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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainability Plan DraftITEM 11 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Sustainability Plan Steering Committee Kim Biedermann, Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board David Borsuk, Oshkosh Plan Commission Ed Bowen, Oshkosh Plan Commission Darryn Burich, Planning Director, City of Oshkosh Division of Planning Services John Casper, Director, Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce Margy Davey, Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board John Fitzpatrick, Director ofAdministrative Services, City of Oshkosh Scott L. Hanson, Account Executive, Wisconsin Public Service Randal Johnston, Director of Building and Grounds, Oshkosh Area School District Robin Leslie, Principal Planner, City of Oshkosh Division ofPlanning Services Mike Lizotte, Director of Sustainability, UW Oshkosh Shirley Mattox, Citizen Ray Maurer, Parks Director, City of Oshkosh David Patek, Public Works Director, City of Oshkosh Bob Poeschl, Oshkosh City Council Jan Scalpone, Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board Chris Strong, TransportationlTransit Director, City of Oshkosh This document was drafted in sections over a 14 month period by citizen members of the Sustainability Plan Steering Committee and reviewed by the full committee. It is modeled on the City of Eau Claire Comprehensive Plan Sustainability Chapter. Still to come are an Implementation Section and Public Participation process. 2 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Goal and Objectives Goal: Improve the quality of life in the City of Oshkosh by incorporating sustainability practices to meet the environmental, economic and social needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Objectives: Energy: Foster energy conservation and local energy production from renewable resources. Local Food: Promote local food production, sales and consumption. Environmental Conservation: Protect and enhance the city's natural resources. Atmosphere: Provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for people, nature and the planet Managing Waste: Promote awareness, reduce initial consumption, promote reuse, increase recycling rates and reduce the amount of substances entering landfills. Strong and Healthy Community: Promote healthy living, civic engagement, cultural and ethnic diversity; provide safety and protect citizens from disease. Sustainable Development: Guide and promote sustainable city -wide development patterns and incorporate sustainable features into buildings. Transportation and Mobility: Enhance mobility alternatives to the automobile; design safe, efficient and environmentally sound transportation infrastructure; and connect to other local and regional networks. Green Economy: Bolster the local economy by attracting green - collar jobs and encouraging businesses to become more sustainable. Sustainable Government: Lead by example and foster sustainability policies and actions for cost - effective, socially responsible and environmentally sound governmental practices to meet community needs. 3 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Energy Energy comes in various forms. Some sources are widely available and renewable such as the sun or wind. Other sources are less accessible, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) or radioactive minerals that need to be extracted from the parts of the earth where they occur. Modern industrial societies use very large amounts of energy to heat and cool buildings, provide lighting, produce food, transport people and goods, run machines, and provide communications. The top energy sources for Wisconsin are oil (33 %), coal (28 %), natural gas (24 %) and nuclear (7 %), with several renewable sources providing the remaining 8 %. Cities need to import energy for their concentrated human populations. Transporting energy via roads, rail, ships, pipelines or wires takes energy, land and money and carries environmental risks. A more sustainable city would get more of its energy locally. The term "Energy Independence" has been coined to cover both import reduction and development of domestic energy sources. For a state like Wisconsin, which has no fossil fuel or uranium resources, Energy Independence is a call to develop state energy resources that build local economies. Wisconsin -based renewable energy resources include sun, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass. All are renewable. There are environmental costs to developing these local sources, but shifting away from fossil fuels has the significant benefits of avoiding pollution that affects health and increases greenhouse gases. Energy Conservation is a beneficial, achievable, and necessary step towards a sustainable energy system. On average, Americans and Canadians use about twice as much energy per person, and energy per dollar of economic activity, as competing industrialized countries. Our inefficient use of energy makes our way of life more expensive and more polluting. The technical means to improve energy efficiency is available and ranges from simple insulation to complex electronics. Ways to finance conservation improvements are also well known, and can be combined with government or private incentives and assistance. Considering economic, environmental, and social impacts, energy conservation investments are often more effective than expanding the energy infrastructure. Energy conservation should take top priority because the lowering of energy demand makes energy independence easier to achieve because local renewable sources do not have to be as large, while energy cost savings can provide funds for further conservation improvements or new sources. Objective: Foster energy conservation and local energy production from renewable resources. Policies: Energy Conservation in Buildings: Encourage the wider use of ENERGY STAR labeled building materials, appliances and electronics. Examples include products such as programmable thermostats, lighting fixtures, low- emittance glazed windows, insulation, heating and cooling equipment, washers and dryers, water heaters, office equipment and refrigeration equipment. Set city purchasing policies for energy efficient devices and showcase results on city building performance. Promote government assistance programs to winterize houses for eligible homeowners (usually based on low- income eligibility) so that they are de- stigmatized and used to the maximum extent possible. Promote Focus on Energy and WPS incentives and assistance for energy conservation projects. Promote one or a few common methods for measuring performance (e.g. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, or green building rating systems such as LEED; see Sustainable Development section for policies such as building standards and codes that would make new buildings more energy efficient). Energy Conservation through Pooled Resources: Explore collaborations that provide opportunities to use energy more efficiently, or to make use of waste energy. Apply "Industrial Ecology" approaches to help co- locate businesses, public facilities, or residential neighborhoods to make better use of waste heat or district heating and cooling plants (as found on the UW Oshkosh campus). Share seasonal facilities, such as schools, parks, and tourist facilities, to maximize the time they can be in a low- or no- energy mode. Energy Conservation in Transportation: Transportation is a large portion of energy use in most US Cities, surpassed only by buildings. Transportation recommendations are compiled elsewhere in this document (see Transportation section), with many that will directly contribute to energy conservation. hl general, the policies aim for a city less 4 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 dependent on automobiles and more successful in providing energy efficient alternatives for public transit, walking, and biking. Energy Conservation in Outdoor Lighting: Continue to upgrade outdoor lights to high efficiency lamps (the City of Oshkosh was an early adopter of high efficiency LED lamps in traffic lights). Examples include street lighting, parks, athletic fields, and Leach Amphitheatre. Consider efficiency standards for outdoor lighting ordinances for all new construction and existing building lighting retrofits. Renewable Energy: Encourage development of renewable energy sources, and increase the portion of imported energy that is from renewable sources. Ensure that building codes allow for development of solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass energy sources, with guidelines that protect public safety and maintain community standards for aesthetics. Consider zoning modifications to coordinate and encourage siting for larger facilities such as factory -scale digesters or "farms" of small wind turbines or solar panels. Encourage businesses and homeowners to work with Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), who sells green power imported from wind, hydroelectric and biomass - fueled generators, to increase the purchasing of renewable electricity. Fuels are also imported to the city, with renewable sources including biofuels and wood. Increase the use of biofuels by encouraging the use of flex -fuel vehicles in fleets (city, police, schools, taxis). Raise awareness regarding burning wood for heat, especially that fireplaces and fire pits provide negligible heat with far larger pollution impacts and safety risks than safe and efficient stoves and furnaces that meet EPA certification standards. Government Commitments: Maintain membership by the City in ICLEI -Local Governments for Sustainability ( ICLEI). Use ICLEI support to help the city assess greenhouse gas emissions from energy use, especially the 85% of our energy derived from fossil fuel. Fulfill the US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement (USCMMPA) approved in 2007 (Resolution 07 -262) by developing a Climate Action Plan with goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions matched with strategies for reducing the use of fossil fuels. Consider becoming a Wisconsin Energy Independent Community, which would mean adopting the State's goal of 25% renewable energy by the year 2025. Public and Business Awareness- raising: Partner for educational purposes with national and statewide groups (Focus on Energy, RENEW Wisconsin, ENERGY STAR, Energy Center of Wisconsin, WDNR), WPS, and organizations in the community that can provide leadership and resources (Winnebago County, ADVOCAP, Chamber of Commerce, UW Oshkosh, FVTC, OASD). Use the City's Sustainability Board Website to provide materials that inform residents and businesses about energy conservation and renewable sources, payback times, site assessment, installation, regulations, and listings of energy tax credits or other forms of assistance available from the Federal, State, and local governments, power companies and non - profits. Coordinate sales promotions for energy - related products. Use fairs and home shows to promote public understanding of their current energy use and affordable first steps, such as light bulb changes and winterizing. Promote seasonal load control programs for residences and businesses that allow the utility to control large appliances and air conditioning systems. Develop demonstrations and tours of projects that help residents and businesses learn about successful strategies. Encourage, coordinate, and collaborate with the business community about energy savings via guaranteed performance contracts, life -cycle payback options, and other programs which lead to greater efficient use of energy. 5 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Local Food In the City of Oshkosh relatively few acres are dedicated to agricultural uses. Typically these uses are temporary prior to land being developed. Nevertheless opportunities exist for locally grown food in the city's growth area, defined as the three mile extraterritorial plat review area, and within the city limits on a smaller scale. Locally grown food reduces the need for processing, storing, shipping and retailing. This translates to reduced water and pesticide use, less packaging and shipping waste, and decreased fuel usage and emissions. Locally grown food supports the regional economy and provides a healthy alternative to processed food. Objective: Promote local food production, sales and consumption. Policies: Farmland Preservation. Support the preservation of agricultural lands in the city's extraterritorial growth area from premature conversion of prime farmland to non - agricultural uses. Work with private land owners and developers to provide conservation easements for long -term local food production. Explore the use of other agricultural and green space preservation programs such as Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) as well as the use of conservation subdivisions. Additional policies in the Comprehensive Plan also foster farmland preservation. These range from promoting urban infill and compact growth to restricting large -lot non - sewered subdivisions. Community Gardens. Continue cooperative efforts with UW- Extension and other agencies to provide land, education and various services for community gardens within the city. Continue offering temporary garden space at Riverside Cemetery. Seek areas in each of the quadrants of the city to establish more permanent locations. Neighborhood Gardens. Work with residents to identify and convert vacant or non - developable city -owned lots for neighborhood food plots and gardens. Neighborhood gardens not only beautify and utilize unused or blighted property, but also encourage interaction and a sense of ownership in neighborhoods. Areas most likely to have available sites are located in the central city, especially in redevelopment districts. Explore the use of acquired lands the Redevelopment Authority is land banking for future redevelopment, such as Jefferson Street in the Near East Neighborhood, for interim neighborhood gardens. Utilizing land- banked sites reduces the city's costs to maintain these properties. Private and Institutional Gardens. Encourage more private food plots and gardens on residential, business, industrial and institutional properties. Partner with UW- Extension, Fox Valley Tech, and other local organizations to prepare a brochure related to setting up an urban food plot within applicable city /county regulations. Sustainable Gardening. Suggest that community, neighborhood, institutional and company gardens establish rules against artificial fertilizers and pesticides to protect people, water and wildlife. Partner with UW- Extension and other groups to provide information to promote these rules. Work with the University to establish a demonstration community garden to illustrate sustainable practices and provide tours and educational opportunities for the community. Greenhouses. Encourage local greenhouses to go organic. Consider working with greenhouses to donate starter plants for community food plots in mixed to low income neighborhoods. Greenhouses offer a boost to gardeners in Wisconsin's iffy spring weather. Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code Revisions. Revise the zoning ordinance to address community gardens as permitted or conditional land uses in all zoning districts. Ensure the zoning ordinance facilitates establishment of greenhouses in residential as well as other districts. Review small animal ordinances and consider allowing chickens, rabbits and ducks in residential and other districts. Examine stormwater regulations to ensure best practices for sediment retention and setbacks are applicable to community gardens. Consider regulations determining size and placement of compost heaps. Farmer's Markets. Continue to support the Oshkosh Farmer's Markets in downtown locations. Work with management to expand areas for stalls. Support establishment of neighborhood markets. 6 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Temporary Food Stands. Continue to support food sales from stands and trucks within current city, county and state regulations. Local Food at Public Events. Promote locally grown /produced goods at public events held in Oshkosh. Offer incentives to local producers such as discounted vendor licenses and permits. Give preferential placement to vendors selling local products. Promote use of biodegradable food service products at all public events. Grocery Stores. Encourage access to local and healthy food. Support efforts and provide incentives to attract a downtown or University area grocery store. Work with groups who might be interested in establishing a food co -op. Co -ops build community in addition to creating jobs. Food Education. Employ the city's sustainability web site and media services to provide opportunities for citizens to learn about the importance of growing, preserving and buying local and organic food. Issues might range from local food safety, such as advisories on mercury in Winnebago fish, to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by eating lower on the food chain (vegetarian). Work to expand educational opportunities through the library, schools, UW- Extension, greenhouses, the local media and other available educational outlets. 7 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Environmental Conservation The city's natural resources provide a variety of necessary functions. The watershed drains almost 12 percent of the state. Lake Winnebago gives us our drinking water. The Fox River carries effluent from the city's wastewater treatment plant. The river and lakes receive our stormwater. Lakes Winnebago and Butte des Morts provide habitat for fish and other wildlife. Woodlands, marshes, open spaces and parks provide places for ground water recharge and purify water of pollutants. Trees of the urban forest remove, by absorption, other pollutants such as carbon and sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulates from burning fossil fuels in buildings and vehicles. Urban wildlife habitat supports year -round resident and large populations of migratory birds. Urban birds, bats and insects control nuisance and disease - carrying pests. We attempt to sustain these ecological functions in two ways, by federal or state regulation and by local choice. For example, the Winnebago lakes are classified as impaired waters. To protect and improve them, the city is under federal regulation to manage stormwater and sewage treatment for pollution control. The city is also choosing to address flooding issues. By choice, too, the city aims to improve its natural appearance and plant more trees, an outcome of the visioning process. Both the regulatory and choice options reflect what the nation, state and local community consider important. In Oshkosh, with 22 miles of shoreline on a lake system totaling 166,000 acres, sustaining this system is critical. Not only does it provide ecological functions, it also has economic, recreational and scenic benefits. Similarly, a more natural environment with more trees has benefits other than sustainability. An attractive green city is an appealing place to call home and often a spot tourists want to visit. Objective: Protect and enhance the city's natural resources Policies: Waterway Protection Stormwater management and flood control. Continue to implement the Stormwater Management Plan to meet goals to reduce suspended solids, phosphorus, TMDLs and other substances of concern in our waterways. Continue to address flood control needs. Prepare a plan to protect and enhance natural drainage ways, such as Sawyer Creek. Develop guidelines for structural solutions to ensure minimal disruption to neighborhoods. Include such actions as early resident involvement, projects in scale and aesthetically pleasing, attractive explanatory signage on site, and continued maintenance. Develop programs and incentives for citizens and businesses to install their own stormwater reduction measures, such as rain gardens and rain barrels. Continue to work with the Northeast Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium (NEWSC) and other area groups to develop educational material to help citizens understand how their activities pollute our water and how they can prevent it. Impervious surfaces. Consider developing maximum impervious thresholds for all zoning districts based on total building and hard surface lot coverage. Promote use of subsurface drainage chambers, permeable pavers and pervious pavement on appropriate soils. Consider a program offering city stormwater utility rebate /credits for landowners exceeding requirements for on -site stormwater management. Consider a more precise assessment of stormwater utility fees and construction permit fees based on impervious area and clarity and release rate. Pollution control and habitat protection. Consider adopting a municipal ordinance to restrict use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, cleaners, deicers, and other chemicals which pollute the soil and water. Demonstrate ecological and pollution -free methods on land and water sites under city management: parks, the golf course, harbors, waterways, and municipal building landscapes. Control nuisance aquatic plant growth through an integrated management strategy utilizing mechanical harvesting and herbicides, if necessary. Where possible restore native vegetative buffers on city shoreland to protect against polluted run -off, discourage geese and decrease algae growth. Work with the county for cost - sharing and to distribute educational material about buffering private shoreland. Participate in programs aimed at prevention and control of invasive species. Continue to clean up brownfield sites and pursue cleanup of contaminated sediments in the Fox River to protect water resources. Conserve and protect natural areas, such as Picnic Point. Periodically update local plans to remain eligible for DNR grants to help fund protective actions. With much of the phosphorus and sediment pollution coming from farmland upstream, consider supporting efforts to form a regional 8 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 waterways management unit, such as a Commission, to cooperatively address total maximum daily loads (TMDL) and other issues facing the watershed. Waterfront development. Update the riverfront and downtown plans with the environment in mind. Make public access a high priority. Revise the shoreline overlay district for consistency between the county and city. Protect sensitive areas and wetlands during development. Continue to enforce erosion and sediment control requirements at construction sites. Explore creating a Lakes Education Center in the downtown to attract visitors and promote the value of the resource. Citizen safety. Continue to test beach water at Menominee Park and post results for public viewing. Promote responsible recreational boat use on the water, regulating noise, speed, wake generation, and potential user conflicts. Water Conservation Water efficiencies. Continue programs to help the city quickly identify and eliminate leaks in the public water supply system. Install low flow faucet aerators and toilets at municipal sites. Review city building codes to update standards for water conserving plumbing fixtures. Review ordinances to ensure the city is able to address drought situations by curtailing and banning non - essential water uses. Citizen education. Offer education about how residents can reduce water usage by installing low flow shower heads, toilets, faucets and appliances. Provide other useful tips for cutting back on water usage and collecting water, such as in rain barrels, in homes, businesses and yards. Include educational brochures with quarterly billings Natural Environment A more natural look. Strengthen existing development codes and promote policies that place a greater value on developing an aesthetically pleasing natural environment throughout the city. Review ordinances and zoning to restrict or require redesign of activities that detract from green space and neighborhoods, such as billboards, large signage, overhead utilities, oversized parking areas, and big box stores. Develop plans for particular areas of the city, such as gateways, that emphasize a more natural look. Consider adding green spaces to infill in developed areas. Design guidelines for land use next to existing and new parks. Promote conservancy areas. Prepare an inventory of natural features and create educational materials to help developers plan with nature in mind. Ensure inclusion of such features as sensitive areas, soils, and areas for possible reclamation, like Vulcan Quarry and along the waterfront. Tree planting and retention. Continue an aggressive urban forestry program on terraces and in city parks. Maintain the city's street tree inventory, municipal nursery and status as a Tree City USA. Develop a five -year plan to continue the Taking Root program with the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. Continue to promote the ReLeaf and Memorial Tree programs. Review tree ordinances to encourage a diversity of trees emphasizing native species. Modify codes to include tree retention and replacement during development. Consider developing landscaping requirements for two - family and single family housing. Consider an ordinance to plant terrace trees in all street reconstruction projects. Continue to enforce subdivision regulations requiring trees on terraces. Protect existing woodlands from encroachment. Prepare for threats, such as the emerald ash borer. Develop guidelines appropriate to urban areas to manage wildlife inhabiting wooded areas. Native landscaping. Review city weed and tree ordinances to ensure that they do not discourage native landscaping. Develop an ordinance to guide native landscaping practices. Encourage more native plantings on sites to reduce irrigation, protect shorelines and provide natural beautification. Use native, perennial plantings instead of annual plants in city flower beds to reduce soil disturbance and decrease stormwater runoff. Restore natural areas where appropriate, including a demonstration site in Menominee Park. Add native species that require less maintenance to roadside seed mixes on arterials at the edge of the city and advise WDOT to do the same in the new Highway 41 corridor. Control non- native invasive species in right -of -ways, parks and other public areas, especially where they are particularly aggressive, such as along frontage roads. Mowing policies. Decrease mowing on city -owned passive lands, such as park edges or in medians where possible. Consider no- maintenance low- growing native grasses to replace turf or when planting new turf. 9 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Citizen assistance and education. Consider programs to help residents pay for "natural improvements" such as burying utility lines or removing and replacing dead or unsafe trees on their property. Explore new incentives to encourage residents to plant more trees. Provide educational material to assist residents seeking more sustainable landscaping. 10 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Atmosphere The atmosphere includes the air we breathe, the sounds we hear, odors we smell, the greenhouse gases that keep the planet habitable, weather systems that deliver water, and the high stratospheric ozone layer that protects us from harmful ultraviolet sunlight. People and cities can overload this atmosphere with pollutants (toxins, smog, allergens, noise, additional greenhouse gases, and ozone - depleting chemicals) that diminish our health, damage agriculture and structures, lower property values, and present new risks from changing climate. Atmospheric pollution creates local and distant problems. Local effects in and near Oshkosh include: indoor air pollution (people spend most of their time indoors); noise pollution from vehicles, trains, construction equipment and power tools; air pollution from factories, buildings and motorized vehicles and small engines; and air pollution carried in from other cities (such as acid and mercury pollution of local waters and fish from coal -fired plants). Climate change may also be impacting Oshkosh in subtle ways, as Wisconsin has seen warmer winters, more precipitation, longer growing seasons, and shorter lake ice seasons. Air pollution from Oshkosh also contributes to global changes stressing other parts of the world, particularly for societies less affluent and able to adjust, and ecosystems that are less resilient than ours. The City of Oshkosh has recognized these issues with a 2007 resolution to approve the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and a 2008 resolution to adopt milestones to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollution. Air quality has been improving in Oshkosh. Wisconsin DNR publishes data online for an "Air Quality Index" based on ground -level ozone for Appleton and Fond du Lac (the closest sites to Oshkosh). For 2007 -2009, about 90% of our days were ranked "Good" (the top category), with the other 10% reduced to "Moderate" level of health concern. Since 2003 we have not recorded any days that were "Unhealthy for Sensitive Individuals ", and 1988 was the last year we experienced "Unhealthy" days. There have also been major reductions in toxic air releases over the past 20 years of monitoring. The EPA Toxic Release Inventory (last updated in 2008) shows that industry releases about 50 tons of toxic materials to the atmosphere from their sites in the city. This is a major improvement over 128 tons in 1998 and 390 tons in 1988. Three companies accounted for 98% of the toxic air emissions, which were 65% ozone, 30% solvents, and less than 1% heavy metals. Indoor air pollution has seen steady improvement as well. Public areas have been cleaner with tightening of rules on tobacco smoke in state buildings, followed by a citywide smoking ordinance, and the recent implementation of a state law. Workplace air quality has been improved by federal regulations and monitoring. Based on its geology, Winnebago County is listed by the EPA as "Moderate Potential" for harmful levels of radon (a naturally occurring, underground, radioactive toxin), with recommended testing of indoor spaces to determine if ventilation needs improvement. Objective: Provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for people, nature and planet. Policies: Air Quality Improvements: Encourage local companies emitting air pollutants to continue to improve their pollution reduction practices and technology. Improve mass transit and non - motorized vehicle transportation options to reduce automobile - related pollution. Reduce vehicle idling by constructing more roundabout intersections in place of stop lights and signs; also consider traffic signals at bridge and rail crossings. When making infrastructure expansion and annexation decisions, the city should consider air pollution impacts of increased vehicle miles traveled in lower density suburban development. Review and maintain high standards and ordinances against odor - producing sites and activities. Review and maintain consideration of allergens from pollen in weed ordinances. Indoor Air Quality: Review and enforce health ordinances and state and federal laws regarding indoor tobacco smoke, combustion products, molds, and radon. Noise Pollution: Develop guidelines for citizens to petition for quiet zones, seasons, or times (e.g. Sunday mornings in warmer seasons). Review noise ordinances and their application with respect to sources (autos, motorcycles and boats), zoning or events. Educate people about regulations for private use of fireworks and explosives. Review whether parts of the city could benefit from noise - reducing barriers (e.g. along the recently expanded Route 41 highway). 111 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Greenhouse Gas Production: Provide a city -wide audit of community greenhouse gas emissions. Set benchmarks and reduction goals, and develop a Climate Action Plan that will fulfill the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement that Oshkosh signed in 2007. Given that fossil fuel burning is the largest source of greenhouse gases, the city and its occupants should seek energy conservation improvements, build and purchase with energy efficiency in mind, and develop renewable energy options (see Energy Chapter elsewhere in this document). Transportation is a large sector of the fossil fuel use, so recommendations listed above for air quality improvement (above, and in Transportation Chapter) and for local food that requires less transportation (see Food Chapter) will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Landfills are also a major urban source of greenhouse gases, so waste reduction actions are also important (see Waste Management chapter). Cement production (burning limestone) is also a major contributor, so builders should be encouraged to re -use existing buildings, recycle building materials, or use other materials (see "sinks" below). Greenhouse Gas "Sinks ": The dominant greenhouse gas produced by humans is carbon dioxide, which can be removed from the atmosphere by plants and stored as wood and in soils. Tree planting should be encouraged to maximize the urban forest cover. Encourage the use of local plant materials (wood, straw, composites, bioplastics) in construction, e.g. by removing outdated restrictions in building codes. Topsoil erosion should be minimized during construction, landscaping and gardening. Public Awareness: Inform the community about local and indoor air pollution issues, noise pollution, and how air pollution is contributing to global climate change. Include advice about how individuals can reduce their pollution contributions. Partner with other organizations or corporations committed to reducing their own pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has a Climate Action Plan to replace or offset all their greenhouse gas emissions by 2025). Educate the public about air quality data available online from Federal and State regulatory agencies, as well as any greenhouse gas inventories conducted by the city. NOTE: Committee questioned whether "Indoor Air Pollution belongs in this section or a Community Health section. 12 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Managing Waste The City of Oshkosh collects recyclable and solid waste materials, and disposes of them in partnership with Winnebago County. The county is a member of a tri- county agreement including Brown and Outagamie Counties. This 25 -year agreement, begun in 2002, precludes a need for the City to deal with individual landfill issues. Our solid waste is currently going into the Winnebago County landfill until approximately 2011/2012 when it is anticipated it will be full, so waste will then go to the Outagamie County landfill until filled, and eventually Brown County will take its turn. While siting another landfill in the Oshkosh area may be a long way off, it is still critical to develop strategies to reduce the amount of landfilled waste. Single- stream recycling adopted by the City in October 2009 is already showing an increase in recycled items as well as cost savings with automated equipment. Materials collected from the blue recycling containers at each residence are transferred to the Tri- County Single- Stream Recycling Center in Outagamie County for sorting and sustainable redistribution. While recycling is an important factor in a sustainable community, promoting the reduction of initial use and reuse of materials is equally important. Area residents and businesses have many options ranging from grinding masonry materials from demolished buildings for reuse in road construction projects, to utilizing resale and thrift stores for both donations and purchases, to composting yard waste to feed a family garden. As technology advances and new markets are created, we can expect to see a significant increase in options for waste reduction and uses of recovered materials. Currently prescriptions drugs can be disposed of at a drop -off box at the Oshkosh Police Department. Leaf waste is spread on farm fields. Information on proper disposal of hazardous waste and e -waste can be found on the city Web site. Objective: Promote awareness, reduce initial consumption, promote reuse, increase recycling rates, and reduce the amount of substances entering the landfills. Policies: Education. Minimize waste creation by improving public understanding of source reduction as the most preferred method of waste management. Educate and promote reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovering of waste materials. Provide information to increase consumer product awareness and environmentally preferable purchasing. Distribute updated information about proper disposal of hazardous waste, drugs, e- waste, and other banned items. Identify cost - saving benefits of waste reduction, as well as environmental gains. Waste Reduction. Explore merits of a "Pay -As- You - Throw" policy for material disposal programs, evaluating either weight or volume of waste. The current unlimited volume set -outs encourage waste by failing to provide incentives for the reduction of waste. While weight is a better reflection of actual waste generated, it is considerably more expensive and difficult to implement than a volume -based system, and both methods reward those who act more sustainably. Support policy change to clear bags, to encourage all recyclable materials are properly recycled. Promote better institutional and business waste reduction and recycling programs. Encourage use of cloth shopping bags and other multi -trip containers. Explore a plastic bag reduction program. Promote alternatives to paper use. Recycling. Consider recycling containers in public areas and at public events next to waste barrels. Encourage `away from home' locations such as gas stations and convenience stores to also provide recycling containers. Explore the range of plastics to be recycled. Continuously review the municipal recycling program for updated methods or technologies to improve the system. Composting. Provide education on setting up and maintaining compost bins at home, community gardens, and the workplace for organic waste (grass, leaves, brush, apples, garden debris, etc.). Promote use of monthly pickup collection and drop -off sites for community composting of leaves and other organic materials. Partner with UWO Renewable Energy Facility biomass digester to convert community organic waste to electricity and heat. Explore the municipal collection of organic waste. Construction and Demolition Waste. Provide information and incentives to promote recovery, reuse, and recycling of demolition debris and building scraps at construction sites through such programs as WasteCap. 13 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Consumer Reuse. Encourage reuse of used furniture, clothing, household, building and decorating items through thrift stores, Freecycle.org, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, etc. Non - biodegrades. Encourage use of cloth or reusable shopping bags. Educate retailers and shoppers about advantages of reusable bags, and promote reusable bag programs. Consider an ordinance that bans free plastic bags and foam containers Educate community about water bottle waste and high quality of city tap water. Promote sale of safe multi -use containers and encourage restaurants and retailers to provide means for customers to refill bottles with city water. Electronics. Provide education regarding statewide collection and recycling system for consumer electronic devices, including banning from landfills or incineration effective September 2010. Promote diversion of e -waste to responsible recycling or disposal facilities. Encourage establishment of a local collection and disposal site. Work with retailers that are collecting e- waste. Prescription and OTC Drugs. Continue to encourage and facilitate the collection and disposal of unwanted /excess prescription and over - the - counter drugs. Work with law enforcement to establish additional collection sites. Educate the public on the need to keep these items out of the wastewater and landfill systems. Hazardous waste. Promote the availability of the household hazardous material facility at the Winnebago County landfill. Remind residents on a regular basis that other items such as tires, batteries, and waste oil should be taken to the landfill for proper disposal. Special Events. Create a pilot project at a municipal location to make an established community event zero -waste by using products that are bio- based, recyclable, or compostable using glass, bio - plastics and paper products instead of plastic. Expand to include all community events. Create incentives to promote zero -waste events. Littering. Encourage citizens /visitors to pick up litter in parks, public places, along waterways, during special events, and in the general community. Continue to encourage carry in, carry out. Continue to enforce littering laws. 14 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Strong and Healthy Community Food, water, shelter: the basic physiological components necessary for life. Security, health and well being: the basic safety needs of humans. Friendship, family and community: the basic social needs. Environmental, social and economic: the basics of sustainability. The City of Oshkosh: a community that strives both collectively and individually to meet basic needs in a sustainable fashion. The City of Oshkosh has strong police, fire and ambulance, and health departments to provide public safety and support for its citizens. Winnebago County, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and the US Coast Guard provide boater safety on Lake Winnebago and the Fox River. Oshkosh provides excellent snow removal on city streets, and along with the county has a strong emergency management and first responder network. The city has many medical, rehabilitation, and assisted living /retirement centers, including Aurora Health Center and Mercy Medical Center, providing access to health care. From Little Oshkosh and Pollock Pool to the Oshkosh Seniors Center, there are many opportunities for recreation and socialization for all ages. Oshkosh is home to many parks located throughout the city, with Menominee Park on Lake Winnebago being the largest. Over 60 religious facilities are located in Oshkosh. Cultural and social venues are myriad, including Leach Amphitheater, the Oshkosh Public Library, the Oshkosh Public Museum, the Grand Opera House, the Paine Art Center, and the EAA Museum. Oshkosh, Wisconsin's Event City, is home to a monthly downtown Gallery Walk, Waterfest, Irish Fest, Oshkosh Oktoberfest, Winnebagoland Art Fair, Sawdust Days, and the Celebration of Lights. Home to not only the Oshkosh Area School District but also Fox Valley Technical College and the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh plus several parochial schools, Oshkosh provides educational support at many levels. The Chamber of Commerce, Chamco, and the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau support both the social and economic bases of the city. All of these entities, and many more, make Oshkosh a strong community in which to live. Objective: Promote healthy living, civic engagement, cultural and ethnic diversity; provide safety and to protect citizens from disease. Policies: Existing Programs. Maintain well- staffed, trained, and equipped police and fire departments to provide public safety. Maintain health department, either through the city or in conjunction with the county, to ensure safe food, water, and swimming. Maintain sufficient potable water, sewage treatment and stormwater capacity to support the population. Continue human services programs supported by the United Way and other agencies. Continue to support literacy and the arts, such as through the Public Library, the Public Museum, and Gallery Walk. Explore options for more partnerships between, and with, different community entities. Health and Urban Land Use. Consider the direct and indirect impacts on overall quality of life of existing and new developments. Encourage infill of existing areas before creating additional residential /commercial zones. Encourage the location, size, layout, and density of new housing to promote sustainable lifestyles by mixing residential and retail areas with safe walkingibiking paths, providing access to bus routes, and requiring adequate landscaping. Provide housing development that reduces isolation, fosters community spirit, and shares resources and includes socially cohesive components, such as tot lots and front porches. Provide housing near employment centers, including a diversity of occupants in terms of age, social, and cultural groups, while remaining affordable to a variety of income groups. Eliminate disproportionate environmental burdens and pollution in disadvantaged areas. Ensure all public facilities are compliant with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA), with special attention to crosswalks and pedestrian signalization in high traffic areas. Ensure all sidewalks are properly cleared of snow. Healthy Living. Continue to support the health and welfare of our citizens through programs such as the Committee on Aging, the Seniors Center, the Boys and Girls Club, Safe Routes to School (SRTS), healthcare screenings, mental health support, and free clinics. Promote community health within Oshkosh. Encourage the implementation of employer wellness programs and wellness partnerships between employers and community. Encourage local employers to meet criteria for Well City designation. Active Lifestyles. Continue to support the many opportunities Oshkosh and the surrounding area provide for an active lifestyle. Continue to maintain athletic fields, courts, and playgrounds in our parks. Continue to support the Pollock 15 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Community Water Park. Encourage and support the efforts of the Seniors Center, YMCA, Oshkosh Area School District, UW- Oshkosh and various organizations in events such as the Tour de Titan and other walk/bike /run events. Expand Riverwalk and bike trails. Implement recommendations of the City of Oshkosh Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan to provide citizens with safer conditions for biking and walking. Encourage outdoor alternatives such as walking and biking for family togetherness. Encourage use of our available natural resources for water sports and events such as the Dragonboat Races and sailing regattas. Acquire additional acreage to create parkland in areas currently deficient in green space. Social Justice. Continue to support the many agencies and programs that provide benefits to our citizens, such as Wisconsin Interfaith Needs Response (WINR), Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity- Oshkosh, and the Oshkosh Area Community Food Pantry. Encourage use of local thrift stores as a way to support sustainable living, both economically and through the principle of reduce, reuse, recycle. Encourage support of the Oshkosh Humane Society. Educate citizens on the personal benefits of giving one's time through the many volunteer opportunities in our community. Involve local residents in setting visions and developing plans for our community. Establish avenues for meaningful participation in decision - making for all citizens. Provide equal and affordable educational opportunities for all members of society. Promote retraining of those displaced in the short-term by a shift to a more sustainable economy. 16 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Sustainable Development The physical layout or land use of our communities is fundamental to sustainability. Over the past several decades two main land use practices have converged to generate unsustainable trends in urban sprawl: (1) zoning that separates each type of land use discouraging mixed -use neighborhoods and isolating employment locations, shopping, services and housing from each other and (2) low density growth planning aimed at creating automobile access to increasing expanses of land. Community sustainability requires a transition from poorly- managed sprawl to Smart Growth planning. This entails land use practices that create and maintain efficient infrastructure, ensure close -knit neighborhoods, and preserve natural and agricultural systems. hl Wisconsin, the Smart Growth law has begun to move communities in this direction. Smart Growth's vision is to promote denser settlement while providing mixed uses, open space and transportation choices -- the antithesis to sprawl. The 2005 City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan complies with the Smart Growth law and reflects this vision. Sustainable development not only addresses the broad view of community land use, but also the detailed view of sustainable sites and buildings. Emphasis is on building with nature in mind, exemplified by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED Green Building Rating SystemTM and the EPA's ENERGY STAR ratings for homes, appliances, and fixtures. LEED promotes a whole - building and neighborhood approach to sustainability. It recognizes performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Oshkosh is constructing its share of LEED certified buildings. Several are on the UW Oshkosh campus and at least one is a commercial building, a recently built Kwik Trip. Green rating programs are showing up more frequently in communities across the country and have proven to be a reliable tool to standardize the language of "green" buildings. Housing, too, is being influenced by new sustainable ideas as developers begin to employ such concepts as "life- cycle" design. Objective: Guide and promote sustainable citywide development patterns and incorporate sustainable features into buildings Policies: Promote Sustainable Development Patterns Sustainable Planning and Zoning. Continue to employ and expand policies to provide more sustainable development patterns: denser settlement on average (i.e. 6 dwelling units per acre for single family development), while providing mixed -uses, open space and transportation choices. Continue to focus on revitalizing the downtown and central city area with mixed uses and adaptive reuse of structures. Continue to negotiate boundary agreements with neighboring towns. Discourage the conversion of agricultural lands to urban development. Improve the parking requirements by providing incentives to reduce parking. Broaden the range of impact, facility, and permit fees for new development. These and other policies discourage sprawl. Many are already incorporated in the 2005 Comprehensive Plan. Sustainable Neighborhoods: Continue neighborhood improvement strategies, striving for development patterns identified in the city's Traditional Neighborhood Development District — defined as a compact neighborhood with mixed uses and housing types. Explore LEED's Neighborhood Design Rating System to help plan for more compact and complete neighborhoods. By bridging together adjoining districts, neighborhoods can have a mix of amenities close by with walkable streets, affordable housing with multi -unit and single - family homes, public spaces and well- connected streets serving pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and drivers. Encourage new neighborhood business districts near residential areas scaled to be pedestrian friendly. Other considerations include location of schools, public safety infrastructure, and green space. Mixed -Use Corridors: Consider more defined mixed use plans and ordinances for high traffic corridors. Review standards for development in the Highway 41 Corridor Overlay District to address sustainability issues and to potentially allow for mixed -use development in the corridor. Consider similar overlay districts for the Highway 21 and Jackson Street corridors. Identify other high traffic corridors and offer incentives to help redevelop underutilized commercial buildings, strip centers, and parking lots. Assign first priority to commercial redevelopment areas already identified in the 17 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Comprehensive Plan. Continue to promote attractive transit - oriented, mixed - income housing near new or alongside existing retail and office developments to reduce travel time to work and shopping areas. Encourage Green Building Life -Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA). Promote life -cycle cost analysis as a necessary component of designing a sustainable development. Provide educational materials to help developers and builders know how to assess the full range of social and environmental impacts of their projects so better choices can be made. Life -cycle costs take into account the full life of a building product or development —from its raw material production, manufacture, transport and actual use to its disposal. Life Cycle Cost Analysis can be performed on large and small buildings or on isolated building systems. Proven methods to account for Life Cycle Cost Analysis include approaches like the LEED Green Building Rating SystemTM or the International Organization for Standardization 14000 Environmental Management. Another useful tool is Return on Investment estimates, or cost - benefit analysis, before expanding infrastructure networks— streets, sewer, water, electricity, and cable. Green Buildings. Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program, ENERGY STAR, or a similar system. Consider requiring green building for all new city buildings and remodeling projects. The city can lead by example by establishing green building policies and goals and creating a framework to implement them. Consider offering incentives for green buildings or requiring green buildings in Tax Increment Financing Districts. Buildings and Energy. Partner with utility companies, ENERGY STAR, and others to offer energy efficiency education programs or incentives to improve energy use in buildings. Buildings account for 40% of energy consumed in the U.S. Strategies to reduce energy consumption are widely available on numerous Web sites, including the city's sustainability site: http: / /www.ci. oshkosh .wi.us /Sustainable0shkosh Cool Roofs. Consider a green or white roof pilot project on a city building. Green roofs or living roofs typically have native grasses, flowers, shrubs and vegetation planted into a layer of soil over a waterproof membrane. Other common features include gravel paths, patios, irrigation systems and photovoltaic arrays. Green roofs absorb and clean rainwater, provide insulation, create habitat for wildlife, and help to lower urban air temperatures. White roofs are another option. White roof are painted white or use a white membrane or tiles to reflect solar radiation off the roof, reducing the building's thermal load. Material Recovery. Provide incentives to promote the recovery of all recyclable building materials Include not only construction waste from new building projects but also what exists on site. Promote adaptive reuse and renovation of older buildings. Many of these were made of stone and brick which are long - lasting, have a good fire rating, and thermal retention properties. Local Materials. Promote the use of building materials and products found in the immediate area and surrounding region. Buying and using quality area building materials strengthens the area economy, creates local identity, and decreases out of the region transportation costs. Affordable, Life -Cycle and Fair Housing. Work with public and private housing providers to offer a mix of housing types affordable to low and moderate income owners and renters. Continue to employ programs subsiding owner and rental rehabilitation and first time homebuyers, such as the Community Development Block Grant Program( CDBG), the state's Home Rental Rehabilitation Program (HOME), the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and local housing authorities. Encourage life -cycle or adaptable design to help people live independently throughout their lives. This type of design includes fixed accessible features, such as wider doors and halls, open floor spaces and clear traffic patterns; and adaptable features, such as wall reinforcement for grabbers and removable base cabinets for future knee space. Continue to promote fair housing for all segments of the population. 18 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Transportation and Mobility Sustainable transportation generally refers to enhancing alternatives to the automobile -- transit, bicycling, walking and rail -- to reduce pollution, conserve energy and decrease traffic congestion. It also implies attention to environmentally friendly infrastructure, alternative fuels and new transportation technologies. More and more communities around the country are incorporating these concepts into their transportation networks with increased support from state and federal funding. We see evidence of this in Oshkosh. The transit system is receiving four new hybrid buses. Buses are now fitted with bike racks. The new Butte des Morts Bridge and overpasses on Highway 41 will have pedestrian and bicycle access. Energy efficient measures for the transit facility were among those included in the city's Energy Efficiency Community Development Block Grant application. For growing communities, transportation is an important issue and the City of Oshkosh plays a critical role in guiding its direction. Objective: Enhance mobility alternatives to the automobile; design safe, efficient and environmentally sound transportation infrastructure; and connect to other local and regional networks. Policies: Public Transit. Service improvements. Support and improve the Oshkosh Transit System. The system currently provides over a million rides annually and operates within walking distance of about 90 percent of the city. Update the community's Transit Development Program on a five -year basis to reflect changing population, land use and economic conditions. Continue to incorporate transit into the development review process. Focus on improving traveler information, comfort and convenience to attract local and visiting general public as well as the transit dependent. Explore other service options, such as van - pooling and shuttle type service. Provide incentives and flexibility for city employees and local businesses to use transit. Design marketing programs to attract the general public. Capital improvements. Continue to replace older buses in the fleet with energy efficient vehicles. Provide bus shelters at all possible locations. Improve the existing transit station and plaza; coordinate plaza design with surrounding streetscaping and street furniture. Replace mechanical systems in public transit facilities with energy efficient models. Explore sustainable options when making repairs or remodeling facilities Regional Transit Authorities. Support statewide efforts to permit transit agencies to create their own funding authorities to improve mass transit options. Intercity Bus Service. Support efforts to expand intercity bus service that links our area to other areas throughout the state. Rail Transportation Freight Rail. Promote and maintain efficient freight rail to serve the Oshkosh area. Every ton -mile of freight that moves by rail instead of truck reduces greenhouse gas emissions by two - thirds or more. Maintain a rail transportation system that protects a rail corridor and reduces the number of conflict points. Coordinate spur lines with industrial park sites. Coordinate with Canadian National Railway and Wisconsin & Southern Railroad on their right -of -way needs for future expansion along existing rail lines. Passenger Rail. Encourage establishment of passenger rail service in the Oshkosh area. Monitor implementation of WDOT's Midwest High Speed Rail Initiative promoting reopening of a train line between Green Bay and Milwaukee through Appleton, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Planning. Complete the Oshkosh Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan in 2010. Have it adopted by the City Council. Ensure inclusion of an implementation schedule and assignment of a dedicated city committee to oversee implementation. 19 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 This plan has had extensive public input and incorporates a broad range of policies affecting bike routes, bike parking, pedestrian ways, connectivity with transit and trails, funding, education and intergovernmental cooperation. Riverwalk. Place a high priority on completion of the Riverwalk. Construct the segment from the amphitheatre to Main Street in 2010. Walkable Neighborhoods. Assess neighborhoods for their walkability by determining what goods and services are within an easy and safe walk to allow residents and employees to meet their needs on a regular basis. Recommend improvements where there are deficiencies. Review zoning policies for their potential to allow mixed -use and compact development. Safe Routes to School. Promote this program that encourages walking and biking to school. Streets and Highways Sustainable streets. Continue to promote and build infrastructure to serve a range of users — pedestrian, bicyclists, transit riders and automobiles. Incorporate elements of green design when reconstructing or building new streets: LED street lighting, landscaping, native vegetation, wider terraces, narrower pavements, biodegradable paint and pedestrian type amenities. Explore newer types of construction material and road design to reduce stormwater impacts or increase the lasting quality of a street. Continue an aggressive street cleaning program to protect water quality, maintain pavement, and reduce the burden on the sewer system. Address polluted run -off issues related to salt usage and other methods of snow and ice removal. Develop a local erosion control ordinance and continue to enforce state- required erosion control practices during street construction. Traffic signals. Synchronize traffic signals with speed limits to avoid unnecessary stops and idling of cars. Consider roundabouts where feasible. Traffic enforcement. Encourage strict enforcement of speeding and other traffic laws to ensure streets are safer for all travelers— autos, pedestrians and bicyclists —and to reduce maintenance costs. Parking facilities. Consider bio- filters and other sustainability practices when rebuilding or developing parking facilities provided they compare favorably with longevity standards of traditional materials. Consider pervious material where clay subsoil does not inhibit drainage. Incorporate landscaping for aesthetics and stormwater control, LED lighting, bike racks and other items that conserve energy and protect the environment. Promote parking policies to encourage more efficient use of facilities. Trip reduction programs. Employ integrated land use planning and sprawl reduction policies to make destinations more pedestrian, bicycle and transit friendly. Encourage rideshare programs and telecommuting. Continue to identify and encourage new locations for Park and Ride lots. Fossil fuel infrastructure alternatives. Consider provision of storage and access to bio- diesel or other alternative fuels for city vehicles. Explore incentives for businesses to provide access to alternative fuels, especially bio- diesel and its future fuel cousins. Explore the feasibility of adding infrastructure for future electric fueling /plug -in stations. 20 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Green Economy The numerous factors motivating individuals, companies, and governments to act and invest more sustainably are also creating demand for new "green" products, services and jobs. Oshkosh is increasingly showing signs of this "green economy." Not only are we seeing more corporate responsibility to society and the environment, but we are attracting green industries. These are industries working with the environment or involving environmentally friendly products or services. They make headlines because they differ from our traditional manufacturing and education, health and social service economic base. Oshkosh is now home to a manufacturer of small wind turbines, a promoter of small scale bio fuel production, and a designer of high tech batteries using nanomaterials. We have builders constructing green buildings, and food vendors supporting sustainable agricultural practices. The city is developing a strong social network to support less - fortunate residents, including innovative institutions providing an economic safety net through community funds, food banks, housing, re -use of donated materials, and services for women, children, and the homeless. We also have corporations proud to proclaim their sustainability. Aurora and Affinity medical facilities are two of the most vocal. International companies in our city, such as Wal -Mart and McDonalds, also are leaders in sustainability worldwide. Increasingly too, we see state supported programs like Focus on Energy helping businesses reduce their energy use. On the federal level the 2007 Green Jobs Act authorized $125 million to train workers for green - collar fields, with additional funding anticipated. hl the face of such activities, equipping Oshkosh as a green business center makes good financial sense. Objective: Bolster the local economy by attracting green - collar jobs and encouraging businesses to become more sustainable. Policies: Green Economic Planning. Add clean technology to Oshkosh's targeted growth sectors. Identify products and sectors for a sustainability- related manufacturing and production niche in Oshkosh. Conduct a needs assessment of green job demand. Inventory existing job training programs and link it to information provided in the green jobs needs assessment. Work with the Oshkosh Area School District, UW Oshkosh, Fox Valley Technical College, and UW- Extension to bring together partners to discuss developing ways to grow the green collar industry. Develop a strategy to secure available government and private funding to grow the industry. Analyze the potential for a "green" business incubator in the city. Green - Collar Jobs. Promote, expand, and offer business incentives to attract green - collar companies. Support local green industries in their efforts to use special bonding or seek government funding if available. Establish creative financing strategies for local green business. Encourage adoption of green building practices for new construction and renovation. Attracting Green Businesses. Work with the Chamber of Commerce, Chamco, and NEW North to develop a marketing piece aimed at attracting industry within the sustainability sector. Highlight and market the city's natural and infrastructure amenities attractive to green technology businesses. Encourage synergistic businesses to locate in Oshkosh. Encourage businesses that reduce dependence on fossil fuel, do not use toxic chemicals, and exceed clean air and clean water standards. Seek out businesses to use by- products of other processes or whose wastes can be used as raw materials for other industries. Encourage businesses that maintain natural terrain, drainage and vegetation, minimizing disruption of natural systems. Encourage businesses that reuse processed water or make use of solid waste for materials or energy production. Review zoning regulations to encourage home based businesses in order to reduce travel needs. Green Job Education. Work with Oshkosh Area School District, Fox Valley Technical College and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to ramp up education, training and counseling for careers in sustainability. Provide opportunities for student interns to advance green practices in city departments. Buying Local. Promote the buying of local and regional products to help strengthen our economy. Educate residents about the importance and benefits of supporting local businesses. Increase local government purchasing of local products. Develop tools to connect local suppliers with businesses, consumers, and government. Promote the sale of local food and drinks at events. Encourage development of unique local shops to foster a distinct Oshkosh identity. Work with the Chamber of Commerce to research and publish a Green Business Directory to 211 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 include green - collar companies and companies with improved sustainability. Encourage local artists to work with businesses to display their products. Support businesses and non - profits offering products and services from people with disabilities, in local institutions or with other social needs. Travel Green Wisconsin: Help the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau attract and expand business - related eco- tourism, such as those related to waterways, biking and other outdoor activities. Encourage businesses and facilitate the process to increase participation and certification in the state's Travel Green program, a voluntary program providing opportunities to be recognized as a green business. Create a sustainable best practices document to hand out to event planners. Work to attract sustainability- related conventions and events to Oshkosh. Triple Bottom Line. Promote and educate institutions and businesses to measure their success not only by financial profit, but by environmental and social performance as well. Called "Triple Bottom Line" ( the Planet or Natural Capital, People or Social Capital, and Profit or Economic Capital ) this accounting approach has been endorsed by the United Nations and International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives- Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), as a bona fide technique to measure corporate and governmental sustainability. Compile a list of companies in the region to show other companies the value of employing triple bottom line. Encourage local businesses to adopt sustainable accounting practices by leading by example and sharing the city's successes. Work with educational institutions from elementary school on up to develop a green business curriculum. Support the Public Library's efforts to build resources regarding green business practice. Collaborate with the Chamber and local colleges to hold an annual conference to promote sustainability. Promote the DNR's Green Tier program which supports environmentally innovative companies who go beyond compliance with minimum regulatory standards while improving their bottom line. Affinity Health Systems is a Green Tier 1 corporation. Low - Income Needs. Continue to support programs for housing, transportation, education, work and social networks to improve the economic status of people in need. Continue to provide Community Development Block Grant funds to support social services. Work with service agencies to find the best possible locations and buildings. Help groups coordinate events for collecting donations, fundraising, enlisting volunteers, and educating the public about opportunities and services. Consider a consortium to apply for federal assistance for new opportunities, emergencies, disaster relief, faith -based initiatives, etc. Assist with efforts to provide a local warming shelter and ensure adequate facilities for the homeless. Promote the availability of food pantries, resale shops, transportation and human services at various outlets and on the city's Sustainability web site. 22 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 Sustainable Government With almost five percent of the city's working population and more than two dozen city -owned buildings, the city has numerous opportunities to lead by example in sustainability efforts. This section provides sustainable policies and actions for city staff and departments to incorporate into daily operations and municipal projects. It also suggests administrative procedures to facilitate community actions. Some internal sustainability measures are already underway. A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory for municipal buildings has been completed and reduction targets will be set as soon as the community portion of the GHG inventory is finished. City staff continue to attend seminars and workshops to increase their knowledge of sustainable practices. Through the Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB), the city has created a website providing information on sustainable actions as well as a full range of available resources. A SAB subcommittee worked with city staff to prepare a flyer on water conservation included in water bills for all city residents. City departments have also implemented numerous other sustainable measures, such as use of biodegradable paint, increased use of LEDs and motion /occupancy sensors, improved traffic signal timing, and solar - powered pedestrian crossing flashers. Most recently the city commissioned the McKinstry study to audit municipal buildings and create a plan for energy savings. Through an Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), several Facility Improvement Measures(FIM) have been identified and most will be implemented by December 2010, with remaining measures undertaken as funding becomes available. FIMs currently in progress include lighting and building envelope improvements at 14 municipal locations, water conservation at 10 locations, vending machine controls at 12, direct digital controls at 4 locations, and high - efficiency motor implementation at the Oshkosh Public Museum and the Safety Building. The Oshkosh Public Library will be receiving a steam trap upgrade to reduce energy consumption by eliminating wasted steam. Objective: Lead by example and foster sustainability policies and actions for cost - effective, socially responsible and environmentally sound governmental practices to meet community needs. Policies: Administering Sustainability. Create a position of Sustainability Director reporting to the City Manager. Incorporate sustainability responsibilities in job descriptions for relevant city staff. Form a green team of representatives from each department under direction of the Sustainability Director to evaluate and implement internal sustainable actions. When the Sustainability Plan is completed urge adoption by the Common Council. Suggest responsibility lies with the Sustainability Advisory Board to move the plan forward, provide information for the public and review pertinent resolutions going before the Common Council. Continue to involve the public in sustainability activity through the Web site, on line surveys, social networks, governmental meetings, and workshops. Review the Sustainability Plan annually. Present an update of how well the city is meeting sustainability targets at the State of the City event. Energy Management. Continue to implement the McKinstry energy improvements, prioritized according to payback period. Require energy modeling as part of architectural design in all new public building construction to help determine the greatest efficiencies for energy conservation. Demonstrate a wind turbine or solar energy in a high traffic location to serve as a model for the community. Provide a biennial update of greenhouse gas inventories and monitor reductions. Develop an energy conservation policy for all city facilities. Implement it through promotion, education, employee training, and action. Continue to develop policies to preserve and plant trees around city buildings and within and adjacent to city parking lots. Analyze the energy savings impact of a four day work week for buildings where public contact is not a major consideration. Green Building. Adopt the LEED Green Building Rating System and ENERGY STAR label for new municipal buildings, additions and renovations. Consider adaptive reuse of existing buildings as first priority for expanded municipal space. Use local and recycled building materials when possible. Consider consolidation of departments with other units of government, such as a city /county health department, or public safety, to promote more efficient use of space and resources. Replace existing annual plantings at municipal facilities with perennial native species. Purchasing. Develop a purchasing policy that incorporates preferences for sustainable purchasing. Adopt Full Cost Accounting (FCA) to analyze all costs, advantages, and alternatives. Define `cost' not just as the monetary cost, but also 23 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11 include social, environmental and life cycle costs. Use this process rather than relying solely on the low bid process. Modify requests for proposals, specification and contract language to ensure sustainable energy procedures are an integral part of each project. Adopt purchasing policies for ENERGY STAR equipment, computers and appliances for city use. Include a policy with standards for worker safety, handling of chemicals, and alternative products and equipment. Use a refill purchasing policy, replacing consumables instead of stocking excess. Continue to use recycled paper wherever applicable. Encourage use of electronic documents and email rather than generating paper copies. Continue to work with vendors to reduce packaging. Buy local when possible. Eventually reduce or eliminate non -green products and cleaners. Continue to partner in shared purchasing ventures. Environmental Considerations. Review and adopt recycling practices at all municipal facilities. Install low flow faucet aerators and high efficiency toilets in all municipal bathrooms to conserve water. Discourage use of bottled water by installing filters in taps. Implement a fleet replacement program incorporating the use of hybrid, electric, flex -fuel and bio -fuel vehicles. Demonstrate environmentally safe landscaping practices by using natural fertilizers and no chemicals in areas surrounding city buildings.. Reduce mowing wherever possible. Install rain barrels and rain gardens at city facilities to reduce runoff Follow standardized environmental management procedures, such as ISO 14001. Communication /Training. Continue to raise awareness and provide training opportunities for city staff about sustainability practices. Explore ways to share facilities and services with other governmental entities —the school district, county, technical college and university. Develop mechanisms to communicate with surrounding cities and towns about sustainability efforts. Partner with the university and other local groups to maximize sharing of knowledge. Use local media on a regular basis to communicate sustainable activities the city is undertaking. Human Resources. Hire and promote people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Adopt human resource management practices that support sustainability objectives, such as allowing flex time or telecommuting, or offering incentives for use of public transit, biking, and ride - sharing. Continue to provide a wellness program and maintain efforts to become certified as a Well Workplace. Provide a living wage for all city employees. Empower employees to think creatively, generate ideas, and share suggestions on municipal sustainability. 24 1 Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Draft 1 -12 -11