City of Sausalito
Home Search MenuSustainability Programs and Resources
Welcome
On this page you can find regular updates on what the Sausalito Sustainability Commission is working on and programs and opportunities related to sustainability. Topics covered include energy, transportation, waste, and water. If you would like more information on any of these topics, please contact the Resiliency & Sustainability Manager, Catie Thow Garcia at cthowgarcia@sausalito.gov.
Energy Updates
- Building Electrification: The Sustainability Commission also recommends the adoption of climate-friendly building codes that require new construction projects to be all-electric, provide for enhanced electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and comply with California Green Building Code Tier 1. The new construction electrification “reach codes” are consistent with those already adopted by more than 70 California jurisdictions including Fairfax, San Anselmo, San Rafael and unincorporated Marin County. Sausalito’s adoption will help maintain county-wide consistency for builders and developers.
- Heat Pump Water Heaters: Electric heat pump water heaters are highly energy-efficient, using the same technology as refrigerators but in reverse, moving heat from the air into a water tank. Heat pump water heaters can use less than half the energy required by a traditional electric resistance water heater. Find contractors and incentives here.
- Gasoline-powered leaf blowers: have been prohibited in Sausalito since September 29, 2022 when a new ordinance went into effect. On January 31, 2023, additional gas-powered landscaping equipment is also prohibited. This includes gas-powered lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, weed trimmers, and weed whackers (see ordinance for details and exceptions). A ban on gas-powered chainsaws and pole-mounted trimmers will go into effect on December 31, 2023. If you believe someone is illegally operating gas-powered landscape equipment within city limits, please submit a Code Enforcement Complaint Form to ceofficer@sausalito.gov. Read the original news item here.
- An informational flyer on banned equipment in Spanish and English can be downloaded here.
- Vouchers are available from the State to help with the transition away from gas-powered landscape equipment.
- The Sausalito Library has an electric leaf blower available for loan in their Library of Things. Some other alternatives are listed here.
Waste and Reuse Updates
- Single Use Plastic Ban: Alongside other Marin jurisdictions, Sausalito has banned single use plastics at all restaurants and events within Sausalito city limits per Sausalito Municipal Code Chapter 11.40. The ordinance uses the hierarchy of reusables are best, compostable fiber foodware is compliant, and single-use plastics are prohibited. Enforcement will be conducted through the County Food Inspection Service and will begin 11/10/23.
- Recycling: visit the Sustainability Commission webpage at Bay Cities Refuse to learn more about how we are helping businesses implement the City's Single Use Plastic Ban, and how you can do your part at home.
General Sustainability Updates
- On February 8, 2022, the City of Sausalito adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution. This resolution supports the City's existing Climate Action Plan and General Plan, and it establishes that climate change is a high priority for the City Council. Learn more here.
- Act Now Bay Area (previously Drawdown Bay Area) has an app to help surface resources, actions and solutions to address climate change. The website and app are organized by categories across Buildings & Energy, Transportation, and Food & Food Waste and has Marin specific information.
- Resilient Neighborhoods inspires and motivates Marin County residents to create healthy, low-impact homes and build connected communities where neighbors work together to be prepared and safe when heat, fire, storms or floods happen. Join their Climate Action Workshop to to help our County and the State of California become carbon neutral by 2045. Sign up for the Resilient Neighborhoods Newsletter to get regular tips, financial incentives and Marin sustainability information.
Other Resources & Information
A key purpose of the Sustainability Commission is to engage the 94965 community and help them learn about the many resources and opportunities available to them. The Commission has organized these resources into five focus areas. Click to learn more.