Community Energy Management - Best Practices

COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Toolkit & Guidelines

The purpose of this toolkit is to provide more detail on the planning practices identified in the Community Energy Management Best Practices checklist. The following topics include narrative guidance with recommendations, links, and resources for fulfilling the best practice criteria. This guidance is based on extensive research and stakeholder input from project supporters and tested in pilot communities.

Best Practice One: Community Plans and Public Outreach 1.1 Energy Plan 1.2 Public Participation

Best Practice Two: Zoning Regulations 2.1 Zoning Regulations

Best Practice Three: Project Review Process 3.1 Project Review Policy and Procedures 3.2 Guide to Development

Best Practice Four: Recruitment and Education 4.1 Recruitment and Orientation 4.2 Education and Training

Best Practice Five: Clean Energy Communities 5.1 Clean Energy Sites 5.2 Community Energy Management

Best Practice Six: Community Prosperity 6.1 Economic Development Strategy 6.2 Marketing and Promotion COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Introduction

“IMAGINE an entire community designed and constructed to function as elegantly and efficiently as a forested ecosystem: a community informed by its bioregion’s characteristics, that generates all of its own energy with renewable resources, captures and treats all of its water, and operates efficiently and for maximum beauty.” Living Community Challenge 1.0: A Visionary Path to to Regenerative Future International Living Future Institute

Community Energy Management Community Energy Manager Energy Plan Technical Advisory Committee

Annual Action Plan Clean Energy Strategy Clean Energy Funding COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice One: Community Plans and Public Outreach

Community Energy Plan Master Plans provide a basis and justification for land use and help guide development. Does your Master Plan or another planning document contain language that supports local clean energy. Include energy policy guidance in your Master Plan either as a special ‘energy plan’ section/document, or integrated into a sustainability or climate action plan. Herein, Energy Plan refers to the energy policy guidance within the Master Plan regardless of the specific location within the community’s documentation.

If your Master Plan includes specific support for local clean energy, determine the strength of the energy policy. Are people aware of the energy policy? Is it aspirational in that it contains very general language and is it specific enough to generate action steps towards achievement? Determine what has already been done, compare to other community planning documents and ensure implementation of the policy.

Many communities developed an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy to access ARRA funding, outlining measurable goals and objectives — “comprehensive and maximize benefits community-wide, with schedule or timetable for major milestones”. Thus, your community may already have a good start on a community energy plan. Energy policy guidance is your community’s strategic energy plan with a vision, baseline inventory, goals, targets and prioritized actions. It needs to be integrated into the community’s Master Plan, sustainability policies and economic plan. At the same time, it needs to specifically address local energy usage, renewable energy generation potential, clean energy business opportunities and energy programs. Together these will strengthen the community’s economy and improve quality of life for everyone in the new energy era.

Energy Plan components (energy policy guidance) — adopted as a part of your community’s Master Plan: . Vision . Goals . Inventory (may be a separate document and initiative, i.e. GHG inventory) . Targets (may be a separate document and initiative coupled with actions, i.e. Climate Action Plan) . Actions, (may be a separate document and initiative coupled with targets, i.e. Climate Action Plan)

DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Cities Leading Through Energy Analysis and Planning (http://energy.gov/eere/cities-leading-through-energy-analysis-and-planning) — Cities LEAP “delivers standard- ized, localized energy data and analysis into decision making” and “supports the widespread implementation of city-sponsored data-driven energy policies, programs, and projects that have the potential to drive a sea change in the national energy landscape.” The infographics provide a great overview of the programs and tools currently supporting local governments.

Energy Plan boundary: • Municipal energy plan: operations and facilities under the direct control of the local government • Community energy plan: all activities within the municipal geographic boundary, and including municipal

“An assessment boundary shall include all seven Kyoto Protocol GHGs occurring within the geographic boundary of the city, as well as specified emissions occurring out-of-boundary as a result of city activities.” GHG Pro- tocol for Cities, World Resources Institute (http://www.ghgprotocol.org/city-accounting): • Scope 1 — GHG emissions from sources located within the city boundary • Scope 2 — GHG emissions occurring as a consequence of the use of grid-supplied electricity, heat, steam and/or cooling within the city boundary. • Scope 3 — All other GHG emissions that occur outside the city boundary as a result of activities taking place within the city boundary.

Vision: The keystone of the energy policy guidance is the vision statement. This encompasses the community’s aspi- ration for the future. It should be represented in the banner for the clean energy webpage (best practice 6.2) on the community’s website, for the Guide to Development (see Best Practice 3.2), and for the Marketing Strategy (see Best Practice 6.2). COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES An inspiring example of visioning a neighborhood, district or community as a Living Community (http://living- future.org/lcc) is the charrette hosted by the International Living Futures Institute with the First Hill neighborhood in Seattle:

CONCEPTUALIZING A LIVING COMMUNITY Before First Hill or any community become a Living Community, a few questions need to be addressed. What is the story of the place? How much food could the neighborhood produce? What would a serious rewilding effort for the neighborhood look like? Can the hydrology of the original forest be recreated? Can cars be the exception rather than the rule? What new mobility strategies and technologies might we need? Could the neighborhood collect all the energy and water it uses? How would it do that? If community was approached through the eyes of a child, what would delight, inspire and protect? What makes a neighborhood welcoming to people of all incomes and backgrounds? How do we create a place that is beautiful and includes everyone? (https://living-future.org/news/toward-living-community-vision-seattle’s-first-hill? utm_source=ILFI+Full+Distribution+List&utm_campaign=d383342485- ILFI_Newsletter_April_9_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_89044fd79f-d383342485-131687641)

Goals: The energy policy guidance in the Master Plan builds on the rationale for the community’s short-term, mid- term and long-term goals. These provide a broad description of what is required to meet the local clean energy vision. These are aspirational and reflect the community’s commitment to changing the trend of their energy use. Ref- erences for these include the goals set by Governor Snyder’s energy plan, Michigan Climate Action Council’s (MCAC) Climate Action Plan, other communities, and 2030 Challenge for Planning.

Governor Snyder’s special message on energy (http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,,7-277-57577_57657- 349790--,00.html) sets the goal to replace 30-40% of our energy needs through the elimination of wasted energy and shifting to cleaner sources in 10 years, by 2025. To transition Michigan “from the sources of yesterday to newer clean methods,” he lays out a path for affordable and reliable energy that is adaptable for a variety of energy sources and prioritizes environment protections for future generations. What is the role of your community in achieving this transition for your residents and businesses?

MCAC’s Climate Action Plan (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-miclimateactionplan- part1_276563_7.pdf) proposed goals for Michigan of 20% reduction of GHGs below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% reduction below 2005 levels by 2050.

The 2030 Challenge for Planning: Existing Buildings (http://architecture2030.org/2030_challenges/2030_challenge_planning/) includes building energy, water use and transportation emissions reductions. This goal is based on what they believe it will take to stop the increase of carbon in the atmosphere, and possibly reduce it, and incorporates expected economic growth. The baseline year is set somewhere between 2000 -2010 (because of the recession, energy consumption across the country was fairly stagnant during this period). This provides a consistent baseline reference for comparison with others. Based on the Challenge, the community should be 10% below the baseline year consumption today, 20% lower by 2020 and 50% lower by 2030. Accommodating growth while meeting the reductions is a critical aspect of the Challenge.

Ann Arbor’s Climate Action Plan (http://www.a2gov.org/departments/systems- planning/energy/Documents/CityofAnnArborClimateActionPlan_low%20res_12_17_12.pdf) includes an updated 2010 GHG inventory of municipal (Tier 1) and community energy (Tier 2) along with recommended actions. The impact on GHG reduction of taking those actions is included in the plan. The anticipated cost/savings from each action helps in prioritizing along with identification of the City’s ability to direct the outcome. As an example, expanding the PACE program to include financing residential energy efficiency requires changing State policy so is beyond the direct control of the City. The overarching goals of the plan include: . Short-term target (2011 Energy Challenge, City Council resolution R-11-142, April 19, 2011): Reduce CO2e emissions 8 percent by 2015 • Mid-term target (aligns with University of Michigan 2025 target): Reduce CO2e emissions 25 percent by 2025 • Long-term target: (meet optimal climate scenario 2,3): Reduce CO2e emissions 90 percent by 2050 COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Grand Rapids’ Sustainability Plan (http://grcity.us/enterprise- services/officeofenergyandsustainability/Documents/2013%20Amended%20Sustainability%20Plan.pdf), updated in 2013, guides departments in planning their activities toward the sustainable targets and timelines in the plan. The Energy and Climate Protection targets are set to achieve a reduction in GHG emissions and to reduce energy demand and fossil fuel consumption. Examples include: . After meeting the obligations of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement for greenhouse gas emissions by June 30, 2013, continue to reduce GHG at annual rate of 1%. . Achieve at least 30% of energy use from renewable sources such as hydro, wind, solar, and geothermal by June 30, 2013.

Inventory: In order for a community to measure progress, a baseline inventory of community energy needs to be de- termined. GHG or CO2e emissions are often used as a common measurement for the community’s collective energy use from building, industry, infrastructure and transportation energy. ICLEI — Local Governments for Sustainability along with World Resources Institute (WRI) and C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group have adopted a standard for cities to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions (http://www.iclei.org/details/article/launch-of-first-global- standard-to-measure-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-cities.html). The Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories (GPC) (http://www.ghgprotocol.org/city-accounting) provides consistency for comparison and for vertical integration of data.

Grand Rapids’ Energy Baseline and Greenhouse Gas Inventory (http://grcity.us/enterprise- services/officeofenergyandsustainability/Documents/2009%20City%20of%20Grand%20Rapids%20EECS %20GHG%20Inventory.pdf) was completed for the governmental operations and the community as a whole. This provides a 2008 baseline from which they can measure progress.

City of Detroit Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (http://css.snre.umich.edu/css_doc/CSS14-21.pdf): An Analysis of Citywide and Municipal Emissions for 2011 and 2012

Targets: In this context, targets align with specific actions. These show the progress and impact of the community’s programs and incentives. Examples include: . energy cost savings from implementation programs . number of energy audits and number/percentage of homes improved . renewable energy power as a percentage of total electrical use . renewable energy in kilowatts or megawatts . number of electric vehicle charging stations and charging hours

The measuring, tracking, monitoring and reporting of progress toward the targets is covered in Community Energy Management (best practice 5.1).

Actions: These are a collection of all the ideas the community is interested in pursuing to achieve the goals of the energy guidance policy. Ideally, these are weighted and prioritized based on the cost/savings associated with the reduction and the ability of the community to directly implement them. Actions should be measurable so targets can be initially set and modified over time. On the other hand, actions considered desirable or necessary by the community but difficult to measure should still be included. As an example, an action that requires a change in state policy may be worth pursuing if it’s also of interest to other communities like the MPSC’s LED streetlight rate case (http://midwestenergynews.com/2015/07/13/michigan-cities-gearing-up-for-fight-with-utilities-over-led- streetlights/). A good resource for ideas to consider is the actions identified in energy plans or climate action plans produced by other cities.

A few ideas for actions include: . solar-ready zoning and permitting . electric vehicle charging station zoning and permitting . alternative fuel infrastructure for vehicles . community solar . municipal revolving energy fund . Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing . commercial building energy benchmarking and disclosure . informational resources for residents and businesses COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES . geothermal districts . efficient street and site lighting . interconnecting sites for pedestrians and vehicles

While planning is generally considered the first step in the process of implementing local ordinances and program- ming, most communities have made some progress already on zoning updates (best practice 2.1) and implementation programs (best practice 5.2). The task here is to consider a comprehensive plan that provides more robust support for taking control of local energy management, rather than piecemeal initiatives that come and go before any real momentum is created.

Steps in the planning process: . resolution . planning process . adoption . update

Leadership team: . local champions . top administration . elected officials . designated staff . planning commission . energy planning task force (steering committee)

Participants: . residents and businesses (local public) . stakeholders . municipal green team . other appointed boards, commissions or committees (i.e. energy, environmental, sustainability)

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) have developed similar best practices for developing a community energy plan including guidance on tracking, monitoring, evaluating and reporting progress.

. DOE EERE Guide to Community Energy Strategic Planning (http://energy.gov/eere/slsc/guide-community- energy-strategic-planning) . ACEEE-E123 Local Energy Planning in Practice: A Review of Recent Experiences (http://aceee.org/research- report/e123)

The community energy policy is needed to guide and support the work of the remaining best practices. As a stand alone Energy Plan document or incorporated into another Master Plan document it needs to be developed and viewed as an integral component of the community’s planning.

Consider integrating the community’s Energy Plan into: . Master Plan . Sustainability Plan . Climate Action Plan . Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

Consider integrating these into the Energy Plan: . renewable energy policy . solar plan . alternative transportation plan

Planning topics that parallel the Energy Plan: . Land Use Plan . Transportation Plan, including non-motorized or alternative COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES . Complete Streets policy . Capital Improvements Plan . Administration directive to municipal departments

MDOT Complete Streets Advisory Council (http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151- 9623_31969_57564---,00.html) provides “educations and advice to the State Transportation Commission, county road commissions, municipalities, interest groups, and the public on the development, implementation and coordination of Complete Streets policies.”

Michigan Complete Streets Coalition (https://michigancompletestreets.wordpress.com/resource/policy-center/) provides “resources and guidelines to help community leaders design and write effective Complete Streets policies.” Includes an interactive map of Michigan communities with Compete Streets policies and resolutions including Lansing, Flint, Saline, City of Jackson, Ferndale, Novi, Village of Dexter, Midland, City of Taylor, Pittsfield Township, Meridian Township and many more.

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) identifies desired and needed investments in municipal assets including energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Most asset investments purely depreciate over time while these also produce an energy savings. Typically, clean energy investments pay for the savings well before the end of the material's or equipment’s useful life, producing positive cash flow at that point. Energy use needs to be a primary consideration of every municipal investment, both for municipal operations and for the broader community.

Ideally, adjacent jurisdictions will collaborate on advancing clean energy in the region, jointly resolving to work towards widespread adoption of new policies that are consistent with each other in support of a clean energy future. COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice One: Community Plans and Public Outreach

Public Participation Transparency is a critical component of all municipal processes and most critical to planning. Public support will come with a belief that the process was open and inclusive. This is what allows members of the community to accept and support the energy policy while not necessarily agreeing with every aspect of it. A clean energy webpage (best practice 6.2) can be the central hub for sharing information and getting input both initially and ongoing as the energy policy is implemented through programs.

As a new concept, community energy management will need to be introduced to the community. Begin the discussion in your community by introducing the concept of local clean energy to raise awareness and gather support for including energy policy guidance in the Master Plan, adopting zoning regulations and implementing programs to encourage energy efficiency, renewable energy installations and businesses that support the clean energy industry. A starting point is to identify local groups and key stakeholders of clean energy to be included in initial and ongoing community energy management discussions, including: local officials: . elected officials . appointed board/commission members (i.e. planning, energy, environment, sustainability) and technical advisory committee (if applicable) community stakeholders: . residents . businesses . economic development specialists . educators, installers . relevant non-profits . realtors . business groups . Chamber of Commerce, etc. neighboring jurisdictions: . townships . cities . villages . county . state utility: . electric . natural gas . alternative fuel suppliers municipal staff: . all departments and service areas

Coordinating with one or several of your neighboring townships, cities and villages will help strengthen your own efforts in addition to bolstering the region. Consistency in zoning regulations, permitting and programs amongst neighboring jurisdictions increases public awareness about clean energy and minimizes confusion. An example of regional cooperations is the Monroe County/Lake Erie Transit plan to explore retrofitting buses with bike racks and promoting service to new bike path in the area. Consider developing a regional energy directory that simplifies the resource for community members while sharing the cost of setting up and maintenance of regional programs.

It is important to engage your utility provider to understand how they want to be involved and can support your energy policy goals. Some utility providers offer energy efficiency and renewable energy incentives that can be leveraged to strengthen community energy programs. They have access to electricity customers and knowledge about opportunities and limitations in their energy system. Utility buy-in to proposed changes in your community is invaluable to your intended programs.

Public participation for community energy management could be included in the energy policy and should outline an engagement plan that goes beyond basic methods. Initial outreach assists with development of the energy policy for COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES inclusion in the Master Plan. Ongoing public engagement facilitates sharing information and continuing to receive input as implementation programs are developed. Tools for educating, informing and receiving input from the community about local energy management could include:

- fact sheets, brochures, guides - maps - newsletter - websites - calendar - recognition programs - workshops - curriculums - demonstration projects - case studies - partnerships with experts - calendar - surveys

As a part of developing the energy policy for the Master Plan, consider appointing a task force or steering committee to lead the effort. Local energy champions and stakeholder representatives from the community will help provide transparency and guidance during the planning process including decisions on the outreach process. This type of task force might include:

• Member(s) of the planning commission • Local official(s) • Staff, such as employees involved in municipal energy management • Local leaders in sustainability (e.g. businesses that support “going green”) • Businesses that support the clean energy industry • Educational institutions • Utility representatives • Relevant non-profits (e.g. groups with an energy or environmental mission) • Renewable energy equipment consumers • Economic Development Organizations

As an emerging technology that is relatively new to communities, public outreach and education will help advance local energy goals and gain public support for actions. Discussions with local groups/stakeholders will help you understand where your community stands in relation to clean energy and help gauge the level of interest in community energy management along with generating interest and support for local energy policies. A local energy webpage (best practice 6.2) on the community's website can be the hub for gathering and sharing public input, along with providing information about local energy policy and programs. COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Two: Zoning Regulations

Zoning Regulations Land use regulations can prioritize the human over the vehicular by bringing employment, education, entertainment and shopping closer to homes, enhancing connections that are pedestrian, bike and transit friendly. Mixed use districts allow these uses that are typically segregated to be allowed on adjacent sites and within a site or structure. An example is a building with retail on the first floor, structured parking below, and office-type uses and/or housing above. Building energy use is greatly reduced through shared walls with neighbors in multi-family structures and energy use for mobility is greatly reduced through shorter travel distances to desired daily destinations. With appropriate floor area density, the frequency and operation hours of transit can be increased to improve mobility to other areas in the community.

Michigan’s statewide building code does not allow local jurisdictions to modify these requirements for by-right projects, such as building energy efficiency. Zoning premiums, which may allow greater density for projects that provide added benefits to the community, are an example of a creative zoning tool that can be used to increase local clean energy. Consider premiums in exchange for greater building energy efficiency along with improved mobility options such as electric vehicle charging stations, enhanced transit stops and improved pedestrian access. Also, consider granting premiums for providing on-site renewable energy, maintaining neighbors’ access to solar and green roofs.

Zoning ordinance language needs to be clear and direct about the community’s clean energy goals. The intent statement in each district should describe that energy efficiency is a community priority. Existing language in the ordinance should be reviewed to make sure there aren’t any unintended contradictions such as excessive parking requirements or large building setbacks that discourage walking and transit. Consider parking maximums and limiting parking to the sides or rear of sites. Consider reduced setbacks and the location of building entrances in areas where pedestrian access (i.e. by foot, wheelchair, bicycle or transit) would improve mobility options. Review clean energy zoning ordinance language from other Michigan communities for opportunities and solutions when reviewing your ordinance. Consider districts where larger renewable energy installations are encouraged. Through the Imagine Flint (http://www.imagineflint.com) Master Plan update, a new Green Innovation District “will allow for smart growth in- dustries to become centers for jobs and sustainability while promoting a good quality of life.” Zoning workshops are being held to educate the community on the draft regulations and gather their input (https://www.cityofflint.com/2015/04/02/zoning-workshops-in-all-nine-wards-being-held-to-educate-residents-and- gather-input-for-new-zoning-code/).

Energy conservation and generation are integral with green infrastructure. For individual buildings this includes green roofs that reduce the local heat island while minimizing stormwater runoff, geothermal districts that reduce investment and improve efficiency through interconnected systems, on-site passive solar gain coupled with shading that protects neighbors right to the same, and community solar or solar gardens with shared ownership that have the capacity to generate more power than needed on-site.

Leadership team . local champions . elected officials . designated staff (Planner, Energy Manager) . planning commission . other boards and commissions (energy, environmental, sustainability)

Participants . public . stakeholders . municipal green team

A clean energy webpage (best practice 6.2) on the community’s website could provide direct access to zoning regulations that support local clean energy. This would be a good place to include the district intent statements that help explain different requirements and allowances is various districts. Any special district(s) where larger renewable energy generation is encouraged should be highlighted. Include a description of the benefits to the community of in- COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES creased building efficiency, transportation efficiency and local renewable energy generation and how the zoning ordinance enables this. COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Three: Project Review Process

Project Review Process & Guide to Development An easy-to-use permitting process with common information and permit language will help property owners, developers and businesses have a clearer understanding of the local and regional expectations for local clean energy. Mak- ing this process clear to the public will help all parties involved complete an efficient and successful project incorporating clean energy including the governing body, staff, zoning board of appeals, planning commission and other reviewing bodies.

A staff point person trained in building energy efficiency, transportation energy efficiency and renewable energy is needed to articulate the community’s local clean energy regulations and review process to assist property owners and developers. The initial point of contact for property owners that are planning changes is either the building or planning department. While all staff in these departments need to consider the community’s effort to transition to a clean energy future a priority, someone needs to have the industry knowledge and understanding of the community to ensure new projects and redevelopment reach their potential and any deficiencies in current regulations are identified.

With a Community Energy Manager on staff, they can fulfill this role but need to be readily accessible to the building and planning departments as a resource for specific questions and to facilitate needed staff training. This personal point of contact with a property owner is an opportunity that should not be missed as every building project has potential beyond meeting the letter of the regulations. Regardless of whether they are pursuing a clean energy-specific project, renovation or new building, this early stage is ideal for sharing information about the long term savings and smart investment in their real estate asset.

The Guide to Development should be the primary resource for property owners, developers, businesses and municipal staff about the review process with additional information and resources available on a clean energy webpage (best practice 6.2) of the community’s website. The Guide to Development needs to be readily accessible online and provide a clear explanation of the project review process. Beyond a very clear checklist and simple step-by-step guide, it should also include or provide easy access to the community’s clean energy policy and resources for com- pleting a successful project. Showcase examples of successful projects to serve as a model. COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Four: Recruitment and Education

Orientation for Elected Officials and Appointed Board/Commission Members An ideal orientation resource is a clean energy webpage (best practice 6.2) on the community’s website. Developed to be clear and transparent, it already provides access for the public to the clean energy policy (Master Plan), zoning and permitting, resources, program opportunities and ongoing clean energy activities. It is simplest for an elected official to be able to send an interested constituent to the same resource they themselves use.

This is also true for members of the community’s appointed boards and commissions. While Planning Commission is responsible for the Master Plan and recommendations for zoning, there is a lot information for a newly appointed member to become knowledgable about. Interest in and opportunities for local clean energy overlap the work of other commissions and boards. Here are some examples:

Planning — Master Plan adoption (energy policy), zoning recommendations Sustainability — sustainability plan and action recommendations Environmental — climate action plan and action recommendations Energy — energy plan and action recommendations Parks — parks plan, municipal facilities management Community & economic development — economic development strategy Zoning appeals — zoning variances Housing — public and affordable housing

In addition to their formal elected and appointed roles, these committed community members also provide a wealth of perspectives and ideas. Tapping into and supporting them is critical to accelerating change.

The Community Energy Manager is responsible for facilitating this orientation and it should be integral to the on- boarding procedure for all elected officials and appointed board/commission members. There may also be opportunities to partner with higher education, energy non-profits and energy businesses to enhance this with ongoing education relating to current initiatives. COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Four: Recruitment and Education

Training Municipal Staff — Green Team Look for opportunities for staff across departments to learn about energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities within their department. Integrate these training goals with the other departmental goals and emphasize the im- portance of energy topics when attending seminars and participating in webinars. Clean energy needs to be incorporated into all decisions regarding municipal operations from personal computer power management to lawn mowing to infrastructure improvements.

Municipal staff are also the initial and primary point of contact from residents and businesses interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy within the community. In addition to being a resource, staff need to actively promote and assist with local clean energy projects.

Leadership team . top administration . Energy Manager . Green Team

Participants . all staff . department or service group representatives . partners in higher education, energy non-profits and energy businesses

Planning, tracking and monitoring staff training should be included in the responsibilities of the Community Energy Manager. COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Five: Clean Energy Communities

Clean Energy Sites — Mapping The Energy Plan (energy policy guidance in the Master Plan) has prioritized short-term, medium-term and long- term goals with specific targets and actions. A map identifying the clean energy (energy efficiency and renewable energy) potential of individual sites is very helpful in visualizing the potential, progress made, areas of early adoption and where additional effort is needed. This may also identify clean energy champions if they haven't already re- vealed themselves during the planning process. Consider adding layers in the municipal GIS mapping delineating site information such as renewable energy installations, solar access (solar potential), and energy certified buildings.

Actions that address clean energy projects on specific sites, the sites within a district or types of sites across the community, may include initiating energy efficiency programs targeted toward residential or commercial properties, a community solar project or a commuter challenge. When using incentive and program funds, consider the ability of specific projects to increase public awareness along with their potential impact on your targets. With limited program resources, the community will need to decide where to direct support dollars and time. Evaluate the available sites and program options to determine where to begin, and over time where to direct attention next.

Also, compile site information that will assist in determining which program(s) align best, currently or in the future. Consider incorporating this data into the municipal GIS, and some general building data may already be there. For any sites or areas in the community that are controversial relative to clean energy, be proactive with additional public participation early in the evaluation process so this valuable input can be incorporated in the site assessment. At the same time, remain engaged with regional stakeholders to keep them apprised of your plans and look for opportunities to leverage resources to enhance each others’ initiatives. Based on your prioritized actions, prioritize sites and/or neighborhoods for initial program implementation. Include a clearly defined vision for these sites and/or neighborhoods. Since initial program administration and incentive dollars are limited, look for opportunities where the economic impact on these sites could provide more sustainable funding, such as through program fees or shared savings.

Examples of selection criteria for prioritizing sites for community program assistance: . visibility . large energy users . low income households . underutilized sites . areas with high redevelopment interest . municipal sites (lead by example) . structures of a similar age with good potential and ready for improvement

Tools and programs for improving building clean energy: • residential audits — Building Performance Institute (BPI) evaluation and report (http://www.bpihomeowner.org/home-performance) • home energy improvement contractors — Michigan Saves qualified contractors (http://www.bpihomeowner.org/home-performance) • commercial audits — ASHRAE Level I, II, III assessment (https://www.ashrae.org/resources-- publications/bookstore/procedures-for-commercial-building-energy-audits) • HVAC commissioning/re-commissioning — ASHRAE certified (https://www.ashrae.org/education-- certification/certification/cpmp-commissioning-process-management-professional-certification) • commercial energy benchmarking — Portfolio Manager (http://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility- owners-and-managers/existing-buildings/use-portfolio-manager) • building operators certification — (http://www.theboc.info) • third-party certifications • ENERGY STAR — for buildings (http://www.energystar.gov/buildings/about-us/energy-star-certification) • ENERGY STAR — for homes (https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.hm_index) • LEED — for new buildings and homes, operations and maintenance, interiors, neighborhoods (http://www.usgbc.org/certification) • Green Globes — (https://www.thegbi.org/green-globes-certification/) • NSI — corporate sustainability (http://www.nsf.org/services/by-industry/sustainability-environment/) • Living Building Challenge — (http://living-future.org/lbc/about) COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES • Living Community Challenge — neighborhoods (http://living-future.org/lcc) • building automation systems —

Commercial Building Energy Benchmarking and Disclosure: Energy benchmarking refers to the practice of monitoring and evaluating energy use in buildings. Reporting energy consumption data raises awareness about relative performance and encourages improvements. The EPA “Benchmarking and Energy Savings” (http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/downloads/datatrends/DataTrends_Savings_20121002.pdf?3d9b-91a) study analyzed over 36,000 commercial buildings that input their data into Portfolio Manager showing average annual energy savings of 2.4 percent. Without this data, opportunities are missed. Disclosure of this information gives consumers the ability to compare building costs when making location decisions. For commercial buildings, an energy disclosure ordinance requires this information be available to consumers.

Benchmarking & Transparency Policy and Program Impact Evaluation Handbook, DOE EERE is a framework and methodology for local jurisdictions striving “to advance energy performance in commercials buildings by providing energy consumption information to market decision makers and the public.” The policy/program model and market transformation indicators provide a roadmap for tracking progress and evaluation method. (http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2015/05/f22/DOE%20Benchmarking%20and%20Transparency%20Policy %20and%20Program%20Impact%20Evaluation%20H....pdf).

Transportation: A comprehensive approach to achieve significant energy and emissions reductions in buildings should also include the transportation emissions associated with building occupants as well as goods and services es- sential to its operations. To be accurate and all encompassing, a transportation emissions tracking protocol must incorporate all individuals, products and services traveling to and from a building. While building metrics for energy are easily allocated to an individual building from their utility bills, transportation is literally a moving target. Prop- erty owners and community stakeholders rarely consider taking responsibility for transportation emissions not directly within their portfolio. While more work needs to be done to be able to comprehensively measure and track all transportation, there is much a building occupant can do. Opportunities for residents and employees include transit, van pool, car pool, car share, biking and walking. When a car is needed, an electric vehicle can be encouraged. Em- ployers can promote these alternatives by providing bus passes, covered bike hoops, priority parking for car pools and electric charging stations. Additionally, employers can incentivize living closer to work which has multiple work place and home life benefits beyond reduced fuel emissions including reduced time commuting so more time is available for family and less employee stress leading to greater productivity.

Live Downtown Detroit promotes living closer to work, a program of the Downtown Detroit Partnership in partnership with Midtown Detroit. Computer, DTE Energy, Marketing Associates, Quicken Loans and Strategic Staffing Solutions all offer incentives to their employees for choosing to live in a location that reduces their commuting time (http://www.detroitlivedowntown.org).

getDowntown in Ann Arbor provides commuting programs and services to employers and employees including go!pass, Commuter Challenge, bike rental lockers, Zipcars, commuting assistance and more (http://www.getdowntown.org).

For businesses that include fleet vehicles, there are opportunities to improve clean energy usage by optimizing vehicle selection, adopting fuel efficient operating practices, optimizing routes and considering alternative fuels.

Clean Cities is a U.S. DOE program to support local fleet decisions to adopt practices that contribute to the reduction of petroleum consumption in the Detroit area (http://cec-mi.org/mobility/programs/detroit-clean-cities/) and Ann Arbor area (http://cec-mi.org/mobility/programs/ann-arbor-clean-cities/).

Residents and employers will be primary drivers of energy efficiency and renewable energy in the community with direct modifications to their property and behavior. We need to change the current trend in construction practices, building operations, and mobility to improve quality of life for everyone in the community. The community’s role in setting a new course incorporating clean energy is to make community members aware of the opportunities, help them understand the multiple benefits, and assist with implementation. Community Energy Management provides the plan (best practice 1.1), appropriate zoning (best practice 2.1), streamlined processes for making improvements (best practice 3.1) and program support (best practice 5.2) all in alignment with strengthening the local economy (best practice 6.1). COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Five: Clean Energy Communities

Community Energy Management — Action Plan Annually, the Community Energy Manager should create an action plan and budget for the upcoming year. Using the Energy Plan as an guide, it will reset current priorities based on changing conditions and incorporate input from the municipal staff on the Green Team and community representatives on Technical Advisory Committee. While plans for the upcoming year are typically generated prior to the close of the current year, it should be presented to the community as a complete picture along with the annual progress report.

Green Team: Herein, this refers to a group of internal staff focussed on the municipality’s energy use for: . facilities . fleets . services . street lights . traffic lights . water treatment . waste water treatment . storm water conveyance . parks . roads . solid waste/recycling/composting . public transit . clean power generation . geothermal district system

In some communities they may also address other sustainability issues like purchasing and healthy work environment, but one group needs to focus on energy. While participation may be voluntary, it is critical that top administration provides an appropriate directive to ensure they have necessary motivation, resources, and acknowledgement to make measurable progress. Members will be most engaged if this effort is integral to their work responsibility and assists them in doing their work better. For some staff this may require a modification to their job description, and could prove highly valuable to do so if they are interested enough to volunteer.

Holacracy (http://www.holacracy.org/how-it-works/) may provide beneficial insight into roles where work is more structured with clear responsibilities and expectations, but without management hierarchy.

The Community Energy Manager should be the facilitator and energy adviser for the municipal Green Team, but each member needs to take responsibility and credit for an area of focus. Agendas for regular Green Team meetings should to start with a brief reporting of progress and celebrating successes to set the stage and then followed by providing mutual support for challenges and group decisions. The Community Energy Manager should provide a municipal energy dashboard, regular reports and implement competitions to help create and maintain organization-wide accountability.

Energy use crosses all departments and ultimately needs to be an integral part of every decision across the organization. Consider including clean energy as component of all capital investments, maintenance programs and operating practices. Funding for municipal investments is managed through the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and should include impact on municipal and/or community energy savings in project evaluation.

An important role for the municipality is to lead by example with demonstration projects and proven commitment. While municipal operations may be only a small percentage of the community-wide energy use, those success sto- ries can be leveraged.

Technical Advisory Committee: Ongoing public input and support from community experts are invaluable as a resource to the Community Energy Manager in prioritizing and implementing local energy programs. A Technical Ad- visory Committee appointed by the elected officials provides an knowledge resource and should include citizens with some clean energy expertise or interest with a passion for improving the community. This committee may help make the case for appropriating funds, setting energy policy (e.g. adopting Complete Streets Policy), and enacting COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES local ordinance revisions. The technical advisory committee may also be helpful with municipal energy challenges. A couple examples of energy committees in Michigan include:

. Farmington Hills — Commission on Energy and Environmental Sustainability and volunteer Green Committee . Meridian Township — volunteer Energy Team . Ann Arbor — Energy Commission

The size of the committee is not important, it may be only a few individuals, but it is important to have a few knowledgable clean energy enthusiasts to provide input and advice to the Community Energy Manager. Official appoint- ment gives them recognition as critical advisors and requires regular participation so the group functions effectively. A volunteer committee may likely result in random attendance, minimal commitment, and personal priorities that are in conflict with the Energy Plan and the annual energy management action plan. COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Five: Clean Energy Communities

Community Energy Manager Can your community afford an Energy Manager? Can your community afford to not manage your energy?

Job responsibilities include: . direct report to top management . work with a Technical Advisory Committee to implement the Energy Plan . work with municipal green team to facilitate energy improvements across departments and service areas . facilitate implementation of Energy Plan actions . track, evaluate and report on progress toward Energy Plan targets . facilitate ongoing public engagement, outreach and education

Expertise and experience recommended: . building energy: envelope, equipment, lighting, . transportation: alternative fuels and vehicles . infrastructure energy: street and traffic lights, fleet vehicles, water treatment, solid waste . education, such as: engineer, planner . certifications, such as: Certified Energy Manager, LEED AP

These responsibilities fall into two general areas — municipal energy management and community energy management. A balance of technical expertise combined with the ability to motivate the general public and department staff is critical to fulfilling the expectations of these responsibilities. At the same time it is difficult for one person to pos- sess the current breadth of knowledge in this quickly transforming industry. Thus, they need to have a good understand of their strengths and weaknesses, be motivated to learn and seek assistance from within the community and others where needed.

Main responsibilities include being the point person for energy expertise, tracking and reporting energy metrics and coordinating programs and projects lead by others. A primary goal is to helping others on staff and in the community learn to integrate clean energy into their standard work practices.

While a permanent Community Energy Manager position confirms the community's commitment, the continuity this provides is necessary to fully benefit from the economic potential of community energy management. Many community's may find it advantageous to utilize the expertise of energy consultants, either non-profit or for-profit, to assist with specific aspects of these job responsibilities and program administration. Minimally, a coordinator needs to be assigned to interface with the Technical Advisory Committee, oversee the work of consultants and facilitate municipal staff engagement. The manager may also be a staff person shared by neighboring communities with similar goals. Counties may want to consider providing their local jurisdictions with leadership in contracting for a shared Community Energy Manager.

Example of an agreement between communities to share the costs and services of a regional energy manager (http://www.mapc.org/sites/default/files/Regional%20Energy%20Manager%20IMA.pdf).

(Community Energy Manager Job Description & shared manager agreement) COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Five: Clean Energy Communities

Funding Energy Management Securing ongoing funding for Community Energy Management is a major hurdle in achieving the goals set in the Energy Plan.

Municipalities and private properties should be looking at their potential energy savings as one source of funding for energy management and investing in additional energy saving projects. Many communities have already completed energy savings projects through ARRA and other programs. Most were intended to start communities on the path to their own sustainable funding for implementing future saving projects. Identifying the savings already realized from those early projects is the first step in drafting your community’s funding plan.

Sources of sustainable funding: . revolving energy fund . savings from past projects . savings from future projects . carbon tax . carbon reduction millage (property tax) . carbon fee and dividend . grants . general fund . program fees

Revolving Energy Fund: This accounting method documents the actual energy savings and allocates it to energy management and to future energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The annual inflow to the fund increases as more projects are implemented allowing . For municipalities under financial stress in communities that are down- sizing, 20%-50% may be allocated to the general fund. Obviously, the larger the diversion the slower the fund grows. Typically, operational and maintenance savings from energy projects go directly back to those departments or the general fund, but a portion of these may also be captured for a period to help create an initial effective balance. While typically initiated for municipal energy management, showcasing successes is a critical role in leading the private sector. As the fund grows it can also expand programs available to the community, effectively leveraging the investment.

Carbon Tax: A form of carbon pricing (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_tax), it is “levied on the carbon content of fuels.” It’s intent is to capture the external cost directly from users of fossil fuels currently being borne by society. A partnership with local utilities and fuel suppliers is needed to implement this locally and accurately. If this supports programs that lead to energy savings, the economic benefit to the community should be greater than the cost.

Boulder, Colorado has passed the country’s first municipal carbon tax with it’s Climate Action Plan Tax (https://bouldercolorado.gov/climate). The program expects to save local tax payers money as they reduce their use of fossil-fuel based energy while generating $1 million annually to assist residents and businesses. “The money will fund energy audits for homes and businesses and visits by energy experts to advise homeowners how to save energy through means such as energy efficient lighting and insulation.” (http://www.nbcnews.com/id/15651688/ns/us_news-environment/t/city-residents-vote-tax-selves-carbon- use/#.Vb0OIHjWsZ0). For a city of just over 100,000, they expect the community to save over $63 million over the long term.

Carbon Reduction Millage: Another option is to fund Community Energy Management and carbon reduction through a property tax mileage, similar to other designated community priorities like parks maintenance, road recon- struction, affordable housing, transit expansion, or a recycling facility. Compared to a carbon tax, a millage generates funding but does not directly motivate tax payers to reduce their own carbon emissions. On the other hand, for community’s that are strongly committed to taking charge of their local carbon responsibility this is worth considering.

Carbon Fee and Dividend: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fee_and_dividend) is “designed to maintain economic function while encouraging transition to a sustainable energy economy while simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions.” As a revenue-neutral mechanism, where all collected fees are returned to households, it does not provide any COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES available funding. It does provide an effective stick in motivating individuals and businesses to reduce their fossil fuel energy use.

An example of a national carbon fee, is the policy proposed by the Citizens Climate Lobby for a Carbon Fee and Dividend (https://citizensclimatelobby.org/carbon-fee-and-dividend/) to “internalize the costs of burning carbon-based fuels.” They consider this an efficient mechanism to stimulate investment in alternative fuels and incentivize businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. Their revenue=neutral proposal charges a fee on all fossil fuels which pays a dividend to all Americans. A Regional Economic Models, Inc. study (https://citizensclimatelobby.org/remi-report/) examined the impact of the policy to result “creates jobs, grown the economy, saves lives, and makes Americans richer.”

Grants: For most communities, the first option considered for funding any Community Energy Management work is to seek grants. While these have been highly effective in helping draft early plans and incorporate clean energy into already planned projects, these do not provide sustainable funding.

General Fund: For communities that have committed to clean energy through adoption of an energy policy within their Master Plan, the next step should be to delegate funding to initiate that plan and research sustainable funding options.

Program Fees: There is great economic as well as environmental value in transitioning to clean energy. Communities need to identify and then capture that value in creating a long term funding plan designed to reach their energy goals.

A good resource helping to evaluate the value intrinsic to clean energy programs is the “Local Climate and En- ergy Program Model Design Guide: Enhancing Value and Creating Lasting Programs” from the EPA Climate Showcase Communities (http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate/local/showcase/csc-learn.html).

How do you determine the appropriate amount of funds to allocate to management of municipal energy? What is an appropriate amount to allocate for managing community energy? COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Five: Clean Energy Communities

Monitor Energy Use A key role for Community Energy Management is to track, monitor and report clean energy progress.

The Energy Plan includes a baseline inventory of community wide energy use, typically reported in greenhouse gas or CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions to create a common measurement and give value alternative transition fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG). Broad sectors typically include buildings, transportation, municipal infrastructure, and industry. It is important to know the input data, including regional averages and estimates, to understand the potential impact of local initiatives on these calculations. As an example, if a regional average for vehicle miles traveled and fuel economy are used in calculating emissions from local cars, an increase in the use the electric vehicles may not be accurately reflected in updated calculations.

Monroe County calculated Total Monroe Emissions in 2011 with per capital emissions = 17.4 MTCO2e, as compared to the national average = 24.3, and GHG Emissions Projections to 2030

As opposed to the community-wide energy use inventory above, key indicators focus on energy use within segments of the community where direct measurement can be drawn. Examples of fairly accurate data sources include utility bills for buildings, fuel bills for vehicles, permits for solar installations and transit ridership. These need to be compared to themselves (progress over time), national or regional averages, and community targets.

The actions and targets set in the Energy Plan should have identified key metrics that can be quantifiable — measurable and trackable — to show progress, such as, kilowatts of renewable energy installed, number of home energy audits completed or displaced petroleum in municipal fleet vehicles. These are the leading indicators that show move- ment and where additional efforts are needed. The Community Energy Manager is responsible for setting up a monitoring system to track progress for the current priorities in their action plan, and these should be expanded as new initiatives are launched. A dashboard on the community’s energy webpage is ideal for posting current progress. The frequency of updating these metrics will depend on the data collection process for each indicator. Some examples for standard protocol for energy data include:

. Residential building audits: BPI protocol (http://www.bpihomeowner.org/home-performance) . Commercial building audits: ASHRAE protocol (https://www.ashrae.org/resources-- publications/bookstore/procedures-for-commercial-building-energy-audits) . Energy Star: products, homes, buildings (https://www.energystar.gov) . Fleet analysis: Fuel Forward (http://cec-mi.org/mobility/services/fuel-forward/) and Clean Cities (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/)

The annual report is a rear view reflection and record of progress across actions at a consistent point in time with a comparison to the current and long range targets. This information coupled with past reports provide a clear picture of where the community is doing well and where more effort is needed. While the action plan is typically drafted prior to this report, it should be included when presenting the report as the forward view of activities and adjustments for keeping the community on track to meet their targets and goals. A template for the annual energy report provides a format that becomes additive each year. Evaluate results with a narrative to help explain the story behind the numbers. This methodology for routine measurement and reporting increases awareness, creates accountability and verifies progress. Continually monitoring performance highlights the effects of steps taken and provides an invaluable feedback loop for maintaining ongoing improvement. COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Five: Clean Energy Communities

Manage Clean Energy Programs & Projects In addition to the effect of expanding awareness through monitoring local energy, programs are where your community an change your current energy trend.

The list of programs and projects a community can undertake to forward clean energy is vast and growing. The concept of Community Energy Management took hold during the ARRA funding where each application required a Comprehensive Energy Strategy. Lots of pilot programs were developed during that time and there is now lots of experience to draw from. Participating in peer organizations is critical to staying aware of further development and more new ideas. There will be no attempt here to share all current the possibilities, but rather address the collective management of multiple programs, projects and initiatives your community is interested pursuing and feel will be most effective.

Your community has set broad goals and identified actions with targets to help reach those goals. Each target may have a variety of approaches you could take. As an example, if you have a target of installing a certain amount of solar power generation, you could 1) streamline your approval process, 2) publicize case studies of local installations, 3) initiate a revolving loan fund with low interest and long terms, 4) install solar on a municipal facility, or 5) create an aggregated solar purchasing program. Each of these has the potential to help toward your solar power generation target. While prioritizing your actions may have lead you to start with a particular program, tracking your progress will provide feedback on its effectiveness. Evaluation of that progress helps you determine if the program should continue or if adjustments to its implementation need to be made.

The intent is no so much to subsidize energy efficiency and renewable energy, but to remove the barriers associated with new clean energy approaches. Showcasing early adopters, helping those wanting to make a difference and increasing demand for clean energy businesses should be a priority. The tendency is to continue doing things the way we have even though many are interested in the benefits. What can your community do to set a new direction and make it easier to make the right decision? Think of your programs aiding the change in momentum. You can leverage these efforts by working with local non-profits and businesses engaged in clean energy work.

Detroit Green Map (http://www.detroitgreenmap.com) is an interactive map that “connects businesses and organizations that are committed to sustainable practices, hiring local talent, and growing the local Detroit economy.”

Local Climate and Energy Program Model Design Guide: Enhancing Value and Creating Lasting Programs (http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate/documents/pdf/csc-learn/CSC-EP-Program-Design-Guide-13-April-2015-508- v2.pdf), EPA Climate Showcase Communities

Your community can also help establish the underlying systems and infrastructure needed to support new clean energy. Examples include:

. electric vehicle charging stations . combined heat and power (CHP) . district geothermal . community solar . reduced urban heat island . financing tools (i.e. PACE, revolving energy fund) COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Five: Clean Energy Communities

Professional Development & Networking Other Michigan communities are a great resource for sharing ideas and experiences. Michigan Green Communities (http://www.mml.org/green/) supports the sustainability efforts of communities across the state through resources that align with the Michigan Green Communities Challenge, hoisting in-person and online events, monthly newsletter and network connections. Become a member and use the Challenge to guide your progress and compete with other Michigan communities. Get recognition for the great work you’ve done so far. Clean energy overlaps with each of these categories:

. Administration and Planning . Built Environment . Economic Development . Natural Resources

Michigan Green Communities Network (http://mml.org/green/connect.php) connects members through a LinkedIn Group, discussion forum, newsletter and in-person and online events. This is an idea peer support group for Community Energy Managers.

Some clean energy actions identified in your Energy Plan may require state or utility regulatory changes, like better energy performance from new construction is regulated by the Michigan Building Code and Michgian Residential Building Code. Joining other communities with similar interest may help move these forward.

An example, is SEMREO Municipal Street Lighting Consortium (http://www.snre.umich.edu/current_students/masters_projects/southeast_michigan_regional_energy_office_mu nicipal_street). Their goal is to “convert streetlights throughout the metropolitan Detroit region to high efficiency high-emitting diode (LED) technology by 2020.” This project is addressing the “significant financial, educational and operational barrier to quick conversion.” The Consortium members benefit from knowledge, purchasing volume and getting the necessary regulatory changes enacted.

There are also national and international organizations that provide peer support to Community Energy Managers and sustainability directors:

Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) (http://usdn.org/home.html?returnUrl=%2findex.html)

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability (http://www.iclei.org)

The Community Energy Management budget should include membership dues to organizations that provide professional development and networking opportunities. Identify those most relevant to the community’s priorities and encourage participation by the Community Energy Manager in at least one conference per year.

Third party verification affirms your community’s claims of progress in comparison to yourself and to others. Set- ting goals is admirable, but allowing an outside audit of your results holds your community to the highest standard of accountability and transparency. While not required in order to make clean energy improvement, your community should be aware of the verification programs available and align your energy management to enable an easier application when you are ready.

STAR Community Rating System (http://www.starcommunities.org) “provides a clear, data-driven approach to assessing social, economic and environmental progress.”

ENERGY STAR (https://www.energystar.gov/buildings) rating for homes and buildings, including existing, requires a professional energizer or architect to verify your data and sign the application. COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Six: Community Prosperity

Economic Development Strategy What are your community’s local clean energy assets? What are your community’s local clean energy challenges?

Community’s can strengthen their local economy by embracing clean energy businesses, energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Clean energy communities provide direct local economic development through support for alternative energy products and installations. Products include all the resources, parts and assembly involved in manufacturing. Renewable energy generation includes the design, procurement, installation, ownership and maintenance. Additionally, there are indirect local economic impacts in real estate, financing, business support services and construction, among others. Local support for the demand side of energy is critical in attracting and keeping clean energy related businesses. The supply and demand side are each stronger when both are advancing locally and across the State.

A clean energy community has a strong economy supported by local jobs involved in all these businesses along with clean power generation. They have economic policies and programs that support and encourage clean energy businesses and local distributed clean power generation. Business development opportunities are built on local assets including manufacturers, installers and partnerships.

Clean energy businesses have a rapidly growing global footprint. According to the National Solar Job Census 2013, solar was the largest growing industry in the U.S. with a growth rate of 20% in 2012 and grew 53% since 2010 creating about 50,000 new jobs, ten times the national employment growth average rate (http://energy.gov/articles/energy-work-plant-expansion-creates-job-opportunities-ohio-0).

How can your community’s policies and programs leverage reducing energy costs and creating jobs along with public education?

Working with an economic development specialist can enhance your economic reinvention. Programs and tools can help foster clean energy business creation, retention, expansion and attraction.

Solar Technology Park in Thomas Township provides tax incentives and development assistance in partnership with Saginaw Future, Great Lakes Bay Region and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (http://www.saginawfuture.com/media/docs/GreatLakesTechPark.pdf).

NextEnergy is a Detroit-based nonprofit with the mission to drive advanced energy investment and job creation in Michigan and can help local communities and businesses understand, evaluate and pursue diversification opportunities in the clean energy supply chain, e.g. raw materials, components, sub- -systems, complete-systems and original equipment manufacturers (https://www.nextenergy.org).

Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MiSBTDC) specialists can help entrepreneurs and innovators collaborate with Michigan universities and research institutes to procure grants to research, de- velop and commercialize technology innovations (http://www.sbdcmichigan.org).

The City of Flint is working with Genesee County Land Bank to explore the potential for connecting solar power generation to their land acquisition and development plans. The City’s Green Innovation Districts and newly defined Green Uses will provide opportunities on previously abandon brownfields and vacant parcels that are being aggregated and will provide new sustainable support systems for the City and her residents (http://www.imagineflint.com/Portals/tempflint/Subarea%20Plan%206%20-%20Eastside%20DRAFT %2005192014.pdf).

Many local universities and colleges have solar-related programs which can be used to supply training for clean energy businesses and their employees.

Work with local foundations, educators, and others to integrate clean energy education in the new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Common Core Standards taking place in your community. COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES This effort would provide ready-made clean energy curriculum materials that could be woven into STEM curriculums, so that efforts to support and promote a STEM-ready workforce would also promote solar technology and expertise.

Tax Policy COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES Best Practice Six: Community Prosperity

Local Clean Energy Webpage Marketing and promotion create the communication tools for increasing community awareness about clean energy and motivating installation, businesses and education.

A marketing consultant can be of great assistance in developing a promotion strategy that is effectively targeted toward solar and leverages other community assets — existing and evolving. This strategy needs to provide a framework that allows the local clean energy programs to evolve and expand. This campaign should center around everyone taking control of local Clean Energy Management and clearly show the community that path that will lead the way there.

A central location on the municipality’s website can be the central hub for all local information about clean energy with access to the Energy Plan (policy guidance), clean energy resources, and local and regional programs to assist residents and business along with ways for the public to provide input on zoning and activities for achieving the community’s goals. It helps maintain transparency while providing a single easy-to-find resource. For those interested in learning how to increase their use of clean energy, it’s the home for the ‘guide to development’ and available resources. For appointed and elected officials, it’s an online orientation guide and direct link to share with other community members. For businesses, it’s a snapshot of the community’s commitment to local clean energy. It is critical that the webpage be organized in a way that is clean and transparent while being a single source for all information relating to local clean energy. Links can be provide a greater depth for those who want to know more.

Useful content and links on the clean energy webpage include: • Energy Plan • vision • goals • inventory • targets • actions/strategies • complementing Master Plan documents • dashboard — progress reporting • municipal clean energy projects • clean energy zoning • clean energy ‘guide to development’ & online permitting • Technical Advisory Committee • ways to get involved (e.g. public participation opportunities, applications for boards and commissions) • map with prioritized sites and clean energy sites • economic development strategy • case studies • results of public engagement

A simple dashboard is a great tool to visually share where your community is today, where you have come from relative to targets set in the Energy Plan and their timeline. It should be immediately clear where good progress is being made (ahead of schedule), acceptable progress is being made (on schedule), and where more attention is need (behind schedule).

While the Community Energy Manager (best practice 5.2) is responsible for maintaining updates to webpage, the Technical Advisory Committee will be critical in assisting with ways to gain public engagement in the development of the annual action plan and implementation of programs. In addition to public participation (best practice 1.2), education and outreach is an overarching responsibility of the Community Energy Manager and the webpage is an ideal organizing tool. Local clean energy requires everyone in the community to embrace energy efficiency and renewable energy in their buildings and access to daily needs (mobility). COMMUNITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT - BEST PRACTICES A good resource for experience from other communities on implementing programs including messaging, social media and working with various stakeholders is the EPA Climate Showcase Communities “Effective Practice Tip Sheets” (http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate/local/showcase/csc-learn.html).