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Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report

To measure the town’s carbon footprint, Sustainable Marblehead completed a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory in January 2018. Using the most current data available, the inventory quantified the sources of carbon emissions contributing to global climate change.

 

Our hope is that the GHG data will inform and raise awareness among residents, town officials, businesses, and others about the impact of climate change on our iconic New England town.

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Key Findings

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  • Resident passenger vehicle emissions were the single largest contributor (27%) to Marblehead’s total carbon emissions. Commercial and municipal vehicles contributed an additional 2%.

  • Natural gas use, predominantly for heating, accounted for a quarter (25%) of the town’s carbon emissions.

  • The burning of home heating oil represented 19% of emissions; approximately 4 out of 10 Marblehead households still heat with oil.

  • Since the Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD) purchases electricity from non-carbon emitting sources, including nuclear, wind, and hydroelectric, emissions from electricity (18%) were smaller than the other three major sources.

  • Airplane travel emissions, calculated using estimates based on statewide averages, represented a relatively small slice, at 5%.

 

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Recommendations

 

  • Develop a Climate Action and Sustainability Plan with specific targets and actions for carbon emission reductions.

  • Convert fossil fuel-burning technologies to electric technologies (electric vehicles and ductless heat pumps), employ energy storage techniques, and decarbonize the electric grid, with a goal of producing 100% of our electricity from renewable energy sources.

  • Develop and foster a culture of mindful vehicle transportation by advocating for carpooling, electric vehicles, and more sustainable modes of transportation, including walking, biking, and using public transportation.

  • Continue to engage residential homeowners, businesses, and municipal officials on energy reduction strategies, such as weatherization, and educate residents on simple actions they can take at home to reduce their electricity, gas, and oil usage.

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To read the full report, please click here.

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