The City of Beverly Hills Climate Action & Adaptation Plan

9021zero Emissions

Welcome to the City of Beverly Hills Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) project website! The CAAP has now been officially adopted, marking a significant milestone in our City’s commitment to sustainability and resilience. We appreciate the valuable community input received throughout this process and look forward to continued collaboration in implementing this plan.

With the adoption of the CAAP, Beverly Hills is positioned to enhance community-wide sustainability, reduce air pollution, support local economic development, and improve public health and quality of life.

Stay engaged with us as we turn these climate goals into reality!

What is climate change?

Climate change is driven by the human contribution of certain gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. These gases, commonly known as greenhouse gases or GHGs, absorb and re-emit heat that has been discharged from the Earth’s surface. This works to trap heat near the earth’s surface, increasing the natural greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases from human activities have been collecting in the atmosphere since the 1800’s and are warming the climate more and more every year. This rise in average temperatures across the globe affects precipitation patterns, the severity of wildfires, the prevalence of extreme heat events and droughts, and more. Without reducing our GHG emissions, our climate will continue to change.

Beverly Hills is expected to experience increased climate hazards as a result of climate change. These include more extreme and frequent rains and hotter days. This is expected to increase the City’s susceptibility to regional drought conditions, wildfire, and localized flooding. Air quality is also expected to worsen as a result of higher temperatures and more frequent wildfires.

Can Beverly Hills make a difference?

Although climate change is a global problem, it is important that communities like Beverly Hills drive the change needed from the local level. Because cities usually have control over how they build, use land, and set up transportation systems, they are an essential part of the climate solution. Plus, many actions cities take to lower their climate impacts have other positive benefits for their communities, like improving public health, saving money, and protecting ecosystems. Already, we can see that many cities across the nation have committed themselves to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for the effects of climate change. Only so much can be done at a national or even global level; localized changes are imperative for reaching our collective long term climate goals.

Is Beverly Hills taking action on climate change now?

The City has been taking steps to lower its local contribution to climate change well before the City started preparing a CAAP in early 2021. In recent years, the City has implemented policies, programs, and capital investment to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions. Below are some examples. To see more details about these initiatives, visit the Project Resources page.

• • The City has increased the availability of renewable electricity through the Clean Power Alliance. The City is defaulted at 50% renewable electricity for all electrical customers. There is a 99% citywide participation rate to renewable electricity.
  • The LED streetlight replacement project replaced approximately 5,800 lights with energy-efficient LED fixtures. The project has currently saved 65% in energy and 69% cost savings compared to 2018 baseline numbers.
  • The City installed 1596 PV solar panels at the Civic Center Parking Structure. The system has produced 4.4 GWh of electricity to offset the use in the library and police station. The amount of electricity produced is equivalent to removing 3100 metric tons of carbon emission and 132,000 gallons of gasoline from the environment.
  • The majority of the city-owned fleet is fueled by renewable compressed natural gas, renewable diesel, electricity, and low emission fuel.
  • Adopted the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) that provides a water reliability plan and actions towards water conservation.
  • Adopted the Integrated Water Resources Master Plan that provides water resources planning to assure water reliability, provide alternative water resources, and water quality improvements.
  • Developing the Urban Forest Management Plan. (UFMP). The UFMP establishes steps to grow and maintain a healthy urban forest.
  • The City adopted the State’s Green Building Code, including energy and water conservation measures that go beyond the minimum requirements.
  • The City adopted a Hazard Mitigation Plan that demonstrates the City’s preparedness to managing the effects of hazards, including climate change and emergency events.
  • A broad array of recycling and conservation programs look to reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve water, save energy, reduce pesticide use, and many other steps to maintain a clean and healthy environment for all: http://www.beverlyhills.org/departments/publicworks/recyclingandconservation/web.jsp

Why did Beverly Hills prepare a CAAP?

Beverly Hills developed and adopted a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) to enhance the City’s high quality of life, protect economic prosperity, and take a leading role in addressing climate change. By proactively reducing local greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to climate impacts, Beverly Hills aims to safeguard community health, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability for current and future residents.

Community Involvement

The successful adoption of the CAAP was made possible through community participation. Thank you to everyone who engaged with the City throughout this process! Ongoing involvement remains crucial as we implement the strategies and actions outlined in the CAAP. Stay informed and engaged by visiting our Participate page for updates.

The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Community Advisory Committee (CAC) played a pivotal role in developing the CAAP, providing valuable insights and recommendations. The CAC was composed of dedicated community members and representatives from various City Commissions, appointed by the City Council. For more information, visit www.beverlyhills.org/ClimateCommittee.