No City is Too Small to Help Reduce Global Carbon Emissions
Cities and towns (cities) are a critical partner in the design of a low-carbon future. Generating up to 70 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,[1] cities can drive down carbon emissions through sustainable policies and programs. Not only do these actions have the potential to improve the health of our planet, but cities are also uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of our current fossil-fuel based society into one that fosters more jobs, better health, and brings a more just and equitable economy.
Fortunately, we know what cities need to do.
Approximately 40 percent of cities’ GHG emissions is derived from energy used to operate buildings, transportation emissions make up approximately another 40 percent, and the remaining emissions are generated from the degradation of municipal solid waste, wastewater treatment, and other small sources. There are a few caveats and some cities may have uniquely high contributions from the oil and gas, mining, and agricultural sectors. However, in most cases, the bulk of cities’ emissions are derived from the burning of fossil fuels used in buildings and vehicles.
After years of modeling GHG reduction scenarios, we know some key strategies that reduce the most carbon emissions. The five key strategies are:
Commit to sourcing 100 percent of electricity from renewable energy.
Electrify buildings by converting combustion fuel systems to electric systems.
Replace internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles.
Develop and implement inclusive building energy efficiency programs.
Shift from traditional single-occupancy travel to ride sharing, transit, biking, and walking.
These actions could reduce most cities’ GHG emissions by upwards of 80 percent. A variety of other solutions are available and should be considered such as zero waste commitments, improved wastewater treatment, and reducing consumption-based activities. Although these activities may not reduce our GHG emissions as much as the list noted above, they contribute tremendously to land, water, and air pollution; public health; community cohesiveness; and general community values.
Strategy 1: 100 Percent Renewable Energy Commitment
Adopting a commitment to source 100 percent of electricity from renewable energy sources is the most impactful move that a community can make to reduce its carbon emissions. While adopting a commitment may seem “soft”, it is impactful. We have seen it. We have seen small municipalities advocate, fight, and even sue their electric utilities so that more renewables can be put onto the grid. And they have been successful in making change. So successful that, in a matter of years, these same utilities committed to their own aggressive renewable goals.
Strategy 2: Electrify Buildings
Electrifying buildings can come with significant financial, political, and equity hurdles. Yet, it must be included to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets. Consider that approximately 50 percent of residential and up to 70 percent of commercial buildings’ energy usage is fueled by natural gas and most buildings in the Rocky Mountain West use natural gas as their heating fuel. By replacing this fuel with electricity, generated from a renewable source, buildings can essentially eliminate all carbon emissions.
Strategy 3: Electrify Transportation
Similar to electrically run buildings, electric mobility options that are implemented in sequence with a greener grid, are critical to reducing carbon. History has shown us that getting people out of their cars isn’t enough and it’s difficult to implement and enforce, thus we must change the vehicles that we drive. Transitioning them from fossil fuel-based energy sources to renewable sources is the most effective way to green our mobility infrastructure.
Strategy 4: Implement Inclusive Energy Efficiency Programs
In addition to reducing carbon in and of itself, reducing energy consumption is essential for meeting 100 percent renewable energy goals. Electrifying buildings and mobility systems adds electricity to the grid, making it harder for utilities to cost-effectively add more renewable energy and manage the grid. Energy efficiency programs that are inclusive – target and include all members of the community – provide simultaneous benefits to a community’s carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enabling the key 100 percent renewable energy goal.
Strategy 5: Reduce Single-Occupancy Vehicle Travel
Getting out of our cars and reducing single-occupancy vehicle travel through transit, carpooling, biking, and walking will reduce emissions from fossil fuel-based vehicles and will ease the strain on the electric grid. Though slightly less impactful than the other key four strategies, increasing mobility options is an essential component to reduce emissions and improves the quality of life for the cities’ residents.