A new inventory of the city estimated 814,254 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2005.
The plan states that the city should aim to reduce carbon emissions of city operations by five percent in the next 18 months, lower city and community emissions by five percent by 2012, and lower combined emissions by 15 percent by 2020 – a total reduction of 119,140 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Under the new plan, the city in the next 18 months will develop a sustainable purchasing policy, buy remanufactured toner cartridges and recycled paper, and encouraging mixed-use development.
In the longer term, the city’s goals will include purchasing hybrid vehicles for the city fleet, expanding the use of biodiesel, promoting solar power and developing better public transportation.
“We are taking steps here that will be leading steps,” commented Council Member Bern Beecham on the city’s new environmental policy.