1. Set a baseline.
2. Set goal(s).
3. Act.
4. Measure progress toward goal(s).
5. Adjust plan if necessary.
Repeat steps 3-6 until goal is met, or until you need a different goal.
It's exciting to see the State of Maine doing this successfully to reduce its carbon emissions. According to a report by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection this week, we crushed our initial goal of cutting emissions 10% from 1990 levels by 2020, and are making solid progress toward our goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.
The best part is that this progress not an accident but is a direct result of concrete actions taken by engaged members of the public sector (thank you, Jeff Marks and Climate Works Maine!), the Mills Administration, municipalities, residents and policymakers and regulators. State GDP has grown during this time (see chart), quieting the doomsayers who claim that carbon emissions come at the expense of the economy.
But we still has a lot to work to do. Transportation-related progress is slower than hoped-for, and I still see a lot of energy waste in the commercial and industrial sector.
I love the 5-step process outlined below and use it in my work and for my clients. More on that in a future post.
In the meantime, how are you, your organization or local government using baseline-setting and metrics to advance your objectives?
#maine #carbonemissions #ghg #carbonneutral
