Clean Energy Solutions for Green Neighborhoods Case Study: Atlanta, Georgia, USA New Delhi International Conference on Cities& Climate Change Presented by Mandy Mahoney, Director of Sustainability, City of Atlanta
Atlanta Mayor s Charge To ensure that the City of Atlanta becomes one of the top ten sustainable cities in the US To motivate and support community efforts that improve the quality of life of the citizens of Atlanta by enhancing the quality of their environment while supporting jobs and long term economic growth To create and encourage a community dedicated to environmental sustainability through innovative leadership To commit to continual improvement in sustainability practices To lead by example through the development and implementation of policies and activities that support environmental sustainability 2
City of Atlanta Guiding Principles Sustainability is improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems* Economic Development Rationale**: Use sustainability leadership to increase Atlanta s Competitive Advantage by positioning Atlanta as a magnet for talent and a model for the country Quality of Life Rationale: Energy security: Ensure multiple reliable, affordable, local, and renewable energy sources. Air & climate quality: Enhance citizens health, maintain clean air, and stabilize contributions to climate change. Water security: Ensure availability of high quality water Land quality: Preserve and maintain plentiful natural lands and green spaces Resource security: Eliminate wasteful resource uses *IUCN, UNEP, WWF (1991): Caring for the Earth. A Strategy for Sustainable Living. Gland, Switzerland **Prepared for the City of Atlanta by the Rocky Mountain Institute 3
City of Atlanta Sustainability Goals Transportation: Promote the expansion of public transit, including the continued development of theatlanta BeltLine andthe implementation of the Atlanta Streetcar projects and focusing on improving neighborhood connectivity Fleet Fuels:Reduce petroleum fuel consumption by 10% by 2015 by those municipal departments with the greatest levels of fuel usage and have a city fleet composed of 15% alternative fueled vehicles in 2012 Climate Change: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the City of Atlanta s jurisdiction by 25% by 2020, 40% by 2030, and 80% by 2050 Water Conservation: Reduce system leakage by 50% by 2015 Water Quality:To restore and maintain water quality standards by enforcing regulations, complying with federal, state and local laws and coordinating watershed protection strategies throughout City government Air quality: Improve Atlanta s air quality such that over 50% of days qualify as good according to the EPA s Air Quality Index by 2015, 60% by 2020, 75% by 2030, and 100% by 2050. Waste: Reduce, reuse and recycle 30% of the city residential waste by 2013, 50% by 2015, 90% by 2020 Greenspace: Provide a minimum of 10 acres of greenspace per 1,000 residents,protect and restore the City s tree canopy in order to meet a target to 40% coverage, create and maintain a park system that promotes and supports sustainable development, implement landscaping and facility renovations that reduce energy demand and maintenance costs Energy:Reduce the total energy use for existing municipal operations by15% by 2020, 40% by 2030, and 80% by 2050; renewable energy 5% of total municipal use by 2015 Local Food Systems: Bring local food within 10 minutes of 75% of all residents by 2020 Goals based on following sources: 2010 City of Atlanta departmental inventory, Connect Atlanta Plan, Project Greenspace, Sustainlane, ICLEI, Urban Sustainability Directors Network, Sustainable Cities Institute, peer city websites- San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, San Jose, Milwaukee, Chicago, New York, Boston, Denver, Minneapolis 4
Background on s h i n e What is s h i n e...? s h i n e is a residential energy efficiency and weatherization rebate program offering City of Atlanta homeowners the ability to take advantage of up to $2,500 in rebates towards qualifying improvements. What is weatherization? Protecting a building and its interior from the elements, particularly from sunlight, precipitation, and wind. Modifying a building to reduce energy consumption and optimize energy efficiency. In addition to the energy benefits, weatherization improves local air quality, reduces the risk of fires, and much more. 6
Background on s h i n e Why weatherize? Save money! For every $1 invested in weatherization, an estimated $2.40 is returned in total benefits! The estimated annual energy bill for an average house in Atlanta: $2,295 Total. homeowner an average of $1,000 annually. A properly weatherized home can save a homeowner an average of $1,000 annually. Sources: AHFC Weatherization Program Summary, Home Energy Saver Calculator & Southface, Home Energy Saver Calculator *Home Energy Saver Calculator 7
Background on s h i n e What rebates are available? Home Assessment Rebates: GA Power HPwES* 50% of cost up to $200 Home Improvement Rebates: SHINE 20% of eligible cost up to $2,000 GA Power HPwES Itemized rebates up to $1,700 Federal Tax Credit 30% of cost up to $1,500 Total Potential Incentives $5,400 *HPwES = Georgia Power s Home Performance with Energy Star program. It is an independent program run through the Georgia Power Corporation that is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 8
Other available rebates and programs City of Atlanta: Low Flow Toilet Rebate Program $1 million rebate program providing up to $100 per unit for Atlanta residents to replace older, water-wasting toilets with new, low-flow models. http://www.atlantaga.gov/media/nr_rebate_012208.aspx Georgia Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program Georgia residents who replace an existing appliance with a new ENERGY STAR qualified appliance can receive a Visa Prepaid Card rebate via mail. http://www.georgiarebate.com/ Georgia Power: Refrigerator or Freezer Recycling Program Georgia Power customers can get $35 and have Georgia Power pick up and recycle their refrigerator or freezer for free. http://www.georgiapower.com/energystar/refrigerators.asp Southeast Energy Assistance Program Provides direct assistance to improve the living and housing conditions of low-income families through conservation programs. http://www.southeastenergy.org/
What improvements qualify? Air sealing materials Caulk for joints up to pencil width Spray foam for holes of any size and cracks Rigid goods using plywood, insulation board, cardboard to cover large holes, seal edges and seams 10
Contact Information Mandy Mahoney Director of Sustainability O: 404-954-8488 C: 404-394-5151 mmahoney@atlantaga.gov Aaron Bastian Communications and Project Manager O: 404.588.5927 C: 404.849.1107 abastian@atlantaga.gov 11 11