Santa Cruz County, CA
United States-
Population 271804
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Area 1570.0km 2
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GDP 4.6 BillionUSD
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Targets by N/A N/Aemission
Increase energy efficiency in new and existing building and facilities using various financing, regulatory, educational, and incentive programs, inlcuding:
1. Weatherization programs
2. AMBAG Energy Watch projects
3. PG&E Energy Efficiency projects
4. Restaurant Retrofit program
5. Right Lights program
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Street Lighting and Traffic Signals
- Water and Wastewater (energy only)
- Buildings
- Facilities
The County's Buena Vista landfill has a methane capture system that powers two engine generators that produce electricity. The Public Works Department is also investigating waste to energy systems to further take advantage of our waste resources.
Read More Read Less- Buildings
- Facilities
The Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program is a successful partnership of environmental agencies, utilities and nonprofit organizations that assist, recognize and promote businesses and government agencies that volunteer to operate in a more environmentally responsible way. To be certified "green," participants must be in compliance with all regulations and meet program standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste. We offer motivated businesses and agencies an easy-to-use framework for improving environmental performance.
Read More Read Less- Commercial
- Industrial
The County has adopted water conservation ordinances for both buildings and landscaping, and has developed standards for the use of greywater systems for landscape irrigation.
Read More Read Less- Water and Wastewater (energy only)
The County General Services Department maintains several programs to encourage employees to use alternative modes of transportation:
Vanpools
Bike lockers
Bus passes
Emergency ride home vouchers
Employee bike fleet
- Government Transport
The County has completed several energy efficiency upgrade projects at county facilities and continues to seek funding for additional "shovel ready" projects.
Read More Read Less- Buildings
- Facilities
The County is investigating the feasibility of renewable power installations on several county buildings and facilities, inlcuding landfills.
Read More Read Less- Buildings
- Facilities
The County General Services Department has installed three electric vehicle charging stations at County facilities throughout the County for use by employees and the general public.
Read More Read Less- Residential
The County of Santa Cruz Green Schools Program (GSP) furthers the education of students, teachers and staff on environmental topics including resource conservation, storm water runoff, water quality and conservation, energy conservation, recycling, and waste reduction. The goal of GPS is to support the county’s schools as they evolve into "Green Schools" that model wise resource use, eliminate waste, reduce non-point source pollution, and train students to conserve scarce resources like energy and water. The program provides both in-class and school-wide presentations, educational assemblies, and technical assistance to member schools.
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A total estimated reduction of 83,320 metric tons of CO2e could be achieved by 2035 with a Community Choice Aggregation program in Santa Cruz County. This represents 22% of all reductions needed to achieve the reduction target of 380,000 metric tons of CO2e below the project BAU level. Using the emissions from the use of electricity in the 2009 inventory and the forecast emissions for 2035 as inputs, the emissions reduction represented by increasing the renewable, carbon-free content to 100 percent for 50 percent of the projected electricity load in 2035 was estimated. This effectively eliminates emissions from 50 percent of the total projected load as a result of a CCA program. Fifty percent participation was chosen randomly as a conservative estimate. The goal of a successful program would be closer to 100 percent participation by 2035 with a portfolio of 100 percent carbon free sources.
Read More Read Less- Residential
- Commercial
The Transit Corridors Plan will create a roadmap for a more sustainable way-of-life in the urban areas of unincorporated Santa Cruz County. The Plan will integrate the County’s land use and transportation policies in a way that protects environmental resources, supports economic growth, and increases access to opportunity for all County residents.
The Transit Corridors Plan will address some of the critical questions of our day, including:
•How can we provide housing that is affordable for all County residents?
•How can our development patterns and transportation choices help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
•How can we increase transportation alternatives and reduce reliance on the automobile?
•How can we increase the supply of good jobs available to county residents?
•How can we ensure that all residents benefit from economic growth and development?
•How can all residents have a voice in the future of their communities?
- Residential
- Commercial
Established by the County Board of Supervisors the Task Force is intended to guide and coordinate implementation of the Climate Action Strategy across various areas of expertise and function of County departments. The Task Force consists of Department Heads meeting quarterly, and coordinated by staff in the Planning Department.
Read More Read Less- Street Lighting and Traffic Signals
- Water and Wastewater (energy only)
- Government Transport
- Buildings
- Facilities
The County has an onging program based on County policy to upgrade the vehicle fleet with more fuel efficient and alternative fuel vehicles. The current status is:
91 flex fuel vehicles
19 electric/hybrids
5 CNG
Funding is sought for additional low carbon vehicles and other fleet management tools to further improve fleet management, fuel efficiency, and reduce fuel costs.
- Government Transport
Status of compliance
Compact of Mayors