Case Studies and Reports

In 2025, the Sustainability Department developed an analysis of the capital and operational costs associated with transitioning from methane gas cooking equipment to electric cooking equipment in commercial and institutional kitchens. The analysis evaluated 10 representative food service kitchens in San Mateo County of varying cuisines, building sizes, building types, and kitchen equipment types.

To address concerns about grid reliability and electrification, the Sustainability Department produced a report for local government staff on grid reliability with research compiled by Rincon Consultants Inc. The report clarifies that transitioning to electric-powered appliances and vehicles will not negatively impact local grid reliability.

In 2022, the Sustainability Department developed ten case studies showcasing strategies and costs for decarbonizing existing single-family homes. These case studies cover energy efficiency, heat pump technology (water heating, space heating, and clothes drying), induction cooking, solar, battery backup, and EV charging. They also outline the long-term financial impact of decarbonization for homeowners.

In 2021, the Sustainability Department researched permitting processes and costs for heat pump water heater installations across various San Mateo County jurisdictions. The report outlines key findings and recommendations for streamlining permitting.

With support from Presidio Graduate School and BayREN, the Sustainability Department convened a multi-stakeholder group to map challenges and opportunities for home decarbonization. Through homeowner and contractor focus groups, the project identified key barriers and developed four regionally coordinated actions for impactful change.