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Greenhouse Gas

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from state operations were reduced in 2020, driven in part by the reduction in operations of the Metro Transit’s bus fleet in response to COVID-19. From 2017 to 2019, the enterprise’s GHGs had been increasing because 2018 and 2019 were more severe winters requiring more snow plowing. However, long-term GHG emissions are decreasing due to reductions in emissions from the generation of electricity and reduced emissions from District Energy Saint Paul.

Goal

30% reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2025 relative to a 2005 calculated baseline.

Accomplishments

The Department of Transportation deployed on-site solar at several of their Greater Minnesota locations.

The state completed a feasibility study on large scale solar development at closed landfills. The results were prepared with recommendations to the legislature in 2021.

Barriers

Fleet vehicles, particularly buses and snow plows, are key drivers of the variability in GHG emissions from year to year. To achieve predictable reductions, lower carbon alternatives to conventional diesel vehicles are needed.

Many agencies face conflicting goals with respect to greenhouse gasses. For example, new construction is more energy efficient, but increasing square footage, at Minnesota Veterans Homes for example, will increase emissions.

Baseline

797,167 Metric Tons CO₂e

Current Value

547,358 Metric Tons CO₂e

Key Performance Indicators

The Greenhouse Gas focus area accounts for all direct emissions from owned and operated activities ( Scope 1) as well as emissions from the generation of delivered energies (Scope 2). Other emissions are reported but not tallied towards the goal (e.g., commercial air travel). By far, the largest emission source is Purchased Electricity followed by Mobile Combustion emissions from the fleet.

Key Performance Indicators

Building Emissions (metric tons CO₂ equivalent)

Total Emissions : 351,983 MTCO₂e

Transportation Emissions (metric tons CO₂ equivalent)

Total Emissions : 171,165 MTCO₂e

Enterprise Emissions (metric tons CO₂ equivalent)

Enterprise Electricity Fuel Mix: CY 2021

Key Performance Indicators

Building Emissions (metric tons CO2 equivalent)

Total Emissions : 351,983 MTCO2e

Transportation Emissions (metric tons CO2 equivalent)

Total Emissions : 171,165 MTCO2e

Enterprise Emissions (metric tons CO2 equivalent)

Enterprise Electricity Fuel Mix: CY 2021

Building Emissions (metric tons CO₂ equivalent)

Total Emissions : 351,983 MTCO₂e

Transportation Emissions (metric tons CO₂ equivalent)

Total Emissions : 171,165 MTCO₂e

Enterprise Emissions (metric tons CO₂ equivalent)