City-Level Decoupling-Case Studies

2000 and 2010, resulting in emission levels that were 1% below 1990 levels, 151 despite a 24% increase in population over that period. 152

CAP focuses on reducing emissions through a combination of high and low-tech initiatives. These include the implementation of policy restrictions around building materials in order to reduce emissions, investments in public transportation and the encouragement of bicycle use. Over 24 km of bicycle friendly streets have been built and ‘20-minute neighbourhoods' have been promoted to enable residents to meet all of their non-work needs by walking or cycling as opposed to driving. A 2010 assessment found a 10-15% reduction in single passenger vehicle trips and a 2.6% increase in the use of public transportation in the space of a year. 153 Lowering the carbon-intensive nature of the food system and improving the vibrancy of the local economy and the health of citizens is based on increasing local food production and consumption though supporting urban farming, demonstration gardens and unemployed youth training schemes, including food issues in the school curriculum and encouraging farmer’s markets and community supported agriculture schemes (CSA). In 2010, in addition to the existing 32 community gardens, 150 new ones were opened, along with a CSA farm and a further 75 gardens in partnership agreements. 154 A Food Policy Council is in place and information about local food – both growing and purchasing it – is readily available on the city’s website. The plan also recognises solid waste as a resource flow that can be radically minimised through increased recycling efforts and encouraging residents to be aware of how much waste they generate. A food-scrap collection programme that transforms food waste into compost has been launched at municipal composting facilities, and this is in turn used to enrich the soil in urban farms and gardens. Standards for household and business recycling collection are currently being developed. By 2010, the city had decreased total wastage by 8% from 2008 figures. 155 Substantial investment has been made in renewable solar power energy options for homes, neighbourhoods and businesses with up-front financing provided for both purchasing and installation, 156 as well as incentives for conversion to less carbon intensive energy sources and reduction of energy usage in homes (more than 3,000 homes in 2010 alone). The city has installed five MW of solar energy and is in the process of doubling its renewable energy capacity through investments in wind power, which currently supplies just over 4% of power to the region. Hydroelectric sources supply close on 50% of the region’s power, and the balance is supplied by coal (37%), natural gas (12%) and nuclear (4%). A 279 kW solar electric system has been installed at city premises, and overall reductions in energy consumption have allowed for an approximate 19% savings on the city’s annual energy bill of US$18 million. 157

Lessons from Portland

The emphasis on strong policy action, extensive public-private partnerships, as well as active community participation has been pivotal. Policymaking focuses on creating an enabling environment for a range of interventions while partnerships have resulted in collaborations around a range of issues. Public participation has been strongly encouraged through campaigns, and information about the initiative is easily accessible.

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