The Goals

The CAP focuses on various categories to successfully reach measurable reduction in GHG emission levels. A study of quantified sources will provide direction for change by creating specific goals with a concentration for each category.

Using gathered statistical Greenhouse Gas Emission data, planners can formulate a plan of action for cities and communities. This information provides a brief glance at the CAP of the City of Gilroy. The work shown here was done in collaboration with Town-Green: Sustainable Urban Design & Town Planning.

Transportation & Land Use

Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), which reduces tailpipe emissions.
Reduce/eliminate carbon content of motor fuels (e.g. biodiesel, electric motors).
Use more fuel efficient/cleaner fuel vehicles (e.g., hybrid, electric vehicles)

Energy

Reduce fossil fueled energy (e.g., oil, natural gas, coal) use (e.g., more building insulation)
Increase energy efficiency
Increase renewal energy

Solid Waste & Wastewater

Decrease GHG emissions generated from solid waste
Increase the city's diversion rate over time to achieve zero waste
Increase the reduction, recycling, and reuse of solid waste

Agriculture & Open Space

Protect agricultural and grazing lands from encroachment by urban uses.
Maximize food production opportunities within the City
Enhance the City’s urban forest.
Improve and expand the City’s parks

Water

The City will reduce building and outdoor water uses from both the community and municipal sectors.

Public Education & Outreach

Through public engagement and education measures, empower individuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations to take responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint

Summary

Gilroy’s CAP reduction target should ideally be 15% of the 2005 levels or 406,223 MT of CO2E. By calculating the difference between the forecasted 2020 emissions and the 2005 emissions we can identify the CAP reduction target to be 196,682 MT of CO2E.

The potential reduction explained in this Climate Action Plan accounts for a total of 108,692.76 CO2E. This represents a reduction gap of 87,989.24 CO2E. The reduction gap is calculated by finding the difference between the reduction target and potential reduction