Melissa Capria

Global Commitment Frameworks-San Francisco’s participation in the UN Global Compact Cities Program: 

Global Commitment Frameworks- San Francisco’s participation in the UN Global Compact Cities Program Melissa Capria, Climate Action Coordinator San Francisco Department of the Environment Melissa.capria@sfgov.org

San Francisco GHG Targets: 

San Francisco GHG Targets

San Francisco Greenhouse Gas Emissions, 1990: 

San Francisco Greenhouse Gas Emissions, 1990

What Is the Business Council on Climate Change?: 

The BC3 Is: A Forum: For businesses to take action on climate change and to share best practices An Opportunity: For Business Leadership through adoption of the BC3 Principles A Toolkit: For businesses to reduce their climate footprints Goal of the BC3: Give businesses the tools to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions and to take a lead role in helping their communities and employees do the same. What Is the Business Council on Climate Change?

Background: How the BC3 Got Started: 

Background: How the BC3 Got Started SF signed onto the UN Global Compact Cities Program during WED2005 SF is one of 16 cities participating globally in the Program; only participant in the U.S. The Bay Area Council, SF Environment, and Global Compact have partnered to address GHG reductions in the business and residential sectors

Why focus on climate change? : 

Why focus on climate change? California is the world’s 12th largest source of CO2 emissions- we have a responsibility to take decisive action on climate change.* Some expected effects include: Extreme Heat and more heat-related deaths More wildfires More “bad air” days Reduced Sierra snow pack will reduce our supply of clean water *Information from Union of Concerned Scientists, “California Global Warming Impact and Solutions,” Feb. 2006

Efforts to Address the Problem: 

Gov. Schwarzenegger statewide targets and AB32 31 Northern California communities are already taking action on climate change and GHG reductions San Francisco adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2004 Many businesses are taking action California Climate Action Registry EPA “Climate Leaders” Sustainable Silicon Valley Efforts to Address the Problem

Why Should Businesses Act?: 

Why Should Businesses Act? Businesses taking action on climate change gain the following benefits:* Cost savings from improved energy management Cost savings from operational efficiencies Increased revenues and new markets from providing low-carbon products and services Competitive positioning Improved shareholder relations Employee related benefits *See World Resources Institute Report: “Hot Climate Cool Commerce,” 2006.

Why Should Businesses Join the BC3?: 

Why Should Businesses Join the BC3? Demonstrate corporate leadership Learn from other San Francisco Bay Area companies and share best practices Understand the importance of climate change to businesses and the economy Take proactive action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and gain a regulatory edge

How Do Companies Join?: 

How Do Companies Join? Join by Signing on to the Five BC3 Principles: Principle One: We believe that climate change is a pressing problem that will have long-term consequences on the local and national and global economy, and that businesses must play a key role in addressing this challenge. Principle Two: We acknowledge our contribution to climate change and take responsibility for minimizing our impact on the climate system.

Principles (Cont’d): 

Principles (Cont’d) Principle Three: We will be active leaders in our community and adopt policies to address the issue of climate change within our corporate culture. Principle Four: We believe all sectors of society need to work together to solve the problem of climate change. Principle Five: We will each report on our activities and progress towards reducing our climate footprint, and share best practices with other participating companies and the community.

Next Steps: 

Next Steps Event July 26th Renewable Energy Symposium Formation of core group Recruiting interested businesses Identify resources