HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM Draft Climate Change Action Plan 2030Council Meeting: 10/15/2018
Disposition: Accepted report and provided feedback to staff
Agenda Item No: 5.a
Meeting Date: October 15, 2018
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Manager’s Office
Prepared by: Cory Bytof,
Sustainability & Volunteer Program Coordinator
City Manager Approval: __________
TOPIC: DRAFT CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN 2030
SUBJECT: REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THE CITY’S DRAFT CLIMATE CHANGE
ACTION PLAN UPDATE TO MEET 2030 GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION
TARGETS
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide feedback to staff on the Draft Climate Change Action Plan 2030 and accept report.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
San Rafael’s current Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) was adopted in 2009 and contains 48
actions or “measures” meant to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25% below 2005 levels
by 2020. Forty of those measures have either been completed, are in progress, or have become
ongoing in nature. In 2016, the State of California adopted new targets for GHG emissions
reductions of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. In 2017, Councilmember Kate Colin and the City
Manager’s Office convened a community Working Group to amend or update the current CCAP
toward these 2030 targets. Since San Rafael was on track to meet the 2020 reduction targets,
the Working Group moved toward developing a new CCAP for 2030. The attached Draft CCAP
2030 incorporates measures to meet the 2030 targets while continuing the ongoing activities from
the original CCAP, such as implementing green building ordinances and improving our bicycle
and pedestrian infrastructure.
BACKGROUND:
In 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order S-3-05 to reduce greenhouse gases
by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, which is what scientists said was needed to limit global
warming and stave off the worst effects of climate change. In 2006, the State Legislature passed
AB 32: the California Global Warming Solutions Act, committing the State to near-term targets to
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels. The California Air Resources Board
subsequently adopted a Scoping Plan requiring that local governments achieve a 15% reduction
below 2005 levels by the year 2020 to meet that target. The San Rafael Climate Change Action
Plan (CCAP), adopted by the City Council in 2009 and subsequently incorporated into the City’s
____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
General Plan in 2011, has been the guiding document for our GHG reduction efforts. The original
CCAP laid out a series of 48 measures/activities intended to help San Rafael reduce community-
wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a stronger 25% below 2005 levels by 2020 and
committed to the 80% reduction by 2050. As of 2016, community-wide emissions have gone down
in San Rafael by 18%. Barring any unforeseen circumstances or dramatic shifts in the economy,
San Rafael is on target to meet our 2020 goal.
In 2016, the State of California set interim reduction targets of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 to
meet the long term 80% reduction goal. City staff and the Working Group are working in
collaboration with Christine O’ Rourke, the Sustainability Coordinator for the Marin Climate and
Energy Partnership (MCEP) to develop the draft CCAP 2030. Partial funding for this effort is
provided by MCEP as a way to leverage our work to assist other local jurisdictions in updating
their Climate Action Plans as well.
ANALYSIS:
The Working Group developed new greenhouse gas reduction measures/activities with the
assistance of local subject matter experts. The new State targets are a heavy lift and it will require
significant effort to meet them. Consequently, there are many measures in the CCAP 2030. These
measures as written and implemented successfully will get us to our reduction goals, however it
will require a commitment to follow through on them all to meet the GHG targets.
It became apparent in Working Group deliberations that the City will need to increase our
collaborative efforts with utilities, other agencies, business representatives, residents, and
nonprofit partners if we hope to achieve success. Community engagement was key in developing
the GHG reduction measures and formulating the CCAP 2030 but will be even more important in
implementing it. The City only has direct control of its facilities and operations, which contribute
less than 1% to the overall community-wide GHG emissions. However, the City has opportunities
to encourage, incentivize, regulate, and promote sustainable programs and behavior, and can be
a model for the community by showing leadership and taking action at the municipal level.
In addition to robust community engagement, the Working Group identified a few other overall
priorities for development and implementation of the measures. First, it is important to view all of
them through the lens of Economy and Social Equity so that measures and programs benefit all
and avoid unintended negative consequences as much as possible. The City will need to engage
stakeholders in our under-represented and disadvantaged communities as well as our local
business community so efforts to lower carbon footprints ensure a strong, diverse local economy.
In addition, it is important to find co-benefits such as improved comfort, health, and cost-savings
since most people do not make lifestyle or purchasing choices based on the impact of their
decisions on the climate.
There are eight major GHG reduction sections in the CCAP 2030. Below is a table listing those
sections and the corresponding emissions reductions. Three show no specific reductions because
they support measures in other sections (e.g., Community Engagement) or the reductions cannot
be quantified for use in our standard GHG inventory and reporting (e.g., Sequestration and
Adaptation).
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
Strategy
GHG Reductions by
2030
(MTCO2e)
Percent of
Reductions
Low Carbon Transportation 37,200 38%
Energy Efficiency 17,865 18%
Renewable Energy 31,230 32%
Waste Reduction 10,025 10%
Water Conservation 830 1%
Sequestration and Adaptation n/a n/a
Community Engagement n/a n/a
Implementation and Monitoring n/a n/a
Total 97,145 100%
The discussion below will focus on the five GHG reduction areas.
Low Carbon Transportation is the largest single area of potential
reductions in the CCAP. Much of this relies on high rates of adoption of
zero emissions vehicles (ZEV’s): electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
Recent studies and reports support the possibility of achieving our goals,
and polling done during our community engagement indicates that a
majority of San Rafael residents are absolutely or probably going to
purchase or lease an electric vehicle for their next car. One of the main things the City can do is
to help speed the adoption of ZEV’s.
Key Actions:
• Expand the City’s EV charging network
• Work with transportation agencies to update fleets
• Develop policies to encourage ZEV’s
• Work with rideshare and carshare programs to utilize ZEV’s
• Create more bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure
• Encourage public transportation and electric buses
• Transition City fleet to ZEV’s
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy are the next two largest reduction areas
in the Plan. Energy Efficiency is primarily geared toward conservation strategies in
the built environment and the electrification of appliances. Since we are a mostly
built-out community, it behooves us to refocus our attention on existing buildings
rather than new development. This will require working with agency partners and the
community since utilities are the major players in this space. Natural gas is a
significant contributor to GHG emissions: methane from natural gas production and
transmission is at least 28 times more potent a GHG than carbon dioxide. Because electricity is
cleaner we can reduce emissions from natural gas by encouraging people to replace old furnaces,
water heaters, stoves and heating systems with electric versions.
Key Actions:
• Create policies and programs to educate and encourage energy efficiency upgrades
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4
• Create policies for benchmarking energy use for certain buildings
• Apply energy efficiency building requirements to smaller remodels as well as rebuilds
• Incentivize building energy reductions through financial benefits or streamlined permitting
Renewable Energy focuses mostly on increasing the adoption of rooftop solar
and encouraging residents and businesses to opt-up to 100% renewable options
for their electricity purchasing. MCE Clean Energy and Pacific Gas and Electric
both have 100% renewable options that many people do not even know about,
and adoption rates are less than 5% in San Rafael. These options can reduce
emissions dramatically at just a few dollars more per month for the average
resident.
Key Actions:
• Increase promotion of rooftop solar to residents and businesses
• Increase promotion of 100% renewable electricity options from utilities
Waste Reduction is the final area with any meaningful reduction potential. The
majority of this comes from getting organic materials – food scraps,
compostable paper and landscape materials – out of the landfill cart and into
the compost cart. There are many challenges in this from knowing what
materials are accepted, keeping ‘contamination’ of non-compostable materials
out, the “ick factor” such as smells and fruit flies, and the disconnect between
landlords, tenants, and cleaning companies to name a few. Marin Sanitary Service has seen their
contamination rates skyrocket from 1% to almost 8% in the past several years since the passage
of mandatory recycling and composting laws at the State level. In the main, these State laws are
unfunded mandates with no local authority to enforce.
Key Actions:
• Develop a local mandatory recycling and composting ordinance with fines and
enforcement ability before 2022 (The State of California will be requiring local mandates
in 2022)
• Upgrade and procure new equipment at the recycling facility to remove contamination after
the fact
Water Conservation. Water in Marin is close to GHG-free since Marin
Municipal Water District and the Sonoma County Water Agency (which
provides approximately 25% of MMWD’s water) procures 100% renewable
electricity from MCE Clean Energy and Sonoma Clean Power. However, with
droughts being so common in Northern California, water is an important
component in resilience planning.
Key Actions:
• Ensure all projects requiring building permits, plan check, or design review are reviewed
by MMWD.
• Encourage the installation of greywater systems and the use of recycled water where
available.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5
Sequestration and Adaptation. Actions like planting trees and enhancing soil
and wetlands are shown to reduce emissions through sequestering carbon
dioxide by pulling it back down into the ground through plants, which take it out
of the atmosphere. Although the recognized protocols we use to calculate
emissions do not allow for capturing emissions reductions from carbon
sequestration, it is important to note that there is a significant amount of new research and
potential in this area, and San Rafael has a huge inventory of open space and park lands. We will
continue to consider San Rafael’s parks and open space for opportunities to “draw down” carbon
from the atmosphere back into the soil. One key item coming out of the Working Group was to
limit identification of specific adaptation measures in the CCAP, but to commit to conducting a
longer-term, community-wide adaptation planning process since the effects of climate change are
already being felt here.
Consumption and Purchasing Habits. Our approved local GHG inventories follow an “in-
boundary” model, which allows for aggregation across jurisdictions, so we can calculate regionally
or across the state or nation. However, it does not account for things like air travel or the
“upstream” emissions from mining materials or producing and shipping products. The Bay Area
Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and U.C. Berkeley developed a Consumption-Based
Inventory to better understand how our purchasing habits contribute to global climate change.
The inventory shows that wealthier community members tend to purchase more and therefore
have a larger carbon footprint. In order to truly reduce our effects on worldwide emissions we will
need to make better consumption habits, which means that community engagement is that much
more important for our long-term goals and work.
Next Steps. Staff will finalize the CCAP 2030 and supporting documentation, then post and
distribute it for a public comment period. A final draft will then go to the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District for qualification as a GHG Reduction Strategy, which will allow us to
continue to use streamlined development tools for new development. Then a final version will be
submitted for City Council consideration sometime in early 2019. The first step in implementation
will be to develop it into a living, online tool that can be used for active, ongoing community
engagement.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
Staff conducted robust, far-reaching engagement on this project. Input was solicited through ten
different community meetings, pop-up workshops, and events, targeting a diversity of constituents
including our Spanish and Vietnamese speaking communities, business representatives,
students, parents, and older adults, among others. In addition, we collected over 300 responses
through an online portal, and engaged hundreds of residents through three NextDoor.com
intercept surveys.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct budget implication of adopting the Climate Change Action Plan, but subsequent
implementation of the Plan programs would require that General Fund dollars and staffing be
redirected to these efforts, as well as the need to secure grants and other funding from all
available sources. The City Council will review and approve such subsequent budget allocations
as projects get underway.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 6
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Provide feedback to staff on the Draft Climate Change Action Plan 2030 and accept report.
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment A: Draft Climate Change Action Plan 2030
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SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
What’s a Climate Action Plan?
A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a tool that any organization can use to develop the programs and actions
needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), which are the pollutants that cause climate change.
Generally these CAPs are focused on this ‘mitigation’ aspect of climate change, but some also lay out a
strategy for ‘adaptation’, or how the organization will plan to deal with the effects of climate change
such as sea level rise, or increased flooding, heat waves, and wildfires. San Rafael’s CAP is called the
Climate Change Action Plan and mainly deals with mitigation.
Background
San Rafael has a rich history of climate action and environmental protection. Mayor Al Boro signed on to
the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement in 2006. The first Climate Change Action Plan was adopted in
2009. San Rafael received the first state-wide Beacon Award for Sustainability by the Institute for Local
Government in 2013. Several hundred citizens volunteer on behalf of the environment each year,
totaling thousands of hours of volunteer work worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in in-kind
contributions. San Rafael has thousands of acres of open space and parks and is a Tree City USA
community. These are just a few of the actions and programs San Rafael has undertaken over the years.
In 2017 the City Council identified updating the Climate Change Action Plan as a high priority in the
annual Sustainability Priorities. A 20-member Green Ribbon Working Group was identified by
Councilmember Kate Colin, the City Manager’s Office, and the President of Sustainable San Rafael. This
Working Group included people from various neighborhoods, businesses, high schools, and
organizations in order to get a diverse set of voices and perspectives. Throughout the year they
participated in a series of meetings with subject matter experts to develop measures for each section of
the Plan. Throughout the summer of 2018, the City solicited input from a variety of community
members through meetings, pop-up events at community gathering spots, online surveys, a business
mixer, and in-person surveys at organizations and activities. This has all been synthesized into the
following Plan.
There is broad scientific agreement that to stave off the worst effects of climate change, communities
will need to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by the year 2050. But time
is of the essence. We are already seeing the effects of climate change locally and throughout the world
with hotter temperatures, more severe storms, and more volatile and unpredictable weather. San
Rafael has met the State GHG reduction target for 2020 and is on track to meet its more stringent local
target by 2020. These emissions come from residents, businesses, and visitors, with only less than 1%
coming from government operations and facilities. Recently, the State of California set interim reduction
targets of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 to stay on track. This updated Plan, coming from broad
community input, sets out a road map to do just that. We’re all in this together; we can do this.
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[image: MSS, CMSA anaerobic digesters/Food to Energy]
What’s Been Done So Far: San Rafael Actions
San Rafael businesses, agencies, and residents have been at the forefront of mitigation efforts such as
renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, composting, and water conservation. In 2010 Marin Clean
Energy was adopted by the City of San Rafael and most electricity users went immediately to purchasing
50% carbon-free electricity for their homes and businesses. San Rafael was one of the first communities
to participate in curbside recycling thanks to Marin Sanitary Service’s (MSS) forward-thinking owners. In
2014 MSS and Central Marin Sanitation Agency began converting food scraps into energy through their
innovative Food to Energy project. By the end of the 2011-2017 drought, San Rafael water users reduced
their water consumption by an average of approximately 17%. And in 2017, Marin Municipal Water
District began purchasing 100% renewable Deep Green electricity from MCE Clean Energy, which
reduced San Rafael resident and businesses’ water-related greenhouse gas emissions dramatically.
[image: San Rafael water conservation program group]
The City of San Rafael has implemented 40 of the 48 measures in the original Climate Change Action
Plan, completing the majority of those that could be completed and moving most of the rest into an
ongoing implementation status. Most measures will need to be continued in order to continue to get
emissions reductions! (see appendix __ for the complete list)
Where We Are At: Emissions Trend and Status
The City prepares an annual community-wide greenhouse gas inventory to track emissions in seven
sectors: residential energy, commercial energy, transportation, off-road vehicles and equipment, waste,
water and wastewater. As shown in Figure 1, the majority of emissions come from vehicle trips
generated by San Rafael residents and businesses. Community emissions totaled 475,790 metric tons of
carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO2e) in 2005, the State’s baseline year. By 2016, emissions had dropped
to 389,260 MTCO2e, an 18% reduction. This is well below the State target for San Rafael, which is 15%
below baseline emissions by 2020, and the trendline shows that emissions are on track to meet the
City’s local reduction target of 25% by 2020. While emissions declined in almost all sectors, the largest
reductions were due to energy conservation and efficiency, a reduction in the carbon intensity of
electricity, and improvements to vehicle fuel efficiency. Emissions from City operations, which make up
less than 1% of community-wide emissions, fell 20% by 2015. For more details, see the City’s latest
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (see appendix __).
3
FIGURE 1: COMMUNITY EMISSIONS BY SECTOR, 2016
Emissions Forecast and Reduction Targets
The Climate Change Action Plan includes a “business-as-usual” (BAU) forecast in which emissions are
projected in the absence of any policies or actions that would occur beyond the base year to reduce
emissions. The forecasts are derived by “growing” (increasing) 2016 emissions using forecasted changes
in population, number of households, and jobs according to projections developed by the Association of
Bay Area Governments. Transportation emissions are projected utilizing data provided by the
Metropolitan Transportation Commission, which incorporate the vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
reductions expected from the implementation of the Regional Transportation Plan adopted in 2017.
Emissions are expected to rise about 3 percent by 2030 and 4% by 2040. Although the regional agencies
have not made official projections for 2050, continuing the trendline suggests emissions would reach
approximately 406,500 MTCO2e by 2050 under the BAU forecast.
The Climate Change Action Plan establishes targets similar to the State’s goals to reduce emissions to
40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. In San Rafael, that means emissions
would need to drop to 242,650 MTCO2e by 2030 and 80,880 MTCO2e by 2050. The Plan lays out
measures that will meet the 2040 target and put the City on a trajectory to meet the 2050 goal. The
community emissions trend, forecast and targets are shown in Figure 2 below.
Non-
Residential
Energy
17%
Residential
Energy
17%
Waste
3%
Wastewater
1/2%Off-Road
1%
Water
1/4%
Transportation
62%
4
FIGURE 2: EMISSIONS TREND, FORECAST AND TARGETS
Our Carbon Footprint
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and U.C. Berkeley developed a Consumption-
Based Inventory to better understand how our purchasing habits contribute to global climate change. A
consumption-based inventory includes emission sources that don’t get counted in the typical “in-
boundary” GHG inventory, as well as other items that are difficult to quantify like airplane travel and
upstream emissions from the production, transport and distribution of food and household goods.
Figure 3 shows the results of the consumption-based inventory for San Rafael households. According to
this inventory, the average San Rafael household generates 44 MTCO2e per year. As a comparison, the
City’s community-wide emissions of 389,260 MTCO2e works out to about 17 MTCO2e per household. In
essence, our consumption drives climate change more than anything and although San Rafael is meeting
its state targets for strict “in-boundary” emissions reductions, we as a community have a long way to go.
For more information on this and to see carbon footprints by census tract, visit the SF Bay Area Carbon
Footprint Map. To learn how to measure and reduce your household carbon footprint, check out our
local Resilient Neighborhoods program.
0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Actual Emissions Forecasted BAU Emissions
San Rafael 2020 Goal 2030 Goal
2050 Goal
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FIGURE 3: AVERAGE SAN RAFAEL HOUSEHOLD CARBON FOOTPRINT
This graph shows the relative impact of all the sources of emissions that make up a
household carbon footprint. Source: CoolClimate Network
State Pillars & DRAWDOWN: Marin
San Rafael doesn’t exist in a vacuum. While we are leveraging or trying to combat regional, state-wide,
national and even international actions and trends, we also have the ability and responsibility to
collaborate with other efforts and campaigns. San Rafael is known for collaborating and it’s our
collective imagination and cooperative efforts that make San Rafael such a successful and wonderful
place to be. If you’ve ever been to a San Rafael City Council meeting or Climate Change Action Plan
quarterly forum you will know this first-hand.
The State of California established the Six Pillars framework in 2015 when Governor Jerry Brown was
inaugurated for his second term as governor. These include (1) reducing today’s petroleum use in cars
and trucks by up to 50 percent; (2) increasing from one-third to 50 percent our electricity derived from
renewable sources; (3) doubling the energy efficiency savings achieved at existing buildings and making
heating fuels cleaner; (4) reducing the release of methane, black carbon, and other short-lived climate
pollutants; (5) managing farm and rangelands, forests and wetlands so they can store carbon; and (6)
periodically updating the state's climate adaptation strategy: Safeguarding California.
[image: 6 Pillars]
44.0 tCO2e / household 27,770 households 1,221,531 tCO2e
HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS HOMES NEIGHBHORHOODS
18,727 Vehicle miles traveled 120,934$ Income before taxes 57%owner occupied 8,127 Persons per sq.mile
7,713 Air travel miles 2.5 Persons per household 53%single-dettached 7,483 Heating degree days
5,686 kWh electricty 1.8 Vehicles per household 70%heat natural gas 171 Cooling degree days
416 Therms natural gas 20%with graduate degree 1965 Avg. year built
10 Gallons of heating fuel 80%white householders 1,596 Square feet
1.05 Short tons of waste 142 gCO2/kWh
1.38 Short tons of recycling
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
Marin Clean Energy
VEHICLE FUEL DIRECT
VEHICLE FUEL INDIRECT
VEHICLE MFG. & REPAIRS
AIRTRAVEL
NATURAL GAS
ELECTRICITY
ENERGY-INDIRECT
WASTE
CONSTRUCTION
MEAT
DAIRY
OTHER FOOD
FRUITS/VEGGIES
CEREALS
SMALL APPLIANCES &
ENTERTAINMENT EQUIP.
CLOTHING
HOME FURNISHING
& LARGE APPLIANCES
OTHER GOODS
SERVICES
COMPOSTING
RECYCLING
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30 METRIC TONS CO2E PER HOUSEHOLD Average Household Carbon Footprint
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The County of Marin, noting the need for all residents and businesses to actively reduce emissions and
plan for climate adaptation has created an engagement framework based on the research and book by
local author, entrepreneur, and environmentalist Paul Hawken called DRAWDOWN: Marin.
DRAWDOWN: Marin is a comprehensive, science-based, community-wide campaign to do our part to
slow the impacts of climate change. It is an effort to recognize our need to reduce our "carbon
footprint" and to provide a road map to doing so. Similar to the State’s Six Pillars, there are six areas of
focus: (1) 100% Renewable Energy, (2) Low-Carbon Transportation, (3) Energy Efficiency in Buildings and
Infrastructure, (4) Local Food and Food Waste, (5) Carbon Sequestration, and (6) Climate Resilient
Communities.
[Image: DRAWDOWN event]
Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Climate Change Action Plan includes a variety of regulatory, incentive-based and voluntary
strategies that are expected to reduce emissions from both existing and new development in San Rafael.
Several of the strategies build on existing programs while others provide new opportunities to address
climate change. State actions will have a substantial impact on future emissions. Local strategies will
supplement these State actions and achieve additional GHG emissions reductions. Successful
implementation will rely on the combined participation of City staff along with San Rafael residents,
businesses and community leaders.
The following sections identify the State and local strategies included in the Climate Change Action Plan
to reduce emissions in community and government operations. Emissions reductions are estimated for
each strategy; combined, they show that the City should reduce emissions 29% below baseline
emissions in 2020 and 49 % by 2030, which is enough to surpass the City and State goals for those years.
As shown in Figure 4, State actions represent about 40% of the reduction expected through
implementation of the Climate Change Action Plan while local actions represent about 60%.
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FIGURE 4: CUMULATIVE IMPACT OF REDUCTION STRATEGIES
S UMMARY OF STATE ACTIONS
The Climate Change Action Plan incorporates State reduction strategies that have been approved,
programmed and/or adopted and will reduce local community emissions from 2016 levels. These
programs require no local actions. As such, the State actions are first quantified and deducted from
projected community emissions in order to provide a better picture of what still needs to be reduced at
the local level to get to the overall reduction targets. State actions and emissions reductions are shown
in Table 1 and detailed in the appendix.
TABLE 1: EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS FROM STATE ACTIONS
State Action Emissions Reductions by 2030
(MTO2e)
Light and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Regulations 56,700
Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards 2,670
Lighting Efficiency 950
Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard 80
Residential Solar Water Heaters 30
Total 60,430
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
500,000
2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
Business as Usual (BAU)State Actions Local Actions
29% below
2005 baseline
49% below
2005 baseline
State
Actions
Local
Actions
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S UMMARY OF LOCAL STRATEGIES
The local mitigation measures presented in the following sections, and as summarized in Table 2 below,
achieve greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the community of approximately 27,740 MTCO2e in
2020 and 97,145 MTCO2e in 2030.
TABLE 2: LOCAL EMISSIONS REDUCTION STRATEGIES
Strategy
GHG Reductions by 2030
(MTCO2e) Percent of Reductions
Low Carbon Transportation 37,200 38%
Energy Efficiency 17,865 18%
Renewable Energy 31,230 32%
Waste Reduction 10,025 10%
Water Conservation 830 1%
Sequestration and Adaptation n/a n/a
Community Engagement n/a n/a
Implementation and Monitoring n/a n/a
Total 97,145 100%
These local strategies will be detailed in the following sections. Together, the projected reductions from
State and local actions total 157,570 MTCO2e by 2030, which meets the 40% reductions target set by the
State.
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SECTION 2: MEASURES
Local Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Each of the following sections provide a summary table of local measures and associated GHG
reductions, followed by a description of the specific actions the City will undertake to implement each
measure. The methodologies and implementation targets used to calculate emissions reductions are
described in the appendix. Sometimes, there is no direct or reliable way to estimate GHG savings for a
particular measure or the savings are embedded in another measure. In this case, the GHG reduction is
identified as “not applicable” or “n/a.” For example: Community Engagement is essential for success in
many of the measures set forth throughout the Plan, but counting savings in this section would then be
double-counting savings from other measures such as those in Low Carbon Transportation or Energy.
People need to know about a program to take advantage of it, but the actual emissions reductions will
come from participating in the program itself. Therefore, the savings is counted for that program.
Economy and Social Equity
Cities deal with a wide array of issues and pressures and must take all these issues into account when
budgeting resources and balancing priorities. Housing, business retention, health and safety, and traffic
congestion are some examples. Climate action can address these problems or make them worse,
depending on how they are approached. A major theme in the Working Group deliberations and
community feedback was around unintended consequences and making sure that measures and
programs benefitted the most, not just a few. Sustainability has been described as a three-legged stool,
pointing to the need to address not just the environment, but the economy and social equity as well.
One definition of social equity is the “just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate,
prosper, and reach their full potential” (PolicyLink). Equity is the means to ensure equality for all. An
example of how that might work with climate action measures is with energy efficiency. Giving rebates
to homeowners to swap out inefficient appliances helps reduce energy consumption and therefore
greenhouse gas emissions. But if financial incentives are only available to those with means to purchase
new appliances it leaves out a section of the community without means. Programs such as the Green
and Healthy Homes Initiative acknowledges this and works with landlords to upgrade common areas of
apartment complexes with the commitment to provide free appliance and building envelope upgrades
to renters so that there is a double benefit. First, the property owner can see energy reductions, and
second the renter can not only see energy reductions but can also enjoy a healthier home environment,
often by increasing comfort, decreasing health hazards such as mold, and providing more reliable
appliances.
The economy is the driver of prosperity and equity in a city and provides the revenue necessary for local
government to enact programs that are beneficial to the whole community. Half of our community-
wide emissions come from the business and commercial sector. But increased regulation can have the
unintended consequence of driving up costs, deterring innovation and job growth, and stagnating
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business development. However, many measures related to climate action can also have significant
return on investment and end up being great business prospects. There is a delicate balance between
mandating, incentivizing, and enabling businesses to reduce greenhouse emissions. On the flip side,
there is great potential to work together to ensure a robust low-carbon economy that creates good jobs
and benefits the whole community. California as a whole is a great example: State emissions have
declined 9% since 2006, while the economy has grown 16%.
Throughout the following measures, care was taken to avoid unintended consequences for our under-
represented and disadvantaged community members, as well as our business sector, and to enhance
the opportunity for equity and prosperity. It is important to consider and include our diverse community
members and business interests in the development and implementation of the measures in this plan.
11
LOW CARBON TRANSPORTATION
38% of potential reductions
More than 60% of San Rafael’s community emissions comes from transportation, and up until the recent
commercial success of electric vehicles, it’s been hard to see how we were going to reduce
transportation emissions. Sure, improvements in fuel efficiency have driven emissions down – the
passenger vehicle fleet in Marin County is about 17% more fuel efficient than it was ten years ago – but
vehicle miles traveled by passenger vehicle trips starting and/or ending in San Rafael have actually gone
up about 2% over the same period. Surveys show that alternative transportation rates have hardly
budged over the years, despite improvements in the bicycle and pedestrian network and public
information campaigns to get people to carpool, bicycle, walk and take transit.
All of that is now changing with the viability of zero emission vehicles
(ZEVs), especially here in San Rafael where electricity is pretty clean and
expected to get cleaner. ZEVs include all-battery as well as plug-in
hybrid vehicles. Marin County is a leader in ZEV adoption rates – second
only to Santa Clara County – and ZEVs already comprise about 2% of all
registered passenger vehicles in Marin. Our plan is to increase that rate
to 25% by 2030 by building out the EV charging infrastructure and
encouraging ZEV ownership through incentives, public education, and
development requirements. This is an aggressive target, but one that
complements the State’s goal to put 5 million ZEVs on the road by 2030.
Improvements in battery and charging technology, expected cost
reductions, and automakers’ commitments to significantly expand ZEV
offerings point to an all-electric future. Of course, new cars are typically
out of the reach of low-income household budgets, but programs that
incentivize used EV car purchases and installation of EV chargers in
lower-income neighborhoods can help ensure the benefits of EV
ownership are shared by all. That said, we can’t rely on ZEV’s alone to
meet our transportation reductions; reducing congestion, enabling
better biking and walking opportunities, and incentivizing public transit
all carry co-benefits and can be enjoyed by all.
TABLE 3: LOW CARBON TRANSPORTATION MEASURES TO REDUCE COMMUNITY EMISSIONS
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
Share of Reductions
LCT-C1 Electric Vehicles 30,600 83%
LCT-C2 Bicycling 1,910 5%
LCT-C3 Walking 580 2%
What You Can Do
#1 Drive an all-electric or
plug-in hybrid vehicle.
#2 Bike, walk or take
transit whenever possible.
#3 Shut your car off when
waiting in line at the ATM
or school pick up/drop off
lane.
#4 Better yet, have your
child walk or bike to
school.
#5 Use an electric leaf
blower and lawn mower.
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LCT-C4 Safe Routes to School 320 1%
LCT-C5 Public Transit 1,035 3%
LCT-C6 Employee Trip Reduction 1,030 3%
LCT-C7 Vehicle Idling 1,075 3%
LCT-C8 Parking Standards 55 <1%
LCT-C9 Smart Growth Development n/a* n/a
LCT-C10 Electric Leaf Blowers 110 <1%
TOTAL 36,715 100%
*Emissions reductions due to smart growth development are embedded in vehicle miles traveled projections
utilized in the development of the emissions forecast. In order to avoid double-counting, they are not included here.
LCT-C1: Electric Vehicles
Develop an Electric Vehicle Plan that will result in 25% of registered passenger vehicles in San Rafael to
be electric vehicles by 2030. Consider incorporating the following actions in the plan:
• Provide free parking for electric vehicles at City parking lots and metered parking spaces.
• Provide wayfinding signage to public EV chargers.
• Work with PG&E and other entities to identify multi-family and workplace charging sites
appropriate for available incentive programs, such as EV Charge Network.
• Participate in a countywide effort by MCE, PG&E and others to provide rebates for new or used
electric vehicles and/or charging stations.
• Pursue opportunities to expand the City’s EV charging network through innovative programs,
such as installing chargers at existing streetlight locations.
• Require new and remodeled commercial and multi-family projects to install a minimum number
of electric vehicle chargers for use by employees, customers, and residents.
• Require new and remodeled single-family projects to install electrical service and conduits for
potential electric vehicle use.
• Require new and remodeled gas stations to provide EV fast chargers.
• Participate in regional efforts and grant programs to encourage widespread availability of
charging stations.
• Target policies to support ZEV adoption, including used vehicles, in low income and disadvantaged
communities.
• Participate in programs to promote EV adoption, including "Drive an EV" events and other media
and outreach campaigns.
• Encourage or require, as practicable, ride hailing and delivery service companies to utilize low
emission and electric vehicles.
• Promote adoption of electric bicycles.
LCT-C2: Bicycling
Encourage bicycling as an alternative to vehicular travel. Establish and maintain a system of bicycle
facilities that are consistent with the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and Complete Streets policies.
• Provide bicycle racks and lockers for public use.
13
• Participate in a bike share program.
LCT-C3: Walking
Encourage walking as an alternative to vehicular travel. Establish and maintain a system of pedestrian
facilities that are consistent with the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and Complete Streets
policies.
LCT-C4: Safe Routes to School
Continue to support the Safe Routes to School Program and strive to increase bicycling, walking,
carpooling, and taking public transit to school. Promote school participation, identify issues associated
with unsafe bicycle and pedestrian facilities between neighborhoods and schools, apply for Safe Routes
to School grants, and execute plans to improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
LCT-C5: Public Transit
Support and promote public transit by taking the following actions:
• Work with Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit to maximize ridership through expansion and/or
improvement of transit routes and schedules.
• Work with SMART, TAM, employers and others to provide first and last mile programs to maximize
utilization of the train, including shuttle buses.
• Support a “Yellow School Bus” program and student use of regular transit to reduce school traffic.
• Encourage transit providers, including school buses, to use renewable diesel as a transition fuel
and to purchase electric buses whenever replacing existing buses.
LCT-C6: Employee Trip Reduction
Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work through the following actions:
• Work with the Transportation Authority of Marin and the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District (BAAQMD) to promote transportation demand programs to local employers, including
rideshare matching programs, vanpool incentive programs, emergency ride home programs,
telecommuting, transit use discounts and subsidies, and other incentives to use transportation
other than single occupant vehicles.
• Update the City's Trip Reduction Ordinance to reflect the most recent BAAQMD regulations and
to increase the number of employers subject to the ordinance.
• Embark on an outreach and educational campaign to encourage employees to reduce vehicle
trips.
LCT-C7: Parking Standards
Allow new development in the Downtown area to reduce minimum parking requirements by 20 percent
from current levels. Elsewhere, reduce parking requirements based on robust transportation demand
programs and proximity and frequency of transit services.
LCT-C8: Vehicle Idling
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• Implement signal synchronization and intelligent traffic management systems to improve traffic
flow.
• Encourage drivers and autonomous vehicles to limit vehicle idling.
• Consider adopting an ordinance to regulate idling beyond State requirements.
LCT-C9: Smart Growth Development
Prioritize infill, higher density, transit-oriented, and mixed-use development.
LCT-C10: Electric Landscape Equipment. Encourage the use of electric landscape equipment instead of
gasoline-powered equipment.
TABLE 4: LOW CARBON TRANSPORTATION MEASURES TO REDUCE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS EMISSIONS
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
Share of Reductions
LCT-M1 Low Emission City Vehicles 235 49%
LCT-M2 Low Carbon Fuels 220 45%
LCT-M3 City Employee Commute 20 5%
LCT-M4 Electric Leaf Blowers 5 1%
TOTAL 480 100%
LCT-M1: Low Emission City Vehicles
Purchase or lease zero-emissions vehicles for the City fleet whenever feasible, and when not, the most
fuel-efficient models available. Promote City adoption and procurement of zero-emission vehicles and
charging infrastructure to the public.
LCT-M2: Low Carbon Fuels
Use low-carbon fuel such as renewable diesel as a transition fuel in the City's fleet, and encourage the
City's service providers to do the same, until vehicles are replaced with zero-emissions vehicles.
LCT-M3: City Employee Commute
Provide City employees with incentives and/or reduce barriers to use alternatives to single occupant
auto commuting, such as transit use discounts and subsidies, bicycle facilities, ridesharing services,
flexible schedules, and telecommuting when practicable.
LCT-M4: Electric Leaf Blowers
Replace gas-powered leaf blowers with electric models.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY
18% of potential reductions
Increasing the efficiency of buildings is often the most cost-effective approach for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficiency upgrades, such as adding insulation and sealing heating
ducts, have demonstr ated energy savings of up to 20 percent , while more aggressive “whole house”
retrofits can result in even greater energy savings. Many “low -hanging fruit” improvements ca n be
made inexpensively and without remodeling yet can be extremely
cost-efficient, such as swapping out incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs ,
sealing air leaks , and installing a programmable thermostat . Energy
Star-certified appliances and office equipment , high-efficiency
heating and air conditioning systems, and high-efficiency windows
not only save energy but reduce operating costs in the long run.
Nonetheless, some upgrades can be expensive, particularly for low -
income households, so the City participates in programs that provide
rebates, free energy audits, and financing options for residents and
businesses.
New construction techniques and buildin g materials, known
collectively as “green building,” can significantly reduce the use of
resources and energy in homes and commercial buildings. Green
construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage,
from design and construction to renovation and deconstruction. The
State of California requires green building energy-efficiency through the
Title 24 Building codes. The State updates these codes approximately
every three years, with increasing energy efficiency requirements since
2001. The State’s energy efficiency goals are to have all new residential
construction to be zero net electricity by 2020 and all new residential
and commercial construction to be zero net energy by 2030. Local
governments can accelerate this target by adopting energy efficiency
standards for new construction and remodels that exceed existing State
mandates, or by providing incentives, technical assistance, and
streamlined permit processes to enable quicker adoption.
What You Can Do
#1 Replace indoor and
outdoor lights with LED
bulbs, and turn them off
when not in use.
#2 Have an energy
assessment done for your
home or business.
#3 Upgrade insulation,
seal leaks, and install a
programmable
thermostat.
#4 Purchase Energy Star
appliances and
equipment.
#5 Unplug electronic
appliances when not in
use and set the
thermostat to use less
heat and air conditioning.
16
TABLE 5: ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES TO REDUCE COMMUNITY EMISSIONS
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
Share of Reductions
EE-C1 Energy Efficiency Programs 17,150 97%
EE-C2 Energy Audits 260 1.5%
EE-C3 Cool Pavement and Roofs 265 1.5%
EE-C4 Green Building Reach Code n/a* n/a
TOTAL 17,680 100%
*Emissions reductions due to a green building reach code are ultimately eclipsed by the State’s Title 24
zero net energy goals by 2030. In order to avoid double counting, they are not included here.
EE-C1: Energy Efficiency Programs
Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.
• Work with organizations and agencies such as the Marin Energy Watch Partnership, the Bay Area
Regional Network, Resilient Neighborhoods, and the Marin Climate & Energy Partnership to
promote and implement energy efficiency programs and actions.
• Continue and expand participation in energy efficiency programs such as Energy Upgrade
California, California Energy Youth Services, and Smart Lights.
• Promote utility, state, and federal rebate and incentive programs.
• Participate and promote financing and loan programs for residential and non-residential projects
such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs, PG&E on-bill repayment, and California
Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing (CHEEF) programs.
EE-C2: Energy Audits
Consider requiring energy audits for residential and commercial buildings prior to completion of sale,
including identification of cost savings from energy efficiency measures and potential rebates and
financing options.
EE-C3: Cool Pavement and Roofs
Use high albedo material for roadways, parking lots, sidewalks and roofs to reduce the urban heat island
effect and save energy.
• Evaluate the use of high albedo pavements when resurfacing City streets or re-roofing City
facilities.
• Encourage new development to use high albedo material for driveways, parking lots, walkways,
patios, and roofing.
EE-C4: Green Building Reach Code
Consider adopting a green building ordinance for new and remodeled commercial and residential
projects that requires green building methods and energy efficiency savings above the State building
and energy codes. Consider utilizing the County's green building ordinance as a model and including the
use of photovoltaic systems and all-electric building systems as options to achieve compliance.
EE-C5: Streamline Permit Process and Provide Technical Assistance
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Analyze current green building permit and inspection process to eliminate barriers and provide technical
assistance to ensure successful implementation of green building requirements. Work county-wide to
make it easier for contractors and building counter staff to simplify applications and identify incentives.
TABLE 6: ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES TO REDUCE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS EMISSIONS
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
Share of Reductions
EE-M1 Streetlights 110 58%
EE-M2 Energy Efficiency Audit and Retrofits 45 23%
EE-M3 Energy Conservation 35 19%
TOTAL 185 100%
EE-M1: Streetlights
Complete replacement of inefficient street, parking lot and other outdoor lighting with LED fixtures.
EE-M2: Energy Efficiency Audit and Retrofits
Work with the Marin Energy Management Team to identify and implement energy efficiency projects in
municipal buildings and facilities and electrification of existing building systems and equipment that use
natural gas.
EE-M3: Energy Conservation
Reduce energy consumption through behavioral and operational changes.
• Establish energy efficiency protocols for building custodial and cleaning services and other
employees, including efficient use of facilities, such as turning off lights and computers,
thermostat use, etc.
• Incorporate energy management software, electricity monitors, or other methods to monitor
energy use in municipal buildings.
• Investigate 9/80 work schedule for City facilities where feasible and where facilities can be shut
down entirely.
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RENEWABLE ENERGY
32% of potential reductions
Energy that comes from renewable sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, and small hydroelectric,
are the cleanest and most-environmentally friendly energy sources. Here in San Rafael, where there is
an abundance of sunny days, solar energy is a particularly good energy
source. According to Project Sunroof, 94% of San Rafael buildings have
roofs that are solar-viable. These 14,700 roofs could generate over 470
million kWh per year, which is more than the total electricity usage in
San Rafael in 2016. Solar system costs keep falling, too, which make
them an attractive option for home and commercial building owners.
Our Climate Change Action Plan projects that we can get about 24% of
our electricity from locally produced solar energy systems by 2030, up
from about 4% currently, just by maintaining the current growth rate.
When solar is not an option, due perhaps to a shady roof or a reluctant
landlord, residents and business owners can purchase 100% renewable
electricity from MCE Clean Energy and PG&E. MCE and PG&E electricity
have a high percentage of renewable and GHG-free content, which
means it’s some of the cleanest electricity in the country. What’s more,
MCE’s goal is provide 100% renewable and GHG-free electricity to all its
customers by 2025. Considering that MCE currently carries about two-
thirds of the total electricity load in San Rafael, that action alone will
significantly reduce emissions.
Since our electricity is so clean, and getting cleaner, it’s a great idea to
swap out appliances and heating and cooling systems that use natural
gas for ones that use electricity. If you’re constructing a new home or building, consider going all-
electric. Battery prices are falling, and will soon be a cost-effective option, too. Eventually, we’ll need to
replace the majority of natural gas appliance and equipment if we’re going to hit our long-term goals.
Fortunately, ongoing research and development of energy storage systems are creating new business
opportunities and making an all-electric, 100% renewable future possible.
TABLE 7: RENEWABLE ENERGY MEASURES TO REDUCE COMMUNITY EMISSIONS
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
Share of Reductions
What You Can Do
#1 Switch to MCE Deep
Green or PG&E Solar
Choice 100% renewable
electricity option.
#2 Install a solar energy
system on your home or
business.
#3 Replace appliances that
use natural gas for ones
that use electricity.
#4 Investigate electric hot
water heaters and heat
pumps so you can swap
out heaters and furnaces
that use natural gas when
it’s time to replace them.
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RE-C1 Renewable Energy Generation 10,605 34%
RE-C2 GHG-Free Electricity 19,255 63%
RE-C3 Building and Appliance Electrification 870 3%
RE-C4 Innovative Technologies n/a n/a
TOTAL 30,725 100%
RE-C1: Renewable Energy Generation
Encourage residential and commercial solar and other renewable energy installations.
• Provide permit streamlining and reduce or eliminate fees, as feasible.
• Amend building codes, development codes, design guidelines, and zoning ordinances, as necessary,
to facilitate small, medium, and large-scale installations.
• Encourage installation of solar panels on carports and over parking areas on commercial projects and
large-scale residential developments.
• Participate and promote financing and loan programs for residential and non-residential projects such
as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs and California Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing
(CHEEF) programs.
• Encourage installation of battery storage in conjunction with renewable energy generation projects.
RE-C2: GHG-Free Electricity
Encourage residents and businesses to switch to 100 percent renewable electricity (MCE Deep Green,
MCE Local Sol, and PG&E Solar Choice) and work with MCE Clean Energy to assure that it reaches its goal
to provide electricity that is 100 percent GHG-free by 2025.
RE-C3: Building and Appliance Electrification
Promote electrification of building systems and appliances that currently use natural gas, including
heating systems, hot water heaters, stoves, and clothes dryers.
RE-C4: Innovative Technologies
Investigate and pursue innovative technologies such as micro-grids, battery storage, and demand-
response programs that will improve the electric grid’s resiliency and help to balance demand and
renewable energy production.
TABLE 8: RENEWABLE ENERGY MEASURES TO REDUCE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS EMISSIONS
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
Share of Reductions
RE-M1 Solar Energy Systems 140 28%
RE-M2 Deep Green Electricity 360 72%
TOTAL 500 100%
RE-M1: Solar Energy Systems for Municipal Buildings
Install solar energy systems at municipal buildings and facilities and investigate and pursue innovative
technologies such as battery storage and demand response programs.
20
RE-M2: Municipal Deep Green Electricity
Continue to purchase MCE Deep Green electricity for all City facilities.
21
WASTE REDUCTION
10% of potential reductions
The things we buy, consume, and throw away generate a lot of
greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing, transport, distribution
and disposal. The best way to reduce emissions is to purchase and
consume less stuff in the first place, and then find someone who can
reuse whatever you no longer need before considering recycling or
disposal.
Due to the way we account for community emissions, our Climate
Change Action Plan does not take credit for reducing upstream
emissions. Instead, our GHG accounting is directly concerned with
emissions that are created from the anaerobic decomposition of
organic waste in the landfill. The decomposition process creates
methane, which is 28 time more potent as a greenhouse gas than
carbon dioxide. Although landfills capture most of the methane, and
some like Redwood Landfill use that methane to create biogas or
electricity, about one-quarter of it escapes into the atmosphere.
The good news is that it is relatively easy to divert organic material
from the landfill. Paper and cardboard can be recycled. Food scraps,
some paper (like napkins and paper towels), and yard waste can be
composted, either at home or at the landfill. Surplus food can be donated to non-profits that distribute
it to the needy. About half of the organic material that is put into the landfill is “recoverable.” The
measures below are geared to making that happen by 2030, starting with encouraging residents and
businesses to divert, recycle and compost organic waste. To meet our diversion target, the City will
consider adopting an ordinance that mandates recycling and, as a last resort, setting trash collection
fees that enable the waste hauler to invest in machinery that can sort trash and recover all compostable
and recyclable materials before they are sent to the landfill.
TABLE 9: WASTE REDUCTION MEASURES TO REDUCE COMMUNITY EMISSIONS
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
Share of Reductions
WR-C1 Commercial Organic Waste 1,510 16%
WR-C2 Residential Organic Waste 800 8%
WR-C3 C&D and Self-Haul Waste 170 2%
WR-C4 Mandatory Waste Diversion 2,990 31%
WR-C5 Waste Processing Infrastructure 4,220 44%
What You Can Do
#1 Buy only as much as
you need.
#2 Buy locally grown food
and eat less meat.
#3 Put your food scraps in
the green can and/or
compost them at home.
#4 Donate extra food and
used clothing and
housewares to charities.
#5 Don’t be a “wishful”
recycler. Be scrupulous
about how you sort your
recyclables.
22
WR-C6 Extended Producer Responsibility n/a n/a
WR-C7 Inorganic Waste n/a n/a
TOTAL 9,680 100%
WR-C1: Commercial Organic Waste
Work with Zero Waste Marin, Marin Sanitary Service, and non-profits such as Extra Food to divert
commercial organic waste from the landfill through recycling, composting, and participation in waste-to-
energy and food recovery programs.
• Conduct outreach and education to businesses subject to State organic waste recycling mandates
(AB 1826) and encourage compliance with the law.
• Refer new and major remodel commercial and multi-family residential project proposals to the
City's waste hauler for review and comment, and require projects to provide adequate waste and
recycling facilities and access as feasible.
• Encourage commercial and multi-family property owners to require responsible use of on-site
recycling facilities in lease and rental agreements and to train and regularly evaluate janitorial,
landscape, and other property management services.
WR-C2: Residential Organic Waste
Work with Zero Waste Marin, Marin Sanitary Service, and other organizations to educate and motivate
residents to utilize curbside collection services and home composting for food waste.
WR-C3: Construction & Demolition Debris and Self-Haul Waste
Require all loads of construction & demolition debris and self-haul waste to be processed for recovery of
materials as feasible. Investigate creation of an ordinance requiring deconstruction of buildings
proposed for demolition or remodeling when materials of significant historical, cultural, aesthetic,
functional or reuse value can be salvaged.
WR-C4: Mandatory Waste Diversion
Adopt an ordinance requiring mandatory subscription to and participation in waste diversion activities,
including recycling and organics collection provided by Marin Sanitary Service. Consider including
phased implementation of the ordinance, penalties, and practical enforcement mechanisms.
WR-C5: Waste Processing Infrastructure
Review and revise the Town’s franchise agreement with Marin Sanitary Service to ensure waste
reduction and diversion targets are met. Consider investing in new solid waste processing infrastructure
to remove recoverable materials (recycling and organics) from the waste stream and reduce
contamination. Require regular residential and commercial waste audits and waste characterization
studies to identify opportunities for increased diversion and to track progress in meeting targets.
WR-C6: Extended Producer Responsibility. Encourage the State to regulate the production and
packaging of consumer goods and take-back programs. Encourage on-demand delivery services like
23
Amazon and Blue Apron to reduce packaging waste and investigate requirements and incentives for
same.
WR-C7: Inorganic Waste. Promote reuse, repair, and recycling of inorganic materials, and encourage
reduced use of packaging and single use items.
TABLE 10: WASTE REDUCTION MEASURES TO REDUCE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS EMISSIONS
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
Share of Reductions
WR-M1 Waste from Public Facilities 260 76%
WR-M2 Waste from City Operations 85 24%
TOTAL 345 100%
WR-M1: Waste from Public Facilities
Increase opportunities for recycling, reuse, and composting at City facilities.
WR-M2: Waste from City Operations
Embark on an educational and social marketing-based campaign to increase recycling, composting,
reuse, and waste reduction within municipal operations. Conduct periodic waste audits of City facilities
to understand where opportunities for increased diversion lie and to track progress.
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WATER CONSERVATION
1% of potential reductions
San Rafael is no stranger to periodic droughts and the need to conserve water, and the community has
responded by reducing per capita water use by about 25%, from 152 gallons per person per day (gpcd)
in 2005 to 114 gpcd in 2016. In addition to installing low-flow fixtures (showerheads, faucets and
toilets) and water-efficient appliances (clothes washers and dishwashers), residents and businesses are
planting native, drought-tolerant species and even replacing lawns with attractive, low-water use
gardens. Good thing, because as temperatures continue to rise, we will experience more droughts and
more intense heat waves than before.
Our Greenhouse Gas Inventory counts emissions that are generated
from the energy used to pump, treat and convey water from the water
source to San Rafael water users. Far more emissions are created from
the energy that is used to heat water, but those emissions are counted
in the residential and commercial sectors. Therefore, the water sector
comprises a much smaller share of community emissions than one
might expect.
The water agencies that supply San Rafael’s water are committed to
using 100% renewable energy in their operations. Marin Municipal
Water District (MMWD) began purchasing Deep Green electricity from
MCE in 2017, and Sonoma County Water Agency, which provides 20-
25% of MMWD’s water, started purchasing 100% renewable electricity
in 2015. As a result, emissions from the water sector will go down to
nearly zero, but the overall contribution to community emissions
reduction is small.
TABLE 11: WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES TO REDUCE COMMUNITY EMISSIONS
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
Share of Reductions
WC-C1 Community Water Use 830 100%
WC-C1: Community Water Use
Reduce indoor and outdoor water use in residential and commercial buildings and landscaping.
• Work with Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) and other organizations to promote water
conservation programs and incentives.
What You Can Do
#1 Replace your lawn with
a drought-tolerant garden.
#2 Install a drip irrigation
system and check it
regularly for leaks.
#3 Install low water flow
faucets, showerheads and
toilets.
#4 Buy water-efficient
dishwashers and clothes
washers when it’s time to
replace them.
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• Educate residents and businesses about local and State laws requiring retrofit of non-compliant
plumbing fixtures during remodeling and at resale.
• Ensure all projects requiring building permits, plan check, or design review are reviewed by
MMWD.
• Encourage the installation of greywater systems and the use of recycled water where available.
TABLE 12: WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES TO REDUCE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS EMISSIONS
ID Measure GHG Reduction by 2030
(MTCO2e)
Share of Reductions
WC-M1 Municipal Water Use <1 100%
WC-M1: Municipal Water Use
Reduce indoor and outdoor water use in municipal facilities and operations.
• Replace high water use plants and inefficient irrigation systems with water-efficient landscaping.
• Investigate synthetic turf that uses organic infill for ball fields and parks to reduce water, herbicide
use, and maintenance costs, while increasing field use throughout the year.
• Replace inefficient plumbing fixtures with high-efficiency fixtures.
• Use recycled water as available and practicable.
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SEQUESTRATION AND ADAPTATION
California is already experiencing the effects of climate change. Every year, it seems like the news gets
grimmer: more wildfires, more heat waves, longer droughts, more intense storms, less snow pack, and
less fresh water. Annual average air temperatures have already increased by about 1.8 °F in California,
and that number will likely double even if the world can reduce emissions 80% by 2050. San Rafael
needs to be prepared for the likely impacts of climate change, including flooding from more intense
storms and sea level rise, health impacts from heat exposure and poor air quality, and safety risks from
the increased likelihood of wildfires and landslides.
Sea level rise is a particular concern to San Rafael, where many homes,
businesses, and industrial and recreational facilities are at risk for
flooding. Sea level has already risen 8” in San Francisco Bay and is
expected to rise another 10 inches by 2040. Within this short time
period, the Canal area, the Kerner Business District, and other shoreline
development will likely experience tidal flooding. The Canal
neighborhood residents, the majority of whom are lower-income and
Latino, will be some of the first people impacted by sea level rise at
their front doors.
Storm surges coupled with a 10” sea level rise could flood a greater
area – up to 10% of San Rafael’s land area – including Peacock Gap and
the industrial and commercial area of Anderson Drive. By the end of the
century, sea level is projected to rise 2.4 to 3.4 feet, and possibly as
much as 5 feet. At the higher end, nearly 2,500 buildings, or 13% of all
San Rafael buildings, could face some level of tidal flooding. A
comprehensive assessment of San Rafael’s vulnerable assets was
completed in 2017. For more information, see the Marin Shoreline Sea Level Rise Assessment. While
the Climate Change Action Plan contains some measures that address adaptation, a more complete set
of goals, policies and programs are contained in the San Rafael Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and will be
incorporated in the City’s updated General Plan.
In addition to adaptation strategies, this section contains measures to sequester carbon dioxide through
planting and preservation of trees and other vegetation and the development of carbon-rich soils.
Carbon offsets are often used to fund these types of carbon sequestration projects and can be
purchased to offset emissions that are difficult to otherwise mitigate, such as airplane flights. We
haven’t credited emission reductions for these actions because we don’t count sequestered carbon in
the community greenhouse gas inventory, but we recognize that sequestration is a critical component
to meeting our carbon reduction goals.
What You Can Do
#1 Plant trees appropriate
to your situation.
#2 Add compost to your
soil.
#3 Purchase carbon
offsets for airplane flights
and other emission that
are difficult to mitigate.
#4 Find out if your home
or business is vulnerable
to sea level rise at Our
Coast Our Future.
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TABLE 13: SEQUESTRATION AND ADAPTATION MEASURES TO REDUCE COMMUNITY EMISSIONS
ID Measure
SA-C1 Urban Forest
SA-C2 Carbon Sequestration
SA-C3 Carbon Offsets
SA-C4 Sea Level Rise
SA-C5 Climate Change Adaptation
SA-C1: Urban Forest
Increase carbon sequestration and improve air quality and natural cooling through increasing tree cover
in San Rafael.
• Plant additional trees on City-owned land, including public parks, open space, medians, and rights
of way, where feasible.
• Review parking lot landscape standards to maximize tree cover, size, growth, and sequestration
potential.
• Regulate and minimize removal of large trees and require planting of replacement trees.
• Require that the site planning, construction and maintenance of new development preserve
existing healthy trees and native vegetation on site to the maximum extent feasible. Replace trees
and vegetation not able to be saved.
• Encourage community members to plant trees on private land. Consider creating a tree giveaway
event or providing lower-cost trees to the public through a bulk purchasing program.
• Encourage the creation of community gardens on public and private lands by community groups.
• Provide information to the public, including landscape companies, gardeners and nurseries, on
carbon sequestration rates, drought tolerance, and fire resistance of different tree species.
• Manage trees and invasive species in the open space for forest health and reduction of fuel load.
• Require new development, redevelopment, and infrastructure projects to implement best
management practices as feasible, including low-impact development techniques, the minimal
use of non-pervious surfaces in landscape design, and the integration of natural features into the
project design, to naturally filter and biodegrade contaminants and to minimize surface runoff
into drainage systems and creeks.
SA-C2: Carbon Sequestration
Increase carbon sequestration in the built environment, developed landscapes, and natural areas.
• Encourage use of building materials that store carbon, such as wood and carbon-intensive
concrete.
• Encourage composting to develop healthy, carbon-rich soils.
• Manage parks and open spaces to steadily increase carbon in vegetation and soil.
• Increase the extent and carbon sequestration potential of bay wetlands, through improvements
such as horizontal levees.
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SA-C3: Carbon Offsets
Reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions through the purchase of carbon offsets.
• Encourage community members to purchase carbon offsets to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Consider partnering with a local non-profit organization to promote a carbon offset program.
• Focus on offsetting emissions that are difficult to mitigate otherwise, such as airplane travel.
SA-C4: Sea Level Rise
Prepare for and adapt to a rising sea level.
• Consider the potential for sea level rise when processing development applications that might be
affected by such a rise. Use current Flood Insurance Rate Maps and National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommendations associated with base flood elevation
adjustments for sea level rise in the review of development proposals. Adopt requirements to
assess sea level rise risks on new development, infrastructure, and transit corridors.
• Prepare a guidance document for incorporating sea level rise into the City’s capital planning
process.
• Work with local, County, state, regional, and federal agencies with Bay and shoreline oversight
and with owners of critical infrastructure and facilities in the preparation of a plan for responding
to rising sea levels. Make sure all local stakeholders are kept informed of such planning efforts.
• Consider developing flood control projects and modifying the City’s land use regulations for areas
subject to increased flooding from sea level rise.
• Update GIS (Geographic Information System) maps to include new data as it becomes available;
utilize GIS as a tool for tracking sea level rise and flooding, and make available to the public.
• Consider studying the creation of a Bayfront overlay zone or similar that would establish standards
for developing in areas subject to flooding from SLR.
SA-C5: Climate Change Adaptation
Prepare for and respond to the expected impacts of climate change.
• Continue to incorporate the likelihood of sea level rise and extreme heat and storm events in the
City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Incorporate the likelihood of climate change impacts into City emergency planning and training.
• Coordinate with water districts, wildlife agencies, flood control and fire districts, Marin County,
and other relevant organizations to develop a comprehensive plan addressing climate change
impacts and adaptation strategies. Address human health and the health and adaptability of
natural systems, including the following:
a. Water resources, including expanded rainwater harvesting, water storage and
conservation techniques, water reuse, water‐use and irrigation efficiency, and reduction
of impervious surfaces.
b. Biological resources, including land acquisition, creation of marshlands/wetlands as a
buffer against sea level rise and flooding, and protection of existing natural barriers.
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c. Public health, including heat‐related health plans, vector control, safe water, and
improved sanitation.
d. Environmental hazard defenses, including seawalls, storm surge barriers, pumping
stations, and fire protection.
• Ensure fair and robust inclusion of lower-income households and our diverse communities in the
planning and response to climate change impacts, including sea level rise, public health, and
emergency preparedness.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Climate Action Plan contains actions that the City can undertake to reduce its own emissions by
about 1,500 MTCO2e, bringing the emissions from municipal operations down to 56% below 2005 levels.
However, since emissions from governmental operations make up less than 1% of community-wide
emissions, that is just a drop in the bucket.
The fact is that our residents, businesses, workers, and visitors will have
to do their part to ensure we meet our reduction targets. The City can
compel some of these actions by adopting ordinances and building
regulations, but much of the success of our plan will depend on
informing our community members and encouraging them to take
action on their own. This section details the ways in which the City will
seek public engagement and work with local businesses and community
groups to achieve the emissions reductions identified for measures in
other sections of the Plan.
The City has been partnering with Resilient Neighborhoods since 2009
to educate San Rafael residents on ways they can reduce their carbon footprint. The program organizes
Climate Action Teams of up to 12 households that meet five times over two months to learn about
strategies and resources to improve home energy efficiency, shift to renewable energy, use low-carbon
transportation, conserve water, reduce waste, and adapt to a changing climate. To start, participants
calculate their household carbon footprint and then take actions to reduce their greenhouse gas
emissions by at least 5,000 pounds or 25%. Over 350 San Rafael residents have participated in the
program.
TABLE 14: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEASURES TO REDUCE COMMUNITY EMISSIONS
ID Measure
CE-C1 Community Education
CE-C2 Community Engagement
CE-C3 Advocacy
CE-C4 Innovation and Economic Development
CE-C5 Green Businesses
What You Can Do
#1 Sign up for Resilient
Neighborhoods and join a
Climate Action Team.
#2 Commit to reducing
your carbon footprint by
taking the actions
identified in this Plan.
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CE-C1: Community Education
Work with community-based outreach organizations, such as Resilient Neighborhoods, to educate and
motivate community members on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their homes, businesses,
transportation modes, and other activities.
CE-C2: Community Engagement
Implement a communitywide public outreach and behavior change campaign to engage residents,
businesses, and consumers around the impacts of climate change and the ways individuals and
organizations can reduce their GHG emissions and create a more sustainable, resilient, and healthier
community. Create an overarching theme to articulate a long-term goal, motivate community members,
and brand a comprehensive suite of GHG-reduction programs. Prioritize promotion of programs that
have the greatest greenhouse gas reduction potential while utilizing the lastest social science on
behavior change. Emphasize and encourage citizens' involvement in reaching the community's climate
goals, including innovative means of tracking milestones and comparing San Rafael's performance with
other communities and with state, national and global benchmarks.
• Conduct outreach to a wide variety of neighborhood, business, educational, faith, service, and
social organizations.
• Conduct outreach and education to the Latino community by using media, organizations, and
gathering places favored by Latinos and translating materials into Spanish.
• Inform the public about the benefits of installing energy and water efficient appliances and
fixtures, electrifying homes and commercial buildings, installing solar energy systems, and
purchasing 100% renewable electricity.
• Inform the public about the benefits of using carbon-free and low-carbon transportation modes,
such as driving electric vehicles, walking, bicycling, taking public transportation, and ridesharing.
• Utilize and tailor existing marketing materials when available.
• Partner with MCE, PG&E, MMWD, Marin Sanitary Service, Transportation Authority of Marin,
Marin Transit, Golden Gate Transit, SMART, and other entities to promote available financing,
audits, rebates, incentives, and services to the San Rafael community.
• Utilize the City's website, newsletters, social media, bill inserts, public service announcements and
advertisements, recognition programs, and other forms of public outreach.
• Create stories and “shareable content” that can be used by bloggers, businesses, non-profits,
social media, and traditional media.
• Use creative methods to engage the public, such as games, giveaways, prizes, contests, simple
surveys, digital tools, and “pop-up” events.
• Develop pilot programs using community-based social marketing and other social science-based
techniques to effect behavior change.
• Participate in countywide outreach and education efforts, such as Drawdown Marin.
CE-C3: Advocacy
Advocate at the state and federal levels for policies and actions that support the rapid transition to
GHG-free energy sources, electrification of buildings and the transportation fleet, and other impactful
measures to sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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CE-C4: Innovation and Economic Development
Convene an economic development and innovation working group to explore public-private
partnerships and develop ways to decarbonize our local economy while spurring sustainable enterprise
and equitable employment.
CE-C5: Green Businesses
Encourage local businesses to participate in the Marin County Green Business Program.
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IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Plans are only effective if they’re implemented and results are carefully
evaluated. The City will prepare an annual assessment of the progress it is
making on implementing the measures contained in this Climate Change
Action Plan and continue to quantify community and greenhouse gas
emissions to determine if we are on track to meet our reduction targets.
TABLE 15: IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING MEASURES TO REDUCE
COMMUNITY EMISSIONS
ID Measure
CE-C1 Annual Monitoring
CE-C2 Update GHG Emissions Inventories
CE-C3 Funding Sources
CE-C4 Update the Climate Change Action Plan
CE-C5 Project Compliance Checklist
IM-C1: Annual Monitoring
Monitor and report on the City’s progress annually. Create an annual priorities list for implementation.
IM-C2: Update GHG Emissions Inventories
Update the greenhouse gas emissions inventory for community emissions annually and every five years
for government operations.
IM-C3: Funding Sources
Identify funding sources for recommended actions, and pursue local, regional, state and federal grants
as appropriate. Investigate creation of a local carbon fund or other permanent source of revenue to
implement the Climate Change Action Plan.
IM-C4: Update the Climate Change Action Plan
Update the Climate Change Action Plan regularly to incorporate new long-term reduction targets and
strategies to meet those targets.
IM-C5: Project Compliance Checklist
Develop a project compliance checklist to use when reviewing development proposals, use permit
applications, and building permit applications to ensure compliance with Climate Action Plan measures.
What You Can Do
#1 Get involved! Attend City
Council meetings, Climate
Action Plan implementation
forums, and other public
forums to voice your
support for actions
contained in this Plan.