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The Sustainability Department, San Mateo County

About Us

Inspiring Change

Formed in July 2014 as a part of the County Executive’s Office, the Sustainability Department strives to improve the sustainability of the County’s operations and the greater community through work that is designed to bring solutions today while solving for tomorrow. The Sustainability Department has programs to help the county both fight and prepare for climate change, ensure clean energy, water, and air, conserve resources for future generations through waste reduction, and support livable communities with affordable housing and infrastructure for biking, walking, and public transit. 

Carolyn Bloede, Director, Sustainability Department

Carolyn Bloede, Director, Sustainability Department

Carolyn finds inspiration in Margaret Mead’s words:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Carolyn sees a big part of the role of the Sustainability Department as conveners and facilitators. Pulling wisdom from the group, to come to consensus, and to move the work forward through collaboration.

Before joining San Mateo County in 2020, she was with Alameda County’s Sustainability Office for 17 years where she built the office from the ground up to deliver-results driven programs in climate action, green building, and resource conservation for the county government and the community. Carolyn brings 15 years of private sector environmental experience in remediation and air pollution control, energy efficiency programs for major retailers, pollution prevention programs for the military and Fortune 500 companies. She holds an M.S. in Engineering from San Jose State University, a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado, and was selected to attend the Harvard Executive Education Program for Sustainability Leadership and to be trained by former Vice President Al Gore’s The Climate Reality Project. She was inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame for her sustainability leadership.

Career Opportunities

Would you like to join a team of enthusiastic and innovative professionals advancing the County’s environmental sustainability initiatives and partnerships? We are looking for sustainability champions with experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourage candidates from varied background to apply. View our career opportunities.

Contact Us

sustainability@smcgov.org
1-888-442-2666
455 County Center, 4th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
United States

Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Fridays by appointment only.

The Sustainability Department is located a short walk from the Redwood City Caltrain station. The County Center parking garage on Middlefield Road offers limited public parking on the first floor. There is also metered parking around downtown Redwood City.