Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department prepared this community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory to give city, town, and county leaders an understanding of the carbon footprint of their communities. By understanding the sources of greenhouse gas emissions, leaders can make operational decisions and implement voluntary programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within their communities. Businesses and individuals can also make personal choices to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions benefit everyone. When governments, businesses, and individuals reduce their carbon footprint, they also save money through reduced fuel, water and/or electricity costs. These changes also reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NO_X), which are precursors to ozone formation. The MCAQD is working to reduce emissions of VOC and NO_X to help Maricopa County attain the 2015 ozone standard.

This non-regulatory emissions inventory was prepared based on data that is publicly available, and other information that was provided voluntarily by industries that generate GHG. The final report shows that electricity use and vehicles are the primary sources of GHG emissions from residents, visitors, and businesses in Maricopa County.