Final Handbook Low Resolution

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    Act Locally:

    Implementing Sustainability inLocal Governments

    Columbia University for the United States Environmental Protection Agency Regi

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    Prepared for:

    United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2

    Address: 290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007Website: http://www.epa.gov/

    Prepared by:Columbia University, School of International & Public AairsMasters of Public Administration in Environmental Science & Policy

    Address: 420 W. 118th St., New York, NY 10027Website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/mpaenvironment/

    Contributing Authors:

    Kelsey Bennett (Manager)Nicholas CainRadulph Hart-George

    Jeremy NewmanPaige OlmstedKeith ParsonsPlinio RibeiroCeline Ruben-SalamaKyle SmithGlenn Sonntag (Dept. Manager)Soa Trevio HeresJill Weyer

    All images supplied by:

    Eliot George Photography LLP54 Grove ParkCamerwellLondonSE5 8LGwww. eliotgeorge.com

    All rights reserved.

    Except Images on:

    pages 20/21: ramblinworkerpage 23: amfdesignerpage 27: StuSeegerpages 34/35: warrenskipage 36: Ilya Schurovpage 43: Unhindered by Talentpage 44: SideLongpage 51: Salim Virjipage 57: peasappage 58: PPDIGITALpages 60/61: pingnews.com

    which were all licenced for commeri-cal use within the Creative Commonsframework.

    Faculty Advisor:

    Dr. Steven Cohen

    USEPA Region 2 Advisors:

    Heather BarnhartIrene BolandRabi KieberBarbara PastaloveJennifer Thatcher

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    Table of Contents

    How to Use this Handbook 5

    1. Introduction to Sustainability Planning 7

    2. Getting Started, Building Momentum and Keeping Direction 11

    (a) Assessing the Challenge 11Using Environmental Management Systems 12

    (b) Assessing Vulnerabilities and Integrating Emergency Planning 14(c) Using Existing Networks and Resources 16(d) Making the Case: Building a Coalition and Educating the Public and Sta 16

    (e) Finding the Money 18

    3. Areas of Opportunity 21

    (a) Transportation 22(b) Land Use Planning 25(c) Biological Conservation and Open Space Preservation 29(d) Energy, Air Quality, and Climate Change 33(e) Protecting Water Quality and Ensuring Future Supply 39(f ) Solid Waste Generation and Recycling 45(g) Green Building 53(h) Green Procurement 59

    (i) Hazard Mitigation 61

    4. Conclusion: Moving Beyond Planning to Action 63

    (a) Goal-Setting, Targets, and Performance Measurement Strategies 64

    (b) Wrapping up and Moving Forward 66

    5. Methodology 67

    6. References 68

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    The aim of this handbook is to proan overview of dierent approachesustainability planning that are beused by local governments across United States. The goal of these eis to lower costs, improve environme

    performance, and meet present newithout compromising the ability oture generations to meet their own ne

    This handbook is not a denitive collectof answers. Instead, it is a collecof good examples, useful tools, successful approaches for meeting varied challenges that each commufaces. There is no magic bullet; howea holistic plan that examines coordinates relevant government activ

    will foster the most successful outcom

    One of the strongest lessons from ousearch is that signicant environmentacial, and economic gains can be madeimproved planning. Whether you readhandbook start-to-nish, or turn to theissue areas that interest you, we hope will nd this guide useful and informa

    How to Use this Handboo

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    What is sustainability? The United StEnvironmental Protection Agency (Eechoing the language of the 1987 Bruland Report, denes sustainability

    meeting the needs the present withocompromising the abity of future genetions to meet their owneeds(EPA 2008).In other words, sustainability is a wabalancing the needs of people towith the future needs of our children the natural systems that sustain all

    Another take on sustainability isreconcile economic growth wenvironmental and social equity concthrough the promotion of econom

    low-impact, and fair development. T

    sustainable develoment is often said be concerned with tthree Es: economy, evironment and equity

    Municipal sustainability planning appthis mindset to the critical resouissues that communities face every

    planning for trac and transportaprotecting against storms and ohazards, ensuring clean supplies water and reliable supplies of ene

    Carpenters and tailors know the oldmotto well: measure twice, cut once.

    In an era of growing population,increasing economic competition, andenvironmental challenges ranging fromclimate change to air pollution, decreasingwater levels to rising energy costs, thismotto has never been more true. Intelligentplanning is essential to our future andthe well being of our communities.

    Planning in the 21st Century, however,goes beyond mere zoning or general landuse issues. Increasingly, communitiesare looking at a wider range ofissues from traditional concerns to

    issues not previously considered bymost local governments. Many localgovernments, ranging from towns andcities to counties and regional partnerships,are nding that the most eective planningtakes a long-term, comprehensiveapproach to a wide range of environmental,health, and development issues with thegoal of improving overall sustainability.

    Introduction to SustainabilityPlanning

    1

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    dealing with solid waste and runo,and protecting natural open spaces.

    How can sustainability planning bring real-world benets to our towns and cities?What are the best sustainability practicescurrently in use? How can a communitymove from an idea to a plan to successfulaction? This handbook, based on a surveyof over two dozen cities, towns, and coun-ties across the United States, will attempt toprovide some answers to these questions.

    Trends in SustainabilityPlanning

    From our research, several trendsemerge:

    Sustainability planning is increasinglymoving to the mainstream. Once thedomain of only the greenest cities, sus-tainability planning is being used by citiesand towns across the nation like Fresno,California.

    Sustainability planningis increasingly beingused by smaller com-munities as well as bylarge ones.Although plans like New York Citys

    PlaNYC are well-known, smaller cities likeCleveland, Ohio, towns like Sedona, Arizo-na, and counties like Westchester County,New York are nding that they too canbenet from an integrated approach toresource and community planning.

    Municipal sustainability planning canproduce tangible benets such as helpinga community lower energy costs, secure

    sustainable supplies of water, reduce airpollution, and encourage new economicdevelopment.

    There is a growing array of tools, tech-niques, and approaches that are beinggenerated by innovative communities of

    every size and type. Although every areaof the US has its own challenges and re-sources, there are solutions and ideas thatcan be adapted to the needs of any com-munity.

    Communities face a mix of global con-cerns, such as those related to climatechange, population growth, and high fuelprices as well as regional and local issuessuch as water shortages or oods. Giventhis, no one set of sustainability measures

    are right for every community.There are, however, a host of lessons wecan take from eorts already underwayand a few key principles we can apply.Overall, the most eective sustainabilityplanning assesses current conditions,devises a long-term comprehensiveapproach, and creates real benets forpeople today.

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    Sustainability planning iincreasingly moving to th

    mainstream

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    Getting Started, BuildingMomentum and Keeping Direction

    The issues you wish to tackle may inclonly some of these topics or might extto other concerns, but one goal is tocomprehensive many of these issare interconnected. For example, eecopen space protection can reduce ing from storms; better transportationreduce air pollution and energy use.

    Environmental threats, economic p

    sures, and changing regulations ospur or drive planning eorts, so its wothinking through several related issuethe same time:

    What impacts are the most serious?

    What are the potential regulatoryquirements that currently apply and may be developed down the line?

    What is the potential for mitigationprevention) of a given hazard or hdicult or easy will it be to implemchange?

    What are the possible synergies thatresult from tackling a range of issues atsame time? (For example, can improopen space protection preserve biocal resources and reduce ood risks?

    changes to a governments vehicle lower its energy costs and improve lair pollution?)

    TIP: As your list grows longer, you wish to employ a spreadsheet or dbase of some kind.

    The rst step to any comprehensiveplanning eort is to assess yourcommunitys strengths and weaknessesas well as current and future needs.Although any assessment is a combinationof art and science, there are tools, suchas Environmental Management Systems,that can help ensure your assessmentis complete and thorough. We discussthese tools in detail in the next section of

    this chapter.

    When evaluating your own needs, bench-marking that is, looking at the bestpractices of other, similar communities is always a useful exercise. This handbookincludes a series of case studies as wellas many internet-based resources thatwe hope will provide useful guidance foryour sustainability planning eorts.

    Needless to say, your community is char-

    acterized by a set of unique features from its climate and topography to localdevelopment patterns. The issues youfocus on will determine the structure ofyour local sustainability plan, but mostof the municipal plans discussed in thishandbook include the following topics:

    Transportation Land use planning Open space protection Energy, air quality, and climatechange considerations

    Water supply, stormwater, andwastewater issues

    Solid waste and recycling

    2(2a) Assessing the Challenge

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    Using EnvironmentalManagement SystemsAny successful planning eort will haveto balance breadth with depth. Althoughit is critical to plan in an integrated andcomprehensive fashion, taking on too

    many topics or challenges can stymie aneort from moving forward. But whateverissues are eventually chosen for the largerplan, its important to start with a broadview that systematically maps the mostsignicant concerns. This is where an En-vironmental Management System (EMS)can come in handy.

    What is an EMS?

    An Environmental Man-agement System is acontinuous systematicapproach to managingand reducing environ-mental impact.

    By addressing root causes and integrat-ing environmental aspects into everydayoperations, environmental stewardshipbecomes a priority across the entire orga-nization. Every EMS follows a basic four-step model:

    1. The Plan phase includes analyzing cur-rent environmental impacts and legal re-quirements and then setting appropriateenvironmental goals and objectives.

    2. The Do phase includes implement-ing specic programs and processes tomeet objectives and targets. Tasks mightinclude training employees and establish-ing operational controls. Being preciseabout assigning responsibilities to ensureaccountability is a must.

    3. The Check phase includes internalauditing, monitoring progress, assess-ing successes and failures, identifyingareas for improvement, and benchmark-ing. Evaluating employee understandingof the system and retraining employeeswhen necessary is key to keeping the sys-tem current and useful.

    4. The Act phase includes reviewingprogress, performing management re-views, and implementing improvementsto the plan, which can start the planningprocess anew.

    General information on the topic regard-ing an EMS can also be found on EPAswebsite:http://www.epa.gov/ems/index.html

    As the issues a municipality seeks to man-age multiply, an EMS becomes more use-ful. An EMS can address both regulatorydemands, such as complying with air orwater quality standards, and non-regu-lated issues, such as trac congestion orenergy consumption.

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    Additional Resources

    Clean Air Climate Protection (CACP) ware. This tool created by Local Govments for Sustainability (ICLEI) is usedthe US Conference of Mayors agreemand is designed to help local govments formulate climate action plans.

    tool can compute emissions numbers calculate cost savings.

    http://www.iclei-usa.org/action-centools/cacp

    Climate and Air Pollution Planning Atant (CAPPA). This tool, expected toready late in 2008, is a more compresive planning support tool.

    http://www.iclei-usa.org/action-cen

    tools/cappa

    ISO 14004:2004 and ISO 14001:2004.These frameworks were developed byInternational Organization for Standization (ISO).

    http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogmanagement_standards/iso_90iso_14000/iso_14000_essentials.htm

    Sustainability Reporting Framework

    Guidelines. Although primarily for bnesses, this product of the Global Reping Initiative can help communities organizations track and report key indtors.http://www.globalreporting.org/AbGRI/

    LEED for Neighborhood Design The US Green Building Council (USGknown for its energy-ecient and eronmentally-conscious construction

    operation standards, is pilot testing a nLEED (Leadership in Energy and Envmental Design) system for neighborhdesign that should be available in 200http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPaaspx?CMSPageID=148

    The EPA has found that an EMS can help-municipalities:

    1. Improve environmental performanceand enhance regulatory compliance;

    2. Prevent pollution and conserve re-sources;

    3. Reduce environmental hazards;

    4. Attract new businesses and createnew markets;

    5. Increase energy eciency and reducecosts;

    6. Enhance employee morale and aware-ness as well as recruiting;

    7. Enhance a communitys image withthe public, regulators, lenders, and inves-tors; and

    8. Qualify a community for recognitionand incentive programs such as the EPA

    Performance Track Program (http://www.epa.gov/perftrac).

    Because many robust EMS frameworksalready exist, theres no need to reinventthe wheel. In fact, one of the benets ofrelying on a pre-existing EMS is taking ad-vantage of the experience embodied inthe system.

    RecommendedResource:

    Public Entity EMS Resource Center. Thiscollaboration between the US EPA andthe Global Environment and TechnologyFoundation has a range of useful resourc-es.http://www.peercenter.net/

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    (2b) Assessing Vulnerabilities and IntegratingEmergency Planning

    When evaluating vulnerability to a partic-ular risk, its common to consider:

    Land use patterns, engineering of key in-frastructure, and architecture of the builtenvironment

    Social factors relating to the well-beingof individuals, communities, and society

    Economic factors, with an understand-ing that distressed and low-incomeneighborhoods may have a more limitedcapacity to recover

    Environmental factors including espe-cially how the degradation of naturalareas, like wetlands, can increase the im-pacts of hazards such as ooding

    General information on preparing for di-saster, determining risks, and planning foremergencies can be found on the Federaland Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) websitehttp://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm

    Particular care should be taken to evalu-ate how the risks associated with a natural

    Along with understanding the unique challeng-es and resources of your community, protecting

    against natural hazards should be a key planningpriority. Natural hazards will always be present tosome degree, but hazards dont have to becomedisasters. By assessing your communitys vulner-abilities and implementing mitigation strategies,the potential impacts can be reduced.

    Risk is determined by evaluating the po-tential damage (hazard) and assessing thesusceptibility to the impact (vulnerability)(UN 2007). Although evaluating risk is of-ten more qualitative than quantitative, itcan be useful to think about risk as a prod-uct of the hazard multiplied by the vulner-ability. Risk assessment usually follows athree-step approach:

    1. Identifying the nature, location, inten-sity, and probability of the key threats inyour area.

    2. Determining the degree of vulnerabili-ties to those threats.

    3. Identifying the resources available tomanage or respond to the threats (UN2007).

    The rst step of risk assessment involvesreviewing the technical features of likelyhazards, such as their location, intensity,and likely frequency. The second step in-volves looking at how vulnerable a givenarea is to such hazards.

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    sible threats such as the potential foaccidental or intentional chemical releexplosion, outbreak of disease, or edepending on the area, radiologicalease. Since agencies in your area, sucpolice, re, and emergency managemare already tracking and evaluating ththreats, a multi-stakeholder approach brings in relevant local and regional acies is critical.

    RecommendedResource:

    Community Vulnerability Assessment TIn collaboration with the Federal Egency Management Agency, the NatioOceanic and Atmospheric Administra(NOAA) produced this tool to determ

    and prioritize vulnerability hazards.http://www.csc.noaa.gov/productshaz/startup.htm

    Additional Resources

    HAZUS The Federal Emergency ManageAgency developed this HAZUS (HazUS) software tool for estimating potenlosses from natural hazards.

    http://www.fema.gov/hazus

    Climate Change Science ProgramThis is a portal to federal research onmate change impacts across all agenchttp://www.climatescience.gov/

    Regional Climate Modeling ToolNOAA, among other organizations, been looking at the potential regioimpacts of climate change via this tomodeling capabilities.

    http://www.ncar.ucar.edu/researchmate/regional.php

    More detailed information on accounfor a range of hazards is covered in hazard mitigation section of this hbook.

    hazard can be potentially compoundedby the existence or condition of human-

    made infrastructure such as a oodcausing an overow of a sewage treat-ment plant.

    Although you are morethan likely to be wellaware of the most com-mon local risks in your

    area, its worth consider-ing global threats suchas climate change andpopulation growth.An emergency preparedness strategyshould, ideally, also consider other pos-

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    (2c) Using Existing Networks and Resources

    when targets are to be set and progressmeasured.

    Once youve taken a survey of ongoingeorts and historical data, looking at localcapacity to manage the planning processis the logical next step. Strong leadershipof the planning eort is essential to thesuccess of the sustainability plan. This rolecan successfully be taken on by an electedocial, a planning or community devel-opment department in the local govern-ment, a community-based commission, aprominent local business, or a hybrid ap-proach that combines all of these stake-holders.

    As you begin to create your sustainabil-ity plan, its a good idea to evaluate whatis already been done in your area. Areother agencies already studying aspectsof the issue? Is there a local organization

    protecting open space, a business asso-ciation analyzing the impacts of growth,or a school program focusing on streamclean-ups or water quality?

    A successful plan shouldrespond to the issues ofyour community, but,

    remember, there is noneed to re-invent thewheel.Instead, organize a meeting with the co-ordinators of any such existing projectsto tackle the broader issues of municipalsustainability planning.

    Chances are that at least some plans, stud-ies, and committees have been created

    over the years. This is an ideal opportunityto compile resources and documents thatyour locality has created and worked onover the past few years and to see whatwork has already been done.

    Annual reports for water and energy con-sumption as well as wastewater and solidwaste generation should be readily avail-able from local and regional utilities. Landuse planning and environmental docu-ments such as general plans, open space

    preservation plans, and natural resourceprotection plans and their respective en-vironmental impact statements/reports,will also be useful in identifying whatsbeen done and what needs to be done.Anything older than ve to ten years mayneed to be updated, but even older ef-forts can provide worthwhile guidanceand data, which will come in handy later

    (2d) Building a Coalition,Educating the PublicSuccessful planning eorts are typicallybroad-based and encourage participationby the whole community. By partneringwith citizens and existing groups, theeects of your sustainability plan canbe amplied and sta workload can beminimized.

    Citizen volunteers are akey group to consider aspart of your partnership,since they themselvesdirectly benet and canhelp make the public

    case to their neighborsand friends.Organizing volunteer days and gettingcitizens involved in the planning processis not only helpful but required in manycases (such as when dealing with land useplanning).

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    Academic organizations are also posspartners. As members of the comnity, universities, colleges, and technschools may have a direct interest inlocal government sustainability plannprocess. In addition, these organizatcan provide technical resources, reseasupport, and venues for public dissions. For example, the MontgomCounty Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Task Fowas developed as the result of a proconducted by Pennsylvania State Unsity graduate students.

    Faith and service organizations, transtation advocacy groups, and labor uncan also make potential partners deping on the interests of local groups the needs of the community.

    Just as there is a balancing act betwcreating a comprehensive plan and cing a workable plan, coalitions shouldbalanced between creating broad port and not getting so large as to bewieldy.

    Educating Colleagueand the Public

    Once youve taken the lay of the llooked at applicable planning approacand assessed potential partners, articing the case to your city, town, or cougovernment becomes essential. As of your internal outreach, you may nto create a project brief that outlines sible benets, looks at costs, and creattimeline for major milestones.

    Some communication lessons from sustainability plans we analyzed includ

    Creating and circulating a clear, conproject brief that discusses top-level gand is not too technical is important

    Emphasizing the unique challengeyour area and benets to your commuhelps makes the abstract idea of plannmore tangible and closer to home

    Forming ad hoc committees or commis-sions, overseen by government ocials, isanother eective way to address specicenvironmental planning issues while al-lowing interested citizens to contributespecialized expertise. Inviting commu-nity members to participate in meetingsis a good way to recruit members. TheWestchester County Global Warming TaskForce in New York, for instance, allows in-terested citizens to work on specic issueswithout being permanent members.

    Local environmental groups are anotherpotential set of organizations that com-munities can partner with during theplanning process. Environmental groupsoften bring specialized expertise in issuessuch as watershed protection or smartgrowth planning. Ensuring that all localenvironmental concerns are consideredcan help create broad-based support forthe planning process. Some examples ofthis are Denver, Colorado involving theFrontRange Earth Force in its planningprocess and Westchester County, NewYork working with the Natural ResourceDefense Council (NRDC) and Riverkeepers,among other groups.

    Because environmental sustainabilityand the long-term economic viabilityof a community are linked, businesses,business associations, and chambers ofcommerce are also important partners.Resource and planning issues, such as theavailability of water, the price of energy, andaccessibility to transportation, are often ofcritical importance to the local businesscommunity. In addition, local businessescan provide both technical resources andfunding for your sustainability planningprocess.

    Along with citizens, nonprots, and busi-ness groups, other government agenciesare key to consider. For instance, a city ortown may want to or in some cases berequired to involve regional or stateagencies. Outside agencies may be ableto provide a wealth of resources and as-sistance, including grants, loans, or othernancing.

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    The best plans make a combined appealto civic culture, area values, economicconcerns, and local benets

    One of the most signicant challenges indiscussing sustainability is creating great-er public awareness about the interde-pendence of the environment, the econ-

    omy, and community life and hammeringhome that these things dont conict witheach other. Cooperation between publicagencies, non-prot organizations, andthe private sector can create compellingmessages and materials to improve pub-lic understanding of the issues at handand the planning process itself. Eectiveoutreach materials should be specic toyour region and based on the actual ex-periences of people, organizations, andthe government. Available resources for

    educating sta and the public include:

    Place MattersThis is an educational website for citizenengagement and community education.http://www.placematters.org

    Sustainable Communities NetworkThis website oers several resources andlinks to organizations working on sustain-ability education.http://www.sustainable.org/living/edu-

    cation.html

    Education for SustainabilityThis website was created by the Center fora Sustainable Future and provides specicrecommendations to reach all segmentsof the population.http://www.of.org/pcsd/toc.html

    Education for Sustainable DevelopmentToolkitThis website has a section with exercises

    to explain the concept of sustainable de-velopment and create relevant curriculumfor local school systems.http://www.esdtoolkit.org

    (2e) Finding the Money

    One of the considerations concerningthe implementation of any governmentalprogram, including sustainability eorts ,is how to pay for it. Just as each munici-palitys sustainability plan will vary, so willthe approach towards funding.

    There is no right orwrong way to pay forsustainability programs.However, an analysis of multiple sustain-ability plans does reveal several commonapproaches:

    Eective plans demonstrate how spend-

    ing on a planning or implementation ac-tivity such as auditing and reducingenergy use can save money across de-partments and over time;

    Some municipalities secure grants anddonations;

    Partnerships with business and localnon-prot organizations can help defraycosts and provide technical and personalresources; and

    Smart sustainability planning can helpmunicipalities save money by improvingregulatory compliance and reduce futurecosts.

    One of the most frequently cited and suc-cessful sources of sustainability fundingare programs that result in cost savings. Insome cases, upfront investment in long-lasting infrastructure where projectsare amortized over decades can be o-

    set by long-term savings.

    According to the United States Confer-ence of Mayors (2006), typical cost savingscome from:

    Energy reduction strategies (e.g. on-site renewable energy or replacement oflighting with high-eciency alternatives);

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    use an EMS or other systematic plannapproach to continue to improve pemance over time.

    RecommendedResource:

    To learn more about EPA and othereral grant opportunities, go to:http://www.grants.gov

    TIP: On the grants.gov homepage, if click on Find Grant Opportunities

    Email subscription, you can register ysearch parameters and automaticallyceive an e-mail notication of new gopportunities.

    Additional Resources The US Department of Energy (DOEtabase of incentives for renewables eciency has detailed informationstate and local incentives and fundprograms:http://www.dsireusa.org/

    US Department of Energy Funding foergy Eciency is located at:http://www1.eere.energy.gov/nanci

    The Federal Department of Transportathas information on how to get fundingbicycle and pedestrian projects:http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environmebikeped/bp-broch.htm#funding

    The US Department of Housing andban Development oers incentivesredevelopment via its Home OwnersZones:http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/af

    ablehousing/programs/hoz/

    EPAs Guidebook of Financial Tools: ing for sustainable environmental systis located at:http://www.epa.gov/efinpage/efinhtm

    Purchasing low-energy appliances Green building projects Vehicle Emissions Reduction Programs(VERP) such as replacing leaking gascaps

    Arbor projects that add shade or createnatural stormwater buers

    Recycling programs Education and training Trac-signal optimizationSometimes grants can fund the creationof sustainability plans. Some of the mostpopular routes to obtaining grants are viaEPA, the Department of Energy, and state

    departments of environmental protection.EPA provides scores of grants for a varietyof projects for municipalities of all sizesand types. For example, the BurlingtonLegacy Project in Vermont was funded inpart by an EPA Sustainable DevelopmentChallenge Grant.

    Public-private partnerships are also a po-tentially valuable nancing tool. The Unit-ed States Conference of Mayors providesnumerous examples of how municipali-

    ties have teamed with non-governmentalorganizations, utilities, water boards, busi-nesses, and other partners. Not only dosuch eorts frequently nd funding forachieving sustainability goals, but theyalso help foster support for planning ef-forts.

    Weighing the benets and costs of agiven approach is a frequent rst-step inthe budgetary process, but it is rarely astraightforward process particularly in

    regard to environmental concerns. Howdoes one quantify the value of clean air,open space, a pristine shoreline, qual-ity of life, or, for that matter, human life

    especially those that are generationsaway? One broad rule of thumb is that itsusually best to start with the proverbiallow-hanging fruit targeting the mostpressing problems with the most directand cost-eective solutions and then

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    Areas of Opportunity

    Best Practices andSolutions

    Planning approaches range from simchanges made to existing infrastructo comprehensive eorts to rethink ha region travels. Although the creatiomajor new projects, such as the introtion of light rail, can take time and reqmajor capital spending, they often paythemselves over time and can be lin

    with other large-scale projects to revize downtowns and reshape devement patterns.

    There is a range of feasible and cost-etive transportation approaches that worth considering. These include:

    Car-pooling programs Creating or upgrading bike lanes, paths, and walking paths to encournon-motorized transportation

    Working with local businesses to sger delivery and commute times, andencourage telecommuting

    Expanding availability of alternative lic transportation services

    In 2005, according to the US Department of Traportation, trac congestion resulted in 4.2 billiohours of travel delay, 2.9 billion gallons of wastefuel, and a net urban congestion cost of nea$80 billion (RITA 2008).

    3 (3a) Transportation

    The social and environmental impacts ofcongestion, such as the value of lost timeand extra air pollution created by idling,are no less important.

    Reducing congestion, however, is no lon-ger just a matter of building bigger andwider roads. A more innovative approachthat adds more public transportation op-tions and reduces the need for endlessdriving is called for (RITA 2008).

    The good news is that communities thathave successfully added public transpor-tation and revitalized downtown areashave often reaped big rewards includingreduced commute times, improved airquality, and a reduction in greenhousegas emissions.

    Other less quantiable benets includereduced health risks, improved integra-tion of disparate neighborhoods, and in-creased safety for pedestrians, cyclists, anddrivers alike. Commuters who have publictransportation options are often able tosave money especially as fuel pricescontinue to increase. Promoting walkingand bicycling are common strategies.

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    RecommendedResource:

    EPA Transportation and Air Quality pro-gram regulates air pollution from all kindsof motor vehicles and engines and en-courages travel choices that minimize

    emissions, has lots of useful informationfor state and local governments on itswebsite, including easy-to-use calculatorsand modeling tools:http://www.epa.gov/otaq/stateresourc-es/index.htm

    Additional Resources:

    The US Department of Transportation also(DOT) oers several programs to assist ru-

    ral areas and small communities, such asthe Transportation Toolbox for Rural Ar-eas and Small Communities:http://ntl.bts.gov/ruraltransport/toolbox/

    EPA also provides information on trans-portation conformity, required by theClean Air Act to ensure that federal fund-ing and approval are given to highwayand transit projects that are consistentwith the goals established by the state airquality implementation plan:

    http://www.epa.gov/OMS/stateresourc-es/transconf/generalinfo.htm

    The US DOT has developed Transporta-tion Vision for 2030. Ensuring personalfreedom and economic vitality for a Na-tion on the move, which denes am-bitious goals. This document providesspecic strategies for passenger transpor-tation, freight transportation, nancingand partnerships, and technology and in-novation:

    h t t p : / / w w w . w e b s 1 . u i d a h o . e d u / ce501-400/resources/Addressing%20sustainbility%20in%20transportation%20systems.pdf

    Optimizing the routes, timing, and meth-ods of existing transportation services

    Promoting use of public transportationwith incentives

    Upgrading public transportation infra-structure to make it more welcoming

    Developing transportation corridorsbetween communities Linking up existing public transportationservices with neighboring communities;and

    Oering public transportation along orparallel to existing highway/arterial cor-ridors.

    To develop a strategic action plan for sus-

    tainable transportation, communities mayneed to establish a dedicated planninggroup to work jointly with local, state, andfederal agencies.

    Measuring Success

    Communities may evaluate their progressby measuring operational eectivenessand eciency, environmental impacts,behavioral changes in public transporta-

    tion choices, and infrastructure security(Jeon et al. 2005). Some specic indicatorscould include:

    Reduction in fossil fuel consumption Reduction in GHG emissions Reduction in trac congestion Reduction in commute times Miles of bike lanes

    Flow along key streets Surveys of rider or driver satisfaction Number of people carpooling

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    Zoning is the main tool in land use plan-ning and can be used to direct develop-ment and redevelopment in urban areasto ensure that municipalities grow in a

    sustainable manner. Taking advantageof innovative land use planning policiesand smart growth techniques is key whenstriving to create a comprehensive mu-nicipal sustainability plan.

    Compact, ecient urban developmentimproves the health and quality-of-lifeof area residents, revitalizes the localeconomy, and increases environmentalsustainability. Development of compactareas, even if its a small downtown area,

    can reduce travel times, help preserveopen space and reduce the commercialpressure to sprawl. Neighborhoods withwalkable areas stimulate a strong senseof place and enhance an areas overalllivability while encouraging the develop-ment of strong, vibrant communities.

    Best Practices andSolutions

    At the municipal level, most land use plan-ning decisions are handled by the cityplanning department, planning commis-sion, city council, or mayors oce. Largermunicipalities may nd it benecial to cre-ate a new oce for sustainability to workin cooperation with existing planning bu-reaus to achieve sustainable developmentand land use approaches. Smaller munici-

    palities may not have this option. In scases, it may be benecial to recruit loresidents, community leaders, businowners, and environmental groups to

    vise local government on land use dsions and development goals.

    Smart growth principles can be appto a range of critical planning issuecluding community quality of life, urdesign, economic development, envmental issues, human health, aordaand accessible housing, and transption. Smart growth principles usuallycompass the following strategies:

    Creating a range of housing choand price-points based around compwalkable neighborhoods

    Allowing mixed land use in the formcombined retail and residential devement

    Encouraging community and stholder collaboration in developmentcisions

    Fostering distinctive, attractive comnities with a strong sense of place

    Making development decisions preable, fair and cost eective

    Preserving open space, farmland, natbeauty and critical environmental are

    Land use planning is a critical element in devoping vibrant and livable communities, increasinproperty values, ensuring economic vitality, a

    dressing potential human health issues, proming transportation eciency, ensuring aordabhousing, and improving environmental sustaability.

    (3b) Land Use Planning

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    RecommendedResource:

    EPAs Smart Growth page contains moreinformation on applicable techniques:http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/

    Additional Resources:For a full description of Smart Growthprinciples, please visit:http://www.smartgrowth.org/

    The City of Portlands Sustainable Devel-opment Commission has created a com-prehensive guide for identifying indicatorsand measuring progress to determine thesuccess of sustainable planning and de-

    velopment strategies. The indicator ma-trix can be found on the City of Portlandswebsite:http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=133058

    Seattle Department of Planning and De-velopment:http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/

    Green Print Denver:http://www.greenprintdenver.org/

    City of Portland Bureau of Planning:http://www.portlandonline.com/plan-ning/

    Providing a variety of transportationchoices

    Directing development towards exist-ing communities and transportation cor-ridors

    Taking advantage of compact buildingdesign Remediating and redeveloping brown-elds appropriately

    Providing formal parks and plazas inproximity to residential land uses

    Large cities such as Denver, Seattle, andPortland oer excellent insight into sus-tainable land use planning practices.While smart growth principles oer anexcellent theoretical framework for taking

    steps towards sustainable growth, thesecity planning departments oer examplesof how such principles can be used on theground.

    Measuring Success

    Some specic indicators for land use plan-ning are:

    Population density and distribution

    Percent of green space per neighbor-hood

    Vehicle miles traveled per capita andaverage commute times

    Frequency of walk or bike trips percapita

    Citizen surveys of neighborhood safetyand livability

    Energy use per capita Number of energy ecient buildings inthe municipality

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    Land Use Planning Case Study:Portland, Oregon Land Use Planning Evolves

    Recognized among American cities as one of the most dedicated to planning, Portland is frequently cited in urban planning literature for its progressive transportation and land use policies, downtown redevelopment,

    success in containing urban sprawl. Building on this success, Portlands Bureau of Planning recently initiatecomprehensive plan to guide growth and development within the city over the next 30 years. The Portland Pidenties a number of goals and outlines regional development policies in order to assure that Portlands wability, transit accessibility, and open space preservation remain intact while allowing for population growth economic development.

    The goals of the plan include:

    Create a rich and enjoyable environment for pedestrians through-out the Central City Strive for excellence in the design of new buildings Encourage construction to enhance Portlands human scale of buildings, streets, and open spaces

    Promote districts with distinct character and a diverse and rich mixture of uses (in nonindustrial areas)

    Identify and protect signicant public views Locate the highest densities downtown and along potential and existing transit corridorsThrough careful planning and a holistic approach to making land use decisions, Portlands Bureau of Planningallowed for substantial increases in new jobs, housing units, and commercial spaces, without increasing the nber of acres occupied by the central city.

    Further information is available online:http://www.portlandonline.com/planning

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    Land-use planning should protectecosystems and open space as theseareas often provide critical naturalservices.

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    Protecting wetlands Establishing buers along ripazones

    Creating greenbelts and conservaeasements

    As our nations population continuegrow and as development of open spcontinues, preserving special natural pes and prime agricultural land becoever more important.

    Plan Smart New Jersey identies threeopen space protection tactics:

    1. Conservation Easements are restions requiring a property to be mtained forever in an underdevelopednatural state.

    2. Developer set-asides, which are untary protections created when projare planned. The Plan Smart guide gests that for maximum eect, the jdiction should encourage developerset aside land in stream corridors, maforests, and other key environmental a

    identied during the planning procesit should use the in-lieu contributionpurchase this land.

    3. Outright purchase, which, provithe jurisdiction is committed to mtaining the land in a natural state, is best way to ensure that land remains served.

    Comprehensive land use planning shouldprotect ecosystems and open space asthese areas often provide critical naturalservices, such as ood buering andwater purication. Preserving openspace is a frequently used strategy incomprehensive municipal sustainability

    planning. It is regarded as a low hangingfruit in municipal sustainability planningbecause of the attractiveness of openspaces and their value to local residentsboth socially and economically.

    Open space preservation can provide aes-thetic appeal and recreation opportuni-ties, while enhancing local real estate val-ue and making communities more livable.Burlington, Vermont, Westchester County,Sarasota County, Florida, Brownsville,Texas,

    and Davis, California all provide excellentexamples of this.

    For example, Lake Champlain Bikeways(a public-private partnership) is a bike-way system that Burlington is constantlyattempting to enhance through connec-tion to various practical as well as historicsites around the city, appealing to bothresidents and visitors alike.

    Best Practices andSolutions

    Techniques to safeguard environmentallysensitive areas vary across communitiesand types of surrounding ecosystems.EPA identies three of the most commontechniques:

    As our nations population continues to grow anas development of open space continues, preseing special natural places and prime agricultuland becomes ever more important.

    (3c) Biological Conservation andOpen Space Preservation

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    Measuring Success

    Some specic indicators for biologicalconservation and open space preserva-tion are:

    Acres of land in easement

    Acres of protected wetland area Number of bike paths in proximity topopular sites

    RecommendedResource:

    To measure and assess the status of eco-system health it is important to have goodindicators. EPA discusses this topic in its

    report, Community Based EnvironmentalProtection:http://www.epa.gov/care/library/howto.pdf

    Additional Resources:

    PlanSmart NJs full guide can be foundonline at:http://www.plansmartnj.org/projects/gig/index.html

    The Defenders of Wildlife Incentives forConservation has extensive informationon available approaches at:http://www.biodiversitypartners.org/in-centives/index.shtml

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    Open Space Preservation Case Study:Burlington, Vermont Engages Community Protect Wildlife

    As the area around Burlington grows, wildlife and humans have been coming into greater contact. As part of

    Citys open space preservation eorts, volunteers are gathering data on where animals live and the routes theyto travel in order to make informed decisions about ecosystem protection, land use planning, and developme

    The volunteers are trained by a local non-prot organization, Keeping Track, that is focused on encouraging cmunity participation in the long-term stewardship of wildlife habitat. This mission is achieved through monitocooperation, data management, conservation planning and education.

    Volunteers must complete six full-day training workshops in the eld plus two classroom sessions. Participantstaught a scientically based data collection methodology and then help with eld work, monitoring and ofacets of the program. The program has trained nearly 1,300 volunteers representing almost 100 communities has gathered valuable data to help shape local land use preservation eorts.

    Further information is available online:http://www.keepingtrack.org/

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    Air pollution impacts were estimateto cost the United States between $2billion and $451 billion dollars.

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    The way energy is generated to meet loneeds is also very important for climchange. The U.S. has long been ressible for more GHG emissions than other country, in absolute and per cavalues.

    Of the total greenhouse gases produin the US, burning fossil fuels contribover 80 percent of greenhouse gases 1999; Drazga 2007). By getting enefrom cleaner renewable sources, a ladierence can be made in the ght agaglobal warming. This then dovetails transportation eciency improvemeas discussed above in its own sectionmake an even bigger dierence.

    In 1991, air pollution impacts were esti-mated to cost the United States between$24 billion and $451 billion dollars (in 1991dollars) (NREB 2007).

    Solutions such as improving energy ef-

    ciency and adding renewable energysources can help communities reduceair pollution while reducing the outputof greenhouse gases. In turn, reduced airpollution can improve public health andlower energy costs. By integrating energyeciency strategies into your communityplanning process, the cost of upgradescan be kept to a minimum. Clean energyproviders, biofuel production and the ret-rotting and upgrading of existing infra-structure often create new opportunities

    for economic development.

    Communities need reliable sources of aordabenergy. With prices for gas and oil rising and cocerns about the impacts of fossil-fuel power ge

    eration growing, sustainable energy solutiohave never been more important, especially at tmunicipal level.

    (3d) Energy, Air Quality and Climate Change

    Source: US EIA DOE 2006

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    Energy generation and climate changeare also often connected to local air qual-ity. The generation of energy through fos-sil fuels, both for power and for transpor-tation, also results in air pollution. This linkallows for even greater positive impactthrough energy eciency measures andswitching to cleaner fuel sources. Fos-sil fuel energy generation causes bothchemical and particulate air pollution,also better known as smog. Ozone andacid rain can be problems, too, depend-ing on local conditions.

    Best Practices andSolutions

    1. Saving EnergyEnergy eciency is often the rst placelocalities start when trying to make moreeective use of resources. Although ef-ciency upgrades can require signicantinvestment, by increasing the level of ef-ciency these upgrades can often pay forthemselves within several years as shownin the Portland case study.

    Strategies to promote energy eciencyinclude:

    Conducting an energy audit of citybuildings. An energy audit will identify themost cost-eective projects. Utilities andenergy service providers often oer them.Even where a full audit is not feasible, youcan save money and energy through bet-ter tracking and management of energyuse.

    Encourage and support private audits inboth businesses and residences throughthe provision of information, technicalsupport, or even economic incentives

    Start a weatherization program in localneighborhoods with old housing stock

    Promote the Energy Star Change-A-Light program at local businesses. By re-placing older lamps systems with higher

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    Micro-generation On-site solar Combined Heat and Power Geothermal Wind Landll methane captureTip: To nd out how energy is produceyour community, type in your zip codhttp://epa.gov/greenpower/buygp/perproler.htm

    Measuring Success

    Measurements of success for energy

    include:

    Amount of pollutant emissions redu(e.g. CO2, SOx, NOx)

    Units of energy consumption redu(e.g. Btus)

    Dollars saved on energy costs Amount of local energy supply thatnewable (e.g. percent)

    RecommendedResource:ENERGY STAR is a joint USEPA, USDprogram helping businesses and induals protect the environment throughperior energy eciency. Not just for aances, ENERGY STAR is also for buildutilities, and more.

    http://www.energystar.gov/

    eciency lighting, communities can reapsignicant gains in both energy use and,in many cases, operation and mainte-nance spending as well.

    Promote and support energy eciencyupgrades in local industry. Improving theeciency of appliances, HVAC systemsand industrial process equipment.

    http://www.getenergysmart.org/Com-munityOutreach/EnergySmartCommuni-ties.aspx

    2. Clean EnergyLocal governments can arrange with utili-ties for the provision of renewable sourceenergy, or for the provision of consumeroptions programs. Three great examples

    of this are listed below:

    http://www.oaklandnet.com/Mayor-sPress/RenewableEnergy.pdf

    http://www.njcleanenergy.com/residen-tial/programs/cleanpower-choice/new-

    jersey-cleanpower-choice-program

    http://www.portlandonline.com/auditor/index.cfm?a=146102&c=28608

    Local regions can also start securing theirenergy futures through something called

    distributed generation. This can meanusing a diversity of smaller scale local, andperhaps even renewable energy genera-tion sources to produce power. Sourcescan include cogeneration from local in-dustry and agriculture (see the Fresno, CAcase study), or renewables such as solar,wind, and even new tidal or wave technol-ogy. Such a strategy can potentially boostlocal economies through new develop-

    ment and locally earned prots. More im-portantly, though, it gives local communi-ties energy independence and security inan uncertain market. Simply put, it keepsmoney and control in local communities,and brings increased prosperity to thecommunity. For more information, visit:http://www.energy.ca.gov/distgen/.Local strategies to promote clean energy:

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    Additional Resources:

    Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) is a non-prot coalition of business, government,environmental and consumer leaders.

    The ASE supports energy eciency as acost-eective energy resource under ex-isting market conditions and advocates

    energy-eciency policies that minimizecosts to society and individual consumers,and that lessen greenhouse gas emissionsand their impact on the global climate:http://www.ase.org/

    The American Council For An Energy E-cient Economy (ACE3) is a nonprot orga-nization dedicated to advancing energyeciency as a means of promoting botheconomic prosperity and environmentalprotection:

    http://aceee.org/

    Consortium for Energy Eciency (CEE),a nonprot public benets corporation,develops national initiatives to promotethe manufacture and purchase of energy-ecient products and services:http://www.cee1.org/

    This online calculator can help analyzepotential energy and economic savingsby switching to more ecient appliances,

    lighting, and other forms of eciency:http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveen-e r g y m o n e y / r e s o u r c e s / a p p l i a n c ecalculator/

    EPA Green Power Partnershiphttp://epa.gov/greenpower/index.htm

    Additional energy eciency case studiesfrom the US Council of Mayors:http://usmayors.org/uscm/news/press_releases/documents/bestenergy2001.pdf

    Additional energy cost-saving ideas foryour city:http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/at_agencies/govt_case_studies_energy.shtml

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    In 1991, Portland, Oregon established the City Energy Eciency Challenge. This bold initiative started with eneaudits at eight City bureaus, who contributed 1 percent of their energy bills to help fund the eorts. The City tobtained a small low interest loan of $777,000 to help fund energy eciency measures.

    The $2.6 million they spent in the rst 3 years on energy eciency improvements generated average internal returns of 25.7 percent, with a pay-o time of 3.8 years. By the late 1990s, the energy savings reached $1 millionyear, with total savings of $9.46 million between 1991 and 2001. Current annual energy savings are $2 millionyear, or 15 percent of the Citys energy bills.

    In addition to dramatic energy eciency improvements and considerable savings to local taxpayers, Portlandalso greened its energy sources. In 1995, they made a deal with Pacic Gas and Electric to receive 5 percent of telectricity from renewable sources. Portland is now sourcing 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sou(as of 2007), and is currently negotiating with a private rm to increase its use of renewable power by 2010.

    Further information is available online:

    http://www.portlandonline.com/osd/index.cfm?a=bbbhde&c=ecdjjhttp://www.smartcommunities.ncat.org/success/city_energy.shtml

    Energy Case Study No. 1: Portland, OregonEnergy Challenge Saves City Millions

    Energy Case Study No. 2: Fresno, CaliforniaCow Power Powers up the Grid

    Pacic Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), has teamed with BioEnergy Solutions on a biogas-to-pipeline injecproject. It produces renewable gas from animal waste, and is the rst project in California to deliver pipeline-qurenewable natural gas to a utility. It delivers up to 3 billion cubic feet of renewable natural gas a year to PG&E.

    This system reduces methane emissions by 70 percent at Vintage Diary, a 5,000-cow dairy in the town of RiverdSince methane is a GHG 21 times more potent than CO2, this approach could be an eective climate chaghter.

    Manure from the cows and calves is ushed into an almost 300,000 square-foot covered lagoon, which traps methane gas released during manure decomposition. The methane is scrubbed to meet PG&Es standardspower plants and then delivered to the utility through the pipeline. PG&E uses the methane to create electricitits central and northern California customers.

    BioEnergy Solutions, founded by David Albers, a third-generation dairyman and owner of Vintage Dairy, paysand installs the needed infrastructure needed to process the manure and pump the methane into the PG&E pline. Proceeds from gas sales and emissions credits are used to help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of odairy owners.

    Further information is available online:BioEnergy Solutions: www.allbioenergy.comPacic Gas and Electric: www.pge.com

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    What is common to all localities is thegoing potential for improvements in l

    water use eciency and water resouprotection. Water resources can be tected and conserved through a varietstrategies involving: ecient use of nicipal supplies and recycling; on-sitelection, recycling, and treatment; wawater treatment system improvemeand the reduction of nonpoint sourcelution of local watersheds and aquifer

    Best Practices and

    Solutions

    1. Promote Water ConservationUsing water eciently is key in proming water conservation. It also saves aof money. For instance, according to the average household spends as mas $500 per year on its water and sebill. Conserving water also reduces egy use, which in itself is a big savings

    discussed above in a separate sectionenergy.

    To address this issue EPA sponsors agram called WaterSense that seeksprotect the future of our nations wsupply by promoting water eciency enhancing the market for water-ecproducts, programs, and practices.

    Many local governments, particularly inthe West and Southwest, such as Salt Lake

    City and Las Vegas, have been aware ofthis for some time now. Others, like Atlan-ta, Georgia are just beginning to come toterms with the harsh reality that water is aprecious and scarce resource, which mustbe used wisely and conserved wheneverpossible.

    Physical scarcity of water is not the onlyconcern. Local sheries are very sensi-tive to watershed health, too. Protectionof local watersheds helps to ensure the

    long-term health and protability of rec-reational and commercial industries for allcommunities. An extreme example is the

    dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, wherepollution of the Mississippi watershed hashurt local sheries and water quality.

    Often, municipal water managementstrategies are shared across regional bor-ders due to watershed overlap of multiplejurisdictions and water treatment facilitiesthat serve multiple municipalities. Munici-

    palities are also inuenced by a myriadof federal, regional, and local standardsfor water treatment, quality, and conser-vation. The most common approach isto address water sustainability througha distinct strategy; however, many com-munities also address water resourceconcerns through land use planning andother smart growth policies with an aimto conserve valuable water resources.

    Community prosperity relies on continuous cess to clean water from reliable drinking wa

    resources to clean beaches and viable commcial and sport shing industries. Water is becoing ever more scarce around the world, as poputions increase, and our aquifers are drained fasthan nature can rell them.

    (3e) Protecting Water Quality and EnsuringFuture Supply

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    website has a range of resources and factsheets:http://www.epa.gov/watersense/index.htm

    Landscape planning is a creative way toconserve water especially in places thatface natural environmental restrictions.With the knowledge of proper plants andother best management practices, theSouthern Nevada Water Authority pro-gram on Landscapes has been quite ef-fective:http://www.snwa.com/html/land_index.html

    Because many levels of governanceare involved in regulating water quality,nding the right resources can be timeconsuming. The U.S. Department ofEnergy, within its Department of EnergyEciency and Renewable Energy, has aprogram that specically addresses WaterEciency:http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/wa-ter/water_resources.html

    Green building practices can also contrib-ute to water conservation and wastewaterreduction. Some green buildings and fa-cilities use water catchment systems andgray water recycling and treatment tocapture rainwater and reuse wastewater.Others simply incorporate water ecienttechnology such as aerators, low-volumetoilets, low-ow showerheads, and water-ecient landscaping and/or irrigationsystems.

    GreenerBuildings.com estimates thatmany commercial buildings could re-duce water usage by 30 percent or morethrough eciency measures. More infor-mation and practical examples:h t t p : / / w w w . g r e e n e r b u i l d -i n g s . c o m / b a c k g r o u n d e r s _ d e t a i l .cfm?UseKeyword=Water%20Use

    2. Protecting the Local WatershedPoint Source Pollution

    Point source water pollution is pollutionthat can be traced back to a specic dis-charge source, like a factory or wastewa-ter treatment plant.

    WastewaterCommunities that already have central-ized wastewater collection and treatmentsystems are already familiar with the Na-tional Pollution Discharge EliminationSystem (NPDES), the federal regulatoryprogram that sets limits to pollution:http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/

    For areas without existing public sewagesystems, switching to centralized onesmay or may not be realistic, or even the

    preferred option. This depends very muchon local characteristics such as populationdensity, climate, topography, geology,and how close drinking water sources areto housing. If you are from a smaller com-munity, check out the following:http://www.epa.gov/owm/mab/sm-comm/index.htmhttp://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/index.cfm

    Storm Water

    When most people think of EPA and theNPDES, they dont think about stormwa-ter. However, stormwater can be consid-ered a point source pollutant under manycircumstances, and is regulated under theNPDES:http://cfpub1.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6

    Using green design principles can natu-rally lter storm run-o, diverting it fromwastewater systems and storm drains.

    This reduces local wastewater treatmentdemands, lowering costs and energy us-age, and protects natural water bodiesfrom pollution:http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/costs07/documents/reducingstormwa-tercosts.pdfhttp://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=298

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    watershed monitoring to identify plem areas:http://www.epa.gov/volunteer/http://www.usawaterquality.org/voteer/links.htmlhttp://www.watershedstewardsprojcom/

    Measuring SuccessWater eciency strategies can be mtored through:

    Direct measurement of reductionwater consumption

    Benchmarking with localities havsimilar characteristics (e.g. populationmate, topography)

    User participation in both private separtnerships and residential water ciency programs

    The number of certied green buildor development projectsWatershed health can be monitothrough:

    Local compliance rates with federal regional water quality laws

    Testing for chemical and physical wquality indicators (e.g. pH, temperanutrient levels, water clarity, the preseof toxins and harmful bacteria)

    The level of treatment required toduce safe drinking water

    Monitoring population levels and heof local plants and animals (water

    land) Measuring of surface ows and aqurelling rates

    The relative amount of each local streor river that is daylit, or not divethrough underground pipes benebuildings and roads, and has a natbuer around it

    3. Protecting the Local Watershed Nonpoint Source Pollution

    Nonpoint source pollution is water pollu-tion from urban run-o and unregulatednon-industrial or agricultural sources. Itis usually local watersheds and coastalhabitats that are aected by this, though

    local drinking water sources can also beimpacted as well. This is a persistent prob-lem facing most localities, and a majorthreat to long-term water security andenvironmental health. To address non-point source pollution in local watersheds,there are various strategies that can beemployed, including the following:

    Collecting and treating runo prior toits entry into local streams, rivers, or theocean:

    http://sfwater.org/detail.cfm/MC_ID/14/MSC_ID/361/C_ID/1425

    Preserving and constructing local wet-lands as buers for aquatic natural sys-temshttp://www.cwp.org/wetlands/naco.htm#onehttp://www.epa.gov/OWOW/wetlands/restore/

    Encouraging strategies for on-site runo

    retention and/or treatment, or for theprovision of pervious surfaces:http://egov.cityofchicago.orghttp://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us

    Partnerships with local industry for eu-ent reductions through green industrialpractices and water conservation mea-sures:http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/www/pace/manufacturing/index.htmlCommunity outreach and educational

    programs about nonpoint pollution ingeneral, or also specically about septicsystems where they are being used:http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/toolbox/http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehhm/outreach.html

    Partnerships with local non-prots,schools, and other community groups for

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    The ratio of water-permeable surfacesand green spaces to paved surfaces orspaces occupied by buildings with con-ventional roofs

    Recommended

    Resources:EPA and other federal agencies providesubstantial funding resources for local wa-ter infrastructure development, as well aswatershed protection and conservationprograms. The following links are fantasticguides to water project funding sources:

    http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwsrf/pdfs/guide_dwsrf_funding_infrastruc-ture.pdf

    http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwsrf/pdfs/fs_dwsrf_swp-funding-matrix.pdf

    Additional Resources:

    A must for community water providersserving at least 15 connections or 25 peo-ple year-round:http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ccr/index.html

    EPAs oce of Ground Water and DrinkingWater (OGWDW) protects public healthand ground water and has extensive in-formation on water quality. Local drinkingwater information is available online at:http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html

    EPA also regulates the total maximum dai-ly loads (TMDL), which is a calculation ofthe maximum amount of a pollutant that

    a water body can receive and still meetwater quality standards, and an allocationof that amount to the pollutants sources.Reports are available per EPA region andper states and interactive map along withmore information can be found at:http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/

    Georgia Pollution Prevention Assistance

    Division has an informative SuccessfulWater Eciency Programs for Non-Resi-dential Water Customers Presentation:http://www.georgiaplanning.com/water-toolkit/Documents/WaterConservation-DroughtManagement/SuccessfulWater-EciencyPrograms.ppt

    American Water Works Association andWater Environmental Federation Bench-marking Performance Indicators for Wa-ter and Wastewater Utilities: 2007 AnnualSurvey Data and Analyses Report. It isonly available under purchase but can befound at:http://www.awwa.org/bookstore/pro-ductDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=34298

    Ontario, Canada, Ministry of the Environ-ments Water Conservation Case Study:h t t p : / / w w w . e n e . g o v . o n . c a / programs/3659e.pdf

    US EPA Information and Resources onNonpoint Source Pollution:http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/whatis.html

    Water Environment Research Foundationreport has information and case studylinks:http://www.werf.org/livablecommuni-ties/pdf/benets.pdf

    Water Quality Trading Some States arepursuing water quality trading schemesto promote watershed protection andsupport development of sustainable in-frastructure. See if your state participatesand if you waste water treaatment plant-might be eligible:http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/trading/tradingmap.htmlhttp://www.conservationinformation.org/?action=learningcenter_publica-tions_waterqualitytradinghttp : //www.epa .gov/npdes/pubs/ wqtradingtoolkit_multiple-ps.pdf

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    The city of Sedona is located in the northern Verde Valley region of Arizona and given its very arid local climate,

    desert community is dependent on a limited supply of groundwater. Water conservation is thus an urgent mayear round.

    The Sedona is Water Wise program oers a variety of tools to promote water conservation. Recognizing that ohalf of the locally consumed water went to landscaping and irrigation, they began to promote simple techniqsuch as the use of native plants or the use of containers to catch and store rainwater to water plants. They also mote water conservation strategies for houses, industry, tourists, and public education facilities.

    Sedona has also implemented an award program to recognize individuals and businesses who demonstrate wwise conservation practices. The public may nominate an individual, business, or organization. Its purpose ispromote the importance of water conservation and to stimulate a greater interest in conserving Sedonas waterecognizing those who contribute to protecting this precious and limited resource.

    Further information is available online:http://www.sedonaaz.gov/egov/sidePage.aspx?dID=906)

    Water Case Study:Sedona, Arizona is Water Wise

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    The two most common managementstrategies for municipal garbage are toeither construct a landll to dispose ofwaste within your community or to ex-port your waste to another community.Another approach is the use of waste-to-energy incineration.

    As the population ofmost local govern-ments increases, moreand more stress is puton land use, leaving lim-ited space designated

    for solid waste disposalor landll facilities.Solid waste is a topic that most peopledont tackle; however, waste generationin most areas has been increasing.

    Even if municipalities choose to exporttheir waste, they still have to deal with theadded cost of transporting their waste.

    These costs include depreciation of ve-

    hicles, personell-hours to transport trash,fuel for the vehicles, as well as administra-tive costs associated with contract nego-tiations.

    Wherever your trash goes, a comprehen-sive sustainability plan must tackle this is-sue with the goal of reducing the amountof trash that enters the waste stream. So-lutions include programs to encourage

    recycling and reusing materials, comping organic waste, and using wastenergy solutions.

    Both long-term and short-term bencan be attributed to solid waste reducand recycling. The more we reduce waste stream, the more land that canused for other services and the less mothat has to be spent to deal with it.

    Your municipal sustaability plan should cus on the 3 Rs of twaste stream ReducReuse, and Recycle.In addition, many items sometiplaced in household trash are hazous materials that should be disposeproperly. These items include paints chemicals, batteries, electronics (E-walight bulbs, and construction debris materials (C & D). While C & D is nocounted for in municipal solid waste, waste stream includes building demtion and renovation materials from struction. In 1996, EPA estimated approximately 136 tons was generawith concrete making up the majorit40percent to 50percent. With this in mmany municipalities and/or facilities hinstituted programs to address this wstream.

    Electronic waste, or E-waste, prograre still relatively young, and often

    According to EPA, the average person in the generated 4.6 pounds of waste per day and cycled 1.5 pounds in 2006. The energy saved

    recycling is the equivalent of more than 10 billiogallons of gasoline per year.

    (3f) Solid Waste Generation and Recycling

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    long-term planning by local policy mak-ers to identify opportunities to streamlineand improve operations.

    3. Encourage state involvement in re-ducing waste.

    4. Implement or expand a compostprogram. Organize short-term seasonalevents specically for grass clippings,fallen leaves, or Christmas trees or a long-term municipal-run food waste programfor residents, local restaurants/businesses,or schools and hospitals.

    5. Make better purchases. Buying prod-ucts that are longer lasting or recyclable,contain less packaging materials, and areless harmful to the environment is a pro-active step to reducing your municipalsolid waste. Refer to the green procure-ment section for more information.

    perimental; as a result, E-waste is gener-ally handled through special collectionevents rather than a continuous collec-tion program. According to EPA, approxi-mately 1.9 to 2.2 million tons of used orunwanted electronics were thrown awayin 2005. The majority, 1.5 to 1.9 milliontons, was disposed in landlls, while only345,000 to 379,000 tons were recycled. It isclear that there is still considerable roomfor improvement, and e-waste strategiesshould be an integral component of anylocal sustainability planning eort.

    Best Practices andSolutions

    A waste audit is a crucial rst step in re-ducing the ow of garbage. A waste audit

    can identify opportunities for waste diver-sion, prevention and reduction, and in-creasing recycling. Review historic data todetermine how much is being thrown out,how much is being recycled (if a programexists), and any other programs that yourcommunity may have in place. Its also im-portant to document the costs associatedwith disposal and reduction programs.

    Once a basic inventory is complete anda baseline is dened, you can identify

    targets. Your initial target could be assimple as starting a recycling program (ifone doesnt exist) or expanding an exist-ing program. Using the baseline inven-tory, you can monitor and compare futurewaste generation to see if your program isa success.

    Strategies for Reducing Waste:

    1. Implement a Pay as you Throw Systemwhich would charge residents for whatthey actually throw out to encouragethem to throw out less to save money.

    2. Use Full Cost Accounting (FCA), whichidenties and assesses the costs associ-ated with managing a solid waste facilityto account for the real costs of solid wastemanagement. It also assists with short and

    Source: EPA, 2007

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    Measuring Success

    Some specic indicators for solid wgeneration and recycling are:

    Reduction in waste stream reachincal landlls or being exported

    Increased percentage of recycled mrials (e.g. metal, plastic, glass, paper, ytrimmings, and E-waste)

    Reduction in amount of recycled maals found during a secondary sort

    Creation of a waste stream baselinean audit

    TIP: EPA has developed a voluntary, dard methodology for measuring rcling rates.This web site helps state

    local government ocials learn mabout the standard methodology.http://www.epa.gov/recycle.measure

    RecommendedResource:

    The Waste Section of EPAs Website oinformation on all types of waste optunities, educational resources, progr

    etc. to dispose, reduce, reuse and receverything found in the waste streamhttp://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/oswdex.htm

    Additional Resources

    EPA Waste Assessment Website oinformation on assessing what is throaway and what is recycled in your cmunity:www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conse

    onthego/program/assess.htm

    Decision Makers Guide to Solid WManagement aims to provide cost-etive solutions to solid waste managemthat protect quality of life and the eronment:http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-muncpl/dmg2.htm

    Strategies for Reuse and Recycling:

    1. Provide alternative opportunities/sec-ond life or reuse of soft used items, suchas a materials and waste exchange.

    2. Increase (or start) the amount of mate-rials recycled in your community.

    Strategies for Safe Disposal of HazardousWaste:

    1. Address Hazardous WasteBoth commercial and residential hazard-ous wastes are harmful to the environmentand to human health if not disposed of inthe appropriate manner. Whether its anannual or year round program household

    & commercial hazardous waste shouldbe a part of your municipal solid wastereduction program so as to ensure thesematerials are disposed of appropriatelyand do not harm the environment.

    2. Address E-WasteE-waste is an increasing component oflocal waste streams, and the new frontierin solid waste management. Fortunately,there are existing programs in place, and

    a growing body of information from thoseleading the charge.

    According to EPA approximately 1.9 to 2.2million tons of used or unwanted elec-tronics was thrown away in 2005. The ma-

    jority, 1.5 to 1.9 million tons, was disposedin landlls, while only 345,000 to 379,000tons were recycled.

    3. Address Construction and Demolition(C&D) disposalC & D materials encompasses waste thatresults from the construction, renova-tion, and demolition of buildings, roads,and bridges. Keeping this material outof the waste stream can conserve landllspace. C & D waste reduction can also beaddressed through green building prac-tices,.Refer to the green building sectionfor more information.

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    EPA partnership program assists US orga-nizations to reduce solid waste as well asimprove cost savings and benets to theenvironment. This website oers a varietyof information about the program, includ-ing resources on reducing waste, plan-ning and implementing your programs,and reporting your results and celebrat-ing success:http://www.epa.gov/wastewise/

    Reduce

    1. Pay As You Throw (PAYT):Resources, such as publications, articlesand FAQswww.epa.gov/payt/intro.htm

    A collection of resources to inform local

    ocials about implementing a PAYT pro-gramwww.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/payt/tools/toolkit.htm

    2. Full Cost Accounting (FCA):Basic information, resources, contact infor-mation and frequently asked questionswww.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/munc-pl/fullcost/index.htm

    Full Cost Accounting: Practical Guide onConverting to FCA, March 2000. Govern-ment Finance Ocers Association (GFOA)www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/munc-pl/fullcost/natdocs.htm#howtoconvert

    The Florida State Department of Environ-mental protection has a website devotedto FCA with access to software and a re-port entitled The FUNdamentals of FCA.http://www.dep.state..us/waste/catego-ries/fca/default.htm

    3. Composting Information EPA This website oers basic information oncomposting as well as resources on locallegislation, environmental benets, publi-cations and links.http://www.epa.gov/compost/

    4. Source Reduction and Reuse EPAThis website oers an overview of sourcereduction and reuse with basic informa-tion, benets and facts, and related linksfor more information.http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/sourcred.htm

    5. Buying Wisely (choosing productswith less packaging)

    Buy Recycled Comprehensive Procure-ment Guidelines (CPG) EPA

    This site provides the latest informationon EPA guidelines for procuring recycled-content products. It contains the latestCPG developments, upcoming events,and information on designated products.http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/

    procure/index.htm

    Maryland State Source Reduction Pro-gram. The state of Maryland has an an-nual goal for reducing waste of 40percentand a credit system that became eectivein 2000 to assist participating countiesand the City of Baltimore. The websiteoers information on the states initiativewith information on how to divert wastethrough source reduction.http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/

    LandPrograms/Recycling/source_reduc-tion/index.asp

    Re-use

    1. Source Reduction and Reuse EPAThis website gives basic facts and benetsof source reduction and reuse as well asresources including organizations, pro-grams and publications.http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/

    muncpl/sourcred.htmIn addition the ReduceIt Companion Soft-ware along with the Source ReductionProgram Potential Manual can be foundat:http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/reduce/reduceit/

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    2. Materials & Waste Exchanges EPA These programs exist all over the globeand serve as opportunities to match upbuyers and sellers by creating a marketfor recyclable and reusable commodities.

    This website provides links to internation-al, national and state specic exchanges.ht tp : //www.epa .gov/ j t r /c omm/ex-

    change.htm

    3. San Francisco econdeRRR WebsiteThis government website allows residentsto look up what can be recycled, reusedor disposed of, how to do it, and where tobring it. Its a great resource to help iden-tify opportunities that may exist in yourcommunity.http://sfgov.org/site/frame.asp?u=http://www.sfenvironment.org

    Recycle

    1. Recycle on the Go EPAThis EPA initiative encourages recycling inpublic places but is a good source for set-ting up a new program.www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/onthego/index.htm

    2. Earth 911 & 1-800-CLEANUPThe mission of Earth 911 is to deliver ac-tionable local information on recyclingand product stewardship that empowersconsumers to act locally, live responsi-bly and contribute to sustainability. Thewebsite & phone number oer informa-tion and resources on recycling and re-use locations across the nation.http://earth911.org/

    3. RecycleBank.orgThis organization is a cost eective and en-vironmental conscious solution for com-munities to give incentives for encourag-ing recycling to minimize the rising costsof waste disposal. In addition it managesand provides reports to track the successof the program.http://www.recyclebank.com/

    4. San Franciscos Zero Waste Progra This website denes San Franciscogressive goal of reaching zero waste2020 with information on the progravailable in the city and how they plareach that goal through reducing, reusand recycling.http://sfgov.org/site/frame.asp?u=ht

    www.sfenvironment.org

    Hazardous Waste

    1. Hazardous Waste Recycling EPATo promote the protection of health the environment and to conserve vable material and energy resources. developed this program to encouragereuse and reclamation of these materhttp://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/

    waste/recycle/hazrecyc.htm

    2. Household Hazardous Waste EPImproper disposal of paints, pesticcleaners, oils, etc. can lead to contnated groundwater and can pollute environment. These contaminants shobe disposed of properly. This websitfers informational facts and resourcesthe topic.http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-

    muncpl/hhw.htm

    3. E-Cycling EPAThis website oers basic information resources on how to address and hanthis growing waste stream.http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/waste/recycle/ecycling/index.htm

    4. ReconnectThis organization is a partnership betwGoodwill Industries and Dell Computhat partners with local communitiecreate a recovery program for electroin an eort to reuse and recycle thistential waste stream in an environmtally responsible way.http://www.reconnectpartnership.co

    Solid Waste Case Stud

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    Solid Waste Case Study:San Francisco Moves Towards Zero Waste

    In 2003, San Francisco adopted aggressive waste reduction goals. By 2010, the city aims to divert 75 percenwaste headed to the landll; by 2020 the goal is to divert 100 percent of the waste stream. According to thepartment of Environments Strategic Plan, they are currently two thirds (69 percent) of the way to reaching tzero waste goal. The city has made rapid progress by implementing a 3-cart system for waste collection, providgrants, forging partnerships and promoting a host of other recycling and waste reduction initiatives.

    The 3-Cart System is a convenient, user-friendly system that encourages recycling of waste by making the proas easy as possible. Containers are color coded to help sort waste into the appropriate cart: bottles, cans, and pain the blue cart, compostable items (food scraps and yard waste) in the green cart and all non-recyclable, ncompostable garbage in the black cart.

    The econdeRRR website-based program has a quick and advanced search function to nd out how to dispos

    almost anything. The extensive database of options can be sorted by material, location, services (e.g. pick up, do, etc.), end use (e.g. recycle, repair, reuse, etc.), and by associated costs (e.g. buy back, free, payment, etc.).

    Collaboration between SF Environment, the Commission on the Environment, the Board of Supervisors, andMayor has been extremely successful at creating policy by passing resolutions and ordinances that help reachzero waste goal. The intent is to have the government lead by example while encouraging the general public private sector to follow along. Recent resolutions are encouraging innovative approaches such as precautionpurchasing to minimize waste, a demolition debris recovery plan and a new program to recycle computers electronics.

    SF Environment also oers a variety of grant programs that disperse approximately $600,000 a year to initiatthat increase the diversion of waste in a cost-eective way. Funds are available to nonprot organizations for

    ects ranging from reuse and recycling to market development and education.

    The work of SF Environments Zero Waste team involves a broad spectrum of partners to carry out, promote develop eective programs. Partners range from local haulers to city agencies as well as hundreds of otherprot and nonprot organizations.

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    formation are more accessible than

    before. And green building has becocheaper too. Recent studies have shothat the cost gap between green conventional building is closing, and long term cost savings far outweigh additional upfront costs relative is actually related to project design management, and not necessarily cause of green building practice (DLangdon 2004; Davis Langdon 2007; et al. 2003).

    At the cutting edge are governments whave begun to lead by example, reapthe fruits of green building and creaincentives for others to join them. TheGreen Building Council lists governminitiatives as the primary factor drivrecent green building sector growth, anticipates a 62 percent growth in pusector green building projects. Largeies such as Boston , Chicago, Dallas, NYork, Portland (OR), San Francisco, Jose (CA), Seattle, and Washington,

    have already created mandatory grbuilding requirements, as have smcities such as Chula Vista (CA), Greensb(KS), Pleasanton (CA), Scottsdale (AZ), West Hollywood (CA). And these are a few.

    The U.S. Green Building Council estimates

    that the construction of buildings cur-rently accounts for 30percent of all rawmaterials used in the U.S. (2008).