MAYOR ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY
Nashville on par with national average, below Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 11, 2009) -
Mayor Karl Dean announced today the completion of the first comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory in Nashville, which measured greenhouse gas emissions produced by residential, commercial, industrial and municipal activities in all of Davidson County.
Nashville Electric Service and the Mayor’s Green Ribbon Committee commissioned Gresham Smith and Partners to work with the Metro Health Department to conduct the inventory. The Health Department collected emissions data using software from ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, a non profit organization that assists local governments with sustainability planning.
The inventory found that Nashville produces 23.9 tons of carbon dioxide or equivalent gases per capita, which is similar to estimates of the United Sates overall, and lower than Tennessee estimates of 24.9. The operations of Metro Government, including Metro Nashville Public Schools, accounted for only 5 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions in Davidson County.
“This inventory was critical for providing us a baseline from which we can move forward and begin to implement changes in Metro and across the city to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dean. “I appreciate Decosta Jenkins, President and CEO of NES for making this inventory possible.”
Dean is a signatory to the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection agreement, which voluntarily commits Nashville to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.
The Green Ribbon Committee will make its recommendations to the mayor next month, which are expected to include some proposals specific to improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Metro Government will be making strong efforts to lead by example and reduce its own emissions,” said Jenna Smith, Environmental and Sustainability Manager for the Mayor’s Office and liaison to the Green Ribbon Committee. “At the same time, this data underscores the importance of overall community support as we work together toward a greener Nashville. The actions of every business and every resident have a meaningful impact on our emission levels.”
The inventory was commissioned in November 2008 and took three months to complete. The complete report can be read online at www.nashville.gov.
For media inquiries contact:
Janel Lacy
(615) 862-6020
janel.lacy@nashville.gov