In a promising development for environmental enthusiasts, Eagle County has reported a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, marking an 11% reduction compared to 2014 levels. This positive change, documented in 2024, is considered a major achievement beyond the temporary emissions dip during the COVID-19 years.
Annually, Eagle County collaborates with CLEER (Clean Energy Economy for the Region) to generate an energy inventory report that assesses energy usage and related emissions. The 2024 data shows greenhouse gases totaling 1.195 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, a 16% decline from 2023. A major factor in this reduction is the increase in renewable energy within Holy Cross Energy’s supply, which aims to reach 100% clean energy by 2030. In 2024, the utility’s power mix comprised 76% renewables, including 61% wind, 11% solar, 3% hydro, and 1% biomass, with an 85% renewable energy target set for 2025.
Despite these achievements in renewable power, attention must also be directed towards reducing emissions in buildings and transportation, which are key contributors to the county’s greenhouse gases. Buildings alone accounted for 42% of emissions, with electricity emissions from buildings dropping by 66% since 2014. However, emissions from natural gas have risen by 9% over the same period.
Efforts in the building sector are centered on implementing the regional Net Zero Code Roadmap, promoting sustainable building codes through 2030. This will ensure future buildings use less energy and fewer fossil fuels. Partnerships with local authorities, utilities, and contractors will facilitate rebates for energy-efficient upgrades, promoting healthier, safer, and lower-emission buildings.
Transportation emissions, which comprise over 50% of total emissions, saw a 9% decrease in 2024. This decline is attributed to improved public transit usage, a 64% jump in registered light-duty electric vehicles, and a 74% rise in trips via Shift Bike. The county plans to encourage eco-friendly commuting methods, including walking, biking, and carpooling, while expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
In the waste sector, emissions constitute nearly 8% of the county’s total emissions. Although waste emissions increased by 4% from 2023, the county achieved a substantial 24% waste diversion rate through recycling and composting, exceeding the state average of 16%. Additionally, 12,318 tons of construction and demolition waste were redirected from landfills in 2024, a 49% increase from the previous year, showcasing a significant opportunity to curb emissions via waste diversion.
These figures reflect incremental progress in emissions reduction, driven by collective local actions. Eagle County has prioritized various initiatives to pave the way for further emission cuts, including:
- The Climate Action Collaborative and CORE are collaborating with communities to modernize building codes for safer, efficient, resilient, all-electric buildings responsive to energy demand.
- Walking Mountains, in partnership with local governments and Holy Cross Energy, continues to provide rebates for energy efficiency and electrification improvements via residential, business, and ReEnergize programs.
- Promotion of sustainable transport options like Shift Bike, Sole Power Plus, and Core Transit remains a priority.
- Walking Mountains and CLEER are spearheading a free EV Charging Cohort to aid in installing vehicle charging infrastructure in multifamily complexes.
- Support for local waste diversion initiatives continues, with outreach efforts to promote the Construction and Demolition Recycling Resource.
For further information, view our 2024 Impact Report and consider joining our efforts in reducing emissions. Collaboration and innovation are essential for achieving our ambitious climate goals.
Kim Burke is the Director of Climate Strategy for the Climate Action Collaborative with Walking Mountains. The Climate Action Collaborative aims to reduce Eagle County’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
Original Story at www.vaildaily.com