Climate Change Data

Delaware County

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2019 to 2023)

Reporting Period: 2019 to 2023

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:4.5 million metric tons of CO2e/year (community)
Renewable Energy Share:15.34 MW locally sourced renewable energy infrastructure
Total Energy Consumption:259,827,323 kWh/year (County buildings)
Waste Generated:646,372 tons/year (County)

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Resiliency
  • Natural Resources
  • Transportation
  • Energy & Efficiencies
  • Zero Waste
  • Health & Wellness

Environmental Achievements

  • Increased locally sourced renewable energy infrastructure by 15.34 MW
  • 63 buildings achieved LEED certification
  • Acquired 213-acre former Don Guanella School for a new County park
  • Over 50 rain gardens installed in Haverford Township
  • Recycled over 2,000 pounds of plastic from campaign signs

Social Achievements

  • Delaware County Citizen Corps swelled from under 500 to over 2,200 volunteers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Launched Delaware County Health Department
  • Renovation of a 9,000 square-foot warehouse in Ridley Township to serve as the central hub for food commodities and distribution
  • Media Borough launched curbside composting program

Governance Achievements

  • Creation of the Delaware County Sustainability Commission
  • Creation of the Delaware County Office of Sustainability
  • Adoption of Ready for 100 Resolutions by 10% of Delaware County municipalities
  • County joined the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Local Climate Action Planning program

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Achieve Zero Waste in Delaware County
Medium-term Goals:
  • Increase availability and use of combustion-free locally sourced renewable energy sources in County buildings by 10% in 5 years
  • Increase availability and use of combustion-free locally sourced renewable energy sources in residential, commercial, and industrial properties by 10% in 5 years
Short-term Goals:
  • Increase protected open space by 10% in 5 years
  • Increase tree canopy area by 10% in 5 years
  • Reduce energy consumption in County buildings by 20% in 5 years
  • Reduce water consumption in County buildings by 20% in 5 years
  • Increase diversion rate in County buildings to 50% in 5 years
  • Reduce waste tonnage in County buildings by 60% in 5 years

Environmental Challenges

  • Climate change impacts (increased temperatures, precipitation, storms)
  • 98% of stream miles in Delaware County are impaired
  • High GHG emissions from commercial/industrial energy usage, transportation, and residential energy
  • High percentage of waste disposed of (63%)
  • Air quality issues, particularly in environmental justice communities
Mitigation Strategies
  • Implementing over 200 actions outlined in the Sustainability Plan
  • Investing in green infrastructure (rain gardens, riparian buffers)
  • Promoting renewable energy sources
  • Improving waste management practices (recycling, composting)
  • Improving air quality monitoring and education

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Green procurement policy

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Flooding
  • Excessive heat
  • Increased precipitation
  • Harsher storms
Opportunities
  • Growth of green economy
  • Development of sustainable infrastructure

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: ICLEI-USA framework