Greenhouse Gas Inventories: The First Step to a Greener Community

Greenhouse gases (GHG) trap the sun’s heat in our atmosphere and keep Earth at an appropriate temperature. However, excessive amounts can lead to an increase in localized severe weather events. These gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide – come from fossil fuel combustion, agriculture, and industrial processes, among others. Understanding these sources is the first step in developing a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory.

A greenhouse gas inventory provides a baseline snapshot of emissions within a given area. By quantifying their emissions, municipalities can set realistic goals for reduction and track their progress over time. These inventories are a crucial part of the climate action journey and are often a required first step to participate in most state-specific climate programs. Greenhouse gas inventories are also a vital part of Climate Action Plans. The inventory process is straightforward:

1. Define the Boundary and Type: Inventories may cover an area as small as a village or as large as a county or state. They can include the entire community’s emissions or focus on municipal assets.
2. Collect Data: Gather data on energy use, transportation, waste, and other relevant sectors. This data forms the foundation of the inventory.
3. Calculate Emissions: Use standardized protocols to convert data into CO₂ equivalents, considering the warming potential of each greenhouse gas.
4. Analyze Results: Identify major sources of emissions and opportunities for reduction. This analysis informs the development of climate action plans.

Types of Greenhouse Gas Inventories

• Community-Wide Inventories measure the total greenhouse gas emissions generated within a municipality’s geographic boundaries. This includes emissions from all residential, commercial, and industrial activities. A community-wide inventory provides a comprehensive view of the community’s overall carbon footprint, helping to identify major sources of emissions and opportunities for reduction across the entire community.
  It measures:
  • Residential and Commercial Energy Use: Emissions from heating, cooling, and electricity consumption in homes and businesses.
  • Transportation: Emissions from personal vehicles, public transportation, and any other modes of transport.
  • Waste Management: Emissions from landfill operations, waste treatment, and recycling processes.
  • Industrial Activities: Emissions from manufacturing and other industrial operations.

• Municipal Operations Inventories focus on the greenhouse gas emissions produced only by government operations and infrastructure. This includes emissions from municipal buildings, vehicle fleets, water and wastewater treatment facilities, and other government-owned assets. A municipal operations inventory helps local governments understand and manage their direct impact on the environment, setting an example for the broader community.
  It measures:
  • Government Buildings: Emissions from energy use in offices, schools, and other public buildings.
  • Vehicle Fleets: Emissions from government-owned vehicles, including maintenance and emergency services.
  • Public Infrastructure: Emissions from the operation of streetlights, traffic signals, and other public infrastructure.
  • Water and Wastewater Facilities: Emissions from the treatment and distribution of municipally-owned water and wastewater services.

Municipalities can complete both types of greenhouse gas inventories or opt for one over the other. Either choice will result in valuable insights and enable targeted, informed decision-making for the future.

We can help determine the best greenhouse gas strategies for your community. For more information on our Climate Action services or completing a greenhouse gas inventory, contact B&L’s Kyle Williams.