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Climate Action Plan
Overview
The Issaquah Climate Action Plan (ICAP) was born from community feedback to create a sustainable, livable Issaquah while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the local natural environment.
Plan development began in the Summer 2021 following Climate Convening meetings with the community and adopted by City Council in December 2021.
The ICAP is the culmination of analysis, best available science, community engagement and strategic problem-solving. The plan development involved community and stakeholder engagement to thoroughly ensure the adoption of a plan that meets Issaquah’s unique values and needs.
The plan is centered on taking bold action while ensuring accessibility, affordability and equity through strategies, goals, multi-benefit actions and metrics to drive success through implementation.
Review the Data
This dashboard visualizes the progress on plan implementation, as well as shares up-to-date data on current performance related to the plan’s high level goals. This dashboard is updated quarterly in January, April, July and October.
Focus Areas
This area focuses on reducing overall community greenhouse gas emissions. This is achieved through an emphasis on municipal leadership through reducing municipal emissions, regional collaboration and participation, and advocacy for state and federal climate policies. A priority of municipal leadership is local outreach and a strong emphasis on community involvement and education.
Targets
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to a 2007 baseline:
- 50% by 2030
- 75% by 2040
- 95% and net zero emissions by 2050
In Issaquah, 61% of our emissions are from energy use, making the Buildings & Energy action area critical to reducing our local emissions. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings through energy efficiency, electrification and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Targets
- 25% decrease in energy use (natural gas and electricity) in new and existing buildings communitywide by 2030 from 2017 levels.
- Net-zero GHG emissions in new buildings communitywide by 2030.
- Reduce natural gas and other fossil fuel use in existing buildings by at least 20% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, compared to a 2017 baseline.
- 100% renewable electricity by 2025 in municipal buildings
A third of Issaquah’s emissions come from transportation. Efforts around reducing these emissions focus on updating land use codes, increasing connectivity within Issaquah and spreading the availability of electric vehicle infrastructure. Goals and actions concerning transportation and land use largely correlate to the Mobility Master Plan.
Targets
- 15% increase in non-drive alone mode share from 2017 levels by 2030.
- 20% decrease in vehicle miles travelled (VMT) from 2017 levels by 2030.
Currently, Issaquah’s solid waste disposal contributes to less than 2% of greenhouse gas emissions and 39% of waste is diverted from landfills. The Materials & Consumption action area strives to reduce community waste and associated greenhouse gas emissions from consumption and disposal of goods and materials.
Targets
- Increase percentage of waste diverted from landfills to 70% by 2030 and 90% by 2050.
Both the City and the community recognize the unique value of natural resources within Issaquah. The preservation and expansion of natural resources and green space was seen as a priority during community meetings. Areas of focus include expanding the tree canopy beyond 51%, improving local carbon sequestration, recreation, protection of waterways and preservation of vital habitats.
Targets
- 55% tree canopy coverage by 2035
Climate change brings unavoidable impacts, and the ICAP includes actions and strategies designed to increase community resilience through adaption and resource organization to support wellbeing. An emphasis of this action is the community’s ability to be prepared for climate emergencies.
Targets
- Emergency services can serve 100% of Issaquah’s population.
Get Involved
Browse the other Sustainability tabs to learn about ways to get involved.
Stay Connected
To stay connected on this project, subscribe to the “Sustainability” category via the City’s Notify Me tool.
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Sustainability
Physical Address
130 E Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA 98027
Phone: 425-837-3000