Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The City tracks the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) being emitted in Encinitas because it indicates how much our community is contributing to climate change. A GHG inventory is a monitoring tool used to report on the implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). It helps to understand the source and amount of GHG emissions being generated, as well as track the progress towards CAP emission reduction targets. The following section demonstrates the City’s efforts in lowering local GHG emissions.
GHG Inventory
Greenhouse Gases
The primary greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted in the City of Encinitas include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Each GHG has varying levels of potency in the atmosphere, therefore, to simplify the discussion and comparison of emissions, the Climate Action Plan (CAP) uses a measurement referred to as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which is measured in metric tons (MT).
UNIT | Greenhouse gases (GHGs) have a natural heat trapping capacity which varies by gas. Humans produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) than any other GHG. We count emissions of GHGs based on how each GHG’s heat trapping capacity compares to CO2s. This is called the "CO2 equivalent" (CO2e). We measure GHGs in metric tons of CO2e (MTCO2e). | MTCO2eMetric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalent |
| Greenhouse gases (GHGs) have a natural heat trapping capacity which varies by gas. Humans produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) than any other GHG. We count emissions of GHGs based on how each GHG’s heat trapping capacity compares to CO2s. This is called the "CO2 equivalent" (CO2e). We measure GHGs in metric tons of CO2e (MTCO2e). | MTCO2eMetric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalent |
Last updated December 7, 2022
GHG Inventory
GHG Emissions Inventory
Completing GHG inventories is essential to achieving the main objective of the City’s CAP, which is to meet targeted reductions in emissions by 2020 and 2030. GHG inventories are conducted periodically to provide a snapshot of emissions each year and help develop emissions trends over time. The City’s baseline inventory completed for the 2018 CAP estimated GHG emissions from sources in Encinitas to be 459,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) in 2012.
The most recent GHG emissions inventory was completed in in 2018, by San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) as part of their Regional Climate Action Planning Framework & Monitoring Program. This most recent inventory reflects GHG emissions from the year 2016. Using the best and most currently available data and modeling methods, citywide GHG emissions in the City of Encinitas were determined to be 390,600 MTCO2e in 2016 which is 15% lower than emissions calculated in 2012, the City’s baseline year. The SANDAG GHG inventory for the City of Encinitas is the most current available data. SANDAG is anticipated to publish the next GHG inventory in 2022, which is expected to include data on 2020 emissions.
Last updated December 7, 2022
GHG Inventory
GHG Emissions Calculations and Trends
GHG emissions are calculated by multiplying activity data (e.g., kilowatt-hours of electricity, tons of solid waste) by an emission factor (e.g., pounds of CO2 per unit of electricity). Running these calculations involves, among other things, a sophisticated regional transportation model using citywide and regional data. Measuring emissions from transportation is one of the most challenging sectors to evaluate.
As climate science continues to advance and evolve, emissions calculation methodologies will vary from year to year, making direct comparisons difficult. Annual GHG inventories are best compared by evaluating the general trends in data over time.
GHG emissions in the City have decreased since 2012. Emissions went down by 1% in 2013 and 15% in 2016 from the 2012 baseline level.
Last updated December 7, 2022