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Monast asked how will this database be used, noting that it would be a shame not to make <br /> it broadly available. Bouma replied that the current intention is for the database to be <br /> private while it is being updated and then it could be made public once members were <br /> confident in its accuracy. <br /> Marcoplos mentioned that the CARD would be useful in the Council's communications <br /> strategy and might be a way to reach out to the private sector. <br /> Bouma said that news media might also be interested if we included member contact info <br /> for follow-ups. <br /> Hansley-Mace thought it could be put out as a model for other communities and it shows <br /> shared goals and commitments. <br /> Marcoplos offered that further discussions on the outreach strategy around the CARD could <br /> be an agenda item next meeting. <br /> The Identity and Standards Committee informed the Council that they have focused on <br /> standards initially, as a good way to reinforce a community identity and create buy-in for <br /> climate action. McCullough said that research has shown that appeals to identity such as <br /> signing a pledge, or illustrating that a large percentage of people in favor of something are <br /> good ways to motivate action.The LEED for Cities and Communities certification program <br /> would be a way to attach an identity appeal to national standards. USGBC merged with <br /> STAR Communities to create this set of standards and they have gone through an initial <br /> beta test resulting in around 6 communities being certified. Other benefits to pursuing this <br /> standard are the credibility of the USGBC and the vetting process they use for their <br /> standards and the terms, actions, and metrics are already defined while preserving some <br /> flexibility in their implementation. <br /> McCullough and Bouma then described their effort to apply for a technical assistance grant <br /> to facilitate Orange County's certification under the LEED for Cities and Communities <br /> standards. Much of this overarching set of standards relates directly or indirectly to <br /> reducing the impacts of climate change and the technical assistance grant would help all <br /> Council members learn from the certification process. <br /> This committee also said that they are thinking about a potential name clarification and are <br /> considering"Innovation and Standards"or"Unity and Standards,"as these would be a better <br /> reflection of the committee's purpose.The committee will decide and report to the Council. <br /> Slade said that for buildings the USGBC has calculated the climate change impacts,of adopting their <br /> standards. Have they considered this here? McCullough replied that climate and energy is a large <br /> section of the points.The Council can look out for point shopping and focus our efforts on climate <br /> change and equity.This will also enable education on linkages back to energy and climate from water <br /> usage,other seemingly unrelated sections. <br /> Marcoplos pointed out that it may also bring attention to land use planning which is often <br /> overlooked in Climate Action Plans. <br /> Trueblood asked which entity would gets certified?Bouma replied that it would be Orange County. <br /> Trueblood followed up with a caution to research the annual requirements for the maintenance of <br /> certification, and the be sure that we have identified who has the authority to enact what's being <br /> asked.Since most of the development is happening in the towns and the towns have jurisdiction over <br /> things like road infrastructure,the towns may have to buy in. Her final note was to watch out for the <br /> expectation that LEED certification will add costs,and to be clear that this is a policy initiative. <br />