New study identifies ODOT's top GHG emission sources, offers solutions

February 17, 2022

Contact: Matt Noble, ODOT Communications | 503-779-9868

Fossil fuel use in vehicles and production of construction materials like asphalt and concrete top the list of greenhouse gas emission sources from the Oregon Department of Transportation’s construction and maintenance operations, according to a new agency study.

The multi-year study, published last month, established baseline GHG emissions and explored best practices and recommendations for reducing those emissions.

Read the full GHG emissions study online.

The study measured emissions from sources “owned” by ODOT, like fuel used in maintenance vehicles, and “shared” sources the agency doesn’t directly control, like emissions generated from concrete production. The study did not account for emissions from vehicles driving on completed road projects.

The study offers several recommendations for emissions reduction, including:

• Prioritize low-carbon fuels and electricity when possible, like using more renewable diesel and enrolling in renewable energy programs.
• Transition the agency’s light-duty vehicle fleet to electric vehicles.
• Partner with ODOT-hired contractors to use more renewable fuels and low-carbon materials in their construction and maintenance work.

The study is a crucial step toward reducing ODOT’s carbon footprint, one of ten outcomes in the agency’s Strategic Action Plan. The plan calls for a reduction of agency emissions beginning in 2023.

Suzanne Carlson, ODOT Climate Office director, says the study reinforces several emission reduction actions and strategies the agency has already been working on.

“For example, we upped the amount of renewable diesel we use by about 20% in 2020,” said Carlson. “We're working to reduce emissions from our project materials, too, which is going to take strong partnerships across the agency and with our contractors and producers. The study’s recommendations are clear, and we intend to pursue them.”

ODOT contracted with Good Company, a Eugene-based sustainability firm, to complete the study and final report.