Urban centers across the United States (U.S.) face increasing pressure to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from public services such as transportation, waste management, and utilities. While many municipalities are waiting for future technologies like clean hydrogen and electric vehicles (EVs) to scale, practical solutions exist today that can significantly reduce emissions. By identifying GHG emission hotspots and implementing proven strategies, municipalities can adhere to existing or new climate action plans (CAPs), enhance resilience, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.
Identifying and Assessing GHG Hotspots
The first step in reducing GHG emissions is to assess what can be quantifiably tracked and measured within the service departments. This does not include supply chain management, which focuses on the production and distribution of goods beyond city service control. GHG inventories can also be a useful tool for quantifying GHG emissions at the municipal operations and community-wide scale. Once a CAP sets an overarching GHG reduction target aligned with the inventory, more detailed GHG quantification can then occur at the project level for planning and implementation.
Common areas for identifying and evaluating GHG hotspots include:
Transportation. Fleet emissions are often among the largest contributors to GHG emissions. Traditional diesel and gasoline vehicles are a significant source of GHG emissions from public transportation systems and waste management, street departments, emergency services, and others. Additionally, fuel costs are often unpredictable and have grown significantly over the past several decades.
Waste Production . Landfills and waste management systems release significant GHG emissions. Studies from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) have recognized these sources contribute to urban pollution and are likely to become more heavily regulated and monitored for compliance.[1]
Energy Use. Energy delivered to cities throughout the U.S. generally is delivered and managed by complex infrastructure that is expensive and challenging to replace and expand. Utilizing existing natural gas, electric, and steam infrastructure fueled by renewable sources effectively reduces these emissions without significant capital investment. Technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analytics tools can be employed to visualize GHG emissions and identify emission-intensive sources. This process enables cities to create detailed maps of their city services, pinpointing specific suppliers, transportation routes, or operational sources that require targeted interventions. Key indicators to focus on include energy consumption, waste production, and transportation emissions.
Proven Technologies and Programs for Immediate Action
Urban centers and municipalities can implement various solutions to reduce the environmental impact of city services, including:
1. Transition to Renewable Energy Sources.
-Â Encourage fuel suppliers to switch to renewable fuels such as renewable natural gas (RNG) to power fleets or utilities
-Â Leverage waste-to-energy programs to integrate municipal waste management with traditional energy generation
2. Optimize Transportation Routes
- Use low-emission vehicles, such as electric trucks or RNG-powered fleets, and streamline logistics to reduce transportation emissions
3. Waste Minimization and Recycling
- Promote circular economy practices and implement zero-waste programs to reduce emissions from waste production.
Case Studies: Municipalities Leading the Way
Several cities across the U.S. have successfully implemented these strategies, demonstrating their feasibility and benefits.
Des Moines, IA: Des Moines has effectively integrated waste management with energy generation by expanding its waste-to-energy facilities. The Des Moines Metro Methane Recovery Facility at the Metro Park East landfill captures landfill gas, primarily methane, and converts it into electricity. An expansion completed in 2013 increased the plant's energy capacity from 6.4 megawatts (MW) to 11.2 MW, supplying clean electricity to approximately 11,200 homes.[2]
Dallas, TX: Dallas has taken concrete steps toward emission reductions through energy optimization as part of its Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan. The city is committed to reducing GHG emissions by 50% and improving energy efficiency by 20% across its portfolio of 140 facilities over the next 10 years. Strategies include maximizing energy efficiency, decarbonizing buildings, transitioning fleets to electric and low- or no-carbon fuels, and installing renewable energy systems and other innovative technologies across its facilities.[3]
Sioux City, IA: Sioux City has adopted innovative approaches to reduce emissions through its Renewable Fuels Project at its Wastewater Treatment Plant. The facility recovers methane and carbon dioxide (CO2) produced through wastewater treatment and converts it into RNG. This RNG is then used as vehicle fuel, creating new revenue streams, and supporting the city's vision for a healthier environment.[4]
These examples highlight the immediate economic and environmental benefits municipalities can achieve by adopting proven solutions. Additionally, CAPs can help guide these efforts by identifying cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities through energy efficiency and production, ultimately contributing to their long-term financial sustainability in the most cost-effective way possible.
Municipalities can choose between self-managed programs or outsourced solutions, with both options offering flexibility and financial benefits. Transforming emission-heavy operations into revenue-enhancing programs is a viable and sustainable approach.
Long-Term Climate Goals: Bridging the Gap
Immediate actions taken today can lay the groundwork for achieving 2050 net-zero targets. By implementing available technologies, urban centers can avoid the pitfalls of waiting for unproven solutions. The steps and case studies described above not only ensure measurable progress today but they also provide a strong foundation for achieving long-term climate strategies.
Urban centers must act now to identify and mitigate GHG emission hotspots within their city services. Proven technologies and strategies are readily available such as RNG or electrification, enabling cities to achieve both environmental and financial benefits. Municipalities are encouraged to implement these solutions today, setting the stage for achieving their net-zero and climate action goals.
About the Expert
Dave Lindenmuth has over 20 years of energy industry experience, specializing in natural gas, power generation, and renewables, with a focus on municipalities and local governments. He helps public agencies and municipal utilities navigate regulations, optimize energy procurement, and implement decarbonization strategies like RNG integration and fleet conversions. His expertise in energy markets and compliance supports local governments in developing sustainable policies and long-term clean energy plans. For more information, contact Mr. Lindenmuth
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[1] https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-10/food-waste-landfill-methane-10-8-23-final_508-compliant.pdf
[2] https://www.wastetodaymagazine.com/news/waste-management-iowa-landfill-gas-recovery-expansion/
[3] https://betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/partners/dallas-tx
[4] https://www.sioux-city.org/government/departments-q-to-z/waste-water-treatment/renewable-fuels-project
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