Minneapolis has reached its first goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from citywide energy consumption, transportation, solid waste, and wastewater. Greenhouse gases caused by activities within the city limits of Minneapolis decreased 17.8 percent in 2015 compared to the 2006 baseline; the goal was a 15 percent reduction. The 2015 analysis included a substantial update to prior years’ calculations using a method that aligns Minneapolis with other cities around the world participating in the Compact of Mayors agreement. 2016 data is being analyzed and will be available soon.
Greenhouse gas emissions decreased 10.7 percent from 2014 to 2015, driven primarily by milder winter months, which resulted in a decrease in natural gas consumption. An increase in emissions from wastewater was offset by decreases in emissions from electricity consumption, natural gas consumption, on-road transportation and solid waste. Find more detail in the PowerPoint presentation.
Subsequent goals will require acceleration of energy conservation and cleaner heating options
Minneapolis’ next goals include a 30 percent reduction in citywide emissions by 2025 and an 80 percent or more reduction by 2050 (all from the 2006 baseline). A rise in renewable wind and solar electricity drove most of the emissions decrease since 2006, a trend forecasted to continue. With natural gas set, then, to become the City’s largest contributor to emissions in the coming years, meeting future goals will require accelerating progress in reducing natural gas consumption with energy conservation and shifting to cleaner heating options such as renewable natural gas and heat pump technology.
Minneapolis will make progress toward its goals by continuing to implement its Climate Action Plan and working with CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy on implementing the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership 2017-2018 work plan.
Find the City’s other climate action goals here.
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