I applaud the efforts of the APA Northern Section for tackling the timely issue of Global Climate Change (Northern News, March 2007). I also want to respond to the question, “What can Cities and Counties do about climate change?” and discuss some of the ways Santa Clara County is handling this tough issue.

Before the current focus on climate change, the 2001 California energy crisis set the stage for energy resource conservation in Santa Clara County. While economics were the driving force behind accelerated conservation efforts following the crisis, the conditions were ripe for innovative and practical solutions to address climate change challenges.

In response to the growing energy crisis in 2001, we established the Santa Clara County Energy Commission to investigate ways County facilities could be tuned to use less energy. The Commission identified and implemented more than 500 energy conservation projects including the installation of room lighting motion sensors, new lighting controls systems, HVAC air intake economizers to take advantage of cool outside air, HVAC system time clocks and programmable thermostats, and installation of 23 cool roof coating systems.

By investing in energy conservation technology we reduced County electrical consumption by 20 percent, achieved nearly $1 million per year in energy savings, and saved hundreds of thousands of pounds of CO2 emissions. In 2005 we realized we needed to do more to address resource conservation and climate change at the County. As a result, we created the Santa Clara County Green Building Policy. Our goal was environmental sustainability, as well as cost savings to County taxpayers through reduced facility life cycle costs and the provision of a healthy work environment for staff and visitors. The green building policy requires all new County facilities to incorporate energy efficiency measures, water stewardship, use of “sustainable” building materials derived from renewable resources, reduction of waste through recycling, and smart growth and sustainable development practices. As a result of this policy, the new Santa Clara County Crime Laboratory is being constructed with a LEED Silver Rating, the first County facility of its kind.

Ultimately our County facilities represent a small portion of the overall climate change picture. However, I hope that our actions will serve as a model for other jurisdictions, just as others have been models for us. Fortunately most of the jurisdictions within the region have themselves established similar programs to address resource conservation and climate change and I applaud their actions. I truly believe that planning professionals can provide the solutions to appropriately address climate change. You are the people who decipher and plan for growth patterns, plan the transportation networks, and draft the development standards, all of which greatly influence the way humans interact with the environment. I encourage you to utilize your keen understanding of the urban environment to incorporate positive climate change programs into your daily planning routine. Through your actions and understanding our community will be a stronger healthier place.

Liz Kniss is the District 5 Supervisor for Santa Clara County. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and Valley Transportation Authority.