BC 2009 01 30 Board Retreat - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 30, 2009 (Board Retreat) Page 1218 government operations and regulations by employing environmentally friendly practices. PROGRESS: County was awarded NCADFPTF grant of $675,000.00 in late 2008 and a Cannon Foundation grant of $150,000.00. Staff is also participating in a related statewide effort led by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. A sustainability manager was hired in December. Several efforts have already been implemented. NEXT STEPS: sustainability action plan is being developed by sustainability manager and other staff. Draft to be completed 15C quarter of 2009. Initiated discussions to form a sustainability council at the Chamber. This initiative received a favorable response from EDC board and will be presented to the Chamber board in February. Perform community food assessment and form food policy council by the end of the 2"d quarter of 2009. Begin construction of Cruse harvest facility by 3rtl quarter of 2009. Review of 3ustainability Progress Report County Manager Day reviewed the following report: County Web Page: Currently developing the Environmental sustainability portion of the web page. This will provide information and education to County employees and citizens about sustainability efforts within the County and to provide guidance on establishing a path towards a sustainable Cabarrus County. Incubator Earm: Initial clearing of land has been completed. Cover crop has been planted. Cannon Foundation Grant received. Green house materials have been delivered and stored for later construction. Participation in Center for Environmental Farming Systems "Farm to Fork" initiative. Energy Conservation: Installation of motion sensors to turn on and shut off lights. Installation of computer controlled lighting and HVAC systems. Developing energy usage spreadsheet to develop benchmark energy use and track energy savings by building / area. Greenhouse gas emission tracking spreadsheet is being developed. Water Conservation: (Storm Water Pollution Prevention): Installation of rain storage tanks at Governmental Center, Senior Center, and grounds maintenance. Sustainable Buildings (LEED): Cabarrus is now a member of U.S. Green Building Council. General Services Director and sustainability Manager are attending LEED workshops in preparation for taking LEED Certification test. Work is ongoing towards constructing a LEED certified building at Old Fairgrounds location. Several minor LEED principles have been discussed for the soon to be designed Mt. Pleasant Library addition. Air Quality (CO2 emissions, carbon footprint): Developing spreadsheet to track carbon footprint created from all County vehicles. Joining "Cool Counties" once several benchmarks are determined. Recycling / Purchasing Plan: Work being conducted to better enforce County Recycling Plan. Modifying the recycling portion of the County web page to provide more information and education concerning recycling. Purchasing policy has been established that as of January 20, 2009, there has to be a minimum order of $50 when placing orders with Corporate Express. This will reduce the number of deliveries which will reduce fuel use (and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions) and reduce the number of boxes required for deliveries. Working on a purchasing policy to purchase products and supplies that are more environmentally friendly. Solid Waste and Recycling: School white paper recycling program (conducted in conjunction with City of Concord) to be kicked off in February. Fleet Replacements: Presently we have twenty three (23) four (4) door hybrid sedans and five (5) hybrid SUV's. We have proposed three (3) hybrid SUV's and two (2) four (9) door hybrid sedans for next budget year.