Sustainability in Kansas City where we are and where we’re going

Sustainability in Kansas City M I S S O U R I where we are and where we’re going Recognizing that cities across the country are providing energy-efficient, least polluting and healthy living spaces,The Green Guide presents the environmental leaders, those cities whose green achievements set the standard for others. – 2006 National Geographic Green Guide that ranked Kansas City, Mo., 25th out of all 251 metropolitan areas with populations of 100,000 or more, based on information from Mayors’ offices, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Green Building Council and other independent sources Kansas City, Mo., might be known for its jazz history, stride piano and barbecue sauce, but it’s also making strides in city sustainability. – 2006 SustainLane U.S. City Ranking, “How Green is Your City?” which ranked Kansas City, Mo., 18th in its evaluation of the 50 largest cities in the U.S. Table of Contents Introduction…........................................................................................................3 Sustainability in Kansas City, Mo., means................................................................4 Letter from the city manager and chief environmental officer.................................6 City of Kansas City, Mo., programs and accomplishments.......................................7 Regional initiatives..............................................................................................11 For more information...........................................................................................12 Web resources....................................................................................................13 Introduction: Top-level Commitment to Sustainability in Kansas City, Mo. Over the past two years,City of Kansas City,Mo.,government leaders have directed that sustainability be integratedintoallaspectsofCityoperations. PoliciesenactedbythemayorandCityCouncilandimplemented by the city manager and City staff are having a significant impact on the quality of life in Kansas City. These policies promote the triple bottom line goals of environmental quality, social equity and economic vitality. The mayor, City Council and city manager are together in working to incorporate “green” into the culture of City operations. The goal includes empowering staff with the knowledge and opportunities to make sustainability a basic principle in how they perform their jobs.This idea is fundamental to provide the quality of local government services that residents deserve. The mayor and City Council have: • Identified being a nationally-recognized green • city as a top long-term priority • Adopted the Green Solutions Policy,which directs City departments to incorporate green solutions into projects, program and policies • • Adopted a Climate Protection Plan, including goals for a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions community-wide and in City government operations below year 2000 levels by • 2020 • Adopted an ordinance requiring City construction and renovation projects to achieve at minimum a U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in • Energy and Environmental Design) Silver rating 3 Adopted an ordinance requiring housing projects funded by the City (including affordable housing) tobeconstructedtomeetfederalENERGYSTAR™ ratings to reduce energy use and utility bills Adopted a requirement for fact sheets that accompany proposed ordinances to answer the question:How will this contribute to a sustainable Kansas City? Adopted an ordinance establishing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee charged with providing recommendations to make the city more bicycle and pedestrian friendly Adopted an Economic Development and Incentives Policy, which promotes sustainability and green building in economic development projects receiving financial support from the City Sustainability in Kansas City, Mo., means… “returningdensitytooururbancorewherebusinesses “preserving and strengthening our community and individuals can receive City services more by reducing waste and raising efficiencies, while efficiently.” protecting resources for our future.” Mayor Mark Funkhouser Councilwoman Beth Gottstein, 4th District at large “wise use of limited resources to improve the quality of life for all our citizens.” “being a national leader in the use of green Councilwoman Deb Hermann, infrastructure to address the sewer and storm water 1st District at large problems in our neighborhoods.” Councilwoman Jan Marcason, “making the connections between the economic, 4th District social and environmental vitality of our community.” Councilman Bill Skaggs, “creating green collar job opportunities for inner city 1st District youth in their neighborhoods.” Councilman Terry Riley, 5th District “making our City a bike and pedestrian-friendly community.” “energy-efficient, high quality housing that is Councilman Russ 2nd Johnson, District accessible to public transit for all residents in our community.” Councilwoman Cindy Circo, “protecting and preserving our environment for 5th District at large generations to come.” Councilman Ed Ford, “creating a cleaner and “greener” environment, 2nd District at large which will lead to a stronger economy and a higher quality of life for this generation and generations to …”improving waste management, including come.” recycling,throughout the community and conserving Councilwoman Cathy Jolly, energy, which will result in cost savings for the city.” 6th District at large Councilwoman Melba J. Curls, 3rd District at large “using City resources wisely in ways that minimize our carbon footprint while revitalizing underserved “an opportunity to create a transportation system that neighborhoods.” will help reduce emissions.” Councilman John Sharp, Councilwoman Sharon Sanders Brooks, 6th District 3rd District 4 ... - tailieumienphi.vn