Green Projects: Sustainable Fullerton

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We, the City of Fullerton, are committed to the long-term health and viability of the community through environmental stewardship. The City strives to plan and implement a wide range of sustainability initiatives and meet its Climate Action Plan goals. Not only do our coordinated green efforts help save your tax $$, but also create a more resilient and greener city in the long run.

Below is a list of highlights that demonstrate the City’s continued commitment to sustainability through innovation and environmentally friendly policies and programs. As important partners in these efforts, we hope you will learn more about how you can participate and make your home, business, and community greener. (photo credit: Cities Digest)

EnergyEnergy Use Conservation

  • Partnering with Tanko Lighting, Inc. and Philips, the City invested in energy conservation enhancements. 3,200 low-voltage streetlights have been converted to LED, saving 1,075,500 kWh annually and $5,110,592 in net energy and maintenance savings over the next twenty years.
  • HVAC/mechanical system improvements at City buildings.
  • Building lighting has been converted to LED fixtures at City Hall and major city facilities.
  • Three successful lighting projects completed at Plummer, Wilshire, and Transportation Center parking garages, saving over 121,930 kWh and realizing $13,410 in annual energy cost savings while improving lighting quality and safety.
  • Installed a hydropneumatic tank at the Laguna Booster Pump Station, resulting in potential energy savings of $190,000 over 50-year life cycle.
  • Rooftop solar panels were installed on the Main Library’s parking lot shelter to provide on-site electronic power in 2011.
  • Working with Stem, Inc., the City provides battery storage unit-based energy savings programs at four City properties to store electricity for later use during peak periods, resulting in overall net savings of $198,083 over a 10-year period.
  • Fullerton installed 10 EV Charging Stations in SOCO downtown parking structure.
  • Traffic signals have been retrofitted to LED lighting through the Southern California Edison LED Traffic Signal Rebate program grant.
  • The City has been an active member of SoCalREN Public Agency programs since August 2017.
  • The City has achieved Gold Level Energy Efficiency Status from the North Orange County Cities Energy Partnership (NOCC) and continues its strong dedication to implementing energy efficiency measures throughout the city.

ConstructionPlanning, Construction, & Capital Improvement

  • CalRecycle- Rubberized Pavement Program & Grant Acknowledgement: This program is designed to increase the use of recycled tires in construction and road paving projects throughout California. The City of Fullerton is proud to be a part of this program and uses Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC), a road paving material made with group-up recycled tires with asphalt and conventional aggregate materials. 
  • The City developed a Climate Action Plan (CAP), which provides a framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and is included in the Fullerton Plan.
  • Starting September 15, 2015, the City adopted a simplified procedure for certain types of residential solar systems to widen the access to this technology. This streamline permitting process greatly benefits homeowners with shorter wait times between contract signing, installation, inspection, and saving on their 1st month's electricity bill.
  • Green Roads with Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) pavement: The City uses rubberized asphalt made from recycled tires on major streets. A two-inch thick RAC uses roughly 2,000 tires per lane-mile.
  • Rock Crushing Program: In a cost-saving measure starting in 2015, the Public Works Water Program began recycling water main break repair spoils and crushing asphalt and concrete into miscellaneous base.
  • Our 42,000 square foot Fullerton Community Center is a LEED Platinum certified building by the U.S. Green Building Council, by incorporating “green” components such as sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and material selection.

WaterWater Conservation & Storm Water Pollution Prevention

  • Report a water leak by calling the Water Helpline at 714-738-6744 or using the myFullerton app.
  • Fullerton completed rebuilding of the Lion’s Sports Field facility including installation of the City’s first artificial turf playing surface.
  • The City is a part of cooperative OC storm water program, H2OC to protect our water resources and prevent runoff pollution.

AirAir Quality Improvement

  • The City opened a  "EcoFuel" Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)  Center in 2013, which was upgraded with additional CNG storage and shade structure in 2017. It services the City’s fleet vehicles and is also available to the public 24/7, 365 days a year. Revenues from this fueling station will be invested back to street repairs or continued maintenance for the fuel stations. 
  • Green Fleet Projects: through the gradual replacement of gasoline and diesel powered equipment with alternative-fueled cars and trucks such as CNG, hybrid, or electric, the City is helping to improve air quality in the region, while decreasing fuel costs. We recycle our used motor oil from our fleets, too!
  • Electronic car charging stations have been installed at parking structures.
  • Fullerton is proud to be designated as a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation for nearly 40 years. Based on the Comprehensive Community Forest Management Plan, the City ensures to maximize benefits from over 40,000 inventoried trees. Our urban forest is improving air quality, conserving energy and attenuating storm water!
  • Fullerton has a bicycle network of 37.25 miles of off-street bikeways, on-street bicycle lanes and bicycle routes, as well as a park-and-ride lot where carpoolers and vanpoolers meet, and bike racks throughout the City. Through the Bicycle Master Plan, the City continues to be committed to creating a bicycle friendly city.
  • The City adopted the Fullerton Transportation Center Specific Plan, a market-based plan for future development, which will create a sustainable transit-oriented district at its Transportation Center.
  • The City completed two major railroad grade separation projects to eliminate traffic delays (and other negative impacts) caused by train crossings and improve vehicular traffic flow, which in turn reduces vehicle emissions for cleaner air.

WasteWaste Reduction & Recycling

  • In partnership with the City’s trash hauler, Republic Services, the City adopted a commercial and multi-family organics recycling program to comply with state mandate AB 1826 - California’s next step in meeting its recycling and greenhouse emission goals. Various outreach, education, and training with kitchen and janitorial staff will be provided for businesses and multifamily dwellings of five or more units to donate surplus food and help them recycle their organic waste.
  • Using recycling fees (AB 939), the City purchased and installed recycled park benches, picnic tables, and other park furnishings to replace missing and worn furnishings at various City parks.
  • The City partners with Republic Service and co-hosts Annual Fullerton Compost Day, giving away compost for free at Independence Park. A workshop about composting, mulching, and “grasscycling” is also available at the Fullerton Arboretum.
  • The City conducts a wide range of community education events to disseminate information about Household Hazardous Waste disposal, F.O.G. (fats, oils, and grease) control, and state-certified Oil Collection Centers to recycle motor oil.
  • The City offers free mulch from tree trimming to residents whenever available.
  • The City offers online public records requests towards paper reduction.
  • Through the implementation of updated technology, City staff has increased their use of paperless meeting agenda materials.

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