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Book 2018

The Carbon-Free Regions Handbook: Industry

By Jacob Corvidae, Laurie Stone, James Mandel, Matt Jungclaus, Peter Bronski, and Angela Whitney

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Industry is the foundation of many regional economies. Yet the industrial sector creates 28% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and its impact is growing faster than other sectors.

While industrial companies may be based in a single city, their work and influence usually extend across city boundaries. Regional governments provide the right scale to support industry in transitioning to low-carbon solutions.

Developed in partnership with the Under2 Coalition 

Action 15: Methane Containment

Description

Eliminate wasted methane that is leaked into the atmosphere as a by-product of natural gas production or crude oil production, waste management, or other sources, and capture methane for productive and low-impact uses. Methane leaks should be measured, and should result in financial, regulatory, and other penalties.

Action Documents

Recommended Resources

Action 16: Clean Industrial Processes

Description

Convert industrial processes to use fuels that minimize or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. Where possible, electrify industrial processes and leverage renewable electricity sources.

Action Documents

Recommended Resources

Action 17: Shared Industrial Flows

Description

Implement enabling policies for allowing the sharing of waste, heat and materials, and energy, including district-level heating, cooling, and microgrid solutions, within and outside of industrial districts. This can include the support of eco-industrial parks (EIPs), circular economy districts, and/or other district formats that support the reduction of waste.

Action Documents

Recommended Resources

Action 18: Clean Ports and Airports

Description

Set progressive goals and align regional stakeholders to provide low-carbon fuels to vessels and aircraft, develop cleaner energy infrastructure within the facilities, and catalyze the development of low-carbon fuels regionally. Support vehicles and processes for maintenance, fueling, and other activities that minimize process energy consumption and electrify loads where possible. Many ports and airports are in areas subject to extreme weather, making resilience necessary, but also creating the opportunity to serve as emergency response centers.

Action Documents

Recommended Resources

Action 19: Clean Industrial Vehicles

Description

Require cleaner fuels, including electrified solutions, for industrial vehicles in the state or region. This should include vehicles on industrial campuses, as well as vehicles being used in the field such as construction and farming vehicles. This recommendation is not high impact for all regions, and it is most relevant to regions with transport-heavy industries, such as open-pit mining.

Action Documents

Recommended Resources

Engage with Us

Take action today and set your community on an ambitious course to carbon-neutrality bringing economic vitality, cleaner air, and better health and resilience.

Authors

Jacob Corvidae

Jacob Corvidae

Senior Principal
Laurie Stone

Laurie Stone

Managing Editor
James Mandel

James Mandel

Matt Jungclaus

Matt Jungclaus

Peter Bronski

Peter Bronski

Angela Whitney

Angela Whitney

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