Dade County CO2 emissions in 1988 totaled over 23 millions tons, or about 12.5 tons per capita from combustion of primary fuels. The largest sources of emissions came from the transportation (45%) and electricity (45%) sectors. The transportation sector does not include fuel inputs from aircraft, ships and barges. The industrial (5%), commercial (4%) and residential (1%) sector emissions are from the combustion of primary fuel used in energy consuming activities such as generators, lawnmowers, and industrial processes.
In order to achieve a 20% reduction below 1988 levels by the year 2005 as outlined in the project goal, overall emissions associated with activity in Dade County must be reduced by a total of 50% (11.6 million tons annually) which includes the effect of a 30% projected increase in population (and therefore CO2 emissions) from 1988 to 2005. Beginning in 1993, CO2 emissions will have to be reduced by approximately 970,000 tons per year to reach the 50% target by 2005. Dade County’s 20% total reduction goal is consistent with the commitments of other cities in the United States.
Cross-Sectoral or Other Sector
Expand the Use of Alternative Fuels
Measure 2 could reduce 51,000 tons of CO2 if a total of 24,000 solar water heaters are installed by the year 2005. CO2 reduction rates for measures 1 & 3 are unknown at this time.
1. Investigate cost effective energy efficient HVAC systems for Metro-Dade facilities.
Metro's Department of Development and Facilities Management should investigate both electric and natural gas chillers to determine the most suitable HVAC systems for Metro-Dade's facilities. The energy savings, up-front capital investment, payback period, environmental impacts and hot water demand need to be determined.
2. Reinstate the renewable energy source exemption. (Property tax exemption for installation of solar water heaters)
Even though Florida is known as the "Sunshine State", only 1/2 of 1% of the State's energy demand is met by solar energy. Metro-Dade should advocate re-instituting the statewide property tax exemption for installing solar water heaters. Solar water heaters can save a South Florida home an estimated annual 2500 kwh.
3. Shift to photovoltaic street lighting.
Photovoltaics (PV) are solar cells that convert sunlight directly to electricity. Although the present use of PV lighting is too expensive for area-wide application, they can be used cost-effectively in some locations and are expected to be much more competitive in the next five years. An additional benefit from the use of PV's is security. In the event of a prolonged loss of electricity (e.g. hurricane), PV's can be used to light dark streets. As with each of these measures, an analysis of the life cycle cost is necessary to determine the feasibility of each application.
Expand Community Tree Planting and White Surfaces
Measure 1 could reduce approximately 3,000 tons of CO2 and measure 2 could result in a 133,500-ton reduction. Both the direct and indirect effects of tree plantings were calculated for CO2 reduction. Trees reduce CO2 concentrations by both direct absorption through photosynthesis and shading which reduces ambient air temperatures resulting in lower energy consumption. Trees strategically planted around structures can also reduce the need for air-conditioning.
1. Integrate "Cool Communities" with community-wide tree planting program.
"Cool Communities" is a cooperative effort between American Forests, Department of Energy and Metropolitan Dade County. Dade is one of seven U.S. cities selected to participate in this program. The demonstration project entails selecting residential neighborhoods and commercial sites in which to plant trees and lighten surface colors. The project goal is to counter the "heat island effect" which causes cities and urban areas to be several degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas. This effect is linked to increased energy consumption and air quality degradation. The research goal is to document the area-wide effects of trees and light surface colors on buildings.
As part of "Cool Communities", American Forests has expressed a keen interest in helping Dade County replace its urban forest canopy lost in Hurricane Andrew. Preliminary estimates of tree canopy loss in South Dade are 45% to 65%. In order to encourage and support community tree plantings, it is recommended that Metro-Dade revise its policy on planting within public rights-of- way and indemnify the homeowner from liability which may arise from installing trees in the right-of-way. Additionally, providing public assistance by digging holes in community group plantings of ten or more trees in public rights-of-way will help encourage neighborhood plantings.
2. Revise Dade County's landscape code to require strategic tree planting, street trees and parking lot trees.
Dade County's tree ordinance is being re-drafted to consider strategic tree planting, street trees and parking lot trees in order to reduce the heat island effect. Staff has recommended that builders be responsible for planting trees along all residential structures 35 feet or less with an average spacing of 30 feet on center for a minimum of 50 percent of the total lineal footage of the building footprint. Staff has also recommended that it should be required to shade air conditioners mounted on the ground. Based on development trends, Metro-Dade's Planning Department has projected that 62,917 trees will be planted annually.
Power Generation Sector
Miami-Dade strives to reduce energy-related GHG emissions through the promotion of energy efficiency, renewable fuels, and energy conservation measures.
Increase Efficiency of Metro-Dade Facilities/Operations
Measure 1 could reduce 145,000 tons of CO2. The CO2 reduction rate for measure 2 is unknown at this time.
1. Initiate the "Green Lights" programs and integrate with other County building retrofits for a 20% increase in efficiency.
On April 21, 1992, the Board of County Commissioners approved Metro-Dade's participation in the Green Lights program which is sponsored by EPA. Metro-Dade has agreed to install cost effective and energy-efficient lighting in 90% of their facilities within five years. Retrofits may include occupancy sensors, T-8 lamps, T-12 lamps, reflectors, and electronic ballasts. Lighting for Metro-Dade Facilities currently represents 30% of its total energy use. Because lighting retrofits are relatively inexpensive and have high savings with a short pay-back period they should be integrated with costlier retrofits that have a longer pay-back period in order to improve pay-back periods and financing options.
2. If feasible, purchase the combined cycle cogeneration plant and wheel the current excess capacity of 82,000,000 kwh/yr. to County owned facilities and promote use of cogeneration for other appropriate commercial applications.
Cogeneration produces electricity and steam which is used for heating and cooling purposes. Cogeneration can increase the efficiency of power plants by 30% and more in terms of fuel consumption per unit of usable energy, thereby improving air quality and lowering CO2 emissions. Despite these advantages, cogeneration is not widely used. There are a number of barriers which limit the marketing of this technology which include a lack of knowledge, capital, financing options, inexpensive fuel and the need for high thermal demand. Efficient application
of cogeneration requires proper sizing of the unit.
Metro-Dade operates a combined cycle cogeneration plant owned by a limited partnership which leases the equipment to the Rolls Royce Thermo Electron Joint Venture. Energy is supplied to a complex of government buildings including a county courthouse, public library, museum, art center, public transport center and several administrative buildings with electricity, chilled water for air conditioning and hot water for humidity control. To fully utilize the electrical generating capacity of the plant, the owners would need to use FPL's transmission lines to move the power to other facilities. This "third party wheeling" is not permitted under existing state regulations which are designed to protect investments already made by utilities. Metro-Dade is currently conducting an audit on the cogeneration plant to assess the economic viability of purchasing it. If Metro-Dade was to purchase the plant it would eliminate the third party and then the County government could attempt to self service wheel to its other facilities. This can legally be done but only after proving to the PSC that the self-service wheeling would not be a detriment to other ratepayers. In addition, there is ongoing litigation concerning the condition under which the plant was built which could affect the future operation and ownership of the plant.
Expand the Use of Alternative Fuels
Measure 2 could reduce 51,000 tons of CO2 if a total of 24,000 solar water heaters are installed by the year 2005. CO2 reduction rates for measures 1 & 3 are unknown at this time.
1. Investigate cost effective energy efficient HVAC systems for Metro-Dade facilities.
Metro's Department of Development and Facilities Management should investigate both electric and natural gas chillers to determine the most suitable HVAC systems for Metro-Dade's facilities. The energy savings, up-front capital investment, payback period, environmental impacts and hot water demand need to be determined.
2. Reinstate the renewable energy source exemption. (Property tax exemption for installation of solar water heaters)
Even though Florida is known as the "Sunshine State", only 1/2 of 1% of the State's energy demand is met by solar energy. Metro-Dade should advocate re-instituting the statewide property tax exemption for installing solar water heaters. Solar water heaters can save a South Florida home an estimated annual 2500 kwh.
3. Shift to photovoltaic street lighting.
Photovoltaics (PV) are solar cells that convert sunlight directly to electricity. Although the present use of PV lighting is too expensive for area-wide application, they can be used cost-effectively in some locations and are expected to be much more competitive in the next five years. An additional benefit from the use of PV's is security. In the event of a prolonged loss of electricity (e.g. hurricane), PV's can be used to light dark streets. As with each of these measures, an analysis of the life cycle cost is necessary to determine the feasibility of each application.
Promote and Expand Participation in Energy Conservation
Measure 3 could reduce CO2 emissions by 610 tons of CO2. Reduction rates for measure 1 are unknown at this time.
1. Increase public participation in FPL's Demand Side Management programs.
"Demand Side Management" (DSM) is the program used by electric utilities to facilitate reduced consumer demand when it is more cost effective than providing more supply (usually by building a new power plant). Such programs operate under rate regulations which allow utilities to offer rebate incentives for conservation/efficiency measures which exceed state energy code requirements. Because the peak daily and seasonal demands drive the need for new power plants, DSM programs tend to emphasize those measures which reduce peak loads. Under current rate regulations, utilities can only participate in DSM programs which are shown to be cost effective when compared with the direct cost of a new power plant. By the end of 1993, FPL will have spent over $600 million on DSM and deferred building approximately 800 MW in additional power plants.
FPL's residential programs include: conservation service audits; ceiling insulation; conservation window treatment; conservation water heating; high-efficiency residential HVAC systems; home energy loss prevention; thermal energy storage, conservation research and development, photovoltaic pool pump research project; new home construction project and load control (The On Call Program). Commercial and industrial programs include: business energy evaluation, business energy planning; efficient lighting; energy efficient motors; air-cooled chillers; DX HVAC systems; retrofit program for water-cooled chillers; cogeneration and small power production; general service trial project, water heating pump research project, cold air distribution system research project, heat pipe research project, hot water storage project, central chiller system research project, business custom incentive program; dehumidification research project, thermal energy storage and load management.
One side effect of delaying the construction of new power plants is that older, less efficient power plants remain in service longer than they otherwise would. Even so, the important of conservation and efficiency on the demand side warrant aggressive promotion of the program. Metro-Dade can add to FPL's efforts through public education with particular focus on the building process.
2. Adequately staff the recently established utility division within Metro-Dade's Department of Development and Facilities Management in order to investigate various rate structures that encourage and reward utilities for energy conservation.
Utility rate structures are being reviewed in many states in an effort to encourage conservation, to incorporate the long term environmental costs of various production alternatives, to consider the value of efficient and sustainable energy sources, to maintain a reliable energy system, and to keep consumer costs and utility profits reasonable. The Florida Public Service Commission is currently evaluating conservation goals as a way of addressing some of these issues. Despite energy efficiency regulations and demand-side management programs, average per capita consumption has increased in recent years, though not as much as it would have in the absence of these programs. By carefully reviewing alternative pricing and conservation approaches, Metro- Dade can effectively participate in this policy discussion which has the potential to increase efficiencies and conservation, decrease emissions, and decrease costs.
3. Promote the Energy Conservation & Assistance Program (ECAP).
Metro-Dade should work with the Small Business Development Center Network to help promote ECAP and increase public participation by 10%. The goal of this project is to: reduce the per capita energy consumption in the State of Florida; reduce a company's electric bill; and encourage the development of energy saving devices and energy management programs. The ECAP program is funded by the Florida Energy Office and is administered through the Small Business Development Center network. Metro-Dade can help by acquainting small businesses which receive County permits or approval with ECAP services.
Residential Sector
Decrease Residential Sector Energy
Miami-Dade hopes to reduce its residential energy consumption by improving the energy efficiency of homes. Measure 1 could reduce 159,000 tons of CO2. The rest of the measures under this objective are important educational components to the plan.
1. Reduce annual electricity consumption by 5,350 kwh in 35,000 rebuilt homes in South Dade through promotion of energy efficient measures.
Metro-Dade should aggressively promote the use of energy efficient measures in the reconstruction of South Dade County post Hurricane Andrew. The Florida Solar Energy Center investigated the potential for improved energy use in single family homes. They identified a package of cost-effective measures that if used in new construction would generate an annual reduction in electricity consumption by 5,350 kwh per house. These savings are based on engineering estimates and represent maximum probable savings.
The recommended measures are primarily targeted to reduce the cooling load since an estimated 38% of a home's demand for electrical energy is used for air conditioning in South Florida. Refrigeration and water heating each represent 14% of a home's total energy use. Based on these end uses for a typical single family home, FSEC developed four categories of measures which include building envelope, heating/cooling systems, solar water heating and appliances. The measures include the following: reflective roof or attic radiant barrier; reflective east/west windows or reflective window film; white colored walls; sealed duct air distribution system; duct system within the conditioned space or reflective roof; air conditioner SEER 12.0 Btu/W; proper air conditioning sizing; low-flow showerheads; improved tank insulation; low-cost add on solar water heater; high efficient refrigerator; compact fluorescent lighting; halogen incandescent lighting; and down sized pool pump on timer with large piping and filter.
2. Develop and market a Miami Herald energy guide targeting the homeowner and encouraging special pricing in building supply stores.
Several weeks after Hurricane Andrew, members of the Urban Consortium Energy Task Force, FPL and South Florida community leaders met to brainstorm energy opportunities in the South Dade reconstruction effort. The overwhelming consensus from this meeting was that in order to rebuild right it is important to get information to the homeowner on how to rebuild his/her home using energy conservation measures. Following several planning meetings with The Miami Herald and others, the Herald published a "How To" energy efficiency guide covering appliances, landscaping, roofing and windows, and many other energy efficient options for customers as well as utility programs to assist customers. Metro-Dade should market the plan and encourage special pricing of energy efficient products at building supply stores.
3. Develop outreach program for contractors/builders on Florida's Energy Code.
Metro-Dade should work closely with the Florida Energy Office and "We Will Rebuild" to sponsor workshops for developers/contractors on energy efficient home building. Metro should develop packets of information on Florida's energy code and effective conservation measures for developers/contractors to pickup when they apply for permits with the County's Building and Zoning Department. Rebuilding South Dade County is expected to take approximately ten years.
4. Develop strategy with DCA to improve enforcement of the Florida Energy Code.
Due to lack of staff and training, Metro-Dade is not adequately enforcing the Florida Energy Code. The aftermath of Hurricane Andrew has only exacerbated the problem. Metro-Dade should work with the Department of Community Affairs to train County government inspectors in energy code enforcement.
Transportation Sector
Miami-Dade's strategies for reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions focus on encouraging alternative forms of transportation (such as public transportation, bicycling, and carpooling) and improving the fuel efficiency of vehicles.
Mass Transit and Road Improvement
The following three measures could result in reducing 816,000 tons of CO2.
1. Complete the expansion of the Metromover rail system to Brickell Avenue and Omni Center.
Metromover is an electrically powered, fully automated, 1.9 mile people mover system. It connects with Metrorail at the Government Center Station, and with Metrobus at various locations throughout downtown Miami. Metromover cars operate on an elevated double loop that runs through the central business district. The nine Metromover stations offer convenient access to a variety of government, business, cultural, and entertainment centers in the downtown area. Metromover currently averages almost 12,000 passengers a day. Completion of the Omni and Brickell expansion legs of Metromover is anticipated by 1994. The extensions will add fifteen vehicles and 2.5 miles to the existing system.
2. Extend transit.
Metrorail is a 21.5 mile elevated rapid transit system that averages almost 48,000 passengers per day. The total annual ridership for FY '90 was approximately 13,600,000. Heaviest ridership occurs during the morning and evening rush hours. The Metrorail transit service should be extended along eight new corridors which cover a total of 61.7 miles. These corridors run east-west from Florida International University to Miami Beach, linking Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami. Other additions include:
North-King Plaza to NW 215 Street
West-Downtown to NW 87th Avenue
South-Dadeland South to Cutler Ridge
Kendall-Dadeland North to SW 137th Avenue
Ridership is projected to increase by 280% if all of the above mentioned transit corridors are
built.
3. Construct all road improvements listed in the Long Range Transportation Plan that are consistent with the other transportation and land use measures in this plan.
The Long-Range Transportation Plan recommends approximately 212 road and highway improvements considered necessary to lessen congestion which would reduce vehicle miles
traveled.
Traffic Demand Management
The following measure could reduce CO2 emissions by 62,000 tons based on projected reductions in vehicle miles traveled.
1. Increase traffic demand management programs.
Establish car pool program, promote ridesharing, park-and-ride, auto restriction zones, employer transit subsidies, telecommuting, shuttle systems, high occupancy vehicle lanes, compressed work week, parking management, and traffic management organizations. The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is undertaking a study to investigate traffic demand management (TDM) measures for Dade County. TDM is a systematic approach to reducing single occupant vehicles and number of cars on roads especially during peak hours. The study cites TDM strategies that would relieve traffic congestion, enhance air quality and promote energy conservation. Implementation of these programs could potentially reduce VMT by 72,800,000 miles annually.
Promote Increased Use of Bicycles
The following measures could reduce CO2 emissions by 151,000 tons.
1. Adopt policy incorporating bicycle facilities into the County's plan for new road construction or reconstruction projects.
This policy would allow roadways to be designed for all vehicles, and make use of the existing roadway network more appealing to those who may choose bicycling for transportation purposes. A current poll conducted by Harris & Associates reveals that a 20% increase of bicycle usage can be expected by adding bicycle facilities to a roadway.
2. Adopt a shower facility ordinance for professional office buildings and require that all nonresidential and non-retail developments provide bicycle racks at a minimum rate of five bike parking spaces for every 100 automobile parking spaces as stated in the Draft Bicycle Facility Plan.
Polls indicate that commuting to work by bicycle would increase by at least 17% if showers at these sites were made available. In Dade County, this figure may become higher due to the humidity of our climate. Bicycle racks must be made available in order to encourage commuting.
3. Expand Bikes-on-Trains program to include counter-flow and first hour service (6:00- 7:00am).
Counter flow service runs in the opposite direction of morning rush hour traffic. Extending the hours of the Metrorail Bikes-on-Trains program would allow for commuters to transfer from rail to bicycle in order to get to work, school or other sites on a regular basis. This accommodation would often furnish individuals with less delay than they may experience by rail to bus transfer, and offer the convenience to travel to destinations which buses do not serve.
4. Implement Bikes on Tri-Rail.
Currently, Tri-Rail does not offer Bikes-on Tri-Rail. Initiating such a program for commuters would serve the same goal as previously mentioned for Metrorail. Additionally, individuals, families or groups may also become interested in weekend cycling trips, thus reducing automobile excursions.
5. Investigate utility easements, transit and railroad rights-of-way to use for bicycle/pedestrian facilities.
Metro-Dade should investigate the use of utility easements and transit or railroad rights-of-way as locations for bicycle ways linking major urban activity centers. These corridors, because of their linear alignment and few conflicts with intersections, could serve as the backbone of a suitable countywide bikeway system. This may prove most effective in Planned Urban Developments (PUD) and Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TND).
Increase Fuel Efficiency
Measure 1 could reduce 4,899 tons of CO2. The Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) measures, if implemented without any improvements in road, mass transit or land use could reduce CO2 emissions by 7.8 million tons. However, if national auto efficiency rates increase along with all of the road, mass transit and land use improvements in this plan, the total reduction for transportation and land use measures could reach 8 million tons.
1. Utilize more fuel efficient cars in the Metro-Dade fleet.
Analysis of Metro-Dade's fleet has shown the lowest efficiency rate is in the police fleet. In 1988, Metro-Dade's police fleet, for example, was comprised of 588 eight-cylinder vehicles that averaged 10.12 miles per gallon. Metro-Dade could switch to the six-cylinder Ford Taurus type vehicle which as a higher fuel efficiency.
2. Develop a public education & awareness campaign to limit idling of automobiles/trucks.
Vehicle engine idling is an energy intensive and wasteful activity. Therefore, Metro-Dade should develop a public awareness campaign on the environmental implications of excessive idling.
3. Develop a team of local public/private representatives to identify and promote the most practical and cost effective alternative fueled vehicles.
Switching from petroleum to an alternative fuel would not only improve air quality and reduce CO2 emissions but would also increase the nation's security. There are a number of alternative fuel options available that include: methanol, compressed national gas (CNG), ethanol, electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles which can all reduce CO2 emissions. Some measures like methanol and CNG are commercially available today, while others like electric and hydrogen powered vehicles need further development. Currently, Metro-Dade is investigating and comparing the performance of four control groups of buses. Each group is fueled by either methanol, CNG, particulate trap or duel fuel diesel. Project completion is expected in Spring of 1996.
4. Promote an increase in national gas mileage standards to 45 mpg.
Metro-Dade should strongly advocate an increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) from the current 27.5 miles per gallon (mpg) to 45 mpg by 2005. An increase in the national fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks presents the County with the single largest opportunity to reduce emissions. A national poll taken in May 1991, indicated that 65% of Americans favored higher fuel efficiency standards.
Waste Sector
Miami-Dade's Action Plan proposes to reduce waste-related GHG emissions by reducing and recycling waste, and by capturing landfill methane.
Recycle Between 30 and 50% of Dade County's Waste Stream
Measure 1 could achieve an annual CO2 reduction of between 1,188,000 and 1,979,000 tons of CO2 by 2005.
1. Continue to implement and promote the following recycling programs.
* single-family residential
* multi-family residential
* commercial
* yard trash
* disposal facilities
* Metro-Dade Government facilities
In order to achieve compliance with the State of Florida's 1994 30% recycling goal, the DSWM has implemented a variety of recycling efforts. These programs include a curbside recycling program serving over 265,000 households, a yard trash mulch recycling program, a recycling materials drop-off program, and ferrous and aluminum recovery at the Resources Recovery Plant. In addition to various programs operated directly by the DSWM, the County has implemented two recycling ordinances, the first requires commercial and multi-family establishments to provide recycling programs to their occupants and/or residents and the second
mandates participation in the program. As a part of this effort, Metro-Dade County facilities and offices are implementing recycling programs. The DSWM continues to develop additional programs, such as clean organic waste composting and high-grade trash processing, in order to increase the County's recycling potential. In this way, the County is planning to meet and exceed the State's 1994 recycling goal.
Recover and Utilize Landfill Methane
This measure is estimated to reduce 177,000 tons of CO2 over the life of the landfill. 1. Recover and flare or use the methane gas to generate electricity for the South District WasteWater Treatment Facility.
The South Dade Landfill is a 340-acre five-cell landfill. Cells 1 and 2 have been filled and closed, the third is currently being filled and the fourth is being developed. As a result of the materials decomposing, landfills emit gases, 50% of which is methane (CH4). Methane is a potent "greenhouse gas" because it has a high warming potential that is approximately 21 times that of CO2.
The Metro-Dade DSWM is currently investigating several different options for recovering and utilizing the methane to generate power. One alternative is the delivery of medium-BTU gas to the South District Wastewater Treatment Facility. Since methane is a potent "greenhouse" gas, simply flaring the gas will result in a substantial reduction, however, the use of methane as an alternative fuel will result in an even greater savings.
Reduce Solid Waste Generated by Up to 5%
The following measures could reduce 389,000 tons of CO2.
1. Implement community-wide reduction programs.
Given the significant level of growth in the waste stream over the last twenty years or so, achieving even a modest reduction would be a tremendous accomplishment. The waste reduction program includes the following components: educating consumers to avoid the purchase of excessive packaging and other disposal items; and promoting the home composting residential program in order to encourage a reduction in the amount of yard trash entering the waste stream.
2. Institute waste reduction purchasing practices in Metro-Dade.
Metro-Dade County Government is currently implementing procurement policies and practices to achieve reduced purchasing of disposal or single-use products and reduced purchasing of excessive packaging.