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1.
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Introductions |
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2.
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Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this agenda (speakers may be limited to three minutes). |
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3.
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APPROVE Record of Action from July 26, 2021, Meeting of the Sustainability Committee.
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The Record of Action from the September 27, 2021 Meeting of the Sustainability Committee was approved. |
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4.
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Receive update on BayREN program activities.
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Demian Hardman, DCD, provided an update on the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) Programs. BayREN is a collaboration of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties and works to promote and fund energy efficiency programs. As one of three regional energy networks (RENs) in California, BayREN houses three categories of programs; Residential, Commercial, and Codes and Standards. Each program focuses on a different sector to provide support and funding for electrification. Hardman reviewed the various programs (see attached presentation for more details).
Hardman presented the Committee with data showing progress made on electrification programs throughout the county. Key findings include an increase in Home+ Projects in some communities from 2019-2020, concentrated in areas such as Walnut Creek, Danville, Lafayette, San Ramon, and Pleasant Hill. Overall, Contra Costa County ranks above average in comparison to other BayREN counties in the number of Home+ Rebate Measures complete from 2019 to 2021. The Committee was pleased to hear how the county fares in comparison to others, and had concerns about the distribution of projects.
The Committee observed that the wealthier areas of the county disproportionally benefit from the programs and services offered by BayREN. The Committee recommended a change in outreach strategy to focus on the lower turnout areas, which happen to be the more impacted and lower income communities. From the data, it’s clear that the wealthier areas (Danville, Walnut Creek, San Ramon) constitute a significant portion of the projects/money.
The Committee provided feedback regarding outreach strategies, specifically targeting impacted communities with mailers/other forms of outreach. The Committee directed staff to return with an update at the next meeting in November.
During public comment, Sarah Foster suggested the outreach strategy should revisit the basics of equity. A good start might be to make materials accessible in Spanish, as well as other languages. The Committee agreed and observed that the BayREN website is only accessible in English. The Committee recommended that BayREN reorganize the website to make it more user-friendly. |
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Attachments: |
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BayREN EE Program Update
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5.
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RECEIVE UPDATE on Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force.
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Jody London, DCD, provided an update on the Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force. In September 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Climate Emergency Resolution that created the Task Force. The Task Force recommended establishing the Sustainability Fund, which the Board has endorsed and is being developed by Public Works. A steering committee is focusing efforts on having each department adopt best practices from the County’s Green Business Program. These practices will aid in improving sustainability within each department through mechanisms such as reducing food waste, improving energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, and recycling electronic waste. The Task Force’s semi-annual reports to the Board for the near future will likely focus on implementation of the Sustainability Fund and helping departments adopt best practices from the Green Business Program. |
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Attachments: |
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CCGBP x Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force
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6.
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RECEIVE report from Sustainability Commission Chair, or designee.
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Sarah Foster, Sustainability Commission Vice Chair, provided an overview of the August 23, 2021, Sustainability Commission meeting, which focused on water. The Commission received presentations on water supply and water conservation from Contra Costa Water District, Diablo Water District, and EBMUD. The agencies discussed how they were preparing for water supply during a drought, and shared climate-related goals. Members asked about the use of recycled water in the county, sustainable groundwater and wastewater challenges, and building codes to more easily allow for things like rainwater capture. Moving forward, the Commission would like the County to integrate these topics into climate action measures.
The Commission received two reports from members. The first was an update on the working group that wants to recommend a definition of sustainability. That working group needs additional time. The second update was a report from a sub-group of members that toured the Marathon and PBF refineries. |
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7.
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RECEIVE report from Sustainability Coordinator.
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Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, highlighted some of the items in the written report provided in the agenda. |
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8.
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The next meeting is currently scheduled for November 22, 2021. |
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9.
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Adjourn |