2026 Climate Smart Champion Awards

Congratulations to the 2026 Climate Smart Champions! These individuals and organizations are recognized for their outstanding efforts that aligned with the goals of Climate Smart San José and contributed to a more sustainable city in 2025.

View the full category descriptions at Climate Smart Champion Awards Categories.

The 2026 Climate Smart Champions selected this year are:

Champion of the Year

John Brazil

John Brazil played a key role in transforming bicycling into a core part of San José’s transportation system. Through his leadership of initiatives such as Bike Plan 2020 and Better Bike Plan 2025, he helped create a safer, more connected bikeway network that serves people of all ages and abilities. By advancing protected bike lanes, safer intersections, expanded bike parking, and innovative street redesign projects, John helped make low-carbon transportation more accessible and practical. His work has contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving mobility options, and creating safer, healthier communities throughout San José.

Mobility Champion

Jordan Moldow

Jordan Moldow is a dedicated advocate for safer, cleaner, and more equitable transportation in San José. As Chair of the San José Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, a member of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, and the 2024 Santa Clara County Bike Champion of the Year, he works to advance bicycling as a practical, low-carbon transportation option. Through his leadership and community engagement, Jordan helps connect residents with local decision-making, promotes safer biking infrastructure, and encourages greater participation in shaping transportation policies. His efforts support San José’s climate goals by making it easier and safer for people to choose biking for everyday trips, reducing reliance on cars while creating healthier, more connected communities.

Energy Champion

Made Simple Heating & Air Inc.

Made Simple Heating & Air Inc. helps San José homeowners make cleaner, healthier, and more energy-efficient choices for their homes. By replacing outdated gas furnaces and inefficient HVAC systems with high-efficiency heat pumps, the company supports reduced energy use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improved indoor air quality. Their team also makes clean energy upgrades easier to understand by guiding homeowners through equipment options, permits, rebates, and incentives. Made Simple Heating & Air Inc. brings an inclusive, community-centered approach to helping more families access comfortable, efficient, and climate-friendly home solutions.

Water Conservation Champion

60 SOMA Fee Owner CA, LLC

60 SOMA Fee Owner CA, LLC is demonstrating leadership in sustainable building operations through a range of energy and water efficiency improvements at 60 South Market. The property has achieved a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since its baseline year and has maintained LEED Gold certification since 2020. Upgrades such as LED lighting, advanced HVAC controls, a water side economizer, and improved ventilation management have reduced energy and water use while enhancing building performance and tenant comfort. Beyond operational improvements, the property team fosters a strong sense of community through sustainability focused programs, including e waste drives, wellness activities, and other tenant engagement events that support a healthier and more environmentally responsible workplace.

Equity Champion

Climate Resilient Communities

Climate Resilient Communities is empowering frontline residents to lead climate resilience efforts in some of San José’s most climate vulnerable neighborhoods. Through its Climate Change Community Teams in Alviso and East San José, the organization creates opportunities for residents to identify local priorities, develop solutions, and collaborate directly with city partners. Community led projects such as disaster preparedness workshops, emergency resource distribution, and air purifier programs help neighborhoods prepare for flooding, extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and other climate impacts. By centering resident voices and building strong partnerships with the City of San José, Climate Resilient Communities is helping create a more equitable, resilient, and connected future for all.

Business Champion

Cisco

Cisco is demonstrating global leadership in climate action through its ambitious commitment to clean energy, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. In 2025, Cisco achieved a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions compared to its 2019 baseline and matched 100% of its global electricity use with renewable energy for the first time in company history. Locally in San José, Cisco completed its first building electrification projects, including the installation of heat pumps and advanced heat recovery chillers, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels while improving energy efficiency. Through continued investments in renewable energy, electrification, and innovative efficiency projects, Cisco is advancing its goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040 while helping build a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

Youth Champion

Kanika Rawat

Kanika Rawat has demonstrated exceptional youth leadership in climate action through her role as co lead of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action’s San José team. She spearheaded the inaugural 2025 Climate Smart Youth Video Competition, bringing together students, community organizations, and local leaders to elevate youth voices on climate issues. Under her leadership, 32 students participated in the competition, creating videos that explored solutions related to transportation, energy, waste, and environmental justice. By connecting young people with civic engagement opportunities and encouraging climate advocacy, she has helped inspire the next generation of climate leaders while increasing community awareness of local climate challenges and solutions. Her work highlights the power of youth driven action to support a more sustainable, equitable, and climate resilient San José.

about the awards

Winners will be celebrated at a special recognition event and will receive a commendation from the San José City Council on June 23, 2026. This is an opportunity to honor the climate champions in our community who are creating lasting environmental and social impact.

questions?

If you have questions about the Climate Champion Awards, please email ClimateSmart@sanjoseca.gov. 

Previous Awards

Previous Awards can be viewed at Climate Smart Champions Past Winners.

Individuals and organizations are ultimately responsible for selecting their own contractors, businesses, service providers, and products. Neither the City of San José nor San José Clean Energy make any warranties, whether express, implied, or statutory, regarding or relating to any business, organization, individual, product, or any materials or services furnished by award recipients. To the fullest extent allowed by law, the City of San José and San José Clean Energy specifically disclaim all implied warranties of title, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.