Due to some of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lifting, emissions in 2021 went up 22% from 2020. This can be attributed to the following drivers:
- Off-road: In 2021, Sunnyvale had a high number of new housing units developed. Impacts on resource and material cost and availability from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to prolonged completion of projects. This resulted in a 260% increase in emissions associated with the off-road sector and was the biggest driver of the emissions increase from 2020 levels.
- Transportation: After accounting for gradual changes in travel patterns during the pandemic, the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and associated emissions from driving increased by 10% in 2021.
- Electricity: Since 2017, Sunnyvale’s electricity emissions declined due to receiving carbon-free electricity from Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE). However, some of our residents and businesses still receive their electricity from PG&E. In 2020, PG&E reported their electricity was carbon-free. This resulted in electricity emissions dropping to nearly zero. In 2021, PG&E reported that they did not supply 100% carbon-free electricity. This resulted in a 913% increase in the sector.
- Natural Gas: lifting the shelter in place order resulted in most office buildings, shopping centers, restaurants, and other commercial businesses returning to partial or full operating capacity. Accordingly, we saw a 9% increase in the amount of natural gas used in commercial buildings.