Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

Transcription

1 Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan Final Report Prepared for Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Project Contact: Bryan Teasdale Prepared by The Carbon Neutral Kootenay Project Contact: Ron Macdonald February 2010

2 About the Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project The Carbon Neutral Kootenays project is an initiative to assist local governments in the Kootenay region in meeting their commitments under the Climate Action Charter, including becoming carbon neutral in their operations. It is jointly funded by the Regional Districts of Central Kootenay, East Kootenay and Kootenay Boundary, and the Columbia Basin Trust, with the participation of member municipalities and First Nations. In 2009, the initiative includes compiling inventories of energy and greenhouse gas emissions for local government operations, developing action strategies for reducing emissions from Regional District operations, and conducting outreach and capacity building activities for staff and elected officials in the Kootenay region. This project is being implemented and facilitated by The Sheltair Group (*now Stantec) with the Community Energy Association. Contacts: Ron Macdonald Dale Littlejohn Inventories and Action Plans Outreach and Communications The Sheltair Group (now Stantec) Community Energy Association The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project is funded by the Regional Districts of Kootenay Boundary, Central Kootenay, East Kootenay, and the Columbia Basin Trust. At the 2009 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Conference this project was awarded the prize for Leadership & Innovation in recognition of environmental excellence and ideas that showcase vision, creativity and teamwork that can be followed by others. The unique funding model and partnership is a first in BC.

3 Summary The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has developed a Corporate GHG Emissions Reduction Plan to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its corporate operations. This plan is consistent with the Regional District s voluntary commitment to the Climate Action Charter; as a signatory to the Charter, the RDKB is committed to becoming carbon neutral by This plan establishes a framework for meeting this commitment by: Defining the baseline inventory of all energy consumption and GHG emissions that result from the Regional District s corporate operations; Identifying measures and business processes already initiated by the RDKB that will increase energy efficiency or reduce corporate emissions; Developing policies and actions to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in four focus areas: buildings, fleet, infrastructure, and purchasing and corporate leadership; Identifying an emissions reduction target from which to measure progress toward carbon neutrality; Outlining a structure for implementation. Corporate Energy Use and GHG Emissions 2008 [Draft] In 2008, the RDKB consumed a total of 29,880 GJ of energy, resulting in an estimated 1,271 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the delivery of its services. Energy consumed in the operation of the Regional District s recreation facilities accounts for nearly 50% of emissions, fleet represents 33%, and general buildings and infrastructure account for 11% and 8% respectively. 1 GHG Emission Reduction Target (Proposed) Actions taken between 2006 and 2008 have already reduced the carbon footprint of the RDKB by about 10%. Within the commitment to becoming carbon neutral, the Regional District is committed to continuing to reduce its corporate emissions through the adoption of the following target: 1 The inventory is DRAFT and will be updated and finalized in early The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page i

4 Achieve carbon neutrality by 2012 by reducing corporate greenhouse gas emissions 10% from 2008 levels, and purchasing offsets for the remaining emissions. Opportunities for Reducing Emissions The policy initiatives and action items identified in this plan are summarized below. By implementing these reduction measures, it is estimated that the RDKB could reasonably target to reduce operational GHG emissions by 10% between now and 2012 (the first year of carbon neutrality). Reductions beyond 2012 will further decrease the carbon footprint of the RDCK s operations. Table S-1. Estimated Target Reductions to 2012 Policy Initiatives & Actions Estimated GHG Emissions (2008) Potential Reduction by 2012 Reduction (in tonnes) Recreation & Community Centers % 54 General Facilities % 12 Fleet % 55 Infrastructure 81 0 %- 0 Contracted Services %- 0 Total Implementation To aid in successful implementation, it is recommended that the Regional District designate a specific staff member as the Program Champion for energy and GHG management purposes. This person will be responsible for working with staff from each department to initiate activities and ensure that the annual work plan is progressing. It is important that the energy management activities of the Program Champion be recognized as part of their job descriptions and performance expectations. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page ii

5 Summary of Actions Initiative One: Building Operations and Construction Corporate Action- 1: Commit to Building the most Energy Efficient Facilities Corporate Action- 2: Require an evaluation of Alternative Energy Sources for new construction and major renovations Corporate Action- 3: Conduct Energy Audits of Existing RDKB Facilities Corporate Action- 4: Complete Further Improvements to Grand Forks Recreation Facilities Initiative Two: Fleet Operations Corporate Action- 5: Develop an RDKB Vehicle Purchasing Policy Corporate Action- 6: Implement an Efficient Vehicle Use Initiative Initiative Three: Infrastructure Corporate Action- 7: Conduct energy-focused operational reviews of infrastructure Corporate Action- 8: Evaluate Energy Recovery Opportunities and Carbon Offset Potential for the Trail WWTP Initiative Four: Purchasing and Corporate Leadership Corporate Action- 9: Incorporate life cycle costing into operational decision making Corporate Action- 10: Encourage Green Procurement Corporate Action- 11: Incorporate emissions tracking requirements into agreements with RDKB service providers Corporate Action- 12: Reduce Need for Staff Travel Corporate Action- 13: Encourage staff to Develop New GHG Reduction Measures Implementation Actions Corporate Action- 14: Identify Staff Member as the Owner of the Plan Corporate Action- 15: Reconfirm Vehicle Fuel Tracking System suitability for carbon reporting. Corporate Action- 16: Develop an administrative system for tracking corporate emissions Corporate Action- 17: Develop an administrative system for tracking corporate emissions and report on progress The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page iii

6 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction Background: Energy, GHG Emissions and Climate Change Climate Action Charter Objectives of this Corporate GHG Emissions Reduction Plan Plan Development Background and Context Carbon Neutrality and Offsets Unique Considerations for the Kootenay Boundary Regional District Current RDKB Emissions Reduction Initiatives Corporate Energy and GHG Inventory RDKB Operations Profile Corporate Operations Boundaries Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions Opportunities for Reducing Emissions Energy and GHG Emissions Policy Statement Action Plan 11 Initiative One: Building Operations and Construction 12 Initiative Two: Fleet Operations 16 Initiative Three: Infrastructure 18 Initiative Four: Purchasing and Corporate Leadership 19 Implementation Actions Plan Implementation Program Overview GHG Emission Reduction Target Estimated Emission Reductions from Actions Energy Program Champion Resource Requirements and Funding Monitoring and Reporting 27 The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page iv

7 Figures Figure 1. Getting to Carbon Neutral... 3 Figure 2: Energy Consumption in Corporate Operations 2008 [Draft] Figure 3: Greenhouse gas emissions from corporate operations 2008 [Draft] Tables Table 1: Energy Conservation Activities already underway within the RDKB... 4 Table 2: Overview of RDKB Operations... 6 Table 3: 2008 Corporate Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions [Draft]... 9 Table 4. Estimated Target Reductions Table 5. Examples of Program Champion and Staff Responsibilities for Plan Implementation Table 6. Sample Funding Programs to Support Plan Implementation The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page v

8 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Background: Energy, GHG Emissions and Climate Change There is increasing evidence that global climate change resulting from emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) is causing, or will soon cause, significant environmental impact on the ecology of the planet. In addition to impacting ecology, climate change is expected to have serious negative impacts on global economic growth and development. In 2005, the UK government commissioned an independent review called the Stern Review, which states that the costs of stabilizing the climate are significant but manageable; delay would be dangerous and much more costly. This is a significant conclusion highlighting that deferring action will be more costly than initiating action immediately. The reduction of GHG emissions will require a concerted global effort to conserve the consumption of fossil fuels in all areas of society. No one individual or organization can make a difference to global GHG emissions; individuals and organizations must all act in concert, and all individuals and organizations must contribute to mitigate this challenge. As well, the abundance of cheap fossil fuels is declining and reducing dependence on fossil energy sources will be a key strategy for ensuring long-term community sustainability. Local governments can take action on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by: Identifying opportunities to reduce consumption and GHG emissions in their operations (corporate emissions reduction plan), and Implementing broader policies and programs to reduce consumption and GHG emissions in the community as a whole (community emissions reduction plan). 1.2 Climate Action Charter The BC Climate Action Charter is a provincial initiative introduced in September 2007 to encourage local governments to demonstrate leadership in emissions reduction. Participating local governments have committed to: measuring their GHG emissions profile, becoming carbon neutral in their municipal operations beginning in 2012, and creating create complete, compact, and more energy efficient rural and urban communities. The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary signed the Charter in April The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 1

9 Signatories to the Climate Charter are currently eligible for a rebate of the carbon tax paid to the Province (called the Climate Action Rebate Incentive Program CARIP). The RDKB received a rebate of approximately $500 through the CARIP in March This amount represents an estimated amount for the half year from July to December Based on the inventory, and the projected increase in the carbon tax rates 2, the CARIP rebate may be up to $32,000 annually from 2012 onward (based on current energy consumption and the 2012 carbon tax rate). 1.3 Objectives of this Corporate GHG Emissions Reduction Plan The corporate plan objectives are to: Estimate the baseline of energy consumption and GHG emissions for RDKB corporate operations. Define actions for the RDKB to implement that will reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions for corporate operations. Support the RDKB in meeting its commitment to become carbon neutral in its operations by 2012 as part of the Climate Action Charter. 1.4 Plan Development The RDKB Corporate GHG Emissions Reduction Plan was developed through a series of background research and consultation with staff that included: (i) the compilation of an inventory of energy use and GHG emissions for the year 2008, (ii) an action planning workshop with staff to review potential actions and define activities that would be feasible, and, (iii) follow-up research and telephone discussions with relevant staff. 2 The carbon tax was initiated at $10 per tonne of carbon (about 2.5 cents per litre of gasoline or $0.50 per GJ of natural gas) and will rise by $5 per tonne each July 1 until it reaches $30 per tonne in The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 2

10 2.0 Background and Context 2.1 Carbon Neutrality and Offsets To achieve carbon neutrality an organization must: reduce its emissions as much as possible through conservation measures, and acquire carbon offsets for any remaining emissions that cannot be avoided. The objective of carbon neutrality is achieved through a combination of reductions in emissions and the purchase of offsets, shown schematically in Figure 1. Since it is currently impossible to reduce emissions to zero, there will always be some requirement to procure offsets. A carbon offset is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that is generated through a specific project activity - either in the community or elsewhere in the broader economy. These reductions are verified, and can be purchased by the local government. (as shown in Figure 1, a project that reduces the local government s current emissions does not qualify as an offset project). The Climate Action Charter does not specify where offsets purchased for the purposes of achieving carbon neutrality should be sourced; however, there are protocols under development to determine what can be considered a legitimate offset. 3 Figure 1. Getting to Carbon Neutral 600 GHG Emssions (tonnes of CO2e per year) Reductions Made Offsets Required Emissions Reductions Achieved 3 A separate part of the Carbon neutral Kootenays project is devising a strategy for offset sourcing and possible development within the Kootenays region. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 3

11 2.2 Unique Considerations for the Kootenay Boundary Regional District Like other Regional Districts, the RDKB has a number of features which create unique challenges for managing energy and GHG emissions. These challenges are common to many rural Regional Districts in BC. Large and Geographically Diverse Service Areas The RDKB service area spans eight municipalities and five electoral areas, spread over 30,000 square kilometres. Facilities, vehicles, and services are dispersed accordingly. Small Fleet The RDKB operates a relatively small number of fleet vehicles, with many performing multiple tasks in varied locations and weather conditions. As well, half of the vehicles are specialty vehicles (e.g. fire trucks) and so cannot be substituted. Lean Staff Resources Buildings are managed by Regional District staff and volunteer fire fighters / community members; there may be limited time and resources available for administering retrofit and optimizing operational efficiencies. 2.3 Current RDKB Emissions Reduction Initiatives Energy management is sound business practice regardless of the GHG implications it helps manage operational costs, formalizes maintenance and upgrade activities, and is part of a sound business practice strategy. The RDKB has already initiated a number of actions to reduce energy and emissions. These are highlighted in Table 1. Table 1: Energy Conservation Activities already underway within the RDKB Area Facilities and Construction Activity Cristina Lake Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center: Includes a solar aquatics on-site sewage treatment system; center will be built to LEED Silver green building status. (RD provided land and a grant-inaid). The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 4

12 Area Building Operations Fleet Operations Infrastructure Solid Waste Activity Upcoming Retrofit of RD administration offices in 2010: Targeting for LEED silver performance; exploring opportunities for geo-exchange heating (test hole has been drilled to evaluate soil conditions), enhanced tele-conferencing capabilities to reduce lost time, and unnecessary travel Grand Forks Recreation Center, Arena, and Curling club: Extensive efficiency improvements beginning in 2007 including: solar panel installation for hot water heating; air:water heat pump for pool water pre-heat; lighting retrofits; rink chiller heat capture connected to pool water heat. [For the combined pool, arena, and curling center, natural gas consumption declined from 6500 GJ per year (average over ) to 4640 GJ per year ( average) a reduction of almost 30%]. Low E ceiling in the Beaver Valley arena (2007) Incorporation of Life Cycle Costing analysis to justify purchase of more energy efficient equipment (e.g. air conditioning retrofit selected higher cost equipment based on long term operational savings). Fleet Vehicle Replacement policy includes specific recommendations to use hybrid vehicles or other fuel efficient vehicles where appropriate. RDKB has purchased several hybrid trucks (e.g. Ford Escapes) for the fleet. Columbia Gardens water reservoir solar panel powered mixers. Solid waste management facilities GHG reductions sought through new organic waste diversion initiatives. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 5

13 3.0 Corporate Energy and GHG Inventory This section presents the compiled corporate energy and GHG inventories for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary for Please refer to the companion document 2008 Corporate Energy and Emissions Inventory Report for details regarding data sources, methodology, and emission factors used in the analysis. 3.1 RDKB Operations Profile A Regional District typically provides services requested by its members, acting as a federation which pays collectively or individually for services received. The RDKB provides a range of planning, environmental management, building inspection, bylaw enforcement, and protective services to area residents. Some services cover the entire Regional District, such as 911, while others are provided to a single community or group of communities, such as an arena or fire hall. Only areas that subscribe to a service offering are responsible for paying the cost of that service. This may have implications for energy management and conservation activities as rate payers from one portion of the Regional District cannot be required to pay for initiatives in another service area (e.g. a building retrofit or upgrade). Core components of RDKB operations that contribute to its GHG emissions profile include: Table 2: Overview of RDKB Operations Area Administration: Recreation Fire Services Description The RDKB operates one administration building in Trail and four other general service buildings in the region. The Regional District is responsible for five community recreation facilities (including two arenas and one pool). Grand Forks Aquatic Centre Grand Forks Arena Grand Forks Curling Rink Beaver Valley Arena Greater Trail Community Center The RDKB operates 4 fire services with nine fire halls. These buildings and the associated vehicles are run and maintained by community volunteer firefighters, and are typically in use only a few hours per week. Fire Stations The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 6

14 Area Fleet Solid Waste Management Infrastructure: Purchasing Contracted Services Description are: Rossland Trail (Schofield Hwy) Genelle Trail (Rossland Ave) Montrose Fruitvale Christina Lake Beaverdale Big White The RDKB operates a fleet of vehicles (in addition to the fire service vehicles) assigned to specific RDKB departments. The RDKB manages solid waste through three landfills and eleven transfer stations. Three landfills and three transfer stations are staffed (Beaverdale, Rock Creek, and Christina Lake). Waste is collected by a private firm under contract to the RDKB. Landfills are: McKelvey Creek Regional Landfill, Trail Grand Forks Landfill (Electoral Area D) West Boundary Landfill (Greenwood) Infrastructure services includes street lighting, one small water system (Columbia Gardens), one community water system (Beaver Valley Water Supply Utility), Trail Regional Airport, two wastewater treatment facilities (#1 Columbia Pollution Control Centre serving Trail, Rossland, Warfield, Rivervale and Oasis and #2 Christina Lake Advanced Wastewater Facility to begin servicing the new Christina Lake Arts and Artisans Centre in 2010). The Regional District purchases products and services required to continue the operation or delivery of services to residents. The Regional District contracts for waste collection in Big White and recycling collection throughout the region. 3.2 Corporate Operations Boundaries The Climate Action Secretariat (a part of the BC Ministry of Environment) are developing guidance material for local governments. A draft protocol was issued in The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 7

15 July and local governments are encouraged to work with the protocol and provide feedback to the Ministry. The protocol is developed so that communities compile the same information in a manner that is fair to all local governments (including RDs 5 ) since every community has different arrangements for how it delivers a service. Traditional Municipal Services: The boundaries are defined to include all services that are considered as traditional municipal services. These are defined as: Administration and Governance Drinking, Storm and Waste Water Solid Waste Collection, Transportation and Diversion Roads and Traffic Operations Arts, Recreation and Cultural Services Fire Protection Funded Services The protocol is based on whether an activity is funded by a local government, and not on how it is delivered. In this sense, whether a service is funded by the local government determines whether it is within the inventory, and not whether it is provided by staff or a contractor. If a service is not offered (e.g. no waste collection in rural areas) then there is no inclusion of this activity. Where a service is funded by more than one local government, then the emissions are to be shared on a proportionate basis between the funding organizations Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions Corporate emissions are generated as a result of the energy used during the operation of the RD s activities and delivery of Regional District services and the operation of its facilities. Policy planning and budgetary decisions to reduce corporate energy use are within the powers of the RDKB board and staff. 4 Guideline document available at 5 The term local government is used here to represent municipalities and regional districts. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 8

16 The Regional District consumed a total of 29,880 GJ of energy in 2008 resulting in an estimated 1271 tonnes of CO2 emissions (see Table 3). The estimated cost of these energy purchases is $468,000 annually. 6 Table 3: 2008 Corporate Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions [Draft] Fuel Type Energy Consumption Energy Units GHG Emissions (tonnes CO2e) Annual Direct Energy Expenditure (Approx $) Electricity 2,818,345 kwh 17 $184,000 Natural Gas 14,555 GJ 719 $146,000 Propane 0 L 0 $0 Gasoline 44,950 L 107 $45,000 Diesel 93,489 L 261 $93,000 Contracted Services Total 29,880 GJ 1,271 $468,000 NB: Does not include some electricity for facilities located in Grand Forks as these are serviced by Grand Forks hydro. Some refinements may occur in early Figure 2 provides a breakdown of energy consumed by the Regional District by category of activity. Figure 3 shows a breakdown of the Regional District s operational GHG emissions by category and energy source. The largest sources of GHG emissions are community centers and recreational facilities and the vehicle fleet. 7 6 The current inventory is in DRAFT form and may be revised subsequently based on further data collection. Currently the inventory does not include complete electricity data for facilities located in Grand Forks, though this information is expected in early These revisions are expected to add more electricity consumption to the inventory, which will increase the reported energy spending, but are expected to have only a small impact on the RDs GHG emissions because electricity is a low carbon energy source in the Kootenays. As well, the data collection protocol from the Climate Action Secretariat (part of the BC Ministry of Environment) have not finalized their protocols for data collection. There may be some refinement of the inventory as this protocol is finalized. 7 Comparing Figure 2 to Figure 3, the electricity energy source is a substantial contributor to the total energy profile, yet contributes only a small amount to the GHG emissions because the electricity supply in BC, and specifically the Kootenays is primarily hydro power based and so has low GHG emissions associated with its use. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 9

17 Figure 2: Energy Consumption in Corporate Operations 2008 [Draft] 16,000 Contracted GHGs (C) 14,000 PPropane (P) Diesel (D) Gasoline (G) 12,000 NG Natural Gas (NG) EElectricity (E) Energy Consumption (GJ per Year) 10,000 8,000 6,000 NG NG 4,000 2,000 0 NG E E E D G N.A. Buildings Community / Recreation Facilities Infrastructure & Services Fleet Contracted Services Figure 3: Greenhouse gas emissions from corporate operations 2008 [Draft] 600 CContracted Services (C) PPropane (P) 500 DDiesel (D) GGasoline (G) NG Natural Gas (NG) Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Tonnes of CO2 per year) NG D EElectricity (E) 100 NG NG G C 0 E E E Buildings Community / Recreation Facilities Infrastructure & Services Fleet Contracted Services The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 10

18 4.0 Opportunities for Reducing Emissions This plan proposes a range of initiatives and actions in four areas of the Regional District s operations: Building Operations, Fleet Operations, Infrastructure, and Purchasing and Corporate Leadership. As well, a set of implementation actions are required. 4.1 Energy and GHG Emissions Policy Statement This action plan develops a number of activities for the Regional District to pursue. However, there will always be new ideas and opportunities that present themselves in the future. As such the key principles of the plan can be used to evaluate and direct those Future decisions. Policy statement: The RDKB will conduct its operations with a constant attention to reducing energy use and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as we strive to be a leader in moving towards a renewable energy economy. This will be achieved by: Including energy consumption and GHG emission considerations in our capital spending and operational activities. Building strong business cases to demonstrate that GHG reduction, energy savings and operational improvements are cost effective Instilling in our staff a culture of conservation, and Demonstrating visibly to our residents and board the activities we are pursuing and the benefits achieved. 4.2 Action Plan The actions take one of several types depending on how they impact consumption and emissions: (i) Direct actions by which the RD identifies and implements specific activities which will conserve energy in their operation. These include building audits and retrofits, vehicle downsizing, etc. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 11

19 (ii) (iii) Policy initiatives whereby the RD defines key principles and activities for guiding future action. These initiatives may not achieve immediate impacts, but through board endorsement they guide future activities of the RD. These policies can be a guide to future decision making and infrastructure development. Catalyst measures. These actions are demonstration actions which serve to enhance a culture of conservation, waste reduction and sustainability which is broader than exclusively energy management or GHG emissions. Some of these actions may have small emissions savings but a substantial demonstration value, or may reduce emissions amongst staff or in the community that aren t formally included in the RDKB s inventory. Initiative One: Building Operations and Construction Objective: To build and operate RDKB buildings in the most energy efficient manner. Background: The Regional District is responsible for a building stock comprised primarily of recreation facilities and fire halls, in addition to its administrative offices. Some of these facilities are only intermittently occupied and none have been audited for energy efficiency in several years. New construction and major rehabilitation projects provide building owners with an opportunity to make use of new technologies and materials that can result in more efficient building systems, reduced operational costs, and lower GHG emissions. Planning work is underway for a new Fire Hall at Big White, to be completed in 2010/2011, and a number of significant renovation projects are in the planning stages, including a major retrofit of the RDKB administration office in Trail. The development of this Plan provides the RDKB with an opportunity to develop a policy to guide these future projects. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 12

20 Corporate Action- 1: Commit to Building the most Energy Efficient Facilities Action Type: Policy The building code has recently (Sept 2008) been updated to require greater energy efficiency in new construction and further improvements to code requirements may occur over the next few years. Additionally there are technologies and building practises allow for the construction of buildings that are more energy efficient. The RDKB will: Include within all major capital projects an evaluation of the opportunities to achieve the highest level of energy efficiency, and the lowest possible GHG emissions. To support this commitment, the Regional District can choose to utilize third party rating systems (such as LEED for green buildings, ASHRAE 90.1 for energy efficiency, EnerGuide for equipment ratings, etc). As well, business case development for these projects should include a demonstration of the life cycle cost benefits 8 or triple-bottom analysis 9 into its decision making regarding major renovation and construction projects. Corporate Action- 2: Require an evaluation of Alternative Energy Sources for new construction and major renovations Action Type: Policy New construction, the replacement of equipment at the end of its service life, and major renovations represent key opportunities to incorporate alternative energy systems at the lowest possible cost. This action specifically focuses on alternative energy systems such as: Solar hot water Heat recovery from refrigeration and other waste heat sources (e.g. ice chillers) Geo-exchange using heat pumps and water circulated through an earth pump system to drive heating or cooling systems 8 Life Cycle Costing considers the total capital and operating costs over the lifetime of the purchase. For example, purchasing a more expensive pump that uses less energy than conventional pumps may save more money over its lifetime or a shorter period. 9 Triple Bottom Line (TBL) methodologies consider how an initiative meets economic, environmental, and social objectives in an integrated evaluation. For example, an energy efficient ventilation system may reduce energy consumption, reducing infrastructure costs and GHG emissions, while also improving indoor air quality and occupant comfort. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 13

21 Heat recovery from neighbouring facilities District energy opportunities: may be potential in the long-term if future development is concentrated near a hub of community facilities. The RDKB will: Include within all new construction, major equipment replacement, and major renovations to an evaluation of the opportunities to utilize alternative energy sources. This would include a technical and financial evaluation of potential alternative energy sources for space and hot water heating. The assessment should account for both the capital and operational costs over an extended period (life cycle costing) as alternative energy systems may require higher up-front capital costs, but reduce operating costs (including fuel costs) over the lifetime of the building. Corporate Action- 3: Conduct Energy Audits of Existing RDKB Facilities Action Type: Direct A Level 1 walk-through audit determines a building s energy efficiency and cost by analyzing energy bills and conducting a brief on-site survey of the building. The analysis provides a savings and cost analysis of low cost/no-cost measures and a list of potential capital improvements that merit further consideration. The recommendations from these audits may then be considered for implementation in other buildings of similar type. Not all actions are economically feasible, but it is recommended that all actions with a payback of 10 years or less be implemented. The RDKB will: By the end of 2010, conduct Level 1 (or walk-through) energy audits on all of its buildings. From 2011 to 2012, the RDKB will implement all recommended measures with a payback period of ten years or less. Corporate Action- 4: Complete Further Improvements to Grand Forks Recreation Facilities Action Type: Direct The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 14

22 Substantial action has been taken to reduce natural gas consumption at the Grand Forks pool and arena. Utility records indicate that natural gas reductions of 30% have been achieved representing a reduction of 10% of the entire RDs carbon footprint between 2006 and As one of the larger energy consumers and GHG emitters, further activity is warranted. Possible future items that have been identified and require evaluation include: Addition of another heat exchanger to enable solar heating for the pool water Re-direct excess recovered heat to HVAC system at aquatic centre for heating air Converting Ice Machine (e.g. Zamboni) water boilers to instantaneous hot water units. Heating and cooling of offices and activity spaces with air to air heat pumps. Dressing room heating from ice plant rejected heat Possible tie-in of curling rink chiller reject heat during seedling storage periods (during curling season the reject heat is used for space heating within the building). The RDKB will: By the end of 2010, prepare evaluations of the remaining opportunities at the Grand Forks Recreation center, pool and curling rink. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 15

23 Initiative Two: Fleet Operations Objective: To utilize and operate RDKB fleet vehicles in a manner that conserves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Background: The Regional District currently has a mix of fire services vehicles, and other passenger cars and trucks for use by different services and staff. A common barrier to reducing fleet fuel consumption is the travel distances required for RD staff, winter conditions and the range or service functions that may be required from a single vehicle. However, RDKB staff has already deployed Ford Escape hybrid trucks indicating that fuel efficiency and performance requirements can both be achieved. Fleet consumption is driven by two factors, the types of vehicles driven and the manner in which they are driven. Two actions are defined to target these factors. Corporate Action- 5: Develop an RDKB Vehicle Purchasing Policy Action Type: Policy / Direct In this action the RDKB will formalize a vehicle purchasing policy to ensure that vehicles purchased by the Regional District are evaluated based on: Anticipated usage of vehicles (e.g. engine size, vehicle weight, average load capacity, average passenger capacity, average operational terrain). Life cycle considerations (e.g. residual costs / values of vehicle being replaced, capital costs, maintenance costs, fuel costs, resale values). The objective is to ensure that all vehicles are the most energy efficient, while still meeting the required activity requirements. The RDKB may choose to adopt this policy as part of a larger green procurement policy for the Regional District. As an example, the RDKB has purchased hybrid Ford Escapes which have up to 50% better gas mileage than non- hybrid versions. The incremental purchase cost has been justified by the long term savings in fuel costs. Corporate Action- 6: Implement an Efficient Vehicle Use Initiative The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 16

24 Action Type: Direct A substantial portion of vehicle emissions and fuel use can be avoided through operator behaviour. It is estimated that up to 10% savings are readily possible through maintenance activities and operator driving characteristics. The RDKB will: Implement a program of staff education to reduce fleet fuel Specific activities include: Routine checks of vehicle systems (e.g. tire pressures, engine tuning) Driver training for fuel efficiency. Operator behaviour can substantially reduce consumption Aggressive idling reduction promotion Accelerated retirement of inefficient vehicles Reducing travel needs through teleconferencing and other potential IT solutions (see also Initiative 4) Many of these activities are not new and are frequently implemented for safety and operational reasons. This action formalizes the emphasis on fuel savings as an objective. Programs such as the E3 fleet (a fleet certification system developed by the Fraser Basin Council) and FleetSmart (a Natural Resources Canada toolkit) provide excellent resources for actions to implement. At present it is not likely that the RDKB fleet is large enough to justify pursuing certification through E3). The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 17

25 Initiative Three: Infrastructure Objective: To operate and manage RDKB infrastructure assets in a manner that conserves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and maximizes opportunities to generate carbon offsets. Corporate Action- 7: Conduct energy-focused operational reviews of infrastructure Action Type: Direct The Regional District operates some infrastructure, and occasionally acquires new services. These facilities may be reviewed (on a periodic, or as needed basis) to define maintenance requirements for financial planning purposes. In particular, newly acquired services may have engineering and technical reviews conducted. This action commits the RD to include within these reviews an assessment of the energy conservation potential. Corporate Action- 8: Evaluate Energy Recovery Opportunities and Carbon Offset Potential for the Trail WWTP Action Type: Policy Development of a Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) is underway. One consideration will be the Columbia Pollution Control Center (serving Trail) and the Plan is expected to define whether upgrades or expansion are required. This action commits the RD to evaluate energy capture and recovery opportunities within the planning for the WWTP. This might include sewage waste heat recovery by heat pumps, biogas generation from bio-solids digestion, and innovative energy recovery systems within the plant. The objective is to minimise the purchase of fossil heating fuels for plant operation. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 18

26 Initiative Four: Purchasing and Corporate Leadership Objective: To purchase products and services that are cost-effective and help the RDKB reduce energy. Background: The RDKB will assume a leadership role in developing policies that contribute to the reduction of energy and GHG emissions in its building operations, fleet and infrastructure management, and purchasing practices. It will also educate and develop awareness among residents of the Regional District through outreach and community engagement. Initiatives pursued as part of this plan should be highlighted in public documents such as Annual Reports and through existing RDKB communication strategies such as the website, newsletters and press releases. Corporate Action- 9: Incorporate life cycle costing into operational decision making Action Type: Policy / Catalyst To ensure the full cost of a product or project is considered, include the concept of Life Cycle Cost in purchasing and other operational decision making procedures. It is recognized that the RDKB has already informally incorporated this approach into its activities. Examples include the purchase of Ford Escape hybrids, and an air conditioning retrofit at the Greater Trail Community and Arts Center. In these purchases, a higher up front capital cost was justified on the basis of long term operational savings. Corporate Action- 10: Encourage Green Procurement Action Type: Policy The RDKB will encourage energy efficient and / or green purchasing. This may require the development of a green purchasing policy that includes criteria for energy conservation and GHG reduction. A green purchasing policy considers the life cycle cost of each product, and gives preference to environmentally superior products where quality, function, and cost are equal. A green procurement policy can include a range of criteria, such as: The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 19

27 Guidelines for selecting appropriate vehicles ( rightsizing ); Guidelines for fuel selection; Preference for products with specific environmental labelling / rating (Energy Star, Environmental Choice, EcoLogo); Requiring recycled content in paper purchases; 10 Including energy conservation targets in facility management contracts. Corporate Action- 11: Incorporate emissions tracking requirements into agreements with RDKB service providers Action Type: Catalyst The emissions associated with the delivery of core Regional District services, whether or not they are delivered by RDKB staff, must be captured in the RDKB emissions inventory after To enable staff to capture and monitor the emissions associated with private delivery of RDKB services (e.g. waste hauling, snow removal etc); the RDKB will include emission tracking requirements in all contracts with private sector service providers renewed after January 1, It is expected that the Province will provide some guidance in this area during 2010 and Corporate Action- 12: Reduce Need for Staff Travel Action Type: Direct Staff travel is a natural part of the operations of a physically dispersed RD operation. However, activities can be implemented that can assist in reducing the need for unnecessary travel. These include IT solutions such as and server connections, web conference calling, video conferencing, and activity scheduling. Reduced travel has other benefits such as more effective use of staff time, and increased safety (particularly in winter conditions). Corporate Action- 13: Encourage staff to Develop New GHG Reduction Measures 10 The RDKB currently has a policy for recycled paper consumption and this could be expanded into a broader green purchasing policy. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 20

28 Action Type: Catalyst The staff that operate facilities and equipment have the best understanding of the needs and requirements and are frequently the best able to conceive ideas for new efficiencies. This action commits the RDKB to actively pursue these ideas for new efficiencies from staff. Activities might include: Promotions within staff to capture ideas and opportunities. Recognition at the management and board level for staff that develop and implement conservation activities. Periodic updates to this action list. Distribution of information about the successes of the plan to highlight staff contribution. In small organizations, this type of activity frequently occurs informally. This action is intended to formalize and elevate the prominence of this activity. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 21

29 Implementation Actions Corporate Action- 14: Identify Staff Member as the Owner of the Plan The RDKB will identify a specific Program Owner responsible for coordinating the initiatives recommended in this Plan. The designated staff person will take ownership over the Plan and will coordinate with staff in each department charged with specific actions to support progress toward reduction targets. Staff will explore opportunities for funding that may enable the RDKB to create a new parttime energy coordinator position. This may be through new resources or through the reallocation of existing resources. Corporate Action- 15: Reconfirm Vehicle Fuel Tracking System suitability for carbon reporting. The RDKB purchases the majority of its vehicle fuels using purchase cards. These provide account statements and can be used to (i) track fuel consumption, and (ii) to extract data in order to apply for the CARIP grant (carbon tax rebate). Tracking and reporting would be done through spreadsheet downloads. While most communities have begun tracking their CARIP grant consumption manually (grant is less than 1 year old), it will inevitably be desired that carbon tracking be more automated. Gas card systems should allow an electronic capture of fuel consumption data. Corporate Action- 16: Develop an administrative system for tracking corporate emissions The RDKB will track and report on RDKB energy consumption and emissions. This process will include tracking energy consumption data through the financial system using fuel and utility bills. This data should be provided to facility and fleet managers to enable better energy management. Tracking energy consumption data is important for identifying facilities or vehicles that are not operating as efficiently as expected. Collecting consumption data in conjunction with financial data allows for energy consumption reports to be generated with financial reports. This may require the addition of specific fields to existing financial systems to accommodate the following information from fuel or utility providers: kwh or GJ consumption of electricity GJ consumption of natural gas The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 22

30 L consumption of vehicles fuels (gasoline and diesel) Corporate Action- 17: Develop an administrative system for tracking corporate emissions and report on progress Staff will provide an annual emissions management report to the Board, including a review of all utility accounts to identify areas of concern, comparison of current energy use to records from previous years, and documentation of energy reduction initiatives completed each year. Please refer to the proposed annual reporting requirements (section 5) for further detail. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 23

31 5.0 Plan Implementation 5.1 Program Overview Name Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan Objective To enable the RDKB to achieve reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions within Regional District operations. Overview The Plan s major features include: Definition of four priority areas and policy initiatives and actions for each area; Inclusion of energy considerations within RDKB policy to guide future decision making; and Regional District action within RDKB facilities to demonstrate leadership in the community. 5.2 GHG Emission Reduction Target As a voluntary signatory to the provincial Climate Action Charter, the RDKB is committed to becoming carbon neutral in its operations by the end of In order to meet this challenge, the RDKB will undertake activities to reduce energy consumption and emissions from current levels, and purchase offsets for remaining emissions. Setting a target for corporate emissions sets a commitment by the RDKB to take action and not simply rely on the purchase of offsets to meet the neutrality commitment. Since 2006 retrofits at the Grand Forks pool and arena have reduced natural gas consumption at these facilities by about 30% resulting in GHG reductions equivalent to 10% of the total RDKB carbon footprint. That is, the current footprint is already 10% lower than in Moving forward from the 2008 baseline, it is proposed that the District commit to the following target for further reductions: To achieve carbon neutrality by 2012 by reducing corporate greenhouse gas emissions 10% from 2008 levels, and purchasing offsets for the remaining emissions. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 24

32 5.3 Estimated Emission Reductions from Actions In order to meet this target, this study identified 17 actions and policy initiatives to be undertaken by the RDKB to conserve energy and reduce emissions. Table 5 outlines the potential reductions expected as a result of implementing the recommended actions. Table 4. Estimated Target Reductions Policy Initiatives & Actions Estimated GHG Emissions (2008) Potential Reduction Reduction (in tonnes) Recreation & Community Centers % 54 General Facilities % 12 Fleet % 55 Infrastructure 81 0 %- 0 Contracted Services %- 0 Total Energy Program Champion To aid in successful implementation, it is recommended that the Regional District designate a specific staff member as the Program Champion for energy management and GHG reduction purposes. This person will be responsible for working with staff from each department to initiate activities and ensure that the annual work plan is progressing. However established, it is important that the energy management activities of the program champion be recognized as part of their job descriptions and performance expectations. A sample break-down of responsibilities for the program champion and other staff is shown in Table 5. The Carbon Neutral Kootenays Project February 2010 page 25