With 70 miles of pristine coastline and the most biodiversity in the continental United States, San Diego has a wealth of natural beauty to enjoy. As a top travel destination and home to more than 3.2 million residents, San Diego is committed to preserving its natural beauty for generations to come.
San Diego consistently ranks among the top green cities in the United States, and is often recognized for its leadership in renewable energy resources, green building practices and commitment to continuous improvement. In February 2025, the City of San Diego achieved LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
When you visit San Diego, you’re not only traveling sustainably — you’re investing in the region’s success!
Leading the Way
San Diego local governments have detailed roadmaps in place to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions in coming years.
San Diego County’s Climate Action Plan outlines specific steps the county is taking to achieve a goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2045, through improvements in transportation, energy, water, waste and agriculture. The county monitors its progress annually and adjusts its plan as necessary, prioritizing cleaner air and water, improved public health, and green jobs.
Even more ambitiously, the City of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2035 — a full decade earlier than the state and county. The city is working towards this goal in several ways: by investing in renewable energy, phasing out natural gas, composting and capturing methane from landfills, restoring wetlands, and improving infrastructure to encourage walking, cycling and electric vehicle use. The plan actively tracks green tech innovations to identify emerging climate actions.
Green Energy
San Diego is committed to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035. San Diego Community Power, its not-for-profit public power utility, provides clean wind and solar energy to the region and currently serves 1 million customers. Notably, San Diego leads the nation in solar energy generation, with the most rooftop solar panels per capita.
Pure Water
Pure Water San Diego turns recycled water into safe, high-quality drinking water. This cutting-edge technology is one of the largest water recycling programs in the United States, ensuring San Diego’s water supply is reliable and sustainable for years to come. By 2035, Pure Water will account for half of the city’s water supply.
Clean Communities
San Diego’s Climate Action Plan is working toward a 90% waste diversion rate, meaning most discarded items are recycled, reused or composted. Additionally, San Diego captures methane from landfills and water treatment plants, keeping it out of the environment. The city is also investing in ecosystem health by restoring salt marshland and expanding tree canopy cover.
San Diego’s commitment to sustainability is more than just policy — it’s a way of life. From clean energy and water innovation to sustainable tourism and community-driven climate action, San Diego is setting a standard for what a greener future can look like.
