CC Minutes - 02/16/05 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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of his graduate classes on an inventory of greenhouse gases in Eugene, the ultimate result of which could be the development of a local climate-change plan. In closing, Mr. Carlson stated that the City of Eugene was on the leading edge of progressive building methods. He felt the City was setting an example and leading in the community. Mr. Poling asked if other governmental bodies were participating in a similar program. Mr. Carlson said the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) was actively involved in some of the initiatives in the local community, though primarily focused on electric and water usage. He pointed out that Deborah Brewer, EWEB staff member, was present. He noted that a number of local government entities were involved in the clean diesel program. He said Eugene was likely involved in more sustainability oriented activities than most communities. In response to a question from Mr. Poling, Mr. Carlson stated that the bio-diesel the City used was produced in the Midwest and brought to the area by tanker cars. He predicted that a bio-diesel production facility would open in Portland soon, given the level of demand in the region. He indicated that bio-diesel fuel was derived from using restaurant grease byproducts. Mr. Poling wondered if there was any long-term damage to the diesel engines. Fleet Manager Carlos Davis responded that it lowered emissions and cleaned the engine. He underscored that it also reduced dependency on foreign oil. Mr. Carlson noted that the vehicles went through oil filters quickly as the engines were cleaned up. Mr. Davis stated that bio-diesel fuel could be used in any engine that uses diesel fuel. Mr. Pryor was very impressed by the work being done. He felt it demonstrated that the City ~got" the relationship between quality of life and quality of livelihood. He thought the degree to which the City could keep moving forward on this was desirable. He appreciated the Mayor reiterating the importance of sustainability in all areas. Mr. Pap~ concurred. He appreciated that the City was leading by example and not by regulation. He noted that the council had talked about pursuing policies on lead certifications. He asked if there would be a work session on that soon. Mr. Carlson indicated that time was reserved for this topic during the work session on April 27. Mr. Pap~ related that he had attended the Green Building Conference, held in Portland this last year, and was impressed with some of the progressive methods of construction that sought to minimize impacts. He listed some of the things that he had seen at the conference, including a non-water-using toilet. Mr. Carlson noted that waterless toilets were already slated to be installed in some City facilities. Mr. Pap~ noted that there were new buildings in process and asked if any were getting certified. Mr. Carlson said the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) standards were being used in design and construction but at this point the City was not applying for certification because of the cost. Mr. Pap~ expressed hope that, when the system became more streamlined and the cost was reduced, that the City would be a leader in green building projects. Mayor Piercy said City staff deserved laurels for all of the work that had been done but she did not want the City to rest on them. She hoped the City would consider this to be the first step in a discussion of not only MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 16, 2005 Page 6 Work Session