Green House Gas Emissions

GHG Emissions for all King County Residents and Businesses

About this indicator: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions such as carbon dioxide and methane are the primary drivers of human caused climate change. The KingStat Atmosphere Indicator focuses on measuring progress towards reducing all types of GHG emissions from all activities attributable to King County residents, businesses, and other entities. For detailed information about how King County Government is reducing emissions associated with government operations, see the KingStat Climate Protection Performance Measure.

Drivers: In King County, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are primarily caused by fossil fuel use (gasoline and diesel) for transportation and to a lesser but significant extent to heat our buildings (natural gas and heating oil). Combusting fossil fuel (e.g. coal) to produce electricity is also a source of GHG emissions, although in King County, because of the prevalence of hydropower, this is less of a source than in many other regions. Other important sources include methane emissions from landfills, wastewater treatment, and livestock. King County is also responsible for emissions that occur outside of region in production and transport of goods and services that are consumed in the region.

Status: Based on a geographic emissions estimate, King County region (all residents and businesses) produces approximately 22 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents annually. This is about one quarter of Washington State's emissions and roughly 0.3% of the United States' emissions. As of 2005, per person annual greenhouse gas emissions were: ~12 tons in Seattle, ~13 tons in King County, about ~14 tons statewide, and ~ 24 tons across the United States¹. Energy and climate mitigation efforts have slowed growth in GHG emissions, but in general they continue at unprecedented levels.

However, there are important reasons for optimism. For example, the City of Seattle (which is responsible for roughly 30% of King County's overall emissions) reported emissions in 2008 to be 7% below 1990 levels. They attribute this reduction to several factors, such as offsetting the emissions generated by Seattle City Light's electricity production through innovative emissions reduction projects. They also report that conservation efforts, in conjunction with many residential and commercial users switching from heating oil to lower carbon intensity natural gas, contributed to this progress.

Despite these successes, transportation related emissions in King County continue to rise; this trend, illustrates the significant challenge that King County is facing to reduce its emissions. Additionally, total energy usage in King County, as reported by Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light, has increased over the last several years.

In March 2010, King County issued a Request for Proposals to assist the County, the City of Seattle, and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency in developing updated King County community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories and a framework and methodology for measuring and assessing progress toward meeting County GHG reduction goals. Tasks of this project will include: 1) a geographic-based 2008 emissions inventory for the King County community; 2) a consumption-based 2008 inventory for King County community; and 3) Community Emissions Measurement Framework. This project will inform individuals, businesses, and local governments about the most important sources of community emissions and provide important new information relevant to addressing these sources.

2008 King County Comprehensive Plan

• Collaborate with other local governments, businesses, and residents in the region to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the region to 80 percent below 2007 levels by 2050

Washington Law, as described by ESSB 2815, effective 6/12/2008

• By 2020, reduce overall emissions of GHGs in the state to 1990 levels
• By 2035, reduce emissions to 25% below 1990 levels
• By 2050, reduce emissions to 50% below 1990 levels

Existing response: The 2009 King County Climate Report, transmitted by King County Executive Dow Constantine on February 1, 2010, documents actions during the last year that implement the 2007 King County Climate Plan. It also gives an overview of anticipated activities for 2010. The report outlines progress and plans in four key areas: leadership, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to prepare for the impacts of climate change and assessment. A few of the many accomplishments in 2009, and plans for 2010, are highlighted on the King County Climate Change website.

Available: Download a PDF version of the 2009 King County Climate Report.