Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial, Utilities  -  September 22, 2016

Washington Gas slashes GHG, methane emissions

Washington Gas has surpassed its 2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, the WGL Holdings Inc. subsidiary announced Sept. 22. 

The regulated natural gas utility, which serves more than 1.1 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, said it has reduced its absolute greenhouse gas emissions from its fleet and facilities by 74% and its methane emissions for every unit of natural gas delivered by 20%. The figures best its goals of 70% and 18%, respectively. 

In a news release, Washington Gas said its ability to beat its goals four years ahead of its plan illustrated an ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship. 

Washington Gas earlier this year joined a newly created, voluntary U.S. EPA program aimed at reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas sectors. Methane is believed to be upwards of 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming the planet.

Bureau Veritas North America provided an independent verification of the GHG emissions for both the 2008 baseline and 2014 years, validating the reduction, according to the release. Washington Gas said it was able to surpass its goals earlier than projected through several initiatives, including:

• Establishing a LEED Gold-certified Washington Gas operations headquarters in Springfield, Virginia. The facility uses Bloom Energy server fuel cells that use natural gas to generate electricity, producing almost half the emissions of conventional grid electricity, and employs a wide range of energy efficiency technologies.
• Deploying nearly 200 natural gas vehicles in the Washington Gas fleet.
• Accelerated pipeline replacement programs in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia to enhance the efficiency, safety and reliability of its natural gas system.

"WGL is dedicated to sustainability as a core company value and I am proud of the efforts of our employees, contractors and communities who have made it possible for us to exceed these objectives ahead of schedule," WGL Holdings and Washington Gas Chairman and CEO Terry McCallister said in a statement.

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