The Climate Protection Action Plan provides measures to reduce emission levels of the City of Columbia
consistent with the commitment made in the US Conference Mayor's Climate Protection Resolution.
Item #
Action Items
Current Status
Updated 12/2015
ENERGY
1
Conduct an energy audit of municipal facilities and implement the recommendations.
Audit completed. Council decided against performance
contract financing. Implemented lighting upgrades with
ARRA/EECBG funding.
2
Implement an energy tracking and management system.
Recommended as part of energy audit, but not
implemented; funding not available.
3
Develop plan to install digital thermostats in city facilities. Adjust thermostats based on the industry
standards to reduce consumption.
Installing as replacements need; no mass replacement due
to funding limitations. Now installed in approximately 85%
of City facilities.
4
Develop a plan to install energy efficient exit sign lightings in all city facilities over a defined period of
time.
Complete.
5
Develop a plan to perform energy-efficient lighting retrofits in all city facilities over a period of time.
Complete.
6
Institute a lights out policy in all city facilities when not in use.
Complete.
7
Require City employees to turn off computer monitors each evening and turn off the computer over the
weekend.
Complete.
8
Install motion detectors and/or timers that will turn lights off if room is unoccupied for a certain length
of time.
Installed in some areas; focusing on conference rooms.
Installing where possible during lighting upgrades.
9
Develop plan to perform heating, cooling and ventilation system retrofits (e.g., chillers, boilers, fans,
pumps, belts) based on the energy audit. Consider alternative energy resources.
Energy Efficient Units used at 1225 Laurel, Washington
Sq, Municipal Ct, Fleet Services, Eau Claire, Animal
Shelter (On-going)
10
Develop a plan to install ENERGY STAR appliances in all city facilities as deemed appropriate and
feasible.
Underway as appliances are replaced
11
Develop a plan to install green or reflective roofing on city facilities.
12
Develop a plan to improve water pumping energy efficiency.
13
Replace hot water heater units with hot water on demand systems if they are more energy efficient.
Unable to do on demand
14
Encourage Commission of the Blind to install energy-efficient vending machines in all city facilities
that currently utilize vending machines.
Exploring Options as Feasible.
Page 1 of 9
Using Reflective Roofing as Roofing is Replaced. Used at
City Hall, Washington Square and Station 12. Three more
sites are out for bid.
U&E constantly aware of need to operate system in most
efficient manner possible due to meeting system demand
(On-going)
The Climate Protection Action Plan provides measures to reduce emission levels of the City of Columbia
consistent with the commitment made in the US Conference Mayor's Climate Protection Resolution.
Item #
15
Action Items
Current Status
Require that all new construction and renovations of municipal buildings follow LEED Certified
guidelines.
P&R Building and Beltline Building will follow LEED
guidelines.
Outdoor Lighting
16
Continue to install energy-efficient traffic lights and replace all incandescent traffic signals with LED
signals.
95% of Traffic Signals have been Converted to LED
17
Develop ordinance requiring all street lighting inside City limits to be energy-efficient street lights
(e.g., high pressure sodium) – plan will accommodate normal replacement schedule of existing lights.
City leases majority of streetlights, and these are HPS. All
City-owned lights are either HPS or LED. Working with
SCE&G to consider all options.
18
Evaluate street lighting to determine if the average daily time streetlights are on can be reduced without
compromising public safety. City will work with SCE&G on this initiative.
Using improved photocells to reduce day-burning of lights.
19
Develop energy efficient lighting programs for city parks including the greenways, and city parking
garages.
All parking garages have been upfitted to high efficiency
linear fluorescent.
20
Develop and implement lighting standard to be used citywide to include specifications regarding
spacing and lighting levels.
City has standards regarding streetlights that are being
followed.
Renewable Energy
21
Encourage SCE&G to produce/provide Green Energy.
Conversations have taken place with SCE&G officials
regarding energy efficiency.
22
Purchase green electricity from solar, geothermal, wind, landfill or hydroelectric sources if made
available.
City now purchasing Green Power from PACE for all City
Council meetings.
23
Purchase green tags / renewable energy certificates if made available.
No action to date/ Committee member investigating
options.
24
Use alternative energy sources in municipal facilities when possible.
Using fuel cell battery backup at multiple generator sites.
Utilizing solar flashers for new pedestrian crossings.
Looking at Solar Grant Opportunities
TRANSPORTATION
Page 2 of 9
The Climate Protection Action Plan provides measures to reduce emission levels of the City of Columbia
consistent with the commitment made in the US Conference Mayor's Climate Protection Resolution.
Item #
Action Items
Current Status
Vehicle Fuel Efficiency
25
Continue to monitor use of take home vehicles and ensure proper justification is in place for all
approved.
On-going
26
Enforce policy to trailer equipment to job sites.
Policy written and communicated
27
Retire old and under-used vehicles and equipment.
Implementing as resources allow
Purchase fuel efficient or electric (e.g., hybrid) and/or smaller fleet vehicles.
Departments are encouraged to budget for such; limited
by funding availability. Of 1069 licensed vehicles, the City
owns 33 hybrids, nine electric vehicles and 419 flex fuel
vehicles.
28
Alternative Fuels
29
Evaluate option of using alternative fuel in City vehicles.
Purchasing vehicles capable of using alternative fuels.
Currently using B5 biofuel and E10 gasoline in entire fleet.
30
Evaluate option of running bio-diesel in municipal fleet.
Complete. All diesel vehicles use biofuel.
31
Utilize electric vehicles in municipal fleet.
Implementing as funding allows. CPD using electric golf
carts, six Segways.
32
Develop and place sticker on municipal vehicles that are using alternative fuels.
Complete. All diesel vehicles use biofuel and now have
Southern Fried Fuel stickers.
33
Educate employees regarding use of alternative fuels and encourage use in personal vehicles.
Featuring information in Green@Work city employee
newsletter.
Trip Reduction / Transportation Demand Management
34
Encourage car-pooling or vanpooling by municipal employees.
Encouraging use of employee
carpooling. Piloted DHEC's Take
a Break from Exhaust online
tracking. Waiting for program
35
Evaluate option of telecommuting by municipal employee.
No action to date
Page 3 of 9
The Climate Protection Action Plan provides measures to reduce emission levels of the City of Columbia
consistent with the commitment made in the US Conference Mayor's Climate Protection Resolution.
Item #
Action Items
Current Status
36
Evaluate use of alternate work schedules by municipal employees so arrival and departure
times are staggered.
Alternate Work Scheduled implemented in Public Works
and some other areas of the City.
37
Encourage use of mass-transit by municipal employees. Work with RTA to allow city
employees to ride for free or reduced rate on mass transit.
Initial Conversation with RTA, No Action to Date
38
Evaluate police use of motorcycles and bicycles to determine suitable locations and
implement accordingly.
No action to date
39
Expand community bicycle infrastructure (e.g., dedicated bicycle lanes, additional bicycle parking spaces).
COC designated Bronze Level Bike and Walk Friendly Community.
Complete Street Resolution approved by council. BPAC master plan in
progress. Bike corrals installed in hospitality districts. Public-private
partnership to install specially-designed bicycle racks.
40
Institute a “safe routes to school” program.
City has worked with Rosewood Elem and Lyon St to
secure funding for Safe Routes to School programs.
Other Transportation-Related Measures
41
Develop and Enforce policy to limit idling of municipal vehicles. Explore anti-idling
software for older vehicles.
Complete
42
Continue studies to determine if further measures can be taken to improve traffic signal
synchronization.
Signals are Synchronized. Staff evaluates frequently as
requests are received.
43
Secure stable funding for Midlands Regional Transit Authority.
Complete with passage of Richland County penny sales
tax referendum November of 2012; collection of which
started May of 2013.
Page 4 of 9
The Climate Protection Action Plan provides measures to reduce emission levels of the City of Columbia
consistent with the commitment made in the US Conference Mayor's Climate Protection Resolution.
Item #
Action Items
Current Status
RECYCLING AND WASTE REDUCTION
44
Enhance recycling programs in municipal facilities by offering incentives for
departments/divisions and for solid waste customers.
Ongoing. Recycling bins placed in facilities as available.
Employees educated via Green Team, Green@Work
newsletter and other internal communications.
45
Conduct a public relations campaign to inform the public of the details of recycling programs
and encourage recycling.
Ongoing. Extensive PR with launch of new recycling roll carts, Summer
2015. Outreach includes app, website, social media, presentations, other
outreach. Also participate in outreach partnerships as available.
46
Conduct a public relations campaign to inform citizens of the City’s composting operation
and encourage its use.
Included as part of CPAC initiatives and public outreach
efforts
47
Utilize city compost material as much as possible.
Ongoing.
48
Evaluate use of compost material as stabilization material for embankments.
Not STA approved for this use. Other options being
considered and evaluated for material use.
49
Establish internal system for reuse or recycling of construction and demolition materials.
Options considered as feasible.
50
Implement solid waste reduction programs. Reduce use of paper through copying on both
sides, minimize printing when information can be read on the Internet and require grant
applicants to use both sides of the paper.
Ongoing. Educate employees via Green Team,
Green@Work newsletter and other internal
communications.
51
Evaluate on-line grant applications for the city’s grant programs (community promotions,
accommodations, hospitality, community development block grant, etc.)
Underway
52
Evaluate establishing methane recovery in local wastewater treatment plant and landfills.
Project identified for recovery of Methane Gas generated
at MWWTP
53
Implement Electronic Waste Recycling Program for Residential Customers (State Law limits
the city’s ability to provide electronic-waste services to commercial customers).
Implemented. Collect and recycle approximately 85 tons of
e-waste annually.
54
Utilize recycled items when possible.
Continuous Effort Citywide
55
Provide advice and information to commercial businesses and the public on recycling
hazardous substances.
Ongoing. The City also provides free (grant-funded
containers) commercial recycling for 130 workplaces.
LAND USE
Page 5 of 9
The Climate Protection Action Plan provides measures to reduce emission levels of the City of Columbia
consistent with the commitment made in the US Conference Mayor's Climate Protection Resolution.
Item #
Action Items
Current Status
56
Educate public about the requirements of the landscape ordinance
Ongoing
57
Modify landscape ordinance to allow planted green rooftops as an option to meet the landscape
ordinance tree density factor requirement.
Consideration of options being identified.
58
Review and modify planning and zoning codes to discourage sprawl and promote green space through
such practices as infill development, traditional neighborhood development and mixed use
neighborhood development
Consideration of options being identified.
59
Promote Forever Forest and Treasured Trees Programs
Part of CPAC initiatives and public outreach efforts
60
Perform Tree Survey and develop Five Year Plan for Maintenance and Replacements
Got as far as preparing RFP; did not go further due to
funding limitations. Looking at internal resource options.
61
Institute programs to preserve open space
Consideration given when applicable.
62
Continue to fund efforts to perform landscape maintenance and planting of shade trees
Ongoing
63
Encourage planting of new trees and shrubs strategically to shelter buildings and reduce fuel
consumption needed to cool buildings.
Ongoing
64
Review existing parking lot ordinance and consider incentives for retrofitting existing parking
lots. Encourage use of pervious paving and best practices to reduce runoff.
Staff evaluating possibilities, tied to Storm Water Permit
65
Create a reward system for development projects that go beyond the tree protection requirements or in
other ways demonstrate environmentally sensitive design.
Columbia Choice Awards currently available through
City/Columbia Green partnership.
Page 6 of 9
The Climate Protection Action Plan provides measures to reduce emission levels of the City of Columbia
consistent with the commitment made in the US Conference Mayor's Climate Protection Resolution.
Item #
Action Items
Current Status
Additional Programs and Initiatives
City Operations
Field testing use of more environmentally friendly warm mix asphalt for road repairs. Determination on use will be
based on performance, price and SCDOT approval.
Encouraging employees to kick the bottled water habit in favor for reusable containers and the City’s nationally
rated water. Have distributed two rounds of reusable bottles to City employees.
Used Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant to retrofit 20 diesel vehicles with emission reducing
technologies. Grant received through DHEC.
Launched internal Green Team to educate and engage all employees in City’s sustainability initiatives. Plans
underway for Green Department designation and other green incentives.
Piloted DHEC’s Take a Break from the Exhaust program, a web-based log that tracks work-related transportation
activities. Plan to rollout to all City employees, along with participation incentive, in 2010-11.
Utilities and Engineering staff utilized CPAC members to review and provide input on NPDES storm water plan
prior to submission and plans to use them for listening sessions in revision process.
Implemented new e-billing system that allows customers to electronically receive, view and pay their water, solid
waste and/or parking garage bills online.
Solid Waste Department assists festival organizers (who provide recycling volunteers) with special event recycling,
including St. Patrick's Day, Crawfish Festival and Viva la Vista.
Recycling bins located at all staffed Parks and Recreation facilities. Working to provide recycling at special events
held at P & R facilities, as well.
Parks and Recreation celebrated the grand reopening of their first eco-friendly park, Pacific Park, in 2008. Building
features vinyl clad double paned windows, energy efficient HVAC units and two new external storm doors.
The construction/design of the Drew Park Splash Pad allows thousands of gallons of water to be recycled each day
instead of being dumped into the waste water system.
New additions to Earlewood Park have been designed to promote best management practices used to control urban
storm water runoff and improve water quality. Erosion and sediment control measures implemented include sod for
soil stabilization, water diversions and terra-tube.
Business/Workplace Outreach and Engagement
Page 7 of 9
The Climate Protection Action Plan provides measures to reduce emission levels of the City of Columbia
consistent with the commitment made in the US Conference Mayor's Climate Protection Resolution.
Item #
Action Items
Current Status
Established and coordinate Green Business membership program to recognize green businesses and encourage
others to go green. 125 current members from across the Midlands region.
Produce and distribute monthly e-newsletter for green business members featuring tips, calendar and hands-on
information. Distributed to Green Business members only.
Established, coordinate Green is Good for Business Conference to educate workplaces on improving environment
and bottom line. Includes Green Expo, Alternative Fuel Vehicle Ride/Drive, Greater Columbia Chamber of
Commerce Business After Hours. Average attendance 300+.
Facilitated six Green Business boot camps, two-hour going green 101 workshops.
Launched restaurant and bar recycling program in 2010-11, funded by $100,000 DHEC Office of Recycling grant.
Planning in progress.
Developed Green Building Incentive Program to provide financial and other incentives to businesses building to
green standards within the City of Columbia; funded through Stimulus.
Assisted Lexington County with development of their county Green Business program; working to provide
reciprocal membership between the two programs.
Residential Outreach and Engagement
Produce monthly environmental education and outreach e-newsletter for residents featuring green tips, calendar and
hands-on information; distribution 300+ and growing.
Coordinate social media outreach and campaign. Issue regular environmental Facebook and Twitter messages: 500+
fans and followers and growing.
Make 30-50 presentations to schools, churches, civic groups, neighborhoods per year. Topics include 10 easy ways
to save the environment and money, what is nonattainment and how can you help improve air quality, city curbside
recycling do’s and don’ts.
Developed “Wheel of Sustainability” game for use at community and special events; wheel and recycled-content
prizes purchased with DHEC recycling grant funds.
Participate in 20+ community and special events, including Kids’ Day Columbia, Super Saturdays, National Night
Out. Sustainability Facilitator and/or materials available by request.
Developed Green Congregations program to assist congregations in improving their environmental footprint and
educating their members. Seven congregations piloted, now available region wide.
Co-founded Lose the Baggage, a new initiative that seeks to reduce the number of plastic bags used by Midlands
residents by at least seven million bags a year.
Page 8 of 9
The Climate Protection Action Plan provides measures to reduce emission levels of the City of Columbia
consistent with the commitment made in the US Conference Mayor's Climate Protection Resolution.
Item #
Action Items
Current Status
Provide sustainable living tips and articles for neighborhood association newsletters. Working with Columbia
Council of Neighborhoods to make this available to all neighborhoods.
Developed Green Building Incentive Program to provide financial and other incentives to residents building to green
standards within the City of Columbia; funded through stimulus.
Regional Sustainability Efforts
Meet monthly with Central Midlands Council of Governments, Richland County, Lexington County and DHEC to
discuss air quality issues and develop strategies to educate and engage public to improve air quality (Midlands Air
Quality Forum)
Co-sponsored Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce for Midlands Air Quality Forum Workshop, December
2009. Partners included Richland and Lexington Counties, DHEC.
Participate in annual Midlands Lawnmower Exchange program. Partners include Lexington and Richland Counties,
DHEC, USC. 300 lawn mowers exchanged, resulting in emission reductions of 14 tons per year for carbon, and 28
tons per year for volatile organic compounds.
Along with Richland and Lexington Counties, DHEC's Bureau of Air Quality, participate in Midlands Air Quality Coalition, which educates the public about air quality issues.
6
July, 2010: EPA Greening America's Capitals (in-kind planning services for capital cities). Application submitted
for Edisto Court.
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