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Climate Change Mitigation -
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

Mitigation efforts focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable fuels.

The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources is taking action to reduce contributions to climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions, as recommended by the Climate Action Plan Advisory Group (CAPAG).

Activities that are currently underway:

The Division of Air Quality has reported DENR’s Carbon Footprint to The Climate Registry, and obtained third party verification of emissions data. Establishing this detailed baseline enables DENR to lead by example and become a model for other state agencies in reducing emissions.

The department provided technical support to the Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change. The department is working with the General Assembly and regulatory commissions to develop new environmental protection requirements and guidelines for renewable energy projects that enhance stewardship and promote economic growth.

The department's 2009-2010 Strategic Energy Plan outlines specific actions to reduce energy and water consumption at our facilities across the state. State Agencies are required to reduce energy consumption per gross square foot by 20 percent by 2010 and 30 percent by 2015 based on the 2003-2004 fiscal year. In 2010, DENR has exceeded this initial 20% reduction goal, reducing consumption of electricity and fuel 22% from the FY 2003-2004 baseline.

DENR applies sustainable building practices in all major facility construction and renovation projects, and have been fortunate to receive $1.2 million through an ARRA energy efficiency grant to retrofit some of DENR’s facilities. DENR will implement 2 sets of policies that address energy consumption and other sustainable activities:

  • •Green Square Complex Policies will go into effect when DENR moves into those buildings.
  • The Sustainable Living Policies would apply to all other facilities used by DENR, including the move of other divisions into Archdale. The sustainable living policies are being phased in beginning Sept. 30, 2010, to be fully implemented by Sept. 30, 2011.
  • The Sustainability Team will provide training to create employee awareness of need to change behaviors that waste energy, through an online conservation education module for all DENR staff, and hosting the DENR Sustainability Training Conference (March 2011).

The Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance provides technical assistance to business, industries and government agencies on ways to reduce their energy use.