Climate Action Plan
Climate Action Plan ... IN ACTION!
Here are some examples of Signature Projects that model our goals
Solar Neighborhood Challenge
Objective
Solarize everything, educate our communities on the benefits of solar energy, and push policy to make solar installation easier
Context
Emblematic of sustainability, installing solar panels is one of the biggest ways you can decrease your carbon emissions
The Solar Neighborhood Challenge outlines our strategy to harness the potential power of solarizing our neighborhoods
Benchmark Current Conditions
Not very many Ambassadors had solar before the challenge, and few in our communities do
Track and Measure Progress
All outreach communications are being logged annually
Increase the number of people doing outreach, as well as the number of people being reached through groups like outreach leaders
Develop Strategies and Share with Stakeholders
Data collected is used for creating email campaigns and informational tools for general public
Focusing on connecting and sharing data with HOAs, local gov, schools.
Zero Carbon Commuting to School
Objective
A measurable decrease in the total GHG emissions from commuting to school with schools and school districts competing to cooperate for the common good
Context
Transportation contributes 40-50% of our city’s carbon footprint
It is critical that we lead on transportation.
Benchmark Current Conditions
Using surveys and traffic counts to understand current forms of transportation to and from school
Track and Measure Progress
Kirkland, Washington, is developing a series of campaigns to reduce the total carbon footprint of students commuting to and from each school
Campaigns will include walking, biking, better bike route planning, apps to support more connections among families for carpooling, more frequent bus routes, free bus passes for students, more electric vehicle purchases and charging infrastructure for cars, new city EV fleets, and new electric school buses.
Develop Strategies and Share with Stakeholders
As our model is refined, we will advocate for its adoption at other schools across the district, other cities, and across King County.
Ambassador Footprint Analysis
Objective
The objective and goal of this project is to collaborate with Ambassadors to create a data-driven project model that shows how we as Ambassadors are making changes to our own lifestyle first
This shows that we as Ambassadors are LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Context
As we show the world how easy it is to start making change, they will follow the example and we can start changing the world
We show the world data of how we are improving and naturally, many people will also want to improve too.
Benchmark Current Conditions
Each Ambassador is required to report their water and carbon footprint as well as the steps that can be taken to reduce those impacts
Further data collection methods will include more frequent Ambassador reports on their numbers per year
Track and Measure Progress
Progress tracked on a Spreadsheet for each Ambassador
Includes how they made that happen.
Also, keep track of the Impact Stories which is another chance to tell the public of what they can do to help Rapidly Advance a Sustainable Future
Develop Strategies and Share with Stakeholders
Project Data can be used to show the public that we Lead by Example and what they can do to help out
Data is shared with the public at Sustainability Ambassadors' signature events.
2050 Update COVID Generation
We plan to enhance the project impact by going to public events like City Council Meetings and speaking about this data
City-by-City Green Building Inventory
Objective
Identify patterns and trends in the number of King County green buildings based on several certifications
Context
Transition towards greener buildings as a county.
Natural Science
Technology systems
What makes this building green?
Analysis of certification standards
Social Science
History of Green Buildings
Economic analysis of Green Buildings
Benchmark current conditions
Data collection from 2013
Annual data collection creates a robust data set for data comparison on a yearly basis
Track and Measure Progress
Annual inventory - add to dataset
Analyze and build graphs based on collected data
Determine any trends or shifts from past years
Target what made the difference between years
Develop Strategies and Share with Stakeholders
Participate in Policy Development
Provide testimonies at City Council, share data and progress at various events and to stakeholders
Educational component for sustainability teacher lab
Speak out, employ various strategies to help make a change through advocacy
Also share any potential strategies developed