2025-065-E-County Mgr-Trees for the Triangle-Shade for Schools Tree Planting

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Page 16 of 24 14. Please describe the location of the emissions reduction. Where would fossil fuels have been burned if not for your project? For projects that reduce electricity usage or that generate solar energy, feel free to state “grid-tied electricity reduction” if you cannot determine the location of emissions produced from electric power generation. The emissions reduction and carbon sequestration benefits of the Shade for Schools - Orange County program will occur in the following locations: • Schools: The trees will be planted on the grounds of 13 participating schools throughout Orange County, including urban and rural areas. These trees will be strategically placed to provide optimal shade to playgrounds, gathering areas, and around school buildings. • Distribution Locations: The native tree seedlings will be distributed to students, who will plant them in their yards or other local areas throughout Orange County. By reducing the urban heat island effect through strategic tree planting, the program will decrease the need for air conditioning in the school buildings. This reduction in cooling demand translates to lower electricity consumption and, consequently, a decrease in fossil fuel use associated with electricity generation. The emissions reductions primarily impact local and regional air quality by mitigating the need for additional electricity production, which would otherwise rely on fossil fuels. 15. Please describe any other aspect of your project that is relevant to the amount of emissions that it will reduce or avoid. In addition to their primary roles in providing shade and sequestering CO2, the trees planted through the Shade for Schools - Orange County program offer several systemic environmental and public health benefits that contribute to overall emissions reduction: • Temperature Regulation: By providing shade and cooling, trees help mitigate the urban heat island effect. This cooling effect reduces the need for air conditioning, which in turn lowers energy consumption and fossil fuel use for electricity generation. • Air Quality Improvement: Trees play a crucial role in improving air quality by filtering particulate matter and other pollutants from the air. This purification of the air can help reduce respiratory problems among children and other community members, leading to better public health outcomes. • Stormwater Management: The tree roots and the soft, non- compacted soil around them absorb and manage stormwater runoff. This absorption helps reduce the risk of flooding and erosion, and the water is then transpired back into the atmosphere, contributing to local and regional hydrological balance. • Educational Impact: The program includes an educational component where students learn about the environmental benefits of trees, air quality, and energy efficiency. This knowledge encourages students to adopt energy-efficient practices at home and in their communities. As they share what they've learned, they can influence their families and peers to also engage in sustainable practices, amplifying the program's impact beyond the schools. Docusign Envelope ID: D22675F9-86C0-429B-8CAD-74E02C6C68FC