Climate change and pollution resulting from a fossil-fuel based society lead to numerous negative impacts around the world. Human activities are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0° C global average temperature increase since the preindustrial era (climate.gov). In Santa Fe, noteworthy impacts include wildfires, drought combined with unexpected flooding, climbing temperatures, poor air quality, dying vegetation and reduced biodiversity.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories are critical for local government action to address climate change. Municipal Inventories are specific to city government buildings and functions. The report being released is a municipal inventory.
Since the Sustainable Santa Fe 25-Year Plan was created in 2018, the City has conducted municipal greenhouse gas inventories for 2018 and 2022. In 2018, municipal greenhouse gas emissions totaled 56,148 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). In 2022, the carbon footprint of Santa Fe municipal facilities accounted for 34,425 MT CO2e. This represents a 38.7% reduction in emissions by the City in four years!
Reductions in municipal emissions are attributed to a variety of factors from reduced utility usage to large solar installations to implementation of new city policies, such as work from home schedules. The largest net reductions were in Water & Wastewater Facilities and in Buildings & Facilities. This reduction is primarily a result of municipal investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements, including streetlight conversions to LED lights. City employees are also contributing as more people are opting to drive electric vehicles (EVs). The GHG report provides explanations specific to each sector.
The City of Santa Fe will continue its work to be a leader in sustainability by reducing energy waste at its facilities, increasing utilization of renewable energy, reducing emissions from its fleet, and helping employees switch to electric vehicles for their commutes. In addition to its work to reduce its carbon footprint, the City of Santa Fe is mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and improving community resiliency through policies and programs described in the Sustainable Santa Fe 25-Year Plan. The City of Santa Fe will periodically update the municipal greenhouse gas inventory to track its progress on leading by example in reaching a carbon neutrality goal.
To see the details of the report: Download here