(Converted from Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation, approximate slide layout retained)
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REDUCING LEXINGTON'S CARBON FOOTPRINT
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2009 National Conference on Transportation Operations for Planned and Unplanned Events
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March 25, 2009
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Brookings Institution
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Of the 200 most prominent think tanks in the U.S. Brookings is among the top three in public policy
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Transportation and Residential Development
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Coal Producing Regions
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Average Residential Energy Costs
Per KWH (By State)
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2007 U.S. Energy Generation...
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Brookings Institution Report
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Figure 7, Page 20
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Carbon Footprint
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■ Defined as a measure of CO2 and other greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere when an individual, business or group burns fossil fuels for energy.
■ It is expressed as a CO2 equivalent usually in kilograms or metric tons.
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Main Elements of a Typical Person's Carbon Footprint
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Secondary Footprint In Yellow
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Primary Footprint In Green
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This Paper:
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■ Provides an overview of the report findings
■ Lists footprint causes and probable solutions
■ Reviews significant efforts by Lexington to reduce its footprint
■ Presents Brookings Institution recommendations for the nation
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Nation's Metro Areas Carbon Footprints Vary
Due to...
■ Land Development Patterns
■ Whether there is Rail Transit or not
■ Volume of Freight Traffic
■ Carbon Content of Electricity Sources
■ Cost of Electricity
■ Weather
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Between 2000 and 2005
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Transportation Footprint
2000-2005
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Residential Footprint
2000-2005
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Brookings Institution states...
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■ Traffic - longer commutes, little use of public transportation and no passenger rail service
■ Single-family homes - use more energy
■ Truck Traffic - increasing in volume
■ High Carbon Fuels - hot summers/cold winters require high use year round
■ Cheap Energy - among nation's least costly electricity means less emphasis on conservation
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Transportation
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■ City-wide Traffic Signal Re-timing
■ Managing Special Events and Incidents
■ Change Traffic Signal Lens to LED's
■ Increase in Transit Ridership
■ Biodiesel Fuel Usage
■ More Hybrid Vehicles in City Fleet
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City-wide Traffic Signal Re-Timing
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Managing Special Events and
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Incidents
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Planned Event Changes 125 Traffic Signals
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University of Kentucky Football Games
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LED vs. Incandescent
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All 10,088 incandescent traffic signal lens and pedestrian signal lens changed to LED's in mid-2005 saving 4,000 trees
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Transit Ridership/Biodiesel
Fuel Use/Hybrid Vehicles |
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Transit ridership has increased 86% since 2005
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City fleet now has
51 hybrid vehicles
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35,000 gallons biodiesel fuel used since 2006
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Residential Development
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■ Innovative Land Use Planning - Urban Service Boundary limits sprawl, Comprehensive Plan provides for Green Infrastructure and "Reforest the Bluegrass"
■ Infill and Redevelopment -Hard look taken at vacant land and the downtown
■ Rural Farmland Conservation - Effort to retain general agriculture, equine and tourism industries
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Reforest the Bluegrass
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■ Over 165,000 trees planted in Lexington since 1999
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Infill and Redevelopment
5,000 acres of vacant land is available for infill/redevelopment in the urban area
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Rural Farmland Conservation
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The Nation Must...
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■ Reduce the energy intensity of the economic system
■ Lower the carbon intensity of its energy consumption
■ Save energy through compact development
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Report Urges Washington To...
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■ Put a price on carbon
■ Increase investment in energy research and development
■ Establish a national renewable electricity standard
■ Help states reform their electricity regulations
■ Improve information collection on emissions and energy consumption
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Recommended National
Initiatives
■ Promote More Transportation Choices
■ Introduce More Energy-efficient Freight Operations
■ Require Home Energy Cost Disclosure
■ Create Incentives for Energy-efficient Housing
■ Issue a Metropolitan Challenge
Access the full report Shrinking the Carbon Footprint of Metropolitan America at:
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Awards and Recognition
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■ 2003 - Crown Communities Award
■ 2005 - Kentucky APWA Technology Project of the Year
■ 2005-2007 - American Community Survey recognition as one of shortest commute times
■ 2004 - James C. Howland Municipal Enrichment Award
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Awards and Recognition
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■ 2007 - League of American Bicyclists "Bike Friendly City" Bronze Award
■ 2007 - Earth Day Network Urban Environment Report
■ 2008 - Popular Science and Forbes Magazines
■ 2007-2008 - Going Green Partnerships
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Reducing Lexington's Carbon
Footprint
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