Hayward surpasses 2025 emission reduction target
According to Hayward’s 2020 greenhouse (GHG) inventory, published last month, Hayward achieved a 42.7 percent reduction in overall GHG emissions compared to 2005 levels--exceeding the City’s goal to reach a 30 percent reduction by 2025.
The most dramatic emission reduction was experienced in the transportation sector, which saw a 27 percent reduction from 2019 and a 41.6 percent total reduction compared to 2005. However, this decrease is a direct effect of the stay-at-home orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Emissions are expected to have increased in 2021 as transportation activity returned to pre-pandemic levels. The 2021 inventory is expected to be completed in late 2023.
2020 energy emissions also decreased to a total of 49.6 percent below 2005 levels despite a slight uptick in electricity usage during the pandemic. This reduction is primarily attributed to the community-wide transition to cleaner energy from East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), which began in 2018.
As we return to pre-pandemic activity levels, community-wide consciousness will be critical to ensure the City’s 2025 emission goals remain met, and to stay on course to achieve Hayward’s future goal of a 55 percent emission reduction by 2030. To learn how you can support these goals by cutting your own carbon footprint, view this helpful resource on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
