Town of Skaneateles
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2010)
Reporting Period: 2010
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:433 MTCO2e (2010)
Waste Generated:3,199 MTCO2e (2010)
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate Change
- Environmental Sustainability
- Energy Efficiency
- Waste Management
- Natural Resources
- Transportation
Environmental Achievements
- Became a Climate Smart Community in July 2009
- Completed a greenhouse gas inventory in July 2015
- Implemented the Skaneateles Lake Watershed Agricultural program (SLWAP) in 1994 to reduce runoff and pollution loading from agricultural operations.
- Distributed free compact fluorescent light bulbs to Independent Energy Efficiency Program customers.
- Encouraged the use of Energy Star rated appliances.
- Created an Open Space Plan with assistance from the CNY RPDB.
- Renovated the abandoned fire station for use as their new Village Hall and Police Station (net-zero energy building).
Social Achievements
- Sponsored "Re-Bike" events with bicycle repair workshops and sales.
- Sponsored a tour of sustainable homes, farms, and offices.
- Established an Alternative Energy Committee and an Open Space Committee.
- Created a Comprehensive Plan Review and Advisory Committee.
- Created the Skaneateles Architectural and Visual Identification Team.
- Established the Skaneateles Lake Eurasian Water Milfoil Eradication Foundation.
- Obtained recreational land for preservation.
Governance Achievements
- Participated in the CNY RPDB’s Solarize program for municipalities.
- Helped promote Solarize CNY, a solar PV bulk-purchasing program.
- Adopted the unified solar permit to reduce soft costs associated with solar installations.
Climate Goals & Targets
Short-term Goals:
- Reduce municipal greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by the year 2025
- Reduce community emissions by 10% from the GHG inventory baseline year (2010)
Environmental Challenges
- Increasing air temperatures leading to greater insect and disease pressures.
- Increased occurrence of storm events contributing to flooding, stormwater runoff, and sediment loading.
- Increased frequency of localized downpours increasing the potential for localized flooding and stormwater runoff.
- Conversion of land from agricultural to non-agricultural uses due to development pressures.
- High transportation-related GHG emissions (51% of government emissions and 40% of community emissions in 2010).
Mitigation Strategies
- Developed and implemented mitigation strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled, increase use of alternative fuels, increase energy efficiency in buildings, and increase use of renewable energy.
- Implemented strategies to decrease the waste stream through composting.
- Implemented strategies to plant trees for carbon storage and energy savings.
- Developed adaptation strategies to protect and upgrade local infrastructure, reduce negative effects of climate change on public health, improve education, and improve emergency operations.
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Flooding
- Storm events
- Heavy snowfall
- Extreme heat
- Increased insect and disease pressures
Opportunities
- Increased use of renewable energy
- Improved energy efficiency
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Climate Smart Communities