City of Dubuque GHG Inventory FINALj AL1 t - 4 4
,
\ 1 Li
Prepared by:
THE CTTY OF
Dubuque, Iowa
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
2010
DUB
Masterpiece on flit- Mi;ssissippi
In association with:
ICLEI
Local
Governments
for Sustainability
A
CKNOWLEDGMENTS
Dubuque City Council
Roy D. Buol, Mayor
Karla Braig
Joyce Connors
Ric Jones
Kevin Lynch
David Resnick
Dirk Voetberg
Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk
Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
Thank youto the following City staff and community partners who were primarily
involved inthe creation of this inventory:
City of Dubuque Staff
Cori Burbach, Sustainable Community Coordinator
Paul Schultz, Resource Manager
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Ken Tekippe, Finance Director
Kelsey McElroy, Planning Intern
Sheila Samuelson, Former Sustainable Community Coordinator
City of Dubuque Management Team
Community Partners
Craig Clefisch, Alliant Energy
Mark Ernst, Black Hills Energy
Chandra Ravada, East Central Intergovernmental Association
Candace Eudaley, East Central Intergovernmental Association
Xico Manarolla, ICLEI Program Officer
Brita Pagels, ICLEI Program Officer
Special thanks to following individuals who collected and analyzed data and authoredthe
City of Dubuque Greenhouse Gas Inventory in an effort to further the achievement of the
Sustainable Dubuque vision:
Theothoros Giannakouros
Jason Schatz
i
ES
XECUTIVE UMMARY
B
ACKGROUND
Since 2006, the Dubuque City Council has identified becoming a designated Green
Community as one of their top goals. In order to achieve this, Dubuque has adopted a holistic,
three part approach to sustainability that focuses on Environmental & Ecological Integrity,
Economic Prosperity, and Social & Cultural Vibrancy. As part of its vision for a sustainable
future, the City has partnered with ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability. As an ICLEI
member, the City of Dubuque is committed to achieving ICLEI's Five Milestones for Climate
Protection:
1.Conduct baseline emissions inventories and forecasts for both
municipal activities and the community as a whole
2.Adopt an emissions reduction target
3.Develop a Local Climate Action Plan
4.Implement policies and measures
5.Monitor and verify results
In order toachieve the first milestone, the City of Dubuque has completed a greenhouse gas
inventory for 2003 and 2007 for, 1) Municipal government operations, and 2) Emissions for the
Dubuque community as a whole. This inventory was created to assist City Council and staff in
their planning and policy efforts as well as to inform and assist Dubuque citizens in leading
sustainable lifestyles.
In addition to mitigating climate change, initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions could
have numerous economic, social, and environmental benefits for Dubuque, including
invigorating the local economy; lowering energy consumption and utility bills; creating safer
and more efficient transportation networks; increasing home resale values, attracting residents,
visitors, and businesses to the city; improving air and water quality; improving waste
management; improving health and safety; enhancing community connectivity and
engagement; and enhancing natural beauty and aesthetics.
M
ETHODOLOGY
The methods used to generate this inventory were consistent with ICLEI's Local
Government Operations Protocol (v. 1.0). Data were compiled and analyzed using ICLEI's
Clean Air and Climate Protection (CACP) software (CACP2009 v2.1).
This inventory assessed the emissions of the six internationally recognized greenhouse
gases regulated under the Kyoto Protocol:
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF)
Carbon dioxide (CO)
6
2
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Methane (CH)
4
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
Nitrous oxide (NO)
2
ii
Greenhouse gas emissions from Dubuque municipal government operations
were inventoried for both a baseline year (2003) and interim year (2007), which were the
earliest and latest years, respectively, for which complete data were available. Data for the
local government inventory was collected from various City departments, government
institutions, and utilities. Several criteria air pollutants (CAPs) regulated by the EPA under the
Clean Air Act were also estimated for municipal government activities.
Finally, emissions forecasts for municipal government operations from 2007 to 2050
were derived from measured emissions trends from 2003 to 2007.
R&D
ESULTS ISCUSSION
Dubuque municipal government operations generated 80,084 and 86,080 tonnes COe
2
in 2003 and 2007, respectively (Table ES1). In both years, fugitive methane emissions from
2
the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) landfill constituted over /
3
of the total. Carbon dioxide accounted for the bulk of remaining emissions (TableES1).
In 2003, water delivery (11%), wastewater treatment (7%), city buildings & facilities
(6%), city fleet vehicles (3%), streetlights & traffic signals (2%), refrigerants (1%), airport
operations (1%), buses & public transit (1%), and employee commuting (<1%) accounted for
the remainder of emissions. In 2007, water delivery (8%), wastewater treatment (8%), city
buildings & facilities (5%) city fleet vehicles (3%), streetlights & traffic signals (2%),
refrigerants (1%), airport operations (1%), buses &public transit (1%), and employee
commuting (<1%) accounted for the remainder of total emissions (Table ES1).
Table ES1.
Total greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors of municipal government operations in the City
of Dubuque in 2003 and 2007 expressed in tonnes of total emissions
iii
Based on 2003 to 2007 trends, Dubuque municipal government emissions will be
90,577 tonnes COe in 2010, an increase of 13% over 2003 emissions (Fig. ES1). If those
2
trends continue, City operations will emit 98,072 tonnes in 2015, 113,062 tonnes in 2025, and
150,537 tonnes in 2050, which would represent an 88% increase over 2003 levels.
Figure ES1.
Projected future greenhouse gas emissions trends from 2007 to 2050 for Dubuque municipal
government operations under current trends (business as usual). 2003 levels are included for comparison.
CAP
RITERIA IR OLLUTANTS
Criteria air pollutants are common air pollutants regulated by the EPA under the Clean
Air Act. These pollutants can threaten human and environmental health, cause property
damage, and impair ecosystem services. Emissions of each pollutant in Dubuque is estimated
to have decreased slightly from 2003 to 2007, which follows national air quality improvements
resulting largely from advances in industrial and emissions technologies.
NS
EXT TEPS
The third milestone in ICLEI's climate protection strategy is the development of a local
ClimateAction Plan. Dubuque's Climate Action Plan will detail concrete steps by which
Dubuque City government operations can reach their greenhouse gas emission targets. ICLEI
recommends that a city's action plan combines measures that are already in place as well as
proposed measures that will fulfill the remainder of its reduction goals.
Implementation strategies will also be discussed, including costs, funding sources, time
frames, and economic, environmental, and social benefits. Strategies will be modeled on
measures taken by other communities, recommendations by ICLEI, and innovative solutions
uniquely suited to Dubuque.Early indicators suggest that the City of Dubuque's proactive
approach to sustainability will allow for a relatively ambitious GHG reduction strategy.
iv
TC
ABLE OF ONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS............................................................................................................ii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.........................................................................................................iii
LIST OF TABLES.......................................................................................................................ix
LIST OF FIGURES......................................................................................................................x
1. Sustainability in Dubuque.........................................................................................................1
1.1. Background................................................................................................................1
1.2. Partnerships................................................................................................................2
2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory......................................................................................3
2.1. Dubuque's Partnership with ICLEI............................................................................3
2.2. Benefits for Dubuque.................................................................................................4
2.2.1. Economic Prosperity...................................................................................4
2.2.2. Environmental & Ecological Integrity........................................................5
2.2.3. Social & Cultural Vibrancy.........................................................................6
2.3. Methods.....................................................................................................................7
2.4. Results and Discussion..........................................................................................................9
2.4.1. Base Year Emissions: 2003.........................................................................9
2.4.2. Interval Year Emissions: 2007..................................................................12
2.4.3. Comparing 2003 and 2007 Emissions......................................................12
2.4.4. Projected Future Emissions.......................................................................14
3. Criteria Air Pollutants.............................................................................................................15
3.1. Introduction..............................................................................................................15
3.2. Criteria Air Pollutant Emissions in Dubuque..........................................................15
4. Next Steps...............................................................................................................................17
4.1. Introduction..............................................................................................................17
4.1. Setting Reduction Targets........................................................................................17
4.2. Developing a Climate Action Plan..........................................................................18
5. Global Climate Change...........................................................................................................19
5.1. The Greenhouse Effect............................................................................................19
5.2. Current Climate Change..........................................................................................20
5.3. Global Consequences of Climate Change...............................................................20
5.4. Climate Change in the Midwest..............................................................................22
5.4.1. Temperature..............................................................................................22
5.4.2. Precipitation..............................................................................................23
5.5. Mitigation................................................................................................................23
APPENDIX A –Data Sources....................................................................................................24
APPENDIX B –Notes and Assumptions...................................................................................26
APPENDIX C –City of Dubuque Profile..................................................................................28
APPENDIX D –Credits and Citations.......................................................................................29
APPENDIX E –Emissions by Scope.........................................................................................30
v
LT
IST OF ABLES
Table 1. 11 key principles for creating a sustainable community identified
by Dubuque citizens....................................................................................................1
Table 2.Global warming potentials of six major greenhouse gases.........................................9
Table 3A.CO, NO, and CHemissions from various sectors of municipal
224
government operations in the City of Dubuque in 2003 and 2007
expressed in tonnes of total emissions......................................................................10
Table 3B.CO, NO, and CHemissions from various sectors of municipal
224
government operations in the City of Dubuque in 2003 and 2007
expressed intonnes COe..........................................................................................10
2
Table 4. Sources, characteristics, and impacts to human health and the
environment of criteria air pollutants inventoried for Dubuque,
Iowa15
Table 5.Criteria air pollutant emissions in 2003 and 2007 from various
sectors of Dubuque's municipal government operations...........................................16
Table 6.COreduction targets of sample ICLEI communities...............................................17
2
Table 7. Some predicted impacts of climate change detailed by the IPCC
Assessment Report IV...............................................................................................21
Table E1.Greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors of Dubuque
municipal government operations in 2003 and 2007 reported by
scope..........................................................................................................................30
vi
LF
IST OF IGURES
Figure 1A-D.Percent of total municipal government greenhouse gas emissions
contributed by each sector in 2003 and 2007......................................................11
Figure 2. Average percent annual change in emissions from 2003 to 2007 in various
sectors of municipal government operations in the City of Dubuque.................13
Figure 3. Projected future greenhouse gas emissions trends from 2007 to 2050
for Dubuque municipal governmentoperations under current trends.................14
Figure 4. Hypothetical estimates of greenhouse gas emission trajectories from
2003-2050 based on business as usual, 2003 levels, and emissions
reductions due to implementing methane capture at the DMASWA
landfilland renovations of the water pollution control plant..............................18
Figure 5. The greenhouse effect..........................................................................................19
Figure 6. Predicted changes to Illinois summer temperature and precipitation.................22
.
Figure 7. Predicted increases in temperature in Iowa by mid-century and the
end of the century in a high emissions scenario and a low emissions
scenario................................................................................................................22
Figure 8. Predicted seasonal percent change in precipitation by the end of the
century (2080-2099) for Iowa under high and low emissions scenarios.............23
Figure E1. Visual representation of scopes...........................................................................30
vii
1. SD
USTAINABILITY IN UBUQUE
1.1.B
ACKGROUND
Since 2006, the Dubuque City
Council has identified becoming a
designated Green Community as one of
their top goals. In order to achieve this,
Dubuque has adopted a holistic, three part
approach to sustainability that focuses on
Environmental & Ecological Integrity,
Economic Prosperity, and Social &
Cultural Vibrancy. Under those three
domains of sustainability, Dubuque citizens
have identified 11 key principles for
creating a sustainable community (Table 1).
Environmental issues are often global in
scope, but the actions necessary to meet those
challenges will ultimately be taken at the local
level by communities and individuals. Local
grassroots efforts are absolutely necessary to
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating
climate change. Dubuque has embraced this
principle through several community engagement
initiatives, including a citizen sustainability task
Dubuque 2.0
force and , which encourages
public/private partnerships to shape our
community's sustainable future.
Table 1.
11 key principles for creating a sustainable community identified by Dubuque citizens.
1
1.2.P
ARTNERSHIPS
As part of its vision for a sustainable future,
the City of Dubuque has established partnerships
with leading local, national, and international
organizations committed to facilitating local
sustainability efforts, including:
Climate Communities
, a national coalition of
local governments created to leverage federal
policy and funding for local initiatives aimed at
reducing carbon emission and promoting
sustainable, self reliant communities.
ICLEI-Local Governments for
Sustainability
, an international association of
local governments as well as national and
regional local government organizations that
have made a commitment to sustainable
development.
The Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement
,
through which hundreds of mayorsfrom cities
across the country committed to efforts to meet
or exceed the goals of the Kyoto Protocol.
Dubuque 2.0
, a local initiative that facilitates
public/private partnerships between local
businesses, non-profits, and government
organizations and recognizes their importance
in achieving a sustainable community.
Downtown Dubuque and the Mississippi River.
2
2 GGE
REENHOUSEAS MISSIONS
I
NVENTORY
2.1.D'PICLEI
UBUQUESARTNERSHIP WITH
This inventory was created to assist City
Council and staff intheir planning and policy efforts as
well as to inform and assist Dubuque citizens in leading
sustainable lifestyles.
In order to guide its sustainability efforts, in
2007 Dubuque became a member of ICLEI-Local
Governments for Sustainability. ICLEI is an
international organization of local governments
committed to climate protection and environmental
sustainability. ICLEI was established in 1990 and has
grown to include over 1,000 cities across the world,
including over 550 in the United States. ICLEI
provides guidelines, tools, and technical support to
facilitate local governmental efforts to achieve strong
climate protection goals and create cleaner, healthier,
economically viable communities. In 2005 alone,
ICLEI reported helping local governments reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions by 23 million tons and
saving about $600 million in annual cumulative
savings, largely on energy expenditures.
This report achieves the first of ICLEI's Five
Dubuque Town Clock
Milestones for Climate Protection to which the city has
committed:
1.Conduct baseline emissions inventories and forecasts for
both municipal activities and the community as a whole
2.Adopt an emissions reduction target
3.Develop a local climate action plan
4.Implement policies and measures
5.Monitor and verify results
Milestones two and three will be achieved in a forthcoming report on emissions
reduction targets and strategies for the City of Dubuque. Based on those goals and strategies,
the fourth and fifth milestones will be ongoing efforts within Dubuque's comprehensive
framework for achieving a more sustainable community.
3
2.2.BD
ENEFITS FOR UBUQUE
In addition to contributing to global environmental solutions, the steps Dubuque takes to
mitigate climate change will have numerous local benefits by contributing to Dubuque's
Economic Prosperity, Environmental & Ecological Integrity, and Social & Cultural Vibrancy.
2.2.1. Economic Prosperity
Development of local, independent energy sources
creates local jobs and keeps dollars circulating
locally.
Emphasis on the local economy(e.g. buying local
goods, manufacturing from local secondary/recycled
materials) keeps dollars circulating in the
community and improves local economic resiliency.
Improved energy efficiencyreduces government
operation costs and reduces utility bills for residents.
Improved fuel efficiency and decreased driving miles
reduce fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
Improved transportation networks and accessibility
will allow more people to reach employment,
commerce, and recreation opportunities. This can
increase increase local commerce, improve
commuter safety, reduce worker absenteeism, and
expand the labor pool, particularly with people who
cannot drive or afford personal vehicles.
Makes Dubuque more attractive to visitors,
prospective college students, and other potential
Dubuque residents.
Increased home resale valuesassociated with
developing the City's transportation infrastructure,
operations, aesthetics, andcultural vibrancy.
Getting a head start on GHG emission reductionsby
documenting early actions to reduce GHG
emissions, which may be accepted by future
regulatory programs.
4
2.2.2. Environmental & Ecological Integrity
Cleaner air, water, and soilresulting
from decreased local and regional
vehicle and power plant emissions.
Motor vehicles are the largest source of
urban air pollution. In addition to CO,
2
cars emit many harmful air pollutants.
Emissions from U.S. motor vehicles are
estimated to cause 40,000 premature
deaths and 20,000-46,000 cases of
chronic respiratory illness per year.
Particulate matter and other air
pollutants from vehicle and power plant
emissions also degrade soil and water
quality. So, reducing COemissions
2
also improvesthe quality of our air,
water, and soil.
Reduced flood and drought riskas
climate impacts are reduced.
Development of local green space and
healthy ecosystemswill increase
biodiversity and provide various
ecosystem services, including improved
soil and water quality, carbon
sequestration, reduced albedo, decreased
urban heat island effect, aesthetic
benefits, and improved recreational
opportunities for residents and visitors.
Waste minimization by recycling,
composting, and other strategies
will improve soil and water
quality, stimulate local economic
activity, and reduce local and
upstream generation of carbon and
other waste products.
5
2.2.3. Social & Cultural Vibrancy
Development of a full suite of safe,
convenient, and affordable transportation
options.
Reduced traffic congestion, which
improves neighborhood livability,
commute times, safetyof motorists and
pedestrians, and saves on fuel and vehicle
maintenance costs.
Improved health and safetythrough
cleaner air, safer roads for cyclists,
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
pedestrians & motorists, and promoting
healthier forms of transportation (e.g.
walking and bicycling).
Improved beauty and natural aesthetics,
which studies have consistently associated
with improved physical and emotional
health and wellness.
Provides sense of community purpose and
engagement, social connections, and
satisfactionthrough community service
opportunities, community connectivity, and
increased opportunities for local recreation
and cultural experiences.
Showcases Dubuque's commitment to
environmental, cultural, and economic
sustainabilityas well is its engagement with
important local and global issues.
Dubuque Farmers Market
6
2.3.M
ETHODS
The methods used to generate this inventory were consistent with ICLEI's Local
Government Operations Protocol (v. 1.0). Data were compiled and analyzed using ICLEI's
Clean Air and Climate Protection (CACP) software (CACP2009 v2.1).
This inventory assesses the emissions of the six internationally recognized greenhouse
gases regulated under the Kyoto Protocol:
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF)
Carbon dioxide (CO)
6
2
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Methane (CH)
4
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
Nitrous oxide (NO)
2
In order to account for direct and indirect emissions, improve transparency, and
facilitate local climate actions, ICLEI requires reporting emissions by “scope.” Together, the
three scopes provide a comprehensive accounting framework for managing and reducing direct
and indirect emissions. Appendix E contains emission data classified by scope.
Scope 1:
All direct GHG emissions, except for direct biogenic COemissions.
2
Scope 2:
Indirect GHG emissions associated with the consumption of purchased or
acquired electricity, steam, heating, or cooling.
Scope 3:
All other indirect emissions not covered in Scope 2, such as emissions
resulting from the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, transport
related activities in vehicles not owned or controlled by the reporting entity (e.g.
employee commuting and business travel), outsourced activities, or waste disposal.
Greenhouse gas emissions were inventoried for both a baseline and interim year. ICLEI
suggests selecting the earliest possible baseline year in order to assess recent emissions trends
and account for the emissions benefits of recent actions; 2003 was selected as the earliest year
for which complete records were readily available. The interim year is a recent year that is
used to assess both recent emissions trends and as a performance datum for future inventories;
2007 was selected as the most recent year for which complete records were available.
This inventory accounts for greenhouse gas emissions from the following sectors of
Dubuque's municipal government operations, including:
Buildings and other facilitiesSolid waste facilities (landfill)
Streetlights & traffic signalsEmployee commute
Water delivery Other processes and fugitive emissions
Wastewater facilitiesPort facilities (N/A for Dubuque)
Airport facilitiesPower generation facilities (N/A for
Dubuque)
Public transit
City vehicle fleet
Building and facility emissions included direct emissions and energy consumption
associated with heating, cooling, and daily operations within city office space, police and fire
stations, recreation and cultural facilities, city warehouses and storage facilities, and other
facilities under city control.
7
Data were collected from various City departments, local governmental and
intergovernmental institutions, and utilities. Data sources are listed in Appendix A. Notes and
assumptions used to complete the inventory are detailed in Appendix B.
Criteria Air Pollutants
Several criteria air pollutants (CAPs) regulated by the EPA under the Clean Air Act were
also estimated in this report. Nitrogen oxides (NO), sulfur oxides (SO), volatile organic
xx
compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were
10
estimated using ICLEI's CACP2009 software as well as EPA data detailing direct CAP
emissions from various local facilities and industries, including Alliant Energy's Dubuque
Generating Station power plant.
Emissions Forecasts
Emissions forecasts for municipal government operations were derived from emissions
trends between 2003 and 2007.
8
2.4.RD
ESULTS AND ISCUSSION
2.4.1. Base Year Emissions: 2003
All Sectors
Government operations for the
GWP and COe
2
City of Dubuque accounted for 80,084
tonnes COe in 2003 (Tables 3A-B).
2
Global warming potential (GWP) and CO
The greatest contribution came from
2
equivalents (COe) are two related ways of expressing
methane (68%) and carbon dioxide
2
the warming potential of a greenhouse gas. GWP is
(31%), with smaller contributions
the amount of warming caused by a greenhouse gas
from HFC & PFC refrigerants, NO,
2
relative to the amount caused by CO. COe represents
and SF(<1% apiece).
22
6
the amount of COthat would cause the same amount
Virtually all methane
2
of warming as a given amount and type of another
originated from fugitive emissions
greenhouse gas (Table 2). For example, methane
from the 50% fraction of
(CH) has 21 times the global warming potential as
biodegradable/compostable materials
4
COso 1 tonne CHis equal to 21 tonnes COe.
buried at the landfill. The landfill is
2,42
operated by the Dubuque Area
Metropolitan Solid Waste Agency
(DMASWA), which is an
intergovernmental entity directed
jointly by two representatives from
the City of Dubuque and one
representative from Dubuque County.
DMASWA serves over 100,000
customers in Dubuque and Delaware
counties (Iowa) and some of Grant
(Wisconsin) and Jo Daviess (Illinois)
counties and accounted for 68% of
city government emissions (Fig 1A,
C). For sectors other than the landfill,
COaccounted for the bulk of emissions. After the landfill, water delivery (11%) and
2
wastewater treatment (7%) accounted for the next highest proportion of city government
emissions, followed by energy consumed by city buildings (6%) and fuel consumed by city
fleet vehicles (3%). Refrigerants (2%), streetlights & traffic signals (2%), airport operations
(1%), and fuel consumed by public transit (1%) & employee commuting (<1%) accounted for
smaller proportions of emissions (Tables 3A-B, Fig. 1A,C).
Non-landfill Sectors:
The relative contribution of non-landfill sectors is clearer when examined separately
from landfill emissions. In the absence of landfill methane, water delivery and wastewater
treatment accounted for 34% and 22%, respectively, of remaining emissions. Energy consumed
by city buildings (20%) and fuel consumed by city fleet vehicles (9%) also contributed
significantly. Streetlights & traffic signals (5%), public transit (4%), airport operations (2%),
9
employee commuting (2%), and refrigerants (2%) accounted for smaller proportions of 2003
emissions (Fig. 1A,C).
9
10
2.4.2. Interval Year Emissions: 2007
All Sectors:
Local government operations for the City of Dubuque generated 86,080 tonnes COe in
2
2007. The greatest contribution came from methane (69%) and carbon dioxide (30%), with
smaller contributions from NO, SF, and HFC & PFC refrigerants (<1% apiece) (Table 3A-B).
26
As in 2003, virtually all methane emissions originated from anaerobic decomposition
processes at the DMASWA landfill facility, which accounted for 69% of city government
emissions. (Fig. 1B,D)
For sectors other thanthe landfill, COaccounted for the bulk of emissions. After the
2
landfill, water delivery (8%) and wastewater treatment (8%) account for the next highest
proportion of government emissions, followed by energy consumed by city buildings (5%) and
fuel consumed by city fleet vehicles (3%). Streetlights & traffic signals (2%), airport
operations (1%), refrigerants (1%), and fuel consumed by public transit (1%) & employee
commuting (<1%) accounted for smaller proportions of total emissions (Fig. 1B,D).
Non-landfill Sectors:
The relative contribution of non-landfill sectors is clearer when examined separately
from landfill emissions. In the absence of landfill methane, water delivery (27%), wastewater
treatment (26%), and city buildings (17%) accounted for the bulk of emissions. City fleet
vehicles (10%), streetlights & traffic signals (8%), public transit (4%), airport operations (3%),
employee commuting (2%), and refrigerants (2%) accounted for smaller proportions of 2007
emissions (Fig. 1B,D).
2.4.3. Comparing 2003 and 2007 Emissions
Greenhouse emissions in Dubuque totaled 80,084 tonnes COe in 2003 and 86,080
2
tonnes in 2007, a 1.7% annual rate of increase (Fig. 2).
2
In both 2003 and 2007, landfill methane emissions accounted for over /of emissions
3
from government operations, increasing by approximately 2.2% annually. Emissions from
almost every other sector also increased from 2003 to 2007, including streetlights and traffic
signals (+9.0%/yr), airport operations (+7.9%/yr), wastewater treatment (+5.0%/yr), employee
commuting (+0.3%/yr), and public transit & vehicle fleet emissions (+2.7%/yr, each) (Tables
3A-B). The data does not reveal specific reasons for these emissions increases; possibilities
include addition of new facilities (e.g. new buildings, new streetlights) and increases in the use
of existing operations and facilities (e.g. greater vehicle use, expanded hours, and increases in
facility capacities).
Only emissions from the water delivery sector (-5.3%/yr) and city buildings (-2.5%/yr)
decreased from 2003 to 2007. It is not clear why emissions declined over this period, but
possibilities include alterations in facilities operations and efficiency and changes in energy
usage. Due to limited records, refrigerant emissionswere assumed to be constant between both
years.
12
% Annual Change (2003-2007)
2.4.4. Projected Future Emissions
Emissions estimates from 2007 to 2050 were based on the differences between 2003 and
2007 emissions. While this is not a robust procedure for making accurate projections, it does
provide a basic estimate of future emissions and underscores the urgency of acting to reduce
emissions and mitigate climate change.
Based on 2003 to 2007 trends, Dubuque municipal government operations will be
90,577 tonnes COe in 2010, an increase of 13% over 2003 emissions. If those trends continue,
2
City operations will emit 98,072 tonnes in 2015, 113,062 tonnes in 2025, and 150,537 tonnes in
2050, which would represent an 88% increase in emissions over 2003 levels (Fig. 3).
Figure 3
. Projected future greenhouse gas emissions trends from 2007 to 2050 for Dubuque
municipal government operations under current trends (business as usual). 2003 levels are
included for comparison.
14
3CAP
.RITERIA IR OLLUTANTS
3.1.I
NTRODUCTION
Criteria air pollutants (CAPs) are common air pollutants regulated by the EPA under
the Clean Air Act. These pollutants can harm human and environmental health, cause
property damage, and impair ecosystem services (Table 4). The EPA calls these pollutants
"criteria" air pollutants because their regulation is based on human health or environmentally-
based criteria.
Table 4
. Sources, characteristics, and impacts to human health and the environment of criteria
air pollutants inventoried for Dubuque, Iowa.
3.2.CAPED
RITERIA IR OLLUTANT MISSIONS IN UBUQUE
Criteria air pollutant emissions caused by Dubuque municipal government operations
are detailed in Table 5. Each pollutant is estimated to have decreased from 2003 to 2007,
which follows national air quality improvements resulting largely from advances in industrial
andemissions technologies.
15
16
4. NS
EXT TEPS
4.1I
NTRODUCTION
As an ICLEI member, the City of Dubuque is committed to achieving ICLEI's Five
Milestones for Climate Protection:
1.Conduct baseline emissions inventories and forecasts for both
municipal activities andthe community as a whole
2.Adopt an emissions reduction target
3.Develop a local climate action plan
4.Implement policies and measures
5.Monitor and verify results
This report fulfills Milestone One. A forthcoming report will address Milestones Two and
Three: Adopting an Emissions Targetand Developing a Local Climate Action Plan.
4.2.SRT
ETTING EDUCTION ARGETS
The greenhouse gas emissions reduction target represents a specific quantified
emissions reduction goal from the base year (2003) to a target year in the future. Setting a
reduction target creates a specific, concrete goal around which an actionable reduction strategy
can be structured. Most ICLEI communities have established 15-20 year time frames for
meeting emissions goals (Table 6), with interim targets every 2-3 years to help ensure
continued progress toward climate protection.
Table 6
. CO2 reduction targets of sample ICLEI communities. Table reproduced from ICLEI's
LGOP v 1.0.
17
4.3.DCAP
EVELOPING A LIMATE CTION LAN
The third milestone in ICLEI's climate protection strategy is the development of a local
Climate Action Plan. Dubuque's Climate Action Plan will detail concrete steps by which City
government operations can reach their greenhouse gas emission targets. ICLEI recommends
that a city's action plan combines measures that are already in place as well as proposed
measures that will fulfill the remainder of its reduction goals.
Implementation strategies will also be discussed, including costs, funding sources, time
frames, and economic, environmental, and social benefits. Strategies will be modeled on
measures taken by other communities, recommendations by ICLEI, and innovative solutions
uniquely suited to Dubuque.
Early indicators suggest that the City of Dubuque's proactive approach to sustainability
will allow for a relatively ambitious GHG reduction strategy. Examples of local government
leadership in greenhouse gas reduction include methane capture at the DMASWA landfill and
renovations of the Water Pollution Control Plant, both of which could be completed within the
next 5-10 years. These projects alone could reduce government emissions by up to 40% below
business-as-usual levels (Fig. 4). These estimates are preliminary, not concrete predictions,
and should be considered merely as illustrations of the impact of possible future reductions.
Other examples of ongoing local initiatives include the IBM Smarter City Initiative;
Blackhills Energy Corporation's Weatherization Challenge; Alliant Energy's free home energy
audits and rebate programs; and the ECIA Petal Project. Through those programs, future
initiatives, and strong government and community partnerships, the City ofDubuque intends to
establish itself as a leader in local and global sustainability.
Figure 4
. Hypothetical estimates of greenhouse gas emission trajectories from 2003-2050 based on
business as usual, 2003 levels, and emissions reductions dueto implementing methane capture at
the DMASWA landfill (assumed reduction 50%) and renovations to the water pollution control
plant (assumed reduction of 50%). Changes were assumed to occur in 2015.
18
5. GCC
LOBALLIMATE HANGE
5.1.TGE
HE REENHOUSE FFECT
Figure 5.
The greenhouse effect.
Earth receives energy from the sun primarily in the form of light energy, or solar
radiation (Fig. 5). Approximately 27% of that incoming solar radiation is reflected back into
space, 20% is absorbed by the the atmosphere and clouds, and 3% is reflected from the earth's
surface. So, around 50% of the original solar energy never reaches the earth's surface. The
remaining 50% is absorbed by the earth's surface and emitted as long-wave thermal radiation
(thick black arrow). Some of that thermal radiation escapes to space (thin black arrow), and
some of it is absorbed by greenhouse gases, which keep it in the lower atmosphere (green
arrow). Higher greenhouse gas concentrations absorb more radiation, which causes more
thermal radiation to stay in the lower atmosphere, yielding higher average global surface
temperatures.
19
5.2.CCC
URRENT LIMATE HANGE
Atmospheric COconcentrations have increased from approximately 280 ppm (parts
2
th
per million) in the mid-18century to over 383 ppm in 2009, and continue to increase at a rate
of nearly 2 ppm /year. Land use change, including deforestation and intensive agriculture, has
1
caused significant loss of the carbon stored in plants and the soil, and accounts for about /of
3
2
the COincrease since the 1800s. The other /has come from the burning of fossil fuels. In
23
addition to CO, several other atmospheric trace gases, including CH, NO, and CFCs,
242
contribute to the anthropogenic greenhouse effect.
Oceans, plants, and soils absorb some of these greenhouse gases, but not at the rate at
which we are emitting them. These emissions can linger in the atmosphere for more than a
century, making immediate action crucial. The sooner steps are taken to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, the better the future will be for many generations to come.
In their 2007 report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded
that “increases in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations is very likely to have caused
th
most ofthe increases in global average temperatures since the mid-20century.” In the past
100 years, the mean global surface temperature has risen 0.74°C (1.33°F) and has increased
most at northern latitudes.
5.3.GCCC
LOBAL ONSEQUENCES OF LIMATE HANGE
The IPCC's 2007 report details many of the consequences of climate change, including
the impacts on freshwater quality and quantity, species ranges and phenologies, species
extinction rates, ocean levels and acidity, heat-related mortality, disease vectors, extreme
weather events, and regional weather patterns (Table 7). Many of these consequences are
already occurring and well documented. The IPCC IV's 2007 Working Group II report,
Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerabilitydiscusses these potential impacts in detail.
Climate impacts are expected to be
particularly severe in less affluent areas of the world,
especially in places that are already suffering from
severe environmental stress. Less developed nations
have fewer financial, physical, andorganizational
resources to adapt to climate change compared to
wealthier nations. In addition, the local and national
economies of less developed nations tend to rely
heavily on natural resource-based sectors, such as
agriculture, fishing, and forestry,all of which are
particularly vulnerable to changes in climate.
Over the next century, the IPCC predicts that
temperatures will rise 1.8°C (3.2°F) in a low-
emissions scenario and 4.0°C (7.2°F) in a high
emissions scenario. Even if significant mitigation
measures are instituted immediately, global
temperatures are expected to rise 0.40°C (0.72°F)
over the next two decades due merely to the
greenhouse gases already emitted.
20
Table 7. Some predicted impacts of climate change detailedby the IPCC Assessment Report
IV. ***Very high confidence9 in 10 chance; **High confidence
confidence5 in 10 chance of being correct.
21
5.4.CCM
LIMATE HANGE IN THE IDWEST
IA, IL, WI, MN, IN, MI, OH, MO
The Midwest has both a critical impact on and significant stake in the global climate.
2005 emissions in the Midwest were higher than those of all other nations except China and
Russia. India, with its nearly 1.2 billion residents, emitted less COthan theMidwest.
2
Agriculture, which is particularly vulnerable to such climate changes, is responsible for
over $19 billion of Iowa's economy and 20% of its jobs, so Iowa clearly has a substantial
economic stake in working for a hospitable climate. In a 2009 report, the U.S. Global Change
Research Program compiled the latest scientific findings on the impacts of global warming on
the U.S. Their discussion of predicted changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather
patterns is summarized in the proceeding sections.
5.4.1. Temperature
Iowa's summers could come to resemble
those of present day Arkansas or Oklahoma over
the coming century (Fig. 6), with mean annual
temperatures rising 5-10°F (Fig. 7). Under a
high emissions scenario, the number of days per
year exceeding 100°F is projected to increase
from fewer than 10 days currently to 40-60 days
by the end of the century. Higher temperatures
can increase utility bills, respiratory problems
from stagnant air and ground level ozone, heat
related mortality, and stress on ecosystems,
crops, and livestock. Stressed crops also tend
to be more susceptible to damage from pests and
pathogens, which are generally favored by
shorter, warmer winters. So although growing
season length will increase, the potential for
Figure 6
. Predicted changes to Illinois summer
temperature and precipitation. Iowa will change
heat waves, floods, droughts, and pests will
similarly. Figure modified from U.S. GCRP 2009
present significant challenges for farmers.
report-full citation in Appendix D.
Figure 7
. Predicted temperature changes in Iowa by mid-century and the end of the century in a high emissions
scenario and a low emissions scenario. Fig. modified from U.S. GCRP 2009 report-full citation in Appendix D.
22
5.4.2. Precipitation
By the end of the century, winters
and springs are predicted to be 20-30%
wetter, which could increase the risk of
spring floods. In the hot summer
I
seasons, precipitation is predicted to
n
decrease, which will increase the
likelihood of droughts events (Fig. 8).
s
The U.S. Global Change
u
Research Program's 2009 report reveals
m
that over the past 50 years, the number
m
of downpours in the Midwest has
a
increased by 31%. In other words, more
r
of our precipitation is falling in fewer,
y
more intense storms that increase flood
,
risk and is not conducive to crop
performance. Over the next century, this
I
trend is expected to continue, with more
o
and more of our precipitation falling in
w
intense events separated by long dry
a
spells. This increase in severe weather is
likely to lead tomore flood events like
Figure 8
. Predicted seasonal percent change in precipitation by
those of 1993 and 2008, whose costs to
the end of the century (2080-2099) for Iowa underhigh and
Iowans have been estimated at $1.56
low emissions scenarios. Figure modified from U.S. GCRP
billion and $10 billion dollars,
2009 report-full citation in Appendix D.
respectively.
5.5.M
ITIGATION
The IPCC 2007 report outlines mitigation strategies in several key sectors. Their
general recommendations include:
Improved land use management, including reduced deforestation and improved
practices in forestry and agriculture.
Improved waste management, including composting, recycling, and overall waste
minimization at the production, consumption, and disposal phases.
Reduced combustion of fossil fuels through improvements in energy efficiency,
conservation, alternative energy, alternative transportation, and improved materials and
design of everything from household items to cities and transportation networks.
23
AA
PPENDIX
DS
ATA OURCES
Government Inventory
Water Delivery Facilities
Solid Waste Facilities
Electric Usage:
Ken Tekippe
Waste Characterization Data (post 2002):
City of Dubuque Finance Dept.
Paul Schultz
Missing Records (Accounts and Months):
City of Dubuque -Public Works Dept.
Craig Clefisch
pschultz@cityofdubuque.org
Alliant Energy
WIP and Annual Tonnage Data:
Natural Gas Usage:
Chuck Goddard
Ken Tekippe
City of Dubuque -Public Works Dept.
City of Dubuque Finance Dept.
cgoddard@cityofdubuque.org
Missing Records( Accounts and Months):
Jennifer Totten
Buildings and Facilities
Black Hills Energy Corporation
Electric Usage:
Ken Tekippe
Wastewater Facilities
City of Dubuque -Finance Dept.
Electric Usage:
Missing Electric Usage Records (Accounts and Months):
Ken Tekippe
Craig Clefisch
City of Dubuque Finance Dept.
Alliant Energy
Natural Gas Usage:
Missing Records (Accounts and Months):
Ken Tekippe
Craig Clefisch
City of Dubuque Finance Dept.
Alliant Energy
Missing Natural Gas Records (Accounts and Months):
Natural Gas Usage:
Black Hills Energy Corporation
Ken Tekippe
Jennifer Totten
City of Dubuque Finance Dept.
Diesel Backup Generators:
Missing Records( Accounts and Months):
Obtained by individual department request
Black Hills Energy Corporation
Jennifer Totten
Street and Traffic Lights
Diesel For Generator and BOD load:
Street and Traffic Lights:
Jonathan Brown, Plant Manager -Water
Ken Tekippe
Pollution Control Plant (WPCP)
City of Dubuque Finance Dept.
jobrown@cityofdubuque.org
Missing Records (Accounts and Months):
(563) 589 -4176
Craig Clefisch
Alliant Energy
Airport Facilities
Electric Usage:
Ken Tekippe
City of Dubuque Finance Dept.
Missing Records (Accounts and Months):
Craig Clefisch
Alliant Energy
Natural Gas Usage:
Ken Tekippe
City of Dubuque Finance Dept.
Missing Records (Accounts and Months):
Jennifer Totten
Black Hills Energy Corporation
24
Vehicle Fleet
Community Inventory
Public Works Filling Station Data:
Public Works Dept. Garage
Kathy Masterpol, Public Works
Aggregate Natural Gas:
kmasterpol@cityofdubuque.org
MarkErnst
(563) 589 -4274
Black hills Energy Corporation
Mark.Ernst@blackhillscorp.com
Water Pollution Control Plant Fleet Data:
Jonathan Brown, Plant Manager -WPCP
Aggregate Electric
jobrown@cityofdubuque.org
(563) 589 -4176Craig Clefisch
Alliant Energy
DMASWA (landfill) VehicleFleet:CraigClefisch@alliantenergy.com
Mike Kelly
Aggregate Vehicle Miles Traveled
(563) 451-4859
Chandra Ravada
Airport Vehicle Fleet:
ECIA
Dubuque Airport
Director of Transportation Department
Robert Grierson
Cravada@ecia.org
Employee Commute
Aggregate Airt Travel:
Gordon Vetch
Survey conducted in August 2009: 182 respondents.
Dubuque Regional Airport
Trasnsit :
Annual Waste Tonnage:
Keyline Transit
Chuck Goddard
Jon Rodocker
City of Dubuque Public Works
Transit Manager
cgoddard@cityofdubuque.org
Office (563) 589-4196
Fax (563) 589-4340
Power Generation
jrodocke@cityofdubuque.org
Alliant Energy –Dubuque Generating Station Power
Plant Greenhouse gas, SOx, and NOx emissions:
Solid Waste:
US EPA Clean Air Markets Data and Maps –accessed
Annual Municipal Waste Data:
11/26/09
Paul Schultz and Dave Sitzman
City of Dubuqe Dept. of Public Works
CAP Data
pschultz@cityofdubuque.org
2002 CAP data from power plant and industrial sites
dsitzman@cityofdubuque.org
US EPA National Emission Inventory Database -Facility
Emissions Reports –accessed 11/26/09
Missing Data Filled in By:
Jessica Severson
Industrial sites whose direct CAP emissions were
Allied Waste
included in totals:
(563) 556-5393
Alliant Energy –Dubuque Generating Station
jseverson@republicservices.com
Jeld-Wen Inc.
Dubuque Water Pollution Control Plant
Eagle Window and Door Inc.
Refrigerants:
Koch Materials Co.
Fire Suppressant Data:
Maggie Blaser
Dubuque Fire Equipment
Refrigerant Data:
Obtained through individual dept. request
25
AB
PPENDIX
N&A
OTES SSUMPTIONS
General Methodology:
Except where otherwise noted, the methods, calculators, and default emissions factors
provided by ICLEI's Local Government Operations Protocol (LGOP) (v1.0, 2008) and
CACP2009 software v2.1 were followed for all calculations.
If a GHG(e.g. HFCs, PFCs, and SO) is not included in tables of emissions totals, it is
6
because it has a value of zero or is sufficiently low to qualify as De Minimis. All
emissions were included in reported total emissions, but not all gases were specifically
identified if they constituted an insubstantial proportion of the total.
Electricity Methodology
Used the MAIN South Region of the EPA’s regionally defined “eGRID” years 1990-
2003 (Table 2-LGOP). for default electricity emissions factor of COand MRO West
2
region of the EPA’s regionally define “eGRID” years 2004 and 2005 (Table 1-LGOP)
for NOand CH, in Inventory year 2003.
24
Used the MRO West region of the EPA’s regionally defined “eGRID” years 2004 and
2005 (Table 1-LGOP) for default electricity emissions factors of CO, NOand CHin
224
inventory year 2007.
Used the Mid-Continent Area Power Pool region of the North American Reliability
Corporation (NERC) to identify electricity emissions factors for each of the following
criteria air pollutants NOx, SOx, CO, VOC, and PM. These emissions factors were
10
applied to both (2003, 2007) inventory years.
Solid Waste Facilities
Used IPCC's Mathematically Exact First-Order Decay Model
National defaults for Waste Charicterization Data (adjusted yard waste for ban) used for
yrs preceding "pay as you throw recycling program" (2002).
Anual average rainfall estimated to be 38 inches per yr
Community solid waste: used community analysis annual waste calculator
CACP2009v2.1
Vehicle Fleet
Data from vehicle model years outside the categories provided by CACP were placed in
the nearest category (e.g. light trucks from 1984 were included in the light trucks MY
1987 to 1993 category)
Used average miles/hrs per yr for available time periods to estimate annual vehicle
usage.
Airport Vehicle Fleet: detailed breakdown was not available; used aggregate fuel use by
type for 2003 and 2007. Entered as Alt Method Heavy Duty for both diesel and
gasoline vehicles.
26
Refrigerants Methodology
Used “Estimation based on equipment inventory and refrigerant use” (6.6.2.2 on pg 57
of LGOP).
Used default coefficients from Table 6.3 on p. 58 of LGOP for missing Full Charge
Capacity and Operating Emissions Factor data. Because default emission factors are
highly uncertain, the resulting emissions estimates are considered much less accurate
than the mass balance approach and most likely resulted in an overestimation of Scope
1 fugitive emissions. However, as of the writing of this report, it was the best
information available.
Used emissions factor recommended by IPCC for R-22 which is classified as an
Information Item and is not addressed in the LGOP.
No HFCs found in dry chemical MSDS sheets used by the City of Dubuque.
27
AC
PPENDIX .
CDP
ITY OF UBUQUE ROFILE
Jurisdiction Name:Dubuque
Street Address:50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Website Address:www.cityofdubuque.org
Size:27.7 sq miles
Population:56,583
Annual Operating Budget:$91,638,524 (FY 2010)
Employees (Full Time Equivalent):524 (2003); 631 (2007)
COe per employee:152.8 (2003); 136.4 (2007)
2
Climate Zone:2
Annual Heating Degree Days:7,327
Annual Cooling Degree Days:593
Contact Person:Paul Schultz
Resource Management Coordinator
pschultz@cityofdubuque.org
(563) 589-4250
28
AD
PPENDIX .
CC
REDITS AND ITATIONS
The following sources were cited extensively in the Climate Change section, and should be
consulted for further information:
IPCC, 2007: Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2007: Impacts,
Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth A
ssessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,M.L. Parry, Of.F.
Canziani, J.P. Palutikof, P.J. Van der Linden and C.E. Hanson, Eds., Cambridge
University Press, Cambridge, UK, 7-22.
Global Climate Change Impacts of the United States, Thomas R. Karl, Jerry M. Melillo,
and Thomas C. Peterson (eds.) Cambridge University Press, 2009.
Figures 9, 10, and 11 in this report was modified from the Figures on p. 117, 29, and 31,
respectively, of:
Global Climate Change Impacts of the United States, Thomas R. Karl, Jerry M. Melillo,
and Thomas C. Peterson (eds.) Cambridge University Press, 2009.
29
AE
PPENDIX .
ES
MISSIONS BY COPE
Table E1
. Greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors of Dubuque municipal government
operations in 2003 and 2007 reported by scope.
Figure E1
. Visual representation of scopes. Source: ICLEI LGOP v1.0
30