Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

As part of the Climate Action Plan, Howard County developed an updated inventory of GHG emissions, looked at how emissions have changed since 2005, and projected future emissions through 2045. This information helped shape the strategies and actions aimed at reducing emissions and capturing carbon.

Community GHGs

GHGs: Behind the Numbers

Transportation emissions result from tailpipe gas and diesel combustion and are estimated using vehicle miles traveled in Howard County.

Emissions from electricity in buildings includes all building types plus streetlights. Data is provided by BG&E and Potomac Edison.

Emissions from fossil fuels combustion in buildings are the result of natural gas and oil usage in all building types. Data is provided by utilities.

Solid waste emissions are the result of methane release when organic material decomposes in landfills. Data is tracked by and obtained from MDE.

Wastewater emissions result from the wastewater treatment process, primarily in the form of N2O release.

Fugitive emissions come from the leakage of HFC-containing refrigerant from A.C. & refrigerators. Natural gas transport also leaks fugitive emissions.

Howard County Climate Forward Table 6: Summary of Howard County Mitigation Strategies (p. 41).

GHG Emissions Reductions

Mitigation Strategies

Howard County can achieve most of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions needed to meet its 2045 net-zero goal by decarbonizing the electricity grid, using less energy in buildings, increasing the use of electric vehicles, and reducing how much people drive. Decarbonizing the grid means generating more electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind instead of fossil fuels. Together, these strategies could reduce emissions by 44% below 2005 levels by 2030, and by 70% compared to what emissions would be in 2045 if no additional action is taken (business-as-usual scenario).

While nature-based strategies weren’t formally measured in this analysis, they will still play an important role in reducing emissions—especially through carbon storage, which refers to the ability of forests, soils, and other natural areas to absorb and hold carbon dioxide. These strategies also offer valuable co-benefits, such as improving water quality, reducing flooding, and supporting habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.

What You Can Do

Learn More About Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Explore Your Household Carbon Footprint with the EPA Carbon Footprint Calculator
Dive deeper into greenhouse gas emissions reduction planning in Maryland
Learn more about Howard County’s commitments to lower GHG emissions and stem the causes of climate change.