BI making progress on Climate Action Plan – Bainbridge Island Review

What can you do to prevent climate change?

You can find out with a new outreach effort called Climate Smart Bainbridge. You can find out how you can reduce transportation choices, electricity use, heating, food choices and waste the major causes of greenhouse gas emissions.

The program explains how people can take action to protect the environment, save money, and improve your health and comfort at home.

The Climate Smart Challenge is an easy and fun way to reduce your GHG emissions. Based on your lifestyle, you can track your progress and watch your carbon footprint decline.

The city will be hosting commnity workshops on Climate Smart Bainbridge as part of its Climate Action Plan goals for this year. The first is April 21 from 6-7 p.m. online on Zoom. Go to http://www.ClimateSmartBainbridge.org

BI is making progress on CAP. Thats what Autumn Salamack, the citys climate mitigation and adaption officer, told the BI Planning Commission recently. She discussed in a Powerpoint presentation CAPs goals, progress and work plan for this year.

She reminded the commission about CAPs three main priorities.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2025, 60% by 2035 and 90% by 2045, compared to measurements made in 2014.

Prepare the BI community for climate change impacts.

Engage and educate the community.

Salamack said 55% of emissions can be linked to residential uses and 34% from areas related to transportation.

She gave an update on progress made on the 18 major initial projects established in relation to energy, buildings, transportation, natural environment, waste and community engagement.

Some of the major accomplishments include:

Working with Puget Sound Energy for a partnership on providing a cleaner energy supply.

Working with the National Renewable Energy Lab on having 100% renewable energy on the island by 2030.

Discussion of a biodigester for the island is taking place. The City Council decided the recycling structure is not in place right now to get one, but it is looking to change that.

The Green Building Task Force was formed.

The Sustainable Transportation Plan was adopted.

BI is transitioning to using electric landscaping tools.

BI also is transitioning to electric fleet vehicles, with the police department recently getting its first one. BI also is making progress in developing charging stations in the community. Even when not transitioning to electric, BI is changing from diesel to renewable diesel fuel.

The City Council passed two laws to reduce plastic waste in BI.

The city has authorized design funding for the Wing Point Sewer Pump Station.

It has drainage repair at the stormwater outfall to prevent flooding during high tides.

And it is planning for solar panels and battery energy storage at six community disaster hubs at Waterfront Park, the Recreation Center, Bloedel Reserve, Battle Point Park, Bainbridge High School and Hyla School.

It has developed a website at http://www.bainbridgewa.gov/climateaction

Looking ahead, Salamack said this years plans include:

Installing the solar and batteries at the disaster hubs.

Evaluating electric charging station needs for the city and community.

Evaluating code updates and supporting climate goals.

Training staff to look at projects through a climate change lens.

Promoting early adoption of 2023 waste reduction requirements.

Developing a community solar project at Vincent Road.

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BI making progress on Climate Action Plan - Bainbridge Island Review