Intro background

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from energy use, waste, and transportation trap heat and drive climate change impacts like rising temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather. Cambridge is committed to significantly reducing GHGs by 2050 to help avoid these severe impacts. 

Community GHG Emissions

Our Goals

Cambridge has established a goal to have net zero GHG emissions community-wide by 2050.

In 2022, the City conducted a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory with data from 2019. Cambridge has committed to the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM), a global network of cities that have committed to reducing emissions, which requires that we update the inventory every 3 to 5 years. 

UNIT

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) have a natural heat trapping capacity which varies by gas. Humans produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) than any other GHG. We count emissions of GHGs based on how each GHG’s heat trapping capacity compares to CO2s. This is called the "CO2 equivalent" (CO2e). We measure GHGs in metric tons of CO2e (MTCO2e).

MTCO2eMetric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalent

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) have a natural heat trapping capacity which varies by gas. Humans produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) than any other GHG. We count emissions of GHGs based on how each GHG’s heat trapping capacity compares to CO2s. This is called the "CO2 equivalent" (CO2e). We measure GHGs in metric tons of CO2e (MTCO2e).

MTCO2eMetric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalent

Municipal GHG Emissions

In 2022, the City reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from municipal operations in its buildings to 38% below 2008 levels. The chart also depicts the significant impact of the planned procurement of 100% renewable electricity supply from a new renewable system with a commercial operation date on or about Dec. 2025. 

Cambridge has established a Municipal GHG reduction goal of 30% below 2008 levels by 2020, with a stretch goal of 35%, and Net-Zero by 2050.

How Does Cambridge Track Emissions?

Cambridge has reduced its GHG emissions from Municipal operations by 38% between 2008 and 2022 by decreasing energy use, switching to cleaner fuels, and reducing waste.

Learn more about Cambridge's GHG Emissions Inventories

How You Can Help

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Throughout our daily lives, we all take actions that produce GHGs. Here are some actions you can take to reduce your contribution to the community's emissions:

  1. Reduce your energy use at home or work. Buildings represent nearly two-thirds of community GHG emissions.
  2. Switch to renewable energy. Clean energy sources produce fewer GHGs than fossil fuels.
  3. Reduce your waste by recycling and composting. Solid waste and incineration accounts for 6.4% of community GHG emissions. 
  4. Prioritize low-carbon transportation. Cambridge residents have many options to get around without a vehicle.
Visit the City's website for information on renewable options.
Learn what can go in your curbside recycling bins.
See how bike, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure can help you get to where you are going.
Electric vehicles can emit up to 99% less pollutants than cars with internal combustion engines.