Exceeding CA standards for reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions (Climate Action Plan)
Chula Vista, CA
Chula Vista Climate Awards
HOW IT CAN BENEFIT YOU
If you live in Chula Vista, you’ll benefit because their Climate Action Plan will help with 18 issues such as:
- Preventing storm water pollution and extreme heat by promoting cool paving and roofs, and shade trees (which also increase property values).
- Planning for the increase in wildfires and flooding because the city's sea level is expected to rise up to 18 inches.
- Making it easier to install solar, recycle water and create water efficient landscapes.
It also requires:
- Clean vehicles for the city and its contractors
- Free Resource & Energy Business Evaluations (FREBE)
- Green Buildings
- Smart Growth
Their Climate Action Plan combines their 2000 CO2 Reduction Plan, 2008 Climate Mitigation Plan and 2011 Climate Adaptation. Chula Vista created resolutions in 2008 and 2011 to adopt climate adaptation plans.
WHY IT'S A LEADING PROGRAM
Chula Vista was the first public agency in San Diego County to receive the “Climate Action Leader” designation from the California Climate Action Registry and the “Climate Registered” designation from The Climate Registry.” It has received several awards.
Unlike San Diego's plan, Chula Vista's sets short-term goals because it has been updated every few years from 1996-2013. San Diego’s plan has goals stretching to 2035. Also, San Diego’s Climate Action Plan was written to complement the city’s general plan. Chula Vista’s wasn’t but their plans exceeded state standards for reducing the harmful emissions (Read more).
GOAL
Reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 30% below 2005 levels.
WHO CAN TAKE ACTION
The Climate Change Working Group (residents, businesses, and community organizations) meet to help update the Climate Action Plan.
Outcome
As of 2013, it adopted these climate actions:
- Cool roof ordinance in 2012.
- Shade tree policy along streets and in parking lots in 2012.
- CA Green Building Standards Code in 2010 (before the required date).
- Voluntary Green Building Plus program offered expedited permitting in 2011.
- Conversion of 100% of their public transit fleet to alternative fuel vehicles.
- Solar ready ordinances in 2009. Over 1,500 new residential units adopted pre-wiring and pre-plumbing standards for solar panels and solar hot water.
- Landscape Water Conservation Ordinance in 2010.
BUDGET TO COORDINATE THE PROGRAM
As of 2011, initial implementation of all 11 strategies phased in over three years cost $554,000. Existing funding sources will allow for at least 8 of 11 strategies to be fully or partially implemented (read more). Ongoing implementation of the 11 strategies will cost $337,000 annually and will be partially covered through existing funding sources and grants.
CONTACT
Robert Beamon, Administrative Services Manager, City of Chula Vista, rbeamon@ci.chula-vista.ca.us
LAST UPDATED
November 1, 2015