Strategy 1: Achieve County-wide Net Zero 2050 alignment
If public agencies, private businesses, and residents in Washoe County all work together toward the Net Zero 2050 target, we can lower emissions more quickly. “Education” is a recurring theme in community conversations. This strategy seeks to educate and align.
Tier 1 Actions
Washoe County leads by example
1. Measure Community GHG emissions every 5 years. The next inventories will be for 2024 (in 2025) and for 2029 (in 2030).2. Create a public dashboard to track Community CAP actions by the end of 2025. Post public updates on Community CAP actions at least once annually.
3. Create forecast of estimated emissions reductions through 2050 based on Community CAP actions by 2025.
4. Washoe County will write and implement a County Operations Climate Action Plan.
5. Document the health impacts of air pollution and heat on Washoe County and its residents to improve public communication and success of grant applications.
Local agencies and municipalities are aligned around Net Zero
6. In preparation for Waste Management franchise agreement negotiations in 2028 (current contract ends in 2030), identify strategies to reduce waste and waste-related emissions for the future.7. By 2030, identify long-term funding strategy for transportation infrastructure in Washoe County that is not the gas tax.
8. Advocate that Net Zero 2050 be a foundational premise in RTC Washoe's "Regional Transportation Plan 2050" update in 2025.
9. Share resources, advocate adoption of Net Zero 2050 policy with City of Sparks
Businesses registered with Washoe County have a sustainability plan or certification
10. Amongst all businesses registered in Washoe County, grow the numbers of businesses with sustainability plans or green business certifications (eg Nevada Green Business Certification, etc.) to 70% by 2030The Community builds “climate fluency” (knowledge about GHGs and how to reduce them)
11. Grow Washoe County Sustainability email list to an audience of 5,000
12. Send a spotlight communication about Washoe County's Climate Action Activities at least quarterly
13. Participate in at least two community events across the region each year to share information about Climate Action Planning and to hear residents' continued feedback.
14. Develop interactive communications that allow individuals to take climate action and spread knowledge with others
Tier 2 Actions
45. Annually, document and share projections of "Green Economy" trends (eg HVAC installation, EV charger repair, Transit Drivers) to enable workforce partners to anticipate skills needed for the future46. Support the implementation of Washoe County Schools District’s sustainability plan, including fleet of electric buses.
47. Calculate Community-wide Scope 3 emissions (eg building materials, purchased goods) for Washoe County. Make a plan to reduce them.
