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The Definition of Sustainability There are a number of definitions of sustainability, and what sustainability means to the people of Kaua`i will be considered in the energy plan. The Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan suggests that sustainability is defined as:
Respecting the culture, character, beauty and history of our state’s island communities
Striking a balance between economic, social and community, and environmental priorities
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Another widely recognized definition of sustainability is the Natural Step, which suggests the following four principles that society must follow in order to be a sustainable:
Eliminate our contribution to the progressive buildup of substances extracted from the Earth's crust (for example, heavy metals and fossil fuels).
Eliminate our contribution to the progressive buildup of chemicals and compounds produced by society (for example, dioxins, PCBs, and DDT).
Eliminate our contribution to the progressive physical degradation and destruction of nature and natural processes (for example, over harvesting forests and paving over critical wildlife habitat).
Eliminate our contribution to conditions that undermine people’s capacity to meet their basic human needs (for example, unsafe working conditions and not enough pay to live on).
Kauai`i’s Sustainable Energy Vision A vision is a far-sighted statement that captures the many hopes expressed by the community and stakeholders. The Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan and the Kaua`i General Plan 2000 include visions that relate to the Kaua`i Sustainable Energy Vision and are being considered for the Plan.
A Vision for Sustainable Energy on Kaua`i in 2030 has been discussed at stakeholder and community meetings. The following draft vision includes input from these meetings:
On Kaua`i in 2030, we have achieved 100% local energy sustainability and we have…
Maintained the beauty of our “garden island” and our rural lifestyle
Incorporated sustainability and smart growth principles into our land use plans
Built a strong, sustainable green economy with green job opportunities
Utilized land efficiently for agriculture and renewable energy production.
Educated our citizens on energy conservation and efficiency and for green job opportunities.
Reduced our energy demand through conservation and efficiencies.
Determined the new and emerging technologies best suited to Kaua`i.
Achieved self-reliance in
renewable energy and fuel production for electricity and
transportation, while protecting our endangered wildlife.
Considered social equity and cultural impacts when siting new energy facilities.
Established an effective multi-modal transportation system that shifts use from cars to mass transit and non-motorized modes.
Followed existing and
crafted new County, state and federal legislation regulations to help
meet our electricity and ground transportation needs.
Goals The “default” goal for Kaua`i’s energy sustainability goals may be KIUC’s 50% renewable energy goal as mentioned in their 2008 Strategic Plan:
“KIUC is committing itself to generate at least 50% of its electricity renewably without burning fossil fuels within 15 years.”
This
goal was derived from Green House Gas (GHG) legislation that mandates a
reduction in GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. To achieve that
goal, KIUC would need to generate 50% of its energy from carbon-neutral
or non-carbon sources as illustrated in the graph below. Other
solutions such as demand side management, improved efficiency, and
carbon cap and trade could improve efficiency and reduce the 50%
estimate while still meeting the GHG target.
The
Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) suggests a 70% reduction in
fossil fuel use by 2030. An increase in both energy efficiency and
renewable energy are intended to meet the 70% goal, as illustrated
below:
