Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) 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 (NOX), which are precursors to ozone formation. The MCAQD is working to reduce emissions of VOC and NOX 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 mobile sources and electricity use are the primary sources of GHG emissions from residents, visitors, and businesses in Maricopa County.

Summary of Results 

  • Gross GHG Emissions = 46,827,538 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e)
  • GHG Reductions (Urban Forestry) = -274,963 MTCO2e
  • Net GHG Emissions = 46,552,576 MTCO2e
  • Per Capita Net GHG Emissions = 10.5 MTCO2e
  • 2018 Net GHG Emissions = 48,573,797 MTCO2e (corrected value)


2020 Maricopa County GHG Emissions by Source Category 

Source Category

MTCO2e

%

Mobile Sources

21,503,416

45.9

Electricity Use

19,104,185

40.8

Stationary Fuel Combustion

2,796,307

6.0

Wastewater

1,036,978

2.2

Livestock (Cattle)

856,459

1.8

Manufacturing (Fluorinated Gas Use)

579,756

1.2

Solid Waste

526,354

1.1

Imported Water (Electricity Used)

274,346

0.6

Fertilizer Use

149,736

0.3

*Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent

Maricopa County Greenhouse Gas Emissions By Source Category

Reports

Maricopa County 2020 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

Data

Source Data for the Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

Resources

For municipalities that want to reduce emissions visit Examples of Emission Reduction Programs. For businesses that want to reduce emissions visit EPA Center for Corporate Climate Leadership. For businesses that decide to reduce emissions voluntarily should contact the MCAQD to determine if the changes are eligible for Emission Reduction Credits.

Contact Us

To contact the emissions inventory unit, call 602-506-6790 or email EmissionsInventory@maricopa.gov.

Page reviewed 29 September 2023