Energy use in buildings accounts for some of the largest sources of GHG emissions worldwide, and similarly makes up a large portion of annual emissions at MPRB. Day-to-day building operations such as lighting, space heating and cooling consume large amounts of electricity, while heating both buildings and water requires high levels of natural gas consumption.
Buildings are responsible for 8,427 mt CO2e at MPRB, or 60% of MPRB total emissions footprint
Electricity
In 2018, total electricity consumption for buildings was roughly 10.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh). Building electricity emissions are responsible for 4,754 mt CO2e, or 33.9% of MPRB’s total emissions footprint. Recreation centers account for the largest organization-wide electricity consumption, followed by maintenance/storage buildings, ice arenas, and indoor pools. Recreation centers also have the largest building footprint at MPRB, making up 45% of total property area by square footage.
Natural Gas
Total natural gas usage in 2018 was 690,000 therms. This equates to 3,673 mt CO2e, or 26.2% of MPRB’s total emissions footprint. Like electricity, recreation centers accounted for the largest portion of natural gas use at 42%. Ice arenas accounted for the second-highest users of gas at 19% of the total, as well as 18% of total electricity use.