2030 Annual Report

The Philadelphia 2030 District combines the potential for scaled climate action, improved health, and economic activity that is essential to COVID-19 recovery efforts. 

On this page you can learn about the significant and scaled impact that has been made to-date by more than 23 million square feet of building space participating in the initiative!

In lieu of a written report, we have produced brief videos that capture the important and exciting highlights of what we’ve learned so far. 

Watch our welcome video to get started! 

Alternatively, presentation slides are available for those interested. 

What is the Philadelphia 2030 District?

The Philadelphia 2030 District is a voluntary effort by the owners, managers, and developers of the city’s largest buildings to achieve deep reductions in energy use, water use, transportation emissions, and to improve stormwater management. 

The initiative seeks to improve efficiency in Philadelphia buildings with goals to lower costs, reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality and tenant comfort, and enhance the resiliency of the city’s new and existing building stock.

Philadelphia can make a direct and significant impact on reducing local carbon emissions by improving the performance of its largest buildings through the Philadelphia 2030 District.

Who's involved?

Property partners are building owners and/or managers who commit property to meet the district goals. Community partners are government, non-profit, and civic organizations that provide support and expertise for the district. Resource partners are energy services companies, utilities, and professional firms that provide expertise, deliver services, and sponsor the district.

How are we doing?

Each year, Green Building United aggregates progress toward the district goals. 

As of our latest annual report, based on 2019 data, property partners have achieved significant reductions in energy and water use at the building level, and progress to reduce transportation emission and improve stormwater management districtwide.

Property partners meet the goals of the Philadelphia 2030 District through sophisticated operations, robust tenant engagement, and strategic investments in conservation and efficiency strategies.

Meeting the Goals

Energy

With buildings and industry accounting for 79 percent of carbon emissions in Philadelphia, the 2030 District presents the region’s best opportunity to reduce its impact on climate change. Better building energy performance also lowers operational costs, improves indoor air quality and tenant comfort, and enhances the resiliency of the city’s new and existing building stock to the effects of climate change.
 

30.7% reduction

Energy Baseline Guidance via Zero Tool

Water

Using water efficiently in a building results in both direct operational cost savings and related energy savings.
 

29.1% reduction

Water Baseline Guidance

Transportation

Transportation is the second largest source of carbon emissions in Philadelphia. Discouraging single-occupancy vehicle commuting not only reduces transportation emissions but also improves quality of life by improving air quality and travel times.
 

12.8% reduction

Transportation Emissions Baseline Guidance

Stormwater Management

Stormwater management has been added to the 2030 District goals to align with Green City, Clean Waters (GCCW.) GCCW is the City of Philadelphia’s plan to reduce stormwater pollution entering its combined sewer system using green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). GSI projects beautify communities, improve public health, create ecological habitat, and enhance local economic vitality. 
 

50.1 Greened Acres

Stomwater Mangement Baseline Guidance

Data Limitations

To further contextualize the progress presented and how it relates to years past, we present limitations for both individual building-level as well as districtwide data collection and analysis. 

2019 Annual Report 

2018 Annual Report

Philadelphia 2030 District Sponsors