News

Almost 70K Tons of CO2 was Diverted from Philly Buildings in the Past 2 Years

Green Building United Released its 2nd annual 2030 District Report; exceeding previous targets.

Philadelphia has a goal to reduce citywide carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 to slow the effects of climate change. Results are showing that they’re more than halfway to their targets.

The Philadelphia 2030 District, an initiative by Green Building United, aims to reduce carbon emissions in Philadelphia, 79% of which are from buildings and industry. 47 committed properties from 15 partners are currently in the initiative.

The districtwide performance of energy has had a 29.8% reduction from baseline, an equivalent of avoiding over 69,000 metric tons of CO2, which is the same as a year’s supply of energy for 8300 homes in Philly. There’s an economic case for green buildings – it also saved building owners $17,315,932.

Water efficiency is also a big goal of the 2030 district, which has seen a 20% reduction districtwide from baseline over the past two years.

To coincide with the city’s Green City, Clean Waters program, the 2030 district added a stormwater management initiative to green 100 acres. Currently, there have been 43.3 verified green acres.

Want to find out more? Read the official report:


Want to learn more about the 2030 district? You can listen to our City Rising Podcast Episode on the topic.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

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