HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-05; Environmental Sustainability Commission; 03; Environmental Sustainability Outreach Events and Recognition OpportunitiesMeeting Date: Feb. 5, 2026
To: Environmental Sustainability Commission
From: James Wood, Environmental Sustainability Director
Staff Contact: James Wood, Environmental Sustainability Director
james.wood@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2584
Subject: Environmental Sustainability Outreach Events and Recognition
Opportunities
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Receive an informational report on outreach events and recognition opportunities related to
Environmental Sustainability in the City of Carlsbad.
Discussion
The City of Carlsbad has various outreach activities throughout the year which provide an
opportunity to help protect and preserve our natural resources and educate residents and
businesses on issues related to Environmental Sustainability. Additionally, the city has programs
that support businesses in sustainable efforts and recognize them for their efforts, such as the
Green Business Network and the Business Environmental Stewardship Award.
Staff will share these opportunities as they align with the commission’s work plan goal of
Education and Advocacy to support environmental issues and programs, educate the business
community, general public, and elected officials on topics related to the commission’s mission
statement , and participate in outreach education events, such as Earth Month, beach and
creek cleanups, and other city-sponsored events. Updated lists of events and related
information for Environmental Sustainability can be found on the city’s website at
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/environmental-sustainability.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to update this commission on outreach and recognition opportunities
throughout the year.
Fiscal Analysis
This action has no fiscal impact.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines
Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environment review under CEQA Guidelines Section
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
Feb. 5, 2026 Item #3 Page 1 of 2
15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3), because the proposed action to receive this report is an
organizational or administrative government activity that does not involve any commitment to
any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the
environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming from the proposed action may
require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA or CEQA
Guidelines.
Exhibits
1.None.
Feb. 5, 2026 Item #3 Page 2 of 2
Environmental Sustainability
Outreach Events and Recognition
Opportunities
Environmental Sustainability Team
Feb. 5, 2026
Upcoming Events
March 3, 2026 - HMP Annual Meeting
April - Earth Month Celebration & Creek to Bay Clean Up
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/environmental-sustainability
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
Carlsbad Green Business Program
Katie Hentrich, Climate Action Plan Administrator
Kylie Martin, Technical Assistant
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
Carlsbad Green Business Program
Part of statewide green business network
Launched late 2019; working with Environmental Innovations
One-on-one assistance to identify sustainable practices
Helps businesses save money and improve employee well-being
Access to rebates, including city-funded rebate up to $250
City Council recognition
…and it’s FREE!
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
Carlsbad Green Business Program
70 certified businesses, including 5 city facilities
and 7 re-certifications
Not a “one size fits all” approach, provides tailored assistance
Cover many business sectors with tailored checklists for each sector, from restaurants to offices to hair salons and everything in between
Checklist items cover energy usage in buildings, pollution prevention, reducing and diverting waste, water efficiency, and local community education
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
How to get certified
Sign up on website
Preliminary meeting; checklist
overview
Site visit
Work
through
checklist;
meet as needed
Get certified!
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
Recognition
Certified businesses receive marketing materials
Annual City Council proclamation for newly certified
businesses (April 28, 2026)
Businesses are listed on city and statewide website
Annual mixer event for all certified green businesses
(date TBD; spring)
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
Help us spread the word
Share with the Carlsbad
community
•Word of mouth is helpful! Share with businesses you frequent
•Set up 1:1 meeting with staff to dive deeper into the program
•Staff can provide flyers with program information
Attend partner-hosted
events
•Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Green Business Expo (April 15, 2026)
•Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Green Business Committee (meets monthly
via Zoom)
•San Diego Climate Week
(fall, date TBD)
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
Sustainable Materials Management
Avecita Jones, Senior Program Manager
Molly Reeves, Senior Environmental Specialist
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
SB 1383 regulation Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
Why This Matters
•SB 1383 is complex
•Significant business impacts
•Education reduces enforcement needs
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
Bins for Businesses
•145+ businesses supported
•860+ bins distributed
•900+ signage provided
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
Business Engagement Program
•One-on-one site visits
•Operational assessments
•Waste minimization reports
•Leadership presentations
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
What Businesses Receive
•Visual waste audit
•Customized
recommendations
•Final report &
leadership meeting
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
EcoEats Food Waste Reduction Pilot
•Targeted assistance to reduce food waste
generation
•Small- and medium-sized businesses
•Voluntary, prevention-focused actions
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
Earth Month Outreach
•April 18 | Poinsettia Park
•Theme – Love Our Planet:
There Is No Place Like Earth
•Focus – Textile Upcycling & Food Waste Prevention
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
•Share city programs
•Participate in outreach events
•Reinforce city support
Education and Advocacy
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities
Thank you!
Carlsbad Green Business Program website
Item 3: Outreach and Recognition Opportunities