Title
Sustainability Manager Updates
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The ESB receives routine updates from the Sustainability Manager.
1. The Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study and Climate Action Plan
a. The agreement was approved by County Council on May 23, 2023 and Cascadia Consulting Group was awarded the contract.
b. The kickoff meeting was held on June 21, 2023
c. In August 2023, Los Alamos County employees were asked to share their 2022 commuting habits. Final response total is 315.
d. Community Survey was open from September 19 to October 18. In total 552 Los Alamos community members completed the survey.
e. The Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report was presented December 11 and the County Senior Management team also received an update on December 13th.
f. Cascadia is performing a Multi Criteria Analysis and Cost and Impact Assessment that will be present results with potential budget options to Council on March 5, 2024
2. Food Waste Composting Presentation was provided to Council on September 6, 2022. County Council voted unanimously to acknowledge and accept the ESB’s recommendation and direct the County Manager to implement a food composting system at Bayo Canyon using a windrow system; provide drop-off sites for residents and curbside collection for business; and incorporate this program into the revised Environmental Services associated fees and FY2024 budget development. Phase II - Design Services began December 2022. Due to unforeseen site constraints, alternative sites are being considered and will be presented to Council on February 6, 2024. Council approved recommendation to seek DOE approval to amend the lease to allow aerated static pile (ASP) composting at the Eco Station.
3. Los Alamos and other statewide regional partners are seeking EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funding for food composting. This grant application will require Council approval before April 1, 2024.
4. In the fall of 2023, the Los Alamos Resiliency, Energy, and Sustainability (LARES) Council Working Group was established to select LARES recommendations aimed to boost climate action in advance of the completion of the comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP). The Council Working Group focused on identifying recommendations from the existing LARES report that could quickly reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate impacts. Led by Councilors Theresa Cull, Suzie Havemann, and Randall Ryti, along with Board of Public Utilities Board Member Robert Gibson and Sustainability Manager Angelica Gurule, the Council Working Group selected 14 recommendations of which 11 were accepted by County Council on November 14, 2023. Staff were directed to return January 9, 2024, with an action plan to implement each of the selected recommendations. This action plan was approved by County Council on January 9, 2024.
The action plan is a product of collaboration across County departments and outlines steps to achieve Council’s goals. Implementation of the plan will require staff dedication, and some proposed initiatives will necessitate additional funding requests that may be included during the FY25 budget process. Council directed staff to return during FY25 budget process with the following budget options for Council consideration including funding to: 1) Solicit for a qualified contractor to provide energy audit services, 2) Develop an Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure plan encompassing design and deployment, 3) Develop a fleet conversion plan, 4) Upgrade two scheduled replacement gas vehicles to electric, and 5) Solicit for educational, marketing, and outreach services focused on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction.
The action plan includes both quick wins achievable within a 6-month time frame and more complex tasks needing additional time and resources, requiring more than 6 months. These actions along with strategic investments will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, enhance community resiliency against climate change and promote environmental awareness.
Once the CAP is adopted, any outstanding action items from Attachment A will be incorporated into the CAP.
Background:
The final report of the Los Alamos Resiliency Energy and Sustainability (LARES) Task Force contained many recommendations. Three recommendations were implemented: 1) Sustainability Manager position created and filled; and
2) Conduct Greenhouse Gas Study and Climate Action Plan; and 3) Provide ongoing outreach and education. The LARES recommendation GR-6 to “Create an on-going body of (largely citizen) collaborative stakeholders to advise Council, Department and Board of Public Utilities, and other relevant County bodies on implementing the goals and strategies recommended in the climate action plan and monitor progress.” From its inception ESB focused on solid waste topics; however, the code specified the scope as “environmental sustainability policies, programs, and services.” On March 14, 2023, County Council voted that the ESB work with the new Sustainability Manager in support of implementing the recommendations of LARES. The charter language remained unchanged; however, the Sustainability Manager and ESB will reside under the County Manager’s Office for support.
Attachments
E - Residential Sustainability Report - January 2024