Hayward among 88 global cities to score an "A" in Climate Leadership in 2020

This month, the City of Hayward was recognized as a global leader in environmental action by nonprofit CDP, formerly Carbon Disclosure Project, making it onto their 2020 “A” List.

Every year, hundreds of cities report their climate data through CDP’s environmental disclosure platform and in so doing demonstrate commitment, transparency and ambition in climate protection.  All disclosed data is made available free of charge on CDP’s Open Data Platform.

To score an A, a city must have a city-wide emissions inventory, have set an emissions reduction target, published a climate action plan and have completed a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards now and in the future, among other actions.

Hayward has been recognized for its actions to develop robust climate change strategies, track and act to limit and reduce emissions, assess and mitigate climate risks, and transparently report this information in its 2020 disclosure to CDP.

This is the second time Hayward has been recognized on CDP’s A List, previously receiving the recognition in 2018.

Among the projects, programs, and policies that Hayward is undertaking and following to become more environmentally sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint are:

• Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions – In 2018, Hayward achieved a 21.6 percent reduction in overall GHG emissions compared to 2005 levels. This reduction exceeds Hayward’s 20 percent reduction goal by 2020 -- two years ahead of schedule.
• Shoreline Master Plan – Hayward is working with the Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency to address sea level rise by preparing a Regional Shoreline Adaptation Master Plan. For more information, please visit: www.hayward-ca.gov/shoreline-master-plan.
• Renewable Energy Generation at City Facilities – Hayward is generating renewable electricity at several of its facilities, including the Water Pollution Control Facility, Animal Shelter, Corporation Yard, and Fire Stations. In total, the City is currently generating approximately 65 percent of its electricity needs. To lean more, view the report recently delivered to Hayward’s Council Sustainability Committee here.
• Recycled Water Project – Hayward will soon be delivering approximately 260,000 gallons of recycled water per day to 31 commercial customers for outdoor irrigation. The tertiary-treated water will be provided via nine miles of recently constructed distribution pipeline. For more information, visit: www.hayward-ca.gov/recycledwater.
• Municipal Fleet Using Renewable Diesel – Last year, Hayward replaced the diesel at all its municipal fueling stations with renewable diesel, which is made from vegetable oils and animals fats rather than petroleum, and emits significantly reduced health-hazardous pollutants and emissions when compared to conventional diesel. To learn more, visit: www.hayward-ca.gov/discover/news/jul19/hayward-municipal-fleet-ditches-diesel-renewable-alternative.
• Electrification Reach Code Adopted – Earlier this year, the Hayward City Council adopted a reach code ordinance to electrify buildings and vehicles in new construction. The new requirements will result in safer and more comfortable buildings, increase Hayward’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and reduce our carbon footprint. For more information, visit: www.hayward-ca.gov/reach-code.

To learn more about CDP and the organization’s scoring methodology for the Cities A List, visit CDP's website.