Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report 3.5 ENERGY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY.

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1 3.5 ENERGY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY As a result of the analysis undertaken in the Initial Study 1 for the Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan, the LACCD determined that the proposed project may result in environmental impacts to energy conservation and sustainability. Therefore, this issue is being carried forward for detailed analysis in this EIR. This analysis was undertaken to identify opportunities to avoid, reduce, or otherwise mitigate potential significant impacts to energy conservation and sustainability and to identify potential alternatives. The analysis of energy conservation and sustainability consists of a summary of the regulatory framework that guides the decision-making process, a description of the existing conditions at the proposed project area, thresholds for determining whether the proposed project would result in significant impacts, anticipated impacts (direct, indirect, and cumulative), mitigation measures, and level of significance after mitigation. The energy conservation and sustainability impacts of the proposed project were evaluated in accordance with the methodologies and information provided by Appendix F of the CEQA Guidelines 2, the Sustainability Guidelines, state CEQA Guidelines, and Title 24 of the CCR, California Energy Efficiency Standards Setting Regulatory Setting The following regulations and guidelines provide the framework for energy conservation and sustainability. The increased and growing demands for non-renewable energy supplies are best addressed through conservation according to these programs and their requirements. State Title 24, Energy Efficiency Standards All new construction in California must meet Title 24 energy standards 3. Title 24, which provides energy efficiency standards for residential and nonresidential buildings, was established in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California's energy consumption. The standards are updated periodically to incorporate new energy efficiency technologies and methods. 1 Los Angeles Mission College, July 6, Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Initial Study, prepared by URS Corporation, 915 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Division 6, Chapter 3, Sections Available at 3 California Energy Commission, March Building Energy Efficiency Standards

2 The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently adopted the 2005 changes to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which establishes standards that LAMC, along with all new construction in California, must meet. Title 24 addresses, but is not limited to, the standards shown in Table Table Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards Building Envelope Fenestration Opaque Envelope Insulation Cool Roofs Infiltration and Air Leakage Relocatable Public School Buildings Overall Envelope Approach Additions and Alterations Compliance Documentation Mechanical Systems Equipment Requirements Ventilation Requirements Pipe and Duct Distribution Systems HVAC System Control Requirements HVAC System Requirements Service Water Heating Performance Approach Additions and Alterations Mechanical Plan Check Documents Indoor Lighting Lighting Design Procedures Performance Approach Calculating the Lighting Power Exit Way and Egress Lighting Signs Common Lighting Systems Simplification for Tenant Spaces Minimum Skylight for Large Enclosed Spaces Acceptable Requirements High Efficiency Luminaries Additions and Alterations Outdoor Lighting and Signs Mandatory Measures Lighting Zones Outdoor Lighting Power Allowances General Site Illumination Specific Lighting Applications Alterations and Additions for Outdoor Lighting Signs Outdoor and Sign Lighting Plan Check Documents Lighting Inspection Performance Approach Performance Concepts Analysis Procedure Application Scenarios Enforcement and Compliance Acceptance Requirements Acceptance Testing Process Forms Mechanical Acceptance Testing Overview Lighting Acceptance Testing Overview Test Procedures for Mechanical Systems 3.5-2

3 State CEQA Guidelines Section (a)(1) of the CEQA Guidelines states that an EIR shall describe feasible measures that could minimize significant adverse impacts, including, where relevant, inefficient and unnecessary consumption of energy. CEQA Guidelines Appendix F, Energy Conservation, provides guidance for EIRs regarding potential energy impacts of proposed projects, with particular emphasis on avoiding or reducing the inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary consumption of energy. In addition, though not described as thresholds for determining the significance of impacts, Appendix F seeks inclusion of information in the EIR addressing the following: Measures to reduce wasteful, inefficient and unnecessary consumption of energy during construction, operation, and maintenance of the project; The siting and orientation of buildings and structures to minimize energy consumption, including transportation energy; Measures for reducing peak energy demand; Incorporation of alternative fuels (particularly renewable ones) or energy systems; and Incorporation of recycling of non-renewable resources. Sustainable Building Principles, Standards, and Processes The LACCD Proposition A Bond Program requires that all LACCD Proposition A projects be developed in accordance with the Sustainable Building Principles, Standards and Processes approved by the Accreditation and Planning Committee. A structure must meet the sustainable standards if over 50% of its funding is from Proposition A, the building footprint is over 7,500 square feet, and the constructed project is an occupied structure. The sustainable principles are as described below. The Project must achieve between 26 and 36 LEED Points. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System 4 is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes an approach to sustainability in five key areas: Sustainable site development; Water savings; Energy efficiency; Materials selection; and 4 U.S. Green Building Council

4 Indoor environmental quality. LEED points can be accomplished through the efficient use of water, energy, and building materials through the application of practices that improve indoor environmental quality. Specific energy conservation targets have been established for both major renovation and new construction projects. New construction energy efficiency is to exceed Title 24 by 20%. The project must also use between 15% and 25% renewable energy. To meet the range of renewable energy generation, the project may use a combination of on-site generation of energy and the purchase of utility-generated Green Power, provided that at least 10% of the project s energy is from renewable energy generated on-site. Table provides the LEED Registered Project Checklist, which outlines a total of 69 possible points a project can acquire to establish LEED certification, of which LAMC must meet at least 26. The LAMC Facilities Master Plan has established that the following are potential LEED credits and prerequisites, based on the Master Plan. Additional necessary credits will be pursued as individual buildings are designed and constructed. Sustainable Site (SS) Credits SS Prerequisite 1: Erosion and Sedimentation Control SS Credit 1: Site Selection SS Credit 4.1: Alternative Transportation (Public Transportation Access) SS Credit 4.2: Alternative Transportation (Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms) SS Credit 4.3: Alternative Transportation (Alternative Fuel Vehicles) SS Credit 4.4: Alternative Transportation (Minimum Parking and Car pool Parking) SS Credit 6.1: Stormwater Management (Rate & Quantity) SS Credit 6.2: Stormwater Management (Treatment) SS Credit 7.1: Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands (Non-Roof) Water Efficiency (WE) Credits WE Credit 1.1: Water Efficient Landscaping (50% less than conventional) Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credits EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance 3.5-4

5 Table LEED Registered Project Checklist Sustainable Sites 14 Possible Points Prereq 1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Credit 1: Site Selection 1 Credit 2: Development Density & Community Connectivity 1 Credit 3: Brownfield Redevelopment 1 Credit 4.1: Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access 1 Credit 4.2: Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms 1 Credit 4.3: Alternative Transportation, Low Emitting & Fuel Efficient Vehicles 1 Credit 4.4: Alternative Transportation, Parking Capacity 1 Credit 5.1: Site Development, Protect or Restore Habitat 1 Credit 5.2: Site Development, Maximize Open Space 1 Credit 6.1: Stormwater Design, Quantity Control 1 Credit 6.2: Stormwater Design, Quality Control 1 Credit 7.1: Heat Island Effect, Non-Roof 1 Credit 7.2: Heat Island Effect, Roof 1 Credit 8: Light Pollution Reduction 1 Water Efficiency 5 Possible Points Credit 1.1: Water Efficient Landscaping, Reduce by 50% 1 Credit 1.2: Water Efficient Landscaping, No Potable Use or No Irrigation 1 Credit 2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies 1 Credit 3.1: Water Use Reduction, 20% Reduction 1 Credit 3.2: Water Use Reduction, 30% Reduction 1 Energy & Atmosphere 17 Possible Points Prereq 1: Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems Prereq 2: Minimum Energy Performance Prereq 3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance 1-10 Credit 2: On-Site Renewable Energy 1-3 Credit 3: Enhanced Commissioning 1 Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management 1 Credit 5: Measurement & Verification 1 Credit 6: Green Power 1 Materials & Resources 13 Possible Points Prereq 1 Storage & Collection of Recyclables Credit 1.1 Building Reuse, Maintain 75% of Existing Walls, Floors & Roof 1 Credit 1.2 Building Reuse, Maintain 100% of Existing Walls, Floors & Roof 1 Credit 1.3 Building Reuse, Maintain 50% of Interior Non-Structural Elements 1 Credit 2.1 Construction Waste Management, Divert 50% from Disposal 1 Credit 2.2 Construction Waste Management, Divert 75% from Disposal 1 Credit 3.1 Materials Reuse, 5%

6 Table LEED Registered Project Checklist Continued Credit 3.2 Materials Reuse,10% 1 Credit 4.1 Recycled Content, 10% (post-consumer + ½ pre-consumer) 1 Credit 4.2 Recycled Content, 20% (post-consumer + ½ pre-consumer) 1 Credit 5.1 Regional Materials, 10% Extracted, Processed & Manufactured 1 Regionally Credit 5.2 Regional Materials, 20% Extracted, Processed & Manufactured 1 Regionally Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 1 Credit 7 Certified Wood 1 Indoor Environmental Quality 15 Possible Points Prereq 1 Minimum IAQ Performance Prereq 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control Credit 1 Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 1 Credit 2 Increased Ventilation 1 Credit 3.1 Construction IAQ Management Plan, During Construction 1 Credit 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan, Before Occupancy 1 Credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives & Sealants 1 Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials, Paints & Coatings 1 Credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials, Carpet Systems 1 Credit 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials, Composite Wood & Agrifiber Products 1 Credit 5 Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control 1 Credit 6.1 Controllability of Systems, Lighting 1 Credit 6.2 Controllability of Systems, Thermal Comfort 1 Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort, Design 1 Credit 7.2 Thermal Comfort, Verification 1 Credit 8.1 Daylight & Views, Daylight 75% of Spaces 1 Credit 8.2 Daylight & Views, Views for 90% of Spaces 1 Innovation and Design Process 5 Possible Points Credit 1.1 Innovation in Design: Provide Specific Title 1 Credit 1.2 Innovation in Design: Provide Specific Title 1 Credit 1.3 Innovation in Design: Provide Specific Title 1 Credit 1.4 Innovation in Design: Provide Specific Title 1 Credit 2 LEED Accredited Professional 1 In addition to the target Sustainable Building Range of 26 to 36 LEED points, new construction should meet specified energy standards. The LACCD Guidelines call for new construction to exceed Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards by 20%. Local The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) supplies electricity to the Community of Sylmar and LAMC. LADWP provides several programs for residents and 3.5-6

7 non-residents of Los Angeles to help conserve energy. Programs for residents of Los Angeles include Consumer Rebate Programs, a Refrigerator Turn-In and Recycling Program, Ultra-Low-Flush Toilet Programs, High-Efficiency Clothes Washer Rebate Program, Trees for a Green LA Program, Green Power Program, Project ANGEL, Outdoor Area Lighting Program, Solar Power Incentives, Power Quality Consulting Programs and Electric Vehicle Programs Environmental Setting Regional The project site exists in the community of Sylmar, City of Los Angeles, in a predominantly low density residential neighborhood adjacent to the San Gabriel Mountains. Most of the community of Sylmar was developed during the years immediately following World War II, which predates, and therefore would not be in compliance with, Title 24. Sylmar subsequently had another wave of development and growth in the 1980s that increased the community s number of dwelling units by 33% 5 ; this development would be in compliance with Title 24. The community of Sylmar is subject to the phenomena of the urban heat island effect, which is largely caused by the concentration of buildings and paved surfaces in urban areas. The urban heat island effect is the increase in temperatures in urban areas that result in a greater number of days when air quality is unhealthy or worse. The City of Los Angeles s approach to addressing the urban heat island effect has been to focus on better management of the urban forest to offset its effects, such as using trees to reduce the demand for air conditioning and cooling in buildings and on paved surfaces. Electricity for the community of Sylmar is provided by the LADWP. LADWP is developing a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) 6, designed to increase the amount of energy it generates from renewable power sources to 20% of its energy sales to retail customers by 2017, with an interim goal of 13% by The policy will provide a longterm framework to achieve the 20% goal without compromising power reliability or the financial stability of the Department and its customers. As mentioned above, LADWP offers several programs to help conserve energy, but the extent of the use of these programs in Sylmar is not known. Project The project consists of two sites that are one-third of a mile apart from one another. The first, the existing LAMC (or College) campus, is within the City of Los Angeles. Electricity would be provided by the LADWP. The school is currently constructing a 5 City of Los Angeles. August Sylmar Community Plan, A Part of the General Plans 6 Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Renewable Energy Policy. Available at

8 parking structure that includes photovoltaic modules that would produce electricity for the campus. Energy consumption of new buildings in California is regulated by the State Building Energy Efficiency Standards, contained in Title 24 of the CCR. The efficiency standards apply to the new construction of both residential and non-residential buildings and regulate energy consumed for heating, cooling ventilation, water heating, and lighting. The existing LAMC campus is in compliance with Title Significance Thresholds The following information is provided in accordance with Section of the CEQA Guidelines. Based upon the criteria presented in Appendix F of the CEQA Guidelines, and the LACCD Sustainable Buildings Principles, Standards and Processes, the following environmental thresholds are used as signature thresholds for energy conservation and sustainability. The project may have significant impacts if it would: Cause wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy during the project construction, operation, maintenance, and/or removal; Cause preempting of future energy development or future energy conservation; Not meet a minimum of 26 LEED points for new construction; or Not exceed Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards by 20 percent Environmental Impact Analysis Unnecessary Consumption of Energy Construction, operation and maintenance of the project would be in compliance with Los Angeles Community College District Sustainable Building Principles, Standards and Processes, and Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards, and therefore would not consume energy inefficiently. Furthermore, construction of buildings that require LEED certification would be in compliance with LEED Sustainable Site Prerequisite 1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention. As such, there would be no significant impact Preemption of Future Energy Development and Conservation Operation of the project would be in compliance with Los Angeles Community College District Sustainable Building Principles, Standards and Processes, and Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards. The LACCD Sustainability Guidelines calls for at least 10% of the project s energy to be from renewable energy generated on site. Therefore, the proposed project would result in less than significant impacts on preempting future energy development or future energy conservation

9 LEED Points for New Construction The individual structures on the campus would be LEED-certified, independently of one another, and unoccupied structures, such as parking structures, would not have to meet the LACCD Sustainable Building Standards. The LAMC Facilities Master Plan has established that there are 10 potential LEED credits and prerequisites. Sixteen or more credits would be achieved as individual buildings are designed and constructed. Therefore, there would be no significant impact. The LEED analysis has been completed for the Health, PE & Fitness building. The structure will be meeting the following 31 points: Table LA Mission College Health, P.E. & Fitness Center LEED Roadmap Sustainable Sites 6 Points Prereq 1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Credit 1: Site Selection 1 Credit 4.2: Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms 1 Credit 4.3: Alternative Transportation, Low Emitting & Fuel Efficient Vehicles 1 Credit 4.4: Alternative Transportation, Parking Capacity 1 Credit 7.2: Heat Island Effect, Roof 1 Credit 8: Light Pollution Reduction 1 Water Efficiency 1 Point Credit 3.1: Water Use Reduction, 20% Reduction 1 Energy & Atmosphere 7 Points Prereq 1: Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems Prereq 2: Minimum Energy Performance Prereq 3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management Credit 1.1: Optimize Energy Performance 20% New/ 10% Existing 2 Credit 1.2: Optimize Energy Performance 30% New/ 20% Existing 2 Credit 3: Enhanced Commissioning 1 Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management 1 Credit 5: Measurement & Verification 1 Materials & Resources 7 Points Prereq 1 Storage & Collection of Recyclables Credit 2.1 Construction Waste Management, Divert 50% from Disposal 1 Credit 2.2 Construction Waste Management, Divert 75% from Disposal 1 Credit 4.1 Recycled Content, 10% (post-consumer + 1/2 pre-consumer) 1 Credit 4.2 Recycled Content, 20% (post-consumer + 1/2 pre-consumer) 1 Credit 5.1 Regional Materials, 10% Extracted, Processed & Manufactured 1 Regionally Credit 5.2 Regional Materials, 20% Extracted, Processed & Manufactured 1 Regionally Credit 7 Certified Wood

10 Indoor Environmental Quality 9 Points Minimum IAQ Performance Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control Credit 1 Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 1 Credit 3.1 Construction IAQ Management Plan, During Construction 1 Credit 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan, Before Occupancy 1 Credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives and Sealants 1 Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials, Paints and Coatings 1 Credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials, Carpet Systems 1 Credit 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials, Composite Wood & Agrifiber Products 1 Credit 5 Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control 1 Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort, Design 1 Innovation and Design Process 1 Point Credit 2 LEED Accredited Professional Exceed Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards by 20% The proposed project will exceed Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards by 20% by implementing energy-saving measures such as natural lighting, low energy use equipment, low ultraviolet (UV) windows, additional insulation, and dual glazing of windows. Therefore, there would be no significant impact Policy and Regulatory Compliance State CEQA Guidelines Although not specified as thresholds for determining the significance of impacts, the State CEQA Guidelines seek inclusion of information in the EIR addressing the following. 1. Measures to reduce wasteful, inefficient and unnecessary consumption of energy during construction, operation, and maintenance of the project. Construction, operation, and maintenance of the project would be in compliance with Los Angeles Community College District Sustainable Building Principles, Standards and Processes, and Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards, and therefore will not consume energy inefficiently. Furthermore, construction of buildings that require LEED certification would be in compliance with LEED Sustainable Site Prerequisite 1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention. 2. The siting and orientation of buildings and structures to minimize energy consumption, including transportation energy. According to the LAMC Master Plan, the project would meet the new construction LEED Energy and Atmosphere Credit 1, which states buildings would be oriented to take

11 advantage of passive solar design strategies and natural ventilation which can decrease heating, cooling, and artificial lighting loads. Also, the LAMC Master Plan requires meeting Sustainable Site Credit 4.1, which states that the campus must be within 1/4 mile of two or more public or campus bus lines to meet this credit. 3. Measures for reducing peak energy demand. The project does not specifically state what measures it will take to reduce peak energy demand. However, because the structures on the proposed project will be LEED-certified, in addition to being required to exceed Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards by 20%, the project will be, in fact, reducing peak energy demand. 4. Incorporation of alternative fuels (particularly renewable ones) or energy systems. As already stated, the LACCD Sustainability Guidelines call for at least 10% of the project s energy to be from renewable energy generated on site. The school is currently constructing a parking structure that includes photovoltaic modules that will produce electricity for the campus. In addition, LADWP supplies electricity to LAMC and is developing an RPS 7, designed to increase the amount of energy it generates from renewable power sources to 20% of its energy sales to retail customers by 2017, with an interim goal of 13% by Incorporation of recycling of non-renewable resources. The LACCD Sustainable Building Policy suggests ways to meet LEED certification by using recycled materials and resources, such as: specifying materials with recycled content; considering products made from renewable resources; requiring the contractor to utilize a construction waste recycling program; and setting up campus-wide dual bin system for recyclables and trash. LEED certification requires buildings to provide storage and collection of recyclables. Non-mandatory Materials and Resources LEED credits include construction waste management, using recycled content, and using rapidly renewable materials that address these items. Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards By law, the proposed project and all new construction in California will meet Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards. As discussed, the LACCD calls for new construction to exceed Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards by 20%.The project would be consistent with this regulation. 7 Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Renewable Energy Policy. Available at

12 Cumulative Impacts The cumulative impacts of past, present, and probable future related projects would result in an increase in local energy consumption and would constitute an incremental increase in the depletion of non-renewable resources. The cumulative projects may necessitate the construction of additional distribution facilities by LADWP in the future. All related projects would be required to meet CCE Title 24, which establishes energy conservation standards for new construction. The project would implement energy conservation measures which exceed Title 24 by 20%, as well as LEED certification that goes beyond state energy conservation requirements, and would therefore make its contribution to cumulative impacts not considerable. The proposed project could have less of an impact to energy conservation and sustainability than the related projects. Therefore, cumulative impacts would not be significant Mitigation Measures Since no significant adverse impacts to energy conservation and sustainability from the proposed project have been identified, no mitigation measures are necessary Level of Significance after Mitigation Impacts would be less than significant