Energy and Water

Energy and water use in County facilities are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, together accounting for 32% of total government operations emissions. These emissions are driven by methane gas and electricity used for heating, cooling, and daily operations, as well as the energy required to pump, treat, transport, and heat water.

To reduce this impact, the County is advancing energy and water efficiency, transitioning to all-electric buildings, and expanding on-site renewable energy. Key efforts include installing solar panels at the Maple Street facility, electrifying the East Palo Alto Government Center with high-efficiency equipment, developing an inventory of methane gas equipment, and updating the Strategic Energy Master Plan to guide phased building electrification. Water-saving actions such as low-flow fixtures, leak repairs, efficient irrigation, and drought-tolerant landscaping further reduce energy demand, emissions, and operating costs while supporting long-term sustainability goals.