energy

Long Beach, California has shown a strong commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability through various initiatives and projects. The city has worked on increasing its renewable energy sources, with solar power installations proliferating across residential and commercial buildings. Long Beach's Energy Resources Department actively promotes the use of more efficient appliances and lighting, offering rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. The city's municipal buildings operate with a focus on reducing energy consumption and improving HVAC systems. The Port of Long Beach has also made strides in reducing energy use by implementing shore power systems that allow docked ships to plug into the local electrical grid instead of running diesel engines. Additionally, Long Beach has adopted a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance sustainability.

water

Long Beach has been proactive in addressing water efficiency, implementing a variety of conservation programs and regulations to manage its water resources sustainably. The Long Beach Water Department offers incentives for residents and businesses that install water-saving appliances and landscaping. The Lawn-to-Garden program, in particular, encourages the replacement of water-intensive lawns with drought-tolerant landscapes. Water use ordinances exist to prevent wasteful practices, such as limiting outdoor watering and requiring the use of water-efficient fixtures in new developments. The city has also invested in infrastructure to capture stormwater for groundwater recharge, reducing reliance on imported water. Desalination research and the augmentation of local water supplies with treated wastewater for non-potable uses further exemplify Long Beach's integrated approach to water efficiency.

transportation

The transportation sector in Long Beach has been evolving with a focus on improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Long Beach Transit provides extensive public transportation options, including buses and water taxis, to encourage residents to choose more sustainable travel modes. The city has made substantial investments in bicycle infrastructure, with an expanding network of bike lanes and bike-sharing programs that make cycling a more convenient and safer option. Long Beach Airport has taken steps to become greener by implementing initiatives to reduce emissions from ground operations. The port's Clean Trucks Program seeks to lower emissions by replacing older trucks with cleaner, more efficient models. Furthermore, the city is actively promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption through the installation of EV charging stations and offering incentives for EV purchases.

waste

Waste management in Long Beach emphasizes reducing landfill dependency through recycling, composting, and waste diversion programs. The City's Recycle Long Beach program encourages residents to recycle by providing information and resources on what and how to recycle properly. Long Beach has a strong construction and demolition debris recycling program, requiring projects to recycle a majority of the waste generated. The city has implemented a food waste recycling program aimed at restaurants and grocery stores, diverting organic materials from landfills and turning them into compost or energy. Long Beach also hosts hazardous waste collection events and operates a Special Materials Handling Facility for safe disposal of e-waste, household hazardous waste, and universal waste, contributing to the proper management of potentially harmful materials.