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County Policies & Action

Carbon Neutral Government

Missoula County has taken active steps to increase sustainability in county buildings and operations, with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2035. 

On March 14, 2019, the Board of County Commissioners established a goal of carbon neutrality for Missoula County government operations by 2035.

An internal Carbon Neutrality Team is currently working to develop a plan to achieve the carbon neutrality goal. Although the plan is in development, many departments have been working together over the years to reduce emissions across all sectors.

Learn more about the emissions reduction by sector and some of the projects that enabled us to achieve a 9.4% reduction overall:

Buildings and Facilities
  • Installation of the largest rooftop solar array in the state at the Missoula County Detention Facility.
  • Installation of a solar array at the Missoula Public Library.
  • Installation of solar panels, a geothermal system, and electric vehicle chargers at the GW Marks Exploration Center.
  • Adoption of an Energy Efficient Building Policy for new construction and renovation of county-owned buildings.
  • Contract with McKinstry, an energy services company, for an in-depth energy audit to identify energy saving opportunities at the Detention Facility and the Courthouse.
Fleet Vehicles and Equipment
  • We have achieved a 17% emissions reduction in this sector, through the replacement of older vehicles with more fuel-efficient models.
Employee Commute
  • We have achieved a 31% reduction in this sector, largely through adoption of a Telecommuting Policy, enabling flexible scheduling for employees.
Water and Wastewater
  • We have a achieved a 5% reduction in this sector.
 

2021 Greenhouse Gas Report

In 2021, county operations resulted in the emission of 7,505 metric tons of CO2: 

55%

county buildings

23%

county-owned vehicles

13%

employee commutes

8%

water and wastewater

Between 2022 and 2023, Climate Action staff conducted an inventory of 2021 greenhouse gas emissions as a 5-year update and comparison to the 2016 Inventory.
Of the 7,505 total metric tons of CO2 emitted, 4,166 came from buildings and facilities, 1,718 came from vehicles and equipment, 978 came from employee commutes, and 643 came from water and wastewater.
The 2021 inventory report found that Missoula County had reduced emissions 9.4% below 2016 levels. Additionally, the County achieved a 27% decrease in emissions per employee, despite a 19% increase in number of employees.

2016 Greenhouse Gas Inventory

In August 2017, Missoula County completed its first Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for County Operations. 

In April 2018, additional utility data was included in the form of an addendum to the original Inventory. The addendum provides a more accurate estimation of buildings and facilities emissions but does not change the overall recommendations of the original report.

Read more at the documents below: