April 20, 2026

For Immediate Release

REDWOOD CITY – Ahead of Earth Day, the County of San Mateo is highlighting the Navigation Center in Redwood City as a model for how sustainability features are being built-in to public services and are reducing energy, waste and water consumption. The County-owned facility provides 240 safe temporary living spaces and intensive support services for individuals and couples experiencing homelessness while eco-conscious design elements help reduce environmental impact and operating costs. 

“Sustainability is a core element of any successful project, and we are proud of the features built into the Navigation Center to reduce its environmental impact and support healthier operations,” said Adam Ely, County of San Mateo Assistant County Executive. 

Alongside its client-centered design, the Navigation Center features: 

• LEED Silver Certification for environmentally responsible design and construction 

• Rooftop solar panels that generate clean energy and offset reliance on non-renewable electricity by approximately 60 percent  

• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure available to clients, staff, and partners  

• All-electric industrial kitchen to reduce onsite fossil fuel use and train workers for a more electric future 

• Community garden to support wellness, nutrition, and connection to nature 

• Water refill stations and compostable utensils to reduce single-use plastic waste and waste-management costs 

• Recycled water drip irrigation system for landscaping to conserve potable water 

• Modular construction to minimize construction waste and improve building efficiency compared to conventional methods 

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