Fairfax City Council
September 3, 2025

FAIRFAX TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM #3.g
MEETING DATE September 3, 2025
PREPARED FOR Mayor and Town Council
PREPARED BY Bridget Wipfler, Climate Action Coordinator SUBJECT Receive the 2024-25 Climate Action Progress Report

RECOMMENDATION
Receive the 2024-25 Climate Action Progress Report

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Town of Fairfax's annual Climate Action Progress Report provides a comprehensive update on efforts to implement the Town’s Climate Action Plan (CAP)—a five-year roadmap aimed at achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

At the time of adoption, the Council selected the very ambitious goal of zero emissions in order to signal the Council’s commitment to significant impact. The CAP helps the community understand its contributions to climate change, sets measurable reduction targets, and outlines strategies to meet them. This year’s report is presented as a separate attachment in a more robust and eye-catching format to increase community engagement. The CAP report presents the latest greenhouse gas emissions data, evaluates progress on CAP actions, and highlights both accomplishments and challenges in areas such as transportation, energy, waste reduction, and carbon sequestration.

By combining emissions tracking with implementation analysis, the report supports data-driven decisionmaking and helps identify priorities to accelerate climate action in the years ahead.

GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This report is consistent with the following measures of the adopted General Plan:
- Policy CON-1.1.1: Develop and implement a Climate Action Plan (CAP) for Fairfax, including within its scope both the operations of the Town government and the activities of citizens, and including both stationary and mobile sources.

CEQA AND CLIMATE ACTION PLAN CONSISTENCY
The Council’s acceptance of the CAP Progress Report is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act, because it does not involve an activity which has the potential to cause a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment (Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 21065). This report is consistent with the following measures of the adopted CAP:

1. I-1: Annual Monitoring. Create an annual action plan for implementation

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.

ATTACHMENT
A. Climate Action Progress Report 2024-2025
B. Climate Action Plan 2030

ATTACHMENT A
2024-25Climate Action Plan Progress Report
Written August 2025
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................2 Helpful Definitions ........................................................................................................3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Overview and Progress.........................................................3 GOALS AND TARGETS......................................................................................................3 CHALLENGES ...............................................................................................................4 Community and Municipal Highlights .............................................................................5 Implementation Scorecard ............................................................................................7 Introduction
A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a public document which:
- Helps us to understand how our community contributes to climate change - Sets targets for how much we want to reduce these contributions by a certain year. - Outlines a path for us to meet that goal.

This annual Climate Action Report provides an update on our community’s progress toward meeting the goals outlined in our Climate Action Plan (CAP). It includes the latest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data to show how emissions have changed over time and whether we are on track to meet our climate targets. In addition to tracking emissions, the report also reviews how much progress has been made in implementing the actions and strategies in the CAP. By combining data with an assessment of where we are in the plan, this report helps identify priorities for the coming years and supports decision-making to keep us moving toward a more sustainable, low-carbon future.

Helpful Definitions
Climate Action Plan: This document is the guiding 5-year plan for the Town of Fairfax that maps out the 150 actions the Town should complete to reach zero emissions by 2030.

Climate Action Committee (CAC): This group advises town climate work. Through monthly meetings, they advise on projects related to the Climate Action Plan.

Climate Action Committee Annual Plans: To guide their work and prioritize accordingly, the CAC create annual work plans that assist in the implementation of the CAP.

Climate Action Plan Annual Progress Report: This document updates the Town Council and community on the progress related to implementing the CAP in detail.

Climate Action Quarterly Updates: These updates are small snapshots that map out the specific projects that the Climate Action Coordinator works on throughout a quarter.

Annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report: Annual Reports that document the progress toward lowering the carbon emissions to reach Town Goals.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Overview and Progress

GOALS AND TARGETS
The Town of Fairfax has a GHG emissions reduction goal of zero municipal and community emissions by 2030. Figure 1 below documents the difference between the State’s goals for Guiding Values
• Equity & Access
• Cost and Time Effectiveness
• Efficiency & Innovation
• Human Health & Wellness
• Ecosystem Health & Green
Infrastructure
• Resiliency & Capacity Building
Key Strategies
• Clean & Renewable Power
• Electrification & Fossil Fuel PhaseOut
• Carbon Sequestration
• Mobility & Connectivity
• Resource Conservation &
Elimination of Waste
• Restorative Ecology & Green
Infrastructure
• Climate Adaptation & Resilience
2030 and 2045 compared to Fairfax’s 2030 goal. The Town has always been a leader in climate action and continues to do so through the implementation of the Climate Action Plan. Figure 2 shows the various types of greenhouse gas emissions that are being tracked in the Town of Fairfax that the Town and community impact. The main emissions contributors are transportation, natural gas from the built environment, and waste. This data was taken from the 2023 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory competed by the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership.

Figure 1. Town of Fairfax and State Greenhouse Gas Emission Goals Figure 2. Greenhouse Gas Emission Categories and Percentages from 2023

CHALLENGES
In recent years, much of the progress in reducing climate emissions has come from relatively easy and cost-effective changes, such as switching to cleaner electricity, improving energy efficiency, and phasing out high-pollution equipment. These “lowhanging fruit” solutions deliver quick wins but only address part of the problem. Reaching the Town’s zero-emissions goal will require deeper, more challenging changes that will require actions beyond the Town’s specific jurisdiction, including regional cooperation and Built Environment - Electricity
1%
Transportation
56%
Waste
5%
Water & Wastewater
<1%
Off-Road
1%
Built Environment -
Natural Gas
37%
shifts in State and Federal law. Changes needed include transforming transportation systems, overhauling building infrastructure, rethinking land use, and shifting consumption patterns--efforts that demand greater investment, innovation, and sustained community commitment.

Community and Municipal Highlights

OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
The Fairfax Climate Action Plan emphasizes the importance of community engagement and education as a foundation for meaningful climate action. Over the past year, the Town and the Climate Action Committee (CAC) have worked to build awareness, foster partnerships, and provide opportunities for residents to learn about practical solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and living more sustainably.

Outreach and Education Actions in 2024 included:
- The Climate Action Committee (CAC) hosted a Film Night featuring local artists and policymakers
- The CAC, in collaboration with Marin Academy high school students, hosted an Electrification Fair to present options and experts to connect with - The Town Collaborated with Reuse Alliance and the Fairfax Library to organize a Repair Fair
- The Town piloted a “Bring Your Own Cup” campaign in partnership with Zero Waste Marin (ZWM) to encourage local restaurants and cafes to reduce single-use waste. - Information and resources from the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN), Marin Climate and Energy Partnership (MCEP), MCE, Zero Waste Marin (ZWM), and the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) were regularly promoted in the Town Newsletter.

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation accounts for the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in Fairfax. The Climate Action Plan prioritizes reducing vehicle dependence, supporting clean mobility, and expanding access to low-carbon transportation options. This year, the Town advanced several initiatives to promote electric vehicles, carpooling, and alternative commuting programs.

Transportation Actions in FY 2024-2025 included:
- The Town partnered with Ride and Drive Clean to host an EV and E-Bike Show with a $2,000 grant from MCE. The Town spent $3,750 on the event. - Partnered with Archie Williams High School during Back to School Day to promote carpooling.
- Began working with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to develop next steps for fleet electrification with a $100,000 dollar pass-through grant. - Coordinated the collaboration with MCE to explore public and municipal charging opportunities.
- Began working with Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) and MCEP on alternative commuting programs.
- Began working with MCEP on a regional EV charging pilot. - Began participating in Ride and Drive Clean’s Charging Smart Cohort for EV Planning

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Expanding renewable energy use and improving energy efficiency are core strategies in the Climate Action Plan to lower emissions and support community resilience. Fairfax has taken significant steps to promote clean energy adoption, streamline permitting, and invest in electrification for both residents and municipal operations.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Actions in FY 2024-2025 included:
- Sponsored the Marin Green Home Tour in partnership with MCEP with a 750-dollar sponsorship.
- Collaborating with BayREN to develop an Energy Roadmap that outlines next steps for municipal electrification and energy efficiency.
- Partnered with MCE on a campaign resulting in 100 residents enrolling in 100% renewable energy.
- Promoted regional rebates for electrification measures through the Town Newsletter.
- Implemented SolarAPP, an online system to streamline the solar permitting process with a $40,000 grant from the State.
- Coordinating the electrification of the Pavilion Kitchen. - Provided environmental guidance for the Facilities Condition Assessment and Fire Station Remodel projects.

WASTE REDUCTION
The Climate Action Plan identifies waste reduction and diversion as essential strategies to cut emissions from landfills and promote a circular economy. Fairfax continues to invest in education, events, and programs that reduce waste, support compliance with state regulations, and celebrate community solutions.

Waste Reduction Actions in 2024 included:
- Hosted a successful Repair Fair in June.
- Ensured compliance with SB 1383, California’s mandatory composting and recycling law, through resident education and collaboration with Marin Sanitary Service (MSS) and ZWM. Received a $20,000 grant from CalRecycle. - Invited an MSS representative to speak at a CAC event on waste sorting and SB 1383 compliance.
- Received a $2,000 grant from ZWM to support zero waste programming at the Fairfax Festival. Spent these funds waste sorting from the North Bay Climate Corps.

SEQUESTRATION
The Climate Action Plan recognizes the role of natural systems in capturing and storing carbon. Through soil health, compost use, and habitat restoration, Fairfax is working to enhance local sequestration and strengthen community resilience.

Sequestration Actions in 2024 included:
- Hosted a community compost giveaway day in collaboration with Marin Sanitary Service (MSS) to encourage soil health and carbon sequestration practices.

Implementation Scorecard
The Climate Action Plan (CAP) encompasses a broad range of strategies, some of which are ongoing efforts intended to be sustained over time, while others are discrete actions that can be fully completed once implemented. For instance, community education and outreach are continuous by nature and will never be considered “complete,” whereas initiatives such as policy adoption or infrastructure installation will ultimately reach 100% completion. Additionally, certain actions have not yet been initiated but remain priorities for future implementation. This scorecard provides a clear overview of the status of each action, tracking progress, celebrating accomplishments, and identifying areas for continued focus, while also promoting accountability and transparency by giving the community a clear view of the Town’s progress in implementing the Climate Action Plan.

Of the 139 actions in the Climate Action Plan, 83 are categorized as ongoing, reflecting the Town’s commitment to sustained efforts in areas like outreach, waste management, and transportation. Only 10 actions have been fully completed to date, indicating that while some progress has been made, the majority of measurable, one-time initiatives are still underway or pending. 19 actions are currently in progress, showing some traction in key areas such as energy and electrification, energy efficiency, and water. However, 27 actions—around 20% of the plan--have not yet been initiated, which highlights significant progress, but also opportunities and implementation gaps.

To accelerate progress, Fairfax would need to allocate additional staffing, funding, and community engagement resources to move more actions that have not begun to those that are ongoing, in progress, or complete. Particular attention may be needed in areas such as sequestration, water, and energy efficiency, which show relatively high numbers of unstarted or stalled actions. Establishing clear timelines, assigning additional departmental responsibilities and resources, and continuing to integrate CAP actions into routine Town operations and budget cycles are critical next steps. As the impacts of climate change intensify, timely and decisive action will be essential to meet local climate goals and maintain public trust in the Town’s climate commitments.

OUTREACH AND EDUCATION Completed
In progress
(IP), ongoing
(O) or not
begun (N)
O-1 Community Education: Educate and motivate community members on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their homes, businesses, transportation modes, and other activities.

Host workshops and educational events in collaboration with our community-based organizations including the local library and possibly neighboring towns Ongoing
Encourage the use of online tools to determine one’s household carbon footprint and how to make appropriate reductions through lifestyle changes and household practices Ongoing
Encourage the ongoing formation of local Resilient Neighborhood teams Ongoing Collaborate with neighborhood response groups and Firewise USA® communities to inform and publicize the activities and strategies of the Fairfax Climate Action Committee
Ongoing
Utilize the Town's website, newsletters, social media, public service announcements and advertisements, recognition programs, presentations, events, and other forms of public education and outreach.

Ongoing
Educate the public about the environmental benefits of actions such as: purchasing 100% renewable electricity, using carbon-free and low-carbon transportation modes and shared transportation, electrifying homes and commercial buildings, installing solar energy systems, installing energy and water efficient appliances and fixtures, eating less meat and dairy products, growing food at home, purchasing locally-produced food Ongoing
O-2 Community Outreach. Based on A Vision for Fairfax in 2030, implement a communitywide public outreach and behavior change campaign to engage residents, businesses, and educational, faith, social and cultural organizations around the impacts of climate change and the ways individuals and organizations can reduce their GHG emissions and create a more sustainable, resilient, and healthier community.

Create and distribute a survey to residents to gain feedback and input on current initiatives and strategies
Complete
Prioritize promotion of programs that have the greatest greenhouse gas reduction potential while utilizing the latest social science on behavior change.

Ongoing
Emphasize and encourage citizens' involvement in reaching the community's climate goals, including innovative means of tracking milestones (such as the Fairfax greenhouse gas meter) and comparing Fairfax's performance with other communities and with state, national and global benchmarks
Ongoing
Partner with MCE, PG&E, MMWD, Marin Sanitary Service, Transportation Authority of Marin, Marin Transit, Golden Gate Transit, SMART, and other entities to promote available financing, audits, rebates, incentives, and services to the Fairfax community.

Ongoing
Create stories and “shareable content” that can be used by bloggers, businesses, nonprofits, and social media. Ongoing Use creative methods to engage the public, such as games, giveaways, prizes, contests, simple surveys, digital tools, and “pop-up” events.

Ongoing
Develop pilot programs using community-based social marketing and other social science based techniques to effect behavior change.

Complete
Participate in countywide outreach and education efforts, such as Drawdown Marin. Complete O-3 Green Businesses. Encourage local businesses to implement new and improved existing business practices to reduce GHG emissions
Work with the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce to encourage local businesses to participate in the Marin County Green Business Program.

Ongoing
Provide information to businesses about the Marin County Green Business Program including through the business license renewal program.

In progress
Promote businesses in Fairfax who participate in the Marin County Green Business Program.

Not begun
O-4 Advocacy.

Advocate at all levels of government for policies, funding and actions that support the rapid transition to a GHG-free community.

Ongoing
O-5. Funding Strategies.

Research and promote innovative funding strategies to support initiatives and goals for an equitable and just transition to a GHG-free world.

Ongoing
TRANSPORTATION Completed
(C), In
progress
(IP), ongoing
(O) or not
begun (N)
T-1: Zero Emission Vehicles: Implement the initiatives below that will result in 100% zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), including plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, used by Fairfax residents, businesses and the Town by 2030. In Marin County, 40% of individual carbon footprint comes from passenger vehicles so switching to an EV, particularly when plugging into 100% renewable electricity, can cut footprint in half.
- Increase the visibility and awareness of EVs as a necessary transportation option.
- Fund EV/ZEV strategy and projects while discouraging gasoline cars - Increase and accelerate EV use within the Town.
- Advance an efficient distribution of public charging infrastructure that is optimized for future technologies and EV demand.
(Awareness) Participate with Drive Clean Bay Area’s public awareness campaign for benefits of EV ownership, available rebates, preferential utility rates and pricing, and expected electricity costs as compared to gasoline powered transportation, through mechanisms including the Town newsletter, website, and neighborhood social media, and over-the-counter handouts developed by EV organizations, at Town Hall.

Complete
(Awareness) Promote countywide efforts by Drive Clean Bay Area, MCE, PG&E, and others to provide rebates for new or used electric vehicles and/or charging stations Ongoing
(Awareness) Seek opportunities to promote EVs at Town events, such as by running a Public Service Announcement during, and including EV/e-Bikes in, the Fairfax Parade Ongoing
(Awareness) Support Drive Clean Bay Area in coordinating test drive events with local EV dealers, manufacturers, and related non-profit organizations to familiarize residents with EV technology and use these forums to present information about available federal and state incentives which significantly reduce costs
Ongoing
Target policies to support new and used ZEVs for income-qualified and disadvantaged community members.

Not begun
Apply decals to Town EVs upon purchase to promote the Town’s use of Zero Emission Vehicles. [Decals available from Drive Clean Bay Area].

In process
(Funding) Investigate a vehicle fee on all gasoline powered vehicles owned or leased by Town residents. The fee could be equal to the cost of procuring offsets for the average emissions for the class of vehicles. ■ Consider adopting an ordinance to become effective as soon as possible. ■ Fees could go back into the community via incentive programs that promote zero emissions transportation, in particular, targeting disadvantaged community members
Not begun
(EV use) Promote a county-wide effort to require, as practicable, ride hailing companies to utilize zero emission vehicles and to strongly promote ride-sharing Not begun
Promote a county-wide effort to deploy county-wide shared electric vehicle and bicycle and/or scooter program. (see T-2 Bicycling)
Ongoing
Implement more stringent requirements for pre-wiring new single family and multifamily construction, as well as substantial remodels, for EV chargers. (see new building ordinances)
Complete
Require new and remodeled commercial projects to install a minimum number of electric vehicle chargers for use by employees, customers, and residents.

Complete
Purchase or lease EVs for Town fleet as vehicles are replaced, to be completed by 2030 Ongoing Continue to offer streamlined permitting process and waive permit fees for EV charging infrastructure.

Ongoing
Affirm that charging spaces designated for EVs count toward meeting minimum parking requirements for business owners and builder.

Ongoing
Adopt ordinance to phase out use of all fossil-fueled off-road construction vehicles, with exemptions, if warranted, for disadvantaged business owners Not begun
(Charging) Increase the number of public charging stations and locations, taking advantage of all relevant grants, including funds available through TAM, PG&E, MCE, and BAAQMD
Ongoing
Install chargers for Town vehicles In progress
Install EV charging stations for all public parking lot improvements, including parks. In progress Work with MCE, PG&E, and other entities to identify multi-family and workplace charging sites appropriate for available incentive programs
Ongoing
Encourage local organizations and workplaces, (e.g., churches, schools, library) to install publicly available charging stations.

Ongoing
Provide wayfinding signage to public EV chargers and link to existing wayfinding programs.

Not begun
T-2 Bicycling
Encourage bicycling, e-bikes, and e-scooters as an alternative to automobile travel.

Establish and maintain bicycle infrastructure that is consistent with the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and Complete Streets policies. Implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan’s recommendations to support and expand bicycling.

Ongoing
Incorporate new studies and methodology by Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) in the future to reflect increased emissions reduction by e-bikes and other similar modes of transportation
Ongoing
T-3: Walking: Encourage walking as an alternative to vehicular travel and continue the Fairfax sidewalk improvement program. Establish and maintain pedestrian infrastructure (including sidewalks) that is consistent with the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and Complete Streets policies. Implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan’s recommendations to support and expand walking.

Ongoing
T-4: Safe Routes to School. Continue to support the Safe Routes to School Program and strive to increase bicycling, scootering, walking, carpooling, and taking public transit to school
Ongoing
T-5: Public Transit. Support and promote reduced fare-free public transit by taking the following actions (possibly in coordination with neighboring Ross Valley towns):

Ongoing
Work with Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit to maximize ridership, including adding more bike spaces on buses.

Not begun
Find ways to subsidize use of public transportation for low-income residents. Not begun Work with SMART, TAM, employers, and others to provide first and last mile programs, such as ride-sharing services or shuttle buses, to maximize utilization of the train.

Ongoing
Work with other towns to advocate to transit providers and school bus providers to purchase electric buses whenever replacing existing buses Ongoing
Encourage continuation of the “Yellow School Bus” program and student use of regular transit to reduce school traffic.

Ongoing
T-6: Carpooling
Work with the Transportation Authority of Marin and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to promote transportation demand programs to local employers, including rideshare matching programs, vanpool incentive programs, emergency ride home programs, telecommuting, and incentives to use transportation other than single occupant vehicles.

Ongoing
Advocate for implementation of carpooling through ride-hailing apps such as Lyft and Uber.

Not begun
T-7: Traffic System Management and Vehicle Idling
Implement signal synchronization and/or transportation network improvements to minimize or eliminate wait times at traffic lights and to reduce congestion through increased traffic flow, in collaboration with neighboring towns when appropriate. • Not begun
Encourage drivers and autonomous vehicles to limit vehicle idling through implementing behavior change and engagement campaigns, especially at schools Ongoing
T-8: Smart Growth Development
Maintain existing zoning and support new zoning as needed that allows for infill, higher density, and mixed-use development near transit and within walking distance to shopping, schools, and services.

Not begun
T-9: Renewable Carbon Fuels
Use renewable diesel as a transition fuel in the Town’s fleet if feasible and environmentally appropriate, and encourage the Town’s service providers to do the same until vehicles are replaced with zero-emissions vehicles.

Completed

RENEWABLE ENERGY
& ELECTRIFICATION
Completed,
In progress,
ongoing, or
not begun
R-1: Building and Appliance Electrification
Adopt an ordinance that requires all new construction to be all-electric starting in January 2022.

Complete
Adopt an ordinance that phases in requirements to replace natural gas appliances and equipment with electric appliances and equipment at time of replacement.

In progress
Adopt additional measures that would require replacement of all natural gas consumption/combustion by existing residential and commercial buildings by 2030.

In progress
Seek financial incentives and technical assistance to support residents in making the transition for existing buildings
Ongoing
R-2: Municipal Building and Appliance Electrification
Replace all natural gas consumption/combustion and electrify all Town buildings by 2030
In progress
Improve energy efficiency of town buildings. Ongoing
Establish a town-wide goal to become carbon neutral by setting up a fund (similar to an internal price on carbon) to incentivize and support projects by residents to reduce their carbon footprint.

Not begun
R-3: 100% GHG-Free Electricity
Assist residents and businesses in switching to 100 percent renewable electricity (MCE Deep Green, MCE Local Sol, and PG&E Solar Choice, or on-premise renewables).

Ongoing
R-4: Renewable Energy Generation and Storage: Accelerate installation of residential and commercial solar and other renewable energy systems and energy storage systems Continue to provide permit streamlining and waive electrical permit fees, as feasible Ongoing Encourage installation of solar panels on carports and over parking areas on commercial projects and large-scale residential developments through incentives, engagement campaigns, or ordinance
Ongoing
Identify and promote incentives, available financing and loan programs for residential and non-residential projects
Ongoing
Encourage installation of battery storage in conjunction with renewable energy generation projects through engagement campaigns and partner agency incentives Ongoing
R-5: Phase out the use of on-site fossil-fuel generators Encourage the use of non-fossil-fuel generators now, and adopt an ordinance phasing out the acquisition of and use of fossil-fuel generators in the Town of Fairfax no later than 2030
Not begun
Seek financial incentives and technical assistance to support residents in making the transition to non-fossil-fuel generators
Not begun
R-6: Electrify all landscape equipment
Adopt an ordinance to phase out use of all fossil-fuel landscape equipment Complete Seek financial incentives and technical assistance to support residents in making the transition to non-fossil-fuel landscape equipment.

Complete
R-7: Innovative Technologies
Investigate and pursue innovative technologies such as microgrids, distributed solar generation, distributed battery storage, and demand-response programs that will improve local resilience and the electric grid’s resiliency and help to balance demand and renewable energy production.

Ongoing
Use the Town microgrid as a tool to raise the level of involvement in climate and resiliency work throughout Fairfax. Prominently demonstrate the operation of innovative Town technologies, including through tours and live web content, and through schools and the Chamber of Commerce.
- Consider means of funding the Town microgrid that could involve citizens investing in local work.
- Find ways to support businesses’ becoming able to island during power outages, thus supporting both the businesses, their patrons, and the Town.

Ongoing
Educate and inspire residents and businesses to make improvements in their own emissions through demonstration on Town buildings, information given during permitting processes, and tours and web content highlighting both government and commercial/residential installations.

Ongoing

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Completed,
In progress,
ongoing, or
not begun
E-1: Ordinances for Construction of Energy-Efficient Buildings Adopt requirements to phase out natural gas, beginning with new construction, then substantial remodels. In progress
Consider adopting the most aggressive state, county, and Reach Codes possible in future years Ongoing
E-2: Streamline Permit Process and Provide Technical Assistance Eliminate barriers in the current building permit and inspection processes and provide technical assistance to ensure successful implementation of green building requirements and best practices In progress
Participate in countywide efforts to make it easier for contractors and building counter staff to simplify applications and identify incentives. In progress E-3: Energy Audits
Promote energy audits for all residential, commercial, and municipal buildings. Not begun Require energy audits for residential and commercial buildings for major remodels, and prior to putting a property up for sale, and provide with other disclosure requirements to potential buyers. Not begun
E-4: Energy Efficiency Programs. Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.

Develop a process by which renters can obtain energy usage and efficiency information for rental units Not begun
Work with organizations and agencies such as the Marin Energy Watch Partnership, the Bay Area Regional Network, MCE, Resilient Neighborhoods, and the Marin Climate & Energy Partnership to promote and implement energy efficiency programs and actions Ongoing Promote utility, state, and federal rebate, financing, and incentive programs. Ongoing E-5: Cool Pavement and Roofs. Use high albedo (reflective) material for roadways, (ensuring compliance with Caltrans requirements, parking lots, and sidewalks to reduce the deleterious effects of the urban heat island effect and save energy Evaluate the use of highly reflective pavements when resurfacing Town streets. Not begun Adopt building code measures that require the use of high albedo material for roofs, driveways, parking lots, walkways, and patios. In progress Maintain and expand the use of urban tree cover for street-level temperature reduction Ongoing E-6: Municipal Energy Efficiency Retrofits.

Implement energy efficiency projects in municipal buildings and facilities based on energy audits. Ongoing
E-7: Municipal Energy Conservation. Reduce energy consumption through behavioral and operational changes
Establish energy efficiency protocols for building, custodial and cleaning services and other employees, including efficient use of facilities, such as turning off lights and computers, thermostat use, etc. Not begun
Incorporate energy management software, electricity monitors, or other methods to monitor energy use in municipal buildings. Not begun

WASTE REDUCTION
Completed,
In progress,
ongoing, or
not begun
W-1: Residential Organic Waste and Waste Diversion (Fairfax Municipal Code Section

8.08.130). Town residents will make maximum use of curbside collection services and home composting for food waste.

Work with Zero Waste Marin, Marin Sanitary Service, Sustainable Fairfax, and other organizations to support the current food-waste composting and recycling ordinance. Ongoing Review the Town’s ordinance to ensure it complies with the requirements of SB 1383. In progress Work with Sustainable Fairfax and/or other organizations to provide free educational services to show residents how to recycle and compost correctly, and reduce landfill waste container size and costs. Ongoing
W-2: Trash, Inorganic, and Packaging Waste
Work with Sustainable Fairfax and other organizations to develop a robust, collaborative campaign to promote refuse, reuse, repair, and recycling of inorganic materials including single-use plastic items Ongoing
Promote Extended Producer Responsibility. Limit consumer goods packaging in collaboration with Sustainable Fairfax or other organizations by encouraging ondemand delivery services like Amazon and Blue Apron to reduce packaging waste and investigate requirements and incentives for engagement campaigns Not begun W-3: Commercial Edible Food recovery
Work with businesses to achieve 100% diversion of unwanted edible food through food recovery programs by 2025. Assess capacity of existing food recovery programs, expand existing food recovery infrastructure if needed, monitor commercial generators for compliance, and conduct education and outreach. Ongoing W-4: Commercial Organic Waste: Accomplish 100% diversion of commercial organic waste from the landfill through organic waste recycling/composting, and organic wasteto-energy or similar programs by 2025 or other programs to achieve highest and best use of these materials within the Town of Fairfax.

Work with Sustainable Fairfax, Zero Waste Marin, Marin Sanitary Service, and other organizations to conduct outreach and education to businesses subject to State organic waste recycling mandates (AB 1826 and SB 1383) and enforce compliance with the law. Ongoing
Adopt necessary Town ordinances to mandate compliance In progress W-5: Mandatory Commercial Waste Elimination and Diversion: Require use of reusable containers, packaging, and foodware in lieu of single-use, disposable, bioplastic materials, and recyclable materials by 2025.

Educate about and enforce the single-use foodware reduction ordinance (Fairfax Municipal Code Section 8.72) across commercial institutions with the goal of elimination of single-use plastic by 2023. Ongoing
Enforce state laws requiring waste elimination activities by commercial establishments. Ongoing In compliance with SB 1383, adopt an ordinance requiring mandatory commercial subscription to and participation in waste diversion activities and food recovery programs by all businesses regardless of size, including recycling collection provided by Marin Sanitary Service or other similar programs Complete Work with Sustainable Fairfax and Marin Sanitary Service to educate businesses on how to recycle and compost correctly and reduce landfill waste. In progress Research and support reusable food container programs In progress W-6: Waste from Town Operations and Facilities
Reduce, reuse, compost, and, as a last resort, recycle, waste at Town facilities. Conduct periodic waste audits of Town facilities to understand where opportunities for increased diversion lie and to track progress Ongoing
W-7: Construction & Demolition Debris and Self-Haul Waste Enforce the Town construction & demolition debris material recycling ordinance Ongoing W-8: Waste Processing Franchise Agreement and Infrastructure: Review and revise the Town’s franchise agreement with the resource recovery service (for example, Marin Sanitary Service) to ensure waste reduction and diversion targets are met.

Request the Town’s resource recovery service to conduct a feasibility study and consider investing in new solid waste processing infrastructure to remove recoverable materials (recycling and organics) from the waste stream and reduce contamination.

Ensure organic waste collection service (including green waste, food waste, fibers, and manure) that complies with SB 1383 regulations is provided to all residents and businesses Ongoing
Conduct residential and commercial waste audits and waste characterization studies to identify opportunities for increased diversion and to track progress in meeting targets Ongoing Investigate the feasibility of adding a small fee recouped by the Town as part of the resource recovery service to help fund waste reduction programs. Not begun Collaborate with other towns and the county to move our waste hauler to zero net GHG by 2030. Ongoing

WATER CONSERVATION
Completed,
In progress,
ongoing, or
not begun
C-1: Water Use Requirements
Adopt Cal Green Tier 2 regulations for new construction in 2022 In progress C-2: Community Water Use: Reduce indoor and outdoor water use in residential and commercial buildings and landscaping.

Work with Marin Water and other organizations to promote water conservation program In progress Educate residents and businesses about local and State laws requiring retrofit of noncompliant plumbing fixtures during remodeling Ongoing Ensure all projects requiring building permits, plan check, or design review comply with State and Marin Water regulations. Ongoing
Encourage maximum permissible use of grey-water for residential and commercial use Not begun Adopt ordinance mandating water saving measures from drought-times to be used all the time Not begun
C-3: Municipal Water Use: Reduce indoor and outdoor water use in municipal facilities and operations.

Work with Marin Water to review all accounts, and work with conservation manager to reduce consumption. Not begun
Replace high water use plants, lawns and inefficient irrigation systems with xeriscaping and carbon sequestering landscaping. Not begun
Continue to regularly replace all plumbing fixtures with the highest-efficiency fixtures. Ongoing Implement greywater systems in all town facilities where possible Ongoing Implement use of non-potable water (purple piping) for irrigation and other permissible uses where possible Not begun
Install rainwater catchment systems where feasible Not begun

SEQUESTRATION
Completed,
In progress,
ongoing, or
not begun
Continue to regulate and minimize removal of large trees and require planting of replacement trees and other appropriate vegetation Ongoing Plant, maintain, and replace trees, preferably with redwoods, on Town-owned land, including public parks, open space, medians, and rights of way, where feasible. Ongoing Require that the site planning, construction, and maintenance of new development preserve existing healthy trees and native vegetation on site or off-site to the maximum extent feasible, considering fire safety. Replace trees and vegetation not able to be saved, consistent with fire department Vegetation Management Plans In progress Recommend that community members plant appropriate tree species on private land. Not begun Evaluate creating a tree giveaway event or providing lower-cost trees to the public through a bulk purchasing program. Not begun
Encourage the creation of community gardens and healthy soils management on public lands by community groups and on private lands by individual households including onsite composting Ongoing Provide information to the public, including landscape companies, gardeners, and nurseries, on carbon sequestration rates, drought tolerance, soil management, and fire resistance of different tree and vegetation species as well as healthy soils management Not begun Develop parking lot landscape standards to maximize tree cover, size, growth, and sequestration potential possibly in conjunction with EV panel shade structures. Not begun Support Marin farms using sustainable methods for producing produce, dairy, or meat Not begun S-2: Habitat Restoration and Soil Regeneration: Increase carbon sequestration in the built environment, developed landscapes, and open space/natural areas.

Increase carbon sequestration potential of local habitat, such as streamside forests, through climate-smart restoration Not begun
Encourage and support composting and biochar for application to develop healthy, carbon rich soils as appropriate Ongoing
Manage parks and open spaces to steadily increase carbon capture in vegetation and soil Ongoing
Manage trees and invasive species in the open space for forest health, water cycling, and soil organic matter as well as reduction of fuel load. Ongoing Explore the application of riparian restoration methodologies within Fairfax Not begun S-3: Carbon Offsets
Identify and partner with local non-profit organizations and/or businesses that actively sequester carbon in their activities (e.g., climate-smart habitat restoration or regenerative agriculture) to promote a carbon offset program. Not begun Encourage community members to purchase high quality carbon offsets to reduce their carbon footprint through engagement campaigns, focusing on emissions that are currently difficult to mitigate otherwise, such as airplane travel. Not begun In 2030, and every year thereafter, the Town will procure high quality carbon offsets to offset the Town emissions not already eliminated by other sections of this plan. These offsets could either be purchased from the then-operating markets or used to finance a local fund to pay for GHG infrastructure improvements. Not begun S-4: Building Materials
Encourage use of climate-friendly building materials that store more carbon dioxide than is released in their production through agency partnerships and engagement campaigns. Ongoing
Adopt an ordinance requiring the use of low carbon concrete in new construction based on the County’s model ordinance (Ordinance No. 3717, adopted November 2019) Not begun IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING Completed,
In
progress,
ongoing, or
not begun
I-1: Annual Monitoring: Monitor and report on the Town’s progress annually in implementing the Climate Action Plan. Create an annual action plan for implementation.

Ongoing
I-2: Update GHG Emissions Inventories Update the greenhouse gas emissions inventory for community emissions annually and every five years for government operations.

Ongoing
I-3: Identify and Secure Funding Sources: Identify funding sources for recommended actions, and pursue local, regional, state, and federal grants as appropriate. Investigate creation of local funding sources such as a local carbon fund or carbon offset program to implement the Climate Action Plan.

Ongoing
I-4: Update the Climate Action Plan:

Update the Climate Action Plan as needed to incorporate new long-term reduction targets and strategies to meet those targets
Ongoing
I-5: Project Compliance Checklist
Develop a project compliance checklist to use when reviewing development proposals, use permit applications, and building permits to ensure compliance with Climate Action Plan measures.

Not begun

FAIRFAX
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2030
Adopted on July 7, 2021 by Fairfax Town Council

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ATTACHMENT B
Fairfax Town Council acknowledges that we are located on the un-ceded ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok people of present-day Marin County. We honor with gratitude the land itself, and all of its ancestors: past, present and emerging.

FAIRFAX TOWN COUNCIL
Bruce Ackerman Barbara Coler Chance Cutrano
Renee Goddard Stephanie Hellman

FAIRFAX CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE
Walt Vernon Joanne Lasnier Christopher Lang
Bruce Ackerman Stephanie Hellman
Jody Timms Kiki La Porta
Jennifer Hammond David Haskell

FAIRFAX TOWN STAFF
Garrett Toy, Town Manager Ben Berto, Director of Planning and Building Services

COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Sustainable Fairfax Resilient Neighborhoods

MARIN CLIMATE & ENERGY PARTNERSHIP
Christine O’Rourke, Sustainability Coordinator
Funded by the Marin Climate & Energy Partnership and the Marin Energy Watch Partnership.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
WHAT YOU CAN DO 3
PREFACE: A VISION FOR FAIRFAX IN 2030 4
1 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION 5
During the public comment period, some Fairfaxians expressed concern at the ambition of this Plan, noting that it will be hard and costly. These problems are especially acute for those with fewer resources. All public comments, including these concerns, were given serious consideration. 5 Social Equity 7
What Is a Climate Action Plan? 7
Climate Action Globally and Locally 8
Fairfax’s Climate Actions 10
Adaptation and Community Resilience 12
SECTION 2: REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS 15
Consumption-Based Emissions Inventory (CBEI) 16
Community Emissions Forecast and Reduction Targets 18
Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 19
Summary of State Greenhouse Gas Reductions 20
Local Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 20
Summary of Local Strategies 21

1. COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT (O) 23
Resilient Neighborhoods Climate Emergency Responders Team – Spring, 2021 25

2. TRANSPORTATION (T) 27
Downtown Fairfax ADA electric vehicle charging site and transit stop 32

3. RENEWABLE ENERGY & ELECTRIFICATION (R) 32

4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY (E) 37

5. WASTE REDUCTION (W) 40

6. WATER CONSERVATION (C) 45
APPENDIX B: GHG Reduction Calculations 56
APPENDIX C: Community Engagement Process 92
2 WHAT YOU CAN DO

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
• Learn about and reduce your carbon footprint by taking the actions identified in this Plan.
• Complete a Resilient Neighborhoods program with a team of community members.
• Create a zero-carbon strategy and timeline for your household.

TRANSPORTATION-37% of potential reductions
• Make your next vehicle acquisition an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle or motorcycle.
• Bike, walk, scooter, skateboard or take transit as much as possible. • Reduce the number of miles you drive by working from home when possible.
• Shut off your gas-powered vehicle when idling. RENEWABLE ENERGY & ELECTRIFICATION-34% of potential reductions • Switch to MCE Deep Green or PG&E Solar Choice 100% renewable electricity; sign up for MCE Local Sol.
• Install a solar energy system and/or battery storage on your home and/or business.
• Replace appliances that use natural gas with ones that use electricity. • Investigate efficient heat pump technology when replacing water heaters and home heating and cooling systems.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY-5% of potential reductions
• Upgrade insulation, seal leaks, and install a programmable thermostat. • Have an energy assessment done for your home and/or business. • Purchase Energy Star appliances and equipment.
• Replace indoor/outdoor lights with LED bulbs and turn off when not in use.

WASTE REDUCTION-6% of potential reductions
• Evaluate every purchase and buy only what you need.
• Avoid food waste and put food scraps in green bin, compost or worm bin. • Purchase locally produced items and shop locally whenever possible. • Recycle and/or repair as much as you can and donate reusable items.

WATER CONSERVATION-<1% of potential reductions
3 PREFACE: A Vision for Fairfax in 2030
Visualize what Fairfax could feel like in 2030, the year that our Climate Emergency Resolution says we will achieve carbon neutrality…
In 2030, Fairfax takes pride, as it always has, in leading by example. Our vibrant and beautiful town and surroundings are more the focus of people’s lives than the personal consumption that drove the last century.

Almost every home in Fairfax, whether owner-occupied or rented, has been upgraded with insulation, efficient electric appliances, solar generation and storage of energy wherever possible.

The Town government took the lead on this, creating a local microgrid, and running all its buildings and vehicles on renewable energy.

Meanwhile our vision is that the state-wide electric grid has become 100% renewable, with storage so that fossil fueled generation is no longer required for nighttime or winter use. MCE, which Fairfax was so instrumental in creating, is an example for the world.

Transportation has taken a major and welcome shift away from the old paradigm of individuallyowned fossil-fueled vehicles clogging the roads and parking in every available space. Now most everyone regularly uses electric vehicles, shared electric transportation and/or transit, and the roads, sidewalks and recreational staging areas are well maintained for walking, bicycling, and electric bike use for all. The Town center no longer looks like a parking lot, our narrow streets are far more passable, the town is quieter, the air is cleaner, and people love meeting each other as they move about. We’ve reclaimed our community.

The town has done a great deal to become resilient – we eat locally grown food, we can keep our electricity on when the larger grid fails, and of course we’re leaving fossil carbon in the ground.

We’re prepared for fires, and relieved to see the wildland fire seasons starting to become less destructive. Taking good care of our water, we can deal with the variability in rainfall that we’re going to have to live with for decades to come as we draw down the carbon in the atmosphere. • Buy energy-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers; only run when full. • Install low water flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets. • Replace water intensive landscape with drought-tolerant and fire-resistant plants.
• Install a drip irrigation system; capture and utilize rain water. • Follow Marin Water drought guidelines and regulations when they are in place.
4 Our collective progress on so many of these fronts is known, followed and discussed by all citizens.

A sense of possibility and excitement has replaced the denial, fatalism and dread that was so sadly present back in 2020, the lowest point in our nation’s history. We all know that it took far too long for society to wean itself off fossil fuels and rampant consumerism, but we’re on a strong and joyous path of healing now.

Section 1: INTRODUCTION
The need for local governments to act on climate change has never been more urgent, as demonstrated by 2020’s devastating wildfires layered over a global COVID-19 pandemic. The Town of Fairfax has long been dedicated to environmental leadership, and this plan continues that legacy by incorporating new ideas and ambitious targets. In fact, in the face of this urgency, the Fairfax Town Council passed a resolution in March of 2019 declaring a Climate Emergency and set a goal of zero emissions by 2030, in alignment with the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Working together, we are making a difference for our collective future.

The following plan outlines a path towards reducing local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the year 2030. This policy guidance is invaluable. Annually, the Fairfax Climate Action Committee, in collaboration with Town staff and the Town Council, will develop an annual action plan and requested funding budget for actions to be taken that year, using this plan for guidance and incorporating best available resources, technology, and funding sources.

During the public comment period, some Fairfaxians expressed concern at the ambition of this Plan, noting that it will be hard and costly. These problems are especially acute for those with fewer resources. All public comments, including these concerns, were given serious consideration.

The goals and initiatives outlined in this plan are what is necessary, given the reality of climate science to date, and to paraphrase a member of the California Energy Commission, the dangers of going too fast are far less than the dangers of going too slow.

Technology is evolving rapidly, and costs of effective solutions are coming down. Indeed, California is “ground zero” for innovation and technology, as well as financing tools to make this innovation accessible. What seems daunting today will become easier over time.

In addition, the Town of Fairfax is committed to doing whatever can be done to bring additional resources, both financial and technical, to help people, as detailed throughout this Plan.

The final section on Implementation and Monitoring notes the possibility that this Plan may be updated mid-stream, and amended as needed, based on what happens as time passes. 5 Climate change is the greatest threat humanity has ever faced. It is a collective action problem that is part of the tapestry of work around the world to achieve what is necessary. Action must be taken.

The Town understands both the urgency, challenges, and complexity in making these needed changes, and is committed and determined to serve the good of the people who call this Town home.
6 Social Equity
It is important to note first that climate change and equity are interconnected. Often, the communities who have contributed the least to global warming, including low-income communities, communities of color, indigenous peoples, and developing nations, suffer first and most from climate change. The Town of Fairfax acknowledges disadvantaged communities have existed and still exist outside of and within Marin County and the Town of Fairfax seeks to design and implement solutions relevant to all peoples. This requires internal and external on-going work to normalize, organize, and internalize equity principles and approaches.

One definition of social equity is the “just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.” When considering regulations and incentives 1 to promote actions that reduce GHG emissions, it’s important to consider the effect on all Fairfax residents and businesses. For example, financial incentives to replace natural gas appliances with electric appliances may only be available to those with the means to buy new appliances. It is important to develop programs that address this disparity so that no one is excluded.

Sustainability has been described as a three-legged stool, pointing to the need to address not just the environment and the economy, but social equity as well. It is important to consider and include our diverse community members and business interests in the development and implementation of the strategies in this plan.

In 2020 Fairfax established the Racial Equity and Social Justice Committee (RESJ), which could play a role in ensuring that equity is centered throughout this major work.

What Is a Climate Action Plan?
A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a public document which:
● Helps us to understand how our community contributes to climate change ● Sets targets for how much we want to reduce these contributions by a certain year ● Outlines a path for us to meet that goal.

This CAP is grounded in the Town of Fairfax’s understanding that climate change is already impacting California and the world and will continue to affect our town’s residents and businesses for the foreseeable future, as well as other communities around the world. The Town of Fairfax also recognizes that local governments play a strong role in reducing GHG emissions in their municipal operations and communities and mitigating the future impacts of climate change.

PolicyLink, “The Equity Manifesto.” 1
7 This CAP, at its core, seeks to reimagine a community that is substantially less dependent on fossil fuels and provides a prosperous environment for both current and future generations, while not exporting environmental damage and GHG emissions to other parts of the Bay Area, nation, or world.

Climate Action Globally and Locally
In December 2015, all the members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) signed on to the historic “Paris Agreement” at the 21st Conference of the Parties 2 (COP21) to the UNFCCC. The central aim of the Paris Agreement is to “strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the agreement aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.” The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 Degrees Celsius (October, 2018) to the UNFCCC found that to avoid long lasting or irreversible climate change impacts and stay below 1.5º C warming since the industrial era, global net humancaused emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) need to fall by about 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 , 3 reaching around 2050 ‘net zero’ emissions (carbon emissions balanced with carbon removal from the atmosphere). In addition, roughly 500 billion tons of human-caused CO2 emissions already in the atmosphere must be removed over the decades ahead. The report finds that this would require “rapid and far-reaching” transitions in land, energy, industry, buildings, transport, and cities. Per the IPCC, every bit of warming matters, every action matters, every year matters, every choice matters and every fraction of a degree less of warming will reduce the toll on humans, ecosystems and economies.

In 2006, the State of California enacted the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) which established a comprehensive program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all sources throughout the state. AB 32 was co-authored by then Assemblymember Fran Pavley and then Assembly Speaker, Fabian Nunez. It was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger on September 27, 2006.

AB 32 required the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop regulations and market mechanisms to reduce California's GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, representing about 30% reductions statewide, with mandatory caps starting in 2012 for significant emissions sources. Along As of May 2019, 194 states and the European Union have signed the Agreement. 185 states and the EU, representing 2 more than 88% of global greenhouse gas emissions, have ratified or acceded to the Agreement, including China, the United States and India.
~68% from 1990 levels based on 2010 global CO2 emissions of 33.5 Gt and 1990 global CO2 emissions of 22.29 Gt (see 3 more here). Global CO2 emissions reached 37.1 Gt in 2018, up 2.7% compared to the year before (see more here). 8 with adopting Early Action Measures and initiating regulations for additional GHG emissions source reductions, CARB created the CAP and Trade market shortly thereafter.

In California, climate policy objectives initially proposed by Governor Jerry Brown, were codified through passage of Senate Bill (SB) 32 (Pavley, Chapter 249, Statutes of 2016) and SB 1386 (Wolk, Chapter 545, Statutes of 2016). SB 32 commits California to reducing GHG emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, and SB 1386 identifies the protection and management of natural and working lands as a key strategy towards meeting this ambitious GHG emissions reduction goal. Specifically, SB 1386 directs State agencies to consider the carbon sequestration potential of natural and working lands “when revising, adopting, or establishing policies, regulations, expenditures, or grant criteria related to [their] protection and management.” The Governor further supported these activities with Executive Order B-52-18, which calls for improved management of the State’s forests, and Executive Order B-54-18, which calls for actions to protect the State’s biodiversity from current and future challenges of climate change. In September 2018, Governor Brown signed Executive Order B-55-18, which establishes a goal for California to achieve carbon neutrality (net zero emissions) by 2045 and after that, maintaining net-negative emissions (sequestering more carbon that is being emitted). While California is still working through the details of what this means and how it can be achieved, it will require both technological solutions and natural solutions including more and appropriate tree planting; climate-smart habitat restoration initiatives; reduction of ecological degradation; and ocean protection. Natural climate solutions and “green” infrastructure are increasingly being prioritized through several state directives and bills to reduce emissions and drawdown atmospheric GHG from natural and working lands (e.g., forests, rangelands, farmlands, wetlands, and soils) while also protecting biodiversity and nature’s ability to increase our resilience to growing climate extremes. In 2019, the California Air Resources Board was finalizing guidelines and protocols for Natural and Working Lands GHG emissions reductions and sequestration guidelines (including forests, rangelands, wetlands, and farms).

The regularly updated Safeguarding California Plan shows what state government is doing to address the climate impacts we are seeing today and create a more resilient future. The 2018 Safeguarding California In Action: Climate Change Adaptation Examples from State Agencies details examples of projects and programs to increase resilience to climate change.

Actions include emergency management, public health improvements, habitat restoration, reforestation and urban tree planting, permeable pavements, drought resilient lawns, climate-smart agriculture, planting of deep-rooted perennials, covering of bare soil, and water recycling.

Going beyond the ambition of the State of California, the Town of Fairfax is setting a target of 100% GHG emissions reduction by the year 2030 (from a 2005 baseline or 45% below 1990 levels), establishing a goal of community-scale carbon neutrality by 2030, and creating a “Framework for a Post-Carbon Community” to guide the Climate Action Plan update process. A “post-carbon community” can be defined as one that provides for economic and social opportunity across all 9 ages, cultures, and abilities without
producing net greenhouse gas
emissions nor contributing to
ecosystem degradation.

By adopting ambitious greenhouse gas
emissions reductions and developing
sequestration targets as well as
measurable adaptation, hazard
mitigation and ecological conservation
measures, our community will
continue to demonstrate local climate
action leadership while aligning with
the urgency of recent IPCC climate
science findings, the Paris Agreement
and the vision of California Executive
Order B-55-18.

Fairfax’s Climate Actions
The adoption of the Fairfax General Plan in 2012 has helped preserve a livable, walkable community with abundant open space, and led to the creation of the first Climate Action Plan and the Climate Action Committee. On the non-governmental side, Sustainable Fairfax has led a host of initiatives, events, and fostered education for many years.

Fairfax has long been a leader in moving toward zero waste, with mandatory use of curbside collection of recyclables and organic waste; visionary actions to reduce packaging in retail and food take-out; mandatory construction waste recycling; and a host of other ongoing actions.

The Town has long waived permit fees for solar and EV charger installations, has led in allowing/ encouraging greywater systems and water catchment, and converted most of its streetlights to LED.

PACE programs also help homeowners increase energy efficiency and solar.

The Safe Routes to Schools program was pioneered in Fairfax, and has been replicated in communities nationwide. Bicycling is used widely in the town for transportation, cargo carrying, and recreation thanks to the ongoing improvements in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Fairfax was a strong lead in the creation of MCE Clean Energy, beginning with a large part of the supporting legislation, AB117, being written in the town. 10 A detailed compilation of Fairfax’s actions related to climate may be found on the Climate Action Committee website: Fairfax Climate Action Scorecard.

We support the following guiding values and strategies as the framework for achieving carbon neutrality and a post-carbon economy.

FRAMEWORK FOR A POST-CARBON COMMUNITY
Guiding Values
• Equity & Access: Ensure that all people have the opportunity to benefit equally from climate solutions, while not taking on an unequal burden of climate impacts. • Cost and Time Effectiveness: Create solutions and options which minimize cost and burdens on time and management for all residents.
• Efficiency & Innovation: Promote the efficient use of resources and the adoption of clean and climate-smart technologies and techniques.
• Human Health & Wellness: Safeguard and enhance the ability of the community to live, work, play, connect, and thrive in a healthy social and physical environment. • Ecosystem Health & Green Infrastructure: Protect and restore natural and working ecosystems to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change while also providing nature’s benefits from clean air and water to flood mitigation, carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
• Resiliency & Capacity Building: Provide education and training on the opportunities offered by a more resilient future and encourage sustainable behaviors across all sectors of the community.

Key Strategies
• Clean & Renewable Power: Deploy and efficiently use clean, renewable, and locally sourced electricity generated onsite or transmitted through the power grid. • Electrification & Fossil Fuel Phase-Out: Upgrade and replace carbon-intensive, fossil fuel-based infrastructure and combustion power throughout the transportation and building sectors with clean electric power.
• Carbon Sequestration: Drawdown carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere through ecological and/or technological methods to capture and store in plants, soils, water systems, and other solid, long-term forms. • Mobility & Connectivity: Develop and enhance safe, multimodal, accessible, equitable, intelligent, clean, and well maintained motorized and non-motorized travel options, transit modes, transportation infrastructure, and community connectivity. 11 • Resource Conservation & Elimination of Waste: Conserve natural and manufactured resources by means of the responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials.
• Restorative Ecology & Green Infrastructure: Restore, rehabilitate, and repurpose degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems and habitats through active interventions.

Incorporate green infrastructure and ecosystem services into community design. • Climate Adaptation & Resilience: Prepare for, limit, learn from, and adapt to the negative effects of climate change through proactive and holistic planning and response at infrastructural, ecological, cultural, and institutional levels.

Adaptation and Community Resilience
Actions to address climate change are divided into two categories: mitigation, the reduction of greenhouse gases and other causes of climate change, and adaptation, actions to protect people and places from the effects of climate change. This Climate Action Plan addresses the former but as we know all too well, worldwide and certainly in California and Marin we are already experiencing the effects of climate change. Every year, we hear about more wildfires, more heat waves, longer droughts, more intense storms, less snowpack, and less fresh water. Annual average air temperatures have already increased by about 1.8 °F in California, and that number will likely double even if the world can reduce emissions 80% by 2050.

Marin is working to adapt to these impacts of climate change, including safety risks from the increased likelihood of wildfires and landslides, health impacts from heat exposure and wildfire smoke, negative impacts to agriculture, species, and natural resources, flooding from sea level rise and more intense storms. Fairfax needs to prepare as well. Although sea level rise has no direct impact on the Town of Fairfax, the indirect impact will be huge. Most Fairfax residents commute out of town to their places of employment and also for recreation, an option which may be severely restricted with sea level rise and an increasing number of days of flooding. In fact, all of Marin’s communities will likely need to welcome “climate refugees.” According to a County press release on January 13, 2021, “the County of Marin has been working to update its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), a document that helps mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. The LHMP lays out a process to prepare for, and lessen the impacts of, specified natural hazards that are most likely to impact Marin, such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, debris flows, wind damage, and tsunamis. The most recent LHMP and was broadened to include local towns, cities, and special districts as planning partners. Staff from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, the Marin County Fire Department, the Marin County Community Development Agency and the Marin County Department of Public Works are starting work on the next plan, slated to be adopted in 2023. Keeping the plan updated keeps Marin jurisdictions eligible 12 for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding both before and after emergencies.

FEMA’s grant program helps pay for LHMP planning.
“There have been a lot of advances in science and changes to environmental conditions in recent years, and that’s why these plans are continually updated every five years as required by law,” said Community Development Agency Planner Heather Dennis. “For instance, we keep applying lessons learned from every wildfire, and we have additional mapping of risks that weren’t available for our last LHMP update.” All of Marin’s towns and cities will participate in the plan’s update along with the North Marin Water District and the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. The multijurisdictional partnership was formed to pool resources and create a uniform hazard mitigation strategy that can be applied consistently to the defined planning area and used to ensure eligibility for specified grant funding success.” While this CAP contains some measures that address adaptation, a more complete plan for infrastructure, goals, policies and programs needs to be developed countywide, in collaboration with Marin’s municipalities and the County. On September 11, 2020 the 2019-2020 Marin County Civil Grand Jury issued their report, “Climate Change: How Will Marin Adapt?” This report details six recommendations including the convening of “a multi-jurisdictional task force charged with developing a single, comprehensive multi-jurisdictional adaptation strategy for all of Marin.” It also calls on the Board of Supervisors to form a new Office of Sustainability and Resilience devoted to climate change mitigation and adaptation, with a centralized grant-seeking function. Additionally, the report seeks support for the broadening of the Marin Climate & Energy Partnership (MCEP), from each of its members, of which Fairfax is one, for support in overall climate change planning efforts. The Town of Fairfax looks forward to working collaboratively toward any of these recommended actions and initiatives if they develop over the next few years.

Additionally, California Government Code Section 65302(g)(4), requires that cities and counties update their General Plan Safety Elements to address climate adaptation and resiliency strategies across the full breadth of hazard and safety issues associated with climate change. The Town of Fairfax will include these considerations in any updating of the Safety Element and/or the General Plan.

Building local community resilience is key in these times. Numerous activities in Fairfax are addressing this need. For instance, there are currently 9 Firewise communities in Fairfax, working to create defensible space around hardened homes, with evacuation maps supporting the need to exit to community refuge areas or to designated locations in the event of a wildfire, emergency, or other disaster requiring evacuation. Also, a nascent neighborhood organizing program is underway to support the creation of NRGs, Neighborhood Response Groups, with block captains or area leads who gather resident information and assist in the education and preparedness of the community for all types of disasters. Resilience means the ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune 13 or change. Preparing for and dealing with climate change will certainly enhance our community’s resilience.
14 Section 2: REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Fairfax is located in Marin County, one of the most affluent counties in California and the United States. With wealth comes purchasing power. The more we collectively consume, the higher our GHG emissions are and the more significant our impact on the planet. Currently, local governments can measure GHG emissions two ways: production-based or consumption-based.

Traditionally, per the US Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (ICLEI USA), local governments measure GHG emissions occurring within their geographic boundaries, known as community emissions, or production-based. A discussion of consumptionbased emissions will follow this section.

To measure community emissions, local governments collect data on activities in the following sectors:
• Transportation–100% of trips that take place entirely within Fairfax, 50% of trips that start elsewhere and end in Fairfax or start in Fairfax and end elsewhere • Energy–residential and commercial
• Off-Road Equipment–lawnmowers, construction equipment, agricultural equipment etc. • Water & Wastewater–processed, treated, and delivered
• Waste–disposed at landfills in the County and waste sent to outside facilities In the Town of Fairfax, as shown in Figure 1, the majority of community emissions come from vehicle trips generated by our residents and businesses. We generated 40,044 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO2e; includes CO2 and other warming GHG) in 2005. By 2018, emissions had dropped to 29,943 MTCO2e, a 25% reduction. This is well below the State and locally-adopted target for Fairfax, which is 15% below baseline (2005) emissions by 2020. While emissions declined in all sectors, the largest reductions were due to energy conservation and efficiency, a reduction in the carbon intensity of electricity, and improvements to vehicle fuel efficiency. Emissions from Town operations, which make up less than 1% of community-wide emissions, fell 45% by 2016. For more details, see the Town’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory for Community Emissions for the Year 2018.
15 FIGURE 1: COMMUNITY EMISSIONS BY SECTOR, 2018
Consumption-Based Emissions Inventory (CBEI)
In addition to the sectors outlined above, which measure the community emissions that are generated within the town’s borders, there are also emissions associated with the goods and services that residents in Fairfax consume. These are referred to as “consumption-based emissions,” “embodied emissions” or “life cycle emissions (the overall impact of a particular behavior or activity from production to disposal).” Rather than assessing emissions that are generated within a community or jurisdictional boundary, consumption- based inventories estimate the emissions based on the goods and services consumed within a place. This includes emissions from raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and disposal when these activities occur outside the jurisdictional boundary.

Historically, local governments have only included emissions that occur within their boundaries, including emissions associated with the production of goods that will eventually be exported.

However, in communities like Marin County (as in many other communities in the United States) where goods are more often imported than exported, consumption emissions can be up to 800% higher than their sector-based emissions inventory. Consumption emissions are harder to track and have fewer defined pathways for policy intervention from local governments, so the Marin jurisdictions continue to follow ICLEI’s Community Protocol and focus on actionable programs and policies to address local emissions. This CAP, wherever possible, seeks to take into account the whole picture of local contributions to climate change and includes some measures to address these emissions in the built environment.
16 In 2016, The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and U.C. Berkeley developed consumption-based inventories for Bay Area communities to better understand how our purchasing habits contribute to global climate change. A consumption-based emissions inventory includes sources that don’t get counted in the typical “in-boundary” GHG inventory, as well as other items that are difficult to quantify like airplane travel and upstream emissions from the production, transport and distribution of food and household goods. Figure 2 shows the results of the consumption-based emissions inventory for Fairfax households.

Although this consumption-based inventory is informative, it is not updated regularly and therefore does not provide a useful way to track changes in emissions levels over time. The Fairfax Greenhouse Gas Inventory instead focuses on emission sources that the town has some control over and that can be reliably quantified using established protocols and tracked annually in order to inform decision-making and measure progress. The town will continue to monitor the availability and applicability of consumption-based inventories and protocols to incorporate these tools into the annual inventory and implementation planning process whenever it becomes feasible.

According to this consumption-based inventory, the average Fairfax household generates 41.8 MTCO2e per year or more than 4 times more than the activity-based emissions inventory of about

8.9 MTCO2e per household per year (calculated per household based on the Town’s communitywide emissions of 29,943 MTCO2e).

In essence, our consumption drives climate change more than anything and although Fairfax is meeting its state targets for strict “activity-based” emissions reductions, we as a community have a long way to go. For more information on this and to see carbon footprints by census tract, visit the SF Bay Area Carbon Footprint Map. To learn how to measure and reduce your household carbon footprint, check out the Resilient Neighborhoods program. The graph below shows the relative impact of all the sources of emissions that make up a household carbon footprint. 17 FIGURE 2: AVERAGE FAIRFAX HOUSEHOLD CARBON FOOTPRINT Source: CoolClimate Network
Community Emissions Forecast and Reduction Targets
The CAP includes a “business-as-usual” (BAU) forecast in which emissions are projected in the absence of any policies or actions that would occur beyond the base year to reduce emissions. The forecasts are derived by increasing 2018 emissions using forecasted changes in population, number of households, and jobs according to projections developed by the Association of Bay Area Governments. Transportation emissions are projected utilizing data provided by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which incorporate the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reductions expected from the implementation of Plan Bay Area 2040 and the Regional Transportation Plan adopted in 2017. Emissions are expected to rise about 5.1% by 2030 and 4.9% by 2040. Although the regional agencies have not made official projections for 2050, adjusting projected 2040 emissions by the California Department of Finance’s projection for Marin County population for 2050 suggests emissions will be approximately 30,280 MTCO2e by 2050 under the BAU forecast.

This CAP establishes targets that exceed the State’s goals. Our community’s goal is a 100% GHG emissions reduction target by the year 2030 from a 2005 baseline. This means emissions need to 18 drop by 31,484 MTCO2e by 2030. The community emissions trend, forecast, State targets, and local targets are shown in Figure 3 below.

FIGURE 3: EMISSION TREND, FORECAST AND STATE TARGETS
Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Our CAP includes a variety of regulatory, incentive-based and voluntary strategies that are expected to reduce emissions from both existing and new development in Fairfax. Several of the strategies build on existing programs while others provide new opportunities to address climate change.

State and federal actions will have a substantial impact on future emissions. Local strategies will supplement these actions and achieve additional GHG emissions reductions. Successful implementation will rely on the combined participation of Town staff along with Fairfax residents, businesses and community leaders.

The following sections identify the State and local strategies included in the CAP to reduce emissions in community and government operations. Emissions reductions are estimated for each strategy; combined, they show that our community could reduce emissions 100% by 2030. As shown in Figure 4, State actions represent about 5% of the reduction expected through implementation of Fairfax’s CAP, while local actions represent about 95%. 19 BUSINESS-AS-USUAL FORECAST

ACTUAL EMISSIONS
Fairfax CAP Goal
State Goal
FIGURE 4: CUMULATIVE IMPACT OF FAIRFAX GHG REDUCTION STRATEGIES Summary of State Greenhouse Gas Reductions
The CAP incorporates State reduction strategies that have been approved, programmed and/or adopted and will reduce local community emissions from 2018 levels. These programs require no local actions. They are quantified and deducted from projected Fairfax emissions in order to provide a better picture of what still needs to be reduced at the local level to get to the overall GHG reduction targets. State actions and emissions reductions are shown in Table 1 and detailed in the appendix.

TABLE 1: EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS IN FAIRFAX FROM STATE OF CALIFORNIA ACTIONS Local Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
State Action
Emissions Reductions
by 2030
(MTCO2e)
% Reductions
Light and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Regulations 1,330 89%
Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards 129 9%
Renewable Portfolio Standard 37 2%
Total 1,496 100%
20 BUSINESS-AS-USUAL FORECAST

STATE ACTIONS

LOCAL ACTIONS
Each of the following sections provide a summary table of local measures and associated GHG reductions, followed by a description of the specific actions we will undertake to implement each measure. The methodologies and implementation targets used to calculate emissions reductions are described in Appendix B. Sometimes, there is no direct or reliable way to estimate GHG savings for a particular measure or the savings are embedded in another measure. In this case, the GHG reduction is identified as “not applicable” or “n/a.” For example: Community Engagement is essential for success in many of the measures set forth throughout the Plan, but counting savings in this section would then be double-counting savings from other measures such as those in Transportation or Energy. People need to know about a program to take advantage of it, but the actual emissions reductions will come from participating in the program itself. Therefore, the savings is counted for that program.

Summary of Local Strategies
The local mitigation measures, summarized in Table 2 below, achieve greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the community of approximately 29,988 MTCO2e in 2030.

TABLE 2: EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS FROM LOCAL STRATEGIES
Note: some numbers may be slightly off due to rounding.

These local mitigation measures are detailed in the following sections:

1. Community Outreach and Engagement (O)

2. Transportation (T)

3. Renewable Energy & Electrification (R)

4. Energy Efficiency (E)

5. Waste Reduction (W)

6. Water Conservation (C)

7. Sequestration (S)
Strategy GHG Reductions by 2030
(MTCO2e) % Reductions
Transportation 11,022 37%
Renewable Energy & Electrification 10,321 34%
Energy Efficiency 1,428 5%
Waste Reduction 1,818 6%
Water Conservation 1 <1%
Sequestration 5,398 18%
Total 29,988 100%
21 8. Implementation and Monitoring (I)
Together, the projected reductions from State and local actions total 31,484 MTCO2e by 2030, which means the Town will achieve net zero emissions by 2030. 22 1. COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT (O)
The Fairfax 2030 Climate Action Plan contains actions that the Town, its residents, businesses, schools, faith-based groups and community-based organizations can undertake to reduce our emissions to zero-net carbon by 2030. Much of the success of our plan will depend on informing, educating and motivating our community members and encouraging them to take action on their own, while the Town can compel more comprehensive action through specific programs and by adopting ordinances and regulations. This section, first and foremost, details the ways in which the Town will seek public engagement and work with local businesses and community groups to achieve the emissions reductions identified for actions in other sections of the plan.

Educating residents on ways they can reduce their carbon footprint happens in a number of ways and one of those has involved the Town partnering with Resilient Neighborhoods through their free 5-session program that educates participants about strategies and resources to improve home energy efficiency, shift to renewable energy, use low-carbon transportation, conserve water, reduce waste, and adapt to a changing climate. The Town has also partnered with Sustainable Fairfax for many years to motivate residents to reduce, reuse, recycle, compost and address the myriad of actions required to impact climate change.

Our Town will undertake the actions listed below to further engage our community in emissions reductions and conservation efforts to secure a healthy and vibrant Fairfax well into the future.

TABLE 10: COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT MEASURES – FROM THE COMMUNITY AND TOWN

GOVERNMENT
O-1 Community Education. Educate and motivate community members on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their homes, businesses, transportation modes, and other activities.

ID Measure Milestone
O-1 Community Education # and types of outreach
O-2 Community Outreach # and types of outreach
O-3 Green Business # of businesses adopting Green policies O-4 Advocacy
O-5 Funding Strategies
23 • Host workshops and educational events in collaboration with our community-based organizations including the local library and possibly neighboring towns • Encourage the use of online tools to determine one’s household carbon footprint and how to make appropriate reductions through lifestyle changes and household practices • Encourage the ongoing formation of local Resilient Neighborhood teams • Collaborate with neighborhood response groups and Firewise USA® communities to inform and publicize the activities and strategies of the Fairfax Climate Action Committee • Utilize the Fairfax Climate Action Committee website, the Town's website, newsletters, social media, public service announcements and advertisements, recognition programs, presentations, events, and other forms of public education and outreach. • Educate the public about the environmental benefits of actions such as:
o purchasing 100% renewable electricity
o using carbon-free and low-carbon transportation modes and shared transportation o electrifying homes and commercial buildings
o installing solar energy systems
o installing energy and water efficient appliances and fixtures o eating less meat and dairy products
o growing food at home
o purchasing locally-produced food
O-2 Community Outreach. Based on A Vision for Fairfax in 2030, implement a communitywide public outreach and behavior change campaign to engage residents, businesses, and educational, faith, social and cultural organizations around the impacts of climate change and the ways individuals and organizations can reduce their GHG emissions and create a more sustainable, resilient, and healthier community.
• Create and distribute a survey to residents to gain feedback and input on current initiatives and strategies
• Prioritize promotion of programs that have the greatest greenhouse gas reduction potential while utilizing the latest social science on behavior change. • Emphasize and encourage citizens' involvement in reaching the community's climate goals, including innovative means of tracking milestones (such as the Fairfax greenhouse gas meter) and comparing Fairfax's performance with other communities and with state, national and global benchmarks.
• Partner with MCE, PG&E, MMWD, Marin Sanitary Service, Transportation Authority of Marin, Marin Transit, Golden Gate Transit, SMART, and other entities to promote available financing, audits, rebates, incentives, and services to the Fairfax community. • Create stories and “shareable content” that can be used by bloggers, businesses, nonprofits, social media, and traditional media. • Use creative methods to engage the public, such as games, giveaways, prizes, contests, simple surveys, digital tools, and “pop-up” events.
• Develop pilot programs using community-based social marketing and other social sciencebased techniques to effect behavior change. • Participate in countywide outreach and education efforts, such as Drawdown Marin. 24 O-3 Green Businesses. Encourage local businesses to implement new and improved existing business practices to reduce GHG emissions
• Work with the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce to encourage local businesses to participate in the Marin County Green Business Program.
• Provide information to businesses about the Marin County Green Business Program including through the business license renewal program. • Promote businesses in Fairfax who participate in the Marin County Green Business Program.

O-4 Advocacy. Advocate at all levels of government for policies, funding and actions that support the rapid transition to a GHG-free community.

O-5. Funding Strategies. Research and promote innovative funding strategies to support initiatives and goals for an equitable and just transition to a GHG-free world.

Resilient Neighborhoods Climate Emergency Responders Team – Spring, 2021 25 26

2. TRANSPORTATION (T)
37% of potential reductions
The process of transporting ourselves around accounts for more than 50% of our community emissions and individually in Marin, nearly half of our carbon footprint comes from driving gasoline automobiles. Hence driving a zero emissions vehicle (ZEV), an electric car or e-bike, can make a substantial difference in addressing climate change. In nearly every way, electric vehicles are simply better than gas-powered cars and the need to transition as soon as possible to the aggressive goal of 100% zero emission vehicles is imperative.

Marin County has been a leader in ZEV adoption-second only to Santa Clara County and Fairfax can become a leader as well. The number of electric vehicle options for cars and e-bikes has increased dramatically in recent years, and promises to continue to grow. As the number of models increases and costs drop, the viability of ZEV’s grows steadily, with the electric infrastructure improving as well.

Our plan is to encourage ZEV ownership through public education and incentives in collaboration with programs such as Drive Clean Bay Area. New cars are typically out of the reach of low-income household budgets, but programs that incentivize used EV car purchases through income qualified rebates, and bulk, discount purchasing of new cars are planned across the County and State. Ebikes have become more popular and available, and offer a more affordable option. The installation of many more EV chargers at multi-residential buildings, businesses, schools, in public parking lots and in low-income areas can also help ensure that the benefits of EV ownership are shared by all.

That said, we can’t rely on ZEV’s alone to meet our transportation reductions; reducing congestion, encouraging telecommuting and remote work, ride-sharing and shared ownership of vehicles, enabling better biking and walking opportunities, and incentivizing public transit all carry cobenefits and can be enjoyed by all. See the excellent book Three Revolutions: Steering Automated, Shared, and Electric Vehicles to a Better Future, by Daniel Sperling, for long-range thinking on transportation.
27 Our community will take the following actions to reduce emissions from transportation sources TABLE 3: TRANSPORTATION MEASURES TO REDUCE GHG EMISSIONS – FROM COMMUNITY AND TOWN

OPERATIONS
*Emissions reductions due to smart growth development are embedded in vehicle miles traveled projections utilized in the development of the emissions forecast. In order to avoid double-counting, they are not included here.

T-1: Zero Emission Vehicles
Implement the initiatives below that will result in 100% zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), including plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, used by Fairfax residents, businesses and the Town by 2030. In Marin County, 40% of individual carbon footprint comes from passenger vehicles so switching to an EV, particularly when plugging into 100% renewable electricity, can cut footprint in half.
• Increase the visibility and awareness of EVs as a necessary transportation option. ○ Participate with Drive Clean Bay Area’s public awareness campaign for benefits of EV ownership, available rebates, preferential utility rates and pricing, and expected electricity costs as compared to gasoline powered transportation, through mechanisms including the Town newsletter, website, and neighborhood social media, and over-thecounter handouts developed by EV organizations, at Town Hall. ○ Promote county wide efforts by Drive Clean Bay Area, MCE, PG&E, and others to provide rebates for new or used electric vehicles and/or charging stations.

ID Measure GHG Reduction by
2030
(MTCO2e)
T-1 Zero Emission Vehicles 10,648
T-2 Bicycling 25
T-3 Walking 7
T-4 Safe Routes to School 31
T-5 Public Transit 77
T-6 Carpooling 83
T-7 Traffic System Management and Vehicle Idling 46
T-8 Smart Growth Development* n/a
Community Subtotal 10,648
T-9 Renewable Carbon Fuels 105
Town Operations Subtotal 105
TRANSPORTATION GHG REDUCTIONS TOTAL 11,022
28 ○ Seek opportunities to promote EVs at Town events, such as by running a Public Service Announcement during, and including EV/e-Bikes in, the Fairfax Parade. ○ Support Drive Clean Bay Area in coordinating test drive events with local EV dealers, manufacturers, and related non-profit organizations to familiarize residents with EV technology and use these forums to present information about available federal and state incentives which significantly reduce costs.
○ Target policies to support new and used ZEVs for income qualified and disadvantaged community members.
○ Apply decals to Town EVs upon purchase to promote the Town’s use of Zero Emission Vehicles. [Decals available from Drive Clean Bay Area]. • Fund EV/ZEV strategy and projects while discouraging gasoline cars ○ Investigate a vehicle fee on all gasoline powered vehicles owned or leased by Town residents. The fee could be equal to the cost of procuring offsets for the average emissions for the class of vehicles.
■ Consider adopting an ordinance to become effective as soon as possible. ■ Fees could go back into the community via incentive programs that promote zero emissions transportation, in particular, targeting disadvantaged community members.
• Increase and accelerate EV use within the Town.
○ Promote a county-wide effort to require, as practicable, ride hailing companies to utilize zero emission vehicles and to strongly promote ride-sharing. ○ Promote a county-wide effort to deploy county-wide shared electric vehicle and bicycle and/or scooter program. (see T-2 Bicycling)
○ Implement more stringent requirements for pre-wiring new single family and multifamily construction, as well as substantial remodels, for EV chargers. (see new building ordinances)
○ Require new and remodeled commercial projects to install a minimum number of electric vehicle chargers for use by employees, customers, and residents. ○ Purchase or lease EVs for Town fleet as vehicles are replaced, to be completed by 2030. ○ Continue to offer streamlined permitting process and waive permit fees for EV charging infrastructure.
○ Affirm that charging spaces designated for EVs count toward meeting minimum parking requirements for business owners and builders.
○ Adopt ordinance to phase out use of all fossil-fueled off-road construction vehicles, with exemptions, if warranted, for disadvantaged business owners. • Advance an efficient distribution of public charging infrastructure that is optimized for future technologies and EV demand.
29 ○ Increase the number of public charging stations and locations, taking advantage of all relevant grants, including funds available through TAM, PG&E, MCE, and BAAQMD. ○ Install chargers for Town vehicles.
○ Install EV charging stations for all public parking lot improvements, including parks. ○ Work with MCE, PG&E, and other entities to identify multi-family and workplace charging sites appropriate for available incentive programs. ○ Encourage local organizations and workplaces, (e.g., churches, schools, library) to install publicly available charging stations.
○ Provide wayfinding signage to public EV chargers and link to existing wayfinding programs.

T-2: Bicycling
• Encourage bicycling, e-bikes, and e-scooters as an alternative to automobile travel. Establish and maintain bicycle infrastructure that is consistent with the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and Complete Streets policies. Implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan’s recommendations to support and expand bicycling.
• Incorporate new studies and methodology by Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) in the future to reflect increased emissions reduction by e-bikes and other similar modes of transportation.

T-3: Walking
Encourage walking as an alternative to vehicular travel and continue the Fairfax sidewalk improvement program. Establish and maintain pedestrian infrastructure (including sidewalks) that is consistent with the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and Complete Streets policies.

Implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan’s recommendations to support and expand walking.

T-4: Safe Routes to School
Continue to support the Safe Routes to School Program and strive to increase bicycling, scootering, walking, carpooling, and taking public transit to school.

T-5: Public Transit
Support and promote reduced fare-free public transit by taking the following actions (possibly in coordination with neighboring Ross Valley towns):
• Work with Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit to maximize ridership, including adding more bike spaces on buses.
• Find ways to subsidize use of public transportation for low-income residents. • Work with SMART, TAM, employers, and others to provide first and last mile programs, such as ride-sharing services or shuttle buses, to maximize utilization of the train. • Encourage continuation of the “Yellow School Bus” program and student use of regular transit to reduce school traffic.
30 • Work with other towns to advocate to transit providers and school bus providers to purchase electric buses whenever replacing existing buses.

T-6: Carpooling
• Work with the Transportation Authority of Marin and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to promote transportation demand programs to local employers, including rideshare matching programs, vanpool incentive programs, emergency ride home programs, telecommuting, and incentives to use transportation other than single occupant vehicles. • Advocate for implementation of carpooling through ride-hailing apps such as Lyft and Uber.

T-7: Traffic System Management and Vehicle Idling
• Implement signal synchronization and/or transportation network improvements to minimize or eliminate wait times at traffic lights and to reduce congestion through increased traffic flow, in collaboration with neighboring towns when appropriate. • Encourage drivers and autonomous vehicles to limit vehicle idling through implementing behavior change and engagement campaigns, especially at schools.

T-8: Smart Growth Development
Maintain existing zoning and support new zoning as needed that allows for infill, higher density, and mixed-use development near transit and within walking distance to shopping, schools, and services.

T-9: Renewable Carbon Fuels
Use renewable diesel as a transition fuel in the Town’s fleet if feasible and environmentally appropriate, and encourage the Town’s service providers to do the same until vehicles are replaced with zero-emissions vehicles.
31 Downtown Fairfax ADA electric vehicle charging site and transit stop

3. RENEWABLE ENERGY & ELECTRIFICATION (R)
34% of potential reductions
Energy that comes from renewable sources, including appropriately-sited solar, wind, geothermal, and small hydroelectric, are the cleanest and mostenvironmentally friendly energy sources. Here in California, where there is an abundance of sunny days, solar energy is a particularly good energy source.

According to Project Sunroof (November 2018), 65% of Fairfax buildings have roofs that are solar-viable. These 1,700 roofs could generate over 23.1 million kWh per year. Solar system costs keep falling, too, which make them an attractive option for home and commercial building owners. Our Climate Action Plan projects that we can get about 20% of our electricity from locally produced solar energy systems by 2030, up from about 10% currently, without exceeding the current growth rate.

When solar is not an option or only provides a portion of your electricity needs, due perhaps to a shady roof or a reluctant landlord, residents and business owners can purchase 100% renewable electricity from MCE and PG&E. MCE and PG&E electricity have a high percentage of renewable and GHG-free content, which means it’s some of the cleanest electricity in the country. What’s more, MCE’s goal is to provide 100% renewable and GHG-free electricity to all its customers by 2025.

Considering that MCE currently carries 78.6% of the total electricity load in Fairfax, that action 32 alone will significantly reduce emissions. The remainder of the electricity load in Fairfax is 19.7% PG&E, and 1.7% other direct access.

Since our electricity is so clean, and getting cleaner, it’s a great idea to swap out appliances and heating and cooling systems that use natural gas for ones that use electricity. Increases in natural gas production have been identified as the single largest cause of a recent major increase in the global warming compound methane in the Earth’s atmosphere (see Cornell University Methane Lab information here and here). While CO2 stays in the atmosphere far longer than methane, methane is 86 times more powerful as an atmospheric warming compound than CO2 over 20 years.

Our community will take the following actions to reduce emissions from energy use. 33 TABLE 5: RENEWABLE ENERGY & ELECTRIFICATION MEASURES TO REDUCE EMISSIONS - FROM

COMMUNITY AND TOWN OPERATIONS
Note: The Town purchased Deep Green electricity for all of its operations in 2016. Therefore, additional reductions are not counted here.

R-1: Building and Appliance Electrification
• Adopt an ordinance that requires all new construction to be all-electric starting in January 2022.
• Adopt an ordinance that phases in requirements to replace natural gas appliances and equipment with electric appliances and equipment at time of replacement. • Adopt additional measures that would require replacement of all natural gas consumption/combustion by existing residential and commercial buildings by 2030. • Seek financial incentives and technical assistance to support residents in making the transition for existing buildings.

R-2: Municipal Building and Appliance Electrification
• Replace all natural gas consumption/combustion and electrify all Town buildings by 2030.
• Improve energy efficiency of town buildings.
• Establish a town-wide goal to become carbon neutral by setting up a fund (similar to an internal price on carbon) to incentivize and support projects by residents to reduce their carbon footprint.

R-3: 100% GHG-Free Electricity
Assist residents and businesses in switching to 100 percent renewable electricity (MCE Deep Green, MCE Local Sol, and PG&E Solar Choice, or on-premise renewables).

R-4: Renewable Energy Generation and Storage
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
R-1 Building and Appliance Electrification 9,138
R-2 Municipal Building and Appliance Electrification 19 R-3 100% GHG-Free Electricity 737
R-4 Renewable Energy Generation and Storage 164
R-5 Phase out the use of on-site fossil-fuel generators 71 R-6 Electrify all landscape equipment 191
R-7 Innovative Technologies n/a
RENEWABLE ENERGY GHG REDUCTIONS TOTAL 10,321
34 Accelerate installation of residential and commercial solar and other renewable energy systems and energy storage systems.
• Continue to provide permit streamlining and waive electrical permit fees, as feasible. • Encourage installation of solar panels on carports and over parking areas on commercial projects and large-scale residential developments through incentives, engagement campaigns, or ordinance.
• Identify and promote incentives, available financing and loan programs for residential and non-residential projects.
• Encourage installation of battery storage in conjunction with renewable energy generation projects through engagement campaigns and partner agency incentives.

R-5: Phase out the use of on-site fossil-fuel generators • Encourage the use of non-fossil-fuel generators now, and adopt an ordinance phasing out the acquisition of and use of fossil-fuel generators in the Town of Fairfax no later than 2030. • Seek financial incentives and technical assistance to support residents in making the transition to non-fossil-fuel generators.

R-6: Electrify all landscape equipment
• Adopt an ordinance to phase out use of all fossil-fuel landscape equipment. • Seek financial incentives and technical assistance to support residents in making the transition to non-fossil-fuel landscape equipment.

R-7: Innovative Technologies
• Investigate and pursue innovative technologies such as microgrids, distributed solar generation, distributed battery storage, and demand-response programs that will improve local resilience and the electric grid’s resiliency and help to balance demand and renewable energy production.
o Pavilion as a Community Resiliency Center: Add battery storage and other modernization of the solar equipment currently residing in the Pavilion so that the Pavilion itself can remain powered (“island”) during an electric grid outage. Finish this work in time to benefit the community as soon as possible. o Town Operations Microgrid: As a second phase after the Pavilion is given the ability to island, extend this capability to other Town buildings including Town Hall/Police Department, Fire Station, Community Center, Women’s Club and Corporate Yard. As a part of this work, consider locations for batteries and addition of more solar generation, e.g., solar shade structures in the Pavilion Parking Lot. o In all the above microgrid design and implementation, work with MCE, Drawdown Marin and other agencies as possible, both to support Fairfax work and to educate and encourage other jurisdictions to pursue similar initiatives. • Use the Town microgrid as a tool to raise the level of involvement in climate and resiliency work throughout Fairfax.
35 o Prominently demonstrate the operation of innovative Town technologies, including through tours and live web content, and through schools and the Chamber of Commerce.
o Consider means of funding the Town microgrid that could involve citizens investing in local work.
o Find ways to support businesses’ becoming able to island during power outages, thus supporting both the businesses, their patrons, and the Town. • Educate and inspire residents and businesses to make improvements in their own emissions through demonstration on Town buildings, information given during permitting processes, and tours and web content highlighting both government and commercial/residential installations.

Fairfax Pavilion solar array
36 4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY (E)
5% of potential reductions
Increasing the efficiency of buildings is often the most cost-effective approach for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. Energy efficiency upgrades, such as adding insulation and sealing heating ducts, have demonstrated energy savings of up to 20%, while more aggressive “whole house” retrofits can result in even greater energy savings. Many “low-hanging fruit” improvements can be made inexpensively and without remodeling yet can be extremely cost-efficient, such as swapping out incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs, sealing air leaks, and installing a programmable thermostat. Energy Star-certified appliances and office equipment, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, and high-efficiency windows not only save energy but significantly reduce operating costs in the long run and greatly improve the comfort of the home. Nonetheless, some upgrades can be expensive, particularly for low-income households, so the Town participates in programs that provide rebates, free energy audits, and financing options for residents and businesses.

New construction techniques and building materials, known collectively as “green building,” can significantly reduce the use of resources and energy in homes and commercial buildings. Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction to renovation and deconstruction. The State of California requires green building energy-efficiency through the Title 24 Building codes. The State updates these codes approximately every three years, with increasing energy efficiency requirements since 2001. The State’s energy efficiency goals are to have all new residential construction be zero net electricity by 2020 and all new residential and commercial construction to be zero net energy by 2030. Local governments can accelerate this target by adopting energy efficiency standards for new construction and major remodels that exceed existing State mandates, or by providing community education, incentives, technical assistance, and streamlined permit processes to enable quicker adoption.

Our community will take the following actions to reduce emissions in the built environment. 37 TABLE 4: ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES TO REDUCE GHG EMISSIONS – FROM COMMUNITY AND TOWN

OPERATIONS
E-1: Ordinances for Construction of Energy-Efficient Buildings • Adopt requirements to phase out natural gas, beginning with new construction, then substantial remodels.
• Consider adopting the most aggressive state, county, and Reach Codes possible in future years.

E-2: Streamline Permit Process and Provide Technical Assistance • Eliminate barriers in the current building permit and inspection processes and provide technical assistance to ensure successful implementation of green building requirements and best practices.
• Participate in countywide efforts to make it easier for contractors and building counter staff to simplify applications and identify incentives.

E-3: Energy Audits
• Promote energy audits for all residential, commercial, and municipal buildings. • Require energy audits for residential and commercial buildings for major remodels, and prior to putting a property up for sale, and provide with other disclosure requirements to potential buyers.

E-4: Energy Efficiency Programs
Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.

ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
E-1 Ordinances for Construction of Energy-Efficient
Buildings
17 E-2 Streamline Permit Process and Provide Technical
Assistance
n/a
E-3 Energy Audits 26
E-4 Energy Efficiency Programs 1,369
E-5 Cool Pavement and Roofs 8
Community Subtotal 1,420
E-6 Municipal Energy Efficiency Retrofits 7
E-7 Municipal Energy Conservation 1
Town Operations Subtotal 8
ENERGY GHG REDUCTIONS TOTAL 1,428
38 • Develop a process by which renters can obtain energy usage and efficiency information for rental units.
• Work with organizations and agencies such as the Marin Energy Watch Partnership, the Bay Area Regional Network, MCE, Resilient Neighborhoods, and the Marin Climate & Energy Partnership to promote and implement energy efficiency programs and actions. • Promote utility, state, and federal rebate, financing, and incentive programs.

E-5: Cool Pavement and Roofs.

Use high albedo (reflective) material for roadways, (ensuring compliance with Caltrans requirements, parking lots, and sidewalks to reduce the deleterious effects of the urban heat island effect and save energy.
• Evaluate the use of highly reflective pavements when resurfacing Town streets. • Adopt building code measures that require the use of high albedo material for roofs, driveways, parking lots, walkways, and patios.
• Maintain and expand the use of urban tree cover for street-level temperature reduction.

E-6: Municipal Energy Efficiency Retrofits
Implement energy efficiency projects in municipal buildings and facilities based on energy audits.

E-7: Municipal Energy Conservation.

Reduce energy consumption through behavioral and operational changes. • Establish energy efficiency protocols for building, custodial and cleaning services and other employees, including efficient use of facilities, such as turning off lights and computers, thermostat use, etc.
• Incorporate energy management software, electricity monitors, or other methods to monitor energy use in municipal buildings.
39 5. WASTE REDUCTION (W)
6% of potential reductions
The things we buy, consume, and discard generate a lot of waste as well as greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing, transport, distribution and disposal. Our throwaway culture creates an overwhelming amount of waste that ends up in landfill or as litter on land and in our waterways.

For Fairfax, the greatest opportunity for reducing GHG emissions from waste lies in managing residential and commercial organic waste. Organic waste in the landfill generates methane, a greenhouse gas that is 86 times more potent that carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.

Methane is 26 times more potent over a 100-year period, and this metric is used in calculations for this CAP.

Fairfax passed an ordinance requiring residents to deposit food and compostable waste in the green bins for pickup by Marin Sanitary Services. Fairfax also receives deliveries of free compost for residents’ use. Adding a similar ordinance for commercial organic waste can reduce related GHG significantly.

Other actions we can all take to reduce waste:
● Purchase and consume less stuff in the first place.
● Bring reusable containers and bags when purchasing groceries and other goods. ● Find someone who can reuse whatever you no longer need before considering recycling or disposal.
● When recycling, refer to the Marin Sanitary Service “Where does it go, Joe?” online tool to learn what materials go where.
40 The Fairfax Climate Action Committee collaborates with Sustainable Fairfax to inform residents and businesses of sustainable practices and to implement the Fairfax Climate Action Plan.

These local measures also support state legislation to significantly reduce emissions from organic waste disposal. Senate Bill (SB) 1383 establishes targets to achieve a 50% reduction in statewide for waste disposal from the 2014 level by 2020 and a 75% reduction by 2025. The law also establishes a target that not less than 20% of currently disposed edible food is recovered for human consumption by 2025. In 2022, CalRecycle may begin to issue penalties for non-compliance. On January 1, 2024, the regulations may require local jurisdictions to impose penalties for non-compliance on regulated entities subject to their authority.

Our community will take the following additional actions to reduce emissions from waste.

TABLE 6: WASTE REDUCTION MEASURES TO REDUCE EMISSIONS– FROM THE COMMUNITY AND TOWN

OPERATIONS
W-1: Residential Organic Waste and Waste Diversion (Fairfax Municipal Code Section 8.08.130).

Town residents will make maximum use of curbside collection services and home composting for food waste.
• Work with Zero Waste Marin, Marin Sanitary Service, Sustainable Fairfax, and other organizations to support the current food-waste composting and recycling ordinance. • Review the Town’s ordinance to ensure it complies with the requirements of SB 1383.

ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
W-1 Residential Organic Waste and Waste Diversion
(Fairfax Municipal Code Section 8.08.130)
1,201
W-2 Trash, Inorganic, and Packaging Waste n/a
W-3 Commercial Edible Food recovery 46
W-4 Commercial Organic Waste 537
W-5 Mandatory Commercial Waste Elimination and
Diversion
n/a
W-6 Waste from Town Operations and Facilities 23
W-7 Construction & Demolition Debris and Self-Haul
Waste
11 W-8 Waste Processing Infrastructure n/a
TOTAL WASTE GHG REDUCTIONS 1,818
41 • Work with Sustainable Fairfax and/or other organizations to provide free educational services to show residents how to recycle and compost correctly, and reduce landfill waste container size and costs.

W-2: Trash, Inorganic, and Packaging Waste
• Work with Sustainable Fairfax and other organizations to develop a robust, collaborative campaign to promote refuse, reuse, repair, and recycling of inorganic materials including single-use plastic items.
• Promote Extended Producer Responsibility. Limit consumer goods packaging in collaboration with Sustainable Fairfax or other organizations by encouraging on-demand delivery services like Amazon and Blue Apron to reduce packaging waste and investigate requirements and incentives for engagement campaigns.

W-3: Commercial Edible Food recovery
Work with businesses to achieve 100% diversion of unwanted edible food through food recovery programs by 2025. Assess capacity of existing food recovery programs, expand existing food recovery infrastructure if needed, monitor commercial generators for compliance, and conduct education and outreach.

W-4: Commercial Organic Waste
Accomplish 100% diversion of commercial organic waste from the landfill through organic waste recycling/composting, and organic waste-to-energy or similar programs by 2025 or other programs to achieve highest and best use of these materials within the Town of Fairfax. • Work with Sustainable Fairfax, Zero Waste Marin, Marin Sanitary Service, and other organizations to conduct outreach and education to businesses subject to State organic waste recycling mandates (AB 1826 and SB 1383) and enforce compliance with the law. • Adopt necessary Town ordinances to mandate compliance.

W-5: Mandatory Commercial Waste Elimination and Diversion Require use of reusable containers, packaging, and foodware in lieu of single-use, disposable, bioplastic materials, and recyclable materials by 2025. • Educate about and enforce the single-use foodware reduction ordinance (Fairfax Municipal Code Section 8.72) across commercial institutions with the goal of elimination of single-use plastic by 2023.
• Enforce state laws requiring waste elimination activities by commercial establishments. • In compliance with SB 1383, adopt an ordinance requiring mandatory commercial subscription to and participation in waste diversion activities and food recovery programs by all businesses regardless of size, including recycling collection provided by Marin Sanitary Service or other similar programs.
• Work with Sustainable Fairfax and Marin Sanitary Service to educate businesses on how to recycle and compost correctly and reduce landfill waste. 42 • Research and support reusable food container programs.

W-6: Waste from Town Operations and Facilities
Reduce, reuse, compost, and, as a last resort, recycle, waste at Town facilities. Conduct periodic waste audits of Town facilities to understand where opportunities for increased diversion lie and to track progress.

W-7: Construction & Demolition Debris and Self-Haul Waste Enforce the Town construction & demolition debris material recycling ordinance.

W-8: Waste Processing Franchise Agreement and Infrastructure Review and revise the Town’s franchise agreement with the resource recovery service (for example, Marin Sanitary Service) to ensure waste reduction and diversion targets are met.

Request the Town’s resource recovery service to conduct a feasibility study and consider investing in new solid waste processing infrastructure to remove recoverable materials (recycling and organics) from the waste stream and reduce contamination. • Ensure organic waste collection service (including green waste, food waste, fibers, and manure) that complies with SB 1383 regulations is provided to all residents and businesses. • Conduct residential and commercial waste audits and waste characterization studies to identify opportunities for increased diversion and to track progress in meeting targets. • Investigate the feasibility of adding a small fee recouped by the Town as part of the resource recovery service to help fund waste reduction programs. • Collaborate with other towns and the county to move our waste hauler to zero net GHG by 2030.
43 Turning food waste to compost
44 6. WATER CONSERVATION (C)
<1% of potential reductions
Our community and our state continue to experience periodic droughts and the need to conserve water is still of utmost importance. As climate change raises temperatures around the globe, we can expect more droughts and more intense heat waves, making water conservation more important than ever. In addition, we may not always be able to rely on water from Sonoma County Water Agency, which currently provides 20-25% of MMWD’s water. Where we can make a difference is in taking action to reduce water use and ensure this precious resource will continue to be available to all.

In our area the largest use of water is in landscaping for residential and commercial properties, and therefore deserves particular attention.

Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) related to water use are already low. Our Greenhouse Gas Inventory counts emissions that are generated from the energy used to pump, treat and convey water from the water source to Fairfax water users. Fairfax’s water suppliers, Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) and Sonoma County Water Agency, are already using 100% renewable energy to deliver our water. Therefore, further opportunities for reducing GHG are small, given it’s only 1% of our total community emissions.

Energy and emissions used to heat water are more significant, but are counted in the residential and commercial sectors, so are not addressed here.

Our community will take the following additional actions to support water conservation.

TABLE 7: WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES TO REDUCE EMISSIONS –COMMUNITY AND TOWN

OPERATIONS
Note: The Town purchased Deep Green electricity for all of its operations in 2016. Therefore, additional reductions are not counted here.

C-1: Water Use Requirements
Adopt Cal Green Tier 2 regulations for new construction in 2022.

C-2: Community Water Use
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
C-1 Water Use Requirements n/a
C-2 Community Water Use 1
C-3 Municipal Water Use included in above
45 Reduce indoor and outdoor water use in residential and commercial buildings and landscaping. • Work with Marin Water and other organizations to promote water conservation programs and incentives.
• Educate residents and businesses about local and State laws requiring retrofit of noncompliant plumbing fixtures during remodeling and at resale. • Ensure all projects requiring building permits, plan check, or design review comply with State and Marin Water regulations.
• Encourage maximum permissible use of grey-water for residential and commercial use. • Adopt ordinance mandating water saving measures from drought-times to be used all the time.

C-3: Municipal Water Use
Reduce indoor and outdoor water use in municipal facilities and operations. • Work with Marin Water to review all accounts, and work with conservation manager to reduce consumption.
• Replace high water use plants, lawns and inefficient irrigation systems with xeriscaping and carbon sequestering landscaping.
• Continue to regularly replace all plumbing fixtures with the highest-efficiency fixtures. • Implement greywater systems in all town facilities where possible. • Implement use of non-potable water (purple piping) for irrigation and other permissible uses where possible.
• Install rainwater catchment systems where feasible.
46 Drought conditions at Nicasio reservoir

7. SEQUESTRATION (S)
n/a potential reductions
The Town of Fairfax supports County and California directives and statutes to capture or drawdown carbon emissions from the atmosphere from natural solutions including more and appropriate tree planting, climate-smart habitat restoration and healthy soils initiatives. In addition to naturally pulling and storing GHG pollution from the atmosphere, this strategy increases the health of our local ecosystems and helps protect the vital services they provide including clean air and water, pollination, enhanced biodiversity, flood control and increased resilience to climate extremes.

The Marin Carbon Project is one example of an initiative that will greatly increase carbon sequestration at the County level. It is an integral part of Drawdown: Marin. To date, 19 carbon farm plans have been completed, encompassing 8,307 acres of farmland in Marin County.

Estimated total annual sequestration benefit through 2020 is 9204 MTCO2e (Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent).

Emerging drawdown technologies will likely be scaled up over the years ahead. As local approaches become viable, they will be considered by the Town for future CAP updates.

Given the limited opportunities available to the Town of Fairfax for high-impact local sequestration projects, one option to consider is signing up for carbon offset programs that support partner 47 organizations and businesses who actively sequester carbon on a regular basis. Both the town and individual residents can purchase carbon offsets to support these types of programs.

This section focuses on currently known natural approaches to sequestering carbon dioxide in both the built and natural environments, by the community, Town committees, and the Town operations combined.

Our community will take the following actions to support sequestration.

TABLE 8: SEQUESTRATION MEASURES TO REDUCE EMISSIONS –COMMUNITY AND TOWN GOVERNMENT S-1: Urban Forests and Ecosystems
Increase carbon sequestration and improve air quality and natural cooling through increasing appropriate (e.g., native, drought resistant, fire resilient/resistant) tree cover, other vegetation, and healthy soils in Fairfax, balanced with fire-safety concerns. • Plant, maintain, and replace trees, preferably with redwoods, on Town-owned land, including public parks, open space, medians, and rights of way, where feasible. • Continue to regulate and minimize removal of large trees and require planting of replacement trees and other appropriate vegetation.
• Require that the site planning, construction, and maintenance of new development preserve existing healthy trees and native vegetation on site or off-site to the maximum extent feasible, considering fire safety. Replace trees and vegetation not able to be saved, consistent with fire department Vegetation Management Plans. • Recommend that community members plant appropriate tree species on private land. • Evaluate creating a tree giveaway event or providing lower-cost trees to the public through a bulk purchasing program.
• Encourage the creation of community gardens and healthy soils management on public lands by community groups and on private lands by individual households including on-site composting.

ID Measure Milestone Estimated Carbon
Sequestered
S-1 Urban Forests and
Ecosystems
# new trees planted; # of Town outreach efforts and
implementation initiative; # of new home “carbon
gardens”; # of new green roofs
18 S-2 Habitat Restoration and
Soil Regeneration
# of acres managed for carbon sequestering trees, other vegetation and soil
n/a yet
S-3 Carbon Offsets # voluntary natural climate solution offsets 5,380 S-4 Building Materials # new buildings using net carbon-sequestering materials in place of other materials;
n/a yet
48 • Provide information to the public, including landscape companies, gardeners, and nurseries, on carbon sequestration rates, drought tolerance, soil management, and fire resistance of different tree and vegetation species as well as healthy soils management. • Develop parking lot landscape standards to maximize tree cover, size, growth, and sequestration potential possibly in conjunction with EV panel shade structures. • Support Marin farms using sustainable methods for producing produce, dairy, or meat.

S-2: Habitat Restoration and Soil Regeneration
Increase carbon sequestration in the built environment, developed landscapes, and open space/ natural areas.
• Increase carbon sequestration potential of local habitat, such as streamside forests, through climate-smart restoration.
• Encourage and support composting and biochar for application to develop healthy, carbonrich soils as appropriate. • Manage parks and open spaces to steadily increase carbon capture in vegetation and soil. • Manage trees and invasive species in the open space for forest health, water cycling, and soil organic matter as well as reduction of fuel load.
• Explore the application of riparian restoration methodologies within Fairfax.

S-3: Carbon Offsets
• Identify and partner with local non-profit organizations and/or businesses that actively sequester carbon in their activities (e.g., climate-smart habitat restoration or regenerative agriculture) to promote a carbon offset program.
• Encourage community members to purchase high quality carbon offsets to reduce their carbon footprint through engagement campaigns, focusing on emissions that are currently difficult to mitigate otherwise, such as airplane travel. • In 2030, and every year thereafter, the Town will procure high quality carbon offsets to offset the Town emissions not already eliminated by other sections of this plan.

These offsets could either be purchased from the then-operating markets or used to finance a local fund to pay for GHG infrastructure improvements.

S-4: Building Materials
• Encourage use of climate-friendly building materials that store more carbon dioxide than is released in their production through agency partnerships and engagement campaigns. • Adopt an ordinance requiring the use of low carbon concrete in new construction based on the County’s model ordinance (Ordinance No. 3717, adopted November 2019). 49 50

8. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING (I)
This Fairfax 2030 Climate Action Plan will only be effective if it’s implemented and the results are carefully evaluated. Each year, the Climate Action Committee will create a 12-month implementation action plan to address specific goals for that year, with the approval of the Town Council. Also, the Town, with the assistance of the Marin Climate & Energy Partnership (MCEP) consultant, will prepare an annual GHG Inventory to assess the progress being made on implementing the measures contained in this Climate Action Plan to determine if we are on track to meet our reduction targets. Funding for our initiatives will require research and creativity, within our town and from outside regional, state and federal sources.

The Plan is meant to be a living document and can be amended as needed, with the approval of the Town Council. A more formal update of the plan will be considered in 2025.

Our community will take the actions below to implement and monitor the CAP.

TABLE 16: IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING MEASURES BY THE COMMUNITY AND TOWN

GOVERNMENT
I-1: Annual Monitoring
Monitor and report on the Town’s progress annually in implementing the Climate Action Plan.

Create an annual action plan for implementation.

I-2: Update GHG Emissions Inventories
Update the greenhouse gas emissions inventory for community emissions annually and every five years for government operations.

I-3: Identify and Secure Funding Sources
Identify funding sources for recommended actions, and pursue local, regional, state, and federal grants as appropriate. Investigate creation of local funding sources such as a local carbon fund or carbon offset program to implement the Climate Action Plan.

ID Measure Milestones
I-1 Annual Monitoring Report back
I-2 Update GHG Emissions Inventories Report back
I-3 Identify and Secure Funding Sources # of proposals, # successful, $ secured I-4 Update the Climate Action Plan Updates as needed
I-5 Project Compliance Checklist Review # completed, distributed, communicated 51 52
I-4: Update the Climate Action Plan
Update the Climate Action Plan as needed to incorporate new long-term reduction targets and strategies to meet those targets.

I-5: Project Compliance Checklist
Develop a project compliance checklist to use when reviewing development proposals, use permit applications, and building permits to ensure compliance with Climate Action Plan measures.

53 APPENDIX A: State Pillars & DRAWDOWN: Marin
IMAGE: CALIFORNIA’S 6 PILLARS CLIMATE STRATEGY
The State of California established the Six Pillars framework in 2015 that include:

1. reducing today’s petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50%;

2. increasing from one-third to 50% our electricity derived from renewable sources;

3. doubling the energy efficiency savings achieved at existing buildings and making heating fuels cleaner;

4. reducing the release of methane, black carbon, and other short-lived climate pollutants;

5. managing farm and rangelands, forests and wetlands so they can store carbon; and

6. periodically updating the state's climate adaptation strategy: Safeguarding California.

The measures contained in this Town of Fairfax Climate Action Plan are designed to support and implement the Six Pillars and the goals of California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan on a local level.

IMAGE: DRAWDOWN: MARIN
The County of Marin, noting the need for all residents and businesses to actively reduce emissions and plan for climate adaptation has created an engagement framework based on the research and 54 book by local author, entrepreneur, and environmentalist Paul Hawken called DRAWDOWN: Marin.

DRAWDOWN: MARIN is a comprehensive, science-based, community-wide campaign to do our part to slow the impacts of climate change. It is an effort to recognize our need to reduce our "carbon footprint" and to provide a road map to doing so. Like the State’s Six Pillars, there are six areas of focus: (1) Renewable Energy, (2) Transportation, (3) Buildings and Infrastructure, (4) Local Food and Food Waste, (5) Carbon Sequestration, and (6) Climate Resilient Communities.

In 2017, the County Board of Supervisors launched Drawdown: Marin and in 2018, the County Community Development Agency began a two-year planning process called Drawdown: Marin that engaged residents, businesses, and subject matter experts in a comprehensive, science-based, county-wide campaign to identify actions that will dramatically reduce GHG emissions, address equity, and increase community resilience.

As described in the Drawdown: Marin Strategic Plan (2020), the initiative identified 29 solutions, seven of which were endorsed by the Executive Steering Committee for immediate implementation by various entities. One of the endorsed solutions is to build a microgrid and Community Resilience Center at the Fairfax Pavilion. The proposed project leverages existing solar photovoltaic systems at the Fire and Police Stations and the Pavilion and adds additional solar, batteries, and a new inverter.

The project will utilize Self-Generation Incentive Program funding (if available), the MCE Resilience Fund, and other funding sources to build the project. When complete, it will serve as a community gathering space during emergency events such as public safety power shut-off (PSPS) events, showcase the latest battery storage technology, and educate and inspire other cities and towns to pursue similar projects.

The County of Marin, at the request of County youth, also passed a resolution in February 2019 calling for the federal government to pass a Green New Deal based on the resolution proposed in Congress earlier that month and affirming its commitment to the Paris Climate Accord and environmental sustainability.
55 APPENDIX B: GHG Reduction Calculations
Code Strategy
GHG Emissions
Reductions in 2030
(MTCO2e/yr)
T-1 Zero Emission Vehicles -10,648
T-2 Bicycling -25
T-3 Walking -7
T-4 Safe Routes to School -31
T-5 Public Transit -77
T-6 Carpooling -83
T-7 Traffic System Management and Vehicle Idling -46
T-9 Renewable Carbon Fuels -105
R-1 Building and Appliance Electrification -9,138
R-2 Municipal Building and Appliance Electrification -19 R-3 100% GHG-Free Electricity -737
R-4 Renewable Energy Generation and Storage -164
R-5 Generators -71
R-6 Electrify All Landscape Equipment -191
E-1 Ordinance for Construction of Energy-Efficient Buildings -17 E-3 Energy Audits -26
E-4 Energy Efficiency Programs -1,369
E-5 Cool Pavement and Roofs -8
E-6 Municipal Energy Efficiency Audit and Retrofits -7
E-7 Energy Conservation -1
W-1 Residential Organic Waste -1,201
W-3 Commercial Edible Food Recovery -46
W-4 Commercial Organic Waste -537
W-6 Waste from Town Operations and Facilities -23
W-7 C&D Debris and Self-Haul Waste -11
C-2 Community Water Use -1
S-1 Urban Forest -18
S-2 Carbon Offsets -5,380
-29,988

GHG EMISSIONS REDUCTION SUMMARY
Fairfax Climate Action Plan 2030

TOTAL - LOCAL ACTIONS
Local Actions
56 State Actions
RPS -37
TITLE 24 -129
Light and Heavy Duty Fleet Regulations -1,330
TOTAL - STATE ACTIONS -1,496
Projected Emissions
31,484
Emissions Reduction from Local and State Actions -31,484 Projected Community Emissions with Local and State Actions Implemented 0 100%
Projected BAUCommunity GHG Emissions
% below 1990 levels without offsets
57 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-10,648 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
U.S, Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center, https://www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric_emissions_sources.html. Sales weighted average of 2016 model year vehicles with sales in 2015: 2015 sales from "U.S. Plug-in Electric Vehicle Sales by Model" (https://www.afdc.energy.gov/data/vehicles.html); MPGs from 2016 Fuel Economy Guide (https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/) EV kWh/mile is 0.32 (US Dept of Energy).

In January 2019, DMV reports there were 4,309 battery EVs, 2,747 plug-in hybrid EVs, and 60 fuel cell vehicles, for a total of 7,116 ZEVs in Marin County. We assume a similar penetration rate in the unincorporated areas. We also conservatively assume the same percentage of EVs in 2030: 61% battery EVs and 39% plug-in hybrids.

Passenger VMT is adjusted to reflect the fact that approximately 35% of countywide commute VMT originates from workers who live outside Marin County (TAM). Measure does not apply to VMT generated by workers and visitors who do not live in Marin.

California Air Resources Board, 2017 Scoping Plan.

Smart, J., Bradley, T., and Salisbury, S., "Actual Versus Estimated Utility Factor of a Large Set of Privately Owned Chevrolet Volts," SAE Int. J. Alt. Power. 3(1):2014, doi:10.4271/2014-01-1803.

Assuming the same share of ZEV ownership in 2030 as in 2019 (1.5%) means there would be approximately 75,000 ZEVs registered in Marin by 2030, or approximately 37% of existing automobile registrations. We are targeting approximately 80,000 ZEVs in Marin in 2030, or 40% of ZEVs registered in Marin. This would require an average annual growth rate of 25%. The number of ZEVs grew 33% in Marin between 2018 and 2019. This data suggests that an annual growth rate of 25% is feasible, especially as the number of models expands and battery technology and charging improves. 74% of the distance PHEVs drive is electric (Smart et al, 2014).

ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES
T-1
Marin has approximately 1.5% of all ZEVs in California (DMV, 1-1-19) and 197,609 automobiles registered in the County (DMV, 2019). CARB's proposed strategy is to put

4.2 million ZEVs on the road by 2030, which is approximately 14% of light duty vehicles in California in 2030. In January 2018, Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-48-18 which set a new goal of having a total of 5 million ZEVs in California in 2030. 100% of passenger vehicles used by Fairfax residents and businesses are ZEVs in 2030 and all charge with 100% GHG-free electricity.
58 7,116
199,141
100%
199,141
192,025

96.4%
Fairfax passenger VMT 40,187,127 miles
5,045,616 miles
35,141,510 miles
VMT reduced by other local measures 420,296 miles
33,480,505 miles
30,085,582 miles
Emissions without EV program 11,582 MTCO2e
10,648 MTCO2e
9,627,386 kWh
- MTCO2e
10,648 MTCO2e
VMT from non-Marin workers and visitors
US Department of Energy, "National Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Analysis," September 2017. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy17osti/69031.pdf Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Vehicle Miles Dataportal, http://capvmt.uswest-2.elasticbeanstalk.com/, accessed 3/21/19.

Personal communication with Derek McGill, Planning Manager, Transportation Authority of Marin, [email protected], August 22, 2018.

Calculation
California Department of Transportation, "California County-Level Economic Forecast 2018-2050," September 2018.

California Department of Motor Vehicles, Estimated Vehicles Registered by County for the Period January 1 through December 31, 2018" and "Fuel Type by County as of 1/1/2019."
2030
Number of registered Marin ZEVs in January 2019
Number of Marin ZEVs in target year
Increase in ZEVs
Additional ZEVs as a percent of Marin vehicles
Tailpipe emissions reduction with EV program
Electricity used by ZEVs
Electricity emissions from ZEVs
Emissions reduction
VMT driven with electricity
VMT from additional ZEVs
Fairfax passenger VMT from Marin-based vehicles
Projected number of registered passenger vehicles in Marin Percent of Marin ZEVs in target year
59 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-25 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
33,740,270 VMT

0.5 miles

0.2 72,625 VMT
Emissions reductions 25.1 MTCO2e
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, "Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures: A Resource for Local Government to Assess Emission Reductions from Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures," August, 2010.

Calculation
Studies cited by CAPCOA show each additional mile of bike lanes per square mile increases the share of workers commuting by bicycle by 1% (CAPCOA SDT-5). We have applied this to the following population segments:
• Live in/work in area
• Live in/work out of area
• Live in area/non-worker
• Live out of area/work in area
The Fairfax Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Table 5-1 identifies 0.18 miles of proposed Class I bike facilities and 0.30 miles of proposed Class II facilities.

Fairfax Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (2016).
2030
VMT generated by targeted population segments
Reduction in local VMT
Bay Area Air Quality Management District Vehicle Miles Traveled Dataportal, http://capvmt.us-west-2.elasticbeanstalk.com/data.

New bike facilities/sq. mile
Additional Class I and II facilities

BICYCLING
T-2

0.18 miles of Class I multi-use paths and 0.30 miles of Class II bike lanes constructed by 2030.
60 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-7 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
971,293 VMT

2.0%
19,426 VMT
GHG emissions reductions 7 MTCO2e
Studies cited by CAPCOA show pedestrian network improvements can reduce VMT 1-2% (CAPCOA SDT-1). We apply this to passenger vehicle trips that start and end in Fairfax and assume 2% reduction in VMT for 2030.

WALKING
T-3
2% reduction in VMT for vehicle trips that start and end in unincorporated communities by 2030.
% decrease in VMT due to pedestrian improvements
Annual decrease in VMT
California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, "Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures: A Resource for Local Government to Assess Emission Reductions from Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures," August, 2010.

Calculation
2030
Bay Area Air Quality Management District Vehicle Miles Traveled Data Portal, http://capvmt.us-west-2.elasticbeanstalk.com/data
Passenger vehicle trips starting and ending in Fairfax
61 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-31 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
1,140
Elementary school population 309
Middle school population 411
High school population 420
788,412 miles
39%
29%
89,169 VMT
Emissions reductions 31 MTCO2e
Average school trip lengths provided by Transportation Authority of Marin.

Marin County Safe Routes to School Program Evaluation, September 2016.

The Fairfax Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan includes a recommendation for the Town to continue to support Safe Routes to School programs and infrastructure improvements.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
T-4
Reduce school trips in a family vehicle by 29%, from an average of 39% to 28%.

To demonstrate the benefits of providing Safe Routes to Schools, the Marin County Bicycle Coalition recruited nine pilot schools in four different geographic locations. Initial surveys reported that 62% of the students were arriving by car, with only 14% walking, 7% biking to school, 11% carpool, and 6% arriving by bus. Every school in the pilot program held periodic Walk and Bike to School Days and participated in the Frequent Rider Miles contest, which rewarded children who came to school walking, biking, by carpool or bus.

At the end of the pilot program, the participating schools experienced a 57% increase in the number of children walking and biking and a 29% decrease in the number of children arriving alone in a car.

School age population
VMT avoided
Plan Bay Area 2040 projects 1,140 school-age children in the Fairfax in 2030.

We assume an elementary school (K-5) age population of 2,854 with an average trip length of 1.7 mile, a middle school (6-8) population of 3,983 with an average trip length of 1.7 miles, a high school (9-12) population of 3,298 with an average trip length of 2.3 miles, 180 school days, and an average share of school trips completed in a family vehicle of 39% according to Safe Routes to School surveys taken at participating schools serving Fairfax in 2018.

Fairfax Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (2018).

Safe Routes to School Marin County,
http://www.saferoutestoschools.org/history.html#success Calculation
School population miles travelled
Percent of miles driven in a family vehicle
Potential percent decrease in students driving to school 2030
Plan Bay Area 2040 Projections, http://projections.planbayarea.org/.

US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2014-2018, Table S0101.
62 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-77 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
146,752 miles
173 MTCO2e
67%
33%
96 MTCO2e
77 MTCO2e
Personal communication with Anna Penoyar, Senior Capital Analyst, Marin Transit, Oct. 22, 2019.

Transit miles, BAU
33% of Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit buses will be electric and 66% will use renewable diesel by 2030.

PUBLIC TRANSIT
T-5
2030
Calculation
Marin Transit reports 3,674,440 revenue miles in FY 18/19 and 2.0% of those miles within Fairfax. Golden Gate Transit reports 3,467,056 revenue miles in FY 18/19 and 2.1% of those miles in Fairfax. Marin Transit's Draft Fixed Route Vehicle Replacement Plan indicates 3% of its fleet will be comprised of zero emission buses in 2020 and 33% of its fleet will be zero emission by 2030. In 2019, 72% of its buses were using renewable diesel and 3% of the fixed route buses were zero emission. Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit have been using renewable diesel since 2016. We assume 33% will be driven by electric buses utilizing MCE electricity by 2030.

Marin Transit Board of Directors Staff Report, April 1, 2019 CARB adopted the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) Rule in December 2018. This rule outlines a transition of California transit agencies to a zero emission fleet by 2040. 100% of transit agencies' bus purchases must be zero emission beginning in 2029. Marin Transit's Draft Fixed Route Vehicle Replacement Plan (2019) identifies purchases that will achieve the ICT zero emission fleet mandate in 2040. As of October 2019, Golden Gate Transit had not yet developed a transition plan.

Personal communication with Keith Nunn, Director of Maintenance, Golden Gate Transit, Oct. 22, 2019.

Emissions, BAU
Electric bus VMT
GHG emissions reductions
Renewable diesel VMT
Tailpipe emissions
63 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-83 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
2030
7,969,190
3%
239,076
83 Carpooling
T-6
Census data shows that carpooling rates have averaged 6% since 2010, but have decreased in recent years, falling to 3% in 2018. We are assuming that targeted programs to local employers can increase the carpooling rate to the historical average.

Increase carpooling rate from 3% to 6%.

U.S. Census, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B08006, "Means of Transportation to Work"
Personal communication with Corey Dodge, Bay Area Metro, 9/11/20 Calculation
Annual VMT for employees who live outside Fairfax, 2030 Targeted increase in carpooling
Bay Area Air Quality Management District Vehicle Miles Traveled Data Portal, http://capvmt.us-west-2.elasticbeanstalk.com/data Annual decrease in VMT
GHG emissions reductions
64 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-46 2030
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
161,344 gallons
3%
46 MTCO2e

TRAFFIC SYSTEM MANAGEMENT AND VEHICLE IDLING
T-7
The Town of Fairfax, in conjunction with the Town of San Anselmo, the City of San Rafael, and the Town of Ross, received a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Program for Arterial System Synchronization in FY 13/14 to deploy optimized signal timing plans for the 16 traffic signals along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Red Hill Avenue/4th Street. The project was estimated to save 161,344 gallons of fuel in the first year and 432,813 gallons over the 5-year lifetime. We assume infrastructure could be installed to make the system adaptive, similar to what the County and the City of Larkspur are doing on the western end of SFD, and that continued adjustments in synchronization will retain original fuel savings through 2030.

Metropolitan Transportation Commission, "Program for Arterial System Synchronization (PASS) FY 13/14 Cycle Fact Sheet"
Fehr & Peers for Transportation of Marin, "TAM Origin-Destination Data Collection Draft Report," March 14, 2017
TAM's Origin-Destination Data Collection Report documents that 3% of vehicle trips on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard west of Hwy 101 start and/or end Fairfax. We apply this percentage to the total fuel consumption savings identified in the PASS project.

Calculation
Gasoline fuel savings
Total emissions reductions
2030
% of trips starting and/or ending in Fairfax
65 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-105 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
Gasoline consumption, 2018 (estimated) 10,861 gallons
Diesel consumption, 2018 (estimated) 800 gallons
97 MTCO2e
8 MTCO2e
100%
100%
Emissions reductions 105 MTCO2e
2030 B
Fuel reduction for fleet using diesel
Emissions from diesel consumption

RENEWABLE CARBON FUELS
T-9
All Town vehicles are replaced with EVs.

Emissions from gasoline consumption
Fuel reduction for fleet using gasoline
Emissions are based on Town's vehicle fleet in 2010, which was comprised of 8 police vehicles, 9 Public Works trucks, and 1 Building Department vehicle.

Marin Climate & Energy Partnership, Town of Fairfax 2016 Greenhouse Gas Inventories for Community and Government Operations Emissions Calculation
66 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-17
Targets
Methodology
Sources
Residential
27 %
New construction electricity use, BAU 27,389 kWh
New construction electricity use, after Title 24 0 kWh
Additional reduction in electricity use 0 kWh
New construction natural gas use, BAU 13,507 therms
New construction natural gas use, after Title 24 12,656 therms Additional reduction in natural gas use 3,077 therms
GHG emissions reductions 16 MTCO2e
Commercial
10 %
New construction electricity use, BAU 62,659 kWh
New construction electricity use, after Title 24 43,861 kWh Additional reduction in electricity use 1,140 kWh
New construction natural gas use, BAU 3,040 therms
New construction natural gas use, after Title 24 2,393 therms Additional reduction in natural gas use 172 therms
GHG emissions reductions 1 MTCO2e

ORDINANCES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ENERGY-EFFICIENCY BUILDINGS E-1
Percent over Title 24 Energy Requirements
We assume a 27% improvement in energy efficiency for residential buildings, similar to the mixed fuel compliance method which requires a total compliance margin of 10 EDR.

We assume a 10% improvement in energy efficiency in non-residential buildings, similar to the mixed fuel compliance method.

We assume ordinance is adopted in 2021. We assume ordinance banning natural gas in new construction is adopted in 2023.
2030
Percent over Title 24 Energy Requirements
2030
CAPCOA Measure BE-1 used for estimating building energy savings.

California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, "Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures: A Resource for Local Government to Assess Emission Reductions from Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures," August, 2010.

Calculation
2030
Implement green building reach code that provides options for all-electric, limited mixed fuel, and fuel construction for new single family and multi-family buildings for the 2019 building code cycle.
67 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-26 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
4,627 kWh
Average household natural gas use, 2018 445 therms
Number of housing units sold annually 78 units
Number of housing units provided energy audits 626 units Percent of participating housing units 5%
Number of housing units implementing energy efficiency projects 31 units Electricity reduction 31%
Natural gas reduction 31%
Annual electricity savings 44,903 kWh
Natural gas savings 4,323 therms
Electricity emissions reduction 3 MTCO2e
Natural gas emissions reduction 23 MTCO2e
26 MTCO2e
78 housing units sold annually, based on 2005-2018 average (Marin County Assessor).

Marin County Assessor,
http://www.marincounty.org/depts/ar/divisions/assessor/sales City of Berkeley, "Building Energy Savings Ordinance (BESO) Findings through Nov. 2016," December 7, 2016,
https://www.cityofberkeley.info/uploadedFiles/Planning_and_Development/Lev el_3_-
_Energy_and_Sustainable_Development/Energy%20Commission%20Presentatio n%20Berkeley.pdf
Assumes program will be implemented in 2022 and will require audits at time of sale but energy efficiency projects will be voluntary. Assumes 5% of audited housing units will implement energy efficiency upgrades based on findings from the City of Berkeley's Building Energy Saving Ordinance. Assume 31% Btu energy use reduction based on demonstrated Energy Upgrade California projects completed in Marin County between June 2010 and May 2012.

ENERGY AUDITS
E-3
31 housing units implement energy efficiency projects between 2022 and 2030 due to ordinance requiring energy audits at time of sale. 2030
Total GHG emissions reduction
Average household electricity use, 2018
Marin County Energy Watch Partnership, Dana Armanino, Sustainability Planner, County of Marin, [email protected]
Calculation
68 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-1,369 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
23,502,191 kWh
23,502,191 kWh
1%
Electricity reduction 2,820,263 kWh
1,869,843 therms
1%
224,381 therms
1,369 MTCO2e
Marin Clean Energy Revised Community Choice Aggregation Implementation Plan and Statement of Intent, July 18, 2014.

Calculation
Electricity less State actions
Natural gas reduction
GHG emissions reductions
Energy Efficiency Resource Standards: Experience and Recommendations, Steve Nadel, March 2006 ACEEE Report E063 (pages 28-30).
2030
Residential and commercial electricity use, 2018
Residential and commercial natural gas use, 2018
% natural gas reduced each year
% electricity reduced each year
Electricity consumption declined an average of 0.9% per year in the unincorporated areas between 2005 and 2018. Natural gas consumption declined an average of

1.3% per year between 2005 and 2018.

National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, July 2006, Section 6: Energy Efficiency Program Best Practices (pages 5-6).

ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS
E-4
We are forecasting an annual electricity savings of 1% and an annual natural gas savings of 1% based on the following:

Electricity and natural gas consumption is reduced an average of 1% per year between 2018 and 2030.

The National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency states among its key findings "consistently funded, well-designed programs are cutting annual savings for a given program year of 0.15 to 1 percent of energy sales." The American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy (ACEE) reports for states already operating substantial energy efficiency programs, energy efficiency goals of one percent, as a percentage of energy sales, is a reasonable level to target.

MCE Clean Energy's Implementation Plan states "MCE's goal is to increase annual savings through energy efficiency programs to two percent (combined MCE and PG&E programs) of annualized electric sales…by the end of 2018." 69 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-8 2030
Targets
Sources
29%
Percent of paved area with high albedo pavement 10%
Albedo change 0.004

0.174 Celsius
Reduction in electricity use 127,132 kWh
8 MTCO2e

COOL PAVEMENT AND ROOFS
E-5
On average, for metropolitan areas studied, vegetation covers about 29-41% of the area, roofs 19-25%, and paved surfaces 29-39% (Akbari, 2008). For the Town, we assume paved surfaces cover 29% We assume 1% of the pavement in the urbanized areas will be replaced with high albedo content each year. Pavement has a potential for a 0.15 to 0.25 increase in albedo (Akbari, 2008); we have conservatively assumed a 0.15 change in albedo. 0.29 *0.1 * 0.15 = Net change of

0.004 for 2030.
- a 10K decrease in temperature for a 0.25 increase in albedo (Akbari) - 10 Kelvin = 10 Celsius
- Electricity demand in cities increases by 2–4% for each 1 degree Celsius increase.

Assume 3% for Fairfax.

Methodology and
Assumptions
10% of paved surfaces in the urbanized areas are converted to high-albedo surfaces by 2030.

Temperature decrease
Akbari, Hashem and Rose, Leanna Shea, "Urban Surfaces and Heat Island Mitigation Potentials," Journal of the Human-Environmental System, Vol. 11; No. 2:
85-101, 2008.

Calculation
2030
Reduction in emissions
Percent of urbanized unincorporated area covered in pavement 70 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-7 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
1,095 kWh
1,240 therms
186,535 kWh
Reduction in electricity for streetlights 50%
94,363 kWh
1,240 therms
Emissions reductions 7 MTCO2e
Reduction in natural gas consumption
Proposed energy-efficiency projects and estimated energy savings based on Energy Management Study for the Town of Fairfax prepared by the Marin Energy Management Team on June 8, 2006.

Calculation
Electricity savings from energy efficiency projects
Reduction in electricity consumption
Estimated electricity consumption for inefficient streetlights 2030
Natural gas savings from energy efficiency projects
Marin General Services Authority, "Street Light Maintenance and Repair Services Agreement - Exhibit B," May 14, 2020.

There are no GHG reduction savings for reduced electricity use because the Town was purchasing 100% renewable electricity in 2018.

MUNICIPAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY AUDIT AND RETROFITS
E-6
As of 2018, the Town had converted 49 of its 599 streetlights to LED, or 8%. We estimate electricity consumption for the remaining 550 streetlights can be reduced 50% by converting to LED.

Complete identified projects. Convert remaining inefficient streetlights to LED.

Energy efficiency projects were identified by the Marin Energy Management Team in the Town's 2014 CAP. We assume they have not yet been completed. 71 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-1 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
86,465 kWh
Natural gas consumption in municipal buildings and facilities, 2018 5,157 therms 5%
4,323 kWh
258 therms
GHG emissions reductions 1 MTCO2e
Electricity consumption in municipal buildings and facilities, 2018 Percent reduction in energy use
Reduction in electricity consumption
Reduction in natural gas consumption

MUNICIPAL ENERGY CONSERVATION
E-7
Energy management software is proven to reduce energy consumption by 10% through identifying inefficiencies within operations. A 5% reduction in energy use for miscellaneous behavioral changes by staff and mechanical operations, and upgrading to Energy Star equipment were assumed.

Reduce energy use in municipal buildings by 5%.
2030
There are no GHG reduction savings for reduced electricity use because the Town was purchasing 100% renewable electricity in 2018.

Marin County Sustainability Team
Calculation
72 Action
Reductions (MTCO2e)
-554.3
Sources
62,196 therms
554.3 MTCO2e
Natural gas use eliminated
GHG emissions reductions
2030
Calculation
Methodology and
Assumptions
We assume adoption of an ordinance in that bans natural gas use in new residential and non-residential buildings beginning in 2023. We further assume all electricity consumption in new buildings is GHG-free.

BUILDING AND APPLICANCE ELECTRIFICATION (A)
R-1
Adopt a reach building code that requires all new construction to be all-electric starting in the 2022 code cycle.
2030
73 Action
Reductions (MTCO2e)
-8,583.5 2030
Sources
1,613,857 therms
8,583.5 MTCO2e
Natural gas use eliminated
GHG emissions reductions

BUILDING AND APPLICANCE ELECTRIFICATION (B)
R-1
Adopt an ordinance that phases in requirements to replace natural gas appliances and equipment with electric appliances and equipment at time of replacement.

Methodology and
Assumptions
We assume the ordinance in Scenario A applies to stoves, water heaters and dryers in January 2022 and to furnaces in 2025. We further assume all electricity consumption is GHG-free.

Adopt additional measures that would require elimination of all natural gas consumption/combustion by existing residential and commercial buildings by 2030. 2009 California Residential Appliance Saturation Study, Volume 2, Tables 2-26 (Forecast Zone 5) and 2-24 (PG&E).
http://www.energy.ca.gov/2010publications/CEC-200-2010-004/CEC-200-2010-004-V2.PDF California Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for 20122-2020 with 2010 Census Benchmark
Calculation
2030
74 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-19
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
5,157 therms
1,498 therms
3,659 therms

19.5 MTCO2e
Eliminate all natural gas consumption/combustion in all Town buildings by 2030.

MUNICIPAL BUILDING AND APPLIANCE ELECTRIFICATION
R-2
2030
GHG emissions reduction
In 2017, natural gas consumption in Town buildings and facilities was as follows:

Marin Energy Watch Partnership
Calculation
2030
Natural gas usage for Town buildings
Town Hall/Police Department: 1,027 therms
Community Building: 318 therms
Corporation Yard: 2,771 therms
Women's Club: 1,041 therms
Natural gas reduced through other actions
Natural gas reduced
75 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-737 2030 B
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
24,354,721 kWh
183,760 kWh
5,607,579 kWh
18,563,383 kWh
14,593,654 kWh
737 MTCO2e
0 MTCO2e
GHG emission reductions 737 MTCO2e
2030
Electricity use, BAU
Electricity saved through State actions
Projected MCE electricity use
Calculation
Net electricity use
The MCE 2019 Resource Integration Plan states that MCE electricity is projected to be 94% GHG-free in 2020 and 100% GHG-free by 2022. MCE supplied 78.6% of the total electricity load in Fairfax in 2018.

Electricity emissions w/MCE BAU
Electricity emissions w/MCE
100% GHG-FREE ELECTRICITY
R-3
MCE 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (November 2018).
https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/MCE-2019- Integrated-Resource-Plan_11-8-2018_V_12-21-18.pdf
MCE electricity is 100% GHG-free by 2030.

Less electricity saved through local energy efficiency and renewable energy actions
76 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-164 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
114 KW AC
174 KW AC
1,736 KW AC
1,450 kWh
2,516,596 kWh
GHG emissions reductions 164 MTCO2e
Average solar added annually
Project Sunroof, https://www.google.com/get/sunroof/dataexplorer/place/ChIJgfgHWFeWhYARUBSCSoS-4DM/, accessed September 18, 2020.

Calculation
Solar capacity added 2019
2030
Additional solar 2020-2030
Additional electricity produced by distributed PV
kWh generated by 1 KW solar energy system
California Distributed Generation Statistics, "NEM Currently Interconnected Data Set," https://www.californiadgstats.ca.gov/downloads/, as of January 31, 2020.

We assume new distributed solar capacity will be added at the same rate as 2013- 2019 through 2030, or 174 KW AC each year.

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION AND STORAGE
R-4
According to Project Sunroof, 63% of buildings in Fairfax have roofs that are solar viable.

Solar energy installations continue to grow by an average of 174 KW AC each year through 2030.

By the end of 2019, 1,705 KW AC of solar capacity had been installed in Fairfax.

Since 2013, an average of 174 KW has been installed annually. 77 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-71 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
8,004 gallons
71 MTCO2e
Reduction target 100%
71 MTCO2e
OFFROAD2017 v. 1.0.1
Ban the use of on-site fossil fuel generators
R-5
100% reduction in fuel used in generators by 2030 due to switching to electric equipment.

Portable generators consumed 242,482 gallons of diesel in 2018 in Marin County (OFFROAD2017). Similar to the off-road emissions inventory, we assume 3.3% of emissions are attributable to Fairfax based on its share of countywide households in 2018. We assume a 100% reduction in 2030 due to the Town's action to ban the use of fossil fuel generators by 2030.

Emissions reductions
Calculation
2030
Portable generators diesel consumption, BAU
Emissions from portable generators, BAU
78 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-191 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
21,428 gallons
191 MTCO2e
Reduction target 100%
191 MTCO2e
OFFROAD2007

ELECTRIFY ALL LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT
R-6
For this action, landscape equipment includes lawn mowers, leaf blowers/vacuums, trimmers/edgers/brush cutters. This equipment consumed 623,785 gallons of gasoline in 2018 (OFFROAD2007). Similar to the off-road emissions inventory, we assume 3.3% of emissions are attributable to Fairfax based on its share of countywide households in 2018. We assume a 100% reduction in 2030 due to the Town's action to ban the use of gasoline portable landscape equipment by 2030.
2030: 100% reduction in fuel used in landscape equipment by 2030 due to switching to electric equipment.

Emissions from portable landscape equipment, BAU
Calculation
2030
Emissions reductions
Landscape equipment gasoline consumption, BAU
79 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-1,201 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
70%
4,988.4 tons

84.6%
100%
GHG emissions reduction 1,201 MTCO2e
According to CalRecycle's 2014 Waste Characterization Study, 84.6% of statewide franchised residential organic waste is recoverable. Based on electricity consumption split, we assume 70% of Fairfax's landfilled waste is residential waste.

RESIDENTIAL ORGANIC WASTE
W-1
100% diversion of recoverable residential organic waste by 2030.

Percent recoverable organics waste diverted from landfill Recoverable organic waste
CalRecycle, "2014 Disposal-Facility-Based Characterization of Solid Waste in California: Significant Tables and Figures," Tables 44 and 50, October 6, 2015.

Calculation
2030
Residential waste as a percent of total landfilled waste Residential landfilled waste
80 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-46 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
2,148.3 tons

94.5 tons
100%
GHG emissions reduction 46 MTCO2e
Percent donatble food diverted from landfill
According to CalRecycle's 2018 Waste Characterization Study, 4.4% of the statewide franchised commercial disposed waste stream is composed of potentially donatable food.

COMMERCIAL EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY
W-3
Achieve 100% diversion of unwanted edible food by 2025.

Potentially donatable food
Commercial food waste
CalRecycle, "2018 Facility-Based Characterization of Solid Waste in California:

Significant Tables and Figures," Table 6, May 15, 2020.

Calculation
2030
81 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-537 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
30%
2,115 tons

89.3%
100%
GHG emissions reduction 537 MTCO2e
CalRecycle, 2014 Disposal-Facility-Based Characterization of Solid Waste in California: Significant Tables and Figures, Tables 44 and 48, https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/WasteCharacterization/PubExtracts/2014/SigTa bleFig.pdf
Calculation

COMMERCIAL ORGANIC WASTE
W-4
According to CalRecycle's 2014 Waste Characterization Study, 89.3% of statewide franchised commercial organic waste is recoverable.

Based on electricity consumption split in the community, we assume 30% of landfilled waste is generated by commercial users.
100% diversions of commercial organic waste
2030
Percent diverted from landfill
Commercial waste as a percentage of total landfilled waste Commercial landfilled waste (excluding donatable food, self-haul, sludge, and municipal waste)
Recoverable organic waste, excluding donatable food
82 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-23 2030
Target
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
90 tons

89.3%
100%
GHG emissions reduction 23 MTCO2e

WASTE FROM TOWN OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES
W-6
2030
According to CalRecycle's 2014 Waste Characterization Study, 89.3% of statewide franchised commercial organic waste is recoverable.

CalRecycle, 2014 Disposal-Facility-Based Characterization of Solid Waste in California: Significant Tables and Figures, Tables 44 and 48, https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/WasteCharacterization/PubExtracts/2014/Si gTableFig.pdf
Calculation
100% of recoverable organic waste currently landfilled is diverted by 2030.

Waste from Town operations and facilities
Percent of organic waste diverted from landfill
Recoverable organic waste
83 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-11 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources

57.4 tons
68%
100%
GHG emissions reduction 11 MTCO2e
Fairfax currently complies with the State’s Green Building Code (CALGreen) by requiring development projects to direct all construction and demolition (C&D) materials to a certified facility that diverts at least 65% of nonhazardous C&D debris to recycle or salvage. However, recoverable material is still deposited in the landfill, primarily due to self-haul activity (clean-up and loads that are generated from projects not covered by CALGreen), and C&D loads that contain low percentages of recoverable material. The Town can help to maximize the amount of recoverable material by providing outreach and education to waste generators, and by working with CalRecycle to require processing of all loads for recoverable materials at the landfill or processing facility.

According to Zero Waste Marin, 57.39 tons of self-haul and debris box waste originating in Fairfax was landfilled in 2016, which we use as a proxy.

According to statewide solid waste characterizations studies, self-haul waste contains approximately 28% lumber, 3% paper, and 10% green waste, all of which could be diverted from the landfill. The measure assumes that 75% can be diverted by 2030, based on State mandates (SB 1383).

CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS AND SELF-HAUL WASTE
WR-C3
100% diversion of recoverable C&D waste currently landfilled by 2030.

Self-haul landfilled waste
Personal communication with Judith Silver, Zero Waste Marin, [email protected]
Recoverable organic waste (67.7%)
Percent recoverable organic material diverted from landfill Personal communication with Garth Schultz, R3 Consulting Group, [email protected]
CalRecycle, "2014 Disposal-Facility-Based Characterization of Solid Waste in California: Significant Tables and Figures," October 6, 2015.

Calculation
2030
84 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-1 2030
Targets
Methodology and
Assumptions
-MMWD requires applicants for new water service and applicants requesting an enlarged water service for substantial residential or commercial remodels to install a graywater recycling system to reuse the maximum practicable amount of graywater on site.

GHG reduction calculations are based upon the following:
-MMWD has adopted a Water Waste Ordinance and requires drinking water and linen washing upon request at restaurants and hotels.
-MMWD has adopted a landscape water conservation ordinance which applies to all new construction and rehabilitated landscape projects requiring a building permit, plan check, or design review. Irrigation controllers are required under CALGreen.
-MMWD provides rebates for water-efficient toilets, clothes washers, hot water recirculation systems, turf replacement, pool covers, mulch, graywater systems, and rain barrels.
-MMWD provides residential and commercial building and landscape water audits and free-water saving devices (faucet aerators, showerheads, toilet leak test dye tablets, hose nozzles, etc.).
-MMWD provides residential and commercial building and landscape water audits and free-water saving devices (faucet aerators, showerheads, toilet leak test dye tablets, hose nozzles, etc.).
-New commercial and multi-family construction is required to meet CALGreen code. MMWD requires all plumbing installed, replaced, or moved on any new or existing service to have high efficiency fixtures and meet minimum requirements. -MMWD provides virtual water-friendly garden tours on its website . -MMWD conduct outreach and provides water conservation information to water users on its website and through newsletters.

COMMUNITY WATER USE
C-2
Water consumption in he MMWD service area fell 23% between 2005 and 2018, or approximately 1.9% per year. We conservatively assume water consumption will continue to fall an average of 1% per year based on the following legislation and continued implementation of water conservation programs:
-MMWD's regulations meet or exceed State law that requires single family homes and commercial and multi-family buildings to replace all non-compliant plumbing fixtures when remodeling and upon resale (resale requirement for commercial and multi-family buildings will be in effect on January 1, 2019). 1% annual water consumption reduction.
-MMWD began purchasing 100% renewable electricity in 2017 and Sonoma County Water agency, which provides approximately 25% of water, began purchasing 100% renewable electricity in 2015. We assume the water agencies will continue this practice.
85 Sources
321 MG
1%
38 MG
GHG emissions reduction 1 MTCO2e
Annual water consumption reduction
2030
Calculation
Water consumption, BAU
Potential annual water savings
Personal communication with Carrie Pollard, Sonoma Marin Water Saving Partnership
Refining Estimates of Water-Related Energy Use in California, California Energy Commission, Dec. 2006
The Climate Registry for Sonoma County Water Agency emission factors 86 Reductions (MTCO2e)
-18 2030
Target
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources

0.0354 MTCO2
50 10
500
GHG emissions reduction from sequestration 18 MTCO2e

URBAN FORESTS AND ECOSYSTEMS
S-1
Plant 300 net new trees each year between 2020 and 2030.

Sequestration: CAPCOA Measure V-1. Assumed default annual sequestration rate of .0354 MTCO2 accumulation per tree per year and an active growing period of 20 years. Thereafter, the accumulation of carbon in biomass slows with age, and will be completely offset by losses from clipping, pruning, and occasional death.

California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, "Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures: A Resource for Local Government to Assess Emission Reductions from Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures," August, 2010.

Calculation
2030
Annual sequestration rate per tree
Number of net new trees planted each year
Number of years
Number of trees planted over period in active growing stage in inventory year 87 Program Description
Reductions (MTCO2e)
-1,330 2030
Methodology and
Assumptions
Sources
Passenger VMT BAU 40,187,127 VMT
9,681,249 VMT
Commercial VMT BAU 2,381,876 VMT
Emissions, BAU 6,084 MTCO2e
Emissions with regulations 4,754 MTCO2e
Reduction in emissions 1,330 MTCO2e

LIGHT AND HEAVY DUTY FLEET REGULATIONS
State Action
Transportation emissions estimated using EMFAC 2017. Emission factors have been adjusted to account for the SAFE Vehicle Rule Part One and the Final SAFE Rule. In order to be consistent with the methodology used in the Greenhouse Gas Inventory, results are adjusted to reflect the global warming potential of methane and nitrous oxide as reported in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report.

Current federal and State regulations and standards will reduce transportation emissions from the light and heavy duty fleet. These include:

1. Pavley Standards which increase fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles for 2009-2016 model years.

2. Advanced Clean Cars Program which will reduce greenhouse gas and smog emissions for light-duty vehicles sold between 2017 and 2025. New automobiles will emit 34 percent fewer GHG emissions and 75 percent fewer smog-forming emissions.

3. ARB Tractor -Trailer Greenhouse Gas Regulations which accelerate the use of low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic fairing to reduce GHG emissions in the heavy-duty truck fleet.

4. Heavy Duty GHG Emissions Standards (Phase One) which establish GHG and fuel efficiency standards for medium duty and heavy duty engines and vehicles for 2014-2018 model years.

Calculation
Passenger VMT, net reductions from other measures
California Air Resources Board, "EMFAC Off-Model Adjustment Factors for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions to Account for the SAFE Vehicle Rule Part One and the Final SAFE Rule," June 26, 2020,
https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/msei/emfac_off_model_co2_adjustment_factors_0626202 0-final.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
California Air Resources Board, EMFAC2017 v.1.0.2.

California Air Resources Board, EMFAC2014 Volume III - Technical Documentation, v1.0.7, May 12, 2015
2030 Scenario
88 State Action
Program Description
Reductions (MTCO2e)
-37 2030
Methodology and
Assumptions
24,354,721 kWh
183,760 kWh
5,607,579 kWh
3,655,290 kWh
314,439 kWh
416 MTCO2e
380 MTCO2e
GHG emission reductions 37 MTCO2e
Electricity use, BAU
Electricity saved through other State actions
Net electricity use (PG&E)
Electricity emissions, BAU
Electricity emissions w/RPS
Electricity saved through local actions
Net electricity use (DA)
2030
This State Action assumes PG&E and Direct Access entities will meet the Renewable Portfolio Standard requirements and that these entities will carry the same share of the community's electricity load as in 2016. GHG reductions related to MCE's GHG reduction policies are quantified separately as a local action.

Calculation

RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD
For 2030, the CPUC has set electric sector GHG reductions at a level that represents a 50% reduction from 2015 levels. We therefore apply a 50% reduction to PG&E and DA 2015 CO2 emission factors to forecast 2030 emission factors. CH4 and N2O factors are kept constant at 2018 levels.

PG&E, "Greenhouse Gas Emission Factors: Guidance for PG&E Customers," November 2015,
https://www.pge.com/includes/docs/pdfs/shared/environment/calculator/pge_gh g_emission_factor_info_sheet.pdf
GHG Calculator, version 3c_Oct2010.
https://ethree.com/public_projects/cpuc2.php
Established in 2002 in Senate Bill 1078, the Renewable Portfolio Standard program requires electricity providers to increase the portion of energy that comes from eligible renewable sources, including solar, wind, small hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass and biowaste, to 20 percent by 2010 and to 33 percent by 2020. Senate Bill 350, passed in September of 2015, increases the renewable requirement to 50 percent by the end of 2030. Senate Bill 100, passed in September 2018, accelerated the RPS standard to 60 percent by 2030 and zerocarbon by 2045.

California Public Utilities Code Section 454.52 requires each load-serving entity to procure at least 50 percent eligible renewable energy resources by 2030 and to meet the economywide reductions of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.

Sources
California Public Utilities Commission "CPUC Adopts Groundbreaking Path to Reduce Greenhouse Gases in Electric Sector," Press Release Docket #: R.16-02-007, Feb. 8, 2018.
89 Program Description
Reductions (MTCO2e)
-129
Methodology
Sources
TITLE 24 ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS
State Action
Estimated residential energy use assumes homes use natural gas for primary space heating and water heating. We assume all new homes install central air conditioning and outdoor lighting. Only end uses covered by Title 24 are included in the analysis.
2030
The California Energy Commission (CEC) promotes energy efficiency and conservation by setting the State’s building efficiency standards. Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations consists of regulations that cover the structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing system of every building constructed or altered after 1978. The building energy efficiency standards are updated on an approximate three-year cycle, and each cycle imposes increasingly higher demands on energy efficiency and conservation. The California Energy Commission's 2007 Integrated Policy Report established the goal that new building standards achieve "net zero energy" levels by 2020 for residences and by 2030 for commercial buildings.

We assume 107 new units will be built between 2018 and 2030, based on Plan Bay Area Projections for number of households.

Estimated energy reductions for the 2016 and 2019 building codes based on information provided by the California Energy Commission. CAPCOA Measure BE1 used for estimating building energy savings. We assume all residential electricity use subject to Title 24 is offset by mandatory solar installation beginning with the 2019 building code.
2009 California Residential Appliance Saturation Study (CRASS), Volume 2. http://www.energy.ca.gov/2010publications/CEC-200-2010-004/CEC-200-2010- 004-V2.PDF
California Energy Commission, California Commercial End-Use Survey (March 2006), https://ww2.energy.ca.gov/2006publications/CEC-400-2006-005/CEC-400- 2006-005.PDF
California Energy Commission, 2016 Energy Standards Overview (June 15, 2016), https://www.lgc.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2016-EnergyStandards-Overview-California-Energy-Commission.pdf California Energy Commission,
https://ww2.energy.ca.gov/title24/2019standards/documents/2018_Title_24_20 19_Building_Standards_FAQ.pdf
California Department of Finance, E-5 Report, City/County Population and Housing Estimates, 4/1/20.

California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, "Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures: A Resource for Local Government to Assess Emission Reductions from Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures," August, 2010. 90 Reductions from Title 24 Upgrades
Energy Savings
Electricity
Savings
Natural Gas
Savings
Electricity
Savings
Natural Gas
Savings
Residential New Construction 28.00% 100% 7% 100% 50%
Non-residential New Construction 5.00% 30% 30% 50% 50%
Projected Residential Development with Title 24 Energy Reductions 2018-2019 2020-2022 2023-2030
TOTAL through
2030
GHG
Reductions
through 2030
New Residential (units) 11 29 67 107
Electricity Use BAU , subject to Title 24 440 27,389 63,907 91,736 Electricity Use Savings 7 27,389 63,907 91,303 5
Natural Gas Use BAU, subject to Title 24 5,159 13,507 31,517 50,183 Natural Gas Use Savings 1,301 851 15,758 17,911 95
Projected Non-Residential Development with Title 24 Energy Reductions 2018-2019 2020-2022 2023-2030
TOTAL through
2030
GHG
Reductions
through 2030
Electricity Use BAU, Subject to Title 24 11,139 62,659 146,204 220,003 Electricity Use Savings 557 18,798 73,102 92,457 6
Natural Gas Use BAU, subject to Title 24 541 3,040 7,094 10,675 Natural Gas Use Savings 19 648 3,547 4,214 22
Energy Savings for 2019 Code
(assumed for development
2020-2022)
2016 Reductions
from 2013
Standards
(assumed for
development
after 2018)
Projected average reduction
2023-2030 from 2018
baseline
Calculation
91 APPENDIX C: Community Engagement Process
The Fairfax community was engaged in the development of this Climate Action Plan through several means. First, a regular blog was posted on the website of the Fairfax Climate Action Committee and some comments were noted there on an on-going basis.

Second, a survey was posted on the Town’s website and available to community members from September 1 through December 31, 2020. The responses to that survey are detailed here.

Third, Fairfax community members were invited to contribute ideas and concerns during a series of Community Workshops held via Zoom on October 19, November 9, and December 14, 2020 and continued into 2021 on January 11, February 8, and March 8. The workshops were facilitated by the Chair of the Fairfax Climate Action Committee and typically began with a short presentation about a section of the Plan, and then open dialogue was encouraged during which feedback and ideas were sought. Attendance ranged from 5-15 community members.

On March 3, 2021, the Fairfax Climate Action Plan 2030 was presented to the Town Council for discussion and public comment. A joint special meeting with Town Council and the Climate Action Committee was held on March 17 to review it in further detail. On April 15, 2021, the Fairfax Climate Action Plan 2030 was presented to the Planning Commission for discussion and public comment.

We posted the CAP to the CAC website in March. We blogged about it, spoke about it at the Town Council, wrote about it in the Town Newsletter, and received a number of excellent comments from the people of the Town, as well as from people and organizations outside the Town. We spent extensive time studying these comments and incorporating them as it made sense.

The goal is to have a final Fairfax Climate Action Plan 2030 adopted by the Town Council no later than June 30, 2021.
92 With thanks to the hardworking Fairfax Climate Action Committee. Standing, left to right: Jennifer Hammond, Joanne Lasnier, David Haskell, Kiki La Porta, Bruce Ackerman, Jody Timms, Christopher Lang. Sitting: Stephanie Hellman, Walt Vernon.
93