Sustainable & Connected: 30 years of environmental action to benefit Santa Monica for generations
August 29, 2024 7:48 AM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2024) – As one of the first municipalities to adopt a citywide sustainability plan with measurable targets, Santa Monica is celebrating three decades of positive impacts on the economy, equity and the environment. The city has achieved particular success in renewable energy, water management, waste reduction and a sustainable local economy.
The Sustainable City Plan made Santa Monica a global model for sustainability. It continues to guide decision-makers in enhancing resources and preventing harm to the natural environment and human health to benefit the social and economic wellbeing of the community for the sake of current and future generations
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Sustainable City Plan, the Santa Monica City Council Tuesday issued a proclamation recognizing Sustainable September.
“When we began this work in the early 1990s, sustainability was a new concept and it was often referred to as environmental protection,” Chief Sustainability Officer Shannon Parry said. “Over the years, we have been at the forefront of this movement to model sustainable practices and demonstrate that economic vitality, social equity and environmental protection are mutually dependent and improve outcomes for people and the planet.”
Outcomes from the Sustainable City Plan include:
Renewable energy:
- Becoming one of the first cities to provide 100 percent renewable energy options to power homes and businesses with over 94 percent of residents and businesses enrolled by joining the Clean Power Alliance
- Achieving the target for solar with over 8.8 MW of solar installed throughout the city.
Waste reduction:
- Continuing to reduce food scraps and yard waste sent to landfills as part of the 2021 mandatory organics recycling ordinance and to help reach the city's zero waste goals by 2030. In 2023, the city collected 28 million pounds of organics from green bins, a 14% increase from the year prior.
Sustainable economic development:
- Reducing carbon emissions by 10.2 million tons through sustainable economic development partnerships that align green practices for local businesses.
- Recognizing businesses with the Sustainable Quality Awards.
Water management:
- Reducing the city’s dependence on imported water by approximately 10% with the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project, or SWIP.
- Reducing impacts of development on water demand with the Water Neutrality Ordinance.
- Recycling urban runoff with the Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility, known as SMURRF.
Green building:
- Adopting the LEED Gold standard as the standard for all new construction of green municipal building.
- Completion of City Hall East with cutting-edge sustainable design including net zero water, energy and waste features and the Pico Branch Library, integrating water reuse, energy efficiency, sustainable materials and community education.
Transportation:
- Expanding access to sustainable public transportation options by welcoming three Metro light rail stations.
- Working to complete the zero-emissions transition of the entire Big Blue Bus fleet by 2030.
Open space and environmental health:
- Protecting open space with three areas of Santa Monica Beach dedicated to dune restoration projects.
- Operating five community gardens fostering urban agriculture and environmental education.
A slate of exciting events and activities are planned throughout September to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Sustainable City Plan:
- Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 4-7 p.m. — reDiscover kid’s activities at Americana in the Park concert series, Gandara Park
- Sept. 7 from 12-7 p.m. — Connect with the city’s sustainability team at the Main Street Block Party, Main Street
- Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. — Los Angeles Climate Week discussion with local industry experts: Santa Monica’s Climate Resiliency: Designing Strategies for the Next 30+ Years, Annenberg Community Beach House. Registration required.
- Sept. 14 from 9–11 a.m. — Learn more about water collection and rebates at Rain Barrel Demonstration and Distribution, Main Street Community Garden. Registration required.
- Sept. 14 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Collect free, nutrient-rich soil at the Compost Giveaway, City Yards
- Sept. 14 from 8-10 a.m. — Santa Monica Beach Dune Restoration Volunteer Day, part of Los Angeles Climate Week, Santa Monica Beach, 530 Pacific Coast Highway. Registration required.
- Sept. 19 from 5-7 p.m. — Locals’ Night featuring custom the Sustainable City Plan 30th Anniversary lights featured on Pacific Park’s world-famous Ferris wheel, Santa Monica Pier
- Sept. 21 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Heal the Bay’s Coastal Cleanup Day Santa Monica Beaches. Registration required.
- Sept. 21 from 9-11 a.m. — Seed Saving Workshop, Ishihara Park Learning Garden
- September 28 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Montana Art Walk, Montana Avenue
As Santa Monica celebrates three decades of sustainability, the city remains dedicated to advancing sustainability and environmental protection. With a focus on innovation, resilience and community-driven action, Santa Monica is poised to continue leading the way in urban sustainability for the next 30 years and beyond.
To learn more, click here.
Media Contact
Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
Tati.Simonian@santamonica.gov
Categories
Programs, Sustainable and Connected
Departments
Office of Sustainability and the Environment
