“Energy efficiency and conservation is a great way to both save money and combat global climate change. For every kWh you save, you prevent about 1 pound of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Similarly, for every therm of natural gas you save, you reduce CO2 emissions by almost 12 pounds. For these reasons, El Cerrito has applied for grants and has partnered with various groups to help make energy efficiency improvements in both our own facilities and in the community.” -City of El Cerrito Energy and Climate Page

Beacon Award Accomplishments

About El Cerrito

• Incorporated: 1917
• Population: 23,596
• Location: In Contra Costa County, along Interstate 80 adjacent to Richmond, approximately 6 miles north of Oakland
• Elevation: 69 feet above sea level
• Area: 3.9 square miles

Climate Action Activities

• ICLEI member
• U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement Signatory
• HEAL Cities Campaign Participant
• Climate Action Plan in dDevelopment
• Reduced energy use over two years by nearly 245,000 kWh per year, resulting in over $30,000 in avoided energy costs and a CO2 emissions reduction of 79 tons per year.
• Established Energy and Water Efficiency Program revolving loan fund for projects that improve the resource efficiency of City operations
• Developed Environmental Quality Committee
• Created Green Business Program 
• Received Showcase Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to help fund business energy efficiency efforts 2010 the Small Cities Climate Action Partnership. 
• Recognized as WaterSmart Business by the East Bay Municipal Utility District for it’s City Hall and San Pablo Avenue Landscaping.
• Provides free Solar Assessments from Smart Solar to residents and rebates of up to $250 to improve the overall efficiency of residents home.
• Adopted Weekly Green Waste Service, a Food Scrap Composting Collection Program, February 2011
• New El Cerrito Recycling and Environmental Resource Center

Climate Action Resources

• El Cerrito Climate Action Plan website
• El Cerrito Climate Action Plan Progress Update September 20, 2010
• City of El Cerrito Environmental Services Department
• Cty of El Cerrito Energy and Climate Programs 
• City of El Cerrito Green Government
• Get Involved! El Cerrito Environmental Services Volunteer Opportunities
• Environmental Protection Agency Climate Showcase Communities
• WaterSmart – Success Stories City of El Cerrito/ EBMUD Partners in Conservation
• PG&E’s Easy Bay Energy Watch (EBEW) Smart Lights Program
• RecycleMore West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority
• Weekly Green Waste Service Program Brochure
• City of El Cerrito Economic Development Division
• Contra Costa Green Business Program
• Bay Area Green Business Program
• Associated Bay Area Governments
• “Innovative Financing: El Cerrito Energy and Water Efficiency Program” Case Story provided by BAAQMD, July 2010

Video Clips

El Cerrito Mayor Janet Abelson on the Importance of the Beacon Award

Recycling in the City of El Cerrito

Public Infrastructure & Sustainability in the City of El Cerrito