DRAFT
MARCH 18, 2024
ATTACHMENT #1
DPW:850-10\ev\Council\2024\04092024\MI 2606\CEAP Att 1.pdf Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 1
Acknowledgements
City Council
Mayor Al Adam
Mayor Pro Tem David Newman
Bob Engler
Kevin McNamee
Mikey Taylor
CEAP Public Stakeholder Team
Avery Akers
Shannon Ayers-Swanson
Joan Burns
Danny Chulack
Gordon Clint
Parry Clive
Linda Coburn
Amy Commans
Greg Epstein
Rick Freed
Maya Ghanem
Wilson Hago
Mark Jacobsen
Robert Jashinsky
Matt Kovacevich
Ben Kuo
RL Miller
Michael Schiff
Rick Schroeder
Lilian Teran Mendoza
Rose Ann Witt
Catherine Xu
City Staff
Executive Team
Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
Tracy M. Noonan, City Attorney
Ingrid Hardy, Assistant City Manager
Akbar Alikhan, Deputy City Manager
Clifford G. Finley, Public Works Director
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Kelvin Parker, Community Development Director
Alexandra South, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Director Jaime Boscarino, Finance Director
Jonathan Serret, Cultural Affairs Director
Tim Giles, Human Resources Director
Jennifer Patterson, Library Services Director
Lead Staff
Dr. Helen Cox, Sustainability Division Manager
Kenneth Wang, Senior Energy Analyst
Supporting Staff
Nader Heydari, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer John Brooks, Senior Analyst
Spencer Silverstein, Assistant Analyst
Sarah McGurk, Sustainability Analyst
Erik Fruth, (former) Sustainability Aide
Mary Anne Van Zyle, GIS Analyst
Jesse DeAnda, (former) Building Official
Iain Holt, Senior Planner
Krystin Rice, Planning Division Manager
Stephen Kearns, Planning Division Manager
John Minkel, Deputy Public Works Director/Operations
Mike Houser, (former) Transit Program Manager
Kevin Wilson, Maintenance Superintendent
Rincon Consultants
Lexi Journey
Erica Linard
Erik Feldman
Kerry Nixon
Special Appreciation
In addition to the names listed, the City of Thousand Oaks wishes to extend its gratitude to the contributions of City staff, residents, stakeholders, businesses, and community leaders for their participation in the Thousand Oaks Climate and Environmental Action Plan.
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
AADT Average Annual Daily
Traffic HDT Heavy-Duty Vehicles
AB Assembly Bill HHW Household Hazardous Waste
ACC Advanced Clean Cars ICLEI International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives
ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
AR5 Fifth (IPCC) Assessment
Report IPM Integrated Pest Management
AR6 Sixth (IPCC) Assessment
Report ITC Investment Tax Credit
ARB Air Resource Board kBtu Thousand British Thermal Units ATP Active Transportation Plan kg Kilogram
BAS Building Automation
System kW Kilowatt
BSC Building Standards
Commission kWh Kilowatt hour
Btu British thermal units LCFS Low Carbon Fuel Standard C&D Construction and
Demolition LED Light Emitting Diode
CAA Clean Air Act LM Light-Medium (duty vehicles)
CaGBN California Green Business
Network MF Multi-Family
CalAm California American Water
Company MMBtu Million British Thermal Units
CALGreen California Green Building
Standards MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization
CalRecycle
California Department of
Resources Recycling and
Recovery
MRF Materials Recovery Facility
CalWater California Water Service
Company MS4 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
Systems
Camrosa Camrosa Water District MSC Municipal Service Center CAMX California-Mexico Power
Area MWD Metropolitan Water District
CARB California Air Resources
Board N2O Nitrous Oxide
CARE California Alternate Rates
for Energy NOx Nitrogen Oxides
CCA Community Choice
Aggregation NPS National Park Service
CCE Community Choice Energy PM Particulate Matter
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CDD Community Development
Department PPA Power Purchase Agreement
CEAP Community Environmental
Action Plan PV Photovoltaic
CEC California Energy
Commission RNG Renewable Natural Gas
CEQA California Environmental
Quality Act ROG Reactive Organic Gases
CH4 Methane RPS Renewable Portfolio Standard
CI Carbon Intensity RTAC Regional Transportation Advisory Committee
CLU California Lutheran
University RTDM Regional Travel Demand Model
CNG Compressed Natural Gas RTP Regional Transportation Plan CO2 Carbon Dioxide SB Senate Bill
CO2e Carbon Dioxide equivalent SCAG Southern California Association of Governments
CORE Clean Off-Road Equipment SCE Southern California Edison COSCA Conejo Open Space
Conservation Agency SCS Sustainable Communities Strategy Covid-19 Coronavirus
Pandemic (2019) SF Single-Family
CPA Clean Power Alliance SGIP Self-Generation Incentive Program CPUC California Public Utilities
Commission SoCalGas Southern California Gas Company CRPD Conejo Recreation & Park
District SORE Small Off-Road Engines
CRV California Refund Value SUD Single-Use Disposable CVRP Clean Vehicle Rebate
Project T&D Transmission and Distribution
CVUSD Conejo Valley Unified
School District TAZ Traffic Analysis Zone
DAR Dial-A-Ride TDV Time-Dependent Valuation
DU Dwelling Unit TOG Total Organic Gases
ECTA East County Transit
Alliance tonne Metric ton (MT) or 1,000 kg
EIR Environmental Impact
Report TOT Thousand Oaks Transit
EIS
Energy Information
System TOU Time-Of-Use
EMFAC EMission FACtor model TTAC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
EPP Environmental Purchasing
Policy UPT Unlinked Passenger Trips
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EUI Energy Use Intensity VCAPCD Ventura County Air Pollution Control District
EV Electric Vehicle VCREA Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance
EVSE Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment VCTC Ventura County Transportation
Commission
FERA Family Electric Rate
Assistance VCTM Ventura County Transportation Model
FMP Forestry Master Plan VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled
FOG Fats, Oils, Grease VRH Vehicle Revenue Hour
GHG Greenhouse Gas VSH Vehicle Service Hour
GIS Geographic Information
Systems VSM Vehicle Service Mile
GP General Plan ZEV Zero Emission Vehicle
GWP Global Warming Potential ZNE Zero Net Energy
HCTP Hill Canyon Treatment
Plant
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................................... 1 Acronyms and Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................ 3 List of Figures ................................................................................................................................................ 8 List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................. 8 Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 9
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 14
1.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 14
1.1.1 What is Sustainability? ........................................................................................................ 14
1.1.2 Why a Climate Action Plan? ................................................................................................ 14
1.1.3 Role of Local Government ................................................................................................... 15
1.1.4 Local Climate Policy Development and Targets .................................................................. 15
1.1.5 Relationship to General Plan ............................................................................................... 18
1.2 Climate Change Science .............................................................................................................. 19
1.3 Regulatory Framework ................................................................................................................ 20 2 GHG Emissions Inventory, Projections and Targets ............................................................................ 24
2.1 Why an inventory? ...................................................................................................................... 24
2.2 Methodology and Sources .......................................................................................................... 24
2.3 Historical Community Emissions (2010 – 2020) .......................................................................... 25
2.4 Emissions Projections (2021 – 2045) .......................................................................................... 29 3 GHG Reduction Strategies ................................................................................................................... 31
3.1 Framework .................................................................................................................................. 31
3.2 Emissions targets ........................................................................................................................ 32
3.3 Strategy BE: Building Energy ....................................................................................................... 33
3.3.1 Reach Codes ........................................................................................................................ 34
3.3.2 Cost-effectiveness ............................................................................................................... 35
3.3.3 Prescriptive and Performance measures ............................................................................ 36
3.3.4 New Buildings and the 2022 Energy Code .......................................................................... 36
3.3.5 Existing buildings ................................................................................................................. 36
3.3.6 Measures ............................................................................................................................. 37
3.4 Strategy TR: Transportation ........................................................................................................ 44
3.4.1 Electric vehicle charging ...................................................................................................... 46
3.4.2 Measures ............................................................................................................................. 50 Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 7
3.5 Strategy SW: Solid Waste ............................................................................................................ 56
3.5.1 Solid Waste Emissions ......................................................................................................... 56
3.5.2 State mandates and diversion ............................................................................................ 57
3.5.3 Measures ............................................................................................................................. 58
3.6 Strategy WA: Water .................................................................................................................... 60
3.6.1 Measures ............................................................................................................................. 60 4 Strategy EN: Environmental ................................................................................................................ 62
4.1 Urban Tree Canopy ..................................................................................................................... 62
4.1.1 Measures ............................................................................................................................. 64
4.2 Ecosystem support ...................................................................................................................... 65
4.2.1 Measures ............................................................................................................................. 66
4.3 Landscape equipment ................................................................................................................. 67
4.3.1 Measures ............................................................................................................................. 69 5 Strategy AR: Adaptation and Resilience.............................................................................................. 71
5.1 Heat impacts ............................................................................................................................... 71
5.1.1 Measures ............................................................................................................................. 71
5.2 Precipitation impacts, drought and flooding .............................................................................. 73
5.2.1 Measures ............................................................................................................................. 74
5.3 Wildfires ...................................................................................................................................... 77
5.3.1 Measures ............................................................................................................................. 77 6 Projected Emissions and Targets ........................................................................................................ 79
6.1 GHG Savings by Measure ............................................................................................................ 79
6.2 Projected Emissions with Measures ........................................................................................... 81 7 Implementation and Monitoring Plan ................................................................................................ 84
7.1 Prioritized Actions ....................................................................................................................... 84
7.2 Timeline, Funding and Responsible Parties ................................................................................ 85
7.2.1 Timeline and Funding .......................................................................................................... 85
7.2.2 Responsible Parties ............................................................................................................. 86
7.3 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting ....................................................................................... 93
7.3.1 Key Performance Indicators ................................................................................................ 94
7.4 Community Engagement ............................................................................................................ 96
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List of Figures
Figure 1-1. Steps to develop a Climate Action Plan .................................................................................... 16 Figure 1-2. Steps for CEAP development, review and adoption. ................................................................ 18 Figure 2-1. 2020 Community GHG Emissions (all sectors) in tonnes and as percent of total .................... 26 Figure 2-2. Historical Community GHG Emissions (2010 – 2020) ............................................................... 28 Figure 2-3. Historic and projected GHG emissions for each sector. By 2045 nearly all emissions arise from two sectors – transportation and natural gas use. ..................................................................................... 29 Figure 3-1. Community GHG emissions (historical and projected based on growth and legislation) with 2030 and 2045 targets and the gap between projections and target. ....................................................... 32 Figure 3-2. Map showing locations, types and numbers of public electric vehicle chargers installed in the City of Thousand Oaks (April 2023)............................................................................................................. 48 Figure 6-1. Historical (2010 – 2020) and projected emissions (2021 – 2045) by sector based on successful implementation of the measures listed. ..................................................................................................... 82 Figure 6-2. Historical (2010 and 2020) and projected (2030 and 2045) emissions from the dominant sectors, transportation, electricity and natural gas. ................................................................................... 82 Figure 6-3. Historical (2010 – 2020) and projected emissions (2021 – 2045) with and without measures, and 2030 and 2045 targets. ........................................................................................................................ 83
List of Tables
Table 3-1. Total public and shared private (multi-family and workplace) EV chargers needed in the City to support the EV transition by year and type. (Data calculated for the City’s share of Ventura County’s anticipated needs.) ..................................................................................................................................... 48 Table 6-1. Estimated annual savings in GHG emissions by measure for 2030 ........................................... 79 Table 7-1. Implementation plan for measures with schedule and responsible parties ............................. 87 Table 7-2. Key Performance Indicators used to track performance metrics and goals. ............................. 94
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Executive Summary
The City’s 2024 Climate and Environmental Action Plan (CEAP, “Plan”) details the strategies and actions that the City will pursue to better protect the environment and address the challenges of climate change. Actions are aimed at reducing the community’s collective carbon emissions, sustaining a healthy environment, and providing co-benefits like reducing air pollution, supporting local economic development, increasing the City’s sustainability and resilience, and improving public health.
This Plan assists the State of California in meeting its goals, reflects the values of the community and incorporates multiple environmental objectives into one document. The CEAP uses the baseline conditions and growth assumptions from the City’s General Plan 2045, which was adopted by City Council in December 2023. The CEAP has been developed to support the goals and policies of the General Plan.
Community engagement has been at the center of the planning process for the CEAP. The Plan incorporates ideas, views and feedback from a broad cross-section of the community, leverages existing City plans and programs, considers challenges and opportunities, and lays out a comprehensive approach to address climate change and promote sustainable practices across the City. This multifaceted Plan encompasses strategies across the principal sectors that contribute to emissions – energy, transportation, waste, and water; identifies actions that protect our environment; and incorporates adaptation strategies to address the impacts of climate change.
To combat climate change, global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) must be significantly reduced to prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate change from occurring. The scientific consensus, as reflected in reports from bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), indicates that global GHG emissions must be reduced by 43% by 2030 and reach net-zero1 by the middle of the century2. To this end, California has passed a number of laws establishing GHG emission reduction targets and published a Scoping Plan3 detailing the actions to be taken to achieve these reductions. In 2006, the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) established the State’s first target to reduce GHG emissions, which established a goal of lowering emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The State has achieved this initial target. In 2016, SB 32 was signed into law, establishing a new mid-term GHG reduction target of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, and in 2022, AB 1279 was passed, which set a new long-term target requiring emissions to be reduced to at least 85% below the 1990 levels by 2045.
1 Net zero refers to a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases put into and removed from the atmosphere.
2 https://www.ipcc.ch/2022/04/04/ipcc-ar6-wgiii-pressrelease/ 3 https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ab-32-climate-change-scoping-plan Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 10
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recognizes the role that local governments play in helping to achieve GHG emission reduction goals through community-scale planning and permitting processes, discretionary actions, local codes and ordinances, outreach and education efforts, and directly through municipal operations. California’s Scoping Plan encourages local governments to adopt goals consistent with those of the State: to reduce GHG emissions by 40% below 1990 levels in 2030, and 80% below 1990 levels by 20504. These targets were chosen by City Council for plan development purposes in 2021 and establish the framework within which the City’s CEAP was developed. The availability of historical data has enabled the City to calculate community GHG emissions as far back as 2010, but not as far back as 1990. As a result of the use of 2010 (rather than 1990) as the City’s baseline year and the passage of AB 1279 in 2022, the City’s targets, as reflected in this Plan, have been updated to a 42% emissions reduction by 2030 and 85% reduction by 2045 relative to 2010 emissions.
Historically, GHG emissions in the City have been dominated by three sectors – transportation, electricity and natural gas, which together make up about 90% of community-wide emissions.
Contributions from the electricity sector have fallen sharply since 2018, following City Council’s decision to join Clean Power Alliance (CPA) with a default option of 100% renewable energy supply (“Green Power” program) for all residents and businesses. By 2020 electricity use contributed only 6% of total emissions versus an average of 26% in the years prior to joining CPA. Emissions from natural gas have decreased marginally since 2010, and in 2020 emissions from this sector accounted for 21% of total emissions. Transportation has historically and continues to be the City’s largest source of GHG emissions, accounting for 63% of total emissions in 2020. Overall, the City has seen a 27% drop in total emissions between 2010 and 2020, largely driven by enrollment in CPA, the greening of the electric grid under the State’s Renewable Portfolio Standard5, and the increasing vehicle fuel efficiency standards under California’s Advanced Clean Cars Program6.
Looking to the future, despite anticipated growth as reflected in the City’s General Plan 2045, emissions are generally expected to decline. Electricity emissions are expected to continue to fall as a result of continuing onsite solar deployments at residences and businesses and the greening of the electric grid. Natural gas emissions, on the other hand, are likely to increase slightly as a result of growth. Transportation emissions are projected to decrease as a result of the Advanced Clean Cars II standards, including the increased penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) in the marketplace, which made up 25% of new light-duty vehicle sales in California in 2023. Accounting for growth and current legislation, total Citywide emissions are projected to continue to fall, albeit slowly, through the next two decades. Computer modelling projections show a 36% reduction in GHG emissions relative to 2010 by 2030 versus the City’s 42%
4 https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/local-actions-climate-change/local-government-actions-climate- change
5 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/rps/
6 https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/advanced-clean-cars- program#:~:text=Advanced%20Clean%20Cars%20I%20was,and%20climate%20change%20emissions%20goals .
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reduction target, and a 41% reduction by 2045 versus the City’s 85% reduction target in the absence of a CEAP (Figure ES-1).
Figure ES-1. Chart showing historical (2010 – 2020) and projected (2021 – 2045) Citywide GHG emissions in the absence of CEAP actions, and the CEAP emissions targets for 2030 and 2045.
By identifying specific strategies and actions to reduce GHG emissions, this Plan addresses the shortfall in desired emission reductions, with a particular emphasis on meeting the mid-term (2030) target. Strategies are divided into the following sectors – Building Energy, which includes both electricity and natural gas emissions from energy use in buildings; Transportation, which includes trips originating or terminating in the City but not pass-through trips; Solid Waste, where emissions arise primarily from the generation of methane, a powerful GHG, through the decomposition of organic waste in landfills; and Water, whose transportation and distribution from its origin in the Sierra Nevada mountains north of Sacramento via the State Water Project to the City, and subsequent distribution within the City, is energy-intensive7.
Reductions in emissions in each of these sectors will be accomplished by successful implementation of a number of key measures. Because the community’s electricity is largely supplied from clean renewable sources, a shift from fossil fuel use (whether natural gas in buildings or gasoline in vehicles) to electric power will result in community-wide emissions reductions. In the Building Energy sector, the focus is on using less energy (i.e. energy efficiency), electrification (i.e. a shift from the use of natural gas to electricity to perform the same function), and the increased use of carbon-free renewable energy. The two primary strategies for tackling emissions from the Transportation sector are to reduce the vehicle miles driven through making alternative means of mobility, such as walking, biking or buses, more
7 Most of these water transport emissions do not occur within the City boundary and so are not included in the City’s GHG emissions inventory.
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accessible and more attractive, and to support and help accelerate a shift from internal combustion vehicles to electric. In the Solid Waste sector, separation and collection of organic waste from residents and businesses will continue to divert that waste from landfills, which will eliminate the associated methane emissions. Additionally, edible food recovery and distribution in the City will be supported and expanded with the development of a food refrigeration and storage facility. In the Water sector, reducing water use through a transition to climate- appropriate landscaping will reduce energy demand and associated GHG emissions and the use of native plants will bring multiple co-benefits including better resilience to drought, ecosystem support and pollinators. Multiple other strategies included in this Plan will support and sustain our environment, including the protection and expansion of our urban forest, and assist us in adapting to and being resilient against the immediate and future impacts of climate change.
Implementation of the CEAP will include a variety of approaches. One of the most important and effective ways that the City can assist with successful implementation is through outreach and engagement by staff, and providing tools and materials to assist residents and businesses with access to the information and financial resources they need. Interactive Sustainability kiosks with web applications, to be installed at the City’s two libraries, will allow residents to understand and evaluate measures they can take in their own homes, access resources to help them to act, and participate in Plan implementation.
This CEAP has been developed to provide a pathway to achieving the community GHG emission reductions that scientists recommend for avoiding the most devastating impacts of climate change. Successful implementation of the measures presented are projected to result in:
Improved GHG emission reductions from the current status-quo projection of 36% up to 42% relative to the City’s 2010 baseline by 2030, which will meet the Plan’s (and the State’s) target (Figure ES-2).
Figure ES-2. Chart showing historical (2010 – 2020) and projected (2021 – 2045) Citywide GHG emissions with successful implementation of the measures in the CEAP, and the CEAP emissions targets for 2030 and 2045.
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An improvement from the current status-quo projected emission reductions of 41% to 59% by 2045 (Figure ES-2).
This CEAP includes an Implementation and Monitoring Plan that lays out the timeline for implementation, funding considerations, and responsible parties. Anticipated costs to the City include staffing costs to conduct outreach and assist residents, staffing/consultant costs for developing modifications to the local building code and to develop and implement additional compliance checklists, and infrastructure costs associated with City investments in EV charging infrastructure and vehicles, expanded multimodal transportation, energy efficiency and resilience. These costs will be offset by grants and incentives wherever possible It will be important to track progress and make adjustments in strategies as necessary along the way. Comprehensive GHG emissions performance tracking will be ensured through joining and reporting annually to the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the most extensive global environmental disclosure system, whose primary focus is the measurement, reporting, and management of GHG emissions. In addition, the City will develop a dashboard to track and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The community will be able to access these platforms, which will provide progress updates and transparency. This Plan will be re-visited every five years, providing an opportunity to update projections and strategies in the light of new State legislation, regulations and Building Codes, and informed by tracking data from annual emissions data and the KPIs.
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1. Introduction
1.1 Overview
1.1.1 What is Sustainability?
Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs8. There are three pillars of sustainability – social, economic and environmental, and the City strives to make decisions at the intersection of these as reflected in the City Council’s Goals.9
This Climate and Environmental Action Plan (“Plan” or “CEAP”) primarily addresses environmental sustainability, resource conservation and management that protects the environment for future generations. This is achieved through for enhanced efficiencies, reduced resource consumption and waste, environmental and ecological protection, reduced pollution and carbon emissions. Although the focus of the Plan is on environmental sustainability, strategies have been developed that are attentive to the other pillars of sustainability and strive to find the right balance between social, financial and environmental considerations.
1.1.2 Why a Climate Action Plan?
Creating a climate action plan is important for several reasons. Climate change is already having a significant impact on our planet, including rising temperatures, drought, floods, sea level rise, and more frequent extreme weather events. Without action, these impacts are likely to become much worse in the future. A climate action plan helps to reduce the City's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are the primary cause of climate change, and prepare us for the impacts that are already happening or expected in the future. Additionally, implementing a climate action plan brings multiple benefits such as improving public health, reducing air pollution, creating jobs, improving resilience and creating a sustainable City. Included in this document are additional strategies to address sustainability that do not necessarily result in measurable GHG reductions but bring other environmental benefits; hence the inclusion of “environmental” in the title of this Plan. The resulting Climate and Environmental Action Plan (“Plan” or CEAP) will help the City meet its legal and moral responsibilities to address climate change and support California’s goals and mandates.
8 United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987 9 Goal A: Create a more equitable, accessible, safe, welcoming, and inclusive government and community regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, language, education, and/or socio-economic status. Goal C: Operate City government in a fiscally and managerially responsible and prudent manner. Goal F: Provide and enhance essential infrastructure to ensure that the goals and policies of the Thousand Oaks General Plan are carried out and the City retains it s role and reputation as a leader in protecting the environment and preserving limited natural resources.
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1.1.3 Role of Local Government
Local governments play a critical role in reducing GHG emissions. In California, local governments regulate many activities that contribute to GHG emissions and air pollutants, including permitting, land use and transportation planning, zoning and urban growth decisions, implementation of building codes and other standards, and control of municipal operations.
Since the State expressly recognized climate change as a consideration in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in 2007, local governments address climate change through policies in a general plan, and/or through adoption of a climate action plan, which is referenced and linked to the general plan.
The City can play a direct role in reducing GHG emissions by taking actions within its municipal operations and facilities. This can include implementing energy-efficient practices in municipal buildings and operations, the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles for its fleet, and switching to renewable energy sources to power municipal facilities. These actions directly reduce the GHG emissions generated by the City’s operations.
In addition, the City plays an important indirect role in reducing GHG emissions by promoting, facilitating and/or requiring actions by those in the community to reduce emissions. The City can promote and facilitate a switch to renewable energy by businesses and residents, promote the use of public transportation, concentrate new development and develop infrastructure to support biking and walking, and enable adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The City can also enact policies to reduce emissions, such as building codes that require onsite renewable energy generation, energy-efficient construction, support for EVs and bicycles, and ordinances that promote sustainable land use. These actions indirectly reduce GHG emissions generated in the community by requiring or encouraging others to take action.
This Plan details the strategies that the City will pursue to protect the environment and to address the challenges of climate change. Planned actions will be aimed at improving overall public health, sustaining a healthy environment, reducing air pollution and GHG emissions, protecting our energy supply, mitigating climate change and its impacts, reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires and extreme weather, and supporting a healthy economy into the future.
1.1.4 Local Climate Policy Development and Targets
In 2014, the development of a climate action plan was selected by the community as one of its top priorities in the “Visioning 2064” process, and at the conclusion of that process, City Council formally approved the development of a Climate Action Plan as one of the City’s Top Guiding Principles.
On June 19, 2018, City Council adopted a Sustainability Plan for Municipal Operations, which established the foundation for environmentally-friendly, fiscally responsible, and sustainably minded City operations. Since the Sustainability Plan was adopted, substantial progress has been made towards its goals.
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On March 19, 2019, City Council established its fiscal year (FY) 2019-20 Top Ten Priorities.
Among these was “promote environmental sustainability efforts through a Sustainability Strategic Plan”. An update to Council on September 24, 2019 described the primary outcome of this as the development, adoption and implementation of a climate action plan. In 2021, City Council adopted FY 2021-22 Top Ten Priorities, which included “create and adopt a Climate and Environmental Action Plan in coordination with community stakeholders.” The steps necessary to develop a climate action plan are shown in the graphic in Figure 1-1.
Figure 1-1. Steps to develop a Climate Action Plan
Using the data and methodology detailed in Appendix A, staff developed the 2010 - 2018 Community GHG inventory (“Step 1”) presented to City Council on January 12, 2021. 2010 was selected as the City’s baseline year, being the furthest back in time that the City is able to obtain complete community data. Based on the community inventory, City Council adopted preliminary GHG reduction targets of at least 40 percent below 2010 levels by 2030 and at least 80 percent below 2010 levels by 2050 (“Step 2”), aligned with those of the State of California.
Since that time, California has adopted new legislation, AB 1279 (2022), The California Climate Crisis Act, requiring the state to achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2045, and reduce emissions by 85 percent compared to 1990 levels by 2045. Since the Council’s intent is to (at least) align with the State’s targets, the City’s 2050 goal has been updated to reflect the State’s 2045 goal of an 85 percent emissions reduction.
The State’s baseline year against which emission targets are established is 1990; the City is using 2010 as a surrogate for this. According to OPR Guidance, a correction to the City’s targets should be made to account for the growth of emissions between 1990 and 2010. At the state level, total 2010 GHG emissions were estimated by CARB to be 4 percent above 1990
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emissions10. Meeting a target consistent with the SB 32 target of 40 percent below 1990 emissions by 2030 would require a reduction of approximately 42 percent below a 2010 emissions baseline by 2030. For consistency with state-level targets, the City’s target for 2030 is therefore adjusted to be 42 percent below baseline 2010 emissions11. The corresponding baseline year correction to the 2045 target is nominal (less than 1 percentage point) and thus the City will adopt an 85 percent reduction target for 2045.
Following the State’s adoption of a total emissions target, the City has similarly chosen a mass emissions target (versus a per capita one) consistent with the State’s goals and the desire to make absolute emissions reductions.
In 2021, as part of the development of this Plan, the City conducted public outreach and engagement to give residents, stakeholders, and other interested parties and individuals the opportunity to participate in the planning process. In addition to earlier energy action planning community outreach that the City hosted during 2018, a stakeholder group, stakeholder meetings, community events, surveys and online engagement took place in 2021 to help shape the Plan. Additional outreach is planned upon release of the Plan. The goals of community outreach and engagement include the following: (1) raise awareness of the Plan development; (2) educate the public and other organizations about the Plan; (3) provide opportunities for input at the various steps of Plan development; (4) provide opportunities to influence decision- making; and (5) provide a public process that meets the CEQA Guidelines’ requirements for a climate action plan. Outreach and engagement activities are described in detail in Appendix D.
A CEQA analysis will be conducted based on the draft Plan and be made available to the public together with the Plan in Spring 2024. The community is invited to provide feedback on the CEQA analysis and Plan itself. The steps in Plan adoption are shown in Figure 1-2.
10 CEQA and Target Setting for Climate Action Plans, Gateway Cities Climate Action Plan Framework. https://www.gatewaycog.org/media/userfiles/subsite_9/files/cap_framework/guidance/ceqa_target_setting/CEQ A%20and%20CAP%20Target%20Guidance_01_04.pdf
11 ibid (previous note)
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Figure 1-2. Steps for CEAP development, review and adoption.
Following Plan adoption, City staff will begin implementation. An annual GHG inventory will be completed by staff and progress towards CEAP targets reported. A public dashboard will be developed to monitor and track progress.
1.1.5 Relationship to General Plan
In 2019, the City embarked on a comprehensive update of the General Plan which was originally adopted in 1970. After undergoing all five phases in 2019-2023: Existing Conditions; Listening and Visioning; Policy Development and Plan Alternatives, Plan Development, and Review and Adopt, the City Council adopted the General Plan 2045 and re-adopted the 2021- 2029 Housing Element on December 5, 2023. Topics within the General Plan include land use, mobility, safety, conservation, open space, environmental justice, noise, public facilities and services, economic development, governance, arts and culture and sustainability.
The State’s General Plan Guidelines document the numerous intersections between general plans and climate change. “The impacts of climate change pose an immediate and growing threat to California’s economy, environment, and to public health. Cities and counties will continue to experience effects of climate change in various ways, including increased likelihood of droughts, flooding, wildfires, heat waves, and severe weather. California communities need
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to respond to climate change both through policies that promote adaptation and resilience and by significantly reducing GHG emissions.”12
The timing of the CEAP development and adoption soon after that of the update to the General Plan affords the City a unique opportunity to include specific implementation of the broad sustainability policies adopted in the General Plan.
1.2 Climate Change Science
The science of climate change is based on the fundamental principles of Earth's energy balance and the physical properties of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The Earth's atmosphere allows the sun’s energy to penetrate and reach the surface of the Earth, but greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap some of the energy that is radiated outwards from the Earth’s surface and prevent it from escaping back into space, thus regulating and warming the Earth's temperature. This so-called “greenhouse effect” is what keeps the planet warm enough to support life.
Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas, have increased the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This extra greenhouse effect has caused the Earth's surface temperature to rise and led to a range of impacts such as more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, storms and sea level rise. These impacts, in turn, can have significant consequences for human health, ecosystems, and economies.
Scientists have been studying the Earth's climate for over a century, using a wide range of techniques such as atmospheric measurements, satellite observations and computer simulations. They have developed a deep understanding of the physical processes that drive the Earth's climate system and have built a consensus on the fact that human activities are the primary cause of the observed warming of the Earth's surface. This understanding is supported by a vast body of scientific research, including reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which brings together hundreds of climate scientists from around the world to assess the state of knowledge on climate change.
The most recent IPCC report, the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6),13 was released in August 2021, and provides an updated and comprehensive assessment of the state of the global climate, based on the latest scientific evidence. It concludes that human influence has warmed the climate system, leading to widespread and rapid changes in the Earth's climate, including rising temperatures, melting ice, and sea-level rise, and states that it is unequivocal that human activities, predominantly the burning of fossil fuels, have caused the observed warming of the climate system over the past century.
12 Office of Planning and Research, General Plan Guidelines – Chapter 8 13 https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/
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The current increase in average global temperature above historical averages is estimated to be
1.1 degrees Celsius (or 2 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. This increase is primarily due to human activities, mainly the burning of fossil fuels. The warming trend has varied from year to year and region to region. However, the overall trend since the mid-20th century has been one of increasing temperatures. Each of the past four decades has been successively warmer than any decade that preceded it since reliable records began in the mid- 1800s.
Limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to avoid the most dangerous and catastrophic impacts of climate change, as called for in the Paris Agreement, will require significant reductions in GHG emissions. The IPCC’s 2018 report indicated that emissions needed to be cut 45% by 2030, compared to 2010 levels. The latest science (2022) from the IPCC uses 2019 as a baseline and indicates that GHG emissions need to be cut 43% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
California has established reduction targets of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2045. Carbon neutrality means achieving net zero emissions by offsetting any remaining GHG emissions with removal from the atmosphere of at least an equivalent amount using carbon sinks. AB 1279, the California Climate Crisis Act, was passed on September 16, 2022 and declares the State would achieve net zero GHG emissions (carbon neutrality) as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and would reduce GHG emissions by 85 percent below 1990 levels no later than 2045.
Along with the need to reduce GHG emissions and limit future climate warming, there is an urgent global need for adaptation measures to reduce the risks and impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable communities and ecosystems. Those specific to the City are addressed in this Plan.
1.3 Regulatory Framework
California has been a leader in addressing climate change, not only in the United States but also internationally. The State has implemented a number of policies and programs to reduce GHG emissions, increase the supply and use of renewable energy, and prepare for the impacts of climate change. These have been, and continue to be, instrumental in reducing the City’s own municipal and community GHG emissions. When combined with local policies and actions, they have the potential to meet the State’s and City’s GHG reduction targets. Key State legislation and programs that play an important role are summarized below.
AB 32 (2006), SB 32 (2016), and AB 1279 (2022): GHG emissions limits California’s landmark Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Assembly Bill, AB 32) established a goal of reducing statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020; follow up legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 32, was signed into law in 2016. These bills direct the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to set rules and standards to reduce emissions statewide, including mandating limits on Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 21
statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, and setting a goal to reduce emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The 2050 goal has since been superseded by AB 1279 (2022) which requires emissions to be reduced to at least 85% below the 1990 levels by 2045.
SB 97 (2007): CEQA and GHG emissions
California’s SB 97, passed in 2007, directed the California Natural Resources Agency to include GHG impacts in the CEQA Guidelines. The bill marked the first occasion that the State acknowledged that GHG impacts, primarily from energy consumption and transportation, should be included in legal assessments of environmental impacts.
AB 802 (2015): Energy Efficiency
This bill established a new statewide building energy use benchmarking and public disclosure program, requiring municipal and commercial/industrial buildings over 50,000 square feet to report their energy use data, beginning in 2018.
SB 100 (2018): Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)
This bill extended and expanded the existing state RPS for grid electricity, requiring that by 2030 at least 60% of California’s electricity is renewable, and that 100% of electric retail sales to end-use customers is supplied from zero-carbon resources by 2045.
SB 379 (2016): General Plan inclusion of climate adaptation and resiliency Beginning January 1, 2017, SB 379 requires all cities and counties to include climate adaptation and resiliency strategies in the Safety Elements of their General Plans upon the next revision.
This review and update requires a vulnerability assessment that identifies the risks that climate change poses to the local jurisdiction and the geographic areas at risk from climate change impacts, a set of adaptation and resilience goals, policies and objectives for the protection of the community based on this assessment, and a set of feasible implementation measures designed to carry out the goals, policies and objectives identified.
SB 375 (2008): Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act Each of California’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) must prepare a sustainable communities’ strategy (SCS) as an integral part of its regional transportation plan. The SCS contains land use, housing, and transportation strategies that allows the region to meet its GHG emission reduction targets. SB 375 also includes provisions for streamlined CEQA review for some infill projects such as transit-oriented development.
AB 341 (2011): Solid Waste Diversion
Multi-family communities with five or more units must provide recycling carts/dumpsters for their residents. Businesses generating 4 cubic yards or more of solid waste per week Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 22
must arrange for recycling services. AB 341 sets a goal for 75% of solid waste source-reduced, recycled or composted by 2020.
AB 1826 (2014): Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling This bill mandated an organic waste recycling program for businesses by January 1, 2016. AB 1826 requires businesses to arrange for recycling service for organic waste according to the following schedule:
1. April 1, 2016 – businesses generating 8 cubic yards or more of organic waste per week
2. January 1, 2017 – 4 cubic yard or more of organic waste
3. January 1, 2019 – 4 cubic yard or more of any kind of solid waste (aligns with AB 341 thresholds thereafter)
SB 1383 (2016): Short-lived climate pollutants
SB 1383 is designed to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants with targets of a reduction in methane emissions by 40%, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases by 40%, and anthropogenic black carbon by 50% below 2013 levels by 2030. To achieve these emission reductions, disposal of organics in landfills must be reduced by 50% of 2014 levels by 2020 and 75% by 2025. At least 20% of the edible food in the organic waste stream must be recovered to feed people in need by 2025. This law became effective on January 1, 2022, and is administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
AB 1346 (2021): Air pollution from small off-road engines AB 1346 required CARB to adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines (SORE) by July 1, 2022. Effective January 1, 2024, regulators banned the sale of SORE, spark-ignition engines rated at or below 19 kilowatts (kW), including generators, lawn equipment and pressure washers. The law bans their sale, not their use.
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)
This standard specifies the renewable energy mix of the electricity supply in California by requiring retail sellers and publicly owned utilities to procure a certain percentage of their electricity from eligible renewable energy resources. In 2002, the RPS was first established at 20%, increasing to 33% in 2005, and to 50% by 2030 under SB 350 (2015). In 2018, SB 100 was passed, accelerating the RPS to 60% by 2030 and requiring that electricity sources be 100% carbon-free by 2045.
Cap and Trade system
California has employed a Cap-and-Trade program for the state’s largest emitters (those that emit 25,000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent per year) that sets a limit on the total emissions that can be released and allowing companies to buy and sell emissions allowances.
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Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS)
LCFS was adopted for vehicle fuels sold in the State starting in 2011 as an outgrowth of both AB 32 (2006) and a 2007 Executive Order to reduce the carbon intensity of California’s passenger vehicles. The program is designed to achieve its goals by improving vehicle technology, reducing fuel consumption, and increasing transportation mobility options. LCFS standards are expressed in terms of carbon intensity (CI), which is the lifecycle GHG emissions of transportation fuel from extraction or production to combustion. The standards require a 10% reduction in CI by 2020, and 20% by 2030. Fuels that have a CI lower than the target generate LCFS credits, and those with CIs higher generate deficits. A fuel producer with deficits must generate or acquire enough credits to be in annual compliance with the standards. Other entities, such as alternative fuel, electricity and natural gas suppliers, can opt into the program to generate credits. LCFS credits are traded through a regulated market.
Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) program
The ACC program is a set of regulations and incentives aimed at reducing GHG emissions from vehicles. The program was first adopted by CARB in 2012 and has been updated several times since then. It set limits on GHG emissions and tailpipe emissions of smog-forming pollutants and includes a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which requires automakers to produce and deliver a certain number of ZEVs each year, based on the percentage of their total sales in California. The ACC program also includes incentives to encourage the purchase of clean vehicles, such as rebates and tax credits for buyers of ZEVs, and grants for the installation of charging and fueling infrastructure.
Under ACC II (2022), by 2035 100% of new cars and light duty trucks sold in California will be ZEVs, including plug-in hybrid EVs. The regulation realizes and codifies the light-duty vehicle goals set out in Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-79-20.
California Building Efficiency Standards, Title 24 Part 6 Known as the California Energy Code, this is a set of regulations that establish energy efficiency standards for residential and non-residential buildings in California. The Code applies to new construction as well as major alterations and additions to existing buildings. The Code is updated every three years to allow consideration and possible incorporation of new energy efficiency technologies and methods. The most recent version is known as the 2022 Building Standards Code, which went into effect on January 1, 2023.
California Green Building Standards (CALGreen), Title 24, Part 11 Known as CALGreen, this set of building codes was established to promote sustainable building practices and reduce the environmental impact of new construction. Like the Energy Code, it is updated every three years and applies to both new construction and additions and alterations to existing buildings. It includes energy efficiency measures, water conservation, waste reduction and indoor air quality.
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2 GHG Emissions Inventory, Projections and Targets
This chapter summarizes the community’s contribution to climate change by providing a detailed accounting of GHG emissions within the City. It includes a discussion of the primary sources and annual historical levels of GHG emissions from 2010 (baseline), projects likely trends in emissions, and sets a roadmap forward to reduce emissions for 2030 and 2045 to meet targets.
2.1 Why an inventory?
The Community GHG Emissions Inventory forms the basis for this Plan, addressing reduction targets, mitigation and adaptation efforts. Although the local government does not have direct control over most of the community’s emissions, it has significant influence over these through sources, practices, services and regulations, and indirectly through policies, land use decisions, local building codes, incentives, assistance, outreach and education.
This inventory was developed under a well-recognized protocol published by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) using the national standards for local-scale accounting of community emissions that contribute to climate change. This Citywide inventory utilizes the methodology laid out in the U.S. Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions”14.
Computations were carried out by the City’s Sustainability Division staff using Excel-based data management and modeling tools developed in-house.
Historical data is applied to calculate the emissions for the years 2010 – 2020. Projections begin in 2021 and are based on historical data coupled with anticipated change under the City’s General Plan 2045 and changes resulting from State legislation.
2.2 Methodology and Sources
Six basic emissions-generating activities are included in the Community Inventory:
1. Use of electricity by the community - Power plant emissions associated with generating electricity used within the City boundary, regardless of where the electricity is generated.
2. Use of fuel in residential and commercial stationary combustion equipment - Combustion emissions associated with natural gas used in homes and business (e.g., natural gas used for space and water heating, clothes drying and cooking) within the
14 http://icleiusa.org/publications/us-community-protocol/ Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 25
community. The inventory does not include minor diesel fuel use from temporary portable generators used for production of electricity.
3. On-road passenger and freight motor vehicle travel - Emissions associated with transportation fuels used by on-road passenger and freight motor vehicles.
4. Use of fuel in off-road equipment – Combustion emissions associated with fuels used in construction and landscaping equipment.
5. Use of energy in potable water and wastewater treatment and distribution - Emissions associated with energy used in the treatment and delivery of potable water used in the community and in the collection and treatment of wastewater used in the community, regardless of the location of the water and wastewater infrastructure.
6. Generation of solid waste by the community – Emissions associated with solid waste collection and processing, and end-of-life emissions (i.e., projected future methane emissions) associated with disposal of waste generated by members of the community during the analysis year, regardless of disposal location or method.
The inventory covers the three main greenhouse gases that are responsible for global warming - carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O). Since these gases each have different global warming potentials, their combined amount is expressed in tonnes (metric ton or 1,000 kg, equal to approximately 2,205 lbs) of CO2e, which is the amount of CO2 that has the equivalent global warming potential. The other three anthropogenic greenhouse gases - hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are not considered in this inventory because data on their usage is not available at a local level and their use is beyond local control.
The City’s inventory covers GHG emissions classified as Scopes 1 and 215. Scope 3 emissions, which occur indirectly as a result of the organizations activities, are not included16.
Methodologies used to calculate the City’s community GHG emissions inventory are detailed in Appendix A.
2.3 Historical Community Emissions (2010 – 2020)
2010 has been chosen as the City’s baseline year, being the earliest year for which the City has complete community data required to calculate the emissions inventory. Emission reduction targets are set relative to this year, and progress towards those targets are measured against 2010 values.
15 Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions that occur from sources that are controlled or owned by an organization (e.g., emissions associated with fuel combustion in boilers, furnaces, vehicles). Scope 2 emissions are indirect GHG emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling. https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/scope-1-and-scope-2-inventory-guidance 16 https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/scope-3-inventory-guidance Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 26
Figure 2-1 shows the breakdown of City’s GHG emissions for 2020, the most recent year for which all required data are available. As can be seen, emissions are dominated by two sectors:
transport and natural gas. 63% of emissions are from transportation, 27% from building energy use (21% from natural gas and 6% from electricity), and the remaining 10% from solid waste, water, wastewater and off-road equipment.
Figure 2-1. 2020 Community GHG Emissions (all sectors) in tonnes and as percent of total
Emissions from the electricity sector depend on the amount of electricity used and its source.
The default electricity supplier for the City is Clean Power Alliance (CPA), a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program established in 2017, that serves communities within Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. CPA offers three programs with different percentages (40%, 50% and 100%) of renewable power. The default for Thousand Oaks, established by City Council in October 2018, is at 100% renewable power. Individual customers can opt into other programs or can opt out and receive their power from SCE. Sources for SCE’s electricity include natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, biomass and biowaste, geothermal, solar and wind. Coal is no longer Electricity,
48,038 tonnes, 6%
Natural Gas, 161,335
tonnes, 21%
Solid Waste, 30,872
tonnes, 4%
Transportation,
477,062 tonnes, 63%
Off-road Equipment,
19,206, 3%
Water,
19,132 tonnes, 3% Wastewater,
640 tonnes, 0%
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 27
used to supply power to SCE territory. Approximately 40% of SCE’s electricity is purchased through open market transactions and is not traceable to a specific generation source. Of the reported sources, only natural gas results in GHG emissions. Thousand Oaks began receiving its electricity from CPA in the first half of 2019. Transmission and distribution (T&D) losses are not included in the City’s inventory.
Natural gas GHG emissions are the direct result of combustion of that fuel in air, which yields carbon dioxide (CO2). Since natural gas is composed primarily of methane (CH4), leaks in natural gas pipelines and infrastructure also release methane, a much more potent GHG gas than CO2, into the atmosphere. Only the direct combustion of natural gas is included in this inventory.
Indirect (Scope 3) emissions resulting from pipeline leakage are not included.
Transportation emissions are calculated using the estimated vehicle miles travelled (VMT) as modelled using the 2018 Ventura County Transportation Model (VCTM)17 together with the City’s land use designations under the General Plan 2045 update. All of the VMT from internal trips (entirely within Thousand Oaks) are counted, 50% of VMT from trips that originate or terminate within the City are counted, and no VMT from trips that simply pass through the City are counted. Vehicle miles are divided into vehicle categories based on the model, and emissions calculated using the EMission FACtors (EMFAC) 2021 model18. EMFAC 2021 is the latest update to the EMFAC emissions model developed by CARB to assess emissions from on- road vehicles including cars, trucks, and buses in California, and designed for use by the State and local governments to meet Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements.
Off-road emissions are modeled using CARB’s OFFROAD2021 model to generate emissions at the County level pro-rated for Thousand Oaks’ population.
Solid waste emissions come from the decomposition of organic waste in landfills generating methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, process emissions associated with landfill equipment, and collection and transportation emissions. Transportation emissions are included in the transportation sector, so they are not separately accounted for here to avoid double- counting.
Emissions from water use include those from pumping and conveyance, treatment and distribution energy (electricity) use. Emissions factors for electricity depend on the source of the power and are computed accordingly. Electricity use within the City is accounted for in the electricity sector and not in the water sector (to avoid double-counting). That occurring outside the City boundary is included in the water sector.
17 https://www.goventura.org/work-with-vctc/traffic-model/ 18 https://arb.ca.gov/emfac/emissions-inventory/64cb13d09927ddf1fe6b6450f33876fc63bf0e6f Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 28
Wastewater emissions include electricity and natural gas use, which are accounted for in those sectors, and processing emissions, which stem from nitrification or denitrification, effluent discharge, combustion and incomplete combustion.
Emissions calculation methodology can be found in Appendix A and details of emissions within each sector are in Appendix B.
The trend in the City’s emissions is shown in Figure 2-2. Historically, emissions in the City have fallen since the 2010 baseline year. 2020 total emissions were approximately 27% below 2010 values.
Figure 2-2. Historical Community GHG Emissions (2010 – 2020)
The primary reason for the fall in emissions since 2010 is the City’s decision to switch to CPA with a default of 100% renewable energy supply beginning in 2019. Currently almost 80% of residents and 75% of commercial entities in the City subscribe to 100% clean electricity through CPA. Those who get a portion of their electricity from the grid either through CPA or through SCE also benefit from the greening of the electric grid under the State’s RPS. These have together resulted in an 83% reduction in GHG emissions from electricity use between 2010 and 2020. Despite a slight increase in VMT between 2010 and 2020, a reduction in transportation emissions has been realized through increasing efficiency standards for new vehicles through 0 20
40 60
80 100
120
140
0 200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Population Thousands
thousand tonnes, CO2e
TRANSPORTATION
NATURAL GAS
ELECTRICITY
OTHER 27.2% drop
POPULATION
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California’s Advanced Clean Cars Standards. Overall, the community’s transportation emissions have fallen almost 8.6% since 2010.
2.4 Emissions Projections (2021 – 2045)
Projections are modelled from 2021 to 2045 using growth based on the General Plan 2045 Update (GP) (Figure 2-3). Projections account for State regulations and mandates but do not account for the ZEV mandate (included under Section 6) or possible future actions such as an accelerated RPS timeline, updates to the Title 24 Building Code, or possible restrictions on the sale of natural gas appliances following CARB’s 2022 State Implementation Plan Strategy19.
A 36% reduction in GHG emissions over 2010 values is projected by 2030 and a 41% reduction by 2045. These fall short of the targeted reductions (42% by 2030 and 85% by 2045) as shown in Figure 2-3. The calculation methodology is presented in Appendix A and summarized below.
Figure 2-3. Historic and projected GHG emissions for each sector. By 2045 nearly all emissions arise from two sectors – transportation and natural gas use.
Building Energy projections assume that existing buildings will continue to use the same amount of energy as in 2019. During Covid-19 many employees worked remotely, and people spent more time in their homes. This is reflected in energy use data, with residential electricity and natural gas use showing a marked increase in 2020, whereas commercial energy use fell in 2020. With people home more during Covid-19, some took the opportunity to do home projects or clear out their garages, and solid waste disposal showed a marked increase in 2020.
Hence, to limit the impacts of Covid-19 on future projections, the analysis conducted here uses data from 2019 rather than 2020.
19 https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022_State_SIP_Strategy.pdf. 0 200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000GHG emissions (tonnes CO2e)
Wastewater
Water
Off-road Equipment
Solid Waste
Natural Gas
Electricity
On-road Transportation
2010 baseline
2045 target (85% drop)
2030 target (42% drop)
36% decrease 41% decrease
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In modeling projected emissions from new construction, using California Energy Code building types, homes are divided between single-family, low-rise (1-3 stories) multi-family, mid-rise (4 – 7 stories) multi-family and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). For each of these types of homes, projected energy use is taken from the baseline code-compliant dwelling models used in the 2019 Cost Effectiveness studies published by the California Energy Codes and Standards program20.
Similarly, electricity use associated with new commercial square footage is based on a weighted average21 of code-compliant newly constructed commercial buildings that aligns with anticipated commercial build out in the City. Because of the large variation in natural gas use for different building types and the uncertainty in the nature of new growth, future natural gas use for new non-residential buildings was based on current per unit area use22.
In considering GHG emissions from future new buildings, some portion of electricity use is assumed to be offset by onsite solar photovoltaics (PV) in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Energy Code.
Projected electricity emissions are calculated by multiplying projected use by an emissions factor based on residential and non-residential participation in each of Clean Power Alliance’s three programs (40%, 50% and 100% clean energy) and in SCE, multiplied by the emissions factor for each of these electricity sources. Participation rates in each program are assumed to remain unchanged.
Projected transportation emissions are based on the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) model output for VMT under the General Plan Update as provided by Iteris combined with CARB’s EMFAC2021 model for vehicle type breakdown and fuel emissions.
EMFAC modeling includes the improvement in vehicle fuel efficiency mandated under the Clean Cars regulations and also projects a market share of EVs in Light Duty and Medium Duty categories. This model was developed prior to the Advanced Clean Cars II Regulations that were amended in 2022 to require all new passenger vehicles sold in California to be zero emissions by 2035.
Future solid waste emissions projections assume that the composition of waste (California’s “waste characterization”) and the annual per capita mass of solid waste disposed remain at their 2021 values. Future water-related emissions are based on a constant water volume use per capita, based on 2020 usage, and take into account the greening of the electricity supply.
20 https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/
21 Weighted average for new non-residential buildings: 8.59 kWh/sqft 22 Natural gas used use in future projections: 0.208 therms/sqft.
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Future wastewater emissions projections assume that annual per capita emissions from these will remain at 2020 values.
3 GHG Reduction Strategies
3.1 Framework
This chapter delves into the multifaceted landscape of GHG emissions reductions, presenting a comprehensive exploration of strategies, goals, measures and actions. Inherent to this is the understanding that these strategies are not isolated endeavors but interwoven components within a holistic framework.
Strategies are divided into four primary focus areas for emission reductions – Building Energy (BE), Transportation (TR), Solid Waste (SW) and Water (WA). In addition, other strategies address environmental (EN) issues that do not necessarily result in direct GHG reductions, such as conservation, habitat support, and air quality. Because the effects of climate change are already being felt, Adaptation and Resilience (AR) strategies are included to address these impacts. These strategies do not have quantified GHG reductions associated with them.
For each GHG reduction strategy a goal is defined which represents the overarching objective, and one or more measures are listed that are designed to achieve this strategy goal. These include programs, policies and projects that the City will implement to cause a direct and measurable reduction in GHG emissions. For each measure, implementation actions are listed.
These represent the tangible, localized interventions and activities that collectively contribute to the success of the measure and the resulting reduction of GHG emissions. Measures range from energy efficiency practices and renewable energy use to land-use planning, and policies to support a shift to more sustainable transportation. The associated reductions anticipated as a result of the measures are included as 2030 and 2045 GHG savings. In some cases, strategies include supporting measures that will directly or indirectly reduce GHG emissions but that cannot be quantified either because of data limitations or lack of available method to quantify these reductions.
Expected implementation dates for measures are included in the strategy listing tables included in each focus area section. These dates refer to the date at which implementation actions will begin. Some actions are already underway and will continue under this Plan. For these, implementation dates are prior to 2024. Some measures may be completed in a few months, whereas others take longer to complete the actions (up to two years), and some measures will be ongoing (no end date). Goals, strategies, measures and actions are connected. Goals provide the overarching vision, strategies outline the path, measures and actions bring about tangible change.
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3.2 Emissions targets
Figure 3-1 shows the projected emissions and the target line based on a 42% reduction relative to 2010 by 2030 and an 85% reduction by 2045. Based on current legislation, the City is 6 percentage points short of meeting its 2030 target with a projected 36% emissions reduction, and 44 percentage points short of its 2045 target with a projected 41% emissions reduction. In terms of absolute GHG emission tonnages, these deficits correspond to 63,251 tonnes short of the 2030 target and 453,358 tonnes short of the 2045 target.
Figure 3-1. Community GHG emissions (historical and projected based on growth and legislation) with 2030 and 2045 targets and the gap between projections and target.
As described in the previous section, the most significant emissions to be addressed are those from the natural gas and transportation sectors. Because the City’s default electricity supply is 100% carbon-free energy supplied by CPA, the most effective way of reducing energy-related emissions is to electrify their power source. This is also true for those who receive their electricity from SCE as the RPS requires an increasing proportion of grid electricity to come from renewable sources over the next two decades. By 2045 the electricity grid will be powered by 100% carbon-free energy. By shifting natural gas use in buildings to electricity, over time the GHG emissions from this source will be reduced and ultimately eliminated.
With the increased sourcing of electricity from carbon-free sources, transportation emissions are most effectively reduced by a transition to EVs. Consequently, California has passed ZEV legislation under the Advanced Clean Cars II program to require all light-duty vehicles sold in California to be zero-emission by 2035. Current technology for light-duty vehicles favors battery EVs as the primary ZEV-powering option, although there is potential for hydrogen to become
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 33
more widespread in the future, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles and the expansion of national fueling infrastructure. Other ZEV technologies may also evolve over the coming decades.
Incentives and rebates to support a clean energy transition are readily available through the Federal and State governments and include incentive tax credits to support clean energy and clean vehicles, EV and associated infrastructure incentives and rebates, and funding to support electrification of homes and businesses. The largest legislative investment in climate action and clean energy in U.S. history was passed by the federal government in 2022 as the Inflation Reduction Act. It provides funding for residential energy efficiency and electrification, and contractor training. For households with low or moderate income, it funds rebates for high- efficiency electric appliances, such as heat pumps for space heating and cooling. This has the added benefit of providing air conditioning for households who might previously not have had access. One component of the proposed supporting strategies is to assist the community with understanding and accessing these rebates.
3.3 Strategy BE: Building Energy
There are four primary pathways for the City to achieve emission reductions and support a shift to electrification:
1. Direct action
• Reduce emissions in Municipal Operations. (e.g., building energy efficiency, use of renewable energy)
• Establish sustainable design guidelines for new development.
2. Reach Codes
• Establish local building codes that go beyond those mandated by the State requiring additional emissions reducing measures for new construction and for major alterations and additions (e.g., energy efficiency and electrification measures).
3. Education and Engagement
• Outreach, information, assistance, and workshops for the public, contractors etc.
4. Incentives and Rebates
• Provide incentives to accelerate the desired transition and/or assist with access to Federal and State incentive funding. (e.g., Federal ITC for solar and batteries, CA/SCE (SGIP) rebate for batteries, Federal tax credits on energy efficiency, 3C- REN rebates on heat pumps).
Direct actions and so-called Reach Codes result in measurable and verifiable GHG emission reductions, and their estimated impacts are included in the strategy listing presented here.
Education, outreach and engagement are considered “supporting” measures. Whereas their importance is not to be discounted, their impact is difficult to quantify and measure, and thus specific emissions reductions are not listed with these.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 34
Incentives and rebates to support a clean energy transition are readily available through the Federal and State governments and through regional energy networks, such as 3C-REN. These include incentive tax credits to support clean energy, infrastructure incentives and rebates, and funding to support electrification of homes and businesses. The largest legislative investment in climate action and clean energy in U.S. history was passed by the federal government in 2022 as the Inflation Reduction Act. It provides funding for residential energy efficiency and electrification, and contractor training. For households with low or moderate income, it funds rebates for high-efficiency electric appliances, such as heat pumps for space heating and cooling. One component of the proposed supporting strategies is to assist the community with understanding and accessing these rebates.
The California Building Standards Code23 (California Code of Regulations, Title 24), which sets construction standards for new buildings and major additions and renovations, has been progressively including measures towards electrification in the updates that occur every three years. In the most recent update (2022), new construction is required to be “electric ready”, meaning that, although mixed fuel (natural gas and electricity) is permitted in new buildings, buildings must be constructed with conduit, wiring and panel capacity to allow for any natural gas appliances that are installed to be replaced with electric ones in future without the need for costly electrical infrastructure upgrades to be made later. Besides improved energy efficiency and a reduction in GHG emissions, electrification of indoor appliances such as ovens and cooktops, can have positive health benefits by reducing the indoor air pollution associated with burning natural gas24.
3.3.1 Reach Codes
The California Energy Code,25 Title 24, Part 6, is maintained and updated every three years by two state agencies: the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Building Standards Commission (BSC). In addition to enforcing the code, local jurisdictions have the authority to adopt local energy efficiency ordinances—or reach codes—that exceed the minimum standards defined by Title 24 (as established by Public Resources Code Section 25402.1(h)2 and Section 10-106 of the Building Energy Efficiency Standards). Local jurisdictions must demonstrate that the requirements of the proposed ordinance are cost-effective (under the “time-dependent valuation” metric discussed below) and do not result in buildings consuming more energy than is permitted by the California Energy Code. In addition, the jurisdiction must obtain approval from the California Energy Commission (CEC) and file the ordinance with the BSC for the ordinance to be legally enforceable.
23 https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Codes
24 https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/c-change/news/natural-gas-used-in-homes/ 25 https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2022-building- energy-efficiency
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 35
The California Green Building Standards Code26, Title 24, Part 11, known as CALGreen, must also be met for new construction, as well as additions and alterations that increase the building’s conditioned area. This set of building codes and standards promote sustainable building practices and reduce the environmental impact of new construction. CALGreen covers a wide range of building practices, including energy efficiency, water efficiency, construction waste reduction, indoor air quality and commissioning of building systems. The code is designed to be integrated with other building codes and standards and includes both mandatory and voluntary measures. CALGreen mandatory measures must be met by all eligible projects, whereas the voluntary measures, which are grouped into Tier 1 and Tier 2, add additional requirements and only become mandatory where they have been specifically adopted by local ordinance. The City has not adopted these Tiers. In addition to enforcing CALGreen, local jurisdictions have the authority to adopt a local ordinance that amends the CALGreen Code, so that new measures (such as electrification) are added. Amending the CALGreen Code requires review and approval from the BSC.
3.3.2 Cost-effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness can be assessed by two different metrics, “on-bill” and “time-dependent valuation” (TDV). TDV is the methodology used by the CEC in evaluating cost effectiveness for efficiency measures in the California Energy Code27. The CEC defines building prototypes which it uses to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of proposed changes to Title 24 requirements.
The main difference between the methodologies is the manner in which they value energy and thus the cost savings of reduced or avoided energy use. “On-bill” cost-effectiveness takes into account only the costs and savings experienced by the building owner/operator. That typically means the expenses for installing the measure and the utility bill savings using today’s electricity and natural gas utility tariffs. TDV, on the other hand, is intended to capture the total value or cost of energy over 30 years accounting for the cost to the utility of generating energy during peak periods of demand and other societal costs, such as projected costs for carbon emissions, as well as grid transmission and distribution impacts. This metric values energy use differently depending on the fuel source (natural gas, electricity and propane), time of day, and season. For example, electricity used (or saved) during peak periods has a much higher value than electricity used (or saved) during off-peak periods due to the less inefficient energy generation sources providing peak electricity28.
Individual jurisdictions can elect to require that adopted Reach Codes be cost-effective “on-bill” in addition to meeting the mandated TDV cost-effectiveness requirement.
26 https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/CALGreen
27 All adopted measures must be cost–effective by the TDV metric but the City can choose to also require them to be cost-effective “On-Bill”.
28Horii, Cutter, Kapur, Arent, & Conotyannis, 2014
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3.3.3 Prescriptive and Performance measures
Compliance with the California Energy Code can be achieved by one of two means – Prescriptive or Performance. There are a set of mandatory measures required of all new construction, but in addition to these, developers must choose between a prescriptive or performance pathway for compliance with remaining energy code measures. The Prescriptive path provides a checklist for individual components of the proposed building and ensures that the building meets a prescribed minimum energy requirement. The Performance method requires buildings to meet the same minimum energy performance standards but allows flexibility in reaching these through a customized design approach. This is the most commonly employed compliance pathway. When requirements are added to prescriptive measures, these often become mandatory in future Building Code updates. In addition, they establish the baseline for energy use so that developers using a Performance compliance path must design their buildings to meet or exceed the energy efficiency afforded by these measures.
3.3.4 New Buildings and the 2022 Energy Code
In the 2022 Title 24 energy code, electric technology for heating (heat pump water heating and/or heat pump space heating) is required under the prescriptive measures for most new construction, however, builders can choose to use natural gas heating under the performance pathway provided that the building meets the new energy performance standard based on the use of energy-efficient heat pump technology for either water or space heating or both, depending on building type and climate zone.
Also included in the 2022 Title 24 updates are requirements for solar PV systems to be installed on new single-family homes and ADUs of sufficient capacity to offset the anticipated electricity use (with some specific exemptions based on roof area), and for solar PV on new multi-family developments and non-residential construction (formulaic based on building type, climate zone and roof area).
The evolution of new construction standards is expected to continue to transition the building sector to greater energy efficiency and electrification. New standards help to address new development in the City as well as major additions and alterations; however, the larger question of GHG emissions from the City’s existing building stock remains challenging.
3.3.5 Existing buildings
There are many energy efficiency upgrades to existing homes that are cost-effective, particularly when taking advantage of existing rebate and incentive programs. An important role that the City can play is to educate and inform homeowners, developers and contractors about available energy efficiency programs and funding sources, and assist with obtaining funds. Electrifying existing homes will require education and engagement. The transition will take time and could be costly for a building owner if an upgrade to the existing electric service panel and re-wiring are necessary. Recognizing potential associated costs, there are a significant number of rebate and incentive programs, many through the Inflation Reduction Act, but also through the State and utility companies to help facilitate this transition. Upgrades Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 37
naturally make most sense when appliances and equipment reach end-of-life and need to be replaced.
3.3.6 Measures
The strategies outlined below have been selected to move the City towards its targets most efficiently with consideration of costs and impacts on developers, contractors, homeowners, tenants, landlords, and small and large businesses. In order to be implemented, measures must be shown to be cost-effective. In combination, the strategies included are designed to eliminate the gaps between the City’s projected emissions and its 2030 and 2045 targets.
GOAL: BE1: Reduce GHG Emissions from New Buildings
Measure BE1.1: If not included in 2025 Title 24 update, City to consider requiring all-electric construction or mixed fuel plus a Flexible Measures29 or equivalent compliance pathway that meets the equivalent GHG reduction for new single-family residential buildings including detached ADUs.
Implementation target date:
2026
2030 GHG savings:
391 tonnes
2045 GHG savings:
1,107 tonnes
Performance metric: 95% of new single-family buildings to be all-electric or meet equivalent mixed use GHG reductions beginning in 2026.
Summary:
The State is moving towards an all-electric requirement for new construction. The 2022 Title 24 Building Standards Code allows for mixed fuel (natural gas and electricity) in new single- family dwellings, but requires the dwellings to be “electric-ready”. By avoiding the installation of natural gas infrastructure in new homes, the builder can save costs and utilize contemporary technology in electric energy efficient heating and appliances. Builders preferring to construct mixed fuel buildings can select from a number of approved energy efficiency and/or electrification measures that meet the equivalent GHG savings. If an all- electric requirement is not included in the 2025 Title 24 Building Code, the City will explore implementation through a local building code modification.
Projected GHG savings are based on an average of 229 therms of reduced natural gas usage per year from all-electric single-family residences and 128 therms from ADUs, equivalent to a Flexible Measures reduction of 1.1 tonnes of GHGs per SF DU and 0.6 tonnes per ADU.
Implementation actions:
For electrification, the City would need to amend Title 24 Part 11 Green Building Standards (CALGreen). This must be renewed every 3 years in sync. with the Building Code cycle.
For mixed fuel construction, the State’s Cost-Effectiveness Explorer tool30 developed by California Energy Codes and Standards team under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the CEC, will be used to generate flexible compliance measures with applicable GHG reductions from which the builder can select in ordered to
29 https://bit.ly/flexcompliance-factsheet
30 https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 38
achieve equivalent reductions. In the event that tool is not available/applicable, an alternative equivalent compliance path will be employed. City to collaborate with 3C-REN31, CPA and Statewide Reach Codes Team32 to conduct feasibility study, model energy and GHG savings and develop options list. City to seek funding as needed through these organizations. City to conduct outreach to developers and builders seek feedback and promote.
Measure BE1.2: If not included in 2025 Title 24 update, City to consider requiring all-electric construction or mixed fuel plus a Flexible Measures33 or equivalent compliance pathway that meets the equivalent GHG reduction for new multi-family residential buildings.
Implementation target date:
2026
2030 GHG savings:
1,366 tonnes
2045 GHG savings:
3,832 tonnes
Performance metric: 95% new multi-family buildings to be all-electric or meet equivalent mixed use GHG reductions beginning in 2026.
Summary:
The State is moving towards an all-electric requirement for new construction. The 2022 Title 24 Building Standards Code allows for mixed fuel (natural gas and electricity) in new multi- family dwellings but requires the dwellings to be “electric-ready”. By avoiding the installation of natural gas infrastructure in new homes, the builder can save costs and utilize contemporary technology in electric energy efficient heating and appliances. Builders preferring to construct mixed fuel buildings can select from a number of approved energy efficiency and/or electrification measures that meet the equivalent GHG savings.34 If an all- electric requirement is not included in the 2025 Title 24 Building Code, the City will explore implementation through a local building code modification.
Projected GHG savings are based on an average of 111 therms of reduced natural gas usage per year from all-electric low-rise MF residences and 103.5 therms from mid-rise MF, equivalent to a Flexible Measures reduction of 0.5 tonnes of GHGs per MF DU.
Implementation actions:
For electrification, the City would need to amend Title 24 Part 11 Green Building Standards (CALGreen). This must be renewed every 3 years in sync. with the Building Code cycle.
For mixed fuel construction, the State’s Cost-Effectiveness Explorer tool35 developed by California Energy Codes and Standards team under the auspices of the CPUC and the CEC, will be used to generate flexible compliance measures with applicable GHG reductions from which the builder can select in ordered to achieve equivalent reductions. In the event that tool is not available/applicable, an alternative equivalent compliance path will be employed.
31 https://www.3c-ren.org/
32 https://localenergycodes.com/
33 https://bit.ly/flexcompliance-factsheet
34 Electric (heat pump) space heaters are included in 2022 Building Code prescriptive requirements for this area. 35 https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 39
City to collaborate with 3C-REN36, CPA and Statewide Reach Codes Team37 to conduct feasibility study, model energy and GHG savings and develop options list. City to seek funding as needed through these organizations. City to conduct outreach to developers and builders seek feedback and promote.
Supporting Measure BE1.3: If not included in 2028 Title 24 update, City to consider requiring all-electric construction or mixed fuel plus a Flexible Measures or equivalent compliance pathway that meets the equivalent GHG reduction for new non-residential buildings.
Implementation target date:
2029
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Performance Metric: Feasibility assessment using 2028 Cost Effectiveness Study for New Commercial Construction completed by 2030.
Summary:
The State is moving towards an all-electric requirement for new construction. The 2022 Title 24 Building Standards Code allows for mixed fuel (natural gas and electricity) in new non- residential buildings, but energy efficiency must equal or exceed that of the baseline cases, which utilize heat pumps for most building types. Restricting natural gas infrastructure in new commercial buildings saves the developer costs and utilizes contemporary technology for energy efficient space and water heating. If an all-electric requirement is not included in the 2028 Title 24 Building Code, the City will explore implementation through a local building code modification.
Implementation actions:
For electrification, the City would need to amend Title 24 Part 11 Green Building Standards (CALGreen). This must be renewed every 3 years in sync. with the Building Code cycle.
Specific use-case exceptions will be considered for inclusion in the Code/Ordinance based on specific building types and applications.
For mixed fuel construction, the State’s Cost-Effectiveness Explorer tool developed by California Energy Codes and Standards team under the auspices of the CPUC and the CEC, will be used to generate flexible compliance measures with applicable GHG reductions from which the builder can select in ordered to achieve equivalent reductions. In the event that tool is not available/applicable, an alternative equivalent compliance path will be employed.
City to collaborate with 3C-REN38, CPA and Statewide Reach Codes Team39 to conduct feasibility study, model energy and GHG savings and develop options list. City to seek funding as needed through these organizations. City to conduct outreach to developers, commercial building owners and builders on feasibility and options.
36 https://www.3c-ren.org/
37 https://localenergycodes.com/
38 https://www.3c-ren.org/
39 https://localenergycodes.com/
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 40
Supporting Measure BE1.4: Encourage developers to build LEED-certified40 buildings at the Gold or Platinum level.
Implementation target date:
2026
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Performance Metric: An increase in number of new commercial development projects over 50,000 sq.ft. achieving LEED-certification.
Summary: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system awards points for measures that improve a building’s energy efficiency, reduce a building’s environmental footprint and incorporate environmentally friendly design features. Points are scored in eight different categories: location and transportation, innovation, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environment quality and regional priority. LEED certification is available at four levels, Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points) and Platinum (80 points and above).
Implementation actions:
City to implement tracking mechanism for LEED construction City to promote the LEED program and provide educational materials to prospective developers during planning
City Council to recognize new LEED buildings built in the City
GOAL: BE2: Reduce GHG Emissions in Existing Buildings and Operations Measure BE2.1: Require existing residential buildings with renovations above a specified threshold to use a Flexible Measures41 or equivalent compliance path to install a combination of energy efficiency and/or electrification measures that meet a prescribed GHG reduction target42.
Implementation target date:
2027
2030 GHG savings:
1,467 tonnes
2045 GHG savings:
3,204 tonnes
Performance Metric: Total electricity use reduction of 1 million kWh and 20,000 therms per year beginning in 2028.
Summary:
Significant additions or renovations above a certain square footage or cost threshold may select from a number of approved energy and GHG savings measures in order to meet a target compliance score that is established by the City.
GHG savings based on one thousand existing residential homes complete energy efficiency projects with an average of 1,000 kWh of electricity and 20 therms of gas savings per year.
40 The LEED rating system is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council and is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.
41 https://bit.ly/flexcompliance-factsheet
42 See for example: https://www.marincounty.org/-/media/files/departments/cd/planning/sustainability/green- building/2022-model-reach-code/fact-sheets/sf-renovations-requirements-factsheet3.pdf?la=en and https://www.encinitasca.gov/government/departments/development -services/sustainability- division/environmental-programs/green-building
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 41
Implementation actions:
The State’s Cost-Effectiveness Explorer tool43 developed by California Energy Codes and Standards team under the auspices of the CPUC and the CEC, will be used to generate flexible compliance measures with applicable point values. In the event that tool is not available/applicable, an alternative equivalent compliance path will be employed. All measures included will indicate cost-effectiveness on-bill. On-bill cost-effectiveness takes into account those costs and savings experienced by the building owner/operator, typically the expenses for installing the measure, and the utility bill savings. City to collaborate with 3C-REN44, CPA and Statewide Reach Codes Team45 to conduct feasibility study, model energy and GHG savings and develop options list. City to seek funding as needed through these organizations. City to conduct outreach to developers and builders, seek feedback and promote measures.
Builder/home owner to select measures to implement.
City to track Flexible Measures selected for all eligible projects. City to track and report community natural gas use and electricity use annually.
Supporting Measure BE2.2: Examine feasibility of requiring existing non-residential buildings with renovations above a specified threshold to use a Flexible Measures46 or equivalent compliance path to install a combination of energy efficiency and/or electrification measures that meet a prescribed GHG reduction target.
Implementation target date:
2029
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Performance Metric: Development of Flexible Measures Compliance scoresheet or define compliance path by 2030.
Summary:
Significant additions or renovations above a certain square footage or cost threshold may select from a number of approved energy- and GHG-savings measures in order to meet a target compliance score that is established by the City.
Implementation actions:
Staff to work with Statewide Energy Codes and Standards Reach Code team to assess options and costs.
City to conduct outreach to developers and builders seek feedback and promote City to develop Flexible Measures or equivalent compliance scoresheet City to track flexible measures selected for all eligible projects.
Measure BE2.3: Transition to LED streetlights throughout City Implementation target date:
2025
2030 GHG savings:
114 tonnes
2045 GHG savings:
0 tonnes
Performance Metric: Streetlights on arterials to be converted to LEDs by 2025. Streetlights on collector and residential streets to be assessed and converted to LED by 2030.
43 https://explorer.localenergycodes.com/
44 https://www.3c-ren.org/
45 https://localenergycodes.com/
46 https://bit.ly/flexcompliance-factsheet
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Summary: Of the City’s 8,068 streetlights 7,439 are high pressure sodium vapor. In total, streetlighting uses approximately 2,716,714 kWh of electricity per year. A shift to LEDs would reduce this usage to approximately 1,775,389 kWh, a savings of 35% in energy use. LEDs offer more directional lighting, avoid glare and reduce night sky illumination.
Implementation actions:
Staff to conduct community outreach on LED conversion. Staff to coordinate implementation with SCE through “Option E” program.
Supporting Measure BE2.4: Develop a City Energy Ambassador Program to aid residents and developers with clean energy, energy efficiency, and electrification transition, conduct outreach to existing building owners and occupants, and support the development and enforcement of CEAP-related building ordinances.
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Performance Metric: Energy Ambassador Program to conduct one-on-one outreach with twenty-five property owners of low-income MF DUs beginning in 2024.
Summary:
In order to meet 2045 emissions targets, natural gas use in existing buildings must be phased out. This will require replacing existing natural gas appliances and equipment with electric.
Contractors and residents may be unaware of options, rebates and incentives, and may need assistance in applying.
Implementation actions:
Develop a new program to engage residents and developers early in their project planning process, and provide education on electric alternatives. Provide outreach and education to the community on electric alternatives to gas appliances and ensure that materials are available in Spanish and other languages as needed.
Apply for grant funding to develop incentives for low-income community. Provide information on rebates and incentives and provide aid for application process to community.
Conduct targeted outreach to low-income community and multi-family property owners on energy efficiency, clean energy, and electrification. Develop CEAP-related building codes.
Develop mechanism for, and support, enforcement of CEAP-related building codes.
Supporting Measure BE2.5: Develop/deploy an interactive online energy application that assists residents in understanding and undertaking energy efficiency and electrification home projects through customized recommendations, cost-benefit analyses, and access to resources.
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Performance Metric: Website/application to be implemented by end of 2024, and accessed by at least 2,000 residents annually thereafter through 2030.
Summary:
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 43
In order to meet 2045 emissions targets, existing buildings need to be upgraded to use less energy and eliminate natural gas use. This will require understanding energy use in the home, energy efficiency and electric equipment options. Residents need access to easy-to- use resources.
Implementation actions:
City to implement a tool to connect residents to customized resources for reducing energy use and electrifying their homes.
City to target completion before 2025 and train users through community outreach. City to track site metrics and incrementally improve application over time based on feedback.
Supporting Measure BE2.6: Undergo energy audits at all City facilities and implement energy efficiency projects wherever cost effective.
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Performance Metric: Implement cost-effective energy efficiency projects as identified in audit.
Summary: City’s five-year Municipal Energy Action Plan was adopted in 2019 and most of the energy saving measures in the plan have been implemented. New energy audits will identify additional energy and cost saving opportunities.
Implementation actions:
Energy audits to be conducted at all City facilities. City to prioritize measures based on energy savings and cost-effectiveness. Implementation of measures to begin in 2024.
Measures to be included in 2025 CIP budget as necessary.
GOAL: BE3: Transition to Greener Energy
Measure BE3.1: Increase participation from non-residential properties in Green power program from Clean Power Alliance (CPA).
Implementation target date:
2025
2030 GHG savings:
6,543 tonnes
2045 GHG savings:
0 tonnes
Performance Metric: 85% of non-residential accounts to be enrolled in CPA’s Green Power program by 2026.
Summary: 80% of commercial electric accounts in Thousand Oaks are enrolled in CPA. Of these CPA accounts, 94% subscribe to 100% Green power (no GHG emissions). Increasing commercial enrollment in CPA from 80% to 90% while maintaining the same Green power subscription rate as currently will reduce remaining emissions from the electricity sector.
Implementation actions:
Through the proposed Energy Ambassador Program, the City will work with developers and builders to encourage CPA subscription for new developments. City to conduct outreach with existing and proposed commercial property owners. Monitor and track CPA enrollment on an annual basis
Measure BE3.2: Increase participation from CARE program participants on joining CPA Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 44
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
2,026 tonnes
2045 GHG savings:
0 tonnes
Performance Metric: 95% of residential accounts to be enrolled in CPA, and 85% of these to be enrolled in the 100% Green Power program by 2026.
Summary: 90% of residential electric accounts in Thousand Oaks are enrolled in CPA. Of these CPA accounts, almost 90% subscribe to 100% Green power (no GHG emissions). CARE program participants comprise 18% of electricity account holders. They do not pay any premium for enrollment in 100% Green power. Their participation could be increased with outreach and education to help reduce remaining emissions from the electricity sector.
Implementation actions:
Through the proposed Energy Ambassador Program, the City will conduct directed outreach to low income and CARE program participants, and to non-profits who work with target populations.
Monitor and track CPA enrollment on an annual basis
Measure BE3.3: Install solar at all City facilities
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
121 tonnes
2045 GHG savings:
0 tonnes
Performance Metric: 1.35 MW of solar installations to be completed on City-owned facilities by end of 2024.
Summary: On-site solar exists at three major City facilities – Hill Canyon Treatment Plant, 401/403 Hillcrest, and Municipal Service Center. City can demonstrate leadership by installing solar at all facilities where feasible. No net savings in GHG emissions result from City- operated facilities since these are enrolled in the 100% renewable Green Power program under CPA. GHG savings result from installations at facilities operated by City partner agencies not enrolled in CPA’s Green Power program. Other benefits include a reduction in peak demand from the grid, increased grid stability, local resilience, and energy cost savings.
Implementation actions:
Agreement in place (2023) for installations at Los Robles Greens Golf Course, Transportation Center, Thousand Oaks Library, Teen Center, Goebel Adult Center, and Newbury Park Library
In design. Interconnection Agreements signed with SCE Construction to begin in spring 2024
City to oversee design, construction, and connection. City to monitor and report solar energy generated annually.
3.4 Strategy TR: Transportation
Transportation is the largest contributor to the community’s GHG emissions. As shown in Figure
2.1, 63% of emissions are from transportation. Most of these are from passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks.
The design of Thousand Oaks reflects the car-centric culture of post-war America. Many of its features reflect this, such as wide roads that reduce congestion and make it easier for cars to Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 45
navigate, alignment along the U.S. 101 corridor, surface parking lots surrounding shopping centers and fronting strip malls, and a high number of cul-de-sacs and loop roads, which reduce through-traffic.
While the City has made efforts to promote alternative modes of transportation in recent years, such as building bike lanes, adding sidewalks and expanding public transit, the car remains the primary mode of transportation for most residents. Reducing reliance on cars in Thousand Oaks will require a multi-faceted approach that involves promoting alternative modes of transportation and implementing smart growth policies, i.e. those that help protect our health and natural environment and make our communities more attractive, economically stronger, socially diverse, and resilient to climate change47. The City’s Active Transportation Plan48 maps out streets, recent improvements, and future improvements for sidewalks, bike lanes, and bike routes throughout the City to promote and support alternatives modes of transport.
Employing these approaches will reduce vehicle miles. Understanding that a transition to a more walkable City will take time and will only impact a small part of the City as most areas will not change in their fundamental design and layout, the City’s primary means of tackling vehicle emissions will be to transition to clean (electric) vehicles. The City can aid in this transition through ensuring that everyone has convenient access to affordable EV charging.
The measures available for the City to achieve transportation emission reductions and support a shift to electrification include:
1. Direct action
• Reduce emissions in municipal fleet and transit operations • Install infrastructure to support a transition to EVs
2. Reach Codes
• Establish local codes that increase number of EV charger installations • Mandate a higher tier of CALGreen compliance
3. Education and Engagement
• Increase community outreach, information, assistance, and workshops
4. Incentives and Rebates
• Provide incentives to accelerate the desired transition and/or assist with access to Federal, State and other incentive funding. (e.g., CA Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, CA/SCE California Clean Fuel Reward, Federal rebates for EVs).
47 https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/about-smart-
growth#:~:text=Smart%20Growth%20is%20an%20overall,and%20resilient%20to%20climate%20change. 48 https://www.toaks.org/home/showpublisheddocument/24599/637147717134970000 Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 46
Incentives and rebates to support the transition to electric vehicles are readily available through Federal and State programs and include tax credits, vehicle rebates and funding to support charging infrastructure.
3.4.1 Electric vehicle charging
Most EV owners living in single-family residences charge their vehicles at home except when they have unanticipated charging needs or are on trips that exceed their vehicle’s charging range. Some may prefer the convenience of charging while at work, at a Park and Ride, or at a commercial location. EV owners, or aspiring owners, who live in multi-family complexes without individual garages, cannot generally enjoy the convenience of charging at home, and must rely exclusively on public or workplace charging.
To correct this in the future, Title 24 Part 11 Green Building Standards (CALGreen) includes mandatory requirements to support EV charging in new multi-family and non-residential developments and in additions that exceed a cost or size threshold. Whereas these requirements may be sufficient to support EV ownership at current penetration rates, they are inadequate to support a complete transition to EV ownership by residents who do not own their homes or who do not have garages. The City can help to address this shortfall by amending the CALGreen code through a local ordinance to increase these requirements or by adopting a zoning code amendment that achieves this or by a building code amendment. A local zoning code which is not tied to the Building Code can be adopted indefinitely, whereas a building code amendment must be revisited and renewed every three years in sync with the three-year cycle of Building Code updates but brings the advantages of evolving with the latest Code changes. The City also has the option to mandate the complete suite of Tier 1 or Tier 2 CALGreen requirements for new developments, including all the measures contained therein, or require only the EV charging requirements from these Tiers.
The CALGreen EV charging requirements are specified in three categories – “EV Capable,” “EV Ready” and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) spaces. “EV Capable” parking spaces must have a dedicated circuit within an electric panel of adequate capacity to support an EV, and conduit installed from the panel to the parking space (ready for future wiring). “EV Ready” builds on the EV Capable requirements, adding the required wiring and 240 volts (V), 40-amp (A) outlet box into which an EV charger could be plugged. EVSE spaces are those already equipped with a charging station into which the EV can be plugged. Under the 2022 CALGreen mandatory requirements for new multi-family developments, 10% of parking spaces must be EV Capable, 25% EV Ready and 5% have EVSE installed. Under the 2022 CALGreen mandatory requirements for new non-residential developments, 20% of parking spaces must be EV Capable and 25% of those must be equipped with EVSE.
Although modification to CALGreen EV charging requirements would facilitate additional future charging at new developments, it would not assist with EV charging for residents of existing multi-family units or those who commute to the City and need to charge at their workplace.
Adding charging infrastructure to existing apartment complexes is often not feasible for a Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 47
number of reasons including the high costs of upgrades to the electrical infrastructure, wiring access constraints in existing buildings and parking lots, parking management to ensure that EV owners have access to installed equipment, and ability to meter and charge for electricity use.
Thus, for the most part, residents of existing multi-family units are (and will be) largely reliant on workplace or public chargers. The City can support these residents through an expansion of public charging infrastructure at City-owned facilities, in the public right-of-way, and by partnering with sister agencies, such as CRPD and Ventura County, to install chargers at local frequently visited sites.
Under new law (AB 970, 2021) effective January 1, 202349, meeting the City’s minimum required parking requirements should not be a barrier to the installation of EV chargers. Under this law, if an electric vehicle charging station impacts the required parking spaces for existing uses, the City must reduce the number of required parking spaces for the existing uses accordingly.
There are currently 101 Level 250 public chargers installed in the City, 22 Level 351 and 49 dedicated Tesla chargers.52 In addition, there are an estimated 98 workplace53 Level 2 chargers installed and an additional 125 planned54 for the coming year (Figure 3-2).
49 https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-government-code/title-7-planning-and-land- use/division-1-planning-and-zoning/chapter-4-zoning-regulations/article-2-adoption-of-regulations/section- 6585071-application-to-install-an-electric-vehicle-charging-station 50 Level 2 chargers typically deliver AC power at a voltage of 208-240 volts and at a current of up to 80 amps, which can provide charging speeds of up to 25 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the specific charger and EV being charged. It takes 4-8 hours to fully charge an average EV with a Level 2 charger. 51 Level 3 chargers or DCFC (Direct Current Fast Chargers) deliver DC power directly to the EV's battery at a high voltage and current, which can provide up to 80% charge in 20-30 minutes, depending on the specific charger and EV being charged.
52 These are Level 3 chargers installed by Tesla to serve their customers’ vehicles. Some may open up to non-Tesla vehicles on certain transport corridors in the future.
53 Data provided by Kent Bullard, President EV Advocates of Ventura County 54 Anticipated installation at CLU
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 48
Figure 3-2. Map showing locations, types and numbers of public electric vehicle chargers installed in the City of Thousand Oaks (April 2023)
According to the CEC, California needs 1.2 million EV chargers to be installed by 2030 to support the fueling demands of the 7.5 million passenger EVs anticipated to be on California roads.55 CEC’s ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment’ report56 documents the anticipated needs by year and by county. Data for Ventura County were extracted from Tables C-5 through C-20 of the report and pro-rated by population to yield Thousand Oaks-specific charging needs.
These are presented in Table 3-1 below.
Table 3-1. Total public and shared private (multi-family and workplace) EV chargers needed in the City to support the EV transition by year and type. (Data calculated for the City’s share of Ventura County’s anticipated needs.)
55 https://www.energy.ca.gov/news/2021-06/report-shows-california-needs-12-million-electric-vehicle-chargers- 2030#:~:text=SACRAMENTO%20%E2%80%93%20New%20analysis%20from%20the,to%20be%20on%20California% 20roads
56 CEC-600-2021-001-REV (May 2021). Available from link above.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 49
Multi-family
(Level 1+2)
Workplace
(Level 2)
Public
(Level 2)
Public
(Level 3/DCFC)
Total
2020 175 59 140 10 383
2021 200 84 187 14 485
2022 229 111 238 17 595
2023 245 151 327 22 744
2024 277 188 397 24 885
2025 330 257 518 29 1,134
2026 385 342 675 36 1,438
2027 455 434 799 53 1,741
2028 549 535 952 70 2,105
2029 652 636 1,116 86 2,489
2030 763 775 1,334 94 2,966
2031 881 980 1,556 106 3,523
2032 966 1,107 1,781 130 3,984
2033 1,046 1,276 1,995 149 4,466
2034 1,122 1,442 2,168 162 4,894
2035 1,191 1,579 2,366 187 5,322
This data was organized into new categories in mid-June 2023 with revised estimates showing a decrease of 7% in Level 2 needs and an increase of 10% in Level 3 charger requirements.
Existing Level 2 public installations in the City fall short of anticipated needs, but with the addition of the planned deployments at CLU and at the City’s libraries, this gap should be closing.
All 22 existing Level 3 installations in the City exactly match the CEC-modelled needs for 2023.
Multi-family needs, however, are not being met. The largest seven multi-family complexes in the City alone contain over 1,500 units, were built in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, and have no EV parking infrastructure. To the City’s knowledge there are very few EV chargers installed in existing multi-family developments in the City. The proposed Energy Ambassador program would help to address this by reaching out to multi-family property owners and managers, making them aware of available programs that cover costs57. Without the availability of onsite charging, the residents at these complexes will need access to offsite fast charging. By CEC estimates, one Level 3 charger can provide equivalent service to between 5 and 10 Level 2 chargers, depending on the specific model. Using a factor of 10, immediate multi-family needs could be met with the installation of 25 Level 3 chargers.
By 2030 the specific needs of the multi-family community amount to approximately 76 Level 3 chargers, in addition to the added 72 for public use. Some of this need will be met by private EV
57 e.g. SCE’s Charge Ready Turnkey program: https://www.sce.com/evbusiness/chargeready/turn-key-installation Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 50
charger network providers, but the City will need to contribute to the build out of this infrastructure to meet the goals of the CEAP.
3.4.2 Measures
The following strategies address the core approaches described above.
GOAL: TR1: Reduce vehicle miles travelled (VMT)
Measure TR1.1: Implement smart growth policies
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 and 2045 GHG emissions are based on VMT modelling
conducted for land use designations included in the General Plan 2045 Update.
Performance Metrics:
City to adopt custom VMT-based threshold of significance for new developments by 2026.
Summary: Adopting policies that encourage mixed-use development in areas that are accessible by public transit, walking, or biking will reduce the need for car travel and promote a more sustainable and walkable city.
Implementation actions:
City to adopt and implement smart growth through General Plan land use designations, including more mixed-use and higher density development. City to adopt VMT based threshold of significance for new developments by 2026.
Measure TR1.2: Increase opportunities to both live and work in the City Implementation target date:
2024
2030 and 2045 GHG emissions are based on VMT modelling
conducted for land use designations included in the General Plan 2045 Update.
Performance Metrics:
City to adopt custom VMT-based threshold of significance for new developments by 2026.
Summary: Reducing commuting into and out of the City has the potential to significantly reduce vehicle miles travelled and the associated emissions of GHG and other pollutants.
The VMT study conducted as part of the GP Update estimates that approximately 3 million miles are driven in and out of the City each day compared to 700,000 within the City.
Implementation actions:
City to adopt and implement smart growth through GP land use designations, including more mixed-use developments where commercial and residential uses are adjacent, and more affordable housing so that a larger proportion of people who work in the City can afford to live here.
City to adopt VMT based threshold of significance for new developments by 2026 Measure TR1.3: Continue to implement the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and integrate support for e-mobility.
Implementation target date:
2020
2030 and 2045 GHG emissions are based on VMT modelling
conducted for land use designations included in the General Plan 2045 Update.
Performance Metrics:
City to construct 13,500 linear feet of new sidewalk by 2030 and another 12,000 linear feet by 2045. City to convert 9.2 miles of bike lanes to Class IV and construct 2.5 additional miles Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 51
of new bike lanes by 2030 and an additional 7 miles of new lanes by 2045. City to conduct 10 miles of bike lane safety improvements by 2030 and another 14 miles by 2045.
Summary: The City’s ATP was updated in 2019 and will be updated next in 2024. It provides planning guidance for non-motorized travel infrastructure improvements that make multimodal transportation safer and more enjoyable. It promotes bicycling and walking as a way to reduce VMT and GHG emissions. e-mobility options such as electric bikes have increased in popularity.
Implementation actions:
City to continue to invest in infrastructure that promotes walking, biking and public transit.
City to continue to seek funding for, and implement, Active Transportation Plan recommendations including improvements for sidewalks, bike lanes and bike routes throughout the City.
City to continue to update the Active Transportation Plan every five years, or as needed. City to include public charging options for electric bikes (and other e-mobility means as they emerge) where feasible.
Measure TR1.4: Plan for walkability and bikeability in new developments Implementation target date:
2024
2030 and 2045 GHG emissions are based on VMT modelling
conducted for land use designations included in the General Plan 2045 Update.
Performance Metric: All new developments to include footpaths in and out beginning in 2024.
Summary: The car-centric design of the City has led to a high number of cul-de-sacs and loop roads which reduce through-traffic. The City also houses a number of gated communities.
Both of these design aspects can limit the ability of bicycles and pedestrians to move to their desired destination efficiently.
Implementation actions:
City to continue to prevent blocked access in new developments and allow foot and bicycle traffic easy access in, out and through new developments.
Supporting Measure TR1.5: Pursue viable transit options Implementation target date:
2023
2030 and 2045 GHG emissions are based on VMT modelling
conducted for land use designations included in the General Plan 2045 Update.
Performance Metric: City to complete study on additional bus routes, and take recommended actions. Increase ridership by 20% by 2030.
Summary: Thousand Oaks Transit (TOT) operates public bus service within the City and connects to regional bus services to Los Angeles County and other parts of Ventura County.
TOT also operates Dial-A-Ride service for seniors and those who are unable to use the fixed- route buses due to a disability.
Implementation actions:
City to study demand for, and feasibility of, increasing transit options through improved connections, best service area coverage, and improved on time performance, particularly Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 52
in future downtown corridor, through additional bus routes to complement existing service needs and support housing and homelessness initiatives.
The GHG savings measures listed below are aggregated into a single total for this goal. This total amounts to the savings gained by supporting and implementing the suite of measures deemed necessary to adequately support and facilitate a transition of all light-duty vehicles in the City to electric.
GOAL: TR2: Increase proportion of clean/electric vehicles TR2: Total GHG savings from
all proposed measures
2030 GHG savings:
41,403 tonnes
2045 GHG savings:
167,081 tonnes
Measure TR2.1: Increase EV charging requirement above CALGreen mandatory provisions for new multi-family developments.
Implementation target date: 2025
Performance Metric: By 2026, the number of EV Ready58 parking spaces in new MF developments to exceed the CALGreen minimum requirements.
Summary: The CALGreen mandatory requirements for new multi-family developments are insufficient to support a future transition to 100% EVs. Access to chargers is an EV-ownership barrier to residents of multi-family properties. Many cities have increased the EV provisions beyond the minimum requirement.
Implementation actions:
This can be effected by 1) adopting a CALGreen Tier 1 or Tier 2 requirement for all new multi-family developments; or 2) an amendment to the Title 24 Part 11 CALGreen sections covering EV Charging Infrastructure (must be updated every three years). Applicant is able to obtain waiver from requirement if it results in costs that render the project infeasible.
City to conduct outreach to developers to garner feedback. City to assess costs to developers associated with additional EV charger provisions. City to develop Code amendment through collaboration with 3C-REN, CPA, Statewide Reach Codes team, and other cities that have adopted similar amendments.
Measure TR2.2: Increase EV charging requirement above CALGreen mandatory provisions for new non-residential developments
Implementation target date: 2025
Performance Metric: By 2026, City to require at least 20% of parking spaces are EV Capable59 and 25% of these have chargers installed in new commercial developments.
Summary: Additional EV charging support beyond the CALGreen mandatory requirements is necessary in non-residential parking areas to support the use of EVs by employees
58 “EV Ready” parking spaces must have a dedicated circuit within an electric panel of adequate capacity to support an EV with conduit and wiring installed, connecting to a 240 volts (V), 40-amp (A) outlet box into which an EV charger could be plugged.
59 “EV Capable” parking spaces must have a dedicated circuit within an electric panel of adequate capacity to support an EV, and conduit installed from the panel to the parking space (ready for future wiring).
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 53
commuting into the City from elsewhere as well as those living in the City without access to home charging.
Implementation actions:
This can be effected by 1) adopting a CALGreen Tier 1 or Tier 2 requirement for all new non-residential developments; 2) an amendment to the Title 24 Part 11 CALGreen sections covering EV Charging Infrastructure (must be updated every three years); or 3) adopting a local zoning code amendment that is not tied to the building code cycle and can be adopted indefinitely.
Applicant is able to obtain waiver from requirement if it results in costs that render the project infeasible.
City to conduct outreach to developers to garner feedback. City to assess costs to developers associated with additional EV charger infrastructure. City to develop Code amendment through collaboration with 3C-REN, CPA, Statewide Reach Codes team, and other cities that have adopted similar amendments.
Measure TR2.3: Require EV-supporting upgrades in commercial parking lots when onsite electrical service is upgraded or parking lot exceeding a minimum threshold is paved or re- paved.
Implementation target date: 2029
Performance Metric: By 2030, track eligible projects in City’s permitting system and require EV Capable spaces to be installed before repaving commercial parking lots.
Summary: Upgrading existing commercial parking lots to add EV chargers and associated electrical infrastructure can be expensive. Re-paving provides a cost-effective opportunity to add EV charging infrastructure to existing lots. Electrical service upgrades that include site disturbances also provide a cost-effective opportunity to support future EV charging at the site.
Implementation actions:
City to make targeted modifications to CALGreen requirements in local building code for existing buildings that remove existing paving and re-pave their parking lot and/or upgrade their onsite electrical service. EV accommodations required for lot disturbances exceeding a minimum threshold.
City to conduct outreach to property owners to solicit feedback. City to assess costs associated with recommended measures. City to develop Code amendment through collaboration with 3C-REN, CPA, Statewide Reach Codes team, and other cities that have adopted similar amendments.
Measure TR2.4: City to install EV charging infrastructure and EV chargers in public street, public areas and at community facilities such as parks, partnering with other agencies as necessary to support EV adoption by residents of existing MF housing.
Implementation target date: 2025
Performance Metric: By 2025, complete design work and seek utility approval for at least three public installations. Complete installations at Civic Arts Plaza, Transportation Center, and City libraries by 2026.
Summary: The lack of available infrastructure to support EV charging in existing multi-family properties makes it infeasible for most of those residents to become EV owners. Even if the Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 54
building owner is willing to install EV charging infrastructure, it may not be possible due to limitations in the building's electrical capacity or the layout of the parking. To support an equitable transition to EV ownership for all City residents, the City should consider public EV charger installation in locations that are convenient to existing apartment complexes.
Implementation actions:
City to conduct outreach and work with local partners to identify potential sites. City to draft potential plans and seek funding to support implementation. City to issue RFP for design of infrastructure for at least three sites starting in 2024. Based on cost analysis and funding, City to work with SCE, local partners and EV charging station networks to construct EV charging infrastructure in at least three sites by 2026.
Measure TR2.5: Require EV chargers and charging infrastructure to be installed in existing commercial parking lots/structures upon major tenant improvements (TIs).
Implementation target date: 2029
Performance Metric: By 2030, set threshold for eligibility and track eligible projects in City’s permitting system, and require EV Capable parking spaces be installed in eligible projects.
Summary: Existing parking lots will need EV chargers to accommodate the charging needs of employee and visitor electric vehicles. Major TIs provide an opportunity for this infrastructure to be added.
Implementation actions:
City to adopt Local Building Code to require EV chargers when plans are submitted for major tenant improvements in commercial properties.
Applicant is able to obtain waiver from requirement if it results in costs that render the project infeasible. City to conduct outreach to property owners to solicit feedback. City to assess costs associated with recommended measures. City to develop Code amendment through collaboration with 3C-REN, CPA, Statewide Reach Codes team, and other cities that have adopted similar amendments.
Supporting Measure TR2.6: Conduct outreach to encourage EV adoption and charging infrastructure in existing MF developments and in disadvantaged communities.
Implementation target date: 2024
Performance Metric: By 2025, develop outreach materials and conduct targeted outreach through workshops, events, and community partnerships to at least 1,000 low income residents.
Summary: The lack of available infrastructure to support EV charging in existing multi-family properties makes it infeasible for most of those residents to become EV owners. Funding and support exists to support EV charging infrastructure installation but many MF property owners and managers are unaware of this. EV purchase and lease incentives are available to bring costs of EVs to, or below, costs of ICE vehicles.
Implementation actions:
City to conduct outreach to MF property owners on available options and utility incentive programs for EV charging infrastructure support.
City to conduct outreach on EV ownership and financial resources available to disadvantaged communities within the City.
Supporting Measure TR2.7: City to transition municipal fleet to electric vehicles.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 55
Implementation target date: 2024
Performance Metric: Beginning in 2024, 50% of City’s fleet vehicle purchases to be electric and 100% by 2027.
Summary: California has established ambitions targets for the transition of vehicles to electric. By 2035 100% of new cars and light duty trucks sold in California will be Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs).
The City will transition its own fleet as expeditiously as possible bearing in mind cost, available funding, utility and availability of vehicles.
Implementation actions:
City to develop plan for electric fleet transition.
City to seek grant, rebate and incentive funding to assist with purchase of electric fleet vehicles.
For all vehicle replacements, City to consider electric alternatives as first choice.
Supporting Measure TR2.8: City to transition transit buses to electric.
Implementation target date: 2024
Performance Metric: Beginning in 2024, all City’s new bus purchases to be electric.
Summary: Per California mandate, zero emission bus purchase requirements begin in 2026 for small transit agencies, based on a percentage of new bus purchases each year that must be zero-emission. In 2026, 25% of new bus purchases must be ZEV ramping up to 100% by 2029.
Implementation actions:
City to seek and secure funding for electric bus purchase and begin purchase of electric buses starting in 2024.
City to seek and secure funding to install bus chargers at Municipal Service Center and Transportation Center to support electric transition.
City to work closely with SCE to design, fund and construct required charging infrastructure.
Supporting Measure TR2.9: City to construct electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support fleet and transit.
Implementation target date: 2024
Performance Metric: City to secure designs and SCE approval for Level 2 and DCFC fleet and bus charging installations at Civic Arts Plaza, Transportation Center, and Municipal Service Center by 2026. City to construct charging infrastructure by 2028.
Summary: State and local government fleets, including city, county, special district, and State agency fleets, are required to ensure 50 percent of vehicle purchases are zero-emission beginning in 2024 and 100 percent of vehicle purchases are zero-emission by 2027. ZEB purchase requirements begin in 2023 for large transit agencies and 2026 for small transit agencies (such as the City), based on a percentage of new bus purchases each year that must be zero-emission. In 2026, 25% of new bus purchases must be ZEV ramping up to 100% by 2029.
City to support transition expeditiously by beginning charging infrastructure design in 2024.
Implementation actions:
City to conduct feasibility study on required charging infrastructure.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 56
City to seek grant, federal, state, agency and utility funding to assist in developing infrastructure.
City to develop and release RFP for charging infrastructure design. City to select engineering company and gain SCE approval for designs. City to develop bid documents, post, and award construction contract(s). City to oversee construction.
Supporting Measure TR2.10: Dispense Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) from City’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station.
Implementation target date: 2024
Performance Metric: 90% of fuel dispensed from CNG station to be RNG by 2025.
Summary: RNG is a pipeline-quality gas that is fully interchangeable with conventional natural gas and thus can be used in natural gas vehicles. RNG is biogas (product of the decomposition of organic matter) that has been processed to purity standards for use as a transportation fuel in the form of CNG. Its most common sources are landfills, livestock operations, and wastewater treatment. RNG is considered a carbon neutral fuel.
Implementation actions:
City to issue RFP for RNG supply
City to select a vendor and enter into contract for supply City to file for LCFS credits with CARB
3.5 Strategy SW: Solid Waste
3.5.1 Solid Waste Emissions
Solid waste, predominantly organic waste, contributes to GHG emissions in three primary ways:
Landfill emissions: When organic solid waste is disposed of in landfills, it decomposes and produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Methane is 28 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 100-year time horizon. Organic waste refers to biodegradable material that originates from plants or animals, such as food waste, yard waste, wood waste, and paper waste. It contains carbon-based compounds that are decomposable by microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi and insects. When the decomposition happens in the presence of oxygen, such as in composting, the waste undergoes aerobic decomposition, which primarily produces carbon dioxide. On the other hand, when organic waste decomposes in the absence of oxygen, such as in landfills, it undergoes anaerobic decomposition, which primarily produces methane. Transportation emissions: Collecting and transporting solid waste to landfills or recycling facilities requires vehicle fuel consumption, which contributes to GHG emissions. The City’s current Solid Waste Franchise Agreement requires the use of renewable fuel in refuse trucks, currently renewable natural gas (RNG), so these emissions are negated.
Transportation emissions are included in the Transportation sector and not in Solid Waste to avoid double-counting.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 57
Process emissions: These emissions arise from the energy used in powering the equipment which is used in managing the landfill or recycling facility.
The most effective way to reduce waste emissions is to reduce the volume of waste through environmentally responsible purchasing and avoid products with excess packaging. It takes energy to manufacture, distribute and use consumables as well as to manage the waste generated from such use. Waste reduction and diversion programs prevent materials from ending up in landfills, and recycling reduces GHG emissions associated with the energy embodied in material goods and their packaging.
3.5.2 State mandates and diversion
The State began mandating waste reduction and recycling through the Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939), under which local governments are required to implement waste reduction programs that achieve a 50% reduction in the amount of solid waste sent to landfills by 2000 and maintain that level of reduction thereafter. Further legislation (AB 341 (2011), AB 1826 (2014), and SB 1383 (2016)) mandates recycling and organics service be provided universally, and additional waste reduction measures, such as the recovery of 20% of edible food waste for human consumption.
To achieve regulatory compliance with AB 93960, the City developed a Source Reduction and Recycling Element61 based on an analysis of the trash generated in the City. The City’s performance in reducing solid waste disposal is monitored by CalRecycle, which calculates and publishes the City’s diversion rate from data submitted by landfill and recycling centers throughout the State. For many years, the City’s diversion rate has been between 65% and 70%.62
Through the City’s 2022 Solid Waste Franchise Agreement, recycling and organics collection services are provided to every resident and business in the community. The City’s other waste diversion programs include a permanent household hazardous waste (HHW) facility open weekly to all residents, no-cost HHW home collection, Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris recycling ordinance and permit process, and Single-Use Disposable (SUD) plastics (polystyrene) ban.
Based on data from CalRecycle, 95% of the City’s GHG emissions from the solid waste sector come from landfilling organic waste. Reducing solid waste through measures such as waste reduction, recycling and composting can help mitigate GHG emissions from the waste sector.
60 https://calrecycle.ca.gov/lgcentral/library/srre/
61 City of Thousand Oaks Source Reduction and Recycling Element (1992), updated in 2014, https://www.toaks.org/home/showpublisheddocument/3229/636052955145400000 62 https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/LGCentral/AnnualReporting/DisposalRateCalculator Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 58
3.5.3 Measures
The following are strategies to be implemented to further reduce and divert waste from the landfill.
GOAL: SW1: Reduce volume of landfilled waste
Measure SW1.1: Reduce methane emissions from landfilled organic waste through organics collection and composting.
Implementation target date:
2022
2030 GHG savings:
6,202 tonnes
2045 GHG savings:
6,813 tonnes
Performance Metrics:
Organics collection to occur at 95% of residences and businesses in the City on at least a weekly basis by 2025.
Divert at least 65% of total solid waste generated (equivalent to 5.25 pounds per resident per day waste disposal) by 2026, 60% by 2027, 70% by 2028 and 75% by 2030.
Summary: Organic waste that decomposes in a landfill generates methane. Even with methane collection at the landfill, approximately 25% escapes into the atmosphere. This is the largest component of solid waste GHG emissions. By providing weekly organics service to every resident and business in the City and composting this waste at a certified composting facility, these emissions can be greatly reduced.
Implementation actions:
Beginning in 2022 City contracted with waste hauler for scheduled weekly collection of separated organics waste at all residences and businesses. City to track diversion through CalRecycle annual disposal reports. City to track service through quarterly and annual report from waste hauler. City to work with waste hauler to further outreach and education on proper disposal and recycling practices.
Measure SW1.2: Reduce waste of edible food through establishment of a food recovery program and facility.
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
2,288 tonnes
2045 GHG savings:
2,397 tonnes
Performance Metrics:
City to enlist at least 80% of Tier 1 food generators and 60% of Tier 2 food generators in City’s food recovery program by 2024.
City to design and construct a food storage facility to support food recovery organizations by 2026.
Recover at least 1,000 tons of edible food for human consumption per year by 2024. Increase by 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2045.
Summary: Food waste is the single most common material landfilled in the U.S. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that food scraps and food waste accounts for 24% of all the material landfilled. Uneaten food results in a waste of resources including agricultural land, water, pesticides, fertilizers, and energy. It also results in environmental impacts including GHG emissions, consumption and degradation of freshwater resources, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and degradation of soil quality and air quality.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 59
The largest energy and GHG emissions benefits can be obtained by reducing food waste from households and restaurants63.
Implementation actions:
City to seek stakeholder input from food recovery organizations and food waste generators on ways to reduce food waste and recover edible food for distribution. City to secure food waste app. to connect food generators with food recovery organizations, and register organizations in app.
City to conduct in person visits to all Tier 1 and Tier 2 food generators in the City by end of 2024.
City to conduct in person visits to all food recovery organizations operating in City. City to set aside funding from grants and the City’s Solid Waste Fund for a local food recovery facility that would provide necessary refrigeration and storage to support local food recovery organizations.
City to identify management model, suitable site, design and construct storage facility.
Supporting Measure SW1.3: Conduct a waste characterization study of the City’s waste streams and implement targeted education and technical assistance.
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Performance Metric: Conduct statistically-valid waste audits of community waste at least four times annually, including recycling, trash, and organic waste.
Summary: Correct sorting of waste streams is an ongoing challenge, particularly in the commercial and multi-family sectors. Identifying the waste types that present the most challenges and their sources, through waste audits will allow for targeted outreach and education.
Implementation actions:
City to work with exclusive solid waste franchisee to conduct waste audits regularly at commercial and multi-family properties.
Exclusive solid waste franchisee to ensure that service and access to waste containers is adequate.
Exclusive solid waste franchisee to design educational material and signage, and to conduct outreach to these facilities as needed.
Supporting Measure SW1.4: Provide leadership in modeling zero waste practices at municipal facilities
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Performance Metrics:
Departmental events to use re-useable dinnerware.
3-bin collection system installed in every breakroom at City-operated facilities.
City events to utilize recycling collection containers.
63 https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-11/from-farm-to-kitchen-the-environmental-impacts-of- u.s.-food-waste_508-tagged.pdf
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 60
Summary: Modeling best practices at City facilities demonstrates leadership and trains City staff in appropriate waste reduction strategies.
Implementation actions:
City to utilize re-useable dinnerware and utensils for internal events and functions. City to eliminate the use of single-use plastics at City-hosted events City to utilize three-bin (trash, recycling, organics) disposal system in all breakrooms and train staff and janitors on correct practices.
3.6 Strategy WA: Water
The consumption of water by the community’s residents and businesses has significant GHG implications since almost all the water used within the City is conveyed some 500 miles from the northern part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Sacramento via the Feather River, across the delta, and pumped south through the San Joaquin Valley via the State Water Project, 2,000 feet over the Tehachapi Mountains and into Southern California. Water delivery and treatment in the State accounts for approximately 8% of California’s electricity use64. In addition, ten times as much energy as this occurs in water end use, especially water heating (primarily natural gas use), which accounts for 90% of all energy used by the water sector. Thus, incorporating the relationship between water consumption and energy consumption in the GHG inventory quantifies the impact of water conservation measures on emissions’ reductions.
Water service in the City is carried out by four different water agencies - the City’s own municipal supplier, the City of Thousand Oaks Water, serving 36% of the community, California American Water Co. (serving 48%), California Water Service (serving 16%), and Camrosa Water District supplying less than one percent of the City. These agencies serve as the retail purveyors, selling water directly to residents and businesses.
3.6.1 Measures
The following strategies are designed to reduce imported water use and thus the GHG footprint associated with water conveyance and treatment. Additional strategies that address water security, adaptation and resilience to drought are presented in the Adaptation and Resilience section of the Plan.
GOAL: WA1: Reduce community water use
Measure WA1.1: Transition community to climate-appropriate landscaping Implementation target date:
2022
2030 GHG savings:
2,076 tonnes
2045 GHG savings:
0 tonnes
64 California Public Utilities Commission, Embedded Energy in Water Studies. Study 1: Statewide and Regional Water-Energy Relationship (prepared by GEI Consultants/Navigant Consulting, Inc., 2010 Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 61
Performance Metric: Reduce City water agency community water use by 20% by 2030 relative to 2020.
Summary: Ornamental landscaping, often imported from Europe or the tropics, places high demands on our water particularly as temperatures increase, and offers little, if any, habitat value, which has co-developed with native plants and trees.
Implementation actions:
Update local landscape resolution for climate-appropriate plantings. Limit or eliminate turf (replacing with native groundcover alternatives), and prohibit planting of invasive species and fire carrying tree species (e.g. palm and eucalyptus). City’s water conservation ordinance to prioritize water use for indoor use, efficient irrigation systems, and climate-appropriate landscaping. City to provide and support community education related to appropriate landscaping and irrigation methods.
Supporting Measure WA1.2: Encourage greywater installation in new MF developments.
Implementation target date:
2026
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Performance Metric: One or more permitted commercial greywater systems installed by 2030.
Summary: On-site re-use of greywater can provide a viable local non-potable water source but there are significant upfront, and ongoing maintenance and operations costs. Such systems are most cost-effective when designed into new developments.
Implementation actions:
City to provide information and education to developers on greywater options and encourage their inclusion in new housing projects.
Supporting Measure WA1.3: City to model sustainable landscaping in its medians and other City-owned landscaped areas.
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Performance Metric: Removal of all ornamental turf at City-owned properties by 2025.
Transition of all medians to sustainable landscaping by 2030.
Summary: Climate-appropriate landscaping saves water, provides habitat and attracts pollinators, bringing multiple benefits. This is an opportunity for the City to model plant choices and best practices.
Implementation actions:
City to transition public landscaped areas to sustainable landscaping (in progress) as funding allows.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 62
4 Strategy EN: Environmental
The City prides itself on its long-standing environmental commitment through Open Space preservation, oak tree protection, support for sustainable transportation such as bike lanes and alternative-fuel vehicles, urban forest, and water conservation, waste reduction and clean energy programs. Some of these contribute measurable reductions to GHG emissions, whereas others may be primarily for the benefit of preserving our natural environment, supporting native flora and fauna, and protecting the quality of life for our residents. In this section, strategies that fall into this latter category are presented.
4.1 Urban Tree Canopy
The community forest with its native oak trees is the City’s largest, most visible, and arguably most important natural resource. It unites the built environment of our communities with the natural world. As living infrastructure, the forest provides environmental, economic and social benefits and helps Thousand Oaks to be resilient in the face of climate change and growth.
Understanding the economic, environmental, and cultural value of its urban forest, the City must carefully and comprehensively manage this natural resource for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Besides imparting a distinctive character and identity to the City, trees are valued for the multiple environmental benefits that they provide including, but not limited to, the following:
diffusing and blocking traffic noise;
moderating wind;
filtering and scrubbing airborne particulates;
producing oxygen to replenish the atmosphere and dilute pollutants; helping to reduce air pollution by reducing ozone, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter;
reducing soil erosion and surface runoff;
providing shade and evaporative cooling, helping to combat the effects of urban heat islands, and reducing energy costs and consumption; absorbing carbon dioxide through the processes of photosynthesis and thus “sequestering” carbon in the biomass of the tree; and
providing habitat for birds and other wildlife.
In addition, trees increase property values and act as a stimulus to economic development, attracting new businesses and tourism. The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding street and neighborhood raises residential property values.
Urban trees are impacted by biotic and abiotic stress. The built environment covers and compacts soil, vehicles collide with branches, and trees can be mistreated, pruned badly or “topped” during poor service. The acute impacts of climate change—extreme heat, drought, and intensified wildfire—further challenge the longevity of urban nature. Beset by such Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 63
stresses, street trees have an average life expectancy of 19 to 28 years, compared to the hundreds of years a tree might live under ideal conditions. As most species of trees take 40 years to mature, City street trees are often adolescent and rarely reach a size where their full benefits can be enjoyed. The basic means of overcoming these stresses and restoring the vigor of the community forest is to correctly plant the right tree in the right place and provide it with proper care.
For the most part, the forest now seen in Thousand Oaks is an artifact of settlement, evolving since the City’s incorporation. Many of the tree species in this forest are originally from all over the world, having been brought here by people as they settled. There are also trees that are native to this region, such as the oak trees, which have particular significance to the Conejo Valley’s earliest human residents, the Chumash.65
Because many of the trees planted in the City are from all over the world, they are not always appropriate for the local climate conditions. With the adoption of the Forestry Master Plan (FMP) in 1989 and its update in 2017, the City has been replenishing and perpetuating our street trees with selective tree removal and progressive planting with an eye towards planting the right tree in the right place and providing it with proper care.
To maximize the community benefits provided by trees the City should increase its urban canopy.
A critical component is an accurate and updated tree inventory. Fortunately, the City has a robust tree inventory consisting of multiple GIS map layers, which is complimented by US Forestry Service data from their 2018 survey. This data will assist City staff in implementing actions that result in urban canopy expansion with a particular emphasis on areas in the City possessing low canopy density with priority given to the areas disproportionately affected by pollution (based on CalEnviroScreen66 scores).
Private and public property considerations must be respected when looking to expand the City’s urban canopy. The City plants trees on City-owned parcels wherever possible (e.g., La Jolla lot along east side of 23 Freeway on west end of La Jolla Drive approximately 1,100 oak trees; Haaland Drive near Thousand Oaks Transportation Center approximately 100 oak trees; 401/403 Hillcrest 40 oak trees along McCloud Ave, 130 Crape Myrtle trees along Pederson Ave.). Some areas of the City voted to form landscape and lighting assessment districts that impose assessments to support landscaping. These areas have larger planting budgets, which is reflected in their enhanced landscaping.
65 City of Thousand Oaks Forestry Master Plan, Second Edition, April 2017 https://www.toaks.org/custom/Documents/PublicWorks/FMPReport.pdf 66 https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-40 Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 64
A City ordinance requires each parcel with a frontage to have one tree planted67. The City encourages property owners to adhere to this policy by educating them on the benefits of street trees and will plant a tree free of charge to assist the property owner with compliance. In such cases, a tree is selected from the Forestry Master Plan and a collective agreement between the property owner and the City ensures that the property owner provides adequate water to the street tree while the City provides proper tree care if planted in the public right-of- way.
According to the Ventura County Tree Coalition, 80% of the City’s canopy is on private property, which represents a key area of opportunity for urban canopy expansion. This will require significant outreach in order to further expand tree coverage.
4.1.1 Measures
GOAL: EN1: Expand the City’s urban tree canopy
Supporting Measure EN1.1: Prioritize tree planting investments in neighborhoods with limited green space, canopy coverage, or elevated air pollution.
Implementation target date:
2026
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Trees are an effective way of reducing direct heat from the sun through shading buildings, paths, vehicles and recreation areas. Trees also clean the air by filtering air pollutants.
Implementation actions:
City to map urban tree canopy and plant street trees in public rights-of-way where possible in neighborhoods with reduced canopy and shade.
Supporting Measure EN1.2: Encourage tree planting on private property.
Implementation target date:
2026
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Many residents are unaware of the best trees to plant and may not have the resources to purchase or plant. Ventura County has established a General Plan goal to plant at least 1,000 trees annually through 2040. City should partner with County on outreach to help achieve this goal.
Implementation actions:
City to donate climate-appropriate trees to low-income and disadvantaged community property areas
Expand the City-sponsored volunteer tree planting program and organize plantings annually
Coordinate with the County of Ventura’s Tree Planting program to sponsor tree giveaways and plantings using native and drought-resistant species.
Supporting Measure EN1.3: Fill in street trees where gaps exist
67 Sections 9-3.1006 and 7-2.905 of TOMC,
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/thousandoaks/latest/thousan doaks_ca/0-0-0-12811, https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/thousandoaks/latest/thousandoaks_ca/0 -0-0-8327
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 65
Implementation target date:
2025
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Partner with property owners to encourage tree plantings along property frontages and enforce City ordinance on frontage trees.
Implementation actions:
City to educate property owners on the benefits of street trees and require tree planting in property frontages
City to plant street/frontage trees free of charge
Property owner to provide adequate water to support street tree City provides proper tree care if planted in the public right of way.
4.2 Ecosystem support
Climate change exerts pressure on already fragile ecosystems. Rising temperatures can alter the timing of seasonal events, such as flowering and migration, and can impact the behavior and distribution of species. Many bird species are shifting their breeding seasons earlier due to warmer temperatures, which can result in mismatches with food availability and reduced reproductive success. More frequent and intense droughts can threaten plants and impact the survival and distribution of many species, including the City’s oak trees. Wildfires can cause direct mortality to species and can also lead to habitat destruction and increased vulnerability to invasive plants and other stressors.
Climate change combines with the stressors of the built environment to put added pressure on local species. The City is dedicated to preserving local habitats through its Open Space conservation practices. However, it is important to encourage residents and businesses to support a healthy ecosystem on their own properties and to raise awareness of practices that negatively impact this ecosystem, such as the use of pesticides and rodenticides.
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by facilitating the reproduction of plants. Pollinators can be supported in a number of ways including the planting of native plants, which are adapted to the local environment and are often better suited to support local pollinators; reducing pesticide use which can harm pollinators; and providing nesting habitats where pollinators such as bees and butterflies can nest and lay their eggs.
One of the most significant threats to ecosystems lies in the use of pesticides. A particularly problematic class of pesticides are anticoagulant rodenticides, which work by stopping the blood from clotting, creating lethal internal bleeding. These rodenticides, often targeted at rats, gophers and ground squirrels, also kill their predators such as owls, hawks, and bobcats, mountain lions and domestic pets.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to pest management that aims to control pest populations while minimizing the use of pesticides and minimizing harm to Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 66
the environment. It involves the use of a variety of strategies that are tailored to the specific pest and environmental context, and is often used in agricultural settings, but can also be applied in other settings such as homes and businesses. IPM’s key components include regular monitoring of pest populations to identify pest species, the extent of infestations, and any changes in their behavior or life cycle; the use of preventative measures such as habitat modification, exclusion techniques, and good sanitation practices to reduce pest populations and prevent future infestations; the use of natural predators, parasites, and pathogens to control pest populations; the use of pesticides only as a last resort and in a targeted manner to minimize harm to non-target organisms; and regular evaluation of the program’s effectiveness and making necessary adjustments based on the results.
4.2.1 Measures
GOAL: EN2: Protect and provide ecosystem support
Supporting Measure EN2.1: Encourage the planting of pollinator-friendly native gardens.
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by facilitating the reproduction of plants.
Implementation actions:
Provide outreach and education to residents on the benefits of pollinators and native plants.
Provide access to resources such as turf rebates and the City’s Community Environmental Enhancement Grant to assist with implementation.
Supporting Measure EN2.2: Continue to encourage the use of Integrated Pest Management practices.
Implementation target date:
2020
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Many residents are unaware of the unintended consequences and collateral damage associated with using pesticides. There are alternatives to dealing with pests while minimizing harm to the environment.
Implementation actions:
Provide outreach and education to residents on the damage caused by pesticides including anticoagulant rodenticides.
Conduct outreach on AB 1788 (2020), which prohibits almost all uses of second- generation anticoagulant rodenticides statewide.
Provide resources on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) alternatives. City to continue to practice IPM including the release of lady bugs, lacewings, and native praying mantises into public parks and landscaped public rights-of-way.
Supporting Measure EN2.3: Consider a dark skies policy or ordinance to minimize light pollution68
68 https://www.darksky.org/light-pollution/
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 67
Implementation target date:
2028
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: The inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light (“light pollution”) can negatively influence natural ecosystems and human health. To combat the negative effects of light pollution Thousand Oaks could adopt a dark sky ordinance that would maintain and improve views of night skies, maintain the City’s semi-rural ambience, and protect against direct glare and excessive lighting.
Implementation actions:
City to research existing dark sky policies, and consult with affected parties. City to develop recommendation and develop policy accordingly.
4.3 Landscape equipment
Gasoline and two-stroke engines used in lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other landscaping equipment contribute to air pollution more intensely than cars and trucks, produce GHG emissions, and negatively impact human health and quality of life.
Operating a commercial lawn mower for one hour emits as much smog-forming pollution as driving a new light-duty passenger car about 300 miles (the distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas), more than 4 hours of drive time. One hour of operation of a commercial leaf blower emits smog-forming pollution comparable to driving a new light-duty passenger car about 1,100 miles (the distance from Los Angeles to Denver) or over 15 hours of driving.
There are about as many small offroad engines in California (15.4 million) as passenger cars. 69% of these engines are used in lawn and garden equipment. (The remainder are in construction and farming equipment, and other equipment like generators and pressure washers). Total smog-forming emissions from this equipment already exceed emissions from passenger cars in California, but whereas emissions from passenger cars are projected to decrease as vehicles electrify and their engine efficiency increases,69 those from small offroad engines are projected to increase. By 2031 they are expected to be nearly double those from passenger vehicles.
Gas-powered lawn and garden equipment is harmful both to the environment and human health, with levels of localized emissions that include oxides of nitrogen (NOx), reactive organic gases (ROG), and particulate matter (PM) as well as carbon dioxide. NOx and ROG together contribute to the formation of ozone, a criteria pollutant. These emissions contribute to climate change and are hazardous to both the equipment operator and the public with impacts that include cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory disease, cancer, neurological conditions, premature death, hearing loss and effects on prenatal development.70 Fuel spillage is an
69 https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/sore-small-engine-fact-sheet 70 https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/banks.pdf Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 68
additional environmental concern, with an estimated 17 million gallons spilled annually in the process of refueling this equipment.71
Hearing loss is of significant concern regarding certain types of landscape equipment, especially leaf blowers. Stress, anxiety, depression, hypertension, heart disease and other health problems follow from continual exposure to noise.72 Limiting noise pollution surrounding homes in the form of landscape equipment is important to help maintain not only health and air quality but also the productivity benefits of teleworking.
In the same Executive Order (N-79-20) that prohibits the sale of gasoline passenger vehicles by 2035, there is a requirement to phase out gas-powered offroad equipment by 2035 where feasible and cost-effective. This Executive Order covers landscape equipment and portable generators, mandating that they be 100% zero-emission engines by 2035. To accomplish this, in 2021 CARB voted to prohibit the sale of new gas-powered small offroad equipment starting in 2024 and provide $30 million in financing, rebates and incentives to assist commercial landscapers with making the transition to zero emissions, battery-operated equipment.
Although gas-powered equipment will not be sold in California after 2024, their use is not restricted. Some cities have restricted or banned use of such equipment because of air quality, health and noise impacts.73 Although a few cities have banned an array of different gas- powered landscape equipment, most municipalities have focused on the leaf blower because of its prevalence, high noise-level, and the readily-available, cost-effective manual and battery electric alternatives.
Although battery-powered alternatives are available to replace all commonplace small equipment including hedge trimmers, lawn edgers, riding and push lawn mowers, string trimmers, chainsaws and brush cutters, some commercial landscapers have complained that for heavy-duty applications the electric versions are not as effective as they are unable to deliver the same power. However, in a neighboring City, Ojai, a ban on most gas-powered landscape equipment that was enacted on April 27, 2020, was initiated by a commercial landscape company and its success is evidenced by an expansion in September 2022 to include chain saws.74 Neighboring Westlake Village implemented a ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers beginning in 2023.
The high cost of equipment can be a barrier for transitioning the commercial landscape industry. While landscape maintenance staff who have transitioned to electric equipment report enjoying its benefits such as decreased noise, lack of gasoline odor, and reduced fatigue
71 https://psci.princeton.edu/tips/2020/5/11/law-maintenance-and-climate- change#:~:text=A%20sobering%20warning%20issued%20by,of%20cars%20in%20California%20combined.%E2%80 %9D
72 https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/toolkit/too_loud.html 73 https://noisefree.org/sources-of-noise/lawn-and-garden-equipment/ 74 https://ojai.ca.gov/268/Code-Compliance-Division
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 69
from less vibration, the high cost of entry for this equipment can be a challenge, especially for smaller businesses. Rebates and incentives for this equipment such as through California’s Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) Voucher Incentive Project75 can help companies make the transition. Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) may also be a source for future funding.
4.3.1 Measures
GOAL: EN3: Reduce air and noise pollution from small offroad equipment Supporting Measure EN3.1: Phase out the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
Implementation target date:
2025
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Gas-powered leaf blowers cause air and noise pollution, produce GHG emissions, and negatively impact human health and quality of life. In one hour of use, a gas-powered leaf blower emits more smog-forming pollution than driving a new light-duty passenger car a thousand miles. Cost-effective alternatives are readily available.
Implementation actions:
Provide outreach and education to residents and commercial landscape maintenance companies on the negative impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers, including health effects on the operator.
Transition municipal landscaping equipment to electric alternatives. Alert commercial landscape companies to available rebates on electric alternatives.76 Consider a City ordinance to phase out the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, with consideration of time and cost for commercial entities to migrate their equipment. City to consider leaf blower trade-in program.
Supporting Measure EN3.2: Explore the phase out of other small offroad engine equipment.
Implementation target date:
2028
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: There are about as many small offroad engines in California as passenger cars. 69% of these engines are in lawn and garden equipment. Gasoline and two-stroke engines used in lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and other landscaping equipment contribute to air pollution more intensely than cars and trucks, produce noise and GHG emissions, and negatively impact human health and quality of life.
Implementation actions:
Provide outreach and education on the negative impacts of gas-powered landscape equipment, including the health effects on the operator. Transition municipal landscaping equipment to electric alternatives. Alert commercial landscape companies to available rebates on electric alternatives.77 Supporting Measure EN3.3: City to pilot use of electric landscaping equipment in its operations.
75 https://californiacore.org/
76 E.g. in 2022 on, until funding runs out: https://californiacore.org/resources-professional-landscape/ 77 E.g. in 2022 on, until funding runs out: https://californiacore.org/resources-professional-landscape/ Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 70
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: City, and its contractor, maintain landscaped areas throughout the city. City to procure and test electric landscaping equipment in the community to reduce noise and air pollution and help maintain a high quality of life.
Implementation actions:
City to identify landscaping equipment ready for replacement. City to work with contractor to replace gas equipment with electric alternatives. City to seek rebates to assist with cost of new equipment City to procure and test equipment and make recommendations for viable equipment migration.
City to transition to full replacement according to recommendations and funding.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 71
5 Strategy AR: Adaptation and Resilience
As detailed in Appendix C, the City is projected to experience a range of impacts due to climate change. These impacts include an increase in the frequency and severity of heatwaves, changes in precipitation patterns, including more intense rainfall events and longer periods of drought, and an increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires. Vulnerable populations may be disproportionately impacted by local climate change due to uneven exposure to hazards, differing levels of sensitivity to those hazards, and disparate capacities to adapt based on socioeconomic status, age, health status, and access to resources.
5.1 Heat impacts
As temperatures rise, heatwaves are expected to become more intense and last longer, which can lead to a range of health impacts, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.
Heatwaves can also exacerbate air pollution, leading to increased respiratory problems. These impacts are particularly severe on vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
5.1.1 Measures
The strategies listed here are designed to address these impacts and vulnerabilities. These are adaptation strategies, as opposed to mitigation measures, and thus GHG emission reductions are not included here.
GOAL: AR1: Address heat-related impacts
Supporting Measure AR1.1: Expand urban canopy with climate-appropriate trees Implementation target date:
2026
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Reduce heat impacts to vulnerable populations by prioritizing tree planting investments in neighborhoods with limited green space, canopy coverage, or elevated air pollution.
Implementation actions:
City to assess urban canopy by census tract and plant streets trees in those areas where feasible.
Supporting Measure AR1.2: Revise City ordinance to permit contractors to start work before 7 a.m. and/or after 7:00 p.m. on excessively hot days.
Implementation target date:
2028
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Hotter and longer extreme heat events will affect the health and safety of outdoor workers.
Implementation actions:
City to allow contractors to allow work in early morning, evening or nighttime when temperatures are forecast to exceed 92°F subject to type of work and impacts on residents. Discretion by CDD Director.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 72
Supporting Measure AR1.3: Explore cool pavement and permeable pavement options for streets and parking lots.
Implementation target date:
2026
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Asphalt is a dark surface that absorbs sunlight and re-radiates heat to the surroundings, raising air temperatures. Expansive surface parking lots exacerbate this urban heat island effect. Alternative surfaces such as cool pavement could provide viable alternatives to reduce heat. Permeable pavement allows for water penetration, reducing runoff and replenishing groundwater.
Implementation actions:
City to explore use of cooler surfaces or surface treatment of paving materials for use in City parking lots and streets.
City to explore regulation of pavement options in new developments and in re-paving of existing parking lots to expand use of cool pavement
City to explore permeable pavement options for use in new public and private developments
GOAL: AR2: Address emergencies and increase energy resiliency Supporting Measure AR2.1: Develop resilience hubs/cooling centers at City facilities to provide shelter, electricity, and essential resources during heat waves, power outages and natural disasters.
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Resilience hubs can provide essential shelter for the community for evacuation during natural disasters like wildfires, and/or serve as cooling centers during heat waves providing respite from the heat for those without air conditioning or without power. A “hub” could be a separate building or an on-site facility, like a community room, that serves this purpose.
Implementation actions:
City to partner with other local agencies to develop resilience hubs throughout the community at City, CRPD and CVUSD properties.
City to encourage inclusion of designated resilience hubs onsite in new master-planned, multi-family and mixed-use developments, especially senior or live-in care facilities. City to develop battery energy storage systems, on-site solar and microgrids at City- owned resilience hubs for autonomous off-grid backup power during emergencies Supporting Measure AR2.2: Provide appropriate regulations to allow for development of distributed energy resources in residentially-zoned areas and throughout City Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Distributed renewable energy resources such as solar, small-scale wind, and battery energy storage are required to transition the electric grid to clean energy. Utility- scale installations in remote areas have largely served this purpose but require upgrades to Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 73
transmission lines and do not provide local resilience. Local energy resources are required to supplement these, reduce costly infrastructure upgrades, and add local resilience. Such resources, including battery storage and solar in particular, must be distributed along local distribution lines where services are needed, including residential zones.
Implementation actions:
City to develop process to allow for land uses of this nature through zoning code or other update.
City discretion necessary to ensure that systems are compatible with neighborhoods and do not generate unreasonable noise, glare or other negative impacts in residential zones.
Supporting Measure AR2.3: Establish emergency transit protocols to assist vulnerable populations with evacuation as necessary
Implementation target date:
2025
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Vulnerable populations may not have access to personal vehicle for evacuation during wildfires and other emergencies.
Implementation actions:
City to work with at risk communities and emergency management agencies to plan for assistance as needed during evacuations and natural disasters.
Supporting Measure AR2.4: Encourage businesses, residents, and property owners to install resilient clean backup power supply.
Implementation target date:
2025
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: There is increasing stress on the electricity grid from the offset in timing of power generation and demand, from the electrification of transportation, and from added demand due to climate change. Grid stability issues are being addressed at the national and state level, and energy storage is an important part of the solution. Adding battery energy storage at a local level, both in individual homes and businesses and in centralized hubs, will help avoid grid blackouts and brownouts, and provide an emergency backup in the event of an outage.
Implementation actions:
City to conduct outreach, disseminate information, and provide technical assistance on applications for rebates and incentives to property owners through the Energy Ambassador Program.
5.2 Precipitation impacts, drought and flooding
The City is likely to experience changes in precipitation patterns, including more intense rainfall events and longer periods of drought. High intensity rainfall events could inundate the City’s existing stormwater system and lead to local flooding. In addition, drought can affect the availability of water resources, leading to water scarcity and potentially impact local flora and fauna, vegetation and landscaping, and the City’s urban forest.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 74
5.2.1 Measures
The following strategies address water supply resiliency and the impacts of drought and more intense storm events. A number of strategies to reduce GHG emissions through the reduction of imported water were included under Section 3.6; there is some overlap between those and the Adaptation and Resilience measures listed here.
The City has been working with regional partners on a number of measures to increase the recovery and use of local water, improve the interconnectedness of regional supplies, plan for growth, and provide resilience to potential supply shortages in the event of an emergency, disaster or drought. Partners in these efforts include Calleguas Municipal Water District (“Calleguas”), the City’s distributor; Las Virgenes Municipal Water District; Camrosa Water District; and local water purveyor’s California Water Service and California American Water Company. These efforts are described in a number of planning documents including the City’s Urban Water Management Plan78, Water Shortage Contingency Plan79, Water Master Plan80 and Groundwater Utilization Plan.81 The measures listed below include summaries of strategies which are fleshed out in detail within the referenced planning documents. In addition to these, the City’s water agency will be preparing a new plan for managing water supply and allocations under California’s Making Water Conservation a Way of Life regulations.
GOAL: AR3: Address water supply resiliency, drought and storm impacts Supporting Measure AR3.1: Pursue regional water supply solutions with neighboring water purveyors
Implementation target date:
2030
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: The City is almost 100% reliant on imported water from the State Water Project for its water supply. To mitigate risk from supply cutoff during emergencies, City should pursue development of regional and local supplies.
Implementation actions:
City to pursue possible local water supply alternatives with Calleguas Municipal Water District, as well as other adjacent purveyors. This may include collaboration with Las Virgenes Municipal Water District on their Pure Water Project82, as well as reclaiming local stormwater and treated wastewater and treating it to potable standards.
Supporting Measure AR3.2: Pursue local groundwater options.
Implementation target date:
2030
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
78 https://www.toaks.org/home/showpublisheddocument/34615/637622911794430000 79 https://www.toaks.org/home/showpublisheddocument/34295/637589416068030000 80 https://www.toaks.org/home/showpublisheddocument/17486/636541241568300000 81 https://files.ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/263932-2/attachment/8ek6KRpaVNxaXlAoVipHDTdJBXH7O-EPV- mkISsVX1HOIk83M0uq-uVUL7rpnVV85aNeej4MzbYHK9Ix0
82 https://www.ourpureh2o.com/
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 75
Summary: The City completed a Groundwater Management Plan in 2020, which concluded that the groundwater basin has a sustainable yield that could supply up to 5-10% of the City’s needs.
Implementation actions:
• City to pursue design and environmental process for evaluation of the existing groundwater well at the Los Robles Greens Golf Course, with a goal of beneficially re-using the water for potable purposes. This may include collaboration with Las Virgenes Municipal Water District on their Pure Water Project.
Supporting Measure AR3.3: Pursue avenues to divert and treat stormwater and treated wastewater for potable re-use.
Implementation target date:
2030
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: The treated effluent from the City’s wastewater treatment plant flows down the Conejo Creek from where it is pumped by Camrosa Water District for use in agricultural irrigation through a partnership agreement between the City and Camrosa that is in effect until 2053. In addition, the City’s stormwater is currently untreated with a large portion flowing downstream through the same creek, and another portion on the east end of town flowing to Malibu Creek.
Implementation actions:
City to explore options with Camrosa Water District for treating water to potable standards.
City to explore pumping stormwater and/or wastewater for treatment at Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.
City to explore treating stormwater and distributing for local use.
Supporting Measure AR3.4: Install a clean resilient power supply at City water pumps Implementation target date:
2025
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: The City’s largest water pump station has a recently installed microgrid comprising battery energy storage system and generator to power it during power shutoffs and emergency outages. The remaining water pump stations rely on portable generators for backup power.
Implementation actions:
City to install generators and/or battery storage at remaining pumps for off-grid power to maintain water pumping ability during emergencies.
Supporting Measure AR3.5: Reduce stormwater runoff
Implementation target date:
2024
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Stormwater runoff can cause several problems for the environment including erosion, flooding, infrastructure damage, pollution, and reduced groundwater recharge. As stormwater flows over the ground, it can pick up pollutants such as oil, fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals.
Implementation actions:
Require developers to utilize permeable surfaces where feasible Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 76
Comply with the new requirements of the Countywide MS4 Stormwater Permit. Encourage the de-paving of private property including parkway planters through outreach and education
Supporting Measure AR3.6: Address flood susceptibility in identified areas Implementation target date:
2023
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: More intense precipitation events could result in longer lasting and more intense flooding, reduced groundwater recharge, and possible adaptations in the City’s existing stormwater system. Two main areas of the City are subject to flooding after heavy rainfall events: 1) the Arroyo Conejo riparian area that runs north of Hillcrest Drive between the 23 Freeway westward to Moorpark Road, and 2) the South Branch Arroyo Conejo area between Borchard Road and Wendy Drive. They are situated in 100-year flood zones.
Implementation actions:
City to conduct a local drainage study of the South Branch Arroyo Conejo area to identify engineering and construction solutions to improve the stormwater conveyance of that area and reduce the number of properties in the floodplain.
Supporting Measure AR3.7: Identify and pursue adaptations to local stormwater system to address more intense precipitation events.
Implementation target date:
2030
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: More intense precipitation events could affect the City’s stormwater conveyance system. The City’s existing stormwater system is generally not capable of processing levels of precipitation greater than those associated with a ten-year flood event.
Implementation actions:
City to rehabilitate, maintain and repair the existing storm drain system Citywide to ensure system reliability.
Supporting Measure AR3.8: Reduce demand for irrigation through transitioning community to climate-appropriate landscaping
Implementation target date:
2023
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: See WA1.1. Ornamental landscaping, including turf, places high demands on water particularly in summer. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and local rainfall patterns, thus requiring little-to-no irrigation after establishment Implementation actions:
Update local Landscape Resolution for new development to require climate-appropriate landscaping and eliminate non-functional turf.
City to provide outreach and education on appropriate landscaping and irrigation.
Supporting Measure AR3.9: Consider implementation of parcel-based water budgets based on State’s assessment of landscaped areas.
Implementation target date:
2026
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Since approximately two thirds of water use occurs outside, mostly for irrigation, water demand varies greatly between properties depending on parcel area. In order to better Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 77
manage water use in times of limited supply, water allocations from the State under “Making Water Conservation a Way of Life” regulations will be based on the assessed landscaped area in each water supplier’s service area. The City could reflect this within its own service area by establishing parcel-based water budgets.
Implementation actions:
City to transition to water billing system that will support individual parcel-based water budgets.
City to evaluate parcel-based budgets.
City to implement rates based on findings to encourage efficient use of water.
5.3 Wildfires
An increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires is projected to occur over the coming decades. The City is already prone to wildfires with a risk higher than 88% of communities in the U.S.,83 and climate change is expected to make the problem worse by creating hotter, drier conditions that increase the risk of ignition and make fires harder to control. Wildfires can damage or destroy homes and infrastructure, threaten human health, and harm local ecosystems. Populations with limited financial resources, higher rates of being uninsured and without access to a vehicle to evacuate are particularly vulnerable to the impacts. In addition, these populations may have higher rates of physical or mental disabilities or respiratory conditions and inadequate access to healthcare.
5.3.1 Measures
GOAL: AR4: Address wildfire impacts
Supporting Measure AR4.1: Explore program to assist residents with fire hardening of homes Implementation target date:
2025
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
Summary: Wildfire threat in the City, already high, is projected to increase. Susceptible areas include parts of the City housing vulnerable populations. Residents on the periphery of the City are also at higher risk.
Implementation actions:
City to develop, or partner with a local agency in, a program that:
o offers education and resources on fire hardening of homes; o explores no-cost options for fire hardening homes in low-income census tracts; and
o explores possible Building Code revisions to require fire hardening measures.
Supporting Measure AR4.2: Develop landscape ordinance that restricts trees known to spread wildfire embers
Implementation target date:
2025
2030 GHG savings:
Not quantified
2045 GHG savings:
Not quantified
83 https://wildfirerisk.org/explore/overview/06/06111/0600078582/ Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 78
Summary: Wildfire threat in the City, already high, is projected to increase. Wildfires in this region are principally driven by wind that carries embers. Certain trees can trap or spread embers that are the primary source of home ignitions.
Implementation actions:
Develop local landscape ordinance or update City Landscape Resolution to prohibit planting of fire-carrying tree species (e.g. palm and eucalyptus) in new developments and to require appropriate maintenance of existing fire-carrying tree species (e.g. palm and eucalyptus).
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 79
6 Projected Emissions and Targets
6.1 GHG Savings by Measure
CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(1) establishes criteria to guide the preparation of a “plan for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.” Subsection (D) notes that a consistent climate action plan must include, “measures or a group of measures, including performance standards, that substantial evidence demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by project basis, would collectively achieve the specified emissions level.”
Appendix F: GHG Reduction Measures Quantification details the methodology used to estimate GHG emissions savings associated with each of the measures in the Plan. These are presented in Table 6-1 below, and in combination, provide substantial evidence that the City can achieve consistency with SB32’s target of 40% below 1990 by 2030 by reducing 2030 emissions by 42% relative to the City’s 2010 baseline.
Table 6-1. Estimated annual savings in GHG emissions by measure for 2030 GHG Savings Measure Estimated annual savings in 2030
(tonnes CO2e)
Building Energy
Measure BE1.1: If not included in 2025 Title 24 update, City to consider requiring all-electric construction or mixed fuel plus a Flexible Measures compliance pathway that meets the
equivalent GHG reduction for new single-family residential buildings including detached ADUs.
391
Measure BE1.2: If not included in 2025 Title 24 update, City to consider requiring all-electric construction or mixed fuel plus a Flexible Measures compliance pathway that meets the
equivalent GHG reduction for new multi-family residential buildings.
1,366
Supporting Measure BE1.3: If not included in 2028 Title 24 update, City to consider requiring all-electric construction or mixed fuel plus a Flexible Measures compliance pathway that meets the equivalent GHG reduction for new non-residential buildings.
NA
Supporting Measure BE1.4: Encourage developers to build LEED-certified buildings at the Gold or Platinum level. NA Measure BE2.1: Require existing residential buildings with renovations above a specified threshold to use a Flexible Measures compliance path to install a combination of energy efficiency and/or electrification measures that meet a
prescribed GHG reduction target.
1,467
Supporting Measure BE2.2: Examine feasibility of requiring existing non-residential buildings with renovations above a NA Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 80
specified threshold to use a Flexible Measures compliance path to install a combination of energy efficiency and/or electrification measures that meet a prescribed GHG
reduction target.
Measure BE2.3: Transition to LED streetlights throughout City. 114 Supporting Measure BE2.4: Develop a City Energy Ambassador Program with a staff member to aid residents and developers with electrification transition during planning/permit phase of their project, and conduct outreach to existing building owners and occupants.
NA
Supporting Measure BE2.5: Develop/deploy an interactive online energy application that assists residents in
understanding and undertaking energy efficiency and
electrification home projects through customized
recommendations, cost-benefit analyses, and access to
resources.
NA
Supporting Measure BE2.6: Undergo energy audits at all City facilities and implement energy efficiency projects wherever cost effective.
NA
Measure BE3.1: Increase participation from non-residential properties in Green Power program from Clean Power
Alliance.
6,543
Measure BE3.2: Increase participation from CARE/FERA
program participants on joining CPA. 2,026
Measure BE3.3: Install solar at all City facilities. 121 Transportation
Measure TR1.1: Implement smart growth policies. NA
Measure TR1.2: Increase opportunities to both live and work in the City. NA
Measure TR1.3: Continue to implement the Active
Transportation Plan (ATP) and integrate support for e-
mobility.
NA
Measure TR1.4: Plan for walkability and bikeability in new developments. NA
Measure TR1.5: Pursue viable transit options. NA
Measure TR2.1: Increase EV charging requirement above
CALGreen mandatory provisions for new multi-family
developments.
Measure TR2.2: Increase EV charging requirement above
CALGreen mandatory provisions for new non-residential
developments.
Measure TR2.3: Require EV-supporting upgrades in
commercial parking lots when service panel is modified or parking lot is paved or re-paved.
Measure TR2.4: City to install EV charging infrastructure and EV chargers in public street, public areas and at community 41,403
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 81
facilities such as parks, partnering with other agencies as necessary to support EV adoption by residents of existing MF housing.
Measure TR2.5: Require EV chargers and charging
infrastructure to be installed in existing commercial parking lots/structures upon major tenant improvements (TIs).
Supporting Measure TR2.6: Conduct outreach to encourage EV charging infrastructure in existing MF developments and to accelerate EV adoption in disadvantaged communities.
Supporting Measure TR2.7: City to transition municipal fleet to electric vehicles.
Supporting Measure TR2.8: City to transition transit buses to electric.
Supporting Measure TR2.9: City to construct electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support fleet and transit.
Supporting Measure TR2.10: Dispense Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) from City’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling
station.
Solid Waste
Measure SW1.1: Reduce methane emissions from landfilled organic waste through organics collection and composting. 6,202 Measure SW1.2: Reduce food waste through establishment of a food recovery program and facility. 2,288
Supporting Measure SW1.3: Conduct a waste characterization study of the City’s waste streams and implement targeted education and technical assistance.
NA
Supporting Measure SW1.4: Provide leadership in modeling zero waste practices at municipal facilities. NA
Water
Measure WA1.1: Transition community to climate-appropriate landscaping. 2,076
Supporting Measure WA1.2: Encourage greywater installation in new multi-family developments. NA
Supporting Measure WA1.3: City to model sustainable
landscaping in its medians and other City-owned landscaped areas.
NA
Total savings from Measures 63,997
6.2 Projected Emissions with Measures
The combined impact of all measures on GHG emissions by sector is shown in Figure 6-1.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 82
Figure 6-1. Historical (2010 – 2020) and projected emissions (2021 – 2045) by sector based on successful implementation of the measures listed.
The largest reduction in emissions will be achieved through the electrification of transportation, specifically through the transition of light duty vehicles operating in the City to electric in line with the State’s 2035 ZEV mandate. Reductions in emissions from the electricity sector have largely been accomplished, although energy efficiency in new and existing buildings coupled with onsite solar will assist in drawing these down even further. Significant emissions from natural gas use in buildings are projected to continue in the absence of a transition to electric appliances and equipment, particularly in existing buildings, as illustrated in Figure 6-2.
Figure 6-2. Historical (2010 and 2020) and projected (2030 and 2045) emissions from the dominant sectors, transportation, electricity and natural gas.
Implementation of this Plan is projected to successfully achieve the 2030 GHG reduction target but fall short of the 2045 target as shown in Figure 6-3. The estimated GHG emissions reduction
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 83
from the 2010 baseline is 63,997 tonnes CO2e by 2030, meeting the 63,251 tonnes of targeted reductions required to achieve a 42% decrease. The combined impact of the measures is estimated to reduce GHG emissions by 184,434 tonnes relative to the 2010 baseline by 2045, falling short of the targeted decrease of 453,358 tonnes necessary to meet the 85% reduction target. These measures would result in a 59% reduction relative to 2010 in 2045.
This Plan will be re-visited every five years and measures re-evaluated. In the next 25 years, building codes will have been updated multiple times, the State is likely to have passed additional measures to help meet its GHG reductions targets, and new technologies will have evolved that cannot be foreseen at this time. These will all help the City to meet its mid-century emissions target.
Figure 6-3. Historical (2010 – 2020) and projected emissions (2021 – 2045) with and without measures, and 2030 and 2045 targets.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 84
7 Implementation and Monitoring Plan
An effective implementation plan should be clear, actionable, and transparent, and provide a roadmap for achieving the City's climate goals in a timely and cost-effective manner. This section outlines how the City will implement and monitor its CEAP strategies, and includes the following key elements:
6.1. Prioritized Actions: A list of the priority actions that need to be taken to achieve the targets identified.
6.2. Goals and Targets: A summary of the Plan's targets, and how each action contributes to achieving them.
6.3. Timeline, Funding and Responsible Parties: A timeline of when each measure will be taken, funding resources, and the departments and divisions responsible for implementing each.
6.4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting: A plan for monitoring and evaluating progress towards achieving the Plan’s goals and targets, including metrics for tracking success and regular reporting to stakeholders.
6.5. Community Engagement: A strategy for engaging and involving the community in the implementation of the Plan, including outreach, education, and involvement in decision- making processes.
7.1 Prioritized Actions
The community’s GHG emissions inventory clearly shows that the majority of emissions come from two sectors – building energy (natural gas) and transportation. Although there are electrification options for new buildings, tackling natural gas emissions from the existing building sector is challenging because retrofitting existing buildings to reduce natural gas consumption and switch to electric options can be expensive and also technically challenging, especially if the building has outdated or inefficient HVAC systems. The cost of upgraded electric panels, conduit and wiring can be prohibitive. In addition, owners may be less familiar with the electric options available and may have a preference for existing gas appliances and equipment. In general, the City prefers to utilize an education and incentive approach for transitioning existing buildings to electric by allocating staff resources to assist residents with the transition. A new Energy Ambassador Program is proposed, to assist homeowners and builders in accessing available rebate and incentive funding for electrification, conducting outreach and education to the community on electric alternatives, and providing technical assistance as needed. Building applicants for major remodels and additions of existing homes provide an opportunity to engage with builders. A Flexible Measure pathway will be used to drive positive change by increasing the energy efficiency of existing buildings and/or moving to electric equipment. Addressing GHG emissions from natural gas in existing homes and Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 85
businesses will be achieved through a combination of education, incentives and State regulatory measures such as a future ban on the sale of natural gas equipment84.
For the transportation sector, emissions reductions will be primarily achieved through a transition to electric vehicles. The City’s role will be to ensure access to adequate EV charging infrastructure for the whole community. Whereas homeowners can charge their vehicles at home, residents of multi-family developments do not generally enjoy that convenience. This will be addressed by four measures – 1. increase the EV charging requirement of new multi- family developments; 2. increase the EV charging requirement of new non-residential developments (this also helps commuters into the City); 3. require existing commercial developments to add EV parking infrastructure when re-paving; and 4. provide sufficient public chargers in convenient locations to serve the existing multi-family community and visitors to the City. This suite of measures will support the State’s accelerated transition to EVs by 2035.
7.2 Timeline, Funding and Responsible Parties
7.2.1 Timeline and Funding
Implementation of measures is scheduled to occur before 2030. Priorities will be driven by cost effectiveness, estimated GHG reductions achievable, availability of funding, building code updates and the building code cycle, regulatory and legal considerations, and resources necessary for implementation. Priority will be given to measures that can be implemented quickly with high potential GHG savings and with low cost or funding availability.
Timelines for funding opportunities will be particularly important in driving the implementation of EV-related measures. There are a number of significant potential funding sources for EVs and charging infrastructure that the City is tracking and will apply for where eligible, including the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program85, the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program,86 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program,87 Low or No Emission Grant (Low-No) Program (DOT)88, IRA Tax Credits Section 45W – Credit for Purchase of Commercial Clean Vehicles89, the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) program90,91, SCE’s Charge Ready program92, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program93 and others. Success of funding
84 On September 22, 2022, CARB proposed to ban the sale of all natural gas-fired space heaters and water-heating appliances by 2030. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022_State_SIP_Strategy.pdf 85 https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/nevi/
86 https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/cfi/
87 https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/ 88 https://www.transit.dot.gov/lowno
89 https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/commercial-clean-vehicle-credit 90 https://calevip.org/
91 https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/california-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-project- calevip-20
92 https://www.edison.com/innovation/electric-transportation/charge-ready-a-plan-for-california 93 https://www.energy.gov/scep/energy-efficiency-and-conservation-block-grant-program Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 86
applications for measures listed in the Plan will drive the installation of charging stations and acquisition of electric vehicles for the City’s fleet.
Amendments to the Building Code are necessary for electrification, energy efficiency improvements, and the proposed increased EV charging requirements in non-residential and multi-family developments. Building Code amendments/Local Reach Codes can take place in sync with the Building Code updates, which take place every three years or between cycles.
They must be renewed/re-adopted with every Building Code adoption. The next one will be the 2025 update, which goes into effect January 1, 2026. The primary resources necessary to implement will be staffing and consultant assistance in developing and implementing the local ordinances, and in developing and implementing compliance checklists. Consulting help is currently available to the City through our partner organizations, 3C-REN and CPA. The availability and timelines of this free assistance will likely drive the development of proposed Reach Codes. The City will likely incur ongoing staff costs in implementing compliance checks and consultant expenses every three years to update the local Building Codes with the cycle of Title 24 Building Code updates and in accordance with the policies contained in this Plan.
Building out and staffing the proposed Energy Ambassador Program may require additional resources in the future.
7.2.2 Responsible Parties
The Sustainability Division of Public Works is responsible for the development of this Plan in consultation with the Community Development Department (“CDD”), the Finance Department, and the City Attorney and City Manager’s Offices. A collaboration between multiple departments is necessary for successful implementation. Implementation of Building Codes is the responsibility of CDD, and development permits also fall to that department. In the future, it is proposed that a Sustainability Division staff member is assigned to assist with outreach, education and funding opportunities during planning and at the CDD public counter. This will provide the necessary staffing to assist with the electrification transition and has proven to be an effective model at other cities.
Implementation of building permits may require additional staffing or staff re-assignment to assist counter staff in checking for compliance with energy efficiency/electrification Reach Codes. This could be done through additional resources with the Building Division or as part of the Sustainability Division/Public Works review of projects that has traditionally taken place.
Table 7-1 shows the implementation plan for the measures listed in this document. The timeline indicates when the implementation actions are expected to begin, and the lead City Department and/or Division responsible is indicated together with other participating partners.
The schedule is subject to change depending on resource availability, funding, and other factors.
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 87
Table 7-1. Implementation plan for measures with schedule and responsible parties GHG Savings Measure Timeline Responsible
Department
(Division)
Potential Partners
Building Energy
Measure BE1.1: If not included in 2025
Title 24 update, City to consider
requiring all-electric construction or
mixed fuel plus a Flexible Measures
compliance pathway that meets the
equivalent GHG reduction for new single-
family residential buildings including
detached ADUs.
2026 Public Works (SUST)
CDD (Building)
CPA
SCE
3C-REN
Statewide Reach
Codes Program94
Measure BE1.2: If not included in 2025
Title 24 update, City to consider
requiring all-electric construction or
mixed fuel plus a Flexible Measures
compliance pathway that meets the
equivalent GHG reduction for new multi-
family residential buildings.
2026 Public Works (SUST)
CDD (Building)
CPA
SCE
3C-REN
Statewide Reach
Codes Program95
Measure BE1.3: If not included in 2028
Title 24 update, City to consider
requiring all-electric construction or
mixed fuel plus a Flexible Measures
compliance pathway that meets the
equivalent GHG reduction for new non-
residential buildings.
2029 Public Works (SUST)
CDD (Building)
CPA
SCE
3C-REN
Statewide Reach
Codes Program96
Measure BE1.4: Encourage developers to
build LEED-certified buildings at the Gold
or Platinum level.
2026 Public Works (SUST)
CDD (Building)
Measure BE2.1: Require existing
residential buildings with renovations
above a specified threshold to use a
Flexible Measures compliance path to
install a combination of energy efficiency
2027 Public Works (SUST)
CDD (Building)
CPA
SCE
3C-REN
Statewide Reach
Codes Program97
94 https://localenergycodes.com
95 https://localenergycodes.com
96 https://localenergycodes.com
97 https://localenergycodes.com
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 88
and/or electrification measures that
meet a prescribed GHG reduction target.
Measure BE2.2: Examine feasibility of
requiring existing non-residential
buildings with renovations above a
specified threshold to use a Flexible
Measures compliance path to install a
combination of energy efficiency and/or
electrification measures that meet a
prescribed GHG reduction target.
2029 Public Works (SUST)
CDD (Building)
CPA
SCE
3C-REN
Statewide Reach
Codes Program98
BE2.3: Transition to LED streetlights
throughout City 2025 Public Works (SUST) SCE
Measure BE2.4: Develop a City Energy
Ambassador Program with a staff
member to aid residents and developers
with electrification transition during
planning/permit phase of their project,
and conduct outreach to existing building
owners and occupants.
2024 Public Works (SUST)
Measure BE2.5: Develop/deploy an
interactive online energy application that
assists residents in understanding and
undertaking energy efficiency and
electrification home projects through
customized recommendations, cost-
benefit analyses, and access to
resources.
2024 Public Works (SUST)
Library
3C-REN
Measure BE2.6: Undergo energy audits
at all City facilities and implement energy
efficiency projects wherever cost
effective.
2024 Public Works (SUST)
Facilities
SCE Program
administrators
Measure BE3.1: Increase participation
from non-residential properties in green
power program from Clean Power
Alliance
2025 Public Works (SUST)
CMO (PIO)
CPA
Measure BE3.2: Increase participation
from CARE/FERA program participants
on joining CPA
2024 Public Works (SUST)
CMO (PIO)
CPA
Measure BE3.3: Install solar at all City
facilities 2024 Public Works (SUST)
Finance (Facilities)
Developer/Contractor
Transportation
Measure TR1.1: Implement smart growth
policies 2024 CDD (Planning)
98 https://localenergycodes.com
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 89
Measure TR1.2: Increase opportunities
to both live and work in the City 2024 CDD (Planning)
Measure TR1.3: Continue to implement
the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and
integrate support for e-mobility
2020 Public Works (EngS)
Measure TR1.4: Plan for walkability and
bikeability in new developments 2024 CDD (Planning)
Measure TR1.5: Pursue viable transit
options 2023 Public Works
(Transit)
VCTC,
FTA
Measure TR2.1: Increase EV charging
requirement above CALGreen mandatory
provisions for new multi-family
developments
Measure TR2.2: Increase EV charging
requirement above CALGreen mandatory
provisions for new non-residential
developments
Measure TR2.3: Require EV-supporting
upgrades in commercial parking lots
when service panel is modified or
parking lot is paved or re-paved
Measure TR2.4: City to install EV
charging infrastructure and EV chargers
in public street, public areas and at
community facilities such as parks,
partnering with other agencies as
necessary to support EV adoption by
residents of existing MF housing.
Measure TR2.5: Require EV chargers and
charging infrastructure to be installed in
existing commercial parking
lots/structures upon major tenant
improvements (TIs).
Measure TR2.6: Conduct outreach to
encourage EV charging infrastructure in
existing MF developments and to
accelerate EV adoption in disadvantaged
communities.
Measure TR2.7: City to transition
municipal fleet to electric vehicles.
Measure TR2.8: City to transition transit
buses to electric.
Measure TR2.9: City to construct electric
vehicle charging infrastructure to
support fleet and transit.
2024-
2029
Public Works (SUST)
Public Works
(Transit)
Public Works (Fleet)
CDD (Building)
CPA
SCE
3C-REN
VCREA
CRPD
Statewide Reach
Codes Program99
99 https://localenergycodes.com
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 90
Measure TR2.10: Dispense Renewable
Natural Gas (RNG) from City’s
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling
station..
Solid Waste
Measure SW1.1: Reduce methane
emissions from landfilled organic waste
through organics collection and
composting
2022 Public Works (SUST)
Athens Services
Measure SW1.2: Reduce food waste
through establishment of a food
recovery program and facility
2024 Public Works (SUST)
Food Recovery
Organizations
(Adelante, Safe
Passages, Manna, St
Vincent De Paul,
Harvest, Lighthouse
Church, Harbor
House)
Measure SW1.3: Conduct a waste
characterization study of the City’s waste
streams and implement targeted
education and technical assistance
2024 Public Works (SUST)
Athens Services
Measure SW1.4: Provide leadership in
modeling zero waste practices at
municipal facilities
2023 Public Works (SUST)
All City Departments
Water
Measure WA1.1: Transition community
to climate-appropriate landscaping 2022 Public Works (SUST) CDD (Planning)
Calleguas Municipal
Water District,
MWD
Measure WA1.2: Encourage greywater
installation in new MF developments 2026
CDD (Planning)
CDD (Building)
Public Works (SUST)
Measure WA1.3: City to model
sustainable landscaping in its medians
and other City-owned landscaped areas.
2024 Public Works
(Landscape)
City landscape
contractor
Environmental
Measure EN1.1: Prioritize tree planting
investments in neighborhoods with
limited green space, canopy coverage, or
elevated air pollution.
2026
Public Works
(Landscape)
Local non-profits
(Adelante)
VC Tree Coalition
Measure EN1.2: Encourage tree planting
on private property 2026 Public Works
(Landscape)
VC Tree Coalition
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 91
CDD (Planning)
Public Works (SUST)
Measure AR1.3: Fill in street trees where
gaps exist 2026 Public Works
(Landscape)
Measure EN2.1: Encourage the planting
of pollinator-friendly native gardens 2024
Public Works (SUST)
CDD (Planning)
Public Works
(Landscape)
Audubon Society
Measure EN2.2: Continue to encourage
the use of Integrated Pest Management
practices
2020 Public Works
(Landscape)
Measure EN2.3: Consider a dark skies
policy or ordinance to minimize light
pollution
2028 CDD (Planning)
Measure EN3.1: Phase out the use of
gas-powered leaf blowers. 2025
Public Works (SUST)
Public Works
(Landscape)
VCAPCD,
CARB
Measure EN3.2: Explore the phase out of
other small offroad engine equipment. 2028 Public Works (SUST) VCAPCD, CARB
Measure EN3.3: City to pilot use of
electric landscaping equipment in its
operations.
2024 Public Works
(Landscape)
VCAPCD
Adaptation and Resilience
Measure AR1.1: Expand urban canopy
with climate-appropriate trees 2026 Public Works
(Landscape)
VC Tree Coalition
Measure AR1.2: Revise City ordinance to
permit contractors to start work before 7
a.m. and/or after 7:00 p.m. on
excessively hot days.
2028 CDD (Planning)
Public Works (CIP)
Measure AR1.3: Explore cool pavement
and permeable pavement options for
streets and parking lots.
2026 Public Works (SUST)
Measure AR2.1: Develop resilience
hubs/cooling centers at City facilities to
provide shelter, electricity, and essential
resources during heat waves, power
outages, and natural disasters.
2024 Finance (Facilities)
Public Works (SUST)
SCE
CPA
Measure AR2.2: Provide appropriate
regulations to allow for development of
distributed energy resources in
residentially-zoned areas and throughout
City
2024 CDD (Planning)
Measure AR2.3: Establish emergency
transit protocols to assist vulnerable 2025 Public Works (Transit)
VCTC, California
Statewide Transit
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 92
populations with evacuation as
necessary
Mutual Aid Compact
(TransMAC)
Measure AR2.4: Encourage businesses,
residents, and property owners to install
resilient clean backup power supply.
2024 Public Works (SUST)
SCE, CPA
Measure AR3.1: Pursue regional water
supply solutions with neighboring water
purveyors
2030 Public Works (CIP,
Utilities)
Las Virgenes
Municipal Water
District,
Camrosa,
Calleguas MWD
Measure AR3.2: Pursue local
groundwater options. 2030 Public Works (CIP,
Utilities)
Las Virgenes
Municipal Water
District,
Calleguas MWD
Measure AR3.3: Pursue avenues to divert
and treat stormwater and treated
wastewater for potable re-use.
2030 Public Works (CIP,
Utilities)
Las Virgenes
Municipal Water
District,
Calleguas MWD
Measure AR3.4: Install a clean resilient
power supply at City water pumps 2025
Public Works (SUST)
Public Works (CIP,
Utilities)
SCE
Measure AR3.5: Reduce stormwater
runoff. 2024 Public Works (Env)
Measure AR3.6: Address flood
susceptibility in identified areas 2023 Public Works (EngS) Measure AR3.7: Identify and pursue
adaptations to local stormwater system
to address more intense precipitation
events.
2030 Public Works (EngS,
CIP)
Measure AR3.8: Reduce demand for
irrigation through transitioning
community to climate-appropriate
landscaping
2023 Public Works (SUST)
Calleguas MWD,
Metropolitan Water
District
Measure AR3.9: Consider
implementation of parcel-based water
budgets based on State’s assessment of
landscaped areas.
2026
Public Works (SUST)
Public Works
(Utilities)
Finance (Customer
Service)
California Dept of
Water Resources
Measure AR4.1: Explore program to
assist residents with fire hardening of
homes
2025
COSCA
Public Works
(Emerg.)
Fire Safe Council
VC Fire Dept
Measure AR4.2: Develop landscape
ordinance that restricts trees known to
spread wildfire embers
2025 CDD (Planning)
Public Works (SUST)
Fire Safe Council
VC Fire Dept
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 93
7.3 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
A monitoring plan is an essential component of this Plan and ensures that progress towards achieving the established goals is tracked, evaluated and reported. The City will report its community GHG emissions annually through the CDP, a global non-profit organization that operates the most extensive global environmental disclosure system, with a primary focus on the measurement, reporting, and management of GHG emissions. By voluntarily reporting GHG emissions through this platform, the City will benefit in the following areas:
1. Transparency: Reporting GHG emissions to CDP demonstrates the City's commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing climate change. It allows residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to access accurate and up-to-date information on the City's environmental performance.
2. Benchmarking and Comparison: CDP provides a standardized framework for reporting emissions, enabling the City to benchmark its performance against other cities globally.
This comparison can help identify areas for improvement and adopt best practices from other cities that have successfully reduced their emissions.
3. Identifying Risks and Opportunities: Through the reporting process, the City can identify climate-related risks it may face, and simultaneously explore opportunities for investment in sustainable projects and technologies that can lead to economic and environmental benefits.
4. Access to Funding and Support: Through reporting its GHG emissions to CDP, the City may gain increased access to funding and support from grant programs, non-profits, national and international organizations.
5. Climate Action and Mitigation: By reporting its emissions, the City contributes to a global database that helps policymakers and researchers understand the scale of climate change and assess progress towards climate goals. It aids in the formulation of effective climate action plans and policies at local, national, and international levels.
6. Recognition and Awards: By demonstrating strong environmental performance through CDP reporting, the City may receive recognition and awards for its efforts in tackling climate change.
7. Collaboration and Networking: Participating in CDP reporting allows the City to join a network of peers, organizations, and experts committed to addressing climate change.
This facilitates the exchange of knowledge, sharing of experiences, and collaboration on climate initiatives.
In addition to the CDP filing. the City will establish a public-facing CEAP dashboard that is updated with progress annually. Much of the required data, including community electricity and natural gas use, solid waste tonnages, vehicle emissions etc. are available on an annual basis and will be used to calculate annual GHG emissions for reporting in the dashboard as well as other indicators as detailed here.
The following steps should be included in a monitoring and tracking plan:
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 94
1. Identify Indicators: Identification of specific indicators that will be used to track progress towards achieving the established goals.
2. Gather baseline data on GHG emissions and specific indicators.
3. Set Targets: Specific targets will be set for each indicator that will ensure progress towards meeting the overarching goals of the CEAP.
4. Develop a Tracking System: A tracking system will be developed to collect and analyze data on the identified indicators, which will include data from the utilities, the State, regional bodies, local agencies, and various City departments.
5. Reporting: The results of the monitoring will be reported annually to the public, City management and the City Council through the GHG dashboard to ensure transparency and accountability. The report will include progress towards established goals, key challenges encountered, and any recommended changes made to the CEAP based on the monitoring results.
6. Review and Update: The CEAP will be evaluated and updated at least every five years to reflect changes in technology, policies, and other factors that may impact progress towards the established goals.
7. Stakeholder Engagement: Regular engagement with the public and other stakeholders is crucial to ensuring the success of the CEAP. Through outreach, e-newsletters and emails, stakeholders will be informed when the dashboard is updated and City Council will have the opportunity to review annually.
Annual monitoring and reporting will allow the City to identify areas where additional action is needed and make necessary adjustments to ensure the achievement of its climate action goals.
7.3.1 Key Performance Indicators
The specific indicators that will be used to track the performance metrics for each measure and monitor progress towards achieving the established goals are listed in Table 7-2.
Table 7-2. Key Performance Indicators used to track performance metrics and goals.
Indicator Tracking Mechanism Measure tracked
# new SF DU, # new all-electric SF DU, #
new Flexible Measures SF DU
CDD Planning/Building permit
process BE1.1
# new MF DU, # new all-electric MF DU,
# new Flexible Measures MF DU
CDD Planning/Building permit
process BE1.2
# of new non-res. bldgs, # of new LEED-
certified bldgs
CDD Planning/Building permit
process BE1.4
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 95
Annual electricity and gas use by sector PW (SUST) through utility data BE2.1 # of streetlights of each type (High-
pressure Sodium Vapor, Mercury Vapor,
LED)
PW (SUST) through SCE data BE2.3
# of public reached through outreach by
method PW (SUST) and counter staff BE2.4, BE2.5
# of households and businesses enrolled
in CPA by program type PW (SUST) through CPA data BE3.1, BE3.2 Total capacity of municipal solar
installed PW/Facilities BE3.3
# of feet of new sidewalk, new bike
lanes, bike lane improvements PW (Traffic) TR1.3
Bus ridership PW (Transit) TR1.5
# of EV Capable, EV Ready and EVSE
parking spaces in Tenant Improvements
and new developments
CDD (Building) TR2.1. TR2.2, TR2.5
# of City-owned/managed EV chargers
installed by charger type PW (SUST) TR2.4, TR2.9
# of Citywide EV chargers installed by
charger type
PW (SUST) from Plugshare and
County data TR2.1 - TR2.9
Electric vehicles sold and registered in
City
PW (SUST) from State vehicle sales
and registration data TR2.1 - TR2.9
# of City fleet vehicles by fuel type PW (Fleet) TR2.7
# of City buses by fuel type PW (Fleet/Transit) TR2.8
Amount of dispensed CNG and RNG fuel PW (Fleet) TR2.10
# of residents and businesses subscribed
to organics service
PW (SUST) through Athens Services
data SW1.1
Amount of trash, recycling and organics
disposed annually
PW (SUST) through CalRecycle data
and Athens Services SB 1383
dashboard
SW1.1
Count of food recovery organizations
and food waste generators enrolled in
City food waste program
PW (SUST) SW1.2
Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 96
Quantity of edible food collected from
food waste generators in the City
annually
PW (SUST) through Careit app.,
Food Share and food waste
generators
SW1.2
Annual water use by customer type PW (SUST) through Finance (Customer Service) WA1.1
GHG emissions will be calculated using the same in-house workbooks that have been developed for this Plan. They include tracking community emissions from all applicable sectors - transportation, building energy (electricity and natural gas), solid waste, water, and wastewater.
To the extent possible, tracking and reporting of environmental and adaptation and resilience measures will be included in the City’s annual reporting.
Baseline data on the listed indicators for 2023 will be gathered in 2024 and included in the initial dashboard available mid-2024.
7.4 Community Engagement
As part of the development of the CEAP, the City conducted extensive public outreach and engagement to allow residents, stakeholders, and other interested parties and individuals to participate in the planning process. Activities began in fall 2020 with a community-wide questionnaire on how the City should address the challenges of climate change. More than 800 respondents provided feedback. Also in fall 2020, a 21-member stakeholder group representing a cross-section of the community was established to provide ideas and feedback on strategies in each GHG emissions sector. The stakeholders were selected to represent both large and small businesses in the City, socio-economic diversity, and key constituencies affected by potential strategies (real estate community, landscapers, etc.). The City hired Raimi and Associates, the City’s consultant for the GP to facilitate workshops and ensure alignment between the GP and the CEAP. In the first half of 2021, four stakeholder online workshops were held, each focusing on a specific topic area within the CEAP. On July 10, 2021, the City hosted an in-person event at the main library which offered community members an opportunity to engage with staff on the various topics covered in the stakeholder CEAP development meetings, attend short presentations and visit hosted tables that included running video synopses of the topics hosted at each table. In addition, in summer 2021 four pop-up community engagement events were hosted at popular shopping venues in the City and surveys were conducted at the Rotary Street Fair in October 2021.
Throughout 2022, community engagement on CEAP was largely curtailed while the GP was in development. After the hiatus, engagement was encouraged at the City’s 2023 Arbor Earth Day event where hundreds of residents responded to survey questions on their preferences for Climate and Environmental Action Plan - DRAFT 97
specific CEAP actions. CEAP community engagement re-started in earnest in 2024 and is planned through the adoption of the CEAP.
Engagement will include pop-up events, one-on-one and group discussions with representatives from sector-specific groups, online resources, community surveys, a presence at a number of targeted and well-attended entertainment events in Thousand Oaks, and presentations to a diverse business and resident population.
This draft CEAP will be released for public review in Spring 2024 after environmental review has been conducted. At that time, the CEAP and CEQA document will be available for public comment.
Once the CEAP is adopted, the community will continue to be engaged through the planned CEAP dashboard, annual CDP reporting, and through updates to City Council, the Sustainability Division’s and City’s monthly e-newsletter, and through planned Sustainability kiosks to be installed in the City’s Grant R. Brimhall and Newbury Park libraries.
Details of community outreach conducted to date can be found in Appendix D: Community Outreach and Engagement.