Ecology & Biodiversity

Senator Josh Becker, Chair of the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee, has advanced Senate Bill 254 to the CA Assembly. Becker shared the details of the bill at a recent press conference and how it will both address skyrocketing electricity rates and accelerate clean energy investments. SSMC's Executive Director Sarah Hubbard was proud to join El Concilio of San Mateo (an SSMC 2025 Sustainability Award winner), Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, Acterra and others. Sarah spoke about the critical need to keep electricity affordable if we are going to meet our county's climate goals. [...]

Leading up to this year’s Indicators Report—which focuses on food-related emissions—we’re collecting community tested, plant-based recipes to raise awareness and build community capacity around plant-based, climate-friendly diets. Each recipe is easy to make, uses common, all non-animal ingredients and of course, is delicious! We'll be adding a new recipe each week. For the latest recipes, behind the scenes photos and to comment on which recipes you've tried and loved, follow us on Instagram! Join us for the launch of this year's Indicators Report on Oct 1st. Register here. It's not too late - submit your recipe here. [...]

We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our funding partners, whose grants make our work possible. Their investment helps us build a more sustainable, equitable and resilient San Mateo County for all. Each of these organizations have demonstrated a lasting commitment to the vitality of our region and play a critical role in ensuring our communities can thrive and flourish now and into the future. Sand Hill Foundation Sand Hill Foundation has awarded SSMC a two-year grant to fund capacity building for our core programs. We are thrilled to be part of the [...]

For more than 30 years, Sustainable San Mateo County has been working with local government and community leaders to make San Mateo County more sustainable for everyone. Below, leaders from across the region share how SSMC’s work has made a meaningful difference in their communities.       Government and community leaders share their stories about how SSMC is creating a more sustainable world for us all. "Sustainable San Mateo County’s 2023 Indicators Report on children, youth and families was a powerful affirmation for those [...]

On April 3, Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) hosted our 26th Annual Awards Celebration and Auction at the beautiful College of San Mateo—and what a night it was! We were thrilled to come together in person once again, joined by local elected officials, government staff, nonprofit leaders, advocates and community members, all united by a shared commitment to a more sustainable future. The evening was filled with laughter, inspiration and impact. Our fantastic emcees kept the energy high, and our auction added a big dose of fun—while raising critical funds to support SSMC’s programs throughout the year. These funds will [...]

The Ruth Peterson Award, established in memory of a dedicated SSMC leader and given to an invaluable SSMC volunteer, will be presented to John Crowell.John had a long and successful career working for innovative high technology companies, including Sun Microsystems and a startup, OnLive, where he gained an extensive background in finance, people and project management, relationship development and delivering successful project results.He’s had an even more impressive 2nd career volunteering as a Healthy Cities Tutor in the Redwood City Elementary School District, a meal preparer for Meals on Wheels and a regular participant at the Fair Oaks Community Center Family [...]

The Belle Haven Community Campus, recipient of the 2025 Green Building Honorable Mention cosponsored by Sustainable San Mateo County and the San Mateo County Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, is a shining example of how architecture can serve both environmental and social justice goals. The project was recognized in a highly competitive field, which included a diverse array of sustainable residential, commercial and civic projects. This LEED Platinum, net-zero energy facility stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation in the Belle Haven neighborhood of Menlo Park.Owned by the City of Menlo Park, with architecture by Hart Howerton [...]

The 2025 Green Building Awards, cosponsored by Sustainable San Mateo County and the San Mateo County Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, recognize outstanding achievements in sustainable design and construction across residential, commercial, retail and civic projects. Among this year’s highly competitive entries, County Office Building 3 (COB3) in Redwood City stood out for setting a new standard of sustainability and innovation, earning the coveted Green Building Award. Watch our video about COB3. Owned by San Mateo County, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and built by Truebeck Construction, COB3 exemplifies sustainability at every level. The 208,000-square-foot building, completed [...]

Colin Chu’s journey as an environmental advocate began when he was four years old, spending his days tide-pooling and whale-watching with his father in Half Moon Bay. These childhood memories sparked a lifelong passion for protecting the environment, especially our oceans. Witnessing the stark impact of climate change on Half Moon Bay’s ecosystems, Colin was motivated to take action – not just for himself, but for future generations. Watch our video about Colin. Colin founded Homeless Heroes in 2021 when he was in the 8th grade. This nonprofit tackles food waste and food insecurity while promoting environmental justice. The organization’s [...]