· Sathish LJ · 5 min read
US cities racing towards sustainability
This blog explores the progress and initiatives of US cities striving to meet their sustainability goals, spotlighting key themes and standout examples. It highlights the substantial efforts these cities have made to combat climate change and promote sustainability, reflecting a broad and increasing dedication to making sustainability a priority nationwide.
The key themes pursued by the cities include a strong commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable transportation, implementing comprehensive waste management strategies, and fostering green building practices.
Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions
A global initiative, the C40’s Race to Zero campaign, serves as a unifying framework for many cities’ ambitious goals. This campaign encourages cities to set ambitious targets, including “at least 50% reductions by 2030” and “reach net-zero emissions by 2045 or earlier.”
- Berkeley, CA: Committed to the C40 Race to Zero campaign that aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2045.
- Honolulu, HI: Aims for a “net-negative carbon economy by 2045.”
Transition to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
A significant focus is placed on shifting away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
- San Diego, CA: Is “shooting for a target of 100% renewable energy by 2035” and makes innovative use of desalination to secure water resources.
- Portland, OR: Is in the “top 2% of the country for the power generated by renewable resources.” The city also replaced streetlights with LED technology, resulting in a “50% reduction in energy use and $1.5 million saved annually.”
- Denver, CO: Has initiatives “tied closely to the goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2030.”
- Cincinnati, OH: Is currently constructing “what will become the Nation’s largest municipally owned solar array.” The Cincinnati Aggregation Program offers residents “100 percent green electricity.” Additionally, the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance has completed “energy retrofits on more than 1,000 buildings.”
Sustainable Transportation
Reducing emissions from transportation is a critical area of focus. This involves promoting public transit, cycling, walking, and the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
- Berkeley, CA: Aims to make “public transit, walking, and cycling more accessible.”
- San Jose, CA: Introduced San Jose’s Green Vision with goals to become the “electric vehicle (EV) capital of the world by making 60% of its passenger vehicles electric by 2030.”
- Sacramento, CA: “Promotes the use of EV’s and hopes to have 75,000 on the road within the next few years.”
- Boston, MA: Highlighted as the “3rd most walkable city in the nation,” with residents in the “top 5% of the country for residents who commute using energy-efficient modes of transportation.”
- San Francisco, CA: Ranks in the “top 2% for the number of green commuters” due to accessible public transit and bike/rideshare programs.
- Salt Lake City, UT: Provides “free public transportation for school children and free charging stations during the parking time limit.”
- Cincinnati, OH: Is developing the Wasson Way bike trail as part of the “Crown the Queen movement for cycling infrastructure.”
Waste Management and Recycling
Effective waste management, including recycling and composting, is consistently mentioned as a key sustainability effort.
- Berkeley, CA: Aims for “sending zero waste to landfills.”
- Portland, OR: Is ranked in the “top 1% of the country” for recycling and composting initiatives, recovering “81% of all waste produced by city operations.”
- San Francisco, CA: Has “recycling and composting mandates” resulting in a “diversion rate of 80% across the city.”
- Los Angeles, CA: Is committed to its “Zero-Waste-to-Landfill” goal by 2025 and “seeing no trash in landfills by 2050.”
- San Bernardino, CA: Has the “Rialto Bioenergy Facility,” which is the “country’s largest organics processing facility,” converting waste into renewable gas and fertilizer.
Green Building and Urban Planning
Initiatives focused on creating energy-efficient buildings and incorporating green spaces into urban development are prevalent.
- Washington, D.C.: Is in the “top 2% of the country for its number of LEED-certified buildings.”
- Denver, CO: Received LEED for Cities Platinum Certification for enhancing sustainability through urban planning and development.
- San Francisco, CA: Is working to create a “greener city by increasing the city’s urban forest and creating living rooftops.”
- Sacramento, CA: Is expanding the Sacramento Railyards, which “uses green building practices like urban infill” and will bring “30 acres of green open space.”
- Silver Spring, MD: Has “more energy-efficient developments than over 10% of the country” and boasts a high amount of green space per resident.
- Salt Lake City, UT: Has the “highest amount of green space on this list.”
Addressing Climate Adaptation and Resilience
While less emphasized than mitigation, some cities are also addressing climate adaptation.
- Washington, D.C.: Efforts include “reducing the urban heat island effect by planting new trees, better managing stormwater runoff, and other crucial measures.”
- San Diego, CA: Has implemented a “desalination plant” to combat drought conditions.
- Honolulu, HI: Has a “climate action plan that outlines 9 strategies the island will use to reach a net-negative carbon economy by 2045.”
City Spotlights: Key Facts and Examples
- San Jose, CA: Early adoption of greenhouse gas reduction targets and ambitious goals to become the “EV capital of the world.”
- Boston, MA: Ranked highly for walkability and energy efficiency, having met its carbon reduction goal ahead of schedule.
- San Francisco, CA: Comprehensive approach including clean transit, renewable energy, and highly effective recycling and composting programs.
- Seattle, WA: Pioneer in achieving carbon-neutral utility, ranking in the “top 1% of the country for renewable energy.”
- Los Angeles, CA: Long-standing commitment to waste reduction with ambitious “Zero-Waste-to-Landfill” goals.
- Honolulu, HI: Ambitious climate action plan aiming for net-negative carbon and high adoption rates of solar energy.
- Silver Spring, MD: Strong performance in energy-efficient developments and significant green space per resident.
- Salt Lake City, UT: Highest amount of green space per person among the listed cities and innovative public transportation incentives.
- San Bernardino, CA: High ranking for renewable energy usage and a leading organics processing facility.
- Cincinnati, OH: Recognized for its “Sustainability Culture,” leadership in green building, and the development of the nation’s largest municipally owned solar array.
Conclusion
These initiatives demonstrate that numerous US cities are actively pursuing ambitious sustainability goals across multiple sectors. They are leveraging global frameworks, implementing innovative local initiatives, and setting clear targets for emission reductions, renewable energy adoption, and resource management. The diversity of approaches highlights that cities are adapting strategies to their unique local contexts and challenges. These efforts signify a significant shift towards a more sustainable future in urban areas across the United States.
Source: Excerpts from Railyards
