STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Environmental & Sustainability
AGENDA DATE: August 28, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize a resolution in support of the Comprehensive Environmental Climate Action Plan (CECAP) and Environmental Commission (EVC) recommendations through the 2024 Bond program - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
On May 27, 2020, the City Council unanimously adopted the Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) (Resolution No. 20-0688). The CECAP includes 97 climate mitigation, climate adaptation, environmental quality, and environmental justice actions to advance the following eight goals: Goal 1, Dallas’ buildings are energy efficient and climate resilient; Goal 2, Dallas generates and uses renewable, reliable, and affordable energy; Goal 3, Dallas’ communities have access to sustainable, affordable transportation options; Goal 4, Dallas is a Zero Waste community; Goal 5, Dallas protects its water resources and its communities from flooding and drought; Goal 6, Dallas protects and enhances its ecosystems, trees, and green spaces that in turn improve public health; Goal 7, All Dallas’ communities have access to healthy, local food; and Goal 8, All Dallas’ communities breathe clean air.
In May 2023, staff briefed the Environment and Sustainability Council (ENVS) Committee on advancing the CECAP through the 2024 Bond program.
At the request of the ENVS Committee, staff began working with departments to ensure the City advances the CECAP through the 2024 Bond program using, among other things, relevant strategies, policies, and plans such as: the Green Building Program (Resolution No. 03-0367), the Cement Certification Policy (Resolution No. 11-0657), Complete Streets (Resolution No. 16-0173), the Tree and Landscape Ordinance (Resolution No. 18-0977), Resilient Dallas (Resolution No. 18-1026), the Green Energy Policy (Resolution No. 19-0484), the City Paving and Drainage Criteria (Resolution No. 19-1431), the Urban Forest Master Plan (Resolution No. 21-1030), the Economic Development Incentive Policy (Resolution No. 23-0220), the Comprehensive Urban Agriculture Plan (Resolution No. 23-0373), the Racial Equity Plan (Resolution No. 22-1588), and the CECAP.
Staff also worked with the Environmental Commission (EVC), Strategic Partnerships & Innovation Subcommittee, to convene panels of National and International experts in sustainable design and construction to provide specific recommendations for use on the 2024 Bond Program. The focus was to advance CECAP targets, including achieving 100 percent net zero energy new construction by 2030. On May 10, 2023, the (EVC) unanimously supported recommendations from the EVC Strategic Partnerships & Innovation Subcommittee, which include: requiring LEED™ Gold for appropriate City buildings and considering piloting building projects using more sustainable certification levels and programs (e.g., LEED™ Zero Carbon, Architecture 2030 Framework, International Living Future Institute design principles); requiring Envision and/or SITES for non-building infrastructure projects and considering piloting Smart Surface tools, Parksmart, and climate positive design; requiring appliances and equipment with a top 20% Energy Star® rating; requiring the energy benchmarking and tracking of performance data of projects using the Department of Energy’s Green Button product; and requiring the submittal by vendors of environmental product declarations (EPDs) at the time of bid; and;
The financial commitment may include additional upfront project cost for design and construction, including projects that seek LEED Gold, Envision, or SITES certification. A 2013 study of a sample of Dallas’ LEED facilities found that the initial construction was 0.24% greater than a non-LEED building. Long-term energy costs, however, were more significant, resulting in the use of 12.5% less electricity and natural gas and a 3-year energy savings of over $194,000; reduced long-term maintenance; and 47.7% less water consumption. Other sources show that LEED Gold certification can bring a capital cost of 3-5% above code-minimum buildings while resulting in long-term cost savings. Based on available data, Envision certification of a $25M public works project would cost approximately $100k, or 0.4%; and SITES certification would cost approximately $6,500 for projects greater than 2,000 square feet.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On February 8, 2023, the Environmental Commission unanimously approved the Strategic Partnerships and Innovation Subcommittee recommendations on “2024 Bond funding to support CECAP’s environmental and equity actions.”
The Environment and Sustainability Council Committee was briefed by memorandum on “Environmental Commission Recommendations on 2024 Bond Performance Criteria” on March 6, 2023.
The Environment and Sustainability Council Committee was briefed on “Updated CECAP Considerations for 2024 Bond Program” on May 1, 2023.
On May 10, 2023, the Environmental Commission unanimously approved “Net Zero Carbon Policy Recommendations.”
The Environment and Sustainability Council Committee was briefed on “Environmental Commission Recommendations on 2024 Bond Program Specifications” on June 6, 2023.
The Environmental Commission was briefed on “Updated CECAP Considerations for 2024 Bond Program” on January 10, 2024.
The Parks, Trails, and the Environment Council Committee was briefed on “Updated CECAP Considerations for 2024 Bond Program” on February 5, 2024.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.