BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
The responsibilities of the Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission include: (1) Provide advice to staff and the Board on successful implementation of the Climate Action Plan, including suggestions on how that work can be performed more efficiently and effectively; (2) Advise the Board on opportunities to realize equity and fairness across the diverse communities of Contra Costa County in sustainability programs that support the Climate Action Plan; and (3) Provide suggestions to staff and the Board on how to better engage Contra Costa County residents and businesses on sustainability issues and implementation of the Climate Action Plan. The Sustainability Commission at its April 26, 2021 meeting received a report from Wes Sullens in his role as Director, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The report focused on USGBC’s green building rating system and
opportunities to integrate LEED principles into the County’s Climate Action Plan. The Commission formed a working group to explore ideas and develop recommendations.
At the June 28, 2021 meeting of the Sustainability Commission, the Commission unanimously adopted four of the five recommendations brought forward by the working group. The recommendations are described in greater detail in the attachment. They include: (1) All-electric requirements for new buildings. (Note: this issue has been discussed by the Sustainability Committee and is on the August 3 Board agenda for discussion and direction.) (2) Procurement policies and lifecycle greenhouse gas analysis. (3) Buy Clean California specifications. (4) Adaptability and repurposing of public buildings.
The Sustainability Commission recommends the Board take action to adopt and implement these policies.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to take action on the recommendations in the letter means the Board would be disregarding the advice of the Sustainability Commission.