Title
Adopt a resolution authorizing the County of Monterey’s participation in the Institute for Local Government’s Beacon Program.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing the County of Monterey’s participation in the Institute for Local Government’s Beacon Program.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On April 27, 2017, the Alternative Energy and Environment Committee recommended staff to bring a resolution to the Board of Supervisors authorizing the County’s participation in the Beacon Program.
The Institute for Local Government’s Beacon Program is a statewide program that provides support and recognition to California cities and counties that are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and adopt policies and programs that promote sustainability. The Institute for Local Government provides resources and technical support to assist participants in achieving their sustainability goals. Through partnerships within the Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative (SEEC), the Institute for Local Government helps participants obtain and record achievements in five areas of accomplishment:
1. Reducing agency greenhouse gas emissions
2. Reducing community greenhouse gas emissions
3. Electricity savings in agencies facilities
4. Natural gas savings in agency facilities
5. Sustainability best practices
• Energy Efficiency & Conservation
• Water & Wastewater Systems
• Green Building
• Waste Reduction & Recycling
• Climate-Friendly Purchasing
• Renewable Energy & Low-Carbon Fuels
• Efficient Transportation
• Land Use & Community Design
• Open Space & Offsetting Carbon Emission
• Promoting Community & Individual Action
Each year, the Beacon Program gives awards to local government participants for their achievements in sustainability. There are two types of Beacon Program awards; the Beacon Award and the Spotlight Award. To win a full Beacon Award, participants are required to demonstrate achievement in all five areas listed above. The Spotlight Awards recognize jurisdictions for individual achievements in energy savings, greenhouse gas emissions reductions in agency operations/community, or activities in sustainability best practices.
The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) Energy Watch has identified the County of Monterey as a potential candidate for a Spotlight Award for energy savings in agency facilities. Additionally, staff will explore the possibility of applying for an additional Spotlight Award in sustainability best practices.
Staff is recommending that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution enabling the County to participate in the Beacon Program so that the County can be eligible to receive a Beacon Spotlight Award. Participating in the Beacon Program awards will increase the County’s visibility within the region and statewide with regard to sustainability practices. Awards will be given out in conjunction with the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties conferences this fall and winter.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
AMBAG Energy Watch will assist the County in applying for Beacon Program awards.
FINANCING:
Approval of this recommendation and participation in the Beacon Program will not result in additional general fund impacts.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The resolution enabling the County’s participation in the Beacon Program is consistent with the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiatives for Infrastructure. The Institute for Local Governments’ Beacon Program will support the County’s efforts to promote environmental best practices for County facilities and Monterey County communities.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
Administration
Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Dan Bertoldi, Sustainability Coordinator, x5457
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachment: Institute for Local Governments Beacon Program Resolution