Skip to main content

Using Translation

The County of San Mateo has added a translation feature developed by Google Translate to assist web visitors in understanding information on this website in a variety of foreign languages. Please be aware that Google Translate, a free third party service which the County does not control, provides automated computer translations that may not give you an exact translation. The County cannot guarantee the accuracy of translations through Google Translate so translations should not be considered exact and only used as a rough guide. Anyone relying on information obtained from Google Translate does so at his or her own risk. The County disclaims and will not accept any liability for damages or losses of any kind caused by the use of the Google Translate feature.

public-parking-garage-top-floor-with-solar-panels-employee-parking-garage-in-background
ENERGY AND WATER
Protecting our resources for future generations.

Energy and Water

Buildings are the single largest contributor to GHG emissions from the County’s operations, accounting for 44.5% of all emissions. These emissions stem primarily from the use of natural gas in County buildings. Transitioning away from natural gas in buildings requires all-electric new construction and electric replacements for existing equipment at the end of its useful life. Presented below are the climate objectives and actions that are designed to reduce emissions from new and existing buildings and reduce water consumption.

Goals:

  • 2030: 80% of existing buildings electrified
  • 2030: 50% reduction in energy emissions compared to 2005
  • 2030: 15% reduction in water consumption compared to 2005
  • 2035: 100% of existing buildings electrified
  • 2035: 100% reduction in energy emissions compared to 2005
  • 2035: 30% reduction in water consumption compared to 2005

Summary of Strategies:

Objective 1: Electrify County-Owned Building Stock
  • 1.1 Convene a Green Facilities Workgroup
  • 1.2 Plan for the Electrification of Existing Buildings
  • 1.3 Prohibit New Natural Gas Infrastructure
  • 1.4 Update the Municipal Green Building Policy for New Buildings
  • 1.5 Phase-out Natural Gas Cogeneration
Objective 2: Increase Energy Efficiency and Maintain Use of Renewable Energy
  • 2.1 Maintain Renewable Energy Procurement
  • 2.2 Standardize Energy Management
  • 2.3 Install Solar and Battery Storage
  • 2.4 Plan for a Microgrid
  • 2.5 Explore Green Lease Agreements
  • 2.6 Empower Employee Green Champions
  • 2.7 Evaluate Back Up Power Options
Objective 3: Reduce Water Consumption
  • 3.1 Reduce Water Use in Landscaping
  • 3.2 Install Smart Water Meters
  • 3.3 Upgrade to High Efficiency Water Fixtures

See Focus Area 1: Energy and Water in the Government Operations Climate Action Plan (PDF) for more details on objectives and actions.

The Latest News & Events

Fixit Clinic @ John Daly Library
Jun
7

Fixit Clinics are fun community-based workshops where neighbors, friends, and families work collectively to learn how to repair broken items.

Keep All Plastic Out of the Green Bin Everyone in San Mateo County is required to compost all food scraps and yard…
Getting food to people who need it while also reducing food waste requires many hands. As one food recovery non-profit…