A planned community in California aims to set a benchmark for sustainable living in the face of global warming.
Centennial, located in the northwestern part of Los Angeles County, is designed to be a master-planned, environmentally friendly town that addresses the pressing issue of climate change by integrating green technologies and sustainable urban planning from the ground up.
Environmental Focus
Centennial is a massive master-planned community set to occupy approximately 12,000 acres and designed to accommodate 19,333 homes (18 percent earmarked as affordable), along with commercial spaces, schools, and parks.
Centennial at Tejon Ranch
The project, spearheaded by the Tejon Ranch Company and other partners, intends to transform the area into a sustainable, mixed-use community that balances residential, commercial, and natural spaces.
The town’s blueprint includes a robust system of energy-efficient buildings, extensive use of solar power, and water conservation measures, all aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of its residents.
According to the developers, the community will feature a network of green spaces and pedestrian-friendly paths to promote walking and biking, reducing the reliance on cars.
In 2021, Tejon Ranch and the non-profit organization Climate Resolve settled a lawsuit and agreed that the development would be designed specifically to combat global warming.
In a statement shared with Newsweek Johnathan Pafrey, Executive Director of Climate Resolve said: “California is currently experiencing an enormous housing crisis—as well as multiple environmental crises, including ever-worsening heat waves and destructive wildfires, all of which have been exacerbated by climate change. Climate Resolve negotiated with Tejon Ranch to address these crises all at once. Now, the Centennial project will be carbon neutral and the threat of wildfire in the surrounding area will be greatly diminished.”
The agreement included incorporating advanced climate resiliency features, such as the installation of nearly 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
“We are pleased to reach this agreement with Climate Resolve that will enable us to address California’s housing crisis in the most sustainable manner possible,” said Gregory S. Bielli, President and CEO of Tejon Ranch Company, in a statement at the time.
Centennial at Tejon Ranch
Environmental Concerns and Solutions
“Centennial has made the largest commitment by a new community in California’s history towards measures that combat climate change and wildfire,” according to its official website.
Temperatures in the state have risen annually by over 1 degree Fahrenheit, according to California’s government, with some areas experiencing increases of over 2 F.
Scientists say climate change can worsen wildfires, which pose a significant risk to communities. California has seen large and destructive fires, with the 2020 wildfire season burning over 4 million acres – the largest in recorded history.
The site for the Centennial development is located in “high” and “very high” fire hazard zones, as has been defined by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
A spokesperson for Tejon Ranch told the Los Angeles Times in 2018 that they were taking the risk of fire seriously and “from the beginning of our planning process we’ve been cognizant of ‘fireproofing’ Centennial insomuch as any community can be fireproofed.”
Funding for fire protection and prevention measures, including fire-resilient design, planning, and vegetation management were also part of the 2021 agreement with Climate Resolve.
Environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential impact on local wildlife and the natural landscape. To address these concerns, Tejon Ranch Company has worked closely with environmental organizations to ensure that the development minimizes its ecological footprint.
The company has committed to preserving 90 percent of its land—approximately 240,000 acres—as natural habitat. This preservation effort is one of the largest private conservation commitments in California’s history. In addition, specific measures have been put in place to protect the area’s water resources, including the use of advanced water recycling technologies and the implementation of drought-resistant landscaping.
Centennial at Tejon Ranch
Economic and Social Impact
The development plans include a variety of housing options, from affordable units to luxury homes, aimed at attracting a diverse population. Schools, medical facilities, and retail spaces are integrated into the community, ensuring that residents have access to essential services within close proximity.
Centennial is also expected to generate significant economic impact, creating 25,000 construction jobs and 23,000 permanent jobs, while delivering essential public services like schools, parks, and fire stations.
Annual public reports will also be provided and an organization created that is empowered to monitor progress to ensure the agreement between Tejon Ranch and Climate Resolve makes good on its terms.
“Working with Tejon Ranch, we’ve been able to secure the largest climate commitment by a housing development in the state’s history,” said Pafrey, in a statement when the agreement was reached. “We’re setting a new climate standard that surpasses anything previously done in the state.”
In terms of how the project is progressing, Pafrey told Newsweek: “The Centennial project’s environmental impact assessment is still under review by the courts.”
He added: “Climate Resolve is ably represented by counsel who keeps us informed of legal matters associated with the project.”
Tejon Ranch declined to comment on this article.
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