HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017.02.15 CEAP Agenda Packet Climate and Energy.Action Plan
Climate and Energy Plan Committee
Meeting Agenda
February 1 $, 2017 5:30 PM ..........7:>0 PM Com:m�un..i.ty .Devel.-opm-en..t .Bui.l..di.n..g
Agefi.da
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Call to Order Rich/Claudia
Icebreaker
Approval of Minutes Rich
Public Input Rich
15 min Future Vision Draft Document Rich/Isaac
45 min Updated Draft Plan —Final Review & Approval Rich/Adam
5 min Next MCCtIrigS Riche Adam
• March 7—Plan Presentation to Council
.-� Carr or
CASCADIA ,NSHLAND
r�
Climate and Energy Action Plan
LEAP Ad-Hoc Committee-......Scope of Work
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ....................................................................I
The ad hoc Climate Change and Energy Action Plan Committee is charged with making recommendations to
the City Council regarding a climate change and energy action plan intended to identify existing and potential
vulnerabilities and develop an organized and prioritized set of actions to protect people and resources from
the ongoing impacts of climate change.The plan shall include targets and strategies for reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions in Ashland.These targets and strategies may be short-mid-or long-term,and shall
consider cost,feasibility,community acceptance and likelihood of success,with an emphasis on voluntary
measures that can be undertaken by different sectors of the community.The plan shall include specific,
measurable actions that citizens and local institutions can undertake immediately upon adoption of the plan.
The Committee shall review similar plans in comparable communities,consult as necessary with local subject
matter experts in the areas of transportation, energy, land use and infrastructure(and other areas as the
Committee deems advisable), and identify implementation steps as appropriate.
The Committee shall, in consultation with City staff and consultants, determine its own work plan and project
timeline, however the activities of consultants hired by the City to work on the plan or technical reports
associated with the plan shall be directed by the City and not by the ad hoc committee. The ad hoc
committee shall not create and appoint subcommittees without the prior consent of the City Council. Unless
otherwise directed by the City Council,the Climate Change and Energy Action Plan shall be delivered to the
City Council by January 31, 2017.
The Committee shall, in the course of its work:
• Provide ample opportunity for public input and feedback; and
• Present its recommendations in writing so they can be easily shared with the public.
CITY OF
ASCADIA iNSHLAND
CONSULTING GkOUY
CEAP VISION DRAFT 2
Isaac Bevers
A Summer Day In 2050
Your eyes slowly open. The light from the morning Summer sun seeps through the pergola on the south
side of the apartment. A musing gratefulness for the grapevine it supports, which absorbs the summer
sun, keeping your house cool, spreads in your senses, not yet separated from your mind by the day's
plans. Sliding out of bed, you open the window and peer through the leaves. The smell of fresh bread and
fresh-brewed coffee, accompanied by the hum of cheerful conversation, waft up from the street below.
Occasionally, an electric car or bus silently passes by. A smile flits across your face as you watch a father
calmly follow his two children as they excitedly weave through bicycles and pedestrians towards the
awnings denoting the open air market nearby.
Realizing the air is clear of smoke for the first time in a week, you decide to go for a walk. The heat of the
day looms in your mind, so you decide a short cool adventure through town to the Fairy Ponds is ideal. As
you prepare for the day in the snug but well-designed space, the question of a local architect, Paula
Laporte, crosses your mind; "Have you ever seen a bird's nest with a spare bedroom?"Arriving in the
kitchen you take out the rice, lentils, and locally grown vegetables from last night's intentionally vegetarian
dinner, place it in the willow basket-backpack, and go down the stairs to the street.
Emerging into to the small courtyard, you become distracted by the community garden's delights.
Furtively, you take a ripe pear tomato from the same wall as your bedroom, put it into your mouth, and
savor the concentrated sunlight. You exchange greetings with Eleanor, your older neighbor as she snips
a few roses for her table. She tells you that you're signed up to cook for tomorrow's nightly co-housing
community dinner. "Yes, I remember. I do it every other Wednesday," you say, shaking your head and
smiling slightly at her redundant yet endearing reminder. Before leaving, you glance back and up at the
roof tiles. Though they look like slate, you know they're powering the entire building.
Avoiding distraction, you decide not to walk through the market. As you go down East Main it you notice
the changes from your youth. In the store fronts it is difficult to find any plastic or metal, and the colors
displayed are reminiscent of the earth and the plants on your frequent strolls.
After walking through Lithia, soft and green, with playing children and late-morning sun-bathers, you
reach the forest. Many of the Douglas Firs and the Bigleaf Maples are dead or sickly, and the texture of
the forbs has changed, yet the creek still flows and the hillsides have not eroded. They are held by the
roots of young Ponderosa Pines and White Oaks planted 20 years ago.
You are hot and sweaty, and have reached your destination. You slide into the largest pool, shallower
than when you were young, but still thigh-deep, dunk yourself in its refreshing coolness, climb onto a
warm rock, bask in the heat, and are grateful.
�101%
� l
fl�f
Im fV I
� r
� F
c ion n
111111111,111J,
i
r
1 �t I i
I
I,
,
FE B RUARY 2017
�rI
II
r
III �f
f ad/ds/
1
/ yat aUZW/
M
mmraur rrd >7�,rt�tyM o ���I, V Y Ij VIA 7P➢NiYd!WI6W'�VNN�i G�o�u»wau ,,,, �s����s H� � �fi �v �y iii /i ,��f 1 , ,
W II it f�H idt�F n s
,
i fu
iuypla�r�ray�r»vr�' Uri �"dv
I I�
� � 1
Acknowledgments
This document was formally adopted by the Ashland City Council on
2015-17 City Council
Greg Lemhouse Rich Rosenthal Dennis Slattery
Mike Morris Stefani Seffinger
Mayor John Stromberg
Project Acknowledgments
AD-HOC CLIMATE AND ENERGY ACTION PLAN COMMITTEE
(2005-2017)
Claudia Alick,Oregon Shakespeare Festival Roxane Beige[-Coryell, Conservation Commission
Cindy Bernard, Chamber of Commerce Issac Bevers,Student-Ashland High School
Stuart Green,Ashland Food Co-op Jim Hartman,Ashland High School
Gregory Jones,Southern Oregon University Marni Koopman,Conservation Commission
James McGinnis,Conservation Commission Sarah Lasoff,Student-Ashland High School
Claire Pryor,Student-Ashland High School * Rich Rosenthal,City Council
Louise Shawkat- Resident Bryan Sohl, Conservation Commission
" Committee Chair
PROJECT TEAM
CONSULTANT TEAM CITY OFASHLAND
Andrea Martin, Cascadia Consulting Group Adam Hanks, Project Manager
Marc Daudon, Cascadia Consulting Group Diana Shiplet,Administration
Jeff Golden, Independent Consultant
Oregon Climate Change Research Institute (OCCRI) at Oregon State University
Jill Simmons, Evergreen Strategic
David Van't Hoff, Independent Consultant
1 1
r �IIU Roaamap
,,,, r rrrrrrrrii
✓ ,,, WN911
r j
rrrrr vi/ rr/�
i rrr
/
rl �
,
l
r,r
o r r I..:I p,Iiiiiiuul uVll iuulluuliil �d!
J11JJ11JJ1111111� � ,,° i I !�
INTRODUCTION PLAN ORGANIZATION CLIMATE CHANGE VISION FOR THE
&ASH LAND FUTURE
What is a climate and Get the lay of the land.
energy action plan, This section introduces Learn about Ashland's A glimpse of Ashland
anyway?And why does the plan's six focus greenhouse gas emissions in 2050—a sustainable,
Ashland need one? areas and how they are footprint, anticipated healthy, happy, and
structured. climate change impacts, resilient community—and
and the city's collaborative the initiatives that will
and inclusive approach to shape how to get there.
climate action.
OODDDD� J)oIOE
r
� / r
�I
iq, i iiiu I II I
d�ll I I Jy16%% III Uy IMF� (J va� �'
ul ,
o Plu(� ! u t✓?r
+ U1N47a
n
P
Y r
1-
s
i r yV
r u I Iv
r, e o au p I
� 14r1:l
m
r i I il'il
o I w i 1
o i4 V0r Sup,
BUILDINGS URBAN FORM, CONSUMPTION NATURAL SYSTEMS PUBLIC HEALTH, CROSS-CUTTING
&ENERGY LAND USE& &MATERIALS SAFETY&WELL- STRATEGIES
TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT BEING
STRATEGIESI
This plan is divided into six focus areas, listed above. Each focus area section includes an introduction to its impact and
importance, progress to-date,goals and benchmarks, and the strategies and actions that will get us there. Each broad
strategy (e.g., "support cleaner energy sources") is driven forward by specific priority actions that focus on mitigation,
adaptation, or both (e.g., "enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities").
IMPLEMENTATION PL
The body of the plan lays out the "what" and the "why";this appendix addresses the"how" and the"when," including the
structure and timeframe of priority actions,which City departments are responsible for accomplishing them, and how
progress will be tracked.
4
1 1
ply
� I
r`
�I
°if>-.,l.i��' � R(ranGiUlc,l,;,r 'r ,�� ��f/''✓1�,, lb/��!/�
CLIMATE
This summary provides more information on projected climate change impacts
and trends in Ashland, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and
natural hazard risk.
PUBLIC OVERVIEW
The public provided valuable input that helped shape the plan. See when and
how the public was consulted, and how public input was used in the plan.
EMISSIONS MOLI TARGET-SETTING L
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the process used to model Ashland's green-
house gas footprint and set emissions-reduction targets.
ASHLAND GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY
This document summarizes the city's emissions by sector and activity type
from 2011 through 2015, and set the emissions baseline used to identify goals
and prioritize strategies and actions throughout this plan.
5
"IS kklfslll,16�1
6
4j,
IMM m'Sll'1�1,12 OPP'N"fffill
:7,IN I Iq!1,4�SO
1 1
� r J
i
Y
l
i
q i e
U II,
r, i
Il i
l
i
,ivfl ti fyi �i/�l��j'fy J�J u1j➢ �� I �%viprH; '1
rr`
,v
9 � yV If YAK
a ,
4
r �
f'J
r
1 1
X V
IIIIIII II IIIII III IIIIIIIII Illlllllllllllllm
WHY A CLIMATE AND ENERGY PLAN?E ecuti e Summary
II IIIIIIII
Climate Chan e is ahead affecting Ashland and the surrounding region,and its impacts
g y g g gklllllllll klllllllllkllllllll
are J rojected to become much more severe in the comin decades.To minimize harmful
p g
impacts and play its part in curbing global carbon pollution,Ashland needs to take bold
steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency. This plan lays out a
foundation for the Cityof Ashland to reduce its emissions and improve its resilience to
u uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiiiuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiiiiuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuiiiiiiiiiiuuuuuuui
p
future impacts of climate change on its environment, infrastructure, and people.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
According to the City's 2015 greenhouse gas inventory, The vast majority (83%) of
Ashland's emissions stem from five main sources: : production of residential goods
and food, residential travel, residential and commercial energy use, and upstream
energy production. In 2015, Ashland's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint was
approximately 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent(MT CO2e),representing
0.5%of Oregon's total emissions.
City Government
Goods+Construction
2%
r
a
a
r
Industrial Energy
-1%
9
i
uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuumiV;���j�puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuumiV;���j�puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuumiV;���j�puuuuuu
r
� e a
r
' Commercial
Solid Waste g
Industrial Freight
Wastewater
2/o
0
2% Residential
Refrigerant Air Travel
Leakage
2 0
/1% ..!I' ...................III'............................III'............................III'.......III'
Climate Impacts
The impacts of climate change will have tangible effects on public health and quality
of life for Ashland's residents and visitors. In addition to the direct dangers of wildfires,
flooding,and extreme weather events made worse by climate change,secondary effects
of more extreme temperatures, snowpack declines, and wildfire smoke include health
and livelihood populations,impacts to sensitive and exposed ulations heightened threats to
p p p � g
species and habitats,and consequences for local natural resources and economies such
as agriculture, outdoor recreation and tourism.
8
1 1
HOW DID WE GET HERE? FF-1
The Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan represents the 'r` J' AN
culmination of aYear ong process of engagement, input, and review.
�.
Many in ividuals and organizations played a role in shaping this plan It incorporates input from:
• Over 250 community members who attended a public
open house.
• Over 125 individuals who responded to an online survey.
• Representatives from over 15 local organizations,
businesses, and institutions who participated in
interviews.
jgl,'foP 0
/
Over30 City staff members who participated in facilitated
• / %°rig adi f ly r�
workshops. ,r',r,,
I
I r.
I 13 members of the Mayor-appointed ad hoc committee.
Formation of the plan was also informed by the following approaches:
• Leveraging and building on progress to-date and existing
plans and programs.
J%a%Om"llb, ,' JwP
• Emphasizing equity and co-benefits.
y�
• Customizing strategies to fit Ashland's unique context.
Prioritizing actions that help meet Ashland's climate goals
and vision.
11 MINIMUM!
/
f llll)
/// rrr, /// //// �� //�-- / /�� //// a
/�,
r // «rl �«/�««�; r /r //// // / / / // ,�,r%«r«� /// � / // r �«/������� r rr /// ��f«« / «« / r ra /a rrr // /iai r rlii /i // rrr lai «lr c r
rl / r rl / r / r/ / r/ /�/ r / ar l�rr rrf! G/ // rf I %/ /�, �� l/// r% � /,,, /�, /IlI � r! l// 0� As
r// 1 rrI I I ( IJr Gff
r rrrr� / rrr l „�, /
r lrr r
r r uuuuu��(fl / uuuumff�( r 1 uui r r
,r � I mo rr aaia nd,
l /i �, di do� � 1 � , ��nu
I � 1 1/ r l / ,� / I r a/, / I (�, /, //, 1/ ar/II �l o r��l/1 ai lr �,II � or l /�fa�� lU ���
��/����� IIIIII of�i //%r ��«✓�� //////o IIIIIII aaid// lUumil( iiii/// IIIIIII IIIII' rrlllll /iiii/�i„ //i/// ///////r Im»»il( Illlllli IIIIIII. aia/// /iiii/� IIII�II �IIIIII all///11 II��III' U»»idl�
These climate changes will threaten Ashland's people, resources, and
economy. Here are some examples of challenges Ashland could face:
f
f
yi
I I� I
I
i III
rr
i pu
1 `uuu
Y
r' J iJ"�mu,Nu w I r
r,
i
I,.r�, /i�i%➢i!llr„ �, �i %;l� ';', "„ -, �r���////%ii%;"",,,,, ��,�III, mw,,.,�v,. ,,,i., �'f e��w&, °»e;, ,,,,;;;f""����jl, I.
� IM11� r
Sensitive and exposed populations High elevation plants and wildlife will Seasonal and climate-dependent
like the very young,elderly,those with need to adapt to shifting or diminishing industries such as agriculture,outdoor
respiratory illness,and outdoor workers habitats. recreation,and tourism will be
will be at risk from wildfire smoke and threatened under changing conditions.
heat-related illnesses.
9
1 1 1 1
GOALS AND TARGETS
The plan's overarching goads and targets focus on addressing STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
climate change risks by reducing Ashland's emissions of climate The following overarching strategic
pollution i I-imate mitigation") and preparing the clry for initiatives were identified to guide the
Unavod bI 'impacts ("climate adapt t .n' strategies and actions pYPSPn[Pd in this
plan. \NYi-ile the strategies and actions in
Reduce Ashland's contribution to global carbon this plan are orgy nized by focus areas such
pollution by reducing greenhouse gas emissions as Buildings and Energy, Transportation
associated with City, residential, commercial, and Land Use,and Natural Systems,these
and industrial activities. -initiatives rut across these focus areas
For the Ashland community: to emphasize synergistic and integrated
solutions for addressing climate in
Reduce overall Ashland community greenhouse Ashland.
gas emissions by 8% on average every year to
2050. 0 Transition to clean energy.
For City of Ashland operations: ' Maximize conservation of
water and energy.
Attain ::arbor neutrality in City operations by
203o; and reduce to �ir�ei �or„�mpc�o� by,o Support climate-friendly land
„ ���
use and management.
by 203e and ioo by zoso.
• Reduce consumption of
Prepare the dty's communities, systems, and carbon-intensive goods and
resources to be more resilient to climate change services.
impacts. Inform and work with
400,000 residents, organizations, and
F i,,����� government.
11,
LU
300,000 Lead by example.
250,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
10 0
ioio 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 zags 2050
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
The Climate and Energy Action Plan presents strategies, priority actions, and other potential actions for six focus areas:
C)
Buildings& Urban Form, Consumption Natural Public Health, Cross-Cutting
Energy Land Use& &Waste Systems Safety& Strategies
Transportation Well-being
The plan lays out specific actions within the following strategies.
!lR6�f! FtaRR(, Lt�h�D J �f � � p
uuuuu���piiuuupiuuuuuuuuuuiuuuuuiuliuuuuu
111�1 7
iiuuuuuuil uuuuumiuuuuuuu uuuuuuiuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuui
c0
1:4
PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY W L Li N G
CONSUMPTION + MATERIALS MANAGEMENT 0 S S C U 1111ir"rI I I G
6:111
zo
11�� w 7 ll
I���I�IIIII �
�uiilllllllll�ll � � ryll � ��. ••• �IT� i� i �I�II'llllllllllllllllllllll�llllll��llllllllllllllllllllll�lllllllllll�llllllllllllll
NEXT STEPS i��ulwuuh�illll
This Climate and Energy Action Plan is only the beginning of an ongoing process. The Implementation Plan provides a
framework for launching the implementation phase of the flan, This phase will rewire the City and community to take
priority actions—outlining specific plans of action and resource needs among responsible parties—while monitoring and
ben<hmarking progress alone the way.As details are outlined during this implementation phase,more specific quantitative
goals and milestones will be created;driving the pace of strategy implementation.This plan provides a proposed structure
for ongoing plan Implementation, monitoring; evaluation,and adaptive management,as well as a list of key actions to be
taken In the Initial phase of Implementation.
11
............
Oil
Introduction
Home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Southern by 8% peryear.1 Everyyearthis reduction is not metwill
Oregon University, and abundant natural beauty mean that more reduction will be needed in the future.
and recreation opportunities, the City of Ashland is a
great place to live and visit. Climate change threatens Ashland's foundational Climate and Energy Action
the vitality, livelihood, and surrounding environment Plan (CEAP) provides a strategic framework and
that make Ashland what it is,with anticipated increases long-term vision for reducing greenhouse gas
in severe heat, water scarcity, wildfire risk, and storm emissions and preparing for climate change in
events. By the 2080s, scientists project that Ashland the city. It represents the culmination of a yeardong
will experience more than an 80% decrease in winter process of engagement, input, and review from the
snowpack, 90 more days of extreme heat annually, and public, key community stakeholders, City staff, and
more than an inch of additional rainfall during heavy a Mayor-appointed committee. Participants voiced
storms! their concerns and priorities through online surveys,
three public open houses, interviews, and facilitated
The City of Ashland has a responsibility to address workshops with City staff and committee members.
climate change risks by reducing emissions and This plan builds on this input and community progress
preparing the city for unavoidable impacts. Cities to date by presenting a coordinated set of goals and
around the world are leading in this endeavor, including strategies to guide City and community action.
more than 125 cities and counties in the United States
that signed the Compact of Mayors agreement to cut This plan provides a roadmap for Ashland to sustain
greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate economic, social, and environmental prosperity for
change. Governments in the Pacific Northwest have current and future generations of residents and visitors.
led the charge on climate action, including the State of It represents the beginning of an ongoing and
Oregon, which established a statewide target to reduce evolving process. Implementation of the actions and
emissions by 75% below 1990 levels by 2050. Other attainment of targets set forth in this plan requires a
Oregon cities have set greenhouse gas action goals, long-term, dedicated effort by the Ashland community
including Corvallis, Eugene, and Portland. and all City departments and staff. As detailed in the
Implementation Plan, the Ashland Climate and Energy
The City of Ashland has already taken initial steps to Action Plan will be updated every three years to ensure
address climate change. Achievements include the thatthe city's actions toward addressing climate change
solar power incentive program, home energy efficiency are up-to-date, sufficient for meeting the City's goals,
incentive programs, participation in and support of and beneficial for a[L As progress is made and actions
community outreach and awareness events such as are underway,this plan and its future updates will serve
Climate Week in 2015,and integration of climate change as a foundation for taking meaningful action toward
impacts into the Water Master Plan and 2016 Ashland reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building
Forest Plan. However, more work is needed. According resiliency to climate impacts in and around Ashland.
to scientific models, to prevent the worst impacts of
climate change, Ashland, along with the rest of the
world,will have to reduce its greenhouse has emissions 8 Source: Declaration of James F. Hansen, PhD, in
Support of Western Environmental Law Center and Our
Children's Trust)s Comments on Proposed Clean Air
7 Source: Oregon State University (2016). Rule (2016).
14
0 , 0
Plan Organization For each focus area, this document tells the story
of Ashland's climate goals, progress to date, and
strategies and actions for achieving those goals.
The plan presents goals, targets, strategies, and The strategies and actions are presented in order
potential actions for mitigating and adapting to climate of priority as articulated by the public, City staff,
change. It is organized into six focus areas: ad hoc committee, and the practices and plans of
other cities and communities. They are organized in
'All Buildings and Energy: Energy used in resi- the following manner:
clential. commercial,
and industrial buildings,
as well as opportunities to reduce energy use, Strategies represent a thematic groupings of
expand renewable energy production, and actions that all work toward a specific goal.
prepare buildings for a changing climate. Strategies within each focus area are ordered by
priority.
Urban Form, Land Use,and Transpor-
tation:The form and function of[and and Priority Actions are actions within a strategy that
transportation systems, including ways to were prioritized,or shortlisted,from a broader set of
reduce greenhouse gas emissions through potential actions. These priority actions underwent
urban planning, design, improved [and use a more thorough assessment that evaluated cost,
practices, and clean and efficient transporta- effectiveness, feasibility, and co-benefits. These
tion systems. actions are ordered from highest to lowest priority
as identified through the evaluation process.
Consumption and Materials Management:
The lifecyc[e of goods and materials, including Other Actions are opportunities that were
opportunities to reduce emissions associated identified as potential actions but were not
with manufacturing, use, and disposal. considered high-priority through the public and
stakeholder engagement process.
10 Natural Systems:Air,water, and ecosystem
health, including opportunities to reduce Priority Actions are labeled by scope of impact, as
emissions and prepare for climate change follows:
through improved resource conservation and
ecosystem management. Breadth of Impact
Public Health, Safety,and Well-being: affects community-wide operations and
Health and assistance programs for disadvan- climate goals.
taged populations, including preparing health, affects municipal operations and climate
social, and emergency systems for climate goa Is.
change.
Type of Impact
addresses mitigation goals (lowers GHG
Cross-Cutting Strategies:Activities that e m I ss I o n s).
address climate change more generally or
across multiple sectors. addresses adaptation goals (builds
resilience to climate impacts).
p ...............III
addresses both mitigation and
lill 1111kii��'11 adaptation goals.
15
-MAY)"Mollmiluill
—WORM)")"ARA
WO
fff
jellill
""Ol.0,
4m,
)JO)
.......................................................................I'll, "......
.4 fxwq(6�1
IN
iw
up
wdfi6
4§6
bb
('111111N,
umm
..............
...................................lllllg�,,Will,
J)"K
diii
PAR
Cl 'imate Change & Ashland
According to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),to have a likely chance of averting the most dangerous
of climate change impacts, the world must reduce emissions enough to keep global temperatures from rising more
than 2 degrees Celsius.This amount of emissions is called the world's"carbon budget" and the world is already on track to
spend the remainder of this budget in just three decades.'The risks of climate change, including sea level rise,forest fires,
and water shortages,exponentially increases with every degree of warming above 2 degrees.The following sections detail
how Ashland may experience and contribute to climate change in the coming years.
3 Source: World Resources Institute
HOW WILL CLIMATE IMPACT ASHLAND?
Regional projections indicate that by the 2080s, Ashland could experience
the following c[imate-driven environmental changes:4
f
FP
IRV,
11...........
CAI' 10 0 ,�-)
C141, a
e avy
Nddfk i �
...........
+0.8-1.3 in rainfall increase +30%increase in probability of large wildfires**
during the heaviest rain days* -40 year decrease 'in average time between fires—
+4-6 day increase in the longest dry spe[[s* Increased burn acreage
More winter precipitation
...........
&..........
e
J� S -u
�� f...........
1-(11. ...... ... ................ ..........
.......... a c l< 'a" e
J ........ C aq,,,j
�Iy
a v a
ex,Ul a,
..........
E a
+7-120 F increase in the -71 to-86%decline in
hottest day of the year April I snowpack in the Middle Rogue subasin
+39-90 more days a year More precipitation as rain nstead of snow
of warm spells Earlier spring snowmelt
Higher winter strea mf low
4 These ranges represent mean projections under the high emissions Lower summer streamflow
scenario (RCP 8.5).Source:Oregon State University,2016
*Some models show decreases
**Stavros,Abatzog[ou, Larkin, McKenzie,&Steel,2014
*** Sheehan, Bache�et,&Ferschweiler,2015
18
Climate Impacts
Every community wi I I experience climate ch an ge differently.The geography,ecosystems,economy,demographic m a keup,
and social networks of a community aH influence how climate change will affect a community and its ability to cope and
adapt. In Ashland, more volatile rainfall patterns will increase the frequency and severity of droughts and flooding. More
frequent extreme heat events will pose a danger to vulnerable residents. Snowpack will decrease, putting the City's water
resources at risk. Plant and animal species will also be affected—some positively and negatively. Increases in temperature,
combined with less consistent precipitation,will increase the frequency and severity of wildfires.
The impacts of climate change will have tangible effects on public health and quality of life for Ashland's residents and
visitors. In addition to the direct dangers of wildfires, flooding, and extreme weather events made worse by climate
change—inc[uding injury, death, and the destruction of property and livehhoods—there will be a variety of lesser-known
impacts on Ashland's population.Wildfire smoke,forexample,can cause serious health complications,especially for those
with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Similarly, more frequent and severe heat waves can be deadly, especially for
young children and the elderly,and exposed persons such as outdoor workers. Other changes,such as decreased summer
stream flow and reduced snowpack, could have significant quality-of-life impacts on Ashland's residents, many of whom
enjoy outdoor recreation and rely on the water supplied by the local watershed for their livelihoods. Ashland could even
experience an influx of 11chmate refugeesil who are displaced from their homes due to climate change impacts elsewhere.
Unfortunately, many of these climate risks will disproportionately affect certain groups. In the United States, communities
of color, non-Enghsh speaking households, and low-income populations have historically been underserved by public
programs and investments, resulting in [imitations such as fewer transportation options, less resilient housing, and less
reliable healthcare options.These inequities may limitthe ability of these populations to respond to the impacts of climate
change and benefit from new investments and actions taken to address climate pollution.
FIRM,
r,I a ���(("'T 0 lllolilll, s a ��n d
11't�hese F 3 a c t �11 o, F F////, A
These climate changes will threaten Ash[and's people, resources, and
economy. Here are some examples of challenges Ashland could face:
1 ".2
Sensitive and exposed populations like High elevation plants and wildlife will Seasonal and climate-dependent
the very young,elderly,disabled,those need to adapt to shifting or diminishing industries such as agriculture,outdoor
with respiratory illness,and outdoor habitats. recreation,and tourism will be
workers will be at risk from wildfire threatened under changing conditions.
smoke and heat-retated illnesses.
19
Ashland's Greenhouse Gas Emissions
To keep global greenhouse gas emissions below what is needed to avoid 2 degrees Ce[cius warming, the IPCC estimates
that global emissions need to be reduced by40 to 70% by 2050, and that carbon neutrality needs to be reached bythe end
of the century. In 2015,the City commissioned a greenhouse gas inventory to understand and characterize the sources of
Ashland's emissions and trends in emissions overtime. In 2015, Ashland's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint was
approximately 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent(VIT CO2e), representing 0.5%of Oregon's total emissions.
The vast majority (83%) of Ash[and's emissions stem from five main sources: production of residential goods and food,
residential travel, residential and commercial energy use, and upstream energy production.'
5 Source:Ashland 2015 Greenhouse Gas Inventory
WHERE DO EMISSIONS COME FROM?
The chart below shows how different sources and sectors contribute to Ashland's 2015 carbon footprint.
Production of Residential Goods
including emissions associated with the Residential and Commercial Energy Use
manufacture and transport of durable (13%and 11%, respectively), including
household goods produced outside of electricity and stationary combustion
City Government (a gas-fired furnace,for example) used
Ashland for use by Ashland residents. Goods+Construction
2% in homes and commercial buildings.
0
0
Industrial Energy
1%
0.
Production of Residential Food
including emissions associated with
the production and transport of
Residential Travel
agricultural products grown outside including direct and upstream
of Ashland for consumption by Commercial emissions associated with
Ashland residents. Solid Waste +Industrial Freight
+Wastewater 2% passenger cars and trucks used for
2% Residential
Refrigerant Air Travel
Leakage 4% noncommercial purposes.
2%
Upstream Energy Production including the emissions
generated by the extraction and production of usable
fuel products(e.g., refined gasoline or electricity) used in
Ashland.
20
Ah
Ink Ah
11� eve[of LOW 11� evet of HIGH
W!i a�t s iiri�c I u d e d W!izt1s���������
" Household consumption of food and " Building energy use inresidential,
goods commercial, and industrial sectors
" City government consumption, " Transportation energy use
including from the production of " Methane emissions from waste
goods and some purchased services disposal
" Fuel production " Wastewater treatment
" Emissions from refrigerants
There is some degree of
uncertainty in any GHG High
inventory. This uncertainty can
come from incomplete data or |
�
uncertainty intrans|atingunits
bio
of activity into emissions.
Understanding the sources of Sector-based
uncertainty should improve D �
future inventory and reporting `^
efforts, including prioritization
of additional data'gathering' l
�
framing inventory results, and Low
developing mitigation goaisand o sn'nun znu`non
tracking systems. Greenhouse Gas Emissions(MT cgo)
HOW HAVE ASHLAND"S EMISSIONS CHANGED OVER TIME7
0
Ashland's per-househo[d GHG emissions have decreased nearly 6% over the past five years. Households in Ashland are
producing nearly 25% fewer GHG emissions than the average Oregon household. Nearly a[[ of Ash[and's GHG reductions
can be attributed to changes in emissions from the built environment. Together, residential, commercial, and industrial
buildings saw their GHG emissions footprint decrease by 21% from 2011 to 2015, largely due to increased renewable
electricity on the regional grid, decreased electricity use in the residential sector, and decreased natural gas use due to
warmerwinters.
200,000 ------------------------------------------------- -
2011 Baseline 195,000 IVIT CO2e Sector-Based Emissions
180,000 decreased by-10%
between 2011 and 2015
160,000
140,000 Refrigerant Leakage
Solid Waste+Wastewi
aj 120,000
Transportation
00
U Industrial
100,000 --ma/
Commercial
Residential
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
HOW DO CONSUMPTION EMISSIONS STACKUP7
'D
Emissions from household goods are dominated by home construction, furniture, clothing, and vehicle purchases, while
the production of meat accounts fora large share of food consumption emissions from Ashland residents.The chart below
shows these and othersources of consumption-based emissions in Ashland forthe 2015 fiscal year.
90"'000
80"Wo
7 "000
10,
60,
0010
50,100,01
400,00101
0"Wo
Transport
Fuels
20,0010
Natoral
Gas
101,0010
Etectrildity
0 ................................ ......................................................................................................... ...............
Hoosefiio4d,Goods Household Food Energy CRY,Giover'nirrent
22 Supply Chain
Bu*ild*ing on a Foundat*ion
Ashland has already made notable progress toward reducing both its community emissions and its vulnerability to the
potential impacts of climate change. Ashland has a variety of plans, policies, programs, and studies that are connected
to the needs and solutions for addressing climate change issues and challenges. Some of these documents already
emphasize climate solutions described in this plan,while others will need to be updated to integrate climate change and
climate action. Where linkages are clear, this plan highlights "levers" in existing plans and programs and brings them
together to address a common goal.
lillill Hill
............
M Y
EN,'N
........................
.............
VJA OU)00
.. ...........
....................
11 1 I'll
11/0
This plan builds on the great work Ashland has done to-date
to present a more coordinated and strategic pathway toward
realizing the city's climate vision.
City-supported
The community solar
Am wao
/s fmai
fe,
events like the o
p
project Solar Pioneer
Ashland Climate
Challenge have 11 gives citizens an
opportunity to purchase
engaged the Public
/Ji/Am/11 -generated
around climate locally
issues. renewable energy.
The City recently completed a
City Facilities Energy Audit that
identified energy efficiency upgrade
opportunities at City facilities.
JK't A,I VLP IP A,S 11 Lo,%,r;11 A new city Water Master
i f�w
Plan will incorporate
U, ''A" "k, I` J�
A retro-commissionin
9
future climate risks to
incentive program provides
financial and technical water supply and quality
into future service
assistance to tune up energy
planning and activities.
systems in commercial and
residential buildings. Of
23
WHAT ARE WE DOING RIGHT NOW7
0
Below are examples of plans, programs, policies,and studiesthat linktothe goals and actionsof the Climate and Energy
Action Plan:
�P LA�N S PROGRAMS
Comprehensive Plan Emergency management
Water Master Plan Community Emergency Response
Transportation System Plan and Team (CERT)
Regional Transportation Model Firewise
Economic Development Strategy Forest Resiliency Project
Neighborhood Master Plans Water conservation incentive and
Emergency Management Plan outreach
Community Wildfire Preparation Energy efficiency assistance
Plan Solar incentives
2016 Ashland Forest Plan Renewable Energy Certificates
Ashland Trails Master Plan (RECs)
Nature Center education
POLICIES STUDIES
Land use code City facility efficiency and solar
Wi[d[and-urban interface (WUI) assessment
code and fire code Solid waste and recycling annual
Energy contract with BPA report
Renewable energy assessment
GHG inventory
24
A Coord'I'nated Effort
Climate change is a cross-cutting issue.Contributions of greenhouse gas emissions stem from activities across sectors and
sources,from transportation and energy to buildings and materials management. Strategies to prepare for climate change
cut across traditional disciplines, ranging from water and natural resource management to public health and safety.
Multifaceted challenges require integrated solutions. Many of the solutions and strategies presented in this plan are
not new, and many are already part of existing City plans, programs, and policies that are focused within individual City
departments.This plan brings those solutions together in an integrated and strategic wayto address the climate challenge,
and where needed, proposes adjustments or expansions to meet climate goals. Implementing this plan requires forging
relationships and coordinating across traditional departmental and stakeholder boundaries to form synergistic, efficient,
and effective solutions.
This plan primarily focuses on strategies and actions that Ashland's City government can take to help address climate
challenges. However, all parties have a role and must be a part of the solution, including Ashland residents,
businesses,organizations, and government.This plan provides suggestions for actions that residents,visitors, businesses,
and organizations can take to play their part in tackling climate change.
"Combotting climote chonge is ofundomentol responsibilityfor
everyone, everywhere. The stotus quo is cleorly unocceptoble.
For the soke offuture generotions, moking progress, together,
cis o community, is urgent.
Rich Rosenthal,
Ashland City Councilor and Chair of the CEAP ad-hoc committee
25
map a IS NO
IM Off
....................
..................... ....................
........ ......... ....... ...
. .........
.......... .......... -- ---
......... ......... .................
....... ........ .........
.......... ......... .........
.........
. ...............P�,, �;�;/..........
........ .........
... . ........
. ................
..........
wwwww
wwwwwww,
............... ............
...................
.............................................................................
...............
.............
..........
AW�/"
Al��1�1�1
ON
JO/
POP,
Overarch*lng Goals
MR
Goal 1: Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Cities play an important role in reducing greenhouse gases. More than 80%of Americans and 50%of the wor[d's pop u[ation
live in urban areas. Therefore, the design of cities, including their built environment and transportation systems, strongly
influence GHG emissions.Ashland recognizes that it must minimize its negative impact on the global environment. While
urgent action is needed, many climate actions cannot be completed overnight, so a long-term approach is needed to
achieve deep reductions.
The Climate and EnergyAction presents the following long-term targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated
with city and community activities:
For the community:
a Reduce overall Ashland community greenhouse gas emissions by 8% per year, on average.
For City of Ashland operations:
Reach carbon neutrality by 2030.
Reduce fossil fuel consumption by 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
The 8% annual target represents emissions reductions necessary to prevent the worst climate change impacts (see the
Methodology appendix for more information). Specifically, it identifies how much the world on average would need to cut
emissions each year to result in a concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere under 350 parts per million.
To further underscore the importance of setting and reaching this target, this plan recommends that the community
and city targets and related goals be adopted by ordinance. This action indicates to the community the highest level of
commitment by the City Council to take meaningful action.
28
ASHLAND"S TARGETED GHG EMISSIONS
8% per year average reduction in total emissions
V)
z 4 0 01 0 0 0
0
3,50,000
300,000 ..............
0
i:�3 250 000
Ln I
5� All
LU
200,000 ..............
(D
Uj
1,50,000 ..............
0
��]17,
Z 100,000 ..............
Uj
Uj
(D 50,000 ..............
0 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
The strategies and actions in this plan are a starting point and strategic framework for making and assessing progress
over time. This plan does not provide a pathway for achieving this target, as the target represents a degree of action
that cannot be accurately modeled using current greenhouse gas accounting methodologies. Consequently, some real-
world reductions in Ashland may not be reflected in near-term GHG inventories because available tools for evaluating
consumption-related emissions do not currently capture changes in Ashland's consumption behaviors.This plan assumes
that methodologies will be refined in the future to enable more accurate measurement of emission reductions. For
example, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is developing a too[ that can be used to more accurately
quantify consumption-based emissions, and will be applied to Ashland's next GHG inventory.
Emissions reductions were modeled against the proposed higher-[eve[ strategies in this plan. The "Moving the Needle: A
Thought Experiment"section summarizes outcomes forthat modeling exercise to reveal how various actions taken by the
City and community could result in measurable emissions reductions.
29
Goal �� Prepare forProjectedClimate
Change
Impacts-- —Ashiand
will experience varying impacts of climate change at different times. Some of the impacts are already being
felt, including lower snovvpack and more smoke and heat in the summer.' As climate changes our environment
and its systems and resounces. Ashland will need to anticipate the changes and take action to mitigate or adept
to the impacts.
This goal calls for Ashland to recognize these climate change threats and take actions to ensure that Ashland can withstand
the impacts while sustaining or improving quality of life for all its citizens. These actions could include approaches to
minimizing community's exposure to climate impacts' the sensitivity of people or infrastructure that are exposed' or
capacity to adjust or bounce back.
IF
MM
gO
1/11
30
A Strategic Approach
This plan presents a strategy that is customized Direct influence on water supply.Ashland has
to Ashland's unique characteristics. Ashland can direct ownership and control over much of its
influence its ability to address or prioritize particular water supply. However, climate change will impact
climate and energy strategies as a result: that supply.
Progressive state-level activities.The State of
Utility ownership.Ashland's electricity utility is Oregon has introduced ambitious climate policies and
municipally owned,which grants the City direct regulations, as well as tools and resources for sup-
control over utility operations, business decisions, porting local climate action.
and related program activities.
Energy mix.Ashland purchases energy from Given these particular characteristics coupled with
Bonneville Power Administration,which is largely information on Ashland's greenhouse gas emission
sourced by hydropower. sources and anticipated impacts from climate change,
Engaged community.Ashland citizenry are highly the following overarching strategic initiatives were
engaged in community 'issues and activities. identified to guide the strategies and actions presented
in this plan. While the strategies and actions in this
Political will.Ashland's leadership is historically plan are organized by focus areas such as Buildings
supportive of innovative actions and environmen- and Energy, Transportation and Land Use, and Natura[
ta[ leadership. Systems, these initiatives, described in the following
History of climate action.Ashland has a long sections, cut across these focus areas to emphasize
history of environment- and climate-re[ated synergistic and integrated solutions for addressing
policies and actions to build upon, including climate in Ashland.
the first community solar project in Oregon and
effective energy efficiency programs. 4 Transition to clean energy.
Heavy tourism influence.Ashland's industry is 0 Maximize conservation of water and energy.
largely tourist-based, meaning that a portion of 0 Support climate-friendly land use and
the city's greenhouse gas emissions comes from management.
the behavior of visitors, over which the City has 8 Reduce consumption of carbon-intensive
less direct influence.Ashland's interactions with goods and services.
tourists could also potentially give Ashland's
actions a greater geographic reach, however, as 0 Inform and work with residents, organizations,
visitors bring the Ashland experience back home and government.
with them. 0 Lead by example.
Small city in a rural environment.Ashland
is a small town,which brings both benefits and
challenges. On one hand, governments of small
communi ies can have more direct contact and
influence over its services and utilities. On the
other hand,smaller communities have fewer
available resources for climate action compared
to larger cities, and advocating for changes at the
state and national [eve[ could be more difficult.
31
Transition to clean energy
Energy used for buildings and transportation comprises
half of Ashland's historic greenhouse gas emissions.
Most of these emissions are from the combustion of
natural gas by residential and commercial buildings,
electricity consumption, and gasoline used to fuel
residential on-road travel.
Addressing energy-re[ated emissions req u i res a
combination of reduced and [ower-carbon energy use.
The majority of energy consumed byAsh[and's buildings
is purchased from Bonneville Power Administration
(BPA), which sources its electricity largely from hydro
and nuclear power. The majority of energy consumed
by Ashland's transportation sector come from th direct
combustion of gasoline and diesel fuel. Switching
existing fuels, such as natural gas and gasoline, to
cleaner fuels such as [ow-carbon electricity can lower
the overall emissions profile of Ashland's current energy
use and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore,the
introduction of new clean energy sources, such as local
renewable energy, as weH as conservation
and energy efficiency, can help offset the increased
AA/
electricity loads caused by fuel-switching and increased A
cooling demands anticipated under future climate
IN
change.These actions in combination act synergistically
to reduce total energy-re[ated emissions.
The following Climate and EnergyAction Plan strategies
are cornerstones of this clean energy transition:
Support cleaner energy sources.
Support more efficient vehicles.
Improve energy demand management.
Example actions within these strategies include
supporting community solar projects, smart grid
technologies,and actions and initiatives that accelerate
fuekswitching such as electric vehicle infrastructure
requirements.
Jpll
'00
32 01,14111,
1 1
........... ...........
COSI11111111111111111IIIIIIIIIIIIII
��M U 1111111111111111
Transitioning to a clean energy future in Ashland will require a combination of increased fuel-switching, clean
renewable energy sourcing, and efficiency.Taking this three-pronged approach will allow the electric utility to offset
potential revenue losses from efficiency and off-grid electrical consumption with new revenues from switching gas-
fueled cars and natural gas-heated homes to electric vehicles and electricity-heated homes. Through this strategy,
Ashland will be able to lower its overall energy consumption, costs, and associated emissions.
11M l MEN,
mG�moioi�i.� l4
a hi�in
me ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
t
1
8B���� Y� � RENEW,
I III
YI. . 0 l�i
Sri v 1 i.,
l
i
'
{I
r
f I
RioMW,,,_„
M-VI,�i1f/iii%fj 1(d{u"(1�n.p�f,,,, �u�"N'���'J�,.�p�tip/„
, ' l „
m
I ENT
AN1EQ r
U u
U
jf
o G J ,1 i
i' II I r li / iC'1T1Y OF A,SHLAND"S "
i
33
1 1
Maximize
and energy and management
The production and use of energy and water resources The use and management of Ashland's lands play
for the built environment greatly influences Ashland's a significant role in both reducing greenhouse
greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerability to climate gas emissions and preparing for climate impacts.
impacts. Energy used by buildings accounts for almost Development that promotes walking, biking, and riding
a third of Ashland's greenhouse gas emissions. Water transit reduces emissions from on-road vehicles, which
consumption for residential and commercial buildings account for the majority of transportation-related
and surrounding green spaces put considerable stress emissions. Proper management and conservation of
on community water resources, which may become land resources can also support ecosystem services
more scarce and in greater demand as temperatures such as water storage and flow attenuation, shade, and
increase and summer water availability declines. biodiversity that make the city and its resources more
resilient to threats posed by climate change.
Reducing water and energy resource use associated
with Ashland's built environment will cut emissions, Strategies in the Climate and Energy Action Plan that
ease loads on the utility, and help secure resource support climate-friendly land use and management are:
supply and resiliency in a changing climate. The
introduction of cleaner energy sources can reduce 0 Make Ashland even more friendly for people
energy-related emissions to an extent, but improved walking and biking to reduce n enc on
energy use efficiency will also be required to achieve vehicles.
deep emission reductions. In general, cutting emissions 8 Support better public transit and ri eharin .
through energy efficiency improvements can be more
cost-effective than adding new renewable energy
• Support more climate-ready development and
sources. The followingClimate and Energy Action Plan land use.
gy
strategies support water and energy efficiency: • Promote ecosystem resilience.
• Manage ecosystems and landscapes o
• Encourage increased building energy minimize climate-related health impacts.
efficiency. 6 Manage and conserve community water
• Adapt buildings toa changing climate. resources.
• Manage and conserve community water
resources. Actions within these strategies feature transit-oriented
development and infrastructure that supports
Example actions include adjusting land use codes and walking and biking. Also, improved management and
incentives to support resource-efficient design, water conservation of natural resources such as water adn
reuse, and/or on-site storage systems; sponsoring green spaces in and outside the city can help prepare
building energy retrofit programs and water the city for changes in temperatures, water availability,
conservation rebate programs; introducing rate-based and wildfire risk.
incentives; and providing educational materials aimed
at awareness and behavior change. The introduction of
passive and heat-tolerant building principles can also
reduce cooling energy needs during heat waves and
minimize heat-related public health impacts.
34
1 1
Reduce consumption of carbonm Inform and work with residents,
0 0 0
intensive goods and services organizations, and government
The production and delivery of goods and services Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building
consumed by Ashland households contribute almost resilience to climate impacts in Ashland is a community-
half of Ashland's greenhouse gas emissions. These wide effort. Everyone, including residents, businesses,
goods and services include food, furniture, home organizations, institutions, and departments within
construction materials, electronics, and clothing; and the City itself, must understand what is needed and
the production of transport fuels, natural gas, and work together to take action. This strategy involves
electricity consumed in Ashland. Certain foods, such the City working closely internally and with the public,
as meats, are more carbon-intensive to produce than local stakeholder groups, and other jurisdictions and
dairy and grains, and therefore contribute the largest agencies to communicate climate priorities, coordinate
proportion of food-related emissions. action, and inspire change. The City must continue to
learn from and listen to these parties to ensure that
Despite the large contribution of household actions are coordinated, relevant, and effective. This
consumption to Ashland's greenhouse gas footprint,the strategy involves paying particular attention to equity
City of Ashland has little direct control over household considerations in the context of climate change (see
purchasing behavior and product manufacturing and "Climate and Equity" section on page 21). Specific
transportation. As a result City-initiated options to strategies within the Climate and Energy Action Plan
reduce emissions from this source are limited. However, that support this education and coordination effort
it is expected that as global markets and energy sources include:
become greener overtime, so too would the goods and
services that Ashlanders consume. Strategies in the 8 Educateand empower the public.
Climate and Energy Action Plan that contribute toward 0 Educate and empower City staff.
reducing emissions associated with consumption of
goods and services are:
• Mainstream climate considerations.
• EnhanceCity communication and coordination
• Reduce consumption. to minimize public health and safety impacts.
• Support sustainabl and accessible local 8 Promote a sustainable local economy that
production and consumption. minimizes missions and vulnerability.
• Engage with other governments and
These strategies promote reduced consumption, organizations on regional, statewide, national,
facilitating marketplaces for reuse and sharing such and international climate policy and action.
as tool-lending libraries and reuse fairs, expanding the
construction and demolition debris code to promote
material salvage; sustaining local food production such
as through farmers' markets and community gardens;
and distributing outreach and education materials on
the impacts of consumer choices.
35
1 1
Lead by example
Although emissions from the City of Ashland's
operations make up a relatively small proportion of the
community's overall greenhouse gas emissions, City
leadership in reducing its own operational emissions
can inspire community action, enhance operational
efficiencies, and reduce costs. This strategy involves
the City taking actions to reduce its own GHG emissions
footprint and make City operations more climate
resilient, including by training internal staff, optimizing
City facilities,and improving equipment and purchasing
processes. Strategies in the Climate and Energy Action
Plan that support City leadership are:
• Maximize energy efficiency of City facilities,
equipment, and operations.
• Increase the efficiency of City fleet and
employeecommuting.
• Improve sustains ility of City operations and
purchases.
• Conserve water use within City operations.
36
1
/
/ /
/r
i
///
i
f
r
r
/
/ r
I
/
/i
/
/
/
r
I„I,
I I,
I,i
,
J
1 1111
4 i
6
I I,:V
I
!i I
I
I
................
I / /
/ I i
/
I
I
/ I
/ I r
/
I
i
/
/
/
r
//
� f
/
/
/
/ r /
/
f
II
/ r I
/
r /
/ I
f/
f/
/ / I
/
f
/
f
� I
f �
�r
I
f,
r/ fl
f
/ f f
f f
f f
/ I I
/ I I
I I I
I r I
J 1
1 I
J 1
f�
�.I
/
i !
f i, II
/
IIIV! //
II,
II 1
/ II!
/
,f I
I I I
I
I I I I I I I
I
I I I I
/
1
1
l I
)
i
III
r /
r
%"%',ua9
/
r,
l
/
� f
��
f /
r .
r
f
r,
1 ,n
r
/ 1J
g,
MIN
y
f
1
I
{ lu
DI,
r
,
V
`r r
Im
Moving the Needle:
A Thought Experiment
This plan sets forth an ambitious goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Ashland. What does a
reduction target of 8% per year (95% reduction by 2050) mean for the average Ash[ander and how the city
operates? What kinds of changes would need to happen in Ashland to really move the needle on emissions?
Thissection provides a thought experiment to demonstrate how a fewexamp[e changes in Ashland's behaviors
and infrastructure could result in meeting slightly less than half of the required greenhouse gas emission
reductions. It is merely a thought experiment to demonstrate the linkage between behavior and emissions—
the scenario presented does not necessarily reflectwhat is realistic orwou[d result bytakingthe actions in this
plan. For more information on how specific actions in this plan may contribute toward Ashland's greenhouse
gas emission reduction goal,see the "What will this plan achieve?"section on page 39.
If the Ashland community made the achievements listed in the table below, then the community would be
able to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 46% below 2015 levels by 2050, equivalent to
each Ashland resident and business reducing its footprint by about 1.4% per year. These estimates are based
on assumptions from similar analyses conducted by other municipalities and organizations in the Pacific
Northwest.
The progress that Ashland makes toward reducing its GHG emissions will also be influenced by broader state,
regional, national, and international initiatives and policies. The federal Clean Power Plan, for example, if
enacted,will reduce the GHG emissions associated with the U.S. energy grid by making power plants operate
more cleanly and efficiently and expanding the capacity for zero- and [ow-emitting power sources. In 2016,
the State of Oregon enacted legislation requiring Oregon's major electricity suppliers to obtain 50% of their
power from renewable sources by 2040. The law also sets a timetable for eliminating coa[-fired electric power
in the state,and it establishes a community solar program for Oregon.These and other anticipated regulations
and programs, such as changes to the federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards,will further
contribute toward Ashland's emissions reduction goals and were taken into account in this analysis.
........`
38
PER
a&o/
......................
s h I a d c 0% 1 d a c h e e, a 6 re d u ct i o n r e L10I hU,---u s e a s
em issiui is by 2050 if the com m u nit
CONSUMPTION ENERGY TRANSPORTATION
Reduced consumption- Reduced energy use Shifted 50%of motorized
related emissions by 50% by 50%through energy travel to walking or biking.
through activities such as efficiency measures.
For the remaining motorized
product reuse, reducing meat
Shifted 14%of grid travel:
W,
consumption, or introduction electricity consumption
of a carbon tax on products Shifted 80%of private
to distributed renewable
vehicles to electric
and services.
energy generation.
vehicles.
Transitioned 90%of
Shifted 33%of
natural gas used in
commercial vehicles to
buildings to electricity.
electric vehicles.
Increased the average M�
fuel efficiency of light-
duty vehicles to 53 miles
per gallon.
W
Pei
Jill
NNI ii:I iiii:i
200/6-
6
1116
'10
4.00,000 .......
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
1�50,000
100,000
50,000
0
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 204.0 2045 20SO
2.6","No
......................................
Renewable energy(1%)
BE-1-2 Encouraging on-site and community
11111111.3%
solar energy production
BE-3-1 Installing solar at City facilities
BE-4-1 Introduction of virtual net metering
NMI
M
1 1
u
r
r / /
r r f 1
l,
rr ,
s
i
i N
J'
� i
f i
What w*111 th*ls plan ach*ieve*,?
The modeled emission reductions in this section provide a sense of what could be achieved if Ashland took
r ,
aggressive action on climate change b implementing actions set forth in the Plan. Reductions are resented
gg g Y p g p
as groupings of similar actions, but do not precisely represent the reductions associated with those actions.
This is due to challenges in attributing emission reduction values to individual actions.
� l
Potential emission reductions associated with individual actions can be difficult to quantify with certainty l
due to their interdependent nature. For example, reduced emissions associated with switching from gasoline
to electric vehicles will depend largely on the mix of energy sources used to generate electricity and the
average fuel economy of the vehicles. Emissions associated with use of electricity will in turn be affected by
other actions in this plan, such as increased local renewable energy production. It is therefore difficult and
counterproductive to single out reductions associated with an individual action.
p g Y
1
i
Assessing emissions reductions is also complicated by uncertainty in underlying variables and assumptions. f
The efficacy of expanded education and outreach efforts around home energy efficiency will depend on many
factors, including the populations to which outreach will be conducted,the extent to which to City has already
reached existing residences, as well as external factors, such as the state of the economy, which influences fir„
peoples willingness to take risks and invest in new technologies.
ICI
Given these limitations actions in this plan were not quantitatively modeled for efficacy. Rather, actions
p q Y Y
were qualitatively assessed relative to other potential actions using a set of criteria that included estimated
emissions reduction potential. Qualitative assessment informed the order of priority actions in this plan. It
r
is expected that, at the time of implementation, the City will undertake more detailed modeling efforts to
quantify anticipated outcomes.
f
r
r
BE/
IN
r;
J
>r
% 1
1 1
Cl*irnate and Equ*lty
Equity is central to addressing climate change. Many
of the countries most responsible for contributing to
climate change, such as the United States, will not bear
the brunt of global climate change impacts. Countries
and communities that were not large historical emitters
of greenhouse gases,such as small island nations,Arctic
villages,and developing coastal communities,are facing
a rapidly changing environment of thawing ice,flooded
coasts, and extreme storms. Many of these communities
do not have the resources or capabilities to protect,
restore, or adapt to these changing conditions. It is the
responsibility of the United States and its communities,
as historical and current contributors to the problem,to
be a committed and proportionate part of the solution.
This plan provides a foundation for ensuring that
Ashland contributes to being part of the climate
change solution.
Climate change will also have a disproportionate
impact on some local populations. In Ashland, elderly,
low-income, disabled, and minority populations will be
most vulnerable to many changing climate conditions,
such as threats from severe heat, wildfire smoke -
exposure, and flooding.' These populations may also
suffer from other secondary impacts of climate change,
such as risks to seasonal employment and agricultural - •
productivity. Ashland will need to commit special
focus when implementing all actions in this plan to
ensure the continued and improved prosperity and
quality of life of these populations in the face of a
changing climate.
• •
Actions to address these inequities,such as by reducing
urban heat islands or providing disaster preparedness
assistance to at-risk communities, will pay dividends
not just for those populations but also for the greater
Ashland community. When everyone is healthy,
employed, and safe, the community enjoys greater
economic and social stability and prosperity.
42
Co-Benefits
In addition to the larger societal benefits that result from equitable and inclusive climate action, many strategies
and actions in this plan result in other co-benefits, such as enhanced natural aesthetics, public health, economic
vitality, or quality of life. For example, the introduction of energy-saving equipment and behaviors not only
address climate goals,but they can also lower energy costs for residents and citizens.This plan prioritizes these
i4win-win"solutions that benefit both the climate and other facets of the Ashland community.Co-benefits
associated with each action are identified with icons in the Implementation Plan.
Co-benefits considered in prioritizing the strategies and actions of this plan include the following:
Support for low-income and disadvantaged communities. When implemented carefully
and correctly, actions such as local green job training and subsidy programs for energy
efficiency upgrades can be especially helpful for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Public health. Some actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions also promote healthier
lifestyles,such as supporting more people walking and biking and eating less carbon-intensive
foods.
Quality of life and well-being. Many climate actions can also improve quality of life for
Ashland citizens, such as benefits of green jobs to the local economy and creation of more
comfortable and inviting homes through energy efficiency improvements.
Local habitat, recreation and aesthetic. In addition to enhancing ecosystem resilience,
minimizing heat impacts, and storing carbon, actions that improve natural habitat and tree
cover can also enhance natural beauty and provide recreational opportunities for visitors and
residents.
"In urban settings, neighborhoods with low socioeconomic status have some
of the highest needs for climate adaptation and resilience-building efforts.
Applying the concept nf social equity to these efforts can help ensure that all
communities are involved."
U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
43
THE CLIMATE AND ENERGY ACTION PLAN AT-A-GLANCE
The table below summarizes the strategies and actions of this plan, detailed by focus area in the following sections.
SCOPE TYPE
BE-1-1.Develop a comprehensive plan for the Municipal Electric Utility.
BE-1-2.Promote switching to low and non-carbon fuels.
BE-1-3.Facilitate and encourage solar energy production.
BE-1-4.Enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities. �� f�1�U��'���
BE-2-1.Expand participation in energy efficiency programs&promote climate-friendly building/construction.
BE-2-2.Require building energy scores to identify and incentivize cost-effective energy efficiency improvements,
BE-2-3.Identify and adopt strategies to reduce energy efficiency barriers in rent/lease properties.
BE-2-4.Establish minimum energy efficiency standards for the affordable housing program.
BE-3-1.Use results from City Facilities Energy Audit to prioritize Capital Improvement Plans(CIPs)&maintenance improvements.
BE-4-1.Expand the current net meter resolution to include and incorporate virtual net metering.
BE-4-2.Implement utility-level smart grid technologies to facilitate efficiency and distributed energy solutions. III
BE-5-1.Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool roofs and passive cooling.
A 14m U IS
WI
ULT-1-1.Coordinate with neighboring local governments to promote use of transit,carpooling,and car-sharing.
ULT-1-2.Work with RVTD to implement climate-friendly transit.
ULT-1-3.Establish policies to support development near transit hubs without displacing disadvantaged populations.
ULT-1-4.Evaluate feasibility of expanded local transit options.
NN II II
nn
II II
nn
NN
ULT-2-1.Implement bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly actions in the Transportation System Plan and Downtown Parking Management
Plan.
ULT-2-2.Explore opportunities to convert to shared streets where appropriate to provide multimodal connectivity.
ULT-3-1.Implement a local fuel-related tax,
ULT-3-2.Revise land use codes to require EV charging infrastructure at multifamily and commercial developments.
ULT-3-3.Develop and provide information about electric and hybrid vehicles on the City website.
IIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIII IIIIIIIIII iuuiuiiio mild IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIII IIIIIIIIII IIIII��II uI�NNNfl iudllll�IIIIIII IIIII�IIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIII(III IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIII IIIII��III IIII�IIII�IIII IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIII IIII111111���III IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIII I11111�111 uuo IIIIIIIII��IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIII�gNIIIIIIIuINNflNIIlllll IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIII IIIIII IIIII��II IIIIIII NII1111�111 IIII��II IIIIIII IIIIIIIIII������IIIII��IIIIIIIIIIIII��(IIIIIIII III ��������
ULT-4-1.Consider regulating construction or expansion in the Wildland Urban Interface(WUI)part of the urban growth boundary.
ULT-4-2.Revise community development plans to favor walkable neighborhoods and infill density. IIII
ULT-4-3.Modify the WUI code to include construction techniques appropriate for wildfire-prone areas.
ULT-5-1.Provide carpool and vanpool parking,charging stations,and parking for EVs for City employees.
ULT-5-2.Conduct a city fleet audit and use it to set policy and targets.
ULT-5-3.Purchase verified carbon offsets to offset City staff travel.
IS �MA�MAG �NA ly
CM-1-1.Implement an education campaign for waste and consumption reduction strategies.
CM-1-2.Support"collaborative consumption"community projects.
CM-1-3.Determine and implement effective ways to reduce and track consumption based emissions.
IIIII
CM-2-1.Partner with nonprofit organizations to promote the purchase of climate-friendly food and products.
CM-2-2.Expand community gardening and urban agriculture. luau fJllloliillll((oFififl
IIIII
CM-3-1.Improve recycling programs,implement new education and outreach,and expand public space recycling,
CM-3-2.Update the multi-family recycling ordinance to encourage more diversion.
CM-3-3.Strengthen the Demolition Debris and Diversion ordinance to enhance enforcement,diversion,and reuse.
�iiiii
CM-4-1.Support edible food donation.
CM-4-2.Provide a best practices guide to help households and businesses reduce food waste and consumption. jl����llll
CM-4-3.Evaluate opportunities for recycling of commercial food waste.
IIIII
CM-5-1.Introduce environmentally preferable purchasing(EPP)guidelines for City procurement.
CM-5-2.Assess the feasibility of co-digesting food waste and biosolids at the wastewater treatment facility, lien
44
1 1
�� ���/g/���r�, S U�((f(I!lIU �/)111
�nn�, arri/i��U uul gill I I
(III IIII IIII ii IIIII IIII I I J 11� 1 J!! J J J J J J!!JJJJJJJJJ,!!1!!!!!!lI111111111 J J J J J J J.r J J JJ JJ JJ JJ ) JJJJ J m
J I
� / f
Illllllll�bIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIII(Illll�ii(IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII((I�I((((((JI((((((((IIIII�IIII((((((II((IIIIIIIIII(lll�lllllllllllllll(((((IIII((IIIII(IIIII((r(�((((6111111(((III(II(((61�((((IIIIII((((611111((6111111((61111111111111111((611(((((bl((((((blllllllll(blll((((IIIIIII(IIIIIII((((bll(((((((Illlbll((bll((��II((((((6111b�1((bull(((bll(((((((((II(blllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll ��������f,
NS-1-1.Manage forests to retain biodiversity,resilience,and ecosystem function and services in the face of climate change.Use best
available science to inform fire management and planning.
NS-1-2.Use green infrastructure such as bioswales,permeable pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize
sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads.
NS-1-3.Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish and riparian species.
NS-1-4.Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services.
IIIIIII i ulllll (IIII uu I I u il» »>»> �I III III » 1 Il 11 1 I 1 I U I 1 1 1 11 !1 l J J J J 1 1➢JJJJ iii IIII J J 1 J JJJJJJJ J JJJJJ JJJJJJJJJJ !!!!!!!!J JJJJ JJJJJJ JJJ JJJJ!J!!!J JJr JJJJ JJJJ JJJJJJJ JJJJ)JJJ JJJJJJJ J JJJ JJJJJJJJJ JJJJJJJJJJ JJJJ JJJ JJ JJ JJJJ,JJJJJ(JJ1111111111111 JJJ JJJ J111 JJJJJJJJJJ JJJJJ JJJ JJ JJ JJJJ JJJJ JJJ JJJJ JJJ 1 !!JJ JJJ JJ JJ!!J!, J JJ J JJJJ JJ JJJJJJJJJJJJ JJJ J JJ 11J J J JJJ JJJJJJJ JJ JJ J JJ J J J JJJ JJ JJ JJ JI )) ) J) ))J 1 )) I J I JJ J J JJJ J ) 1 J JJ J J J J JJ J ) ) )J)J,
f r NS-2-1.Evaluate incentives for practices that reduce use of potable water for nonpotable purposes and recharge ground water. „IIIIIII, III ��( �ll
NS-2-2.Explore water-efficient technologies on irrigation systems and consider requiring them during permitting.
NS-2-3.Expand water conservation outreach and incentive programs for residents and businesses.
P p g
I II 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 �J J 1 11 JJ I : JJJ JJ J 1 1 11 J JJ JJJJJJ JJJJ JJJ JJJ JJJJJJJJJJJJJ .JJJJ JJ.JJJJJJ JJJJ JJJJJJJ JJJJJJJJJ JJJ JJ J J JJJJJJ JJJ JJJ 1 J JJJ JJJJJJJ JJJJJJ.JJJJ JJ JJ, 1 JJJJ 11 JJJJ)) J JJJ JJJJJ JJ J JJ J JJJ J JJJJ JJ 11 JJ JJJJ J JJJ J JJJ JJJJJJJ JJJ J JJJ J,J JJJ, J JJ ) JJJJJ 1 JJJ J JJ JJJ. JJJJ)) JJ J J U1 J ).JJJJJ J J J r JJJ J ) J J J J JJJJ.J J )J � � J
II I f I
r
r
IIIIIII(fIIIIIffIIIIIII�IIIIIl011ffffllllllfffllllllfflulllllll�lll���((��l((((((J�((((((((�f�(((((((((((���((((((��(((((((�((��((�((((r((�r((((�(((J��((��((((��(((��((�(((((�((((rrrr((((((�(r����((((((((�((((���((((((((((�(((�(((((((((rr�(((((�((��((�(�����((����((((((�(��(((�rii���((((((((((fIIIIIIIffffflllllll�Il���IIIIIIIIfIIIIIIIIIIIIII��fffIIIIIIIIIIIIIYfllllllllllll((Ill�fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
NS-3-1.Evaluate the potential for installation of rainwater collections stems at City facilities for ra water uses and investigate o or- 1 1�l
P Y Y g Y - g P
tunities for graywater reuse at existing and new City facilities and properties.
NS-3-2.Implement efficiency recommendations from the City facilities water audit.
UC A��������������������������� SA
. III III IIIIIII,lul� �� lul IIIIII� lul IIIII,
(IIIIIII IIIIIIII(IIII IIIIII liuui �� �""' iV � �Lill" � ^��.Sul Sul �III �IIIIII I II!�� vuu""" IIII I""°� �" '°" IIIIII IIII IIIIII IIIIII IIII PIIIHSW-1-1.Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning.
Iluliil, III IIII,,,, IIIIIIIII � � IIII���!9 III �II _ � . IIII 191111111 IIIIII IIIIIIII II�IIII�IIIIIII IP I I III,,,�I I !. � IIII IIIIII IIIII III �IIIIIIII P�III!!I(IIIIIIIIIIII
IIIIII III IIIII
... III
IIII IIIIIII IIIII IIIIIII uuuil uuul uuul uuull PIIIIIHSW-2-1.Engage leading employers in a dialogue on climate action. ODll�l�;%r,l
PHSW-2-2.Support organizations,such as SOU,in evaluating risks to local food sources under climate change.
III IIIUIIIIII I IIII 119�11 I III IIU9III IIIIIII II
Illillll III IIII..a IIIIII,,,IIIIIIII(,,,IIII IIIIIIIIIIII it Iql IIII ql I I,
IIIIIII IIIIIIIIIII... Illillll i IIIIII III�VI IIIIIII IIIII IIIIVIIIIII IIIIII Il llll�llll�lll llllllillllu IIIIII IIII(IIIIIIIIIII III PIIIIIHSW 1111111311-1111.Work with vulnerable populations to create specific adaptation strategies that address public health.
PHSW-3-2.Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts.
PHSW-3-3.Develop or enhance heat-warning systems for employees and the public,
(IIIIIIIIIIII IIII IIIIIIIII: III'I II� IIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII(IIIIIIIIIIII „IIII III III II II III II. I III III ��,mm II u
PHIIISW-114-1.Update the City's emergency response plan and ensure that preparation and updates recognize and address likely climate
change impacts.
PHSW-4-2.Identify and address populations and essential City services within the 100-year flood zone.
((IIIII °o s IIIIIIII RIJOW u"II L UI,�IIIIIIWrrrl���IIIIIIWrrrl�IIIIIII��OI I IIIIII 4'Niml.��IIII � „°� IIII IIIII II. ....II
ui ((J11 11 Ill 1
I ll 11
l U
JJIIlIJ111 J111! lllil� II1111 111!!l 111 f JJJ 11i 1 ll)JJJ JJJJ�%%/ I llJ Illll 1�Il (III IIII fff JJ J1l��(Ill JJJJJJ��/ ll JIJ III(111 I I J J 1 J)l JJlI ���J l 1l I ! II J 1J I�JJ J � J I
IIIIII I �
IIIII,
I
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIilllllllll�ill�ll�llllllllllllllllllllllllllllll���lllllllill�llllllllllll�lllllllllllllllllllll��lllllll"'II�Illllllllllllllll�lllllll�illillllllllll�llllllllllllllff��(fllllllllllllllllllllllll(f(IIIIIIIII(I IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIII IIII��IIIIII illlf�Illllllllllllllllllllllilllllllllilllllllilllll(OIIIIIIII IIIIIII II
CC-1-1.Create a formal public outreach and education plan to inform the community about climate actions.
CC-1-2.Support capacity of community groups to implement climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives.
CC-1-3.Assess the feasibility of a City-sponsored carbon offset program. lllml
it ( � rrraii
uiuui aor(rrrrti IIIIII IIIIIIII it r r
I 1 1
II�11!! Jii��/1111111111l11111 1 (III 110 IIII1 Ilf JJJJ 1J 111 Il JI!JJJ 111 %/ %%I Ill!1/ I � IIII III II JJ1Jl 1I JJJJ/JJJJJ%// IIIII IIIIIII.,L,1 (l I
(II IIIII I I
�I
I
.I
IIII�IIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIII�I�Ilnlll�lllllll���1(((f(((fflllllllll��llllllll��lllll�lllllllllllll����IIIIIII�III��I IIIY'�IIIIIIOIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIII�I�IIII�IIII�I`IIII II�IIIIIIIIIIIhJII��I IIII�IIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIII�I IIIIIIII IIfl��lllllll III Il���lllllllll��llllll��lllll��llll�rrllllf����f f f f���f f f f�tttttt�f������
CC-2-1.Ensure all City departments educate their staff members about the Climate and Energy Action Plan. IJ�;, rIt,Vlil�l��lli6�Jrl
uulu �(��»�aiii(rrro� IIII a 1 ((
I 11 IIII 1 � I I ll
1 1 I I I Jl f J Jl lull IIIII�, I II((�JJJJ JJ Ill!If 11 JJ � JJJJ III Il(((1IIIl JJJJ 11l III 111„1l!ll 111 1111111J ll Jill,,,I�lull 111 l ll l D II I JJJ (1 JJ, 11 IIIII 111 II 1 l l 111 Il 11 111 J1 Il ll IJl I l Ill l))1� I�f 1J, ..IIII 1 1 l�l J 111 � l Ill I JI
I.
l �
l
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII�I II Illllllll�llllllllllllli �lllllllllllllllllllllllll II��I�IIIIIIIIIIII��IIIIIIIIIIIIIII II���II I�I lllllllfllllllllllllf f III����II�III(Illllll����ll�lllfll�������llll Il�llllllllll�lllllllllmiiiililllll���llllllllllllllllllllllllllll�llllllllll��lllll II Il�llf f IIIIIII��IIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIII�I��IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIII IIIIIIII I�IIIIIIIIIIIIII�IIIIIIIIIIIIIII����IIIIIIIIII(II
CC-3-1.Consider climate change in all City Council policy,budgetary,or legislative decisions and as part of the Council Communication
document template.
CC-3-2.Incorporate CEAP goals and actions in future updates of city plans. �f
CC-3-3.Include consideration of climate action goals within the scope of every appropriate CityAdvisory Commission.
1111 ll ll ll ! 11 I 1 1
I l
J1�JJ111111111111111Jlllllll/lll/ IIIIII 1D�JJJJJJJ��//%%%%111 Illf IIL 111 l ll 111 llll11111111J111111111 l l(((ill%ll 11 JJJJ %%lull%111� l///% ////� ((1U�11J DJJ (JJJJ JJ1 J�� 111.III!JJJJ 111/�1 1l Illll �� 0 III11111(f JJJJJJJ�I11 lull 111 J J l/l ///1 II l J JJJ l// ll ll 1, l 111 JJJJJ Jllllll 1 J�l llll�II1� // llJ / G r �1 11J J� J D11)J� . IIII ll//1/ I l l 1, , � I ll l(�111 111I10111
) l l l If I n,
)Il 11 I� f II
Dllll�,11111>'1 JJl1((l imi""�r1111J IIIII �J���/Il�� �"IIII lull,IIII,, %�
I
IIIIIIIIIII����II�IIO�flll�lllll IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIi IIIIIIII II Ilf��IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIII�IIIIIII�IIIII�II IIIIIIIII III���IIII II IIII��III��II�II��� �� � ��� (� (��� III � �� ��� � � �� (�
CC-4-1.Engage with other governments and organizations around climate policy and action.
SCOPE OF IMPACT TYPE OF I M PACT
III II
addresses mitigation goals(lowers GHG emissions).
affects community-wide operations+climate goals.
0� affects municipal operations+climate goals. addresses adaptation goals(builds resilience to climate impacts).III.........
II�IIIII�IIIIIIIIII���IIIII����� addresses both mitigation+adaptation goals.
45
oir
I I I
�Y 1 r'
,I I V KI- I
a
I I
I /
I I P I I
i V
it I I I Y
I Ir
I!
rl .I
I
I I
I
, I
I I
4 pp pp u, i;
'I,f� IY. II II �I .IIIVI� Ib, I' li I
I
"
r I
I Y I
;v I
„ I
,
Ir r'
I it
I I,
,i�,Illr
{ IId4y1i it � 'r
! I I
11 I I I � I
� I!
I j r y, II I
I
a"
r I ;�wvl I
I I
I
4, I
II
I I y
I:
I I
I:
'III I I
r
Y' II
1 �, OIIIIYI
f"
I, n
Vyl'Il1 I I:
'yl 'I
III
I
;
I i
9
I
i
I
I I
I I
II' V I 1 i
i
I I '
It
I f I
I111
I
�I
I I �
' I
I
I mAf'IHumr
li0 V
r 1
I
r,
I
I 1 I I'i Y;1���' ,WIII II luiili III Y
I
Ilr
�I II
al a
I I
r
' I ; �YI IIY,YIIrI:Y 'j Irl,
II
!I ,
I
,
I
1,
I '
JN,,,f4%Nt 19W 1..,J'°'�,;dBNtll ,IYD1Dm
Il
I
I I
.I
I I
.I
Id
Y w r I r I�
I
v I
I
jll I
I
I
i
I I MIII I
I " '
y�I I
I I I
I !
I
I I
I'
Vu I i
� I
I I
I
r ,I
I II
I u
'
I
I II'Y
I ,
L r,
I
Y r,l I
I
I
I I
I:!
Ir l i II I I I
I
I I
I Y I d I o
r Iu y L' I
Gq r r I
u I
,
J ,
II
I
f l II: I 11
I
II �II I
I Y
Y I II
I
I� I
I
I II I-
4 I� 111 I I
I
F
,I� I
„
I II
I I
V
Y I.
"
I+
I
I II
I
, II
�I�: �I�III I II� III n•, ! I I 4'I I ,
I IYI:Y r,I
I I ,
' II Ill�i III:� I
I II
Y
>I'
II I�I�IIII
tl' I
I
I YI
u
"
' I II I hill I
I ,
1
II 4
IN
I 11.
I
r c ,
kk V 41 I !I I h II' I I Y
I I� j,, � I`II� I I � IYI: �IY '�:� I I I I •..I{ I,
I I.
IIIr'V I+I
I � I
I
I
V lu," III
iI III VI
f'
I
It
r
' I
I I
III,, I
ly
I
� i,,,, ,,," '•6 IrUhl,, ,
r
^u I II I I I IINI. I II 1 I I I�:I II III II',, I IYI I I I"
I I Vi II I I I
I
�I
I� II ;
I i
i
, I I
I � I
ii II II
I,
I I.
1"
!I I I
I
V YI II
II
,I
Y
,
I-
, I MIII yi
!
I,
i I
II
I I
I
/r
I
I„ I II111 ��
V" it R
/
I
auu�nmmiWif' "..f
II �I
I
I I VI
I'
I
I "
I,
Ir
I,
iI�u1NU�!Y _ V Ip Y
r
r
I
I I"I II r I I
I I lil I I
�Y I
I I I,I i I I IIIIII,... V u IIIIII
� I
r. ,4
IV
Y�
I
I:
Ii
I I
III II �� I
U dl I
1
to
IIII , y^
r
Y I I4 I I I
/ ON
I
I
I I
I r II
f ru rYl'�I I
a
E yg I rp,
u i Y
V d
,I
I. , I
I
' I I
I
I
L
u L�
I
. I
I
Y
I I
I
, I
I I I III
I I i III
I I I
N
IIII '
' w
II
I I
11 ,:
I � II II
r
i
II I! I
I
YI
Y I
I I 1 y
� P I
3
V I'
1 ,I I I I I,Iq iYll I
I:
I,
, I
I !
, I
I
I
II
I
II
II � it
Y r:
I I
II y I I I, I..........+
I pl I i�
YuY I Y u
I
q II I
, I X
I
III I r IY I
I I
I ' I
n yy I
I I III
I � r
II
I! j.
I
Illliiiili 4�' III
I4 I
I I I
I IIII I I.
4
i
I."
YI
I I I I
u
i I
1
°I r 'IV
I
'I ilk
I, I.
�I
II
I
II Y .
ti� I I
1 .
I IIII I MI I
I pluuwr°I � rl II r u � I I I
r I
1� IIYt/D��lYdl, I
I+
Y
,r, !+II �f! n �➢rnrr f, P
I
p Y
Y Ir:,l
a
it I
I,III I
' r
J
1
I
« I
r
IIII I ,„ qo
Y u«
�YfQgVfjQ ,y1 I+ I II l i M1 i.,,I�Iv: i
r
a
I � t
, II
YI it
Y V
ti
I
,,, � Ifs ryrlwwulrl ,, tl' I:�iI I'I V I ",..,IC II lul piiil"
Y I I
u
I III IYI cY„
Y .
n I
I I Y
II 4'
I I ,
I J',
W
I r"
I� II I I,
I m yl
Y „
I I
,
r II
.Ily,I I II I I� y
I
r !Y
y I,
I
m
n,
. I «
Y � S
�v<
IIII II
r.
I" it
I
III I
I � I
�I
I
yll
I I
I I
II!
I j ,
Whi[e many people think of greenhouse gas was especially pronounced among residential homes,
emissions, they picture cars and trucks; however, which saw a 9%decrease in electricity demand over the
commercial, residential, and industrial buildings are same period.
some of the largest energy users—and thus responsible
fora[a rge portion of greenhouse gas emissions.Ash[and's Climate change will have complicated effects on
built environment accounts for more than one-quarter Ashland's built environment. On one hand, warmer
(27%) of the c I ty's total emissions, more than all types of winters w I H mean buildings require less energy to heat,
transportation combined. This represents a significant which will cause natural gas use to decline.The number
opportunity to reduce emissions and help Ashland of heating degree days—a measure of the number of
meet its reduction targets. On the plus side, because degrees that a day)s average temperature is below 650F,
building emissions are primarily due to energy used commonly used to describe heating energy demand
for electricity, heating, and cooling, energy efficiency in buildings—decreased by 20% between 2011 and
measures can dramatically reduce building emissions. 2015, contributing to a 13% drop in natural gas use.
Installing efficient [I ghting, heating, ventilation, and air Conversely, reduced snowpack due to climate change
conditioning (HVAC) systems, windows and insulation, may affect reg I onal hydropower capacity,and increased
and other upgrades can sign I f I ca ntly red uce the a mou nt temperatures will increase energy demand for cooling
of energy a building requires. during the dry summer months. The projected increase
in wildfire frequency and severity may also put
Because most buildings' energy use Ashland is transmission lines at risk, making electricity less reliable
predominantly in the form of electricity, changes in the in the region.
fuel mix used to generate e[ectricity—for example, by
rep[ac I ng a coa[-fired power plant with wind turbines—
reduce the GHG emissions footprints of aH buildings
that draw electricity from the grid.These factors,among
others, contr I buted to a reduct I on of 21% in overall
emissions from Ashland's built environment from 2011
to 2015. The impact of energy efficiency improvements
a
La,
,;At",
gm:,��;;;1;�
���
��� ���������11111111111111)alllllte
Goals a����id
Ashiand's commercia[ residential, and industrial
building energy use declined 2IY6from 20II to 20I5. 4�s
These changes were due largely to increased renevvabie
electricity in the regional grid, decreased eiedricity use
in the residential sector, and reduced natural gas use
from warmer winters.
hrcrease erie,gy and water,
Ashiand owns its own eiectric utility, which means that
the City has greater control over its eiectricity rates and
programs compared to other cities. This arrangement
has contributed to the City's progress in supporting
community renewable energy and improving building
systems efficiency. The City has impiemented three
successful programs focused on expanding renewable 1-11 dcato rs
energy sources and improving the energy efficiency
of existing residential, commercial, and government
buildings:
^ A rmtro'commimmioning incentive program
o
provides financial and technicai assistance to tune
up energy systems in commercial and residential
buildings. This program offers incentives to
building owners and occupants to upgrade or
replace building systems—including lighting, HVA['
heating—with newer and more efficient equipment.
" Solar Pioneer UU' a 63.5'kiiovvatt City-sponsored
community solar pr�ect' gives citizens the
opportunity to ^adopt^ one of its 363 panels as a
way to purchase |ocai renevvabie energy.
^ A City Facilities Energy Audit identified energy
efficiency opportunities at the[i'y's own [aciUdes.
49
S t��rateg�����es a���id Ac 11111t���a���is BE-1 -2. Promote switching to low
I .." 1 0''I'll'',
1 10 I-C, ��i uels.
With re[ativelyc[ean electricity sources,Ashland
ft����rategy Su�p�p&�r',t b�e&,�&r &nergy has great potential to reduce GHG emissions
sou���l,-ces. through switching from higher-carbon fuels
such as natural gas and gaso[I ne to [ower-car-
Efforts to support cleaner energy sources will minimize bon electricity. This action calls for the City to
harmful pollution associated with energy use and help work across departments in a coordinated and
meet the additional energy needs as climate change strategic manner to identify ways to promote
causes temperatures to rise. This strategy deals with this kind of fuel switching in the community.
enhancing the use of cleaner fuels through fuel-
switching in residential and commercial buildings and BE-1 -3. Facilitate and encourage
renewable energy production and generation.
solar energy production.
0 0��4 S Local generation of renewable energy can
offset emissions associated with energy con-
BE-1-1 . Develop a comprehensive sumption from the electric grid, and in some
plan for the Municipal Electric cases, may also mitigate chmate-re[ated risks
to the hydropower electricity supply due to
Uti I ity. snowpack declines and increased drought
The transition to low-carbon energy such as risk. This action calls for the City to support
renewab[es will require taking a broad-[evel increased solar energy production in Ashland,
approach that transcends trad I t I ona[ utility such as through the installation of a large-
boundaries. Although some aspects would not scale community solar project or rooftop solar
fall under the traditional purview of the utility, panels on buildings in the community. It is
a comprehensive energy plan for the Municipal worth noting that City-sponsored community
Electric Utility that addresses clean renewable solar has faced cost challenges in the past, so
energy, energy efficiency, and electrification of this action would need to address potential
the transportation sector will provide a more financial hurdles, [Ike finding a nongovern-
strategic path forward for max I mizing societal mental organization or institution to sponsor
benefits and achieving climate goals. This the project or by developing new models and
plan would set targets, address po[I cy and policies to facilitate community interest and
service issues, and identify potential solutions investment, such as virtual net metering and
related to comprehensive energy planning. solar production aggregation. The new Oregon
For example, the plan could delineate energy Renewable Energy Cooperative Law will facili-
rate structures and efficiency/conservation tate this process, allowing renewable energy
program funding levels, targets for installation cooperative corporations to be created and
of solar photovolta I cs within the City's distri- capitalized without the requirement of secu-
bution grid, a long-term strategy for wholesale rities registration. It will also be important to
power acquisition, and demand management. ensure that new renewable energy installations
The recently adopted 10% new, local, and do not negatively impact natural habitats or
clean energy by 2020 ordinance is a key policy ecosystems.
decision that would play a large role in deve[-
opment and shaping of this plan.
50
BE-1-4. Enhance production of
on-site solar energy from City
facilities.
Enhancement of so[ar energy production
capacity at City fackities and City-owned
parking [ots wou[d reduce e[ectricity demand
from the grid, set an examp[e for the Ash[and
community,and provide re[iab[e powerfor both
the City operations and broader community.
..........
.........
ACIIIIIIII��������11111111 0��m S
..............S L a s h a s o a ir e c o g o 1� ��rD o g a 1'ii fo
0 S U ID 0'"t
in le�g ir i o o(J s 0 ir 0 0 0 LI a L in s w�� -
,-&-�ewa�Jk,,-_)s, s'�,id(i ('��s fur fl,ios;e W(io ii-neet a
lc&�'Iakn ,)&,-c&rjLage of dect�'IdLy lr-�eecls flh�,''o��g�h
,'&,�ewa�Nle &,''iergy,,
IT T(Die a in d
C o o d in a L e w 11 q C-)ir le(8i 0��,i c �'e s (Di f
('61drice standa�,-ds ar'(",",)und renewa��,,)��E�
s�.,i(,Ji as 'i�g[-�er' ('&l'i�2\A4Je ds
and req, fo-" ���,�ew consL,-ucti�&'T
)evdiop -)�,-or'n(� duri(_��� rna�(n�" ac
a�s t h a t le I CC)U
J
...........
S64 krwestrn&l'As
jill
MOM"
IN:
B -2-2. Require building energy
ft���rategy ��nc��-eased E
L)u i����d i� g e e���l-gy effic e cy a n d scores to identify and incentivize
c&��s&,,-vatio��Ii. cost-effective energy efficiency
In addition to ch an gin g the energy so urcecutting energy improvements.
use within buildings presents another opportunity Energy used in Ashland's building stock
to reduce emissions. This strategy presents actions accounts for more than one-quarter of the
to reduce energy consumption through efficiency city's greenhouse gas emissions. The City
improvements in the commercial and residential could require and facilitate energy audits and/
sectors. or scores for Ashland's buildings, perhaps
triggered at the point of sale or permitting
0 11111111����11111111Y AC'11111111��������11111111 0��M S phase for new development or major remodels.
For example,the City of Portland requires com-
mercia[ buildings over a certain size threshold
BE-2-1 . Increase outreach efforts to annually report their energy use. The City
also recently proposed a policy that would
to ex and artici ation in energy require sellers of single-family homes to obtain
efficiency programs and promote
a home energy performance report and disclose
climate-friendly practices in the report to the City and prospective home
building and construction. buyers. The aud I ts could educate property
managers about energy use and opportunities,
Ashland currently provides energy conserva- help the City understand building energy use,
tion incentives and educational materials to and facilitate implementation of energy-saving
residents and businesses through I ts electric measures.
energy efficiency programs. The program
currently provides guidance for conducting
home energy audits, as weH as incentives for BE-2-3. Identify and adopt
weatherization, improved heating and cooling, strategies to reduce energy
and more efficient appliances. Expanded
outreach efforts will ensure that aH Ashland efficiency barriers in rent/lease
residents are aware of these valuable programs properties.
and understand actions they can take to be Residents and businesses who own their prop-
more energy efficient in the home. For example, erties often have stronger incentives to invest in
the City could d I scuss with businesses ways energy efficiency technologies and equipment
to reduce conduct a comprehensive energy than those who rent or lease their homes and
audit. The City could also explore other ways offices.Although more difficu[t to motivate,the
to promote c[imate-friend[y buildings, such as introduction of energy efficiency approaches in
through introduc I ng new mandates into the rental and lease properties presents a signifi-
[and use code that require mitigation (e.g., cant opportunity for reducing emissions from
reduced energy use) and/or adaptation (e.g., buildings.
increased cooling) elements in the built envi-
ronment.
52
BE-2-4. Establish minimum energy
idenc stan ar s or t e
y
lit
affordable housing program.
Ash[and's Affordable Housing Program is an
ongoin program that provides incentives to
9
promote affordable housing deve[opment and
requirements for affordability. The establish- '7
ment of minimum energy efficiency standards
..........I'������������������,�,�,�,�,�,��������������������,,
for these housing units present a va[uab[e
opportunity to make homes more comfortable
and energy efficient for residents, while a[so
[owering energy bil[s and supporting those
most in need.
Al
g////n"g..............--m/'
AJC11111111����11111111 0��M S
t s h a 1, d
Co(, d'-a 11,e w L��ri o t r-�e La.,C,
-,�t r)uddrig
n�D e-n e It 0��,'"e le��9 le ef'h ��r
C(,Dde standai-ds,
's t(a t e e e 1-gy a I'�d g e e In ��o u s ��9 e s s
C a e g e s.
1"K I'D(3, d E)-a r'i e s r ��o\N S t
:�r' - �t[') t[-�e sdr-'�od� d -�Ct to
su�pp(.)rt en&rgy effid&,''icy �-)�,-ograi-r�s a d s �a-
n S'�.a a'�io T
...........
I h a In e etd, e C'0 t a C-1 a In d U d 9
I
o ofessbna�� tr-aklikilig a'id awar'&(-�ess of
and r-ebat(-s.
-i&11 a ,)�,,-Ogra" o pay Vr actua��� &,-�&,-gy
ry''i��D e 1� 1-
savhngs k"),stea-c-1 ol LI[Ofi'D"It o-ayn''i&'-I-s rc'Y�-
1"nodded savk9gs
...............x o e o��,D ��rt�-i L e s, t o e 1COUrage kr-�areased
,s h a d In g o f h o��m es a-�d o I h e ("I d'n g Is S u Jill
a s 01 U(81(-1 c��(-e a s e d t 0
-CI 'i o��oy cove
s CT-
e a t U r e s.
ft���rategy Maxidinize effici&ncy of Sit����rategy hm�p�rove d&Ta�nd
Gity faci��i,�Iies, & qo&rati&��s. �rna�nag&rn&iit.
Although City buildings contribute only a small Managing the timing and intensity of energy demand
proportion of the city's overall emissions, efficiency can help make sure that more polluting forms of energy
improvements to City facilities can allow the City to lead are not needed during peak times of high demand.
by example and communicate to residents that energy-
efficient buildings can be beautiful, affordable, and 0 11111111����11111111Y AC11111111����11111111 0��M S
comfortable. This strategy aims to reduce emissions
associated with the City's built environment and BE-4-1 . Expand the current net
promote energy conservation. meter resolution to include and
0 11111111����11111111Y AC11111111����11111111 0 IY incorporate virtual net metering.
Net metering allows customers who generate
BE-3-1 . Use results from City their own electricity to sell the excess electric-
'101010101RION ININININIM ity back into the grid. Traditional net meter'
Facilities Ener Audit t ritize works at the [eve[ of the individual electricity
City Facilities Capital Improvement
meter,where excess energy supplied to the grid
Plans (CIPS) and maintenance results in running the meter backwards.Virtual
improvements. net meter I ng, on the other hand, credits energy
generation that occurs at another location
City facilities frequently undergo routine main- against one's electricity bill. Working outside
tenance and improvement projects.This action the ut I[I ty meterenab[es residents to experience
calls for using an evaluation of City facilities to the financial benefits of generating renewable
identify opportunities for energy (and water) energy even if they are unable to generate the
efficiency upgrades, The evaluation could electricity on their own property. Expanding
be used to integrate more energy-efficient current net metering will make energy gen-
practices and equipment into City maintenance eration more cost-effective and available to
schedules and pr I or I t I ze efficiency upgrades Ashland's residents, including through such
within capita[ improvement plans (CIPs). mechanisms as community solar.
0 E_ -0 'M 0��rl i I o a d a(Ji u s t ��l o a d s h It n g
CO ITI kl I
A
m a s u (--,s aL te L e.a,,,t im e��9 t fa c y,
6 Ll u e ��..............e a d 1-s h ��o 'I
0 Y a d
.............
.............��9 V 0 imenta�� Des'ig 0 0 1, N Y A
ci S
c e��r L f��c-�a t��c)1-� fo s b"��r I g a 1� e w 0 Ll c I -T(-
, b,
)V� U�Cii�qgS
Adqot the f,x 3
(��l rating sys�&,i'i ar eqlu�va��&,,�L W pide F W
o��o e at 0 i-ariagei,ii&�t, ald u�,r.)9[-c'a(Je of the
Oty's ex�sl"�rlg odkJkrig knventay
777777'rr
20"
TY P,E BLi,0CJK 1��5 MI NO.
54
e a e a n d a d a t
BE-4-2. Implement utility-level ft����,,ategy 5,o 1��,
mart grid technologies to bulJdid�gs fo���l- a c���a���gid�g c�Hdmate.
facilitate efficiency and distributed
energy solutions, such as storage. The C I ty can romote actions that he[ ada t bu I[dings
to withstand climate impacts such as extreme heat
Implementing new energy solutions requires and wildfire, as well as protect building dwellers and
bringing the electricity delivery systems, or the visitors through improved design and functionality.
cc grid," into the 21st century. Updating the grid
involves enabling automation, remote control,
and two-way communication. These updates
help the grid to handle sources of electric- BE-5-1 . Encourage heat-tolerant
ity like wind and solar power and to integrate
electric vehicles. Smart grids also collect data building approaches such as cool
and allow residents to better understand their
energy use and identify energy-saving oppor- roofs and passive cooling.
tunities. Implementing smart grid techno[o- Buildings play a role in both withstanding
gies will enable the adoption of clean energy climate change impacts as well as providing
solutions, and complementary strategies infrastructure to protect people from impacts.
promoting renewable energy, electric vehicles, Buildings will be subject to potential increased
and energy efficiency will help realize the envi- flooding, extreme temperatures, and exposure
ronmental, benefits of the smart technologies. to wildfires. At the same time, buildings can
also shelter inhabitants and visitors from many
of these impacts.To optimize the built environ-
ment to address climate change, the City can
encourage heat-tolerant building approaches,
such as cool. roofs that block heat, green roofs,
and passive cooling features such as improved
air circulation designs. There are many venues
available to encourage the public and deve[-
opers to adopt these building approaches,
including through education and incentive
programs.
0 M el
el k]e f' e dkrr�ate miidtb�ns wheii
J�t_l
:T r
C es�gn�in(,,) o
TE'S",T' -esHhe,ic(', rx_iHdk1,-i1g deni&Is s�_jdq
MISM,T Leve"t, 2' as ��geat re&sLant "nat&,-4�s, oassue co()�H�199,
2 V OR A Wr,��te ��roofrS
a
gy to
-�ance (-es��h&,',icy ol
LED
W
'S -i ets a n(I s i��o��o y.
f �J 0��9 e r @/ n�a
Ks, 1AA
joll,
I fll�
.............
Ar
..............
AS
qAA
Is
MEN
Offil
"IT"I
1 e o le o "'li e o��m����imn u ty
Here are some actions that everyday Ashland residents and
organizations can take to make a difference in addressing climate
change within our buildings and energy systems:
-iess
o�Iii le U IS
a le yo u�1�
a���A wa lite c le l��i"It.
Simple improvements can make a big difference
for energy and water use. Weatherization,
equipment upgrades, and basic behavior changes
can also make your space more comfortable and
lower utility bills.
X 0 e a ��l c �,,DaUa,'-i i�n
le l�i le���rgy �o r o g a ns.
Community solar programs provide opportunities
for residents to participate in renewable energy
programs without needing to install solar panels
on their own roofs. There are increasing options
for residents to participate in these programs,
including the development of a new statewide
community solar program that will soon be
a Hable to aH Oregon residents.
va 1 1
Is lm a ��b le f ae-e you ���,-e ar
Consider what size home or business you need,
and consider downsizing to avoid having to spend
more on energy.
57
X/K,
M-
..........
moe vr��
ra III,
orw f1v
fv
"alluff,
A
P,
F,/,Fg/
A
'V,"I
A Al
AM, vs-'AM,
..............
J�,
k
��Jj
aw(
IRS
I
Al
Ai
IMP
pi((i
vif,
jam
0 JR Wl
1,fl,
A,
VI
f
Pf
Wi
6"
'Alk
libill
tn'
�j
M,
Aal
9
.............
.............
06
AR,
J*j
iwjj
Off,
,w),
IF,
9441
ijit,
1f1p%1v,
a/i/aMME
(ON"
IN ,��11,11U�1111 (11/ Al
qj#
OPINION
All
hl
'vn
............
0111�"f wi'�mql
4 F
ilk,A
im
Nll!LjwAll&
I'll V
Oil/V
111111M
gi-b
161
Off
0
f(1001 Ili
0011 Ili
0011 Ili I
"11"i (0011 Ili
,ffill,
Ol,
e0101111 �rj pf
Of
..,J1,111
NIIII'I(Ill
$4 r1:!fj1111111 mq)q '(11JI1111 I III I I J�))g
((0111111
000
11JUN
he movement of goods and services is central to to withstand increased flooding, and roads bordering
Ashland's economy and community—and one of rivers and streams may be at risk of inundation.The City,
the largest GHG-emitting sectors. Emissions from the its residents, and private property owners will need to
transportation sector made up nearly one-quarter work together to reduce the risks that extreme weather
(23%) of the city's total emissions in 2015. Residential events pose to Ashland's infrastructure.
on-road vehicle use accounts for nearly three-quarters
of the sector's emissions, followed by residential air
travel. While emissions from buildings have decreased �r,o g�r,e s s o a e
markedly since 2011, transportation emissions have
seen no significant change.This speaks to the challenge Ashland has made strides in incorporating climate
of reducing emissions from vehicles,the vast majority of and sustainabi[ity priorities into its land-use policies.
which burn fossil fuels and, unlike buildings,are difficult Many of Ashland's existing plans and standards address
to retrofit in ways that improve their efficiency or reduce activities that contribute toward emissions from the
GHG emissions. transportation sector, including the Transportation
System Plan, local [and use code, and Comprehensive
While electric vehicles are becoming more available Plan.. Some examples of c[imate-friend[y actions and
and affordable, near-term progress on reducing requirements in these plans are:
Ashland's transportation-related emissions can
focus on reducing reliance on personal vehicles by Street standards and street classifications in
improving public transit access and convenience, and the Transportation System Plan promote
by improving urban design to support higher densities shared streets that incorporate infrastructure for
while keeping housing affordable. Also worth noting people walking, biking, and riding mass transit.
are potential chmate-driven impacts on alternative The City's Comprehensive Plan and
forms of transportation. With increased temperatures street standards highlight connectivity as
and wi[dfire-induced smoke, biking and walking may a requirement in new development.
become more hazardous and thus increase reliance on The City's [and use code has a "Pedestrian
vehicles. Addressing challenges like these is crucial to Places)) component,which encourages the
improving the resilience and reducing the greenhouse creation of wa[kable mixed-use areas that
gas emissions footprint of Ashland's transportation. "encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use.))
Climate change also puts Ashland's infrastructure at
greater risk of damage or destruction. More frequent
and severe wildfires and floods may threaten roads,
bridges, and real estate, and hotter summers may
increase the rate of deterioration of some building
materials. Culverts and road crossings may not be sized
60
41,
&��id A,c lilt i�0��i S
o a s a �n�d ��i d c a"'to�r's
P U
oNs J"�,,,, _U............
d g,,
c "T I I"n j,I-i ty a d C ty
Od -'1,_),,,ce o�
�r
&id
e I-n�o��oye e ve If"]�C
Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) provides
gree� 0 use as en��ssbrls,,
..... Ashland's primary public transit service for visitors
c) v C c and residents. RVTD provides intercity and regional
e x a i (,,,)vv cad,,,/ o 't r a s�o o I-1 public transit within Jackson County,serving the city of
......C cli I g W t�""I t h, �,[y s fl e e t Ashland as weh as Talent, Phoenix, and Medford with
......I....... fixed-route bus and dial-a-ride paratransit service.
o a
S U 0 0
S J,S d'U U V V
Residents have voiced a desire for expanded public
I-a,,
................ JU
................ I, S�l ""'I.............I o
�r 0 1 .I........ I I I ing more frequent and accessible
�I h/
c IrTi a transit options nc[ud'
downtown bus service, c[eaner-fue[ed public transit
vehicles (e.g., electric buses), and other public transit
0 11"111 a d c a t o��-s systems such as shuttles or trolleys. These options
can reduce per-person emissions associated with
r a s o t a t o len s s o n s. residential on-road transportation, as weh as reduce
c e s L a ve
0 y ve congestion, save fuel costs, and provide transportation
...... options for those who cannot afford or choose not to
I SS 0 F1 S
�'-f fide r-
-lo,"e," own a personal vehicle.
Av e a g e c 1:,:y a Sf,,,"-
r a s a q d
Y S "I C),
��"111 0 111111��'11111Y AC11111r�0 IS
ULT-1 -1 . Coordinate with
.............. neighboring local governments
to promote use of transit,
carpooling, and car-sharing.
Ashland is already a member of the Rogue
Valley Transportation District (RVTD), which
provides shared bus service to cities through-
out the greater Jackson County area. Currently,
RVTD is examining a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Hine in their 2040 Transit Master Plan. Using
RVTD as a model,the City together with nearby
jurisdictions,can support, promote,and poten-
tiahy provide additional service offerings, such
as carpooling and car-share programs, that
expand transportation options within each
community and strengthen important connec-
tions to other areas in the Rogue Valley. 61
U LT-1 -2. Work with RVTD to ULT-1 -4. Evaluate the feasibility of
-I lement climate-friendl transit ex anded local transit o tions.
MID y
including continuing to move Rogue Valley Transportation District currently
towards more efficient buses and offers the only bus service in Ashland, and
service and routes are limited. This action
expanded ridership. calls on the City to evaluate options for addi-
The City and neighboring Jurisdictions in the tiona[ intra-city service to augment existing
RVTD already have a longstanding and success- RVTD service and provide more public transit
ful partnershipthat has brought publictransitto options to residents. This assessment would
residents throughout the area. Recently, RVTD involve determining potential transit providers,
introduced the One Bus Away app, allowing assessing demand, identifying possible routes,
riders to view schedule and arrival information and estimating costs and funding sources for
in real time. In 2016, RVTD also began piloting purchasing and operating a transit fleet.
an electronic fare called TouchPass that allows
riders to purchase card passes that can be 011111U� A C11111r�0 M IS
reloaded from a computer or mobile device.
11, -''d r-�de ots 'L(,c,',)
addtlu,"-4� a,
This action calls on Ashland to use its position
as a partner in the RVTD to continue to improve C)-'r o'��'e" o,j'c"),h "L",...........:"I"' �s�t ay-ld reb_,�ce
the convenience, sustainability, and accesslbl[- C 0 g e s o
ity of its services.
ULT-1 -3. Establish policies to
...................................... support development near
transit hubs without displacing
disadvantaged populations.
Transit-oriented development (TOD) increases
housing density within walking distance of
transit hubs. Creating a TOD zoning overlay or
similar policy could reduce car use, butAsh[and
will need to design any policy carefully to avoid
unintended consequences, such as gentrifica-
tion that threatens housing affordability and
could displace vulnerable populations.
62
J�j
a��<e As��flarid ULT-2-2. Exp ore opportunities
�1<(I, a,i d e d e sl a��'i
J "y.
to convert to shared streets
On-road transportation generates nearly one-fifth of where appropriate to provide
Ashland's total emissions. It is difficult to substantially multimodal connectivity.
improve the efficiency of existing cars and trucks, so Shared streets are popular because they offer
one of the most feasible methods of reducing emissions improvements for people walking and biking
from them is to make other forms of transportation while preserving vehicle access. This action
more desirable. A city that supports people walking will spur Ashland to assess which streets or
and biking not only reduces the need for residents to corridors may make sense to convert to shared
drive but also offers the public health co-benefit of
streets due to their current use, potential future
encouraging exercise. use, location, or other considerations.
........ .. . ...
UP e d
i c e,�",i V, u r- e
ULT-2-1 . Implement bicycle- and
orop-a �r C�,ty
"'ns
edestrian-friendl actions in �i�o oyees,,
y I"I'll j"I",�
the City's Transportation System D,iduct a cu-i,� "I ty S U e y t o i,,j),r"'i d e J, lf,J
b a E� t 0 0 9
(",.......... ..........
1�S n a r e a
Plan and Downtown Parking "I E`
g ..............
r J ��.......�,
�e
U L) s c)�f e
Management Plan. u -i s a a of ,,,,�/,a�r k e s
V V c'), """I g, s c....... as
e o
For bicycling to be considered a viable after- �r C)�3
\N e e a, r'atl,,",
native to driving, the City will need to invest in �� _',1 r,, '-I
infrastructure to improve its safety and conve- eva S'fo�r e d, g e
nience. For example, the City could encourage �o
installing bike lanes at schools and arteries t�e,a r,�S 0 0 1 a t syster-" a q,
connecting to schools, expand urban trails,
or provide dedicated bicycle infrastructure
downtown or at area hotels. The City should
commit to implementing bicycle-related
actions in the Transportation System Plan and
Downtown Parking Management Plan, such
as 1) installation of bike intersection safety
improvements; 2) increased bike lane infra-
structure;and 3) expansion of on-and off-street
bike racks, shelters, and sharing. The Ashland
Trails Master Plan also provides a roadmap for
improving urban trail infrastructure.
63
0
ft��tf,�ategy U���1111111111 3 S, (..........) ...........1`1 ULT-3-2. Revise land use codes to
E 4"[["�(...........11" E"""' v e k��es. require EV charging infrastructure
at multifamily and commercial
With on-road vehicle use responsible for nearly 20% developments.
of Ashland's overall emissions, improving the overall
efficiency of the cars and trucks use throughout the city Lack of charging infrastructure 'is a barrier to
could have a significant impact on meeting greenhouse gas expanded use of electric vehicles. Addition-
reduction goals.While most vehicles already on the road ally, residents in multifami[y buildings typica[[y
are likely not cost-effective to retrofit,the City can make have little say in whether their buildings offer
progress by focusing on providing education, incentives,, the charging equipment necessary to support
and support for hybrids, electric vehicles(EVs), and other electric vehicle use. Requiring new multifam-
cleaner-fueled vehicles. ily and commercial developments to provide
charging stations will make e[ectric vehicle use
0��l�111rY A(1j','1111'r�o s possible and practical for a larger segment of
Ashland's population by giving them the ability
ULT-3-1 . Implement a local fuel- to charge their vehic[es near where they live,
related tax. work, and shop.
Having a sense of the baseline use of fossil fuels ULT-3-3. Develop and provide
for transportation can help Ashland shape the
most effective fue[-switching policies and incen- information about electric and
tives possible.A local gas tax or a carbon tax on hybrid vehicles and incentive
gasoline and diesel would serve as an indicator
of fuel demand, while also providing the City programs on the City website.
with funds that could be used to improve trans- The techno[ogy and market for hybrids and
portation infrastructure, expand public transit EVs can be difficult for consumers to decipher.
options, or invest in other actions. A gas tax Educating the public on these vehicles—and
would also encourage drivers to change their the rebates and incentives available for them—
behavior to reduce their use of fossil fuels. is an easy and low-cost early step that can make
the process of choosing and purchasing one of
these vehicles more straightforward. The City
cou[d a[so explore opportunities to work with
organizations like Drive Oregon to organize
promotional events and with dealerships to
increase avail.ability of electric vehicles.
011111n� A C 111r 0�"%%Ijl IS
ill...... ...........
I icrease &�fo-c e-n e i't.of ar�t'�' 3 0 C
CA 0� `,,,,Md�"i F e s��a o j-'i s t a a S U, e r c�a g h�ig V s1,,:,,,,,al o As� �and,
g, spaces fa,
a 0,[ u,,,vm 'i",)a"l< Vs.
0"T"',0 11 1 , t a x a s a 1-i d, 'r-e vei�c��e,s,,
c""A"
e 0\A/ c a S
64
J�j
S,t���,,,,,,ztegy U���1111111111 1111r 4,�,�j) �S u,, P 0 t these activities do not come at the expense of
"I i i o e i�ate
ready deVE_�,`,��0 ......t E-1 1 a........�d a1 d LJ s e. higher housing costs, which could disadvan-
tage low-income populations.
Ashland's population is growing, and with a larger
population comes new development. Updating zoning ULT-4-3. Modify the WUI code to
requirements and [and-use policies can shape new
development to be as ch mate-resi[lent as possible. include construction techniques
appropriate
for wildfire-prone areas.
ULT-4-1 . Consider re ulati n g Ashland's WUI zones are the most wild-
fire-threatened parts of the city, and the risk of
ur er cons ruction or expansion wildfires affecting these areas will only increase
as climate change increases the frequency and
in the Wildland Urban Interface severity of fires. Modifying the WUI code to
(WUI) part of the urban growth require more resilient construction techniques
boundary. can minimize the risk that new structures built
in the WUI are damaged or destroyed by fire.
The WUI zone includes areas on the fringe of
Ashland where homes and buildings are in close
proximity with undeveloped lands. Evidence 0 111r A C 111r 0 S
�o r o e y
g S C
from other cities indicates that wildfires are ....... ......
most deadly and destructive when they burn 0 S i a e�j�i a (r,',:-e r"("11", e
�,)fl,
into denser neighborhoods on the outski rts of s a c
town. Expanding the VVUI and/or limiting con- C�":)� �S�'d e r", �r e g a 1 n g f�_i�r e r- C 0"1 S 1- LJ,Ct 0"'1 0
struction can limit the density of these areas, e x a �i s�o"'i t h e W,J�� �o a r t t�i e r�o a g r o t
reducing the risk of severe damage as the
,",/(J�j 3),
b o u��d a
frequency and intensity of wildfires increase. ...... .........
�f",'r t e
va a,�
L�f-a s�o o a o ri f a s��r c,u r e a-d o r a o ri s
(All 11 �::,"'.,�r �r g �Cy
-i e
d 1�........... U
U,d�n g c- ............. �f ............... e
ULT-4-2. Revise community
...........
esponse', goods ar�id s f'-v�c 11"I'll"'11), I a n d,
v 0 en p ans o avor CID, �If�,",i a("."cEl�S S,
Jr,"I'll,
"i�'���ze c e t
walkable neighborhoods a e z o n g .0 �f i'�f' eve
and infill density. g h f 0 0 c"I e as,,.
Ashland has a series of long-range planning
documents that guide development across
Ashland districts, neighborhoods, and natural
areas. Revisiting these plans to ensure that
they support chmate-ready development
needs, such as walking, biking, transit, parking
management, and climate adaptation features,
will ensure that Ashland development is con-
sistent with the City's climate goals and com-
mitments. It will be important to ensure that
65
ease Uie eff d
ft��ff,f,,ategy till���1111111111"'rill..5. c e cy
ULT-5-2. Conduct a city fleet
0,�f C
"I.............,
audit and use it to set olicy
T,,,,',Y et V E"", s a �ir (r,", n
C 0 F I g', and targets for higher-efficiency
To move Ashland toward a future of [ow-carbon vehicles, vehicle-sharing across
transportation, the City should lead by example. \/Vhl[e departments, and out-of-town
the City's own emissions are relatively small compared vehicle use.
to personal and commercial veh I cle use, there is an Conducting an audit of the City's vehicles is a
opportunity to make internal improvements that straightforward and low-cost action that sets
demonstrate its commitment to supporting efficient the stage for policies to govern the fuel effi-
vehicles, alternative fuel sources, and pub[ic/shared ciency of the fleet and/or mandate a transition
transportation. to alternative fuel vehicles overtime.
(111) 11111'1��Y AC11111r�0�111/IJI S
ULT-5-3. Develop policy to require
ULT-5-1 . Provide carpool and the purchase of verified carbon
vanpool parking, charging offsets to offset City staff travel.
stations, and parking for EVs for Ashland has no control over the policies,
City employees. fuel sources, and infrastructure of jurisdic-
tions beyond the city limits. Purchasing
Supporting multiple commute options for City carbon offsets is a straightforward action that
employees is an important step on the path to allows the C I ty to extend its commitment to
reducing the use of fossil fuels for transporta- reducing its em I ss I ons to staff who travel for
tion, one of Ashland's biggest sources of green- work reasons. Furthermore, if the City's offset
house gas emissions. Encouraging the use of payments are invested in local projects, they
ridesharing, vanpoohng, and alternative fuel can provide a wide range of co-benefits to the
vehicle use among City staff will set an example local community.
for private citizens and serve as tangible
evidence of the City's commitment to sustain- 011111'1�� AC11111r�0 N IS
ability. Furthermore, some of this infrastruc-
ture—EV charging stations, for examp[e—can �,). ....... ri g a e �es a C y"a c e s s j c
"I 'D Y,V` J
be opened to the public, increasing its positive as lockers, a�,'-�d c(",,,,,,\/e�red/seCL,J,,,�,--e(,I oH,,,1"e,
impact. The City could also pursue new policies 91
and programs for encouraging City employees J 17
)tE� a o c", �es
41d ake a c�,, LA ...... J .........
to drive less for their daily commute.
U, �i e i e s t a e J,e s 0, 'T
e a s e ri c le Fit�\J E' st a�ri a�o e Cl y
i c
.......... -OUg,
1( �g s, c�.........� as �f
e rr �o��oy��,,,,
c o st s o es,
CCI 0 C
66
1 1,f f f
1 e 0 e o 1 e C o �rrffjii�u ��f(f�fffi
Here are some actions that everyday Ashland residents
and organizations can take to make a difference
addressing climate change.
�1 OJI,
a ke a wa �kl d e a o
10
a k e i��C iii"I"",�tdfilja s
Leaving your personal vehicle behind
when commut I ngor runningerrands can
make a big difference for your carbon
footprint and can also be a healthy and
enjoyable alternative to driving.
...................� ........... a if'u e e f���'f c ii��e
ve c��e,,,
When purchasin your next persona[
vehicle, consider more efficient
alternatives such as hybrid or electric
ve h i c I es.
11%
67
14�
116
...........
41
c c
c 6
AN
W IMP,
jM%',
J!"
Fpl
14,AP V,
qg
AWNF—, gj,
d,
FIR
Al jP,
..........
$
A,
........................ ......................
I No
Upstream emissions from the production and While Ashland might change local development codes
transportation of food and goods account for48%of to address building energy,there is no similar ability to
Ashland's total emissions—more than any other sector. influence production efficiencies for imported goods
and services. Therefore, Ashland's potential actions
A large portion of food emissions are from the related to consumption and materials management
production of meat,and household goods emissions are mostly center on influencing consumption behavior and
largely from home construction,furniture, clothing,and supporting a variety of local and/or more sustainable
vehicle purchases. Because Ashland's industrial sector purchasing options for its residents.
is small and there is no significant agriculture within city
limits, the Ashland community relies almost entirely on Climate change is also expected to increase stressors
imported goods, food, and energy products to meet its such as pests, disease, and drought on the region's
needs. Encouraging greater local food production would small local agriculture sector, potentially reducing
have emissions reduction benefits while simultaneously the availability of local food. Global climate change
improving food security and availability for Ashland's could also disrupt global markets and supply chains,
r 'dents. Climate change may disrupt global supply I increases and
es I potentially resulting in global price
chains and thereby affect the cost of household goods resource scarcities.
and services that local residents and businesses rely on.
In some cases, buying "local" can reduce the [ifecyc[e
greenhouse gas emissions associated with the goods
and services we buy--but not always. A peer-reviewed
study found that the production of food accounts for
83% of the average American food-related greenhouse
gas footprint,while the transport of food only represents
11% of [ifecycle emissions.'A reduction in red meat
consumption can therefore be a more effective means
to reduce a household's food-re[ated climate footprint
than "buying local." The strategies in this plan address
both the production and transportation emissions
associated with consumption of food and goods.
While emissions from consumption are large, they are
"indirect"emissions that are not underthe same level.of
community control as the local,sector-based emissions.
6 Source: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdfp[us/10.1021/
es702969f
70
Ashland exemplifies its commitment to reduced waste
and local sourcing through a variety of programs,
ordinances, and offerings, such as the following:
Bans on plastic bags and polystyrene
containers: In 2014,the City approved an
ordinance to substantially reduce consumption
of single-use plastic carryout bags.The City also
bans polystyrene foam food packaging at local
restaurants, retail food vendors, and nonprofit
food providers.
Community garden programs,farmers'
markets,and co-ops:Ashland enjoys a number
of venues for growing and purchasing locally
produced food, including at four City-sponsored
community gardens,the Rogue Valley Growers
and Crafters Market, and at retailers like the
Ashland Food Co-op.
Residential curbside recycling programs and
outreach: Reco[ogy provides curbside recycling
service to Ashland residents, as well as education
and outreach programs on backyard composting
and reduce/reuse best practices. Recology also
provides a drop-off recycling center for some
hard-to-recyc[e materials.
71
CM-1 -2. Support collaborative
consumptionif community
p roj e cts.
Collaborative consumption reduces demand
for new products by facilitating the sharing and/
Because the City cannot d i rect[y influence how goods or repair of existing products in the community.
Too[ libraries, for example, allow community
are produced outside its Jurisdiction, its main feasible members to avoid purchasing new tools by
option is to reduce the use of targeted carbon-intensive instead borrowing from a communal pool of
goods and services by encouraging residents to change donated tools. The City can explore how best
their consumer habits, such as by supporting shared to encourage sustainable consumption and
use programs that reduce the need to own products. sharing activities [Ike too[ libraries and repair
cafes,such as through mini-grant programs.
CM-1 -3. Determine and
CM-1-1 . Implement an education implement effective ways to
campaign for waste and
reduce and track consumption
consumption reduction strategies.
based emissions.
Private consumption of food and goods is the Current approaches for tracking and mitigating
largest single source of Ashland's greenhouse consumption-based emissions are coarse and
gas emissions. While the City does not have relatively undefined. The City should continue
the ability to directly control or reduce these to evaluate new approaches and tools for
emissions, it can encourage sustainable habits more accurately and effectively addressing this
and purchasing decisions that target common
sources of waste and carbon-intensive con- important emissions source.
sumption. For example,the City could continue
to include tips and instructions for energy-sav-
Ing opportunities within City bills and news-
letters, or provide additional informaton and
outreach for replacing inefficient appliances,
opting-out of junk mail, and available reuse
sto res.
72
CM-2-2. Expand community
g dening and urban agricu ure
j pin
0 Ploortunities.
111 111111111111111111 h11111111011
Increasing the land and resources available for
Supporting environmentally responsible production local agriculturecan help satisfya portion ofthe
of goods and food [ocally—in or around Ashland— city's demand for food, reducing the quantity
is beneficial because it eliminates the emissions of food that must be imported from outside
associated with shipping goods produced far away to the region. "Greening" public spaces can have
the city, and because it gives the City greater influence numerous co-benefits, too, including offset-
on encouraging sustainable production practices. ting the urban heat island effect and providing
garden space to those who do not have yards.
The City could work to expand existing local
food programs at community gardens, schoo[s,
parks, and rooftops, such as by encouraging
CM-2-1 . Partner with nonprofit farms to work directly with organizations such
organizations to promote the as churches or schools to provide communi-
ty-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
purchase of local food and
products.
One way the City can support sustainable local
food production is to work with independent
organizations to showcase and support cli-
mate-friend[y retailers and products. The City
could work with systems such as the Ashland
School District, Southern Oregon University,
and Asante Ashland Community Hospital to
incorporate "c[imate-friend[y first food pur-
chasing.
73
CM-3-3. Strengthen the
Demolition Debris and
Diversion ordinance to enhance
Diverting more waste from the landfill is one of the most enforcement and increase
direct strategies Ashland can focus on to reduce the diversion and reuse.
environmental impacts of the city's consumption. While
the City cannot influence upstream production methods Due in large part to the sheer quantity of
at factories and farms beyond its city limits, minimizing material involved, home demolition has an
downstream waste has a clear and measurable outsized impact on Ashland's materials man-
positive impact that will help Ashland move toward its agement strategy. Targeting buildings for reuse
sustainabi[ity goals. and salvage not only reduces the quantity of
material being sent to the landfill, but also
creates a local market of recovered building
materials that can be used again in new con-
CM-3-1 . Improve recycling struction projects, remodels, and landscap-
ing. This actions calls for enhancing Ashland's
programs, implement new current Demolition Debris and Diversion
ordinance so that it is more strictly enforced
education and outreach, and and encourages further diversion and reuse of
expand public space recycling. building materials. The City could explore the
Making recycling a convenient and straightfor- introduction of mandates for a greater per-
ward process iscrucia[to helping Ash[a nders to centage of deconstruction over time and also
reduce waste disposal and increase diversion consider efforts to promote reuse of those
from the landfill. Education and outreach, materials in new construction projects.
better signage, and placing more bins in public
areas aresome of the potentialwaysto improve
recycling in Ashland.
CM-3-2. Update the multi-family
recycling ordinance to encourage
more diversion.
Historically, increasing diversion rates from
multi-fami[y residential waste streams has
been challenging.The City should uUpdateand
expand recycling standards and requirements
for existing and future multifamily housing to
increase recycling diversion rates consistent
with the Council approved recycling program
updates.These actions should be implemented
in accordance with recommendations provided
by the ad-hoc Recycle Center Committee.
74
CM-4-2. Provide a kitchen
best practices guide to help
Production of food is a large emissions source, and,
households and businesses
unfortunately, a significant portion of the food that
makes it into Ashland's homes and businesses spoils reduce food waste and
or is otherwise wasted. Reducing this waste—and using consumption.
the remaining food waste prod uctive[y—wi h ensure that
Ashland gets the most benefit possible out of its food. Educating residents and businesses on how
In addition to reducing the GHG emissions associated to reduce food waste is a low-cost option to
with wasted food, edible food that would have gone to reduce wasted food, a preventable source of
waste can be donated to residents who might otherwise greenhouse gas emissions.
struggle to afford groceries.
CM-4-3. Evaluate opportunites
for recycling of commercial food
waste.
CM-4-1 . Support edible food
While reducing food waste by addressing its
donation through coordination
root causes is the best option some food waste
with the food bank and donations
�'M I I��11'111111111101111 will always remain. The Citly can serve a central
from City and community partner role in taking advantage of this waste stream
events. by arranging for discarded food to be used
for energy production, including the use of
The environmental benefits of reducing food cooking oil for biodiesel and biofuels. The City
waste means there is more food to share with could also consider working with Recology to
those in need. This action calls on the City and provide organic waste pickup services.
community to work with the food bank to make
sure edible leftover food at public events ends
up on dining tables, not in the landfill.
75
City operations account for a relatively small portion of
Ashland's emissions,they are a relatively easy target for
sustainability improvements because the City has direct
control over them.
CM-5-1 . Introduce
environmentally preferable
purchasing (EPP) guidelines for
City procurement.
Creating an EPP policy is a low-cost action that
would guide City staff to choose more sustain-
able products and services by modifying the
procurement process. While the complexity of
Ashland's existing procurement process may
make this action more difficult to implement,
it is worth considering because a wide range
of cities similar to Ashland have successfully
implemented EPP policies of their own. For
example, the City could require evaluation
of electronic equipment using the Electronic
Product Environmental Assessment Tool
(E P EAT).
CM-5-2. Assess the feasibility
of co-digesting food waste and
b i o s o I i d s t o g e n e r a t e e I e ct r i c i ty a t
the wastewater treatment facility.
Generating electricity from the gases captured
from decomposing organic matter is a win-win
strategy:it prevents harmful GHGs from entering
the atmosphere, and it creates electricity that
can offset the wastewater treatment facility's
energy use or be fed back onto the power grid.
76
I IM
Here are some actions that everyday Ashland residents and
V,
I ions ca I I ressing
F VALL o rga nizati n take to make a difference add
climate change.
WON
S C 1001
Animal products are extremely GHG intensive to produce
compared to plants. Eating less meat and dairy can
make a big cut in food consumption emissions. Eating
regiona[ly-grown food that is suitable for the southern
Oregon climate can also make a difference through
reduced tra nspo rtati o n-related emissions.
Studies show that in America approximate[y4O%of food
never makes it to our dining tab[es—meaning the water,
fertilizer, farm equipment, and transportation involved
in producing this food and getting it to your refrigerator
is wasted. Planning carefully when you shop and storing
food properly can go a long way toward reducing food
waste, and save you money,too.
10�..... ...........
The purchase of manufactured goods is one of the
largest contributors to Ashland's GHG emissions.
Consider buying reused or borrowing items you only use
infrequently to help reduce these emissions.
The fewer items you purchase, the better for the
environment. Investing in quality items that last longer
often also makes sense for your wallet, since you don't
have to keep replacing items when they break.
7W7
rp
jjjj�
jjjj���
... ..........
60
A[though not formally accounted for in Ashland's Many of Ashland's natural systems and surrounding
greenhouse gas emissions inventory, natural natural areas will be harmed by climate change,
ecosystems such as forests and wetlands capture and threatening the ecosystem services they provide
store carbon, acting as a greenhouse gas "sink."Proper such as water filtration, flood abatement, pollination,
ecosystem management optim I zes this process of recreation,and fire protection.Importantly,the effects of
carbon sequestration and minimizes the potential risk climate change on natural systems are interrelated and
of greenhouse gas emissions from wildfires. may compound each other;for example, more frequent
and severe droughts will increase the risk of wildfires.
The 2016 Ashland Forest Plan puts forth forest Changes in temperature,snowpack,and the abundance
management objectives that take into account the of diseases and pests wl[[ stress sensitive and high-
important role of forests in a changing climate. Some elevation plants, wildlife, and ecosystems such as the
relevant objectives from the plan include- northern spotted owl, anadromous fish populations,
and mid-e[evation coniferous forests.' Other stressors,
Reducing the likelihood of high-severity fire such as habitat loss and pollution, exacerbate this risk
through strategically placed fuels treatments by minimizing habitat connectivity and aggravating
and subsequent implementation of prescribed existing sensitivies.
underburning to maintain reduced fuels and less
fire-prone conditions; Climate change may also benefit some species and
ecosystems. For example, a spec I es whose pathogens
Managing for both growth and maintenance of are sensitive to drought may experience reduced
older forests that may sequester and retain large pathogen risk. However, these rarer cases are not are
amounts of carbon overtime; not the focus of this plan.
Focusing on protection and restoration of diverse 7 Source: Geos Institute (2016).
forest structures,plant communities and associated
genetic resources which are important mechanisms
of resilience;
Emphasizing multiple tree species management
including species weH selected to thrive in future
warmer and drier conditions such as pines,
hardwoods and shrub spec I es (within prescribed
spatial considerations for their potential to
aggravate fire potential and hazard); and
Monitoring and control of invasive plant species
that are prone to establishment and/or expansion
in changing climates.
80
The City of Ashland works within its city limits and with partners outside its limits to promote sustainable management
and conservation of its natural ecosystems. Here are some ways the City is currently taking action:
0 The Ashland Forest Resiliency Project has produced plann I ng documents that consider
optimized forest fuel management and wildfire planning in the face of climate change.
0 A new city Water Master Plan will incorporate future climate risks to water
supply and quality into future service planning and activities.
0 The City promotes drought-tolerant landscaping through education, outreach, and technical assistance.
0 The City water utility has a tiered rate structure to provide incen-
tives for conservation among the largest water uses.
0 The 2016 Ashland Forest Plan calls for over 500 acres of wildfire hazard reduction in and around
the City, over 150 acres of commercial thinning, and the establishment of a controlled underburn-
ing program to continually reintroduce the natural role of fire in our fire-dependent ecosystem.
Goals &���11111111111d S
e ecosystenn '�ea�d'i a'ld
e s e c e.
SL]SIc,fl�ned access declfl ak,
a d d k g wa t
...........
.... ................ i 4� h��d"cal,..............
Ac,''es d "HeLIJ I_,
Aa es k S I. ......... ......i ta i�e
3 ("1 Y''
Str"e" , I
I "I C 0 1 S
W a L i ��D L I
81
... ..........
through a plan that includes thinning smaller
trees, reducing flammable fuels, and conduct-
ing controlled burns. Through these activities
rp o"t -yc,Le��l("P and close monitoring, adaptive management,
altegy e ecus.l and incorporation of future climate change
e s��l�����l e n c e. projections into forest management and
planning, the City will address climate change
Climate change has the potential to significantly disrupt threats ecosystem stability and public health
local ecosystems by altering precipitation patterns, and safety.
increasing average temperatures, and making extreme
weather events more frequent and severe.These NS-I -2. Use green infrastructure
changes can affect a wide range of ecosystem features uch as bioswales, permeable
and functions,from causing fish die-offs to disrupting
pollinators. Local government policies and actions will play pavement, other pervious
a key role in protecting ecosystem elements from climate- surfaces to reduce flood risk and
related threats. 0 0
minimize sediment entry into
creeks from trails and roads.
Runoff from rainwater and snowmelt can carry
NS-I -1 . Mana e forests to retain pollutants and sed I ment into ecologically
io iversi y, resi ience, an sensitive waterways. Pollution due to runoff
and flooding in urban areas will likely become a
ecosystem function and services more common—and more serious—prob[em for
in the face of climate change. Use Ashland as climate change alters precipitation
best available science to inform patterns and increases the frequency of severe
rainstorms. Green infrastructure allows water
fire management and planning to infiltrate into the soil, reducing the amount
to manage ecosystem health, of polluted runoff that flows into sensitive
creeks, wetlands, and other waterways. The
community safety, and carbon City should continue to promote green infra-
storage. structure where possible and consider green
Responsible management of existing natural infrastructure as a default option for on-site
areas within and surrounding Ash[and will stormwater management.
bolster ecosystem health and prevent the
breakdown of important ecosystem functions.
The 2016 Ashland Forest Plan discusses these
critical needs and considerations for City-
owned forests in the context of a changing
climate,and presents management approaches
for balancing forest resilience, climate mitiga-
tion, and other priorities. The Ashland Forest
Resiliency Stewardship P rol ect addresses
forest resilience beyond City-owned properties
82
NS-1 -3. Undertake restoration NS-1 -4. Map and protect areas
efforts to retain and restore that provide ecosystem services,
native fish and riparian species, such as remnant spring, wetland,
including enhancement of fish- and late successional forest
friendly operations and habitat at habitats, through improved public
Reeder Reservoir and in Ashland lands management/ownership
and Bear Creeks. and promotion of conservation
The fish and riparian species that call southern easements and private open
Oregon home w I H I I ke[y be increasingly stressed spaces.
by water scarcity and other chmate-driven
impacts on the health of local waterways. This action focuses on identifying and prior-
Undertak I ng habitat restoration and protec- itizing the protection of the most important
tion efforts not only supports healthy stocks elements of the local ecosystem through public
of these species, but can provide co-benefits ownership and conservation easements. The
to residents and visitors by creating beautiful 2016 Ashland Forest Plan provides a variety of
natural environments for visitors to enjoy and maps that could be used to begin prioritizing
educational opportunities for residents to areas for protection.
understand and apprec I ate native ecosystems
and species. The City delineates Riparian Man-
011111111���11111111 AC11111111����11111111 0�M S
agement Areas (RMAs), and the City's Stream
I P
) (''") 11 1,- :A C e E
c e 11y's a 1, 10,1 d d e
and \Net[and Enhancement Guide provides a J
Cli I C1 ��E: I S, El e e s,,� i s'', a, 1� -a ............i s; iew
resou rce fo r lea rn i n g to co ntro[erosio n,m a n age [
1� e c EIS C"I 'D" 0
invasive plants, and cultivate a healthy, native d eve��o�� ''11 � �. di",
landscape. The 2016 Ashland Forest Plan lays a Fut�_i e o c a c i al e.
�)r, , 'b I ��D(D Y��"11(N'11, ()f ec"osyste"i''i riia�,[,,�eL
out ecosystem service-driven management Ass( "I(�_ (J
priorities within the over 5 miles of stream and a�i, e s a s a e a C,i d e U
96 acres of riparian areas as well as calls out e s e f c e y a <;
Day�� i�g
specific opportunities for fisheries enhance- as I C I d o�,A/n e s wate
f i e d y "I E)
ment along Bear and Ashland Creek. I e"'it 0 f L h e i�(J
Vt
C 0 1,1� ........ C -C
0 1 2 Wd 1,e s e-
C .......... cl e c o"i�
C
�""i ic, i a g e r
i"'i a ig u 1�
83
... ..........
Slt����raltegy ���%IS1111111111111112,, Ma�nage a�nd co�nserve tionship and tradeoffs between tree density
and water availability.
C 0 11 1 1 U I ty w a"L e e s o u���..........ces.
While minimizing the City's water use internally is NS-2-2. Explore water-efficient
important,conserving water in the community can have
11 jjjiq�'W technologies on irrigation systems
V ��Uljjjjjjijijj
a greater impact due to its scale.Water conservation can
have dou ble benefits in the face of a changing climate: it and consider requiring them
1111 110
can help the community be more prepared for drought, during the permitting process.
and also reduce stress to aquatic ecosystems and Landscaping irrigation uses large quantities of
thereby enhance the resiliency of those ecosystems water. Requiring advanced irrigation systems,
to a variety of climate and non-climate stressors.
Through education, policy, and incentives the City can especially for large commercial or mu[tifam-
encourage the community to make meaningfulwater i[y properties, could have a significant impact
use reductions. on the city's water use. This action could also
involve promotion of water-efficient landscape
0 11111111���111111111Y AC11111111����11111111 0�M S design and maintenance through revision of
Site Design and Use Standards in the land use
code.
NS-2-1 . Evaluate incentives for
practices that reduce use of
NS-2-3. Expand water
11151
I
A",
1111111 (011111111111ollill po able water for nonpotable conservation outreach and
purposes and recharge incentive programs for residents
groundwater. and businesses.
Incentives can be a valuable too[ to reduce P rov I d I ng additional education and support to
water use and encourage the I nstaHation of residents and businesses can help reduce water
rainwater collection and water reuse systems. use by identifying easy, cost-effective ways to
As a bonus, these systems offer stormwater reduce water use; for example, by installing
prevention co-benefits. Similar incentives low-flow fixtures and faucet aerators. The City
have been used successfully in a number of may consider providing additional financial
other cities. The viability and benefits of these incent I ves to encourage widespread adoption
pract I ces are currently being examined as part of these upgrades or to make more costly
Of Ashland's Comprehensive Water Master water-saving upgrades financially feasible all
Plan update, including exploration of options households, I ncluding [ower-income families.
to promote and install graywater reuse at This action could involve facilitating sustain-
community gardens and other local urban agri- ability certifications, such as under the Salmon
cultural areas, or better understand the re[a- Safe certification program, at local businesses.
011111111����11111111 ACT 0��M S
L
)c uc I'l W"i e "')y�A/ C-1 1�("m D L� C JC1 .1 e d a e
c e a s,ys ec E) S C,
-e
"'(1)d c a s i e\A,i e c i� i o (T
hat e d wa te a i d wa s 11
C, 0
NZ I,,��,, i:) ,`1"_-U g 'i a e
P1 c)
M DsU ea _)Ws, to 1� 1� i z e d I
C)d �J(S;L d
11(1 1 �C�l I
C . g W WC)
t cls S(
84 C 1)
Sllt�����ralltegy ���MS1111111111111113,, C&�')s&,-ve wa,L&�........... use NS-3-2. Implement efficiency
��l 0 1 IS. recommendations from the City
W��'L�[,�I��l I C��l ly 0���..........)e���,-a"L'
While the City's internal operations account for a --ilities water audit.
relatively small portion of Ashland's overall emissions, The City is currently in the process of conduct-
conserving resources sets a visible example that ing an audit of water use at its facilities. The
residents and businesses in the community can follow. auditwl[[ help the City identify opportunities to
reduce waste and improve the water efficiency
Water use, in particular, will be important to minimize of its operations.
in the future: with more frequent and severe droughts
due to chmate-driven changes in precipitation and
snowpack, Ashland and the surrounding area will have ACT 0��M S
to manage its water resources to minimize the impacts
C
(11,- ,, �_'-l",C C
of increasing water scarcity. a Le ,"'�(Y 'I�..........��(
��""e d�,_i c g\NaLer C&I'') e I I and
S
Use.
NS-3-1 . Evaluate the potential for
installation of rainwater collection
systems at City facilities for
graywater uses, and investigate
opportunities for graywater reuse
at existing and new City facilities
and properties.
This action alms to reduce the quantity of
filtered, potable water used at City fac I[I t I es
by using rainwater for nonpotab[e uses, such
as tol[et-f[ushing and irrigation. Graywater
recycling could further reduce the quantity of
fresh, clean water used by the City for nonpo-
table purposes.
85
IN 1 e o I e o 11111f ""It �1111111111i e C,0����1111111111n ���11 t11111111111��l 11111ty
Here are some actions that everyday Ash[and
residents and organizations can take to make a
difference in addressing climate change.
i s ta�d�
Ce
e is, ail�,��i ya,
. t
........ .......... Y
Work w I th the City to [earn about options for
reducing stormwater runoff and increasing
water storage and reuse at your home or
busi ness.
Y
I YO�l.......... ..........
wa ite se k�
1"10 L,l S 1("11 water
............I I I L 0 1.
InstaH water-efficient fixtures, take shorter
showers, irrigate at night, and otherwise
jjjjjjl�
reduce water use.
"Ad
Volunteer at a habitat restoration event,
donate to [and conservancy or education
organizations, and get outside!
qjomll
................
NNYROM
..........
�jg
yrill
Vf1
j
IN
ALL No,
NO
N�NjAlllllll
p
lmii
rf"1,
WIN
MIR,
g0l",
m
R
J
Illy
I MAI
p dis
o
)),IhIl
'hil
jii
M w9a
sawsm,
'Nat
IN
All
11111111111���I............. 1110li
a V/
NO
Iff N
32
�j I All
'A"It
"T"
M,
..........
ifil
I&
a
ON
r
v"
7,
V
WIN%
6,
A
IN
Lai.
p-mom "'wow
Ivy-,
I VII
11 oll 111211 al 11111 11,
01141
111 11maismill Iloilo ('Ihmmi INNER,
111,11 MAMRI ON (pv,,,,)�
[imate change may seem removed from issues of
r",o"', g��i ei�
Cheafth, safety, and security, its effects may have
significant impacts on Ashland's population. Increased
heat waves, flooding, and wildfires threaten the health Although the City of Ashland has limited influence over
and safety of all residents, and Ash[and's outdoor the health and social security of its residents, the City
industry workers, the elderly and very young, and low- has made great strides in supporting the local economy
income populations are especially vulnerable. and preparing for emergency events:
Rafting, skiing, and other outdoor recreation industries Firewilise Ashland provides residents of the
may suffer from reduced snowpack and reduced wi[d[and urban interface with the knowledge and
summer flows, affecting workers throughout the local skills necessary to prepare for wildfires.
tourist industry. Increased wildfire risk will stress
emergency services and increase the number of homes The Social Service Grant and Community
within wildfire risk areas. While many of the strategies Development Block Grant programs support
and actions in other sections of this report have positive disadvantaged and at-risk populations.
direct impacts or co-benefits on public health and The annual Ashland is Ready workshop provides
safety, these issues are important enough to merit emergency planning assistance and information for
specific discussion. Without healthy, happy, and secure residents.
citizens,Ashland will not thrive.
Note: Emissions associated with public health, safety,
and well-being are encapsulated in other sectors of
the greenhouse gas inventory and therefore cannot be
independently evaluated.
ff
5"M
An,
PER)
"'i
1111B "killtrategies an ans
11, oa�ls and lnd*Icatars i\\\\\v d Ac
4s Strategy PHSW1a%11,,,, Mai�-,,�age
I............. .........:", (........... -"I�C"i I":')le-l" S
ec()f,1111111� I I I I I I i z e
E, J I C
"i e a '"C' I I
1-Irl-1,1I a I'l-11s,
D J I I -r-i-i�,,e -r-'i "a', -i���i a e e e d e a 11-�1
c I C
1") -1 (,3 D 'D 0 C
I fc J res�-
�'J "I ci e s,� a�l"i With average temperatures on the rise and extreme
I ci I g e S El LJ Y I I"SX,
weather events predicted to become more common
due to climate change, Ashland will need to consider
r-'i d c a ............) S adapting its management of the cityscape and
ecosystems to protect its residents' quality of life.
A a t y
��P��R 10��R I IITY ACIIT 10��N S
"'J 1:',)eq,.-1', C:: I,,')
a C )'I f 1 11 1 c-i"a("e d :.")y a va f".1"I�o e
C,e, "'i t, ��41 PHSW-1 -1 . Promote the
E"E` C "I �y expansion of tree canopy in urban
c'), "S\A I�,-i t'�-"i e W 1,,J
heat islands or areas that need air
ofAs�(-da�,-id conditioning such as schools.
eq".')El�l,"e"'I ......�-j e s c as
a s a, The urban heat island effect can have serious
impacts on public health and quality of life,
including causing heat-re[ated fatalities among
elderly or otherwise vulnerable people.The City
can reduce this effect by increasing tree canopy
cover in targeted areas that do not currently
have adequate shade or air conditioning, as
17
weH as promote and educate citizens about
the benefits of shading with trees and building
features.
OTHER ACTIONS
-'.Va a a,-I ci -r'� E`""ri e a s 1-1 -e ova
I'-i I-r-I I z e D
s 1-r-I o e 1, c d c: I......
s c'', i a,"
I ve �o 1-c), 1, 1,1 (3
tO I""V('',"t 1"�-.i e
-I a s g a s 0\A/El�l" d
(::3 W Cl�,J I "T"I E.-�t, D
to dectI
a --e e s c:') a c"3 I(,J I-I.......) a
t Ill a c t e,s'' I C-) e d c e -ie-iIll
Y
91
.......... -2-2. Support organizations
"'HSW%12, I-) I ,
� (Ml, t1
yu" ................I
0111 PHSW
.......... ......... lll
S��I S G111"), I 1(':,::1 b I(�........ local ec( '11 i[',i�'I y -�ii a such as SOU, in evaluating risks to
ldl� i�zes er r"",)i s,,, .............)i�...........Is", C', i�",i o 1,�I R.,� local food sources under climate
Becoming more sustainable and preparingforthe effects change.
of climate change will require more than government As discussed in Strategy CW-2, local food pro-
action; the private sector also plays a central role. The duction minimizes greenhouse gas emissions
City can serve as a thought leader,facilitator,and central associated with food transport, supports the
coordinator to spur climate action by a wide variety of local economy, and brings other sustainabi[ity
independent businesses. benefits. As part of the City's work to support
and expand local agriculture, it can consider
��P��R 10��R I IITY ACIIT 10��N S taking a supporting the work of other organi-
zations to evaluate how local food sources may
PHSW-2-1 . Engage leading be stressed or affected by climate change, and
how best to navigate the challenges to ensure
employers in a dialogue on that local farms remain viable and productive.
Thisworkwou[d include researching new crops,
climate action, for example,
I(('1 111111011
tech no[ogies, and innovative a p p ro a c h es,
by organizing and facilitating and working with farmers to adapt to climate
roundtables. change.
This action involves bringing local employers OITRER ACTIONS
together with City staff and independent experts
S"t,0 e "a"I"('',
to discuss how climate change will affect their
VV 0"k W i �r
,�Cj IF),C�ir�
businesses, how to minimize those risks, and d-'ar"ige a fc'.) 1:�e �i�l"e,
how to effectively incorporate climate and sus-
tainability concerns into their businesses.
92
S OMNI
trategy PHSW1a%13,,,, ......... �1 PHSW-3-2. Identify and minimize
1-ii e a I ..... . ......... ............. ................. potential urban heat impacts.
Climate change is expected to increase the
Many of the facilities and services provided by the number and severity of heat waves in Ashland,
City can also serve as important venues for adapting putting vulnerable people at greater risk
to climate change. This strategy identifies ways that of heat-re[ated health complications and
the City can work with the community to minimize reducing the quality of life for all Ashland
public health impacts from climate change, such as residents. The City can take steps to minimize
heat, respiratory, and pathogen-related illnesses. This the risks presented by heat waves by identify-
strategy also includes opportunities for the City to ing where heat-re[ated impacts will be most
adjust or repurpose its current activities and facilities to pronounced and working to encourage and/
help minimize public health threats,such as its libraries, or directly implement strategies for offsetting
parks, and emergency management services. these impacts, such as by designating cooling
centers through the city, improving cooling
PRIORITY ACTIONS systems in schools and senior centers, and
incentivizing cooling strategies such as coo[
PHSW-3-1 . Work with vulnerable roofs/pavements and expanded tree canopy.
populations to create specific
PHSW-3-3. Develop or enhance
adaptation strategies to address
heat-warning systems for
public health risks.
Some populations and areas of the city will employees and the public.
be more vulnerable to climate impacts than Heat-warn ing systems help minimize the health
others. The City can work to minimize the dangers associated with extreme heat by giving
impacts on its most at-risk populations and the public a chance to plan ahead to avoid
areas by working with residents and local being outside or take refuge at a designated
organizations to identify and implement cus- coo[i ng center d u ri ng the hottest periods.
tomized solutions. For example, outlying
areas exposed to wildfires or [ow-[ying homes OTHER ACITIONS
and businesses in flood zones could receive
�r �' '' � �'" I'll I'll, -[J"'�
t,( ) -, , (I���c'' "a S
tailored trainings to ensure readiness for the ess�oria
risks of their location. The City could work oose("J ::')y ('''Tal""ige,
a�'� LJ'
C �'_l C"'i I g I", "-'J �'J 1'1
with at-risk populations such as the elderly or gE,'�'S (,3
disabled to identify specific challenges in the
face of a changing climate and customized Ac c act""Vt"'Y
S'� t o 1"i o 1,e �_j
Y-I �"'
",I C
-,)��a�""I ........ c),�l", ::�,i r-a,,,,v(,,,�s
solutions such as accessible cooling centers or s c "i e c"i�,,j al", C") J
ii'�c)dallle or'iger'al-id E���l"
additional health services. Lo C) I,
S E",a ""'I
93
S INV,
trategy PHSWis,140.
sa-'f"E."""'11"�"Y (1�1'1111`..............�"
Climate stress adds additional burdens to City safety
services. This strategy involves taking measures within
City operations and current services to protect the
public from injuries caused by extreme events like
wildfires and flooding.
��P��R 10��R I IITY ACIIT 10��N S 011TRER ACITIONS
-11 z e t "I E� e a c','i y, E
X ':3
PHSS-4-1 . Update the City's
emergency response plan and e oc I I a"'i d
J t", z e (I ar-'id sl,:'-)�' .')r . ......
r�e
"'T"I S�J( as t� i L
C C,
ensure that preparation and e c-,Ad('ii r-'i S 1"", 1",C)
i At-
updates recognize and address
(_J �'M a 1-i g Sys,[,,,,e rr"� t(")
likely climate change impacts. wik,�,'Jfl�"( (3, S'
From wildfires to floods, the emergencies that
Ashland faces w1H increasing[y be [inked to
climate change.The City can protect its citizens
from these emergencies by incorporating
climate projections and likely impacts into its
existing emergency response plan.
PHSS-4-2. Identify and address
populations and essential City
services that are within the 100
year flood zone.
Climate-driven changes in precipitation and
snowmelt patterns will likely increase the
frequency and severity of flooding in the city.
One way Ashland can mitigate the damage of
severe floods is by identifying populations
and essential services in flood-prone areas
and working to relocate or protect them. This
action could include examining adjustments
to the Water Resources Ordinance chapter of
the [and use code, which stipulates setback
AM
requirements for properties [ocated within
at-risk areas.
94
em ;"m'
1 e o I e o ''It 'i e C11,o����1111111111n����1111111111TIII U Ity
Here are some actions that everyday Ashland residents and organizations can take to make a difference in addressing
climate change.
AsSE ..........1") (':...........), i� emergency kit
Jackson County offers tips and checklists to help residents create emergency kits for their homes and cars.Visit the
Jackson County Emergency Management website or contact Jackson County for more information.
0
Stay uniformed,
Sign up for Citizen Alert!,a free program from Jackson County that sends community alerts to your phone and emai[
when you register online.
Prepare your hame 1
ri e 11
Understand the risk of flooding or wildfire to your home, and take action to safeguard your home.Ashland provides
free Firewise assessments for properties at potential risk of wildfire. Find more information at the City I s Ready, Set,
Go! Evacuation website.
Understandthe ril"'I'sks ar"K"I -,"low ,10 d"',
I E',���...............
Injuries from heat exhaustion and wildfire smoke can be exacerbated by conditions such as dehydration, diabetes,
heart conditions, and obesity. Staying hea[thy, avoiding harmful activities, and taking proper precaution can make
sure you and your family are safe from deadly heat-and smoke-related il[nesses.
mill
111111 1 MINE III I
...........
P, Ifo"'
I q
IM, 11of om
JIM
0011101
If
0.1)"
100
10
L L
og�� ess ""to Goals a��I'id
c1dressing climate change requires working across
Asectorsto incorporate c[I mate change considerations
('1'111'��o a
into a[[ that we do. Only through a coordinated and
multifaceted effort can significant progress be made.
...........
(111G--)�,111, LA C4
The City of Ashland has demonstrated a commitment
o a��s a--i d �f"1 E�E
to comprehensive climate action through development
i e
t e a(j" CA
of this Climate and Energy Action Plan. Prior to the plan,
ca i s e a t c)1`1 S" (.,,'ia\/ 1-(,") C])),C',-i
the City also completed its first citywide greenhouse C-1�'Lv 0", e- "I", I Ci
gas inventory, which served as an essential benchmark
e c s �r r�a
for understanding and taking action against the
community's greatest GHG emission sources. The
City has also hosted a number of public outreach 0 J11 I a d('11 ��f
and engagement events around climate change and
, ,� (-)"', C'OgE' I(A'
L]111"') v
sustainabi[ity, including the Ashland Climate Challenge
I u
e
In 2015.
S S LJ Ell,
L"), �t-y �f", ac�i-Mt�es
D 0 1") "1") C)
�-)c,,, e, c a'�
C 0 1 E- (1,
AE" 'C`�I�t j
..................................................
111114
morl").........
NO
g/9 8
"'ma/m/
;N, r/ w////,////,
/"2
"/00
M
r
...........
E11111 1/01000
Ed.
AMMAIN
III It 0��i Is
e s
S It ......Ca e i: a��#i A c
CC-1 -2. Support capacity of
neil hborhood and communit
9 y
Sti�i�i�rateigy C Cmmu,1 ("J,�,,.J d-i I'-1� 1� f,....i.)",ri"':"),),�1111/ e i�",
oups to imp ement c imate
t��i e- I,,j�b��i�c,,, mitigation and adaptation
Addressing community-wide emissions starts with initiatives.
ensuring that the public understands climate change Every commun I ty I s d I fferent in how it affects
and what they can do to address the challenge. This and is affected by climate change. To accom-
strategy I nvolves not just enhancing public knowledge, modate these differences and to empower com-
but also continuing to [earn and understand the needs munities to take action,the City should provide
and challenges the public faces in taking action. It resources and support for ne I ghborhoods that
focuses on finding ways to address the public's needs wish to tackle climate change directly. Options
and challenges through incentives, education, and could I nc[ude providing resource guides or
behavior change programs. check[I sts, venues for community meetings,
or mini-grant programs for specific adapta-
tion actions. This action could include plans to
0��`JIJ�111rY AC11111r�0��M,S
conduct outreach specifically to schools and
CC-1 -1 . Create a formal public other important institutions and organizations
outreach and education plan in the city.
to inform the community about
climate actions and progress. CC-1 -3. Assess the feasibility of
a City-sponsored carbon offset
An informed community is critical to empower-
lf�I]11 program.
ing and inspiring climate action. The outreach
and education plan will inform residents about In cases in which additional local,on-site
climate actions, what they accomplish, how emission reductions are not possible,the
they can be accessed or used, and how the purchase of offsets can help the community
community is progressing toward its targets. attain additional emission reductions needed
to meet the city's climate mitigation goals.
The City shou[d explore options for faci[itati ng
purchase of offsets by Ashland community
members, such as through development of an
online too[ or
Al
A 011111P�I ACIIIIIP�QNS
........ ... . .....), 0 j
�,,e(i(,J) I "i I
H� i a"L g
99
All
f,,,,,Ne r
c ,J E")1�
Stiiirategy CC,)jn)NIZ(I(f,, I F
CC-3-1 . Consider climate change
C ty ............
4-C-01,
j
')
g
in all City Council policy, budgetary,
Tasked with imp lementingtheC[im ate and Energy Action
Plan, C I ty staff and leadership must understand threats or legislative decisions and as part
and issues related to climate change and the actions of the Council Communication
needed to address it. This strategy deals with ensuring document template.
that ah City departments inform their staff members Council decisions present key points in the po[-
about the Climate and Energy Action Plan and clarify icy-setting process for incorporating and con-
their roles and expectations for its implementation. sidering City priorities. Analyzing how policy,
budgetary, and legislative decisions may affect
CC-2-1 . Ensure all City orbeaffected by climate change during these key
departments educate their staff dec I s I on points will provide further assurance
that no new policy or decisions hinder progress
members about the Climate and toward reaching Ashland's climate goals.
Energy Action Plan.
This action includes identifying the expecta- CC-3-2. Incorporate CEAP goals
tions, roles, and responsibility of each depart- and actions in future updates of
ment in meeting specific community and City
city plans.
operations actions within the Climate and 110111�11 111H
Energy Action Plan. To enhance integration of climate change across
City activities, climate mitigation and resiliency
goals set for in this plan should be promu[-
gated through future updates of related City
Strategy CC,)jn)NI3,,,, Maid.......
Iffff i�'l eigi�,-ate c�h n a t e c o r,)��s�d e i'-a ti 0 1�ffff��,]�S, plans. Example plans to which this action would
apply include the City Comprehensive Plan,
As a cross-cutting issue, climate change should be Water Master Plan, Transportation System Plan,
integrated 'into all other City activities and processes, Neighborhood Master Plans, Forest Plan, and
as relevant. This means that any decision that could Emergency Management Plans.
affect or be affected by climate change should explicitly
address that connection and ensure coherence with
the city's climate action goals. For example, climate
change should be considered in ah City Council policy,
pul
budgetary,or legislative decisions,and as partof regular
....................
City Council communications.
"Id
®wo,
R
100
30
e�.........
CC-3-3. Include consideration Stiiiralt,.egy CCmmo4o�))
- I
gove I""', i� I� I"-)�,u,:"':")) 1�.......1�C"� o I�--g a z a o s a i"-o t.i d
and perpetuation of climate
I-e g 110 a st a t e",,,,,N�c.,]e a t,II o a a d
action goals within the scope of
every appropriate City Advisory I�...........�� e i,-,i�........�adoiI........i�a�� c,','� a t e o- ��I� "a' (,�:J a cl�,-'
Commission. The City of Ashland can learn from the experience of
There are a variety of existing City Commis- others, and a larger, .unified coalition can be more
powerful.Thisstrategy involves coordinating with other
sions that focus on topics related to climate local governments that have set ambitious climate
change. This action involves making an explicit targets, such as Eugene, Portland, Sealttlle, and Fort
conn i ection to the role of climate change in the Collins, to [earn from their experiences, share best
purview of these Commissions, and formahz- practices, and together advocate for broader regional,
ing the inclusion of climate considerations and state, and national action and leadership.
goals into the activities and objectives of those
Commissions.
L\\\ CC-4-1 . Engage with other
governments and organizations
around regional, statewide, national,
and international climate policy and
Y
action.
Ashland should continue to collaborate with
neighboring cities to share and
foster coordinated and unified action. The City
should lead and pursue a partnership model
-Cities C[ mate Collab-
such as the King County 1 1 1
A oration in Washington State, to coordinate and
P
J,
oj/�,
A
enhance the effectiveness of local government
. ........
........
00
climate and sustainabi[ity action within its
fo
'4�
region.
5!1:1
X 0011
P
0
10,
wr
kv,//
J
Mew
W,
Aol "rr
Jo
A'
2�
-,ma
"T
"n
awl-.............
V
3 Of
N�W
C'JI
S'
1 01
'#q
POP I,
�IN
..................
r
1196ON/,MARFAV
JJJ
jj�
pp-go,
if I
a
ma
..........
NMI/
SOL-
/Ri/S///i, 10 0/11
in 0
NO
PIr /I
a.,
�7 q NO
If
V/
ip
W'W
JAVIM
.................
Air,
der
0
"IMP,
�
�����=��������� ��=� YearI ImplementationSummary���� ��!���������|������ �������
The focus in 2DI7vviU be on es�b|ishing the institutionai
This implementation plan sets forth a proposed foundation for plan implementation and taking initial
structure and schedule for implementation of the steps on key priority actions. Table I provides a
Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAp). It contains the schedule and key milestones forYear I. Key activities to
following sections: undertake are:
^ Year l Implementation Summary: A summary " Formalize the c|ty's commitment to [EAP actions
of key tasks to be accomplished in Year I of [EAp and goals (e.g., ordinance).
implementation, described in more detail in the
following sections. " Create and hire o full-time,permanent City CEAp
staff position that also includes clear high level
" Oversight:An ongoing structure for ongoing citizen management oversight and direction.
oversight and involvement in [EAP implementation
and long-term plan updates. ^ Form and convene a permanent City Advisory
Commission to provide guidance and oversight of
" Accountability and Enforcement: Potential plan implementation and future plan updates as
policy mechanisms for ensuring that the [EAp is described in the plan.
implemented to its full potential.
^ Create an internal City Climate Action Team for
" City Staffing and Leadership: A structure for City operations actions and to assist in coordinating
ongoing City staff resources and leadership for the implementation of community actions that
ensuring implementation of the CEAp and its span multiple City departments.
ongoing success.
" Designate potential funding sources for individual
" Funding: Potential funding mechanisms and actions and identify additional funding needs and
opportunities for financing specific[EAp actions. opportunities for ongoing plan implementation.
^ Monitoring and Evaluation: A mechanism and " Establish CEAP progress indicators and
set of metrics for monitoring and evaluating CEAp corresponding baselines and targets (including
progress and updoting the pian as necessary. equity indicators)
" Equity: Guidance for ensuring that equity is ^ Determine and formalize Ashland's approach to
considered in [EAPimpiementation. incorporating equity considerations into plan
^ Near-term Actions: CEAP actions to be implementation.
implemented by 2020. ^ Commence priority near-term CEAP actions.
^ Implementation Schedule: Implementation
detail for each priority CEAP action, including
relative measures of action cost and effectiveness;
accompanying co-benefits; dmefnames for
implementation; and responsible departments.
104
Oversight Accountability an� Enforcement�
Adoption of this Climate and Energy Action Plan will
A Citizen Advisory Commission is recommended to
demonstrate the City of Ashland's �o
oversee implementation of the [EA� The Commission
addressing the challenge of climate change in the
will be composed o[ stakeholders who represent
Ashland community. Establishing � more formal,
Ashland residents, h�vein�e�s experience' ^' City commitment �o [EAP �o�is' such �s through �
on cUmate'reievant topics or related policy work, and/'or represent key resolution or ordinance' would be seen by many as
vcommunity or organizations
reinforcing the importance of this plan and could help
may play a role in implementation.
ensure implementation ofCEAP actions and measurable
progress toward meeting[EAP goals overtime.Aformai
Roles of the advisory committee could include: commitment can also be a considerable asset in the
pursuit of grant funds and other funding sources to
assist in the implementation of the plan.
^ Monitoring and tracking progress towards meeting
[EAPgoais.
^ Providing recommendations to the Climate and
Energy Coordinator regarding CEAP progress and
implementation.
^ Ensuring that the [EAP stays up-to-date over time,
with a focus on the three-year plan update cycle
^ Reviewing and making recommendations as part
of the three-year greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory
update process
It is expected that the Commission will meet at [east
quarterly, and likely more often in the early stages of
implementation.
Table 1. Schedule and key milestone for
Year CEAP implementation.
III, Emelis M4111 ims I
id
Citizen Advisory Commission
Ordinance
City Staffing and Leadership
Internal City Climate Action Team
Identification of Specific Funding Sources
Progress Indicators
Equity Considerations
Priority Near-Term Actions
105
City Staffing
and Leadership The Climate and Energy staff positionwill have the
foUomingquaUfications:
The plan calls for the creation and hiring of a new,
^ RamiUahtyendvvorkingexpehence with both c|imate
fui[-time a City Climate and Energy staff position
mitigation and adaptation, including greenhouse
dedicated to and charged with coordinating both
gas accounting methodologies and climate change
internal and external implementation of the CEAP.
projections and anticipated impacts.
Job responsibilities of the position inciudethefoUmwin§: ^ Experience managing cUmate'reiatedpmgnsmsthat
involve both internal and external stakeholders.
^ provide lead staff support to the [EAp Advisory ^ Experience with public outreach and citizen
Commission. engagement,preferably at the local municipal ievei
^ Work with City departments to facilitate, design' ^ Experience managing cUmate'reioted programsthat
and track strategy and action implementation. involve both internal and external stakeholders.
^ Develop and lead outreach efforts with external |tis anticipated that an internal[iimateAction Team will
stakeholders, including public, to encourage taking be formed within the City to coordinate and implement
actions identified in the[EAP. [EAp actions. The following departments should be
^ Provide leadership and direction to the [ity's represented as part of the Climate Action Team''
internal advisoryteamon'implementation activities,
tracking, progress updates and developing advisory ^ Community Development (including Building
team recommendations to relevant internal and Division and Planning Division)
external implementing parties. ^ Ashland Municipai Utility(Electric)
^ Administration
^ Lead development and presentation of annual ^ Parks and Recreation
[EAp progress reports, asvveUasplan updates. ^ Conservation
^ Public^ Develop and implement asys�/mtosys��matica|� VVorks
^ Fire
review' adjust, and update plan strategies and
actions as needed.
^ Develop and lead the planned three year update
cycle for the community and city greenhouse gas
inventory
^ Implement and maintain a dashboard or other
interactive and publicly accessible platform for
tracking and communicating progress to internal
and external stakeholders.
106
I
Funding As the implementation commences in earnest, City staff
and the proposed CEAP advisory committee should
Fundingfor near-term actions of the CEAP will comefrom pay particular attention to additional funding sources.
a variety of sources within the City budget depending This examination should include exploration of specific
on the type of action, the responsible department, and grant opportunities targeted at individual plan actions,
the legal and operational limitations of the particular potential new local revenue streams such as from a
funding source. Additionally, some of the actions carbon/fue[ tax, and mufti-jurisdiction or pub[ic/private
recommended in the plan are expansion of existing City partnerships to provide the resources needed for City
programs or efforts and therefore already have funding and community goal achievement.
sources. However, incremental funding increases may
be needed to meet the higher level of action called for
in the plan.
Current and potential funding sources include:
0 City genera[fund
0 Electric Utility revenues
0 Storm Water Utility revenues
0 Water Utility revenues
0 Bonneville Power Administration
0 Federal and state grants
0 Revolving loan funds
0 Newly identified funding sources
�Jfi
III/"`1AN
F,W
=MENEM=
Monitoring �n� Evaluation
—
Progresstoward meeting[EAP targets and goaisvviU be evaivated and tracked on an action-by-action basisvvith an overall
progress report for all actions and activities provided on at [east an annual basis. U possible, qualitative updates will be
available on a quarterly basis.
The plan will be evaluated and updated on a three-year cycle to ensure that plan strategies and actions reflect the latest
knowledge and best practices around climate mitigation and adaptation. The plan will also be reevaluated to assess
whether actions are sufficient to meet emission reduction goals and, if not, to add new or expanded actions to the plan.
To facilitate the three-year update' the Ashland community and City greenhouse gas inventories will also be updated
on recurring cycle, one year in advance of the plan update process. This cycle will provide City staff and the proposed
commission with concrete measurement results toinform plan evaluation and updates.
At a minimum' the following indicators will be tracked and reported on at [east an annual basis. Due to data availability
[imitations, some of these indicators will require establishment of baseline and target values for meeting [EAP goals—
to be developed in Year I of implementation. Additionally, it is expected that some methodologies for measuring some
indicators'such as consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions' will evolve and improve overtime.
Further development and buiid'out of the monitoring and evaluation indicators likely form a significant opportunity for
the proposed new commission to work on as an early oversight activity.
Equity indicators will also be monitored' as available (see "Equity"section on page 9I).
108
Potential Progress Indicators
Overarching Goal 1:Reduce GHG Emissions
Community GHG emissions(mtCO e) 8%reduction 342)480
peryear
City GHG emissions(MtCO2 e) 0 by 2030 10)757
Fossil fuel consumption (MMBTU) 50%reduction Unknown
by 2030;
100%reduction
by 2050
Overarching Goat 2:Prepare for Climate Impacts
N/A(see individual focus areas) N/A N/A
Reduce building GHG Building GHG emissions(mtCO 2 e) 8%reduction 82A26
emissions. peryear
Increase energy and water Energy&water use per square foot TBD Unknown
efficiency in City and private (M M BT U/sf&CC F/sf
—buildings.
Protect Ashland's building Proportion of buildings that use heat- TBD Unknown
stock and energy supply from resistant materials,passive heating/
climate impacts. cooling,and/or white roofs(%)
Local renewable energy production(%)
Reduce transportation GHG Transportation GHG emissions(mtCO e) 8%reduction 79)000
2
emissions. peryear
Reduce community&City Vehicle miles traveled (miles) TBD Unknown
employee vehicle miles
traveled.
Improve vehicle efficiency Emissions per mite traveled (mtCO e/ TBD Unknown
and expand tow-carbon mile)
transport,including within Transit ridership(passenger miles)and
City's fleet bicycling
119P
Support local and regional 111`11111���ll, Average city"Wa[k Score" TBD 53))
sustainable growth.
Protect transportation TBD TBD TBD
infrastructure from climate
impacts.
Reduce solid waste& Solid waste&wastewater GHG emissions %reduction 6)923
wastewater GHG emissions. (mtC0 2 e) peryear
Increase waste diversion Waste diverted from landfill to recycling TBD Unknown
and composting(%)
through waste prevention,
recycling,and composting.
109
Potential Progress Indicators, Continued
Reduce consumption of Consumption-related emissions 8%reduction 166)731
ctimate-intensive food, (mtCO,e) peryear
products,and services.
Support locaky-produced Community gardens TBD 4 gardens;
products. Farmers markets 1 farmers market
Enhance ecosystem health Water quality(EPA score out of 100) TBD Water quality
and resilience. Acres of forest maintained 60/100iii
Acres of protected and restored habitat
Over 2,000 acres of
forests maintainediv
Ensure sustained access to Water consumption(avg MGD) TBD 4.5 MGDv
clean air and drinking water.
Protect public health from Air quality(EPA score out of 100) TBD Air quality 70/100ii
air pollution and climate Cooling center capacity(#people)
impacts. Tree canopy cover(%)
Improve community capacity #homes in the wi[d[and urban interface TBD 1,400 homesvi
to understand'prepare for, (WU 1)
and respond to climate
change security risks.
Increase awareness of city Public and staff knowledge and TBD (e.g.,over 2,000
climate goals and needs. 91,", 1
understanding of climate change issues studentsvii)
and actions
(e.g.,#students engaged in AFR project)
Integrate climate Number of other City plans or activities TBD 2(Water Master
considerations into City that incorporate climate change Plan Update;2016
operations,planning,and considerations Ashland Forest Plan)
decision-making.
110
1 1
Equity explicitly integrated into the cross-cutting strategy
CC 3 1 "Consider climate change in all City Council
Each action of the CEAP should be implemented in policy, budgetary, or legislative decisions. Incorporate
an equitable manner that addresses Ashland's unique climate action considerations/relationship as part of
equity issues and concerns. The sections below provide the Council Communication (staff report) document
suggestions for ensuring equitable implementation template." The inclusion of equity considerations as
of the CEAP. It is expected that specific criteria and part of the standard formal communication template for
indicators will be determined and formalized in Year 1 City Council deliberation and decision making ensures
of CEAP implementation. that equity related impacts of City Council decisions are
by default considered in the deliberation and able to be
understood and commented on by the public.
Equity Considerations
When planning for implementation, the City should
consider equity impacts and potential benefits. For
example, the City of Portland put forth the following
equity considerations in implementation of their
Climate Action Plan:
Does the proposed action generate burdens (including costs), either directly or indirectly,
Disproportionate impacts to communities of color or low-income populations? If yes, are there opportunities to
mitigate these impacts?
Shared benefits
Can the benefits of the proposed action be targeted in progressive ways to reduce histor-
ical or current disparities?
Are the benefits of the proposed action broadly accessible to households and businesses
Accessibility throughout the community— particularly communities of color, low-income popula-
tions, and minority,women and emerging small businesses?
Engagement
Does the proposed action engage and empower communities of color and low-income
populations in a meaningful, authentic and culturally appropriate manner?
Capacity building
Does the proposed action help build community capacity through funding, an expanded
knowledge base or other resources?
Does the proposed action align with and support existing communities of color and
Alignment and partnership low-income population priorities, creating an opportunity to leverage resources and
build collaborative partnerships?
Relationship building Does the proposed action help foster the building of effective, long-term relationships
and trust between diverse communities and local government?
Economic opportunity and Does the proposed action support communities of color and low income populations
staff diversity
through workforce development, contracting opportunities or the increased diversity of
city and county staff?
Does the proposed action have appropriate accountability mechanisms to ensure that
Accountability communities of color, low-income populations,or other vulnerable communities will
equitably benefit and not be disproportionately harmed?
111
1 1
Equity Indicators
Progress toward advancing equity through
implementation of the CEAP will also be assessed as part
of the monitoring and evaluation process. Identification
and baseline assessment of relevant indicators will be
an important part of Year 1 implementation. Potential
process and outcome indicators related to climate
resilience implementation identified by the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People
(NAACP),for example, including the following:
Infrastructure
Solar and wind installation -community level, home,commercial/business (mapping/
distribution)
Economic Development
New, local jobs created
and Jobs
Food Security Businesses temporarily or permanently closed (net new businesses)
Housing Community Workforce Agreements for redevelopment projects
Healthcare Services Households identified as food insecure
Emergency Management Property values increased or reduced
Planning and Decision
Health care and mental health facilities
Making
112
1 1
Phase I Actions
The following twenty actions were identified as Phase I priority actions. Actions were identified as Phase I that meet
one or more of the following criteria:
• Easy, early wins - relatively straightforward actions that demonstrate climate action and help the City hit the
ground running on making progress toward climate goals.
• Foundational steps- actions that set the stage or guide direction for other actions.
• Complex,but important initiatives-actions that will make a big difference but may be challenging or resource-
intensive to implement,so getting started as early as possible will be important.
• Windows of opportunity-actions align with or could synergize with other City plans, projects,or initiatives,and
so should be implemented concurrently.
Scope Type Criterion
Emm'lilillm�
BE-1-1.Develop a comprehensive plan for the Municipal Electric Utility.InitiateI
IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIII IIIIIIIII
Foundational step
planning process in 2017.
BE-1-2.Promote switching to low-and non-carbon fuels.Integrate as part of IIIIIIIIIII IIIII IIIII III
planning in BE-1-1. IIIIIIIIIIIIIII Complex,but important
BE-1-3.Facilitate and encourage solar energy production.Begin exploring increased (IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII J,�' ���
Window of opportunity
local solar energy production as part of the 10-by-20 ordinance implementation. IIIIIIIII (�Illlu(((IlmYlliolulfi
BE-1-4.Enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities.Prioritize
and development implementation plan and funding for recently completed City facility ����� 1� Window of opportunity
solar audit. ���� o(((�Illlu(fflliu�loilou I�i
BE-2-1.Increase outreach efforts to expand participation in energy efficiency
programs and promote climate-friendly building and construction.Update the (IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIII IIIII III
land use code for conservation housing density bonus,expand participation in City's IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Easy,early win
Smartbuild program,and expand zero-interest loan program opportunities.
BE-3-1.Use results from City Facilities Energy Audit to prioritize City Facilities ��� IIIII IIIII III
Capital Improvement Plans(CIPs)and maintenance improvements.Budget funds Easy,early win
are secured to begin this action immediately.
����ii IIIIIIIIIIIIIII III
I
i�J I
r I r I
�rl (fjlll!��r1A I 0�1! I I b1r /�(1 ����vnu�l�m�r�abra,,» 14r,�ii I umf ffjlJJ!'Ldf J��I�rmt II�I�I f11i I
ULT-1-2.Work with RVTD to implement climate-friendly transit.Begin
conversations with RVTD to begin transitioning to lower emission buses and exploring Complex,but important
ways and access and ridership.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Y p p
ULT-2-1.Implement bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly actions in the City's
Transportation System Plan and Downtown Parking Management Plan.Begin Window of opportunity
implementing capital improvement plans as part of TSP implementation. III IIIIIIIIIII III
ULT-2-2.Explore additional opportunities to convert to shared streets where ��� IIIII IIIII III
appropriate to provide multimodal connectivity.Pursue East Main St super sharrow Window of opportunity
concept through Transportation Commission. ���� IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
g p
ULT-3-2.Revise land use codes to require EV charging infrastructure at multifamily IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIII IIIIIIIII
and commercial developments.Draft revised code. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIII Complex,but important
ULT-3-3.Provide information about electric and hybrid vehicles and incentive IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIII IIIII III
programs on the City website. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIII Easy,early win
113
Scope Type Criterion
ULT-4-1.Consider regulating further construction or expansion in the Wildland
Urban Interface(WUI)part of the urban growth boundary.Explore available policy Complex,but important
instruments or incentives for limiting development in this area.
CM-2-1.Partner with nonprofit organizations to promote the purchase of climate-
friendly food and products.I mptement as part of Economic Development Strategy Easy,ea r1y win
1.3:local import substitution.
CM-2-2.Expand community gardening and urban agriculture.Offer additional Easy,ea r1y win
trainings,programs,and gardening areas.
NS-1-1.Manage forests to retain biodiversity,resilience,and ecosystem function
and services in the face of climate change.Use best available science to inform fire
management and planning.Continue efforts as part of the Ashland Forest Resiliency Window of opportunity
Project,and implement actions in the 2016 Ashland Forest Plan.
NS-1-3.Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish and riparian
species.Identify and create new restoration sites,and continue maintaining existing Easy,ea r1y win
sites.
NS-2-2.Explore water-efficient technologies on irrigation systems and consider
Complex,but important
requiring them during permitting.
PHSW-2-1.Engage leading employers in a dialogue on climate action.Convene
Foundational step
ongoing,organized meetings in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.
PHSW-3-1.Work with vulnerable populations to create specific adaptation Foundational step
strategies that address public health.
I '��11
CC-1-1.Create a formal public outreach and education plan to inform the Foundational step
community about climate actions.
CC-1-2.Support capacity of neighborhood and community groups to implement
climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives. Begin identifying and engaging in a Foundational step
dialogue with community groups and populations.
CC-1-3.Assess the feasibility of a City-sponsored carbon offset program.Begin Foundational step
evaluating options and associated costs and benefits.
CC-2-1.Ensure all City departments educate their staff members about the Climate
Foundational step
and Energy Action Plan.City CEAP Coordinator can engage with each department.
CC-3-1.Consider climate change in all City Council policy,budgetary,or legislative Complex,but important
decisions and as part of the Council Communication document template.
CC-3-2.Incorporate CEAP goals and actions in future updates of city plans. Window of opportunity
CC-3-3.Include consideration and perpetuation of climate action goals within the Foundational step
scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission.
CC-4-1.Engage with other governments and organizations around climate policy
and action.Join a format organization such as ICLEI to explore best practices and
Foundational step
establish relationships with peer communities.
114
Phase || �r1'.. , °_O{JDs
The fo [owl ngforty actions were identif Iedas Phase U priority actions. Priority actions that were not identif IedasPhase
| were assigned as Phase U.
Scope Type
Scope Type
Strategy CM-3. Expand community recycling and composting.
CM-3-1.Improve recycling programs to make them easierto use and implement new education and outreach to increase
recycling in all sectors;expand public space recycling.
CM-3-2.Update the mutti-family recycling ordinance to encourage more diversion.
Strategy CM-4. Reduce food waste.
CM-4-1.Support edible food donation.
CM-4-2.Provide a kitchen best practices guide to help households and businesses reduce food waste and consumption.
CM-4-3.Facilitate recycling of commercial food waste.
Strategy CM-5.Improve sustainability of City operations and purchases.
CM-5-1.Introduce environmentally preferable purchasing(EPP)guidelines for City procurement.
CM-5-2.Assess the feasibility of co-digesting food waste and biosotids to generate electricity at the wastewater treatment
facility.
Strategy NS-1.Promote ecosystem resilience.
NS-1-2.Expand use of green infrastructure such as bioswa[es,permeable pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood
risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads.
NS-1-4.Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services.
Strategy NS-2.Manage and conserve community water resources.
NS-2-1.Evaluate the value and potential for incentives for practices that reduce use of potable water for nonpotabie
purposes and recharge ground water.
NS-2-3.Expand water conservation outreach and incentive programs for residents and businesses.
Strategy NS-3.Conserve water use within City operations.
NS-3-1.Evaluate the potential for installation of rainwater collection systems at City facilities for graywater uses,and
investigate opportunities for graywater reuse at existing and new City facilities and properties.
NS-3-2.Implement efficiency recommendations from the City facilities water audit.
Strategy PHSW-1.Manage ecosystems and landscapes to minimize climate-related health impacts.
PHSW-1-1.Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning such as schools.
Strategy PHSW-2.Promote a sustainable local economy that minimizes emissions and vulnerability.
PHSW-2-2.Support organizations,such as SOU,in evaluating risks to local food sources under climate change.
Strategy PHSW-3.Optimize City services to minimize public health impacts.
PHSW-3-2.Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts.
PHSW-3-3.Develop or enhance heat-warning systems for employees and the public.
Strategy PHSW-4.Optimize City services to minimize public safety impacts.
PHSW-4-1.Update the City's emergency response plan and ensure that preparation and updates recognize and address
likely climate change impacts. �1
PHSW-4-1.Identify and address populations and essential City services that are within the 100-year flood zone.
116
1 1
Implementation Schedule
The table starting on the following page details when,
why, and by whom timeframes by which all priority Co-benefits
actions in the CEAP will be implemented. The list �1«ti�1�11���)1)��1� Benefits low-income or disadvantaged
includes additional information on each action
including co-benefits and relative, qualitative estimates
communities
of implementation costs and effectiveness in meeting Benefits local habitats, recreation, or
CEAP goals. The CEAP also includes additional actions natural aesthetic
that were not listed as "priority"—these actions will be �„�„
implemented on an opportunistic and as-needed basis. � � Benefits households, local economy,
City operations budget, o r j o b s
Phases Benefits public health (e.g. by
enhancing local air quality)
Phases for CEAP priority actions are designated by
budget biennials and represent the relative sequence of
actions in the CEAP. All actions are slated for near-term Relative Rankings
commencement; it is expected that longer-term actions
$ Lower relative implementation cost
will be identified during the three-year plan update
process.Actions identified as Phase II could be initiated $$ Moderate relative implementation cost
in Phase I, but not at the expense of completing Phase
$$$ Higher relative implementation cost
actions.
• Phase I: Complete by 2020 47
Phase 11: Complete b 2025 Effective in meeting CEAP goals
• p y
More effective in meeting CEAP goals
Departments
� Most effective in meeting CEAP goals
Actions are labeled by the primary department
responsible for implementation. It is expected that
many of these primary departments will need to work
with other supporting departments and/or external
stakeholders to fully and successfully implement the
action:
• Community Development (including Building
Division and Planning Division)
• Ashland Municipal Utility (Electric)
• Administration
• Parks and Recreation
• Conservation Division
• Public Works
• Police/ Fire
117
1 1
cn Cn4-1
wt
4 Ln N E
Scope Type o ' a� o
U v Q Q
LU
Strategy BE-1.Support cleaner energy sources.
BE-1-1.Develop a comprehensive plan for the Municipal Electric Utility. IIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIII $$$ I Electric/Conservation
BE-1-2.Promote switching to lower-carbon fuels (IIIIIIIIIIIIII Illlnllllll $$ a°a 'IJp°a I Electric/Conservation
BE-1-3.Facilitate and encourage solar energy production. $$ � �a` I Electric/Conservation
(IIIIIIIIIII �(��ifPfffhu��iimoi
BE-1-4.Enhance production of on-site solar energy from City facilities. $$ Public Works
Strategy BE-2.Encourage increased building energy efficiency and
conservation.
BE-2-1.Increase outreach efforts to expand participation in energy
��
111
efficiency programs and promote climate-friendly building and $$ '"
IIIIIIIII��� � ��''"��
� I Conservation
construction. f�ui fitil(
uupp uu�u���
BE-2-2.Require building energy scores to identify and incentivize
cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. 11111110;�����,,;;,,, $$ iu,° II Community Development
BE-2-3.Identify and adopt strategies to reduce energyefficiency IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII '"
barriers in rent/lease properties.g y IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII II�;Y,$ii $ 11�illr, II Conservation
BE-2-4.Establish minimum energyefficiency standards for the afford- (IIIIIIIIIII "`�1111
y ��Ui�i� $ "��'� II Community Development
able housing program. (IIIIIIIIIIIIII �Ili(�Illu((luif�iiil�ii �
Strategy BE-3.Maximize efficiency of City facilities,equipment&operations.
BE-3-1.Use results from City Facilities Energy Audit to prioritize ����� IIIIII IIIIIII
City Facilities Capital Improvement Plans(CIPs)and maintenance 1�� IIIIIIIIIIIII $ I Public Works
improvements.
Strategy BE-4.Improve demand management.
BE-4-1.Expand the current net meter resolution to include and incor-
porate virtual net metering. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (IIIIIIIIIII $$ ���� II Electric
BE-4-2.Implement utility-level smart grid technologies to facilitate (IIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIIIIIII � � I�19i�'
efficiency and distributed energy solutions. (IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIII $$$ II Electric
Strategy BE-5.Prepare and adapt buildings for a changing climate.
BE-5-1.Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool IIIIIIIIIIIIII Iu�'
II Community Development
roofs and passive cooling. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII �" �" �Illllliiuim���zrm�°��'°
��v�U�Vif��Ull�lll 711111
�� �� �����mF�� �'rry I iiwJJ�D'�i/D ly vn W�ie✓/J�
Strategy ULT-1.Support better public transit and ridesharing.
ULT-1-1.Coordinate with neighboring local governments to promote (IIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIIIIIII $ ���, ,.���� II Public Works
use of transit,carpooling,and car-sharing. (IIIIIIIIIIIIII III III IIIIIII i, Jr
ULT-1-2.Work with RVTD to implement climate-friendly transit. IIIII IIIIIIIII $ iN G`"iulJ` II I Public Works
ULT-1-3.Establish policies to support development near transit hubs IIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIIIIIII
without displacing disadvantaged populations. IIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIII $ ����
� y Yfi� II Community Development
�\��0�0 � IIIIII IIIII III
ULT-1-4.Evaluate the feasibility of expanded local transit options. $$$ 0 II Public Works
Strategy ULT-2.Make Ashland more bike-and pedestrian-friendly.
ULT-2-1.Implement bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly actions in the
City's Transportation System Plan and Downtown Parking Manage- $$$ � "�' !�°�' ��° I Public Works
ment Plan.
IIIIIIIIIII(III
ULT-2-2.Explore opportunities to convert to shared streets where �11� IIIIII IIIIIII
appropriate to provide multimodal connectivity. 1`,� IIIIIIIIIII $$$ _ I Public Works
118
1 1
cn Cn4-1
� cn E
Scope Type o ? o
U v Qcn
Q
L1J
U
Strategy ULT-3.Support more-efficient vehicles.
ULT-3-1.Implement a local fuel-related tax. IIIIIIIII III $ ��`����`����'��`����� II Administration/Legal
ULT-3-2.Revise land use codes to require EV charging infrastructure at
multifamily and commercial developments. IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III III $ ���`����'�'''��� II I Community Development
ULT-3-3.Provide information about electric and hybrid vehicles and IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIII III
rebates on the City's website. IIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III III $ u' a"I I Conservation
Strategy ULT-4.Support more climate-ready development and land use.
ULT-4-1.Consider regulating further construction or expansion in the ; )°°! Community
Wildland Urban Interface(WUI)part of the urban growth boundary lllllllll����l�
� �� I
(UGB). Development/Fire
ULT-4-2.Further revise community development plans to favor
walkable neighborhoods and infill density. II Community Development
ULT-4-3.Modify the WUI code to include construction techniques IIIIIIIIIII
appropriate for wildfire-prone areas. IIIIIIIIIIIII $ ��u '��u"` II Community Development
Strategy ULT-5.Increase the efficiency of City fleetvehicles and employee
commuting.
ULT-5-1.Provide carpool and vanpool parking,charging stations,and
��� IIIIII IIIII III
parking for EVs for City employees. 111�1�1\ IIIIII III III II II Public Works
��1���1� IIIIII (IIII III �l
ULT-5-2.Conduct a city fleet audit and use it to set policy and targets. IIIIIIIII III $ '„ II Public Works
ULT-5-3.Develop policy to require the purchase of verified carbon �1�1� IIIIII (IIII III
offsets to offset City staff travel. 111�1111 IIIIII III III II Administration
Strategy CM-1.Reduce consumption of carbon-intensive goods and services.
CM-1-1.Implement an education campaign for waste and consump- IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII (IIII III
tion reduction strategies. IIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIIII $ N Ny° II Administration
CM-1-2.Support"collaborative consumption"community projects. II Administration
CM-1-3.Determine and implement effective ways to reduce and track IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIIII IIII
consumption based emissions. IIIIIIIIIIIII III IIIIII IIIIII $ p°J 'IJp"° II Administration
Strategy CM-2.Support sustainable and accessible local production and
consumption.
CM-2-1.Partner with nonprofit organizations to promote the purchase IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII (IIII IIII 1�1!
Administration
i n i strati o n
of climate-friendly food and products. IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III III $ ���
�Il�liifh��r�����°'� I
CM-2-2.Expand community gardening and urban agriculture oppor- (IIIIIIIIIIIIIII �Illl�l�l�lllllllllly)�u
$$
tunnies. (IIIIIIIIIIIIIII �N �N° ;����, 'fib I Administration/Parks
Strategy CM-3.Expand community recycling and composting.
CM-3-1.Improve recycling programs to make them easier to use and
implement new education and outreach to increase recycling in all $$ ��°� II Conservation
sectors;expand public space recycling.
IIIIII III III
CM-3-2.Update the multi-family recycling ordinance to encourage (IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIIII III $ �k II Conservation
more diversion. (IIIIII III IIIIII III III
CM-3-3.Strengthen the Demolition Debris and Diversion ordinance to IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIIII III
enhance enforcement and increase diversion and reuse. (IIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII III III
$$ N'°J 'IJ II Conservation
Strategy CM-4.Reduce food waste.
CM-4-1.Support edible food donation. � $ � t II Conservation
CM-4-2.Provide a kitchen best practices guide to help households and IIIIIIIIIIIIIII y1��1
� w�
IIIIIIIIIIIII ��f����r�;�„�j $ 'INN J 'I�Nyn� II Conservation
businesses reduce food waste and consumption.
119
1 1
Scope Type -d Q M
U N Q
Q o
w U
CM-4-3.Evaluate opportunities for recycling of commercial food ° "'� �
waste. IIIIIIIIIIIIIII i(����i,°r,,,,,,,� $$ � '�.�u" II Conservation
Strategy CM-5.Improve sustainahkity of City operations and purchases.
CM-5-1.Introduce environmentally preferable purchasing(EPP) � �1� IIIIII IIIIII
guidelines for City procurement. 1�1\1�1�� IIIIII III III $ II Administrative Services
CM-5-2.Assess the feasibility of co-digesting food waste and biosolids ����� IIIIII III
to generate electricity at the wastewater treatment facility. 111111�1111\ IIIIIIIII III $$$ �� � ���� II Public Works
Strategy NS-1.Promote ecosystem resilience.
NS-1-1.Manage forests to retain biodiversity,resilience,and
ecosystem function and services in the face of climate change.Use
I Fire
best available science to inform fire management and planning to IIIIIIIIIIIIIII $ lllllllll�����
manage ecosystem health,community safety,and carbon storage.
NS-1-2.Use green infrastructure such as bioswales,permeableiuU
pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize Community Development
sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads.
�" �"� Illlllflllllllllll����
NS-1-3.Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish IIIIIIIIIIIIIII li1R°°�;
$$ I Parks&Recreation
and riparian species. IIIIIIIIIII lllllllll�����
NS-1-4.Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services. $$ N N'',' II Parks&Recreation
13
Strategy NS-2.Manage and conserve community water resources.
NS-2-1.Evaluate the value and potential for incentives for practices
that reduce use of potable water for non otable purposes and � � � Conservation
I i(���IluiYffffmi��u�iiii � �� �� Illlllflllllllllll����
recharge ground water.
NS-2-2.Explore water-efficient technologies on irrigation systems and
$$ �`''�'��''°�'��''° I Conservation
consider requiring them during the permitting process. �((�I�IIIIuiY�(flm�liiiru
NS-2-3.Expand water conservation outreach and incentive programs (IIIIIIIIIIIIIII +++ IfI
p p g �III.....Pllll ��'"
Conservation
for residents and businesses. IIIIIIIIIII fll(�mYlllµ �Illllliiiiirt
Strategy NS-3.Conserve water use within City operations.
NS-3-1.Evaluate the potential for installation of rainwater collection
systems at City facilities for graywater uses,and investigate oppor-
��� � $$ II Public Works
tunities for graywater reuse at existing and new City facilities and ���� ���;�����i°�
properties.
NS-3-2.Implement efficient recommendations from the City facili-
p y y III�O�i���i��lll $$ W"��� I I Public Works
qq �,
ties water audit. 111111�1\ (f�(IIuY�fifuoiuuo
Strategy PHSW-1.Manage ecosystems and landscapes to minimize cli-
mate-related health impacts.
PHSW-1-1.Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat IIIIIIIIIIIIIII Parks&Recreation/
islands or areas that need air conditioning such as schools. IIIIIIIIIIIIIII $ '" '"�'� lllllllll II Community Development
Strategy PHSW-2.Promote a sustainable local economy that minimizes
emissions and vulnerability.
PHSW-2-1.Engage leading employers in a dialogue on climate action, IIIIIIIIIIIIIII °����
i�J a i�a, m�I
Conversation
for example,by organizing and facilitating roundtables. IIIIIIIIIIIIII �(�(flluiY�(fluiomiiru
PHSW-2-2.Support organizations,such as SOU,in evaluating risks to IIIIIIIIIIIIIII $ �� I� ,�
Administration
local food sources under climate change. IIIIIIIIIII
Strategy PHSW-3.Optimize City services to minimize public health impacts.
PHSW-3-1.Work with vulnerable populations to create specific adap- IIIIIIIIIIIIII
$ '> >�'�` o� ,Y�f I Administration/Fire
tation strategies to address public health risks. IIIIIIIIIIII " " i��ui"' �fitini�
120
1 1
N
E
Scope Type 0 ' Q
� Q
Q) o
w U
11 211�
PHSW-3-2.Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts. $$ W1'4 II Parks&Recreation/Fire
C1
PHSW-3-3.Develop or enhance heat-warning systems for employees IIIIIIIIIII $ „' Q II Fire
and the public. IIIIIIIIIIIII
Strategy PHSW-4.Optimize City services to minimize public safety impacts.
e the
ity's emergency
ensure
that preparation iontand updates recognize and address likelyclimate
II Fire
p P P g y IIIIIIIIIII $ � � �
change impacts.
PHSW-4-1.Identify and address populations and essential City (IIIIIIIIIIIII
services that are within the 100-year flood zone. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII $$ N J "ipy II Public Works
Nv< aJu
Strategy CC-1.Educate and empower the public.
CC-1-1.Create a formal public outreach and education plan to inform �QIII�
Administration
the community about climate actions and progress. IIIIIIIIIIIII �(GuY�(I�ui��iiiuui
uu�ypuu��ii�
CC-1-2.Support capacity of neighborhood and community groups to IIIIIIIIIIIII �� ��
J 'lipYa` " I Administration
implement climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives. (IIIIIIIIIIIII ((�IIIIIuiY�(ouiPimu ii "ti
CC-1-3.Assess the feasibility of a City-sponsored carbon offset (IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII '��'�'��I
Administration
program.
Strategy CC-2.Educate and empower City staff.
CC-2-1.Ensure all City departments educate their staff members ,
I Administration
about the Climate and Energy Action Plan.
Strategy CC-3.Mainstream and integrate climate considerations.
CC-3-1.Consider climate change in all City Council policy,budgetary,
�1\0�11111� �
or legislative decisions and as part of the Council Communication ���� $ �' ���rv°"�����! I Administration
document template.
CC-3-2.Incorporate CEAP goals and actions in future updates of city
Administration
plans.
CC-3-3 Include consideration and perpetuation of climate action goals 0�\1�� �°'�� ��
IIIIII� � ��w��
within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission. I Administration
Strategy CC-4.Engage with other governments and organizations around
regional,statewide,national,and international climate policy and action.
CC-4-1.Engage with other governments and organizations around �y,�����„
regional,statewide,national,and international climate policy and 1II11 �fl�l(Illl� $ „y+'°" I Administration
action. 111�1
121
,
,
s
1
,r NYii,
r
Amlj fAN
AI
01
r I r r r a
;e f,,, ,, ,� a it �r% I�J�'Njlj,� �,Ir;, r 1)1 r� ���l,�rf�•rr'���/r v e'(
I
,
r
I�I Vli/
,r
w q1 r�iG I s r N�S fit✓ ;,�1II
r„
a
/
� I
f
J ,
V A I u
r
r ,
1
I � 1
T
g
r
d
r
'^ III r II
i
. r
I yl
J
r
JIy pia 6 1
II„ QJrri r
I J / rN 9r
rt f
' �'Ii�.9 Y ➢ap Ifl `�r, lN� II RN„,.
„ urn I r Y r r erxq IG f
N
i���/xr///�
i, /
I `
rr � iii
�Gullillll /r,ifQ%%//O/Gr%// 1/i iirrlrf r ;
I,
r
lx!/�
I�
,� ,, ,.,., ,; _✓hbr u..,., %1%;.�i' ,, Y,�I,,rrr 'V% i�,,,irirD �,;,;
" ��1 ,, r (lr<r ri %///ii��frr�/«'�, ,,..� "«r l Y,�4Yf�,1i� >I, r//1� //,n,,, .,rin✓fr-
„I
r r
�r
r� mvlN
I ��//� >� l/' �✓ �///r r��SY�yIr gm( rudfr'fl
,,i
f"
1ruY "��i�/
��
..( J/�%,a 1 pi 1�) � a.I,/r�r�// %,: �// rrr �,:�II',r/l�„� .M1I%�✓r.:,,�f eb.,r ���fl�l III flll�IIII
� ,:
lr„ii.il
r
�;
rj",
J� r
r „✓ ar ,« li r, i( I ,Nfil'd-' �i� � rri ',,,,/a r�".r l,,,,;�/
r
, /r/,„,,,,
,;.,
r
I III
t
IIIIII I
�,,,,��. ,, ;..;fYfiYm9q�✓.r. ;,, .r,,.,, /oG,�!/ ,r,,, .:.,,,,;/////, i. / / I II.,
r,
rr / v / ra0i
/ � r II
r
I
i�
1
4I
r I�
1 / r
r
f/i Ii 1 it
M
'
)I
/
J
r r
;I
u
I
r,
r /
r � I
r /
I
I
Iml IIIIIIIIIII lal
f
r III
I
I
I I
r
I
I
I
r:
I
III„
fi� IV w f I4f I I
N,
I I
II
!r
I I
II„
I,III I I
�1
W.
I 1�I
r'
J / ,� i 1
ly Y Gr�pr f
�� f�rr�¢�m•I c lrf +vV,ralrr��lfY(r/(!�"
po r V �I ar Na gun
run e Yll //�/r, %ii/✓ / 111
1 1
r
y J 1�1 l
CLIMATE
This summary provides more information on projected climate change impacts
and trends in Ashland, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and
natural hazard risk.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS OVERVIEW
y
The public provided valuable input that helped shape the plan. See when and
how the public was consulted, and how public input was used in the plan.
EMISSIONS MOLI TARGET-SETTING L
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the process used to model Ashland's green-
house gas footprint and set emissions-reduction targets.
ASHLAND GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY
This document summarizes the city's emissions by sector and activity type
from 2011 through 2015, and set the emissions baseline used to identify goals
and prioritize strategies and actions throughout this plan.
123
DRAFT Appendix:
Ashland Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Projections and Target Setting
Methodology
Development of strategies and targets in the Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan involved
completion of the following analyses:
� Business-as-usual greenhouse gas (GHG) emission projections to 2050.
• Quantification of emission reduction scenarios associated with select GHG-reducing strategies.
This document details the methodologies employed to complete these analyses, as well as a brief
discussion of the GHG emission reduction target-setting process for the Climate and Energy Action Plan.
Busrri( ss-as-Usual Iroj ecti o n s
The business-as-usual scenario assessed what Ashland's emissions would look like if the city were to
take no additional actions beyond current practices.This analysis, built from the existing 2015
community greenhouse gas inventory'.,took into account anticipated changes that would affect
Ashland's emissions,such as population changes and changes in federal or state policies.Table 1 below
details these anticipated changes.
1 Good Company, "City of Ashland Greenhouse Gas Inventory(2011—2015)," February 2016.
1
Table 1.Assumptions for Ashland's business-as-usual greenhouse gas emissions scenario.
Population increase '���
Population increase 0.5%annually
Policies
Renewable Energy Standards—Policies to increase renewable 13.8% 23.5%
energy in states in the region, including WA and OR.
Federal CAFE Standard—Policy to increase the average fuel 35.5 MPG 54.5 MPG
economy of cars and light trucks in the US.'
Oregon's Clean Fuels Program—Policy to reduce the average carbon 10% reduction in transportation
intensity of Oregon's transportation fuels by 10 percent over a 10- fuel carbon
year period starting in 2016.'
In the analysis,we assumed that vehicle miles traveled (VMT)and energy use (including natural gas,
electricity,and propane)grow proportionately with population growth, as do emissions from refrigerant
leakage,waste disposal, and consumption-based activities.The assumptions regarding CAFE standards
are adjusted to reflect the proportional lag in CAFE standards for cars purchased in a given year and the
mix on vehicles on the road in that year(proportions based on 2015 data).The Clean Fuels Program is
reflected in fuel mix assumptions. The base assumptions, based on the 2015 inventory,for VMT, energy
use, refrigerant usage, waste disposal,and consumption are included in Table 2 below.
Table 2.Base Unit Assumptions
VMTIIII� 77,383,279 Miles
Natural gas 515311903 Therms
Electricity 1651807 Megawatt hours(MWh)
Refrigerant usage 71400 Metric tons
Waste disposal 61923 Metric tons
Consumption 1661731 Metric tons
Based on national data in the Transportation Energy Data Book, 90.5 percent of the VMT is attributed to
private vehicles,while the remaining 9.5 percent is associated with commercial vehicles.°Additionally,
'The White House Office of the Press Secretary,"Obama Administration Finalizes Historic 545 MPG Fuel Efficiency
Standards;'August 28,2012, httos://obamawhitehouse.archives.eov/the-press-office/2012/O8/2S/obama-
administration-finalizes-historic-545-mp¢-fuel-efficiency-standard.
'Oregon Department of Environmental quality, "Air quality:Oregon Clean Fuels Program;'
htt p://www.deq. ate.oir.us/ q/dea in e I r .
°Stacy C. Davis and Susan W. Diegel, 'Transportation Energy Data Book;'Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the
U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,26 Edition,2007,
http://web.mired a/cron/Backup/project/urban metabolism/T60FF/readlnes%20and%20websites/Edition26 Full
Do
93 percent of VMT is assumed to be associated with light duty vehicles(cars and light trucks), while the
remaining 9 percent is associated with heavy duty vehicles (single and combination trucks).'
Table 3 below describes assumptions for the electricity fuel mix.
Table 3.Electricity Fuel Mix Assumptions
Coal 24.5% 20.5% 24.0% Remainder based on other fuel sources
Natural Gas 10.7% 14.5% 21.0% Based on previous amount of natural gas(in megawatt hours or
MWhs) plus one third of renewables to smooth intermittency
Nuclear 3.2% 2.2% 0.0% Assumes existing nuclear with be retired and not replaced
Hydro 52.2% 48.5% 30.7% Assumes some loss in generation due to changing amount and
timing of water flows
Non-hydro 8.8% 13.8% 23.8% Assumes increase in renewables based on RPS, acknowledging that
renewables not all of the RPS applies to Ashland
Other 0.6% 0.6% 0.5% Kept at 2015 levels (in terms of MWhs)
Note: Percentages may not sum to 100%due to rounding.
Under this business-as-usual scenario,which assumes full implementation of both federal and state
policies,Ashland's sector-based emissions'are projected to increase by 6 percent from 2015 levels by
2050 (see Figure 1). When adding consumption-based emissions to the equation,Ashland's emissions
are projected to increase by 12 percent from 2015 levels by 2050 as consumption-based emissions are
expected to grow at a faster rate than sector-based emissions due to limited regulatory policies for
consumption-related emissions.
5 Stacy C. Davis and Susan W. Diegel, "Transportation Energy Data Book,"Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the
U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,26 Edition,2007,
http://web.mit.edu/cron/............................................. Backup/......
project/urban metabolism/TGOFF............................................./readings%20and%20websites/Edition26 Full
....................I.................................................................................................Doc.pdf.
6 United States Environmental Protection Agency, "Emissions&Generation Resources Integrated Database,"2012
data.
Sectors included in this analysis are ground transportation, building and appliance energy use,and waste and
disposal(including refrigerant leakage).
3
Figure 1.Emissions based on BAU assumptions
N
� 400,000
U 350,000
w
� 300,000 .................... .............
� 250,000 ���t�,r-�������i��i��
W 200,000 ............
Ln
(D 150,000
w
N
O 100,000
z
LU
50,000
0
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
E m is s i o n Re d u cti o n S c e na r i o s
To assess how changes in local policies and activities could influence the city's greenhouse gas
emissions,we modeled potential emission reductions associated with various infrastructure and
behavior changes. Specifically, we estimated emissions reductions associated with the changes listed in
Table 4 below.
Table 4.Behavior and policy changes that were modeled for the emission reduction scenarios
Building Energy Transportation
• Reduced energy use by 50%through energy efficiency and Shifted 25%of motorized
conservation measures. travel to walking or biking.
• Shifted 50%of grid electricity consumption to distributed For the remaining motorized
renewable energy generation. travel:
• Transitioned 90%of natural gas used in buildings to o Shifted 80%of private
electricity. vehicles to electric
vehicles.
Consumption o Shifted 50%of
Reduced consumption-related emissions by 30%through commercial vehicles to
activities such as product reuse, reducing meat consumption, or electric vehicles.
introduction of a carbon tax on products and services.
Note that probabilities were not assigned to the above-listed changes.The changes are intended simply
to illustrate the connection between various policy/behavior changes and resulting greenhouse gas
emission reductions.The exercise is not meant to predict future emissions reductions or estimate what
is achievable in Ashland specifically.
4
For the purposes of this exercise,the analysis calculated emissions reductions at two time points: 1)
2015 and 2) 2050. In some cases, however, strategy assumptions are determined for 2030 as well as
2050 to facilitate computation.
The analysis did not make assumptions about the timing of strategies, and therefore visual depictions of
the emission reduction scenario show a linear decrease between the two time points of 2015 and 2050.
We do not attempt to characterize the pathway between those two time points.
Limitations on Attributing Emission Reductions to Specific Strategies
The modeled emission reductions in this section provides a sense of what could be achieved if
Ashland took serious action on climate change by implementing actions set forth in the
Ashland Climate and Energy Action plan. Reductions are presented as groupings of similar
actions, but do not necessarily represent the reductions associated with those actions due to
challenges in attributing emission reduction values to individual actions.
Potential emission reductions associated with individual actions can be difficult to quantify
with certainty due to their interdependent nature. For example, reduced emissions associated
with switching from gasoline to electric vehicles will depend largely on the mix of energy
sources on the electricity grid. Emissions associated with use of electricity from the grid will, in
turn, be affected by other actions in this plan, such as increased local renewable energy
production. It is therefore difficult to single out reductions associated with any one individual
action.
Assessing emissions reductions is also complicated by uncertainty in underlying variables and
assumptions. The efficacy of expanded education and outreach efforts around home energy
efficiency will depend on many factors, including the populations to which outreach will be
conducted,the extent to which to City has already reached existing residences, as well as
external factors, such as the state of the economy,which influences people's willingness to
take risks and invest in new technologies.
Given these limitations, actions in this plan were not quantitatively modeled for efficacy.
Rather, actions were qualitatively assessed relative to other potential actions using a set of
criteria that included estimated emissions reduction potential. Qualitative assessment
informed the order of priority actions in this plan. It is expected that, at the time of
implementation,the City will undertake more detailed modeling efforts to quantify anticipated
outcomes.
5
Figure 2 below illustrates modeled emission reductions associated with the changes listed in Table 4.
The top line represents the business-as-usual scenario.
Figure 1 emission reduction c n ri r Ashland.
�� inruD u......
�.
Y1717J4v97D1NDDDVLil D1NDDDVLil7D111DDDVINY� ,,
0,,,0
»,a . !
II ...�..—....
�� q.. ,.„„ wrui ipti im-cra°ker reductions,r .p , ».. ,,,,
,r ,
nm
uU
� u ; �
I
» rarfl Babe are y
wT
"
�� ,
»>,
reductions,il �
R� .
2Jeu ctu�rw "from
LU
txansitioning,f ru
R Ural gas to electiricky,
7
z
it (,,
0
1
u
.............
Strategies listed in Table 4 result in an estimated 38%emission reduction compared to the BAU
scenario.Table X below shows how that reduction breaks down by sector, presented in the order by
which actions were integrated into the model:
15% Consumption
13% Energy Efficiency
4% Renewable Energy
1% Transportation
4% Transitioning from Natural Gas to Electricity
38% TOTAL
The specific assumptions underpinning the analysis are presented in Table 5 below.These assumptions
are based on a perceived reasonable level of improvement across the difference strategies and emission
sources. Percentages are relative to 2015.
6
Table 5.Emission Source Reductions and Assumptions
VMT Reductions/Changes
Displaced by walking/biking 25%
Increasing electric vehicles 78%of remaining VMT
Reductions in Building Energy Use(Natural Gas)
Displaced due to fuel switching 90%
Due to efficiency 50%of remaining usage
Reductions in Building Energy Use(Electricity)
Decreased load due to local renewables 59,344 MWh
Increased load due to fuel switching 21964 MWh
Increased load due to elec.vehicles 19,451 MWh
Due to efficiency 50%of usage(including fuel switching, but excluding
renewables and electric vehicles)
7
�~���0�0��`�\«�~���� G���� ���~��~K�� ��������~K�� -������ �����~���
Greenhouse gas emission reduction targets are an important part of climate action planning. Targets
hold communities responsible for addressing global climate change, and allow communities totrack,
assess, and compare progress against other communities and jurisdictions.
Communities can consider a number of approaches for setting greenhouse gas emission reduction
targets:
• Peer-based targets can be established that set goals similar to those of peer communities, orof
entities of which the community is a part(e.g., State of Oregon). Often these targets are based
on those pursued at national or international levels, such the United States' commitment to an
80% reduction by 2050 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Paris Agreement.8
m Analysis-based targets can be set that reflect analysis of potential emission reductions given
achievement ofmodeled strategies and actions.
w Science-based targets set emission reduction targets based on reductions needed to prevent the
worst impacts of climate change.»
The target-setting approach taken by a community will depend on a variety of factors, including the
community's' level of commitment to climate action, available resources, and risk tolerance. Some
leading communities have taken very aggressive greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, such as
carbon neutrality by 2050 or a 7.6%annual reduction, while others have set goals to reduce their
emissions by 8096 or less by ZOSO compered to a baseline year. Examples of other targets set by
jurisdictions within Oregon are summarized in Table G.
o
.............. .......................... ......
e The 2016 Paris Agreement from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change sets a goal to
keep global temperature rise this century well below%degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue
efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.Achieving this goal will require
aggressive emission reductions.
8
Table Targets set by other Oregon jurisdictions
City of Eugene
• Targets in Climate Action Plan:10
o Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 10% below 1990
levels by 2020
o Reduce community-wide fossil fuel use by 50% by 2030
• A 2014 Climate Recovery Ordinance11 sets a goal to reduce community
emissions by 7.6%annually
City of Corvallis12
• Reduce overall community fossil fuel use 30% below 2012 levels by 2020
• Reduce overall community fossil fuel use 55% below 2012 levels by 2030
• Reduce overall community fossil fuel use 85% below 2012 levels by 2050
City of Portland/Multnomah County13
• Reduce local carbon emissions 40%from 1990 levels by 2030
• Reduce local carbon emissions 80%from 1990 levels by 2050
State of Oregon (House Bill 3543)14
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 10% below 1990 levels by 2020
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 75% below 1990 levels by 2050
• Targets derived from IPCC recommendations at the time
The Ashland Climate and Energy Action plan sets a communitywide goal consistent with that of the city
of Eugene (OR),which is to achieve a 7.6%annual reduction in communitywide greenhouse gas
emissions. This target was developed by Eugene using a carbon budget approach that calculated
reductions needed to achieve a global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration of 350 ppm by 2100.15
The emissions reduction associated with this carbon budget approach is based on an analysis by Hansen
et al. that requires global emission reductions of approximately 7.6% per year beginning in 2016.16 In
Ashland,this represents an average reduction of approximately 9,000 metric tons per year.
10 Community Climate and Energy Action Plan 2013 Progress Report;,I .:.:.. : " .eu gene-
ir o rchive einteir/ iie Fi....................................iI......../it...........em/ 3 5.
11 htt : thrivin eairtl�e ch n e.Dr -content/u IDad,s 1 3 Rice- cRa mm LU- 1 . f
..........................p............ ............................................................................................................................................................................................................./................p.......................................................................... ............lp............................................./........................................../...................../.........................................................................................................................................................................................................I ..................
12 City of Corvallis, "Climate Action Plan for Corvallis, Oregon," 2015,,I .::..p...m.„/ Illiscalp„, m/. p........
. ............n..........n ...... ... I o d s 1 4, R II.....LD _ P- °i... 1 . -f
"City of Portland/Multnomah County, "Climate Action Plan for City of Portland and Multnomah County,"
.bij..ps.1 www.,korflaindoire n. ov b s airticle 5 1
14 State of Oregon (House Bill 3543): Oregon Global Warming Commission Biennial Report to the Legislature,"
20151, , ard-
..... cuments/........ p Le 15 fin 1. df.
15 Council Ordinance No. 20567,An ordinance concerning climate recovery,City of Eugene,Oregon,August,2106.
16 Hansen et al.,Assessing"Dangerous Climate Change": Required Reductions of Carbon Emissions to Protect
Young People and Future Generations and Nature, PLoS ONE 8(12), 2013.
bit : °Darnels® I s. it II s n rticllei ,........1 .1 1 urnall. ne.0081648
9
Achievement of the 8% annual emission reduction target will require serious and substantial action by
the Ashland community. Emissions reductions that are not achieved directly by community activities
could be achieved through purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and/or greenhouse gas
(GHG) offsets. GHG offsets are carbon-reduction certificates created through verified carbon-reducing
actions by one organization—such as tree planting—that can be sold to another organization, usually on
an annual basis. RECs are similar to GHG offsets, but can only be applied to energy-sector emissions.
While carbon offset prices can vary greatly, California Carbon Allowances have been trading around $11-
$13 per metric ton since 2014.17
17 htt..
w a0 rb n ash® it
10