Sustainability

The new County Sustainability Office is here for you!  Sustainability isn't just good for the environment-- it can also improve your quality of life! We're here to empower our community to live a cleaner, greener lifestyle.

Since 2017, the Santa Fe County Sustainability Office has been supporting County residents and businesses with free, impartial advice and resources on living more sustainability in our locale. We promote sustainability programs in County operations, support green economic development that stimulates local job creation, and offer technical assistance for numerous high-impact projects. How can we help YOU?


Now is a great time to solarize your home, (or to encourage your landlord to do so). Solar electric and thermal systems are a cost-effective way to invest more securely. We can help you get started and find financial incentives. 30% federal tax credits are only available through 2019, so go solar today.


Do you like recycling? Try composting! Good for your landfill; good for your watershed. Home composting can have an even bigger positive impact than recycling. Learn how to get started, and how we can help you.


Efficiency and reduction of use is the BEST step you can take in sustainability. Ask us how. Look for a rebate? Click here for rebates on sustainability improvements.


First, reduce. Then recycle right. Aspirational recycling, which produces recycling contamination is of concern in Santa Fe County. Learn how to make your recycling effective and where to take your recyclables.


Many Santa Fe County home use less than 65 gallons per day. How low can you go? Questions about saving water? Does your rooftop water harvesting system need an upgrade? Have questions about metering and reporting your domestic well use? We can help!


We all have to get around, but transportation is one of the main sources of carbon emissions. Learn about bicycles options, plug-in electric vehicles, public transportation, ride-sharing, and other clean, green transportation choices in Santa Fe County.


See how Santa Fe County is leading by example. How much renewable solar energy does Santa Fe County produce? What are Santa Fe County’s best sustainable practices?


Learn more on how to reduce your impact and how to reuse items, after all the most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place!

Looking for Something Else? 

Green building? Requirements in the Santa Fe County Sustainable Land Development Code related
to sustainability? Native xeriscaping? How planting trees can help save money on utility bills? How
to avoid household toxins? Other ways to live lightly in this region? Contact us today:

For water questions:

Claudia Borchert [bot protected email address] / 505-992-3044

For solid waste and transportation questions:

Neal Denton [bot protected email address] / 505-992-9832

For energy, solar, and landscaping questions:

Ashley Zappe [bot protected email address] / 505-992-9862

Additional Resources

US Dept. of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - Comprehensive energy efficiency & renewable energy descriptions and advice

Residential Energy Services Network - Home Energy Ratings System (HERS)

US Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Star Program

  • Energy efficient products: appliances, electronics, HVAC energy efficient homes and commercial buildings
  • Tips for saving energy in your home or businessFederal tax credit

NM Gas Company - energy efficiency Ideas and rebates for homes and businesses

NM Energy Conservation & Management Division - State tax credits and other incentives

Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)

  • Energy efficiency tips and incentives for homes
  • Energy efficiency for businesses
  • Solar Energy incentives for homes and businesses

Homewise

  • Energy efficient affordable homes for low and moderate income families
  • Low interest loans for energy efficiency and solar power renovations for low and moderate income families

Vehicle Fuel Economy Comparisons - Vehicle fuel economy comparisons

Building Performance Institute - Residential energy efficiency and healthy homes

Treehugger Daily News - Insightful articles on energy, science, green design  & building, transportation, and technology

City of Santa Fe - Green Building Code and related Info