Sustainability

KEEP REDLANDS COOL!

The city strives to foster a culture of environmental stewardship by implementing the recently adopted Climate Action Plan (CAP) and expanding sustainability programs.

Both internally and within the community, the City’s sustainability program aims to:

Engage with and educate the community on environmentalism and the local effects of climate change
“Lead by Example” by increasing sustainable practices in City operations
Reduce local environmental impacts while conserving natural resources
Celebrate the natural surroundings of Redlands

When it comes to protecting our environment, every little bit helps. Whether you’ve completely electrified your home or just started a compost bin, every action makes Redlands greener. As a bonus, some eco-friendly changes are good for your wallet.

We need our planet in order to live! Climate change affects the weather, human health, natural ecosystems, essential resources, and the economy. We all need to do our part to reduce the impact of climate change and prevent the situation from worsening.

In addition, we currently rely heavily on finite resources such as fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases. These non-renewable resources will also eventually run out. It’s important to learn more about renewable energy now so we can safely and comfortably transition away from non-renewable resources.

Redlands is located in Southern California, a region greatly impacted by drought and increasing extreme heat. Our nearby open spaces are also heavily affected by wildfires, leading to hazardous air quality. Wildfire risk has negatively affected the availability and cost of home insurance in California, including in Redlands.

These conditions can compound and make the situation even worse. For example, climate change is making us more reliant on cooling equipment, which puts more demand on our electricity grid. This increases electricity costs and can subject the community to rolling blackouts.

The effects of climate change can also increase the number of pests and severity of plant diseases. Higher temperatures can favor pests, giving them an advantage when infecting plants. Redlands’ citrus trees have already faced quarantines from the spread of Huanglongbing (HLB), a citrus disease spread by psyllids.

We know this all sounds scary, but this is why climate action is so important. You’re already taking action by reading this! Every step toward a greener world helps. Check out our Sustainable Habits page for additional tips.

In 2025, the City of Redlands updated the Climate Action Plan (CAP), which was originally written in 2017. The CAP outlines the City’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal and the measures that the City will take to achieve it. The City aims to reduce GHG emissions by 5.4 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per capita by 2050. This goal was determined by using state-wide reduction targets set forth in California regulations.

Click here to read the City of Redlands Cliamte Action Plan.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the leading contributor to climate change. GHGs include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). When they enter the atmosphere, they absorb and trap heat, increasing air temperatures.

A warmer atmosphere alters the climate, resulting in more extreme temperatures and weather events. Hot climates will become hotter, and cold climates may become colder. Natural disasters can become more severe, less predictable, and more likely to harm infrastructure and human life.

Gas-powered transportation, the burning fossil fuels (crude oil, coal, and natural gas), deforestation, and other industrial practices are leading causes of GHG emissions.

P.S. There is so much more to climate change than we can explain here. Check out this great article that covers the basics of climate change.

Nope! Everyone can contribute to a healthy climate in their own way. If you do want to look into electric car ownership, check out the rebates and incentives below.

Click below to view local incentives for making eco-friendly upgrades to your home or business.

SoCal Edison Rebates
Air Quality Management District Incentives –

Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development Program (BUILD) – incentives for technical assistance and financial incentives for new, low-income residential building projects using near-zero-emission building technologies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings and reduce energy demands of a building on the electrical or gas distribution system. Administered by the California Energy Commission and California Public Utilities Commission.
Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles (EnergIIZE Commercial Vehicles) – provides funding for electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure for zero-emission trucks, buses, and equipment in California.
Incentives for Clean Trucks and Busses (HVIP) – providing point-of-sale vouchers to make advanced vehicles more affordable. Launched by the California Air Resources Board.
- Click here for information on incentives for off-road vehicles.
Air Quality Management District Incentives –

June 11, 2025

Stay Cool Redlands

High heat is no joke. Stay cool and stay safe.

The summer months in Redlands (June, July, August, and September) have an average temperature of 92.5°F and have reached as high as 114°F. These ...

February 24, 2026

Sustainability

KEEP REDLANDS COOL!

Stay Cool Redlands

High heat is no joke. Stay cool and stay safe.

Sustainable Habits

Composting at Home

The Circular Economy

Eco-Friendly Money Saving Tips for Businesses

CO2 and the Carbon Cycle

Our Climate

Climate Action Plan

Energy

Waste Reduction

Water Conservation

Alternative Transportation

Electric Vehicles

Incentives & Rebates

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