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Kansas City, Missouri Progress Report on Climate Protection Page

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Progress Report on Climate Protection and Phase 1 Recommendations Page Kansas City, Missouri April 2007

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City of Kansas City, Missouri Progress Report on Climate Protection From the Steering Committee

To: Mayor Kay Barnes and Members of City Council On August 17, 2006, you adopted a resolution supporting a Climate Protection Planning Process for Kansas City. In September, we accepted Mayor Barnes’ invitations to serve on the City’s Climate Protection Plan Steering Committee. While climate change is an enormous challenge and a defining issue for our time, it is also an opportunity for our community. We believe the ways we respond to the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate disruption will result in substantial benefits to Kansas City: energy and financial savings, better quality housing for all our residents, more transportation choices, new business opportunities, healthier citizens, and a more close-knit community. We encourage you and the entire Kansas City community to seize the opportunity to reduce our contributions to climate change in ways that will significantly improve the quality of life in our city. As a result, we strongly recommend your approval of four items:

• Adopt a policy that makes climate protection and greenhouse gas reductions a key factor in all decisions and actions by the City.

• Adopt a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from City government operations by 30% below year 2000 levels by the year 2020 and support the development of a realistic, but ambitious, goal by the end of 2007 for community-wide greenhouse gas reductions, drawing upon additional expertise and community discussion.

• Adopt the Phase 1 greenhouse gas reduction measures in this Progress Report, while providing the City Administration with flexibility to implement them in a timely and workable manner.

• Support the continuation of the climate protection planning process with the existing Steering Committee throughout 2007.

We are pleased to furnish this Progress Report, including a recommended goal for greenhouse gas reductions by City government and actions to achieve this goal. The Summary, “It’s Time to Act”, reflects our view that there is no time to waste in moving ahead with these actions, which can simultaneously improve Kansas City’s economy and community. Phase 1 recommendations for greenhouse gas reduction measures build on existing City government and community efforts, and are actions which City government and the community as a whole should begin implementing in 2007 and 2008. These recommendations are a consensus of the Steering Committee and Work Group efforts over the past five months. At the same time, we recognize that global climate change and Kansas City’s response to it are complex issues that require additional time for further thought and evaluation. Development of the City’s Climate Protection Plan is a work in progress that should continue while our implementation of Phase 1 recommendations is underway.

We believe that greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced at the same time as the economy and quality of life improve for businesses and citizens in Kansas City.


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Kansas City and hundreds of other communities across the nation and the world are embarking on actions to combat climate disruption. Technology and regulatory initiatives to address climate change are evolving rapidly and it will be important to re-evaluate and fine tune our actions – and even our goals -- in the future. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this important endeavor. We look forward to working with you and the entire community in this ongoing journey to ensure a positive legacy for our children and the future generations who will follow us in Kansas City.


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City of Kansas City, Missouri Progress Report on Climate Protection Summary: “It’s Time to Act”

Now is the time to act. The debate is over. The overwhelming scientific consensus is that human-induced climate change is among the most pressing environmental problems facing this generation and those to come. Kansas City is doing its part by embarking on a climate protection planning process.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN KANSAS CITY Taken as a whole, Kansas City, Missouri released 9.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (eCO2) greenhouse gasses in the year 2000, which grew to 9.9 million metric tons in the year 2005 (a metric ton is 2,200 pounds). The municipal government alone, from its operations, released almost 320,000 metric tons of eCO2 in the year 2000, which were reduced to 298,000 metric tons in the year 2005 as a result of actions taken to save money and improve efficiency in municipal operations. Unless greenhouse gas reduction measures are implemented, community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are projected to increase 19% to 11.3 million metric tons by 2020.

CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN On August 17, 2006, the Mayor and City Council of Kansas City, Missouri committed to take action by passing a resolution to join more than 300 U.S. local governments and 770 local governments worldwide in reducing emissions of GHGs. City Council charged the City Manager and Chief Environmental Officer to work with the community in developing the Climate Protection Plan.

In October 2006, Mayor Barnes appointed an 11-member Steering Committee to oversee the planning process. Under the direction of the Steering Committee and the City’s Chief Environmental Officer, an intensive planning process was begun. Four Work Groups met and prepared recommendations for the Steering Committee’s consideration. Because the Steering Committee wishes to provide recommendations for GHG reduction measures to Mayor Barnes and the City Council before they leave office at the end of April, the Steering Committee is providing this Progress Report.

Emissions Reduction Goal. The Steering Committee recommends continued careful study toward development of an ambitious yet achievable goal for community-wide reductions of GHG emissions. In addition, the Steering Committee recommends that the municipal government set a goal of 30% below year 2000 emissions to be achieved by 2020. The ambitious goal for city government is a reflection that (a) the government should show the way; (b) the Mayor and City Council have a high degree of control to achieve reductions in municipal emissions; and (c) the City has, since 2000, implemented a number of actions which have already reduced GHG emissions.

RECOMMENDED PHASE I ACTIONS

Many actions are needed to achieve the goal. No one or two actions or activities will be sufficient to achieve the needed results. Actions which can have an immediate impact and whose implementation can begin in the next year or two are noted as Phase 1 actions. These recommendations are all based on local actions which the Kansas City community can control. Most of these actions are enhancements of activities already underway.

The Phase 1 recommendations are listed on p. 5-8. Most of the actions focus on municipal government. These city government actions, if implemented, are projected to reduce GHG emissions by more than 30% below 2000 levels. The next phase of planning will focus on community-wide GHG reduction measures, and it will be important in the remainder of 2007 to develop a broad consensus in Kansas City on the actions to be taken.


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Outreach and education are key. One of the key actions identified by all Work Groups and the Steering Committee is a broad, far-reaching, and multi-faceted outreach and education program. Such an effort needs to be a partnership of all segments of the Kansas City community, and should build on the existing work of organizations including the City government, the Mid-America Regional Council, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Education is necessary to help people understand the problem, the urgency of taking action, and what they can do. Empowering citizens to act is crucial.

The key actions to reduce GHGs have been developed by the Work Groups in the areas of energy, transportation, carbon offsets, waste management, and public policy. It is important to note that many of these actions, in addition to building on current programs, provide multiple benefits beyond GHG reduction. Many actions can save money and improve our quality of life.

• Energy is a key component of the action plan as energy produced from the combustion of fossil fuels creates a substantial portion of the GHG emissions. Energy conservation, generation of energy from renewable sources, and management of energy resources must be important elements of a climate protection plan. Energy conservation also saves money, so it is in everyone’s self interest to undertake actions that both save money and help mitigate climate disruption.

• Transportation alternatives must be developed, including bicycling as a transportation choice, developing pedestrian-friendly environments to promote walking, using alternative fuels in motor vehicles, and developing an excellent public transit system.

• Carbon offsets can also be called carbon sequestration, a process of taking carbon out of the air and fixing it in the ground. An expanded urban forestry program is most important, as trees and other vegetation remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen into it. Expanding native landscaping, building green roofs, and promoting local food production are also recommended.

• Waste management is important, especially for city government, with the first step being to develop a comprehensive solid waste management plan. Increased recycling, “green procurement”, and managing construction and demolition waste are also important actions.

• City government policies that can reduce GHG emissions cut across the above categories. Among the policies that will help reduce GHGs are promotion of green buildings (for example, with LEED standards), green roofs, green infrastructure, the new proposed Development Code (now under consideration), and a revised Building Code with strong energy conservation measures. Establishing GHG reduction in the city government’s policy-making framework is an important step.

COMPLETING THE CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN AND ESTABLISHING A VISION

Additional greenhouse gas reduction strategies and measures will require more analysis, development, and consideration. These measures will be evaluated further by the Steering Committee and Work Groups in the ongoing climate protection planning process. A list of representative GHG reduction measures to be considered is provided on p. 21. The Steering Committee and Work Groups will continue working for remainder of 2007 to prepare a Climate Protection Plan that can be embraced by all of Kansas City with a viable goal for community-wide GHG reductions.

Kansas City community will need to monitor GHG emissions in the future to assure we are making progress. The means to oversee, assess, and report progress to the community needs to be determined.

The Steering Committee holds out a long-term vision for Kansas City, which is to continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions beyond 2020, perhaps leading our community to become carbon-neutral through a combination of direct (internal) emission reducing actions and indirect (external) offsetting actions. This long-term vision is important because of the serious nature of climate disruption, the effect it will have on future generations, and the costs it will impose on all of us if we do not act.

Great interest has been expressed in this project throughout the Kansas City community -- in the government, business, and non-profit sectors, as well as among many citizens. Kansas City can provide leadership in addressing this critical issue while also helping our community thrive and prosper and promoting climate protection as an issue for regional cooperation.


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City of Kansas City, Missouri Progress Report on Climate Protection

Recommendations for Phase 1 Greenhouse Gas Reductions

Based on recommendations from four Work Groups, the Steering Committee has identified greenhouse gas reduction measures to pursue immediately as development of the City’s Climate Protection Plan continues. All of these recommendations are consensus recommendations from the Work Groups and the Steering Committee. These are actions whose implementation can begin in the next year or two. Other more complicated recommendations that need further study will be considered in the next phase of planning.

Many of these recommended actions, programs, and policies fall within the purview of the city government while anticipating collaboration with the business sector, non-profit organizations, neighborhoods, and individual citizens. It should be noted that these recommendations are estimated to help the city government exceed a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from year 2000 levels by 2020. In the remainder of 2007, the Steering Committee and, the Work Groups will need to focus on community education, community engagement, and actions by the private and non-profit sectors.

SUMMARY OF WORK GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS

Work Group

Municipal Annual GHG Emissions Reduction (metric tons)

Community-wide Annual GHG

Emissions Reduction (metric tons)

Energy 40,350 129,850

Transportation 2,285 100,902

Carbon Offsets and Waste Management 40,600 148,325

Policy and Outreach Not immediately quantifiable

Not immediately quantifiable

TOTAL ANNUAL REDUCTIONS* 83,235 379,077**

* Municipal Annual Reductions are included in Community-wide Annual Reductions ** Does not include potential GHG reductions from implementation of agreement signed by KCP&L, Sierra Club & Concerned Citizens of Platte County

SPECIFIC WORK GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS Specific Work Group recommendations are detailed on the following pages. Many of the recommended Phase 1 actions, for which estimates of GHG reductions can not be quantified (such as a broad-based education & outreach effort, a feasibility study for onsite renewable energy generation at City facilities, adoption of strong energy efficiency standards in the City’s Building Code, and implementation of a light rail system), provide a foundation for substantial GHG reductions community-wide.


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Energy Work Group Recommendations

Projected Annual GHG Emissions Reduced

(metric tons)

City Community

1. Undertake a feasibility study for opportunities for onsite generation of renewable energy for municipal buildings and facilities

0

0

2. Adopt GHG goals at least as aggressive as the Mayor’s climate protection protocol based on baseline data from 2000

not applicable not applicable

3. Reduce municipal energy use by 10% 26,900 26,900

4. Study the feasibility of joining a GHG exchange such as the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX)

unknown unknown

5. Explore improvement of energy efficiency ordinances, codes and regulations requiring up to date energy efficiency standards for any development project funded in whole or in part using public funds. If City funding is involved, require targeting the achievement of Energy Star rating for commercial and residential development including materials, equipment and supplies.

unknown

unknown

6. Expand the conventional Home Weatherization Program to allow for a broader client base allowing services to be provided, under certain conditions, to property owners not eligible pursuant to federal program guidelines and providing for financing options including grants and loans.

not applicable

2,900

7. Purchase 5% (five percent) of the total electricity demand of the City to operate municipal buildings and facilities from renewable power sources.

13,450

13,450

8. Undertake an aggressive education and public relations campaign in partnership with GKC Chamber of Commerce, KCPL, MGE, foundations, non-profits, neighborhood organizations, home associations, Home Builders Association, Kansas City Green Builders Council, Kansas City AIA and others supporting and promoting green choices.

not applicable

614 metric tons for every 1 million kilowatt-hours

(kWh) of reduction in electricity used

9. Establish an Energy Office and expand the use of performance contracting (one element in achieving 10% reduction in municipal energy use – Recommendation #3)

unknown unknown

10. Through partnerships and collaboratives, establish mechanisms to assist consumers in reducing loan rates for Energy Star rated home and businesses.

not applicable

unknown

11. Collaborate with the GKC Chamber of Commerce and KCPL to continue the Million Lights Campaign and to include, in an appropriate fashion, a means for transition to upgraded, energy efficient business lighting.

not applicable 40,400

12. Collaborate with the GKC Chamber of Commerce and others to encourage businesses to reduce GHGs, beginning with assessments to determine the easiest items to implement and, ultimately, more extensive energy audit for their own benchmarks (baseline inventory) and GHG reduction plan.


13. Join current efforts to establish state policy supportive of GHG emission reduction strategies.

unknown unknown

TOTAL ANNUAL EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS (Energy) 40,350 129,850*

* Does not include potential GHG reductions from implementation of agreement signed by KCP&L, Sierra Club & Concerned Citizens of Platte County


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Transportation Work Group Recommendations


(metric tons)

City Community

1. Expand and Further Develop Alternative Transportation Programs

1,785 7,075

2. Develop a Comprehensive Parking Plan unknown unknown

3. Develop a Comprehensive Traffic Signal/Flow Coordination Plan


4. Expand the use of alternative fuels 500 8,100

5. Commit to following the requirements for bicycle/pedestrian access in new and altered infrastructure.

1,477

6. Develop a plan to implement light rail as part of a healthy overall public transit system

unknown

unknown (calculate when plan &

estimated ridership are determined)

7. Initiate a well planned public education and marketing program to broadly present the need for Transportation Alternatives

not applicable

unknown

8. Develop a program to reduce the use of polluting lawnmowers, including municipal, general and commercial use.

not applicable

450

9. Retain and attract businesses that support GHG reduction and best environmental practices

not applicable unknown

TOTAL ANNUAL EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS (Transportation)

2,285 100,902

Carbon Offsets and Waste Management Work Group Recommendations


(metric tons)

City Community

1. Develop a Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan for Kansas City

unknown unknown

2. Increase and Expand Curbside Recycling Program not applicable 66,000

3. Expand City Government Recycling and Green Purchasing 4,500 4,500

4. Make Construction & Demolition Recycling Mandatory for City-supported Projects


5. Expand Kansas City’s existing urban forestry program 33,800 33,800

6. Expand Native Landscaping on City Properties 700 700

7. Promote Development of Demonstration Green Roofs 1, 600 1, 600

8. Promote Residential Neighborhood Food Production unknown unknown

TOTAL ANNUAL EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS (Carbon Offsets & Waste Mgmt)

40,600 148,325


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Policy and Outreach Work Group Recommendations


(metric tons)

City Community

1. Develop a comprehensive, multi-faceted communications and public engagement plan to support the broad climate protection effort -- to inform, engage and empower people, targeting business, faith communities, schools and the general public.

unknown

unknown

2. Maximize greenhouse gas reductions by municipal government through policy changes promoting construction of green buildings, development of green infrastructure, revision of the Development Code and Building Code, establishment of greenhouse gas reduction in the city’s policy-making framework, and regionalization of climate change protection.

unknown unknown

TOTAL ANNUAL EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS (Policy and Outreach)

unknown unknown

EXTERNAL ACTIONS The effects of measures being discussed at the federal and state level might be included in the projections of future emissions reductions. However, those measures have not been integrated into the estimated emissions reductions for Kansas City because they are uncertain and the impact cannot now be estimated.

FUTURE EVALUATION AND REFINEMENT

Meeting Kansas City’s reduction target will require both persistence and adaptability. Climate protection will be an ongoing process, and progress must be periodically evaluated. Kansas City should, in several years – and perhaps every two to three years thereafter -- evaluate the actions recommended here. New actions may be identified based on local experience, the experience of other jurisdictions, new technologies, actions by other governments, and changing circumstances. Climate protection is a work in progress.


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City of Kansas City, Missouri Progress Report on Climate Protection Community Involvement

The climate protection planning process and this Progress Report have been the result of the efforts of many individuals. Without the contributions of their time, effort, and expertise, this report would not have been possible.

STEERING COMMITTEE Chair Joanne Collins – Former Kansas City Councilmember, Past Chair of Mid-America Regional Council’s Air Quality Forum, Former Member of Missouri Air Conservation Commission Members J.C. Alonzo – Co-Chair of the Kansas City Environmental Management Commission Bob Berkebile, AIA - Principal, BNIM Architects & Co-Chair of the Kansas City Environmental Management Commission Scott Burnett – Legislator, 1st District Jackson County Legislature Bill Downey – President and CEO, Kansas City Power & Light Co. Dee Evans – President, Beacon Hill Neighborhood Association Pete Levi – President, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Bob Mann – Founding Director, Bridging the Gap; Co-Director, Shadowcliff Lodge & Retreat Center Frank Pogge – Director, Kansas City Water Services Department David Warm – Executive Director, Mid-America Regional Council Bridgette Williams – Executive Director, Heart of America Labor Council, Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO

CARBON OFFSETS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT WORK GROUP Jamie Frazier, Chair Rich Enfield Suzy Latare Meagan Stach John Almeida Larry Falkin Paul Ling Joan Steurer Laurie Brown David Flora Helene Miller David Dods, Facilitator Kate Corwin Katie Grotegut Michael Shaw Lisa Danbury Marty Kraft Ann Simpson


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ENERGY WORK GROUP Robert T. Jackson, Chair Michelle Eis James Joerke Rick Robson Brian Ball Ryan Evans Mark Lawlor Roger Starnes/Steve Pierson Fred Buckley Vic Edwards Sue Nathan Jim VanEman Craig Bernstein Michael Fuhrman Robert Painter John Ware Jenny Bloomfield Jenny Harriman/Charles Harris Bruce Palmer Lynn Hinkle, Facilitator Susan Brown Bob Housh Robert Rives Terry Usina Boyer,

Facilitator

POLICY AND OUTREACH WORK GROUP Tom Jacobs, Chair Dustin Jensen Dave Mecklenburg Deb Smith Carol Adams Laura Klover Donovan Mouton Mark Trosen Karmello Brooks-Coleman John Fish Kurmann Tom Neff Terry Wiggins Scott Cahail Margaret May Jim Sheppard Kristi Wyatt Teresa Edens Chet McLaughlin Kelvin Simmons Janet Baker, Facilitator

TRANSPORTATION WORK GROUP Phelps Murdock, Chair Mell Henderson Greg Lever Lou Steele Amy Bhesania Mark Huffer John McClernon Sam Swearngin Dave Brown Brent Hugh Ron McLinden Tom Swenson Marge Gasnick Patty Hilderbrand Deb Ridgway Kate Barsotti, Facilitator James Glavin IV Stephen Hopkins Tony Reinhart In addition, a number of citizens participated in the Work Group meetings. U.S. EPA Region 7 staff served as non-voting members, providing technical assistance.

STAFF FROM THE CITY OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Wayne A. Cauthen – City Manager Richard DeHart – Director of Administration, Office of the Mayor Dennis Murphey -- Chief Environmental Officer, Office of Environmental Quality Gerald Shechter -- Sustainability Coordinator, Office of Environmental Quality Diane Utz – Project Specialist for Baseline Inventory Sherri Lewis – Administrative Assistant, Office of Environmental Quality Katie Grotegut – Intern, Office of Environmental Quality Bruce Wiggins -- Senior Planner, City Planning and Development Department Ronald Simmons – Graphic Designer, City Planning and Development Department (cover design) We wish to express our thanks to the Kauffman Foundation, Maple Woods Community College, and the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center (Missouri Dept. of Conservation) for providing the Steering Committee and Work Groups with meeting space.

For additional information about the planning process or the findings and recommendations in this Progress Report, contact:

Dennis Murphey, Chief Environmental Officer, City of Kansas City, Missouri 816.513.3459 [email protected]


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City of Kansas City, Missouri Progress Report on Climate Protection Background

Global climate change is real, human activities are a significant factor, and the consequences will be severe for all of humankind, including Kansas City. The evidence for these assumptions is clear and compelling. In response to the mounting evidence about climate disruption, the U.S. Conference of Mayors in 2005 launched an initiative called, “The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.” Mayor Barnes signed the resolution on behalf of the City of Kansas City. Then on August 17, 2006, the City Council passed Resolution 060777 directing the City Manager and the City’s Chief Environmental Officer to undertake a climate protection planning process in active consultation with the community. The text of the resolution will be found on the City’s climate protection web page at http://www.kcmo.org/manager.nsf/web/cpp (under construction as of the date of printing).

KANSAS CITY’S CLIMATE PROTECTION PLANNING PROCESS Following enactment of Resolution 060777, Mayor Barnes appointed a Steering Committee of 11 community leaders to oversee the planning process, establish greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, and to identify recommended greenhouse gas reduction actions. The Steering Committee began meeting in late October 2006. With the assistance of the City’s Chief Environmental Officer, the committee approved a planning process that included five phases:

1. Conduct a baseline greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecast 2. Adopt an emissions reduction target 3. Develop a Climate Action Plan for reducing emissions 4. Implement policies and measures 5. Monitor and verify results.

To fulfill the resolution’s mandate to undertake planning with the community, the Steering Committee approved the formation of four Work Groups:

1. Carbon Offsets and Waste Management 2. Transportation 3. Energy 4. Policy and Outreach

The four Work Group Chairs and the Chief Environmental Officer invited a broad range of knowledgeable people from the community to participate in the Work Groups. With adoption of the City Council resolution, many people volunteered their time and expertise to be on the Work Groups. In addition, it was made clear to all interested persons that the Work Group meetings were open to everyone who cared to attend and participate. The Work Groups began meeting in December 2006, and met four times over four months to develop Phase 1 greenhouse gas reduction recommendations for Steering Committee consideration. The Steering Committee met five times to consider appropriate greenhouse gas reduction goals, monitor Work Group progress, and approve the Work Groups’ Phase 1 recommendations for action. The City of Kansas City (“the City”) joined ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability (www.iclei.org) and utilized its Clean Air and Climate Protection Software to develop a baseline inventory of greenhouse gas emissions. The software was also very useful in projecting future emissions and to assess greenhouse gas impacts of various actions taken to reduce emissions.


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City of Kansas City, Missouri Progress Report on Climate Protection Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory & Forecast

ICLEI’s Clean Air and Climate Protection Software1 allows local governments to estimate and track greenhouse gas emissions from energy and waste-related activities at the community-wide scale and those resulting directly from municipal operations. The software provides the basis for creating an inventory of emissions for the years 2000 and 2005, along with a forecast to the year 2020. It also enables the quantification of emissions reductions associated with proposed as well as implemented measures.

BASELINE INVENTORY – Years 2000 and 2005

Community-wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Community-wide activities that are used in the software are energy consumption, transportation, and waste generation. Major energy suppliers, transportation, and waste officials furnished data for the inventory. This inventory does not account for all sources of greenhouse gas emissions, but identifies the activities that are making the most significant contributions and those that can be readily measured in the future, allowing us to gauge progress.

A baseline year is needed, and the Steering Committee chose the year 2000, primarily because data from earlier years was not available. The Steering Committee’s recommendations for greenhouse gas reductions are in reference to this base year. Emissions are in metric tons to reflect the unit of measure that most other local governments have used in estimating greenhouse gas emissions. One metric ton equals 2,200 pounds. The graphs and tables below provide details of community-wide emissions growth from the year 2000 to the year 2005. Between 2000 and 2005, community-wide GHG emissions increased by 4.0%

City Government Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Government activities used in the software include energy consumption in buildings and operations, consumption of fuel by employee commuting & fleet operations, and waste generation in City buildings. These measures are a part of the overall community-wide inventory, but are calculated separately, allowing government to concentrate on its contributions. As with the community inventory, the baseline data for the municipal government accounts for the major greenhouse gas emissions, but not all sources. The charts below show municipal government emissions for the years 2000 and 2005.

Between 2000 and 2005, the City achieved an estimated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 6.8%. These savings have come from energy conservation programs implemented at City Hall, the Convention Center Complex, the Water Services Department and the Aviation Department and conversion to energy efficient traffic signal lights. Also, the City has converted all diesel vehicles in its fleet to B-20 fuel (a mixture of 20% biodiesel and 80% conventional diesel) and doubled the number of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in the City fleet (from 90 to 181). Note: Some significant energy conservation measures had already been implemented by 2000 (for example, conversion of street lights to high-pressure sodium and energy efficiency measures for part of the Convention Center Complex project).

1 This software was developed by the State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators and the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials (STAPPA/ALAPCO), International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and Torrie Smith Associates, and has been used by many local governments to estimate greenhouse gas emissions.


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2000 Community Wide

Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Source

Natural Gas

14.6%

Cogeneration

0.6%

Electricity

46.7%

Waste

1.4%Diesel

6.1%

Gasoline

30.6%

2000 Total Emissions = 9,569,764 metric tons of eCO2

-

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

3,500,000

4,000,000

Residential

Energy Commercial Energy

Industrial

Energy Transportation Waste

2000 and 2005 Community Wide

Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector

2000 2005

Equivalent Metric Tons CO2

Baseline Community-Wide Inventory – Years 2000 and 2005 City of Kansas City, Missouri

2000 Total Energy Emissions (Residential, Commercial & Industrial)

= 5,922,457 metric tons of eCO2

2005 Total Emissions = 9,949,198 metric tons of eCO2


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-

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

Buildings Vehicle Fleet Employee Commute

Streetlights Water/Sewage Waste

2000 and 2005 Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector

from City of Kansas City Government Activities

2000 Total Emissions =

319,795 metric tons of eCO2

2000 Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Source

from City of Kansas City Government Activities

Electricity

74.5%

Diesel

3.4%

CNG

0.4%Waste

0.2%

Gasoline

11.6%

Co-generation

3.0%

Natural Gas

6.9%

2005 Total Emissions =

297,905 metric tons of eCO2

Equivalent Metric Tons CO2

Baseline Municipal Government Inventory – Years 2000 and 2005 City of Kansas City, Missouri

2000 2005


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FORECAST FOR GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Table 1 also shows the projected annual community-wide emissions in the year 2020. A separate projection of municipal emissions was not done, because the software does not have that capability and the municipal emissions are a subset of the overall community-wide emissions. The 2000 – 2005 trends are the basis of projections to the year 2020, except that industrial energy is projected to increase slightly from 2005 as a result of projected changes in the economy and economic development efforts. The biggest increases in emissions are projected to be in transportation and residential energy.

Table 1 City of Kansas City, Missouri

Recent Changes and Projections of Community-Wide Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Equivalent Carbon Dioxide (eCO2)

Metric Tons

2000 2005 Projected 2020

Residential Energy 1,677,943 1,980,491 2,279,117

Commercial Energy 2,670,955 2,978,445 3,197,388

Industrial Energy 1,573,559 1,105,273 1,237,905

Transportation 3,510,795 3,651,399 4,283,837

Waste 136,513 233,591 299,116

Total 9,569,764 9,949,198 11,341,194

Highlights 2000 – 2005

• There was growth in greenhouse gas emissions in all categories except industrial energy.

• Transportation is the biggest emitter of eCO2 in both 2000 and 2005, followed by commercial energy.


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City of Kansas City, Missouri Progress Report on Climate Protection Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Goal

The Steering Committee carefully considered what goal to recommend. The goal takes into account a variety of activities already underway which have implications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many factors were considered when selecting Kansas City’s reduction target. The Steering Committee aimed to choose a goal that is both aggressive and achievable, given local circumstances.

Local factors considered in selecting the target reduction percentage for Kansas City included estimation of the effects of implemented and planned programs and policies, an approximate assessment of future opportunities to reduce emissions, targets adopted by peer communities, and the recognition that significant reductions need to be achieved in the next few years.

The Steering Committee recommends that the city government adopt a reduction goal of 30% below year 2000 levels by the year 2020. Further, the Steering Committee supports the development of a realistic, but ambitious, goal by the end of 2007 for community-wide greenhouse gas reductions, drawing upon additional expertise and community discussion. The ambitious goal for city government is a reflection that:

(a) The government should lead the way by example. (b) The Mayor and City Council have a high degree of control to achieve reductions in municipal

emissions. (c) The City has, since 2000, already begun to reduce greenhouse gasses with actions which have had

a significant impact.

The Steering Committee believes it is important to begin to reduce emissions as soon as possible. Emissions are projected to grow in the next several years and, given that in 2007 we are already two years into this time frame, if we delay starting to make reductions, greater annual reductions will be required to achieve our goals.

NEED FOR EVALUATION OF GOAL

The City government and the broader Kansas City community will periodically re-evaluate greenhouse gas reduction goals. Evaluations will need to be done from time to time – for example, every five years – to determine how much progress is being made and what activities are achieving results. Evaluation of the goals will also be advisable because knowledge about climate disruption and new technology available to address the problem are rapidly changing. In addition, state and/or federal regulatory requirements regarding greenhouse gas emissions may change. Finally, evaluation will be useful based on the experience of other communities that are doing climate protection plans. Cities will be sharing their ideas and progress through ICLEI and other organizations – experience may alter the goals that are seen to be desirable and achievable. Just as the Work Groups used current ICLEI “best bets” as one tool to develop Phase 1 recommendations for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, we will review the actions of others in the future.

LONG TERM VISION

The Steering Committee also believes that it is important to keep a longer-term and broader vision for Kansas City. This vision is important because of the serious nature of climate disruption, and the effect that it will have on future generations. Keeping this vision in mind is important as Kansas City embarks on further climate protection planning and implements Phase 1 recommendations. In any case, the bigger and longer term view of the potential for becoming carbon-neutral should be kept in mind.

A reduction goal provides a tangible target for Kansas City’s emissions reduction efforts, and also a means to evaluate progress. The emissions reduction goal represents a percentage by which Kansas City aims to decrease emissions below the year 2000 baseline by the target year 2020.


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City of Kansas City, Missouri Progress Report on Climate Protection Building on Existing Activities

Within its municipal operations, the City of Kansas City has already undertaken a number of programs, policies and projects that have resulted in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, other KC metropolitan-area governments and organizations – both private for-profit and non-profit -- have begun programs that have reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Some of these initiatives are listed below. While these actions were not undertaken for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (they may have been done to save money with energy conservation, for example), they have had the effect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrate that:

• There are multiple benefits of actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Emissions reductions are realistic and there are many practical steps that can be taken.

City of Kansas City

• Alternative Fuel Use. The City has begun to convert its motor vehicle fleet to alternative energy fuels which emit less CO2 than gasoline and conventional diesel fuel. The number of CNG vehicles has doubled from 90 to 181. The City has converted all diesel vehicles to B-20 fuel, a mixture of 20% biodiesel and 80% conventional diesel fuel. In 2006, the City used a higher mix of biodiesel (50%) in warm months. For 2006, Kansas City was rated by Sustainlane.com as #3 of the 50 largest cities in the U.S. for the percentage of vehicles in its fleet that use alternative fuels.

• Energy Conservation in City Buildings. Reduced energy consumption saves money and also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The Convention Center and City Hall energy conservation projects are estimated to save $2 million/year in energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 34,090 metric tons per year.

• LEED Ordinance. LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) standards have been developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. On Nov. 18, 2004, the City of Kansas City enacted ordinance 041222, requiring green building design and construction to the LEED Silver standard for new City buildings and renovations greater than 5,000 sq. ft. of occupied area.

• Green Roofs. Ordinance 041059, enacted Oct. 28, 2004, requests that the City Manager include green roofs in new city buildings and facilities improvements. Several demonstration projects are being studied. Green roofs have multiple benefits, including storm water detention, water quality protection, reduced heat island effect (reducing ozone pollution), reduced energy consumption in buildings, and money saved for the owners.

• Environmentally Preferable Procurement. In 1999, City Council passed Ordinance 990168 establishing an environmentally preferable procurement policy.

• Zoning Ordinance Revision. Major revision to the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivisions Regulations has been underway for over two years. Some of the changes being considered for a new Development Code will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, among them: infill development to create more density, transit-oriented development, preservation of green space, protection of streams with stream setbacks that prohibit development in the 100 year floodplain, maximum parking requirements, and bicycle parking requirements for new development. The proposed revision is expected to be published for public review and comment this spring.


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• KC Bike Initiative/Master Trails Project. Development of a master plan is underway to make Kansas City more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly. The plan will help KC connect its trails and on-road bikeways for use in recreation and transportation. The City is currently recruiting a Bike/Pedestrian Coordinator to work with all City departments (Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Planning & Development, Water Services, and Environmental Quality) to promote bicycling, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Construction of Bike Trails. The City has recently completed construction of bicycle trails with federal transportation money, and is studying additional trails. Portions of the Riverfront Heritage Trail and the Vivion Road Trail east of North Oak Street have been completed in the last several years.

• KC Recycles. Recycling contributes to climate protection because it avoids landfilling materials that create methane, a greenhouse gas that is over 20 times more powerful in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide2. The City’s curbside recycling program was initiated in 2004 and expanded from biweekly to weekly collection in 2005. Average collection rates are 1,500 - 1,600 tons/month. Three recycling drop-off centers that collect a wider array of materials than are accepted in the curbside collection program are operated by Bridging The Gap. These three facilities, plus the City’s Deramus drop-off site, recovered 2,664 tons of materials for recycling in the past year.

• A Million Lights. This local initiative, launched by Mayor Barnes to convert a million incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), saves energy and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 227 thousand metric tons – and also save money for the person installing them. See www.18seconds.org for a description of the impact and progress in the Kansas City metropolitan area for purchase of CFLs.

• Brownfield Redevelopment. Brownfields are underutilized properties with real or perceived environmental contamination. Reuse or redevelopment of these sites reduces sprawl, destruction of greenfield areas, and the need to extend existing infrastructure (roads, water lines, sewer lines).

• Smart Growth Project. This City project, funded by an EPA grant to the KC Brownfields Office, highlights examples of Smart Growth in KCMO and promotes smart growth principles among area developers.

• Redevelopment of the Urban Core. Mixed-use, dense development and redevelopment of residential and commercial space provides opportunities for people to live, work, and play in close proximity and with access to public transit. Redevelopment has been strong in the downtown, midtown, Crossroads, River Market and nearby areas. Approximately $4.5 billion in construction is underway or recently completed.

• 10,000 Rain Gardens. Mayor Barnes has championed the construction of rain gardens by businesses, government agencies, and residents. Rain gardens reduce stormwater runoff, flooding, and sewer overflows, while saving energy and thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. MARC provides training on building rain gardens to interested persons, businesses, institutions, and others.

• Wet Weather Solutions. The City’s Water Department has been working with a community advisory panel to develop recommendations for integrated, multi-benefit solutions to KC’s flooding, stormwater, and sewer overflow issues.

• Home Weatherization Program. The City’s program improves energy efficiency of housing, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and also improving the comfort, health, and safety of homeowners. The program is supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy/Missouri Department of Natural Resources, KCP&L, Missouri Gas Energy, Aquila, Empire District Electric, AmerenUE, and private property owners.

• LED Traffic Lights. The City is converting its traffic signals to light-emitting diodes that are substantially more energy efficient and last substantially longer than incandescent bulbs.

2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.


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• Water Services Department (WSD) Methane Recovery & Energy Efficient Pumps. The WSD recovers methane from the wastewater treatment plant digesters and uses it to generate electricity for use in the water treatment plants. Energy efficient water and wastewater pumps have been installed to reduce energy consumption.

• Carbon Dioxide Purchase. The WSD utilizes carbon dioxide that is a waste product from other industries, incorporating it into its water treatment process. In fiscal year 2006, WSD used 9.8 million pounds of CO2, leading to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 4,445 metric tons.

Other Governments

• Jackson County’s Green Build Program. Jackson County prepared a written guide to incorporating sustainable building features to save money, reduce energy usage, and maintain a healthy home. Jackson County also instituted a rebate program of up to 50% on the permitting fees, based upon the level of “Green designation” achieved per the county’s point system.

• EPA’s Blue Skyways Collaborative. This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiative aims to improve air quality by reducing air pollution through innovations in fuel and green energy technology along the I-35 corridor from south Texas to northern Minnesota. The program looks to develop public/private partnerships in the areas of on-road vehicles, non-road equipment, highway infrastructures, air/water/rail transportation, and renewable, efficient, and alternative energy sources.

Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)

• Operation Green Light. This regional initiative led by MARC synchronizes traffic signals to promote the flow of traffic and minimize idling time at stop lights, reducing motor vehicle emissions.

• Smart Moves. This regional plan aims to enhance the public transit system throughout the region, increase transit ridership and reduce motor vehicle dependence.

• Metro Green/Green Infrastructure Project. This regional initiative led by MARC will preserve, enhance, and integrate greenspaces throughout the KC metro area.

• Clean Air Action Plan for the Kansas City Region. MARC adopted in May 2005 a comprehensive, community-based voluntary strategy for reducing ground-level ozone in the metropolitan area. Objectives include protecting public health, maintaining compliance with federal ozone standards, protecting the regional economy, and implementing measures if the region violates the federal ozone standard in the future.

• Rideshare Program. MARC’s regional commuter matching service informs people about less expensive and more environmentally friendly commuting alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle. The program assists employers with transportation programs and helps individuals find riding opportunities with other commuters.

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA)

• Bike Racks on Busses. KCATA obtained federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds to install bike racks on busses. Racks are now installed on all 25- and 40-passenger busses -- all but the smallest.

• AdVANtage VanPool Program. This popular program organizes ride-sharing arrangements where a group of commuters ride to and from work in 8- and 12-passenger vans. Riders, except the driver, pay an affordable, low monthly fare. The program is limited only by the number of vehicles KCATA can purchase (vans are provided at no cost to the commuters).

• Bus Rapid Transit (MAX). KCATA provides rapid transit bus service in the urban core, from the River Market to Waldo. In July, MAX service celebrated its one-year anniversary and one millionth rider. KCATA is seeking engineering funds for the next bus rapid transit line, on Troost Ave.


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Private Sector

Many companies have undertaken energy conservation, resource recovery, or byproduct synergy (one company uses another company’s byproducts as a resource) in recent years. A comprehensive list is beyond the scope of this progress report.

• KCP&L Energy Conservation/Energy Efficiency Programs. A variety of programs is available for homes and businesses, to encourage less energy use and reduce peak demand. Some include financial assistance

• Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce has formed a special committee, chaired by Bill Downey of KCP&L, to develop policies and actions that can be undertaken by the business community for energy conservation and greenhouse gas reductions. Included in those activities is highlighting energy issues at the Chamber’s 2008 Governor’s Summit on Regional Economic Development.

Non-Profit Sector

Two nonprofit organizations in the metropolitan area are leading the way on programs that help address climate change.

• Bridging The Gap (BTG) – all are regional programs o Environmental Excellence Business Network. The EEBN conducts workshops and educational events to promote environmental improvements, resource efficiency, and sustainability among businesses.

o By-Product Synergy Initiative. This program applies the principles of industrial ecology to use unwanted by-products from one organization (e.g. businesses or local governments) as resources for valuable new products and processes by other organizations.

o Buy Fresh Buy Local. The national marketing campaign is coordinated locally by BTG. It is designed to stimulate public awareness of quality foods produced by local farmers utilizing sustainable agriculture and responsible environmental practices.

o Kansas City Wildlands. A coalition of governments, conservation organizations, academic institutions, conservation-minded corporations, and citizens has been established to restore and manage the remnants of metro Kansas City’s original landscape.

o Heartland Tree Alliance. With education and hands-on activities, the Alliance works in partnership with citizens, green industry professionals, and local governments to teach the value of healthy urban forests.

o Clean Commute. Working with businesses, this program encourages biking and walking as viable transportation methods for commuters.

o Shadowcliff. At an educational and retreat center in Grand Lake, CO, BTG conducts workshops with various constituencies, to help them learn about sustainability and its application to individuals and organizations. This year’s workshops are focused on climate protection/climate change.

• Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC) o Energy Education. MEC has various ongoing efforts to promote public awareness about sustainability, energy efficiency and renewable energy – including energy workshops to neighborhoods, service groups, churches and others throughout the metro area.

o Project Living Proof. MEC is restoring two homes in mid-town KCMO as a demonstration of the health and comfort benefits of energy efficiency, green building technology and native landscaping. The homes include a classroom and training center for the home building/remodeling industry and public.

o Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Federal Transit Administration has funded and MEC is the lead member of a consortium to develop and test a plug-in electric small bus operated by KCATA.

o EnergyWorks. This program provides energy planning services for nonprofit and the public sector, including a low-interest loan fund. It is now focusing on schools with its Missouri EnergyWorks Program.

o KC Clean Cities. - Promotes development of alternative fuel vehicle fleets and fueling infrastructure in metro KC. Clean Cities received its designation from the U.S. Department of Energy in 1998. MEC serves as the coordinator of the private/public partnership which has Missouri and Kansas co-chairs representing the greater Kansas City area.

o Energy-Saving Workshops. Co-sponsored with H&R Block, MEC presents seminars on energy tax credits. o Home Performance with Energy Star. MEC trains and certifies energy analysts and contractors to help homeowners make improvements that increase comfort and lower energy bills.


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City of Kansas City, Missouri Progress Report on Climate Protection Completing the KC Climate Protection Plan

The Steering Committee and Work Groups will continue to work to prepare a Kansas City Climate Protection Plan in the remainder of 2007. Many topics that Work Groups discussed, and others that were not discussed because they have long-term costs and significant policy implications, need to be considered in developing the plan. Following is a representative list of actions or policies that those working on the plan will consider. Some of the actions listed were discussed by Work Groups and/or the Steering Committee, but there was either not sufficient time to discuss them thoroughly or there was a lack of unanimity to include them in Phase 1 recommendations.

Issues to be considered in Phase 2

� Purchase of 20% of electricity to operate municipal buildings & operations from renewable energy sources by 2015 and 50% by 2030

� Require a LEED checklist of items to be completed in the City’s building permit process � Establish a carbon tax on consumption of energy from fossil fuel combustion by utilities � Establish a green building permit program (similar to Chicago) to provide an incentive to builders � Implement incentive programs at the state and local levels to support GHG reduction strategies � Tax incentives for new commercial farmers within the City limits � Implement measures identified in the City’s Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan � Significantly increase quantities of residential solid waste recycled � Promote community-wide purchase of green power � Convert KCATA to alternative fuel use � Incentives for infill development and Smart Growth � Develop and implement land use policies that are climate friendly � Require replacement of trees removed during development activities � Purchase and retire carbon reduction credits from climate exchanges � Expand local By-Product Synergy Project � Institute policies and programs to preserve open space � Promote state tax incentives for renewable energy projects, alternative fuels, and hybrid vehicles � Promote state policies requiring utilities to generate specific percentages of power from renewable sources � Provide incentives for alternate transportation programs � City vehicle purchasing guidelines in support of the smallest feasible, most efficient vehicle per task � Develop Parking Cash-out Allowance Program � Secure funding to maintain/expand city bus transit � Local no-idle ordinance � Eliminate policies discouraging bike/ped and implement incentives � Taxi licensing requiring alternate fuel vehicles � Improve streetscapes/sidewalks to make them more attractive to pedestrians � Develop workplace vehicle-sharing plans

This is a Progress Report based upon a five month public planning process devoted to a complex topic. The Steering Committee and Work Groups have accomplished much by identifying actions that will help the City and the community of Kansas City, Missouri build on existing initiatives and achieve significant early victories in the next two years. Such early victories are important in building momentum and helping all residents and businesses realize that their actions can make a difference in

solving such a big problem.

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