The Energy & Built Environment sector encompasses all the energy sources that power Bloomington's infrastructure, extending beyond mere buildings to include the broader array of constructed spaces such as roads, bridges, and public utilities. It's not limited to electricity sourced from the grid but also encompasses natural gas, central heating plants, and other energy forms that facilitate the functioning of these built environments.
In Bloomington, like in many other municipalities, this sector is the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, historically accounting for approximately three-quarters of the City's annual emissions. As a result, this is a major focus area for the City's Economic and Sustainable Development department and is also top of mind for private sector companies like Duke Energy which are seeking to decarbonize and achieve their own climate goals.