Title
CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT REGARDING THE CITY’S OPERATIONS SUSTAINABILITY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION EFFORTS
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA UPDATING THE CITY OPERATIONS SUSTAINABILITY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION EFFORTS
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council accept the report.
Body
SUMMARY
Since 2014, a multi-departmental “Green Team” has been working to implement the City Operations Sustainability Plan (Plan). The Plan sets numeric goals and identifies implementation strategies in seven focus areas helping to lower city operation costs, creating a healthier workplace, and contributing to cleaner air, water, and land in the community. This report is a status update of the implementation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Body
Environmental Determination
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
DISCUSSION
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a focal point for corporations and organizations wishing to create long-term customer and employee value by taking into consideration how their enterprise operates in terms of social, economic, and environmental performance. Over 6,200 companies worldwide have created a sustainability strategy and conduct annual reports to assess their progress in pursuing this “Triple Bottom Line” approach - people, planet and prosperity. These sustainability-minded businesses have benefitted from fostering innovation in their company culture, reducing long-term utility and fuel costs, and creating a healthier workplace. For municipal operations, sustainability can be defined as the City’s ability to provide high quality infrastructure, services, and programs in a manner, which balances the needs of current and future generations.
Since 2014, a multi-departmental “Green Team” has been implementing strategies, “leading by example”, in integrating innovative sustainable practices throughout its operations.
The City Operations Sustainability Plan sets numeric goals for 2020 in 7 focus areas - Energy Use, Water Use, Green Purchasing, Recycling & Waste Reduction, Pollution Prevention, Transportation, and Green Buildings & Infrastructure. The Plan identifies implementation strategies and potential funding sources in each area to help reach the targets. In many cases, these strategies also assist Chula Vista in meeting current and pending State mandates. Finally, the Plan outlines opportunities to actively engage City employees and leaders, which will be critical to its successful implementation.
The level of implementation in some cases may be dependent upon the City’s ability to secure funding sources. Nonetheless, the City Operations Sustainability Plan serves as a powerful policy framework to guide the City of Chula Vista’s sustainability efforts, represents a compilation of new and existing sustainability strategies (which are currently scattered throughout the municipal code and program documents), and reinforces the City’s Continuous Improvement philosophy of tirelessly pursuing the “least waste way.”
Our Big Goals 2016 Status Update
• Reduce energy by 20% by 2020 Done! Reduced by 29.6%
• Reduce potable water use by 10% by 2020 Done! Reduced by 30.1%
• 80% of all office/custodial purchases Green by 2020 70% of Office Depot green. Bidding out custodial supplies 2017
• 75% recycling rate by 2020 67%
• Prevent all non-stormwater discharges from City facilities 6/15/2015 Done!
• Comply with BMP requirements and pass inspections with 80% by 2020 Done!
• 40% of city fleet transitioned to hybrid or alternative fuel 36% (70 EV Charging stations 2017)
• Increase % of employees using sustainable commute options to 30% 10%
• At least 2 buildings operating at enhanced green standards LEED - Existing Building Operations & Maintenance City Hall 2017
• Use Envision Tool for sustainable design of infrastructure by 2020 Starting employee training 2016
• All new buildings over 10,000 sf built to enhanced green standards No applicable new buildings
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18704.2(a)(1), is not applicable to this decision. Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods, and a Connected Community. The City Operations Sustainability Plan directly contributes to the Healthy Community goal as it seeks to implement strategies and programs that protect natural resources and promote sustainability.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Because the City Operations Sustainability Plan is a policy framework and will be implemented based on available funding, its adoption did not have a direct fiscal impact. It is anticipated that when individual implementation strategies or related projects are further developed and presented to City Council for consideration, any specific positive or negative fiscal impacts will be identified.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
As mentioned above, the policy-level City Operations Sustainability Plan does not have an ongoing fiscal impact. Impacts from any specific implementation strategies will be evaluated as they are further developed and considered.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 - City Operations Sustainability Plan
Attachment 2 - Status Update
Staff Contact: Lynn France, Environmental Services Manager