Tumwater’s greenhouse gases have gone down 70%, however total emissions are still up 3% in 2021

Tumwater’s net emissions for greenhouse gases (GHG) fell to 70% from 2015 to 2021, according to a report prepared by the city’s Green Team.  Sustainability coordinator Alyssa Jones Wood presented the data during a city council meeting held yesterday, November 7.

Wood reported that city operations were estimated to have caused a net emission of 1,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), a measure that accounts for different types of GHGs. However, total emissions still rose by 3%, with 3,938 metric tons of CO2e  emitted in 2021.

The reduction in net emissions is attributed to Puget Sound Energy’s Green Direct program, which allowed the city to receive renewable energy certificates for 5,598 MWh of electricity through the Skookumchuck Wind Facility.

According to Wood, this amount was enough to cover more than 100% of the electricity consumption for city operations last year.

Solar panels at Tumwater City Hall also produced 22,340 kWh of energy, which accounted for 5.5% of the building’s electricity consumption.

Sources of GHG emissions

Electricity demands for water distribution were the most significant source of GHG emissions, amounting to 43% of the emissions or equivalent to 1,680 metric tons of CO2e. This was followed by energy demands of the city’s vehicle fleet at 20% (773 CO2e) and buildings and facilities at 19% (755 CO2e).

Other contributors to GHG emissions are the sewer infrastructure at 6% (260 CO2e), street lights at 6% (239 CO2e), solid waste facilities at 3% (119 CO2e), and traffic signals at 3% (113 CO2e).

According to the report, the Green Team aims to reduce GHG emissions in the city by 3% per year or down to 45% by 2030. Wood said that continued implementation of the Thurston County Climate Mitigation Plan is key to meeting these goals.