2.3 Sources of Government Operations Data

 

Table 3 identifies places where you may find the data you need to complete your Government Operations inventory.

 

 

Table 3 – Where to find data for your Government Operations Segment Inventory

 

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There may be other sources specific to your local government – the above are just examples. Your local government may have other data needs and other data sources.

 

TIP:

If the staff person, or intern collecting the data, is a new or junior employee, then be aware that the ease of data collection may vary greatly depending on the data systems in place in your municipality. Use ideas from the table above, and the inventory tool data input sheets, plus your knowledge of your local government data management systems, and discussions with relevant staff to develop your data collection approach. 

 

It is important that you ask each department for all the data required in a single request and that you negotiate a time line for them to provide you with this data. Data collection may require the involvement of other staff and this can require long lead times. Ensure you are ready to work on other tasks in the interim, such as the collection of indicator information and to start to sketch your approach to the development of your action plan and ways to engage your local government staff in internal actions. 

 

Developing an employee commute survey form – the results from this will help you gain an insight into ideas on how you could help reduce GHG emissions from community travel-to-employment. Inter-department competitions on best employee commute reductions can be positive for reducing emissions, and ideas like free public transport fares for staff gain widespread support and lead you to explore these ideas for the wider community.

 

One way to facilitate the data collection process, and begin engaging staff in your energy planning process, is to send out a notice informing relevant staff that you will be calling on them for help in collecting the data you need. This is particularly useful when a new staff member (or intern) is assigned to complete the analysis. Some local governments have found that a letter to all heads of departments signed by the Mayor or CEO, and stressing your local government’s climate change commitments, will smooth the way to achieve rapid staff assistance and this also helps to raise the profile of your energy campaign. When you are requesting energy usage information from other sections or departments, we suggest that you attach a copy of the Mayor’s or CEO’s letter.