2008 Baseline GHG Inventory
In 2014 the Ecology Action Center completed the first inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the Bloomington-Normal community. A greenhouse gas emissions inventory is a tool that quantifies carbon dioxide and related emissions so that a community can both set baseline data and regularly assess progress toward meeting local goals for reducing emissions. Results are contained in the EAC’s report Bloomington-Normal Greenhouse Gas Inventory–Local Government Operations and Community-Scale Emissions, Baseline Year: 2008, available for download online. The per capita emissions and sources for Bloomington-Normal for 2008 closely mirrored state and national rates and trends for that year.
The baseline study reveals that the leading sources of greenhouse gases in Bloomington-Normal are stationary energy usage such as electricity and natural gas for cooling, heating, and other needs including lighting and refrigeration in homes, businesses, industry, and local government. Electricity and natural gas emissions account for over three-quarters of the community-wide emissions. Vehicular transportation followed at almost 20% of the emissions. Stationary energy and transportation emissions are primarily attributable to the combustion of fossil fuels.
With the results from similar studies in hand, communities across the nation are implementing common-sense strategies that not only help reduce climate-changing greenhouse gases, but also save money, conserve energy, improve air quality, and preserve precious natural resources. The City of Bloomington and Town of Normal provided funding for this emissions study.
2015 GHG Emissions Inventory Update
In 2023 the EAC finalized the 2015 GHG Emissions Inventory update. This update compares the 2008 baseline data with new data collected in 2015 showing where emissions have increased or decreased over the years. These results will be used to develop a community energy strategic plan to help reduce carbon dioxide and other air quality emissions.
See how emissions have changed from 2008-2015 in both Community Scale and Local Government Operations.