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TCCPI is a multisector collaboration seeking to leverage the climate action commitments made by Cornell University, Ithaca College, Tompkins Cortland Community College, Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca, and the Town of Ithaca to mobilize a countywide energy efficiency effort and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. Launched in June 2008 and generously supported by the Park Foundation, TCCPI is a project of Second Nature, the lead supporting organization of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).

by Nick Babel, Tompkins Weekly

Balancing the community's energy needs with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions poses an big challenge. At the same time, developing a growing local economy that provides more job opportunities is a top priority of the Tompkins County Legislature.

Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD), the county's economic development agency, and the Tompkins County Planning Department recently announced an agreement to collaborate on addressing long-term and immediate energy needs and emissions in ways that contribute to a vital local economy.

Michael Stamm, President of Tompkins Area Development.

This collaboration will include bringing a broad array of voices to the discussion of community goals and strategies, as well as tangible steps to meet both energy and economic development goals.

"This can be accomplished through construction or renovation of efficient buildings that use less energy and utilization of renewable energy sources that are not subject to the market fluctuations associated with commodities such as fossil fuels," Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning Ed Marx says. "Tight building envelopes, highly efficient HVAC systems including, where appropriate, ground source (geothermal) and/or air source heat pumps, highly efficient lighting, and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, water and biomass are all likely to be components of solutions for businesses."

Both Marx and TCAD President Michael Stamm agree that sustainable energy and job creation can go hand in hand. 

"A movement toward more sustainable energy infrastructure and economic development and job creation are not mutually exclusive goals," Stamm notes. " TCAD is committed to working with the leadership of the county to create and implement sustainable energy solutions that also meet the energy needs of our customers."

While both organizations believe that overall goals for strengthening the local economy and reaching energy and greenhouse gas emissions targets are compatible and can be mutually reinforcing, they also recognize that there may be specific instances where they come into conflict.

In such cases, the county Planning Department's Energy Fund and the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency's tax incentive tools will be employed in an attempt to find a mutual-gains solution to the perceived conflict. They also acknowledge that, in instances where no clear mutually beneficial solution can be identified, the attempt to meet both goals will be weighed in making a decision. 

An Energy Fund of $20,000 is allocated by the county legislature as part of the Planning Department's 2015 budget. The Planning Department will work with TCAD to make a portion of this funding available to help businesses considering expansions and residential developers proposing new projects evaluate efficiency and renewable energy options to reduce their carbon footprint while supplying the energy needed for their business operations.

TCAD, which provides staff support to the Industrial Development Agency, will work with the IDA and Planning Department to create an incentive program for businesses that reduce their carbon footprint as part of a job-creating expansion.

TCAD and the Planning Department agree to institutionalize economic and energy impacts throughout their work, including individual project review and technical and financial assistance efforts-in part, making businesses and developers aware of available community resources and encouraging them to consider energy options as they pursue economic development projects.

"One of the greatest challenges of our time is how we can foster economic growth and also make meaningful reductions to our carbon footprint," stated Michael Lane, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature. "[T]he merger of being smart about environmental goals and the promoting of serious economic development is not only possible but is the wave of the future." 

Next TCCPI Meeting:

Friday, January 30, 2015

9 to 11 am

Borg Warner Room

Ithaca, NY 14850

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