The Institute for Local Government honors three counties — Santa Cruz, Alameda and San Luis Obispo — through the Beacon Program this year for their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and implement sustainability best practices.

Santa Cruz County is the first county to receive a Gold Level Beacon Award and only the third county.

Initiatives including adopting a Zero Waste Plan, implementing the county’s Climate Action Strategy and promoting alternative commuting options helped the county achieve:

• 17% Community Greenhouse Gas Reductions
• 12% Agency Greenhouse Gas Reductions
•  28% Energy Savings
• 13% Natural Gas Savings
• Platinum Level Award in Sustainability Best Practices

Alameda County and San Luis Obispo County were also recognized this year with Alameda County being honor with a Silver Level Spotlight Award for 5% Natural Gas Savings and a Gold  Level Spotlight Award for 13% Agency Energy Savings and San Luis Obispo County earning a Gold Level Spotlight Award for 15% agency energy savings.

Currently 142 cities and counties throughout the state participate in the Beacon Program. The Institute for Local Government established the Beacon Program to create a framework for local governments to share best practices that create healthier, more efficient, vibrant communities. To win a full Beacon Award, participants are required to demonstrate achievement in five areas: Agency Greenhouse Gas Reductions, Community Greenhouse Gas Reductions, Agency Energy Savings, Natural Gas Savings and Sustainability Best Practices.

If your county is interesting in joining the Beacon Program, or just learning more, visit: www.ca-ilg.org/BeaconProgram or contact Karalee Browne. Find a full list of the 2018 winners here.