energy

Santa Monica is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and is actively working to increase energy efficiency across the city. The local government has incentivized the adoption of renewable energy sources, particularly solar, through streamlined permitting processes and rebates. A considerable number of commercial buildings and residences have installed photovoltaic systems, contributing to the community's renewable energy goals. The city has also adopted the Santa Monica Energy Reach Code, which encourages new construction projects to be more energy-efficient and to comply with or exceed California's stringent energy standards. LED street lighting retrofits have significantly reduced municipal energy consumption. In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy independence, the city supports the use of electric vehicles (EVs) by expanding the network of EV charging stations. The Office of Sustainability and the Environment actively engages in public outreach and education campaigns to inspire energy conservation practices among residents and businesses. Energy-efficient building upgrades are supported by a range of financing options, making them more accessible to property owners. Additionally, the city participates in community choice aggregation (CCA) through the Clean Power Alliance, offering cleaner energy alternatives to residents and businesses at competitive rates.

water

Santa Monica has been a pioneer in water conservation and management. The city has set ambitious goals to become water self-sufficient and to reduce reliance on imported water. Through the Sustainable Water Master Plan, efforts have been made to enhance local water supply through groundwater management, stormwater capture, and wastewater treatment for reuse. The Clean Beaches Project exemplifies the city's commitment to protecting coastal waters by diverting urban runoff to treatment facilities before it reaches the ocean. The city offers incentive programs for residents and businesses to install rainwater harvesting systems and drought-tolerant landscaping. Water use regulations, such as limiting outdoor irrigation, are enforced to promote conservation. The installation of water-efficient fixtures in households and public facilities is encouraged through rebate programs. The Office of Sustainability and the Environment provides educational resources on water-saving techniques and conducts outreach on the importance of water conservation. Santa Monica's proactive approach includes significant investments in infrastructure upgrades, like the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project, to ensure the long-term viability and quality of the city's water supply.

transportation

Santa Monica is at the forefront of promoting sustainable transportation options to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. The city's strategic location as the western terminus of the Metro Expo Line offers residents and visitors a convenient connection to the greater Los Angeles area while reducing reliance on personal vehicles. Its bike-friendly initiatives include an extensive network of bike lanes and the Breeze Bike Share program, providing an alternative, eco-friendly mode of transportation. The city's Big Blue Bus service, recognized for its commitment to sustainability, operates an extensive network of routes and has been transitioning to a fleet of electric buses to further reduce emissions. The municipality encourages walking by maintaining safe and accessible pedestrian pathways and supports the use of car-sharing programs to decrease the number of vehicles on the road. Santa Monica's Electric Vehicle Action Plan seeks to expand public EV charging infrastructure and encourage the use of electric vehicles. The GoSaMo initiative provides resources and informational campaigns to support the use of sustainable transportation methods. Local businesses benefit from the Transportation Demand Management program, aimed at reducing single-occupant vehicle trips and promoting alternative commute options. The city's forward-thinking policies and innovative solutions continue to foster a sustainable and efficient transportation system.

waste

Santa Monica has established a robust waste reduction and recycling program aimed at achieving a sustainable environment. The city has a strong commitment to a zero-waste future, with targeted programs designed to divert waste from landfills. Local ordinances mandate the separation of recyclables and compostables from regular trash in both residential and commercial sectors. The city offers comprehensive curbside recycling and organics collection services, encouraging the diversion of food scraps and yard waste to composting facilities. Businesses are supported through the Sustainable Works program, which provides resources and consulting on best practices for waste reduction. Single-use plastics prohibition, such as plastic bags and straws, aligns with the statewide efforts to reduce pollution and protect marine life. Events held in Santa Monica are required to comply with the city's Zero Waste Event Policy, which includes the use of compostable or recyclable materials and proper waste sorting stations. The Resource Recovery & Recycling Division actively promotes a circular economy, where products and materials are reused and recycled to the maximum extent possible. The city provides special collection services for hazardous household waste and e-waste, ensuring that these materials are handled and disposed of responsibly.