Texan by Nature is excited to recognize the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability as a 2024 TxN 20 honoree for their leadership in conservation and sustainability. The City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability’s commitment to conservation, their projects, programs, best practices, and lessons learned are an example and inspiration for us all.

Honoree Name: City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability

Honoree Category: City and Municipal Services

What is the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability’s conservation and sustainability mission and why is it important to your culture?
The City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability’s mission is to enhance the environment, quality of life, and economic vitality through innovative programs and policies for all residents, as well as future generations.

San Antonio is uniquely positioned at the intersection of the Balcones Escarpment and Blackland Prairie, creating a diverse habitat for many species. Our commitment to sustainability ensures the preservation of these vital ecosystems, including the important aquatic ecosystem of the San Antonio River which serves as a key location for many migratory birds.

Our mission is not just important for San Antonio’s ecological health. Sustainability is essential for improving the quality of life for all residents. By ensuring access to clean air, water, and energy, and promoting inclusive development, we aim to provide fair and just living conditions for our diverse population.

City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability staff at a community solar event in front of a mural of the city skyline

What steps is the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability taking to address global natural resource challenges, and how are these efforts integrated into your overall business strategy?
SA Climate Ready, also known as our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is the foundation of our office. Implemented in 2019, the CAAP aims to address issues highlighted by the Paris Accord, a global agreement focused on addressing natural resource limitations. It outlines actions aligned with the following categories:

• Increase Carbon-Free Energy
• Reduce building energy consumption
• Reduce transportation energy consumption
• Advance circular economy
• Promote biodiversity and healthy ecosystems
• Educate and empower
• Increase infrastructure resilience
• Strengthen public health systems
• Enhance emergency management and community preparedness
• Protect local food security
• Increase resilience awareness and outreach
• Ensure equity in adaptation

A few of our short-term achievements within these categories include financing energy efficiency, urban heat island mitigation, and clean fleet vehicle conversions. Long-term goals include projects such as carbon capture and sustainable land planning.  While a lot of our work is focused on creating a regional impact, we hope to serve as an example for other cities around the world. To achieve these accomplishments, we partner with regional groups such as the Alamo Area Council of Governments.

Who in the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability is leading your conservation and sustainability efforts and what are some examples of employee engagement in conservation and sustainability at your company?
Our team is led by Chief Sustainability Officer Doug Melnick and Deputy Sustainability Officer Golda Obinzu. Under their guidance, our office encourages employees to pursue innovative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable San Antonio. This approach fosters critical thinking and the development of creative, out-of-the-box solutions. Doug and Golda also support our team in pursuing sustainability projects they are passionate about, enhancing engagement and dedication within our team.

A prime example of our innovative approach is the Market Box program. Initiated by a staff member passionate about sustainable consumption, this program offers over 14,000 city employees the option to receive fresh, local produce quarterly instead of purchasing fruits and vegetables from a big box store. This initiative supports local agriculture, reduces carbon footprints associated with food transportation, and encourages healthier eating habits among city employees.

What conservation and sustainability programs and projects does the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability lead and participate in? Community Action Fund: Business and Neighborhood and Community Grants

The Office of Sustainability established a Community Action Fund through the Resiliency, Energy Efficiency, and Sustainability (REES) Fund. This fund provides grants for businesses, neighborhoods, and communities in the greater San Antonio area, with awarded projects eligible for up to $20,000. Each grant program focuses on five main categories of sustainability:

1. Reduce Building Energy Consumption
2. Reduce Transportation Energy Consumption
3. Advance the Circular Economy & Promote Waste Reduction
4. Promote Biodiversity and Healthy Ecosystems
5. Increase Climate Resilience and Community Adaptation

Applicants are required to address their project within one of these categories, explaining its importance and the measures of improvement or benefits it will bring. The Office of Sustainability’s direct engagement with communities through project-based work aims to build relationships and provide a better understanding of local needs. The Community Action Fund promotes education and sustainable practices in tangible ways that benefit the people of San Antonio.

Climate Ready Neighborhood Network: The Climate Ready Neighborhood Network was established to bridge gaps in communication, education, and community resilience before, during, and after climate-related events. These events are categorized into three periods: stable conditions (every day), significant changes (disruptions), and aftermath (recovery). The Office of Sustainability recognizes the rapid climate changes affecting San Antonio and their impact on local communities across various districts. Each community is unique, with differing infrastructure, geography, demographics, services, and needs.

The Climate Ready Neighborhood Network aims to create community-led support groups by equipping residents with knowledge and tools from the City of San Antonio to enhance their existing resources. By strengthening their own support systems, we hope a robust network will flourish across the greater San Antonio area.

City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability staff pictured in downtown San Antonio.

What strategies does the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability use to educate and raise awareness among employees, customers, and stakeholders about the importance of conservation and sustainability?
Led by the Office of Sustainability, the SA Climate Ready Municipal Education Platform is an essential facet of meeting the city’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. By distributing CAAP training through the platform, we are building capacity and increasing climate knowledge throughout the organization. To date, 7 climate modules have been distributed to 13,000+ city employees covering topics including climate impact, sustainable building, and alternative transportation. Not only does this program allow our department to integrate sustainable thinking into all city responsibilities, but also gives our team the opportunity to collect feedback from a broad array of viewpoints. 

The Office of Sustainability also hosts quarterly Green Horizon Symposiums which empower employees to engage in sustainable practices and change within the organization. Through keynote speakers and industry experts, employees are encouraged to participate in four different themed symposiums to provide them with opportunities to engage with industry experts, exchange knowledge, and support the organization’s climate objectives. The overall goal is to provide information and raise awareness regarding local, state, and federal incentives and initiatives to supplement the climate training series.

How does the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability quantify investment and return on conservation and sustainability?
Our departments produce a wide range of metrics to support our work. In 2023 our Municipal division kicked off an on-site solar program that is estimated to generate 18,433,349 kWh annually from the 42 sites. Once completed, this project will offset an estimated 11.6% of the City’s electricity consumption from its buildings. 

In regards to outreach, which we consider a key tool in the mission to achieve a sustainable city, we connected with approximately 4,600 residents in 2023 alone. 

How do you see the future of conservation and sustainability evolving, and what role will the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability play in that progress?
As research continues to evolve our understanding of climate change, the future of conservation and sustainability looks promising yet challenging. Our city department aims to be at the forefront of municipal best practices for sustainable development. By updating our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan every four years, we ensure that our mitigation strategies remain aligned with the latest and most effective practices. This iterative process allows us to respond dynamically to new scientific insights and technological advancements. As a city department, we are committed to leading our community in embracing sustainability, promoting awareness, and implementing practical solutions that benefit both the environment and our residents. Our role extends beyond policy-making to actively engaging with the community, fostering a culture of sustainability that empowers individuals and businesses to contribute to our shared goals. By championing innovative approaches and maintaining a steadfast commitment to continual improvement, we strive to create a resilient, sustainable future for our city and set an example for other municipalities to follow.

What is the one lesson that the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability has learned from your conservation and sustainability efforts that others can take back and think about applying within their own space?
Education is key to successfully implementing sustainable practices. Education fosters a community-wide culture of environmental responsibility, making it easier to achieve collective goals like reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Educated residents are more likely to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local eco-friendly businesses. When city workers are knowledgeable about green initiatives, they can implement and enforce policies that promote sustainability, from efficient public transportation systems to sustainable urban planning. Moreover, informed citizens and employees can advocate for and participate in green projects, driving innovation and ensuring long-term success. Without widespread education on sustainable practices, efforts to create a greener urban environment may fall short, as the necessary community support and participation would be lacking.

Find out more about the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability’s conservation and sustainability efforts here.