendix B -CAP Initiative Funding
6.1 Overview: Funding Options for Municipal eC02 Reducing Initiatives
Grant Funding:
• Grant funding from state and federal programs and private foundations (the recent EECBG grant is
one example, another possibility is 2010 proposed State grants for "Performance
Contracting") ... see 6.1.2 below.
City-funded
• Most of the projects already implemented have been paid for by the City; this will likely be the
major source of funding in the future (it makes sense - the money spent on energy conservation,
saves money on energy - these items slowly pay for themselves).
New Funding Options (City-funded)
• Start a revolving energy/eC02 savings fund... see 6.1.2 below
• Use electricity rate adjustment to pay for community and municipal energy conservation projects
Adjust household electricity rates to slightly reduce electricity cost for lowest users, maintain rates
for moderate users, increase rates for high users, increase rates more for highest users (another
option - a Climate Action Plan tax modeled after Boulder, Colorado's innovative program. The
CAP tax in Boulder, approved by voters, involves an agreement with the local investor-owned
electric utility to assess a tax for residential, commercial, and industrial customers based on
electricity usage. The tax is collected as pmi of the utility's normal billing process.)
• Start a local "carbon offset" fund - this fund would be a voluntary "energy savings account" that
could be used to offset various eC02 increases by the City (for example, funds could be
contributed by the City of Sitka to offset employee travel -calculated as, for example $1 per 100
miles of travel) or contributions could come from individuals and businesses who wish to reduce
their carbon footprint by supporting projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the
Municipal level or in the community at large (through education efforts or other future City
collaborations). Offset funds would be used by the City to directly fund greenhouse gas emission
reducing initiatives. See: http://www.sfenvironment.org/our programs/topics.html?ssi=6&ti=85
for an example.
• Create a per-gallon tax on all road-based fuel transferred within the City of Sitka
6.1.1. Grant Opportunities
http://www.swamc.org/html/about-swamc/vista-programs-raquolenergy-program/opportunities
resources.php
http://www.icleiusa.org/news-events/action-center/financing-staffing/funding-grant-opportunities/federal
and-national-funding
Check the websites above for updated compilations of financial and tec1mical resources for consumers,
businesses, local, tribal, and regional governments, and non-profit organizations seeking funding to
reduce their energy costs through renewable or alternative energy projects and improved efficiency. While
these are certainly not complete lists, they provide a comprehensive overviews of agencies and
organizations offering funding, as well as technical, environmental, and economic resources. Check back
at the website above early and often as applying for financing, especially through federal grants, can be a
time-intensive project.
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6.1.2 Revolving Fund
More information on a working revolving fund:
http://www.c40cities.org/bestpractices/energy/annarbor fund.jsp
Ann Arbor, United States of America
An energy efficiency fund costing $500,000 over five years that is reducing eC02 emissions by 980+ tons
annually
Summary
Ann Arbor's Energy Fund demonstrates that energy efficiency can pay for itself in the long term. Through
an initial allocation of $500,000 over five years, and by capturing 80% of the resulting savings, the city
has implemented energy efficiency projects in its buildings and throughout the city that pay back their
investments in 3-5 years, eliminating the need for additional annual appropriations.
What is it?
Established in 1998, the Municipal Energy Fund is a self-sustaining source of funds, investing in energy
efficient Municipal projects - such as LED traffic and street lighting while also funding pilot projects like
solar energy and electric vehicles -projects that are able to continually reduce operating costs and global
warming emissions.
How was it set up?
• In 1981 the City of Ann Arbor's Energy Plan called for energy conservation to be promoted in
City buildings.
• By 1988 the municipal bonding authority provided a $1.4 million energy bond to implement
efficiency measures at 30 City facilities. The payments for this ten-year bond have been generated
through energy cost savings.
• In July 1996, the City became a partner in the EPA's Green Lights program, committing it an
efficiency survey all 100 buildings and facilities, and an upgrade 90% of the lighting that was
identified as inefficient.
• State and public utility programs were used to perform many of the audits at little or no cost to the
City, but it had difficulty finding funding to implement the recommended upgrades.
• In 1998, the final payment on the Energy Bond was made. Energy Bond payments of over
$200,000/year had been included in the annual City budget for each of the last ten years.
• Instead of discontinuing the budget item, it was reduced by 50% to $100,000 for the next five
years and used to establish a Municipal Energy Fund.
The City of Ann Arbor has just over 60 facilities, which pay about $4.5 million/year in energy costs. The
$1 OO,OOO/year initial funding has proven to be adequate, both for the energy saving opportunities
available and for the fund management.
How does it work?
The Energy Fund finances itself by re-investing funds saved through energy efficiency measures into new
energy saving projects.
The Fund is administered by the City's Energy Office under the supervision of a three-person board who
approve funding, implement the projects, and often serve as project manager. The Office provides the
board with information from energy audits along with applications from facility managers for projects
requesting energy funds. The board reviews all applications and makes final decisions on what projects to
fund each year. Decisions are based on:
• energy saving potential
• improvement of the facility environment
• educational or demonstrational value of the project
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Over the nine-year period, it has invested in:
• LED traffic and pedestrian signals
• street light improvements
• parking garage lighting
• a boiler
• two electric vehicles
• solar energy demonstration projects
The City adopted the rule that any facility that utilizes the fund for energy improvements will pay back
80% of the projected energy savings for five years starting the first year after the energy saving measures
were installed.
Establishing a five-year payment plan allows projects that have a shorter payback (three years or less) to
help support projects that have a longer payback (over five years). At first glance this does not seem fair
to the facilities that install three-year payback measures, since they will have paid back their loan after
three years. However, the logic used is that they will continue to have the same level of energy savings in
the fourth and fifth year, so their operating costs will be lower still. We feel this type of sharing is
important to the overall accountability of the organization.
Financing
The City operates 60 facilities and spends $4.5 million per year on energy (out of an annual budget of
$288 million in 2005). Most of the measures financed by the fund have payback periods of three to six
years.
• In the fiscal year 1998-99, City Council approved the first $100,000 to be available, of which
$87,000 was spent in the first year to update energy audits for 21 facilities and to implement
lighting improvements at 14 of the facilities.
• During fiscal year 1999-00 these improvements generated $19,850 in energy savings of which
$15,880 was re-invested in the Municipal Energy Fund. The money was transferred from the
budgets of the facilities that received the energy improvements into the Energy Fund at the end of
fiscal year 1999-00 and then available to finance further energy improvements in fiscal year 2000
01.
• The payments from these first year projects continued into the Energy Fund for 5 years,
contributing $15,880/year or a total of $79,400 back to the fund.
• A second $100,000 was approved for fiscal year 1999-00 and was used to implement additional
energy saving projects at City facilities generating another $15,000 in annual reimbursements.
• The energy savings from this second year of improvements were available to finance further
energy saving projects in fiscal year 2001-02.
• For fiscal year 2001-02, $30,000 was available from reimbursements from the first two years of
the program.
• The $100,000 budgeted annual contribution to the Fund was discontinued after the fiscal year
2003-04.
• From that point forward, the Fund has relied on payment of past projects to finance new projects.
Facility budgets are not impacted by the up-front costs of the energy improvements, which are covered by
the Energy Fund. The annual payments are made from a portion (80%) of the resultant energy savings,
allowing facility budgets to be reduced or to apply the remaining savings (20%) to further improve the
facility or services.
Application
• The two critical components required to make an Energy Fund work are:
An initial funding source (available for 3-5 years):
61 I P age
The level of the initial funding will depend on funds available and the number and
condition of municipal facilities. The City of Ann Arbor has just over 60 facilities, which
pay about $4.5 million/year in energy costs. The $1 OO,OOO/year initial funding has proven
to be adequate, both for the energy saving opportunities available and for the fund
management.
A manager assigned to support and coordinate the fund and its projects.
• Ann Arbor was fortunate to have an opportunity to establish the Municipal Energy Fund
when a ten-year bond had been paid off.
• Other cities may choose to provide funds for an Energy Fund simply because it is a good
investment or can look for opportunities similar to Ann Arbor's to avoid significant budget
increases.
• One opportunity may be connected to the deregulation of energy utilities in the United
States. A portion of the money saved through the purchase of natural gas or electricity
from alternate suppliers could be used to establish an Energy Fund.
• Ann Arbor has maintained an active Energy Office for over ten years, with an ongoing
mission to improve energy efficiency at City facilities. This means that many of the best
energy saving opportunities were already implemented before the creation of the
Municipal Energy Fund.
• Most of the measures that have been financed by the Ann Arbor Municipal Energy Fund
have payback periods of three to six years. For cities that have not been actively installing
energy saving measures, there will be many opportunities available with payback periods
of less than three years. This will contribute to a much quicker regeneration of an energy
fund.
• The Energy Fund is used strictly for municipal programs aimed at improving energy
efficiency at municipal facilities. However, the Energy Plan calls for the City to lead by
example, and this type of fund should be feasible for many local businesses that own and
operate a large number of facilities.
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7.0 Appendix C -CAP Implementation
7.1 Implementation Options for Municipal eC02 Reducing Initiatives
Table C-l displays all of the CAP initiatives from Chapter 3. This table is sorted by responsible
department, then by recommended priority within each department. This table also displays the cost
and annual savings expected based on implementation of all included initiatives. These annual
savings could be used to fund a City "Energy Manager" (see description of duties below).
Recommendations for Implementation by the City Assembly
• Keep CAP implementation on the Assembly's agenda (monthly or quarterly) until an
implementation plan is developed and begun.
• Support current staff in implementing CAP initiatives by supporting and funding initiatives
included in the CAP.
• Appoint a CAP implementation team or individual to an existing or new City Board or
Commission.
• Expand current internship program to include an annual position of CAP "Energy Manager"
• Fund a grant writer to acquire grant funding for a City "Energy Manager".
• Hire a grant-funded part-time or full-time staff person to be the City's "Energy Manager." Their
job would be to:
1) Look for, prepare, and submit energy conservation/energy development/etc. grant
applications for funding to implement CAP measures, and provide oversight of grant
funded projects.
2) track projects and accomplishments,
3) track data on energy use, associated costs, and eC02 emissions in all City buildings,
facilities, and vehicles and utilize software tools to track changes,
4) Prepare requests-for-proposals for energy audits of City buildings, supervise the work,
and implement the changes necessary to improve energy efficiency.
5) Assist in investigating possible sources of renewable energy to be developed by the City
of Sitka; e.g., hydroelectric generation, solar/wind power, biofuels, and tidal power.
6) Implement and adjust proposals for upgrading the City vehicle fleet, instituting other
changes in fleet operations to reduce the use of fossil fuels, and cooperate and assist with
the public transportation system.
7) Develop creative incentive or challenge programs aimed at encouraging employees to
reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (energy/fuel use) on the job and in commuting to
and from work.
8) Work with Planning Department staff to address issues related to land use and
transportation planning as they relate to climate change.
9) Produce an Employee Sustainability Education Handbook and quick fact sheets with
policy measures to reduce energy/fuel use in day-to-day work operations.
10) Act as a liaison between the City Manager's office, other City departments, City
advisory bodies, community and statewide organizations, and nationallinternational
organizations in efforts to address global climate change and sustainability.
11) Assist in the sponsorship of community events and campaigns that address global
warming, renewable energy, "green business practices/awards," etc.
12) Draft correspondence, reports, news releases, brochures, fact sheets, opinion pieces,
advertising, etc. to aid in the implementation of CAP measures, particularly those related
to outreach and advocacy.
13) Maintain up-to-date information on climate change issues on the City of Sitka website.
63 I P age
Table C-1: AI/Initiatives -Implementation Priorities by Department
Initiative CAP Page Responsible
Party
Priority Cost Annual
Savings
Date
Implemented
Energy Efficient Affordable Housing 49 Building Dept. 1 Low Mod. High
Funding
Home Rehabilitation Loan Program 50 Building Dept. 2 Low Mod. High
Adjustment
Green Building Education 49 Building Dept. 3 Mod. Low Mod. High
Right Size City Vehicle Fleet 31 City Administrator 1 $0 $14,284
Commuter Transit Reimbursement 35 City Administrator 2 $6,500/yr N/A
Program
Conversion to Energy Efficient 27 Electric Dept. 1 $58,200 $6,423
Streetlights (150 MI bulbs)
Diesel Generator Replacement 26 Electric Dept. 2 $5,000,000 Savings vary
Energy and Fuel Saving Behavior
Audits
45 Electric Dept. 3 Low High
City Bldg.-Add Electric Heat 23 Electric
Dept./Public Works
1 $1,233,000 Dependent
on fuel cost
Employee Incentive Program for 46 Finance 1 Mod. Low Mod. High
Saving Energy and Fuel
Increase Fuel Efficiency 33 Fleet Manager 1 No additional cost $3,144
Reduce Vehicle Idling 34 Fleet Manager 2 No additional cost $7,860
Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Replacement 32 Fleet Manager 3 No additional cost $10,800
Maintain Parks with non-chemical 40 Parks and 1 $10,000 start- up $0*
Inputs Recreation plus $10,000/yr
Adiust New Development Zonino 52 Planning 1 Low Moderate
Adjust Code for Solar Panels 53 Planning 2 Low Moderate
City Bldg. Energy Audit Initiatives 20,Ap~ Public Works 1 $410,665 $18,908**
Materials Reuse Center 38 Public Works 2 $12,000 start-up plus
$20,000/yr
$5,000
Curbside Recycling 37 Public Works 3 $20,000 start- up $8, 700
plus $10,000/yr
Ban Yard Waste from Garbage 40 Public Works 4 $7,700/yr $0*
Municipal Composting 39 Public Works 5 $125,000/yr $0*
Enforce/Strengthen Secondary Heat 51 Public Works 1 Moderate Moderate
Source Requirement Building Inspector
Adiust Contract Bidding 50 Public Works 1 Low Mod. High
64 I P age
Initiative CAP Page Responsible
Party
Priority Cost Annual
Savings
Date
Implemented
Project Manager
Energy/Fuel Conservation Training 44 Recycling 1 Low High
Energy Efficient Remodel of Pacific 28 School District 1 Moderate Moderate
Hiqh School
Serve Locally Caught Fish in Schools 42 School District 2 Unknown Unknown
Compost School Food Waste 41 School District 3 $5,000/yr $5,000
Schools - Add Electric Heat 24 School District & 1 $900,000 Dependent
Electric Dept. on fuel cost
Blatchley M.S. Energy Audit Initiatives 21, App. A School District & 1 $1,458,358 $0*
Public Works
TOTAL $80,119
* These projects pay for themselves, but do not make a profit (their annual savings pay for their costs)
**Calculations are based on Life Cycle Savings divided by 25 years in the life cycle; this estimate is an approximation that includes cost,
maintenance, energy savings, and an approximate 5% interest rate on savings
65 I P age
8.0 Appendix D - CAP Monitoring
Step 5 of the ICLEI milestones for setting and meeting climate mitigation goals is monitor and verify
results. ICLEI states that "Monitoring and verifying progress on the implementation of measures to
reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions is an ongoing process. Monitoring begins once measures are
implemented and continues for the life of the measures, providing important feedback that can be used to
improve the measures over time. ICLEI's software provides a uniform methodology for cities to report on
measures."
Climate Action Plan monitoring is used to verify progress, and to provide feedback on measures
implemented. Monitoring of municipal greenhouse gas emissions and reductions for Sitka Municipal
activities is relatively simple since it is based on total City fuel and electricity usage (items that are
already important to and tracked by the City). Determining actual eC02 reductions by project is more
complicated since multiple activities (with multiple benefits) may be occurring in the same building at the
same time. Additionally, variables like weather conditions and amount of snow and snow removal, or
amount of heat needed to keep a building warm, may increase or decrease eC02 emissions based on
yearly fluctuations.
We recommend four tracking tasks on a yearly basis:
1) Track oil/diesel usage by building
2) Track electricity usage by building
• Building Maintenance Superintendent (Chris Wilbur) would be responsible for this tracking for
City buildings
• Director of Maintenance for Sitka Schools (Mark Bautista) would be responsible for this tracking
for School buildings
3) Track gas/diesel usage by vehicle size class
• The Public Works Operations Manager/Fleet Manager would be responsible for this tracking for
City vehicles
4) Update the table of climate actions with completion date and cost as projects are completed
• All three individuals listed above would be responsible for reporting project completion; Chris
Wilbur would compile responses in the CAP table.
The energy usage in 1),2), and 3) above would be converted to eC02 (by doing calculations shown in
Section 2.3). If only an overall check of moving towards emission goals was desired, eC02 totals from all
City buildings, School buildings, and vehicles could be converted and added together. If data was
converted by building and vehicle type, and then graphed as eC02 emissions by building/or vehicle type
by year, the Staff and Assembly could better visualize the impact of individual projects (and better
discover if unanticipated results are occurring). The eC02 results in combination with the projects
completed that year (and the year before, since results might be more clear the following year) would be
reported annually to the Assembly.
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9.0 Appendix E -Past City Energy Efficiency Actions
The following actions were taken by the City and Borough of Sitka and the Sitka School District to save
energy during or prior to the 2006 emissions inventory. These actions are included in the 2003 and/or
2006 greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
Table E-1: Energy Efficiency Actions Completed in or before 2006
Action Building Year completed
Replacing Roofs and Increase
Insulation
Centennial
Building 1994
Replacing Roofs and Increase
Insulation City Hall Oct-06
Replacing Roofs and Increase
Insulation City State Feb-02
Replace Roofs Fire Hall 2003
Replacing Roofs and Increase
Insulation
Marine
Services Jul-04
Replacing Roofs and Increase
Insulation
Public
Services Jun-05
Replacing Roofs and Increase
Insulation SMC Sep-03
Window and door seals Airport Mar-03
Window Replacement Senior
Center Aug-04
Replace Control System City State 2005
Replace Control System Kettleson
Library Jun-05
Upgrade Control System Public
Services Sep-01
Replace Control System Centennial
BUilding Nov-99
Electric Boiler Installation City State Jun-05
New Roof/Increase Insulation BES 2006
New Roof/lncrease Insulation BMS 2006
New Roof/Increase Insulation SHS 2006
Electric Boiler Installation BMS 2006
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10.0 Appendix F -Initiatives Not Included in the CAP
The following initiatives were brought forward by the CAPTF, City Staff, or other individuals for
potential inclusion in the Plan. These items were not included as recommendations in the plan due to low
relative scores in the CAPTF's rating system, low prioritization by City staff, or the CAPTF's lack of
resources to do adequate research to warrant inclusion in the Plan.
Many of these "not included" initiatives came out of other city's Climate Action Plans, and thus. are
occurring in and benefiting other U.S. cities. These initiatives could be implemented if desired. Further
research into these and other potential initiatives could be accomplished by a part or full time staff person
dedicated to implementing the Plan.
• LEED Certification -provide to staff identified as needing this training for on-the-job use
• Require new buildings and retrofits conform to LEED standards
• Purchase idling monitors and use to educate/further implement reduced vehicle idling
• Renewable energy demo/pilot projects
• Electronic filing system
• Reduce/limit travel to essential travel - provide and use options for teleconference, video
conference, online courses, webinars, call-in, carpool, etc.
• Paperless pay statements-Implement an electronic timesheet system for employees to track work
time saving paper generation every 2 weeks and delivery.
• Educate public at all opportunities
• Find and designate City-owned land areas that could be used for planting and harvesting fruits,
vegetables, and trees on a temporary or permanent basis
• Increase sidewalks/trailslbikeways
• GIS Mapping - map the Sitka shoreline at today's sea level and what would our shoreline look like
at sea level increases of up to 6 ft in 1 ft increments
• Methane recovery system at WWTP
• Heat recovery system at MSC
• C&D Procedures and Certification training
• Street tree planting
• Open bum ban/incentive program for composting - Enforce and limit open bum permits to those
where carbon footprint is calculated to be lower. Prohibit the burning of trash, recyclables and
overburden.
• Police units on bicycles
• Construction and demolition recycling
• Local energy efficiency incentive program
• Institute similar electronic bid document system as the Southeast Conference does.
• Include public transportation system in annual City budget - support lowered/eliminated public
transportation fares
• Electronic and consolidated billing notices -Consolidate utility, harbor and other city bills into
one and make it paperless.
• Implement a green purchasing policy to promote the use of products made of recycled, reused, or
compostable and toxic-free materials, use less packaging, and focus equipment/vehicle purchases
on waste prevention.
• Expand recycling program to include all City facilities (for mixed paper, cardboard, and most
plastics)
• Complete energy audits and energy upgrades on remaining City and School District Buildings.
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