Broward County Government Operations
2nd Annual Climate Change Progress Report
May 14, 2010
Appendix: Broward County green government measures implemented in fiscal year 2009 and associated environmental benefits and results.
Broward County continues to demonstrate its key leadership role in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in both government operations
and within the community through the implementation of best environmental practices, and the encouragement of environmentally sustainable
measures. This Appendix for the second annual progress report, developed by the Broward County Climate Change Government Operations
Workgroup, describes green measures Broward County government implemented during FY2009 (October 2008 through September 2009). The
Workgroup continues its work to identify and promote measures that support GHG reductions in government operations.
GHG emissions are expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (eCO 2): 1 tonne of eCO2 is equal to the GHG emissions from 112 gallons of gasoline combusted.
Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Emission Source Category: Buildings, Facilities and Airport
Personal Computer Replacement: Enterprise Technology
Services (ETS) replaced workstations that were more than
five years old. ETS estimates that 1,500 workstations
were replaced with the incorporation of new technology
throughout County agencies and libraries in FY2009.
The upgraded workstations create a reduction in operating energy
consumption. The estimated energy savings is 1,597,612 kWh per
year, and the estimated cost saving is $159,761 per year. This
equates to an elimination of 200 tonnes of eCO2, equivalent to GHG
emissions from the electricity use of 24 homes for one year.
“Virtual” Server Replacement: ETS Infrastructure Services is responsible for
the maintenance of the County's Computer Server environment. ETS has
utilized "virtual" technology to operate multiple virtual server instances on a
single hardware platform. This technology has provided for the current
infrastructure which consists of five powerful servers operating 185 virtual
server instances.
The current 5 server/185 virtual server instances server
configuration replaced 185 physical servers in the County's data
center. Virtual technology has provided a noticeable savings in
operating energy consumption. The estimated reduction is 435
tonnes of eCO2, equivalent to the GHG emissions from the electricity
use of 53 homes for one year. The estimated cost saving is $200,000
per year.
Condensing Air Conditioning Unit Retrofits: The Facilities Maintenance
Division increased the cooling efficiency at the Imperial Point and Collier City
Libraries, Medical Examiner Building, and South Family Success Center by
replacing older air conditioner roof top units (185 ton peak cooling capacity)
with more energy efficient units.
These energy reduction projects saved Broward County
approximately 66,000 kWh’s of electricity ($6,600 annual savings)
and an estimated 45 metric tons of eCO2. This is equivalent to the
GHG emissions from 5,332 gallons of gasoline combusted.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Esti
Copy Machines Reprogramming: The Facilities Maintenance and Pollution
Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality Divisions’ staff activated the Energy
Star and Auto Power settings for all copiers at Government Center West,
Government Center, and the Annex. This reduces power consumption by
putting the copier on low power mode and Sleep/Auto Shut Off, which turns
the copier off after designated number of minutes.
These simple adjustments have the potential to reduce 3,400 kWh/
year for each copy machine, a cost saving of approximately $340 per
year, and a reduction of 2.4 tonnes of eCO2. Facilities Maintenance
and ETS are coordinating a countywide schedule to perform these
adjustments on all county copy machines, an estimated annual
energy savings of 1.16 million kWh, equivalent to the annual GHG
emissions from 82,076 gallons of gasoline consumed.
Aquatic Pump Run Time Reduction: Parks and Total energy savings from this reduction is 748 KWh ($59,946 in
Recreation has reduced the running time on annual cost savings), equivalent to the GHG emissions from 60
the pumps needed to operate aquatic gallons of gasoline.
facilities from 24 hours/day to 8 hours/day
while maintaining water quality at Central
Broward Regional Park, TY Park, CB Smith
Park, and Quiet Waters Park.
Chiller Retrofits: Efficiency has been increased at East Regional Library and Environmental benefits include lower energy usage, utility cost, and
South Regional Health Center through the replacement of older chiller GHG emission reductions.
equipment (268 tons peak cooling capacity) with more energy efficient units.
This change represents an average increase in peak load efficiency of 11%.
Both projects were incentivized through FPL's Business Heating Ventilation
and Air-Conditioning program.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Esti
South Regional Courthouse LEED-EB Project: The Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design - Existing Building (LEED-EB) Certification project for
the South Regional Courthouse (72,000 square feet) coordinated by the
Facilities Maintenance Division. LEED-EB certification lowers operating costs,
reduces waste sent to landfills, conserves energy and water, creates a healthy
and safe environment for occupants, and reduces GHG emissions.
An energy savings of approximately 232,000 kilowatt-hours per year
is expected once the project is completed, which results in a
reduction of 139 tonnes of eCO2 per year, equivalent to the GHG
emissions from the electricity use of 17 homes for one year. The
estimated cost saving per year is $23,200.
Infrared Building Energy Surveys (pilot program): The Areas identified as having unnecessarily high energy losses can then
infrared imaging pilot program to see and measure be addressed for mitigation purposes resulting in energy savings.
thermal energy emitted from County Buildings was
initiated in 2009. Infrared thermography cameras produce
images of invisible infrared or "heat" radiation to identify
equipment or areas where energy is lost.
Cooling Tower Replacement: The Facilities Maintenance Division is in the The estimated benefits include lower energy usage, utility cost, GHG
process of replacing older cooling towers using two speed fan motors with emission reductions, and increased fan motor speed control.
newer and more efficient ones using variable frequency drives.
Installation of Highly Reflective Roofs and
Insulation: Installation of highly reflective roof
surfaces and insulation to reduce heat intrusion
into air-conditioned space and improve A/C
efficiency.
The estimated benefits include lower energy usage, utility cost, and
GHG emission reductions. A total of 89,000 square-feet of new roof
surface and 77,000 square-feet of new insulation are undergoing
installation as part of the re-roofing project of the Main Library and
the roof replacements of Imperial Point Library and Main Jail
Buildings. The project at the Main Library has been pre-qualified for
an incentive from FPL's Building Envelope Program.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Esti
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International
Airport (FLL) Aircraft Loading/Passenger
Boarding Bridges:
In mid FY2009, the
Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD)
implemented a program to reduce the
emissions emitted from aircraft parked at
gates for loading and passenger boarding at
FLL. Currently when the aircraft is parked at
the gate it plugs into its own auxiliary power unit (APU). With the
implementation of this project, the aircrafts that are parked at the gate will
plug into an existing powered loading bridge (a hard line system), thereby
avoiding use of the less efficient APU.
Newly equipped passenger boarding bridges at FLL incorporate
electrical (400 Hz) and air conditioning units (AC) which are cleaner
and more efficient than the aircrafts’ APU. BCAD has replaced 2
passenger boarding bridges with more efficient units and will
upgrade 28 existing passenger boarding bridges with the more
efficient electrical and AC units in the near future. The project will
reduce inefficiencies from aircraft energy use, including GHG
emissions generated by aircraft APUs.
FLL Airport Heating, Ventilation, & Air
Conditioning Upgrades: The BCAD
completed the implementation of several
improvements to increase the efficiency of
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
(HVAC) system at FLL by installing high
efficiency equipment including watercooled centrifugal chillers and towers in
Improved HVAC efficiency and use of environmentally-friendly
refrigerant (R134A) will benefit FLL through increased energy
efficiency and the reduction of unnecessary use of hazardous
substances which may be harmful to the environment.
Terminals 2, 3, and 4.
Emission Source Category: Vehicle Fleet
Broward 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan “Transformation”: The Transportation projects’ ranking criteria now include reduction in
Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization 2035 Long Range Transportation GHG emissions and vehicle miles traveled.
Plan supports GHG reductions.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Esti
Carts for Trucks Exchange: To save money and energy, Parks and Recreation Projected savings of 12,045 gallons of fuel or $30,113 in fuel costs.
Division replaced 15 pickup trucks with 15 utility carts. Carts are 24% more Estimated reduction of 110 tonnes of eCO2, which is equivalent to
fuel efficient than trucks. Driving of the carts takes place within the park the annual GHG emissions from 21 passenger vehicles.
boundaries so these vehicles do not need to be road-worthy.
Fuel Conservation Measures at Parks: Parks and Recreation Division staff Some of the benefits include GHG reductions, reduced maintenance,
uses four-passenger electric GEM carts at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, and operational cost savings.
Tradewinds Parks, and Central Broward Regional Park. Zones are established
for employees working “in the field” to reduce cross-county driving.
Broward Receives Grant Award: Broward County
received $2 million in Federal Transit Administration’s
Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy
Reductions (TIGGER) competitive grant. Broward
County’s award represents 2% of the total nationwide
available TIGGER program funds.
With this grant money, the Transit Division will be able to make Fleet
improvements through the purchase and installation of Mini-Hybrid
Engine Thermal Management Systems on at least 80 county buses.
These systems will replace the current mechanically/hydraulicallydriven cooling system components of the buses with electrically
powered devices which enhance performance, reduce emissions,
and increase the average fuel efficiency by a minimum of 8% per
bus, as demonstrated in the pilot study involving 5 county buses.
This would result in reduced annual fuel consumption of over
100,000 gallons and provide for continued savings in overall fuel
costs which is estimated to be a savings of $210,640 annually.
Estimated reduction of 1,015 tonnes of eCO2, which is equivalent to
the annual GHG emissions from 194 passenger vehicles.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Esti
Emission Source Category: Water/Sewage
The Infiltration & Inflow Project was initiated to repair piping infrastructure
in order to reduce and/or eliminate the saltwater infiltration problem
encountered along the A1A/Pompano Beach Hillsborough Mile - L/S Basin.
This portion of the wastewater infrastructure system includes one master
pump station, four retail wastewater pump stations (L/S), and approximately
23,500 linear feet of sewer pipe.
By reducing or eliminating the seepage of groundwater into the
sewer pipe, there is a reduction in the flow of wastewater through
the pipe, which serves to reduce the demand for pump/motor use,
and thereby reduce the amount of energy needed to pump
wastewater through the system.
Emission Source Category: Waste
EPA Waste Wise Membership: Broward County Government
maintained its membership with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA) Waste Wise program, a voluntary
partnership program that seeks to reduce solid waste through
innovative waste prevention and recycling techniques.
Some of the benefits of the program include reduced purchasing and
waste disposal costs, reduced waste production, development of an
annual Climate Profile describing GHG reductions, implementation
of waste reduction goals, and a collaboration between county
government, building managers, and cities with the goal of sharing
information and educating them about the Waste Wise program.
Greater Fort Lauderdale-Broward Convention GHG emission reductions are achieved by recycling and conserving
Center recycling program includes: cardboard, bulk raw materials. These efforts reduce the energy needed to retrieve,
cardboard, office paper products, and commingled process, and manufacture those materials.
aluminum, glass, and plastic. Green supplies
purchased include: (1) products for housekeeping
and food service made from recycled or compostable materials, (2) where
possible, environmentally-friendly chemical supplies , (3) paper napkins, deli
paper, food trays, coffee cups, and cup sleeves made from recycled paper,
and (4) cups, to-go containers, and cutlery made from compostable materials
(e.g., potatoes and corn). In addition, leftover banquet food is donated to a
local food bank.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Esti
Recycling in County Offices: Most County employees have desk-side
recycling bins and can recycle their office paper, envelopes, magazines,
newspaper, cardboard, etc. Recycling bins can also be found in office copier
rooms, and next to fax machines and printers. Metal, plastic, aluminum and
glass food and beverage containers, along with office papers, are recycled in
employee break rooms and in many centralized locations. Visitors to Broward
County parks can also recycle their food and beverage containers at park
shelters, aquatic areas, sports fields and other locations.
During 2009, County employees and facilities recycled 1,211 tons of
waste including office paper, cardboard, and food and beverage
containers from administrative offices, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood
International Airport and the Broward County Convention and
Visitors Center resulting in 3,802 tonnes of eCO2 avoided. This is
equivalent to the emissions from the combustion of 427,672 gallons
of gasoline.
AgendaQuick: Broward County Administration has
implemented a variety of measures to both improve
workflow efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint
(by saving trees). While there have been several
paper reduction initiatives, the most noteworthy implemented program is
AgendaQuick. This system has streamlined the agenda preparation process
for Broward County Commission meetings. AgendaQuick improves efficiency
in the agenda process by providing a level of transparency for all agencies
because information is readily available at the click of the mouse. According
to some of the heaviest users, the average user has saved approximately 50%
of the processing time for each agenda report. The system is easy to use,
minimizes the unplanned interruptions to the workday and saves our
environment!
Most agenda reports are now produced and routed electronically
with limited printing, saving an estimated 170 pounds of paper,
resulting in a reduction of 2,204 pounds of GHG emissions. The
release of AgendaQuick to all county agencies has the potential to
reduce 11,023 pounds of GHG, which is equivalent to the carbon
sequestered by 128 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
Administration’s commitment to excellence will continue as we
strive for “Our Best, Nothing Less” and look for additional
opportunities to improve our performance while reducing the
energy use and decreasing our carbon footprint.
Vendor Self-Service: Enables vendors to register online and to create a user Provides cost savings benefit associated with staff time and paper
name and password which they can then use to update their vendor profile.
reduction.
Pallet Recycling: Markham Park Target Range receives delivery of the clay
targets used in Skeet and Trap shooting on wooden pallets. In July 2009, the
park initiated a recycling program to divert these pallets from the waste
stream. These pallets are recycled into mulch.
Over 400 pallets have been diverted from the waste stream and
turned into usable landscape mulch. According to the EPA, recycling
pallets is a convenient and ecologically correct method of waste
reduction. The estimated reduction is 4 tonnes of eCO2, equivalent
to the carbon sequestered by 103 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Esti
FLL Recycling: The BCAD has installed 20
recycling bins throughout FLL’s terminals and
Rental Car Center in an effort to support
recycling activities at FLL. BCAD is increasing
public awareness by broadcasting a message
through the terminal’s public address system
advising travelers of BCAD’s recycling efforts.
Waste and recyclables are collected and sent to an on-site recycling facility
operated by Airport Recycling Specialist, Inc (ARS).
In FY2009, ARS collected approximately 2,559 tons of waste of which
927 tons was recyclable materials (e.g., plastic, cardboard, paper,
wood, and aluminum). The remainder of the waste was material
(Class I garbage) that cannot be recycled. The estimated reduction is
2,986 tonnes of community-wide eCO2, equivalent to the emissions
from 571 vehicles in a year.
Chip-a-Tree Program: Residents can bring their Christmas trees to several A total of 11,010 trees were received in December 2008, resulting in
over 138 tons of waste diverted from the landfill. The estimated
parks to be turned into mulch for parks on trails or landscaping.
reduction is 2,222 tonnes of eCO2, equivalent to the carbon
sequestered by 56,974 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
Broward County Employee Training, Outreach, and Education for Waste:
Waste and Recycling Services held training classes for County employees on
the importance of recycling, proper disposal of household hazardous waste,
waste-to-energy, and landfill operations.
Employee training included: janitorial, custodial, building managers,
park managers, and the Go Green Employee Workshop. Waste and
recycling education promotes recycling, and as such reduces GHG
emissions.
County Buildings Waste Assessment: To determine the current status of
waste at governmental buildings and to identify areas of improvement, the
Workgroup’s Waste Reduction Committee designed a detailed site
assessment audit form. They also identified ten County buildings in which
they will perform a waste audit.
Some of the benefits include better accountability of waste
generation in county facilities and reduced billing costs once
accounting efficiencies are identified. While the creation of the audit
form and the identification of County facilities occurred in FY2009,
the site assessments will take place in FY2010.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Esti
Emissions Source Category: Employee Commute
4-Day Work Week: Employees at most
regional parks have switched to a 4-day
work week thus eliminating one day of
commuting for each employee.
The total number of employees that have made the switch is 332.
Average distance of commute is 25 miles at 20 mpg. The fuel
savings to county employees is approximately 22,443 gallons of
unleaded gasoline per year. This results in the estimated reduction
of 202 tonnes of eCO2, which is equivalent to GHG emissions from
the combustion of 470 barrels of oil. The combined cost saving to
employees is approximately $54,402 annually.
Proposed Amendment to the Broward County Comprehensive Plan Creating
an Urban Design Element: On March 10, 2009, the Board adopted Resolution
2009-094. A new Urban Design Element is proposed to further the principles
of the Broward County County-wide Community Design Guidebook approved
by the County Commission in 2005.
The Urban Design Element promotes pedestrian friendly
development, directing development to high capacity transportation
corridors, green certification of buildings, and the principles of
NatureScape Broward.
Policy Measures
Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan: This action adopts an The Transportation Element includes incorporating transportation
amendment to the Transportation Element of the Broward County strategies to address the reduction of GHG emissions from the
Comprehensive Plan. The proposed amendment addresses statutory changes transportation sector.
adopted by the State in 2008 through Senate Bill 697 (Chapter 2008-191,
Laws of Florida) regarding building code standards for energy efficiency,
energy conservation, and the use of renewable resources.
ICLEI Membership and Cities for Climate Protection
Campaign: On November 13, 2008, the Board
adopted Resolution 2008-823 to authorize
membership in the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and supporting the
Cities for Climate Protection Campaign.
ICLEI is an international association of local governments as well as
national and regional local government organizations that have
made a commitment to sustainable development and climate
protection.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Esti
Broward County Code of Ordinances established a one-time lottery for
fifteen certificates of public convenience and
necessity. On June 23, 2009, the Board adopted
County Ordinance 2009-35. In November 2009, there
was a one-time application period to obtain a
certificate of public convenience and necessity which
will be awarded at a public hearing for fifteen
certificates for the following categories (that meet the fuel efficiency
requirements) ten to taxicab drivers and five to luxury sedans.
The fuel efficiency requirements for taxicabs will be a minimum of
thirty miles per gallon based on an average of the EPA city and
highway mileage. The fuel efficiency requirements for luxury sedans
will be a minimum of twenty-five miles per gallon based on an
average of the EPA city and highway mileage. Some of the benefits
include GHG reductions, and reduced maintenance.
Cool Counties Initiative: On November 13, 2008, Broward County is committing to reduce GHG emissions to 80%
the Board adopted Resolution 2008-822 supporting below current levels by 2050.
the NACo’s Cool Counties Initiative urging Congress
and the Administration to enact a multi-sector
national program of requirements, market-based limits, and incentives for
achieving GHG emission reductions. The Initiative also calls for full funding
for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.
LEED standards for all new Broward County
buildings: On October 14, 2008 the Board approved
a resolution establishing United States Green Building
Council’s (USGBC) LEED standards for all new
Broward County buildings.
Adopting these standards will enable all new Broward County
construction projects to employ environmentally sensible
construction practices, systems and materials in order to conserve
resources, reduce GHG emissions, and promote healthy
environments for employees, county residents, and visitors.
Renewable Energy Payments: On December 9, 2008, the Board adopted
Resolution 2008-879 which calls for the Florida Public Service Commission
and Legislature to enact legislation supporting renewable energy and a
diverse renewable portfolio standard to include energy payments.
The Board supports initiatives to promote a balanced mix of
renewable energy and traditional energy sources in a manner which
will strengthen economic growth, stimulate local economies, and
promote energy price stability.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Esti
Text amendment to Volume 2 of the Broward County Comprehensive Plan
to the Florida Department of Community Affairs: The Board approved
Resolution 2009-249 establishing new Comprehensive Plan requirements to
address building code standards for energy efficiency.
The amendment establishes building code standards for energy
efficiency, the reduction of GHG emissions, energy conservation, and
the use of renewable resources. The legislation requires the Housing
Element to adopt energy efficiency principles and use of renewable
resources in the design and construction of new housing.
Text amendment to the Housing The Resolution establishes new Comprehensive Plan requirements
Element: The Board approved to address building code standards for energy efficiency and the
Resolution 2009-101 and found the reduction of GHG emissions.
proposed text amendment (09-1-T7)
to the Housing Element (HE)
consistent with the Broward County Comprehensive Plan. The proposed
amendment revises the Housing Element to address statutory changes
adopted by the State in 2008 through HB 694 (Chapter 2008-191, Laws of
Florida) related to energy conservation.
Resolution supporting the American Clean Energy and
Security Act of 2009: On June 24, 2009, the Broward
County Board of County Commissioners adopted
Resolution 2009-437, supporting the American Clean
Energy and Security Act of 2009.
This resolution includes adoption of “Cap-and-Trade” as a national
strategy to reduce GHG emissions, Renewable Electricity Standards
to encourage the development of renewable energy technologies,
programs that provide for the implementation and development of
strategies to mitigate for and adapt to the impacts of climate
change, as well as direct funding for local governments.
Climate Change Task Force: The mission of the Climate Change Task Force is The Task Force is an important component to Broward County's
to develop a countywide Climate Change Program to mitigate the causes and overall commitment to a healthy, sustainable environment; and they
adapt to the consequences of climate change and, if appropriate, advise on its continue to support the County operations GHG reduction goals.
implementation.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Estim
Other GHG Reduction Measures
Broward Beautiful Program was available to homeowner groups, civic
associations, churches and not-for-profit organizations. Twenty-six grants
were approved in FY2009 and provided landscape improvement projects
located on public property and other common areas visible to the general
public.
At least 60% of the plants used were Florida native plant species. A
total of 806 trees and 6,813 shrubs were planted throughout the
fiscal year to encourage neighborhood beauty, ecology, implement
environmentally friendly native landscapes, and increase the tree
canopy throughout Broward County.
Power it Down: On August 27, 2009, Broward
County joined governments and the IT industry
across the country with the goal to dramatically
slash energy consumption costs with the flick of a
switch.
On “Power IT Down Day,” the IT industry joined together to
encourage employees to make a personal commitment to switch off
personal computers and peripherals (such as monitors, printers, and
scanners) when leaving the office. Over 2,800 government and
industry employees pledged to power down their computers,
printers, and monitors on “Power IT Down Day” – a one-day savings
of over 37,000 kilowatt-hours.
US 1 Landscape Beautification: The BCAD recently completed a significant
landscaping and beautification project within the 90 acres of land which form
the entranceway to FLL. This project serves not only to enhance the airport’s
entranceway along US 1, but it exceeds BCAD’s mitigation requirements for
the Airport Expansion Program by increasing Broward County’s overall tree
canopy by more than 750,000 square feet.
Visitors to the airport enjoy the natural beauty of the 5,400 native
trees and palms; 160,000 shrubs; 12 acres of sod; and extensive
groundcover at the entranceway. In addition to the aesthetic
benefits of the project, the newly planted landscape increases the
amount of carbon dioxide that removed from the atmosphere
through photosynthesis.
The NatureScape School Environmental Partnership Over 450 native trees were planted on school campuses this year,
has increased native tree canopy on school grounds eight School Environmental Outreach Days were held, and 3,200
and created outdoor learning classrooms for native plants were given to county residents.
students. Broward County also hosted Habitat Steward Trainings: one in
January for residents and one in August for Broward County Public School
Teachers.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Esti
Organic Fertilizer: Since January 2009, Parks and Recreation has been using
Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) certified organic fertilizer. To
encourage the use of organic fertilizers in the County, a Master Agreement
was put in place in November of 2009 for this product. The Master
Agreement can be used by any county agency.
By using this fertilizer, the amount of chemical fertilizer needed is
dramatically reduced, thus reducing the amount of phosphorous and
nitrogen runoff. An estimated 90 tons of fertilizer was used in 2009
which diverted manure waste from the landfill. Buying the fertilizer
in bulk, 3,600 plastic bags were also diverted from the landfill.
Native Trees and Shrubs Master Agreement: In February 2009, Parks and
Recreation began administering a Master Agreement for the planting of
native trees and shrubs. The Master Agreement is for $3,029,333 and covers
a variety of native species. This Agreement can be used by any county agency
and encourages the use of native plants, especially some of the rarer species
that are seldom used in landscaping.
Native plants require less water and are better adapted for the
specific environmental conditions of South Florida. They withstand
hurricanes better than invasive species and provide the needed
habitat and food for native wildlife. This Agreement should also
encourage local agriculturalists to grow native species which will
provide more opportunities for residents to discover and plant these
species on their own properties. Total trees planted into Broward
County Parks in FY2009 was 18,446.
Green Landscapes Training Classes and Materials: All these practices reduce pollutants going into the water table.
Parks and Recreation provided classes for
groundskeepers,
maintenance
workers,
and
supervisors in environmentally appropriate landscape practices. These
practices include Integrated Pest Management, proper irrigation techniques,
use of native plants, and use of organic fertilizers.
ETS Office Communicator and Live Meeting: Enterprise Instant Messaging
and Live Meeting are products of Microsoft Office Communicator. ETS
implemented a county-wide rollout in FY2009. Instant Messaging is an
internal communications platform that allows for conversational
communication to take place and is typically classified as transitory type
messages.
There are 4,863 instant messenger active users and 1,817 active end
users of this product. The environmental benefits include less
vehicle miles traveled to join a meeting, which equates to GHG
emissions and fuel savings. This software also has the capability for
telephone conversations via an internet connection.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
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Telephone Conference Bridge (teleconferencing): The use of telephone
bridge conference calling has been around for many years. The older
technology was both cumbersome and costly. Today, ETS has implemented
an in-house system that allows for a simple call to the ETS Service Desk in
order to use conference calling as a means to bring geographically dispersed
groups together. Telephone bridge conferencing is becoming the new way to
conduct business. For large project activities, it is now common to set a
bridge conference for various times throughout a day so that everyone can
use this tool to gain updates and strategically plan the next steps of a project.
This service supports between 3 and 32 users simultaneously for a single
meeting so the opportunity to gain efficiencies can grow rapidly as more
agencies adopt this use.
This service is currently averaging 10 requests per week and
translates into less mileage and travel time for staff to attend
meetings. The environmental benefits include less vehicle miles
traveled to join a meeting, which equates to GHG reductions and
fuel savings.
Tree Planting: Native trees were planted at Total trees planted into Broward County Parks in 2009 was 18,446.
Broward County Parks as part of the Tree
Replacement Program, a result of damage from
Hurricane Wilma.
Electric Vehicle Challenge and Solar Knights: The Pollution Prevention,
Remediation and Air Quality Division provide technical support and assistance
to the Miramar High School for the “EV Challenge”- the country’s premier
Electric Vehicle competition, and to the South Plantation High School Solar
Knights – a solar vehicle high school competition.
The students learn how to build eco-friendly solar-powered and
electric cars and recognize the benefits of these alternate fuel
vehicles. They participate in national competitions where they
describe their projects and school educational initiatives. They also
participate in vehicle performance competitions.
Climate Change Leader Emerald Award: Established in July Organizations inventory their GHG emissions and establish annual
2009, this category recognizes facilities, businesses, and GHG reduction targets. The winners are recognized by the Broward
government entities that have made great strides in County Board of County Commissioners.
addressing global climate change.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
Conservation and Climate Change Challenge with BC
School Board: In the Fall of 2009, the Broward County
Pollution Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality
Division launched the first Conservation and Climate
Change Challenge (C3 Challenge), an educational
competition intended to engage students, teachers,
school administrators, staff, and parents in practical strategies to reduce
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, both school-wide and at
home.
Through improved energy efficiency and reduced consumption,
school participants learned how simple actions, taken together, can
have a substantial impact on reducing GHGs. Over 42 schools
participated with a total of 520 teachers pledging that their students
would help reduce their carbon footprint in the classroom and at
home. The challenge was able to reach out to over 57,000 students
within Broward County schools. As a result of the challenge, an
estimated 9 million pounds of carbon dioxide from community-wide
emissions were reduced.
Community "Go Green" Events: Broward County
government agencies organized multiple outreach
events to educate its employees and residents about
ways to reduce their carbon footprints.
Broward government agencies participated in green community
events and provided educational presentations to schools, civic
organizations, municipalities, and businesses. In June 2009, Broward
County Public Communications developed an educational video,
“Broward County…Our Green Government”. The video discusses the
County’s green initiatives. Broward County residents and employees
learned ways to conserve energy and reduce GHG emissions.
"Go Green" Employee Workshop: On October
28, 2009, Broward County's Environmental
Protection
and
Growth
Management
Department and the Climate Change
Government Operations Workgroup sponsored
a “Go Green” workshop for county employees.
The
workshop
highlighted
current
environmental issues and the important role of County employees in
protecting the environment and supporting the County's GHG reduction
strategy.
The employees learned about South Florida's natural environment,
NatureScape, air quality, transportation options, recycling, and
Waste Wise. They also learned how to calculate their personal
carbon footprint, tools available to help them become “greener” at
home and work, all while saving money. Interactive demonstrations
included a showcase of Broward County Transit’s hybrid-electric bus
and other county-owned alternative fuel vehicles.
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Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
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Broward County Libraries Paper Reduction: Libraries eliminated printing of
almost a half-million sheets of paper annually by changing its monthly
programming information from hard copy to electronic format. The monthly
magazine, Bookings, has been replaced with monthly E-Updates available
only online.
Parks Naturalist Environmental Education Programs: During FY2009, the
Parks and Recreation Division employed 7 full-time Park Naturalists who
provided environmental education programs and tours to the public.
Programs included: Turtle Nesting Programs, Butterfly and Bird Hikes, Night
Hikes, Nature Tots, Preschool Nature Classes, and Scout Badge Workshops.
Parks Volunteers: Volunteers assisted the Parks and Recreation Division with
various planting and clean-up projects throughout the year. Overall the
Division had 2,189 approved volunteers who contributed 52,658 hours of
their time. Volunteers included individuals, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops,
Eagle Scouts, as well as school, religious, social, and environmental groups.
Several corporate groups also volunteered their time to planting projects
including the Motorola Global Day of Service at Markham Park and the
Comcast Planting Project at Delevoe Park.
EcoAction Days: All Broward County Nature Centers (Long
Key, Secret Woods, Fern Forest, and Anne Kolb) offered
monthly EcoAction Volunteer Days from October-May. They
assist with debris removal and waterway clean-ups.
Some of the environmental benefits include: paper reduction of
dozens of magazines and posters being printed and disposed of each
month.
One of the environmental benefits of these educational programs is
that they educate the community on the importance of preserving
our native ecosystem.
One of the environmental benefits of this initiative is that it allows
the citizens to give back to their community by both cleaning up the
natural environment and replanting trees.
These workdays were open to the public and usually involved
habitat rehabilitation including exotic plant removal and/or native
plant installation.
Public Communications Green Initiatives:
The Office of Public The Go Green web site received approximately 10,000 visits and
Communications Manages the Go Green web site. They have taken the 14,500 views in the past year.
initiative on several projects including, recycling ink cartridges, removing one
light bulb in lightening fixtures throughout offices, and recycling plastic
bottles and aluminum cans. They have also assisted in the promotion of
several County programs including the Power IT Down Day, the Holiday
Recycle Program, and the Artificial Reef Program.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
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Electronic Card Cataloging at Library: Broward County Libraries Division was Since 2004, the number of visitors to the Library’s web site has
featured in PRNews’ Going Green: Case Studies in Outstanding Green increased from 30,000 per month to almost 350,000 per month, and
Business Practices, for “Transforming a Library’s website, Reducing page views from 50,000 per month to nearly one million per month.
Dependency on Print.”
Permitting, Licensing, and Consumer Protection Electronic billing reduces the use of paper which saves trees and
Introduces Automated Invoice Billing Office:
The protects the natural environment.
automated billing feature was created and made
available to County Division client base in December
2008. The Division continues to encourage its utilization
among the customers.
County Agencies Reduce Dependency on Print: Broward County agencies are
turning to technology and increasing their electronic communications
through email and the web site, www.broward.org. Cultural Division’s
Cultural Quarterly magazine, Parks and Recreation Division’s Highlights
publication, Consumer Protection’s Educated Consumer newsletter, and many
other agency publications are now available in electronic format only. The
Office of Public Communications converted its community magazine, Broward
Shines, to a video magazine.
These e-publications result in cost savings and environmental
resource conservation. The need for the harvesting of trees as well
as the energy required to produce paper-based publications is
eliminated.
Broward County Receives Award for International
Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)
Milestones: ICLEI’s Milestone Awards recognize
those ICLEI members that demonstrate a
commitment to the organization’s Five Milestone
Methodology for climate mitigation.
Broward County received a Milestones Award from ICLEI for their
excellence in developing a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
inventory for Broward County government and public operations,
and setting a GHG reduction target.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
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Print Shop Goes Green: The Broward County All presses use soy-based ink and chlorine-free solutions. Paper
Print Shop is an environmentally friendly comes from sustainable forests. The Print Shop’s computer-to-plate
operation using environmentally friendly imaging printing system is 100 percent chemistry-free and uses
supplies.
recyclable metal plates for printing.
Tree Preservation Program: The Tree Preservation Program of the
Development and Environmental Regulation Division protects, relocates, and
replaces trees through the tree removal licensing process, as well as
administers the Tree Preservation Trust Fund used to support the planting of
trees.
Maintaining and planting trees reduces GHG. In 2009, over 950
trees were planted at various Tree Trust Fund projects.
Plan It Green: Parks worked in conjunction with The Greater Fort Lauderdale In FY2009, twelve 16-foot Red Bay trees, six 16-18 foot Live Oaks,
Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVCB) to develop a carbon offset program and two 14-foot Sugarberry trees were planted near a trail at the
edge of the Everglades with funding from CVCB. Work is planned to
for conventions or business groups that come to Fort Lauderdale.
maintain the area viable for these native trees by preventing the
growth of invasive species of plant life. With the help of the Plan It
Green program and various volunteer groups, this area will be
returned to the beautiful and pristine place it once was.
Electronic Submissions of County Commission Quasi-Judicial Agenda Items
to the Cities and Agents: In 2009, the Development Review Section of the
Development and Environmental Regulation (DER) Division began
electronically submitting all County Commission Quasi-Judicial Agenda Items
to the Cities and Agents.
In FY2009, DER had 149 Agenda Items brought before the Board. At
2 copies (City and Agent) of approximately 20 pages per Agenda
Item, electronic submittal of these 149 Agenda Items per year
equals a savings of approximately 5,960 sheets of paper (238
pounds of paper). Electronic submittal also eliminates the need for
envelopes and postage, an additional savings of approximately
$260.00/year.
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Measure Description
Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
New Janitorial Contract is “Green”: The new contract for janitorial services
at over 80 Broward County facilities awarded in May 2009 will be “green.”
The vendor(s) awarded the contract will offer better environmental
performance and improved worker health and safety, while
retaining the same sanitation quality as traditional janitorial
methods.
Electronic review and processing of construction plans: In 2009, the
Development Review Section of DER began to utilize “POSSE” to electronically
review and process County-wide construction plans for permits in lieu of
paper applications.
In FY2009, the Development Review Section and the Environmental
Review Section of DER electronically reviewed 4,202 construction
plans, saving approximately 168 pounds of paper. This also
eliminates filing storage demand, discouraging expansion of
building footprints.
Water and Wastewater Services Finds Energy Savings: The Information
Technology Division of Water and Wastewater Services initiated its own
“Project Green” to begin lowering energy consumption and reduce its carbon
footprint.
Computer settings at workstations were modified from their factory
defaults. Modified settings on computer monitors alone achieved
20-30 % reductions in energy consumption.
Winston Park (Green Space 446), Partners In Preservation Grant: This grant
funded the restoration of Winston Park to its native habitat through the
replacement of invasive/exotic species with native vegetation.
This measure helps to restore south Florida land to its native
ecosystem, thus attracting and supporting native flora and fauna.
Restoration of the native tree canopy will also sequester carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere.
Airport Green Belt: The southern boundary of
the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International
Airport is a 30-acre passive park and noise barrier
with diverse vegetation and wetland areas.
Liberty Tree Park (Open Space 101), Parks 4 People Grant: The grant funded
green components Liberty Tree Park, including: park equipment made from
recycled materials (e.g., benches, fencing, receptacles, etc.), LED lighting,
photovoltaic panels, rainwater collection for irrigation, pervious paving, and
more.
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Trees and vegetation in the Green Belt sequester carbon dioxide.
Park equipment supplied by the grant not only closes the recycling
loop and reduces energy/water consumption, it also educates park
patrons about these alternative technologies and sustainability and
the city’s commitment to these principals through educational
signage discussing the park’s green features.
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Estimated Environmental Benefits and Results
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ARRA Stimulus Grant Tracking Website: The Stimulus Grant Tracking This application does not require users to do any further installations
website was developed to meet the primary objective of providing or downloads. This website reduces paperwork and time formerly
information to the public on stimulus grant monies received by Broward required to determine information on grant monies.
County. The system is a web-based application, requiring an internet browser
and for some documents/reports, Adobe Reader.
Bus Pass Sales Online Application: The Bus
Pass Sales Online Application was designed to
sell bus passes to both the general public and
bus pass vendors via the internet. For vendors
to purchase bulk passes, an online application
to become a certified bus pass vendor is
required. Once approved, these vendors can order bus passes online.
This Bus Pass Sales Online Application is in line with Broward
County’s Green initiative. It not only lowers the number of road
trips previously required by Transit Division staff for bus pass
distribution and cash collection to vendors, but it also makes it
easier for the public and visitors to purchase bus passes, and
promotes increased use of Transit.
Human Services: The Human Services Department (HSD) has applied
environmentally friendly methods in FY2009 to manage waste, energy use,
water conservation, and clean air practice and promotion. HSD is proud to
promote green meetings, planning sessions and overall energy reduction
operations as the demand and importance for sustainability measures
increases.
Some of the environmental benefits and program examples include:
recycling programs such as sending left over items to the County
warehouse for recycling; energy conservation programs such as
using only Energy Star® rated equipment in residential kitchens and
laundry facilities as well as programmable thermostats; water
conservation programs such as using only low flow showerheads in
residential treatment programs; waste reduction such as providing
an opportunity for staff to recycle aluminum and plastic - bins are
available throughout each HSD facility; and clean air practices such
as using only cleaning products that have earned the Green Seal®.
Environmental Protection Agency GHG Calculator Used for Equivalency Calculations: http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html
Report prepared by: Broward County Climate Change Government Operations Workgroup
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