Town of Chevy Chase Climate Protection Committee

1. Town of Chevy ChaseClimate Protection Committee

2. Town Characteristics Affecting GHGs: Overview Leland Center 4-H Center • Nearly all residential: no industry, no commercial • 3 institutions: CCES, Leland Center, 4-H Center CCES

3. More Town Characteristics • 2,726 population (2,758 in 2007) • 1,021 homes • High household income – high consumption • Elected town mayor and supportive council • Highly educated and active population • Many residents environmentally aware • Monthly town newsletter • Official town email list with 750 addresses • Neighbors email list (approx 250 addresses)

4. Some Actions Taken • Distributed CFLs to almost ½ households • Sponsored numerous talks on Global Warming and related topics • Energized town residents to support State legislation (Clean Cars, Greenhouse Gas Reduction) • Surveyed residents on energy use and developed a base assessment • Negotiated reduced prices on home energy audits and held a demo audit

5. More Actions • Held a hands on weatherstripping workshop • Developed a Climate Action Plan (including actions to upgrade and encourage energy efficiency, use of renewables, improved street lighting, walking, biking and car pooling). • Held a month long walking challenge to encourage residents to walk more and drive less. • Created a “Climate Corps” of college and high school students to help residents identify places where they can save energy and money through easy behavior changes.

6. Get more information • www.townofchevychase.org/c/205 • Documents on the site (“Chevy Chase Challenge” i.e. the plan; a power point on the greenhouse gas assessment; etc) • Check it out

7. “Step Up to the Challenge” Event • To demonstrate that our proximity to Bethesda offers many opportunities to substitute walking for driving: • for running errands • for eating out • for entertaining • for using mass transit • To encourage residents to think of walking for a purpose as part of their exercise program

8. “Step Up to the Challenge” Activities • Kickoff event to brief contestants – included free pedometers; “Tour de Bethesda”; prize drawing • Month long walking – contestants track steps taken, destinations, vehicle miles • Ending event with prizes for: • Most steps taken • Most destinations walked to • Most family members participating • Farthest destination • Fewest Vehicle Miles traveled during the month

9. Tasks to develop “Step Up” • Select pedometer • Create materials: • Info on Chevy Chase Challenge • Contest rules • Contestant diary • Map for Tour de Bethesda • Solicit prizes from Bethesda merchants • Develop flyer and pass out at town events • Phone residents to join the challenge • Advertise in newsletter and on list serves • Decide on final prizes and purchase them • Notify media

10. Step Up Results • 82 sign ups • 62 show up • 35 complete • Good Publicity – interest from surrounding communities • Good feedback from participants • Increasing momentum toward critical mass

11. Gazette Coverage of Kick Off

12. Achievement Diary

13. Earth Day Event