Government Operations Climate Action

The Department of Public Works Energy Program and Capital Improvements Program completed the first project to electrify the County’s existing building portfolio. The East Palo Alto Government Center received a full suite of energy efficiency and electrification upgrades. The building now runs on an all-electric heating and cooling system powered by high-efficiency heat pumps, replacing outdated gas equipment. A new electric heat pump water heater was also installed. The ventilation system and building controls were upgraded to enhance comfort and reduce energy use and the lighting system was completely updated with energy-efficient LEDs, occupancy sensors, and smart controls. These improvements reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and support the County’s building electrification goal.

The County Foodware Policy encourages departments to reduce plastic foodware waste by procuring fiber based, compostable foodware for single-use and mandating that reusable foodware is utilized by departments that hire full-service catering for County-hosted events with 75 or more planned attendees. Departments such as the Maple Street Corrections Center, Youth Services Center, and Children’s Services Medical Therapy Unit have also incorporated reusable foodware into their operations. By using reusable food containers and trays for hot and cold meals, these departments are reducing the total amount of County-generated waste sent to landfills each year. 

Shifting the County’s fleet vehicles to zero-emission alternatives will reduce the County’s greenhouse gas emissions by 13%, which is a key strategy to meet GOCAP goals and state fleet emissions reductions requirements. In 2024, the County secured a $3.6 million grant from the California Energy Commission to support its transition to electric vehicles and invest in critical charging infrastructure. From 2025 to 2029, 150 EV charging ports will be installed across 13 County facilities, providing up to 21% of the fleet access to designated charging. This shift could enable around 250 vehicles to go electric, cutting roughly 586,000 kilograms of CO₂ each year, marking a major step toward a fully electrified fleet.

The Parks and Recreation Department and Sustainability Department collaborated on a study that measures the amount of carbon currently stored across 14,600 acres of County-managed parks and land. The study found that a total of 2,278,259 MT CO2e is stored in vegetation and soil, equivalent to the emissions produced by 256 million gallons of gasoline or powering 300,000 homes for a year.

Parks and Sustainability used this analysis to identify Climate Smart Practices that can maintain or increase carbon storage. The study assessed strategies like prescribed grazing and habitat restoration for their emissions reduction potential and co-benefits, including biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction. Additionally, the study generated a list of potential carbon sequestration projects with estimated acreage, costs, and benefits.

The California Green Business Program is a statewide network of locally operated initiatives led by cities and counties. The program supports businesses in complying with environmental regulations while also promoting sustainable practices that conserve energy and water, reduce waste, prevent pollution, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

In 2024, the County’s Sustainability Department and Parks and Recreation Department successfully renewed their Green Business certifications. This process required each department to implement actions aimed at reducing energy and water consumption, increasing landfill diversion rates, and supporting alternative commuting options for employees. Looking ahead, the County’s Green Business Program is committed to expanding its impact, with a goal of certifying ten additional County departments by 2027.