Climate Smart Bainbridge

2023 Climate Challenge Goals Graphic

You can be part of the solution to climate pollution! 

With the start of the new year comes new Climate Smart goals! In 2022, we almost met our goal of signing up 250 households for the Climate Smart Challenge and reducing 100 tons of CO2. In 2023, we’re aiming even higher, with a goal to sign up a total of 550 households and reduce 200 tons of CO2 by May 31, 2023!   

If you want to be part of the solution to climate pollution, there are three simple ways you can help:   

  1. Sign up for the Bainbridge Island Climate Smart Challenge.  
  2. Complete new actions and watch your carbon footprint decline.   
  3. Participate in special City events supporting the Challenge this spring.  

Each month the City will focus on a new Climate Smart topic with supporting events and tips on how you can help create a Climate Smart Bainbridge. Learn more about upcoming events below. 

Join the Bainbridge Island Climate Smart Challenge and you could win a home composting bin! 

Everyone who has earned at least 10,000 points in the Challenge by May 31, 2023 will be entered in a drawing to win one of five outdoor or indoor composting bins!  

Why is composting important?  Composting food scraps creates a rich soil additive and keeps these materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.  A home composting bin will also provide a great place to dispose of the home compostable food service ware used at local food establishments for to-go orders!   

Have questions about the Challenge? Contact Autumn Salamack, Climate Mitigation & Adaptation Manager, via email

Both Composter Options

May 20th: Kitsap Electric Vehicle and Bike Expo

Over 300 people attended the Kitsap Electric Vehicle and Bike Expo on Saturday, May 20th to learn more about electric vehicle and electric bicycle options for low-carbon travel. The Expo supported goals outlined in the City’s Climate Action Plan and Sustainable Transportation Plan to:

  • transition the City’s fleet to electric vehicles and biofuels;
  • increase the number of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles on the island;
  • increase the mode share of active transportation (such as biking and walking); 
  • support the use of electric bikes; and 
  • install more charging infrastructure for vehicles, bikes, etc.

Several dealers and approximately 20 residents had electric vehicles on display, including the City’s first EV – a Ford Mach-E for the police department, and an all-electric bus from Kitsap Transit. Attendees had an opportunity learn more about electric vehicles, the new community EV carshare program, and other low-carbon travel options at booths with Puget Sound Energy, the City of Bainbridge Island, ZEV Co-op, Pacific Mobility, Bainbridge Greenways, and others. Attendees also got to test ride various models of e-bikes from B.I. Cycle. 

Thank you to volunteers from Climate Action Bainbridge for organizing this fun and informative community event! 

EV dealers at Expo

Electric bikes at the electric vehicle expo

May 11th: Webinar - Save Energy with PSE’s Peak Energy Rewards Program 

Thank you to everyone who joined City and PSE staff to learn more about the demand response pilot program, Peak Energy Rewards (specifically for Bainbridge Island)and key actions to reduce home energy use. Puget Sound Energy customers on Bainbridge Island are now eligible for increased financial incentives on a variety of home upgrades through Peak Energy Rewards, a new pilot energy-efficiency program. Learn more in this PDF document (please visit the PSE website for the most up-to-date information and note that you will need to login to your PSE account to access the Peak Energy Rewards page on the PSE website). 

This voluntary pilot program uses smart technology to meet high energy demand during the coldest days of the year. When the demand is forecasted to peak, PSE smooths it out by adjusting your smart thermostat. This increases reliability and is designed to reduce the need for more new infrastructure. As a reward for participating, you’ll receive $75 annually and be eligible for increased rebates on home heating, water heating and weatherization. Please note: only customers living in Bainbridge Island who heat their home with electricity as the primary fuel source and have an AMI meter qualify for enrollment.  Contact PeakEnergyRewards@pse.com or call 833-203-1947 for more information.

April 12th: Climate Smart Cooking Demo

Thank you to everyone who attended the Climate Smart in the Kitchen cooking demo! We had a great turnout and a very tasty evening exploring plant-based protein swaps. Thank you to islander and vegan consultant, Nancy Travis, and the volunteers at BARN for supporting this Climate Smart event!

Climate smart in the kitchen workshop Taste testing climate smart in the kitchen recipes 

  1. What is the Climate Smart Challenge?

Bainbridge Island has big climate action goals and we need your help! 

We’re working to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25% by 2025, and 90% by 2045, compared to 2014. Roughly 40% of U.S. GHG emissions come from five basic household activities: transportation choices, electricity use, heating, food choices, and waste. The great news is there are lots of ways you can take action to protect our environment, save money, and improve your health and the comfort of your home.

The Climate Smart Challenge makes it easy and fun to reduce your GHG emissions. You select the actions specific to your journey and lifestyle, track your progress, and watch your carbon footprint decline as you make changes at home. You can collaborate with your neighbors, share ideas and resources, and work towards your goals together.  

Together we can create a Climate Smart Bainbridge!

Join the Bainbridge Island Climate Smart Challenge today! 

  1. Youth & School Resources
  1. Teams Program & Resources
  1. Climate Smart Leaders