Clean Energy Projects in Paramount


Greenhouse Gas Inventory

Press Release, Greenhouse Gas Inventory (August 23, 2019)

The City of Paramount is participating in the Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps CivicSpark Fellowship Program where recent college graduates known as “Fellows” are assigned to various communities to help build capacity in sustainability, water issues, and community engagement. The City worked with CivicSpark Fellow Christy Liang to produce a Community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory Report.

In its continued efforts toward sustainability, Paramount felt that a GHG Inventory would be a beneficial first step toward the development of a Climate Action Plan, or a more concerted effort by staff to develop further sustainable policies and procedures. This would lead to policies implemented not only on an administrative level but also on a community level. Although Paramount has, through the years, undertaken several sustainable practices as part of its operations, having a GHG Inventory creates a starting off point that allows staff to make specific changes in an effective and efficient manner.

Note: Hexavalent Chromium is not a GHG, and therefore, will not be found in this report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Some examples of greenhouse gasses include carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees and other biological materials, and also as a result of certain chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere (or “sequestered”) when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle. A GHG Inventory estimates the quantity of GHG emissions associated with five specific areas of community energy-use sources and activities taking place during a chosen analysis year. What a GHG Inventory does not measure is the emissions of other industrial emissions like heavy metals.

The creation of a community GHG Inventory requires the gathering of emission data from a minimum of five energy sectors. These sectors are:

  • Grid Electricity
  • Stationary Fuel Combustion
  • Transportation
  • Solid Waste
  • Water & Wastewater
  • Once all the data has been received, a tracking tool is used to calculate and create the resulting inventory for analysis.

After compiling all the data provided to the City from the various energy sectors, the inventory was created and placed in a pie chart to make it easier to understand. The pie chart demonstrates how the five different sectors compare to each other and the percentage they make up of overall emissions. In Paramount’s 2017 GHG Inventory, the two largest emission sectors are transportation at 40% and the industrial, also at 40% of total emissions. This is consistent with the size of Paramount’s business sector and its location regionally.

Key Findings Chart

How the City decides to move forward with the GHG Inventory will depend on what will be prioritized based on cost, effectiveness, feasibility, and support from the community. Most importantly, it will help City staff establish an emissions reduction target that the City will commit to through the creation of new policies and procedures, a Climate Action Plan, or both.

To read the full Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report, click or tap here. See pages 299-328.


Climate Action Plan

In collaboration with the Institute for Local Government and the BOOST Program, the City is in the beginning proposal stages for a Climate Action Plan (CAP).  The consulting firm, Environmental Science Associates has submitted a proposal that outlines the various components of the CAP.


EV Charging Stations

Press Release, EV Charging Stations (October 18, 2019)

In its continuing efforts to promote sustainability and be “green,” the City of Paramount has installed two electric vehicle (EV) chargers located in the Civic Center, on the south side of the Clearwater Building (16401 Paramount Blvd.), and the Sheriff’s Station (15001 Paramount Blvd.). With the addition of the new EV chargers, the Clearwater Building is now powered with 100% renewable energy through the Clean Power Alliance.

The charging stations are available for use by anyone with an electric vehicle at no cost for six months, after which the cost will be reassessed. There are four “pumps” and their assigned parking spaces can only be used by electric vehicles, only when they are charging, and the charging cannot last more than two hours.

The City utilized grant money for the purchase and installation of the chargers and, partnering with South Coast Air Quality Management District, State funds to cover the monthly energy costs.

Since installation in August through the beginning of October, there have been 94 drivers who have used the charging stations for a total of 501 sessions. This has kept 2,323 kg of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere, which has the positive environmental effect of planting 60 trees and their ensuing growth over ten years.

Map of EV Charging Stations


Sustainable Buildings in Paramount

Press Release, Ralphs Distribution Center (August 16, 2019)

Ralphs, a Kroger company, has announced the installation of photovoltaic solar power at its automated distribution center in Paramount. The facility boasts of 555,000-square-feet and provides products to 190 Ralphs stores and 95 Food 4 Less stores throughout Southern California.

The City of Paramount assisted in this project by providing over the counter approval from the Planning Department and expedited plan check through Building and Safety.

As Kroger’s largest solar energy project, the installation includes more than 7,000 solar panels to harness energy from the sun. According to Kroger’s press release, “the new installation has a 2 MW AC capacity and will generate 4.28 million kWh of clean power for the facility each year, representing approximately 50% of the facility’s total electricity needs.” 

City Buildings and Internal Energy Practices

SoCalRen (Energy Audit Ongoing) -The Energy Audit of Paramount Park has been completed and a list of energy efficiency projects has been identified:

Map of Solar Roofs


Sustainability Awards

Press Release, Beacon Awards (October 8 2020)

The City of Paramount has been named a 2020 recipient of two Beacon Awards from the Institute for Local Government (ILG), a Platinum Level for Sustainability Best Practices for its ongoing environmental efforts and a Gold Level Spotlight for achieving an 18% reduction in community greenhouse gas emissions.

The City is set to receive the awards during ILG’s virtual 2020 Beacon Awards ceremony on October 8 by video in lieu of the usual awards ceremony due to COVID-19 limitations.

Paramount first earned a Spotlight Award in 2018 at the Silver Level for Sustainability Best Practices and improved to the Gold Level in 2019.

The City’s extensive implementation of these best practices and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions cover more than 10 areas of sustainability in both small- and large-scale programs stretching back to the late 1980s.

Paramount’s sustainability efforts include:

  • Installation of EV chargers at City facilities;
  • Annual e-waste and hazardous materials collection events;
  • Transitioning to a fleet of low- or zero-emission and hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles;
  • Partnering with GRID Alternatives for home solar projects;
  • Implementation of the an Active Transportation Plan;
  • Renovating Paramount Boulevard to expand the urban forest livability by installing drought-tolerant landscaping and enhancing walkability; and,
  • Conducting an annual assessment of water infrastructure.

“On behalf of my fellow City Council members, I want to thank the ILG for this recognition,” said Mayor Peggy Lemons. “Paramount has a long history of prioritizing our environment through a variety of sustainability initiatives. We are proud that our efforts have grown over time and been validated with these awards.”

The Beacon Program provides a framework for local governments to share best practices that create healthier, more vibrant, and sustainable communities. The program honors voluntary efforts by local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and adopt policies that promote sustainability.

For a complete list of the City’s Best Practice Activities, click/tap here.

Press Release, Beacon Award (October 18, 2019)

The City of Paramount was the recipient of the Beacon Award for Gold-Level Sustainability Best Practices presented by the Institute for Local Government (ILG) on October 17, 2019 in Long Beach, California.

A Silver-Level recipient for the 2018 Beacon Awards, the City has since forged ahead toward deeper learning and implementation of sustainability best practices within the Paramount community. Some of the efforts that elevated the City from silver to gold include the installation of EV chargers, developing a partnership with GRID Alternatives for home solar projects, completion of the Active Transportation Plan, and the revision of its industrial zoning code.

The Beacon Program provides a framework for local governments to share best practices that create healthier, more vibrant, and sustainable communities. The program honors voluntary efforts by local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and adopt policies that promote sustainability.

The City is honored to receive this award and will continue striving toward a more sustainable future. For a complete list of the City’s Best Practice Activities, click/tap here.