$1.5 million grant kick starts solar project at Emergency Management
Crossposted from the DES Express The county recently kicked off a project to install solar panels and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Regional Communications and Emergency Coordination Center (RCECC) in Renton. The county secured a contractor this spring and design is now underway. Once completed in the summer of 2026, the project will begin producing energy and providing environmental benefits. “It’s an almost immediate payback,” said Sarah Calvillo Hoffman, Climate and Sustainability Manager. Read more.
Take care working outdoors during hot weather
Hot weather is forecast for the next few days in our region, and a Heat Advisory will be in effect for King County from noon Tuesday to 10 p.m. Wednesday. As some of our work needs to be performed outdoors, we want to ensure that employees and supervisors take care of themselves and one another as temperatures rise. In extreme heat, Executive Branch departments should evaluate planned field work to determine if this work can be postponed to when temperatures are cooler, where possible. If work must be performed, departments should attempt to… Read More
Green Diesel Pilot receives BRG Innovation award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship
The Green Diesel Pilot Project has received the 2024 Best-Run Government (BRG) Innovation Award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship. Congratulations to the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), Solid Waste Division (SWD), Green Diesel Pilot Project team, and all their partners for their commitment to Best-Run Government. A special thank you to Jamey Barker, Scott Barden, James Gentili, and Anthony Slaughter. The Innovation Award for Climate and Environmental Stewardship recognizes workgroups and teams that have made progress in advancing the goals of King County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan and/or protecting and… Read More
Executive Braddock announces winners of the 2025 Green Globe Awards, King County’s highest honor for environmental stewardship
King County Executive Shannon Braddock today announced the winners of the 2025 Green Globe Awards, King County’s highest honor for environmental stewardship. The Environmental Catalyst award went to Seattle Times environmental reporter and award-winning author Lynda Mapes. Other winners included an effective hunger relief program that was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, a regional bicycle donation hub, an organization that is advancing equitable access to outdoor experiences, and a nonprofit that is developing transit-friendly, sustainable homes that will be permanently affordable. Read more.
King County Metro’s 100% zero-emission bus base nears completion
Crossposted from Metro Matters It’s the size of nine football fields, powered by clean electricity, and is getting ready to welcome the first battery-electric, zero-emission buses that will call it home. A year after breaking ground, Tukwila Base, Metro’s first 100% electric bus base, is nearing completion and preparing to start testing the charging infrastructure that will power over 120 new battery-electric buses. “As we celebrate Earth Day, Tukwila Base is one example of King County’s commitment to cutting pollution, taking climate action, and making our communities cleaner and healthier,” said King County Executive… Read More
La Niña predicted to return to King County, prepare for a potentially active flood season
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in King County. Scientists expect that La Niña, a natural weather pattern of cooler and wetter weather, will happen this fall and winter, creating the potential for an active flood season in the region from October through April. Typically, La Niña lasts for one or two years, but the most recent La Niña lasted from 2020 to 2023, which was unusual. There were some moderate to high flood events during those years that resulted in major damage to homes, businesses, roads, and other important infrastructure in King… Read More
King County’s comprehensive new flood plan capitalizes on the latest climate science, adapts to increased flood risks in urban and coastal communities
King County’s first complete update of its Flood Management Plan since 2006 capitalizes on the latest climate science to describe how flood risks in urban and coastal communities and along tributary streams are expected to change in the future. It also identifies actions that will reduce flood risk, improve habitat, and enhance the resilience of communities. Severe flooding – already the most common natural disaster in King County – is expected to occur more frequently due to climate change. The comprehensive plan will guide investments, strategies, and actions to mitigate increasing flood risk. The… Read More
Every day is Climate Action Day with the Annual Giving Drive
The International Day of Climate Action, observed on October 24, raises awareness and mobilizing efforts to combat climate change. The day focuses on promoting global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources in a just way, protect ecosystems, and advocate for policy changes that addresses the climate crisis. This day also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the planet so current and future generations can thrive and live in harmony with nature. Join us in celebrating Climate Action Day. Read more to learn about EGP… Read More
Fleet takes first deliveries of renewable diesel fuel
Crossposted from DES Express To help the county reduce greenhouse gas emissions in county transportation, Fleet Services has begun transitioning county diesel vehicles to “renewable diesel.” “We took our first deliveries at our first two locations,” on October 2, said Chauntelle Hellner, director of Fleet Services. The Renton fueling station received 9,000 gallons and the Black Diamond location received 3,000 gallons. “We’re on the road. It’s in the works,” she added, explaining that other county facilities with diesel will transition to renewable diesel, or R99. Read more.
King County partners with Second Use to reduce waste – one door, lamp, or kitchen sink at a time
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green Whether you’re a DIY home repair expert, a vintage furniture aficionado, or just in the market for some lightly used plumbing fixtures, home reuse stores are an irreplaceable resource to find hidden gems at a reasonable price. They also give items ranging from lumber to lighting a second life, keeping valuable materials out of the landfill. This important waste reduction potential led King County’s Solid Waste Division to team up with Second Use, a local business that sells reclaimed building materials at locations in Seattle and Tacoma,… Read More
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