Establishing Greenville's Green Ribbon Advisory Committee
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Transcript of 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
Why Continue Support?
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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
Why Continue Support?
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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
Why Continue Support?
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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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Green Ribbon Committee
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Green Ribbon Committee
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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Green Ribbon Committee
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