City of Boulder releases 2024 Greenhouse Gas Inventory

The city's 2024 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory shows that community-wide emissions continue to decline as the city and community work together to meet Boulder's climate goals. The latest results reaffirm the importance of continued collaboration and investment, demonstrating that Boulder's climate efforts are working.

The annual inventory tracks emissions across major sectors, including buildings, transportation and waste. In 2024, Boulder's total community emissions saw an 8% decrease from 2023 and a 29% decrease since 2018. Compared to the original 2005 baseline, Boulder's emissions have dropped 48%, a reduction of nearly half, in less than two decades.

"This inventory keeps us honest about our progress," said Jonathan Koehn, director of the city's Climate Initiatives Department. "It shows what's working, where we need to push harder and reminds us that every ton of pollution reduced brings us closer to a healthier future."

The largest emissions reductions since 2018 have come from building electricity use, which has declined 47%, driven by Xcel Energy's cleaner electricity generationand Boulder's continued expansion of local renewable energy. Emissions from on-road transportation have decreased by 59% over the same period, reflecting a decline in fossil-fuel miles traveled and an increase in electric vehicle adoption. As of the end of 2024, 12% of vehicles registered in Boulder were electric.

"This data reinforces what we already know: that local action works," said City of Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett. "Boulder's progress is the result of our community's commitment, creativity and collaboration. Together, we're building momentum toward a net-zero future that benefits everyone."

Emissions from natural gas use in buildings declined modestly (8% since 2018), with progress in this area remaining a key focus for Boulder's next phase of climate action. Over the next decade, the city will implement the Healthy Buildings, Stronger Community Roadmap through policies, incentives and partnerships to help community members and businesses transition to electric heating and appliances.

Boulder is committed to reducing emissions 70% below 2018 levels by 2030, reaching net-zero by 2035 and becoming carbon positive by 2040. Achieving these ambitious goals will require emissions to decline by roughly 10% per year from 2024 levels. Since 2018, Boulder's annual inventories have shown meaningful progress, but they also underscore that sustained effort, innovation and collaboration will be essential to reach the city's long-term climate targets.

Boulder's GHG Inventory is updated annually to measure progress, guide policy and maintain accountability. The report helps the city identify where emissions are declining, where challenges remain, and how community choices are shaping Boulder's climate future.

The Climate Initiatives team will present the updated Climate Action Plan to City Council on Thursday, Nov. 6, outlining the city's strategies to accelerate progress toward a net-zero, carbon-positive future. Community members canfollow the discussion liveor review materials afterward onthe city's website.

Visit our website for more information and toview the full 2024 Inventory.