Oberlin Climate Action Plan - City of Oberlin
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
1 Oberlin Climate Action Plan
2
3
Contents
4 Oberlin’s Vision
5 A Message from Council President
Ron Rimbert and City Manager
Eric Norenberg
6 Introduction
7 Oberlin Community and Leadership
9 About This Report
10 Oberlin’s Emissions Inventory
11 Vision, Goals and Strategic Direction
14 Renewable Energy
19 Energy Efficiency
22 Transportation
26 Green Building
30 Waste Management
30 Solid Waste
32 Wastewater
34 Education and Awareness
37 Oberlin College
38 Achieving Climate Positive
39 Climate Positive Credits
40 Land Use and Local Food Systems
41 Financing
42 Policy
43 Measurement and Verification
44 Conclusion
45 Looking Ahead: Adaptation and
Resilience
46 Table of Greenhouse Gas Reductions
49 Abbreviations
50 Acknowledgements
51 Appendices
82 References
4 Oberlin Climate Action Plan • Oberlin's Vision
Oberlin's Vision
W ith a rich history of social and
civil rights leadership beginning
with its founding, the Oberlin commu-
neutralize its emissions but improve
the environment by offsetting emis-
sions. This goal of “reducing the City
nity’s identity as a leader has emerged of Oberlin’s GHG (greenhouse gas)
again in the context of another gen- emissions below zero through the
eration-defining challenge: climate implementation of economically viable
change. The City of Oberlin is com- innovations” committed the City and
mitted to reducing community-wide the College to becoming a climate posi-
greenhouse gas emissions below zero, tive community.
while striving to balance the environ- In accordance with membership
mental, social, and economic interests in ICLEI and the Climate Positive
of the Oberlin community. Development Program agreement, the
With the adoption of a Sustainability City developed and adopted a Climate
Resolution by City Council in 2001, Action Plan in 2011. The 2011 plan set
the City committed to uphold sustain- systematic goals of reducing 2007 GHG
ability principles in carrying out their inventory emissions by 50% in 2015, 75%
duties. In 2006, Oberlin College signed by 2030 and below 100% by 2050.
the American College and University The Climate Action Committee, a
Presidents’ Climate Commitment, community-based group created by City
committing the College to become Council, developed this 2013 Climate
climate neutral by 2025. In 2007, the Action Plan as a roadmap for transi-
City became one of the first Ohio mem- tioning to a climate positive commu-
bers of an international organization nity. Work by the City and the College
known as ICLEI–Local Governments for through the use of the recommended
Sustainability, initiating a greenhouse strategies and community outreach will
gas inventory and developing a local create not only a climate positive com-
climate action plan. munity but also a community in which
In 2010, the City and the College its residents live, learn, and lead.
each signed an agreement with the This document serves as the 2013
Clinton Foundation and the United Climate Action Plan for the City of
States Green Building Council to Oberlin. For further information includ-
participate in the Climate Positive ing background information, reports
Development Program. Oberlin will and more details of the strategies visit
become a community that will not just www.cityofoberlin.com.
A nighttime shot of downtown Oberlin. Photo by Greg Pendolino for Oberlin College.
A Message • Oberlin Climate Action Plan 5
A Message from
Council President Ron Rimbert
and City Manager Eric Norenberg
Dear Oberlinians:
We are pleased to present the City of Oberlin’s 2013 Climate Action Plan which
describes how the City and its residents can work together to address the challenges of
climate change and forge a better tomorrow for Oberlin and the nation.
Oberlin has always been at the forefront of important issues of the day. The chal-
lenge of climate change is no different. We are proud of the leadership role Oberlin has
played in our country since its founding in 1833. Now, we are in the vanguard demon-
strating that environmental sustainability will not only foster a healthy environment,
but also result in a prosperous community.
This plan demonstrates municipal government’s commitment to addressing climate
change and calls on all residents and businesses to be partners in this effort. Each of us
can help by driving less and walking more, by weatherizing and increasing efficiency
of homes and businesses, and by decreasing our use of fossil fuels. Cooperation among
the City and community-based partners can help make such efforts easier as well as
affordable.
We are grateful for the work of the Climate Action Committee, City staff and the
Oberlin Project for helping to provide leadership and guidance in developing the 2013
Climate Action Plan. For it is only through collaboration, teamwork and the combined
efforts of our entire community that we can achieve our goal of a climate positive com-
munity by 2050.
With your participation we can together address the challenge of climate change
and in the process provide leadership for other communities and the nation as Oberlin
has done before.
Sincerely,
Ronnie Rimbert Eric Norenberg
City Council President City Manager
Ronnie Rimbert and Eric Norenberg at Oberlin City Hall on Main Street.
Cover photos, from top left to bottom right: Sunset over Oberlin's Main Street, photo by Greg Pendolino; Family Fun Day, photo by John Seyfried; Solar panel
rendition, photo by Rob Lamppa; the Bertram and Judith Kohl Building, photo by Kevin Reeves; OMLPS replacing traffic lights with LED bulbs; downtown
Oberlin, photo by Yvonne Gay Fowler; West College Street shops, photo by Laura Blake.
Table of Contents photo: aerial photo of Oberlin's downtown by John Petersen for Oberlin College.
6 Oberlin Climate Action Plan • Introduction
A scene of Oberlin's Main Street. Photo by Matthew Lester for Oberlin College.
Oberlin's Past Commitments to Sustainability
2001: The City adopted a Sustainability 2004: The City embraced sustain- 2007: The City joined ICLEI-Local
Resolution (Resolution No. R01-08 CMS) ability as a central theme in its 2004 Governments for Sustainability,
embracing the 1987 United Nations Comprehensive Plan committing the City to address
Commission on Environment and climate change.
Development definition of sustainabil-
ity: Policies, decisions, and actions will 2005: The Board of Trustees of Oberlin College
meet “current needs without compro- unanimously adopted “Move toward Environmental
mising the ability of future generations Sustainability” as one of the College’s strategic
to meet their needs.” directions in its Strategic Plan.
2004: The College created a comprehen- 2006: The College signed the American College
sive Environmental Policy establishing its and University Presidents' Climate Commitment
special obligation as an institution of high- (ACUPCC) committing the college to become cli-
er learning to educate its students, man- mate neutral with the current target date of 2025.
age its internal affairs, and interact with
the broader community in ways consistent
with the best environmental practices.
Introduction • Oberlin Climate Action Plan 7
Introduction
Oberlin Community and founding, Shipherd observed, “Oberlin
Leadership is peculiar in that which is good.”
Oberlin has demonstrated its capacity
for leadership in social justice from its Climate Change and Commitments
inception with the high standards of to Sustainability
John Shipherd and Philo Stewart, who Oberlin has again emerged at the begin-
together founded Oberlin in 1833— ning of the 21st century as a leader in
Shipherd, the town; Stewart, the school. another generation-defining challenge:
Oberlin’s central role in civil rights climate change (See Sidebar: Climate
is the foremost historical example of Change). Accepting the scientific con-
its social courage and vision. Oberlin sensus that climate change is here, the
College at its founding “embraced the City of Oberlin and the College have
joint education of the sexes” which led made significant progress and new
in 1841 to the first bachelor’s degrees commitments to address climate change
in the nation awarded to women. consistent with their history of coura-
Furthermore, in 1835, the College geous and morally sensitive leadership.
became the first institution of higher
City Governance
learning in the United States to accept
Oberlin has a council-manager form How to read this document:
students regardless of race.
of government. A seven-member City There are links within this
Oberlin has also been credited
Council is elected at large every two document, noted by an
with being the spark that ignited
years, and the City Council appoints the underline, included to provide
the Civil War.1 In 1858, a group of
City Manager. The part-time Council you with additional information.
Oberlin citizens traveled to neighbor-
members do not have physical offic- Also, throughout the document
ing Wellington and freed John Price,
es but rather interact with citizens there will be helpful definitions in
an escaped slave, in defiance of the
through personal contact. The City this sidebar.
Fugitive Slave Law. Their prosecution in
Manager is responsible for the daily
the federal court in Cleveland brought
operation of City departments and
widespread attention to the injustices of
coordination of department heads and define it:
slavery. The 20th century saw Oberlin
City staff. The City Manager, Finance
continue its leadership in civil rights Sustainability: Policies, decisions,
Director, Law Director, and Council and actions that meet current
through actions to end segregation and
Clerk report directly to City Council needs without compromising the
discrimination based on race, gender,
and provide independent management, ability of future generations to
and sexual orientation.
operational supervision, and expert meet their needs.
Prophetically, soon after Oberlin’s
2008: The City continued efforts to reduce the carbon intensive sources
in its electricity portfolio by withdrawing from participation in a 50-year
contract to purchase power from a proposed coal-fired power plant.
2011: The City completed the first version
2010: The City and College both joined the Clinton Foundation’s of its Climate Action Plan (the 2011 CAP)
Climate Positive Development Program (CPDP) thereby com- that commits the City to reducing its GHG
mitting each to become climate positive by reducing communi- emissions below 2007 emission levels 50%
ty-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions below zero. by 2015, 75% by 2030, and 100% by 2050.
2009: The City hired the energy 2011: The City completed its 2025
consulting firm Black & Veatch Strategic Plan in which environmental
to investigate viable low-car- and economic sustainability were two
bon energy sources to replace of its top strategic priorities.
the City’s traditional fossil-fu-
el-based electricity portfolio.
8 Oberlin Climate Action Plan • Introduction
advice. More than 20 boards and com- the College and City created an even
Oberlin: A Model missions composed of Oberlin resi- stronger interdependent relationship.
Community dents are appointed by City Council to At the signing ceremony, Bob Berkebile,
provide advice and recommendations to an internationally renowned Kansas
city officials and City Council concern- City architect speaking for the United
8,286
ing various matters including planning, States Green Building Council (USGBC),
development, utility infrastructure, and foreshadowed the future this way: “This
quality of life issues. alignment of common purpose, of hav-
ing to work together, will change this
people
City Utilities community in ways unimaginable and
The City’s Public Works Department for the better.”
has six divisions: Engineering,
Administration, General Maintenance, The Oberlin Project
Building and Grounds, Water, and The Oberlin Project, a local collabora-
Wastewater. Public Works operates tive venture that can trace its origins
the City’s refuse and recycling col- to 2007 and became a staffed operating
lection program as a self-supporting initiative in 2011, provides an interface
Enterprise Fund. In addition to water among the City, College, Oberlin City
and wastewater utilities, the City has Schools, and the many institutions and
a community-owned, not-for-profit groups within the Oberlin area, as well
electric utility, Oberlin Municipal Light as its citizens. The Oberlin Project is the
and Power System (OMLPS). Created scaffolding in the Oberlin community to
in 1934, OMLPS generates, purchas- facilitate the development of full spec-
es, transmits, and distributes electric trum sustainability (FSS) in which sus-
73% white 14.8% African 6.5% two or
American more races power to more than three thousand tainability becomes the default setting
4% Asian 1.7% other
American residential and commercial customers. for all policies, decisions, and actions.
An Electric Director who reports to the The Project serves as the catalyzing
City Manager oversees OMLPS. agent for many of the GHG reduction
$47,334
median household income
Oberlin College
Oberlin College is the largest employer
strategies and the sustainability work
in and around the City and College, and
serves as the lead contact and coordi-
in the City, and its student body com- nator for the CPDP. Funded by grants
prises approximately one third of the and individual donors independent of
24%
of Oberlinians
live at or below
population of the city. Oberlin College both the City and College, the Oberlin
the poverty level uses about 25% of the city’s electricity Project staff has been tasked with
and is responsible for about the same assisting in moving forward the many
percentage of the city’s carbon emis- parts that encompass FSS. In addition
*based on the 2010 census
sions. A significant percentage of these to bringing in resources for assisting
emissions come from its coal-fired pow- with implementation of the CAP and
er plant, which produces steam to heat the CPDP’s Climate Positive Credits, the
College buildings. Sustainability plan- Oberlin Project has tasked itself with
ning at the College is led by the Office facilitating a radical lowering of carbon
of Environmental Sustainability (OES) emissions while building a stronger
and the Committee on Environmental local economy, increasing local food
Sustainability (CES), a committee of the supply and agriculture resources, and
General Faculty. working to further FSS with all four
Since their beginning in 1833, local educational institutions: Oberlin
Oberlin College and the City of Oberlin City Schools, Oberlin College, Lorain
have nurtured and challenged each County Joint Vocational School, and
other to advance human well-being Lorain County Community College.
locally and beyond. Testimony to this
relationship is provided above with the A Model Community
list of sustainability resolutions and As of the 2010 census, Oberlin was a
commitments each has made in the past city of 8,286 people. Population growth
decade. By signing in 2010 individual was essentially flat with 1% growth
memoranda of understanding with between 2000 and 2010. Oberlin’s
the CPDP to become climate positive, population is 73% white, 14.8% African
Introduction • Oberlin Climate Action Plan 9
American, 6.5% two or more races, with the adoption of the 2011 CAP and
and 4% Asian American.2 Oberlin also establishing GHG reduction targets.
includes a broad range of socioeconomic define it:
backgrounds; the median household in- Climate Positive Roadmap for Climate Climate positive: Operation of
come is $47,334, and 24% of the individu- Positive Development Program a building or an entity (college,
als in Oberlin live at or below the pover- In 2010 the City and Oberlin College in- city, defined area, etc.) resulting
ty level.3 This plan was created with the dividually signed memoranda of under- in net removal of greenhouse
premise that Oberlin is a representative standings with the Clinton Foundation gases from the atmosphere.
community within the United States, and the USGBC to be the 18th city in
that it is large and diverse enough to their Climate Positive Development
serve as a proxy for larger cities, but Program (CPDP); this committed both
small enough that the community as City and College to establishing pro-
a whole is capable of addressing many grams in consultation with the CPDP
of the major sources of emissions that that would result in both becoming
contribute to global warming. Oberlin climate positive. Currently, the City
strives to serve as a model that can be and College are Climate Positive
learned from and replicated nationally Candidates within this program. This
and worldwide. document will meet the requirements
necessary to achieve the second level of
About This Report recognition within the CPDP, Climate
Climate Action Plan for ICLEI Cities Positive Participant, by serving as the
for Climate Protection Program Climate Positive Roadmap (see Sidebar:
In 2007, the City of Oberlin became a Achieving Climate Positive Participant
member of ICLEI–Local Governments Status).
for Sustainability and committed to Development and Revision of this
carry out the five milestones in ICLEI’s Report
program, Cities for Climate Protection The City of Oberlin developed the 2011
(CCP) (see Figure 1). ICLEI’s CCP pro- Climate Action Plan led by OMLPS’
gram assists municipal officials as they Energy Services and Sustainability
pursue GHG reductions for their mu- Initiatives Manager and a sustainabil- Figure 1: ICLEI CCP’s five
nicipal operations and their community ity intern from Oberlin College. City milestones. Oberlin completed an
as a whole. Having completed the first Council adopted the 2011 CAP and
emissions inventory in 2009 and
milestone of conducting the baseline established reduction targets
formed a Climate Action Committee to and adopted a Climate Action
inventory in 2009, the City of Oberlin provide an update to the Plan, which Plan in 2011.
completed milestones two and three resulted in this 2013 CAP. The major
ICLEI’s CCP campaign was
launched in 1993 when municipal
leaders, invited by ICLEI, met at
the United Nations in New York
and adopted a declaration that
called for the establishment
of a worldwide movement of
local governments to reduce
Milestone One: GHG emissions, improve air
Inventory GHG quality, and enhance urban
sustainability. The CCP campaign
Emissions achieves these results by linking
climate change mitigation with
actions that improve local air
quality, reduce local government
operating costs, and improve
Milestone Five: Milestone Two: quality of life by addressing
Monitor & Verify Leadership Establish other local concerns. The CCP
Results Commitment Reduction Target campaign seeks to achieve
significant reductions in U.S.
GHG emissions by assisting local
governments in taking action to
reduce emissions.
Milestone Four: Milestone Three:
For more information on ICLEI
Implement Policies Develop Climate
and the five milestones, see
& Measures Action Plan www.icleiusa.org.
10 Oberlin Climate Action Plan • Introduction
sector Source of GHG emissions
Residential Heating On-site combustion of natural gas
Commercial Electricity Combustion of fossil fuels at electricity
generating facilities outside city limits
Electricity Generation On-site combustion of fossil fuels
Transportation Combustion of automobile
fuel inside city limits
Solid Waste Landfilled solid waste Figure 2: Total Community-Wide Emissions
Composted brush & Residential, commercial (including College
and municipal buildings), transportation,
leaves
solid waste, and other were broad emissions
sectors included in Oberlin’s community-wide
Other Fugitive SF6 emissions inventory. Activities that produce emissions
taken into account in this inventory are listed
Fugitive refrigerant under each sector.
emissions
changes in the 2013 CAP reflect the inventory was compiled and calculated
work of the Climate Action Committee using ICLEI’s Clean Air and Climate
and take into account the roles of Protection (CACP) software. Both
Oberlin College, local non-profits, and a municipal and community-wide
others to identify further potential inventory were completed for the years
strategies to chart the path toward a 2001 and 2007. For the purposes of
climate positive community. The 2013 setting Oberlin’s emissions reductions
CAP includes both recommended strat- targets, 2007 was chosen as the baseline
egies under and outside of the City’s di- because of the availability of more
rect control. See the Acknowledgements complete data than 2001. The emissions
section of this report for more infor- inventory will be updated every five
mation on the participants involved in years, allowing Oberlin to track its
drafting the 2013 CAP. progress toward emission reduction
targets over time. See the Measurement
Oberlin’s Emissions Inventory and Verification section of this plan for
The purpose of a baseline emissions detail and a discussion of GHG emis-
inventory is to understand current pat- sions protocol and software.
terns of GHG emissions, to prioritize
strategies to reduce emissions, and to Community-wide Inventory Results
establish measurable reduction targets. The community-wide inventory includ-
Breaking out emissions by sector (e.g. ed GHG emitted within the municipal
commercial, residential) and energy boundary of the City of Oberlin. Figure
use (e.g. heating, vehicle fuel, electric- 2 outlines emissions sources included in
ity) allows Oberlin to identify the best the inventory. The inventory deter-
opportunities for significantly reduc- mined that as a whole, the community
ing emissions. An inventory is also emitted 174,391 tons of carbon dioxide
useful for comparing emissions with equivalent (CO2e) in 2007. The com-
other communities and for tracking munity’s per capita annual emissions
progress over time. (using population of 8,286) were 21.0
The City’s GHG inventory was tons CO2e. According to the US Energy
conducted through a partnership of Information Administration, per capita
OMLPS, the City, and the College’s energy-related CO2e emissions in the US
Environmental Studies Program. The were 19.8 tons per person in 2007.Introduction • Oberlin Climate Action Plan 11
Municipal Inventory Results calculated every 5 years with an updat-
An inventory of emissions from munic- ed GHG emissions inventory.
ipal operations was also completed for This document was created with
2007 and is summarized in Appendix II. some important guiding principles in
mind. First, in order to achieve a climate
Vision, Goals, and Strategic positive outcome in an environmental-
Direction ly and economically responsible way,
The City of Oberlin is committed the City and community must strive
to reducing community-wide GHG to reduce its own emissions as much
emissions below zero, while striving as possible across sectors and energy
to balance the environmental, social, uses highlighted in the GHG emissions
and economic interests of the Oberlin inventory. However, it will be necessary
community. The 2013 CAP serves as a to offset remaining GHG emissions and
roadmap for transitioning to a climate reduce emissions below zero through
positive community by charting specific the creation of Climate Positive credits,
emissions reduction strategies and which can be generated by carbon se-
establishing a plan for measurement questration projects (such as tree plant-
and verification of emissions reductions. ing) or extending emissions reductions
This plan is a living document that will to the surrounding community (such
be reviewed on an ongoing basis and as through implementing large scale
updated periodically. Annual updates renewable energy infrastructure).
on the progress of goals and strategies Second, the GHG emissions in-
will be prepared for City Council. ventory highlights the sectors and
Using 2007 as a baseline, the City of energy uses that are responsible for
Oberlin has set goals of reducing GHG the majority of emissions, allowing us
emissions at least 50% by 2015, at least to identify and pursue strategies that
75% by 2030, and below zero by 2050. will achieve the greatest emissions
The City will strive to achieve measur- reductions first. The 2007 inventory
able GHG emissions reductions each identified electricity as the largest con-
year in order to ensure incremental tributor to community-wide emissions.
progress toward reduction targets. To The City has addressed these emissions
bring this into perspective it will be through its locally owned electric util-
necessary to reduce emissions by at ity, OMLPS, by entering into long-term
least 1.5% annually. Reductions will be contracts for landfill gas, hydro, and
1% Other
2,592 CO2e
16% Residential
1% Waste 27,671 CO2e
1,622 CO2e
38% Commercial
66,080 CO2e
7% Municipal
11,400 CO2e
15% Transportation
26,330 CO2e
Figure 3. Percentage of CO2 tons emitted by
22% College sector in 2007.
38,696 CO2e The commercial sector, including all businesses,
Oberlin College properties, and municipal
facilities within city limits, made up 67% of total
community-wide emissions.12 Oberlin Climate Action Plan • Introduction
Some of the infrared solar power supply. See the Renewable
SUN
radiation passes through the Energy Section for more information
atmosphere, and some is on these renewable/carbon neutral
Solar radiation absorbed and re-emitted in resources, which will provide Oberlin
passes through Some solar radiation is all directions by greenhouse
the clear with 90% renewable/carbon-neutral
reflected by the Earth gas molecules. The effect of
atmosphere. and the atmosphere. this is to warm the Earth’s electricity in 2015.
surface and the lower This plan outlines the GHG emis-
atmosphere. sions reductions needed to achieve
our goal of becoming climate positive.
However, it does not chart how we
will achieve the reduction goals while
balancing, and indeed improving, the
environmental, social, and economic
interests of the Oberlin community.
Most radiation is absorbed by Infrared radiation is emitted With concern for achieving economic
the Earth’s surface and warms it. from the Earth’s surface. resilience and social and environmen-
tal justice, we will need to measure
Climate Change success using social, physical, and
L ife on earth is possible because earth’s warm surface temperature allows water economic indicators of sustainabili-
to exist in liquid form. Earth has a warm temperature because our atmosphere ty. These metrics and financial tools,
is composed of greenhouse gases (GHG) that act as a blanket; these GHG adsorb which speak to economic and social as-
infrared radiation, meaning they trap heat and thereby warm the earth’s surface. pects, are currently being developed in
Without GHG the earth’s temperature would be about 60º F cooler or -3º F. Water partnership with The Oberlin Project
(H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and chlorofluorocarbons are all and Oberlin College.
greenhouse gases affecting climate change, but water and carbon dioxide have a
Reader’s Guide
greater influence than the others. Climate science has established a positive cor-
The remainder of the plan is organized
relation between atmospheric CO2 concentration and surface temperature. That
into six main sections addressing GHG
is, in the past when CO2 went up, temperature rose and when CO2 went down,
emission reduction strategies. We have
temperature decreased. Simply put, carbon dioxide acts like a blanket that retains
ordered the sections from greatest to
infrared radiation thereby making the planet warmer.
least percentage of GHG emissions
Over the past 65 million years earth’s average temperature ranged from 50º F
based on the 2007 inventory and
to 81º F while over the past 10,000 years the range was 51º F to 58º F with pres-
presented relevant material in each
ent-day average temperature being 57º F. Over the last 10,000 years agriculture and
section with an associated appendix
civilization arose during a period of relatively stable temperatures to which we are
of more detailed information and
acclimated. Over the last 100 years human activities have increased CO2 concen-
data. Each section includes potential
tration from 310 parts per million (ppm) to 390 ppm, and the temperature has risen
strategies that are recommended for
1.4º F, with a 0.9 º F rise since 1980. Climate scientists predict that on our present
consideration and/or implementation
course the temperature will increase from 4º F to 11º F over the next 100 years.4
by the City and partner organizations
Although the average temperature rise of 1.4º F appears to be small, we are
within the next five years.
seeing its effects. Spring comes a week or two earlier while fall is a week or two
later and the ranges of many northern hemisphere species are moving north and
to higher altitudes.5 The result is the unraveling of ecosystems and life support.
Glaciers are melting almost everywhere. Greenland glaciers lost 36 to 60 cubic
miles annually between 2002 and 2006 while Antarctica glaciers lost 36 cubic
miles between 2002 and 2005, causing sea level rise and threatening low land pop-
ulations.6 Oceans are more acidic from CO2 adsorption causing coral reefs to die.
The hottest 10 years based on actual recorded temperatures have occurred since
1997.7 Extreme weather events are increasing: intense rainfalls, extremely high
temperatures, droughts, tornados, and class 4 and 5 hurricanes. If the climate were
stable, then record-setting low and high temperatures would be about equal. This
was the case before 1980, but since then high records have occurred twice as often
as low records. The climate dice are now set for extremes that will become the
new norms if we persist in pumping heat trapping GHGs into the atmosphere. The
thicker we make the heat-trapping blanket, the warmer the planet.
See Climate Change Appendix I for more information.Introduction • Oberlin Climate Action Plan 13 Achieving Climate Positive Participant Status In order to qualify for Climate Positive Participant Status with the Climate Positive Development Program (CPDP), partners must adopt a Climate Positive Roadmap that: • Outlines planned strategies that will achieve a net-negative emissions outcome in the areas of waste management, transportation, and energy, meaning that green- house gas emissions are reduced below zero • Details the emissions profile through net-negative project completion • Identifies and quantifies Climate Positive Credits, which allow a project to achieve a climate positive outcome (see Climate Positive Credit section) • Includes an ongoing measurement and verification plan, including identification of protocol used to calculate emissions • Identifies important stakeholders and partners in the project • Specifies milestones when progress will be assessed. Graphics courtesy of the Climate Positive Development Program
14 Oberlin Climate Action Plan • Renewable Energy
Rendition of the 2.27 MW solar array constructed on Oberlin College property in 2012. Photo by Rob Lamppa for Oberlin College.
Renewable Energy
Introduction in the use of carbon-intensive fossil
Energy accounts for about two-thirds of fuels. The carbon intensity of Oberlin’s
global GHG emissions and includes en- energy portfolio can be reduced by
ergy used for electricity, space heating, replacing fossil fuels with renewable en-
and transportation. Drastically reduc- ergy sources such as photovoltaic sys-
ing emissions requires steep reductions tems, low-carbon energy sources such
0.3% wind
7% nuclear 2% nuclear
3.7% natural gas 1% natural gas
4% landfill 4.5% wind
gas 10.4% coal
11% hydro
74% coal 23.1% hydro
59% landfill gas
Figure 4: Oberlin Fuel Resources for 2007. Figure 5: Oberlin Fuel Resources for 2015.
2007 chart does not reflect associated 2015 chart reflects associated environmental
environment attributes sold by City. attributes retained by City.Renewable Energy • Oberlin Climate Action Plan 15
as nuclear energy, or carbon neutral
sources such as landfill gas. In contrast About Renewable Energy
to other sources of energy, renewable What is Renewable Energy?
energy resources are constantly replen- Renewable energy resources are constantly replenished and will never run out.
ished and will never run out. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), renewable ener-
gy sources include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, ocean, and hydropower.
Background: Oberlin Energy Portfolio
Oberlin is in the enviable position of Benefits of Renewable Energy
owning its own municipally-operated Renewable energy creates many public benefits for the city and the region includ-
electric system. This allows Oberlin to ing environmental improvement, increased fuel diversity and security, regional
make local decisions on the composition economic development benefits, and local revenue:
of its power supply, an opportunity • Environmental Improvement – Emissions of CO2, mercury, NOx, SOx,
that most cities in the United States do and particulate matter are significantly reduced. Damage associated with
not have. Furthermore, as a member fuel extraction/processing/transport is almost eliminated.
of American Municipal Power (AMP), • Fuel Diversity and Security – Multiple energy assets mitigate risk from
Oberlin is involved in renewable/carbon under-performance or loss of any one source. Energy sources spread across
neutral joint power supply projects that two regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and multiple transmission
the City would not be able to manage or networks minimize risk of reliability problems. Energy sources sited within
afford on its own. Oberlin are effectively insulated from regional grid outage.
Oberlin’s 2007 baseline renewable/ • Economic Benefits – Rates will be immune to the volatile market swings
carbon-neutral power supply includes a of fossil fuels. Utility revenues paid to Ohio-based companies provide local
mix of landfill gas (LFG), hydro, wind, jobs and continue to circulate the money through the local economy. Oberlin-
and solar. Because of the high percentage based energy sources avoid transmission fees and garner capacity credits,
of coal in Oberlin’s electricity portfolio, both of which lower electric rates. Reliable electricity with stable rates is
electricity accounted for 55% of commu- attractive to new and existing businesses that provide jobs for the communi-
nity-wide GHG emissions in 2007. ty and a healthy tax base.
Energy used for space heating and • Local Revenue - A Renewable Energy Credit (REC) encapsulates the
transportation presents a different positive environmental attributes of electricity from a renewable source
challenge because the fossil fuel-based and can be sold as a separate commodity from the associated electricity to
sources for these sectors are outside of another entity wishing to offset the negative environmental attributes of
the direct control of the City. Natural its power source. For example, the City has in the past sold RECs to Oberlin
gas is the major energy source for College and created the Sustainable Reserve Fund. Senate Bill 221, signed by
space heating and is supplied to the Gov. Strickland in 2008, requires that investor-owned utilities in Ohio obtain
majority of customers through an 12.5% of their electricity from renewable resources by the year 2025. While
investor-owned utility. Transportation SB221 requirements do not apply to Oberlin's municipal utility, they do have
is heavily reliant on gasoline and long-term implications for the market value of in-state RECs held and sold by
diesel, which are sold commercially. Oberlin. With further acquisition of Ohio-based renewable energy resources,
Reducing CO2e in these sectors can be Oberlin has the opportunity to expand its REC sale program by selling in-
accomplished by transitioning from state RECs and replacing them with out-of-state RECs to realize significant
equipment dependent on fossil fuels revenue for future local environmental initiatives.
to efficient renewable, low-carbon, or
carbon neutral alternatives. Challenges of Transitioning to Renewable Energy
The wind does not always blow and the sun does not always shine, but we have
Renewable Energy Goals become accustomed to electricity – anytime – at the flip of a switch. Replacing
The City of Oberlin is committed to fossil fuel generators running 24/7 with highly intermittent renewable energy is
developing and maintaining a portfolio not a satisfactory solution. Until the technology is available to efficiently store and
of renewable resources that will provide utilize renewable energy with low capacity factors such as solar and wind power
the city with reliable power at a stable (10%-40% capacity factors), interim sources of low-carbon or carbon neutral power
and reasonable cost to its residents. must be relied upon. The most promising of these energy sources is landfill gas
Specifically, Oberlin will strive to: (LFG), which is derived from the decomposition of organic matter in municipal
• Eliminate fossil fuel use for electric- solid waste and is widely considered a carbon neutral energy resource. However,
ity generation no later than 2050. because LFG is a by-product of landfills, and landfills are only replenished so
• Transition away from fossil fuel use long as we continue to generate and dispose of waste in the same way, LFG is not
to carbon neutral energy for sectors considered renewable. It is also important to note that there are GHG emissions
such as space heating and transpor- resultant from the initial construction and continuing operations and mainte-
tation as efficient technologies allow nance of renewable energy infrastructure also known as embodied carbon or
(see Sidebar on Fuel Switching). carbon footprint.16 Oberlin Climate Action Plan • Renewable Energy
define it: Present Strategies Spotlight: Spear point Solar
Power Purchase Agreement Based on present power supply com- Energy 2.27 MW PV Field
(PPA): A contract in which the mitments, our municipal electric utility In 2012, Oberlin College and the City
seller retains ownership of the will have a 90% carbon neutral portfolio of Oberlin collaborated on the develop-
generation facility and the buyer of energy sources by 2015, reducing ment of a 2.27 megawatt solar photo-
agrees to purchase electricity at community-wide emissions by approxi- voltaic facility located on 11 acres of
prescribed terms over time. mately 50%. (See table below) college-owned property in New Russia
Township. The College entered into a
power purchase agreement (PPA) with
Spear Point Energy of Aspen, Colorado
" Renewable energy resources are to purchase the renewable solar energy
for a 25-year period. The solar photovol-
constantly replenished and will taic project was designed and construct-
ed by SPG Solar of Novato, California
never run out."
and incorporates a single-axis tracking
system for solar production enhance-
ment. The project is estimated to pro-
duce 3,000 megawatt-hours of renewable
energy annually serving 12% of the
College’s power supply requirements.
Present Strategies for Renewable Energy
Strategy Lead Timeline Reduction Benefits
Entity CO2e tons
– annual
Belleville Hydro Project OMLPS 1999–2050 8,182 Owned asset, baseload resource, renewable
New York Power Authority - OMLPS 1999–2030 1.986 Low cost, baseload resource, renewable
Niagara and St. Lawrence Hydro
Ohio Renewable Energy Services, OMLPS 2010–2022 3.615 Contract capacity and 1/2 RECs, baseload
LLC - Erie County LFG resource, carbon-neutral
AMP JV6 - Bowling Green Wind OMLPS 1999–2030 360 Owned asset, renewable
Project
Iberdrola Renewables Blue Creek OMLPS 2012–2022 1,440 Contract capacity/RECs, renewable
Wind Project
Spear Point Solar One, LLC Oberlin 2012–2036 2,270 Customer-owned generation, peaking
Oberlin College Solar Field College resource, renewable
Purchasing Natural Gas Blended OMLPS 2009– 25 Reduced carbon-footprint of space heating
with Methane for City Buildings ongoing
Customer-Owned Solar Utility 1999– 183 Local assets, peaking resource, renewable
Generation customers ongoing
Waste Management Renewable OMLPS 2013–2027 44,365 Contract capacity/RECs, baseload resource,
Energy, LLC - Mahoning and carbon-neutral
Geneva County LFG
AMP Hydro Phase I - Cannelton, OMLPS 2013–2080 9,319 Owned asset, baseload resource, renewable
Smithland, and Willow Island
AMP Hydro Phase II - Meldahl OMLPS 2014–2080 2,815 Owned asset, baseload resource, renewable
and Green-up
Sustainable Reserve Fund OMLPS 2007– TBD Provides funding for GHG reduction efforts
ongoing
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations OMLPS 2013– TBD Reduction of vehicle emissions, available to
ongoing the public in downtown parkingRenewable Energy • Oberlin Climate Action Plan 17
The College and the City entered into super-insulated tank and newer on-de-
an Interconnection Agreement to mand water heaters can be purchased Oberlin’s Renewable
permit the photovoltaic solar facility as electric models and are an efficient, Electricity Portfolio
to tie into Oberlin’s electric grid and
virtually deliver the solar generation
proven method of providing hot water.
Electric air-source and ground-source R enewable energy became a key
component of the City’s power
supply beginning in 1994 when the
output to College facilities. The project heat pumps have been successfully
offers significant benefits to the City as proven for over twenty years and City Council voted to join with for-
a renewable fuel based resource within their prices have continued to fall as ty-one other AMP communities to
its power supply and through wholesale their efficiency has improved. Even develop the Belleville Hydro Plant,
power cost savings associated with though these costs have decreased, the a 42-megawatt run-of-the-river hy-
transmission-shaving and installed installation cost of ground-source heat dro project on the Ohio River. This
capacity obligations. pump systems is significantly higher first renewable project completed
than conventional heating systems. in 1999 now provides Oberlin with
Potential Strategies Oberlin should consider future financ- 7.1% of its annual power supply.
Given the goal of eliminating fossil fuel ing and rebate programs to encourage This effort has continued with fur-
use, Oberlin will continue to acquire the replacement of fossil fuel heating ther investments in hydro, wind,
generation assets of renewable energy equipment with high efficiency electric and landfill gas resources.
to supply our community's electricity water and space heating equipment The impending closure of AMP's
needs as technology and opportunity al- with electricity supplied from the City's Gorsuch coal-fired power plant in
lows, to promote transitioning to carbon renewable/carbon neutral portfolio as 2011 provided the impetus for the
neutral electricity for sectors that are cost-effective equipment and installa- City’s quest to find a better source
currently heavily reliant on fossil fuel, tion is available. of affordable and reliable electric-
and to utilize existing opportunities in ity. Oberlin recognized that the
the renewable energy market to finance Replace Gasoline and Diesel Fuel hazards of fossil fuels were dispro-
additional GHG reduction efforts. Gasoline and diesel are the common portionately borne by others such
fuels utilized for motorized trans- as families in the coal counties of
AMP Hydro Phase III – R.C. Byrd and port. While extensively covered in the Appalachia or families living atop
Pike Island Hydro Projects Transportation section of this plan, it the Marcellus shale formations of
In 2010, the City authorized AMP to is important to note the impacts of fuel Ohio and Pennsylvania. Unwilling
apply on its behalf for the Federal switching expected in the electricity to perpetuate that legacy, Oberlin
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) sector. While rather new to the market, commissioned a power supply
license to develop a 49.5 MW hydro- it is expected that electric vehicles will study by the consulting firm Black
electric project at the Pike Island Locks have an increasing presence on Oberlin's & Veatch in 2009 specifically tasked
and Dam on the Ohio River. Previously, streets in the coming years. The City with identifying energy sources
the City of Orrville, OH had held the should consider adoption of policies that with an appropriate balance of
development license for twenty years. encourage electrified transport such cost, long-term reliability, and
AMP's evaluation of potential hydro- as targeted rates for charging electric sustainability.
electric projects identified Pike Island vehicles during off-peak hours or other The results of that study and
as being sixth in terms of megawatt mechanisms that ensure cost-effective subsequent diligence in procure-
capacity. The R.C. Byrd Locks and and carbon neutral vehicle charging. ment have transformed Oberlin's
Dam is a 48 MW hydro project being energy portfolio from one heavily
developed jointly by AMP and the City Capitalize on the REC Market
reliant on fossil fuels to a portfo-
of Wadsworth, OH. The City should RECs are commonly sold to create
lio comprised of renewable and
consider participation in these projects a separate revenue stream to fund
low-carbon energy sources that
if they are developed by AMP. renewable energy projects and may be
will provide 90% of the communi-
used as a regulatory compliance tool
ty's electricity by 2015.
Replace Natural Gas for Heating to meet mandatory renewable portfo-
Natural gas is widely used in Oberlin lio standards. Once a REC is sold, the
for space heating, domestic hot water environmental attributes associated
(DHW), and cooking. While combustion with the renewable energy production define it:
of natural gas produces fewer emissions can no longer be claimed. The State of Renewable Energy Credit (REC):
than coal or oil, there is debate over Ohio’s Alternative Energy Portfolio A tradable commodity that
whether the life cycle CO2e emissions Standard (AEPS) has the potential to represents the environmental
are significantly less than those of coal.8 create enhanced value for renewable benefits associated with
Replacement of all natural gas use with energy projects located within the renewable energy production.
electricity or carbon neutral energy state’s borders. The City has a number
sources should be encouraged if Oberlin of renewable energy sources located
is to become climate positive. Both18 Oberlin Climate Action Plan • Renewable Energy
within the state. To that end, the City
should explore selling in-state RECs and
purchasing out-of-state RECs using the
resulting revenues to benefit Oberlin
electric consumers. Examples of how
revenues could be used include:
1. Returning a portion of the value to
electric customers through credits
on the City's wholesale power bill.
2. Significantly expanding funding
capacity and scope of projects of the
Sustainable Reserve Fund to assist
environmentally positive endeavors
that demonstrate a purpose related
to the municipal electric system op-
eration and with community-wide
benefit.
3. Providing a funding mechanism
to achieve higher targets of energy
efficiency than mandated in the
current Efficiency Smart program
from AMP.
Conclusion
Landfill gas to energy generators at the Lorain County Landfill.
Oberlin has made a lasting commitment
to renewable energy and will strive to
eliminate fossil fuel use for electricity
Greenhouse Gas Considerations When Switching from Fossil Fuel
generation no later than 2050. Based on
to Electricity Use for Heating
present power supply commitments,
I n the very near future the City of Oberlin will have an electric supply that is
largely carbon neutral. Thereafter, most of the City’s GHG emissions will be
associated with other non-electric uses of energy including natural gas used for
our municipal electric utility will have
an approximately 90% carbon neutral
portfolio of energy sources by 2015.
heating and gasoline/diesel used for transportation.
Reduction of CO2e emissions from other
One option to reduce natural gas usage could be to switch to carbon neutral
sectors relying on gasoline, diesel,
electric technologies for heating; however, an important GHG implication must
or natural gas can be accomplished
be considered. Electric generating plants, on average, use three units of natural
by transitioning to carbon neutral
gas (or coal) energy to produce one unit of electric energy. Therefore, on average,
electricity and will be promoted by the
every unit of natural gas heating energy in Oberlin that is replaced with one
City. As technology and opportunity
unit of carbon-neutral electric energy will result in the burning of three units of
allow, Oberlin will continue to acquire
natural gas (or coal) at some power plant connected to the grid. As a result, total
generation assets of renewable energy
GHG emissions (in and outside of Oberlin) are three times greater than would
to supply our community's electricity
have been the case had natural gas been used for heating in the first place. In
needs.
general, shifting from natural gas to electricity for heating results in increased
greenhouse gas emissions unless the switch to electricity uses 1/3 of the energy
as compared to the amount of energy used heating with natural gas. Some, but
not all, air-to-air and ground-source heat pump systems can deliver such sav-
ings. An electric on-demand domestic hot water system may also deliver such
savings (owing to the fact that it does not have the standby losses of the typical
hot water storage tank), but this depends on the details of the usage.
The City of Oberlin should encourage fuel switching from natural gas to
electric energy whenever the technology employed is cost-effective and that
such switching will result in the overall reduction in primary energy use or
GHG emissions (both inside and outside of Oberlin). As fuel switching increas-
es demand, OMLPS will have to increase its carbon neutral power portfolio or
increase energy efficiency initiatives to meet the energy requirements.
These same criteria apply to switching from gasoline to electric energy for
transportation.19
OMLPS replacing traffic lights with LED leading to a two-thirds reduction in energy use.
Energy Efficiency
Introduction remains inefficient and carbon-intensive.
Energy efficiency means accomplishing One kilowatt-hour of electricity saved in Benefits of Energy Efficiency
the same tasks and functions as before
U
Oberlin results in one less kilowatt-hour sing energy more efficiently is
with less energy. Because the least purchased from the grid. If in the future about as close as one can come
expensive means of providing energy Oberlin’s carbon neutral electric supply to getting something for nothing. It
is not to use that energy in the first exceeds its load requirement, one kilo- has a number of benefits:
place, energy efficiency is one of the watt-hour of saved energy in Oberlin • Long-term decreased costs for
most cost-effective ways to reduce GHG means that Oberlin exports one more energy consumers
emissions. Energy efficiency can result kilowatt-hour of carbon neutral electric- • Long-term decreased environ-
from improvements in technology, better ity to the grid. In either case, somewhere mental impacts
management of existing technology, or on the nation’s electric grid, our energy • Additional revenue available
better organization of existing systems. efficiency will displace a fossil-fuel for diffusion into the local
plant that is only 33% efficient, burning economy
Background: Impact of Energy
three units less of natural gas or coal • Creation of local jobs in selling
Efficiency on Oberlin’s GHG Emissions
and therefore reduce its GHG emissions. and installing energy efficiency
Efficient use of electricity and natu-
Natural gas, the major energy source for measures
ral gas are both important to pursue
space heating, accounts for about 18% • Reduced vulnerability to rising
as energy efficiency remains the best
of Oberlin’s GHG emissions. Therefore, energy prices or economic costs
way to reduce GHG emissions. In fact,
increasing the space heating efficiency of that may be imposed through
you may be surprised to know that
Oberlin’s building stock is an important new regulations
this remains true even when Oberlin’s
short-term strategy for reducing GHG
electricity portfolio is mostly carbon
emissions.
neutral because of Oberlin’s interconnec-
As discussed in the Renewable
tivity to the nation’s electric grid, which
Energy section, a longer-term goal for20 Oberlin Climate Action Plan • Energy Efficiency
achieving climate positive will be to shift Energy Efficiency Goals
space heating from natural gas to renew- The City’s recent electric power supply
able resources. Because natural gas use commitments create a near-term base-
is widely distributed among individual load energy surplus, meaning the City
businesses and households, maximizing needs to seek an appropriate balance
GHG emission reduction through fuel between energy efficiency reductions
switching will be labor-intensive and and managing its load profile. Therefore,
expensive. Creating a culture in which the City aims to:
people value using less energy, and • Reduce electricity demand by 1% per
providing homeowners and businesses year (from 2010 levels) over 5 years,
with the resources they need to make beginning in 2011.
informed decisions, will be crucial to • Reduce natural gas use by 1.5% per
maximizing efficiency. year (from 2010 levels) over 10 years,
beginning in 2011.
Present Strategies in Energy Efficiency
Strategy Lead Entity Timeline Reduction Benefits
CO2e tons
– annual
Heat Loss Inspections OMLPS 2000– 18 Energy efficiency awareness on an individ-
ongoing ual basis
Industrial Audits OMLPS 2005– 42 Potential energy reductions on a larger
ongoing scale
Promotion of Compact OMLPS 2007– 83 Lowest cost electrical energy efficiency
Fluorescent Light Bulbs ongoing measure
Energy Efficiency at OMLPS OMLPS 2007–2010 444 Reduced energy usage and reduced cost to
Power Plant ratepayers
Energy Efficiency at OMLPS OMLPS 2007–2010 24 Reduced energy usage and reduced cost to
Technical Services Office ratepayers
Energy Efficiency at Water Public Works 2007–2010 176 Reduced energy usage and reduced cost to
Environment Protection Facility ratepayers
Energy Efficiency Upgrades at Public Works 2008–2010 48 Reduced energy usage and reduced cost to
Water Treatment Plant ratepayers
Traffic Light Upgrades to Light OMLPS 2009–2010 59 Reduced energy usage and reduced cost to
Emitting Diodes (LEDs) ratepayers
Building Efficiency Upgrades to Public Works 2009– 14 Reduced energy usage and reduced cost to
Parks and Cemetery Building ongoing ratepayers
Building Efficiency Upgrades to Public Works 2009– 7 Reduced energy usage and reduced cost to
City Facilities ongoing ratepayers
Downtown Christmas Lighting OMLPS 2010 90 Reduced energy usage and reduced cost to
Upgrade to LEDs ratepayers
Lighting Upgrades to City Public Works 2010 9 Reduced energy usage and reduced cost to
Buildings ratepayers
Efficiency Smart OMLPS 2011–2013 1035 Energy efficiency promoted on a communi-
ty wide scale
Oberlin Super Rebate Program OMLPS 2012–2013 TBD Energy efficiency promoted on a communi-
ty wide scale
Efficiency Upgrades to City Office Engineering & Ongoing 2 Reduced energy usage and reduced cost to
Equipment Administration ratepayers
Develop One-Stop Shop for POWER 2007– 1.5 Energy efficiency completed and promoted
Residential Energy Efficiency ongoing on a community-wide scale
Information and AssistanceEnergy Efficiency • Oberlin Climate Action Plan 21
Spotlight: Providing Oberlin with energy efficiency services and programs
Efficiency Responsibly (POWER) available to the commercial sector. The Setting the Bar for
POWER was one-stop shop would make it easier Efficiency Goals
founded in 2008 in
collaboration with
Zion Community
for commercial customers to navigate
available services and programs as well A ccording to research conduct-
ed by the American Council
for an Energy Efficient Economy
as encourage adoption of energy efficient
Development Corporation and Oberlin measures to reduce energy costs. (ACEEE) and cited in State Energy
Community Services. The purpose of Efficiency Scorecard 2011, p. 17, the
this non-profit, grassroots, environmen- Evaluate and Consider Adoption of best state-wide electric energy effi-
tal justice organization is to increase Smart Grid Technologies for Future ciency programs typically achieve
the energy efficiency of Oberlin housing Real-Time Monitoring of Energy annual reductions in electricity
with an emphasis on those homes Consumption and Load Control demand of .74% - 1.64% (Comparable
whose residents may not be able to af- Opportunities data was not available for natural
ford the upfront cost of energy efficien- Advanced Metering Infrastructure gas energy efficiency programs).
cy upgrades. Since 2008, POWER has (AMI), which allows for two-way ACEEE also researched electrici-
insulated and weatherized 28 houses, communication between the customer’s ty and gas standards set by state
resulting in reduced emissions of CO2e meter and the utility through software governments around the country.
of more than 8 tons. POWER estimates and hardware upgrades, can offer op- Goals set by the top 10 states for
that 50% of the housing stock (approx- portunities for a utility to better manage electricity reduction started at 1%
imately 1,000 homes) still requires its peak load requirements and help initial reductions, ramping up to
efficiency upgrades. By setting a goal of customers understand and better manage 2.5% reductions over several years.
working with 100 households per year, their energy consumption. In consider- Natural gas reduction goals started
POWER aims to facilitate efficiency ret- ation of future upgrades to its metering as low as .2%, and increased to 1.9%
rofits of 100% of the inefficient housing infrastructure, OMLPS will research the over several years.
stock in Oberlin by 2025. benefits and costs of advanced metering
infrastructure (AMI) including real-time
Present Strategies monitoring, load control, and other define it:
See table on opposite page. enhanced customer services. Advanced Metering
Infrastrucutre (AMI): Systems
Potential Strategies Conclusion that measure, collect, and
The strategies recommended below are With the creation of the Energy Services analyze energy use and
expected to set Oberlin on the path to Division of OMLPS in 1998, Oberlin communicate with metering
achieving its energy efficiency goals and has taken a proactive role in promot- devices such as electricity
are based on best practices and policies ing and offering a number of energy meters, gas meters, heat meters,
in other cities. Adoption of new technol- efficiency services and programs to and water meters, either on
ogy and policies will depend on research, residents and businesses, culminating request or on a schedule.
feasibility of implementation, and cost/ with the deployment of the Efficiency
benefit analysis. Smart program in 2011. Through rebates
and technical assistance through this
Building Performance Disclosures
program, it is expected that Oberlin will
for Residential and Commercial
reduce its electrical consumption by 1%
Properties
per year over the next three-year period,
Consumers need better information
the equivalent of powering 388 homes.
about the amount and cost of energy
The non-profit organization POWER has
used in buildings when they consider
weatherized 28 homes (over 1% of the
buying, renting or leasing them. A
residential building stock) and continues
growing practice across the country is
to increase its weatherization and energy
to require sellers and landlords to share
education efforts. Projects, programs,
this information with prospective buyers
education, and incentives by the City,
and tenants. The City should research
the College, and the community have
building energy performance disclosure
brought energy efficiency to the forefront
programs and evaluate benefits.
in our mission to reduce energy usage
Develop One-Stop Shop for and GHG emissions. It will be import-
Commercial Energy Efficiency ant to emphasize the benefits of energy
Information and Assistance efficiency in order for all stakeholders to
Lightbulbs collected throughout the community
Develop a One-Stop shop to gath- fully embrace and practice efficient use
to be replaced by energy-saving ones. Photo by
er and disseminate information on of energy as the norm. Dale Preston for Oberlin College.You can also read
