Cities, counties, and universities all generate carbon emissions in the course of their operations, from the conventionally generated electricity they use to the fossil-fueled vehicles they employ. Reducing these emissions by improving energy efficiency and switching to renewable energy sources is essential, but it isn't possible to gauge progress without first knowing where the starting line is.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories establish a baseline for the size of an entity’s carbon footprint, against which the success of a reduction action plan may be measured. Taking an inventory is a crucial first step toward assessing the emissions produced by a municipality’s buildings, fleets, waste services, and more. By understanding how much greenhouse gas their operations emit on an annual basis, local governments and universities can improve both future decision-making and resiliency in their communities. Greenhouse gas inventories also allow cities and counties to be transparent with their taxpayers on how money is spent on fossil fuels and how reducing greenhouse gas emissions can actually save money. 

Inventories can cost from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. One of the best solutions is to collaborate with other municipalities in the region to establish a cost-sharing agreement, reducing overall costs associated with establishing a GHG inventory. 

Audubon and ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, have partnered to reduce the cost of taking inventories and shepherd many municipalities through this important process by working with local universities through Greenhouse Gas cohorts. Data collected by the cohort includes government energy usage, solid waste and wastewater, fleet vehicle operations, and staff commutes. The GHG inventories generated through this program empower cities and counties to analyze the extent of their emissions, formulate effective reduction plans, and contribute meaningfully to climate change mitigation. 

Downloadable Resources

greenhouse_gas_emissions_inventory_1.pdf