Alameda businesses play an important role in reducing Alameda’s greenhouse gas emissions. Many climate protection actions local businesses can take also decrease expenses, making those businesses more profitable. For example, by making changes to save on gas and electricity and reduce waste, businesses can save money and protect the climate.
[1]A good place to start is by reviewing all of the rebates Alameda Municipal Power [3] (AMP) offers businesses. There are AMP rebates for lighting retrofits, commercial heat pump water heaters, HVAC systems, electric vehicles and charging equipment, and new construction. Save on equipment costs with the rebates and then save money over the long run with lower energy bills thanks to more efficient electric equipment—all while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with Alameda’s 100% renewable energy electricity.
Another area for businesses to explore is waste reduction. A great free resource for businesses is StopWaste [4], a public agency that assists Alameda County businesses. StopWaste can help businesses lower operating costs and protect the climate through recycling, waste prevention, and resource efficiency improvements. Businesses can request a waste prevention consultation by phone, email, or on-site, and can apply for grants needed to reduce waste and recycling.
And then there is landscaping. Planting native drought-tolerant plants and trees lowers water bills, and the plants and trees absorb carbon dioxide, a powerful greenhouse gas. East Bay Municipal Utility District [5] offers rebates and programs for businesses.
[6]According to the 2025 Update to the Alameda Climate Action and Resiliency Plan [7], transportation produces approximately 54% of Alameda’s greenhouse gas emissions. Incentives that businesses can provide to encourage bicycling, public transit, and Electric Vehicle modes of transportation are extremely helpful. Providing safe bicycle parking, EV charging stations, and information on public transportation can help retain environmentally minded workers while reducing transportation emissions.
Together, we can meet our city’s targets of reducing emissions 50% below 2005 levels by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2045.
Joyce Mercado is an author and member of Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA). Her columns are collected at alamedapost.com/Joyce-Mercado [8]. She can be reached at