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COA O3 Reduction Strategies
Introduction
Since 1999, the Austin-San Marcos Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has been in violation of the proposed Federal health-based standard for ground-level ozone. Although EPA´s implementation of the proposed standard has been delayed, our need for air quality improvements cannot be postponed. Reducing regional ozone depends on lowering emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx), one of the two primary precursors of ozone. The burning of fuels, primarily in internal combustion engines, is the most significant regional source of NOx. A recent emissions inventory shows that over 180 tons of NOx are emitted daily in our MSA.
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The City of Austin has developed ten strategies to minimize the NOx that results from its own operations. These strategies include actions taken by individual employees, by departments, and by regional partners. To regain and maintain compliance with the proposed Federal standard, many area organizations - particularly large employers - will need to adopt these strategies. It is this cumulative impact that will return ground-level ozone to healthful concentrations in the region.
Strategy 1: Voluntary Transportation Control Measures for COA Employees
Summary:
These programs are designed to reduce employee vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Active participation by employers in transportation demand management programs is shown to reduce employee VMT by 15%.
City of Austin Existing Initiatives:
Telework
This program allows eligible employees to work from home, typically connected to the office via computer, one or more days per week. Managers and teleworkers must evaluate issues of hardware and software compatibility, high speed access, and security.
Reduces VMT by one to two round trips per week
Compressed work week
This program allows eligible employees to work a compressed schedule, typically four 10-hour days with the fifth day off or nine nine-hour days over two weeks. Sensitive timekeeping issues include overtime, vacation and holiday scheduling.
Reduces VMT by up to one round trip per week.
Carpool/vanpool/transit promotion
This program subsidizes employees - monthly transit passes and aggressively recruits ridership for vanpools and carpools. The Transportation, Planning and Sustainability Department of COA is conducting zip code mixers to introduce potential riders to one another.
Bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure improvements
This program promotes bicycling and walking as viable commuting options. It supports improved bike/pedestrian amenities such as bike racks, upgraded sidewalks, and showers/lockers at work sites.
Parking incentives
Parking Cash-Out encourages alternative commutes by offering monthly cash payments to employees willing to forgo a parking place. Successful parking cash-out programs can result in net savings, as fewer leased parking spaces are required. Other incentive measures can include preferred parking for ridesharers.
City of Austin Accomplishments:
As of March 31, 2001, City of Austin employees save over 5 million vehicle miles annually. Over 5900 employees participate through compressed work weeks, alternate commuting methods (e.g., bus, carpool/vanpool, bike, walk) and telecommuting.
Strategy 2: Reduce Emissions from Fleet Vehicles
Summary:
This strategy includes fleet emissions reduction measures designed to ensure that fleets use the cleanest-operating vehicles possible and that operators drive these vehicles efficiently.
City of Austin Existing Initiatives:
Purchasing low sulfur fuels
COA is committed to purchasing the lowest sulfur-content fuel available.
Expanding propane (LPG) fueling capabilities
Achieved FY01 propane usage of over 50%
Operates four City-owned propane stations
Purchases SLEV and LPG vehicles where appropriate
Advocates "right-sized" purchase of replacement vehicles
Positioning compressed natural gas (CNG) or electric vehicles
The COA encourages use of CNG and/or electric vehicles in situations where required ranges are small. These may include vehicles used primarily downtown, airport ground equipment (tugs, fork lifts), and other equipment operated in defined areas or campuses.
Practicing exceptional vehicle maintenance
Proper maintenance can reduce fuel demand up to 15 percent. COA practices timely preventive maintenance (e.g., regular tune-ups, filter replacements, engine diagnostics).
Testing Super Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV) COA operates four gasoline/electric hybrid automobiles under various operating conditions in order to evaluate their feasibility for city-wide use.
Purchasing Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV or best available)
COA is committed to increasing the percentage of SULEVs (or lowest-emitting available alternative) purchased annually. Implementation costs vary by vehicles purchased; grant funding may underwrite the purchase of AFVs, many of which also qualify as SULEVs.
Purchased 30 Toyota Prius vehicles in FY01
Selecting trip-appropriate vehicles ("right-sizing")
The most efficient vehicle possible should be selected for each staff trip, based on the number of passengers, weight of cargo, and likelihood of off-road use. Vehicles used for City business should default to compact or SULEV.
City of Austin Accomplishments:
In the past three acquisition cycles 390 Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) and 115 Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV) have been procured; 100% of new full- and mid-size sedans and utility vehicles were alternate fuel or LEV. The COA has increased alternative fuel use by 25%, and uses a selection matrix to guide vehicle acquisition decisions. The City-s public safety group now boasts 10% AFV/LEV vehicles. Exceptional maintenance is practiced on the entire fleet.
City of Austin Recommended Initiatives:
"Smart drive" policy
Smart driving procedures such as reducing idling, linking trips, and accelerating more slowly will result in greater fuel-efficiency.
Establishing standard procedures for staff trips will further the COA-s air quality initiatives.
Develop alternative fuel infrastructure
An increased number of natural gas and propane refueling stations makes AFV use more convenient. Region-wide sharing of stations by fleet owners facilitates increased AFV use. Grant opportunities are available.
Purchase cleaner-burning gasoline and diesel fuel
New fuel contracts should stipulate lowest available pollutant levels. Organization leaders should lobby for Texas to adopt California fuel standards.
Strategy 3: Reduce Increased Emissions Generated By Congested Traffic
Summary:
These program strategies reduce ozone production by influencing the timing and amount of mobile-source emissions. Reducing the number of vehicles on the road during the morning rush hour and helping traffic to flow more smoothly can mitigate ozone formation.
City of Austin Existing Initiatives:
Promote flex hours/compressed work week
Flexible hours allow employees to adjust schedules in order to divert traffic from peak morning and evening rush hours, reducing congestion and associated emissions.
Congestion relief improvement projects
Left turn lanes and signals, rapid clearing of traffic accidents, and advance notice of construction detours improve traffic flow.
Increase number of City services available by phone or electronic media
Increased accessibility of services reduces travel required to do business with COA.
City of Austin Accomplishments:
Library renewal and book reservation online
Launch of PARD online facility reservation system (anticipated 2002)
Five years of $500,000 annual investments in congestion relief (TxDOT, CAMPO, COA)
City of Austin Recommended Initiatives:
Summary:
These programs reduce the on-road and off-road vehicle emissions of contracted private and public entities.
City of Austin Existing Initiatives:
Encourage area partnerships
The COA, as a Clean Air Force member, supports the "Clean Air Partners" program, a consortium of individuals from public and private entities. The program-s objective is to provide cooperative, voluntary air quality strategies, which may include restrictions on off-road construction equipment.
Reduce pollution at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA)
Landside and airside pollution reduction efforts include the following:
Operate AFV fleet for parking lot shuttle service
Operate AFV administrative fleet
Operate AFV maintenance vehicles and equipment
Develop on-site AFV refueling station
Encourage alternative fuel ground support equipment
Relocate aircraft engine run-ups from air cargo apron to airport center
Minimize aircraft taxiing distances with efficient airfield layout
Use state-of-the-art instrument landing system
Explore use of alternative fuel ground power units at air cargo apron
Shift load on airplane auxiliary and ground power units to gate-side electric power
Encourage airlines to use pre-conditioned air
City of Austin Recommended Initiatives:
Require use of cleaner fuel by contractors
Require emissions testing of contractor vehicles
Evaluate industry-specific measures
Institute trip reduction program for contractors
Accelerate contractor purchase of Tier 2/Tier 3 diesel equipment
Implement vehicle idling restrictions
Increase use of low-emission airport parking shuttles
Summary:
These policies guide regional land development and transportation planning toward patterns that reduce dependence on automobiles. The programs reduce mobile-source emissions by encouraging urban infill and walkable districts. Mixed-use, transit-oriented neighborhoods and denser, mixed-use downtown neighborhoods reduce VMT per capita. Green building designs and maintenance techniques reduce energy and water consumption, helping to reduce emissions.
City of Austin Existing Initiatives:
Continue tree planting program
Follow Traditional Neighborhood Development ordinance guidelines
Support neighborhood planning initiatives and Smart Growth Matrix
City of Austin Accomplishments:
Smart Growth Matrix projects
464,000 sq. ft.-retail;
610,000 sq. ft.-office
642 downtown residential units
Primary employer projects
120,000 sq. ft.-retail;
1,200,00 sq. ft.-office;
4,500,000 sq. ft.-manufacturing
Project-specific incentives
200,000 sq. ft.-retail;
740,000 sq. ft.-office
600 single-family residential units;
1100 multi-family units
Smart Growth infill amendments adopted April 2000
Six adopted neighborhood plans
Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Master Plan approved
RFQ for master developer issued
Corridor planning
Phase I - Corridor Planning Guidebook complete
Phase II - E. 7th Street plan underway
Great Streets Master Plan scheduled for 2002 review
Proposed subdivision amendments under review by stakeholders
Seaholm Master Plan under review by applicable boards and commissions
City of Austin Recommended Initiatives:
Offer zone-specific incentives
Advocate mixed-use corridor program
Promote sustainability guidelines for construction and operations
Summary:
This strategy promotes ozone reduction by educating the public about how their actions can affect and improve air quality.
City of Austin Existing Initiatives
Implemented mandatory Ozone Action Day Program for all City departments
City of Austin Accomplishments:
Clean Air Force radio campaign
"Hot Tips for Cool Drivers" message aired August and September 2001
Clean 2000 public outreach and education campaign
Partnered with Clean Air Force and Clear Channel Communications
Spearheaded $550,000 regional outreach campaign
Commute Solutions Fairs
Promoted alternative transportation through City and regional outreach
Implemented zip code mixers for every City department
Surviving and Thriving without Driving: Guide to Downtown Austin
Distributed 40,000 copies of brochure
Received International Business Marketing Association award
Available online
City of Austin Recommended Initiatives:
Develop and promote educational materials for ISD science classes.
Forge additional partnerships with local media
Strategy 6: Educate the Public to Promote Behavior Changes
Summary:
This strategy promotes ozone reduction by educating the public about how their actions can affect and improve air quality.
City of Austin Existing Initiatives
Implemented mandatory Ozone Action Day Program for all City departments
City of Austin Accomplishments:
CLEAN AIR Force radio campaign
"Hot Tips for Cool Drivers" message aired August and September 2001
CLEAN 2000 public outreach and education campaign
Partnered with CLEAN AIR Force and Clear Channel Communications
Spearheaded $550,000 regional outreach campaign
Commute Solutions Fairs
Promoted alternative transportation through City and regional outreach
Implemented zip code mixers for every City department
Surviving and Thriving without Driving: Guide to Downtown Austin
Distributed 40,000 copies of brochure
Received International Business Marketing Association award
Available online
City of Austin Recommended Initiatives:
Develop and promote educational materials for ISD science classes.
Forge additional partnerships with local media
Strategy 7: Develop Regional Partnerships
Summary:
This strategy implements public education programs and promotes regional control strategies to attain Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and contracts between stakeholders and partners.
City of Austin Existing Initiatives:
Participate in the Clean Air Force of Central Texas
Continue outreach to Association of General Contractors
Share program implementation information with regional employers
Continue as key stakeholder in the Central Texas Clean Air Coalition
City of Austin Accomplishments:
Central Texas Clean Cities program
COA now houses Central Texas Clean Cities (CTCC), a DOE-sponsored program that promotes alternative fuel. CTCC has built a stakeholder group, hosted two region-wide "Advancing the Choice" promotional events, arranged a biodiesel testing project for Bastrop ISD, and written pending grant proposals for alternative fueling infrastructure at ABIA.
Central Texas Clean Air Coalition
COA is a major participant in the Central Texas Clean Air Coalition, a consortium of elected officials from the MSA. The coalition has designed an aggressive, region-wide clean air plan under EPA-s O3 Flex program. The plan is scheduled for a public signing on March 28, 2002 and is expected to be the first of its kind in the nation.
Ozone Action Day Plan
COA-s Ozone Action Day Plan is being used as a model for municipalities within the MSA.
City of Austin Proposed Initiatives:
Promote employer-employee strategies
Advocate code-enforcement and green building strategies
Coordinate AFV fleet and fuel partnerships among:
School districts
Local governments
State agencies
Capital Metropolitan Transit Authority
Promote energy conservation
Summary:
These programs and policies target mobile source emissions by the general public.
City of Austin Accomplishments:
City of Austin Recommended Initiatives:
Evaluate potential regional Inspection and Maintenance (I&M) program
Encourage private and corporate AFV and SULEV purchases
Support public and private e-commerce service programs
Assess efficacy of speed limit reductions
Reduced speeds lower mobile source emissions.
Promote "smart driving" methods community-wide
Summary:
These programs reduce off-road pollutant sources through regional initiatives.
City of Austin Existing Initiatives:
Encourage use of propane lawnmowers
The Central Texas Clean Cities Program is promoting the Texas Railroad Commission-s "Propane Mower Rebate Program".
COA Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is scheduled to convert four mowers to propane.
Purchase AFVs for off-road applications
Senate Bill 5 will assist Texas cities in accelerating the purchase of off-road vehicles.
City of Austin Recommended Initiatives:
Restrict vehicle idling
Accelerate purchase of Tier 2/Tier 3 diesel equipment
Restrict use of landscaping equipment
Replace old equipment
Prohibit use of certain equipment on Ozone Action Days
Limit hours of equipment operation in ozone season
Facilitate regional use of cleaner-burning gasoline and diesel
Negotiate with suppliers to improve access to cleaner fuel
Support cleaner fuel standards
Summary:
These policies are intended to reduce the air pollution generated by large, non-mobile sources, particularly power plants. By reducing the demand for electricity production, energy-efficiency initiatives also help to improve air quality. Since water treatment and delivery requires substantial energy use, water conservation is an important part of this strategy.
City of Austin Existing Initiatives:
Water conservation
Programs for single-family, multi-family, and commercial buildings include toilet replacement, rainwater harvesting and xeriscape education.
Energy conservation
GreenChoice enables Austin Energy customers to purchase green power from clean renewable sources (e.g., wind, sun, methane gas from landfills). Austin Energy-s Green Building Program provides sustainable design and construction consultations. In addition, the utility offers free weatherization to reduce wasted heating and cooling energy.
Urban Heat Island Mitigation
City of Austin Accomplishments:
Promoted LEED standards for new construction
City Hall design accepted LEED Silver standard
Salvation Army building certified LEED
Austin Community College accepted LEED Silver as design goal
2,500 trees planted annually (PARD, TreeFolks)
646,000 gallons per day (gpd) FY01 Peak Day water savings as of June 30, 2001
777,155 grams NOx avoided as a result of 443,582 gpd water saved through July 2001
Upgraded rainbarrel distribution program
Revised Emergency and Peak Day ordinance to prohibit water waste year-round
Promoted ET as preferred irrigation technique
ET replaces only the amount of water lost due to evaporation and transpiration.
Developed and implemented fifth grade education program in conjunction with AISD
City of Austin Recommended Initiatives:
Reduce emissions from Austin Energy power generation
Improve technology at existing facilities
Increase use of renewable energy sources
Promote energy and water conservation
Implement energy conservation practices in organization operations
Perform energy and water audits of all facilities
Practice smart power management on computers and electrical equipment
Develop incentives for lowering utility bills
Practice and encourage energy-efficient building and maintenance
Follow COA Sustainable Building Guidelines for new construction and maintenance
Promote green building techniques and materials
Promote purchase of energy- and water-efficient appliances
Increase public participation through incentives and rebates
Share point source emissions reduction strategies with regional partners
Ensure 100% use of Phase I vapor-recovery equipment at City-owned refueling sites<
Support Urban Heat Island Mitigation (UHIM), reforestation, and landscaping
Conventional UHIM includes shading impervious cover with mature trees, especially in areas of extensive pavement (e.g., parking lots, downtown). Mitigation projects can incorporate tree islands in parking lots, shaded structures, and tree-lined streets. UHIM measures also include Energy Star roofing, light-colored pavement, alternative paving materials, and breaking up contiguous impervious cover areas.
Reforestation is the planting of native or naturalized trees and woody vegetation on previously cleared areas (e.g., parks, major rights-of-way, abandoned sites, old farmland).
Low-impact, resource-efficient landscaping maximizes the use of native and naturalized plants. Strategic shade-giving, non-lawn landscaping can simultaneously reduce heat loading, water waste, lawn equipment emissions, and fertilizer and pesticide use.
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