Q: What is the carbon conscious framework?

A: Carbon Conscious provides a blueprint for municipalities to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through policy, action and community outreach. In California, the framework also assists municipalities in meeting requirements for Assembly Bill (AB) 32 and Senate Bill (SB) 375. Other states that have GHG emissions reduction targets and programs would also benefit through using the programming framework developed through the carbon conscious program.

Q: What is unique about carbon conscious?

A: Carbon conscious is unique in that it combines technical components with public outreach and community-based social marketing to educate and promote lasting behavior change in communities and to lower GHG emissions. Carbon conscious is comprehensive, reaching out to commercial businesses, schools, residents and community-based organizations using the municipality itself as a role model.

Q: How does any city, county, state or country become part of the carbon conscious community?

A: Carbon conscious is open to all cities, counties, states and countries interested in joining through a customized membership program. The base carbon conscious program is geared toward cities and counties but can easily be adapted to larger organizational structures. For the purpose of the FAQs, the city and county version of carbon conscious is referenced. For additional information on state or country certification, please contact a carbon conscious administrator.

Q: What are the evaluation criteria?

A: A municipality can participate on a large or small scale depending on its own carbon reduction goals. The municipality would then work with the Carbon Conscious team to develop a customized program that can presently include 18 action areas consisting of commuting programs, agency operations, regulatory actions, alternative energy, energy efficiency, green building and public education, among others.

Q: Does carbon conscious address other issues like recycling, water conservation and transportation?

A: Yes, it does. The core of the core of carbon conscious is about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but it offers programs specific to water conservation, recycling and transportation that can be customized to municipalities and agencies.

Q: Are there grants available to fund these programs?

A: Yes. One of the greatest challenges is finding sources of money to develop and administer sustainability and climate change programs. Carbon Conscious offers members grant writing and management services to assist with these challenges.

Q: Where would I get more information on this program?

A: Contact Michael McCormick at 1-866-828-6PMC or by email: climate@pmcworld.com.