{"id":615,"date":"2018-09-06T10:24:47","date_gmt":"2018-09-06T14:24:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/chapter\/10-5-case-study-two-climate-action-plans__trashed-2\/"},"modified":"2024-06-28T13:37:50","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T17:37:50","slug":"10-5-case-study-two-climate-action-plans__trashed-2","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/chapter\/10-5-case-study-two-climate-action-plans__trashed-2\/","title":{"raw":"9.5 Case Study: Two Climate Action Plans","rendered":"9.5 Case Study: Two Climate Action Plans"},"content":{"raw":"

Introduction<\/h2>\r\n

Increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activity are causing climate change, so how do we reduce those emissions? Whether dictated by an international, national, or local regulation or a voluntary agreement, plans are needed to move to a low-carbon economy. In the absence of federal regulation, cities, states, government institutions, and colleges and universities, have all taken climate action initiatives. This case study provides two examples of climate action plans \u2013 one for a city (Chicago) and one for an institution (the University of Illinois at Chicago).<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Chicago\u2019s Climate Action Plan<\/h2>\r\n

Urban areas produce a lot of waste. In fact, 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions are generated in urban areas. Therefore, it is important for cities to develop plans to address environmental issues. The\u00a0Chicago Climate Action Plan\u00a0(Chicago CAP) is one such example. The mid-term goal of this plan is a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and final goal is 80% reduction below 1990 GHG levels by the year 2050.<\/p>\r\n

The Chicago CAP outlines several benefits of a climate action plan. The first would obviously be the reduction of the effects of climate change. \u00a0Second, there is an economic benefit derived from increased efficiency that reduce energy and water consumption. Third, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels helps the United States achieve energy independence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1306\"]\"\" Figure 1. Chicago Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals Figure illustrates the emissions calculated for Chicago through 2005. Source: City of Chicago, Chicago Climate Action Plan[\/caption]\r\n

Figure 1 depicts the emissions calculated for Chicago through 2005. From that point there is an estimate (the dotted line) of a further increase before the reductions become evident and the goals portrayed can be obtained. The plan was released in September 2008 and provides a roadmap of five strategies with 35 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and adapt to climate change. Figure 2 identifies the proportion of emissions reductions from the various strategies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"560\"]\"\" Figure 2. Graph shows the sources of the Chicago CAP emission reductions by strategy. Source: C. Klein-Banai using data from City of Chicago, Chicago Climate Action Plan.[\/caption]\r\n

University Climate Action Plan<\/h2>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

Several factors caused a major Chicago university to develop a climate action plan. As part of the\u00a0American College and University Presidents\u2019 Climate Commitment\u00a0(ACUPCC), nearly 670 presidents have signed a commitment to inventory their greenhouse gases, publicly report it, and to develop a climate action plan. In order to be a better steward of the environment, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) developed a\u00a0climate action plan. The goals are similar to Chicago\u2019s: a 40% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 and at least 80% by 2050, using a 2004 baseline. The strategies align with those of the city in which the campus resides (see Table\u00a0Alignment of the Chicago and UIC Climate Action Plans). UIC\u2019s greenhouse gas reports are also made publicly available on the\u00a0ACUPCC reporting site. Figure\u00a03\u00a0displays UIC\u2019s calculated emissions inventory (in red) and then the predicted increases for growth if activities continue in a \u201cbusiness as usual (BAU)\u201d approach. The triangular wedges below represent emissions reductions through a variety of strategies. Those strategies are displayed in Table\u00a0Alignment of the Chicago and UIC Climate Action Plans, alongside Chicago\u2019s for comparative purposes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"925\"]\"\" Figure 3. UIC\u2019s Projected Emissions Reductions Projected emissions reductions from 2004 to 2030. Where BAU stands for Business as Usual, what would happen if no action were taken? Source: UIC Climate Action Plan, figure 6.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

The UIC CAP also has major strategy categories that are similar to Chicago\u2019s and within each strategy there are a number of recommended actions. Progress on this plan will be monitored both by reporting emissions at least every two years to the ACUPCC and by tracking individual actions and reporting to the campus community.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
CHICAGO CAP<\/strong><\/td>\r\nUIC CAP<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Energy Efficient Buildings<\/strong><\/td>\r\nEnergy Efficiency and Conservation<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Retrofit commercial and industrial buildings<\/td>\r\nRetrofit buildings<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Retrofit residential buildings<\/td>\r\nEnergy performance contracting<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Trade in appliances<\/td>\r\nMonitoring and maintenance<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Conserve water<\/td>\r\nWater conservation<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Update City energy code<\/td>\r\nEstablish green building standards<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Establish new guidelines for renovations<\/td>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Cool with trees and green roofs<\/td>\r\nGreen roofs\/reflective roofs<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Take easy steps<\/td>\r\nEnergy conservation by campus community<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Clean & Renewable Energy Sources<\/strong><\/td>\r\nClean and Renewable Energy<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Upgrade power plants<\/td>\r\nModify power plants<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Improve power plant efficiency<\/td>\r\nPurchase electricity from a renewable electricity provider<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Build renewable electricity<\/td>\r\nBuild renewable electricity<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Increase distributed generation<\/td>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Promote household renewable power<\/td>\r\nGeothermal heating and cooling<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Improved Transportation Options<\/strong><\/td>\r\nImproved Transportation Options<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Invest more in transit<\/td>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Expand transit incentives<\/td>\r\nExpand transit incentives<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Promote transit-oriented development<\/td>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Make walking and biking easier<\/td>\r\nMake walking and biking easier<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Car share and car pool<\/td>\r\nCar sharing\/car pool program<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Improve fleet efficiency<\/td>\r\nContinue to improve fleet efficiency<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Achieve higher fuel efficiency standards<\/td>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Switch to cleaner fuels<\/td>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Support intercity rail<\/td>\r\nReduce business travel (web conferencing)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Improve freight movement<\/td>\r\nAnti-Idling regulations\/guidelines<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Reduced Waste & Industrial Pollution<\/strong><\/td>\r\nRecycling and Waste Management<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Reduce, reuse and recycle<\/td>\r\nEstablishing recycling goals<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Shift to alternative refrigerants<\/td>\r\nComposting<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Capture stormwater on site<\/td>\r\nSustainable food purchases & use of biodegradable packaging<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
<\/td>\r\nCollecting and converting vegetable oil<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
<\/td>\r\nDevelop a user-friendly property management system<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
<\/td>\r\nExpand the waste minimization program<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
<\/td>\r\nRecycle construction debris<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
<\/td>\r\nPurchasing policies<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Preparation (Adaptation)<\/strong><\/td>\r\nImproved Grounds Operations<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Manage heat<\/td>\r\nCapture stormwater on site<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Protect air quality<\/td>\r\nUse native species<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Manage stormwater<\/td>\r\nReduce\/eliminate irrigation<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Implement green urban design<\/td>\r\nIntegrated pest management<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Preserve plants and trees<\/td>\r\nTree care plan<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Pursue innovative cooling<\/td>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Engage the public<\/td>\r\nEducation, Research and Public Engagement<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Engage businesses<\/td>\r\nEmployment Strategies<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Plan for the future<\/td>\r\nTelecommuting<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
<\/td>\r\nFlextime<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
<\/td>\r\nChildcare center<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
<\/td>\r\nPublic Engagement<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\n
Alignment of the Chicago and UIC Climate Action Plans<\/strong>\u00a0Source: C. Klein-Banai using data from Chicago Climate Action Plant and UIC Climate Action Plan<\/em><\/caption>\r\n
<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\r\n

There is no one approach that will effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate action plans are helpful tools to represent strategies to reduce emissions. Governmental entities such as nations, states, and cities can develop plans, as can institutions and businesses. It is important that there be an alignment of plans when they intersect, such as a city and a university that resides within it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Attribution<\/h4>\r\nEssentials of Environmental Science<\/a>\u00a0by Kamala Dor\u0161ner<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a>. Modified from the original.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

Increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activity are causing climate change, so how do we reduce those emissions? Whether dictated by an international, national, or local regulation or a voluntary agreement, plans are needed to move to a low-carbon economy. In the absence of federal regulation, cities, states, government institutions, and colleges and universities, have all taken climate action initiatives. This case study provides two examples of climate action plans \u2013 one for a city (Chicago) and one for an institution (the University of Illinois at Chicago).<\/p>\n

Chicago\u2019s Climate Action Plan<\/h2>\n

Urban areas produce a lot of waste. In fact, 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions are generated in urban areas. Therefore, it is important for cities to develop plans to address environmental issues. The\u00a0Chicago Climate Action Plan\u00a0(Chicago CAP) is one such example. The mid-term goal of this plan is a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and final goal is 80% reduction below 1990 GHG levels by the year 2050.<\/p>\n

The Chicago CAP outlines several benefits of a climate action plan. The first would obviously be the reduction of the effects of climate change. \u00a0Second, there is an economic benefit derived from increased efficiency that reduce energy and water consumption. Third, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels helps the United States achieve energy independence.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"
Figure 1. Chicago Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals Figure illustrates the emissions calculated for Chicago through 2005. Source: City of Chicago, Chicago Climate Action Plan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Figure 1 depicts the emissions calculated for Chicago through 2005. From that point there is an estimate (the dotted line) of a further increase before the reductions become evident and the goals portrayed can be obtained. The plan was released in September 2008 and provides a roadmap of five strategies with 35 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and adapt to climate change. Figure 2 identifies the proportion of emissions reductions from the various strategies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"\"
Figure 2. Graph shows the sources of the Chicago CAP emission reductions by strategy. Source: C. Klein-Banai using data from City of Chicago, Chicago Climate Action Plan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

University Climate Action Plan<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Several factors caused a major Chicago university to develop a climate action plan. As part of the\u00a0American College and University Presidents\u2019 Climate Commitment\u00a0(ACUPCC), nearly 670 presidents have signed a commitment to inventory their greenhouse gases, publicly report it, and to develop a climate action plan. In order to be a better steward of the environment, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) developed a\u00a0climate action plan. The goals are similar to Chicago\u2019s: a 40% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 and at least 80% by 2050, using a 2004 baseline. The strategies align with those of the city in which the campus resides (see Table\u00a0Alignment of the Chicago and UIC Climate Action Plans). UIC\u2019s greenhouse gas reports are also made publicly available on the\u00a0ACUPCC reporting site. Figure\u00a03\u00a0displays UIC\u2019s calculated emissions inventory (in red) and then the predicted increases for growth if activities continue in a \u201cbusiness as usual (BAU)\u201d approach. The triangular wedges below represent emissions reductions through a variety of strategies. Those strategies are displayed in Table\u00a0Alignment of the Chicago and UIC Climate Action Plans, alongside Chicago\u2019s for comparative purposes.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"
Figure 3. UIC\u2019s Projected Emissions Reductions Projected emissions reductions from 2004 to 2030. Where BAU stands for Business as Usual, what would happen if no action were taken? Source: UIC Climate Action Plan, figure 6.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The UIC CAP also has major strategy categories that are similar to Chicago\u2019s and within each strategy there are a number of recommended actions. Progress on this plan will be monitored both by reporting emissions at least every two years to the ACUPCC and by tracking individual actions and reporting to the campus community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
CHICAGO CAP<\/strong><\/td>\nUIC CAP<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Energy Efficient Buildings<\/strong><\/td>\nEnergy Efficiency and Conservation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Retrofit commercial and industrial buildings<\/td>\nRetrofit buildings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Retrofit residential buildings<\/td>\nEnergy performance contracting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trade in appliances<\/td>\nMonitoring and maintenance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conserve water<\/td>\nWater conservation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Update City energy code<\/td>\nEstablish green building standards<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Establish new guidelines for renovations<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cool with trees and green roofs<\/td>\nGreen roofs\/reflective roofs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Take easy steps<\/td>\nEnergy conservation by campus community<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clean & Renewable Energy Sources<\/strong><\/td>\nClean and Renewable Energy<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Upgrade power plants<\/td>\nModify power plants<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Improve power plant efficiency<\/td>\nPurchase electricity from a renewable electricity provider<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Build renewable electricity<\/td>\nBuild renewable electricity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Increase distributed generation<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Promote household renewable power<\/td>\nGeothermal heating and cooling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Improved Transportation Options<\/strong><\/td>\nImproved Transportation Options<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Invest more in transit<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Expand transit incentives<\/td>\nExpand transit incentives<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Promote transit-oriented development<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Make walking and biking easier<\/td>\nMake walking and biking easier<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Car share and car pool<\/td>\nCar sharing\/car pool program<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Improve fleet efficiency<\/td>\nContinue to improve fleet efficiency<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Achieve higher fuel efficiency standards<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Switch to cleaner fuels<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Support intercity rail<\/td>\nReduce business travel (web conferencing)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Improve freight movement<\/td>\nAnti-Idling regulations\/guidelines<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reduced Waste & Industrial Pollution<\/strong><\/td>\nRecycling and Waste Management<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reduce, reuse and recycle<\/td>\nEstablishing recycling goals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shift to alternative refrigerants<\/td>\nComposting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Capture stormwater on site<\/td>\nSustainable food purchases & use of biodegradable packaging<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nCollecting and converting vegetable oil<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nDevelop a user-friendly property management system<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nExpand the waste minimization program<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nRecycle construction debris<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nPurchasing policies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Preparation (Adaptation)<\/strong><\/td>\nImproved Grounds Operations<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Manage heat<\/td>\nCapture stormwater on site<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Protect air quality<\/td>\nUse native species<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Manage stormwater<\/td>\nReduce\/eliminate irrigation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Implement green urban design<\/td>\nIntegrated pest management<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Preserve plants and trees<\/td>\nTree care plan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pursue innovative cooling<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engage the public<\/td>\nEducation, Research and Public Engagement<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engage businesses<\/td>\nEmployment Strategies<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Plan for the future<\/td>\nTelecommuting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nFlextime<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nChildcare center<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nPublic Engagement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\n
\n
\n\n\n\n
Alignment of the Chicago and UIC Climate Action Plans<\/strong>\u00a0Source: C. Klein-Banai using data from Chicago Climate Action Plant and UIC Climate Action Plan<\/em><\/caption>\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

There is no one approach that will effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate action plans are helpful tools to represent strategies to reduce emissions. Governmental entities such as nations, states, and cities can develop plans, as can institutions and businesses. It is important that there be an alignment of plans when they intersect, such as a city and a university that resides within it.<\/p>\n

Attribution<\/h4>\n

Essentials of Environmental Science<\/a>\u00a0by Kamala Dor\u0161ner<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 4.0<\/a>. Modified from the original.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":515,"menu_order":5,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[48],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-615","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","chapter-type-numberless"],"part":599,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/615","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/515"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/615\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":924,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/615\/revisions\/924"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/599"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/615\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=615"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=615"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=615"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/environmentalissues\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=615"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}