green initiatives 2010 annual report

THE GREENREPORT

Prepared By

Environmental Policy and Energy Resources

Green Initiatives2010 Annual Report

SustainabilityMeeting the needs

of today without compromising the ability to meet the

needs of future generations.

- Adopted from the U.N. Brundtland Commission

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Mission Statement

Service Summary

Sustainability Policy

Target Areas

Leadership

Energy

Solid Waste

Land Development & Mobility

Natural Resources

Health

Economics

Education & Outreach

Letter From the Director

4

4

5

6

7

11

17

31

37

43

53

59

65

Green Highlights 70

Mission Statement

Environmental Regulatory Compliance

The Environmental Regulatory Compliance (ERC) Division is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of environmental permitting and compliance programs for the City utilities, and general government activities, in accordance with the applicable statutes, laws, rules and regulations of federal and state regulatory agencies such as the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

ERC is responsible for assisting with all aspects of mandatory environmental compliance including but not limited to such areas as air and water pollution, asbestos abatement, hazardous waste management, environmental contamination, spills and releases of petroleum or hazardous waste, and wetlands assessments.

Policy & Program Development

The Policy & Program Development (PPD) Division develops and implements programs and initiatives designed to protect and enhance the area’s natural resources, and educate employees and the public regarding the City’s ongoing role in, and importance of, environmental stewardship.

The PPD Division identifies and applies for grant funding from federal and state agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as well as from private entities, for various environmental and conservation initiatives which are consistent with the City of Tallahassee’s mission and vision. These grant initiatives include such areas as Brownfields revitalization, waste reduction, recycling, conservation, and green building certification. The Division also manages and implements the day-to-day operations of these grants, once awarded, in accordance with all grant contract requirements.

Environmental Policy and Energy Resources Department develops and promotes the implementation of policies and programs that encourage sustainable practices, which minimize energy consumption, foster the use of renewable resources, reduce negative environmental impacts, protect our natural resources, and guide the City towards achieving its goals for a reduction of peak demand.

Service SummaryThe Environmental Policy and Energy Resources Department (EPER) provides services to all City departments and serves as the primary resource to the community regarding sustainability initiatives. The primary departmental functions include environmental regulatory compliance, conservation, and green initiatives. The goals of the Department include maintaining environmental compliance with applicable environmental rules and requirements, improving the efficiency and environmental performance of City government activities and operations, promoting economic sustainability and social responsibility as it relates to environmental issues and initiatives, and preserving and enhancing the area’s natural environment for our citizens. The department’s activities are carried out by two functional divisions.

Green Initiatives Annual Report

On behalf of the Department of Environmental Policy and Energy Resources, I am pleased to present the 2010 Annual Green Initiatives Report, which documents the important contributions made across City government to create a more sustainable community. The initiatives in this report highlight the progress the City is making towards addressing environmental, economic, and societal concerns. Tallahasseans are fortunate to call home, a place with so many beautiful natural and enhanced resources. Our citizens continue to demonstrate great appreciation for these resources, and the City’s sustainability initiatives are reflective of these values. Throughout this report, you will find sustainability initiatives that the City has implemented, or is in the process of implementing, that will save money, help create new jobs, and help protect the environment.

The City of Tallahassee continues to be a leader in the area of sustainability and recognizes that developing a sustainable community requires a collaborative approach. Therefore, our efforts seek greater involvement with our citizens and community stakeholders. The City’s newly appointed Environmental Advisory Board is one example of the City working with the community to foster sustainability. The Board consists of local residents, representing diverse community interests and varied expertise, who are working with City staff to develop the Tallahassee Sustainability Action Agenda, a sustainability plan for City government as well as the community. This plan will provide a roadmap for how the City and the community will work together to pursue sustainability.

As you will see throughout the report, City government has made significant strides towards sustainability. The City’s achievements in the area of sustainability are possible only through the invaluable support of the City Commission, City leadership, City employees, and the community at large. The Department of Environmental Policy and Energy Resources is honored to coordinate the City’s efforts to become a truly sustainable organization, as well as collaboratively lead efforts to make our community The Sustainable City in the southeast United States and beyond. We trust that citizens and visitors will find this report informative.

A Note Fromthe Director

Cynthia S. Barber


Sustainability Policy

The City is committed to decreasing its ecological footprint at all levels of government and citizen activity. In order to keep our City a wonderful place to live for current and future residents, we recognize the broader goal of protecting our natural resources and decreasing our environmental impact. We also recognize that the City’s impact reaches beyond our border. With this in mind, we have established this Environmental Policy Statement to guide our daily activity.

The City of Tallahassee will meet or surpass all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. The City shall implement sustainable practices that preserve and enhance Tallahassee’s natural, economic, social and cultural environment.

The City shall utilize a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship, which raises awareness among its employees, engages its citizens, and seeks to develop public-private partnerships. The effectiveness of this policy shall be monitored and validated through a comprehensive measurement and verification methodology. The City’s sustainability goals will be directed towards eight principle targets areas:

Leadership

Energy

Solid Waste


Natural Resources

Health


Economics

The eight target areas will be addressed through the development and implementation of the community’s sustainability plan, the Tallahassee Sustainability Action Agenda. The progression of goals and agenda objectives will be monitored and measured against established program indicators. The goals may expand and evolve to allow for continuous re-evaluation and improvement.


Executive SummaryThe City of Tallahassee continues to demonstrate stewardship of the community’s resources through the implementation and support of new and ongoing green initiatives. The green initiatives implemented in 2010 surpassed those of previous years, and covered a broad scope of sustainability topics, ranging from energy conservation and clean air, to community wellness and green jobs. All of these initiatives, to varying degrees, address local environmental, social and economic concerns. The implementation of these initiatives continues to garner state, national, and recently, international recognition. Exemplary initiatives for 2010 are highlighted below, with additional details to be found in the report.

Leadership

• The City received a Silver Award for its focus on environmental management and livability

• Mayor John Marks, along with representatives from ten other U.S. cities, participated in the

• The City Manager appointed an Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) to provide community

• Work began on the Tallahassee Sustainability Action Agenda, a City of Tallahassee sustainability planning initiative that will define goals, objectives and strategies for each of the City’s eight sustainability target areas.

input into the development and implementation of sustainability-related plans, policies and programs.

Energy

• Nights and Weekends, a time-of-use rate pilot program, began offering reduced rates for off-peak hours for electric customers.

first European Green Capital Conference. Mayor Marks was a member of the National League of Cities delegation to the conference and his involvement was funded by a grant from the U.S. State Department.

from The International Awards for Livable Communities.


City Commission and Appointed Officials

Solid Waste

• The Tallahassee Regional Airport received the 2010 Florida Airports Council Environmental

• The Environmental Policy and Energy Resources (EPER) Department implemented anelectronic market, City MarketPlace, to facilitate the re-use of office supplies, equipment and furniture.

Land Development and Mobility

• EPER, in collaboration with the Energy Services Department, launched the Residential

• The Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department created a bicycle and pedestrian website

Green Building Incentive Pilot Program with $115,000 in grant funding from the United States Department of Energy to incentivize the construction of green homes.

that provides information on bicycling safety, laws, planning, and commuting at www.BikeTallahassee.com.

Natural Resources

• The City received a Clean Air Excellence Award from the United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency for outstanding, innovative efforts in improving air quality through regulatory and policy initiatives.

• The City issued approximately 3,400 Energy Star and gas double rebates, which resulted in

• StarMetro was awarded $5.2 million grant for the deployment of zero emission electric buses.

nearly $9 million dollars in local consumer spending.

Excellence Award for the use of Sustainable Construction Practices in the rehabilitation of the North General Aviation Apron.


City Hall

• The Neighborhood REACH pilot program was launched to provide low-income residential electric customers with home energy assessments and the installation of free weatherization measures.

Health

• The Mayor’s Healthy Initiative was created to develop a citywide strategy for improving

Economics

• Mayor Marks hosted the Joint Planning Session for Financial Sustainability in

Education and Outreach

• The Sustainability & You Community Learning Series was launched by the City of

Each of the City’s green initiatives in this report is categorized into one of the eight target areas identified in the City’s Sustainability Policy. It is recognized that every initiative is likely to affect multiple target areas, however each has been categorized into the one target area that best matches its primary purpose.

Tallahassee, Florida State University and Sustainable Tallahassee, as a series of interactive workshops designed to help citizens learn about sustainability practices and principles.

• The City launched the Tarp It campaign, the What Makes Tallahassee-Leon County Beautiful calendar art contest, and reorganized the Adopt-A-Street program as part of its comprehensive Think Before You Throw litter control program.

the health of Tallahassee residents through ‘Smart City’ technologies that promote healthy lifestyles.

Recessionary Times to address the current economic climate in Tallahassee and future collaborative efforts to improve the community’s economic and financial viability.


Executive Team

• As part of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability’s Five Milestone climate protection process, the City was honored for completing a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and setting emissions reduction targets.

Leadership


IntroductionSustainability is an integral component of the City of Tallahassee’s government operations. With the support and guidance of the Mayor, the City Commission, and the City Manager, the leaders in Tallahassee recognize that sustainability decisions made today will impact generations for years to come. With this knowledge, the City conducts business in a manner that will help ensure future generations the same social, environmental, and economic opportunities that are afforded to this City’s current generation.

It is this type of leadership that has led to the implementation of programs that are designed to protect and enhance the environment, save money and create green jobs. The City’s efforts in these areas have also been recognized with numerous awards. In 2009 the City was the first to be awarded Gold Certification as a Green City by the Florida Green Building Coalition. In 2010, the City received two prestigious awards that recognized its leadership efforts in sustainability. In May 2010, the City received a Clean Air Excellence Award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for outstanding, innovative efforts in improving air quality through regulatory and policy initiatives. In November 2010, the City received a “Silver Award” for its focus on environmental management and livability from The International Awards for Livable Communities.

The City of Tallahassee is often called on by other local governments and professional organizations to participate in state and regional conferences to share its success story and to help educate others on how to achieve and maintain an environmentally sustainable government. In October 2010, Mayor John Marks joined representatives from ten other U.S. cities as part of the National League of Cities delegation to the first European Green Capital Conference. The delegation was funded through a grant from the U.S. State Department. As a delegate, Mayor Marks shared examples of how Tallahassee manages the challenges of a growing city while addressing economic development and environmental concerns. Mayor Marks was in good company, as the delegation included representatives from cities that are traditionally known for their strong environmental leadership, such as Portland, Oregon; Boulder, Colorado; and Madison, Wisconsin.

The City’s Director of Environmental Policy and Energy Resources (EPER), Cynthia Barber, was invited to speak at the 2010 Southeast Bioenergy Conference (SEBC). The SEBC fostered an interactive dialogue


Gaines Street Groundbreaking

between its 500-600 attendees who are actively involved in the energy and bioenergy businesses, which range from biofuels and power generation to energy efficiency. The conference provided a forum to share information and technology, a necessity for the growth of the renewable energy sector in the Southeast.

New Initiatives for 2010

The City Commission has identified “placemaking”, a process that fosters the creation of vital public destinations, as a top priority for several areas of the community. Placemaking incorporates sustainability principles and capitalizes on a local community’s existing assets, inspiration, and potential, ultimately creating good public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well-being. The benefits associated with placemaking include a more sustainable economic and physical environment, a broader and more valuable tax base, and a lessening of sprawl away from these places. Placemaking areas include Gaines Street and All Saints, Midtown, the Market Square area, and South Adams.

Placemaking

The City Manager, Anita Favors Thompson, continues to address sustainability through the City Manager’s New Year’s Resolutions. The City Manager’s 2010 Resolutions addressed such issues as: creating a comprehensive plan for personal safety, ensuring Ethics and Character First Training for all new City employees, continuing updates to the City’s carbon reduction goals, and developing a bike and pedestrian system to help the City attain “Gold Level” for Bicycle Friendly Communities in the year 2012.

City Manager’s 2010 New Year’s Resolutions

To date, Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department staff has worked with residents and merchants to create three Working Groups that will guide the development of an Action Plan for each area. The goal of each Action Plan is to: address the physical sense of place by identifying any needed design standards or public infrastructure such as sidewalks, trails, or street lighting, and address the social recognition of the sense of place by developing a plan for special events to draw the community into the area.


Mayor John Marks at Gaines Street Groundbreaking City Manager Anita Favors Thompson at Gaines Street Groundbreaking

Earlier in the year, the City was notified of its selection as a finalist in this prestigious, international awards competition, and was invited to participate in the 2010 LivCom finals, which was held in Chicago. The LivCom Awards is the world’s only competition for local communities that focuses on environmental management and the creation of livable communities. The awards program is non-political, embraces all nations and cultures, and is endorsed by the United Nations Environment Program.

International Livable Communities Award

LivCom encourages best practices, innovation and leadership in providing vibrant, environmentally sustainable communities that improve the quality of life for people worldwide.

Given the national and local economic climate, it is not surprising that many of the other resolutions were tied directly to economic initiatives.

One of the City Manager’s Resolutions focused on resource efficiency, job creation and job retention, while others were directed towards budget reductions, permanency of the fast tracking process for procurement and permitting, and reestablishment of the financial advisory committee.

In November 2010, the City of Tallahassee received international acclaim as one of the most livable cities in the world, receiving a “Silver Award” from The International Awards for Livable Communities (The LivCom Awards).

A delegation, headed by Mayor John Marks, with delegates from the business community, Leon County government, non-profit organizations, and universities represented the City in the finals in Chicago.


Several of the sustainability initiatives that are highlighted within this report will help fulfill the City Manager’s 2010 Resolutions.

The Carbon Footprint update and the newly created, www.BikeTallahassee.com, are examples of two such initiatives.

The areas highlighted in the competition are enhancement of the natural and built landscapes; arts, culture and heritage; environmental best practices; community participation and empowerment; healthy lifestyle; and strategic planning.

Fast Tracking Project at Tallahassee’s Regional Airport

LivCom Delegates

The City of Tallahassee Environmental Advisory Board was established in 2010 to provide community input into the development and implementation of plans, policies and programs that guide City government operations and the broader Tallahassee community to a sustainable future. Appointed by the City Manager, the board is comprised of thirteen citizens from the Tallahassee community and includes individuals representing various community interests and stakeholder groups. The formation of the Board exemplifies Tallahassee’s leadership role as an environmental steward, where the input of citizens and stakeholder groups are valued.

The Environmental Advisory Board helps guide the City’s efforts in becoming sustainable in its procedures, practices and operations by: providing personal and professional input in the development and implementation of plans, policies and programs that encourage individuals, households and businesses to become sustainable; providing feedback from the community relating to how well the community is informed about the City’s efforts to achieve sustainability in its operations; providing leadership for issues relating to sustainability in the Tallahassee community; and assisting with the facilitation of community involvement workshops and/or meetings dealing with sustainability.

To date, staff, with the guidance of the EAB and other City departments, has developed draft action plans for the Energy, Solid Waste, and Land Development and Mobility target areas. Each of these target area action plans, along with the remaining target area action plans (Natural Resources, Health, Economic Development and Procurement, Education and Outreach, and Leadership) will be finalized and compiled into what will become a five year plan to help guide Tallahassee towards becoming a more sustainable community.

The Environmental Regulatory Compliance division of the EPER department conducted 93 Environmental Assistance Visits (EAVs) at City facilities during calendar year 2010. These proactive EAVs are designed to identify existing and potential environmental noncompliance issues. The EAVs also assist with preparing for the 35 environmental regulatory inspections conducted by local, state and federal agencies during calendar year 2010.

Environmental Advisory Board

The development of the Tallahassee Sustainability Action Agenda, a strategic plan that will guide the City of Tallahassee and the broader Tallahassee community towards a sustainable future, began in 2010. The Plan will establish broad policy directions and programs to guide the City’s efforts in becoming a sustainable government and community. The Plan is being developed in conjunction with the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB). The planning process for the Action Agenda is expected to last at least 15 months and will seek to involve the community through various outreach programs. The Plan will codify a definition for sustainability, identify important and relevant sustainable target areas for the City, and identify implementing policies and programs and community partnership opportunities.

Tallahassee Sustainability Action Agenda

Updates on Ongoing InitiativesEnvironmental Assistance Visits


Mayor Marks, along with City staff, presented to an international panel of judges on Tallahassee’s behalf. The presentation included a video and a PowerPoint presentation on Tallahassee’s sustainability management program.

Energy


IntroductionThe City of Tallahassee is the major provider of electricity for Tallahassee-Leon County, supplying electricity to customers within the corporate city limits, unincorporated Leon County, and Wakulla County. The City’s electric power is generated primarily from clean-burning natural gas, making the City’s electric utility carbon footprint one of the lowest in both the state and country. In its quest to achieve greater sustainability in the energy sector, the City continues to implement innovative programs to reduce electricity consumption and demand, improve energy efficiencies, and maximize the use of alternative energy. Ultimately, these programs will decrease the City’s use of energy generated from fossil fuels, lower our community’s carbon footprint, save money, and protect the environment.

Critical to the City’s ability to meet the projected future energy needs of its utility customers is the Demand Side Management (DSM) program, adopted by the City Commission in 2006 to help defer the need to build costly, additional power plants that might otherwise be needed to serve the community’s electric demand, and also to lower the City’s reliance on fossil fuels for the generation of electricity.

The implementation of future DSM programs is contingent on the Smart Grid infrastructure that is being developed by the City. The Smart Grid will play an important role in helping customers understand their energy consumption at any given period during their monthly electric utility billing cycle. It is believed that if utility customers have access to their current energy usage, they will make the necessary adjustments to lower their energy consumption and ultimately their utility bills. The Demand Side Management program and Smart Grid development, along with past efficiency upgrades at the City’s power plants, solidify Tallahassee’s role as a leader in clean, efficient energy use.

The City’s transportation sector is another major user of energy. The development of programs and policies that promote the use of transportation powered by alternative fuel sources continues to be a major emphasis for the City. The use of these alternative vehicles, along with advancements in biofuels and motor oil, will help minimize the City’s use of fossil fuels in the transportation sector.

The following initiatives highlight the broad range of new and ongoing programs that were implemented in 2010 to reduce and conserve energy.


Smart Meter InstallationMayor John Marks at the Student Energy Smart Contract Event



Student Energy Smart Contract

The “Student Energy Smart Contract” program was jointly developed by the City of Tallahassee and Leon County Schools to encourage students and their parents to practice energy “smart” behaviors to reduce their household energy consumption. Mayor Marks and Superintendent Pons announced the program in August 2010.

Parents and students participating in the Student Energy Smart Contract program were asked to review eight energy conservation tips and commit to practicing these tips. For example, the contract calls for students to commit to turn off their video games when not in use.

As part of the program, the City provided 10,000 compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs for distribution during the 2010-2011 Leon County Schools’ orientation events on August 19-20, 2010. The CFLs, which use 75 percent less energy than a regular incandescent bulb, will help students’ families save energy and money. Parents who received a CFL agreed to review the Student Energy Smart Contract with their student at home.

The contract was designed for both parent and student to review and sign, confirming the student’s commitment to help save energy and help protect the environment by carrying out the eight energy saving tips identified on the contract. City staff were on hand at six schools during the event to answer questions and distribute energy conservation, efficiency, and sustainability literature.

TIGGER II Electric Bus Project

StarMetro was awarded $5.2 million for the deployment of zero emission electric buses. This project was selected on a competitive basis through a green transit initiative called Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER II) Program.

The buses will have a range of 30 miles on battery power alone that will be combined with Proterra’s on-route FastFill charging station technology. This technology allows a battery electric bus to pull into an on-route stop and automatically connect to an overhead system that links the bus to a high capacity charger without driver involvement. The bus is then rapidly charged in 5 to 10 minutes and ready to complete the route loop.

This project is an innovative opportunity for StarMetro to invest in clean fuel technology to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases in Tallahassee. Proposed is the replacement of four (4) diesel buses with four (4) 35 foot Composite-Body Electric buses manufactured by Proterra, Inc. a leading maker of zero-emission transit solutions. By replacing four of our diesel transit buses with all-electric buses, StarMetro will realize an energy savings of 3016 million BTUs and the elimination of 260 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) annually.

First in State to Introduce Hybrid Paratransit Bus

StarMetro introduced Florida’s first state-of-the-art hybrid paratransit bus into its fleet. The Champion- built, 31- foot ‘Hybrid Ride’ diesel-electric bus seats 26. When compared to a regular bus, the Hybrid Ride could potentially reduce particulate matter up to 90 percent and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions by up to 60 percent. In addition, the Hybrid Ride can improve fuel economy by 25 to 40 percent.

Motor Oil Upgrade

“We are thrilled to be one of the first in the industry to demonstrate this innovative hybrid technology in a paratransit-like vehicle,” said Ron Garrison, Executive Director of StarMetro. “Through the Florida Department of Transportation, and at no cost to StarMetro, we will be able to test this new technology in transit operations to assess reliability, fuel savings, reduced emissions and to enhance the maintenance divisions’ skill level with hybrid vehicles.

After extensive testing and evaluation, the City is initiating a fleet wide motor oil change over. The entire City fleet is being systematically changed to this new “green” motor oil. As vehicles come due for preventive maintenance, the old oil is removed and replaced with Eco Power. The next step in the oil program will be the initiation of a “Closed Loop” partnership in which old oil will be picked up and re-refined to produce Eco Power oil.

Updates on Ongoing Initiatives

Natural Gas Neighborhood Infill Project


The goal of the Natural Gas Neighborhood Infill Project is to raise awareness of natural gas benefits, gas availability, and to achieve growth in the number of customers using clean, efficient natural gas. The use of natural gas reduces the carbon footprint of City utility customers and reduces demand on City power plants. Direct use of natural gas for water heating can potentially reduce a City utility customer’s carbon footprint by 3,000 pounds annually. This initiative continues to grow, with fiscal year 2010 reflecting a 95 percent increase in participation as compared to the previous fiscal year.

The City’s Honeywell Contract

In an effort to reduce the City government’s electricity use, the City of Tallahassee entered into a performance contract with Honeywell, Inc. in October, 2004. The performance contract is an agreement, covered by Florida statute, between an energy services company (ESCO) and a facility owner, where the ESCO surveys the owner’s facility(s), makes recommendations for energy savings measures (ECMs), and then guarantees that the owners will save enough energy and water at the facility(s) that the reduction in the owner’s utility bills will pay for the upgrades over a prescribed period of time. If the guaranteed savings are not met, the ESCO pays the difference. The City’s Honeywell Performance Contract period is for twelve years and includes ECMs for approximately 42 city buildings. To date, the energy savings guarantee has been exceeded in every year of the contract, saving the City $2,685,152 since the ECMs began.

Public Works continued installing Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems at signalized intersections. Twenty-four additional locations were retrofitted this past year. These battery powered UPSs are used in lieu of portable gasoline powered generators when normal signal power is out of commission. Emissions

Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems

are reduced by not running the generators and not having to transport the equipment to and from the signal outage.

The Schools on Solar (S.O.S) program is a partnership between the City of Tallahassee and Leon County Schools. To date, two systems have been activated at two different schools. The expansion of this program is based on funds provided by Utility customers who make contributions to the program on their utility bill. The systems at Oak Ridge Elementary, activated in August of 2008, have generated a total of 12,327 KWh (5,675 kWh of electric energy and 6,652 kWh of hot water). The systems at William J. Montford Middle School were activated in October of 2008 and have generated the equivalent of 10,579 kWh to date (6,604 kWh of electricity and 3,975 kWh of hot water).

Schools on Solar

This initiative is designed to promote the use of natural gas by commercial facilities that have access to natural gas, but do not take advantage of it as a clean and efficient primary fuel source. Distribution of materials through meetings with business owners and other business groups, such as the Florida Restaurant Association and Tallahassee Builders Association help facilitate this effort. This program was successful in that conversions from other fuel sources to natural gas increased by 80 percent as compared to last fiscal year.

Natural Gas in Commercial Application

The City’s Light Emitting Diode (LED) Pilot Program, a project involving the replacement of less efficient bulbs with much more efficient LEDs, is now in its evaluation stage. With the rapid development of competition within the industry on LED lighting, the Electric Utility is evaluating three additional manufacturers for use of their fixtures on a new LED lighting project to be funded by a grant from the Department of Energy. The project will involve the installation of approximately 75 LED fixtures, replacing the current High Pressure Sodium (HPS) fixtures on a portion of Connor Boulevard with the expectation to reduce energy use by approximately half.

LED Pilot Program


EPER Staff at Student Energy Smart Contract Event Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at CNG Fueling Station

City Renovations

Energy efficiency projects have improved success when the building envelope is sufficiently insulated and properly ventilated, to protect against infiltration from the exterior. Through proper insulation and glazing, the use of various high-efficiency energy-saving products can positively impact the City’s operating budget, as well as the environment. With one-third of the nation’s energy use coming from the construction and operation of buildings, the City’s Facilities Management Architecture (FMA) group is committed to utilizing green design principles wherever possible:

Recently completed renovations at the community center included several efficiency upgrades. Low-e glass was installed in the windows, and additional insulation was installed wherever possible. The roof system was upgraded using passive features, such as shade cooling through the addition of three-foot overhangs. In the gymnasium, high efficiency HVAC units were installed, along with a gas heating system. Lastly, high efficiency T8 fluorescent lighting with motion sensors was also installed at the center.

• Jake Gaither Community Center

Continuing upgrades at certain stations, high efficiency insulation and an energy- reducing fluorescent lighting system were installed.

• Fire Department

Both buildings received new roofs this year. The roofs utilize a low albedo (white) finish, which will reduce heat absorption into the buildings and reduce the heat island effect.

• Star Metro Administration and The Gemini Buildings

• Star Metro

Improving on efficiency upgrades at Star Metro, high efficiency T8 fluorescent lighting with motion sensors was installed. Large, slow-moving ceiling fans were also installed in the mechanic garage. The fans decrease HVAC loads and increase comfort during the winter by redistributing heat from the ceiling to the floor level. Reducing heating bills by as much as 30 percent, these fans have a one to two year return on investment.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Discounted at Sam’s Club

The successful Sam’s Club discounted CFL program concluded in 2010. With the program, the City discounted a total of 8,640 GE brand 8-pack 13 watt (60 watt equivalent) Compact Florescent Light bulbs that were sold at the local Sam’s Club. The program replaced over 69,000 inefficient incandescent light bulbs with higher efficiency and energy saving CFL’s in customers’ homes.

Jake Gaither Community Center


Energy Smart Plus

The City’s Energy Services Department, in collaboration with the Utility Marketing Department, has designed and implemented a comprehensive list of electronic interactive tools and energy conservation and demand reduction programs that help customers save energy, water, and money. Known as the Energy Smart Plus (e+) program, these efforts contribute directly to the City’s Demand-Side Management (DSM) goals. One of the main goals of the City’s DSM Program is to preserve natural resources by deferring the need to build costly power plants to handle the electric demand of the community.

The program focuses on two components: Energy Efficiency and Peak Demand Reduction. The City Commission assigned the Energy Services Department the task of reducing the peak electric demand by 50 MW and achieving 146,000 MWh of energy savings by 2012. Ultimately, the City’s goal is to reduce peak electric demand by 167MW and energy consumption by 561,000 MWh by 2026. Some of the initiatives in the City’s Energy Smart Plus program are new, while others have been offered for the past 20 years. These programs focus on three general areas: to provide energy conservation information and education, promote energy efficiency and conservation (KWh reduction), and reduce demand on the grid to defer the building of new power plants (KW reduction).



Neighborhood REACH is a pilot program designed to provide low income residential electric customers with home energy assessments and installation of free weatherization measures. Using a whole-neighborhood approach, City-trained crews will install a package of energy efficiency measures at no cost to the customer.

Neighborhood REACH Program

Prior to installing the new measures, technicians will conduct an energy assessment to make repairs and identify the appropriate e+ opportunities. A key component of the program is in-home, hands-on learning, whereby technicians walk through the home with the customer, make recommendations and encourage them to make simple changes that will help them reduce their home energy and water consumption.

Using EECBG funds, the Energy Services Department purchased audit-enhancing equipment, including power and data loggers, 10 laptops with mobile printers, kill-a-watt meters, two thermo-imaging cameras and a host of other diagnostic equipment.

Enhanced Energy Audits


The City anticipates assisting about 2,680 low-income customers with the potential of 6,300 MWh of annual energy savings by 2012.

In Fiscal Year 2010, using the $1,768,600 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) provided by the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Energy Services Department introduced five new energy efficiency and conservation programs that will help the City accelerate progress toward achieving its long-term DSM goals.

In November 2010, the City implemented a voluntary, time-of-use rate pilot program known as Nights and Weekend Pricing for its electric utility customers. This pricing plan is designed to incentivize the use of energy during the off peak hours for the City’s electric utility and to encourage greater energy conservation.

Nights and Weekends

On the new plan, customers pay 7.921 cents/kWh for electricity used between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weeknights, weekends and holidays, and 22.264 cents/kWh during the weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In the first two months of the program, more than 700 utility customers took advantage of the new plan. Participants can discontinue the program at any time and return to the flat rate of 12.158 cents/kWh.

The City expects to enroll 2,000 customers in the pilot program. The Nights and Weekends program was made possible with the implementation of the City of Tallahassee Utilities’ new electric, water and gas Smart Grid network in 2008.

Auditors can now provide a more detailed analysis of a customer’s home or

The Residential Duct Leak Repair Program was launched in March 2010, and is designed to help customers seal or repair their home’s ductwork and thereby save energy. The City pays 50 percent of the repair costs up to $250 (whichever is less) for each duct system, up to a maximum of three systems per home.

Residential Duct Leak Repair Pilot Program


The City’s Information Systems Services Department is building a GIS platform that will help City energy managers visualize and geographically track energy consumption. The new system will allow the City to better evaluate the impact of existing e+ programs and provide insights into what incentives and outreach programs to offer in the future.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Customized Commercial Rebates In 2010, the City of Tallahassee awarded its first customized commercial energy rebate to the owner of a local office building. The rebate, approximately $10,000, was based on the estimated electric demand reduction from the building during the City’s summer electric peak demand period due to the renovations made to the building’s heating and cooling systems. The building’s 20-year old inefficient reciprocating system was replaced with new efficient chillers and Turbocor compressors. The cooling tower fan motors for the building (system) was also replaced with high efficiency fans. This rebate program is available for large-demand commercial customers.

For qualified low-income customers, the City pays 100 percent of the repair costs up to $500 (whichever is less). Since the program’s launch, almost 400 customers have signed up for the program, with 169 taking advantage of the rebates. The program now has 24 participating contractors who have agreed to the City’s terms and pricing.

business and make more precise recommendations as to how to reduce their energy consumption and utility costs.


Updates on Ongoing Initiatives

Energy Services continued to provide free residential and commercial energy audits for all City utility customers. In 2010, the City’s energy auditors conducted 6,640 energy audits, potentially saving the City an estimated 3,400 MWh.

Residential and Commercial Energy Audits and High Bill Investigations

Energy Services representatives and auditors continued to assist residential and commercial customers with energy efficiency questions over the phone on a daily basis. They also speak at events and give presentations for community groups upon request.

Energy Information and Phone Audits

In Fiscal Year 2010, Energy Services processed over 800 energy efficiency loans for residential and commercial customers totaling $5.9 million dollars. These loans are on a 5-year term at 5 percent interest rate.

Energy Conservation Loan Program (Residential and Commercial)

In 2010, the City assisted 1,700 low-income customers with grants of up to $500 for ceiling insulation upgrades, duct leak repair, hot water leak repairs and HVAC system repairs and maintenance.

Residential Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (EAP) Grants

Currently, the City has 38 commercial premises participating in the Solar PV Net Metering program with 641.2 kW of installed solar PV. These units are projected to produce approximately 853,200 kWh per year. In the residential category, there are 44 premises participating in the program with 218.1 kW of installed PV. These units are projected to produce about 294,400 kWh a year. There are also 13 City-owned premises with 81.4 kW of installed PV with a projected production of 109,900 kWh per year.

Solar PV Net Metering Program

The City is now conducting detailed performance tests on the duct systems of more than 30 homes that participated in the program. Initial results show an average of 31 percent reduction in the amount of leakage due to the pilot program.


The Energy Services Department approved 1,500 ceiling insulation grants in fiscal year 2010. Through this program, the City pays for 80 percent of the cost to insulate a residence up to $400 to upgrade the customer’s insulation level to an R38.

Ceiling Insulation 80/20 Grant Program

Since July 2008, the City’s residential energy auditors have provided customers with an energy-saver kit that includes 2 Compact Florescent Light Bulbs, a low flow showerhead, thermometer cards, insulating wall-gaskets, and other informational materials. The City distributed over 40,000 CFL’s to the community this past year.

CFL Distribution Program and Energy Saver Kits

In Fiscal Year 2010, the City processed over 4,600 rebates for Energy Star rated refrigerators, clothes washers and freezers. The City also granted 385 Energy Star Home rebates, which are paid at $1 per square foot up to $2,000.

Energy Star Appliance Rebates and Home Incentive Program

To further stimulate the local economy and promote energy conservation, the City of Tallahassee offered its utility customers double rebates on Energy Star rated refrigerators, freezers and clothes washers from May to September of 2010.

As part of the City’s solar initiative, Energy Services continues to offer a $450 rebate for its electric customers to install FSEC certified, freeze-protected solar water heating systems. The City rebated eight solar water heating systems in 2010.

Solar Water Heating Rebate Programs


Through the City’s double rebate program, which ran from May 27, 2010 to September 7, 2010, the number of customers installing natural gas appliances increased dramatically. During this program, nearly 800 customers replaced older electric, propane, fuel oil, and natural gas appliances with newer, more efficient and environmentally friendly models. The program also benefited the local economy through the nearly $3 million spent on the more efficient appliances. Further, based on the 500 water heaters replaced during this program alone, there is an estimated annual reduction of 1,500,000 pounds of carbon.

To date, more than 22,000 customers have enrolled in the paperless billing option. Through effective marketing and special promotions, such as the Smart Bill Extravaganza II, Your Own Utilities far exceeded industry averages for enrollment. With a goal of 14,500 within three years, the City signed up 20,000 customers in less than two years. This will save 8.8 tons of paper, 165,000 gallons of water and will reduce greenhouse gases by more than 40,000 pounds annually. It is also expected to save the City a total of $120,000 each year.

Smart Bill

This online utility account management tool provides customers with detailed billing information, historical usage and other key data. The easy-to-use web application helps customers review their bills, learn more about factors affecting their utility bills, and find out ways to reduce their energy and water consumption.

E+ Online

Natural Gas Appliance Rebates The City continued to offer rebates on natural gas appliances such as water heaters, ranges, clothes dryers, grills, and fire logs. In 2010, the City issued rebates to customers for 1,213 water heaters, 596 ranges, 443 dryers, 135 fire logs, 10 pool spas, 62 grills and 685 furnaces. By replacing electric appliances with these natural gas appliances the City will see 3,300 MWh in annual energy savings.

Also eligible for double rebates were energy efficient central air conditioners and heat pumps, water source heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.

In all, the City processed 2,600 Energy Star double rebates, which injected over $1.5 million into the local economy. Almost $6 million dollars was spent at local stores to purchase these appliances.


On the HorizonTo meet the City’s aggressive energy savings and demand reduction goals, the Energy Services Department is also in the process of launching two new demand response pilot programs. The demand response programs will be partially funded by the $8.9 million Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) the City received in 2009.

The Commercial DR Program is designed for and will be marketed to commercial customers who will allow the City to shed or curtail their non-critical loads during a peak event by adjusting their central plant controls, reducing non-essential lighting, or utilizing backup generation. The City anticipates enrolling 100 commercial customers in the program with the potential of achieving 17 MW of summer electric peak reduction by 2012. Through this program, the City hopes to achieve a reduction in summer peak electric demands, and defer the need for additional generation facilities.

Commercial Demand Response Pilot Program

Through the Residential DR program, residential customers have the option to enter into an agreement with the City to help them save money and help the City reduce electric demand during the summer. In the agreement, the customer gives the City permission to remotely, temporarily change the temperature setting of their air conditioning system during certain summer peak hours, to help reduce the City’s electric peak demand.

Residential Demand Response Pilot Program

The program is made possible through the use of Smart Thermostats, which communicate with a customer’s Smart Meter. The Smart Thermostats also double as an in-home display providing customers with billing information, energy consumption data and other important information from the City. The City anticipates enrolling up to 15,000 residential customers, leading to a potential 18 MW summer peak reduction by 2012.

Education and Outreach EventsTo promote energy and water efficiency, Your Own Utilities provided more than 50 Energy Smart Plus presentations in 2010. These included informational programs at schools, neighborhood meetings, community events, and the annual Drop Savers Water Conservation poster contest.

Solid Waste


IntroductionThe collection and disposal of solid waste is a major quality of life and sustainability indicator for the City of Tallahassee. The generation and disposal of solid waste can directly affect a community’s quest for sustainability and can have significant negative environmental, social and economic impacts on a community’s resources. These negative impacts can be lessened, or even turned into positives, through the implementation of programs that aim to 1) reduce the amount of solid waste generated at the source, 2) increase the reuse of items, 3) maximize recycling efforts, and 4) increase awareness and education about solid waste issues.



Solid waste generated within the City of Tallahassee is handled in partnership with several entities. The City of Tallahassee Solid Waste Services Department provides collection services for City residents and businesses. For the ultimate disposal of solid waste generated within the City, the City of Tallahassee Solid Waste Services works in tandem with Leon County Solid Waste Management Division. In addition to the solid waste services provided by the City of Tallahassee and Leon County, Marpan Recycling, Veolia Environmental Services, and Recycle Fibers, three private businesses, provide solid waste services that are directed towards maximizing recycling in the region.

Along with the coordinated effort of each of these entities, the City of Tallahassee strives to reduce the amount of solid waste that is generated from its operations, as well as from the community at large. Whether it is expanding past programs, such as free commercial recycling, or developing new programs that will direct the City towards the statewide recycling goal, the City of Tallahassee is committed to taking the necessary steps to minimize the amount of solid waste that is generated and consequently disposed of, as indicated in the following initiatives.

City Marketplace

The City Marketplace is an electronic marketplace that was developed and launched by the Department of Environmental Policy and Energy Resources to facilitate the reuse and repurposing of office supplies, furniture and equipment among City departments. City Marketplace is hosted on the City’s intranet and provides the forum for City departments to post unwanted items for trading with other departments. The reuse of existing items saves the City money and has fewer impacts on the environment. This program implements one of the reuse initiatives recommended by the City’s Waste Reduction Policy.

Recycling Concrete at the Airport

Alternate Disposal for Tree Waste

In April 2010, the Public Works Department Operations Division implemented a new initiative to reduce fuel costs, disposal fees, and labor savings by seeking multiple disposal sites for green waste generated by tree maintenance activities. The initiative was successful in securing two new sites at a significant cost savings over the Leon County Landfill location. These sites have markedly reduced transportation-fuel consumption, and the resultant wood waste is used to power boilers at various power generation facilities in the Northwest Florida region rather than going to the landfill.

The second Reuse Initiative introduced in 2010, is a partnership with America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend, where the City provides boxes for its food distribution program. The organization uses the boxes to obtain and distribute food from partnering agencies to its clients. In order to support Second Harvest’s continued advocacy and mission to fight hunger in ten counties of the Big Bend, staff at several City buildings collect and donate the cardboard boxes and lids to the agency for reuse. Each of the donated boxes is also labeled with a sticker that encourages the recipient of the box to recycle it when they are done using it.

Updates on Ongoing InitiativesCity Building Renovations Go Green

City Hall Reuse Programs

The City launched two new Reuse Initiatives for City Hall in 2010. The Flowers for Vases Exchange launched in October as an outreach initiative in City Hall. The program is a coordinated effort between the City of Tallahassee and Blossoms Flowers to collect unused and unwanted flower vases from City employees and deliver them to Blossoms Flowers to be reused. As an incentive to get City Hall employees to turn in their unused vases, they receive in exchange a coupon for a free bunch of flowers.

The renovation of existing city buildings gives the City a tremendous opportunity to “green” these facilities. In 2010, the City’s Facilities Management Architecture (FMA) group completed two renovation projects that traditionally would have been completely demolished and rebuilt. Instead, the City made a decision to renovate and reuse these existing buildings.


The recent rehabilitation of Tallahassee Regional Airport’s North Apron Overlay employed in-place recycling of concrete from the existing North General Aviation Apron area and reusing the recycled concrete as the base material for the new asphalt. This sustainable initiative mitigated the impact of greenhouse emission that would have been expended through off-site transportation and landfill disposal, and earned the airport the 2010 Florida Airports Council (FAC) Environmental Excellence Award. This award recognized the City of Tallahassee Regional Airport for the use of Sustainable Construction Practices in the rehabilitation of the North General Aviation Apron.

Florida Airports Council (FAC) Environmental Excellence Award

The Retirement Division added functionality to their website and helped reduce paper use with the addition of new retirement calculators. These calculators have significantly reduced the amount of staff time needed to calculate estimates, as well as the printing and postage costs associated with distributing the information. The Retirement Division also continued to expand other online services to further reduce paper use, including the electronic distribution of quarterly reports and statements, newsletters, and other notices. Since the quarterly reports can be over 100 pages in length, the savings from this initiative have added up quickly. The e-statements provide faster access to participant information, prevent the creation and mailing of thousands of pages every quarter, and more easily allow participants to access historical data on their retirement accounts.

Citywide Paper Reduction Activities

The Records Management Division continues to encourage City departments to convert existing paper-based processes and filing systems to an electronic equivalent using the City’s Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). As hardcopy records are scanned and stored in the EDMS, departments are encouraged to recycle the paper upon disposal.

In an effort to provide the most efficient and effective service possible, the Growth Management Department continues to develop ‘City Projects,’ their new online permit submittal and review tool. This tool eliminates the submittal of paper documentation spanning from the inception to the completion of a review, while significantly reducing the need for customers to travel to City offices. As the development of ‘City Projects’ continues, City customers will see a substantial savings on time, money, and staff resources, while reducing the use of natural resources taken from the environment. In 2010, Growth Management released 13 new ‘City Projects’, allowing for the online submittal of reviews for Land Use Compliance Certificates, Subdivisions, Site Plans, as well as Minor and Major Modifications to Site Plans and Subdivisions.

Hot-in-Place Asphalt Reuse

To reduce paper use the Office of the City Auditor continues to utilize AutoAudit, an electronic workpaper management system. Utilizing AutoAudit, along with emailing report drafts and final audit reports, reduced the need to print reports by almost 50 percent.

At the Jake Gaither Community Center, a new, more efficient floor plan was implemented so that only a small addition was needed within the existing building. All of the concrete paving and masonry blocks were recycled. The metal in the project, including metal ductwork, doors, pipes and miscellaneous steel was recycled as well; and all copper removed from the site was reused. For the renovation of the StarMetro Training Facility, the existing concrete double-tee roof and columns and the existing bus pit structure were incorporated into the new facility design. The reuse of these features greatly minimized the waste that would have been generated otherwise.


The Public Works Department, Operations Division, Resurfacing Unit continues to use the “hot-in-place” asphalt reuse technique. The process consists of heating existing asphalt pavement, scarifying the top 1”-1.5” of the roadway, applying a rejuvenating agent by mixing the material, and relaying the asphalt in one single operation. The Public Works Operations Division rehabilitated approximately 94,124 square yards (13.4 lane miles) of roadways this year, using the hot-in-place method. The Federal Highway Administration cites that hot-in-place recycling consumes 35 percent less energy and results in a 25 to 50 percent savings of materials over conventional pavement maintenance.

Asphalt Milling Program

The City’s Public Works Department, Operations Division, Resurfacing Unit continues to use a pavement preservation maintenance program referred to as recycled asphalt product (RAP). The process consists of milling (grinding off) the existing asphalt to prepare it to receive a new overlay. The material is then stockpiled and reused by the Operations Division and other Departments within the City for temporary driveway, parking or roadway applications. The Public Works Operations Division, which has provided this resource for at least 20 years, rehabilitated approximately 29,000 square yards (4.3 lane miles) of roadways in FY 2010, with this method.

Concrete Recycling

Capital Programs has continued to implement concrete recycling on their roadway construction projects. The process involves reusing existing concrete, rather than sending it to the landfill. During February and March of 2010, the concrete removed from demolished driveways and ditch pavements on the Joe Louis Street Improvements Projects was reused as rubble and energy dissipaters in the storm water management facility. The Joe Louis Street Improvements Project utilized 300 cubic yards of recycled concrete in the storm water management facility.

It is projected that this change alone will result in a significant increase in diverting waste away from disposal and into recycling and invariably represent a major step towards reaching the statewide recycling goal. In addition to the on going residential recycling program and recycling programs for schools, State office buildings and other commercial businesses throughout Tallahassee, an aggressive outreach program will be deployed in 2011 to maximize and quantify the volume of yard debris and dry waste being recycled. These combined efforts will continue to move the City down the path toward achieving the statewide recycling goal.

In 2010, Solid Waste Services evaluated existing commercial garbage and recycle collection operations with the statewide 75 percent recycling goal in mind. Based on that evaluation and on-going discussions with disposal and recycle partners, it is projected that in 2011 the contents of many commercial customers’ waste containers can be delivered for processing as recyclable material rather than disposed of as garbage. This will be done through a strategic outreach program aimed at targeting commercial customers having waste streams with low garbage content and a high percentage of recyclables.

On the HorizonStriving for Seventy- Five Percent Recycling

Start Thinking About Recycling (STAR)

The STAR program, which involves the replacement of traditional desk-side trash cans with a larger recycling bin and a smaller, attached trash bin, continued to be implemented in 2010. After the program was fully implemented in City Hall, the recycling rate climbed to over 35 percent, where it has remained throughout 2010.


IntroductionIn a sustainable community, transportation is focused on the movement of people and goods rather than on automobiles, and land use is designed and developed to support different modes of transportation, including biking and walking. When new ground is broken, or when redevelopment occurs, it is important that sustainable, green building and development practices are used.

According to the Tallahassee-Leon County Comprehensive Plan, the historical and current land use patterns in this community exhibit urban sprawl characteristics. The creation of suburbia has posed many challenges to the development of sustainable communities. Such challenges include the overconsumption and underutilization of land, an increase in vehicle miles traveled, and the higher costs associated with the capital and social infrastructure needed to support sprawling development patterns versus more efficient and compact land use patterns.

The City of Tallahassee is committed to adopting policies and taking actions to ensure that the basic foundations of its community design, land development and transportation systems, are carried out in a manner to support and foster a sustainable community. To this end, the Tallahassee/Leon County Multimodal Transportation District became effective in April 2009 for the central area of the City (18.2 sq. mi.), with the goal of facilitating the use of multiple modes of transportation, and reducing automobile use and vehicle miles traveled.

StarMetro’s Nova 2010, a comprehensive study of the City’s transit system, also recommends many new changes to the City’s transit system to provide a more effective alternative mode of transportation for residents. Additionally, the City is focused on ensuring that its building and renovation projects use green building practices and that builders and developers also employ green practices in their own projects. This is exemplified in the Residential Green Building Pilot Program that launched in 2010.

These initiatives, along with others identified below, address the linkage between land use and mobility, promote green building practices, and will help make Tallahassee’s future a sustainable one.

A Certified Green Home A Certified Green Home



The program provided an incentive up to $2,250 (1.50 per square foot up to a maximum of 1500 square feet) for the construction of new and/or substantially rehabilitated “green” homes that had proof of green certification from one of three certification organizations operating in the State of Florida: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) or National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Based on the success of the program, the City is looking for additional funding to continue the incentives in 2011.

The City of Tallahassee launched its Residential Green Building Pilot Program in May 2010 with $115,000 from an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant the City received from the U.S. Department of Energy. Building green means looking at a variety of construction “categories” before and during the building process, and making choices that will reduce the building’s impact on the environment. These categories include items such as site location, building material choice, waste reduction strategies, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. The pilot program provided incentives for 56 homes before funds were depleted.

Residential Green Building Pilot Program

The bicycle website supports and furthers the Mayor’s goal of increasing the City’s bicycle-friendly designation from Bronze to a higher level by providing up to date mapped information on existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities. It is also consistent with the City Manager’s priority to support the bike and pedestrian transportation modes, and it is consistent with the City’s overall emphasis on providing multimodal transportation choices, especially in the Downtown area. Providing the tools and information for citizens to choose to ride a bicycle or walk safely in the urban area can help reduce costs associated with congestion, parking, and the provision of automobile-related infrastructure.

In order to increase bicycle ridership and safety, the City Commission and the Leon County Board of County Commissioners directed the Leon County Planning Department to create a bicycle and pedestrian website that provides information on bicycling safety, laws, planning, and commuting. Launched on October 12, 2010, the website includes an interactive digital map of all bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the City of Tallahassee and Leon County.

www.BikeTallahassee.com

The webpage also provides citizens a means to contact the Planning Department about bicycle/pedestrian gaps, constraints, and opportunities. Recent advancements in GIS technology will allow this feedback


Updates

In late 2010, Planning staff prioritized and ranked planned multimodal projects within the five Significant Benefit zones. This project accomplishes several stated City Commission priorities including fostering connectivity and safe multimodal transportation and contributing to the creation of a ‘sense of place’ in distinct sectors.

City Bike and Pedestrian Improvement Master Plan

This list of prioritized bicycle, pedestrian, intersection improvement, and StarMetro capital projects will replace the multiple lists maintained by Public Works and Planning. While this system simplifies the funding allocation process and prioritizes established City improvement programs, it also provides the Commission the flexibility to acknowledge and fund new initiatives and future priorities within the community. All 531 planned multimodal projects have been mapped in GIS and will be accessible to the public through the new Flex digital mapping application currently being developed by TLCGIS and the Planning Department.

Community members will be able to access information on planned, completed, and under construction multimodal projects, including: project descriptions, project costs and funding source, project managers and implementing department(s), estimated completion dates of project, photographs of projects under construction, and a link to project webpages, if available.

Brownfields are real property of which, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Assessing, cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties protects human health and the environment, reduces blight, and takes development pressures off greenspaces and working lands.

Brownfields

The City of Tallahassee received $1 million in federal Brownfields grant funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), and is responsible for implementing assessment and cleanup activities at properties in the Gaines Street Corridor (GSC) Brownfields area to be completed by the summer of 2012.

As part of the City’s ongoing implementation of the grant, properties in the GSC were prioritized and in 2010 four sites were selected for Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) activities: the Warehouse property, the Arts Exchange property, the O’Connell property, and the Former Utility Payment Center property. These properties are all subjects of redevelopment interest.

to be used for quick updating of sidewalk and bicycle facility data from both City and County Public Works Departments. Finally, the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency is creating a regional database of bicycle and pedestrian facilities that can be easily displayed on this website.

Phase I and Phase II ESAs were conducted at each of the sites to verify the presence of contamination. The results of the ESAs will guide cleanup efforts and facilitate redevelopment activities at the sites.

Currently the City’s designated brownfields area encompasses approximately 450 acres in the Gaines Street Corridor. In total, there is assessment, cleanup and redevelopment planning work occurring at eight City-owned properties.


Cascade Park will serve as a stormwater facility and is therefore designed as a floodable park. Over three acres of the 24-acre park will be transformed into an urban wetland detention facility for storage and treatment of runoff from the surrounding 693-acre heavily developed drainage area. The project will also include an alum-chemical system to promote flocculation of excessive nutrients and sediments, which will prevent eutrophication.

This plan will serve as a supplement to the Regional Mobility Plan to ensure that the region is served by an integrated system of trails and greenways that are fully coordinated with other pedestrian and bicycle facilities. This trail and greenway network will provide multi-use recreation and alternative transportation opportunities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized methods of travel.

The Tallahassee- Leon County Greenways Master Plan was adopted by resolution in 2004 by both the City Commission and Leon County Board of County Commissioners. It is being updated by Planning staff to reflect accomplished projects, potential new projects, and projects considered infeasible. The update will also emphasize connectivity and the provision of “green infrastructure” where feasible.

On the HorizonGreenway Master Plan Improvements

Cascade Park

Cascade Park, located immediately southeast of downtown Tallahassee and the Capitol Center, is an important cultural and historical site in the City of Tallahassee. Much of the site was previously utilized for industrial uses including a coal gasification plant, garbage incinerator, and portions were used as a landfill. As a result, the area was designated a superfund site and underwent remediation, with 85,000 tons of contaminated soil being removed.

The park is currently being constructed by Blueprint 2000 and will be finished and open to the public in the summer of 2012.

In 2009, Blueprint 2000 was awarded $422,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to help fund the alum system. Additional grants and private donations were received for various park amenities and stormwater components. Cascade Park has been selected to receive a 2010 Top Storm Water & Erosion Control Projects award from Storm Water Solutions magazine.

In addition to the Master Plan, a regional, system-wide trails and greenways plan is being developed by the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency.

Cascade Park’s Boca Chuba Flood Control Structure

Goose Pond Trail


Natural Resources


IntroductionTallahassee is often recognized for the abundance and beauty of its natural resources. Water, land, air, wildlife and climate or weather all supply integral components that the community depends upon for a healthy and productive society. How these natural resources are managed is central to the development of a truly sustainable community.

The complexities of natural resources create both challenges and opportunities in their protection, conservation, preservation and appropriate use. The conservation of all natural resource systems, managed in consideration of each other, requires insight and long-term sustainability commitments. The economic importance of Tallahassee’s natural systems is key to the area’s resource-based tourism. However, economic consideration is only one component when evaluating the importance of the area’s natural resources.

The natural environments that may be found throughout the City’s award-winning park system are just one example of properly managed resources. From the protection and expansion of a vast and dense tree canopy, to ongoing programs and policies that aim to reduce air pollution and minimize impacts on all bodies of water, there is no shortage of City initiatives whose primary purpose is to protect, conserve and enhance natural resources, as exemplified in the following initiatives.


On May 26th, 2010, the United States Environmental Protection Agency presented the Clean Air Excellence Award to the City of Tallahassee for outstanding, innovative efforts in improving air quality through the regulatory and policy innovations associated with the “Go Green Tallahassee Initiative.” The “Go Green Tallahassee Initiative” is a compendium of existing City programs that address energy conservation and other sustainable initiatives while helping to improve local air quality.

Clean Air Award


The City Receives US EPA Clean Air AwardDorothy B. Oven Park

Some of the programs and achievements that led to this recognition include:

• Achieving Silver and Gold Certification as a Green City by the

• Re-powering the Hopkins Electric Plant for increased efficiency

• Increasing biodiesel and electric vehicle conversions in the City’s fleet

• Developing citizen-involvement programs including Think About Personal Pollution (TAPP) and the Neighborhood Energy Challenge

• Implementing an environmental management system through the City’s Underground Utilities

• Improving the StarMetro transit program

International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)

The City of Tallahassee was honored for completing a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and setting emissions reduction targets. This international award, part of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability’s Five Milestone climate protection process, was presented before an audience of local government elected officials and staff in Sarasota, Florida on July 30, 2010 for ICLEI’s annual state network meeting.

ICLEI, a membership association of local governments committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainability, tracks members’ progress towards their emissions reductions goals through the following Five Milestones:

1. Conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory

2. Set an emissions reduction goal

3. Design a Climate Action Plan

4. Implement the Plan

5. Monitor and Reevaluate


Florida Green Building Coalition (the first city in Florida to receive the Gold Certification)

Out of the 124 applicants nationwide, the City of Tallahassee ranked among the 14 winners.

Think Before You Throw Where Does It Go?

In 2010, staff developed and implemented a comprehensive litter control and education program called “Think Before You Throw, Where Does It Go?” (TBYT).This long term litter reduction program seeks to increase education, heighten awareness, and broaden community involvement. The following program components have been implemented under TBYT:

In partnership with the store, the City distributed 85 truck tarps, as well as educational brochures that identify why tarps may be required by law, how to use the tarps correctly, and what the benefits of using a truck tarp are.

This campaign reminds truck drivers that state law requires them to secure the beds of their trucks to prevent trash or debris from blowing out of it. The program kicked off with an event at the Apalachee Parkway Ace Hardware store.

Tarp It

As a member of ICLEI, the City of Tallahassee has access to emissions quantification analysis tools, technical training, local climate protection expertise and other services that strategically

guide local governments through sustainability goal setting and realization.

“The City of Tallahassee is one of an elite group of local governments who have shown the leadership it takes to achieve the level of greenhouse gas emissions reductions that the world’s scientists say we need,” said Martin Chavez, Executive Director of ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability. “The Five Milestone process is the cornerstone of local governments’ achievement and accountability on their climate protection goals.”

In 2010, the Hilaman Golf Course staff, in collaboration with staff from the Department of Environmental Policy and Energy Resources (EPER), began the process to obtain certification of the Hilaman Golf Course through the Audubon International Golf Course Certification Program. A comprehensive application, including an initial assessment of the golf course’s environmental management procedures was submitted in December 2010 to Audubon International for review. The initial assessment covered six key areas: Environmental Planning, Water Conservation, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Water Quality Management, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, and Outreach and Education.

Audubon International Certification

Certification will bring recognition to the golf course but more importantly, the management of the golf course will include many environmental best management practices, providing for a more pleasant and environmental friendly golfing experience, thus potentially increasing membership and revenues for the golf course.

The City is awaiting Audubon International’s comments on the initial environmental assessment of the golf course. Upon receipt of Audubon International review comments, EPER will assist Hilaman staff in developing and implementing an environmental management plan, and will document the results for certification.


Adopt-A-Street

Under this program, volunteer groups participate in community beautification by picking up litter along streets, and receive recognition for their efforts. In 2010, the City of Tallahassee contracted Keep Tallahassee Leon County Beautiful (KTLCB) to effectively recruit more volunteers for the program and provide direct support to participating groups.

KTLCB also hosted a safety training session in October 2010 where over 24 groups filled out registration forms, attended a safety training overview, and picked up starter kits containing safety vests, litter grabbers, trash bags, gloves, and safety information.

A successful re-launch event was held in September 2010 to promote the revamped program, recognize existing adopters, and welcome new groups to the program. Over 15 new groups signed up to adopt streets.

In 2010, the Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs Department received the Golden Oak designation from the Florida Friendly Landscaping program, for its environmentally-sound landscaping and maintenance practices of two newly

The Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs Department Certified as a Golden Oak Recipient

renovated parks, Burnette and Boulevard. The Golden Oak designation, the highest in the program, is based on nine principals for good property management practices: Right Plant Right Place, Water Efficiently, Fertilize Appropriately, Mulch, Attract Wildlife, Manage Pest Responsibly, Recycle, Reduce Storm water Runoff, and Protect the WaterFront.

Updates

Special attention to the design of water systems in buildings can have a dramatic impact on the conservation of water. Current building code requires toilets to have no more than a 1.6 gallon per flush capacity. This standard was improved upon by the City by specifying low flow toilets with a 0.8 gallon per flush for renovation projects. Low flow toilets, waterless urinals, and low flow faucets have become the standard in the design of City facilities. Projects where they have been installed include the Jake Gaither Community Center Renovation and Addition, and the new StarMetro Training Facility.

City Renovations Go Green

The Idle Free Tallahassee-Leon partnership program continued to expand and progress in 2010 with numerous activities and program developments. In 2010, Earth Day Week activities culminated with an Idle Free and Alternative Transportation Day, which featured the Idle Free Tallahassee- Leon County program.

Idle Free Tallahassee-Leon

The Idle Free Partnership also conducted monthly meetings with supporting partners that focused on expanding and improving the program. Throughout 2010, staff presented Idle Free information at a variety of events: the Hybrid Vehicle Demonstration Rally at FAMU, the 10-10-10 (350.org) event at Lake Ella, and Earth Day at the Capital. Outreach to FAMU, FSU and TCC was also conducted for further implementation of the program on each campus.


Paper or Plastic? I’ll Take Neither

This litter control and waste reduction program continued in 2010 with the distribution of 2,200 reusable bags. The reusable bags are made from 100 percent recycled polypropylene plastic, the same plastic typically used in yogurt or butter containers.

Based on surveys conducted when the program was launched, the 2,200 reusable bags distributed in 2010, along with the 2300 bags distributed in 2009, have the potential to remove more than 560,000 disposable bags out of the waste stream, annually.

The bags prevent the now-recycled plastic from becoming garbage and also help prevent the need to use disposable store bags, which typically end up in the landfill.

As a major partner in The Idle Free Partnership, Leon County Schools was included in an innovative pilot project. Four Leon County Schools (Ruediger Elementary and Roberts Elementary and Raa Middle and Montford Middle) participated in the pilot. The pilot consisted of students performing an assessment of idling practices of vehicles during after- school pickup.

Idle Free signs, with the Leon County Schools logo were placed throughout the schools, and parents and teachers were encouraged to take the City’s Idle Free Pledge online. Pre and post surveys were taken at the schools to assess perceptions of idling in our community.

An internal Idle Free Pledge competition between City departments will kick-off in early 2011 to encourage greater City employee participation the community- wide Idle Free Pledge Campaign. The Idle Free Pledge is also available online for people to take personal action relating to decreasing the emissions from idling vehicles. Idle Free Zone signs will continue to be placed throughout the City as the program expands. Current sign locations include the Airport, City Hall, Kleman Plaza, Gemini Building, Renaissance Building, numerous schools and the City’s private partners. Additionally, a Public Service Announcement has been developed and will soon be released for television.

The City of Tallahassee’s Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) Program is a significant undertaking that will produce a high quality effluent with enhanced nutrient removal to further protect and preserve the valuable water resources of the region. More than $220 million in capital improvements to the City’s wastewater treatment facilities will be designed and constructed over a six-year period and will be fully operational by January 2014. However, in the interim there have been several key accomplishments. Effluents (treated water) met the 9.0 Total Nitrogen (TN) mg/l in August 2009 that was not required to be reached until January 2011. Currently the treatment plant’s annual average is 8.17 mg/L.

Advanced Wastewater Treatment at Thomas P. Smith

Other accomplishments include an automated dashboard, developed in-house, for operators to monitor nitrogen levels on a daily basis. Construction is well under way on other interim plant improvements, which will enable the operations team to meet and consistently be below the TN levels in accordance with the permit deadlines of January 2013 and January 2014.


Calendar Art Contest

Students in grades first through twelfth submitted art work in a juried competition and an overall winner from each grade level was selected. The winning entries were used to create an environmental, school based calendar for 2011.

As part of an initiative to identify why it is important to prevent litter, the What Makes Tallahassee-Leon County Beautiful student art calendar contest was held in cooperation with Leon County Schools.

Superintendent Jackie Pons and Best-in-Show Winner Makeena Haines

Best-in-Show Winner Makeena Haines, 2nd Grade, Sealey Elementary School

The facility currently produces two products that are recycled back into the environment. One is reclaimed water used for public access for irrigation needs and the other is biosolids, a by-product of the wastewater treatment process. Solids are stabilized in an anaerobic digestion process, dewatered using screw press technology, and ultimately heat dried with a thermal dryer. The heat drying process uses time and temperature to kill

The Think About Personal Pollution (TAPP) public education program is a public and private partnership implemented by the City to improve aquifer recharge water and stormwater runoff quality. The Water Resources Engineering, Stormwater Management Group administers this pollution prevention effort to reduce pollutants at their sources. Since its inception in 2006, the program focuses on simple measures and changes in personal behavior to prevent water pollution. The success of the 2009 -2010 TAPP media campaign, which included the use of billboards and television ads to educate the public on the polluting effects of dog waste and phosphorous-containing fertilizers, proved to be a phenomenal success, reducing both sources by nearly 30 percent.

Think About Personal Pollution

any pathogens in the solids, leaving a product that is safe to be placed back into the environment as a fertilizer and an excellent soil conditioner. Biosolids are applied locally on City- owned golf courses and are sold to companies that use the material for agricultural applications.

TAPP primarily serves to protect local surface waters, supports regional efforts to protect Wakulla Springs from nutrient pollution, and also saves water, energy and costs associated with lawn maintenance and the treatment of polluted runoff.

Environmental Management System- ISO 14001:2004

In August 2007, Underground Utilities Wastewater Treatment Division became the first municipal wastewater utility in the state of Florida to achieve the widely recognized ISO 14001:2004 certification for its Environmental Management System (EMS) to improve the environmental effects of wastewater treatment operations. Since becoming certified, the City’s Wastewater Treatment Division has seen a number of enhancements. These include increased environmental awareness of all levels of the organization; reduced chemical usage; enhanced emergency plans; enhanced safety awareness; new recycling programs; improved environmental requirements for contractors, pollution prevention and cost savings.


Donations by corporate partners financed the production of the calendars and the funds raised from the calendar sales went to each of the participating schools to support their green teams.

During 2011, the City will launch a television and radio component of the TBYT program to inform and educate the public about the City’s efforts and what individuals can do to help.

Honorable Mention Katherine Cochran, Kindergarten, DeSoto Trail Elementary School

To show its continued focus on Environmental Sustainability, Underground Utilities has successfully added Water Quality and Wastewater Collections Divisions in December, 2010. In Fiscal Year 2011 Underground Utilities will begin to develop EMS ISO 14001 in the Water Distribution Division.

The City of Tallahassee continues to monitor, develop, and implement programs and policies to reduce the community’s impact on the environment, with an increased emphasis on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions ( GHG’s or carbon footprint). The City has managed to meet an ever increasing demand for electric power with lower emissions of greenhouse gases. The ability to meet the electric demand of the City’s customers, while limiting GHG emissions has been accomplished by the use of 99 percent natural gas as fuel for electric generation.

Carbon Footprint


This long-term remediation project, involving dry cleaning solvents that were identified in the soil and groundwater at the plaza, was finalized in February 2010. The City received a Conditional Site Rehabilitation Completion Order from the FDEP and is no longer required to complete any additional assessment or remediation work.

Remedial activities were initiated and included air sparging, groundwater pump-and-treat, and natural attenuation. After years of remediation, groundwater parameters reached the applicable cleanup target levels. On June 30, 2010, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) approved the City’s request for site closure and an official “Site Rehabilitation Completion Order” was issued. This project is now complete and no further regulatory action is required.

In September 1998, soil contamination was observed during the removal of an underground gasoline storage tank. Confirmation sampling indicated the presence of gasoline constituents, including lead.

Remediation Closures

Kleman Plaza


Tallahassee Police Department

Kleman Plaza

Health


IntroductionAs part of the ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Tallahassee, the City strives to provide healthful options for the public, and seeks to promote activities, programs and services that improve their overall well-being. It is important for the City to support community health and wellness, for the benefits that each individual can receive, as well as the benefits that are afforded society as a whole.

The City implements numerous programs that collectively reduce environmental impacts on air, water and land, and consequently the health of its citizens. In addition to environmental initiatives that help ensure clean air and clean water, which are necessities for a healthy life, the City provides numerous parks, trails and recreational programs. These facilities and programs offer diverse opportunities for high quality activity that people of all ages and levels of experience can participate in.

The City also supports, through partnership programs, initiatives that promote healthful lifestyle activities. The Downtown Improvement Authority sponsors the Downtown Marketplace, known for fresh, organic produce and items that are produced by local farmers and businesses. The City is also a major supporter of the Community Human Services Partnership (CHSP), which is implemented in conjunction with the United Way of the Big Bend and Leon County. CHSP funds community entities that provide a full range of human services needs, including health related initiatives.


Mayor John Marks’s newly formed Healthy Initiative began in 2010 with the development of a task force of healthcare and wellness leaders, charged to develop a citywide strategy for improving the health of Tallahassee residents. A primary focus of the task force involves exploring ‘Smart City’ technologies that promote healthy lifestyles, in all aspects, across all segments of citizenry. The goal of the initiative is to unite Tallahassee’s diverse health and wellness groups into one location utilizing these technologies.

The Mayor’s Healthy Initiative

The following initiatives represent City programs that are designed to specifically address the health and wellness of the citizens of this community.

City League Baseball GameParks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Affairs Pool


Updates

The Community Human Service Partnership, initiated in 1997, is an innovative collaboration between the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, and the United Way of the Big Bend, established to effectively distribute various sources of community funds for human services. Some of these human services are supported by federal Community Development Block Grant funds (totaling $327,145). Additionally, the City, as it has for the past several years, added funds ($876,750) to address a full-range of human services needs, including:

Community Human Services Partnership

• Case management services for persons affected by HIV/AIDS; comprehensive medical health care such as pharmaceuticals and primary care

• Accessibility and case management services for persons with disabilities

• Basic needs services such as clothing, food, household items, and employability training and placement; mental health counseling to meet the urgent needs of children; emergency shelter for families with children

• Health services for the elderly, including respite care for individuals affected by the Alzheimer’s disease

• After school and summer enrichment programs for children and youth residing in targeted neighborhoods

A healthy and productive workforce is critical to the City’s ability to carry out its duties and responsibilities to serve the citizens of Tallahassee. The City’s Human Resources Department has developed and implemented the “Choose Health Wellness Program.” This program offers employees a variety of activities and programs to help improve both their health and wellness.

Choose Health City Employee Wellness Program

City Hall’s Facilities Center

The program includes wellness-based educational opportunities through seminars and workshops, health screenings, as well as opportunities for weight loss, smoking cessation, and other preventive initiatives. The opportunities established in the Choose Health program are designed to create a healthier City employee workforce, while improving City employees’ quality of life through health and fitness goal achievement.

This will allow health advocates to work together and more efficiently, will create a “healthy Tallahassee” brand, and will make health information and resources readily available to Tallahassee citizens.


In order to educate the community and to promote practices that help improve indoor air quality and also help maintain healthy outdoor air quality, the City continues to distribute the Healthy Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality card. The informational card was created in 2009 and is updated and reprinted as necessary. The card, which is distributed at sustainability-related events throughout the year, identifies specific steps that people can take to help reduce the amount of contaminants that are typically released in the average home, as well as outdoors.

Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Education


The City of Tallahassee is in the preliminary stages of creating an Urban Agriculture program that will allow citizen groups, such as neighborhood associations, to establish gardens on public land. This program will provide a clear process for securing land and directions for maintaining garden sites. The City also intends to conduct a land inventory to determine sites that could be deemed “pre-approved” for gardening in the future. By creating an application process and conducting a land suitability analysis now, the City hopes citizens can turn a shovel more easily during the next planting season.

Urban Agriculture

On the Horizon

Regarding other health issues, the City specified low or no-VOC paints in the StarMetro Training Facility, StarMetro Driver Lounge renovation, and the Jake Gaither Community Center renovation and addition. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic emissions that are typically released by paints and other coatings. Most manufacturers now produce one or more low or no-VOC offerings. These low or no-VOC paints have become more durable, cost-effective and are specifically less harmful to humans and the environment, and are now the only type specified by the City.

To help foster wellness, the City added large windows in the renovation of the StarMetro Driver Lounge to facilitate “daylighting.” Studies show that daylighting has a positive impact on well-being, productivity and an overall sense of satisfaction, as well as potential energy savings. As such, increasing daylighting in all City designs for renovations is a priority.

City Renovations Go Green

Payne Center Community Garden


Economics


IntroductionDecisions made regarding all City government initiatives must be weighed against their potential impacts on each of the three pillars of sustainability- Society, Environment, and Economy. Just as any new economic growth or development initiative must reflect environmental considerations, so too must the City’s environmental policies or programs consider potential economic outcomes. The three pillars are so linked that actions undertaken for one pillar will almost always affect the other two. The City’s goal is to identify and implement sustainability initiatives that will positively impact all three pillars.

In Tallahassee, economic sustainability means supporting local businesses, expanding green jobs, and spending dollars on products and services that are committed to protecting the environment. The City of Tallahassee’s commitment to growing the economy in a green and sustainable manner can be seen in the initiatives below. From the Mayor’s Joint Planning Session for Financial Sustainability in Recessionary Times, to significant job growth and investments that were fostered by the City’s Department of Economic and Community Development, Tallahassee continues to progress in a manner that is firmly rooted in sustainable development.


In November and December 2010, Mayor John Marks hosted a meeting of area leaders to provide a forum to address the current economic climate in Tallahassee and future collaborative efforts to improve the community’s economic and financial viability. The discussion, attended by leaders from local universities and colleges, other local governments including Leon County and the Leon County School District, and the local business community, focused on three areas:

Joint Planning Session for Financial Sustainability in Recessionary Times

• How the current economy is affecting each of the participants and how each are taking steps to address those impacts

• Workforce training needs to prepare citizens for future local jobs

• Identifying where individual capital projects and resources can be accelerated and jointly coordinated to facilitate job growth and economic value


Rendering for Proposed Development on Gaines Street

Key community indicators that were also discussed included: business openings or closings, new home construction versus home foreclosures, unemployment rates versus new jobs created, and social service requests, among others.

The local area leaders outlined four opportunities for collaboration: 1) creating a legislative delegation made up of partner representatives, 2) collectively advancing capital projects, 3) promoting a ‘Shop Local’ culture, and 4) creating a robust local preference approach for acquisition of goods and services.

During Fiscal Year 2010, the City of Tallahassee’s Department of Economic and Community Development was involved in a variety of green-related economic development initiatives and programs designed to promote the growth of new and existing green-businesses in Tallahassee.

Green Jobs and Investments

These efforts, often in conjunction with the Economic Development Council of Tallahassee or Leon County, Inc., have involved providing a variety of financial and related incentives through local and state-sponsored programs to new and existing businesses.

During the year, the department and the Economic Development Council worked closely with SunnyLand, SolarLink and Bing Energy - three new companies from the renewable energy sector – to identify and prepare applications for various incentive programs applicable to these businesses. All three are expected to enter into formal incentive agreements with the state, Leon County and the City of Tallahassee in early Fiscal Year 2011.

During Fiscal Year 2010, the Economic Development Council assisted Veridcorp in attracting capital and site selection during the fiscal year. Verdicorp develops next-generation, clean technologies in the areas of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), energy generation, recovery and storage systems, and water desalination, treatment and pumping. The Economic Development Council also led the effort to establish High Performance Magnetics, a company that designs, fabricates and tests advanced cable-in-conduit magnet components. This technology supports a variety of uses, including carbon-free transmission of electricity through magnetic fusion.

Lastly, the Economic Development Council accompanied Leon County School’s management to Birmingham, Alabama to evaluate the use of school buses that run on compressed natural gas (CNG).


Future Gaines Street Development Plans Gaines Street Groundbreaking

Updates

During the 2010 Fiscal Year, the City of Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funded a number of green-related economic initiatives, including residential landscaping, commercial façade improvements, commercial property exterior painting, and downtown core redevelopment. These initiatives are briefly discussed below.

The Commercial Façade Improvement Program and the Commercial Property Exterior Painting Program are designed to help promote the revitalization of commercial corridors in the redevelopment districts through the renovation of existing commercial buildings. The Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program grants funds of up to $50,000, with a dollar-for-dollar match by the applicant, for the renovation of the facade of commercial properties in both the Greater Frenchtown/Southside Community Redevelopment Area and the Downtown District Community Redevelopment Area. In Fiscal Year 2010, the CRA provided $177,462 in grant funds for the exterior renovations of five commercial properties. These grant funds were matched with nearly $500,000 in owner renovation funds for total project costs of more than $670,000.

The Commercial Property Exterior Painting Program provides eligible commercial property owners or tenants with grant funds of up to $5,000 for the exterior painting of the building; an applicant match is not required. In Fiscal Year 2010, the CRA provided $12,490 in grant funds for the exterior painting of four commercial properties.

Community Redevelopment Agency

As part of the Residential Landscape Program the CRA provided 80 residents of the Greater Frenchtown/Southside Community Redevelopment Area with grants of $250 for a landscape assessment of their property and to purchase $200 in native plants. The goal of the program is to help residential property owners develop landscaping designs that will improve the appearance of their property and reduce watering requirements through the use of native plants.

Eventually, the School system constructed a CNG filling station (in partnership with the City’s gas department) and purchased 14 CNG-fueled school buses. This eventually led to a decision by Nopetro, a company with a vision to convert a portion of Florida’s heavy truck traffic, municipal trucks and school buses to natural gas, to open its headquarters in Tallahassee in Fiscal Year 2011. Over the next few years, Nopetro plans to open fueling stations at other locations in the state, likely to include Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Gainesville.


During this time, the CRA committed $1.1 million to help complete the initial phase of construction of Cascade Park, a 4.25-mile linear greenway that will help mitigate stormwater runoff from critical urban watersheds while jointly transforming an eyesore into a community asset. These funds will be provided to Blueprint 2000, the agency managing the construction of Cascade Park, over a five-year period.

Finally, the CRA approved $150,000 in a low-interest loan program to help attract retail uses to the downtown area. The Agency provided the owner of the Marriot Residence Inn on Gaines Street with a $50,000 loan to help build-out unused retail space for a fine arts supply store. The loan funds were critical in attracting the art supply tenant to a retail space that had been vacant since the hotel opened in 2007.

IntroductionSurrounded by major universities and colleges, Tallahassee has an educated community that ranks among the highest in the country. The City is committed to making certain that this knowledge base realizes its fullest potential regarding sustainability. Environmental education, environmental stewardship and environmental volunteerism are key components that will help ensure that the City’s future is a sustainable one.

Although many of the initiatives in this report have their own education and outreach components that may inform residents about how a specific initiative works or how to sign up for certain programs, the City has also developed and implemented programs whose primary purpose is to reach into the community and educate them about general sustainability, environmental awareness, and upcoming environmental events. The newly launched Sustainability and You Community Learning Series is an example of such a program. The ongoing Go Green Tallahassee Facebook Page and the EcoSmart television program are two more examples of City initiatives that are designed to promote sustainability and environmental awareness.

The previous sections in this report highlight many examples of sustainability initiatives that have an education and outreach component, but the following initiatives represent those that are developed solely as education and outreach programs whose aim is to broaden the community’s sustainability education and awareness level.


The Sustainability & You Community Learning Series, sponsored by the City of Tallahassee, Florida State University and Sustainable Tallahassee, was held in October, November, and December 2010, with an average of 60 attendees at each learning series.

Sustainability and You Community Learning Series

This program is a series of engaging and interactive workshops designed to help citizens learn about sustainability practices and principles. The series of workshops were created, in part, through the efforts of the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB), a group of citizens appointed by the City to develop sustainability practices and policies for City government as well as the community at large.


Sustainability and You Learning Series Apalachee Ridge Outreach Event

Earth Day at Capital Circle Office Complex and Earth Day at the Capitol– City staff participated in these state-sponsored environmental expositions by providing interactive exhibits, information booths, energy-saving and recycling tips and promotion of StarMetro services.

The EAB and the Environmental Policy and Energy Resources Department (EPER) both envisioned active community participation in the development of sustainability plans for the City organization and the overall community. As such, the free workshops allowed local citizens to learn about sustainability issues and then apply that knowledge to help finalize the Tallahassee Sustainability Action Agenda, the City’s overall sustainability plan. The Sustainability and You Community Learning Series will continue into 2011.

These goals include: improving environmental awareness, increasing environmental volunteerism, and promoting citywide environmental initiatives. In addition, the format offers marketing opportunities, such as the promotion of Tallahassee’s environmentally related awards and accomplishments.

Earth Day Week 2010, which was bookended by two Solid Waste Services events- Cash for Trash and the Compost Bin/Rain Barrel Sale, saw the addition of some new, notable events. These ongoing and new events were an opportunity for the City to come together with the community and highlight how to go green, improve sustainability, and improve environmental stewardship.

Social Media

The new Go Green Tallahassee Facebook page was created to accomplish a wide variety of sustainability-related goals within the Tallahassee community.

Lastly, it offers the potential for increased community participation and feedback on a variety of current and future programs, events, and surveys. The identified objectives are accomplished through consistent updates and postings on the Go Green Tallahassee Facebook page, including: the Go Green Tallahassee Eco Tip of the Week, upcoming event postings, City green news posts, and forum and survey moderation.

UpdatesEarth Day Week 2010

Aveda Walk for Water– The City hosted a Sustainability and Best Tasting Water in the State booth during the Two-Mile Walk for Water Event that raised money for the Gulf Restoration Network.

Florida Earth Day Jam– The City-sponsored event provided a venue for marketing and promotion of green businesses and sustainable living. The environmental exposition included a City exhibit that highlighted sustainability and energy-saving tips.


Best Tasting Water in Florida Campaign

Idle Free Alternative Transportation Day

Neighborhood Leadership Academy

Neighborhood Affairs administered the Neighborhood Leadership Academy for neighborhood leaders throughout the City. The Academy provided a forum for City departments to provide information to neighborhood leaders on City programs and policies related to sustainability initiatives and practices. Many of the initiatives identified in this report were presented during the Academy.

The Natural Gas Consumer Education initiative helps provide customers with factual information relating to natural gas efficiency and effectiveness, thereby encouraging the use of natural gas in home and commercial applications. As part of this initiative, Underground Utilities sponsored the Natural Gas Poster Contest for Leon County 4th and 5th graders. The contest was a great success with seven schools and over 35 classes participating. The contest encouraged students to make posters detailing how natural gas impacts the environment and the role it plays in daily life.

WCOT’s EcoSmart Program

Idle Free Campaign and Alternative Transportation- The City’s premier event for Earth Day Week was held at Kleman Plaza and featured live music, and free food from downtown restaurants, while promoting how to live green through various sustainability programs. Citizens were invited to attend the free event and take the Tallahassee- Leon Idle Free Pledge to help reduce unnecessary vehicle idling, and to learn about alternative modes of transportation. StarMetro displayed their new diesel and electric hybrid bus and Fleet showcased one of their electric conversion trucks, while other City departments promoted sustainability and energy saving initiatives. The event also featured local bicycle shops, eco-cars companies, green building groups, as well as informational booths from local sustainability organizations.

Sustainability Booths and Presentations

The City continued to facilitate Sustainability Booths and Presentations throughout 2010. The sustainability booths and sustainability education presentations are an excellent medium for promoting community sustainability, marketing new programs and initiatives, and interacting with the public in a useful forum. In 2010, the Environmental Policy and Energy Resources Department gave over twenty sustainability-related presentations in front of school groups, church groups, community and professional organizations, and state agencies, among others. The presentation topics ranged from brownfields and recycling, to going green at home and at work, to sustainability programs implemented by the City. In 2010, The Environmental Policy and Energy Resources Department also facilitated booths at a variety of sustainability-related events to distribute information relating to the City’s energy saving, waste reduction, and natural resource protection programs. These outreach efforts engaged over 3,800 participants.

Natural Gas Consumer Education


WCOT continued its innovative, sustainability and environmental education program, EcoSmart, with two new episodes in 2010.

EcoSmart #6 “Waste Reduction” – In this episode of EcoSmart, viewers got a view of how much trash Tallahassee residents create every day and what they can do to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Viewers learned how to dispose of materials like old tires and batteries. Viewers were asked to tune in next time to find out how much proper disposal can help the environment and their wallet.

EcoSmart #7 “Green Ways to Get Around” – This episode examined ‘greener ways‘ of commuting in the community. Viewers followed one man’s journey to work, without using a car. Instead he utilized the City’s StarMetro transit system and his bicycle. Finally, viewers took a look at the City’s Fleet Department to see what steps they have taken to reduce their carbon footprint in workflow practices and equipment.

Personal Sustainability ProjectDuring Fiscal Year 2010, the City conducted eleven Personal Sustainability Project (PSP) workshops and trained 846 employees. Since PSP’s initial rollout in 2008, more than 1350 employees have attended this highly engaging training that makes the connection of implementing sustainability practices on a personal and professional level training. To ensure transfer of learning, at the end of each training session, participants are asked to identify one “Green” activity and commit to performing it on a regular basis.

During calendar year 2010, ERC staff provided Storm Water Pollution Prevention and Waste Management training at various City facilities including but not limited to the Hopkins and Purdom Electric Generating Stations, Municipal Services Complex, and Fleet Department. The training addressed good housekeeping practices, outdoor materials storage, spill response, vehicle and equipment fueling and repair, outdoor manufacturing and maintenance, and universal and hazardous waste management. Approximately 400 City employees received this environmental compliance training.

Environmental Training

EPER’s Environmental Regulatory Compliance (ERC) Division conducted an environmental compliance workshop for the City’s Leadership Team on September 16, 2010. The workshop highlighted recent non-compliance issues that helped ensure all City managers and supervisors were informed of the environmental compliance requirements applicable to their respective facilities and operations.

Beyond sustainability-related television episodes, it is equally important to report on sustainability-related events as they occur throughout the year. WCOT reported on a variety of events in 2010: The launch of Think Before You Throw, StarMetro’s new “green” buses, the Student Energy Smart Contract, the Tarp It event launch, and many more.


Students at Gaines Street Groundbreaking

Green Highlights

Energy

Solid Waste

• From 2009 to 2010, the City government’s electricity usage decreased by 2,129,483 kWh.

• The Tallahassee Fire Department added a complete solar panel system to Fire Station 12.

• The Electric Department expanded its internal use of motion activated lighting, CFLs, and programmable thermostats, leading to an estimated annual savings of $1,600.

• The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department installed 18 XLERATOR hand dryers in various park restrooms. The new hand dryers use 80 percent less energy than the older style hand dryers and represent a 95 percent cost savings versus paper towels.

• The Fleet Department continues to expand and enhance its in-house biodiesel production.

• StarMetro continues to use three new, state-of-the-art driver simulators to train bus drivers, which reduces fuel usage and carbon emissions.

• The City operates sixteen (16) hybrid vehicles, five (5) compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, and to date has purchased or built ten (10) electric vehicles.

Over 600 gallons of biodiesel is produced each week from used vegetable oil that is collected throughout the community in joint partnership with the United Way of the Big Bend.

• Additional recycling bins were added at the Tallahassee Regional Airport. The airport tenants

• Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs continued to advance its recycling program, with a total of 112 recycle bins installed throughout the parks and the community centers.

• When the City Auditor’s Office moved from the fourth floor to the second floor they used a new moving system that involves reusable eco-crates rather than disposable boxes. They also reused all of the existing furniture, saving money and reducing waste.

have been involved in the recycling effort, which has resulted in reducing how often the solid waste dumpster is picked up, from 3-days to 2-days per week.


• From 2009 to 2010, The City of Tallahassee’s residential recycling rate increased from 33.15 percent to 37.37 percent. During the same time frame, the total amount of recycled material increased by over 260 tons, while the contamination rate dropped by 1.64 percent.

Green Highlights

Natural Resources

Economics


• The Tallahassee Regional Airport continues its practice of planting native species at its facilities. The use of native plant species means less water and less maintenance on the flower beds.

• Neighborhood Affairs partnered with Super-Lube and Keep Tallahassee Leon County Beautiful for the 15th annual Super-Clean Sweep to help rid Tallahassee of litter and to help beautify the community.

• The City Attorney’s Office Adopt-A-Street clean up team continued their commitment to keeping Duval Street looking beautiful.

• Public Works’ Operations continues to purchase environmentally-friendly products for boththe Administration Building and the Municipal Services Complex Building. These eco-products include earth friendly cleaning products for restrooms, countertops, sinks and floors, as well as recycled paper products.

• Neighborhood Affairs continues to administer and promote the Volunteers in Parks (VIP)Program in which community organizations, businesses, neighborhood associations, schools and individuals can become directly involved in improving City parks, landscaped areas, greenways and recreational facilities.


Prepared By

Environmental Policy and Energy Resources

Green Initiatives2010 Annual Report

City of Tallahassee300 Adams Street, A-10(850) 891- BGRN (2476)www.talgov.com/eper

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