Overview

As a City on the frontlines of climate change, the City of Fort Lauderdale is continually improving its efforts to adapt to climate impacts and to mitigate the causes of climate change, through reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The City's Advance Fort Lauderdale 2040 Comprehensive Plan establishes ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals, aiming to achieve an 80% reduction below 2010 levels by the year 2050. In December 2021, the City marked a significant milestone as the City Commission adopted by resolution net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goals for both the City’s government (by 2040) and the broader community it serves (by 2050).

In 2022, Fort Lauderdale joined the ICLEI150 Race to Zero, publicly affirming its net-zero commitment and pledging to take action to achieve these goals. In 2023, the City commenced development of a roadmap to achieve the city's net-zero objectives. Completed in February 2025, the City of Fort Lauderdale Net Zero Plan, outlines key strategies and actions to reach near net zero by 2050. 

Under the Plan, community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are projected to decrease by 70% by 2040 and 97% by 2050. Municipal GHG emissions are expected to drop by 69% from the 2019 baseline by 2040 and 96% by 2050. Achieving these ambitious and essential reductions requires collaboration across all City departments, as well as partnerships with the private sector, electric and gas utilities, and state and federal agencies.

As described in the Plan, the City will begin actively pursuing the following goals to achieve a targeted 26% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030:

Community Energy

• A 30% reduction in commercial sector emissions by 2030 requires adopting energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and smart building controls. Expanding energy audits, retrofits, rooftop and community solar, and green power programs will further drive reductions.
• A 23% reduction in residential emissions by 2030 will be achieved through energy-efficient appliances, weatherization programs, and smart energy tools. Incentives for rooftop solar, community solar participation, and net-metering policies will help homeowners transition to renewable energy.
•  A 25% reduction in industrial sector emissions by 2030 involves energy-efficient machinery, improved insulation, and real-time energy monitoring. On-site renewables, such as solar and wind, along with incentives for green energy adoption, will support sustainable operations.

Community Transportation

• A 31% reduction in community VMT emissions by 2030 requires promoting public transit, carpooling, and telecommuting, along with updating zoning and permitting policies to support transit-oriented development.
• A 31% reduction will also be driven by incentivizing the transition to fuel-efficient or zero-emission vehicles and optimizing routes with advanced scheduling technologies.
• A 1% reduction in community-generated aviation GHG emissions by 2030 requires implementing energy-efficient technologies, including more aerodynamic aircraft designs and sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). This effort should be supported by integrating carbon offset programs and optimizing flight routes to minimize fuel consumption.

Community Waste

• A 1% reduction in community waste GHG emissions by 2030 requires expanding education programs on waste reduction and encouraging businesses and residents to adopt composting and recycling practices. It also includes introducing incentives to minimize waste generation and partnering with haulers to improve waste processing efficiency and transition to low-emission technologies.

Municipal

• A 22% reduction in municipal water and wastewater treatment emissions by 2030 relies on upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, optimizing treatment processes, continuous improvements in energy management, and the integration of advanced treatment technologies.
• A 29% reduction in emissions by 2030 requires encouraging and incentivizing employees to use public transportation and educating them about electric vehicles (EVs).
• A 17% reduction in municipal fleet emissions by 2030 will come from more efficient vehicle sharing between departments, reduced idling, and an EV policy and program. Reductions will further be supported by ongoing fleet electrification and improved fuel efficiency measures.
• A 33% reduction in GHG emissions from municipal buildings and facilities by 2030 requires assessing current energy use, updating reduction targets, and completing the conversion of remaining streetlights to LEDs. Meeting these reduction goals will also depend on subscribing to FPL SolarTogether® for all municipal operations, expanding on-site renewable energy, and advocating for stronger utility mandates for renewable energy.
• A 10% increase in municipal waste emissions by 2030 is projected as the City phases in waste reduction and diversion strategies. Increase targets reflects the transition period needed before the full benefits of these waste management programs are realized.

The City will publish updates every three years to ensure transparency in efforts and maintain focus on the initiatives in this Plan.

What can I do?

Here are four ways individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and help the city with its net-zero goals:

• Save energy.
  Reduce your carbon footprint and save money. There are many low and no cost ways to do it such as turning off lights, and installing LED lights. For larger more expensive energy improvements, utility rebates and PACE programs can offer more affordable options. For more resources on financial incentives and assistance for energy efficiency, visit our Energy Efficiency Aid page. 
• Install Solar.
  In the sunshine state, solar power is a great opportunity for to reduce your electric bill and avoid the impacts of electricity rate increases. The City has made it easier to install solar by streamlining the permit process, earning the City SolSmart Gold designation. You can also learn more about solar by participating in a co-op, such as the Broward Solar Co-op. In addition, PACE programs can provide financing option when installing solar, energy efficiency improvements or hurricane hardening.
• Drive Less.
  It’s cheaper, healthier, and less polluting to walk or bike places. The City is working to make our city more walkable and bikeable through Complete Streets programs and encouraging mixed use public transportation.
• Drive Electric.
  When you have the option to choose, it is advantageous for both your finances and the environment to opt for electric or other fuel-efficient vehicles. With the steady rise in gas prices, expanded electric vehicle (EV) incentives, and the growing production of EV’s by auto manufacturers, EVs have become increasingly attractive and viable alternatives. To find a network of charging stations located throughout the city, please visit FTL EV Charging Stations.