4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS M. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS 5. NATURAL GAS

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1 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS M. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS 5. NATURAL GAS 1. INTRODUCTION This section addresses potential impacts on existing and planned ability of the service provider, Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas), a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, to serve the project site with natural gas services and whether sufficient capacity is available to serve Project demand. Consistency with relevant goals and programs to conserve energy resources is also evaluated. The analysis is based, in part, on information provided by SoCal Gas, which is included in Appendix L-4 of this Draft EIR. Further evaluation of the Project s design features regarding conservation of energy resources is addressed in Section 4.E, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, of the Draft EIR. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING a. Existing Conditions (1) Existing Site Conditions The approximately 3.6-acre Project Site is occupied by the Hollywood Palladium and associated surface parking. The entertainment and events venue consumes natural gas for building operations such as hot water heating. It is estimated that the Palladium use of natural gas is about 513 thousand cubic feet (kcf) per year. 1 The Palladium includes approximately 10,000 square feet of vacant retail space that fronts Sunset Boulevard. This space could potentially use natural gas for its retail services. (2) Provision of Natural Gas Services Natural gas is provided to the Project Site by SoCal Gas. While SoCal Gas is a private utility company, it is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and provides infrastructure necessary to support existing and future demand for energy services within the community. SoCal Gas is part of an association of energy providers, the California Gas and Electric Utilities, that provides a biannual California Gas Report in even numbered years with supplement reports in the following years. These reports are prepared pursuant to the California Public Utilities Commission, Decision D They address the supply of and demand for natural gas resources, as well as strategies for reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to the California Air Resources Board AB 32 Scoping Plan, which describes the approaches California will take to achieve the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by The most recently published report is the 2014 California Gas Report. 1 2 The calculation of the estimate for natural gas consumption is provided in Table 4.M.5-1, below California Gas Report, Forward, page 2. 4.M.5-1

2 4.M.5. Natural Gas October 2014 The 2014 California Gas Report indicates that SoCal Gas is projected to provide approximately 2,690 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) on an average day or 982 billion cubic feet (bcf)/year of natural gas by Future demand is expected to decline at an annual rate of 0.33 percent from 2012 to The decline is due to modest economic growth, CPUC-mandated energy efficiency (EE) standards and programs, renewable electricity goals, the decline in commercial and industrial demand and conservation savings linked to Advanced Metering Infrastructure. 3 The 2014 California Gas Report further indicates that SoCal Gas has a substantially higher capacity available. 4 An extreme peak day demand is defined as a 1-in-35 likelihood event for a services area. The SoCal Gas retail core peak demand in 2018 is forecasted to be approximately 3,024 MMcfd. According to the 2014 California Gas Report, SoCal Gas s storage and flowing supplies are sufficient to meet the forecasted 2018 retail core peak day demand. 5 Demand on an extreme peak day is met through a combination of withdrawals from underground storage facilities and flowing pipeline supplies. Over the past five years, California natural gas utilities including SoCal Gas, interstate pipelines and in-state natural gas storage facilities have increased their delivery and receipt capacity to meet increased natural gas use. SoCal Gas is supported in its planning effort by the California Energy Commission, which provides Integrated Energy Policy Reports, with annual updates that evaluate future demand for natural gas and supply considerations. b. Regulatory Framework (1) State of California (a) California Public Utilities Commission The PUC regulates privately owned utility companies including the providers of natural gas services. The PUC serves the public interest by protecting consumers and ensuring the provision of safe, reliable utility service and infrastructure at reasonable rates, with a commitment to environmental enhancement and a healthy California economy. (b) California Energy Commission The California Energy Commission (CEC) was created by the Legislature in 1974 to provide planning and policy oversight regarding the provision of energy. It is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. Included among its responsibilities are forecasting future energy needs; setting state energy and conservation standards; and developing renewable energy resources and alternative renewable energy technologies. Towards that end the CEC develops biannual Integrated Energy Policy Reports (IEPRs), with Report Updates in the intervening years. These reports evaluate energy supply and demand and address issues pertaining to energy conservation and efficiency including actions to support the state s renewable energy goal of 33 percent renewable energy by Of particular note, input studies to the IEPR include a statewide Natural Gas Demand analysis and Natural Gas Market Assessment Outlook California Gas Report, Prepared by the California Gas and Electric Utilities; page California Gas Report, Prepared by the California Gas and Electric Utilities ; page 62 and Appendix Tables at pages California Gas Report, Prepared by the California Gas and Electric Utilities; Page M.5-2

3 October M.5. Natural Gas (c) Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Building Energy Efficiency Standards and CalGreen Code Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) (Title 24) establishes building energy efficiency standards that must be met by new development in the state. Energy standards were first adopted by the CEC for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings (Title 24 Part 6) in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce energy consumption. Interest in further reducing energy consumption and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has led to periodic updates to the legislation. Updates to the standards have allowed consideration and inclusion of new energy efficiency technologies and methods. Part 11 of Title 24 is referred to as the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen Code). The purpose of the CALGreen Code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories: (1) Planning and design; (2) Energy efficiency; (3) Water efficiency and conservation; (4) Material conservation and resource efficiency; and (5) Environmental air quality. 6 Compliance with the CALGreen code is mandatory for all new buildings constructed in the state. New standards became effective on January 1, (2) (a) General Plan Framework Chapter 9, Infrastructure and Public Services, of the City s General Plan Framework does not address the provision of natural gas services. Its goals, objectives, and policies for provision of power in the City addresses provision of electricity and actions of the LADWP, the public agency provider of the service, to provide reliable service to meet demand. (b) Hollywood Community Plan i Hollywood Community Plan The 1988 Hollywood Community Plan provides general guidance for service systems and states that they shall be provided in a sequenced manner to provide a balance between land use and service facilities at all times. Service systems are defined as public facilities; and focus on services such as schools and parks. The discussion does not address the provision of natural gas. Under the 1988 Hollywood Community Plan, land use density is not to be increased by zone change or subdivision unless the City determines that such facilities are adequate to serve the proposed development. With regard to the provision of energy services it includes Other Public Facilities Policy 2: New equipment for public facilities be energy efficient. ii Hollywood Community Plan Update While the 2012 Hollywood Community Plan Update was rescinded on April 2, 2014, it was intended to provide more policy detail regarding the provision of natural gas services. It carried forward the Goals of the General Plan Framework for application at the local level. Policy CF.5.91 stated: Support efforts to promote the use of clean, renewable energy that is diverse in technology and location to decrease dependence on 6 California Building Standards Commission, 2010 California Green Building Standards Code. 4.M.5-3

4 4.M.5. Natural Gas October 2014 fossil fuels, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and increase the reliability of the power supply. Policy CF.5.92 stated: Support the offering of incentives to property owners and developers for the use of building designs and/or energy-efficient systems in new residential, commercial and industrial developments that exceed existing State of California Energy Code standards. (c) Green LA and Green Building Code The City has also been pursuing a number of green development initiatives intended to promote energy conservation and reductions in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated within the City. Green LA: An Action Plan to Lead the Nation in Fighting Global Warming (Green LA), adopted in May 2007, is an action plan to lead the nation in fighting global warming. The Plan establishes a goal of reducing the City s greenhouse gas emissions to 35% below 1990 levels by the year 2030, and identifies over 50 action items, grouped into focus areas, to reduce emissions. The reductions are to be achieved, in part, through the reduction of energy consumption. The City s Green Building Code, effective January 1, 2011, creates a set of development standards and guidelines to further energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gases. It builds upon and sets higher standards than those incorporated in California Green Building Standard Code (CALGreen) described above. This City s Green Building Code applies to new buildings and building alterations with a building permit evaluation of over $200,000. The Green Building Code is implemented through the building permit review process. 3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS a. Methodology The analysis of impacts on the provision of natural gas resources evaluates the natural gas energy resources that the Project would require during the Project s construction and operation phases. The amount of natural gas required for use by the Project is compared to the existing and future supply of natural gas resources to determine the sufficiency of energy and infrastructure to serve the Project. The amount of energy required is estimated based on natural gas generation factors that are included in SCAQMD California Emissions Estimator Model that estimates the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with development. Information provided by Sempra Energy regarding the availability of natural gas and infrastructure to serve the Project is incorporated into the analysis. The analysis also reviews the Project design features and evaluates their consistency with the applicable plans and policies for conservation of energy consumption and reduction in the generation of greenhouse gas emissions. b. Thresholds of Significance Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines provides a screening question that addresses impacts with regard to public facilities, as follows: Would the project: Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant 4.M.5-4

5 October M.5. Natural Gas environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Other public facilities? Appendix F, Energy Conservation, of the CEQA Guidelines provides guidance for EIR evaluations pertaining to the efficient use of energy resources. Included within the guidance is a listing of potential environmental impacts that may be addressed in an EIR. These include the following: The project s energy requirements and its energy use efficiencies by amount and fuel type for each stage of the project s life cycle including construction, operation, maintenance and/or removal. If appropriate, the energy intensiveness of materials may be discussed. The effects of the project on local and regional energy supplies and on requirements for additional capacity. The effects of the project on peak and base period demands for electricity and other forms of energy. The degree to which the project complies with existing energy standards. The effects of the project on energy resources. The project s projected transportation energy use requirements and its overall use of efficient transportation alternatives. 7 The L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide incorporates the screening question contained in Appendix G and addresses topics identified in Appendix F. In accordance with the City s thresholds, the determination of significance shall be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: The extent to which the project would require new (off-site) energy supply facilities and distribution infrastructure, or capacity enhancing alterations to existing facilities; Whether and when the needed infrastructure was anticipated by adopted plans; and The degree to which the project design and/or operations incorporate energy conservation measures, particularly those that go beyond City requirements. Based on these factors, the Project would have a significant impact on the provision of natural gas service if: NG-1 NG-2 The project generates a demand for natural gas at a level that would exceed the capacity of available, or planned natural gas service to the project site; or The project conflicts with state and local statutes, ordinances policies and objectives regarding energy conservation. 7 Issues pertaining to energy consumption associated with Project traffic are addressed in Section 4.E, Greenhouse Gas Emissions of this Draft EIR. 4.M.5-5

6 4.M.5. Natural Gas October 2014 c. Project Characteristics The Project would continue to operate the Hollywood Palladium as an entertainment and event venue. Operations would require the continued consumption of natural gas at a rate similar to that which is occurring today. The Project would activate the currently vacant retail storefronts in the Hollywood Palladium building. This would increase the demand for energy resources. The added energy consumption is treated as a new use and incorporated into analysis of the Project s increase on energy demand below. The new buildings on the Project Site would add housing units, retail uses and, in the case of Option 2, hotel uses. These uses would generate on-site residents, visitors, employees, and shoppers whose activities would consume natural gas. The Project would include design features and be subject to building regulations that would reduce the demands for energy resources generally and natural gas specifically needed to support Project operation. The Project would be designed to meet the standards for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver level certification by the U.S. Green Building Council or its equivalent through the incorporation of green building techniques and other sustainability features. A sustainability program would be prepared and monitored by an accredited design consultant to provide guidance in Project design, construction and operations; and to provide performance monitoring during Project operations to reconcile design and energy performance and enhance energy savings. It would also be designed to comply with the Los Angeles Green Building Code Ordinance and the 2013 California Green Building Standard Code (CALGreen). The Project Applicant has proposed Project Design Features that would become conditions of approval to the Project that would support energy conservation. These are specified as PDF-GHG-2 and PDF-ELEC-1- ELECTRICITY in Sections 4.E, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and 4.M.4, Electricity Services, respectively. Some of the key provisions from those Project Design Features that would contribute to energy efficiency and reduce natural gas usage include: Overall building efficiency would exceed Title 24 (2013) Building Envelope Energy Efficiency Standards by 10 percent; Use of glass/window areas for ventilation and daylight accessibility, and landscaping of roof decks; Roof top areas would be energy efficient, including landscaped terraces at some locations, with the remaining roof-top areas using high-albedo/reflective roofs such as light-colored, build-up white roofs to reduce energy loads and enhance air quality; Trees and other landscaping (53,600 sq.ft. inclusive pool and roof-top terrace landscaping or 35 percent of the Site area) would provide shading and capture carbon dioxide emissions; Installation of energy-efficient appliances (Energy Star ); Glass/window areas for ventilation and daylight accessibility; Double-paned windows to keep heat out during summer months and keep heat inside during winter months; Elevator TV monitors with programming would provide residents real-time updates on energy usage in the building and tips on how they can conserve energy. 4.M.5-6

7 October M.5. Natural Gas d. Project Impacts Threshold NG-1: The Project would result in a significant impact if it would generate demand for natural gas that would exceed the capacity of available and planned natural gas supplies, facilities, and infrastructure needed to serve the Project Site. (1) Construction Impacts Impact Statement NG-1: There would be no impacts on natural gas resources during construction because natural gas resources would not be used during construction. Construction impacts on the consumption of natural gas resources would be the same for both Options (Option 1, Residential and Option 2, Residential/Hotel). Both Options have the same massing of aboveground and below-ground structures. The Palladium would continue to operate during construction, with on-going use of natural gas, as an existing condition that would not be varied. Construction of the new Project components would require the operation of powered equipment such as power tools, temporary lighting, lifts, etc. This equipment would be powered by electricity and/or gasoline driven sources. Construction activities are not anticipated to consume natural gas. Therefore, there would be no impacts to natural gas supply or infrastructure during construction. (2) Operation Impacts Impact Statement NG-2: Operations impacts regarding the consumption of natural gas resources would be less than significant. The Project s demand for natural gas is within the capacity of SoCal Gas to serve the Project Site. The Project would include numerous design features that would reduce the need for natural gas consumption. The Project s estimated use of natural gas is shown in Table 4.M.5-1, Estimated Natural Gas Use Project. This estimate is based on generation factors provided in the 2013 SCAQMD California Emissions Estimator Model. Credit is not given for project design features that might reduce these generation rates. Under Option 1, the Project would generate an increase in demand of 13,760 kcf per year, and under Option 2 the Project would generate an increase in demand of 16,197 kcf per year. Under Option 1, this would amount to approximately percent of the estimated annual demand of 982 bcfy forecasted for The forecasted 16,197 kcf per year under Option 2, would be approximately percent of the estimated annual demand. These amount are negligible, and are within the anticipated service capabilities of SoCal Gas. SoCal Gas s retail core peak demand in 2018 is forecasted to be approximately 3,027 MMcfd. According to the 2012 California Gas Report, SoCal Gas s storage and flowing supplies are sufficient to meet the forecasted 2018 peak day demand. 8 Reliable storage withdrawal and flowing supply, i.e. the amount intended to be available at all times during a period covered by an agreement, would be 3,419 MMcfd in contrast to the 3,027 MMcfd demand. The Project s peak day natural gas demand would be 37.7 kcf per day for Option 1 and 44.4 kcf per day for Option 2. 9 This would be approximately percent of the expected peak demand California Gas Report, Prepared by the California Gas and Electric Utilities; page 89. Annual Natural Gas Consumption (kcf)h divided by 365 days. 4.M.5-7

8 4.M.5. Natural Gas October 2014 Land Use Development Units Table 4.M.5-1 Estimated Natural Gas Use Project Generation Factor a (kbtu/unit/year) Option 1: Residential Annual Natural Gas Consumption (kbtu) Annual Natural Gas Consumption (kcf) h Residential b 731 units 17, ,587,937 12,216 Retail c 19,000 sq.ft , Restaurant d 5,000 sq.ft ,165,050 1,131 Recreation/Spa 7,000 sq.ft , Lobby/Common e 24,000 sq.ft , Event Space f 53,354 sq.ft , Total 14,707,482 14,273 Existing Event Space 53,354 sq.ft , Net Increase 13,760 Option 2: Residential/Hotel Residential b 598 units 17, ,297,656 9,993 Retail c 19,000 sq.ft , Restaurant d 5,000 sq.ft ,165,050 1,131 Recreation/Spa 6,000 sq.ft , Lobby/Common e 17,000 sq.ft , Hotel Accommodations 121,200 sq.ft ,032,424 2,943 Restaurant/Banquet g 8,000 sq.ft ,864,080 1,809 Event Space f 53,354 sq.ft Total 5,424,709 16,709 Existing Event Space 53,354 sq.ft , Net Increase ` 16,197 - a b c d e f g h Natural gas demand generation factors based on SCAQMD California Emissions Estimator Model, Appendix Default Data Tables (October 2013), Table 8.1. Historic use factors used for the Palladium; non-historic used for other/new development. Hollywood is in Zone 11 of Table 8.1. In order to provide a more conservative analysis, SCAQMD generation factors for Condo units were used. SCAQMD generation factors for Strip Mall and Shopping Center are the same and were used here. Retail area includes 8,000 sq.ft. in new buildings and 12,000 sq.ft. in the Palladium Building. Potential food service use in the retail frontages are included in the restaurant calculation which has a higher value than straight retail uses. Rates shown here are the same for quality restaurant, sit down restaurant and fast food restaurant with drive thru. Lobby and Misc. (e.g. leasing office, etc.). Rate shown is for General Office. Value for the Palladium is based on the two closest uses, which both have the same values: Movie Theater (no matinee) and Arena. The rate shown is weighted to reflect the intermittent use of the Palladium for events. Building events are estimated to occur for approximately 17 percent of the year; and then for only partial days. However, the hot water heaters would operate on a regular intermittent basis to maintain a stock of warm water. The analysis assumes the natural gas consumption would be approximately 50 percent of a similar venue operating daily. The total generation factor, 19.8 kbtu/sq.ft. at 50%, would be 9.9 kbtu/sq.ft. Rate is for Restaurant. To provide a conservative analysis Option 2 includes an additional 8,000 sq.ft. for possible restaurant/banquet uses whereas the less consumptive uses such as meeting space may be provided. Natural gas consumption expressed in kbtu (thousand British Thermal Units) is converted to consumption in kcf (thousand cubic feet) via the following conversion factor: 1,000 Btu = hundred cubic feet. Source: PCR Services Corporation, M.5-8

9 October M.5. Natural Gas for both Options. The Project s requirements would be negligible and within the SoCal Gas expected service provision and SoCal Gas is fully resourced to meet peak demand. SoCal Gas has stated that they have the facilities in the Project area to serve the Project. Further, SoCal Gas would be able to provide service to the Site in accordance with the SoCalGas policies and rules for extending new gas lines that are on file with the PUC at the time contractual arrangements for service are arranged. 10 Such policies and rules ensure that service is provided in a manner that is safe and sufficient to meet Project needs. Threshold NG-2: The Project would result in a significant impact if it would conflict with state and local statutes, ordinances, policies and objectives regarding energy conservation. (3) Consistency with Energy Conservation Policies and Regulations Impact Statement NG-3: Impacts regarding consistency with energy conservation policies and regulations would be less the significant. The Project has incorporated features into its design that reduce natural gas and energy consumption and contribute to the efficiency of energy and natural gas usage. The Project would be implemented pursuant to consultation and plan review with the LADWP prior to Project construction. Such consultation and review would ensure that the Project is consistent with LADWP requirements, and guidelines regarding energy efficient building design. The Project s construction and operations would comply with the initiatives described above that are being taken at the State and Local levels to encourage efficiency in the consumption of energy resources and reductions in the amount of energy consumed. These include compliance with Title 24/CALGreen Code, the City s Green Building Code, and Project Design Features that provide specific measures to exceed regulatory requirements. The LEED program cited above provides guidance in appropriate design of buildings to reduce energy consumption. Some of the Project s key design features that would contribute to the efficient use of natural gas include: the use of high-albedo/reflective roofs and landscaping on roof decks; installation of energy-efficient appliances; use of double-paned windows; and elevator TV monitors whose programming would provide residents realtime updates on energy usage in the building and tips on how they can conserve energy. Energy savings would, at a minimum, exceed Title 24 efficiency standards. The Project design would be reviewed for consistency with the more stringent City standards during the review process for the approval of building permits for the Project. With implementation of the Project s design features, the Project would meet and/or exceed all applicable energy conservation policies and regulations. Impacts regarding consistency with energy conservation policies and regulations would be less than significant. 10 RE: Will Serve Letter Request for Job ID# : 6201 west Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. October 25, Letter to PCR Services Corporation from Zakee Singleton, Pipeline Planning Assistant, Compton Headquarters. Included in Appendix L-4 of the Draft EIR. Examples of rules referenced in that letter are Rule No. 20, which addresses Gas Main Extensions; and Rule No. 21 that addresses Gas Service Extensions. Both require provide regulatory rules for the provision of new gas lines and site design standards that must be met in the provision of the gas lines. 4.M.5-9

10 4.M.5. Natural Gas October 2014 e. Cumulative Impacts Impact Statement NG-4: Cumulative impacts on the provision of natural gas would be less than significant. SoCal Gas has sufficient natural gas supplies to accommodate future growth in the service area. Related Projects would be required to incorporate energy saving features in their design and the proposed Project would exceed energy saving standards. Section 3.0, General Description of Environmental Setting, of this Draft EIR identifies 62 related projects located in the vicinity of the Project Site. They include a mix of residential, retail, office and industrial/studio uses. 11 These projects would also contribute to the demand for natural gas services as a growth increment within the SoCal Gas service area, a 12 County service area located in Southern California. An estimate of the cumulative demand for the consumption of natural gases, if all related projects included gas appliances/services, is shown in Table 4.M.5-2, Natural Gas Use Cumulative Development. The natural gas consumption associated with the related projects is likely already considered within the SoCal Gas demand projections for natural gas. However, gas consumption has been estimated for the cumulative projects here and compared to SoCal Gas projections for the entire service area. As indicated, implementation of the Project in combination with the 62 related projects is estimated to generate a cumulative demand of approximately 237,638 kcf (under Option 1) or 240,075 kcf (under Option 2), further increasing the demand for natural gas in the SoCal Gas service area. SoCal Gas is projected to provide approximately 2,690 MMcfd or 982 bcf/year of natural gas over the 2030 planning horizon and SoCal Gas has a substantially higher capacity available. 12 The cumulative energy consumption Under Option 1, at 237,638 kcf per year would be approximately 0.02 percent of the estimated 2018 demand of approximately 982 bcf/year. The cumulative energy consumption with the greater demand of the Project, i.e. Option 2 with the hotel uses, at 240,075 kcf per year would also be approximately 0.02 percent of the estimated 2018 demand. The cumulative peak day consumption would be 651 kcf under Option 1; and 658 kcf under Option 2. This would be approximately 0.02 percent of the 2,690 MMcfd expected daily peak demand under both Options. This is a negligible amount of the anticipated capacity and additional resources beyond those provided by SoCal Gas would not be required. SoCal Gas is part of an association of energy providers, the California Gas and Electric Utilities, that provides biannual California Gas Reports pursuant to mandates of the California Public Utilities Commission. These reports address the supply of and demand for natural gas resources, as well as strategies for reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to the California Air Resources Board AB 32 Scoping Plan, on long-term bases. The reports include projections of future demand for and supply of natural resources; and through their biannual updates allow planning for advancing horizon dates. The current such date is Through these regulated reports and planning efforts, SoCal Gas identifies total future demand within its service area and supply to meet that demand A listing of the related projects and calculation of the total number of units and floor area for the non-residential uses is provided in Appendix I of this Draft EIR California Gas Report, Prepared by the California Gas and Electric Utilities. Page 62 and Appendix Table s at pages M.5-10

11 October M.5. Natural Gas Land Use Table 4.M.5-2 Natural Gas Use Cumulative Development Amount of Development Units Generation Factor a (kbtu/unit/year) Annual Natural Gas Consumption (kbtu) Annual Natural Gas Consumption (kcf) h Related Projects Residential b 6,738 units 17, ,029, ,599 Retail c 1,413,700 sq.ft ,403,290 2,332 Restaurant d 183,300 sq.ft ,710,733 41,448 Hotel 789,000 sq.ft ,740,780 19,157 Office e 3,091,000 sq.ft ,784,630 32,786 Industrial f 1,459,000 sq.ft ,159,010 14,711 School g 80,000 sq.ft , Total -- Related Projects 230,699, ,878 Proposed Project Option 1: Residential 13,760 Option 2: Residential/Hotel 16,197 Cumulative Natural Gas Consumption Option 1: Residential Option 2: Residential/Hotel 237,638 i 240,075 i a b c d e f g h i Natural gas demand generation factors based on SCAQMD California Emissions Estimator Model, Appendix Default Data Tables (October 2013), Table 8.1. Historic use factors used for the Palladium; non-historic used for other/new development. Hollywood is in Zone 11 of Table 8.1. In order to provide a more conservative analysis, SCAQMD generation factors for Condo units were used. SCAQMD generation factors for Strip Mall and Shopping Center are the same and were used here. Retail area includes 8,000 sq.ft. in new buildings and 12,000 sq.ft. in the Palladium Building. Potential food service use in the retail frontages are included in the restaurant calculation which has a higher value than straight retail uses. Rates shown here are the same for quality restaurant, sit down restaurant and fast food restaurant with drive thru. Rate shown is for General Office. Rate shown is for Industrial Park. Includes studio expansions. Rates for Elementary, Junior High and High School are all the same and used here. It is estimated that a 350 student private school would have a facility of approximately 80,000 square feet -- based on equivalent trips/student to trips/1,000 sq.ft. comparison. ITE Trips Generation, 8th edition Use 536, Private School (K-12). Natural gas consumption expressed in kbtu (thousand British Thermal Units) is converted to consumption in kcf (thousand cubic feet) via the following conversion factor: 1,000 Btu = hundred cubic feet. The cumulative gas consumption calculated here is based on the Project and related projects in the Project vicinity. It represents a component of the overall gas consumption estimated for the SoCal Gas service area, a 12 County service area located in Southern California. Source: PCR Services Corporation, The City s Green Building Code requires individual projects to incorporate energy saving features into their design. It also provides a site plan review mechanism for implementing the Code requirements. It is also common practice for development projects, particularly larger projects that are more energy consumptive, to provide energy saving features into their design and, in many cases, to provide designs that meet the 4.M.5-11

12 4.M.5. Natural Gas October 2014 standards of LEED certification. With these rules and practices, related projects would be expected to incorporate energy saving features. Impacts of the proposed Project would be less than significant. The Project would meet its obligation to address cumulative impacts by exceeding energy conservation standards. Further, as described above, cumulative consumption associated with the Project is well within the amount of natural gas available and ability of SoCal Gas to meet future demand. Cumulative impacts regarding the consumption of natural resources would be less than significant. 4. MITIGATION MEASURES With the incorporation of project design features and compliance with City policies for energy conservation, potential impacts on the consumption of natural gas service would be less than significant. Therefore, no mitigation measures are required. 5. LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION Potential impacts on natural gas service as a result of implementation of the Project would be less than significant and no mitigation measures would be required. 4.M.5-12