Cupertino City Council
June 21, 2022

CITY OF CUPERTINO

CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
10350 Torre Avenue, Council Chamber and via Teleconference Tuesday, June 21, 2022
5:30 PM
Televised Special Meeting Study Session (5:30) and Regular City Council Meeting (6:45)

IN-PERSON AND TELECONFERENCE / PUBLIC PARTICIPATION INFORMATION Members of the public wishing to observe the meeting may do so in one of the following ways:
1) Attend in person at Cupertino Community Hall, 10350 Torre Avenue. 2) Tune to Comcast Channel 26 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 on your TV. 3) The meeting will also be streamed live on and online at www.Cupertino.org/youtube and www.Cupertino.org/webcast
Members of the public wishing to comment on an item on the agenda may do so in the following ways:
1) Appear in person at Cupertino Community Hall. Members of the audience who address the City Council must come to the lectern/microphone, and are requested to complete a Speaker Card and identify themselves. Completion of Speaker Cards and identifying yourself is voluntary and not required to attend the meeting or provide comments. 2) E-mail comments by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21 to the Council at [email protected]. These e-mail comments will also be forwarded to Councilmembers by the City Clerk’s office before the meeting and posted to the City’s website after the meeting.
3) E-mail comments during the times for public comment during the meeting to the City Clerk at [email protected]. The City Clerk will read the emails into the record, and display any attachments on the screen, for up to three minutes (subject to the Mayor’s discretion to shorten time for public comments). Members of the public that wish to share a document must email [email protected] prior to speaking.

Members of the public may provide oral public comments during the meeting as follows:

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Oral public comments will be accepted during the meeting. Comments may be made during “oral communications” for matters not on the agenda, and during the public comment period for each agenda item.

Teleconferencing Instructions
To address the City Council, click on the link below to register in advance and access the meeting:

Online
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://cityofcupertino.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2ncWgLsERjSMpG_RP4L3UQ Phone
Dial: 669-900-6833 and enter Webinar ID: 913 8537 8659 (Type *9 to raise hand to speak, *6 to unmute yourself). Unregistered participants will be called on by the last four digits of their phone number.

Or an H.323/SIP room system:

H.323:
162.255.37.11 (US West)
162.255.36.11 (US East)
Meeting ID: 913 8537 8659
SIP: [email protected]
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Please read the following instructions carefully:

1. You can directly download the teleconference software or connect to the meeting in your internet browser. If you are using your browser, make sure you are using a current and up-to-date browser: Chrome 30+, Firefox 27+, Microsoft Edge 12+, Safari 7+. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers, including Internet Explorer.

2. You will be asked to enter an email address and a name, followed by an email with instructions on how to connect to the meeting. Your email address will not be disclosed to the public. If you wish to make an oral public comment but do not wish to provide your name, you may enter “Cupertino Resident” or similar designation.

3. When the Mayor calls for the item on which you wish to speak, click on “raise hand,” or,

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if you are calling in, press *9. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.

4. When called, please limit your remarks to the time allotted and the specific agenda topic.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), anyone who is planning to attend this teleconference City Council meeting who is visually or hearing impaired or has any disability that needs special assistance should call the City Clerk's Office at 408-777-3223, at least 48 hours in advance of the Council meeting to arrange for assistance.

In addition, upon request, in advance, by a person with a disability, City Council meeting agendas and writings distributed for the meeting that are public records will be made available in the appropriate alternative format.

NOTICE AND CALL FOR A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CUPERTINO CITY COUNCIL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the Cupertino City Council is hereby called for Tuesday, June 21, 2022, commencing at 5:30 p.m. in Community Hall Council Chamber, 10350 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014 and via teleconference. Said special meeting shall be for the purpose of conducting business on the subject matters listed below under the heading, “Special Meeting."

SPECIAL MEETING
ROLL CALL - 5:30 PM

STUDY SESSION

1. Subject: Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0 Study Session Recommended Action: Provide feedback to staff on the Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0
Presenter: Andre Duurvoort, Sustainability Division Manager Staff Report
A – Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0
B – Summary Responses from Survey #3
C – Summary from Stakeholder Workshop #3
D – Additional Written Communications Received

ADJOURNMENT

REGULAR MEETING
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - 6:45 PM

ROLL CALL

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CEREMONIAL MATTERS AND PRESENTATIONS - None

POSTPONEMENTS AND ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Council on any matter within the jurisdiction of the Council and not on the agenda. The total time for Oral Communications will ordinarily be limited to one hour. Individual speakers are limited to three (3) minutes. As necessary, the Chair may further limit the time allowed to individual speakers, or reschedule remaining comments to the end of the meeting on a first come first heard basis, with priority given to students. In most cases, State law will prohibit the Council from discussing or making any decisions with respect to a matter not listed on the agenda. A councilmember may, however, briefly respond to statements made or questions posed by speakers. A councilmember may also ask a question for clarification, provide a reference for factual information, request staff to report back concerning a matter, or request that an item be added to a future City Council agenda in response to public comment.

REPORTS BY COUNCIL AND STAFF

1. Subject: Brief reports on councilmember activities and brief announcements Recommended Action: Receive brief reports on councilmember activities and brief announcements

2. Subject: Report on Committee assignments
Recommended Action: Report on Committee assignments

3. Subject: Report on Subcommittee assignments
Recommended Action: Report on Subcommittee assignments

4. Subject: City Manager update
Recommended Action: Receive City Manager update on City business CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 5 - 17)
Unless there are separate discussions and/or actions requested by council, staff or a member of the public, it is requested that items under the Consent Calendar be acted on simultaneously.

5. Subject: Consider approval of the May 31 City Council minutes Recommended Action: Approve the May 31 City Council minutes A - Draft Minutes

6. Subject: Consider approval of the June 1 City Council minutes Recommended Action: Approve the June 1 City Council minutes

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A - Draft Minutes

7. Subject: Consider approval of the June 7 City Council minutes Recommended Action: Approve the June 7 City Council minutes A - Draft Minutes

8. Subject: Consider approval of the June 9 (Closed Session) City Council minutes Recommended Action: Approve the June 9 (Closed Session) City Council minutes A - Draft Minutes

9. Subject: Consider approval of the June 9 (Continued from June 7) City Council minutes Recommended Action: Approve the June 9 (Continued from June 7) City Council minutes
A - Draft Minutes

10. Subject: Consider accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending May 2, 2022 Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 22-071 accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending May 2, 2022
A - Draft Resolution
B - AP Report

11. Subject: Consider accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending May 9, 2022 Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 22-072 accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending May 9, 2022
A - Draft Resolution
B - AP Report

12. Subject: Consider accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending May 16, 2022 Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 22-073 accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending May 16, 2022
A - Draft Resolution
B - AP Report

13. Subject: Consider accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending May 23, 2022 Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 22-074 accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending May 23, 2022
A - Draft Resolution
B - AP Report

14. Subject: Consider accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending May 31, 2022 Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 22-075 accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending May 31, 2022

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A - Draft Resolution
B - AP Report

15. Subject: Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute a services agreement with Carahsoft to renew Accela Permitting, Licensing and Land-use Management System subscription service for the total cost of $1,261,851.26 over five years Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a services agreement with Carahsoft to renew Accela Permitting, Licensing and Land-use Management System subscription service for the total cost of $1,261,851.26 over five years Staff Report
A - Carahsoft Price Quote Proposal
B - General Services Administration (GSA) Cooperative Agreement, Terms and Conditions C - ACCELA General Services Administration (GSA) Sole Source Letter D - Proof of Insurance

16. Subject: Maintenance agreements for the Blackberry Farm Golf Course (Continued from June 7, 2022)
Recommended Action: Receive report on the maintenance agreements for the Blackberry Farm Golf Course.

Staff Report
A - CC Staff Report 01-25-02
B - Letter of Protest from Environmental Golf
C - CC Minutes 01-25-02
D - CC Minutes 03-18-02 and Agreement 02-28 Blackberry Farm Golf Course Maintenance, Proj . 2001-08 (includes substitute agreement)
E - CC Staff Report 03-15-05
F - CC Minutes 03-15-05
G - CC Minutes 05-03-05 and Agreement 05-061, Professional Turf Management H - BBF Golf Maintenance 2010 Project Manual and Bid Documents I - CC Minutes 03-16-10 and Agreement 10-044 Blackberry Farm Golf Course Maintenance, Professional Turf Management
J - BBF Golf Maintenance 2016 Project Manual and Bid Documents K - 15-206 Professional Turf Management; Blackberry Farm Golf Course Maintenance (Original Contract and Amendments 1-5)
L - CC Minutes 12-01-15
M - 15-206 Professional Turf Management; Blackberry Farm Golf Course Maintenance (Amendment 6) N - CC Minutes 04-06-21
O - Purchasing Policy

17. Subject: Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute a Funding Agreement between the City of Cupertino and the City of San Jose for a budget allocation of $154,079 to participate in the Stevens Creek Boulevard Vision Study, which includes a 10% contingency

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Recommended Action: 1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Funding Agreement between the City of Cupertino and City of San Jose for the Stevens Creek Corridor Vision Study; and

2. Adopt Resolution No. 22-076 approving Budget Modification #2122-191 in the amount of $154,079 for the City of Cupertino's contribution toward the Stevens Creek Corridor Vision Study, an amount that includes a 10% contingency (Attachment A) Staff Report
A - Draft Resolution
B - Draft Funding Agreement
C - February 15 City Council Staff Report
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES - None

PUBLIC HEARINGS

18. Subject: Brush Abatement Program hearing to consider objections to proposed removal of brush and order abatement of the public nuisance; and consideration of a resolution ordering abatement of potential fire hazard pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code (Section 16.40.200) regarding Defensible Space (brush) and Resolution No. 22-055 Recommended Action: 1.) Conduct Brush Abatement Program hearing to note objections of property owners having their name on the list of properties that have been non-compliant in removing brush; and

2.) Adopt Resolution 22-077 ordering abatement of public nuisance and potential fire hazard pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code (Section 16.40.200) regarding Defensible Space (brush) and Resolution No. 22-055 (Attachment A)
Presenter: Kirsten Squarcia, City Clerk
Staff Report
A - Draft Resolution
B – Brush Parcel Abatement List
C – WUI Letter Sent to All Property Owners
D – Follow-up Letter to Non-Compliant Owners
E – Brush Hearing Letter Sent to Non-Compliant Owners
F – Approved Resolution No. 20-055

ORDINANCES AND ACTION ITEMS

19. Subject: Consider accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending December 20, 2021 (Continued from June 7, 2022)
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 22-015 accepting Accounts Payable for the period ending December 20, 2021
Presenter: Tina Kapoor, Economic Development Manager

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Staff Report
A - Payments to Chamber Jan 2015 - Mar 2022
B - Festivals - City Fees Waived & City Expenses
C - Reservations for Meeting Space at City Facilities
D - Draft Resolution
E - AP Report (Including Chamber Contract Payment)
F - I Love Cupertino Invoices

20. Subject: Update on the Status of the Research from the City Council Subcommittee Meetings for the Cupertino Historical Society
Recommended Action: Receive an update on the status of the research from the City Council subcommittee meetings for the Cupertino Historical Society and provide direction on next steps
Presenter: Rachelle Sander, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Staff Report
A - 1992-1996 Resolutions and Tenant Agreements
B - Comparative Analysis - Santa Clara County Historical Society Relationships C - Historical Funding Report (FY 2017-21) and Proposed FY 2022-23 D - Community Funding Grant Policy

21. Subject: Consider conducting a first reading of an ordinance for amendments to Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 2.80 and Sections 19.102.040, 19.148.030, 19.148.050,

19.148.060, and 19.148.090 to Adopt a Name Change for the Fine Arts Commission to the Arts and Culture Commission
Recommended Action: Conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 22-2241: “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cupertino Amending Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 2.80 and Sections 19.102.040, 19.148.030, 19.148.050, 19.148.060, and

19.148.090 to adopt a name change for the Fine Arts Commission to the Arts and Culture Commission"
Presenter: Rachelle Sander, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Staff Report
A - Santa Clara County Comparison
B - Outreach Survey Results for Fine Arts Name Change
C - Fine Arts Name Change Draft Ordinance - Blackline Version D - Fine Arts Name Change Draft Ordinance - Clean Version

22. Subject: Consider conducting a first reading of an ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 2.84: Environmental Review Committee
Recommended Action: Conduct the first reading and approve the introduction of Ordinance No. 22-2242: "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cupertino amending Municipal Code Chapter 2.84: Environmental Review Committee" Presenter: Chris Jensen, City Attorney
Staff Report
A - Draft Ordinance

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COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

ADJOURNMENT
The City of Cupertino has adopted the provisions of Code of Civil Procedure §1094.6; litigation challenging a final decision of the City Council must be brought within 90 days after a decision is announced unless a shorter time is required by State or Federal law.

Prior to seeking judicial review of any adjudicatory (quasi-judicial) decision, interested persons must file a petition for reconsideration within ten calendar days of the date the City Clerk mails notice of the City’s decision. Reconsideration petitions must comply with the requirements of Cupertino Municipal Code §2.08.096. Contact the City Clerk’s office for more information or go to http://www.cupertino.org/cityclerk for a reconsideration petition form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), anyone who is planning to attend this meeting who is visually or hearing impaired or has any disability that needs special assistance should call the City Clerk's Office at 408-777-3223, at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to arrange for assistance. In addition, upon request, in advance, by a person with a disability, meeting agendas and writings distributed for the meeting that are public records will be made available in the appropriate alternative format.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Cupertino City Council after publication of the packet will be made available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office located at City Hall, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014, during normal business hours; and in Council packet archives linked from the agenda/minutes page on the Cupertino web site.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code section

2.08.100 written communications sent to the Cupertino City Council, Commissioners or City staff concerning a matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These written communications are accessible to the public through the City’s website and kept in packet archives. Do not include any personal or private information in written communications to the City that you do not wish to make public, as written communications are considered public records and will be made publicly available on the City website.

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CITY OF CUPERTINO
Agenda Item
22-10837 Agenda Date: 6/21/2022
Agenda #: 1.

Subject: Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0 Study Session Provide feedback to staff on the Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0 Presenter: Andre Duurvoort, Sustainability Division Manager CITY OF CUPERTINO Page 1 of 1 Printed on 6/15/2022
powered by Legistar™ 10
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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: June 21, 2022
Subject
Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0 Study Session Recommended Action
Provide feedback to staff on the Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0 Discussion
On April 20, the City published the draft Climate Action Plan 2.0 (CAP 2.0) to the cupertino.org/climateaction engagement website. The CAP 2.0 presents a greenhouse gas reduction plan covering the years from plan adoption to 2030. The CAP 2.0 also presents a pathway to nearly reach the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2040. With full implementation of the Cupertino CAP 2.0 alongside State laws and programs, Cupertino communitywide GHG emissions would decline by approximately 38 percent per capita (or 36 percent in terms of absolute total emissions) between 2018 and 2030. The below chart summarizes the roadmap and greenhouse gas reductions proposed from each of the chapters in the public review draft plan. 11 CC 06-21-22
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The April 20 release of the public review draft documents also marked the beginning of a third and final round of public review. The public review draft CAP 2.0 document is the result of feedback from the public, community leaders, and City staff, with critical guidance from the Sustainability Commission and feedback from the City Council.

As part of the April 20 launch, the City produced a 3-minute video to highlight key features of the CAP 2.0 and posted a companion survey for organizing public feedback.

The project team has used various methods and channels to further engage the community with the CAP 2.0. A summary table of all public feedback events is included below:

Name of Workshop or Event Date Est. Number of
Contacts
Visioning
City Council Study Session December 2020 NA*
Stakeholder Workshop #1 July 1, 2021 23
Sustainability Commission July 15 9
Public Virtual Workshop #1 July 29 54
Fall Festival September 11 158
Actions and
measures
Stakeholder Workshop #2 September 30 7
Public Workshop #2 October 11 42
Tabling outside Cupertino Library October 13 30
Sustainability Commission votes to
recommend actions and measures
October 21 10
Tabling outside Senior Center November 9 15
Tabling outside Senior Center November 10 15
Tabling at Farmers Market November 13 120
Tabling at Main Street November 16 45
City Council Study Session November 16 NA*
Roadshow of draft CAP 2.0
Sustainability Commission Meeting April 21, 2022 10
Earth and Arbor Day Festival April 23, 2022 260
Cherry Blossom Festival April 30 66
Stakeholder Workshop #3 May 2 & 3 21
Tabling outside Senior Center May 4 50
Rotary Club Presentation May 9 10
De Anza College Climate and Zero
Waste Club Presentation
May 11 7
Tabling outside Cupertino Library May 13 37
Tabling at Mayor’s Cup Challenge May 14 23
Tabling at Farmers Market May 15 70
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Sustainability Commission May 26 NA*
Chamber of Commerce Legislative
Action Committee
June 3 12
Total: 850+
*NA indicates a public or live-streamed meeting where the number of attendees is unknown.

The third CAP 2.0 survey was open from April 19 through May 17, 2022 and received 108 responses. Most respondents (82%) responded positively to the proposed changes in the CAP 2.0:

The survey included an open-ended question to collect additional feedback. Key themes from the open-ended feedback are:
- There is strong support for the transportation measures and actions. Of the 88 who are either “Happy” or “Very Happy” with the plan, 17 mention transportation, especially active transportation and public transit. Other themes include support for composting, reducing plastic use, adding trees and open space, and ensuring equity.
- Of the nine respondents who are “Unhappy” or “Very Unhappy” with the plan, five respondents wanted stronger language about transportation and/or greater expansion of active transportation infrastructure. Other themes include concerns about electrification and burdens on residents.
- Survey respondents feel that taking climate action is urgent, citing concern about the future and safety from climate hazards.
- Some respondents feel the CAP 2.0 is too vague while others feel it is too wordy or technical.
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- In terms of implementation, some feel there is a good chance of success while a few have concerns about how the City would implement policy or lifestyle changes.
- Overall survey respondents are “Happy” (average 4.06 out of a score of 5) with the CAP draft, but Cupertino residents on average are “Neutral” to “Happy” (averaging a score of 3.87 out of a score of 5). Of residents who are unhappy with the plan, some feel that the CAP is not doing enough to ensure active transportation and others feel that the CAP is not a good use of City resources or that electrification could place an undue burden on renters.

See Attachment B for complete results from Survey #3. Detailed survey responses from all surveys are published at the project web site.

To date, the City has achieved the following results from outreach activities:
- 2,500 visits to the project website. Of these visits, o 277 are engaged with the project
o 720 are informed about the project
o 1,500 are aware of the project
- 150 views of the CAP 2.0 video
- 327 survey responses
- 379 downloads of the project documents
Environmental Review Committee Input
The Cupertino General Plan Chapter Six: Environmental Resources and Sustainability Element contains the fundamental goals, policies, and strategies that address greenhouse gas mitigation actions taken by the City. Strategy ES-1.1.1: Climate Action Plan (CAP) directs the City to “[a]dopt, implement, and maintain a Climate Action Plan to attain greenhouse gas emission targets consistent with state law and regional requirements.” The strategy goes on to specify that “this qualified greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan, by BAAQMD’s definition, will allow for future project CEQA streamlining.” Strategy ES-1.1.3: Climate Adaptation and Resiliency also directs the City to conduct a climate vulnerability assessment and set preparedness goals. Both strategies are being implemented with the FY 2021-2022 City Work Program item to update the Climate Action Plan.

The creation of a “qualified” Climate Action Plan has specific guidelines from the State of California Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). The CAP presents an option for the City to streamline one portion of the environmental review of future projects. A qualified CAP allows for streamlining of a greenhouse gas (GHG) review, only one of the twenty environmental factors that are considered in CEQA. According to the BAAQMD, if a project is consistent with a CAP, then it can be presumed that the project will not have significant GHG impacts. This approach is consistent with State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15183.5:
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Lead agencies may analyze and mitigate the significant impacts of GHG emissions at a programmatic level, such as…a plan to reduce GHG emissions. Later project-specific environmental documents may tier from and/or incorporate by reference that existing programmatic review. Project-specific environmental documents may rely on an [Environmental Impact Report] containing a programmatic analysis of GHG emissions.

In order to be considered a qualified CAP as directed by the Cupertino General Plan, the CAP document itself must undergo CEQA environmental review.

The City project team created a draft Initial Study and Negative Declaration as the proposed method to complete the required CEQA environmental review. This approach was brought to the Environmental Review Committee on May 19, 2022. After a discussion, the Environmental Review Committee recommended that the City proceed with preparing a Negative Declaration for the CAP 2.0.

Sustainability Commission Input
At a May 26 special meeting, the Commission discussed the draft CAP 2.0 and received a presentation on the public engagement results. After a discussion, the Commission voted to recommend the CAP 2.0 be moved forward to the City Council for adoption.

The Commission also recommended two changes to the content of the CAP 2.0:
• The addition of language directing the City to coordinate with local K-12 school districts to encourage student common transportation around school pick-up and drop-off
• The addition of an action to encourage local businesses to label vegetarian and vegan foods and for restaurants to offer vegan and vegetarian options The City Council can direct staff to include these changes in the CAP 2.0 before bringing the plan back for adoption.

Next Steps
- The CAP 2.0 CEQA environmental review documents will be published on June 8, beginning a 30-day public comment period required for environmental review - City Council discusses the CAP 2.0 in a study session, scheduled for June 21 - Final CAP 2.0 presented to City Council for adoption, pending direction at the June 21 study session
Sustainability Impact
The update to the City’s Climate Action Plan outlines goals, measures and actions that will guide the City’s approach to greenhouse gas reduction and climate adaptation activities until another update to the CAP is initiated by Council. Preparation of an Initial Study, Negative Declaration, and associated CEQA streamlining tools will further 15 CC 06-21-22
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incorporate the principles of sustainability into Cupertino’s planning, infrastructure, and development process as required by the Cupertino General Plan Policy ES-1.1 Fiscal Impact
Adopting the Climate Action Plan 2.0 will not by itself have any fiscal impact. Each of the actions proposed in the draft CAP 2.0 will be moved forward with a detailed study, public engagement process, and budget requests as needed. These actions will be implemented over time within the existing work planning and budget process and considered alongside all other City priorities. Each of the actions listed in the CAP 2.0 contains a budgetary range of cost values.
_____________________________________
Prepared by:

Andre Duurvoort, Sustainability Division Manager
Gilee Corral, Climate and Utilities Analyst
Reviewed by: Katy Nomura, Deputy City Manager
Approved for Submission by: Jim Throop, City Manager
Attachments:

A – Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0
B – Summary Responses from Survey #3
C – Summary from Stakeholder Workshop #3
D – Additional Written Communications Received
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City of Cupertino
Climate Action Plan 2.0
Public Review
DRAFT
April 2022
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Cupertino Climate Action Plan 2.0
Public Review Draft
Prepared By
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
and
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
449 15th Street, Suite 303
Oakland, CA 94612
April 20, 2022
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Public Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0 i
Table of Contents
1 Vision and Purpose .......................................................................................................................11

1.1 Cupertino CAP 2.0 Vision Statement ................................................................................11

1.2 Cupertino Declaration of Climate Emergency ..................................................................14 2 Scientific Context and Impacts .....................................................................................................15

2.1 Climate Change Science....................................................................................................15

2.2 Climate Change Impacts in Cupertino...............................................................................20 3 Climate Action History ..................................................................................................................26

3.1 Progress to Date................................................................................................................26 4 Current and Projected GHG Emissions.........................................................................................29

4.1 Cupertino GHG Emissions Inventory.................................................................................29

4.2 Cupertino GHG Emissions Forecasts.................................................................................32 5 Fair Share of GHG Emissions Reductions......................................................................................37

5.1 International Context........................................................................................................37

5.2 State Context and Timeline/Emissions Targets ................................................................38

5.3 Cupertino Context and Timeline/Emissions Targets.........................................................39 6 Community Voices........................................................................................................................43

6.1 One Climate ......................................................................................................................43

6.2 Engagement Events & Feedback Summary ......................................................................47 7 Different Kind of Plan ...................................................................................................................49

7.1 Regional Climate Efforts, Solutions, and Partnerships .....................................................49

7.2 Ambitious Timeline ...........................................................................................................50

7.3 Reduction Strategy Framework ........................................................................................50

7.4 Key Pillars of Climate Action .............................................................................................52

7.5 Co-Benefits of GHG Reduction Measures.........................................................................53 8 Cleaning the Air (Renewable Energy and Electrification).............................................................55

8.1 Context..............................................................................................................................55

8.2 Measures and Actions Detail ............................................................................................56 9 Connecting Communities (Transportation, Land Use) .................................................................72

9.1 Context..............................................................................................................................72

9.2 Measures and Actions Detail ............................................................................................73 10 Getting to Zero Waste ..................................................................................................................92

10.1 Context..............................................................................................................................92

10.2 Measures and Actions Detail ............................................................................................94 11 Working with Nature ..................................................................................................................105

11.1 Context............................................................................................................................105

11.2 Measures and Actions Detail ..........................................................................................107 12 Adaptation and Resilience..........................................................................................................117

12.1 Context............................................................................................................................117

12.2 Adaptation Measures and Actions..................................................................................121 19 CC 06-21-22
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City of Cupertino
ii
13 Implementation..........................................................................................................................127

13.1 Monitoring, Tracking, and Reporting..............................................................................127

13.2 Funding ...........................................................................................................................128

13.3 Looking Forward .............................................................................................................128 14 Conclusion...................................................................................................................................129 15 Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................130 Tables
Table ES-1 Targets Versus GHG Reductions...................................................................7 Table ES-2 CAP 2.0 GHG Emissions Reduction Measures Overview ..............................9 Table 1 CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) Criteria Addressed in CAP Update .................. 13 Table 2 Cupertino 2018 GHG Emissions Inventory Summary ................................................ 31 Table 3 BAU Emissions Forecast (MT CO2e) ........................................................................... 33 Table 4 Adjusted Forecast (MT CO2e)..................................................................................... 34 Table 5 Mass-based GHG Reduction Target Pathway (MT CO2e)........................................... 40 Table 6 Per Capita GHG Reduction Target Pathway (MT CO2e/person)................................. 41 Table 7 Targets Versus GHG Reductions ................................................................................ 42 Table 8 CAP Update Engagement Summary........................................................................... 47 Table 9 Measure BE-3 Actions................................................................................................ 57 Table 10 Measure BE-2 Actions................................................................................................ 60 Table 11 Measure BE-3 Actions................................................................................................ 66 Table 12 Measure BE-4 Actions................................................................................................ 69 Table 13 Measure BE-5 Actions................................................................................................ 71 Table 14 Measure TR-1 Actions................................................................................................ 74 Table 15 Measure TR-2 Actions................................................................................................ 79 Table 16 Measure TR-3 Actions................................................................................................ 82 Table 16 Measure TR-3 Actions................................................................................................ 87 Table 18 Measure TR-5 Actions................................................................................................ 91 Table 19 Measure W-1 Actions................................................................................................. 95 Table 20 Measure W-2 Actions............................................................................................... 100 Table 21 Measure W-3 Actions............................................................................................... 104 Table 22 Measure CS-1 Actions.............................................................................................. 108 Table 23 Measure CS-2 Actions.............................................................................................. 111 Table 24 Measure WW-1 Actions........................................................................................... 113 Table 25 Measure WW-2 Actions........................................................................................... 116 Table 26 Measure AR-1 Actions.............................................................................................. 121 Table 27 Measure AR-2 Actions.............................................................................................. 123 Table 28 Measure AR-3 Actions.............................................................................................. 125 20 CC 06-21-22
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Table 29 Measure AR-4 Actions.............................................................................................. 126 Figures
Figure ES 1. Cupertino Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector, 2018................................................4 Figure ES 2. Forecasted Emissions per Capita by Sector for 2030 and 2040 Compared to Baseline Year..............................................................................................................................6 Figure ES 3. Per Capita Baseline Emissions Compared to Forecast Scenario and Target Pathway to Carbon Neutrality ...................................................................................................7 Figure 1. Community Concerns about Climate Hazards................................................................ 25 Figure 2. Selected Milestones in Cupertino’s Climate Action History........................................... 26 Figure 3. Cupertino Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector, 2018.................................................. 30 Figure 4. Baseline Emissions Compared to Forecast Scenarios..................................................... 35 Figure 5. Emissions Reduction Gap Between Forecasted Emissions and State Targets................ 39 Figure 6. Baseline Emissions per Capita Compared to Forecast Scenarios and Target Pathway to Carbon Neutrality ............................................................................................................... 42 Figure 7. Zero Waste Management Heirarchy .............................................................................. 93 Figure 8. Global Surface Temperature Change Relative to 1850-1900 in Five Different Emissions Scenarios.............................................................................................................. 118 Figure 9. Climate Hazards Vulnerability Assessment ................................................................. 119 Appendices
A Climate Regulatory Context
B GHG Inventory Methodology
C GHG Forecasts Methodology
D Public Engagement Results
E GHG Measures Emissions Reductions Evidence
F Existing Programs and Accomplishments
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4 Executive Summary
Cupertino is leading an effort to take meaningful action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigate climate change impacts. The goal is to improve the wellbeing of the community by preparation of this communitywide Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0. The following is a high-level summary of GHG emissions levels, projected emissions levels, established emissions targets, and GHG reduction and climate adaptation measures for Cupertino to achieve the targets.

Cupertino Current GHG Emissions Inventory
The 2018 Community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory for Cupertino indicates that total emissions were 346,998 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MT CO2e), which translates into approximately 5.48 MT CO2e per person. Figure ES-1 below shows the share of total emissions for each sector of the community.

Figure ES 1. Cupertino Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector, 2018 On-road
transportation,
60%
Building energy
natural gas, 25%
Wastewater, 6%
Solid waste, 4%
Off-road vehicles
and equipment, 4%
Building energy
electricity, 1%
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Cupertino Projected GHG Emissions Forecasts
Future Cupertino GHG emissions levels are projected based on current emissions, job growth, and estimated population growth trends. Established State regulations that will take effect during the period will reduce the expected emissions and are incorporated into the projections. Cupertino’s future emissions are projected to be 5.04 MT CO2e/person in 2030 and 4.74 MT CO2e/person in 2040. The total emissions per community sector are shown for each target year in Figure ES-2 below.

Cupertino GHG Emissions Targets
The Cupertino CAP 2.0 has targeted communitywide carbon neutrality by 2040 in line with the emergency climate declaration made by the City Council in 2018 and in support of state and international climate goals. In order to achieve this, the following targets have been set for Cupertino’s future emissions: 3.39 MT CO2e per person by 2030 and 0.00 MT CO2e per person by 2040. The emissions reduction pathway over the coming decades is illustrated in Figure ES-3, below. Together, the measures and actions in the CAP 2.0 provide Cupertino with the GHG reductions necessary to achieve Cupertino’s 2030 climate action target as shown in Table ES-1. However, the 2040 GHG emissions reductions quantified are not yet enough to meet the City’s longer-term 2040 climate action target of carbon neutrality. This CAP 2.0 aims to establish new systems that are resilient and equitable and make substantial progress towards carbon neutrality in the future. Future CAP updates past 2030 will also outline new measures and actions that Cupertino will implement to close the remaining gap to achieve the carbon neutrality target.

The Cupertino climate action
targets are more aggressive than
the state-level goals. The
community and City Council have
consistently demonstrated climate
action leadership and put forward
resources to set an example.

Chapter Five has all the details on
goal-setting and the target path
to a carbon-neutral city.
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6 Figure ES 2. Forecasted Emissions per Capita by Sector for 2030 and 2040 Compared to Baseline Year
Transportation
Transportation Transportation
Residential
Residential
Residential
Commerical/
Industrial
Commerical/
Industrial Commerical/
Industrial
Wastewater
Wastewater
Wastewater
Solid Waste
Solid Waste
Solid Waste
-
1 2
3 4
5 6
2018 2030 2040
Emissions (MT CO2e per capita)
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Figure ES 3. Per Capita Baseline Emissions Compared to Forecast Scenario and Target Pathway to Carbon Neutrality
Table ES-1 Targets Versus GHG Reductions
Target/Forecast
2030 GHG
Emissions (MT
CO2e/person)
2040 GHG
Emissions (MT
CO2e/person)
Business-as-usual Forecast 5.77 5.91
Adjusted Forecast 5.04 4.74
Climate Action Targets 3.39 0.00
GHG Emissions Reductions from Full
Implementation of Measures 1.66 3.77
GHG Emissions after Measure Reductions 3.39 0.97
Target Anticipated to be Met? Yes
No; substantial
progress
demonstrated
Adjusted Forecast
Target Pathway

5.48 MT CO2e per capita

3.39 MT CO2e per capita
CAP 2.0 Plan
0 1
2 3
4 5
6 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Emissions (MT CO2e per capita)
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8 Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation
The City has identified six hazards of concern: adverse air quality impacts, extreme heat, extreme precipitation/storm flooding, wildfire, drought, and sea level rise. Several impacts of these hazards are being felt now and are projected to intensify in the future. Based on an analysis of potential impacts and the City’s adaptive capacity, Cupertino is most vulnerable to adverse air quality impacts and extreme heat, and the City has medium vulnerability to drought, wildfire, and extreme precipitation/storm flooding. Cupertino is least vulnerable to sea level rise, however indirect effects from sea level rise may be felt in the region.

To protect people, assets, and natural systems, the City is engaging in climate adaptation.

This is defined as responding to actual or expected climate impacts, with the goal of mitigating harms or taking advantage of opportunities. Further information on climate adaptation, our vulnerability assessment, and adaptation measures are found in Chapter 12.

Cupertino CAP 2.0 Measures to be Implemented by 2030
Implementation of the following suite of measures would result in Cupertino achieving its 2030 target of 3.39 MT CO2e per person. Additional measures will be required as part of future CAP update to attain the longer-term goal of carbon neutrality by 2040.1 Each measure is supported by a suite of actions
that will help to achieve the completion of that
measure. The measures and actions have been
designed using principles called key pillars that
ensure that changes are robust, effective, and
inclusive.

Key pillars include partnerships, equity,
financing, structural change, and engagement
and are discussed in more detail in Section 7.4 of
the CAP 2.0. The measures and actions have been
assessed by the community throughout the CAP

2.0 update process.
1 Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP). “The California Supplement to the United States Communitywide Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol”. 2013. Available:
https://califaep.org/docs/California_Supplement_to_the_National_Protocol.pdf . Accessed February 2022; and California Air Resources Board (CARB). “California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan”.

Available: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic//cc/scopingplan/scoping_plan_2017.pdf .

Accessed February 2022.

The CAP 2.0 measures are the
specific steps that serve two
primary purposes:
• climate mitigation through
reduced GHG emissions
and,
• adaptation to those
impacts of climate change
that may be unavoidable.
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Table ES-2 CAP 2.0 GHG Emissions Reduction Measures Overview No. Measure
MT CO2e
Reduction
Per Person*
BE-1 Reduce non-SVCE usage rate to 2% for residential and 10% for commercial by 2030 and maintain through 2040
2030: 0.012
2040: 0.004
BE-2
Electrify existing residential buildings to reduce annual residential natural gas usage from 129 therms per person in 2018 to at most 71 therms per person in 2030 and 16 therms per person in 2040
2030: 0.290
2040: 0.566
BE-3
Electrify existing commercial buildings to reduce annual commercial natural gas usage from 119 therms per person in 2018 to at most 90 therms per person in 2030 and 54 therms per person in 2040
2030: 0.190
2040: 0.366
BE-4 Require new residential and commercial development to be all-electric at time of construction
2030: 0.067
2040: 0.221
BE-5
Develop specific requirements for procurement of carbonfree fuels in lieu of natural gas for new projects that cannot be electrified
Supportive
TR-1
Develop and implement an Active Transportation Plan to
achieve 15% of active transportation mode share by 2030 and 23% by 2040
2030: 0.048
2040: 0.071
TR-2
Implement public and shared transit programs to achieve 29% of public transit mode share by 2030 and maintain
through 2040
2030: 0.269
2040: 0.256
TR-3
Increase zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption to 35% for passenger vehicles and 20% for commercial vehicles by 2030 and 100% for all vehicles by 2040
2030: 0.457
2040: 1.960
TR-4
Re-focus transportation infrastructure away from singleoccupancy gasoline vehicles to support the bicycle/pedestrian, public transit, and ZEV goals of Measures TR-1, TR-2, and TR-3
Supportive
TR-5 Electrify or otherwise decarbonize 34% of off-road equipment by 2030 and 35% by 2040
2030: 0.098
2040: 0.102
W-1
Implement SB 1383 requirements and reduce
communitywide landfilled organics 75% by 2025 and
inorganic waste 35% by 2030 and reduce all waste 90% by 2040
2030: 0.202
2040: 0.200
W-2 Reduce overall waste disposed to garbage, recycling, and compost per capita by 15% by 2035 Supportive
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10 No. Measure
MT CO2e
Reduction
Per Person*
WW1Reduce per capita water consumption 15% compared to 2019 levels by 2030 and maintain through 2040 Supportive WW2Support the SJ-SC RWF in implementing GHG emissions reduction projects Supportive
Carbon Sequestration Measures
W-3
Meet or exceed the SB 1383 recycled organics products
procurement requirements and sequester or avoid at least

0.018 MT CO2e per person by through 2045
2030: 0.018
2040: 0.018
CS-1
Increase carbon sequestration through tree planting by
developing and implementing an Urban Forest
Management Plan
Supportive
CS-2 Leverage the carbon sequestration potential of open space and carbon removal Supportive
Adaptation and Resilience Measures
AR-1
Increase usage of natural infrastructure solutions such as bioswales, rainwater storage systems, and permeable
pavements to enhance infrastructure resiliency
Supportive
AR-2
Bolster emergency preparedness and response by
integrating climate adaptation and improving climaterelated communications Supportive
AR-3 Strengthen community capacity and resilience through education, resources, and policies Supportive
AR-4 Update the Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan in
Coordination with the County of anta Clara Supportive
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1 Vision and Purpose

1.1 Cupertino CAP 2.0 Vision Statement
Vision
Cupertino envisions a future with cleaner air, resilient and renewable energy sources, livable communities, an equitable distribution of resources, and opportunities to build and maintain resilient homes and businesses. Climate change poses a challenge to that vision and the effects of climate change are already impacting California communities on the local level.

The impacts of climate change are projected to worsen over the next century if there is not a concerted global effort to address the cause of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The City of Cupertino recognizes the need for ambitious climate action.

On September 18, 2018, the City passed Resolution No. 18-094, declaring a climate emergency. This resolution calls for an emergency mobilization effort to end communitywide GHG emissions as quickly as possible, educate residents about climate change, and advocate for a mass mobilization at the local, State, national, and global levels.

This Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0 supports that resolution and builds on the progress achieved in Cupertino’s 2015 CAP by providing an updated roadmap of specific actions to reduce GHG emissions, achieve the City’s target of carbon neutrality by 2040, and increase community resilience, and capacity to adapt to the
impacts of climate change.

In addition to emission reduction strategies this
CAP 2.0 details strategies for Cupertino to prepare
for and mitigate approaching risks and charts the
course towards a prosperous and sustainable
future. By achieving carbon neutrality, Cupertino
will contribute its fair share to address the climate
crisis and support international climate goals
limiting global temperature rise. This target is
consistent with the United Nations International
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) analysis on what
is necessary to reduce the likelihood of catastrophic
global climate change. Addressing climate change
also presents Cupertino with an opportunity to
build a vibrant future aligned with the key
principles outlined below.
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12 Guiding Principles
The following principles are key to achieving the vision for the CAP 2.0 and were adopted by the Cupertino Sustainability Commission and City Council in December of 2020:
 Equity: Activate and celebrate the multiracial character of Cupertino. Take every effort to include traditionally under-represented voices and those who might be displaced by climate hazards in the planning and selection of strategies, as well as business, faith groups, neighborhoods, and schools. Create a plan that reflects the diversity of the city and sets us on a path towards a more welcoming and inclusive Cupertino.  Innovation: Develop measures in short-term and long-term action plans that position Cupertino as a leader in climate innovation and technological development, new ways of working and studying, and commit to educating the community on innovative strategies at least once a year.
 Urgency and Flexibility: Establish a frequent cadence of updates to the near-term action plans, with the aim to both focus community resources and stay flexible in a fastmoving world. Work with haste commensurate with the Climate Emergency Declaration that Council adopted in 2018 and the unprecedented opportunity that climate and waste plans present to our community by taking bold steps in the early planning horizon.
 Resilience and Adaptation: Establish climate adaptation measures such as green infrastructure and protecting biodiversity that keeps Cupertino residents and businesses safe, productive, and happy while climate risks accelerate.

Purpose
Climate Action
This CAP 2.0 will guide Cupertino towards reducing GHG emissions in a manner that exceeds the State goal to reduce GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, established by California Senate Bill (SB) 32. This CAP 2.0 will also put the City on a trajectory to meet or exceed the State goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, established by California Executive Order B-55-18. See Appendix A for a written description and a timeline of relevant climate action planning regulations.

Specifically, Cupertino has a target to reduce total emissions 45 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, exceeding the State 2030 target. This translates into a GHG emissions reduction of 179,772 MT CO2e total (or 6.68 MT CO2e per person). Cupertino also has a goal of carbon neutrality (i.e., net zero MT CO2e person) by 2040, again exceeding the State carbon neutrality target.
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CEQA GHG Emissions Analysis Streamlining
The CAP 2.0 fulfills the requirements of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) to be considered a “qualified” GHG reduction plan.2 Creating and updating this CEQA qualified plan is in accordance with Cupertino General Plan – Environment and Sustainability Element.

In compliance with CEQA and State CEQA Guidelines, local agencies must evaluate the environmental impacts of new development projects or plans, including impacts related to GHG emissions associated with the construction and operation of projects or plans. This process can be cumbersome for local agencies and developers alike and can result in project delays. The CEQA Guidelines provide an option for new projects to streamline the CEQA analysis of GHG emissions by tiering from a qualified GHG reduction plan.

This CAP 2.0 and its associated CEQA environmental assessment documentation are consistent with the criteria set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) as summarized in Table 1. As such, this CAP Update is considered a qualified GHG reduction plan.

Table 1 CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) Criteria Addressed in CAP Update 2 Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), “General Plan Guidelines - Chapter 8: Climate Change,” Available: https://opr.ca.gov/docs/OPR_C8_final.pdf. Accessed November 2021.

CEQA Criteria CAP Update Chapter
Addressing Criteria

1. Quantify existing and projected GHG emissions
within the plan area Chapter 4

2. Establish a reduction target consistent with State
targets Chapter 5

3. Identify and analyze sector specific GHG
emissions from specific actions or categories of
actions anticipated within the geographic area
Chapter 4
Appendix B

4. Specify measures and actions that substantial
evidence demonstrates would collectively
achieve the specified reduction target
Chapters 8, 9,10,11
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14 If future projects are consistent with this CAP 2.0 in terms of GHG emissions construction and operational levels as well as consistent with the questions and requirement of the associated CAP Consistency Checklist (i.e., Cupertino CEQA GHG Checklist), future CEQA GHG emissions impact analyses can be streamlined with a qualitative rather quantitative CEQA GHG emissions analysis and with presumption that the project or plan’s GHG emissions are not considered cumulatively significant under CEQA.

1.2 Cupertino Declaration of Climate Emergency
In recognition of the urgent and existential nature of climate change, the City of Cupertino declared a climate emergency with the passage of Resolution No. 18-094 on September 18, 2018. In addition to calling for an emergency mobilization effort to halt greenhouse gas emissions at the local level, the resolution calls on the State of California, the United States, and all governments worldwide to initiate emergency mobilization efforts to mitigate climate change, stop rising GHG emissions, and safely draw down carbon from the atmosphere.

As part of the resolution the City of Cupertino committed to keeping equity central to the climate mobilization planning process by encouraging community engagement and participation. The development process for this CAP 2.0 and the measures are aligned with this mission. Please refer to Chapter 6 for more detail about the planning process and how public input was incorporated into this CAP 2.0.

CEQA Criteria CAP Update Chapter
Addressing Criteria

5. Establish a mechanism to monitor progress and
amend the plan if it is not achieving specified
emissions levels
Chapter 13

6. Adopt in a public process following
environmental review
See associated CEQA
environmental assessment
documentation
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2 Scientific Context and Impacts

2.1 Climate Change Science
The Greenhouse Gas Effect and Climate Change Problem
Earth’s climate is largely driven by energy that comes from the sun. When solar radiation reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected into space and a portion is absorbed by the Earth’s surface. As the Earth absorbs solar radiation, its surface heats up and reradiates heat back out into the atmosphere.3 While some of the heat escapes past the atmosphere into space, gases in the atmosphere prevent the loss of some of the heat.

Without some GHGs in the atmosphere, the Earth would not be warm enough to sustain life as we know it. This heat trapping quality of gases in Earth’s atmosphere is known as the greenhouse effect. The gases trapping the heat are known as greenhouse gases (GHG).4 Increased levels of specific GHG in the atmosphere means that less heat escapes to space.

More heat trapped in the atmosphere leads to much more than hotter average temperatures also known as global warming, which in turn contributes to more intense storms, drought, extreme heat events, and sea level rise. 5 These effects are considered climate change.

Human-caused climate change is well understood and widely accepted by the scientific community, with over 97 percent of climate scientists agreeing that the planet is warming and human activities are the root cause.6 Human activities have raised the levels of GHGs in the atmosphere from 280 parts per million to over 410 parts per million in the last 150 years.7 Although many changes to climate are governed by natural processes, human activities have added GHGs to the atmosphere at a rate that is unprecedented in Earth’s 3 NASA. “The Causes of Climate Change,” Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. Available:
https://climate.nasa.gov/causes. Accessed December 2021 4 UCAR. “The Greenhouse Effect | Center for Science Education,” Available:
https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/how-climate-works/greenhouse-effect. Accessed December 2021.
5 IPCC. “Summary for Policymakers — Global Warming of 1.5 oC. Available:
https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/spm/. Accessed December 2021. 6 NASA. “Scientific Consensus: Earth’s Climate Is Warming,” Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet.

Available: https://climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus. Accessed December 2021. 7 J. Blunden and T. Boyer, “State of the Climate in 2020,” Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society 102, no. 8. 2021. Available: https://doi.org/10.1175/2021BAMSStateoftheClimate.1. Accessed December 2021.
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16 history, leading to CO2 levels that are now higher than they have been any time in the past 800,000 years.8
Globally, climate change is already impacting both human and natural systems. Scientists have measured shrinking ice sheets, warming, and acidifying oceans, increasing global temperatures, less snow cover, sea level rise, and species extinction. The potential consequences of these climate change related impacts include the flooding of low-lying areas, reduction of fresh-water supply, adverse changes to biological resources and public health, as well as many other adverse environmental consequences.9 Globally, a warming trend is abundantly clear, with nineteen of the hottest years on record occurring since 2000.10 The year 2020 tied with 2016 for the hottest year on record since record-keeping began in 1880, and these trends are consistent across numerous monitoring agencies and data sets.11
8 Ibid.
9 IPCC. “Impacts of 1.5°C of Global Warming on Natural and Human Systems,” Assessment Report 5. 2018. Available: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/chapter-3/ Accessed December 2021. 10 NASA-GISS. “Land-Ocean Temperature Index (C): Global Mean Estimates Based on Land and Ocean Data”. Available:
https://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/graphs/graph_data/Global_Mean_Estimates_based_on_Land_and _Ocean_Data/graph.txt. Accessed December 2021.
11 NASA. “Global Surface Temperature | NASA Global Climate Change,” Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. Available: https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature. Accessed December 2021;
Climatic Research Unit (CRU). “Land Surface Air Temperature Variations Across the Globe Updated to 2019: The CRUTEM5 Data Set,” Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 126, no. 2. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JD032352 Accessed: December 2021; 34 CC 06-21-22
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Public Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0 17
Source: National Resources Defense Council, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/greenhouseeffect-101 Though climate change is a global phenomenon it has the potential to impact facets of society on the local level including health outcomes, natural resource access, infrastructure, emergency response, tourism, and frequency of disasters. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections show that a reduction in GHG emission to carbon neutrality by mid-century is required to limit warming trends to

1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.12 In order to do this, action must be taken at all levels of society to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. 12 IPCC. “Summary for Policymakers — Global Warming of 1.5 oC”. Available:
https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/spm/. Accessed December 2021. 35 CC 06-21-22
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18 Types of GHG Emissions
The IPCC lists the following GHGs: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), as well as chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride, which are collectively called fluorinated gases.13 Almost all the GHGs emitted in the United States each year consist of CO2, CH4, and N2O, while fluorinated gases make up the remaining emissions14. Because CO2, CH4, and N2O comprise a large majority of GHG emissions at the community level, these are the gases considered in this analysis.

Each GHG has a different propensity for trapping heat in the atmosphere, known as its global warming potential (GWP). GHGs also last for different periods of time in the atmosphere, ranging from a decade to several thousand years. Because all the GHGs have different characteristics, a standard unit is needed to compare the potential impact of different GHGs and allow them to be added up in an analysis. This is achieved by converting all GHGs into the standard unit known as a carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), based on the amount of heat one metric ton (MT) of CO2 traps in the atmosphere. GWP for each GHG was drawn from the IPCC fifth Assessment Report15, which represents the best available scientific consensus and is consistent with the methodology outlined in the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Scoping Plan. Since CO2 is used as the reference point for trapping heat, CO2 has a GWP of 1. Methane has a GWP of 28, meaning that each metric ton (MT) of methane causes 28 times more warming than 1 MT of CO2. Nitrous oxide has a GWP of 265, meaning 265 times the GWP of 1 MT of CO 2.16 13 Note: Fluorinated gases, which includes four main types: hydrofluorocarbons 8. (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), are man-made gases that can stay in the atmosphere for centuries and contribute to the GHG effect. Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. “Main Greenhouse Gases”. 2021. Available: https://www.c2es.org/content/maingreenhouse-gases/. Accessed December 2021 14 Note: Ninety-seven percent of the annual GHG emissions consist of CO2, CH4, and N2O and fluorinated gases make up the remaining three percent of GHG emissions. US EPA. “Inventory of U.S.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks”. 2021. Available: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventoryus-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks. Accessed: December 2021; World Resources Institute. “4 Charts Explain Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Countries and Sectors”. 2021. Available:
https://www.wri.org/insights/4-charts-explain-greenhouse-gas-emissions-countries-and-sectors.

Accessed December 2021.
15 IPCC. Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Available:
https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/SYR_AR5_FINAL_full.pdf. Accessed December 2021; and California Air Resources Board (CARB). “California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan”.

Available: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic//cc/scopingplan/scoping_plan_2017.pdf .

Accessed February 2022.
16 IPCC. Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Available:
https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/SYR_AR5_FINAL_full.pdf. Accessed December 2021 36 CC 06-21-22
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Public Draft Climate Action Plan 2.0 19
Sources of GHG Emissions
The combustion of fossil fuels is the primary source of GHG emissions, decomposition of waste, and land use change are also major contributors. It can be helpful to understand how different sectors contribute to total emissions. The top sources of GHGs nationwide are transportation, energy production, industrial processes, commercial and residential uses, agriculture, and land use change.17 Fluctuations in annual GHG emissions can be attributed to changes in the economy, the price of fuel, and land-use change. For example, nationwide GHG emissions decreased from 2018 to 2019 by 1.7 percent. This decrease in emissions was driven largely by the continued shift in electricity production as the electric power sector moves away from using coal to natural gas and renewables, as well as a small reduction in total energy consumption year over year.18
The main sources of GHG emissions in Cupertino are from buildings, transportation, waste, and water. Building emissions are associated with electricity and natural gas used by commercial, residential, and municipal buildings. Transportation emissions are generated by fuels used to power cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles. Waste from residential, commercial, and municipal sources generates methane emissions as material (especially organics like food scraps and yard waste) decomposes in the landfill. Water emissions are generated by the electricity used to transport water for residential, commercial, and agricultural use, and emissions from wastewater treatment processes.

Opportunities to Reduce GHG Emissions
Cities are important players in reducing GHG emissions at the local level. Local government policies and programs can affect high-emissions behaviors, help mitigate the impacts of climate change, and prepare the community for resilience. Ways those cities can influence climate action and emissions include strategic local land use planning, updating building standards, and public and private partnerships that encourage behavior change. Cities can take numerous actions to help reduce emissions such as improving building codes to reduce energy use, incentivizing alternative transportation options to decrease fuel use, expanding options for waste stream diversion and renewable energy sources, and educating community members about their choices as citizens and customers. 17 US EPA, “Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions,” Overviews and Factsheets. 2020. Available:
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions. Accessed December 2021. 18 US EPA. “Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks,” Reports and Assessments. 2021.

Available: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks.

Accessed: December 2021.
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20 2.2 Climate Change Impacts in Cupertino
Climate change already has impacted and will continue to impact the City of Cupertino, its residents, businesses, and visitors. In the past few years, Cupertino has experienced severe droughts, poor air quality from regional wildfire smoke, and local flooding from extreme precipitation events. As the climate continues to change, many climate hazards may become more frequent and intense. The City has performed research and public outreach to identify which hazards are likely to impact Cupertino, the intensity of those impacts, and the City’s capacity to adapt to these hazards. Together these metrics form a vulnerability assessment.

A companion document to this CAP 2.0 outlines the detailed methodology that was used.

The City of Cupertino’s vulnerability assessment is summarized in Table 2.

Table 2: Projections and Impacts by Climate Hazard
Climate Hazard Projected Change Major Impacts
Adverse air quality
impacts
• Warmer temperatures
will increase smog and
pollutant formation
• Wildfires will deteriorate
air quality
• Pollen and dust
production will increase
• Health risks for vulnerable
groups including children
and people with pre-existing
health conditions
• Decreased outdoor
recreational opportunities
Extreme heat • Increase in extreme
heat days from 5 per
year to 11 per year by
2050 and up to 14 days
per year by 2100 (RCP

4.5)
• Maximum temperatures
increase by 1.8°C (3.3°F)
in 2050 and 2.3°C (4.2°F)
by 2100
• Heat-related illnesses and
exacerbation of pre-existing
health conditions
• Higher building operational
costs and brownouts
• Financial burden related to
replacing food, running
generators, etc.
• Decreased productivity in
work and school, stress to
natural systems, and
infrastructure deterioration
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Climate Hazard Projected Change Major Impacts
Extreme
precipitation/storm
flooding
• Extreme storm
frequency remains
similar in mid-century
but annual average
increases by 1-2 events
by late-century
• Precipitation events
(measured in
inches/day) could
increase 6-21% (up to
37% under RCP 8.5) by
2100
• Residents in high-risk areas
at risk for structural damage,
injuries, and displacement
• Disruptions to energy,
transportation, and water
infrastructure
• Flood insurance premiums
increase by $10 to $30 per
month for certain residents
Wildfire • Longer wildfire season,
more frequent wildfires,
and greater intensity
• Across the Bay Area,
increase from 8,208
hectares burning
annually to 9,969 by
mid-century (RCP 4.5)
• In Cupertino, wildfire risk
remains similar at about
30-40 hectares burning
annually
• Residents in high-risk areas:
direct injuries, structural
damage, and displacement
• Wildfire smoke
• Disruptions to natural
systems
• Public safety power shutoffs
• Damage to regional energy,
information and
communications, and
transportation infrastructure
Drought • On average, 4.9 fewer
inches of annual
precipitation by late
century under drought
conditions
• Decrease in Sierra
Nevada snowpack 30-
60% under RCP 8.5 due
to higher rates of
melting and less
precipitation falling as
snow
• Impacts on agriculture
could increase food costs
• Increase in utility bills
• Concentration of
contaminants in drinking
water
• Mosquito-borne disease and
Valley Fever
• In extreme cases, land
subsidence
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22 Climate Hazard Projected Change Major Impacts
Sea level rise • Around 0.74 m (about

2.43 feet) of sea level
rise in the San Francisco
Bay by 2100
• Disrupt regional energy,
transportation, and water
infrastructure
• Impacts on neighboring
cities could strain social
services, housing, and other
regional resources
Some Impacts are Being Felt Now, and Hazards are Projected to Intensify Adverse Air Quality Impacts
Because of Cupertino’s geography, weather, and local features such as Interstate 280, the city is already at high risk for poor air quality. From 2015 to 2019, Cupertino experienced 31 days where ozone or particulate matter levels exceeded state standards.19 As the climate changes, warmer and drier temperatures will create more pollutants such as ozone, wildfire smoke, dust, and pollen. Poor air quality is linked to respiratory conditions such as asthma, vascular conditions such as heart attacks and stroke, and various cancers. Children and youth, seniors, those with pre-existing conditions, pregnant women, and outdoor workers are especially vulnerable and make up over 41% of Cupertino’s population.

Extreme Heat
Hot days are familiar in Cupertino, but extreme heat days are projected to become more frequent, longer, and more severe. Extreme heat can cause illnesses such as heat exhaustion, exacerbate pre-existing conditions, and increase the risk of vascular events such as heart attacks, all of which can cause significant injury or even death. Children and youth, seniors, persons with health conditions, and low-income communities are more vulnerable to extreme heat. Extreme heat may also impact residents by causing brownouts, increasing costs through air conditioning and other protective measures, decreasing productivity, stressing natural systems, and damaging infrastructure. 19 Based on San Jose monitoring station data. Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Air Quality Summary Reports. Available: https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/air-quality-summaries.

Accessed January 2022.
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Flooding from Severe Storms & River Flooding
Historically, some areas of Cupertino have experienced occasional shallow overland flooding20, and the areas around Stevens Creek and Calabazas Creek are vulnerable to riverine flooding. Cupertino experienced its most recent severe flooding event in February 2017, after two large storm events occurred in the span of two weeks. As the climate changes, the average annual volume of precipitation is not expected to change dramatically, but storm events like the ones in 2017 are projected to become more frequent and intense.

This means precipitation may be compressed into fewer, intense events rather than spread out in smaller precipitation events. About 300 people and 82 structures are at risk during a 10-year flood.21 Those at direct risk may experience property damage, injuries and other health impacts, and financial costs including higher flood insurance premiums. Indirect impacts may include disruptions to economic activity and infrastructure damage.

Wildfires and Smoke
In August of 2020, the CZU and SCU Lightning Complex fires collectively burned 483,133 acres, destroyed over 1,700 structures, and damaged over 150 more.22 The SCU Lightning Complex fire alone was the fourth largest wildfire incident in California history. These fires severely degraded the area’s air quality. During the fires, particulate readings regularly crossed into the “Unhealthy” level, and officials called on residents to stay indoors. When the CZU Lightning Complex fire spread rapidly through the mountains west of Cupertino, more than 22,000 people in the area were evacuated. Increased temperatures, drought, and severe weather can increase fire risk and contribute to similar incidents impacting Cupertino.

About 33 residents live in high-risk areas and may experience significant impacts such as direct injuries, structural damage, and displacement.23 However, all Cupertino residents are exposed to indirect impacts like public safety power shutoffs, damage to regional 20 FEMA. 2015. “Flood Insurance Study: Santa Clara County”. Available:
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch#searchresultsanchor . Accessed February 2022. 21 Office of Emergency Services, County of Santa Clara, and Santa Clara County Fire. October 15, 2017. Santa Clara County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan Volume 1—Operational-Area-Wide Elements. Available:
https://emergencymanagement.sccgov.org/sites/g/files/exjcpb261/files/For%20Partners/Local-HazardMitigation-Plan-LHMP-Vol-1.pdf. Accessed February 2022. 22 CAL Fire. SCU Lightning Complex Incident Report. Available:
https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/18/scu-lightning-complex/#incident-damages-losses.

Accessed January 2022.
23 Office of Emergency Services, County of Santa Clara, and Santa Clara County Fire. October 15, 2017. Santa Clara County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan Volume 1—Operational-Area-Wide Elements. Available:
https://emergencymanagement.sccgov.org/sites/g/files/exjcpb261/files/For%20Partners/Local-HazardMitigation-Plan-LHMP-Vol-1.pdf. Accessed February 2022. 41 CC 06-21-22
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24 infrastructure like major highways, and degraded natural areas. As stated in the air quality section, groups such as children and youth are highly vulnerable to poor air quality and make up a large part of Cupertino’s population.

Drought
For Santa Clara County, 2021 had been the 33rd driest year over the past 127 years on record, and the entire county was designated as experiencing extreme or exceptional drought.24 The ten reservoirs in the South Bay Area were collectively at less than 12 percent of total capacity as of September 2021.25 Valley Water instituted a 15% water use reduction in June 2021, but the County remains in a drought emergency despite reaching monthly conservation goals.26 As the climate becomes hotter and drier, drought conditions may worsen. This can increase food prices, utility bills, and other costs. As water becomes scarcer, water quality may decrease as algal blooms occur, pollutants become more concentrated, and stressed natural systems no longer filter water. Drawing up high levels of ground water may cause further contamination, and in extreme cases, cause the ground to subside.

Sea Level Rise
Cupertino will not be directly impacted by sea level rise, even when accounting for extreme conditions.27,28Rising sea levels may push groundwater closer to the surface, causing flooding from underneath. 29 However, current projections indicate that Cupertino will not be affected by such emergent groundwater.30 Though Cupertino will not be directly 24 Drought.gov, NIDIS. “Santa Clara County Conditions”. Available:
https://www.drought.gov/states/california/county/santa%20clara. Accessed December 2021. 25 Robert Handa, NBC Bay Area. “Here’s How California’s Drought Is Impacting Bay Area Reservoirs”. 2021. Available: https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/climate-in-crisis/heres-how-californiasdrought-is-impacting-bay-area-reservoirs/2665032/. Accessed: December 2021. 26 Santa Clara Valley Water. “Santa Clara County is in an extreme and exceptional drought and Valley Water can help you save water”. 2021. Available: https://www.valleywater.org/drought.

Accessed December 2021.
27 Cal-Adapt. Sea Level Rise. Available: https://cal-adapt.org/tools/slr-calflod-3d/. Accessed December 2021.
28 Manoochehr Shirzaei and Roland Burgmann. Science Advances. March 2018. Global climate change and local land subsidence exacerbate inundation risk to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846283/. Accessed February 2022. 29 Legislative Analysts Office, California. 2020. “What Threat Does Sea Level Rise Pose to California?”.

Available: https://lao.ca.gov/reports/2020/4261/sea-level-rise-081020.pdf . Accessed February 2022. 30 Ellen Plane, Kristina Hill, and Christine May. Water. 2019. A Rapid Assessment Method to Identify Potential Groundwater Flooding Hotspots as Sea Levels Rise in Coastal Cities. Available:
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affected by sea level rise, there may be significant regional impacts. These impacts have the potential to be both extensive and expensive and can affect public infrastructure, private property, vulnerable communities, natural resources, drinking and agricultural water supplies, toxic contamination, and economic disruption.31 Adapting to Climate Change
Community Concerns
The public’s strong concerns about climate hazards further emphasize the necessity of adapting to climate change. In the first Climate Action Plan 2.0 survey, conducted in summer 2021, 86% of respondents believe that climate change currently has at least some impact on them and their family’s personal wellbeing and safety. 95% of respondents believe that climate change will have at least some impact on them and their family’s personal wellbeing and safety 10 years from now. Common concerns expressed in public engagement included health risks related to extreme heat and poor air quality, improving air quality monitoring and alert systems, the effects of climate hazards on outdoor recreational and social opportunities, and the costs related to increased insurance premiums and loss of power. Figure 1 provides greater details about which hazards residents are most concerned about.

Figure 1. Community Concerns about Climate Hazards
Source: Public Survey 1, out of 106 respondents
31 Legislative Analysts Office, California. 2020. “What Threat Does Sea Level Rise Pose to California?”.

Available: https://lao.ca.gov/reports/2020/4261/sea-level-rise-081020.pdf . Accessed February 2022. 43 CC 06-21-22
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26 3 Climate Action History

3.1 Progress to Date
The City of Cupertino has conducted a GHG emissions inventory of communitywide GHG emissions for 2010, 2015, and 2018. In addition to these inventories, the City prepared a CAP in 2015 that assessed both communitywide and municipal GHG emissions. See Appendix B for more information about the data used and how GHG emissions were calculated for Cupertino’s 2018 GHG emissions inventory. Figure 2 shows some of the major milestones from recent history in Cupertino’s climate actions. Progress reports are available online at cupertino.org/sustainability.

Figure 2. Selected Milestones in Cupertino’s Climate Action History 44 CC 06-21-22
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Trends from Cupertino GHG Emissions Inventories
In the 2015 CAP, the City of Cupertino set a target to reduce GHG emissions 15 percent compared to 2010 by the year 2020. The City achieved this target ahead of schedule with emissions falling 15 percent below 2010 levels as of 2018. Community emissions are driven by both residential and commercial activity occurring within Cupertino, and changes in population and jobs in the City can result in increases or decreases in community emissions.

For example, Cupertino has experienced an estimated 6 percent increase in population, 18 percent increase in jobs, and a 10 percent increase in daytime or “service” population since 2010. As a result of increases in local jobs, commercial natural gas usage also increased since 2010, by roughly 18 percent. While the City’s climate actions and other systemic changes resulted in an overall 15 percent decrease in emissions, reducing commercial natural gas usage represents an opportunity for continued progress. For a full account of the progress that Cupertino has already achieved since the 2015 CAP, as well as complimentary sustainability projects and programs pursued by the City of Cupertino above and beyond the CAP measures, please refer to Appendix F: Existing Programs and Accomplishments.

Robust Sustainability Leadership
The City of Cupertino and the Cupertino City Council have a robust legacy as a leader in sustainability. This is achieved through the City’s dedicated Cupertino Green team to implement sustainability leadership and to support continued innovation and effective action on climate and sustainability. Cupertino Green is dedicated to designing and coordinating the energy, water, and transportation goals set forth in the City’s General Plan – Sustainability Element. Cupertino Green is made up of both the Sustainability and Environmental Programs teams and is committed to maintaining Cupertino as a sustainable and healthy place to live, learn, work, and play for all members of the Cupertino community.

Sustainability Team
Housed within the City Manager’s Office, the Sustainability team oversees Cupertino’s Climate Action Plan as well as providing residents, businesses, and schools with programs and services. This team focuses primarily on energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, drought resources, alternative transportation, the annual Earth Day Festival, and other sustainable actions.

Environmental Programs Team
Housed within the Public Works Department, the Environmental Programs team manages the City’s waste disposal services and provides composting and recycling programs to Cupertino residents and businesses. This team also ensures that state and federal requirements for storm runoff management are met to protect to local creeks and the San Francisco Bay from pollutants carried in runoff after storms. 45 CC 06-21-22
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28 Sustainability Commission
The Cupertino Sustainability Commission consists of five members appointed by the City Council to provide expertise and guidance on policy areas related to the City’s ongoing climate action planning efforts. The Sustainability Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council and provides expertise and guidance on major policy and programmatic areas related to the environmental, economic, and societal goals noted within the Cupertino CAP and General Plan (GP) Environmental Resources/Sustainability Element.

Lessons Learned
The measures and actions in this CAP 2.0 provide Cupertino with the per capita GHG reductions necessary to achieve Cupertino’s 2030 climate action target (See Section 5.3 and Chapters 8-11). However, the City’s ambitious target of carbon neutrality by 2040 requires some difficult to achieve reductions in emissions that depend on significant changes to the technology and systems currently in place.32
As these measures and actions are implemented, the City will gain more information, new technologies will emerge, and current pilot projects and programs will scale to the size needed to reach carbon neutrality. Furthermore, the state is expected to update state-level regulations and provide additional support for meeting carbon neutrality in the future. The City has additionally identified a future CAP update schedule, as described in Section 13, Future CAP updates past 2030, and will outline new measures and actions that Cupertino will implement to close the remaining gap to achieve the target of carbon neutrality by 2040. 32 Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP). “The California Supplement to the United States Communitywide Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol”. 2013. Available:
https://califaep.org/docs/California_Supplement_to_the_National_Protocol.pdf . Accessed February 2022; and California Air Resources Board (CARB). “California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan”.

Available: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic//cc/scopingplan/scoping_plan_2017.pdf .

Accessed February 2022.
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4 Current and Projected GHG Emissions

4.1 Cupertino GHG Emissions Inventory
Community GHG inventories measure the GHG emissions generated by residents and businesses operating in the community, as well as municipal operations. The process of creating a GHG inventory includes first identifying activities that are major sources of emissions and collecting summary data on those activities for a calendar year. Then, the City uses science-based GHG emissions factors to convert the collected data into an accounting of GHG emissions produced through all the identified activities. Inventories measure GHG emissions in units of metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, or MT CO2e.

GHG Inventory Protocols
There are various inventory protocols to guide communities in accurately and consistently measuring GHG emissions. Consistent with the California Office of Planning and Research’s (OPR) guidance, Cupertino’s inventory methods rely on the U.S. Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Version 1.2) and are consistent with the methodologies used by other cities throughout the State of California.

The Community Protocol is the authoritative guide for best practices in calculating community-scale GHG inventories. The protocol separates a city’s GHG-generating activities into categories known as emissions sectors. Large emissions sectors for cities include the transportation sector (such as combustion emissions from cars and other vehicles operating within the city), the building sector (including emissions from electricity and natural gas usage), and the waste sector (capturing emissions from sending solid waste to the landfill). Consistent with the State’s GHG inventory, the global warming potential (GWP) values for methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were derived from the IPCC Assessment Report 5.33
Not all activities within a city that generate GHGs are included in a GHG emissions inventory. Activities that cannot be controlled or influenced by city policies are generally excluded as they have little bearing on city planning. For example, emissions from cars traveling through a city, whose origins and destinations are both outside of city limits, are typically excluded because a local government cannot reasonably influence this passthrough travel activity. 33 IPCC. Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Available:
https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/SYR_AR5_FINAL_full.pdf. Accessed December 2021. 47 CC 06-21-22
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30 Current Inventory
The CAP 2.0 includes a 2018 inventory of GHG emissions from Cupertino communitywide activities. The inventory includes sources within each sector that are within some degree of jurisdictional control by the City, in accordance with established GHG accounting protocols and State guidance. In 2018, Cupertino’s GHG emissions totaled 346,998 MT CO2e. This represents a 15 percent decrease in emissions compared to 2010 emissions levels (408,176 MT CO2e) and a 14 percent reduction in emissions relative to 1990 emissions levels (402,639 MT CO2e).

As shown in Figure 3 and Table 2, emissions from transportation made up the largest sector contribution to total emissions (220,625 MT CO2e, or 65 percent of total emissions). The second largest source of emissions (91,029 MT CO2e, or 26 percent of total emissions) was building energy use from electricity and natural gas consumption. Energy emissions were split evenly between the residential sector and the commercial/industrial sector. The remaining community emissions were from wastewater management (19,635 MT CO2e, 6 percent of emissions) and solid waste (15,709 MT CO2e, 5 percent of emissions), including the decomposition of solid wastes in the landfill.

Figure 3. Cupertino Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector, 2018 On-road
transportation,
60%
Building energy
natural gas, 25%
Wastewater, 6%
Solid waste, 4%
Off-road vehicles
and equipment, 4%
Building energy
electricity, 1%
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Table 2 Cupertino 2018 GHG Emissions Inventory Summary
Refer to Appendix B for a more detailed discussion related to methodology, modeling, and supporting evidence for the Cupertino 2018 GHG inventory.

GHG Emissions Sector/Source CO2
(MT)
CH4
(MT)
N2O
(MT)
CO2e
(MT)
% of Total
Emissions
Transportation 65%
Passenger On-Road Transportation 130,864 8.2 5.8 132,635 38% Commercial On-Road Transportation 71,440 3.8 9.2 73,972 21% Passenger On-Road - EV adjustment 27 0.0 0.0 27 <1%
Commercial On-Road - EV adjustment 0 0.0 0.0 0 <1%
Off Road - Diesel 6,352 0.2 0.3 6,432 2%
Off Road - Gasoline 4,507 4.5 0.1 4,651 1%
Off Road - Natural Gas (LPG) 2,841 0.5 0.2 2,908 1%
Residential 13%
Residential Electricity - PG&E 253 0.04 0.00 256 <1%
Residential Electricity - SVCE 186 0.00 0.00 186 <1%
Residential Electricity - Direct Access 5 0.00 0.00 5 <1% Residential Natural Gas 43,428 N/A N/A 43,428 13%
Natural Gas Fugitive - Residential 1 50.7 N/A 1,420 <1% Commercial/Industrial 13%
Commercial/Industrial Electricity –PG&E 0 0.0 0.0 287 <1% Commercial/Industrial Electricity – SVCE 215 0.0 0.0 215 <1% Commercial/Industrial Electricity – Direct
Access Other 3,544 0.4 0.0 3,564
1%
Commercial/Industrial Electricity – EV
adjustment 0 0.0 0.0 0
0%
Commercial/Industrial Natural Gas – PG&E 39,957 N/A N/A 39,957 12% Natural Gas Fugitive - Commercial 0.7 61.05 N/A 1,710 <1% Wastewater 6%
Wastewater Treatment and Discharge N/A 695.0 0.7 19,635 6% Solid Waste 5%
Solid Waste Generated/Disposal N/A 561.1 N/A 15,709 5%
N/A = not applicable; CO2 = carbon dioxide; CH4 = methane; N2O = nitrous oxide; CO2e = carbon dioxide equivalent; PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric; SVCE = Silicon Valley Clean Energy; kWh = kilowatt-hour; EV = electric vehicle
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32 4.2 Cupertino GHG Emissions Forecasts
GHG forecasts provide an estimate of Cupertino’s GHG emissions in the future, based primarily on projected population and job growth in the City. Forecasting helps to track trends and progress for the City and allows the City to see how much it needs to reduce emissions in order to meet its future GHG emissions reduction targets. GHG emissions forecasts for Cupertino were developed using the 2018 inventory for 2023, 2026, 2030, 2035, 2040 and 2045.

The City developed two forecasts to contextualize how emissions will change and better understand the reduction actions that Cupertino must take. The first forecast is a businessas-usual (BAU) forecast, and the second is an adjusted forecast that accounts for GHG reduction policies and programs.

Business as Usual Forecast
The BAU forecast assumes that per capita emissions remain constant. Under this assumption, population and job growth are the main drivers for GHG generating activities.

The BAU forecast provides a basis of comparison by assuming there are no changes to technology, behaviors, or legislation, and population and job growth trends continue as projected. However, several state regulations (e.g., SB 1, SB 100, AB 1493) have been enacted that will reduce future local emissions. This means that another forecast that incorporates these effects into emissions projections is also needed.

Data and Methods
The BAU GHG emissions projections were calculated based on guidance from the Association of Environmental Professionals 2012 whitepaper Forecasting Communitywide GHG Emissions and Setting Reduction Targets. To develop a GHG emissions forecast, “growth metrics” (e.g., population, housing, and employment projections) are multiplied by BAU “growth indicators,” which represent a baseline metric developed from the GHG emissions inventory. This process allows the City to convert growth projections into GHG emissions estimates using specific GHG emissions factors, which is assumed to be the same in the future as in the 2018 GHG emissions inventory. The result is a BAU forecast in which GHG emissions change in relation to demographics, with the assumption that GHG emissions rates and activity data will continue in the future as they did in the year of the 2018 GHG emissions inventory. This methodology is used for all GHG emissions sectors and sources included in the 2018 GHG emissions inventory, apart from the off-road emissions sector. To forecast off-road emissions, the OFFROAD2021 off-road emissions database was used to project fuel use since no significant GHG emission reduction legislation is included in the model. Table 3 summarizes the BAU forecast for each forecast year.
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Table 3 BAU Emissions Forecast (MT CO2e)
GHG Emissions Source 2023 2026 2030 2035 2040 2045
Transportation 231,509 235,735 240,232 246,486 252,825 258,821 Passenger On-Road
Transportation 136,582 138,100 140,150 144,696 149,390 154,235 Commercial On-Road
Transportation 78,238 79,607 80,687 81,545 82,842 84,176 Residential Electricity - EV Adjust 27 27 27 33 34 34
Commercial/Industrial Electricity
- EV Adj 0 0 0 0 0 0
Off Road – Diesel 7,725 8,630 9,631 10,138 10,372 10,588 Off Road – Gasoline 5,503 5,763 5,965 6,133 6,171 5,963 Off Road - Natural Gas (LPG) 3,434 3,608 3,770 3,941 4,017 3,826 Residential 45,597 45,813 45,869 55,459 56,462 57,482
Residential Electricity - PG&E 258 259 259 313 319 325
Residential Electricity – SVCE 187 188 188 228 232 236
Residential Electricity - Direct
Access 5 6 6 7 7 7
Residential Natural Gas - PG&E 43,717 43,924 43,978 53,173 54,134 55,112 Natural Gas Fugitive – Residential 1,430 1,437 1,438 1,739 1,770 1,802 Commercial/Industrial 52,115 53,655 54,538 54,860 54,753 54,646 Commercial/Industrial Electricity
- PG&E 327 337 342 344 344 343
Commercial/Industrial Electricity
– SVCE 245 252 257 258 258 257
Commercial/Industrial Electricity
– DAO 4,066 4,187 4,256 4,282 4,273 4,265
Commercial/Industrial Electricity
– DAA 0 0 0 0 0 0
Commercial/Industrial Natural
Gas - PG&E 45,583 46,940 47,719 48,003 47,908 47,814
Natural Gas Fugitive –
Commercial 1,894 1,938 1,964 1,973 1,970 1,967
Wastewater 20,767 21,130 21,417 21,645 21,989 22,343
Wastewater Treatment and
Discharge 20,767 21,130 21,417 21,645 21,989 22,343
Solid Waste 16,615 16,906 17,136 17,318 17,593 17,876
Community Generated Solid
Waste 16,615 16,906 17,136 17,318 17,593 17,876
TOTAL 366,604 373,239 379,192 395,768 403,622 411,169
Notes: Values in this table may not add up to totals due to rounding All values are of the unit metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e) PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric; SVCE = Silicon Valley Clean Energy; DAO = Direct Access Other; DAA = Direct Access Apple; kWh = kilowatt-hour.
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34 Adjusted Forecast
The adjusted forecast adjusts the BAU forecast to account for state-level legislation, policies, and programs that are expected to reduce GHG emissions in California. Because it includes the effects of adopted legislation, the adjusted forecast is considered a more realistic picture of Cupertino’s future emissions. Comparing the BAU and adjusted forecasts can illustrate the scale of GHG emissions reductions in Cupertino that are likely to result from state-level policies and programs.

State-Level Policies Included in the Adjusted Forecast
There are several state-level regulations and policies that have been enacted and are expected to reduce Cupertino’s future emissions. These pieces of legislation are incorporated into the adjusted forecast to provide a more accurate depiction of Cupertino’s future emissions. The relevant policies and programs are as follows:

Advanced Clean Cars Program: A comprehensive car emissions control program which regulates smog, soot-causing pollutants, and GHG emissions into a single coordinated package of requirements.

Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards: Building standards that regulate new residential and commercial development in California by requiring increased efficiency related to space heating and cooling, lighting, and water heating.

California Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): Requires investor-owned utilities, publicly owned utilities, electric service providers, and community choice aggregators to increase procurement from renewable energy resources.

See Appendix A for more information on these and a suite of other programs and policies that are intended to reduce emissions, including SB 1383 and AB 341.

Table 4 Adjusted Forecast (MT CO2e)
GHG Emissions Source 2023 2026 2030 2035 2040 2045
Transportation 213,921 205,470 194,328 182,901 177,328 175,971 Passenger On-Road Transportation 123,196 117,032 110,724 108,381 108,764 110,886 Commercial On-Road Transportation 74,016 70,368 64,102 54,122 47,877 44,709 Residential Electricity - EV Adjust 44 50 52 38 20 0
Commercial/Industrial Electricity - EV Adj 3 20 84 148 107 0 Off Road - Diesel 7,725 8,630 9,631 10,138 10,372 10,588 Off Road - Gasoline 5,503 5,763 5,965 6,133 6,171 5,963 Off Road - Natural Gas (LPG) 3,434 3,608 3,770 3,941 4,017 3,826 Residential 45,527 45,724 45,757 54,499 55,975 56,844
Residential Electricity - PG&E 218 198 170 124 69 0
Residential Electricity - SVCE 179 177 172 126 70 0
Residential Electricity - Direct Access 4 4 3 2 1 0
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Figure 4. Baseline Emissions Compared to Forecast Scenarios 2018 Baseline Inventory
Business-as-usual Forecast
Adjusted Forecast
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
2015 2025 2035 2045
Emissions (MT CO2e)
GHG Emissions Source 2023 2026 2030 2035 2040 2045
Residential Natural Gas - PG&E 43,697 43,909 43,974 52,529 54,066 55,044 Natural Gas Fugitive - Residential 1,429 1,436 1,438 1,718 1,768 1,800 Commercial/Industrial 51,305 52,365 52,609 51,939 50,858 49,781 Commercial/Industrial Electricity - PG&E 277 258 224 151 75 0 Commercial/Industrial Electricity - SVCE 236 237 234 157 78 0 Commercial/Industrial Electricity - DAO 3,314 2,990 2,468 1,655 826 0 Commercial/Industrial Electricity - DAA 0 0 0 0 0 0
Non-Residential Natural Gas - PG&E 45,583 46,940 47,719 48,003 47,908 47,814 Non-Residential Biofuel – Apple Park 0 0 0 0 0 0
Natural Gas Fugitive - Commercial 1,894 1,938 1,964 1,973 1,970 1,967 Wastewater 20,767 21,130 21,417 21,645 21,989 22,343
Wastewater Treatment and Discharge 20,767 21,130 21,417 21,645 21,989 22,343 Solid Waste 16,615 16,906 17,136 17,318 17,593 17,876
Community Generated Solid Waste 16,615 16,906 17,136 17,318 17,593 17,876 TOTAL 348,136 341,595 331,247 328,301 323,743 322,815
Notes: Values in this table may not add up to totals due to rounding All values are of the unit metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e) PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric; SVCE = Silicon Valley Clean Energy; DAO = Direct Access Other; DAA = Direct Access Apple; kWh = kilowatt-hour.
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36 Comparing Forecast Scenarios
The BAU forecast for Cupertino projects an increase in GHG emissions above the 2018 GHG emissions inventory from all GHG emissions sources through 2045 based on projected job and population growth in the city. Cupertino’s BAU GHG emissions are projected to increase to 366,604 MT CO2e in 2023, 373,239 MT CO2e in 2026, 379,192 MT CO2e in 2030, and 403,622 MT CO2e in 2040 (see Figure 4 and Table 4).

The adjusted forecast projects that state legislation will result in GHG emissions reduction from the BAU forecast in both the residential and commercial/industrial sectors. Title 24 is expected to reduce GHG emissions due to reduced electricity and natural gas consumption in new residential housing units. Reduced GHG emissions associated with electricity generation due to the California RPS is expected to further reduce GHG emissions in the residential and the commercial/industrial sector. Cupertino’s adjusted GHG emissions are projected to be 348,136 MT CO2e in 2023, 341,595 MT CO2e in 2026, 331,247 MT CO2e in 2030, and 323,743 MT CO2e in 2040 (see Figure 2 and Table 4).

Refer to Appendix B for a more detailed discussion related to methodology modeling, and supportive evidence for Cupertino’s GHG forecasts.
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5 Fair Share of GHG Emissions Reductions

5.1 International Context
Climate action at the local level is informed by science and policy targets at the international level. Bodies such as the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) perform scientific review and create policy recommendations. International treaties such as the Paris Agreement (2016) are legally binding treaties which cover nearly every nation on earth. The goal of carbon neutrality by 2040 is consistent with IPCC findings and research-based targets for avoiding the most serious climate change impacts. The Paris Agreement’s central aim is to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. The IPCC has found that to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic global climate change, the world must reach carbon neutrality by mid-century (~2050) and stabilize atmospheric concentrations at 350 parts per million (or less).

The State of California also aligns state-wide targets with these international frameworks.

According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), reducing the State’s emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 would be consistent with the IPCC’s analysis of the global emissions trajectory needed to achieve these goals.34 The Paris Agreement establishes a global goal of enhancing adaptive capacity and requires all parties to determine national 34 CARB. 2014. “First Update to the Climate Change Scoping Plan”. Available:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ab-32-climate-change-scoping-plan/2013-scoping-plandocuments . Accessed February 2022. 55 CC 06-21-22
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38 contributions to the collective climate effort, and to regularly report emissions and progress on implementation efforts. These efforts are mirrored through Cupertino’s work to increase resilience, achieve carbon neutrality, regularly inventory emissions, report progress towards targets, and ultimately to contribute a fair share towards limiting global temperature rise.

Cupertino targets associated with the CAP 2.0 are consistent with both the state and IPCC science-based targets related to GHG emissions reduction. See Section 5.3 for Cupertino targets.

Cupertino is a city with global connections and a richly diverse population. More than 40 percent of residents were born outside of the United States, and many are first-generation Americans. This diversity fuels the creativity, innovation, and success of Cupertino. The global influence of the community goes both ways, with many of the products designed in Cupertino businesses being distributed around the world. To further celebrate and develop the international nature of the community, Cupertino partners with communities in other countries through Sister City and Friendship City relationships.

Cupertino has four established Sister City relationships:
 Copertino, Italy, formalized in 1963
 Toyokawa, Japan, formalized in 1978
 Hsinchu, Taiwan, formalized in 2007
 Bhubaneswar, India, formalized in 2012

5.2 State Context and Timeline/Emissions Targets
Over the last ten years California has adopted extensive legislation, policies, and programs to reduce GHG emissions across California, establishing itself as a global leader in climate change action. The primary legislation enumerating the state’s climate goals and driving climate action at the state level are Assembly Bill (AB) 32, Senate Bill (SB) 32, and Executive Order (EO) B-55-18. Together these regulations set statewide GHG reduction targets for 2020, 2030, and 2045 and chart a path towards a carbon neutral California, as explained below. See Appendix A for a full list of relevant state-level legislation.

Assembly Bill 32: Codified the statewide goal of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to prepare a Scoping Plan that outlines the main strategies the state will employ to meet the 2020 target.

Senate Bill 32: This successor legislation to AB 32 requires California to achieve a statewide reduction in GHG emissions of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. The SB 32 Scoping Plan was adopted in 2017.

Executive Order B-55-18: Established a new statewide goal of achieving and maintaining carbon neutrality as soon as possible, and no later than 2045. Executive orders have not been codified by the state but are binding for state agencies. 56 CC 06-21-22
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5.3 Cupertino Context and Timeline/Emissions Targets
Emissions Gap Analysis to Set Targets
The difference between Cupertino’s climate action targets and the adjusted forecast for emissions can be thought of as an “emissions reduction gap,” or the amount of emissions reduction that the City and wider Cupertino community must achieve. After analyzing Cupertino’s baseline inventory and forecast scenarios, emission targets were set to create quantitative milestones for the community’s path to carbon neutrality and measure Cupertino’s progress.

Figure 5. Emissions Reduction Gap Between Forecasted Emissions and State Targets Cupertino GHG Emissions Targets
CARB’s 2017 Scoping Plan recommends that local agencies establish communitywide GHG reduction goals for local climate action plans that will help California achieve its 2030 target and longer-term goal. The scoping plan notes that it is appropriate to derive evidence-based targets or goals from local emissions sectors and population projections if this process is consistent with the framework used to develop the Statewide targets. CARB also notes that GHG goals and targets should show a downward trend consistent with the statewide objectives.35 The GHG emissions reductions associated with the measures in the CAP 2.0 are sufficient to exceed the state-level target established by Senate Bill (SB) 32 and meet the City’s 2030 climate action target. The CAP 2.0 also makes substantial progress towards the 35 California Air Resources Board (CARB). “California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan”. Available:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic//cc/scopingplan/scoping_plan_2017.pdf . Accessed February 2022.

Business-as-usual
Forecast
Adjusted Forecast
- State Target Pathway
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Emissions (MT CO2e)
Emissions
reduction
gap
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40 City’s 2040 target, which exceeds the state-level target established by executive order (EO) B-55-18.

The Cupertino climate action targets are more aggressive than the state-level goals to reduce GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (in compliance with SB 32) and to carbon neutrality by 2045 (in compliance with EO B-55-18). Cupertino’s climate action targets are to:
 Reduce the community’s per capita GHG emissions to 3.39 MT CO2e per person by 2030, which equals a 50 percent reduction from 2010 per capita levels, or a 66 percent reduction from 1990 per capita levels by 2030.36
 Based on projected population growth through 2030, this is equivalent to reducing the community’s mass emissions to 222,867 MT CO2e by 2030, or 45 percent below the community’s 1990 GHG emissions.
 Achieve net-zero MT CO2e per person, or carbon neutrality, by 2040. Maintain carbon neutrality through 2045 and beyond.

The City uses per capita emission targets to align with guidance from CARB’s 2017 Scoping Plan Update. Making substantial progress toward California’s 2030 and longer-term 2045 goals is important, as these targets have been set at levels that achieve California’s fair share of international emissions reductions. Established by the Paris Agreement and the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), California’s fair share of international emissions reductions are consistent with an emissions level expected to stabilize global climate change effects and avoid the worst environmental consequences.

Cupertino’s emissions targets are further summarized and compared to the BAU and adjusted emissions forecasts in the tables below, beginning from the 2018 baseline year through 2045. The emissions “gap,” the difference between the adjusted emissions forecast and Cupertino’s GHG emissions targets, is shown for each year in the final row of both Table 5 and Table 6.

Table 5 Mass-based GHG Reduction Target Pathway (MT CO2e) 36 This is equivalent to the City Council recommended target of 54% below 2010 levels by 2030.

GHG Emissions Pathways 2018 2023 2026 2030 2035 2040 2045 BAU Forecast 346,998 366,604 373,239 379,192 395,768 403,622 411,169 Adjusted Forecast 346,998 348,136 341,595 331,247 328,301 323,743 322,815 Cupertino Emissions
Targets
346,998 295,543 265,064 222,867 112,918 0 0
Emissions “Gap” 0 52,593 76,530 108,380 215,384 323,743 322,815 58 CC 06-21-22
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Table 6 Per Capita GHG Reduction Target Pathway (MT CO2e/person) Meeting the GHG Emissions Targets
Though there will be some emissions reductions from state regulations, Cupertino must implement local GHG reduction measures to meet the 2030 emissions targets and make substantial progress towards the 2040 emissions targets. Cupertino would be required to reduce 108,380 MT CO2e by 2030, and 323,743 MT CO2e by 2040 to meet the chosen targets that exceed state goals. Table 6 also shows the remaining per capita reductions needed to meet the GHG emissions goals in MT CO2e per person.

Targeted emissions reductions will be accomplished through local policies and programs developed from best practices of similar and neighboring jurisdictions. These activities are referred to as “measures” and “actions” and they should be clear, attainable, measurable, equitable, and cost-effective to help achieve the desired emission reductions.

Additional discussion and details are provided regarding measures and actions in Chapters 7 through 12. Table 7 shows the Cupertino climate action target emissions and the emissions reductions expected from implementing the measures and actions described in subsequent chapters. The table also shows that Cupertino will meet the 2030 GHG reduction target and make substantial progress towards the 2040 goal of carbon neutrality. Figure 6 shows how Cupertino measures would result in GHG reductions in line with the Cupertino targets.

GHG Emissions Pathways 2018 2023 2026 2030 2035 2040 2045 BAU Forecast 5.46 5.71 5.75 5.77 5.95 5.91 5.87
Adjusted Forecast 5.46 5.42 5.26 5.04 4.93 4.74 4.61
Cupertino Emissions
Targets

5.46 4.60 4.08 3.39 1.70 0.00 0.00
Emissions “Gap” 0.00 0.82 1.18 1.65 3.24 4.74 4.61
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42 Table 7 Targets Versus GHG Reductions
Target/Forecast 2030 GHG Emissions
(MT CO2e/person)
2040 GHG Emissions
(MT CO2e/person)
Business-as-usual Forecast 5.77 5.91
Adjusted Forecast 5.04 4.74
Cupertino Climate Action Targets 3.39 0.00
GHG Reductions from Full Implementation of CAP Update
Measures 1.66 3.77
GHG Emissions after Measure Reductions
(Adjusted Forecast – GHG Emissions Reductions) 3.39 0.97 Target Anticipated to be Met? Yes
No; however,
substantial progress
demonstrated
Figure 6. Baseline Emissions per Capita Compared to Forecast Scenarios and Target Pathway to Carbon Neutrality
2018 Baseline Inventory
Business-as-usual Forecast
Adjusted Forecast
Target Pathway

5.48 MT CO2e per
capita

3.39 MT CO2e per
capita
CAP 2.0 Plan
0 1
2 3
4 5
6 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Emissions (MT CO2e per capita)
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6 Community Voices

6.1 One Climate
We only have one planet, and one climate, that we all share. The impacts of climate change are already being felt across California, and as discussed in the climate science section of this report, the actions that communities take now can make a difference in the stability and functioning of our one climate and it’s impacts on human wellbeing. To have a positive impact, communities must step up to take actions that reduce GHG emissions now and into the future. It is important for the community of Cupertino to do its fair share in this effort.

This requires the community to work together to undertake the activities and projects that will reduce the community’s contribution to climate change and that can help lead the way for other communities by demonstrating effective leadership, innovative thinking, and a commitment to addressing the climate crisis now. This effort will require wide participation, and will benefit from diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences. 61 CC 06-21-22
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44 As directed by the City Council in a vision-setting study session (December 2020), the CAP

2.0 project team made extensive efforts to communicate with and obtain input from a range of community members. This approach to the CAP 2.0, the City’s engagement efforts, and contributions from community groups and stakeholders are detailed in the following sections.

As part of this CAP Update process, the City utilized a multi-pronged approach engagement strategy to engage with Cupertino residents, businesses, organizations, and stakeholders. Key engagement objectives include:

Gather community perspectives and feedback that are representative of the diverse communities of Cupertino to inform CAP development and guide decision-making.

Create a framework for community action that clearly outlines how Cupertino residents and businesses can achieve CAP goals and take ownership in action implementation.

Educate, empower, and energize the Cupertino community to cultivate a shared understanding around climate change and inspire action.

Strengthen community relationships with the City to facilitate and coordinate CAP implementation and other priorities and activities.

As defined for the purpose of this CAP Update, equity consists of the effort to create equitable economic and physical access to municipal services and public amenities, promote economic prosperity for all the City’s residents, protect the most vulnerable against the impacts of climate change, and improve the quality of life for all members of the community by fostering an inclusive and collaborative civic process.

To do this, the City employed multiple engagement approaches, including:
 Public workshops
 Stakeholder meetings
 Climate Action Plan Update Subcommittee meetings
 Surveys
 Pop-up events
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46 How Equity was Centered in Cupertino’s CAP Update Engagement Strategy Equity and inclusion were central to the engagement strategy for this CAP Update. The City recognizes that some community groups – such as low-income households, people who speak limited English, elders, historically underserved communities, and people with functional access needs – may experience disproportionate burden from climate change impacts, and also may have fewer resources and ability to adapt to changes. The project team was mindful of these parts of the community as the CAP 2.0 was under development.

The project team used the following approaches to ensure that public engagement was inclusive and equitable:
 Translation of materials and public surveys for Chinese-speakers in Cupertino.  Stakeholder meetings to hear from certain groups, such as low-income households.  Stipends for community participants, if requested, to compensate people for their time and contributions.

City Council Study Session, December 2020
Activate and celebrate the multiracial
character of Cupertino. Take every effort to
include traditionally under-represented
voices and those who might be displaced
by climate hazards in the planning and
selection of strategies, as well as business,
faith groups, neighborhoods, and schools.

Create a plan that reflects the diversity of
the city and sets us on a path towards a
more welcoming and inclusive Cupertino.
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6.2 Engagement Events & Feedback Summary
Table 8 below shows the key engagement events in chronological order and community input that was considered during the development of the CAP 2.0. Public input will continue to be received throughout the public draft comment period. More details of the public engagement process are available Appendix D.

Table 8 CAP Update Engagement Summary
Engagement
Event Date of Event Objectives
Sustainability
Commission
Subcommittee
Meeting #1
July 1st, 2021 • Present our engagement approach.
• Identify initial vision and priorities for the
CAP.
• Review the outreach toolkit and give
feedback to staff on the best way to roll
out the toolkit in the community.

Stakeholder
Meeting #1
July 1st, 2021 • Build early awareness of the CAP process. • Gather high-level ideas, priorities, and
concerns.
• Build relationships with key stakeholder
groups.

Public Survey
#1
July 23rd -
September 19th,
2021
• Assess awareness of climate change
knowledge.
• Identify community climate change
priorities.
• Identify community-supported climate
change strategies.
• Identify potential community barriers for
implementing climate change strategies.

Public
Workshop #1
July 29th, 2021 • Build early awareness of the CAP goals and process among the general public.
• Gather high-level priorities, and concerns
about climate action in Cupertino.
• Gather initial ideas for potential actions
to include in the CAP.
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48 Engagement
Event Date of Event Objectives
Sustainability
Commission
Subcommittee
Meeting #2
August 19th, 2021 • Review draft CAP targets
• Brainstorm high impact strategies and
actions to achieve draft CAP targets
• Review upcoming public engagement
and options for outreach activities
Stakeholder
Meeting #2 –
Housing Focus
September 30th,
2021
• Build early awareness of the CAP process.
• Gather high-level ideas, priorities, and
concerns.
• Build relationships with key stakeholder
groups.
• Focus on advocates for affordable and
low-income housing.

Public
Workshop #2
October 11th, 2021 • Provide updates about the Cupertino CAP’s emission forecasts and GHG
reduction targets.
• Present the draft mitigation measures.
• Gather feedback about the draft
mitigation measures.

Public Survey
#2
September 30th -
October 25th, 2021
• Assess level of support for various focus
areas’ Mitigation Measures as a whole.
• Assess level of support for key mitigation
measures within each focus area.
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7 Different Kind of Plan

7.1 Regional Climate Efforts, Solutions, and Partnerships Compact of Mayors: The Compact of Mayors is a global coalition of mayors and city officials committed to reducing local GHG emissions, enhancing city resilience to climate change and transparently tracking their progress towards these aims. These networks work to support their members in decreasing city-level emissions, reducing vulnerability and to enhancing resilience to climate change, in a manner that is consistent and complimentary with national level climate actions and efforts. Cupertino committed to the Global Covenant of Mayors in 2015 and remains dedicated to making strides towards clean energy and carbon neutrality.

County Climate Roadmap 2030: Santa Clara County is currently developing the Climate Roadmap 2030 which will outline actions the County and partners will take to reduce GHG emissions. The Roadmap will serve to align existing efforts to reduce GHG emissions among cities that have already adopted CAPs, prioritize actions in unincorporated areas of the County, and help leverage and facilitate regional partnerships to further encourage sustainable and resilient communities. The County aims to use the Roadmap as a tool to increase coordination and collaboration in efforts to reach shared sustainability goals.

The Roadmap will include the following:
 A countywide GHG emissions inventory and forecast
 An online interactive map tool that will provide a comprehensive overview of the cities, organizations, institutions, and companies working on climate action in Santa Clara County
 Community and partner input
 An implementation roadmap
Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE): SVCE is the community-owned electricity provider for several south bay cities including Cupertino. SVCE developed its Decarbonization Strategy & Programs Roadmap with extensive community input to help guide community electrification, which entails switching from relying on fossil fuel use in homes, buildings, and transportation to electricity from renewable sources. By 2030, Silicon Valley Clean Energy programs aim to cut energy-related pollution in half from the 2015 baseline. That equates to preventing 2 million MT CO2e from being released into the environment each year.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA): The VTA’s Sustainability Program seeks to conserve of natural resources, reduce GHG emissions, prevent pollution, and increase the use of renewable energy and materials. VTA is a founding signatory of the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Sustainability Commitment and achieved Gold Level Recognition for its sustainability efforts. VTA's Sustainability Plan 2020 67 CC 06-21-22
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50 identified both short-term and stretch targets for key climate and environmental performance indicators including: GHG emissions, criteria air pollutants, building energy, fleet energy, water usage, and waste diversion. In 2021, VTA was selected as a recipient of the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Sustainable Communities Grant Program, receiving a total award of approximately $1 million under the Sustainable Communities Competitive Grant category. The funding will support VTA in conducting a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). In developing the CAAP, VTA will identify specific actions that could minimize contributions to climate change and adapt and build resilience to long-term climate impacts. The CAAP process will begin in 2023.

7.2 Ambitious Timeline
The Cupertino GHG emission targets are more aggressive than the State goals to reduce GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (in compliance with SB 32) and to achieve Statewide carbon neutrality by 2045 (in compliance with EO B-55-18). Specifically, Cupertino GHG emissions targets are 3.39 MT CO2e per person by 2030 and 0.00 MT CO2e per person by 2040.

The City of Cupertino has established three phases for implementation:
 Phase 1 actions will begin implementation at CAP adoption (2022) or before. These actions have been prioritized due to their importance, cost-effectiveness, or the availability of resources for implementation. Phase 1 actions may not be completed in 2022 but will be completed by the end of Phase 2.
 Phase 2 actions will begin implementation between 2023 and 2026. These actions may require additional resources such as staff time, funding and financing, or there may need to be additional education and outreach conducted prior to implementation.  Phase 3 actions will begin implementation after 2026. These actions may be less critical in the short term or simply require more significant resources to implement.

7.3 Reduction Strategy Framework
As part of the CAP Update process, the City of Cupertino has developed a comprehensive set of measures and actions for reducing communitywide GHG emissions in all sectors to achieve the City’s climate action targets. The City has also developed a set of measures and actions for offsetting GHG emissions through carbon sequestration, established under a new sector called Carbon Sequestration. Measures and actions are organized according to the following hierarchy:

1. Sectors: Sectors define the GHG emissions category in which the GHG reductions will occur and include Building Energy, Transportation, Waste, Water and Wastewater, and Carbon Sequestration.

2. Measures: Measures identify specific goals and GHG reduction necessary to address GHG emissions in each sector and achieve the overarching GHG reduction targets. 68 CC 06-21-22
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3. Actions: Actions are the specific steps the City will take in support of each measure, which together will accomplish the measure goal. Actions concretely identify the mechanisms required for implementation. Actions are developed to ensure that each of the key pillars, or categories of action, are met.

Each action contains a rough-order-of-magnitude cost range for the City to consider when organizing its implementation plan. These cost ranges provide a way to evaluate relative costs from among the different actions. The cost ranges are as follows:

Low: $0 - $40,000
Low-Medium: $40,001 - $100,000
Medium: $100,001 - $1,000,000
High: $1,000,001 - $2,000,000
Measures and actions can be either quantitative or supportive, depending on whether they directly result in GHG emissions reductions or support direct reductions.  Quantitative: Quantitative measures and actions result in GHG emissions reductions that can be quantified and summed to show how Cupertino will make progress towards and meet its climate action targets. The emissions reductions expected from implementation of these measures and actions are supported by substantial research that establishes their effectiveness for achieving Cupertino’s GHG emissions reduction targets.
 Supportive: Supportive measures and actions are critical to the overall success of the CAP and provide support so that the quantitative measures and actions will be successfully implemented. Though these measures and actions may also be quantifiable and have substantial evidence to support their overall contribution to GHG reduction, they are not quantified for one of several factors – including a low GHG reduction benefit, indirect GHG reductions, or potential for double-counting – and do not contribute directly to the expected GHG reduction targets. 69 CC 06-21-22
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52 7.4 Key Pillars of Climate Action
Community-focused climate action often requires community-level behavioral changes and buy-in to be implementable and successful. This means that many factors aside from GHG emissions reductions need to be considered and balanced. To ensure the CAP actually achieves the City’s ambitious targets, the actions supporting each measure were developed to be consistent with a set of key pillars. Each key pillar emphasizes specific criteria that play an essential role in the implementation of climate action. The key pillars are:
 Structural Change: Includes ordinances, requirements, new programs, pilot programs, or other policy that provides some guarantee of behavior change going forward.

Structural change actions are usually quantitative actions and provide the GHG emissions reduction mechanism for the associated measure to be effective.  Studies & Plans: Includes feasibility studies, City-led plans, or other investigative or strategy documents that help the City develop a strategy for measure or action implementation, especially for measures or actions that are more controversial or complicated.
 Funding: Includes funding, financing, and other capital avenues for ensuring that the associated measure’s costs are supported.
 Equity: Includes actions to mitigate for potential equity impacts of other actions, such as re-investment into underserved communities, or policies and programs to protect against an increased potential for displacement or increased cost burdens in the community.
 Engagement: Includes outreach, education, and engagement campaigns to incentivize community participation in the CAP and the new programs, policies, and incentives that have the potential to move the needle on GHG reductions.  Partnerships: Includes actions that focus on partnerships with community-based organizations, other public agencies, and private-sector partners to create new programs the City cannot achieve alone.

Some communities will have fewer resources to respond to and recover from climate impacts because of economic, health, environmental, and other inequities.37 The CAP seeks to protect vulnerable communities by increasing access to resources and ensuring that its actions do not contribute to inequities or cost burdens. As part of the implementation of this CAP 2.0, the City will continue to identify vulnerable communities and adjust its policies to ensure that all of Cupertino's diverse and multicultural population have access to the same opportunities and resources.
37 Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. 2017. Executive Order B-30-15 Resiliency Guidebook:

Vulnerable Communities. Available: https://opr.ca.gov/docs/20180312- Vulnerable_Communities_Descriptions.pdf Accessed March 2022. 70 CC 06-21-22
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7.5 Co-Benefits of GHG Reduction Measures
Climate action measures will also produce numerous co-benefits in addition to GHG emissions reductions. Co-benefits refer to the positive impacts that a climate action policy will have on other community goals. The co-benefits associated with this CAP Update’s actions include:

Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Cleaner air leads to fewer respiratory illnesses
 More active, accessible, and livable neighborhoods
 Natural gas is responsible for increased levels of nitrogen oxide emissions in homes and other buildings – several times higher than outdoor air quality standards – and is disproportionately linked with respiratory illness, including asthma.38 Natural gas is also getting more expensive. Without a transition plan, the bill for running a gas furnace could increase 500 percent by 2050, due to increasing natural gas infrastructure costs coupled with a declining demand for fuel as appliances become more energy efficient.39 Climate Change Resilience
 Increased ability of residents and businesses to adapt and reduce the impact of hazards such as extreme heat days and to recover quickly from hazards when unavoidable.  Planting trees for carbon sequestration and increasing tree canopy cover can help keep streets and neighborhoods cooler.40 Actions can also enhance community cohesion—the 38 National Asthma Council Australia: Fact Sheets.“Gas Stoves and Asthma in Children”. Available:
https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/gasstoves-and-asthma-in-children Accessed January 2022. 39 GridWorks. “California’s Gas System in Transition”. 2019. Available: https://gridworks.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/09/GW_Calif-Gas-System-report-1.pdf Accessed January 2022. 40 Popular Science. “Here’s How Many Trees Are Required to Cool a City Street”. 2019. https://www.popsci.com/shade-city-streets-trees-cooling/ Accessed January 2022. 71 CC 06-21-22
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54 networks of formal and informal relationships among neighbors that foster a mutually supporting human environment.41,42
Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
 More healthy, biodiverse, and functional ecosystems.
 Actions that improve the health of local ecosystems can also result in a variety of public benefits including reducing pollutants in local creeks and runoff to the bay, providing species habitat which supports a more biodiverse landscape, improving water and air quality, reducing local flood risk, and providing recreation benefits for the community enjoyment.

Affordable Housing & Local Development
 Through alignment with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this CAP can help facilitate local development that will enhance human-centered economic corridors and the availability of affordable housing.
 A key co-benefit of a comprehensive and updated CAP is the promotion of thoughtful development that will complement the City’s environmental goals. This is achieved by creating a clear pathway for new development so it can align with Cupertino’s greenhouse gas reduction plan.

Jobs Creation
 Climate actions that support clean energy adoption and sustainable business practices area core part of supporting the creation of high-quality, well-paid, and inclusive jobs that will in turn support Cupertino’s climate targets and continued economic prosperity.

Cost Savings
 Lower and more stable utility bills for municipal, business, and residential community members
 Efficiencies and waste reduction can result in project and other operations cost-savings 41 University of Washington. “Green Cities: Good Health”. 2013. Available:
https://depts.washington.edu/hhwb/Thm_Community.html. Accessed January 2022; TNC Washington. “Outside Our Doors”. 2016. Available:
https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/Outside_Our_Doors_report.pdf .

Accessed January 2021.
42 Newell, et. al., The International Journal of Climate Change: Impacts and Responses. 2018. “Climate Action Co-Benefits and Integrated Community Planning: Uncovering the Synergies and Trade-Offs,” Available: https://doi.org/10.18848/1835-7156/CGP/v10i04/1-23. Accessed January 2022. 72 CC 06-21-22
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8 Cleaning the Air
(Renewable Energy and Electrification)

8.1 Context
The focus strategy for the energy sector is electrification coupled with carbon-free electricity. All-electric buildings are powered 100 percent by electricity and when coupled with carbon-free electricity, their operating energy footprint becomes carbon-free.

Renewable Energy
The City of Cupertino’s building energy (BE) measures are dependent on leveraging the renewable energy that Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) provides the community. Using 100 percent clean electricity from SVCE, instead of natural gas, propane, or other electricity sources, to power buildings reduces the GHG emissions associated with building operations to zero or near-zero. Measure BE-1 directs the City to work with SVCE to lower existing residential and commercial opt-out rates, which increases the GHG reduction potential for SVCE’s renewable electricity.

Electrification
Electrification of new buildings
is a cost-effective and socially
equitable way many cities in
California are reducing GHG
emissions and protecting public
health. All-electric buildings can
be more efficient, and can
produce lower energy bills.43
Moreover, it is expected that
natural gas prices will increase
in the future, potentially leaving
building owners that don’t
electrify with the burden of
43 Kenney et al., (California Energy Commission (CEC). “California Building Decarbonization Assessment”. 2021. Available: https://www.energy.ca.gov/publications/2021/california-buildingdecarbonization-assessment Accessed January 2022. 73 CC 06-21-22
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56 ever-higher natural gas bills.44 Lastly, burning natural gas in poorly ventilated areas can cause a drastic increase of harmful indoor pollutants that are linked to increased risk of respiratory illnesses, so switching to electric appliances is a step towards improving public health.45
While the City has already adopted an electrification reach code for new construction (included in the CAP as Measure BE-4) which requires developers for most building types to provide all-electric systems, GHG emissions from Cupertino’s existing buildings must also be reduced to achieve the City’s climate action targets. Measures BE-2 and BE-3 provide frameworks of updated regulations, programs, funding mechanisms, education, and advocacy to drive electrification of existing residential and commercial buildings.

Measure BE-5 recognizes that removing natural gas entirely will be a long-term and complex challenge. Gas still provides critical services for industry, resiliency, and power supply. Electrification of all types of systems may not be possible with today’s technologies, and retrofitting existing systems demands more technological innovation, systems thinking, and a deep consideration of equity. This CAP provides some guidance on initiatives that can reduce emissions while managing a responsible transition away from fossil fuels.

8.2 Measures and Actions Detail
Measure BE-1: Reduce non-SVCE usage rate to 2 percent for residential and 10 percent for commercial by 2030 and maintain through 2040.

Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure BE-1 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Affordable Housing & Local Development
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 2030: 0.012 MT CO2e/person
 2040: 0.004 MT CO2e/person
Actions to support Measure BE-2 are included in Table 9. 44 Aas et. al., CEC. “The Challenge of Retail Gas in California’s Low-Carbon Future - Technology Options, Customer Costs, and Public Health Benefits of Reducing Natural Gas Use”. 2020. Available:
https://www.energy.ca.gov/publications/2019/challenge-retail-gas-californias-low-carbon-futuretechnology-options-customer Accessed February 2022. 45 RMI. “Gas Stoves: Health and Air Quality Impacts and Solutions.” 2020. Available:
https://rmi.org/insight/gas-stoves-pollution-health/ Accessed February 2022. 74 CC 06-21-22
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Table 9 Measure BE-3 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
BE 1.1 Work with SVCE to conduct an annual analysis of non-SVCE and direct access usage rates in the City of Cupertino to understand how many and why residents and businesses opt out of SVCE or use direct access electricity.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
City Partners: SVCE
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
BE 1.2 Investigate feasibility of adopting an energy benchmarking program in Cupertino. Evaluate similar programs and determine how energy data would be reported and reviewed, if standards could be set to require energy efficiency improvements, and how much staff time would be required to maintain the program.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
BE 1.3 Establish an energy benchmarking program in Cupertino that requires large commercial entities (over 10,000 square feet) to report their energy usage and energy procurement details.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
City Partners: Medium and large commercial entities
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Low-Medium
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58 BE 1.4 Develop a program to provide SVCE green energy for rental units and households in the Below Market Rate (BMR) rental and ownership programs.

Key Pillar: Equity
City Partners: City’s BMR housing administrator, SVCE
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
BE 1.5 Develop a local education program detailing and promoting the benefits of opting in to SVCE service.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
BE 1.6 Partner with local community organizations that focus on climate and other social causes to promote the cost efficiency and benefits of SCVE. Solicit applications from among the community to take part in SVCE's Innovation Onramp and other grant funding programs.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
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Measure BE-2: Electrify existing residential buildings to reduce annual residential natural gas usage from 129 therms per person in 2018 to at most 71 therms per person in 2030 and 16 therms per person in 2040 Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure BE-2 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
• Enhanced Public Health & Safety
• Affordable Housing & Local Development
• Jobs Creation
• Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
2030: 0.290 MT CO2e/person
2040: 0.566 MT CO2e/person
Actions to support Measure BE-2 are included in Table 10. 77 CC 06-21-22
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60 Table 10 Measure BE-2 Actions
Action
ID
Action Description
BE 2.1 Develop a residential building electrification strategy (RBES) to aid in development of a residential building electrification ordinance which:

1. Include a detailed existing building analysis to understand current natural gas end uses and scenarios to electrify

2. Include an electrification costs analysis that explores the up-front costs of electrification as well as ongoing energy costs for the end user (homeowners, landlords, and renters) after electrification

3. Evaluates impacts to renters, renter/landlord dynamics

4. Identifies potential impacts to electrical grid resiliency

5. Identifies and develops protections against potential equity concerns/impacts of electrification

6. Identifies funding and financing opportunities for residential electrification

7. Identify the City staff resources needed to enforce a new electrification ordinance
Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
City Partners: SVCE
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
BE 2.2 Identify and partner with local community-based organizations with connections to low-income and fixed income people, historically underserved communities, elders, disabled individuals with access needs to assist in development of the RBES.

Key Pillar: Equity
City Partners: Community organizations
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
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BE 2.3 Conduct engagement efforts for the public and targeted to low-income and fixed income people, historically underserved communities, elders, disabled individuals with access needs during development of the RBES to understand the community's concerns around electrification.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
BE 2.4 Adopt an electrification ordinance for existing residential buildings by 2023 to be implemented through the building permit process which bans expansion of natural gas infrastructure and requires either electrification of appliances or a disconnect from the gas system at time of replacement and major renovation.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
BE 2.5 Define equity metrics for ordinance enforcement based on feedback from low-income and fixed income people, historically underserved communities, elders, disabled individuals with access needs. Equity metrics should be designed to prevent displacement and ensure that end-user energy costs for low-income populations will not be greater after electrification than before.

Design compliance support programs such as technical assistance to help permit applicants with compliance.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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62 BE 2.6 Enforce ordinance compliance through a comprehensive permitting compliance program, to be developed based on the results of the feasibility study in Action 1. Structure the program to include, as determined necessary, routine training of staff, dedicating staff time to building inspections, charging fees for noncompliance, providing easy to understand compliance checklists online and with permit applications, and facilitating permitting online. Evaluate the effectiveness of the program on a biannual basis to avoid potential issues such as reduced permit application rates.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
BE 2.7 Actively participate in regional permit streamlining efforts for all-electric building upgrades, EV charging, and battery storage.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
BE 2.8 Work with the local contractors, realtors, homeowner associations, and labor unions to develop a comprehensive building code and compliance training program, including hosting workforce development trainings discussing the benefits and technical requirements of electrification. Consider working with regional partners to maintain a database of qualified contractors and consultants for electrification retrofits.

Key Pillar: Engagement
City Partners: Local contractors, realtors, homeowner associations, educational institutions, and labor unions
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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BE 2.9 Explore electrifying the City's owned Below Market Rate (BMR) rental and housing stock at a neighborhood level by 2040. Establish a plan, budget, and schedule for implementing this action by 2024.

Key Pillar: Equity
City Partners: BMR program administrator, BayREN
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: High
BE 2.10 Consider creating a dedicated fund to support BMR rental and housing upgrades, to be supported by grants using an existing partnership such as the BayREN program. Engage with private and public capital providers to develop funding and program models for consideration.

Key Pillar: Funding
City Partners: BMR program administrator, BayREN, private and public capital providers
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Medium
BE 2.11 Work with PG&E to identify opportunities for natural gas infrastructure pruning to redirect utility resources to electrification retrofit projects and reduce the chance of stranded assets. Stranded assets are functional natural gas infrastructure with ongoing maintenance costs that has become obsolete due to electrification. Work with PG&E to identify additional funding as needed for the abandonment/removal of the infrastructure. Consider piloting this approach with a group of municipal facilities.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: PG&E
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Low
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64 BE 2.12 Collaborate with the County and other cities in the region to advocate for regulatory changes at the state and federal level to allow neighborhood level electrification and natural gas pruning. Consider also supporting federal carbon pricing proposals in the City’s legislative platform.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: Neighboring jurisdictions
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Low
BE 2.13 Seek out funding partnerships with financiers and work with partners such as SVCE and BayREN to fund a program specifically for decarbonization retrofits, such as a local turnkey retrofit program that leverages existing funding, which offers low-cost financing of electrification and energy efficiency retrofits for residents and local businesses.

Key Pillar: Funding
City Partners: Public and private capital providers, energy efficiency program administrators
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
BE 2.14 Develop a program dedicated to understanding, streamlining, and expanding energy and electrification turnkey, rebate, and financing programs (e.g., PACE, CHEEF, and utility-offered incentive programs). Staff would also be responsible for supporting residents with rebate applications, with a focus on low-income residents
Key Pillar: Funding
City Partners: Alternative financing programs such as PACE, CHEEF, and utility incentives
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
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Measure BE-3: Electrify existing commercial buildings to reduce annual commercial natural gas usage from 119 therms per person in 2018 to at most 90 therms per person in 2030 and 54 therms per person in 2040 Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure BE-3 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Jobs Creation
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 2030: 0.190 MT CO2e/person
 2040: 0.366 MT CO2e/person
Actions to support Measure BE-3 are included in Table 11. 83 CC 06-21-22
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66 Table 11 Measure BE-3 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
BE 3.1 Inform and facilitate energy master planning work around electrification for commercial business owners and large developers. Build a partnership with and distribute technical support to the business community with the aim of identifying, piloting, and scaling large energy efficiency and electrification projects.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
City Partners: Local business associations and engineering firms Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
BE 3.2 Develop a commercial building electrification strategy (CBES), building on the existing Baseline Buildings Study from SVCE (2020), with a detailed commercial natural gas usage analysis, analysis of potential impacts to the local commercial sectors, and electrification costs analysis to aid in development of a commercial building electrification ordinance.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
City Partners: SVCE
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
BE 3.3 Conduct engagement efforts for the commercial sector during development of the CBES to understand potential concerns and barriers to commercial electrification. Engage with BAAQMD in the development of the CBES to coordinate on the approach to emergency power and baseload power generation systems which commonly use natural gas.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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BE 3.4 Conduct outreach to small business and minority-owned businesses to understand potential equity impacts of a commercial building electrification ordinance.

Key Pillar: Equity
City Partners: Cupertino business associations
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
BE 3.5 By 2024, adopt an electrification ordinance for existing commercial buildings to be implemented through the building permit process, which bans expansion of natural gas infrastructure, requires electrification of natural gas appliances at time of major renovation and time of replacement where technologically feasible (exceptions can be made where all-electric alternatives to do not exist or are a significant cost burden, to be further defined based on results of the CBES).

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
BE 3.6 Enforce existing buildings electrification ordinance compliance through the same permitting compliance program as for residential building electrification.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
BE 3.7 Conduct engagement efforts for the commercial sector to identify ways the City can support commercial battery storage installations and improve local grid resiliency beyond what will be required in the 2022 California Building Energy Code's commercial battery storage and solar installation requirements.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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68 BE 3.8 Work with SVCE and PG&E to develop or expand commercial rebate program and incentivize commercial all-electric retrofits and battery storage installations.

Key Pillar: Funding
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
BE 3.9 Create a program to generate interest and secure partnerships among local businesses and institutions for the purpose of seeking out grants or initiatives.

Leverage this program to facilitate funding opportunities for commercial business electrification
Key Pillar: Partnerships
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
BE 3.10 Develop a program that funnels Cupertino businesses into the SVCE Innovation Onramp grant program or similar grant offerings.

Key Pillar: Funding
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Low-Medium
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Measure BE-4: Require new residential and commercial development to be all-electric at time of construction
Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure BE-4 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Jobs Creation
 Cost Saving
GHG Emissions Reductions
 2030: 0.067 MT CO2e/person
 2040: 0.221 MT CO2e/person
Actions to support Measure BE-4 are included in Table 12.

Table 12 Measure BE-4 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
BE 4.1 Adopt an electrification ordinance for new residential and commercial development which requires developers to build all-electric at time of construction. Actively maintain the electrification ordinance through each triannual code cycle.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
City Partners: SVCE, California Energy Commission
Timing: Phase 1 (already implemented)
Cost: Low
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70 Measure BE-5: Support procurement of carbon-free fuels in lieu of natural gas for existing and new projects that cannot be electrified Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure BE-5 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Cost Saving
GHG Emissions Reductions
 Supportive Measure & Actions
Actions to support Measure BE-5 are included in Table 13. 88 CC 06-21-22
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Table 13 Measure BE-5 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
BE 5.1 Energy consumption by Apple facilities is significant in Cupertino. Coordinate with Apple during preparation of future community inventories to ensure that Apple is continuing to procure biofuel for their Apple Park fuel cell through a legitimate book and claim process and that the data is reflected correctly in Cupertino’s community inventory according to the latest inventory guidance and protocols from CARB and ICLEI.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
City Partners: Apple, Bay Area Air Quality Management District Timing: Phase 1-3
Cost: Low
BE 5.2 Develop requirements for future commercial projects with fuel cells, stationary generators, or other natural gas equipment that cannot be electric to coordinate with the City and procure biofuel or other carbon-free fuel for operation of the equipment. Coordinate this action with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, which conducts regular analysis on carbonfree alternatives to diesel generators under the Diesel-Free by ‘33 program.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
City Partners: Bay Area Air Quality Management District, California Air Resources Board
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Medium
BE 5.3 Work with the City’s natural gas provider, ABAG POWER, to develop market alternatives to natural gas that provide legitimate carbon reduction opportunities, such as renewable diesel fuels or bio-based fuels. Consider purchasing these fuels at a price premium.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: ABAG POWER, CalRecycle
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Medium
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72 9 Connecting Communities (Transportation,
Land Use)

9.1 Context
Transportation is the largest GHG
emissions sector in Cupertino and has only
grown in California since 1990.

The City of Cupertino envisions an
inviting and safe walking and biking
environment that promotes active living
and healthy transportation choices,
enhances the quality of life for all
community members and visitors, and is a
seamless and integral part of the City’s
connected, multi‐modal transportation
network. The City cannot require that
people change their transportation
behaviors, but it is committed to implementing the infrastructure updates that will make more sustainable choices attractive for the community.

These transportation measures (TR) prioritize reducing vehicle miles travelled (VMT) first, by improving active and public transportation, then shifting the remaining VMT to electric vehicles. While in theory, 100 percent electrification of all vehicles in Cupertino could achieve zero-emissions in the transportation sector without reducing VMT, the City recognizes that cars and roadways carry huge amounts of embodied emissions not accounted for in the inventory, over which the City has little control. Reducing VMT carries additional benefits outside of GHG emissions reductions as well, including reduced congestion, reduced space needed for roadways and parking, local economic revitalization, and lifestyle improvements.

To achieve a greater than 15 percent mode shift to active transportation (Measure TR-1), the City plans to improve active transportation infrastructure, like bikeways and sidewalks. To achieve a greater than 29 percent mode shift to public transit (Measure TR-2), the City plans to improve public and shared transit programs and infrastructure. While the City cannot require its residents or businesses to buy Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), Measure TR-3 will ensure the infrastructure and incentives are present in the City to begin to remove present barriers to passenger and commercial ZEV adoption. Measure TR-4 explores the creation of behavior disincentives for owning fossil fuel-powered passenger vehicles, such as limited parking options, local taxes or fees. Finally, Measure TR-5 establishes a goal of decarbonizing 34 percent of off-road equipment by 2030. 90 CC 06-21-22
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9.2 Measures and Actions Detail
Measure TR-1: Develop and implement an Active Transportation Plan to achieve 15 percent of active transportation mode share by 2030 and 23 percent by 2040
The City of Cupertino currently has a Bicycle Transportation Plan, adopted in 2016, and a companion document, the Pedestrian Transportation Plan, adopted in 2018. The City’s progress report shows nine bike segments completed, including several miles of Class IV separated bikeway. Measure TR-1 suggests including an Active Transportation component into the next update of these documents. Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure TR-1 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Jobs Creation
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 2030: 0.048 MT CO2e/person
 2040: 0.071 MT CO2e/person
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74 Table 14 Measure TR-1 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
TR 1.1 As part of the City’s active transportation planning, identify priority projects to connect neighborhoods with commercial areas via bike/ped paths, repainted roadways, and e-bike share.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
TR 1.2 Collaborate with the County, VTA, and SVCE to connect Cupertino's bicycle network to cross-jurisdiction bicycle superhighways and other e-bike networks as feasible.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: Santa Clara County, VTA, SVCE
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
TR 1.3 Engage the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission, Safe Routes to School network, and community groups to identify additional short-term and long-term bikeway and pedestrian infrastructure improvement projects to implement.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partnerships: City commissions
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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TR 1.4 Ensure there is equitable access to safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in all areas of the city. Prioritize new bicycle and pedestrian facilities (e.g., bike paths, bike parking, sidewalks) in areas with underdeveloped facilities and in areas with lower-income populations.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
TR 1.5 Continue to implement the 2018 Pedestrian Plan and the 2016 Bicycle Transportation Plan list of prioritized projects, with accelerated completion of all planned bike paths by 2030.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 1-3
Cost: High
TR 1.6 Re-stripe arterial, minor collector, and major collector roads (as mapped in the 2016 Bicycle Transportation Plan) without existing designated bike lanes to include bike lanes and reduce the width of existing car lanes/travel determined by the bicycle and pedestrian plans.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: High
TR 1.7 Conduct a pilot program, including a plan for pilot implementation, that designates the road space on select streets specifically for bikes and is closed to through-traffic motor vehicles. As part of the plan, consider location and extent of pilot program based on transportation data analysis, and develop success tracking metrics to inform potential pilot expansion.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
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76 TR 1.8 Evaluate and update the City's Zoning Code, Transportation Demand Management Ordinance, and/or California Green Building Code to ensure the City requires installation of accessible, shaded, and secure bicycle parking for new commercial development and retrofits.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
TR 1.9 Improve the bike/e-bike parking network to reduce theft and increase rider attraction. This would include surveying existing bike parking facilities throughout the city and developing and implementing a plan to improve these with preference given to improving bike/e-bike parking facilities near public transit stops to improve and expand access to transit (i.e., first and lastmile access).

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
TR 1.10 Design a micro-mobility program that explores expansion of the use of electric bikes and scooters and shared micro-mobility options.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
TR 1.11 Explore bringing an e-bike share or e-scooter share to Cupertino with focus on placing hubs near neighborhood entry points and commercial areas.

Adopt an ordinance to allow and manage the mobility sharing program.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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TR 1.12 Pilot a program to provide free or reduced-price access to e-bikes or other micro-mobility options to low-income residents and students.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
TR 1.13 Establish a program for researching and obtaining grant funding for bike and pedestrian network expansion.

Key Pillar: Funding
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
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78 Measure TR-2: Implement public and shared transit programs to achieve 29 percent of public transit mode share by 2030 and maintain through 2040 Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure TR-2 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Climate Change Resilience
 Jobs Creation
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 2030: 0.269 MT CO2e/person
 2040: 0.256 MT CO2e/person
Actions to support Measure TR-2 are included in Table 15. 96 CC 06-21-22
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Table 15 Measure TR-2 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
TR 2.1 Develop a plan for on-demand community shuttle (Via-Cupertino) expansion and designated streets for transit based on data collected by the City.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
TR 2.2 Include public transit in the designated streets pilot program from Measure TR

1.7. Key Pillar: Structural Change
City Partner: VTA
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
TR 2.3 Aggressively expand the on-demand community shuttle to meet shared transit goals and support vulnerable populations: secure funding to support transition to an all-electric fleet, maintain bike racks on all fleet vehicles, increase service and coverage, wheelchair accessibility, and offer free or deeply subsidized passes to students attending Cupertino schools and lowincome individuals.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
City Partners: Neighboring jurisdictions, school districts, regional employers Timing: Phase 2
Cost: High
TR 2.4 Partner with VTA and neighboring cities to develop high-capacity transit service along the Stevens Creek Boulevard/I-280 corridor.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: VTA, neighboring jurisdictions
Cost: Low-Medium
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80 TR 1.5 Conduct a free public transit pilot program that provides free public transit on VTA and the Via-Cupertino Shuttle to students, foster youth, and unhoused youth in Cupertino.

Key Pillar: Equity
City Partners: Community based organizations, VTA
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
TR 1.6 Require medium to large-sized employers (25 employees or more) to develop a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan. TDM plans should include subsidies for employees to bike, walk, or carpool, and provide free transit passes for all employees.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
City Partners: Cupertino businesses
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
TR 1.7 Require new multi-family developments to install a car share or provide ebikes/e-scooters for tenants.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
City Partners: Real estate developers
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
TR 1.8 Establish a program for supporting regional transportation coordination for improving region-wide service, such as establishing prioritized service, obtaining grant funding for service expansion, or headway reductions.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: VTA, neighboring jurisdictions
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
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Measure TR-3: Increase zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption46 to 35 percent for passenger vehicles and 20 percent for commercial vehicles by 2030 and 100 percent for all vehicles by 2040
Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure TR-3 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 2030: 0.457 MT CO2e/person
 2040: 1.960 MT CO2e/person
Actions to support Measure TR-3 are included in Table 16. 46 For the purposes of this document and the Cupertino CAP Update, ZEV adoption refers to percent of vehicles registered in Cupertino that are ZEV.
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82 Table 16 Measure TR-3 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
TR 3.1 Conduct a survey of existing publicly accessible electric vehicle chargers, their locations, and their kW hour charging speed, and identify a prioritized list of locations for new electric vehicle charging stations with consideration for equitable distribution of chargers to residents of multi-family homes, lowincome and fixed income people, historically underserved communities, elders, and disabled individuals with access needs.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
TR 3.2 Leverage public and private partnerships to add 719 new publicly accessible Level 2 and 3 electric vehicle charging stations to the City by 2030.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 1-3
Cost: High
TR 3.3 Review electric vehicle infrastructure reach code for new development and consider re-adoption of the reach code or strengthening electric vehicle installation requirements at next code cycle.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
TR 3.4 Create a local reach code ordinance for installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at existing multi-family and commercial sites. Work with SVCE on model code development and coordinate efforts with other SVCE cities.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Low
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TR 3.5 Continue to maintain and advertise a streamlined electric vehicle infrastructure permitting process in accordance with SB 1236 and AB 970.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
TR 3.6 Investigate commercial vehicle fleets in Cupertino and identify businesses/employers to partner with for accelerating zero emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: Cupertino businesses
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
TR 3.7 Work and collaborate with local businesses/employers to develop and implement a plan for City-supported accelerated fleet electrification. As part of the plan, identify opportunities for accelerated fleet electrification and promote zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption within major private and employee fleets in the city.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
TR 3.8 Support zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) car share companies in coming to Cupertino; collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions and the County to do the same to create a larger connected network of ZEV car share.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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84 TR 3.9 Establish affordable, zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) car share to serve affordable housing and/or multifamily developments with a priority to target renters, residents in multi-unit housing, low-income and fixed income people, historically underserved communities, elders, and individuals with access needs.

Key Pillar: Equity
City Partners: ZEV car share vendors
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
TR 3.10 Review zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption rates based on demographics of Cupertino to identify ways to improve ZEV adoption among renters, lowincome and fixed income people, historically underserved communities, elders, and disabled individuals with access needs. Based on the results, conduct targeted outreach to groups to identify barriers and concerns of potential ZEV drivers. Work with community-based organizations to target outreach and program planning to reduce barriers for ZEV adoption among groups with low participation rates.

Key Pillar: Engagement
City Partners: Community based organizations
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
TR 3.11 Coordinate with community-based organizations, agencies, and non-profits to conduct zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) education events for renters, lowincome and fixed income people, historically underserved communities, elders, and disabled individuals with access needs that would include information on costs/benefits of owning ZEVs, steps on how to receive incentives for ZEVs, and other benefits.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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TR 3.12 Work with SVCE and PG&E to incentivize electric vehicle charger installations through on-bill financing and other alternative financing.

Key Pillar: Funding
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Low
TR 3.13 Identify and implement incentives and technical assistance for commercial fleet electrification. This could include local tax breaks, fee waivers, or incentives.

Key Pillar: Funding
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Medium
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86 Measure TR-4: Re-focus transportation infrastructure away from singleoccupancy gasoline vehicles to support the bicycle/pedestrian, public transit, and ZEV goals of Measures TR-1, TR-2, and TR-3 Co-benefits and specific quantitative
GHG emissions reductions associated
with implementation of Measure TR-4
are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Climate Change Resilience
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 Supportive Measure & Actions
Actions to support Measure TR-4 are included in Table 17. 104
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Table 17 Measure TR-3 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
TR 4.1 Conduct public outreach and analysis of the potential community impacts and benefits of implementing disincentive-based policies for driving gasoline and diesel single passenger vehicles. Explore topics such as limiting parking options, increased local taxes (income tax, gasoline tax, or car registration tax), and transportation network company (TNC) user taxes.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
TR 4.2 In addition to general public outreach, conduct targeted outreach to students, low-income and fixed income people, historically underserved communities, elders, and disabled individuals with access needs during analysis of the disincentive-based transportation policies to understand the community's potential concerns.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
TR 4.3 Define equity metrics for implementation of disincentives based on feedback from local students, low-income and fixed income people, historically underserved communities, elders, and disabled individuals with access needs and structure the disincentive programs to meet these metrics.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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88 TR 4.4 Explore developing a plan and timeline for allowing developers to build housing without off-street parking if the location is close to frequent transit service, to be implemented at a time when frequent transit options are more available in Cupertino.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
TR 4.5 As part of future updates to the General Plan, conduct a traffic pattern study to identify commercial areas of the City to severely limit or eliminate parking for single-passenger gasoline and diesel vehicles.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
TR 4.6 Conduct a study of citywide parking minimums and based on available transportation options, travel demand, and land use, consider parking maximums and potentially charging for public parking spaces.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
TR 4.7 Identify options for funding active and public transit programs through a local tax, such as an income tax, local gasoline tax, or gasoline/car registration tax. Ensure any tax or fee is designed to have low to no impact on low-income residents (e.g., includes a rebate for CARE/FERA customers, or has progressive fee levels based on income bracket/value of the car).

Key Pillar: Funding
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
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TR 4.8 Implement a user tax on Transportation Network Companies (TNC), taxi companies, and other private transportation services, which would put a small fee on the use of these services to generate funds to pay for transit and mobility infrastructure. Exceptions to a user tax may be made for private transportation services that can demonstrate they reduce VMT.

Key Pillar: Funding
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
TR 4.9 Track the results of the CAP's driving disincentive programs - parking limitations, increased local taxes (income tax, gasoline tax, or car registration tax), and TNC user taxes - and share these results with neighboring jurisdictions and the County to collaborate on extending these programs within the County.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Low
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90 Measure TR-5: Electrify or otherwise decarbonize 34 percent of off-road equipment by 2030 and 35 percent by 2040
Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure TR-5 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 2030: 0.098 MT CO2e/person
 2040: 0.102 MT CO2e/person
Actions to support Measure TR-5 are included in Table 18. 108
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Table 18 Measure TR-5 Actions
Action ID Action Description
TR 5.1 Investigate commercial off-road equipment fleets in Cupertino and identify fleets with highest decarbonization potential.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1-2
Cost: Low
TR 5.2 Work with BAAQMD to expand rebate and incentive programs for upgrading off-road equipment and switching to biofuels or electric equipment.

Key Pillar: Funding
City Partner: BAAQMD
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
TR 5.3 Partner with SVCE and the County of Santa Clara to incentivize electrification of landscaping equipment and other off-road equipment types such as construction machinery.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: SVCE, Santa Clara County
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
TR 5.4 By 2025, develop an ordinance to ban local operation of gasoline and diesel-powered off-road equipment by 2030 to improve public health, reduce noise, and reduce local GHG emissions. This ordinance can build upon the noise ordinance which regulates landscaping equipment.

Include allowance for biofuels (i.e., renewable diesel) for equipment for which zero emission alternatives are not available in the ordinance.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
City Partners: BAAQMD
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
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92 10 Getting to Zero Waste

10.1 Context
Cupertino defines zero waste as an
ongoing set of practices to conserve
resources and protect humans and the
environment by responsibly producing,
consuming, reusing, and recovering food
and goods.

Solid waste accounts for only five percent
of the emissions in Cupertino’s
greenhouse gas inventory but striving
toward zero waste can create climate
benefits beyond Cupertino’s borders and
the measures in this section support
Cupertino’s overall goal of working
toward zero waste of resources.

The City has an overall goal of reaching
and maintaining 80 percent waste
diversion by 2025. The diversion rate is
calculated using CalRecycle’s Diversion
rate equivalent formula (Cupertino’s
waste diversion rate as of 2018 is 73 percent). Working toward zero waste requires two main strategies. First, maximizing waste diversion (including recycling and composting) and second, minimizing waste generation.

Cupertino’s zero waste (W) measures align with these strategies. They are:
 Measure W-1: Implement SB 1383 requirements and reduce communitywide landfilled organics 75% by 2025 and inorganic landfilled waste 35% by 2030. Reduce all landfilled waste 90% by 2040.
 Measure W-2: Reduce overall waste disposed to garbage, recycling, and compost per capita by 15% by 2035.
 Measure W-3: Meet or exceed the SB 1383 recycled organics products procurement requirements and sequester or avoid at least 0.018 MT CO2e per person by 2045 110
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Less Waste to Landfill
Reducing the amount of organic waste (such as food waste and yard waste) sent to landfills will help the City achieve its climate goals because methane released from landfilled organic waste is the main local source of waste-related greenhouse gas emissions. Actions for reducing organic waste to the landfill are already clearly defined by State requirements under SB 1383, which lay out specific programs, policies, and objectives for the City to support the State goal. Under SB 1383, cities are required to rescue edible food, divert organic waste from landfill, and procure compost and/or other materials from recycled organic waste. Those requirements are already captured in Cupertino ordinance 21-2231.

Going beyond organics, Cupertino aims to reduce inorganic waste (such as plastic, paper, and metal) going to landfill and the total amount of all waste going to landfill.

Waste Prevention
The best way to manage waste is to prevent it in the first place. This is because creating items and disposing of them as waste requires raw materials, time, energy, and other resources, which can all be conserved when waste is prevented. In addition, not all waste is reusable or recyclable, so the best way to keep it out of landfill as technologies develop is prevention. Figure 7 illustrates these concepts.

The GHG emissions emitted from creating and transporting goods before they reach consumers are called lifecycle emissions. These emissions are typically higher than any emissions released locally in Cupertino when waste is disposed. Recycling and recovering waste are helpful to keep waste out of landfills, but these are the last opportunities to manage waste, not the first, because they do not address lifecycle emissions and the other costs of creating materials.

To make progress towards zero waste
and reduce GHG emissions as much as
possible, Cupertino will study the
lifecycle emissions of goods and
services and prioritize waste prevention
so that waste can be eliminated at the
source before management and
disposal are necessary. Although
actions that address inorganic waste
will have a minimal impact toward
meeting Cupertino’s communitywide
GHG emissions reduction goals,
reducing inorganic waste reduces the
need for production and disposal of
these materials. This will reduce the
associated lifecycle emissions of that
waste outside of Cupertino.

Figure 7. Zero Waste Management Heirarchy
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94 10.2 Measures and Actions Detail
Measure W-1: Implement SB 1383 requirements and reduce communitywide landfilled organics 75% by 2025 and inorganic waste 35% by 2030 and reduce all waste 90% by 2040
Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure W-1a are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Climate Change Resilience
 Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
 Jobs Creation
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 2030: 0.202 MT CO2e/person
 2040: 0.200 MT CO2e/person
Actions to support Measure W-1 are included in Table 19. 112
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Table 19 Measure W-1 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
W 1.1 Partner with local community organizations and businesses to implement all required activities under SB 1383.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: Recology, County of Santa Clara, food generating businesses, food recovery organizations
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
W 1.2 Route collected landfilled waste through a materials recovery facility (MRF) to increase diversion before final disposal. Continue financial support for lowincome residents to offset the increase in trash collection rates.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
W 1.3 Work with contracted hauler to develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring and quality control program with a focus on consumer behavior change.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
W 1.4 Encourage businesses to educate their employees about organic waste diversion and proper sorting annually by providing training resources and rebate program to fund employee time for training.

Key Pillar: Engagement
City Partners: Local businesses
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
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96 W 1.5 Establish relationships with multi-family (MF) property owners/managers to develop signage for their properties to encourage food waste diversion. Go door-to-door at each MF unit yearly to provide supplies and education for proper sorting.

Key Pillar: Engagement
City Partners: Multi-family property owners and managers Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
W 1.6 Conduct targeted, multi-lingual, culturally appropriate, and geographically diverse waste diversion educational and technical assistance campaigns based on outcomes of the waste characterization study, and comprehensive monitoring and quality control program. Topics could include proper sorting, reduce smell/mess, where does the material go after it leaves the curb, methane from food waste in landfill.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
W 1.7 Partner with schools, retirement communities, and other large institutions to create waste diversion and prevention programs/procedures/plans.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: Schools, retirement communities, hospitals, hotels, large venues Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
W 1.8 Work with waste hauler to determine data necessary to meet zero waste goals and establish protocol for regular collection and reporting of associated metrics.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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W 1.9 Implement enforcement and fee for incorrectly sorted materials with sensitivity to shared collection to reduce contamination.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 1-2
Cost: Low
W 1.10 Conduct Construction & Demolition (C&D) feasibility study to determine if the City can expand C&D waste diversion requirements and, if feasible, create a deconstruction ordinance to require reuse of materials.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
W 1.11 Conduct waste characterization studies (WCS) every 4-5 years to inform programs and policies.

Leverage the waste characterization data to understand the waste stream and modify plans to increase diversion and decrease contamination.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1-3
Cost: Medium
W 1.12 Understand alternatives to three waste streams disposal and fill in waste generation gaps by collecting data from take-back locations (grocery stores, auto shops, carpets, mattresses, battery collection, etc.).

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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98 W 1.13 Increase access to recycling facilities such as beverage container California Refund Value (CRV) redemption and extended producer responsibility (EPR) take-back programs.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
W 1.14 Monitor and report recycling activity, including the number of materials recycled, programmatic achievements, and the strength of commodity markets. Produce reports to the City Council as needed to inform future zero waste planning.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1-3
Cost: Low
W 1.15 Consider adding extra bulky-item pickup service for low- and mediumincome residents at a subsidized cost to help minimize illegal dumping and increase access to bulky item disposal.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
W 1.16 Conduct a study about textiles recycling opportunities that can be rolled out across Cupertino.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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Measure W-2: Reduce overall waste disposed to garbage, recycling, and compost per capita by 15% percent by 2035
Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG
emissions reductions associated with
implementation of Measure W-2 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Jobs Creation
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Climate Change Resilience
 Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
 Affordable Housing & Local Development
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 Supportive Measure & Actions
Actions to support Measure W-2 are included in Table 20. 117
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Table 20 Measure W-2 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
W 2.1 Conduct a consumption-based GHG emissions inventory to understand the community’s worst consumption habits and emission reduction potential and provide educational materials on a closed-loop circular economy.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
W 2.2 Based on results of the consumption-based emissions inventory, create a plan to achieve the objective of zero growth of waste generation. Consider reusable diaper service, promoting plant-based diets, etc.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 2-3
Cost: Medium
W 2.3 Consider creation of upcycle/resell shop to increase access to items for reuse and create jobs.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2-3
Cost: Medium
W 2.4 Conduct targeted, multi-lingual, culturally appropriate, and geographically diverse waste prevention educational and technical assistance campaigns based on outcomes of WCS. Outreach topics can include food waste prevention, edible food recovery strategies, proper storage, how to fix clothes/electronics, how to donate, reusable alternatives, effects of overconsumption, sustainable consumption habits, buying second hand, buying durable, sharing, repurposing.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
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W 2.5 Create a training/education program that is free and accessible to all residents and employees to learn about waste prevention and diversion strategies and effects of overconsumption.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
W 2.6 Expand edible food recovery program to all restaurants and food generating businesses and create incentives for small businesses who otherwise couldn't participate.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Medium
W 2.7 Fund edible food recovery organizations so they can expand and handle increased volume.

Key Pillar: Funding
City Partners: Food recovery organizations and small businesses Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
W 2.8 Work with the business community to design and promote extended producer responsibility such as take-back programs.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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W 2.9 Consider a fee at point of use for single-use foodware by food service providers. Fee would be waived for individuals who are dependent on these products for health reasons.

Key Pillar: Funding
City Partners: Restaurants and other food businesses
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
W 2.10 Partner with local organizations, schools, and libraries to establish pop-up repair café for commonly broken and easily repaired items.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: Local schools and libraries
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
W 2.11 Increase bans on “problem materials.” Ban items without means of recycling or recycling markets, such as sale of polystyrene, produce bags, plastic packaging, straws, plastics #4-7, and/or mixed materials.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
W 2.12 Create a requirement for large events to use an event waste management service. This could be included as a condition before the City issues a special event permit.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
City Partners: Large events and venues
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
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Measure W-3: Meet or exceed the SB 1383 recycled organics products procurement requirements and sequester or avoid at least 0.018 MT CO2e per person by 2045
Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure W-3are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Climate Change Resilience
 Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
 Jobs Creation
GHG Emissions Reductions
 2030: 0.018 MT CO2e/person
 2040: 0.018 MT CO2e/person
Actions to support Measure W-3 are included in Table 21. 121
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Table 21 Measure W-3 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
W 3.1 Develop partnerships with local community organizations and businesses to implement all required recycled organics products procurement activities under SB 1383.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: Recology, County of Santa Clara, food recovery organizations Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Medium
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11 Working with Nature

11.1 Context
A carbon neutral future includes leveraging the greenspace and water systems within the City to reduce GHG emissions. For example, greenspace – like trees and planted landscapes – can be expanded and maintained to remove carbon from the atmosphere through natural biological processes called carbon sequestration, helping to reduce GHG emissions in the City. Water and wastewater infrastructure can be managed to reduce the energy needed to transport water, and associated GHG emissions. Residential and commercial uses for cooking and cleaning can also be managed or upgraded to be less water intensive.

Managing water systems in this way has the added benefit of putting less pressure on water resources across California during times of drought and ensuring more long-term resilience of this vital resource.

The Public Works Department is responsible for the planting and maintenance of approximately 20,500 trees. Visit our YouTube channel to hear more from the City arborists:
https://youtu.be/X5l8YnV3f4A
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Carbon Sequestration
To achieve carbon neutrality in 2040, the City of Cupertino will reduce GHG emissions across all sectors to achieve as close to zero GHG emissions as possible. However, due to limitations in technology and the length of time that it takes to normalize new low-carbon behaviors, it is expected that some GHG emissions will remain under the City’s jurisdiction in 2040. A carbon-neutral future therefore includes carbon sequestration mechanisms, which take carbon out of the atmosphere, to offset remaining GHG emissions. Strategies available for carbon sequestration include planting trees, managing greenspace effectively, composting, and removing carbon from the atmosphere. The CAP’s carbon sequestration (CS) measures align with these strategies and consist of the following:
 Measure CS-1: Increase carbon sequestration through tree planting by developing and implementing an Urban Forest Management Plan
 Measure CS-2: Leverage the carbon sequestration potential of open space and carbon removal
Water and Wastewater
While only a small part of the City’s GHG emissions, water conservation and decarbonized wastewater treatment are important aspects of a community’s overall sustainability and resiliency. To this end, the CAP Update’s water and wastewater (WW) measures consist of the following measures:
 Measure WW-1: Reduce per capita water consumption by 15 percent compared to 2019 levels by 2030 and maintain through 2040
 Measure WW-2: Support the SJ-SC RWF in implementing GHG emissions reduction projects
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11.2 Measures and Actions Detail
Measure CS-1: Increase carbon sequestration through tree planting by developing and implementing an Urban Forest Management Plan Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure CS-1 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Climate Change Resilience
 Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
 Jobs Creation
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 These are supporting actions
Actions to support Measure CS-1 are included in Table 22. 125
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Table 22 Measure CS-1 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
CS 1.1 Identify and partner with local community-based organizations with connections to low-income and fixed income people, historically underserved communities, elders, and disabled individuals with access needs to assist in development of an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) to ensure equity is prioritized as part of the plan.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
CS 1.2 Conduct an urban heat island study to assist in identifying priority areas in Cupertino for planting new trees.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
CS 1.3 Develop an Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) based on the City’s tree canopy assessment that identifies the framework and strategy for expanding the tree canopy in Cupertino. As part of the UFMP development effort, identify a tree canopy expansion goal. Ensure the sustainability of the urban forest (including all existing and new trees) by including in the UFMP plans for continued tree maintenance and protection, attention to safety, resident engagement, and the planting of native and climate-appropriate trees.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
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CS 1.4 Review the Tree Protection Ordinance and ensure that trees are protected with future updates to the General Plan. Ensure any trees that may be removed to accommodate new housing are replaced with at least a 2:1 ratio.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
CS 1.5 Establish a program for obtaining grant funding for development of UFMP and tree planting.

Key Pillar: Funding
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
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Measure CS-2: Leverage the carbon sequestration potential of open space and carbon removal
A previous tree canopy study identified that 27% of Cupertino’s land area is potentially suitable for more tree plantings. This potential can and should be considered for increasing Cupertino’s local natural carbon sequestration through tree planting. Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure CS-2 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Climate Change Resilience
 Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
GHG Emissions Reductions
 Supportive Measure & Actions
Actions to support Measure CS-2 are included in Table 23. 128
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Table 23 Measure CS-2 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
CS 2.1 Study opportunities to create new natural areas in existing open spaces, parklands, and fields with native species, biodiverse ecology, higher carbon sequestration potential and improved recreational connectivity for the community.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
CS 2.2 Expand community gardens program beyond McClellan Ranch Preserve.

Continue to prioritize locating new gardens in high-density housing areas.

Program goals include promoting healthy living through access to healthy food, creating a secure place where residents can strengthen community bonds, and providing education on safe organic gardening practices.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: High
CS 2.3 Study options to invest in carbon drawdown removal in a way that is appropriate for Cupertino. The study should include a review of the Oxford Carbon Drawdown Principles and identify if there exist any investments within or outside of Cupertino that make sense to contribute to carbon drawdown.

Key Pillar: Studies & Plans
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
CS 2.4 Develop an embodied carbon emissions policy and ordinance that encourages or requires carbon to be sequestered in building materials such as mass timber framing or low-carbon concrete.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Low-Medium
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Measure WW-1: Reduce per capita water consumption by 15 percent compared to 2019 levels by 2030 and maintain through 2040 Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure WW-1 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Climate Change Resilience
 Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 Supportive Measure & Actions
Actions to support Measure WW-1 are included in Table 24. 130
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Table 24 Measure WW-1 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
WW 1.1 Adopt an ordinance for installation of dual-plumbing water systems that utilize greywater for irrigation at new residential construction, including ADUs, and in major retrofits. In doing so the City will:

1. Engage with builders and developers to provide information on the new requirements for residential new construction

2. Develop and adopt an ordinance based on the available model ordinances
Key Pillar: Structural Change
City Partners: Valley Water and regional working groups Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
WW 1.2 Work with Santa Clara Valley Water to develop an enhanced public engagement campaign that promotes water efficiency rebates from Santa Clara Valley Water (Greywater, Laundry to Landscape program), including educating residents on the benefits of dual-plumbing greywater systems, lowflow fixtures, and their connection to climate resilience and GHG emissions reductions. Ensure that all outreach and education is in multiple languages.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
WW 1.3 Perform targeted outreach to households with low-income and fixed income people, historically underserved communities, elders, and disabled individuals with access needs to provide free water conservation devices through the Santa Clara Valley Water. Ensure that all outreach and education is in multiple languages.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 2-3
Cost: Low
WW 1.4 Work with schools to educate youth about water conversation.

Key Pillar: Engagement
City Partners: Local school districts
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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WW 1.5 Continue to provide rebates or other funding to low- and medium-income homes for installing laundry to landscape systems, rainwater catchment systems, and low-flow appliances.

Key Pillar: Funding
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Medium
WW 1.6 Work with Santa Clara Valley Water and Cupertino’s water retailers to provide Wi-Fi connected meters that citizens can check on phones and computers.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: Water retailers, Valley Water
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Medium
WW 1.7 Partner with Santa Clara Valley Water to support a brackish water/desalinization program, as feasible.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: Valley Water
Timing: Phase 3
Cost: Medium
WW 1.8 Expand the Climate Victory Gardens pilot to an ongoing program and work with Santa Clara Valley Water to expand to a regional service.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Medium
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Measure WW-2: Support the SJ-SC Regional Wastewater Facility in implementing GHG emissions reduction projects
Co-benefits and specific quantitative GHG emissions reductions associated with implementation of Measure WW-2 are as follows:

Co-Benefits
 Enhanced Public Health & Safety
 Climate Change Resilience
 Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
 Jobs Creation
 Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Reductions
 Supportive Measure & Actions
Actions to support Measure WW-2 are included in Table 25. 133
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Table 25 Measure WW-2 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
WW 2.1 Establish a program or function for supporting SJ-SC Regional Wastewater Facility in obtaining grant funding for methane capture or other GHG reduction infrastructure. Explore opportunities related to methane capture and conversion to biofuel through the state's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) program.

Key Pillar: Funding
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
WW 2.2 Collaborate with the cities of San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga, and the County to advocate and support GHG reductions at the SJ-SC RWF. Explore opportunities to scale beyond regional coordination.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
City Partners: Santa Clara County and neighboring cities Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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12 Adaptation and Resilience

12.1 Context
Climate change impacts are already happening in Cupertino, and they are projected to intensify. More detail is available in Section 2.2: Climate Change Impacts. To protect people, assets, and natural systems, the City is engaging in climate adaptation. Climate adaptation is adjusting to respond to actual or expected climate impacts, with the goal of mitigating harms or taking advantage of opportunities.47 An essential part of adaptation is building resilience, which is the capacity to “prepare for disruptions, recover from shocks and stresses, and adapt to and grow from a disruptive experience.”48 Adaptation includes identifying and planning for climate risks, undertaking projects that increase resilience and the community’s ability to adapt, and establishing relationships for regional coordination and information sharing. The City conducted a vulnerability assessment to understand how climate change may affect Cupertino and will use the results to inform adaptation planning.49
Vulnerability Assessment Findings
The vulnerability assessment compares the potential impacts of climate hazards to Cupertino’s adaptive capacity. Potential impacts are modeled based on a mid-century, moderate emissions scenario known as scenario 4.5. Scenario 4.5 assumes global emissions peak in the years circa 2040-2050, which the City believes is feasible given the current state of global climate pledges.50 Several different emissions scenarios are illustrated in Figure 8, below.
47 Adapted from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. June 2020. California Adaptation Planning Guide. Available:
https://www.caloes.ca.gov/HazardMitigationSite/Documents/CA-Adaptation-Planning-Guide-FINALJune-2020-Accessible.pdf#search=adaptation%20planning%20guide Accessed September 2021. 48 Ibid. Pg. 12.
49 The full vulnerability assessment will be released as a companion document. 50 Meinshausen, M., Lewis, J., McGlade, C. et al. Realization of Paris Agreement pledges may limit warming just below 2 °C. Nature 604, 304–309 (2022). Available: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022- 04553-z Accessed April 15, 2022.
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Figure 8. Global Surface Temperature Change Relative to 1850-1900 in Five Different Emissions Scenarios
Source: IPCC (2021) Figure SPM.8a
Adaptive capacity describes strengths, existing systems and processes, and other resources that can allow the City to mitigate harms and take advantage of opportunities for cobenefits.

Using the two factors of modeled impact and adaptive capacity, the CAP 2.0 project team scored Cupertino’s vulnerability across six climate hazards. Vulnerability is highest for hazards that have high potential impacts and for which the city has low adaptive capacity.

Cupertino is most vulnerable to adverse air quality impacts and extreme heat, and the city has medium vulnerability to drought, wildfire, and extreme precipitation/storm flooding.

Cupertino is least vulnerable to sea level rise. The results are summarized below in Figure 9. 136
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Figure 9. Climate Hazards Vulnerability Assessment
Cupertino has the lowest adaptive capacity for adverse air quality impacts and extreme heat. Many of these impacts, especially the health impacts, are subtle and diffuse. While the City and County do offer cooling centers and other resources, the City can also build capacity by strengthening communication and education, as well as engaging communities with resources such as resilience hubs.

Brownouts are a significant concern during extreme heat events, and energy resilience remains a priority. There is greater adaptive capacity for drought, wildfires, and extreme precipitation/storm flooding through regional coordination and partnerships. Sea level rise remains of lowest concern because Cupertino will not be directly affected.

Recommendations
The City has identified the following recommendations to strengthen climate adaptation:
• Strengthen air quality and extreme heat response
• Expand urban greening and natural infrastructure
• Increase energy resilience
• Strengthen community capacity and resilience
Adverse Air Quality
Impacts Extreme Heat
Drought
Wildfire Extreme
Precipitation/Storm
Flooding
Sea Level Rise
Potential Impact
Adaptive Capacity
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• Increase community engagement with and investment in vulnerable communities • Coordinate with regional partners
Many of these strategies are addressed in the following adaptation and resiliency (AR) measures below or are already addressed in other measures. 138
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12.2 Adaptation Measures and Actions
Measure AR-1: Increase usage of natural infrastructure solutions such as bioswales, rainwater storage systems, and permeable pavements to enhance infrastructure resiliency.

Healthy natural systems provide services such as decreased flood risk, air pollution filtration, and lower ambient temperatures, thereby increasing resilience across multiple climate hazards. Measures CS-1 and CS-2 already include actions to expand and maintain natural infrastructure such as the city’s urban forest and open space. Thus, this measure will focus on expanding green stormwater infrastructure throughout the city.

Benefits
 Decreased flood risk
 Lower ambient temperatures
 Greater resilience to drought
 Enhanced public health and safety
Table 26 Measure AR-1 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
AR 1.1 Prioritize opportunities to focus green stormwater infrastructure improvements in vulnerable communities and the areas of most need including areas with a large proportion of renters, low-income areas, and in historically underserved communities.

Key Pillar: Equity
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
AR 1.2 Develop one or more demonstration projects which can be used to educate the community about natural infrastructure solutions.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Medium
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Measure AR-2: Bolster emergency preparedness and response by integrating climate adaptation and improving climate-related communications.

The potential public health impacts from climate change may be significant. Integrating climate change projections into emergency preparedness and response will allow the City to better protect its communities. This is especially important for hazards such as poor air quality and extreme heat, for which Cupertino has lower adaptive capacity. The following actions describe opportunities to bolster the City’s emergency preparedness and response.

Benefits
 Enhanced public health and safety
 Greater resilience to climate hazards, especially poor air quality  Increased community capacity and resilience
Actions to support Measure AR-2 are included in Table 27. 140
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Table 27 Measure AR-2 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
AR 2.1 By 2023, create Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track pollutants from local air quality monitoring data and incorporate regular reporting of air quality KPIs into CAP reports and live interactive public dashboards.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
AR 2.2 Provide wildfire smoke guidance and protocols for municipal employees to ensure their safety when air quality is poor.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
AR 2.3 Integrate the vulnerability assessment results into emergency preparedness, management, response, and early warning systems.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
AR 2.4 Partner with the County of Santa Clara Vector Control District and Public Health Department to develop and enhance disaster and emergency early warning systems that incorporate objective data and information for potential health threats such as heat-illness, illnesses complicated by adverse air quality, and inundation and precipitation events.

Key Pillar: Partnerships
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
AR 2.5 Develop new educational materials that cover each climate hazard identified in the vulnerability assessment. Provide these materials in at least three different languages and several formats for the widest audience.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low
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Measure AR-3: Strengthen Community Capacity and Resilience through Education, Resources, and Policies
Strong communities have greater resilience and disaster recovery.51 Social relationships can provide community members with emotional support, empower them to prepare for disasters, spread essential information, and promote problem-solving.52 Strong communities care for each other and can supplement government response during an emergency.53 By building community capacity, communities are empowered to learn about and adapt to climate hazards to protect their families and each other.

Benefits
 Increased community capacity and resilience
 Enhanced public health and safety
 Greater resilience to climate hazards
 Stronger social relationships and civic engagement
51 Ivan Townshend, Olu Awosoga, Judith Kulig, and HaiYan Fan. Natural Hazards. November 2014.

Social cohesion and resilience across communities that have experienced a disaster. Available:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268743797_Social_cohesion_and_resilience_across_commu nities_that_have_experienced_a_disaster
52 Tim Prior and Christine Eriksen. Global Environmental Change. 2013. Wildfire preparedness, community cohesion and social-ecological systems. Available:
https://ro.uow.edu.au/sspapers/616/?utm_source=ro.uow.edu.au%2Fsspapers%2F616&utm_medium=P DF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages
53 Kelly Bergstrand and Brian Mayer. Society & Natural Resources. 2020. “The Community Helped Me:” Community Cohesion and Environmental Concerns in Personal Assessments of Post-Disaster Recovery, Society & Natural Resources. Available: https://rc.library.uta.edu/utair/bitstream/handle/10106/29585/The%20Community%20Helped%20Me%20Community%20Cohesion%2 0and%20Environmental%20Concerns%20in%20Personal%20Assessments%20of%20Post%20Disaster%20Re covery_postprint.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.
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Table 28 Measure AR-3 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
AR 3.1 Educate communities about the health risks of climate hazards and engage them in strengthening community resilience such as block-level climate resilience training and resilience hubs.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low-Medium
AR 3.2 Enroll 400 households by the end of Phase 2 to participate in a climate resiliency block training program. The curriculum will include household preparedness planning as well as basic education on climate hazard awareness.

Key Pillar: Engagement
Timing: Phase 1-2
Cost: Low-Medium
AR 3.3 Bring policies for the City Council to consider that would achieve Gold ratings in all categories set forth by the County of Santa Clara Healthy Cities Index.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 2
Cost: Low
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Measure AR-4: Update the Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan in Coordination with the County of Santa Clara.

Climate science and projections change over time as scientific techniques improve, more information becomes available, and factors such as population growth and development change. More research and novel adaptation practices may also emerge. To use the most upto-date information and best adaptation practices, the City plans to update this adaptation strategy in partnership with the County of Santa Clara. This will allow the City to take advantage of synergies with County adaptation plan which is under development, as well as access county-level projections and other information.

Table 29 Measure AR-4 Actions
Action
ID Action Description
AR 4.1 Update this adaptation strategy in coordination with the County of Santa Clara. Cascade recommendations from the climate vulnerability assessment into the Cupertino General Plan – Safety Element as required by State Bill (SB) 379.

Key Pillar: Structural Change
Timing: Phase 1
Cost: Low-Medium
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13 Implementation

13.1 Monitoring, Tracking, and Reporting
This Climate Action Plan outlines the steps that Cupertino will take to achieve the Cupertino 2030 climate target and to make progress towards the goal of attaining and maintaining carbon neutrality by 2040 and beyond. The underlying assumptions and data informing this plan including adoption rates of measures and actions, the emergence of new or improved technologies, changes in costs of technology, legislative changes, and cobenefits will continue to change and evolve over time. Therefore, this CAP should be viewed as a strategic framework that will be re-evaluated on a regular basis.

The City remains committed to the sustained, iterative, and inclusive effort required to achieve the long-term climate targets outlined in this CAP. The City will continue to engage the community, provide informative progress updates, and create ongoing opportunities to solicit and incorporate community feedback as policies and programs are developed and infrastructure is constructed. The City will report publicly on its progress towards its highimpact mitigation and adaptation measures no less than every two years via CDP-ICLEI Unified Reporting System or similar reporting platform.

Monitoring and evaluation of Cupertino’s progress will be an essential part of ongoing communitywide GHG reduction efforts. The City will conduct communitywide GHG emissions inventories on a routine basis in alignment with GHG standard protocols and climate commitments,54 but no less than every three years. If the City’s 2025 GHG emissions reductions are on track to reach the 2030 Conclusion targets, it is anticipated that no additional CAP measure adjustments would be necessary. If the City has not made sufficient progress on GHG emissions reduction goals by 2025, a CAP update may be required at that time to maintain status as a CEQA-qualified GHG emissions reduction plan.

Such a CAP update could require additional actions such as shifting incentive programs to mandatory requirements. If there has been sufficient progress towards meeting GHG emissions targets, the next CAP update will be completed by 2030. 54 Global Covenant of Mayors current guidance is to conduct GHG inventory updates every two years: globalcovenantofmayors.org
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13.2 Funding
Cupertino’s Sustainability team has been pro-active to date in applying for and securing grant funds to support its activities. There are many sources of funding for sustainability actions from the regional, state, and federal governments. Funding requests to implement measures and actions in this plan will be brought for consideration by the City Council by in the respective budget cycle.

13.3 Looking Forward
If the City has not made sufficient progress on GHG emissions reduction goals by the next CAP review, a CAP update may be required to establish new or more robust emission reduction goals to increase emissions reductions and maintain status as a CEQA-qualified GHG emissions reduction plan. The next CAP update could require additional implementation of the existing actions and/or additional actions such as shifting incentive and educational programs to mandatory requirements. A complete CAP update for post2030 emissions reductions targets will be required, and the City shall begin this effort by 2029.

In 2029, it is expected that the City will begin preparing an updated Climate Action Plan to revisit and update the approach outlined in CAP 2.0 and to develop new or updated measures. By the end of the decade, it is anticipated that new technologies and state mandates will be adopted that will facilitate further GHG emissions reductions, but the City will need to act to meet the long term 2040 carbon neutrality goal. The City will conduct ongoing implementation monitoring of the CAP 2.0 GHG emissions reduction and adaptation measures and report out on this progress to City Council on a regular basis beginning in 2023.
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14 Conclusion
The City of Cupertino has a history of strong climate leadership. By implementing the 2015 Climate Action Plan, the City took bold action to reduce GHG emissions by 15% below 2010 levels and laid a foundation for long-term climate action. The City of Cupertino was among the first cities to declare a local climate emergency. This continuous commitment to climate protection has led to large strides towards ambitious emissions reduction goals and has enhanced the cohesivity and quality of life within the Cupertino community. The community of Cupertino can act now and over the next two decades to do its fair share in reducing GHG emissions that contribute to climate change. This CAP 2.0 provides the blueprint for continued progress towards a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable Cupertino achieved through the collective efforts of all Cupertino community members. 147
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15 Acknowledgements
The Climate Action Plan 2.0 was prepared
by a City project team in partnership with
the community. The following are
specifically acknowledged for their
contributions.

Members of City Council
Mayor Darcy Paul
Vice Mayor Liang Chao
Councilmember Kitty Moore
Councilmember Hung Wei
Councilmember Jon Willey
Rod Sinks (former councilmember)
Steven Scharf (former councilmember)
Cupertino Sustainability
Commission
Chair Vignesh Swaminathan
Vice Chair Anna Weber
Commissioner Meera Ramanathan
Commissioner Sonali Padgaonkar
Commissioner Steve Poon
Gary Latshaw (former commissioner)
Ram Mohan (former commissioner)
City Administration
Jim Throop, City Manager
Christopher Jensen, City Attorney
Dianne Thompson, Asst. City Manager
Katy Nomura, Deputy City Manager
Deborah Feng (former City Manager)
City Project Team
André Duurvoort, Sustainability Manager
Gilee Corral, Climate and Utilities Analyst
Karen Chen, AmeriCorps Fellow
Victoria Morin, Outreach Coordinator
Contributing Departments
Administrative Services:

Kristina Alfaro, Director
Zach Korach, Finance Manager
Community Development:

Benjamin Fu, Director
Albert Salvador, Building Official
Gian Martire, Senior Planner
Kerri Heusler, Housing Manager
Piu Ghosh, Planning Manager
Innovation & Technology:

Bill Mitchell, Director
Parks & Recreation:

Joanne Magrini, Director
Rachelle Sander, Asst. Director
Public Works:

Roger Lee, Director (former)
Chad Mosley, Assistant Director
Chris Corrao, Senior Transit Planner
David Stillman, Transportation Manager
Jonathan Ferrante, Supervisor, Arborist
Ursula Syrova, Env. Programs Manager
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Consulting Team
Rincon Consultants, Inc.

Cascadia Consulting Group
Hatch
Community Stakeholder
Participants
Apple
Bay Area Air Quality Management
District (BAAQMD)
Cupertino CERT
First Maganson Holdings, Inc
Fremont Union High School District
Kimco Realty Corp.

Recology South Bay
Rotary Club of Cupertino
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church
San Jose Water
Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter
Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action
StopWaste
SV Youth Climate Action
Valley Water
West Valley Community Services
Youth Environmental Power Initiative
External Partners
County of Santa Clara
Silicon Valley Clean Energy
ICLEI Local Governments for
Sustainability
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Climate Action Plan Draft
Survey

SURVEY RESPONSE REPORT
11 April 2022 - 17 May 2022
PROJECT NAME:

Climate Action Plan Update - CAP 2.0
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SURVEY QUESTIONS
Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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Q1 How do you feel about these proposed changes?
3 (2.8%)
3 (2.8%)
6 (5.6%)
6 (5.6%)
11 (10.2%)
11 (10.2%)
45 (41.7%)
45 (41.7%)
43 (39.8%)
43 (39.8%)
Very Unhappy Unhappy Neutral Happy Very Happy
Question options
Optional question (108 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Emoji Question
Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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Screen Name Redacted
4/20/2022 09:04 PM
Proposal is too vague. Would like to see more specific initiatives and metrics to success.

Screen Name Redacted
4/20/2022 11:23 PM
We will lose the battle unless aggressive actions are taken. There will be more fires and drought, and every species on earth are affected.

Everyone should be thinking going EV as soon as possible. Everyone should take out their large lawns but dont put in rubbery fake grasses which is just as bad an issue.

Screen Name Redacted
4/21/2022 12:12 PM
I'm happy that Cupertino is becoming a Carbon-neutral city. But at the same time, I think we need to be careful. While renewable energy is important, a majority of our city still relies on fossil fuels. We need to start by making renewable energy more simple/convenient and cheaper so its accessible to all citizens. Furthermore, not all citizens will want to change their source of energy, so the transition in mindset (especially for adults) will take some time. I am confident, however, that the youth is able to encourage the change towards renewable energy, as we have many organizations and youth platforms to spread awareness. Overall, I am very excited about this project and the benefits it will bring to Cupertino. The question is how easy will it be to make this big change in lifestyle
Screen Name Redacted
4/21/2022 12:35 PM
Environmental action should in my pov be the #1 priority right now. I want as many resources as possible to be spent toward these goals.

Screen Name Redacted
4/21/2022 12:43 PM
Climate action at the microscopic city level is a waste of city revenue and resources.

Screen Name Redacted
4/21/2022 02:47 PM
I like a lot of what I read. Just to keep it short, am happy to see toplevel focus on transportation and buildings, in line with our emissions profile; however, I am strongly opposed to the following policies:

Measure 3.5 (ABAG Power partnership and Nat'l Gas Alts): I understand working with our natural gas alternative, but having worked in energy capacity market consulting for bit, and based on just following general industry / science reporting, my understanding is that RNG is not a fuel we should pursue, or even entertain as an option (it really seems applicable to "[uses] that low-carbon alternatives: https://files.wri.org/d8/s3fs-public/renewable-natural-gasQ2 Why do you feel that way? Please add as much detail as you would like, you can include page numbers, specific measures, or actions in your response.

Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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climate-strategy.pdf, and insufficient as a wide-spread alternative:
https://www.vox.com/energy-andenvironment/2020/2/14/21131109/california-natural-gas-renewablesocalgas ). We should also be suspect of RNG given alternative motives from the gas industry as a whole:
https://www.degreespod.com/episodes/episode-15 Fundamentally, we should not consider "paying a premium" for natural gas alternatives if those alternatives (as is the case with RNG) 1) continue to have emissions associated (even if the utility claims it is less, which is unclear at this point), and 2) continues to reinforce reliance on soon to be stranded assets (gas infrastructure). It would be more effective to support natural gas utility transformation (like into the thermal utility solution described below), or just omit this policy entirely from our Action Plan. I think the value here is questionable at best, and it would be more productive to strike it out entirely than end pursuing something just because it is a written feature in our plan.

Thermal Utility Solution: https://www.volts.wtf/p/volts-podcast-audreyschulman-and?s=r Measure TR 1.7 - "Require new multi-family developments to install a car share or provide ebikes/e-scooters for tenants." This is a well-intentioned policy that should be removed or changed to favor mass transit options (not including Via, which is fundamentally not a high-capacity transit solution). This policy is extremely flawed. I think believe this is a fundamentally bad policy, as a requirement instills an arbitrary condition that doesn't recognize the inherently lower GHG profiles of multi-family developments, and arbitrarily chooses a mobility solution while also chilling the developments of more sustainable developments (multi over singlefamily). Building codes should creating conditions for outcomes, rather than mandating specific solutions (e.g. same benefits / arguments to removing single-family zoning, height restrictions, parking minimums, etc.) . Additionally, tt isn't clear which providers, if any of e-bikes and scooters will be around in the future (no scooter companies are currently profitable). I also don't know why it only applies to multi-family developments, rather than just a residential requirement as a whole. Plus this is yet another cost-requirement for developers of multi-family projects, which fundamentally have lower carbon emission profiles than single-family homes. I strongly recommend removing this policy entirely. If you feel very strongly about it, I would change the recommendation to make it a requirement for all residential buildings, but even then I don't know why you would do that either. Another alternative would to be to replace the e-bike / e-scooter requirement, and instead tie-in to Transit-Oriented Development standards or the density bonus program. I believe TR 4.7 and 4.8 need adjustment. I think that while disincentive policies through built environment changes (parking min removal, max policies, denser buildings, no-car zones) are effective, the extra taxes create burdens (even if rebated - which, you have to consider there is a delay from the rebate during tax season, vs. daily Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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expenditures - most people to not budget on a yearly basis), chilling effects on mobility alternatives (I'd rather have someone take rideshare than own their own car), and logistical difficulties (does Cupertino have the staff capacity to enforce a city-specific tax on TNCs, or the exemption loop-hole for services that reduce VMTs?).

For both of these measures, we should remove tax policies from consideration.

Screen Name Redacted
4/21/2022 04:38 PM
I agree with the multi-factorial plan as I think there is greater chance of success
Screen Name Redacted
4/21/2022 06:35 PM
One of the best ways of efficiently becoming carbon neutral is to reduce miles driven. This is most effective when there is dense mixed-use urban development when people can conveniently walk, bike, and take public transit everywhere instead of driving, even with EVs. This eliminates fossil fuels and reduces the need for expensive batteries that use Lithium and other harmful chemicals and consume large amounts of power to charge. This will reduce the need for so much renewable energy and infrastructure to recharge bulky EVs and save on road ware and maintenance. Resources such as power and water MUST be used sparingly, just as waste production must be curbed. Currently, the recycling of EV batteries is too expensive to do, so they end up as part of our waste. The more we start using EVs, the greater the problem. Another advantage of dense buildings is that they present far less outer walls, roofs, and floors area vs. volume of structure to the loss of heat and cooling energy. So they use far less energy to maintain at a comfortable temperature year-round. This reduces the burden of renewable energy needed to live comfortably.

So we Must incorporate wise energy efficiency buildings and planning in our General Plan with a strategy towards highly efficient overall energy use as a matter of policy for a green future. The only question that remains is, does Cupertino have the political will to reduce the waste of energy as part of the city’s General Plan? Energy wasted through unwise city planning is synonymous with increasing trash and reducing recycling or wasting water.

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4/21/2022 08:52 PM
I feel government must take action, it is the most effective way to a healthier planet.

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4/23/2022 10:24 AM
Long-term planning is a key feature of stable government, and is the only path to a sustainable, livable future. Table 14 is a great list, it will be good to see widespread road diets (esp. DeAnza Blvd).

Bike/Pedestrian oriented communities are happier, safer places to be.

I like the equity considerations in Table 16. It's critical to get Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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widespread EV charging in non-single-family-home locations, to help low-income residents get off of fuel-based options, which can and should become expensive. It's heartening to not see hydrogen anywhere in the plan. Hydrogen continues to look like a fossil fuel industry delay tactic, and green hydrogen will, for the foreseeable future, be expensive and in short supply.

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4/23/2022 11:46 AM
It is a plan and a goal people can follow realistically for a long term sustainability. Not very difficult to follow.

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4/23/2022 12:19 PM
Because animals and humans ca live happily
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4/23/2022 12:41 PM
I have felt for a while now that current attitudes around addressing climate change have not gone far enough and we need much more aggressive measures to effectively address climate change.

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4/23/2022 02:00 PM
Proposals
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4/23/2022 02:22 PM
I love it all. Going carbon neutral will be such a great and necessary change to help our planet!
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4/24/2022 10:34 PM
Overall, great job on the plan! I think it can and needs to be more ambitious though. General comment: The CAP and climate policies in general are limited in that they focus on Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Scope 1 = direct emissions like from a car, 2 = indirect emissions produced for electricity. (Not a criticism of the City, but just noting a limitation we should consider.) Scope 3 emissions (embodied emissions, i.e. the GHGs emitted to create a solar panel / wind turbine that provides said renewable energy) must be considered as well. So, it’s not enough for us to electrify and shift to renewable energy. We need to also reduce our energy and material
consumption OVERALL in order to meaningfully address the climate crisis. Generally, strong support for all of the measures regarding targeted outreach and consideration of communities of concern (lowincome, immigrant, ESL, BIPOC, etc). Specific comments based on measure / action: - TR 1.3: Include Silicon Valley Bike Coalition.

Biking and transportation is not siloed by city, so we need partners who also understand the regional context - TR 1.6: repainting is insufficient. Need to make it clear that barriers or separated bike lanes are better and what will make the bike lanes feel safe for everybody, not just confident cyclists - TR 17: Support! Vancouver Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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has a good model where there are local street bikeways that are parallel to major automobile roads. Cupertino’s street network is a bit limiting since it isn’t really in a grid fashion though, so this would need to be adjusted. But can definitely be implemented in certain situations - TR-2: 29% public transit mode share is not nearly enough and is watered down from 35% by 2030 and 40% by 2040. Public
transportation needs to be prioritized over vehicle electrification, because EVs are overall more inefficient compared to mass transportation. Where possible, we should degrow our energy consumption (overall, regardless of whether it is renewable or not) when it comes to transportation, because increased EV usage will displace whatever gains we make with electrification. - TR-2 general comment: There needs to be an explicit naming that smarter development is necessary to incentivize use of public transportation.

We need more housing built near transit corridors so that more people want to use transit. We cannot divorce housing policy from climate policy. They are interconnected. - TR-2 general comment:
make it City policy to support road diets as well as dedicated transit lanes where applicable (thinking of Stevens Creek BRT) - TR 2.3:

This should be planned in coordination with VTA. The on-demand community shuttle should primarily be a first and last mile solution rather than a replacement for mass transportation options like bus, light rail, train. - TR 2.5-2.8: misnumbered as 1.5-2.8 - TR 2.6: There should be an option for employers to create a joint TDM program. A larger program may be more efficient than having many smaller programs. Employers could potentially partner together based on location (maybe by block or commercial corridor). - TR 2.7: This should be adjusted to be more flexible and less prescriptive. Perhaps we can require multi-family developments to implement policies or infrastructure that discourage SOV and encourage transit / active transportation and reduce automobile VMT. Transform has the GreenTRIP certification which could be a helpful guide. Measure TR3: Just a caution that when we advocate for electrification of passenger vehicles we don’t rely on that as our primary strategy for transportation. If we electrify AND increase the number of cars on our roads that still not good for climate. (Attachment A, Action 3: The policy doesn’t seem consistent with the goals set of 35% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. If we really want to reach those numbers, we should set the charger number higher, like 35 or 50%, or at least include some provision for building owners to increase their EV charger spaces in the future. Additionally, if we are to reduce the number of parking spaces overall anyway, it wouldn’t be as difficult to reach a higher percentage.) TR 4 general comment: The City of Cupertino should consider some sort of policy to study the impacts of delivery and courier vehicles (i.e. Amazon, DoorDash). I’m not sure if they would be included within the City analysis of transportation mode share but they incur significant mileage and use a ton of energy to delivery packages. Perhaps a policy limiting what days private Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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delivery services are allowed to deliver, or limiting door deliveries. TR

4.4: This policy should be more aggressive. The city should consider the a removal of off-street parking requirements in general for single family homes. In most neighborhoods there is already ample curbside parking space available to accommodate every household’s vehicle. It shouldn’t be tied to whether a location is close to frequent transit. Or if there is a parking requirement, it should be scaled based on the number of bedrooms or some other indicator of household size. TR

4.6: If the City wants to be serious about shifting us away from SOVs, we need to be bold with our language and commitments. Do not simply “consider” parking maximums and charging for public parking space. They need to be implemented! The City should not subsidize free parking. See: The High Cost of Free Parking by Donald Shoup.

TR 4.8: This policy should also include commercial delivery companies like Amazon that incur significant vehicle miles travelled and emissions within our city. Additionally, I would oppose the inclusion of tax exceptions, because we should ultimately be encouraging people to use public shared transportation. TNCs and private transportation services are in direct competition with and siphon users away from public transportation. (Measure T-5, Attachment A) - Require commercial delivery companies like Amazon to electrify their fleet and/or impose a penalty on companies that do not electrify their fleet. - Action 4: Strongly oppose incentives and tax breaks for companies! These companies already make billions of dollars, they don’t need financial incentives and can easily afford electrification. Amazon is one of the richest companies in the world, are you kidding me? Measure W-2 - W 2.3: Strong support for this! - W 2.8: Beyond take-back programs, is there a way for a city like Cupertino to disincentivize companies from practicing planned obsolescence or making products extremely difficult to repair? Apple is notorious for making it difficult for people to repair their products. - W 2.9: The City could implement a reusable takeout container / cup program for food service providers. Much like certain cafes and boba shops have reusable cup discounts, the City can incentivize people to bring their own containers to take food to-go. - W 2.10: Strongly support pop-ups or setting up institutions for repairing materials. And additional idea would be to create a tool library or similar (decommodified, non-market-based) shared economy practices.

Measure WW-1 - WW-1 What about banning lawns and other water intensive yet unnecessary plants? May be unpopular but would be an easy win. - Could potentially also ban individual-use bottled water.

This wouldn’t affect water consumption as measured within the City, but would help address the negative impacts of bottled water companies. Measure CS-1 - The City should also make sure that their understanding of carbon sequestration via afforestation (planting trees) is nuanced. We need to ensure that the trees are not cut down or it’s pointless. And also, carbon isn’t simply stored by the trees but a big part of it is the soil itself. - CS 2.3 and 2.4: Strong support Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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Screen Name Redacted
4/28/2022 01:00 PM
I think a Climate Action plan is important for everyone and not only us but our future generations. you can see that we already have issues like droughts / fires / the weather in general. just imagine what it will be like in the future if we don't do something now.

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4/28/2022 10:24 AM
It is good that you are using a multi-pronged approach to the Climate Action Plan, and that the goals recognize nature as a key element.

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4/30/2022 11:32 AM
2022-4-30 Survey Comments for CAP 2.0, Connie Cunningham, Resident, SCVAS Audubon Society member I have read the
document and am encouraged to see the steps taken toward protecting biodiversity. I agree with your sentence on page 43 that "There is no Planet B." I am pleased to see the creation of an Urban Forest Management Plan. CS-1 Increase carbon sequestration through tree planting by developing and implementing an Urban Forest Management Plan Supportive CS-2 Leverage the carbon sequestration potential of open space and carbon removal Supportive I am very pleased to see that three of the CS-1 actions are all included in Phase 1. See my comments on the two other actions under CS-1 that are not Phase 1. It is clear that everyone understands that each tree planted now can begin its work immediately. It was good to see that Cupertino has a Tree Division with a Tree Plotter Inventory electronic tool. It appears that the knowledge therein will be extremely helpful in identifying places to plant. Meridians, street trees, parks and so forth. Since we have Lawrence Mitty Park coming on board, and an upgrade to Memorial Park, there are two new places to plant native trees, shrubs and grasses in the City in addition to other city properties. Please expedite all possible actions CS 1.4 and CS 1.5 at the beginning of Phase 2, which is 2023. CS 1.4 Review the Tree Protection Ordinance and ensure that trees are protected with future updates to the General Plan. Ensure any trees that may be removed to accommodate new housing are replaced with at least a 2:1 ratio. Key Pillar: Structural Change Timing: Phase 2 Cost: Low-Medium CS 1.5 Establish a program for obtaining grant funding for development of UFMP and tree planting. Key Pillar: Funding Timing: Phase 2 Cost:

Medium Added thought: It would also be good for Cupertino to set up a program to assist residents in planting native trees on privately owned properties, by offering them at low cost and perhaps offering to have volunteers plant them for seniors. There is a program like this in San Jose although it does not focus on native trees at this time.

Our program needs to focus on native trees for preserving biodiversity. Here is more information if you would like to read further https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eap.2149 It was absolutely splendid to see the following in the earlier pages of Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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the CAP 2.0 Plan, too. Page 12 Guiding Principles Resilience and Adaptation : Establish climate adaptation measures such as green infrastructure and protecting biodiversity that keeps Cupertino residents and businesses safe, productive, and happy while climate risks accelerate. Pg 52 Key Pillars Structural Change’ Studies and Plans Funding Equity—this keeps the City focused on people in the City who might not benefit from these changes Engagement Partnerships : Please continue to work with Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, Sierra Club, and others who have provided comment at the Sustainability Commission and City Council. Pg 54 Co-Benefits of GHG Reduction Measures 1. Climate Change Resilience o Planting trees for carbon sequestration and increasing tree canopy cover can help keep streets and neighborhoods cooler.40 Actions can also enhance community cohesion.... 2.

Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services • More healthy, biodiverse, and functional ecosystems. • Actions that improve the health of local ecosystems can also result in a variety of public benefits including reducing pollutants in local creeks and runoff to the bay, providing species habitat which supports a more biodiverse landscape, improving water and air quality, reducing local flood risk, and providing recreation benefits for the community enjoyment. PG 63: I am pleased to see the BE 2.9 and BE 2.10 for working with the BMR rental and housing in Cupertino. Page 72: I like the partnerships for encouraging use of alternative forms of transportation.

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4/30/2022 11:35 AM
Specific details missing
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4/30/2022 11:36 AM
Love all the goals and ideals but still don’t know if I understand the policies and specific action yet.

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4/30/2022 11:37 AM
There are not as many specific details about the proposal. Where does the funding come from? Is There equality in the plan? Screen Name Redacted
4/30/2022 02:09 PM
We need to do something right now and the city of Cupertino needs to take the lead.

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5/02/2022 04:44 PM
The Climate Action Plan is a start and list good initiatives to improve the environment in the future. I would like to see more transportation options for the Cupertino residents such as buses, trains, carpools options as well. Global Warming is effecting our weather by increasing the heat in California. Although adding bikes and scooters is an excellent option, at times it's too hot to ride a bike or scooter. So adding transportation options where people can escape the triple digit Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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heat is an option to consider.

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5/04/2022 02:30 PM
Many new owners in Cupertino remodel their front yards and remove the trees and don't replace them. Don't think I saw anything about dealing with that in the Nature section. There were a couple comments about Seniors, but I'm not sure this plan is giving enough thought to them. For examples, most of your current Seniors will not be buying electric cars or using bicycles.

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5/05/2022 12:02 PM
Overall this is a well developed plan. I believe you need to add an action under BE-2 that shows you are partnering with PG&E to support what efforts they are doing to ensure the reliability of our power grid since all these homes are going to be reliant on electricity for their energy.

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5/05/2022 12:50 PM
I worry that the cost of implementing all these plans will be passed on to tax payers. As i live in a condo, who will pay for adding charging stations to my building?
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5/05/2022 12:52 PM
I want to leave an environment suitable to sustain life beyond my time here.

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5/05/2022 12:54 PM
This topic is over my knowledge level as a standard resident Screen Name Redacted
5/05/2022 12:57 PM
This change has to take place over time. I have had solar water since 1979 and solar electricity since 2008. I have gas heat and has stove.

All electric is putting all the eggs in one basket.

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5/05/2022 12:58 PM
I support green initiatives. Thank you for working on this Screen Name Redacted
5/05/2022 12:59 PM
Save our resources and re-educating other about conserving resources is so important for our future
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5/05/2022 01:01 PM
I support anything to better the environment (fossil fuel reduction, zero waste, save water, etc)
Screen Name Redacted I am not conceived about the SB 35/Vallco project. 2 million square Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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5/05/2022 01:04 PM feet of the office will have a drastic impact on the water supply. In case of a major fire, how to get water to the top floor of these tall buildings.

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5/05/2022 01:05 PM
These are great ideas!
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5/05/2022 05:58 PM
I am happy to see the strong focus of equity throughout the CAP. It would be helpful to have more information on how the City will make information about CAP implementation accessible to the public—I hope that residents will be made aware of about all of the efforts Cupertino is making to reduce greenhouse gas emissions locally. I am excited to see the City identifying solutions to ending natural gas usage in existing buildings, and I hope that the benefits of electrified homes can be extended to renters without exacerbating housing affordability. The consumption-based GHG study is very interesting, and I am glad to see Cupertino considering community emissions beyond what is traditionally captured in a GHG inventory. I wonder if the City can also partner with SVCE to provide items that will help vulnerable residents be more resilient to climate impacts, such as portable batteries to power medical devices, air filters, or cooling systems. Maybe these needs could be identified and addressed through block groups. I am also curious if there are studies quantifying the cost of climate inaction. This could perhaps contextualize and justify the costs of implementing the measures proposed in the CAP.

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5/06/2022 02:06 AM
I feel that way because instead of making the place we live in sustainable, like having mixed-use neighborhoods, walkable cities, sustainable transportation, the plan only consists of the decision to replace gasoline fueled cars with electric cars to solve the issue of transportation. While electric cars are not bad in of itself, it is bad when it is the only option to get around Cupertino. Building cars and the infrastructure for all types of car causes a lot of pollution and uses up a lot of resources in general compared to public transportation and other more sustainable options. Car dependency is a problem in general, and should be avoided in order to mitigate climate change.

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5/07/2022 12:30 AM
I am in favor of the items presented in the plan, but believe that the timeline is a bit long. Cities such as San Jose and Mountain View have shifted/are shifting to a 2030 carbon neutrality goal, to reflect the greater scientific consensus that we're nearly out of time before worse conditions occur. For TR-1, I'd like to see more specificity on how funding measures are pursued, as bike/ped projects have a tendency to be dormant in search of funding (while highway projects Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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manage to find money somehow) or stuck under constant community engagement. For TR-2, it'd like to see the Via shuttle to eventually be incorporated within VTA, to reduce overhead and ensure greater fiscal reliability.

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5/07/2022 08:09 AM
I am pleased with the climate action plan. However, cities like Menlo Park and San Jose are planning to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

I am sure that our city can do that as well.

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5/09/2022 07:15 PM
I am definitely very glad to see the city that I grew up in take these measures to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, exceeding state goals. The main reason I did not select "Very Happy" is because I'm not too sure about the mass behavioral changes that would need to happen to support some of these actions. For example, getting everyone to switch to electric cars and stoves can much more difficult than simply installing solar panels; I know my parents much prefer cooking on a gas stove. Still, I love seeing these proposed changes and definitely hope Cupertino can take on a leading role in reaching carbon neutrality!
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5/10/2022 10:37 AM
You are accepting bad science as your starting point. Keep housing and commercial natural gas options for cost effectiveness and redundancy when electric power fails. I also do not believe your low GHG numbers associated with electric power. You seem to burden individuals and businesses with recycling improvements, when the only way to recycle more is to establish proper recycling facilities and make it far easier on the individuals and businesses.

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5/10/2022 05:08 PM
I am very concerned about some parts of this document. I am very concerned about the measure tr-4 bike/ped section. This is table TR

4.1 limiting parking in construction, TR 4.4, TR 4.5, TR 4.6, TR 4.9.

This is talking about getting rid of parking minimums. This sounds like that bill where they are trying to get rid of parking minimums across the state by lena gonzalez. They should not be trying to limit parking for houses or office or shopping centers in this sustainability document. I am worried the public does not know this wording is in here. Also, TR2.4 Table 15 talks about having some sort of high capacity transportation on stevens creek blvd. The public has said they don't want that. Maybe more buses, but no fixed bus rape transit or bart or underground tunes on stevens creek blvd. Also, they should not take gas heating or services away from houses. All electric in houses is very costly.

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5/11/2022 03:39 PM
our climate is a top priority
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5/13/2022 02:15 PM
This way we reduce emissions and place the environment safe Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 04:34 PM
Happy that the city is taking steps. Would be very happy if we can do more on using the food waste to generate energy and reuse water from kitchen to irrigate the backyard plants etc. The soil quality is deteriorating so we need to take action there as well.

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5/13/2022 04:45 PM
I appreciate the energy being devoted to educating our community.

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5/13/2022 09:05 PM
There are some good actions, but more can be done.

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5/14/2022 12:32 PM
Be more aware.

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5/14/2022 05:15 PM

2. The encouragement of the use of alternate transportation does not make substantive changes to the current policies. On pages 74-77, it lists a variety of items to encourage alternative transportation usage.

Unfortunately, these are all suggestions and subject to other priorities by the City Council and by Cupertino city staff. In other local cities, such as Fremont, they have made it municipal code that when a street has any kind of repair or change made to it, the street must then be evaluated for how it can be improved toward making it a ‘Complete Street’, in other words, safe and easily usable for all modes of transport. This is what should be in Cupertino’s plan.

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5/14/2022 05:13 PM
Maybe there are just too many words in the plan. It’s hard to see what are the direct actions. Also I think we need to BAN plastic take out containers and cutlery like other communities have done. Marin county just banned them as well as many other communities in the Bay Area. Use of plastic must stop and it won’t happen without government action.

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5/14/2022 05:25 PM
Two reasons: 1) Measure BE 2.4 presents an undue burden on renters throughout Cupertino--all renters, not just BMR housing renters (almost 40% of Cupertino residents are renters). Rental homes and apartments will not have the same access to solar panels (mostly free electricity) that single-family homeowners do, and Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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electrical appliances are much more expensive to run. With PG&E's delivery issues, including regular brownouts and blackouts, this ordinance means that renters will need to not only pay much more for power, but also will be more likely to have periods without heat, hot water, and be unable to cook any food. 2) In contrast, there are no specific municipal code measures in this document that truly encourage using alternative transportation, though transportation is a significantly higher contributor to greeenhouse gases. On pages 74- 77, the plan lists a variety of items to encourage alternative transportation usage. Unfortunately, these are all suggestions and subject to other priorities by the City Council and by Cupertino city staff. In other local cities, such as Fremont, they have made it municipal code that when a street has any kind of repair or change made to it, the street must then be evaluated for how it can be improved toward making it a ‘Complete Street’, in other words, safe and easily usable for all modes of transport. This is what should be in Cupertino’s plan to actively make steps toward encouragement of alternative transportation.

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5/14/2022 05:53 PM
The city and state should do as much as possible to get people to use public transportation and facilitate carpooling. Also make it safer for people bike to work, school and shop. We have made a little progress and need to do a lot more.

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5/14/2022 08:32 PM
Make page 97 in table C-T-1as a part of municipal code not just suggestions.

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5/15/2022 12:44 AM
Zero emmisions: incentives and rebates for ZEV, charging plugpoint installation in residence, electric bike purchase Zero waste:(ch 10) incentive like monthly garbage pickup instead of weekly pickup at reduced monthly fee or $x rebate (to promote waste
reduction/generation)
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5/15/2022 12:48 AM
Will have to see how ciry moves towards the goals. Goals are easy to set hard to reach.

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5/15/2022 09:03 AM
Transportation is an outsized portion of Cupertino’s Carbon footprint, both in its use and in the infrastructure like pavement. This plan does not provide any binding resolutions about disincentivizing car travel while encouraging other modes of transportation. Council will still be able to delay and obstruct sensible improvements to non-vehicle transportation infrastructure. This document should require the city to start building for a future with less dependence on cars, and not just Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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pay lip service to the concept.

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5/15/2022 01:18 PM
Transportation seems like a great idea. May be the residents get two free rides a week for some crucial tasks. Water is missing in this list.

Work towards recycled water for lawns. I feel each house should be able to self sustain this. Water needs to be added to the green effort Screen Name Redacted
5/15/2022 10:15 PM
I have some significant problems with Table 14 regarding alternative modes of transportation on pages 74-77. For one, Cupertino needs to come into the 21st century and come of with a "Complete Streets" plan--the currrent bike and pedestrian plans are outdated and prioritize the same projects differently. The plans needs to include the impact of the significant development at the old Vallco site (The Rising) to reduce auto use--the bike/ped plans currently do not address this area. The alternative transportation portion needs some real teeth to more strongly encourage people to walk, bike and take mass transportation--it has none. On page 30, the chart shows that 60% of greenhouse gas emissions are from on-road transportation.

This should be a priority to reduce this source--there are nothing but suggestions which I guarantee will never change the high usage of the auto in Cupertino. The document should strongly recommend the codification of street infrastructure for bikes and pedestrians---similar to the ADA requirements which are triggered when a building owner works on a building. This has greatly improved the lives of handicapped individuals. This part of the document needs some teeth in this area. The world is at 420 ppm for Co2. We don't have much time left
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5/16/2022 05:48 PM
I think that this is a comprehensive plan and is a good start to addressing environmental issues. The plan emphasizes a shift towards electric cars. However, electrical cars are only beneficial if they are supplied with renewable energy in contrast to receiving electricity generated from fossil fuels. It might be beneficial to have a subsidy program tied to the purchase of electric cars for solar panels to allow cars to be supplied from renewables.

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5/17/2022 08:45 AM
We are big on reduced consumption + waste
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5/17/2022 08:45 AM
Love the bike improvement
Screen Name Redacted I like that it addresses many areas, such as transportation, waste, Climate Action Plan Draft Survey : Survey Report for 11 April 2022 to 17 May 2022

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5/17/2022 08:46 AM energy, etc.

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Neutral
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5/17/2022 08:47 AM
We need to help prevent climate change
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5/17/2022 08:48 AM
More effective shared transportation and cycle routes are a good sign.

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5/17/2022 08:48 AM
We really need to get more into environmental conservancy & implement sustainable practices if we are to survive as a society in the upcoming decades
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5/17/2022 08:48 AM
Bike lanes and compost is very important
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5/17/2022 08:49 AM
Very good plan for the future of our kids
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5/17/2022 08:50 AM
We need to teach people to read water meters so they can monitor water use. Block leaders should be more involved.

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5/17/2022 08:50 AM
more bike lanes + carpool, improve transport. There should be more recycling & public bins, and programs to teach kids to recycle. Staff should come to schools to teach about recycling.

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5/17/2022 08:51 AM
I would like to see more emphasis on mass public transportation like buses and trains. More emphasis on genuine shared economy infrastructure like lending tool libraries, repair workshops, upscaling, etc.

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5/17/2022 08:45 AM
Cupertino should lead the way for similar communities-- and can afford to experiment.

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5/17/2022 08:53 AM
seems all doable right away. One suggestion: Farmers Market should use either paper bags or reusable bags.

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5/17/2022 08:54 AM
has a plan to get there
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5/17/2022 08:51 AM
Like to see efforts to reduce water usage, alternative transportation, and reduce fossil fuel usage
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5/17/2022 08:53 AM
Needs to be expanded, City Council has to be held responsible for the actions of the compete $ that funds them. Full disocclusion Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 08:55 AM
We do what we can to reduce, reuse, recycle, to do our part in keeping the planet safe. We have nature plants and use rinse water from our laundry in the garden. We hope this climate action plan will encourage everyone to protect everyone's lives and the environment.

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5/17/2022 08:54 AM
I like composting, would like more green spaces.

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5/17/2022 08:56 AM
Environment need to be saved. with the new proposal, hope we can save the earth.

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5/17/2022 08:57 AM
Greener spaces. I am ready volunteer for planting seeds.

Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 08:56 AM
Compost is a good idea. The food can be recycles and used for plants to grow.

Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 08:55 AM
Plan is great but maybe too scattered, would prefer it more focused Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 08:57 AM
Would like to see accelerate planting new trees. Make it a priority! Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 08:58 AM
It is very important to save and preserve nature. I'm always up for increasing public transport that way we can reduce lot of pollution.

Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 08:58 AM
Incentives and disincentives are an effective approach. Helping share the cost of solar and electric vehicles is great too.

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Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 08:58 AM
grey water, EV adoption
Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 09:00 AM
More carpool lanes, bike lanes
Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 08:59 AM
I would like more trees in my community
Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 08:59 AM
Plastic free, compost bin in community.

Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 09:00 AM
Solar is a very cool in my opinion. Support clean energy Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 09:02 AM
Support climate action
Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 09:04 AM
I hope we can make change faster. Good work but just hoping we can reach goals faster.

Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 09:05 AM
Will be interesting to learn about the plans for Memorial Park. No information has been provided and no consultation has happened as far as I know.

Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 08:57 AM
It's important to change minds & hearts of people to make a long term impact.

Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 09:08 AM
We do not need fossil fuel. we have corn ethanol fuel available which is sustainable and cleaner. Also hydrogen power technology. More recycling from garbage systems. Reduce fossil fuel plastics from being manufactured. Birds (seagulls) trained to pick up cigarette filters from rewarding with food important because of microfibers breaking down into the environment.

Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 08:46 AM
Avoid using plastic bags. Mandate cloth bags and reusables Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 09:11 AM
Pro conservation and anything that elevates the pressures on the environment
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Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 09:12 AM
I think climate concerns are one of the most important things we need to address. I am happy to do what I can to help create a better world for all of us & the future.

Optional question (98 response(s), 11 skipped)
Question type: Essay Question
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Q3 Would you be willing to provide your demographic information? 79 (76.0%)
79 (76.0%)
25 (24.0%)
25 (24.0%)
Yes No
Question options
Optional question (104 response(s), 5 skipped)
Question type: Radio Button Question
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Q4 My relationship to Cupertino is... (select all that apply) I live in Cupertino I work in Cupertino I go to school in Cupertino I visit Cupertino Other (please specify) Question options
5 10
15 20
25 30
35 40
45 50
46 7
6 23
10 Optional question (77 response(s), 32 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
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Q5 Which of the following best represents your race/ethnicity? Asian - Asian Indian Asian - Chinese Asian - Other Hispanic or Latinx White or Caucasian Other (please specify) Black or African American Native American or Indian Question options
5 10
15 20
25 30
35 40
18 16
7 2
34 4
Optional question (74 response(s), 35 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
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Q6 What do you estimate your household income to be?
23 (31.5%)
23 (31.5%)
2 (2.7%)
2 (2.7%)
13 (17.8%)
13 (17.8%)
14 (19.2%)
14 (19.2%)
5 (6.8%)
5 (6.8%)
16 (21.9%)
16 (21.9%)
I prefer not to say Less than $50,000 $50,000 to $124,999 $125,000 to $174,999 $175,000 to $199,999 $200,000 or more
Question options
Optional question (73 response(s), 36 skipped)
Question type: Radio Button Question
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Q7 What is your age?
8 (10.5%)
8 (10.5%)
16 (21.1%)
16 (21.1%)
19 (25.0%)
19 (25.0%)
17 (22.4%)
17 (22.4%)
16 (21.1%)
16 (21.1%)
18 or under 19-35 36-50 51-64 65 or older
Question options
Optional question (76 response(s), 33 skipped)
Question type: Radio Button Question
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Q8 Gender
33 (44.0%)
33 (44.0%)
38 (50.7%)
38 (50.7%)
2 (2.7%)
2 (2.7%) 2 (2.7%)
2 (2.7%) 0 (0.0%)
0 (0.0%)
Male Female Non binary Prefer not to say Other (please specify) Question options
Optional question (75 response(s), 34 skipped)
Question type: Radio Button Question
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1 Cupertino Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0
Stakeholder Engagement Workshop #3 Summary
May 2 & 3, 2022 | 3:00 – 5:00 pm | Zoom
Contents
Cupertino Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0 ........................................................................................................1 Background.....................................................................................................................................................1 Meeting Objectives..................................................................................................................................2 Agenda Overview ....................................................................................................................................2 Participants .............................................................................................................................................2 Introduction....................................................................................................................................................3 CAP 2.0 Overview and Q&A.............................................................................................................................3 Question & Answer..................................................................................................................................3 Discussion of CAP Mitigation Measures and Actions........................................................................................3 Cleaning the Air – Renewable Energy and Electrification..............................................................................4 Question & Answer & Chat Comments.....................................................................................................4 Connecting Communities – Transportation, Land Use ..................................................................................7 Question & Answer & Chat Comments.....................................................................................................7 Getting to Zero Waste..................................................................................................................................9 Question & Answer & Chat Comments.....................................................................................................9 Working with Nature ...................................................................................................................................9 Question & Answer & Chat Comments.....................................................................................................9 Adaptation and Resilience .........................................................................................................................10 Question & Answer & Chat Comments...................................................................................................10 Conclusion & Next Steps................................................................................................................................10 Question & Answer & Chat Comments...................................................................................................11 Demographic Polling..............................................................................................................................11 Background
Cupertino is currently near the end of its Climate Action Plan update planning process. To date, the City has conducted a greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis, identified ambitious climate action goals, and engaged with community and stakeholder groups to help develop and refine mitigation measures and actions.

The purpose of this meeting is to continue fostering and nurturing relationships with key partners and stakeholders—especially those who provide critical perspectives (e.g., community-based organizations, 177
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2 marginalized communities, faith-based organizations)—and to create space for their voices in the process and leverage their expertise.

Meeting Objectives
• Review the draft Climate Action Plan and its associated mitigation measures and actions. • Gather ideas, priorities, and concerns on the proposed mitigation measures and actions.

Agenda Overview
Time Item
15 min Introduction
15 min CAP Overview Presentation and Q&A
75 min Discussion of CAP Mitigation Measures and
Actions
10 min Conclusion and Next Steps
Participants
Workshop Participants
Name Affiliation
Lisa Talbott Recology Cupertino - Waste Zero Specialist Michael Strahs Kimco Realty/Cupertino Village Shopping Center Shyam “Sean” Panchal First Maganson Holdings, Inc.

Ursula Syrova City of Cupertino (Environmental Programs) Amy Dao BAAQMD
Dashiell Leeds Sierra Club
Jennifer Shearin Resident of Cupertino, Walk-Bike Cupertino Board Member Emily Alvarez Program Manager for StopWaste
Micqi Scott Future Cupertino resident
Rick Kitson Cupertino Chamber of Commerce
Rebecca Tolentino Apple Inc.

Hoi Poon Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action Parent
Gwyn Azar Student Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action
Priya Vytla Apple Inc.

Alan Leventhal Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Archaeologist and Ethnohistorian Project Staff
Name Affiliation
Andre Duurvoort City of Cupertino
Victoria Morin City of Cupertino
Rina Horie City of Cupertino
Karen Chen City of Cupertino
Mike Chang Cascadia Consulting Group
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3 Introduction
City staff and the consultant team provided a brief introduction of the CAP project team and welcomed all the participants to the stakeholder meeting. City staff provided an overview of the meeting’s agenda and goals.

As an icebreaker at the beginning of the workshop, participants were asked to share their name, organization, and favorite summer activity in the Zoom chat. Below are the answers to the favorite summer activity icebreaker question.
• Open water swimming
• Family trip to Montana
• Sitting on our back porch with the fans on with our puppies • High Sierra hiking/swimming in rivers and lakes
• Ride my bike to our local library!
• Summer camping
• Road bike, mountain bike, motorcycle, and camping!
• Trips to the ocean—but just to walk and enjoy, not swim • Hiking, going to the beach, and outdoor parks
CAP 2.0 Overview and Q&A
City staff presented an overview of the CAP 2.0, the climate action planning process, the City’s progress so far, and how previous feedback has been integrated. City staff reminded participants of the emissions reduction targets and the largest emissions sources and reviewed the five sectors addressed in the CAP 2.0.

Question & Answer
Question Answer
Was there input to this plan from organizations
that are focused on equity? I can see that
eliminating any use of natural gas will be very
expensive for those living in apartments or rental
homes (40% of Cupertino) that cannot use solar
power, as they are at the mercy of their landlords
and PG&E.

Andre will address this question during Energy Section
in the presentation.

Discussion of CAP Mitigation Measures and Actions
After the initial presentation by City staff, the meeting focused on proposed mitigation measures and actions in each of the five CAP focus areas. City staff presented on mitigation measures and actions and then asked participants, “What questions do you have?” and “What other considerations or changes would you like to see to increase your support?” Meeting participants shared questions and comments verbally and in the Zoom chat. At the end of each focus area section, participants were asked to respond to a Zoom poll, which asked, “On a scale of 1–5, how supportive are you of these measures and actions?” 179
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4 Cleaning the Air – Renewable Energy and Electrification Question & Answer & Chat Comments
Question/Comment Answer
What considerations have been given to the lack
of reliable infrastructure that PG&E has in our
state? Especially in the summer, the entire state is
subject to power cuts and brownouts. Will we be
exacerbating this issue as we are increasing the
load?
PG&E came to a few of our public meetings and let us
know that there’s no immediate issues with electric
capacity in Cupertino, but we are still subject to public safety power shutoffs. This remains a challenge. The
CAP 2.0 does not have a clear answer, but it says that
before we adopt ordinance, we will perform public
outreach to study these actions prior to developing an
ordinance. We do not want to require someone to
electrify their AC unless we’re confident they’ll be
able to use their appliances. All electric homes are
safer, but how do we support this infrastructure? We
don’t have clear answers, but we’ll seek those
answers out.

By requiring new buildings to be "All Electric", are
we including exceptions for commercial
restaurants, who need gas service for cooking
certain cuisines where electric and induction
heating sources aren't suitable replacements?
The existing ordinance provides exemptions for
essential services and institutions like hospitals and
emergency services. Another exemption is available
for certain types of cuisine. The burden is on the
applicant (the person who is building out new
building) to communicate when there is no feasible
alternative. This is built into our ordinance today.

Are the Energy Measures evaluated based on
their economic costs?
Yes, we are including economic evaluations with each
measure.

Also, does this mean if a home is renovated, then
will that home need to be modified to be
electrical-only?
With Measure BE-2, we think the rule will be based on
some kind of point in time or milestone in a building’s lifespan. Some examples we’ve seen in neighboring
jurisdictions is the development of a rule that requires you to electrify that appliance when it dies or to set a date (by this date, we’re going to have all appliances
in the building to be electric); or encourage by
promoting/incentivizing electrification. Later this
summer, we have a budget request to conduct the
study and creating our approach for electrifying
existing buildings. As these progress from adoption to
implementation, that’s how we would proceed. We
will get into the details, ask the public what works for them, and we’ll put that together as a proposal for
City Council.

Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, excited to see
the measures, one thing I’d love to see is explicit
When we get into the details of creating that
ordinance, we will develop that specific framework
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5 Question/Comment Answer
mention potentially adding renter protection
ordinances (exists in SJ draft plan); framework for
equity probably has that but should be explicitly
written that those programs are on the table and
studied by the city. Otherwise, I need to digest
adjustments to GHG targets, some metrics have
changes from simple percentage to specific. I will
have more comments on that in the future.
(economic activity, disadvantaged communities, offset
those communities and comply with ordinances).

Regarding the GHG emissions – we did modify our
inventory (Appendices B and C). We came up with a
pathway to the goal (the goal is the same), but we
need to revise at around the 5 year mark, when the
technology is available to get us to that 2040 date.

This is a similar approach to other Cities such as San
Jose.

How would the city work with ABAG power to
encourage market development of natural gas
alternatives?
ABAG POWER is a unique publicly owned energy
purchasing organization. They are in a unique position
to take on this task and let us know if there are
market alternatives. We’d like to explore if biofuels or renewable natural gas are possible as a way to reduce
emissions while we also pursue electrification. . The
organization just released an RFP out for natural gas
alternatives that also help all 40 purchasing member
agencies comply with the California Short-Lived
Climate Pollutants Act, or SB 1383.

Model ordinances Andre, you’ll be looking at –
what’s going to be very important is models are
great, reality always wins. We’re very supportive
of the process, but must see where the models
come from and where they are adopted to the
extent possible. We want to see how the wheel is
moving along, not trying to invent the wheel.

San Jose, Menlo Park and 100 EU cities set goal
for 100% carbon neutral by 2030. Any reason why
Cupertino going for 2040, 10 years behind?
Thank you. Menlo Park in SJ (difficult to aim
aggressive goals) and they’ve already passed 2030
carbon neutral. Why does Cupertino not go for
that? My household is achieving 100% carbon
neutral. We believe we’ll get CN in 2 years;
Cupertino families have resources. What I’ve
heard from students, neighbors are lack of EV
chargers, SVCE (program this year to address
issue). Why aren’t you aiming for a higher goal?
This is an important question because many cities and
companies are making bold climate action plans. The
difference between the Menlo Park plan and the
Cupertino CAP 2.0 is that ours is designed to meet the
stringent guidelines for CEQA qualification. That
means the Cupertino CAP 2.0 includes a detailed
calculation for each measure which shows how we
meet the target to reduce emissions. Aligning the CAP
with CEQA is one policy in Cupertino’s General Plan
that directs us to incorporate sustainability into all
future projects.

It is important to note that Cupertino is free to make
additional statements or proclamations such as
carbon-free by 2030. These statements serve an
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6 Question/Comment Answer
important purpose as a signal, but they just will not
be usable for CEQA streamlining purposes.

Resources coming in from State, let’s tap into
those resources/funding.

We can justify this approach to any funding agency
(federal and state) and show them our numbers to get
funding for pilot programs. Therefore, it is important
we take a rigorous analysis. I will look at SJ’s
methodology and study.

Getting to carbon neutral by 2030 is unfortunately
not likely to be feasible. The useful life of hot
water heaters and HVAC are more than 10 years,
so unless we are able to stop all new installs today
they will still exist in 2030. I support being
aggressive but acknowledging the current state of
the market. Hopefully we will get there before
2040 but a lot has to change before we can get to
market saturation of electric appliances. Also
happy to see energy efficiency still acknowledged
in partnership with electrification as it is critical to do both.

Thank you for this comment. Energy efficiency must
remain the first policy step because it reduces
resource demand and cost of decarbonization.

It may not be known, but Cupertino is 40%
renters that do not have the ability to install solar
panels on their home. The vast majority live in
market-rate apartments and homes, and will bear
the burden of purchasing all their electricity at
market rates from PG&E.

Thank you for this comment. We designed these
measures to be responsive to the high number of
renters, elders, and others who may be at risk of
higher energy burden. This is an important
consideration of our Equity pillar.
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7 As a follow-up, one person identified the following context for their “I do not support answer”:
▪ To follow up to that comment, I would support BE-1, BE-3, BE-4, and BE-5. I have great concerns about requiring replacement appliances to be electric and any changes made to an existing structure also require going completely to electricity.

Connecting Communities – Transportation, Land Use
Question & Answer & Chat Comments
Question/Comment Answer
How does slowing down traffic with slow streets
reduce emissions?
Without slow streets, many people won’t use bikes or
other “active” transportation. It’s just too dangerous.

Cities such as San Jose, Menlo Park, flagstaff AZ,
Ithaca NY have set the goal, we can look at cities
for best practices. Ithaca already working on
implementation, 2030 is 8 years away. Hoi P.,
additional comment: New EV models are already
cheaper than combustion with federal and state
rebates, and can go 300 miles. Hoi P., additional
Comment: Technology is already there and will
get better. Low income communities get extra
rebates, can buy used EV for free.

How can measure TR-1 have “teeth”? Right now,
whether any infrastructure projects out of the
city Bicycle and city Pedestrian Plans are at the
mercy of whether individual council members are
supportive. *whether they are implemented is at
the mercy of whether the individual council
members are supportive.

I don’t have a perfect answer, but I will acknowledge
that all these actions are subject to public feedback,
budget constraints, and whatever the City Council
identifies as priorities. The CAP raises it up to say it is a priority of the community, we have robust
calculations that it's an effective thing to do, and we have a good plan of action addressing multiple pillars
of action to get it implemented. None of this is
guaranteed unless we can make the case to City
Council when the project gets started. That’s the
normal public process we have to go through for all of
these. It won’t be easy, but we think that by putting it in the CAP and showing all of your support, when staff
bring it to the Sustainability Commission, the
Commission can reiterate that it’s an important action
item for the City to take. We rely on that feedback at
our milestones as well as your continued participation
at public hearings and at budget sessions.

Seattle, WA and Riverside, CA both recently
implemented an ordinance that any street that is
touched—even for minor repairs/maintenance—
must have a Complete Streets plan to allow for
safe and easy car, bike and pedestrian traffic.

Why can’t we have that as part of our plan?
How were e-bikes and bike sharing considered in
developing plan measures?
We will be bringing this back to City Council. Several
years ago, “shared scooters and short term bike
rentals” were not what we wanted see in Cupertino,
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8 Question/Comment Answer
Additional comments:
▪ Scooters would be great!
▪ I agree— would love more options for
rental!
but we want to re-visit that. We think micro-mobility
solutions will be an important part of this plan.

Public transit elements of the plan, TR-2 as it
relates to connecting to other cities throughout
the Bay, creating better more efficient network,
talking to someone at school about it (public
transit doesn’t work because it takes so long), the
bus would take too long. In relation to partnering
with nearby cities, regarding public transit
beyond Via Shuttle.

This is a massive challenge. We do say in the CAP that
we want to continue to partner with VTA (our
regional transit agency) as one of the partnership
actions we have. We want to move forward to try
things out. Via shuttle is a perfect example of that.

Once that’s established and serving folks, Measure
TR-2 talks about expanding upon those pilot
programs. We’re working with the City of San Jose to
get grants and expand services into San Jose with the
Via Shuttle. We see there is a need to continue
partnering with VTA, but also a need to try different
things through pilot programs.

I’m concerned that slow streets won’t be well
received by the community when it seems to boil
down at least in part to intentionally making
traffic worse to advantage alternative modes of
transportation. Complete Streets sounds better
than Slow Streets.

Thank you for this comment. We want to explore pilot
streets and see what the data tells us about how it
affects everyday life and commerce in the City.
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9 Getting to Zero Waste
Question & Answer & Chat Comments
Question/Comment Answer
The headline language of W-2 seems to suggest
that recycling and composting should be reduced
which doesn’t seem to be what is intended.

We will amend this to make this clearer.

Working with Nature
Question & Answer & Chat Comments
Question/Comment Answer
Kudos to the City for doing an amazing job in this
area. I think something that can be done to speed
up effort is engage youths and partner with
school districts. I see parents and a lot of people
are interested in lawn conversions. I think if
there’s a way to set up – youth program where
the students can be engaged, perhaps work with
nonprofits and get them trained and send them
out for implementation. Educate residents
(retired folks) who want their lawn more
interesting, but they might not have the
knowledge. Add workshops for different groups.

People are already there on the subject matter.

There are fees with changes to landscaping, so
whether it is providing direct support to residents or
whole HOAs, we’re in the process of figuring out the
best way to accelerate that. We are finishing up the
pilot program now.

There are a lot of great ideas in this category.

Additional comments:
▪ Yes, the victory garden is an awesome
idea.
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10 Adaptation and Resilience
Question & Answer & Chat Comments
No questions asked.

Conclusion & Next Steps
City and consultant staff reviewed key themes from the discussion and discussed next steps with public review and finalizing the CAP. Staff reviewed upcoming dates, including the close of the online survey, Sustainability Commission voting on CAP 2.0, City Council study session, and City Council adoption. At the end of the meeting, participants were given the choice to answer optional demographic questions. 186
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11 Question & Answer & Chat Comments
Question Answer
How long does the survey take? Rick- The survey is only 2 questions about Climate Action. There are a few optional demographic
questions. The length of time depends on how much
detail you want to add in the open-ended question.

All questions are optional.

Demographic Polling

1. Which of the following best represents your race/ethnicity? Please select all that apply.

Race Number of Participants Percentage
White or Caucasian 5/9 56%
Other 3/9 33%
Asian or Asian American 1/9 11%
Latino, Latina, or Latinx 0/9 0%
Middle Eastern, North
African, or Arab American
0/9 0%
Black or African American 0/9 0%
Native American, American
Indian, or Alaska Native
0/9 0%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific
Islander
0/9 0%
Prefer not to say 0/9 0%

2. What is your gender identity?
Gender Identity Number of Participants Percentage
Man 4/9 44%
Woman 4/9 44%
Other 1/9 11%
Non-binary/non-conforming 0/24 0%
Prefer not to say 0/24 0%

3. What is your age?
Age Number of Participants Percentage
Under 18 1/9 11%
18–24 0/9 0%
25–34 2/9 22%
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12 Age Number of Participants Percentage
35–44 1/9 11%
45–54 4/9 44%
55–64 0/9 0%
65–74 0/9 0%
75+ 0/9 0%
Prefer not to say 1/9 11%
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From: Gary Latshaw
To: Andre Duurvoort; Gilee Corral; Victoria Morin
Subject: Submittal of Comments on the Climate Action Plan Date: Sunday, May 15, 2022 8:53:58 PM
Attachments: Gary"s comments as Submitted on May 15, 2022.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Andre, Gilee, and Victoria - Please consider this attachment my comments. Also, please distribute the comments to the Sustainability Commissioners.

Thanks, Gary
--
Fight for Renewable Energies! Save the global ecology; create jobs; eliminate dependence on foreign oil; reduce military requirements
Gary Latshaw, Ph.D.
408-499-3006
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Comments on Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP, April 2022) by Gary Latshaw, Cupertino Resident
May 15 2022
The current version of the Draft CAP is an outstanding survey of current conditions and an excellent set of wide-ranging measures to reduce GHG1emissions. These comments are intended to improve upon it – particularly regarding natural gas consumption and the need to replace or retrofit Municipal buildings and equipments.

Cupertino is positioned, by virtue of being wealthy and by having the most educated population2in the Country, to lead in elimination of greenhouse gas emissions. The CAP should identify very specific measures that must be met to curb GHG emissions quickly and decisively in the short term (2030) including a total ban of natural gas (which is primarily methane) by 2040. In 2019 the City of Ithaca, NY3, Half Moon Bay 2045,4and Los Altos Hills (October of 2021 – CAP)5committed to decarbonize all their single buildings.

The highly regarded science writer Bill McKibben has put it succinctly: “Going slowly is losing.”
The City has control over the use of natural gas, which is a highly potent climate pollutant. Because of its high potency, the inevitable leakage in using it greatly increases its climate impact. As the Appendix explains, the GHG emission factor for methane should be multiplied by a factor of 2.41 to account for the effects of leakage. Methane has a global warming potential 86, over a 20-years period, times that of carbon dioxide. So even a minor leak in the extraction, processing, transporting, and combustion can result in a very harmful effect on the environment. The statement that any use of natural gas can be assigned an emission factor of zero is ludicrous, which has been done in the draft. The emission factors are developed from highly stylized and incomplete portrayals of reality. If we curtail methane emissions, atmospheric concentrations of methane will decline rapidly. The decline is much more rapid than curtailing carbon dioxide.

To demonstrate the influence of methane leakage, I have re-calculated Figure ES 1.

Cupertino Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector, 2018 from the CAP_2.0_Draft_April_2022. 1 GHG is a widely used abbreviation for Greenhouse Gases. These are gases in the atmosphere that cause warming above pre-industrial times.
2 Cupertino California is Now the #1 Most Educated Population in America, according to a 2022 Nationwide study, Dwellics, March 16,2022 (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cupertino-california-is-now-the-1-mosteducated-population-in-america-according-to-a-2022-nationwide-study-301496621.html) 3 Rooot, Tim, This U.S. city just voted to decarbonize every single building, Washington Post, Nov. 3,2021 4 Hal Moon Bay website captured on May 15th, (https://www.half-moon-bay.ca.us/851/ARCHIVE) 5 Slides presented in October 2021 on CAP
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Comments on Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP, April 2022) by Gary Latshaw, Cupertino Resident
May 15 2022
As following figures show, with this correction, that building-associated emissions are essentially equal to that from transportation. Appendix A has the detailed calculations.

Reproduction of Figure ES 1 (different colors)
Figure 1 Calculation of Sector Emissions including the effects of Natural Gas Leakage On-road
Transportation
60%
Building
Natural Gas
25%
Wastewater
6%
Solid Waste
4%
Off-road
vehicles and
Equipment
4%
Building
Energy
Electricity
1%

GHG BY SECTOR

NO NATURAL GAS

LEAKAGE
On-road
Transportation
44%
Building
Natural Gas
45%
Wastewater
4%
Solid Waste
3%
Off-road
vehicles and
Equipment
3%
Building
Energy
Electricity
1%

GHG BY SECTOR

INCLUDING NATURAL

GAS LEAKAGE
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Comments on Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP, April 2022) by Gary Latshaw, Cupertino Resident
May 15 2022
Specific Comments:

1. Elimination of Natural Gas Consumption in the City Boundaries – End of Gas Flow a. The City shall pass an ordinance specifying when there will be NO natural gas available within the City Boundaries by 2040. This is commonly referred to as “End of Gas Flow.” Los Altos Hills, Half Moon Bay, and Ithaca, NY have adopted this approach.
b. The climate impact differences between the use of biogas and natural gas is uncertain. To error on the side of public safety, biogas consumption should be considered equal to natural gas consumption. As has been pointed out leakage causes the methane to be ranked as a very dangerous greenhouse pollutant. This is valid whether the source of methane is from fossil fuels or methane bio-generator.

This will require revising the emissions associated with Apple’s natural gas consumption for their Bloom cells. It is currently rated as zero.

2. Municipal Buildings, Vehicles, and Equipment
a. A schedule shall be developed that identifies ALL the municipal buildings and the date by which they are either replaced or retrofitted to operate strictly on electricity, which can be obtained from carbon-free sources. b. A schedule shall be developed that identifies all vehicles and motorized equipment and the date by which they will be replaced by electric vehicles or equipments.
c. All suitable municipal building rooftops must have solar panels by 2027.

3. Residences, Commercial and Industrial Buildings
a. The City shall require by ordinance that upon transfer of ownership, the building must be converted to all-electric. The ordinance would require that water heating, air heating, cooling, and cooking heating be powered by electricity. Additionally, the electrical system of the building should have the capacity to support electric charging. This is obviously a major step and I have elaborated on this point in Appendix B.
b. The City shall require by ordinance that upon transfer of ownership, the building must be equipped with solar panels commensurate to the practical limitation of its 192
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Comments on Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP, April 2022) by Gary Latshaw, Cupertino Resident
May 15 2022
size and solar access. This regulation will require extensive research to ensure that no one in the City is seriously affected by the End of Gas Flow requirement. c. The City shall work with buildings not in compliance with the all-electric requirement by 2035 to ensure that the End of Gas Flow objective can be met.

This regulation will require extensive research to ensure that no one in the City is seriously affected by the End of Gas Flow requirement.

4. The City shall provide the funding and ordinances to ensure that condominiums and apartment buildings have Charging Stations for at least half the parking spaces by 2030.

The charging station electric conduits should be capable of providing one megawatt of power. Currently, the cars that can charge fast – such as a Porsche – can utilize several hundred-kilowatt connections, but future improvements will need to be accommodated.

5. Adaptation –The accumulated greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have caused serious changes in the climate already. Although the CAP does call for some measures to address this, I believe a special facility that can accommodate thousand might be needed. Also, extreme heatwaves can be expected along with high levels of particulates due to wildfires. To protect its residents must invest in facilities to address extreme climate events. This should include:
a. Construct a special facility to address extreme heat waves. This is particularly relevant to the environmental justice community. This could be addressed by examining and perhaps modifying existing facilities. The facilities should provide for cooling, water, and perhaps shelter during the night. The facilities might be temporary shelters that could be setup during an intense heatwave. Climatechange induced heating produces warm nights making the need for air conditioning more pronounced.
b. Actions to address long-term particulate pollution from forest fires should be developed. Perhaps the facilities for heat waves could be double-purposed. The two threats (heat and pollution) are likely to occur together. c. Medical emergency facilities should have plans to address those affected by heat and polluted air.
d. Water shortages are also a likely result of climate change. For example, the Lake Mead is lower than it has been in nearly a century. The Federal Government has 193
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Comments on Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP, April 2022) by Gary Latshaw, Cupertino Resident
May 15 2022
reduced water supplies to several states. Phoenix has been in drought conditions since 1994. Emergency measures should be developed to reduce water demands.

6. The City must provide a statement to the public on its progress in making the goals identified above. Such a statement should specify:
a. Natural Gas consumption
b. Status of Electrification of Municipal Buildings, Vehicles, and Equipment c. Status of any properties that have had new ownership during the past year. d. Natural Gas Consumption in the City broken down by segments (residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal)

7. The CAP should also specify the near-term tangible benefits. a. Indoor use of natural gas has been linked to causing asthma and other respiratory illnesses. So discontinuing natural gas cooking will lead to improved health. b. Electrified buildings, particularly those with solar panels, have lower operational costs.
c. Assuming our neighboring communities also convert to electric vehicles, the air quality (exclusive of wildfire pollution) will improve remarkably as half the smog is due to vehicular emissions. The leaking methane, which will be eliminated, also contributes to the formation of ozone. As noted in the CAP, Cupertino has experienced many days when the ozone or particulate standard were exceeded. 194
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Appendix A – Explanation of Methane Leakage Calculations The GHG emission factors used do not account for the serious leakage of natural gas associated with natural gas combustion. The emission factors used in the CAP appear to be based on the simple assumption that each molecule of methane (the primary component of natural gas) combusts and forms one molecule of carbon dioxide and two molecules of water. umber based on the simple assumptions.

Unfortunately, there is substantial leakage associated with the use of natural gas and that leakage has not been accounted for in the emission factor used in the Draft CAP. The various sources of leakage are shown in the Figure 2 below.

Figure 2 – Diagram of leakage from various sources in a building and exterior to the building from the supply and processing infrastructure. 6 The origin of the values are from Navigant, Redwood Energy, CPUC, PG&E, CED, Wintworth, and CEC.
6 Slides produced by Redwood Energy
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Appendix A – Explanation of Methane Leakage Calculations The San Francisco produced a study7 of natural gas leakage in 2017. Here is a table from that report:

Figure 3 – Screen Grab from referenced study
As seen in the table, the leakage estimates, and measurements vary substantially among the various investigations. For further calculations, we will use the average value of 4.52%.

Incorporating the consequences of leakage into the CAP building GHG emissions causes the amount originally associated with the emissions to increase by a factor of 2.41. Although the percent of leakage is 4.52%, methane has a very large global warming potential of 86 over a 20- year period according to the IPCC Third Assessment Report. Since we are dealing with an even shorter period ~ 10 years, this value is reasonable. Incorporating the effects of leakage result in the charts
8 in Figure 1.
7 Wentworth, Naomi, etal, Methane Math: How Cities can Rethink Emissions from Natural Gas, Prepared by San Francisco Department of the Environment, November 2017
8 If we assume that 4.52% of the natural gas in one therm leaks, this will imply that a multiplier must be incorporated in the GFG emission factor

1. Mass of CO2 from combusting 100cf (2.83X10^3 liters) is 126 moles. One therm is about 100cf. The atomic weight of CO2 is 44.01. Multiply 44.01 by the number of moles is 5.54x10^3 grams.

2. GWP = 5.54X10^3 X 1 = 5.54X10^3. The Greenhouse Warming Potential of CO2 is 1.

3. If 4.52% leak is associated with this therm of CH4, then 4.52% of the methane will be released: 0.0452 x 126x16 = 9.11x10^1grams. The atomic weight of CH4 is 16. 196
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Appendix A – Explanation of Methane Leakage Calculations

4. From Google/IPCC: Methane has a potential of 25 over 100 years (GWP100 = 25) but 86 over 20 years (GWP20 = 86); (IPCC Third Assessment Report). So the GWP is

9.11x10^1x86=7.83x10^3

7.83x10^3/5.54X10^3 = 1.41 or 2.41 times the warming impact of the combusted CH4. 197
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Appendix B – End of Gas Flow
End of Flow requirements are clearly difficult to implement. Unfortunately, the physics and science of climate change requires that we do so to transition to a planet that can maintain a substantial population of people. Too much of this dangerous climate pollutant, methane, escapes into the atmosphere that we can ignore the existential threat to humanity by continuing to use it in such large quantities.

The City shall form a special task force to examine this issue and recommend to the City Council in 2023 an action plan. The effort should incorporate representatives from the community, academia, and firms dedicated to the objective of decarbonization. 198
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From: Dashiell Leeds
To: Andre Duurvoort; Victoria Morin; Gilee Corral
Cc: City Clerk; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; Katja Irvin; Kristel Wickham; James Eggers; Barbara Kelsey Subject: SCLP letter to Cupertino regarding the CAP update Date: Sunday, May 15, 2022 12:49:52 PM
Attachments: SCLP Letter To Cupertino regarding CAP update 2022.05.15.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Staff and Consultants,
The Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter is in strong support of Cupertino’s Climate Action Plan Update. We support the strong building electrification measures contained in the CAP and the equity and outreachbased approach. We also support the City’s emphasis on natural infrastructure solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change to the community.

Please read the attached letter for our full list of recommendations.

Sincerely,
Katja Irvin
Co-Chair, Water Committee
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Kristel Wickham
Co-Chair, Climate Action Leadership Team
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Dashiell Leeds
Conservation Organizer
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
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SAN MATEO, SANTA CLARA & SAN BENITO COUNTIES
May 15th, 2022
Cupertino City Hall
10300 Torre Ave,
Cupertino, CA 95014
RE: Draft Climate Action Plan Update
Dear Cupertino Staff and Consultants working on the Climate Action Plan Update, The Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter is in strong support of Cupertino’s Climate Action Plan Update. The ICLEI numbers are likely underestimating the amount of fugitive emissions, making the decarbonization of buildings even more important than the figures imply. We support the strong building electrification measures contained in the CAP and the equity and outreach-based approach. We also support the City’s emphasis on natural infrastructure solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change to the community.

We hope that you consider the following suggestions while making revisions to the Draft Climate Action Plan.

Please Update BE-4 to include a standalone municipal ordinance As Cupertino updates its Reach Code, it should consider transitioning these requirements into a standalone municipal ordinance existing outside of Title 24, as cities like San Jose and Morgan Hill have done. These requirements would exist outside of the 3-year code cycle and would not need to be reevaluated during each adoption of the building code.

Increase Measure WW-1 target to 20%
The CAP includes measure WW-1 to “Reduce per capita water consumption 15% compared to 2019 levels by 2030 and maintain through 2040.” This is now the immediate goal under a water shortage emergency declared by Valley Water in June 2021. Therefore, it seems this goal can be increased, perhaps to 20%.

Develop Annual Water Conservation Performance Indicators The water conservation and local supply measures in the CAP are mostly actions being led by Valley Water and it’s unclear what Cupertino is planning to do to expedite these actions (installation of conservation devices, brackish water desalination, etc.). At least, the CAP should include an additional measure to develop performance indicators and evaluate progress towards reaching those performance goals on an annual basis, with commitment to ramp up efforts if goals are not met.

Change action WW1.2 to include updating the ordinance code to implement Valley Water’s Model Water Efficient New Development Ordinance (MWENDO). The following elements of MWENDO should be considered immediately:
o for single family development, require compact hot water distribution systems with volume limit,
o Graywater Dual Drainage Plumbing with valves and stub-outs near landscaping; this action is already in the CAP but should be moved to Phase 1 rather than Phase 2, 200
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sierraclub.org/loma-prieta ~ 3921 East Bayshore Road, Suite 204, Palo Alto, CA 94303 o require homeowner’s associations that manage shared landscaping to use purple pipe water if available within 200 feet; it must be purple pipe ready if recycled water is planned to be available in the next 10 years,
o require pool covers,
o for multi-family and nonresidential uses, require faucet locks for publicly accessible exterior faucets and hose bibs,
o require submeters for any unit projected to consume more than 100 gal/day, o for larger buildings, require dual plumbing systems to facilitate and maximize the use of Alternate Water Sources,
o require manually operated toilets and faucets (except in hospitals), and o Cupertino should follow San Jose and update the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance to ban non-functional turf; please note that this element was not included in the MWENDO but jurisdictions throughout the western states are adopting this restriction.

As an alternative to MWENDO, require new development to be water neutral. The most important part of this action would be to work with Valley Water and other local jurisdictions to develop a program for water offsets for new development within Santa Clara County.

We encourage the following additional measures or actions to reduce energy use and associated emissions by reducing water use and increasing local water supplies:
· increase use of recycled water, either by connection to purple pipes or through a program to encourage on-site or district scale recycling and stormwater capture (water micro-grids), · along with action WW 1.4 to “Work with schools to educate youth about water conservation,” include an action to work with schools to convert non-functional turf to native pollinator gardens. Youth could get involved in hands-on projects as part of this effort, and · elevate the priority to install advanced metering infrastructure; action WW 1.6 to “Work with Santa Clara Valley Water and Cupertino’s water retailers to provide Wi-Fi connected meters that citizens can check on phones and computers” is currently a Phase 3 action; this is one of the more innovative water conservation actions included in the CAP so we recommend this be a Phase 1 or Phase 2 action.

Add Cupertino’s All-Electric Reach Code to the Climate Action History of the City Cupertino’s reach code is not present in Cupertino’s climate action history timeline, and should be added.

Cupertino has an excellent reach code that has inspired many cities to take strong action in the 2020 code cycle. Thank you for creating such a strong code, and we hope you celebrate it in this section of the Climate Action Plan.

Consider setting an end of flow date by 2040 or sooner to correspond with the City’s GHG reduction goals
As Cupertino continues its transition away from fossil fuels, it should consider establishing an end-of-flow date for the citywide retirement of natural gas infrastructure. An end-of-flow date could send a strong market signal to Cupertino residents that gas appliances are on their way out, which could encourage more residents to purchase electric appliances upon replacement. This could reduce the number of future retrofits in Cupertino and encourage other jurisdictions to consider end-of-flow announcements. 201
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sierraclub.org/loma-prieta ~ 3921 East Bayshore Road, Suite 204, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Seek to Transition Away from Methane Gas Fuel Cells Entirely Apple facilities are identified in BE 5.1 as a significant source of energy consumption in the City. We ask that Cupertino help Apple explore solutions to transition away from fuel cells entirely and explore other green energy backup solutions. For future commercial projects, new gas fuel cells should not be permitted to be installed.

Pollinator Corridors should be coordinated across relevant measures, such as TR-1, CS1.2, and the Urban Forest Management Plan
The Urban Forest Management Plan provides an opportunity for Cupertino to coordinate its tree-planting efforts with other planning efforts such as Measure TR-1 (Develop and Implement and Active Transportation Plan). The City’s pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure should be designed with canopy cover and habitat linkages in mind. Pollinator corridors can be used to allow habitat connectivity throughout the city. For reference, please see the Green Corridor1 and Urban Habitat Guidelines2 created by our Chapter’s Sustainable Land Use Committee.

We hope you consider our suggestions. Thank you for your work on this Climate Action Plan Update.

Sincerely,
Katja Irvin
Chair, Water Committee
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Kristel Wickham
Co-Chair, Climate Action Leadership Team
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Dashiell Leeds
Conservation Organizer
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
1 Guidelines for Master Planning a Sustainable Green Streets Network 2 Checklist For Urban Habitat Guidelines
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CITY OF CUPERTINO
Agenda Item
21-10222 Agenda Date: 6/21/2022
Agenda #: 1.

Subject: Brief reports on councilmember activities and brief announcements Receive brief reports on councilmember activities and brief announcements CITY OF CUPERTINO Page 1 of 1 Printed on 6/14/2022
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CITY OF CUPERTINO
Agenda Item
21-10233 Agenda Date: 6/21/2022
Agenda #: 2.

Subject: Report on Committee assignments
Report on Committee assignments
CITY OF CUPERTINO Page 1 of 1 Printed on 6/14/2022
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CITY OF CUPERTINO
Agenda Item
22-10966 Agenda Date: 6/21/2022
Agenda #: 3.

Subject: Report on Subcommittee assignments
Report on Subcommittee assignments
CITY OF CUPERTINO Page 1 of 1 Printed on 6/14/2022
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CITY OF CUPERTINO
Agenda Item
21-10244 Agenda Date: 6/21/2022
Agenda #: 4.

Subject: City Manager update
Receive City Manager update on City business
CITY OF CUPERTINO Page 1 of 1 Printed on 6/14/2022
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CITY OF CUPERTINO
Agenda Item
22-11043 Agenda Date: 6/21/2022
Agenda #: 5.

Subject: Consider approval of the May 31 City Council minutes Approve the May 31 City Council minutes
CITY OF CUPERTINO Page 1 of 1 Printed on 6/14/2022
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DRAFT MINUTES

CUPERTINO CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, May 31, 2022

SPECIAL MEETING
At 6:00 p.m., Mayor Darcy Paul called the Special City Council Meeting to order in the Cupertino Community Hall Council Chamber, 10350 Torre Avenue and via teleconference.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Darcy Paul, Vice Mayor Liang Chao, and Councilmembers Kitty Moore, Hung Wei, and Jon Robert Willey. Absent: None.

POSTPONEMENTS AND ORDERS OF THE DAY – None

REPORTS BY COUNCIL AND STAFF

1. Subject: City Manager Report regarding the Rise (Vallco) development - request for modification of approved SB 35 project pursuant to Government Code section 65913.4(g) Recommended Action: Receive the report and public comment Written Communications for this item included a Supplemental Staff Report, staff presentation, and emails to Council.

City Manager Jim Throop gave a presentation.

Mayor Paul opened the public comment period and the following people spoke.

Doug Cheshire, representing Carpenters Local 405, opposed further delay of The Rise and supported the project providing work for union carpenters.

Connie Cunningham (representing self) supported the modifications and was concerned about bird safety, light pollution, and lifetime carbon impact and sustainability. (Submitted written comments).

Rose Grymes ceded their time to Connie Cunningham.
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City Council Minutes May 31, 2022