Olympia aims to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

Olympia is setting its sights on reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 59% by 2030.

During their meeting yesterday, the Olympia City Council discussed ways the city can contribute to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change by reducing global emissions by half in eight years and having climate neutrality by 2050 as a contribution toward keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

“Holding the global temperature rise for that amount to one and a half degrees Celsius offers the greatest chance of avoiding the most severe climate disruptions in irreversible impactful climates,” explained Olympia Climate Program Manager Dr. Pamela Braff.

In her presentation, Braff said that to support these global goals, Olympia needs to set targets that include reducing using reducing the use of fossil-fueled vehicles and using more electric vehicles

However, Braff conceded despite the city’s measures to “create an accessible, walkable, bikeable and transit-friendly city, it's unlikely that we will ever completely eliminate our reliance on vehicles.”

Braff also reported the need to shift the power grid away from carbon-emitting power sources.

“After we decarbonize our electric grid,” explained Braff, “the remaining primary sources of emissions in Olympia are going to be some of the natural gas we use inside our buildings to power appliances and our homes.”

Electrifying Olympia

Braff said that all new buildings must meet 2018 International Energy Conservation Code standards and be powered entirely by electricity, with at least six percent of the city’s total commercial area and at least one percent of the total residential area converted every year.

Using electricity for space and water heating and cooking is more beneficial, said Braff, because they will not compromise air quality people may breathe in. They are also more efficient, she said, with heat pumps being able to provide both heating and cooling to regulate indoor temperature.

“We can also increase community resilience by changing energy markets and protect energy-burdened households from the price volatility of fossil fuels,” added Braff.

Braff revealed that the city is currently partnering with South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity to help in the city’s electrification, possibly by buying heat pumps in bulk to lower costs. Mayor Cheryl Selby added that the city could consider offering a zero-interest financing plan.

“You don't have to pay for the whole thing upfront but they can bill it into their mortgage,” Selby suggested.