Sustainable Sequim Initiative
Sequim is a beautiful place to live, work and recreate ~ and everyone wants to keep it that way!
Cities play an important role in preparing for climate change, and Sequim wants to be a leader in this effort. The City Council and staff follow two important resolutions to help address climate change and protect the environment we all depend on:
- R2012-11 Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Policy
- R2016-16 Improving the City's sustainability and resiliency
Resilience is a core value for the City and is shown through the work of staff and departments. Below are some examples of recent actions and ongoing programs that support this commitment.
Installed 50kW solar PV on Sequim Civic Center (2020)
Partnered with PUD to install Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations downtown (2019). Installed EV charging stations in the Civic Center Parking Lot for City fleet in 2026.
Converted all street lights to LED (2016)
Civic Center is certified LEED Gold, saving energy every day (2015)
Using Class A reclaimed wastewater for park, field and median watering, construction and more
Outreach and education on snowpack drought and water conservation
Conserving rainwater by requiring that all stormwater is infiltrated and doesn't enter streams and bays
Planning ahead for regional water shortages and pursuing new, sustainable water sources and storage projects
Utilize and promote native plants in landscaping to minimize water use on plants that are adapted to the local climate.
Purchased hybrid-Electric Vehicle (EV) and EV fleet
Developed alternatives to driving to conduct work (online meetings, telecommuting, etc.)
Building/rebuilding sidewalks, bike lanes and trails and hosting the Sequim Bicycle Alliance to encourage active transportation and improve public health (started in 2015)
Hosting community gardens and the farmers market
Avoiding pesticide and chemical use especially near water bodies
Tree City USA with new plantings every year including nut and fruit trees in public spaces
Bike Friendly Community and celebrating Bike Month every May
Improving recycling and decor reuse at City-sponsored events
Using asset management to stay on top of infrastructure maintenance, to stay resilient
Increasing use of online bill pay by utility customers and paying our bills electronically
Asphalt and backfill is recycled and reused in construction projects.
City-generated green waste is composted and compost blend products are purchased for landscaping.
Helping coordinate regional emergency management/response and participating in regional hazard mitigation planning and preparations.
Communicating the importance of maintaining resilience, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic
Maintaining strong local and regional partnerships and memberships with other entities working on natural resource management and/or public health resilience
Seeking grants to help fund City and regional environmental priorities
Interested in how your home or business can be more sustainable on a budget? Check-out the energy efficiency rebates offered by our local PUD: Rebates & Incentives – Clallam County PUD