Kirkland, WA Endorsing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement

Kirkland, WA, US

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Type: Policy

Status: Adopted

Source File: http://www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/Community/Kirkland_Green/climateprotection.htm

Description:

Climate Protection
Of the many commitments that the City of Kirkland has to protect its natural environment and conserve its natural resources, one pledge has gained momentum since the Kirkland City Council signed onto the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

Participating cities in the Agreement support:

• Urging the federal government and state governments to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the target of reducing global warming pollution levels to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012, including efforts to: reduce the United States’ dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel-efficient technologies such as conservation, methane recovery for energy generation, waste to energy, wind and solar energy, fuel cells, efficient motor vehicles, and biofuels;
• Urging the U.S. Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation that includes 1) clear timetables and emissions limits and 2) a flexible, market-based system of tradable allowances among emitting industries; and
• Striving to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution (reduce greenhouse gases to 7% below 1990 levels) by taking actions in our own operations and communities.

By signing the Mayors Agreement, the City of Kirkland pledged to achieve its own goals:

• Inventory global warming emissions in City operations and in the community, set reduction targets and create an action plan.
• Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create compact, walkable urban communities.
• Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction programs, incentives for car pooling, and public transit.
• Increase the use of clean, alternative energy by, for example, investing in “green tags”, advocating for the development of renewable energy resources, recovering landfill methane for energy production, and supporting the use of waste to energy technology.
• Make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofitting city facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve energy and save money
• Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for City use.
• Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U. S. Green Building Council’s LEED program or a similar system.
• Increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles; reduce the number of vehicles; launch an employee education program including anti-idling messages; convert diesel vehicles to bio-diesel.
• Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems; recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production.
• Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community.
• Maintain healthy urban forests; promote tree planting to increase shading and to absorb carbon dioxide.
• Help educate the public, schools, other jurisdictions, professional associations, business and industry about reducing global warming pollution.

To learn about the City’s progress, view the following:

• Climate Protection Update I(May, 2006)
• Climate Protection Update II (April, 2007)

Consistent with the Mayors Agreement, the City Council approved Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Targets for the City of Kirkland (as a municipal government) and the community and has begun development of an action plan to meet these targets.

Greenhouse Emissions Targets:

• 10% reduction of 2005 levels by 2012
• 20% reduction from 2005 levels by 2020
• 80% reduction from 2007 levels by 2050

The City Council also approved the City’s participation in the Green Power Partnership. The Partnership is administered by Puget Sound Energy and provides for the purchase of renewable energy to its customers.

To further achieve its climate protection efforts, the City has a strong commitment to creating a safe and pedestrian-friendly community. View the Walkable Community Profile to learn about programs and regulations that improve and enhance walkability in Kirkland.

In compliance with the State Commute Trip Reduction Act (RCW 70.94.521), the City enacted its Commute Trip Reduction Ordinance in 1993. The purpose of the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law is to reduce air pollution, traffic congestion and fuel consumption by encouraging commuters to bus, carpool, vanpool, bicycle, walk, or work compressed work weeks or flexible work schedules instead of driving alone to work everyday. The law requires major employers to provide employee transportation programs to encourage this shift. There are 12 major employers, including the City of Kirkland, actively participating in employee-based programs to help reduce drive alone trips and vehicle miles traveled and to meet pre-established goals. Click here to view the 2007 CTR Plan.

City zoning codes require that a Transportation Management Program (TMP) be implemented for office building space in excess of 50,000 square feet of floor area. There are approximately 20 TMP worksites in the City.