Item 6 - Memo Staff Response to Resolution 20240718-093 (Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program) — original pdf

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M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Genesis D. Gavino, MPA, Chief of Staff FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Zach Baumer, Director, Office of Climate Ac�on and Resilience May 8, 2025 Staff response to Resolu�on No. 20240718-093 (Comprehensive Climate Implementa�on Program) Background The purpose of this memorandum is to provide a final update on the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Plan. The Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan in September 2021 to equitably achieve net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. With five sections — Sustainable Buildings, Transportation Electrification, Transportation and Land Use, Food and Product Consumption, and Natural Systems — the plan outlines 17 goals and 75 strategies to be completed by 2030. Considerable progress has been made since the plan’s adoption, but work remains, requiring collective action and continued investment. According to a recent analysis conducted by the Office of Climate Action & Resilience (OCAR), 11 of the 17 goals in the plan are either “in need of support” or “off track.” In July 2024, Austin City Council passed Resolution 20240718-093, directing the City Manager to create a comprehensive climate implementation program to refocus City resources toward achieving our community-wide net-zero goal. In the Fall of 2024, staff researched global best practices for improving Austin’s climate plan implementation, including interviews with peer cities and their networks. Staff then worked collaboratively across the City organization to create the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program, which includes a 2-year Implementation Plan and Programmatic Adjustments. This implementation program aims to equip our City’s leadership with clear and actionable projects and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2027. If all actions in this plan were accomplished, our city could reduce up to 2.3 million metric tons of CO2e by 2040. The plan is best viewed as a direct extension of the Climate Equity Plan and follows best practices in municipal efforts to reduce emissions and improve public health outcomes. This memo describes how this work was completed, what programmatic adjustments are being made, and lists the actions in the 2-year implementation plan. The 2-year Implementation Plan The Office of Climate Action and Resilience compiled several hundred potential actions, drawing from the Environmental Investment Plan, departmental plans, and Joint Sustainability Committee recommendations. These actions were prioritized using C40’s “Action Selection and Prioritization” tool to evaluate equity impacts, considering housing, health, green jobs, accessibility, air quality, feasibility, Item 6PAGE: DATE: SUBJECT: 2 of 2 May 8, 2025 Staff response to Resolu�on No. 20240718-093 (Comprehensive Climate Implementa�on Program) and more. The tool’s criteria incorporated the Equity Tool created by community leaders during the 2021 Austin Climate Equity Plan process, with a secondary review by the Office of Equity and Inclusion. The Project Team then analyzed the remaining actions for greenhouse gas reduction potential. The list was fine-tuned through interdepartmental workshops to assess feasibility, priority, and accuracy. As directed by the Council resolution, OCAR conducted a comprehensive cost analysis with each department, detailing total cost, potential savings, and funding categories. The full Implementation Plan and Tables are in Appendix A and live on our public website, and Appendix B includes Joint Sustainability Committee recommendations for the plan. There are 46 actions in this 2-year plan: 10 in Foundational Actions, 13 in Sustainable Buildings, eight in Transportation & Land Use, seven in Food & Product Consumption, four in Natural Systems, and four in Transportation Electrification. Charts summarizing these actions can be found here. Programmatic Adjustments The 2-year Implementation Plan provides a comprehensive, prioritized list of actions to be implemented, and the City organization must collectively work together to create accountability and ensure results. Below are the four main programmatic adjustments that are being made to deliver this 2-year plan: Identifying “Sustainability Liaisons” in more than 15 departments with the relevant expertise and organizational location to lead departmental implementation. • • Producing annual departmental work plans on all climate mitigation-related actions for review and approval by the City Manager’s Office. • Creating a new cross-departmental “Climate Action Team” with quarterly roundtables to discuss progress, share barriers to implementation, and collaborate on challenges. • Reporting quarterly on results and refreshing this implementation plan on a semiannual schedule. Conclusion and Next Steps On April 1, 2025, OCAR briefed the City Council’s Climate, Water, Environment, and Parks Committee on the Implementation Program. Over the next two years, we will advance as many initiatives as possible, and the plan’s website will be updated over time as staff collects new information on costs, benefits, and implementation status. Progress will continue to be shared with Mayor and Council through quarterly updates. If you have any questions regarding the information in this memo, please contact Zach Baumer, Director of the Office of Climate Action and Resilience, at Zach.Baumer@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2836. cc: T.C. Broadnax, City Manager Erika Brady, City Clerk Corrie Stokes, City Auditor Mary Jane Grubb, Municipal Court Clerk Judge Sherry Statman, Municipal Court CMO Execu�ve Team Department Directors Attachment: Appendix A – Climate Implementation Tables Attachment: Appendix B – Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendations Reading the Action Tables: The Austin Climate Implementation Plan This guide will help you navigate the action tables, which outline the City’s planned initiatives over the next two years. Each column provides key details about the actions, including relevant icons, definitions, and data. Use this guide to better understand the information presented and refer back to it as needed while reviewing the tables. Action Action Narrative Type Partners Emissions Reductions Co-benefits Score 2-Year Cost Estimate Cost-Per-Ton Analysis Cost Savings Funding Status A short description for what is planned to be done. A longer narrative with a focus on how the action will be completed and who in the community will be most served. An icon describing the type of action to be completed. Icons below. Lead partner will be in the top in bold. Additional partners will follow. An icon describing the scale of greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential. Icons below. An icon describing the co-benefit score. Icons below. The calculated cost of each action. See more below. A calculation for the economic efficiency of this action. See more below. An icon to represent is this action generates cost- savings. Icons below. Information about the current financial situation of an action and any other relevant details regarding the funding status of an action. This includes potential funding sources or if specific conditions affect the availability of funds. Types of Action Icons & Definitions Emissions Reduction Icons & Definitions Co-Benefits Icons & Definitions Foundational Action An action that must be completed before a related program or project can begin, such as studies, capital investments, partnerships, technologies, etc. Completing these actions would unlock more significant emissions reductions in the future. Policy An action directed by the Austin City Council or requiring action from the Council to advance, improve, or establish. Program An ongoing effort that will start, end, or change meaningfully during the two-year implementation period. Project A planned effort with a clear deliverable that begins, changes, or ends during the two-year implementation period. The amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) Austin could reduce through this action, measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e). GHGs, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. The numbers in this column are calculated on a 15-year timeframe (2040), assuming each action is implemented and sustained. Scores for each action based on a thorough assessment of co-benefits and feasibility. Co-benefits focus on equity impacts such as affordability, accessibility, accountability, green jobs, cost of living, air/water quality, etc. Feasibility criteria include City authority, Council precedent, and funding availability. Each action was scored, reviewed by a panel, and finalized accordingly. Few Co-Benefits Some Co-Benefits Many Co-Benefits Low Potential to reduce up to 1K metric tons of GHG emissions. Medium Potential to reduce 1K– 10K metric tons of GHG emissions. High Potential to reduce 10K – 100K metric tons of GHG emissions. Very High Potential to reduce more than 100K metric tons of GHG emissions. ATTACHMENT A: Climate Implementation Tables (last updated: 05/05/25) Cost Related Icons & Definitions 2-Year Cost Estimate The calculated cost of each action. Detailed calculations were conducted in coordination with departments and contain a combination of one-time and ongoing costs over the two-year implementation period. Any clarifying questions about the cost information provided can be directed to the Office of Climate Action & Resilience. Cost-Per-Ton Analysis The economic efficiency (“bang for the buck”) of different strategies or technologies that address the greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change. Calculations incorporated savings for a more accurate estimate. These numbers reflect the investment required for each ton of CO2 reduced, enabling informed decision-making on which strategies offer the greatest environmental benefit at the lowest cost. Cost Savings These icons show whether this action will generate cost savings when implemented. These actions do not generate cost savings. These actions do generate cost savings. 1Foundational Actions The actions listed below are critical efforts that must be completed before launching broader emissions reduction programs or projects. They require preparatory work such as conducting studies, making capital investments, forming strategic partnerships, or adopting new technologies. While these actions do not yield immediate results, their completion unlocks the potential for larger-scale climate solutions, ensuring long-term success in achieving our City’s climate goals. By addressing these foundational actions first, we lay the groundwork for more substantial emissions reductions in the future. Interact with this data online Action Action Narrative Type Partners Emissions Reductions Co-benefits Score 2-Year Cost Estimate Cost-Per-Ton Analysis Cost Savings Funding Status Develop Dashboards And Utility Monitoring Software Develop dashboards powered by energy and water utility monitoring software. This would help identify outliers in energy and water waste, enhance understanding of usage, and make data actionable and visible to decision-makers or those most impacted by the costs. Conduct An Electric Vehicle (EV) Community Needs Assessment Support Preservation Of Existing Buildings Conduct An Electric Vehicle Charging Network Study Develop A Citywide Green Infrastructure Plan Collaborate with City and community partners to conduct an Electric Vehicle Community Needs Assessment. This project will identify mobility challenges, electrification opportunities, and equity issues, leveraging public-private partnerships and federal funding. It will build on existing outreach efforts to ensure equitable access and meet future EV infrastructure demands. Develop policies, processes, and incentives to retain existing buildings. Compare partial demolition, renovation, and relocation permit processes with full demolition permits to identify opportunities for reducing carbon, time, and costs. Create case studies highlighting those opportunities and integrate findings into the City’s Facility Management Plan. Partner with Austin Energy and other City departments to map existing electric vehicle charging stations and identify expansion needs for the City of Austin fleet, employees, and public use. Prioritize locations based on fleet adoption and community needs, ensuring scalable, reliable infrastructure. This planning will support future installations and address equity priorities. Develop a citywide Green Infrastructure Plan to create a unified vision and strategy for Austin's conservation and open space network. Building on the Green Infrastructure Strengths and Gaps Assessment, the plan will target underrepresented eastern watersheds, focusing on the Blackland Prairie and Post Oak Savannah ecoregions. Relevant departments should collaborate to define "Green Infrastructure," set conservation goals, and ensure a cohesive, citywide approach. Austin Energy Departments that manage facilities Austin Energy Office of Climate Action & Resilience Planning Building Services, Development Services, Parks & Recreation, Austin Energy Austin Energy Various No identified lead. Austin Water, Parks & Recreation, Development Services - Urban Forestry, Austin Fire, Transportation & Public Works, Watershed Protection, Economic Development, Austin Public Health $190,000 Unfunded - General Fund eligible. $200,000 Partially funded - Enterprise Fund. This action will proceed if USDOT grant funding (currently paused) resumes. The grant is anticipated to fully fund the action. $225,530 Unfunded - General Fund eligible. $400,000 Partially funded - General and Enterprise Funds. The total unfunded need is $300K. $500,000 Funding not identified. ATTACHMENT A: Climate Implementation Tables (last updated: 05/05/25) 2 2Action Action Narrative Type Partners Emissions Reductions Co-benefits Score 2-Year Cost Estimate Cost-Per-Ton Analysis Cost Savings Funding Status Conduct City Facility Condition Assessments Expand Sustainable Procurement Program Conduct Energy Audits For Commercial Buildings Create A Climate "Revolving Fund" Conduct A Public Tree Inventory Conduct facility condition assessments to identify aging building systems and assets that need replacement. While Austin Energy and Building Services have been able to complete these assessments, additional staff and funding are required for the remaining departments. Add four full-time staff positions to focus on developing and updating sustainable procurement strategies across multiple categories. These staff will create policies, procedures, and guidelines; assist departments with sustainable specifications; and prioritize lower-carbon concrete and transportation materials. They will also track purchase data, environmental benefits and monitor the lifecycle management purchasing program. Conduct energy audits and technical assessments, administered by Austin Energy, for local commercial and multi- family properties to identify improvement opportunities and offer 50% rebates for eligible facilities up to $100,000. Austin Energy will administer these audits every 10 years. Create a climate "revolving fund" to invest in energy upgrades to City facilities, capture savings, and reinvest funds for additional investment. This structure secures ongoing funding for improvements that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and result in monetary savings. Complete a comprehensive public tree inventory across all City-owned properties. This data will enable coordinated urban forest management, guide the Urban Forest Plan, and support tree planting and replacement efforts. Methods should follow national best practices and involve collaboration with relevant partners. Data should be stored for easy access and sharing across departments. Building Services Departments that manage facilities Financial Services Office of Climate Action & Resilience Austin Energy No identified partners Office of Climate Action & Resilience Departments that manage facilities Parks & Recreation No identified partners $875,000 Unfunded - General Fund eligible. $1,120,000 Unfunded - General Fund eligible. $1,235,000 Partially funded - Enterprise Fund eligible. Two FTEs and additional funding are required. The total unfunded need is $225K. $5,134,000 Unfunded - General Fund eligible. $10,000,000 Unfunded - General Fund and Urban Forest Replenishment Fund eligible. ATTACHMENT A: Climate Implementation Tables (last updated: 05/05/25) 3 3Sustainable Buildings Related Actions Over 50% of total greenhouse gas emissions in Austin come from buildings, driven by electricity use, natural gas, refrigerants, and waste. These emissions are influenced by a building’s design, materials, and ongoing operation. The actions below improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support low to moderate-income households through various programs and infrastructure upgrades. Completing all actions in this section could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 247,200 metric tons of CO2e by 2040. Interact with this data online Action Action Narrative Type Partners Emissions Reductions Co-benefits Score 2-Year Cost Estimate Cost-Per-Ton Analysis Cost Savings Funding Status Revise The City Green Building Policy Install Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic On City Facilities Install Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic On FM 812 Landfill Conduct City Facility Chiller And Pump Upgrades Create Passive House Incentives Expand Pay-For- Performance Demand Response Programs Update the Green Building Policy for capital improvement and third-party financed and/or delivered projects to align City facilities with Austin's Climate Equity Plan and broader climate goals. This will help reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and promote equitable access to sustainable infrastructure across the city. Install rooftop solar on City facilities owned by the General Fund, using up to 75% of roof space on 92 buildings (approximately 1 million sq ft). The project will generate about 8 MW and produce 10,000 MWh annually, and could scale to include non-General Fund facilities, ground surfaces, parking canopies, etc. Build a new solar photovoltaic system at the closed FM 812 landfill to produce up to 8 MW of utility-scale solar production. Install variable-frequency drives on chillers and air handling units on pumps that are currently at a constant speed. This results in energy efficiency and financial savings. Additional staff and funding are required. Create a program that provides monetary incentives to Austin affordable housing projects certified as "Passive House" buildings. This initiative will reduce energy costs for providers while fostering a market shift, helping local design and construction teams build more energy-efficient buildings. Expand and automate pay-for-performance demand response programs in residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors. This would incentivize more smart energy technologies (thermostats, electric vehicle smart chargers, home energy management systems, etc.) and encourage consumers to reduce or shift their energy usage during peak demand periods, balancing supply and demand to improve grid reliability. Office of Climate Action & Resilience Building Services Capital Delivery Services Building Services Austin Energy, Development Services Austin Energy Austin Resource Recovery Building Services Departments that manage facilities Austin Energy Housing Austin Energy Departments that manage facilities Existing resources are sufficient. $22,000,000 – $28 Unfunded - General Fund and debt eligible. Cost is variable, depending on the availability of federal tax credits for solar photovoltaic. $24,000,000 $37 $3,030,000 $79 Unfunded - Enterprise Fund eligible. Cost is variable, depending on the availability of federal tax credits for solar photovoltaic. Unfunded - General Fund eligible. Cost estimates are for BSD-owned buildings only. Some funds may be utilized through the Capital Rehabilitation Fund. $450,000 $90 Unfunded - Enterprise Fund eligible. $14,200,000 $109 Partially funded - Enterprise Fund. The total unfunded need FY26 is $300K. ATTACHMENT A: Climate Implementation Tables (last updated: 05/05/25) 4 4Action Action Narrative Type Partners Emissions Reductions Co-benefits Score 2-Year Cost Estimate Cost-Per-Ton Analysis Cost Savings Funding Status Implement Refrigerant Management And Leak Prevention Expand Incentives And Rebates For Electrification Upgrades Pilot A "Virtual Power Plant" Project Expand Home Repair Fund For Low- Moderate Income (LMI) Households Expand Weatherization Assistance Program For Low-Moderate Income Households Reduce refrigerant emissions through tracking, leak detection, and equipment upgrades. Track and recover refrigerants to ensure proper disposal. Implement leak detection programs to identify and mitigate emissions. Replace outdated appliances with energy-efficient models that use low-global warming potential refrigerants, and repair equipment where advisable. Expand incentives and rebates for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction stoves, heat pump clothes dryers, and related electrical upgrades. Increase education and outreach efforts to businesses and consumers to boost program participation. Provide enhanced rebates for low- and moderate-income customers. A "Virtual Power Plant" pilot is underway to deploy over 70 distributed energy resources controlled as a single entity by Austin Energy, resulting in 1 MWh of battery energy storage systems across the city. These batteries will be charged during off-peak hours and discharged during on-peak hours, reducing the total electricity load on the grid. Additional funding would expand this program. Secure ongoing funding for a City investment fund for critical home repairs, increasing eligibility for low- and moderate- income (LMI) households to participate in weatherization, renewable energy upgrades, or electrification programs. Repairs to faulty roofs, ceilings, and walls require funding that is unavailable to most LMI households. Expand Austin Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program for low- and moderate-income customers for a cost-effective way to reduce electricity demand and improve the affordability of electricity service. Weatherization includes energy efficiency improvements to a home, such as weather stripping, attic insulation, solar screens, duct repair/replacement, smart thermostats, etc. Conduct City Facility Lighting Retrofits Replace existing indoor and outdoor lighting with high- efficiency, long-life induction, or LED lighting across all City- owned facilities. This will increase energy efficiency and financial savings. Additional staff and funding are required. Implement Water Leak Detection And Reduction Efforts Implement the recommendations from the "Austin Water: Water Loss Program Review, Analysis, and Optimization" report to address the 8.678 billion gallons lost by Austin Water in 2023, equal to 21.68 gallons per capita per day. Building Services Departments that manage facilities $249,000 $167 Unfunded - General Fund eligible. Austin Energy Building Services Austin Energy Building Services Housing Austin Energy Austin Energy Housing Building Services Departments that manage facilities Austin Water No partners identified $3,000,000 $316 Unfunded - Enterprise Fund eligible. $1,095,000 $995 Unfunded - Enterprise Fund eligible. Pilot is underway, but funding is required to scale. $20,000,000 $1,290 Partially funded - prior GO Bond, HUD grant. Federal grant funding may be jeopardized. The total unfunded need is $5M. $16,000,000 $1,524 Partially funded - Enterprise Fund. The total unfunded need is $5.1M. $23,000,000 $3,817 Partially funded - General Fund. GO bond eligible. Cost estimates are for BSD-owned buildings only. Some funds may be utilized through the BSD Deferred Maintenance or Capital Rehabilitation Funds. The total unfunded need is $15M. $11,400,000 $ 8,636 Fully funded - Enterprise Fund, Operations & Maintenance, and GO bond. ATTACHMENT A: Climate Implementation Tables (last updated: 05/05/25) 5 5Transportation & Land Use Related Actions Transportation currently represents 35% of Austin’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest single-sector contributor, with single-occupancy vehicles accounting for most of this impact. Actions in this section improve transportation infrastructure, enhance mobility options, and increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Completing all actions in this section could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,593,600 metric tons of CO2e by 2040. Interact with this data online Action Action Narrative Type Partners Emissions Reductions Co-benefits Score 2-Year Cost Estimate Cost-Per-Ton Analysis Cost Savings Funding Status Expand Transportation Demand Management Programming Deliver on the objectives outlined by the $47.9M Climate Pollution Reduction Grant between 2025 and 2029. Strategies include reducing regional vehicle miles traveled, promoting diverse transportation options, relaunching employee and new mover programs, enhancing transportation control management compliance, and advancing citywide transportation demand management coordination and policies. Design And Construct Enhancements To Local Transit Expand CapMetro Bikeshare Establish Mobility Hubs Partner with CapMetro to design and build transit infrastructure at high-priority locations, including two new rapid bus routes with park-and-rides, bus stops, and an all- electric fleet with charging infrastructure by 2026. Work with Austin Transit Partnership to secure Federal Transit Administration approval for Light Rail Phase 1 by 2025. Build 20 new bus stops, 10 pedestrian crossings, and two operational improvements for safer, more efficient transit access. Assist CapMetro in expanding Bikeshare by adding 36 stations and 428 bikes by 2027. Prioritize new stations in low-income areas with high mobility needs and connections to CapMetro's high-frequency bus and MetroRail network. Establish family-friendly multimodal mobility hubs by 2027, including park-and-ride facilities near transit stops, offering diverse first- and last-mile options. By the end of 2027, 32 hubs will be identified, with 24 neighborhood hubs featuring bikeshare, transit, and micromobility, and eight secondary hubs connecting regional transit. Transportation & Public Works CapMetro, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Capital Area Council of Governments, Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS), Texas Department of Transportation, Office of Climate Action & Resilience Transportation & Public Works No partners identified Transportation & Public Works CapMetro Transportation & Public Works CapMetro $12,475,000 $31 Fully funded - EPA grant. Federal grant funding may be jeopardized. $6,000,000 $420 Fully funded - 2020 GO bond. GO bond eligible. Current funding will be exhausted by EOY 2026. Additional funding will be needed to continue implementing the City’s long- term goals in this area. $1,227,312 $584 Fully funded - EPA grant. Federal grant funding may be jeopardized. $3,682,382 $783 Fully funded - EPA grant. Federal grant funding may be jeopardized. ATTACHMENT A: Climate Implementation Tables (last updated: 05/05/25) 6 6Action Action Narrative Type Partners Emissions Reductions Co-benefits Score 2-Year Cost Estimate Cost-Per-Ton Analysis Cost Savings Funding Status Increase Pedestrian Safety Design and build 27 to 40 pedestrian crossings at high-priority, non-signalized locations across the city. Construct New Urban Trails Engineering and construction of approximately 22.3 miles of urban trails and connections to existing transportation infrastructure, enhancing mobility and access throughout Austin. Build New Bikeways Build New And Fix Existing Sidewalks Provide funding to design and install bicycle facilities supporting a citywide All Ages and Abilities network, aiming for 11 miles per year. This includes four miles of neighborhood bikeways, seven miles of protected bicycle lanes, and meeting annual goals for protected intersections and enhanced bus stops. Build new sidewalks and rehabilitate existing ones at high- priority locations across the city, totaling about 100 miles. This includes approximately 40 miles of new sidewalks and 60 miles of rehabilitated sidewalks, improving accessibility and safety throughout Austin. Transportation & Public Works No partners identified Transportation & Public Works Parks & Recreation Transportation & Public Works CapMetro Transportation & Public Works No partners identified $4,300,000 $935 $13,000,000 $3,250 $10,800,000 $5,684 $41,400,000 $20,700 Fully funded - 2020 GO bond. GO bond eligible. Current funding will be exhausted by EOY 2026. Additional funding will be needed to continue implementing the City’s long- term goals in this area. Fully funded - 2020 GO bond. GO bond eligible. Current funding will be exhausted by EOY 2028. Additional funding will be needed to continue implementing the City’s long- term goals in this area. Fully funded - 2020 GO bond. GO bond eligible. Current funding will be exhausted by EOY 2027. Additional funding will be needed to continue implementing the City’s long- term goals in this area. Fully funded - 2020 GO bond. GO bond eligible. Current funding will be exhausted by EOY 2026. Additional funding will be needed to continue implementing the City’s long- term goals in this area. ATTACHMENT A: Climate Implementation Tables (last updated: 05/05/25) 7 7Transportation Electrification Related Actions Electrification is essential for reducing local emissions from transportation. Austin currently has around 60,000 EVs on the road, around 2,500 EV charging ports serving Austin, with more than 1,500 of those managed by Austin Energy. The actions outlined below would advance Austin’s transportation electrification goals by expanding City fleet electrification, building infrastructure to meet public demand, and addressing equity concerns around EV adoption and infrastructure. Completing all actions in this section could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 324,300 metric tons of CO2e by 2040. Interact with this data online Action Action Narrative Type Partners Emissions Reductions Co-benefits Score 2-Year Cost Estimate Cost-Per-Ton Analysis Cost Savings Funding Status Replace City Fleet Vehicles With Electric Vehicles Replace City-owned gas and diesel-powered fleet vehicles with electric vehicles. Prioritize higher-emitting vehicles for early replacement. This transition will lower the City’s carbon footprint, improve air quality, and set a proactive example. Expand Charging Infrastructure For City Of Austin Facilities Increase Alternative Fuel Adoption Expand EV Charging Infrastructure For Low-Moderate Income Customers Expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure at City facilities to support fleet electrification, City employees, and the public. Prioritize station locations that balance fleet needs, community demand, and operational priorities. Ensure scalable, reliable, and interoperable solutions, especially in underserved communities. Funding this action will secure installing and maintaining critical EV charging infrastructure to meet growing demand. Replace existing petroleum diesel fuel use with R99 Renewable Diesel fuel for City-owned fleet vehicles. Currently, the City purchases approximately 208,000 gallons per month of petroleum diesel. This action would secure the purchase of 7,500 gallons per month of R99. As EV adoption accelerates, Austin must expand its EV charging infrastructure, focusing on disadvantaged communities. This project aims to address charging gaps, ensuring an equitable, accessible, and affordable system. By replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric alternatives, it will reduce emissions and enhance quality of life, particularly for low- to moderate-income and rural areas. Fleet Mobility Services Austin Energy Austin Energy Fleet Mobility Services Fleet Mobility Services Various Austin Energy Departments that manage facilities $13,200,000 – $41 $8,630,000 $85 $540,000 $293 $17,750,000 $366 Fully funded - General Fund and Enterprise Fund. Debt eligible. Current funding appropriated through FY28, but will be exhausted by EOY 2026. Partially funded - General Fund. Debt eligible. Some components will be funded in FY27- 30 CIP budget for Austin Energy. The total unfunded need is $4M. Fully funded - General Fund. Action on pause. B20 Biodiesel and R99 Renewable diesel currently unavailable for purchase due to reduction/elimination of federal tax credits. Partially funded - EPA grant. Approximately $15M for infrastructure secured through federal grant. This action will proceed if USDOT grant funding (currently paused) resumes. The total unfunded need is $2.8M. ATTACHMENT A: Climate Implementation Tables (last updated: 05/05/25) 8 8Food & Product Consumption Related Actions The Food and Product Consumption section of the Climate Equity Plan emphasizes the need to reduce emissions from the production, transportation, and disposal of food and products. Waste currently represents 9% of Austin’s total greenhouse gas emissions. These actions promote waste reduction, material reuse, and sustainable procurement to support a circular economy. Completing all actions in this section could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9,040 metric tons of CO2e by 2040. Interact with this data online Action Action Narrative Type Partners Emissions Reductions Co-benefits Score 2-Year Cost Estimate Cost-Per-Ton Analysis Cost Savings Funding Status Maintain An Internal City Reuse Program Launch a sharing platform for City staff to exchange furniture, office supplies, and construction materials. This will enhance circularity, reduce waste, and lower costs by facilitating the reuse of resources across departments. Austin Resource Recovery Office of Climate Action & Resilience Expand Zero Waste Business Incentives And Rebates Create A Citywide Wood Reuse Program Restructure the Zero-Waste Business Incentives and Rebates program to offer multi-year incentives, helping businesses offset ongoing costs for waste reduction (e.g., switching to reusable or compostable containers), and identify opportunities to reduce red tape for potential participants. Increase funding for additional staff to provide outreach, particularly to all restaurants, expanding the program's impact. Create a citywide wood reuse program for nature play, outdoor learning projects, and public use. Currently, Parks and Recreation is upcycling wood waste into playscapes for the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative, providing wood to artists and makers. However, additional staff, equipment, and materials are needed to scale the program. Divert Organics At Parks And Recreation Facilities Add commercial organics recycling pick-up at Parks and Recreation facilities through a two-year pilot, with the potential to expand across Austin. Establish A Building Materials Reuse Facility Establish a new warehouse for architectural material salvage, focused on reusing building materials like doors, window frames, and other deconstructed items. This site would be accessible to third-party haulers and is dependent upon the creation of a Furniture Collection and Reuse Facility, where this would be located. Expand "Fix-It" Clinics Expand Fix-it Clinics by hosting more events in the Eastern Crescent, following VISTA recommendations. Increase event frequency to reduce procurement emissions, support workforce development, and reduce cost of living for Austinites. Austin Resource Recovery No partners identified Parks & Recreation Austin Resource Recovery, Development Services - Urban Forestry, Austin Fire, Building Services Parks & Recreation Austin Resource Recovery $100,000 $833 Unfunded - General Fund eligible. An internal City reuse program is currently funded, but additional funding would be required to maintain it during the implementation period (‘25-’27). $514,000 $1,205 Partially funded - Enterprise Fund. The total unfunded need for 1 FTE is $232K. $1,206,000 $1,360 Unfunded - General Fund eligible. $89,680 $1,375 Unfunded - General Fund eligible. Austin Resource Recovery No partners identified $6,200,000 $5,021 Partially funded - EPA grant, Enterprise Fund. Federal grant funding may be jeopardized. This action’s funding is linked to “Secure Property for a Furniture Collection and Reuse Facility,” due to an EPA grant to purchase a multi-use facility. If the existing EPA grant is revoked, costs will rise due to the need to purchase a facility. The total unfunded need beyond grant funding for both actions is $2M. Austin Resource Recovery Austin Public Library $26,000 $5,200 Partially funded - Enterprise Fund. The total unfunded need is $14K. ATTACHMENT A: Climate Implementation Tables (last updated: 05/05/25) 9 9Action Action Narrative Type Partners Emissions Reductions Co-benefits Score 2-Year Cost Estimate Cost-Per-Ton Analysis Cost Savings Funding Status Secure Property For A Furniture Collection And Reuse Facility Purchase property to serve as a public furniture reuse and collection location, lowering landfill waste and reducing cost of living for Austinites. A pilot has been implemented, but the program requires a facility and additional funding to scale. Austin Resource Recovery No partners identified $6,200,000 $31,800 Partially funded - EPA grant, Enterprise Fund. Federal grant funding may be jeopardized. Funding for this action is contingent on grant funding designated for purchasing a multi-use building materials reuse facility. If the existing EPA grant is revoked, costs will rise due to the need to purchase a facility. The total unfunded need beyond grant funding for both actions is $2M. ATTACHMENT A: Climate Implementation Tables (last updated: 05/05/25) 10 10Natural Systems Related Actions The Natural Systems section aims to reduce climate change by sequestering carbon and supporting adaptation to a changing climate. These actions protect and restore natural spaces, enhance green infrastructure, and support workforce development in environmental sectors. Completing all actions in this section could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 126,950 metric tons of CO2e by 2040. Interact with this data online Action Action Narrative Type Partners Emissions Reductions Co-benefits Score 2-Year Cost Estimate Cost-Per-Ton Analysis Cost Savings Funding Status Maintain Green Workforce Development Programs Expand green workforce programs like the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps to create diverse candidates for competitive positions in industries that address climate change (e.g., renewable energy) and adapt to it (e.g., green infrastructure, wildfire mitigation). Reforest Floodplains Restore Currently- owned Natural Areas Acquire Land And Protect Open Space Reforest floodplains in eastern watersheds by planting trees along creeks, focusing on green job development and tree sourcing, likely through external partnerships. Identify interdepartmental funds for a coordinated solicitation to support this effort, complementing existing programs. This will restore riparian forests, improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and address environmental justice priorities, particularly in areas lacking shade. Fund and support the Parks and Recreation Land Management Program and related efforts across departments. Invest in restoring natural areas and improving management for climate resilience and community benefits. Expand efforts to address tree mortality, wildfire risk, biodiversity loss, and hazardous fuel conditions to reduce potential carbon loss by 2040. Acquire land to protect open space in underserved areas, particularly in the Eastern Crescent's Blackland Prairie and Post Oak Savannah ecoregions. This initiative will address environmental justice, protect sensitive watersheds, and improve water quality, community health, and resilience. Immediate action is needed due to rising land costs and rapid development. No identified lead. Economic Development, Parks & Recreation, Development Services - Urban Forestry, Watershed Protection, Austin Water, Human Resources, Office of Climate Action & Resilience, community partners Watershed Protection Development Services, Austin Fire, Parks & Recreation, Economic Development, Austin Water, Transportation & Public Works Parks & Recreation Watershed Protection, Development Services - Urban Forestry, Austin Water, Office of Climate Action & Resilience Office of Climate Action & Resilience Austin Water, Watershed Protection, Parks & Recreation, Real Estate $1,635,871 Partially funded - General Fund. The total unfunded need is $1.2M. $360,000 $800 Funded - Enterprise Fund. Current funding will be exhausted by EOY 2027. $5,150,000 $908 Partially funded - General Fund. The total unfunded need is $3.3M. $100,000,000 $939 Partially funded - FY24-25 budget process. Debt eligible. The total unfunded need is $50M. ATTACHMENT A: Climate Implementation Tables (last updated: 05/05/25) 11 11 Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20250226-005 Date: February 26, 2025 Subject: Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program Motioned By: Charlotte Davis Seconded By: Anna Scott Recommendation The Austin Climate Equity Plan sets the goal that Austin will achieve net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and more action is urgently needed to meet this goal. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends including any appropriate policy changes that align with the goals and strategies of the Austin Climate Equity Plan in the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program action list before finalizing it. Some policies that the commission recommends including are: 1. Waive permitting fees for food venders that serve mostly a pro-climate/pro-health, plant- based, high fiber menu and/or use compostable packaging. 2. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) should institute policy changes to increase use of recycling and composting and reduce contamination for ARR customers and those subject to the URO. For example, contamination fees (which ARR has already researched) are a useful tool. 3. Adopt a policy to require all events on city property (including streets) to provide co- located composting, recycling and landfill trash receptacles, with staff to assist event participants. 4. Adopt a pro-climate/pro-health and plant-based food default policy for all City of Austin food purchasing. ATTACHMENT B: Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendations 1Furthermore, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the following edits and additions to the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program action list. 1. “Rebates for electrical upgrades” should include enhanced/increased rebates for LMI customers. 2. Fund direct person to person community outreach to promote and expand the utilization of City of Austin sustainability incentives with a focus on LMI communities as well as small businesses. Vote Record: 12-0 Yes: Charlotte Davis, Haris Qureshi, Kaiba White, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Marissa Bell, Lane Becker, Melissa Rothrock, Diana Wheeler, Heather Houser, Anna Scott, Chris Campbell, Rodrigo Leal No: N/A Absent: Yure Suarez, Natalie Poindexter, Amy Noel, Ben Luckens, Alberta Phillips Attest: Rohan Lilauwala, Staff Liaison ATTACHMENT B: Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendations 2