The County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions, offers programs that help residents, businesses, and agricultural producers in the unincorporated area lower costs while reducing their carbon footprint.
Through the CAP, the County provides resources that can help residents and businesses reduce energy and water use, upgrade properties at no cost, and get discounts on everyday equipment.
Get Started at Home
Small changes can lead to big savings. Borrow a free Do-It-Yourself Sustainability Toolkit and try simple projects, like swapping traditional lightbulbs with LEDs or installing a low-flow showerhead. These simple updates can reduce energy and water use and lower your monthly bills.
For long-term savings, check if you qualify for free home upgrades through the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program. The program offers modern, all-electric appliances, including water heaters and cooktops.
Residents who meet income requirements can also apply to the San Diego Solar Equity Program for free rooftop solar panels. The program serves single-family homes, mobile homes and multi-unit properties up to quadplexes, helping cut electricity costs.
Big Savings for Homes, Businesses and Farms
Many CAP programs support property owners, business operators and agricultural producers.
The Waterscape Rebate Program offers free rain barrels and rebates for water-efficient landscaping.
The Zero-Emission Equipment Voucher Program provides up to 50 percent off electric equipment such as leaf blowers, mowers and trimmers.
Businesses or property owners may qualify for reimbursement through the Electric Vehicle Charger Program when they install publicly accessible EV chargers at locations like a retail parking lot, apartment complex, office, or industrial site.
Keep the Sustainability Going
Residents can extend their impact by attending a local fix-it event to repair household items and reduce waste. The Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program offers free trees to boost shade, improve air quality and strengthen community health.
Explore all CAP programs on the County’s sustainability program page, subscribe to the CAP monthly newsletter, and follow the County’s sustainability team on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated.
Track our Climate Action Progress
In 2025, the County achieved 35% of required emissions reductions for 2030, with 55% of CAP investments benefiting historically underinvested communities. The County reduced 259,481 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (MTCO2e) through the implementation of 35 actions. This is equivalent to removing 60,525 gas-powered vehicles from the road for one year.
Key 2025 accomplishments include:
- Installing 551 miles of sidewalks and 393 miles of bikeways to support low-emissions travel.
- Powering County facilities with electricity from 72% renewable energy.
- Achieving 69% waste diversion in County operations.
- Removing 276,247 square feet of turf and installing 685 rain barrels to reduce outdoor water use.
- Preserving 624 acres of land for habitat conservation and carbon sequestration.
Get more detail and track ongoing CAP progress through the County’s climate dashboard.
