We're Doing Our Part

Environmental responsibility requires us all to work together in making our communities, and our planet a better place to live. The City of Glendale (CA) is committed to doing our part to promote sustainable living through eco-friendly programs and projects. We are also committed to the betterment of our community through sustainability outreach and education to our residents.

Greener Glendale Plan

In March 2012, the City completed its now award winning Greener Glendale Plan, composed of the following documents:

In preparation for the planning process, the "2010 Report" was completed to highlight the City's existing conservation programs, on which the Greener Glendale Plan would build.
On Nov 1, 2011, City Council adopted the Greener Glendale Plan for Municipal Operations. This document addresses conservation efforts within internal government operations.
On March 27, 2012, City Council adopted the Greener Glendale Plan for Community Activities. This document addresses how the City of Glendale can help the community improve livability and conservation.

Energy & Water

Glendale Water & Power is committed to providing low cost water and electricity in an environmentally sustainable manner by:

• Increasing local investments in water conservation and energy efficiency
• Developing renewable energy resources
• Tracking green house gas emissions

GWP offers numerous energy and water saving incentives and rebates. Click here to find out more.

Green Buildings

Green Building code

On Jan 1, 2011, the new CAL-Green Building Code went into effect for all California cities.

On June 7, 2011, Glendale went a step further by adopting additional green building standards [PDF].

Affordable Housing

For four years, the City Housing Division has developed numerous affordable housing projects exceeding energy efficiency requirements by at least 15%.

Reducing Waste

Zero Waste Plan on Dec 6, 2011.

In addition, we offer the following:

• Recycling services for homes, multi-unit residences and businesses
• Free one-day composting workshops
• Brag About Your Bag Campaign – promoting reusable shopping bags
• Glendale’s Household Waste Exchange Program
• Household battery collection and recycling

Learn more about the City of Glendale's recycling efforts.

Clean Construction

We require demolition and/or construction projects to divert at least 50% of waste (by recycling, salvage or deconstruction) from going to landfills. Contractors are expected to implement best management practices (BMPs) to prevent sediment and other materials from flowing into storm drains. These BMPs include dust control measures, sandbags, concrete washout areas and street sweeping.

Urban Nature and Local Food

Glendale offers 4 community gardens and numerous parks, as well as a Farmer's Market. The City also provides free trees and assistance with planting through the GWP Tree Power Program.

Community Gardens:

• Verdugo
• Palmer
• Monterey East
• Monterey West

Farmers' Markets:

• Downtown Glendale
• Americana at Brand
• Montrose Shopping Park

Air Quality

Regional air quality is regulated by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The City of Glendale reports air quality to SCAQMD and complies with their regulations. Glendale has received an "A" rating from the American Lung Association.

Breath of Fresh Air Program

Glendale's Breath of Fresh Air smoking ordinance is an example of Glendale's commitment to clean air and healthy residents alike! To limit the impact of secondhand tobacco smoke on non-smokers, the City has adopted regulations to provide smoke-free air in public places and areas where smokers and nonsmokers might interact.

Transportation

Regional Connectivity

Ten regional routes, provided by Los Angeles Metro, operate along major Glendale corridors, linking Glendale to Downtown Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, and San Gabriel Valley.

The Beeline

The City offers the affordable Beeline Transit System which provides roughly 3 million passenger trips per year on buses using compressed natural gas (CNG) engines. Real time bus service information is available online. We also encourage our employees to participate in Ridesharing Programs to reduce traffic and improve air quality.

Dial-a-Ride

Glendale's Dial-a-Ride program offers affordable transportation to seniors and the disabled of any age.

Downtown Mobility Plan

Glendale is the second most densely populated City in all of California. With a daytime population of over 700,000 residents, workers, and students, the ability to easily and quickly move about the city is a priority for our staff. The Downtown Mobility Study addresses how to best accommodate expected population growth in downtown Glendale, which is essential to achieving Glendale's vision of a vibrant multi-use downtown, without significantly increasing auto congestion or impacting Glendale's quality of life.

Bicycle Transportation

In the past three years, Glendale has added five miles of bicycle lanes and 4.7 miles of shared roadway markings. The Bicycle Transportation Plan is currently being updated.

Glendale Safe & Healthy Streets Plan

The Glendale Safe & Healthy Streets Plan is a collaboration of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition and the City of Glendale. Our goal is to make Glendale a better, safer place to walk or ride a bike.

Every Little Bit Helps

Seemingly small changes can go a long way towards improving our environment and general quality of life. Below are just a few examples of day-to-day changes we have made in our city.

• Stormwater
• LED Traffic Signals
• Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Facilities
  • Summary of Environmental Effects and Project Requirements/Mitigation Measures
  • Report on the Acquisition of Alternative Fuel Vehicle for the Street Sweeping Operation (12-13-2005)
• Landfill Gas to Energy Project
• Facilities Services Use of Green Cleaning Products
• Reclaimed Water Dual Plumbing in Large Commercial and Multi-Family Structures