Climate Action

Boise: Climate Neutral by 2050

Carbon Neutral by 2050

The City of Boise just set a bold climate action goal of being completely carbon neutral by 2050. The city is committed to taking action to address climate change, because our city’s prosperity is directly linked to clean energy, clean air and water, and open space. Climate action isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a public health and economic development necessity. Climate action is about creating green jobs and a new economy for the future while protecting the health of all Boiseans. By harnessing innovation, and the passion of the next generation, Boise will be a national climate leader.

The recently developed Climate Action Roadmap provides a clear path forward to reaching carbon neutrality. The roadmap focuses on both cutting greenhouse gas emissions and building resiliency so our city can adapt to climate changes in our region.

Text with image of Boise skyline. Text reads, "Carbon Neutral by 2050"

Why Climate Action?

Boiseans may be noticing differences in the Treasure Valley’s climate, much like current trends across the country and the world. These differences can impact the health, quality of life, and livelihoods of us all. The city has identified specific climate-related impacts and hazards projected for our region:

Hotter summer days
Heavier precipitation days
Shifting seasonal water levels
Earlier snow melt
Worsening air quality days
Increasing drought frequency

How We'll Get There

The roadmap prioritizes quick action by city government while engaging the community and key partners in ongoing work. Aggressive benchmarks have been set to measure progress and track goal achievement along the way.

Timeline:

2030: 100% Clean Electricity for City of Boise government facilities
2035:
- Carbon Neutral for City of Boise government facilities and operations
- 100% Clean Electricity for the Boise community
2050: Carbon Neutral for the Boise community

Explore the Roadmap

Graphic with text - "2030: 100% clean electricity for City of Boise government facilities; 2035: carbon neutral for City of Boise government facilities; 2035: 100% clean electricity for the Boise community; 2050: Carbon neutral for the Boise Community — Climate Roadmap Major Milestone Timeline

Help Us Get There - 3 Steps

These steps prioritize the quickest ways to reduce emissions and help create a more resilient city that can adapt in the face of climate change. Choose the actions that are right for you and your family.

1. Use Less Energy

Use LED light bulbs for replacements
Replace your furnace/air conditioning filter regularly
Adjust settings on your thermostat by a few degrees and/or install a digital programmable thermostat
Wash clothes in cold water
Hang clothes to dry outside
When purchasing new appliances or electronics, consider Energy Star
When replacing heating and cooling systems consider using a high efficiency heat pump
Consider installing rooftop solar
Add or upgrade insulation if necessary
Consider replacing windows with more efficient ones

Utilize rebates and incentives from Idaho Power and Intermountain Gas when replacing heating or cooling systems, or a programmable thermostat.

2. Drive Less and Travel Differently

Take one fewer trip in your personal vehicle each day
Use public transit, carpool, walk or bike
Consider purchasing a carbon credit to offset the emissions from your air travel
Consider purchasing an electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle

3. Reduce and Reuse

Shop for items and goods with less plastic
Shop locally reused products
Compost more! Increase your participation in the city’s compost program
Recycle better! Become an educated recycler

Learn More

Climate Research and Data

In 2000, the city began collecting data to develop a baseline of information to understand our current conditions to determine where we can take action in mitigating climate change.

Learn More

Climate Related Initiatives

View of Boise from Trail with sun setting

Youth Climate Action Council

Diverse student leaders from Boise schools taking climate action.

Boise's Energy Future

Boise’s Energy Future is focused on setting measurable and achievable renewable energy and efficiency goals for the entire city.

Kids playing in water feature at the Boise WaterShed

Boise Environmental Education

Opportunities to learn about the local environment and sustainability.

Trees in foreground with Boise skyline behind

City of Trees Challenge

Planting trees to offset carbon and provide tree canopy across the community.

America the Beautiful

A set of goals unique to Boise to preserve natural habitat and promote clean water.

Water Renewal Services

Boise's commitment to clean water, water renewal, and utility services.

Curb It

Boise's trash, recycling, compost and other solid waste program.

Public Works Arts Plan

Calling artists to become impactful leaders by engaging community in environmental issues through art in the public infrastructure of the city.

Land Acknowledgement

The City of Boise acknowledges the ancestral, cultural, traditional, and unceded territory of the Shoshone, Bannock, and Norther Paiute people on which the city is situated.

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