Climate Action Plan

Overview

The Issaquah Climate Action Plan (ICAP) was born from community feedback to create a sustainable, livable Issaquah while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the local natural environment.

Plan development began in the Summer 2021 following Climate Convening meetings with the community and adopted by City Council in December 2021.

The ICAP is the culmination of analysis, best available science, community engagement and strategic problem-solving. The plan development involved community and stakeholder engagement to thoroughly ensure the adoption of a plan that meets Issaquah’s unique values and needs.

The plan is centered on taking bold action while ensuring accessibility, affordability and equity through strategies, goals, multi-benefit actions and metrics to drive success through implementation.

Review the Data

This dashboard visualizes the progress on plan implementation, as well as shares up-to-date data on current performance related to the plan’s high level goals. This dashboard is updated quarterly in January, April, July and October.

Focus Areas

Overarching Climate Actions

This area focuses on reducing overall community greenhouse gas emissions. This is achieved through an emphasis on municipal leadership through reducing municipal emissions, regional collaboration and participation, and advocacy for state and federal climate policies. A priority of municipal leadership is local outreach and a strong emphasis on community involvement and education.

Targets

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to a 2007 baseline:
- 50% by 2030
- 75% by 2040
- 95% and net zero emissions by 2050

Buildings & Energy

In Issaquah, 61% of our emissions are from energy use, making the Buildings & Energy action area critical to reducing our local emissions. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings through energy efficiency, electrification and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Targets

25% decrease in energy use (natural gas and electricity) in new and existing buildings communitywide by 2030 from 2017 levels.
Net-zero GHG emissions in new buildings communitywide by 2030.
Reduce natural gas and other fossil fuel use in existing buildings by at least 20% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, compared to a 2017 baseline.
100% renewable electricity by 2025 in municipal buildings

Transportation & Land Use

A third of Issaquah’s emissions come from transportation. Efforts around reducing these emissions focus on updating land use codes, increasing connectivity within Issaquah and spreading the availability of electric vehicle infrastructure. Goals and actions concerning transportation and land use largely correlate to the Mobility Master Plan.