Net-Zero Emissions Feasibility Study for Spokane Region

Cities across the nation are responding to the challenge to meet aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets in effort to reduce the damaging effects of mankind on this planet.

In Spokane, WA, City Council voted 6-to-1 on October 26th, 2021 to approve the final draft of the Sustainability Action Plan (SAP). The plan contains admirable goals for improving the community as a whole as well as high-level objectives for carrying out directives from the State around renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions.

The Washington State Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) calls for the decarbonization of homes, commercial buildings, and transportation systems with the intent of transitioning off fossil fuels in order to achieve zero net emissions and 100% renewable energy.

RCE was contracted by Spokane building sector leaders to complete a net-zero emissions feasibility study. This study is meant to augment and support the SAP by presenting a clear pathway focused on sound, best-practice solutions for consideration which, if implemented, would achieve zero net emissions targets on time with minimal energy cost increases and without prematurely eliminating low-cost, reliable energy sources.

The SAP does not dig so deep as to be able to build a tactical roadmap around sector greenhouse reduction strategies that matches goals to projects and calculated outcomes. That level of detail is necessary, however, and is what distinguishes the SAP, and even this study, from a comprehensive RCE Net-Zero Emissions Plan.

As we continue our effort with a statewide study around NZE solutions suitable for the diverse renewable resources available and regional climates of Washington State, we welcome further dialogue on the topics within this study.

Download the full study here.