Bellevue's 2023 greenhouse gas emissions inventory shows a 4% reduction in municipal operations, but a 4.5% increase in citywide emissions. The rise is mainly due to higher commercial energy use and travel patterns returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the City of Bellevue.
Bellevue's emissions have dropped 7.7% since 2011, despite a 25% population and 26% employment growth. This reduction is supported by transit-oriented developments, which have also cut per capita emissions by 26%. However, increased use of natural gas for electricity has slowed progress. On a positive note, the city's municipal operations have reduced emissions by 54% since 2011, surpassing their 2030 goal, as reported by the City of Bellevue.
Bellevue is working toward its 2030 and 2050 sustainability goals through the Environmental Stewardship program and updates to the Sustainable Bellevue Plan. A town hall meeting on Wednesday at Puesta del Sol Elementary School will provide information on these efforts and allow residents to get involved. The city's Environmental Performance Dashboard also includes updated data, including a revised 2022 greenhouse gas inventory on air travel, as stated by the City of Bellevue.
