The Titusville Environmental Commission convened on January 10, 2024, to discuss the city's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions report, a collaborative effort involving ICLEI, Audubon Florida, and Stetson University. The meeting highlighted the findings from the 2021 emissions inventory, which was prepared by a student intern, Alexia, using ICLEI's ClearPath tool.
The report revealed that the city's vehicle fleet is the largest contributor to GHG emissions, followed by street lights, traffic signals, and municipal buildings. Other sources, such as employee commutes and wastewater management, accounted for smaller portions of the total emissions. The commission emphasized the need for effective emissions reduction targets, particularly focusing on the vehicle fleet and municipal facilities.
During the meeting, members discussed the importance of the Sustainability Action Plan (SAP), adopted in April 2023, which aims to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. The report's findings will inform future actions, including a potential grant application to the Department of Energy for energy audits of city facilities.
Commission members raised questions about the report's depth and future steps. While the current report serves as a snapshot of emissions, there is a desire for more detailed plans to address identified issues, such as transitioning to biodiesel for the vehicle fleet. The commission acknowledged that future assessments will be necessary to track progress and implement solutions effectively.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring emissions and revising the SAP to incorporate new strategies for reducing the city's carbon footprint. The commission plans to engage the public for input on future revisions, ensuring community involvement in the sustainability efforts.