Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Collective’s
COMMUNITY PROGRESS MONITOR
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Gross Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector
Percentage Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector
Clean Energy Jobs (Place of Employment)
Clean Energy Workers (Places of Residence)
Total Solar Energy Generation Capacity
New Solar Energy Generation Capacity
Average Percent Household Energy Burden
Total Public Electric Vehicle [EV] Charging Ports
New Public Electric Vehicle [EV] Charging Ports
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Progress Spotlight
Monroe County’s Ecopark Offers A One Stop Drop Off For Residential Recycling Reducing the Amount of Waste That Ends Up In Landfills and Waterways.
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Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Our shared vision calls for deep, rapid, and sustained reductions in manmade (anthropogenic) greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors, including cutting fossil fuel use, transitioning to renewable energy, and investing in carbon dioxide removal.
About this indicator
This graph breaks down the total greenhouse gas emissions by economic sector (e.g., transportation, electricity, industry), providing insight into the primary sources of emissions in the region.
The underlying data for this indicator comes from the 2023 technical report “Genesee - Finger Lakes Emissions Inventory” commissioned to the Stockholm Environment Institute by the Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region.
Visit Climate TRACE’s Emissions Map for additional location specific GHG data.
Why is this important?
Understanding which sectors emit the most greenhouse gases allows policymakers and stakeholders to target solutions effectively and equitably. In addition, it helps to prioritize mitigation strategies and fosters accountability across different parts of the economy.
How are we doing?
18% Decrease in Gross Greenhouse Gas Emissions from 2010 levels in 2018 observed in Monroe County
How can I take action?
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
Individual: Access NYSERDA’s Energy Efficiency Programs as an initial step to reduce emissions at home.
Group | Organization: Advocate for your community to become a Clean Energy Community and a Climate Smart Community to access implementation funding for projects that reduce emissions. Employers can connect to programs like AMPED for support transitioning to technologies powered by clean zero-emission energy.
Local Government: Explore the State’s Department of Environmental Conservation Resources for Local Governments to access funding and other resources specifically designed to help Local Governments reduce emissions.
About this indicator
This graph illustrates the proportion of total greenhouse gas emissions attributed to each economic sector, highlighting the relative impact of different sectors on the region’s emissions profile.
The underlying data for this indicator comes from the 2023 technical report “Genesee - Finger Lakes Emissions Inventory” commissioned to the Stockholm Environment Institute by the Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region.
Visit Climate TRACE’s Emissions Map for additional location specific GHG data.
Why is this important?
Understanding which sectors emit the most greenhouse gases allows policymakers and stakeholders to target solutions effectively and equitably. In addition, it helps to prioritize mitigation strategies and fosters accountability across different parts of the economy.
How are we doing?
18% Decrease in Gross Greenhouse Gas Emissions from 2010 levels in 2018 observed in Monroe County
How can I take action?
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
Individual: Access NYSERDA’s Energy Efficiency Programs as an initial step to reduce emissions at home.
Group | Organization: Advocate for your community to become a Clean Energy Community and a Climate Smart Community to access implementation funding for projects that reduce emissions. Employers can connect to programs like AMPED for support transitioning to technologies powered by clean zero-emission energy.
Local Government: Explore the State’s Department of Environmental Conservation Resources for Local Governments to access funding and other resources specifically designed to help Local Governments reduce emissions.
Clean Energy and Regenerative Economy
Our shared vision calls for economic development opportunities through responsible tourism, smart growth policies, clean energy jobs, living wage employment with remote work options, and regenerative economic systems.
About this indicator
This graph displays the total number of jobs in the clean energy sector within the region, highlighting trends over time and indicating growth or decline in employment opportunities related to clean energy.
This indicator is monitored in collaboration with ACT Rochester. You are invited to read their Brain Food posts tagged with ‘Environmental Justice & Sustainability’ for associated narrative.
Why is this important?
It's important for clean energy workers to find employment in their own communities because it creates a ripple effect of economic benefits, strengthens community resilience, and helps address environmental injustices. When clean energy projects are locally owned and operated, the financial returns stay within the community, fostering local economic development and job creation.
From ACT Rochester: “Tracking clean energy job numbers in our region helps measure progress towards sustainability goals and informs policymakers about the effectiveness of green initiatives in boosting the local economy.”
How are we doing?
4% Increase in Clean Energy Jobs from 2022 to 2023 observed in Monroe County
How can I take action?
To increase clean energy jobs:
Individual: Start your journey to a Clean Energy Job by exploring the Clean Energy Career Pathways Catalog and NYSERDA’s Resources for Job Seekers and Students to identify roles that match your skills and interests.
Group | Organization: Support local clean energy projects and clean energy jobs creation by connecting learners and workers to clean energy jobs using resources like the Clean Energy Career Pathways Catalog and NYSERDA’s Resources for Job Seekers and Students. Employers can use the same resources to find the clean energy workers that they need.
Local Government: Implement policies encouraging renewable energy development, promote energy efficiency, and access existing state and federal incentives to support Clean Energy Communities and Climate Smart Communities.
About this indicator
This graph represents the number of individuals employed in clean energy occupations, showcasing workforce trends and the sector’s contribution to regional employment.
Why is this important?
A skilled clean energy workforce is critical to scaling climate solutions equitably and ensuring local communities benefit from the green economy. Expanding clean energy employment supports a just transition by creating sustainable livelihoods while reducing reliance on fossil fuel industries.
How are we doing?
1% Decrease in Clean Energy Workers from 2022 to 2023 observed in Monroe County
How can I take action?
To increase clean energy jobs:
Individual: Start your journey to a Clean Energy Job by exploring the Clean Energy Career Pathways Catalog and NYSERDA’s Resources for Job Seekers and Students to identify roles that match your skills and interests.
Group | Organization: Support local clean energy projects and clean energy jobs creation by connecting learners and workers to clean energy jobs using resources like the Clean Energy Career Pathways Catalog and NYSERDA’s Resources for Job Seekers and Students. Employers can use the same resources to find the clean energy workers that they need.
Local Government: Implement policies encouraging renewable energy development, promote energy efficiency, and access existing state and federal incentives to support Clean Energy Communities and Climate Smart Communities.
Zero-Emission Energy Generation
Our shared vision calls for 100% zero-emission energy generation to power the region through Community Choice Aggregation and distributed energy generation on homes, schools, and municipal buildings.
About this indicator
This graph illustrates the total installed capacity of solar energy systems in the region, measured in megawatts (MW DC), reflecting the growth of solar infrastructure over time.
This indicator is monitored in collaboration with ACT Rochester. You are invited to read their Brain Food posts tagged with ‘Environmental Justice & Sustainability’ for associated narrative.
Why is this important
Increasing total solar capacity reduces dependence on polluting energy sources and accelerates the shift toward renewable, resilient power systems.
How are we doing?
24% Increase in Total Solar Energy Generation Capacity from 2023 to 2024 observed in Monroe County
How can I take action?
To increase solar energy generation capacity:
Individual: Consider installing solar panels in your property after calculating your solar potential using tools like NY Solar Map and/or join a Community Solar Project to receive the benefits of solar power without installing panels in your property.
Group | Organization: Advocate for and support the removal of barriers for Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs in your area. These programs allow communities to gain leverage to negotiate better rates with competitive suppliers and choose greener power sources by aggregating demand. Employers can also consider installing solar panels on their properties and/or joining a Community Solar Project or a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program.
Local Government: Access initiatives like New York State’s Solar Program (NY-SUN) that provides funding for solar and storage projects serving affordable housing and low to moderate income customers.
About this indicator
This graph shows the new solar energy generation capacity installed per year, indicating the rate at which new solar installations are being deployed in the region each year.
Why is this important?
Tracking annual solar installations reflects momentum in clean energy adoption and helps to monitor if the climate targets are being met on time.
How are we doing?
2.42 MW DC Decrease in Pace of New Solar Energy Generation Capacity from 2023 to 2024 observed in Monroe County (51.06 to 48.64 MW DC)
How can I take action?
To increase solar energy generation capacity:
Individual: Consider installing solar panels in your property after calculating your solar potential using tools like NY Solar Map and/or join a Community Solar Project to receive the benefits of solar power without installing panels in your property.
Group | Organization: Advocate for and support the removal of barriers for Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs in your area. These programs allow communities to gain leverage to negotiate better rates with competitive suppliers and choose greener power sources by aggregating demand. Employers can also consider installing solar panels on their properties and/or joining a Community Solar Project or a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program.
Local Government: Access initiatives like New York State’s Solar Program (NY-SUN) that provides funding for solar and storage projects serving affordable housing and low to moderate income customers.
Affordable, Safe, and Energy Efficient Housing
Our shared vision calls for well-maintained, affordable, safe, and energy-efficient housing with solar panels and energy efficiency requirements for rental properties to reduce utility costs and ensure occupants' health and well-being.
About this indicator
This graph displays average household energy-burden percentages for multiple income brackets, with each bar showing the specific percent of income that households in that bracket spend on energy.
View full notes about this indicator (PDF)
Why is this important?
Tracking the average household energy burden by income level is important because it reveals which income groups are disproportionately affected by energy costs, helping our communities to target assistance, improve equity, and design fair, effective energy policies.
How are we doing?
1.72 %points Increase in Average Percent Household Energy Burden for Extremely Low-Income Households from 2022 to 2023 observed in Monroe County (10.37% to 12.09%)
How can I take action?
To reduce energy burden:
Individual: If you are energy burdened sign up for a
Home Energy Audit to identify concrete steps that you can take to reduce your home energy costs. If you are concerned about Energy Burden levels in your community, support local candidates whose platforms include concrete strategies for reducing energy costs for vulnerable populations and advancing energy efficiency/clean energy programs.Group | Organization: Support and get involved with coalitions such as NY Renews that advocate for reducing energy burden on low and moderate income New Yorkers by pushing for fair, affordable clean-energy policies and investments.
Local Government: Work with the communities to co-create, invest, and implement fair, effective energy policies that target assistance, reduce energy costs for vulnerable populations, improve equity, and advance energy efficiency/clean energy programs.
Public and Zero-Emission Transportation
Our shared vision calls for environmentally sustainable, convenient, reliable, affordable, safe, and comfortable forms of transport, featuring zero and near zero greenhouse gas emitting public transportation and enhanced walkability and bikeability.
About this indicator
This graph presents the number of operational EV charging ports available to the public, tracking the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the region.
This indicator is monitored in collaboration with ACT Rochester. You are invited to read their Brain Food posts tagged with ‘Environmental Justice & Sustainability’ for associated narrative.
Why is this important?
A well-distributed EV charging network makes zero-emission transportation more accessible, encouraging widespread adoption and reducing transportation emissions.
From ACT Rochester: “Monitoring this metric provides valuable insights into the progress of the city's electric vehicle infrastructure development and its readiness to accommodate the increasing number of electric vehicles on the roads.”
How are we doing?
44% Increase in Total Public Electric Vehicle [EV] Charging Ports from 2023 to 2024 observed in Monroe County (644 to 928 Ports)
How can I take action?
To increase the number of EV charging ports:
Individual: Advocate for and support the installation of EV charging ports in public spaces, workplaces, and other community spaces, and support the businesses that offer EV charging ports.
Group | Organization: Access programs like Charge Ready NY 2.0 that offer rebates to public, private and not-for-profit organizations that install Level 2 EV charging stations at workplaces, multi-unit dwellings (multifamily properties) or hotels & motels.
Local Government: Access NYSERDA’s Clean Transportation Programs that provide incentives, funding opportunities, and technical assistance to advance several low-carbon modes of transportation, including public transit, biking, walking, and light-, medium-, and heavy-duty ZEVs.
About this indicator
This graph shows the number of newly installed public EV charging ports in the region each year, indicating the pace at which EV infrastructure is expanding over time.
Why is this important?
Adding new charging ports each year ensures infrastructure keeps pace with growing EV demand, which is key to achieving transportation decarbonization.
How are we doing?
61 Units Increase in Pace of New Public Electric Vehicle [EV] Charging Ports from 2023 to 2024 observed in Monroe County (223 to 284 New Ports)
How can I take action?
To increase the number of EV charging ports:
Individual: Advocate for and support the installation of EV charging ports in public spaces, workplaces, and other community spaces, and support the businesses that offer EV charging ports.
Group | Organization: Access programs like Charge Ready NY 2.0 that offer rebates to public, private and not-for-profit organizations that install Level 2 EV charging stations at workplaces, multi-unit dwellings (multifamily properties) or hotels & motels.
Local Government: Access NYSERDA’s Clean Transportation Programs that provide incentives, funding opportunities, and technical assistance to advance several low-carbon modes of transportation, including public transit, biking, walking, and light-, medium-, and heavy-duty ZEVs.
Healthy Communities and Environment
Our shared vision calls for access to healthy, nutritious, and locally sourced food, alongside safe and non-polluted communities, green spaces, shade trees, community gardens, parks, and green roofs, all enhancing physical and mental well-being.
Indicators for this section will be uploaded this upcoming January 2026!
Healthy Soils and Protected Agriculture
Our shared vision calls for improved soil health that promotes resilience and adaptation to climate change, while protecting agricultural lands, farmworkers' health and livelihoods from chemical exposure, development pressures, and climate change impacts.
About this indicator
This graph displays the total acreage dedicated to crop production in the region, indicating trends in agricultural land use over time.
Why is this important?
Sustaining healthy agricultural land supports local food systems, protects soil health, and contributes to regional climate resilience.
How are we doing?
4% Decrease in Agricultural Planted Acres from 2023 to 2024 observed in Monroe County
How can I take action?
To increase local farms production:
Individual: Purchase locally grown products, join Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, and support local farmers markets. Directories like LocalHarvest can help you find the closest to you.
Group | Organization: Purchase locally grown products, offer resources like training and support to farmers, facilitate access to markets and funding, and promote local food systems through initiatives like farm-to-school and community gardens.
Local Government: Promote sustainable farming practices, support direct-to-consumer marketing, foster partnerships with local food organizations, implement zoning regulations that support agricultural businesses, invest in infrastructure that benefits farmers, and advocate for policies that support local agriculture.
About this indicator
This graph presents data on the volume of pesticides applied and sold within the region, offering insights into pesticide usage trends and potential environmental impacts.
Why is this important?
Monitoring pesticide use is vital for protecting environmental and public health, ensuring safe soils, clean water, and long-term agricultural viability.
How are we doing?
1% Increase in Use of Pesticides from 2022 to 2023 observed in Monroe County
How can I take action?
To reduce the use of pesticides:
Individual: Follow the Department of Environmental Conservation’s recommendations to use less-toxic products including pesticides.
Group | Organization: Promote and implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, educate the public about the risks of pesticides and safer alternatives, and support policies that restrict or ban particularly harmful chemicals.
Local Government: Enact regulations, promote educational programs, support agricultural practices that minimize pesticide use, restrict certain pesticides, implement best management practices for agriculture, and encourage citizens to reduce pesticide use on their lawns.
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