Climate Roadmap
On this page:
- Community Climate Roadmap 2035 Public Review Draft Ready!
- Climate Network Map
- Get involved
- Inventory and forecast
- Accomplishments
- Questions, comments, concerns?
Community Climate Roadmap 2035 Public Review Draft Ready!
We Want to Hear From You
The County of Santa Clara Community Climate Roadmap 2035 is available for public comment!
The Roadmap will help accelerate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from community activities and help contribute to GHG reduction on a statewide and national scale.
It presents key implementation strategies and actions for unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, and coordinated strategies that pool resources and leverage partnerships with cities, public agencies, and partners to reduce unincorporated area and countywide GHG emissions.
Executive Summary and Full Report
Take a Survey
Take a short survey to share your priorities on reducing carbon emissions in Santa Clara County at https://forms.gle/zSK5eWdL9kNqPcx68.
Request a Presentation
Request a presentation to your community or neighborhood group at https://forms.gle/iWrnajcmxEoZt5UT8.
Attend drop-in Office Hours (Completed)
Attend one of the drop-in office hours to share your feedback (registration not needed):
- District 1 - Morgan Hill Aquatic Center: 16200 Condit Road, Morgan Hill – June 8 12:30pm-5:00pm
- District 1 - Gilroy Library: 350 W 6th St, Gilroy, CA 95020 - June 13, 12:00pm-5:00pm
- District 2 - Mexican Heritage Plaza: 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116 - May 22, 11:00am-2:00pm
- District 3 - Milpitas Library: 160 N Main St, Milpitas, CA 95035 - June 1, 10:00am-2:00pm
- District 4 - Bascom Library: 1000 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128 – June 5, 4:00pm-7:00pm
- District 5 - Los Altos Library: 13 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA 94022 - May 29, 3:00pm-7:00pm
- District 5 - Los Gatos Library: 100 Villa Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030 - June 20, 10:00am-2:00pm
Flyer
Brochure
If you have questions on the Roadmap or want to provide comments to us directly, please email [email protected].
Climate Network Map
The Climate Network Map is an online interactive map tool that provides a comprehensive overview of the cities and organizations working on climate in Santa Clara County.
Access the Climate Network Map
You can use the tool to:
- Learn about each city’s climate efforts and goals
- See which organizations are working on climate initiatives and how to connect or partner
- Browse a directory of organizations listed by location and sector
- Share information about your own organization’s work
Past engagement
The roadmap was developed through a robust stakeholder engagement process, including the following:
- In spring 2022, the County shared draft actions for public review. You can view the feedback received here.
- The County held a community workshop in May 2022 that provided an overview of the Roadmap, a review of the draft strategies and actions, and an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft strategies. You can watch a recording of the event (58 min).
- In early 2022, the County provided mini grants to three community-based organizations to raise awareness and increase participation from underrepresented groups on climate change.
- The County held a community workshop in December 2021 that provided an overview of the Roadmap, an introduction to the potential climate goals for the County, and strategies to achieve those goals. You can watch a recording of the event (23 min).
- In fall 2021 the County created a virtual visioning board for community members to share their vision for a climate-friendly Santa Clara County.
- In summer 2021 the County conducted five listening sessions with stakeholders representing various topic areas to discuss issues and opportunities.
Inventory and forecast
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast Report
The figure below shows the results of the 2017 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for countywide (left) and unincorporated County (right).
Accomplishments
All-electric reach codes
On December 7, 2021 the Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance that requires all new construction in unincorporated County areas to use electricity (not natural gas) for water heating, space heating, cooking, clothes drying, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and decorative appliances. Known as “reach codes,” these ordinances go beyond state minimum requirements to encourage electrification of buildings. You can learn more at the Department of Planning and Development.
What are the benefits?
- Improve indoor air quality and safety
- Reduce new building construction costs since natural gas plumbing, metering, and venting are not needed
- Combat climate pollution by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Helps transition County’s building stock to State’s planned phase-out of natural gas infrastructure
Food recovery ordinance
On November 16, 2021, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Food Recovery Ordinance that will require certain large-scale businesses in unincorporated County areas to recover and donate surplus edible food. This is required by SB 1383, and will help reduce organic waste in landfills and reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions. You can learn more in the press release and on the Food Recovery Program website.
Sign up below for updates on the project!
Stay tuned for additional participation opportunities, coming soon!
Questions, comments, concerns?
For more information about the project, please email the Office of Sustainability at [email protected].