Metrics for Successful CBSM Initiatives?

Lisa,
For a very general starting point, years ago I was told of a respected study that found 10% of people will recycle even if its difficult (store material and take to drop-off locations) and 10% of people will not recycle even if its easy (festival with two cans beside one another, just pick the correct one or particpate in your curbside program). The conclusion of the presentation was that getting 90% of people to participate in a recycling program is the ultimate success.

This still leaves much to determine, such as actual waste diversion, backyard composting, organic food and clothing purchase goals, energy and water conservation practices implimented. However, it offers a starting point.

Best Wishes,

Marta Keane
Recycling Specialist
Will County
United States

Lisa,

Hi. We met awhile back. I think it was at an ASSHE Conference. I teach at CU - Boulder and I am the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Fort Collins. I am trying to gather some comparsion data with other Cities to determine how the City of Fort Collins measures up. We have set ten measurable goals and our experience was that they were so far out - "2020" that we needed to set annual goals in additiona to our long-term goals. Our gaols are:

Goal #1: (GGH Totals): Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (carbon dioxide and methane) from municipal operations at least 2 percent per year starting in 2009, in order to achieve a reduction of 20% below 2005 levels by December 31, 2020; and ultimately to achieve carbon neutrality for the municipal organization. This represents a total reduction of 11,734 tons (based on baseline emissions of 59,000 tons in 2005); yearly reductions will equate to 1,066 tons per year of GHG emissions without any projected growth factored in.

Goal #2: (Electricity and Natural Gas): Reduce city energy consumption by 20% of the 2005 baseline by 2020, and reduce demand peak use by 15% by 2020.

Goal #3: (Fuel): Reduce traditional fuel use by the Citys vehicle fleet by 20% by 2020 and reach a 1.5 AVR by 2020 for city employees.

Goal # 4: (Solid Waste Reduction): Reduce solid waste generated by 50% of overall waste stream by 2012 and 80% by 2020. Interim goals will be set to reduce overall waste volume.
Goal # 5: (Education and Outreach): Information about the municipal sustainability program will be available to all levels of the community students in grades K-20 and university, the general public - as well as internal customers.

Goal #6: (Funding): In addition to reporting on annual GHG inventory, cost savings that directly result from energy and waste conservation will be tracked, and possibly deposited into a Sustainability account to invest in appropriate projects.

Goal # 7: (Parks/Natural Areas): Achieve a 30% forest canopy density in suitable areas of City Parks by 2020, and a specific percentage of native and non-native vegetative cover in Natural Areas.

Goal # 8: (Water): Reduce municipal operations water irrigation use and increase efficiency per acre. Reduce building water use (normalized to account for weather conditions), by 20% by 2020.

Goal # 9: (General Purchasing) Implement environmentally preferable purchasing practices throughout the City organization and establish means to verify departments compliance with purchasing policy

Goal # 10: Employee Safety and Health: Incorporate a City Wise program fostering a culture of health and safety. Increase the number of employees that participate in the Wellness Program from 45% to 75% by 2020 and increase the number of employees that earn their first Well Day from 414 to 500.


Dr Rosemarie  Russo
Sustainability Coordinator
City of Fort Collins
United States