OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Today the first-ever national standard for how to measure the greenhouse gas emissions associated with communities was released by ICLEI–Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA). The U.S. Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Community Protocol) changes the game for U.S. cities and counties. It is a much-needed resource to help more local governments reduce their communities’ carbon emissions.
The Community Protocol simplifies and standardizes the technical guidance necessary to complete a greenhouse gas inventory. This allows local governments to gain a clearer understanding of which sources and activities within their communities—from power generation and passenger vehicles to livestock and solid waste treatment—are most responsible for the greenhouse gases driving climate change.
“The Community Protocol fills a void for local governments and resolves longstanding confusion on GHG reporting,” said Michael Schmitz, ICLEI USA Executive Director. “With a consistent standard in place, local governments can more clearly measure and report carbon emissions, evaluate climate progress, and compare results. Cities and counties are already the national leaders on climate action. This national standard will make it easier for even more local governments to get started on actions to lower their emissions.”
“ICLEI is the recognized leader in local climate action, but we didn’t develop the Community Protocol on our own: We did it in close collaboration with leading local governments,” added Schmitz. “This approach proves the power of our network of more than 1,000 cities, towns, and counties worldwide, who are sharing solutions to accelerate sustainability success.”
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Note: ICLEI claims to be an independent climate action organization. This is false. The foundation was set up by the United nations to implement local agenda 21. If you would like to learn more about ICLEI, local agenda 21 and agenda 21 please watch the video below.
In the United States, ICLEI USA works to help local governments achieve deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and tangible improvements in local sustainability. To help local governments to meet their self-defined goals, we provide software tools, trainings, technical assistance, guidebooks, as well as vibrant peer networks where local government staff can share challenges and best practices. Learn more in the About ICLEI FAQ .