Technology and Policy Greenhouse Gas Inventories Ann Elsen Elsen Energy Associates ElsenEnergy.com May 31, 2008 Cool Cities Workshop Sierra Club – Maryland Chapter

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Inventory identifies sources and causes of emissions –shows you what you need to mitigate Inventory baseline = snapshot in time for a base year, for comparison, the baseline will never change Protocols - for identifying and quantifying emissions sources Tools - for making calculations & unit conversions Watch out! Don’t let the data drive the process.

Purpose of Inventory Communicate sources of greenhouse gas emissions Establish baseline for future comparison Identify energy and resource waste and its cost Enable financial decisions Initiate meaningful change By itself, even the best inventory provides zero emissions reductions

Why Conduct an Inventory? The right reasons Measure emissions in order to manage them Accountability – basis for performance measures and tracking progress Arial view – what are biggest/best opportunities? Management – what is within scope of control? Prioritization – what to tackle first, identify immediate reduction vs. long-term investments

Why Conduct an Inventory? The wrong reasons Fear – maintain control through an extended “process” We have no money – let’s just study it until we can figure out how to fund it We have some money – let’s throw $ at a consultant to appease the environmental community Tool for delay

Some Types of Approaches Avoidance – identify a cost and delay inventory until funding is available Expensive – pay someone to do it In-house – by government staff Student project or thesis - inexpensive Participative – community representation and buy-in – more appropriate at Action Plan stage Guerilla – campaign organizers conduct community-wide inventory on their own (best to omit government facilities at this stage – mitigate fear factor)

Step by Step Process Resources on the Cool Cities Web site GHG Inventory Training Presentation For Tonight! Link to New Presentation for GHG Inventory Training More >Link to New Presentation for GHG Inventory Training More > Cool Counties Success in MD Read about Montgomery County's new laws!Read about Montgomery County's new laws! More > More > CoolState Washington Take a look at this fantastic website from the folks working to cool WATake a look at this fantastic website from the folks working to cool WA More > More > NEW Early Implementation Solutions! First steps your city should take...First steps your city should take... More > More > ICLEI Clean Air and Climate Protection Software Demo Video View the short videoView the short video More > More >

Emissions Sources Key Areas to Address in Inventory: Energy consumption and fuel source Municipal solid waste management – Resources: WasteWise Communities, Pay As You Throw (PAYT), WARM Calculator Transportation and land use planning

FY04FY03FY02units Fuel Oil: #1308,049239,346175,719gallons #2 and #38,408,13512,426,2563,615,106gallons #402,2152,796gallons #5000gallons #6000gallons L.P. Gas6,583,2437,417,6626,001,451pounds Coalnone tons Steamnone therms Electricity5,174,566,2715,287,050,5244,998,342,099kwh Natural Gas110,727,319125,967,51672,520,986therms Non-residential Energy Consumption, Montgomery County [based on fuel energy tax revenues] Data Example:

Sources of Emissions - Arial View

Energy Consumption County Agencies Example (measured 2001)

Reporting Findings Communicate process to move forward – in person whenever possible Identify next steps and specific people responsible Written document – keep it brief – use appendices Make a one-page summary as stand-alone handout

“Action brings good fortune.”