Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
WHY THIS MATTERS: Burning fossil fuels like petroleum, coal, and natural gas for electricity, heating, cooling, and transportation releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases are major contributors to the conditions of our warming climate.
HOW SP TAKES ACTION: To slow the effects of climate change on our environment, our community needs to stop using fossil fuels. We offer education to our community on making the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources (like solar), making homes and buildings as energy-efficient as possible, and reducing car dependency. Our events, like Ciclovia, Sustainable Home Expo, and Green House Tours, are a few examples of how we engage our community in learning about these topics and encouraging them to take action in their own lives.
Where Our Emissions Come From
This Production-Based Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory measures and tracks the amount of greenhouse gases emitted within Princeton’s municipal jurisdiction annually.
- Buildings, meaning our homes and businesses are our largest source of emissions
- Transportation is the second largest contributor to GHG emissions in Princeton, although it is the largest source in New Jersey
- Solid Waste and Wastewater and Water represent a small portion of our Scope 1 emissions, making it less impactful in our overall strategy
The emissions in this inventory may be intimidating but luckily there are a number of ways we can reduce the emissions in both sectors.
Princeton’s Climate Action Plan Spotlight
Princeton’s goal to reduce community-wide carbon emissions can be found in Princeton’s Climate Action Plan:
50% by 2030 | 65% by 2040 | 80% by 2050
From 2010 level, while pursuing efforts to reduce 100% of emissions by 2050.
Our Initiatives
The Municipality of Princeton has a goal to reduce carbon emissions and to help the community become more resilient. We are assisting the Municipality in this campaign to save energy for residents and business owners. An easy way for residents to get involved is by participating in one of PSE&G’s energy-efficiency programs.
Community solar projects are large, central solar arrays that generate electricity. They provide the benefits of solar to those who are not able to install rooftop solar. Sustainable Princeton encourages people to sign up for these programs. Subscribe to a project!
Sustainable Princeton has hosted eCommuter Fest since 2020. This annual event celebrates low-carbon and carbon-free commuter options with the Princeton community and includes educational tables, E-bike test rides, an EV showcase, and more!
The Sustainable Home Expo allows residents to speak directly with sustainable contractors, landscapers, and solar installers. Along with the expo floor, there are educational sessions on a variety of sustainable home topics.
Attendees can see how neighbors create healthier and more energy-efficient homes and environments with green building practices, such as solar panels with energy storage, rain gardens, superior insulation, and more.
Held in partnership with the Princeton Environmental Commission.
A monthly blog series that showcases individuals, couples, or families for their efforts to emPOWER Princeton through all things energy.
