Archive of the Earth Week chat with Executive Constantine

Climate change is one of the most significant environmental and economic issues facing King County. It will have a range of effects, including negative impacts to flooding, salmon recovery, drinking water supplies, farming, forestry, and public health.

Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in King County, representing about half of our emissions. This means that the way we plan our growth and transportation today will “cast the die” for future emissions by determining how people travel to work, play, shopping, and services.

Fortunately, many of the steps we take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions - like creating vibrant urban centers where people can walk, bike, or use transit - also have benefits for improving public health and protecting our open space, farms, and forests.

Investments in work to reduce energy emissions and energy use and economic development can be mutually supportive. We need to work in partnership with businesses, and individuals. We need to train a green work force, and build a green economy. I hope that you’ll explore this web page and check out our new videos about what individuals, businesses, and King County can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

King County is already taking a number of steps to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and prepare for climate change. These include:

• Retrofitting our county buildings to save energy and operating costs. Recent retrofits to the King County Courthouse alone are saving $ 424,000 in energy costs every year.
• Replacing diesel buses with hybrid-electric buses. County investments in improving energy efficiency in our buildings and buses are saving taxpayer dollars. Replacement of diesel buses with hybrids is saving the county more than $4 million a year on fuel and eliminating 18,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Capturing “waste” energy from sewage treatment and waste disposal and using it to power our facilities and provide a source of renewable energy to utilities. A public –private partnership to capture methane gas from our landfill will power the equivalent of 24,000 homes and generate a million dollars a year in revenue.
• Collaborating with cities to focus growth in urban centers and link our planning for land use, transportation, and economic development.
• Preparing for the impacts of climate change on roads, bridges, and other essential services.
  

We will only continue to make progress toward our long-term goal of reducing climate emissions by eighty percent by 2050 through a series of specific actions with measurable outcomes. On April 21^st I’ll transmit legislation to our Council laying out specific, near-term actions to ensure that King County continues to do its part.

Thank you,
King County Executive
Dow Constantine

Chat information

On Monday, April 18, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Lara Whitely Binder from UW's Climate Impacts Group and Ross Macfarlane from Climate Solutions answered questions and discussed what we can expect from climate change in the Puget Sound region, what King County is doing to support a sustainable, prosperous local economy and how you can help. Thanks to everyone who participated. The transcript of the live chat is available below.

If you have additional questions, please email climatechange@kingcounty.gov, browse our climate change website or watch the videos on the right.

Earth Day chat: Executive Constantine

(04/18/2011)

Close

11:03

[Comment From Dow ConstantineDow Constantine: ] Welcome to our first ever Earth Week on-line chat. We are making more use of social media to give more citizens access to information about county services and current issues. Today our chat focuses on climate change. We see a lot in the media about melting ice pack at the poles, but what's happening right here in our backyard? What should King County, individuals, and businesses do to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions? How do we translate concerns about what will happen decades in the future into real, practical action today? How can our impacts to save energy and reduce emissions build a stronger economy in King County? How do get prepared for the inevitable climate impacts on flooding, salmon, and public health? Today I'm joined by Ross Macfarlane from Climate Solutions and Lara Whitely Binder from the UW Climate Impacts Group to answer your questions and discuss climate change in King County. We also have climate energy, transportation, and recycling experts on hand. Let's chat! While our fingers are tapping, we hope you'll check out our climate web page, where we have tips and videos about actions businesses, individuals, and King County can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Monday April 18, 2011 11:03 Dow Constantine

11:03

[Comment From Ross MacfarlaneRoss Macfarlane: ] Hi, I'm Senior Advisor with Climate Solutions, a Northwest non-profit that focuses on accelerating practical and profitable solutions to global warming and our energy challenges. King County has been a true leader in creating innovative solutions and we are excited to help with this chat. Monday April 18, 2011 11:03 Ross Macfarlane

11:04

Matt Kuharic, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks: Hello, My name is Matt Kuharic. I work in King County's Department of Natural and Parks on climate change and sustainability projects and policy. I'm going to help answer some of the questions! Monday April 18, 2011 11:04 Matt Kuharic, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks

11:05

[Comment From Patti SouthardPatti Southard: ] Greetings and Happy Earth Week! I am Patti Southard Program Manager for King County Green Tools, King County's green building program. I welcome any questions on consumer related issues and how to green your home. To learn more about our program visit www.greentools.us and the EcoCool Remodel Tool www.ecocoolremodel.com Monday April 18, 2011 11:05 Patti Southard

11:05

[Comment From David Van HoldeDavid Van Holde: ] Good Morning, I am David Van Holde, Department of Natural Resources and Parks Energy Manager Monday April 18, 2011 11:05 David Van Holde

11:06

[Comment From Joanne HedouJoanne Hedou: ] Could you maybe start with comments on current work on Adaptation to Climate Change in King County? Monday April 18, 2011 11:06 Joanne Hedou

11:07

Ron Posthuma: Hi. I'm Ron Posthuma, Assistant Director of the King County Department of Transportation Monday April 18, 2011 11:07 Ron Posthuma

11:07

[Comment From NorthgateSteveNorthgateSteve: ] Hi, I'm curious if local scientists have seen evidence of climate change here? Monday April 18, 2011 11:07 NorthgateSteve

11:08

[Comment From Carolyn SpehrCarolyn Spehr: ] Hello, thank you for hosting this chat. What would you say are the top issues that King Co faces from climate change? (Perhaps in order of highest priority to lower priority)? Monday April 18, 2011 11:08 Carolyn Spehr

11:09

Dow Constantine: The King County Flood District has some good work going on to reduce flood impacts by enhancing the levee system and restoring natural floodplains. The Roads Division building flood resistent bridges. Monday April 18, 2011 11:09 Dow Constantine

11:12

[Comment From GeorgeGeorge: ] Is there a presentation to kick this presentation off? Or would you like people to submit questions in a more random fashion? Monday April 18, 2011 11:12 George

11:12

KingCounty: Hi George: Asking your questions here would be great. Monday April 18, 2011 11:12 KingCounty

11:12

[Comment From Lara Whitely BinderLara Whitely Binder: ] Pacific Northwest climate has been changing in a number of ways that are consistent with what we expect from climate change. • Average annual temperature in the PNW increased 1.5 degrees F during the 20th century. • Spring snowpack has declined due in part to warmer winter and spring temperatures. Losses in the Washington Cascades are on the order of 28% for the period 1944-2000. • Nearly every glacier in the Cascades and Olympic Mountains is retreating, thinning, or both. • The timing of peak streamflow has moved earlier into the spring in many river basins as snowpack melts earlier. • Some areas of Washington, most notably Puget Sound, have seen increases in extreme precipitation in the last 25 years. • Finally, many coastal areas in Washington saw an increase in sea level during the 20th century. For example, the city of Seattle saw an increase on the order of +8 inches during the 20th century. Monday April 18, 2011 11:12 Lara Whitely Binder

11:12

[Comment From SustainEd_isspSustainEd_issp: ] My question is about adaptation. You mention "prepar(ing) for the inevitable climate impacts" We talk about animals in the wild adapting. But are we ready to use that word for our human activities? I'm looking for ways to communicate the urgency. Will using 'adaptation' help with that? Monday April 18, 2011 11:12 SustainEd_issp

11:13

Dow Constantine: The new Brightwater Treatment Plant will treat our sewage to "reclaimed water" standards for irrigation and industrial uses, thereby keeping more drinking water in our rivers and streams. Monday April 18, 2011 11:13 Dow Constantine

11:13

Matt Kuharic, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks: Here are a few relevant links on adaptation efforts: http://kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/ http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/wastewater/ReclaimedWater.aspx http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/wastewater/CSI/Library/SeaLevelRise.aspx Monday April 18, 2011 11:13 Matt Kuharic, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks

11:13

[Comment From Lara Whitely BinderLara Whitely Binder: ] Hello everyone. I am Lara Whitely Binder from the University of Washington's Climate Impacts Group. We do research on the impacts of climate variability and climate change in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks for participating today. Monday April 18, 2011 11:13 Lara Whitely Binder

11:14

Ross Macfarlane: Many people think of climate change as something that will happen in the future, or only affect distant animals and environments like polar bears. As Lara's post shows, climate scientists are showing that changes are happening now and here. That is why we need to work both on reducing carbon emissions and increasing our ability to adapt. Monday April 18, 2011 11:14 Ross Macfarlane

11:16

Dow Constantine: We have a question from 10 year-old Sam Harris of Edmonds (Maplewood School) that came in this morning via email. He wants to know, "How climate change will affect local animals?" I think Lara would be good at answering this, so I will turn it over to her. Monday April 18, 2011 11:16 Dow Constantine

11:17

kcnews: Join @kcexec now to #askdow questions about climate change at http://1.usa.gov/erAjzW. [via Twitter] Monday April 18, 2011 11:17 kcnews

11:17

Lara Whitely Binder: Hi Sam. Thankss for your great question. The impacts of climate change on animals vary depending on the animal species. Changes in temperature are already affecting the migration of bird and butterfly species, with many species’ ranges shifting north as temperatures warm. For example, the range of the Sachem skipper butterfly has expanded 420 miles northward from California to Washington State in 40 years. Salmon are threatened by climate change because of higher winter streamflows (which can cause streambed scouring of salmon eggs), earlier peak streamflow (which can flush juvenile salmon to estuaries too soon), and warmer and lower summer water temperatures. Monday April 18, 2011 11:17 Lara Whitely Binder

11:17

Ross Macfarlane: @SustainEd -- you make a really good point. "Adaptation" can sound easy and maybe cheaper than reducing climate pollution. We need to be ready for real impacts, but can't pretend that response will be easy or complete. It is more like earthquake preparedness. Monday April 18, 2011 11:17 Ross Macfarlane

11:17

[Comment From Joanne HedouJoanne Hedou: ] Could you give more examples of how King County is working on adaptation projects? (the interface seems to be pretty slow.) Monday April 18, 2011 11:17 Joanne Hedou

11:17

NorthgateSteve: Whoa. So more flooding and less skiing? Monday April 18, 2011 11:17 NorthgateSteve

11:17

[Comment From Todd MyersTodd Myers: ] Lara, you say we are already seeing impacts from anthropogenic climate change. Yet, Cliff Mass, whom you work with at the UW, wrote in the Seattle Times a couple years ago: "How many times have you heard that severe windstorms and heavy rains will increase in the Northwest under global climate change? The truth is, there is no strong evidence for these claims and the whole matter is being actively researched. Some portions of the Northwest have had more rain and wind during the past decades, some less. And initial simulations of future Northwest climate do not suggest heavier rain events." He says similiar things about snowpack. How do you square that with your claims? Monday April 18, 2011 11:17 Todd Myers

11:18

[Comment From BethBeth: ] Hi, I'd like to know: what is the number one thing businesses should be doing to reduce their climate emissions? Monday April 18, 2011 11:18 Beth

11:19

[Comment From GuestGuest: ] How do population growth and over consumption fit into the equation for reducing the impacts of climate change. They are the white elephants... Monday April 18, 2011 11:19 Guest

11:20

[Comment From Ron PosthumaRon Posthuma: ] What is King County doing to not just maintain, but actually expand the trackless trolley system? Monday April 18, 2011 11:20 Ron Posthuma

11:22

Lara Whitely Binder: Hello Todd. You are correct that changes in extreme events are an area of active research as it is these types of events that tend to stress our infrastructure and natural systems. Over the last 25 years, some areas of Washington have seen an increase in extreme precipitation but we cannot say that this is due to climate change. We do anticipate more extreme events inthe future as a result of the jet stream moving further north but the models vary in how much more frequent these types of extreme events may become. Monday April 18, 2011 11:22 Lara Whitely Binder

11:22

Patti Southard: Hello Guest- Monday April 18, 2011 11:22 Patti Southard

11:23

[Comment From SustainEd_isspSustainEd_issp: ] In some of the groups I facilitate on sustainability when asked what personal efforts people are making, some answer that they are trying to take shorter showers. Let's say there's a top ten list of efforts people can do, where would you place that habit change? So give it a number between 1 & 10. Monday April 18, 2011 11:23 SustainEd_issp

11:24

[Comment From Ron PosthumaRon Posthuma: ] The Executive is recommending replacement of the existing trolley bus system. We are also experimenting with battery powered buses that can operate short distances off wire. We have also looked at opportunities to extend trolleywire where it is cost effective. Monday April 18, 2011 11:24 Ron Posthuma

11:24

Dow Constantine: Beth - In general, transportation is our region's biggest contributor to climate change. Businesses can locate in urban centers, providing employees with transit and biking options, as well as offering telecommute options. In other regions with harsher climates, building emmissions may be an even greater problem than transportation. But even here, green building is critical. Monday April 18, 2011 11:24 Dow Constantine

11:27

[Comment From Guest 2Guest 2: ] Part of our over consumption has to do with how we use power in our buildings. How can we engage people in making behavioral changes that take advantage of lower energy systems in buildings? Monday April 18, 2011 11:27 Guest 2

11:27

[Comment From GuestGuest: ] There was an earlier question from Carolyn Spehr about the top issues that King Co faces from climate change? Monday April 18, 2011 11:27 Guest

11:27

Ross Macfarlane: Beth -- Adding to this response, most businesses can reduce energy use and waste through better buildings and operations. This is also one of the top areas for business growth and sustainable employment in the region. More generally, businesses in every sector are finding opportunities to profit by creating cleaner and more efficient solutions. Monday April 18, 2011 11:27 Ross Macfarlane

11:27

[Comment From Chris EggenChris Eggen: ] Hi, I am a Council Member for Shoreline, a medium sized city in North King County. What recommendations do you have for policies for adaptation to Climate Change and for mimimization of emissions that control climate change that a medium sized city could implement? Will the state or King County be doing model ordinances that address these issues? Monday April 18, 2011 11:27 Chris Eggen

11:29

[Comment From Joanne HedouJoanne Hedou: ] Good question from Chris Eggen. Thanks! Monday April 18, 2011 11:29 Joanne Hedou

11:29

[Comment From Matt Kuharic, King CountyMatt Kuharic, King County: ] Changes to the climate system matter to a long list of things, from the types of plants and trees that grow here, to impacts on public and private property, to human health concerns, to salmon and biodiversity, just to name a few. Top issues include flooding impacts to public and private infrastructure, the impact of decrease snowpack on a diverse range species such as salmon and trees, and impacts to human health such as exacerbated air quality challenges. Monday April 18, 2011 11:29 Matt Kuharic, King County

11:30

Dow Constantine: Businesses can respond to climate change and save money by reducing driving (allow telecommuting, consolidate work trips, do more audio or video conferencing), buy and use supplies more efficiently, and use the green goals and actions of your business to attract new customers. Monday April 18, 2011 11:30 Dow Constantine

11:31

[Comment From SustainEd_isspSustainEd_issp: ] Besides Seattle City Light and PSE, how many other energy utilities are there in King County? Monday April 18, 2011 11:31 SustainEd_issp

11:31

Patti Southard: Hello Guest- Addressing the question on consumer behavior: A big choice consumers can make is driving less to reduce climate emissions. Reviewing your purchasing selection for durability and long term use is another important step. Purchasing recycled materials and re-purposing products helps decrease manufacturing demands while also saving money. The best choice of all is to simply buy less stuff. Monday April 18, 2011 11:31 Patti Southard

11:34

David Van Holde: Guest 2: Many of us now work in buildings that can use significantly less energy - if properly operated and occupied. For example, I'm sitting in the Chinook Building that is LEED certified. But we must do our part to ensure that these buildings are efficient by using lighting, exiting and entering properly and limiting water waste. It's really common sense. Monday April 18, 2011 11:34 David Van Holde

11:34

Lara Whitely Binder: This response is for Chris in Shoreline. There are a number of adaptation strategies that a medium-sized city can implement. In fact, many small and medium communities are working on adaptation. Which adaptation actions are relevant to Shoreline will depend on how climate impacts may affect the City of Shoreline. For example, if flooding in urban streams is a problem, strategies that would reduce the flashiness of urban flooding would be worth considering. Many of these and other related strategies will provide benefits in the near term as well as in a warmer future. Monday April 18, 2011 11:34 Lara Whitely Binder

11:36

[Comment From Todd MyersTodd Myers: ] A few years back the County Council supported using biodiesel in the transit system. That project was canceled, however, due to the high cost and research that showed soy-based biodiesel may actually increase carbon emissions. What are you putting in place to ensure this type of error doesn't occur again? Monday April 18, 2011 11:36 Todd Myers

11:38

David Van Holde: SustainEd_issp: You identified the two largest. But in downtown Seattle, Seattle Steam contributes significant energy to heat many buildings. Also, Snohomish Public Utilities provides electrical service to a small number of customers and also to our new Brightwater waste treatment plant. Monday April 18, 2011 11:38 David Van Holde

11:39

[Comment From Steve GelbSteve Gelb: ] Residential buildings in King County are major source of carbon emissions. How is the county planning to support energy upgrades in these buildings beyond the low income programs now in existence. Monday April 18, 2011 11:39 Steve Gelb

11:40

[Comment From Dow ConstantineDow Constantine: ] Councilmember Eggen - Welcome! In addition to our work with the Countywide planning policies, now under development, we have technical assistance available for cities. Our GreenTools program offers tools, forums for sharing good ideas among local governments, and technical assistance. The number of cities participating in green building programs has increased from 5 to 19. I intend to sign the "King County - Cities Climate Pledge" a grass roots effort by cities to share practical approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Monday April 18, 2011 11:40 Dow Constantine

11:40

Ross Macfarlane: To Chris Eggen -- great question. King County has been leading in creating good tools for communities on adaptation and helping developing innovative response on issues like transportation and community planning. Climate Solutions also has a program that you might check into: New Energy Cities. This program helps small and medium size communities plans and implementation strategies for a cleaner energy future. Edmonds is our first Puget Sound Community in that program. Monday April 18, 2011 11:40 Ross Macfarlane

11:40

[Comment From albossalboss: ] Has King County government looked into solar panels and cisterns on the roofs of its older buildings? I know the newest ones have been built with lots of energy-efficient considerations, but can your older ones be retrofitted economically? Monday April 18, 2011 11:40 alboss

11:41

Matt Kuharic, King County: Hi Chris from Shoreline, I'd also add that the Sustainable Cities Roundtable, which supports cities working on green building and sustainability issues, has expanded its focus to include climate solutions. As Executive Constantine mentioned, he will be supporting a new effort called the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration, and speaking about it at the roundtable's June 9th event. You can find details here: http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/greenbuilding/roundtable.asp Monday April 18, 2011 11:41 Matt Kuharic, King County

11:42

Lara Whitely Binder: I had an additional follow up for Councilmember Eggen in Shoreline. The Washington Department of Ecology has a NOAA Fellow who is develop a guidance document for Washington local governments on potential sea level rise on the outer coast and in the Puget Sound. I believe this work will invlude developing sample ordinance language. Monday April 18, 2011 11:42 Lara Whitely Binder

11:42

Dow Constantine: Steve - Patti will respond a bit, but you're right that improving the existing housing stock will give great benefit, perhaps even more than incremental improvements in new construction. Monday April 18, 2011 11:42 Dow Constantine

11:42

[Comment From ToriTori: ] Is there an advisory commission/board that looks at this region’s responses to climate changes? Here’s the deal… I’m a little concerned about Shoreline’s questions about policies. With the number of committed and educated folks in this area, there should be a taskforce to assist in formulating government policies that have significant impacts to the environment…comments? Monday April 18, 2011 11:42 Tori

11:43

[Comment From GuestGuest: ] Why don't you make more use of steam for heating in your downtown buildings? Monday April 18, 2011 11:43 Guest

11:43

[Comment From Ron PosthumaRon Posthuma: ] Response for Todd - Use of biodiesel was a pilot project that saved King County Metro Transit over $1 million and provided jobs in Washington State. Subsequent researched emerged that showed biodiesel was not as environmentally beneficial as first thought, and there is still debate on the environmental impact. We will continue to look for cost effective and environmentally beneficial fuel alternatives. Monday April 18, 2011 11:43 Ron Posthuma

11:44

Patti Southard: Hell Council Member Eggen-A great source for green building ordinances and policies is available through the King County GreenTools program and the Sustainable Cities roadmap tool:http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/greenbuilding/green-building-ordinances-policies.asp The Sustainable Cities Roundtables is a good venue for peer to peer discussions as well. Monday April 18, 2011 11:44 Patti Southard

11:45

Patti Southard: Oh Hello-Chris Eggen sorry about the too quick response! Monday April 18, 2011 11:45 Patti Southard

11:46

David Van Holde: alboss: We are continually looking for the best resource-savings improvements and retrofits for our buildings. Several really impressive projects have recently been completed by our Facilities Managemnt division. In each case, we consider alternative energy sources, but usually the best choice is efficieny first. Monday April 18, 2011 11:46 David Van Holde

11:46

Ross Macfarlane: To Todd -- Supplementing Ron's response, many biofuels (including biodiesels) have a positive climate impact. Like other users, King County will be looking at the alternatives that provide the best life cycle emissions reductions and are most cost effective. We all need to recognize, though, that our addiction to petroleum is sending billions of dollars out of the state and county every year, so we need real alternatives. Monday April 18, 2011 11:46 Ross Macfarlane

11:47

[Comment From GuestGuest: ] What role does King County play in the administration of the Duwamish Superfund grant? Monday April 18, 2011 11:47 Guest

11:48

[Comment From Todd MyersTodd Myers: ] Ron, I don't understand. This is from the recently released 2010 KC Energy plan: "Given the large volume of diesel fuel used for transit vehicles, the current incremental cost of using biodiesel rather than conventional diesel is high enough that meeting the 50 percent goal would necessitate transit service cuts." This seems to indicate the cost was higher. What am I missing? Monday April 18, 2011 11:48 Todd Myers

11:49

[Comment From Sanjay KapoorSanjay Kapoor: ] In Seattle, we have to pay for our yard waste/compost to be picked up. Composting is perhaps one of the most direct examples of waste = food. What needs to happen for city, county, state government to speak with one voice and help inform citizen mindset? Monday April 18, 2011 11:49 Sanjay Kapoor

11:49

[Comment From Joanne HedouJoanne Hedou: ] Please don't call it an addiction. The economics of alternative energy either aren't accessible or don't work for many people. Besides, why quote W? Monday April 18, 2011 11:49 Joanne Hedou

11:51

[Comment From SustainEd_isspSustainEd_issp: ] Will the county be looking at the Community Solar efforts of various groups in our area? I'm especially intrigued with the potential for solar on well sited government rooftops. Citizens like myself, without solar-available rooftops, would welcome the opportunity to purchase and have the direct benefits of solar. What are your thoughts on using public roofs for private solar ventures? Monday April 18, 2011 11:51 SustainEd_issp

11:51

Matt Kuharic, King County: There was an earlier question about being able to support high speed fiberoptic infrastructure, especially in unincorporated areas. King County itself is supporting telecommuting and online technologies to reduce transportation impacts of County operations, and supports alternative commute options from regional trails to providing transit service. We will follow up with you about details about fiberoptic options if you want. Send an email to climatechange@kingcounty.gov Monday April 18, 2011 11:51 Matt Kuharic, King County

11:51

Dow Constantine: In response to Torry's question about climate advisory boards. We need to make sure that our climate policies and actions are practical and informed by real-world realities. Our current policies on climate our part of our adopted King County Comprehensive Plan. This week, I will transmit a Climate Motion outlining specific, measurable actions King County will take over the next two years. This motion will go through public hearings. Monday April 18, 2011 11:51 Dow Constantine

11:53

[Comment From Bob ThorntonBob Thornton: ] So "buy local" seems to be a justification for biodiesel, since the environmental benefits and cost savings are questionable. What would happen to King County if other counties throughout the country decided not to purchase Starbucks coffee, Boeing airplanes, or Microsoft software under the banner of "buy local"? Monday April 18, 2011 11:53 Bob Thornton

11:54

Patti Southard: Hi Steve Gelb, thanks for joining us today. The County has quite a few outreach venues for training consumers on energy retrofits, one is through the EcoCool Remodel Tool www.ecocoolremodel.com We are members of Home Performance Washington which educates the home energy auditor community and trades. Another big effort is also focused on supporting the Built Green Program through our local MBA chapter, Built Green recently rolled out a new remodel certification requiring an energy audit for more information please visit www.builtgreen.net Monday April 18, 2011 11:54 Patti Southard

11:54

[Comment From GuestGuest: ] What is the one thing individuals can do to make the biggest difference? Monday April 18, 2011 11:54 Guest

11:55

[Comment From Ron PosthumaRon Posthuma: ] RE Todd Myers: The Energy Plan specified production or procurement of renewable energy equivalent to 50% of County energy use by 2012. We are currently pursuing this goal and have made great progress utilizing Cedar Hill landfill gas which also provides revenue to the County. Biodiesel has become much more expensive than diesel and is not currently used by Metro Transit but we continue to track prices and opportunities. Monday April 18, 2011 11:55 Ron Posthuma

11:56

[Comment From RealChangeRealChange: ] I am seeing many comments about cost/savings - Ron, can you show me the source that points to the savings and jobs created? Monday April 18, 2011 11:56 RealChange

11:56

David Van Holde: SustainEd_issp: Thanks for you excellent point about community solar. We are aware of this State legislation and the opportunities it offers. We also understand that the County may be able to play a role. We are looking closely at this. Monday April 18, 2011 11:56 David Van Holde

11:57

NorthgateSteve: Curious what sort of alternatives for energy we can use in the PNW. More hydro or nuclear? What are you guys hearing being discussed that might replace coal and oil plants? Monday April 18, 2011 11:57 NorthgateSteve

11:57

[Comment From SustainEd_isspSustainEd_issp: ] In a Seattle City Light presentation once, I learned that 50% of Seattle's population are renters. What is the population of home owners to renters in King County. Monday April 18, 2011 11:57 SustainEd_issp

11:57

[Comment From GuestGuest: ] Why pick one thing? There are numerous actions to take and to boil it down to one, like drive less, excuses people from addressing the other areas of their life that have an impact. Monday April 18, 2011 11:57 Guest

11:58

Dow Constantine: More on the topic of advisory boards: We also interact regularly with the business community, including an advisory group of leaders of innovative manufacturing companies and urban developers who are pushing forward with environmentally sustainable economic development. We work with local governments through the Sustainable Cities Roundtable to share practical approaches to reducing climate impacts and preparing for climate change. Monday April 18, 2011 11:58 Dow Constantine

11:58

Ross Macfarlane: Guest -- Hard to say just one thing -- we emphasize getting aware, engaged and taking personal steps. Participating in discussions like this is a good way to get informed. Getting engaged helps drive community actions. Individuals can reduce their own impacts through steps like using the bike or bus and weatherizing their homes. Monday April 18, 2011 11:58 Ross Macfarlane

11:58

[Comment From toritori: ] While I commend your overall efforts to bring the comp. plan to fruition (on many levels), I also see value in bringing additional agencies within the jurisdiction that formulate policies to the table…to continue to open dialog-obviously there would be great value in the conversation as well as education. Thoughts/comments? Monday April 18, 2011 11:58 tori

11:59

Matt Kuharic, King County: Response to Bob Thornton: King County is leading a new study to quantify the climate pollution associated with consuming goods and services. An interesting finding of this work is that the goods produced locally have a lower carbon impact that other areas, due to multiple, reasons but especially because of our clean energy sources. In fact for most goods, how they are produced, and the emissions associated with their use, dominate the emissions associated with transportation. Monday April 18, 2011 11:59 Matt Kuharic, King County

11:59

Dow Constantine: To Guest, there are many great things you can do, but you'll get the biggest bang from from driving less. And you'll save money. KC Metro, light rail, Amtrak, biking, walking, carpooling, telecommuting, shopping online are all great options. Monday April 18, 2011 11:59 Dow Constantine

12:00

David Van Holde: Guest: You asked about use of steam in our downtown buildings. We heat our administration building with steam. In several cases we use other fuels, based on analysis of impacts and costs. Monday April 18, 2011 12:00 David Van Holde

12:01

Ross Macfarlane: To Northgate Steve -- it is not one single option for clean and efficient energy, we need to work on a menu of options. Increasing energy efficiency has already eliminated the need for new coal or gas plants in the region, and we are just scratching the surface. Wind, solar and sustainable fuels all provide important opportunities for cleaner energy. Monday April 18, 2011 12:01 Ross Macfarlane

12:01

Dow Constantine: Learn more about how easy it really is to live a green and healthy lifestyle at the Earth Day Expo at Westlake Park in downtown Seattle, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. http://www.kingcounty.gov/earthday Monday April 18, 2011 12:01 Dow Constantine

12:02

NorthgateSteve: Thanks all! Monday April 18, 2011 12:02 NorthgateSteve

12:02

Ross Macfarlane: It has been great for us to learn more about the wide range of activities going forward at the county to address this issue. Big thanks to Executive Constantine and his team for their continued leadership on these issues. Monday April 18, 2011 12:02 Ross Macfarlane

12:03

KingCounty: Thanks to everyone for participating in our climate chat. We are wrapping up and trying to answer all the questions that have been asked so far. Monday April 18, 2011 12:03 KingCounty

12:03

[Comment From Joanne HedouJoanne Hedou: ] There has been some good information in this chat. Will you post? Monday April 18, 2011 12:03 Joanne Hedou

12:04

KingCounty: Joanne, We will archive this chat and a link to it will be posted here. Thanks for participating. Monday April 18, 2011 12:04 KingCounty

12:04

Patti Southard: Hello Sanjay, thanks for joining in today. I am happy to say that messaging around compost and food waste issues is well aligned between the City of Seattle and King County's Solid Waste Division. We live in an area where we are fortunate to have businesses like Cedar Grove Compost who leverage local resources creating a byproduct from these materials. The challenge is that statewide we have different management systems dependent on individual jurisdictions. The best thing consumers can do is to create demand for recycled materials, this will help establish more businesses like Cedar Grove Composting nationwide. Monday April 18, 2011 12:04 Patti Southard

12:04

[Comment From Todd MyersTodd Myers: ] Someone mentioned the great work Seattle Steam is doing. What is the County's position on biomass from wood? Monday April 18, 2011 12:04 Todd Myers

12:06

[Comment From Ron PosthumaRon Posthuma: ] Real Change: King County Metro had a fixed price contract with Seattle Biodiesel. While this contract was in place the price of diesel escalated significantly and biodiesel was less expensive. Monday April 18, 2011 12:06 Ron Posthuma

12:07

[Comment From Dow ConstantineDow Constantine: ] Thank you for participating in today's live chat about climate change. Special thanks to Ross Macfarlane from Climate Solutions, Lara Whitely Binder from the UW Climate Impacts Group, and King County staff. King County's regional role - transit, sewage treatment, flood protection, salmon recovery, etc., and especially growth management - means that climate change is on our agenda daily. Please direct additional questions to climatechange@kingcounty.gov or on Twitter #AskDow or @kcnews Also check out our videos about climate actions that individuals, businesses, and governments can take at www.kingcounty.gov/environment/climate Monday April 18, 2011 12:07 Dow Constantine

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