Climate Action Plan — Measuring Progress

METRIC 6

Sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes

Percent increase in multi-use trail, sidewalk, and bike lane mileage in the county.

Building out an interconnected network of multi-use trails, sidewalks and bike lanes provides a viable alternative to the personal vehicle for local trips. The stronger this network is, the more likely it is to be used, which will reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes (miles)

This metric coordinates with Landscape3 metric 15.

Data source: Chester County Planning Commission data.

METRIC 7

Transportation to work

Percentage of residents using means other than single-occupant vehicles for transportation to work.

Driving alone in a car with an internal combustion engine is the most carbon-intensive way to travel from a per-person standpoint (aside from flying!). Carpooling, traveling by bike, bus, or train reduces emissions associated with commuting.

Means to work for Chester County residents

Data source: Census/American Community Survey.

METRIC 8

Electric vehicles

Number of electric vehicles county-wide.

According to the US Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, electric vehicles driven in Pennsylvania generate only 18% of the carbon emissions that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles produce on an annual basis, far outweighing the slight emissions advantage ICE vehicles have over electric related to the vehicles' production and recycling.

EVs registered in Chester County

Data Source: Vehicle registration data from PennDOT.

METRIC 9

Charging stations

Number of electric vehicle charging stations county-wide.

A robust and convenient network of public EV charging stations is needed to allow for a strong transition to electric vehicles, both by individuals and commercial fleets. Although most charging will happen at home or at work, public chargers help ease "range anxiety" and are important for those without access to chargers at home or at work.

Public charging stations

Data source: US Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center data.

METRIC 10

County vehicles with low/no emissions

Percentage of county fleet that consists of low/no emissions vehicles.

Chester County has a goal of converting its government fleet vehicles to electric or other low/no emissions vehicles over time to reduce emissions associated with usage of county vehicles.

County vehicles with low/no emissions

Data source: Report from Chester County fleet manager.

METRIC 11

Gasoline used by county vehicles

Annual gasoline usage by county fleet vehicles (gallons)

Chester County has a goal of converting government fleet vehicles to electric or other low/no emissions vehicles over time. Gasoline usage will go down as more internal combustion engine vehicles are replaced with electric or hybrid vehicles.

Gallons of fuel (gas and diesel) used for county fleet vehicles

METRIC 12

Multi-family housing

Percentage of new housing units that are attached or multi-family.

Attached and multi-family units are generally smaller than single family detached units, thereby requiring less energy for heating and cooling. Additionally, the shared walls of attached units that are not exposed to extreme outside temperatures also reduce heating and cooling requirements.

Type of housing units built

This metric coordinates with Landscape3 metric 9.

Data source: Chester County Planning Commission Housing Report.

METRIC 13

Housing in growth areas

Percentage of proposed residential lots/units in designated growth areas.

Rural and suburban landscapes in Chester County (and throughout the country) were designed around a culture of driving. Walking or biking for transportation purposes in these areas is often not feasible given the spread-out nature of destinations and lack of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure on most roadways. By locating new housing units in existing urban centers and other growth areas where pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure could feasibly connect users to their desired destinations, more residents could reduce the reliance on personal vehicles and their associated emissions.

Proposed residential lots/units in designated growth areas

Data source: Chester County Planning Commission.

METRIC 14

Clean energy plans

Number of municipalities that have adopted a Clean Energy Transition plan or Climate Action Plan.

Tackling greenhouse gas emissions can seem like a monumental feat without a plan. Clean Energy Transition Plans and Climate Action Plans typically establish clear targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and a feasible action plan for reducing emissions associated with municipal government operations and often the community at large. Municipalities with such a plan are more likely to take a proactive approach toward reducing their own emissions and promoting beneficial practices in their communities like energy efficiency, composting, and stewardship of natural landscapes and soil.

Municipalities with an adopted plan

Data source: Chester County Planning Commission.