Jim from Washington asks: Are there any good examples of government entities displaying the results of their efforts to achieve carbon footprint reductions using easy-to-read graphical representations, such green-yellow-red signals or bar graphs of goals vis-à-vis actual measurement, something more akin to 'How we are doing at a glance?' Often times it seems that reporting websites are more interested in displaying scores of tables upfront when a simple graphic indicator that then allowed drilling down to the complex data behind it might be more to the point.

The TAP Team responds: Here are some tips to keep in mind when considering how to develop visually creative and effective graphical representations of GHG emissions and reductions:

• Think about your audience and establish your objectives before beginning.
• Keep things as simple, concise, and organized as possible.
• Use appropriate font types, sizes, and colors.
• Consider separating or highlighting information using shapes, lines, and colors.
• Use functional and appropriate images to highlight, clarify, or condense content.

For some examples of ways local government entities have been creatively and visually representing greenhouse gas emissions and emissions reduction performance, considering checking out:
• The City of Bellingham’s (See Page 85 for Graph) greenhouse gas inventory and climate protection action plan
• Austin's (See Page 18 for Image) climate protection program annual report
• New York City’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory site
• King County's climate protection performance measures site

Has your state, city, county or tribe created effective graphical representations to convey your GHG emissions reduction achievements?  What indicators did you use?  What worked well?  What didn't?  Share your best practices in the comments section below, or email us at solutioncenter@ee.doe.gov