How Green is Austin?
by Karen Little
Editorial Assistant
It’s no secret that Austin is considered one of the more environmentally progressive cities in the nation. Yet, many are still asking themselves the question, How Green is Austin?
Photo by: n/a
It’s no secret that Austin is considered one of the more environmentally progressive cities in the nation – with the new Light Rail, a large local business population, a new single stream recycling program and countless green initiatives around every corner. Yet, even with these new municipal works and a political will to revolutionize how energy in our city is produced and used, many are still asking themselves the question: How Green is Austin?
OZONE LEVELS
Longer daylight and warmer temperatures definitely signify the start of spring, but with those pleasantries also comes ozone season. Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from cars and chemical plants react in heat and sunlight. From April 1 to October 31, ozone levels and health hazards in Central Texas are at their peak.
Travis County was ranked 65 out of 100 of most polluted Texas counties. This may be good news in comparison with counties like Harris and Tarrant, but our air quality still leaves more to be desired. As a result, our city has implemented a program called “The Big Push,” an effort to lower emissions in Travis County. This initiative would keep Austin compliant with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality standards, and not reaching the EPA’s standards means “nonattainment.” Fred Blood, sustainability officer with the City of Austin, says Austin is currently at 77 parts per billion of ozone, and 75 is considered “attainable.” Austin is currently not labeled “nonattainable,” and what happens this summer could help reach our goals.
“We’ve been lucky because the last two summers have been windy,” Blood says. “We need a good number, but we have to work for it. The ideal conditions for Austin are 90 - 105 degrees; with wind under 5 miles per hour and clear skies.”
Each state labeled “nonattainable” must present a plan with an achievable goal for lowering pollution levels. Federal highway dollars could be withheld if these goals aren’t reached, according to Jake Stewart, project manager of Austin’s Climate Protection Program (CPP).
“Ozone is a big issue in this area,” he says. “A lot of that comes from car usage and traffic. When you exceed those levels for awhile, you go into ‘nonattainment.’ The federal government says you’re not meeting the standards; therefore you’ve got to give us a plan showing how you’re going to do it.”
RENEWABLE FUELS AND CARBON FOOT-PRINT
Our city has done plenty of planning and set a lot of goals to make Austin as “green” as it can be, but what is actually being done to reach these goals? The city implemented the CPP in 2007, and its Climate Action Team has representatives from 10 city departments. There are a lot of big goals within the CPP, including using renewable energy by 2012, being carbon-neutral by 2020 and having zero-waste by 2040. Stewart says the goals are for municipal operations. They are working on moving all transportation towards renewable energy by switching to biodiesel fuel, using hybrids and sometimes simply waiting until twilight to refuel.
“The goal is to move away from combustion entirely and move towards zero emission on the transportation side,” Stewart says. “Some of what’s required is technological innovation. We can do a lot, but we can’t invent technology that’s not out there yet. The best we can do in the interim is responsibly use bio-fuel, identify areas where we can reduce consumption, reduce fuel usage and try to integrate alternative fuels.”
There aren’t yet enough advances in technology to make this carbon-neutral fleet a reality, but taking all the necessary steps will bring Austin closer to the 2020 goal. We’re also the first city in the nation to submit to the carbon registry, which is a certified reporting platform that with third-party scrutiny on air quality.
“It just puts some transparency to the numbers that people put out — whether it’s a person, company or organization,” Stewart says. “I think it’s really important there is a degree of confidence that the numbers are accurate and can be certified. There’s a little expression ‘what gets measured gets fixed.’ If you’re going to try to fix something, you need to measure it properly first.”
COST TO THE CITY
What’s all this green talk going to cost? The answer is never simple. When thinking about cost, always consider the risks associated with it. Stewart says that inaction has a very high risk factor, and unfortunately there are a lot of cities around the nation that are not taking this into consideration. He says eventually they will be scrambling for a way to reduce their carbon, and these kinds of plans are not something that can be created overnight.
“Any time Austin makes a green initiative, there’s going to be questions about cost,” he says. “From a city perspective, doing nothing about emissions and things we consider environmental or green issues brings very high risk. What’s the cost of not looking at renewable energy technologies and plug-in hybrids, or not implementing alternative fuels? It may cost a few pennies more on the gallon, but what is the risk benefit of that?”
CAP AND TRADE
Areas of the U.S. that thrived on the status quo last year are now changing their Cap and Trade Programs for cost cuts. This system puts a limit on how many pollutants one area can emit. Companies are issued emission permits and given a number of allowances on how many pollutants they can distribute into the environment. If one needs to emit more, they must buy or “trade” from another who emits less. A lot of areas go with coal as an energy source, because it’s the cheapest on the list.
“The reason it’s the cheapest option is because they use the sky as a dumping ground for carbon,” he says. “That’s why Cap and Trade Programs are so important. There’s an impact to this, and if you chose to do it, it’s going to cost you.”
The EPA recently introduced the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions produced by major U.S. sources. Right now, the U.S. is less than 10 percent of the world’s population. We use 33 percent of its resources and produce half of its waste. This is a system that will not work long-term.
“We’ve got to be smarter about how we use energy,” says Stewart. “It doesn’t have to be a radical move. The technology is there, we just need to be more resourceful about it.”
He says that instead of absorbing more resources, we should be setting an example for other countries. If cities like Austin, Seattle and Portland can make changes and raise their recycling rates, alternative energy use and other green initiatives, why can’t the rest of the U.S.? Other countries have used our lifestyle to model their own, a scenario that is growing to be impossible.
“China and India have a middle class that want to live like Americans,” Stewart says. “In order for that to happen, there would need to be three planet Earths worth of resources.”
ZERO-WASTE
Resources and funding are two things Austin is unfortunately coming short of. California requires cities to have a zero-waste program, but they also have the funding and resources from state and local government, according to Jessica Beck, sustainability administrator for Solid Waste Services (SWS).
“Austin is very unique compared to similarly progressive cities like Portland and Seattle,” she says. “First of all, we’re in Texas, so we have our own set of rules. Texas has no zero-waste legislation. Because of that, we have to develop our own innovative way to achieve zero-waste.”
A step in the right direction is getting public private partners, such as AISD, state agencies, non-profits and local businesses. Although we don’t have a mandatory zero-waste program, Austin was the first city in Texas to implement a recycling program in the early 90s. It’s hard to change a certain lifestyle and mentality, which is why King says it’s best to ask questions. What is the best use of my commodities? Is it better to send something to a landfill or can I redistribute it to the community?
“You have absolute control over your actions,” she says. “We can only impact what we have direct control over, like how much we produce in the trash and how much we send to the landfill. Landfills are producers of methane, and they are 21 times more potent than your average greenhouse gas, like carbon dioxide.”
There are no landfills in the city limits, which means they are out of jurisdiction and under the state. All four active landfills are regionally used by Travis, Hays, Williamson, Bastrop and Caldwell counties. Changing the way we think about waste includes buying only what we need, buying local and pressing upon manufacturers to create less packaging material.
“Take, for example, bulk mushrooms,” King says. “Stop and think: Would I rather get the sliced mushrooms in a Styrofoam container or in a bag? The bag is reusable, and you reduce the amount of trash in your home.”
King says every day SWS are trying to find ways to reach out to the community so everyone can have a better understanding of recycling, composting and waste. They have a survey on their Web site austinrecycles.com to help them better understand and address certain areas, such as composting. Stewart is a firm believer that real change will come from communities.
“I am convinced now that the real innovation and action from climate change is going to come from the local level,” Stewart says. “The real ideas are going to come out of the communities that are more agile, and that can try different strategies. Austin is viewed as a leader for a reason: because we make these things happen and we have a citizen base that really wants to see that type of action.”
HYBRID CARS
2009 Toyota Prius
MPG
Estimated 50 mpg combined mileage
TECHNOLOGY
Offering three different driving modes, the 2010 Prius incorporates gas pedal sensitivity to modulate and maximize fuel economy. It’s new “sun” roof is just that — solar panels power a fan that brings in outside air and ventilates the cabin of the car. This feature can be activated when the driver is at least 30 yards from the vehicle.
OTHER HYBRIDS
While the Prius is definitely the leader of the “green” car pack, many auto manufacturers are picking up the pace and getting into the alternative fuel race. Here are just a few of note:
1. Dodge Circuit
2. Honda Civic Hybrid
3. Chevrolet Volt
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid
5. Nissan Altima Hybrid
OZONE LEVELS
Longer daylight and warmer temperatures definitely signify the start of spring, but with those pleasantries also comes ozone season. Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from cars and chemical plants react in heat and sunlight. From April 1 to October 31, ozone levels and health hazards in Central Texas are at their peak.
Travis County was ranked 65 out of 100 of most polluted Texas counties. This may be good news in comparison with counties like Harris and Tarrant, but our air quality still leaves more to be desired. As a result, our city has implemented a program called “The Big Push,” an effort to lower emissions in Travis County. This initiative would keep Austin compliant with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality standards, and not reaching the EPA’s standards means “nonattainment.” Fred Blood, sustainability officer with the City of Austin, says Austin is currently at 77 parts per billion of ozone, and 75 is considered “attainable.” Austin is currently not labeled “nonattainable,” and what happens this summer could help reach our goals.
“We’ve been lucky because the last two summers have been windy,” Blood says. “We need a good number, but we have to work for it. The ideal conditions for Austin are 90 - 105 degrees; with wind under 5 miles per hour and clear skies.”
Each state labeled “nonattainable” must present a plan with an achievable goal for lowering pollution levels. Federal highway dollars could be withheld if these goals aren’t reached, according to Jake Stewart, project manager of Austin’s Climate Protection Program (CPP).
“Ozone is a big issue in this area,” he says. “A lot of that comes from car usage and traffic. When you exceed those levels for awhile, you go into ‘nonattainment.’ The federal government says you’re not meeting the standards; therefore you’ve got to give us a plan showing how you’re going to do it.”
RENEWABLE FUELS AND CARBON FOOT-PRINT
Our city has done plenty of planning and set a lot of goals to make Austin as “green” as it can be, but what is actually being done to reach these goals? The city implemented the CPP in 2007, and its Climate Action Team has representatives from 10 city departments. There are a lot of big goals within the CPP, including using renewable energy by 2012, being carbon-neutral by 2020 and having zero-waste by 2040. Stewart says the goals are for municipal operations. They are working on moving all transportation towards renewable energy by switching to biodiesel fuel, using hybrids and sometimes simply waiting until twilight to refuel.
“The goal is to move away from combustion entirely and move towards zero emission on the transportation side,” Stewart says. “Some of what’s required is technological innovation. We can do a lot, but we can’t invent technology that’s not out there yet. The best we can do in the interim is responsibly use bio-fuel, identify areas where we can reduce consumption, reduce fuel usage and try to integrate alternative fuels.”
There aren’t yet enough advances in technology to make this carbon-neutral fleet a reality, but taking all the necessary steps will bring Austin closer to the 2020 goal. We’re also the first city in the nation to submit to the carbon registry, which is a certified reporting platform that with third-party scrutiny on air quality.
“It just puts some transparency to the numbers that people put out — whether it’s a person, company or organization,” Stewart says. “I think it’s really important there is a degree of confidence that the numbers are accurate and can be certified. There’s a little expression ‘what gets measured gets fixed.’ If you’re going to try to fix something, you need to measure it properly first.”
COST TO THE CITY
What’s all this green talk going to cost? The answer is never simple. When thinking about cost, always consider the risks associated with it. Stewart says that inaction has a very high risk factor, and unfortunately there are a lot of cities around the nation that are not taking this into consideration. He says eventually they will be scrambling for a way to reduce their carbon, and these kinds of plans are not something that can be created overnight.
“Any time Austin makes a green initiative, there’s going to be questions about cost,” he says. “From a city perspective, doing nothing about emissions and things we consider environmental or green issues brings very high risk. What’s the cost of not looking at renewable energy technologies and plug-in hybrids, or not implementing alternative fuels? It may cost a few pennies more on the gallon, but what is the risk benefit of that?”
CAP AND TRADE
Areas of the U.S. that thrived on the status quo last year are now changing their Cap and Trade Programs for cost cuts. This system puts a limit on how many pollutants one area can emit. Companies are issued emission permits and given a number of allowances on how many pollutants they can distribute into the environment. If one needs to emit more, they must buy or “trade” from another who emits less. A lot of areas go with coal as an energy source, because it’s the cheapest on the list.
“The reason it’s the cheapest option is because they use the sky as a dumping ground for carbon,” he says. “That’s why Cap and Trade Programs are so important. There’s an impact to this, and if you chose to do it, it’s going to cost you.”
The EPA recently introduced the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions produced by major U.S. sources. Right now, the U.S. is less than 10 percent of the world’s population. We use 33 percent of its resources and produce half of its waste. This is a system that will not work long-term.
“We’ve got to be smarter about how we use energy,” says Stewart. “It doesn’t have to be a radical move. The technology is there, we just need to be more resourceful about it.”
He says that instead of absorbing more resources, we should be setting an example for other countries. If cities like Austin, Seattle and Portland can make changes and raise their recycling rates, alternative energy use and other green initiatives, why can’t the rest of the U.S.? Other countries have used our lifestyle to model their own, a scenario that is growing to be impossible.
“China and India have a middle class that want to live like Americans,” Stewart says. “In order for that to happen, there would need to be three planet Earths worth of resources.”
ZERO-WASTE
Resources and funding are two things Austin is unfortunately coming short of. California requires cities to have a zero-waste program, but they also have the funding and resources from state and local government, according to Jessica Beck, sustainability administrator for Solid Waste Services (SWS).
“Austin is very unique compared to similarly progressive cities like Portland and Seattle,” she says. “First of all, we’re in Texas, so we have our own set of rules. Texas has no zero-waste legislation. Because of that, we have to develop our own innovative way to achieve zero-waste.”
A step in the right direction is getting public private partners, such as AISD, state agencies, non-profits and local businesses. Although we don’t have a mandatory zero-waste program, Austin was the first city in Texas to implement a recycling program in the early 90s. It’s hard to change a certain lifestyle and mentality, which is why King says it’s best to ask questions. What is the best use of my commodities? Is it better to send something to a landfill or can I redistribute it to the community?
“You have absolute control over your actions,” she says. “We can only impact what we have direct control over, like how much we produce in the trash and how much we send to the landfill. Landfills are producers of methane, and they are 21 times more potent than your average greenhouse gas, like carbon dioxide.”
There are no landfills in the city limits, which means they are out of jurisdiction and under the state. All four active landfills are regionally used by Travis, Hays, Williamson, Bastrop and Caldwell counties. Changing the way we think about waste includes buying only what we need, buying local and pressing upon manufacturers to create less packaging material.
“Take, for example, bulk mushrooms,” King says. “Stop and think: Would I rather get the sliced mushrooms in a Styrofoam container or in a bag? The bag is reusable, and you reduce the amount of trash in your home.”
King says every day SWS are trying to find ways to reach out to the community so everyone can have a better understanding of recycling, composting and waste. They have a survey on their Web site austinrecycles.com to help them better understand and address certain areas, such as composting. Stewart is a firm believer that real change will come from communities.
“I am convinced now that the real innovation and action from climate change is going to come from the local level,” Stewart says. “The real ideas are going to come out of the communities that are more agile, and that can try different strategies. Austin is viewed as a leader for a reason: because we make these things happen and we have a citizen base that really wants to see that type of action.”
HYBRID CARS
2009 Toyota Prius
MPG
Estimated 50 mpg combined mileage
TECHNOLOGY
Offering three different driving modes, the 2010 Prius incorporates gas pedal sensitivity to modulate and maximize fuel economy. It’s new “sun” roof is just that — solar panels power a fan that brings in outside air and ventilates the cabin of the car. This feature can be activated when the driver is at least 30 yards from the vehicle.
OTHER HYBRIDS
While the Prius is definitely the leader of the “green” car pack, many auto manufacturers are picking up the pace and getting into the alternative fuel race. Here are just a few of note:
1. Dodge Circuit
2. Honda Civic Hybrid
3. Chevrolet Volt
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid
5. Nissan Altima Hybrid
Ally Davidson: A True American Gladiator, June 2009 Issue
Swimsuit Guide 2009, May 2009 Issue
Joe Vitale Has Green on His Mind, April 2009 Issue
