Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (HHPZ) is the nations' first amusement park and zoo to receive LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. To add to the achievement HHPZ was awarded Gold Status certification setting a very high bar for recreational sustainability. This certification is a direct result of the new renovation and expansion. Happy Hollow features seven green roofs with 56,000 native plant species in addition to the 79,682 new plants that were added to the parks lush landscape. The $72 million project renovated the existing ride areas and included a four-acre expansion that houses the new Zoo on the Hill, an education complex, two new rides, 11 more exhibits and new play areas totaling 12,800 square feet. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system; developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being.

Just launched! The Silicon Valley Energy Map is your resource for information about energy use, solar and renewable energy, and green buildings in Santa Clara County. Explore your area and learn about and become inspired by the efforts people are making in Silicon Valley to implement clean energy. Take advantage of the many resources the map offers to decide what energy efficient or renewable option makes sense for you.

For the past 4 years, city staff and volunteers have conducted Trail Count.  The effort counts the number of pedestrians and bicyclists using popular trail systems throughout the city.  Data collected with the count and past surveys have supported grant writing efforts, realigned a special events venue to minimize trail impacts, and influenced the view of trails as a key component of the General Plan’s transportation element. An increase of 5.6% was documented this year along the Guadalupe River Trail.  A 10% increase was documented on the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Both trails are enjoyed by over 1,200 trail users daily.

To learn more please see our 2010 Trail Count Fact Sheet

Residents can check out free energy meters from all libraries in San José to evaluate their energy use. Saving energy can save money and help reduce pollution and greenhouse emissions. Visit the Kill A Watt web page for more information

Western Appliance was recognized by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Energy Commission for its focus on selling Energy Star Appliances to our community.  Western Appliance provides up-to-date information to consumers on Energy Star appliances and their benefits.