Climate SMART Development Endorsement Program

Promoting climate-smart development to create thriving, resilient neighborhoods with ready access to transit and housing choices for all of the Bay Area’s people while continuing to protect the greenbelt from sprawl development—preserving our open spaces for generations to come.

The biggest threats to our region’s stability are our changing climate, and the growing number of residents burdened by rising housing costs. Our goal is to encourage more development in the Bay Area that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and increases our resilience to climate-related risks like floods, fires, and drought. The Greenbelt Alliance Climate SMART Endorsement Program provides an essential environmental perspective on building housing within existing communities in the Bay Area.

As a trusted advocate of both open spaces and climate-smart communities, Greenbelt Alliance is in a unique position to help infill development projects move forward.

climate smart Principles

What is Climate SMART Development?


Sustainable → Social and Environmental Health
Mixed → Housing, Shopping, Jobs in close proximity
Affordable → Equitable, Diverse, and Thriving Communities
Resilient → Adapting to Climate Change and Hazards
Transit-Oriented → Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emission

Every Development We Endorse:


Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and builds resilience to climate impacts.
Promotes equity, fosters community resilience, and protects vulnerable people and lands. 
Prioritizes natural and green infrastructure solutions to enhance and protect natural resources, as well as urban environments. 
Preserves and restores ecological systems that enhance natural system functions, services, and quality and that reduce risk.

endorsed projects in 2026

The Greens at Pruneridge

Santa Clara
This project will bring 316 homes with 47 allocated to be affordable. Check out this endorsed project.
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1 Harbor Drive

Sausalito
294 new homes coming to a new 6-story project in Marin. Check out this endorsed project.
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2 Park Road

Burlingame
Transit-oriented and infill development brings 144 new homes. Check out this endorsed project.
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Wolfe Road

Cupertino
This workforce housing project will bring 248 affordable homes.Check out this endorsed project.
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EXPLORE ALL FEATURED ENDORSEMENTS

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Find out about the process and when to submit your project.
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The Endorsement Committee

Our Development Endorsement Committee consists of dedicated environmentalists, urban planners, housing advocates, government officials, and other experts who help us review, discuss, and select projects for endorsements!

Learn More About Endorsed Projects

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