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

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.

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