Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

Maximize conservation of water and energy The production and use of energy and water resources for the built environment greatly influences Ashland’s greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerability to climate impacts. Energy used by buildings accounts for almost a third of Ashland’s greenhouse gas emissions. Water consumption for residential and commercial buildings and surrounding green spaces puts considerable stress on community water resources, which may become more scarce and in greater demand as temperatures increase and summer water availability declines. Reducing water and energy resource use associated with Ashland’s built environment will cut emissions, ease loads on the utility, and help secure resource supply and resiliency in a changing climate. The introduction of cleaner energy sources can reduce energy-related emissions to an extent, but improved energy use efficiency will also be required to achieve deep emission reductions. In general, cutting emissions through energy efficiency improvements can be more cost-effective than adding new renewable energy sources. The following Climate and Energy Action Plan strategies support water and energy efficiency: • Encourage increased building energy efficiency. • Adapt buildings to a changing climate. • Manage and conserve community water resources. Example actions include adjusting land use codes and incentives to support resource-efficient design, water reuse, and/or on-site storage systems; sponsoring building energy retrofit programs and water conservation rebate programs; introducing rate-based incentives; and providing educational materials aimed at awareness and behavior change. The introduction of passive and heat-tolerant building principles can also reduce cooling energy needs during heat waves and minimize heat-related public health impacts.Support climate-friendly land use and management The use and management of Ashland’s lands play a significant role in both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate impacts. Development that promotes walking, biking, and riding transit reduces emissions from on-road vehicles that account for the majority of transportation-related emissions. Proper management and conservation of land resources can also support ecosystem services such as water storage and flow attenuation, shade, and biodiversity that make the city and its resources more resilient to threats posed by climate change. Strategies in the Climate and Energy Action Plan that support climate-friendly land use and management are: • Make Ashland even more friendly for people walking and biking to reduce dependence on vehicles. • Support better public transit and ridesharing. • Support more climate-ready development and land use. • Promote ecosystem resilience. • Manage ecosystems and landscapes to minimize climate-related health impacts. • Manage and conserve community water resources. Actions within these strategies feature transit-oriented development and infrastructure that supports walking and biking. Also, improved management and conservation of natural resources such as water and green spaces in and outside the city can help prepare the city for changes in temperatures, water availability, and wildfire risk. 36 ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANVISION FOR THE FUTURE