DALLAS, TEXAS: Sustainable Development Initiatives in Local Government

Transcription

1 DALLAS, TEXAS: Sustainable Development Initiatives in Local Government

2 The Myth Around the world, Dallas conjures up images of cowboys and oilmen, suburban sprawl, glitzy skyscrapers and big hair For many, Dallas is the stereotype of excess consumption.

3 The Reality Foresight of past leaders created one of the nation s most economically progressive cities A new vision must confront difficult issues affecting the quality of life for years to come

4 A Modest Proposal In 1999, Dallas re-examined its approach to the delivery of basic services. The goal of the Dallas 2000 Strategic Plan: to serve the needs of the Dallas community by enhancing the vitality and quality of life for all. translation: improve the quality of services and reduce operating expenses The Strategic Plan initiated a variety of sustainable development objectives

5 State Senate Bill 7 (1999) SB 7 - Deregulate Retail Electricity Market Eliminate single utility domination of a market Reduce emissions of older generating plants Increase generation from renewable sources 2,880 megawatts renewable by % limit on new permits for gas-fired generation plants

6 State Senate Bill 5 (2001) SB 5 Reduce EGF Emissions Requires 5% reduction in consumption by municipalities, per year, for five years (2007) State funding targets non-attainment areas priority on reduction of diesel emissions Dallas established an Energy Management Committee to evaluate measures that could be implemented to meet this goal

7 Energy Performance Contracting Improvements to existing facilities are financed through guaranteed savings, without additional capital expense $700,000 has been identified in annual energy savings, or demand reducing Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) at seven facilities, over a ten-year term

8 Energy Management Plan Standardize performance objectives for new facilities, based on watts/sf Reduce energy consumption 25% in existing City facilities by 2007 Retire all CFC based equipment Retrofit HVAC and lighting systems with high efficiency components and controls Develop a comprehensive long-term energy management strategy, to reduce total demand

9 Conversion to LED Traffic Signals $2.1 M electric bill for incandescent signals Utility offers incentives for retrofits that save 20 kw off-peak period LED signal benefits: 80% annual savings 3.6 million kwh annual energy reduction Greater visibility for improved safety

10 Expand Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fleet AFV program began with CNG powered vehicles in 1992 Currently12 th largest alternative fuel fleet 40% of statewide Dallas added 10 electric hybrids to the fleet in 2001, with two additional in 2002 $3 million funded from North Central Texas Council of Governments for incremental costs

11 Public Access CNG Re-fueling Stations CNG lowers NOx, VOC 22 stations planned in DFW area - revenue sharing to location host Construct public station to promote use of CNG Love Field location will encourage conversion by private fleets NCTCOG grant offered to ride share vehicles to assist conversion

12 Green Building Program Catalyst for adoption of LEED Silver for all new City facilities Police Headquarters 360,000 s.f. $50 million const. brownfield site 3.8% premium for green systems & components 8.8 year payback on investment

13 Green Building Program + 30 green facilities to be completed by libraries 6 police & fire 4 cultural centers 3 recreation centers 3 service facilities capital investment value exceeds $200 million Seeks to demonstrate and encourage green building practices for private development

14 Green Renovation Program Two garden roof replacements for existing buildings Cool roofs planned for future scheduled roof replacements High efficiency HVAC & lighting retrofits planned for seven buildings in 2004 PV array planned for one renovation

15 In-house Recycling Program Developed to meet LEED prerequisite, to reduce building waste stream Expanded to 225 City facilities (approx. 30%) as of September 2003 Cost neutral - no direct expense to City Diverts ~ 40% of the solid waste stream Extends landfill life

16 Revise Building & Development Codes Adopt modifications to permit use of proven sustainable development practices commercial and residential Offer expedited Zoning review and Building Permit process for green construction verifiable features linked to issuance of Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy release

17 Revise Building & Development Codes Alternative systems and incentives under review: permeable paving to reduce storm water run-off grey water plumbing Living Machine on-site treatment of waste water trade-offs for sustainable site amenities more flexible subdivision development requirements

18 Bio-Gas Generation Project Principal component of compliance with SB-5 bio-gas displaces electricity consumption Reduces emissions (minimizes flaring) Capital expenses offset by revenue stream: On-site generation of electricity distributed for commercial use Processed gas sold for commercial use

19 What Is Bio-Gas? EXISTING POTENTIAL VALUE Gas Flaring CH (Biogas) 4 Gas Cleaning Gas Wholesale Gas Storage Digesters Gas Compression Power Generation Bio-Gas is the methane by-product of the waste water anaerobic digestion process

20 Bio-Gas: a fuel to generate electricity 73% Reduction (43,800,000 kwh / Year) 10% Reduction (43,800,000 kwh / Year) 60,000,000 kwh / Year SOUTHSIDE DWU 5% Reduction (43,800,000 kwh / Year) 430,000,000 kwh / Year 790,000,000 kwh / Year CITY

21 Re-development of the Trinity River Re-development of Trinity corridor to help counteract effects of urban sprawl Promote mass transit, reduce emissions Residential development to reduce commuting Provide close proximity to urban amenities

22 Re-development of the Trinity River Preserve 2,700 acres in one of the nation s largest urban forests and wildlife habitats Construct at least 170 acres of wetlands to filter waste water and/or storm water

23 Office of Environmental Management Seeks to integrate efforts across a wide range of environmental issues Initiatives developed through workshops are now emerging as programs or projects Develops educational information for staff, to communicate City s environmental objectives Coordinates efforts with other non-attainment and near non-attainment counties in region Maintains a public resource guide, Green Dallas Initiatives at

24 Educational Outreach Dallas joined USGBC in October 2002 The City has been instrumental in establishment of the North Texas Chapter regular sponsor for monthly programs

25 CONCLUSION Demonstrating leadership through these initiatives, Dallas seeks participation in the development of a regional plan to confront our shared environmental issues Collaboration with other public agencies is essential for achievement of a successful and comprehensive response Coordinated implementation of these strategies on a regional level will achieve lasting solutions for the greater benefit of all