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City of Seattle Announces New Pilot Program to Incentivize Heavy Duty Truck Electrification (Deadline Extended to November 6)

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City seeking drivers operating in the Duwamish Valley to apply for 40% rebate to apply to the cost of electric drayage truck

SEATTLE (August 16, 2023) — Mayor Bruce Harrell and the City of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) today announced a new Electric Trucks Pilot aimed at supporting local truck drivers’ transition to electric freight vehicles and improve air quality in the port-adjacent communities of the Duwamish Valley where heavy freight activity is one of the largest contributors to air pollution.

The program will operate as a point-of-sale rebate for new electric trucks operating in the Duwamish Valley and covers 40% of the cost to drivers (up to $180,000 per truck) for eligible drivers and fleet owners for a total of $1.7 million in electric vehicle incentives.  

“Seattle is proud of our roots and our future as a port city – with new jobs, housing, and thriving industrial and maritime lands – but we also know that its neighbors who bear the brunt of the diesel pollution that comes from heavy-duty trucks moving goods throughout the Duwamish Valley,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Reducing diesel emissions is a top priority of our One Seattle Climate Justice Agenda because it means tangible impacts, recognizing the disproportionate impact of diesel pollution on health, particularly in areas most affected by the impacts of climate change, while ensuring we support workers in the transition from fossil fuels. Together, we are supporting workers and our economy, health and climate justice, and a more sustainable future.” 

Transportation is responsible for 61% of the City’s greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 9% coming from freight. Seattle aims to achieve 30% zero-emission goods delivery by 2030, in line with the City’s Transportation Electrification Blueprint. The Electric Trucks Pilot program is a step towards this goal and the City’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

“There are 4,000 trucks serving the Port of Seattle, and right now all of them are running on high-polluting diesel engines,” said Jessyn Farrell, Director of the Office of Sustainability & Environment. “Through the Electric Trucks Pilot, we aim to support drivers in bringing the first electric trucks in the City by 2024, while working in partnership with State and Federal governments to further bring down the cost of zero-emissions vehicles and creating the needed infrastructure to support them.”

The application deadline has been extended. Drivers and Fleet operators will now have until November 6 to fill out an application to participate in the incentive pilot. Participants will be notified of their selection in early 2024. The City encourages women- and minority-owned businesses and drivers, as well as those who operate primarily in the Duwamish Valley, to apply. For more information about the program and how to apply, applicants may use the following materials:

The Pilot program was developed at the recommendation of the Green New Deal Oversight Board and in partnership with organizations like the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), Seattle City Light, Duwamish River Clean Up Coalition (DRCC), Seattle Department of Transportation, and the African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest (ACCPNW), Port of Seattle and the Northwest Seaport Alliance. The rebate was designed and will be administered in partnership with the Western Washington Clean Cities Coalition, a Pacific Northwest clean fuels industry expert helping fleets transition to cleaner fuels and technologies.

What partners are saying:

“Drayage trucks significantly contribute to localized air pollution and directly impact port-adjacent communities like the Duwamish Valley. Studies have shown that the Georgetown and South Park communities face up to 13 years shorter life spans than other areas in Seattle because of cumulative environmental pollutants. DRCC supports the City’s Electric Trucks Pilot’s aim to reduce the impact of diesel pollution in our communities and our hope is that with this incentive, plus increased port, state and federal investments, we can move towards a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future in the Duwamish Valley.” – Paulina Lopez, DRCC

“Truck drivers operate on thin margins, and the price tag for an electric drayage truck can be a major deterrent. The African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest believes we can foster a sustainable future that benefits drivers and communities alike and is proud to have helped develop the Electric Truck Pilot to bring down the cost of electric drayage trucks and ensure the viability of trucking as a career where drivers can support their families. We look forward to partnering with the City to seek state and federal funding to make zero-emission trucks affordable for all the drivers serving the Port.”  – Peter Gishuru, President African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest.

“Last fall, I tried an electric truck – it was powerful and quiet – but I also learned they are expensive! Drivers who operate trucks at the Port often buy their trucks 2nd or 3rd hand for $60,000, but a new electric drayage truck can cost more than $400,000. As a truck driver, I support the City’s new incentive for purchasing electric trucks. As we transition to electric vehicles, I believe it is possible to lower the operating costs for drivers and ensure we are not harming communities as we transport goods in the City.” – Dawit Habte, Afar Trucking Driver

“Embracing a Green New Deal for Seattle means not just reducing transportation emissions, but also focusing on air quality improvements for communities most impacted by cars and trucks and creating new career opportunities for workers and drivers. This Zero Emissions Trucks pilot, inspired by community partners in the Duwamish Valley and developed at the recommendation of the Oversight board, showcases our commitment to a sustainable future, where innovation drives progress while supporting careers in goods-delivery, fleet operations, vehicle maintenance, and infrastructure construction.” – Nina Olivier, Green New Deal Oversight Board.

“The ICCT is pleased to see the City of Seattle launch a purchase incentive program for zero-emission port trucks. We are proud to bring to this work decades of international experience and a successful research partnership that underpins the design of this promising initiative. These trucks are commercially available today and can perform the same work as diesel trucks. Drivers benefit from significantly lower operating costs, saving more money the more they drive electric, and Duwamish Valley residents benefit from fewer diesel emissions and lower childhood asthma rates. I am confident that the lessons learned from Seattle’s program will point the way toward a fully zero-emission Puget Sound Gateway so all near-port residents can breathe clean air.” – Ray Minjares, The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)

“Transitioning heavy-duty trucking away from fossil fuels to carbon-free electric power means more than just the critical reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It means that we’re directly benefiting the communities that are and have historically been most impacted by the local air quality from heavy-duty trucking pollution. City Light applauds the efforts of the Heavy Duty Trucks Electrification Pilot program, and is standing by to power even more electric freight and fleet vehicles to eliminate harmful tailpipe emissions in the communities we serve.” – Emeka Anyanwu, Energy Innovation & Resources Officer at Seattle City Light.

“SDOT is pursuing a ‘Right-Size, then Electrify’ approach to our own fleet, and we’re delighted to partner with OSE to help commercial fleets decarbonize.” – Greg Spotts, Director of Seattle Department of Transportation

“The Port of Seattle and The Northwest Seaport Alliance (Ports of Seattle and Tacoma marine cargo joint venture) applauds the City’s Drayage Truck Electrification Incentive Pilot Program. This initiative is well-timed to also leverage significant state and federal funds that will be needed for the wide adoption of electric trucks serving our Ports by over 4000 drivers of many nationalities.”– Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman. 

Apply to Join Seattle’s Green New Deal Oversight Board by September 18! 

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The Office of Sustainability and Environment is seeking applicants to serve on Seattle’s Green New Deal Oversight Board (GND Oversight Board). The following 3-year term seats are available:  

  • environmental justice organization representative 
  • representative with experience in greenhouse gas reduction and/or climate resiliency strategies relevant to cities 
  • youth representative between the ages of 16 and 25 who is directly impacted by racial, economic, and environmental injustices 
  • representative directly impacted by racial, economic, and environmental injustices

How to Apply 

Complete this application by September 18. The application will ask you to submit your resume and respond to two short answer questions. Click here for more information, including Board Member roles and responsibilities.  

Time Commitment & Compensation  

GND Oversight Board Members are expected to spend 6-8 hours a month on Board activities. Stipends are available for Board Members.  

About the Green New Deal Oversight Board 

Seattle’s Green New Deal seeks to eliminate climate pollution by 2030 while creating jobs that advance a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy by prioritizing investments in communities most harmed by economic, racial, and environmental injustices.  

The City of Seattle is seeking passionate individuals to serve on the Green New Deal Oversight Board (GND Oversight Board) to provide budget, policy, programmatic, and project recommendations to advance Seattle’s Green New Deal and collaborate on climate solutions that promote justice and equity for frontline communities who are most affected by the climate crisis. 

Click here for more information about the GND Oversight Board’s work to date, including Board resources and recommendations.  

Email equityenviro@seattle.gov with questions or to learn more. 

Seattle Public Schools Partners with Muckleshoot Tribe to Serve Locally Sourced Salmon School Lunch with Support from OSE’s Healthy Food in Schools Program

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Scratch-cooked salmon alfredo pasta
Locally sourced salmon from the Muckleshoot tribe

On May 25, Seattle Public Schools Culinary Services program continued its mission of serving freshly cooked, locally sourced, and culturally relevant food in school meals. All 109 Seattle Public Schools (SPS) served students a freshly prepared salmon alfredo pasta dish with 3,000 pounds of sustainable, local salmon purchased from Muckleshoot Seafood Products. OSE’s Healthy Food in Schools Program helped connect SPS Culinary Services staff with Muckleshoot Seafood Products to source the salmon and support the purchase. 

Members of the SPS Culinary Services Team and Muckleshoot Tribal Council Member Louie Ungaro at the Salmon School Lunch

Muckleshoot Tribal Council Member and fisherman Louie Ungaro visited the Seattle World School on the day of the event to talk with SPS Culinary Services staff and OSE staff about sustainable salmon fishing, natural resource conservation, Native-owned food businesses and Tribal enterprises, food sovereignty, and the importance of fresh and nutritious school meals.

SPS Culinary Services has been working to transform Seattle’s school meal program by prioritizing menu items cooked “from scratch” with fresh, locally sourced foods that reflect diverse cultures and cuisines. Earlier this school year, SPS served misir wot (Ethiopian spiced red lentils) with injera (Ethiopian flatbread); the lentils were locally grown, and the injera came from Sebhat Bakery, a locally-owned business. For Lunar New Year, SPS served stir fry with crispy tofu and bok choy.  

SPS used 3,000 pounds of locally sourced salmon
SPS Culinary Staff prepare the salmon lunch

Providing nutritious, freshly made school meals is an investment in the health, learning, and well-being of Seattle students. By purchasing high-quality meal ingredients from local farmers, fisheries, and other food businesses, SPS is providing healthy meals for students and supporting the local economy for a more sustainable, equitable food system. 

This collaboration between SPS Culinary Services and the Muckleshoot Tribe exemplifies “values-based” food purchasing, a priority for OSE and other City departments that manage food programs with many community partners. By aligning food purchases with core values such as racial equity, health, local economy, cultural relevance, and environmental sustainability, values-based procurement is an important way OSE’s Healthy Food in Schools Program uses public dollars from the Seattle Sweetened Beverage Tax to support an equitable, sustainable, and resilient local food system.

Seattle Transportation Plan | Working with the Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association to gather feedback on addressing climate change 

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Some of the young people that helped develop the Seattle Climate Game. Photo Credit: SDOT. 

Summary 

  • Together with young people at our community-based organization partner Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association (DVSA), with funding from the Climate Neutral Cities Alliance, we are introducing the Seattle Climate Game!  
  • Using the game, you can tell us how you’d like to contribute to a sustainable Seattle.  
  • Working with DVSA is part of the development of the Seattle Transportation Plan (STP). 

In partnership with young people in the Duwamish Valley and the Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association (DVSA), we are introducing the Seattle Climate Game. Using the game, you can tell us how you’d like to contribute to a sustainable Seattle. 

DVSA helping people do the game at a community event. Photo credit: Edwin Hernandez Reto, Director, Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association)

Elements of the game like characters and choices you can make were designed by young people with the Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association. This summer, youth will be working to help others play the game with residents in the Duwamish Valley in libraries, at community events, and by going door-to-door. The game can be played in both Spanish and English. 

This game is a data-driven – but still super fun and sometimes silly – activity that allows people to make choices about a future Seattle, specifically focused on climate action. 

“I always knew about climate change, but it wasn’t as personal for me until the heat dome in Seattle in 2021. I saw how much the heat wave hurt my community and my family, and it was the moment that made me realize how important fighting climate change is. When we were thinking about a bad guy for the Seattle Climate Game, the heat wave was the first thing that came to mind for me”  

– Jeraldi Gonzalez, DVSA

“This is a fun game about a very serious subject. In our community in South Park and the Duwamish Valley, clean air and water is about our health, our safety, and our future. The Seattle Climate Game is a way for us to talk to more of our neighbors about climate and transportation, and is an easy way to have an important conversation. Our youth members and community helped shape the game, and we are excited to see how people respond.” 

– Edwin Hernandez Reto, Executive Director, DVSA

Your participation in this game will help inform the path Seattle takes to reducing climate emissions from transportation. 

No matter where you’re going – whether to work or school, visiting friends, running errands, going to your place of worship, or out to dinner – you should be able to do so in a way that is safe, efficient, climate-friendly, and affordable. Simply put, our transportation shapes our daily lives in many ways, and the City of Seattle is committed to making the city’s transportation system work for you. 

The game touches on many of the most critical climate and transportation justice questions – like how often we can bus, bike, or walk; electric vehicles; how to help people transition away from driving; and how to support people in taking transit as Seattle grows.  

Stay tuned for the draft Seattle Transportation Plan this summer! 

Seattle’s Downtown Activation Plan Envisions a Greener, More Resilient City Center

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The landscape of Downtown, with breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, is a beautiful reminder of the Emerald City’s connection to nature, and the commitment we have to protecting it for all to enjoy. As we work to bring people and vibrancy back Downtown, Seattle will continue to lead in climate action by centering climate justice and addressing climate change with urgency. 

Last Wednesday, Mayor Harrell announced the launch of the Downtown Activation Plan, which lays out bold goals and actions to stabilize and transform Downtown into a place where residents, workers, and visitors want to spend time. The plan outlines seven goals, one being to create a healthy, resilient, and green Downtown – a collection of the neighborhoods of Belltown, Chinatown-International District, the Commercial Core, Denny Triangle, Pioneer Square, and Stadium District.

Groups of people biking through a Downtown urban forest on a dedicated bike lane, as a streetcar passes by and pedestrians walk. Buildings shine in the sunlight in the background.
Olson Kundig curated images created by third-party AI programs for the Downtown Activation Plan. Images are not actual project images and are strictly for illustrative purposes. 

The resilience and climate justice aspects of the plan focus on improving Downtown’s air quality, addressing climate impacts in the Downtown neighborhoods, and building a resilient, fossil fuel-free city. The plan’s climate goals are aligned with our values of Mayor Harrell’s Climate Justice Agenda, furthering our commitment to support Seattleites most impacted by climate change by building community resilience, creating new clean energy jobs, and ensuring a just transition to an equitable, clean energy economy.

Left: “Downtown is you” logo on bright yellow background. White text says “Downtown is you” and is placed inside rectangular shapes. City of Seattle logo is at the bottom of the graphic. Right: Picture of a child taking a picture wearing a blue shirt on a navy background. The “Downtown is me” logo is in various shades of blue. City of Seattle logo is at the bottom of the graphic.

To achieve the goals of celebrating Seattle’s connection to nature and addressing the urgency of global climate challenges, the City pledges the following actions:

  1. Pilot a green and healthy street by closing Pike Street between First and Second Avenues for pedestrians only. The new street will feature activations, music buskers, café-like seating areas for people-watching, and popup vendors. Accommodations for delivering goods and supplies to adjacent businesses will be allowed during certain times of the day to mitigate disruptions.
  2. Reopen City Hall Park with activations throughout the summer to help keep the park vibrant, including concerts, food trucks, fitness classes, art programs, movie and sports viewing, and a satellite farmers market.
  3. Finish improvements to Downtown parks happening now and extending throughout 2023, at Bell Street Park, Tilikum Place Park, and Freeway Park. Upgrades include new electrical and lighting systems, utilities, and stormwater infrastructure.
  4. To create new community green spaces and areas designed for families and young children, open the remaining parts of the new Waterfront Park in 2025, including Pier 58 with its public plaza and free programming by the Friends of the Waterfront. Open Habitat Beach at the Waterfront for a pilot period this summer before opening permanently in 2024.
  5. Explore the future use of Pier 48 as new open green space. Pier 48 is a 4.5+ acre pier south of the Coleman Dock ferry terminal owned by the State.
  6. Continue to explore the lidding of I-5 to create park spaces and pedestrian connections from Capitol Hill to Downtown. The City has received grant funding for this feasibility analysis. Successful examples of highway lidding can be seen in Dallas at Klyde Warren Park.
  7. Pilot low-pollution neighborhoods Downtown by establishing low-emission delivery opportunities. These include delivery hubs, e-cargo bike delivery, infrastructure to support electric food trucks and street vending, electrification of our transportation system, incentives for the electrification of small business vehicles, and other policies, programs, and projects that support reducing harmful pollution for residents and workers. Seattle was recently awarded a $1.2 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program to pilot three low-emissions neighborhoods.
  8. Implement the Building Emissions Performance Standards Policy (BEPS). Relevant to existing nonresidential and multifamily buildings greater than 20,000 square feet, the Building Emissions Performance Standard Policy (BEPS) is expected to reduce annual building greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 325,000 metric tons by 2050 ― a 27% decrease from a 2008 baseline. The reduction in emissions is the equivalent of taking 72,322 gasoline-powered cars off the road for a year.

The plan also includes visionary ideas for the future of Downtown. One idea is imagining an urban forest that meets Seattle’s goal to achieve 30 percent equitably distributed citywide canopy cover by 2037.

The City’s 2021 Tree Canopy Assessment revealed that we are slowly losing ground in our tree canopy. The report also found that neighborhoods impacted by racial and economic injustice had less canopy coverage to begin with and lost more coverage between 2016-2021 than the citywide average. Tree canopy cover is important for protecting Seattle from climate impacts.

Large group of people walk under the urban forest canopy in the future Downtown of Seattle.
Olson Kundig curated images created by third-party AI programs for the Downtown Activation Plan. Images are not actual project images and are strictly for illustrative purposes. 

Maximizing trees and greenery in the middle of the city could transform it into an urban forest, further connecting the built environment with nature and preparing Downtown to be more resilient against the impacts of climate change. When we prioritize people and climate justice, the opportunities are endless.

Learn more about Mayor Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan at DowntownIsYou.com.

Updates on Seattle’s Clean Transportation Electrification Blueprint

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Transportation is the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change in Seattle. Pollution from transportation degrades air and water quality, all of which disproportionately harm our Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities. Seattle City Light is committed to reducing climate pollution in the transportation sector. To accomplish this, we’ve been working with other City departments to achieve ambitious goals by 2030.

In March 2021, the City of Seattle released a first of its kind, comprehensive Transportation Electrification Blueprint. This document outlines how the City will move toward a clean and equitable transportation system to reduce climate emissions and air pollution, increase electric mobility options, and create a pipeline of green jobs and workforce diversity. City Light was proud to co-lead this effort with the Office of Sustainability and Environment, Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), and the Office of Economic Development to incorporate a wide range of expertise in climate policy, innovation, infrastructure, transit, mobility, economic development, and workforce development to ensure an equitable transition.

The development of the Transportation Electrification Blueprint included consulting with community leaders and the Environmental Justice Committee. It is centered on community-identified priorities of expanding electric transit and mobility options, making electric vehicles and charging more accessible and reliable, and connecting workforce opportunities to communities who need them the most.

The Transportation Electrification Blueprint calls for the City of Seattle to take immediate action to plan for the policy changes, infrastructure investments, and partnerships that will be required to meet the following ambitious 2030 “North Star” goals for the City:

1. 100 Percent of Shared Mobility is Zero Emissions

As shared mobility services like bikes, scooters, taxis, Uber, Lyft, carshare services and others continue to expand in Seattle, the City will ensure these options are electric and emissions free. For example, this year City Light and SDOT supported efforts to get the first electric ADA carshare van in Washington state up and running.

2. 90 Percent of All Personal Trips are Zero Emissions

To reach our climate goals, by 2030 nine out of ten trips must be taken by walking, biking, electric transit or in an electric vehicle (or avoided all together). To support this goal, we have started installing Level 2 curbside EV chargers from our pilot project.

3. 30 Percent of Goods Delivery is Zero Emissions

As more and more of the goods we buy and the food we eat are purchased online, we are seeing growing congestion and pollution from transportation. This goal is aimed to spur the transition of private fleets to EVs, following the same goal for personal vehicles, over the next 10 years. We have taken steps to develop a new program to help small businesses transition their fleets to EVs.

4. 100 Percent of City Fleet is Fossil-Fuel Free (Executive Order 2018-02)

Continuing to lead by example, Seattle will operate a large municipal fleet with zero fossil fuels by 2030. At City Light, we have launched fleet and personal mobility programs in support of this goal.

5. One or More “Green & Healthy Streets” in Seattle

Seattle will ensure a major area of our city will have zero emissions from transportation, including streets or blocks that are closed to cars and promote walking, biking, electrified transit, and electric goods delivery and services.

6. Electrical Infrastructure Required to Stay Ahead of Transportation Electrification Adoption is Installed and Operational

Infrastructure investments will enable a rapid transition to an electrified transportation system. We’re working strategically to make sure the grid is reliable and built out to enable rapid adoption for emerging electric-transportation technologies and vehicles.

City Light is proud to be part of the strides the City of Seattle has made toward reaching these goals in the last two years. The following report highlights past and current cross-departmental work to propel Seattle toward our 2030 North Star goals.

Together, we are planning our next phase of action in 2023 and 2024. In sharing our progress, we hope to provide a transparent illustration of the projects that are helping the City achieve its clean transportation electrification goals.

2023 Environmental Justice Fund and Duwamish River Opportunity Fund Applications Are Now Open!

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Environmental Justice Fund

Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) is excited to announce that the Environmental Justice Fund is now accepting applications. This year, there are two funding options available. The first option offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, with a total funding of $250,000. The second option offers grants ranging from $40,001 to $90,000, with a total funding of $750,000. These funds are to support projects that benefit communities most affected by environmental and climate inequities, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, immigrants, refugees, individuals with low incomes, youth, and elders. The deadline to apply is 5pm (PT) on Wednesday, July 26.

This funding opportunity is open to Tribes and tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, and community groups who work with their communities to advance environmental and climate justice. Eligible types of projects include but are not limited to arts and storytelling, community education, organizational and community capacity building, climate change preparedness, skills building and trainings related to green jobs*, and community planning and visioning.

If you are interested in learning more about this Fund, discussing a project idea, or submitting a proposal, you can take the following steps:

  • · Sign up here for a 20-minute call with a member of our team
    • Please use the form to request interpretation.
  • Virtual information session:
    • Wednesday, June 21, 12-1:30pm
    • Register here
    • Please email use the registration form to request interpretation by 6/19.
  • In-person information session:
    • Tuesday, June 27, 6-7:30pm
    • Register here
    • Location: Columbia City Public Library, Columbia Meeting Room
      • 4721 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
    • Please email us at equityenviro@seattle.gov to request interpretation in advance and use the registration form to request interpretation by 6/22.

We are also available to answer questions via email at equityenviro@seattle.gov. Visit seattle.gov/environment/ejfund to learn more and apply.

Duwamish River Opportunity Fund

Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) is also excited to announce the Duwamish River Opportunity Fund is now accepting applications. This year, $240,000 is available for grants up to $40,000 to support projects that will take place in 2024. These funds are to support community-led projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in the Duwamish Valley. The deadline to apply is 5pm (PT) on Monday, August 7.

This funding opportunity is open to Tribes and tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and businesses that work closely with the communities in the Duwamish Valley. Eligible types of projects include but are not limited to arts and storytelling, community education, organizational and community capacity building, climate change preparedness, skills building and job training, and community planning and visioning.

If you are interested in learning more about this Fund, discussing a project idea, or submitting a proposal, you can take the following steps:

  • Sign up for here a 20-minute call with a member of our team
    • Please use the form to request interpretation.
  • Virtual Information Session:
    • Wednesday, June 21, 3:30 – 4:30pm
    • Register for the session here (registration is required)
    • Please email us at DROF@seattle.gov to request interpretation in advance and use the registration form to request interpretation by 6/19.

We are also available to answer questions via email at DROF@seattle.gov. Visit seattle.gov/environment/DROF to learn more and apply.

Mayor Harrell Introduces New Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS) to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 27% from Existing Buildings 

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Policy continues Seattle’s decades-long legacy of national climate leadership and innovation to meet the urgency and scale of the climate crisis  

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell speaking at the BEPS event at Kerry Park in Seattle

Seattle – Mayor Bruce Harrell today announced a bold new proposal to reduce emissions for existing large buildings. Applying to existing nonresidential and multifamily buildings greater than 20,000 square feet, the Building Emissions Performance Standard Policy (BEPS) is expected to reduce annual building greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 325,000 metric tons by 2050 – a 27% decrease from a 2008 baseline. The reduction in emissions is the equivalent of taking 72,322 gasoline-powered cars off the road for a year.  

“Buildings are one of our largest sources of pollution and must be part of the solution to the climate crisis,” said Mayor Harrell. “This legislation is among the most impactful proposals we can advance to reduce emissions. It will help Seattle decrease energy use and pollution, create new green jobs, and build more resilient communities for extreme heat and smoke events. This proposal was built thoughtfully in collaboration with environmental leaders and activists, climate scientists, workers, building owners, and community members – a wide and diverse array of Seattle neighbors committed to urgent, meaningful action to create clean buildings, a healthy climate, and a sustainable city for generations to come.” 

BEPS compliance starts with reporting requirements by 2027 that quantify building emissions and encourage owners to prepare for emissions reductions, followed by requirements to meet emissions targets in five-year intervals starting in 2031. The BEPS policy has flexible compliance pathways to accommodate buildings of many uses, size, type, ownership, age, and systems. 

  • Path A: Meet standard or portfolio emissions targets at each 5-year interval. Building owners must verify their emissions and meet 5-year targets to be net-zero by 2050.  
  • Path B: Minor modifications to standard targets. Building owners may receive extensions or exemptions, the ability to deduct emissions from certain end uses or make a compliance payment for the first interval.  
  • Path C: Special consideration and flexibility due to unique circumstances. Building owners must create a detailed Decarbonization Compliance Plan that outlines their path to net-zero.   

“This policy is a critical step forward for addressing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and builds upon decades of Seattle leadership in addressing climate pollution. We heard, loud and clear, from the hundreds of meetings and comments we received that Seattleites want to see action on climate,” said Jessyn Farrell, Director of the Office of Sustainability & Environment. “We are committed to a collaborative and equitable approach that balances the needs and requests of building owners, especially those providing affordable housing, but also recognize we must act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions immediately. The BEPS policy offers multiple pathways for building owners to comply without sacrificing our urgent work to reduce emissions and advance climate justice.” 

OSE Director Jessyn Farrell speaking at the BEPS event at Kerry Park in Seattle

The BEPS policy will apply to approximately 1,650 nonresidential buildings, largely downtown and in dense neighborhoods, including high and mid-rise offices, hotels, schools, large warehouses, and retail, and about 1,885 multifamily buildings (typically those with about 20 units or more). About 600 large buildings on campuses like colleges or hospitals are also covered.  

“Our larger buildings have the greatest emissions impact per building and will be one of the biggest bites we can take out of emissions from the buildings sector,” said Sandra Mallory, Buildings & Energy Manager at the Office of Sustainability & Environment. “This policy has been several years in the making, and we are excited to put forth this proposal that will cut emissions while maximizing benefits to building owners and tenants and ensuring equitable pathways to high-quality green jobs, especially for people of color and women.” 

The City of Seattle received input from hundreds of people during the process of developing the legislation, including residents, workers, community-based organizations, nonprofits, building owners and managers, tenants, labor representatives, environmental justice groups, affordable housing providers, and more, over nearly two years of meetings, open houses, webinars, advisory group and specialized task force sessions.  

In addition to this policy proposal, as part of Mayor Harrell’s commitment to clean buildings and healthy air, the City of Seattle is also helping residential homes transition away from heating oil, which is the most polluting form of home heating in Seattle. The City recently reached a milestone of providing more than 1,000 rebates and no-cost upgrades to help low-to-middle income families switch to energy-efficient heat pumps that are powered by clean electricity and that also provide air-conditioning. 

Because of these efforts to accelerate heat pump transitions, the City estimates that by 2030 there will be no remaining homes in Seattle heated with oil. Heating oil represents about 8% of total emissions in the buildings sector. Additionally, the Seattle Energy Code ensures that new buildings are constructed efficiently from the start. The Energy Code is updated every three years. In 2021, updates and amendments were signed into law to make Seattle’s 2018 commercial energy code one of the strongest on climate in the nation.   

The BEPS policy development was supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge where Seattle joined 25+ cities across the nation in working to advance policies to reduce emissions in the buildings and transportation sectors. From 2019-2021, Seattle received technical analysis, workforce consulting, stakeholder outreach assistance, and capacity building support. 

For more information about the proposed BEPS policy, see the Office of Sustainability’s 4-page guide to the proposed policy and the full BEPS legislation at www.seattle.gov/building-performance-standards.  

What People Are Saying: 

“Buildings are currently the fastest-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington, and burning fossil fuels inside our homes and buildings pollutes our indoor air and harms public health. Following successes across the state to ensure new buildings are built clean, Seattle’s new Building Emissions Performance Standard will ensure Seattle’s existing buildings transition to being fully powered by clean energy over the next few decades. By shifting homes and buildings off fossil fuels, this policy will help put Seattle on track to meeting its climate targets while also protecting the health of our communities, reducing air pollution, and increasing the use of heat pumps that provide both heating and air conditioning.”  

Kelly Hall, Washington State Director, Climate Solutions 

“Affordable housing is critical, as is solving our ever-growing climate crisis. Today, through Mayor Harrell’s leadership, we will start making meaningful reductions in the climate pollution that, sadly, impacts our most vulnerable communities in Seattle first and worst. We will, at the same time, ensure that we are creating more resilient housing for Seattle’s residents far into the future. This is one of those rare moments when we can celebrate a giant policy leap forward that addresses the intersecting crises of affordable housing, racial equity, and climate change. I am proud of the work we did together to ensure that the Building Emissions Performance Standard works for affordable housing providers and the broader ecosystem.”  

Patience Malaba, Executive Director, Housing Development Consortium 

“Climate change has reached Seattle in the form of wildfire smoke and heatwaves, and this policy is part of the solution. Mayor Harrell’s Building Performance Standards policy is forecasted to create thousands of jobs over its lifespan, which will benefit Seattle-area workers and expand career pathways for women and workers of color.”  

 Katie Garrow, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, MLK Labor (AFL-CIO) 

“Buildings must be part of the climate solution and Seattle’s Building Emissions Performance Standards is a key strategy, guiding the city’s largest buildings on a path to clean, efficient electric systems as they upgrade over the coming years. The resulting clean energy retrofits will make a difference in day-to-day lives, by expanding access to heat pumps for cooling in the face of heat events and wildfire smoke that are now familiar in our region.”  

Rachel Koller, Managing Director, Shift Zero 

“This proposed Building Performance Standard is vital to helping Seattle achieve its climate, clean energy, and economic goals. Building retrofits require planning and investment, and this proposal provides both. Large commercial and multifamily building owners will be able to access funding and incentives for clean energy retrofits from the Federal Inflation Reduction Act, and state and local programs to decarbonize their buildings in the coming years, creating healthier living and working spaces.”  

Nancy Hirsh, Executive Director, NW Energy Coalition 

“To protect public health and mitigate the worst impacts of the climate crisis, Seattle must transition off of fossil fuels like polluting fracked gas. Developing strong and enforceable Building Emissions Performance Standards and requiring large buildings to make the switch from dirty fuels is a critical step to protect our climate and reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution, and will offer a model for other cities in the region to follow.” 

Dylan Plummer, Senior Campaign Representative, Sierra Club  

“The proposed Seattle Building Emissions Performance Standard positions the city among national leaders in reducing emissions from existing buildings—a crucial step to confronting the climate crisis and delivering health and economic benefits for families and businesses. RMI applauds Mayor Harrell for proposing this new standard and we look forward to supporting a strong policy that prioritizes housing equity, climate justice, and energy savings for its most vulnerable residents.”  

Jonny Kocher, Senior Associate, Carbon-Free Buildings Program, RMI 

“Fossil fuel use in buildings is one of the biggest contributors to the pollution that causes climate change. Seattle has helped to lead the way in Washington on reducing pollution in new construction and we’re encouraged to see them moving forward with a proposal to reduce pollution from existing buildings. This is a step in the right direction, and we hope this policy can help accelerate related efforts. A win in Seattle sets a template for cities across the country to do the same.”  

Michelle Piñon, SAFE Cities Senior Organizer, STAND.earth  

“We applaud Seattle’s proposed BEPS policy and its decision to join the ranks of major US cities leading the charge on building energy performance standards. With this move, Seattle not only aligns itself with cities like Boston, St. Louis, New York, and Washington, DC, but also positions itself favorably to secure vital federal funding for equitable implementation. The proposed BEPS is a win-win-win, benefiting buildings, residents and the climate. We are proud to have partnered with the City of Seattle on the development of this policy. “  

Jessica Miller, Senior Director of Policy Strategy & Engagement, IMT 

“Developing the Building Emissions Performance Standard was a key outcome of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ partnership with Seattle through the American Cities Climate Challenge. Today’s announcement underscores Seattle’s continued leadership on climate and the immense potential for all cities to accelerate climate action that benefits their communities, economy, and environment.”  

Antha Williams, Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Environment Program Leader  

“This is important and challenging legislation. As a member of the Technical Advisory Group, it feels like our concerns were heard and addressed. The City did a great job of listening to stakeholders and crafting a standard that is simple to understand and will be effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.”  

Neil Bavins, Principal, Windward Consulting NW 

Environmental Justice Committee Application 2023 

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Previous members of the EJC gathered at a retreat.

The Environmental Justice Fund (EJ Fund), a program of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment, is seeking six community members to serve on the Environmental Justice Committee through December 2024. Members of the Environmental Justice Committee will have a chance to make a meaningful impact in advancing environmental and climate justice for communities disproportionately affected by environmental issues and climate change by informing funding recommendations for the EJ Fund.

About the Environmental Justice Fund 

The EJ Fund was developed in response to deep community engagement, which highlighted the need for the City to invest in community work led by those most impacted by environmental and climate inequities: Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), sovereign tribal nations, immigrants, refugees, people with low incomes, individuals for whom English may be a second language, youth, and elders.  

Funding recommendations for the EJ Fund are developed by the Environmental Justice Committee (EJC), individuals with deep community roots working closely with communities to advance environmental and climate justice. 

About the Environmental Justice Committee

OSE is seeking six community members to serve on the EJC through December 2024. EJC members will partner with OSE to: 

  • Inform the EJ Fund grantmaking strategy 
  • Make funding recommendations for the 2023 and 2024 EJ Fund application cycles  

To be effective in their role, EJC members will understand how to advance racial equity, environmental justice, and climate justice for priority communities and have an interest in or knowledge of equitable grantmaking. Members will be expected to thoroughly review grant applications using specific criteria and express their evaluation. Each member will receive a stipend of up to $4,750 for full completion of their responsibilities. 

For each annual EJ Fund cycle, EJC members must be able to: 

  • Set aside approximately 40-50 hours of time to read, review, and score grant applications over the course of 6 weeks. The range of time will depend on the number of applications received. 
  • Attend approximately 20-25 hours of meetings, including orientation, trainings, and decision-making meetings. 
  • Understand and keep in mind the grant expectations and funding priorities. 
  • Bridge differences between conflicting ideas by engaging in open group discussions. 
  • Work collaboratively and respectfully with other EJC members to arrive at funding recommendations. 
  • Maintain confidentiality throughout the entire grant review process. 
  • Provide written and verbal comments based on professional or community-based knowledge, not based on one’s personal opinions.  
  • Set aside up to 20 hours to participate in programming, including, but not limited to, relationship building, evaluation efforts, and feedback sessions to inform the grantmaking strategy.  
  • Have access to a computer with reliable internet. 

Timeline and Expectations

If you are selected as an EJC member, the process will continue along the following timeline. There may be some adjustments based on members’ availability. Orientation sessions and final decision-making meetings will be in-person, while all other meetings will be virtual.  

Description Date 
EJC Member Orientation July 29 and August 2 
Application Review August 3 – September 13 
Workshop September 13 
Subcommittee Meetings October 3 and 4 
Final Decision Meetings  October 7 and 10 
Total Estimated Hours  60-95 

The EJC partners with OSE to inform the City’s investments in community-led efforts that advance environmental justice and climate justice. If you are interested in equitable grantmaking and passionate about racial equity and environmental justice, please complete this interest form. Interest Forms will be reviewed on a rolling basis and should be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on Tuesday, June 20. 

Washington Launches Statewide Partnership for Tree Equity, Aiming to Expand Canopy Cover and Promote Healthier Communities 

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OSE Director Jessyn Farrell helps mulch trees at Roxhill Park. 
 

On Thursday, April 13, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and OSE Director Jessyn Farrell joined the Department of Natural Resources and American Forests at Roxhill Park to launch the Washington Tree Equity Collaborative, a statewide partnership to achieve Tree Equity across Washington State by expanding and fortifying neighborhood tree canopy cover.  

The Washington Tree Equity Collaborative aims to enhance urban forestry programs over the next three years, with a focus on increasing tree canopy equity and engaging cities, community organizations, and stakeholders. The collaborative supports projects that boost tree canopy and urban forest health in currently low-canopy neighborhoods, benefiting communities by providing cooling during heatwaves and promoting better human health outcomes. The Collaborative comes after the final 2021 Tree Canopy Assessment revealed the city lost 255 acres of tree canopy since 2016 (an absolute decrease of .5% and 1.7% relative decline), an amount roughly equal to the size of Green Lake. 

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and OSE Director Jessyn Farrell at the Tree Equity Collaborative event.

Local urban and community forestry advocates gathered to hear statements from Mayor Harrell and Director Farrell, along with American Forest President and CEO Jad Daley, Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, and Duwamish Alive Coalition Community Engagement Team Member Willard Brown. 

“Trees are critical to our health, climate and quality of life in Seattle, and our most recent Tree Canopy Cover Assessment shows that we have more work to do to protect and grow our tree canopy,” Mayor Harrell said. “Following the data and leading with equity, we’re advancing efforts to reverse this decline and address inequities in canopy distribution impacting frontline communities. Growing canopy cover takes time, but our urgency today reflects a healthier, greener Emerald City tomorrow, which is why I am proud to partner with the Department of Natural Resources, American Forests and leadership from other cities to support our urban forests.” 

Seattle is among the first Washington cities to join the collaborative, and Mayor Harrell signed a pledge that will commit the city to: 

  • Over the next five years, plant 8,000 trees on both public and private properties; plant 40,000 trees in parks and natural areas; and perform maintenance on 40,000 trees. 
  • By the end of 2023, implement a policy to require three trees to be planted for every healthy, site-appropriate tree removed from city property. The same policy will require two trees to be planted for every tree that dies or is deemed hazardous or invasive. 
  • By the end of 2024, develop a Tree Canopy Equity and Resilience Plan for achieving Seattle’s tree canopy goals. 
Washington State Tree Equity. Learn more at treeequityscore.org 

Under the agreement, the DNR will look to American Forests’ Tree Equity Score tool to coordinate and enhance urban and community forestry in an equitable way in Washington. The tool reveals that nearly 85% of urbanized neighborhoods in the state lack sufficient tree cover, leaving over 2 million residents with less than half the required tree canopy for their neighborhoods.