CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2015CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A RY

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Over the past decade, rapid climate change has become the most defining concern of the 21st century. Global emissions of climate-altering greenhouse gases (GHGs) are rising, along with the temperature of the atmosphere and oceans. As a result, communities worldwide are experiencing record temperatures, increased frequencies of drought, severe flooding, and other extreme weather events. Once thought of only as an environmental issue, climate change is now recognized as an issue of tremendous moral, human, economic and ecological concern.

Globally, cities only take up 2 percent of landmass area, yet are responsible for two-thirds of the world’s energy use, with residents producing 70 percent of global carbon emissions. To help address this, local governments are in prime position to create policies and initiatives to minimize climate-altering emissions from the energy, building, and transportation sectors. Such initiatives can also promote economic growth and environmental justice while enhancing the livability of communities through the connection of the natural and built environments.

As global concern grows over the role human activity has played in accelerating climate change, opportunity exists to implement changes to minimize the most severe and potentially irreversible impacts on our planet. To help address this critical issue, Denver is releasing an updated Climate Action Plan with ambitious new strategies.

Released in 2007, Denver’s first Climate Action Plan set a goal to reduce GHG emissions by 10 percent per capita below 1990 levels (at that time, equivalent to an overall GHG reduction of 3 percent). Denver exceeded this goal in 2010 thanks to innovative regional strategies in the energy sector, with notable reductions in buildings and transportation. Under the leadership of Mayor Michael B. Hancock, in 2013 the city established the Denver 2020 Sustainability Goals, which call for an absolute reduction of GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

In this plan, Denver is also setting a new, ambitious long-term goal, in alignment with the climate science, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050. We recognize we can’t do this alone, and are committed to being bold and inclusive about how we will meet this goal together. As a first step, we will launch a stakeholder

engagement process to begin in 2016 to advise the city on setting the right strategies, tactics and benchmarks to ensure we are making progress.

The 2015 Climate Action Plan integrates the most recent climate science, an updated GHG inventory, and GHG reduction strategies indentified in the City’s 2020 goals, with an eye on long-term reduction goals. The community climate goal to reduce emissions below 1990 levels, or 11.8 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent, by 2020 will require a 10 percent reduction of GHGs from 2005 levels—an ambitious goal when considering how much growth in population and economic activity will have occurred over that time frame.

UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MAYOR MICHAEL B. HANCOCK, Denver has committed to reduce its community-wide emissions below 1990 levels, or 11.8 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent, by 2020.

Climate ScienceLeading scientific organizations agree that significant action must be taken to prevent the most catastrophic impacts of climate change that will result from the 2 degree Celsius rise in global temperatures.

In Denver, climate projections suggest the city will experience an increase in severe weather events, changes in the timing and availability of snow runoff, and degraded air and water quality. These changes will have broad-reaching impacts on the availability of water, food, energy demands, infrastructure, and human health.

Leading cities, states, and governments have set long-term GHG emission reduction goals of as much as 80 percent by 2050 (from either a 1990 or 2005 baseline). In alignment with the leading scientific analysis, Denver has set a goal to reduce GHG emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

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THE STRATEGIES IDENTIFIED IN THE 2015 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN detail why it is imperative to continue existing GHG reduction strategies, while implementing new and innovative strategies to meet the City’s 2020 goals.

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2013 GHG Emissions 12,985MT-CO2e (thousands)

Figure 1. Denver’s 2013 GHG inventory, which illustrates relatively large contributions from the building sector. GHG emission equivalent measured in thousands of mt-CO2e.Acronyms: metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mt-CO2e); municipal solid waste (MSW).

GHG Trends 1990-2013 and Forecast to 2020

Figure 2. Denver’s annual GHG inventory provides critical information for both year-over-year and long-term forecasting.

Since 2009, Denver has conducted annual inventories to closely monitor changes in emissions from year to year. Additional inventories were done in 2005 and 2007. Using the original 2005 inventory and historical data from circa 1990, Denver estimated emissions from 1990 through 2004 as well as a Business as Usual forecast through 2020. Denver is proud of its track record in conducting annual inventories, which allows for long-term trajectory analysis and forecasts. As Denver implements new strategies and analyzes growth, the forecast is adjusted. From the graph below, it is evident that Denver has made improvements from 2007, its highest levels. However, as this most recent forecast indicates, Denver could miss its 2020 goal without significant reductions. The strategies that follow are imperative for Denver to meet the 2020 goal.

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2005 Business as Usual Forecast Actual Emissions Revised Forecasts Incorporating On the Books Strategies and Recent Growth TrendsEstimated Emissions

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Summary of Recommended Climate Action StrategiesThe 2015 Climate Action Plan includes a variety of strategies that span multiple agencies, offices, and partners within the City and County of Denver. The plan also includes state, regional, and federal actions that align with the City’s goals. Through a combination of the strategies listed below, a continued focus and renewed commitment to meet the ambitious goals, Denver can become a global leader in addressing climate change.

The following are the top strategies for achieving Denver’s GHG reduction goals:

Essential Sector Strategies

1. Improving Energy-Efficiency in Buildings — The energy used in Denver buildings is the City’s largest source of GHG emissions, accounting for 64 percent of core emissions. Denver cannot meet its 2020 goal nor attain the necessary trajectory for longer-term reductions without large reductions in the building sector. By engaging stakeholders, the City aims to cut emissions in the building sector by as much as 25 percent by 2020. These reductions can be achieved by updating building energy codes; increasing the tracking and updating of building operations; providing access to financing for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy; and pursuing other policies, programs, and initiatives.

2. Lowering the Electricity Emissions Factor — As a result of statewide legislation and voter approval, Denver’s sole electricity provider, Xcel Energy, has committed to incorporate more renewable and low-carbon energy sources into its electricity portfolio. From 2005 to 2014, Xcel reduced its carbon emissions by 26 percent. Maintaining these gains in low-carbon energy, in addition to finding new opportunities to rapidly reduce the GHG emissions factor, ensures that our carbon intensity will continue to decrease.

3. Strategic Land-Use and Transportation Development — Single-occupancy motorized vehicle travel is the least efficient mode of transportation. Denver has set a 2020 sustainability goal to reduce single-occupant vehicle commuting travel to no more than 60 percent of all trips. This is a reduction of roughly 15 percent from the 2012 level. In 2016, Denver will update its Strategic Transportation Plan, which presents a tremendous opportunity to strengthen previous commitments and integrate new strategies to meet the 2020 goal. Mass transit infrastructure, supporting sustainable growth and urban infill, and encouraging shifts in travel behavior will be essential in the updated transportation plan.

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Engaging Denver in Supporting Denver’s Climate Action GoalsNo single strategy will achieve Denver’s climate goal. Success will require all of Denver’s stakeholders to take an active role in reducing GHG emissions. The following are a few ideas for helping residents and businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

Increasing Energy Efficiency at Home — Energy efficient homes not only lower your carbon footprint, but save money, create a more comfortable living environment, and can increase the value of your home. Sign up for the Denver Energy Challenge or contact Xcel Energy for renewable energy options. Renewable energy is now more affordable and accessible than ever.

Increasing Energy Efficiency at Work — Make your small business more energy efficient and less resource intensive. Energy and resource consumption all count against the bottom line. If you own your business, contact Certifiably Green Denver for resources to help lower your carbon footprint and business expenses.

If you work in a larger building, inquire if your building measures energy performance by benchmarking against other similar buildings. Measuring energy performance can help conserve energy. Visit Denver City Energy Project’s website for more information.

Increasing Use of Alternative Transportation — Utilize the Regional Transportation District’s various options of mass transit, or hop on a bike to get around town. Denver Regional Council of Government’s (DRCOG) Way to Go initiative can also help you find car or van pools for school or work.

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For more ways to lower your carbon footprint, visit EPA’s Carbon Footprint Calculator.

For more information, or to view a full version of Denver’s Climate Action Plan, visit www.denvergov.org/climate.

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