Creating a Sustainable City

Welcome to the City of Sacramento's Sustainability website.

Our goal is that this website serves as a resource to our community. We will post information to let everyone know what we are doing as a City to become more sustainable in our operations, as well as, serve as an informational site to provide you with more information about what other communities, agencies, and individuals are doing.

On December 18, 2007, the Mayor and City Council adopted the City's first Sustainability Master Plan. The Master Plan is a long term document that will guide the City for the next several decades in sustainability practices. It will help the City integrate environmentally sustainable practices into City policies, procedures, operations, and foster collaboration across City government. The City's Sustainability Master Plan - Creating a Sustainable City, will work to protect and enhance the quality of life for current and future generations in the City of Sacramento.

On February 12, 2008, the Mayor and Council adopted the 2008 Sustainability Implementation Plan. (A smaller black-and-white version is also available.) This plan identifies key initiatives that staff plans to implement in 2008 to move the city toward the goals and targets identified in the Master Plan.

The Mayor's GO GREEN Challenge!

Climate change is a problem facing the City of Sacramento and the world. Join us in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by taking a pledge to commit to five simple actions. With these five simple actions, we will make a BIG difference - saving energy and money!

Sign the pledge!

Living Green Everyday

By following these simple tips, you can make a BIG difference. Now is the time to get started and get involved!

PDF version of the below tips.

At Home

• Put on a sweater before turning up the heat.
• Don't leave your heater on if you don't need it.
• Keep your thermostat under control - Set it to 78°F on hot days and 68°F on cold days.
• Avoid using major appliances until after 7 P.M.
• Turn off lights when not in use.
• Turn the tap off when you brush your teeth or shave.
• Water your garden/lawn in the early morning or evening.
• Choose energy-efficient lighting. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) use 66% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, and still give off the same warm light, plus a savings of up to $35 a year in energy costs.
• Retire old appliances and replace them with energy-efficient Energy Star® models.
• Clean the lint filter in your dryer after each use - it lets air circulate efficiently.
• Wash your dishes by hand - you'll use half as much water as a dishwasher does.
• Bring reusable bags on your shopping trip-eliminate the use of free plastic bags.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils twice a year.
• Unplug major appliances when you go on vacation.

At Work

• Bring your lunch in a reusable container.
• Walk to restaurants, avoid driving.
• Bring reusable utensils to work for lunch, avoid using disposable utensils.
• When not in use, turn off lights, office equipment including computers, monitors, printers and fax machines. Set all computers to "sleep" when not in use.
• Print/photocopy your documents double-sided.
• Use refillable pens and pencils.
• Reuse envelopes.

On the Road

• Drive less - walk, bike and take public transit more whenever possible. You'll save time, fuel, money and avoid traffic. Reducing weekly auto travel by just 20 miles can decrease CO2 emissions by 1,000 pounds/year.
• Drive Smart - automobiles produce 90% of all carbon emissions due to travel. Transportation accounts for 50% of California energy consumption.
• Drive the cleanest car you can - double the mileage of your vehicle, you'll avoid green house gas emissions, plus you may be eligible for a federal tax credit.
• Combine errands into one trip - once your car engine heats up, it burns fuel more efficiently. Reducing miles saves gasoline and the environment.
• Reduce freeway speed 5, 10, 15 mph - reduce carbon emissions, save gasoline, money and lives.
• Check your vehicle's tire pressure monthly.

In the Community

• Plant a tree - it captures carbon dioxide, provides a renewable resource, prevents soil erosion, it is good for our air, cools our neighborhoods and adds beauty to our community.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Nearly every product on the market requires energy to produce, distribute and dispose. Recycle, because manufacturing with recycled materials cuts energy use. Choose pre-owned products, products that have recycled content and products with less packaging. Buy at salvage yards, construction demolition stores and consignment and thrift shops.
• Invest in a greener future - read your financial strategies and invest in green business.
• Spread the word - your voice can make a difference. Start by taking action and then encourage your friends, neighbors and family to act.
• Educate yourself about global warming, energy sources, energy consumption and sustainability.