Menlo Park Honored with 2026 Green Cities Award by Peninsula Clean Energy
Celebrating the first Northern California city to implement pioneering building codes cutting emissions from gas appliances
REDWOOD CITY, CA – The City of Menlo Park has been distinguished with the 2026 Green Cities Award from Peninsula Clean Energy, recognizing its leadership in the fight against emissions from gas-powered appliances.
Menlo Park set a precedent in Northern California by adopting forward-thinking building codes in 2025. These codes not only address new constructions but also aim to reduce emissions from existing buildings’ gas-burning appliances.
“Menlo Park’s decisive action demonstrated political courage and strategic leadership that helped create a clear path for other cities to follow,” stated Peninsula Clean Energy CEO Shawn Marshall.
Expressing pride in the collaborative effort, Menlo Park Mayor Betsy Nash, who is part of the Peninsula Clean Energy board, remarked, “Together, we found a workable way to eliminate harmful indoor air pollution while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This benefits residents and their families directly and makes a difference for our collective futures as well.”
Highlighting the city’s responsive strategy, Menlo Park Sustainability Manager Rachael Londer said, “When state law changed the landscape, the City moved quickly to protect what we’d worked toward. The code was written to be flexible in meeting residents where they are, while still driving us forward. Now we’re focused on making sure everyone has the access and support to electrify—including permit fee waivers and no-cost upgrades and rebates through the Home Upgrade Services program.”
Gas appliances are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and poor air quality in the Bay Area. In response, many cities in San Mateo County have adopted reach codes, advancing beyond state mandates, to reduce pollution in new buildings by promoting electric appliances and expanding electric vehicle charging options.
In the summer of 2025, Menlo Park proactively enacted new building codes ahead of statewide restrictions limiting future reach codes to specific scenarios. These codes incorporate “two-way AC” requirements, ensuring new air conditioners are equipped with heat pump capabilities for efficient electric heating and cooling.
Menlo Park is also leading by example, replacing gas appliances in municipal facilities such as the Belle Haven Child Development Center with electric alternatives. Additionally, the city has rolled out programs to make electric appliances more accessible and affordable, enhancing Peninsula Clean Energy’s Home Upgrade program to provide no-cost installations for residents.
The Green Cities Award will be presented to Menlo Park at Sustainable San Mateo County’s 27th Annual Awards Celebration on March 25 at the South San Francisco Conference Center. Other honorees include 2026 Sustainability Award Winners JobTrain, Peninsula Precious Plastics of San Carlos, Elaine Salinger, Chiara Luey, and the Global Security Operations Center at Genentech, which will receive the Green Building Award, with an honorable mention to the all-electric Millbrae Recreation Center.
###
About Peninsula Clean Energy
Peninsula Clean Energy is a Community Choice Aggregation agency serving as the official electricity provider for San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos. Established in 2016 to lower greenhouse gas emissions, the agency supplies over 3,600 gigawatt hours annually of electricity, which is 50 percent renewable and 100 percent clean, at a cost lower than PG&E. As a community-led, not-for-profit organization, Peninsula Clean Energy invests in local communities to enhance access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions. The agency aims to offer 100 percent renewable electricity by 2025. Follow Peninsula Clean Energy on PenCleanEnergy.com, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Original Story at cal-cca.org