Climate Protection Program

On August 16, 2006, Mayor David Bieter signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement making Boise the 1st city in Idaho and the 280th city in the nation to endorse the agreement. The agreement, authored by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels asks cities to take steps to reduce the emissions associated with global climate change through such measures as energy-efficient building practices, alternative fuels, and improved transportation and land-use planning.

A resolution approving Boise’s participation in U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement was passed by City Council on September 19, 2006. The resolution indicates City leader’s agreement that the city of Boise will strive to meet or exceed the Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gas emission reduction target; a 7% reduction from 1990 greenhouse gas emissions level by 2012.

Boise is already taking steps to increase energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. Among other things, Boise will be expanding its geothermal heating district and increasing the use of the methane produced at its waste water treatment facilities as fuel. Boise is also proud to be home to the Banner Bank building, a Platinum-certified leadership in energy and environmental design (LEEDS) building. However, City leaders have recognized that more needs to be done and are moving ahead the development of a CO2 emissions reduction plan.

Boise's Approach

Boise plans on following a five step process to reduce greenhouse gases emission in our community. The following steps will be completed for City government and for the community:

• Conduct a baseline emission inventory, document and quantify emissions reductions that have occurred since the baseline year, and forecast emissions growth
• Set an emission reduction target
• Develop an action plan to meet the target
• Implement actions in the plan
• Monitor and verify emissions reduction programs

Mayor Bieter appointed an Advisory Committee to assist with Boise’s Climate Protection Program. Committee members include:

• Gary Christensen, The Christensen Corporation
• David Gibney, HDR Architects
• Alan Hausrath, Ph.D., BSU Mathematics Department and Sierra Club
• Don Reading, Ph.D., Ben Johnson Associates
• Sue Seifert, Idaho Energy Division
• John Gardner, Ph.D., BSU Associate Vice President, Energy Research, Policy, and Campus Sustainability

The Advisory Committee has considered building, zoning and subdivision code changes and incentives that will encourage energy and water efficient practices in new and existing construction.The Advisory Committee’s is also considering transportation, waste management practices, and carbon sequestration issues.  Agendas and notes from the Advisory Committee meetings can be found on the Climate Protection Program Advisory Committee page.