The GREEN (Green, Resilient, Energy Efficient Neighborhoods) SGV Collaborative, led by Day One in partnership with ActiveSGV, Sustainable Claremont, TreePeople, GRID Alternatives, and the Council for Watershed Health, has secured a $20 million grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Funded through the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in US history—GREEN SGV will support the implementation of seven strategic initiatives to reduce pollution and increase community climate resilience across our most burdened communities:
1. Tree Planting and Fruit Tree Giveaways led by TreePeople to cool our neighborhoods, clean the air, improve local food security, add habitat for native birds and wildlife, and enhance community resilience.
2. Green Schoolyard projects at 10 public school campuses by Sustainable Claremont, integrating composting, rain gardens, and native plants to improve biodiversity and air quality, mitigate urban heat islands, capture and clean stormwater, and provide healthier, cooler campuses for local students.
3. Electric Family/Cargo Bike Incentives and Bicycle Repair Stations overseen by ActiveSGV, aimed at reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and accelerating public awareness and adoption of affordable forms of zero-emission transportation.
4. Clean Casas by GRID Alternatives and Day One, deploying rooftop solar, battery storage, and induction stove technology to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
5. Clean Water Refill Stations established by Day One to minimize single-use plastic waste and promote sustainable hydration practices.
6. Rain Gardens at residential homes by ActiveSGV to capture and clean stormwater, mitigate flooding, reduce dependency on imported water, and provide habitat for wildlife via the use of native plants and trees.
7. Merced Avenue Greenway coordinated by the Council for Watershed Health to construct a multi-benefit, ‘green street’ project in South El Monte integrating stormwater capture, protected bike/rollways, native trees, and pedestrian safety improvements.
The GREEN SGV Collaborative’s award-winning proposal emerged from years of collaborative efforts and community engagement, reflecting a shared commitment to tackling local environmental justice issues and championing community-driven climate action. As we move forward, the collective effort of our community partners and local residents will be vital in realizing the potential of these projects. Join us as we work together to create a greener and healthier environment for all our residents.
