Climate Action Plan

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The purpose of the Climate Action Plan(PDF, 942KB) is to present researched strategies that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions originating in Menlo Park, based on the findings of the city's greenhouse gas emissions inventory analysis which is completed annually.

The plan provides strategies that may be implemented over the next few years by the city, its residents, and its businesses.

The Climate Action Plan will be updated yearly as research continues to provide more emissions reduction data and as new technologies arise and economic conditions change. 

Climate Action Plan goals

2030 Climate Action Plan goals
2021 implementation scope of work
Explore policy/program options to convert 95% of existing buildings to all-electric by 2030
Achieve the following milestones to project completion:
  1. May 2021: Complete cost effectiveness analysis on various policy/program pathways toward achieving 95% electrification by 2030.
  2. June 2021: Environmental Quality Commission provides advice to City Council on cost effectiveness analysis and potential pathways to achieve electrification goals for existing buildings.
  3. July/August 2021: City Council reviews policy/program
Set citywide goals for increasing electric vehicles to 100% of new vehicles by 2025 and decreasing gasoline sales 10% a year from a 2018 baseline
  • Defer implementation to the Beyond Gas Initiative (BGI) under Joint Venture Silicon Valley.
Expand access to electric vehicle (EV) charging for multifamily and commercial properties
  • Monitor the effectiveness of state and regional charging infrastructure incentives
  • Will promote/market the incentives to multifamily property owners
Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 25% or an amount recommended by the Complete Streets Commission
  • Reduce VMT through the SB2 Housing grant, completion of the Transportation Management Association feasibility study, and implementation of VMT guidelines for new development
Eliminate the use of fossil fuels from municipal operations
  • Utilize current resources and available budget toward eliminating fossil fuels in building the new Menlo Park Community Campus.
  • Replace fossil fuel appliances/assets at the end of life with non-fossil fuel options unless infeasible
  • A pilot program to transition landscaping equipment from gas to electric
Develop a climate adaption plan to protect the community from sea level rise and flooding
  • Update The Safety Element in Menlo Park’s General Plan to bring it into compliance with recent changes in General Plan law, including SB 379 (Climate Adaptation and Resiliency.)
  • Continue progress on the Menlo Park SAFER Bay grant application
  • Continue to participate in and monitor OneShoreline
  • A City Council study session is anticipated to be held by July 2021 on the City’s local hazard mitigation plan

Climate Action Plan milestones

Year Description
2020 City adopts sustainable green fleet policy
2020 Reach code implementation requires electrification in new buildings
2017 City adopts community zero waste plan
2017 New zoning ordinances include green sustainable building requirements
2016 Electric vehicle charger installations for Civic Center and downtown Parking Plaza 2
2016 City Council approves of Caltrain Go Pass for city staff
2015 Solar photovoltaic installations completed at the Arrillaga Family Gymnastics Center, Civic Center parking lot (solar carport), Arrillaga Family Gymnasium and City Corporation Yard
2015 New energy monitoring system installed at city hall and library
2015 New chillers and variable frequency drive system installed at city hall and library
2015 Variable frequency drive systems installed in Burgess Pool
2013 City adopts 27% greenhouse gas reduction target
2009 City adopts Climate Action Plan
2005 Menlo Park completes baseline greenhouse gas inventory

Contact us

Sustainability Office
Email

650-330-6720