Skagit County, Washington
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2006)
Reporting Period: 2006
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:1,690,664 tCO2e/year (community-wide in 2006)
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate Change
- Sustainability
- Resource Conservation
Environmental Achievements
- Increased countywide recycling rates to 41% of the solid waste stream, and countywide recycling and diversion rates to 53% of the solid waste stream
- Switching to hybrid gas-electric vehicles for use by the Health Department and an all-electric truck for use by facilities maintenance crews
- Using 20% biodiesel mix on the Guemes Ferry during a grant program
Social Achievements
- Distributing more than 7,200 compact fluorescent light bulbs to seniors and low-income households through the Assessor’s Office
- Partnering with Puget Sound Energy to support their “Powerful Choices for the Environment” program in local schools
Governance Achievements
- Established a citizen taskforce to assist the county in its work to combat climate change and develop a long-term plan for climate action
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 2000 levels by 2050
Medium-term Goals:
- Reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 2000 levels by 2050
Short-term Goals:
- Reduce energy use to 15% below 2008 levels by 2011
- Reduce garbage collection to 10% below 2008 levels by 2011
- Reduce overall utility costs to 10% below 2008 levels by 2011
Environmental Challenges
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and electricity generation (major sources)
- High initial cost of energy efficiency upgrades to county buildings
- Balancing economic development with environmental protection
Mitigation Strategies
- Implementing policies and projects to establish a leadership role in local sustainable practices
- Utilizing the Washington State Department of General Administration’s Energy Savings Performance Contracting Program
- Developing a fifty-year vision for Skagit County that addresses conflicts between agricultural, environmental, and development interests
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Green purchasing policy
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Sea level rise
- Increased precipitation
- More intense droughts
- Changes in river and stream flows
Transition Risks
- Economic challenges of implementing sustainability initiatives
Opportunities
- Energy savings from efficiency measures
- Economic benefits from renewable energy projects
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: ICLEI’s Clean Air and Climate Protection (CACP) software