Title
Strategic Energy Action Plan
Action
Action:
Approve the Environment Committee’s recommendation to adopt the Strategic Energy Action Plan.
Body
Committee Chair:
Dimple Ajmera, Environment
Staff Resource(s):
Kim Eagle, City Manager’s Office
Rob Phocas, Economic Development
Mike Davis, Engineering and Property Management
Gina Shell, Engineering and Property Management
Explanation
§ In June 2018, City Council unanimously adopted the Sustainable and Resilient Charlotte by 2050 Resolution, which states three priorities:
1. By 2030, the “City of Charlotte will strive to source 100% of its energy use in its buildings and fleet from zero carbon sources;”
2. By 2050, the “City of Charlotte will strive to become a low carbon city;” and
3. Staff will develop a Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP) to guide the achievement of the 2030 and 2050 goals.
§ In partnership with Envision Charlotte and Carbon Captured, Ltd., staff worked closely over the past year with community stakeholders, partner organizations, and content experts to develop the SEAP.
§ On November 13, 2018, the Environment Committee voted unanimously (Ajmera, Egleston, Newton, Phipps, and Winston) to recommend the SEAP to full Council for adoption.
§ The purpose of the SEAP is to provide a framework for the City and community to follow as it strives toward “a low carbon, resilient future.”
§ The key focus of the SEAP is greenhouse gas emissions reduction, but it also explores the opportunity to align economic development policy, such as the creation of green jobs, with the actions necessary to transition to a low carbon energy future.
§ The contents of the SEAP are focused on: i) buildings; ii) transportation; and iii) energy generation, on a foundation of innovation and workforce development.
- There are 11 linked Action Areas in the SEAP.
§ Six Action Areas are focused on internal operations.
§ Five Action Areas are community-focused.
- The SEAP also employs a five-stage approach to achieve the goals: i) shift time of energy demand; ii) reduce energy consumption; iii) change the type of energy we consume; iv) generate energy on-site; and v) purchase zero carbon energy. These are not in order of importance, but approach (v) is a last resort, if needed.
§ The SEAP is a living document.
- Every two years, progress will be benchmarked by tracking key data points.
- If necessary, the SEAP may be updated to ensure the City is continuing to make progress towards its 2030 and 2050 goals.
- Formal reviews and updates may be required due to policy change, technology innovation, and shifting of resources.
§ By adopting the SEAP, Charlotte will be joining other global city leaders in an international commitment and dialogue as they strive to achieve the greenhouse gas reduction goals outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement.
§ There is no specific funding request or commitment tied to approval of the SEAP.
§ Implementation of the SEAP will be incremental to ensure operational resilience while achieving a balance between return on investment, total cost of ownership, and sustainability. This approach is fundamental to the 2030 internal City facility and fleet goals.
§ The adoption of the plan indicates City Council will balance consideration of the SEAP goals and carbon emission reduction, along with other policy priorities and fiscal responsibility in future budgetary, contractual and strategic decisions.
§ The 2050 goal is a community-based aspiration in which partnerships will be critical moving forward.
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Strategic Energy Action Plan Executive Summary
Strategic Energy Action Plan
Sustainable and Resilient Charlotte by 2050 Resolution