HomeMy WebLinkAbout14 - CC-12 - Annual Energy and Sustainability Report - 4/20/20211
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: APRIL 20, 2021 ITEM NUMBER: CC-12
SUBJECT: ANNUAL ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
DATE: APRIL 7, 2021
FROM: PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION
PRESENTATION BY: RAJA SETHURAMAN, PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT:
SALEM AFEWORKI, LEED GA, ENV SP
ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES
MANAGER (714) 754-5343
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the Annual Energy and
Sustainability Report.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Costa Mesa is committed to environmental stewardship, community well-being
and economic prosperity. In July 2019, the City Council approved the creation of an
Energy and Sustainability Office under the Public Services Department. In January 2020,
the City hired its first Energy and Sustainability Services Manager.
ANALYSIS:
The Energy and Sustainability Division is responsible for identifying, developing and
implementing innovative, forward-looking and ambitious citywide programs and initiatives
that reduce Costa Mesa’s carbon footprint, increase resource efficiency, minimize waste,
and enhance the natural and built environment. The sustainability team works with various
City Departments, community-based organizations, regional and state agencies, and the
business community to build a stronger, more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive City.
The Annual Energy and Sustainability Report (Attachment 1) provides an update on
completed and ongoing citywide sustainability initiatives and projects in 2020. This report
is the first of its kind and showcases the progress the City has made in achieving certain
sustainability goals in a far more transparent way.
2
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
There are no alternatives considered for this item.
FISCAL REVIEW
There is no fiscal impact associated with the creation of the Annual Energy and
Sustainability Report.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed this agenda report, and approves it as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & PRIORITIES:
This item meets the following City Council goal:
Goal 4: Maintain and Enhance the City’s Infrastructure, Facilities, Equipment and
Technology.
CONCLUSION:
Staff requests that the City Council receive and file the Annual Energy and Sustainability
Report.
_____________________________ _____________________________
SALEM AFEWORKI RAJA SETHURAMAN
Energy and Sustainability Manager Public Services Director
_____________________________ ______________________________
CAROL MOLINA KIMBERLY HALL BARLOW
Finance Director City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS: 1
Costa Mesa Annual Energy and Sustainability Report
–––
Page 2 of 19 4/20/21
About this Report
The City of Costa Mesa is
committed to environmental
stewardship, community well-being
and economic prosperity. In July
2019, the City Council approved
the creation of Energy and
Sustainability Office under Public
Services Department and in early
2020, the City hired its first Energy
and Sustainability Services
Manager.
Energy and Sustainability Division is
responsible for identifying,
developing and implementing
innovative, forward-looking and
ambitious citywide programs and
initiatives that reduce Costa Mesa’s
carbon footprint, increase resource
efficiency, minimize waste
generation, and enhance the
natural and built environment. The
sustainability team works with
various City Departments,
community-based organizations,
regional and state agencies, and
the business community to build a
stronger, more sustainable,
resilient, smart and inclusive city
together.
Using LEED for Cities and
Communities as the basis, this
annual sustainability report
provides an update on completed
and ongoing citywide sustainability
initiatives and projects in 2020.
This report is the first of its kind
that showcases the progress the
City has made in sustainability in a
transparent way, inviting our
residents and community to join
the journey to build a brighter and
cleaner future for all.
Executive Summary
Globally, Cities are responsible for two thirds of the energy use as well as
for significant indirect consumption of energy that is embodied in
materials, products and other goods. Due largely to this energy use,
cities account for an estimated 75% of global carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions. As substantial resources consumers and among the top
contributors to carbon dioxide emission worldwide, cities can and must
drive significant change, encouraging their residents and other citizens
to support the transition to low carbon economy.
The City Costa Mesa is committed to enhancing and expanding its
sustainability efforts to meet the State of California’s ambitious climate
and energy goals, while simultaneously achieving local objectives such as
reducing air pollution to improve public health, support the local
economy and build resilient infrastructure.
Costa Mesa is also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as
fires, spikes in energy use due to extreme temperatures, and the
increased frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and
floods – highlighting the need for integrated disaster reduction and
reliability measures citywide.
Sustainability presents a great opportunity for the City to make critical
progress at a local level that will improve the lives, health and economic
opportunities of residents and visitors alike. Sustainability is not an end
goal, but an approach that recognizes the interplay between natural,
economic, and social interests. It requires an understanding of the
interconnectedness of our natural and built systems and continuously
seeking ways that humans and nature can thrive together. For example,
energy and climate strategies and initiatives benefit the fiscal health of
the City through cost saving measures, but also reduce local greenhouse
gases (GHG) emission, support the natural environment, promote social
equity while enhancing community safety and health.
Human and planetary health are highly interlinked. The year 2020 has
tested us in every way – from COVID-19 pandemic and global economic
recession, to nationwide civil unrest and extreme weather conditions
worsened by climate change. Despite these challenges, the COVID-19
crisis response offers an unexpected opportunity to alter the course with
careful recalibrating of stimulus packages and recovery measures. The
sustainability team is working collaboratively to promote responsible
economic recovery that leads to a more inclusive low-carbon economy
that also lends resilience to future economic and environmental shocks.
Page 3 of 19 4/20/21
Sustainability Focus Areas
Projects Completed in 2020
ENERGY | Energy
Efficiency, Renewables,
Community Choice
Energy, Energy Storage &
Demand Response
Programs
The Energy and Sustainability Division works on various projects
and initiatives that mitigate climate change, advance sustainable
development, reduce air, water and soil pollution, improve
citizens’ health and wellbeing, stimulate economic development,
reduce municipal energy costs and improve energy access and
security.
Despite limited funding for sustainability and energy projects and
initiatives in FY20, the City was able to successfully complete
multiple projects and citywide initiatives that are zero cost to the
City. This was possible through local, state, business community
grants, and incentives.
MOBILITY | Electric
Vehicle Charging
Stations, Zero Emission
Fleet, Alternative Fuel
Stations and Low Carbon
Mobility Options
WASTE | Expand
Recycling, Organic Waste
Management,
Community Education &
Outreach
WATER | Water Use
Reduction &
Conservation, Drought
Resistant Landscape and
Green Infrastructure
OPEN SPACES &
ECOSYSTEMS | Tree
Canopy, Urban Food
Systems, Access to Parks
& Open Spaces and
Education on
Environmental
Protection
ECONOMY
&WORKFORCE |
Promote Local/Small
Businesses, Workforce
Development, Green
Jobs and Green Business
Initiatives
Page 4 of 19 4/20/21
CITYWIDE SUSTAINABILITY – LEED FOR CITIES CERTIFICATION
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)’s LEED for Cities and Communities helps local leaders create responsible,
sustainable and specific plans for natural systems, energy, water, waste, transportation and many other factors that
contribute to quality of life. The certification programs give local governments a framework for implementing strategies
to address energy, water, waste, pollution and carbon, and takes into account social and economic indicators, including
health, equity, education and prosperity. Through LEED, local leaders hone metrics around initiatives, benchmark
performance relative to peers and communicate to and educate stakeholders on progress. More than 100 cities and
communities around the world have already achieved LEED certification.
Since Costa Mesa started its sustainability journey in 2020, LEED for Cities and Communities provided a great guiding
framework that can facilitate identification of top priorities and foster initiatives that enhance the quality of life. It would
also help identify gaps and opportunities in policy and budgetary needs in the City, while creating a great platform for
collaboration that dismantles silos, increases transparency and cultivates new partnerships.
In early 2020, Costa Mesa was selected as one of 20 local governments in the nation to receive technical support as it
pursued LEED for Cities certification. The support and resources throughout the certification process were made
possible by Bank of America.
–
In November 2020, the City of Costa Mesa achieved LEED Cities Gold Certification for its practical and measurable
strategies and solutions aimed at improving sustainability, creating more livable urban area, enabling a better quality of
life for its residents. The certification allowed the City to credibly and transparently benchmark its sustainability
performance against globally applicable, yet locally relevant standards and best practices. It also provided a reporting
structure and an independently verified assessment for Costa Mesa strengths and challenges.
Page 5 of 19 4/20/21
USGBC cited Costa Mesa for its integrative planning and leadership processes, green spaces, transportation
performance and policies, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emission management, quality of life and
innovation. These practical and measurable strategies and solutions are aimed at improving human and
environmental health.
Due to the comprehensive nature of LEED for Cities certification process, a wide range of internal and external
stakeholders were involved. This inter-departmental and external collaboration with many other agencies and
entities has led to strengthening existing relationships and created new opportunities for collaboration.
Costa Mesa is the first City in California and one of only four cities in the nation to have received LEED Gold
certification using the latest LEED standard, LEED version 4.1. The City is now serving as a trend maker and
mentor to other cities in California.
Page 6 of 19 4/20/21
ENERGY
Energy efficiency is the first priority when trying to mitigate climate change, as it is relatively easy to address in
comparison to other options and technologies. City staff is working collaboratively with our local utility, Southern
California Edison (SCE) to take advantage of all available incentives for local government – such as rebates, On-Bill
Financing (OBF), Option E Program, Saving by Design among others to successfully complete various energy efficiency
projects at City facilities. Replacing high pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures with light-emitting diodes (LED) lighting is an
important step in energy conservation. Energy retrofit projects reduce municipal energy cost and at the same time
enhance visibility and safety at City facilities while promoting more livable urban areas that improves quality of life for
residents.
A. CITYWIDE STREETLIGHTS RETROFIT PROJECT
In Costa Mesa, streetlights account for 57% of the City’s electricity budget. To reduce costs, the City has implemented an
energy-efficient street lighting program – as a cost effective and reliable option. Replacing the HPS streetlights with LEDs
provided an energy efficient system that reduces the City’s monthly electricity bills and reduces maintenance and
operational costs. Additionally, LED fixtures have longer lifespan and provide improved visibility.
In partnership with SCE through their Option E Program, the City replaced 6,150 streetlights throughout Costa Mesa
from HPS light fixtures to LEDs to achieve energy savings and efficiency. Under the Option E program, SCE fronts the
100% of the capital cost using an incentive program offered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The
program incorporates an Energy Efficiency Premium (EPP) rate through which SCE’s investment capital for LEDs is
recovered over a 20-year term.
The initial savings to the City resulting from LED conversion is $81,460 in energy bills from year 1 to year 20, which
translates to $1,630,000 savings in 20 years. After 20 years, SCE’s calculations indicate that the City will realize a total
savings of approximately $204,443 per year.
Page 7 of 19 4/20/21
B. LIGHTING FIXTURES UPGRADE AT TEWINKLE, WAKEHAM, HELLER AND BARK PARKS
One of the best ways to achieve cost savings at City owned buildings and facilities is lighting retrofit projects, consisting
of upgrading exterior lighting fixtures at Tewinkle Park (970 Arlington Dr.), Wakeham Park (3400 Smalley Street), Heller
Park (257 E. 16th Street), and Bark Park (890 Arlington Dr.) from High Pressure Sodium (HPS) to Light Emitting Diode
(LED) fixtures, which also have capability to be dimmable.
City staff worked with Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) to identify opportunities for energy
efficiency improvements at various Parks and found a low-cost project financing option that maximizes utility grants and
incentives to the fullest.
This project brought $5,694 per year in energy cost savings to the City. It already has increased the safety, security and
visibility at Tewinkle Park, Wakeham Park, Heller Park and Bark Park, while significantly reducing labor and hours needed
to maintain the exterior lights.
BEFORE
AFTER
Page 8 of 19 4/20/21
C. MELROK - ENERGY SAVING CONTROLS FOR MONITORING CITY HALL HVAC USAGE
The City Hall HVAC system is very old and is deemed inefficient. As a first step to understand the current performance
and usage of the Heating, Ventilation and air Conditioning (HVAC) system, the Sustainability team in collaboration with
the City’s Building Maintenance team, Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN), TRC and Southern
California Edison (SCE), installed a MelRok system that does real-time monitoring of the performance of the HVAC.
This tool provides critical energy and equipment information that will be highly informative for the next phase which is
to retrofit the HVAC system at the Civic Center starting with the City Hall. City staff along with SoCalREN team is
currently exploring all innovative project financing options for City Hall HVAC Retrofit project including SCE rebates, On
Bill Financing (OBF), Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and California Energy Commission (CEC) 1% loan to cover the cost of the
project. Once completed, the City Hall HVAC retrofit project has the potentially reduce the City energy usage costs.
D. EXPLORE COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY FOR COSTA MESA
Community Choice Energy, also known as CCE, is a program that allows local governments to procure energy on behalf
of their residents and businesses. In 2020, the Sustainability team worked with various City Departments, neighboring
cities and community groups to explore Community Choice Energy for Costa Mesa. Through these engagement
processes, the City made progress in increasing awareness on the benefits and challenges of forming or joining a CCE
program.
Page 9 of 19 4/20/21
TRANSPORTATION
The State of California has taken bold action to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector, and in March
2012, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued an Executive Order to help accelerate the adoption of zero-emission
vehicles (ZEVs) in the State and set a long-term goal of reaching 1.5 million zero emission vehicles on California’s
roadways by 2025. In addition, Senate Bill (SB) 100 sets the State of California on the path to be 100% carbon-neutral by
2045.
The State goals, combined with the need to improve local air quality, are driving the trends towards electrification of
transportation. Expanding the use of electricity in transportation saves money, reduces greenhouse emissions (GHG),
improves local air quality and public health, and enhances residents’ well-being. Electric vehicles eliminate fuel cost
completely and reduce maintenance costs drastically due to the high efficiency of electric-drive components.
The costs of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations continue to decline, and grants, rebates and other direct
incentives have played an important role in accelerating the adoption of EV.
Costa Mesa has embraced broader efforts towards sustainable transportation and mobility options. The sustainability
team is currently working on various initiatives and programs in EVs, Green City Fleet and expanding EV charging
infrastructure. These projects maximize additional grant funding opportunities to advance clean mobility options that
are good for residents, local economy and the environment.
A. ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS AT THE CITY HALL
This project aims to advance sustainability in Costa Mesa by increasing the availability of public electric vehicle charging
stations in the City while improving local air quality and reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. The City Hall
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations project includes installation of five (5) EV charging stations at City Hall that
provides a total of nine (9) EV charging ports. The design includes two (2) dual port Level II charging stations at the back
of City Hall to serve four (4) EV Parking Spaces; and two (2) dual port Level II charging stations plus one (1) DC fast Level
Ill charging station to serve a total of five (5) EV Parking Stalls in front of City Hall.
Page 10 of 19 4/20/21
The availability of EV charging stations at City Hall highlights the City’s commitment to environmentally friendly
programs, initiatives and technologies that build resilient communities and infrastructure. All Costa Mesa residents, City
employees, and commuters from the neighboring cities will be able to benefit from this publically available EV charging
infrastructure that is convenient and accessible 24/7.
The City successfully secured $148,210 in grant funding from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Committee
(MSRC) Local Government Partnership Program, of which $122,540 was allocated for the construction of EV electric
charging stations at City Hall. City staff also secured a $70,000 rebate for the DC fast Level III charging station from
California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP).
City staff conduced a fee study to ensure that the EV charging stations don’t bring financial burden to the City. City
Council approved $0.28/kWh for Level 2 stations for the first 4 hours, and $0.38/kWh for the Level 3 station for the first
2 hours, with the charges escalating to $5.00 per hour after the initial time limit specified is reached.
Currently, the sustainability team administers the City’s ChargePoint dashboard and reports to the Finance Department
monthly on revenue generated so that it can be used to cover operational and maintenance costs. This ensures that
these charging stations are cost neutral to the City.
B. ZERO EMISSION CITY FLEET
In contrast to conventional internal combustion vehicles, Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions,
thereby preventing harmful greenhouse gas and criteria pollutants from being released into the environment. They also
save money, improve local air quality and build resilience. ZEVs eliminate fuel cost completely and reduce maintenance
costs drastically due to the high efficiency of electric-drive components. Moreover, the communities most burdened by
air pollution are often the ones along major transportation corridors and a switch to ZEVs will help alleviate that burden.
As the City fleet, comprised primarily of gas powered vehicles ages, it is the goal of the sustainability team to evaluate
gradual replacements to electric powered vehicles, wherever technically feasible, to reduce costs and carbon footprint.
One way to accomplish that is by leveraging local, state and federal grants to slowly electrify and modernize City fleet.
Page 11 of 19 4/20/21
a. Three New Chevy Bolts at the City Hall
The City was able to secure $25,670 grant from Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) that
partially funded the purchase of three new fully electric Chevy Bolts. These EVs are able to fully benefit from the
recently completed EV infrastructure at the City Hall and are mostly used by City staff as pool vehicles.
b. New E-shuttle Bus for the Senior Center
To expand ZEVs in the City’s medium and heavy-duty vehicles, the sustainability team, in collaboration with Fleet
Services, pursued California Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust fund grant through San Joaquin Valley
Unified Air Pollution Control District, and was awarded $180,000. City staff is currently working to purchase a zero
emission shuttle bus and strategically place it at the senior center to benefit Costa Mesa residents and visitors.
Page 12 of 19 4/20/21
SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING
Sustainability team also oversees all commercial waste collection and recycling services in Costa Mesa. Through a non-
exclusive franchise system, City Staff manages trash and recycling service to multi-family (5 or more units) and business
properties, as well as any for-hire hauling of temporary waste collection containers from construction and
deconstruction projects. The team monitors and provides oversight on the implementation of programs required to
comply with State solid waste and recycling mandates. See City Waste Collection and Recycling website for details.
Although most of the work on solid waste collection and recycling is driven by regulatory requirements, City staff is
working on increasing awareness and education on how to manage waste properly. As a first step to providing
educational information and resources to residents, City staff recorded a presentation on Senate Bill 1383, Organic
Waste Reduction Requirements. This new State mandate will affect every resident, every business and every property
owner in Costa Mesa and the video is available on the City’s YouTube channel.
Page 13 of 19 4/20/21
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
With increasing frequency and intensity of disasters throughout California, it is paramount that Costa Mesa addresses its
vulnerability to climate change while also equitably transitioning to a carbon neutral economy. More than ever,
collaboration and coordination between cities, utility companies, first responders and residents is key to resiliency
especially during disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes and extreme heat.
Costa Mesa also works to address equity in its responses to community needs. The sustainability team is consistently
looking for ways to identify system-wide vulnerabilities and explicitly include and consult frontline communities that are
disproportionately vulnerable to climate impacts. The team puts equity at the center and strives to identify strategies
that foster community resilience while protecting individuals from the environmental and economic impacts of climate
change through proactive engagement and consultation with community stakeholders.
Due to public health safety protocols and limitations on gatherings related to the COVID-19pandemic, the sustainability
team was not able to host in person community events in 2020. During this past year, the sustainability team has acted
as a facilitator and enabler of dialogues virtually, creating opportunities for internal and external stakeholders to provide
input and to help shape current and future sustainability initiatives and projects.
A. SUSTAINABILITY WEBSITE
In collaboration with the City’s Public Information Office, the sustainability team launched a dedicated sustainability
page on the City’s website to increase Community Engagement and Outreach. The new sustainability page is designed to
provide information on various innovative sustainability projects and initiatives City staff is working on that enhance the
natural and built environment, while making it easier for Costa Mesa residents to engage and connect on all things
sustainable. The page is user friendly, easy to navigate and includes a dedicated City sustainability email -
sustainability@costamesaca.gov and social media hashtag #greencostamesa
Page 14 of 19 4/20/21
B. INTERNAL SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOPS
Prior to COVID-19 pandemic and stay at home orders in early 2020, the sustainability team held two internal workshops
to identify opportunities and challenges to advance sustainability in Costa Mesa. Attendees include senior engineers and
managers from different divisions within the Public Services Department representing administration, engineering,
transportation and maintenance. The workshops consisted of visioning exercises, identifying focus areas and achievable
goals.
Page 15 of 19 4/20/21
C. INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL EVENTS
In early 2020, the sustainability team was also able to organize and attend internal and external events that promote
sustainability, inclusion and equity.
OCC SUSTAINABILITY FAIR
City of Costa Mesa hosted a Sustainability + Active Transportation booth at the Orange Coast College (OCC)
Sustainability Fair. The Fair is part of OCC Flex Day, an annual event where faculty and staff at Orange Coast College
attend and participate in a day of professional development. 2020’s Flex Day theme was sustainability and it focused on
the sharing of best practices and lessons learned from the people on the front lines of implementing sustainability
efforts in Costa Mesa.
Public Services staff attended the event and shared projects in sustainability and active transportation. Some of the
projects featured in a poster presentation included Merrimac Way Active Transportation Improvement Project, Adams
Avenue at Pinecreek Pedestrian and Bicycle Intersection Improvements, Paularino Channel Trail Project, and Fairview
Road Safety Improvements Project.
City staff discussed the importance of addressing various aspects of sustainability at an individual and local level, and
provided reusable bottles to attendees that answered trivia questions on energy and water conservation, clean mobility
options, climate action and open spaces. Active Transportation handouts that were provided to participants include the
Costa Mesa Bicycle Map and Safety Guide and Summary of the City’s Active Transportation Plan.
Page 16 of 19 4/20/21
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY
For international Women’s day 2020 (March 8th), Public Services team participated in a celebration of outstanding
women within the Department that are making a difference everyday through their valuable contribution and leadership
on various engineering, transportation and construction projects in Costa Mesa.
Some of the most efficient and exemplary responses for COVID-19 were led by women, highlighting the importance of
equality and diversity in a workplace.
Page 17 of 19 4/20/21
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
In the first year since its creation, the sustainability team was able to work with various City Departments, local, state
and federal agencies, community groups and academia to successful complete multiple projects that are zero cost to the
City. The following awards were received as a result.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED for Cities Gold Certification
In a national virtual UGSBC award ceremony, Former Mayor Katrina Foley accepted the award on behalf of the City. “I’m
so proud of our staff for receiving this LEED certification,” Foley said. “This achievement demonstrates Costa Mesa’s
commitment to sustainability, human health and economic prosperity, and that’s why we remain a place where people
want to live, work and play.”
ASCE-OC OUTSTANDING ENERGY PROJECT AWARD
City of Costa Mesa also received the Outstanding Energy Project Award for the City Hall EV Charging Stations Project.
This prestigious industry award from American Society of Engineers (ASCE) was received by Raja Sethuraman, Public
Services Director who indicated “It was a proud moment for Public Services staff to receive such recognition from their
peers on these high quality projects.”
Page 18 of 19 4/20/21
CONCLUSION
The City of Costa Mesa has made great progress in its objectives related to sustainability. The City Council’s leadership
and support has led to tangible results in several key areas outlined within this annual report. Sustainability is a journey
rather than a destination, therefore, there will always be opportunities to expand our efforts. As new technology and
innovations emerge, our teams will remain apprised and bring forth new opportunities for our City Council to lead the
way, well into the future.
The Sustainability team will continue to work on forward looking, innovative and inclusive initiatives and projects that
bring cost savings to City operations, promote efficient use of finite natural resources, enhance public health & well-
being, and pursue all grant funding and partnership opportunities to implement programs and projects.
The City of Costa Mesa cannot transition to sustainable, low-carbon economy in isolation. It is paramount that Costa
Mesa residents, businesses, and community leaders work together to preserve our natural environment while
promoting economic opportunity and resilience for current and future generations. The sustainability team is proactively
partnering with other public agencies, academia, the private sector, and community organizations to establish a broad
set of integrated approaches, and policy measures that align the short-term recovery from COVID-19 impacts with
longer-term climate, energy, transportation and sustainable development objectives.
From: Hoiyin Ip <hoiyini@hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 1:15 PM
To: STEPHENS, JOHN; MARR, ANDREA; CHAVEZ, MANUEL; GAMEROS, LOREN; HARLAN,
JEFFREY; HARPER, DON; REYNOLDS, ARLIS; CITY CLERK
Cc: Linda K; Russell Baldwin; Craig Preston
Subject: Public Comment: Item #12 SB-1383 Organic Waste Reduction
Attachments: California Organic Waste Reduction Actions.pdf
Dear City Council,
It's nice to see Costa Mesa's SB 1383 video! Consultant Mike Balliet ended it by saying "it's simple if you have the right
program." That encourages people to cooperate.
I heard from CalRecycle the food insecurity and food waste data in their PowerPoint are dated: nearly one in four
Californians suffer from food insecurity, and more than 11 billion pounds of food is wasted every year in California.
Recently LA Times says "the typical American adult wastes about $3.50 worth of food every day." According
to the Legislative Analyst's Office, organic waste reduction is one of the cheapest forms of greenhouse gas reductions.
And according to a well-known report The Business and Societal Case for Reducing Food Waste by ReFED:
• "Restaurants and foodservice providers could gain the largest profit boost"
• "Fnnrl wactP cnhitinnc arP a ctrnna PnainP fnr inh rrPatinn "
• Consumer education campaigns have the smallest cost and biggest benefit.
Again, I want to echo all the good points you made during the study session on 1/12, and support Costa Mesa to act
individually and/or partner with other agencies to form regional Organic Waste Reduction Campaigns to:
• Feed the Hungry
• Conserve Natural Resources
• Slow Down Climate Change
Attached is Sierra Club's recommended actions for organic waste reduction
We know SB 1383 implementation isn't easy, and may require raising collection fees. That's a small cost Californians pay
for climate resilience.
Please let us know how community members can help. Thanks!
Hoiyin Ip
Co -Chair, Sierra Club California Zero Waste Committee
_Hoivin.lp@California.5ierraClub.org
Facebook I Twitter
From: Linda K <Ikteamtalk@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 1:01 PM
To: CITY CLERK
Subject: Item 10 - Sustainability Report
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
Thank you for your efforts to address sustainability in Costa Mesa.
I appreciate the efforts to address REACH building codes, change to LED lighting, and electrify the City Fleet
as funds become available.
I'm hoping you will prioritize the adoption of Community Choice Energy this year.
The most important reason being choice for every resident and business to choose where their electricity comes
from.
The potential for revenue building (current analysis estimates a 2% savings to residential and business
customers, and roughly $1,000,000 per year back to a city of 100,000 for energy programs and incentives).
REVENUE BASED. NO TAXES.
The potential to decrease dirty emissions, and adopt local, renewable energy, in all cases, CCA's do more than
their utility counter -parts.
While I still believe the best choice for Costa Mesa is joining Irvine,
if you decide that is not your choice, please consider another choice.
Please stay connected to the state-wide efforts and all the currently active CCA's that are engaged with
community choice.
They are some of the most supportive organizations I have interacted with.
I remain willing to assist in researching any input or information you need.
For instance, recently, a Council Member from Laguna Beach, emailed me after seeing me speak on CCA's. He
asked if I knew if CCA's were using revenue to support open spaces. I was able to find and connect him to an
offset program that builds a forest in Redwood Community Energy Program.
Thank You so much for your hard work.
Linda Kraemer, M.S.
Costa Mesa
LKTeamTalk@gmail.com