Climate and Air: St. Louis’ Decarbonization Efforts
The City of St. Louis is taking bold steps to secure a sustainable future. By integrating several decarbonization efforts, city leaders aim to address the urgent challenges of climate and air quality. These initiatives focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by building energy consumption and fossil-fueled vehicles, creating a healthier environment for all residents.
From adhering to global covenants to implementing local solar ordinances, St. Louis proves that municipal action drives real change. This article explores the specific strategies the city employs to protect our atmosphere and improve the quality of life in the region.
Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy
St. Louis is not acting alone; it operates on a global stage. The city is fully compliant with the comprehensive planning and monitoring aspects of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (formerly the Compact of Mayors). Since signing the pledge in 2015, the city has committed to gathering greenhouse gas (GHG) data, setting reduction targets, and identifying climate hazards.
This commitment involves rigorous tracking. In November 2018, the city earned all Compact of Mayors badges and achieved “2021 Compliant” status. This framework ensures that local climate and air strategies are data-driven and aligned with international standards. To support this, the city conducts regular Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories, measuring gases like Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4) to establish baselines and track progress.
Renewable Energy Initiatives Impacting Climate and Air
Transitioning to clean energy is vital for reducing the carbon footprint of the city. St. Louis has several renewable energy efforts underway designed to shift reliance away from fossil fuels.
Solar-Ready Legislation
In December 2019, the city signed a “Solar-Ready Ordinance.” This forward-thinking law ensures that new construction is prepared for solar panel installation, lowering the barrier to entry for clean energy adoption.
Solar Workforce Development
The city views renewable energy as an economic engine. Through partnerships with Employment Connection and the IBEW, St. Louis launched a Solar Workforce Development Pilot. This program trains local workers for careers in the growing green energy sector, ensuring that the economic benefits of climate and air improvements are shared equitably.
Rebates and Community Solar
To make solar accessible, partners like Ameren Missouri offer rebates and community solar options. Programs like Grow Solar STL and RenewSTL Solar provide residential and commercial property owners with discounted purchasing options, further decentralizing energy production.
Building Energy Efficiency
Existing buildings are the source of nearly 80% of the greenhouse gas emissions in St. Louis. Therefore, improving building performance is critical to the city’s decarbonization strategy.
Benchmarking and Performance Standards
St. Louis has become a leader in the Midwest regarding building codes. In 2017, the city passed an Energy Benchmarking Ordinance requiring buildings larger than 50,000 square feet to track and report their energy usage. Transparency allows building owners to identify waste and improve efficiency.
Taking it a step further, the city signed an innovative Building Energy Performance Standard (BEPS) ordinance into law in April 2020. This regulation sets performance targets that buildings must meet over time, driving significant reductions in energy use and emissions.
Low Carbon Transportation for Cleaner Climate and Air
Transportation is another major contributor to atmospheric pollution. St. Louis is aggressively pursuing low-carbon transportation to ensure cleaner streets and breathable air.
Vehicle Electrification
The city is leading by example by transitioning its municipal fleet to electric vehicles (EVs). Utilizing funding from the Volkswagen Trust Settlement, St. Louis unveiled its first municipal Chevy Bolts—100% Zero Emission vehicles—in March 2021. Furthermore, Executive Order #68 mandates the priority procurement of clean municipal vehicles, institutionalizing sustainability in city operations.
EV Charging Infrastructure
To support the switch to electric, the city is expanding infrastructure. New charging stations have been installed at City Hall and St. Louis Lambert Airport. Additionally, “EV Readiness” ordinances now require private locations to be ready for future charging station installations, ensuring the city is prepared for a surge in EV ownership.
Anti-Idling and Complete Streets
Improving air quality also means changing behavior. The city’s Anti-Idling Ordinance prohibits vehicles from idling for more than five minutes, directly reducing concentrated exhaust fumes. Simultaneously, the “Complete Streets” ordinance ensures roadways are designed for cyclists, walkers, and public transit users, reducing reliance on cars and promoting healthier, emission-free travel.
Community Engagement and PACE Financing
The city empowers property owners to take action through financial tools. St. Louis launched “Set the PACE St. Louis,” a Property Assessed Clean Energy financing program. This tool allows home and business owners to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades with no upfront costs, repaying the loan through property tax bills.
Between 2017 and 2019, approximately $3.7 million was invested in over 200 projects, directly improving the climate and air resilience of the city’s building stock.
Individual action also plays a role. The “St. Louis Climate Handprint” initiative encourages residents to take positive steps at home and work. Whether it is changing to LED bulbs or choosing alternative transportation, every action counts toward the collective goal.
Learn More About Sustainable Living
For more insights on how community initiatives and policy changes shape our environment, read more on thenarrativematters.com.
Conclusion
St. Louis is demonstrating that local government can be a powerful force in the global fight against climate change. Through rigorous planning, building modernization, and a shift toward cleaner transportation, the city is actively reducing its carbon footprint. These comprehensive efforts to improve climate and air quality not only protect the environment but also build a more resilient and equitable economy for all St. Louisans.
For a deeper dive into the global standards St. Louis is meeting, visit the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy website.
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