L9.2Complete a consumption-based GHG inventory

A consumption-based emissions inventory (CBEI) is a calculation of all of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing, transporting, using, and disposing of products and services consumed by a particular community or entity over a specific time period. A CBEI is a way to tally up a comprehensive emissions ‘footprint’ of a community.

The City already collects data on emissions inside city boundaries (see Surrey’s Carbon Pollution Sources). A CBEI is most useful for understanding where “embedded” emissions generated outside city boundaries constitute a significant portion of the carbon footprint of household and government consumption. By developing a CBEI specific to Surrey's context, the City can develop insights about where local consumption gives rise to emissions outside the city's borders and ultimately recommend additional opportunities for reducing emissions.