The five components of the city’s plan to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions:
Municipal Plan
By 2020: All municipal functions to become 100% carbon-neutral
New ACPP staff positions in 2007-08 city budget; jobs to be posted soon.
City department plans to be unveiled at next quarterly directors’ retreat, possibly in October.
Green fleet policy being developed; limited contract with Austin CarShare in progress.
Utility Plan
By 2020: Austin Energy to reduce energy use from current levels by 700 megawatts
New wind-power contracts secured, sufficient to provide 100% of energy for all city facilities by late 2008.
Directors and energy managers for each city department developing recommendations on reducing energy use.
AE studying which city buildings could add solar panels.
Homes and Buildings Plan
By 2015: Major increases in energy efficiency
Building code amendments drafted by task force, forwarded to Building and Standards Commission and to council in late September.
Austin Home Builders Association endorsed amendments.
New code requirements, effective Jan. 1, will reduce electrical energy use by 19%.
Community Plan
Motivate and help all citizens to aggressively reduce greenhouse-gas emissions
Mayor has given presentations on climate protection and global warming to two dozen influential local groups.
Capital Metro is developing new sustainability initiatives.
If enough wind power can be obtained, AE will reopen GreenChoice program for consumers.
Green City Festival (Oct. 13, City Hall) to promote climate protection.
All-in-One recycling program goes citywide in late 2008; more recyclables in one 60-gallon cart.
New AE rebates for energy-efficient refrigerators, data centers, and home improvements by renters.
Go Carbon Neutral Plan
Sell local “offset credits” to offset greenhouse-gas emissions
TreeFolks now offers local “carbon offsets” with money used to buy and plant trees. (Average $56 buys eight trees for public spaces.)
Online carbon calculator at TreeFolks.org. (See “Calculating That Co2 Footprint“)
AE is seeking other local providers to provide offsets; send proposals!
City is planning its own “Go Neutral” carbon calculator, with choice of local offsets.
The ACPP program is run by Austin Energy. Inquiries: ester.matthews@austinenergy.com.
This article appears in August 31 • 2007.