CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
TWENTY SIXTH COUNCIL
COUNCIL BILL NO. F/S R-24-34 ENACTMENT NO._______------___________
SPONSORED BY: Renée Grout and Tammy Fiebelkorn
RESOLUTION
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F/S Repealing Article 9 Of Chapter 3 Of The Code Of Resolutions And Replacing It With The Sustainability Resolution (Grout and Fiebelkorn)
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REPEALING ARTICLE 9 OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF RESOLUTIONS AND REPLACING IT WITH THE SUSTAINABILITY RESOLUTION.
WHEREAS, the City of Albuquerque adopted a community-driven Climate Action Plan in 2021 to mitigate the effects of climate change for all residents, especially those in historically underserved, frontline communities; and
WHEREAS, to keep current with all the goals and practices outlined in the City's Climate Action Plan, all relevant City Departments shall continually revisit and refine their mission statements, policies, goals, and practices to reflect the Climate Action Plan; and
WHEREAS, the years from 2010-2020 were recorded as the hottest decade on record and 2023 was the hottest year on record; and
WHEREAS, the City of Albuquerque is an identified Urban Heat Island, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency, making it an urbanized area that experiences higher temperatures than outlying areas; and
WHEREAS, local frontline communities are impacted first and worst by climate crises, attributable to extreme heat and heat-related illnesses, to disproportionate exposure to air and water pollution, and to unequal access to the benefits of environmental quality improvements; and
WHEREAS, the City of Albuquerque’s sustainable practices assure equitable access to environmental protections; and
WHEREAS, addressing the climate challenges of the 21st century requires integrating sustainability in business practices, job creation strategies, and economic development; and
WHEREAS, mimicking nature by using native landscaping, protecting native habitats, increasing irrigation efficiency and other conservation measures help to achieve sustainability goals, and protects air, water, and natural environments, such as the Bosque and other native habitats; and
WHEREAS, neighborhoods improve with parks and green spaces in a number of ways, including improved air quality, improved aesthetics, mitigation of heat islands, increased property values, slower traffic, and increased economic activity; and
WHEREAS, buildings and the built environment account for forty percent (40%) of the greenhouse gas emissions nation-wide, and fifty-five percent (55%) of the Albuquerque’s greenhouse gas emissions come from stationary sources, primarily commercial and residential buildings; and
WHEREAS, transportation makes up one of the most significant sectors for greenhouse gas emissions nationwide, and accounts for forty-one percent (41%) of Albuquerque’s emissions; and
WHEREAS, the City supports programs that reduce its carbon footprint, improves air quality, and assures equitable access to clean transportation and transit, especially for frontline communities; and
WHEREAS, greenhouse gas emissions can be mitigated by increasing the tree canopy and green spaces, effectively creating a carbon sink to reduce heat; and
WHEREAS, recycling, composting and other similar consumer behaviors are a low barrier to entry for residents wishing to reduce their carbon footprint, and help mitigate the nearly four percent (4%) of greenhouse gas emissions from product disposal, in addition to reducing emissions from other stages in the product lifecycle; and
WHEREAS, sustainable purchasing through environmentally safe products, local purchasing that reduces transportation and economic losses, and locally sourced and produced compost have long-lasting impacts on pollution reduction; and
WHEREAS, technological advances support sustainable practices, but continued R&D and cost-benefit analyses are needed for City Departments and the public to fully implement these technologies.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE:
SECTION 1. REPEAL
Chapter 3, Article 9 in the Code of Resolutions known as “ENVIRONMENT” is hereby repealed in its entirety.
SECTION 2. NEW MATERIAL
1. Create a new Chapter 3, Article 9 as follows:
3-9-1 SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1. As required by COA § 2-14-1-8(C), the City shall consider community and environmental impacts in all business recruitment and incentive packages.
2. All applicants for economic incentives are required to provide an analysis of how they are meeting COA § 2-14-1-8(B) in their applications.
3. All incentive packages shall consider community and environmental impacts of the proposed project, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmental social governance (ESG) practices. Incentive packages include Local Economic Development Act funding, Industrial Revenue Bonds, and any other discretionary incentive offers.
(A) Per the 2021 City of Albuquerque Climate Action Plan, the City shall give preference to companies in the energy efficiency, renewable and alternative energy product manufacturing industry.
(B) The City shall encourage job training and opportunities in sustainable careers, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrification of buildings and modernization of the energy grid, including but not limited to the installation and maintenance of EV charging stations, transportation efficiency, materials management, upstream waste reduction, and local food and agriculture jobs.
3-9-2 ENERGY
(A) Energy Efficiency
1. Upgrades to Municipal Facilities. The City shall maximize energy efficiency by implementing efficient HVAC controls, optimizing lighting systems, and adopting other energy-saving measures. The Energy and Sustainability Management Division (ESMD) at the City’s General Services Department (GSD) in collaboration with the Albuquerque Energy Council (AEC) shall continue its practice of utilizing a dedicated portion of the Capital Improvement Program, amounting to 3%, for the Energy Conservation Program. This initiative aims to bolster the energy efficiency of City buildings through a range of measures.
2. City Projects shall encompass a comprehensive approach to energy conservation, including but not limited to implementation of advanced building controls, integration of battery storage systems, energy efficiency upgrades targeting both new and existing municipal buildings, and various additional enhancements geared towards maximizing energy efficiency.
3. Equitable Access to Energy Efficiency Programs. The City is dedicated to assisting all residents, particularly those most vulnerable, in accessing energy-saving opportunities and participating in carbon-reducing initiatives. The City shall provide energy efficiency programs to support community resiliency of Justice40 census tracks and promote sustainability and resiliency in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
a. The City, in partnership with local utilities, shall provide low-income residents with energy efficiency improvements through the Community Energy Efficiency Project, the Community Energy Efficiency Development Block Grant Program, and other funding sources. Energy efficiency improvements may include, but are not limited to free energy audits, free (or reduced cost) energy efficiency upgrades, and other improvements.
b. The City shall create public awareness campaigns to educate residents and make information and potential savings from energy rebates as easy and accessible as possible. Methods may include a single universal rebate form, forms translated into several languages, and other methods to assist residents, especially those in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
4. Weatherization. The City shall consider adopting design guidelines or other building requirements, including but not limited to higher energy efficiency standards for low-income multi-family housing projects, qualifying single-family homes in the Community Energy Efficiency Program, or others that are utilizing City funds.
(B) Renewable Energy Use
1. Upgrades to Municipal Facilities. The Energy and Sustainability Management Division (ESMD) at the General Services Department (GSD), is dedicated to utilizing a portion of the Capital Improvement Program, equivalent to 3%, through the Energy Conservation Program. This initiative aims to convert city buildings and operations to renewable energy sources, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of City operations. ESMD shall work with other City Departments to convert City buildings and operations to renewable energy sources wherever practical, with the goal of achieving 100% renewable energy use for government operations as identified in the City’s Climate Action Plan.
2. Increasing Funds for Renewable Conversion. The City shall explore additional avenues for funding to bolster investments in greenhouse gas emission reduction initiatives. As part of this endeavor, new City projects will prioritize renewable energy conversion, and other energy savings, across municipal operations.
(C) Support for Alternative Energy Savings Strategies
1. The City shall support alternative energy production and savings solutions including community solar programs, micro-grid establishment, and grid modernization, especially in low-income areas.
2. Community Solar. The City will support the State of New Mexico Community Solar Program as defined by State’s Community Solar Rule, 17.9.573 NMAC. Within one year of the enactment of this legislation, the General Services Department shall report back with recommendations for how the City can best support the State’s Community Solar Program.
3. BRAIN Energy Management. The City shall track energy use and efficiency with the Balanced Resource Acquisition and Information Network (BRAIN). Deployment of the BRAIN energy management solution will enable effective monitoring of energy consumption and facilitate optimized energy management practices.
3-9-3: TRANSPORTATION
(A) Transition to Low- or Zero-Emission Vehicles
1. City Fleet. On a case-by-case basis, the City shall explore the feasibility of transitioning City vehicles including fleet vehicles, transit buses, and airport support vehicles to low- or zero-emission to include a cost benefit analysis. The City shall follow the recommendations in its Fleet Transition Plan (currently in development), to implement the transition to low- and zero- emission vehicles.
2. Private Vehicles. The City shall provide public awareness campaigns and educational materials to residents and organizations to encourage the purchase and adoption of low- or zero-emission vehicles.
(B) Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
1. The City shall continue to enhance transit services to increase ridership and accessibility to desired destinations, including Zero Fares policies for transit riders, transit network improvements, and improved multi-modal first mile/last mile connections to the transit network.
2. The City shall continue to implement Vision Zero and Complete Streets principles in roadway design to encourage safe and efficient alternative modes of transportation.
3. The City shall encourage carpooling, rideshare, carshare, bikeshare, and other shared mobility services.
4. The City should encourage active transportation, such as walking, cycling, and other forms of micro-mobility.
(C) Smart City Design. The City shall:
1. Incentivize mixed-use and neighborhood-scale development, to reduce the distance in which residents need to travel for goods and services and support walkable, people-friendly neighborhood design.
2. Incentivize transit-orientated development.
3. Allow for more beneficial land uses and encourage the use of alternative transportation modes.
4. Utilize intelligent transportation system methods to optimize traffic flow patterns that reduce idling vehicles.
5. Develop new EV Charging networks accessible city-wide.
3-9-4: BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(A) Building Emissions. The City shall consider renewable energy sources to offset energy consumed by City-owned buildings and minimize natural gas emissions.
(B) Energy and Sustainability Design Guide. The Municipal Development and General Services Departments shall work together to identify opportunities to incorporate elements of the Energy and Sustainability Design Guide into Requests for Proposals for design and construction processes for new construction and remodel projects on City owned buildings.
(C) Heat Mitigation. Where practicable, the City shall identify and implement alternative pavement and roofing options, such as cool pavement, cool roofs, permeable paving, etc.
(D) Electrification of City Buildings. The City shall prioritize the electrification of new City facilities and major renovations to existing City facilities.
1. The Municipal Development Department shall ensure that Requests for Proposals and bids shall explain the application of the Energy and Sustainability Design Guide for new City facilities and major remodels.
3-9-5: SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
This section addresses the waste stream, and an economic- and systems-based approach to protecting finite resources.
1. Recycling. The Office of Sustainability in conjunction with the Solid Waste Department, and Office of Equity and Inclusion shall develop standards, procedures, and educational material for short-term and long-term waste diversion from the landfill through increased recycling.
2. Food Waste Prevention and Composting. The Office of Sustainability in conjunction with the Solid Waste Department, and Office of Equity and Inclusion shall develop programs to increase access to food waste prevention/reduction/composting.
3. Local Circular Economy. The City shall encourage and recruit businesses with upstream product principles, such as employing conservation principles in product development, production, and transportation, before it reaches the consumer. The City shall develop educational materials about the circular economy and other sustainable practices for local businesses and City residents.
4. Local Agriculture. Per the City’s Buy Local Initiative, the City shall develop preferential procurement measures to support local agriculture. In addition, where practicable, the City’s Parks and Recreation, Open Space and other divisions shall consider regenerative agriculture practices.
3-9-6: NATURE-BASED SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
(A) The Urban Tree Canopy. In alignment with § 4-4-4, of the Code of Resolutions and the City’s 100,000 tree planting goal, the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) shall work with Let’s Plant ABQ Coalition to meet this goal by 2030.
1. Tree Planting. § 6-6-1-1, PRD will work with community organizations to market benefits of trees to citizens for the promotion of tree plantings on private properties to improve the City’s ambient air quality and mitigate urban heat islands.
2. Climate-friendly Trees. Referencing § 6-6-1-1, trees will be climate-ready, have regional adaptability, be non-invasive, have street or landscape appeal, include family and species diversity, and other features stipulated by community organizations
3. Relaunch Project Tree Start. In accordance with § 4-4-4, of the Code of Resolutions, PRD will relaunch this project to help meet the City’s 100,000 tree planting goal by 2030.
(B) Natural Design Energy Management. The City Parks and Recreation Department and the Planning Department shall within one year of the effective date of this resolution, develop landscape design guidelines, and a program to disseminate these guidelines, that promote the use of nature-based energy efficiency measures, such as plants, trees, and other material to enhance energy conservation and quality of life.
(C) Conversion of Non-functional Turf Grass. To conserve water, the Parks and Recreation Department shall develop a plan to replace turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events with more sustainable turf alternatives, native landscaping, and pollinating plants.
(D) Equitable Access to Trees, Parks, and Open Space.
1. The City shall assure a goal of a park, trail, open space, or green space within a 10-minute walk of each residence.
2. The Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Office of Sustainability will identify front line communities and those in historically disadvantaged areas as sites for tree planting.
3. The City will work to educate businesses and residents on rebates that are available through the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, and other agencies, to offset water usage to plant and establish new trees.
(E) Green Storm Water Infrastructure. Where practicable, the City shall use green storm water infrastructure to facilitate water filtration, improve water retention and soil health, and help to recharge the water table.
1. Implementation shall include swales and basins, when possible, to help with water retention, limiting storm water runoff, minimizing localized flooding, and encouraging water conservation.
2. Use of permeable surfaces. The City may consider permeable surfaces to include planting beds, mulch with local soil or neighborhood compost, gravel, or permeable pavers.
(F) Cool Pavement. Where practicable, the City shall consider the application of cool pavement for impermeable surfaces to temper solar reflectivity and reduce heat islands.
3-9-7 SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT PRACTICES
(A) Purchase of Environmentally Safe Products. Where practicable, the City shall follow procurement practices that consider reduced exposure of City residents and visitors to potentially toxic chemicals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants, protect ground and surface waters, maximize water and energy efficiency, favor renewable energy sources, maximize post-consumer recycled content and readily recyclable or compostable materials, favor long-term use through product durability, repairability, and reuse, and consider life cycle economics of a product including its manufacture, transportation, use and disposal.
(B) Buy Local. Where practicable, the City shall follow the Buy Local Initiative and AI NO: 3-3 Small Purchases and Use of Local Vendors. Within one year of the enactment date of this Resolution the Sustainability Office, in collaboration with Purchasing, propose amendments to the Buy Local Procurement policy that improve the City’s ability to prefer locally grown/made products over imported product, when available.
(C) Compost. The City shall, where practicable, use locally sourced compost.
SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. If any section, paragraph, word or phrase of this resolution is for any reason held to be invalid, or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this resolution. The Council hereby declares that it would have passed this resolution and each section, paragraph, sentence, clause, word, or phrase thereof irrespective of any provision being declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid.
SECTION 4. COMPILATION. Section 2 of this resolution shall amend, be incorporated in, and made part of the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico Code of Resolutions.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This resolution shall take effect five (5) days after publication by title and general summary.
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