Boulder Compliance with the Kyoto Protocol

The Office of Environmental Affairs has prepared a draft Climate Action Plan to meet the City Council’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal to be in line with the Kyoto Protocol target. The Plan identifies the following primary strategies: increase energy efficiency, increase renewable energy and fuel use, and reduce vehicle miles traveled. City staff has also been directed to identify a new, long-term revenue source to fund Plan implementation. The annual budget estimates start at $880,000 in 2007. A large portion of the estimated budget is proposed for commercial and residential programs and services to increase awareness and implementation of energy efficiency opportunities and available utility rebates and tax incentives that shorten project payback periods. The city has worked with many property owners during the last two years and anticipates expanding the program in 2007.

City staff is interested in receiving input from Boulder Tomorrow members on how best to engage property owners in programs and services to reduce energy use, improve the local building stock and reduce operating costs. Input will also be requested on the long-term funding options under consideration. Funding options details will provided at the meeting.