Bordo Poniente Landfill Closing Helps "Green" Mexico City

A project to close one of the world's largest landfills, the 927-acre Bordo Poniente Landfill in Mexico City will stem the city's largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while creating renewable energy and local jobs. Developed in close collaboration with the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) Cities program and its partner the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), the project represents a model for reducing GHG emissions through sustainable solid waste management than can be replicated around the world. "I applaud the decision of the Mexican authorities to close the Bordo Poniente Landfill and reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions. I am glad the Clinton Climate Initiative was able to support the work necessary to make the closure possible," said President Clinton. "Through the Clinton Climate Initiative, we are helping Mexico City convert millions of tons of garbage to new energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2 million tons annually. This project will help the local economy and fight climate change." Solid waste in landfills is the third largest source of anthropogenic methane emissions – 23 times more potent as a greenhouse gas agent than CO2. Capturing methane from the Bordo Poniente landfill could reduce GHG emissions from Mexico City by 25 million tons of CO2 equivalent over the next 25 years – more than one quarter of the city's total emissions. Globally, it represents one of the largest reductions of GHGs associated with solid waste management. It is estimated that capturing methane from the Bordo Poniente Landfill could generate over 250 GWh or enough power for an estimated 35,000 homes in Mexico City during the first years of operation. Further economic benefits will come from the creation of both short and long-term local jobs for contractors, service providers and qualified labor in the construction, operation and maintenance of the landfill gas capture system. "Cities are on the frontlines in dealing with the impacts of global climate change, and they are leading by example in reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "The Bordo Poniente project is a bold step that serves as a shining example of the impact C40 and the Clinton Climate Initiative can have in supporting cities' efforts to green their environments and their economies. Through actions such as this, we can implement solutions on a local level that will truly make a difference globally." The Bordo Poniente Landfill ceased receiving solid waste on December 19th, 2011. The same day, Mexico City Mayor Ebrard announced the international public tender for a developer to close the landfill in an environmentally-sound manner that optimizes the capture and utilization of methane gas to produce energy. The project will enable Mexico City to reach the GHG emission reduction goals established in its Climate Action Program and Green Plan. "Closing Mexico City's Bordo Poniente Landfill is one of the most important environmental actions for the entire country. If it can be done here, it can be replicated elsewhere even if the solution is a complex one. When there is a very high level of complexity, but a common objective and a successful outcome, we build confidence in our ability to take on other important objectives," said Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard. Revenues from energy sales and reducing GHGs, as well as financial resources from the Mexican federal government and private investors, will be used to develop this Project.

Melvin Wylie