Davis, CA: A History of Sustainability
Gone green
Here are a few of the many policies and programs that Davis has incorporated into our community:
- Changed out the thermostat at the SP Depot substation to participate in the PG&E Smart AC program
- Solar power systems on city buildings and property – The photovoltaic system at the Veterans Memorial Center produces up to 16.9Kw, and the PVUSA solar power plant at the old city land fill is rated at 850Kw.
- Cogeneration at the city Wastewater Treatment Plant – A 75Kw generator is fueled by methane gas collected as part of the sewage treatment process.
- Community forest plan – The city manages more than 18,000 energy-saving, carbon-absorbing trees.
- Recycling and waste reduction program.
- Unitrans public transit system – Joint ASUCD/city transit system that serves more than 20,000 riders a day on natural gas-fueled busses.
- Storm water ponds/conveyance system – Designed to create habitat in town (e.g., North Pond).
- Washer and toilet replacement incentive programs.
- Farmland conservation – More than 2,500 acres preserved since 1988; an area more than 1/3rd the size of the city.
- City bike program – Encourages use of bikes by city employees.
- Bike stop light sensors/push buttons – reduces delays for bike riders.
- Green building program.
- Compact community design.
- EV program – City vehicle fleet includes 19 electric vehicles.
- LED stop lights – Energy/cost savings and last longer than conventional stoplights.
- City vehicle & equipment idling policy – Policy to cut pollution, fuel use and cost.
- Wetlands water treatment – 400 acres that combines stormwater treatment and habitat.
- Low-emission vehicle acquisition policy – City policy to purchase lowest emission vehicles as practical.
Community achievements in transportation:
Davis has been a leader in developing a community transportation system that provides alternatives to automobile travel. Walking, biking, buses, and trains provide real options for travel within and outside the community for most residents. It is anticipated that the importance of this type of diversified system will increase in coming years since transportation accounts for a large portion of the community’s greenhouse gas emissions.
- 1st bike lanes in the United States. 1st dedicated bike signals at major intersections. 100+ miles of bike lanes and paths.
http://www.cityofdavis.org/bicycles/ - Only platinum level awarded bicycle friendly city in the United States (League of American Bicyclists).
http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/October2005award.htm - Co-funded University/City mass transit system (CNG buses).
http://unitrans.ucdavis.edu/ - Consistently rank in the top 3 in number of riders on the Capitol Corridor inter-city rail service (even though Davis is one of the smallest cities on the route).
http://www.capitolcorridor.org/stations/davis.php
Visit this link for more information on local and regional transportation options.
http://www.cityofdavis.org/topic/transportation.cfm
