The Sustainability Division is excited to welcome Will Donahoo,  who joined the team at the end of August! Will is eagerly focusing on the goals of the County related to decreasing emission strategies, metrics management, renewable energy and EV infrastructure, to name a few critically important areas.

"I am thrilled to be starting a new chapter with the Community Development Department as a Sustainability Specialist. I’ve spent my career working throughout Northern New Mexico on a wide range of environmental and sustainability issues from forest and watershed health to quantifying greenhouse gas emissions and private lands conservation.

After graduating from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Environmental Planning and Design, I moved to Chama as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer working to implement forest treatment activities and ultimately reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. It was here that I gained a greater appreciation for the history, people and landscapes of New Mexico and the responsibility we all have to ensure the preservation and resiliency of the place we call home.

Following this I spent nearly five years working as an Environmental Consultant where I completed a range of studies related to biomass utilization, carbon sequestration and renewable energy and had my first introduction to Santa Fe County helping to inventory County greenhouse gas emissions.

Prior to joining the County in an official capacity, I worked for New Mexico Land Conservancy managing the stewardship of over 350,000 acres of private lands held in conservation easement. This work brought me to all corners of the state and most importantly allowed me to meet farmers, ranchers and landowners with a tremendous knowledge of and passion for our natural and working lands.

As a Sustainability Specialist I’m excited to use my background in conservation and data analysis to support the County’s efforts to reduce emissions and improve health and resiliency at the level of the individual and the community. While there are numerous challenges ahead, together we can make an incredible impact. I can’t wait to get started."

Join us in welcoming Will to the Santa Fe County team!

Santa Fe County Awarded Best Medium-sized Energy Efficiency and Water Conversation Project

Last month, the Sustainability Division Manager, Jacqueline Beam, accepted an award on behalf of the County for "Best Medium-sized Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation Project".  This multi-phased Guaranteed Utilities Savings Project in partnership with Yearout Energy LLC (an Energy Service Company – ESCO) was highlighted in Sustainability's July Newsletter earlier this year. The award was presented at the New Mexico Energy Symposium organized by the Texas Energy Managers Association (TEMA) and New Mexico Energy Services Council (NMESC). The event and facilitators support establishing the highest standards of ethics, efficiency, and responsible use of public funds in energy management and sustainability practices.

Initiated in FY2019, beginning with an Inventory Grade Audit (IGA) and completed in FY2024, the project is another step in Phase I goals of the County’s Operational Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan. The project included facility improvement measures for 13 Santa Fe County Facilities. These sustainable upgrades will reduce annual greenhouse gas output by over 960,000 lbs. of CO2e which is the equivalent of removing 42 average-sized houses from the power grid! Facility upgrades included the installation of approximately 3200 light fixtures to LEDs, 16 wireless HVAC thermostat controllers, building envelope remediation, solar panel installation, water conservation improvements, and 12 new low-voltage transformers. The modernization of county infrastructure and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is another step towards Santa Fe County’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Single-use Plastics and Polystyrene Working Group Present to BCC

After a year of research, the Sustainability Division, in cooperation with the County Manager's Office is proud to announce the Single-use Plastics and Polystyrene (SUPP) Working Group presented their findings to the Board of County Commissioners. The Final Report details the harmful effects of single-use plastics to the community. The presentation also proposed an ordinance addressing the challenges these products present to Santa Fe County. The conclusions included research into the impacts of single-use plastics on human health, the environment, as well as local and broader reaching economies. The working group concluded their presentation by recommending an ordinance to limit the use of single use plastic bags and polystyrene (EPS) food containers at retail establishments and to require restaurants provide utensils, condiments, cutlery, straws, etc., only upon request. 

The goals of the proposed ordinance are to promote the reduction of plastic pollution in Santa Fe County and develop opportunities for consumer reuse options. A reduction of single use plastic in the waste streams will also benefit the County’s waste management systems by increasing the processed recyclable material quality. Plastic bags are also a leading cause of equipment failure in recycling sorting. Progress toward the ban on single-use plastics is not only a regional concern.  A Bill to reduce single use plastic usage throughout New Mexico was introduced in the Legislature earlier this year. While the Bill “Plastic Waste Reduction Act” did not pass this round, it indicates a broader concern about the effects of plastic in New Mexico communities and the future options for point-of-sale reduction solutions.

October is here and we’re ready for Halloween and Día de los Muertos! The traditions of pumpkin pie, jack-o’-lanterns, and roasted pumpkin seeds are just around the corner. Few things are as fulfilling as carving a toothy, grinning face into a freshly harvested pumpkin. However, it is important to remain conscious of how organic refuse is disposed and can benefit soil health.  Along with other food wastes, pumpkins are perfect for composting!

Approximately 22% of materials in landfills are food waste. With most Americans planning to purchase at least one pumpkin this year, the potential for compostable waste ending up in landfills is about to hit a seasonal high. For readers unable to process their compost at home, several local composting resources are available to help turn your waste into a healthy soil supplement. Reunity Resources offers a Doorstep Compost Collection Program to turn your home food waste into healthy soil. 

For those growers, gardeners, and farmers who cultivate their squash stock, conserving biodiversity is not restricted to the wild spaces around our community. Developing agricultural diversity in crop species is essential to building climate resiliency and ensuring food security. The Crop Trust is actively looking to fill gaps in its gene bank for heat and pest-resistant varieties of plants. With the projected rise in regional temperatures, increased regularity of droughts, and threat to soil health – investing in a variety of native, climate-adaptable crop cultivars is necessary to overcome these challenges. Hardy squash varieties, like the Hubbard squash grown in Chimayo and Taos, illustrate that high-elevation communities have a role in developing crop diversity. Whether you grow Green Chile, squash, or potatoes, the benefits of seed saving, and experimental growing can help provide food security solutions to our changing climate.