Built Environment
Buildings, roads, bridges and underground infrastructure are the lifeline of a community. These assets deliver water, provide shelter and create access to jobs, schools, open spaces and so many more basic needs. However, our development patterns and the materials we used to build in the past have impacted our environment and our health. These challenges are only exacerbated as the climate continues to be more unstable. We now have an opportunity to rethink our approach to infrastructure in a way that is in harmony with nature, healthy for our community members and more resilient to climate change.
GHG Emissions from Buildings
Emissions Inventory
The 2016 community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory that was conducted for the County indicated buildings as the #1 source of GHG emissions at 65.9%. These emissions are caused by the burning of fossil fuels to heat, cool, and light all the commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional buildings throughout the County. There are two primary ways we can reduce these emissions: by reducing our overall usage and switching to clean, renewable energy sources.
UNIT | Greenhouse gases (GHGs) have a natural heat trapping capacity which varies by gas. Humans produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) than any other GHG. We count emissions of GHGs based on how each GHG’s heat trapping capacity compares to CO2s. This is called the "CO2 equivalent" (CO2e). We measure GHGs in metric tons of CO2e (MTCO2e). | MTCO2eMetric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalent |
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) have a natural heat trapping capacity which varies by gas. Humans produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) than any other GHG. We count emissions of GHGs based on how each GHG’s heat trapping capacity compares to CO2s. This is called the "CO2 equivalent" (CO2e). We measure GHGs in metric tons of CO2e (MTCO2e). | MTCO2eMetric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalent |
Total Building Energy Use
Building Energy Use
Total building energy use includes all of the energy used to operate a home or a building. Electricity for lights, A/C and technology and natural gas or fuel oil for heating and hot water are included in this analysis. To add kilowatt hours of electricity with therms of natural gas, we use a common measurement- million British thermal units (MMBTU).
UNIT | Energy from different sources is measured in different ways – electricity is measured in kWh, natural gas in therms, oil in gallons. We can convert these different measures into a common measure- million British Thermal Units (MMBTU) -to better understand and compare total energy use. | MMBTUMillion British Thermal Units |
Energy from different sources is measured in different ways – electricity is measured in kWh, natural gas in therms, oil in gallons. We can convert these different measures into a common measure- million British Thermal Units (MMBTU) -to better understand and compare total energy use. | MMBTUMillion British Thermal Units |
Impervious Areas
Challenges of Impervious Surfaces
Impervious surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete, do not allow water to be absorbed into the ground and exacerbate our vulnerability to flooding. Additionally, impervious surfaces, in place of natural areas, contribute to increased localized temperatures resulting in the urban heat island effect. This map overlays the social vulnerability index developed through our Climate Action Plan and overlays it with the areas within Our County that are impervious surfaces. The areas of greatest risk - high social vulnerability and high percentage of impervious surface area are those outlined in bright pink with the black backgrounds.
Compare this map with a similar one in the Natural Resources section. Many of the areas with the highest levels of impervious surfaces have been identified as ideal areas for additional tree planting.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Preparing for Electric Vehicles
To address GHG emissions from the transportation sector, we must shift to alternate modes of transportation (i.e. transit, walking, and biking) and when we must drive, we should do so in an electric vehicle. To support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), Our City must support the development of a network of charging stations and other necessary infrastructure.
Get Involved
Be a Part of the Solution
Our ability to thrive in a sustainable built environment is in all our hands. Take action today!