Environmental Sustainability Annual Report

2021 
Environmental Sustainability 
Action Plan Annual Report

The Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP) serves as the City’s roadmap to create an environmentally sustainable community, enhance our natural systems, and achieve net zero carbon emissions. Through the ESAP, we committed to pause each year and review our progress and course correct as needed to quickly advance towards our goals. This report captures the top implementation highlights of 2021.

In Redmond’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, this report has been designed to be easily translatable into other languages and accessible to those with differing visual abilities.

Contents


Letter from Mayor Birney

Mayor Arbor Day editAs I reflect on our first full year of ESAP implementation, I’m reminded of the growth, learning, and victories we experienced last year. From the adoption of our City Operations Zero Carbon Strategy to tree plantings in our parks and the launch of our innovative front porch pick-up recycling events, together, we made great strides towards our sustainability goals in 2021.

There’s so much happening in the City - in your neighborhoods, businesses, and schools - we could fill a book. I’m encouraged by the City’s progress, but most of all, I’m inspired by the leading work you all are doing to realize our vision of a healthy and thriving Redmond for generations to come. Together, our actions are making a big impact.

In 2021, you volunteered more than 1,723 hours to plant trees in our parks through the Green Redmond Partnership. You volunteered your expertise and perspective on the newly formed  Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee to advise ESAP implementation efforts. We also launched multiple education and outreach campaigns like the  Redmond Climate Action Challenge and  Adopt-a-Drain programs, where you’re actively contributing to Redmond’s climate and sustainability goals – thank you!

Thank you for your ongoing commitment and support for preserving and protecting our environment.

PoetryMap-Icon-paddles

Angela Birney
Mayor of Redmond



Goals and Declaration

ESAP Goals

City Operations Goals (by 2030)
Community Goals (by 2050)
Goal Icon_Carbon-freeCarbon-free
Goal Icon_Carbon-freeCarbon-free
Goal Icon_Zero WasteZero Waste of Resources
Goal Icon_Tree Canopy40% Tree Canopy Coverage
Goal Icon_Zero WasteZero Waste of Resources
Goal Icon_Zero Waste100% Renewable Electricity
Goal Icon_Fossil Fuels80% Reduction in Fossil Fuel Consumption
Goal Icon_Electricity45% Reduction in Electricity Consumption
City Operations Goals (by 2030)
Goal Icon_Carbon-freeCarbon-free
Goal Icon_Zero WasteZero Waste of Resources
Community Goals (by 2050)
Goal Icon_Carbon-freeCarbon-free
Goal Icon_Zero WasteZero Waste of Resources
Goal Icon_Tree Canopy40% Tree Canopy Coverage
Goal Icon_Zero Waste100% Renewable Electricity
Goal Icon_Fossil Fuels80% Reduction in Fossil Fuel Consumption
Goal Icon_Electricity45% Reduction in Electricity Consumption

Greenhouse gas emissions are a key metric used to monitor our progress. Estimated emissions for calendar years 2020 and 2021 are largely viewed as anomalies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next emissions inventory for 2022 is scheduled to be completed in 2023.Redmond launched its first data dashboard to organize and share key sustainability metrics.


Climate Emergency Declaration

Redmond City Council adopted a Climate Emergency Declaration (Declaration) in October 2020, establishing a goal of zero net greenhouse gas emissions for city operations by 2030. The Declaration highlights 13 key objectives to rapidly implement solutions and lead by example. Significant progress was made on foundational Declaration objectives, including developing and adopting a City Operations Zero Carbon Strategy and the Climate Vulnerability Assessment.

leaf icon Look for this leaf icon throughout the report to learn which efforts support the Declaration.

2021 Focus Area 
Highlights

Climate and Energy   Sustainability Solid Icon Climate

Metrics

28%

Reduction in Community Energy Use Since 2011

352

Rooftop Solar Systems

15%

Reduction in Municipal Energy Use Since 2011

Key:
Positive Change
Neutral/No Change
Negative Change

Highlights

Redmond Heat Map Thumbnail

Climate Vulnerability Assessment leaf icon

Council adopted Redmond’s first Climate Vulnerability Assessment in October 2021. The Strategy is the City’s approach to rapidly reduce emissions and shift city operations to a low carbon future. The Assessment maps a path to meet the objectives of the Climate Emergency Declaration, including a transition to 100% renewable electricity, decarbonizing city buildings, and transitioning to an electric and low carbon vehicle fleet. Since adopted, staff have been advancing key priorities around fleet electrification and building efficiency.

Redmond Heat Map Thumbnail

Green Direct leaf icon

78% of the city operations electricity consumption was sourced from clean, renewable electricity through PSE’s Green Direct Program. The transition to renewable electricity is the single most impactful action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from city operations.

Redmond Heat Map Thumbnail

Redmond Climate Action Challenge

The Redmond Climate Action Challenge (Challenge) is a fun, interactive platform that allows community members to quantify their carbon footprint, identify specific actions and resources to reduce their impact, and track progress. More than 120 residents have joined the Challenge since its launch in December 2021.

Redmond Heat Map Thumbnail

Climate Vulnerability Assessment leaf icon

The City initiated a Climate Vulnerability Assessment (Assessment), which was approved by Council in April 2022. Findings from the Assessment are being integrated into the City’s long term strategic planning efforts, including the Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan update, Transportation Master Plan, PARCC Plan update, and ESAP implementation. 2021 also brought a record shattering heat event, with temperatures exceeding 103 degrees in Redmond. Redmond opened City Hall as a community cooling center during the heat dome event; a timely reminder of the climate crisis.

Transportation and Land Use Sustainability Solid Icon Transportation

Metrics

37%

Reduction in Vehicle Miles Traveled Since 2011

22%

Reduction in City Fleet Fuel Consumption Since 2011

Key:
Positive Change
Neutral/No Change
Negative Change

Highlights

In 2021 the City secured $2.13M in funding to complete the final phase of the Redmond Central Connector trail, scheduled to open in 2024. The last 1.6 miles of trail will integrate with the regional trail network and significantly improve pedestrian and bicycle access, including along the Willows Road corridor. Since 2013, the City has successfully constructed 2.3 miles of the Redmond Central Connector trail. Redmond staff maintains approximately 39 miles of trails that are a vital part of our regional recreation and transportation network.

Central Connector Trail

Alternative Fuel Fleetleaf icon

As the City works towards its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030, it has been actively transitioning the City’s fleet to clean alternatives like electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The City’s fleet of clean vehicles grew in 2021, with the addition of 12 medium and heavy-duty propane trucks and one hybrid SUV. Efforts to date have reduced fleet fuel consumption by 22% since 2011. The Fleet Division is ramping up the greening of Redmond’s fleet by installing chargers to accommodate 22 new electric vehicles. 

Electric Charging Station

Creating a Safe and Connected Transportation Systemleaf icon

Redmond is constantly working to create a safe, accessible, efficient, and connected transportation system for the Redmond community. The City implemented numerous capital projects to support safer walking and biking opportunities. These included reducing the speed limit on Redmond-Woodinville Road, enhancing crosswalks with new signage and treatments to increase pedestrian visibility, and completing the engineering design for 29 ADA ramps, currently in construction. These efforts support walking and biking and foster a safer transportation system for all. 

Sustainability Solid Icon WasteMaterials Management and Waste

Metrics

43%

Community Waste Diversion Rate

217

Commercial and Multi-family Complex Organic Services Participants

25%

Organic Waste Diversion
(8,255 tons)

Key:
Positive Change
Neutral/No Change
Negative Change

Highlights

The City developed and launched its Sustainable Living class series to empower and educate community members through topics like safer cleaning, food waste reduction, and waste-free giving. In total, the City hosted 26 virtual classes and in-person pop up events in 2021, with more than 700 attendees. 

Complementing this work, Redmond partnered with Ridwell and launched a pilot front porch Styrofoam recycling program, collecting more than 1,131 bags or 1,895 pounds of foam. This free service makes it simple for those who previously had challenges accessing Redmond’s conventional recycling events, including those with mobility challenges or individuals with limited access to transportation.

Ridwell Styrofoam Recycling

In addition to the Sustainable Living classes, the City completed more than 24 technical assistance visits and trainings to multifamily and commercial properties. These visits help organizations better manage organics, recycle materials, and reduce contamination, which means more waste diverted from the landfill. In 2021, the City also translated its recycling and composting guides into Russian, Chinese, and Arabic and featured culturally relevant images to better serve community members. 

translated recycling poster sample

The City hosted a shredding event collecting and recycling 7,260 pounds of shredded paper from 158 participants. The Paint Care program, which makes it easy and free to dispose of old paint, properly recycled 4,183 gallons of paint. And finally, Redmond community members recycled more than 1,394 gallons of used cooking oil collected through the City’s free collection.

Never Pour Your Fats, Oils, or Grease Down the Sink

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Recycling Video Library

What Goes Where Tool

Did you know that carboard is one of the most valuable items that can be recycled in Redmond? The City became one of the first in the region to distribute 1,250 bladeless box openers to property managers to ensure this valuable material makes it to the recycling center.

Sustainability Solid Icon Natural SystemsNatural Systems

Metrics

37.8%

Tree Canopy Coverage

5,595

Stormwater Catch Basins Inspected by City Crews

Key:
Positive Change
Neutral/No Change
Negative Change

Highlights

planting trees

Growing Redmond's Tree Canopy

424 Green Redmond Partnership volunteers planted 594 plants and 382 trees in 2021. Since 2009, the Green Redmond Partnership has dedicated over 34,580 hours planting 13,195 trees and 24,800 shrubs and small plants throughout 20 Redmond parks. The City also continued its partnership with the Washington Conservation Corps to clear and plant over 1,000 trees across two acres in the Monticello Creek watershed. Finally, efforts to update the City’s tree regulations continued with stakeholder engagement and draft language review. The updated draft language aligns with the Redmond’s Tree Canopy Strategic Plan and works to preserve existing trees and increase fines for tree removals.

Cleaning Stream

Redmond has over 60 completed stream restoration projects, covering about 100 acres. In 2021, the City completed three projects on Monticello, Willows, and Gun Club Creeks to enhance salmon habitat, remove fish barriers, and reduce flooding impacts. Work also continued on the Keller Farm Mitigation Bank, including planting 75 acres of native plants. Keller Farm is one of only two registered wetland mitigation banks in King County and a demonstration of the City’s commitment to preserving and protecting Redmond’s vital natural resources. 

Redmond launched the Adopt-a-Drain program in 2021 to educate and empower community members to keep neighborhood storm drains free and clear of debris. More than 90 community members signed up in 2021 to “adopt” their Redmond neighborhood storm drains. Redmond maintains more than 12,000 storm drains across the City. 

Adopt-a-Drain

In April 2021, the City retrofitted two existing stormwater detention ponds in the Monticello Watershed with continuous monitoring and adaptive control (CMAC) systems. This cost-effective system improves how the City manages peak water flows during storm events, which can impacts nearby streams and critical salmon habitat. Results from the pilot project are informing the Paired Watershed Study to identify and inform effective strategies for managing stormwater. 

Integrated Pest Managementleaf icon

For more than a decade, Redmond’s Parks Department has managed our parks using an approach called integrated pest management, an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management. While this approach is more labor and time intensive for staff, it results in a healthier space for community and wildlife. In 2021, the City expanded its policy citywide and added new technology that uses heat and non-toxic soap to manage weeds. 

pest management

Sustainability Solid Icon WaterWater

Metrics

33

Pollution Prevention Technical Assistance Site Visits (100% High-risk Sites)

93%

Groundwater Samples Meeting Drinking Primary Water Standards

Key:
Positive Change
Neutral/No Change
Negative Change

Highlights

Water Conservation

Water Conservation and Education

Working with our partners at Cascade Water Alliance, 160 presentations at Redmond schools were given throughout 2021 reaching 3,458 Redmond students on water related topics, ranging from groundwater to water conservation.

The Cascade Gardener Series featured topics to help Redmond residents have beautiful, healthy landscapes while using water efficiently. A total of 1,957 residents from Cascade Water Alliance members attended these virtual workshops in 2021.

Water Quality

Protecting Redmond's Drinking Water

Redmond is a regional leader in its proactive management of Redmond’s vital groundwater, which provides about 40% of our community’s drinking water. The City completed its Temporary Construction Dewatering (TCD) triple bottom line policy analysis to inform the next steps that balance construction activities with the need to protect the City’s aquifer. As a result of the analysis, City Council directed staff to pursue bridge changes to the City’s code in 2022 and pursue subsequent updates in 2023 and 2024 to more holistically manage TCD practices in Redmond. The City also continued engagement in regulatory work around contaminants Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by commenting on state and federal rulemaking. State action levels came into effect for these emerging contaminants in 2022. The City has been sampling for PFAS since 2015. 

In 2021, during high-risk pollution prevention technical assistance visits 627 gallons of hazardous materials were stored within secondary containment and 55 gallons of hazardous materials were removed from sites. One site installed a new concrete secondary containment berm to contain 560 gallons of various lube oils. 


What's Next:
2022 - 2023 Priorities

Climate and Energy

  • Expansion of Energy Smart Eastside heat pump campaign 

  • Adoption of Phase 2 Zoning Code update, including green building, parking, and waste and recycling provisionsleaf icon

  • Adoption of a City facilities electrification strategy leaf icon

  • Opening of the Redmond Senior and Community Center – the City’s most sustainable building to date

  • City operations energy efficiency upgradeleaf icon

Transportation

  • Continued development of Redmond 2050 and Transportation Master Plan 

  • Adoption of PARCC Plan 

  • Installation of ADA and traffic calming improvements leaf icon

  • Fleet electrification roadmapleaf icon

  • Addition of renewable diesel for City’s heavy duty vehicle fleet

  • Vision Zero

  • Installation of ADA and traffic calming improvements leaf icon

Materials management and Waste

  • Construction and demolition debris recycling program launchleaf icon

  • Eastside Waste Prevention Collaborative

  • Continuation of the Ridwell front porch pick-ups and Sustainable Living Classes

  • Zoning code updates to make it easier to recycle and compost at apartments and condos

  • Sustainable purchasing leaf icon

Natural Systems

  • Evans Creek restoration construction

  • Avondale Road Erosion and Bear Creek Habitat Enhancement

  • Tree planting 

  • Adoption of tree regulations

  • Continuation of Adopt-A-Drain program

  • Launch business source control/pollution prevention technical assistance program

  • Evaluation of additional continuous monitoring and adaptive control (CMAC) systems in priority watersheds

Water

  • Temporary Construction Dewatering Interim Limitations and Midterm Changes

  • PFAS tracking and sampling

  • Evaluate climate impacts on stormwater conveyance