HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainability Findings Report to the City of Oshkosh from University of Wisconsin
Report to the City of Oshkosh
Recommended Sustainability Measures to Enhance Oshkosh’s Future
Environmental Studies Senior Seminar
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Spring 2017
Figure 1Menominee Park Zoo, Oshkosh, WI. (http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/parks/zoo)
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Water ............................................................................................................................................... 6
What Oshkosh Has Done Well ................................................................................................... 6
Increasing Energy Efficiency in Wastewater Treatment Plants ................................................. 6
Sliding Vane Rotary Compressor ........................................................................................... 6
Eau Claire’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade ................................................................... 7
Reliability Centered Maintenance and Condition-Monitoring Programs ................................... 8
Public Education and Awareness ................................................................................................ 9
Transportation ............................................................................................................................... 11
Enhancing the Bus System........................................................................................................ 11
Incentivizing Transit Ridership ................................................................................................. 12
Waste............................................................................................................................................. 13
History....................................................................................................................................... 13
Methods..................................................................................................................................... 14
Benefits ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Costs .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Land Use ....................................................................................................................................... 16
Development ............................................................................................................................. 16
Higher Density Development ............................................................................................... 16
Mixed Used Development .................................................................................................... 16
Vacant Lot Use ..................................................................................................................... 17
Sense of Place ........................................................................................................................... 17
Historic Preservation ............................................................................................................. 17
Placemaking .......................................................................................................................... 18
Local Food Production .............................................................................................................. 18
Urban Agriculture ................................................................................................................. 18
Gardening .............................................................................................................................. 19
Green Space .............................................................................................................................. 19
Public Health ......................................................................................................................... 20
Attractiveness ........................................................................................................................ 21
Ecosystem Protection & Services ......................................................................................... 22
Financial Benefits ................................................................................................................. 23
Energy Use .................................................................................................................................... 25
Madison..................................................................................................................................... 25
Green roofs............................................................................................................................ 25
Eau Claire.................................................................................................................................. 26
Appleton .................................................................................................................................... 26
La Crosse .................................................................................................................................. 27
Reducing overall energy consumption.................................................................................. 27
Grants ............................................................................................................................................ 29
Water ......................................................................................................................................... 29
Transportation ........................................................................................................................... 30
Land Use ................................................................................................................................... 32
Waste Management ................................................................................................................... 33
Energy ....................................................................................................................................... 33
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 35
References ..................................................................................................................................... 36
Introduction
In February of 2017, the City of Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) tasked
our senior Environmental Studies class with helping the city further its commitment to
sustainability by making recommendations based off the existing Sustainability Plan. Since the
plan was written in 2012, technology has continued to move forward and has become more
accessible, the economy and funding opportunities have changed, and many cities across the
world have taken serious steps towards tackling climate change. If Oshkosh wishes to be a
prosperous place for business, a fun destination for tourism, and a healthy place to raise families,
we must implement further developmental strategies to enhance our city. Sustainability provides
a pathway for achieving many of these goals simultaneously.
Sustainability has become a buzzword that is used to describe everything from business
models to personal wellness to how coffee is produced, but this term represents much more than
just a trendy phrase. Sustainability means that something is strong, healthy, or resilient enough
that it can be maintained into the long-term future. One classic definition comes from a report by
the United Nations Commission on Environment and Development, also known as the
Brundtland Commission: “the ability to meet the needs of the current generation without
compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their needs” (1987).
Ensuring strong, vibrant, healthy
communities for ourselves and for our
children is a common goal everyone in
Oshkosh can support.
Our city’s leaders have done many
things well already. Most recently, the Common Council passed Resolution 17-123 approving
the city’s participation in the Wisconsin Green Tier Charter for Legacy Communities (City of
Oshkosh Common Council 2017). In so doing we align ourselves with the Wisconsin DNR,
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp and other organizations and cities such as Appleton, La
Crosse, Eau Claire, and Sheboygan. The Green Tier Charter provides assistance to achieve
“superior environmental performance” in water resource management, renewable energy,
transportation and other categories which will “improve the quality of life and economic vitality”
of member communities (City of Oshkosh Common Council 2017).
In 2007 Mayor Frank Tower, and with the support of the Common Council, signed the US
Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement (City of Oshkosh 2007). He was one of 15 mayors in
Wisconsin and the 668th mayor in the nation to do so (City of Oshkosh 2007). This agreement
commits Oshkosh to:
• Creating an inventory of operations emissions and a plan to reduce them
• Adopting land-use policies that reduce sprawl and create walkable communities
• Promoting alternative transportation
• Increasing the use of clean alternative energy
Sustainability: “the ability to meet the
needs of the current generation without
compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their needs.”
• Making energy efficiency a priority
• Increasing the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles
• Maintaining healthy urban forests
• And educating our public and peers (City of Oshkosh 2007).
Addressing and preparing for the realities of climate change is critical to the success of
communities across the globe. A significant majority of international scientists, the US military,
large corporations including banks and insurance companies, and even fossil fuel companies
admit that increasing climate intensity and variability threatens human health and prosperity. We
applaud the former mayor and Common Council for recognizing this challenge and taking the
initial steps to engage our community in solutions.
Oshkosh also has received some recognition from third-party organizations that certify
sustainable practices. We have been a Bird City USA and Tree City USA for many years; both of
these designations recognize our commitment to providing habitat and green space that benefits
not only the citizens who use our parks and outdoor areas but the animals and insects we share
our environment with. In recent years we have added structures that are built to LEED standards.
Since this certification is expensive, other buildings have also been constructed using the
standards without going through the formal process; we have heard that the new Public Works is
one such endeavor.
While these things give us a solid foundation, there are many opportunities for
improvements and progress as well. As part of our research and learning process we interviewed
stakeholders in Oshkosh city government and operations as well as the private and non-profit
sectors. Though their perspectives are diverse, many expressed similar wishes for cost-effective
measures, green infrastructure improvements, a healthier city and efforts to increase the aesthetic
appeal of the city.
In order to make our recommendations we researched examples, best practices, programs,
and funding that has worked for other communities in Wisconsin and across the country. We
focused on methods that reduce the city’s carbon footprint but also achieve other goals such as
cost savings, increased public health and wellness, and increased resiliency. When we presented
some of our initial findings at a meeting of the Sustainability Advisory Board in early April we
received helpful feedback on our work and requests for additional, detailed information on a few
points of interest. This report is the culmination of our work. We hope it answers your questions
and stirs your curiosity about the different ways Oshkosh can make itself a more sustainable and
amazing place to live!
Water
Wastewater facilities are one of the most energy intensive utilities for a municipality.
Therefore, saving energy within the water treatment and distribution cycle is a critical step in
decreasing Oshkosh’s total energy usage and
carbon dioxide emissions. Equipment within
wastewater treatment plants requires around
the clock observation and maintenance;
however, many maintenance challenges and
energy requirements can be mitigated through
modernization of pumping and clarification
processes. In order to achieve energy efficient
standards in a naturally energy intensive
process, Oshkosh must identify, evaluate, and integrate these new technologies. Sliding vane
rotary compressors and variable frequency drives have proven to increase pumping efficiency
and reduce maintenance costs, and are a no brainer solution to outdated and costly machinery.
What Oshkosh Has Done Well
Currently, the City of Oshkosh’s wastewater treatment facility disinfects its effluent
water with ozone before it is discharged back into the environment. According to the United
States Environmental Protection Agency, ozone is more effective at disinfecting the effluent
water than chlorine (EPA). Additionally, ozone does not leave potentially harmful residue in the
effluent because ozone decomposes rapidly (EPA).
Since 2009, the City of Oshkosh has also been embarking on an aggressive stormwater
management program for both flood control as well as pollution reduction. A major project that
has emerged from this program is the underground stormwater detention basin, located
underneath the City Hall parking lot (PCI). This basin can hold up to six acre feet of water and a
24 inch pipe will discharge the water after storms. The basin also includes a bio-filtration system
that drains parking lot water through mulch areas before it enters the basin (PCI).
These measures have shown that Oshkosh is a city that is looking to the future. Using
ozone at the wastewater treatment facility and aggressive stormwater management plans are two
key steps that Oshkosh has taken to become more sustainable and efficient within its water
operations.
Increasing Energy Efficiency in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Sliding Vane Rotary Compressor
Air compressors have been identified as the most inefficient utility in wastewater
treatment plants. Many cities, like Appleton, WI are making the switch to a more efficient type
of compressor: the sliding vane rotary air compressor. It is estimated that 10% of global
industrial electricity consumption is met by the use of compressed air systems in the mechanical
process. The potential for energy savings within compressor technologies is estimated to be
between 25-30% (Bianchi, 2015). Sliding vane rotary compressors are energetically efficient
because there is a convective heat exchange between the air and oil and this reduces compression
Wastewater facilities are one of the
most energy intensive utilities for a
municipality… saving energy within
the water treatment and distribution
cycle is a critical step.
work. Since its installation it has saved the Appleton wastewater treatment plant $20,000
annually with a payback period of 6.6 years (C. Shaw, Personal Communication, March 15,
2017).
Figure 2 Sliding Vane Rotary Compressor(Bianchi, 2015)
Compressed air applications are relevant where carbon dioxide reduction is a priority
because screw compressors are the most common. However, advancement in sliding vane rotary
compressor technology proves to be extremely energy efficient (London 2013). Sliding vane
rotary compressors require much less energy than screw compressors at all pressure levels
(London 2013). Based off the the success Appleton has had after installing the sliding vane
rotary air compressor, both with its emissions and monetary savings, it is highly recommended
that Oshkosh follow in their footsteps and replace the current compressor with the sliding vane
rotary air compressor.
Eau Claire’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
With the guidance of Green Tier Legacy Communities, the City of Eau Claire has
committed to a goal of obtaining 25% of energy needs through renewable resources such as
biogas, wind, and solar (You 2014). A critical step in reaching this goal was to renovate their
municipal wastewater treatment plant. One of the most notable additions to their wastewater
system was the installation of two new biofuel generators to their sludge removal processes and
replaced their rotating biological contactor (RBC) system with a nitrifying activated sludge
system using 3, 350 HP variable frequency drive (VFD) blowers for aeration (You 2014, WOAA
2016). During the RBC replacement process, all 56 RBC’s were reused or recycled (WOAA
2016). These renovations to their activated sludge process significantly reduced total suspended
solids (TSS), and biological oxygen demand (BOD), and decreased ammonia effluent discharge
by 95% into the Chippewa River (WOAA 2016, Wisconsin Academy of Sciences Arts & Letters
2016). These aspects of their wastewater treatment plant renovations protect their neighboring
river but also benefit human health by decreasing the oxygen demand for biological entities.
Furthermore, their novel nitrifying activated sludge system saves the City of Eau Claire $40,000
annually via heat recovery (50% of plant heat requirements and an additional 20% from effluent
heat recovery), and decreased ferric chloride costs from $250,000 in 2014 to $25,000 in 2015
(WOAA 2016). The largest, and most common sense energy solution Eau Claire has come up
with is the addition of 4 motor control centers (MCC’s) coupled with 39 VFD’s to their water
pump operations (WOAA 2016). Controlled by a supervisory control and data acquisition system
(SCADA), the MCC’s and VFD’s are monitored remotely, and allow wastewater plant operators
to monitor the plant during unstaffed times and has decreased staffing by 33% (WOAA 2016).
This SCADA addition and VFD’s saves $300,000 annually. Not including biogas capture from
their sludge digesters, Eau Claire's wastewater treatment plant renovations will save the city
$565,000 annually (WOAA 2016). To fund this 40 million dollar project (You 2014), Eau Claire
took direction from The State of Wisconsin’s Clean Water and Drinking Water programs to help
reach green infrastructure and energy and water efficiency goals. This allowed them to receive
$350,000 of financial aid from Focus On Energy (WOAA 2016). Eau Claire also received a total
of $770,000 of federal and state grants for various sustainability projects, a portion of which was
allocated toward their wastewater treatment plant upgrade (Green Tier Legacy Communities
n.d.).
City of Oshkosh can learn from Eau Claire’s bold wastewater treatment plant renovations
in several ways. First, now that Oshkosh is a member of Green Tier Legacy Communities,
Oshkosh will be provided with a wealth of information regarding modern and novel sustainable
initiatives, and be given financial guidance for state, federal, and private funding options.
Becoming a part of the “sustainable community” will also create more dialogue between the
citizens of oshkosh and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Oshkosh’s city government.
Second, although $40 million dollars is a steep price tag, Eau Claire represents a city that steps
out of its comfort zone to achieve great, energy saving, and sustainable means of operation. Eau
Claire’s wastewater treatment plant, and many other treatment plants around the world, have
proven that variable frequency/speed drives (VFD’s) save energy and maintenance costs. VSD’s
are electro-mechanical systems that adjust the torque and speed of a single motor or multiple
motors. According to the California Energy Commission, variable frequency drives can reduce
energy use by over 45-50%, increase the life of the motor(s), and decrease time spent on
maintenance (CEC 2017). In addition, depending on the waste water treatment plant system,
VFDs can operate multiple motors (more return on investment). Since water pumping is
responsible for up to 95% of WWTP total energy usage, replacing old and outdated systems
saves energy, decreased total CO2 emissions, and saves money (Ramos, Vieira, & Covas 2010).
Reliability Centered Maintenance and Condition-Monitoring Programs
Within the wastewater treatment cycle, energy is often wasted from mechanical wear, a
poor understanding of energy tariffs, water leaks, reducing pressure valves, and system load
changes. According to Tom Walski and Tony Andrews from Bentley Systems, mechanical issues
can be prevented by implementing reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) and condition-
monitoring programs (CMP) (Walski & Andrews 2010). These programs and maintenance
protocols allow wastewater treatment plants to save energy and prevent extra costs by constantly
maintaining and monitoring equipment in ways that ensure the system runs at an ideal efficiency.
By maintaining a proactive wastewater treatment plan that monitors operating points, replaces
outdated technology, and creates plans for future technological developments and water loads,
Oshkosh can increase energy efficiency, decrease maintenance costs, and increase overall
treatment efficiency. In addition, because most operators never see the energy bill and don’t
understand energy tariffs, creating an energy plan based on block rate pricing, current demand,
and predicted demand would decrease energy use (Walski & Andrews 2010). In extension of
Walski and Andrew’s idea of reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) and condition-monitoring
programs (CMP), variable frequency drives (VFD’s) would allow the wastewater system to be
better equipped for changes in operating points and provide better control over pump scheduling
(Walski & Andrews 2010). Oshkosh can learn from Walski and Andrew’s wastewater treatment
plant expertise in several ways. RCM and CMP provide a framework for improving energy
efficiency in the WWTP but also help the city think about ways to improve roads, transportation
systems, and community redevelopment programs. Rather than fixing something when it breaks
or has exceeded its social and technological relevance, it is necessary to be proactive in
maintaining the condition of the city streets, the transportation system, community development,
and energy efficiency standards, to improve perceptions and the functionality of Oshkosh.
Public Education and Awareness
Conservation practices can be the stepping stone to reducing Oshkosh’s carbon footprint.
Starting at the community level can be very beneficial for the city. If city residents are informed
about water use, it is possible to reduce overall consumption.
If the city’s demand for water decreases, less water will need to be pulled from Lake
Winnebago, and less water will be sent to the treatment plant. Saving water saves energy; it is
that simple. Less water being consumed means there is less energy needed to power motors and
pumps in these facilities.
Figure 3 Online advertisement from Madison Water Utility website (2017).
The City of Madison truly believes in engaging the public through outreach and
education (Heikkinen). Madison Water Utility is the first city in Wisconsin to offer its customers
online access to monitor their water consumption. To use this new water conservation tool,
customers of the Water Utility Service will have a new “View My Usage” button where they pay
their normal bill online. Once clicked, the customer will be taken to a page where they can view
their usage for the past thirty days. Not only can customers view their usage, but they can set up
alerts when they are approaching thresholds they have set for themselves. Along with the new
tool, the application also gives its users information on the average amount of water that is used,
based on number of people in the household (Heikkinen).
Not only can this benefit the city, but it can also benefit residents who use the water
utility services. By tracking water usage, residents can be aided in catching plumbing leaks and
inefficient appliances such as an old washing machine or toilets. Additionally, those who are
using the water conservation tool will be able to carefully monitor daily and even hourly usage,
which will allow them to reduce usage and ultimately the cost on their water utility bill.
Transportation
While biking and walking are great ways to reduce emissions, this section specifically
focuses on the bus transit system for the city of Oshkosh. For more information in regards to
these biking and walking, please refer to the “walkability” discussion in the Land Use section of
this document. Of the cities we researched,
Oshkosh was viewed as a leader in public transit.
Only Madison is regarded as having a better
system.
The city of Oshkosh has made beneficial
steps towards improving their public
transportation system through the Go Transit
program. Within the next year the Go Transit
buses will have tablets on board that will track the bus routes, analyzing them for inefficiencies
so that their efficiencies will be improved upon. These tablets will also be connected to a free to
download app that gives real
time location so citizens can
better time and plan their routes.
These tablets will also keep
track of how many users are
using a specific route to
examine high use times
associated with certain routes
(Clark, 2017). With this data,
the city of Oshkosh and Go
Transit may consider a program
called the Bus Rapid Transit
System (BRT system).
Figure 4 An example of a data-tracking tablet on a bus. Retrieved from: http://nhpr.org/post/nashua-buses-find-new-way-avoid-getting-lost-translation#stream/0
Enhancing the Bus System
The BRT system is currently being used across the U.S. to decrease wait times while
speeding up the travel time the passenger uses (Wright, 2003). Madison is one Wisconsin city
that currently uses the BRT system, with high use routes having larger bus shelters and less wait
time for their buses. The Oshkosh police chief Dean Smith mentioned in an interview he would
like to see more bus shelters because it improves the life of the rider in that they are protected
from any inclement weather (Clark, 2017). The shelters will no doubt increase the attractiveness
of the service, and costs associated in building them can be offset through advertising space.
Depending upon the location, bus only lanes can be utilized on these high use routes can also
have bus only lanes that will also decrease the wait time for the passenger and promote better
fuel efficiency for the buses.
Of the cities we researched, Oshkosh
was viewed as a leader in public
transit. Only Madison is regarded as
having a better system.
Figure 5 Examples of advertising on bus shelters: a way to raise revenue and increase attention to transit. Retrieved from http://www.directmediausa.com/continued-growth-baltimore-bus-shelter-advertising/ http://www.clearchanneldirect.co.uk/advertising-options/bus-shelters/
Figure 6 Schema of Bus Rapid Transit setup with bus-only lane. Retrieved from: http://chicago.curbed.com/2014/5/28/10094904/image-provided-by-chicago
Incentivizing Transit Ridership
Working with local businesses to
include discounted bus passes as part of
their employees compensation packages
can also lead to increased ridership.
Madison has utilized this strategy and has
noted that it brings more attention to the
city’s BRT system (Clark, 2017). This can lead to increased ridership and ensure that the transit
system is being used.
Another recommendation is the reduction and elimination of extra parking spaces in
order to increase ridership. Eliminating parking in select locations can increase the need to utilize
the transit system when it becomes a more convenient for citizens to get where they need to go.
Parking spaces can be repurposed for other uses, such as a lane for the BRT system, or turned
into green space to beautify the city. In cities like Paris, Zurich, and Hamburg, reduction or
capping of available parking has increased over the past several years. This method has made its
way into U.S. cities such as New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles (Garthwaite,
2011). In the case of Oshkosh, there is an overabundance of parking that has led to the decreased
use of the bus transit system. An abundance of parking gives priority to cars, causing congestion,
air pollution, and decreases the surrounding land value and tax values (Vanderbilt, 2010). By
eliminating parking in select locations, this can increase the use of the buses as means of
transportation. While elimination of these spaces can initially lead to congestion due to people
searching for parking spots, this will only be temporary as people come to the realization that the
transit system is the less stressful method of transportation.
Waste
The city of Oshkosh has made beneficial impacts and strides in terms of handling our
waste. One of the most remarkable steps is the implementation with the anaerobic biodigester at
the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. The biodigester has already taken the initiative on
partnering with local schools and businesses such as Festival Foods and Walmart for collecting
materials and utilizing the city’s yard waste. Approximately 95% of food waste is landfilled
every year in the United States. For each individual that comes around 3 pounds of waste per day
accumulating to around 810 million pounds entering landfills (Breunig, 2017). Dan Jacobson, a
fellow employee of the Winnebago Waste Management stated in an interview that he would love
to see more community engagement with doing their part in what goes in the city’s landfill
(Jacobson 2017). The utilization of the anaerobic biodigester has many benefits including the
following:
• Organic waste, including any biodegradable plant products, can be diverted from the
landfill
• Energy can be collected and used from the decomposition of the waste
• The remaining byproduct can be sold as compost for a profit
Although the biodigester has already partnered with a few businesses and schools, we propose to
open the university’s biodigester as an organic waste drop
off site that may be used by all of the residents in Oshkosh,
complete with a publicity/education campaign to
encourage proper use. Brian Langolf, Director of Biogas
Systems at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, would
like to collaborate with the city of Oshkosh by opening the
biodigester for extended hours to the public and have more
community involvement. This might include providing
basic education to the public on the benefits of utilizing the
biodigester. Ultimately, this would help save the city
money by diverting materials from the landfill.
History
Madison started a pilot program for organic waste pickup in 2011. The program started
with 497 volunteers to participate in the study (Snider et al. 2014). The organic matter was
picked up on a bimonthly basis and taken to the anaerobic biodigester at the University of
Wisconsin Oshkosh (Johnson 2017). The biggest problem was the contamination of non-organic
products (ex: plastics, dairy, meat, other refuse). The pilot program was later cancelled due to
the issue of contamination. Madison was unable to purchase a filter due to high costs, However,
this should not discourage the city of Oshkosh from pursuing this opportunity. If the
municipality can invest in a filter system to screen through the dropped off waste, there is a great
potential to divert tons of organic material from the landfill.
We propose to open the
university’s biodigester as
an organic waste drop off
site that may be used by all
of the residents in
Oshkosh.
Methods
Since a separate biodigester for the city of Oshkosh could cost $4-8 million dollars, we
propose an advertising campaign that will consist of flyers and locally-based radio commercials
on local radio stations such as 96.9 The Fox (Kleinheinz 2017). The flyers would be distributed
to the businesses on Main Street to display for their customers, and at other popular centers such
as the movie theater on Koeller Street, and the big box stores such as Target and Wal-Mart.The
advertising strategies will explain the location, time and days of business, and what can and
cannot be taken in. These rules would explain that only organic (meaning compostable) food
waste would be accepted and would exclude general refuse, meat and dairy products, and
recycling waste. The advertisements would inform Oshkosh residents that they would be able to
drop off their approved food waste in their own container and feel good about diverting waste
from the landfill. These promotions would also clarify the benefits of composting and utilizing
the biodigester. Dan Jacobson, one of the employees in Winnebago Waste Management, is one
of the many people who reside in the city of Oshkosh who was not aware of the biodigester in
Oshkosh, and would be interested in more public awareness of what Oshkosh offers to their
residents (Jacobson 2017).
After contacting Greg Kleinheinz, UWO’s Viessmann Chair of Sustainable Technology,
regarding this pilot program, he stated that this would be difficult to accomplish because the UW
Oshkosh biodigester does not have a way to screen through the received waste. Director of the
Biogas Systems and Research Development at UW Oshkosh, Brian Langolf, recommended a
product provided by Ecoverse, specifically the Tiger HS 640 model (Figure 1). The system
separates organic from nonorganic products, to produce solid and liquid materials. Once this
machine can be purchased and utilized, the biodigester would be opened for extended hours.
Figure 7 The Ecoverse Tiger HS 640 would screen contaminants from compostable materials. Retrieved from: http://www.ecoverse.net/products/tiger-hs-640
Dan Jacobson, a fellow
employee of the Winnebago Waste
Management stated in an interview that
he would love to see more community
engagement with doing their part in
what goes in the city’s landfill. He
reaffirmed that Oshkosh’s landfill is thriving, but believes Oshkosh can be making more
sustainable actions moving forward. He strongly advocates that more Oshkosh residents are
provided more education. Dan Jacobson is one of the many people who reside in the city of
Oshkosh who was not aware of the biodigester in Oshkosh, and would be interested in more
public awareness of what Oshkosh offers to their residents.
Benefits
Last year, the city of Madison collected 334.32 tons of organic waste in 2016 that was
diverted from the landfill. If the same ratio were collected in the city of Oshkosh, we would
divert approximately 90 tons of organic matter to the biodigester annually. The City of Oshkosh
Sanitation department’s charge for refuse pickup is $39 per ton. This could lead to a potential
savings of $3510 per year.
Other beneficial implementations for the city of Oshkosh would be creating more
partnerships between the UWO biodigester and restaurants and public schools. By partnering
with the biodigester, businesses and schools can help divert organic food waste while creating a
more appealing image of Oshkosh. In addition, this would create more community awareness
about the biodigester and have the potential to educate more people on the benefits of diverting
their organic matter from a landfill.
Additionally, encouraging the local school community to participate in tours of the
biodigester to obtain early educational exposure would enhance children’s understanding of
where their waste goes, and can potentially help build a stronger sense of place. With a stronger
feeling of sense of place, comes deeper compassion and care about the city of Oshkosh meaning
that these children could have an impact on Oshkosh’s future. Stakeholders from the Winnebago
Waste Management facility highly support this idea. An employee requested to remain
anonymous, shared his support for the biodigester as well, but like Jacobson, would like to see
more public engagement with these types of services (education and biodigester). The
Winnebago Waste Management donates food scraps but states that “They would be better off
composted or digested” (Rex 2017). This employee also advocated for a heavy push on public
education through public events hosted by Oshkosh.
Costs
Radio Advertisement
The cost of developing and recording a radio advertisement varies, but we suggest that
students from UWO’s Radio TV Film program be enlisted to help, to keep the costs down. The
broadcasting cost for the advertisement broadcast on 96.9’s radio station between Monday and
Friday costs $30 for one, 30 second broadcast from 6 am to 7 pm. The costs comes to a total of
$630 per week as it will be broadcasted 21 times per week (21 times x $30).
Ecoverse Tiger HS 640
After attempting to speak with an Ecoverse representative on numerous occasions, we
were unable to receive a cost estimate. The best contact for the information would be Brian
Langolf from the UWO biodigester, to discuss the potential benefits of the new technological
implementation of this machine.
Land Use
Zoning ordinances can help a city achieve sustainability goals by enacting specific
principles for sustainable development. These principles of sustainable land use include:
encouraging higher density development, encouraging mixed use, encouraging local food
production, protecting ecosystems and natural functions, and encouraging transportation
alternatives. If Oshkosh leaders can keep these principles in mind -- perhaps not all of them, but
as many as possible -- this will help the city to achieve our sustainability goals.
Development
Higher Density Development
Encouraging higher density development can help combat urban sprawl, which is an
unsustainable use of land. Urban sprawl also has negative effects on public health: it is directly
correlated with increased obesity and morbidity. Also, individuals living in sprawling counties
are likely to walk less, weigh more and have greater prevalence of hypertension than those living
in compact counties (Ewing, Schmid,
Killingsworth, Zlot, Raudenbush: 2003).
The city of Oshkosh should prioritize this
if they are concerned about community
members’ health. Reducing minimum
parking requirements for businesses is
another way to help combat urban sprawl
because doing so encourages alternative
transportation. More information on
reducing minimum parking requirements
can be found in the transportation section.
Figure 8 Main Street, Downtown Oshkosh, a high density and mixed use area (Downtown Oshkosh [n.d.]). Retrieved May 04, 2017, from https://silverstarbrands.com/living-in-wisconsin/oshkosh-fox-valley-and-northeast-wisconsin/
Mixed Used Development
Encouraging mixed use development could help improve the quality of life of community
members. Mixed use developments are a type of urban development that blends residential,
commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial uses, where those functions are physically and
functionally integrated, and that provides areas for walkers to easily access the developments.
These blended developments are a more sustainable use of land because everything is combined
into one smaller area, instead of having a multiple types of buildings for different uses spread
throughout a larger area. Mixed use development increases leisure time by decreasing time spent
traveling between different locations, since everything is right there in one area.
Such close proximity also improves walkability. This does not mean that there will be no
cars, but it creates more of a balance between pedestrians, cars, cyclists, cars, and buses through
slower paced streets, better pedestrian safety, and better parking management (Black: 2015).
Walkability from mixed use developments enhances public health due to greater levels of
physical exercise. It also brings people together, giving them a sense of place and community.
Mixed used developments could also help lower the city’s emissions because the need for cars
and the amount driven in these areas is lessened. Oshkosh’s downtown area is a great example of
a mixed use development, but other areas in Oshkosh are lacking. There are a lot of areas
throughout the city consisting of only
residential housing with nothing else in
walking distance, while other areas
throughout the city are solely for
shopping and can only be easily accessed
by car. The city of Oshkosh should
strongly consider the mixed used
development strategy for future new
developments, and for land use plans in
existing neighborhoods in Oshkosh.
Figure 9 Example of New Mixed Used Development ([Example of a Newer Mixed Use Development ]. (2015, September 05). Retrieved May 04, 2017, from http://dreamandhustle.com/2015/09/how-hippo-will-transform-suburban-mixed-use-developments-into-crime-ridden-agnostic- ghettos-while-charging-hipsters-1750month-for-rent/)
Vacant Lot Use
The City of Oshkosh should also consider encouraging temporary green-space use of
vacant land. Examples of temporary uses include community gardens, pocket parks, and tree
farms, or other types of green space. By allowing vacant land to become a site for nature
reclamation through uses like community gardens and tree farms, the city and its residences
could experience several benefits all while engaging in a sustainable practice. Vacant lots that
are reclaimed by vegetation have ecosystem benefits including aiding in water infiltration,
improving air quality, and reducing the heat island effect. Temporary uses of vacant lot also
improve the attraction for developers to come back and redevelop that area, and can serve as a
place for community members to enjoy that area in the meantime (Nemeth, Langhorst: 2014).
More information about green spaces is discussed later in this land use section.
Sense of Place
Historic Preservation
We recommend support for historic preservation within the city of Oshkosh as one way
of creating a sense of place and conserving the cultural history of our community. There is
evidence that property values in, or on the border of, a historic district are shown to be higher
than other properties (Been et. al: 2016; Ijla et. al: 2011). To combat gentrification in historic
districts, related literature recommends offering a property tax freeze to individuals with fixed or
low income owners in the district (see Ijla et. al: 2011). There is also evidence to show that
rehabilitation tax credits (RTCs) can be used effectively to encourage developers to invest in
historic preservation (Kinahan, Webster-Ryberg: 2016). If Oshkosh takes these measures, greater
historic preservation will enhance our community’s sense of place.
The highest standards of green building sometimes conflict with the mandates of historic
preservation. After all, Victorian homes were not built with insulated windows or solar panels!
Nevertheless, there is ample potential for energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas
emissions within historic preservation. First of all, restoring an old building is much less wasteful
than destroying it, landfilling the material, and building a new one. That would require energy
use in the demolition and building, as well as wasting the embodied energy put into constructing
the building. According to Forster et. al (2017) sourcing materials locally rather than using
imported materials can lessen the carbon footprint of a historic building. Also, proper upkeep and
maintenance of an existing historic building prevents degradation, reduces heat loss, and
conserves energy (Forster et. al: 2017). That being said, it is not always feasible or economically
smart to preserve a building. According to research done by Mallach (2011) the post-restoration
value needs to be weighed against the cost of preservation to determine whether a building
would be best preserved or torn down. When it does make economic sense to preserve a
building, doing so can also make ecological sense if done in an energy conserving way.
Placemaking
There are other ways to instill a sense of place within a city or community. One local
example is the nearby city of Appleton which created the non-profit organization, Creative
Downtown Appleton, Inc. in 2015 with the purpose to “enrich Appleton Downtown's urban
design, public spaces, accessibility and walkability to create a diverse, inclusive and more livable
Downtown” (Appleton Downtown, Inc: 2016). One way in which the organization has done this
is by what the organization calls “placemaking.” Placemaking executed by the organization
includes the renovation and creation of shared public spaces downtown to be used by members
of the community and visitors to the city. This has also been done by incorporating art into
public spaces throughout the Downtown area such as murals, sidewalk poetry, sculptures, and
student-generated art on traffic control boxes (Appleton Downtown, Inc: 2016). While Oshkosh
enjoys some similar amenities, there is room for even more of this low-budget volunteer-run
placemaking in our town.
Local Food Production
Urban Agriculture
One initiative that we support for the city of Oshkosh is the production of food
locally. One way this could be done is through urban agriculture projects, such as community
gardens in unused lots throughout the city. Oshkosh does already have one urban agriculture
project, namely the non-profit organization Growing Oshkosh, but there is potential for more
local food production in the area.
Urban agriculture, especially when using organic practices, can reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. Sourcing food locally can reduce emissions associated with transport of food from
outside the local area (Weber, Matthews: 2008). Greenhouse gas emissions can also be reduced
with rain collection or the reuse of greywater in urban agriculture, reducing the amount of water
that gets processed at water treatment facilities (De Zeeuw: 2011; Okvat, Zautra: 2011). And
when composting is incorporated into urban agriculture, the diversion of organic wastes from
landfills prevents the creation of methane from these materials in landfills (De Zeeuw: 201;
Okvat & Zautra: 2011). Land used for urban agriculture also shows potential to be an effective
carbon sink, reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere (Kulak et. al: 2013).
There are also many other benefits that a community can reap from urban agriculture.
One important benefit is the stimulation of the local economy if produce is sold. A study
conducted by the CFSC Urban Agriculture Committee showed that a $1 investment in urban
gardening returned $6 worth of produce, showing that this type of venture can generate profits
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute: 2014). In addition to this benefit, urban agriculture
can provide training in job transferable-skills ( Okvat, Zautra: 2011). Community agriculture
projects, such as community gardens can increase community well-being by creating a space for
community building and intercultural
relations, as well as by empowering
local communities to deal with local
issues (Okvat, Zautra: 2011). Since
sites used for urban agriculture are a
type of green space, urban
agriculture such as community
gardens, provide the same benefits to
public health, the aesthetics of a city,
the environment, and to the local
economy that is discussed in the next
major section of this report,
greenspace.
Gardening
Supporting the creation of household
vegetable gardens within Oshkosh is
another way to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and increase local
food production. Vegetable gardens do this through similar methods as community gardens such
as replacing food needed from the conventional agricultural system, to reuse and divert organic
waste to be used as compost in the garden, by using greywater for irrigation and saving on water
processed at wastewater facilities and additionally by replacing conventional lawns, which
require gas-powered machinery to maintain (Cleveland et. al:2017). According to one estimate
there is a total of 42 million acres of land in the total U.S. (Higgins: 2017), meaning that
household lawns hold a lot of potential for environmentally friendly land use and for use in local
food production.
Green Space
The benefits associated with urban green space hold clear financial and public health
incentives, and cultivating more vegetated areas throughout the city could help prepare Oshkosh
for future and present climate problems. The City of Oshkosh demonstrates a need to pursue the
Benefits of Urban Agriculture
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Less transport of food; less
use of water; diversion of
organic waste from landfill; garden is carbon
sink.
Benefits local economy
Significant return on
investment; training in job
transferable skills for workers; keeps money in
the community
Increases community well-being
Space for community
building and intercultural
relations
Benefits as green
space
Public health, aesthetics,
and ecosystem services
benefits associated with urban green space in three ways. First, pursuing these benefits could put
the City of Oshkosh into a position of leadership, as investing more into urban green space is a
necessary element for progressive city development. Secondly, the city should focus on green
space because data reveals that it is lacking in this area. In comparison with cities of similar
sizes, Oshkosh does not provide sufficient green space. Appleton has nearly twice the green
space per capita as Oshkosh; Eau Claire has about three times as much; and La Crosse has more
than five times the green space per capita that Oshkosh does.
Green Space Comparison
Population Green Space in
Acres
Acres of Green Space Per
Capita
Oshkosh 67,000 333 .00497
Appleton 74,000 600 .00810
Eau Claire 68,000 1,038 .01526
La Crosse 52,000 1,400 .02692
Figure 10 [Green Space Comparative to Other Cities] City of Oshkosh. (2010). Parks Department.Retrieved from http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/parks/. Appleton Parks and Recreation Department (2017). Parks Pavillions and Trails Information. Retrieved from http://www.appletonparkandrec.org/parks,-pavilions-and-trails/general-information. City of Eau Claire. (n.d.). Parks. Retrieved from http://www.eauclairewi.gov/departments/recreation-services/parks. City of Lacrosse. (n.d.). City of La Crosse Parks. Retrieved from https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/parksandrec/Parks.
The final reason that the city should care about this issue has to do with water use:
Oshkosh gets its municipal water supply from Lake Winnebago, and even further, the lake and
its surrounding area sustains an estimated 234 million dollars fishing industry which contributes
to the local economy (UW Extension 2010). With this in mind, it is in the city’s best interest to
maintain local ecosystems and their functions. Now that we have illuminated a clear need for the
city to invest in green space, we will move on to discuss the general benefits of urban green
space. Scholarly literature on the topic illuminates three categories of benefits from urban green
space: public health, attractiveness of the city, ecosystem protection, and economic incentives.
Public Health
Urban green space can improve health
through noise reduction, air filtration, mental
health enhancement, and by providing
opportunity for physical activity. Bolund &
Hunhammar (1999), conducted a study which
found that up to 85% of air pollution within
urban areas can be filtered out through park
space, and up to 70% through street trees (p.297). This study also found noise reduction to
increase as areas with soft ground and vegetation increased. Other studies reveal the benefits that
urban green space offers for mental health; a Smithsonian article by Stromberg (2014) discusses
a study conducted by a group of UK researchers which looked at five years worth of mental
health data for 1064 participants who moved to a different home-place within the study period.
Urban green space can improve health
through noise reduction, air filtration,
mental health enhancement, and by
providing opportunity for physical
activity.
The researchers for the UK study found that individuals who moved to urban areas with more
green space showed higher mental health scores within the first year of their relocation. The
scores were compared with those from the years preceding their relocation. More importantly,
the study found that the mental health benefits stuck around, with higher scores persisting
throughout the remaining three years of the study.
There is also evidence of increased physical health of living near areas with more green
space. A study conducted by Maas, (2006) included 250,782 people who had 104 different
professions and had various socioeconomic backgrounds. The study concluded that there is a
strong relationship between the amount of green space present in a close proximity to where
someone lives with their perceived overall health and well-being. The relationship is even
stronger for those who come from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
These findings are important because they reveal that investing in urban green-space can
have long-term health benefits which would not only improve overall health of a community, but
could also attract more residents. This leads to the next outlined benefit of green space, which is
increasing the overall of attractiveness of the city.
Attractiveness
The most obvious way that urban green space increases the attractiveness of a city is by
improving the aesthetics. A Business Insider article by Spector (2016) pointed out benefits of
urban green space that are often discussed which included enhanced aesthetics. But the article
did not stop there; this piece also focuses on how urban nature affects crime rates. The writer
pointed to a fairly new area of research that showed significant correlations between green space
and crime occurrence. The idea is that green space is generally utilized by the community, and
therefore it tends to be informally surveillanced, which in turn inhibits crime.
The article looked at studies done
on three cities in the U.S.: Youngstown,
Ohio, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and
Baltimore Maryland. It showed the benefits
that green space has had on crime rates
within these cities. In Baltimore,
maintained yards were associated with a
lower crime rate, with properties that had a
lawn with tree cover and a presence of
garden hoses/sprinklers having a decrease
in crime. Philadelphia saw a significant
decrease in narcotics possession with their program that converted roadside gray areas into
vegetated spaces.
Lastly, Youngstown had been struggling with high unemployment and an economic
plateau which lead to increased crime. When the city launched a program that gave communities
funding to make any desired improvements to vacant lots, researchers found that areas with
vacant-lot restoration had lower crime rates within the properties. Overall, this research has
When [Youngstown, OH] launched a
program that gave communities
funding to make any desired
improvements to vacant lots,
researchers found that areas with
vacant-lot restoration had lower crime
rates within the properties.
strong implications as to why any city battling with poverty and its associated outcomes should
focus on developing its green space.
Ecosystem Protection & Services
Another important function of urban green space is its capacity to protect natural
ecosystems. This benefit is important because it allows a city to not only protect areas for natural
habitat, but also obtain important ecosystem services such as water filtration. This ecosystem
service could be important for the city of Oshkosh, since it is located between two water sources.
Goonetilleke et. al (2015) have demonstrated that urbanization usually involves removal of
vegetation and replacing it with impenetrable surfaces. This means that urban stormwater runoff
is more apt to result in water-quality issues because it cannot be filtered by natural vegetation.
On the other hand, O’Neil et. al (2012) have shown that wetlands and riparian zones can provide
a buffer from toxic agents getting into the water. The study emphasized the importance of this
ecosystem service by illuminating the problem with Cyanobacteria producing a wide range of
bio-toxins and bioactive compounds, which can be detrimental to human health. The researchers
noted that phosphorus was the leading nutrient associated with algae blooms, and that growth
rates and duration of algae blooms increases with water temperature. The Oshkosh water
treatment system has expressed concern about levels of phosphorus in Lake Winnebago (see
water section for more details). More green space, particularly along the lakeshore, would help
mitigate this problem.
Figure 11 Prairie plants along Lake Winnebago help to filter runoff before it enters the lake. Retrieved from http://www.oshkoshindependent.com/restoring-the-shoreline-ignites-controversy/
Financial Benefits
Protecting Oshkosh’s water through natural ecosystem services is one way that green
space could produce financial benefits for the city of Oshkosh. According to Lyons & Stewart
(2014), lake sturgeon are suspected to be highly sensitive to thermal changes and are known to
be a cold water fish. The researchers predicted that climate change will cause warmer water
temperatures which may jeopardize sturgeon recovery efforts. Suitable habitat is expected to
decline and may potentially harm the species recovery. In order to protect the sturgeon revenue
in the Lake Winnebago area, the city of Oshkosh could take advantage of urban green space’s
cooling effects along with engaging in riparian ecosystem rehabilitation.
The cooling effect of green space can also help save on energy costs. Bolund &
Hunhammar (1999), conducted studies in U.S. cities which revealed that Chicago has increased
their tree cover by 10% (planting approximately three trees per building/lot), which has increased
the potential energy savings; the city could decrease total energy used for heating and cooling by
anywhere from $50-90 per living unit each year (p. 298). The cooling effects associated with
urban green space can also produce financial benefits by reducing stress on infrastructure. As
global warming continues to cause temperatures to rise, urban areas are expected to trap more
heat because of the abundance concrete, asphalt, and large buildings.
Green space can also help reduce the stress on wastewater management systems. Bolund
& Hunhammar (1999) also identified that rainwater runoff was significantly lower in vegetated
versus unvegetated areas--5-15% of rainwater runoff in vegetated areas vs. 60% in vegetation-
free (p. 297). The research suggested that utilizing wetlands a way to enhance nitrogen reduction
and ultimately cut sewage treatment costs.
A final financial benefit of green
spaces is the potential for increased
property values of homes near green
spaces. A report from Active Living
Research (2010) looked into the existing
evidence and research of the economic
benefits of green spaces. They found
studies from Howard County, Md.;
Washington County, Ore.; Austin, Texas;
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., and other
areas that used census and GIS
(Geographic Information Systems) information, as well as residential property values. The
general findings of the study were that urban parks, natural areas, and open spaces had positive
effects on property values.
Green space offers clear financial benefits that the City of Oshkosh should not overlook.
Actively engaging in land acquisition with the intention of creating green space could help
Oshkosh save money in several ways. First, habitat preservation could help safeguard sturgeon
populations. Furthermore, creating urban green space--whether this be parks or street trees--
Financial Benefits of Green Space
It protects and cools our water: better for fishing
It saves energy costs by cooling the city
in the summer
It absorbs water, saving stress on
wastewater system and reducing
nitrogen
It increases property values
could help mitigate the urban heat island effect, and ultimately protect both sturgeon populations
and urban infrastructure.
As highlighted in this section, green spaces can reduce crime rates, they improve our
personal well being along with the attractiveness of our city, and can even have financial
benefits. Such findings suggest that the City of Oshkosh would greatly benefit from increasing
available green space throughout the city, and also provide incentives for the City to consider
implementing natural ecosystems into the plans for dredging and re-designing South Park.
Energy Use
When focusing on the energy sector for Oshkosh, we chose to pursue local Wisconsin
options that were being implemented in different regions, and see if we could potentially utilize
these projects and programs in Winnebago County. Although these regions varied in population
size, funding, space availability, and sustainable progression, they all offer different possibilities
that will outweigh any cost that is associated upfront. The first city that we looked into was
rather progressive and promotes green space along with other advances due to their extensive
budget; Madison, WI. Although it may seem difficult to compare Madison with Oshkosh,
Madison offers a great perspective on Wisconsin’s initiatives, along with financial incentives
that should be looked into in our city. We chose to research Eau Claire, Appleton, and LaCrosse
as well, hoping these regions would show more similarities in financial options and willingness
to participate in a more energy aware city.
Madison
Madison, WI, has taken the lead to promote energy efficiency by working with other
states, offering incentives to residents and business owners, and overall educating the individuals
within the city on the importance of clean energy. One concept that stuck out, primarily as it
offers a good return on investment and isn’t extremely costly, was retrofitting buildings within
the city with green roofs.
Green roofs
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has
shown their commitment to implementing
energy efficient buildings by certifying LEED
buildings on campus, including one with a
green roof (a roof planted with low-
maintenance weather resistant vegetation).
Along with current LEED standard buildings,
green roofs also help to combat climate change
and increase summertime energy efficiency (by
reducing urban heat island effect) and
wintertime energy efficiency (by insulating the
building). Similar to painting rooftops white,
green roofs have a lower albedo, which allows
cities to trap less heat. Not only have cities
such as Ann Arbor, Berkley, Duluth, Sydney
and other regions all around the world begun to
incorporate green roofs, but Madison has begun
exploring options as well, in hopes to team up
with engineers to figure out a cost effective
method of implementing these throughout
Wisconsin. Through proper budgeting, green
roofs run surprisingly low on costs, ranging
Figure 12 Green roof on the Cooper Hall School of Nursing (Credit: UW-Madison, Facilities Planning & Management) Retrieved from: http://foresternetwork.com/stormwater-magazine/sw-water/sw-stormwater-management/madison-wisconsin-capital-stormwater-management/
from $15+ per square foot, compared to cost of concrete roofs at around $8 per square foot.
These roofs help to insulate buildings (lowering heat and AC costs), require minimal
maintenance (compared to that of a concrete or gravel roof), and can enhance a city’s
attractiveness by adding green space (yielding a higher return). Green roofs could draw potential
buyers into Oshkosh as it has done so already in Madison.
Eau Claire
Another cost effective project that Oshkosh should be implementing is cost effective
energy efficiency and heat recovery projects. These types of projects could include LED Traffic
Light, HVAC improvements, lighting retrofits, and building weatherizations. By switching to
these alternatives, Oshkosh is
projected to save around $16,000+
a year. Eau Claire is working on all
these projects currently, and
expected to continue to save money
as they expand on energy projects
over the year. Not only did Eau Claire switch out their lights and improve building structures, but
they also worked to add two new biofuel generators to collect biosolids from wastewater, and
convert them into methane. The methane can be used for energy, and releases less carbon
emissions that coal or oil normally would. Although the cost upfront for these buildings are a
little over 1 million in costs, they pay themselves off in less than 6 years. By using biofuel
generators, Eau Claire has worked to reduce their carbon emissions and save energy. For further
discussion of the energy generation potential of wastewater, see the water section of this
document. This is something that Oshkosh could be doing as well, showing others our initiative
to be a more sustainable city.
Appleton
Appleton has already made initiatives towards energy efficiency. The city became a
Green Tier Legacy Community in December of 2010. Since 2005, Appleton has been successful
in reducing electricity usage by 30.3 KWH, and natural gas has been reduced by 1.2 million
therms – saving 3.3 million dollars (Gazza 2017). The City of Appleton also converted all city
owned streetlights to LEDs. This required
replacement of 1,100 city owned street lights
and the upfront cost was approximately
100,000 dollars. The switch from regular
street lights to LED decreased the energy
usage to half. LED streetlights are most
sustainable due to their lifespan; LED lights
are replaced every 15 years, whereas regular
lights are replaced every 3-4 years resulting
in more waste and labor costs. Appleton also converted all traffic signals to LEDs, which
lowered energy usage by 65,000 dollars annually. In addition to street and traffic lights, other
light conversions occurred throughout the city, such as: lighting at the wastewater treatment
plant, different park sites, and various other city facilities (Gazza). In order to promote energy
By switching to these alternatives, Oshkosh is
projected to save around $16,000+ a year.
Since 2005, Appleton has been
successful in reducing electricity usage
by 30.3 KWH, and natural gas has been
reduced by 1.2 million therms – saving
$3.3 million.
efficiency in buildings, the city replaced multiple boilers in the public library and municipal
service buildings.
The City of Appleton’s Parks, Recreation, & Facilities and Construction Management
department is another entity dedicated to operating in an environmentally conscious manner. The
department aims to implement initiatives to conserve energy and lower overall utility costs.
During the construction and renovations of buildings, they utilize energy efficient materials and
systems to lower operating expenses in the future and promote studies to best use existing
resources. Oshkosh has already converted some of the city’s streetlight to LED technology, but
the common council could construct a policy to continuously convert more lights as funds
become available. Furthermore, Oshkosh should upgrade to energy efficient infrastructure
whenever possible. The current Appleton budget allocates 100,000 dollars a year to upgrade
lighting fixtures in parks and 50,000-100,000 dollars for lighting in municipal facilities (Grazza).
This would require a more upfront cost for Oshkosh, but the result in energy, cost, and
maintenance savings in the near future.
There are energy efficiency grants to aid funding. The Wisconsin Office of Energy
Innovation works with a broad range of partners on energy-related issues (e.g. business,
agriculture, and local government sectors). Communities that apply for the energy independent
planning grant agree to a baseline of energy consumption, which helps to identify ways to save
energy throughout local government and may receive up to 10,000 dollars. Another grant
includes the implementation grants for independent communities, those who apply can receive
up to 25,000 dollars to enact a cost-effective project that will result in energy savings. Potential
projects that could utilize these fundings include a municipal plan for energy efficient lighting, a
baseline energy survey for energy use in public buildings, and better insulation in public
buildings. For more information on grants, please see the grants section of this document.
La Crosse
La Crosse County constructed a sustainability plan to reduce fossil fuels, and human
impacts to the environment. The city included in their executive summary that, “sustainable
community development is a solution for lessening these environmental impacts, ensuring that
the La Crosse area continues to prosper economically, and for attaining social equity”. The
sustainability plan involved multiple solutions to each goal, which is extremely helpful to
achieving emissions reductions on a municipal scale.
Reducing overall energy consumption
La Crosse proposed a 25 percent decrease in energy consumption from the 2007 levels by
2025. The first step to completing this goal requires a baseline consumption amount of electricity
and natural gas used within the municipality. They city also aimed to develop an energy
conservation policy that would be implemented throughout city facilities through promotion, and
education by training employees. Little efforts such as turning out lights and turning off
computers when not in use can be influential on a large scale. In addition, La Crosse sought to
install activated sensors for lights in rooms and offices for when rooms are not occupied.
Another goal set by La Crosse was to obtain energy needs by at least 25 percent renewable
energy by 2025. The city proposed the purchase of renewable energy through utility providers
while utilizing solar energy and other renewable for certain energy needs (ex: solar hot water
heaters for park facilities). Establishment of an energy conservation, efficiency and education
program was also suggested for residents and homeowners. Furthermore, La Crosse planned to
obtain LEED Silver equivalent ratings in all new facilities. The city suggested this standard be
applied to new projects and major renovations by exploring green building methods and
technologies, along with mandated recycled construction materials.
In addition to energy consumption, La Crosse stated that they wanted to consume at least
25 percent less fossil fuel for its transportation fleet by 2025. The city planned to complete this
by creating a baseline amount of fuel consumption for diesel and gasoline. Likewise, the city
would produce a eco-driving policy, which would mandate carpooling to meetings, inspections,
and other services. La Crosse also proposed that 25 percent of their fuel consumption for the
city’s fleet be derived
from renewable
sources. This would
require that 25
percent of fleet
vehicles purchased
are “green” including
hybrid and flex vehicles; the standard would apply to police and parking enforcement vehicles.
The city could also reach this goal by purchasing biodiesel when he cos is equivalent or less than
ultra-low sulfur diesel.
LaCrosse Energy Goals, by 2025
25% decrease in energy consumption from 2007 levels
25% renewable energy
25% less fuel consumed for transportation fleet
25% of fuel consumed by fleet is from renewable sources
Grants
We understand that many of these actions we are asking the common council of Oshkosh cost a
lot of money up front. To lower the cost to the city, we have found several grants that can
support many of the actions we have proposed. The grants are listed below by sectors groups;
water management, transportation, land use, waste management and energy.
Water
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Environmental Improvement Fund (EIF)
Clean Water Fund Program
• This could fund more energy efficient infrastructure for our water treatment plant and storm water related infrastructure.
• Requirements: Eligible projects include: a compliance project, a project needed to control
storm water, replacement or improvements to existing sewer systems.
• Amount: $288 million annually in loans; $2.5 million annually for hardship financial assistance. Combines federal grants and state funds to offer municipalities in subsidized
loans or principal forgiveness.
o Small Loans Program:
For wastewater and storm water infrastructure projects that are less than $2,000,000 interest rate subsidies are granted on State Trust Fund loans,
which can be up to 20 years long.
o Pilot Project Program:
Provides “subsidy for non-traditional wastewater treatment facility
alternatives.” Partnerships between wastewater treatment plants and nonpoint source pollution conservation efforts help reduce contamination,
mercury or phosphorus for example would be a local issue that Oshkosh
could tackle.
• Deadline: October 31/June 30
• More information: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wastewater/SecurityFunding.html;
http://dnr.wi.gov/Aid/documents/EIF/small.html ;
http://dnr.wi.gov/Aid/documents/EIF/PilotProjectWebContent.pdf
Focus on Energy, Custom Projects
• This could help Oshkosh to fund a sliding vane rotary air compressor project.
• Requirements: “Custom projects and incentives are calculated on a case-by-case basis for
non-standard technologies and projects, and are based on size and type of organization
and level of energy use. Before purchasing equipment or proceeding with upgrades, you
must be working with an Energy Advisor from Focus on Energy.”
• Amount: Up to 50% of the project
• Deadline: Varies based on project
• More information: https://focusonenergy.com/business/custom-projects
Community Development Block Grant: Public Facilities
• This could help Oshkosh to fund stormwater management projects.
• Requirements: “Expand and improve public infrastructure and facility projects critical to
community vitality and sustainability. Typically, these projects will involve streets,
sidewalks, water and sewer systems, storm water drainage and retention, senior and
community centers, fire stations, libraries, accessibility modifications, and other similar
types of activities.”
• Amount: Approximately $4.9 - $9.1 million
• Deadline: May 25
• More information: http://www.doa.state.wi.us/Divisions/Housing/Bureau-of-Community-
Development/CDBG-PF-Program-Overview
Targeted Runoff Management Grant Program
• This could help Oshkosh to fund runoff management projects like bioswales.
• Requirements: “The Targeted Runoff Management (TRM) Grant Program offers
competitive grants for local governments for controlling nonpoint source (NPS)
pollution. Grants reimburse costs for agriculture or urban runoff management practices in
targeted, critical geographic areas with surface water or groundwater quality concerns.”
• Amount: Range from $150,000 to $500,000
• Deadline: April 17
• More information: http://dnr.wi.gov/aid/targetedrunoff.html
Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management Grant Program
• This could help Oshkosh to fund projects that mitigate runoff specifically from
construction projects.
• Requirements: “For planning or construction projects controlling urban non-point source
and stormwater runoff pollution. Urban area population density of at least 1,000 people
per square mile or non-permitted commercial or municipally-owned industrial use.”
• Amount: Up to 70% cost sharing
• Deadline: April 17
• More information: http://dnr.wi.gov/Aid/UrbanNonpoint.html
Transportation
Both of these grants could help Oshkosh fund improvements to our public transit system.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Wisconsin Employment
Transportation Assistance Program
• This could help Oshkosh fund improvements to our public transit system.
• WETAP “represents an effort to connect low-income workers with jobs through
enhanced local transportation service.” This grant covers “the expenses of early start-up
and development stages of an effective transportation solution.”
• Requirements: “Operators of public transportation services, including private operators of
public transportation services” (Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 2016)
• Amount: Around $5,300
• Deadline: March 31
• More information: http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-
pgms/transit/wetap.aspx
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Bus and Bus Facilities Program
• This could help Oshkosh fund improvements to our public transit system.
• Requirements: “The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) allocates funds
to urban transit systems based upon formula, and also awards discretionary grants to
transit systems serving a population of between 50,000 and 200,000 based on evaluation
criteria such as consistency with local transit priorities, age and deferred maintenance of
vehicles or facilities, and demonstrated commitment of local share” (Wisconsin
Department of Transportation, 2016)
• Deadline: November 15, 2017 for projects beginning in 2018
• More information: http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-
pgms/transit/bus-program.aspx
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) State Urban Mass Transit Operating
Assistance
• This could help Oshkosh fund our public transit system.
• Eligible applicants include municipalities or counties with populations greater than 2,500,
as well as transit or transportation commissions or authorities. Public transportation
services eligible for this program includes bus, shared-ride taxicab, rail or other
conveyance either publicly or privately owned.
• Amount: Variable
• Deadline: Letter of interest by April 15th, Application due October 15th.
• More information: http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-
pgms/transit/state-urban.aspx
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program
• This would help us to fund pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, among other things.
• Requirements: “The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has confirmed that
projects that fall within the following categories are eligible to receive TAP funding:
o Construction, planning, and design of on-road and off-road trail facilities for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized forms of transportation. . . .
o Construction, planning, and design of infrastructure-related projects and systems
that will provide safe routes for non-drivers. . . .
o Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails for pedestrians,
bicyclists, or other non-motorized transportation users.
o Construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas.
o Community improvement activities, including
Inventory, control, or removal of outdoor advertising;
Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities;
Vegetation management practices in transportation rights-of-way to
improve roadway safety, prevent against invasive species, and provide
erosion control;
Archaeological activities. . . .
o Any environmental mitigation activity. . . .
o The recreational trails program. . . .
o The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. . . .
o Planning, designing, or constructing boulevards and other roadways largely in the
right-of-way of former Interstate System routes or other divided highways.”
o “Eligible sponsors are local entities with taxing authority that can guarantee
matching funds to carry out the proposed project.”
• Amount: varies, up to 1.3 million for big projects
• Deadline: Deadline for the 2016-2020 cycle has passed but the information about the next
cycle should be posted in 2017.
• More information: http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-
pgms/aid/tap.aspx
Land Use
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program grants
• This could help Oshkosh to fund public parks and outdoor recreation areas.
• Requirements: Key for eligibility “is whether or not an applicant has approved a local
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) or if the project is identified in the
CORP approved by a unit of government other than the applicant”
• Amount: 50% of cost sharing
• Deadline: May 1
• More information: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/stewardship/grants/
Brownfield Grants
• This could help Oshkosh to fund brownfield cleanup, especially those that remediate such
sites into green space.
• Requirements: “EPA's Brownfields program provides direct funding for Brownfields
assessment, cleanup, revolving loans, and environmental job training. To facilitate the
leveraging of public resources, EPA's Brownfields Program collaborates with other EPA
programs, other federal partners, and state agencies to identify and make available
resources that can be used for Brownfield’s activities.”
• Amount: Up to $200,000
• Deadline: September 22
• More information: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/types-brownfields-grant-funding
Urban Forestry Regular or Startup grants
• This could help Oshkosh to establish, enhance, and care for urban forest areas.
• Requirements: “Projects must relate to community tree management, maintenance or
education within Wisconsin cities, villages or other areas of concentrated development.
Eligible project components include, but are not limited to:
o tree inventory or canopy assessment;
o urban forestry strategic or management plan;
o urban forest pest response, storm response or risk reduction plan;
o tree ordinance development/revision;
o public outreach;
o staff or volunteer training;
o tree board or volunteer group development; and
o tree planting, maintenance and removal.”
• Amount: up to $25,000
• Deadline: October 1
• More information: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/urbanforests/grants/
Community Development Investment Grant
• This could help Oshkosh to fund urban revitalization through mixed use development or
high density development. It could also fund the creation of greater green space
downtown.
• Requirements: “The Community Development Investment Grant Program will support
urban, small city and rural community re/development efforts by providing financial
incentives for shovel-ready projects with emphasis on, but not limited to, downtown
community-driven efforts.” Eligibility: “must demonstrate significant, measurable
benefits in job opportunities, property values and/or leveraged investment by local and private partners.”
• Amount: The grants will be limited to 25 percent of eligible project costs up to $250,000
• Deadline: Ongoing
• More information: http://inwisconsin.com/community/assistance/community-
development-investment-grant/#sthash.qMcOjNci.dpuf
Community Development Block Grant: Planning
• This could help Oshkosh to fund installation of green space and other projects that
improve neighborhoods.
• Requirements: Designed for activities that create “decent housing in a suitable living
environment.” 70% of funding must benefit low to moderate-income persons.
• Requirements: Can be used for “public facilities and improvements, housing, public
services, economic development, and brownfields redevelopment.” Must meet three
objectives…
o Benefit low and moderate-income persons
o prevent or eliminate slums or blight
o “assist community development needs that present a serious and immediate threat
to health or welfare of the community.”
• Amount: Up to $230,000
• Deadline: May 25
• More information: http://doa.wi.gov/Divisions/Housing/Bureau-of-Community-
Development/CDBG-PLNG-Program-Overview
Waste Management
Basic Recycling Grant
• This could help Oshkosh to start a residential composting program.
• Requirements: must have a DNR approved Effective Recycling Program
• Amount: From 75% to 100% funding
• Deadline: October 1
• More information: http://dnr.wi.gov/aid/recycling.html
Energy
The Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation
• This could help Oshkosh to pay for upgrades in energy efficiency for lighting, energy use
in public buildings, and insulation in public buildings.
• Requirements: Agree to a baseline of energy consumption, which helps to identify ways
to save energy. They especially value grant applications that include: Green Tier Legacy
status, energy efficiency resolutions from council, and matching funds.
• Amount: Up to $10,000 – but if the city creates an energy efficiency plan that includes a
baseline data set of energy used in buildings, infrastructure, and fleet vehicles, we’re
eligible for $25,000 grants.
• Deadline: April 17
• More information:
http://www.stateenergyoffice.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=28104&locid=160
Focus on Energy, Custom Projects
• This could help Oshkosh to fund various technology upgrades that save energy.
• Requirements: “Custom projects and incentives are calculated on a case-by-case basis for
non-standard technologies and projects, and are based on size and type of organization
and level of energy use. Before purchasing equipment or proceeding with upgrades, you
must be working with an Energy Advisor from Focus on Energy” (Focus on Energy,
2017).
• Amount: Up to 50% of the project
• Deadline: Varies based on project
• More information: https://www.focusonenergy.com/business/custom-projects
Some of these grants’ deadlines have already passed, but many will be renewed for
subsequent years with similar deadlines. With grants like these available to Oshkosh, it makes
financial sense to pursue them, since they support measures that clearly will make our city more
sustainable. Recall that Eau Claire has received over $770,000 in grants for sustainability
initiatives! We recommend the city of Oshkosh invest time into applying for, and managing,
grants such as these: the payoff will be substantial.
Conclusion
Based on our research into these various sectors of city life, in Oshkosh and beyond, we
have reached several substantial conclusions for Oshkosh’s sustainable future. In summary, we
recommend:
• Investing in energy efficient operations for the wastewater treatment plant
• Improving and incentivizing local transit ridership
• Using the university’s biodigester for city residents’ organic waste disposal
• Increasing the city’s green space and supporting local agriculture through
community gardens
• Upgrading to energy efficient lighting for all street lights and lighting in parks and
buildings, sooner rather than later to maximize financial payoff
• Pursuing grant funding to support these initatives
All of these initiatives will reduce Oshkosh’s carbon emissions. But even more tangibly, they
will make Oshkosh a better place to live: a green, dynamic, growing, place with its own
sustainable identity and confidence for the future.
By taking the next steps towards sustainability within our city, we can create a more
prosperous and welcoming community. Environmentally conscious or sustainable development
increases public happiness and health, accentuates local tourism, and supports further efficiency
within city management processes (Kondo, South, Branas 2015). Sustainability initiatives offer a
pathway for maximizing the assets which already exist in the city of Oshkosh in a positive and
generative manner. Our current studies suggest that
improvements within our waste and water
treatment, land use planning, and energy
consumption, but we must not stop here. Our
location within the Fox Valley and the overall
community structure of Oshkosh provides ample
opportunities for enhancements that will produce
significant returns. To continue on our path of a
successful city, we must initiate sustainable
development and further our research for similar opportunities. For example, the city should
research and apply for more state and federal grants, implement policy proposals and plans for
extended innovations, and utilize local resources. The Environmental Studies Department at the
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is willing to assist with these tasks because it would provide
valuable learning experience for our students and because we recognize the importance of civic
engagement.
The 2017 Environmental Studies Senior Seminar would like to thank various members of the
Oshkosh community for their insights and support. We also thank the Sustainability Advisory
Board and the Oshkosh Common Council for this opportunity.
By taking the next steps towards
sustainability within our city, we
can create a more prosperous and
welcoming community.
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