Office of Sustainability and Resilience 2023 Annual Progress Report and Strategic Energy Plan Implementation Year One

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An interactive progress report to inform the community about the progression of the City of Greensboro's Strategic Energy Plan (SEP).

March 2024

2023 Annual Progress Report & Strategic Energy Plan Implementation Year One Office of Sustainability & Resilience

From the Chief Sustainability Officer

We are excited to provide this inaugural progress report to inform the community about the progression of the City of Greensboro’s Strategic Energy Plan (SEP) and share highlights of the Office of Sustainability and Resilience (OSR) from the 2023 calendar year. The first year of implementing the SEP and the management of the City’s new OSR has been rewarding and productive.

The office has grown in number from one to 11 full-time staff, who were transferred from four City departments. We’ve moved at a faster pace since this expansion, with robust education and outreach opportunities, effective collaborations, and a broader commitment of investing in the delivery of the SEP’s goals, strategies, and recommendations. We aspire to be the best mid-sized city in the US, renowned for our green spaces, multi-modal transportation options, vast energy efficiency measures, and economic growth opportunities. From a critical worldview, there is too much at stake. There is global upheaval, climate-related catastrophes, energy and food crises, an ongoing pandemic, and many other issues that challenge the transformational change needed to thrive. This is why the OSR, in partnership with other departments of the City, is accelerating our efforts to collaboratively address the gaps within our local government operations. We can only hope that our actions will help to further transform mindsets of City officials, residents, and local businesses. Our ambitions remain high and we will continue to work in solidarity, advancing progress with full transparency and hope for a more sustainable and resilient future. Yours in service, Dr. S. Shree Dorestant Chief Sustainability Officer City of Greensboro

Table of Contents

Background and Introduction..............................................4-6

Organization-Wide Recommendations Progress..........7-14

Prioritize Actions Progress.....................................................15

Energy Goals, Strategies and Actions Progress .............16-18

Community Incentives Progress..........................................19

List of Acronyms

ANSI

American National Standards Institute American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

ASHRAE

CSC GHG HUBs HHW

Community Sustainability Council

Greenhouse Gas

Historically Underutilized Businesses

Household Hazardous Waste

IES ISC

Illuminating Engineering Society

Internal Sustainability Committee International Organization for Standardization

ISO

LED

Light-Emitting Diode

One Thousand British Thermal Units, often used in natural gas and other industries Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent Minority- or Women-Owned Business Enterprise Office of Sustainability and Resilience

MBtu

MT CO 2e

M/WBE

OSR REC RFP SEP

Renewable Energy Certificate

Request for Proposals

Strategic Energy Plan

USGBC

US Green Building Council

Background and Introduction In December 2022, the Greensboro City Council approved the Strategic Energy Plan (SEP), which addresses the City of Greensboro Resolution 19 0770, to provide a plan for municipal operations to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2040. The SEP includes an extensive array of goals, recommendations, strategies, and actions to accomplish over a long-term period toward an energy vision.

as they carry out projects and establish policies that advance the SEP and beyond. The OSR is also responsible for compiling, analyzing, and reporting on the many datasets and metrics that describe and quantify the City’s progress toward achieving the goals of the SEP. About this Report The OSR began the SEP implementation January 2023. This report presents the first Annual Progress Report as requested by Resolution 19-0770. It depicts concise descriptions of the activities implemented during calendar year 2023, which includes the organization-wide recommendations described on pages 30 through 56 of the SEP. This report also provides a closer look at the expansion of the OSR and many of the highlights experienced during 2023.

The City’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience (OSR) is an extension of the Executive Department and administrator of the SEP, providing sustainability and resilience-related services for all City departments

including policy, program and partnership development to advance climate-resilient

operations. Therefore, the OSR will be responsible for implementing some of the SEP’s strategies and actions and coordinating efforts by City departments

Parks & Recreation

Engineering & Inspections

Field Operations

Planning

Office of Sustainability & Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer S. Shree Dorestant

Environmental Compliance & Support Manager Richard Lovett

Sustainability Planning Administrator Jeff Sovich

Sustainability Analyst Michelle Gill-Moffat

Energy Manager Sergey Kobelev

Environmental Compliance Coordinator Eddie Raynard Sustainability Compliance Specialist Sarah Montgomery

Landfill Specialist Mike Szychowicz

Sustainability Analyst John Hendricks

Landfill Technician John Ridge

Environmental Compliance Analyst Bonnie Ware

Office of Sustainability & Resilience Organizational Chart

City of Greensboro Resolution 19-0770 This resolution initiated development of the SEP, and called for the following actions. Directive 1

Directive 7 A robust and inclusive program of public engagement, outreach, and education.

Specific steps to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (from City operations) by 40 percent or more from estimated 2007 levels by 2025.

Directive 2 Specific steps to reduce overall energy consumption per square foot in all City-owned buildings by 40 percent or more from estimated 2007 levels by 2025. Directive 3 Achievable goals for transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy in City operations by 2040 from any combination of on-site and off-site renewable sources, including but not limited to: solar, wind, hydroelectric, renewable energy certificates (RECs), and green power purchases. Directive 4 Recommend practices and tools to measure avoided costs and return on investment resulting from implementation of renewable energy projects.

Directive 8 Preparation of an updated GHG inventory every two years.

Directive 9 Publication of an annual progress report.

Directive 10 Establish a diverse community partnership comprised of city staff, residents, corporate partners, and other interested stakeholders, to collaborate and provide guidance in developing the Strategic Energy Plan. Directive 11 The Strategic Energy Plan shall be submitted for review and consideration by the City Council, within one year.

Directive 5 Recommend funding strategies for projects that advance established goals for GHG reduction, energy efficiency, and renewable energy use.

Directive 6 Recommendations for incentivizing Greensboro residents and businesses to achieve similar progress on GHG reduction, energy efficiency, and renewable energy use, address cost burdens to ensure a just transition to renewable energy for all, and prioritize at-risk populations.

Directive 12 Officials and staff will consider all municipal

decisions in light of whether they will bring the City and its residents, businesses, and institutions closer to achieving the goal of 100% renewable energy.

SEP Organization-Wide Recommendations

Building Partnerships City staff began to establish diverse community partnerships early in the development of the SEP. Over time, the OSR staff members have continued to expand this partnership to include a broader cross-section of stakeholders from throughout the community. This Annual Progress Report will be shared directly with members of the partnership to update them on SEP implementation, which may necessitate additional meetings to discuss details and sustainable planning for future years. Recently, the OSR staff convened a group of City staff representing each of the 22 departments and 10 specialized offices. This Internal Sustainability Committee (ISC) will serve as a two-way conduit for the OSR to communicate and collaborate with internal stakeholders throughout the organization about the full range of sustainability and resilience related issues. The OSR staff will work with the ISC to develop a formal organization-wide policy that can be incorporated into decision-making processes.

Recommendation 1 The City should establish a Sustainability Office. Recommendation 2 Clean energy audit/installation/maintenance contracts will give priority to Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) and Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Recommendation 3 Publication of an annual progress report. Ensure energy decision are made in a way that promotes a just transition to renewable energy for all and prioritizes vulnerable communities. Recommendation 4 All new and substantially renovated City owned buildings will meet Greens Building standards. Recommendation 5 The City fleet should be comprised of zero emission vehicles by 2040. Recommendation 6 Establish a policy to achieve no net loss of tree canopy throughout the City for improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, and ongoing carbon sequestration. Recommendation 7 Develop an energy and waste education program for all City staff.

SEP TARGET

Objective: 100% Renewable Energy by 2040.

A Note about Greenhouse Gases The SEP incorporated a GHG inventory for municipal operations during calendar year 2019, and an examination of how this inventory compared with the 2007 baseline data. Resolution 19-0770 requires the preparation of an updated GHG inventory every two years. Accordingly, an updated GHG inventory will be prepared in 2024 and included in the second Annual Progress Report. Because updated data on GHG emissions for 2020 through 2022 is not yet available, this Annual Progress Report does not include an estimate of progress achieved toward the GHG emissions goals of the SEP.

Recommendation 8 Review current vehicle and equipment purchase/lease process for potential efficiency improvements

Organization-Wide Recommendations Progress RECOMMENDATION 1

information regarding conservation measures, City planning, and economic developments. One of the main objectives of the OSR is to bring awareness about sustainability and resilience efforts in the City by educating and engaging the community about the work of protection, management and restoration of Earth’s natural resources. Key programs the OSR currently manages include Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), Food Waste Collection Pilot, and LiveGreen Awards. Providing educational resources and continued learning opportunities is key to the success of any office, which is why the City exercises various methods for educating the public such as: • Paid advertising • Informational materials • Public signage (e.g., digital kiosks) • Electronic communication (e.g., website content, social media platforms and video conferencing) • Collaborative efforts with local stakeholders (e.g., local organizations, collegiate institutions, developers, etc.) • Environmental stewardship • HHW hotline and GSO Collects mobile app Programs Household Hazardous Waste Program Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is hazardous material that have already been used or can no longer be used. The average household in the US generates about 30 pounds of HHW per year, which reduces available landfill capacities. It is the City’s goal to reuse and recycle HHW material brought to reduce the threat to human health and the environment through proper disposal and recycling activities. The HHW Program is open to all residents of Guilford County and provides a safe and environmentally sound process for properly disposing hazardous materials. As an incentive to the residents of Guilford County, there is no charge at the site for dropping off materials. Another incentive is providing a mobile community recycling event also known as "Recycle Rodeo" twice

The City should establish a Sustainability Office.

STRATEGY 1.1 Approve and fund creation of a Sustainability Office. STRATEGY 1.2 Establish and fill Chief Sustainability Officer position.

STATUS: Completed

Dr. S. Shree Dorestant was hired as Chief Sustainability Officer on June 1, 2022, effectively establishing the Office of Sustainability and Resilience (OSR) within the Executive Department. On July 1, 2023, the OSR was expanded with an internal employee transfer of 10 staff positions from the Engineering and Inspections, Field Operations, Parks and Recreation, and Planning Departments. In addition, the OSR was approved for an inaugural cohort of the NC Climate Action Corps, which allotted one full-time AmeriCorps member for 2023-24 (11-month period) to work for the City of Greensboro in conjunction with Conserving Carolina, a North Carolina nonprofit organization. In November 2023, the OSR team members relocated from various City facilities, to a group of offices in the J. Edward Kitchen Operations Center in order to optimize collaboration and effectiveness. The OSR’s areas of focus include: • Education and Outreach • Energy Management • Environmental Compliance and Support • Sustainability and Resiliency Planning Education and Outreach Prior to the establishment of the OSR, the City had implemented numerous education and outreach initiatives informing local residents and others about

a year (spring and fall) in various Greensboro districts encouraging local residents to be more mindful about their waste production and everyday practices.

The initial phase of the pilot program was a partnership with Triad Compost Service and the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market. It proved incredibly successful. The second phase, a partnership with Triad Compost Service and Deep Roots Market in downtown Greensboro, began mid-October of 2023. The fall phase of the pilot program has had even more participation, which caused the City to increase the number of collection carts (from one to three) on-site and number of pickups per week.

Recycle Rodeo Fall 2023

For more information regarding proper waste management, call the City’s HHW hotline, 336-373-2196 or use the GSO Collects mobile application on your personal mobile device or computer to query where certain materials should be disposed.

2023 HHW Statistics Calls to HHW Hotline HHW facility visitors

2,972

22,847

Total ton of HHW collected

961 362

Total tons of electronics collected Total tons diverted from landfills

1,323

Food Waste Collection Pilot Program The Food Waste Collection Pilot Program is a public-private partnership. This program is open to all residents of Guilford County and provides a sustainable method for reducing food waste in our local landfills when composting at home is not feasible.

Deep Roots Market - Food Waste Collection Dropoff Location Greensboro Sustainable Landscapes Project The Greensboro Sustainable Landscapes Project is an educational initiative led by OSR in partnership with other City departments and community partners to encourage residents to use environmentally friendly landscaping practices to enhance the natural environments in and around their homes and businesses. It launched in November 2023 with its first

Food Waste Diverted from Landfill April 80 lbs. May 240 lbs. June 400 lbs. July 440 lbs. August

Total for 2023 2.788 tons Estimated GHG emissions avoided: 2.34 MTCO 2e

120 lbs. October 75 lbs.

November 2,033 lbs. December 2,190 lbs.

campaign, encouraging residents and businesses to “Leave the Leaves” during leaf season. More than 200 residents pledged to leave leaves from nearly 2,300 trees on lawns or to mulch them instead of raking and bagging them. This process reduces carbon emissions from trucking leaves to mulching facilities, creates natural fertilizer for lawns, and provides food and shelter for small creatures. Program participants received a sign to identify their yard as a “sustainable landscape.

participated in or hosted 47 events with more than 3,600 participants. Outreach is the heart of the OSR, and collaboration is the magic key to achieving sustainability goals. We have very little time to secure a sustainable future, which is why we must collaborate to make more long-lasting solutions that are visible and tangible.

Ghoulash in Center City Park

Inaugural Live Green Awards

Climate Resiliency Center Grant At the beginning of 2023, the OSR was invited to collaborate with NC A&T State University on a proposal to establish a Climate Resiliency Center (CRC) in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. The proposal was awarded by the Department of Energy in early fall 2023. The team’s proposal underscored the importance of using GIS and other modeling studies to quantify the effects of a changing climate on air quality and urban heat, and the subsequent undue burden on marginalized communities in these cities. “We’ll be looking at climate impacts on vulnerable communities in the Triad area of North Carolina, primarily Greensboro, Winston-Salem and even Charlotte,” said principal investigator Dr. Solomon Bililign of NC A&T. “We are also trying to investigate the formation of secondary organic aerosols from the interaction of biogenic emissions from plants and trees in the region with anthropogenic emissions (fossil fuel emissions) that can form ground-level ozone, which is a pollutant.” Tree Canopy Grant In September, the City of Greensboro was granted $825,000 by the US Department of Agriculture’s

Live Green Awards The Live Green Awards Program was launched in 2023 as a way to celebrate and recognize the Greensboro businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals who apply sustainable practices in their everyday processes and demonstrate ways to create a more sustainable and resilient future. The Award categories are as follows: • Energy Wise Award

• In Touch with Nature Award • Friend of Sustainability Award

• Waste Not Award • Water Wise Award • Quality of Life Award

Six individuals and organizations were honored at the City’s Earth Day 2023 celebration. The City also recognized three NCA&T students who were winners of the Food Waste Poster competition. Community Outreach & Events Community outreach is an integral part of the success of the OSR. We are committed to fostering effective relationships with our stakeholders and collaborators, and connecting our residents to information and resources. During the 2023, the OSR

Energy Management The primary energy management efforts in the City of Greensboro aim to reduce emissions and energy costs by improving energy efficiency in City buildings and operations. The Energy Management Section identifies, plans, and monitors implementation of energy efficiency measures to achieve the following goals: • Provide sustainable and resilient energy consumption figures in City operations; • Maximize the use of clean energy; • Minimize the cost of energy; • Minimize GHG emissions by optimization of energy use; • Reduce the environmental impacts; • Coordinate planning and development of sustainable and resilient city assets and operations using the most advanced technologies, materials, and approaches; • Maximize resiliency and safety of the City’s energy infrastructure; • Monitor safety and resilience of City assets (buildings and structures);

Forest Service for a 5-year project that will conduct a tree canopy study and engage disadvantaged communities of Greensboro. The grant will be overseen by the OSR with support from other City departments. The City’s proposal was submitted late spring 2023 and was one of 842 reviewed during the national competition totaling more than $6.4 billion in requests. The overall scope of the project is to plant and maintain trees, combat the effects of extreme heat and climatic weather events, and improve access to nature in US cities. The $1 billion funding is provided by the federal Inflation Reduction Act and is considered the largest climate investment in history.

• Provide quantitative metrics to support the sustainability and resilience programmatic

progress as it relates to the implementation of the SEP, which ultimately provides indicators to the basis for energy, environmental, and resilience decisions of the City.

NC Arbor Day 2023 - Dudley High School

City of Greensboro Highest Total Energy Use (MBtu)

Kathleen Clay Edwards Library EF White St Phase 2 Blower SWR US 220N @ Horsepen Creek WR New Garden Rd Booster WR Jus ce Building EF Closed - Natural Science Ctr Z Bledsoe Drive Sanitary Li WR Sportsplex EF Reedy Fork 2 Sanitary Li WR Simkins Pavillion @ Barber Park P&R Greensboro Historical Museum EF Mntnc Yrd - ElBus Charger GTA Police District 3 EF Police Headquarters EF Public Safety Training Facility EF Central Library EF Lake Brandt Sta on WR Greensboro Cultural Center EF GTA - Opera ons & Maint Bldg GDOT Tanger Performing Arts Center COL Kitchen Opera on Center EF GTA - J Douglas Galyon Depot EF North Buffalo Water Reclama on WR Melvin Municipal Office Bldg EF Mitchell Filter Plant WR Greensboro Aqua c Center COL Townsend Water Treatment WR Greensboro Coliseum COL GDOT - Street Ligh ng Y TZ Osborne Water Reclama on WR

20,000

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In 2018, Energy Management established an aerial drone inspection service for mapping, inventory and structural condition assessment of City facilities. This project saves resources and improves safety of the buildings. Environmental Compliance and Support The Environmental Compliance and Support Section acts as an internal resource to assist City departments in identifying, managing, and addressing environmental challenges and impacts to reduce the City’s potential liability. With a staff having more than 75 years of environmental experience, the division brings professional expertise in Brownfields, underground and aboveground storage tanks, solid waste management, groundwater, surface water and soil remediation, vapor intrusion, air quality, and GIS spatial analyses together to provide comprehensive expertise to ensure departments best manage City resources. Sustainability and Resiliency Planning The Sustainability and Resiliency Planning Section seeks to connect the community with the OSR’s roadmap for making Greensboro a more sustainable and resilient place to not only live, but thrive. This involves but is not limited to the development of plans, green policies, and programming designed for public-facing outreach and engagement encircling sustainability and resiliency. Community Sustainability Council (CSC) The CSC is made up of nine Greensboro residents appointed by Council. Its mission is to promote citywide sustainability initiatives. The CSC hosts meetings every second Monday of each month at 4 pm to engage community stakeholders through education, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing to propose sustainable policies and encourage innovation. Established in 2008, the Greensboro Community Sustainability Council was instrumental in initiating the Strategic Energy Plan (SEP) and in guiding development of the it through adoption in 2022. In collaboration with Councilmember Marikay Abuzuaiter, CSC's City Council liaison, the CSC championed creation of the chief sustainability officer position, and applauded the selection of Dorestant to fill this role. In 2023, the CSC successfully launched the LiveGreen

Awards program, which recognized the contributions of Greensboro businesses, non-profits, and individuals in six sustainability focus areas. More recently, the CSC and Councilmember Abuzuaiter urged the City to demonstrate, through a clear commitment of resources, that sustainability is essential for achieving Greensboro's vision to be a community with endless economic opportunities and exceptional quality of life. As a result of these efforts, the Office of Sustainability and Resilience expanded in July 2023 and was staffed with a team of 10 City employees transferred from several departments.

2023 CSC

Nicole Spivey Gaines, Co-Chair At-Large Eric Ireland, Co-Chair City Council District 1 Conor Baker, Vice Chair City Council District 5 Jacques Pierre City Council District 2 Jerry Leimenstoll City Council District 3 Dr. Vicki Foust City Council District 4

Andrew Randall At-Large Jailah White At-Large Vacant At-Large

Marikay Abuzuaiter City Council Liaison Will Yearns

Real Estate & Construction Industry Advisor

RECOMMENDATION 2

RECOMMENDATION 3

Clean energy audit/installation/ maintenance contracts will give priority to Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) and Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE).

Ensure energy decisions are made in a way that promotes a just transition to renewable energy for all and prioritizes vulnerable communities.

STRATEGY 3.1 Establish criteria to identify the most impacted and vulnerable communities in the City. STRATEGY 3.2 Identify the most impacted and vulnerable communities.

STRATEGY 1.2 Energy focused Requests for Proposals should contain language indicating a preference to work with a HUB or an MWBE. STRATEGY 2.2 The Minority and Women Business

STATUS: Initiated

The OSR staff have gained access to an array of datasets and mapping tools which will be used to identify impacted and vulnerable communities within Greensboro in order to target education, outreach, and assistance efforts. The OSR will aim to apply principles of the Justice40 Initiative in implementing the SEP.

Enterprise (MWBE) Office will offer workshops on how to obtain HUB/ MWBE Certification.

STATUS: Initiated

The OSR developed a Request for Proposals (RFP) for contractors to provide energy audits and recommendations for energy conservation measures in selected City buildings that are its largest energy consumers. The work will be done in compliance with ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards and state and federal requirements. This process will include a team of City representatives including a member from the MWBE office to ensure an equitable process is performed.

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RECOMMENDATION 4

RECOMMENDATION 5

All New and Substantially Renovated City-Owned Buildings will meet Green Building standards.

The City fleet should be comprised of zero-emission vehicles by 2040.

STRATEGY 5.1 Create a Sustainable Fleet Policy.

STRATEGY 4.1 Use the ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/ IES Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High-Performance

STATUS: Initiated

The Greensboro Transit Agency developed a zero emission fleet transition plan for its vehicles. Information from this plan, any previous assessments, and a fleet efficiency study will be used to influence a Sustainable Fleet Policy.

Green Buildings except Low Rise Residential Buildings, or comparable standard for all new and substantially renovated City owned buildings.

The OSR staff have begun recommending use of applicable Energy Star and ISO 50000 certifications or other comparable standard in Technical Review Committee site plan reviews of new and substantially renovated City-owned buildings. STATUS: Ongoing

RECOMMENDATION 6

RECOMMENDATION 7

Establish a policy to achieve no net loss of the tree canopy throughout the City, for improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, and ongoing carbon sequestration. STRATEGY 6.1 Collaborate with Greensboro Beautiful, Sierra Club, Planning Department, City Arborist, Housing & Neighborhood Development, the NeighborWoods Program, and other stakeholders to develop a 20 year strategy to maintain the tree canopy. STRATEGY 6.2 Conduct a baseline tree canopy audit, followed by an update every five years.

Develop an Energy and Water Education Program for all City staff.

STRATEGY 7.1 People & Culture Department development of three courses: Electricity Conservation, Water Conservation, and Eco-Driving.

STATUS: Initiated

Staff in the Equipment Services Division of the Financial & Administrative Services Department, People & Culture, and the OSR have begun research and scoping for development of an internal idling reduction training course.

RECOMMENDATION 8

STATUS: Initiated

Staff in the OSR initiated internal discussions for closer evaluations of the vehicle inventory, equipment purchase and lease processes, and will have an update in the 2024 progress report. STATUS: Initiated STRATEGY 8.1 Evaluate departmental sharing of specialized vehicles and infrequently used equipment. Review current vehicle and equipment purchase/lease process for potential efficiency improvements.

The OSR applied for and was awarded a grant of $825,000 from the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service that will be used to prepare an updated tree canopy inventory and management plan.

Prioritize Actions

Immediate Actions (Years 1-5) Note: Items that do not have significant action to report this year are not included. ACTION 1 Adopt City of Greensboro recommendations. STATUS: Initiated Implementation has been initiated on Organization Wide Recommendations 1-7. ACTION 4 Establish criteria to identify the most impacted and vulnerable communities in the City. STATUS: Ongoing As applicable, the OSR staff will use an array of datasets, analysis, and mapping tools to identify impacted and vulnerable communities within Greensboro in order to target education, outreach, and assistance efforts. ACTION 8 Implement water/energy efficiency projects for lower-wealth residents. STATUS: Initiated The OSR submitted a proposal for funding through the US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. At least 40 percent of the benefits of proposed projects will flow to disadvantaged communities. Proposed projects will be finalized in 2024.

ACTION 12 Audit water and wastewater equipment and implement efficiency measures suggested by the audit. STATUS: Ongoing The Water Resources Department prepared an engineering study of its water and wastewater equipment, which was completed in 2021. Replacement of equipment is now prioritized based on the energy efficiency measurements from the study. ACTION 26 Review land use ordinances and building permit policies for obstacles to community solar installation. STATUS: Ongoing Greensboro was designated SolSmart Bronze in 2021. The application process included an extensive review of the Land Development Ordinance and permitting requirements. Additional actions, including policy amendments, are needed to earn Silver or Gold designation.

Energy Goals, Strategies and Actions Progress Energy Use by Department Water Resources Department Transportation Department

GOAL 1

GOAL 2

Increase LED streetlamp conversion by 5% per year.

Reduce electricity demand by 40% from 2007 to 2025.

STRATEGY 1.1 Increase the conversion of street lighting to LED. A1.1.1 Work with Duke Energy to ensure conversion meets the yearly goal.

STRATEGY 2.1 Increase equipment efficiency. A2.1.1 Audit water and wastewater equipment. A2.1.2 Implement efficiency measures suggested by audit. The Water Resources Department prepared an engineering study of its water and wastewater equipment in 2021. Replacement of equipment is now prioritized in the Capital Improvements Program based on the energy efficiency measurements from the study. STATUS: Ongoing

STATUS: Ongoing

The Transportation Department continues to coordinate with Duke Energy on LED conversion of the 27,000+ streetlamps and other public outdoor lighting owned and managed by Duke. As of October 2023, 39.6 percent of all lamps used LEDs, up from 15.2 percent in 2019. This represents an average pace of 6.1 percent per year.

Solar and LED lighting on the Downtown Greenway

Police Department

Engineering & Inspections BUILDINGS MANAGED BY

GOAL 1

Reduce gasoline consumption by 5% per year.

Reduce electricity demand by 40% from 2007 to 2025.

STRATEGY 1.2 Fleet conversion to electric vehicles.

STRATEGY 1.1 Increase building energy efficiency (1st Tier buildings). A1.1.1 Perform energy audits on buildings.

STATUS: Initiated

Staff from the OSR, the Equipment Services Division of Financial and Administrative Services Department and the Transportation Department attended the Electrify the South workshop to learn about strategies and resources available to local governments for transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles. Staff from the Environmental Compliance and Support Section of the OSR is currently analyzing the fuel consumption logs for all City vehicles and plans to work with Equipment Services Division to provide information identifying the least efficient vehicles, which will assist with the lease replacement to acquire more fuel-efficient means of transportation.

STATUS: Initiated

Transportation Department

Solid Waste & Recycling Department

GOAL 1

Reduce gasoline consumption by 5% per year.

Reduce diesel consumption by 5% per year.

STRATEGY 1.1 Fleet conversion to electric vehicles.

STRATEGY 1.3 Fleet conversion to electric vehicles.

STATUS: Initiated

White Street Landfill renewable energy facility

Transportation Department

Community Incentives Progress

GOAL 1

Reduce diesel consumption by 5% per year.

Incentivize Greensboro residents and businesses to achieve similar progress on GHG reduction, energy efficiency, and renewable energy use as the City.

STRATEGY 1.3 Fleet conversion to electric vehicles.

STATUS: Initiated

Greensboro Transit Agency, managed by the Transit Department, has completed a zero-emissions fleet transition plan. STRATEGY 1.4 Support implementation of GTA Mobility Greensboro 2040 Plan to increase ridership throughout the City.

STRATEGY 1.2 Remove obstacles to clean, renewable energy installation, and energy efficiency projects.

STATUS: Initiated

The OSR submitted a proposal for funding through the US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. At least 40 percent of the benefits of proposed projects will flow to disadvantaged communities. Proposed projects will be finalized in 2024.

STATUS: Initiated

The Greensboro Transit Agency is currently developing a new long range transit plan, GoBORO, to help achieve Greensboro's goal of becoming a car optional city by 2045.

A1.2.1

Review land use ordinances and building permit policies for obstacles. Obtain SolSmart Designation.

A1.2.3

STATUS: Initiated

Greensboro was designated SolSmart Bronze in 2021. The application process included an extensive review of the Land Development Ordinance and permitting requirements. Additional actions, including policy amendments are needed to earn Silver or Gold designation.

www.greensboro-nc.gov/sustainability PO Box 3136 • Greensboro, NC 27402-3136

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