HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 09162024 - Sustainability Cte MinAGENDA
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Sustainability
Committee
Supervisor John Gioia, Chair
Supervisor Federal D. Glover, Vice Chair
11780 San Pablo Ave., Ste. D,
El Cerrito, CA 94530 |
190 East 4th Street,
Pittsburg, CA 94565
1:00 PMMonday, September 16, 2024
ZOOM LINK
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/85829571760
| Dial: 888-278-0254 |
ACCESS CODE: 841892
The public may attend this meeting in person at either above locations and /or remotely via call-in or
ZOOM.
AGENDA ITEMS may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference of the
Committee.
1.INTRODUCTIONS Call to order and roll call.
2.PUBLIC COMMENT on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this
agenda (speakers may be limited to two (2) minutes).
3.APPROVE Record of Action from May 20, 2024, meeting of the Sustainability
Committee.
24-2898
05.20.24 MINUTESAttachments:
4.RECEIVE report on options for using lower amperage electric panels to facilitate
all-electric buildings.
24-2899
Redwood Energy 100 Amp PresentationAttachments:
5.RECEIVE report on Strategic Energy Management Program in County Facilities
and PROVIDE DIRECTION as appropriate.
24-2900
SEM_Presentation_SustainabilityCmteeAug2024Attachments:
Page 1 of 3
1
Sustainability Committee AGENDA September 16, 2024
6.RECEIVE report on energy efficiency and all-electric building pilot programs.24-2901
Exhibit A. EE and All-Electric Building Pilot Programs Report_9-16-24
Sust Comm
Attachments:
7.RECEIVE report from Sustainability Commission Chair, or Designee.24-2902
8.RECEIVE report on Staff Activities that Support Sustainability Goals.24-2903
2024_09_16 Sust. Staff Report to Sust. CMTE v.1Attachments:
9.ADJOURN until the next Sustainability Committee meeting to be held on November 18,
2024, at 10:00am.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This meeting provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities planning to attend a the
meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least 72 hours before the meeting. Any disclosable
public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and distributed by the
County to a majority of members of the Committee less than 96 hours prior to that meeting are available
for public inspection at:
1025 Escobar St., 4th Floor, Martinez,
Hours:
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Staff reports related to items on the agenda are also accessible on line at www .co.contra-costa.ca.us.
HOW TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons who wish to address the Committee during public comment on matters within the jurisdiction
of the Committee that are not on the agenda, or who wish to comment with respect to an item on the
agenda, may comment in person, via Zoom, or via call-in. Those participating in person should offer
comments when invited by the Committee Chair. Those participating via Zoom should indicate they
wish to speak by using the “raise your hand” feature in the Zoom app. Those calling in should indicate
they wish to speak by pushing *9 on their phones.
Public comments generally will be limited to two (2) minutes per speaker. In the interest of facilitating
the business of the Board Committee, the total amount of time that a member of the public may use in
addressing the Board Committee on all agenda items is 10 minutes. Your patience is appreciated.
Public comments may also be submitted to Committee staff before the meeting by email or by
voicemail. Comments submitted by email or voicemail will be included in the record of the meeting but
will not be read or played aloud during the meeting.
Page 2 of 3
2
Sustainability Committee AGENDA September 16, 2024
For Additional Information Contact:
Demian Hardman-Saldana
(925) 655-2816
Page 3 of 3
3
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-2898 Agenda Date:9/16/2024 Agenda #:3.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date:September 16, 2024
Subject:APPROVE Record of Action from May 20, 2024, Meeting
Submitted For:SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Department:DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Presenter:Demian Hardman-Saldana | DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT -
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
Contact:Demian Hardman-Saldana (925) 655-2816
Referral History:
This is an ongoing item of the Committee.
Referral Update:
SEE ATTACHMENT.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
APPROVE Record of Action from the May 20, 2024, meeting of the Sustainability Committee.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 9/11/2024Page 1 of 1
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Meeting Minutes - Draft
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Sustainability
Committee
Supervisor John Gioia, Chair
Supervisor Federal D. Glover, Vice Chair
1:00 PM 11780 San Pablo Ave., Ste D, El Cerrito | 190
East 4th Street, Pittsburg |
Monday, May 20, 2024
ZOOM LINK
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/85829571760
| Dial: 888-278-0254 |
ACCESS CODE: 841892
The public may attend this meeting in person at either above locations and /or remotely via call-in or
ZOOM.
AGENDA ITEMS may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference of the
Committee.
1.INTRODUCTIONS Call to order and roll call.
Staff Present:John Kopchik, Director, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Jason Crapo, Deputy Director, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Demian Hardman-Saldana, Principal Planner, Dept . of Conservation and Development;
Will Nelson, Principal Planner, Dept . of Conservation and Development;
Adam Scarbrough, Planner, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Sonia Bustamante, Sup. Gioia Chief of Staff, Office of the Board of Supervisors;
Vivian Lee, Sup. Glover Office Administrator, Office of the Board of Supervisors;
Trish Dominquez, Secretary, Dept. of Conservation and Development;
Raquel De La Torre, Secretary, Dept . of Conservation and Development;
Daniel Lin, Dept. of Information Technology
Attendees:Howdy Goudey
Gary Farber
Jorge Cano
Greg Karras
Susan Hurl
Mike Moore
Katie Gluck
Denice Dennis
Gladys Bustos
Page 1 of 6
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Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes - Draft May 20, 2024
The meeting started at 1:25 pm. The meeting’s start was delayed due to technical issues related to the
meeting invite link.
District I Supervisor John Gioia and District V Supervisor Federal
D. Glover
Present:
2.PUBLIC COMMENT on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this
agenda
(speakers may be limited to two (2) minutes).
There was no public comment
3.APPROVE Record of Action from March 18, 2024, meeting of the Sustainability
Committee.
Attachments:Meeting Minutes 03.18.24
The record of action was approved unanimously.
There was no public comment.
This Discussion Item was approved.
4.RECEIVE update on options for encouraging all-electric buildings in Contra Costa County
and PROVIDE DIRECTION.
Attachments:Item 4 Exhibit A_Proposed Energy Code Amendment Compliance
Margins_Table_Final
Item 4 Presentation - Proposed Energy Code Amendment to Reduce
GHGs from New Buildings_Final_5-16-24
Demian Hardman-Saldana gave a presentation detailing the research and staff
recommendations for replacing the ordinance requiring all-electric for new
construction. That ordinance was suspended in February 2024 in response to the 9th
Circuit Court to overturn the City of Berkeley’s Ordinance banning gas infrastructure in
new construction. Staff researched options and met with other jurisdictions to gather
insight and identify alternative approaches. From this research staff identified two
approaches: amending the building energy code to require a higher efficiency standard
or amending the CALGreen to require that equipment in buildings is emits zero nitrogen
oxide (NOx). Of the two approaches, staff recommends the first option, and developed a
recommendation to amend the energy code (Title 24, Part 6) to require higher energy
compliance margins. This will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
and help the County to meet its climate goals.
Hardman-Saldana provided a high-level overview of the energy code, indicating that the
energy code standard is dependent on which Climate Zone (CZ) the jurisdiction is
located. He highlighted the scoring system metric for single-family and accessory
dwelling units as the Energy Design Rating (EDR). The scoring system metric for
multifamily and non-residential buildings is Time Dependent Valuation (TDV).
In the proposed Energy Code amendment, staff recommends updating the single-family
minimum EDR score to be more stringent by requiring an EDR score of 9 for buildings
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Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes - Draft May 20, 2024
in CZ 3 and 11 in CZ 12. For low-rise (three habitable stories) multifamily buildings,
staff recommends that the TDV margin be increased to 10% in CZ 3 and 11% in CZ 12.
For high-rise (four or more habitable stories) multifamily buildings, the TDV margin
will be set to 4% in both CZ 3 and 12. It is recommended that for select non-residential
buildings (retail, office, hotels), the TDV margin should be set to 5% in CZ 3 and 4% in
CZ 12. Updates to this section of the Energy Code are permitted only if the proposed
change is cost-effective. The recommended amendments to this portion of the Energy
Code have all been shown to be cost-effective by State developed cost-effectiveness
studies.
Commissioner Discussion:
The Committee was curious about the approach to amend CALGreen to require zero
NOx equipment in buildings. Why was this option not feasible? Hardman-Saldana
explained that the City of Los Altos Hills is the only jurisdiction to adopt this type of code
amendment and the way the ordinance was structured allowed for a lot of exceptions
such as continuing to allow gas ranges in homes, gas pool heating equipment, etc .
Chair Gioia inquired about what other cities have adopted more stringent energy code
standards. Has the City of Berkeley adopted something similar yet? Hardman-Saldana
indicated that we will be an early adopter as only a few other jurisdictions have adopted
this type of code amendment. San Luis Obispo has already adopted this type of ordinance
and the City of Santa Cruz is working on adopting an ordinance as well . Our ordinance
will cover both low- and high-rise multifamily as well as the non-residential building
types mentioned in the presentation . We only address these building types because they
were specifically addressed in the cost-effectiveness studies .
The Commission asked when this would go to the Board of Supervisors for
consideration. Hardman-Saldana indicated that staff plans to take this to the Board of
Supervisors as soon as possible and is aiming for the June 4th meeting.
Public Comment:
A member of the public, Gary Farber, inquired about why this proposed ordinance only
addresses a sub-set of non-residential buildings citing that though the cost effectiveness
studies looked at a limited number of non-residential building types, these types
examined are intended to serve as a representative sample of all non-residential building
types. Farber highlighted warehouses specifically as a building type that should be
addressed. It was also pointed out that cooking and laundry equipment is not covered by
the energy code.
On warehouses, Chair Gioia highlighted that Contra Costa County is a national
frontrunner in North Richmond by requiring new warehouses to be designed all-electric .
Additionally, Contra Costa County is requiring the FedEx fleet to maximize its solar so
loading docks can operate all-electric, and transition its fleet of 100 trucks to electric
vehicles within five years. FedEx holds this up as a national model.
Sustainability Commission member Howdy Goudey expressed appreciation for the work
staff has done to fill the gap left by the suspended All-Electric Ordinance and pointed out
that this is a difficult topic to convey to the public . It is not clear to him how the proposed
ordinance would reduce GHG emissions from buildings . Goudey asked if staff have
taken a look at targeting specific appliances such as having a county-wide standard
requiring heat pumps.
Page 3 of 6
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Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes - Draft May 20, 2024
5.RECEIVE report on Bay Area Regional Energy Network Programs.
Attachments:2024_04_29 BayREN 2024-27 Overview for Sustainability
Commission
Hardman-Saldana provided an update on the Bay Area Regional Energy Network
(BayREN) programs focusing on 2023 accomplishments and outlook for 2024. The new
2024 business plan, which was approved recently, shifts the priorities of BayREN’s
programs to emphasis equity more, by allocating 60% of the plan’s four-year budget
($171 million) to enhance equity initiatives for underserved residents . The business plan
areas of focus include promoting healthy and energy efficient buildings, building
capacity in local governments, and reducing GHG emissions .
Hardman-Saldana gave an update on how the BayREN programs fared in 2023 and
highlighted the new programs being added to BayREN’s portfolio. These programs
include: the Refrigerant Replacement Program (BRRR) aimed at replacing harmful
refrigerants at businesses with refrigeration equipment, the Integrated Energy Services
(IES) and Targeted Decarbonization Services (TDS) programs designed to help local
governments in their municipal building decarbonization efforts, and the Climate
Careers program for creating job training opportunities in the green economy in
partnership with Rising Sun Center for Opportunity.
Discussion:
The Committee expressed interest in the new programs and inquired as to when staff
would return to give a more in-depth report . Hardman-Saldana indicated that staff plans
to come back in Fall 2024 to provide more details about the Single-family program
redesign and the other new programs.
Public Comment:
There was no public comment.
6.RECEIVE report from Sustainability Commission Chair, or Designee.
Howdy Goudey attended today’s meeting in place of the Sustainability Commission
Chair, Luz Gomez, to provide the report of the April 29th Sustainability Commission
meeting. This meeting was a joint meeting shared with the Hazardous Materials
Commission. The meeting included a panel discussion on carbon capture and storage
which included experts from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Stanford
University, and the Center for Biological Diversity. Goudey highlighted that there was a
lot of interest between the commissions on this topic, however, this may still be below the
radar as far as public awareness, so it is important that policy makers and the public
become more informed on this topic.
Public Comment:
There was no public comment.
7.RECEIVE report on Staff Activities that Support Sustainability Goals.
Attachments:2024_04_29 Sust. Staff Report to Sust. CMSN v.2
Item 7. Attachment - East Bay Times Article re Antioch Dunes
The County Sustainability Coordinator, Jody London, gave an update on the staff’s work
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Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes - Draft May 20, 2024
to meet the Contra Costa County sustainability goals . Staff have been working on several
grant applications in recent months. The County has just received word that it has been
recommended for a $1.5 million grant from the Ocean Protection Commission to support
the development of a Resilient Shoreline Plan . Sustainability and Water Agency staff are
currently working on another grant application that if awarded would go toward
bolstering the work on the Resilient Shoreline Plan . Staff are working on two grant
applications to fund an Urban Forest Management Plan with community partners .
BayREN has applied for a $98 million dollar grant Climate Pollution Reduction grant
from the US EPA that would focus on converting buildings across all BayREN regions
to be all-electric. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission has also applied for this
grant to fund mobility hubs across the region.
The comment period has closed for the General Plan and Climate Action Plan, and we
are in the process of incorporating changes based on the comments where we are able .
These will then be moved on to the Planning Commission and then the Board of
Supervisors for adoption.
Last month, staff took a field trip to the Antioch Dunes Wildlife Refuge as part of the
staff led Sustainability Exchange.
Public Works is pursuing numerous grants with most of them intended to support bike
and pedestrian improvements. Public Works has also begun planning around the
restoration of the Walnut Creek Watershed
The County has received a $15 million dollar grant from the Federal Highway
Transportation Administration to install EV chargers at County libraries . The County
Energy Manager, Brendan Havenar-Daughton spoke about this grant at a national
conference, providing great visibility for the County . Havenar-Daughton has also been
working on an application to the California Energy Commission to install more EV fast
chargers. This report includes a summary from the Heath Department on the results
from the Asthma Initiative. The Green Business Program has hired an additional staff
member and is looking for grants and other opportunities to collaborate. The Office of
Communications and Media has created a series of videos about the General Plan
update, Bike to Wherever Days, and other storytelling opportunities with the Department
of Conservation and Development.
London clarified that there was some misinformation under the Climate Emergency
Resolution. Staff has not yet issued an RFP for the consultants who will support the Just
Transition work.
Public Comment:
There was no public comment
8.ADJOURN until the next Sustainability Committee meeting to be held on Monday, July 15,
2024 at 1:00 PM.
The meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m.
For Additional Information Contact:
Page 5 of 6
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Sustainability Committee Meeting Minutes - Draft May 20, 2024
Page 6 of 6
10
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-2899 Agenda Date:9/16/2024 Agenda #:4.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: September 16, 2024
Subject: RECEIVE report on options for using lower amperage electric panels to facilitate all-electric
buildings
Submitted For: John Kopchik | DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT - DIRECTOR
Department: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Presenter: Demian Hardman-Saldana | DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT -
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana (925) 655-2816
Referral History:
One of the goals of the County’s Climate Action Plan is for homes, workplaces, and businesses in Contra Costa
County run on clean energy. The Sustainability Committee has received progress reports at different times on
the development of a Clean Energy Roadmap (previously All-Electric Roadmap).
One of the strategies being explored is practical ways homes can be retrofitted to be all-electric using a 100-
amp electric panel, often the current electric service capacity for many homes in the County. Rather than
incurring the time and cost of upgrading an electric panel to 200-amps (the current standard for new
construction) to make a home all-electric, there are other options that can be utilized with the existing 100-amp
service. This practical strategy is being explored to help the County meet its climate goals and support more
reliable utility infrastructure.
Referral Update:
Sean Armstrong of Redwood Energy will provide a report on how homes can be all-electric using 100-amp
electric panels. This report is intended to inform the public and local policy makers on the potential options
available to reduce costs for making homes all-electric without increasing electric capacity.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE report on options for using lower amperage electric panels to facilitate all-electric buildings.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 9/11/2024Page 1 of 1
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Upgrading Without Upsizing!
Sean Armstrong
Redwood Energy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQJzoP2
br1Y&t=28s 12
1950s-1970s: Utilities Fund a Hit TV Show, Create Reagan’s
Demonstration Home and a National Advertising Campaign to
Popularize Electric Appliances and Get An All-Electric Code
13
Success in 1962—The Code Requires 100A For Every Home
1947-1959 National Electrical Code
(NEC) Requires 60A Service
1962 update to the NEC required 100A
Service to houses, but no minimum for
apartments (usually 60A-80A).
14
4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80
15 Minute Peak Amperage (240V) Over a Year
Is 100 Amps Enough Power? Yes, for 99% of households in
Sacramento, regardless of their size.
All-Electric HousesGas Hybrid
Houses
15
SMUD Data on Their Heat Pump Electrofits:
A 26% Summer Peak Reduction From Better AC, Smaller Winter Peak
16
17
Service Upgrades to 200A+
Block Electrification
Homeowners pay the red
$2.5k to $30k costs.
Ratepayers pay the blue
$2k to $30k costs.
6+ month delays happen
more than half the time in
CA IOU territories.
18
Two Houses On 100A!
For the Dept. of Energy
700sf Garage Conversion to 1 Bed House 1400sf, 1973 “Double Wide” Electrification 19
2009: Small Computers Added to Heat Pumps Allow for -30F
Winter Performance and Up to 80% Summer AC Power Savings
The computer senses outside and inside temperatures to determine the heat pump’s fan speed and compressor rate. AC
electricity is then “inverted’ to DC in a regulated amount to speed up, or slow, the heat pump cycle. The computer is
sometimes called an “Inverter Drive” or “Variable Drive,” and reduces the Power needs of the heat pump.
20
Replace an AC with the
Same Capacity Variable
Drive Heat Pump
AC Heat Pump
21
Ductless Heat Pumps Save Power
by Avoiding Duct Friction and Heat Loss
22
Heat Pump Water Heaters That Use 500W - 900W,
Rather Than 4500W (5-9x as much)
23
Condensing and Heat Pump Dryers Options Save 75% of Power
120V Options Also Avoid Rewiring
$1600$1800 $2200
24
Smart Circuit Splitters for Sharing a 240V Outlet
25
Whole House Management Panels:
100A Can Support 400A of Loads up to 3600 sq ft
26
https://connectder.com/for-installers/
ConnectDER utility
collar: Up to a 15kW
solar array or EV
charger on a 100A
utility service
27
○Hold educational events for local contractors
○Intervene with information when a service upgrade permit is
requested
■Provide hand-outs and website of examples of 100A home panels
supporting homes up to 3600sf.
■Focus on cost and time savings from not getting a service upgrade
■Encourage being a good “gridizen” with our limited community grid
resources
○Deny service upgrades permits to 400A, permit 200A,
encourage 100A
Suggested Policies
28
29
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-2900 Agenda Date:9/16/2024 Agenda #:5.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date:September 16, 2024
Subject:RECEIVE report on Strategic Energy Management Program in County Facilities
Submitted For:Warren Lai | PUBLIC WORKS - DIRECTOR
Department:PUBLIC WORKS
Presenter:Brendan Havenar-Daughton | PUBLIC WORKS - ENERGY MANAGER
Contact: Brendan Havenar-Daughton (925) 812-7703
Referral History and Update:
The County has released its Public Review Draft Strategic Energy Management Program (Program) for County
Energy Management operations. Staff will provide a report on the details of Program to the Committee.
The Program builds upon, and aligns with, existing and in-process County plans such as the draft General Plan,
draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, Facilities Master Plan (2022), Distributed Energy Resources Plan
(2018), and Energy Reduction Action Plan (2001). The Program directs and organizes the County’s energy
investments for the next ten years and beyond.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE Report on Draft Contra Costa County Strategic Energy Management Plan, and PROVIDE
DIRECTION, as appropriate
Fiscal Impact (if any):
There is no fiscal impact at this time. The Program provides guidance on maximizing the impact of the annual
Measure X Sustainability Fund, appropriated at $2.5 million annually.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 9/11/2024Page 1 of 1
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Contra Costa County
Strategic Energy Management
(SEM) Program
Brendan Havenar-Daughton
Public Works Energy Manager
September 16, 2024
31
SEM Program Mission Statement
The Strategic Energy Management Program
prioritizes clean energy resources for County
operations through fiscally responsible actions
that improve quality of life for all
32
SEM Program directs and organizes the
County’s energy investments
Goals Built Upon Existing Plans
➢General Plan (2024)
➢Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (2024)
➢Facilities Master Plan (2022)
➢Distributed Energy Resources Plan (2018)
➢Energy Reduction Action Plan (2001)
Objectives Guide the Work
➢Goals contains six specific
Objectives which carry out the
SEM Program mission
➢Work plans are prioritized to meet
these Objectives
Team Development
Recruit and hire a best-in-class Energy
Management Team
Stakeholder Engagement
➢Integrates energy management into roles
across PW Divisions and Departments
➢Trains and empowers employees
➢Partners with other agencies, utilities, the
private sector, labs and community groups
Key Results
Objective contains measurable and
time-bound Key Results, which will be
tracked quarterly with scorecards and
shared with the Committee and Board
Coordinate
Align
Prioritize
Act
Track
33
SEM Program Selected Key Results
Infrastructure Financing
On-boarding a local
Sustainability Fellow (12
month Fellowship)
Won $15M to install 100+ EV
chargers at 15 County libraries
Re-Commissioning 11
facilities (RCx)
People
CurrentNext Five YearsEnergy resilience
microgrids at 3+ County
facilities
Install EV chargers for a
zero-emission fleet
Pursue external funding to
extend the Measure X
Sustainability Fund
Evaluate on-bill financing
Hire 3+ full-time team
members
Roll out a Workplace
Charging Policy and
training program
34
Tracking Strategic Energy Management Progress
35
SEM Program Development Timeline
June July August September October
SEM Program First Draft
Inter-departmental
Workshops
July 17 &
July 24
Sustainability Commission
Working Group
Engagement
August 26
SEM Program Second Draft
Sustainability Committee
Presentation & Feedback September 16
SEM Program Final Draft
Board of Supervisors
Presentation October 22
●50+ participants spanning 8
Departments
●Shared candid feedback on
SEM priorities
“This program is incredibly
important and the three Goal topics
are fitting. We request updates
twice per year.”
-Wes Sullens, District 4
Commissioner
36
Seeking Sustainability Committee Feedback
►Which clean energy Key Results are most compelling to
you?
►How frequently would you like the Public Work Energy
Management Team to update the Committee on SEM
Program progress?
37
Thank you for your time and feedback
Brendan Havenar-Daughton
Public Works Energy Manager
Bhavenar@pw.cccounty.us
(925) 812-7703
38
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-2901 Agenda Date:9/16/2024 Agenda #:6.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: September 16, 2024
Subject: RECEIVE report on all-electric building pilot programs in Contra Costa communities
Submitted For: John Kopchik | DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT - DIRECTOR
Department: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Presenter: Demian Hardman-Saldana | DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT -
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
Contact: Demian Hardman-Saldana (925) 655-2816
Referral History:
The Committee has received various reports at times on past energy efficiency and all-electric building pilot
programs.
Referral Update:
In 2020, County staff began working to obtain grant funding to implement various energy efficiency and all-
electric building pilot programs to help meet the County’s climate action plan goals. Exhibit A (attached) is a
summary report of all the energy efficiency and all-electric building pilot programs that have occurred since
2020 as well as upcoming and potential Pilot Programs.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE report on energy efficiency and all-electric building pilot programs
Fiscal Impact (if any):
No fiscal impact. All pilot programs are funded using grant funds or other outside funding sources.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 9/11/2024Page 1 of 1
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Energy Efficiency and
All-Electric Building Pilot Programs Report
(2020-August 2024)
1 of 6
Since 2020, County staff has been working to obtain funding to implement various programs to find
ways to incentivize property owners to make their homes more energy efficient and/or transition
buildings to be all-electric. Below is a summary of the Energy Efficiency and All-Electric Building
Pilot Programs that have occur since 2020 as well as upcoming Pilot Programs expected to occur.
The report includes the current status of each Pilot Program as well as any applicable program
results and lessons learned. The report also provides a summary of how staff is preparing for future
opportunities to find additional funding to assist property owners to make energy efficiency
upgrades and transition buildings to be all-electric.
Contra Costa Asthma Initiative (August 2020 to May 2023)
The Contra Costa Asthma Initiative was a comprehensive home-based asthma pilot program that
provided asthma education and home energy efficiency retrofits to asthma patients referred
through Contra Costa Health Services. The Asthma Initiative was funded by grants from the Sierra
Health Foundation ($527,558) and Bay Area Air Quality Management District ($100,000) and
administered from August 1, 2020 through May 15, 2023. Partner organizations included Contra
Costa Health Services, the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development,
MCE, and the Association for Energy Affordability.
Current Status
The Contra Costa Asthma Initiative Pilot ended in 2023 at the end of the 3-year grant term. The
Contra Costa Health Plan continues to offer environmental asthma home remediation and
education services to its members. However, this service is no longer tied to energy efficiency
improvements or performed in coordination with partners outside of the Contra Costa Health Plan.
Results
The Contra Costa Asthma Initiative provided 150 MediCal clients with in-home asthma trigger
assessments and education and asthma trigger mitigation supplies. Fifteen of the 150 MediCal
clients received energy efficiency and weatherization measures directly installed in their homes.
Lessons Learned
The program model had limited success in providing clients with physical energy efficiency and
weatherization measures due to clients’ limited capacity to participate in time-intensive home
assessments. Additional tailored support is needed to support clients with limited time and
capacity.
Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate (PEER) Program (December 2023 to Present)
The City of Pinole allocated funding for weatherization and energy efficiency improvements for
residential buildings in Pinole during Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The City envisioned implementing a
pilot program leveraging the existing energy efficiency rebates offered through the Bay Area
Regional Energy Network (BayREN) and free energy efficiency measures provided by the County
Weatherization Program. The Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate (PEER) Program enhances
existing energy efficiency and all-electric building incentives by offering increased incentive
amounts for select existing energy efficiency and all-electric building projects and additional
measures beyond those currently offered by the County Weatherization Program and BayREN Bay
Area Multifamily Building Enhancement Program (multi-family rebate program). The incentives
provided by the City of Pinole can be layered with other energy efficiency incentive programs,
Exhibit A
40
Energy Efficiency and
All-Electric Building Pilot Programs Report
(2020-August 2024)
2 of 6
resulting in additional financial savings for Pinole residents. The City provided $250,000 to the
County to administer and implement the PEER Program from December 12, 2023 through June
2025.
Current Status
County staff is working with the City of Pinole to refresh the PEER Program based on the results of
the first six months of program operation and in response to the sunset of rebates offered by the
BayREN Single-Family Home+ Program. The PEER Program is anticipated to reopen applications in
October 2024. The City was recently awarded funding through the California Energy Commission’s
Local Government Building Decarbonization Challenge Grant Program; a portion of this grant
funding is anticipated to support the continued operation of the PEER Program.
Results
As of July 31, 2024, sixteen eligible applications were submitted. Twenty-four individual measures
were installed. Heat pump heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems were the most
popular measure followed closely by heat pump water heaters. All applications were from owner-
occupied, single-family residential properties. No applications were submitted by properties
eligible for the County Weatherization Program or multifamily residential properties.
Lessons Learned
Still gathering results to determine potential lessons learned.
Bay Point/Pittsburg Energy Enhancement Rebate Program (Expected October 1, 2024 to
September 30, 2026)
The Department of Conservation and Development was awarded $150,000 through the Keller
Canyon Mitigation Fund to implement a program similar in nature to the PEER Program to the Bay
Point/Pittsburg area. Staff will leverage the experience and infrastructure built through the
administration of the PEER Program to benefit residents in the Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund
Primary Mitigation Target Area. The Bay Point/Pittsburg Energy Enhancement Rebate Program will
provide rebates for qualified energy efficiency and all-electric single-family residential projects.
Priority will be given to participants who reside in census tracts ranking in the 75th or higher
percentile overall according to CalEnviroScreen 4.0; census block groups designated as low-
income; and single-family homes built before 1978.
Current Status
County staff is preparing for the launch of the Bay Point/Pittsburg Energy Enhancement Rebate
Program in October 2024. As staff prepares the application, webpage, and marketing, education,
and outreach materials, they are considering methods to support a more diverse pool of
participants such as utilizing an application window approach similar to what the Bay Area Air
Quality Management District is doing for its Clean HEET Program and providing education about
clean energy financing resources such as the California GoGreen Financing Programs.
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Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant: Licensed, Home-Based Childcare Facilities
(Start date dependent on US Department of Energy funding disbursement timeline)
Contra Costa County was awarded $356,510 in funding through the US Department of Energy’s
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). $220,859 of the total $356,510 EECBG
award is planned to go towards energy efficiency and all-electric retrofits for licensed home-based
childcare facilities in the impacted unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. The Department
of Conservation and Development is partnering with Contra Costa Health Services, CoCoKids, La
Clinica, Healthy and Active Before 5, and First 5 Contra Costa County to implement this pilot
program. County staff plans to partner with these organizations to identify and reach out to
childcare facilities that would be a good fit for the pilot program. Staff anticipates being able to fund
the retrofit of between six and ten childcare facilities with the allocated EECBG funding.
Current Status
County staff submitted the EECBG application on May 3, 2024 and are waiting to hear back from
the DOE about when funding will be released and work can begin.
North Richmond Home Energy Infrastructure Enhancement Program (Grant Application in
Progress)
Contra Costa County is the lead applicant on the North Richmond Community Resilience Initiative
project application to the US Environmental Protection Agency Environmental and Climate Justice
Community Change Grant Program. Within the larger grant application, the County has requested
$675,000 to support an estimated 40 qualified electric home improvement projects for single-
family and multifamily homes located in the unincorporated community of North Richmond. Home
appliance upgrades covered by the Program will include heat pump heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems and water heaters, induction cooktops, heat pump clothes dryers,
solar panels, electric panel upgrades, and battery storage. The program would maximize GHG
emissions reductions based on the home improvement needs of each residential building. The
program may include environmental remediation if necessary, such as removal of mold or
asbestos. All qualified electric home improvement projects will be completed at no cost to the
property and may include environmental remediation, such as removal of mold or asbestos. These
infrastructure improvements will leverage existing energy efficiency programs, including but not
limited to offerings from BayREN, MCE, the County’s Weatherization Program, and other State and
Federal energy incentive programs. The program will be designed to work closely with community
partners to encourage program participation.
Current Status
County staff is working with sub-applicants and partners to finalize the grant application for
submission later this fall.
Preparing for Future Opportunities
Through these pilot programs, County staff continue to observe and learn from the strengths and
weaknesses of specific program models and where these energy efficiency and all-electric building
programs can be improved to better serve historically underserved populations including low- and
moderate-income households and renters.
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County staff continues to meet with organizations with complementary expertise on topics such as
home ownership, financial literacy, community health and resilience, and solar energy and battery
storage to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership. Through these conversations,
County staff hopes to learn about and share complementary and supportive resources with County
residents related to improving the health, comfort, and safety of their homes through energy
efficiency and all-electric residential projects. This is especially critical given the continued use of
the rebate and tax credit model through the federal Inflation Reduction Act and other programs
which require the homeowner to make a significant upfront investment and wait for weeks or
months to receive compensation.
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Program Summary Table
Program Name Amount Status Partners Results Lessons
Learned
Contra Costa
Asthma Initiative
$627,558 Pilot ended in 2023 DCD, Contra Costa
Health Services,
BayREN, MCE,
Association for
Energy Affordability
150 MediCal clients received in-
home asthma trigger
assessments and education and
asthma trigger mitigation
supplies. 15 of the 150 MediCal
clients received energy
efficiency and weatherization
measures directly installed in
their homes.
Additional
support is
needed to
support clients
with limited
capacity and
time.
Pinole Energy
Enhancement
Rebate Program
$250,000 On-going DCD, City of Pinole,
BayREN, MCE
16 owner-occupied, single-
family households participated
and completed 24 individual
measures as of July 31, 2024.
Still gathering
results.
Bay Point/Pittsburg
Energy
Enhancement
Rebate Program
$150,000 Program start
anticipated for October
2024
DCD, BayREN, MCE N/A N/A
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Program Name Amount Status Partners Results Lessons
Learned
Licensed, Home-
Based Childcare
Facilities Retrofit
Program
$220,859 Grant application
submitted to DOE on
May 3, 2024
DCD, Contra Costa
Health Services,
CoCoKids, La
Clinica, Healthy and
Active Before 5, First
5 Contra Costa
County
N/A N/A
North Richmond
Home Energy
Infrastructure
Enhancement
Program
$675,000 Will be included in
upcoming US
Environmental
Protection Agency
Environmental and
Climate Justice
Community Change
Grant Program
DCD, BayREN, MCE,
North Richmond
Community
Resilience Initiative
Sub-applicants and
Partners
N/A N/A
45
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-2902 Agenda Date:9/16/2024 Agenda #:7.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date:September 16, 2024
Subject:Report from Sustainability Commission Chair/Designee
Submitted For:John Kopchik | DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT - DIRECTOR
Department:DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Presenter:Luz Gomez | SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION CHAIR
Contact:Demian Hardman-Saldana (925) 655-2816
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Committee.
Referral Update:
The Sustainability Commission Chair provides an update at each meeting of the Sustainability Committee on
the work of the Commission.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE report from the Sustainability Commission Chair/Designee.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 9/11/2024Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™46
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Staff Report
1025 ESCOBAR STREET
MARTINEZ, CA 94553
File #:24-2903 Agenda Date:9/16/2024 Agenda #:8.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Date:September 16, 2024
Subject:Report on Staff Activities that Support Sustainability Goals
Submitted For:John Kopchik | DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT - DIRECTOR
Department:DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
Presenter:Demian Hardman-Saldana | DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT -
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
Contact:Demian Hardman-Saldana (925) 655-2816
Referral History:
This is a standing item of the Committee.
Referral Update:
See attached Sustainability Staff Report.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE report on Staff Activities that Support Sustainability Goals.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
N/A
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Printed on 9/11/2024Page 1 of 1
powered by Legistar™47
Sustainability Staff Report – August 2024
Page 1
SUSTAINABILTY STAFF REPORT FOR
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
September 16, 2024
Activities since the Sustainability Committee’s meeting on May 20, 2024, are listed below. Activities are
keyed to goals in the 2023-2024 Interim Climate Action Work Plan.
ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM
CAP GOAL
Department of Conservation and Development
Staff have been working since the end of April to incorporate public comments
on the draft General Plan and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, as well as the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The County Planning Commission reviewed
and considered recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on all three
documents on August 28. The recommended changes were presented to the
Board of Supervisors on September 10 to receive their direction on preparing
final documents for adoption later this year.
All
Contra Costa County’s application to the Ocean Protection Council’s (OPC)
Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program was awarded in
June. The grant of almost $1.5 million will support the development of the Contra
Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan. Staff has been working with OPC to complete
requirements to execute the grant and expect to receive the funds in fall 2024.
Staff submitted an application to Round 2 of the California Governor’s Office of
Planning and Research’s (OPR) Adaptation Planning Grant Program in June for
funds to supplement Senate Bill 1 Grant Program funding in key areas to develop
the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan. However, OPR informed County staff
in July that round 2 funding for this program was cancelled due to State budget
constraints.
Goal 2 – Resilient
Communities and
Natural Infrastructure
On March 26, 2024, the Board of Supervisors authorized staff to secure the
County’s $356,510 Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant formula
allocation from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The grant was submitted
to the DOE on June 3, 2024, and the County is expected to receive its funding
allocation by September 2024. The grant will fund the following activities over a
two-year period: (1) provide energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades at no
cost for buildings within the unincorporated area that operate as daycare
facilities and (2) pay for the cost of a technical consultant to conduct an inventory
of the existing building stock in the unincorporated areas of the county and
develop cost analysis on transitioning to low- or zero-carbon energy appliances.
As the funding allocating is being confirmed, staff is working with the Contra
Costa Childcare Council (Coco Kids) to develop a service plan for identifying
eligible licensed childcare facilities to participate, create outreach and education
materials, and provide technical support during the upgrade process.
Goal 1 – Clean and
Efficient Built
Environment
Staff continues to implement the Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program
with the City of Pinole. Staff is taking lessons learned from the Pinole Energy
Enhancement Rebate Program to inform the development of a similar pilot
Goal 1 – Clean and
Efficient Built
Environment
48
Sustainability Staff Report – August 2024
Page 2
ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM
CAP GOAL
program that will be funded by the Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund in the Bay
Point/Pittsburg area.
The Bay Area Regional Energy Network’s (BayREN) $98 million Climate Pollution
Reduction Grant (CPRG) application to U.S. EPA was not awarded. EPA received
applications requesting a total of nearly $33 billion in funding for the $4.3 billion
available. Only one project was awarded in California.
All
Sustainability staff are working with a coalition of community-based groups in
North Richmond to submit a $20 million Community Change Grant application to
U.S. EPA. The application is expected to include a resilience hub at the Urban
Tilth farm, all-electric home retrofits, improvements to Wildcat Creek Trail,
establishing a community garden, rehabilitating low-income housing,
establishing an e-bike lending library, installing green infrastructure throughout
the community, and creek and watershed stewardship and education.
Goal 1 – Clean and
Efficient Built
Environment
Goal 2 – Resilient
Communities and
Natural Infrastructure
Goal 6 – Climate Equity
Sustainability staff contracted with Sustainable Contra Costa using funding from
the Bay Area Regional Energy Network to launch the CookSmart Program, a
portable induction cooktop pilot program to increase community access to and
familiarity with induction cooking technology. In June, Sustainable Contra Costa
staff began conducting induction cooking demonstrations for CookSmart
participants and distributing portable induction cooktop equipment to
participants. As of early August, the cooktops have all been distributed.
Goal 1 – Clean and
Efficient Built
Environment
The summer 2024 issue of the quarterly Sustainability in Contra Costa County
newsletter was published on June 26. The newsletter included articles on $1.5
million in grant funding recently awarded to the County to support the
development of the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan, the Home Energy
Score Program, the Contra Costa County Sustainability Exchange, Bike to Work
Day, and more.
Goal 7 - Leadership
On June 6, the Sustainability Team hosted the second quarterly Contra Costa
Sustainability Exchange of 2024. Staff invited climate communications
professionals from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and
Urban Sustainability Directors Network to share their best practices and
recommended resources to improve local climate communications.
Goal 7 - Leadership
The County will partner with the Bay Area SunShares program for the 2024
season, which runs from September 1 through November 15, 2024. Staff is
working with the City of Martinez to host an educational webinar to share
information about the Bay Area SunShares program. Outreach for the webinar
will be conducted through the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation
and Development and the City of Martinez communication channels; the Contra
Costa County Library will supply physical and digital collateral for library
locations. The webinar will take place September 17, 2024, from 5:00-6:00pm via
Zoom.
Goal 1 – Clean and
Efficient Built
Environment
In the community:
• Jody London, Demian Hardman-Saldana, and Brendan Havenar-Daughton
attended the California Climate and Energy Collaborative annual forum at
the end of June. Hardman-Saldana led a working session of the Local
Government Sustainable Energy Coalition, of which he is Chair. London
Goal 7 - Leadership
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Sustainability Staff Report – August 2024
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ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM
CAP GOAL
participated in a session on all-electric buildings, with staff and community
groups from San Mateo County.
• Jody London attended the Contra Costa Block Party in Richmond on June 27
and provided community members with information about County
sustainability efforts including Bay Area Regional Energy Network residential
programs.
• Ryan Hernandez, Emily Groth, and Nicole Shimizu attended the North
Richmond Sea Level Rise Regional Guidelines Development Workshop on
June 1 at the West County Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Nicole Shimizu participated on a panel at the first San Francisco Bay
Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) Rising Together: Bay
Adapt Summit discussing the role of BCDC’s Regional Shoreline Adaptation
Plan on Contra Costa County’s sea level rise resilience and adaptation
planning work.
Climate Emergency Resolution:
• Just Transition. Staff are supporting the Green Empowerment Zone, which
met on April 19 and June 18. The GEZ Governing Board of Directors directed
County staff to negotiate a contract with UC Berkeley Labor Center to
support the GEZ through conducting foundational research, supporting
stakeholder engagement and technical assistance, and making policy
recommendations to further high road clean energy manufacturing growth
and jobs within the GEZ of Contra Costa County.
• Interdepartmental Climate Action Task Force. The Interdepartmental Climate
Action Task Force met on August 14. The meeting featured a presentation
from the Contra Costa Fire Protection District, as well as updates on the
Sustainability Fund, Green Government Group (G3) Champions, and grant
applications. The G3 Champions in May enjoyed a lunchtime mixer to meet
other Champions in person. The June G3 Champion meeting focused on the
County’s new environmentally preferable purchasing policy and solicited
ideas from G3 Champions on how to introduce it to County staff.
• All-Electric Building Ordinance. The all-electric ordinance for new construction
was suspended in February because of a decision on January 2, 2024, by the
U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, that invalidated a City of Berkely ordinance
precluding cities and counties from adopting ordinances that prohibit the
installation of gas plumbing in buildings. On June 4, 2024, the Board of
Supervisors authorized staff to prepare an ordinance amending the County
building code to increase energy efficiency standards for newly constructed
residential buildings, offices, hotels, and retail buildings to meet the County’s
Climate Action Plan goals. The ordinance was introduced to the Board for
consideration on September 10, 2024, and will be considered for adoption by
the Board on October 1, 2024, with a potential operational date of January 1,
2025.
Goal 7 - Leadership
Sustainability staff are launching the process of developing a countywide drought
resilience plan, in accordance with SB 552. A first meeting with water providers
and irrigation districts will occur at the end of September. is in its infancy.
Goal 4 0 Reduce Water
Use and Increase
Drought Resilience
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Sustainability Staff Report – August 2024
Page 4
ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM
CAP GOAL
Sustainability staff continue to monitor state and federal grant opportunities and
prepare to apply for projects that will support key climate goals around all-
electric buildings, active transportation, sea level rise, climate resilience, and Just
Transition.
All
Department of Public Works
Public Works submited four grant applica�ons in June to the State Ac�ve
Transporta�on Program to fund the following bicycle and pedestrian projects:
Verde Elementary Safe Routes to School, San Pablo Dam Road Diet, Appian Way
Pedestrian Improvements, and North Richmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Network.
Goal 5 – Clean
Transportation Network
The Walnut Boulevard Bikeway Gap Closure project was recently constructed. This
grant-funded project widened the shoulder along an 860-foot segment of
Walnut Boulevard between Marsh Creek Road and Vasco Road to provide
Class II Bike lanes in the unincorporated Brentwood area. Addi�onal
improvements included grinding and overlaying the roadway pavement
sec�on, and installing a centerline rumble strip, striping, pavement
markings, and signage.
Goal 5 – Clean
Transportation Network
The Bixler Road and Regata Drive Intersec�on Improvements project was recently
awarded to a contractor and will be constructed this fall. This grant-funded project
will construct advance warning signs, rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, a
pedestrian refuge island, addi�onal pavement markings, truncated domes, and a
pedestrian path at a highly trafficked intersec�on in Discovery Bay.
Goal 5 – Clean
Transportation Network
On June 21, 2024, County staff received a $1 million check in Community Project
Funding from Congressman Garamendi’s office for the San Pablo Avenue
Complete Street/Bay Trail Gap closure project. This project will implement a “road
diet” by repurposing a travel lane to construct a Class I shared use path between
Rodeo and Crocket as part of the San Francisco Bay Trail.
Goal 5 – Clean
Transportation Network
The Livorna Road Shoulder widening project was recently constructed this
summer in Alamo. This grant-funded project widened the southern shoulder of
Livorna Road along a 200-� segment to a uniform 5 feet to close a gap in the
bicycle network.
Goal 5 – Clean
Transportation Network
The Flood Control District, in partnership with the San Francisco Estuary
Partnership and other local groups, received an EPA grant to restore part of
Wildcat Creek in Richmond. This grant combines federal and local funds to
develop a watershed plan to reduce flooding, improve stormwater quality,
restore creek habitats, and create recreational spaces for underserved
communities. The Flood Control District will use about $2.4 million to restore the
lower section of Wildcat Creek by improving fish passage and removing
accumulated sediment and invasive plants. The sediment will be repurposed in
the West County Wastewater District’s nature-based horizontal levee project to
better protect the community from sea level rise.
Goal 2 – Resilient
Communities and
Natural Infrastructure
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Sustainability Staff Report – August 2024
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ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM
CAP GOAL
Health
The Health Department is doing some strategic planning as it relates to our
operations. We took a close look at our Facilities and Sustainability structure and
will have recommendations for improvements soon. Sustainability will be a front
and center tenet for our future facilities infrastructure.
Goal 7 - Leadership
Health Educators in Contra Costa Health Plan continue to do asthma remediation
work through our Enhanced Care Management program. We’ve partnered with
Breathe California [lungsrus.org]. Breathe California performs home
assessments to reduce environmental hazards that can trigger asthma.
• Members with poorly controlled asthma may have asthma triggers in their
home removed or reduced. Physical changes are made to the home
environment to ensure the health and safety of the member. The changes
enable these members to function in the home safely. Without these
changes, the member’s asthma attacks can result in the need for emergency
services or hospitalization.
• Examples of environmental asthma trigger remediation include, but are
not limited to:
o Allergen-impermeable mattress and pillow dustcovers
o High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuums
o Integrated pest management (IPM) services
o Dehumidifiers
o Air filters
o Other moisture-controlling interventions
o Minor mold removal and remediation services
o Ventilation improvements
o Asthma-friendly cleaning products and supplies
o Other interventions identified to be medically appropriate and cost-
effective
• Members with poorly controlled asthma and stable housing are eligible for
the service. Members have environmental asthma triggers identified through
a home visit, and these triggers can be reduced or removed. Members agree
to complete asthma education, including proper use of asthma medication.
o Over the past year, we have served 206 CCHP clients in this
program.
Goal 1 – Clean and
Efficient Built
Environment
Goal 6 - Climate Equity
Contra Costa Green Business Program (CCGBP):
• The CCGBP received grant funding to serve as an outreach partner for
MCE’s Small Business Energy Advantage Program. MCE’s Small Business
Energy Advantage Program provides small business located in
underserved communities with access to bill reducing energy efficiency
upgrades that also offer health, comfort and safety benefits. The
Program focuses exclusively on small business located in environmental
and social justice communities and/or meet the criteria of hard-to-reach.
Status: Implementation has not started but training and outreach is
slated for 2024 Q3/Q4.
Goal 7 - Leadership
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Sustainability Staff Report – August 2024
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ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM
CAP GOAL
• CCGBP staff are pursuing grant and collaboration opportunities in
partnership with the CA Green Business Network (CAGBN) for 1)
providing technical assistance to childcare facilities in integrating
reusable dishware and low-toxicity janitorial products into their
operations and 2) providing energy efficiency support for businesses
within MCE territory. Status: Application submitted and awaiting to see if
will receive funding.
The Community Wellness & Prevention Program accomplished the following:
• One Bay Area Grant 3, Safe Routes to School Program
• On July 9, the County Board of Supervisors approved the Funding
Agreement between Contra Costa Health (CCH) and the Contra
Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) for the One Bay Area
Grant 3 (OBAG3) Non-Infrastructure Safe Routes to School
(SRTA) Program.
• OBAG3 will fund CCH through FY 28-29 to develop and
implement a new SRTS Program. The SRTS Program will provide
active transportation promotion and safety education to over 90
public schools in Contra Costa—including all grade levels in West
Contra Costa County, and all high schools in Central and East
Contra Costa County, with priority for schools in which at least
50% of students are eligible for Free and Reduced Price Meals.
• FY 24-25 will be a program development year. Starting FY 25-26,
the SRTS Program will offer a menu of programing to all 90
schools with offerings such as Walk & Roll to School Day
Implementation Kits, assemblies, and bicycle and pedestrian
safety presentations.
• Walk & Bike Leaders Project (WABL):
• CCH collaborated with the West Contra Costa Transportation
Commission (WCCTC) to promote the May 16 Bike to Wherever
Day at seven high schools in West Contra Costa Unified School
District. CCH staff provided direct technical assistance to support
Pinole Valley High School, Richmond High School, and Sylvester
Greenwood Academy in hosting Bike Energizer Stations during
school arrival times on Bike to Wherever Day.
• CCH staff provided technical assistance to Rich City Rides in
creating two new Walk & Bike Leaders Clubs (active
transportation clubs) at Richmond High and El Cerrito High. CCH
provided Club members with helmets and bike locks.
• In August, CCH staff conducted outreach to school leadership at
the seven high schools to reintroduce the WABL Project and
share the benefits of active transportation for high school
commuters.
Goal 5 – Clean
Transportation Network
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ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM
CAP GOAL
• Office of Traffic Safety Pedestrian & Bicyclist Safety Grant:
o On August 19, the CCH traffic safety campaign “Slow Roads Save
Lives / Calles con velocidades lentas salvan vidas” began
appearing on 16 billboards across northern Contra Costa County.
The campaign will run through mid-November 2024.
o This summer CCH facilitated two bike rodeos for youth to teach
bicycle road safety skills. The first bike rodeo took place on July
31 in Concord in collaboration with Monument Crisis Center and
served 34 Monument Crisis summer youth campers. The second
bike rodeo took place in on August 16 at the San Pablo Davis
Park Senior Center. CCH collaborated with Bike East Bay and the
City of San Pablo to serve 35 school-aged children.
o Funding this program was provided by a grant from the California
Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration.
• Transportation Development Act Article 3, Pedestrian and Bicyclist
Safety Education Program
o Through spring and summer 2024, CCH conducted active
transportation promotion and outreach at several community
events. CCH staff hosted active transportation promotion tables
at City of Richmond Youth & Young Adult Career Fair in May and
at two Thrive Thursday events at MLK Jr. Park in Richmond in
July and August.
o In May, CCH staff collaborated with the Brentwood Police
Department to loan the CCH Safe Moves Bike Trailer for a
Brentwood Community Bike Rodeo. The Safe Moves Bike Trailer
is stocked with child sized bikes, helmets, equipment for setting
up bike safety demonstration courses.
o In June, CCH partnered with 511 Contra Costa to facilitate a bike
blender activity at the El Sobrante Library Exploration Station
event. CCH staff demonstrated to families how to prepare
healthy smoothies while pushing the pedals on a stationary bike.
Office of Communications and Media
The County’s Office of Communications and Media produced a video about the
County Sustainability Exchange and general work on sustainability in both
English and Spanish. OCM produced a video about Bike to Work Day in May.
Goal 7 - Leadership
On July 9, OCM partnered with the Clerk of the Board for the grand opening of
the new Administration Building at 1026 Escobar, across the street from the main
Admin Building. This building replaces the prior office tower, and was one of the
first projects in the world to receive TRUE certification for its low-waste
construction practices. (See video in both English and Spanish.)
Goal 1 – Clean and
Efficient Built
Environment
Goal 7 - Leadership
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ACTIVITY 2023-2024 INTERIM
CAP GOAL
Library
• The Library Department has adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) specific to
its operations. The G3 Champions from Library branches identified the goals
and actions for the Library CAP.
• The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems at the Ygnacio Valley,
Pinole, and Kensington Libraries will be replaced with electric heat pump
systems. The Pinole project is expected to be complete in Q3 2025; the
Ygnacio Valley and Kensington projects are still being determined.
Goal 7 - Leadership
Fire Protection District
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is applying for a $100,000 grant
from PG&E to establish a mobile resilience hub. The mobile electric vehicle would
allow the fire district, in partnership with PG&E, to bring critical services and
information to communities impacted by climate-driven events, local
emergencies, or disruptions. When not responding to an event, the mobile hub
would be used as education hub, bringing awareness of the Contra Costa Wildfire
Mitigation Program and Public Education support offered by the Contra Costa
Fire Protection District year-round.
Goal 2 – Resilient
Communities and
Natural Infrastructure
Goal 5 – Clean
Transportation Network
Goal 6 - Climate Equity
Ongoing
Staff participated in professional learning opportunities regarding environmental
justice, carbon sequestration, climate resilience, communication and facilitation
strategies, race and equity, and related.
All
Staff participated in regional activities. All
Attachments
Energy Efficiency Toolkit Usage Report
55
Sustainability Staff Report – August 2024
Page 9
ATTACHMENT A:
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TOOLKIT USAGE REPORT
In 2020, the County’s Sustainability Team partnered with the Contra Costa Library with the
Energy Efficiency Toolkit program. Each Library branch was provided with a toolkit that patrons
can borrow and use to check basic energy usage in their home. While a few kits have been lost
over time, the bigger story is that the kits are popular! Right now, we have 32 Energy Efficiency
Toolkits (5 additional kits in lost status).
Since the Library acquired the Toolkits, there have been 645 checkouts and 293 holds. As of
August 15, 2024, 15 kits are checked out or on the hold shelf waiting to be picked up, and one
additional kit is on hold. So, they have been very popular!
Below is the total circulation data over time. County Sustainability staff will be working with the
Library to replace lost kits and update all with current information about programs offered
through the Bay Area Regional Energy Network, and other resources for energy-related rebates
and incentives.
Antioch: 14 circulations
Bay Point: 18 circulations
Brentwood (2 kits): 51 circulations
Clayton: 18 circulations
Concord: 9 circulations
Crockett: 9 circulations
Danville (2 kits): 72 circulations
Dougherty Station: 26 circulations
El Cerrito: 4 circulations
El Sobrante: 25 circulations
Hercules (2 kits): 31 circulations
Kensington (2 kits, 1 lost): 35 circulations
Lafayette: 13 circulations
Moraga: 29 circulations
Martinez: 14 circulations
Oakley: 19 circulations
Orinda: 26 circulations
Pleasant Hill (3 kits): 28 circulations
Pittsburg: 11 circulations
Pinole: 11 circulations
Prewett: 38 circulations
Rodeo: 10 circulations
San Pablo (2 kits, 1 lost): 14 circulations
San Ramon (4 kits, 2 lost): 94 circulations
Virtual Library (1 kit for processing reference, non-circulating)
Walnut Creek (1 kit, lost): 10 circulations
Ygnacio Valley: 16 circulations
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