CLIMATE ACTION
Rapid climate change threatens our natural environment, recreational opportunities, and way of life. Addressing climate change requires a global effort, but each community has to do its part to change the system for a better future. As a destination community, the Town recognizes its responsibility to take a leading role in mitigating climate change and in exporting its ideas to leverage greater change.
Goal One.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy used to operate buildings
Target.
21%
GHG emissions reduction from building energy use by 2030
36%
GHG emissions reduction from building energy use by 2050
GHG Emissions Over Baseline Year from Buildings
The Town of Breckenridge’s GHG emissions inventory is completed every three years
2023 saw a
4%
Increase in GHG emissions
over baseline year 2005
2030 TARGET
21%
Reduction in
GHG Emissions
2050 TARGET
36%
Reduction in
GHG Emissions
For a better view at the charts, use landscape view on mobile devices.
Strategies.
Fastrack adoption of latest building codeAdopting and enforcing the most current International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) within one year after each new one is promulgated will ensure that the most current building energy standards for residential and nonresidential buildings in Town are maintained.
Enforce energy benchmarking and reporting requirementsTo improve performance and promote awareness of building energy use, the Town may develop, adopt, and enforce a benchmarking requirement. Benchmarking measures the energy performance of individual buildings over time, relative to other similar buildings, or to applicable codes and standards.
Implement retro-commissioningRetro-commissioning is a process that goes beyond benchmarking by studying how the energy performance of a building can be improved and then requiring that certain improvements be made. Policy to require periodic “retro-commissioning” for all buildings in town with gross square footage ≥ 10,000 square feet could be adopted.
Deploy energy management systemsSpecialized equipment and management systems to monitor and control building energy usage are commercially available and scalable from single-family homes to commercial facilities.
Increase participation in utility programsEnergy-efficiency rebates and incentives designed to help end-users use less energy are often widely available from utilities and equipment manufacturers.
Co-Benefits
Co-Benefits
Resource Savings
Environmental Leadership
Regional Priorities
Operational Cost Savings
Livability
Local Environmental Health
Resource Savings
Environmental Leadership
Regional Priorities
Operational Cost Savings
Livability
Local Environmental Health
Goal Two.
Enable electric vehicle(EV) transition and adoption
Target.
200
Electric vehicle charging spaces community-wide by 2030
100%
of all municipal fleet vehicles will be EV by 2030
EV Charging Stations
Strategies.
Pursue grant opportunities for EV supply equipmentThe town will monitor and pursue grant-funding opportunities for electric vehicle supply equipment installation and work with the utility on its evolving EV charging programs.
Provide preferred parkingTo promote the replacement of gas and diesel vehicles with electric vehicles, via the town’s
strategic parking plan or otherwise, allocate priority parking locations or implement pricing strategies for electric vehicle charging spaces in town.
Adopt EV first policyFormalization of an “EV first” procurement policy for Town fleet vehicles is recommended, as long as the EV performs the duties needed.
Investigate funding options for fleet electrificationThe Town will apply for additional funding sources (e.g., grants, New Enterprise funds, group purchasing programs) to meet fleet transition goals.
Co-Benefits
Co-Benefits
Environmental Leadership
Operational Cost Savings
Livability
Local Environmental Health
Community Engagement
Environmental Leadership
Operational Cost Savings
Livability
Local Environmental Health
Community Engagement
Goal Three.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from public and private fleet vehicles
Target.
25%
GHG emissions reduction from public and private fleet vehicles by 2030
91%
GHG emissions reduction from public and private fleet vehicles by 2050
GHG Emissions Over Baseline Year from Transportation
The Town of Breckenridge’s GHG emissions inventory is completed every three years
2023 saw a
15%
Increase in GHG emissions
over baseline year 2005
2030 TARGET
25%
Reduction in
GHG Emissions
2050 TARGET
91%
Reduction in
GHG Emissions
For a better view at the charts, use landscape view on mobile devices.
Strategies.
Enforce policy on right sizing fleet and idlingFormalization of a “right sizing” policy for the fleet vehicles (so a vehicle isn’t too big or too small for its intended duty) is needed. Enforcement of local idling requirements for municipal vehicles will be improved.
Establish a program to remotely monitor municipal vehiclesTelematics technologies allow managers to monitor vehicle use remotely. Telematics for logging and analyzing data of fleet vehicle operation can be a tool for achieving reductions in GHG emissions associated with fuel use, idling, and inventory management.
Develop program for partnership with private fleet operatorsSeveral private vehicle fleets, associated with local lodging providers, delivery services, and other businesses, operate within the town. Although the Town does not own these fleets, it will develop and foster collaboration for improved performance and efficiency.
Track/monitor technology advancementThe Town will monitor advancement of vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-building technologies, programming, and funding opportunities as well as availability and feasibility of battery-swapping technologies.
Co-Benefits
Co-Benefits
Resource Savings
Environmental Leadership
Operational Cost Savings
Local Environmental Health
Community Engagement
Resource Savings
Environmental Leadership
Operational Cost Savings
Local Environmental Health
Community Engagement
Stretch Targets.
Electric Transit
By 2030, transition to 100% electric transit services (e.g., Free Ride)