energy

San Mateo, California, has been proactive in adopting sustainable energy practices. The city has made significant investments in increasing the use of renewable energy sources, primarily through community choice energy programs such as Peninsula Clean Energy, which offers residents and businesses electricity from renewable sources. Solar panel installations have been booming, thanks in part to the California Solar Initiative rebates. Energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades are common in both residential and commercial buildings, spurred by incentives like the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. The city also benefits from the California Energy Commission’s programs aiming to improve energy efficiency statewide. In the public sector, municipal buildings are being retrofitted with energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. Public schools in the area are participating in the Proposition 39 program, allowing them to improve energy efficiency and expand clean energy generation. On the innovation front, San Mateo hosts startups working on cutting-edge energy technologies, including energy storage and smart grid applications.

water

Water conservation is a priority in San Mateo, considering the regional challenges posed by California's droughts. The city's utilities division actively promotes water efficiency through various rebate programs, including incentives for installing low-flow fixtures and appliances. Landscape irrigation is regulated to minimize waste, with the city encouraging drought-resistant native landscaping through its Water-Wise Gardening program. San Mateo also invests in infrastructure to reduce water loss, such as repairing old pipes and implementing advanced metering infrastructure to detect leaks. Rainwater harvesting and graywater systems are increasingly popular, supported by local guidelines and incentives. The city benefits from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s efforts to ensure a reliable water supply from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, emphasizing conservation and sustainable management. Water quality is rigorously tested, with reports showing that San Mateo's water consistently meets or surpasses state and federal standards.

transportation

Transportation efficiency in San Mateo is enhanced through a blend of public transit options and infrastructure improvements. The city is served by SamTrans buses, Caltrain commuter rail, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, which provide alternatives to personal vehicle use. There is a concerted effort to improve last-mile connectivity, with bike-share programs and improving bicycle lanes to encourage cycling as a viable mode of transportation. San Mateo has been working on making its streets more pedestrian-friendly, with safer crosswalks and wider sidewalks. Local transportation plans emphasize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and aim to accommodate future population growth responsibly. Commute.org offers resources like the shuttle program and a carpool/vanpool matching service to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have become more prevalent, supported by both city initiatives and state incentives to increase EV adoption.

waste

Waste management in San Mateo is guided by a strong commitment to reducing landfill use and promoting recycling and composting. The city has a comprehensive solid waste program that diverts a significant percentage of waste from landfills through curbside recycling and composting services. The RethinkWaste agency, which services the area, has implemented the CartSMART and BizSMART programs, enhancing waste diversion for residents and businesses. These initiatives support the state's ambitious goal set by CalRecycle to achieve 75% waste diversion by 2020. San Mateo's Shoreway Environmental Center provides a range of services, including a public recycling center and an environmental education program. The city also enforces mandatory recycling and composting ordinances to ensure compliance. Special attention is given to electronic waste through e-waste collection events and partnership with certified e-waste recyclers. Hazardous waste is carefully handled, with regular drop-off events for safe disposal, and there are ongoing efforts to reduce single-use plastics in the community.