States, Cities, Businesses All Seek Solutions — a Baseline Inventory is a Good Place to Start
With increasing concern for global warming, you've likely been hearing a lot about the need to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. These pollutants collect in the atmosphere, trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet to warm up. Given the level of activity surrounding this issue, it's not too early to prepare your organization for a greenhouse gas reduction program.

Even though no comprehensive government program has been established, the concept of a mandatory 'cap-and-trade' system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is gaining broad political support. A cap-and-trade system establishes target levels for pollution reduction and then allows market forces to determine who will reduce pollution and how they go about it. Under such a market trading system, the government will typically set an initial 'cap' on emissions, which is then ratcheted downward over time to the pre-established long-term goal. Companies and organizations can reach the targets by either reducing their own pollution, or by buying reduction credits from another organization, which may be able to reduce emissions more inexpensively.

Some 40 states have taken steps toward controlling greenhouse gases, most commonly through the formation of regional agreements that will establish greenhouse gas reduction targets and develop a cap-and-trade system. Mayors from 780 cities in all 50 states have signed on to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which includes a number of specific commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through best practices. A first step for many of these communities is their commitment to inventory global warming emissions in city operations and in the community, set reduction targets, and create an action plan.

Both public and private sector organizations would benefit by taking stock of their greenhouse gas emissions before mandatory requirements are in place. Performing a greenhouse gas emissions inventory benefits an organization by:

• Identifying greenhouse gas sources and opportunities for reductions
• Preparing for emissions trading opportunities and regulatory requirements
• Improving operational efficiency and employee education
• Receiving recognition as an environmental leader by stakeholders and the community

Programs to address climate change are certain to affect the way all of us work and live. By preparing now, your organization can ensure a prosperous transition.

Milwaukee Sewerage District Reduced More than One Million Tons of Gas
SEH helped the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District document activities the District has done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helped register the corresponding emission reductions with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources under its Voluntary Emission Reduction Registry. SEH calculated a reduction of more than one million tons of greenhouse gas and SO2 emissions at MMSD's South Shore Water Reclamation Plant from 1991 through 2004.