2011 Community and Municipal GHG Inventory Quality Management Plans

The City of Fort Collins has published its first Quality Management Plans for both the community and municipal GHG inventories. These documents provide detailed descriptions of the inventory methodologies, including identification of all data sources, calculations, emissions, and conversion factors used to estimate GHG emissions for the annual inventories. These reference documents provide a record of inventory revisions and establish quality assurance and control procedures to ensure data integrity.

Fort Collins Reduces Community Carbon Emissions 11%

Over a decade ago Fort Collins was among the first wave of communities in the nation to commit to reducing local greenhouse emissions.  

Through innovation, leadership and local involvement, the community has benefited significantly from climate protection actions. Today, thanks to the efforts of the entire community, we have changed the trajectory of the emission growth curve.

Fort Collins’ community carbon footprint is 11% lower than it was in 2005, despite population growth of 13% in the same time period and a regional GDP (Gross Domestic Product) that has grown over 4% from 2005 to 2009.

Read the Executive Summary (PDF)

• Read the Full Report (PDF)

Fort Collins Communitywide Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals

Resolution 2008-051 (PDF 115KB) adopted by City Council in May 2008 establishes two greenhouse gas goals for the Fort Collins community, and one near-term “intent” to reduce emissions. The two goals are identical to statewide goals set for Colorado.

Goals

• Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020
• Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 2005 levels by 2050

2012 Intent

• Reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2012 to a level comparable to 3% below 2005 levels.

2008 Climate Action Plan

On December 2, 2008, City Council adopted by resolution, the 2008 Climate Action Plan. The Plan provides a blueprint for making progress on Fort Collins' greenhouse gas reduction goals while advancing multiple other City objectives.

Adoption of the Plan by resolution does not commit the City to any new resources or funding, or create any new laws at this time. All actions in the Plan that require Council approval will be considered by Council in the future, along with detailed cost and benefit information. The 2008 Climate Action Plan provides an important unifying framework for Fort Collins to lead in the burgeoning new energy economy and to advance the economic and environmental sustainability of our community.

2009 Energy Policy

One of the primary goals of the 2009 Energy Policy is to support the community’s carbon emissions goal of reducing the City’s carbon footprint 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Other primary goals are to provide highly reliable electric service, to enhance local economic health and to continue collaboration with Platte River Power Authority and member cities.

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Climate Task Force and Draft Climate Action Plan

After a year of evaluating strategies and considering cost-effectiveness, the Climate Task Force completed its recommendations (PDF 1.3MB) in June 2008. Following subsequent input from City Council, boards and city staff, a Draft Climate Action Plan (PDF 1.3MB) was developed. A Proposed Addendum (PDF 128KB) was developed in response to City Council's interest in considering a Plan that would fully achieve the 2012 and 2020 greenhouse gas reduction objectives, if fully implemented. On December 12, 2008, City Council adopted by resolution the Climate Action Plan but not the Proposed Addendum.

• CTF Recommendations - June 2008 (PDF 1.3MB)

Why is Fort Collins Interested in Climate Protection?

Climate change poses a real and serious threat to the world at large and to the quality of life that we value in Fort Collins.  Climate change can affect us locally in many ways including contributing to more frequent and severe storms, increasing drought and risk of forest fires, and changes in the timing and amount of spring runoff.

For more information:

Joint Front Range Climate Change Vulnerability Study
Hotter and Driers; the West’s Changed Climate (2008)(PDF) 
Economic Impacts of Climate Change on Colorado (2008)(PDF)

In choosing to embrace climate protection, Fort Collins has adopted the "No Regrets" approach already adopted by localities and corporations around the world. This approach that entails making economically sound choices to curb greenhouse gas emissions, while providing multiple benefits to the community and support for existing community goals.