HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report and Climate Action Priorities Update____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: May 17, 2021
Disposition: Accepted report x Accepted report
Agenda Item No: 7.a
Meeting Date: May 17, 2021
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Manager’s Office
Prepared by: Cory Bytof,
Sustainability Program Manager
City Manager Approval: ____ _____
TOPIC: GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REPORT AND CLIMATE ACTION
PRIORITIES UPDATE
SUBJECTS:
1.SAN RAFAEL GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY REPORT
2. 2021-2023 TWO-YEAR WORK PLAN PRIORITIES REPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1.Accept the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Reduction Strategy Annual Report for 2019.
2. Accept the 2021-2023 Two-Year Work Plan Priorities Report.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City conducts annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory reports to gauge
progress toward our GHG reduction targets as reflected in our Climate Change Action Plan
2030 (CCAP). The latest report is for calendar year 2019 as this is the latest data available. It
shows the City has achieved a 27% reduction in GHG emissions since 2005, and a 14%
reduction since 1990 levels. In addition, every two years staff submits a 2-Year Priority Action
Work Plan for review and updates the City Council on achievements from the previous two
years. Proposed priority focus areas include some similar areas of focus from the prior two
years, including enabling more electric vehicle adoption programs, mandatory composting
policies, energy efficiency programs, economic development initiatives, and adaptation
planning. New proposed initiatives include exploration of community and facility microgrids.
BACKGROUND:
State of the Climate
2020 was another record-setting year with regard to the climate. August through October
shattered past California temperature records, averaging over 5 degrees more than the 100-year
temperature average. Wildfires scorched over 4.2 million acres. The August Complex Fire,
sparked Aug. 16 in Mendocino County, burned more than 1 million acres, making it the largest
fire in California history. Only 20 inches of rain fell at Lake Lagunitas in the Marin Municipal Water
District watershed during all of 2020; just 40 percent of the average. In fact, 2020 was the second-
driest year in 90 years. In addition, 2011-2020 was the hottest decade on record. These changes
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to the climate affect people dramatically, especially the most vulnerable members of our
community, as we experience more extreme heat days, increased flooding and storm impacts,
water restrictions, increased health impacts, and higher food costs.
California Climate Goals
Greenhouse gas reduction strategies are aimed at reducing the emissions that cause climate
change in an effort to keep the climate from warming 2° Celsius above preindustrial times, which
is what scientists say needs to happen in order to stave off the worst effects of climate change.
To date, the planet has warmed 1° Celsius. The State of California has responded to growing
concerns over the effects of climate change by adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing
emissions in the public and private sectors. This approach was officially initiated with the passage
of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), which requires the state to reduce its
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The AB 32 Scoping Plan was
developed to identify strategies for meeting the AB 32 goal and was adopted by the California Air
Resources Board (CARB) in December 2008. Among many other strategies, it encourages local
governments to reduce emissions in their jurisdictions by 15 percent below 2005 baseline levels
by 2020, and proposed longer-term goals established by Executive Order S-3-05 to reduce
emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.
In 2016, the State Legislature passed SB 32, which set interim targets of 40% reductions below
1990 levels by 2030. CARB subsequently updated its Climate Change Scoping Plan in 2017 to
lay out a strategy to achieve the 2030 target. In 2018, Executive Order B-55-18 committed
California to achieve carbon neutrality – the point at which the removal of carbon from the
atmosphere meets or exceeds emissions – by 2045.
Climate Change Action Plan
San Rafael’s first Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) was developed by a 17-member Green
Ribbon Committee in 2008 and adopted by the City Council in 2009. In 2011, the City incorporated
the CCAP measures into General Plan 2020 as a new Sustainability Element. A GHG Emissions
Reduction Strategy was also prepared to provide technical support to the Sustainability Element
and adopted CCAP. In 2017, then City Councilmember Kate Colin and the City Manager’s Office
convened a 20-member community Working Group to update the CCAP to meet the new 2030
State targets. The Working Group developed the greenhouse gas reduction measures/activities
with the assistance of 19 local subject matter experts. Over 350 San Rafael residents and
business representatives gave input on the Plan, which was adopted by the City Council on May
19, 2019.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy
The City’s Climate Change Action Plan has also been integrated into the Draft General Plan 2040
and serves as the City’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy. The Strategy meets the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a “qualified” Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy. It
commits the City to track implementation measures and emissions reductions while providing a
valuable streamlining tool for reviewing new development and building projects. It allows
applicants to demonstrate that they comply with Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy measures
through utilization of a compliance checklist, saving time and cost for contractors and staff, while
ensuring that GHG emissions reduction activities are included in projects. San Rafael is currently
the only local jurisdiction in Marin County with such a Strategy.
As part of the CCAP implementation, a City Council Sustainability Liaison meets quarterly with
primary staff involved with implementing the CCAP as well as the president of Sustainable San
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Rafael, with occasional additional meetings as needed to address specific initiatives of high
importance. Mayor Colin was the Liaison until January of 2021 and Councilmember Llorens Gulati
is the current Liaison. As Liaison, Councilmember Llorens Gulati chairs the quarterly public CCAP
implementation forums comprised of staff and interested members of the community. The
Liaison’s role is critical in helping staff prioritize requests from the public and in shaping projects
and programs for City Council action.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The City measures progress toward GHG reduction goals through completion of an annual
community greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory report. These reports provide the City Council with
an overview of community-wide emissions as well as status of City actions accomplished in that
same year. The report also fulfills the City’s requirement to report annual emissions for the
strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. GHG emissions and reductions are calculated for
various sectors, including energy, transportation, waste, and water. This is done using a common
protocol all cities use to show what is called in-boundary emissions, meaning the emissions
created most directly within the geographical boundary of the City. Emissions data is typically not
available for a year and a half; thus, inventories have a lag time. The last community inventory
was conducted in in 2020 for the 2018 calendar year.
In addition, every five years, the City conducts a municipal inventory, which provides a deep
analysis of the emissions from municipal operations and facilities. The last municipal inventory
was conducted in 2018 for calendar year 2016. Municipal emissions typically comprise less than
1% of community-wide emissions.
The City of San Rafael partners with the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership (MCEP) for
conducting the inventory and developing the report. MCEP publishes all the results on the MCEP
website, marinclimate.org, and at MarinTracker.org so that members of our community can easily
access the data using an interactive map.
2-Year Priorities
Every two years staff works with the City Manager’s office to identify key priorities taken from
our Climate Change Action Plan to be implemented during the year. These are reviewed with
our City Council Sustainability Liaison and at our Climate Change Action Plan quarterly
community forum for review before finalizing and bringing to Council. This establishes a work
plan for staff so that we can be efficient with City resources and not get sidetracked by other
activities. The first set of Priorities was brought to Council with the CCAP 2030 and included the
following action items:
1. Develop an Online CCAP Engagement Platform
2. Expand Our Electric Vehicle Charging Network
3. Implement Electric Vehicle Policies and Programs
4. Implement Mandatory Recycling
5. Plan for Climate Resilience
6. Increase Building Energy Efficiency
7. Promote Solar and Renewable Energy
8. Convene an Economic Working Group
ANALYSIS:
Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report
The 2019 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report (Attachment A) provides the City Council with an
overview of community-wide emissions as well as status of City actions accomplished in that
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same year. The report also fulfills the City’s requirement to report annual emissions for the
strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Report provides broad category, best-estimate
community-wide emissions data for calendar year 2019 based on publicly available data. This
data shows an overall reduction of approximately 27% of community-wide emissions since 2005,
including an approximate 1% reduction between 2018 and 2019. Table 1 below shows where our
emissions reductions came from.
Change in
Emissions
2005-2019
(MTCO2e)
Percent
Change
2005-2019
Transportation -47,433 -18%
Built Environment - Electricity -63,302 -71%
Built Environment – Natural Gas -6,210 -7%
Waste -5,605 -29%
Water -2,446 -96%
Off-Road -1,451 -31%
Wastewater 17 3%
TOTAL 126,430 -27%
Table 1: Change in Emissions by Sector
Following are a sampling of programs and policies the City undertook to reduce GHG emissions
in 2019 and 2020:
• Completed and adopted Climate Change Action Plan 2030 and GHG Reduction Strategy
• Completed online engagement platform SanRafaelClimateAction.org
• Installed solar energy system at City Hall
• Installed six electric vehicle chargers at City Hall
• AB 1826 MORe (Mandatory Organics Recycling) Compliance Plan, resources for
businesses, website and video tutorials
• Hired Sustainability Fellows to assist with Zero Waste efforts in City departments and in
the community
• Promoted and supported electric vehicle educational events
• Supported residential and commercial outreach programs such as Resilient
Neighborhoods, Canal Community Resilience Council, California Youth Environmental
Services’ Green House Calls, the Chamber Green Business Committee, the Electric
Vehicle Working Group, and Marin School of Environmental Leadership, among others
• Purchased and installed public recycling containers in City facilities & public areas
• Provided behavior change workshops for other agencies and community based
organizations to assist in the acceleration of social science-based program delivery
The City has made significant progress towards implementation of its CCAP and has a strong
commitment toward continuing to implement policies and programs. The designation of a City
Council Sustainability Liaison and bi-annual review of Sustainability Priorities, as well as the
Council’s decision to have staff dedicated to sustainability, demonstrates that commitment. In
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addition, City management and staff across all departments have embraced a sustainability ethos
and provide staff time and resources toward accomplishing our sustainability goals.
The City has met its interim goal of a 25% reduction in GHG emissions from 2005 baseline by
2020. However, the new State targets and our CCAP establish a new baseline of 1990 GHG
emissions for 2030 reduction targets. This 40% reduction by 2030 using the new baseline means
that emissions reductions will have to be even greater to meet the mark. Continuing to compare
to a 2005 baseline requires the City to help reduce community-wide emissions 49% to equal the
40% below 1990 levels by 2030 since GHG emissions were significantly lower in 1990.
Translating our current reductions to a 1990 baseline means San Rafael has reduced emissions
14% since 1990. This will be a challenge and it will require creative collaborations with all of our
community partners to meet our goals.
In addition, it’s important to note that some of the emissions reductions may be related to
economic and other conditions, and changes in these conditions could slow the rate of reductions
and require further actions to keep on track. For example, most scientific analyses of GHG
emissions during the pandemic show a dramatic reduction in emissions due to the huge shift in
work and commute patterns. This is still to be fully understood. In addition, in order to meet our
CCAP targets of 80% reductions by 2050, San Rafael will need to continue to innovate and be at
the forefront of local GHG reduction strategies.
Finally, regarding GHG inventories, the value of this in-boundary type of inventory is that it isolates
emissions from local sources, providing a snapshot of sectors and activities that are able to be
affected to some degree by local government actions. In addition, it allows for aggregating data
to allow for county-wide, regional, state and larger groupings of emissions calculations. This can
be helpful to understand California-wide emissions for instance or to compare to the U.S. at large.
One thing it does not do however is get at the larger set of emissions driven by consumption.
A consumption-based inventory takes into account all of the “upstream” emissions from the things
we buy, including the mining, manufacturing, packaging and transportation of products, which
carries a lot of embedded GHG emissions. Looking at a consumption-based inventory would show
a very different picture of San Rafael’s GHG emissions. It could easily quadruple our emissions
per capita due to the amount of materials and products we consume, mainly from imported food
and goods. In San Rafael, we have chosen to include consumption messaging – our “carbon
footprint” – in our engagement rather than just rely on an in-boundary inventory. This is a primary
focus of the Resilient Neighborhoods program, which works county-wide to educate residents
about this and help them reduce their household carbon footprint.
2019-2021 Two-Year Work Plan Priorities
Every two years staff proposes work plan priorities from the CCAP in order to be efficient with City
resources and stay focused on key initiatives. These are reviewed with our Sustainability Liaison
to the Council and at the quarterly CCAP implementation forums, which are open to the public,
as a means of aligning the work plan with other City priorities and with community concerns. The
practice of establishing two-year priorities was established due to the fact that most items require
more than one year to complete. This will not preclude annual review by City Council, however,
and the intention is to bring status reports on the priorities annually, along with the annual
greenhouse gas inventory reports described above.
Attachment B is a report detailing the accomplishments of the past two years along with the
proposed 2021-2023 Two-Year Priority Workplan. Below is a snapshot of the accomplishments
from the past two years.
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The 2021-2023 Two-Year Priorities are included in Attachment B as well. One major change from
our original Climate Change Action Plan was to elevate economic and social equity considerations
in all of our climate initiatives. Each priority has a snapshot of the measure that includes a
summary, information on funding, and a high-level review of impacts related to the economy and
social equity as well as potential co-benefits. Many of the actions in the CCAP 2030 will be
completed using existing funding sources, grants, or other incentives and funding from utilities
and community partners. Fortunately, the State is continually coming out with new programs,
mandates, and funding opportunities to assist cities with climate action and adaptation planning
and projects. A table showing the key objectives of the Two-Year Priorities is below. Some prior
priorities will continue as they have just become more of an ongoing effort, such as continuing to
promote solar and renewable energy, our Climate Role Model program, and installation of electric
vehicle charging infrastructure.
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In all cases, staff has communicated with and developed these draft priorities based on input from
community partners such as the County of Marin Sustainability Team, Sustainable San Rafael,
members of our quarterly CCAP community forums, the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership,
our utility partners, and others. This allows for county-wide collaboration and resource sharing. In
addition, whenever possible, staff seeks opportunities to develop work products that other cities
or organizations can use as well to extend their impact. For example, we are sharing what we
learned switching to renewable diesel so other cities can do the same. This alone reduces our
GHG emissions in our City diesel vehicles, including fire trucks, by up to 70%.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
Staff has given presentations with opportunities for input and feedback to the following
organizations: the CCAP quarterly implementation forums (twice), the Canal Community
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Resilience Council, Dominican University student and faculty Earth Day committee, and the San
Rafael Chamber of Commerce Green Business Committee. Information has gone out to the public
through the Sustainability email list, the City Manager’s Snapshot, and through City social media
channels.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact to accepting the report. However, funding for implementation of
programs within the Two-Year Priorities (2021-2023) that require funding will come from grants,
utility programs, the General Fund, and through other means. Details of potential funding sources
can be found in Attachment B. Any significant impacts to the General Fund not currently included
in the budget will be brought to Council for review and formal acceptance prior to execution.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
1. Accept the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Reduction Strategy Annual Report for 2019.
2. Accept the 2021-2023 Two-Year Priorities Report.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategy 2019 Annual Report
Attachment B: 2021-2023 Two-Year Sustainability Priorities with Cost / Benefit Assessments
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
COMMUNITY GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
INVENTORY FOR THE YEAR 2019
May 2021
Prepared by the
Marin Climate & Energy Partnership
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
I NTRODUCTION 2
P URPOSE OF I NVENTORY 2
GENERAL M ETHODOLOGY 2
COMMUNITY INVENTORY 4
C OMMUNITY I NVENTORY S UMMARY 4
P ER CAPITA E MISSIONS 6
M AJOR SOURCES OF E MISSIONS 7
BUILT E NVIRONMENT - E LECTRICITY 7
BULT E NVIRONMENT - NATURAL GAS 8
T RANSPORTATION 9
W A STE D ISPOSAL 9
W A TER U SE 10
A PPENDIX A -1
Cover Photo Credits: Tom Fox (top and center), Resilient Neighborhoods (bottom)
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
San Rafael publishes annual community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
estimates through the Marin Climate & Energy Partnership (MCEP). Annual
inventories help the City to more closely monitor its progress in meeting its
goal to reduce community emissions at least 40% below 1990 emissions by
2030. The City also publishes GHG emissions inventories for municipal
operations approximately every five years. Municipal emissions accounted
for less than 1% of community emissions when the municipal inventory was last conducted for year 2016.
This report reviews emissions generated from the community from 2005 through 2019, the most recent year data
is available. The inventory shows that the San Rafael community has reduced emissions 27% since 2005. Emissions
dropped from about 469,735 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO2e) in 2005 to 343,305 MTCO2e in 2019,
which is equivalent to 14% below 1990 levels. The community emissions trend and targets are shown below. San
Rafael needs to reduce emissions another 103,740 MTCO2e to meet the local and State target for 2030 and another
263,450 MTCO2e to meet the State target for 2050, which is 80% below 1990 levels.
FIGURE 1: SAN R AFAEL GHG E MISSIONS AND T ARGETS
Recognizing the need for a collaborative approach to greenhouse gas reductions, City and county leaders launched
the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership (MCEP) in 2007. The City of San Rafael is a member of MCEP and works
with representatives from the County of Marin and the other Marin cities and towns to address and streamline the
implementation of a variety of greenhouse gas reduction measures. Funding for this inventory was provided by the
Marin County Energy Watch Partnership, which administers public goods charges collected by PG&E. Community
inventories are available on the MCEP website at marinclimate.org and are used to update the Marin Sustainability
Tracker.
0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
1990
Est.
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019MTCO2eTHE T AKEAWAY:
C OMMUNITY E MISSIONS A RE
D OWN 27% SINCE 2005
2030 Goal
2050 Goal
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 2
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE OF INVENTORY
The objective of this greenhouse gas emissions inventory is to identify the sources and quantify the amounts of
greenhouse gas emissions generated by the activities of the San Rafael community in 2019. This inventory provides
a comparison to 2005 and estimated 1990 emissions and identifies the sectors where significant reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions have occurred. In some instances, previous year emissions were updated with new data
and/or recalculated to ensure the same methodology was employed for all inventory years.
GENERAL METHODOLOGY
This inventory uses the national standard for the accounting and reporting of community-wide greenhouse gas
emissions, the U.S. Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, version 1.2
(July 2019). Quantification methodologies, emission factors, and activity and source data are detailed in the
appendix.
Community emissions are categorized according to seven sectors:
Built Environment - Electricity
Built Environment – Natural Gas
Transportation
Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment
Waste
Water
Wastewater
C ALCULATING E MISSIONS
Emissions are quantified by multiplying the measurable activity data – e.g., kilowatt hours of electricity, therms of
natural gas, gallons of diesel or gasoline, etc. – by emissions factors specific to the greenhouse gas-generating source.
Most emissions factors are the same from year to year. Emission factors for electricity, however, change from year
to year due to the specific sources that are used to produce electricity. For example, electricity that is produced from
coal generates more greenhouse gases than electricity that is generated from natural gas and therefore has a higher
emissions factor. Electricity that is produced solely from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind has an
emissions factor of zero.
This inventory calculates individual greenhouse gases – i.e., carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide – and
converts each greenhouse gas emission to a standard metric, known as “carbon dioxide equivalents” or CO2e, to
provide an apple-to-apples comparison among the various emissions. Table 1 shows the greenhouse gases identified
in this inventory and their global warming potential (GWP), a measure of the amount of warming each gas causes
when compared to a similar amount of carbon dioxide over 100 years. Methane, for example, is 28 times as potent
as carbon dioxide over 100 years; therefore, one metric ton of methane is equivalent to 28 metric tons of carbon
dioxide. Greenhouse gas emissions are reported in this inventory as metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, or
MTCO2e.
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 3
T ABLE 1 : GREENHOUSE GASES
Gas Chemical
Formula Emission Source Global Warming
Potential
Carbon Dioxide CO2 Combustion of natural gas, gasoline,
diesel, and other fuels 1
Methane CH4
Combustion, anaerobic decomposition
of organic waste in landfills and
wastewater
28
Nitrous Oxide N2O Combustion, wastewater treatment 265
Source: IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (2014), 100-year values
T YPES OF E MISSIONS
Emissions from each of the greenhouse gases can come in a number of forms:
Stationary or mobile combustion resulting from the on-site combustion of fuels (natural gas, diesel,
gasoline, etc.) to generate heat or electricity, or to power vehicles and equipment.
Purchased electricity resulting from the generation of power from utilities outside the jurisdictional
boundary.
Fugitive emissions resulting from the unintentional release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, such
as methane from waste decomposition.
Process emissions from physical or chemical processing of a material, such as wastewater treatment.
U NDERSTANDING T OTALS
The totals listed in the tables and discussed in the report are a summation of emissions using available estimation
methods. Each inventoried sector may have additional emissions sources associated with them that were
unaccounted for due to a lack of data or robust quantification methods. For example, greenhouse gas emissions
associated with air travel and the production of goods outside the community’s boundary are not included in the
inventory. Additionally, the community inventory does not include refrigerants released into the atmosphere from
the use of air conditioning in cars and buildings.
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 4
COMMUNITY INVENTORY
COMMUNITY INVENTORY SUMMARY
In 2005, the activities taking place by the San Rafael community resulted in approximately 469,734 metric tons of
CO2e.1 In 2019, those activities resulted in approximately 343,304 metric tons of CO2e, a reduction of 27% from 2005
levels, which is equivalent to 14% below 1990 levels.
The community inventory tracks emissions in seven sectors:
• The Built Environment – Electricity sector represents emissions generated from the use of electricity in San
Rafael homes and commercial, industrial, and governmental buildings and facilities 2.
• The Built Environment – Natural Gas sector represents emissions generated from the use of natural gas in
San Rafael homes and commercial, industrial, and governmental buildings and facilities. Propane used as a
primary heating source is also included, although it represents less than 1% of emissions in this sector.
• The Transportation sector includes tailpipe emissions from passenger vehicle trips originating and ending
in San Rafael, as well as a share of tailpipe emissions generated by medium and heavy-duty vehicles
travelling on Marin County roads. The sector also includes emissions from Marin Transit and Golden Gate
Transit buses and the SMART train as these vehicles travel within San Rafael’s boundaries. Electricity used
to power electric vehicles is embedded in electricity consumption reported in the Residential Energy and
Non-Residential Energy sectors.
• The Waste sector represents fugitive methane emissions that are generated over time as organic material
decomposes in the landfill. Although most methane is captured or flared off at the landfill, approximately
25% escapes into the atmosphere.
• The Off-Road sector represents emissions from the combustion of gasoline and diesel fuel from the
operation of off-road vehicles and equipment used for construction and landscape maintenance.
• The Water sector represents emissions from energy used to pump, treat, and convey potable water from
the water source to the San Rafael water users.
• The Wastewater sector represents stationary, process and fugitive greenhouse gases that are created
during the treatment of wastewater generated by the community. Emissions created from energy used to
convey and treat wastewater are included in the Built Environment sectors.
1 Baseline and historical emissions are recalculated in the annual inventory to integrate new data and improved
calculation methodologies and to ensure consistent comparison across each year. For this reason, emission levels
may differ from levels reported in previous inventories.
2 Previous inventories categorized emissions from electricity, natural gas, and propane in the built environment
according to the Residential and Non-Residential sectors. Beginning with this inventory, we are categorizing
emissions in the built environment as Electricity and Natural Gas in order to align and better track with the Climate
Action Plan’s goals to electrify the built environment.
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 5
Figure 2 shows the relative contribution of emissions from these sectors in 2019. Transportation emissions represent
the largest share of communitywide emissions (63%), while the use of natural gas and propane in the Built
Environment accounts for one-quarter of emissions.
FIGURE 2 : E MISSIONS BY S ECTOR, 2019
Table 2 shows how emissions in each sector have changed since 2005. The greatest reductions have occurred in the
Built Environment – Electricity sector (63,302 MTCO2e), followed by the Transportation sector (47,433 MTCO2e) and
the Built Environment – Natural Gas sector (6,210 MTCO2e). The likely reasons for the largest emissions decreases
are described in the remainder of this report.
Built Environment -
Electricity
7%
Built Environment -
Natural Gas
25%
Waste
4%
Wastewater
<1%
Off-Road
1%Water
<1%
Transportation
63%
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 6
T ABLE 2 : E MISSIONS SUMMARY BY SECTOR (MTCO2 E ), 2005 THROUGH 2019
Year
Built Environment - Electricity Built Environment – Natural Gas Transportation Waste Water Wastewater Off-Road Total %
Change
from
2005
%
Change
from
19902
1990 (est.)1 399,274
2005 88,767 92,247 261,912 19,075 2,535 484 4,714 469,734 0%
2006 83,610 95,425 264,685 18,913 2,187 485 4,550 469,855 0%
2007 111,739 92,455 262,812 17,101 2,976 488 4,407 491,978 5%
2008 112,024 93,985 263,594 14,205 2,721 490 4,262 491,281 5%
2009 101,128 92,767 257,666 12,223 2,759 492 4,116 471,151 0%
2010 76,081 93,296 246,324 12,006 1,556 496 3,976 433,735 -8%
2011 71,120 96,073 245,884 11,719 1,106 499 3,950 430,350 -8%
2012 72,887 90,344 246,261 12,155 1,197 503 3,897 427,245 -9%
2013 68,978 89,797 244,294 12,331 1,386 507 3,840 421,132 -10%
2014 62,192 76,304 241,458 12,470 1,279 518 3,774 397,995 -15%
2015 61,473 77,920 238,583 12,922 962 492 3,690 396,042 -16%
2016 50,152 81,715 232,160 15,205 790 553 3,600 384,175 -18%
2017 26,618 85,650 224,706 15,917 232 544 3,501 357,168 -24%
2018 26,148 85,625 218,948 14,125 82 502 3,384 348,814 -26%
2019 25,464 86,037 214,479 13,470 89 501 3,264 343,304 -27% -14%
Change
from 2005 -63,302 -6,210 -47,433 -5,605 -2,446 17 -1,451 -126,430 % Change
from 2005 -71% -7% -18% -29% -96% 3% -31% -27%
1 Per California Air Resources Board guidance, 1990 levels are estimated at 15% below 2005 levels.
2 In 2019, San Rafael adopted a Climate Action Plan that established a goal to reduce emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.
This column will track that progress over time.
P ER CAPITA E MISSIONS
Per capita emissions can be a useful metric for measuring progress in reducing greenhouse gases and for comparing
one community’s emissions with neighboring cities and against regional and national averages. That said, due to
differences in emission inventory methods, it can be difficult to produce directly comparable per capita emissions
numbers. Per capita emission rates may be compared among Marin jurisdictions, although some jurisdictions may
have higher rates due to the presence of commercial and industrial uses.
Dividing the total communitywide GHG emissions by residents yields a result of 8.4 metric tons CO2e per capita in
2005. Per capita emissions decreased 32% between 2005 and 2019, falling to 5.7 metric tons per person. Figure 3
shows the trend in per capita emissions over time. It is important to understand that this number is not the same as
the carbon footprint of the average individual living in San Rafael, which would include lifecycle emissions, emissions
resulting from air travel, etc.
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 7
FIGURE 3 : E MISSIONS P ER CAPITA
MAJOR SOURCES OF EMISSIONS
The following sections provide a year-by-year analysis of the changes in source GHG emissions in the Built
Environment, Transportation, Waste and Water sectors. Whenever possible, each section discusses the change in
emissions from previous years and the likely influence of state and local programs or policies and external factors
on reducing emissions.
B UILT E NVIRONMENT - E LECTRICITY
Electricity use in homes and businesses in San Rafael
decreased about 12% between 2005 and 2019.
Greenhouse gas emissions from electricity
consumption decreased 71% since 2005, as shown in
Figure 3. This is primarily due to the lower carbon
intensity of electricity. PG&E has been steadily
increasing the amount of renewable energy in its
electricity mix. In 2019, PG&E electricity came from
a mix of renewable (29%), large hydroelectric (27%),
and nuclear (44%) energy sources and was virtually
GHG-free.3 The carbon intensity of MCE Light Green
electricity was more carbon intensive in 2019 than
the previous two years but was still below the 10-
year average. In 2019, about 12.4% of MCE electricity
purchased by San Rafael customers was 100%
renewable Deep Green electricity, including
electricty purchased by the City government.
3 PG&E, 2019 Power Mix, https://www.pge.com/pge_global/common/pdfs/your-account/your-bill/understand-
your-bill/bill-inserts/2020/1220-PowerContent-ADA.pdf
8.4 8.3 8.7 8.6 8.2
7.5 7.4 7.3 7.1 6.7 6.6 6.4 5.9 5.8 5.7
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019MTCO2e Per PersonFIGURE 4: ELECTRICITY EMISSIONS
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019MTCO2e
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 8
B UILT E NVIRONMENT - N ATURAL G AS
Natural gas is used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to provide space and water heating and power
appliances. Use of natural gas is highly variable depending on the weather conditions. This variability has led natural
gas use consumption in San Rafael to fluctuate from year to year, from a high of 18 million therms in 2011 to a low
of 14.2 million therms in 2014. Natural gas consumption rose slightly between 2018 and 2019 and was 7% below the
2005 level.
FIGURE 5: NATURAL GAS USE
Reduction in energy use may also be attributed to energy efficiency programs and rebates, local green building
ordinances, and State building codes. California’s goal is to require all new residential and commercial buildings to
be zero net energy by 2030.
T RANSPORTATION
Transportation activities accounted for approximately 63% of San Rafael’s emissions in 2019. Although vehicle miles
traveled have increased approximately 3% since 2005, transportation emissions have decreased 18% due to more
fuel-efficient and alternatively fueled cars. As shown in Figure 6, most transportation emissions comes from
passenger vehicles, accounting for 75% of transportation emissions in 2019. Marin County continues to be a leader
in zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) – second only to Santa Clara County – with 8,600 ZEVs in Marin at the end of 2019,
or about 4% of registered automobiles. ZEVs include battery electric cars, plug-in hybrid electric cars, hydrogen fuel
cell cars, and zero-emission motorcycles. San Rafael had nearly 2,000 ZEVs by the end of 2019.
While it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how each land use and transportation policy affects emissions, the City has
undertaken many efforts to reduce transportation emissions. The City encourages workforce housing and has made
improvements to the transportation network to make it easier for residents to bicycle, walk, and take public
transportation. The City has also promoted electric vehicle adoption by installing chargers and providing free
electricity at municipal EV charging stations.
0
2,000,000
4,000,000
6,000,000
8,000,000
10,000,000
12,000,000
14,000,000
16,000,000
18,000,000
20,000,000
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019Natural Gas (therms)
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 9
FIGURE 6: TRANSPORTATION EMISSIONS
Note: Public transportation includes emissions from Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit fixed-route buses
and the SMART train.
W ASTE D ISPOSAL
Waste generated by the community hit a low in 2011 but has since increased as shown in Figure 7 (based on
countywide disposal data). Total landfilled waste (including alternative daily cover)4 decreased 6% between 2018
and 2019 but was 5% below the 2005 baseline. Emissions from waste disposal decreased 29% due to the lower
organic content of material used for alternative daily cover.
FIGURE 7: DISPOSED WASTE
4 Alternative daily cover is cover material other than earthen material placed on the surface of the active face of a municipal solid
waste landfill at the end of each operating day to control vectors, fires, odors, blowing litter, and scavenging.
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019MTCO2e
Passenger Vehicles Commercial Vehicles Public Transportation
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Landfilled Waste Alternative Daily Cover
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 10
W A TER USE
Per capita water use declined 19% since 2005. Emissions, which are based on an estimate of energy used to pump,
treat, and convey water from the water source to the City limits, dropped 96% between 2005 and 2019. The
reduction is primarily due to the lower carbon intensity of electricity. The Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD)
began purchasing MCE Deep Green electricity in mid-2017. The Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA), which
supplies approximately 24% of MMWD’s water in 2019, uses renewable and carbon-free sources for its electricity
needs; a small amount of emissions comes from stationary and mobile combustion of fuels used in SCWA’s
operations.
FIGURE 8: PER CAPITA WATER USE
MMWD provides rebates and programs to reduce water use. Rebates are available to replace fixtures with high-
efficiency clothes washers and to purchase cisterns and rain barrels. MMWD provides free home and landscape
water-use evaluations as well as free high-efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators. The City of San Rafael actively
promotes water conservation and MMWD rebates and programs to residents and businesses.
152 152 154 154
140 132 130 137 145
125 115 115 121 125 124
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019Gallons Per Capita Per DaySource: Marin Municipal Water District
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Appendix A-1
APPENDIX: COMMUNITY INVENTORY
Community GHG Emissions Summary Table
Jurisdiction: City of San Rafael Inventory Year: 2019
Population: 60,207 (CA Department of Finance) Date Prepared: April 30, 2021
Number of Households: 23,136 (CA Department of Finance) Reporting Framework: Communitywide Activities
ID
Emissions Type
Source
or
Activity
Included,
Required
Activities
Included,
Optional
Activities
Excluded
(IE, NA,
NO or NE) Notes
Emissions
(MTCO2e)
1.0 Built Environment
1.1 Use of fuel in residential and commercial stationary
combustion equipment Both ● 86,037
1.2 Industrial stationary sources Source NE
1.3 Power generation in the community Source NO
1.4 Use of electricity in the community Activity ● Includes transmission and distribution
losses 25,464
1.5 District heating/cooling facilities in the community Source NE
1.6 Use of district heating/cooling facilities in the community Activity NE
1.7 Industrial process emissions in the community Source NO
1.8 Refrigerant leakage in the community Source NE
2.0 Transportation and Other Mobile Sources
2.1 On-road passenger vehicles operating within the community
boundary Source IE Obtained data for preferred activity-
based method instead
2.2 On-road passenger vehicles associated with community land
uses Activity ● 161,106
2.3 On-road freight and service vehicles operating within the
community boundary Source IE Obtained data for preferred activity-
based method instead
2.4 On-road freight and service vehicles associated with
community land uses Activity ● 51,027
2.5 On-road transit vehicles associated with community land uses Activity ● 2,004
2.6 Transit rail vehicles operating with the community boundary Source ● 342
2.7 Use of transit rail travel by the community Activity NE
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Appendix A-2
2.8 Inter-city passenger rail vehicles operating within the
community boundary Source NO
2.9 Freight rail vehicles operating within the community
boundary Source NO
2.10 Marine vessels operating within the community boundary Source NE
2.11 Use of ferries by the community Activity NE
2.12 Off-road surface vehicles and other mobile equipment
operating within the community boundary Source ● 3,264
2.13 Use of air travel by the community Activity NE
3.0 Solid Waste
3.1 Operation of solid waste disposal facilities in the community Source NE
3.2 Generation and disposal of solid waste by the community Activity ● Includes alternative daily cover 13,470
4.0 Water and Wastewater
4.1 Operation of water delivery facilities in the community Source IE Energy use is included in 1.1 and 1.4
4.2 Use of energy associated with use of potable water by the
community Activity ● 89
4.3 Use of energy associated with generation of wastewater by
the community Activity ● Energy use is included in 1.1 and 1.4
4.4 Process emissions from operation of wastewater treatment
facilities located in the community Source NE
Wastewater treatment facilities are
located in the community but only
process emissions associated with
generation of wastewater by the
community are reported in 4.5
4.5 Process emissions associated with generation of wastewater
by the community Activity ● 501
4.6 Use of septic systems in the community Source NE
5.0 Agriculture
5.1 Domesticated animal production Source NE
5.2 Manure decomposition and treatment Source NE
6.0 Upstream Impacts of Communitywide Activities
6.1 Upstream impacts of fuels used in stationary applications by
the community Activity NE
6.2 Upstream and transmission and distribution (T&D) impacts of
purchased electricity used by the community Activity IE Transmission and distribution losses
included in 1.4
6.3
Upstream impacts of fuels used by water and wastewater
facilities for water used and wastewater generated within the
community boundary
Activity IE
6.4 Upstream impacts of select materials (concrete, food, paper,
carpets, etc.) sued by the whole community. Activity NE
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Appendix A-3
Legend
IE – Included Elsewhere: Emissions for this activity are estimated and presented in another category of the inventory. The category where these emissions are included should be
noted in the explanation.
NE – Not Estimated: Emissions occur but have not been estimate or reported (e.g., data unavailable, effort required not justifiable).
NA – Not Applicable: The activity occurs but does not cause emissions; explanation should be provided.
NO – Not Occurring: The source or activity does not occur or exist within the community.
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Appendix A-4
Community Emissions Data Sources and Calculation Methodologies
Sector/ID Emissions Source Source and/or Activity Data Emission Factor and Methodology
1.0 Built Environment
1.1
Stationary
Combustion
Stationary Combustion
(CO2, CH4 & N2O)
Known fuel use (meter readings by PG&E) and estimated fuel
use (American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, and U.S.
Energy Information Administration Household Site Fuel
Consumption data).
Default CO2, CH4 & N2O emission factors by fuel type (U.S.
Community Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix C, Tables B.1 and B.3). U.S.
Community Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix C, Method BE.1.1 and
BE.1.2.
1.4
Electricity Use
Electricity Use (CO2, CH4
& N2O)
Known electricity use (meter readings by PG&E and MCE) and
estimated direct access electricity consumption.
Verified utility-specific emission factors (PG&E and MCE) and
eGrid subregion default emission factors. U.S. Community
Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix C, Method BE.2.1.
Electric Power
Transmission and
Distribution Losses
(CO2, CH4 & N2O)
Estimated electricity grid loss for Western region from eGrid. U.S. Community Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix C, Method BE.4.1.
2.0 Transportation and Other Mobile Sources
2.2
On-Road
Passenger
Vehicle
Operation
On-Road Mobile
Combustion (CO2)
Estimated passenger vehicle miles traveled associated with
origin and destination land uses (Metropolitan Transportation
Commission, http://capvmt.us-west-
2.elasticbeanstalk.com/data).
CO2 for on-road passenger vehicles quantified in the EMFAC2017
model. Passenger vehicle emissions calculated according to U.S.
Community Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix D, Method TR.1.A.
On-Road Mobile
Combustion
(CH4 & N2O)
Estimated vehicle miles traveled associated with origin and
destination land uses (Metropolitan Transportation
Commission, http://capvmt.us-west-
2.elasticbeanstalk.com/data).
CH4 and N2O for on-road passenger vehicles quantified in the
EMFAC2017 model and adjusted for IPCC AR5 100-year values.
Passenger vehicle emissions calculated according to U.S.
Community Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix D, Method TR.1.A.
2.4
On-Road
Freight and
Service Truck
Freight
Operation
On-Road Mobile
Combustion (CO2)
Estimated commercial vehicle miles traveled within the
boundary (Metropolitan Transportation Commission utilizing
Plan Bay Area 2040 and the 2017 Regional Transportation
Plan).
CO2 for on-road commercial vehicles quantified in the
EMFAC2017 model. Emissions allocated utilizing LEHD data
according to U.S. Community Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix D,
Method TR.2.A.
On-Road Mobile
Combustion
(CH4 & N2O)
Estimated commercial vehicle miles traveled within the
boundary (Metropolitan Transportation Commission utilizing
Plan Bay Area 2040 and the 2017 Regional Transportation
Plan).
CH4 and N2O for on-road commercial vehicles quantified in the
EMFAC2017 model and adjusted for IPCC AR5 100-year values.
Emissions allocated utilizing LEHD data according to U.S.
Community Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix D, Method TR.2.A.
2.5
On-Road
Transit
Operation
On-Road Mobile
Combustion (CO2)
Estimated vehicle miles traveled within the boundary (Marin
Transit and Golden Gate Transit) and estimated diesel fuel
efficiency for transit fleet (Golden Gate Transit). Fuel type
provided by Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit.
Renewable diesel emission factor provided by NEXGEN. U.S.
Community Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix D, Method TR.4.A.
On-Road Mobile
Combustion
(CH4 & N2O)
Estimated vehicle miles traveled within the boundary (Marin
Transit and Golden Gate Transit) and estimated diesel fuel
efficiency for transit fleet (Golden Gate Transit). Fuel type
provided by Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit.
Renewable diesel emission factor provided by NEXGEN. U.S.
Community Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix D, Method TR.4.B.
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Appendix A-5
2.6
Passenger Rail
Mobile Combustion
(CO2, CH4 & N2O)
Estimated train-miles by multiplying the number of train cars
per day (in both directions, according to the SMART published
schedule) by the railway track mileage located within the
community boundary (Marin Map). Average Diesel Multiple
Unit fuel efficiency provided by SMART.
U.S. Community Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix D, Method TR.5.
Emission factors from Equation TR.5.2.
2.12
Off-Road
Vehicles and
Equipment
Off-Road Mobile
Combustion (CO2)
Estimated fuel use from OFFROAD 2007 for Lawn and Garden
and from OFFROAD2017 for Construction equipment. All
categories are allocated by share of countywide households.
CO2 emissions calculated according U.S. Community Protocol v.
1.1, Appendix D, Method TR.8. Emission factors provided in Table
TR.1.6.
Off-Road Mobile
Combustion
(CH4 & N2O)
Estimated fuel use from OFFROAD 2007 for Lawn and Garden
and from OFFROAD2017 for Construction equipment. All
categories are allocated by share of countywide households.
CH4 and N2O emissions calculated according to U.S. Community
Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix D, Method TR.8. Emission factors
provided in the Local Government Operations Protocol Table
G.11 and G.14.
3.0 Solid Waste
3.2
Solid Waste
Generation
and Disposal
Fugitive Emissions from
Landfilled Waste (CH4)
Estimated landfilled tons based on reporting to CalRecycle by
Marin County Solid and Hazardous Waste JPA and allocated to
jurisdiction based on share of countywide population. Waste
characterization based on the Statewide Waste
Characterization Study (2008 and 2014) and Alternative Daily
Cover by Jurisdiction of Origin and Material Type as reported to
CalRecycle.
Emission factors calculated utilizing U.S. Community Protocol for
Accounting and Report of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Version
1.1, July 2013, Appendix E, Method SW.4.
4.0 Water and Wastewater
4.2
Water Supply
&
Conveyance,
Treatment
and
Distribution
Electricity Use (CO2) Water consumption data provided by Marin Municipal Water
District (MMWD). Electricity consumption data provided by
MMWD. Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) delivery
amount provided by SCWA.
Verified utility-specific emission factors (PG&E, MCE and SCWA).
Emissions calculated according to U.S. Community Protocol v. 1.1,
Appendix F, Method WW.14.
Electricity Use
(CH4 & N2O)
Water consumption data provided by Marin Municipal Water
District (MMWD). Electricity consumption data provided by
MMWD.
eGrid subregion default emission factors. Emissions calculated
according to U.S. Community Protocol v. 1.1, Appendix F, Method
WW.14.
4.5
Treatment of
Wastewater
Stationary Emissions
from Combustion of
Digester Gas
(CH4)
Known amount of digester gas produced per day and known
percent of methane in digester gas provided by Central Marin
Sanitation Agency. Known amount of digester gas produced
per day (2016) and known percent of methane in digester gas
(2017) provided by Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District.
Emissions calculated according to U.S. Community Protocol v. 1.1,
Appendix F, Method WW.1.a.
Stationary Emissions
from Combustion of
Digester Gas
(N2O)
Known amount of digester gas produced per day and known
percent of methane in digester gas provided by Central Marin
Sanitation Agency. Known amount of digester gas produced
Emissions calculated according to U.S. Community Protocol v. 1.1,
Appendix F, Method WW.2.a.
San Rafael Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Appendix A-6
per day (2016) and known percent of methane in digester gas
(2017) provided by Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District.
Process Emissions from
Wastewater Treatment
Plant without
Nitrification or
Denitrification
Estimated population served by wastewater treatment plant
provided by Central Marin Sanitation Agency.
Emissions calculated according to U.S. Community Protocol v. 1.1,
Appendix F, Method WW.8.
Process Emissions from
Wastewater Treatment
Plant with Nitrification or
Denitrification
Estimated population served by wastewater treatment plant
provided by Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District (2010 data).
Emissions calculated according to U.S. Community Protocol v. 1.1,
Appendix F, Method WW.7.
Fugitive Emissions from
Effluent Discharge
(N2O)
Estimated population served by wastewater treatment plant
provided by Central Marin Sanitation Agency. Assumed
significant industrial or commercial input.
Emissions calculated according to U.S. Community Protocol v. 1.1,
Appendix F, Method WW.12(alt).
Fugitive Emissions from
Effluent Discharge
(N2O)
Estimated population served by wastewater treatment plant
provided by Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District. Assumed no
significant industrial or commercial input.
Emissions calculated according to U.S. Community Protocol v. 1.1,
Appendix F, Method WW.12.
1
2021-2023 Two-Year Sustainability Program Priorities
CCAP 2030 Goal: 40% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels (GHG’s)
2019-2021 Accomplishments
GENERAL
• Secured Beacon Award for Interim Accomplishments in energy savings from the Institute for Local
Government
LOW-CARBON TRANSPORTATION
• Installed 6 electric vehicle chargers at City Hall
• Streamlined our electric vehicle charger permit process and offered template to other cities and towns
• Switched to Renewable Diesel for all City diesel vehicles, including fire trucks
• Hosted a Bike to the Ballpark event with Transportation Authority of Marin and the San Rafael Pacifics
• Promoted transit, electric vehicle, and e-bike events, incentives, and programs
ENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGY
• Conducted audits of City facilities and launched an energy efficiency retrofit project at two facilities
• Promoted County-wide Electrify Marin rebate program and technical resources, MCE Deep Green and
PG&E Solar Choice renewable electricity programs, and home energy workshops
WASTE REDUCTION
• Continued to host a Climate Corps Fellow to assist with zero waste programs, including single-use take-
out plastics reduction at restaurants, illegal dumping programs and outreach, waste reduction activities in
City facilities, and other community outreach activities
• Partnered with the Mattress Recycling Council to offer bulky item drop-off events in the Canal
neighborhood with a focus on mattress recycling
• Created compliance process, website and support resources including how-to videos for businesses to
comply with AB 1826 mandatory organics recycling law
• Created new surplus equipment policy focused on reuse
WATER CONSERVATION
• Created web resources for water conservation, including Mayor’s Water Conservation Pledge
SEQUESTRATION AND ADAPTATION
• Started adaptation and resilience planning with the County of Marin and community partners
• Created CityofSanRafael.org/Adaptation web resource pages
• Assisted with creation of General Plan documents related to flooding and sea level rise
• Participated in regional planning collaboratives with Bay Conservation and Development Commission, Bay
Area Climate Adaptation Network and Bay Adapt
• Planted 100 trees in collaboration with State agencies and community volunteers
2
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• Created Climate Role Model program for CCAP website, featuring local businesses, nonprofits, and
individuals taking climate action.
• Created several Waste Wise Business Spotlight case studies to support commercial recycling
• Supported Chamber Green Business Committee and green business events, including Marin Sustainable
Enterprise Conference and Green Business Program offerings
• Supported Resilient Neighborhoods by hosting and promoting classes through Recreation
• Continued active engagement with Marin Climate and Energy Partnership as well as community partners
and programs such as Bike to Work Day, Canal Community Resilience Council, Drive Clean Marin, Marin
Commutes, and Sustainable San Rafael among others
• Established a core team and framework for an Equitable Low-Carbon Economy Working Group
3
2021-2023 Two-Year Sustainability Program Priorities
CCAP 2030 Goal: 40% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels (GHG’s)
DRAFT PRIORITIES
ACTION STRATEGY OBJECTIVES
1. Zero Emission
Vehicles Policies and
Programs
Develop and begin to implement a San Rafael Electric Vehicle Strategy
Continue to transition fleet to low-carbon alternatives
Promote Drive Clean Marin and other low-carbon transportation
programs
Develop policies to reduce off-road emissions and electrify equipment
2. Mandatory
Recycling and
Organics
Develop and adopt ordinance and implement programs for SB 1383
compliance in conjunction with Marin Sanitary Service and other agencies
Identify opportunities for organic waste diversion that also sequesters
carbon
3. Adaptation
Planning
Secure funding and conduct adaptation planning process with focus on
environmental justice & sea level rise
Begin comprehensive adaptation planning with county-wide coordination
4. Microgrids
Assessment and
Development
Develop an analysis of opportunities for municipal and community
microgrids with a special focus on underserved communities
Seek funding to implement a microgrid project with community partners
such as MCE Clean Energy
5. Building Energy
Efficiency &
Electrification
Work with Marin Energy Watch Partnership to promote energy efficiency
& electrification
Adopt new Green Building Code with analysis/option of all-electric and
other reach codes
Identify & include incentives & technical assistance with permit
requirements
6. Equitable Low
Carbon Economy
Convene thought leader team to develop plan of action
Conduct specific, time-limited business engagement to develop a work
plan and recommendations
4
1. Zero Emission Vehicles Policies and Programs
Cost & Benefits Snapshot
Potential GHG Reduction
30,345 MTCO2e, or about 31% of the City’s total 2030 reductions goal.
Summary
Measure LCT-C1: Develop a Zero Emission Vehicle Plan that will result in 25% of passenger vehicles in
San Rafael to be zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), including plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen
fuel cell electric vehicles, by 2030. This item includes 13 actions the City could do to decrease emissions
by helping to increase the number of ZEVs in use by residents and businesses in San Rafael. Some
actions will require additional analysis. The first step in completing this early priority item will be to
develop the ZEV Plan, which would incur no costs other than staff time, and requires no additional
staff resources than currently allocated. Additional efforts include promoting ZEV incentives and
campaigns and developing policies to reduce off-road emissions and increase the availability of electric
vehicle chargers in strategic locations. An update to the City’s Fleet Policy will be conducted as well.
Funding
No cost to the City for developing the Strategy or the Fleet Policy, and staff is already working closely
with the Transportation Authority of Marin and Marin Climate and Energy Partnership to develop a
Countywide Strategy that San Rafael can participate in. Direct costs to the City for implementation will
likely include installation of EV chargers and wayfinding and parking signage. Potential costs include
trenching, wiring, electrical upgrades, installation, and parking infrastructure changes. Most, if not all,
of these costs can be offset by grants and incentives from PG&E, MCE Clean Energy, the
Transportation Authority of Marin, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the State, and other
agencies or programs. All current charger installations all been funded in this way, although ongoing
maintenance falls to the General Fund and Parking Services. The majority of the ZEV Plan’s actions,
such as the development of policies and ordinances and participation in outreach and behavior change
campaigns, will be carried out by staff and community partners and will not incur additional costs to
the City at this time.
Economy and Social Equity
Potential opportunities and impacts to the local economy include additional costs to builders, property
owners and developers for installing the wiring and infrastructure necessary to meet new mandates.
However, there are a variety of rebates and incentives available to help offset those costs in situations
where there is multi-family or workplace parking. In addition, the addition of EV chargers may increase
property values, especially as ZEVs gain in popularity and demand. Currently, a ZEV costs more than a
5
similar internal combustion engine model, but the annual cost of ownership is lower because
electricity is cheaper than gas, and ZEVs do not require oil changes and other types of maintenance.1
Currently there is very little opportunity for residents of multifamily dwellings to charge vehicles at
home. Having more EV charger availability in apartment complexes, public parking lots, and workplace
settings will enable renters to acquire EVs and plug-in hybrids. Local sales and tax revenue could go up
or down slightly depending on availability of ZEVs at local dealers and rate of adoption. There will also
be indirect market benefits to local contractors who will be providing services and supplies for these
efforts. There are also State and regional programs and incentives directed at lower-income individuals
and renters to purchase ZEVs. And MCE Clean Energy offers multifamily charger rebates as well.
Co-Benefits
The primary benefit for this activity is to make it easier for citizens to get charging for electric vehicles
and to remove obstacles to citizens’ ability to acquire electric vehicles. Co-benefits include health
benefits from less particulate matter and airborne pollutants, including volatile organic compounds,
nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. In addition, there are opportunities to aid in
simplifying permitting and procedures for other construction permits, increased customer satisfaction
at the counter, and less time and expense for vehicle maintenance for consumers since EVs do not
require oil and filter changes.
1 Borlaug et al., Joule 4, 1470–1485
July 15, 2020 a 2020 Elsevier Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2020.05.013
6
2. Mandatory Recycling and Organics
Cost & Benefits Snapshot
Potential GHG Reduction
9,680 MTCO2e, or about 10% of the City’s total 2030 reductions goal.
Summary
WR-C4: 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.
With the passage of SB 1383 the State is requiring local jurisdictions to pass enforceable local recycling
and organics diversion mandates by January 1, 2022. This item would require an analysis of the
challenges and opportunities here in San Rafael, including the potential of partnering with the other
agencies that have solid waste franchises with Marin Sanitary Service (MSS). There is a need for more
capacity for the anticipated large quantities of organic material that is mandated to be diverted from
landfills, as well as for the recovery of edible food, also mandated by SB 1383. Having more local
facilities to process organic materials, potentially in a way that produces energy or sequesters carbon
could offer multiple benefits. Coordination Countywide will be essential to enable adequate recovery
of edible food through programs such as ExtraFood.org. In addition, the City will be required to
purchase certain amounts of compost and mulch generated by the law as a way of creating demand
and enabling a circular economy around organic materials.
Funding
Typically, funding for an analysis that would affect ratepayers is conducted through the rates and has
no direct cost to the City. An analysis is underway in conjunction with the other MSS franchisors in the
range of $155,000 which will be shared equitably between ratepayers of all jurisdictions. The near-
term rate impact relating to planning for SB 1383 compliance is anticipated to be in the .08 to .3%
range depending on the outcome of a Zero Waste Marin funding proposal. Actual and ongoing
implementation of the law will most likely have an additional, significant, and as of yet unknown cost
to the City and ratepayers, which will be determined during upcoming compliance planning efforts.
Economy and Social Equity
Potential opportunities and impacts to the local economy include increased costs of doing business for
commercial customers, the potential of increased or decreased rates for customers depending on how
much they can reduce their landfill garbage service, and the potential for new types of business that
could serve solid waste generators with large amounts of organic materials. Potentially, extra costs of
doing business may be passed along to customers or even to renters in multifamily dwellings. Program
development should focus on ways to mitigate potential costs to the most economically
7
disadvantaged. Local facilities and programs to manage, sort, and process the increase in organic
materials could provide new local jobs.
Co-Benefits
There could be co-benefits from working together more closely on recycling and diversion activities
county-wide by making it easier for the public to understand and comply, and by providing more
opportunities for adequate recycling. Increased recycling and composting saves landfill space and
lengthens the amount of time we are able to use our local landfill. New, local business models to
address increased amounts of edible food recovery and organic materials recovery could provide jobs
for local residents. The establishment of new, local facilities to process organic food waste, and/or the
processing of woody materials removed through fire prevention efforts could create energy such as is
being done at Central Marin Sanitation Agency or be dispersed on local farmland and open space to
sequester carbon as is being done by the Marin Carbon Project.
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3. Adaptation Planning
Cost & Benefits Snapshot
Summary
SA-C4: Prepare for and adapt to a rising sea level. SA-C5: Prepare for and respond to the expected
impacts of climate change. These items represent San Rafael’s commitment to prepare for the effects
of climate change, some of which are already upon us: rising seas and increased flooding, drought,
health impacts from extreme heat and poor air quality, and the increased likelihood and prevalence of
wildfires and landslides. Many projects and resources are available to San Rafael including the County’s
BayWAVE sea level rise vulnerability assessment, San Rafael’s General Plan 2040 and the Resilient by
Design Challenge project focused on East San Rafael among others. The first step for this early priority
item is to identify funding to continue the work that’s already been done toward developing a full-
fledged adaptation plan. Simultaneously the City needs to work Countywide and regionally and seek
effective means of coordination and collaboration, specifically through alignment in our Local Hazard
Mitigation Plans.
Funding
Costs to develop an adaptation plan that prepares for multiple hazards could be in the several
hundreds of thousands of dollars, which are currently not budgeted and to which there is no current
revenue source. However, there are a number of funding sources available, mostly grants, that could
be leveraged from State agencies such as the State Coastal Conservancy, from private foundations
such as the Marin Community Foundation, and from a variety of other sources such as Prop 1 and Prop
68 funds, Measure AA, and the Funders’ Network among others. Staff will work with our community
partners to identify funding to accomplish this measure. This item does not include implementation of
adaptation measures, which will require multiple millions of dollars and new funding models.
Economy and Social Equity
The potential negative impacts to San Rafael are significant and daunting. Studies show a potential loss
to property of $7 billion 2 to San Rafael during a significant flood event with a three-foot rise in sea
levels. Those most vulnerable are often those with the least means to respond and recover: those with
limited income, resources and local support systems, including residents of the Canal Neighborhood,
older adults, and people with disabilities. Efforts to plan for adaptation and resilience must prioritize
those most vulnerable and with the least means. Fortunately, State guidance and funding mechanisms
are most often now placing priority on or mandating that funding recipients have robust social equity
components in their projects. San Rafael has already done a lot in this area and is building our capacity
to engage and include low income and communities of color in our planning efforts.
2 https://baykeeper.org/shoreview/economic-loss.html
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Co-Benefits
Increasingly, insurers are looking at climate change in their policies and portfolios. Cities with adequate
climate action and adaptation strategies and implementation will be better able to continue to sell
bonds for projects and maintain good credit ratings. As planning and projects go forward there is
potential for people in hazard zones that are being addressed to escape higher premiums or
discontinuance of coverage. All planning efforts should look at co-benefits that also reduce
greenhouse gas emissions or provide other short-term needs while planning for long-term impacts. For
example, when looking at energy resilience, there are opportunities to not only provide for electricity
during a disaster, but also provide it at lower costs and through renewable means, providing benefit to
the community outside of a disaster scenario. In addition, infrastructure projects to protect areas of
San Rafael will require labor and could provide jobs with valuable skills training for local residents and
contractors.
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4. Microgrids Assessment and Development
Cost & Benefits Snapshot
Potential GHG Reduction
10,940 MTCO2e, or about 11% of the City’s total 2030 reductions goal.
Summary
RE-C1: Renewable Energy Generation Accelerate installation of residential and commercial solar and
other renewable energy systems. 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. RE-M1:
Solar Energy Systems for Municipal Buildings: Install solar energy systems at municipal buildings and
facilities where feasible and investigate and pursue innovative technologies such as battery storage and
demand response programs. These measures and the activities associated with them aim to reduce the
carbon intensity of electricity being delivered to homes, businesses, and municipal buildings here in
San Rafael while increasing resiliency in the face of energy disruptions. The City and its partners will
need to assess current barriers and opportunities to the installation of solar energy and battery backup
systems to identify opportunities for facility or community microgrids. The City has done initial
assessments and has begun to partner with our utilities and agency partners such as PG&E, MCE Clean
Energy, and the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership (MCEP) to identify opportunity sites, funding,
and technical assistance.
Funding
Initial costs associated with this effort are minimal and mostly comprise staff time commitment from
the Sustainability Program and community and utility partners. The cost of solar is at all-time lows and
residents and businesses that have adequate space, sun exposure, and energy offset potential can
recoup their costs fairly quickly. However, the costs for battery storage are significant. The State and
California Public Utilities Commission are putting together programs, technical assistance, and funding
opportunities to enable more microgrids and new technologies to contend with public safety power
shutoffs and other power disruptions, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Should
opportunities for the City be identified, grants would be sought to offset costs. Other funding
mechanisms include on-bill financing and other zero-to-low interest loans and would most likely be
brought to Council for approval. Community microgrid projects would require funding by utilities,
property owners, and through loans and grants and would not require City funding.
Economy and Social Equity
Renewable energy generally is a net benefit financially to adopters. For example, most solar projects
include return on investment that amplifies over time reducing energy costs for the building owners.
There are a variety of funding mechanisms that can allow property owners to own, lease, or procure
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solar through power purchase agreements with no money down such as the City did with its four
municipal solar installations. Solar energy systems on affordable housing can be a great benefit to
renters, especially if they participate in payment of electricity. However, there is usually a “split
incentive” in that property owners do not see the financial benefits of the solar they install if renters
are paying the bills. Thus, the incentive is minimal and often requires additional encouragement.
Nonprofit housing collaboratives currently tend to have more interest and incentives as exemplified in
the Canal Alliance’s property that was a beneficiary of a Grid Alternatives solar project.3
Co-Benefits
Solar rooftop systems and local solar with energy storage have the potential to increase local energy
resilience during a disaster. They also provide a hedge against increases in electricity rates. Less fossil-
fuel based electricity reduces overall pollution and their associated health impacts, which tends to
benefit lower-income communities that are often located closer to energy generation plants.4 New
State legislation to recycle solar panels and batteries could provide new jobs and a circular economy
locally and will be explored in the economic working group in Priority 6.
3 News Release “Marin Residents and Local Nonprofits Join Together to Bring Solar Energy to Recent Immigrants”
https://gridalternatives.org/sites/default/files/Solar%20for%20Canal%20Alliance%20Press%20Release.pdf
4 PSE Healthy Energy “Natural Gas Powerplants in California’s Disadvantaged Communities”, April 2017
https://www.psehealthyenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CA.EJ_.Gas_.Plants.pdf
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5. Building Energy Efficiency and Electrification
Cost & Benefits Snapshot
Potential GHG Reduction
18,280 MTCO2e, or about 19% of the City’s total 2030 reductions goal.
Summary
EE-C4: Green Building Reach Code Investigate 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 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.
Every three years the State of California updates the Green Building codes and local governments have
the opportunity to go beyond by adopting stronger reach codes. These two CCAP 2030 measures go
hand-in-hand in trying to build a customer experience that removes barriers to adoption of green
building practices while meeting or exceeding new State building code requirements. The County of
Marin led a county-wide effort to help cities achieve our GHG reduction goals while ensuring a positive
experience for builders and property owners and has developed a model ordinance San Rafael should
consider. In addition, the Green Building codes will be revised in 2022 and there will be opportunities
for San Rafael to consider all-electric building requirements as well as reach codes for electric vehicle
chargers among other things.
Funding
Currently there are no costs associated with this effort other than staff time commitment from the
Building Division and the Sustainability Program. Staff will leverage the work being done and
coordinated by the County, the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership, and the Bay Area Regional
Energy Network (BayREN). Should there be activities identified that would incur costs, funding would
be identified from department budgets, grant or other external sources, or for significant program
costs would be brought to City Council for approval first.
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Economy and Social Equity
There are some concerns that increased costs associated with green building codes could add to the
costs of an already expensive real estate market. As a percentage, Green Building reach codes have
been estimated to add 1-2% to construction costs in California.5 However, net operating costs are
lowered, and when these costs are reduced, the value of a commercial project increases while
occupancy costs decrease.6 Therefore, reach codes should ideally seek to reduce ongoing costs of
ownership to balance out any increased cost in rents. When it comes to the built environment,
programs like MCE Clean Energy’s Green and Healthy Homes program should be supported to assist
with getting renters healthier and more efficient homes while reducing energy bills. Additionally, there
are rebates and incentives available for many types of green building measures such as energy efficient
lighting and low-flow fixtures.
Co-Benefits
There are many potential co-benefits to Green Building reach codes beyond the long-term occupancy
savings, including having healthier, more efficient homes, better heating, less indoor air pollution,
among others. In addition, there are other GHG reduction benefits outside of building energy due to
the codes, including less water use, less emissions from waste disposal, and reduction in
transportation related GHGs. Finally, many CalGreen mandates have co-benefits relating to other
environmental impacts studied in Environmental Impact Reports, such as reducing water demand,
criteria air pollutants, and waste disposal.7 Work on this program in combination with the permit and
process streamlining already in-process at the City will continue to improve the public user experience
and staff satisfaction as well.
5 Steve Pellegren, “Sustainability Is Vital, but Adds To the Cost of Building In California”, National Real Estate Investor,
October 26, 2015 https://www.nreionline.com/multifamily/sustainability-vital-adds-cost-building-california
6 Nora Knox, “Green Building Costs and Savings”, U.S. Green Building Council, March 25, 2015
https://www.usgbc.org/articles/green-building-costs-and-savings
7 Louise Mozingo & Ed Arens, “Quantifying the Comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Co-Benefits Of Green Buildings”, Center
for Environmental Design, UC Berkeley, October 24, 2014.
https://ced.berkeley.edu/research/faculty-projects/water-waste-transportation-benefits-green-buildings
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6. Equitable Low Carbon Economy
Cost & Benefits Snapshot
Summary
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. This measure will allow the
City to leverage the talents of local business owners and managers, thought leaders, and regional
subject matter experts to understand what the opportunities are for San Rafael to create a low-carbon
economy. This will involve convening a working group and engaging leaders in local business,
workforce development, nonprofit, and economic development in a time-limited, facilitated
engagement to identify key recommendations, work projects, and funding mechanisms to help San
Rafael strengthen our local economy with a focus on sustainability and good, local jobs.
Funding
Costs associated with this effort include hiring a facilitator and providing adequate supplies and food
and beverage for gatherings and presentations, estimated at $10,000. This has been included in the
proposed Sustainability Program budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. It should be noted that both the
State and Federal government are proposing budget measures to support the green economy and
pathways to good employment that we hope to position San Rafael for through this process.
Economy and Social Equity
The marriage of economy and social equity is nowhere as evident and necessary as with this CCAP
2030 measure, and a successful low-carbon economy will most likely require good, green jobs and
training programs. Enhanced economic activity should benefit as many as possible. Marin is home to
many potential partners to assist, including the College of Marin, Dominican University, Marin
Economic Forum, Canal Alliance, Community Action Marin, MCE Clean Energy, Marin Community
Foundation, the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, Conservation Corps North Bay, Multicultural
Center of Marin, and others, including partners in Sonoma.
Co-Benefits
There are many potential co-benefits to strengthening and diversifying our local economy and
prioritizing innovation and emissions reductions. These include benefits to ecosystem resilience, trade,
employment, health, energy security, and business competitiveness. In addition, efforts to build
collaborations have other benefits to the City and community including new opportunities for public-
private partnerships, enhanced community engagement opportunities for other programs and
projects, and infusion of expertise and insights into City processes and services.
