Sustainability eNewsletter November 2023

Climate Action Blog: Give Thanks, Help the Planet!

November is the month of gratitude and we’re showing our thankfulness for the planet by sharing ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Celebrate a Zero Waste Thanksgiving, show your appreciation for our natural environment in Palo Alto parks, and provide input to improve walking and biking in our community. We’re also thankful to the State for being able to offer new, limited-time savings for our Heat Pump Water Heater program. Plus, the Sustainability and Climate Action Ad Hoc Committee continues its work and gains a progress report. Read on, give thanks, help the planet, and learn how our local actions can make a global difference.

Peninsula Conservation Center Says

Goodbye to Gas!

Peninsula Conservation Center (PCC) shut off its natural gas (methane) supply last week, making it the first existing commercial building in Palo Alto to switch to 100% clean energy. The building, home to 11 local environmental and non-profit organizations, went all-electric earlier this year after replacing its gas-fired space heaters with electric heat pumps. By eliminating 11.7 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year, this project is helping the City reach its emissions reduction goals.

Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Ad Hoc Committee Meeting: Climate Action Progress, Plus Grid Modernization

Thursday, November 30 | 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

We invite you to join the next S/CAP Ad Hoc Committee Meeting to discuss Sustainability and Climate Action Plan progress to-date, including an update on grid modernization. We will also hear from Mahdi Shahriari of Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) to learn about PCEs goals around renewable energy delivery.

Learn more and register.

Palo Alto Earns a Spot on 2023 CDP Cities A-List

Palo Alto was recognized by environmental impact non-profit CDP as one of 119 local governments across the globe taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency. Palo Alto is among only 13% of local governments to receive an A.

CDP's Cities A List is based on environmental data and is designed to encourage and support local governments ramp up their climate action.

Prep Your Water Wise Garden Now

Fall and winter are the best times to start preparing to convert your lawn to a water-wise garden so you can be ready to install new plants in the Spring. Get a rebate of up to $5,000 through Valley Water’s Landscape Rebate Program to support your project.

Check out this video to hear about one resident's experience.

Winter Efficiency Tips

Prepare your home for colder temperatures and longer nights by making these energy efficiency switches to save money and reduce your emissions this winter:

1. Gain a free consultation from the Home Efficiency Advisor for advice customized to your home usage patterns.

2. Upgrade your attic insulation to improve efficiency and comfort year round.

3. A Heat Pump HVAC system can heat your home more efficiently than a standard natural (methane) gas furnace and runs on 100% clean electricity. Learn more about heat pumps for space heating and find out home you can save.

Up to $7,100 Savings on your Cleaner, Smarter, Safer Water Heater

With rebates worth up to $7,100 in savings to install a better water heater, it is the perfect time to call about switching your water heater to a Heat Pump Water Heater. The City of Palo Alto offers residents expert help to get your permits, installers, and rebates. One call does it all.

Big savings, lower prices, same easy process. Call us at (650) 713-3411 to learn how these new savings can work for you.

Learn More