Greenhouse Gas Inventory Shows Progress on Climate Goals

Greenhouse gas emissions by the City of Corvallis have decreased by about 2.7 percent annually since 2013, according to the results of an organizational greenhouse gas inventory released in June.

The survey represents the first organizational inventory to be conducted since the City of Corvallis adopted its Climate Action Plan in late 2016. The report builds on baseline emissions data gathered in 2013. The information in the report is intended to help city leaders understand trends and manage specific emissions sources and activities related to operational activities.

From 2013 to 2016, the report found that emissions by the City dropped by 8.1 percent compared to 2013 baseline data. The reduction represents an average 2.7 percent per year – close to the City’s target in the new Climate Action Plan, which calls for a 3.2 percent annual decrease.

“This survey showed that what we’re doing is working,” said Scott Dybvad, the City’s Sustainability Program Specialist. “We’re clearly making progress toward the targets in our Climate Action Plan.”

Emissions generated by the City of Corvallis include a variety of sources, including traditional fleet emissions and electricity use, as well as emissions related to the operation of buildings and facilities such as the Library or Osborn Aquatic Center.

The two largest categories of emissions, Electricity Use and Supply Chain, comprise 46% and 25% percent of the total reduction respectively. Supply chain emissions quantify the life-cycle emissions associated with all the goods and services the City purchases.

The Corvallis Climate Action Plan calls for the City to inventory its organizational emissions every two years. The next survey will examine emissions data from 2018.

For more information on sustainability in Corvallis, go to www.corvallisoregon.gov/sustainability.