Sustainability

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The City Council declared a climate emergency committing to accelerating actions to address climate change at a local level and adopted a 2030 Climate Action Plan with the bold goal to be carbon neutral (zero emissions) by 2030. The Sustainability Division leads and/or supports implementation of the Climate Action Plan within the organization and the community at large. 

Currently, there are six Climate Action Plan strategies:

  1. Electrify 95% of existing buildings
  2. Increasing electric vehicle usage and decreasing gasoline
  3. Expand access to electric vehicle charging for multifamily and commercial properties
  4. Reduce vehicle miles traveled by 25%
  5. Eliminate the use of fossil fuels from municipal(city)operations
  6. Develop a climate adaption plan to protect the community from sea level rise and flooding

The division also supports the Environmental Quality Commission.

Climate Action Plan

The purpose of the Climate Action Plan is to present researched strategies that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions originating in Menlo Park, based on the findings of the city's greenhouse gas emissions inventory analysis which is completed annually.

Residential Electrification

Switching from natural gas to electricity not only improves indoor air quality and reduces the fire risks associated with burning fossil fuels, it also reduces our community’s emissions.

Zero emission landscape equipment

On July 11, 2023 the City Council adopted a zero-emission landscape equipment (ZELE) requirement that prohibits using gas powered landscaping equipment due to its negative impacts on health, and noise and air pollution. Operating a gas powered leaf blower for one hour is equal to inhaling 15 hours of emissions from driving. It can also contribute to hearing loss.

Peninsula Clean Energy

Under the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program, San Mateo County and all 20 of its cities and towns voted unanimously to form Peninsula Clean Energy, a community-controlled, not-for-profit, joint powers agency. As a CCA, Peninsula Clean Energy offers many environmental and economic benefits to its residential and business customers, including clean electricity at lower prices than PG&E.

Community Zero Waste Plan

Adopted in 2017, the Community Zero Waste Plan serves as a guiding policy that outlines strategies for the community to implement to significantly reduce waste while reinforcing proper waste disposal practices.

Energy conservation

The average home uses the majority of energy on space heating (31%) followed by space cooling (12%), water heating (12%) and lighting (11%). Reduce your energy bill and your carbon footprint by making a few home improvements.

Building electrification resources

Explore resources for constructing all-electric buildings.

Water conservation

Water is a precious resource, one that has to be managed today to ensure our natural supply remains available for future generations.

Water pollution prevention

Litter and debris that enters the street goes into storm drains and is released untreated into local creeks, the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Air quality

Healthy air is important to our well-being. Poor air quality can contribute to environmental degradation and illness.

Solar PV for City facilities

New solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for City facilities are planned through Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE)’s Solar and Storage for Public Buildings Program. Systems will be installed at four facilities:

• Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center (for the Burgess Pool)
• Belle Haven Child Development Center
• City Hall
• Menlo Park Library

Contact us

Sustainability Office
 Email

650-330-6720

Recology San Mateo County

To add, change or for questions about garbage, recycling or composting services
Website
Email

650-595-3900

 

  

Upcoming meetings and events

Water-wise Edible Gardens Landscape Workshop

Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM

Discover how to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs while conserving water. In this in-person class, learn how to design and maintain a productive edible garden that thrives in dry conditions. Learn smart irrigation techniques, soil improvement strategies, and plant selection tips to maximize yields with minimal water use.

Arrillaga Recreation Center, Cypress Room, 700 Alma St, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Tagged as: , Sustainability events

2026 Love Our Earth Festival

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 12:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Celebrate Earth Day this year at the fourth annual Love Our Earth Festival! You and your family can look forward to having fun and learning through art, story times, sustainable living demonstrations, delicious lunch options at the Plant-Based Market and more!

Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School, 2450 Ralmar Ave, East Palo Alto, CA 94303

Tagged as: , Sustainability events, Community events, Events for families, Events for teens, Events for children, Events for adults

Efficient Irrigation Techniques Workshop

Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Learn how to keep your landscape healthy while saving water through efficient irrigation practices. This class covers the basics of irrigation types, the pros and cons of drip versus spray systems, and how to identify and fix leaks that waste water. You’ll also discover smart irrigation scheduling techniques and water retention strategies like soil improvement and mulching to maximize efficiency.

Tagged as: , Sustainability events

Sustainability news

Host a zero waste party and borrow a free party pack today!

Published on January 26, 2026

If you are planning a party or gathering, make your next event waste-free! Zero waste party packs are free and available for Menlo Park residents to borrow. They are perfect for picnics, parties and casual get-togethers in the backyard or at the park. This opportunity is brought to you by 350 Silicon Valley and funded by the City of Menlo Park Community Grant funding program.

Tagged as: , Announcements, Sustainability news

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