Additional Information

• In 2010, the Town of Portola Valley focused on measures that will have lasting impact on energy and water use. These measures will help the town in reaching our communitywide greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets and doing our part to reduce water use regionally. Outlined below are highlights of efforts to support sustainability in our town.
• In March 2010, the town formed a Sustainability Committee to assist in meeting its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets; for the first year the committee will focus on developing a residential energy and water efficiency retrofit program.
• In March 2010, the town adopted a Water Conservation in Landscaping Ordinance to reduce outdoor water use.  The town's ordinance allows less turf than the California State Ordinance. The town also adopted an Indoor Water Ordinance to address indoor water use.
• In April 2010, the town hosted an annual Earth Day Fair with local nonprofits and vendors focused on energy and water conservation.
• In May 2010, the Town Hall and Library were certified as green businesses by the Bay Area Green Business program.
• In May and June 2010, the town's Safe Routes to School Coalition reported to the Town Council and Portola Valley School Board on recommendations gathered from a parent survey that would increase biking, walking, busing, and carpooling to school. As a result, the town made significant improvements to the trails, the School District joined an innovative program called CarpooltoSchool.com and the Coalition created guides on carless alternatives for getting to school including a new Safe Routes to School map.
• In June 2010, the town collaborated with California Water Services, the Holland/Yates Family and Earth Saver's Club For Kids, to install a native sod demonstration plot at the Town Center.
• In June 2010, the town's Green Team set specific goals to further the sustainability of our operations through our Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy and measures outlined in the Green Business checklist.
• In July 2010, the town adopted a Green Building Ordinance that includes commercial and residential new construction, additions, and remodels.
• In fall of 2010, the town hosted a Green Speaker Series focused on water conservation issues.
• In December 2010, the town fully implemented a procedure for "Paperless" Town Council Agenda Packets.