Portsmouth's Climate Future - Actions
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Action Plan
The strategies below are organized by focus area and category, drawn from Portsmouth’s Climate Future. Each strategy is marked Upcoming or In Progress to show where the City and community currently stand. Select a category to expand its strategies.
For full background on each strategy, see Portsmouth’s Climate Future (PDF).
Built Environment Mobility Energy Natural Resources Resilience
1
Built Environment
14 strategies across 2 categories
▸ Building Energy Conservation & Efficiency (BE) — 9 strategies
BE-1 Upcoming
Encourage community-wide building weatherization measures so that building heating/cooling is more effective and efficient.
BE-2 Upcoming
Support the adoption of tax incentives (e.g., preferential rates) for multi-family and commercial buildings that are both highly efficient and fossil-fuel-free.
BE-3 Upcoming
Advocate for the implementation and enforcement of building energy and emissions performance standards. Require multi-family and commercial buildings of a certain size to report their energy usage and GHG emissions to the City for purposes of enforcement and benchmarking. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager can be used to track, benchmark, and report data.
BE-4 Upcoming
Advocate for an advanced energy code, with an incentivized net-zero pathway. Include solar- and electric vehicle-capable, ready, and install requirements. Once adopted, ensure that resources are put in place to support code compliance.
BE-5 Upcoming
Similar to Durham, establish a Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) financing program to support energy efficiency retrofits, especially the older housing stock.
BE-6 Upcoming
Conduct American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) energy audits of all municipal facilities and implement energy efficiency measures as feasible (e.g., LED lighting, HVAC equipment upgrades, water-efficient fixtures). For facilities in which energy upgrades were enacted within the last five years, implement a retro-commissioning program to ensure proper functioning. Retrofit projects can be supported by rebates and loans available through the state and utilities (e.g., NH Electric Co-op Commercial and Municipal Retrofit Energy Efficiency Programs).
BE-7 In Progress
Design all municipal construction projects (new or major renovations) to be net zero energy/ready. To support performance verification and reporting, adopt a requirement that these projects meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC's) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Zero Energy, as applicable.
BE-8 In Progress
Implement a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) to monitor, measure, and control energy use in municipal buildings. Investigate a demand response and/or routine load-sharing program.
BE-9 Upcoming
Eliminate building systems that utilize fossil fuel sources (i.e., oil, natural gas, propane) for space heating and domestic hot water and replace these systems either with electric alternatives or non-GHG emitting alternatives in all municipal and School Department buildings.
▸ Sustainable Waste Management (WM) — 5 strategies
WM-1 In Progress
Building off the waste characterization studies, prepare and implement a Zero Waste Plan, which would see the Portsmouth community reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost at least 90 percent of its solid waste.
WM-2 In Progress
Explore the adoption of a ban on single-use plastics, such as plastic and polystyrene food and beverage containers, bottles, straws, cups, cutlery, and disposable plastic bags.
WM-3 In Progress
Support community efforts to create a voluntary certification program for Portsmouth restaurants working to reduce reusable plastics and food waste (levels might include "skip the stuff", composting, and offering smaller portion sizes).
WM-4 Upcoming
Support the expansion of curbside food waste collection services, perhaps in coordination with existing private-led services, to all residential households that receive Municipal Solid Waste and recycling services. Advocate for the requirement that all new multi-family development projects site potential locations for the adequate storage and handling of composting material should a municipal composting program become available in the future. Add information on at-home composting to the City's website.
WM-6 Upcoming
Adopt a municipal environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) policy that can be used as a model for the private sector. Such a policy should prioritize products with available Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and/or Health Product Declarations (HPDs).
2
Mobility
9 strategies across 1 category
▸ Decarbonizing Transportation Systems (DTS) — 9 strategies
DTS-1 Upcoming
Implement the recommendations of the City's updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, which shall support the creation of a viable alternative transportation network that reduces the community's dependence on motor vehicles, thus reducing overall vehicle miles traveled. The plan’s implementation should be conducted in a timeframe consistent with the GHG emissions reduction targets of Portsmouth’s Climate Future.
DTS-2 Upcoming
Prepare an electric vehicle charging plan to identify feasible and strategic locations for the installation of publicly available charging supply equipment, informed by existing and future needs. Create partnerships to enable the installation of charging stations at priority locations, while promoting their co-location with renewable energy systems to improve the clean energy profile of transportation electrification and encourage the City government to acquire public space for City transformers. Charging equipment should be located outside of flood-vulnerable areas.
DTS-3 Upcoming
Expand public transportation within as well as into/out of Portsmouth to attract more “choice” riders (i.e., those that can utilize other modes of transportation) regularly and more efficiently serve “captive” riders (i.e., those that must take public transportation). This includes making bus connections to regional transportation hubs, such as the rail stations in Dover and Exeter and Pease International Airport, as well as exploring new forms of public transit (e.g., passenger rail and privately funded shuttle services). To maximize the sustainability benefits of public transportation, plan to electrify public transit fleets.
DTS-4 In Progress
Work with local and regional transportation partners in conducting a microtransit (bus demand responsive transport) feasibility study to identify projects that would augment and/or replace fixed-route public transit service. Depending on the results of the study, commit to developing one or more pilot projects. Note that the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) already has a fairly robust microtransit service for target populations.
DTS-5 Upcoming
Increase the usage of e-bikes/e-cargo bikes/adaptive e-bikes by covering part of the purchase cost at local bike shops, as well as by expanding e-bike charging stations and infrastructure along key commuting routes.
DTS-6 Upcoming
Work with the New Hampshire Port Authority, in supporting the development of local alternative fuel infrastructure and ship-to-shore power to reduce emissions from commercial maritime vessels, including cruise ships.
DTS-7 In Progress
Develop and implement a fleet decarbonization plan with consideration of vehicle electrification and renewable fuels. As applicable, this plan should adequately assess future charging needs by department and vehicle use types. Install additional Level 2 (240 volts [V]) and direct current (DC) fast (480V) charging stations, as appropriate. The cost of this strategy may be offset through funds available through the Granite State Clean Fleets program.
DTS-8 In Progress
Assess opportunities to right-size the municipal fleet to ensure the fleet inventory does not exceed operating requirements.
DTS-9 In Progress
Work with the School Department to electrify the school bus fleet.
3
Energy
7 strategies across 1 category
▸ Renewable Energy Production and Procurement (RE) — 7 strategies
RE-1 In Progress
Build community support for amending zoning and other City policies to eliminate existing barriers to solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar PV plus battery storage development. For example, consider allowing solar arrays as a principal use and adopting a policy that allows solar energy production systems in the Historic District. Revisit recent limitations that were placed on rooftop solar arrays with the adoption of the 2015 International Fire Code.
RE-2 Upcoming
Establish targets to increase participant sign-ups for the "Clean 100" option (i.e., 100 percent renewable content) under the Community Power program, established under RSA 53-E. Achieve these targets through continued education and awareness building among residents and businesses, as well as continuous efforts to ensure the option is price competitive.
RE-3 Upcoming
Promote renewable energy development – including thermal energy networks – through regulatory incentives. For example, adopt dimensional incentives/density bonuses for new or redeveloped sites that incorporate solar power energy systems into building design (including their parking lots). Consider expediting the building permit and inspection process as well as lowering permitting fees for renewable energy distributed generation systems.
RE-4 Upcoming
Encourage the development of community solar with battery backup, consistent with RSA 362-A:9, XIV (as amended), where residents who are unable to install solar energy production systems on their own accord (e.g., due to living in multi-family residential developments, financial limitations) can access the benefits of owning a solar PV system (e.g., credits on their electricity bill).
RE-5 Upcoming
Actively promote offshore wind, tidal, and hydropower interconnection through the Piscataqua River into existing electric infrastructure in Newington/Portsmouth to improve the renewable energy mix in the ISO-NE grid.
RE-6 Upcoming
Plan, design, and build solar arrays with battery storage of sufficient generating capacity to power municipal buildings. Solar panels could be distributed across building roofs and parking lots or aggregated into one site. The Public Undeveloped Land Assessment lists several sites that may be suitable. Loans and grants are available to support municipal renewable energy development (e.g., NH Community Development Finance Authority [CDFA] Clean Energy Fund), as are ownership and financing options (e.g., power purchase agreements [PPAs]).
RE-7 Upcoming
Track the City’s renewable electricity supply, produced and/or procured, and supplement as needed with certified REC purchases to ensure that 100 percent of the City’s electricity consumption is covered by renewable energy projects. Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated from solar and wind facilities located in Northern New England should be favored over those from outside the region.
4
Natural Resources
5 strategies across 1 category
▸ Climate-Smart Land Use (CSLU) — 5 strategies
CSLU-1 Upcoming
Maintain the current zoning of the Schiller Station to ensure that the existing power infrastructure stays intact for future uses such as energy storage. Explore the opportunity for this site to support the conveyance and perhaps storage of power generated by offshore wind projects.
CSLU-2 Upcoming
Identify publicly-owned land areas, or privately-owned lands for acquisition, which are suitable for new or enhanced GHG emissions sequestration and storage. For example, reforestation, forest management, and wetland restoration. Work with private landowners and land trusts to develop and manage similar projects, where appropriate. This could include improved forest management plans. Note that such projects may be eligible to generate carbon credits that can be sold in carbon markets.
CSLU-3 Upcoming
Analyze neighborhood completeness, focusing on the availability of amenities and services within walkable and bikeable areas, as well as current or prospective access to efficient shared mobility and public transportation through transit-oriented developments and corridors. Aim to achieve the desired outcomes using both regulatory mechanisms (e.g., zoning-based incentives) and non-regulatory methods (e.g., business recruitment, tax incentives).
CSLU-4 Upcoming
Implement blue carbon strategies (i.e., carbon sequestration through coastal resource conservation).
CSLU-5 Upcoming
Continue to support the expansion of the City's tree cover to combat urban heat, enhance public health, and reduce the energy need for cooling. For example, plant a shade way at locations such as State Street in downtown and Parrott Avenue from the Public Library to Junkins Avenue.
5
Resilience
16 strategies across 3 categories
▸ Flood Resilience (FR) — 7 strategies
FR-1 Upcoming
Continue to identify critical public and private properties and infrastructure subject to sealevel rise and identify potential adaptation measures for each location. Seek implementation financing through Coastal Resiliency Funds (RSA 36:53) and Coastal Resiliency and Cultural and Historic Resources District & Funds (RSA 12-A:68 & 69).
FR-2 Upcoming
Strengthen Article 7.1 of the Site Plan Regulations to require Low Impact Development (LID) design practices and techniques in building design. Encourage the planting of trees and greenery around new or renovated buildings and sites that are being developed or subdivided. Prioritize the inclusion of open space.
FR-3 Upcoming
Strategically integrate green infrastructure with the City's existing and future stormwater, combined sewers, and roadway infrastructure, while prioritizing permeable pavements for all new municipal paving projects.
FR-4 In Progress
Conduct and/or update previous hydraulic & hydrologic modeling studies of the City’s storm drain system and major road culverts/bridges to identify and rank capacity constraints that contribute to land-based flooding affecting critical transportation corridors and properties. Implement appropriate corrections in consideration of any adjacent undeveloped areas that could provide additional temporary flood storage in flood-prone drainage areas. Build upon the Coastal Hydraulic Model being developed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and Woods Hole Group.
FR-5 Upcoming
Establish a more sustainable and consistent funding source, such as a Stormwater Utility Fee, to help plan for and fund stormwater capacity and flood resiliency improvements. A Stormwater Utility Fee would have the added benefit of encouraging the reduction of impervious surfaces through increased greenspaces.
FR-6 Upcoming
Review, prioritize, and develop a plan to initiate the recommended adaptive strategies included in the Historic Vulnerability Assessment StoryMap, available at: https://portsmouthnh.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=302cb9580dfb4ddd bd66dbb39055a88e.
FR-7 Upcoming
Explore "managed retreat" through zoning and overlay zones, where development in vulnerable coastal areas could be phased out and living shorelines would be promoted to continue existing coastal ecosystem connectivity.
▸ Heat Resilience (HR) — 5 strategies
HR-1 In Progress
Develop a Citywide Heat-Health Warning and Protection Plan to activate public health warnings, cooling centers, and other relief measures when air temperatures exceed 90° F for prolonged periods. Integrate or align this measure with the City's existing Emergency Response Plan
HR-2 In Progress
Assess and ensure public facilities, schools, and other critical community facilities are resilient to extreme heat (e.g., by providing access to cooling) and other severe weather events.
HR-3 Upcoming
Coordinate an Annual Heat Resilience Workshop to engage and support local/regional healthcare providers, professionals/organizations that provide frontline services, and healthcare educators in screening and connecting individuals at higher risk for heat-health impacts to prevention resources.
HR-4 Upcoming
Integrate heat resilience goals, standards, and guidelines into open space and recreation planning for planned improvements to existing open space.
HR-5 Upcoming
Work toward establishing a network of "cool corridors" that offer shade and/or misting stations along routes with high pedestrian traffic. Augment these corridors with the application of reflective coatings to sidewalks and streets.
▸ Energy Resilience (ER) — 4 strategies
ER-1 Upcoming
Identify and map vulnerable electric and gas infrastructure and work with Eversource and Unitil on adaptation strategies as infrastructure is maintained and upgraded. This may include converting existing overhead electric infrastructure to underground conduits if wind shear is a concern or relocating ground-mounted transformers to poles where flooding is a concern.
ER-2 Upcoming
Investigate the potential for an islandable microgrid of critical municipal and/or public infrastructure that could continue to provide services if the regional grid is offline. This would require integration of renewables and battery storage sufficient to power minimal facility electric/HVAC/refrigeration needs (e.g., shelter).
ER-3 Upcoming
Encourage the state's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to provide a program to develop a citywide electric use notification system that has different advisory levels to encourage energy conservation during peak/high-cost periods.
ER-4 Upcoming
Partner with Eversource, local businesses, and residents to encourage the development of load-sharing programs at various scales (community, campuses, and buildings). These programs aim to reduce peak demand energy use and implement operational changes to lower overall year-round energy demand. The City’s local government would be responsible for developing and enforcing policies geared towards load-sharing and energy management, as well as convening and engaging stakeholders as appropriate.