Santa Monica is marking 30 years of environmental progress with its forward-thinking Sustainable City Plan, which has brought about substantial green developments in the region, from boosting renewable energy to water conservation efforts. "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, emphasizing the evolution of the movement.
In a proclamation for what's dubbed Sustainable September, the city council lauded the plan’s success in threading sustainability into the city’s tapestry. Built on a cornerstone laid decades ago, Santa Monica has made inroads into numerous eco-friendly ventures. Providing 100 percent renewable energy options for residences and businesses is a milestone, with over 94 percent participation, alongside the installation of over 8.8 MW of solar power across the city. Yet, the milestone culminated as a testament to the city's three-decades-long commitment, according to a press release from the city.
Waste management is also a front-runner in the city's plan, achieving a 14% increase in organics recycling from the previous year – a key part of Santa Monica's journey to becoming a zero-waste city by 2030. Partnering with local businesses has allowed the city to tie sustainable practices with economic development, reducing carbon emissions by a significant 10.2 million tons.
Green-building standards like the LEED Gold have been set as a benchmark for new constructions, echoing the sustainability ethos throughout the urban landscape. The city's transport sector is also under transformation, with the Big Blue Bus fleet aiming to complete a zero-emissions transition by 2030, managing to connect the changing climate with the changing times. As part of the ongoing commitment, a series of engaging events and activities are set to take place throughout September to celebrate the plan's anniversary.
Focusing on the city's future, Santa Monica shows no signs of slowing down, poised to take on the next 30 years with innovation and resilience at the helm. For residents and interested parties, the full gamut of scheduled events and further details on the city's sustainable endeavors are available on the city's website.
