The County of Suffolk, in the interest of reducing greenhouse
gas emission and adapting to a changing climate, shall engage in the
following activities:
A. Pledge to combat climate change by becoming a Climate Smart Community
(CSC): set goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt
to predicted climate change, work with other local CSCs to develop
complementary and compounding climate-based policies, and sign on
to a widespread climate campaign to show commitment and obtain technical
resources to aid in accomplishing these goals.
B. Set goals, inventory emissions, move to action: gather data, inventory
County GHG emissions, and establish baselines for County government
operations; develop interim GHG targets consistent with emission reduction
goals and propose a schedule and financing strategy to meet same;
develop an emissions action plan; report emissions to the Climate
Registry and use related tools to track and evaluate the County's
progress.
C. Decrease energy demand for County government operations: adopt a
goal of reducing electricity use by 15% from projected levels by 2015;
inventory electricity usage at existing County facilities and consider
opportunities to increase energy efficiency and conservation; achieve
LEED standards for new facility construction; incorporate energy-efficient
technology, operations and maintenance practices for County infrastructure;
and improve fuel efficiency and sustainability of County fleet vehicles.
D. Encourage renewable energy for County government operations: supply
as much of the County government's power requirements as possible
through renewable energy sources, either by purchase or direct generation.
E. Realize the benefits of recycling and other Climate Smart solid waste
management practices at the County level: reduce solid waste generation
by County government; promote the reuse of items when possible; provide
recycling containers in County government buildings; and promote expanded
"Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" initiatives to the public.
F. Promote climate protection through County planning: combat climate
change through County planning, when possible, and preserve and protect
open space, biodiversity and water supplies.
G. Plan for adaptation to unavoidable climate change: evaluate risks
for unavoidable climate change and set adaptation goals and a plan
for adaptation; identify climate change impacts that could affect
Suffolk County, including critical impact areas such as water supply
or sewer infrastructure that may be at risk due to rising sea-levels
or other changes; factor climate risks into long-term investments
and decision making; execute adaptation plan and preparedness measures
through County planning, development and operations, prioritizing
the highest risk areas.
H. Support a green innovation economy in Suffolk County: identify opportunities
to incorporate climate protection, sustainability and environmental
goods and services industries to the County's economic development
plans; encourage workforce development training and school curricula
that support the green collar job sector, including renewable energy,
energy efficiency and climate smart solid waste management practices;
obtain climate smart goods and services for County government operations
and support modernization of local and national electricity grids.
I. Inform and inspire the public on Climate Smart Communities: lead
by example; highlight County commitments to reducing energy use, saving
tax dollars and adapting to changing conditions; demonstrate the benefits
of energy savings, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects
increasing community awareness, working with school districts, colleges
and universities to develop climate change curricula and programs,
and regularly communicate County climate protection goals and progress
to constituents.
J. Commit to an evolving process: acknowledge that research and policy
on climate protection are constantly improving and evolving; be willing
to consider new ideas and commit to update plans and polices as needed;
compare successes, cooperate and collaborate with neighboring communities
to redirect less-effective actions and amplify positive results.