Green Region Initiative

This dataset is comprised of policy data, performance data, accompanying URL links on each data entry if available, and indicator category average data. The table of attributes contains data across 29 sustainability indicators, with upwards to 28,000 data entries. Several empty columns exist within the sheet as placeholders for future data entries, with a majority of columns to be used for future performance data and a few columns to be used for category averages once additional performance data has been collected. The Datasheet builds upon the previous iteration of the GRI, version 3.6, expanding the GRI from 28 sustainability indicators and 11 categories to 29 indicators and 12 categories. The dataset is used to develop the Green Region Initiative Sustainability Indicators Map which will provide a visual representation of both policy and performance progress being made in cities and counties throughout the SCAG region. It provides a resource for local governments to visualize sustainability progress, explore best practices, collaborate on programs, identify areas of opportunity, and assess and target the needs of communities. Data source Policy Data: Developed by 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020 CivicSpark Fellows Primary data-collection sourced from policies or plans unique to each city or county for each indicator. Using the primary data-collection, the CivicSpark Fellows developed unique metrics for each indicator. A metric system developed by Environmental Science Associates for the Regional Climate Adaptation Framework in January 2020 was incorporated into the Adaptation Planning Indicator. The Governor’s Office of Business and Development shared their data from 2019-2020 on AB 1236 compliance throughout the state with SCAG to inform the Electric Vehicle Permitting Indicator Policy map. Performance Data: Developed by 2016-2017 CivicSpark Fellows Primary data-collection sourced from various providers (i.e. California, Solar Statistics, Cool California, Energy Star, LEED, etc.). Using the primary data-collection, the CivicSpark Fellows developed unique metrics for each indicator. Category Average: Developed by 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 CivicSpark Fellows Primary data-collection sourced from existing Policy and Performance Data developed by CivicSpark Fellows. Metrics based on a 4-tiered system. Category Averages were recalculated in 2019-20 for Built Environment, Climate Action, Health, Motorized Transportation, Open Space, and Urban Greening. Category Average was removed from Water in 2019-20 due to the reassignment of the Stormwater Management Indicator to Urban Greening and no longer having enough data to calculate Category Average. Category Average created for the new Urban Greening Topic, which contains the Parks, Stormwater Management, and Urban Forestry Indicators. Open Space no longer has a Category Average for Performance because the Parks Indicator was moved into Urban Greening and the Farmland Indicator does not have Performance metrics. Data year Due to the Datasheet building upon previous iterations of the GRI, there are multiple data years for which the data was collected, thus limiting the validity of the current data. The following lists categorize the Policy, Performance, and Category Average data by Indicator from date of validity, beginning with the most recent. The date of validity represents the year the data was researched and updated in. A list of incomplete data is included. Policy Data: Valid as of March 2020 Adaptation & Resilience Planning Climate Action Planning Electric Vehicle Permitting Valid as of May 2018 Renewable Energy Community Energy Efficiency Municipal Energy Efficiency Community GHG Emissions Inventory Municipal GHG Emissions Inventory Affordable Housing Bikes Pedestrians Complete Streets Electric Vehicles Municipal Alternative Fuel Fleet Water Conservation Stormwater Management Healthy Food Access Valid as of September 2016 Municipal Green Building Community Green Building Parking Management Urban Forestry Parks Natural Lands Farmland Waste Minimization Public Health Sustainability Grants Green Business Program/EPP Participation/Collaboration Policy Incomplete Data N/A Performance Data: Valid as of September 2017 Renewable Energy Community Energy Efficiency Climate Action Planning Community GHG Emissions Inventory Municipal GHG Emissions Inventory Municipal Green Building Community Green Building Urban Forestry Bikes Pedestrians Complete Streets Parks Natural Lands Waste Minimization Sustainability Grants Incomplete Data Community Energy Efficiency Municipal Energy Efficiency Affordable Housing Parking Management Electric Vehicles Municipal Alternative Fuel Fleet Farmland Water Conservation Stormwater Management Healthy Food Access Green Business Program/EPP Participation/Collaboration Policy Adaptation