Environmental Stewardship

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Image showing a drop of water with CO2 in it and surrounded by icons from emissions sources such as transportation, electricity, trash

1. Overview

Environmental stewardship is the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through active participation in conservation efforts and sustainable practices in coordination with community and organizational partners. To achieve this, there are five objectives that we working on. The displays under each objective highlight the actions we're taking to support these objectives, along with the current status of those efforts.

2. Natural resource protection

Take actions to protect the wildlife and wildlife habitat, safeguard water quality, and mitigate tree loss in the community.

  1. Monitor amount of open space within the County
  2. Track amount spent on natural resource protection contracts
  3. Conduct wildlife assessment with a subject-matter expert contractor
  4. Implement Bee City Los Alamos and waterwise landscaping improvements on County properties
  5. Replace trees annually as required by tree mitigation policy
  6. Maintain safe, quality drinking water

 

 

3. Water conservation

Reduce potable water use and increase non-potable water use and water harvesting for irrigation where suitable.

  1. Reduce the amount of water used in County facilities
  2. Expand use of reclaimed water

 

 

4. Greenhouse gas reduction

Achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with interim targets of 30 percent reduction by 2030 and 80 percent reduction by 2040.

Los Alamos County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), adopted by the County Council, guides community efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Visit the Climate Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas Inventory web page to learn more.

 

 

5. Carbon-neutral energy supply

Achieve carbon neutrality in electrical supply by 2024 through diversified carbon-free electric sourcing and phase out natural gas use in County facilities by 2050 and in residences and businesses by 2070.

  1. Support construction of the Foxtail Flats solar field
  2. Expand electric energy resiliency through transitioning to carbon-free energy sources

 

 

6. Waste management

Promote a circular economy by diverting community waste from landfills through recycling, re-use, composting and waste reduction programs, and zero-waste campaigns.

  1. Track total tons of material received at the Eco Station
  2. Increase amount of material recycled or recovered
  3. Reduce distance traveled to landfill

 

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