Sustainability
At The Fairgrounds
Our Commitment to Our Community
The Alameda County Fairgrounds is committed to our community with programs to help those in need, make the Fairgrounds accessible to all and by minimizing our impact on the environment. Check out our recent Blog Post and read below how we are doing our part:
- Food Drive: Held annually during the Fair, the canned food drive supports the Alameda County Food Bank, which distributes groceries and hot meals while advancing efforts to end hunger.
- Pet Drive: In partnership with Valley Humane Society, the Fair collects pet food to assist with local rescue, rehabilitation and animal care initiatives.
- Coat Drive: During the winter Drive-In Movies Series, the Fairgrounds collaborated with One Warm Coat to collect coats to raise funds for individuals and families in need.
- Blood Drive: Beginning in 2023, the Fairgrounds partnered with the American Red Cross to host blood drives. Donors receive a complimentary Fair admission ticket as recognition for their life-saving contributions. The promotion doubled in the first year, bringing in over 14,824 pints of blood for our community.
- Overall: The Alameda County Fairgrounds implements comprehensive sustainability practices supported by staff, partners and contractors, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
- Solar Panels: Since 2003, solar installations have generated nearly one megawatt of electricity, enough to power 750 homes annually. A second phase with Engie North America modernized equipment to further expand renewable energy use.
- Grounds & Water: Landscaping initiatives include replacing 90% of plants with drought-tolerant species, installing drip irrigation and meeting Rescape Program standards for regenerative landscaping.
- Grounds Management: Chipped mulch conserves water in summer, enhancing plant health and tree sustainability.
- Well Water: The Fairgrounds relies primarily on its own well water, tested regularly for safety. This independent system supports restrooms and emergency operations with city resources acting as a backup.
- Water Refill Stations: Seven refill stations and 12 fountains across the property reduce single-use plastic consumption.
- Trees: The Fairgrounds are home to 2,273 trees, creating a natural canopy that provides share, beauty and vital environmental benefits. Beyond enhancing the guest experience, these trees contribute to cleaner air, healthier soil and a more sustainable community space.
- Pleasanton Garbage Service: Year-round contracted partner for garbage, recyclables and cardboard removal, with its own sustainability initiatives.
- Hazardous Waste: Batteries, lightbulbs, oil, paint, tires and electronics are properly recycled through certified authorities by the maintenance team.
- Green Waste Project: Goal of reducing landfill-bound garbage by 75% over a 10-year period.
- Used Oil Recycling: Food vendor oil is collected by Interstate Oil and converted into biodiesel, diverting waste form landfills and waterways.
- Paper Recycling: Confidential shredding outsourced to Shred-It, which recycles materials into new paper products as part of a circular economy.
- Lighting Upgrades: Building lights replaced with LED and photocell systems, featuring programmable timers and dimmers to reduce energy consumption.
- Bike Racks: Multiple racks installed at Fairgrounds gates to encourage biking, offering secure storage and reducing vehicle use.
- The Scope: The Alameda County Fair Foundation is funding a working demonstration farm at the Fairgrounds. The Farm will serve as a field trip destination for schools across Alameda County and beyond, offering hands-on experience with crops, livestock and agriculture ecosystems.
- The Goal: The Farm will highlight modern agriculture technology and sustainable practices, including energy and water conservation, pollinator support and animal husbandry. It aims to inspire healthy nutrition by connecting students to where food comes from and how to prepare it.
- Teach: The project will provide opportunities for learning, volunteering and community engagement. Over two acres have been dedicated to the Farm, with fundraising efforts underway through grants, partnerships and in-kind donations to bring the facility to life.
The Fairgrounds are home to 2,273 trees, creating a natural canopy that provides share, beauty and vital environmental benefits. Beyond enhancing the guest experience, these trees contribute to cleaner air, healthier soil and a more sustainable community space.
- Paper Reduction: Organization-wide efforts to cut paper use include digital and cashless admissions. Fair tickets are now issued electronically, with a 72% increase in online advance sales from 2019-2022 eliminating paper ticket distribution.
- QR Code Signage: Reusable QR codes provide access to digital maps, event tickets and website resources, significantly reducing the need for printed maps, flyers and tickets.
- Website Widget: All Alameda County Fairgrounds websites include an ADA widget (blue circle in the bottom left corner) to support visitors needing screen-reading or audio assistance.
- Parking: ADA parking is available in Fairgrounds lots.
- Equipment Rentals: Wheelchairs and scooters are available during the annual Fair at all three admission gates.
ADA Compliant: The entire fairgrounds is equipped with wheelchair-accessible ramps and access to all buildings. The Grandstand features ramps in front and on both sides with elevator access to shaded second-floor seating and the Amphitheater offers designated accessible seating areas for wheelchairs and scooters, along with space for companion chairs.
- Goal: Our catering partner launched Green Operations and Advanced Leadership (GOAL) to drive meaningful, sustained action against climate change.
- Carbon Footprint: Plastic cup ware is being replaced with 100% recyclable products. Printed cup logos, food basket liners and business cards are eliminated with QR codes replacing traditional cards.
- Sustainable Products: Inventory now includes recycle cups, plates and napkins along with bamboo plates and utensils. Waste management programs are expanding to collect wet waste from permanent venues such as California Grill, Baja Grill and catered events.
- Future Kitchen Operations: Plans for a new main kitchen aim for zero fossil fuel use with all systems powered by electricity and supported by renewable energy like solar.
- Teamwork: Partnering with the Alameda County Fairgrounds, our catering partner is committed to advancing these initiatives to support a healthier planet.