Community Climate Roadmap 2035

About the Roadmap

The Community Climate Roadmap 2035 is designed to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. Crafted through extensive community engagement and feedback, the Roadmap isn't just a plan—it's a bold strategy.  It calls on coordinated efforts, united resources, and powerful partnerships coming together across the region to combat emissions.

Climate Network Map

The Climate Network Map is an online interactive map tool that provides a comprehensive overview of the cities and organizations working on climate in Santa Clara County. You can access the tool at https://sustainability.sccgov.org/climatenetwork.

You can use the tool to:

• Learn about each city’s climate efforts and goals
• See which organizations are working on climate initiatives and how to connect or partner
• Browse a directory of organizations listed by location and sector
• Share information about your own organization’s work

Past Engagement

The Roadmap was developed through a robust stakeholder engagement process, including the following:

• In spring 2022, the County shared draft actions for public review. You can view the feedback received here: https://climateroadmap.consider.it/. 
• The County held a community workshop in May 2022 that provided an overview of the Roadmap, a review of the draft strategies and actions, and an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft strategies. You can watch a recording of the event (58 min). 
• In early 2022, the County provided mini grants to three community-based organizations to raise awareness and increase participation from underrepresented groups on climate change.
• The County held a community workshop in December 2021 that provided an overview of the Roadmap, an introduction to the potential climate goals for the County, and strategies to achieve those goals.  You can watch a recording of the event (23 min).
• In fall 2021 the County created a virtual visioning board for community members to share their vision for a climate-friendly Santa Clara County.
• In summer 2021 the County conducted five listening sessions with stakeholders representing various topic areas to discuss issues and opportunities.

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Inventory and Forecast​​

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast Report​

The figure below shows the results of the 2017 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for countywide (left) and unincorporated County (right). 

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Accomplishments

All-Electric Reach Codes

On December 7, 2021 the Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance that requires all new construction in unincorporated County areas to use electricity (not natural gas) for water heating, space heating, cooking, clothes drying, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and decorative appliances. Known as “reach codes,” these ordinances go beyond state minimum requirements to encourage electrification of buildings. You can learn more at the Department of Planning and Building.

What are the benefits?

• Improve indoor air quality and safety
• Reduce new building construction costs since natural gas plumbing, metering, and venting are not needed
• Combat climate pollution by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Helps transition County’s building stock to State’s planned phase-out of natural gas infrastructure

Food Recovery Ordinance

On November 16, 2021, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Food Recovery Ordinance that will require certain large-scale businesses in unincorporated County areas to recover and donate surplus edible food. This is required by SB 1383, and will help reduce organic waste in landfills and reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions. You can learn more in the press release and on the Food Recovery Program website.

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

For more information about the project, please email the Office of Sustainability at [email protected].