Project 46 Releases Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and High-Impact Actions Report

The Project 46 Southern Indiana Regional Climate Alliance announces the release of its 2022 Inventory of Community-Wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions and High Impact Actions Analysis, prepared in partnership with Farallon Strategies and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. The report identifies the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the region and pinpoints the most effective actions to reduce emissions and build a more resilient future.

The analysis finds that in 2022, the Project 46 region produced 4.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, with the largest contributions coming from gasoline and diesel vehicles (35 percent), and the use of electricity and natural gas in residential (20 percent) and commercial (15 percent) buildings.

Under current trends, including vehicle fuel efficiency improvements, grid modernization, and existing policies, the region is projected to reduce emissions by 33 percent by 2030. However, if all recommended high-impact actions are implemented, the region could achieve an additional 6 percent reduction, totaling a 39 percent decrease in emissions by 2030.

The report identifies three actions with the greatest potential impact:

• Increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs)
• Conducting energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial buildings
• Diverting waste to composting and recycling instead of landfills

“Climate work gives us a compass,” said Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson, a Project 46 Steering Committee member. “When neighbors, cities, and counties row in the same direction, we create communities where people want to live, work, and dream. That’s the promise of Project 46. It’s a collaboration that turns ideas into a more resilient southern Indiana.”

The Midwest is already experiencing the impacts of shifting climate patterns, from shifts in agricultural productivity to infrastructure challenges caused by rising temperatures. By taking bold, collaborative action now, Project 46 members can help safeguard the region while accelerating economic and environmental progress.

The 2022 Inventory of Community-Wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions and High Impact Actions Analysis is available here. To learn about ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, visit Project 46’s climate information website.

About Project 46

Project 46 is a regional alliance currently composed of the communities of Bloomington, Nashville, and Columbus (within Monroe, Brown and Bartholomew counties) that aims to identify and pursue solutions that effectively address shared challenges and opportunities related to climate change. 

To find out how organizations, businesses, and residents can join the Project 46  membership website.