Modeling results

City of Minneapolis target goal

In 2014, Minneapolis set a goal to reduce 80% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Steps

• We studied more than 70 emission-reduction technologies with Siemen's "City Performance Tool" (CyPT).
• We then modeled our Climate Action Plan priorities of buildings, transportation and energy.

Results

• These models identify potential benefits of the City’s reduction goals.
• Results also include particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and job creation.
• In 2016, the Health, Environment & Community Engagement Committee filed the results.  View the results.

Other agencies

Other Minnesota agencies have adopted similar greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

• Read the State of Minnesota goals
• Read Hennepin County goals

Greenhouse gas emissions tracking

Goals

• 15% by 2015
• 30% by 2025
• 80% by 2050

Results

• Minneapolis GHG emissions have decreased 19% since 2006. Note: This exceeded the 2015 goal of 15% reduction.
• From 2018 to 2019, total GHG emissions decreased 1.8%.
• Electricity and natural gas reduced emissions while transportation, solid waste, and wastewater increased.

Read the full 2020 GHG Emissions Inventory

• A Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Protocol: It provides a baseline and protocol to measure results is an important part of this initiative. We updated the method for community greenhouse gas emissions for the 2015 inventory. We will post another update protocol soon.
• Municipal emissions: The City also tracks GHG emissions from its municipal operations.

Past inventory updates

Greenhouse gas emissions inventory updates have been complied since 2013.  

Most recent updates:

• 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Update
• 2018 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Update

For prior year updates, please contact the Sustainability at the City of Minneapolis

Climate change mitigation: reducing greenhouse gas emissions

In 1989, Minneapolis began developing comprehensive plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

• 2012: Using 2006 as a baseline, Minneapolis set goals to reduce GHG emissions 15% by 2015 and 30% by 2025. Minneapolis reports greenhouse gas emissions every year to show progress toward its goal.
• 2013: The Minneapolis City Council adopted the Minneapolis Climate Action Plan The Plan reduces GHG from buildings, energy, transportation, land use, waste and recycling.
• 2014: Minneapolis was named a Climate Action Champion by the White House and U.S. Department of Energy. Minneapolis, Xcel Energy, and CenterPoint Energy formed the nation's first Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership. The Climate Action Plan added a GHG reduction goal of 80% by 2050. 
• 2015: Mayor Betsy Hodges signed the Compact of Mayors. The agreement reduces GHG emissions and prepares for climate change impacts. Minneapolis joined 16 cities across nine nations in the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance.
• 2016: The Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership released its first annual report . The reports describes the Partnership structure, activities, and a two-year work plan . It also includes GHG emissions from buildings and energy and identifies savings opportunities. 
• 2017: The  second annual report includes energy conservation projects, total energy consumption, and renewable energy consumption. The report tracks progress toward the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership 2017-2018 Work Plan goals.