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Stamford Cool & Green 2020
An environmental proclamation issued by Mayor Dannel P. Malloy on October 15, 2007 (updated July 2009).
The City of Stamford Local Action Plan (2004) adopted a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2018.
Stamford joined SmartPower’s 20% by 2010 Campaign in March 2005, committing to make at least 20% of its energy purchases come from renewable energy sources by 2010.
Energy Efficiency
Proposed Stamford Energy Improvement (or Independent) District
An Energy Improvement District initially contained within the downtown and South End of Stamford, with the potential for expansion, will be managed by a five member Board. The Board will create a business plan, which will promote the development of combined heat and power generation and renewable power within the District for the purpose of improved power quality and reliability, improvement in economic attractiveness and competitive advantage, and improved energy efficiency.
Co-Generation demonstration project at the Government Center
Plans are underway for the installation of a co-generation plant at the Government Center. The plant, entirely funded by third party investors, would be a model for the creation of power generation within the proposed Energy Improvement District.
Rippowam solar systems
The City has received $2 million in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds for two large solar systems for Rippowam Middle School (172 kilowatts) and our Highway Department Facility (72 kilowatts). Once Connecticut Clean Energy Fund grant funding is approved by the State, construction will begin in 2009.
10% Challenge
The 10% Challenge is a voluntary program to help households and businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10%. The 10% Challenge provides the tools and the information necessary to conserve energy at home and work.
LEED standards for private buildings
- Ask Zoning Board to require that all commercial and residential buildings requiring site plans be LEED Certifiable by 2011 (to include a LEED scorecard prepared by a LEED Accredited professional on the project team regardless of whether or not the project intends to seek LEED certification).
- Ask Board of Representatives to authorize building fee reductions for commercial and residential buildings that meet specific LEED certifications as follows: 10% for LEED Silver, 20% for LEED gold and 25% for LEED platinum. (If certification is achieved, the equivalent amount will be refunded to the developer.)
Conversion of the City car fleet to hybrids and alternative fuels
The City shall make every effort to purchase and use the lowest emission vehicle or equipment item possible, while taking into account the vehicle’s life-cycle costs and the ability to support City operations and services. The overall goal will be to convert 20% of the existing fleet to hybrid, alternative fuels, or high fuel efficiency vehicles within 5 years. We will also distribute an internal policy that would require an explanation from Department Managers who purchase or lease new vehicles why they are not purchasing a hybrid vehicle or an alternative fuel vehicle.
Green Lights Program
- The “Green Lights” Program is a voluntary program to help households and businesses reduce energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money by replacing traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). If each citizen replaced just one traditional light bulb with a CFL bulb, the combined actions would prevent 99,342,027 lbs of greenhouse gas emissions, an air pollution reduction equivalent of removing 8,658 cars from the road. To promote this initiative, the City is committed to supplying 5,000 free bulbs to its residents.
- The program provides information about the advantages of CFL bulbs, a message statement from the Mayor, general information on usage and disposal of CFLs, and purchase information.
- Promote a partnership with the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and Connecticut Light & Power, which expands on the current Energy Lighting Sale, by providing a limited number of free CFL bulbs to residents.
- Promote a partnership with the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and Connecticut Light & Power to provide low-income families in the City with at least one CFL bulb per household.
Champion time-of-use meters by CL&P
Seek to introduce legislation to encourage the promotion of lower electric rates for off-peak usage by installing time-of-use meters within the home so residents can see the cost of energy as they use it. The addition of benchmarking analysis on monthly utility bills, showing how their consumption compares to homes of similar size, would also encourage personal responsibility.
Renewable Energy
Challenge to residents and businesses of Stamford sign up for CTCleanEnergyOptions on their electric bills
- Challenge to the residents of the City to enroll in the CT Clean Energy Options program with a stated goal of making Stamford number one in the State for enrollment and thereby the Cleanest & Greenest energy city in the State. For every 100 residents who sign up, the City will receive a solar clean energy system.
- The Challenge provides answers to frequently asked questions about Clean Energy Options through the City’s website.
- Consider a door-to-door campaign, along with posters / flyers at all schools and the Government Center promoting the Challenge.
Solid Waste/Recycling
Increase Stamford’s solid waste recycling to 40% by 2010
Stamford adopted single stream recycling on July 1, 2009. Single stream allows residents to place all recyclable items in one bin, which simplifies the process vastly. Typically, single stream results in at least a 25% recycling rate increase in municipalities that switch from dual stream. By complementing the new system with public education, we hope to increase recycling from 10% (last fiscal year figure) to 40% by 2010.
More frequent electronics recycling
A State ordinance is slated to go into effect in January 2010 that requires manufacturers of “covered electronics” (the State has a very specific list) to pay recycling companies to pick them up from municipal transfer stations. Once this law is in place, year-round electronics recycling will be available at our transfer stations.
Require new construction projects to divert 50% of their waste away from landfills
A draft construction waste recycling ordinance will be submitted for approval by the Board of Representatives in summer 2009.
Expand our composting system
Look into the feasibility of establishing a food composting program in 2009, which would most likely start in Stamford schools.
Transportation
Transit Oriented Development and sustainable design in Glenbrook, Springdale, and East Main St.
Curb Your Car Challenge
- Issue a challenge to the residents of the City to walk or bike to work with a stated goal of a 25% increase in the total number of trips within the next 5 years.
- The City, through its Land Use Planning, with a special emphasis on Transit Oriented Development, is encouraging denser, mixed-use downtown development that promotes walking and biking.
Community
Create visible city staff/office for clean energy and climate control
Sustainable Stamford
Mayor’s task force and mission statement:
Sustainable Stamford includes members of the business, educational, environmental, and religious communities; City staff; and concerned citizens. Our mission is to promote energy efficiency, environmental education, waste reduction and recycling, greenhouse gas emission reductions, green building and all efforts affecting sustainability.
Green Procurement Policy Directive for the City of Stamford
Establish a list of the “top 10” green items or services that are routinely purchased by the City, or which represent a significant cost savings. Develop a policy to ensure that the green items chosen are purchased. General areas for consideration shall be cleaners, computers, fleets, office electronics, and paint.
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