“Despite its global nature, many climate change solutions and especially its impacts will occur at the regional and local levels. There are many actions our region could take to prepare for the projected impacts and do our part to reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. While these actions are most directly focused on reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for impacts, the success of climate action will ultimately be determined by our ability to do so in ways that also create jobs, improve social equity, and protect our environment – in short, promote sustainable, livable communities and a high quality of life in our region.”- San Diego Association of Governments Climate Action Strategy Plan

About San Diego County

• Established: 1850
• Population: 3,095,313
• Location: Southwestern most corner of California, South of Orange County
• Elevation: Ranges from sea level to 6,500 feet
• Area: 4,206.63 square miles

Climate Action Activities

• Completed Agency and Community Greenhouse Gas Inventories, 2008
• Climate Action Plan adopted in 2012
• Adopted Pollution Prevention Program in 2001 through the Hazardous Materials Division, which encompasses the Green Business Program adopted in 2001 and the Green Buildings Incentive Program adopted in 2005.
• Established new building Energy Efficiency Standards, 2001
• Participates in Regional Energy Working Group, 2003
• Adopted Bicycle Transportation Plan, 2008
• Participates in Energy Roadmap Program

Climate Action Resources

• San Diego County Agency Greenhouse Gas Inventory
• San Diego County Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory
• San Diego Association of Governments Climate Action Strategy Plan
• San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH)
• San Diego County Land Use and Environment Group (LUEG)
• 2008 Building Energy Efficient Standards
• 2008 Bicycle Transportation Plan

Awards

Agency Energy Savings

• Platinum Level, 23% (2014)
• Gold Level, 10% (2013)

Agency Natural Gas Savings

• Platinum Level, 22% (2014)
• Gold Level, 10% (2013)

Agency Greenhouse Gas Reductions

• Platinum Level, 26% (2016)
• Gold Level, 12% (2014)

Community Greenhouse Gas Reductions

Sustainability Best Practices

• Platinum Level (2016)
• Gold Level (2013)