Technology and Policy Greenhouse Gas Inventories Ann Elsen Elsen Energy Associates ElsenEnergy

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

2. 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. Elsen Energy Associates

3. 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 Elsen Energy Associates

4. 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 Elsen Energy Associates

5. 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 Elsen Energy Associates

6. 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) Elsen Energy Associates

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

8. 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 Elsen Energy Associates

9. Data Example: Non-residential Energy Consumption, Montgomery County [based on fuel energy tax revenues]

11. Sources of Emissions - Arial View Elsen Energy Associates

15. Energy ConsumptionCounty Agencies Example(measured 2001) Elsen Energy Associates

16. 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 Elsen Energy Associates

17. “Action brings good fortune.” Elsen Energy Associates