Sustainability Goals


Sustainability Goals for 2009-2012

The office of the Special Advisor for Sustainability under Mayor Taylor created an Action Item Timeline. Brett Fidler is currently serving as the advisor for Sustainability.

Goals have been created in the following areas:

Employee Sustainability - An outline of sustainability actions and behaviors expected of employees.

Action Items:
-A COT Employee Sustainability Policy is in process. Completion date: 5/31/2010
-A Sustainability Incentive plan is being written. Completion date: 1/31/2010
 (plan will include a Recycling Incentive Plan)

Energy - COT needs to become more energy efficient to save money and reduce ecological impacts.

Action Items:
-Reduce energy use by 15 below 2009 levels. Completion date: 12/31/2010 (several plans, programs, policies and audits will be part of this action item.)
-Create an Energy Star policy. Completion date 12/31/2009
-Use 30% renewable energy. Completion date 6/30/2011
-Increase Renewable Energy use by 3% annually. Completion date 12/31/2010 (includes plans for wind power, methane, natural gas and building standards.)

Emissions - COT must reduce and track GHG emissions as required by EECBG and to imporve air quality.

Action Items:
-Reduce fuel use by 15% below 2009 levels. Completion date: 12/31/2010
-Reduce GHG emissions from vehicles by 20%. Completion date: 6/30/2010
-Inventory internal and external GHGs. Completion date: 6/30/2010
-Create a COT air quality plan. Completion date: 12/31/2010

Solid Waste and Recycling - COT must reduce the amount of solid waste produced and increase the amount of material recovered through recycling programs.

Action Items:
-Create a comprehensive COT solid waste plan. Completion date: 6/30/2010
-Create a COT recycling plan. Completion date: 1/31/2010
-Create a downtown recycling plan. Completion date: 7/31/2010
-Receive the recommendations of the appointed Refuse and Recycling Task Force. Completion date: 9/1/2010.
-Additional action items include the creation of a recycling database, specifications for a single stream MRF, recyling education programs and the diversion of green waste from the residential waste stream.

Land Use and Natural Resource Stewardship - COT has a large physical and econological footprint and should lead the way regionally in protecting our natural resources.

Action items:
-Reduce water use by 10% below 2008 levels. Completion date: 1/31/2010
-Perform impact assessments on water and air quality. Completion date: 6/30/2012)
-Create a volume-based rate structure for water use (In process)
-Create a COT tree canopy plan. Completion date: 12/31/2011
-Create a local food policy for COT events. Completion date: 3/31/2010
-Develop a rainwater collection eduction program. Completion date: 8/31/2010
-Develop a COT Climate Protection Plan. Completion date: 11/30/2010

Community and Economic Development - COT must address economic and community development in order to reach our sustainability goals.

Action Items:
-Green business education and outreach plan. Completion date: 9/30/2010
-Energy efficiency revolving loan program. Completion date: 1/31/2010
-EE housing plan. Completion date: 3/31/2010
-Residential and Commercial incentive plans for energy efficiency. Completion date: 3/31/2010
-Create a sustainability permitting policy. Completion date: 12/31/2010

Timeline for the many goals included varies. Many of the goals are currently 'in process.'

Sustainability Goals for 2008-2009

The City of Tulsa's Energy Policy outlined certain goals for energy savings. Listed below are the activities that the Public Works and Equipment Management departments worked to initiate during 2008-2009 as part of the overall comprehensive energy savings plan.

Develop a Comprehensive Strategic Plan for Energy Conservation and Sustainability

  •  
    • Benchmark energy performance
    • Develop goals and strategies
    • Involve the right people
    • Communicate results

Equipment Management

  •  
    • Continue NO Idling policy
    • Continue replacement of lighting
    • Procure hybrid powered and alternative fueled vehicles
    • Reduce vehicle size when possible without sacrificing job performance.
    • Review motor pool vehicle allocations

Building Operations/Facilities Maintenance

  •  
    • Become a member in the Energy Star program (EPA)
    • Conduct energy assessments or energy audits at selected City facilities to identify opportunities for energy savings
    • Review operation and maintenance procedures including temperature and lighting controls
    • Emphasize and encourage energy conservation in the workplace by employees
    • Procure and use cleaning products that minimize impacts to human health and the environment. Also require contractors and those providing cleaning services to utilize such products.
    • Develop energy-saving building standards for news construction, renovation and expansion products and replacement of fixtures and equipment.
    • Continue to install automatic energy management lighting control devices at City facilities
    • Install energy efficient lighting retrofit and replacement parts
    • Continue efforts to improve HVAC efficiency at City facilities
    • Install new, durable money-saving equipment to improve energy efficiency in the work environment.

Public Transit

  •  
    • Join Green Traveler as a project partner.
    • Provide secure bicycle storage
    • Discuss with MTTA public transit routes and possible modifications.

Solid Waste Management

  •  
    • Study residential solid waste collection service
    • Continue and expand citywide recycling programs
    • Increase residential curbside recycling.
    • Increase collection of recyclable materials at City facilities (paper, plastics, aluminum, etc.)

Green Accomplishments