One way the City of Carlsbad is leading the way in environmental sustainability is through the Climate Action Plan. The plan is a comprehensive roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning the city with state targets and reflecting our commitment to supporting a healthy planet.

Carlsbad’s plan was one of the first in the region when it was approved by the City Council in 2015. Since then, the city has surpassed our initial goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 4% from 2012 levels by 2020. Now, we are working on the next target—reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 52% by 2035.

On Tuesday, city staff shared an annual report highlighting some of the accomplishments under the plan in 2023, including:

• Certified 18 more businesses through the Carlsbad Green Business Program, which encourages businesses to conserve energy, water and other resources.
• Approved permits for more than five megawatts of solar on nonresidential buildings throughout Carlsbad – enough to cover the electricity usage of about 6,200 California households each year.
  • (Note: The city also issued permits for more than 12 megawatts of solar on residential properties in 2023. Solar installation on residential properties no longer falls under our Climate Action Plan, but the data is an indication of how our community values sustainable living.)
• Continued implementing city ordinances related to energy efficiency and alternative water heating in new construction and major renovation projects.
• Connected 52 households in Carlsbad with free in-home energy assessments through our Home Energy Score Assessment pilot program, compared to 21 households the previous year.
• Installed six miles of new bike lanes and improved over 16 miles of existing bike lanes, making it easier for residents to move around the city without getting in their cars.
• Replaced eight city fleet vehicles with hybrid or electric alternatives.

Updating the Climate Action Plan
City staff are updating the Climate Action Plan to align with new statewide targets and advance the community’s goal of promoting a sustainable environment. A draft of the update will be shared with the public this summer. Staff will then present the final Climate Action Plan Update to the Planning Commission and City Council for review and adoption. To be notified, sign up for environmental sustainability updates.

More information
Climate Action Plan
Climate Action Plan webpage