Greenhouse Gas

According to a recent report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius would result in a more sustainable and equitable society.¹ To achieve this, accelerated action is needed to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) released into our atmosphere. To quantify GHG emissions within Routt County and the City of Steamboat Springs,Lotus Engineering and Sustainability, LLC (Lotus) was contracted to create a 2005 and 2018 GHG inventory for both Steamboat Springs and Routt County. The purpose of these GHG emissions inventories is to create a clear picture of past and current GHG emission sources, understand trends, and establish a baseline for future emissions inventories that will guide climate action planning.

There is momentum for Routt County and Steamboat Springs to build upon current sustainability initiatives related to waste reduction and diversion, transportation, energy efficiency, and green building. As outlined in both communities’ Strategic Plans and the upcoming Climate Action Plan, Routt County and Steamboat Springs are committed to addressing climate change at the local level by reducing GHG emissions. These inventories will help inform future local, regional, and state initiatives to secure the best path forward for a healthy and vibrant future for citizens, visitors, and the natural environment.

Routt County is made up of five distinct communities: Steamboat Springs, Hayden, Oak Creek, Yampa, and Unincorporated Routt County. Lotus completed two inventories: one for all of Routt County that includes each of the aforementioned communities and one for just the City of Steamboat Springs. The difference between the amount of emissions within Routt County and City of Steamboat Springs includes emissions from Hayden, Oak Creek, Yampa and unincorporated Routt County.