Gabriella Cruz-Solano - Work Sample Report

Comprehensive Sustainability Report

May 2024

Prepared by: Sustainability Planning Intern - Gabriella Cruz-Solano

1 Contents

Contents

Introduction

Executive Summary

Peer Analysis

Engagement Campaign

Department and Policy/Plan Assessment

Goals, Strategies, Actions

Implementation

Conclusion and Next Steps

2 Introduction

Context

Urbanization and climate change have been closely intertwined since the industrial revolution Mass burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and changes in land use due to urban growth have significantly increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere Urban centers heavily rely on infrastructure, transportation, and energy systems that use coal, oil, and natural gas, making them major sources of pollution contributing to climate change 1

These greenhouse gas emissions lead to a global increase in temperature, destabilizing the Earth's natural processes and contributing to the climate crisis we face today The Earth's average temperature has risen more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century 2 To mitigate the most catastrophic impacts of climate change world leaders reached the Paris Agreement limit the global aver s.3

1Ghosh, Iman 20 2021 https://wwwwefor

2NASA, "2020 tied https://wwwnasa

3United Nations 2

Figure 1. T

Currently, the global average temperature has already reached 1.2°C above this baseline, and further warming will exacerbate climate impacts worldwide These impacts include temperature extremes, droughts, flooding, water scarcity, sea-level rise, species extinction, and food insecurity. North Carolina is already experiencing these effects, with more destructive storms, longer droughts, and heavier rains threatening local food systems, ecosystems, and the economy.4

What part do cities play?

Despite occupying only about 1% of the Earth's surface, cities consume approximately 80% of global resources and emit 75% of global CO2 emissions 5 Their significant role in emissions production means that cities can play a crucial part in shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come by implementing changes in processes and policies

Solutions

To address climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is imperative This involves enhancing energy efficiency to minimize energy and resource consumption, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and adapting to changing climates

As the Town of Zebulon experiences rapid growth, it becomes essential to establish guidelines and practices for new development that prioritize mitigating emissions and energy consumption while embracing clean, renewable energy to move towards a Net Zero ecological footprint.

4 Town of Hillsborough (September 11, 2017) Resolution Supporting the Goal of 100% Clean Energy by 2050 for the Town of Hillsborough, and the Fostering of a Resilient and Sustainable Community

5“Cutting Global Carbon Emissions: Where Do Cities Stand?” n d World Bank Blogs https://blogs worldbank org/en/sustainablecities/cutting-global-carbon-emissions-where-do-cities-stand

Clean and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind offer several advantages They produce power without emitting greenhouse gases, are often cost-effective with stable prices, enhance energy resilience, stimulate job growth, foster economic development, and provide various environmental benefits. Moreover, being renewable resources, they cannot be depleted like fossil fuels.

Preparing for hazards exacerbated by climate change and adapting to changing conditions are critical for Zebulon Growth principles focused on mitigating and adapting to climate change can help reduce building footprints, transportation costs, and energy consumption while improving community connectivity. Prioritizing sustainability will equip the community to address projected climate changes effectively

Benefits

Reducing Zebulon’s carbon footprint not only benefits the environment and mitigates climate change, but also brings numerous advantages to both the people and the city.

1. Vegetation and urban forest cover offer multiple benefits, including decreased urban heat, reduced risk of heat strokes, lower energy bills due to shade, cooler temperatures (up to 8 9°C difference), and decreased water management costs by avoiding stormwater expenses. Moreover, they contribute to increased mental health and overall well-being

2. Improved public transportation not only reduces energy and resource consumption but also fosters a sense of community and connectivity to neighboring cities. Walkable and bikeable cities, along with compact urban designs, promote city vitality, increase economic activity, enhance mental and physical health, and reduce energy and resource consumption They also enhance resilience, ensuring the continuation of daily life during fuel shortages

3. Community gardens and locally-sourced food options lead to decreased emissions and energy consumption, higher-quality food, and increased resilience, minimizing the impact of supply chain disruptions on the town

4. Efficient utility systems, such as water treatment and waste management systems, result in lower energy and resource consumption, thus reducing costs

5. Incorporating green standards into development projects not only decreases energy consumption but also reduces energy bills for all stakeholders involved

6 Economic growth is stimulated through job creation and the ability for workers to live and work in the community. Additionally, well-connected transportation systems attract businesses, making the town appealing to investors

7 The town gains positive attention, builds a reputation for environmental leadership and forward-thinking, and boosts tourism and investment opportunities.

Regulations

Significant efforts are underway within the federal government to address climate impact, with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) providing information on climate impacts. The United States, as a participant in the Paris Agreement, has established the National Climate Task Force to generate solutions for:

➔ Reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 50-52% below 2005 levels in 2030

➔ Reaching 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035

➔ Achieving a net-zero emissions economy by 2050

➔ Delivering 40% of the benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities6

North Carolina Executive Order 80 North Carolina’s Commitment to Address Climate Change and Transition to a Clean Energy Economy calls for state support of the 2015 Paris Agreement goals and honor the state’s commitments to the US Climate Alliance by striving to accomplish three objectives by 2025 7 These include:

➔ Reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 2005 levels.

➔ Increasing the number of registered, zero-emission vehicles to 80,000

➔ Reducing energy consumption per square foot in state-owned buildings by 40% from 2002-2003 levels.

The Order called on state agencies to evaluate climate change impacts on their programs and operations and integrate climate change impacts mitigation and adaptation practices into these programs

North Carolina Clean Energy Plan was developed from the Executive Order 80 8 The plan encourages the use of clean energy resources such as energy efficiency, solar, wind, energy storage and other technologies. The plan set the following goals for North Carolina:

➔ Reduce electric power sector greenhouse gas emissions by 70% below 2005 levels by 2030 and attain carbon neutrality by 2050.

➔ Foster long-term energy affordability and price stability for North Carolina’s residents and businesses by modernizing regulatory and planning processes.

➔ Accelerate clean energy innovation, development and deployment to create economic opportunities for both rural and urban areas of the state

The plan recommended to:

➔ Develop carbon reduction policy designs for accelerated retirement of uneconomic coal assets and other market-based and clean energy policy.

6 “National Climate Task Force ” The White House, April 23, 2024 https://wwwwhitehouse gov/climate/

7North Carolina Executive Branch, "Executive Order No 80: North Carolina’s Commitment to Address Climate Change and Transition to a Clean Energy Economy" (2018), https://governornc gov/media/967/open

8 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, "North Carolina Clean Energy Plan: Transitioning to a 21st Century Electricity System" (2019), https://files nc gov/ncdeq/cli-mate-change/clean-energy-plan/NC Clean Energy Plan OCT 2019 pdf

➔ Develop and implement policies and tools such as performance-based mechanisms, multi-year rate planning and revenue decoupling that better align utility incentives with public interest, grid needs and state policy

➔ Modernize the grid to support clean energy resource adaption, resilience and other public interest outcomes.

House Bill 951 was done to modernize Energy Generation into law.9 The law requires the North Carolina Utilities Commission:

➔ Reach a 70% reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

➔ Retire coal-fired power plants and replace them with solar and other renewable energy options

➔ With solar specifically, utility companies will need to purchase 45% of their solar from small power producers

North Carolina’s Executive Order 246: North Carolina’s Transformation to a Clean, Equitable Economy builds on the governor's previous actions to support clean and renewable energy 10 This puts direct next steps in the state’s plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions and create economic opportunities for North Carolinians across the state, especially in under-served communities

This order updates North Carolina’s carbon emissions reduction goals to align with climate science, reduce pollution, create jobs and protect communities It increases the statewide goal to:

➔ Achieve a 50% reduction in emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and aim to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible with a hard deadline of 2050

➔ Establish a greenhouse gas emission inventory to measure current emissions levels and evaluate pathways for net zero.

➔ Increase of zero-emission vehicles to 1,250,000 by 2030, increase the sale of zero-emission vehicles to achieve 50% of new in-state sales that are zero-emission by 2030.

N.C. Clean Transportation Plan provides guidance for a coordinated strategy to accelerate decarbonization in the transportation sector. 11 It outlines how North Carolina can prepare for a clean transportation future and recommends strategies and partnerships

The Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard is a standard that requires a specified percentage of electricity sold by utilities be generated from renewable sources Enacted in 2007, it requires all investor-owned utilities in the state to produce 12.5% of their retail electricity through

9General Assembly of North Carolina, "House Bill 951: Modernize Energy Generation" (2021), https://wwwncleg gov/Sessions/2021/Bills/House/PDF/H951v5 pdf

10North Carolina Executive Branch, "Executive Order No 246: North Carolina’s Transformation to a Clean, Equitable Economy" (2022), accessed January 30, 2024, https://governornc gov/media/2907/open

11 NCDOT https://wwwncdot gov/initiatives-policies/environmental/climate-change/Pages/clean-transportation-plan aspx

renewable energy or energy efficiency measures Additionally, rural electric cooperatives and municipal electric suppliers are mandated to produce 10% of electricity sales from renewable sources

Among these regulations, frameworks and guides have been thoroughly researched and created to assist cities in creating a more sustainable city

Funding

There are numerous grants state and nationwide to support energy efficiency and the transition to renewable energy. Some are listed here:

➔ Rural Energy for America Program

➔ American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

➔ Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant Program

➔ North Carolina Recycling Business Assistance Center

➔ Inflation Reduction Act

➔ FTA Formula Grant Program

Green Standards Rating Systems

The utilization of green rating systems, such as the U S Green Building Council's LEED rating system, serves as a comprehensive framework to assess and enhance the environmental performance and sustainability of various entities, including buildings, infrastructure, products, and processes. In the context of the Town of Zebulon, LEED frameworks were utilized as a guiding tool for conducting a thorough gap analysis and formulating actionable strategies to achieve the town's sustainability objectives

The LEED rating system, renowned globally for its rigor and effectiveness, provides a structured approach to designing, constructing, and operating high-performance green buildings, communities, and cities.12 Particularly, the LEED for Cities and Communities variant evaluates sustainability and quality of life aspects within urban and community settings, fostering the development of more sustainable, equitable, and resilient environments. Its comprehensive criteria encompass economic, environmental, and social performance measures, facilitating a data-driven assessment process

The certification scale within the LEED framework presents various performance levels, ranging from Certified to Platinum, based on accrued points With a minimum requirement of 40 points for certification and escalating thresholds for higher levels of recognition, the system incentivizes continuous improvement and excellence in sustainability practices Throughout the assessment process, which entails data collection, documentation, performance evaluations,

and collaborative partnerships, the LEED framework offers a structured pathway towards achieving sustainability goals.

➔ Certified: 40-49 points

➔ Silver: 50-59 points

➔ Gold: 60-69 points

➔ Platinum: 80+

There are a total of 110 points that could be achieved

In the case of the Town of Zebulon, the LEED rating system was instrumental in conducting a crosswalk gap analysis to identify existing shortcomings and recommend feasible actions aligned with the town's sustainability objectives. Although no formal certification process was initiated, the recommended actions were strategically chosen to potentially attain a Gold certification standard, reflecting a holistic and robust approach to sustainability. Even in the absence of formal certification, the utilization of the LEED framework signifies a commitment to evidence-based decision-making and internationally recognized best practices in sustainability Thus, serving as a valuable roadmap for future endeavors aimed at enhancing the environmental, social, and economic well-being of the community

3 Executive Summary

The Town of Zebulon has experienced substantial growth in recent years, with its population doubling from 4,433 in 2010 to 8,665 in 2022 This growth trajectory is expected to continue, offering both opportunities and challenges for the town's sustainable development To address environmental concerns and align with global efforts to combat the current environmental crisis, the town took a significant step by appointing its first sustainability personnel in October

Over the subsequent seven months, this personnel engaged with community members and town staff to conduct a comprehensive sustainability assessment This assessment comprised four key projects: a Peer Analysis, an Engagement Campaign and Report, a Department and Policy/Plan Assessment Report, and finally, this Comprehensive Sustainability Report, amalgamating the previous three and proposing goals, strategies, and actions.

The primary objective of this report is to integrate the findings of sustainability within the Town of Zebulon and recommend the next high-priority actions The research conducted over the seven-month period involved the exploration of various frameworks and case studies Ultimately, the LEED for Cities and Communities framework emerged as the most suitable for proposing holistic actions to be implemented It is envisaged that this report will lay the groundwork for the development of a larger, data-driven community-wide plan once the initial phase of data collection for these actions is completed.

The sustainability assessment encompassed:

1 Peer Analysis: The sustainability plans and progress of three peer municipalities in the Research Triangle area, including Hillsborough, Carrboro, and Morrisville, were externally evaluated.

2 Engagement Campaign: This initiative provided a platform for both internal and external stakeholders to voice their priorities regarding sustainability The survey results indicated robust support for various sustainability initiatives, encompassing environmental protections, alternative transportation, roadside cleanup, education and awareness, and green building

3 Department and Policy/Plan Assessment: An internal assessment of the Town's current sustainability landscape, ongoing initiatives, completed projects, and existing policies supporting sustainability was conducted

➢ The plans reviewed included:

● Utility Allocation Policy

● Unified Development Ordinance

● Greenway, Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan

● Comprehensive Land Use Plan

● Comprehensive Transportation Plan

● Strategic Plan 2018-2030

4 Establishment of Goals, Strategies, and Actions: Through an examination of past and current efforts, stakeholder engagement, and extensive research, the town formulated feasible goals aimed at reducing its ecological footprint and fostering a more sustainable future These goals include:

1. Reduce Resource Consumption and Increase Energy Efficiency

2 Complete and Sustainable Transportation

3. Sustainable Land Use Planning

4 Biodiversity Conservation

5 Renewable Energy Adoption

6. Equitable and Inclusive Development

7 Education and Awareness

5 Gap Analysis and Application of LEED Framework: Based on the review of existing plans and establishment of a policy and actions baseline, a gap analysis was performed utilizing the LEED for Cities and Communities framework. This process identified feasible and applicable actions tailored to Zebulon's context. Key areas addressed by the LEED framework included Integrative Process, Natural Systems and Ecology, Transportation and Land Use, Water Efficiency, Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Materials and Resources, and Quality of Life.

6 Criteria Matrix Development: To prioritize budgeting and implementation of actions, a Criteria Matrix was developed This matrix comprises nine criteria, each assigned a scoring weight, including Greenhouse Gas Reduction (GHGR), Energy Consumption Reduction (ECR), Environmental Quality (EQ), Community Health & Quality of Life (CHQL), Environmental Social Justice and Equity (ESJE), Net Cost (NC), Impact (I), Alignment with Other Plans (AOP), and Stakeholder Input (SI)

7 Phased Implementation of Actions: Actions determined from the LEED for Cities and Communities gap analysis were prioritized into five phases:

○ Phase 1: Initiates with integrative planning, the appointment of a sustainability lead to tackle actions, establish partnerships, collect internal data, and identify funding This phase also involves the development of a Climate Action Plan

○ Phase 2: Focuses on actions that frontload emissions reductions, greenhouse gas reductions, and resource management.

○ Phase 3: Consists of actions related to waste management, green infrastructure, and equitable policies

○ Phase 4: Involves actions promoting conservation, procurement, and air quality.

○ Phase 5: Addresses actions for social, economic, and environmental equity

3 Peer Analysis

The sustainability personnel initiated their work with a comprehensive Peer Analysis of neighboring municipalities within the Research Triangle, specifically focusing on Hillsborough, Carrboro, and Morrisville, NC These towns were selected based on their geographical proximity, comparable growth rates, and relatively smaller populations. Each of these municipalities had already developed Climate Action Plans and had set sustainability goals. The Peer Analysis aimed to provide insight into various aspects of sustainability efforts, including population growth, energy initiatives, transportation trends, green building efforts, waste/recycling programs, and conservancy commitments The following table offers a concise overview of these factors across the four communities

Table 1: Peer Town Analysis 2023

The Sustainability Plan Comparison table offers a comprehensive view of several sustainability plans, encompassing the Master Sustainability Plan, Community Climate Action Plan, and Energy and Climate Protection Plan Each of these plans delineates distinct phases, assessment methodologies, community engagement strategies, focus areas, goals, and actionable strategies aimed at attaining sustainable outcomes

These plans prioritize different criteria, with considerations ranging from feasibility, impact, cost, and stakeholder input to action type and project initiation Moreover, they advocate for the establishment of policies conducive to sustainability and seek to cultivate partnerships with diverse organizations to drive forward sustainability initiatives.

Table 2: Sustainability Plan Comparison

4 Engagement Campaign

Introduction

The Town of Zebulon initiated a sustainability planning survey and report, accessible via the provided link, to gather feedback from community members, aiming to foster a sustainability-minded community. Grounded in three pillars environmental, social, and economic the survey sought to understand public opinion on areas for improvement within the town and individuals' lives. By engaging with the community, the survey aimed to develop a shared vision for the town's future Key objectives included assessing community awareness and support, identifying sustainability priorities, understanding behavioral patterns, and gathering recommendations for future actions. Engagement efforts included promotion at the Candy Cane Lane community event and electronic distribution through email, emphasizing inclusivity and community involvement The survey was conducted from November 29th to December 4th, 2023, with the goal of gathering diverse perspectives to inform sustainable development initiatives

Report Summary

This report findings aimed at discerning community perspectives and priorities on sustainability initiatives Key highlights include:

Methodology: Responses from 172 community members were analyzed, with engagement efforts comprising face-to-face interactions and targeted outreach via email and social media.

Familiarity and Support: The majority of respondents demonstrated familiarity (87%) and support (91%) for sustainability initiatives, indicating a strong community interest in sustainability

Sustainability Priorities: Environmental protections and alternative transportation options were prioritized by respondents, while food waste/recycling and emissions reduction received lower rankings.

Daily Sustainability Actions: Recycling emerged as the most commonly incorporated sustainability action in respondents' daily lives, reflecting a widespread commitment to environmental stewardship

Future Intentions: Making homes more energy-efficient emerged as the most popular action respondents were interested in pursuing over the next few years, highlighting a desire for individual action towards sustainability

Community Feedback: Open-ended responses most commonly dealt with topics such as “Roadside Cleanup,” “Education and Awareness,” “Active Transportation Maintenance and Additions,” and “Community Agriculture ” Other commonly repeated phrases included “better, safer sidewalks and bike lanes,” “clean up roadsides of litter,” and “preserve land and trees ” The quotes below reflect some of the common responses

● “Balance residences with actual places to shop or eat ”

● “More sidewalk on Hwy 96 to help encourage walking and for joggers ”

● “Most Zebulon residents are not able to safely walk to local businesses

Infrastructures such as biking lanes or basics like sidewalks should be a priority to make Zebulon safer for pedestrians ”

● “Try to preserve what ever land we have left here in Zebulon, I understand the importance of growth but can we grow our town without killing all the trees ”

● “We need to clean up the community - trash & debris on the roadways

General Opinions: Some respondents expressed skepticism about climate change, while others advocated for waste management improvements, renewable energy adoption, community-building initiatives, environmental conservation, and sustainable growth and development. Education and awareness on sustainable practices emerged as a common theme among respondents

Figure 2: General Opinions

5 Department and Policy/Plan Assessment

Introduction

In pursuit of its commitment to address environmental concerns and contribute to global efforts in mitigating the current environmental crisis, The Town of Zebulon embarked on a comprehensive assessment of its sustainability initiatives, policies, and projects The primary aim of this assessment was to identify existing actions and plans aligned with sustainability goals and to create a path for future improvements This endeavor involved gathering information through meetings with town departmental heads and compiling current and completed projects related to sustainability throughout Zebulon. Additionally, further insights were gleaned from planning and policy documents to discern existing sustainability alignment By examining current efforts and engaging stakeholders, the town sought to establish feasible goals that would propel it toward a more sustainable future.

Review of Existing and Completed Projects

The Town of Zebulon has undertaken numerous sustainability initiatives spanning energy efficiency, waste management, transportation, and environmental conservation. These efforts include installing LED lights, implementing low-flow toilets, promoting waste reduction and recycling education, and enhancing public transportation options like the GoTriangle Express Bus Park-and-Ride and MicroTransit. Additionally, the town prioritizes preserving natural lands, reducing invasive species, and promoting stormwater conservation to underscore its commitment to environmental stewardship. These actions and impacts include:

➔ LED light changes in municipal buildings and street lights resulted in a significant reduction in energy consumption

➔ Installation of low-flow toilets in all town departments led to significant water conservation

➔ Conducting an energy audit and installing LED lights for the Five County Stadium improved energy efficiency in a high-impact public facility

➔ Waste reduction and recycling education initiatives focused on diverting waste from landfills by promoting circular and responsible consumption, leading to efficient and organized disposal of large waste items and a reduction in dumping and environmental contamination

➔ The GoTriangle Express Bus Park-and-ride and MicroTransit for shared riders initiatives improved public transportation options, reduced energy consumption, and emissions, while also promoting shared mobility

➔ Ethanol Fuel at Gas stations aimed at promoting cleaner and renewable fuel sources, resulting in a reduction in emissions

➔ Implementation of Multi-Modal options such as sidewalks improvements and the Greenway connecting Zebulon improved safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing reliance on cars

➔ Preservation of 50% of natural land and trees on new developments aimed at protecting environmentally sensitive areas and promoting mixed-use development, including the construction of the in-progress Fire Station

➔ Efforts to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems, including the 90% reduction of invasive species in Little River Park

➔ Initiatives like Wake County Environmental Control for stormwater management, Tree City USA with a tree board, and Urban Forestry Plans for assessment of tree health focused on protection of water quality, preserving tree canopy, and climate resilience, as well as restoration of native plant species and ecosystems.

➔ Quarterly Nature Programs and the Stormwater Conservation Program aimed at education on local flora and fauna and reduction of pollutants, preserving local water bodies.

Review of Policy and Town Plans

The Town of Zebulon has sustainability focus intertwined within existing town plans across various focus areas, reflecting a desire to address environmental challenges while fostering community resilience and inclusivity. By examining how each town plan aligns with sustainability goals, we can identify synergies, gaps and opportunities for further improvement of sustainability initiatives to reach future goals

The Utility Allocation Policy of the town focuses on promoting sustainable development across various sectors. It encourages mixed-use development, enhancing walkability, and connectivity, aligning with sustainability goals related to transportation and land-use planning The policy emphasizes the preservation of open space, existing tree canopy, and habitats, while also promoting development on existing land to conserve resources Additionally, it introduces bonus categories for water allocation, including green development standards, EV charging stations, and smart waste and recycling stations, contributing to goals related to emissions reduction, transportation,

waste management, and biodiversity conservation Overall, the policy aims to guide new developments towards sustainability by incorporating green design standards and inclusive housing practices, thereby supporting the majority of the town's sustainability goals.

The Unified Development Ordinance encompasses various aspects of development standards, zoning, and environmental conservation. It includes provisions for residential watershed districts, mixed-use zoning, overlay districts, and development standards such as green wall facades, stormwater mitigation and landscaping These measures aim to promote sustainability, reduce emissions, and conserve natural resources. Additionally, the UDO emphasizes conservation practices in subdivisions, reservation of public lands, and the provision of sidewalks to support equitable and inclusive development and sustainable land use planning. Overall, the UDO aligns with sustainability goals by integrating environmental considerations into development practices and encouraging alternative transportation methods.

The Greenway, Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan focuses on enhancing multimodal transportation through improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, including greenways, trails, and paths The focus is on creating a safer, more comprehensive multimodal transport network, which includes upgrading existing infrastructure and introducing new pathways This plan aims to reduce dependence on private vehicles by promoting alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling and walking. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of sustainable and accessible transportation options for the community

The Comprehensive Land Use Plan emphasizes several key aspects to promote sustainable development It focuses on creating pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environments, expanding public transit options, and protecting environmental assets. Additionally, it encourages mixed-use and mixed-income housing to foster inclusivity The plan also emphasizes the efficient use of resources, such as water, and the reduction of solid waste generation. Additionally, it ensures the protection of environmental assets through thoughtful design and adequate stormwater infrastructure., it promotes mixed-use development and balanced parking arrangements to support sustainable land-use planning. Overall, it seeks to create a balanced and sustainable urban environment that prioritizes environmental conservation and community well-being.

The Comprehensive Transportation Plan emphasizes the development of complete streets that cater to the needs of cyclists, pedestrians, and future transit systems. This strategic approach supports the overarching aim of achieving complete and sustainable transportation solutions Specifically, the plan prioritizes the redevelopment of sidewalks to enhance pedestrian infrastructure and promote safe and accessible walking environments Additionally, it advocates for the implementation of microtransit services,

such as ride-sharing initiatives, and the establishment of circular transit routes to improve public transportation accessibility and efficiency. By focusing on these key elements, the Comprehensive Transportation Plan aims to address current and future transportation needs while promoting sustainability and enhancing overall mobility within the community

The Strategic Plan 2018-2030 outlines strategies for enhancing downtown vibrancy, small-town life, and smart growth Proposed initiatives include mixed-use development, cultural events, sidewalk and greenway enhancements, and land use planning to meet housing and transportation needs. These strategies aim to foster community connectivity, promote sustainability, and ensure inclusivity and affordability in urban development

Summary

The assessment of sustainability initiatives in the Town of Zebulon reveals a strong foundation for addressing challenges through a sustainability lens. The town's initiatives encompass a wide range of focus areas, including waste and recycling, development, transportation, housing, utilities and environmental conservatoin. These initiatives align with various sustainability goals such as reducing emissions and resource consumption, complete and sustainable transportation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable land-use planning, equitable and inclusive development, and education and awareness. By leveraging these initiatives, Zebulon can create a more sustainable and inclusive community for its residents

While the town has made commendable progress in incorporating sustainability into its plans, there are still gaps and challenges to address Moving forward, it will be crucial for Zebulon to prioritize and implement these initiatives effectively This will require continued collaboration among stakeholders, innovative approaches to sustainability, and a commitment to monitoring and evaluating progress over time

6 Goals, Strategies & Actions

Goals, Strategies and Impact

Plans and proposals indicate that the Town of Zebulon wants a walkable, inclusive, environmentally-friendly, and thriving community Goals were determined based on research on case studies and best practices, combined with what previous plans and goals have stated. When researching successful frameworks for climate action, attributes highlight the urgency of emission reductions, where increasing energy efficiency needs to be front-loaded.13 This became a focal point for prioritization

Goals Strategies Impact

#1: Reduce Resource Consumption and Increase Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency in buildings and water consumption. Efficient processes and programs for reduced waste

#2: Complete and Sustainable Transportation Public transit, pedestrian and bike infrastructure

#3: Sustainable Land Use Planning

#4: Biodiversity Conservation

Mixed-use, low-impact, infill, compact, centralized development and green infrastructure.

- increases energy security

- lower utility expenses

- lessens strain on ecosystem

- reduces emissions

- reduces transportation emissions

- diversifies transportation options building resilience

- conserves environment

- alleviates traffic congestion

- provides cost savings

- reduces vehicle emissions

- preserves open space

- reduces infrastructure expansion costs and stormwater treatment costs

- reduces environmental impact

- increases resiliance to extreme weather events

Wildlife and open space conservation, tree canopy preservation, decreased pollution, native plant use, urban forestry.

- improves ecosystem health and resilience

- provides climate and flood regulation

- cleans air and water

13Fankhauser, S , Smith, S M , Allen, M et al "The meaning of net zero and how to get it right " Nat Clim Chang 12, 15–21 (2022) https://doi org/10 1038/s41558-021-01245-w

Table 3: Goals #1-7, Strategies and Impact

#5: Renewable Energy Adoption Solar and wind infrastructure

#6: Equitable and Inclusive Development

Affordable housing, access to green spaces, community agriculture

- increases climate resilience

- reduces water consumption in landscaping

- increases energy independence and increases resilience

- lowers utility expenses

- lowers emissions

- protects local ecosystems

- decreases disproportionate climate effects to marginalized communities

- increases food security and resilience

- decreases transportation emissions

#7: Education and Awareness

Educational programs and incentives for: buy-local, community gardening, walking, biking, using transit or carpool, conservation, waste reduction, and recycling, energy efficient homes and renewable energy

- increased community engagement, pride and ownership

- increased participation in individual and organizational sustainability measures

Gap Analysis and LEED Framework

Once goal setting and strategies were established, extensive research was conducted to identify the best actions for towns/cities to transition towards a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient community While EPA rural cities and small towns were considered, ultimately, the LEED for Cities and Communities system emerged as the most tailored and actionable approach to achieve certification levels. Using this rating system, a comprehensive gap analysis, linked here, was conducted to assess the actions already undertaken by the town and identify remaining steps necessary to achieve Zebulon's goals. These actions were carefully calculated to feasibly lead to future LEED silver/gold certification should Zebulon choose to pursue it, accumulating between 61 and 85 points The approach provided guidelines for tailored actions aimed at establishing a sustainable, equitable, and resilient community in Zebulon

The chosen actions were selected from a framework that would be feasible for the Town of Zebulon to implement while meeting sustainability goals, providing the best strategies to attain them. These actions include:

Goal 1: Reduce Resource Consumption and Energy Efficiency:

1. The Green Building Policy and Incentives entail adopting a policy for new construction by the local government to achieve green building certification, and existing buildings above 5000 square feet operate to a green building rating system and two incentives for LEED or green building rating systems are proposed in the city

2 Prerequisite Water and Sanitation Access for all habitable structures have public water supply and wastewater collection systems.

3 Drinking Water Quality involves water quality testing and compliance with regulations

4 Treated wastewater quality includes data for treated wastewater and compliance with EPA and CWA standards.

5 Stormwater Quality ensures compliance with US EPA NPDES regulations

6 Prerequisite Water Performance involves measuring per capita domestic water consumption calculation.

7 Integrated Water Management requires a water balance statement to report the amount of water withdrawn to the amount entering the system.

8 Green Stormwater Infrastructure aims to ensure that no more than 50% of the city land area is covered by impervious surface

9. A Water Audit is to be undertaken once per year.

10 Prerequisite Power Access, Reliability, and Resiliency focus on electricity access, reliability performance monitoring, and power surety and resilience

11. Prerequisite Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Performance involves measuring energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for the Town of Zebulon

12.Energy Audit and Energy Conservation initiatives include building performance disclosure, energy audit, and energy conservation efforts.

13 Energy Efficiency Programs and Policies aim to adopt three energy efficiency programs targeting residents and businesses.

14 The Climate Action Plan includes missions profile, focus area, sector-wise climate goals, and targets

15.Reduction in Carbon Intensity aims to demonstrate reduction from a baseline year.

16 Access to Waste Management Services involves demonstrating all sectors receive waste management for solid waste

17.Waste Performance involves measuring municipal solid waste (MSW) generated per capita and MSW diverted

18.Special Waste Streams Management includes measuring generation and diversion of waste streams to landifll.

19 Implementing a Sustainable Procurement Policy mandates purchasing reused materials along with annual progress report.

20.Laws, Regulations and Programs supporting Material Conservation for limit of disposal of materials, incentivize reuse and embody tax

21. supporting laws, regulations, and programs for material conservation.

22 Reuse Centers & Drop Off Facilities for material drop-off and pickup

Goal 2: Renewable Energy Adoption:

23.Renewable energy in the transition for local electricity supply.

Goal 3: Complete and Sustainable Transportation:

24 Prerequisite Transportation Performance involves modal split data for one year and VMT per capita for one year with a performance score above 40

25.Compact and Complete Centers need to be identified with at least 1 needed for Zebulon’s population

26 Walk Score and Transit Score initiatives ensure that each CCC has a walk score and transit score over 70.

27 Planning for Future Development aims to have 90% of population and job growth planned to occur in CCC area and incentivize residential and employment densities and diverse use.

28 Transit Supportive Design and Policy focuses on having 60% of the population within ½ mile of high-frequency transit, improving public transit ridership, and implementing street design to improve transit service quality

29 Transportation Safety aims to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and injuries, progressing towards zero fatalities by 2040 and adopting vision zero policies.

30 Alternative Fuel Stations aim to have the number of fuel stations meeting or exceeding 1 52 per 10,000 residents

Goal 4: Sustainable Land Use Planning:

1. Integrative Planning includes (1) creating a LEED for cities interdisciplinary team; (2) a LEED for Cities Roadap Development for gap analysis, goal setting and action plan; (3) a Comprehensive plan to describe how current city integrates sustainability principles into comprehensive plans, performance measures, strategies for how city will achieve goals, implementation and regular reporting; and (4) stakeholder engagement for how the city wil inform and engage stakeholders

2. Parking Management policies for maximums, shared parking and redevelopment.

3 Infill and Brownfield Development for an inventory of infill both previously developed and for future development, as well as adopting policies/incentives to develop infill

Goal 5: Biodiversity and Environment Conservation:

1. Prerequisite Ecosystem Assessment involves topography, soils, vegetation and habitat, hydrology and aquatic systems, and pollution sources and threats assessment.

2 Access to Green Spaces ensures publicly accessible green space area at 15% or more of the total city area and within ½ mile of 50-70% of residents.

3 Urban Forest Cover aims for improvement in urban forest cover or reduction in urban heatmap and adoption of an Urban Forest Master Plan

4. Natural Resource Acreage aims to maintain protected resource at 20%.

5 Natural Resource Conservation and Restoration Plan involves conserving/restoring sensitive habitats

6. Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment for climate change risks, natural and man-made hazards and extreme events

Goal 6: Equitable and Inclusive Development:

1 Prerequisite Demographic and Social Equity Assessment to assess demographic and socioeconomic, housing and neighborhood development, social infrastructure, assets and services

2 Prerequisite Quality of Life Performance to assess education, equitability, prosperity and health and safety.

3 Community Needs Assessment to identify priority social service and infrastructure needs

4. Equitable Access to Social Infrastructure to identify four social infrastructure services’ accessibility to neighborhoods with highest percentage of low-income residents as to the city as a whole

5. Strategies to Strengthen Economic Prosperity for project labor agreements, advisory board, job training, focused support and financial literacy

6. Strategies to Reduce Environmental Justice Risk and Vulnerability for conducting assessment, creating a group and informing and educating the public.

7 Comprehensive Housing Policy to conduct an affordable housing needs assessment

8. Affordable Housing Production is at 5% rate or greater.

9 Policies for Better Public Health such as affordable food access, community health improvement plan, and medical servies in underserved areas

10.Protect Air Quality to demonstrate a 10% reduction in the annual days Air Quality Index exceeds 100

11. Assistance and Support Programs such as support from school to career, vocational training, and summer learning programs.

12 Civil and Human Rights for adoption of discrimination-free mission statement, voting rights, DEI officer and human rights officier.

Goal 7: Education and Awareness

1. Repair/Reuse Awareness and Education such as working with nonprofit for campaign and maintaining a network of skilled repairmen.

2 Innovation to promote recycling through education and visible receptacles

7 Implementation

Criteria Matrix

Once actions were identified, a criteria matrix, inspired by effective models utilized by other towns, was designed to assess each action's impact on greenhouse gas reduction, energy consumption, environmental quality, community health and quality of life, environmental social justice and equity, net cost, overall impact, alignment with other town plans, and stakeholder input. This matrix prioritized actions with significant impacts on environmental sustainability and emissions reduction, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change and promote environmental sustainability

Table 4: Criteria Matrix

Greenhouse Gas Reduction

How much will this action contribute directly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

0 - Not applicable

1

- Will not directly reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

2 - Will marginally reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

3 - Will moderately reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

4 - Will significantly reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

5

- Will extremely reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Rating is weighed by 5

Environmental Quality

How much will this action protect and enhance environmental quality and resources?

0 - Not applicable

1 - Will not directly improve environmental quality

2 - Will marginally improve environmental quality

3 - Will moderately improve environmental quality

4 - Will significantly improve environmental quality

5 - Will extremely improve environmental quality

Rating is weighted by 3

Environmental Social Justice and Equity

Is there potential for this action to improve equitable outcomes for historically underserved communities?

0 - Not applicable

1 - Will not directly improve social justice and equity

2 - Will marginally improve social justice and equity

3 - Will moderately improve social justice and equity

4 - Will significantly improve social justice and equity

5 - Will extremely improve social justice and equity

Energy Consumption Reduction

How much will this action directly reduce energy use and energy costs?

0 - Not applicable

1 - Will not directly reduce energy consumption

2 - Will marginally reduce energy consumption

3 - Will moderately reduce energy consumption

4 - Will significantly reduce energy consumption

5 - Will extremely reduce energy consumption

Rating is weighted by 5

Community Health & Quality of Life

How much will this action improve overall well-being, quality of life and resilience?

0 - Not applicable

1 - Will not directly improve environmental quality

2 - Will marginally improve environmental quality

3 - Will moderately improve environmental quality

4 - Will significantly improve environmental quality

5 - Will extremely improve environmental quality

Rating is weighted by 3.

Net Cost

What will the net cost (cost - savings + expected benefits) to complete this action be?

0 - Cost is prohibitive

1 - Cost is extremely expensive

2 - Cost is highly expensive

3 - Cost is moderatly expensive

4 - Cost is nominal

5 - No cost

Rating is weighted by 2.

Impact

What is the potential of this action to generate the most significant positive outcome?

0 - Not applicable

1 - Will not generate significant positive outcome

2 - Will generate marginal positive outcome

3 - Will generate moderate positive outcome

4 - Will generate significant positive outcome

5 - Will generate extremely positive outcome

Rating is weighted by 2

Stakeholder Input

How much will this action align with priorities and concerns of stakeholders?

0 - Not applicable

1 - Will not align with priorities and concerns

2 - Will marginally align with priorities and concerns

3 - Will moderately align with priorities and concerns

4 - Will significantly align with priorities and concerns

5 - Will extremely align with priorities and concerns

Rating is weighted by 2

Total Score

The maximum weighted score is 130 points.

Rating is weighted by 2

Alignment with Other Plans

How much will this action allow for coordinated planning and maximum efficiency in town plans?

0 - Not applicable

1 - Will not allow for coordinated planning

2 - Will marginally allow for coordinated planning

3 - Will moderately allow for coordinated planning

4 - Will significantly allow for coordinated planning

5 - Will extremely allow for coordinated planning

Rating is weighted by 2

Actions were rated on a scale of 0 through 5 based on their potential contribution to each category These ratings were then multiplied by the weight assigned to each category and summed to determine the action's weighted score This was done to emphasize the environmental aspect of sustainability, complementing other departments of Zebulon that focus on social and economic aspects Priority was given to actions that frontload emissions reductions, incorporating a mix of short-term and long-term strategies to mitigate emissions and energy consumption, transition to renewable energy sources, and foster a vibrant environmentally friendly community View the criteria matrix ratings here

Stakeholder Input and Town Policy Rating

Stakeholder Input and Alignment with Town Plans category ratings were derived from previous reports on the Engagement Campaign, and the Department and Policy/Plan Assessment A snapshot of these contributions are in the table below.

Table 5: Town Policy and Stakeholder Input Data

Town Policy Alignment

- UAP, CLUP, UDO and CMP for green development standards, energy efficiency, energy star and LEED certifications, and low impact development

- CLUP for reducing solid waste generation, CLUP for reuse and conservation of water resources, CMP for reducing impervious surfaces

- UAP for smart waste and recycling stations, CMP for expand recycling businesses

- CMP for promote energy and water conservation and recycling

- UDO, CLUP, CTP and Strategic Plan for walkability, and sidewalk improvements, maintenance of sidewalks

- GBPMP, CLUP, CTP and UDO for bicycle and pedestrian system, alternative transport safety, and complete streets

- UDO, CLUP, CTP and UDO for expanding transit, microtransit and circular transit route, and public transit improvements

- CMP for future railroad transit use

- CLUP for parks and trails, public green spaces and greenway connections

- Strategic Plan for greenways

- UDO for multi-use trail system

- UAP, CLUP, Strategic Plan, UDO and CMP for mixed-use development requirement with residential

- CLUP and Strategic Plan for balanced parking and compact downtown

- CMP and Strategic Plan for infill and brownfield redevelopment

- UAP, CLUP, UDO and CMP for open space

- CLUP for new public infrastructure, UDO for green wall facades

- UAP, CLUP, UDO and CMP for open space preservation, tree canopy, habitats, protecting water quality, vegetated buffers on along water, native species use, vegetation placement, and protect existing natural resources

- UDO, CLUP, and CMP for stormwater management and infrastructure, and in neighborhoods, less impervious surfaces, development site conserving 50% of environment, development for water conservation, and public parks in subdivisions

- UAP for EV charging stations

- UDO for renewable energy

Stakeholder Input

70% for energy efficiency

63% for emissions reduction

66% for food waste and recycling

#4 for waste reduction

72% for alternative transportation

43% for biking, walking, using the bus and carpooling more and driving less

#2 for active transportation maintenance and new additions

62% for increased support local businesses

#4 for more parks, trails, open spaces, shops, grocery stores and retail

81% for environmental protections

55% for support of local ecosystems

#2 for roadside cleanup

#3 for ecological conservation

#4 for planting native species

36% for solar energy

#1 for renewable energy for residents

- UAP for housing services for elderly, affordable housing, mixed-income housing, increase in cultural connectivity and events

- Strategic Plan and UAP for affordable housing

#3 for renewable energy implementation for Zebulon

36% for working on issues of climate change and social equity

#3 for community agriculture

26% for community efforts to reduce climate change

#1 for education and awareness

Phased Implementation of Actions

Once actions are passed through the Criteria Matrix, two separate groups of actions are evaluated

The first group consists of preliminary assessments aimed at collecting data on the town’s water, energy, emissions, transportation, environmental quality, waste generation, and quality of life The phases are subject to change based on the results of preliminary assessments (Phase 1), as the data will inform decisions on areas requiring attention, strengths and weaknesses, and aid in prioritizing actions and setting measurable goals. These actions will be carried out in the initial phase regardless of the score

Phase 1 will start with integrative planning, from appointing a sustainability lead to tackling each action, establishing partnerships, collecting internal data, and looking for funding

These actions were only prioritized through net cost and impact. Actions are as follows:

First Priority (20 - 18 points)

1 Integrative Planning includes (1) creating a LEED for cities interdisciplinary team; (2) a LEED for Cities Roadmap Development for gap analysis, goal setting and action plan; (3) a Comprehensive plan to describe how the current city integrates sustainability principles into comprehensive plans, performance measures, strategies for how the city will achieve goals, implementation and regular reporting; and (4) stakeholder engagement for how the city wil inform and engage stakeholders

2. Water Audit is to be undertaken once per year.

3. Power Access, Reliability, and Resiliency focus on electricity access, reliability performance monitoring, and power surety and resilience

4. Energy, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Performance involves measuring energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for the Town of Zebulon

5. Transportation Performance involves modal split data for one year and VMT per capita for one year with a performance score above 40.

6 Walk Score and Transit Score initiatives ensure that each CCC has a walk score and transit score over 70.

7. Climate Action Plan includes emissions profile, focus area, sector-wise climate goals, and targets.

8. Water Performance involves measuring municipal solid waste (MSW) generated per capita and MSW diverted

9. Identify Compact and Complete Centers with at least 1 needed for Zebulon’s population

10.Ecosystem Assessment involves topography, soils, vegetation and habitat, hydrology and aquatic systems, and pollution sources and threats assessment.

11. Quality of Life Performance to assess education, equitability, prosperity and health and safety

12.Community Needs Assessment to identify priority social service and infrastructure needs

Second Priority (16 points)

13.Integrated Water Management requires a water balance statement to report the amount of water withdrawn to the amount entering the system

14.Waste Performance

15.Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment for climate change risks, natural and man-made hazards and extreme events

16.Demographic and Social Equity Assessment to assess demographic and socioeconomic, housing and neighborhood development, social infrastructure, assets and services.

Third Priority (14 - 12 points)

17.Access to Waste Management Services involves demonstrating all sectors receive waste management for solid waste.

18.Water and Sanitation Access that all habitable structures have public water supply and wastewater collection systems

Phase 1 will end with the creation of a climate action plan, utilizing data collected from this phase and further community engagement

The second group focuses on actions aimed at achieving goals by prioritizing emissions reductions. This approach aims to establish an environmentally conscious and equitable city that contributes to mitigating climate change These actions will be implemented in subsequent Phases 2, 3, 4 and 5 based off of how high the action’s rating is. The table below shows the score of each action in its appropriate phase.

103, 102,102, 101 99, 97, 97

79, 78, 78, 78, 74 74, 73, 70, 70

56, 54, 53, 46, 45 42, 41, 41, 41, 39, 39

Phase 2 (130-95 points)

1 Urban Forest Cover aims for improvement in urban forest cover or reduction in urban heatmap and adoption of an Urban Forest Master Plan.

2. Green Building Policy and Incentives entails adopting a policy for new construction by the local government to achieve green building certification, and existing buildings above 5000 square feet operate to a green building rating system and two incentives for LEED or green building rating systems are proposed in the city.

3. Planning for Future Development aims to have 90% of the population and job growth planned to occur in the CCC area and incentivize residential and employment densities and diverse use.

4. Transit Supportive Design and Policy focuses on having 60% of the population within ½ mile of high-frequency transit, improving public transit ridership, and implementing street design to improve transit service quality.

5. Energy Efficiency Programs and Policies aim to adopt three energy efficiency programs targeting residents and businesses.

6. Natural Resource Acreage aims to maintain protected resources at 20%

7. Energy Audit and Energy Conservation initiatives include building performance disclosure, energy audit, and energy conservation efforts.

8. Natural Resource Conservation and Restoration Plan involves conserving/restoring sensitive habitats

Phase 3 (95-65 points)

9. Infill and Brownfield Development for an inventory of infill both previously developed and for future development, as well as adopting policies/incentives to develop infill

10.Renewable Energy in the transition for local electricity supply

11. Parking Management policies for maximums, shared parking and redevelopment

12.Access to Green Spaces ensures publicly accessible green space area at 15% or more of the total city area and within ½ mile of 50-70% of residents

13 Repair and Reuse Awareness and Education such as working with nonprofit for campaigns and maintaining a network of skilled repairmen.

14.Reduction in Carbon Intensity aims to demonstrate reduction from a baseline year.

15.Alternative Fuel Stations aim to have the number of fuel stations meeting or exceeding 1 52 per 10,000 residents

16.Special Waste Streams Management includes measuring generation and diversion of waste streams to landifll

17.Green Stormwater Infrastructure aims to ensure that no more than 50% of the city land area is covered by impervious surface.

18.Laws, Regulations and Programs supporting Material Conservation for limit of disposal of materials, incentivize reuse and embody tax.

Phase 4 (65-33 points)

19.Sustainable Procurement Policy mandates purchasing reused materials along with an annual progress report.

20.Protect Air Quality to demonstrate a 10% reduction in the annual days Air Quality Index exceeds 100.

21.Equitable Access to Social Infrastructure to identify four social infrastructure services’ accessibility to neighborhoods with highest percentage of low-income residents as to the city as a whole.

22.Innovation to Promote Recycling through Education and Visible Receptacles

23 Reuse Centers and Drop-off Facilities for material drop-off and pickup

24.Transportation Safety aims to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and injuries, progressing towards zero fatalities by 2040 and adopting vision zero policies.

25.Strategies to Reduce Environmental Justice Risk and Vulnerability for conducting assessment, creating a group and informing and educating the public.

26.Affordable Housing Production is at 5% rate or greater.

27.Policies for Better Public Health such as affordable food access, community health improvement plan, and medical services in underserved areas

28.Assistance and Support Programs such as support from school to career, vocational training, and summer learning programs

29.Strategies to Strengthen Economic Prosperity for project labor agreements, advisory board, job training, focused support and financial literacy.

30.Comprehensive Housing Policy to conduct an affordable housing needs assessment.

Phase 5 (33-0 points)

31.Civil and Human Rights for the adoption of discrimination-free mission statement, voting rights, DEI officer and human rights officer

The phases demonstrate a clear prioritization of actions that begin with data collection, forming the foundation for an effective sustainability and climate action plan. This initial step lays the groundwork for understanding the town's current sustainability landscape and identifying areas for improvement Following this, there is a focus on reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, addressing community demands and concerns. Subsequently, emphasis is placed on natural resource conservation and sustainable planning to safeguard Zebulon's environment amidst rapid development The subsequent phases target low-impact and equitable development, renewable energy adoption, and efficient waste management. Finally, the last phase highlights the town's commitment to civil and human rights, emphasizing inclusivity and social justice

8 Conclusion and Next Steps

In consideration of the pressing challenges posed by climate change, it is imperative for Zebulon to adopt a comprehensive sustainability focus and implement the proposed actions. The proposed roadmap offers a clear path towards a more resilient and thriving future for the town. By committing to sustainability initiatives, Zebulon can position itself as a leader in environmental stewardship and community well-being.

This comprehensive report outlines actionable goals, strategies, and priorities to guide Zebulon towards a sustainable future From prioritizing energy efficiency and emissions reduction to championing renewable energy, complete transportation solutions, sustainable land use planning, biodiversity conservation, equitable development, and education and awareness initiatives, these recommendations provide a roadmap for informed decision-making in our town's development endeavors

The proposed next steps are as follows:

Phase 1: Data Collection - Establish a data-driven baseline to assess the current state of sustainability in Zebulon This phase will provide valuable insights into areas of improvement and inform future actions.

Phases 2-5: Active Pursuit of Sustainability Goals - Implement targeted actions aimed at creating a greener, carbon-neutral town. These phases will focus on executing strategies outlined in the proposal to achieve tangible progress towards our sustainability objectives This isn't just a moral imperative; it's an investment in our collective future

Embracing sustainability will not only benefit the current community but also pave the way for a greener, healthier, and more prosperous Zebulon for generations to come. It is crucial for town leadership and community stakeholders to unite behind this vision and take decisive action towards sustainability that benefits all residents of Zebulon