Establishing Greenville's Green Ribbon Advisory Committee

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Sustainability & the establishment of a

Green Ribbon Committee

Overview History of supporting sustainability initiatives

Why continue support?

Sustainable Vision for Greenville

Establishment of a Sustainability Committee (Commission)

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Concept of Sustainability

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History of Support

2006: City Council endorses the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement

2006: Ad-hoc “Climate Protection Committee” formed by Tom Keith, Environmental Programs Manager for City

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History of Support

2009: City Council adopts the Plan-It Greenville Comprehensive Plan with sustainability as a major theme

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History of Support

2009, 2010: City Council adopts Performance Measures as part of Operating Budget with sustainability goals

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History of Support

City Council has adopted and supported many sustainability focused ordinances, resolutions, plans and initiatives. Landscape, Storm Water and Bicycle Parking ordinances Ameresco Energy Audit Greenlink Transit Vision and Master Plan (underway) Complete Streets resolution Extensive municipal recycling program Trail and Greenway Master Plan Bicycle Master Plan (underway) + Bicycle lane installations Alternative fuel fleet vehicles: Hybrid, electrics, etc. Greenville Tree Foundation

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Why Continue Support?

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Direct operations savings (Ameresco, fleet, etc.)

Positions City for green jobs (ProTerra)

Positions City for grant opportunities (EECBG, etc.) Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations ($60,000) Carolina First Center energy efficiency upgrades Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (Carbon Footprint) Establishes emissions baseline for city and will help identify ways to

reduce emissions and save money

Will better position city for future grants

ECONOMIC


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Air Quality: stay in ‘attainment’ by EPA standards

Reduce waste (maintain affordable solid waste fees)

Water Conservation and quality (Reedy River, Richland Creek)

Maintain and increase green space and quality of life

ENVIRONMENTAL


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Good stewards of our environment for future generations

Set an example for the Greenville businesses and residents

Meet previous commitments (sustainability goals in plans, operating budget)

RESPONSIBILITY


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Columbia, Charleston, Asheville, and Chattanooga

Each has: At least one full-time sustainability staff person A sustainability Committee An adopted (or in-process) plan outlining future initiatives

KEEPING UP REGIONALLY

Vision for Greenville

Greenville will be a city which offers and supports a sustainable quality of life for all its citizens. A sustainable quality of life encompasses environmental, economic, and social responsibility and equity. A sustainable quality of life includes conservation of air, water, and land resources, effective minimization and management of waste, good neighborhood planning, and a comprehensive multi-modal transportation network for improved livability. Greenville will be a city in which sustainability is considered instrumental to the long-term success of the city. The Green Ribbon Committee will be an integral partner for the City and region in the encouragement and robust support of sustainability.

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Future of Sustainability in Greenville

1. Complete Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

2. Establish a Green Ribbon Committee (GRC)

3. Create a Sustainability & Climate Action Plan

4. Begin to implement plan’s initiatives; apply for grant funding

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MOMENTUM

Committee Purpose

To advise City Council, the City Manager, and other city staff on the development of programs and initiatives which will distinguish Greenville as a leader in sustainability efforts and “Keep the Green in Greenville”

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Committee Mission

The Green Ribbon Committee shall promote a culture of stewardship within city government and our community to enhance our natural resources, economic interests, and quality of life for present and future generations in the City of Greenville by collaboratively developing programs and initiatives which will reduce the City’s carbon footprint, distinguish Greenville as a leader in sustainability efforts and “Keep the Green in Greenville.”

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Formed by City Council via ordinance

Membership (for discussion)

7 members, appointed by City Council

Representative of community cross-section, from variety of recommended stakeholder groups

Bylaws (appointments, terms, etc.) to be consistent with other City boards and commissions

Appointees required to reside or be employed within the City

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TASKS: Develop a work plan identifying priority initiatives

Develop a Sustainability and Climate Action Plan To include reporting system and method to track success

Implement actions already approved/authorized; examples: Develop a Greenville Green Stamp (PlanIt Greenville) Develop Program to reduce commuting by persons in a single-

occupant vehicle (Budget Performance Measure)

Implement initiatives as identified and developed in plan

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Short-term achievable successes

Five Focus Areas Mobility Recycling and Waste Management Energy and Buildings Natural Systems Community Outreach and Education

GRC Chairman would have authority to form subcommittees as determined necessary

Subcommittees could operate similarly to Plan-It Greenville ‘Theme Committees’ (ad-hoc)

City Manager to appoint staff persons to serve on each

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GRC Focus Areas

Sustainability & Climate Action Plan

Coordinates and expands current initiatives

Engages citizens and gathers public input

Provides recommendations for sustainability and climate goals and specific initiatives

Provides a metric for evaluating the City’s efforts

Demonstrates Greenville’s commitment to sustainability and climate change initiatives

Positions City for grant funding and awards Need plan to be eligible for many

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Establishment of a

Green Ribbon CommitteeDiscussion

Was enough information provided?

Agreement on establishing the Green Ribbon Committee?

Final revisions to establishing ordinance

Development of bylaws in coordination with City Attorney’s Office and Office of City Clerk

Request for Council Action

Establishing Greenville's Green Ribbon Advisory Committee

Environment

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