[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village
of Dundee 5-26-2009 by Res. No. 2009-13. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
The Village of Dundee (hereinafter "local government") believes that
climate change poses a real and increasing threat to our local and
global environments which is primarily due to the burning of fossil
fuels.
B.
The effects of climate change will endanger our infrastructure, economy
and livelihoods; harm our farms, orchards, ecological communities,
including native fish and wildlife populations; spread invasive species
and exotic diseases; reduce drinking water supplies and recreational
opportunities; and pose health threats to our citizens.
C.
We believe that our response to climate change provides us with an
unprecedented opportunity to save money, and to build livable, energy-independent
and secure communities, vibrant innovation economies, healthy and
safe schools, and resilient infrastructures.
D.
We believe the scale of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions
required for climate stabilization will require sustained and substantial
efforts.
E.
We believe that even if emissions were dramatically reduced today,
communities would still be required to adapt to the effects of climate
change for decades to come.
The Village of Dundee, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and adapt to a changing climate, will:
A.
Pledge to combat climate change by becoming a climate smart community.
(1)
Set goals to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to predicted climatic
changes.
(2)
Establish a task force of local officials and community members to
review the issues and propose a plan of action.
(3)
Designate a point person who will oversee climate change initiatives
and publicly report on progress.
(4)
Work cooperatively with similar task forces in neighboring communities
to ensure that efforts complement and reinforce one another.
(5)
As an official signal of commitment and for access to technical resources,
sign on to a widespread climate campaign such as ICLEI Local Governments
for Sustainability – Climate Protection campaign.
B.
Set goals, inventory emissions, move to action.
(1)
Gather data, inventory GHG gas emissions, and establish baselines
for local government operations and community sectors.
(2)
Develop quantifiable interim GHG emission targets consistent with
emission reduction goals and propose a schedule and financing strategy
to meet them.
(3)
Encourage stakeholder and public input and develop an action plan.
(4)
Report emissions to The Climate Registry (TCR), which has developed
a standardized method for reporting emissions inventories; use ICLEI
and TCR's tools to track and evaluate progress.
C.
Decrease energy demand for local government operations. Adopt a goal
of reducing electricity use by 15% from projected levels no later
than 2015.
(1)
Existing public facilities:
(a)
Inventory current building electricity usage and identify opportunities
for conservation and efficiency retrofits.
(b)
Obtain energy assessments from the New York State Energy Research
and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York Power Authority,
the Long Island Power Authority or other professionals.
(c)
Consider actions such as purchasing energy-efficient equipment
and appliances, such as ENERGY STAR®; improving lighting, heating,
and cooling efficiency; selling thermostats for maximum energy conservation;
decreasing plug load from office equipment; and increasing pump efficiency
in water and wastewater systems.
(2)
New public buildings: achieve at least minimum U.S. Green Building
Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards (LEED
Silver) for all new local government buildings.
(3)
Infrastructure: incorporate energy-efficient technologies and operations
and maintenance practices into municipal streetlighting, traffic signals,
and water and wastewater treatment facilities.
(4)
Vehicle fleet and commuting:
(a)
Improve the average fuel efficiency of local government fleet
vehicles.
(b)
Discourage vehicle idling and encourage bicycling, car-pooling
and public transit for employees.
(c)
Consider reducing the number of vehicles; converting fleet vehicles
to sustainable alternative fuels; and using electric vehicles where
possible.
D.
Encourage renewable energy for local government operations: supply
as much of the local government's power, heat and hot water needs
as possible from solar, wind, and small hydro through purchase or
direct generation.
E.
Realize benefits of recycling and other climate smart solid waste
management practices.
(1)
Expand the "reduce, reuse and recycle" approach to waste management
in local government operations and in the whole community.
(2)
Reduce the amount of solid waste generated; promote backyard composting,
implement volume-based pricing and educate residents on how to prevent
waste.
(3)
Promote reuse by organizing community-wide yard sales, and providing
a space for drop-off or trade of reusable goods.
(4)
Provide recycling receptacles in local government buildings and outdoor
spaces, require duplex printing in government offices, compost food
scraps and green waste, and adopt a comprehensive green purchasing
program.
F.
Promote climate protection through community land use planning.
(1)
Combat climate change by encouraging low-emissions development that
is resilient to climatic changes.
(2)
When updating land use policies, building codes or community plans,
include provisions to combat climate change; reduce sprawl; preserve
and protect open space, biodiversity, and water supplies; promote
compact, transit-oriented, bikeable and walkable communities; promote
infill development; minimize new development in floodplains; maintain
or establish healthy community forests; and promote best forest management
practices and encourage tree planting, especially along waterways,
to increase shading and to absorb carbon dioxide.
G.
Plan for adaptation to unavoidable climate change.
(1)
Evaluate risks from unavoidable climate change; set adaptation goals
and plan for adaptation.
(2)
Identify climate change impacts (such as flooding, drought, and extreme
temperatures) that could affect the community.
(3)
Identify areas such as water supply and sewer infrastructure that
may be at risk due to sea-level rise and future changes in climate.
(4)
Factor risks into long-term investments and decision-making.
(5)
Execute climate change adaptation and preparedness measures through
local government planning, development and operations, giving priority
to the highest risk areas.
H.
Support a green innovation economy.
(1)
Identify opportunities to incorporate climate protection, sustainability
and environmental goods and service industries into economic development
plans.
(2)
Encourage workforce development training and school curricula that
support the emerging green collar job sector, including renewable
energy and energy efficiency, as well as Climate Smart solid waste
management practices.
(3)
Procure Climate Smart goods and services for local government operations
and support modernizing of local and national electricity grids.
I.
Inform and inspire the public. Lead by example.
(1)
Highlight local government commitment to reducing energy use, saving
tax dollars, and adapting to changing conditions.
(2)
Demonstrate the benefits of energy savings, energy efficiency, and
renewable energy projects by hosting open houses; distributing fliers;
holding local meetings; working with school districts, colleges, and
universities to develop climate change curricula and programs; engaging
faith-based communities in climate protection; and regularly communicating
community climate protection goals and progress to constituents.
J.
Commit to an evolving process.
(1)
Acknowledge that research and policy on climate protection are constantly
improving and evolving.
(2)
Be willing to consider new ideas and commit to update plans and policies
as needed.
(3)
Compare successes; cooperate and collaborate with neighboring communities
to redirect less-effective actions and amplify positive results.
