History of Sustainability in Glendale

For many years the City of Glendale has pursued sustainability efforts to address current and future environmental challenges as part of the global sustainability initiative. Glendale has demonstrated its commitment to promote sustainable living through policies, programs, and incentives, and through outreach and education for residents. Glendale was among the first cities in Southern California to successfully implement the use of recycled water, a landfill-to-gas energy system, curbside recycling, and a plastic bag ban.

Through the decades, from GWP’s energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy programs, to the City’s outstanding recycling program, promotion of green building materials to developers, and bringing fresh organic produce to residents at farmers’ markets, Glendale has demonstrated its long-standing commitment to the environment, and has realized significant success in driving down emissions while fostering a thriving economy.

Since the early 1990s, the City has implemented numerous sustainability programs:

• Energy Efficiency Programs
• Solar Power Incentives
• Green Business Programs
• Water Conservation Programs
• Recycling and Composting Programs
• Plastic Bag Ban
• Green Fleet Vehicles
• Bicycle Transportation Plan
• The Beeline Service
• Tree Planting Programs
• Farmers’ Markets
• Breath of Fresh Air Program

In an effort to expand and build on existing programs and to align Glendale’s efforts with international initiatives, the City of Glendale completed the Greener Glendale Plan in 2012.The plan systematically addresses means to mitigate climate change based on the United Nations Urban Environmental Accords greenhouse gas reduction targets, and long-term sustainability within Glendale. The Glendale City Council adopted both the Greener Glendale Plan for Municipal Operations, addressing internal government operations, and the Greener Glendale Plan for Community Activities.

The City of Glendale continues to seek new technologies and innovations to foster and promote sustainability. Glendale has embarked on a comprehensive effort to support environmentally friendly policies involving sustainable building design, construction, and operations, and facilitates the implementation of green building standards. It has positioned itself at the forefront of efficient management of energy, water, material resources, and the natural environment. The community, as a whole, champions a more sustainable Glendale