Sustainability Recognitions & Accomplishments

The Town of Colma is very committed to sustainability. We are constantly expanding our efforts to be more green and because of that, the Town has been fortunate enough to be recognized by various agencies in this field.

The Town of Colma was awarded the following sustainability awards by the Institute for Local Government:

  • Beacon Award Winner-Platinum Level -Sustainability Programs Implementation
  • Beacon Award Winner -Gold Level- Reducing Agency Greenhouse Gas Emissions, 43%
  • Beacon Award Winner-Gold Level-Reducing Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions 18%
  • Beacon Award Winner-Platinum Level -Agency Natural Gas Savings, 22% reduction
  • Beacon Award Winner-Platinum Level -Agency Energy Savings, 29% reduction

For more information on these awards, please click here to read an article from the Institute for Local Government.

Please click through the main menu to browse what other efforts the Town has been able to accomplish so far. Below are just a few examples:

Sustainability accomplishments

  • Saved over 1,000,000 Kwh of energy usage and reduced GHG emissions by 211 tons through our partnership with Ecology Action and PG&E for our businesses and municipal offices
  • Colma has “Opted up to ECO 100”, and is purchasing 100% renewable energy for all Colma facilities. Colma is encouraging our businesses and residents to Opt up see www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/opt-up/
  • Completing an innovative Water Conservation Project in partnership with the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District (RCD) for cemeteries to reduce water and energy usage through water audits
  • Meeting AB 32, AB 939, AB 341 and AB 1826 Requirements
  • Converted all hauler collection vehicles to CNG to reduce GHG emissions through new franchise agreement with Republic Services
  • Increased our measured diversion rate to 32% (38% using prior data system) in our partnership with Republic Services
  • Expanded new Commercial Organics Collection to all food related businesses
  • Expediting process for electric vehicle charging stations
  • Expanded the water conservation incentive program for residents and MFD
  • Approved a Resolution supporting Paris Climate Agreement-Climate Protection Agreement
  • Authorized $85,000 subsidy to increase participation in the Water Conservation Incentive Program
  • Participation in US Mayor’s Water Challenge
  • Added Municipal Code Chapter 6.06 regarding procedures to expedite permit processing for electric vehicle charging stations
  • Expanded new collection programs of E-Waste for residents and added Security Shredding/Recycling and Compost Give Away events
  • Completed energy audit of four Town-owned facilities including the Police Station, Community Center
  • Awarded $50,000 grant to complete deep dive energy retrofits for municipal facilities
  • Approve a $5,000 grant for RCD to continue water efficiency projects with cemeteries
  • Completed water irrigation evaluations for 5 of the largest cemeteries in collaboration with the Resource Conservation District of San Mateo County (RCD) to provide technical assistance and recommendations for water and energy savings. Continued to work with RCD to identify grants to assist the cemeteries with upgrades.
  • Received Institute for Local Government Awards that include the Beacon Awards for:
  • Platinum Level Award for 43% Agency Greenhouse Gas Reductions
  • Platinum Level Award for 29% Energy Savings
  • Platinum Level Award for 22% Natural Gas Savings
  • Gold Level Award for 18% Community Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions
  • Platinum Level Award in Sustainability Best Practices
  • Received Kaiser Permanente Sustainability grant to purchase and install a bike rack/repair station at the Colma Community Center
  • Completed new franchise agreement to provide upgraded recycling, organics and garbage collection services, enhanced household hazardous waste collection and improved recycling technical assistance for businesses. Awarded franchise to Republic Services and continued collaboration on the Transition Plan, Commercial Recycling Plan and Operations Plan. Staff holds quarterly meetings (or more frequently) with Republic staff.
  • Hosted residential and business outreach events to get feedback on the new expanded recycling and organics collection
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