Widely revered as a global powerhouse on the eco-scene, the Golden City of San Francisco is spearheading environmental leadership and sustainability in the United States. Environmental accountability is interwoven in the fabric of the Bay Area city as sustainability practices in San Francisco continue to be record breaking. Frontrunners in innovation and green initiatives, this Golden City leads the way when it comes to proper waste disposal, eco-friendly buildings, air quality, carbon emissions, and many other areas. With such inspiring and effective practices, these community-led movements are encouraging residents to protect and promote green measures, successfully incentivising more than 43,000 residents to swap their cars for bicycles as their primary means of commuting. Sustainability in San Francisco is setting a stellar example for the rest of the world, read on the find out more about this shining city’s sustainability successes.
Transport
San Francisco has a goal that by 2030, 80% of trips will be taken by low-carbon modes of transport such as walking, cycling, and public transit. Standing at nearly 50% of total city emissions, the transportation system will be reduced and transformed to minimise reliance on cars; instead it will equitably and efficiently connect people to where they want to go. While these investments will increase the quality-of-life benefits for the city, they won’t adequately cut all emissions so a shift from remaining cars to renewable vehicles will be necessary to meet future goals for the city. As electric cars exert zero emissions when on the road, this will help to significantly reduce CO2 and other harmful greenhouse gases from polluting the sustainable city of San Francisco.
Recycling
Environmental practices are increasingly becoming the norm and standardised within industries. Currently, the United States is ranked 35th out of 162 countries for sustainable development and on top of being one of the most beautiful American cities, sustainability in San Francisco is 6th in the country. Having enforced a strict recycling and composting mandate, 80% of the rubbish in the Golden City is diverted from landfills and instead, recycled, or composted. San Francisco was the first city in the US to prohibit the use of plastic bags and alongside this, promoted the mass-use of reusable tote bags to reduce annual wastage. This environmentally friendly effort has reduced wastage to landfills by over 1.6 million tons which, as a visual equivalent, amounts to the weight of two Golden Gate bridges. Striving for zero waste, San Francisco Environment continues to advocate for updates to state legislation, partnering with producers to develop a producer responsible system where producers take responsibility for the entire life cycle of a product.
Energy
With ambitious climate action goals, including the aim for net-zero emissions by 2040, the Golden City of San Francisco is introducing a range of new programmes that will reduce carbon emissions and promote equitable access to clean energy. The initiatives feature discounts for 100% renewable energy for low-income customers, rebates to replace fossil fuel powered appliances, and incentives to promote the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In 2021, the Mayor and Public Utilities Commission announced that CleanPowerSF will provide all customers with 100% renewable electricity by 2025, five years ahead of schedule and twenty years ahead of the State’s goal of 2045. San Francisco’s sustainable city initiatives will see the introduction of more diverse and cleaner energy supplies while simultaneously reducing dependence on imported fuels.
Nature
As the global population continues to increase drastically per annum, and more people migrate to or are born in large cities, urban green spaces provide a much-needed respite from city life. The United Nations predict that 68% of the global population will live in urban areas by 2050, therefore developing our understanding of the impact and benefit urban green spaces provide. Regarding the impact on the sustainability of San Francisco, these green spaces provide valuable ecosystem services which can improve air quality, reduce pollution, filtrate water, and reduce noise pollution, allowing citizens and visitors to escape the hustle and bustle when necessary. In recent years, the Trust for Public Land achieved a monumental goal whereby all San Francisco residents are located within a ten-minute walk of the nearest green space, enabling and encouraging access for all cultures and communities.
Save The Bay
Working to educate, protect, and restore the San Francisco Bay area, Save The Bay is responsible for a plethora of initiatives that aim to make the San Francisco region more sustainable for future generations. As the adverse effects of climate change continue to threaten the planet, restorative missions such as these work to unite people with their surroundings and produce collaborative and caring communities. Reliant upon donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies, Save The Bay aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change through urban green infrastructure, wetland restoration, pollution prevention, and the advancement of environmental justice. In doing so, Save The Bay hopes to inspire future generations to care for sustainability in San Francisco and protect the Golden City for years to come.
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If searching for things to do throughout your stay in this conscientious city, have a read of our blog, The Top 16 Things to Do In San Francisco Bay When on A Business Trip.
