JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT November 20th, 2024 at 6 pm Austin Energy – Mueller Assembly Room 1111 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Marissa Bell Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Vacant Vacant Natalie Poindexter Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Rosamaria Murillo Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the October 23rd, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. DISCUSSION Sustainability Norris, Austin Energy Marissa Bell 2. Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation Update – Braden Latham-Jones, Office of 3. Heat Pump Survey Response and Strategy – Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability, and Sara 4. Update from Austin-Travis County Food Plan on Food Plan Implementation Resolution - 5. Update from Austin-Travis County Public Health Commission regarding draft recommendations for Community Health Workers, goals and priorities for 2025, and public health weather-related issues and flu season – Natalie Poindexter DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Recommendation on Austin Energy Generation Plan Grant 7. Recommendation in support of the City pursuing a Low Carbon Transportation Materials FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT November 20th, 2024 at 6 pm Austin Energy – Mueller Assembly Room 1111 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Marissa Bell Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Vacant Vacant Natalie Poindexter Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Rosamaria Murillo Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant AGENDA ADDENDUM CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION 8. Discussion of process of identifying and acquiring land in accordance of City of Austin Resolution No. 20240814-024 on Creating a Dedicated Land Acquisition Fund – Charlotte Davis 9. Update from Resource Management Commission on Austin Energy's Solar for All grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Charlotte Davis DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Rohan Lilauwala at rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Joint Sustainability Committee, please email or call Rohan Lilauwala at rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394.
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES October 23, 2024 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at City Hall. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Marissa Bell, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Charlotte Davis Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Amy Noel, Lane Becker, Diana Wheeler, Heather Houser, Melissa Rothrock, Anna Scott, Chris Campbell Board Members Absent: Yure Suarez, Jon Salinas, Haris Qureshi, Natalie Poindexter City Staff in Attendance: Leti Alvarez Jim Dymkowski Daniel Priest Naomi Rotramel CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:09 pm. 1. Approval of minutes from the September 25, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Chris Maxwell-Gaines motion, Houser seconds, passes 12-0. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 2. Presentation on low-carbon concrete – Johanna Anderson, EPA • K. White –Clarification on Federal highway/transportation departments is already utilizing concrete that’s already in the top 20% of best? o Johanna – Federal funding flows to the development of the building of highways is it goes from the federal highways department directly to state department of transportations and then they use that funding to build roads. • Bell – Procurement, curious do you imagine people utilizing these labels without limiting fair and open competition and meeting any procurement regulations that are required o Johanna – Initially you might give extra points for a product that has a label. Like any new sustainable product on the marketplace, one might set up a separate agreement for the sustainable products versus the lesser. Market availability, purchasers will have to do their due diligence and provide situation-by-situation basis. • Kaiba – Looks like this grant closes 11/25, will they be able to get something together in a month? o Johanna – In general grant programs there’s a real interest in reaching folks that are not professional grant writers so I would assume that the federal highways grant is going that way also. • Anna Scott – How to we implement this? And how to we implement faster? o Johanna – There are tools already. I would say see how the federal government is doing it. Looking at how to take the approach, prioritizing, finding partners most willing, testing out carbon concrete, see what work is being done. • K. White – You talked about standards for the environmental product declarations, should we expect that they’re automatically adhering to those standards? Are they …
Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution 20241120-XXX on Austin Energy Resource Plan WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency and calling “for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate” and directing the city manager to take a number of steps to accelerate local greenhouse gas emissions reductions, including from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, in 2020, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030, which states that “Austin Energy will maintain an energy supply portfolio sufficient to offset customer demand while eliminating carbon and other pollutant emissions from its electric generation facilities as rapidly as feasible within the limitations set by the Austin City Council.” and states that “and all generation resources will be carbon-free by 2035;” and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 also states that “Austin Energy will no longer purchase, contract for or build long-term generation or storage resources that emit new carbon”; and WHEREAS, in 2021, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which includes community-wide greenhouse gas reduction goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, with about 75% reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, electrification is a key strategy for reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in many sectors and Carbon-Free electricity is needed to achieve those goals; and WHEREAS, on June 8, 2023, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and a plan for “transitioning to a 100 percent clean energy economy, phase out fossil fuel production, and invest in communities on the frontlines of environmental injustice;” and WHEREAS, ground level ozone and particulate matter air pollution in the Austin region already exceed the health-based standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and CAPCOG has identified that increased NOx emissions from electric generating units, including Austin Energy's power plants, as highly correlated with high local ozone measurements; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 references an affordability goal and affordability remains important to many customers, but the workshops that Austin Energy hosted as part of this process to update the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan revealed that a large majority of participants are supportive of allowing rate increases beyond the current goal of two percent per year, so long as low-income customers are shielded …
Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution 20241120-XXX on Austin Energy Resource Plan WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency and calling “for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate” and directing the city manager to take a number of steps to accelerate local greenhouse gas emissions reductions, including from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, in 2020, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030, which states that “Austin Energy will maintain an energy supply portfolio sufficient to offset customer demand while eliminating carbon and other pollutant emissions from its electric generation facilities as rapidly as feasible within the limitations set by the Austin City Council.” and states that “and all generation resources will be carbon-free by 2035;” and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 also states that “Austin Energy will no longer purchase, contract for or build long-term generation or storage resources that emit new carbon”; and WHEREAS, in 2021, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which includes community-wide greenhouse gas reduction goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, with about 75% reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, electrification is a key strategy for reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in many sectors and Carbon-Free electricity is needed to achieve those goals; and WHEREAS, on June 8, 2023, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and a plan for “transitioning to a 100 percent clean energy economy, phase out fossil fuel production, and invest in communities on the frontlines of environmental injustice;” and WHEREAS, ground level ozone and particulate matter air pollution in the Austin region already exceed the health-based standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and CAPCOG has identified that increased NOx emissions from electric generating units, including Austin Energy's power plants, as highly correlated with high local ozone measurements; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 references an affordability goal and affordability remains important to many customers, but the workshops that Austin Energy hosted as part of this process to update the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan revealed that a large majority of participants are supportive of allowing rate increases beyond the current goal of two percent per year, so long as low-income customers are shielded …
November X, 2024 Federal Highway Administration – Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program Dear Federal Highway Administration, We are pleased to send this Letter of Commitment in support of the City of Austin’s application to the Federal Highway Administration’s Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program (LCTM) to seek reimbursement funds for eligible costs associated with activities required to develop and implement a city-wide Low Carbon Transportation Materials Procurement Program. This application supports Austin City Council Resolution No. 20230420-024, which directs the City Manager to create a plan and implement a schedule to transition the City to sustainable low-embodied carbon concrete. It also supports the Council adopted Austin Climate Equity Plan, which established a net-zero community wide greenhouse gas emission goal by 2040, and a goal of reducing embodied carbon footprint of materials used in local construction by 40% by 2030. The City of Austin’s LCTM grant application is a multi-departmental effort with stakeholders from Transportation and Public Works (TPW), Office of Sustainability (OOS), Capital Delivery Services (CDS), and Financial Services Division (FSD). The city-wide Low Carbon Transportation Materials Procurement Program will include processes for: - Collecting and verifying Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) from Texas concrete, cement, and asphalt suppliers - Developing a central database to store EPDs - Using collected EPDs and working with industry to establish a regional benchmark to determine reasonable greenhouse gas emissions thresholds for material procurement - Setting a timeline for reevaluating regional thresholds and for suppliers to resubmit EPDs - Establishing a central, city-wide transportation materials data collection system for both concrete and asphalt to track mix designs, material quantity use, and the carbon footprint related to construction material use - Establishing training for city-wide transportation materials data collection system for project - coordinators, in-house crews, and inspectors Implement performance-based concrete specifications in which concrete mixes are designed based on intended use/performance instead of prescriptive-based concrete specifications which are over designed in strength, and often involve excessive use of cement - Procuring and implementing the use of low carbon concrete, cement, and asphalt in the annual street and bridge maintenance program and in applicable capital delivery projects. We are committed to the project’s overarching mission, and supportive of all initiatives that further regional collaboration on climate. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
Presentation to Joint Sustainability Committee NOVEMBER 20, 2024 Agenda 01 Background & Context 02 Implementation Plan 03 Prioritization Process 04 Next Steps 05 Questions 2 Resolution 20240718-093 Resolution 20240718-093 was approved in July 2024. Staff was directed to bring two items to Council. 1. A comprehensive bond package that funds and addresses climate, infrastructure, and any other public improvements for the purpose of conducting an election no later than November 2026, and 2. A comprehensive climate implementation program of which one component is a climate bond proposition contained in the comprehensive bond package. The comprehensive climate implementation program, shall provide a detailed and thorough means for investing in our climate. Funding for this implementation program shall not be limited to general obligation bonds but should include grants, fees, utilities, general fund, cost sharing, etc. 3 Implementation Status Update 3 7 4 3 ON TRACK NEED SUPPORT OFF TRACK DATA UNAVAILABLE SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS NATURAL SYSTEMS FOOD & PRODUCT CONSUMPTION TRANSPORTATION & LAND USE TRANSPORTATION ELECTRIFICATION Net Zero Carbon for New Buildings and 25% reduction for existing buildings Protect an additional 20,000 acres of land Ensure a more sustainable local Food System 80% of new non-residential development is in activity centers and corridors 40% of VMT is electrified Reduce Refrigerant leakage by 25% Protect 500,000 acres of farmland from development Reduce emissions from institutional purchasing by 50% By 2027, meet strategic housing blueprint goals Sufficient EV charging infrastructure to meet 40% of VMT Reduce embodied carbon of building materials by 40% By 2050, achieve 50% tree canopy cover Pursue waste reduction and meet the ARR diversion goals 50% of trips in Austin are made in a non-single occupancy vehicle Austin area is a leader in EV adoption and the industry Achieve 152,000 acre feet per year of water usage Manage City land to capture carbon 4 Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program 2-year Implementation Plan Programmatic Adjustments ● Public document with climate projects achievable between ‘25 - ‘27 ● Organizational restructure aimed at successful implementation 5 Environmental Investment Plan Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendations Projects Identified from Other Departmental Plans Project Identification Departmental Workshops to Review and Finalize 6 Building a Prioritization Tool ● Consulted with peer cities, colleagues within Urban Sustainability Directors’ Network ● Identified the C40 Action Selection and Prioritisation (ASAP) Tool ● Added criteria from Climate Equity Plan: ○ Equity Tool ○ Overarching strategies ○ Health and Housing Priorities 7 Prioritization Process …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT October 23rd, 2024 at 6 pm City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant Larry Franklin Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Vacant Vacant Vacant Natalie Poindexter Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Rosamaria Murillo Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Lane Becker Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser Vacant For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc Committee. DISCUSSION AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the September 25th, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability 2. Presentation on low-carbon concrete – Johanna Anderson, EPA. 3. Presentation on Austin Core Transportation Plan – Cole Kitten, Transportation and Public Works Department. 4. Presentation on Tree Regulations and Protections – Naomi Rotramel and Daniel Priest, Development Services Department. 5. Discussion of agricultural land acquisition and potential Working Farms Fund pilot. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. Approval of Proposed 2025 Joint Sustainability Committee Annual Meeting Schedule ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING September 25, 2024 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Lane Becker, Charlotte Davis Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Alberta Phillips, Diana Wheeler, Heather Houser, Jon Salinas, Yure Suarez, Haris Qureshi, Natalie Poindexter Board Members Absent: City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala Braden Latham-Jones Tim Harvey Heidi Kasper Marc Coudert CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:08 pm. 1. Approval of minutes from the July 8th special called meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Wheeler motion, Qureshi seconds, passes 12-0. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Scott Johnson speaks on low carbon concrete and residential landscape equipment 3. Presentation on Solar for All program and the Solar Standard Offer – Tim Harvey, Austin Energy • Scott – do energy arbitrage benefits come into play? • Harvey – one of the considered benefits. Utility will control battery to a certain depth of discharge (to support resilience). On edge of event, batteries not used. On blue sky days, AE will use batteries for price chasing, 4CP avoidance, peak usage, to get max value out of battery • PPA will be used for solar purchases, performance contract for battery will • Grant will be used to buy down PPA and performance contract to AE’s avoided allow AE to benefit from them. cost of solar and make it feasible. • Phillips – questions around how program works, if benefits flow to wealthier folks • Harvey – provides clarification • Opportunity to provide feedback in community engagement process to shape program/ • Leal – why is program designed this way • Harvey – difficult to find 2500 low-income homes that are viable • If model is successful, potential to receive unused funds later • Leal – would roof repairs/rebuilding be part of it? • Harvey – there are existing programs, this grant can’t be for that as per EPA agreement. Homes will receive free weatherization if customer qualify • Opportunity for community engagement to help define what homes to target • Leal – what does governance look like? • Harvey – plans to set this up during community engagement. Work in progress, no money yet. Need to staff up in the early years. • Leal – who was engaged? • Harvey – …
2025 JSC Meeting Schedule – Proposed 1. January 22, 2025 2. February 26, 2025 3. March 26, 2025 4. April 23, 2025 5. May 28, 2025 6. June 25, 2025 7. July 23, 2025 8. August 27, 2025 9. September 24, 2025 10. October 22, 2025 11. November 19, 2025 12. December 17, 2025
US EPA's Low Embodied Carbon Construction Materials Program for City of Austin's Joint Sustainability Committee October 23, 2024 The U.S. Federal Government www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 2 2022 Inflation Reduction Act directed EPA to: Develop a determination for “Substantially Lower Embodied Carbon Construction Materials” for GSA & FHWA Provide grant funding and technical assistance to increase and improve environmental product declarations (EPDs) Create a label to help purchasers identify and procure lower embodied carbon construction materials www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 3 Why embodied carbon? Embodied carbon of construction materials accounts for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 4 Why embodied carbon? Embodied carbon of construction materials accounts for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 5 Range of Strategies to Reduce Embodied Carbon in the Market Energy Efficient Manufacturing (e.g., ENERGY STAR Industrial) Salvage & Reuse US & Locally Made Materials Material Efficiency Lower Carbon Input Materials Durable Materials (vs. High Replacement Rate) Recycled Content Bio-Based Materials Renewable & Lower Carbon Intensive Fuels Most strategies to reduce embodied carbon of construction materials take place long before they arrive at a construction site. www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 6 Quantifying & Reporting Embodied Carbon Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 7 Key LEC Program Elements www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 8 www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 9 Grant Selections – Texas NEW SLIDE •University of Texas – Austin (salvaged materials) •Knauf Insulation (insulation) •Heidelberg (cement/concrete) •Holcim (cement/concrete, asphalt) Read more about the above projects: Selected projects summaries www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 10 Interim Determination Overview “Substantially lower embodied carbon construction materials” as determined by EPA • Enables GSA & FHWA to implement their portions of the IRA • Defines “substantially lower embodied carbon construction materials” • Best performing 20% GHG emissions in CO2e (GWP per ISO 21930:2017)* • If not available in project location, best performing 40% • If not available in project location, better than estimated industry average *Because GWP is used in EPDs for construction products as an impact category (per ISO 21930), it was used in the Interim Determination as a proxy for embodied carbon. However, GWP is defined differently in other GHG accounting efforts. For clarity and consistency, EPA is exploring ways to better align terminology. Top 40% Top 20% Better than Industry Average www.epa.gov/greenerproducts | 11 Initial Focus Materials The label program does not address what type of material should be used in a project -- it is limited to “like to like” comparisons. Additional materials may be …
An Introduction to Austin’s Tree Regulations Joint Sustainability Committee October 23, 2024 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Daniel Priest, Environmental Compliance Specialist, Sr. History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance Margret Hofmann, 1925-2012 Hofmann Oaks Park History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance 1983 - Tree Preservation Ordinance 2010 - Heritage Tree Ordinance Why Do We Protect Trees? Austin’s urban forest currently has over 33 million trees, all of which support the following benefits: • • • • • • • • Trees improve air quality by filtering out particles, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Trees help reduce flood impacts by slowing and filtering rainwater. Trees contribute to connections with nature that improve people’s health outcomes and contribute to an environment where people feel connected to their community. Trees are good for business: Shoppers spend more time and money in shopping areas with businesses that have good tree coverage. Tree roots hold soil in place, reducing erosion. Shade from urban trees can cool the air up to 8 degrees Celsius. Their shade and wind protection reduce energy use. Trees provide food, shelter, and nesting for diverse wildlife. Trees provide a sense of place and soften the sharp outlines of concrete, metal, and glass of urban and suburban cityscapes Source: Texas A&M Forest Service To maintain the health and integrity of our urban forest, the City of Austin strives to plant trees, preserve trees during land development, and care for existing trees. Why Do We Protect Trees? Land Development Code 25-8.B.1 • Prohibits removal of Protected or Heritage trees without a permit • 8"+ trees – preserve "to extent feasible" on site plan applications • Defines removal - physical removal, over pruning, or excessive root disturbance • Creates position of City Arborist to implement LDC 25-8.B.1 • Approval criteria for removal: • Reasonable use • Reasonable access • Dead, Diseased, or Imminent Hazard • Administrative rules – preservation criteria, protection requirements, mitigation • Variances and appeals Rules implementing LDC 25-8.B.1 are found in Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual What are the Tree Regulations? Land Development Code 25-8, Subchapter B, Article 1 Division 1 – General Provisions Definitions Authorizes Rules Application Requirements Division 2 – Protected Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Division 3 – Heritage Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Variances Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3 3.3 - Survey Requirements Survey and Plan Depictions Hill Country Roadway Ordinance 3.5 - Design Criteria Protection (3.5.2) …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT September 25th, 2024 at 6 pm City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant Larry Franklin Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Vacant Jon Salinas Vacant Natalie Poindexter Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Rosamaria Murillo Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Lane Becker Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser Vacant For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc Committee. DISCUSSION Energy Wheeler AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the August 28th, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability 2. Presentation on heat resilience planning efforts – Marc Coudert, Office of Resilience 3. Presentation on Solar for All program and the Solar Standard Offer – Tim Harvey, Austin 4. Presentation on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2024 Update – Heidi Kasper, Austin Energy 5. Updates from the Urban Transportation Commission on the Living Streets Program – Diana DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Consider approval of a Recommendation on the Austin Energy Solar Standard Offer Program 7. Consider approval of a Recommendation on the adoption of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code 8. Create working groups to support Joint Sustainability Committee oversight of Comprehensive Climate Implementation Process FUTURE …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES August 28, 2024 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Heather Houser, Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Haris Qureshi, Natalie Poindexter, Charlotte Davis Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Jon Salinas, Anna Scott, Melissa Rothrock, Chris Campbell, Diana Wheeler, Yure Suarez, Amy Noel Board Members Absent: Larry Franklin, Alberta Philipps, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Lane Becker City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer Braden Latham-Jones CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:10pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL N/A 1. Approval of minutes from the July 8th special called meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Qureshi motion, Houser second, passes 12-0 with Suarez off dais. 1. Sustainable Purchasing Update – Amanda Mortl, Office of Sustainability a. Scott – When will we see the first purchase from this work? i. Mortl – Landscaping example, have a list of upcoming contracts and are monitoring when they expire/up for renewal, looking ahead to mid-2025 as the next opportunity. Current contracts have updated preference language. b. White – Can you share preference language? i. Mortl – Can do so, yes. c. White – Can you speak to the upcoming concrete contract opportunities? i. Mortl – Can direct you to that plan. d. White – No progress to changes to that plan? i. Mortl – Not able to speak to that fully, but that’s the latest that I’m aware of. e. Yure – Those first few slides, those are based on spending model? i. Mortl – Industry-wide averages f. White – Any other product areas you’ll be moving on to next? i. Mortl – These two pilots are based on Council priorities, are currently doing those. 2. Updates from Environmental Investment Plan effort and City Budget; JSC next steps. a. White – What will quarterly briefings look like? i. Baumer – Still in the process of creating that, I expect that we’ll present on the Environmental Investment Plan as the first quarterly briefing b. Qureshi – Since the resolution directs City Manager to update Council on Climate Bond and Environmental Investment Plan. Is there a timeline for that? i. Baumer – We’ll be playing a role because we’re coordinating the comprehensive Climate Equity Plan implementation. My hope is that we have multiple departments participating in these briefings moving forward. c. Poindexter – With …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution 20240925-xx on Solar Standard Offer Program WHEREAS, Austin Energy needs more clean renewable local generation; and WHEREAS, Google Project Sunroof estimates that Austin has about 7,900 MW of rooftop solar potential, with about 4,000 MW coming from rooftops with capacity for less than 50 kW;1 and WHEREAS, the vast majority of Austin's rooftop solar potential is still unrealized; and WHEREAS, opportunities to build new solar farms or other clean renewable energy production within the Austin Energy Load Zone are limited; and WHEREAS, while Austin Energy's solar incentive programs have been successful in deploying local rooftop solar for those with access to capital, many residential and commercial property owners do not have enough capital to take advantage of these programs; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy started working with stakeholders, including from the Resource Management Commission, in 2018 to identify a way to expand access to rooftop solar for residential properties; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s last two local solar requests for proposals have not yielded new local solar developments; and WHEREAS, Austin does not currently offer a solar program that allows property owners to host rooftop solar owned by others without utilizing the host’s own capital, even though such a program would enable more solar development on sites that cannot participate in the current solar incentive programs for financial reasons; and 1 While actual potential is likely less once the downtown network and older buildings are excluded, the potential is still large enough to make a significant contribution to Austin Energy’s generation needs. 1 WHEREAS, Austin Energy could significantly increase the amount of solar development within the Austin Energy Load Zone by facilitating solar development on more rooftops in Austin, where solar developers lease the rooftop from the property owner; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy supports new behind-the-meter solar projects under 10 MW with photovoltaic incentives, treating the Value of Solar payment for all PV generation as a bill credit (which renders it non-taxable income), and including the 2.3 cent/kWh societal benefits portion of the Value of Solar tariff; and behind-the-meter rooftop PV projects are exempt from property tax; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s proposed Solar Standard Offer program will apply to new solar projects under 10 MW connected to Austin Energy’s distribution system on the grid side of the customer meter, but will not offer any solar incentive, the solar project will be subject to property tax, the …
CITY OF AUSTIN Heat Resilience Playbook 9/25/24 Outline 01 Background 02 Components of the playbook 0403 Climate Projections 04 Next Steps Heat Resilience Playbook Why have it? What is it? Temperatures are rising Council is asking for it The Community wants to know The City and local agencies are doing a lot! Heat Resilience Playbook identifies neighborhood-based and citywide projects, programs, and policies that combat extreme heat. This Playbook seeks to uplift existing City & agency-led heat resilience efforts Let’s communicate the strategies currently underway It’s not a plan No budget or timeline Heat Resilience Playbook Timeline Partners include Go Austin/Vamos Austin (GAVA), University of Texas at Austin, City of Austin (COA) Departments. Who We Worked With ● Austin Bergstrom International Airport ● Austin Energy ● Homeland Security & Emergency Management ● Homeless Strategy Office ● Austin Energy Green Building ● Housing ● Austin Public Health ● Human Resource ● Austin Public Libraries ● Parks and Recreation ● Development Services - ● Watershed Protection ● Planning ● Travis County ● Austin Water ● Cap Metro Forestry Steps 01 02 03 04 Reviewed national & internal best practices Assessed how city, and agencies, compare to best practices. Id’d 70+ strategies COA+ currently pursuing Reviewed findings with staff & drafted/ refined strategies Assembled strategies into report Extreme Heat Impacts Our: AUSTIN’S HEAT EQUITY When there are major heat events, our residents who are most vulnerable feel it the worst. While all of Austin is expected to experience increases in extreme heat, not all residents face the same impacts. People with the least amount of resources or who spend time outdoors are most at risk — including outdoor workers, infants, elderly, incarcerated people, individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income communities, and people with chronic or mental illness. Spotlight on Neighborhood Cooling Cool Connections Built shade Outdoor Cool Oases Cool Homes Connected trails with access to creeks Tree-lined sidewalks Built shade Shaded bus stops Green infrastructure Park with cooling features, like sprinklers & water fountains Cool Community Spaces Austin’s Heat Resilience Playbook is Composed of 3 Pillars, Divided into 13 Strategies and 56 Actions 1.1 Heat Risk and Mitigation Communications 1.2 Enhanced Outreach During Extreme Heat 2.1 Cool Homes 3.1 Cool Buildings 2.2 Cool Community Spaces 3.2 Tree Planting and Maintenance 2.3 Outdoor Cool Oases 3.3 Parks and Green Space 1.3 Safety Measures and Policies 2.4 Cool Connections 3.4 Resilient Energy System 1.4 Data and Evaluation …
