city of madison sustainability plan

ENERGY ANALYSIS AND POLICY CAPSTONE TEAM

City of Madison Sustainability Plan

Definitions, Sources and Challenges

Eric Anderson, Seth Block, Shane Spencer

5/14/2012

An addenda to the Madison Sustainability Plan: Fostering Environmental, Economic and Social Resilience

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Natural Systems

The City of Madison understands that the environment provides a foundation for society’s well-being and the economy. In order to ensure a sustainable path in the future, it is critical that the natural environment is an integral part of future growth while also balancing the needs of the economy and people. From a systems perspective, the natural systems include air, water, and natural habitat. Goals outlined in this section will relate to society’s interaction and impacts with these systems. Natural systems have a large effect on public health and quality of life. Air quality is linked with adverse health effects ranging from headaches and skin rashes to serious conditions such as asthma and lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has done a good job tracking and regulating these toxic pollutants over the last 40 years. Urban air pollutants are typically from the combustion of fossil fuels or from vehicles. Reduction or improvement of these processes can have large impact on air quality. Access to abundant, clean drinking water is expected in our communities. The Water Utility in Madison accomplishes this goal and is currently working on ways to improve non-health related issues of water quality. In order to ensure this in the future, it will be important to minimize pollutants at their source. One way to do this is through effective storm water management. While Madison has access to a large aquifer, it will be important to address conservation issues. This will be important to ensure that future population will have access to quality water resources. In addition to adverse health effects, the City of Madison wishes to preserve its natural environment to ensure its population has access to a healthy lifestyle. In an urban environment, this includes access to bike and trail systems as well as green spaces for its residents to enjoy. In order to work towards these priorities, the City of Madison has developed 7 goals relating to the natural systems. These are aimed to balance society and the economy with the environment. This will help minimize adverse health effects of the future population as well as increasing the quality of life.

1. Improve air quality. 2. Improve groundwater/drinking water quality. 3. Improve surface water quality. 4. Improve storm water management. 5. Increase water conservation. 6. Prevent solid waste from entering landfill. 7. Restore and maintain natural habitat.

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Goal 1 – Improve Air Quality Improving the air quality within the City of Madison is an important goal because it relates to the overall health of the community. Various pollutants have been linked to a number of health conditions and environmental harm. Ground level ozone, for example, has been shown to aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions. Particulate Matter (PM) has also been linked to respiratory conditions and causes ground level visibility impairment. Further, other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide are a major cause of acid rain and result in damages to buildings, forests, and lakes and streams. For the City of Madison to become a Sustainable City, it must take action to improve its air quality.

Key Definitions >>>Infill Development -Refers to urban development taking place on a vacant or undeveloped site between other developments, i.e. an infill site. >>> Particulate Matter (PM) – Is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets that float in the air. When breathed in the particles go deep into the lungs causing a number of respiratory health problems. >>>Fine particle pollution (PM 2.5) – Is Particulate Matter that measures less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers in diameter. >>>Federal Attainment Status – The ability for a geographic area to meet the accepted levels of a criteria pollutant based on the health-based primary standard (national ambient air quality standard, or NAAQS). Attainment areas are defined using federal pollutant limits set by the EPA. An area can meet the standard for one pollutant but may have unacceptable levels for others. An area can be in attainment for some pollutants and in non-attainment for others >>>EPA – The Environmental Protection Agency is the agency that was founded to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment—air, water, and land—upon which life depends. It has a number of stated goals including: clean air; clean and safe water; safe food; preventing pollution and reducing risk in communities, homes, workplaces, and ecosystems; better waste management, restoration of contaminated waste sites, and emergency response; reduction of global and cross-border environmental risks; and expansion of America’s right to know about their environment. The EPA has a considerable impact on policies that relate to the environment and human health. >>>Ozone and contributing pollutants: Ozone is a positive or negative in our atmosphere depending on where it is found. In the troposphere, which contains the air we breathe, ozone is a damaging pollutant. In the stratosphere, which is 15-50 meters above the earths surface, ozone is a protective layer that filters out the harmful UV rays of the sun. Ozone is a secondary pollutant formed from the action of sunlight on primary pollutants, these include Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulfur Oxides (Sox), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Primary pollutants can be released from car exhaust, coal burning power plants, and incomplete combustion, among other things. Ozone is an unstable oxygen molecule and therefore a strong oxidizing agent. Elevated concentrations can cause eye, nose, throat

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irritation, chest discomfort, cough, and headache. This can be especially harmful for people that suffer from bronchitis, respiratory allergies, or asthma. It can also be detrimental to crops and other vegetation. >>>Air Quality Index (AQI) - The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. The AQI focuses on health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. EPA calculates the AQI for five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. For each of these pollutants, EPA has established national air quality standards to protect public health. Ground-level ozone and airborne particles are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country (AirNow.gov). >>>Clean air action days – Are events that focus community members to do one thing that will enable the community to breathe cleaner air. >>>Greenhouse Gas (GHG) – Greenhouse Gases are those that prevent heat from escaping into the atmosphere and thus work in effect like the windows of a greenhouse. Two major contributors are Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4). Carbon Dioxide has both manmade (burning of fossil fuels) and natural sources (plant and animal decay). Methane too, has both manmade (agricultural practices) and natural (wetlands and permafrost).

Key Data

>>>EPA standards on ozone - The current national ambient air quality standards for ozone is set at 0.075 parts per million, this is an 8 hour standard that was set in March 2008. This standard is currently in the process of being revised by the EPA and could be set at 0.070 parts per million in the near future.

>>> EPA standards on fine particulate pollution - The 2006 standard update tightens the 24-hour fine particle standard from 65 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) to 35 µg/m3, and retains the current annual fine particle standard at 15 µg/m3. The 24-hour standard for PM10 is still at 150 µg/m3. >>> County Emissions Data – The County has demonstrated improvements in air pollution reduction. Since 2002 Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) have all been reduced (See Below, Dane County Emissions 2002, 2005, and 2008).

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Challenges A major challenge that the City will face lays in the fact that some of the action items require a behavioral change, particularly the goal of reducing emissions. A major portion of emissions come from gas-powered vehicles. Creating a behavior change around vehicles and miles traveled is not an easy thing to accomplish and could require extensive education. The 40% emissions reduction by 2030 can be achieved but not without both State and Federal support.

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Goal 2: Improve Groundwater / Drinking Water Quality Madison Water Utility is responsible for bringing high quality water to the residents at a reasonable cost while protecting the ground water resources. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides standards for drinking water regulations. Currently, the Water Utility is meeting all federal and state primary drinking water standards and is vigilant in collecting samples to ensure continued compliance. Key Definitions >>>Madison Water Utility - The Water Utility is an agency of the City of Madison that is owned and operated by the municipality. Using a deep, high-quality aquifer beneath the city, the utility serves more than 62,000 locations in and around Madison. The utility operates 23 wells, 828 miles of water lines, and 31 reservoirs holding over 33 million gallons. >>>Nephelometric turbidity unit (ntu) – A nephelometer can be used to measure suspended particles in water by shinning white light through a liquid and measuring the amount of reflected light. For this reason, a high turbidity is often associated with discoloration or cloudiness of water. This is related to the fact that the water comes from a sandstone aquifer, leading to dissolved solids and hardness minerals. Iron and manganese are two minerals which can discolor drinking water. Key Data Madison’s utilities well number 7 and 8 contain a mean level of Iron above the secondary standards published by the EPA. This can lead to non-harmful, aesthetic concerns such as taste, odor, or appearance. The utility also has 4 more wells with an intermediate amount of lead, with an average lower than the national standard. The Manganese levels at all of the wells are on average, compliant with the secondary standard. However, well number 8 has an average level of 50 , which is the secondary standard. Challenges Currently, the utility is evaluating treatment alternatives for well numbers 7 and 8 with regards to these two minerals. This will help meet the secondary drinking water standards as well as possibly reducing the turbidity at certain customer’s taps.

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Goal 3 – Improve Surface Water Quality This goal is focused on reducing the amount of pollutants that enter area lakes, streams, and rivers, often swept there by stormwater and agricultural runoff. In particular, runoff containing the nutrients phosphorus or nitrogen can lead to eutrophication. Eutrophication results from the rapid growth of phytoplankton organisms in response to these nutrients. The growth of such organisms reduces the amount of oxygen in the water, which harms fish and other animal populations. This growth also reduces water quality and causes additional negative effects for people who want to enjoy the water, and can even make the water unhealthy for swimming and force beach closings. In addition to nutrient runoff, runoff of soil or silt can damage water environments and reduce their recreational value. Improving surface water quality is a challenge because there are many sources of runoff. Fertilizers from agriculture or even gardening can result in increased nutrient runoff. Natural buffers of vegetation along lakes and streams absorb and slow runoff, and development can damage or remove them. Construction sites can also lead to increased runoff. Another impact of increased development is reducing the area of “permeable” surfaces. Permeable surfaces such as gardens absorb and trap rainwater and reduce runoff, unlike impermeable surfaces such as typical parking lots. Fortunately, many typically impermeable surfaces can be designed and built differently to increase their permeability and reduce runoff. For example, parking lots and driveways can be built using materials that allow rainwater to enter the ground. Key Definitions >>> Algal blooms – Algal blooms occur when phytoplankton (algae) grow very rapidly in response to high levels of nutrients in water. Algal blooms can force the closing of water bodies. >>> Dane County Chapter 14 standards – These standards ensure that residential and commercial construction or redevelopment results in minimal levels of runoff. >>> City of Madison Chapter 37 – Like Dane County Chapter 14 standards, this Madison General Ordinance requires that steps be taken to manage and limit runoff from develop activities. >>> Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) impaired waters list – Waters appearing on this list are not meeting their designated use, such as swimming or fishing, due to pollution issues. >>> Eutrophication – Eutrophication results from the rapid growth of phytoplankton organisms in response to phosphorus or nitrogen nutrients, often swept into water bodies in runoff. Eutrophication is associated with a drop of oxygen levels in the water and a host of negative environmental and health effects. >>> Yahara Watershed – The Yahara River is a tributary of the Rock River. It is the river which connects the lakes that Madison is built around. Managing runoff in the Yahara Watershed, where runoff eventually reaches the Yahara River, is critical to maintaining surface water quality in the area.

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>>> Rock River Watershed – The Rock River Watershed contains the Yahara River Watershed. In Wisconsin, it stretches from north of Madison and Sun Prairie south into Illinois. Most parts of the Rock River Watershed are impacted by runoff from both agricultural and urban sources. >>> Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) - This measurement describes how much pollutant sources need to be reduced for a water body to meet water quality goals. It is the amount of a pollutant the body of water can receive and still meet water quality standards (see Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, “Tools to Restore Impaired Waters,” in sources list). >>> NR 151 - NR 151 describes state codes which establish runoff management standards in accordance with state statutes s. 281.16 (2) and (3) in three main areas; agriculture, non-agriculture, and transportation facilities. >>> WDNR Impaired Waters list – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources publishes a list of all waters that are not meeting designated uses for fish and aquatic life, recreation, public health and welfare, and wildlife every two years. The current list includes over 700 water bodies. The chief reasons for being listed include phosphorus, mercury, and total suspended solids – much of which are associated with runoff. Waters are delisted as they are improved and restored. >>> Clean Lakes Alliance – This non-profit organization works to improve water quality in the Yahara River Watershed through fundraising and improving community awareness. The organization works closely with state, county, and local governments as well as a host of user groups, land owners, and other stakeholders. >>>Yahara Capital Lakes Environmental Assessment and Needs (CLEAN) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – This agreement helps unify the work of Dane County, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and the City of Madison to improve water quality in the Yahara River Chain of Lakes. Because there are so many difference sources of pollution affecting surface water quality, a united and cooperative effort is needed. >>> NR 217, 216 – These Wisconsin codes regulate storm water and phosphorus discharge. The storm water codes apply to construction sites and both the storm water and phosphorus codes apply to “point” sources such as industrial facilities. >>> Adaptive Management – Adaptive management is a way for facilities to comply with NR 217 phosphorus limits by funding management measures such as wetland restoration or agricultural nutrient management. Adaptive management offers a more flexible way to comply with regulations but also requires water quality monitoring to make sure that the management strategies are working to keep phosphorus levels down. Challenges Reaching targets set for phosphorus loading reduction and reducing total suspended solids will require an approach that targets landowners and citizens, agriculture, construction, business, and government. Many City of Madison partners must therefore work closely together with a

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number of actors, such as those included in the CLEAN MOU described above, to reach these targets.

Involving and educating the public will be a key part of achieving this goal. Landowners and citizens can work together to reduce nutrient and other runoff by using lawn fertilizers sparingly, protecting vegetative buffers, and retaining surfaces pervious to rainwater such as gardens or driveways paved with permeable materials (that allow water to reach the soil).

Yahara Watershed, Credit: Blake Draper

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Goal 4 – Improve Storm Water Management Storm water is a major source of pollution, not only in Madison but in many cities across the United States. Storm water is a problem because it does not get forwarded to a treatment facility; instead it drains untreated into streams, rivers, ponds, wetlands, and lakes. Along the way the storm water picks up and transports numerous pollutants into our waterways. A number of these pollutants can cause problems even in small amounts. Some of the pollutants that get transported include: sediment, fertilizers, antifreeze, oil, pesticides, and metal particles. These pollutants affect the ecosystem in many different ways. The sediment suspends in the water, causing it to cloud up suffocating aquatic life. Fertilizers, antifreeze, oil, and pesticides are all toxic to fish and other aquatic life. A key issue concerning storm water management lays in the fact that it is hard to pinpoint the source, as it is so diverse and widespread. A major benefit from improved storm water management is that it can keep the streams, rivers, and lakes of the Madison area clean for swimming and promote aquatic life.

Key Definitions

>>> Total Suspended Solids (TSS) – This is a water quality measurement, measured by measuring the weight of particles in water that are trapped by a filter. TSS is often used because its relationship with other pollutants (like phosphorus) is well known – it helps serve as an indicator of water quality and possible problems with runoff.

>>> NR 151 – NR 151 exists to establish runoff management standards in accordance with state statutes s. 281.16 (2) and (3) in three main areas; agriculture, non-agriculture, and transportation facilities. Included in the document are performance standards relating to the three areas of focus, some examples include: tillage setback performance standards, post construction performance standards, and peak discharge performance standards. >>> Dane County Chapter 14 Standards – The Dane County Chapter 14 Standards address the management of manure, erosion control, and storm water in Dane County. It is split into two sub chapters, one focusing on manure storage and utilization, and the other on erosion control and storm water management. Included in the document are mandatory management standards, permitting, fees, and all other requirements. >>> Madison Chapter 37 - Like Dane County Chapter 14 standards, this Madison General Ordinance requires that steps be taken to manage and limit runoff from development activities. >>> Potable Water – Is water that is suitable for drinking. >>> Permeable Pavement – Is a way of paving roads, walkways, and/ or bike paths among other things, which allows for the movement of water and air around the paving material.

Challenges

It is imperative that action is taken to improve the current situation regarding storm water management in the City of Madison. A major challenge with storm water is that it is diverse and

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widespread. The City must first understand where the leverage is in storm water management as it relates to Madison specifically. Where can they get the largest impact with the least amount of dollars, time, and energy? They have identified a number of effective action items, next they need to be assessed for feasibility and fit and then prioritized.

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Goal 5 – Increase Water Conservation The City of Madison’s water comes from a deep underground aquifer, and protecting this excellent source of water is critical for the well-being of City residents. Conserving water even as population grows in the area will ensure that the aquifer does not begin to run out of water. Conserving water also has other benefits. First, it saves money on water bills. Secondly, it saves energy and cuts greenhouse gas emissions, because pumping water from the aquifer requires a lot of energy. It also reduces the need for the City to develop higher capacity for pumping, which keeps water rates lower for everyone in the area. Because homeowners often use much of their water consumption for outdoor uses, such as watering lawns, large decreases in residential water use are possible. Slight changes in how often or when water is used outdoors can make a difference, as can storing and using rainwater in a “rain barrel” or through recycling water in other ways (see below).

Key Definitions

>>> Replenishment rate – The rate at which an aquifer gains water. Only a fraction of rainwater actually reaches and replenishes an aquifer. Withdrawing water no faster than it is replenished is important for preserving the supply of water in the aquifer.

>>> Grey water systems - Grey water systems recycle water used on site for activities such as laundry and dishwashing for watering plants and landscaping.

>>> Dual water systems - Dual water systems supply potable (suitable for drinking) and non-potable water separately, making it possible to use grey water and collected rainwater for uses like landscaping.

Key Data

>>> The average Madison citizen uses 73 gallons of water per day for indoor and outdoor use. Reducing this average to 58 gallons per day (or by 20%) by 2020 would allow the City of Madison to keep total residential water consumption at today’s levels, even as city population grows to over 245,000 residents (see City of Madison Water Utility, 2008).

>>> Given the energy required to pump water in Madison and the carbon emissions associated with making that energy, one million gallons of reduced water consumption is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 4,000 pounds. In 2007, Madison Water Utility pumped over 11 billion gallons of water, so room for savings is substantial.

Challenges

Installing water-saving devices such as low-water use toilets or washing machines and installing grey or dual water systems requires upfront costs. Grey water systems, for example, can be expensive. Rebate programs and other incentives can thus make investing in water conservation cheaper, especially for lower-cost investments such as toilets. Enacting water-saving programs at City buildings and working with industrial customers to save water will also start saving the City and industrial customers’ money right away. Finally, serving as a role model by undertaking actions such as water-saving programs creating a large water catchment tank will also allow the City to prove the financial and technical feasibility of similar approaches for the private sector.

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Goal 6 – Prevent Solid Waste from Entering Landfill Setting the goal of 75% diversion of waste from landfill sites is ambitious, but not impossible. According to the Wisconsin DNR the average person in Wisconsin disposes of 4.7 pounds of trash daily and they recycle 1.9 pounds of said trash. Landfills are filling up at ever increasing rates with various atmospheric and hydrological impacts. According to the EPA the methane produced by the rotting organic matter is twenty times more effective at trapping the earth’s heat. Further, the landfills create a type of toxic soup that develops when various household chemicals mix together over time. This can have an immediate effect on wildlife and be potentially dangerous to humans if it were to reach municipal water supplies. Additionally, the odor that permeates from the landfill often has impacts on local housing.

Key Definitions >>> Zero Waste Plan – Is a vision for a zero waste society and a plan to get there. Under this plan all waste is seen as a resource, waste is reduced, valuable resources are not sent to landfills, and most waste is sorted leaving minimal amounts to be treated.

Challenges To achieve the 75% reduction goal by 2020, a tremendous effort will be required. First, there needs to be a clear understanding as to what is in the trash and how much. Once there is a clear understanding of the trash makeup then the community will better understand the feasibility of the 75% reduction goal. The same needs to be applied to the recycling concerning construction, demolition, and remodeling projects. How much is currently being recycled? Where are the opportunities to increase the recycling rate? Is 70% a feasible goal? And lastly, what is the current compliance rate in regards to the recycling laws?

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Goal 7: Restore and Maintain Natural Habitat Madison residents are currently able to enjoy over 5,500 acres of parks owned, operated, and maintained by the City of Madison as well as over 2,000 acres by University of Wisconsin. Starting over a century ago by John Nolen, the city and its residents have been ensuring the beauty of the natural environment is not ruined by the actions of society and the economy. Through various plans, associations, and eventually the City, large networks of parks, playgrounds, and open public spaces were developed. The City of Madison Parks Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of current parkland as well as the vision for the future. Towards this end, every five years a Park and Open Space Plan is developed to summarize the current situation and drive towards the future vision. Key Definitions >>>City of Madison Parks Division – Their vision is to provide an ideal system of parks, natural resources, and recreational opportunities which will enhance the quality of life for everyone. This Division will be primarily responsible for the goal of restoring and maintaining natural habitat. This is currently being done directly through the 1,617 acres of conservation parks. Indirectly, all of their parkland is planned and maintained in order to be integrated into the natural environment. One of the primary missions for the Madison Parks is to preserve and expand the urban forest resources throughout the city. >>>Park and Open Space Plan – This plan is used to inform and guide the decision making process across government agencies, private enterprises, and current residents. The analysis and recommendations are derived from over a year long process which includes important public interaction through input meetings and surveys and presentation to the Park Commission, Long Range Planning Subcommittee, Plan Commission, and the Common Council. It contains an extensive inventory of the parks and public spaces currently owned, as well as geographical analysis on the population’s location to nearby parks in order to recognize deficiencies. >>>Central Park – A vibrant public-private partnership for a grand centrally located park modeled after the successful Olbrich Botanical Garden. Currently a design and implementation task force is developing a master plan for this park, which is the first step in development. The park is composed of 3 block development zones; Brearly Block which will be used for community activities and would include an amphitheater, the Ingersoll Block which includes The Great Lawn which will be the largest open space and the center for festivals, and finally the Few Block which will serve as the primary entry way with bike centers and connects to the Cities trail system. >>>Conservation Plan is a tool for better managing natural resources on plots of land. It includes an overview of the territory, a list of management decisions and a plan for carrying out these decisions as well as necessary operation and maintenance. >>>IPM (Integrated Pest Management) using information on pests and their life cycles to manage pest problems in an effective and environmentally sensitive way. The EPA provides guidelines for setting up and implementing an IPM program.

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Key Data The Park and Open Space Plandetails the important information regarding decisions on park land. The following table provides a high level view of the total acreage of park land as well as its break down.

Park Type Acreage Percentage

Mini Parks ( < 5 acres) 172 3%

Neighborhood Parks ( 5+ acres) 813 14.5%

Community Parks (20+ acres) 1,617 28.9%

Conservation (preservation natural resources) 1,753 31%

Trafficways (ex. State Street) 45 .8%

Open Space (undevelopable land) 214 3.8%

Special (ex. Henry Vilas Zoo) 949 17%

Sports Complex (athletic fields) 28 .5%

Addition Public Land (outside Parks Division) 1,193 17.6%

Total 6,784 6,784 Park Division: City of Madison: 2012-2017 Park and Open Space Plan

In addition to this data, geographical analysis is contained in the plan which ensures that all residents are within reasonable distances to their local mini, neighborhood, and community parks. While not primarily under their control, the plan contains analysis on the extensive bike and trail system owned and operated by the city. Challenges The cooperation of the Parks Division and Madison’s Area Transportation Planning Board (MPO) will be critical to ensure the development of new trails in order to link all of the existing parks and open spaces. The city will also work with Dane County Parks and other planning organizations in order to ensure a growing number of set aside resources for restoration and preservation. This will help balance the growing population as well as the possible movement towards denser population centers in order to work towards other goals outlined in the sustainability plan. The Parks Division will also continue to pursue their current vision for conservation parks in order to maintain the natural beauty of the city.

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Natural System Resources Air Now.gov. 2011. Air quality index-A guide to air quality and your health. Retrieved from: http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi City of Madison Water Utility, Water Conservation and Sustainability Plan. 2008.

http://www.cityofmadison.com/water/documents/ConservationPlan_71708.pdf Common Council, Madison, Wisconsin, Final Report: Central Park Design and Implementation

Task Force. June 7, 2011. http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/documents/CentralParkMasterPlan7-21-11.pdf

Department of Natural Resources, Chapter NR 809, Safe Drinking

Water.http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/nr/809.pdf Environmental Literacy Council. 2008. Sources and sinks. Retrieved from: http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/439.html Environmental Protection Agency, National Primary Drinking Water

Regulations.http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm#List Environmental Protection Agency. 2010. Ground-level ozone. Retrieved from: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/ Grande, Joseph, Annual Report on Water Quality Monitoring – 2010. February 18,

2011http://www.cityofmadison.com/water/waterQuality/testing/documents/AnnualMonitoringResults2010.pdf

Park Division, Department of Public Works, City of Madison: 2012-2017 Park and Open Space

Plan. February 6, 2012. http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/about/documents/2012-2017DraftParkandOpenSpacePlan.pdf

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 2010 Water Division

Report.http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/waterDocuments/Final_Report_1_25_11.pdf

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 2012. “Tools to Restore Impaired Waters.” http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/wqs/303d/TMDL.html

http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi

http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/documents/CentralParkMasterPlan7-21-11.pdf

http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/documents/CentralParkMasterPlan7-21-11.pdf

http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/nr/809.pdf

http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/439.html

http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm#List

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/

http://www.cityofmadison.com/water/waterQuality/testing/documents/AnnualMonitoringResults2010.pdf

http://www.cityofmadison.com/water/waterQuality/testing/documents/AnnualMonitoringResults2010.pdf

http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/about/documents/2012-2017DraftParkandOpenSpacePlan.pdf

http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/about/documents/2012-2017DraftParkandOpenSpacePlan.pdf

http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/waterDocuments/Final_Report_1_25_11.pdf

http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/waterDocuments/Final_Report_1_25_11.pdf

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/wqs/303d/TMDL.html

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Planning and Design

The City of Madison understands that a key to building a sustainable city lies in the design of the built environment. The built environment should promote community well-being, flexible-future friendly travel, and preservation of natural capital. This section details the strategies the city will deploy around planning and design to reach its sustainability goals. Community design has a significant impact on the physical and mental health of its inhabitants. It decreases dependence on automobiles by building communities that are more compact and bike/walk friendly. This provides community members with flexible transportation options, which allows for daily physical activity and building social capital. Planning and Design goals are closely linked to Transportation; to get the desired transportation results it requires effective community design. Further, removing automobiles from the road reduces the amount of local pollution. Some of those pollutants are hazardous and have been associated with a number of respiratory issues. The reduction in autos also allows for fewer traffic jams, which reduces pollutants, increases miles per gallon, and relieves stress. Mixed land use is a key tool the city can use to create flexible transportation and improve the quality of life for its citizens. This is an important part of healthy community design. In addition to providing transportation flexibility, it affords the community access to green space in the form of parks or other community areas. Providing the community with green space promotes a healthy lifestyle, which is imperative in community design. To work towards improved community design the city of Madison has developed four goals relating to planning and design. These goals are aimed at creating a sustainable city; one that promotes healthy lifestyles and preserves the environment.

1. Improve transportation planning to provide better access for community’s needs 2. Foster holistic land use 3. Support sustainable infrastructure and buildings 4. Promote and foster local food systems

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Goal 1: Improve Transportation planning and systems to provide

better access for community’s needs The current planning process for transportation needs in and around Madison is done by several different departments and organizations. The high-level objectives are developed in both the City’s Comprehensive Plan as well as the MPO’s Regional Transportation Plan 2035. These documents provide guidelines for short and medium term planning processes handled by Planning, Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Metro Transit, and the MPO. All of these groups work to provide the end result of a transportation system that can serve the needs of the residents at a reasonable cost. The Sustainability Plan would like to ensure that these transportation needs are also met at a low environmental cost and an equal priority to walkers and bikers as vehicles have been given. Key Definitions >>> A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is responsible for comprehensive regional transportation planning and decision making. This includes a long-term (25 years) multi-modal transportation plan which drives the overall vision for future transportation needs. It also includes a short term improvement program, which details specific projects taking place now and within the next 5 years. The Madison Area Transportation Planning Board is the Madison Urban Area's federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). >>>The Comprehensive Plan is Madison’s long term guide for future growth and community development. The focus of the plan is to establish broad, long-term goals, objectives, policies, and implementation recommendations to guide decision making processes. >>>Transit-oriented development (TOD) is compact, mixed use development near transit facilities and high-quality walking environments. TOD can have potential social, environmental, and fiscal benefits. TOD can help lead to the top level goal of reducing vehicle miles traveled. >>>Complete streets are streets designed for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders. In order to move towards increased walking and biking, the infrastructure needs to be changed as well. The old streets designed for only cars will be modified and upgraded to include the multi-modal transportation needs of tomorrow. Challenges The biggest challenge for the City will be to ensure these overlapping plans by different organizations are clearly communicated with each other. This will ensure that work is not being done twice and the plans are mutually consistent. In order to ensure communication, a cross-disciplinary planning team will be developed with representative from each of the respective departments. This will ensure a uniform high-level goal for the planning organization while meeting each of the individual goals of the different departments. The staff team will specifically focus on issues with alternative transportation such as complete streets, bicycle integration, and public transit options.

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Planning and Design Goal 2: Foster Holistic Land Use Taking a “systems thinking” approach to land use is a major step towards creating a sustainable city. This approach considers multiple environments and their relationship or influence on each other in the hope that all stakeholders’ needs are addressed. Through working to create a walkable city with the proper density and connectivity a greater sense of community is fostered and overall population health is improved.

Key Definitions

>>> Heat Island effects - Refers to built up areas that are hotter than the surrounding rural areas. The EPA states that the annual mean air temperature of a city with 1 million people can be 1.8-5.4°F warmer than its surroundings. Heat islands directly impact a community by increasing summertime peak energy demand, air conditioning costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, heat-related illness and mortality, and water quality (EPA 2012). >>> Storm Water Infiltration – This is the process by which storm water enters the soil from the

ground surface. Pavement impedes this process, by doing so it can lead to the contamination of

groundwater.

>>> Sprawl – Often referred to, as “urban sprawl” is the spreading of urban developments to

undeveloped land near a city. Sprawl developments often are low-density, auto dependent, and

built on fertile farmland.

>>> Brownfield Sites – Real property that has been complicated by the presence of or potential

presence of hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant that has been slated for reuse,

expansion, or redevelopment (EPA, 2002).

>>> Community Gardens – Simply any piece of land that is gardened by a group of people.

Key Data

Health community design is directly linked to human health. Motor vehicle emissions represent 31 percent of total carbon dioxide, 81 percent of carbon monoxide, and 49 percent of nitrogen oxides released in the U.S. (The Green Commuter, a publication of the Clean Air Council). A large percentage of car trips are short trips (Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey).

25 % of all road car road trips are made within a mile of the home

40 % of all trips are within two miles of the home

50 % of the working population commutes five miles or less for work

82 percent of trips five miles or less are made by personal motor vehicle. (See Carbon & Energy Goal 1 for more data as it relates to Madison)

It’s these short trips that are the most polluting, because the pollution control devices need to reach a certain temperature to be effective. This reliance on motor vehicles has contributed to respiratory conditions, obesity, and climate change. Proper land use and improved community design are key to building a healthier more environmentally friendly city.

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Challenges

The most difficult thing about this goal relates to the engagement of all stakeholders, that is all those that may be affected or have an interest in the action or developmental plan. It will take significant effort to identify stakeholders and additional to engage them in the process. This goal is important because of the mere impact it can have on both environmental health and overall population health. Healthy community design is key to creating a sustainable city.

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Goal 3: Support Sustainable Infrastructure and Buildings Working to meet this goal will allow Madison to serve as a model for community businesses interested in reducing building and infrastructure energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. This goal also recognizes the importance of community involvement. Encouraging mixed-income buildings will help promote social well-being as a critical aspect of sustainability. Improving opportunities for physical activities will also further the social and physical health of community members. Finally, information sharing, such as through a website, will allow community members to work toward sustainability goals.

Key Definitions >>>LEED Certification - LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a rating system where credits are earned for satisfying specified green building criteria. The criteria fall under Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of certification are awarded based on the number of credits earned. LEED is being used nationwide at the federal, state, and local level and by the private sector (Mayor’s Energy Task Force, 2004). Already, six percent of new commercial buildings are LEED-certified (Brown, 2010). >>> TIF funding - This is a government finance tool that the City of Madison uses to encourage development and expand the future tax base. Adjusting TIF policies could make sustainable approaches to development more affordable and attractive for builders. Key Data >>> City of Madison buildings and facilities are associated with 35.3 percent of municipal CO2 emissions, well ahead of water delivery (22.7 percent) and transit (15.7 percent). Over 25 percent of Madison’s yearly energy costs ($3.6 out of nearly $14 million dollars) are spent on buildings and facilities energy (Dart et al., 2010). Thus, retrofitting or building a city facility that meets ZNE standards would set an example for ZNE as well as cut municipal energy costs and carbon emissions from energy. >>> Residential and commercial buildings accounted for 62 percent of Madison community greenhouse gas emissions in 2010 (Bray-Hoagland et al., 2011). Reducing building energy consumption can therefore reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, while helping cut costs for building users. Challenges This goal cannot be achieved without securing the support and involvement of the private sector. City actions to demonstrate and document sustainable development and to describe good case studies will show that such development is possible, results in energy and cost savings and emission reductions, and is attractive for building users. Incentive programs to encourage building rehabilitation and publicly recognizing exemplary projects will help reward developers interested in being recognized as pioneers in sustainability.

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Goal 4: Promote and foster local food systems Local food systems help support many of the objectives of the sustainability plan. Local food has lower embodied carbon compared to equivalent food shipped across the country. There is more control over the growing process and practices of the local food system. The local food systems often have the values of the local community at the heart of their practices. The local food systems contain a growing or production stage, distribution and processing, as well as sale to the consumer. In order to foster local systems, the City must provide and support all of the steps in the system. Key Definitions >>>Community gardens are single pieces of land that groups collectively garden. Over the last 10 years, the number and area of community gardens have doubled, involving more than 2000 households. The Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Inc. helps provide community garden access to those in and around Madison. Community gardens typically contain all of the steps from production to distribution to customers. >>>Farmer’s market is an opportunity for those who grow produce, bake goods, or craft items to sell their items. This provides a distribution opportunity for those who take part in local food systems. The Dane County’s Farmers’ Market has been taking place since 1972, which allows only local farmers to sell into the market. The Farmer’s Market allows for distribution and sale to the consumer. Challenges The majority of the local community already supports local food systems for a variety of reasons. For this reason, it should be the City’s position to identify the potential opportunities for the residents to participate in these systems and ensure that rules and regulations such as zoning codes allow for the system to flourish. Proper rules will need to be in place for the community gardens to grow. Land owners can place themselves in a vulnerable position by allowing plots to be used for community’s gardens. With proper regulations that can protect the land owners as well as those participating in the gardens, more people will be interested in the process. Just as important as getting the rules right, the message will have to be delivered to the community. A push for education and promotion of community gardens will be important.

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References City of Madison, Comprehensive Plan

http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/ComprehensivePlan/adoptedplan.cfm

EPA. Brownfields and Land Revitilization. 2002. Retrieved from: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/overview/glossary.htm Federal Transit Authority, Transit Oriented Development

http://www.fta.dot.gov/about_FTA_6932.html

League of American Bicyclists. Ride for the Environment. Retrieved from: http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/why/environment.php

Madison Area Transportation Planning Board, Regional Transportation Plan 2035 http://www.madisonareampo.org/planning/regionalplan.cfm

Madison Area Transportation Planning Board, Transportation Improvement Program 2012-2016 http://www.madisonareampo.org/planning/improvementprogram.cfm

http://www.cityofmadison.com/planning/ComprehensivePlan/adoptedplan.cfm

http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/overview/glossary.htm

http://www.fta.dot.gov/about_FTA_6932.html

http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/why/environment.php

http://www.madisonareampo.org/planning/regionalplan.cfm

http://www.madisonareampo.org/planning/improvementprogram.cfm

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Transportation

People’s everyday choices about how to move about have large impacts on water and air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and other aspects of protecting a healthy environment. Moreover, providing people in every neighborhood and of all means with a variety of affordable, healthy modes of travel helps build a socially sustainable community. Transportation accounted for 27 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the Madison community in 2010 (Bray-Hoagland et al., 2010). Most of these emissions can be attributed to single-occupancy vehicle use, which produces more greenhouse gas emissions relative to the distance and number of people transported than other forms of transport. These and other vehicles also release much air pollution in the area, including over half of nitrogen dioxide, which contributes to the creation of “smog” and associated health issues, including asthma attacks (Bray-Hoagland et al., 2010). While Dane County and Madison in particular are relatively successful in encouraging people to use alternative forms of transportation compared to communities of similar size, there is much room for progress. For example, 2001 National Household Transportation Survey (NHTS) data show that 80% of all trips were made using private vehicles, while 2007-2009 American Community Survey data show that 63% of city of Madison residents drive alone to work (as well as 73% of Dane County residents) (MPO, 2012).

There are several priorities for providing people with improved, sustainable, alternative forms of transportation. One is improving and further developing a reliable, efficient, and attractive “multi-modal” network of options including express and other bus options and infrastructure for electric cars, bicycling, and walking. This would allow residents to draw on a flexible selection of options to meet their particular travel needs in a sustainable way. Another is securing a dedicated funding source – a modern source of funding for a modern transportation system. Still another focus is to communicate with the public to help spread the word about the many transportation options available.

In order to work towards these priorities, the City of Madison has developed the following 7 goals relating to transportation. These goals aim to encourage the development of a modern, twenty-first century transportation system that balances society and the economy with the environment. This will help improve the environment and resident health while giving people more choices about how to travel.

1. Implement existing City MPO, and Regional Alternative Transportation plans. 2. Expand the number of neighborhoods where sustainable transportation choices enable

mobility without a car. 3. Establish a dedicated funding source for alternative transportation. 4. Establish uniform, consistent evaluation methods for understanding sustainable

transportation usage and goal achievement. 5. Maximize the use of alternative transportation infrastructure by implementing and/or

improving marketing strategies. 6. Foster better collaboration between City agencies, departments and committees.

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Goal 1: Implement existing City, MPO, and Regional Alternative

Transportation plans Before developing new plans for alternative transportation, it is important the City makes the effort to put in place those plans already developed for this purpose. The City currently has plans for improving the bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure. The MPO Regional Transportation Plan includes a bicycle transportation plan that ensures an adequate network of trails for all of the residents. The Metro Transit is always working to expand its user base and increase its ridership. Key Definitions >>>The Platinum bike plan intends to make bicycling an integral part of daily life in Madison. By integrating bicycling into the city, residents can improve their quality of life, health, environmental sustainability, as well as economic benefits. By adopting measures such as Complete Streets, the safety of bicyclists will be improved. With improved safety, residents will be more likely to substitute biking for driving, especially on shorter routes (less than 2 miles) which make up about 44% of trips in Madison. >>>Pedestrian plan is Madison’s commitment to enhancing the pedestrian environment and increasing opportunities to choose walking as a viable mode of transportation. The plan includes planning and site development for building the pedestrian environment as well as education, encouragement, and enforcement to preserve and enhance the existing environment. The plan was initially adopted in 1997. >>>MPO Regional Transportation Plan is a long term (over 20 years) planning document used to guide decision making processes. It is an integrated, multi-modal system plan which includes mode specific plans such as the bicycle transportation plan. Information is provided on regional trends and the current system. These are used to decide plan goals, policy objectives, and recommendations for moving forward. The Plan is developed by the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board, which is the Madison Urban Area's federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). >>>Madison Metro Transit provides alternative transportation choices to the residents in and around Madison. It serves a 72 square mile area that has a population of 249,051. In 2010, the Metro Transit provided 13.9 million rides to its users. The transit system helps to reduce congestion and total vehicle miles traveled. With the recent introduction of hybrid buses, which have 20% better fuel economy, other sustainability goals are also achieved. Challenges Going through the process of identifying current “owners” of the transportation plans will help create the avenues of communication needed for these plans to develop and function. There are several departments and agencies that have their hand in the game, and it will be important to have communication and attempt to align the internal goals with that of the sustainability plan. By developing a timeline and funding strategy, the gaps and shortfalls in the execution process for alternative transportation will become more apparent.

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Goal 2: Expand the number of neighborhoods and commercial

centers where sustainable transportation choices enable mobility

without a car. This goal recognizes the need to reach existing neighborhoods and commercial centers with additional or improved opportunities to travel without needing a car, as well as the need to design future neighborhoods and commercial centers with a strong focus on providing a variety of “built in” transportation options. This would make transportation more affordable and flexible and reap health and environmental benefits. The overall theme is improving sustainability by making it convenient and enjoyable to walk, bicycle, and use public transit. Key Definitions >>> Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) –BRT would provide frequent service throughout the day in certain transit corridors, combined with limited stops and preferential roadway treatments for buses – the goal being to provide rapid bus service in high-demand areas and to encourage more bus ridership. The Capital Region Sustainable Communities Consortium, led by the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission, is expected to produce a study on BRT late in 2012, which will explore the feasibility of a BRT system, including possible routes (MPO, 2012). >>> Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin – A nonprofit organization dedicated to making bicycling more convenient and safer, the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin has the experience necessary to help implement improvements to Madison’s bicycling infrastructure.

>>> Transportation demand management (TDM) – TDM is applied to reduce and redistribute travel demand. Simply put, TDM works to ensure safe, speedy, and sustainable transportation, even at times of very high demand, such as large events. For example, a large event can work to provide bus, pedestrian, and bicycle options for traveling to and from the event rather than relying on private vehicles alone. >>> Multi-modal transportation –Multi-modal transportation allows residents to draw on a number of choices to meet their needs, including using more than one form of transportation to reach their destination. For example, commuting to work partly on bicycle and then commuting by bus for the remainder of the trip is multi-modal transportation --- and, importantly, can be supported with infrastructure such as a bicycle rack on the bus. >>> Downtown multi-modal transit center – Creating a downtown multi-modal transit center would make it easier for travelers to draw on multiple options such as intercity and local bus travel and bicycle and pedestrian travel. Unfortunately, Madison’s intercity bus terminal was closed in 2009 and finding a location for a new terminal is difficult. However, a future terminal could serve as a multi-modal transit center. >>> Bicycle commuter station – A bicycle commuter station can provide commuters with amenities such as lockers, showers, and convenient and secure bicycle storage.

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Key Data >>>This goal aims to increase the percentage of trips made by bus to 20% by 2020 and to increase the percentage of trips made by bicycle to 20% by 2020. Data from the 2001 National Household Transportation Survey (NHTS) show that 3% of all trips in the City of Madison are made by bicycle and that 3% are made using public transit, including taxi, school bus, or bus, while 80% are made using a private vehicle and 14% are pedestrian trips. At the same time, 44% of trips in Madison are less than 2 miles in distance, or 10 minutes on bicycle, so there is much room for growth (MPO, 2012). >>> While the 2001 NHTS data are now over a decade old, other, more recent data sources do show that bus and bicycle usage may be increasing. Metro Transit ridership increased 19% between 2005 and 2010, for example, and the percentage of City residents commuting to work via bicycle rose from 3.2% in 2000 to 4.5% in 2007-2009. The percentage of City of Madison residents commuting with public transit rose from 7.2% to 8.2% over the same time period, and the percentage driving alone decreased from 65% to 63% (MPO, 2012). Challenges There are three major challenges to achieving this goal. First, for both a multi-modal transit center and a bicycle commuter station, the largest challenge is likely finding a suitable, centrally located space available for this use. The City would need to prioritize these uses and remain aware of new opportunities as they arise. Secondly, achieving bicycle and bus use targets of 20% by 2020 will require extremely rapid change and continued efforts to make these options more attractive. Finally, an overarching problem is the need to secure enough funding to modernize Madison’s transportation system and provide attractive alternative transport options. For more on this challenge in particular, see Goal 3 below.

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Goal 3: Establish a dedicated funding source for alternative

transportation This goal recognizes that a dedicated local source of transit funding is needed for Madison’s transportation infrastructure to truly become sustainable. As discussed in the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board’s 2035 Regional Transportation Plan Update, a mix of federal, state, and local funding sources are used to maintain and develop roadways, public transit, and bicycle and pedestrian transportation infrastructure in the Madison area. However, public transit and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure struggle to obtain enough funding for Madison to achieve its sustainability goals, and the overwhelming majority of state and federal funds go to roadways rather than towards alternative transportation options. For example, funding for Metro Transit (Madison’s primary transit provider) does not include funds for improved local bus service, commuter express bus service, or rapid transit service (MPO, 2012). The goal also identifies some of the actions Madison could take to truly modernize and make its transportation system smarter and more sustainable, including reallocating some resources to alternative transportation. Many of these actions leverage the ability to provide better information using modern technology --- saving transit users or car drivers time, cutting congestion and reducing pollution. Key Definitions >>>The Madison Area Transportation Planning Board is the Madison Urban Area's federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Federal rules require that urbanized areas of 50,000 or more people have such MPO’s in order to secure federal highway and transit funds. The Madison Area Transportation Planning Board works closely with the City of Madison and with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. >>> Portland’s Smart Trips program reaches out to businesses, commuters, new city or neighborhood residents, and other residents to provide the information and incentives needed to encourage the use of bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit options. Tools range from providing tours and helpful maps to residents to offering businesses free bicycle racks to provide their customers and employees. A similar program could be implemented in Madison. Challenges The main challenge to this goal is securing support for a dedicated funding source for alternative transportation options. In 2009, the state legislature authorized the creation of the Dane County Regional Transit Authority (DCRTA), with the authority to institute an additional local sales tax of up to ½ of one percent. However, DCRTA staffing was not funded, and 2011 Assembly Bill 40 dissolved the DCRTA (MPO, 2012). The public and policymakers will need to perceive a need for Madison’s transportation system to modernize, both in terms of sustainable infrastructure and in terms of a new, dedicated source of funding, in order for this goal to be achieved.

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Goal 4: Establish uniform, consistent evaluation methods for

understanding sustainable transportation usage and goal

achievement. It is important for the city to have a clear understanding of transportation mode, distance, and frequency of its citizens. This will help inform future infrastructure decisions and help set clear, concise transportation goals. Key Actions The collection of the baseline data through a City-wide transportation evaluation plan will provide necessary data to inform future decisions. The City should make use of public resources around this topic. For example, the EPA has a document titled “Guide to Sustainable Transportation Performance Measures,” resources like this could be particularly helpful. Gathering this type of data can reveal insight into the current state of the City’s transportation and are necessary for the City to reach its goal to become sustainable.

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Goal 5: Maximize the use of alternative transportation

infrastructure by implementing and/or improving marketing

strategies. To create transportation results relating to the various goals it will be imperative that the community is made aware of alternatives. Additionally, to drive participation incentives must be developed and communicated to the community. From a sustainability standpoint it’s important to increase ridesharing and public transportation participation to reduce local pollution (See Natural Systems Goal 1). By making the programs simple and attractive the city should make progress toward their transportation goals. The key metrics should be focused around number of drive alone drivers, car/ van pool, public transit, biking, and walking. The 2006-2008 American Community Survey data provides a baseline for the program. Key Definitions >>>Rideshare Program – Wisconsin offers a program that brings commuters with similar travel routes together. It serves all of Wisconsin and the bordering counties in other states (IA, IL, MI, MN). The program allows users to integrate Facebook to help identify a potential match. It also has a feature allowing users to track their financial savings and environmental impact. >>>Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) – Is a service that provides a ride home from work in an emergency to regular carpool, vanpool, mass transit, and bicycle commuters. Commuters must register for the program; upon registration they receive a voucher that is good for cab fare if an emergency arises while the commuter is at work without their vehicle. The rides are good for up to $75 and a maximum of six per year. Key Actions They key to success concerning the alternative transportation goals will depend on how well the public is educated on the benefits of the various programs. There is a great opportunity to partner with local employers to provide short seminars on the topic. Identifying key partners in the community and aligning with them could provide significant impact.

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Goal 6: Foster better collaboration between city agencies,

departments, and committees Transportation issues are central to a large number of issues in the sustainability plan. Additionally, they are dealt with by various agencies, departments, and committees within the City. Proper communication within and between these groups will help ensure that each group’s plans are complementary and non-overlapping. Ensuring communication early in the process will help avoid rework and proper involvement by all needed parties. Key Definitions >>>Dane County Regional Transit Authority (RTA) plans and manages mass transportation for the Madison region within the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) boundary. The RTA helps Metro transit serve a larger population of transit users. >>>ADA Transit Subcommittee is advisory to the Transit & Parking Commission (TPC). It is responsible for monitoring compliance by Metro Transit in providing paratransit and transit service within the service area. Also, the subcommittee will address issues and recommend policies for the TPC. >>>Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a 5 year program updated annually. It is a coordinated listing of short-term transportation improvement projects. This is the mechanism in which the long-term planning is implemented. Key Actions Col-locating departments and teams dealing with transportation issues would go a long way in achieving this goal. This would help ensure that the departments have a general understanding of the directions the other groups are working towards resulting with improved collaboration. In addition, the quarterly transportation meetings will keep all groups involved in the process and help align top level goals of departments.

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References Bray-Hoagland, Kolby, Casperson, Molly, Cronin, Keith, Mathieu, Dylan. 2011. City of Madison

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory: 2010 Baseline. UW-Madison Workshop in Energy Analysis & Policy.

City of Madison. 2012. Rideshare Guaranteed Ride Home Program. Retrieved from: http://www.cityofmadison.com/rideshare/service.cfm

EPA. 2011. Guide to sustainable transportation performance measures. Retrieved from: http://www.epa.gov/dced/pdf/Sustainable_Transpo_Performance.pdf

EPA. 2011. Guide to sustainable transportation performance measures. Retrieved from: http://www.epa.gov/dced/pdf/Sustainable_Transpo_Performance.pdf Madison Area Transportation Planning Board (MPO). 2012. 2035 Regional Transportation Plan

Update http://www.madisonareampo.org/planning/regionalplan.cfm

Madison Area Transportation Planning Board (MPO). 2012. Transportation Improvement Program http://www.madisonareampo.org/planning/improvementprogram.cfm

http://www.cityofmadison.com/rideshare/service.cfm

http://www.epa.gov/dced/pdf/Sustainable_Transpo_Performance.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/dced/pdf/Sustainable_Transpo_Performance.pdf

http://www.madisonareampo.org/planning/regionalplan.cfm

http://www.madisonareampo.org/planning/improvementprogram.cfm

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Carbon & Energy

The City of Madison would like to do their part in order to work towards a stable climate system. Working to reduce carbon emissions will provide positive outcomes to the environment and society due to the common sources (power plants and mobile sources) of these emissions. Carbon emissions come from power plants, but power plans also produce sulfur dioxide ( ) and particulate matter ( ). leads to many negative public health effects and lead to acid rain and ground level ozone. Carbon emissions also come from internal combustion engines or mobile sources and mobile sources also produce , , carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds , which cause ground-level ozone and lead to various negative health effects. While the primary goal of carbon reduction is directed towards climate change issues, there is a long list of co-benefits related to achieving the goal of reducing GHG emissions.

Wisconsin has been working to identify the probable changes to their local environment through the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts. Their first report, Wisconsin Changing Climate: Impacts and Adaptations, documents the historical temperature and precipitation patterns throughout the seasons as well as providing projections into the future. Throughout the 1950-2006 period, winter temperatures have increased significantly in north-western and central Wisconsin and the number of very cold nights declined significantly. A more local example can be easily seen through the ice records for Lake Mendota. Over the last 150 years, the annual duration of ice cover has declined by about a month. Wisconsin’s agriculture industry will also have to deal with these changes. The report notes that the warming in spring and fall would help extend the growing seasons, but the increased temperature in the summer months may reduce yields. On top of that, increased precipitation could lead to significant soil erosion. These trends lead to strong motivation to work towards the goal of carbon emission reduction.

The City of Madison recognizes their part in climate change and embraces a goal of reducing carbon emissions 80% by 2050. To work towards this goal, the Sustainability Plan outlines goals and actions in primary energy consumption areas to work towards this vision. The two main uses of energy are transportation and building services. Combustion of gasoline and diesel is responsible for provided transportation to the majority of the city and natural gas and electricity are responsible for building operations such as heating, cooling, and a variety of other services. In order to reach this aggressive goal, a combination of conservation, energy efficiency, and lower carbon fuels will be needed. The following goals will be used to work towards the long term carbon reduction goal.

1. Influence reductions in transportation related carbon impacts 2. Systematically upgrade existing buildings, equipment and infrastructure 3. Improve new buildings and developments 4. Engage the public in energy efficiency and climate change programs 5. Obtain 25% of electricity, heating, and transportation energy from clean energy sources

by 2025 6. Report carbon footprint to the public

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Goal 1: Influence reductions in transportation related carbon impacts

The City of Madison would like to achieve emission reductions of 10% every 5 years in order to meet the goal of 40% reductions by 2030. In order to achieve these reductions, the city will work to reduce car miles traveled and increase low-carbon fuel use. The Madison Area Transportation Planning Board (TPB) provides a good baseline for planning decisions in the transportation system and also for measuring progress towards specific goals. The TPB is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Madison Urban Area. They provide a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) every 5 years which has a planning horizon of 20 years. This has detailed baseline data for the transportation system. Using this plan as a starting point, the sustainability plan will work to improve certain aspects of the transportation system relating to the environment, society, and the economy. This goal is specifically aimed to help achieve the 80% carbon emission reduction by 2050 for the City of Madison.

The RTP is an integrated, multi-modal system plan that provides the framework for transportation planning and decision making in the region. This includes information on all types of transportation from public transit and bicycling to walking, which is used to balance the region’s economic, land use, and environmental goals. A Multi-modal system, in context of a transportation system, refers to the many modes (or options) that an individual has to get from point A to point B. The basic roadway infrastructure facilitates personal vehicles such as cars and mopeds as well as public transit such as buses. The extensive sidewalk, trails, and bike lane infrastructure facilitate walking, biking, and other pedestrian activities.

Looking forward, a strong and robust electric vehicle infrastructure will be needed to integrate the new plug in electric vehicles. There has been renewed interest in electric vehicles this last decade due to the introduction and popularity of the Toyota Prius. The Prius is a hybrid compact sedan which has both a traditional combustion engine along with an electric drive system and battery storage. The car takes advantage of the electric power system to optimize its use of the combustion engine as well as recapture wasted energy from braking. By doing this, the Prius is able to get around 50 mpg, which represents emission reductions compared to typical 30 mpg car. Recently, pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids have been introduced to markets, which create several new issues. One issue is the infrastructure to charge these devices, which is a substantially increased load in the electric power system.

Key Data

The following data is from 2006-2008 American Community Survey data contained in the RTP. The table contains extrapolations from a sample size of around 40,000 workers from Dane County and 22,600 from the City of Madison. This information helps shed light on the opportunities for carbon reduction in the transportation system. A majority of Madison residents currently drive alone to work. While the alternatives may not be as convenient, the City may be able to provide incentive programs which make the decision for lower emission travel options easier for its residents.

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The survey also noted important geographic trends, such as only 42% of those in the greater Isthmus drove alone to work. Comparing this to the 63% in the City of Madison, and 73% in Dane County, this provides support for dense development.

Challenges

One of the main objectives of these actions is to move people out of the category of “drive alone” into one of the less carbon intensive categories such as carpooling, public transit, or bicycling. One straightforward way to do this would be to provide incentives for latter category. However, incentives will not always be enough. One action includes making public transit more robust by having more services available, which will make it accessible for a larger number of people. Public transit is a step in the right direction, by allowing the emissions of travel to be spread over many people. In order to make it a better step, the City will create a transition plan to reduce the emissions of the fleet. This last action fits into a second objective which is to move towards lower-carbon fuels. The City will encourage residents to follow in its footsteps by promoting incentives for alternative fuel vehicles for transportation and even home use such as the lawn mower.

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Goal 2 -Systematically upgrade existing buildings, equipment, and infrastructure

Decreasing the amount of energy used in both the public and private sectors will help Madison achieve its sustainability goals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce peak electrical demand (for more on peak electrical demand, see Carbon and Energy Goal 3 Appendix). This goal in particular acknowledges that these goals cannot be achieved by focusing just on new construction; existing buildings, equipment, and infrastructure will need to be upgraded in order for Madison residents to save the most energy.

Key Definitions

>>> Retro-commissioning –Retro-commissioning is when the operations and maintenance of an existing building are carefully studied and improved to save energy, as well as gain other benefits such as improved indoor air quality.

>>>Energy Star –The Energy Star program is spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It provides a benchmarking system to help public agencies, businesses, and homeowners use best energy efficiency practices. A score at the 75% or higher level on Energy Star’s 1-100 benchmarking scale indicates top performance (Energy Star, 2011).

>>>LEED Certification - LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a rating system where credits are earned for satisfying green building criteria. The criteria fall under Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of certification are awarded based on the number of credits earned. LEED is being used nationwide at the federal, state, and local level and by the private sector (Mayor’s Energy Task Force, 2004).

>>>LEED-Existing Building (EB): Operations and Maintenance- LEED-EB is a ratings system that allows building owners and operators to improve building energy efficiency. It also takes into account environmental issues for the building, such as recycling programs.

>>> Energy Conservation Block Grant (ECBG) – This federal grant program helps cities provide funding to improve energy savings for all city residents, including lower-income residents.

>>> TIF funding - This is a government finance tool that the City of Madison uses to encourage development and expand the future tax base. Exploring energy efficiency standards for buildings that receive TIF funding could help the City find ways to promote energy efficient development.

>>>City energy managers – City energy managers are becoming more and more common across the country. These experts help measure and track energy efficiency improvements and savings across city agencies, helping the city stay on top of its overarching energy goals.

Key Data

>>> City of Madison buildings and facilities are associated with 35.3 percent of municipal CO2 emissions, well ahead of water delivery (22.7 percent) and transit (15.7 percent). Over 25 percent of Madison’s yearly energy costs ($3.6 out of nearly $14 million dollars in 2007) are

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spent on buildings and facilities energy (Dart et al., 2010). Thus, retro-commissioning existing city buildings to reduce energy use can serve as an example of retro-commissioning as well as cut municipal energy costs and carbon emissions.

>>>Residential and commercial buildings accounted for 62 percent of Madison community greenhouse gas emissions in 2010 (Bray-Hoagland et al., 2011). The average American household spends over $2000 per year on energy bills, the majority of which goes to heating and cooling (EPA, 2009). Reducing building energy consumption can therefore reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, while helping families save money.

Challenges

>>> Upfront costs - Many of the changes required to upgrade existing buildings, equipment, and infrastructure to save energy involve some initial upfront costs that can be paid back with lower energy costs over time. That is why the City of Madison can provide incentives and set an example for how investment in energy saving changes and technology saves money over time.

>>> Need for measurement - Achieving energy savings also requires understanding current energy use and being able to measure progress. That is why City efforts will include analyzing and understanding the energy use of existing buildings, and helping building owners and tenants understand energy use.

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Goal 3: Improve New Buildings and Developments

This Goal reinforces the recommendations introduced by an Energy Conservation & Green Building (ECGB) Committee to Madison in 2004 (Mayor’s Energy Task Force, 2004). ECGB noted that efforts to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources would both save money and bring the City closer to achieving its sustainability goals. For example, commonly available energy efficiency technologies can be used to decrease energy use in new commercial buildings by up to 40 percent, and can be selected and designed to save money by reducing energy expenses (Kneifel, 2010). Meeting this goal would especially help to save money and energy through reducing peak electrical demand. Peak electrical demand in Madison occurs on the hottest days of the year, when everyone is running air conditioners, which need a lot of energy to operate. Unfortunately, energy infrastructure (such as power plants) needs to be big enough to handle peak electrical demand. Consumers therefore have to pay through their energy bills for expensive power plant capacity that is only used during a few days of the year. Customers can also save money on their electric rates by cutting their peak demand (for more information, see MGE, 2012a and 2012b). Therefore, key actions to make buildings better able to stay cool in summer and retain heat in winter help reduce peak electrical demand and make electricity cheaper, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well. These key actions include encouraging more energy efficient construction, including the use of LEED standards and the adoption of green roofs. Allowing buildings to use on-site solar or geothermal electricity would also reduce the need for peak electricity from expensive power plants and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Definitions

>>> Zero Net Energy - A zero net energy (ZNE) building produces as much energy for electricity, heating, and cooling from renewable sources as it consumes each year. ZNE buildings usually reduce their energy needs through efficiency gains of 60 to 70 percent compared to standard buildings and supply the rest with renewables such as solar or geothermal installations. Buildings typically buy and sell energy from and to the grid as needed (Gruder, 2010).

>>> Process Loads –In general, process loads describe the energy used to support manufacturing, industrial, and commercial practices in a building. Because process loads are difficult to compare across buildings and industries, their regulation in energy efficiency codes is more complex than regulation for non-process energy such as HVAC or lighting.

>>>LEED Certification - LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a rating system where credits are earned for satisfying specified green building criteria. The criteria fall under Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of certification are awarded based on the number of credits earned. LEED is being used nationwide at the federal, state, and local level and by the private sector (Mayor’s Energy Task Force, 2004). Already, six percent of new commercial buildings are LEED-certified (Brown, 2010).

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Key Data

>>> City of Madison buildings and facilities are associated with 35.3 percent of municipal CO2 emissions, well ahead of water delivery (22.7 percent) and transit (15.7 percent). Over 25 percent of Madison’s yearly energy costs ($3.6 out of nearly $14 million dollars) are spent on buildings and facilities energy (Dart et al., 2010). Thus, retrofitting or building a city facility that meets ZNE standards would set an example for ZNE as well as cut municipal energy costs and carbon emissions from energy.

>>> Residential and commercial buildings accounted for 62 percent of Madison community greenhouse gas emissions in 2010 (Bray-Hoagland et al., 2011). The average American household spends over $2000 per year on energy bills, the majority of which goes to heating and cooling (EPA, 2009). Reducing building energy consumption can therefore reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, while helping families save money.

Challenges

>>> Reaching ZNE - Wisconsin residential and commercial building energy codes are currently based on the 2006 and 2009 International Energy Conservation Codes (IECC). Ramping up these standards in Madison to reach zero net energy by 2030 will require large steps forward in efficiency, and some building requirements may be more costly upfront (but expected to pay themselves back in lower energy use over time). Some areas are pursuing ZNE based on similar codes; for example, Massachusetts intends to amend its IECC-based code every three years to reach ZNE by 2030, and has adopted an appendix energy code that can be used by municipalities to meet even higher energy efficiency standards (Massachusetts, 2011). >>>Implementing a municipal Zero Net Energy program –Few cities (if any) are on track to achieve Zero Net Energy by 2030. One strong example in this area, however, is Austin, Texas, which has adopted a green building and ZNE policy and program, including energy auditing and standards (AEGB, 2011).

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Goal 4: Engage the Public in Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Programs

To develop into a sustainable city, it’s important that the public clearly understands the challenges they face and how they can help mitigate them. Various outreach and marketing programs will be required to reach the engagement and awareness targets. Improving public awareness will be the key to creating change.

Key Definitions

>>>Mpower Madison – A community commitment to reduce carbon emissions put into action by a number of partners including: City of Madison, MGE, Citizens Utility Board, Clean Wisconsin, Dane County United, Nelson Institute, RENEW Wisconsin, Sustain Dane, Sierra Club, University of Wisconsin, and UW extension SHWEC. The initial goal set in 2007 was to reduce carbon emissions in Madison by 100,000 tons by 2011; the city nearly tripled that goal when the results were tallied. The new goal of the organization is to reach an 80% carbon reduction by 2050

Challenges

To measure the City’s progress toward these goals, it is imperative that they identify key metrics and establish a baseline. Questions that should be addressed include: 1. What percentage of the population is currently participating in energy efficiency and climate change programs? 2. What percentage of the current population is aware that community members are encouraging energy efficiency and climate change programs? 3. What is the general perception of said programs in the community?

The City has identified a number of key actions that will move them towards their goals. These actions work to provide transparency and create awareness. Creating a feedback system that allows consumers to see their consumption and compare it to others is an ambitious plan but could have significant impact. This real-time feedback has been shown to change behavior. Through smart marketing and strategic partnerships they can create awareness and increase participation. These actions are critical to the attainment of this goal, but it plays a key part in the success of the plan as a whole.

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Goal 5: Obtain 25% of electricity, heating, and transportation energy from clean energy sources by 2025

In order to tackle the goal of a carbon reduction of 80% by 2050, this particular goal will be a milestone in that direction. It will help achieve a particular mix of power generation which is relatively high in clean energy sources compared to today. This in combination with energy efficiency programs, which will reduce the total energy needed, will be primarily responsible for the reduction in carbon emissions.

Key Definitions

>>>Clean Energy: Refers to the type and amount of bi-products produced when generating power. No energy is every completely clean, and there is a spectrum on which all power production resides. Wind and solar power are the notable clean energy sources, with the only emissions embodied in the materials and construction process. Natural gas is far cleaner than coal, producing around ½ the carbon emissions per unit energy compared to coal. Nuclear power produces elemental isotopes as a bi-product of fission, which can be long-lived (thousands of years) and difficult to store, although small in quantity (uranium-235 is over one million times as energy dense as coal).

Key Data

City of Madison Energy Use, from MG&E and Alliant (Bray-Hoagland et. al., 2010)

Challenges

All of the actions in the sustainability plan relate to increase the portion of electricity which is sourced from clean energy sources. Since the breakdown of energy use is heavily weighted in transportation fuels, which are not placed well on the clean energy spectrum, new action items will need to be developed in order to achieve the 25% goal. One option is to shift towards electricity for transportation with an increased portion of electricity from clean energy. Another option is to use cleaner transportation fuels such as bio-diesel and ethanol. Also, while Natural Gas is considerably cleaner than other fossil fuels, it will be important to ensure it is being used efficiently for building heating throughout the winter months. Most importantly, instead of placing energy sources into clean or not clean energy, a metric should be developed that relates to the carbon emissions of the particular energy source. This would directly relate to the high-level goal of 80% carbon emission reduction.

Energy Consumption by Sector and Source

Source Electricity Green Electricity

Natural Gas Gasoline Diesel

Residential 629,645 46,424 1,394,466

Commercial 1,333,822 34,319 1,720,727

Industrial 345,515 54 1,035,819

Transportation - 3,632,995 304,219

Total 2,308,982 80,797 4,151,012 3,632,995 304,219

Percent of Total 22% 1% 40% 35% 3%

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Goal 6: Report carbon footprint to the public

In order to keep a good measure on the progress being made, a comprehensive Carbon Footprint Report will be developed. This will provide the baseline data for the city as well as the progress being made over time. This report will be used to inform city workers and the public of the current situation for sustainability measures on carbon emissions. It is planned to publish the report every two years.

Key Definitions

>>>Carbon Footprint Report – This report aims to measure the effect the activities within the city are having on the environment both locally and globally. The local effects can be seen through air and water quality. The global effects relate to climate change and the resulting effects from small changes in the average temperature on earth and relatively larger changes in certain locations temperatures.

>>>Greenhouse gases –A greenhouse gas (GHG) absorbs thermal radiation which is then radiated in all directions, including downwards to Earth. This acts like a thermal blanket by not allowing all of the heat radiated from Earth to escape. Since the incoming solar radiation is mostly outside the thermal spectrum, it is able to pass through the GHG without losing much energy and heat the Earth. The combination of these leads to the greenhouse gas effect, which has kept our planet in a range of temperatures that support life. Recently, we have had an enhanced greenhouse effect from the increase in GHG emissions by anthropogenic sources. The primary GHGs, as recognized by the Kyoto Protocol, for Madison are as follows, with a relative measure of the effects (global warming potential) in the right side bracket (IPCC, 2007).

Carbon dioxide (CO2) [1]

Methane (CH4) [21]

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) [310]

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) [1350]

Perflorocarbons (PFS) [9200]

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) [23,900]

The first three gases, while less potent, have considerable more volume. CO2 is the most abundant emission since it is a bi-product in the production of energy from fossil fuels. The second three gases are extremely potent, but volume produced is extremely low. They are specialized gases used in refrigeration components and industrial processes. Currently, the city does not have data on refrigerants and no uses in industrial production. (Dart et al., 2010)

>>>Air pollutants – Emissions from various processes which negatively impact air quality. Goal 1 of the Natural Systems section describes the various pollutants (from ozone to fine particulate matter) and discusses ways to positively impact the current situation.

Key Data

>>>Baseline carbon footprint - The following data was compiled by a team of graduate students in order to create a baseline measurement for the GHG emissions of the City of Madison. The data was compiled for the year 2010. It includes the first three gases in the list, which are the

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primary emissions for the city. Using the global warming potential multipliers, the different gas emissions were brought into equivalent CO2 terms. Once the emissions are in the same units, the relative contribution to emissions can be broken down by sector and source. For more

detailed information of the GHG emissions data, please reference City of Madison Greenhouse

Gas Emissions Inventory: 2010 Baseline (Bray-Hoagland et al. 2011).

Key Actions

Using the 2010 GHG emission baseline, future emission reports can be compared to and trends in emissions can be found. This is important as many of the goals outlined in the sustainability plan reference specific reduction in carbon and other emissions in a given time frame. Another action that will help drive reduction in carbon will be to develop an internal carbon price. This will represent a clear priority on the cities part to reduce emissions. The carbon price will be used for project cost when assessing multiple options.

Energy Consumption and Emissions by Sector and Source Source Energy Consumption

(MWh) CO2E (tons)

Residential

Electricity 629,645 580,505

Green Electricity 46,424 -

Natural Gas 1,394,466 279,077

Commercial -

Electricity 1,333,822 1,229,724

Green Electricity 34,319 -

Natural Gas 1,720,727 344,372

Industrial -

Electricity 345,515 166,281

Green Electricity 54 -

Natural Gas 1,035,819 206,973

Transportation -

Gasoline 3,632,995 989,918

Diesel 304,219 83,802

Total 10,478,005 3,880,652

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