Greensburg - American Planning Association

DEVELOPING A BASELINE
The following prototype emissions
survey was done to give a preliminary
idea of where Greensburg’s emissions
stood before the tornado and the
potential reductions after rebuilding.
The following figures are from the City’s
2006 records and additional analysis
completed by NREL.
ELECTRICITY IMPACT
Electricity used in Greensburg is created
largely from coal-based sources. The
source of electricity impacts the amount
of CO 2
released per kilowatt-hour.
Electricity originates with some other
form of energy - falling water, wind,
geothermal steam, nuclear, natural gas,
oil, or coal. Electricity from fossil fuels
emits far more greenhouse gas than
electricity from renewable resources,
e.g., hydropower, wind, and biomass.
Conversion Factors: In Greensburg, the
utility fuel mixes are typically 1/10 wind,
9/10 coal-fired, therefore 1000 kWh =
594.6 lbs of CO2 emissions.
2006 Electricity:
9,800,000 kWh = 5,827,080 pounds of
CO 2
NATURAL GAS IMPACT
In Greensburg, natural gas is the primary
source for heating.
Conversion Factors: 1 Therm of natural
gas produces 11.64 lbs of CO 2
2006 natural gas use:
650,000 Therms = 7,566,000 pounds of
CO 2
TRANSPORTATION IMPACT
Vehicles on Greensburg area roads
were the only source of greenhouse gas
emissions considered for this exercise.
Other categories for future study might
include air, rail and bus travel. Most
vehicles in Greensburg are powered by
fossil fuel, primarily gasoline and diesel,
which are major greenhouse gas
contributors. Most drivers drive alone
to work or school. As the amount of
driving increases, so does the amount
of greenhouse gas emitted. For the
purposes of this exercise, estimated
figures and national averages were
used:
Estimated Number of vehicles in
Greensburg in 2006: 577
Average annual miles driven (national
average): 15,000
Average fuel efficiency (national
average): 20.7
Gallons of gas driven: (15000 x 577) /
20.7 = 418,116 gallons
Conversion Factor: Every gallon of
gasoline burned releases 20 lbs of CO 2
2006 transportation impact:
8,360,000 pounds of CO 2
90
Greensburg Sustainable Comprehensive Plan
CITY OF GREENSBURG, KANSAS + BNIM