Keeping It Cleantech: Sustainability sector going strong in Carlsbad

Matt Sanford
Economic Development Manager
City of Carlsbad

From next-gen batteries to compostable cups, it’s clear that sustainability is here to stay — and Carlsbad is leading the way. 

Our cleantech sector — which includes renewable energy, electric motors, green transportation, green chemistry, graywater reuse, and energy-efficient goods — is thriving. 

Its job share grew 22.2% from 2018 to 2020, according to our 2022 Carlsbad Business Report. That’s 872 jobs across 48 companies. For context, our cleantech sector is nearly five times more concentrated than the national average. 

That’s attracting groundbreaking companies, like Aptera, which makes solar-electric vehicles that can travel 1,000 miles off a single charge. The fast-growing company has over 110,000 square-feet of space for research, development and production. And it’s adding another 60,000 square-feet soon. It employs 160 people, with plans to add another 300 to 400 jobs in Carlsbad. 

“Aptera’s development and growth could only happen in Carlsbad, where talent is plentiful and support for world-shaping ideas is abundant,” Aptera Co-CEO Chris Anthony says. “The city and its people have been overwhelmingly supportive of our vision for a more efficient future. And it’s resulted in another amazing California startup story.” 

In addition to empowering cleantech companies, we’re walking the walk as a green leader. 

Carlsbad was one of the first cities in San Diego County to adopt a qualified Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2015. It outlines the many ways we’re working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And in 2019, Carlsbad was named one of the nation’s most sustainable cities by the U.S. Cities Sustainable Development Report. 

“The City of Carlsbad is forward-thinking when it comes to environmental stewardship and addressing climate change,” says Chief Innovation Officer David Graham. Being a climate action leader and embracing innovative cleantech companies makes our economy more competitive.”  

As a member of CleanTech San Diego, the city is also helping to build a stronger, more sustainable region. Carlsbad is one of the leading cities actively engaged in helping this organization grow San Diego and Imperial counties’ cleantech  — which accounts for 38,000 jobs and counting. 

“We’re thankful the City of Carlsbad continues to step-up as a valuable cleantech partner,” President & CEO Jason Anderson says. “Our more than 120 members are collectively working to make our region a global sustainability leader and Carlsbad is accelerating that work through its own policies and impressive cleantech cluster.” 

No doubt, the City of Carlsbad has plenty of green success to celebrate this Earth Day, and every day. We are committed more than ever to sustainability. That’s a win for our environment, our economy and everyone lucky enough to call this region home.