Visit the New Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative Website
|
|
The Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative (TCMC) is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new website!
Explore the new TCMC website at www.thurstonclimatecollaborative.org.
Thurston County and the cities of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater have worked together as part of the TCMC since 2018 on strategies to reduce local contributions to global climate change.
The new website showcases this unique regional partnership and serves as a hub for all things related to the TCMC, including:
-
Latest Updates: Stay informed with our latest news and progress on regional initiatives.
-
Reports & Data: Access the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan, Annual Progress Reports and Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories.
-
How to Get involved: Find out about upcoming meetings and how you can contribute.
The site has been designed to make it easier for all of Thurston County to connect with the TCMC and stay engaged with its work. The TCMC invites everyone to explore the new website.
|
|
City of Olympia Secures Funding to Support Climate Initiatives
|
|
The City of Olympia was awarded nearly $2.9 million in funding this year to support climate initiatives like home electrification, electric vehicle (EV) charging and solar installations.
All of these funding awards were supported with funding from Washington's Climate Commitment Act through the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program, the Washington Electric Vehicle Charging Program (WAEVCP) and the Energy Programs in Communities (EPIC).
Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) amount awarded: $481,483. In September, the City accepted an award of $481,483 from the Washington State Department of Commerce through the HEAR program. The funding will support the City's Energize Olympia program, which is helping reduce greenhouse emissions by offering discounted and streamlined ductless heat pump installations for Olympia residents.
Washington Electric Vehicle Charging Program (WAEVCP) amount awarded: $386,250. The City is partnering with Olympia Community Solar and will be using the awarded WAEVCP funding to install EV charging stations at five multifamily sites, two fleet depot sites and four City workplace sites. Construction and installation are set to begin in winter 2024/spring 2025.
Funded by the Climate Commitment Act, WAEVCP aims to reduce transportation emissions, improve air quality and ensure EV charging access for all.
Energy Programs in Communities (EPIC) amount awarded: $2,053,000. The City will be using funding awarded from the EPIC grant to support solar projects at two locations: Olympia Fire Station 1 and the Armory.
-
The Olympia Fire Department received $511,000 from the EPIC grant and is planning to install 320 solar panels at Fire Station 1, producing a total of 122,268 kWh of clean energy per year for this facility. That's enough electricity to run 11 homes!
-
The Olympia Armory received $1,542,000 of EPIC funding and aims to reopen the facility as a Creative Campus, repurposing the Armory into a dynamic hub for local artists and community members. The EPIC funding will be used to implement solar and battery energy storage systems, which will enable the facility to generate renewable energy while storing excess energy in batteries for use during peak demand periods or emergencies.
Both projects are expected to be completed by June 31, 2025.
|
|
Olympia's Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Coming Soon
|
|
The City of Olympia is getting ready to publish a draft of the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) in November!
The report was developed through a collaborative, multi-year process that involved community members and staff from across City departments. Guided by community values, climate science, and subject matter expertise, the report describes which City assets are vulnerable to climate-related hazards, the potential consequences, and the City's decision to take future action or accept the risk based on community priorities.
The report considers all assets in the city limits impacted by extreme precipitation, sea level rise, wildfire and smoke, drought, and extreme heat. The CRVA provides the foundations for the forthcoming draft of the Climate Chapter for the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan.
More to come soon!
|
|
Thurston Home Energy & Electrification Survey Closing October 18
|
|
The Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative would like to hear from homeowners about their energy use and electric appliances as it builds the 2025 Residential Energy Efficiency & Electrification Campaign.
Thurston County and the cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Tenino are partnering to develop a regional incentive program for home energy efficiency and electrification with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and household energy costs in Thurston County.
This program will aim to provide discounted installations of efficient heat pumps and/or other electric home appliances. You can help by sharing a little bit about your home's energy use and your views of electric appliances.
The Thurston Home Energy & Electrification Survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and will close on October 18.
To take the survey, visit ow.ly/ZrCp50Taeh6.
Your responses will be treated anonymously and used for informational purposes only.
|
|
Contact
Dr. Pamela Braff, Climate Programs Director
City Manager's Office
360.753.8249
[email protected]
|
|
|
|
