Local Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Each of the following sections provide a summary table of local measures and associated GHG reductions, followed by a description of the specific actions the City will undertake to implement each measure. The methodologies and implementation targets used to calculate emissions reductions are described in the appendix. Sometimes, there is no direct or reliable way to estimate GHG savings for a particular measure or the savings are embedded in another measure. In this case, the GHG reduction is identified as “not applicable” or “n/a.” For example: Community Engagement is essential for success in many of the measures set forth throughout the Plan, but counting savings in this section would then be double-counting savings from other measures such as those in Low Carbon Transportation or Energy. People need to know about a program to take advantage of it, but the actual emissions reductions will come from participating in the program itself. Therefore, the savings is counted for that program.
Economy and Social Equity
Cities deal with a wide array of issues and pressures and must take all these issues into account when budgeting resources and balancing priorities. Housing, business retention, health and safety, and traffic congestion are some examples. Climate action can address these problems or make them worse, depending on how they are approached. A major theme in the Working Group deliberations and community feedback was around unintended consequences and making sure that measures and programs benefitted the most, not just a few. Sustainability has been described as a three-legged stool, pointing to the need to address not just the environment, but the economy and social equity as well.
One definition of social equity is the “just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential” (PolicyLink). Equity is the means to ensure equality for all. An example of how that might work with climate action measures is with energy efficiency. Giving rebates to homeowners to swap out inefficient appliances helps reduce energy consumption and therefore greenhouse gas emissions. But if financial incentives are only available to those with means to purchase new appliances it leaves out a section of the community without means. Programs such as the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative acknowledges this and works with landlords to upgrade common areas of apartment complexes with the commitment to provide free appliance and building envelope upgrades to renters so that there is a double benefit. First, the property owner can see energy reductions, and second the renter can not only see energy reductions but can also enjoy a healthier home environment, often by increasing comfort, decreasing health hazards such as mold, and providing more reliable appliances.
The economy is the driver of prosperity and equity in a city and provides the revenue necessary for local government to enact programs that are beneficial to the whole community. Half of our community-wide emissions come from the business and commercial sector. But increased regulation can have the unintended consequence of driving up costs, deterring innovation and job growth, and stagnating business development. However, many measures related to climate action can also have significant return on investment and end up being great business prospects. There is a delicate balance between mandating, incentivizing, and enabling businesses to reduce greenhouse emissions. On the flip side, there is great potential to work together to ensure a robust low-carbon economy that creates good jobs and benefits the whole community. California as a whole is a great example: State emissions have declined 9% since 2006, while the economy has grown 16%.
Throughout the following measures, care was taken to avoid unintended consequences for our under-represented and disadvantaged community members, as well as our business sector, and to enhance the opportunity for equity and prosperity. It is important to consider and include our diverse community members and business interests in the development and implementation of the measures in this plan.