### Question: Describe the physical and economic landscape of the jurisdiction as outlined in the plan. Include the name of the planning jurisdiction, its location, population, demographics, and average income. Include major geographic features such as mountains, rivers, deserts, and coastline, as well as any key infrastructure like airports or seaports. Highlight details about the local climate, including any mentions of aridity or water challenges. Additionally, summarize the city’s energy production (oil, gas, renewables) and natural resources, and provide information about industries and economic drivers that are crucial to the region. **Answer:** ### **City of Hartford Energy Action Plan** #### **Planning Jurisdiction: City of Hartford** - **Location:** Hartford, Connecticut, USA - **Population:** The City of Hartford is home to 125,000 residents. - **Demographics:** The plan does not provide specific demographic details. - **Average Income:** The plan does not specify the average income. #### **Geographic Features and Infrastructure** - **Geographic Features:** The plan does not mention any specific geographic features such as mountains, rivers, deserts, or coastlines. - **Infrastructure:** - The plan does not mention specific key infrastructure like airports or seaports. - There are 112 municipal buildings and 630 additional housing complexes, foreclosed properties, and vacant land. #### **Local Climate** - The plan does not provide detailed information about the local climate, aridity, or water challenges. #### **Energy Production and Natural Resources** - **Energy Production:** - Energy is provided from a variety of sources. - CL&P distributes electricity supplied by Aequitas. - Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) provides natural gas. - Hartford Steam delivers steam and chilled water. - Private companies provide oil for heat in outlying buildings. - Solar potential has been evaluated for approximately 300,000 SF of building roof area, with a potential of 2,590 kW of PV. - **Energy Consumption:** - Municipal facilities consume 69,000 MWhs of electricity, 303,660 Therms of gas, 10,359 M lbs of steam, and 13,000 M Ton-hrs of chilled water annually. #### **Industries and Economic Drivers** - **Industries:** - Houses a wide array of businesses, including some of the largest insurance companies. - The city is a hub for non-profit agencies and educational institutions. - The business of providing services to this diverse customer base is costly. - **Economic Goals:** - The need to reduce energy costs and decrease dependence on petroleum-based sources is linked to operating sustainably and cost-effectively. - The City has established goals for energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption, aiming to reduce energy use by 20% and obtain 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2018. The plan does not provide specific details on other natural resources or additional economic drivers. ### Question: To what extent does the plan address resilience, mitigation, and adaptation? After providing a brief summary of how it addresses each component, classify the plan as a whole as one of the following: mitigation dedicated, adaptation/resilience dedicated, mitigation only climate action plan, mitigation primary climate action plan, equal mitigation and adaptation climate action plan, or sustainable/green plan. **Answer:** ### Resilience The plan addresses resilience by implementing **Green Infrastructure** practices, which include "the use of vegetation, soils, and other natural elements to manage stormwater" (City of Hartford Energy Action Plan, Green Infrastructure). This approach helps mitigate storm flow and reduce the urban heat island effect, thereby improving the livability and resilience of neighborhoods. ### Mitigation The plan is primarily focused on mitigation efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It sets specific targets, such as the goal to "reduce energy consumption in its buildings by 20% and purchasing at least 20% of the electricity consumed by municipal facilities from clean, renewable energy sources by 2018" (City of Hartford Energy Action Plan, Our Goal). It includes energy conservation measures, renewable energy projects, and participation in the Clean Energy Communities Program to achieve these objectives. ### Adaptation While the plan's primary focus is on mitigation, some aspects, such as green infrastructure and energy efficiency improvements, also support adaptation by reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts like stormwater flooding and excessive heat. ### Classification The plan can be classified as a **mitigation primary climate action plan**. It emphasizes reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy sources as part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with some elements that indirectly support adaptation and resilience. ### Question: Does the plan describe a scenario of climate change the planning jurisdiction will face and for which it is planning climate policies for resilience, mitigation, and adaptation? If so, please summarize any such scenario. **Answer:** The plan does not explicitly describe a specific scenario of climate change that the planning jurisdiction will face. Instead, it focuses on setting and achieving energy-related goals without detailing potential climate change scenarios. The plan outlines current energy profiles, ongoing initiatives, and strategies for energy conservation and the use of renewable energy to promote sustainability and cost-effectiveness. ### Question: What climate hazards does the plan identify as presenting climate risks for the planning jurisdiction? For each identified climate hazard, summarize the plan’s description of: 1. The climate hazard. 2. The climate risks it poses to the planning jurisdiction. 3. Areas or populations with the most climate vulnerability to the identified climate hazard.Generate a numbered list of every hazard identified in the plan. Make the list as long as necessary to accomodate every single hazard. **Answer:** The plan does not explicitly list specific climate hazards or describe their associated climate risks and vulnerabilities for Hartford. Therefore, there are no climate hazards identified within the provided content of the plan. ### Question: What resilience options are identified in the plan? For each option, summarize: 1. The specific climate threat it addresses; 2. Details on cost, timeframe, and location, including any references found in tables, charts, or images that might contain this data; 3. Other important attributes, such as economic, environmental, or infrastructural considerations. **Answer:** Based on the "City of Hartford Energy Action Plan," the following resilience options are identified: ### 1. Green Infrastructure - **Specific Climate Threat Addressed:** - The plan highlights that green infrastructure is used to manage stormwater and mitigate the urban heat island effect, addressing threats related to storm flow and high urban temperatures. - **Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:** - The plan does not provide specific details on cost or timeframe. However, it mentions that the City's Department of Public Works is collaborating with KNOX Inc. to plant 1,000 trees annually, which is an initiative related to this resilience option. - **Other Important Attributes:** - *Economic*: The expansion of the City’s forested vegetation is related to energy reduction, as trees effectively reduce energy usage by removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants. - *Environmental*: Trees provide shade, regulate temperatures, and contribute to improved neighborhood livability. - *Infrastructural*: The recommendations of the City's Green Ribbon Task Force Report and the Parks Master Plan provide a blueprint for city-wide implementation of green infrastructure strategies. ### 2. Energy Improvement Districts (EID) - **Specific Climate Threat Addressed:** - EIDs offer the potential for greater flexibility and reliability of power sources, addressing threats related to power generation, transmission, and distribution disruptions. - **Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:** - The plan mentions that EIDs can be financed and managed outside the normal utility grid, but specific cost or timeframe details are not provided. The locations and configurations of EIDs are yet to be determined. - **Other Important Attributes:** - *Economic*: EIDs can help businesses forecast their energy costs, hedge their purchases, and commit to long-term energy contracts. - *Environmental*: EIDs promote energy efficiency by using the heat produced in power generation to meet the heating and cooling needs of nearby customers. - *Infrastructural*: EIDs can benefit other electric customers outside of the EID by taking demand off the system and increasing capacity elsewhere on the grid. ### 3. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems - **Specific Climate Threat Addressed:** - CHP systems provide local on-site generation with a provision to disconnect from the electrical grid during emergencies or grid outages, addressing threats related to power outages. - **Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:** - A 600 kW CHP system is being evaluated for the Parkville Elementary/Senior Center/Library using a $2.0M grant from DEEP. The project includes interpretive signage to educate students and the community. - **Other Important Attributes:** - *Economic*: CHP systems reduce energy costs by providing a base load source of electricity and offsetting hot water and heating loads. - *Environmental*: The project aims to educate the community about the system’s operation and benefits. - *Infrastructural*: The system offers the provision to generate its own electricity and heat, ensuring continuity of services during grid outages. ### Question: What mitigation options does the plan identify? For each identified mitigation option, summarize the information provided in the plan regarding cost, timing, location, and other important attributes. **Answer:** The City of Hartford Energy Action Plan identifies several mitigation options. Here is a summary of the information provided regarding each option: 1. **Energy Improvement Districts (EID)** - **Description**: EIDs allow for the generation of electricity independently, potentially offering greater flexibility and reliability. - **Timing/Location**: Approved in March 2014, locations and configurations are yet to be determined. - **Attributes**: EIDs can be managed outside the normal utility grid, help businesses with energy cost forecasting, promote energy efficiency, and benefit other electric customers by taking demand off the system. (_CITY OF HARTFORD ENERGY ACTION PLAN, SEPTEMBER 2014 9_) 2. **Combined Heat and Power Systems (CHP)** - **Description**: Utilizes small, locally installed generators to produce electric power and recover heat to offset heating loads. - **Location**: Installed in Capital Preparatory Magnet School, Mary Hooker School, and the STEM Magnet School at Annie Fisher. - **Cost**: A $2.0M grant from DEEP is funding a larger CHP system at the Parkville Elementary/Senior Center/Library. - **Attributes**: Provides local on-site generation with a provision to disconnect from the grid during emergencies. Energy savings will be monitored. (_CITY OF HARTFORD ENERGY ACTION PLAN, SEPTEMBER 2014 8_) 3. **Solar Energy Installations** - **Description**: Roof-mounted solar systems installed at various locations. - **Location**: Southwest Branch library, Hartford High School, and Mary Hooker School. - **Attributes**: Contributes to renewable energy generation and supports the City's energy goals. (_CITY OF HARTFORD ENERGY ACTION PLAN, SEPTEMBER 2014 6_) 4. **Alternative Fuel Vehicles** - **Description**: Purchase of natural gas-powered waste/recycle trucks. - **Cost**: Funded by the Department of Transportation’s 2014 Connecticut Clean Fuel Program. - **Attributes**: Aims to reduce emissions and noise significantly. (_CITY OF HARTFORD ENERGY ACTION PLAN, SEPTEMBER 2014 8_) 5. **Lighting Retrofits** - **Location**: Installed at the Department of Public Works. - **Attributes**: Part of ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency across city departments. (_CITY OF HARTFORD ENERGY ACTION PLAN, SEPTEMBER 2014 2_) 6. **Clean Energy Communities Program** - **Description**: Involves participation in a program to set clean energy goals and earn rewards for achievements. - **Attributes**: Community leaders, households, and local businesses work together for energy conservation and renewable energy adoption. (_CITY OF HARTFORD ENERGY ACTION PLAN, SEPTEMBER 2014 6_) 7. **C-PACE Program** - **Description**: Allows long-term financing of energy upgrades through a property tax benefit assessment. - **Participants**: Bushnell Memorial Auditorium, Walnut Huntley, and ICH. - **Attributes**: Provides financial support for energy upgrades, encouraging participation and adoption of energy-efficient practices. (_CITY OF HARTFORD ENERGY ACTION PLAN, SEPTEMBER 2014 8_) 8. **ESCO Model Exploration** - **Description**: To deliver city-wide turn-key energy upgrades without the City incurring any capital expenditures. - **Attributes**: Provides a means to achieve energy goals expediently and could fund the Sustainability Coordinator position. (_CITY OF HARTFORD ENERGY ACTION PLAN, SEPTEMBER 2014 10_) ### Question: What mitigation options does the plan identify? For each identified mitigation option, summarize the information provided in the plan regarding cost, timeframe, location, and other important attributes. **Answer:** The City of Hartford Energy Action Plan identifies several mitigation options aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy. Here is a summary of the identified mitigation options along with any available information regarding cost, timeframe, location, and other important attributes: 1. **Energy Improvement Districts (EIDs)** - **Summary:** The City approved a process for creating Energy Improvement Districts (EIDs) in March 2014. These districts have the potential to generate their own electricity, offering greater flexibility and reliability for power sources for homes and businesses. - **Cost:** Not explicitly mentioned in the plan. - **Timeframe:** Approved in March 2014; locations and configurations are yet to be determined. - **Location:** Yet to be determined. - **Other Attributes:** EIDs can be financed and managed outside the normal utility grid and can help businesses forecast their energy costs and commit to long-term energy contracts. They can also promote energy efficiency by using heat produced in power generation to meet heating and cooling needs of nearby customers. (*City of Hartford Energy Action Plan, September 2014, p. 9*) 2. **Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems** - **Summary:** CHP systems use small, locally installed generators to produce electric power as a base load source of electricity and recover heat from the engines to offset hot water and heating loads. - **Cost:** A $2.0M grant from DEEP is mentioned for a 600 kW system at the Parkville Elementary/Senior Center/Library. - **Timeframe:** In 2013, 60 kW CHP systems were installed at several schools; a larger system is being evaluated. - **Location:** Installed at Capital Preparatory Magnet School, Mary Hooker School, STEM Magnet School at Annie Fisher, and being evaluated for Parkville Elementary/Senior Center/Library. - **Other Attributes:** The Parkville project includes interpretive signage to educate students and the community about the system’s operation and benefits. (*City of Hartford Energy Action Plan, September 2014, p. 8*) 3. **Alternative Fuel Vehicles** - **Summary:** The City has contracted to purchase five new natural gas-powered waste/recycle trucks. - **Cost:** Funded by the Department of Transportation’s 2014 Connecticut Clean Fuel Program. - **Timeframe:** Not specified. - **Location:** Not specified. - **Other Attributes:** These vehicles will reduce emissions and noise significantly. The City is also exploring fleet management and transportation incentives to reduce operation and maintenance costs, and energy consumption. (*City of Hartford Energy Action Plan, September 2014, p. 8*) 4. **Renewable Energy Installations** - **Summary:** Several solar systems have been installed, including a 4 kW system at the Southwest Branch library, a 5.28 kW system at Hartford High School, and a 5 kW system at the Mary Hooker School. A fuel cell system is installed at the Public Safety Complex. - **Cost:** Not explicitly mentioned in the plan. - **Timeframe:** Existing installations; further details not specified. - **Location:** Southwest Branch library, Hartford High School, Mary Hooker School, Public Safety Complex. - **Other Attributes:** The City is discussing with MIRA about utilizing power produced from a 1 MW system atop the City-owned landfill in the North Meadows area. (*City of Hartford Energy Action Plan, September 2014, p. 6*) These mitigation options are part of Hartford's broader strategy to reduce energy consumption and transition to cleaner energy sources. ### Question: What adaptation options does the plan identify? For each identified adaptation option, summarize: 1. The climate threat it is addressing. 2. Information provided in the plan regarding cost, timeframe, location, and other important attributes. **Answer:** The City of Hartford Energy Action Plan primarily focuses on energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives and does not explicitly identify specific adaptation options relating to climate change. However, the plan does mention initiatives that indirectly contribute to adaptation by enhancing energy resilience and sustainability. Below are some initiatives that could be considered as indirect adaptation options: 1. **Green Infrastructure** - **Climate Threat Addressed:** Urban heat island effect and stormwater management. - **Attributes:** - Emphasizes the use of trees and vegetation to manage stormwater and reduce urban heat. - The city aims to plant 1,000 trees annually with the help of KNOX Inc. and other partners. - Trees help in reducing energy usage by removing carbon dioxide and providing shade. - No specific cost or timeframe is mentioned for this initiative. 2. **Energy Improvement Districts (EID)** - **Climate Threat Addressed:** Energy supply disruptions. - **Attributes:** - EIDs can generate their own electricity, providing greater flexibility and reliability of power sources. - Specific locations and configurations for EIDs are yet to be determined. - No detailed cost, timeframe, or location attributes are provided. 3. **Combined Heat and Power Systems (CHP)** - **Climate Threat Addressed:** Energy supply reliability. - **Attributes:** - CHP systems have been installed in several schools and a larger system is being evaluated for the Parkville Elementary/Senior Center/Library. - The Parkville project includes a $2.0M grant from DEEP and allows for grid disconnection during emergencies. - This initiative includes educational components for students and the community. These initiatives are primarily aimed at improving energy efficiency and resilience, rather than directly addressing specific climate threats such as flooding or extreme weather events. ### Question: What climate policies does the plan identify to advance climate justice? For each climate policy, summarize: 1. The climate threat it is addressing. 2. Areas or populations with the most climate vulnerability to the identified climate hazard. **Answer:** The provided document, the "City of Hartford Energy Action Plan," does not explicitly mention or identify climate policies specifically aimed at advancing climate justice. The focus of the plan appears to be on energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and related infrastructure improvements without direct reference to climate justice or addressing specific vulnerabilities of certain populations or areas. As such, there are no climate policies in the plan that are summarized in terms of addressing a specific climate threat or identifying areas or populations with the most climate vulnerability. ### Question: Identify any potential unforeseen maladaptive climate policies. For each identified climate policy, summarize: 1. The climate threat it is addressing. 2. The resilience, mitigation, or adaptation option that the climate policy proposes. 3. Why it may cause inadvertent maladaption. **Answer:** The document does not explicitly identify any climate policies that may lead to potential unforeseen maladaptation. However, I can provide an analysis based on the content provided: 1. **Energy Improvement Districts (EIDs)** - **Climate Threat Addressed:** The EIDs aim to address energy reliability and flexibility, reducing dependence on the conventional utility grid. - **Resilience/Mitigation/Adaptation Option:** They propose the use of localized power generation and management outside the normal utility grid. This includes promoting energy efficiency by utilizing heat produced in power generation for nearby heating and cooling needs. - **Potential Maladaptation:** While EIDs could increase energy independence and efficiency, there may be potential unintended consequences if the localized systems are not well-integrated with the broader grid. This could lead to increased costs or inefficiencies if the demand forecasts or long-term contracts do not align with actual energy needs or if the systems increase emissions or waste in unforeseen ways. 2. **Microgrid Pilot Program** - **Climate Threat Addressed:** The microgrid is designed to provide energy reliability and resilience during long-term power outages. - **Resilience/Mitigation/Adaptation Option:** The program involves generating electricity and hot water independently of the main grid, providing backup power to critical community infrastructure. - **Potential Maladaptation:** If the microgrid infrastructure relies on non-renewable or inefficient technologies, it might inadvertently increase emissions or operational costs. Additionally, reliance on microgrids could potentially detract from investments in broader grid improvements or renewable energy sources, leading to a fragmented approach to energy resilience. The document highlights proactive strategies, but these examples underscore the importance of continuous evaluation to ensure that well-intentioned policies do not inadvertently lead to increased vulnerabilities. ### Question: In what ways does the plan measure the success or failure of each adaptation, resilience, and mitigation option? List any specific metrics used, such as reductions in CO2 emissions, improvements in air quality, or other quantifiable impacts. Identify the exact units (e.g., tons, percentages, index values) mentioned in the plan for tracking these outcomes. Additionally, outline any concrete goals or targets set for each option, including deadlines or specific numerical objectives. **Answer:** ### **Measurement of Success or Failure** The plan primarily measures success using reductions in energy consumption and progress towards renewable energy goals. #### **Metrics Used:** - **Energy Consumption Reduction:** - **Unit:** MMBTUs (1,000,000 BTU) - **Reduction Achieved:** 2.1% reduction in energy consumption from the FY 2012 baseline. - **Goal:** Reduce building energy consumption by at least 20% by FY 2018. - **Renewable Energy Use:** - **Unit:** Percentage of electricity consumption - **Goal:** Purchase at least 20% of electricity from clean, renewable energy sources by 2018. - **Phased Goal:** Starting with 15% for the baseline Fiscal Year 2012-13 and increasing 1% each subsequent year to Fiscal Year 2017-18. #### **Concrete Goals or Targets:** - **Energy Consumption Reduction Targets:** - Fiscal Year 2012-13: 5% Reduction - Fiscal Year 2013-14: 8% Reduction - Fiscal Year 2014-15: 11% Reduction - Fiscal Year 2015-16: 14% Reduction - Fiscal Year 2016-17: 17% Reduction - Fiscal Year 2017-18: 20% Reduction - **Energy Savings:** - **Monetary Savings:** Annual savings of $693,887 from energy reductions. - **Energy Reduction Achieved:** Reduced electricity by 2,099,869 kWh and natural gas by 22,725 CCF. #### **Tracking Tools:** - **EPA Portfolio Manager:** Used to monitor energy consumption in municipal buildings and track progress. - **Comprehensive Benchmarking Program:** Established to track and report energy consumption regularly. The plan emphasizes the importance of tracking energy use and adjusting strategies to meet these targets, demonstrating a commitment to both adaptation and mitigation efforts through specific, quantifiable goals. ### Question: Generate a table that summarizes the following features from the document: Location/City Name, Population, Threats Identified, Measures Identified **Answer:** ```markdown | Feature | Description | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Location/City Name** | City of Hartford | | **Population** | 125,000 residents | | **Threats Identified** | - High energy costs and dependence on petroleum-based sources (Overview) | | **Measures Identified**| - Reduce energy consumption by 20% and obtain 20% of energy from renewable sources by 2018 (Overview) | | | - Implementation of energy conservation measures and renewable energy systems (Overview) | | | - Participation in the Clean Energy Task Force initiatives and various clean energy programs (Overview, Current Energy Profile, Jumpstarting) | | | - Utilization of US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Portfolio Manager for monitoring energy consumption (Tracking Progress) | | | - Contracting with SourceOne for comprehensive database and benchmarking (Tracking Progress) | | | - Implementation of specific actions like capacity building, benchmarking, exploring ESCO models, and community engagement (Jumpstarting) | ```