City of Bend
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How we use energy matters. Energy use in homes, businesses, and municipal buildings is the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Bend.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from EnergyWhat the City is DoingWhat You Can Do
Half of our local emissions come from energy use in buildings, so improving energy efficiency and switching to renewable energy are key to meeting the City’s climate goals. By boosting energy efficiency and moving to carbon-free sources, Bend is working toward the Community Climate Action Plan's goal of cutting fossil fuel use by 70% by 2050.
Reducing energy emissions involves two main strategies: improving energy efficiency and switching to clean, renewable energy sources. Efficient buildings help reduce energy waste and save money, while renewable energy sources like solar and wind replace fossil fuels, cutting down on carbon emissions.
The City is backing these efforts with building codes, electrification incentives, and renewable energy programs, making sure both new and existing buildings contribute to Bend’s climate goals. Additionally, the City is pushing for state and federal policies that speed up the transition to clean energy, ensuring long-term benefits for both residents and businesses.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Energy
According to the 2021 Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory, energy-related emissions make up 50% of Bend’s local emissions. Residential buildings are responsible for 28%, and commercial buildings contribute 20%. Within this sector:
- Electricity use accounts for 73% of building energy emissions.
- Natural gas contributes 24%, mainly for heating.
- Industrial energy use makes up the remaining share.
Between 2016 and 2021, energy-related emissions in Bend decreased by 1.5%, from 680,000 MTCO2e in 2016 to 670,000 MTCO2e in 2021. This slight decline reflects improvements in energy efficiency and the growing share of renewable energy in the electricity grid. However, population and economic growth have led to rising overall energy consumption, highlighting the need for continued investment in efficiency measures and clean energy sources. Expanding renewable energy options and promoting electrification will be crucial in meeting Bend’s long-term goal of reducing fossil fuel use by 70% by 2050.