Work Session - Sustainable DubuqueCopyrighted
J uly 13, 2020
City of Dubuque
Special Meeting Work Session - Bottom # 1.
IT E M T I T L E :S ustainable D ubuque Work S ession
S UM M ARY:City Manager transmitting information for the J uly 13, 2020 Sustainable
Dubuque Work S ession. Sustainable Communities C oordinator Gina
B ell and consultant Ted R edmond with P ale B lue D ot will inform City
Council on the updated 50% by 2030 Community C limate A ction and
Resiliency Plan.
S UG G E S T E D
D I S P O S I T I O N:
S uggested Disposition:
AT TAC H ME N TS :
Description Type
Sustainable Dubuque W ork Session-MV M Memo City Manager Memo
Staff Memo Staff Memo
Power Point P resentation_C A P Update 2020 Supporting Documentation
Climate Action Plan Appendix Supporting Documentation
Climate Action Plan 2020 Supporting Documentation
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Sustainable Dubuque Work Session
DATE: July 8, 2020
Sustainable Communities Coordinator Gina Bell is transmitting information for the
July 13, 2020 Sustainable Dubuque Work Session. Gina Bell and consultant Ted
Redmond with Pale Blue Dot will inform City Council on the updated 50% by 2030
Community Climate Action and Resiliency Plan.
_____________________________________
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Gina Bell, Sustainable Communities Coordinator
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Gina Bell, Sustainable Communities Coordinator
SUBJECT: Sustainable Dubuque Work Session Agenda
DATE: June 2, 2020
The purpose of this memorandum is to set the agenda for the Sustainable Dubuque
work session on Monday, July 13, 2020. Sustainability Coordinator Gina Bell, and
consultant, Ted Redmond with Pale Blue Dot will inform Council on the updated 50% by
2030 Community Climate Action and Resiliency Plan.
Thank you.
50% by 2030
Climate Action
Plan Update
SUSTAINABILITY
“The ability to meet the
needs of the present without
compromising the ability of
future generations to meet
their own needs."
RESILIENCY
“The ability of individuals and
systems to prevent, prepare,
and recover from adverse
vulnerabilities while adapting
to long-term changes.”
What is a
Climate Action
Plan?
•Strategies that mitigate climate
change and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.
•A roadmap of actions that the
community will take to reduce
emissions and adapt to project
people and places to reduce
vulnerability to climate impacts
Why a Climate
Action Plan?
•The climate crisis is not
waiting
•Economic opportunity to
address high unemployment
•Racial justice must include
environmental justice
Climate Action
Plan History
•Community Climate Action Plan
adopted in 2013
•Why the update?
•Initial inventory
•Differences from 2013 plan
•Current inventory
Process
•Hired Pale blue Dot
•Community Team Creation + Meetings
•Community engagement + Survey
•Next steps –implementation plan and
engagement
Three Phases of
Engagement
•Phase 1: Developing the
Engagement Approach and
Strategy
•Phase 2: Deployment of
Engagement Approach and
Strategy
•Phase 3: Implementation of
Engagement approach
Community
Engagement
Community
Engagement –
Youth Design
Thinking
Workshop
Four in-person workshops
co-hosted with community
partners
•January Workshop
•March Workshop
•April Workshop
•May Workshop
Community
Engagement –
In-Person
Workshops
Four in-person workshops
co-hosted with community
partners
•January Workshop
(co-hosted with Fountain
of Youth Program )
•March Workshop
•April Workshop
•May Workshop
Community
Engagement –
In-Person
Workshops
Four in-person workshops
co -hosted with community
partners
•January Workshop
(co-hosted with Fountain
of Youth Program )
•March Workshop
(rescheduled; canceled)
•April Workshop
(rescheduled; canceled)
•May Workshop
(rescheduled; canceled)
Community
Engagement &
COVID COVID
Virtual listening sessions +
one on one interviews with
community leaders
•Building relationships to
support and prioritize the
identified climate actions
•Facilitating collaboration
among a diverse cross-
section of people
•Identifying community
assets that can be
mobilized for action
Community
Engagement –
Next Steps
Community
Engagement –
Community
Survey
Community
Survey
Highlights
Community
Survey
Highlights
Community
Survey
Highlights
Community
Survey
Highlights
Community
Survey
Highlights
Community
Survey
Highlights
Climate Action
Plan
Definitions
•Climate Change
•Climate Vulnerability
•Climate Risk
•Adaptation
•Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
•Mitigation
•Social Cost of Carbon
Climate Change (vs Weather)
Climate Action
Plan
Definitions
Climate Vulnerability
(no universally accepted definition)
Is the degree to which a system is
susceptible to, and unable to cope with,
adverse effects of climate change.
Climate
Vulnerability
Climate Risk
(no universally accepted definition)
Risk is probability of occurrence of
hazardous events or trends multiplied by
their impacts should they occur.
Climate Risk
Climate Change Adaptation
Developing ways to protect
people and places by
reducing their vulnerability
to climate impacts –
increasing ability to cope
Climate
Change
Adaptation
Greenhouse Gases (GHG)
Greenhouse Gases allow visible light
from the sun to pass through to the
earth but then react with the resulting
infrared energy from the earth, trapping
heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Without them, Earth would have the
same average temperature as the
Moon: 0°F
Greenhouse
Gases (GHG)
GHG Emissions and Sources
GHG Emissions
Sources and
Reduction
Strategies
Reduction Strategies
Climate
Mitigation
Climate Mitigation
Reducing climate change
impacts–involves reducing
the emission of Greenhouse
gases (GHG) into the
atmosphere.
Social Cost of
Carbon
Social Cost of Carbon
The social cost of carbon is a
measure of the economic
harm from climate change
impacts, expressed as the
dollar value of the total
damages from emitting one
ton of carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere.
Climate
Change
Impacts
•Increased severe weather
events
•Increased precipitation
•Increased heat
•Insurance premiums
•City’s credit rating
•Climate refugees
Climate
Change
Impacts
Vulnerability Assessment
Projected Climate Change Impacts
Projected Climate Change Impacts
Projected Climate Change Impacts
Dubuque On The Move
Dubuque Climate Change Vulnerabilities
(compared to current global
estimate of $50 per ton by the
Environmental Defense Fund)
Anticipated Climate Migration
Anticipated Climate Migration
Benefits of
Climate Action
Planning
Benefits of
Climate Action
Planning –Cost
Savings
Benefits of
Climate Action
Planning -Jobs
+
New job and
business
development
opportunities
Climate Action
Plan Vision
Climate Action Plan Vision
To be the first Climate
Resilient community in Iowa,
leading in the social and
economic transitions
necessary to prevent, prepare
for, recover from, and adapt
to the long-term impacts of
climate change.
Climate Action
Plan Goal
Climate Action Plan Vision
To be the first Climate Resilient
community in Iowa, leading in the social
and economic transitions necessary to
prevent, prepare for, recover from, and
adapt to the long-term impacts of climate
change.
Climate Action Plan GHG Reduction Goal
To be the first Net Carbon Neutral
community in Iowa and to reduce
community-wide GHG emissions 50%
below 2003 levels by 2030.
CAP As Living Document
The Climate Action Plan is intended to be a ‘living document’.It should be a tool in used
conjunction with its implementation, monitoring and periodic updates.
As a living document, CAP actions should be modified, added, or removed as new
implementation results can be measured, and as new emission reduction strategies and
technologies emerge that effectively reduce emissions.
Inside the
Climate Action
Plan
GHG Reductions Included In The CAP
How do we know our goal is right?
IPCC Guidance:
GHG Reductions Included In The CAP
How do we know our goal is right?
IPCC Guidance:
GHG Reductions Included In The CAP
GHG Reductions Included In The CAP
Anatomy of a
Section
Anatomy of a
Section
Goals
The strategies and actions included in this section of
the Climate Action Plan are projected to reduce the
city’s annual GHG emissions by 151,429 metric tons
(MT) by 2030 -a 50% reduction over 2003 levels.
How We’ll Get There
City Council
•Create a policy that all City buildings
shall reduce energy usage by 20%
over the next 10 years.
•Implement energy benchmarking
(performance tracking and annual
reporting) program for commercial
buildings, required for all buildings
equal to or greater than 50,000
square feet.
Kick-Start Actions
Goals
How We’ll Get There
The strategies and actions included in this section of
the Climate Action Plan are projected to reduce the
city’s annual GHG emissions by 37,478 metric tons
(MT) by 2030 -a 45.1% reduction over 2003 levels.
City Council
•Update, adopt and fund a more
comprehensive Complete Streets
Policy including a Systems Approach,
increased Transparency /
Accountability, and an Inclusive
Public Process.
•Update City vehicle (including The
Jule transit) purchasing
policy/budget process to default to
alternative fuel with traditional
internal combustion engine (ICE) as
optional requiring proof of need.
Kick-Start Actions
Goals
How We’ll Get There
The strategies and actions included in this section of
the Climate Action Plan are projected to reduce the
city’s annual GHG emissions by 32,544 metric tons
(MT) by 2030 -a 60.4% reduction over 2003 levels.
City Council
•Adopt an ordinance and
construction permit changes
supporting C&D recycling
requirements to be implemented as
sufficient C&D recycling capacity is
developed.
•Request DMASWA review food
waste handling capacities and
permitting limits and expand/update
as needed to support food waste
diversion and organics collection
increases in line with CAP goals.
Kick-Start Actions
Goals
City Council
•Implement a policy to require
installation of rainwater collection
systems and Water Sense water
efficient fixtures and appliances at
all City facility projects and all
projects receiving $50,000 or more
in City tax abatement, financing or
funding.
Kick-Start Actions
Goals
City Council
•Adopt policies to incentivize
residential building owners
(particularly rental and multi-family
properties), to increase the
resilience of existing and new
buildings with resilience strategies.
Kick-Start Actions
Goals
City Council
•Pass city policy to procure climate-
friendly foods for events and other
city-managed facilities.Foods
should be locally sourced to the
highest extent feasible.
•Revise zoning ordinances to allow
urban agriculture and clarify
acceptability to remove barriers to
front yard and rooftop vegetable
gardens, edible landscaping and
foraging.
Kick-Start Actions
Goals
City Council
•Develop a performance based
ordinance requiring tree planting
within parking lots. Ordinance
should establish a specific goal of
percentage of pavement to be
shaded by trees.
•Develop a policy that requires all
housing and commercial
development projects receiving City
funding, PUD approval, and/or
Conditional Use Permitting to
implement commercial scale heat
island mitigation strategies.
Kick-Start Actions
Goals
City Council
•Establish a policy that designates
City Franchise Fee Income as funding
source for Climate Initiatives
•Fund and organize the establishment
of a ReStore Facility for reusable
furnishings and salvage including
construction/demolition.
Kick-Start Actions
Goals
City Council
•Establish a policy that requires city
infrastructure projects and capital
budgets incorporate climate risk and
vulnerability analysis and adaptation
plans to ensure that future spending
contributes to resilience and
achieving the City's CAP plan goals
•Explore the development of a
"Carbon Impact Fee" Additional
funds raised to be used for Climate
Mitigation and Adaptation
implementation.
Kick-Start Actions
Implementation
Implementation
Recommendations
Implementation is for everyone –
Council, Staff, businesses,
households, and individuals.
Implementation
Recommendations-
Capacity
Building Internal Capacity
•Establish clear guidance and direction for the
participation in and support of the CAP
implementation actions by all City of Dubuque
departments.
•Fund and support Sustainability staffing to support
Implementation.
•Review Climate Action Plan implementation
progress and impacts on a regular basis (1-2 year
cycle); adjust, add, and remove detailed CAP
actions as appropriate based on implementation
progress review.
External Capacity
•Establish the Resilient Community Advisory
Commission as the main citizen-body to support
the implementation of the CAP
•Establish jurisdictional partnerships that advance
CAP strategies to advance and accelerate action.
Implementation
Recommendations-
Funding
Funding
•Maintain a budget and identify
funding sources for staff dedicated
to the implementation of the CAP.
•Identify a budget necessary to
support projects on an annual
basis.
•Utilize no-cost technical assistance
offerings as available.
Detailed Actions and Implementation Tool
Tool under development
Next-step community engagement
•Support transition into implementation
•Partnership building
•Community empowerment
Initial Implementation Phase
•Things we can do this with no budget
•FY22 will need funding
Implementation Recommendations
Questions?
City of Dubuque
Climate Action Plan 2020 - Appendix Report
Prepared By:
July 2020
A1-1
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Additional Climate Action
Sector Information
Section
Section 04 Buildings and Energy
Section 05 Transportation and Land Use
Section 06 Solid Waste
Section 07 Water, Wastewater, and Flooding
Section 08 Climate Health and Safety
Section 09 Food
Section 10 Greenspace and Tree Canopy
Section 11 Climate Economy
Section 12 Climate Action Capacity
This appendix provides additional information for each of
the climate action sectors included in this Climate Action
Plan. The information includes background data, baseline
metrics, or additional supporting information for each
section. Some of this information was foundational in the
planning process while others provide additional
background content for understanding the intent of the
actions of the sector. The additional information is
provided for each of the following Climate Action Sectors:
A1-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Buildings and Energy
Existing High Performance
Buildings in Dubuque
ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings:
LEED Certified Buildings:
Certified Net Zero Buildings:
9
0
Sources: US EPNew Buildings Institute
A ENERGY STAR, US Green Building Council,
10
Green Roofs in Dubuque
Existing Green Roofs, Known:1
Sources: Greenroofs.com, Rooftop Sedums LLC
Dubuque Building Stock
The measure of a community’s existing building stock, certified high
performance buildings, and housing characteristics provides a basis for
determining the current and potential energy efficiency gains for the
community. Energy and water efficiency upgrades are one of the
simplest and most effective ways to conserve resources, save money,
and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. New building technology has
increased energy efficiency significantly in recent decades. Although
newer U.S. homes are 30 percent larger, they consume a similar amount
of total energy as older homes - meaning they are more energy efficient
per square foot of space. Consequently, this means that retrofitting
older homes with some of these technologies provides ample
opportunity to improve energy efficiency throughout the community.
National benchmarking and certification tools can help measure as well
as promote energy efficiency of buildings in a community. The US EPA
ENERGY STAR program, for instance, certifies high performing
buildings. On average, ENERGY STAR certified buildings use 35% less
energy than typical buildings nationwide. LEED certification is another
measure of energy efficiency. Energy Benchmarking data from
Washington, D.C. are the first to show that LEED-certified office
buildings demonstrate decreased energy use (site or source) of 15
percent, on average, compared with other D.C. office buildings. Finally,
the New Buildings Institute certifies Net Zero buildings, buildings which
generate as much on-site renewable energy as they consume in a year,
and all Net Zero buildings eliminated all greenhouse gas emissions
associated with their energy consumption.
A1-3Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Buildings and Energy
Energy Efficiency Potential of City of
Dubuque Housing Stock
According to the 2017 U.S. Census, 89% of single family homes in
the City of Dubuque were built prior to 2000, and over 80% were
built prior to 1980. According to the National Association of Home
Builders, homes built prior to 1980 consume an average of 20%-
35% more than homes built after 2000.
In 2018, the average Dubuque household used 8,229 kWh of
electricity and 909 therms annually. If all single family homes in
Dubuque were renovated to achieve the energy efficiency level of
those built after 2000, an estimated 33.2 million kWh and 3.6
million therms might be saved annually totaling nearly 17% of all
residential electric and natural gas use in the City.
Energy Efficiency Programs For Residents
Commercial electricity use in Dubuque increased from 5,008
kWh/job in 2010 to 4,820 kWh/job in 2018, a decrease of 4%.
During the same timeframe, residential electric use increased 4.6%
from 7,867 kWh/household 8,229 kWh/household in 2018.
Commercial natural gas use in Dubuque increased 10% between
2010 and 2018 from 456 therms/job to 502 therms/job.
Meanwhile, residential natural gas use in the city increased even
more rapidly at 17% from 777 therms/household to 909
therms/household.
Though energy efficiency is certainly a significant opportunity in all
building sectors in the community, these residential energy
consumption increases over the last decade indicate a great
potential for energy savings within the residential building sector.
There are already energy efficiency programs and resources
available in the City of Dubuque. As an example, the Home Energy
Assessment from the Dubuque Green Iowa Americorps team, the
New View Community Action Agency LIHEAP Weatherization
program, and energy efficiency rebates by Alliant Energy and Black
Hills Energy. Data shows that effective home energy assessment
and upgrade programs can readily reduce participants annual
energy consumption by up to 10% annually.
Years Occupying Home (home owners)
Source: US Census > 19391940-491950-591960-691970-791980-891990-992000-092010-13Source: US Census
City of Dubuque Housing Stock by Age
Source: US EIA
Residential Rate of Technology Adoption by Lightbulb Type
(Source: USAI Lighting)
Breakdown of Lightbulbs by Housing Type
Source: US EIA
For the City of Dubuque, converting all residential
light bulbs to LED lights could save 32.4 million
KWH annually or more. A Greenhouse Gas savings
of:
A1-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Buildings and Energy
Generation Capacity In Dubuque - Rooftop Solar PV
Generation capacity represents the total amount of energy generation potential of the total Technical Capacity of the
city. The generation capacity is calculated using City-specific annual energy production factor (annual KWH
production/KW nameplate capacity) which is based on the region’s weather patterns and annual insolation levels
(exposure to sun’s energy). This energy production factor is then modified by estimated system losses by azimuth and
estimated system losses by roof tilt. The chart below illustrates the total generation potential by roof azimuth and by
roof tilt classifications - this includes all figures in black and red text. The Grand Total solar PV energy generation
potential for the City is 313,865,880 KWH annually, approximately 46.4% of the City’s total electric consumption.
Optimized Generation Capacity In Dubuque - Rooftop Solar PV
Though the total energy generation outlined previously is reasonably feasible, for purposes of establishing Citywide
potentials expectations it is appropriate to modify the total generation to reflect the likely most cost efficient installation
potentials given current technologies and cost parameters. Solar PV installations which have less than ideal orientations
capture less light per panel and therefore generate less energy per dollar spent. Establishing an Optimized Capacity
establishes the cost effective solar pv installation potential based on current technology.
On the chart below, all solar suitable roof planes with roof tilt and azimuth orientation combinations likely to be
consistently cost effective are highlighted in red and are considered to be the City’s Optimized Generation Capacity. It
should be noted that installations outside of these selections may still be cost effective but require individual feasibility
assessment. The total Optimized Generation Capacity of rooftop solar pv in Dubuque is estimated to be 232,691,457
KWH annually (the total of all entries in red text). For more information, please see the September 2019 Dubuque
Citywide Solar Potentials Study.
Optimized Generation Capacity In Dubuque
Flat Low Tilt Mid-Low Tilt Mid-High Tilt High Tilt
Subtotal Flat
Suitable Buildings 8,815 25.33%8,815 0 0 0 0
Suitable Roof Planes 16,218 25.33%16218 0 0 0 0
Square Footage 2,786,851 25.38%2,786,851 0 0 0 0
Capacity (KW dc)49,528 25.38%49,528 0 0 0 0
Generation (KWH)83,207,619 26.51%83,207,619 0 0 0 0
Subtotal South Facing
Suitable Buildings 8,656 24.87%0 1,959 5,504 1,187 6
Suitable Roof Planes 15,925 24.87%0 3604 10126 2184 11
Square Footage 2,736,525 24.92%0 619,236 1,740,075 375,240 1,974
Capacity (KW dc)48,634 24.92%0 11,005 30,925 6,669 35
Generation (KWH)76,921,438 24.51%0 16,824,684 48,836,555 11,203,613 56,586
West + Southwest
Suitable Buildings 8,598 24.70%0 1,672 5,503 1,415 8
Suitable Roof Planes 15,819 24.70%0 3076 10124 2603 15
Square Footage 2,718,557 24.76%0 528,503 1,739,920 447,432 2,702
Capacity (KW dc)48,315 24.76%0 9,393 30,922 7,952 48
Generation (KWH)76,628,210 24.41%0 14,359,470 48,832,217 13,359,076 77,448
East + Southeast
Suitable Buildings 8,735 25.10%0 1,674 5,639 1,415 7
Suitable Roof Planes 16,071 25.10%0 3080 10375 2603 13
Square Footage 2,737,252 24.93%0 528,917 1,782,819 422,969 2,547
Capacity (KW dc)48,647 24.93%0 9,400 31,685 7,517 45
Generation (KWH)77,108,612 24.57%0 14,370,713 50,036,201 12,628,681 73,018
Grand Total
Subtotal: Flat
Roof
Subtotal: Low
Tilt
Subtotal: Mid-
Low Tilt
Subtotal: Mid-
High Tilt
Subtotal:
High Tilt
Suitable Buildings 34,804 8,815 25.33%5,305 15.24%16,646 47.83%4,017 11.54%21 0.06%
Suitable Roof Planes 64,033 16,218 25.33%9,760 15.24%30,625 47.83%7,390 11.54%39 0.06%
Square Footage 10,979,186 2,786,851 25.38%1,676,656 15.27%5,262,813 47.93%1,245,641 11.35%7,224 0.07%
Capacity (KW dc)195,124 49,528 25.38%29,798 15.27%93,532 47.93%22,138 11.35%128 0.07%
Generation (KWH) 313,865,880 83,207,619 26.51%45,554,866 14.51%147,704,973 47.06%37,191,370 11.85%207,051 0.07%
Ground Mounted Solar PV In Dubuque
The assessments provided in the the September 2019 Dubuque Citywide Solar Potentials Study focused explicitly on
rooftop solar PV potentials. It should be noted that significant additional solar PV potential exists in the community for
ground mounted arrays and “car port” arrays (arrays located over parking areas. If desired, the City may wish to study the
potential of these solar formats in addition to the rooftop potential reviewed here.
A1-5Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Buildings and Energy
Market Capacity
Adequately anticipating the potential for new solar PV installations must consider not only the potential technical and
generation capacities, but also the likely market capacity. As an emerging energy sector, there is little data upon which
to base projections for likely installation of rooftop solar PV in the private sector. Additionally, the solar PV market is
rapidly changing in both sophistication as well as in pricing and cost effectiveness. As noted in the Solar in Iowa section
of this report, the installed cost of solar PV in Iowa has dropped 35% since 2014 and is expected to continue to decline in
the coming years. Projections of solar PV installations should anticipate a continued increase in the number of solar pv
installations year over year.
Market History
According to the Department of Energy, since 2005 the residential solar PV market has grown at an annual rate of 51%. A
growth rate that has resulted in a residential solar PV capacity 95 times larger in just 12 years. In the State of Iowa, the
new installed capacity that went on line in 2016 was 22 MW; equal to 1/3rd of the cumulative total of all solar PV
installations in the state for all previous years.
State Market Projections
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) projects solar PV installation capacity in the State to increase 269 MW by
2024. This is equal to a sustained increase of installed capacity of 59% annually. The timeframe of this projection overlaps
with the currently established Federal Income Tax incentive program. For years 2022 and beyond, the tax incentive is
expected to be phased out for residential solar pv installations, but a smaller incentive (10%) will remain for commercial
property owners while cost projections anticipate a continued decrease in installation costs.
Dubuque Market Absorption Projections
Simply anticipating the solar adoption rate within the City of Dubuque to match the rate of adoption throughout the
State based on population share would mean an increase of 12.5 MW of installed capacity within the City by 2025
(including the existing utility scale arrays reported by Alliant Energy), equivalent to approximately 6.43% of the total
rooftop technical capacity potential or 8.5% of the optimized capacity potential within the City.
Following the projected elimination of the residential portion and a scaling back of the commercial portion of the Federal
residential tax incentive, a reasonable assumption may be a partial reduction in the annual growth rate for year 2023 and
a few years following. As the market continues to mature through the 2020’s it may, again, be reasonable to assume
another reduction in the growth rate of new installed capacity beginning in year 2031. For purposes of this study, we
recommend a 2/3rd reduction of the annual rate of growth for 2023 and then again at 2030. This would result in a growth
rate of 59% through 2024 (as projected by SIEA), an 11% growth rate for years 2023 through 2030, and a mature market
growth rate of 3.5% beginning in 2031. For more information, please see the September 2019 Dubuque Citywide Solar
Potentials Study,
Dubuque Solar PV Projection Based on Potential Market Absorption
Year
Cumulative Installed
(KW)
Annual Generation
(KWH)
% of City Electric
Consumption
2025 12,497 20,101,998 2.97%
2030 21,058 33,873,036 5.00%
2040 29,705 47,781,263 7.06%
Solar Potential and Climate Action Plan Goals
As outlined above, a reasonable good-faith projection anticipates a market absorption potential of over 20MW of
installed capacity in the City of Dubuque by 2030. These projections support the total increased distributed energy goals
targeted in the Buildings and Energy section of this CAP plan.
A1-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Transportation and Land Use
Source and Graphic: The Housing and Transportation (H+T®) Affordability Index
The map below showing Housing + Transportation costs as a percentage of income shows that people living in
Dubuque’s outlying neighborhoods spend more on their housing and transportation than those living closest to the
downtown area. This is true when housing costs are removed and only transportation costs are included because these
outlying areas require increased car ownership due to lack of bike, pedestrian and transit connectivity. If you don’t drive
or you want to rent, some neighborhoods aren’t available to you. If you live in an outlying neighborhood, you’ll have to
shoulder the financial burden of owning and maintaining more cars.
In 2017, the most common method of travel for workers in Dubuque, IA
was Drove Alone (80.3%), followed by those who Carpooled (8.55%) and
those who Walked (4.68%).
Dubuque Commuter Transportation
Comparison:
Ames
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Falls
Des Moines
(Source: WalkScore.com)
Dubuque Walkability Heat Map
Scale:
1 (poor) to 100 (good)
A1-7Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Dubuque Bikeability and Route Map
(Source: WalkScore.com)
Comparison:
Ames
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Falls
Des Moines
Scale:
1 (poor) to 100 (good)
The measure of a community’s walkability and bikeability are an
important metric of the community’s ability to advance sustainable
transportation. Below are Dubuque’s walk and bike heat maps:
To increase alternative transportation use (walk, bike, etc), achieve
the goal of a Silver Certification for a Bicycle Friendly Community, and
to support other transportation goals of the CAP, considerations
should be made in the engineering of bike lanes and pedestrian
friendly sidewalks throughout the city. Assuring proper “Complete
Streets” infrastructure is in place is foundational to advancing the
communities CAP goals.
Transportation and Land Use
(Source: City of Dubuque Transit)
This map shows how far you can travel in 30 minutes
from Dubuque on public transit.
This map shows how far you can travel in 60 minutes
from Dubuque on public transit.
Transportation and Land Use
A review of a community’s transit options, commute times, and overall transit performance can identify opportunities
for improvement to the sustainability of the community’s transportation system.
Dubuque Transit Route Map
Dubuque Transit Time Heat Map
(Source: WalkScore.com)
A1-8 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Comparison:
Ames N/A
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Falls
Des Moines
(Source: WalkScore.com)
Dubuque Route Heat Map
Scale:
1 (poor) to 100 (good)
The measure of a community’s walkability and bikeability are an
important metric of the community’s ability to advance sustainable
transportation. Below are Dubuque’s walk and bike heat maps:
A1-9Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Transportation and Land Use
While Jule Routes do reach a large portion of the city and residents,
increasing bus frequency and continuing to increase route efficiency
to meet rider’s daily needs can increase ridership and decrease
community VMT. Improvement considerations should focus on
ensuring greater frequency of buses and times, ultimately, to create
parity of use of public transit compared to the efficiency and
timeliness of taking a personal vehicle. Special consideration may be
appropriate in the areas of North End and Rockdale as residents in
these areas would need to take multiple buses to reach a full service
grocery store, and facing potentially 1+ hour transportation rides in
one direction.
36.4%
While Dubuque car use per person increased 3.5%
since 2010, the city’s per-capita car mileage is
lower than the State average.
Dubuque Car Use
State of Iowa Car Use
A1-10 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Transportation and Land Use
(Sources: US Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center,
US Census, Edison Foundation “Electric Vehicle Sales Forecast and
the Charging Infrastructure Required Through 2030” report).
EV Charging Infrastructure Required in the US by 2030
(serving 18.7 million EV’s in use)
Existing EV Infrastructure in Dubuque
The map above shows the existing public EV charging
infrastructure available in Dubuque. There are 6 charging
locations with a total of 14 Level 2 ports and 8 DC Fast Charge
port.
Projected EV Infrastructure Needed in Dubuque - 2030
According to the Edison Foundation, Electric Vehicle stock in
the United States is projected to reach 18.7 million in 2030,
up from slightly more than 1 million at the end of 2018. This
means EV’s will make up at least 7% of the vehicles on the
road by that time.
For Dubuque, that means an anticipated 4100 EV’s owned
and operated by Dubuque residents by 2030. These EV’s will
require a minimum of 175 public level 2 charging ports, 264
workplace level 2 charging ports, and 21 public CD Fast
Charging ports.
A1-11Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
For the average family of four
in Dubuque, eliminating food
waste could save:
5,978 lbs of GHG
and up to
$1,500* Annually
Solid Waste
Iowa’s Waste Stream
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources commissioned the 2017 Iowa Statewide Waste Characterization Study to
determine the characteristics of statewide waste streams. The project studied garbage from 10 facilities throughout the
state and separated it into nine primary categories. The study found that Iowa waste is dominated by organics, paper,
and plastics. This indicates great potential for increased waste stream capture for beneficial use through recycling,
composting and other opportunities.
EPA’s Waste Hierarchy
EPA developed a four-tiered waste
management hierarchy to guide waste
management decision-making. The
hierarchy recognizes that no single waste
management approach is suitable for
managing all materials and waste streams in
all circumstances. The hierarchy ranks the
various management strategies from most
to least environmentally preferred. The
hierarchy places emphasis on reducing,
reusing, and recycling as key to sustainable
materials management
According to the EPA, only 34.3% of the 254.1 million tons of municipal
solid waste generated in 2013 was recovered through recycling or
composting; the overall recovery rate has actually slipped a bit since
peaking at 34.7% in 2011. These numbers indicate a potential for
increased recycling and organics participation.
(Source: Pew Research Center)
Recycling Rates Have Declined Recently
Plastics 18.3%
Other 11.4%
Construction and
Demolition 5.4%
Metal 3.9%
Glass 2.1%
Durables 1.4%
Hazardous 0.5%
Organics 31.6%
(2/3 rds is food waste)
Paper 25.5%
* According to the National
Resources Defense Council.
A1-12 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
For a city the size of Dubuque,
reducing water leaks by 50%
alone could save:
153 Million
gallons of water
annually.
Water Resources and Conservation
The city of Dubuque’s drinking water source are a series of aquifers. Currently there are no perceived threats for these
aquifers ability to meet the city’s water needs into the future. The Jordan Aquifer, as an example, has had no recorded
changes in levels at the Dubuque water wells since 1977. Even with these fortunate, and uncommon, water resource
projections, there are still compelling reasons to focus on and improve water conservation strategies.
Water, Wastewater, and Flooding
Water and Energy Nexus
Water and energy are fundamental components of our 21st century life.
Production, distribution, consumption, and treatment of water
consumes energy. Production of energy - particularly those generated
through fossil fuel use - consumes water. The water-energy nexus is the
relationship between how much water is used to generate and transmit
energy, and how much energy it takes to collect, clean, move, store, and
dispose of water. Both fresh water production and waste water
treatment are typically the highest energy and carbon emission sources
within a City’s operations. Reduction of water demand saves energy not
only in the production and distribution of fresh water but also in the
collection and treatment of wastewater.
The Savings Of Conservation
In Iowa, the aquifers serving water use are projected to meet even the
State’s future needs. As cities grow larger and industries expand, water
use will increase. Though the aquifer water sources are anticipated to
meet that need, the demand on the infrastructure to access and deliver
those water resources will increase as well. This may require creating
additional sources of water, either by drilling more water wells or
making a lake. Taxes and increased water bills usually pay for
construction of public water supplies. By conserving water use, existing
water supplies can be used longer, allowing towns, cities, and industries
to grow without the need to find additional sources of water.
Regional Water Stress
By 2025, an estimated 1.8 billion people will live in areas plagued by
water scarcity, with two-thirds of the world's population living in water-
stressed regions. Since 1985, water yield in parts of Iowa, Illinois,
Wisconsin, and Minnesota has declined as much as 20%. More
importantly, many sections in the United States have seen a decrease in
water yield of over 30% - including portions of the greater Mississippi
watershed area. Projected climate changes will not only continue the
water yield decreases but also increase water demand - by 2030 cities
throughout the Midwest are projected to have an increase in annual
water demand of 4-6% due to climate change and population increases.
By 2071, nearly half of the 204 fresh water basins in the United States
may not be able to meet the monthly water demand. As Dubuque
shares the same watershed area with portions of these water-stressed
areas, the interconnectedness means choices made in Dubuque can
have impacts within the region. (Sources: “Adaptation to Future Water
Shortages in the United States Caused by Population Growth and
Climate Change”, “Managing the water–electricity demand nexus in a
warming climate”).
Change in Water Yield
Since 1985
Projected Change in
Water Demand by 2050
Projected Change in Water and Energy
Demand by 2030
Breakdown of Indoor Residential Water Use
A1-13Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Water, Wastewater, and Flooding
Minimizing Wastewater Impacts
Nearly 60% of consumer water use is for indoor purposes, and all of that water eventually ends up at the Wastewater
Treatment plant for processing. Wastewater treatment is an energy and carbon emission intensive community need.
Waste collection and processing consumes significant electricity, while the organic materials in the wastewater create
large quantities of methane as they break down. The City of Dubuque has employed anaerobic digesters at the
Wastewater treatment plant (a process where organic matter is broken down to produce biogas for electricity and
biofertilizer) which significantly reduce methane emissions. However, a minimum of 25% of wastewater treatment
emissions remain related to process energy emissions. This means that every gallon of wastewater avoided saves
approximately 4 cubic feet of GHG emissions for the city.
Mitigating Flood Impacts
According to the US National Climate Assessment, the ten rainiest days
can contribute up to 40% of the annual precipitation in the Iowa region.
By 2070, the Dubuque area can anticipate an increase of 10-20% in the
total annual precipitation, while the amount of precipitation in summer
months may actually decline. In addition, the timeframe between rains
is expected to continue to increase, (source US National Climate
Assessment). Under this scenario, it is likely that certain periods of the
year, like spring, may be significantly wetter with storms producing
heavier rains. In anticipation of that, it is appropriate to review the
areas of the City with flood risk and to review current storm water
management capacity against future extreme rainfall event projections.
The map below shows the flood risk areas throughout the City as
defined by FEMA . Flood risks illustrated relate to water surface
elevations for 1% chance annual floods (“100 year flood event”). Areas
shown relate to existing bodies of water. Beyond these risks, many
other areas may be susceptible to potential “flash” flooding.
(Source: FEMA, FM Global, National Flood Services)
A1-14 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Vulnerable Populations
Climate change is already causing, and is expected to continue to cause, a range of health impacts that vary across
different population groups in the United States. The vulnerability of any given group is a function of its sensitivity to
climate change related health risks, its exposure to those risks, and its capacity for responding to or coping with climate
variability and change. Below is an overview of populations of concern within Dubuque for climate change impacts.
Climate Health and Safety
Children
According to the US Global Change Research Program, “Children are
vulnerable to adverse health effects associated with environmental
exposures due to factors related to their immature physiology and
metabolism, their unique exposure pathways, their biological
sensitivities, and limits to their adaptive capacity. Children have a
proportionately higher intake of air, food, and water relative to their
body weight compared to adults. They also share unique behaviors and
interactions with their environment that may increase their exposure to
environmental contaminants such as dust and other contaminants,
such as pesticides, mold spores, and allergens.”
Children are particularly sensitive to the following Climate Risks (see the
City’s 2019 Climate Vulnerability Assessment for more information):
Extreme
Heat &
Weather
Air
Quality
Vector
Borne
Disease
Water
Borne
Disease
Older Adults
Older adults are also vulnerable to the health impacts associated with
climate change and weather extremes. Vulnerabilities within older
adults are not uniform due to the fact that this demographic is a diverse
group with distinct sub-populations that can be identified not only by
age but also by race, educational attainment, socioeconomic status,
social support networks, overall physical and mental health, and
disability status. According to the US Global Change Research Program,
“The potential climate change related health impacts for older adults
include rising temperatures and heat waves; increased risk of more
intense floods, droughts, and wildfires; degraded air quality; exposure
to infectious diseases; and other climate-related hazards.”
Older Adults are particularly sensitive to the following Climate Risks (see
the City’s 2019 Climate Vulnerability Assessment for more information):
Extreme
Heat &
Weather
Air
Quality
Flooding Vector
Borne
Disease
Food
Insecurity
Map of Vulnerable Population Distribution
Within Community
Map of Vulnerable Population Distribution
Within Community
Infrastructure
Failure
A1-15Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Health and Safety
Individuals with Disabilities
People with disabilities experience disproportionately higher rates of
social risk factors, such as poverty and lower educational attainment,
that contribute to poorer health outcomes during extreme events or
climate-related emergencies. These factors compound the risks
posed by functional impairments and disrupt planning and
emergency response. Of the climate-related health risks experienced
by people with disabilities, perhaps the most fundamental is their
“invisibility” to decision-makers and planners. Disability refers to any
condition or impairment of the body or mind that limits a person’s
ability to do certain activities or restricts a person’s participation in
normal life activities, such as school, work, or recreation.
Individuals with disabilities are particularly sensitive to the following
Climate Risks (see the City’s 2019 Climate Vulnerability Assessment
for more information):
Map of Vulnerable Population Distribution
Within Community
Extreme
Heat &
Weather
Air
Quality
Flooding Food
Insecurity
Individuals Under Economic Stress
Individuals and families living under economic stress, defined here as
“low income” individuals (200% poverty level), are frequently the most
adaptive demographic group in our communities. Those living under
economic stress exhibit on-going adaptation capabilities simply
navigating day-to-day challenges with less than needed resources.
This adaptive capacity, however, is overwhelmed in times of
emergency as lack of sufficient economic resources greatly reduce the
range of options available in response to crisis. For those in poverty,
weather-related disasters or family members falling ill can facilitate
crippling economic shocks.
With limited economic adaptive capacity, this portion of our
population is especially vulnerable to every projected climate impact.
Frequently, the most effective measures in avoiding extreme heat such
as efficiently functioning air conditioning or high performing building
enclosures are simply not available to those in poverty while many
work in outdoor or industrial jobs which are particularly vulnerable to
climate conditions. Diseases which may result from exposure to
vector-borne, water-borne, and air-borne pathways may go untreated
due to lack of medical access or ability to pay and may increase the
level of economic stress due to missed work days or even loss of
employment. Those living under economic stress usually carry a heavy
housing cost burden, including higher utility costs. This burden can be
exacerbated from damaged sustained by their home in extreme
weather or flooding events.
Individuals experiencing economic stress are particularly sensitive to
the following Climate Risks (see the City’s 2019 Climate Vulnerability
Assessment for more information):
Map of Vulnerable Population Distribution
Within Community
Infrastructure
Failure
Extreme
Heat &
Weather
Air
Quality
Flooding Vector
Borne
Disease
Food
Insecurity
Water
Quality
Water
Borne
Disease
A1-16 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Health and Safety
People of Color
These populations are at increased risk of exposure given their higher
likelihood of living in risk-prone areas, areas with older or poorly
maintained infrastructure, or areas with an increased burden of air
pollution. In addition, according to the Center for Disease Control and
the National Health Interview Survey these portions of our population
also experience higher incidence of chronic medical conditions which
can be exacerbated by climate change impacts. These populations may
also be impeded from preparing, responding, and coping with climate
related health risks due to socioeconomic and education factors, limited
transportation, limited access to health education, and social isolation
related to language barriers.
Though not specifically a “person of color” category, individuals with
limited English frequently overlap with populations of color. Individuals
with limited English language skills may be more socially isolated. Their
limited English also likely limits their access to public information and
notifications, potentially resulting in a knowledge gap related to
community resources, programs, or education which may be relevant in
preparing for and recovering from climate impacts. In addition,
communication barriers may create challenges for limited English
speakers in understanding critical information or instructions given in
public address during an extreme weather event.
People of Color may be particularly sensitive to the following Climate
Risks (see the City’s 2019 Climate Vulnerability Assessment for more
information):
At Risk Workers
Climate change will increase the prevalence and severity of
occupational hazards related to environmental exposure. As our
climate changes, we may also experience the emergence of new work
related risks. Climate change can be expected to affect the health of
outdoor workers through increases in ambient temperature, more
prevalent and longer-lasting heat waves, degraded air quality, extreme
weather, vector-borne diseases, and industrial exposures. Workers
affected by climate change include farmers, ranchers, and other
agricultural workers; laborers exposed to hot indoor work
environments; construction workers; paramedics, firefighters and other
first responders; and transportation workers.
For individuals employed in climate vulnerable jobs who also fall within
other vulnerable population categories, the health effects of climate
change can be cumulative. For these individuals, the risks experienced
in their work can be exacerbated by exposures associated with poorly
insulated housing and lack of air conditioning. Workers may also be
exposed to adverse occupational and climate-related conditions that
the general public may be more able to avoid, such as direct exposure
to extreme heat, extreme weather events, low air quality, or wildfires.
Individuals employed in at-risk occupations may be particularly
sensitive to the following Climate Risks (see the City’s 2019 Climate
Vulnerability Assessment for more information):
Map of Vulnerable Population Distribution
Within Community
Map of Vulnerable Population Distribution
Within Community
Extreme
Heat &
Weather
Air
Quality
Flooding Vector
Borne
Disease
Food
Insecurity
Extreme
Heat &
Weather
Air
Quality
Flooding Vector
Borne
Disease
Water
Borne
Disease
A1-17Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
children 3,770 3,770 3,770 3,770 3,770 3,770
seniors 8,078 8,078 8,078 8,078 8,078 8,078 8,078
disabled 5,253 5,253 5,253 5,253 5,253
poor Individuals 4,017 4,017 4,017 4,017 4,017 4,017 4,017 4,017 4,017
poor Families 4,462 4,462 4,462 4,462 4,462 4,462 4,462 4,462 4,462
POC 15,175 15,175 15,175 15,175 15,175 15,175 15,175
Limited English 3,820 3,820 3,820 3,820 3,820 3,820 3,820 3,820
WorkersComp 5,579 5,579 5,579 5,579 5,579
Total by category 58,321 46,384 50,154 44,901 40,805 8,479 36,823 44,575 24,147
percentage of Vuln pop 100%80%86%77%70%15%63%76%41%
3,770
8,078 8,078
5,253 5,253
4,017 4,017 4,017
4,462 4,462 4,462
15,175 15,175 15,175
3,820 3,820 3,820
5,579
44,575 40,805 33,053
76%70%57%
Primary Climate Risks to Population Economic Climate Risks to Population
Extreme
Heat
Flooding Air Quality Vectorborne
Disease
Food
Insecurity
Water
Quality
Impacts
Waterborne
Disease
Power
Failure
Crop Yield
Impacts
Energy Costs Property
Crime
Violent
Crime
Low Income Individuals
Low Income Families
People of Color
At-Risk Workers
Children Under 5
Seniors
Disabled Individuals
Vulnerable Population Risk Sensitivity Chart
Climate Health and Safety
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health
Expected Impact(s)Likelihood of
Occurrence Potential Impact Level Timeframe Risk (Likelihood x Impact)
Increased demand for cooling,
need for weatherization Likely Moderate Short-term High
Increased freeze/thaw damage,
increased salt/sand use and
maintenance budgets
Likely High Short-term Very High
Increased power outages,
increased demand and cost
expediture
Likely High Medium-term High
Increased scarcity, water quality
impacts Possible High Long-term Moderate
Damage to waste infrastructure
and processing, particularly
wastewater
Unlikely Moderate Long-term Low
Stormwater management
impacts, heat island impacts,
flood management,
Likely High Short-term Very High
Reduction in crop yield, forest +
tree species loss due to changes
in hardiness zone and pests
Likely Moderate Medium-term Moderate
Insect infestation, increased
disease vectors, ecosystem
degradation
Likely Moderate Medium-term Moderate
Increased property and violent
crime, increased emergency
response demand and mortality
rate
Likely Moderate Long-term Low
Decline in tourism demand Not known Not Known Not known Not Known
Impacts on regional Ag business,
energy expenditures, labor
impacts
Likely Moderate Medium-term Moderate
Buildings
Agriculture & Forestry
Energy
Environment &
Biodiversity
Law Enforcement and
Emergency Response
Land Use Planning
Impacted Policy Sector
Water
Waste
Economic Impact
Tourism
Transport / Roads
% change in crop yeild, impacts to
crop planting and harvesting; tree
canopy loss to pests, tree canopy loss
to hardiness zone changes
Impact-related indicators
Low income housing units, % of
residents with housing burden,
housing stock age, % of units without
weatherization improvements
% of flooded or flood damaged roads
and bridges, City road maintenance
budget
Energy outage occurances, number of
customers without power, cooling
degree day increases
Water infrastructure damage, acquafer
health, flood contamination
Flood impacts at wastewater facilities,
sewage release, flooding at
landfill/RDF sites
Heat Island co-efficient; stormwater
runoff projections, citywide tree
canopy coverage, citywide impervious
surface coverage, % of complete
streets
Disaster declarations, economic
indicators, employment rates
Tourism statistics, hotel occupancy
levels
% of habitat loss, invasive species
Property and violent crime statistics
(particularly durring extreme heat),
instances of mental health need, calls
for emergency response (particularly
during extreme heat and weather)
Climate Risks to Infrastructure and Institutions
Impact-related indicators
Expected Impact(s)Likelihood of
Occurrence
Impact Level (Population
Vulnerability)Timeframe Risk (Likelihood x Impact)
Increased demand for cooling;
heat stress and emergency visits,
heat related health impacts
Possible High Medium-term High
damage to property; flood
related health impacts;
infrastructure impacts
Likely High Short-term Very High
Damage to crop/tree/ecosystem,
reduced drinking water source,
increased flash flood potential
due to decreased soil
permeability
Possible Moderate Medium-term Moderate
Increased particulate matter,
increased ozone impacts,
increased instances of asthma
Possible High Medium-term High
Increased instances of lyme
disease, encephalitis, heart
worm, malaria, zika virus,
Likely Moderate Long-term Moderate
Food price volitility/change,
fluctuation in availability Possible Moderate Medium-term Moderate
Water shortage, surface water
quality impacts due to heat and
stormwater runoff
Possible Moderate Long-term Moderate
Bacteria exposusure at infected
surface water locations,
contamination of drinking water
due to flood
Unlikely High Medium-term Low
Flooding
Drought
Air Quality Impacts
Health Impacts
Extreme Heat
Water Borne Disease
Vector-Borne Diseases
Nutrition Insecurity
Water Quanity/Quality
Impacts
Flood events, flash flood occurances,
wettest 5-day periods, number of
heavy rain events, disaster
declarations, change in NOAA storm
Consecutive days without rain,
acquafer level, surface water
condition, river flow
Impact-related indicators
Cooling Degree Days, days above 95
flood events; algea blooms
Air quality index
Disease records
Food price index, Foodshelf demand,
% of school children qualifying for free
and reduced lunch
Acquafer health; Water quality test
results
Climate Risks to Population
A1-18 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Health and Safety
Review of Climate Risks for the City of Dubuque
A “Climate Risk” is the potential for negative consequences and outcomes for human health, systems, or communities.
The most common way of evaluating the level of risk associated is “likelihood of Occurrence” x “Impact Level” or
vulnerability.
Two charts are provided below. The first reviews the expected impacts, likelihood of occurrence, impact level based on
Population vulnerability reviewed in the City’s 2019 Climate Vulnerability Assessment, potential timeframe, and resulting
overall risk level for Climate Risks to Population (Health Impacts). The second reviews the infrastructural and institutional
Climate Risks to the Community. Each chart includes a brief review of the expected impacts and indicators.
A1-19Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
A1-20 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Food
(Source: CDC State Indicator Reports on Fruits and Vegetables, 2018)
(Source: Feeding America)
A1-21Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Food
Community Gardens Per 100,000 Residents
United States:
18,000 Total (est)
City of Des Moines:
2 Total
City of Cedar Rapids:
6 Total
City of Dubuque:
2 Total
(Sources: American Community Gardening Association, Star
Tribune)
5.0
0.9
4.5
3.5
Food Access
On the map to the left, highlighted sections represent low-income
census tracts (tracts where 20% or more of the population is at or below
poverty, or where family median incomes are 80% or less of State
median) where a significant number (at least 500 people) or share (at
least 33 percent) of residents are distant from the nearest supermarket.
In sections which are green, residents are more than 1 mile (urban) or
10 miles (rural), while in orange sections residents are more than ½
mile (urban) or 10 miles (rural) from nearest supermarket.
Vehicle Access
On the map to the left, highlighted sections represent low-income
census tract where more than 100 housing units do not have a vehicle
and are more than ½ mile from the nearest supermarket in
urban/suburban areas, or a significant number (at least 500 people) or
share (at least 33 percent) of residents are more than 20 miles from the
nearest supermarket in rural areas.
Access to Local Food
The map on the left shows community garden and farmers market
locations. The City of Dubuque currently has two community garden
locations and two farmers market locations. According to the USDA
Local Food Directory, the summer Dubuque Farmers Market accepts
Federal Nutrition Benefits such as WIC, WIC to cash, SNAP, or Senior
Farmers Market Nutrition Program while the winter location does not.
Community Garden
Community Garden
Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s Market
A1-22 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Greenspace and Tree Canopy
Source and Graphic:
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Climate Benefits of Greenspace and Tree Canopy
Coverage
Stormwater Management
Greenspace and tree coverage provide significant stormwater
management service to a community. Every tree catches the rain as it
comes down, as well as increasing the soil’s capacity to retain water
longer. A mature White Oak can intercept up to 12,010 Gallons of
water in a single year. This water stays in the leaves until it’s absorbed
by the tree or evaporates to cool our air. Within an urban
environment, this prevents that water from otherwise needing to be
piped or treated by other stormwater infrastructure.
Trees leaves and branches act to capture and direct water to the tree’s
roots, providing one of the greatest stormwater benefits: infiltration
and storage. Through filtering the water with their roots and soil,
pollutants get trapped and diluted which reduces the impact of water
pollution.
Additionally, storing all this water makes it available for the tree and
other plants around it. This stored water can then be used to grow the
tree and evaporate this water back into the air, once more preventing
it from impacting our stormwater system.
Pollution Absorption
Greenspace and urban trees remove gaseous air pollution primarily by
uptake via leaf stomata, though some gases are removed by the plant
surface. Once inside the leaf, gases diffuse into intercellular spaces and
may be absorbed by water films to form acids or react with inner-leaf
surfaces. Trees also remove pollution by intercepting airborne
particles. (Source: USDA Forest Service)
Carbon Sequestration
Through photosynthesis, plant ground cover, and trees take in carbon
dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen (O2). Trees then transfer the
remaining carbon to their trunks, limbs, roots, and leaves as they grow.
When leaves or branches fall and decompose, or trees die, the carbon
that has been stored will be released by respiration and/or combustion
back to the atmosphere or transferred to the soil.
Heat Island Mitigation
Plant and tree transpiration and tree canopies affect air temperature,
radiation absorption and heat storage, wind speed, relative humidity,
turbulence, surface albedo, surface roughness and consequently the
evolution of the mixing-layer height. These changes in local
meteorology can alter pollution concentrations in urban areas.
Maximum mid-day air temperature reductions due to trees are in the
range of 0.07 to 0.36 degrees F for every percent canopy cover
increase. (Source: USDA Forest Service)
Breakdown of Tree Mass Carbon
Sequestration
Source and Graphic: Ecometrica
A1-23Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Estimated Citywide Ground Coverage -
Woody Wetlands
Woody Wetlands are areas where forest or
shrubland vegetation account for greater
than 20% of vegetative cover and the soil or
substrate is periodically saturated with or
covered with water.
Greenspace and Tree Canopy
Estimated Citywide Ground Coverage -
Tree Canopy Deciduous Forest
Deciduous forest areas are dominated by
trees generally greater than 5 meters tall, and
greater than 20% of total vegetation cover.
More than 75% of the tree species shed
foliage simultaneously in response to seasonal
change. The map to the right illustrates the
estimated Mixed Forest coverage in the City of
Dubuque by census tract.
Source: 2011 Environmental Summaries, PUMS National Historical
Geographic Information System: Version 12.0
Estimated Citywide Ground Coverage -
Grassland
Grassland areas are dominated by grasses or
herbaceous vegetation, generally greater than
80% of total vegetation. These areas are not
subject to intensive management such as
tilling, but can be utilized for grazing.
Estimated City-Wide Ground Coverage Totals
Open Water:
Wetland / Woody Wetland:
Forest and Shrub:
Grass:
Pavement and Buildings:
2.9%
1.1%
26.2%
31.2%
38.6%
A1-24 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Greenspace and Tree Canopy
City of Dubuque Park Space Characteristics
Source and Graphic Source: The Trust For Public Land ParkScore® index
A1-25Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Recommended Focus
Areas for Additional
Dubuque Park Space,
Weighted for Heat
Island Impacts
Recommended Focus
Areas for Additional
Dubuque Park Space
Greenspace and Tree Canopy
Source and Graphic Source: The Trust For Public Land ParkScore® index
A1-26 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Projected Economic Impacts of Climate Change
“Estimating economic damage from climate change in the United
States”, a 2017 study completed by Solomon Hsiang and others from
the University of California at Berkeley assessed the economic impact
of current climate projections throughout the United States. The
sectors assessed, and the findings for Story County Iowa and the City
of Ames, are below:
Agricultural Yields Through 2100
Agricultural yields are projected to decline with the increase of Global
Mean Surface Temperature in addition to impacts related to
precipitation changes. Although increased CO2 levels are anticipated
to offset a portion of these yield loses, the impact for much of the
United States will be a net negative. Local projections:
County and City of Dubuque:
Energy Expenditures Through 2100
As average annual temperatures increase, demand for energy will
increase, resulting in increased energy expenditures. Local
projections:
County and City of Dubuque:
Reduced Labor Productivity Through 2100
Labor productivity declines with the instance of increased
temperature. Rates vary for “low-risk” workers who are predominantly
not exposed to exterior conditions and for “high-risk” workers (those
identified as “At Risk Workers” in Section 9). Local projections:
Low-Risk Labor Loss for County and City of Dubuque:
High-Risk Labor Loss for County and City of Dubuque:
Increases in Crime Rates Through 2100
Studies indicate property crime increases as the number of cold days
decrease due to the property crime suppression effect cold days have.
Violent crime rates have been shown to increase linearly at a relatively
precise 0.88% per 1°C. Local projections:
Property Crime Increase for County and City of Dubuque:
Violent Crime Increase for County and City of Dubuque:
-21.8%
+8.4%
-0.17%
-1.12%
+1.88%
+4.08%
Climate Economy
A1-27Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Source: “Estimating economic damage from climate change in the United States” Muir-Wood, Paul Wilson, Michael Oppenheimer, Kate
Larsen and Trevor Houser Solomon Hsiang, Robert Kopp, Amir Jina, James Rising, Michael Delgado, Shashank Mohan, D. J. Rasmussen,
Robert
DOI: 10.1126/science.aal4369
Science 356 (6345), 1362-1369.
Total Projected Economic Impacts Through 2100
According to research completed for “Estimating economic damage from climate change in the United States”, a 2017
study completed by Solomon Hsiang and others from the University of California at Berkeley the total annual economic
impact for Dubuque Iowa by 2100 will be:$42,160,000 annually (2018 dollars)
Inequity of Economic Impacts
Through 2100
According to the study “Estimating economic
damage from climate change in the United
States”, climate change economic impacts will
increase the unpredictability and inequity of
future economic outcomes. The projected
economic effects are unequally borne. As the
graphic to the left illustrates, the poorest 10%
are likely to receive 5 to 10 times the negative
economic impacts of the wealthiest 10% in the
community.
Climate Economy
A1-28 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Economy
Climate Migrant Populations
In the United States alone, within just a few decades, hundreds of thousands of homes on US coasts will be chronically
flooded. According to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists, over 170 communities in the United States will be
chronically inundated from sea level rise by the end of this decade. More than half of these 170 communities are
currently home to socioeconomically vulnerable neighborhoods.
By 2060 the number may more than double to 360 communities and by 2100 double yet again to over 670
communities chronically inundated. By that time more than 50 heavily populated areas—including Oakland,
California; Miami and St. Petersburg, Florida; and four of the five boroughs of New York City—will face chronic
inundation. These effects of sea level rise could displace 13,000,000 people within the United States by the end of this
century. In addition to these internal-US climate migrants, the UN forecasts estimate that there could be anywhere
between 25 million and 1 billion environmental migrants by 2050.
Human migration is a natural response to these climate change pressures and is one of many adaptation measures that
people will take in response to climate change. Understating how human migration will be affected by climate change
is therefore a critical input in the decision making process of many governments and organizations. In particular, it is
important to understand how climate change driven migration will differ from “business as usual” forms and
motivations humans have to migrate, increasing the volume rate of migration bringing with it indirect impacts on the
communities likely to receive migrants.
(Sources: United Nations International Organization on Migration, Hauer, M. Migration induced by sea-level rise could reshape the US population
landscape. Nature Clim Change 7, 321–325 (2017). Robinson C, Dilkina B, Moreno-Cruz J (2020) Modeling migration patterns in the USA under sea level rise.)
Robinson Projection
Migration induced by sea-level rise in US
Hauer Projection
Migration induced by sea-level rise in US
Projected Potential Climate
Migrant Population by 2100
Dubuque County:
City of Dubuque:
(Pro rata share)
10-25,000
7-17,000
The impacts of climate migration will cause accelerated
changes for inland areas, particularly urban areas, that will
observe much higher levels of incoming migrants than they
would have without climate impacts. It is projected that
86% of all communities with populations of over 10,000 will
be impacted with climate migration this century. These
changes can in turn take the form of tighter labor markets
and increased housing prices, and impacts on income
inequality. This climate migration can also have positive
impacts such as improved productivity, broadened skill sets
within the labor force, and expanded human capital.
Below are two modeled projections for US climate
migration induced by sea level rise through 2100:
A1-29Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Economy
Climate Action and Economic Development
Rather than weakening the economy, climate action can support economic development. Transitioning away from
fossil fuel use, improvements to public transit systems, and growth of local food industries are all, in part, a transition to
local energy and labor sources. These transitions represent opportunities for communities to reduce the community
wealth that is being exported and increase the percentage of community wealth that remains in the community in the
form of local jobs. Additionally, many of the jobs potentials in Climate Action redirect funds away from less labor
intensive (but more material resource intensive) sectors of the economy to support greater overall employment
combined with less resource utilization. In general, economic opportunities include:
Energy Efficiency Jobs
Increases in city-wide energy efficiency requires energy retrofits and
renovations within existing building stock. This construction effort
provides new opportunities for construction laborers, efficiency experts,
and testing agents. The specialty niche also provides opportunities for
new businesses to be created to address the demand. A study by the
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy illustrated that a $15
million investment in energy efficient city facilities, when compared
against “business-as-usual”, would increase local employment by 45 jobs
in year one and have on-going impacts creating up to 20 additional jobs
annually for 20 years.
Public Transit Jobs
Transit is key to both creating jobs and increasing access to existing jobs.
A study by Smart Growth America found that investments in public
transit created almost twice the number of jobs than the same level of
spending in auto-centric transportation systems. Cities with better
public transportation systems also have lower levels of unemployment,
and greater reductions in unemployment, among young people - likely
because public transit links areas with entry-level jobs to neighborhoods
where people live. According to the APTA, for every $1 invested in
public transportation, $4 in economic returns are generated. Investing in
more buses and drivers both creates jobs directly and makes local labor
markets function better.
Renewable Energy Jobs
Fossil fuel oriented jobs have been decreasing since 1980, due largely to
mechanization and are projected to continue to decrease. In contrast,
renewable energy jobs have increased dramatically. Solar alone has
increased employment by over 160% in the last ten years. Investments
in renewable energy have significant local return - not only is the energy
generated less expensive, for every dollar spent on renewable energy
twice the number of people are employed over fossil fuels. What is more,
expenditures on renewable energy promote the local economy - 40% of
every dollar spent on solar can be kept in the local community rather
than nearly 100% being spent out of state to import fossil fuel energy.
Economic Savings
Investments in energy efficiency, public transportation, renewable
energy, and many other climate action strategies ultimately result in cost
savings for community businesses and residents. These savings
contribute to an increase in the quality of life for residents and will
largely be spent within the community on goods and services, providing
indirect and induced economic development potential for the city.
A1-30 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
GHG Emissions
Forecast Assumptions
A2-1
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
City of Dubuque
GHG Forecast Assumptions:
Demographics:
Population:Total Population projections through 2050 are projected based on the average growth
rate over the last decade (2009-2018) of 0.11% annual. Note, according to the DMATS Long-Range
Transportation Plan, the Dubuque Metropolitan Area is projected to grow 0.81% annually through
2045, however, the majority of that growth projection is indicated to be outside of the City of
Dubuque city limits.
Households:Total household counts through 2050 are projected based on maintaining the existing
household to city population ratio.
Jobs: Total commercial and industrial jobs through 2050 are projected based on average growth rate
over the last decade of 0.7% annually.
Climate Data
Cooling Degree Days (CCD):Projected climate changes for the region will include increased summer
temperatures. The increase in temperatures will result in an increase, or variability, in air
conditioning demand. The forecast calculates annual changes in air conditioning demand based on
projections provided by the “Climate Explorer” tool developed by US NOAA in support of the
National Climate Assessment work.https://crt-climate-explorer.nemac.org/
Heating Degree Days (HDD):Projected climate changes for the region will include increased winter
temperatures. The increase in temperatures will result in a decrease, or variability, in building
heating demand. The forecast calculates annual changes in heating demand based on projections
provided by the “Climate Explorer” tool developed by US NOAA in support of the National Climate
Assessment work.https://crt-climate-explorer.nemac.org/
Electricity:
Residential:Demand is based on a per household basis and modified based on the projected
Cooling Degree Days for each year, assuming 15% of electricity is used for cooling (RCP 4.5 model).
50% of projected increased electrical vehicle usage is attributed to residential EV charging.
Commercial and Industrial: Demand is based on a per job basis and modified based on projected
cooling degree days for each year, assuming that 15% of commercial and 7.5% of industrial
electricity is used for cooling. (RCP 4.5 model). 50% of projected increased electrical vehicle usage is
attributed to commercial EV charging
All electricity emission factors are calculated using estimated emissions factors for 2030, 2040, and
2050 based on current, known, supplier commitments (Alliant Energy 30% renewables and 40%
carbon reduction by 2030, 80 carbon reduction by 2050). For electrical suppliers with unknown or
unestablished emission commitments, and for electricity purchased from the MISO grid, electricity
emission factors are calculated based on EPA forecasts (https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R45453.pdf).
Estimated emissions factors are reduced 5% by 2030, 10% by 2040, and 15% by 2050.
Natural Gas:
Residential: Demand is based on a per household basis and modified based on the projected Heating
Degree Days for each year, assuming 75% of natural gas is used for heating (RCP 4.5 model).
Commercial and Industrial: Demand is based on a per job basis and modified based on projected
heating degree days for each year, assuming that 40% of commercial and 20% of industrial natural
gas is used for heating (RCP 4.5 model).
Natural Gas emissions factors are projected to be unchanged.
Transportation:
Vehicle Miles Traveled is calculated maintaining existing VMT per household factors.
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/tables/vmt/vmt_forecast_sum.cfm
Vehicle fuel use is calculated based on US Energy Information Agency projected rolling stock average
fuel efficiency projections, modified to 75% projected MPG to account for heavy duty vehicle MPG
share (based on US Department of Transportation data on current light duty to average all vehicle
MPG ratios)
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=31332
Total vehicle stock is based on maintaining current Census data for per household ownership ratios
for 0-5 vehicles owned.
Electric Vehicle Adoption: Transportation emissions assume a reduction in fossil fuel based VMT
emissions based on estimated adoption rates. Adoption rates are based on State of Iowa Economic
Development “Advancing Iowa’s Electric Vehicle Market” report, medium scenario. Existing vehicle
stock is assumed to be replaced based on an average replacement lifespan of 15 years.
(https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/our-agency-detail-resources/6620
https://berla.co/average-us-vehicle-lifespan/).
Solid Waste:
Total Solid Waste handled is based on total number of households and maintaining existing
volume per household and emissions factors per ton handled.
Wastewater:
Total Wastewater handled is based on total number of households and maintaining existing
volume per household and emissions factors per household.
https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=1174&t=1
Note:
GHG emissions forecasts are not predictions of what will happen, but rather modeled projections of
what may happen given certain assumptions and methodologies. GHG forecasts in this report should be
interpreted with a clear understanding of the assumptions that inform them and the limitations
inherent in any modeling effort.
Glossary of Terms
A3-1
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
1
A
Activity Data
Data on the magnitude of a human activity resulting in emissions or removals taking place during a given period of
time. Data on energy use, metal production, land areas, management systems, lime and fertilizer use and waste
arisings are examples of activity data. (IPCC)
Aerosols
A collection of airborne solid or liquid particles, with a typical size between 0.01 and 10 micrometer that reside in
the atmosphere for at least several hours. Aerosols may be of either natural or anthropogenic origin. Aerosols may
influence climate in several ways: directly through scattering and absorbing radiation, and indirectly by acting as
cloud condensation nuclei or modifying the optical properties and lifetime of clouds. (IPCC2)
Afforestation
Planting of new forests on lands that historically have not contained forests. (IPCC2)
Air Pollutant
Any man-made and/or natural substance occurring in the atmosphere that may result in adverse effects to
humans, animals, vegetation, and/or materials. (CARB)
Anthropogenic
The term "anthropogenic", in the context of greenhouse gas inventories, refers to greenhouse gas emissions and
removals that are a direct result of human activities or are the result of natural processes that have been affected
by human activities. (USEPA2)
Atmosphere
The gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth. The dry atmosphere consists almost entirely of nitrogen (78.1%
volume mixing ratio) and oxygen (20.9% volume mixing ratio), together with a number of trace gases, such as
argon (0.93% volume mixing ratio), helium and radiatively active greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (0.035%
volume mixing ratio) and ozone. In addition, the atmosphere contains the greenhouse gas water vapor, whose
amounts are highly variable but typically around 1% volume mixing ratio. The atmosphere also contains clouds and
aerosols. (IPCC2)
B
Baseline Emissions
A baseline is a measurement, calculation, or time used as a basis for comparison. Baseline emissions are the level
of emissions that would occur without policy intervention or without implementation of a project. Baseline
estimates are needed to determine the effectiveness of emission reduction programs (also called mitigation
strategies).
Base Year
The starting year for the inventory. Targets for reducing GHG emissions are often defined in relation to the base
year.
Biogenic
Produced by the biological processes of living organisms. Note that we use the term "biogenic" to refer only to
recently produced (that is non-fossil) material of biological origin. IPCC guidelines recommend that peat be treated
as a fossil carbon because it takes a long time to replace harvested peat.
Biogeochemical Cycle
Movements through the Earth system of key chemical constituents essential to life, such as carbon, nitrogen,
oxygen, and phosphorus. (NASA)
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
2
Biomass
Either (1) the total mass of living organisms in a given area or of a given species usually expressed as dry weight; or
(2) Organic matter consisting of or recently derived from living organisms (especially regarded as fuel) excluding
peat. Includes products, by-products and waste derived from such material. (IPCC1)
Biomass Waste
Organic non-fossil material of biological origin that is a byproduct or a discarded product. "Biomass waste" includes
municipal solid waste from biogenic sources, landfill gas, sludge waste, agricultural crop byproducts, straw, and
other biomass solids, liquids, and gases; but excludes wood and wood-derived fuels (including black liquor),
biofuels feedstock, biodiesel, and fuel ethanol. Note: EIA "biomass waste" data also include energy crops grown
specifically for energy production, which would not normally constitute waste. (EIA)
Black Carbon
Operationally defined aerosol species based on measurement of light absorption and chemical reactivity and/or
thermal stability; consists of soot, charcoal and/or possible light absorbing refractory organic matter (Charlson and
Heintzenberg, 1995, p. 401). (IPCC2)
C
Carbon Cycle
All parts (reservoirs) and fluxes of carbon. The cycle is usually thought of as four main reservoirs of carbon
interconnected by pathways of exchange. The reservoirs are the atmosphere, terrestrial biosphere (usually
includes freshwater systems), oceans, and sediments (includes fossil fuels). The annual movements of carbon, the
carbon exchanges between reservoirs, occur because of various chemical, physical, geological, and biological
processes. The ocean contains the largest pool of carbon near the surface of the Earth, but most of that pool is not
involved with rapid exchange with the atmosphere. (NASA)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A naturally occurring gas, and also a by-product of burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as land-use changes
and other industrial processes. It is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the Earth's radiative
balance. It is the reference gas against which other greenhouse gases are measured and therefore has a Global
Warming Potential of 1. (IPCC2)\
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e)
A metric used to compare emissions of various greenhouse gases. It is the mass of carbon dioxide that would
produce the same estimated radiative forcing as a given mass of another greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide
equivalents are computed by multiplying the mass of the gas emitted by its global warming potential.
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
An international organization that administers a platform for organizations and cities to publicly disclose their
environmental impacts, such as climate risk. CDP is one of the approved disclosure platforms utilized by GCoM.
Carbon Emissions
The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Primary human sources of the release of carbon dioxide occur
from burning oil, coal, and gas for energy use.
Carbon Equivalent (CE)
A metric measure used to compare the emissions of the different greenhouse gases based upon their global
warming potential. Carbon equivalents can be calculated from to carbon dioxide equivalents by multiplying the
carbon dioxide equivalents by 12/44 (the ratio of the molecular weight of carbon to that of carbon dioxide). The
use of carbon equivalent is declining in GHG inventories.
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
3
Carbon Intensity
The amount of carbon by weight emitted per unit of energy consumed. A common measure of carbon intensity is
weight of carbon per British thermal unit (Btu) of energy. When there is only one fossil fuel under consideration,
the carbon intensity and the emissions coefficient are identical. When there are several fuels, carbon intensity is
based on their combined emissions coefficients weighted by their energy consumption levels. (EIA)
Carbon Neutrality
For the purposes of the Plan, Carbon Neutrality refers to the point at which the organization / organization’s net
greenhouse gas emissions reach 0. This will likely be achieved through a combination of reducing emission sources
and offsetting and sequestering any remaining emissions.
Carbon Sinks
A forest, ocean, or other natural environment viewed in terms of its
ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Carbon Sequestration
This refers to the capture of CO2 from the atmosphere and its long term storage in oceans (oceanic carbon
sequestration), in biomass and soils (terrestrial carbon sequestration) or in underground reservoirs (geologic
carbon sequestration).
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Greenhouse gases covered under the 1987 Montreal Protocol and used for refrigeration, air conditioning,
packaging, insulation, solvents, or aerosol propellants. Because they are not destroyed in the lower atmosphere,
CFCs drift into the upper atmosphere where, given suitable conditions, they break down ozone. These gases are
being replaced by other compounds, including hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons, which are
greenhouse gases covered under the Kyoto Protocol. (IPCC3)
Circular Economy
An alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) in which an economy is a regenerative system
where resource input and waste are minimized. This is achieved through long-lasting product design, repair, reuse,
remanufacturing, and recycling. Circular economy strategies are often cited as systems level approaches to
reducing waste generation through product and system design.
Climate
Climate in a narrow sense is usually defined as the "average weather" or more rigorously as the statistical
description in terms of the mean and variability of relevant quantities over a period of time ranging from months
to thousands or millions of years. The classical period is 30 years, as defined by the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO). These relevant quantities are most often surface variables such as temperature,
precipitation, and wind. Climate in a wider sense is the state, including a statistical description, of the climate
system. (IPCC2)
Climate Adaptation or Resilience
The capacity of a natural environment to prevent, withstand, respond to, and recover from a disruption. The
process of adjusting to new climate conditions in order to reduce risks to valued assets.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to a statistically significant variation in either the mean state of the climate or in its
variability, persisting for an extended period (typically decades or longer). Climate change may be due to natural
internal processes or external forcings, or to persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the
atmosphere or in land use. (IPCC2)
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
4
Climate Hazard
An extreme climate event or condition that can harm human health, livelihoods, or natural resources. It can
include abrupt changes to the climate system such as extreme precipitation, storms, droughts, and heat waves.
Climate Risk
The potential for consequences where something of value is at stake and where the outcome is uncertain,
recognizing the diversity of values. Risk is often represented as probability of occurrence of hazardous events or
trends multiplied by the impacts if these events or trends occur. Risk results from the interaction of vulnerability
and hazard. (IPCC):
Climate Vulnerability
Is the degree to which a system is susceptible to, and unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change,
including climate variability and extremes. Vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude and rate of
climate change and variation to which a system is exposed, its sensitivity, and its capacity to adapt.
Vulnerability = potential impact (sensitivity x exposure) – adaptive capacity (IPCC):
Climate Vulnerability Assessment
A report used to identify and define the risks posed by climate change and inform adaptation measures needed to
combat climate change. Reports can be about a wide range of fields including food security, poverty analysis, and
extreme weather events.
Cogeneration
Cogeneration is an industrial structure, installation, plant, building, or self-generating facility that has sequential or
simultaneous generation of multiple forms of useful energy (usually mechanical and thermal) in a single,
integrated system. (CARB)
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Combined heat and power is the simultaneous production of both electricity and useful heat for application by the
producer or to be sold to other users with the aim of better utilisation of the energy used. Public utilities may
utilise part of the heat produced in power plants and sell it for public heating purposes. Industries as auto-
producers may sell part of the excess electricity produced to other industries or to electric utilities. (IPCC)
Community Solar
Solar facilities shared by multiple community subscribers who receive credit on their electricity bills for their share
of the power produced. Community solar allows members of a community to share the benefits of solar power on
their property without installing it on their own property. Electricity generated by the community solar farm
typically costs less than the price from utility companies.
Consistency
Consistency means that an inventory should be internally consistent in all its elements over a period of years. An
inventory is consistent if the same methodologies are used for the base and all subsequent years and if consistent
data sets are used to estimate emissions or removals from sources or sinks. (IPCC)
Continuous Emission Monitor (CEM)
A type of air emission monitoring system installed to operate continuously inside of a smokestack or other
emission source. (CARB)
Criteria Air Pollutant
An air pollutant for which acceptable levels of exposure can be determined and for which an ambient air quality
standard has been set. Examples include: ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and PM10 and
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
5
PM2.5. The term "criteria air pollutants" derives from the requirement that the U.S. EPA must describe the
characteristics and potential health and welfare effects of these pollutants. The U.S. EPA and CARB periodically
review new scientific data and may propose revisions to the standards as a result. (CARB)
D
Deforestation
Those practices or processes that result in the change of forested lands to non-forest uses. This is often cited as
one of the major causes of the enhanced greenhouse effect for two reasons: 1) the burning or decomposition of
the wood releases carbon dioxide; and 2) trees that once removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the
process of photosynthesis are no longer present and contributing to carbon storage. (UNFCC)
Distillate Fuel Oil
A general classification for one of the petroleum fractions produced in conventional distillation operations. It
includes diesel fuels and fuel oils. Products known as No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 diesel fuel are used in on-highway
diesel engines, such as those in trucks and automobiles, as well as off-highway engines, such as those in railroad
locomotives and agricultural machinery. Products known as No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 fuel oils are used primarily for
space heating and electric power generation. (EIA)
E
Emissions
The release of a substance (usually a gas when referring to the subject of climate change) into the atmosphere.
(USEPA1)
Emission Factor
A coefficient that quantifies the emissions or removals of a gas per unit activity. Emission factors are often based
on a sample of measurement data, averaged to develop a representative rate of emission for a given activity level
under a given set of operating conditions. (IPCC)
Emission Inventory
An estimate of the amount of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere from major mobile, stationary, area-wide,
and natural source categories over a specific period of time such as a day or a year. (CARB)
Emission Rate
The weight of a pollutant emitted per unit of time (e.g., tons / year). (CARB)
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income
with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and
policies
Estimation
Estimation is the assessment of the value of an unmeasurable quantity using available data and knowledge within
stated computational formulas or mathematical models.
F
Fluorocarbons
Carbon-fluorine compounds that often contain other elements such as hydrogen, chlorine, or bromine. Common
fluorocarbons include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),
and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). (UNFCC)
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
6
Flux
Either (1) Raw materials, such as limestone, dolomite, lime, and silica sand, which are used to reduce the heat or
other energy requirements of thermal processing of minerals (such as the smelting of metals). Fluxes also may
serve a dual function as a slagging agent. (2) The rate of flow of any liquid or gas, across a given area; the amount
of this crossing a given area in a given time. (e.g., "Flux of CO2 absorbed by forests"). (IPCC)
Fossil Fuel
Geologic deposits of hydrocarbons from ancient biological origin, such as coal, petroleum and natural gas.
Fuel Combustion
Fuel combustion is the intentional oxidation of materials within an apparatus that is designed to provide heat or
mechanical work to a process, or for use away from the apparatus. (IPCC)
Fugitive Emissions
Emissions that are not emitted through an intentional release through stack or vent. This can include leaks from
industrial plant and pipelines. (IPCC)
G
Geologic Carbon Sequestration
It is the process of injecting CO2 from a source, such as coal-fired electric generating power plant, through a well
into the deep subsurface. With proper site selection and management, geologic sequestration could play a major
role in reducing emissions of CO2. Research efforts to evaluate the technical aspects of CO2 geologic sequestration
are underway. (USEPA4)
Global Warming
Global warming is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth's surface and in the
troposphere, which can contribute to changes in global climate patterns. Global warming can occur from a variety
of causes, both natural and human induced. In common usage, "global warming" often refers to the warming that
can occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities. Also see Climate Change
(USEPA1)
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
An index, based upon radiative properties of well-mixed greenhouse gases, measuring the radiative forcing of a
unit mass of a given well-mixed greenhouse gas in the present-day atmosphere integrated over a chosen time
horizon, relative to that of carbon dioxide. The GWP represents the combined effect of the differing times these
gases remain in the atmosphere and their relative effectiveness in absorbing outgoing thermal infrared radiation.
The Kyoto Protocol is based on GWPs from pulse emissions over a 100-year time frame. (IPCC2)
GCOM Global Covenant of Mayors:
GCoM is the largest global alliance for city climate leadership, built upon the commitment of over 10,000 cities and
local governments. The alliance’s mission is to mobilize and support climate and energy action in communities
across the world.
Greenhouse Effect
Trapping and build-up of heat in the atmosphere (troposphere) near the earth's surface. Some of the heat flowing
back toward space from the earth's surface is absorbed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, and several other
gases in the atmosphere and then reradiated back toward the earth's surface. If the atmospheric concentrations of
these greenhouse gases rise, the average temperature of the lower atmosphere will gradually increase. (UNFCC)
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
7
Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories:
A robust, transparent and globally-accepted framework that cities and local governments can use to consistently
identify, calculate and report on city greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenhouse Gas
Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include, but are not limited to, water
vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ozone (O3),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). (UNFCC)
Green Infrastructure
An approach to managing precipitation by reducing and treating stormwater at its source while delivering
environmental, social, and economic benefits. Stormwater runoff can carry trash, bacteria, and other pollutants
and is a major cause of water pollution in urban areas.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The sum of gross value added, at purchasers' prices, by all resident and non-resident producers in the economy,
plus any taxes and minus any subsidies not included in the value of the products in a country or a geographic
region for a given period, normally one year. It is calculated without deducting for depreciation of fabricated assets
or depletion and degradation of natural resources. (IPCC3)
H
Halocarbons
A collective term for the group of partially halogenated organic species, including the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), halons, methyl chloride, methyl bromide, etc.
Many of the halocarbons have large Global Warming Potentials. The chlorine and bromine-containing halocarbons
are also involved in the depletion of the ozone layer. (IPCC2)
Hydrocarbons
Strictly defined as molecules containing only hydrogen and carbon. The term is often used more broadly to include
any molecules in petroleum which also contains molecules with S, N, or O An unsaturated hydrocarbon is any
hydrocarbon containing olefinic or aromatic structures. (IPCC)
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Compounds containing only hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. They were introduced as alternatives to ozone
depleting substances in serving many industrial, commercial, and personal needs. HFCs are emitted as by-products
of industrial processes and are also used in manufacturing. They do not significantly deplete the stratospheric
ozone layer, but they are powerful greenhouse gases with global warming potentials ranging from 140 (HFC-152a)
to 11,700 (HFC-23). (USEPA1)
I
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability:
A membership organization for local governments to pursue reductions in carbon pollution and improvements in
advancing sustainable urban development. ICLEI’s members and team of experts work together through peer
exchange, partnerships and capacity building to create systemic change for urban sustainability.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The IPCC was established jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological
Organization in 1988. The purpose of the IPCC is to assess information in the scientific and technical literature
related to all significant components of the issue of climate change. The IPCC draws upon hundreds of the world's
expert scientists as authors and thousands as expert reviewers. Leading experts on climate change and
environmental, social, and economic sciences from some 60 nations have helped the IPCC to prepare periodic
assessments of the scientific underpinnings for understanding global climate change and its consequences. With its
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
8
capacity for reporting on climate change, its consequences, and the viability of adaptation and mitigation
measures, the IPCC is also looked to as the official advisory body to the world's governments on the state of the
science of the climate change issue. For example, the IPCC organized the development of internationally accepted
methods for conducting national greenhouse gas emission inventories. (USEPA1)
K
Kilowatt Hour (kWh):
A measure of electrical energy equivalent to a power consumption of 1,000 watts for one hour.
Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in
1997 in Kyoto, Japan, at the Third Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC. It contains legally
binding commitments, in addition to those included in the UNFCCC. Countries included in Annex B of the Protocol
(most Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries and countries with economies in
transition) agreed to reduce their anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous
oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride) by at least 5% below 1990 levels in the
commitment period 2008 to 2012. The Kyoto Protocol entered into force on 16 February 2005. (IPCC2)
L
Land Use and Land Use Change
Land use refers to the total of arrangements, activities and inputs undertaken in a certain land cover type (a set of
human actions). The term land use is also used in the sense of the social and economic purposes for which land is
managed (e.g., grazing, timber extraction and conservation). Land use change refers to a change in the use or
management of land by humans, which may lead to a change in land cover. Land cover and land use change may
have an impact on the surface albedo, evapotranspiration, sources and sinks of greenhouse gases, or other
properties of the climate system and may thus have a radiative forcing and/or other impacts on climate, locally or
globally. (IPCC2)
LULUCF
Acronym for "Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry", a category of activities in GHG inventories.
M
Megawatt Hour (MWH):
A measure of electrical energy equivalent to a power consumption of 1,000,000 watts for one hour.
Methane (CH4)
A hydrocarbon that is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential most recently estimated at 25 times that
of carbon dioxide (CO2). Methane is produced through anaerobic (without oxygen) decomposition of waste in
landfills, flooded rice fields, animal digestion, decomposition of animal wastes, production and distribution of
natural gas and petroleum, coal production, and incomplete fossil fuel combustion. The GWP is from the IPCC's
Fourth Assessment Report (AR4).
Metric Ton
The tonne (t) or metric ton, sometimes referred to as a metric tonne, is an international unit of mass. A metric ton
is equal to a Megagram (Mg), 1000 kilograms, 2204.6 pounds, or 1.1023 short tons.
Million Metric Tons (MMT)
Common measurement used in GHG inventories. It is equal to a Teragram (Tg).
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
9
Mitigation:
Actions taken to limit the magnitude or rate of long-term global warming and its related effects. Climate change
mitigation generally involves reductions in human emissions of greenhouse gases.
Mobile Sources
Sources of air pollution such as automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, off-road vehicles, boats, and airplanes. (CARB)
Mode Share
The percentage of travelers using a particular type of transportation. Modal share is an important component in
developing sustainable transport within a city or region because it reveals the level of utilization of various
transportation methods. The percentage reflects how well infrastructure, policies, investments, and land-use
patterns support different types of travel.
Model
A model is a quantitatively-based abstraction of a real-world situation which may simplify or neglect certain
features to better focus on its more important elements. (IPCC)
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
Residential solid waste and some non-hazardous commercial, institutional, and industrial wastes. This material is
generally sent to municipal landfills for disposal. (USEPA1)
N
Natural Sources
Non-manmade emission sources, including biological and geological sources, wildfires, and windblown dust.
(CARB)
Net-zero Emissions (NZE)
Building A building or property that generates or offsets all energy consumed. If the City develops a NZE building
code, this definition will have to be refined to provide additional guidance on calculating emissions and offsets to
achieve net-zero emissions.
Nitrogen Fixation
Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen gas into forms useful to plants and other organisms by lightning, bacteria, and
blue-green algae; it is part of the nitrogen cycle. (UNFCC)
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Gases consisting of one molecule of nitrogen and varying numbers of oxygen molecules. Nitrogen oxides are
produced in the emissions of vehicle exhausts and from power stations. In the atmosphere, nitrogen oxides can
contribute to formation of photochemical ozone (smog), can impair visibility, and have health consequences; they
are thus considered pollutants. (NASA)
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
A powerful greenhouse gas with a global warming potential of 298 times that of carbon dioxide (CO2). Major
sources of nitrous oxide include soil cultivation practices, especially the use of commercial and organic fertilizers,
manure management, fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid production, and biomass burning. The GWP is from the
IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report (AR4).
O
Ozone (O3)
Ozone, the triatomic form of oxygen (O3), is a gaseous atmospheric constituent. In the troposphere, it is created
both naturally and by photochemical reactions involving gases resulting from human activities (smog).
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
10
Tropospheric ozone acts as a greenhouse gas. In the stratosphere, it is created by the interaction between solar
ultraviolet radiation and molecular oxygen (O2). Stratospheric ozone plays a dominant role in the stratospheric
radiative balance. Its concentration is highest in the ozone layer. (IPCC2)
Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)
A compound that contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion. Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) include CFCs,
HCFCs, halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. ODS are generally very stable in the
troposphere and only degrade under intense ultraviolet light in the stratosphere. When they break down, they
release chlorine or bromine atoms, which then deplete ozone. (IPCC)
P
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
A group of human-made chemicals composed of carbon and fluorine only. These chemicals (predominantly CF4 and
C2F6) were introduced as alternatives, along with hydrofluorocarbons, to the ozone depleting substances. In
addition, PFCs are emitted as by-products of industrial processes and are also used in manufacturing. PFCs do not
harm the stratospheric ozone layer, but they are powerful greenhouse gases: CF4 has a global warming potential
(GWP) of 7,390 and C2F6 has a GWP of 12,200. The GWP is from the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report (AR4).
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants take carbon dioxide from the air (or bicarbonate in water) to build carbohydrates,
releasing oxygen in the process. There are several pathways of photosynthesis with different responses to
atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. (IPCC2)
Point Sources
Specific points of origin where pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere such as factory smokestacks. (CARB)
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
A power purchase agreement (PPA), or electricity power agreement, is a contract between two parties; one party
generates electricity (the seller) and the other party looks to purchase electricity (the buyer). Individual customers
and organizations may enter into PPAs with individual developers or may join together to seek better prices
as a group. PPAs can allow longer term commitments to renewable energy as well as a form of “direct” investing in
new renewable energy generation.
Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
A program created for financing energy efficiency and renewable improvements on private property. Private
property can include residential, commercial or industrial properties. Improvements can include energy efficiency,
renewable energy and water conservation upgrades to a building.
Process Emissions
Emissions from industrial processes involving chemical transformations other than combustion. (IPCC)
R
Radiative Forcing
A change in the balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared (i.e., thermal) radiation. Without
any radiative forcing, solar radiation coming to the Earth would continue to be approximately equal to the infrared
radiation emitted from the Earth. The addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere traps an increased fraction
of the infrared radiation, reradiating it back toward the surface of the Earth and thereby creates a warming
influence. (UNFCC)
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
11
Reforestation
Planting of forests on lands that have previously contained forests but that have been converted to some other
use. (IPCC2)
Regeneration
The act of renewing tree cover by establishing young trees, naturally or artificially - note regeneration usually
maintains the same forest type and is done promptly after the previous stand or forest was removed. (CSU)
Renewable Energy
Energy resources that are naturally replenishing such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
A market-based instrument that represents the property rights to the environmental, social and other non-power
attributes of renewable electricity generation. RECs are issued when one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity is
generated and delivered to the electricity grid from a renewable energy resource. The single largest category of
reductions in Evanston’s emissions has been through the purchase of RECs.
Residence Time
Average time spent in a reservoir by an individual atom or molecule. Also, this term is used to define the age of a
molecule when it leaves the reservoir. With respect to greenhouse gases, residence time usually refers to how long
a particular molecule remains in the atmosphere. (UNFCC)
Reservoir
Either (1) a component or components of the climate system where a greenhouse gas or a precursor of a
greenhouse gas is stored; or (2) Water bodies regulated for human activities (energy production, irrigation,
navigation, recreation etc.) where substantial changes in water area due to water level regulation may occur.
(IPCC)
Respiration
The process whereby living organisms convert organic matter to carbon dioxide, releasing energy and consuming
molecular oxygen. (IPCC2)
Retro-commissioning
The systematic process to improve an existing building’s performance ensuring the building controls are running
efficiently and balancing the designed use and the actual use of the building.
Ride-share
The practice of sharing transportation in the form of carpooling or vanpooling. It is typically an arrangement made
through a ride-matching service that connects drivers with riders.
S
Scope 1:
Scope 1 includes emissions being released within the city limits resulting from combustion of fossil fuels and from
waste decomposition in the landfill and wastewater treatment plant.
Scope 2:
Scope 2 includes emissions produced outside the city that are induced by consumption of electrical energy within
the city limits.
Scope 3:
Scope 3 includes emissions of potential policy relevance to local government operations that can be measured and
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
12
reported but do not qualify as Scope 1 or 2. This includes, but is not limited to, outsourced operations and
employee commute.
Short Ton
Common measurement for a ton in the United States. A short ton is equal to 2,000 lbs or 0.907 metric tons.
(USEPA1)
Sink
Any process, activity or mechanism that removes a greenhouse gas, an aerosol or a precursor of a greenhouse gas
or aerosol from the atmosphere. (IPCC2)
Social Cost of Carbon
The social cost of carbon is a measure of the economic harm from climate change impacts, expressed as the dollar
value of the total damages from emitting one ton of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Solar Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun. It is also referred to as shortwave radiation. Solar radiation has a
distinctive range of wavelengths (spectrum) determined by the temperature of the Sun, peaking in visible
wavelengths. (IPCC2)
Source
Any process, activity or mechanism that releases a greenhouse gas, an aerosol or a precursor of a greenhouse gas
or aerosol into the atmosphere. (IPCC2)
Stationary Sources
Non-mobile sources such as power plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities which emit air pollutants. (CARB)
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
A compound composed of one sulfur and two oxygen molecules. Sulfur dioxide emitted into the atmosphere
through natural and anthropogenic processes is changed in a complex series of chemical reactions in the
atmosphere to sulfate aerosols. These aerosols are believed to result in negative radiative forcing (i.e., tending to
cool the Earth's surface) and do result in acid deposition (e.g., acid rain). (UNFCC)
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
A colorless gas soluble in alcohol and ether, slightly soluble in water. A very powerful greenhouse gas with a global
warming potential most recently estimated at 22,800 times that of carbon dioxide (CO2). SF6 is used primarily in
electrical transmission and distribution systems and as a dielectric in electronics. This GWP is from the IPCC's
Fourth Assessment Report (AR4).
T
Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration
It is the process through which carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is absorbed by trees, plants and crops
through photosynthesis, and stored as carbon in biomass (tree trunks, branches, foliage and roots) and soils. The
term "sinks" is also used to refer to forests, croplands, and grazing lands, and their ability to sequester carbon.
Agriculture and forestry activities can also release CO2 to the atmosphere. Therefore, a carbon sink occurs when
carbon sequestration is greater than carbon releases over some time period. (USEPA3)
Therm:
A unit of measure for energy that is equivalent to 100,000 British Thermal units, or roughly the energy in 100 cubic
feet of natural gas. Often used for measuring natural gas usage for billing purposes.
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
13
Total Organic Gases (TOG)
Gaseous organic compounds, including reactive organic gases and the relatively unreactive organic gases such as
methane. (CARB)
Transparency
Transparency means that the assumptions and methodologies used for an inventory should be clearly explained to
facilitate replication and assessment of the inventory by users of the reported information. The transparency of
inventories is fundamental to the success of the process for the communication and consideration of information.
(IPCC)
Trend
The trend of a quantity measures its change over a time period, with a positive trend value indicating growth in the
quantity, and a negative value indicating a decrease. It is defined as the ratio of the change in the quantity over the
time period, divided by the initial value of the quantity, and is usually expressed either as a percentage or a
fraction. (IPCC)
U
Urban Tree Canopy
Describes the makeup and characteristics of trees within the urban environment.
V
VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled:
A unit used to measure vehicle travel made by private vehicles, including passenger vehicles, truck, vans and
motorcycles. Each mile traveled is counted as one vehicle mile regardless of the number of persons in the vehicle.
W
Water Vapor
The most abundant greenhouse gas; it is the water present in the atmosphere in gaseous form. Water vapor is an
important part of the natural greenhouse effect. While humans are not significantly increasing its concentration, it
contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect because the warming influence of greenhouse gases leads to a
positive water vapor feedback. In addition to its role as a natural greenhouse gas, water vapor plays an important
role in regulating the temperature of the planet because clouds form when excess water vapor in the atmosphere
condenses to form ice and water droplets and precipitation. (UNFCC)
Weather
Atmospheric condition at any given time or place. It is measured in terms of such things as wind, temperature,
humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness, and precipitation. In most places, weather can change from hour-to-
hour, day-to-day, and season-to-season. Climate in a narrow sense is usually defined as the "average weather", or
more rigorously, as the statistical description in terms of the mean and variability of relevant quantities over a
period of time ranging from months to thousands or millions of years. The classical period is 30 years, as defined
by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These quantities are most often surface variables such as
temperature, precipitation, and wind. Climate in a wider sense is the state, including a statistical description, of the
climate system. A simple way of remembering the difference is that climate is what you expect (e.g. cold winters)
and 'weather' is what you get (e.g. a blizzard). (USEPA1)
Z
Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV)
A vehicle that does not emit harmful emissions during operation. Harmful emissions can have a negative
impact on human health and the environment. Electric (battery-powered) cars, electric trains, hydrogen-
fueled vehicles, bicycles, and carriages are considered to produce zero emissions.
Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms
14
Zero Waste
A cyclical system in which products are designed for reuse, which creates no waste. A zero waste system
eliminates the volume and toxicity of waste and materials and conserves current resources through
reuse.
Dubuque Climate
Action Infographics
Section
A4-1
Click to
Return to TOC
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Below are infographics developed during the Climate Action Plan planning effort in support
of the City’s communications. Click on or scan the QR code to access the infographics.
Dubuque Climate Action Infographics
https://palebluedot.llc/dubuque-cap-infographics
A5-1
Dubuque Climate
Vulnerability
Assessment
Section
Click to
Return to TOC
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
A4-2
At the beginning of the Climate Action Planning effort, The paleBLUEdot team developed a Climate Vulnerability
Assessment for the City of Dubuque. The assessment included the identification of vulnerable populations within the
community and possible impacts and risks associated with projected climate change for the region. paleBLUEdot
mapped the vulnerable populations within the City as well as existing City infrastructure and resources which may be
capable of supporting climate adaptation strategies. These assessments provided a basis for understanding
vulnerabilities and resources which supported the decision making process needed for identifying and prioritizing
climate adaptation measures to be included in the final Climate Action Plan. The Assessment focused on City-Wide
vulnerabilities with a particular focus on climate vulnerable populations to ensure all populations benefit from
proposed implementation measures.
Broad Climate Change Impacts and Risk Factors
The paleBLUEdot identified and summarized the broad climate change metrics already experienced, projected
climate change impacts, and risk factors at a regional level. Data on Midwest was collected from the US National
Climate Assessment as well as the University of Michigan Climate Center. State of Iowa specific data was collected
and summarized from State and National agencies, and regional university data sources. In addition, detailed climate
projections, based on National Center for Atmospheric Research, was developed for the City of Dubuque.
Climate Risk Factors
The paleBLUEdot team identified and quantified the primary climate risk factors facing the City of Dubuque The risk
factors quantified included:
Flood data, risk, and histories
Air Quality considerations
Land Cover and tree canopy characteristics and extent
Heat Island Characteristics and Temperature Impact
Food Environment and Food Access considerations
Population health data and characteristics from the Minnesota Department of Health
Heart attack rates
Asthma hospitalization rates
heat related illnesses
Vector Borne disease data.
Dubuque Climate Vulnerability Assessment
Click on the link below or scan the QR code to access the
vulnerability assessment:
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/dubuque-
climate-vulnerability-assessment/
A6-1
Dubuque Renewable
Energy Potentials Study
Section
Click to
Return to TOC
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
A5-2
At the beginning of the Climate Action Planning effort, In support of development of effective renewable energy
goalsetting and to establish strategies addressing renewable energy development, paleBLUEdot conducted a
Community-Wide solar pv potentials study including economic and environmental benefits. Through study of
community-wide potential, the City of Dubuque was provided data enabling the creation of near and long-term
renewable energy targets and implementation strategies based on community specific opportunity. This effort
included:
1) Collect city-wide satellite data (NREL, NOAA, and NASA data).
2) Determine building roof stock characteristics and solar suitable buildings, calculate total suitable areas by
roof configuration/orientation.
3) Calculate total rooftop solar capacity and annual energy generation by roof configuration/orientation
4) Identify cost efficient annual energy generation potential.
5) Research solar market at national, State and regional levels. Identify low, medium, and high solar market
absorption rates and city-wide solar pv goals.
6) Identify environmental and economic benefit of solar including economic development and job creation
potential (NREL JEDI model)
7) Develop City-Wide Renewable Solar Energy Potentials report.
8) Development of a “Menu of Strategies” addressing potential climate adaptation and mitigation, and
sustainability goals related to ground cover, tree canopy health, heat island mitigation, and carbon
sequestration.
Dubuque Renewable Energy Potentials Study
Click on the link below or scan the QR code to access the
Renewable Energy Potentials Study:
https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/dubuque-
solar-potential-study/
2515 White Bear Ave, A8
Suite 177
Maplewood, MN 55109
Contact:
Ted Redmond
tredmond@palebluedot..llc
Prepared by:
City of Dubuque
Climate Action Plan 2020
Prepared By:
July 2020
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Mayor’s Statement
Section 01 Executive Summary
Section 02 Introduction
Dubuque’s Vulnerability to Climate Risks
Why Create a Climate Action Plan
Climate Action Plan Framework
Benefits of Climate Action
Section 03 Dubuque’s GHG Emissions
GHG Emissions and Climate Change
Dubuque’s GHG Emission Trends
Citywide GHG Emission Forecast
Climate Action Plan GHG Reduction Goal
Estimated GHG Reductions Included in This Plan
Section 04 Buildings and Energy
Section 05 Transportation and Land Use
Section 06 Solid Waste and Recycling
Section 07 Water, Wastewater, and Flooding
Section 08 Climate Health and Safety
Section 09 Food
Section 10 Greenspace and Tree Canopy
Section 11 Climate Economy
Section 12 Climate Action Capacity
Section 13 Climate Actions and Implementation
Appendix 1 Additional Climate Action Sector Information
Appendix 2 GHG Emissions Forecast Assumptions
Appendix 3 Glossary of Term
Appendix 4 Dubuque Climate Action Infographics
Appendix 5 Dubuque Climate Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix 6 Dubuque Renewable Energy Potential Study
City of Dubuque
Elected Officials:
Roy D. Buol
Mayor
Ric Jones, David Resnick
City Council At-Large City Council At-Large
Brett Shaw Laura Roussell
City Council Ward 1 City Council Ward 2
Danny Sprank Brad Cavanagh
City Council Ward 3 City Council Ward 4
Appointed Officials:
Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Kevin Firnstahl, City Clerk
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Acknowledgements
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Thank you to the following organizations and individuals for their contributions:
Consultant Team
Ted Redmond, Principal - Planning
Colleen Redmond, Principal - Engagement
Andrea Siegel, Social Media Specialist
Henry Pan, GIS Specialist
Huda Ahmed, Terra Soma LLC - Engagement
Project Lead
Gina Bell, Sustainable Community Coordinator
Planning Team
Anderson Sainci City of Dubuque, Resource
Management
Candace Eudaley-Loebach Resilient Community
Advisory Commission
Charlie Winterwood Resident
Cori Burbach City of Dubuque, Assistant
City Manager
Dave Lyons Greater Dubuque
Development Corporation
David Johnson City of Dubuque, Building
Services Manager (former)
Emily Reisch City of Dubuque,
Sustainability Intern
Jacob Semann Alliant Energy
Jake Jansen Student, Loras College
Jake Kohlhaas Resilient Community
Advisory Commission /
Loras College
Ken Miller City of Dubuque, Solid Waste
Agency Administrator
Mary Rose Corrigan City of Dubuque, Public
Health
Paul Schultz Green Dubuque
Rahim Akrami City of Dubuque, ICMA
Management Fellow
Raki Giannakouros Green Dubuque
Shane Hoeper City of Dubuque, Housing
Inspector
Steve Sampson Brown City of Dubuque, Engineering
Department
Suzie Stroud Dubuque Pacific Islander
Health Project (DPIHP)
Temwa Phiri City of Dubuque, Human
Rights Department
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Mayor’s Statement
Dear Neighbors,
Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who
contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to creating the history that led to this
moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their
distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more
generations than can be counted. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building
mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference.
I acknowledge that while we now call Dubuque home, it was built on the ancestral lands of
the Meskwaki, Ho-Chunk, Potawatomi, and other Indigenous Peoples who have stewarded
this land throughout the generations. Black, Indigenous, and people of color have
demonstrated resilience and resistance in the face of violent efforts to separate them from
their land, culture, and one another. They remain at the forefront of movements to protect
Mother Earth and the life earth sustains.
As we work to address the climate crisis, we must put people first. This means working in
partnership with frontline communities to determine how best we can support efforts
already in motion and build coalitions to lessen the impacts of climate change for all
residents. By centering equity in our climate work, we can achieve fair outcomes for every
Dubuque resident.
Beginning in the 1980s, when Dubuque led the country in unemployment and had lost its
connection to the Mississippi River, residents and business owners found a way to change
Dubuque, making it a new kind of national leader for the 21st century. When I ran for the
office of mayor in 2005, my platform was based upon “engaging citizens as partners,” and
what I heard from thousands of citizens was a consistent theme surrounding water quality,
recycling, greenspace, public transit, cultural vitality, accessibility and downtown
revitalization. A year later, with support from my council colleagues, we named
sustainability a top priority, stating, “cities that get out in front on sustainability will have
competitive economic advantages in the future.”
Fifteen years later, amid a global health pandemic, a climate crisis and uncertainty
regarding the health, safety, and economic prosperity of our community’s future, this
continues to ring true. Bolstered by the work of Sustainable Dubuque, a City Council-
adopted, community-created, and citizen-led initiative, Dubuque will continue to expand
awareness, create partnerships and work hard to cut the emissions that cause climate
change and prepare our neighborhoods for its inevitable impacts to make sure Dubuque is
a sustainable, resilient, equitable, and compassionate community of choice. I am proud of
the progress we have made, and we will continue to evolve and advance our citizen-
inspired vision and goals for Dubuque.
Now, we take our next big step. It requires innovation, imagination, resourcefulness,
originality, and risk. In order to reach our goal, the 2020 update to our 50% by 2030
Community Climate Action and Resiliency Plan details the specific actions we will take over
the next decade to significantly cut emissions across all sectors of city life. Our work is
informed by the most up-to-date science and projections from climate experts. The United
Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report, as well as the United
States’ Fourth National Climate Assessment, show that the global community must act with
urgency to confront this crisis before it is too late. In Dubuque, we are heeding this warning
and setting a strong, replicable example.
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Mayor’s Statement
In 2013, the City Council adopted the 50% by 2030 Community Climate Action & Resiliency Plan. Our first-ever
greenhouse gas inventory identified that over 70% of our emissions come from heating, cooling, and powering
buildings. In this update, we have committed to protect and prepare our most vulnerable residents and the larger
community for the impacts of climate change. While we invest in infrastructure improvements to improve our resiliency,
we also invest in the resiliency of our residents through a variety of programs and public/private partnerships to address
affordable housing, generational poverty, underemployment, grade-level reading, brain health, racism, and other
challenges faced by our community.
The City of Dubuque and our partners are committed to be an anti-racist, pro-climate action, human-centered
organization. This update is only the beginning of the urgent body of work and, although we have a plan, we will
continue to learn about creating more sustainable, resilient communities, and ways to create opportunities to
collaborate and work together to create innovative solutions to our most daunting challenges.
I am proud to say that I am one of thousands of community leaders who have committed to fighting climate change,
creating more equitable communities, and creating innovative economic development opportunities that benefit all of
our residents and businesses. I look forward to making Dubuque climate ready with you!
Sincerely,
Mayor Roy D. Buol
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
1-1
Section
Executive
Summary
Click to
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
4%8%13%
Buildings and
Energy
Transportation
and Land Use
Solid
Waste
Avoided
Cost
18%41%16%
Cumulative Potential Cost Savings of Plan
Measures Through 2030:
Implementing many of the measures in this plan, such as
reduction of energy consumption or single-occupancy
auto use, and avoided cost of carbon, can save money for
the community.
Share of Potential Cost Savings by Sector:
$451,939,000
2003
1,127,079
Metric Tons GHG
2018
27.3%
Below 2003
2030
50%
Below 2003
Net
Carbon
Neural
Where Are We Going?2020
Climate
Action Plan
update
Executive Summary
1-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
By the 2050’s
Dubuque Will
Likely See…
Increase in Average
Annual Temperature:
+6°F
Days Above 95°F:
+18
days
Air Conditioning
Demand:
+150%
Average Rainfall:
+7%
Heavy Precipitation
Events
+10%
Growing Season:
+21
days
(Time for 3 more
generations of
mosquitos)
This plan lays out the foundation for the City of Dubuque’s efforts to reduce its greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions and improve its resilience to future impacts of climate change on its
environment, infrastructure, and people. This plan should be viewed as a living document,
with progress on actions and impacts occurring regularly and adjustments to the plan being
made based on actionable data.
Our Challenge
The combustion of fossil
fuels is warming earth’s
atmosphere and changing
our climate. Climate change
is already affecting
Dubuque and its impacts
are projected to become
much more severe in the
coming decades. To
minimize harmful impacts
and play its part in curbing
global carbon pollution,
Dubuque needs to take bold
steps to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and build
resiliency.
Our Opportunity
Transformation of our energy
system is essential in order to
stop burning fossil fuels. This
transition presents an
opportunity for Dubuque.
Directing our energy
investments into renewable
sources will make them more
decentralized and resilient
and provide for local job
creation. Innovation,
technology, and collective
social change inherent in
Climate Action can also
support greater community
abundance and shared equity.
Our Vision
To be the first Climate
Resilient community in Iowa,
leading in the social and
economic transitions
necessary to prevent, prepare
for, recover from, and adapt
to the long-term impacts of
climate change.
Our Carbon Reduction
Goal
To be the first Net Carbon
Neutral community in Iowa
and to reduce community-
wide GHG emissions 50%
below 2003 levels by 2030.Buildings and Energy50.0%Transportation and Land Use45.1%Solid Waste and Recycling60.4%13%
28%
59%
Reduction Share
By Sector
Share of Total 2030
Reductions of Climate
Action Plan by Sector:
How Do We Get There?
Reductions by 2030 of
Climate Action Plan by Sector:
Net Carbon Neutral
car· bon neu· tral
Adjective
Having or resulting in
no net addition of
carbon dioxide to the
atmosphere.
1-3Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
GS1: Strengthen Dubuque's tree canopy.
GS2: Strengthen Dubuque's green space.
GS3: Mitigate current and future urban heat island impacts.
Greenspace and Tree Canopy
F1 Reduce food's contribution to climate change.
F2 Improve local food resilience and availability.
Food
HS1: Create a climate adaptive community.
HS2: Educate, engage, and empower the public for climate health and safety.
HS3: Address air quality impacts of climate change.
Climate Health and Safety
W1: Increase water conservation citywide.
W2: Reduce wastewater impacts.
W3: Mitigate flood hazards and impacts.
Water, Wastewater, and Flooding
SW1: 50% diversion by 2030 measured on a per capita basis.
SW2: Waste education.
SW3: Achieve 100% beneficial use of landfill gas.
Solid Waste
TL1: Decrease Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) by 10% by 2030.
TL2: Support and encourage alternative fuel vehicles, Achieve 20% of vehicles sold and 15%
of VMT by 2030.
Transportation and Land Use
BE1: Increase distributed renewable energy by 21 MW of installed capacity by 2030.
BE2: Reduce citywide energy consumption by 10% by 2030.
BE3: Promote "fuel switching" to reduce on-site fossil fuel use 10% by 2030.
BE4: Increase renewable energy share of electric grid to 15% by 2030
(beyond current Alliant Energy commitments)
Buildings and Energy
Executive Summary
Our Climate Action Goals
CE1: Capture local economic potential of climate action.
CE2: Build marketplace climate resilience.
Climate Economy
C1: Enhance and expand community capacity for climate action and resilience.
C2: Develop new mechanisms for financing climate action work that account for equity and co-
benefits (building upon existing budget scoring criteria).
Climate Action Capacity
1-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Click to
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Section
Introduction
2-1Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Increases to heavy
rain events and
flooding/flash
flooding risk may
negatively impact
water quality in the
city’s lakes, streams,
and rivers.
Increased pollutants
and contamination
potential, combined
with increased
annual water
temperatures could
increase risk to algal
and bacterial
growth, harming
habitats and
limiting recreation.
Surface Water
Quality
(Medium)
Warmer temperatures
will increase demand
for air conditioning
and weatherization
needs. Energy costs
may be difficult for
vulnerable
populations to meet.
Heavier rains coupled
with higher risk of
surface drought
conditions may cause
more local flooding,
particularly “flash
flooding” which could
cause damage to
housing and reduce
mobility for portions
of the community.
Housing
(High)
Warmer temperatures
and more extreme
heat may lead to
higher risk of heat-
related illness
Heat Stress
(High)
Increased heat may
result in more days
of poor air quality
and exposure to
allergens, impacting
respiratory illnesses.
Air Quality
(Medium-High)
Longer growing
seasons and higher
temperatures may
increase vector-borne
diseases like West Nile
Virus and Lyme
disease.
Vector-Borne Disease
(Medium)
Exposure to increased
climate impacts and
disasters may lead to
increased anxiety and
other mental health
ramifications.
Mental Health
(Medium-High)
Heavier rains coupled
with higher risk of
surface drought
conditions may
significantly increase
demand on
stormwater
management. The
city’s stormwater
infrastructure may not
be capable of
handling the amount
of runoff during more
frequent heavy down
pours, requiring
resources to make
needed upgrades.
Stormwater
Management
(High)
Increased
temperatures and
changes to
precipitation will
stress trees,
greenspace, and
agriculture.
Conditions may be
more favorable for
disease, pests, and
invasive species.
Trees and crop
species which
formerly thrived in
the area’s climate
may be less suited
for future climate
conditions
Trees, Greenspace,
and Agriculture
(Medium)
2-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Introduction
Dubuque’s Vulnerability to Climate Risks:
Climate change is a global phenomenon that creates local impacts. It
presents one of the most profound challenges of our time. A broad
international consensus exists among atmospheric scientists that the Earth’s
climate system is being destabilized in response to elevated levels of
greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. Two changes to Iowa’s climate
are occurring already: shorter winters with fewer cold extremes, and more
heavy and extreme precipitation. Increases in the global surface
temperature and changes in precipitation levels and patterns are expected to
continue and intensify for decades. In turn, these changes in climate have
impacts on the economy and health of local communities.
The following highlight the vulnerabilities to climate risks facing Dubuque,
excerpted from the 2019 Dubuque Climate Vulnerability Assessment:
Medium Medium-
High High
Types of Climate Plan Actions:
2-3Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Action As A Journey
The Climate Action Plan represents a robust vision of the
future with a comprehensive scope of action befitting the
magnitude of our collective climate challenge ahead. This
plan should be seen as a living document. Action progress
and effectiveness should be reviewed at regular intervals
through the plan’s implementation and adjustments should
be made to expand or modify the scope of individual actions
and to augment the plan with new actions as appropriate to
respond to ever-changing market and community
conditions.
Synergy of Mitigation and Adaptation Actions
What is a Climate Action
Plan (CAP)
Climate action plans are
comprehensive road maps
that outline the specific
Strategies and Actions that a
City will implement to
reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and build
resilience to related climatic
impacts. The Dubuque CAP
addresses both climate
mitigation and climate
adaptation actions.
What is Climate Change
Mitigation?
Climate Change Mitigation
addresses the root causes of
climate change through the
reduction or prevention of
greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions. Mitigation can
mean using new technologies
and renewable energies,
making older equipment
more energy efficient, or
changing management
practices or consumer
behavior.
The Role of Cities in
Climate Action
With a large majority of
Americans living in urban
areas, cities play a key role in
addressing climate change.
While each individual city’s
impact on global GHG
emissions is relatively small,
the leadership cities provide
in motivating change can be
extremely significant.
According to a survey by the
US Conference of Mayors,
more than half (53%) had
committed to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
What is Climate Change
Adaptation?
Some impacts of climate
change are now inevitable.
Climate Change Adaptation
seeks to lower the risks posed
by these impacts. Both
mitigation and adaptation are
necessary, because even if
emissions are dramatically
decreased, adaptation will
still be needed to deal with
the global changes that have
already been set in motion.
Introduction
Why Create a Climate Action Plan
The creation, and dedicated implementation of a Climate Action Plan (CAP) is an organized way for a city to contribute to
solving the global climate crisis while helping its resident and business communities create improved resilience to the
current and future impacts and risks of climate change.
Greenspace and
Tree Canopy
Food
Transportation and
Land Use
Buildings and Energy
Climate Action Plan
Framework
This Climate Action Plan includes an
implementation framework
designed to achieve community-
wide goals for greenhouse gas
reduction and climate adaptation
and resilience. This CAP is
organized around a unifying
framework organized by sector as
illustrated to the right. Each sector
has over-arching Strategies
established to meet 2030 goals and
detailed Actions for
implementation. Sector actions
have primary focus on Climate
Mitigation, Climate Adaptation, or
both.
Strategies: are specific statements
of direction that expand on the
climate action vision GHG reduction
goals and guide decisions about
future public policy, community
investment, and actions.
Actions: are detailed items that
should be completed in order to
carry out the vision and strategies
identified in the plan.
Climate Mitigation: addresses the
root causes of climate change
through the reduction or
prevention of greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions. Sectors with this
as a significant focus are shown to
the right with this symbol:
Climate Adaptation: seeks to lower
the risks posed by the impacts of
climate change which are now
inevitable or likely. Sectors with this
as a significant focus are shown to
the right with this symbol:
This sector area includes all
electricity and natural gas
consumption within the city and
also considers the mix of energy
generation supplying the city of
Dubuque. Strategies in this sector
area include improved energy
efficiency as well as shifts in
Dubuque’s energy supply to
cleaner, low and no carbon sources.
This sector area includes emissions
from on-road vehicle traffic
occurring in the community.
Strategies in this sector area include
reductions in vehicle miles traveled
as well as shifts to cleaner, low and
no carbon fuel vehicles in Dubuque.
This sector area includes
commercial and non-commercial
food cultivation and distribution,
food and nutrition insecurity, and
food waste. Strategies in this sector
area include reduction of food
waste, food system and distribution
resilience, strengthening of local
food production capacity, and
equitable access to healthy food.
This sector area includes the climate
resilience and benefits of urban tree
canopy, ground cover, community
greenspace and parks, and
ecosystems that rely on these
natural elements. Strategies in this
sector include resilience/expansion
of urban tree canopy coverage,
improvement of beneficial use of
lawn areas, and mitigation of heat
island impacts
2-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
You cannot get
through a single day
without having an
impact on the world
around you. What you
do makes a
difference, and you
have to decide what
kind of difference you
want to make.
Jane Goodall,
Anthropologist
Climate Action
Capacity
Climate Economy
Climate Health
and Safety
Water, Wastewater
and Flooding
Solid Waste and
Recycling
This sector area includes all
solid waste generated by residents
and businesses within the
community. Strategies in this sector
focus on diversion of food,
consumer, and construction waste
as well as reduction of landfill gas
generation and beneficial use of
unavoidable landfill gas emissions.
This sector area includes potable
water distributed to Dubuque
residents and businesses,
wastewater collection and
treatment, stormwater collection,
flood mitigation, and surface water
health. Strategies in this sector
focus on water conservation,
wastewater reduction and beneficial
use of wastewater emissions, flood
mitigation, and stormwater
infiltration.
This sector area includes community
health impacts and resilience in the
face of current climate impacts and
projected risks. Strategies in this
sector focus on community resilience
to extreme heat and weather, vector-
borne and water-borne disease, and
air quality impacts of climate change.
This sector includes the economic
development, jobs, and business
creation potential represented by
the actions and goals of all sectors
in this Climate Action Plan.
Strategies in this sector include
workforce development, economic
development and new business
financing, and resilience of
businesses in the community.
This sector area includes financial
mechanisms, and systemic and
organizational capacity to
implement the actions and goals of
all sectors in this Climate Action
Plan. Strategies in this sector focus
on mechanisms for financing
Climate Action work, resilience of
social networks - particularly those
serving vulnerable populations, and
education, engagement, and
empowerment of the public.
2-5Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Improved water quality
and ecosystems
Improved community
resilience
Improved energy
resilience
Cost savings for residents
and businesses
Improved air quality and
public health
Job creation and
economic development
Introduction
Benefits of Climate Action
The strategies and actions contained in this plan seek to reduce Dubuque’s
dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels, prioritize sustainable uses of land and
water, reduce waste, and support improved equity and livability. The actions
outlined in this plan will reduce Dubuque’s GHG emissions. In addition to reducing
the community’s contribution to climate change this plan strives to identify how
climate change will increasingly impact the community. The CAP addresses next
steps for Dubuque to adequately respond to climate change. If implemented
successfully the CAP will enhance Dubuque’s economic vitality, resilience, and
viability as a healthy, livable city.
6 Ways Climate Action Can Be Good For Dubuque’s Economy
1:Dubuque can lower emissions while growing the economy.
Since 2003, Dubuque’s GDP has increased 41% while community wide GHG emissions
have fallen over 27%.
2. Electricity from renewable sources is typically less expensive than fossil fuels.
The costs of renewable energy fallen significantly over the last decade and their
portion of our energy mix has grown. According The Coal Cost Crossover, a study by
Energy Innovation, it would be cheaper to replace 3/4ths of existing U.S. coal plants
with wind and solar power than to keep them operating with coal.
3. Clean energy jobs already employ about 3.5 million Americans and growing.
The transition to renewable energy is a transition to local energy sources and
infrastructure – and retention of more energy expenditures in the local economy.
According to a study by the non-profit group MassSolar, every dollar invested in solar
creates $1.20 in local economic benefits.
4. CAP focus areas can save Dubuque residents and businesses money .
Energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy adoption, and reduced single
occupancy vehicle dependence strategies included in this plan can result in annual
savings for Dubuque businesses and households.
5. Better planned, low-carbon cities are more productive.
According to a study by The Coalition for Urban Transitions, for every 1% increase in
population density in US cities, medium and high-skilled wages increase 0.5% and
carbon emissions decrease 0.2% per capita.
6. Without climate action, Dubuque will face increasing economic damage.
According to NOAA Records, extreme weather and climate disasters in Dubuque
County have increased 7% in the last twenty years, causing an average of $3,230,000
in damages annually. According to a study by the University of California at Berkeley,
climate impacts can be expected to increase agricultural damage, death rates, energy
costs, and violent and property crime rates in the City of Dubuque. In addition, as
annual average temperatures and the number of extreme heat days increase,
economic productivity will decrease due to labor efficiency losses. These impacts can
be used to establish an estimated minimum “Social Cost of Carbon” - a measure of the
economic harm of those impacts from emitting one ton of carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere.
See calculations on the following page for an estimated cumulative economic savings
potential of successfully implementing the Climate Action Plan through 2030.
Types of Climate Action
Benefits
2-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
$42,160,000
Annual Cost Impact
=
Violent
Crime:
+4%
Property
Crime:
+2%
Agriculture:
-22%
Mortality:
+4%
Energy:
+8%
Annual % Change by Category:
Labor
Productivity:
-1.2%
+++++
Source: “Estimating economic damage
from climate change in the United States”
Estimated Economic Risk of Climate Change to Dubuque by 2100
(in today’s dollars):
819,406
Metric Tons
Current Annual
Emissions:
$51
Per Ton
Current Estimated
Localized Social
Cost of Carbon:
$42,160,000
Annual Cost Impact
Estimated
Economic Risk of
Climate Change:
=÷
Estimated Localized “Social Cost of Carbon”
(in today’s dollars):
Cumulative Economic
Savings Potential of
Successfully Implementing
Climate Action Plan
Through 2030
$451,939,000
$7,654
per-capita
Community-Wide
Cumulative Savings Potential:
=
Commercial Business Savings
Potential:$143,651,000
$3,351
per job
+
Industrial Business Savings
Potential:$81,345,000
$10,228
per job
+
Estimated Localized Social Cost
of Carbon:$59,170,000
(1,160,203 metric tons GHG
avoided x $51 per ton)
+
$167,773,000
$6,984
per household
Household Savings Potential:
Introduction
2-7Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
2-14 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Forest acres needed to sequester
Dubuque’s Citywide GHG
Emissions:Forest area required to
sequester Dubuque’s
citywide emissions:
53.3 x
1,064,163
Acres
Total land within City:
19,981 Acres
City of Dubuque’s
land area.
Did You Know?
3-1
Click to
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Section
Dubuque’s GHG
Emissions
3-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Dubuque’s GHG Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) and Climate Change
The climate change we face today is caused by warming from greenhouse gases trapping infrared energy radiating from
the earth. This is called the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases have been increasing in our atmosphere since the
Industrial Revolution. Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to human
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which expand the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere
traps heat radiating from Earth toward space
3-3Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
What Are GHG’s?
Greenhouse Gases (GHG) absorb radiation and trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. They are the basis of the Greenhouse
Effect. The more GHGs there are, the more heat that is trapped in our atmosphere, leading to Global Warming and
Climate Change. The most common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide
(N2O).
Greenhouse Gas Sectors
Where do GHGs come from?
Energy
Emissions are
produced from the
combustion of natural
gas, coal, and other
fossil fuels primarily for
heating, cooling, and
electricity generation.
Transportation
Emissions come from
the combustion of fossil
fuels for ground
transportation and air
travel.
Solid Waste
Emissions in the inventory
estimate the decomposition
of biodegradable waste
(e.g., food and yard waste)
in the landfill.
Dubuque’s GHG Emissions
Wastewater
Emissions from energy
uses are calculated for the
collection and treatment
of wastewater.
3-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Volume comparison to
the Willis Tower, Chicago.
GHG Emissions
14.06 MT Per-Capita
18.56 MT / Job
0.1404 MT / $1,000 GDP
Population
GDP
$100,194 GDP Per-Capita
Employment
819,406
58,276
5,838,896,000
44,150
GHG Emissions
19.52 MT Per-Capita
28.51 MT / Job
0.2466 MT / $1,000 GDP
Population
GDP
$56,934 GDP Per-Capita
Employment
39,376
1,122,597
57,500
3,273,713,000
Dubuque Citywide GHG Emissions Overview
Total emissions for the City of Dubuque dropped 27% from 1,122,597 metric tonnes in 2003 to 819,406 in 2018.
Dubuque’s GHG Emission Trends
2003 By The Numbers 2018 By The Numbers Fifteen-Year Trend Dashboard
GHG Emissions
-5.46 MT Per-Capita
-9.95 MT / Job
-0.11 MT / $1,000 GDP
Population
+776
GDP
+$43,260 GDP Per-Capita
Employment
+4,774
+$2,565,183,000
-303,191 -27.01%
+1.35%
+78.36%
+12.12%
How Large Are Citywide GHG
Emissions?
The City’s total emissions for 2018 are
equal to cubic feet of man-
made greenhouse gas. This volume of
atmosphere is equal to a cube feet
on each face, seen here over downtown
Dubuque from 2 miles to the South.
2,524
Change in
Change in
16.1 Billion
Think Economic Development is Tied To
Increased Emissions?
Think again! Between 2003 and 2018 the City was able
to decrease its GHG emissions by 27% while growing
its economy by 78% and adding 12% more jobs!
Dubuque’s GHG Emissions
Solid Waste Emissions
Transportation Emissions
Industrial Natural Gas (NG) Emissions
Commercial Natural Gas (NG) Emissions
Residential Natural Gas (NG) Emissions
Industrial Electric Emissions
Commercial Electric Emissions
Residential Electric Emissions2018203020402050
3-5Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Citywide GHG Emission Forecast
A GHG emission forecast supports GHG reduction planning efforts by anticipating what emissions may be like if actions
are not taken. Emissions are typically forecast under a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. The Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) defines a “business-as-usual” baseline case as the level of emissions that would result if future
development trends follow those of the past and no changes in policies take place.
The City of Dubuque GHG forecasts included here were based on population and employment growth estimates
determined by 10 and 20 year historic growth rates. In addition to these data, information from the State of Iowa
Department of Economic Development, the US Environmental Protection Agency, US Department of Transportation, and
US Energy Information Agency. The full assumptions used for the Business-as-usual GHG Emissions Forecast model are
outlined in detail in the appendix of this report.
Change from 2003
2050 GHG Emissions -37.8%
Total Annual GHG 700,575
Goal Annual GHG 0
Difference 700,575
Electricity Use Emissions: -71.1%
Residential 44,805
Commercial 56,959
Industrial 81,738
Natural Gas Use Emissions: 46.4%
Residential 112,260
Commercial 140,284
Industrial 96,114
Transportation Emissions: -40.8%
VMT (Thousands) 386,494
Solid Waste Emissions:-19.1%
LFG Emissions 66,608
Buildings and Energy
Transportation and Land Use
Solid Waste
Change from 2003
2030 GHG Emissions -30.8%
Total Annual GHG 780,130
Goal Annual GHG 563,540
Difference 216,590
Electricity Use Emissions: -55.2%
Residential 76,517
Commercial 79,959
Industrial 127,772
Natural Gas Use Emissions: 26.0%
Residential 111,834
Commercial 111,961
Industrial 76,350
Transportation Emissions: -24.0%
VMT (Thousands) 378,088
Solid Waste Emissions:-20.8%
LFG Emissions 65,159
Transportation and Land Use
Solid Waste
Buildings and Energy
Change from 2003
2040 GHG Emissions -33.8%
Total Annual GHG 745,668
Goal Annual GHG 281,770
Difference 463,898
Electricity Use Emissions: -61.8%
Residential 61,913
Commercial 71,626
Industrial 108,674
Natural Gas Use Emissions: 35.4%
Residential 111,720
Commercial 125,134
Industrial 85,599
Transportation Emissions: -33.0%
VMT (Thousands) 382,268
Solid Waste Emissions:-20.0%
LFG Emissions 65,879
Buildings and Energy
Transportation and Land Use
Solid Waste
Dubuque’s GHG Emissions
3-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020 Non-CompatibleReduction GoalsGlobal Pathway
to Limit Global
Warming to
2°C
Global Pathway
to Limit Global
Warming to
1.5°C
Climate Action
Plan Goal -
Compatible
with Global
Pathway to
1.89°C CompatibleReduction Goals“Fair Share” Model Review
of Climate Action Plan
2030 Goal:
Climate Action Plan GHG Reduction Goal
The GHG emission reduction goals guiding this Climate Action Plan are to be the first
Net Carbon Neutral community in Iowa and to reduce community-wide GHG
emissions 50% over 2003 baseline by 2030.
GHG Emission Reduction Goal in Global Context
Reviewing the City’s Climate Action Plan emission reduction goal within a global
context and GHG emission reduction recommendations formulated by the
International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) can help validate the appropriateness
of the goal. The IPCC is the United Nation Environment Porgramme (UNEP) body for
assessing the science related to climate change and providing support in climate
action policy making. The scientific consensus of the international IPCC working
groups is to reduce global GHG emissions as needed in order to limit global warming
to 1.5°C. In addition, the Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5 to 2
degrees C above pre-industrial levels, considered to be the threshold for dangerous
climate change.
The UNEP Emissions Gap Report published in November 2019 calculates that by
2030, global emissions will need to be 25% lower than 2018 to put the world on the
least-cost pathway to limiting global warming to below 2°C. To limit global warming
to 1.5°C, the same report finds emissions would need to be 55% lower than in 2018 -
an upward adjustment of earlier recommendations which suggested a 45%
reduction.
Fair Share Citywide Emission Reductions To Meet Global Need
The concept of “Fair Share” has been introduced into international climate action
discussions. Though there is no consensus on how “fair share” should be defined,
the most common way of looking at the concept is a straight-line reduction
economy-wide. This means that the share of emissions reductions for each
jurisdiction (the City of Dubuque, the State of Iowa, the United States, etc) should
match their share of global emissions - meaning if the US emits 25% of global
emissions, the “fair share” of emissions reductions for the US would be 25% of the
global emission reduction goals.
Based on a “Fair Share” model of GHG emission reduction, the City’s goal of 50% over
2003 baseline by 2030 is compatible with the Paris Agreement and exceeds the
threshold of required reductions to keep global warming below 2°C. The goal,
however, may not be fully compatible with a 1.5°C global warming pathway, as
illustrated by the graphic to the right.
Climate Action Plan Approach to Emissions Reduction
This Climate Action Plan is intended as a “living plan” rather than a static document.
This means that the implementation phase of this plan should be characterized by
intermittent measurement of progress and plan adjustments. Plan adjustments
should look towards increasing implementation goals for actions which illustrate
success, modify goals for actions which may fall short of desired outcomes, and
identifying additional action opportunities.
As a “living plan”, the 2030 emission reduction goal should be seen as a guiding
constant and recognition should be given that initial implementation actions may
not yet fully achieve plan goals. Intermittent plan progress measurements and
adjustments should identify additional actions, or increases in action
implementation targets as needed to meet the ultimate 2030 GHG reduction goal.
2030 Citywide GHG
Emissions Goal:
563,540
Metric Tons
Global Emission Reduction
To Limit Global Warming
to 2°C:
25%
Below 2018 Emissions
Global Emission Reduction
To Limit Global Warming
to 1.5°C:
55%
Below 2018 Emissions
Dubuque’s GHG Emissions
400,000
200,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000 Solid Waste Emissions
Transportation Emissions
Industrial Natural Gas (NG) Emissions
Commercial Natural Gas (NG) Emissions
Residential Natural Gas (NG) Emissions
Industrial Electric Emissions
Commercial Electric Emissions
Residential Electric Emissions20182030
3-7Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 202050.0%Buildings and Energy
Total Emission Reduction:
BE1 Increase Distributed
Renewable Energy by 21 MW:
BE2 Reduce Citywide Energy
Consumption:
BE3 Promote "Fuel Switching"
achieving 10% adoption:
BE4 Increase renewable energy
share of electric grid by 15%:
151,429 Metric Tons Annually
11,190 Metric Tons Annually
65,932 Metric Tons Annually
43,417 Metric Tons Annually
30,890 Metric Tons Annually 45.1%Transportation and Land Use
Total Emission Reduction:
TL1 Decrease Vehicle Miles
Traveled by 10%:
TL2 Support and encourage
alternative fuel vehicles, Achieve
15% of VMT:
37,478 Metric Tons Annually
13,546 Metric Tons Annually
23,932 Metric Tons Annually 60.4%Solid Waste
Total Emission Reduction:
SW1 50% Diversion by 2030
measure on a per capita basis:
32,544 Metric Tons Annually
32,544 Metric Tons Annually
Breakdown of Sector Emission Reductions
Below is a breakdown of estimated sector emission reductions by sector strategy.
13%
28%
59%
Reduction
Share By Sector
Share of Total 2030
Reductions of
Climate Action Plan
by Sector:
Estimated GHG Reductions Included in This Plan
Compared to the 2018 citywide GHG inventory, the total estimated emissions reductions included in the initial
implementation actions of this plan are projected to total 221,451 metric tons annually. These estimated reductions are
projected to result in total citywide GHG emissions of 563,605 metric tons. The potential cumulative GHG emissions
reductions over the 10 year implementation period are estimated at over 1,160,000 metric tons - an elimination of over
cubic feet of man made greenhouse gas atmosphere annually.
The total projected GHG emissions reductions estimated for the initial implementation actions of this plan are projected
to be sufficient to achieve a total reduction in annual emissions of 50.0% below 2003 baseline emissions by 2030. As
outlined on the previous page, the implementation phase of the plan should be characterized by intermittent
measurement of progress and plan adjustments based on results in order to achieve the ultimate 2030 reduction goals.
GHG Emission Reductions Wedge Diagram
The diagram below shows the estimated emission reductions from the Business-as-Usual projections, by emission sector,
of the initial implementation actions and targets.
22.7 billion
Dubuque’s GHG Emissions
5-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Buildings and
Energy
4-1
Section
Click to
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
4-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
BE1: Increase distributed renewable energy by 21 MW of installed capacity by 2030.
BE2: Reduce citywide energy consumption by 10% by 2030.
BE3: Promote "fuel switching" to reduce on-site fossil fuel use 10% by 2030.
BE4: Increase renewable energy share of electric grid to 15% by 2030
(beyond current Alliant Energy commitments).
4-3
Building construction and their operations can have extensive direct and indirect impacts on the environment, society,
and economy. Buildings use significant resources (energy, water, raw materials, etc.), generate waste (occupant,
construction, and demolition), emit potentially harmful atmospheric emissions, and fundamentally change the function
of land, and the ability of that land to absorb and manage water.
Building energy use is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Building Energy sector includes all
residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Greenhouse gas emissions from this sector come from direct emissions
– from fossil fuels burned on-site for heating or cooking needs – as well as indirect emissions – from fossil fuels burned
off-site in order to supply that building with electricity. Building design plays a large role in determining the future
efficiency and comfort of facilities. Increasing energy efficiency can help reduce GHG emissions and result in significant
cost savings for both homes and businesses. The Dubuque community can also achieve environmental, social, and
economic benefits through enhancements to the built environment.
Buildings and Energy
Buildings and Energy Goals
Equity Considerations:
Often, families that live in properties that are not energy
efficient are also those that can least afford high-cost
utility bills. These households may lack the ability to pay
for energy efficiency improvements or access renewable
energy options.
Renters of both single family homes as well as multi-
family housing usually do not have the ability to
implement energy efficiency measures to the buildings
they live in to gain the benefits of energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency retrofits are typically in the hands of
the landlord while the costs associated with the
resulting energy use are usually paid by the occupant.
Families with fewer resources must dedicate a
disproportionately larger share of their income
towards energy costs. This energy access inequity
exacerbates other vulnerabilities including exposure
to heatwaves and other climate vulnerabilities.
Families sometimes are forced to forego basic access
to service altogether - an estimated 123 households in
Dubuque go without heating fuel of any type.
Air pollution, mainly from fossil energy use,
disproportionately impacts low income and
communities of color due to community locations and
physical characteristics.
Did You Know?
Electric grid transitions towards renewable energy
sources, improvements in energy efficiency, and
installations of solar power in Dubuque have
already reduced the building sector greenhouse
gas emissions by since 2003!32.6%
of greenhouse gasses
have been saved by building energy
city-wide since 2010.
36,631,642,162
Cubic Feet
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Accomplishing The Goals
This Climate Action Plan is organized around a unifying framework organized by sector. Each sector has over-arching
strategies established to meet 2030 goals and detailed actions for implementation.
Strategies are specific statements of direction that expand on the climate action vision GHG reduction goals and guide
decisions about future public policy, community investment, and actions. On the following page are the strategies
guiding the Buildings and Energy section.
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy BE1-A: Increase solar on City facilities City facility annual on-site solar PV electricity generation
reported
Strategy BE1-B: Support and accelerate installation of on-site solar
PV and solar thermal.City-wide annual on-site solar PV installations and electricity
generation reported
Strategy BE1-C: Encourage equity for renewable energy On-site solar pv installations within low-to-moderate
income communities reported
Strategy BE1-D: Increase solar on residential buildings City-wide Residential on-site solar PV installations and
electricity generation reported
Strategy BE1-E: Increase solar on commercial/industrial facilities City-wide Commercial/Industrial on-site solar PV
installations and electricity generation reported
Strategy BE1-F: Advocate for stronger state policy Status of establishing community solar, virtual net metering,
and aggregated net metering policies and laws
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy BE2-A: Increase energy efficiency in City facilities
City facility annual energy consumption reported
Strategy BE2-B: Improve energy efficiency in all sectors City-wide annual energy consumption reported; City-wide
annual total residential consumption and residential
consumption per household reported; City-wide annual
commercial and industrial energy consumption reported
Strategy BE2-C: Promote audits, energy efficiency rebates and
financial incentives City-wide utilization of available rebate and incentive
programs reported
Strategy BE2-D: Improve energy efficiency and equity in residential
buildings City-wide Commercial/Industrial sector annual energy
consumption reported per job or per building area
Strategy BE2-E: Increase net zero energy residential building stock City-Wide Net Zero Energy certified residential buildings as
reported by New Buildings Institute, Living Building Institute
and/or HERs Rating Index
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy BE3-A: Promote "fuel switching" to low/no carbon
alternatives Reported city-wide natural gas use; reported city-wide
Renewable Natural Gas use
BE1 Increase distributed renewable energy by 21 MW of installed capacity by 2030
BE2 Reduce citywide energy consumption by 10% by 2030
BE3 Promote "fuel switching" to reduce on-site fossil fuel use 10% by 2030
4-4
Buildings and Energy
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy BE4-A: Community solar for residential and commercial City-wide community solar subscriptions reported (with REC
retained by residents/businesses within community or by
utility serving community without resale)
Strategy BE4-B: Increase utility scale renewable energy installations
Alliant Energy GHG annual emissions factor reported
Strategy BE3-A: Promote "fuel switching" -43,417 MT
Strategy BE2-C: Promote audit EE rebates -3,539 MT
Strategy BE2-B: Improve energy efficiency in all sectors
55,369 MT
Strategy BE1-E: Increase solar on comm/in -6,207 MT
Strategy BE1-D: Increase solar on residential -3,811 MT
Strategy BE1-A:Increase solar on City facilities -1,172 MT
Strategy BE2-D:Improve EE , equity in res -5,103 MT
Strategy BE2-E: Increase NZE res building -1,104 MT
Strategy BE4-A: Community solar for res and comm -
27,914 MT
2030
Emissions
2003
Emissions
50.0%ReductionStrategy BE2-A:Increase EE in City facilities -817 MT
Strategy BE4-B:Increase utility scale re -2,976 MT
Individual Strategy Annual
Emission Reductions by 2030
4-5
Buildings and Energy
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Planned Sector Emission
Reductions Through 2030
The strategies and actions
included in this section of the
Climate Action Plan are
projected to reduce the city’s
annual GHG emissions by
151,429 metric tons (MT) by
2030 - a 50% reduction over
2003 levels.
This is equivalent to
eliminating 2.9 billion
cubic feet of man-made
greenhouse gas atmosphere
annually by 2030.
Estimated Cumulative Economic Savings
Implementing many of the measures in this plan, such as increased energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy, can
save money for the community. The estimated community savings of the goals for this section include:
$134,356,000
$2,275
per-capita
Estimated Cumulative
Savings Potential:+$33,677,000
Residential Energy
Cost Savings:
(Based on current average
energy rates applied to energy
reductions and an estimated
average 12 year ROI on solar)
=$81,492,000
Commercial Energy
Cost Savings:
(Based on current average
energy rates applied to energy
reductions and an estimated
average 12 year ROI on solar)
+$19,187,000
Industrial Energy
Cost Savings:
(Based on current average
energy rates applied to energy
reductions and an estimated
average 12 year ROI on solar)
Planned Buildings and Energy GHG Emission Reductions
4-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Buildings and Energy
Taking Action
How can you help Dubuque reach our emissions reductions goals?
Implementation actions are detailed items that should be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies
identified in the plan. Some actions will need to be led by City Council, city departments, and/or the business
community; and there are some things that households and individuals can do to make an impact. All of the actions in
the plan are divided by who has the ability, access and decision-making power to get them accomplished. While many
actions will require City Council to amend a policy there will be opportunities for businesses, organizations, households,
and individuals to support the City Council policy changes and provide input on ad feedback on those policies. It is
important to remain engaged and active, advancing and advocating for actions you feel are important.
The following kick-start actions are foundational, high impact, and will help provide momentum for launching the City’s
Climate Action Plan (See Section 13 Implementation Action Plan for the complete list of detailed actions):
City Council
1) Create a policy that all City buildings shall reduce energy usage by 20% over the next 10 years, and require all
municipal buildings to be benchmarked using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
(Strategy BE2-A-1, Strategy BE2-A-2)
2) Implement energy benchmarking (performance tracking and annual reporting) program for commercial
buildings, required for all buildings equal to or greater than 50,000 square feet. (Strategy BE2-C-4)
3) Develop and adopt a rental housing energy efficiency policy requiring single family and multi-family rental
housing properties to meet minimum energy efficiency level to qualify for rental licensing. (Strategy BE2-D-2)
4) Adopt a voluntary green building stretch code (IgCC) including stretch energy efficiency requirements in-line
with Architecture 2030 goals. Make (IgCC) code required for all City facility projects and all projects receiving
$50,000 or more in City tax abatement, financing or funding. (Strategy BE2-B-4)
City Staff
1) Establish a centralized facility management / construction project management structure or department for all
City owned facilities. Structure to focus on increased capacity for execution of high performance city
construction projects capable of achieving energy efficiency and renewable energy goals consistent with the
City's CAP plan. (Strategy BE-2-A-4)
2) Explore the development of a Revolving Loan program for City facilities to fund capital costs for high
performance energy efficiency and renewable energy options with appropriate return on investment. (Strategy
BE-2-A-5)
3) Conduct a detailed solar assessment and "Renewable Energy Master Plan" for all primary city facilities. City's
largest energy consuming properties should be prioritized for assessment. Goal: 50% of city facility electric
demand supplied through solar. (Strategy BE-1-A-1)
4) Deploy an incentive program for electrification. Work with Alliant Energy or other regional partnerships to create
financial incentives to electrify new and existing buildings. (Strategy BE-3-A-1)
5) Develop and issue an RFI / RFP for community solar developers to advance community solar options and
subscriptions within City. (Strategy BE-4-A-1)
Business Community
1) Use ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manger to benchmark your energy consumption and identify energy savings
potential - then make an energy savings plan targeting a 10% reduction.
2) Contact a solar pv installer and ask for a no-risk, free solar site assessment for your business. Ask the installer to
educate you on all applicable rebates and tax incentives.
3) Explore replacing your roof with a greenroof system or a “cool roof”: https://palebluedot.llc/dubuque-net-zero-
energy-guide
Households/Individuals
1) Switch your lightbulbs to more energy efficient LED lights.
2) Set a goal to save 10% in annual energy use and costs this year and schedule a Home Energy Assessment from
the Dubuque Green Iowa AmeriCorps team.
3) Contact a solar pv installer and ask for a no-risk, free solar site assessment for your home/apt. Ask the installer to
educate you on all applicable rebates and tax incentives. Alternatively, you can take advantage of Alliant
Energy’s Second Nature™ option to switch to renewable energy through your utility.
Transportation
and Land Use
5-1
Section
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
5-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
42,720
cubic feet of greenhouse
gas atmosphere
$9,797
annually
On average, switching your daily commute
to public transit will save:
Did You Know?
For the City of Dubuque, if just one commuter from
each household walked, biked, or took public transit
to work just once a week, city-wide emissions would
be reduced by:27,204,594
pounds of GHG annually
Transportation and Land Use Goals
TL1: Decrease vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 10% by 2030.
TL2: Support and encourage alternative fuel vehicles; achieve 20% of vehicles sold and 15% of VMT
by 2030.
Transportation and Land Use
5-3Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
The design of a city can limit or expand the choices and opportunities available to its residents in where they live, how
they travel and the impact of those decisions on the global environment. Transport systems have significant impacts on
the environment, accounting globally for 20% to 25% of world energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions - in
Dubuque transportation accounts for 20.4% of citywide GHG emissions.
Improving the equity and sustainability of our land use and transportation systems requires a focus on developing
systems and networks that allow for greater choice in where residents live and work as well as how they commute.
Implementation of Complete Streets and a connected system of transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure along with
consolidation of residential zoning categories and emphasis on neighborhood design that supports density and
walkability will help Dubuque reach its goal of a 34% reduction by 2030.
Equity Considerations:
Increased opportunities for public transit and active transportation can help address health disparities for many at-
risk populations.
Affordable and reliable options for mobility for people with special transportation needs can significantly improve
transportation equity. Populations with special transportation needs include older adults, youth, persons with
disabilities, and persons with reduced incomes.
Some neighborhoods in Dubuque have fewer housing and transportation options than others. This can limit
people’s choices in where they live and how they get to work or other activities. If you don’t drive or you want to
rent, some neighborhoods aren’t available to you. Households that rely on public transit service or who rent their
home will be limited in where they can find housing that meets both needs. See Appendix A1 for more information.
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy TL1-A: Build Complete Streets; target: 25% Complete Street
community coverage by 2030 Street miles meeting Complete Streets policy
Strategy TL1-B: Promote reduced vehicle travel citywide Annual Dubuque VMT reported; Percentage of
telecommuters; Percentage of workforce receiving mode-
neutral incentives; ACS reported telecommuting levels;
Bike and commuter friendly designations
Strategy TL1-C: Encourage density and increase housing options and
affordability; target: increase gross density by 3.75% by 2030 Calculated residential and commercial density (Households
per residential zoned acre; Commercial building area/jobs
per commercial zoned acre)
Strategy TL1-D: Increase public transit ridership to 3% by 2030
US Census ACS Commute by mode; Fixed route ridership
statistics
Strategy TL1-E: Increase shared mobility utilization; target: increase
shared mobility (carpooling) from 8.55% to 11% of commuters by
2030
City-wide commuter transportation mode data from US
Census ACS 5 year estimates
Strategy TL1-F: Increase pedestrian access and safety Percentage of schools with implemented Safe Routes To
School plans; Average auto speed limit on bike and
pedestrian corridors
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy TL2-A: Transition City fleet to alternative fuels Percentage of alternative fuel vehicles to gas/diesel
internal combustion (ICE) within City of Dubuque vehicle
fleet
Strategy TL2-B: Support and encourage alternative fuel vehicles
citywide Percentage of registered alternative fuel vehicles to
registered gas/diesel internal combustion (ICE) within city
of Dubuque
TL2 Support and encourage alternative fuel vehicles, achieve 20% of vehicles sold and
15% of VMT by 2030
Goal TL1 Decrease vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 10% by 2030
5-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Transportation and Land Use
Accomplishing The Goals
This Climate Action Plan is organized around a unifying framework organized by sector. Each sector has over-arching
Strategies established to meet 2030 goals and detailed Actions for implementation.
Strategies are specific statements of direction that expand on the climate action vision GHG reduction goals and guide
decisions about future public policy, community investment, and actions. Below are the Strategies guiding the
Transportation and Land Use section:
Goal TL2 Increase alternative fuel
vehicles:$185,418,000
$7,719
per household
Estimated Cumulative Savings
Potential:+$139,458,000
Goal TL1 Decrease VMT by 10%:
(Based on AAA calculated auto use cost
per mile and 2020 Jule pass costs)
$45,960,000
(Based on US Energy Department
estimated fuel and vehicle savings)
=45.1%Reduction2030
Emissions
2003
Emissions
Strategy TL2-B: Support alternative fuel vehicles
citywide -20,317
Strategy TL2-A:Transition City fleet -3,616 MT
Strategy TL1-E:Increase shared mobility utilization -
4,064 MT
Strategy TL1-D:Increase public transit ridership -
2,709 MT
Strategy TL1-C: Encourage density housing -
2,032 MT
Strategy TL1-B:Promote reduced VMT -1,355 MT
Strategy TL1-A: Build Complete Streets -3,386 MT
Individual Strategy Annual
Emission Reductions by 2030
5-5Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Transportation and Land Use
Planned Sector Emission
Reductions Through 2030
The strategies and actions
included in this section of the
Climate Action Plan are projected
to reduce the city’s annual GHG
emissions by 37,478 metric tons
(MT) by 2030 - a 45.1% reduction
over 2003 levels.
This is equivalent to eliminating
735 million cubic feet of man-
made greenhouse gas
atmosphere annually by 2030.
Planned Transportation and Land Use GHG Emission Reductions
Estimated Cumulative Economic Savings
Implementing many of the measures in this plan, such as reduction of single-occupancy auto use, can save money for the
community. The estimated community savings of the goals for this section include:
5-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Transportation and Land Use
Taking Action
How can you help Dubuque reach our emissions reductions goals?
Implementation actions are detailed items that should be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies
identified in the plan. Some actions will need to be led by City Council, city departments, and/or the business
community; and there are some things that households and individuals can do to make an impact. All of the actions in
the plan are divided by who has the ability, access and decision-making power to get them accomplished. While many
actions will require City Council to amend a policy there will be opportunities for businesses, organizations, households,
and individuals to support the City Council policy changes and provide input on ad feedback on those policies. It is
important to remain engaged and active, advancing and advocating for actions you feel are important.
The following kick-start actions are foundational, high impact, and will help provide momentum for launching the City’s
Climate Action Plan (See Section 13 Implementation Action Plan for the complete list of detailed actions):
City Council
1) Update, adopt and fund a more comprehensive Complete Streets Policy including a Systems Approach,
increased Transparency/Accountability, and an Inclusive Public Process. A recommended policy is included here:
https://palebluedot.llc/dubuque-cap-policies . (Strategy TL1-A-1)
2) Implement mode-neutral commuter incentives for City employees. Establish an incentive or subsidy and
promote mode-neutral incentives with the goal of 25% of private workforce receiving mode-neutral incentives.
(Strategy TL1-B-5)
3) Fund neighborhood-based plans for all neighborhoods to encourage neighborhood identity, engagement and
development. Plan goals should be to increase housing density, options, affordability, and equity while
furthering the goals of the Climate Action Plan. (Strategy TL1-C-2)
4) Update City vehicle (including The Jule transit) purchasing policy/budget process to default to alternative fuel
with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) as optional requiring proof of need. (Strategy TL2-A-1)
5) Establish an incentive or subsidy and promote commuter mode-neutral incentives with the goal of 25% of
private workforce receiving mode-neutral incentives or telecommute benefits. (Strategy TL1-B-2)
City Staff
1) Implement feedback from existing Bike Friendly Community applications and re-apply to achieve a minimum of
Silver Bicycle Friendly Community certification by 2025. (Strategy TL1-A-2)
2) Engage employers to secure a minimum of 10 Top Work places for commuters designations. (Strategy TL1-B-4)
3) Redesign parking fees to capture the full cost of parking in downtown and other commercial districts with equity
and carbon reduction in mind. Explore using increased revenue to provide funding for alternative modes, for
example, bike and pedestrian paths, public transit investments. (Strategy TL1-B-3)
4) Issue competitive redevelopment Request for Proposals encouraging high quality mixed use redevelopment on
infill properties and existing surface parking lots within downtown district. (Strategy TL1-C-1)
5) Collaborate with Alliant Energy to develop and implement outreach and education campaigns designed to help
residents understand the benefits of transitioning to an EV and to learn how to leverage applicable Alliant
Energy programs or other incentives to facilitate EV charger installation or EV purchase. (Strategy TL2-B-1)
Business Community
1) Work to be designated as a Bike Friendly Business and encourage your peers to participate. Dubuque has a goal
of 10 businesses meeting the designation. (https://bikeleague.org/business)
2) Explore how you can offer your employees mode-neutral commute incentives
(https://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm8.htm).
3) Make - and implement - a Fleet Transition Plan to convert your vehicle fleet to electric vehicles
(https://cutt.ly/DuI3ZSK)
Households/Individuals
1) Participate in Bike to Work Week Work and commit to changing your regular commute to walking, biking or
carpooling at least one day/week.
2) Make your next personal vehicle a hybrid or EV. Explore incentives: https://cutt.ly/NuI4VGO
3) Consider becoming a one-car household - and save thousands of dollars annually. Explore options:
https://cutt.ly/auI5IUS .
Solid Waste and
Recycling
6-1
Section
Click to
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
6-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
75%
of food waste that
could be composted
ends up in landfills
Nationally
Solid Waste and Recycling
6-3
Solid Waste Goals
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
In Dubuque, solid waste contribute about 7.8% of citywide greenhouse gas emissions. However, studies indicate that
municipal solid waste sector has great potential paths towards zero waste to avoid emissions throughout the economy
thanks to prevention and waste recovery. Landfills are the third largest anthropogenic (man-made) source of methane,
accounting for approximately 11% of the estimated total global methane emissions.
Habitat destruction, global warming, and resource depletion are some of the effects of our materials consumption.
Recycling - converting discarded materials into new materials or putting them to beneficial use - is an important
approach in mitigating these impacts and reducing the pollution caused by wasting. Recycling reduces the need for raw
materials so that natural resources, and the environments in which they exist, can be preserved. Recycling creates
manufacturing jobs, extends the value of materials, and conserves natural resources while reducing the need for landfill
space.
Food discards and residuals that decompose in landfills release methane, a greenhouse gas that is at least 28 times more
potent than carbon dioxide. This fact makes food wasting a significant contributor to solid waste greenhouse gas
emissions. On the other end of the food supply chain, food production accounts for 26% of global emissions. In the
United States, approximately 30% of the food produced is wasted - meaning nearly 8% of US emissions come from the
production and distribution of wasted food.
Equity Considerations:
Accessibility to recycling and composting programs
may not be equally and readily available to all
community residents and may also be impacted by
other participation-related barriers, including
awareness of programs, user fees, accessibility based
on housing type, and language barriers.
Populations that are situated very close to the landfill
or composting facility may experience nuisance issues
like bad odors and potential health issues unless
mitigation actions are implemented.
SW1: 50% diversion by 2030 measured on a per capita basis.
SW2: Waste education.
SW3: Achieve 100% beneficial use of landfill gas.
Did You Know?
For the average family of four in Dubuque,
eliminating food waste could save:
5,978
cubic feet of greenhouse
gas atmosphere
$1,500
annually*
* According to the National Resources Defense Council.
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy SW1-A: Divert construction and demolition (C&D) waste
Annual reported C&D waste handled and landfilled
Strategy SW1-B: Divert consumer waste
Annual reported total waste handled; Annual reported
consumer waste handled
Strategy SW1-C: 50% Food waste reduction and diversion
Annual reported total waste handled; Annual reported food
waste and organics handled
Strategy SW1-D: Expanded recycling options for multi-family – equity
Multi-family facilities participating in recycling collection;
Annual reported recycling handled
Goal SW2 Waste education
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
SW2 Waste education Annual educational events and communications
completed, Annual reported total waste handled; Annual
reported recycling participation; Annual reported organics
and food waste handled
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy SW3-A: Divert captured landfill gas
Reported annual landfill gas diverted to beneficial energy
use; Reported annual landfill gas “flared” on site
Goal SW3 Achieve 100% beneficial use of landfill gas
Goal SW1 50% Diversion by 2030 measured on a per capita basis
6-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Solid Waste and Recycling
Accomplishing The Goals
This Climate Action Plan is organized around a unifying framework organized by sector. Each sector has over-arching
Strategies established to meet 2030 goals and detailed Actions for implementation.
Strategies are specific statements of direction that expand on the climate action vision GHG reduction goals and guide
decisions about future public policy, community investment, and actions. Below are the Strategies guiding the Solid
Waste section:
SW1-B: Divert Consumer Waste:
$72,996,000
Estimated Cumulative Savings
Potential:+$72,290,000
SW1-C: 50% Food Waste Diversion:
(Based on NRDC per-person calculations)
$706,000
(Business waste savings based on MN
WasteWise reported average business savings)
=
Strategy SW3-A: Divert captured landfill gas - Note,
this strategy supports the supply of Renewable
Natural Gas and overall emission reductions.
Emission reductions for RNG, however, are not being
accounted for in the Solid Waste sector as the
“supply side” of RNG utilization. Systemic GHG
savings are instead realized in the Building and
Energy sector as RNG use supplants utilization of
fossil fuels.
Strategy SW1-C: 50%Food waste diversion -
32,544 MT
2030
Emissions
2003
Emissions
60.4%ReductionIndividual Strategy Annual
Emission Reductions by 2030
6-5Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Solid Waste and Recycling
Planned Sector Emission
Reductions Through 2030
The strategies and actions
included in this section of the
Climate Action Plan are projected
to reduce the city’s annual GHG
emissions by 32,544 metric tons
(MT) by 2030 - a 60.4% reduction
over 2003 levels.
This is equivalent to eliminating
639 million cubic feet of man-
made greenhouse gas
atmosphere annually by 2030.
Planned Waste GHG Emission Reductions
Estimated Cumulative Economic Savings
Implementing many of the measures in this plan, such as the reduction of food waste and diversion of commercial waste
streams, can save money for the community. The estimated community savings of the goals for this section include:
6-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Solid Waste and Recycling
Taking Action
How can you help Dubuque reach our emissions reductions goals?
Implementation actions are detailed items that should be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies
identified in the plan. Some actions will need to be led by City Council, city departments, and/or the business
community; and there are some things that households and individuals can do to make an impact. All of the actions in
the plan are divided by who has the ability, access and decision-making power to get them accomplished. While many
actions will require City Council to amend a policy there will be opportunities for businesses, organizations, households,
and individuals to support the City Council policy changes and provide input on ad feedback on those policies. It is
important to remain engaged and active, advancing and advocating for actions you feel are important.
The following kick-start actions are foundational, high impact, and will help provide momentum for launching the City’s
Climate Action Plan (See Section 13 Implementation Action Plan for the complete list of detailed actions):
City Council
1) Adopt an ordinance and construction permit changes supporting C&D recycling requirements to be
implemented as sufficient C&D recycling capacity is developed. (Strategy SW1-A-8)
2) Establish a policy requiring compost be used as a soil amendment for public and private construction projects
that disturb the soil cover over a baseline level. (Strategy SW1-C-4)
3) Request DMASWA review food waste handling capacities and permitting limits and expand/update as needed to
support food waste diversion and organics collection increases in line with CAP goals. (Strategy SW1-C-10)
4) Revise Land Use Code to require commercial indoor and outdoor space for recycling and diversion equal to or
greater than the space provided for disposal. (Strategy SW1-D-2)
5) Adopt a deconstruction/diversion ordinance to require the reuse or recycling of salvageable construction and
demolition materials. (Strategy SW1-A-3)
City Staff
1) Seek grant funds to launch a food waste reduction campaign for residents, such as the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency’s Food: Too Good to Waste program. (Strategy SW1-C-7)
2) Examine options for expanding commercial and residential composting, including offering compost/food waste
collection at restaurants; assess the feasibility of establishing a permitted facility to compost or anaerobically
digest organic materials and food waste. (Strategy SW1-C-8)
3) Conduct a phased-in commercial organics waste collection project. Explore possible incentives for food retailers,
restaurants, and institutions to participate in food waste reuse and recycling programs. (Strategy SW1-C-1)
4) Identify jobs benefits and economic potential of implementation of construction and demolition waste diversion
policies, ordinances, and permitting requirements: create cost-benefit analysis. (Strategy SW1-A-1)
5) Require all commercial construction and demolition projects to submit waste management plans illustrating
project's capacity to achieve specific C&D Waste diversion levels in-line with City's CAP goals. (Strategy SW1-A-5)
Business Community
1) Conduct a Waste Assessment and reduction action plan: https://cutt.ly/ruOwZ9S
2) Partner with the Iowa Waste Exchange to divert waste through identification of viable markets for waste
materials or find another facility that can use disposed materials. https://cutt.ly/xuOyKjh
Households/Individuals
1) Minimize your food waste by first eating what you already have in your fridge. Plan meals and make grocery lists
to further reduce your weekly food waste.
2) Start a back-yard compost to collect yard waste and the food waste you cannot avoid. Alternatively, sign up for
the City’s curbside yard waste and food scrap collection service.
3) Bring your own reusable produce and tote bags when grocery shopping to avoid using plastic bags.
Water, Wastewater,
and Flooding
7-1
Section
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
7-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Water, Wastewater, and Flooding
7-3
Water and Wastewater Goals
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Water is at the core of sustainable development. Quality water is vitally important for socio-economic development,
maintaining healthy ecosystems, and for human survival. Water is central to the production and preservation of a wide
range of services benefiting people. Water related energy use totals 13% of US electricity consumption and has a carbon
footprint of at least 290 million metric tons. Meanwhile, wastewater treatment is responsible for 3% of global GHG
emissions.
Water is also at the heart of adaptation to climate change - climate change, particularly in the Midwest will be closely
linked to changes in precipitation including increased likelihood of drought combined with increased instance of heavy
rain events, flooding, and flash flooding. Many impacts of climate change also increase stress on our water systems,
increase water pollution potential, and place more risk on maintaining safe water resources. Water is an irreplaceable,
critically important resource fundamental to the well-being of our communities. Water can only be considered
renewable with high quality best water management practices in place.
Equity Considerations:
Low-income neighborhoods frequently suffer more
damage from flooding, according to studies by the
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and
Medicine. The frequency and magnitude of heavy
rain events is expected to increase as a result of a
changing climate, making the future flooding impacts
for at-risk neighborhoods potentially more accute.
Disadvantaged communities within cities often have
denser populations, more impervious surfaces, and
less open/green spaces. These areas can also be prone
to flooding and sewer overflows. Stormwater
management through the creation of open, green
spaces serve to revitalize and promote health within
these disadvantaged communities
Did You Know?
A 2015 study by Illinois flood authorities
found that between 2007 and 2014,
of the flood damage in urban areas
occurred outside the traditional flood plain.
90%
W1: Increase water conservation citywide.
W2: Reduce wastewater impacts.
W3: Mitigate flood hazards and impacts.
For a city the size of Dubuque, reducing
water leaks by 50% alone could save:
153 Million
gallons of water
annually.
Breakdown of Indoor Residential Water Use
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy W1-A: Promote increased water conservation citywide
Annual reported citywide water use total and per capita
Strategy W1-B: Maintain and update city plans and standards in
support water conservation goals Annual reported citywide water use total and per capita;
Annual reported citywide irrigation/outdoor water use
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy W2-A: Capture and use of wastewater energy potential Identified and studied opportunities for biogas beneficial
use; Reported percentage of wastewater biogas energy
captured for beneficial use
Strategy W2-B: Reduce waste water generation
Reported annual waste water flows per capita
Strategy W2-C: Improve waste water pollution prevention
Reported wastewater pollution contaminants; Wastewater
overflow events
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy W3-A: Educate, engage, and empower the public for flood
mitigation Reported annual educational events and publications;
Audience reached
Strstegy W3-B: Update design standards and plans for flood
mitigation Reported City plans and standards updated
Strategy W3-C: Create a storm water infiltration plan Reported status on Storm Water Infiltration Plan; Reported
status on fee structuring/restructuring; storm water
infiltration performance
Strategy W3-D: Increase flood resilience of infrastructure
Reported status on green infrastructure improvements
Goal W1 Increase water conservation citywide
Goal W2 Reduce wastewater impacts
Goal W3 Mitigate flood hazards and impacts
7-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Water, Wastewater, and Flooding
Accomplishing The Goals
This Climate Action Plan is organized around a unifying framework organized by sector. Each sector has over-arching
Strategies established to meet 2030 goals and detailed Actions for implementation.
Strategies are specific statements of direction that expand on the climate action vision GHG reduction goals and guide
decisions about future public policy, community investment, and actions. Below are the Strategies guiding the Water,
Wastewater, and Flooding section:
7-5Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Water, Wastewater, and Flooding
Taking Action
How can you help Dubuque reach our emissions reductions goals?
Implementation actions are detailed items that should be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies
identified in the plan. Some actions will need to be led by City Council, city departments, and/or the business
community; and there are some things that households and individuals can do to make an impact. All of the actions in
the plan are divided by who has the ability, access and decision-making power to get them accomplished. While many
actions will require City Council to amend a policy there will be opportunities for businesses, organizations, households,
and individuals to support the City Council policy changes and provide input on ad feedback on those policies. It is
important to remain engaged and active, advancing and advocating for actions you feel are important.
The following kick-start actions are foundational, high impact, and will help provide momentum for launching the City’s
Climate Action Plan (See Section 13 Implementation Action Plan for the complete list of detailed actions):
City Council
1) Implement pricing preference for households installing water efficient fixtures (such as WaterSense certified
fixtures) and water/energy efficient water heaters. Establish incentives/cost reduction programs for qualifying
low-income residents to purchase WaterSense certified fixtures. (Strategy W1-A-2)
2) Implement a policy to require installation of rainwater colleciton systems and WaterSense water efficient fixtures
and appliances at all City facility projects and all projects receiving $50,000 or more in City tax abatement,
financing or funding. (Strategy W2-B-3)
3) Establish incentives to prioritize the development of “green infrastructure” such as parks, wetlands, riparian and
wildlife corridors, natural drainage-ways, and low-impact development. (Strategy W3-D-1)
4) Establish and implement a policy requiring a biochar or biosolids soil amendment for all building and earth
working construction sites. (Strategy W3-D-8)
City Staff
1) Explore modifying residential water rates that better incentivize water conservation and dis-incentivize water
use. (Strategy W1-A-3)
2) Prepare a Blue Spot flash flood risk map to identify areas within city that are particularly vulnerable to flash flood
impacts. (Strategy W3-B-2)
3) Prepare a comprehensive plan for stormwater management that goes beyond baseline regulatory requirements
and includes green infrastructure with the goal of eliminating Stormwater Sewer Overflows. (Strategy W3-B-5)
4) Review and update Public Infrastructure Design Standards to meet Climate Change projections for Dubuque.
(Strategy W3-B-1)
5) Continue research into additional biogas opportunities at the City's wastewater treatment plant: Enhance
existing RNG development capacity. (Strategy SW2-A-2)
Business Community
1) Improve your building site’s stormwater capacity by eliminating all unnecessary pavement areas, planting trees,
and installing rain gardens.
2) Convert lawn areas to native, drought resistant landscaping that does not require watering.
3) Replace your water fixtures with WaterSense certified water efficient fixtures. Develop a Water Management
Plan with specific conservation goals: https://www.energy.gov/eere/femp/developing-water-management-plan
Households/Individuals
1) Assess your home’s rain and flood readiness by using the online My Rainready Assessment Tool and
implementing recommended improvements: https://www.cnt.org/tools/my-rainready-home-assessment-tool
2) Collect rainwater in rain barrels to water your lawn and/or plants.
3) Download and use WaterSmart - the City of Dubuque’s app to help you conserve water and save money.
7-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
8-1
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Health
And Safety
Section
8-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Since 1998, extreme weather
has cost Dubuque County:
Did You Know?
$3,230,000 Annually
Climate Health And Safety Goals
8-3
There is a strong relationship between human health and environmental health. From the air we breathe to the water we
drink and use, life here on Earth depends on the natural resources and the environment around us. This link between the
environment and human health is a critical consideration of the impacts of climate change. As outlined in the City’s 2019
Climate Vulnerability Assessment, changes in climate, such as higher average temperatures and increased storm
frequency and intensity, can intensify public health stressors. These climate change impacts endanger public health and
safety by affecting the air we breathe, the weather we experience, our food and water sources, and our interactions with
the built and natural environments. As the climate continues to change, the risks to human health continue to grow.
In the same way local governments and the health care industry promotes healthy behaviors such as eating right and
exercising; agencies should recognize the relationship between climate action, environmental stewardship and
community health since the health of our environment affects public health.
Climate Health and Safety
Equity Considerations:
Some populations, including aging adults, children,
persons with disabilities, economically stressed, non-
English speakers, homeless persons, and workers
employed in climate exposed jobs are particularly
vulnerable to extreme weather, natural disasters, and
the health, supply chain, and economic impacts of
climate change. Many of these individuals also have
limited access to the information, services, and
resources needed to ensure resilience in the face of
these impacts.
Areas within the city with increased flood risk, air
quality impacts, compromised tree canopy coverage,
and older housing stock with insufficient air
conditioning are vulnerable environments within our
cities with heightened exposure to climate change
risks and compromised capacity to adapt.
Vulnerable populations are disproportionately
represented within the vulnerable environments of
our cities and frequently lack resources to improve the
adaptive capacity of their surroundings.
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
HS1: Create a climate adaptive community.
HS2: Educate, engage, and empower the public for climate health and safety.
HS3: Address air quality impacts of climate change.
Accomplishing The Goals
This Climate Action Plan is organized around a unifying framework organized by sector. Each sector has over-arching
Strategies established to meet 2030 goals and detailed Actions for implementation.
Strategies are specific statements of direction that expand on the climate action vision GHG reduction goals and guide
decisions about future public policy, community investment, and actions. On the following page are the Strategies
guiding the Climate Health and Safety section.
Extreme
Heat &
Weather
Air
Quality
Flooding Vector
Borne
Disease
Food
Insecurity
Water
Quality
Water
Borne
Disease
Infrastructure
Failure
Climate Risks to Health and Safety
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy HS1-A: Review facilities and plans
Reported City facilities updated
Strategy HS1-B: Update design standards and plans
Reported City plans and standards updated
Strategy HS1-C: Expand cooling and warming facilities Reported cooling and warming facility quantity,
distribution, and proximity and accessibility to vulnerable
population; Status of process for vulnerable population
check-in
Strategy HS1-D: Enhance resilience of community to extreme weather Status of adoption of policies and incentives for climate
resilient upgrades; Reported building renovation permits
for climate adaptive improvements
Strategy HS1-E: Reduce risks to health and safety created by ongoing
climate impacts
Status of Emergency Management incorporation of
projected climate impacts and risks into Emergency
Management plan and procedures; Status of Vector
Borne Disease Response Plan
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy HS2-A: Expand public education campaign for impacts of
climate change Reported annual educational events and publications;
Audience reached
Strategy HS2-B: Educate and engage the public on extreme heat and
weather risks Reported annual educational events and publications;
Audience reached
Strategy HS2-C: Educate and engage the public on air quality and
linkage with health Reported annual educational events and publications;
Audience reached
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy HS3-A: Promote reduction of particulate matter and air
quality impacts of fossil fuel use
Reported public transit ridership levels; Status of electric
lawn equipment incentive; Status of enhanced City
policies, ordinances, and incentives for “clean diesel” and
diesel to electric fuel switch
Strategy HS3-B: Implement air quality monitoring Status of collaboration with other agencies; Status of
assessment and remediation of environmental justice
concerns in Dubuque
Strategy HS3-C: Explore and address ozone impacts on local
agriculture Measured and reported ozone levels in Dubuque
Goal HS1 Create a climate adaptive community
Goal HS2 Educate, engage, and empower the public for climate health and safety
Goal HS3 Address air quality impacts of climate change
Climate Health and Safety
8-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Health and Safety
8-5Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Taking Action
How can you help Dubuque reach our emissions reductions goals?
Implementation actions are detailed items that should be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies
identified in the plan. Some actions will need to be led by City Council, city departments, and/or the business
community; and there are some things that households and individuals can do to make an impact. All of the actions in
the plan are divided by who has the ability, access and decision-making power to get them accomplished. While many
actions will require City Council to amend a policy there will be opportunities for businesses, organizations, households,
and individuals to support the City Council policy changes and provide input on ad feedback on those policies. It is
important to remain engaged and active, advancing and advocating for actions you feel are important.
The following kick-start actions are foundational, high impact, and will help provide momentum for launching the City’s
Climate Action Plan (See Section 13 Implementation Action Plan for the complete list of detailed actions):
City Council
1) Adopt policies to incentivize residential building owners (particularly rental and multi-family properties), to
increase the resilience of existing and new buildings with resilience strategies. (Strategy HS1-D-1)
City Staff
1) Include a Health and Climate Change Impact Assessment component in all City plans. Develop metrics for
reporting on climate related risks and health events. (Strategy HS1-A-3)
2) Update the City’s emergency response plan and ensure that preparation and updates recognize and address
likely climate change impacts. (Strategy HS1-A-6)
3) Develop/Update a comprehensive heat response plan that incorporates most current climate change impact
projections and combines individual strategies into an integrated approach. (Strategy HS1-B-6)
4) Create and maintain a Response Plan for emerging vector-borne diseases, including increased capacity for
health services that are triggered by certain case thresholds. (Strategy HS1-E-2)
5) Explore use of the EPA Midwest Clean Diesel Program resources to create enhanced City policies and ordinances
and incentives for businesses. (Strategy HS3-A-2)
Business Community
1) Prepare your business for the extremes. Understand the risk of extreme weather, temperatures, flooding or
wildfire to your facilities and employees, and take action to safeguard your business.
2) Collaborate with other businesses and create information, positions, and voluntary standards to define what
climate and health mean within your sector.
Households/Individuals
1) Prepare your home for the extremes. Understand the risk of extreme weather, extreme temperatures, flooding or
wildfire to your home, and take action to safeguard your home.
2) Put together an emergency preparedness kit for your household by visiting Ready.Gov
3) Check in on the people in your life, especially the elderly and those experiencing mental health problems -
particularly when extreme weather temperatures strike.
8-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
9-1
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Food
Section
9-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
9-3
Food
Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Food and climate change are directly linked. For food or nutritionally insecure people, climate change is a threat
multiplier. The extreme weather events, extreme temperature variations, changes in precipitation, changing soil
temperatures and other climate impacts can impact crop yields as well as introduce interruptions in the current food
processing and distribution system - disruptions that are likely to cause food availability or pricing fluctuations.
Our choices about what we eat and where our food comes from also directly impact our personal and community
greenhouse gas emissions. Transporting food across long distances burns fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases. In
addition, the extended period of time of long-distance transport increases the need for refrigeration. The less
transportation and refrigeration needed to supply us our food, the more sustainable it becomes.
Strengthening local food sources can address both climate change relationships with food and also supports your small
business local economy. Studies have indicated that nearly 32 jobs are created for every $1 million in revenue generated
by produce farms involved in a local food market, compared to only 10.5 jobs for those involved in wholesale channels
exclusively. Increased local food systems also increase community resilience. A robust local food system establishes
additional supply chains and resilience to distribution disruptions. Healthy local food systems can also play a critical role
in addressing food access vulnerability and food insecurity within neighborhoods of higher vulnerability. Increased local
food systems also tend to increase diversity and long-term food system resilience in food crops cultivated.
Equity Considerations:
People in low-income neighborhoods may have
limited access to full-service supermarkets or grocery
stores - an area known as a “food desert”. Over 8.8%
of Dubuque County households are food insecure –
over 40% of those with incomes above assistance
program thresholds.
Studies have also shown that communities with fewer
resources often have more outlets that promote
unhealthy dietary behaviors such as fast food
restaurants, and little access to affordable nutritious
food. This condition is known as a “nutrition desert”.
Food Goals
Could be added to the local economy
by shifting just 20% of food purchases
to local sources.
$15,900,000
Did You Know?
Shifting just of food purchases
in the City of Dubuque to local food
sources would add local jobs.
20%
F1: Reduce food's contribution to climate change.
F2: Improve local food resilience and availability.
260
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy F1-A: Reduce perishable food wasting
Reported food waste volumes at DMASWA
Strategy F1-B: Increase food residuals recovery to beneficial use
Reported City organics and food scrap collection volumes;
reported DMASWA compost sales/utilization volumes
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy F2-A: Improve healthy food system resilience and supply
safety net
Number of reported grower locations, vendor participants,
and sales volumes; Number of reported community garden
locations and plots; Community garden participation by
vulnerable populations; Oobserved number of residential
and commercial urban agriculture plots
Strategy F2-B: Strengthen farm to institution procurement
Reported government and community institutions with
implemented Farm-To-Institution programs
Goal F1 Reduce food's contribution to climate change
F2 Improve local food resilience and availability
9-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Food
Accomplishing The Goals
This Climate Action Plan is organized around a unifying framework organized by sector. Each sector has over-arching
Strategies established to meet 2030 goals and detailed Actions for implementation.
Strategies are specific statements of direction that expand on the climate action vision GHG reduction goals and guide
decisions about future public policy, community investment, and actions. Below are the Strategies guiding the Food
section:
9-5Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Food
Taking Action
How can you help Dubuque reach our emissions reductions goals?
Implementation actions are detailed items that should be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies
identified in the plan. Some actions will need to be led by City Council, city departments, and/or the business
community; and there are some things that households and individuals can do to make an impact. All of the actions in
the plan are divided by who has the ability, access and decision-making power to get them accomplished. While many
actions will require City Council to amend a policy there will be opportunities for businesses, organizations, households,
and individuals to support the City Council policy changes and provide input on ad feedback on those policies. It is
important to remain engaged and active, advancing and advocating for actions you feel are important.
The following kick-start actions are foundational, high impact, and will help provide momentum for launching the City’s
Climate Action Plan (See Section 13 Implementation Action Plan for the complete list of detailed actions):
City Council
1) Pass city policy to procure climate-friendly foods for events and other city-managed facilities. Foods should be
locally sourced to the highest extent feasible. (Strategy F2-B-3)
2) Revise zoning ordinances to allow urban agriculture and clarify acceptability to remove barriers to front yard and
rooftop vegetable gardens, edible landscaping and foraging. (Strategy F2-A-4)
3) Identify funding for, develop and promote a Shared Food Processing facility with commercial grade, code
compliant equipment and space. (Strategy F2-A-3)
City Staff
1) Identify opportunities to build upon the City’s public health procedures, information and messaging to
encourage local gardening, composting, leaving leaves, and reducing chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
(Strategy F2-A-1)
2) Develop a comprehensive farmland conservation plan that prioritizes food production while taking into
consideration other Imagine Dubuque priorities. (Strategy F2-A-7)
3) Coordinate with City GIS Mapping servcies to identify potential sites for community garden sites or community
farm sites with a focus on expanding community equity. Develop master plan and schedule for development of
best sites. (Strategy F2-A-8)
4) Coordinate with School District, local universities, and local hospitals to establish a climate-friendly, locally
sourced foods procurement policies. (Strategy F2-B-1)
Business Community
1) For catering needs, use local restaurants and suppliers selling organic and locally-grown food.
2) Convert lawn areas to Edible Landscape where food-producing trees, shrubs, and plants grow within the
landscape. Collaborate with local community kitchens and food shelves enabling them to harvest food
produced.
Households/Individuals
1) Plant fruit or nut bearing trees or shrubs that are well suited for our hardiness zone on your property.
2) Support restaurants, grocery stores, and farmer’s markets that use and sell locally-grown food.
3) Grow your own food through front or back yard gardens or join a community garden.
10-1
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Greenspace and
Tree Canopy
Section
10-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Trees and natural ground covering play a central role in supporting community health, improving air and water quality,
helping to reduce building energy use, and supporting climate mitigation. Recent studies have shown that sometimes,
going to a park, or even looking a single tree can significantly improve a person’s health and stress levels. Some doctors
have started prescribing parks as a remedy to patients’ health issues. Our understanding of the value of trees has been
expanded to include mental and physical health benefits. Trees are critical in filtering air, removing harmful pollutants,
such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and ground-level ozone - pollutants that can be toxic at high levels and
which can cause asthma and other respiratory impacts.
Conversely, higher levels of impervious surfaces (pavement and buildings) within a community will increase the heat
island of the community. Heat island refers to the phenomenon of higher atmospheric and surface temperatures
occurring in developed areas than those experienced in the surrounding rural areas due to human activities and
infrastructure. Increased heat indicies during summer months due to heat island effects effectively raise human
discomfort and health risk levels in developed areas, especially during heat waves. Based on a 2006 study done by
Minnesota State University and the University of Minnesota, the relationship between impervious surface percentage of a
City and the corresponding degree of heat island temperature increase can be understood as a ratio - meaning there is a
measurable reduction in future heat island impacts for every healthy tree in the city’s tree canopy.
Greenspace and Tree Canopy
Greenspace and Tree Canopy Goals
10-3Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Equity Considerations:
Lower income neighborhoods and neighborhoods
with higher proportions of people of color regularly
have lower tree canopy coverage; and the
environmental, economic, and quality of life benefits
trees support; than more affluent neighborhoods.
“Heat islands” are built up areas that are hotter than
other nearby areas. This is caused by lack of adequate
greenspace and healthy tree canopy coverage
combined with too many hard surfaces like roads,
parking lots, and hard building surfaces. Frequently
neighborhoods with higher vulnerable populations
have the highest heat island impacts.
in environmental and
energy savings are
provided by the trees
within the city annually.
$8,786,896
Did You Know?
Dubuque’s tree canopy covers an estimated
of the city’s total land area. The
city’s trees and grasslands sequester a over
pounds of CO2
annually.47,000,000
26.2%
GS1: Strengthen Dubuque's tree canopy.
GS2: Strengthen Dubuque's green space.
GS3: Mitigate current and future urban heat island impacts.
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy GS1-A: Educate, engage, and empower the public
Reported annual educational events and publications;
Audience reached
Strategy GS1-B: Update and implement recommendations in 2011
Dubuque urban forest evaluation
Completion of Updated Urban Forest Evaluation;
Completion of implementation Master Plan; Reported city-
wide greenspace, ground cover, and tree canopy
percentages (5 year interval)
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy GS2-A: Reduce, repurpose, and reimagine lawn space
Reported city-wide grass coverage and lawn coverage
percentages (5 year interval)
Strategy GS2-B: Utilize parks and marginal city property for greater
community use Acres of equitably distributed publicly accessed greenspace:
Percentage of residents within 10 minute walk of park
space: Reported park space utilization
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strstegy GS3-A: Update design standards, plans, and policies for heat
island mitigation Reported City plans and standards updated
Strstegy GS3-B: Promote and implement heat island mitigation
improvements Percentage of tree canopy coverage by census tract; Heat
Island Coefficient by census tract
Goal GS1 Strengthen Dubuque's tree canopy
GS2 Strengthen Dubuque's green space
Goal GS3 Mitigate current and future urban heat island impacts
10-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Greenspace and Tree Canopy
Accomplishing The Goals
This Climate Action Plan is organized around a unifying framework organized by sector. Each sector has over-arching
Strategies established to meet 2030 goals and detailed Actions for implementation.
Strategies are specific statements of direction that expand on the climate action vision GHG reduction goals and guide
decisions about future public policy, community investment, and actions. Below are the Strategies guiding the
Greenspace and Tree Canopy section:
Greenspace and Tree Canopy
10-5Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Taking Action
How can you help Dubuque reach our emissions reductions goals?
Implementation actions are detailed items that should be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies
identified in the plan. Some actions will need to be led by City Council, city departments, and/or the business
community; and there are some things that households and individuals can do to make an impact. All of the actions in
the plan are divided by who has the ability, access and decision-making power to get them accomplished. While many
actions will require City Council to amend a policy there will be opportunities for businesses, organizations, households,
and individuals to support the City Council policy changes and provide input on ad feedback on those policies. It is
important to remain engaged and active, advancing and advocating for actions you feel are important.
The following kick-start actions are foundational, high impact, and will help provide momentum for launching the City’s
Climate Action Plan (See Section 13 Implementation Action Plan for the complete list of detailed actions):
City Council
1) Create a tree preservation ordinance with reasonable exceptions that support the CAP tree canopy coverage and
heat island mitigation goals. Ordinance should reflect projected climate changes and impacts on tree species.
(Strategy GS-1B-6)
2) Develop a performance based ordinance requiring tree planting within parking lots. Ordinance should establish
a specific goal of percentage of pavement to be shaded by trees. (Strategy GS3-A-2)
3) Establish a policy and incentive to assist homeowners by covering some of the cost of converting traditional
lawns by planting pollinator friendly food gardens, permaculture, wildflowers, clover or native grasses. (Strategy
GS2-A-4)
4) Develop a policy that requires all housing and commercial development projects recieving City funding, PUD
approval, and/or Conditional Use Permitting to implement commercial scale heat island mitigation strategies.
(GS3-A-3)
City Staff
1) Establish an implementation master plan with schedule, budget, and prioritized actions following the
completion and recommendations of the City's updated Dubuque Urban Forest Evaluation. (Strategy GS1-B-2)
2) Replanting tree loss, and Ash tree replacement for EAB management, at 110% or more of replacement with
improved diversity. (Strategy GS1-B-5)
3) Based on city's citywide heat island impact study (see Buildings and Energy actions) identify vulnerable urban
tree canopy and street tree sections and develop policies to incentivize, encourage, or require strategic tree
planting for heat island mitigation. (Strategy GS3-A-1)
4) Transition maintenance of all city owned properties to Carbon Gardening practices including elimination of
synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use, high mow deck settings, use of biochar amendments, and polyculture lawn
mixture. (Strategy GS2-A-1)
Business Community
1) Remove pavement and increase permeable surfaces, plant trees in parking lot islands to shade pavement and
reduce heat island effect.
2) Convert traditional lawns by planting pollinator friendly food gardens, permaculture, wildflowers, clover or
native grasses.
3) Use biochar soil amendments on any site construction projects that disturb the soil. Implement soil profile
rebuilding around any new trees planted around buildings, parking lots, or other areas with heavily compacted
soils.
Households/Individuals
1) Make your backyard a Certified Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation.
2) Plant trees in your yard to provide shade and cooling in summer heat. Select climate adapted trees that don’t
interfere with power lines and preserve the trees you already have.
3) Plant a rain garden with native plantings to absorb storm water and replenish our aquifers.
10-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
11-1
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate
Economy
Section
11-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate change and the economy are inexorably linked. Left unabated, the impacts of man-made climate change
through the end of this century will cost the United States billions of dollars. According to a 2019 study by two EPA
scientists, the difference in economic impact between the mid-range climate model and the high range climate model
may account for as much as $224 billion in economic impact annually by 2090. According to a 2019 World Bank report
on trends in carbon pricing, a carbon price range of $40-$80 per ton is necessary by 2020 to reach the goals set by the
2015 Paris Agreement, while other studies have placed the full cost of carbon at $200-$400 per ton. The calculations
outlined in Section 2 of this plan estimate a conservative localized cost for carbon at over $50 per ton.
The economy is also directly linked to climate action as well. One common reason given by those who wish not to see
action taken on climate change is that the economy will be damaged. Setting aside the avoidance of the future costs
should we not act to mitigate climate change, evidence is building a clear case that acting on climate change, and
reducing fossil fuel emissions can be done without weakening the economy. Since 2003, Dubuque has seen city-wide
GHG emissions drop over 27% while during that same period the city’s GDP has increased 78%.
Many of the climate actions included in this plan can reduce Dubuque’s contributions to global greenhouse gas levels,
deal with the risks posed by climate change, and achieve economic growth and opportunity. Transformative change is
needed now in how we build our cities, produce and use energy, transport people and goods, and manage our
landscapes. This change also represents opportunities to improve our quality of life, improve health outcomes, and
provide opportunities for new jobs and economic development.
Climate Economy
Climate Economy Goals
11-3Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Equity Considerations:
Economic impacts of climate change are inequitably
felt. Low income individuals in our communities are
especially prone to the impacts of climate change
and bear a greatly disproportionate share of the
costs.
Income inequality is rising in the US, with September
2019 levels being the highest in 50 years. High
inequality leads to lower life spans, increased
instances of mental health issues, and increased
obesity rates among other social impacts.
CE1: Capture local economic potential of climate action.
CE2: Build marketplace climate resilience.
Change in
Change in
Did You Know?
Between 2003 and 2018 Dubuque was able to
decrease its GHG emissions by 27% while growing its
economy by and employment by78%12%
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy CE1-A: Create a climate action market supporting and
advancing climate action strategies.Status of market establishment; Annual revenue available
for climate action implementation
Strategy CE1-B: Increase workforce development for the climate
economy Reported local workforce and employment in climate/green
economy jobs
Strategy CE1-C: Explore climate action economic development and
financing, particularly within underserved populations Equitable funding sources established and/or utilized by
underserved populations
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy CE2-A: Inform businesses of climate vulnerability and
opportunities for increasing resilience Reported annual educational events and publications;
Audience reached; Utilization of on-line assessment
resource
Strategy CE2-B: Prepare for climate change immigration/migration Status of assessment and plan completion; Status of
strategy identification; Status of collaboration with school
district
Goal CE1 Capture local economic potential of climate action
Goal CE2 Build marketplace climate resilience
11-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Economy
Accomplishing The Goals
This Climate Action Plan is organized around a unifying framework organized by sector. Each sector has over-arching
Strategies established to meet 2030 goals and detailed Actions for implementation.
Strategies are specific statements of direction that expand on the climate action vision GHG reduction goals and guide
decisions about future public policy, community investment, and actions. Below are the Strategies guiding the Climate
Economy section:
11-5Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Economy
Taking Action
How can you help Dubuque reach our emissions reductions goals?
Implementation actions are detailed items that should be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies
identified in the plan. Some actions will need to be led by City Council, city departments, and/or the business
community; and there are some things that households and individuals can do to make an impact. All of the actions in
the plan are divided by who has the ability, access and decision-making power to get them accomplished. While many
actions will require City Council to amend a policy there will be opportunities for businesses, organizations, households,
and individuals to support the City Council policy changes and provide input on ad feedback on those policies. It is
important to remain engaged and active, advancing and advocating for actions you feel are important.
The following kick-start actions are foundational, high impact, and will help provide momentum for launching the City’s
Climate Action Plan (See Section 13 Implementation Action Plan for the complete list of detailed actions):
City Council
1) Establish a policy that designates City Franchise Fee Income as funding source for Climate Initiatives. (Strategy
CE1-A-1)
2) Fund and organize the establishment of a ReStore Facility for reusable furnishings and salvage including
construction/demolition. (Strategy CE1-A-3)
3) Establish a policy to utilize TIF (Tax increment Financing) to incentivize Mitigation and Adaptation actions in line
with the goals of the CAP. (Strategy CE1-A-4)
4) Create an ordinance to expand residual food scrap collection. (Strategy CE1-A-2)
City Staff
1) Explore the creation of Community Development Finance program or institution to provide credit and financial
services to underserved markets and populations, with a particular focus on advancing the goals, strategies, and
acitons of the City's CAP plan. (Strategy CE1-C-1)
2) Create an intern program similar to the IDNR Pollution Prevention (P2) model. Task interns with finding resiliency
solutions and cost savings. Intern development should focus on increasing community equity.
(Strategy CE1-B-3)
3) Explore the development of a job training and entrepreneurial development program similar to Operation Fresh
Start. Program to focus on devvelopping green jobs skills within vulnerable and underserved populations in
local sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency audits and upgrades, renewable energy, and other skills that
support the goals of the CAP. (Strategy CE-1-B-2)
4) Work with local union hall to ensure that apprenticeship program includes solar training. (Strategy CE1-B-1)
Business Community
1) Consider hiring an intern to focus on identifying resiliency solutions, energy efficiency opportunities, waste
reduction potentials, and cost savings.
Households/Individuals
1) Explore opportunities for job training, skills development, and employment in the “green economy” and
industries which advance renewable energy, energy efficiency, and local sustainable food development.
11-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Action
Capacity
Section
12-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Action Capacity
Implementing a Climate Action Plan requires capacity both internal to City government as well as external within the
public. External capacity includes the social and technical skills of individuals, organizations and groups within the
community to respond to and engage the environmental and socioeconomic changes at the core of a Climate Action
Plan. External capacity is often established through education and engagement as well as support in establishing social
networks supporting resilience. Internal capacity includes the staff support necessary for tracking and reporting progress,
creating and executing an annual work plan, and establishing and growing collaborative relationships to support this
important work.
Implementation of a Climate Action Plan should be supported by a variety of funding mechanisms and sources to be
successful. Funds should be directed internally to support the city operations goals as well as toward the community in
the form of communications, educational outreach, partnership development, and incentivization to spur action and
change. Outside funds may also be identified to complement efforts of the city.
Climate Action Capacity Goals
12-3Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Equity Considerations:
Climate action capacity is determined by a number of
determinants including an individual or
organization’s assets, flexibility, and agency – or
ability to impact change. Climate vulnerable
populations are frequently vulnerable specifically due
to one or more of these key determinants being
missing.
Individuals, organizations, and communities with a
higher degree of adaptive capacity will suffer less
harm from exposure to climate impacts and will
recover more quickly than those with a lower degree
of adaptive capacity.
C1: Enhance and expand community capacity for climate action and resilience.
C2: Develop new mechanisms for financing climate action work that account for equity and co-
benefits (building upon existing budget scoring criteria).
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy C1-A: Educate, engage, and empower the public Status of Outreach Plan; Status of CAAP outreach
communication materials; Reported annual educational
events and publications; Audience reached
Strategy C1-B: Support development of social networks to build social
resilience Reported annual social networks engaged; Reported
participation levels within partner organizations and
networks
How we'll accomplish this goal How we'll measure our progress
Strategy C2-A: Leverage existing financing pathways
Status of funding pathways; Status and stability of annual
climate action funding and staff allocation
Strategy C2-B: Develop new financing pathways Mechanisms identified; Status of funding pathways; Status
and stability of annual climate action funding and staff
allocation
Goal C1 Enhance and expand community capacity for climate action and resilience
C2 Develop new mechanisms for financing climate action work that account for equity
and co-benefits (building upon existing budget scoring criteria)
12-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Action Capacity
Accomplishing The Goals
This Climate Action Plan is organized around a unifying framework organized by sector. Each sector has over-arching
Strategies established to meet 2030 goals and detailed Actions for implementation.
Strategies are specific statements of direction that expand on the climate action vision GHG reduction goals and guide
decisions about future public policy, community investment, and actions. Below are the Strategies guiding the Climate
Action Capacity section:
12-5Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Action Capacity
Taking Action
How can you help Dubuque reach our emissions reductions goals?
Implementation actions are detailed items that should be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies
identified in the plan. Some actions will need to be led by City Council, city departments, and/or the business
community; and there are some things that households and individuals can do to make an impact. All of the actions in
the plan are divided by who has the ability, access and decision-making power to get them accomplished. While many
actions will require City Council to amend a policy there will be opportunities for businesses, organizations, households,
and individuals to support the City Council policy changes and provide input on ad feedback on those policies. It is
important to remain engaged and active, advancing and advocating for actions you feel are important.
The following kick-start actions are foundational, high impact, and will help provide momentum for launching the City’s
Climate Action Plan (See Section 13 Implementation Action Plan for the complete list of detailed actions):
City Council
1) Establish a policy that requires city infrastructure projects and capital budgets incorporate climate risk and
vulnerability analysis and adaptation plans to ensure that future spending contributes to resilience and
achieving the City's CAP plan goals. (Strategy C2-A-4)
2) Explore the development of a "Carbon Impact Fee" Additional funds raised to be used for Climate Mitigation and
Adaptation implementation. (Strategy C2-B-2)
3) Establish Rate Payer Advisory Commissions for review of rates, revenue, and uses for Resource Management and
DMASWA. Explore revenue uses for opportunities to support actions in support of the City's Climate Action
goals. (Strategy C2-A-2)
4) Create an ordinance to expand residual food scrap collection. (Strategy CE1-A-2)
City Staff
1) Explore modifications to City's zoning ordinance, such as allowance of accessory dwelling units, to encourage
development of affordable intergenerational single-family homes and multi-family housing with a focus on
improved social connectedness across demographic cohort. (Strategy C1-B-1)
2) Explore the potential of developing a "Carbon Impact Fee" similar to the City of Watsonville CA. Fee could be a
percentage of the building permit fee applied to all construction projects. (Strategy C2-B-2)
3) Explore use of City share of DMASWA landfill methane capture and beneficial reuse as Renewable Natural Gas to
fund Climate Mitigation and Adaptation implementation. (Strategy C2-A-1)
4) Explore the potential of collaborations with donors, philathropists, and non-profit foundations to develop a
Climate Action and Equity Fund for the City of Dubuque. (Strategy C2-B-5)
12-6 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Section
Climate Actions and
Implementation
13-1
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Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
13-2 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Actions and Implementation
The first few years after plan adoption are critical to its success. Establishing roles, both internal and external, and
identifying funding will help establish the implementation phase of the plan and ensure the community is on track to
achieve its goals. This plan includes robust goals for significant GHG emission reductions and addressing climate
resilience. This vision require commitment and integration of the CAP into City operations, functions, and services.
Implementation is For Everyone
As noted throughout this plan, the following Climate Actions include actions that require leadership and engagement
from City Council, City departments and staff, the business community, as well as households and individuals. While
many actions will require City Council to amend a policy there will be opportunities for businesses, organizations,
households, and individuals to support the City Council policy changes and provide input on ad feedback on those
policies. Ultimately, achieving the visionary energy efficiency, renewable energy, alternative transportation, and climate
resilience goals outlined in this plan will require engagement and a sense of responsibility not only by the City of
Dubuque leadership and government, but by the community itself as well. It is critical for all to remain engaged and
active, advancing and advocating for actions you feel are important.
General Implementation Recommendations
The following are foundational recommendations to support the long-range implementation of the CAP:
Building Internal Capacity
Continuing to build internal capacity will be important to help establish the CAP as a priority integral to internal
operations as well as fostering connections to community partners, businesses, and individuals through outreach,
education, special projects, and service delivery.
1. Establish clear guidance and direction for the participation in and support of the CAP implementation actions by all
City of Dubuque departments.
2. Fund and support Sustainability staffing required to:
Facilitate discussion among large users to reduce emissions through business and industrial strategies.
Participate in technical resource programs as they are available through County, State, Federal, and non-profit
provider partners.
Support City of Dubuque department managers and staff as they implement CAP actions within their service
area or area of expertise.
Convene an internal City climate working group that meets regularly and provides updates on progress and
success, identifies additional support or resources needed to advance actions of the CAP, and collaboratively
discusses strategies for more complex challenges.
Ensure the establishment and maintenance of a City of Dubuque Climate Action webpage supporting CAP
resources for the community.
Coordinate and organizing volunteer groups and events.
Engage city boards and commissions (e.g., the Resilient Community Advisory Commission, Planning
Commission, etc.) to ensure the CAP is integrated into their work plans.
3. Review Climate Action Plan implementation progress and impacts on a regular basis (1-2 year cycle); adjust, add, and
remove detailed CAP actions as appropriate based on implementation progress review.
13-3Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
13-4 Dubuque Climate Action Plan - 2020
Climate Actions and Implementation
External Support
City staff and elected officials will not be able to implement this plan without robust support from community members
and coordination with jurisdictional, institutional, and organizational partners.
1. Establish the Resilient Community Advisory Commission as the main citizen-body to support the implementation of
the CAP:
Form subcommittees that focus on particular areas of the CAP
Coordinate with City staff in all relevant departments to receive updates on City projects and progress
2. Establish jurisdictional partnerships that advance CAP strategies to advance and accelerate action. This can include
government entities like Dubuque County, the State of Iowa, the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority,
and Dubuque Soil & Water Conservation District; utilities like Alliant Energy and Black Hills Energy; institutions like
University of Dubuque, Clarke University and Loras College; community groups like Dubuque Multicultural Family
Center, Fountain of Youth, and Green Dubuque; and neighboring communities.
Funding
Funding the implementation of the CAP will require reallocation/reconsideration of existing City funds, raising new City
funds, and identifying outside resources and funding opportunities. Some funds will need to be dedicated toward long-
term support like staffing, while other funding will be on a project-by-project basis.
1. Maintain a budget and identify funding sources for staff dedicated to the implementation of the CAP.
2. Identify a budget necessary to support projects on an annual basis as per the detailed actions outlined in the Climate
Economy and Climate Action Capacity sections of the plan and climate actions.
3. Utilize no-cost technical assistance offerings as available.
Climate Action and Implementation Plan
The following is the full detailed list of detailed Climate Actions and implementation details supporting the goals and
strategies of each Climate Action section.
Section 04 Buildings and Energy
Section 05 Transportation and Land Use
Section 06 Solid Waste and Recycling
Section 07 Water, Wastewater and Flooding
Section 08 Climate Health and Safety
Section 09 Food
Section 10 Greenspace and Tree Canopy
Section 11 Climate Economy
Section 12 Climate Action Capacity
Detailed Actions - Buildings and Energy Criteria Review Score:
4.5 - 5.0 = 1 4.0
- 4.4= 2 3.5 -
3.9= 3 3.0 -
3.4=4 2.0 -
2.9=5 0.0 -
1.9=6
Primary
Responsibility
Supporting
Responsibility
Estimated
Budget Need
Metric Progress At
Review
BE1 Increase distributed renewable energy by 21 MW
of installed capacity by 2030
Strategy BE1-A: Increase solar on City facilities
BE1-A- 1 Conduct a detailed solar assessment and "Renewable Energy Master Plan"
for all primary city facilities. Include new and existing buildings, incorporate
strategies to address electricity storage, and focus on highlighting any
hurdles or solutions that would be applicable to the broader community.
Install solar panels on all City buildings and sites, where feasible, based on
implementation established in Renewable Energy Master Plan. City's
largest energy consuming properties should be prioritized for assessment.
Goal: 50% of city facility electric demand supplied through solar
2.0
Strategy BE1-B: Support and accelerate installation
of on-site solar PV and solar thermal.
BE1-B- 1 Develop solar ready policy or incentive offering with the goal of achieving
100% solar ready new home construction by 2025.
1.0
BE1-B- 2 Collaborate with local Solar PV contractors and Alliant Energy to identify
infrastructural challenges to solar PV implementation throughout the
community in support of the goals of the CAP - particularly circuit
capacities, utility upgrade requirements and costs. Support Alliant Energy
and collaborators in establishing a strategies and a plan for overcoming
infrastructural challenges identified, with a prioritization of resolving
challenges at the city's most optimal sites.
1.0
BE1-B- 3 Incentivize local renewable energy projects. Explore leveraging existing
incentives to increase renewable energy utilization and generation
throughout the entire city. These incentives would include support for low-
income solar installations and the creation of green jobs.
2.0
BE1-B- 4 Conduct Solar Ready training using the City's Solar Ready Guidelines and
listening sessions with the home builders association, contractors, building
designers, developers, and building owners. Include information on
benefits of on-site renewable energy generation. Distribute the Solar
Ready Guidelines and checklist through city channels.
(http://palebluedot.llc/dubuque-solar-ready-guide)
3.0
BE1-B- 5 Encourage and educate residents on the benefits of on-site solar: Post the
state solar resource map on city’s CAP Resource Hub; include City's Solar
Ready Guidelines (http://palebluedot.llc/dubuque-solar-ready-guide).
Resource HUB should include links to helpful resources and tools
supporting site owners in exploration and procurement of on-site solar.
3.0
Strategy BE1-C: Encourage equity for renewable
energy
BE1-C- 1 Collaborate with Alliant Energy to establish an on-bill financing option for
renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades.
(https://www.lowincomesolar.org/toolbox/on-bill-recovery/ )
1.0
BE1-C- 2 Create a local Low Income Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) Market
and/or 3rd party financing loan guarantee program.
2.0
Strategy BE1-D: Increase solar on residential
buildings
BE1-D- 1 Coordinate and promote a residential Solar Group Purchase Campaign
annually to help reduce the costs of solar installation through volume
purchasing power (goal, 120 households annually). Program design to
explore strategies to support local small business solar installers such as
being set up to enable small installers to collaborate or having a
competitive "marketplace" approach with more than one installer to
choose from.
3.0
Strategy BE1-E: Increase solar on
commercial/industrial facilities
BE1-E- 1 Identify the "Solar Top 50" commercial/industrial properties within the city
and produce detailed solar feasibility assessments for each site.
Assessments to include potential solar generation and economic
performance and return on investment estimates, information on financing
and ownership models, and next step resources. Provide solar assessment
reports to properties and conduct an informational workshop to assist
building owners and businesses in understanding the assessments and next
step potential. "Solar Top 50" assessment effort could be repeated
annually, particularly through 2025
2.0
BE1-E- 2 Coordinate and promote a commercial Solar Group Purchase Campaign
annually to help reduce the costs of solar installation through volume
purchasing power (goal, 1100KW installed annually). Group purchase
campaign could include/focus on properties identified in the "Solar Top 50"
assessment effort. Program design to explore strategies to support local
small business solar installers and strategies to support local workforce
development.
3.0
BE1-E- 3 Motivate and assist businesses throughout the community to install solar.
Provide information on solar incentives, tools, and financing to businesses
throughout the City.
3.0
Strategy BE1-F: Advocate for stronger state policy
BE1-F 1 Collaborate with other communities, industry, and state agencies to
support the State establishing community solar, virtual net metering, and
aggregated net metering policies and laws.
1.0
BE2 Reduce citywide energy consumption by 10% by
2030
Strategy BE2-A: Increase energy efficiency in City
facilities
BE2-A- 1 Create a policy that all City buildings shall reduce energy usage by 20% over
the next 10 years
1.0
Priority
Level
Implementation
BE2-A- 2 Introduce a policy that requires all municipal buildings to be benchmarked
using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Each primary building's Energy
Score rating, and energy use intensity (kBTU/sqft) shall also be posted on
the City’s website. Invite County, School District, and other public agencies
located within the City to participate in the City's public facilities energy
benchmarking and disclosure effort.
1.0
BE2-A- 3 Introduce a policy that requires all new and existing municipal buildings to
meet and maintain energy and resource efficiency standards meeting an
ENERGY STAR rating of 75 or better, and built to meet or exceed IGCC code.
Require new and existing municipal buildings without solar PV installations
in place or planned to install cool roof or green roofing. Require all new
construction or major renovation projects to use the City's Net Zero Energy
Building Guide and Checklist to explore opportunities to advance towards
Net Zero Energy (palebluedot.llc/dubuque-net-zero-energy-guide). Invite
County, School District, and other public agencies located within the City to
participate in City's energy efficiency policy effort.
1.0
BE2-A- 4 Establish a centralized facility management / construction project
management structure or department for all City owned facilities.
Structure to focus on increased capacity for execution of high performance
city construction projects capable of achieving energy efficiency and
renewable energy goals consistent with the City's CAP plan.
1.0
BE2-A- 5 Explore the development of a Revolving Loan program for City facilities to
fund capital costs for high performance energy efficiency and renewable
energy options with appropriate return on investment. Fund to be used to
implement all cost-effective (simple payback of ten years or less) resource-
efficiency projects in City-owned buildings and facilities. Rather than
reverting back to the City's general fund, operational savings from energy
efficiency measures of completed projects are to be re-invested into
revolving loan and a portion of savings provided to the participating
depratment(s) to support funding of additional energy efficiency
improvements.
1.0
BE2-A- 6 Conduct a occupancy and plug load energy efficiency study of primary city
owned facilities and establish a "Plug Load and Occupancy Energy Eficiency
Guide" outlining operational practices to advance the City's energy
efficency goals for City facilities. Provide training to all existing city
employees and provide on-going training to all new city hires.
1.0
BE2-A- 7 Conduct a Building Energy Audit on all primary City owned facilities. Fully
implement audit recommendations. Prioritization should be given to the
City's largest energy consuming sites. Study for Water Resource and
Recovery Center (WRRC) to incorporate self-generated energy use including
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) into WRRC future planning.
2.0
Strategy BE2-B: Improve energy efficiency in all
sectors
BE2-B- 1 Conduct a citywide heat island impact study to identify areas of high heat
island contribution and impact, overlapped with vulnerable population
mapping from the City's Climate Vulnerability Assessment. Study to
establish specific goals, by census tract, for reduction of imperviious
surfaces (particularly dark), improvement of tree canopy and greenspace
coverage, and target "Heat Island Coefficient". Study to establish heat
island mitigation strategy recommendations and identify priority areas for
heat island mitigation based on need, potential, and impact on equity and
vulnerable populations. Study should provide prioritized direction on "cool
pavement" strategies for integration with the City's Pavement Preservation
Program CIP and city facility maintenance ance and construction plans.
Study should also evaluate opportunities to plant additional trees near city
facilities to reduce heat island. Coordinate and integrate study with the
City's Storm Water Infiltration Plan (see Water section).
http://palebluedot.llc/tree-canopy-assessments
1.0
BE2-B- 2 Support state adoption of the new International Green Construction Code
(IGCC) statewide and/or enabling local jurisdicitons to adopt and enforce
IGCC locally.
1.0
BE2-B- 3 Establish an "energy efficiency and renewable energy introduction" course
for all city employees with any degree of facility responsibilities. Course
shall then be provided on a regular basis for all new city employees as they
are hired. Create a policy, to be part of assigned duties and presented
during new employee orientation, that City employees shall turn off lights
and equipment when they are done using them
2.0
BE2-B- 4 Prior to adoption at the State level (see action BE2-B-2), adopt a voluntary
green building stretch code (IgCC) including stretch energy efficiency
requriements in-line with Architecture 2030 goals. Make (IgCC) code
required for all City facility projects and all projects receiving $50,000 or
more in City tax abatement, financing or funding. providing information,
technical assistance
2.0
BE2-B- 5 Develop educational and informational resources explaining the drivers and
impacts of heat island and solutions which may offer multiple benefits for
property owners and users to share with residents and businesses.
2.0
BE2-B- 6 Explore the development of a "Cool Roof", "Cool Building" and "Cool
Pavement" pilot project to exhibit heat island mitigation strategies and
measure potential for effectiveness. Identify city building with low solar PV
prioritization/feasibility for inclusion as cool roof pilot locaiton.
Alternatively, pilot program could be advertized for submission by City of
Dubuque residents, businesses and neighborhoods for potential sites to be
considered for pilot project selection. Preference should be given to sites
serving low income or at risk communities with high heat island impact
potential
2.0
BE2-B- 7 Explore development of "Cool Roof", "Green Roof", “Green Wall” / “Live
Wall” and “vertical garden” incentives (demonstration projects, voluntary
programs, incentivized program, ordinance / policy) to meet long-range
dark impervious surface reduction goals. Coordinate with existing
compatible city policies such as the Stormwater Management Utility fee
structure. Examples of incentive programs have been developed by the
Climate Protection Partnership Division in the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency’s Office of Atmospheric Programs. These can be found
at: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-
08/documents/greenroofscompendium_ch3.pdf and
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-
08/documents/coolroofscompendium_ch4.pdf
2.0
Strategy BE2-C: Promote audits, energy efficiency
rebates and financial incentives
BE2-C- 1 Partner with local community organizations serving under-resourced
households to promote energy efficieny audit and upgrade program for low-
income residents. (see BE2-C-2). Target 150 households per year
1.0
BE2-C- 2 Work with Alliant Energy, Black Hills Energy, and University of Northern
Iowa's Center for Energy and Environmental Education Green Iowa
AmeriCorps program to establish residential and multi-family energy
efficiency audit and upgrade program similar to Xcel Energy's "Home
Energy Squad Visits". Target 300 households per year
(https://www.homeenergysquad.net/)
1.0
BE2-C- 3 Work with Alliant Energy, Black Hills Energy, and University of Northern
Iowa's Center for Energy and Environmental Education Green Iowa
AmeriCorps program to establish commercial energy efficiency audit and
upgrade program similar Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s EnergySmart
commercial energy savings program. Program could be integrated with the
commercial waste audit service identified in Solid Waste action SW1-B- 1.
70 commercial businesses and 70 industrial businesses per year with 10%
electricity savings and 12% natural gas savings each.
((https://www.mnchamber.com/your-opportunity/energy-smart )
1.0
BE2-C- 4 Regularly host utility bill clinics similar to those offered by Minnesota
Citizens Utility Board (http://cubminnesota.org/) to help residents
understand their bills, discuss energy savings options, and hear about
rebate availability and clean energy options
1.0
BE2-C- 5 Implement energy benchmarking (performance tracking and annual
reporting) program for commercial buildings, required for all buildings
equal to or greater than 50,000 square feet.
1.0
BE2-C- 6 Develop a city-hosted website with resources about home energy options
for residents, including available energy programs and where to purchase
ENERGY STAR appliances
1.0
BE2-C- 7 Collaborate with other communities, industry, and state agencies to
support the State establishing the enabling legislation for Commercial
Property Assisted Clean Energy (C-PACE) and Residential Property Assisted
Clean Energy (R-PACE) financing
2.0
BE2-C- 8 Work with County to establish a Commercial Property Assessed Clean
Energy (C-PACE) program and a Residential Property Clean Energy (R-PACE)
program to provide financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy
measures.
2.0
BE2-C- 9 Create a building weatherization and high energy efficiency renovation
program that includes a job training component. Potential partners may
include the HEART program (https://www.fourmounds.org/programs-
events/youth-programs/heart-program/). Program example:
https://risingsunenergy.org/
2.0
Strategy BE2-D: Improve energy efficiency and equity
in residential buildings
BE2-D- 1 Develop and adopt a rental housing energy efficiency policy requiring single
family and multi-family rental housing properties to meet minimum energy
efficiency level to qualify for rental licensing. Program to include an energy
efficiency rating system (ENERGY STAR or HERS). Example program:
https://bouldercolorado.gov/plan-develop/smartregs.
1.0
BE2-D- 2 Implement a residential energy benchmarking (performance tracking and
reporting) and labeling program for homes listed for sale. Examples include
HERS (https://www.hersindex.com/), and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
(https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-
managers/existing-buildings/use-portfolio-manager )
2.0
BE2-D- 3 Develop a pilot project with the City's True North Community Development
Corporation home rehabilitation program to model residential scale heat
island mitigation strategies including cool surfaces, solar-friendly landscape
shading strategies, impervious surface reduction, and breeze capture.
Alternatively, pilot program could be advertized for submission by City of
Dubuque residents, businesses and neighborhoods for potential sites to be
considered for pilot project selection. Preference should be given to sites
serving low income or at risk communities with high heat island impact
potential. Reference City's Rehab Guidelinnes and Net Zero Energy Building
Guide for relevant strategies.
2.0
Strategy BE2-E: Increase net zero energy residential
building stock
BE2-E- 1 Utilize incentives, vacant City land, and current programs for pilots of net-
zero buildings across different sectors. Explore option of issuing a
competitive RFP for effective and innovative Net Zero pilot projects. Focus
on "Net zero building in every neighborhood" to establish visibility of
strategies within the community
1.0
BE2-E- 2 Provide City's Net Zero Energy Building Guide and Solar Ready Guidelines
document to local home shows or remodeler showcase events. Include the
City's Net Zero Energy Building Guide and Solar Ready Guideline documents
on the City's Design Guidelines webpage
(https://www.cityofdubuque.org/1295/Design-Guidelines)
2.0
BE2-E- 3 Provide training on solar ready and net-zero strategies as found in the City's
Net Zero Energy Building Guide and Solar Ready Guidelines to area builders
with local builders association. Target 1% market coverage (140 homes)
(palebluedot.llc/dubuque-net-zero-energy-guide)
(http://palebluedot.llc/dubuque-solar-ready-guide)
2.0
BE2-E- 4 Encourage new construction and remodeling projects to meet Electric
Vehicle (EV) ready standards using the EV Readiness section of the City's
Net Zero Energy Building Guide
2.0
BE3 Promote "fuel switching" to reduce on-site fossil
fuel use 10% by 2030
Strategy BE3-A: Promote "fuel switching" to low/no
carbon alternatives
BE3-A- 1 Deploy an incentive program for electrification. Work with Alliant Energy or
other regional partnerships to create financial incentives to electrify new
and existing buildings. For example, rebates for panel upgrades, electric
appliances, Air Source Heat Pumps, and Ground Source Heat Pumps can
encourage the transition to electric energy use in homes and businesses.
Goal: Target 10% residential market conversion (250 households annually)
and 5% commercial/industrial market conversion (an estimated 25
commercial businesses, 10 industrial businesses annually) by 2030
1.0
BE3-A- 2 Work with regional energy partnerships to invest in electrification financing
programs such as on-bill financing and metered energy efficiency. Working
with third-party entities allows the City to leverage incentive systems for
electrification, such as options for financing retrofit projects and paying
back loans through power bills
1.0
BE3-A- 3 Work with Black Hills Energy Corporation to establish an option for
Renewable Natural Gas for customers and achieve 2.5%
commercial/industrial use by 2030 (128 businesses per year)
1.0
BE3-A- 4 Work with Black Hills Energy Corporation to establish an option for
Renewable Natural Gas for customers and achieve 7% residential use by
2030 (170 households per year)
2.0
BE4 Increase renewable energy share of electric grid
to 15% by 2030 (beyond current Alliant Energy
commitments)
Strategy BE4-A: Community solar for residential and
commercial
BE4-A- 1 Develop and issue an RFI / RFP for community solar developers to advance
community solar options and subscriptions within City. RFP shall focus on
projects that benefit all residents, particularly communities of color and low-
income populations. Include community solar option benefiting small
businesses. (Goal: 400 households subscribed per year, 100 businesses
subscribed per year)
1.0
BE4-A- 2 Collaborate with Alliant Energy in establishing policies to allow Community
Wind and Solar Gardens/Shared Solar, Aggregated Net Metering, and
Virtual Net Metering within the City of Dubuque service area prior to
statewide legislation as a demonstration project for the State.
1.0
Strategy BE4-B: Increase utility scale renewable
energy installations
BE4-B- 1 Partner with Alliant to expand 1.2MW Solar Array to 3-5MW utilizing lower
Bee Branch reservoir (floating solar) by year 2023.
1.0
BE4-B- 2 Partner with Alliant for the development of an additional utility owned
solar arrays and/or wind turbine installations totaling 12MW by 2028
1.0
BE4-B- 3 New Hydro Electric Development at Lock and Dam – Identify strategically
located energy offtakers (John Deere, Alliant Energy, etc). Research
available technology options and develop proforma to use for bidding
project to EPCs or submit an RFI to identify options. Construction and
activation of new hydro development antciipated after 2030.
2.0
Detailed Actions - Transportation and
Land Use
Criteria Review Score:
4.5 - 5.0 = 1
4.0 - 4.4= 2
3.5 - 3.9= 3
3.0 - 3.4=4
2.0 - 2.9=5
0.0 - 1.9=6
Primary
Responsibility
Supporting
Responsibility
Estimated
Budget Need
Metric Progress At
Review
Goal TL1 Decrease vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by
10% by 2030
Strategy TL1-A: Build Complete Streets; target: 25%
Complete Street community coverage by 2030
TL1-A- 1 Update, fund, and adopt a more comprehensive Complete Streets Policy
including but not limited to:
i.Inclusive Public Process- The City of Dubuque should uƟlize a CharreƩe or
other citizen input process to determine Dubuque's long-term objectives with
complete streets. See also "Transparency/Accountability".
ii.SystemaƟc Approach - Upon regularly scheduled maintenance ALL
roadways should be considered for compliance with complete streets
concepts and how that roadway fits into the overall transportation system.
iii.Transparency/Accountability - There should be public documentaƟon of
planned upgrades and exemptions to roadways as they come up for
maintenance with enough time for public comment.
iv.Heat Island MiƟgaƟon IntegraƟon - integrate the heat island miƟgaƟon
strategies recommended in the City's citywide heat island impact study (see
Buildings and Energy actions) .
1.0
TL1-A- 2 Utilize and implement feedback from existing Bike Friendly Community
applications and achieve a minimum of Silver Bicycle Friendly Community
certification by 2025 (https://bikeleague.org/community)
1.0
TL1-A- 3 Engage employers to secure a minimum of 10 Bike Friendly Business
designations (goal of 25% of workforce impacted)
(https://bikeleague.org/business)
1.0
TL1-A- 4 Implement a comprehensive sidewalk network plan and policy - with public
funding plan. Implementation should prioritize locations which improve
equity of mobility.2.0
Strategy TL1-B: Promote reduced vehicle travel
citywide
TL1-B- 1 Engage colleges and universities to secure a minimum of 3 Bike Friendly
University designations (https://bikeleague.org/university)1.0
TL1-B- 2 Establish an incentive or subsidy and promote commuter mode-neutral
incentives with the goal of 25% of private workforce receiving mode-neutral
incentives or telecommute benefits. Note, commuter "mode-neutral"
incentives equalize overall commuter incentivization and benefits of all
commute choices, creating equity for non-auto commute choices.
Resources: https://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm8.htm
https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/app/legacy/documents/smartgrowthc
limatepolicies.pdf
http://shoup.bol.ucla.edu/Parking%20Cash%20Out%20Report.pdf
1.0
TL1-B- 3 In coordination with right-pricing of on-street parking which redesigns
parking fees to capture the full cost of parking in downtown and other
commercial districts with equity and carbon reduction in mind, establish
parking betterment districts where revenue generated at meters supports
neighborhood infrastructure and other transport mode investments such as
bike and pedestrian paths, public transit improvements.
1.0
TL1-B- 4 Engage employers to secure a minimum of 10 Top Work places for
commuters designations (goal of 25% of workforce impacted)
(https://www.bestworkplaces.org/)
2.0
TL1-B- 5 Implement mode-neutral commuter incentives or telecommuting benefits for
City employees
Resource:
https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/app/legacy/documents/smartgrowthc
limatepolicies.pdf
2.0
TL1-B- 6 Provide information on parking availability, transit routes, bike paths using
one application: Integrate smart traffic project with smart parking and
bus/shuttle routes
2.0
TL1-B- 7 Participate, promote, engage and support Bike to Work/School Week efforts
2.0
TL1-B- 8 Leverage Iowa Games as an opportunity to host a Walking and Biking,
Challenge focused on increasing awareness of existing and planned complete
street routes.
3.0
Strategy TL1-C: Encourage density and increase
housing options and affordability; target: increase
gross density by 3.75% by 2030
TL1-C- 1 Issue competitive redevelopment Request for Proposals encouraging high
quality mixed use redevelopment on infill properties and existing surface
parking lots within downtown district. RFP's should focus on equity,
affordability, livability, and compliance/support of Climate Action Plan goals.
1.0
TL1-C- 2 Fund neighborhood-based plans for all neighborhoods to encourage
neighborhood identity, engagement and development. Plan goals should be
to increse housing density, options, affordability, and equity while furthering
the goals of the Climate Action Plan.
1.0
TL1-C- 3 Incentivize infill and mixed-use development, particularly in census tracts
with highest existing and planned public transit service and highest existing
and planned bike trails and routes (e.g., through alternative code compliance,
fee waivers, density bonuses, investment prioritization, development impact
fees, tax benefits, historic tax credit utilization). Create an Infill
Redevelopment Plan identifying priority infill redevelopment sites and
establishing an implementation plan for redevelopment. Initial Focus areas
include: Kerper Blvd, Loras Blvd, University Ave, Hill St.
1.0
TL1-C- 4 Consolidate residential zoning categories to allow density based on market
demand and historical development patterns. Example: multi-family
moderate density in midtown area, mixed-use along transportation corridors.
If infeasible, increase allowable density along transportation corridors
(example - walkable, mixed-use low rise buildings along arterials).
1.0
TL1-C- 5 Implement form-based code to along transportation corridors with goal of
improved pedestrian experience (frequent access points, greenspace)1.0
Priority Level Implementation
TL1-C- 6 Eliminate minimum parking requirements from Unified Development Code
and replace with a transportation reference guide for development that
includes considerations for all modes. Allow developers to determine and
defend their transportation needs - don't mandate parking.
Resource: https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-
innovation-system-information/documents/f0016902-final-pricing-parking-
management-to-reduce-vehicles-miles-travelled-pi.pdf
2.0
TL1-C- 7 Conduct public engagement and development planning around public transit
transfer areas to increase Transit Oriented Development. Specfically address
mixed use and childcare access near transit hubs. Provide incentives based on
results of planning process.
2.0
Strategy TL1-D: Increase public transit ridership to 3%
by 2030
TL1-D- 1 Research, develop and promote a universal access program for employers to
support (public-private partnership) commuter specific routes and services.
Resource: https://www.cdta.org/news/connecting-capital-region 1.0
TL1-D- 2 Increase frequency of public transit routes to a minimum of 30 minutes (goal
of 15 min frequency)2.0
TL1-D- 3 Establish a single credential for either all city services a "City Pass" to include
library, pool, recreation programs, and transit OR establish technology
integration between City and regional transit providers to allow one pass for
all transit services. As additonal public services roll out, ensure technology
integration.
Resource: Navigo Paris, France
2.0
Strategy TL1-E: Increase shared mobility utilization;
target: increase shared mobility (carpooling) from
8.55% to 11% of commuters by 2030
TL1-E- 1 Implement Existing Plans starting with infrastructure and policy changes first
and education and encouragement, second:
Implement a minimum of 3 East-West and 3 North-South Complete Street
corridors based on the Tri-State Integrated Walking, Biking, Hiking Plan
(Envision 2010 top 10 project) with a focus on commuter routes
1.0
TL1-E- 2 Conduct a pilot bike-share service in a limited geographic area 2.0
TL1-E- 3 Ensure ordinances allow flexibility for mode-forward services, for example:
ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft; and the bike-share services
Zagster and LimeBike, scooter -share 2.0
TL1-E- 4 Outline clear policies for electric bikes, skateboards and scooters on city bike
lanes, paths and trails 3.0
Strategy TL1-F: Increase pedestrian access and safety
TL1-F- 5 Implement Existing Safe Routes To SchoolsPlans starting with infrastructure
and policy changes first and education and encouragement, second:
At each school, implement a minimum of recommended speed reductions,
raised or high visibilty crosswalks and signage from Dubuque Community
Schools and Holy Family Catholic Schools Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan
1.0
TL1-F- 6 Collaborate with colleges and universities to develop and implement Safe
Routes to School programs and infratsructure for each campus 1.0
TL1-F- 7 Evaluate and reduce speeds on pedestrian and bicycle corridors and major
crosswalk/intersections 2.0
TL1-F- 8 Focus on transportation access for everyone using 5-95 access as the goal (5
years old to 95 years old), not just very fit and capable cyclists and
pedestrians 2.0
TL1-F- 9 Evaluate crosswalks and extend crosswalk times based on findings of
evaluation including populations using the intersections.
2.0
TL2 Support and encourage alternative fuel vehicles,
achieve 20% of vehicles sold and 15% of VMT by 2030
Strategy TL2-A: Transition City fleet to alternative
fuels
TL2-A- 1 Update City vehicle (including The Jule transit) purchasing policy/budget
process to default to alternative fuel with traditional internal combustion
engine (ICE) as optional requiring proof of need. For ICE Vehicle options,
establish minimum fuel efficiency requirements. Focus on small vehicles as
well as large vehicles for alternative fuels. EV replacement to be prioritized
for high mileage vehicles. Goal: Achieve 50% EVs within City Fleet by 2030,
maximize utilization of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and KwH produced
from RNG from City biogas resources (explore using new funding options in
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Diesel Emissions
Reduction Act (DERA), Iowa Energy Center (IEC) Board and the Iowa
Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Volkswagen Clean Air Act
Settlements for State of Iowa)
1.0
Strategy TL2-B: Support and encourage alternative
fuel vehicles citywide
TL2-B- 1 Collaborate with Alliant Energy to develop and implement outreach and
education campaigns designed to help residents understand the benefits of
transitioning to an EV and to learn how to leverage applicable Alliant Energy
programs or other incentives to facilitate EV charger installation or EV
purchase. Explore with Alliant the development of additional incentives to
advance the city's EV goals. Program should focus on increased community
equity
1.0
TL2-B- 2 Create an Electric Vehicle (EV) Transition Study and Masterplan to map
existing infrastructure, determine the current and future demand for EV
charging stations, Establish public EV parking regulation and policy, and to
identify options for increasing number of electric charging stations in public
parking areas (e.g., schools, parks, libraries, City-owned parking garages, near
City Hall) and in commercial and high-density residential areas. Master plan
should identify additonal strategies and actions for advancing EV adoption to
meet or exceed the Climate Action Plan goals.
1.0
TL2-B- 3 Work with local utility providers to promote and incentivize alt-fuel vehicle
locations. Program implementation should focus on increasing community
equity.
1.0
TL2-B- 4 As a prerequisite to receipt of TIF funds and/or other local incentives via
development agreements require EV ready construction and installationn of
EV charging stations. Include for new AND amended agreements.1.0
TL2-B- 5 Set an emissions standard for mass transit vehicles (including cabs, ride-
sharing services) to achieve our climate and air quality goals 1.0
TL2-B- 6 Allow or require builders to include EV charging station parking spaces as part
of the required off-street parking spaces for new commercial and multi-
family building construction
2.0
TL2-B- 7 Organize and promote an electric vehicle (EV) Group Purchase campaign
annually to partner with local dealerships to offer limited-time discounted
pricing on EVs to help reduce the costs of EV purchasing through volume
purchasing power. Program should focus options to increase community
equity
2.0
TL2-B- 8 Encourage new construction and remodeling projects to meet Electric Vehicle
(EV) ready standards using the EV Readiness section of the City's Net Zero
Energy Building Guide
2.0
TL2-B- 9 Work with large entities and employers to host EV charging station.
2.0
TL2-B- 10 Make all EV charging (home and private) franchise fee exempt.
2.0
TL2-B- 11 Develop public and private partnerships for the installation of fast-charging
electric vehicle chargers in publicly accessible parking areas along tourism
corridors, at workplaces, and in multi-family housing developments.2.0
TL2-B- 12 Establish education materials on EV permitting process: Develop a guide or
process checklist for what is required for EV infrastructure installation
(include contacts at Alliant Energy when working with electric utility is
appropriate), establish an EV Charging Station checklist for use by building
owners, designers and contarctors. Establish list of where to buy
2.0
TL2-B- 13 Collaborate with local partners to host ride-and-drive events to increase EV
ownership by providing residents an opportunity to compare EVs to ICE
vehicles through test drives. This also encourages local dealerships to stock
3.0
Detailed Actions - Solid Waste and
Recycling
Criteria Review Score:
4.5 - 5.0 = 1
4.0 - 4.4= 2
3.5 - 3.9= 3
3.0 - 3.4=4
2.0 - 2.9=5
0.0 - 1.9=6
Primary
Responsibility
Supporting
Responsibility
Estimated
Budget Need
Metric Progress At
Review
Goal SW1 50% Diversion by 2030 measured on a per
capita basis
Strategy SW1-A: Divert construction and demolition
(C&D) waste
SW1-A- 1 Identify jobs benefits and economic potential of implementation of
construction and demolition waste diversion policies, ordinances, and
permitting requirements: create cost-benefit analysis
1.0
SW1-A- 2 Collaborate with County and other partners in developing a regional
construction and demolition recycling / ReUse facility 1.0
SW1-A- 3 Adopt a deconstruction/diversion ordinance to require the reuse or recycling
of salvageable construction and demolition materials.1.0
SW1-A- 4 Support capacity for construction and demolition transfer, sorting and
possible processing. Establish a centralized C&D drop-off and construction /
demolition processing facility to provide an affordable and environmentally
preferable alternative to disposal. Drop off site can be co-located or
coordinated with potential ReUse facility.
1.0
SW1-A- 5 Require all commercial construction and demolition projects to submit waste
management plans illustrating project's capacity to achieve specific C&D
Waste diversion levels in-line with City's CAP goals
1.0
SW1-A- 6 Engage business community in indentifying and developing opportunities for
diversion of materials in support of the City's CAP goals 2.0
SW1-A- 7 Partner with local organizations (e.g., Habitat for Humanity) for demolition
waste pickup and reuse 2.0
SW1-A- 8 Promote a C&D recycling industry in city by adopting an ordinance and
construction permit changes supporting C&D recycling requirements to be
implemented as sufficient C&D recycling capacity is developed within the
community. Actively seek C&D recycling companies or promoting the
creation of new business enterprises in support of establishing capacity
following the proposed policy changes
2.0
SW1-A- 9 Research management practices of construction and demolition waste
diverted from the landfill. Provide best practices education, training, and
resources to community.
2.0
Strategy SW1-B: Divert consumer waste
SW1-B- 1 Develop and fund an assistance program for businesses to provide waste
audit services, support businesses in establishing tracking and reporting
waste streams, identify reduction, diversion, and benificial use opportunities.
Program should include identification of potential grants including the
DMASWA Waste Minimization Grant and other revenue sources for
implementation costs. Assistance program should pro-actively identify and
outreach to businesses likely to benefit from waste reduction assistance.
Assistance should include connecting businesses with energy audit and other
resources in support of full CAP goals. Goal: 25 business waste audits
completed with recommendations implemented anually.
1.0
SW1-B- 2 Create ordinance so trash haulers can incorporate more progressive Pay-As-
You-Throw (PAYT) residential trash rates 1.0
SW1-B- 3 Implement a plastic straw and stirrer-free policy or opt-in policy for
businesses that provide food and/or beverage services, with appropriate
options for people with disabilities
2.0
SW1-B- 4 Develop a recognition program to promote leading businesses succeeding in
waste diversion and reduction.2.0
SW1-B- 5 Reduce Citywide garbage pickup frequency to biweekly. Provide compost
and recycling pickup weekly.2.0
SW1-B- 6 Generate and enact policy, ordinance, and permitting mechanisms to
increase diversion, including policies that look ‘upstream’ waste reduction
like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)3.0
SW1-B- 7 Expand consumer education (e.g. host community forums and provide direct
outreach) on sustainable consumption and materials management, including
recycling
4.0
Strategy SW1-C: 50% Food waste reduction and
diversion
SW1-C- 1 Conduct a phased-in commercial organics waste collection project. Explore
possible incentives for food retailers, restaurants, and institutions to
participate in food waste reuse and recycling programs
1.0
SW1-C- 2 Based on the results of the phasedd-in commercial organics waste project,
establish a business incubator to establish capacity for organics collection,
five days a week (Monday through Friday) at businesses, particularly
restaurants.
1.0
SW1-C- 3 Establish an At-Home and Community Garden Composting program
supporting the expansion of food waste diversion through at-home
composting. Provide backyard composting workshops, tips, and resources.
(https://www.bouldercounty.org/environment/composting/)
2.0
SW1-C- 4 Close the loop on organics recycling; establish a policy requiring compost be
used as a soil amendment for public and private construction projects that
disturb the soil cover over a baseline level to improve water infiltration in line
with City CAP goals
1.0
SW1-C- 5 Combat food wasting by requiring retailers and restaurants to donate,
reduce, reuse, or compost their unsold food, creating “zero-waste sections”
where products are sold close to their expiration dates, and designating “zero-
waste coaches” to raise awareness among staff and help manage products
reaching the end of their marketable life. Edible unsold products shall be
donated. When not edible, organic waste shall be composted through a City-
approved vendor
1.0
SW1-C- 6 Conduct a community wide food waste assessment to identify scope of
potential food diversion. Encourage Dubuque area institutions and food
businesses to conduct a food waste assessment
(https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/resources-assessing-
wasted-food )
2.0
Priority Level Implementation
SW1-C- 7 Seek grant funds to launch a food waste reduction campaign for residents,
such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Food: Too Good to Waste
program
2.0
SW1-C- 8 Examine options for expanding commercial and residential composting,
including offering compost/food waste collection at restaurants; assess the
feasibility of establishing a permitted facility to compost or anaerobically
digest organic materials and food waste
1.0
SW1-C- 9 Provide a kitchen best practices guide to help households and businesses
reduce food waste and excessive portions 3.0
SW1-C- 10 Request DMASWA review food waste handling capacities and permitting
limits and expand/update as needed to support food waste diversion and
organics collection increases in line with CAP goals and supporting generation
of soil amendment feedstocks and /or energy.
3.0
Strategy SW1-D: Expanded recycling options for multi-
family – equity
SW1-D- 1 Promote subsidised low, or no charge, subscription recycling. Explore how
the DMASWA Waste Minimization Grant program may support this action.1.0
SW1-D- 2 Land-Use Code Updates - improve commercial and multifamily recycling
requirements by revising Land Use Code to require commercial indoor and
outdoor space for recycling and diversion equal to or greater than the space
provided for disposal. Explore how the DMASWA Waste Minimization Grant
program may support this action.
2.0
SW2 Waste education
Strategy SW2-A: Waste education
SW2-A- 1 Coordinate with the Dubuque Public Schools to establish paths towards Zero
Waste program. Program to include zero waste curricula and family content
as well as zero waste strategies for school facilities.
(https://www.ecocycle.org/files/Zero%20Waste%20A%20Realistic%20Appro
ach%20Sustainability%20Program%20for%20Schools.pdf )
(http://www.zerowastechallenge.org/curriculum.html)
1.0
SW2-A- 2 Coordinate with the Dubuque chamber of commerce, business, and
manufacturing associations to provide seminars, resources, and content to
area businesses on Circular Economy concepts. Work with cohort to explore
economic potential of Circular Economy business opportunities within the
Dubuque region. (https://www.ceguide.org/)
1.0
SW2-A- 3 Coordinate with the Dubuque chamber of commerce, business, and
manufacturing associations to provide seminars, resources, and content to
area businesses on the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) process to
minimize waste material and energy. LCA educational content should include
end-of-life planning
2.0
SW2-A- 4 Establish a public education program for solid waste contamination reduction
education 2.0
SW2-A- 5 Continue, and explore opportunities to expand consumer education (e.g. host
community forums and provide direct outreach) on sustainable consumption
and materials management, including recycling
4.0
Goal SW3 Achieve 100% beneficial use of landfill gas
Strategy SW3-A: Divert captured landfill gas
SW3-A- 1 Divert methane captured at landfill cells to natural gas supply network in lieu
of flaring on site. Goal of achieving 100% diversion of methane captured to
beneficial use
1.0
Detailed Actions - Water, Wastewater
and Flooding
Criteria Review Score:
4.5 - 5.0 = 1
4.0 - 4.4= 2
3.5 - 3.9= 3
3.0 - 3.4=4
2.0 - 2.9=5
0.0 - 1.9=6
Primary
Responsibility
Supporting
Responsibility
Estimated
Budget Need
Metric Progress At
Review
Goal W1 Increase water conservation citywide
Strategy W1-A: Promote increased water
conservation citywide
W1-A- 1 Improve/refine water and energy utilization incentives: Users retain non-
profit reduced rates IF water efficiency/climate resiliency best practices used;
Users retain residential second meter option at a reduced rate for outdoor
irrigation/watering/pool filling, and IF water efficiency and climate resiliency
best practices are used.
1.0
W1-A- 2 Implement pricing preference for households installing water efficient
fixtures (such as WaterSense certified fixtures) and water/energy efficient
water heaters. Establish incentives/cost reduction programs for qualifying
low-income residents to purchase WaterSense certified fixtures.
2.0
W1-A- 3 Explore modifying residential water rates that better incentivize water
conservation and dis-incentivize water use.2.0
W1-A- 4 Consider requirements for businesses that sell single-use plastic water bottles
to provide an accessible drinking fountain with bottle filler capacity.2.0
W1-A- 3 Explore incentives for businesses, institutions, and events that do not allow
the sale or use of single use plastic water bottles.3.0
Strategy W1-B: Maintain and update city plans and
standards in support water conservation goals
W1-B- 1 Continue to evaluate opportunities for real-time water and energy metering
that may help customers better understand and reduce their water and
energy consumption (example: https://www.fluidwatermeter.com/ ).
Implementation should focus on improving community equity
1.0
W1-B- 2 Develop, distribute, and promote a water efficiency and climate resiliency
best practices guide for improved water efficienty in residential, commercial,
and industrial properties. Explore the development of an award/recognition
program for residents/businesses with greatest water conservation
achievements through use of the guide
2.0
W1-B- 3 Explore options for expanding the use of greywater systems and water
conservation measures in public and private buildings 2.0
W1-B- 4 Continue to Update City landscaping standards for reducing water
consumption, pesticide, and chemical use.2.0
Goal W2 Reduce wastewater impacts
Strategy W2-A: Capture and use of wastewater energy
potential
W2-A- 1 Conduct a study to determine facility specific GHG emissions generated by
nitrification and denitrification processes used in the wastewater treatment.
Study should explore additional mitigation actions and recommend next
steps.
1.0
W2-A- 2 Continue research into additional biogas opportunities at the City's
wastewater treatment plant: Enhance existing RNG development capacity.
- Research ability to recycle released CO2 into biogas production
- Research ability to increase biogas production and
reduce landfill waste feedstocks through new WRRC handling and
processing capacity for commercial organics.
- Research ability to convert WRRC biosolids/digestates from energy and
funding consumption model (trucking and land application) to energy
and funding production model (dry anerobic processing for biogas and
compost Bi-products)
2.0
W2-A- 3 Study options for retaining City waste water treatment plant produced
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and KwH for City heating and electrical needs.
Study to identify potential new funding sources.
2.0
Strategy W2-B: Reduce waste water generation
W2-B- 1 Improve/refine waste water and storm water discharge incentives:
Implement incentives/pricing preference for businesses and households
installing waste/storm water avoidance strategies:
- Rain gardens
- permeable pavers
- energy efficient dishwashers
- Greywater reuse
Implement new data enhanced outreach and incentives to identify and
remedy sources of waste/storm water before management or processing is
required. Incentive implementation should focus on improving community
equity
1.0
W2-B- 2 Evaluate the potential for installation of rainwater collection systems at City
facilities for graywater uses, and investigate opportunities for graywater
reuse at existing and new City facilities and properties. Implement grey-
water systems identified capable of reducing energy/water demand in other
areas (for example, watering urban tree canopy to reduce heat island effect
and air conditioning needs)
1.0
W2-B- 3 Implement a policyt to require installation of rainwater colleciton systems
and WaterSense water efficient fixtures and appliances at all City facility
projects and all projects receiving $50,000 or more in City tax abatement,
financing or funding. providing information and technical assistance.
2.0
Strategy W2-C: Improve waste water pollution
prevention
Priority Level Implementation
W2-C- 1 Reduce pollutants, including PFAS, entering the sewage system that
contaminate WRRC effluent and reduce beneficial use options for
biosolids/digestate. Develop, distribute, and promote a Wastewater
Pollution Prevention guide and establish an additional resources page
(examples:https://dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub1128.pdf ;
https://www.townofchapelhill.org/home/showdocument?id=8535 ;
https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/living/green-pg/waste-water/preventing-
waste-water-pollution )
1.0
Goal W3 Mitigate flood hazards and impacts
Strategy W3-A: Educate, engage, and empower the
public for flood mitigation
W3-A- 1 During and immediately after major rainfall events, deploy an education and
communication plan in coordination with the appropriate partners such as
Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority to alert residents,
businesses and institutions of any potential water quality issues such as
increased E Coli counts. Communication systems also to include
recommendations on delaying activities that could contribute to stormwater
innundation.
1.0
W3-A- 2 Provide flood insurance education to home owners, particularly new home
buyers and at-risk home owners. Education should include when insurance is
recommended, purposes for flood insurance, and what is typically covered
and not covered by insurance.
1.0
W3-A- 3 Strengthen education and outreach efforts in culturally appropriate and
accessible ways, especially for those most vulnerable to potential impacts of
flooding, to help the public understand, prevent and respond to vector-borne
diseases
2.0
W3-A- 4 Promote “landscaping for absorption” practices for water prone residential
and commercial landscapes. Strategies include reduction/elimination of
hardscape surfaces, use of native moisture tolerant perennial plantings and
shrubs, use of compost, natural mulching, and soil aeration.
2.0
W3-A- 5 Expand use of City's SCADA system to actively monitor and communicate
flood events.2.0
W3-A- 6 Establish a preparedness education program and an emergency alert system
that help protect the community from flooding and extreme heat events.3.0
W3-A- 7 Expand public education about the value of watersheds, rain gardens, and
low-impact development to address stormwater run-off 3.0
W3-A- 8 Continue promoting information regarding flood insurance on City's website
(https://www.cityofdubuque.org/1242/Flood-Maps-Flood-Insurance)
Expand content to include flash flood and event based flooding. Promote
information, particularly among properties identified as at risk in City's Blue
Spot Flash Flood risk mapping.
3.0
W3-A- 9 Explore opportunities for use of public art to educate about water quality and
stormwater impacts. Art installations could be both permanent, temporary,
and interactive.
2.0
Strstegy W3-B: Update design standards and plans for
flood mitigation
W3-B- 1 Review and update Public Infrastructure Design Standards to meet Climate
Change projections for Dubuque. Determine stormwater volume
requirements meeting anticipated future storm levels and identify
stormwater management systems and infrastructure not capable of meeting
projected needs. Prioritize upgrades required and implement. Integrate
upgrades into already scheduled maintenance programs and budgets.
1.0
W3-B- 2 Prepare a Blue Spot flash flood risk map to identify areas within city that are
particularly vulnerable to flash flood impacts. Create a composite flash flood
risk map overlapping flash flood risk with the Citywide tree canopy,
impervious surface, and heat island contributuion mapping created in the
City's Heat Island Impact study (see Heat Island Strategies) as well as the
vulnerable populations mapping (see City's Climate Vulnerability
Assessmetn). Review flash flood risk identified near/around critical and
sensitive community infrastructure (emergency response, power generation,
fresh water supply, hospitals, etc) and identify sites requring flash flood
protection enhancements. Based on risk mapping and assessments, create an
implement a risk reduction and response plan. Share and promote the
information developed by the flash flood risk map, particularly among
vulernable populations and neighborhoods. (https://climate-
adapt.eea.europa.eu/metadata/tools/the-blue-spot-model-a-key-tool-in-
assessing-flood-risks-for-the-climate-adaptation-of-national-roads-and-
highway-systems)
1.0
W3-B- 3 Confirm Flood wall readiness for current and anticipated climate change
impacts. Explore opportunities to improve system with earth levy combined
with bike and walking trails.
1.0
W3-B- 4 Prepare a comprehensive plan for stormwater management that goes
beyond baseline regulatory requirements and includes green infrastructure
with the goal of eliminating Stormwater Sewer Overflows (SSO).
1.0
W3-B- 5 Estabish a Green Infrastructure Masterplan to target specific types of green
infrastructure to implement including: parking lots, alleys, parks, vacant lots,
parkways, and grading near sidewalks. In addition, identify property owned
by other public entities that have a high potential for improved ecological
management to improve stormwater management functions (school districts,
county, etc)
1.0
W3-B- 6 Test, train on, and update emergency response plans that address hazards
likely to become more frequent or intense as the climate changes, including
power loss, flash flooding, and unseasonal riverine flooding
2.0
W3-B- 7 Establish and implement a policy requiring a biochar or biosolids soil
amendment for all building and earth working construction sites – improves
soil sequestration and builds carbon content of topsoil, and improves water
retention and permeability characteristics.
2.0
W3-B- 8 Set a limitation on the total citywide percentage of pavement and impervious
surface areas.2.0
W3-B- 9 Change design and management methods to minimize water use and waste
in publicly owned or managed properties while still maintaining thriving
vegetation. Replace potable water lawn irrigation systems with grey/recycled
water systems at city-owned facilities and replace lawn areas with drought
tollerant landscape design where practicable.
2.0
W3-B- 10 Review city codes, drainage rules, and surface waterways to evaluate their
ability to protect and improve stream flows, seeps, springs, wetland function,
water quality including temperature, vegetation and habitat, and stormwater
management during periods of extreme heavy rain. Use the Natural Resource
Inventory and other data to track gains and losses, and propose revisions as
necessary
4.0
Strategy W3-C: Create a storm water infiltration plan
W3-C- 1 Establish a Storm Water Infiltration Plan identifying priority areas and
strategies for improved infiltration of storm water to minimize storm water
volumes requiring handling while increasing water aquifer recharging.
Strategies to focus on reduction of impervious surfaces, increase of
permeable surfaces, trees, bio swales, rain barrels, rain gardens, compost,
mulch, etc. Coordinate and integrate Plan with city's Citywide Heat Island
Impact Study (see Buildings and Energy actions)
1.0
W3-C- 2 Advance improved Storm Water infiltration in new development by creating
and enforce codes aimed at zero run-off with a focus on on zero run-off
parking strategies. Coordinate and integrate Plan with city's Citywide Heat
Island Impact Study (see Buildings and Energy actions)
1.0
W3-C- 3 Promote effective Storm Water infiltration in residential sectors by exploring
rebates and incentive opportunities including tax incentives, rebates, or other
incentives for deceasing driveway, roof, and yard run-off. Implementation of
incentive structure to focus on increasing community equity
1.0
W3-C- 4 Restructure storm water fee based on impermeable surfaces with tax or
other incentives for permeable surfaces and other water retention
improvements.
2.0
Strategy W3-D: Increase flood resilience of
infrastructure
W3-D- 1 Establish incentives to prioritize the development of “green infrastructure”
such as parks, wetlands, riparian and wildlife corridors, natural drainage-
ways, and low-impact development, particularly in residential districts.
Research green infrastructure implementation and long-term viability in local
environment
2.0
W3-D- 3 Expand on the success of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration project using it as
a model for the restoration of other creeks or "daylighting" of other primary
storm sewer collectors for improved flash flood capacities and community
amenities. (https://www.cityofdubuque.org/804/Bee-Branch-Creek-
Restoration)
2.0
Detailed Actions - Climate Health and
Safety
Criteria Review Score:
4.5 - 5.0 = 1
4.0 - 4.4= 2
3.5 - 3.9= 3
3.0 - 3.4=4
2.0 - 2.9=5
0.0 - 1.9=6
Primary
Responsibility
Supporting
Responsibility
Estimated
Budget Need
Metric Progress At
Review
HS1 Create a climate adaptive community
Strategy HS1-A: Review facilities and plans
HS1-A- 1 Support and expand a social vulnerability assessment to more effectively
respond to diverse neighborhoods and households that are most at risk
during emergency situations. Enhance interagency data sharing to increase
response capacity across the city
1.0
HS1-A- 2 Coordinate with County to incorporate climate change and CAP goals into the
County's Community Health Needs Assessment Health Improvement Plan 1.0
HS1-A- 3 Include a Health and Climate Change Impact Assessment component in all
City plans. Develop metrics for reporting on climate related risks and health
events
1.0
HS1-A- 4 Develop and implement a plan to monitor climate change related illnesses.
Utilize results in resource and policy planning, with particular focus on
neighborhoods. Communicate results to the public on a periodic basis 2.0
HS1-A- 5 Form a team to develop action plans to address climate-related mental
health resilience at the individual, neighborhood and community level.
Explore potential to include this action with HUD Resiliency grant research, or
future work in collaboration with the University of Iowa or other partners.
2.0
HS1-A- 6 Update the City’s emergency response plan and ensure that preparation and
updates recognize and address likely climate change impacts 2.0
Strategy HS1-B: Update design standards and plans
HS1-B- 1 Prepare for public buildings to be used in different ways insupport of CAP
adaptation goals, both in lower-impact ways, such as seniors using the library
to cool down during hot June days, and as safe-havens during acute
emergencies.
1.0
HS1-B- 2 Ensure public safety staff are properly trained to recognize and respond to
physical and behavioral signs of heat-related illness 1.0
HS1-B- 3 Establish guidelines and appropriate requriements for adequate community-
safe space within the City's special event permitting process. Community-
safe space guidelines and requirements to address climate change impacts
such as extreme heat, cold, extreme weather, and poor air quality.
Guidelines to ensure that these spaces are accessible and adequate for
vulnerable populations.
2.0
HS1-B- 4 Ensure that facilities that serve vulnerable populations are resilient to
climate hazards. Develop model procedures for ensuring both City and non-
City facilities employ best practices in the event of an emergency such as
flooding, power outages, extreme heat, etc
2.0
HS1-B- 5 Update or develop a community resilience plan to prioritize and prepare for
responses in the event of a disaster and extreme weather events. Identify the
location of critical facilities including hospitals, medical service providers,
senior homes, childcare facilities, shelters, major and alternate transportation
routes, public transit facilities and locations where hazardous chemicals are
used or stored
2.0
HS1-B- 6 Develop/Update a comprehensive heat response plan that incorporates most
current climate change impact projections and combines individual strategies
into an integrated approach. Components of plan may include forecasting
and monitoring, education and awareness, and heat wave response
strategies for City and individuals. Include Response Plan on City's
Emergency Preparedness webpage
(https://www.cityofdubuque.org/168/Emergency-Preparedness)
2.0
Strategy HS1-C: Expand cooling and warming facilities
HS1-C- 1 Increase availability to cooling mechanisms in low-income housing and rental
units (e.g., air conditioning units, fans, window screens)1.0
HS1-C- 2 Study how cooling/warming and refugue areas and amenities can be made
culturally responseive and equitable. Develop an Equitable and Culturally
Responsive Refugue master plan to guide implementation.
1.0
HS1-C- 3 Educate the public about the health risks of higher temperatures, develop
strategies to check on individuals at greatest risk, and make options for
cooling widely accessible
2.0
HS1-C- 4 Develop a plan to improve bus stop shelters' ability to provide relief from
extreme heat (e.g., reflective materials, cooling fans)2.0
Strategy HS1-D: Enhance resilience of community to
extreme weather
HS1-D- 1 Adopt policies to incentivize residential building owners (particularly rental
and multi-family properties), to increase the resilience of existing and new
buildings with resilience strategies such as minimal impact site design
standards, resilient passive and active cooling systems, resilient electrical
system design, elevated HVAC and electrical off basement floor, installation
of backflow preventers, tree maintenance, permeable pavements, energy
conservation and on-site renewable energy generation, and safe rooms.
Incentives should focus on increasing community equity.
1.0
HS1-D- 2 Explore the potential for installation of re-deployable solar microgrid systems
for resilient power use in community emergency management and
hazard/disaster response. Systems can be semi-permently installed at public
facilities to provided day-to-day power and re-deployed in emergency
resopnse (https://www.footprintproject.org/)
1.0
HS1-D- 3 Seek to reduce exposure to extreme heat by targeting the distribution of
energy-efficient, air conditioning in vulnerable populations 1.0
Strategy HS1-E: Reduce risks to health and safety
created by ongoing climate impacts
Priority Level Implementation
HS1-E- 1 Strengthen emergency management capacity to prepare for and respond to
the impacts of climate change.The City should prioritize capacity
improvements such as training and equipment to address risks exacerbated
by climate change. Emergency management should be equipped to address
the possibility of multiple emergencies at the same time, such as the
combination of extreme heat and power outage.
2.0
HS1-E- 2 Create and maintain a Response Plan for emerging vector-borne diseases,
including increased capacity for health services that are triggered by certain
case thresholds
2.0
HS2 Educate, engage, and empower the public for
climate health and safety
Strategy HS2-A: Expand public education campaign for
impacts of climate change
HS2-A- 1 Increase outreach to diverse populations about climate change and health,
natural hazards, and emergency preparedness via broadcast, print, bus ads,
social media, and other forms of communication in multiple languages and
accessible to individuals with disabilities to ensure that emergency
preparedness planning reaches all City residents
1.0
HS2-A- 2 Give city and county elected officials and staff tools (e.g. webinar trainings on
emergency preparedness, facilitation guides, and other materials in multiple
languages) to have dialogues about emergency preparedness within
neighborhoods and to create local resilience strategies such as an Adopt-A-
Neighbor campaign or hosting an OEM CERT-like training session in their
community.
1.0
HS2-A- 3 Support education to the public, medical, and veterinary communities about
the potential importation of non-native insect vectors (e.g. ticks, mosquitoes,
fleas) through human and pet travel to areas outside of State where these
insect vectors are prevalent
2.0
HS2-A- 4 Deploy point-in-time alert systems (e.g., RAVE, Nixle) to notify people of
extreme weather events, periods of dangerous cold, and heat waves and
refer them to resources on symptoms and prevention of climate-related
illness
2.0
HS2-A- 5 Identify current efforts and programs in place to engage the business and
health care community in developing emergency response plans and
business continuity plans. Review and expand efforts and programs to assure
climate change impacts and risks are incorporated.
2.0
Strategy HS2-B: Educate and engage the public on
extreme heat and weather risks
HS2-B- 1 Enhance community networks and connections for those who require special
attention during extreme heat and weather events, such as the elderly,
homebound, disabled, isolated, or those likely to be in need of financial
assistance during or after extreme weather events (heat, cold and heavy
precipitation)
1.0
HS2-B- 2 Develop extreme heat, weather, and poor air quality early warning and
response plans and systems that alert City employees and community
members when projected conditions pose a health risk. Public system
enhancement should focus on reaching at-risk populations and improving
communty equity
2.0
Strategy HS2-C: Educate and engage the public on air
quality and linkage with health
HS2-C- 1 In alignment with the American Public Health Association Policy Number:
201711, city will collaborate with educators at local k-12 and colleges to
ensure that air quality learning objectives,particularly those related to current
and projected climate change impacts, are included in their curricula (e.g.,
fundamentals of air pollution assessment and control, health risk assessment,
environmental justice). Collaboration should include education and training
programs for health professionals, including public health, medical, and
nursing programs, and science education programs for postsecondary and
K–12 science students. All health professionals and students should be
informed about steps individuals and communities can take to reduce air
pollution, and they should be made aware of services such as the Air Quality
Index that can help individuals take appropriate actions to reduce exposures
on days when air quality is poor. (Coordinate with action in Capacity section)
1.0
HS2-C- 2 Explore funding to continue and expand community outreach and education
of the CLE4R collaboration between University of Iowa, the City of Dubuque,
and Dubuque-area partners. CLE4R outreach and education expansion to
include the climate change risks, impacts, and actions outlined in this CAP.
2.0
HS2-C- 3 Educate public, healthcare, and public health professionals about health risks
posed by climate change, including potential changes in air quality and
impacts on mental health.
2.0
HS2-C- 4 Work with County Public Health Department, Emergency Management, and
local media to establish a process (and expand the number of platforms e.g.,
social media) to notify schools, community organizations, residents, and
businesses on changes in air quality and potential impacts on health.
Notification process could intigrate the EPAs AirNow.gov information and
platform. Final process established to be integrated within the Multi-Hazard
Mitigation Plan.
2.0
HS2-C- 5 Develop and distribute educational content (brochures, k-12 curricula
content, infographics, media announcements, etc) which outlines and
actively promotes the clean air and health benefits of strategies included in
this CAP plan. Strategies to be actively promoted include use of renewable
energy, conservation of energy, use of electric venichles, public transit, ride
share, and walking and biking for transportation. Engagement may include
collaborating with public schools on curricula content, visiting local schools to
talk about environmental conservation, sponsoring science fairs and asthma
awareness days, dissimination of information.
2.0
HS2-C- 6 In alignment with the American Public Health Association Policy Number:
201711, City will expand outreach to urban populations to better educate the
public about the hazards of air pollution, including indoor air quality, and the
steps individuals can take and available resources to reduce their exposure.
In planning and conducting outreach efforts, the city will explore
collaboration with regional and national industry trade associations,
nonprofit groups, and environmental organizations.
2.0
HS2-C- 7 Disiminate information about the Air Quality Index and the UV index,
supporting smart growth and green community programs, and working with
community leaders to establish clean air policies and initiatives. Everyone can
set an example for young people by thinking globally and acting locally.
2.0
Goal HS3 Address air quality impacts of climate change
Strategy HS3-A: Promote reduction of particulate
matter and air quality impacts of fossil fuel use
HS3-A- 1 Reduce generation of particulate matter, air pollution, and waste heat from
mobile sources by promoting and incentivizing public transit, biking and
walking.
1.0
HS3-A- 2 Explore use of the EPA Midwest Clean Diesel Program resources to create
enhanced City policies and ordinances and incentives for businesses. The
Clean Diesel Program provides support for projects that protect human
health and improve air quality by reducing harmful emissions from diesel
engines. This program includes grants and rebates funded under the Diesel
Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/midwest-
clean-diesel-initiative
1.0
HS3-A- 3 Develop an incentive program to convert fuel-burning lawn equipment such
as gas-powered lawn mowers and blowers to electric. Incentive should focus
on increasing community equity. (For GHG impacts, see:
http://palebluedot.llc/carbon-copy/2015/7/16/the-carbon-footprint-of-a-
lawn)
2.0
HS3-A- 4 Explore use of photocatalytic concrete for city road-side construction
including road surfaces, curbs, sidewalks, barrier walls, sculptures, and bus
shelters.2.0
HS3-A- 5 Install roadside vegetation that creates effective barriers to prevent drifting
of air pollutants to adjacent schools and residences. Vegintation should be
native plantings. Conduct a study to identify the most impactful placement
locations for vegitation, locations for greatest equity impacts, and establish
an implementation plan
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6060415/
2.0
Strategy HS3-B: Implement air quality monitoring
HS3-B- 6 Explore developing a collaboration with other government agencies,
universities, and institutions to fund and install an array of sensors for
monitoring air quality similar to the City of Chicago's "Array of Things" which
uses light post mounted monitors. Coordinate with the US EPA Air Quality
System to share data. https://www.epa.gov/aqs
1.0
HS3-B- 7 In alignment with the American Public Health Association Policy Number:
201711, city will collaborate with state and county environmental offices and
health departments and with the EPA regional office in assessing and
remediating environmental justice concerns in Dubuque. Concerns to be
assessed to include exposures to smog and toxic air pollutants and the
disproportionate number of asthma cases among people of color.
Assessment to prioritize review of exposures near public housing and schools
in the vicinity of freeways, industrial facilities, and power plants. Impacts of
land-use planning and infrastructure decisions on air pollution exposure to be
reexamined.
1.0
HS3-B- 8 Explore potential of deploying a series of air quality monitoring stations at
appropriately located public facilities.2.0
Strategy HS3-C: Explore and address ozone impacts on
local agriculture
HS3-C- 1 Collaborate with regional agencies, universities, and agricultural interests to
identify potential impacts of ozone on regional agriculture (both current and
projected future impacts based on climate change). Identify strategies to
address impacts.
1.0
HS3-C- 2 Develop educational materials on the relationship between nitrogen
fertilizers, nitrogen monoxide emissions, and ground level ozone formation.
Include strategies for minimizing and eliminating ground level ozone creation
such as modified fertilizer managment strategies and use of slow release
fertilizers. Share and promote materials with regional farmers and agriculture
associations. https://www.nature.com/articles/news050718-15
https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/smog-forming-soils/
2.0
Detailed Actions - Food Criteria Review Score:
4.5 - 5.0 = 1
4.0 - 4.4= 2
3.5 - 3.9= 3
3.0 - 3.4=4
2.0 - 2.9=5
0.0 - 1.9=6
Primary
Responsibility
Supporting
Responsibility
Estimated
Budget Need
Metric Progress At
Review
Goal F1 Reduce food's contribution to climate change
Strategy F1-A: Reduce perishable food wasting
F1-A- 1 Create and support a business network of sourcing, distributing and
marketing cosmetically imperfect produce 1.0
F1-A- 2 Educate on food date labels so people won’t throw out food they don’t need
to discard 1.0
F1-A- 3 Improve logistics of sourcing and transporting surplus food from events,
schools, restuarants, grocery stores and other sources.1.0
F1-A- 4 Support and facilitate food donation, food rescue and distribution programs
to food-insecure people. This may include working with Health Dept.
regulations/ advocating for restrictive regulations to change.1.0
F1-A- 5 Work with distribution and retail establishments to voluntarily phase out
refrigerants with high ozone depletion and global warming potential. Explore
conservation, efficiency and weatherization rebates for improving
refrigeration efficiency
2.0
F1-A- 6 Promote Restaurant, Food Service and Household Best Management
Practices
oReduce Food Wastage in the Kitchen (pre-consumer)
oReduce over-purchasing of food
oReduce prep waste and improperly cooked food
oConsider secondary uses for excess food
oEnsure proper storage techniques
oReduce Plate Scraping Wastage (post-consumer)
–Modify menu to increase consumer saƟsfacƟon and reduce food leŌ
uneaten
–Modify serving sizes and garnishes
–Encourage guests to order/request and take only the food they will consume
- Go Trayless at buffets and school/institutional cafeterias
2.0
F1-A- 7 Expand the refrigerated and freezer capacity at free meal sites and food
pantries by 2022 2.0
Strategy F1-B: Increase food residuals recovery to
beneficial use
F1-B- 1 Expand residential food scraps/residuals collection as DMASWA processing
capacity expands by 2022
oAIM: 50% of Households as Green Cart parƟcipants by 2025. Start selling
certified compost
1.0
F1-B- 2 Expand commercial food residuals collection as processing capacity expands
by 2022
oEstablish 2x/week commercial food residuals collecƟon opƟon by 2022
oAIM: 50% of commercial food residual tonnage to beneficial use by 2025
1.0
F2 Improve local food resilience and availability
Strategy F2-A: Improve healthy food system resilience
and supply safety net
F2-A- 1 Identify opportunities to build upon the City’s public health procedures,
information and messaging to encourage local gardening, composting,
leaving leaves, and reducing chemical fertilizers and pesticides (coordinate
with Health and Safety)
1.0
F2-A- 2 Expand Farmers Markets, local food hubs and marketing of locally produced
and processed foods. Program to focus on increased community equity and
food security among at-risk populations
1.0
F2-A- 3 Identify funding for, develop and promote a Shared Food Processing facility
with commercial grade, code compliant equipment and space. Space to be
made available to individuals to produce food products for sale to public.
Explore the feasibility of including an on-site locally produce food market.
Facility access should focus on expanding community equity.
1.0
F2-A- 4 Revise zoning ordinances to allow urban agriculture and clarify acceptability
to remove barriers to front yard and rooftop vegetable gardens, edible
landscaping and foraging. Proactively promote and educate the public on
urban agriculture ordinances, options and approaches
1.0
F2-A- 5 Collaborate with State economic, workforce, agriculture, and commerce
departments to develop green jobs and skills to grow, harvest, market and
prepare local, climate-friendly foods
1.0
F2-A- 6 Expand to more garden plots, rooftop and community garden sites with
water supply options 1.0
F2-A- 7 Develop a comprehensive farmland conservation plan that prioritizes food
production while taking into consideration other Imagine Dubuque priorities.
The plan could also include specific maps or areas prioritized for farmland
conservation or identify those areas most at risk from development.
Program should focus on exploring increased local food-to-table, local food
utilization, and local development of cultural food products in support of
Dubuque area underserved communities.
1.0
F2-A- 8 Coordinate with City GIS Mapping servcies to identify potential sites for
community garden sites or community farm sites with a focus on expanding
community equity (similar to Dubuque Rescue Mission Community Farm
http://dbqrescue.org/). Develop master plan and schedule for development
of best sites as community garden/farm locations with a focus on improving
community access equity
1.0
Priority Level Implementation
F2-A- 9 Promote information on locations and price ranges of uncommon cultural
produce, dairy and meats. Explore opportunities to expand local
development of these goods through the green job and skills program (see
other strategy, this category)
oVulnerable populaƟons lack informaƟon needed to get what they want to
feed their families
oExplore opƟons to include these goods at community events. Shared meal
events with cultural foods can help unify and break down climate stressed
social barriers
1.0
F2-A- 10 Work collaboratively with the Dubuque County Food Policy Council to
leverage county support and expand partnerships. This provides an
important, credible decision-making body to guide food policy for years to
come; aligning it with county government positions it for additional reach,
resources, and impact
1.0
F2-A- 11 Expand the Dubuque County Food Policy PARTNERS to include the City,
Cooperative Extension, DCSD, Holy Family Schools, colleges, institutions,
retailers and sustainable\regenerative farmers by 2022
1.0
F2-A- 12 Collaborate with other agencies, such Iowa State Extension, in evaluating
risks to local food sources under climate change. Prioritize additional action
strategies with a focus on increasing community equity and food security.
Identify additional implementation partnerships.
2.0
F2-A- 13 Work with Dubuque Water and other water providers to determine the
feasibility of offering rebates or other incentives to farmers for irrigation
water management equipment, water storage, reclaimed water, and
conservation tillage equipment that saves potable water
2.0
F2-A- 14 Incentivize food related businesses with green recognition achievement
awards for Best Practices 2.0
F2-A- 15 Support efforts to encourage expanded plant-based diets, including Meatless
Monday campaigns 2.0
Strategy F2-B: Strengthen farm to institution
procurement
F2-B- 1 Coordinate with School District, local universities, and local hospitals to
establish a climate-friendly, locally sourced foods procurement policies.
Explore development of group purchasing and logistics agreements to
increase efficiency of local farm-to-agency process.
1.0
F2-B- 2 Work with state economics, workforce, agriculture, and commerce
departments to develop green jobs and skills to grow, harvest, market and
prepare climate-friendly foods. Job development to focus on increasing
commuinty equity
1.0
F2-B- 3 Pass city policy to procure climate-friendly foods for events and other city-
managed facilities. Foods should be locally sourced to the highest extent
feasible.
2.0
F2-B- 4 Expand Farmers Markets, local food hubs and marketing of climate-friendly
food 2.0
Detailed Actions - Greenspace and Tree
Canopy
Criteria Review Score:
4.5 - 5.0 = 1
4.0 - 4.4= 2
3.5 - 3.9= 3
3.0 - 3.4=4
2.0 - 2.9=5
0.0 - 1.9=6
Primary
Responsibility
Supporting
Responsibility
Estimated
Budget Need
Metric Progress At
Review
Goal GS1 Strengthen Dubuque's tree canopy
Strategy GS1-A: Educate, engage, and empower the
public
GS1-A- 1 Develop educational and informational resources providing information on
beneficial and climate adaptive tree species, "carbon gardening" strategies
for ornamental gardens, and produce gardens, tree profile rebuilding,
elimination of synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use, high mow deck settings,
use of biochar amendments, polyculture lawn mixture and other beneficial
greenspace practices included in this CAP.
2.0
GS1-A- 2 Create and distribute tree and wildlife guide for residents. Guide should
focus on improving urban ecosstem health and resilience.2.0
Strategy GS1-B: Update and implement
recommendations in 2011 Dubuque urban forest
evaluation
GS1-B- 1 Update the 2011 Dubuque Urban Forest Evaluation. Update should include a
citywide tree canopy, light impervious surface, dark impervious surface,
grassland, and water coverage by census tract. Study should include heat
island impact study to identify areas of high heat island contribution and
impact. Findings of tree coverage, benefits, heat island impacts, and
opportunities should be overlapped with vulnerable population mapping
from the City's Climate Vulnerability Assessment. Study to establish specific
goals of tree canopy coverage, by census tract, for reduction of dark
imperviious surfaces, and target "Heat Island Coefficient". Study to identify
specific citywide percentage coverage goals for forsted and native planting
ground cover. Study to priority areas for heat island mitigation based on
need, potential, and impact on equity and vulnerable populations. Study
should also evaluate opportunities to plant additional trees near city facilities
to reduce heat island.http://palebluedot.llc/tree-canopy-assessments
1.0
GS1-B- 2 Establish an implementation master plan with schedule, budget, and
prioritized actions following the completion and recommendations of the
City's updated Dubuque Urban Forest Evaluation.
1.0
GS1-B- 3 Continue, and expand promotion of community grant to assist in planting
trees. Grant should focus within targeted ares for improved equity as
identified in the City's updated urban forest study.
1.0
GS1-B- 4 Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that
need air conditioning such as schools. Explore potential for pilot project.
Identify target areas based on Citywide heat island impact study called for in
Heat Island strategies, overlapped with vulnerable population mapping from
the City's Climate Vulnerability Assessment.
1.0
GS1-B- 5 Replanting tree loss, and Ash tree replacement for EAB management, at
110% or more of replacement with improved diversity 1.0
GS1-B- 6 Create a tree preservation ordinance with reasonable exceptions that support
the CAP tree canopy coverage and heat island mitigation goals. Ordinance
should reflect projected climate changes and impacts on tree species.
2.0
GS1-B- 3 Review City ordinances, policies, and standards to assure appropraitely
flexible allowance of tree placement in line with City goals.2.0
GS1-B- 4
Emphasize diversity and native, climate appropriate plantings 2.0
GS1-B- 5 Maintain an annual free street tree giveaway program in celebration of Earth
Day (similar to 2020 Earth Day program).3.0
GS2 Strengthen Dubuque's green space
Strategy GS2-A: Reduce, repurpose, and reimagine
lawn space
GS2-A- 1 Transition maintenance of all city owned properties to Carbon Gardening
practices including elimination of synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use, high
mow deck settings, use of biochar amendments, and polyculture lawn
mixture
1.0
GS2-A- 2 Encourage appreciation of functional, productive use of yard space such as
food production and wildlife habitat.
i.Encourage a ‘garden club’ aimed at educaƟon for producƟve yard space
ii.Leverage colleges to survey and cerƟfy residenƟal wildlife habitats
through a city recognition program
1.0
GS2-A- 3 Require soil profile rebuilding at all building project sites or compacted soil
conditions to reduce erosion and runoff contaminated with fertilizers,
increase soil carbon stores and support long-term soil building
(https://www.urbanforestry.frec.vt.edu/SRES/)
1.0
GS2-A- 4 Establish a policy and incentive to assist homeowners by covering some of
the cost of converting traditional lawns by planting pollinator friendly food
gardens, permaculture, wildflowers, clover or native grasses in an effort to
slow the collapse of the state’s bee population.
(http://m.startribune.com/program-pays-minnesota-homeowners-to-let-
their-lawn-go-to-the-bees/510593382/)
2.0
GS2-A- 5
Educate citizens on use of chemicals and water and wildlife habitat impacts.2.0
GS2-A- 7 Review city ordinances on lawns, explore opportunities to encourage lawn
alternatives, consider set-backs and signage areas for native installations.2.0
GS2-A- 8 Implement a biochar soil amendment for all building and earth working
construction sites – improves soil sequestration and builds carbon content of
topsoil, and improves water retention and permeability characteristics.2.0
ImplementationPriority Level
Strategy GS2-B: Utilize parks and marginal city
property for greater community use
GS2-B- 1 Review access to city parks and playgrounds and diversity of amenities
offered across the city.
i.Consider use of vacant lots for small playgrounds and/or community
gardens in coordination with Food sector CAP Goals
ii.Connect hiking and biking trails throughout the city. Expand into marginal
wooded areas throughout the city.
iii.Bike racks at all parks, safe bike routes to all parks.
iv.Expansion and diversificaƟon of community gardens.
1.0
GS2-B- 2 Map city owned properties and amenities offered or possible at each,
including hiking, foraging, etc 3.0
Goal GS3 Mitigate current and future urban heat
island impacts
Strstegy GS3-A: Update design standards, plans, and
policies for heat island mitigation
GS3-A- 1 Based on city's citywide heat island impact study (see Buildings and Energy
actions) Identify vulnerable urban tree canopy and street tree sections and
develop policies to incentivize, encourage, or require strategic tree planting
for heat island mitigation.
1.0
GS3-A- 2 Develop a performance based ordinance requiring tree planting within
parking lots. Ordinance should establish a specific goal of percentage of
pavement to be shaded by trees. Explore partnering with local business
(Hyvee, Target, Mall, etc) to create a pilot project to illustrate new ordinance
requirements and benefits.
1.0
GS3-A- 3 Develop a policy that requires all housing and commercial development
projects recieving City funding, PUD approval, and/or Conditional Use
Permitting to implement commercial scale heat island mitigation strategies
including cool surfaces, solar-friendly landscape shading strategies,
impervious surface reduction, and breeze capture. Reference City's Net Zero
Energy Building Guide for relevant strategies.
1.0
Strstegy GS3-B: Promote and implement heat island
mitigation improvements
GS3-B- 1 Explore creation of a Heat Island Reduction Incentive / Award program to
advance the actions and strategies identified in the city's citywide heat island
impact study (see Buildings and Energy actions). Incentives and awards from
governments, utilities, and other organizations can be an effective way to
spur individual heat island reduction actions. Incentives might include below-
market loans, tax breaks, product rebates, grants, and giveaways. (Determine
the optimum balance for achieving climate adaptation goals of incentives vs.
potential loss of tax base needed to accomplish those goals.) Explore
potential for sponsorship of program by key local and regional businesses.
Awards can reward exemplary work, highlight innovation, and promote
solutions across the public and private sectors.
1.0
GS3-B- 2 Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that
need air conditioning such as schools. Prioritize efforts based on city's
citywide heat island impact study (see Buildings and Energy actions).
Collaborate with school district, regional agencies, or instititions to identify
and implment a pilot project, including community eductional and
interprative content.
2.0
GS3-B- 3 Explore partnering with local business (Hyvee, Target, Mall, etc) to create a
pilot project to illustrate heat island reduction strategies included in this CAP
and their benefits.
2.0
GS3-B- 4 Research, evaluate and pilot porous paving, de-paving, vegetation and/or
more reflective surfaces in parking areas to reduce and cool impervious
surfaces, particularly in urban heat island areas with populations most
vulnerable to heat. Explore partnership opportunities with local multi-family
property owners (particularly low income communities), local businesses or
institutions for pilot projects as well as research and development
3.0
Detailed Actions - Climate Economy Criteria Review Score: 4.5 -
5.0 = 1 4.0 - 4.4=
2 3.5 - 3.9= 3
3.0 - 3.4=4 2.0
- 2.9=5 0.0 -
1.9=6
Primary
Responsibility
Supporting
Responsibility
Estimated
Budget Need
Metric Progress At
Review
Goal CE1 Capture local economic potential of climate
action
Strategy CE1-A: Create a climate action market
supporting and advancing climate action strategies.
CE1-A- 1 Establish a policy that designates City Franchise Fee Income as funding source
for Climate Initiatives
Partner with Alliant to proactively identify barriers in existing infrastructure
to reach Distributed Generation goals (DTT Relays, Fiber Communications
between substations, Other SubStation upgrades, etc…)
Fund renewable and efficiency projects directly related to the utility through
which the franchise fee is generated
1.0
CE1-A- 2 Create a market for Certified Compost
DMASWA: Upgrade permit and expand infrastructure to accept more food
residuals.
City: Create an ordinance to expand residual food scrap collection
City: Specify compost utilization for all city projects
1.0
CE1-A- 3 Fund and organize the establishment of a ReStore Facility for reusable
furnishings and salvage including construction/demolition.
Habitat for Humanity as partner with DMASWA
1.0
CE1-A- 4 Establish a policy to utilize TIF (Tax increment Financing) to incentivize
Mitigation and Adaptation actions in line with the goals of the CAP.2.0
CE1-A- 5 Biochar
Business partnership with Forestry Division with Emerald Ash Borer
Build local market for valuable product
•Add to compost to boost value
•UƟlizaƟon as soil amendment
•UƟlize to bond contaminants in soil (posiƟve caƟon exchange)
•Establish city ordinance requiring Biochar soil amendment for all new
construction projects
3.0
Strategy CE1-B: Increase workforce development for
the climate economy
CE1-B- 1 Work with local union hall to ensure that apprenticeship program includes
solar training. Potential partners and vehicles include:
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
Green Job Development Initiative
Attract Green Businesses
1.0
CE1-B- 2 Explore the development of a job training and entrepreneurial development
program similar to Operation Fresh Start. Program to focus on devvelopping
green jobs skills within vulnerable and underserved populations in local
sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency audits and upgrades, renewable
energy, and other skills that support the goals of the CAP.
(http://www.operationfreshstart.org/)
1.0
CE1-B- 3 Create an intern program similar to the IDNR Pollution Prevention (P2)
model. Task interns with finding resiliency solutions and cost savings. Intern
development should focus on increasing community equity
(https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Land-Quality/Waste-
Planning-Recycling/Pollution-Prevention-P2)
1.0
CE1-B- 4 Promote alternatives to traditional building demolition such as relocation,
deconstruction and salvage. Establish a jobs training program focused on
building workforce with deconstruction skills and capacities. Job training
program should focus on establishing job skills and placement for low income
individuals. See Beter Futures Program
(https://betterfuturesminnesota.com/services/building-deconstruction/)
2.0
CE1-B- 5 Renew DBQ Low Income Solar Program through local SREC market and
financing to ensure that everyone benefits from equity in solving the problem
not just those that created it
2.0
Strategy CE1-C: Explore climate action economic
development and financing, particularly within
underserved populations
CE1-C- 1 Explore the creation of Community Development Finance program or
institution to provide credit and financial services to underserved markets
and populations, with a particular focus on advancing the goals, strategies,
and acitons of the City's CAP plan.
(https://www.developstrongcities.org/#cities )
1.0
Goal CE2 Build marketplace climate resilience
Strategy CE2-A: Inform businesses of climate
vulnerability and opportunities for increasing resilience
CE2-A- 1 Create an online assessment of business’ vulnerability/resiliency, including
the following topics and content:
Potential Climate Impacts and Risks
Climate Resiliency
Energy: efficiency and renewables
Emergency Response
Zero Waste improvements
Potential Incentives or Tax breaks available
3.0
Strategy CE2-B: Prepare for climate change
immigration/migration
CE2-B- 1 Create an Affordable Housing Master Plan to identify current and potential
future need for affordable housing including scenarios anticipating climate
immigration and migration potentials. Master plan should identify priority
affordable housing locations which meet the Buildings and Energy,
Transportation and Land Use, Climate Adaptation, Health and Safety, and
other goals of this CAP plan.
1.0
CE2-B- 2 Collaborate with the school district to study potential service needs which
may be required under a range of climate immigration/migration scenarios.
Collaborate to create a "Climate immigration and migration response plan"
identifying actions.
1.0
CE2-B- 3 Conduct a climate immigration / migration community development
assessment to identify potential sustainable economic development and
community development opportunities for the City. Assessment should
assess the potential value of establishing a proactive communication and
marketing campaign to areas of potential climate immigrant/migrant
audiences. (coordinate with Adaptive Capacity)
1.0
Priority Level Implementation
CE2-B- 4 Study strategies to maintain and increase equity in the face of potential
climate change immigration / migration. Study should identify policies and
efforts the City can implement to avoid "climate gentrification"
1.0
Detailed Actions - Climate Action
Capacity
Criteria Review Score: 4.5 -
5.0 = 1 4.0 - 4.4=
2 3.5 - 3.9= 3
3.0 - 3.4=4 2.0
- 2.9=5 0.0 -
1.9=6
Primary
Responsibility
Supporting
Responsibility
Estimated
Budget Need
Metric Progress At
Review
Goal C1 Enhance and expand community capacity for
climate action and resilience
Strategy C1-A: Educate, engage, and empower the
public
C1-A- 1 Create a formal public outreach and education plan to inform the community
about climate actions and progress (National Mississippi River Museum
CAARE program may be a potential partner). Outreach and education should
assure inclusion of chronic, non-accute, stressors
1.0
C1-A- 2 Design and promote CAAP educational materials to ensure full engagement
of community members by using methods that are accessible and relevant to
all.
1.0
C1-A- 3 Build City staff capacity, within multiple departments, to support community-
led, neighborhood-focused resilience actions (e.g., identifying best practices,
establishing resilience hubs and implementing neighbor-based emergency
response)
1.0
C1-A- 4 Provide information on creating Personal Response Kits. Expand on City
efforts to support families who cannot afford to purchase supplies for
household emergency preparedness kits to adequately prepare their homes
(e.g. solicit emergency supply donations). Identify possible strategies for the
structure of the program through a review of donation programs in other
communities and engagement with community partners and businesses.
1.0
C1-A- 5 Develop and expand partnerships for education, training, and outreach
efforts for residents around climate action and sustainability. Potential
partners include regional Universities and the National Mississippi River
Museum & Aquarium's existing CAARE curriculum.
2.0
C1-A- 6 Work with local public and private schools to promote environmental
education curriculums and provide in-school lessons on climate change
science and climate action in K-12 classrooms. Curridula should include
communication of actions within the City's Climate Action Plan. Establish
Climate Communicaiton and Education hubs to provide localized
(neighborhood level) information and guidance on resources on climate
impacts including flooding, flash flooding, extreme heat and weather, air
quality, water quality, and vector borne diseases. HUB to include information
from City's Blue Spot flash flood risk assessment and promote the City's flood
and water quality information HUB. HUB should Emphasize steps individuals
can take to improve emergency preparedness, support the City's CAP, and
increase awareness of City and other alert systems.
(https://www.ready.gov/heat ; https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather ;
https://www.ready.gov/drought ; https://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-
lightning ; https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes ;
https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather )
2.0
C1-A- 7 Explore communication and education strategies to reach different
audiences. Consider developing robust climate education app such as a
“choose your own adventure” activity/app or other existing tools like the NIH
Preparedness app (https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/index.cfm?id=2536)
2.0
C1-A- 8 Work with the Iowa DNR and County Public Health Department to establish a
process (and expand the number of platforms e.g., social media) to notify
schools, community organizations, residents, and businesses durring periods
of air quality, water quality, extreme heat, and extreme weather concerns.
Cooridnate to provide educational resources on actions for personal and
family safety.
2.0
C1-A- 9 Develop and promote educational materials on the health impacts of air
pollution, extreme heat, longer allergy seasons, and vector-borne disease 2.0
C1-A- 10 Provide information on what residents can do to reduce their carbon
footprint and how their households can be more resilient. Action examples
should focus on strategies included in the City's CAP and should highlight
opportunities for increasing the community's equity
2.0
C1-A- 11 Create a climate change awareness "mascot" to promote education,
awareness, and action at public events. Mascot development and design
could be conducted as a design competition and education/engagement
opportunity in itself.
4.0
C1-A- 12 Increase household education about water quality and food storage risks
resulting from power outages associated with increased extreme weather
events
4.0
Strategy C1-B: Support development of social networks
to build social resilience
C1-B- 1 Explore modifications to City's zoning ordinance, such as allowance of
accessory dwelling units, to encourage development of affordable
intergenerational single-family homes and multi-family housing with a focus
on improved social connectedness across demographic cohorts (age and
ethnicity)
1.0
C1-B- 2 Ensure safe and welcoming community spaces for all, including parks,
community and youth centers, and city streets and rights of way, located in
all areas of the city. Identify areas within city not served by park space within
10 minute walk and develop a master plan to establish effective park spaces
to support social connectedness in areas with greatest need, with a priority
on equity. Study should coordinate with bike and walkability and public
transit plans and pathways. See Parkscore:
https://parkserve.tpl.org/mapping/index.html?CityID=1922395
1.0
C1-B- 3 Strengthen social connectedness through relationship-building among
community members across age, ethnicity, income, and other demographic
differences
1.0
C1-B- 4 Expand activity and participatory arts programs for older adults,
extracurricular activities for youth social engagement, youth peer mentoring
and intergenerational mentoring. Programs should focus on expanding social
connectedness within and between demographic cohorts (age and ethnicity)
2.0
C1-B- 5 Expand the use of social media to share information and encourage
collaboration and civic engagement. Identify responsible party within city to
establish and maintain a social media campaign to include organized and
regular climate action plan implementation and/or climate change
preparedness communications
2.0
C1-B- 6 Ensure integrated community centers that provide space for recreational and
educational programming, counseling and support services, and socialization
readily available to all vulnerable and at risk populations within walking
distance or convenient public transit service.
2.0
Priority Level Implementation
C1-B- 7 Support and encourage the expansion of public events that bring
communities together in public and private spaces. Explore developing
events in collaboration with other regional public agencies and private
sponsors
2.0
C1-B- 8 Build and support social networks: neighborhoods, churches, affinity groups
3.0
C2 Develop new mechanisms for financing climate
action work that account for equity and co-benefits
(building upon existing budget scoring criteria)
Strategy C2-A: Leverage existing financing pathways
C2-A- 1 Explore use of City share of DMASWA landfill methane capture and beneficial
reuse as Renewable Natural Gas to fund Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
implementation.
1.0
C2-A- 2 Establish Rate Payer Advisory Commissions for review of rates, revenue, and
uses for Resource Management and DMASWA. Explore revenue uses for
opportunities to support actions in support of the City's Climate Action goals.1.0
C2-A- 3 Research climate action financing tools and develop approach for Dubuque.
Research should include resources included in the Dubuque Climate
Vulnerability Assessment, September 2019, Chapter 12 "Possible Funding" as
well as other sources
1.0
C2-A- 4 Establish a policy that requires city infrastructure projects and capital budgets
incorporate climate risk and vulnerability analysis and adaptation plans to
ensure that future spending contributes to resilience and achieving the City's
CAP plan goals.
2.0
Strategy C2-B: Develop new financing pathways
C2-B- 1 Identify a sustainable funding source for increased utility assistance for low-
income residents, including support for energy efficiency projects, such as
weatherization
1.0
C2-B- 2 Explore the potential of developing a "Carbon Impact Fee" similar to the City
of Watsonville CA. Fee could be a percentage of the building permit fee
applied to all construction projects. Additional funds raised to be used for
Climate Mitigation and Adaptation implementation. Projects may apply for a
a sliding scale refund if they install on-site renewable energy system and
provide documentation that demonstrates the system will offset either 40%,
80%, or 100% of the project’s average annual electricity demand. Alternative
options include increasing the building permit fee base costs and providing a
discount or rebate to properties meeting City energy and climate goals.
Increased revenue to be used to fund Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
implementation with a focus on the actions and strategies which increase the
community's equity.
https://www.cityofwatsonville.org/DocumentCenter/View/198/Frequently-
Asked-Questions-About-the-Carbon-Fund-Ordinance-PDF
https://www.cityofwatsonville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3944/Carbon-
Fund-Voluntary-Compliance-Worksheet?bidId=
1.0
C2-B- 3 Explore Issuing “resilience bonds” that generate risk-reduction rebates from a
city’s catastrophe insurance premiums to pay for resilience projects,
prioritizing projects with high resilience, GHG mitigation, and climate
adaptation potential.
1.0
C2-B- 5 Explore the potential of collaborations with donors, philanthropists, and non-
profit foundations to develop a Climate Action and Equity Fund for the City of
Dubuque. (https://www.mcknight.org/news-ideas/new-charitable-fund-to-
support-local-action-on-climate-change-2/)
1.0
C2-B- 6 Establish a policy that accounts for all energy efficiency and renewable
energy operational cost savings of City buildings and fleets. All savings to be
invested into a Climate Action Fund as one source of financing for the City's
climate action efforts.
2.0
C2-B- 7 Explore the "green marketplace" utilization potential of the city's urban forest
with all revenue being invested in Climate Action Plan strategies. Strategies
may include sale of downed and select removed trees through marketplaces
such as the Urban Wood Network (http://urbanwoodnetwork.org/members),
as well as exploring lease of benefits of select city owned tree stock such as
"sugaring" rights of maple trees. Utilization should be prioritized to maintain
quality of the city's urban forest and qualtiy of life benefits.
2.0
2515 White Bear Ave, A8
Suite 177
Maplewood, MN 55109
Contact:
Ted Redmond
tredmond@palebluedot..llc
Prepared by: