BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Climate Change Mitigation - Update on Progress Towards Carbon Neutrality by 2020.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Receive and discuss information on the District's progress towards carbon neutrality by 2020.
Body
SUMMARY:
This is the update of District staff efforts to achieve carbon neutrality for the District by 2020. Using the methodology adopted by the Board in 2013, staff estimates that the District can offset 22,360 of its 23,000 metric tons of CO2e emissions in 2020. Staff will continue to refine this estimate on an annual basis, and will also continue to explore opportunities to reduce its carbon footprint over the next five years to meet this goal.
Background
As the primary water resources agency for Santa Clara County, the District manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, natural flood protection, and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County's 1.9 million residents.
The District's ability to provide those services is challenged by the potential of warmer temperatures, changing precipitation and runoff patterns, reduced snow pack, and rising sea levels. Managing climate change related uncertainties, vulnerabilities, and risks to local water resource management is critical to fulfill the District's mission.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission mitigation or reduction refers to District activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by District activities towards achieving carbon neutrality. District's strategies towards carbon neutrality include:
1. Establishing a District-wide internal carbon offset methodology to facilitate emission reduction including properly crediting emission reductions from water conservation programs, habitat restoration or enhancements or renewable energy production and contributions to countywide emission reduction efforts;
2. Increasing fleet fuel use efficiency;
3. Maintaining a portfolio of alterna...
Click here for full text