City of Benicia, CA
United States Mayor: Steve Young-
Population 27618
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Area 40.71km 2
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GDP N/AN/A
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Targets by N/A N/Aemission
Amending the Historic Conservation Plans to include
policies that encourage greening of historic structures
will reduce conflicts between historic preservation,
renewable energy, and energy efficiency upgrades. This
may include suggested locations for solar photovoltaic
panels; however, the Solar Rights Act of 1976 requires
cities and counties to “administratively” approve
applications to install solar energy systems by issuing a
building permit or other non-discretionary permit, based
strictly on health and safety. 28 Therefore, design review
cannot be required for the panels themselves or their
location; however, if the panels require an additional
structure to be constructed the City could require design
review for the structure itself.
- Residential
- Commercial
Replace fossil fuel powered public transit vehicles with
hybrid, electric, or low-emission vehicles to reduce
emissions related to public transportation.
- Transport
Establish appropriate graywater system permitting
exemptions for residential applications pursuant to
regulations set by the California Building Standards
Commission
- Residential
Developing incentives for employees to carpool is a
meaningful way for the City to encourage carpooling
within its own staff. Carpooling is one of many ways
employees can lower their carbon emissions related to
work commutes. Incentives include financial incentives
and vanpool service
- Transport
The City is currently develop a CalGreen C&D checklist for new construction projects that are required to meet a 50% waste diversion rate; also developing a questionnaire for entities not covered by CalGreen to determine if they divert any of their waste; informational flier wil be included with these forms when an applicatnt or contractor applies for a permit; this program may end up reducing costs for business owners because their tipping fees are reduced by diverting waste from the landfill (mixed trash is more expensive than discarding sorted recycled goods)
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
The Downtown Historic Conservation Plan emphasizes
the importance of the integrity of historic structures.
Retrofitting the interior of existing structures to
increase efficiency will reduce energy demand and lower
maintenance and operating costs, while staying within
the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
28 The City
can encourage energy efficiency retrofits by conducting
educational workshops and by providing informational
handouts and web-based resources.
- Residential
- Commercial
Promote different methods for reducing greenhouse
gas emissions throughout the year. Themes should be
integrated into the City website, quarterly Parks and
Recreation Activity Guide, informational kiosks, and
displays at City facilities such as City Hall, Benicia Public
Library, and the future Community Center.
Example Themes:
• Renewable Energy
Partner with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to
hold educational workshops about ways cities
can reduce greenhouse gases related to energy
production and distribution, including interactive
workshops on potential community strategies.
• Energy Efficiency
Partner with local contractors to hold workshops
and demonstrations about home and office
weatherization techniques and other ways that
reduce energy consumption within a home or
office.
• Locally Sourced Food
Provide community resources that educate the
public on the importance of locally grown food,
low mercury fish, organic produce, and nonprocessed foods, among other things.
- Residential
- Commercial
- Waste
Establish free or reduced bus fares for select groups of
local residents and employees to increase ridership and
reduce personal automobile trips
- Transport
Develop a renewable energy fund to provide capital
incentives for renewable energy technologies, and/or a
revolving loan program.
Option 1: Cash incentives – Develop a cash incentive
program for solar and wind generation systems.
Option 2: Revolving loan program – Create a revolving
loan program to offer micro-loans for projects that are
deemed appropriate by City established guidelines.
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
Capital Improvement Programs include regular
replacement of inefficient equipment to maintain
efficient industrial processes. Improvement programs
include increasing Butamer production, recycled water
consumption, replacement of floating roofs on storage
tanks, and increase use of co-generation. Frequent capital
investment programs can ensure that the refinery utilizes
the most current equipment and remains economically
competitive in future markets.
- Industrial
The Port should consider emission reduction strategies
for ships, trains, and semi-trucks operating within the
Port, similar to those being required of the municipal
fleet. The Port should also encourage ships with which it
does business to use higher-grade diesel fuels by offering
incentives to those companies.
The Port’s geographic location and proximity to various
modes of transportation (truck, rail, etc) makes it a
desirable place of entry for imported automobiles, which
is the Port’s primary function. Decreasing the number
of automobiles processed by semi-truck and increasing
the use of freight trains for car shipment would have a
large impact on greenhouse gas emissions. An anti-idling
policy may reduce tail-pipe emissions during loading and
unloading of cargo.
- Industrial
Update and Maintain SustainableBenicia.org Website for public outreach and advertisement of programs.
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Waste
Assess the feasibility of developing a program to
produce class ‘A’ biological solids at the wastewater
treatment plant. Biosolids can be used as fertilizer or
in a cogeneration system. Class ‘A’ biological solids are
nearly pathogen-free prior to land application, and are
therefore safe for human contact. Producing class ‘A’
biosolids would divert 2,079 tons of biosolids annually
from the landfill. The City’s wastewater treatment plant
does not currently have the ability to produce class “A”
biological solids. Facilitates for incineration would have
to be added at the plant or the biosolids would have to
be taken to a facility for processing, which would require
transportation.
- Waste
Consider amending the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
to include affordable housing requirements with future
large scale developments such as the Benicia Business
Park industrial development, based on the need that is
generated by a respective project. This will help the City
to achieve a jobs-housing balance, thus reducing commute
distance, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
- Residential
Waive building permit fees for solar installations in order
to reduce perceived financial barriers
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
Cash for Grass Rebate Programs help property owners
convert water-thirsty grass to a water efficient landscape.
The City would offer property owners a dollar amount
per square foot of grass removed and replaced with
water efficient landscaping. Other communities have
offered a square footage rebate of $0.50 - $1.50. Every
square foot of grass replaced with water-smart trees,
shrubs and flowers can save an average of 30 gallons of
water per year.
- Residential
- Commercial
City is in the process of launching a fleet efficiency program with Local Motion. The software has the ability to determine if existing vehicles can be replaced with alt. fuel (electric/hybrid) based on number and duration of trips. Estimates are associated with vehicles already replaced by hybrids (8).
Read More Read Less- Transport
Encourage the Benicia Unified School District to partner
with other school districts in Solano County and the
Bay Area to hold a green science and technology fair to
engage and educate youth about water conservation,
energy efficiency, and renewable energy
- Residential
- Commercial
The net energy expenditure to re-use materials is much
lower than the energy required to manufacture and
transport un-recycled resources. Integrating recycled
rubberized additives when resealing street surfaces can
help reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions.
- Transport
Replace existing fossil fuel powered maintenance
equipment, including existing riding mowers, with electricpowered equipment.
- Transport
- Agriculture, Forest and Other Land Use (AFOLU)
Water conservation outreach part of the BRIP; 5 businesses have completed the process; 9 in progress, 1 business will soon undergo assessment (use estimated GHG reductions from Inventory Report)
Read More Read Less- Commercial
City currently has curbside recycling programs for commercial and industrial customers. Waste put into bins goes to the Richmond Sorting Facility where ther is a 90% diversion rate because it complies with the City of San Francisco's diversion guidelines; Solano Clean Tech Innovators is working with Republic Waste Services to establish a resource exchange so that one business' waste can be used by another business if possible.
Read More Read Less- Commercial
- Industrial
Require residential structures to undergo minimum
energy efficiency/weatherization upgrades at the time
of major renovation. The definition of major renovation
should be established by determining a minimum
construction valuation threshold. Other cities have
adopted a threshold of $50,000.
- Residential
City is formulating plans to develop a residential composting outreach program educating residents about green bins that accept fruits/veggies/lightly soiled paper goods; outreach is already being done in the high school, middle school, and elementary schools.
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
Channel 21 used to promote resdiential solar and water incentive programs.
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
Amend streetscape standards to include LID design
criteria, wider sidewalks (where appropriate), street
furniture, and drought tolerant planting/landscaping
standards. Enhanced streetscapes attract pedestrian
activity and promote healthy lifestyles, thus decreasing
auto usage and related emissions.
- Transport
BECAT is currently investigating car share program options, i.e. Sidecar and Lyft. It may be possible that cars can be shared by City Staff and the public. Benicia is likley not a big enough market for Zipcar or City Car Share.
Read More Read Less- Transport
Benicia is well positioned for a commuter rail stop on
the existing Capitol Corridor line that passes through
the Benicia Industrial Park. The stop would provide direct
access to Amtrak, decreasing the vehicle miles traveled to
rail stops in Suisun and Martinez. In addition to capturing
existing ridership, the convenience factor could influence
substantial new ridership.
- Transport
"City is currently participating in the Solano Napa Commute Information Commute Challenge and may pratner with SolTrans (regional transit agency) to provide cash incentives to purchase bus passes; may also match SNCI's cash incentive for participating in the program/using alt. transit for 30 days. Benicia Efficiency and Climate Action Team is currently working to establish a City employee carpool program but has not yet launched this effort. CAP estimate assumptions: Objective T-7 Increase Carpooling to 15% Mode Share by 2020
· 15% of population reduces its VMT by 10% by carpooling more frequently.
Because carpooling is more commonly used than other transportation alternatives
a slightly higher participation rate was used."
- Transport
1 existing 76 KW solar parking canopy at City Hall.
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
Support the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s
Spare the Air campaign by declaring one day a year as
a “car free” day. This could encourage residents to use
alternative modes of transportation and telecommute
and can be incorporated into “Bike-to-Work” day.
- Transport
2294 streetlights were retrofitted (1349 induction; 945 LED) out of 2342 streetlights.
Read More Read Less- Facilities
Create a waste audit program to help enforce and
encourage residential and commercial recycling. Audit
programs keep the community accountable for their
disposal habits by screening dumpsters and trash cans
throughout Benicia, issuing written guidance to residents
or businesses that incorrectly dispose of recyclables.
- Waste
12 site solar project complete (1.67 MW total). Installation complete at 10 sites March 2012, 1 site August 2012, one site October 2012.
Read More Read Less- Buildings
- Facilities
A bicycle and pedestrian plan, including a ‘complete
streets’ program, would be comprised of an integrated
network of trails, sidewalks and bicycle paths; connects
key areas of the city, identifies areas for future expansion
of services, and addresses safety. The Master Plan should
incorporate and supplement strategies from this Plan
and include Low Impact Development (LID) standards.
LID is an engineering and land use planning approach to
naturally manage stormwater runoff. LID principles are
based on design strategies that manage stormwater at
the source by use of micro-scale natural features that are
distributed through the site. This is unlike conventional
approaches that typically convey and manage runoff in
large facilities located at the base of drainage areas.
- Transport
Create an incentive program funded by the VIP
Settlement funds to repair laterals on private property.
During winter months, rainwater seeps into the sewer
system primarily through leaks in residential laterals.
This unnecessarily increases demand on the wastewater
treatment plant
- Residential
Walking Signals (2nd and E. Military) (2nd street in front of Mcdonalds); LED crosswalk signal and solar powered signal.
Read More Read Less- Facilities
"Assumed 11,270 households participating at 2% reduction rate. Why did we assume 100% particpation rate? We only have $10k for this program, enough for ● $250 washing machine with funding for 15 rebates
● $100 toilet with funding for 10 rebates
● $75 smart irrigation controller with funding for 15 rebates
● $5 for each high efficiency sprinkler head with funding for 30 rebates
"
- Residential
City just began process of identify trucks that be replaced with hybrid electric. We can calculate once we know what type of truck we would be replacing. This is the type of truck we'd likely be getting; I'm just not sure how many.
Read More Read Less- Transport
Develop a biodiesel conversion program to convert
existing diesel engines to utilize biodiesel fuels
- Transport
Unlike traditional zoning codes, form-based codes
intentionally emphasize building form rather than use.
This increases flexibility for a variety of complementary
uses to be permitted in the same area, and the potential
for mixed-use developments. Currently, a form-based
code regulates development in downtown Benicia. Formbased codes should be considered for areas where
mixed-use development can reduce transportationrelated GHG emissions.
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
Identify and assess viable sites for geothermal resources.
Geothermal resources use heat from the earth to
generate energy.
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
City enrolled in the Air Care Plus Program at 16 City facilities including City Hall. Savings achieved through this tune-up program may be used to upgrade HVAC systems at these facilties. As of 8/29/13, tune-ups were completed at City Hall, Library, Community Center, Fire Dept. 11, Senior Center, and Commanding Officer's Qaurters. Tune-ups still need to be completed at Corp Yard 58 & 79, Camel Barn, Fire Dept 12, FP Depot, Youth Center, and R3 Pump Station.
Read More Read Less- Buildings
Develop a citywide database identifying existing and
potential renewable energy sites, such as building
rooftops, parking and vacant lots. This database could
include wind, solar, and other sources citywide.
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
Provide financial assistance to homeowners to change
out their existing wood burning fireplaces for natural gas
devices, or completely remove existing wood fireplaces.
Such a measure would support residents to comply with
the ban on wood burning.
- Residential
2 gardens, mixed vegetable/fruit, 14 plots at Swenson (each plot 14' x 3.5"), established 2000--participants include a Girl Scout troup and special needs class from Benicia High); one bed is used to grow food for non-profits in town that serve the needy; Avant Garden is a movable garden (on leased property that remains for sale)--larger of the two gardens, 40 beds (each 4'x8'); one large bed for sharing food with non-profits that serve the needy; established in 2010 with only 8 beds, 32 beds added between 2010 and 2012, accomodating 40 gardners.
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
Create a policy that requires collection, storage, and use
of rainwater from commercial roof surfaces for on-site
landscape irrigation uses and establish a financial incentive
program to assist property owners. Concurrently,
distribute information regarding rainwater collection
systems to commercial property owners and assist them
in securing financial support for implementation.
- Commercial
Upgaded lighting; installed vending machine misers; turn off ligth stickers; plug-load sensors; Air Care Plus Progarm
Read More Read Less- Buildings
- Facilities
Revise parking requirements in the Benicia Municipal
Code to create maximum parking stall requirements
and reduced parking requirements for new development
and land uses, similar to the Downtown Mixed Use
Master Plan. Parking maximums, combined with increased
accessibility to alternative modes of transportation, will
reduce vehicle miles traveled and emissions, create more
attractive street frontages, reduce development costs,
and lessen the amount of impervious pavement (which
decreases storm water runoff and lowers the heat island
effect). Parking limits should be determined through a
parking study of existing local shopping centers, industrial
parks, and businesses.
- Transport
Encourage the Port of Benicia to develop an emissions
inventory specific to its operations. The inventory could
include its vehicle fleet, ship traffic, fuel refilling, paint
shop, employee travel, and overall energy consumption.
This inventory will provide information regarding the
Port’s actual contribution of greenhouse gases, and could
be used to prepare a Port sustainability plan.
- Industrial
Community Center achieevd LEED Platinum certification. See LEED checklist; requested complete USGBC submittal package to determine reductions.
Read More Read Less- Buildings
- Facilities
300 additional trees- CAP Goal
Read More Read Less- Agriculture, Forest and Other Land Use (AFOLU)
2 kiosks were installed, 1 at the Library and 1 at the Community Center that show real-time solar production data; existing displays at City Hall (topics vary).
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
5 businesses have completed assessments and projects; 9 businesses in process; 1 business signed up for assessment but not yet complete. Measures worksheet assumed 6% participation rate and 540 MT/year. Could see additional reductions in year 2013.
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
City uses color coded receptables as provided by Republic. Reduction estimates from CAP.
Read More Read Less- Waste
City utilizes drought tolerant/native plants whenever possible.
Read More Read Less- Agriculture, Forest and Other Land Use (AFOLU)
Amend development regulations to accommodate small
neighborhood shopping centers and individual retail
establishments in residential neighborhoods. These centers
could provide goods and services (e.g., dry cleaning, etc.)
adjacent to existing residential neighborhoods, shortening
the distance between residents and services. This increases
the possibility of walking and biking for errands as an
alternative to driving
- Commercial
Encourage property owners to install vertical axis wind
turbines by creating and adopting an overlay zone that
streamlines the permit process of wind energy collection
systems in particular zoning districts. Allowed height,
size, and noise thresholds would be established through
design guidelines, which would need to be developed in
conjunction with the overlay distric
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
City is part of California FIRST; working with County to establish an additional district.
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
Promote infill development including mixed-use,
commercial services, parks, community gardens (see
Parks and Open Space section), and limited agricultural
uses. Infill development concentrates growth in already
urbanized portions of the city, which helps preserve open
space and agricultural uses. In addition, infill will result in
a more compact urban core and decrease VMT.
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
Investigate the feasibility of forming a joint powers
agreement for tidal power production. Coordination
with other Bay Area municipalities and public agencies is
necessary due to constraints associated with local water
resources, including the narrow width and protected
status of the Carquinez Strait.
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
Create a policy to support permitting and regulation
of residential rainwater systems. Develop a program to
distribute rainwater barrels to homeowners to capture
water runoff from homes.
- Residential
Building performance certificates display the potential
energy performance of a building and identifies areas of
improvement, similar to the Environmental Protection
Agency fuel economy estimates for new automobiles. The
certificate would be presented at the time of sale or rent
and would provide transparency of a building’s efficiency,
giving consumers upfront data.
- Commercial
- Industrial
Create a residential tree fund to provide residents with
financial incentives for planting approved street trees
and provide City assistance with tree maintenance. Such
a strategy will encourage residents to plant drought
tolerant, native trees, thus increasing the removal of
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Agriculture, Forest and Other Land Use (AFOLU)
Retrofit the Clocktower to achieve LEED Certification
to demonstrate the City’s commitment to sustainable
building practices in historic structures. Adding capacity
to open and close the windows, among other appropriate
rehabilitation measures will reduce energy consumption
and maintenance costs, improve indoor air quality,
and serve to educate the public about the positive
relationship between sustainable building practices and
the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for historic
preservation.
- Facilities
The City’s green building ordinance will incorporate
2008 California Green Building Standards Code
(California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 11) and
2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential
and Nonresidential Buildings. While these codes provide a
minimum baseline, the City should require more stringent
tiered standards similar to Build-It-Green’s Green Point
Rated System.
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
Design and construct a large-scale outdoor
‘thermometer’ to be installed at a highly visible cityowned location as a visual demonstration of City and
community progress toward meeting the 2020 reduction
targets.
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Transport
- Waste
Funded through Good Neighbor Steering Committee Settlement Agreement (GNSCSA). Various completion dates.
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
- Transport
Educating property owners, Planning Commissioners,
Historic Preservation Review Commissioners, local
contractors, and suppliers about the benefits of greening
historic structures, will help strengthen public support
and supply chains to encourage green building practices
in historic retrofits.
- Commercial
- Industrial
The City should continue coordinating with the State
Water Emergency Transportation Authority to provide
ferry or water taxi service to Benicia, including a
First Street terminal to help facilitate the economic
sustainability of the downtown. Water taxis provide an
alternative mode of transportation that could connect
downtown Benicia to regional ferry networks and nearby
cities such as Port Costa and Martinez. If the Water
Emergency Transportation Authority selects Martinez as
a ferry terminal location, water taxi service to Martinez
would provide a direct connection for Benicia residents
to regional ferry service.
- Transport
The existing tiered billing structure could be modified
to include more significant incentives for water
conservation; however, this must be approached
extremely carefully to account for the financial realities of
water conveyance. Incentives could include tiered rebates
and/or a restructuring of the existing billing structure.
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
12 bike racks approved in 2010; installed 2011 (5 bollard 2-capacity, 3 cyclone 6 capacity, 1 cyclone 10 capacity and 3 tandem 6 capacity; no mode share data available
Read More Read Less- Transport
Waste reduction ordinances are effective ways for
cities to regulate selected waste sources. The proposed
ordinance would limit or ban specified prepared food
containers, such as styrofoam. Plastic bags have also
become a growing concern and could be addressed
by such ordinance. The regulation of bags may apply to
stores over a specified square footage, ensuring that small
businesses would not be unnecessarily burdened.
- Waste
Morning and afternoon traffic patterns, as they relate
to school drop-off/pick-up, have a significant impact on
transportation related GHG emissions. Reinstating a
Benicia Unified School District bus program with clean
fuel vehicles would significantly decrease community-wide
emissions and alleviate concentrated traffic congestion.
- Transport
Working to develop and implement green cert program. No additional reductions for business who are also participating in BRIP, but could see additional reductions from new businesses participation. Same assumptions as BRIP?
Read More Read Less- Commercial
The Benicia Unified School District (BUSD) can take
a leadership role in climate change education by
encouraging teachers to educate youth about actions
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Schools can
use a “learn by doing” approach, such as establishing
an on-campus composting program, installing solar
photovoltaics, or using rain barrels for water reclamation.
- Residential
- Commercial
Switching to Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL)
is a low cost way to reduce energy consumption. The
City could distribute these light bulbs as part of a larger
education and outreach campaign. The program would
include an educational component to promote proper
disposal of CFL bulbs.
- Residential
- Commercial
Require commercial structures to undergo minimum
energy efficiency/weatherization upgrades at the time
of major renovation. Required upgrades should be
established by determining appropriate tiered thresholds,
based on construction valuation and/or building addition
square footage.
- Commercial
- Industrial
Live/work and work/live developments allow residents
to live at their place of work. Reducing permit fees and
expediting permitting for live/work and work/live units
can encourage such developments. An additional incentive
may include waiving business license fees for residents
in live/work and work/live units to encourage compact
development and reduce vehicle miles traveled.
- Residential
- Commercial
The City is currently implementing the Business Resource Incentive Program that is supposed to include transportation/fleet analysis, but consultants do not currently have that expertise. ED/CAP Coordinator are going to work with existing consultants who may hire subcontractors to complete this analysis; ED may request additional funds to continue BRIP in Nov. 2013 and hire a transporation specific consultant to conduct this analysis and recommend conversions; currently the City is partnering with STA ($10,000 match) to conduct a CNG Refueling Station feasibility study in the industrial park that would be open for City, SolTrans, and public use. Reduction estimates from measures worksheet for Community-wide conversions.
Read More Read Less- Transport
Integrating solar thermal systems into municipal buildings
will decrease emissions and reduce costs associated with
heating water. Solar thermal systems utilize solar energy
to heat water, thereby avoiding the use of non-renewable
fuel sources.
- Buildings
The LEED certification system utilizes green building
practices and design elements to accrue points on
a checklist that correspond to incremental levels of
certification. The green building criteria incorporate
site design, energy consumption, indoor air quality, and
construction materials.
- Commercial
- Industrial
A ban on wood burning would improve air quality during
the winter months as well as reduce of greenhouse
gas emissions. Solano County has the highest asthma
symptom rate in the State, with over 14 percent of
its residents exhibiting symptoms. Smoke from wood
burning contains Particulate Matter (PM)26, which is
known to trigger asthma attacks. Natural gas burning
fireplaces produce more heat while emitting less carbon
dioxide compared with wood burning devices. Such a
measure would place a de facto ban on wood burning
fireplaces and stoves.
- Residential
- Commercial
Develop a recycled water system, beginning with Valero
to decrease the demand on water supply, treatment and
conveyance, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Buildings
- Facilities
- Industrial processes and product use (IPPU)
Installed solar PV system at WTP and 3 pump stations; 318kW(WTP); 588kw (PS1) 205KW (PS2); 456 kW (PS3) - these are estimates
Read More Read Less- Buildings
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), created by
State Assembly Bill 117, provides communities with the
opportunity to ‘opt-out’ of power purchase agreements
with traditional energy utilities, such as PG&E. Under a
CCA arrangement, the utility continues to own, operate
and maintain the transmission lines; however, cities are
free to purchase or generate power from sources of
their own choosing. Cities can either build their own
green energy infrastructure, purchase energy from energy
service providers, and/or partner with private firms to
develop such infrastructure. A CCA agreement allows all
customers within the established CCA district to ‘opt-in’
to the program, providing customers with the ability to
obtain locally produced green energy.
The City should consider a CCA feasibility study and
financial analysis to determine viability. Economies of scale
may require Benicia to partner with another local agency
or jurisdiction.
- Residential
- Commercial
Adopt a tiered green remodel requirement as part of the
green building ordinance, utilizing Build It Green’s home
remodel standards.
- Residential
- Commercial
Synchronize traffic signals and limit uphill stop signs,
to improve traffic flow and minimize idling, therefore
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and overall travel
time. According to the Institute for Transportation
Engineers, comprehensive signal programs result in a
6-9% fuel savings.23
- Transport
"WattzOn is currently implementing a home audit program. Contract expires September 2015. 61 water audits complete since September 2012; 215 home energy assessments completed in first phase of program; 26,809 lbs CO2 saved (51,163 kWh) (12.16 tonnes of C02 reduced) 29,770 lbs CO2 increase (2,215 therm increase) (colder winter; Benicians use more natural gas during winter months than all other months combined). 61 audits have been completed as of July 2013 for the new program that runs through September 2015 - focus on water savings and then energy - no savings reported to date.
"
- Residential
- Commercial
Investigate the feasibility of building a smart grid
infrastructure and identify partners such as PG&E. Smart
grids allow for two-way electrical exchange, which is
essential for distributed power production. The network
provides feedback of real-time electricity consumption
and production trends.
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
City upgarded 14 controllers (calcs done in Measure Worksheet as part of Inventory Update); estimates from measures worksheet.
Read More Read Less- Facilities
Limiting City spending on bottled water to necessary
fire safety operations will reduce the City’s solid waste
consumption and will demonstrate community-wide
leadership, while, reducing overhead.
- Waste
Educational workshops vary in timeframe, funding source, and financial expenditure depending on the program goals. The timeframe relies on a schedule event or activity. CSC Work Group 1 has completed a number of workshops on various topics.
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
Amend the Municipal Code to reduce the current
minimum lot size and lower impact assessment fees
associated with accessory dwelling units outside of the
Downtown Historic district. This will concentrate growth
in already developed portions of the City and reduce
Vehicle Miles Traveled.
- Residential
Chevron Energy Solutions was hired to serve as the RE Project Manager; contract closed out 2013.
Read More Read Less- Buildings
- Facilities
Promoted CSI through City Res. Solar Incentiev Program. CSI Res. Incentive no longer available.
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
The City needs to conduct a local vulnerability assessment to determine how climate related risks will affect shoreline and community assets including watersheds, shoreline parks and trails, the Port of Benicia, and the Industrial Park. Based on this assessment, the City will create an adaptation plan to mitigate those risks. The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) is currently implementing the Adapting to Rising Tides Project (ART Project) to help San Francisco Bay Area communities increase preparedness for and resilience to sea level rise and storm events. BCDC has identified the need to conduct adaptation planning at the city-level where site specific analysis is possible. This localized planning will allow the City to concentrate on specific assets that matter most to Benicia while expanding understanding of coastal resources.
The City’s primary goal is to better prepare the community to deal with future climate-related impacts. The vulnerability and risk assessment will evaluate existing conditions by creating an asset inventory that outlines vulnerabilities and risks based on best available science and information combined with best professional judgment and expert input. The City will also utilize the ART Project toolkit when conducting the assessment to determine evaluation criteria for the proposed measures. The adaptation plan will include a matrix of proposed adaptation responses based on the asset inventory and implementation options for the community and the City to help prepare for the impacts identified throughout the planning process
- Human health
Mayor Steve YoungCity of Benicia, CA, United States
Status of compliance
Compact of Mayors