City of Piedmont
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: July 17, 2023
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Rosanna Bayon Moore, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Receipt of a Report on the 2021 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, and Piedmont’s Climate Action Plan 2.0 Implementation Status
RECOMMENDATION
Receive an informational update on the 2021 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and the status of the implementation of Piedmont’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0. No action required.
BACKGROUND
On March 19, 2018, the City Council adopted the Piedmont Climate Action Plan 2.0 (CAP 2.0), which includes the goal of reducing in-territory greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (i.e., emissions occurring within City limits) 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050.
Piedmont’s progress toward achieving its GHG emission reduction targets is measured on an annual basis and summarized in an emissions inventory. This report provides information on the 2021 GHG emissions inventory, including estimates for both community and municipal (i.e., City Government) emissions. Since the City began conducting GHG inventories over a decade ago, most of Piedmont’s emissions have been attributed to two main sectors: transportation and residential energy. The 2021 inventory reaffirms these findings, albeit it reveals slight reductions in the transportation sector since 2020.,
Piedmont is on course to meet its 2030 emissions reduction target. This is due in large part to transportation emission reductions, localized decreases in emissions from building appliances and electricity service plans, and reduced heating degree days. Although Piedmont’s emission reductions are cause for celebration, there is still much work to accomplish to transition to a lowcarbon community. Key focal areas for future emission reductions include eliminating natural gas use in existing buildings, ensuring sustainable mobility and land use options, and reducing lifecycle GHG emissions associated with purchasing and consumption habits.
City of Piedmont staff completed the 2021 GHG emissions inventory in the spring of 2023, attached as Exhibit A. In 2021, Piedmont’s in-territory emissions (i.e., emissions occurring within City boundaries) totaled 32,357 MTCO2e, of which 914 MTCO2e are attributed to municipal activities. This was a reduction of 34% below 2005 levels and a very slight reduction (3.1%) below 2020 emissions. The reductions since 2005 are largely attributed to continued global warming trends, which require fewer heating degree days1
, as well as localized decreases in emissions from
building appliances and Piedmont’s residential and municipal enrollment in East Bay Community Energy’s (EBCE) 100% renewable energy service plan. Figure 1 below shows the City’s emissions trends since 2005. For a more detailed comparison of the results of the 2021 GHG inventory to previous years, please refer to Exhibit A.
Figure 1
What follows is a brief overview of the two sectors included in the 2021 GHG emissions inventory:
the community inventory, which includes residential and commercial business activities in Piedmont, and the municipal inventory, which only covers activities stemming from City facilities and City staff and contractors.
Community Emissions Update
Community activities in 2021 resulted in approximately 31,442 MTCO2e. This is a decrease of
3.8% from 2020 in-territory community emissions. The sectors that contributed most to Piedmont’s in-territory community GHG emissions were transportation & mobile sources2 (48%) and residential energy (47%). Transportation and residential energy have consistently remained the biggest sectors in terms of contributions to GHG emissions since 2005. Since 2020, emissions largely remained unchanged. There were decreases in transportation and solid waste emissions, while slight increases to residential and commercial energy, water and wastewater, and fugitive and process emissions.
It is important to note the GHG emissions inventory used by staff does not include consumptionbased emissions.3 While Piedmont’s in-boundary GHG emissions are low relative to neighboring 1 Heating degree day is the unit which measures how many degrees, and how many days, outside air temperature were lower than the base temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
2 Mobile sources include both on and off-road sources such as passenger cars, trucks, buses, lawn and garden equipment, construction, and more. https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/msprog.htm
3 Consumption-based emissions refer to the total lifecycle emissions of goods and services imported to the city. 48,818 46,901
39,456 38,492 37,025 38,101
34,340 34,197 33,402 32,357
29,291
9,764
0 10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
2005 2010 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2030
(goal)
2050
(goal)
MTCO2e
Piedmont's Annual Emissions
Agenda Report Page 2
cities, Piedmont’s rates of consumption correspond to a significant quantity of GHGs released globally. If consumption were included in the inventory, emissions would be about seven times higher than they are currently.4 According to data from a UC Berkeley study of consumptionbased emissions, Piedmont is the highest emitter per capita in Alameda County and one of the highest throughout the Bay Area. While initially disheartening, Piedmont’s high consumptionbased emissions demonstrate the power residents yield globally with their purchasing decisions.
Municipal Emissions Update
Municipal activities in 2021 resulted in approximately 914 MTCO2e, or 2.8% of total in-territory emissions. This is an increase of 21% from in-territory municipal emissions since 2020. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in vehicle fleet emissions due to the addition of emissions from Republic Services’ waste collection vehicles to the inventory. This data was added for a more comprehensive picture of the impact of solid waste collection services in Piedmont. Like previous years, the biggest sectors contributing to municipal emissions were transportation- related activities (86% of the total), followed by solid waste (7%), buildings and facilities (7%), and process and fugitive emissions (<1%).
GHG INVENTORY CONCLUSIONS
The top sources of community emissions continue to be transportation and residential energy use.
Curbing emissions from transportation will require increased use of public transportation, EVs, walking and biking. Addressing emissions from buildings and energy use will require electrification of new and existing buildings, the entire community’s enrollment in 100% renewable electricity, and energy efficiency improvements. As in previous years, the most significant sources of municipal emissions are the City’s vehicle fleet and employee commute.
Electrifying the municipal vehicle fleet has the potential to markedly reduce municipal emissions.
At the same time, employees should be encouraged to carpool, take alternative methods of transportation, and work from home, if possible.
CAP 2.0 IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
The CAP 2.0 provides actions and strategies to achieve reductions in GHG emissions. Since the CAP 2.0 was adopted in 2018, the City has engaged in outreach efforts to implement some of the transportation and energy efficiency measures, as well as looked for opportunities to expand its municipal climate actions. For a detailed update on the CAP 2.0 implementation, please refer to Exhibit B.
POTENTIAL NEXT STEPS
Based on the findings from GHG emissions inventories completed in the last several years, actions considered to be “low-hanging fruit” have already been taken and further action is needed for the City to be on track to meet its CAP 2.0 goals. The City Council may direct staff to pursue some or all of the following list of actions intended to accelerate progress towards CAP implementation, which are focused on addressing Piedmont’s largest GHG emitting sectors. 4 Jones, C. M, & Kammen, D. M. (2015). A Consumption-Based Greenhouse Gas Inventory of San Francisco Bay Area Neighborhoods, Cities and Counties: Prioritizing Climate Action for Different Locations. UC Berkeley. Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2sn7m83z Agenda Report Page 3
Reduce Natural Gas Use Through Building Electrification Efforts • Development of a Time of Replacement Policy
• Establishment of a Permanent Funding Source for Electrification Reduce Transportation Emissions Through Active Transportation & Electrification Efforts • Conduct a Micromobility Feasibility Study
• Increase Availability of EV Chargers Citywide
Enhance Climate Adaptation and Resilience Efforts
• Conduct a Feasibility Analysis for a Community Resilience Hub • Develop a Sustainable Parks Master Plan
Municipal Facilities and Opportunities to Reduce Emissions • Electrification of the City’s Fleet
• Reduce Employee Commute through Telework and Clean Commuter Programs
ATTACHMENTS
A Pages 5-17 City of Piedmont 2020 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory B Pages 18-55 City of Piedmont CAP 2.0 Implementation Progress By: Alyssa Dykman, Sustainability Program Manager
Sophie Roberts, Climate Action Fellow
Agenda Report Page 4
City of Piedmont: 2021 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Update Executive Summary
In 2010, the City of Piedmont adopted its first Climate Action Plan (CAP), which set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions occurring within Piedmont (hereafter called “interritory emissions”) 15% below 2005 levels by 2020. In 2014 and 2015, the City of Piedmont met its 15% reduction target, however, in both years this was principally the result of extensive reductions in natural gas use in response to warmer weather. In 2018, the City of Piedmont adopted its second Climate Action Plan (CAP 2.0), which provided an update to the original plan. The CAP
2.0 set new targets of reducing in-territory GHG emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050. As of 2023, City staff are in the process of developing updated GHG reduction targets to reflect current state, federal, and global targets.
To determine the City’s progress in meeting both the previous and current emissions reduction goals, a greenhouse gas inventory was conducted in 2005 to establish a baseline emissions level. Subsequent inventories were completed for the years 2010, and 2014 onwards. Most recently, Piedmont’s Climate Action Fellow completed the 2021 GHG inventory. Performing annual GHG inventories helps fulfill the City’s commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (formerly known as the Compact of Mayors). The chart below shows interritory emissions from the past several years and the current in-territory emissions goals laid out in the CAP 2.0: reduce in-territory emissions to just 29,291 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) by 2030, and just 9,764 MTCO2e by 2050. The red line indicates the 2030 goal, and the green line indicates the 2050 goal.
Figure 1
0 10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
2005 2010 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
MTCO2e
Piedmont Emissions Reductions Target Residential Energy Transportation
Solid Waste
Commercial Energy
Water & Wastewater
Buildings &
Facilities
Vehicle Fleet
Employee Commute
Municipal Solid
Waste
2030 Goal
2050 Goal
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 5
Previous Greenhouse Gas Inventories
Included below in Table 1 are the inventories for 2005 (baseline year), 2010 (year a CAP was first adopted), as well as 2014-2021. Please note that our priority goal is to reduce emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, which would mean the City cannot emit more than 29,291 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) in a year.
Table 1: Piedmont’s GHG Emissions Inventories and Relative Emissions Reductions Since 2005
Year In-Territory Emissions in MTCO2e
%
Emissions
Reduction
Relative
to 2005
Baseline
2005
In 2005, GHG emissions in Piedmont totaled approximately 48,818 MTCO2e. Within this total, municipal facilities emitted approximately 1,025 MTCO2e. The 2005 inventory is used as the City’s baseline, against which later inventories are compared in order to measure the City’s progress towards meeting its GHG emissions reduction goals. --
2010
The 2010 inventory indicated that GHG emissions were approximately 46,901 MTCO2e. The City’s municipal activities in 2010 resulted in approximately 1,056 MTCO2e.
4%
2014
In 2014, Piedmont produced approximately 39,456 MTCO2e. The decrease in GHG reductions was due in part to ongoing conservation and energy efficiency efforts by Piedmonters and the result of fewer heating degree days (reduced gas consumption) due to exceptionally warm seasonal temperatures that year. The City’s municipal activities in 2014 resulted in approximately 1,076 MTCO2e. This increase was driven almost exclusively by the addition of energy consumption at the Aquatics Center and the Center for the Arts to the City’s municipal building portfolio in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
19%
2015
The 2015 inventory indicated Piedmont emitted approximately 38,492 MTCO2e. The primary driver of this reduction was warmer weather in 2015, which resulted in a decreased demand for residential heating and, consequently, less natural gas usage. Municipal activities resulted in 21%
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 6
approximately 960 MTCO2e. Community and municipal results from the 2015 GHG inventory were used as the basis for Piedmont’s CAP 2.0. 2016
In 2016, Piedmont produced approximately 37,025 MTCO2e. Municipal activities resulted in approximately 864 MTCO2e. Municipal and community emissions decreased slightly from 2015 to 2016. These decreases seem to have been mainly due to outside factors, particularly the increase in renewable sources in PG&E’s energy mix. This caused significant decreases in emissions in the residential and commercial electricity sectors since 2015.
24%
2017
In 2017, Piedmont produced approximately 38,101 MTCO2e, of which 879 MTCO2e are attributed to municipal activities. This is an increase of 3% from 2016 total emissions.
22%
2018
In 2018, Piedmont produced approximately 34,340 MTCO2e, of which 934 MTCO2e are attributed to municipal activities. This was a reduction of
9.8% from 2017 in-territory emissions. This reduction was largely due to Piedmont’s community and municipal enrollment in East Bay Community Energy’s (EBCE) 100% renewable energy service plan.
29%
2019
In 2019, Piedmont’s emissions were approximately 34,197 MTCO2e, of which 1,139 MTCO2e are attributed to municipal activities. This was a very slight reduction (less than 1%) below 2018 in-territory emissions. 30%
2020
In 2020, Piedmont’s emissions were approximately 33,402 MTCO2e, of which 722 MTCO2e are attributed to municipal activities. This was a 2.3% reduction below 2019 in-territory emissions.
32%
2021
In 2021, Piedmont’s emissions were approximately 32,357 MTCO2e, of which 914 MTCO2e are attributed to municipal activities. This was a 3.1% reduction below 2020 in-territory emissions.
34%
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 7
2021 Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Piedmont’s 2022-2023 Climate Corps Fellow worked with City staff to complete the 2021 GHG emissions inventory and present it to the City Council.
The results showed that in 2021, Piedmont’s interritory emissions were approximately 32,357 MTCO2e, of which 914 MTCO2e were
attributed to municipal activities, and the
remaining 31,443 MTCO2e were attributed to
community emissions. This was a reduction of
34% below 2005 levels, and a reduction of
3.1% from 2020 in-territory emissions. The
reductions since 2005 are largely due to
decreases in emissions from building
appliances and electricity sources in 2018.
It is important to note the method of GHG
emissions inventory used by staff does not take
into account emissions generated outside the
City’s boundaries (i.e., consumption-based emissions).1
If consumption was included in the inventory, emissions would be about seven times higher than they are currently.2 According to data from a UC Berkeley study of consumption-based emissions, Piedmont is the highest emitter per capita in Alameda County and one of the highest throughout the Bay Area. While initially disheartening, Piedmont’s high consumption-based emissions demonstrate the power Piedmont residents yield globally with their purchasing decisions.
Objectives identified in the CAP 2.0 for reducing consumption emissions include first and foremost, providing education to increase awareness of how consumption relates to GHG emissions, as well as reducing the carbon intensity of food, reducing food waste, enabling local food, promoting product reuse, and supporting sustainable procurement within local schools.
What follows is an overview of the two sectors included in the 2021 GHG emissions inventory:
the community inventory, which includes residential and commercial business activities in Piedmont, and the municipal inventory, which only covers activities stemming from City facilities and City staff and contractors.
1 Consumption-based emissions refer to the total lifecycle emissions of goods and services imported to the city. 2 Jones, C. M, & Kammen, D. M. (2015). A Consumption-Based Greenhouse Gas Inventory of San Francisco Bay Area Neighborhoods, Cities and Counties: Prioritizing Climate Action for Different Locations. UC Berkeley. Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2sn7m83z
32,357 Metric Tons of CO2e
3.1% decrease from 2020
34% decrease from 2005
Figure 14
Figure 2
Building
Energy
Transportation 49%
48%
Community
Water
0.5%
Solid Waste
1% Process &
Fugitive
2%
2021 Community Emissions
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 8
Community Emissions
Figure 3
As seen in Figure 3 above, community-wide total emissions decreased slightly, yet sector-specific emissions increased across buildings and energy use, waste and wastewater, and process and fugitive and decreased across the transportation and solid waste sectors. The biggest sectors contributing to in-territory emissions were building energy and transportation. Process and fugitive emissions, water and wastewater, and solid waste are minor contributors to Piedmont’s community greenhouse gas portfolio. Combined, these sources account for about 3% of total emissions.
Please see below for specific information on each sector:
Transportation
Transportation sector emissions, modeled by the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC), are the result of travel that begins or ends in the City. This includes personal vehicle travel, commercial transport within the City, and Piedmont residents’ use of public transportation.
Vehicle emissions are calculated through vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and on-road emissions factors (grams CO2/mile). VMT is a key metric in transportation planning because it provides a measure of total travel, how travel changes over time, and differences in travel among regions. In 2021, transportation sector emissions contributed 47% to the community’s total in-territory emissions. Transportation emissions have become a more significant percentage of emissions since 2005. This is attributed to a gradual reduction in residential energy emissions, which has positioned transportation emissions to become proportionally larger. Between 2020 and 2021, there was a 10% reduction in total VMT, indicating fewer miles driven in and out of Piedmont. While a reduction in VMT is encouraging, this decrease could largely be attributed to the continued impacts of the pandemic and telework policies.
In the area of EVs, Piedmont is a leader; an estimated 8.3% of vehicles in Piedmont are EVs.
Between 2020 and 2021, EV VMT increased by 1.5%. Staff anticipate the share of EV VMT to 0 10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
Total Emissions Buildings &
Energy Use
Transportation Solid Waste Water &
Wastewater
Process &
Fugitive
MTCO2e
Emissions Per Year by Sector
2005 2010 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
15,115 Metric Tons of CO2e
47% of 2021 total emissions
8% decrease from 2020
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 9
increase in the years ahead due to the state of California’s mandate requiring the sale of new lightduty vehicles to be 100% zero emission vehicles by 2035.3 Data from the California Air Resources Board indicates
that Piedmont residents are driving a greater percentage of EVs in 2021 compared to Alameda County as a whole. In
2021, approximately 8.27% of vehicles registered to census tracts in Piedmont were electric, compared to 3.23% of
vehicles registered to census tracts in Alameda County, as seen in Table 2.
To reduce Piedmont’s in-territory transportation emissions, it is critical to continue to encourage EV and E-bike
purchases and usage, as well as promote public transit use.
As Piedmont continues to improve streets, sidewalks, and bike infrastructure, deliberate decisions by the Public Works and Planning & Building Departments can help encourage residents to choose more eco-friendly modes of transportation.
Additionally, residents may respond to financial incentives. Staff will continue to conduct outreach on rebates and other financial opportunities residents can use. Although community vehicle use is one of the highest causes of emissions in Piedmont, there are existing and affordable ways to decrease these emissions.
It should also be noted that emissions from airplane travel are not included in this inventory.
Airplane travel constitutes a large portion of many U.S. residents’ total GHG footprints. If emissions from airplane travel were included in this inventory, the inventory would likely find much higher community GHG emissions from the transportation sector.
Building Energy
Emissions associated with building energy come from burning fossil fuels to create electricity that powers electric appliances and from combustion of natural gas to directly power gas appliances. Eliminating both sources will have significant positive effects on Piedmont’s GHG emission reductions.
Between 2005 and 2021, emissions from building electricity have generally decreased, while emissions from natural gas have fluctuated, as seen in Figure 4. Building energy emissions in 2021 were 39% below 2005 emission levels. Much of the decrease in emissions from 2005 to 2021 owes to Piedmont’s community and municipal enrollment in East Bay Community Energy’s (EBCE) 100% renewable energy service plan.
3 California Air Resources Board (CARB): https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/california-moves-accelerate-100-new-zero-emissionvehicle-sales-2035 Vehicle
Type
Piedmont Alameda
County
Gasoline 89.89% 93.56%
Electric 8.27% 3.23%
Diesel 1.77% 3.04%
Natural
Gas
0.02% 0.09%
Hydrogen 0.03% 0.05%
15,491 Metric Tons of CO2e
48% of 2021 total emissions
1% increase from 2020
Table 2: Registered Vehicle Types
in Piedmont
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 10
As seen in Figure 5 below, in 2021, emissions from electricity decreased while emissions from natural gas increased in both the residential and commercial sectors. The decrease in electricity emissions is partially attributed to changes in the power content of PG&E’s energy service plans and EBCE’s Brilliant 100 and Bright Choice plans. In 2020, the Bright Choice plan was 55% carbon free, and in 2021, the plan was 60% carbon free. In 2020, PG&E’s base plan was 31% renewable and in 2021 it was 48% renewable. Power content changes impact the associated GHG emissions intensity tied to an energy service plan, and subsequently, GHG emissions. Despite the year-to-year fluctuation, it is notable that residential electricity emissions have decreased significantly since 2005 (a 97% reduction) mainly due to the overwhelming majority of Piedmont electricity customers enrolled in EBCE’s Renewable 100 service plan.
Figure 5
Residential natural gas appliances alone contributed 96% of total building energy emissions in 2021. Emissions from natural gas combustion are attributed to gas-powered appliances used inside and outside of buildings including furnaces, water heaters, stovetops, dyers, gas fireplace inserts, 0 5000
10000
15000
20000
Residential Natural Gas Residential Electricity Commercial Electricity Use
Commercial Natural
Gas
MTCO2e
Community Energy Data 2005 - 2021
2005 2010 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
14492
386 311 143
14640
239 423 189
0 5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
Residential Natural Gas Residential Electricity Commercial Electricity Commerial Natural Gas MTCO2e
2020-2021 Commnity Building Energy Use
2020 2021
Figure 4
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 11
gas fire tables on patios, and gas patio heaters. Residential appliances that burn natural gas (or propane gas) emit air pollution directly into homes or local communities.4 For instance, natural gas stoves can release carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and other harmful pollutants into the air, which can be toxic to people and pets.5
Natural gas use in Piedmont residential homes has increased on average since 2014, though gas use fluctuates depending on the year. Recognizing the need to reduce natural gas use in residential buildings, the City Council adopted local amendments to the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, otherwise known as “Reach Codes”. The Reach Codes, which went into effect in June 2021, require energy efficiency measures or electrification upgrades to be included in residential building renovations above a certain project valuation threshold, as well as all-electric construction in new residential buildings and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Based on staff’s evaluation of the six months in 2021 the Reach Codes were in effect, it is estimated that the policy resulted in GHG reductions of nearly 15 MTCO2e. Staff anticipate additional GHG reductions from the Reach Codes to be reflected in the 2022 GHG inventory. Additionally, staff continues to conduct outreach on electric appliances, and uses opportunities like the City’s induction cooktop loaning program and pilot electrification rebate program to improve residents’ knowledge of electrification and why it is an important climate action to take in Piedmont.
Solid Waste
Solid waste generates methane when organic material decomposes in anaerobic landfill settings. Methane gas is a potent climate pollutant that is released when organic waste, which includes surplus edible food, food scraps, food soiled paper and yard waste, decomposes in a landfill.
According to Republic Services Annual Report, Piedmont’s solid waste diversion rate in 2021 was 75%, meaning that three quarters of residential waste was diverted from landfills and either composted or recycled.6 The City’s diversion rate has remained consistent during the past decade.
In contrast, the State of California has an average diversion rate of only 37%.7 According to the City’s web-based construction and demolition (C&D) disposal recordkeeping and analysis platform, Green Halo, 78% of materials from Piedmont C&D projects in 2021 were recycled. This diversion rate is higher than the City’s C&D diversion requirements (at least 65%) and reflects a 11% increase in materials diverted since 2020.
In January of 2022, SB 1383 came into effect requiring all Californians to subscribe to organics collection services. According to Republic Services Annual Report, Piedmont produced 1,737 tons of residential waste in 2021. The tons of waste reported by Republic Services decreased by 27% from 2020.
4 California Air Resources Board: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/technology-clearinghouse/technologyclearinghouse-tools/residential-appliance-comparison 5 California Air Resources Board: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/indoor-air-pollution-cooking 6 City of Piedmont Waste Diversion Rates https://piedmont.ca.gov/services___departments/public_works/recycling_organic_waste_garbage/solid_waste_data 7 California’s 2019 Per Capita Disposal Rate Estimate, CalRecycle https://calrecycle.ca.gov/lgcentral/goalmeasure/disposalrate/mostrecent/ 211 Metric Tons of CO2e
0.65% of 2021 total emissions
42% decrease from 2020
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 12
Additionally, the decrease in emissions from solid waste can be attributed to Piedmont’s waste hauler, Republic Services, decreasing Scope 1 and 28 GHG emissions, as reported in their 2021 Sustainability Report. Another factor in the emissions decrease is changes in the landfill Methane (CH4) collection scenario calculated by staff, which reflect updated statewide metrics associated with the Landfill Methane Regulation.
Water & Wastewater
Each year between 2005 and 2021, water and wastewater have contributed only a small percentage of total in-territory greenhouse gas emissions: between 0.1-1%. In 2021, this category accounted for 0.44% of in-boundary emissions. Emissions decreased by 66 % between 2010 and 2021. The low emissions can be attributed to the East Bay Municipal District’s (EBMUD) wastewater treatment plant, which is a net energy producer, meaning that the plant produces more renewable energy onsite than is needed to run the facility.
Process & Fugitive Emissions
Process and fugitive emissions contributed 484 MTCO2e, or 1.5% of emissions in the 2021 inventory. City staff chose to include these emissions in the inventory beginning with the year 2020 to reflect a holistic scope of emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, fugitive emissions account for GHG compounds directly released into the atmosphere as a result of extraction, transport, storage, and processing of fossil fuels such as, methane (CH4) or natural gas.
Municipal Emissions
Municipal activities in 2021 resulted in interritory emissions of approximately 914 MTCO2e, or 2.8% of total community interritory emissions. This is an increase of 27% from total in-territory municipal emissions
since 2020. This increase in municipal
emissions was driven by a 120% increase in
vehicle fleet emissions from 2020. While
emissions from the City’s vehicle fleet
increased substantially, emissions from all
other sectors decreased.
8 According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG emissions that occur from sources controlled or owned by an organization (e.g., emissions associated with fuel combustion in boilers, furnaces, vehicles). Scope 2 emissions are defined as indirect GHG emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling.
Source: https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/scope-1-and-scope-2-inventoryguidance#:~:text=Scope%201%20emissions%20are%20direct,boilers%2C%20furnaces%2C%20vehicles.
Employee
Commute
30%
Vehicle Fleet
56%
Buildings
and
Facilities
7%
Solid
Waste
Facilities
7%
Fugitive Emissions
<1%
2021 Municipal Emissions
Figure 6
914 Metric Tons of CO2e
27% increase from 2020
11% decrease from 2005
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 13
Figure 7
Municipal Vehicle Fleet
In 2021, the City’s vehicle fleet accounted for 56% of total municipal emissions. The vehicle fleet consists of vehicles utilized by the police, fire, public works, and recreation departments, and by various contractor services (Rapella and Sons, Pacific General Engineering, Finberg Fencing) and solid waste collection services (Republic Services). Emissions estimates for the municipal fleet were calculated using vehicle fuel efficiency, miles driven, and fuel used by each vehicle.
In 2021, vehicles continued to contribute a substantial portion of municipal GHG emissions. There was an increase of 120% from 2020 vehicle emissions. This increase is due in part to the addition of emissions from Republic Services’ dump trucks to the inventory. This calculation was added for a more comprehensive picture of the total impact of solid waste collection services in Piedmont.
Additionally, the sharp increase in vehicle emissions in 2021 may be partially explained by low 2020 vehicle emissions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Municipal Energy Consumption: Buildings
Because of the City’s municipal enrollment in EBCE’s 100% renewable electricity service, emissions from municipal electricity use (e.g., buildings, streetlights, sprinklers) are zero.
Therefore, emissions in this sector are attributed entirely to municipal natural gas use. Emissions associated with municipal natural gas use decreased by 38% since 2020 and 68% since 2019. This decrease is likely attributed to City Staff working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as energy efficiency and municipal electrification improvements in City facilities.
Employee Commute
In 2021, employee commutes comprised 30% of municipal emissions, possibly attributed to the high cost of living in Piedmont and nearby communities, causing employees to live further away, and thus drive greater distances. About 60% of employees reported a one-way drive to work of over 20 miles. Driving a car can be more convenient than public transit for such a distance, which 0 100
200
300
400
500
600
Buildings and Facilities Vehicle Fleet Employee Commute Solid Waste MTCO2e
GHG Emissions by Municipal Sector 2005-2021
2005 2010 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 14
could explain the high mileage. The slight decrease in employee commute emissions between 2020 and 2021 may be explained by City’s staff adoption of personal EVs and structures in place that encouraged telework in some departments due to the pandemic.
Solid Waste Facilities
Municipal solid waste generated an estimated 65 metric MTCO2e in 2021. This is a 24% decrease from 2020. In 2021, the City of Piedmont began to deploy three series bins (with recycling, compost and trash) in almost every office space and in high-traffic areas in the Civic Center, which decreased waste going to the landfill. The decrease in emissions from solid waste may also be attributed to Piedmont’s waste hauler, Republic Services, decreasing Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, as reported in their 2021 Sustainability Report.
Figure 8
Conclusions
The City has demonstrated leadership in taking steps toward meeting the CAP 2.0 goals by hiring a Sustainability Program Manager, enrolling in EBCE’s 100% renewable energy service plan, pioneering reach codes, and constructing an all-electric pool. Additionally, Piedmont community members have demonstrated commitments to reducing emissions through their high EV purchasing rates, high waste diversion rates, and support of City sustainability initiatives.
However, the GHG emission inventories completed to date reveal that, for the most part, the changes from year to year are caused by external forces. Substantive changes to the building energy sector and the transportation sector are needed to meet the CAP 2.0 goals. Although education and outreach efforts are important and should be continued, it appears that significant reductions in emissions will not occur without incentives or regulatory efforts from local, State and Federal governments. To reach the CAP 2.0 goal of reducing emissions by 40% from 2005 levels by 2030 (29,291 MTCO2e annually), Piedmont needs to decrease 2021’s emissions by 9.5% (approximately 3,066 MTCO2e or 340.66 MTCO2e per year). 0 100
200
300
400
500
600
Vehicle Fleet Employee
Commute
Buildings and
Facilities
Solid Waste Streetlights and
Traffic Signals
MTCO2e
Municipal Emissions 2018-2021
2018 2019 2020 2021
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 15
Between 2020 and 2021, Piedmont experienced a decrease of 3.1% in MTCO2e. The decrease in transportation emissions and solid waste emissions were offset by an increase in residential and commercial energy and water and wastewater. Ultimately, for Piedmont to make meaningful progress toward meeting the CAP 2.0 goals, the Piedmont community will need to make significant reductions in fossil fuel consumption in their homes, vehicles, and daily lives. These reductions will be centered on decarbonization efforts to transition residents from gas-powered vehicles to EVs and shift from natural gas to electric appliances in existing residential buildings.
Community decarbonization efforts will need to be supported by with significant education, outreach, and awareness building efforts, along with financial and human resources. Additionally, equitable adaptation efforts must be made that recognize the historical harms and structural and institutional systems that are the root causes of the social and economic inequities climate change exacerbates.
While municipal emissions account for just 2.8% of Piedmont’s total in-territory emissions, municipal activities and facilities can continue to be improved so that the City government leads by example. Recent efforts in this area include replacement of all remaining gas-powered water heaters with electric heat pump water heaters in City buildings and the Council’s decision to construct the new Piedmont Community Pool to be an all-electric facility. In 2021, building energy use, solid waste, and employee commute emissions all decreased, but vehicle fleet emissions increased. The increase in vehicle fleet can be largely attributed to the addition of emissions from Republic Services’ waste collection vehicles to the GHG emissions inventory. Emissions from the City vehicle fleet can be minimized by reducing VMT, transitioning from gas and diesel-fueled vehicles to EVs, installing EV infrastructure for City vehicles, and increasing the use of active transportation modes such as walking and biking to get around Piedmont. Emissions from solid waste can be reduced by continuing education and implementation of sustainable purchasing and procurement, as well as proper sorting of recyclables and organics. In the area of transportation, policies and programs that incentivize employees to reduce their mileage and switch to zeroemission vehicles both in their work tasks and in their commuting habits can have a sizable impact on municipal emissions. Such incentives might include the provision of EV charging stations for
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Attachment A Agenda Report Page 16
City staff, promoting work from home, and the provision of changing areas and showers for employees biking to work.
Finally, although Piedmont conducts a GHG inventory annually, the current methodology does not account for consumption by community members that results in emissions outside the City border. If consumption emissions were included in this report, the emissions numbers would be roughly seven times greater.9 A consumption-based emissions inventory would reveal that personal choices related to the purchase of products and travel services have as much, if not more, impact on global emissions than do in-boundary activities and energy use. 9 Jones, C. M, & Kammen, D. M. (2015). A Consumption-Based Greenhouse Gas Inventory of San Francisco Bay Area Neighborhoods, Cities and Counties: Prioritizing Climate Action for Different Locations. UC Berkeley. Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2sn7m83z
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 17
CAP 2.0 Implementation Highlights
The CAP 2.0 provides actions and strategies to achieve reductions in GHG emissions. Since the CAP 2.0 was adopted in 2018, the City has engaged in outreach efforts to implement some of the transportation and energy efficiency measures as well as looked for opportunities to expand its municipal climate actions. Below are some highlights.
Implemented
Piedmont Community Pool to be Designed as All-Electric Facility In April 2022, the Piedmont City Council directed that the new Piedmont Community Pool be designed as an all-electric facility. Since then, City staff have been working to secure funding to help offset the costs of electrification. This has entailed working with EBCE to secure a low-interest electrification loan in the amount of $750,000 and securing a $82,800 grant from the California Energy Design Assistance (CEDA) program to support the costs of electrification. This effort implements CAP 2.0 Municipal Measure 2-1 and Action-2.1E.
Piedmont Pilot Building Electrification Rebate Program
The City’s Building Electrification Rebate Program launched in January of 2023, with the goal of providing financial incentives to Piedmont homeowners to help offset the costs of electrification in existing residential buildings. Rebates are available for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and associated panel upgrades. In addition, contractors who register with the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) after January 1, 2023, are eligible for a $500 signing bonus. In February 2023, the City's Sustainability Division held a webinar about home electrification and electrification rebate opportunities, with over 100 Piedmonters attending the live event and/or viewing the recording. As of June 30, 2023, six property owners have received rebates amounting to $7,900.
An additional seven property owners are in the queue, reflecting an additional $12,000 in rebate funding. Combined, these projects include rebates for eight heat pump water heaters, seven heat pump HVAC systems, and five electrical panel upgrades. This effort implements CAP 2.0 Action BE-1.3B.
Municipal Energy Portfolio Audit
In late 2022, Sustainability Division staff engaged BayREN to conduct a highlevel portfolio review of City facilities and provide recommendations regarding opportunities for energy savings and solar generation. The following City sites were analyzed: City Hall/Fire Department, Recreation Building, Veterans Hall/Police Department, Community Hall, 801 Magnolia, and the Corporation Yard. Key recommendations from the report include installing LEDs, replacing existing gas furnaces with electric heat pumps, replacing existing gas ranges with induction stoves, and installing double pane windows. Additionally, it was noted that installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at Veterans Hall/Police Dept., Community Hall, 801 Magnolia, and the Corporation Yard would generate enough capacity to power the sites with full electrification of all appliances and achieve Zero Net Energy (ZNE) status. The information from this audit is being used to plan future facility improvements and has been incorporated into the City’s Capital Improvement Fund schedule. This effort implements CAP 2.0 Municipal Measure-2.2B.
Gas Water Heaters Replaced with Heat Pump Water Heaters at City Facilities Sustainability Division staff completed a project in the spring of 2022 to replace all remaining gaspowered water heaters in City facilities with electric heat pump water heaters (HPWHs). Piedmont may be the first City in the State to have accomplished this feat. A case study of the report can be found here. The City benefited from this program through the installation of 6 HPWHs at 5 sites:
Community Hall, Veterans Hall, Fire Department, Police Department, and the Recreation Building.
The City leveraged PG&E incentive funds and EBCE Municipal Electrification Assistance gap Attachment B Agenda Report Page 18
funding to make these improvements at zero out-of-pocket cost to the City. The 10-year lifetime GHG emission reductions of this project are 226.5 MTCO2e. This effort implements CAP 2.0 Municipal Measure-2.1.
Reach Codes
In October 2022, the City Council adopted Piedmont’s second iteration of Reach Codes (Ordinance 766 N.S.) to be effective along with the 2022 California Building Code. While the 2019 Energy Code regulated requirements for "low-rise" residential buildings, the 2022 Energy Code changes this concept to now regulate single-family buildings and multifamily buildings separately.
Accordingly, City staff are in the process of developing reach codes for new and existing multifamily buildings to ensure continuity with the previous Code cycle. Additionally, City staff are conducting ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the reach codes enacted in 2021. Information about the City’s reach codes can be found here. This effort implements CAP 2.0 Buildings and Energy Actions-1.2E, 1.3C, and 6.1C.
Home Energy Assessment Policies
In 2020 and 2021, the City Council passed two Home Energy Assessment Policies (Ordinance 751 N.S. and Energy Assessment Policy). Ordinance 751 N.S. requires each person who sells or transfers an interest in real property in Piedmont to provide a Home Energy Score or a Home Energy Audit prepared in the past five years to potential buyers and the City’s Planning & Building Department, in addition to all other disclosure documents. The Energy Assessment Policy requires a Home Energy Assessment to be completed for projects which require design review permits and which may have any energy impact. Since the policies went into effect, 299 Home Energy Score Reports were reported for Piedmont homes, with an average score of 3 (on a scale of 1 to 10 where a 10 represents the most efficient homes), indicating the need for energy efficiency and electrification improvements in Piedmont’s existing building stock. Information about the City’s home energy assessment policies can be found here. These policies implement CAP 2.0 Buildings and Energy Action-1.1A and Building and Energy Measure-2.1.
Municipal Fleet Electrification Assessment
In 2022, City staff completed a project with the assistance of EBCE to conduct a fleet electrification assessment. The results of the fleet electrification assessment provide baseline, critical information, including the evaluation of short- and long-term cost savings associated with the transition to lightduty electric vehicles (EVs), impacts and benefits to the City, and outlines steps to efficiently integrate EVs and charging infrastructure at municipal facilities in a fiscally responsible manner.
Medium and heavy-duty vehicles will be evaluated during the 2023-2030 timeframe via pilot programs until EVs in these classes are cost effective and can meet the same duty cycle of existing vehicles. This effort implements CAP 2.0 Municipal Measure 3.2.
Organics and Recycling Ordinance Adopted in Response to SB 1383 Regulations California local jurisdictions have significant, new requirements to implement additional waste reduction programs and enhanced reporting and enforcement protocols to comply with SB 1383.
City staff continue to participate in a regional working group convened by StopWaste to assess the impacts of SB 1383 to current programs and policies. Staff also continue to promote education on ways to reduce consumption and divert waste from the landfill in accordance with Solid Waste Measure-1.2 of the CAP 2.0. In 2022, Sustainability Division staff secured a one-time CalRecycle grant of $21,100 to help the City comply with SB 1383 and provide education on organics recycling to Piedmont schools. Staff engaged the EcoHero Show to provide engaging educational experiences to students on this topic. During the 2022-23 school year, the EcoHero Show conducted six visits to Piedmont’s elementary and middle schools reaching over 350 students. This effort implements CAP 2.0 Solid Waste Measure SW-1.2.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 19
Development of Climate Communications Plan
In 2023, Sustainability Division staff developed a Climate Communications Plan to serve as a guide for municipal government staff, educators, non-profits, and others who endeavor to build on the CAP and communicate to their audiences about climate change, mitigation, and adaptation in Piedmont. The Plan works in tandem with the research and strategies put forth by the CAP to offer a coordinated and effective strategy for delivering key messages and engaging the community about climate change. It also delineates case studies, best practices, and potential next steps for the community to consider when communicating about the implementation of CAP measures. This project partially implements CAP 2.0 Measure C-1.1 and Measure MUN-6.1.
Earth Day Events
Staff held several Earth Day events in 2023 to highlight the CAP 2.0 and teach the community about our changing climate. The City’s hosted its third annual Earth Day scavenger hunt, which included clues regarding Piedmont’s environmental and social history. In addition to the scavenger hunt, City staff organized a free compost giveaway for residents. Lastly, City staff were invited to participate in an Earth Month Bingo Challenge where they could win prizes for taking action to reduce their carbon footprint. These efforts implement CAP 2.0 Measure MUN-6.1.
Beacon Program Participation and Recipient of Environmental Awards In 2021, the City of Piedmont joined the Institute for Local Government’s (ILG) Beacon Program, which honors voluntary efforts by cities, counties, and special districts that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and adopt polices that promote sustainability. At the 2022 League of California Cities Annual Conference, the City of Piedmont accepted a Spotlight Award for its commitment to addressing climate change, as well as a Platinum Level Award for Sustainability Best Practices. The Spotlight Award recognizes sustainability actions that go above and beyond state mandates, highlighting creative and local solutions for addressing climate sustainability in ten areas, including energy efficiency and conservation, green building, and waste reduction. A link to the City’s sustainability best practice activities can be found here. Information about the City’s award can be found here. These efforts implement CAP 2.0 Measure MUN-6.1.
Received a Score of “A-” for Climate Action by CDP
Piedmont received a score of “A-” for climate action from CDP, a not-for-profit global environmental disclosure platform in fall of 2022. The City was recognized for a clear understanding of future climate risks and progress towards achieving ambitious adaptation goals, emissions reduction targets, and actions. Piedmont received a score of “A-” in both adaptation and mitigation. More information about CDP can be found here. These efforts implement CAP 2.0 Measure MUN-6.1.
Continuing Events and Efforts
Public EV Charging Stations
In October 2021, the Council signed an agreement with EBCE for the installation of EV charging stations on Magnolia Avenue. The Magnolia Avenue site will consist of 4 publicly accessible EV fast charging stations, also known as Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC). The chargers will serve 4 parking spaces, including one ADA space. The EV chargers will be installed, owned, maintained, and operated by EBCE. Based on current project estimates, the public EV chargers are anticipated to be in operation by summer 2024. To further incentivize EV adoption, City staff will continue researching the demand for publicly accessible EV charging stations in residential neighborhoods and assessing the feasibility of their installation. These efforts partially implement CAP 2.0 Transportation Measure-4.1.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 20
Induction Cooktop Lending Program
In collaboration with EBCE, the City runs a free induction cooktop lending program for residents.
Each kit includes a state-of-the-art induction cooktop, a compatible pot and pan, a magnet to test out cookware to see if it will work on the cooktop, and informational pamphlets. Paired with EBCE’s 100% renewable electricity service plan, the induction cooktop is carbon neutral. Since the program launched, over three dozen residents have participated. More information can be found on the City’s Cooktop Lending Program website page. This effort partially implements CAP 2.0 Buildings and Energy Use Measure-1.2, 1.3, and 3.2.
Participation in SunShares Program
In 2015, Piedmont joined the Bay Area SunShares Program, a residential solar photovoltaic bulk purchase program. The overall goal of the program is to encourage the installation of rooftop solar energy and battery storage systems by providing reduced acquisition and installation costs produced by economics of scale. While Piedmont has participated in the program for several years, there had been no contracts signed in Piedmont since 2017. For the 2022 program, the City provided significant engagement surrounding participation in the program. The additional outreach efforts were a success – 46 Piedmont residents registered for the option to participate this year, and 6 ultimately signed contacts. This made the City of Piedmont one of SunShares’ top 10 outreach partners across the entire region. This effort partially implements CAP 2.0 Buildings and Energy Use Measure-3.2.
Free Compost Giveaway Program
In the fall of 2021, the City’s Sustainability Division staff launched a free compost giveaway program for Piedmont residents. Since then, staff have held seven giveaway events (September and October 2021; February, March, April, and October 2022; and April 2023). Due to the popularity of the program, the City launched a self-haul program where residents can come every Friday at the Corporation Yard to pick up compost. Through the compost giveaway events and self-haul program, the City has distributed over 200 cubic yards of compost. These efforts implement CAP
2.0 Solid Waste Action-2.1D and Consumption Objective-2.
Piedmont Evergreen at Community Events
City Sustainability Division staff manage the Piedmont Evergreen Program, the City’s outreach and education program for waste reduction, recycling and composting. This includes providing on-site technical assistance at major City events (Harvest Festival, Turkey Trot), providing educational materials to event organizers, and answering waste and recycling questions via the City’s [email protected]. Staff continue to organize and manage a group of local student volunteers, or Eco-Ambassadors, that help at the events with procurement and placement of containers, signs, stickers, and bags to ease proper sorting. These efforts partially implement CAP
2.0 Municipal Action-4.1F.
Implementation of Sustainable Procurement Purchasing Policy In December 2021, the Council adopted an update to the Piedmont Sustainable Procurement Policy.
One of the notable updates includes Policy 3.7.4: The City of Piedmont shall not purchase, acquire, distribute or issue permit approval for the use of single-use plastic beverage bottles for use at City facilities, projects, events, or for staff use. Exemptions may be approved on a case-by-case situation.
In light of the Policy, City staff have been working to install water refill stations in high-traffic locations such as the Main Park. Sustainability staff continue to work with Department Heads and their respective employees to adhere to the Policy’s requirements and convene regular meetings to review and discuss the progress of implementation. These efforts partially implement CAP 2.0 Municipal Measure-4.1.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 21
Climate Fellowship and Sustained Emissions Reduction Efforts Although not a measure within the CAP 2.0, continued participation in the Climate Corps and CivicSpark Fellowship programs advances staff’s capacity to achieve CAP 2.0 measures and goals.
With this support, City staff continues to conduct annual GHG inventories to track the City’s progress in meeting the 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction goals. Participation in the fellowship programs also serve to sustain awareness of the CAP 2.0 and help identify areas of improvement.
Since 2015, the climate fellows have been and continue to be critical to staff’s capacity in completing emissions inventories and in implementing the CAP 2.0.
On-going Community Engagement
The Sustainability Division engages with the community to promote climate action and raise awareness of CAP 2.0 actions and issues. City staff frequently write articles for the ‘Climate Corner’ section of the Piedmont Post. The City also maintains a webpage to keep residents up to date on the CAP and what measures City staff are undertaking. Additionally, a new landing page for the City’s Sustainability Division was established in 2022 to help residents better navigate the City’s website. In August 2022, City Sustainability Division staff established a new, separate, enewsletter focused on climate action and sustainability updates. Approximately 200 subscribers are sent information monthly on local climate news, events, and programs. To subscribe to the monthly Climate Action e-newsletter, please click here. In May 2023, the City’s Sustainability Division hosted a Bike to Work/Wherever Day Energizer Station to promote sustainable transportation in Piedmont. More than 25 cyclists rode by the station, in addition to several dozen individuals who stopped by. These efforts implement CAP 2.0 Measure MUN-6.1.
Continued partnership with High School Green Club
The Piedmont High School (PHS) Green Club is a student organization focused on making PHS and the surrounding community more sustainable. The City’s Sustainability Division regularly works with the Green Club by offering support with project development and implementation. In the 2022-2023 school year, the Green Club worked with the City’s Climate Action Fellow to participate in Stopwaste’s Ambassador Program. Through the program, student worked on projects such as advocating for climate literacy curriculum in Piedmont schools, planting bee-friendly flowers on campus, and advocating for compostable dining ware in the school cafeteria.
Continued partnership with Piedmont Connect
Piedmont Connect is a not-for-profit collaborative community organization supporting resident initiatives and City efforts to build a sustainable future. Piedmont Connect has partnered with the City on several recent efforts, including bolstering community support for the new community pool, reach codes, and EV charging stations. Piedmont Connect maintains an active newsletter and has been instrumental in ongoing sustainability outreach. City staff meets with Piedmont Connect on a regular basis to collaborate on projects and work towards a more sustainable future.
Piedmont Community Climate Challenge
The Piedmont Climate Challenge is an online GHG tracking platform where residents can log and track any actions they take to reduce GHG emissions in their lives. This platform was first used in late 2019 and helps fulfill Building Energy Action-1.2G, Solid Waste Action-1.2F, Water and Wastewater Action-1.2D, and Municipal Action-6.1A in the CAP 2.0. While more than 320 users have enrolled to participate in the Climate Challenge, there has been few new sign-ups in the last several years. While we have not seen meaningful differences in natural gas usage in spite of this platform, determining a way to tie it with incentives could be worthwhile. Staff will explore the feasibility of doing just that in conjunction with the City’s Electrification Rebate Program. If participation and engagement with the platform still lags by the end of 2023, staff may discontinue use of the platform.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 22
Upcoming Events and Efforts
Existing Buildings Electrification Strategy
As indicated by Sustainability Division staff as a recommended next step in the 2020 GHG Emissions Inventory and CAP Implementation Status Report to Council in July 2022, the City will be embarking on the development of an Existing Buildings Electrification Strategy in the coming months with the assistance of a Building Electrification Task Force. The Strategy will build off the CAP 2.0 goal to reduce communitywide GHG emissions in buildings and included a phased approach for equitably implementing the needed programs, policies, financing, and engagement mechanisms needed to decarbonize existing buildings. Staff aim to bring the Strategy for the Council’s consideration and adoption in 2024. This initiative will implement CAP 2.0 Buildings and Energy Use Measures-1.2, 1.3, 2.2, and 2.3.
Launch of Building Electrification Task Force
During the February 21, 2023 City Council meeting, the Council directed the City Administrator to empanel and oversee a diverse Task Force to develop and implement a strategic plan on existing building electrification, providing information to the community during the process and a final report at is conclusion. In FY22-23, the City launched and completed its recruitment for the Task Force. The Task Force will meet in FY23-24 to provide input and guidance to staff for a Strategy by which Piedmont can achieve zero emissions in existing buildings.
Solar and Battery Storage at Critical Municipal Facilities During the November 7, 2022 City Council meeting, the Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City Administrator to continue pursuing the widespread deployment of solar and battery energy storage systems at critical municipal facilities in partnership with the City’s public power provider, EBCE, and committed to installing these systems through a standard Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EBCE should the City determine that the project results in benefits to the City budget and the community. Participating in this program would increase the potential for on-site solar generation, advance Piedmont’s climate action goals, and ensure that more of Piedmont’s critical facilities are prepared for PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff events, rolling blackouts, and other potential power outages such as those caused by a major earthquake. The City will be included in Phase 3 of EBCE’s Program, anticipated to launch in winter 2024. This initiative will implement CAP 2.0 Municipal Measures-2.1 and 2.3.
Streamlined Solar Permitting
Senate Bill 379 (Wiener, 2022) requires most California cities and counties to implement an online, automated permitting platform that verifies code compliance and issues permits in real time or allows the city, county, or city and county to issue permits in real time for a residential solar energy system.
1 SB 379 is expected to lead to shortened project times and lower permit costs for residential solar, as well as help the state meet its clean energy goals. A city with a population of greater than 50,000 must satisfy the requirements by September 30, 2023, while a city with a population of 50,000 or fewer must satisfy the requirements by September 30, 2024. In advance of the new requirement, City staff applied for and were successfully awarded a $40,000 grant from the California Energy Commission in spring 2023 to help implement an online, automated permitting platform. Sustainability Division staff are working with the Building Division to chart a path forward in order to meet the requirements.
1 California Energy Commission: https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/residential-solar-permitreporting-sb-379 Attachment B Agenda Report Page 23
Youth Climate Ambassador Program
The Sustainability Division is seeking students with ideas about how to make Piedmont more sustainable. The Youth Climate Ambassador Program is a new City initiative to increase community participation in climate action. The goals for the Climate Ambassadors are to educate, raise awareness, and engage Piedmonters on the City’s CAP. Climate Ambassadors will work with City staff to develop and implement various climate projects that will create a positive environmental change in Piedmont. The projects will offer solutions to local sustainability problems and address a variety of topics such as consumption, energy, food, transportation, waste, and water.
Through this Program, Climate Ambassadors will gain a better understanding of climate action and adaptation in Piedmont, as well as have the opportunity to work directly with the community.
Next Steps and Recommendations
Based on the findings from GHG emissions inventories completed in the last several years, actions considered to be “low-hanging fruit” have already been taken and further action is needed for the City to be on track to meet its CAP 2.0 goals. The City Council may want to direct staff to pursue some or all of the following list of actions intended to accelerate progress towards CAP implementation, which are focused on addressing Piedmont’s largest GHG emitting sectors.
Reduce Natural Gas Use Through Building Electrification Efforts Piedmont’s 2030 goals for buildings and energy use identified in the CAP 2.0 include sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources, increasing efficiency of electricity use, and reducing natural gas consumption by 50% below the 2005 baseline. Based on Piedmont’s 2005 baseline, the 2030 goal for natural gas consumption would require a 43% reduction from 2021 levels. Natural gas is responsible for indoor air pollution in buildings – several times higher than national outdoor air quality standards.2 Natural gas is also getting more expensive and volatile. This past winter, higher natural gas prices were sustained on the West Coast from November to March – about 32% higher compared to the same months last winter.3 Coupled with a declining demand for fuel as appliances become energy efficient, it will be critical to have a transition plan in place, which the Existing Buildings Electrification Strategy which address. In addition to this effort, reducing communitywide natural gas use may entail the following:
Development of a Time of Replacement Policy
Replacing gas appliances at the end of its useful life, either when the gas appliance fails or when a building renovation is taking place, is a policy tool that can be used to reduce natural gas consumption. This is the most cost-effective time to install electric appliances, because the marginal cost (i.e., the difference between installing electric appliances and replacing with new gas appliances) is smaller than the full cost of installing electric appliances. A time of replacement policy would build off the City’s existing policies and help meet Action BE-1.2E of the CAP 2.0.
A time of replacement policy would also align with state and regional directives. Earlier this year, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) voted to end the sale of new gas furnaces and water heaters as early as 2027. The rules are meant to reduce air pollution and target nitrogen oxides (NOx) from gas heating appliances, which can cause respiratory issues and smog. 2 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7503605/ 3 PG&E: https://www.pgecurrents.com/articles/3613-customers-energy-costs-expected-decrease-march-drop-naturalgas-market-prices Attachment B Agenda Report Page 24
Establishment of a Permanent Funding Source for Electrification Recognizing that reduced building permit fees may not be much of a financial incentive because fees are a small part of the up-front costs, City staff could explore the feasibility of ongoing revenue generating instruments to finance rebates for the replacement of gas-fueled furnaces and hot water heaters with heat pumps, and other energy efficiency or electrification building improvements.
Revenue generation instruments utilized in other cities to fund electrification incentives include an increase in the Utility User’s Tax (Albany, CA) or a carbon tax on natural gas (Long Beach, CA; Boulder, CO).
Reduce Transportation Emissions Through Active Transportation & Electrification Efforts Piedmont’s 2030 goals for the transportation sector that are identified in the CAP 2.0 include 50% EV adoption, more trips made by public transit, and more trips made by walking and biking. While the latter two goals do not specify quantitative increases, based on survey data from the Piedmont Safer Streets plan, 54% of respondents shared they used to walk in Piedmont for transportation at least a few times a week, while 16% used to bike in Piedmont for transportation at least a few times a week.4 Based on AC Transit weekday ridership data from the fall of 2021, an average of 109 riders got on or off at Piedmont stops on Piedmont’s most popular bus line (Route 33). In 2022, there was a 62% increase in ridership during the same period. However, despite the 2022 increase, ridership remains 63% below pre-pandemic levels. Therefore, the City must focus its efforts on increasing the number of trips taken by active transportation5, as well as increasing the adoption of EVs. Taking more trips by active transportation, such as biking and walking, instead of by personal car, is an underutilized but impactful emissions reduction strategy. Although hilly, Piedmont is a dense, walkable city. About 33% of Piedmont’s residential parcels are located within ¼ mile of the community’s two commercial centers on Grand Avenue and Highland Avenue and adjacent centers in Oakland. Increasing the number of miles traveled by walking and biking will require the City to create safe transit pathways and promote a culture of low-carbon transit. To accomplish this, the City must continue to actively implement measures from the Piedmont Safer Streets Plan.
Concurrent to this effort, reducing transportation emissions may entail the following:
Conduct a Micromobility Feasibility Study
Micromobility is a term that describes forms of transportation that are small, low-speed, human or electric-powered. They are built for one rider at a time and include bicycles, electric bicycles (ebikes), scooters, electric scooters (e-scooters), and other small, lightweight, wheeled conveyances.6 Shared micromobility refers to the organized operation of a fleet or micromobility vehicles that individuals can rent out, such as the regional Bay Wheels bikeshare program. To build on the Piedmont Safer Streets Plan and the CAP 2.0, the City could consider conducting a micromobility feasibility study, which would review the feasibility of a new shared micromobility program in Piedmont. The study could help the City develop a sustainable vision for micromobility in Piedmont that serves the transportation needs of residents, workers, and visitors. The study could also include an analysis of micromobility vehicle types, operations and partnership models, transit integration, 4 Piedmont Safer Streets Plan (2021). As part of the Piedmont Safer Streets planning process, an online survey was conducted. The survey received 388 responses. The data cited comes from the following survey question: Q1. “How often did you walk or bike in Piedmont before the pandemic, either for transportation (school, work, transit, shopping, etc.) or for recreation (fun, exercise, etc.)”? 5 Active transportation is human-powered mobility, such as biking, walking or rolling. Active transportation directly replaces motor vehicle miles traveled, so these modes are effective at conserving fuel, reducing vehicle emissions, bridging the first- and last-mile gap, and improving individual and public health. Bicycles, electric bikes, wheelchairs, scooters, and even walking are all considered active transportation. Source: U.S. Department of Energy 6 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration: https://highways.dot.gov/public-roads/spring2021/02 Attachment B Agenda Report Page 25
program costs and funding options, and micromobility programs across the Bay Area. A feasibility study would also prepare the City for future micromobility program implementation. For example, in 2024, EBCE is expected to launch a new 3-year program to introduce e-bikes to local residents.
Having a study completed prior to the City’s potential participation in EBCE’s program would be beneficial for planning and budgetary purposes.
Increase Availability of EV Chargers Citywide
About one in ten registered vehicles in Piedmont are EVs, and many residents rely on home chargers in combination with public EV chargers to meet their needs. Currently, there are no public EV chargers in Piedmont. However, the City has been working with EBCE in the last several years on a project to install four publicly accessible EV fast charging stations in the Civic Center. To further incentivize EV adoption, City staff will continue researching the demand for publicly accessible EV charging stations in residential neighborhoods and assessing the feasibility of their installation.
In the winter of 2021, the Sustainability Division conducted a community-wide online survey on residential EV preferences. More than 150 residents completed the online survey with an overwhelming majority in favor of the City installing additional publicly accessible EV Chargers.
When asked what impacts their likelihood of using public EV chargers in Piedmont, survey respondents most frequently cited the availability of charging, the location of the charger, the type of charger (Level 2 vs DCFC), and the cost of charging. If additional public EV chargers were available in Piedmont, most respondents would prefer to use a Level 3/DCFC. Therefore, the Council may want to direct staff to explore additional partnerships with private and not-for-profit organizations to install publicly accessible EV chargers in City-owned parking lots (e.g., Community Hall, Coaches Field) and parking spaces. The Council may also want to direct staff to explore allowing residents to rent their driveways and private EV chargers to renters who do not have access to convenient charging and streamline permitting processes for existing property owners who wish to install charging stations.
Enhance Climate Adaptation and Resilience Efforts
Piedmont is, and will continue to be, affected by the impacts of climate change in the form of increased average temperatures, extreme heat events, stronger storms, more severe floods and precipitation events, more frequent and extreme droughts, wildfire smoke, and more frequent and severe wildfires. Specific climate change impacts on the community of Piedmont will vary based on social, economic, and physical characteristics. Therefore, in addition to sector-specific efforts to reduce GHG emissions, the City must implement measures that increase resilience and the ability for the community to adapt to and prepare for the effects of climate change. The CAP 2.0 contains numerous adaptation objectives that primarily focus on reducing the harmful effects of climate change in Piedmont through research and analysis, planning, and infrastructure upgrades. To ensure social and economic resilience are part of the equation, the Council may want staff to consider pursuing the following:
Conduct a Feasibility Analysis for a Community Resilience Hub Resilience hubs are multifaceted centers that enhance a community’s capacity to adapt to multipleclimate hazards. The hubs fuse human and physical infrastructure and serve as an adaptable model for a trusted space with ongoing programming that could range from disaster preparedness to cultural events. The physical space can vary to adapt to different risks (e.g. a cooling and air filtration system for wildfire smoke and heat waves), but all hubs provide resilient communications, programming, structure, power, and communications at varying levels.7 The Council may want to direct staff to conduct a feasibility analysis for the creation of a community resilience hub in 7 Climate Resolve: https://www.climateresolve.org/resilience-hubs/ Attachment B Agenda Report Page 26
Piedmont. This could entail identifying sites that are best positioned to serve as a resilience hub, identifying and designing mitigation measures to be implemented so the hub can serve the community in times of disaster, and identifying funding opportunities and resource needs to support the creation of a hub. Since the City has few facilities where a resilience hub could be located, the City would need to work with existing stakeholders and community groups to understands the feasibility of partnerships on non-City owned properties. A resilience hub would be beneficial in Piedmont because it could strengthen connections between residents through community-building efforts, while simultaneously provide critical services and resources in the face of climate change impacts and natural disasters. Currently, the State of California’s Strategic Growth Council (SGC) and PG&E are offering grant funding to support the development of community resilience hubs throughout California.
Develop a Sustainable Parks Master Plan
Parks are vital civic necessities and make a significant contribution to Piedmont’s quality of life.
Although “open space” represents only seven percent of Piedmont’s land area, it hosts a broad range of activities and recreational facilities. To ensure the City’s parks and open spaces are prepared for the impacts of climate change, the City may want to consider developing a sustainable parks master plan. This would entail collaboration among the City’s Sustainability and Parks Divisions to help guide how the City continues to plan, manage, and grow its green spaces in a sustainable manner.
It also could serve as a starting point for grouping sustainable practices within Piedmont parks into a more cohesive framework so we can measure and track progress over time.
Municipal Facilities and Opportunities to Reduce Emissions While municipal activities in 2021 resulted in 2.8% of Piedmont’s total in-territory emissions, the City has opportunities to demonstrate leadership and commitment to reducing its share of emissions. Based on the previous inventories completed by staff, transportation-related activities – vehicle fleet and employee commute – is the key sector warranting attention. Investing in electric City vehicles and working with employees to reduce their mileage both in their work tasks and in their commuting habits can have a sizable impact on municipal emission reductions. The Council may want staff to consider pursuing the following in this area:
Electrification of the City’s Fleet
Fleet electrification offers local governments economic benefits that include lower lifecycle costs and reduced risk of fuel price volatility when compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
Deployment of EVs in municipal fleets also benefits the local population through the use of clean electricity as fuel, which helps reduce criteria air pollutants and GHG emissions. In 2022, the City completed a project with the assistance of EBCE to conduct a fleet electrification assessment. The assessment found that electrification of the City’s light-duty municipal fleet would cost the City about $540,000 but save the City more than $250,000 in operating expenses when compared to a baseline scenario over a ten-year period. This investment is also expected to reduce GHG emissions by 794 MTCO2e over the ten-year period. The cost reductions in the transition scenarios are driven by vehicle incentives, Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits, fuel cost savings and lower maintenance costs. To ensure City Departments are selecting EVs as replacement vehicles, where appropriate and available, the Council may want to direct staff to develop a Fleet Purchasing Policy.
The Policy could specify the purchase of hybrid vehicles and EVs for light-duty fleet acquisitions and replacements and prohibit the acquisition of sport utility vehicles (SUVs). To ensure the City is prepared to install EV charging infrastructure required for said purchases, the Council may also want to direct staff to conduct an electrical assessment of all City facilities.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 27
Reduce Employee Commute through Telework and Clean Commuter Programs Promoting working from home when possible and maintaining a daily system to report mileage could aid in lowering employee emissions. Providing incentives for EVs and increasing the availability of charging infrastructure could also help promote lower emission methods of getting to and from work. About 60% of City employees report a one-way drive to work of over 20 miles.
Two immediate actions the Council may want staff to pursue include the adoption of a telework policy and a clean commuter policy. Currently, Piedmont is the only City in Alameda County that does not have a telework policy in place. Telecommuting can promote both energy savings and emission reductions, specifically in the area of VMT. If the City were to adopt a telework policy that accommodated a hybrid work schedule (i.e., 3 days in the office, 2 days remote), employee commute emissions would decrease 15-20% according to staff’s estimates. In conjunction with telework, the Council could also consider directing staff to adopt a clean commuter policy. A clean commuter policy could entail implementing programs and incentives for staff to reduce their carbon footprint such as a Transportation Demand Management Program Vacation Benefit (regular employees that use a qualifying commute mode for at least a certain percentage of their normally scheduled work days in a pay period can accrue extra vacation days per year), End-of-Trip Facilities for active transportation commuters (install showers and lockers which allow employees to clean up after bike rides or jogs and to store their “active wear” clothes during the day), and Commute Cash (employees who walk, bike, or carpool to work can earn a certain dollar amount for each day that they do so up a certain annual threshold).
CAP Implementation Progress Matrix
The following list provides information on the progress the City has made on CAP 2.0 measures, including cost estimates and estimated potential GHG reductions for these measures. The potential GHG reductions are not exact measurements. Instead, they are based on current best estimates and rely on a range of assumptions.
Cost Delineations
The cost brackets for the Planning & Building and Public Works departments were designed to match the brackets of the City’s purchasing policy. A few CAP 2.0 measures rely heavily on private funds necessary for changes on private property. Some private costs would be low, like a building energy disclosure ordinance, which would cost $300 or more at the time of home sale.
Some CAP measures would require higher private costs up front but should be cost effective in the long run, such as the installation of a heat pump hot water heater. Many CAP 2.0 measures address actions the Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) can take to contribute to CAP 2.0 implementation, and its cost brackets are delineated the same way as the Planning & Building and Public Works Department’s cost brackets.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 28
Types of Costs
Marketing & Outreach Campaigns typically cost upwards of $75,000, a “HIGH” cost action.
However, when bundled together, the costs per action decrease.
Staff Time costs include a staff member dedicated to sustainability. Alone, this is a “HIGH” cost action, but the expenditure contributes to multiple measures, resulting in “LOW” cost estimates per action. As of 2020, the City hired its first Sustainability Program Manager, Alyssa Dykman, who manages and implements the City’s climate action goals. The City also has participated in the Climate Corps program, which provides a full-time sustainability AmeriCorps fellow to Piedmont for about $30,000 per year.
Incentive programs targeting building energy efficiency and administered through the Planning & Building Department are highly flexible and can be adjusted depending on funds available. For example, providing a small financial incentive for local businesses or homeowners to improve energy efficiency may require a limited amount in municipal funds in conjunction with a larger amount of private funds. One project that the department is considering is revising the fee schedule.
Infrastructure projects are typically far more expensive than any other kind of CAP 2.0 implementation, with a few exceptions. Partnerships with regional JPAs, or the securing of external grants, may greatly decrease infrastructure project costs to the City. Most infrastructure project costs would likely fall to the Public Works Department, rather than the Planning & Building Department. In contrast to incentive programs, capital improvement project costs vary greatly. Installing bike racks would be “LOW” cost, but large complete street projects could be considered “HIGH” cost. For each measure, there is also a brief description of the kind of cost, such as staff time, incentives, and marketing. Figure 5.2 shows cost breakdowns by responsible party.
Private costs would be incurred by residents or businesses. Only a few CAP 2.0 measures rely on substantial private costs. Private funds that will be necessary to achieve reductions in the two sectors that contribute 91% to Piedmont’s in-territory GHG emissions: the residential and commercial building energy sector, and the residential transportation sector. Optimally, the costs associated with reducing the carbon footprint of private property owners and drivers can be expected to be cost effective over the lifespan of the improvement.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 29
Measures and actions by
sector
2030 GHG
Reduction
Potential
(MTCO2e)
Kind of
Cost
Lead
Actor Cost Status/Priority
Buildings and Energy
Objective: Reduce Residential Building
Energy Use
BE1.1 Measure: Disclose building energy
consumption 304
Develop a single-family and/or multifamily residential unit energy assessment ordinance requiring
disclosure at the time of sale, major
remodel, rental, or other trigger point
Staff Time,
Private
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Completed. In July 2020, City Council adopted an Energy Assessment Policy requiring an energy assessment to be
conducted for projects which require design review
permits and which may have an energy impact. In February 2021, City Council adopted Ordinance 751 N.S. that
requires a home energy assessment disclosure at time of sale. Ordinance 751 N.S. became effective March 3, 2021.
Evaluation of the policies is ongoing. A webpage on Home Energy Assessments can be found here on the City’s
website.
Partner with home energy audit
providers to develop public outreach
and community engagement programs
on residential energy assessment
opportunities and energy efficiency
retrofits, with a focus on post audit
follow-through
Marketing
& Outreach
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Ongoing. City staff continues to work with home energy
auditors, as well as StopWaste and BayREN staff to
conduct public outreach on home energy assessment
opportunities. Resources are provided on the Home
Energy Assessment and Building Electrification webpages on the City’s website.
Increase knowledge of and encourage
residents to use PGE's "My Energy"
online tool to compare and understand
energy and natural gas use
Marketing
& Outreach
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Ongoing. A hyperlink to the My Energy online tool is
provided on the Building Electrification webpage of the City’s website.
BE1.2 Measure: Reduce electricity and
natural gas consumption 1602
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 30
Encourage utilities' to develop and
implement demand-side management
programs
Staff Time
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Ongoing. Information on distributed energy resource
programs are provided on the Building Electrification and Solar FAQ webpages on the City’s website.
Promote and incentivize residential
energy conservation and efficiency
retrofits (i.e. insulation, energy-efficient
windows, etc.) for existing buildings
through competitions, case studies,
rebates, and educational/community
engagement events on statewide code
changes, financing options, and the
benefits of GHG reduction methods.
Marketing
&
Outreach,
Incentive
Planning
&
Building
MEDHIGH
Ongoing. In May 2022, the City’s Planning & Building
Department launched its first Sustainability Awards as part of its annual Design Awards. In 2023, the City’s
Sustainability Division will expand this initiative. The City also hosts an interactive online platform to enhance and incentivize local action, which includes residential energy conservation and retrofit opportunities and peer-to-peer sharing. Marketing of these programs is ongoing.
At point of replacement, consider
requiring the installation of energy
conserving appliances and fixtures,
such as on-demand tank-less water
heaters, Energy Star appliances, and
LED lightbulbs
Staff Time,
Private
Planning
&
Building
LOWHIGH
Completed. In October 2022, City Council adopted
Ordinance 766 N.S. that requires certain energy efficiency measures to be installed during major renovation projects.
Ordinance 766 N.S. became effective January 2023.
Promote Property Assessed Clean
Energy (PACE) financing and other
energy improvement financing
programs
Marketing
& Outreach
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Ongoing. Information on PACE financing and other energy improvement financing programs are listed on the Building Electrification and Rebates and Incentives webpages on
the City’s website.
Consider following the State’s goal of
having all new residential construction
be Zero Net Energy (ZNE)
Staff Time,
Private
Planning
&
Building
HIGH
Completed. Based on the state’s Residential New
Construction Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Action Plan, all new residential construction will be ZNE by 2020. The state’s definition of a ZNE building is an energy-efficient building where, on a source energy basis, the actual annual
consumed energy is less than or equal to the on-site
renewable generated energy. As of the 2019 Building
Code, solar photovoltaics (PV) are required to offset the remaining energy needed to get to ZNE. The 2022 Building Code expands solar PV systems with onsite battery storage standards.
Investigate developing an online, GHG
reduction tracking platform for
Piedmont residents to track their
Staff Time
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Completed. In collaboration with Piedmont Connect, the
City launched an interactive online platform, the Piedmont Climate Challenge, in fall 2019.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 31
actions that may affect their carbon
footprint and to participate in
community-wide GHG reduction
challenges
Provide case studies/awards/highlights
for property owners who set good
sustainability examples (i.e. solar, LEED,
drought-tolerant landscape, etc.)
None
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Ongoing. In May 2022, the City’s Planning & Building
Department launched its first Sustainability Awards as part of its annual Design Awards. In 2023, the City’s
Sustainability Division will expand this initiative. We also have a page devoted to this on the City’s website called ‘Highlighting Projects’ and work with Piedmont Connect to bring attention to these residents.
BE1.3
Measure: Switch from natural gas to
electric appliances, paired with
renewable energy
14083
Educate residents on the options and
incentives for electric appliances, such
as furnaces, water heaters, dryers,
stoves, and more, as well the
importance of pairing electrification
with the installation of renewable
energy
Marketing
& Outreach
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Ongoing. In February 2023, the City’s Sustainability
Division held a Building Electrification Webinar
surrounding this topic. Staff also share information on the Building Electrification and Rebates and Incentive
webpages on the City’s website, and the Piedmont Climate Challenge Website. Additional information is shared
through the City’s monthly Climate Action e-newsletter, local media outlets, and on the City’s Building Permit
Checklist.
Consider requiring electric appliances
for new construction
Staff Time,
Private
Residents
&
Building
MED
Completed. In February 2021, City Council adopted
Ordinance 750 N.S. that requires all-electric appliances for new construction of low-rise residential buildings and
detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs). In October
2022, City Council readopted these requirements
(Ordinance 766 N.S.).
Provide incentives to convert existing
residences from natural gas to electric
appliances
Incentive,
Staff Time
Planning
&
Building
MED
Completed. Starting January 2023, the City launched a new electrification rebate program that incentives the
replacement of appliances fueled with natural gas with
electric appliances. Information about the program can be found on the Electrification Rebate Program website page.
Eligible appliances include heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and associated panel upgrades.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 32
BE3.1
Measure: Commit to being a renewable
energy city
Pass a resolution to meet 100% of
community-wide electricity demand by
renewable sources by 2030
Staff Time
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Action needed. Although an overwhelming share of
Piedmont’s residential electricity accounts are enrolled in EBCE’s 100% Renewable service plan, as are the City of
Piedmont’s accounts, the Council may want to direct staff to pass a resolution.
BE3.2 Measure: Install on-site renewable
energy 218
Require all new construction or existing
buildings that substantially increase
their floor area to install on-site solar to
off-set at least 75% of their electricity
usage
Staff Time,
Private
Planning
&
Building
HIGH
Action needed. The City’s Reach Codes (Ordinance 766
N.S.) include requirements for all-electric new construction and installation of solar photovoltaic systems at point of roof expansion, however, there are no provisions related to offsetting a certain % of electricity use. The Council may want to direct staff to develop a policy.
Target 100% of buildings with solar to
install battery storage
Marketing
&
Outreach,
Private
Planning
&
Building
HIGH
Ongoing. The 2022 Building Code expands solar PV
systems with onsite battery storage standards, thereby
encouraging battery storage in new buildings. Existing
buildings can be targeted through the City’s Reach Code requirements, in addition to continuing education and
outreach efforts to property owners.
Require buildings that undergo roof
replacements to be “solar ready” Staff Time, Private
Planning
&
Building
HIGH
Completed. The City’s Reach Codes (Ordinance 766 N.S.)
includes requirements for the installation of solar
photovoltaic systems at point of roof expansion (>30%) or the addition of a new upper level.
Increase outreach and community
engagement for solar installation
programs and incentives, including
community-based social marketing
campaigns, public workshops, and
partnering with utilities
Marketing
&
Outreach,
Incentive
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Ongoing. The City is a partner of Bay Area SunShares, an annual program where SunShares partners with
government agencies and large employeers across the Bay Area to offer rooftop solar and battery storage installation at roughly 15% below market rates. For the 2022 program, in addition to outreach through local newsmedia, the City heavily promoted SunShares in the City’s weekly e-news
and other direct communication channels, including the
Climate Action e-newsletter, website homepage, and
social media. This resulted with 46 Piedmont residents
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 33
registering for the option to participate and 6 ultimately signing contacts. This made the City of Piedmont one of SunShares’ top 10 outreach partners across the entire
region. The City also promotes solar installation programs such as EBCE’s Resilient Home Program, as well as provides information related to net energy metering (NEM) on the City’s website and in climate action e-newsletters.
Develop a reach code to phase-out
electric service panels below a 200-amp
capacity at time of upgrade
Staff Time
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Completed. The City’s Reach Codes (Ordinance 766 N.S.)
includes requirements for upgrading panel capacity to
accommodate future electrification of all appliances.
BE3.3
Measure: Increase the amount of
renewable energy delivered through
the grid
1794
Encourage residents to choose East Bay
Community Energy as their electricity
provider and support education and
community engagement for residents
throughout the transition to EBCE
Staff Time,
Marketing
& Outreach
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Ongoing. EBCE is currently the default option for Piedmont accounts. 93% of residential electricity accounts are
enrolled in EBCE’s 100% Renewable service plan, and 5%
are enrolled in EBCE’s Brilliant 100 service plan. Staff partners with EBCE to continue to educate residents about electricity options.
Have 100% renewable be the default
option for Piedmont residents through
EBCE with an opt-down option
Staff Time,
Marketing
& Outreach
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Completed. In May 2018, City Council voted to auto-enroll all residential electricity accounts in EBCE’s 100%
Renewable Energy service plan starting in November 2018.
An overwhelming share of Piedmont’s electric customers
are enrolled in EBCE’s 100% Renewable and Brilliant 100 service plans.
BE5.1
Measure: Decrease the impact of
Piedmont’s building stock on pollution
and GHG emissions
1950
Prohibit wood-burning fireplaces in
new development and encourage
retrofitting existing wood-burning
fireplaces with natural gas or electric
alternatives
Staff Time,
Private
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Ongoing. Ordinance 766 N.S. requires all-electric
appliances for new construction of single-family buildings and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Both
interior and exterior wood-burning fireplaces in new
construction are prohibited. Additional requirements could be considered to retrofit existing fireplaces with electric ones.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 34
Require that new air conditioning and
refrigeration units use refrigerants with
low global warming potential (e.g. CO2
or ammonia instead of
hydrofluorocarbons)
Staff Time
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Ongoing. In 2020, the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) approved first-in-the-nation rules to phase down the use of HFCs, including banning many HFCs in new
equipment. At the federal level, the AIM Act, which was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (2021), directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to
phase down production and consumption of HFCs in the
U.S. by 85% over the next 15 years. Staff will monitor the HFC prohibitions and effective dates.
Promote and consider requiring the
installation of exterior electrical outlets
to promote the use of electric
maintenance equipment
Staff Time,
Private
Planning
&
Building
LOW
Action needed. In 2021, CA Assembly Bill 1346 was signed into law, effectively banning small off-road engines
(SOREs) which are used primarily in lawn and garden
equipment. Staff are conducting ongoing outreach on the City’s leaf blower regulations and determining
opportunities to incorporate exterior electrical outlet requirements in the Building Code.
BE6.1 Measure: Explore deep decarbonization
infrastructure changes
Assess the potential for district heating
in Piedmont, including a density
assessment to evaluate potential costs,
mapping the City’s heating and cooling
demand (including building stock and
consumption data)
Staff Time,
Private
Planning
&
Building
HIGH
Action needed. In FY 23-24, staff will prepare an existing buildings electrification strategy that will provide baseline information in this area, however, an additional study
specific to municipal buildings may be warranted.
Explore micro-grids as a carbon
reduction and resiliency strategy
Staff Time,
Private
Planning
&
Building
& Public
Works
HIGH
Ongoing. Staff continue to explore funding and partnership opportunities for microgrid deployment in Piedmont. As of November 2022, the City Council approved a resolution
authorizing the City Administrator to pursue widespread deployment of solar and battery energy storage at critical municipal facilities in partnership with EBCE.
Reduce the need for new natural gas
lines through phasing out natural gas
appliances in new construction and
existing building replacements
Staff Time,
Private
Planning
&
Building
HIGH
Ongoing. Ordinance 766 N.S. prohibits natural gas
infrastructure in new construction of single-family
buildings and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
While not required, the Ordinance includes provisions for voluntary heating system electrification improvements in existing building renovation projects. Additional policy Attachment B Agenda Report Page 35
levers, such as time of replacement, gas line
decommissioning, and building performance standards,
will be necessary to address the phasing out of natural gas in existing buildings. The building electrification strategy staff plans to prepare in FY23-24 will seek to address this area and provide a roadmap for phasing out gas
appliances.
Transportation
Objective: Increase number of trips
made by biking and walking
T1.1 Measure: Encourage walking and biking
safety
Install sidewalk railings on the Oakland
Avenue bridge* Infrastructure Public
Works LOW
Completed. As of summer 2020, safety railings
along both sidewalks on the Oakland Avenue
bridge were completed.
Enhance street crossing safety through
crosswalks, flashing pedestrian lights,
and signage*
Infrastructure Public
Works
MEDHIGH
Ongoing. In December 2021, the Council adopted
the Piedmont Safer Streets plan which identifies 21
locations, including a subset of the highest-priority
locations, that need enhanced street crossings.
High priority sites are located on Moraga, Grand,
and Oakland Avenue. As of May 2023, the Public
Works Department completed Phase 1 of safety
improvements at Mesa and Moraga Avenues,
which involved repainting the existing sidewalk for
better visibility, adding corner stripping lined with
white reflectors to increase visibility for
approaching vehicles, and adding rumble strips to
slow down vehicles.
Provide safety education led by the
Police or Public Works Department
(traffic safety messages on city buildings
and online)
Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. In August of 2018, Public Works, the
Police Department, and the City Engineer formed
the Traffic Safety Team. It meets once a month to
answer residents’ inquiries and disseminate traffic
safety information. To celebrate Bike Month in
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 36
2023, the Police Department cohosted a Bicycle
Safety Event to provide an opportunity to practice
safe bicycling for younger riders, as well as
disseminated bike safety information at the
Sustainability Division’s Energizer Station on Bike to
Work/Whenever Day.
Consider transitioning streets to oneway traffic to add bike lanes in residential areas
Infrastructure Public
Works
MEDHIGH
Ongoing. In 2020, the City evaluated a
neighborhood request to convert the western loop
of Wildwood Gardens to one-way traffic. The
recommendation of the study was to keep the
loops two-way. Additional studies are being
conducted for other streets in the City.
Implement traffic calming measures* Infrastructure Public Works
Ongoing. The City does not have a formal traffic
calming program; instead, it considers residents’
requests on a case-by-case basis. In 2020, the
Council approved a pilot program for the
installation of traffic-calming ‘speed cushions’ on
Scenic and Greenbank Avenue. As of May 2023,
the Public Works Department completed Phase 1
of safety improvements at Mesa and Moraga
Avenues, which involved adding rumble strips to
slow down vehicles.
T1.2 Measure: Provide access to bicycles and
bicycle paths 1340
Pursue the installation of a Bay Area
Bike Share station in the Grand Ave
commercial district*
Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Staff is actively searching for grants and
other funding opportunities. According to Bay
Wheels, the first phase of their expansion in the
East Bay is complete in Berkeley, Oakland, and
Emeryville and they are currently evaluating the
network design. As of spring 2023, EBCE
announced their new local electric bike program to
be launched in 2024. Staff will work with EBCE in
the coming year to determine the feasibility of
installing a Bike Share station in the City.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 37
Enhance bike infrastructure along
bikeway network designated in
Piedmont's Pedestrian and Bicycle
Master Plan (PBMP)*
Infrastructure Public
Works HIGH
Ongoing. Based on the Safer Streets Plan, since
2014, the City completed or is in the process of 8
crossing improvement projects at intersections, 8
bikeways on street segment projects, 9 pedestrian
curb ramps at intersections, and 15 street
resurfacing projects. As of May 2023, the Public
Works Department completed Phase 1 of safety
improvements at Mesa and Moraga Avenues,
which involved adding a new class 2 bike lane in
the uphill direction on Moraga Ave toward the
Oakland border.
Install additional bike parking racks at
key destinations Infrastructure Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Staff is actively searching for grants and
other funding opportunities to install racks in high-
traffic locations.
Implement Highland road diet Infrastructure Public
Works LOW
Action needed. The Safer Streets Plan recommends
a detailed traffic study of the Highland Avenue
corridor, with 3 objectives: road diet,
reconfiguration of the “bend”, and alleviating
school-related congestion.
Implement Grand Avenue road diet Infrastructure Public
Works LOW
Completed. In 2016, the City of Oakland
implemented a road diet on Grand Avenue
between Elwood Avenue and the Piedmont city
limit, near Jean Street/Wildwood Avenue. The
project replaced two travel lanes with bike lanes
and a center turn lane.
Coordinate with Oakland on the
planning, design, funding and creation
of inter-city bikeways, particularly on
Grand, Moraga and Wildwood Avenues
and on Park Boulevard and the creation
of a map that shows these networks*
Staff Time,
Infrastructure
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. In 2015, Moraga Avenue was repaved
and a bike lane was added. In 2017, a new bike
lane was added to Linda Avenue, between Grand
and Rose. In May 2023, two new class 2 bike lanes
were added in the uphill direction on Moraga Ave.
These bike lanes add to the regional bikeway
network. The City of Piedmont has been
communicating with Oakland staff to contribute to
the regional bikeway map.
Introduce traffic signal controls that
prioritize bicycles Infrastructure Public
Works LOW Action needed.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 38
Provide bicycle parking at city
sponsored events Infrastructure Public
Works LOW
Completed. With the assistance of BAAQMD, the
City installed bike racks at key locations in the Civic Center where events are held.
Implement physical bike protection,
separation, or warning infrastructure
like Botts' dots, 5 in concrete dome
curb extensions, or pop ups
Infrastructure Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Based on the Safer Streets Plan, since
2014, the City completed or is in the process of 8
bikeways on street segment projects.
Facilitate Bike to Work Day and other
bike promotion and
educational/community engagement
events
Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Completed. In 2023, the City promoted Bike to
Work Day events through various communication
platforms and hosted an Energizer Station in the
Civic Center.
Objective: Increase residents’ use of
public transit
T3.1 Measure: Increase use of busses and
BART 32
Incentivize public transit use through
community-based social marketing
campaigns
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building &
Public
Works
LOW
Ongoing. Staff provide up-to-date information on
public transit options for Piedmonters on the
Public Transit website page on the City’s website.
Additional work is needed to incentivize public
transit use among all community members.
Work with AC transit to improve fuel
efficiency and alternative fuel buses Staff Time
Planning &
Building &
Public
Works
LOW
Ongoing. Staff support AC Transit’s transition to a
zero emission bus fleet. Since 1999, AC Transit has
been committed to exploring conversion to zero
emission technologies—first with hydrogen and
now battery-powered buses. AC Transit is actively
converting one of the largest bus fleets in
California to 100% clean fuels. By the end of 2023,
10% of AC Transit’s fleet will be zero emission
clean air buses. By 2040, 100% of AC Transit’s fleet
will be zero emission buses.
Consult with AC transit to ensure
Piedmont has bust stops that provide
shade, weather protection, seating,
lighting, and route information
Staff Time
Planning &
Building &
Public
Works
LOW
Ongoing. Staff is working with AC Transit on ways
to enhance ridership in post-pandemic times.
Currently, more than half of Piedmont bus stops
have benches and shading.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 39
Consider investing in an intra-city
shuttle to provide convenient transit
within the city and to key locations like
schools, casual carpool sites, and BART
Infrastructure
Planning &
Building &
Public
Works
HIGH
Action needed. The Council may direct staff to
pursue a study to determine the feasibility of an
intra-city shuttle.
Objective: Support the adoption of ZEVs
and the growth of EV charging stations
T4.1 Measure: Support the growth of EV
charging infrastructure 5181
Install EV chargers in the Civic Center
area, Grand Avenue commercial zone,
and other commonly traveled locations
in Piedmont
Infrastructure,
Staff Time
Public
Works HIGH
Ongoing. City staff is working with East Bay
Community Energy to complete the installation of
4 publicly accessible EV fast charging stations
(DCFC) on Magnolia Avenue south of the Exedra.
The chargers are anticipated to be installed by
summer 2024. Staff is actively searching for grants
and other funding opportunities to deploy
additional chargers.
Develop an ordinance to require EV
charger pre-wiring in any garage
remodel
Staff Time,
Private
Planning &
Building HIGH
Completed. Chapter 8 of City Code requires newly
constructed one- and two-family dwellings,
townhouses, and one- and two-family dwellings
with an existing or proposed garage for which a
building permit application has been submitted
with a project value of $50,000 or greater and that
includes an electric service panel upgrade to
comply with 2022 CalGreen Code.
Require pre-wiring for EV charging in
new construction Staff Time,
Private
Planning &
Building HIGH
Completed. The 2022 CalGreen Code requires new
construction to include the installation of an EV
capable raceway to accommodate a dedicated
208/240-volt branch circuit.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 40
Solid Waste
Objective: Reduce waste going to the
landfill 125
SW1.1 Measure: Establish a waste diversion
target for 2030
Adopt a resolution to achieve 85%
waste reduction and diversion by 2030 Staff Time Public Works LOW
Action needed. The City currently has a diversion
rate of 75% which has remained consistent over
the last decade. The City Council may direct staff to
pursue a resolution to achieve this goal.
SW1.2 Measure: Provide education on ways to
reduce consumption
Encourage composting within the City
through education and community
engagement about proper green waste
sorting, backyard composting, and
providing compostable bags and
countertop compost bins
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. As of January 1, 2022, all residents in
California are required to subscribe to organics
collection service per SB 1383 regulations.
Information about composting is distributed
through Republic’s quarterly billing inserts, the
City’s Climate Action e-newsletter, and articles in
local media. Composting information is also
located on the Organics and SB 1383 pages of the
City’s website. Staff regularly give away
compostable bags and green kitchen pails to
residents at the City’s Planning & Building Counter.
In 2021, sustainability staff managed a table at the
Harvest Festival about composting.
Promote educational programs and
community engagement and outreach
on reducing food waste, recycling, and
landfill diversion
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Sustainability Division staff manage
Piedmont Evergreen, the City’s outreach and
education program for waste reduction, recycling,
and composting. In the last year, staff assisted with
waste management and diversion efforts at the
Harvest Festival and Turkey Trot. The City’s website
provides information on these topics on various
pages housed under Recycling, Organic Waste, &
Garbage Collection Services in Piedmont.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 41
Promote “fix-it” clinics to educate
residents on how to repair items
instead of throwing them away
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Staff distribute information about “fix-it”
opportunities through local media articles and the
City’s Climate Action e-newsletter.
Provide education and community
engagement on items accepted in bulk-
pick up program to ensure proper
disposal of appliances and other bulky
refuse
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Information about bulky-items is
distributed through Republic’s quarterly billing
inserts, the City’s Climate Action e-newsletter, and
articles in local media. Information can also be
found on the City’s Bulky Items website page.
County-wide information can be found on
StopWaste’s Re:Source tool.
Provide education and community
engagement on where to drop-off
specialized waste, such as paints, fats,
grease, oils, and other items that
cannot go in curbside or bulk pick-up
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Information about specialized waste is
distributed through Republic’s quarterly billing
inserts, the City’s Climate Action e-newsletter, and
articles in local media. Information can also be
found on the City’s Household Hazardous Waste
and E-Waste website pages. County-wide
information can be found on StopWaste’s
Re:Source tool.
Provide updated detailed information
about which specific materials are
currently being recycled by Piedmont’s
waste hauler, rather than shipped
elsewhere for disposal. Educate
residents on the fact that recycling is a
market-based program, and that if
there is no market for a material, it will
not be recycled.
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Information about the disposal locations
of Piedmont’s solid waste, recycling, and organics
are provided in Republic Services’ annual reports
and on their Piedmont specific webpage. Solid
wastes collected in Piedmont are taken to the
Golden Bear Transfer Station in Richmond, CA,
where the loads are dropped, recognizable
recyclables are pulled out and set aside to be
picked up by specialty processors. Residual wastes
are then reloaded and transported to Keller
Canyon Landfill in Pittsburg, CA for burial. Recycling
loads are delivered to the newly updated West
County Integrated Resource Recovery Facility in
Richmond, CA. Organic loads are taken to the West
Contra Costa Materials Processing Site in
Richmond, CA. Information on recycling can be
found on the City’s Collection Services website
pages.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 42
Consumption
Objective: Reduce emissions associated
with food consumption and food waste
C1.1 Measure: Provide education on
consumption related GHG emissions
Increase awareness of consumptionbased GHG emissions through the Climate Action Plan
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Ongoing. City staff organized a community event in
April 2019 to raise awareness on more sustainable
consumption habits, goods, and services. The City’s
Climate Challenge platform and the Climate Action
website page on the City’s website provide
information about this topic. Staff also provide
updates on consumption-based emissions in the
annual GHG inventory report to the City Council.
Promote education on personal and
household carbon footprints
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Ongoing. City staff organized a community event in
April 2019 to raise awareness on more sustainable
consumption habits, goods, and services. The City’s
Climate Challenge platform and the Climate Action
website page on the City’s website provide
information about this topic.
Host a decarbonization workshop to
promote awareness of the climate
change impacts of consumption
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Ongoing. City staff organized a community event in
April 2019 to raise awareness on more sustainable
consumption habits, goods, and services. The
City’s Climate Challenge platform and the Climate
Action website page on the City’s website provide
information about this topic.
Objective: Reduce emissions associated
with food consumption and food waste
C2.1 Measure: Reduce Food Waste
Educate residents on how to reduce
waste of edible foods through proper
food storage, meal planning, and
purchasing of 'imperfect food'
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. City staff organized a community event in
April 2019 to raise awareness on more sustainable
consumption habits, goods, and services. The City’s
Climate Challenge platform and Piedmont
Evergreen program website pages also include
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 43
information about this topic. Sustainability staff
regularly share information from StopWaste
surrounding this topic in the Climate Action enewsletter and in local media outlets.
C2.2 Measure: Reduce carbon intensity of
food consumption
Begin a community campaign to
educate the public about food choice as
part of a climate-friendly lifestyle
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. City staff organized a community event in
April 2019 to raise awareness on more sustainable
consumption habits, goods, and services. The
City’s Climate Challenge platform and the Climate
Action website page on the City’s website provide
information about this topic. Sustainability staff
regularly share information from StopWaste
surrounding this topic in the Climate Action enewsletter and in local media outlets.
Educate residents and businesses on
low-carbon food options, such as
minimally processed foods, fruits, grains
and vegetables
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. The City’s Climate Challenge platform
and the Climate Action website page on the City’s
website provide information about this topic.
Sustainability staff regularly share information
from StopWaste surrounding this topic in the
Climate Action e-newsletter and in local media
outlets.
Educate residents on the benefits of
collecting and recycling fats, oils, and
grease from food products and use
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. The City’s Climate Challenge platform
and the Climate Action website page on the City’s
website provide information about this topic.
Sustainability staff regularly share information
from StopWaste surrounding this topic in the
Climate Action e-newsletter and in local media
outlets.
Objective: Reduce emissions from the
consumption and disposal of goods
C3.1 Measure: Reduce emissions from the
consumption of goods
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 44
Promote durable, reusable, pre-owned,
recycled content, and locally-made
goods, which reduce excessive
manufacturing and transportation
emissions
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Ongoing. The City’s Climate Challenge platform
and the Climate Action website page on the City’s
website provide information about this topic.
Sustainability staff regularly share information
from StopWaste surrounding this topic in the
Climate Action e-newsletter and in local media
outlets.
Promote and support tool lending
libraries, convene interested
community stakeholders, develop a
plan to start a lending library, own or
operate a lending library as part of local
government
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Ongoing. City staff organized a community event in
April 2019 to raise awareness on more sustainable
consumption habits, goods, and services. City’s
Climate Challenge platform and the Climate Action
website page on the City’s website provide
information about this topic. Sustainability staff
regularly share information from StopWaste
surrounding this topic in the Climate Action enewsletter and in local media outlets. In 2021, Sustainability Division staff launched an Induction
Cooktop Lending Program which offers residents
the opportunity to rent out an induction cooktop
for free. Staff are looking into additional
opportunities to facilitate tool lending.
Launch a "Be Resourceful Campaign" to
connect residents to information and
resources to get the things they need.
Key strategies include a) buy smart
(plan before purchasing, buy local,
purchase durable goods) b) reuse c)
borrow, share, and rent items d) fix and
maintain
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Action needed.
Promote local arts, entertainment,
recreation and local businesses which
have a lower GHG footprint than buying
goods
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Ongoing. The City’s Climate Challenge platform and
the Climate Action website page on the City’s
website provide information about this topic.
Sustainability staff regularly share information
from StopWaste surrounding this topic in the
Climate Action e-newsletter and in local media
outlets. Staff also support the CA Green Business
Network.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 45
Water and Wastewater
Objective: Reduce water use by 20% 13
WW
-1.1
Measure: Encourage residential and
commercial users to participate in
EBMUD’s free water audit program
Partner with EBMUD and StopWaste to
provide water conservation outreach
and community engagement programs
and encourage residential and
commercial users to participate in free
water efficiency audits
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Information on water conservation can
be found on the Water Conservation page on the
City’s website. Staff regularly provide updates on
the drought and water conservation at Park
Commission meetings. Staff also share updates on
water conservation opportunities in the City’s
Climate Action e-newsletter and local media.
Promote rebates for water efficiency
projects, including low-flow fixtures
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Information on water efficiency be found
on the Water Conservation page on the City’s
website, while information about rebates can be
found on the Rebates & Incentives page. Staff
regularly provide updates on the water efficiency
projects at Park Commission meetings. Staff also
share updates on water efficiency opportunities in
the City’s Climate Action e-newsletter and local
media posts.
Require a water efficiency audit at point
of sale
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Action needed.
WW
-1.2 Measure: Reduce residential water use
Adopt a residential retrofit program to
encourage the installation of water
conservation measures
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach, Private
Planning &
Building LOW
Ongoing. Ordinance 766 N.S. includes a water
conservation package option for homeowners to
select for installation when undergoing a $30,000
or $115,000 renovation project, however,
additional measures could be enacted.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 46
Consider requiring the installation of
water conserving fixtures at the point of
sale or rental
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Action needed.
Consider requiring pool covers in order
to reduce evaporation
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Action needed.
Investigate developing an online, GHG
reduction tracking platform for
Piedmont residents to track their
actions related to water use that may
affect their carbon footprint and to
participate in community-wide GHG
reduction challenges
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Completed. In collaboration with Piedmont
Connect, the City launched an interactive online
platform, the Piedmont Climate Challenge, in fall
2019. The platform provides information related to
water conservation actions that help to reduce
GHG emissions.
WW
-1.3
Measure: Promote landscaping that
minimizes water use
Encourage the replacement of high
water use landscapes in residential and
commercial uses
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building &
Public
Works
LOW
Ongoing. Staff continues to promote the
replacement of high water use landscapes through
City demonstration projects, and in outreach
materials such as the Water Conservation and
Rebates & Incentives pages on the City’s website.
Enforce and consider expanding the
California Water Efficiency Landscape
Ordinance (WELO)
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building &
Public
Works
LOW
Action needed.
Objective: Conserve and Collect water
WW
-2.1
Measure: Promote infrastructure
improvements
Work with EBMUD to repair and
maintain existing water lines to prevent
leaks
Staff Time Public
Works MED
Ongoing. Staff are evaluating and monitoring water
use reports to determine priority sites for repairs
and improvements.
WW
-2.2
Measure: Encourage use of greywater
and rainwater collection
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 47
Consider requiring greywater or
rainwater collection systems in new
construction
Staff Time,
Private
Planning &
Building LOW
Action needed.
Create an outreach or community
engagement program that encourages
business and residents to construct
greywater and rainwater collection
systems that can be used for irrigation
and non-potable uses
Staff Time Public
Works MED
Action needed.
Municipal
Objective: Reduce City GHG emissions
M1.1 Measure: Set a zero-carbon goal for the
City government
Pass a resolution committing
Piedmont’s municipal facilities and
activities to zero-carbon by 2050 and
develop interim milestones
Staff Time Planning &
Building LOW
Action needed.
Objective: Reduce emissions from City
buildings and energy supply
M2.1 Measure: Reduce energy use in city
buildings
When remodeling or repairing City
buildings, include opportunities for
energy efficiency retrofits or green
building certification
Infrastructure Public
Works MED
Ongoing. The City has a Civic Green Building
Ordinance that resides in Chapter 8 of the
Piedmont Municipal Code. In May 2022, the City
secured grant funding to replace all remaining
existing gas water heaters at City facilities with
heat pump water heaters. The new Piedmont
Community pool will be designed as an all-electric
facility and be the City’s first LEED Certified
Building. Staff is actively searching for grants and
other funding opportunities to make
improvements.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 48
Construct new City buildings to ZNE and
green building certification standards Infrastructure Public Works LOW
Ongoing. The City has a Civic Green Building
Ordinance that resides in Chapter 8 of the
Piedmont Municipal Code. The new Piedmont
Community pool will be designed as an all-electric
facility and be the City’s first LEED Certified
Building. Staff is actively searching for grants and
other funding opportunities to make
improvements.
Increase the energy efficiency of
lighting and appliances in City buildings
as opportunities arise
Infrastructure Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. The City has a Civic Green Building
Ordinance that resides in Chapter 8 of the
Piedmont Municipal Code. This is also standard
practice for the Piedmont Building Department. In
the last several years, the City has upgraded light
fixtures to high efficiency fixtures in buildings and
will continue to do so in the years ahead. Staff is
actively searching for grants and other funding
opportunities.
Switch from natural gas to electric
appliances once the electricity supply
nears 100% and the technology
becomes affordable
Staff Time Public
Works MED
Ongoing. In May 2022, the City replaced all
remaining gas water heaters with electric heat
pump water heaters. The City also already
converted all cobra head streetlights to LEDs and
will be converting the remaining decorative post
top streetlights to LEDs. Staff is actively searching
for grants and other funding opportunities.
Investigate strategies for reducing
energy use at the City aquatic facilities
Staff Time Public
Works HIGH
Completed. In April 2022, an Energy Use Report
developed for the new Aquatic Facility that
determined it is feasible to electrify the entire
facility with a combination of electric heat pumps,
photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) panels, and integration
with the clean electrical grid. In April 2022, Council
directed staff to proceed with full electrification of
the new facility and pursue additional funding and
partnership opportunities to offset electrification
costs. Staff is actively searching for grants and
other funding opportunities.
M-
2.2 Measure: Monitor Building
Performance
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 49
Consider installing electronic building
performance displays in all publicly
accessible buildings
Staff Time,
Infrastructure
Public
Works LOW
Action needed.
Conduct energy audits of all buildings
every 10 years
Staff Time,
Private
Public
Works MED
Completed. In early 2023, the Sustainability
Division staff worked with BayREN to complete a
municipal energy portfolio audit of City facilities.
M-
2.3 Measure: Increase the amount of
renewable energy on-site and through
the grid
Evaluate the potential for and install
cost-effective renewable energy
systems on City Properties
Staff Time Public
Works MED
Completed. In early 2023, the Sustainability
Division staff worked with BayREN to complete a
municipal energy portfolio audit of City facilities.
As of November 2022, the City Council approved a
resolution authorizing the City Administrator to
pursue widespread deployment of solar and
battery energy storage at critical municipal
facilities in partnership with EBCE.
Commit to 100% renewable energy
through EBCE.
Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Completed. In May 2018, City Council voted to
auto-enroll all municipal electricity accounts in
EBCE 100% Renewable Energy service plan starting
in November 2018.
When constructing new buildings or
replacing and structurally upgrading
roofs, build solar ready or include the
installation of solar in the bid process
Staff Time Public
Works MED
Ongoing. The City has a Civic Green Building
Ordinance that resides in Chapter 8 of the
Piedmont Municipal Code. In April 2022, Council
directed staff to proceed with full electrification of
the new Aquatic Center facility, which will include
photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) panels. Additional
opportunities will be explored as the City seeks to
upgrade its facilities.
M-
2.4 Measure: Reduce emissions from high
global warming potential gases
Enforce the ban on petroleum powered
leaf blowers and maintenance
equipment
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. In 2021, CA Assembly Bill 1346 was
signed into law, effectively banning small off-road
engines which are used primarily in lawn and
garden equipment. Staff are conducting ongoing
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 50
outreach on the City’s leaf blower regulations and
determining opportunities to incorporate exterior
electrical outlet requirements in the Building Code.
City staff are also considering options to more
effectively enforce the ban.
Replace high GWP refrigerant air
conditioners and dispose of them
properly
Infrastructure Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. As of August 2020, the furnace and water
heater were replaced with heat at the Corporation
Yard. All remaining gas water heaters were
replaced with heat pumps in May 2022. Staff is
actively searching for grants and other funding
opportunities to install heat pumps at City
facilities.
Continue to maintain Piedmont’s urban
forest and plant new trees where
possible to sequester carbon emissions,
improve air quality, and help reduce the
heat island effect
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. As of 2022, staff are working to develop a
municipal tree inventory that will provide baseline
information and conditions.
Objective: Reduce Municipal
Transportation Emissions
M3.1 Measure: Reduce employee
transportation emissions
Promote employee ride-shares, walking,
biking, and public transportation as
commuting alternatives
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Sustainability Division staff worked with
the Human Resources Department in 2022 to reestablish the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program. Staff also are seeking opportunities for
additional clean commuter incentives.
Provide a shower and changing area for
City employees to facilitate biking to
work
Staff Time,
Infrastructure
Public
Works LOW
Action needed.
Install EV chargers accessible to City
employees
Staff Time,
Infrastructure
Public
Works MED Action needed.
M3.2 Measure: Reduce municipal fleet
emissions
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 51
Develop a fleet purchasing policy that
prioritizes fuel efficiency and ZEVs Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Action needed. In 2022, Sustainability Division staff
worked with EBCE to conduct a fleet electrification
assessment. The Council may direct staff to
develop such a policy now that the assessment has
been completed.
Objective: Reduce Solid Waste
Generated by City Services
M-
4.1 Measure: Reduce solid waste generated
by the city or city-related events
Implement a zero-waste City Events,
including compostable dinnerware,
water refilling stations, and banning
plastic water bottles
Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. City staff follow guidelines and
procedures set forth by the Green Event Guide and
Sustainable Procurement Policy to achieve
maximum waste diversion, including the use of
reusable foodware.
Institute paperless practices for City
Council, Commissions, and community
meetings
Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Staff follow guidelines and procedures
set forth by the Sustainable Procurement Policy to
reduce paper use.
Enforce and expand the City’s
environmental purchasing policy Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Completed. In December 2021, the Council
adopted updates to the City’s Sustainable
Procurement Policy, which expands on purchasing
policies since the first plan was adopted in 2011.
Conduct a solid waste audit for City
facilities Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Completed. With the assistance of Republic
Services, a solid waste audit was completed at City
facilities in 2022.
Consider meat
-free options for City
events
Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Staff follow guidelines and procedures
set forth by the Sustainable Procurement Policy to
minimize emissions from food and food waste.
Educate City employees and the public
on recycling and composting at city
events and facilities
Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Completed. In 2022, Sustainability staff provided
trainings to City purchasers on the City’s recently
updated Sustainable Procurement Policy.
Replace paper towels with electric hand
dryers in City bathrooms Staff Time Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Electric hand dryers have been installed
in Community Hall and staff are evaluating sites for
additional deployment.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 52
Objective: Reduce City Water Use
M5.1 Measure: Reduce water use in City
buildings
Install water efficient fixtures in City
buildings, including motion sensor
faucets in bathrooms
Infrastructure,
Staff Time
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Staff are evaluating sites in City facilities
to install water efficient fixtures.
Install water efficient appliances, such
as dishwashers and hot water heaters
Infrastructure,
Staff Time
Public
Works LOW Ongoing. Staff are evaluating sites in City facilities to install water efficient appliances.
M5.2 Measure: Reduce and capture water
use in City landscapes
Transition current water-intensive
landscaping to drought-tolerant
landscaping, limiting areas requiring
intensive irrigation
Infrastructure,
Staff Time
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Staff are monitoring and tracking water
use in City landscapes and public areas. In FY 2022-
23, irrigation upgrades focused on improvements
to turf irrigation in Piedmont parks where lawn is
actively used for irrigation.
Facilitate the installation of weatherbased evapotranspiration (ET) controller irrigation systems in City
landscapes
Infrastructure,
Staff Time
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. In FY 2023-24, irrigation upgrades will
start at existing meters in parks, medians, and civic
landscapes. Installed submeters will provide flow
information, leak detection and improve water
management at each meter by transmitting water
use data through a wireless network.
Implement the City’s Green
Infrastructure Plan
Infrastructure,
Staff Time
Public
Works LOW
Ongoing. Staff are actively assessing opportunities
for green infrastructure, including Oakland
Avenue, Lower Grand, and the Highland-Guilford
Steps. These opportunities are being prioritized to
help meet green infrastructure targets by 2027.
Objective: Use the City’s resources to
disseminate and collect information on
climate change
M6.1
Measure: Enhance and update the
City’s climate action program outreach
efforts
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 53
Develop a user-friendly web page
and/or build the City’s social media
presence to provide information on
energy and water efficiency programs,
waste reduction best practices,
renewable energy, electric vehicles, and
other resources. Investigate ways to
include the GHG emissions reduction
potential of each action
Staff Time Planning &
Building LOW
Completed. The Piedmont Climate Challenge
contains numerous actions individuals,
households, and businesses can take and their
associated GHG emission reductions. In addition,
various pages on the City’s website (Climate Action
Plan, Electric Vehicles, Electrification, Piedmont
Evergreen, Reach Code Information, Upcoming
Webinars, Water Conservation Resources) include
information on sustainability best practices. Staff
are actively working to build out Piedmont
Evergreen social media accounts.
Distribute information to residents and
commercial business owners on energy
and water audit programs, rebates,
waste reduction best practices, and
environmental stewardship
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Ongoing. In April 2022, Sustainability Division held
a Reach Code Community Forum which featured
an informational presentation on incentive
programs offered by BayREN. In February 2023,
staff hosted an Electrification Rebate Webinar
which featured incentive and rebate programs
available for building electrification efforts. Staff
also distribute information at the City’s Planning &
Building counter, as well as to participants of the
City’s compost giveaway events.
Host education events on residents
reducing GHG emissions Staff Time Planning &
Building LOW
Ongoing. In September 2021, staff worked with
Piedmont Connect to host a water conservation
webinar that showcased how Piedmonters are
utilizing sustainable landscaping practices during
the drought. Staff also distribute information at
the City’s Planning & Building counter, as well as to
participants of the City’s compost giveaway events.
M6.2 Measure: Collect information to track
progress on the Climate Action Plan
On application forms for building and
design review permits include a
questionnaire regarding energy
efficiency improvements include in the
construction, and that heightens
awareness of others not considered
Staff Time Planning &
Building LOW
Ongoing. Staff are developing a form to be
included when the Department rolls out its online
permitting system in summer 2023.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 54
Objective: Consider adjusting taxes to
reflect the social costs of carbon
M-
7.1 Measure: Reduce the City’s carbon
footprint through carbon pricing
Consider adjusting the utility tax to act
as a revenue neutral carbon tax on
natural gas while reallocating money to
reduce electricity and/or
communication taxes through 2030
Staff Time,
Private,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building,
Public
Works,
Finance
HIGH
Action needed.
Through a City vote, establish a carbon
tax on natural gas that dedicates its
revenue to energy efficiency, renewable
energy, and fuel switching incentives for
residents
Staff Time,
Private,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building,
Public
Works,
Finance
HIGH
Action needed.
Support State and Federal efforts to
establish a tax or fee on carbon
Staff Time,
Marketing &
Outreach
Planning &
Building LOW
Ongoing. In September 2021, Mayor King
participated in a panel discussion on carbon pricing
at a League of Women Voters event.
Attachment B Agenda Report Page 55