January 6, 2014
According to a new report compiled by Arizona State University’s Sustainability Solution Services , the city of Phoenix achieved a 7.2 percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, exceeding it goal by 2.2 percent three years ahead of schedule. In 2008 the city council adopted a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from city operations to five percent below the 2005 levels by 2015. The city met and exceeded that objective within four years.
The most recent greenhouse gas emissions report , was compiled by Sustainability Solution Services , a program within the Global Institute of Sustainability’s Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives , and states that in 2012, the city achieved a 7.2 percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by emitting 629,504 metric tons of carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide equivalents.
"By already reaching its 2015 target for emissions reduction, the City of Phoenix has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Rajesh Buch, practice lead for the Sustainability Solutions Services at ASU. "Continuing these practices and adopting the recommended actions should not only double emissions reductions by 2015, but also create a more resilient metropolitan region."
With support and guidance from the mayor and city council members, the city was able to reduce greenhouse emissions through the use of sustainable infrastructure and programs, including advanced methane capture systems at city-owned landfills; biodiesel and ethanol alternative fuels; energy-efficient streetlights, traffic signals, water and wastewater upgrades; energy efficiency measures in more than 45 city buildings; and various city solar power projects.
ASU helped assess and verify the results of the greenhouse gas emissions report by comparing the city’s emissions in 2005 and 2012, and evaluating the progress made toward the Climate Action Plan. With support and guidance from the mayor and city council members, huge improvements and changes were made by Phoenix since 2005, particularly in the use of sustainable infrastructure and programs including advanced methane capture systems at city-owned landfills, biodiesel and ethanol alternative fuels, energy-efficient streetlights and traffic signals, water and wastewater upgrades, energy efficiency measures in more than 45 city buildings, and various city solar power projects.
The findings of the 2012 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Report was released by the Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton on Dec. 3 at the third annual Go Green Conference hosted by the city of Phoenix and the Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives.
For more information on Phoenix’ greenhouse gas Inventory, contact Raj Buch, rbuch@asu.edu
For information on undertaking a greenhouse Inventory for your community, contact Mick Dalrymple, mick.dalrymple@asu.edu
Recommended links