The April 2009 Austin Climate Protection Program (ACPP) report is available now. (PDF) In this document, we present the baseline inventories for the City of Austin and the community, we catalog successful accomplishments and collaborations that have provided carbon reductions, and we outline future actions to work toward our Carbon Neutral by 2020 goal.

Approximately 188,453 tons of carbon dioxide-equivalents (CO2-eq.) have been avoided by the City of Austin during our 18 month implementation of the City Council adopted Climate Protection Plan. This is equivalent to the emissions from the electricity used by about 26,100 U.S. homes each year. We look forward to working within the City and with the citizens of Austin to create even more carbon reductions.

The most rewarding aspect of this past year has been reaching the aggressive goals we set for ourselves and establishing the processes that will deliver measurable results.

• Carbon Accounting – We completed the initial greenhouse gas emission inventories, one to account for the City’s municipal operations, and one to capture the emissions contributed by the community (Travis County). These inventories provide a baseline from which to measure our success at carbon reductions.
• Collaboration – We continue to collaborate with City departments and offices, as well as community groups and regional entities, to identify strategies to simultaneously reduce emissions and operating costs. Our Departmental Climate Protection Plans are unique to our City and will help us reduce costs and carbon through on-line reporting.
• Education and Outreach – We participate in numerous internal and external outreach activities to educate City employees and the community on the risks of climate change and actions to promote carbon reduction. And we educate the children on easy ways to better their planet.
• Mitigation and Innovation – We promote innovative programs that mitigate greenhouse gases while saving energy, water and money. And we have started the discussion of climate preparedness, just in case we need it.

I hope that as you read this report, you will be pleased to see the collaboration efforts within the City, excited about the initiatives, and inspired to take action to reduce your own carbon footprint.

Read the Annual Report. (PDF)

Thank you for caring about our environment.