AgdaPkt 2008-11-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5C Climate action planning is critical, but City staff is not waiting for the completion of the Page 3 plan to aggressively identify and implement strategies to conserve energy and address climate change. Current efforts include working on the development of a green building ordinance, improving mobility of pedestrians and bicyclists, improving the energy efficiency of city facilities and incorporating alternative fuels use in the city's fleet operations, among other actions. II. COMMUNITY ACTION Community Action refers to efforts to support and encourage residents and businesses to conserve energy and reduce their GHG emissions at home, at the office, at school and within their neighborhoods. To achieve this, t he City has partnered with area environmental organizations to bring conservation education, tools, and resources to the community. Current efforts have resulted in the following campaigns and programs. Green @ Home A program of Acterra, Green @ Home trains volunteers to conduct scheduled House Calls within their neighborhoods. During the "House Call", trained volunteers conduct a basic home energy audit, offer residents five energy saving upgrades, and create a customized conservation plan for the household. Redwood City's Neighborhood Liaison Coordinator has worked closely with Acterra staff to recruit volunteers and encourage neighborhood participation. Green @ Home was officially launched in Redwood City on October 29th. Nine trained Redwood City volunteers are now going out on House Calls with a goal of conducting a minimum of 250 home energy audits by June 30, 2009. City staff will also continue to recruit and train new volunteers. Redwood City Cool Community Campaign The Cool Community Campaign, a program of Acterra, is a simple, effective program that helps people reduce their carbon footprint. The campaign invited everyone in our community to join in a group effort by pledging to change at least one energy use practice per month. The program included the creation of a website and discussion groups, and provided action steps, helpful suggestions and feedback. Redwood City piloted the program in the Winter / Spring of 2008. The group's actions during the campaign were equivalent to the planting of 1,000 trees. The program also served to connect the City Manager's Office with 80 community members who are motivated to help the community work together to reduce our carbon emissions and "go green." Taste and a Talk A Taste and a Talk is a short bi-weekly educational and networking series on green building topics. The series is sponsored by Recycle Works and has been hosted by Redwood City in the City Council Chambers. The series typically draws 30-50 public participants. To date, a range of topics have been covered including solar and wind energy, energy saving remodeling tips and water conservation. Cool The Earth Campaign Cool The Earth is a ready-to-run program that educates K-8 students and their families about global warming and inspires them to take simple actions to reduce their carbon emissions. The City Manager's Office is sharing this unique program with schools and encouraging their participation. Two schools in Redwood City, Orion and Sandpiper,