6. Receipt of a Report on the 2023 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, and Piedmont’s Climate Action Plan 2.0 Implementation Status

City of Piedmont

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: June 16, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Rosanna Bayon Moore, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Receipt of a Report on the 2023 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, and Piedmont’s Climate Action Plan 2.0 Implementation Status

RECOMMENDATION
Receive an informational update on the 2023 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and the 2025 implementation update of Piedmont’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0. No action required.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On March 19, 2018, the City Council adopted the Piedmont Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0 and in 2023 adopted updated climate action goals to achieve an interim target of 50% emissions reductions from a 2005 baseline emissions level by the year 2030; and to achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2045.

Each year, the City measures and reports on the progress made toward achieving these climate action goals through a 1) GHG inventory, and 2) CAP 2.0 implementation update, found in Exhibits A and B, respectively. This year, the GHG inventory profiles emissions from 2023 for both citywide activities and municipal operations, while the CAP 2.0 implementation update highlights actions taken throughout the current fiscal year (FY).

GHG Emissions Inventory
While Piedmont has made significant progress in reducing emissions compared to the 2005 baseline, the 2023 inventory shows a slight increase in total GHG emissions compared to 2022.

This uptick is primarily attributed to higher consumption of natural gas in residential buildings. As in previous years, the majority of emissions stem from two sectors: building energy and transportation.

FY 24/25 CAP 2.0 Implementation Update
During FY 24/25, the City made meaningful progress toward achieving CAP 2.0 objectives. Key accomplishments include:
• Community outreach and engagement of CAP 2.0 topics (energy, water, and waste diversion) at events such as the Harvest Festival, Bike to Wherever Day, the Gear Up Festival, Piedmont Food Fest, the 2025 Design and Sustainability Awards Gala, and Earth and Arbor Day. City staff also contributed content to newsletters and attended residentand school district- led events and clubs. • More than $65,000 of electrification rebates issued to Piedmont homeowners since January 2023.
• Progress on the development of the Existing Building Electrification Strategy, including convening a community task force, conducting surveys, holding pop-up events, and completing a data and literature analysis.
• Continued implementation of the Safer Streets Plan, including starting construction of bike lanes, green infrastructure, and intersection upgrades along Grand Avenue.

Upcoming CAP 2.0 Implementation Priorities
Projections from the Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) indicate that without additional action, Piedmont will not meet its 2030 climate action goal. As such, upcoming focus areas for CAP 2.0 implementation are:
• Finalizing the draft Existing Building Electrification Strategy. • Installing public EV chargers (in partnership with Ava Community Energy) and adding ebikes to the City’s fleet to decrease transportation-related emissions. • Expanding public outreach and education to empower community members to participate in CAP 2.0 efforts.

BACKGROUND
On July 17, 2023, the City Council amended existing climate action goals and established the following goals:

1. Achieve municipal- and community-scale carbon neutrality by no later than the year 2045, and transition to a post-carbon community.

2. Achieve an interim target of 50% emissions reductions from a 2005 baseline emissions level by the year 2030.

To monitor progress toward these goals, City of Piedmont staff conduct an annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory. This spring, staff completed the 2023 GHG emissions inventory, attached as Exhibit A. As shown in Figure 1 below, the highest emitting sectors have consistently been transportation (49.33% of 2023 emissions) and residential energy (45.94% of 2023 emissions).

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Figure 1: Piedmont’s Annual Citywide GHG Emissions by Sector The 2023 inventory comprises two sections: the citywide inventory, which accounts for all emissions from residential, business, government, and school district activities in Piedmont; and the municipal inventory, a subset of citywide emissions focusing exclusively on government operations.

Citywide Emissions Update
In 2023, in-territory emissions generated 33,154 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e). The largest contributors were transportation (49.33% of emissions) and building energy (47.61%). These two sectors have consistently remained the largest emitters since Piedmont completed its first inventory in 2005.

Altogether, 2023 citywide emissions are 32.1% below 2005 levels, but 1.35% higher than the prior year. This increase can be traced to rising emissions in five subsectors: residential natural gas, commercial natural gas, AC transit (public buses), solid waste, and process and fugitive emissions.

Residential natural gas was the largest contributor, as it increased by 1,016 MT CO2e – up 7.47% from 2022. This increase is likely due to a greater amount of remote working and more heating degree days.

Municipal Emissions Update
In 2023, municipal activities generated 1,174 MT CO2e, or 3.54% of total in-territory emissions, marking a 16.36% emissions increase from 2022. Such an increase of emissions can be attributed to staff adding greater detail to the methodology and getting more complete information on City staff commuting behavior. In 2023, total emissions from employee commutes rose 35.93% from 2022 due to an increase in – mostly part time, employees. Additionally, in 2023 there was greater participation in the employee commute survey than in 2022, which gave a more complete account of emissions.
0 10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
2005 2010 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 MT CO2e
Water & Wastewater
Solid Waste
Process & Fugitive Emissions
Commercial Energy
Residential Energy
Transportation & Mobile Sources
2030 Goal
2045 Goal
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As in previous years, transportation-related municipal activities were the largest source of emissions (88.67%), followed by solid waste (6.16%), buildings and facilities (5%), and process and fugitive emissions (0.16%).

Please refer to Exhibit A for more detail regarding the methodology and results of the citywide and municipal inventories.

GHG INVENTORY CONCLUSIONS
This year, ICLEI staff assisted with creating a “Business-as-Usual Forecast” for the years 2023 through 2030. This forecast predicts future emissions based on current emissions and patterns.

According to the Business-as-Usual Forecast, Piedmont is not on track to meet the 2030 emissions reduction goal. Rather, the City will have an estimated excess of over 9,000 MT CO2e.

To address this gap, Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) analyzed the potential emissions impacts associated with various “High Impact Actions.” This analysis identified two pathways that would bring the City back on track to meet its goals:

1. Increase electric vehicle (EV) adoption and reduce vehicle mileage traveled (VMT).

Reducing transportation emissions requires increased use of EVs, e-bikes, public transit, biking, and walking.

2. Decarbonize buildings.

Building decarbonization is largely dependent on the full electrification of new and existing buildings, the entire community’s enrollment in 100% renewable electricity, and energy efficiency improvements.

Moreover, the City can minimize its own emissions by tackling the most significant sources of municipal emissions: the City’s vehicle fleet and employee commutes. Opportunities to introduce zero emission vehicles into the City’s fleet should continue to be explored as the technology evolves and charging becomes more available. At the same time, policies and programs to support carpooling and EV use by staff could yield fewer emissions for employee commutes.

CAP 2.0 IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS UPDATE
The CAP 2.0 outlines the actions and measures needed to achieve the City’s climate action goals.

The most current implementation status of each of the CAP 2.0’s measures can be found in Exhibit B. Exhibit B also includes a “Climate Action by the Numbers in Piedmont” one-pager, which offers a graphical overview of select cumulative efforts taken by Piedmont residents and the City as of May 2025. Key CAP 2.0 implementation accomplishments over FY 24/25 include:
• In the fall of 2024, the City began development of the Existing Building Electrification Strategy with the help of a community task force. To date engagement has included two public surveys, pop-ups at local events, and three task force sessions (session summaries are available at www.piedmont.ca.gov/electrificationstrategy).

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• As of May 2025, the City has issued over $65,000 in electrification rebates (33 heat pump space heaters, 17 heat pump water heaters, 11 electric panel upgrades) and maintains a free induction cooktop lending program for residents.
• In 2025, the City partnered with Haven’s Elementary to host a Gear Up Festival and a Bike to Wherever Day Energizer Station. This year’s Energizer Station was the biggest to date, with over 100 cyclists – mostly families with children – attending. • In 2025, the City recognized three Piedmont households with Sustainability Awards for their excellence in zero-carbon and water-wise home improvements. • In 2025, as part of the Grand Avenue pedestrian safety project, construction started on the City’s largest green infrastructure project to-date. The bioretention areas feature mostly native plants, and the areas collect and treat runoff from 0.23 acres of impervious surface. • Throughout FY 24/25, City staff led CAP 2.0 outreach by tabling at the Harvest Festival and Piedmont Food Fest, attending local electrification events, and co-organizing Earth and Arbor Day and the 2025 Design and Sustainability Awards Gala. Staff also helped coordinate tours of Republic Service’s recycling sorting facility for City staff and Piedmont residents and regularly collaborated with them to promote best practices through quarterly newsletters. Staff also procured a vendor to provide recycling and stormwater education to Piedmont elementary students at no cost to the schools.

NEXT STEPS
Informed by the outcomes of the 2023 GHG inventory and ICLEI’s emissions forecast for 2030, the Sustainability Division will have the following CAP 2.0 implementation priorities for FY 25/26:

1. Continue to work with a community task force to finalize a draft Existing Building Electrification Strategy. The Strategy will outline legal and equitable programs that reduce barriers to electrification adoption in Piedmont’s existing homes.

2. Through PG&E’s zero-interest on-bill financing program, complete an energy audit of City facilities and identify potential energy efficiency and electrification improvement opportunities. Participation in the audit does not commit the City to any further action.

3. Continue to promote EV adoption by partnering with Ava Community Energy to install four publicly available EV fast chargers on Magnolia Ave. The City is also adding two e-bikes to the municipal fleet to encourage staff to cycle, rather than drive, to local sites, when possible.

4. Continue to deliver engagement and outreach that builds capacity for community members to take action on the CAP 2.0’s measures.

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ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A City of Piedmont 2023 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Exhibit B
Pages 7 - 32
Pages 33 - 59 2024/2025 City of Piedmont CAP 2.0 Implementation Update and Climate Action by the Numbers in Piedmont
By: Deniz Ergun, Sustainability Program Manager
Andrew Kaplowitz, Sustainability Clerk
Agenda Report Page 6
1 It
2023
Greenhouse
Gas Inventory
An annual summary of in-territory emissions in Piedmont, California, compiled by the City Sustainability Division.

Agenda Report Page 7
Exhibit A
2 2
Contents
Executive Summary………………………………………….3
Glossary………………………………………………………4
Introduction…………………………………………………..6
Citywide Emissions…………………………………………..9
Municipal Emissions…………………………………………16
Conclusions and Recommendations……………………… 22
Additional Notes……………………………………………..27
Prepared by:

Deniz Ergun Sustainability Program Manager
Andrew Kaplowitz Sustainability Clerk
Published June 16, 2025
2 Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 8
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On July 17, 2023, City Council established the following climate action goals:

1. Cut baseline greenhouse gas emission levels from 2005 in half by 2030

2. Achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2045
Every year, staff measure and summarize
Piedmont’s progress toward climate action
goals by calculating a greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions inventory. These inventories focus
on “in-territory” emissions – emissions caused
by activities in city boundaries.

Staff conducted the first GHG emissions
inventory in 2005, which established the
baseline for which all future emissions are
compared. This newest inventory reviews
emissions from the year 2023.

Figure 1 below displays emissions over time,
categorized by sector. The graph reveals that
Piedmont has made substantial progress in
reducing emissions, with a 32.1% decrease
since 2005.

However, 2023 emissions rose 1.35% from the
previous year. Increases in residential natural
gas consumption was largely responsible for
the rise in emissions, likely due to greater
remote work as well as greater heating degree
days.

This inventory also includes forecasting analyses
by the Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI).

According to ICLEI’s projections, without further
intervention Piedmont will not meet its 2030 goal.

Citywide emissions demonstrate that meeting
climate action goals will require transformative
changes in building energy and transportation,
which together constituted an overwhelming 96.9%
of in-territory emissions in 2023. The City can
target these crucial sectors by promoting electric
vehicle (EV) adoption, enhancing public and green
transportation infrastructure, developing a building
electrification strategy, and offering incentives and
outreach programs to residents.

Municipal emissions accounted for just 3.54% of
citywide emissions in 2023, but these too can be
minimized. 88.7% of municipal emissions came
from employee commutes and City fleet vehicles.

Key solutions to reducing these municipal
emissions include electrifying the fleet and
incentivizing commuting by public transit, EV,
and/or carpooling.

Figure 1: Piedmont’s Annual Citywide GHG Emissions by Sector 0 10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
2005 2010 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 MT CO2e
Water & Wastewater
Solid Waste
Process & Fugitive Emissions
Commercial Energy
Residential Energy
Transportation & Mobile Sources
2030 Goal
2045 Goal
Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 9
4 GLOSSARY
4 Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 10
5 GLOSSARY
1 McKinsey & Company. (2024, September 17). What are scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions?. McKinsey & Company.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) a naturally occurring gas that is also a byproduct of burning fossil fuels, burning biomass, deforestation, and other industrial processes. It is the principal human-caused greenhouse gas impacting Earth’s radiative balance.

Carbon dioxide
equivalent (CO2e)
a unit of measurement for the combined impact of different greenhouse gases. Some greenhouse gases are more potent than others, so this facilitates easier comparison by expressing the amount of CO2 that would have the equivalent warming impact.

Carbon neutrality for the purpose of this inventory, carbon neutrality refers to the point at which in-territory greenhouse gas emissions reach zero.

Greenhouse gases
(GHGs)
gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases such as chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

In-territory emissions emissions generated by activities occurring within city boundaries.

Scope emissions categorized emissions that are released across an organization’s entire value chain1
Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 11
6 INTRODUCTION
6 Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 12
7 Climate change is an extremely pressing matter that has depleted resources and disrupted ecosystems across many local or regional communities. Addressing this challenge requires both the acknowledgement of its severity and the development of effective mitigation strategies. The root problem is clear: humans are emitting greenhouse gases (hereby referred to as GHGs, GHG emissions, or emissions) at unsustainable levels.2
Despite recent years of environmental progress, much of this has been undermined by recent political shifts. Since January 2025, the U.S. federal government expanded oil and gas consumption, dismantled protection of National Parks and endangered species, willfully neglected environmental justice efforts, and once more withdrew from the Paris Agreement – an international treaty which aims to (1) reduce the global average temperature below 2°C and (2) limit the temperature increase to

1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.3 However, with more than 70% of these CO2 emissions occurring within cities, it affirms that local governments must take action to mitigate climate change. 4 The City of Piedmont adopted its first Climate Action Plan in 2010. This landmark plan set a climate action goal of reducing in-territory GHG emissions by 15% below 2005 levels by 2020. In 2018, the City released a Climate Action Plan 2.0 and in 2023 updated climate action goals in the plan to align with state and federal targets.5
Piedmont’s current climate action goals are to (1) achieve municipal- and community-scale carbon neutrality no later than the year 2045, and transition to a post-carbon community; and (2) achieve an interim target of 50% emissions reductions from a 2005 baseline emissions level by the year 2030.

Staff conducted Piedmont’s first GHG emissions inventory in 2005, establishing the baseline against which all future emissions would be compared. Beginning in 2014, staff have conducted an annual GHG inventory to monitor progress toward the most recent Climate Action Plan goals. Annual inventories also serve to guide priority climate projects for staff and fulfill the City’s pledge to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy.

Inventories are calculated through an emissions management software, ClearPath. This software is administered by Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), a global government network spanning over 120 countries. Moreover, inventories focus on “in-territory” emissions, or emissions caused by activities within city limits.

This newest inventory assesses emissions from the year 2023. Figure 1 displays Piedmont’s citywide GHG emissions over time, categorized by sector.
2 U.S. Global Change Research Program. (2023, November 14). The Fifth National Climate Assessment. 3 UNFCCC. (n.d.). The Paris Agreement. What is the Paris Agreement?. UNFCCC. 4 Dasgupta, S., Lall, S., & Wheeler, D. (2022, January 5). Cutting global carbon emissions: where do cities stand? World Bank Blogs.
5 Resolution 51-2023, Piedmont City Council, (2023, July 17).

Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 13
8 Figure 1: Piedmont’s 2005, 2010, and 2014 – 2023 Annual Citywide GHG Emissions by Sector Figure 1 demonstrates that the largest emissions reductions occurred in 2014 and 2018. In 2014, emissions fell 16.7% from the prior year. Local conservation and energy efficiency efforts helped drive this change. In addition, exceptionally warm seasonal temperatures meant less gas was needed to heat homes. In 2018, emissions fell 9.5% from 2017. This was largely due to citywide enrollment in Ava Community Energy’s6 100% renewable energy service plan.

What follows is an overview of the 2023 inventory at two scales:

1. Citywide emissions: which includes residential, business, school, and government activities in Piedmont; and

2. Municipal emissions: which covers only government activities. The municipal inventory is considered a subset, or “drill-down,” of the citywide emissions. * 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. 6 Formerly known as East Bay Community Energy (EBCE).
0 10,000
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30,000
40,000
50,000
2005 2010 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 MT CO2e
Water & Wastewater
Solid Waste
Process & Fugitive Emissions
Commercial Energy
Residential Energy
Transportation & Mobile Sources
2030 Goal
2045 Goal

KEY CONSIDERATION
These inventories do not include emissions generated outside city boundaries (i.e. lifecycle emissions of imported goods and services). If they did, emissions would be about seven times higher than reported in this inventory. If included, Piedmont is the highest emitter per capita in Alameda County due to higher consumption of goods.* While these immense consumption-based emissions pose a significant challenge, they also demonstrate the power Piedmonters yield to curb climate change with their purchasing decisions.

Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 14
9 CITYWIDE

EMISSIONS
9 Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 15
10 In 2023, citywide emissions rose 1.35%.

Emissions totaled 33,154 MT CO2e, the highest emissions produced in Piedmont since 2019.

Consistent with past inventories, the highest emitting sectors were transportation (49.3%) and building energy (47.6%).

The 1.35% increase from 2022 can be traced to five subsectors: residential natural gas, commercial natural gas, bus transit, solid waste, and process and fugitive emissions. As detailed in the following sections, residential natural gas saw the greatest increase in emissions, rising by 1,016 MT CO2e (7.47%). Nevertheless, emission reductions from passenger and commercial vehicles as well as residential and commercial electricity would partially offset increases elsewhere, resulting in a net citywide increase of 441 MT CO2e. Even with the drastic increase in emissions from residential natural gas, the subsector that contributed most to citywide emissions was passenger vehicles - totaling 14,804 MT CO2e.

Table 1 lists all citywide subsectors and their percent contribution to total emissions. The table is categorized by type of major greenhouse gas: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Subsectors are grouped by their inventory “scopes.” Scope emissions are a way of categorizing emissions based on where they physically occur. It helps discern direct and indirect emissions, or those that result from Piedmont activities but occur at sources not controlled or owned by any Piedmonters.

Scope 1 covers emissions from sources located within city limits.

Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from electricity, steam, heating, or cooling.

Scope 3 covers indirect emissions from other sources such as waste disposal and outsourced activities. Reporting scope 3 emissions is optional.

Table 1: 2023 GHG Emissions by Scope and Subsector
Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 16
11 Transportation
Transportation emissions in Piedmont are
classified as all travel that begins or ends in
Piedmont. In 2023, transportation generated
16,355 MT CO2e, which equates to 49.34%
of total in-territory emissions.

Transportation emissions consist of three key vehicle types: passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and public transit. As seen in Table 2, passenger vehicles were the highest emitters, generating 90.5% of total transportation emissions in 2023.

Table 2: 2022 vs. 2023 Transportation Emissions
▲ = emissions increase ▼ = emissions decrease
Transportation emissions fell 2.16% from the previous year. This is likely due to an increase in purchases of electric or hybrid vehicles. This is a stark contrast to 2022, as emissions grew 10.6% from 2021.

In 2023, an estimated 24.71% of known fuel
types for Piedmont’s registered vehicles were
electric or hybrid, as shown in Figure 2.7 Due
to California’s state mandate requiring new
light-duty vehicles to be zero-emission by
2035, staff anticipate the share of electric
vehicle (EV) travel to become even greater
over time.8In fact, zero emission vehicles
comprised 25% of new car sales in California
in 2023, an increase in annual zero emission
vehicle (ZEV) sales of 5.2% from the prior year.9
Similarly, the share of electric and hybrid vehicles in Piedmont increased by 4.5% from 2022 to 2023, whereas gasoline vehicles decreased by a similar percentage. 7 California Department of Motor Vehicles. (2025). Registered Vehicles [Unpublished confidential dataset]. 8 California Air Resources Board. (n.d.). Advanced Clean Cars Program. 9 California Energy Commission. (n.d.). New ZEV sales in California [Interactive Infographic].

Electric, 10.78%
Hybrid Gas, 9.55%
Plug-In Hybrid, 4.38%
Other, 2.77%
Gasoline, 72.52%
Figure 2: 2023 Known Fuel Types for
Piedmont’s Registered Vehicles
Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 17
12 As was done for the 2022 inventory, passenger car and bus emissions were estimated from countywide data on Google’s Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE). While this complicates comparing 2022 and 2023 emissions to those from previous years, this new method is likely more accurate than those utilized in the past, which relied on simulated (rather than observed) data. EIE’s methodology is formulated on accepted GHG accounting principles and calculates emissions by extrapolating from Google’s data collection on travel behavior, vehicle types, and average fuel economies.

It is also important to note this inventory does not include air travel. Since our transportation emissions criteria is regulated by all travel that begins or ends in Piedmont, this would not apply to air travel as there are no airports, heliports, or landing strips in the city.

Building Energy
In 2023, building energy contributed 15,780
MT CO2e to in-territory emissions (47.61%).

This was a 5.51% increase from 2022 and is a
direct result of a rise in natural gas
consumption. Increased natural gas
consumption is likely due to a greater amount
of remote work and more heating degree days in 2023.

As shown in Table 3, this sector includes four subsectors: residential natural gas, residential electricity, commercial natural gas, and commercial electricity. In this context, “commercial” refers to business and municipal activities. Residential and commercial electricity both produced fewer emissions than in 2022. However, in 2023 residential and commercial natural gas witnessed higher emissions than the prior year.

Table 3: 2022 vs. 2023 Building Energy Emissions
▲ = emissions increase ▼ = emissions decrease
Natural Gas
Building emissions mainly come from appliances powered by natural gas rather than electricity or another renewable energy source. Gas furnaces, gas water heaters, and gas stoves are just a few Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 18
13 examples of natural gas appliances that not only worsen climate change, but release pollutants directly into our homes and local communities. In fact, a 2013 meta-analysis concluded that children in homes with gas stoves possess a 42% higher chance of developing asthma symptoms.10 Residential gas appliances produced 92.6% of building energy emissions. Additionally, there was a 7.47% increase in residential gas consumption from 2022, and even an emissions increase of 0.89% from 2020, when people were quarantining in their residences for extended periods of time. Potential causes for increased natural gas emissions can be attributed to more residents working from home and Piedmont experiencing greater heating degree days (HDDs), requiring homes to use more energy to maintain a reasonable comfort level throughout the day. 11 Between 2022 and 2023, HDDs increased
by 135, indicating slightly lower average daily temperatures in 2023 and higher energy demand for heating to preserve comfort.

Electricity
Compared to natural gas, electricity generates far fewer building energy emissions (5.58% of the sector). Since 2005, emissions from electricity have fallen 89% due to most customers — including the City — enrolling in Ava Community Energy’s (Ava) “Renewable 100” service plan, which is powered from wind and solar farms.12 However, that isn’t to say other electricity service plans haven’t also played a role in lowering Piedmont’s electricity emissions. Between 2022 and 2023, PG&E’s base plan reveals a dramatic decrease in greenhouse gas intensity from 56 lbs CO2e/MWh to just 12 lbs CO2e/MWh.13 Ava Bright Choice also underwent a drastic decrease in greenhouse gas intensity from 496 lbs CO2e/MWh to 370 lbs CO2e/MWh.

Electricity emissions were 20.86% lower than in 2022, primarily due to the PG&E and Ava Bright Choice power labels yielding a lower GHG intensity than in previous years — thus indicating a greater uptake in renewable energy sources. An additional potential cause for lower electricity emissions is greater enrollment in Ava Renewable 100 service plan.
10 Lin, W., Brunekreef, B., & Gehring, U. (2013). Meta-analysis of the effects of indoor nitrogen dioxide and gas cooking on asthma and wheeze in children. International Journal of Epidemiology, 42(6), 1724–1737. 11 Energy Star. (n.d.). Degree Days Calculator [Interactive Database]. Energy Star Portfolio Manager. 12 Ava Community Energy. (2025, April 1). Our Story.
13 California Energy Commission. (n.d.). Power content label.

Reach Codes
Beginning in June of 2021, Piedmont adopted a series of Reach Codes – local amendments to the Building Code that encourage energy efficiency or electrification measures in residential renovations costing $30,000 or more. The City does not currently prevent the installation, nor require the removal, of gas infrastructure.
2 CO
CH
N O
GWP 1
GWP 28
GWP 265
Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 19
14 Solid Waste
When organic waste –– food, food-soiled
paper, and yard waste –– decomposes in a
landfill, it releases GHGs such as methane
(CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Both CH4 and
N2O have global warming potentials
significantly stronger than CO2. This means
that methane and nitrous oxide absorb energy and magnify climate change at an exceedingly faster rate than carbon dioxide, which is just one of many reasons why it is imperative to recycle and compost when possible.14
Figure 3 displays the shares of emissions from residential, business, Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD), and City waste bins. In contrast to previous inventories, the 2023 Inventory consolidates all City and PUSD emissions into a single source.

In 2023, Piedmont’s solid waste diversion rate was 74.29%, a very minor decrease from 2022’s

74.39%.15 In other words, diligent recycling and composting diverted 74.29% of materials from the landfill. This rate has remained consistent over the past decade; in contrast, the statewide average is just 37%.16 Additionally, 74.92% of construction and demolition materials were recycled.17 This rate is † Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Understanding global warming potentials. EPA. ‡ GHG Protocol (n.d.). Global warming potential values. † Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Understanding global warming potentials. EPA. ‡ GHG Protocol (n.d.). Global warming potential values. 15 Republic Services. (2024, March 20). City of Piedmont: Fifth annual report [Unpublished report]. 16 CalRecycle. (n.d.). California’s 2019 per capita disposal rate estimate. 17 Green Halo Systems. (n.d.). Recovery Totals [Unpublished confidential dataset].

Global Warming Potentials
2 CO
CH
N O
GWP 1
GWP 28
GWP 265
The following values indicate a GWP over 100
years based on the fifth Assessment Report
(AR5).‡ GWP is measured as kilograms of
carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO2e).

Global Warming Potential (GWP) quantifies
the heat 1 metric ton of a greenhouse gas will
retain in the atmosphere over a specific time
period relative to 1 metric ton of carbon
dioxide (CO2).† The larger the GWP, the more
the greenhouse gas contributes to the
warming effects of the atmosphere. Carbon
dioxide will always have a GWP of 1 as it is
the reference point for comparison.

Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 20
15 higher than the City’s requirement (65%) and reflects a relatively insignificant increase of 0.41% since 2022.

Although the 2023 emissions increased ever so slightly from 2022, solid waste emissions have drastically fallen by

82.75% from the 2005 baseline. Beginning in 2022, staff began accounting for landfilled organic waste types that were not previously included, such as paper packaging, plant trimmings, and treated wood. This meant a substantial
increase in emissions from 2021 due to a more refined
methodology as opposed to a rise in emissions from human activity. However, solid waste continues to constitute less than 2% of Piedmont’s emissions.

Water and Wastewater
Between 2005 and 2022, water and
wastewater treatment have produced a small
percentage of total in-territory greenhouse gas
emissions. In 2023, this sector contributed just

0.24% of in-territory emissions.

All emissions in this sector come from supplying potable water. Wastewater treatment has contributed to almost no emissions since 2012. This is by virtue of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), whose wastewater treatment plant relies entirely on renewable energy generated onsite.18 Process and Fugitive Emissions
Process and fugitive emissions are leaks and
other unintentional releases of emissions.

They typically occur during the extraction,
transformation, and transportation of natural
gas.

City staff began estimating these in the 2020 GHG inventory to more thoroughly account for interritory emissions from building natural gas consumption. In 2023, this sector contributed 486 MT CO2e, or 1.47% of in-territory emissions. This value of MT CO2e is identical to what was observed in 2021, indicating a relatively stagnant rate of growth.
18 East Bay Municipal Utility District. (n.d.) Recycling water and energy.

Figure 3: 2023 Solid Waste GHG
Emissions by Source
Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 21
16 MUNICIPAL

EMISSIONS
16 Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 22
17 In 2023, municipal activities generated 3.54% of citywide emissions.

The previous “Citywide Emissions” section covered residential, business, and government activities.

This municipal inventory only assesses government activities and is therefore considered a subset of the citywide inventory. The only exception is that the municipal solid waste emissions includes both City and PUSD facilities.

Municipal emissions amounted to 1,174 MT CO2e – the highest sector emissions recorded todate (Figure 4). Emissions increased by 16.36% from 2022. The significant increase is mainly due to staff adding greater detail to the methodology and gaining more data on employee commutes.

Figure 4: 2005, 2010, and 2014 – 2023 Annual Municipal GHG Emissions The 16.36% increase in emissions can be traced to three subsectors: employee commute, vehicle fleet, and buildings and facilities. Employee commute was the largest factor, making up 46.07% of the increase.

Most municipal emissions came from transportation. Together, employee commutes and City fleet vehicles produced 88.67% of the municipal inventory (Figure 5).

Figure 5: 2023 Municipal GHG Emissions by Sector
Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 23
18 Municipal Building Energy
Since the City’s enrollment in Ava’s 100%
renewable energy service in 2019, electricity
for municipal buildings, streetlights, and
sprinklers produce zero emissions.

As a result, municipal building energy
emissions entirely stem from gas appliances. Since 2019, these emissions have fallen due to energy efficiency and electrification measures. In 2022, the City replaced all its remaining gas water heaters with electric heat pumps.

Although municipal building emissions have drastically fallen over time, in 2023, building and facilities energy contributed 59 MT CO2e, or 5% of municipal emissions. This is a slight increase in emissions from 2022, rising 11.32% from 53 MT CO2e. This slight increase in building energy emissions could also be attributed to the greater number of heating degree days.

Figure 6: 2005, 2010, and 2014 – 2023 Annual Municipal Building Energy GHG Emissions Municipal Vehicle Fleet
The City of Piedmont’s vehicle fleet is
comprised of vehicles driven by the Fire,
Police, and Public Works Departments. It also
includes vehicles driven by the City’s
contracted waste hauler — Republic Services
— for waste collection services. Emissions were calculated based on each vehicle’s estimated fuel efficiency and miles travelled for the given year.

Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 24
19 Among 2023 municipally owned vehicles, there were 15 heavy trucks, 13 light trucks, 11 passenger vehicles, and 3 pieces of heavy equipment. These totals are identical to the findings found in 2022.

In 2023, the fleet accounted for 42.6% of municipal emissions, yielding 500 MT CO2e emissions.

Figure 7 highlights that most fleet emissions came from the Public Works Department and Republic Services.

For this sector, comparing emissions annually is
difficult due to the methodology constantly evolving
to account for more accurate and complete data.

For example, 2021 was the first year that staff
included emissions from Republic Services’ waste
collection service vehicles.

Then, in 2022, staff chose to no longer include
emissions from contractors, with exception of
Republic Services. The City made this decision
because other contractor data had low certainty or
availability, impeding data reliability from year to
year.

Figure 8: 2005, 2010, and 2014 – 2023 Annual Municipal Vehicle Fleet GHG Emissions Municipal Employee Commutes
Every year, staff administer a survey in which
City employees self-report commute
information. Employees are asked to disclose
the make and model of their car, fuel type, and
total distance traveled to calculate CO2e
emissions.

Figure 7: 2023 Vehicle Fleet GHG
Emissions by Source
Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 25
20 According to the 2023 survey, employee commutes contributed 541 MT CO2e or 46.1% — the largest portion — of municipal emissions.

Notably, 15 out of the 65 survey respondents (23%) reported driving electric or hybrid vehicles.

It is also difficult to compare emissions year-by-year for this sector. Because data is self-reported, past inventories did not capture emissions from employees who did not report their commute methods and likely caused significant underestimates. For example, in 2023, the City had a total of 224 part-time and full-time employees, but only 65 (29%) completed the survey.

To account for the significant majority of employees that didn’t complete the survey, staff estimated emissions for unreported commutes by extrapolating an average emissions output and multiplying it by the number of part-time and fulltime employees at the end of 2023. From these estimates, emissions for 2023 may appear to have increased significantly from 2022. However, the results simply present a more complete picture of commute related emissions than in past inventories.

Figure 9: 2005, 2010, and 2014 – 2023 Annual Municipal Employee Commutes GHG Emissions Solid Waste
This sector covers landfilled waste collected
from public facilities, including PUSD.

In 2023, municipal solid waste generated an
estimated 72 MT CO2e, which is 6.2% of
municipal emissions. This is 6.49% lower than
in 2022, likely due to the City distributing three-series bins (recycling, compost and trash) in almost every office space, and in high-traffic areas in the Civic Center of Piedmont. This has likely helped divert recyclable and compostable materials from the landfill.

Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 26
21 Figure 10: 2005, 2010, and 2014 – 2023 Annual Municipal Solid Waste GHG Emissions Process & Fugitive Emissions
To reiterate, process and fugitive emissions are leaks and other unintentional releases of emissions.

City staff began estimating these emissions in the 2020 GHG inventory, to more thoroughly account for in-territory emissions. In 2023, municipal process and fugitive emissions are negligible, contributing only about 2 MT CO2e.

Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 27
22 CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
22 Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 28
23 ICLEI staff assisted with creating a “Business-as-Usual Forecast” for the years 2023 through 2030.

This forecast projects future emissions based on current emissions and patterns.

According to the 2023 Business-as-Usual Forecast, Piedmont remains off-target from meeting the 2030 climate action goal of reducing its 2005 baseline emissions by 50%. The City will overshoot their 2030 value by more than 9,000 MT CO2e, as shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8: Piedmont’s Annual GHG Emissions Business-as-Usual Forecast by Sector To address this gap, ICLEI staff assessed the potential emissions impacts of various “High Impact Actions.” This analysis identified two critical pathways for realigning the City with its climate action goals: (1) advancing home electrification and energy efficiency, and (2) increasing EV adoption while reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Figure 9 illustrates the Business-as-Usual Forecast in comparison with projections for these alternative pathways.

0 5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
MT CO2e
Solid Waste
Residential Energy
Water & Wastewater
Commercial Energy
Process & Fugitive Emissions
Transportation & Mobile Sources
2030 Goal
2023 2030
MT CO2e
2023 2030
MT CO2e
2023 2030
MT CO2e
Scenario 1:

Business as Usual
Scenario 2:

Home Electrification
+ Energy Efficiency
Scenario 3:

Electric Vehicles +
VMT Reduction
Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 29
24 Figure 9. Piedmont’s Annual GHG Emissions Business-as-Usual Forecast vs. Action Scenarios The High Impact Action scenarios depend on a few notable assumptions. For example, the “Home Electrification and Energy Efficiency" Scenario assumes that 5% of existing housing units would receive efficiency retrofits every year, and that 6% of existing housing units would be electrified every year. Additionally, the “Electric Vehicles and VMT Reduction” Scenario assumes that electric vehicles would cover 30% of Piedmont’s VMT by 2030.

Since the development of Piedmont’s Sustainability Division in 2020, the City has more adequately addressed objectives outlined in Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0. Examples of more recent sustainability efforts include the implementation of pioneering reach codes for existing buildings, the electrification rebate program, and the development of an existing building electrification strategy.

Residents have likewise shown growing engagement through increased EV and heat pump purchasing, high waste diversion rates, and ongoing support for the City’s Sustainability Division.

Despite improved efforts and progress on sustainability initiatives, in-territory emissions increased in 2023. Although some sectors experienced decreasing emissions, they were offset by the greater increases from building natural gas consumption, solid waste, and process and fugitive emissions.

Additionally, building energy and transportation continue to require attention, as together they comprised 96.9% of citywide emissions in 2023.

Although education and outreach efforts are important and should be continued, financial resources and regulatory mechanisms from local, state, and federal governments are also necessary. Efforts must also address historical harms and structural inequities that have been the root causes of the climate crisis.

Moving forward, it is imperative that Piedmont remains focused on its climate action goals. As we continue to see the severe impacts of climate change at a local level, Piedmont will need to remain steadfast promoting sustainable practices that maintain and improve the quality of life for residents, visitors, and community.

Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 30
25 Ways Piedmont can reduce citywide GHG emissions:

Ways the City can reduce municipal GHG emissions:

Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 31
26 ADDITIONAL NOTES
Further Resources
For information about greenhouse gas inventory protocols, visit www.ghgprotocol.org. For more information about City partners’ sustainability efforts, visit these websites:

Changes to Previous Inventories
Readers may notice that some numbers here — such as those in Figure 1 — are slightly different from those in previous reports. Staff had recalculated parts of previous inventories.

No new data was collected for previous inventories. Rather, the focus was pulling existing data that most accurately represented methodology, to create a more reliable comparison of GHG emissions over time. Staff made the following changes:

For inventory from 2022, ICLEI advised removing CH4 and N2O emission values from the PG&E and Ava Bright Choice datasets. This is because their power content labels already report CO₂e values that include non-CO₂ greenhouse gases. This change ultimately did not change the total MT CO2e emissions reported in the inventory.

Acterra www.acterra.org/electrification/greenhome/induction-cooktoploan-eastbay Ava Community Energy www.avaenergy.org
PG&E https://www.pge.com/en/about/corporate-responsibility-andsustainability.html Republic Services www.republicservices.com/sustainability East Bay Municipal District www.ebmud.com/about-us/sustainability Exhibit A Agenda Report Page 32
2024/25 Climate Action Plan 2.0 Implementation Update
The Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2.0, adopted in 2018, outlines a suite of measures and actions that work toward reaching Piedmont’s climate action goals. In 2023, the City Council adopted updated climate action goals to:

1. Achieve municipal- and community-scale carbon neutrality no later than the year 2045, and transition to a post-carbon community.

2. Achieve an interim target of 50% emissions reductions from a 2005 baseline emissions level by the year 2030.

Table 1 “FY 24/25 CAP 2.0 Implementation Progress Matrix” outlines the current implementation status of each of the CAP 2.0’s measures as of fiscal year (FY) 24/25. The table only includes information on the CAP 2.0’s objectives where City departments are the lead actor and where progress has been made on at least one of the objective’s measures. Measures with a significant update in FY 24/25 are highlighted with a blue asterisk.

The following page “Climate Action Piedmont by the Numbers” provides a graphic spotlight of select energy efficiency and electrification actions achieved by Piedmont residents and the City. These actions reflect the implementation of some City-led policies and programs and highlight 2024 consumer trends that align with the CAP 2.0 climate action goals. The graphic includes:
• Data a result of the Home Energy Assessment Policy, which requires the completion of a Home Energy Score report during the sale or transfer of a property or some renovations in Piedmont.

According to BayREN, who administers the Home Energy Score program, in 2024, the City had the highest per capita participation in Alameda County. However, the City also had the lowest average energy score in the County (3.1/10), mostly likely because Piedmont’s homes skew larger and older than those in neighboring jurisdictions.
• High uptake of the City’s electrification rebate program, which offers financial assistance to homeowners that switch from natural gas appliances to heat pump space and water heaters. In 2024 alone, the City issued 29 electrification rebates, totaling approximately $35,000. • In 2024, the total number of finaled heat pump space and water heaters permits continued to increase, while solar and batteries finaled permits decreased from previous years. A decline in solar uptake is likely because of the changes to net energy metering policies in California, which overall reduce the value of renewable energy export rates for small producers and lengthen the return on investment.
• In 2024 alone, 168 fully electric and 49 plug-in hybrid vehicles (0.16 per capita) were newly registered in Piedmont. Comparatively, in 2024, 17,303 (.011 per capita) zero emission vehicles were sold in Alameda County. 1
1 https://avaenergy.org/from-the-ceos-desk/data-corner-electric-vehicles-take-off-in-the-east-bay-and-valley-2/ Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 33
Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 34
Table 1. FY 24/25 CAP 2.0 Implementation Progress Matrix Measures and Action by
Sector and Objective
Lead
Actor Status
Buildings and Energy
Objective 1: Reduce Residential Building Energy Use
Measure: 1.1 Disclose building energy consumption
Develop a single-family and/or multi-family residential unit energy assessment ordinance requiring disclosure at the time of sale, major remodel, rental, or other trigger point.

Planning &
Building
Complete.

Council adopted Ordinance 751 N.S establishes a Home Energy Assessment Policy which require the completion of a Home Energy Score report during the sale or transfer of a property or during some renovations in Piedmont.

According to data provided by BayREN in 2024, 114 Piedmont homes completed Home Energy Score Reports with an average energy efficiency rating of 3.1/10.

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.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

City staff continues to work with certified home energy auditors as well as StopWaste and BayREN staff to conduct public outreach on home energy assessments.

Increase knowledge of and encourage residents to use PGE's "My Energy" online tool to compare and understand energy and natural gas use.

Planning &
Building Complete.

Measure: 1.2 Reduce electricity and natural gas consumption Encourage utilities to develop and implement demand-side management programs.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

City staff continue to work with utilities directly and through StopWaste to promote the development of and participate in delivering demand-side management programs.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 35
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.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

In 2025, three Piedmont households were recognized with Sustainability Awards. Each awardee demonstrated a local example of excellence in sustainable construction and design, reducing their homes’ GHG emissions, water consumption, and more. It is anticipated that further action on this measure will be taken through the development and implementation of the draft Existing Building Electrification Strategy.

At point of replacement, consider requiring the installation of energy conserving appliances and fixtures, such as ondemand tank-less water heaters, Energy Star appliances, and LED lightbulbs.

Planning &
Building
Action Needed.

The City’s Reach Codes (Ordinance 766 N.S.) encourage the installation of energy efficiency measures during major renovation projects valued at ≥$30,000. The City does not currently prevent the installation, nor require the removal, of gas infrastructure.

Promote Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing and other energy improvement financing programs.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

Information on PACE financing and other energy improvement financing programs are listed on the City’s website.

Consider following the State’s goal of having all new
residential construction be Zero Net Energy (ZNE).

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

The state’s definition of a ZNE building is an energy-efficient building where the actual annual consumed energy is less than or equal to the on-site renewable generated energy. As of the 2022 California Building Code, solar photovoltaics (PV) are required for new construction including new detached ADU’s. The city has not adopted further measures to require ZNE.

Investigate developing an online, GHG reduction tracking platform for Piedmont residents to track their actions that may affect their carbon footprint and to participate in community-wide GHG reduction challenges.

Planning &
Building
Complete.

In collaboration with Piedmont Connect, the City launched an interactive online platform, the Piedmont Climate Challenge, in fall 2019.

Provide case studies/awards/highlights for property owners who set good sustainability examples (i.e. solar, LEED, drought-tolerant landscape, etc.).

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

In 2025, three Piedmont households were recognized with Sustainability Awards, as part of the annual Planning and Building Design Awards. Each awardee will be profiled through the City’s website and communication channels.

Measure: 1.3 Switch from natural gas to electric appliances, paired with renewable energy Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 36
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.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

The City’s website provides information on electric appliances, renewable energy, battery storage as well as links to relevant rebates and incentives. In 2025, these webpages are being redeveloped with the goal of making relevant information more accessible and useful for residents.

The City also offers a free induction cooktop lending program. In 2025, the lending program was expanded through a partnership with Acterra.

In FY 24/25, City staff attended community events including the Harvest Festival, Piedmont Food Fest, and Earth and Arbor Day.

Consider requiring electric appliances for new construction. Residents & Building
Complete.

The City is no longer enforcing Reach Codes Section 8.02.070 and relevant elements of 8.02.020 as a result of the Ninth Circuit’s decision in California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley. The City will continue requiring the installation of a circuit for electrical appliances (cooktop and clothes dryer) when remodeling those areas or for new construction, but will not require the removal of any existing gas circuits (nor prevent the installation of new gas circuits) for these areas.

Provide incentives to convert existing residences from
natural gas to electric appliances.

Planning &
Building
Complete.

The City launched the Piedmont Electrification Rebate Program in January 2023 to encourage the adoption of heat pump hot water heaters, heat pump home heaters, and electric panel upgrades.

As of May 2025, the City has issued 61 electrification rebates totaling $66,100.

Objective 2: Reduce commercial building energy use
Objective 3: Increase renewable energy to 100% by 2030
Measure: 3.1 Commit to being a renewable energy city
Pass a resolution to meet 100% of community-wide
electricity demand by renewable sources by 2030.

Planning &
Building Action Needed.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 37
In May 2018, City Council voted to auto-enroll all residential electricity accounts in Ava Community Energy’s 100% renewable energy service plan (Renewable 100) starting in November 2018.

At the end of 2024, 83% of accounts in Piedmont are enrolled in the Renewable 100 plan.

Measure: 3.2 Install on-site renewable energy
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.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

The City’s Reach Codes (Ordinance 766 N.S.) includes requirements for the installation of solar photovoltaic systems at the point of roof expansion (>30%) or the addition of a new upper level. The City does not have a policy for offsetting a certain % of electricity use.

Target 100% of buildings with solar to install battery storage. Planning & Building
Ongoing.

The 2022 Building Code expands solar photovoltaic (PV) panels system requirement with onsite battery storage standards, thereby encouraging battery storage in new buildings.

Require buildings that undergo roof replacements to be
“solar ready”.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

The City’s Reach Codes (Ordinance 766 N.S.) includes requirements for the installation of solar photovoltaic systems at the 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 communitybased social marketing campaigns, public workshops, and partnering with utilities.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

Along with promoting renewable energy at public events and on the website, the City is a partner of Bay Area SunShares, an annual program where SunShares offers rooftop solar and battery storage installation at roughly 15% below market rates.

In fall 2024, 38 households signed up to participate in Bay Area SunShares for solar photovoltaics and/or battery storage.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 38
Develop a reach code to phase-out electric service panels below a 200-amp capacity at time of upgrade.

Planning &
Building
Complete.

The City’s Reach Codes (Ordinance 766 N.S.) includes requirements when upgrading an electric main panel to include capacity to accommodate future electrification of all appliances (including home heating and hot water heating).

The City does not currently prevent the installation, nor require the removal, of gas infrastructure.

Measure: 3.3 Increase the amount of renewable energy delivered through the grid Encourage residents to choose Ava Community Energy as
their electricity provider and support education and
community engagement for residents throughout the
transition to Ava.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

Ava Community Energy’s Renewable 100 plan is currently the default option for Piedmont accounts. Staff partners with Ava to continue to educate and promote electricity options.

In FY 24/25 the City distributed Ava resources at community events and partnered with Ava to develop and send co-branded informational postcards to existing Piedmont customers.

Have 100% renewable be the default option for Piedmont
residents through Ava Community Energy’s with an opt-down option.

Planning &
Building
Complete.

In May 2018, City Council voted to auto-enroll all residential electricity accounts in Ava Community Energy’s 100% renewable energy service plan (Renewable 100) starting in November 2018.

At the end of 2024, 83% of accounts in Piedmont are enrolled in the Renewable 100 plan.

Objective 4: Partner with schools to reduce energy use
Objective 5: Reduce local air pollution and high global warming potential gases Measure: 5.1 Decrease the impact of Piedmont’s building stock on pollution and GHG emissions Prohibit wood-burning fireplaces in new development and encourage retrofitting existing wood-burning fireplaces with natural gas or electric alternatives.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 39
Require that new air conditioning and refrigeration units use refrigerants with low global warming potential (e.g. CO2 or ammonia instead of hydrofluorocarbons).

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

California is required to reduce hydrofluorocarbon emissions 40% below 2013 levels by 2030 under Senate Bill 1383 (Health & Saf. Code § 39730.5). Staff will continue to monitor relevant federal and state laws.

Promote and consider requiring the installation of exterior electrical outlets to promote the use of electric maintenance equipment.

Planning &
Building
Action needed.

In 2021, CA Assembly Bill 1346 was signed into law, to achieve 100% zero emissions from off-road equipment (primarily lawn and garden equipment) in California by 2035, where feasible and cost-effective. Staff are conducting ongoing outreach on the City’s leaf blower regulations.

Objective 6: Investigate infrastructure upgrades and new technologies Measure: 6.1 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).

Planning &
Building Action needed.

Explore micro-grids as a carbon reduction and resiliency strategy.

Planning &
Building &
Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff continue to explore funding and partnership opportunities for microgrid deployment in Piedmont. In November 2022, City Council approved Resolution No. 71-2022, authorizing the City Administrator to pursue deployment of solar and battery energy storage at critical municipal facilities in partnership with Ava Community Energy.

Reduce the need for new natural gas lines through phasing out natural gas appliances in new construction and existing building replacements.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

In 2024, the Sustainability Division began the development of an Existing Building Electrification Strategy with the help of a community task force. While ongoing, the development process has already included data analysis of existing conditions, a public survey, pop-up engagement events, and several task force sessions.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 40
Transportation
Objective 1: Increase number of trips made by biking and walking Measure 1.1: Encourage walking and biking safety
Install sidewalk railings on the Oakland Avenue bridge. Public Works
Complete.

Safety railings along both sidewalks on the Oakland Avenue bridge were installed in 2020.

Enhance street crossing safety through crosswalks, flashing pedestrian lights, and signage.

Public
Works
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. Projects have already been completed at Mesa/Moraga (2023), Oakland/Jerome (2024), Oakland/El Cerrito (2024), and Nova/Magnolia (2024).

As of May 2025, projects at Grand/Greenbank, Grand/Linda, and Grand/Fairview intersections are under construction.

Provide safety education led by the Police or Public Works Department (traffic safety messages on city buildings and online).

Public
Works
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.

In May 2025, Police worked with the Scouts on a Bike Rodeo to provide education and training about safe cycling.

Consider transitioning streets to one-way traffic to add bike lanes in residential areas.

Public
Works Action Needed.

Implement traffic calming measures. 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. Projects have already been completed at Mesa/Moraga Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 41
(2023), Oakland/Jerome (2024), Oakland/El Cerrito (2024), and Nova/Magnolia (2024).

As of May 2025, projects at Grand/Greenbank, Grand/Linda, and Grand/Fairview intersections are under construction.

Measure 1.2: Provide access to bicycles and bicycle paths Pursue the installation of a Bay Area Bike Share station in the Grand Ave commercial district.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff is actively searching for grants and other funding opportunities as well as works with Ava Community Energy to determine the feasibility of installing a Bike Share station in the City.

Enhance bike infrastructure along bikeway network
designated in Piedmont's Pedestrian and Bicycle Master
Plan (PBMP).

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Based on the Safer Streets Plan, the City has 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.

In 2025, construction is underway to install bike lanes on Grand Ave and a bike lane crossing at Grand/Linda.

Install additional bike parking racks at key destinations. Public Works
Ongoing.

With the assistance of the Bay Area Air District (formerly BAAQMD) the City installed bike racks at key locations in the Civic Center where events are held.

Implement Highland road diet. Public
Works
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. Public
Works
Complete.

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, Public
Works Ongoing.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 42
Moraga and Wildwood Avenues and on Park Boulevard and
the creation of a map that shows these networks.

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.

In 2025, construction is underway to install bike lanes on Grand Ave and a bike lane crossing at Grand/Linda.

Introduce traffic signal controls that prioritize bicycles. Public Works Action needed.

Provide bicycle parking at city sponsored events. Public Works
Complete.

With the assistance of the Bay Area Air District (formerly 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, concrete dome curb
extensions, or pop-ups.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Based on the Safer Streets Plan, since 2014, the City completed or is in the process of 8 bikeways on street segment projects.

In 2025, construction is underway to install bike lanes on Grand Ave and a bike lane crossing at Grand/Linda.

Facilitate Bike to Work Day and other bike promotion and educational/community engagement events.

Public
Works
Complete.

In 2025, the City partnered with Haven’s Elementary and the Scouts to host the Gear Up Festival, and subsequently a Bike to Wherever Day Energizer Station. Attendance was the highest on record for the City, with over 100 cyclists – mostly families and kids – attending.

Objective 2: Reduce transportation emissions from schools Objective 3: Increase residents’ use of public transit
Measure 3.1: Increase use of busses and BART
Incentivize public transit use through community-based
social marketing campaigns.

Planning &
Building &
Public
Works
Ongoing.

Public transportation information is available on the City’s website. Additional work is needed to incentivize public transit use among all community members.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 43
Work with AC transit to improve fuel efficiency and
alternative fuel buses.

Planning &
Building &
Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff support AC Transit’s transition to a zero-emission bus fleet. 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 bus stops that provide shade, weather protection, seating, lighting, and route information.

Planning &
Building &
Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff work with AC Transit to enhance ridership in post-pandemic times.

Currently, more than half of Piedmont bus stops have benches and shading.

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.

Planning &
Building &
Public
Works
Action needed.

The Council may direct staff to pursue a study to determine the feasibility of an intra-city shuttle.

Objective 4: Support the adoption of ZEVs and the growth of EV charging stations Measure 4.1: Support the growth of EV charging infrastructure Install EV chargers in the Civic Center area, Grand Avenue commercial zone, and other commonly traveled locations
in Piedmont.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff are working with Ava Community Energy to complete the installation of 4 publicly accessible EV Level 3/DC fast charging stations on Magnolia Avenue.

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.

Planning &
Building
Complete.

Chapter 8 of City Code requires garage remodels that meet specific conditions to comply with the 2022 CalGreen Code that requires installation of an EV capable raceway to accommodate a dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit Require pre-wiring for EV charging in new construction. Planning & Building
Complete.

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.

Objective 5: Reduce miles traveled in personal gasoline vehicles Objective 6: Increase mixed-use development
Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 44
Solid Waste
Objective 1: Reduce waste going to the landfill
Measure 1.1: Establish a waste diversion target for 2030 Adopt a resolution to achieve 85% waste reduction and
diversion by 2030.

Public
Works
Action needed.

In 2024, Piedmont’s waste diversion rate increased to 73.48% in 2024, marginally up from 2023’s rate of 73.29%.

Measure 1.2: 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.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Per SB 1383 regulations, all residents in California are required to subscribe to an organics collection service. Information about composting is distributed through Republic Services’ newsletters and articles in local media. Composting information is also available on the City’s website. Staff regularly give away compostable bags to residents at the City’s Planning & Building Counter.

Promote educational programs and community
engagement and outreach on reducing food waste,
recycling, and landfill diversion.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

In FY 24/25, the Sustainability Division tabled at the Harvest Festival and Earth and Arbor Day to education on various topics, including waste diversion. At those events, staff distributed materials from StopWaste’s “Stop Food Waste” Campaign. City staff also helped coordinate tours of Republic Service’s recycling sorting facility for staff and Piedmont residents and regularly collaborates with them to promote best practices through bill inserts and quarterly newsletters.

City staff also procured a vendor to provide free recycling and stormwater education to elementary schools located in Piedmont.

Promote “fix-it” clinics to educate residents on how to repair items instead of throwing them away.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff have distributed information about “fix-it” opportunities through local media articles.

Provide education and community engagement on items
accepted in bulk-pick up program to ensure proper disposal of appliances and other bulky refuse.

Public
Works Ongoing.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 45
Information about bulky items is distributed through Republic Services’ quarterly newsletters and articles in local media. Information can also be found on the City’s website and 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.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Information about bulky items is distributed through Republic Services’ quarterly newsletters and articles in local media. Information can also be found on the City’s website and on StopWaste’s Re:Source tool.

Investigate developing an online, GHG reduction tracking platform for Piedmont residents to track their actions
related to waste that may affect their carbon footprint and to participate in community wide GHG reduction
challenges.

Public
Works
Complete.

In collaboration with Piedmont Connect, the City launched an interactive online platform, the Piedmont Climate Challenge, in fall 2019.

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 marketbased program, and that if there is no market for a material, it will not be recycled.

Public
Works
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.

City staff helped coordinate tours of Republic Service’s recycling sorting facility for staff and Piedmont residents and regularly collaborates with them to promote best practices through bill inserts and quarterly newsletters. As well, staff published a “Climate Corner” article about recycling markets.

Educate residents about the different types of plastic and the limitations of plastic recycling. Create awareness that putting a plastic item in the blue recycling bin does not mean it will actually be recycled. Encourage the decreased consumption of plastics and plastic packaging.

Public
Works Action needed.

Measure 1.3: Reduce construction and demolition waste
Promote alternatives to traditional building demolition such as relocation, deconstruction, and salvage.

Planning &
Building Action needed.

Provide incentives to builders for using deconstruction instead of demolition.

Planning &
Building Action needed.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 46
Partner with nearby cities to provide contractor training on deconstruction as an alternative to demolition.

Planning &
Building Action needed.

Objective 2: Encourage sustainable practices of the City's waste hauler Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 47
Consumption
Objective 1: Reduce emissions associated with food consumption and food waste Measure 1.1: Provide education on consumption related GHG emissions Increase awareness of consumption-based emissions
through the Climate Action Plan.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

In collaboration with Piedmont Connect, the City launched an interactive online platform, the Piedmont Climate Challenge, in fall 2019. The City also promotes StopWaste resources on this topic on its website, through local media, and at tabling events.

Promote education on personal and household carbon
footprints.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

Host a decarbonization workshop to promote awareness
of the climate change impacts of consumption.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

City staff organized a community event in April 2019 to raise awareness on more sustainable consumption habits, goods, and services. In collaboration with Piedmont Connect, the City launched an interactive online platform, the Piedmont Climate Challenge, in fall 2019.

Measure 1.2: Support other agencies' initiatives for emissions transparency and accountability Encourage BAAQMD's efforts to create and promote
consumption-based emissions inventories.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

Support State legislation that requires producers to be involved in end-of-life product management.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

The City regularly meets with StopWaste to monitor progress on SB 54 draft regulations, which will, in part, shift the plastic pollution burden from consumers to producers.

Support a regional plastic water bottle ban. Planning & Building
Action needed.

Support product labeling that includes information about GHG emissions associated with the lifecycle of products.

Planning &
Building
Action needed.

Objective 2: Reduce emissions associated with food consumption and food waste Measure 2.1: Reduce Food Waste
Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 48
Educate residents on how to reduce waste of edible foods through proper food storage, meal planning, and
purchasing of 'imperfect food'.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

The City also promotes StopWaste resources on this topic on its website, through local media, and at City events.

Measure 2.2: Reduce carbon intensity of food consumption Begin a community campaign to educate the public about
food choice as part of a climate-friendly lifestyle.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Educate residents and businesses on low-carbon food
options, such as minimally processed foods, fruits, grains and vegetables.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Educate residents on the benefits of collecting and
recycling fats, oils, and grease from food products and use.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Objective 3: Increase awareness of consumption related GHG emissions Measure 3.1: Provide education on consumption related GHG emissions Increase awareness of consumption-based GHG emissions
through the Climate Action Plan.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

In collaboration with Piedmont Connect, the City launched an interactive online platform, the Piedmont Climate Challenge, in fall 2019.

Promote education on personal and household carbon
footprints.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

In collaboration with Piedmont Connect, the City launched an interactive online platform, the Piedmont Climate Challenge, in fall 2019.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 49
Host a decarbonization workshop to promote awareness
of the climate change impacts of consumption.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

Measure 3.2: Reduce emissions from the construction and destruction of buildings Promote alternatives to traditional building demolition such as relocation, deconstruction, and salvage.

Planning &
Building Action needed.

Encourage the preservation of Piedmont's existing stock of small and historic homes and discourage the granting of variances for floor area ratio.

Planning &
Building Action needed.

Create “Climate-Friendly” purchasing suggestions on
sustainable materials, energy efficient, appliances, and other building products and materials.

Planning &
Building Action needed.

Objective 4: Reduce emissions from the consumption of goods and food within schools Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 50
Water and Wastewater
Objective 1: Reduce water use by 20%
Measure 1.1: 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.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Information on water conservation can be found 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 local media.

Promote rebates for water efficiency projects, including low-flow fixtures.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Require a water efficiency audit at point of sale.

Planning &
Building Action needed.

Measure 1.2: Reduce residential water use
Adopt a residential retrofit program to encourage the
installation of water conservation measures.

Planning &
Building Action needed.

Consider requiring the installation of water conserving fixtures at the point of sale or rental.

Planning &
Building Action needed.

Consider requiring pool covers in order to reduce
evaporation.

Planning &
Building 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.

Planning &
Building
Complete.

In collaboration with Piedmont Connect, the City launched an interactive online platform, the Piedmont Climate Challenge, in fall 2019.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 51
Measure 1.3: Promote landscaping that minimizes water use Encourage the replacement of high water use landscapes
in residential and commercial uses.

Ongoing.

Staff continues to promote the replacement of high-water use landscapes through City demonstration projects, and in outreach materials on the City’s website.

Enforce and consider expanding the California Water
Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (WELO).

Ongoing.

While WELO is enforced, further action would be required to expand the ordinance.

Measure 1.4: Reduce water use in schools
Objective 2: Conserve and collect water
Measure 2.1: Promote infrastructure improvements
Work with EBMUD to repair and maintain existing water
lines to prevent leaks.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff are evaluating and monitoring water use reports to determine priority sites for repairs and improvements.

Measure 2.2: Encourage use of greywater and rainwater collection Consider requiring greywater or rainwater collection
systems in new construction.

Planning &
Building 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.

Public
Works Action needed.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 52
Municipal
Objective 1: Reduce City GHG emissions
Measure 1.1: 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.

Planning &
Building Action needed.

Objective 2: Reduce emissions from City buildings and energy supply Measure 2.1: Reduce energy use in city buildings
When remodeling or repairing City buildings, include
opportunities for energy efficiency retrofits or green
building certification.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

The City has a Civic Green Building Ordinance that resides in Chapter 8 of the Piedmont Municipal Code. In 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 has been designed as an allelectric facility and will be the City’s first LEED Certified Building. Staff is actively searching for grants and other funding opportunities to make further improvements.

Construct new City buildings to ZNE and green building
certification standards.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

The City has a Civic Green Building Ordinance that resides in Chapter 8 of the Piedmont Municipal Code. The new Piedmont Community Pool has been designed as an all-electric facility and will be the City’s first LEED Certified Building. Staff is actively searching for grants and other funding opportunities to make further improvements.

Increase the energy efficiency of lighting and appliances in City buildings as opportunities arise.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

In 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, long term, will be converting the remaining decorative post top streetlights to LEDs.

In 2025, the City began participating in PG&E’s zero-interest on-bill financing program. As of May 2025, an audit of all lighting and appliances at City facilities is underway to identify potential energy efficiency and Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 53
electrification opportunities. Participation in this first phase does not commit the City to any further action.

Switch from natural gas to electric appliances once the electricity supply nears 100% and the technology
becomes affordable.

Public
Works
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.

In 2025, the City began participating in PG&E’s zero-interest on-bill financing program. As of May 2025, an audit of all lighting and appliances at City facilities is underway to identify potential energy efficiency and electrification opportunities. Participation in this first phase does not commit the City to any further action.

Investigate strategies for reducing energy use at the City aquatic facilities.

Public
Works
Complete.

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.

Measure 2.2: Monitor Building Performance
Consider installing electronic building performance
displays in all publicly accessible buildings.

Public
Works Action needed.

Conduct energy audits of all buildings every 10 years.

Public
Works
Complete.

In 2023, the City staff worked with BayREN to complete a municipal energy portfolio audit of City facilities.

Measure 2.3: 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.

Public
Works
Complete.

In 2023, the City 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 Ava Community Energy.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 54
Commit to 100% renewable energy through Ava
Community Energy.

Public
Works
Complete.

In May 2018, City Council voted to auto-enroll all municipal electricity accounts in Ava Community Energy 100% Renewable service plan.

When constructing new buildings or replacing and
structurally upgrading roofs, build solar ready or include the installation of solar in the bid process.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

In 2022, Council directed staff to proceed with full electrification of the new Piedmont Community Pool, which was designed to include
photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) panels. Additional opportunities will be explored as the City seeks to upgrade its facilities.

Measure 2.4: Reduce emissions from high global warming potential gases Enforce the ban on petroleum powered leaf blowers
and maintenance equipment.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

In 2016, City staff utilized BAAQMD funding to replace all municipal gaspowered blowers and hedgers with battery operated devices. The City’s landscape maintenance contracts and yearly tree trimming contract prohibits the use of gas-powered blowers and requires contractors to use only battery or electric blowers.

Replace high GWP refrigerant air conditioners and
dispose of them properly.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

In 2022, all gas-powered water heaters at City Hall were replaced with heat pumps in May 2022. Staff is actively searching for grants and other funding opportunities to install heat pumps at other 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.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

In 2023 staff completed the Urban Forest Inventory & Resource Analysis Summary Report. The report includes, among other things, a full tree inventory as well as quantifies the health and environmental benefits provided by Piedmont’s trees.

Objective 3: Reduce Municipal Transportation Emissions
Measure 3.1: Reduce employee transportation emissions
Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 55
Promote employee ride-shares, walking, biking, and
public transportation as commuting alternatives.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

In 2022, City staff reestablished 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.

Public
Works Action needed.

Install EV chargers accessible to City employees.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff are working with Ava Community Energy to complete the installation of 4 publicly accessible EV Level 3/DC fast charging stations on Magnolia Avenue that will be available for the public and staff to use. The chargers are anticipated to complete by March 2025.

Measure 3.2: Reduce municipal fleet emissions
Develop a fleet purchasing policy that prioritizes fuel efficiency and ZEVs.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

In 2022, Sustainability Division staff worked with Ava Community Energy to conduct a fleet electrification assessment. The Council may direct staff to develop such a policy now that the assessment has been completed.

As of May 2025, the City has two all-electric fleet vehicles: the Fire Chief’s light-duty truck and the Recreation Department’s utility vehicle. Police also have an e-bike. Staff are working to launch two more e-bikes for staff use in the summer of 2025.

Objective 4: Reduce Solid Waste Generated by City Services Measure 4.1: 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.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

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.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff follow guidelines and procedures set forth by the Sustainable Procurement Policy to reduce paper use.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 56
Enforce and expand the City’s environmental purchasing
policy.

Public
Works
Complete.

In December 2021, the Council adopted updates to the City’s Sustainable Procurement Policy, which expands on purchasing policies since the first policy was adopted in 2011.

Conduct a solid waste audit for City facilities.

Public
Works
Complete.

With the assistance of Republic Services, a solid waste audit was completed at City facilities in 2022.

Consider meat-free options for City events.

Public
Works
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.

Public
Works
Complete.

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 .

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Electric hand dryers have been installed in Community Hall and staff are evaluating sites for additional deployment.

Objective 5: Reduce City Water Use
Measure 5.1: Reduce water use in City buildings
Install water efficient fixtures in City buildings, including motion sensor faucets in bathrooms.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff are evaluating sites in City facilities to install water efficient fixtures.

Install water efficient appliances, such as dishwashers and hot water heaters.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff are evaluating sites in City facilities to install water efficient appliances at time of replacement. In 2022, all gas-powered water heaters at City Hall were replaced with heat pumps in May 2022. Staff is actively searching for grants and other funding opportunities to install heat pumps at other City facilities.

Measure 5.2: Reduce and capture water use in City landscapes Transition current water-intensive landscaping to
drought-tolerant landscaping, limiting areas requiring
intensive irrigation.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Staff are monitoring and tracking water use in City landscapes and public areas. In FY 23/24, new landscape improvements included replacing water Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 57
intensive plant material with native and drought tolerant alternatives and upgrading irrigation systems to be more water efficient.

Facilitate the installation of weather-based
evapotranspiration (ET) controller irrigation systems in City landscapes.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

New landscape projects, including the Piedmont Pool, have been designed to include weather-based evapotranspiration controllers. When existing controllers need to be replaced, they are upgraded to weather based models.

Implement the City’s Green Infrastructure Plan.

Public
Works
Ongoing.

Through the Municipal Regional Permit (MRP) 3.0, the City has 2027 green infrastructure targets.

In 2025, construction started on the City’s largest green infrastructure project to date, as part of the Grand Avenue pedestrian safety project. The bioretention areas feature mostly native plants, as well as collect and treat runoff from 0.23 acres of impervious surface.

The new Piedmont Community Pool, currently under construction, has also been designed to have the City’s first bio retention basin to treat impervious surface run-off on site.

Objective 6: Use the City’s resources to disseminate and collect information on climate change Measure 6.1: Enhance and update the City’s climate action program outreach efforts 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.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

As of May 2025, the City’s website is undergoing a redevelopment process to increase accessibility and ensure a user-friendly experience.

Distribute information to residents and commercial
business owners on energy and water audit programs,
rebates, waste reduction best practices, and
environmental stewardship.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

Along with information available on the City’s website, City staff distribute information and resources at the Planning & Building counter at City Hall.

Host education events on residents reducing GHG
emissions.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

In FY 24/25, the Sustainability Division attended community events including Harvest Festival, Piedmont Food Fest, and Earth and Arbor Day to Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 58
provide education on topics such as reducing waste to landfill, electrification, clean water, and more.

Measure 6.2: 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 included in the construction,
and that heightens awareness of others not considered.

Planning &
Building
Complete.

In 2023, energy efficiency improvements, as outlined in City’s Reach Codes (Ordinance 766 N.S.), were integrated into the online building permit application process. Resources on additional improvements are included in the handout package for each building permit.

Objective 7: Consider adjusting taxes to reflect the social costs of carbon Measure 7.1: 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.

Planning &
Building,
Public
Works,
Finance
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.

Planning &
Building,
Public
Works,
Finance
Action needed.

Support State and Federal efforts to establish a tax or fee on carbon.

Planning &
Building
Ongoing.

City Officials have participated in public forums on the topic in the past.

Further opportunities will be evaluated as they emerge.

Exhibit B Agenda Report Page 59

Piedmont City CouncilJune 16, 2025

Piedmont City Council
June 16, 2025