You wrote, “she is will to provide you with the data that’s there which is what’s important.”

Well, actually, she provided with summary reports but not any of the data behind it. My experience reviewing emission inventories and similar types of data-based reports is that how data is summarized is often up to interpretation. Fresh sets of eyes looking at the data can find different points of interest. It’s rare that such datasets tell only one story.

“Maybe you can include a list of city activities and their costs and carbon offset, if any.”

Yes, we are gathering that data as well. Projections of costs and savings were included in the city’s climate action plan, and we hope to match taht to actual expenditures and measured cost and emission impacts.

“Like the cost to put together the tool, to hire the staff, light the offices, all that carbon producing stuff. Put that on the list with a zero next to it for carbon offset.”

…Good observation, but also open to interpretation. For instance people are required to do energy efficiency outreach and education — and is it fair
to assign zero emission benefits to that, even in the short term? That’s a good point for discussion.

Thanks,

- Amy Gahran