RCW 70A.45.050 requires Washington state agencies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from agency operations. Specifically, we are required to reduce emissions from fleet vehicles and building emissions 45% by 2030, 70% by 2040, and 95% by 2050, relative to 2005 levels.
WDFW also recognizes that climate change poses challenges to fulfill our mission to “preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.” However, our agency operations produce GHG emissions that contribute to climate change. We know that effective climate action requires emissions reduction at all levels of government, and we embrace embrace the responsibility to make our operations as sustainable as possible. WDFW feels privileged to be able to lead by example in our sustainability efforts.
What greenhouse gas emissions does WDFW generate?
In 2019, WDFW produced 17,561 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2E). Although RCW 70A.45.050 only requires emissions reductions for fleet and buildings, WDFW took our inventory a step further to also include emissions from business travel and employee commuting.
The fleet is WDFW’s largest emissions sector at 43% of total emissions. Buildings were the second largest sector at 40% and commuting and business travel made up the remaining 17% of emissions. WDFW completes a greenhouse gas inventory for the Department of Ecology on even numbered years and an internal, more robust inventory on odd numbered years.
How is WDFW making its operations more sustainable?
The WDFW Sustainability Plan details more than we can accomplish at once, so as an agency we are focused on enacting a small subset of strategies and actions first. Our current priority initiatives focus on reducing emissions from the three highest sectors.
Fleet emissions
The fleet is not only WDFW’s largest source of emissions, but also the source that will require the most internal action to reduce. WDFW is focused on transitioning fleet vehicles to electric alternatives by planning and installing Level 2 electric vehicle chargers at worksites for agency fleet vehicles, and incrementally phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles. WDFW is also seeking opportunities to reduce overall vehicle miles traveled and to share vehicles.
Building emissions
Buildings and energy use are WDFW’s second largest source of emissions. WDFW recently collaborated to assess options for generating our own renewable energy to offset energy use.
Commute emissions
WDFW is reducing emissions from employee commuting and incentivizing sustainable commute modes through a commute trip reduction incentive program. Employees are encouraged to use a low or zero carbon mode of transportation to get to work and can receive a small incentive by tracking their commute modes.
