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City of Austin 2010-2011 Climate Action Report
In the four years that the Austin Climate Protection Program of the City of Austin has shepherded pursuit of the City's ambitious climate action goals, it has become clear that solutions to climate change are the same ones that keep our air breathable, our water, clean, our economy vibrant and our communities healthy. This report chronicles the City of Austin's journey to climate neutral. Join us on the road to a more sustainable future in the city we call home.
City of Austin office of sustainability 2010-2011 " Join us on the journey to a more sustainable future in the city we call home.â€? A Message from the Chief Sustainability Officer I am proud to present the 2011 City of Austin Climate ary initiatives. Healthy food and sustainable urban Action Report. We are recognized both nationally and agriculture is a new City focus, and we've developed a internationally for our sustainability leadership and downtown self-guided tour and map featuring Austin's aggressive climate protection goals. "green gems." 2011 was a year of milestones and accomplishments. It's heartening and inspiring to see first-hand the To cite a few: Austin Energy Green Building celebrated many steps Austinites are taking to lower their carbon its 20th anniversary. Voters passed the City's first footprints and help secure a sustainable future. Of mobility bond package focused on multi-modal livabil- course, there is much more to be done. If you are ity. The City, along with regional partners, is using a already part of the important work of climate action, I $3.7 million federal Sustainable Communities grant to thank you for your efforts. If you have yet to take part, pursue a regional Sustainable Places Project. We're one please join us on the journey to a more sustainable of 10 pilot cities now refining a new national sustain- future in the city we call home. ability benchmarking tool, the STAR Community Index. And shortly before this report went to press, the Austin Convention Center earned a Gold certification under the LEED for Existing Buildings rating system. Since joining the City as its first Chief Sustainability Officer last September, I have spent my days listening and learning, and have spoken to more than 2,000 people. In June, I represented Austin at the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Summit in São Paulo, Brazil, alongside our new Climate Program Manager, Zach Baumer. Learning from the actions of other major global cities reinforces our sense of urgency about planning for the future. Fortunately, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan coming forward has sustainability as its central theme. In the days ahead, the Office of Sustainability will continue working to advance green initiatives across the City and the community. Those include helping local businesses trim operating expenses by conserving resources, and releasing a broad sustainability agenda including more than 30 of the City's most visionLucia Athens. Photo: Jeff Wilson austin climate protection program joins the office of sustainability 2010 2011 future september february ongoing New Office of Sustainability Austin Climate Protection Climate action is inte- launched as part of City Program leader Ester grated into the Office of Manager's Office, sending a Matthews retires from Sustainability's work to clear signal from executive Austin Energy after 23 years connect and amplify green leadership that sustain- of service. initiatives citywide, as part ability is a core value. of a foundation for Austin's may enduring prosperity. december Zach Baumer begins leader- City Manager Marc Ott ship role as new Climate moves the Austin Climate Program Manager, after a Protection Program within national search. the City's new Office of Sustainability to position it for greater citywide impact. Climate Action Report A Message from the Chief Sustainability Officer | I MARC A. OTT City Manager SUE EDWARDS Assistant City Manager LUCIA ATHENS Chief Sustainability Officer ZACH BAUMER Climate Program Manager Office of Sustainability & the Austin Climate Protection Program Marc Coudert Katherine Gregor Leah Haynie Kate Krueger Melissa Martinez Jenell Moffett Nathan Paulson Mary Priddy Dylan Siegler Technical Advisers Austin Energy Sarah Fusco Carol Harwell Scott Jarman Dennis Lilley Karl Rábago Austin-Travis County EMS Mary Ann Carney Ernesto Rodriguez Austin Water David Greene Jill Mayfield Joe Smith Central Texas Clean Cities Stacy Neef Communications & Public Information Office David Matustik Samantha Park Fleet Services Jennifer Walls Parks and Recreation Department Jake Stewart Austin Resource Recovery Aiden Cohen Jennifer Herber Gena McKinley Shaun-Marie Auckland Transportation Department Pharr Andrews Cover art by Lauren Jones Adapted from original works including photography by Michael Knox, ASLA II | Table of Contents table of contents A Message from the Chief Sustainability Officer I the big picture 01-05 Zach Baumer Takes the Helm at the Austin Climate Protection Program Austin's Climate Action Leadership Preparing Austin for the Unpredictable: Becoming Resilient to a Changing Climate map: Extreme Drought Persists in Central Texas graph: City Government Emission Reduction Targets Around the World Going Climate Neutral: How We'll Reach our 2020 Goals city government impacts 01 02 02 03 04 05 06-10 City Departments Work to Shrink Carbon Footprints graph: City Departments' Greenhouse Gas Emissions City of Austin Departments & Facilities switch to 100% GreenChoice® graph: City of Austin Total Energy Consumption graph: City Operations Emissions Reductions 2007-2010 graph: City Operations Emissions Breakdown Reducing Emissions through Renewable Energy & Alternative Fuels Ambulances Tap the Sun for Power Follow the Fleet: City Adopts Alternative Fuels graph: City Government Fuel Use community climate action 06 06 07 07 08 08 09 09 10 10 11-21 Bringing Climate Cool to School: Educating Austin's Kids on Climate Action Survey Gauges Priorities for Austin's Future Austin is a Heat Island, and Trees are Part of the Solution UT Architecture Students Design for Climate Resilience Keep Austin Edible: Encouraging Austin-Grown Foods City Staff Investigate Biochar for Carbon Sequestration Change is in the Air: Assessing Austin's Air Quality graph: Ozone Trends in the Austin Area Comparing our Community's Carbon Footprint graph: Travis County Greenhouse Gas Inventory graph: Greenhouse Gas Emissions per Capita How We Take Stock of Community Emissions Community Climate Action: City Builds on Stakeholders' Bright Ideas A Local Way to Offset your Carbon is Coming New City Program Recognizes Local Companies that Go Green Business Climate: Green Jobs are a Reality in Austin Sustainability by the Numbers City Map Locates Austin's Sustainable Sites 11 11 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 16 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 A Message from the City Manager 22 more information Email: email@example.com Social Media: Facebook.com/AustinSustainability Office of Sustainability: AustinTexas.gov/Sustainability Climate Action Report Zach Baumer takes the helm at the Austin Climate Protection Program established a nationally recognized program with a great foundation. We have a long way to go toward our goals, but I am confident that we are on the right track and making progress. I am overwhelmed by the positive energy that we have around environmental issues both inside and outside the City. I'm also excited by the opportunity that this change presents us to not only improve the environment, but save money and make our city a healthier and happier place. What does a typical day in the life of Zach Baumer consist of? I Zach Baumer. Photo: Sarah Fusco n May 2011, the Austin Climate Protection Program gained fresh, energetic new leadership. After a national search, Austinite Zach Baumer was tapped as Climate Program Manager. Skilled with both data and people, Zach brings to the program a wealth of real-world experience as a consultant working with private industry and public sector clients on greenhouse gas inventories, protocols, reporting and reduction plans, and broader sustainability strategies. Zach earned an MBA in Sustainable Management from the Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco and holds dual undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from Purdue University in Indiana. We took this opportunity to ask him a few questions. Tackling climate change: Are we there yet? Over the past few years, the City of Austin has made great strides in addressing climate change and have I'm an early bird, which is a good thing because my newborn daughter Zoe is as well. I start the day by taking Zoe on a walk with my dog Cosmo, and then I get into the office early. As the voice of mitigation and adaptation for climate change within the City of Austin, I often present on our programs and progress and spend a lot of my time working with departments and external groups to complete a report, a study or a project. I am an engineer by training and am often called upon to help with technical issues and calculations behind our efforts on climate change. What inspires you most about your new position? Having spent the majority of my career in the private sector as a consultant, I am energized by the commitment of the City to making Austin the most livable city in the country. To me, a livable city is one that is safe, environmentally healthy, economically strong, artistic and creative, and most importantly has friendly neighborhoods to raise our children and children's children. Fossil fuel resources are finite and limited, but I'm excited about Austin being sustainable for the long term so we need better solutions. Climate change is a global problem, and this presents a perfect chance to show the world what a leader we are in technology, water efficiency, renewable energy, zero waste and transportation solutions. carbon sink • \kär-bən siŋk\ Anything that absorbs more carbon than it releases. Natural carbon sinks are trees, soil and the oceans. Climate Action Report The Big Picture | 01 austin's climate action leadership In 2011, the global scientific evidence and consensus is clear: The world is undoubtedly warming. Recognizing a responsibility to help contain climate change, as well as the local risks and impacts of rising temperatures, in 2007 the Austin City Council passed a resolution that led to creation of the Austin Climate Protection Program. The resolution committed the City to enact "policies, procedures, timelines, and targets as are necessary to make Austin the leading city in the nation in the effort to reduce and reverse the negative impacts of global warming." Today, scientists report that the measurable climate change now occurring—caused primarily by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHG) from human activities—is advancing even faster than projected in 2007. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has projected temperature increases by 2100 averaging two to 11.5 degrees Fahrenheit globally, with warming in the U.S. about 50 percent greater, according to the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. No one city can avert climate change alone. Austin is proud to be one of over 1,000 U.S. cities that have committed to collective effort by signing the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and launching into action. By setting a strong example for municipal climate action, Austin can lead the way and inspire others with innovative solutions. preparing austin for the unpredictable Central Texas has just had a brutally hot summer and is experiencing one of the worst droughts on record, leading to tragic wildfires that burned more than 30,000 acres, killed two people, and destroyed approximately 1,600 homes. The drought has killed trees, plants and wildlife and affected our entire ecosystem. Stressed wildlife must compete for scarce food and water: the drought affects the entire food chain. No one can say definitively global warming caused any single event. What we do know is that a pattern of increasing extreme weather events is consistent with climate change projections. 2011 has given us a taste of the future predicted by climate science. In Central Texas, we can learn from this year's record heat wave and drought to assess our vulnerabilities and take positive steps to manage risks in the decades to come. As global warming is already occurring, and the sources of GHG emissions continue, some future temperature rises are unavoidable. Lower Colorado River Authority modeling predicts that climate change is very likely to increase net evaporation and reduce stream flows in the Colorado River within this century. Extended drought conditions and water shortages are projected in the decades ahead as Texas warms. The City of Austin must begin planning to adapt to a changing climate in Central Texas. By teaming up with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control, the Climate Protection Program is looking at how climate change will impact health, food, emergency rescue, water, electricity and a host of other issues. How might emergency vehicle routes be impacted by flooding? Are vulnerable populations located within walking distance of food sources? Is Austin ready to receive disaster refugees from neighboring regions? Proactively working with other agencies to develop models and share information will help prepare us for the unpredictable. Working with other agencies to develop models and share information will help prepare us for the unpredictable. Climate adaptation • \klī-mət a-dap-tā-shən\ Efforts to anticipate and respond to likely climate change impacts such as shifts in temperature and rain patterns, viable crops, and the spread of diseases. Climate adaptation activities lead to climate resiliency. 02 | The Big Picture Climate Action Report Newsweek: New York Times: May 29, 2011 December 5, 2011 "In the U.S. alone, nearly 1,000 tornadoes have ripped across the heartland, killing more than 500 people and inflicting $9 billion in damage. The Midwest suffered the wettest April in 116 years, forcing the Mississippi to flood thousands of square miles, even as droughtplagued Texas suffered the driest month in a century. Worldwide, the litany of weather's extremes has reached biblical proportions. The 2010 heat wave in Russia killed an estimated 15,000 people. Floods in Australia and Pakistan killed 2,000 and left large swaths of each country under water. A monthslong drought in China has devastated millions of acres of farmland. And the temperature keeps rising: 2010 was the hottest year on earth since weather records began." Carbon dioxide "emissions rose 5.9 percent in 2010, according to an analysis released Sunday by the Global Carbon Project, an international collaboration of scientists tracking the numbers. Scientists with the group said the increase, a half-billion extra tons of carbon pumped into the air, was almost certainly the largest absolute jump in any year since the Industrial Revolution, and the largest percentage increase since 2003." extreme drought conditions persist in central texas u.s drought monitor: 12/13/2011 intensity: D0 Abnormally Dry D1 Drought–Moderate D2 Drought–Severe D3 Drought–Extreme D4 Drought–Exceptional drought impact types: Delineates Dominant Impacts Short-Term: typically <6 months (e.g. agriculture, grasslands) Long-Term: typically >6 months (e.g. hydrology, ecology) http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/ released: Thursday, december 15, 2011 authors: Matthew rosencrans, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (noaa) / National Weather Service (nws) / National Centers for Environmental Prediction (ncep) / Climate Protection Center (cpc) Climate Action Report The Big Picture | 03 world cities' goals Adapted from Carbon Disclosure Project Cities 2011: Global Report on C40 Cities. The cities listed below have reported specific greenhouse city government operations emission reduction targets around the world 0-10 Years 10-25 Years gas reduction targets to the Carbon Disclosure Project, with the exception of Seattle. >25 Years *City did not disclose a baseline city of: Addis Ababa 75% Austin 100% Bangkok 15% Buenos Aires 33% Changwon 20% Chicago 6% Copenhagen 20% Heidelberg* 20% Jakarta 30% London 80% Los Angeles 35% Melbourne 100% Milan 20% New Orleans 30% New York 30% Portland 10% Rotterdam 50% Seattle 80% Sydney 70% Philadelphia 12% Tokyo 10% Toronto 80% Warsaw 20% Yokohama 25% '85 04 | The Big Picture '90 '95 '00 '05 '10 '15 '20 '25 '30 '35 '40 '45 '50 Climate Action Report going climate neutral Reaching our greenhouse gas reduction targets 2012 All City Facilities Powered by Renewable Energy 2020 800 MW of New Energy Savings through Energy Efficiency & Conservation Only one other major cit y in the world— Melbourne, Australia—has a municipal climate act ion target as ag g ressive as t he Cit y of Austin's. Other major U.S. cities with reduction targets are shooting for less improvement within a longer timespan. Average targets equate to approximately 2.3 percent per year, according to the Carbon Disclosure Project. Our 2020 goal sets a tone of leadership and innovation in everything we do to address climate change. In t he four years t hat t he Aust in Climate Protection Program has shepherded Austin's pursuit of that goal—by developing 2020 35% Renewable Energy in the Utility's Portfolio 2020 All City of Austin Facilities, Fleets, & Operations Totally Carbon Neutral Austin's greenhouse gas inventories, leading the reduction efforts of City staff, and reaching out to the community—it has become clear that solutions to climate change are the same ones that keep our air breathable, our water clean, our economy vibrant and our communities healthy. When we have reduced our emissions as much as technology allows, we'll focus on maximizing our natural carbon sinks as well as investing in carbon reduction projects in Central Texas—building local jobs and regional prosperity. Solutions to climate change are the same ones that keep our air breathable, our water clean, our economy vibrant and our communities healthy. Adapted from original photo by Michael Knox, ASLA MtCO2e • Metric Ton Carbon Dioxide Equivalent The unit of measurement used as an international reporting standard for greenhouse gas emissions. There are 2204.62 lbs of CO2 in one metric ton. Climate Action Report The Big Picture | 05 city climate action team: 23 departments strong The City of Austin's oper- ational carbon footprint is shrinking. Twenty-three departmental plans; five b u i ld i ng pl a n s ; 1, 5 0 0 strategies; 219,111 metric tons of CO2 equivalent to go; nine more years: All are part of the complex calculation the Cit y of Austin is working to make its operations, facilities and vehicle fleets carbon neutral by 2020. Led by the Austin Climate Protection Program, a cross-departmental group of City of Austin staff has identified strategies that may look small on their own—buying renewable energ y, powering down computers and monitors, switching out inefficient lighting, eliminating plastic foam cups and vehicle idling—but will equal significant carbon reductions when implemented at the scale of the City of Austin's 11,000-plus staffers and scores of facilities. Since 2007, departmental teams have watched the overall municipal carbon footprint fall by more than 49,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. 2010 city department greenhouse gas emissions Photo: Jody Horton top 5 contributors 220,000 MTCO2e 27% Austin Energy 47% Austin Water 04% Austin Resource Recovery 07% Aviation 05% Austin Police Dept. 10% Other Departments 06 | City Government Impacts Climate Action Report making the greenchoice® for city departments & facilities City of Austin departments and facilities are now 100% powered by renewable energy As of October 1, 2012, 100 percent of the electr icit y used to power city facilities comes from Austin Energy's GreenChoice® program. Subscribers to the program are buying energy produced from entirely renewable sources like wind power and methane gas from landfills. The City of Austin is now the No. 2 city on the U.S. EPA's Top 20 Local Government list of green power purchasers—ranked by annual green power usage—and sells more renewable energy through a utility-sponsored, voluntary green-pricing energy program than any of the 850 other programs in the nation. (The City of Houston ranked No. 1, for purchasing 438,000,000 kWh. However, that represents only 34% of that city's energy usage. Austin's purchase of 406,000,000 kWh represents 100% of municipal energy usage.) city operations total energy consumption Greenchoice® Electricity Natural Gas In the last fiscal year, 55 percent of City of Austin electricity accounts—19 percent of total kilowatt hours (kWh) purchased—subscribed to GreenChoice. With the switch to 100 percent for the fiscal year that began October 1, 2011, the City will avoid more than 100,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year, which is by far the largest GHG reduction activity it has yet undertaken. The move makes good on City Council's 2007 commitment to power all City facilities with renewable energy by 2012—making a positive impact on health outcomes and health-care costs by improving air quality. Does it cost more? Yes, for the moment, but probably not over the long haul. The current fuel charge of just over 3 cents per kWh rises to 5.7 cents per kWh with GreenChoice Batch 6, the sixth offering of GreenChoice power. The good news is, the City will be locked into this rate for years into the future, reducing risk to future City budgets due to rising fossil fuel prices. In fact, subscribers to four of the six GreenChoice batches—including some City accounts—saved money when the regular fuel charge rose above their GreenChoice rate. Non-Greenchoice® Electricity actual Metric Tons of CO2 Equivalent forecast 2,000 250,000 1,600 200,000 1,200 150,000 800 100,000 400 50,000 mmbtu thousands 0 Climate Action Report mtco2e 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 0 City Government Impacts | 07 greenhouse gas emissions reductions 2007-2010 City of Austin Departments, Facilities and Fleet Total GHG Emissions 3,000 Emissions Avoided Emissions avoided based on baseline levels 2,500 2,000 mtco2e hundreds 1,500 2007 (baseline) 2008 2009 2010 government Operations Greenhouse Gas Emissions Breakdown Energy Water Use 300,000 Vehicle Fuel Use 269,249 Total MTCO2e 255,171 257,225 250,000 220,115 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 mtco2e 0 08 | City Government Impacts 2007 2008 2009 2010 Climate Action Report reducing emissions through renewable energy and alternative fuels The Austin Climate Protection Program prepares an annual greenhouse gas inventory for City of Austin municipal operations, which excludes Austin Energy power generation, wastewater treatment fugitive emissions, and the FM 812 landfill. The inventory provides a platform to evaluate and prioritize climate protection initiatives, and functions as a progress report in Austin's effort to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The 2010 municipal carbon footprint shows a reduction in GHG emissions since the baseline inventory conducted in 2007 that's equal to taking nearly 10,000 cars off the road for a year. The drop is due primarily to a large reduction in City of Austin vehicle emissions through hybrids and less carbon-intensive fuels, as well as purchase of renewable energy at City of Austin facilities through the Austin Energy GreenChoice® program. ambulances tap the sun for power A ustin -Tr a v i s on ambulances—13 have them so far—charge batteries C o u n t y E M S l e a d e r s so ambulances idle less at hospitals, meaning each uses learned that vehicle use 560 fewer gallons of gas per year. "Then we realized, made up more than 90 hey! You can save money doing that," says Rodriguez. percent of their opera- "For us, nothing is cast in stone. We are always looking tional carbon footprint, for better ways to do things, and luckily we have a lot of sirens went off. Director creative people." Ernesto Rodriguez knew they could do better. "Our rationale was, we can lead the way in protecting the c l i m at e — l e t 's e x p e r i ment and become the model," he says. The department purchased new, more fuel-efficient ambulances that, have led to a 47 percent improvement in ambulance miles per gallon and a 31 percent reduction in annual ambulance CO2 emissions (from 45.5 to 31.3 metric tons per ambulance) since October 2010, with no loss in speed or quality of care. The equipment paramedics use to care for patients (plus all those flashing lights) use a lot of energy to function properly. New solar panels W hen Climate Action Report City Government Impacts | 09 follow the fleet As of 2010, 58 percent of the City's fleet was hybrid, electric or alternative fuel capable. That includes more than 200 gasoline/electric hybrids, more than 500 flex-fuel ethanol vehicles, more than 200 propane vehicles, more than 30 all electric vehicles, and more than 1,800 diesel vehicles and equipment using B20 biodiesel blend. Since 2007, the City has increased purchases of E85 (ethanol) fuel to more than 220,000 gallons per year and B20 to more than 1.7 million gallons per year. E85 and B20 replaced traditional gasoline and diesel purchases by 300,000 gallons and 2.4 million gallons per year, respectively, in 2010. city government fuel use: 2007-2010 Compressed Natural Gas Propane E85 B20 Diesel Gasoline MTCO2e 10,000 60,000 52,166 50,000 8,000 43,293 41,673 43,321 40,000 6,000 30,000 4,000 20,000 2,000 10,000 fuel use in thousand gallons 0 10 | City Government Impacts mtco2e 2007 2008 2009 2010 0 Climate Action Report Bringing Climate Cool to School educating the next generation of climate stars M ary Priddy of the Off ice of Sustainabilit y br i ng s t he cl i mate protec t ion messag e to classrooms and assembly halls all over the Austin area. More than 1,350 students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Austin-area schools participated in Climate Protection outreach activities in the first six months of 2011. We gave Mary a pop quiz about her job. Why is it important to reach out to kids about climate protection? Kids are so open to ideas and change. Every kid's favorite question is "why?" If they understand the positive or negative impacts their actions may have on the planet, they'll be more inclined to make a positive choice. What is the most inspiring part of your job? Seeing just how ing rained conser vation is in kids' daily actions at a young age. They recycle, for instance, because it is what they've always done and they will likely pass these practices off to their own children someday. That gives me hope. Mary Priddy. Any favorite anecdotes to share? I ran into a child whose school I had recently visited, and his mother greeted me w it h "Oh, you're t hat Mar y." Apparent ly, after my lesson on unplugging appliances to avoid "vampire loads"— electricity being used by appliances while they're plugged in but not in use— the child was unplugging ever y t h i ng…whet her it was in use or not. Survey Says... In spring of 2010 more than 1,300 Austinites responded to a City of Austin survey about priorities for our region's future. The following percentages of respondents agreed that the identified elements should be a part of Austin's future. Climate Action Report 94% Adequate Water Supply 82% Energy Conservation 91% Clean Rivers, Creeks and Springs 80% Environmental and Natural Resources Protection 68% Climate Protection 70% Increased Local Food Production Community Climate Action | 11 " Austin just won't be Austin if it doesn't have trees." Trees are the keys Austin is a heat island, and trees are part of the solution C ity of austin Heat Island program coordinator Leah Haynie is the Austin Climate Protection Program's resident treehugger—not to mention tree planter, educator, and advocate. Haynie works to ensure trees are incorporated in city building projects, and NeighborWoods, which provides free trees to residents in areas with low tree cover. She'll remind you that covering 40% of Austin with trees could lower peak summer temperatures by as much as two degrees—and keep our city a beautiful, livable oasis all year round. What are the challenges involved with growing and maintaining our urban forest? Drought and an aging tree population are two big challenges. Proper mulching and watering are key to keeping our trees alive; in this drought, even established trees need watering. Continually planting new, hardy native trees to keep our city green in the decades ahead is just as important. Why is planting and caring for trees an important element of the City's work? In a nutshell, they reduce localized temperatures and sequester carbon, reduce energy use and stormwater runoff and erosion, and provide habitat as an integral part of our urban ecosystem. Our urban forest has the potential to store more than 100,000 tons of CO2 per year, according to estimates by the Parks and Recreation Department. These are the tangible reasons why the City is working hard to grow the urban forest. But the softer reasons have to do with love of Austin and its connection with trees. We know that Austin just won't be Austin if it doesn't have trees. How many trees does the City plant each year? More than 6,000 trees were planted through City of Austin programs in 2010—in parks, rights-of-way, and on private property throughout Austin. Austin's commercial development requirements also result in extensive tree-planting by the private sector. Leah Haynie. Photo: Sarah Fusco next-gen design Students at the University of Texas School of Architecture draw up plans for our changing climate The next generation of urban designers will face ne w c h a l leng e s a s ou r climate changes. Students at the University of Texas S c ho ol of A rc h ite c t u r e got a head start on designing a resilient city through a Fall 2011 design studio focused on applying design principles to the challenge of climate change, taught by professor Fernando Lara with the help of studio adv i ser s Ma rc Couder t a nd D yla n Sieg ler of t he Climate Action Report Office of Sustainability. The class looked at Austin's swing between droughts and f loods and its impact on how our city is designed and built. Guest lecturers included City staff from the Watershed Protection Department and Austin Water, and staff from Austin/ Tr av i s C ou nt y Hea lt h a nd Hu m a n S er v ic e s a nd Adaptation International, a local nonprofit focused on climate adaptation. Final student design projects were exhibited at City Hall in an effort to educate the Austin community to inspire action on climate change and adaptation. Community Climate Action | 13 keep austin edible Don't let your dinner outpace you in airline miles seven percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture—that's due to its transportation to your plate as well as fertilizer use, livestock and electricity use. And once you include the energy and emissions embedded in the modern factory food system, the greenhouse gas burden is closer to 30 percent. Many Austinites reduce that burden—and save money—by growing their own produce at home or in one of the city's 18 community gardens, which cover more than 100 acres. In August 2011, the New Day Community Garden in East Austin was the first to earn the new City-Endorsed Community Garden designation, which allows gardens to obtain water tap permits, exempts them from paying substantial fees associated with the installation of water infrastructure, and allows the City to recognize community gardens as legitimate entities. Other new City of Austin programs are in the works to further support community gardens helmed by community members, increasing Austin's food security. There are also more than 10 farms in Austin and 114 in the five-county region. Their goods are available at large local farmers' markets throughout the week, neighborhood markets and stands, and community supported agriculture programs all over Austin. New Day Community Garden. Photo: Mandi Golman Sepulveda charring a new course City staff investigate an innovative sequestration option David Greene of Austin Water displays potential biochar feedstocks. Photo: Dylan Siegler 14 | Community Climate Action charcoal you don't grill over—what's the point? Carbon sequestration, for one. While cutting our carbon emissions will slow the increase in CO2 levels, reducing existing CO2 levels to cool the climate may require something more. Plants and trees naturally use CO2 to grow, and when a plant dies most of the carbon quickly becomes CO2 again. This cycling of "biological carbon," as it is known, happens on the scale of a few years. But carbon in the form of charcoal, or biochar, is much more stable, taking perhaps centuries to cycle back to CO2, recent science suggests. City of Austin staff from many departments have formed a working group to better understand how the use of biochar, among other land management strategies, might help Austin biologically sequester more carbon. The working group is "monitoring the research, identifying potential projects, and learning about how biological carbon sequestration might contribute to the overall climate strategy at the City of Austin," says David Greene, who coordinates the climate program for Austin Water. Climate Action Report change is in the air Assessing Austin's air quality everyone wants clean air to breathe, and many of the same measures that protect air quality also protect the climate. Air quality in Austin is better than in many of our peer cities, but it's not perfect. Ozone is the main air pollutant that threatens public health in the Austin area, and it's regulated through standards set by the U.S. EPA. The Austin area's average ozone levels have been decreasing for more than a decade, primarily due to cleaner emissions from cars and trucks. And research suggests that much of our ozone burden is imported to the Austin area from upwind, meaning many sources of high ozone are beyond local control. But as the Austin-area population grows, more vehicles burden our airshed. City of Austin Air Quality programs are part of the solution. In 2010, Climate Protection Program staff coordinated the Walk, Bike & Roll Challenge, an alternative commute program that rewards City of Austin employees with prizes for when they walk, bike, carpool or take transit to work. It resulted in 25,094 single-occupancy vehicle trips avoided. In 2011, Air Quality programs and staff became part of the City's Transportation Department, to create an even tighter connection to mobility choices. How does air quality affect you? Young children, the elderly, and people with health problems such as asthma, other respiratory conditions, and heart and lung disease can have serious trouble breathing on high-ozone days. Children and athletes breathe at a faster rate, taking in more pollution than adults at rest. Ozone can also irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and it is linked to illnesses from bronchitis to lung cancer. ozone trends in the austin area 1999-2010 Austin Area Ozone "Design Value" 2008 Ozone Standard 1997 Ozone Standard 100 89 89 88 90 85 84 85 82 82 80 77 80 75 74 8-hr ozone (parts per billion) 70 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Ozone in Austin's five-county region has been trending downward since 1999, likely due to cleaner cars and trucks in Austin and upwind. Graphed here is Austin's "design value," a statistic that reflects the region's average ozone level. It is compared to the U.S. EPA's health-based standard to determine attainment status. Eight-hour ozone is the surface ozone concentration in parts per billion (PPB) backward averaged over 8 hours. Climate Action Report Community Climate Action | 15 measuring up Comparing our community's carbon footprint On average, each Travis Count y resident was r e s p on s i ble for ap p r ox imately 15 met r ic tons of CO2 emissions from energy use (electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuel) in 2010. Comparatively, the average U.S. resident is responsible for roughly 19 metric tons of energy-related CO2 emissions per year, and the aver- age Texas resident emits approximately 25 metric tons of energy-related CO2 per year. Travis County residents' per capita carbon footprints are roughly 21 percent smaller than that of their U.S. counterparts and 40 percent smaller than the average Texan's carbon footprint. Why are we nearly half the Texas average? In part, it's because Texas oil and gas refineries and other heavy industries, operate outside Central Texas. travis county greenhouse gas inventory est. 14.9 Million MTCO2e <1% Wastewater Treatment 11% Waste 36% Transportation 53% Energy greenhouse gas emissions per capita Metric Tons CO2e per Capita Average Texan 25 Average U.S. Resident 19 Average Travis County Resident 16 | Community Climate Action 15 Climate Action Report Counting our CO2 How the Austin Climate Protection Program takes stock of community emissions W hat gets measured can get managed, a n d t h a t 's w h y t h e A u s t i n C l i m a t e Protection Program calculates a community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. The inventor y takes data from energ y, water, transportation, materials and waste emissions sources from the Travis County area and converts them to a CO2 emission equivalent. This includes the City of Austin's municipal operations plus residential, industrial, and commercial entities. Knowing baseline emissions levels allows us to develop emissions reduction strategies for residents, businesses and institutions, and track whether GHG emissions are increasing or dropping. Jenell Moffett of the Austin Climate Protection Program took a break from her spreadsheets to share how she makes the inventory happen. How do you collect the data for the community greenhouse gas inventory? and protocols are constantly changing. Managing these changes makes it a work in progress. What's great about being our inventory guru? The most rewarding part is to see the inventory go to work: plans implemented, targets met, and emissions reduced with the inventor y as the foundation. The graphs are fun too—they are my illustration to the story. Is there anything about the process that would surprise us? Not much about the process is sur pr ising, but the trends can be very satisfying. Whether it's hybrid cars or renewable power, the evidence of their benefits is in the inventory. It shows that every emission has a source, and we as a community have the power to influence our impacts—our greenhouse gas emissions are something that we control. We use anonymous electricity use information for Austin homes and businesses provided to us by Austin Energy, as well as modeled data based on population and usage patterns, such as estimates of the number of vehicle miles traveled in Travis County. We are always working to improve the accuracy of the data. What kind of tools do you use to do your job? Currently, most of our analysis is done in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. I use a pink calculator, a notebook, and a mechanical pencil. I keep GHG emission protocols nearby and refer to various conversion and emission factors tables regularly. What is the hardest part of completing a greenhouse gas inventory? It is a manual process. You have to add, subtract, multiply, divide, sort, and query thousands of records over and over again to get the data as accurate as possible. Boundaries, emission factors, data sources, contacts, Jenell Moffett. Photo: Sarah Fusco Every emission has a source, and we as a community have the power to influence our impacts. greenhouse gas mitigation • \grēn-haus gas mi-tə-gā-shən\ Efforts to reduce the production or effects of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. Climate Action Report Community Climate Action | 17 climate of action Building on the community's bright ideas for a cooler city More than 100 Austinites came together in 2010 to answer a seemingly straightforward question: How can the Austin community reduce its greenhouse gas emissions? The group brainstormed more than 50 actions that residents and businesses can take to reduce their carbon emissions, some of which are already being carried out. Austin Climate Protection Community participants in a March 2010 Climate Protection work session. Program staff are building on the foundation of that initial set of solutions, ensuring that the Imagine Austin comprehensive plan aligns and developing initiatives designed to make greenhouse gas reductions easier to achieve. Meanwhile, with the help of dedicated stakeholders, the recommended actions have been distilled into a roadmap to continue to guide the reduction of the community's greenhouse gas emissions in Central Texas. Community Greenhouse Gas Reduction Roadmap energy • Prepare for drought for transportation food • Expand energy efficency programs waste • Plan for emergency transportation • Develop Austin food-growing • Increase on-site renewable • Advance green purchasing practices • Match transportation options to capacity and local food availability energy systems • Divert waste from landfills residents • Ensure local capacity to meet • Diversify energy sources • Engage in green economic • Use new roadway material food needs • Incorporate climate change into development land use • Identify best crops and farming energy projections • Insure adequate supply of materi- • Promote infill and mixed-use methods in light of predicted • Provide affordable energy als for emergencies redevelopment near services to climate-related stresses • Emphasize locally sourced materials reduce sprawl • Develop transportation routes, • Expand water efficiency programs • Plan for debris management • Preserve undeveloped land and lines of communication, and • Increase on-site water harvesting • Manage landfills over the term protect sensitive environmental better coordination with other • Advance green infrastructure transportation features government entities to ensure • Diversify water sources • Increase access to public transit • Use compact development to food security • Strengthen flood response • Encourage walking and biking prepare for extreme events • Consider human health impacts • Make available alternative fuels • Decrease the urban heat island water a local way to offset your carbon is coming If a tree is planted in the forest but no one's there to see it, does it make a difference? Paying for tree-planting in the rainforest is one way to offset your carbon emissions —a purchase that reduces global CO2 emissions, to compensate for those we can't yet eliminate ourselves. But it's perhaps more motivating to offset your carbon footprint in a way that also improves Austin tang ibly. That's what the Austin Climate Protection Program aimed for when developing a new way to offset your carbon emissions through worthy local projects you can see for yourself. Soon, individuals will be able to support local tree-planting (through the nonprofit TreeFolks), cooling and cleaning our air while beautifying the city. Alternatively, individuals or organizations can support solar panels on the roof of the Yellow Bike Project (YBP) in East Austin, an all-volunteer 18 | Community Climate Action Tree planting is one way to offset carbon emissions. initiative to put bicycles on our streets through bike advocacy and education about bike maintenance. Further offsets will be generated by solar panels atop M Station, a new 150-unit green affordable multifamily community near the MLK MetroRail stop. Austin Energy is funding the projects and verifying the impacts, and you'll be able to register your support in 2012. Climate Action Report Are you an Austin Green Business Leader? New City program recognizes local companies that go green T he number of businesses in the Austin area has grown despite the limping economy—the number of businesses with 99 or fewer employees grew by 1.5 percent in Austin between 2007 and 2008 (the latest period covered by official statistics), while no other market did better than 0.6 percent. Austin's growth is expected to continue, and our promising economic outlook presents an opportunity for the City of Austin to help new and existing businesses become more sustainable. The Office of Sustainability has convened a core group of City staff from across multiple departments to guide Austin Green Business Leaders, an initiative that will provide local businesses with tools, resources, and assistance through the City's existing sustainability programs. The program will also recognize companies that demonstrate commitment to ecofriendly practices. Marc Coudert of the Austin Climate Protection Program coordinates the group. are heard. The Austin Green Business Leaders will provide public recognition for the great work that local businesses are doing and provide a forum for other businesses to learn from them. What's the best part of your job coordinating this program? We are responsible for connecting the dots, making sure the energetic and creative individuals who are working toward the same ends share resources, lessons learned and accomplishments. Austin Green Business Leaders brings together vibrant local businesses with City and Capital Metro experts in areas such as zero waste, energy savings, and alternative commuting. There is such an energetic and creative undercurrent in Austin, and this program taps into it. How can a local business participate in the Austin Green Business Leaders program? Starting in 2012, Austin businesses will have the opportunity to commit to actions focused on reducing waste, water, vehicle miles traveled and energy use. They will then document their progress going green, and will be recognized for their success. When we say "green," we mean both in terms of environmental impact and saving money. Why is this important for Austin right now? The Austin business community is very active in sustainability and we want to make sure those stories Marc Coudert. Photo: Sarah Fusco business climate Green jobs are a reality in Austin C limate capitalists believe that the best route to building our economy, growing our city and expanding job markets is to solve problems that contribute to climate change while turning a profit. In Austin as in the rest of the country, business leaders are entering the growing markets for renewable energy technologies, sustainable agriculture, green building, and alternative transportation. Others, from start-up entrepreneurs to huge corporations to government offices, are optimizing their use of energy and resources. It makes operational sense, cuts costs, and can boost overall profitability. Research by Goldman Sachs has revealed that the leading companies in envi- Climate Action Report ronment, social and good governance policy have 25 percent higher stock value than their less sustainable competitors. Since 2008, these sustainability leaders also have had the fastest-growing stock value. Austin is one of the nation's most progressive and proactive entrepreneurial centers, according to Entrepreneur.com. In late 2010, the City's Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office negotiated an economic development incentive proposal with SunPower Corp., a leader in commercial and residential solar installations. The company is expected to create approximately 450 jobs here over a 10-year period. The Texas Workforce Commission estimated in 2009 that green industries in Austin—including clean energy tech—employed 45,672 people; in 2010, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce tallied 175 clean energy technology companies in the city. Community Climate Action | 19 sustainability by the numbers $7,496,700 Department of Energy funds received by Austin Energ y under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The federal funds have paid for major mechanical renovations and controls audits and upgrades for City facilities from fire stations to the Mexican American Cultural Center; lighting improvements indoors and out (including the parking garage at City Hall); commissioning—confirming that building systems function correctly—at the City's 14 largest buildings; and other energy efficiency retrofits. The stimulus dollars also bought a biogas generator for the Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant, which processes the sewage solids from all of Austin's wastewater plants. The generator (part of a larger upgrade of the plant being funded through a separate multimillion-dollar ARRA zero interest loan) will use methane from the sludge treatment process to generate renewable power—more than is needed to run the plant. 5 The number of materials Austin multifamily and commercial properties will be required to recycle beginning in October 2012 under the Universal Recycling Ordinance, including office paper, plastic #1 and #2, glass, corrugated cardboard, and aluminum. Compliance with the ordinance will be phased in by type and size of property. 9,400 Acres of land occupied by farms in Austin's five county region. 469 Number of wildland fires in the Austin Fire Department service territory in the first seven months of 2011. 20 | Community Climate Action 7,566 Total gallons of 100 percent post-consumer, reblended low-VOC flat paint made from paint collected at the City of Austin's Household Hazardous Waste facility since July 2010. The paint, known as Austin Reblend, is free to residential or civic projects and comes in two neutral colors. Every gallon made diverts the same amount from the landfill. 13,611 The number of tons of CO2 equivalent reduced through alternative fuel vehicle use and other means by Central Texas Clean Cities participating fleets reporting in 2010. Central Texas Clean Cities is a volunteer coalition of public and private fleets that work to reduce petroleum consumption. 90 The number of Austin days with temperatures of at least 100 degrees in 2011. That's the most 100 degree days in Austin in a year since 1895. 6 Number of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), that are known to drive climate change. 912 6,000 Number of trees planted through City of Austin programs in 2010. 163 Gallons of water used per capita per day in Austin, expressed as a five-year rolling average. In 2010 Austin City Council approved a policy to reduce Austin's per capita water use to below 140 gallons per capita per day by 2020. City of Austin employees who attended Austin Climate Protection Program-led trainings in 2011. Represented departments included Health and Human Services, the Convention Center, Public Works, the Library, Austin Energy, Communications and Technology Management, and the Parks and Recreation Department. Climate Action Report finding green gems in the rough New map locates downtown Austin's most sustainable sites what makes d o w n t o w n A u s t i n "g r e e n" ? Grab a 2011 Green Gems Map, hop on your bike or lace up your walking shoes and find out. This handy street plan and narrative guide includes local-productfocused restaurants, sustainably designed buildings, g reen inf rast r uct ure feat ures, resource recover y spaces, and human-powered, urban nature-oriented ways to get there. Download your complete copy at: www.austintexas.gov/sustainability. GREEN GEMS MAP 2011 Discover Sustainable Downtown Austin Tour Green Buildings, Local-Food Eateries, Cultural Sites, Biking & Walking Features, Rail Transit, Farmers Market, Recycling Centers, Urban Nature & More Office of Sustainability !4 MELLOW jOHNNY'S bIKE SHOP 400 Nueces St. CHArGING STATIONS 707 E. Ninth Street !9 bIGbELLY #8 ST. PE LAV AC A DA LU R ST . E. E. ST. ST. E. S IX TH H ST . E. NT HS T. E IG N IN HT NT TH HS T. HS T. S T. S T. TH S T. RED E D R. D R IS 507 Pressler St. K IL ST. ID 35 290 S T. ER RS ST CO E. F IR VE SS T. IT Y R IV ST. ER ST. F IF E. VE TE A ST . ER ST. SE ST . LY DI OS ST . ST. ST. HES R IV RED NEC MA RC TO C IN ST. IT Y T R IN SA N BRA JA N CO ZO S NG ST. R E SS B LV D. AV E . O ST . ST. LO R AD LAV AC A CO ND GRA R IO D ST . ER ST . WAL LE IO ST . ST. DA LU PE S ST . TO N ECE AN NU ST WE W BO RB LV D . W .R I 200 Congress Ave. E. F IR L ST . ST S T. TrACE (AT THE W HOTEL) 200 Lavaca St. WALTON'S FANCY & STAPLE 609 W. Sixth St. WINK 1014 N. Lamar Blvd. BA RT ON SP RI RD. NG S EAST SIDE SHOWrOOM 1100 E. Sixth St. bLUE DAHLIA 1115 E. 11th St. 500 ft. 200 m. SOLAr COMPACTOrS Please give us your feedback about this map: email@example.com Climate Action Report TH N IP 11 TH WA LL TNT (TACO AND TEqUILA) HTH NM AR SECOND bAr + KITCHEN E. E IG H ST . R IV ER SP W IL EN S T. CE S T. GA E Recycling !8 ECOLOGY ACTION 310 Congress Ave. PArKSIDE 310 Congress Ave. #3 #7 LVD . 400 W. Second St. #2 #6 E. T H IR NB LAK !7 ELECTrIC VEHICLE MANUEL'S #5 W. SEW CIL OLI ND EN ST EL . SO D Y B IR bICYCLE brIDGE OVEr LADY bIrD LAKE S T. E LAD !5 LANCE ArMSTrONG bIKEWAY !6 PFLUGEr PEDESTrIAN/ #0 #4 E. F IF E. F OU RT 626 N. Lamar Blvd. LA CONDESA ENT AV E . 401 E. Fourth St. LAK ST. E A ST !3 METrOrAIL DOWNTOWN STATION IRD CHA VEZ Y ST . COrrAL 711 Red River St. YB AR COUNTEr CAFé @9 #1 W. CES TH R A IN S. First St. at Live Oak !2 b I K E CHEz NOUS 510 Neches St. LAD T R IN 600 River St. Mobility !1 SOLAr PUMP CHArGING STATION 24 DINEr AV E . !0 E . SI X 419 W. Second St. 600 N. Lamar Blvd. TH E. SS @8 Eighth & Congress LEAF SALAD ST. D ST . GRE @7 9 PAUL rObbINS DOWNTOWN MEXICAN AMErICAN CULTUrAL CENTEr W. T H IR S T. Green/Sustainable Infrastructure RTH DS T. E. ST @6 300 San Antonio St. ON E . SE V S. F IR @5 904 Lydia St. DISTrICT COOLING PLANT W. SEC ST. W. FOU 422 Guadalupe St. 8 CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GrILL TH ST . ST . PILOT PrOjECT W. F IF IR D JU ST. HO L LY ST 7 THE ALLEY FLAT INITIATIVE AUSTIN FArMErS MArKET DOWNTOWN ST. E. N IN OLIV E ST. TH SA Restaurants that source local foods when possible. @4 525 N. Lamar Blvd. TH E. T EN RD EN LO W S T. S T. S T. F IR 300 W. Sixth St. 6 WHOLE FOODS MArKET Local Food W. TH S. 5 CArr AMErICA Cesar Chavez at Lamar Blvd. GrOW GrEEN DEMONSTrATION GArDENS One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd. S T. 290 ST. S. C ON 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. MA @3 LA 4 THE AUSTONIAN W. SI X N. 200 Congress Ave. G UA bIOFILTrATION POND 3 AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTEr TH ST. @2 AUSTIN CITY LIMITS LIVE EN ST. 35 E . 11 TH LAV AC A TrASH bOOMS ON LADY bIrD LAKE UrbAN bAT COLONY Ann Richards Congress Ave. Bridge SA N @1 H ST . E ST . 2 W HOTEL & CONDOS/ ST. W. SEV ST . @0 HTH IE Ecology and Wildlife 1 AUSTIN CITY HALL 200 Lavaca St. W. E IG S T. Green Building 301 Willie Nelson Blvd. (W. 2nd St.) K See detailed descriptions on back TH L E . 12 TH EE GREEN GEMS Points of Interest UR S T. AV E . ST . W. FO TH STA TE C API TO ST. SA N . S T. RB LV D OR N. PR BL BA YL HS T. R LC TH W. TEN T S H OA W. F IF W. N IN ST. MA ST . NT LA ST . VE CO TH ES SL ER W. S IX W. SE AN ST . W. 11 TH G UA W. 12 TH ST. Photo: Michael Knox, ASLA LA MB IE S T. Community Climate Action | 21 A Message from the City Manager W hen the Mayor and City Council enacted the ambitious Austin Climate Protection Plan in early 2007, they set one of the highest bars in the world for municipal greenhouse gas reductions by 2020. The City was boldly entering uncharted territory in a fast-changing and uncertain regulatory and energy environment with no real blueprint to follow. Four years later, I'm proud of how we have tackled that learning curve. Our interdepartmental Climate Action Team has developed detailed plans to lower the carbon footprints of each and every City department. Greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations have been reduced significantly. For this work, the City received top national recognition in 2010 from ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA. Even if climate change were not an issue, it just makes good management sense to consume less energy, water and other resources. It's part of being the BestManaged City. I'm pleased that our Off ice of Sustainabilit y, launched in September 2010, is providing strong, centralized leadership, oversight and coordination of the City's environmental, climate and sustainability policies, practices and programs. We're also integrating our comprehensive plan, departmental and mobility long-range plans, and capital improvement project program around a focus on smart investments, livability and sustainability. Those initiatives can help to lower the whole community's carbon footprint. To meet the requirements of the original City Council Climate Protection resolution, since October 1, 2011 the City is purchasing enough renewable GreenChoice® power to 100 percent power all municipal departments and operations, making us truly a national climate action leader. As the Central Texas climate gradually becomes warmer, with more drought and other extreme weather events, prudent risk mitigation requires that we take steps to prepare now. Let's make sure that your children and mine—and their children too—are able to enjoy the enviable quality of life we enjoy in Austin today. Marc a. Ott City Manager | City of Austin 20 | A Message from the City Manager Climate Action Report City of Austin office of sustainability 2010-2011 more information firstname.lastname@example.com AustinTexas.gov/Sustainability Facebook.com/AustinSustainability


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So, I've been taking lessons for the past 4 months I think its been? My instructor and I have been working on walking, trotting, lunging and just a touch of canter work. She's mentioned numerous times about taking me to compete in a very low level competition. Only equitation I would imagine! I'm not sure how I feel about this. I have horrible stage fright, I hate large groups of people, its just not my thing. I kind of what to have the experience of showing but I'm really not sure I actually want to show.
The only reason I'm taking lessons is to become more confident of a rider for when I get a horse of my own again. I've learned a LOT and I'm sooo much more confident than I was when I first started but I'm still not to the point of where I think I would be comfortable with my experience (what little I have) at a show.
Anyone else have this problem?
Any suggestions?
I'm kind of worried that if I do decide to go to a show, that I'll freeze up or blank when I get there. =/

subset: commoncrawl


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Last edited by sourgasm; June 27th, 2009 at 01:55 AM.
Don't get me wrong. Technical knowledge is and will always be a priority. What I'm trying to do though, is to eventually strip it down to its absolute core and essence. That way the picture might not be 100% realistic but it will convey its subject undoubtedly and with such force that will leave the viewer staggering.
Thanks for looking.
I get that. The problem is, a lot of these images have taken that "simplicity of idea" and applied it to the entire approach and presentation- more a methodology than an idea. Choosing a random painting for example, I grabbed this guy:
We don't have any reason to care about that creature. Compositionally, its just stuck in the middle of a vaguely implied background. Thematically, its just another alien thing. Conceptually, there hasn't been enough attention given to the actual design of the creature. If you want the viewer to get involved, you have to get more involved in the process as well. Think about what the purpose of this creature is, spend some time adapting his body to that purpose and then, if you choose to present us with an illustration of this creature, place it in a situation that relays all of your ideas in an interesting manner. If you choose to present us with concept art of the creature, spend more time working on the actual concept itself.
Presenting things simply and allowing your viewer to write their own story are pretty important goals, but providing the former does not ensure the latter.
If your intent was simply to provide an example of your cintiq experiments, then the only issue is that you should be posting in a sketchbook, rather than the finally finished section.
Sorry for the windbag response ;P
Last edited by sourgasm; June 27th, 2009 at 08:42 AM.
No offence taken sourgasm
I really appreciate your comments and suggestions. I will surely take them into consideration.
Though, I'm not a concept artist per se. I'm a proffessional graphic designer that happens to have been drawing all his life. Thus, the artworks I post here are made by me for my own personal amusement. I love getting critiqs, opinions and suggestions regarding each one on its own merits; as a picture. As you can see I'm experimenting with many different styles and subjects (although I do tend towards the darker side of the force ) trying to stay away from just a distinctive one.
I'm not doing it in a sketchbook (although there's much more traffic there) because those are not sketches. At least for me. I put a lot of thought and time into each one but I always try not to exceed 3-5 hours as a self challenge. I don't post my exercises, sketches and colour palletes here.
If you ask me what I'm doing here when I 'm not a concept artist I'll tell you that I love this community and I take to heart everything I read, see and hear.
You don't have to be a concept artist to post here, of course. Its always good to push your boundaries, especially with two fields that interrelate so well. You should try to work the two together even more. A lot of people are responding well to your use of texture overlays, maybe try pushing your design elements into the creatures and what not? Mess around with shape design and even font manipulation (a graphic design standard) can lead to interesting illustration ideas. Fusing the two practices can make transitioning easier and more fun.
Check out Dave McKean and Jason Felix to get a better idea of what I mean, if you haven't seen their stuff already.
I don't want to do more graphic design for my entertainment. I want to explore pure painting but in dirty and digital ways.
Thanks for taking the time to converse though, even though I'm a hardhead.
Here's one more painterly and dirty digital picture. Fresh from the oven.
Here's something a bit more graphic-design-y. I'm not so sure about it. It also has a spelling error.
Mr. plouffe inspired me big time
the composition looks really nice... I like this house and colors very much... Only crit I have: I think there are too much textures this time... This texture is very nice but in this kind of picture I think it could be more delicate... keep posting cheers
jameli: Thanks again
The thing is that I like that heavy texturing. It makes the picture look like we've zoomed in in a detail.
One more square enviroment. I aimed for the colour palette that was used on most of the sci-fi pulp books in the '60s.
I think that's my best so far. It has its mistakes but I like it on the whole.
Very interesting work! I love the creative and imaginative work.
One crit: You tend to overdo things, most of the times you use textures too much or you make it a bit too sharp. Try to be carefull with these things.
One advice: Maybe work on a piece a little longer, these drawings look neat, but it doesnt look really finished yet. It looks like you got a lot of ideas but you can't really stick with one idea for long to really complete it.
ps: Ive gotten cintiq 12 too, it owns indeed ^^.
Keep it up man!
DeJakhalz: Thanks mate
I like the dirty, hard look of over the top textures. I aim for that look since it gives each piece an authentic tone which I long for on the clean too "digital" looking works. I'll try toning it down but not by a large margin.
I plan to work on some piece a while longer but for now my time is limited and I want to do many different things.
Thanks for looking and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it!
Run for your lives!
Please don't judge it as concept art. It started like that but I took it in other directions.
I'm trying some more complicated stuff. My bad knowledge of anatomy shows plainly but I'm trying to improve it daily with exercises.
Macbeth's witches.
I want some of the drugs you been taking lol
really nice light and composition Grue about anatomy - there's something wrong with their elbows and with whole arms of witch on the right... Hmmm and I was thinking that it would look great when some pieces of their faces will be lit too - more dramatic ^^... but it's just my subjective opinion cheers... and keep on that more complicated stuff
My portfolio: http://jameli.carbonmade.com/
Karen Stidham: Heheh, no drugs at all and I even quit smoking this year.
jameli: Thanks jameli I think I don't care so much about the anatomy (everybody will go for my throat now ) as long as the general atmosphere of the piece satisfies me somewhat.
Here are two quickies of today.
to state the obvious, care about anatomy. care about it way more than atmosphere when illustrating with human figures, for sure. all that atmosphere goes down the drain when all we see is shoddy anatomy.
study without thorough accuracy is a bad idea in general. if you're going to post in the finally finished section and say "I didn't really care about anatomy," you'll end up getting flamed like crazy. a good chunk of people who submit work as finished pour over anatomy for years, and continue to do so. so writing it off as secondary to atmosphere just comes off really lazy, and your work only suffers from it.
sourgasm: I've never downplayed the anatomy. I'm only talking about myself saying that my stuff -in my eyes- work on a different foundation. As I've said before I'm not doing concept art, just trying to do art in my lopsided way. That doesn't mean that I don't listen to your advice, I do, and I'm still working on the anatomy. But until I've grasped it somewhat I will continue to also finish stuff.
It's cool, but if you throw up an illustration/painting/conceptart/doodle featuring a human, and the anatomy is wrong, someone will point it out. If they point it out, and your response is "i didn't care," you're likely to get flamed no matter what the reasoning behind that apathy
I think you'll find that if you hammer away at foundational knowledge fundamentals, when you do crank out an experimental illustration, it will be far better for that practice. Laying down experiment after experiment is fun and what not, but it doesn't do anything for the inherent understanding necessary to pull work straight out of your head.
Check out the sketchbooks of guys like algenpfleger to see that kind of intent in action. Pays off like crazy if you stick with it.
Last edited by sourgasm; July 8th, 2009 at 01:43 AM.
Ok, here's today's nonhuman thingie
I went to the dentist again today.
Been reading China Mieville's "The city & the city".
Inspired by Romero's Dawn Of The Dead.
An earless shady guy .
Here's on from the Daily Sketch challenge, a bit off topic so I'm posting it here.
Trying new things.
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text: Finance < Prior Page Page 2 of 11 Next Page > China takes desperate measures to stop stock drop By June ChengPosted July 9, 2015China | A hodgepodge of desperate measures has finally stopped the Chinese stock market's monthlong spiral, which has generated a $3 trillion loss in share value… [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/07/china_takes_desperate_measures_to_stop_stock_drop] Dollars and Sense: Markets shrug off Greek drama By Warren Cole SmithPosted July 6, 2015Money | Greece rejects austerity measures. More than 61 percent of Greeks voted on Sunday to reject austerity measures set forth by the International Monetary Fund as… [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/07/dollars_and_sense_markets_shrug_off_greek_drama] Tempted to borrow more money? By Bill NewtonPosted July 4, 2015Finance | A married couple sat down with me for financial counseling and asked, "The television ad said we could qualify for a mortgage of 100 percent of the value of… [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/07/tempted_to_borrow_more_money] Dollars and Sense: Government manipulation and market distortion By Warren Cole SmithPosted June 8, 2015Money | Government manipulation. It has been a strange couple of weeks, even months, in the stock market. The U.S. economy keeps growing, but it's slow and not… [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/06/dollars_and_sense_government_manipulation_and_market_distortion] Dollars and Sense: Mixed economic news hasn't hurt the stock markets—yet By Warren Cole SmithPosted June 1, 2015Money | Bad news is good news. The stock markets keep setting record highs, but the economy itself seems to be sputtering. The explanation is pretty simple: [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/06/dollars_and_sense_mixed_economic_news_hasn_t_hurt_the_stock_markets_yet] Dollars and Sense: Record highs on mixed news—the Fed speaks again By Warren Cole SmithPosted May 25, 2015Money | Record highs. Last Monday, the Dow and the S&P 500 hit new records, and then again several times later in the week these indexes bounced around and hit… [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/05/dollars_and_sense_record_highs_on_mixed_news_means_the_fed_has_spoken_again] Midday Roundup: California crews work to clean oiled beaches, wildlife By Leigh JonesPosted May 21, 2015Newsworthy | Befouled beaches. Clean-up crews in Santa Barbara, Calif., are working to minimize the damage of as many as 105,000 gallons of crude oil that leaked from an… [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/05/midday_roundup_california_crews_work_to_clean_oiled_beaches_wildlife] Dollars and Sense: Markets remain jittery on mixed economic news By Warren Cole SmithPosted May 18, 2015Money | Markets jittery. We saw a lot of volatility in the markets last week. On May 8, the markets had their best day in several months. Then they dropped Monday, [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/05/dollars_and_sense_markets_remain_jittery_on_mixed_economic_news] Dollars and Sense: As oil prices go up, the financial big picture looks good By Warren Cole SmithPosted May 4, 2015Money | April in the books. To paraphrase T.S. Eliot, April was a cruel month. Oil prices soared, and that has driven gas prices back up. The U.S. dollar fell… [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/05/dollars_and_sense_as_oil_prices_go_up_the_financial_big_picture_looks_good] Dollars and Sense: Earnings season might actually matter this quarter By Warren Cole SmithPosted April 13, 2015Money | Earnings season matters. We're in earnings season again, and this quarter people are actually paying attention. It almost sounds funny to say it that way, [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/04/dollars_and_sense_earnings_season_might_actually_matter_this_quarter] Dollars and Sense: At quarter's end, the markets lack conviction By Warren Cole SmithPosted April 6, 2015Money | A new quarter. In the past week, we turned over a new month and a new quarter. Though we still have plenty of problems in the economy, it's fair to say we… [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/04/dollars_and_sense_at_quarter_s_end_the_markets_lack_conviction] Dollars and Sense: The Fed speaks, and the markets barely notice By Warren Cole SmithPosted March 23, 2015Money | Yellen speaks. The big news last week was a two-day Federal Reserve meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fed-watchers were on the lookout for a single word: [http://www.worldmag.com/2015/03/dollars_and_sense_the_fed_speaks_and_the_markets_barely_notice] < Prior Page Page 2 of 11 Next Page >


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txemt wrote:If you know how to do it right, the first time, it'll take you 10 minutes to split it.
However, before you split a perfectly good two-way road, let's find out if/when Waze plans to implement proper U-turn routing on two-way roads, and consider holding off until then. (It appears to be planned, though details are not yet forthcoming.)


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Helene, I see that the cat is still alive! Good to hear that you are as positive as I am, I remember we did chat about Sensio a while back. Good to hear from you. About Blu Ray, this is a dying technology I think and VODs and IPTV,... will just kick their but. In order to kick their but in 3D they will need a way to carry the 3D signal. After that part, we could have a long discussion and many debates on what it could take for Sensio to become that preferred way to carry a 3D feed or at least a recognized method that all OEM incorporate in their tv, similar to what they do for sounds with Dolby, DTS, .. all being incorporated. I think 3DGO! is a very compelling reason why that should justify for every OEM that they should integrate SIO HIFI in every single 3D enabled product (tv, smart phone, tablet, ...) because it is an added value to what they sell and it helps them sell more and increases top and bottom line. Have a good one.
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1. The Lion King (1994)
directed by Rob Minkoff, Roger Allers
featuring Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella
2. Dangerous Beauty (1998)
directed by Marshall Herskovitz
featuring Catherine McCormack, Rufus Sewell, Jacqueline Bisset, Oliver Platt, Moira Kelly
3. The Cutting Edge (1992)
directed by Paul Michael Glaser
featuring D.B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly, Roy Dotrice, Terry O'Quinn, Dwier Brown
4. With Honors (1994)
directed by Alek Keshishian
featuring Joe Pesci, Brendan Fraser, Moira Kelly, Patrick Dempsey, Josh Hamilton
5. One Tree Hill: Season 02 (2004)
6. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)
directed by David Lynch
featuring Sheryl Lee, Chris Isaak, David Bowie, Ray Wise, Moira Kelly, Harry Dean Stanton, Kyle MacLachlan
7. One Tree Hill: Season 01 (2003)
8. Love, Lies & Murder (1991)
directed by Robert Markowitz
featuring Clancy Brown, John Ashton, Sheryl Lee, Moira Kelly, Tom Bower
9. The Tie That Binds (1995)
directed by Wesley Strick
featuring Daryl Hannah, Keith Carradine, Moira Kelly, Vincent Spano
10. Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story (1996)
directed by Michael Rhodes
featuring Moira Kelly, Martin Sheen, Boyd Kestner, Lenny Von Dohlen, Melinda Dillon
11. Two Tickets to Paradise (2008)
directed by D.B. Sweeney
featuring John C. McGinley, D.B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly, Ed Harris, Paul Hipp
12. Daybreak (1993)
directed by Stephen Tolkin
featuring Phil Hartman, John Savage, Jon Seda, Moira Kelly, Cuba Gooding, Jr.
13. Little Odessa (1995)
directed by James Gray
featuring Tim Roth, Edward Furlong, Moira Kelly, Vanessa Redgrave, Maximilian Schell
14. Unhook the Stars (1997)
directed by Nick Cassavetes
featuring Gena Rowlands, Marisa Tomei, Gérard Depardieu, Jake Lloyd, Moira Kelly, Tom Proctor
15. Hi-Life (1998)
directed by Roger Hedden
featuring Katrin Cartlidge, Charles Durning, Daryl Hannah, Moira Kelly, Peter Reigert
16. Henry Hill (1999)
directed by David G. Kantar
featuring Moira Kelly, Jamie Harrold, Susan Blommaert, Eden Riegel, John Griesemer
17. Changing Habits (1997)
directed by Lynn Roth
featuring Moira Kelly, Christopher Lloyd, Dylan Walsh, Shelley Duvall, Eileen Brennan


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Camera Accessories Mounts - Road Bike Shop
Road Bike Shop
Shop > Accessories > Cameras >
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Camera Accessories & Mounts
Ricoh WG Holder O-CM1470
Price: $24.95buy now
The Ricoh WG Holder O-CM1470 hooks up to any of your WG mounts and features a ball-and-socket joint that allows for precise adjustment of the camera angle so you can get the shot you want.
UK Pro Freestyler Light
Price: $59.99buy now
Use the UK Pro Freestyler Light to brighten the night when you're filming with your GoPro. Its ultra wide beam matches GoPro's camera lens so the footage looks like it was shot in the middle of the day. This LED light is waterproof up to 3 meters and is compatible with the UK Pro Flex Grip for...
UK Pro GoPro-Specific POV 20 Case
Price: $46.95buy now
When your GoPro Hero camera isn't capturing your radness from your helmet, ski pole, handlebars, or surfboard, lock it up safely inside the waterproof UK Pro GoPro-Specific POV 20 Case. With hard ABS plastic on the outside and soft, shaped foam dampening the shock the inside, you'd have to chuck...
UK Pro GoPro-Specific POV 20 LT Case
If you aren't a contracted action sports videographer, then you've come to the right place. UK Pro built the GoPro-Specific POV 20 LT Case for those amateur film directors looking for a step up in their organizational ability. This lightweight, flexible nylon case may not be able to withstand a...
UK Pro GoPro-Specific POV 30 Case
Price: $54.95buy now
Long trips deserve to be documented and sweet camera gear deserves to be protected. The UK Pro GoPro-Specific POV 30 Case stores your GoPro Hero camera when it's not in use so it doesn't get lost, stolen, or broken during your travels. Once you fit your camera and accessories inside the snug,...
UK Pro GoPro-Specific POV 60 Case
Price: $149.95buy now
If you've invested enough on the best action cameras on the market, you'll probably want to protect that investment; plastic grocery bags are not a storage option. Get yourself UK Pro's GoPro-Specific POV 60 Case and trek on without worry of damage or lack of supplies, whether you're off on a...
UK Pro GoPro-Specific POV BlackPak Case
Price: $399.95buy now
Ever wonder how some directors can make such stunning videos with just a GoPro? This is their dirty little secret: the GoPro-Specific POV BlackPak Case by UK Pro includes everything you'll need to start making your videos look professional. The only two empty foam cavities you'll find in the UK...
UK Pro POV 40 with Shoulder Strap
Price: $99.99buy now
Protect your GoPro Hero cameras on adventures with the UK Pro POV 40 with Shoulder Strap. ABS plastic, stainless steel, and a Lexan treatment work together to guard your gear from damage, water, and impacts. There are two slots for GoPro Hero cameras, one large compartment for floaties, suction...
UK Pro POV Camera Pole 22in
Stop sabotaging old ski poles and broom handles in your efforts to find the perfect pole mount for your GoPro and get the UK Pro POV 22in Camera Pole instead. The lightweight aluminum handle won't tire out your arm after one run, and the rubber grip provides a solid hold so you don't drop it when...