Going Green

By Ann Keighran

The City of Burlingame has taken several steps in reducing greenhouse emissions. Some of those include the adoption of the North Burlingame End Specific Plan which promotes mixed use and higher density development opportunities located near public transit, adoption of a bicycle transportation plan and lowering our solar permit fees which were originally $1,100 to zero in order to promote more solar installations.

In August 2007, the Burlingame City Council signed the United States Mayors Climate Protection agreement. In 2007, the City of Burlingame joined the ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) to share best practices with other cities. In addition, the Green Ribbon task force was established. In January 2009, the City Council directed the Green Ribbon task force and a consultant to develop a Climate Action Plan. The Climate Action Plan functions as a road map which guides the city to provide and implement increased sustainability practices, decrease carbon emissions and provide and improve the quality of life.

During my term on the Council, we have received a $160,000 energy saving rebate from PGE for the cogeneration system in the city's wastewater treatment plant which reuses methane gas to power 80% of the facility. We have held free electronic recycling events, used biodiesel fuel in some maintenance vehicles and participated in the ABAG Energy Watch Program that completed an energy audit of all city buildings to serve as a baseline for future energy conservation. The Public Works department now has two hybrids. The City of Burlingame has provided $18,000 of rebates to residents for replacing over 200 inefficient old toilets and washing machines with newer higher efficient ones saving millions of gallons of water. The Public Works department has also recently applied for grants to obtain funding to install solar panels at City facilities to offset PG&E costs and produce clean energy.

The City of Burlingame achieved a city wide waste stream diversion rate of 60% which is the highest percentage in the city's history. We have also hosted compost give away events to promote gardening practices. Burlingame was one of the first cities to participate in the San Mateo County's green business certification program. There is also a "Sustainable Burlingame" section on the city's website to educate residents and businesses about sustainability. We now have a yearly Green Street fair that is run by volunteers that has been quite successful.

Is there room for improvement? Absolutely!!!! We need to continue to look at waste reduction and recycling techniques, incorporate energy efficient and green building programs, transportation alternatives and promoting educational programs with the community in order to increase awareness of "Going Green".