Bellevue, Washington, saw a 4.6% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from 2023 to 2024, according to the city’s updated Environmental Performance Dashboard, released February 27, 2026. The reduction is attributed to lower overall energy consumption, a decline in transportation reliant on fossil fuels, and increased use of cleaner electricity supplied by Puget Sound Energy (PSE).
The city’s municipal emissions – those stemming directly from city operations – have fallen by 52% since 2011. Community-wide emissions have decreased by 12% since 2011, even with population and job growth, and per-capita emissions have dropped 30% over the same period. These gains are linked to investments in more efficient buildings, shifts in transportation patterns, renewable energy sources, and the adoption of electric vehicles.
The latest data is part of the Sustainable Bellevue Plan, a strategic framework guiding the city’s environmental goals. Bellevue has set a target to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050. The Environmental Performance Dashboard also includes a recent assessment of the city’s tree canopy.
That assessment, analyzing 2023 coverage, revealed a slight decrease in tree canopy from 39.6% in 2021 to 39.3% in 2023, representing a loss of approximately 70 acres citywide. However, the report notes that tree canopy within city parks actually increased by 38 acres during that period. Canopy trends varied across different neighborhoods.
Bellevue has been conducting biannual tree canopy assessments in partnership with King Conservation District and PlantGeo since 2020. The city encourages community participation in sustainability efforts and will host a Sustainable Bellevue Townhall on Monday, March 23, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. At City Hall. Residents can learn more about the trends and provide input on future initiatives.
Puget Sound Energy, a key contributor to Bellevue’s cleaner energy grid, issued a Voluntary All-Source RFP in July 2024 seeking bids for modern energy resources, including renewable and non-emitting options. The request aims to meet customer needs as outlined in PSE’s 2023 Electric Progress Report. On February 26, 2026, PSE hosted a meeting to discuss iterative gas and electric analysis and a cost test framework for the 2027 Integrated System Plan, with a feedback window open through March 4.
PSE also recently signed an agreement to advance clean energy goals with a new state solar project in Kittitas County, expected to generate approximately 213 GWh annually. The Northeast Energy Assistance Association (NEAA) reported in 2024 that collaboration with PSE delivers energy savings for consumers through efficient products and affordable power.
