CEAP 2008 Annual Report

for the period of March, 2008 through February, 2009

The First Year of CEAP

The City of Palo Alto and community groups created the Community Environmental Action Partnership (CEAP) in accordance with the recommendations made by the 2006 Green Ribbon Task Force and the 2007 Climate Protection Plan.  In our inaugural meeting on March 5th, 2008, community members collaboratively defined CEAP's mission and goals.

CEAP Mission: 

To bring the various segments of our community together to share knowledge, build mutual understanding, leverage resources, and both create and implement innovative environmental solutions.

CEAP Goals:

• Identify and implement top-priority environmental initiatives with measurable objectives.
• Educate and engage each segment of the community in environmental initiatives that fit their needs.
• Create a vehicle for communication, education and awareness among the City and all segments of the community.
• Leverage resources and actions among segments by aligning and coordinating efforts.
• Connect with expertise, input and initiatives from the community and beyond to inform, improve and inspire innovative ideas and programs.
• Track and report progress toward objectives to the community.

This Annual Report serves the last of the above goals by updating the Palo Alto City Council, the CEAP membership, and the citizens, organizations, and businesses of Palo Alto on the achievements and ongoing activities of this productive partnership.

Summary of CEAP and Associated Community Accomplishments for 2008:

• Good membership across "segments" and an effective organizational structure for CEAP.
• A publicly accessible “wiki” website (www.PA-CEAP.org) that allows each segment to document activities and share information.
• A monthly 30 minute video program broadcast, Green Takes...Action!, on local Cable TV, that highlights green activities and accomplishments in Palo Alto and neighboring communities.
• An informational “flyer” for residents that suggests ways to participate in community efforts to save energy and protect our environment.
• A “Red and Green” partnership with Palo Alto Neighborhoods (PAN) which delivered information on emergency preparedness and environmental action to approximately ¾ of all residences in Palo Alto.
• Active working groups and educational outreach activities within the faith community
• Medical Community segment including PAMF and Stanford Medical to share best practices and establish green teams.
• The Wave1 Green Business Initiative, which promises to make “going green” and green business certification easier for business tenants and commercial building owners.
• Planning and preparation for a non-profits “go-green” conference
• A successful library paper reduction program
• Creation of a cross-departmental City Climate Action Team and a City Employees Green Team
• Creation or re-vitalization of numerous School Green Teams, with increased sharing of best practices across both public and private schools in Palo Alto

For details of these and other accomplishments, see the attached individual segment reports:

• Businesses
• Faith Groups
• Government
• Medical
• Neighborhoods/Homes
• Non-Profits
• Schools
• Stanford

as well as the attached report on our Green Takes...Action! show.

Download full 2008 CEAP Annual Report