City of Dallas sees major progress in greenhouse gas reduction since 2015
Dallas, Texas – The City of Dallas has released its 2023 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory, revealing promising strides in its efforts to combat climate change and move toward its Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Significant Reductions Since 2015 Baseline
According to the report, Dallas has achieved an 11% reduction in community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and a notable 29% reduction in emissions from City and local government operations (LGO) since the baseline year of 2015. These reductions reflect the city’s continued investment in clean energy initiatives, waste diversion programs, and transportation upgrades, all part of a long-term strategy managed by the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability (OEQS).
“Supportive technologies, stronger policies and keeping our eye on the metrics are critical to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. As this City continues to grow, the reduction noted in this report is significant. Dallas and its residents are resilient, and we will keep working to attain net-zero,” said Council Member Kathy Stewart, Chair of the Dallas City Council Parks, Trails and the Environment Committee.
The 2023 inventory, which builds upon the City’s previous assessments from 2015 and 2019, measures emissions within the geographic boundaries of Dallas. It evaluates both the community’s collective impact and the City’s own operational footprint. GHG emissions are tracked across energy consumption, transportation, industrial processes, waste, and land-use changes. For local government operations, sectors such as buildings, airports, traffic infrastructure, fleet vehicles, solid waste, and water treatment are carefully analyzed.
Sixteen City Departments Driving Climate Action
Sixteen City departments have joined forces under the CECAP framework to implement various actions that help reduce emissions. These departments range from Aviation, Transportation & Public Works, and Dallas Water Utilities, to Sanitation Services, Housing, and Planning & Development. Through initiatives such as renewable energy procurement, fleet electrification, and energy efficiency upgrades, these agencies work together to push Dallas closer to its climate goals.
“The city-wide inventory will definitively measure our progress toward our CECAP emissions-reduction goals and make the work ahead clearer. As staff develops the city’s five-year priority climate action plan, these findings will help departments target investments, refine programs and focus resources where they can most effectively reduce emissions. As environmental advocates, it helps us promote understanding of the CECAP and its purpose and to encourage practices within our communities that help us meet those goals,” said Kathryn Guerra, Chair of the City of Dallas Environmental Commission.
Looking Ahead and Engaging the Community
The inventory is more than a measurement tool—it serves as a roadmap for future climate mitigation efforts. It encourages participation from all residents, whether by reducing household electricity use, limiting water consumption, using mass transit, or embracing waste-reduction practices.
OEQS Director Angela Hodges Gott emphasized the importance of community partnership as the city continues its climate journey. “I’m encouraged by the results of this plan but note that we are just getting started. We’re five years into the 30-year plan mapped out by CECAP. OEQS is working diligently to identify ways in which we can better partner with our residents and businesses to encourage good environmental stewardship and to harness enthusiasm to make Dallas a cleaner, greener, and healthier city for everyone. OEQS is also advancing strategies such as the Dallas Green Business Certification program, OEQS-sponsored urban agriculture infrastructure grants, and the installation of EV charging stations in collaboration with the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Mitigating and adapting to climate change remains at the forefront of our work.”
The full 2023 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory is available at dallasclimateaction.com, and residents are encouraged to learn more and get involved. Each step, no matter how small, contributes to a cleaner and more resilient Dallas.
