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Highland Park reports 15% reduction in greenhouse gases since 2018; staff to present climate action plan in 2026
Summary
Sustainability staff reported a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (77,851 metric tons) from the 2018 baseline through 2023, and outlined steps toward the city goal of 45% reduction by 2030 and net‑zero by 2035; staff will return with a climate action plan in 2026.
Sustainability manager Austin Knight briefed the council on Highland Park’s greenhouse gas inventory and progress toward climate goals on Nov. 10.
Knight said the city set a 2018 baseline and has recorded a reduction of 77,851 metric tons of GHG, representing a 15% decline through 2023; full 2024 reporting remains incomplete and will be finished by 2026. The city’s stated targets are a 45% reduction from the baseline by 2030 and net‑zero carbon emissions by 2035.
Knight identified stationary energy (natural gas and electricity) as the largest emissions contributor (61%) followed by transportation (34%), and said staff will prioritize electrification of homes, increased EV fleet acquisition across departments (police, public works, fire), and policy options including stretch codes. Staff also highlighted community actions — residential solar installations, textiles recycling, school‑district geothermal pilots and a revived Green Alliance — that contribute to reductions.
Council members suggested adding green standards to architect selection and hiring processes to reduce embodied carbon in construction; staff said environmental sustainability already informs interview questions and that recent architect selections considered LEED‑metric capabilities. Staff committed to a committee‑level climate action plan presentation in 2026 with implementation pathways and options.
Next steps: Staff will continue internal coordination, work with the sustainability advisory group and Green Alliance, and bring a climate action plan to a committee of the whole in 2026.
