The Solana Center for Environmental Innovation is located behind the North Coastal Sheriff’s Station and Encinitas Village shopping center at 137 N. El Camino Real. (Solana Center photo)
Longtime Encinitas-based nonprofit Solana Center for Environmental Innovation has been named a 2025 Climate Leader by the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative.
The award, announced Dec. 10, recognizes Solana Center’s work helping residents, businesses and local governments adopt practical approaches to sustainability.
The Climate Leader Award is presented by the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative, a regional network formed to help local governments and partner organizations work together on climate solutions. The group connects cities, counties, nonprofits, academic institutions and businesses to share expertise and coordinate efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing communities for climate-related impacts.
Solana Center Executive Director Jessica Toth said the recognition reflects the work of many people behind the scenes.
“This recognition reflects the tireless dedication of our staff, board of directors, volunteers, and donors,” Toth said in a news release, adding that the award “is a reminder of the power of our collective efforts and regional progress.”
The Climate Collaborative operates in partnership with the University of San Diego’s Nonprofit Institute and provides research, training and convening support to strengthen regional climate leadership. The program is designed to help organizations align policies, funding strategies and community engagement efforts around shared climate goals.
In announcing the award, the Collaborative cited Solana Center’s history of identifying gaps in local sustainability efforts and developing programs to address them. Toth said the recognition also looks ahead.
“This award energizes me to continue to push boundaries and collaborate with our community of climate leaders,” she said in the press release.
The Climate Leader Award is part of an ongoing effort by the Collaborative to highlight regional examples of climate-focused work and encourage coordination across jurisdictions and sectors as climate planning continues throughout San Diego County.
Founded in the 1980s, the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation focuses on reducing waste and conserving resources through programs tied to recycling, composting, textile reuse and food waste reduction, according to the Collaborative.
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