Goal: Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2030

In the face of global warming and peak oil there is no doubt we are entering into an era where conservation and stewardship are of critical importance and where local leadership is urgent and necessary. I propose the following “Three Point Plan” to help guide Davis into a carbon-neutral future.

1. Focus on City Facilities.
City municipal operations can contribute significantly to reducing its ecological footprint by:

• Phasing out inefficient municipal appliances with ENERGY STAR (or better!) appliances,
• Increasing usage of Compact Florescent light bulbs, and installing LEDs at all stop lights, 
• Weatherization of existing facilities to decrease infiltration (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infiltration_(HVAC)) , and
• Installation of solar photovoltaic systems on city facilities.

2. Focus on Alternative Transportation.
The most effective strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions as tied to vehicle transportation is to enhance and expand walking, biking and transit infrastructure. This can be achieved through a number of strategies including:

• Implementing safety mechanisms in the downtown core and around schools; and supporting public safety services through the enhancement of infrastructure and personnel to ensure the safety of our community, to make alternative transportation choices easier.
• Promoting the use of hybrid technologies, by continuing to phase-in green vehicles in our city fleet.
• Offering bike rentals at automated kiosks around existing transportation hubs (Amtrak station) and around the city core to facilitate usage by visitors and tourists.

3. Focus on Energy Efficiency.
Energy efficiency policies and actions can act as a significant strategy for reducing emissions in the commercial, residential, and municipal sectors. The City has the opportunity to not only modify its own operations but can also act as a leader in:

• Developing a program to provide innovative, low-interest financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. For, example, allowing property owners to pay for energy efficient improvements and solar systems installation through long-term assessments on individual property tax bills. A Sustainable Technologies Initiative has been written and proposed to City Council by Dr. Dick Dorf, Benjamin Finkelor, and me. Click here to view the Initiative; Click here to email your City Council to encourage them to take action now!,
• Requiring any new residential development to participate in the California Energy Commission New Solar Homes partnership and include onsite solar photovoltaic systems in at least 70% of the residential units and require the other 30% to meet a ‘cool roof’ requirement where construction must utilize the highest commercially available materials for solar reflectance and thermal admittance,
• Requiring onsite solar generation of electricity in new retail/commercial buildings and parking lots/garages;
• Helping business apply for utility rebates,
• Assisting in the provision of energy and water audits, and
• Developing meaningful ways for business and building owners to be recognized for implementing energy efficient technologies that have widespread quality of life impacts.

To make viable true strides toward Carbon-Neutrality, the City must pursue related grant funding and partnerships with entities such as the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission, to assist Davis in implementing cutting-edge energy efficient technologies, greener policies, and better alternative transportation choices that we need to make a difference.