The City of Salem has completed an updated inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in Salem.  This inventory provides an estimate of the emissions produced in our community through everyday activities such as driving and the use of electricity and natural gas in our homes and businesses. 

The latest inventory results point to driving as the single largest source (41%) of greenhouse gas emissions in Salem. This is followed by emissions produced through Commercial and Industrial energy use (32%), and Residential energy use (23%).  The good news is that can work together to reduce this impact and improve our health and wellbeing. 

What better time is there than April (Earth Month!) to consider leaving your car at home just one day per week or for trips that are less than a mile.  Simple choices such as consolidating vehicle trips, carpooling or riding the bus, or hopping on a bike can make a real impact in our community.  What’s more, the benefits of driving less can extend to increased physical activity and a few extra calories burned along the way.  Consider registering with Get There Oregon to see a list of travel options along your planned route.  Each option automatically estimates carbon emissions, money saved, and calories burned along the way. 

To reduce energy consumption in your home or business visit the Energy Trust of Oregon for a free online assessment and to learn about the many energy incentives and programs that are now available to Salem businesses and residents.  For more ideas and tips, and to calculate your carbon footprint visit Climate Actions for Individuals, on the City of Salem website. 

The Salem Climate Action Plan (CAP) includes additional actions Salem can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a thriving, resilient community. Several key CAP strategies to reduce transportation emissions are now underway.  These include proposed changes to parking regulations, a multi-year update to the Salem Transportation System Plan (part of the Salem in Motion project), and several bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects funded through the Safety and Livability Bond.  

Salem’s 2021 Inventory of Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions provides a sector-based estimate of emissions from transportation, residential, commercial, and industrial energy use (electricity and natural gas), the disposal of solid waste, and municipal water and wastewater treatment.  In all, the updated inventory estimates that more than 1.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (roughly 7 metric tons per person) were produced through these activities in Salem in 2021. This does not include additional emissions produced around the world from the consumption of food and goods that are manufactured elsewhere and transported to Salem (consumption-based inventory). 

To learn more about the Salem Climate Action Plan and greenhouse gas emissions in Salem visit www.cityofsalem.net.