SC 09-19-19 PacketCITY OF CUPERTINO
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
AGENDA
Environmental Education Center, 22221 McClellan Road
Thursday, September 19, 2019
4:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.Subject: Minutes from August 29, 2019
Recommended Action: Approve minutes from August 29, 2019
A - Draft Minutes
POSTPONEMENTS
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the commission on any matter not
on the agenda. Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes. In most cases, State law will prohibit the
commission from making any decisions with respect to a matter not listed on the agenda
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
OLD BUSINESS
2.Subject: Staff update on reach building codes adoption process, continue discussion on
electrification reach codes and CALGreen Tier 1 and 2 options, and provide any
feedback to staff
Recommended Action: Receive update, discuss reach codes, and provide any input
A - Staff Report from September 10, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting
B - September 10, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting video recording link
3.Subject: Sustainability Speaker Series Zero Waste home event update and planning for
next event
Recommended Action: Receive update and discuss ideas for next Sustainability
Speaker Series event
4.Subject: Student Green Grants project planning
Recommended Action: Discuss Green Grants project planning
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Sustainability Commission Agenda September 19, 2019
A - Draft Sustainability Grants for Students Application
NEW BUSINESS
5.Subject: Presentation from Public Works staff on Recology's recycling processing cost
increase
Recommended Action: Receive presentation and provide any input
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), anyone who is planning to attend the
next meeting who is visually or hearing impaired or has any disability that needs special assistance
should call the City Clerk's Office at 408-777-3223, 48 hours in advance of the meeting to arrange for
assistance. Upon request, in advance, by a person with a disability, meeting agendas and writings
distributed for the meeting that are public records will be made available in the appropriate alternative
format. Also upon request, in advance, an assistive listening device can be made available for use
during the meeting.
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the members after publication of the agenda will
be made available for public inspection. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall located at
10300 Torre Avenue during normal business hours.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be advised that pursuant to Cupertino Municipal Code 2.08.100
written communications sent to the Cupertino City Council, Commissioners or City staff concerning a
matter on the agenda are included as supplemental material to the agendized item. These written
communications are accessible to the public through the City’s website and kept in packet archives. You
are hereby admonished not to include any personal or private information in written communications to
the City that you do not wish to make public; doing so shall constitute a waiver of any privacy rights
you may have on the information provided to the City.
Members of the public are entitled to address the members concerning any item that is described in the
notice or agenda for this meeting, before or during consideration of that item. If you wish to address the
members on any other item not on the agenda, you may do so during the public comment.
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CITY OF CUPERTINO SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
Environmental Education Center, 22221 McClellan Road
Thursday, August 29, 2019 4:00 p.m.
MINUTES
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
At 4:05 p.m. Chair Weber called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Anna Weber, Gary Latshaw, Vignesh Swaminathan, Angela Chen, Meera
Ramanathan (arrived @ 4:09 p.m.). Absent: None.
Staff: Andre Duurvoort, Sustainability Manager; Sean Hatch, Permit Center Manager; Gian Martire, Senior
Planner; Gilee Corral, Sustainability Program Coordinator.
Guests: Ben Butterworth, DNV GL (via conference call); John Supp, Silicon Valley Clean Energy; Walker Wells,
Raimi & Associates; Blake Herrschaft, DNV GL; members of the public.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Draft minutes of August 15, 2019 meeting were reviewed. Commissioner Chen moved and Commissioner
Swaminathan seconded to approve the minutes. Ayes: Weber, Swaminathan, Chen. Noes: None. Abstain:
Latshaw. Absent: Ramanathan.
POSTPONEMENTS
None.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Sophia Wang talked about concern over plastic waste and her desire for Cupertino to ban distribution of
certain types of plastics in restaurants.
Jennifer Zhao talked about policy to ban fossil fuels investment.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Gilee Corral distributed Late Written Communications to the Commission. Chair Weber noted that the Late
Written Communications could be discussed during the reach codes discussion.
OLD BUSINESS - None.
NEW BUSINESS
2. Presentation on draft 2018 greenhouse gas emissions inventory with consultant DNV GL and staff
update on Climate Action Plan report
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The DNV GL consultant, Ben Butterworth, gave a presentation on the City’s draft greenhouse gas emissions
(GHG) inventory via conference call. 2018 emissions have reduced approximately 23% for community and the
City has met its 2020 emissions reduction target ahead of schedule.
Corral provided an update on the Climate Action Plan (CAP) report; the report will be included in an Items of
Interest newsletter to City Council but will not be formally presented to Council. Staff will schedule a
presentation on the report for the Commission once it is complete.
Chair Weber opened and closed public comment (no comments).
Butterworth answered questions from the Commissioners. Issues raised: Ramanathan requested per capita
metric; this will be included in the final report. Latshaw asked about measuring leakage effects from natural
gas pipelines; he would like to know how to address the increase in nonresidential gas usage.
3. Subject: Receive presentation by Silicon Valley Clean Energy on model building reach codes and
provide any input to staff
John Supp with Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) gave a presentation on SVCE’s proposed electrification
reach codes and the process for local adoption.
Chair Weber opened public comment and the following individuals spoke:
James Tuleya talked about the County of Santa Clara looking into reach codes and declaring a climate
emergency.
John Supp answered questions from members of the public:
A member of the public asked why mandatory solar is not part of the proposed reach code.
A member of the public asked for clarification on the difference between “mostly electric” and dual energy
home.
A member of the public asked if the cost was lower to maintain a home with an electric heat pump and
furnace.
Chair Weber closed public comment.
The Commission discussed the presentation and Supp and consultant Blake Herrschaft answered their
questions. Issues raised: if rebates are included in increase cost estimates for dual fuel homes; the GHG impact
of new construction units; impact of new electric load on SVCE’s capacity; levels of electric vehicle (EV)
charging infrastructure; what other cities are considering; how to mitigate issues with heat pump water
heaters, etc.
4. Subject: Discuss CALGreen Tier 1 and Tier 2 options with Building and Sustainability staff and
consultant Raimi & Associates and provide any input to staff
Walker Wells, Raimi & Assoc. consultant, gave a presentation on CALGreen Tiers 1 and 2 and how the options
fit into the SVCE model code approach.
Chair Weber opened public comment and the following individuals spoke:
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Kitty Moore (Cupertino resident) asked questions about projects being modeled, i.e. Vallco, and the timing of
the codes going into effect; she talked about concerns about sufficient electrical capacity on City streets to
accommodate charging Tesla EVs. Wells answered her questions.
James Tuleya talked about the City of Mountain View’s reach code adoption process, relationship of the code
to cities’s CAP goals, and new construction code paving the way for market development.
Joan Chin (Cupertino resident) asked if CALGreen addressed health and issues related to proximity to the
freeway. Walker answered her question.
Bruce Karney supports Cupertino adopting all electric codes and talked about hydrogen fuel cell powered
vehicle adoption considerations in planning for EV reach code.
Chair Weber closed public comment and the Commission discussed the presentation and asked questions:
- Vice-Chair Latshaw asked about the Commission’s role in the code adoption process. Corral answered
that staff requests process recommendations and general impressions currently, and later, the
Commission will make a recommendation to Council on the codes at a future meeting.
- Chair Weber asked about the process of adopting CALGreen Tier 1 or 2 and Andre Duurvoort
answered it would be part of the whole code adoption process if the timing works out; Tier 1 or 2 could
also be adopted at any time after the other codes go into effect.
- Commissioner Chen asked if training would be needed if the Tiers were adopted; Wells answered that
the subject matter is familiar to plan checkers, but some training may be needed.
- Staff and consultants answered questions on how remodels would be treated.
- Gian Martire gave examples of large mixed-use projects in the pipeline or approved: DeAnza Hotel,
Westport development, some mid-sized 10-15 unit projects.
- Commissioner Swaminathan asked if other items could be considered for adoption, i.e. impervious
pavement. Wells answered that this is generally covered under Low Impact Development
requirements. This started a brief discussion on storm water management.
Other issues raised included: level of stringency in CALGreen Tiers and maintenance of the reach codes after
the code cycle ends, coordination with neighboring cities’s model codes, etc.
5. Subject: Discuss model reach building codes and CALGreen Tier 1 and 2 options, reach code
adoption process planning, and provide recommendations to staff on next steps
Chair Weber opened public comment and the following individuals spoke:
Dashiell Leeds on behalf of Sierra Club Loma Prieta talked about concerns about safety risks related to natural
gas infrastructure, City of Menlo Park electrification reach code, and support of the Commission adopting an
all electric building code.
Commissioner Chen left the room at 6:25 pm.
James Tuleya representing Carbon Free Silicon Valley supports all electric code but if moving forward is
difficult, supports SVCE mixed fuel model code for a year and later pursuing all electric code.
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A student representing the Cupertino Action Team supports all electric code and spoke about their desire for
the Sustainability Commission to recommend to City Council to add a natural gas ban to the City Council’s
Work Program.
Kitty Moore (Cupertino resident) asked if the presentation slides would be publicly available. Staff explained
files are posted to the Commission meeting website after meetings.
Chair Weber closed public comment. Commissioner Chen returned to the room at 6:32 pm.
Commissioners Weber and Swaminathan gave an update from the Reach Codes Subcommittee’s discussions.
The Subcommittee prefers new construction to be all electric and for the Commission to consider Tiers 1 and 2.
The Commission discussed how this might affect remodels and staff and consultants answered technical
questions.
Commissioner Chen expressed her preference for all electric code but would like to understand how it would
affect residents before giving specific recommendations. She left at 6:40 p.m.
The Commission discussed stakeholder involvement. Commissioner Swaminathan asked if the Planning
Commission was involved and staff responded that the proposed reach codes affect the building code and
therefore are outside the Planning Commission’s purview; if staff proposed changes that touched the planning
side, involving the Planning Commission may become necessary.
Other items discussed included water conservation, natural gas cooking, looking forward to the 2022 code
cycle, etc.
Vice-Chair Latshaw noted that eliminating natural gas would reduce 25% of atmospheric warming from GHG
emissions and supports fast and aggressive reach code adoption. The Commissioners expressed a desire to
push toward more aggressive all electric measures, but to consider the implications for renovation.
Next steps:
- Wells will look into implications and risks for the CALGreen Tier 1 and 2 options.
- The Reach Codes Subcommittee will meet with staff to begin plans for the public meeting.
- Commissioners to email Corral with suggestions of stakeholders for outreach.
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
Commission updates: - None.
Staff updates:
- Zero Waste Home – Bea Johnson Speaker Series event scheduled for Sep. 23 at 6:30 pm.
- City of Cupertino is officially supporting AB 1080 (Gonzalez) and SB 54 (Allen) – California Circular
Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act
ADJOURNMENT- 7:05 p.m.
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PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: September 10, 2019
Subject
Presentation on possible adoption of reach codes - building codes more stringent
than State standard Title 24, part 6 (energy) and part 11 (CalGREEN).
Recommended Action
Receive presentation and provide any input.
Discussion
Each local government is required by law to adopt new changes to the California
Building Standards Code every three years. The next code cycle will take effect
January 1, 2020. The State allows optional, local building code amendments that
exceed state code standards (known as “reach codes”). Historically, some
jurisdictions have adopted amendments to the energy (Title 24, part 6) and green
building standards (Title 24, part 11) to meet local climate and environmental
goals.
There are currently 50+ cities in California that have either adopted or are
considering reach codes for the next code cycle including Menlo Park, San José,
Mountain View, Berkeley and Sunnyvale. This is a marked increase in interest
compared to previous code cycles.
The Cupertino City Council included exploring electrification reach codes and
local amendments to the Green Building Code in its adopted FY2019/2020 Work
Program. The Council’s adopted FY2019/2020 Work Program is available online
at: https://www.cupertino.org/home/showdocument?id=24133. The Sustainability
Commission’s adopted FY2019/2020 Work Program also includes reviewing green
reach codes and making a recommendation to Council. The Sustainability
Commission’s adopted FY2019/2020 Work Program is available online at:
https://www.cupertino.org/home/showdocument?id=24589. The Sustainability
Commission has formed a sub-committee to work on this project and this study is
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underway. Staff in the Sustainability and Building divisions are leading the reach
code process. A public outreach event is tentatively planned for October 16, 2019,
at a location to be determined.
The Sustainability Commission discussed reach codes a t its August 29th meeting
and provided feedback to staff to consider options that might encourage higher
tiers of green building performance (CalGREEN Tier 1 or Tier 2, or some
combination of both), building electrification and additional infrastructure for
electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Model codes and technical guidance are provided by the California Energy
Commission and Silicon Valley Clean Energy, the regional community choice
electricity provider. Staff has also engaged a consultant, Walker Wells with Raimi
and Associates, to provide analysis for the CalGREEN green building reach
options.
The City’s Sustainability Manager, Andre Duurvoort, will give a brief presentation
at the Planning Commission meeting on the context for Cupertino, including an
overview of the draft greenhouse gas inventory for 2018 and the city’s Climate
Action Plan priorities. In addition, John Supp will give a brief presentation on the
reach code efforts throughout Santa Clara County . Mr. Supp is a manager of
account services with Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and is presenting information
to many communities in the region on the model codes and cost -effectiveness
studies.
_____________________________________
Prepared by: Andre Duurvoort, Sustainability Manager
Reviewed by: Piu Ghosh, Planning Manager
Albert Salvador, PE, Assistant Director of Community
Development / Chief Building Official
Approved for submission by: Benjamin Fu, Director of Community Development
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Cupertino Planning Commission Meeting September 10,
2019 video recording link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J06q0lP7kDM
• Reach code item starts @ 5 mins 54 secs
• Public Comment on reach code item starts @ 56 mins 11 secs
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Sustainability Grants for Students
The Cupertino Sustainability Commission is excited to announce the Sustainability Grants
for Students Program! This program provides monetary grants up to $500 to Cupertino-
area students in grades K-12 to assist them in discovering, promoting, and implementing
programs or projects that combat climate change and assist the City in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions as referenced in Cupertino's Climate Action Plan.
Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2019 at 12:00 noon
Applicants need not reside in the City of Cupertino. However, the impact of the
program/project should reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Cupertino. The
application can be found on the City website at: www.cupertino.org/sustainability.
Examples of programs or projects the Sustainability Grants for Students Program can help
fund:
•Programs that help conserve energy or water or help bring awareness to conserving
energy or water
•Programs that encourage walking or biking to school
•Implementation of a recycling and composting program
•Installation of a native plant garden
•Utilization of a reusable product to replace a disposable one
•Other topics that support sustainability
If you have any questions, please contact the Cupertino Sustainability Division via email at
sustainability@cupertino.org.
DRAFT
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!Sustainability Grants for Students Program Application
Please note the following details of the Sustainability Grants for Students Program:
•The program provides monetary grants of up to $500 (based on budget) to Cupertino-
area students.
•The grant deadline is Friday, November 15, 2019 by 12:00 noon. Please email completed
applications to sustainability@cupertino.org.
•Receipts for expenses must be submitted by March 31, 2020.
If you are awarded a grant and accept this award, you agree to:
o Provide a final written report / evaluation which may include photos, videos, a
site visit, etc.;
o Allow the City of Cupertino to promote and acknowledge your involvement and
your program / project on the City website, printed materials, social media, etc.;
o Table at the annual Cupertino Earth Day and Arbor Day Festival in April; and
o Give a presentation at the Sustainability Speaker Series (date TBA).
Name:
Phone:!
!
Email:
Organization Name:
Role at Organization (student, teacher, administrator, parent, etc):
On a separate piece of paper, please answer the following five questions::
(1)Please provide a description of your program / project and explain how this will reduce
greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Cupertino.
(2)Please provide a timeline of completion and key activities involved in the program /project.
(3)What is the grant amount requested? Please provide a breakdown of the costs involved.
(4)How many students will be involved in designing and implementing this program /project?
(5)How many people will be impacted by this program / project? DRAFT
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1.Please provide a description of your program / project and explain how this will reduce
greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Cupertino.
2. Provide a timeline of completion and key activities involved in the
program / project.
DRAFT
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4. How many people will be impacted by this program / project?
4. How many students will be involved in designing and implementing this program /
project?
3. What is the grant amount requested? Please provide a breakdown of the costs involved.
DRAFT
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