A Blueprint for Urban Sustainability in San Mateo

San Mateo County launched an ambitious and comprehensive plan to combat climate change—the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). This blueprint for a sustainable future is not just talk; it's the real deal with real targets—a 45% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a zero carbon footprint by 2040. How does San Mateo plan to do this? Let's break it down.

Electric Spaces

In San Mateo, buildings are big carbon polluters, second only to transportation in their emissions. The county's putting buildings front and center, with a goal to electrify new and old construction. Think all-electric homes and offices, and microgrids to keep renewables local. Since laws shape the environment, San Mateo's tweaking building codes and zoning laws—like its 2020 move to eliminate natural gas in new buildings—make sure the future's not just bright but electric.

Steering Towards Sustainability

Got a car? Well, it's part of the problem—40% of the problem, to be exact. But here’s the plan: more electric vehicles (EV), especially county-owned transportation, and a big push towards car-sharing and public transit. Expect to see more EV chargers around town, better bike lanes, and more pedestrian-friendly paths.

Trash Talk

Let's talk trash—26% of the county's emissions come from stuff that’s thrown away, especially organic waste that turns into methane. The county's action plan transforms this trash trouble into a chance to do better. Think composting food scraps, recycling building materials, and reducing waste that ends up in its landfills.

Farming for the Future

Now, let's dig into working lands—those stretches of soil that keep our bellies full and our planet cool. San Mateo's boosting carbon farming and preserving agricultural land. They're getting their hands dirty with technical support, better data, and infrastructure to pull CO2 right out of the air. This means healthier soil that’s able to hold more water and capture more harmful emissions from the air.

Shaping A Sustainable Future

San Mateo's Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) isn't just about slashing emissions or checking boxes; it's a commitment to create a county where clean energy, sustainability, and its residents’ quality of life are priorities. It’s proof that climate action at a local level can rise to meet a worldwide problem.

Source: smcsustainability.org