Climate Action Plan and Sustainability Information

The Town of Ross understands climate change has the potential to significantly affect Ross’ residents and businesses, as well as other communities around the world. The Town recognizes local governments play a strong role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the potential impacts of climate change.

The Ross Climate Action Plan quantifies a number of ways the Town could achieve its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% below 2005 levels by the year 2020.

The source for the majority of community emissions is energy use in residential buildings and transportation.

Actions that you can take:

Don’t drive – walk or bike for short trips. Have your child walk or bike to Ross School. Bike or walk to local destinations, like the Post Office, rather than drive.

Shop locally. Shop at our downtown businesses and the farmers market. Reducing your annual driving mileage by just 10% can make a significant difference.

Drive an electric car. This reduces your car emissions by up to 90%.

Install a solar energy system. Solar energy installers tell us one-third of Ross homes are good candidates for solar.

Order a home energy audit and complete recommended energy efficiency upgrades. Even a minimum energy efficiency retrofit can reduce your home’s energy use by 20%. Visit www.energyupgradecalifornia.org to learn more.

Use compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs or LED bulbs. These will reduce lighting energy use by 75% or more. LED bulbs are more expensive, but they last much longer and do not contain mercury.

Purchase Energy Star-rated appliances and computer equipment. Energy Star-rated appliances can be 20-30% more energy efficient than regular models. Visit www.energystar.gov for more information.

Compost your food waste. Composting your food waste could reduce waste emissions by 25% – and it’s great for gardens.