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At today’s meeting we discovered what a treasure we
have in Dell Tredinnick, the city’s Project Development Manager for new
green projects. Dell came here in 1987 from Boise, Idaho, where he set up
a much-needed Air Quality Improvement Program for a population that wasn’t
very approving of any government regulation. He’s happy to be here.
Dell works for the Utilities Department (you’ll find his info under
Utilities on the city’s website) but talks to and influences many other
departments through an interdepartmental team. He recently completed an
Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy which the Council approved.
The EPP uses the $26 million the city spends each years on goods and
services as leverage to promote recycled, energy efficient and locally
produced products.
Starting in 2004, the city’s Green Building program now consists of
mandatory GB standards for City of Santa Rosa building or remodeling, and
voluntary standards for private projects. Home building contributes about
20% of the GHG emissions in the US. Several community groups have been
advocating GB standards for the Station Area Plan, as 1/4 of the city’s
remaining housing units to be built by 2020 are to be constructed there.
Partnering with PG&E , the Climate Protection Campaign, the Chamber of
Commerce and community groups, Dell’s group gives away or swaps Compact
Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) at community events such as the downtown
Wednesday Night Markets. A parallel effort seeks to solve the problem of
convenient disposal of fluorescent bulbs, as they contain mercury.
Another effort involves creating biodiesel feedstock at the Laguna
Treatment Plant by growing algae. This algae has the potential to enhance
the treatment of wastewater by removing nutrients and metals, and then
serve as fuel for the city’s biodiesel-burning vehicles.
There was more, but isn’t that enough for one city employee? Of course,
Dell works with other people, but without his leadership and imagination,
much of this wouldn’t be happening.
Next Issues meeting: September 20, when we’ll visit with newly appointed
City Council member Carol Dean.
Anne E Seeley |
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