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Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

GHG Emissions Sources

  • Mobile combustion (District vehicle fleet)
  • Stationary combustion (generators and natural gas)
  • Purchased electricity (water pumping and building use)

Using established protocols, SLVWD has assessed and reported its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) for the years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017. Reports for all years have been certified by CCAR and CAR, with SLVWD consistently recognized as a "Climate Action Leader".

Comparing SLVWD Greenhouse Gas Emissions from 2006 - 2017

Gas Emissions

Purchased Electricity

As the chart above shows, the District's largest overall source of GHG emissions are electricity, which is used mostly to operate its deep-water wells and booster pumps. The District previously purchased its electricity from PG&E, which included both fossil-fuel and alternative energy sources in its mix.The large majority of the District's electricity powers groundwater pumping and booster bumps. In wet years, groundwater pumping starts relatively late in the season and demand for water is generally lower. In dry years, groundwater pumping starts earlier in the season, and demand for water is generally higher.

In 2017, the District started purchasing electricity from Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) (originally Monterey Bay Community Power), which provides higher levels of renewable energy through its Community Choice Energy model. 3CE's model enables communities to choose clean-source power at a cost equivalent to PG&E while retaining PG&E’s role in maintaining power lines and providing customer service. 3CE source their electricity largely from carbon-free energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric – lessening reliance on nuclear or fossil-fuel based sources. Purchasing electricity through 3CE has helped the District reduce its GHG emissions, highlighted by the District's upgrade to 100% renewable energy for the administrative office in 2024.

Mobile Combustion

The District’s mobile combustion emissions are generated by its vehicle fleet. Note that mobile combustion from SLVWD’s vehicle fleet increased with the addition of the Felton system in 2008 and the Lompico system in 2015. This was primarily due to increased driving to service the Felton and Lompico areas. Since 2008, SLVWD has replaced several old vehicles with more fuel-efficient ones, which caused GHGs to drop slightly. It should also be noted the vehicle fleet has grown as the District has expanded taking on new water systems and with new District hires.

Stationary Combustion

The District's emissions from stationary combustion are generated by natural gas and other fossil fuels to run generators. Most generators are only used during power outages or other emergencies.

Summary

With each successive year of reporting, the District has gained valuable new information to assist it in assessing levels and identifying sources of its GHG emissions. The District has steadily increased its use of renewable sources of electricity, investing in substantial solar projects and renewable purchased energy, which will continue to provide significant reductions in both kW-h of purchased electricity and GHG emissions.