COMMUNITY GHG INVENTORY
A community GHG (Greenhouse Gas) inventory is a comprehensive accounting of the greenhouse gas emissions produced within a defined community—such as a town, city, or county—over a specific period (usually one year).
What it measures
A community GHG inventory typically includes emissions from:
Energy use in buildings (residential, commercial, municipal)
Transportation (cars, trucks, public transit)
Waste (landfills, wastewater treatment)
Industrial processes (if applicable)
Other sources such as agriculture or off-road equipment
Emissions are usually reported in metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (MTCO₂e), which allows different greenhouse gases to be compared using a common unit.
Why it’s important
A community GHG inventory:
Establishes a baseline of emissions
Helps identify major emission sources
Guides climate action planning and policy decisions
Tracks progress toward emissions reduction goals
Supports eligibility for state and federal programs, grants, and initiatives (such as Clean Energy Communities)
How it’s used
Communities use GHG inventories to:
Prioritize actions like energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation improvements
Measure the impact of sustainability initiatives over time
Communicate climate impacts and progress to residents and stakeholders
In short, a community GHG inventory helps a municipality understand where emissions come from and how to reduce them strategically.
This link will allow you to view our Town of Kinderhook Community GHG Inventory: