TITLE: Title
Energy and Climate Action Planning
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is to present the Board with a draft energy and climate protection plan, and receive feedback on future planning.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Randy Dodd, (919) 918-7326
INFORMATION: The Town has been involved in efforts to inventory and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for more than ten years. During the past year, the Board of Aldermen directed staff to begin developing a plan that would identify potential areas for improving efficiencies in Town operations with a target goal of reducing the Town's annual emissions by two- to- seven percent. Beginning with an initial kick-off meeting on April 30th, 2013, representatives from all departments have collaborated to consider new opportunities for energy and climate protection planning and implementation. Staff presented concepts for the development of a plan at the October 8th, 2013 Board meeting, and have subsequently been considering related opportunities in capital improvements and annual budgeting updates. A draft Energy and Climate Protection Plan has been prepared with a near term (1-2 year) focus on municipal operations but also with references to existing programs and initiatives for the community. The plan attempts to help the Town "lead by example", and touches on operations for outdoor lighting, facilities, and the municipal fleet and as well as community buildings, transportation, renewable energy, and urban forestry. Moving forward, staff recommend more emphasis in the coming year with outreach to the community through a fall forum, temporary task force, support from UNC, and online collaboration. The draft plan is available at http://www.townofcarrboro.org/pzi/Env/PDFs/DraftEnergyPlan.pdf .
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: Capital improvement and annual operating budget costs with energy and climate protection components have been presented separately as part of the CIP and operating budget...
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