Professional Documents
Culture Documents
How Green is Your City? has the most rigorous methodology going
to separate the bright greens from the pale greens, yellows and
reds. Green cities are the future, read this book!
Randy Hayes, Founder, Rainforest Action Network, Former
Director of Sustainability, City of Oakland, CA
With global warming and rising energy prices breathing down our
collective necks, its refreshing to see that cities are providing
more renewable energy, encouraging local food production, under-
taking climate protection campaigns, promoting alternative fuels
and public transportation, creating a better quality of life and
working for greater overall sustainable economic development.
How Green is Your City? provides the first benchmark quantifying
and qualifying management innovation and the performance of
American cities as they seek to define what sustainability is.
Hunter Lovins, Co-author, Natural Capitalism, Founder, Natural
Capitalism, Inc., and Co-founder, Rocky Mountain Institute
Printed in Canada.
First printing February 2007.
Inquiries regarding requests to reprint all or part of How Green is Your City?
should be addressed to New Society Publishers at the address below.
To order directly from the publishers, please call toll-free (North America)
1-800-567-6772, or order online at www.newsociety.com
Contents | vii
#25 Los Angeles, CA: Significant Progress ...........................................99
#26 Colorado Springs, CO: Growing Up Smart ....................................103
#27 Las Vegas, NV: Viva? ..................................................................105
#28 Cleveland, OH: Give and Take on the Lake ..................................109
#29 Miami, FL: Gateway of the Americas ...........................................111
#30 Long Beach, CA: A Sea of Opportunities......................................113
#31 El Paso, TX: Bordering on Sustainability ......................................115
#32 New Orleans, LA: Resiliently Facing the Future ............................117
#33 Fresno, CA: Natures Bounty .......................................................119
#34 Charlotte, NC: New Alternatives in the Pipeline ...........................121
#35 Louisville, KY: City of Parks........................................................125
#36 Jacksonville, FL: Thinking Ahead................................................127
#37 Omaha, NE: Encouraging Signs in the Heartland..........................131
#38 Atlanta, GA: Inland Port Takes Baby Steps...................................133
#39 Houston, TX: Moving Forward ....................................................137
#40 Tulsa, OK: Rich History. Clean Tech Future? ................................139
#41 Arlington, TX, Texas: City at a Crossroads ...................................143
#42 Nashville, TN: Music City...........................................................145
#43 Detroit, MI: Opportunities for Change .........................................147
#43 Memphis, TN: Living for Today ..................................................149
#45 Indianapolis, IN: Time for a Pit Stop? ..........................................151
#46 Fort Worth, TX: Taking Steps Toward Sustainability .....................155
#47 Mesa, AZ: Surviving the Desert Boom.........................................157
#48 Virginia Beach, VA: Not Just for Tourists Anymore ......................159
#49 Oklahoma City, OK: Planting a Few Seeds ...................................161
#50 Columbus, OH: Time to Get Green..............................................165
Part III: Cities by Category Ranking....................................................167
City Commuting................................................................................169
Regional Public Transportation Ridership............................................171
Metro Street and Freeway Congestion.................................................173
Air Quality........................................................................................175
Tap Water Quality .............................................................................177
Solid Waste Diversion........................................................................179
Planning and Land Use......................................................................181
City Innovation .................................................................................183
Housing Affordability ........................................................................185
Natural Disaster Risk.........................................................................187
Energy Climate Change Policy ...........................................................189
Local Food and Agriculture ................................................................191
Green Economy ................................................................................193
Knowledge Base and Communications ...............................................195
Green (LEED) Building ......................................................................197
Index ..................................................................................................199
About the Authors ..............................................................................207
viii | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments | ix
also helped develop the research were rigorous and creative in
methodology and data management improving the integrity of the study.
system. Kai-Hua Cheng and Valerie Thanks to the scores of city par-
Branaugh helped design and layout ticipants: Randy Hayes and Carol
the study on our website. Haru Misseldine bear special mention for
Komuro and Nancy Juliber marketed their lively brainstorming sessions
and produced, both on the web and and support.
in video. Anthony DOnofrio, helped Thanks to those who, over the
develop graphics. Saritha Katikaneni past two years, provided great ideas
led technical production for that were incorporated into the
SustainLane, and her talented devel- SustainLane US City Rankings.
opers put their all into the digital Cheers to publisher Chris Plant,
depiction of the study. Ken Ott and the good people at New Society
Ramsay Millie helped provide pro- Publishers and their inspirational,
duction assistance for the final devoted and professional staff, par-
manuscript. Abendigo Reebs was an ticularly Ingrid Witvoet, Managing
inspired online marketer in the blo- Editor.
gosphere and beyond, as was the And most of all, thanks to my
Rosen Group in their tireless promo- wife, Diana Donlon. Her tolerance
tional efforts thanks Margaret of the long hours that produced
Bensfield. this work is surpassed only by
To Kai-Hua Cheng and Ken Ott the helpful editing and creative
for their ability to capture the contributions she made over two
beauty in the cities around us years of study and manuscript
through the street poetry of urban preparation.
photography. Also, we appreciate
designer Bree Sanchez, who pitched Warren Karlenzig
in at a late and crucial moment dur- San Francisco, December 6, 2006
ing production.
Our peer reviewers Sissel
Waage, PhD, and Tom Paper, MBA,
Foreword | xi
because of cities. The best birth Rather than perceive the city as an
control system in the world is the ecological sink sucking up the
urban environment. Population resources of the countryside, which
planning is an individual act, but cities can do, cities can also be a
the incentive to plan a family is kind of ecological ark, places where
caused primarily by urban migra- humanity gathers while we peak in
tion. People are leaving rural areas population and develop ecological
where children are an asset, and intelligence for a new civilization.
relocating in cities where too many There is wisdom in this that is
children are a liability. In the coun- rather extraordinary. It was not pre-
try, the emphasis is on work and dicted that cities might be the best
children provide ready assistance. In strategy for our long-term survival
the city, the path to a better future and well-being. Yet that is exactly
rests in having fewer children who what is happening.
are well educated. Virtually all of The viability of the urban envi-
the increase in world population ronments, however, is not a given.
that will occur in the next forty or Population is still increasing,
fifty years will occur in urban areas. demand on resources is growing
For example, in 2004 world popula- faster than the population, and our
tion increased 76 million: 3 million climate, oceans, and ecosystems are
was in the industrialized world, perilously close to disaster. In other
whereas 73 million was in the words, while we grow we must use
developing nations. In that same less resources. We must build urban
year, the urban population increased arks that are equipped to navigate
by 64 million. the uncertainties and demands of
Two hundred years ago urban the coming decades; cities have to
population was around 3 percent, be redesigned, reimagined, and
one hundred years ago it was 14 reconsidered. The sustainable city is
percent, and by 1950, close to 30 a place that interacts with its region
percent. According to the UN, in and resources in a symbiotic way so
2030, 61 percent of people will live as to increase the quality of both
in urban areas and the rural popula- environments.
tion in 2030 will be smaller than it How Green is Your City? The
was in 1995. Every week, over one SustainLane US City Rankings is the
million people are leaving the coun- first systematic report card measur-
try and moving to the city. ing city quality of life combined
Urban migration represents a with resource impacts. For too long,
kind of collective wisdom, and how we believed that more meant better,
we configure our cities will be criti- that energy-, concrete- and automo-
cal to our survival. Regardless of the bile-intensive cities would bring us
myths about living close to the land, a better life. That tall tale is being
cities are where human beings have replaced by common sense under-
the lowest ecological footprint. It standing that what makes for a
takes less energy, wood, material, fulfilling urban existence is neigh-
and food to provide a good life for a borhoods, farmers markets, parks,
person in a city than in the country. mobility, quiet, greenery, and
xii | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
meaningful livelihoods, all of which Rio, in the kampungs of Jakarta, the
require less resources and better shammasas of Khartoum, in the
design. pueblos jovenes in Lima, and in the
Urban sustainability is not an umjundolos of Durban. In
option. It represents prudent gover- Darwinian terms, the slums and
nance and provident management squatter cities are a rapid breeding
by and for the people. A carbon- pool for human evolution. Leaders,
constrained world is upon us. While activists, and scholars will emerge
international action is required to from these places, but so too will
prevent global climatic catastrophe, demagogues, jihadists, thieves, and
cities must lead the way in creating mobs. That famous lyric Freedom
a post carbon environment where is just another word for nothing left
people can thrive. What we do in to lose may be true for seekers and
the United States and other devel- monks, but it is not true for the
oped nations can help far-away bulk of humanity. Freedoms and the
cities. Our level of consumption and rule of law are valued and honored
its attendant wastefulness has set an when people do have something to
unfortunate example the world lose. Neighborhoods work, and are
strives to emulate. Now we must set safe and livable because there is a
a different example because how we there. The greening of the
people live in India and China will worlds cities is a profound act of
have a direct affect upon our chil- social healing and justice, because
drens futures and vice versa. The sustainability addresses whether
upper stratosphere has no national people feel hope or despair, are
boundaries; nor do jet streams and secure or threatened, want to coop-
climate. By creating cities that erate or compete.
address the future bravely, bril- I believe the SustainLane
liantly, and humanely, we create methodology will be soon become
examples and possibility for all international, and none too soon.
cities everywhere. Providing and analyzing the metrics
The worldwide diaspora of for sustainability is critical to
immigrants, refugees, and peasants humanitys future. In the end, there
to urban slums is growing. The is only one ark, the earth. Cities,
World Bank has predicted that more like individuals, are passengers on
than five billion people will be this miracle we call earth. All cities
receiving less than $2 day by 2030 must work together in this green
in todays dollars. The future of the and just enterprise to ensure that
world is being cultivated in the the journey continues. I believe this
despair, anger and bleakness in the book is a critical tool in that pursuit.
chawls of Mumbai, the favelas of
Foreword | xiii
Late spring at the Yerba Buena Gardens in
San Francisco.
xiv | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Part I
Introduction
KAI-HUA CHENG
xvi | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
How Green Is Your City?
The SustainLane US City Rankings
12 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Affordability: 0.5 Quality Index, combined with US
Weighting was assigned a lower value EPA Clean Air Act Non-Attainment
based on secondary impacts higher information, converted to a numeri-
housing prices hurt the environment cal scale).
because they force more residents or
service workers to commute.
NGO and Public Information
NGO and public data sources were
Natural disaster risk: 0.5 combined in each category to pro-
Weighting was assigned a lower vide ranking metric by issue, listed
value because information modeled in italics.
reflects natural disaster risk only,
which depends on climatic probabil- Tap water quality
ity, insurance information based on Environmental Working Groups
past history, etc. December 2005 US city drinking
water database was used.
Public Data Sources
Public data from the most current
LEED building
sources were combined in each cat- Number of US Green Building
egory to provide ranking metric by Councils Leadership in Energy and
issue, listed in italics. Environmental Design (LEED) certi-
fied and registered buildings from US
Commute to work Green Building Council, adjusted per
2004 US Census/American Fact Finder capita. A greater weighting was given
commute-to-work information to data for LEED Certified over LEED
(released in 2004): City resident public Registered buildings, and for LEED
transportation ridership percentage, Platinum or LEED Gold buildings,
walk to work percentage, bike-to-work over LEED Silver or LEED Certified.
percentage; carpool-to-work percent-
age, drive-alone-to-work percentage. Local food & agriculture
Number of community gardens per
Regional Transportation city, and number of farmers mar-
Data from Texas Transportation kets on a per-capita basis, with
Institutes 2003 National Mobility additional credit given to those
Study (Texas A&M) analyzing regional farmers markets accepting Women,
general public transit ridership and Infants & Children (WIC) federal
square miles per metro area. program vouchers and Food Stamp
vouchers. This data came from both
Congestion NGOs and the US Department of
Data from 2003 Texas Urban Mobility Agriculture, as well as from cities
Study analyzing regional freeway and themselves. Cities and/or NGOs pro-
surface road congestion by metro vided the number of community
region. gardens per city.
14 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Boston, Massachusetts Ken Nerland, Administration
Bryan Glascock, Department of the Division
Environment
Honolulu CDP, Hawaii
Charlotte, North Carolina Eric Takamura, Director,
Pat McCrory, Mayor Environmental Services
Cary Saul, Director, Tim Houghton, Department
Land Use and Environmental of Environmental Services
Services
Houston, Texas
Chicago, Illinois Karl Pepple, Environmental
Sadhu Johnston, Environmental Programming
Commissioner
Sarah Beazley, Natural Resources Indianapolis, Indiana
and Water Quality Bart Peterson, Mayor
April Sellers, Deputy Chief of Staff
Colorado Springs, Colorado Sarah Besser, Purdue Extension
William Healy, Department of Urban Gardens
Planning and Community
Development Kansas City, Missouri
Kay W. Barnes, Mayor
Dallas, Texas Bryan Gadow, Office of the
Karen Rayzer, Director, City Manager
Environmental Department
Laura Fiffick, Office of Las Vegas, Nevada
Environmental Quality Tom Perrigo, Department of
Planning and Development
Denver, Colorado
John Hickenlooper, Mayor Long Beach, California
Peter Park, Director of Planning Beverly ONeill, Mayor
Beth Conover, Sustainability Director Suzanne Frick, Director of Planning
Lydia Riegle, Mayors Office and Building
Larry Rich, Department of Planning
Detroit, Michigan and Building
Vincent Nathan, Environmental Kerry Rasmussen, Environmental
Affairs Department Services Bureau
John Seevers, Department of Public
El Paso, Texas Works
Daphne Richards, County Extension Chris Garner, Long Beach Gas and
Agent-Horticulture Texas Oil
Cooperative Extension Mike Conway, Department of
Community Development
Fresno, California
Terri Saldivar, Public Affairs Office Los Angeles, California
Christie Kelly, Administration Karin Christie, Environmental
Division Director
16 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Sacramento, California Tulsa, Oklahoma
Heather Fargo, Mayor Clayton Edwards, Environmental
Sue OBrien, Chief of Staff Operations
Lezley Buford, Environmental
Planning Services Washington, DC
Elizabeth Berry, Acting Director,
San Antonio, Texas Department of Environment
Dan Cardenas, Environmental
Services Other Resources
David Newman, Environmental Scot Case, Former Director of
Manager Procurement Strategies,
Center for New American Dream
San Diego, California Panama Bartholomy, California
Linda Pratt, Office of Environmental Energy Commission
Protection and Sustainability Teresa Parsley, Assistant Secretary,
California EPA
San Francisco, California Drew Bohan, former Deputy
Gavin Newsom, Mayor Secretary, Governors Office,
David Assmann, Office of California/California EPA
Sustainability Dan Burgoyne, State of California
Josh Hart, Former Program Director,
San Jose, California San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
Michael Foster, Green Building Diana Donlon, Independent
Program Consultant, Food Systems
John Stufflebean, Environmental Daniel Imhoff, Author
Services Department Eileen Brady, Former VP, Ecotrust
Peter Harnik, Director,
Seattle, Washington Center for Park Excellence, Trust
Greg Nickels, Mayor for Public Land
Steve Nicholas, Office of
Sustainability and Environment
Mark Brady, Puget Sound Clean
Cities Coalition
Tucson, Arizona
Robert Walkup, Mayor
Leslie Liberti, Environmental
Services
David Modeer, Tucson Water Director
Portland, OR | 21
It all starts with connecting Healthy Living
people and getting them working Portland ranks #9 in percent of land
together, says Katrina Zavalney, who devoted to parks, which make up 15
has worked with City Repair since percent of the citys total footprint.
1999. Once people start connecting You can run, hike or cycle in 5,000-
and working together, relationships acre Forest Park, one of the nations
build and thats when the solution largest urban forest areas some-
Free streetcar serving will come. In true permaculture times without bumping into another
Portlands downtown Pearl fashion there has to be time to soul. Forest Park and other regional
District, which is a leading understand the problem and then parks also help protect the areas
case study for successful bring things together to solve the tap water, which rates #2 in the
urban redevelopment. issue. study. The air is relatively clean, too
22 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
(ranking #2), with no violations of to developing 100 percent renewable
the Clean Air Act standards in any energy for city buildings by 2010,
category. and is currently in negotiations for
Portland is also at the forefront 51 megawatts of wind energy, to be
of local food movements. The city generated in eastern Oregon.
government formed a food advisory In mid-2006, Portland passed an
council, and Mayor Tom Potter has ambitious ordinance mandating that
urged citizens to buy at least 10 per- the citys gas stations provide 2.5
cent of their food from local percent biodiesel fuel out of all
sources. The city has 13 farmers diesel fuel sold by 2007, and 5 per-
market locations and an amazing cent biodiesel fuel by 2010. Ty
diversity of fruit, berries, vegetables Kovatch, chief of staff for city coun- Downtown Portland Bicycle
and nursery plants grown locally. cil member Randy Leonard, who Map.
Getting Around
Along with Oakland and
Philadelphia, Portland is one of the
few cities in our study in which
public ridership of mass transit has
been increasing. Downtowns Fareless
Square area helps make that easier,
though where Portland has really
excelled is in its regional coordina-
tion of city light rail and buses with
outlying cities and the Portland
International Airport.
Portland is a great place if youd
rather ride your bike. More than
10,000 Portlanders commute by bike,
taking advantage of more than 700
miles of bicycle paths around the
city. Portland led the largest 50 US
cities in our study with a 2.8 percent
bicycle commute-to-work rate.
Economic Factors
Portlands devotion to green build-
PORTLAND OFFICE
Portland, OR | 23
sponsored the legislation, said, The 2007 will be rolling out the nations
opportunity is for Portland to first green multiple-listing service
become the center of a legitimate for the residential real estate market,
alternative to the oil industry. We with the system accommodating the
can even export it to China. detailing of green energy, materials
Said Mayor Tom Potter: and rating systems for prospective
We want to become less buyers of new and existing homes.
dependent on foreign oil. We Portland is using its leadership
are converting our diesel fleet to attract sustainability-oriented
to biodiesel so they can get business gatherings as well as eco-
around with less diesel from tourists. Plenty of local businesses
other countries. Thats eco- are in on the act, from restaurants
nomic development; more offering organic, local ingredients; to
money stays in the economy the Green Meeting Industry Council;
instead of going out of the to stores selling environmental build-
country. In petroleum dollars, ing supplies. One highlight is the
Oregon loses about $4 billion a Pearl District, a walkable mixed-use
year. Thats significant. If we neighborhood that combines local
can reinvest $4 billion into the businesses with renovated historic
economy, think about what that buildings such as the Jean Vollum
would do for our economy, or Natural Capital Center. The center
any states economy. boasts a green roof, LEED certifica-
tion and nonprofit tenants restoring
Portland neighborhood Thanks to the work of local real salmon habitat as well as for-profits
residents working together on estate agent Kria Lacher and like Patagonia and Hot Lips Pizza,
City Repair. Meadows Group Realtors, Portland in which uses local, sustainable ingre-
dients for pizzas delivered by bicycle.
Summary/Next Steps
With the momentum its created
around sustainable living, Portland
is likely to continue to innovate. Its
Office of Sustainable Development,
unparalleled as a city management
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
24 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
2
San Francisco, California
Still a Shining Example
San Francisco, CA | 25
Golden Gate Park, though not from 31 percent in 2000 to 29.6 per-
terribly eco-friendly, is beautiful and cent in 2004. That trend should be
always entertaining. Dubbed by reversed with the opening of the
author Mark Reisner as Borneo Third Street Light Rail Line in 2006.
mated with Virginia, the park runs Walking to work and cycling to
for three-plus non-native forested work are an everyday routine for
and flowered miles from the center many commuters. Largely because
of the city westward to its massive of the Bay Area Rapid Transit
Ocean Beach terminus. The Presidio (BART) rail system, which opened
National Park, the former military in 1972, the Bay Area also ranks #4
base founded by Spanish soldiers for regional public transit ridership.
and missionaries in 1776, is even The region is served by several
larger and it includes large-scale regional commuter ferry systems.
native plant and watershed These water transit options proved
restorations. invaluable after the 1989 Loma
Prieta Earthquake when the
Prevalent mixed-land use Getting Around Oakland Bay Bridge was closed for
promotes a neighborhood One of the best US cities for public repairs. Finally, a hard rail connects
atmosphere. Corner of Grant transit commuter use (#4), San San Francisco and San Jose, and all
Avenue and California Street. Francisco saw its ridership rate fall Silicon Valley points between.
SFCVB/SETH AFFOUMADO
COURTESY
26 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Mayor Gavin Newsom Sustainability is important not only
announced in mid-2006 a goal for for protecting citizens health and
the city to have 10 percent of all ensuring a great quality of life here
vehicle trips be made by bicycle, a in San Francisco, Newsom said,
goal that may sound unbelievable, but also for boosting the local
considering the city had 2 percent economy with jobs and services in
bicycle ridership in 2005, but one everything from clean technologies
that falls far short of some current to fresh food and green building
European city bicycle commuter products produced in California.
rates, such as more than 25 percent In renewable energy generation,
in Copenhagen. San Francisco is a leader among
North American cities. Since voters
Economic Factors passed a $100 million solar bond
In 2005, Mayor Newsom was one of measure, San Francisco has begun
the first large-city mayors in the installing large solar systems, with
nation to publicly acknowledge the about one megawatt now being gen-
importance of local food, green erated atop its convention center
buildings and other sustainability and at a city wastewater plant. Tidal A late spring morning at the
elements in the citys overall eco- power generation from the ocean Yerba Buena Gardens, one of
nomic development strategy. and San Francisco Bay, via a San Franciscos many parks.
KAI-HUA CHENG
San Francisco, CA | 27
potential $10 million pilot project, is buildings in development. Out of its
under study. 1997 citizen-devised sustainability
Clean technology business plan also came one of the countrys
development is next on the citys first municipal green building ordi-
agenda. Mayor Newsom has named nances, which now mandates LEED
a manager to head San Franciscos Silver certification for city construc-
clean tech business attraction strat- tion. If better incentives were
egy, and to work with an advisory developed for the commercial and
council. In 2005, the citys Board of residential segments, the market
Supervisors approved a payroll tax would push LEED numbers even
exemption for qualified clean tech higher.
companies doing business in San
Francisco. With the bait set, can San Summary/Next Steps
Francisco become a center of renew- San Francisco does a lot of things
able energy economic development? extraordinarily well: Its a healthy
On the rise all over town are place to live with a city government
green buildings, with San Francisco that is leading the way toward sus-
ranking #6 nationwide in green tainable alternatives in most
San Francisco residents shop buildings per capita. As of early 2006, categories. Other cities can learn a
fresh produce at the Ferry it had 10 LEED Certified buildings lot from San Franciscos model.
Building farmers' market. completed and 19 LEED Registered But like all big cities, San
Francisco still faces some tough
challenges. The high earthquake risk
demands that the city government
and San Franciscans together examine
scenarios for disruption of transit,
water supply and power on a
regional scale.
Locally distributed power
through solar or tidal systems can
provide some insurance against an
earthquake, as can continued devel-
opment of alternative transit sources
such as ferries and bicycles.
Affordable housing, however, is
San Franciscos biggest sustainabil-
ity albatross, with even
professionals currently priced out of
the market in many neighborhoods.
Development of 6,000 more infill
residential housing units near down-
town in the Mission Bay area will
KAI-HUA CHENG
28 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
3
Seattle, Washington
Protecting a Promising Future
Seattle, WA | 29
Healthy Living community gardens dot the urban
Seattles air quality, which ranks #7, landscape, and Seattle ranks #5
stays fresh thanks to Pacific breezes overall in local food and agriculture.
that filter through the Olympic
Mountains. Water quality ranks #16, Getting Around
with nine contaminants, three of Seattle ranks #8 in commuting and
which exceed EPA recommendations. #11 in public transportation. While
Superb local fruit, vegetables, flow- 61 percent of Seattleites drive to
ers, meat and other products can be work alone, they do have viable
found at farmers markets through- alternatives. The state of
A community garden in out Seattle; the famous Pike Place Washington is a national leader in
Seattles High Point Market has inspired other markets the use of biodiesel, which emits 78
neighborhood. across the country. About 70 percent less carbon dioxide and
PAUL SYMINGTON
30 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
fewer greenhouse gases than gaso- has one of the leading big-city green
line. (The Washington State Ferries fleets, with 46 percent of its more
system is the largest user of than 3,000 vehicles running on 20
biodiesel in the city.) percent biodiesel, electricity, hybrid
Two percent of commuters ride or low-sulfur technologies.
a bike to work, and 15 percent use
public transportation on a daily Economic Factors
basis. Though the city lacks a sub- With a strong base of technology
way, it does have an excellent bus expertise from companies like
system. Many residents commute by Microsoft and Amazon.com, and a
ferry, and a light rail between down- world-class educational institution Kayaking on Lake Union with
town and the airport is slated to in the University of Washington, the Space Needle visible in the
begin operations by 2009. The city Seattle is a major candidate to be a distance.
Seattle, WA | 31
leading city in clean technology sustainability practices into the
development and implementation. daunting remodel process.
Seattles Office of Sustainability and
the Environment has excelled in Summary/Next Steps
combining knowledge networks Seattleites in both public and pri-
with information technology. Seattle vate life share a keen awareness of
has worked with its host county, and commitment to the environ-
King County, to help pioneer ment, and the city is at the forefront
Environmentally Preferable of sustainability. That hasnt left it
Purchasing programs and with without challenges. Mixed-use zon-
Starbucks, the University of ing, roadway congestion and tap
Washington, the Seattle Technology water quality could all stand to be
Alliance and Pacific Northwest improved. Transit-oriented develop-
Laboratories to develop everything ment using clean technologies
from climate impact research to a would help address some of those
nascent clean tech cluster. challenges. The citys location
Seattle also ranks strong in makes it a good candidate for tidal
green building at #3, offering a vari- energy generation, which both New
ety of incentives to encourage both York City and San Francisco have
residential and commercial green either implemented on a pilot basis
Seattle Gas Works Park, a building. Its Green Home Remodel or extensively studied. Overall,
public park on the site of a program offers free online guides to Seattle is on the right track toward
former Seattle Gas Light green remodeling a lecture series, creating a healthy and sustainable
Company gasification plant. and free classes make it easy to add place for generations to come.
PAUL SYMINGTON
32 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
4
Chicago, Illinois
The Wind at Its Back
Chicago, IL | 33
Millennium Park, a redeveloped section of abandoned as lake effect snowstorms. In
industrial land, hosts one of the largest green roofs in warmer seasons, Lake Michigan is
the world. like a giant ice block, keeping
temperatures cooler on the lakefront
well into summer; conversely, dur-
ing winter, temperatures are warmer
near the water.
The extensive network of paths
along the lake pulse with thousands
of recreational runners, walkers and
bike riders during summer, and pro-
vide bike commuters with dedicated
pathways throughout the year.
Millennium Park, formerly an
CHICAGO/PETER J. SCHULZ
abandoned industrial site, is now
one of the nations top havens for
tourists and locals alike. Anchored
by a Frank Gehry-designed band
shell and public interactive art
installations, the park also features
OF
a giant green native plant rooftop,
CITY the nations largest, over an under-
ground garage and native plant
educational displays.
Local food from a network of
regional producers is available at 33
farmers markets and at many
restaurants and cafs. More than
400 city community gardens flour-
ish, as neighborhood educational
centers show how food, community
and art can be mutually supportive.
Chicago is more challenged
when it comes to the quality of its
air and tap water. While Lake
Michigan provides a plentiful
source, Chicago tap water ranks
below average at #29, with 17
MULLER ASSOCIATES
34 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Air quality ranks #45, with the is underway through the Local Pritzker Pavilion in
South Side near the Calumet indus- Organic Initiative. Fresh produce is Millennium Park designed by
trial region still showing signs of becoming big business everywhere, Frank Gehry in 2004.
small and large particulate pollution
from its cluster of manufacturing,
especially during winter. Overall air
quality can be sketchy on summer
days, when smog-inducing ozone
can cover the entire city all the way
north to Wisconsin. To see how safe
it is to exercise outdoors, check out
the EPAs real-time air quality map
at www.airnow.gov.
Getting Around
The thousand-columned El, as
writer Nelson Algren called it, makes
its way through most neighborhoods
of the city and into the suburbs.
Chicago and its suburbs have one of
the highest rates of public transit
commuting in the nation (though
commuter ridership fell from 26 per-
cent in 2000 to less than 24 percent
in 2004).
Economic Factors
Chicago has set a goal of having 20
percent of its energy come from
renewable sources by 2010. With its
renewable level currently at 2.5 per-
cent, the city has a ways to go, but
it is boosting the effort with the
Chicago Center for Green
Technology, a LEED Platinum build-
ing featuring a PV solar assembly
company headquarters, and a green
building demonstration center.
MULLER
Chicago, IL | 35
from farmers markets to supermar- Chicago ranks #15 in green
kets to upscale cafs. The Chicago building, and its regional service and
area market buys $300 million in manufacturing economy is begin-
organic food each year, according to ning to reap the benefits of solar
Sustain, a Chicago-based group that power, wind energy, architecture,
encourages sustainable economic landscaping and innovative design
development and local food sourcing. technologies. Developers who con-
struct green buildings are granted
permits much more quickly than
those who dont.
Summary/Next Steps
Chicago has taken the lead in build-
ing mainstream support for
sustainability and green city pro-
grams. If it can continue on its
current path while reversing
declines in public transit and air
quality, Chicago will be one of
the worlds urban sustainability
models.
JEREMY ATHERTON
36 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
5
Oakland, California
Stepping out of the Shadows
Oakland, CA | 37
Getting Around In late 2006 the city passed a
From 2000 to 2004, Oaklands pub- resolution, sponsored by coun-
lic transit commuter use has cilmember Nancy Nadel, to study
increased more than in any US city ways in which to make the city oil-
we looked at, from 17 percent to 22 free by 2020.
into Silicon Valley for jobs.) It will center reflect a commitment to sus-
be interesting to see if the percentage tainability. As part of an alliance
improves with the continuing devel- with San Francisco, Berkeley and
opment of downtown residential other Bay Area communities to
neighborhoods. jointly get half of their energy from
renewable sources by 2017, Oakland
Economic Factors has an opportunity to participate in
In conjunction with graduate stu- a regional industry cluster that
A weekly downtown farmers dents from the University of could one day serve the entire
market provides fresh and California in neighboring Berkeley, nation.
organic food. Oakland has created a plan to Oakland has a number of
source 30 percent of its food locally. opportunities to strengthen its posi-
Oakland has demonstrated its lead- tion. An important part of Oaklands
ership in supporting the expansion vitality is its diversity, an asset it
of farmers markets, community gar- risks losing if it fails to create more
dens and school gardening affordable housing. Rising crime in
programs. low-income West Oakland is a con-
Oakland ranks #17 in green tinuing problem that affects all
building, with six registered and one elements of the citys livability.
certified green building, and derives The city has also been chal-
two megawatts of solar power and lenged to retain jobs from its
17 percent of its energy supply from manufacturing base. Light manufac-
renewable sources. This gives it a turing and/or assembly associated
higher percentage of renewable with solar and other renewable
energy than any other city analyzed energy technology as part of
in our city rankings. Oakland Oaklands regional alliance would
installed 1.1-megawatt solar arrays make an ideal match for the citys
in 2005, one of the largest municipal rail and port connections.
installations in the nation.
38 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
6
New York City, New York
Sustainability out of Necessity
40 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
ways that have served as a model similar cross-discipline approaches
for mixed-use redevelopments for city sustainability management.
across the nation. On a number of more visible On a number of
Mayor Bloombergs appoint- fronts, New Yorkers are pioneering visible fronts,
ment of a Long-Term Planning and more sustainable living solutions. New Yorkers are
Sustainability director in mid-2006 The citys network of farmers mar-
pioneering more
was significant in that it placed a kets is impressive, its park space is
sustainability management structure enviable, and its focus on green sustainable living
across city functions into planning, building is positively inspiring. At solutions.
which stands to have greater the same time, New York faces
strategic impact than a siloed ongoing challenges, most notably air
sustainability or environmental pollution and congestion. No doubt,
department. Other cities such as given its resources and the enter-
Chicago, San Francisco and prising nature of its citizens, the city
Portland, Oregon are investigating will find a way.
DANIEL SCHWEN / WIKIPEDIA / GNU FDL 1.2
Boston, MA | 43
rated poor by the Natural In late 2006, Boston became the
Resources Defense Councils urban first major US city to change its zon-
tap water study, comes in at #40. ing laws to require that all new
buildings of more than 50,000
Getting Around square feet obtain a minimum of
In Boston, urban development is LEED certified status.
Boston is on the informed by a dense mixed-use city One of the lead agencies in
road to becoming a center served by public transit Bostons green technology push is
rather than freeway access; the city the Massachusetts Technology
more sustainable ranks #3 in terms of planning. And Collaborative, which, in addition to
city, with a city its public transit service is superb. fomenting innovation in general,
government The subway, called the T, is runs a Renewable Energy Trust.
committed to the oldest in the country, but Boston Each month, a small percentage of
keeps it current. Bus routes are power bill revenues go into the
sustainable extensive and include express runs trust, which supports green build-
practices. that use reserved highway lanes. A ing, alternative fuel research and
commuter rail moves people to and public outreach. This program and
from the outlying metro with free others like it place Boston far ahead
transfers to subways and buses of the curve in terms of renewable
inside the city. As is the norm in the energy use, with more than 8 per-
United States, commuter lines share cent of the citys energy coming
rail with freight haulers. from renewable sources.
All modes of transit go to the
airport, including the ferries that Summary/Next Steps
routinely crisscross Boston Harbor. Boston is on the road to becoming a
More transit stations are in the more sustainable city, with a city
works, and lines are being extended. government committed to sustainable
A third of all Bostonians use public practices. Based on the success of
transportation and over 8 percent programs in European cities and
walk to work, helping the city rank Chicago, the city has begun a green
#3 in commute to work. roofs program, including planning
for a green roof on city hall.
Economic Factors There are several opportunities
Boston is also one of the nations that could promote an even better
leaders in green building (#7). The quality of life for the citys residents.
Green Building Task Force provides Improvement in both air and water
cash incentives for construction and quality would make the city a
renovation projects that demonstrate healthier place to live. About half of
LEED ambitions. One such building, the city relies on heating oil, most
the John W. McCormack Post Office of which is imported and vulnerable
and Courthouse, is an Art Deco to world market forces. And Boston
colossus built during the Great has no green-house gas reduction
Depression. Its now aiming for LEED goals or tracking mechanism. Portland
certification with upcoming reno- and San Francisco could both serve
vations including an all-shrubbery as models for improvement in that
green roof. area.
44 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
8
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
City on the Move
Philadelphia, PA | 45
large-scale public space greening estimated times. Philly makes the
and watershed protection initiatives. top ten for city planning, with much
Philadelphia Green aims to increase less sprawl than the average
local property values while address- American city.
ing with fresh, locally grown
produce issues like food security Economic Factors
and the more than 50 percent of the SustainLanes sustainable economic
citys children that are overweight. measures (farmers markets, green
The citys water is relatively building, clean tech incubation and
good (#17), coming from the health and green business directo-
Schuylkill River watershed. Air qual- ries) place Philadelphia at #4. In
ity ranks slightly below average at addition to the farmers markets,
#30, with moderate ozone and small Philly has an active Sustainable
particulate pollution. With about 12 Business Network with healthy and
percent of Philadelphias city land green business listings, though the
devoted to parks, green space is a city came in at #36 in LEED build-
strength (#11). Fairmount Park alone ings per capita, with only two LEED
is over 9,200 acres, or more than ten certified buildings and five regis-
times the size of New York Citys tered as of early 2006.
Central Park, and its within walking City clean technology develop-
distance for all of the citys 2.4 mil- ment partners include Kronosport,
lion residents. which makes some of the citys
electric vehicles, and Philadelphia
Getting Around University, with which the city is
Philadelphias public transportation applying for a patent for energy-
rates are among the highest in the efficient insulating walls for low-
Philadelphias nation, with 27 percent using it to income housing.
public transportation get to work. Its one of the few
rates are among the cities in our study (Portland and Summary/Next Steps
Oakland are two others) in which Philadelphias sustainability plan-
highest in the public transit rates are improving ning is in its early stages, but its
nation, with 27 in 2004 a higher percentage of peo- clearly on the right path. Citizen
percent using it to ple were using public transit than in groups, state and local government
get to work. 2000. Thanks to its robust public agencies, and academic and scien-
transportation system, tific institutions sponsored public
Philadelphias mobile energy use is sustainability forums throughout
in good shape; in a separate 2006 to get citizens ideas about
SustainLane index, it ranked as the how to move forward. The
#5 city best prepared for an oil crisis. Philadelphia Urban Sustainability
Philadelphians can also easily Forum hosts a blog focused on the
walk or ride bikes to get around, same efforts.
with 6.5 percent of people walking One big opportunity that
to work. The city also sponsors sig- Philadelphia has missed so far is
nage and walking maps prepared renewable energy. It may find
specifically for pedestrians, with inspiration by looking to Chicago,
at-a-glance figures for distances and Boston and many West Coast cities.
46 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Solid waste diversion was under
10 percent, one of the nations low-
est rates; the lack of recycling in the
city has been challenging for those
who want to but cant recycle at the
office and in public places. Single-
stream recycling, which has become
an effective approach that leading
California cities have perfected, may
be a good option for a populace that
Philadelphia, PA | 47
48 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
9
Denver, Colorado
On the Fast Track
Denver, CO | 49
planning effort among government, In 2004, the public passed
thought leaders, business and citizens FasTracks, a $4.7 billion ballot ini-
groups, was launched in July 2006. tiative to increase light rail,
commuter rail and bus rapid transit
Healthy Living service. It even includes a ski train
Both water quality and public park for folks to access the nearby
availability need improvement, Rockies resorts. The initiative was
though air quality receives a rela- the largest local transit funding
tively high ranking. The South measure in the history of the nation.
Platte River Water Quality Initiative Many recent articles attribute
was created to address Denvers tap the increase of commercial activity
water quality (#18) and supply. This downtown, especially retail, to light
multi-partner program provides edu- rail and other public transportation.
cation and outreach to measurably Apparently, more Denver area resi-
improve water quality in the Denver dents, employees and visitors have
watershed. The fresh mountain air poured into the urban core.
maintains high quality (#14) for a According to an article on Denver
city of this size. Though parks in light rail in Light Rail Now, wildly
Denver are conveniently located popular rail lines are drawing peo-
near downtown, shopping and ple who never considered taking the
restaurants, Denver falls in the bot- bus. The first rail lines in 2001
tom half of the study for its overall drew 43 percent more riders than
city land devoted to parks, ranking projected. As Denvers director of
#29. planning, Peter Park, noted, It is
With 8 farmers markets, easier to add light rail cars than it is
Denver residents benefit from a to widen highway lanes.
With 8 farmers good supply of locally grown food; The city has made a commit-
markets, Denver it ranks #10 for food and agriculture. ment to alternative-fueled vehicles,
residents benefit In many cities, the ability to grow which account for 31 percent of its
from a good supply ones own food, or even to see how present vehicle fleet, one of the
food is grown, is becoming a rarity. highest percentages in the nation.
of locally grown But Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) is The Mile High City has made a
food; it ranks #10 providing that opportunity for hun- commitment to have a 100 percent
for food and dreds of low- to moderate-income alternative fueled city fleet by the
agriculture. urban neighborhoods throughout end of 2007.
the city. DUG operates or supports
over 50 community gardens. Economic Factors
Through the gardens, residents sup- Mayor Hickenlooper is devoted to
plement their diet with food that incorporating sustainable measures
they raise themselves. into every aspect of Denvers emerg-
ing economy. One study examined
Getting Around the petroleum used by the city and
Denver currently ranks #22 for com- the potential impacts of oil price
muting and #19 for public spikes on the city budget. Now the
transportation, but these rankings city is looking into more ways to use
should dramatically increase soon. alternative fuel. Several pioneering
50 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
projects have been completed and Downtown Denver gathering.
others are in the pipeline.
Denver International Airport
realized unprecedented success in
2004 by becoming the first major
American airport to become ISO
14001 certified for its Environmental
Management System. Other innova-
tive projects include the anticipated
installation of solar panels on the
south-facing roof of the Colorado
Convention Center. A city proposal
went out in mid-2006 for the
nations first municipally owned
urban solar power plant to provide
power to a jail.
As a leader in sustainability,
Denver is bringing other cities
together. At the Denver Green Cities
Forum in November 2005, sustain-
ability directors from Portland,
Seattle, Salt Lake City, Oakland and
Chicago met to discuss best prac-
tices and strategies, and another
event is planned for 2007.
Summary/Next Steps
Denver has placed itself in a unique
position to lead the nation in trans-
portation-based, economically
focused sustainability approaches.
The leadership of a passionate, well-
liked mayor with a strong vision
practically guarantees that Denver
will be able to achieve its goals. Its
efforts to wean itself from automo-
tive dependence should be an
inspiration to sprawling cities that
think its too late to do anything
about their failing or almost non-
existent public transit systems.
Denver has additional opportu-
nities. Less than 1 percent of the
city energy mix uses renewable
energy. The city ranks poorly in recy-
cling, diverting less than 10 percent
Denver, CO | 51
of its solid waste from the landfill. increasing the citys local food sup-
Although green building incentives ply and widening its distribution.
are in the planning process, they But given the citys record to date,
Denver is looking beyond the have not yet been instituted. Further its clear that Denver is on the fast
sunsetting of the oil economy. attention could also be paid to track to a more sustainable future.
52 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
10
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Clean Air, Big Plans
Minneapolis, MN | 53
plays an important role in nurturing healthier people, they benefit the
relationships between urban youth local economy as well. In 2006, the
and the earth around them by let- city opened the Midtown Global
ting them grow, cook, eat and sell Market to promote ethnically diverse
healthy food. All but one of food and discourage shopping at
Minneapoliss farmers markets big box stores, featuring more
accept WIC vouchers, enabling more than 50 local, independent vendors.
residents to enjoy the bounty of this Speaking of big boxes,
rich farming region. Minneapolis invented the mall, and
the countrys largest, the Mall of
Getting Around America, is the most widely visited
With an impressive network of bicy- landmark in the Twin Cities area.
cle commuter trails, Minneapolis However, many residents are fed up
Minneapolis has ranks #2 in bike commuting, with with driving through congested
bold plans to 2.3 percent pedaling to work. The streets to spend their dollars at
reduce greenhouse city ranks #18 in overall public chain stores that sap dollars from
gas emissions, transportation use and healthy com- the local economy. A few communi-
muting (carpooling, biking and ties, including the Linden Hills
increase walking). That might sound like a neighborhood, have organized cam-
renewable energy good showing, but fewer people paigns to support local businesses.
use and reduce walked or cycled to work in 2004 The city as a whole provides links
homelessness. (3%) than in 2000 (7%). to green businesses through the
Likewise, more people drove Twin Cities Green Guide.
alone to work in 2004 (65%) than Minneapolis leads the Midwest
in 2000 (62%). Countering this in green energy, with 4 percent of
trend is a light rail system launched its total energy coming from renew-
in 2005. Ridership has far exceeded ables. Wind is a growing industry,
expectations and should help get along with solar and biomass. By
increasing numbers of commuters 2008, the city pledges to increase its
out of their cars, which will in turn renewable energy use to 10 percent.
help reduce energy consumption. The city lags behind others in green
Minneapolis is one of 17 busi- building to date, it has no LEED
ness districts in the country to earn certified buildings, although some
the EPAs Best Workplaces for public buildings conform to less
Commuters seal for providing car- stringent state green building guide-
pool coordination and transit lines.
subsidies to employers. Residents Minneapolis also offers a few
can also participate in local carshare green building incentives, including
programs. Minneapolis could further incentives for green roofs and walls,
benefit by greening its fleet of city a density bonus, and storm water
vehicles, less than 5 percent of which utility fee credits, but these piece-
currently run on alternative fuels. meal measures pale in comparison
to the energy savings ensured by
Economic Factors buildings built to LEED standards.
Not only do community gardens The Green Institute offers tours to
and farmers markets make for the public on green building and
54 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
has developed a few green enter-
prises that can serve as models for
developing larger-scale efforts.
Summary/Next Steps
Minneapolis has strong leadership in
sustainability planning from both
Mayor R.T. Rybak and the city coun-
cil. The city has bold plans to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
increase renewable energy use and
reduce homelessness. These
important efforts may take years to
bear fruit, while in the short term
Minneapolis faces other challenges:
among them a widening divergence
between the priorities of urban
dwellers and the rural population,
CITY
Minneapolis, MN | 55
56 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
11
Baltimore, Maryland
A Port Town Reinventing Itself
Healthy Living
In 2000, Baltimore had 14,000 vacant
lots. In response to this blight, the In another promising initiative,
citys Parks and People Foundation the city has committed to the Urban
created the Baltimore Grows project, Tree Canopy Goal project, which
which has helped community groups aims to double the number of trees
create and maintain more than 250 in the city over the next 30 years.
community gardens on city-owned This should improve air quality
vacant property. Community mem- (#36) and help pedestrians and bicy-
bers, many from low-income clists keep cool.
neighborhoods, work on the gardens Outdoor activities are quite
and learn valuable skills in creating, accessible, and the citys percentage
maintaining and harvesting food of parkland ranks #14 (parkland is a
resources. Produce from the gardens subcategory of planning, where
is sold to farmers markets and Baltimore is also strong at #9). Chief
restaurants. Four farmers markets among the many parks is Druid Hill
throughout the city are another Park. The second-largest urban park
source for fresh, locally grown pro- in the United States, residents heav-
duce, meats and specialty goods. ily use its shady lawns, rolling hills,
Baltimore, MD | 57
forestland and numerous streams Baltimore is the second most afford-
and lakes. able city in our rankings.
Like some other Eastern cities,
Getting Around Baltimore excels in certain healthy
Baltimore ranks #6 in overall mobil- living areas and transportation, but
Community ity (which includes congestion, city doesnt score as well in the area of
gardens, local food, eco-friendly commuting to work, green economy. There are no incen-
good public and regional public transportation), tives for green building (the city is
in part because of a commitment to #20 in LEED buildings) and 0 percent
transportation and of its energy mix comes from renew-
public transportation that dates back
affordability all to the 1890s. A subway debuted in able sources. The Chesapeake Bay
make Baltimore an 1983, light rail in 1992, and both Region chapter of the Business
excellent place for have been highly successful. Twenty Alliance for Local Living Economies
percent of Baltimoreans use public supports local businesses with net-
healthy living. working and directories.
transit to get to work (#8). Because
of the citys high density, walking is
Summary/Next Steps
also a great commute option: 6.5
percent walk to work. The city Community gardens, local food,
council has supported a campaign good public transportation and
to calm traffic and create more affordability all make Baltimore an
pedestrian-friendly measures. Most excellent place for healthy living.
citizens (58%) drive to work alone, The city is also a leader in urban
but that rate is low compared to the watershed protection, with the
rest of the nations cities. Baltimore Watershed Agreement
The Plug-In Baltimore campaign aimed at restoring the decline of
is part of a new nationwide program Chesapeake Bay water quality.
to encourage local government, edu- The city could benefit by focus-
cation, business and environmental ing on developing incentives for
organizations to consider the future green building and clean technology
purchase of flexible-fuel plug-in development. By doing so,
hybrid vehicles. Baltimore was one Baltimore has an opportunity to cre-
of the first cities to join the cam- ate an even healthier environment
paign. Less than 1 percent of the for its residents and visitors.
citys fleet vehicles, however, cur-
rently use alternative fuels.
Economic Factors
With a relatively low cost of hous-
ing and a high average income,
58 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
12
Washington, DC
Leading by Example
Washington, DC | 59
markets and community gardens. the success of Washingtons subway
The city is second only to Honolulu system, which opened decades after
for farmers markets per capita. most of the country had converted
Many seasonal markets throughout to suburbia and superhighways, is
the city connect consumers with especially impressive.
farmers from Pennsylvania, Today, this metro system of rail
Maryland and Virginia. Some of the and extensive bus routes make up
markets are hosted by the USDA, the citys public transit array. Nearly
which publicly encourages the direct 34 percent of city residents use pub-
marketing of local foods. Thanks in lic transportation to commute, and
part to its superb design, the city the federal district ranks #6 in pub-
also boasts an abundance of natural lic transportation. An impressive 11
space, with over 19 percent of the percent of residents walk to work, a
city devoted to parks. higher percentage than anywhere
else in our study. In all, DC ranks
Getting Around #1 for its diverse mix of well-used
Of the cities studied by SustainLane, commuting options.
most of the ones with good public A noteworthy DC innovation
Passengers board a train transit systems adopted subways or (also practiced in the San Francisco
at Metro Station, elevated trains well before the intro- Bay Area) is instant carpooling, or
Washington D.C. duction of motorcars. Thats why slugging, in which people needing
rides wait at bus stops and drivers
needing bodies to qualify for the
carpool lane pull up advertising
their destinations. No agency gov-
erns slugging. Its a surprising and
encouraging practice in a city so
characterized by officialdom.
TOURISM CORPORATION
Economic Factors
Headquartered here, the US Green
Building Council oversees programs
such as LEED certification, currently
the national standard for sustainable
AND
60 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Habitat for Humanity, advocates for and the Water and Sewer Authority.
homes that are both sustainable and It promises to develop a green fleet
affordable. In 1998, GreenHOME of city vehicles using hybrid and
completed a single-family home that natural gas technology, and to
saves energy and reduces waste; its investigate ways to reduce the citys
low-impact construction used recy- energy footprint.
cled materials and cost less than This nascent outfit may very
$65,000. The house was donated to well shape the development of a
a low-income family. city traditionally intent on character-
izing American power, governance
Summary/Next Steps and responsibility. Its opportunity is
Partially in response to the lead in momentous: to reach out to commu-
its drinking water, Washington, DC nity innovators, recognize the value
created a Department of Environment of unfamiliar technologies, and ren-
in 2005. The department concerns der more of Washington, DC the
itself with sustainability and assumes neighborhoods, highways, and sew-
functions previously scattered ers, not just the monuments and Washington, D.C. has the
throughout the departments of historic buildings a living symbol highest walk-to-work rate of
Health, Public Works, Transportation of national achievement. any city in the United States.
WASHINGTON, DC CONVENTION
AND
TOURISM CORPORATION
Washington, DC | 61
62 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
13
Sacramento, California
Capital Ideas
Sacramento, CA | 63
Getting Around options to buy Zero Energy Homes
Despite its successful light rail proj- and by providing free shade trees. A
ect including new extensions to tree benefit calculator will even esti-
Folsom that opened in 2005 pub- mate the energy savings and carbon
lic transit remains an issue in sequestration of your mature shade
Sacramento. About 3 percent of resi- trees.
dents use public transit to commute, With such attention paid to sus-
while 1.4 percent commute by bicy- tainable economic development, its
cle and 2.9 percent walk to work. no surprise that Sacramento ranks
Carpooling is slightly above average #2 (tied with Seattle) for overall
for US cities at about 11 percent. green economy indicators.
Still, almost 78 percent of residents Sacramento ranks #38 for natural
Sacramento has a drive alone to work, contributing to disaster risk. In addition to the aged
the regions air pollution. levees, Folsom Dam, perched above
number of Sacramento, sits atop the federal
However, public transit ridership
strengths to build has been climbing steadily, and Bureau of Reclamations ominous-
on. Its doing an Sacramento plans to continue sounding Safety Priority list.
excellent job extending the light rail system.
Dont be surprised to see non-auto- Summary/Next Steps
diverting waste, Sacramento has a number of
mobile commute percentages rise
has a strong rating over the next few years. strengths to build on. Its doing an
in green building, excellent job diverting waste, has a
and is a leader in Economic Factors strong rating in green building, and
A government town with a growing is a leader in solar energy.
solar energy. high-tech presence, Sacramento is Both of the citys biggest weak-
home to numerous projects in both nesses, air pollution and congestion,
solar energy and green building that are related to sprawl. The pollution
predate statewide mandates. The is compounded by nearby agricul-
city ranks #5 in LEED buildings per tural production that relies heavily
capita, including the 25-story LEED on pesticides, as well as geographic
Gold Certified California EPA head- features that cause air pollution to
quarters. stick around rather than blow away.
Sacramento also has what might Finding alternatives to car use and
be the largest base of residential and reckoning with the pollution caused
business solar industry systems in by industrial agriculture would help
the nation, with more than 1,000 create a healthier city. Several
installations. The Sacramento downtown mixed-use development
Municipal Utility District (SMUD) projects in various stages of plan-
offers incentives not only for photo- ning should take some cars off the
voltaic solar, but also for road while creating a more vital
concentrating solar, wind energy, urban center. Additional mixed-use
biomass and other renewables. development as well as continued
In fact, SMUD takes one of the investment in light rail should help
most complete sustainability systems the city deal with its challenges.
approaches found in any American
city by offering local home buyers
64 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
14
Austin, Texas
A Pioneer
Austin, TX | 65
Parks are plentiful, taking up almost being noncompliant with the EPAs
14 percent of the citys land (#10). Clean Air Act. The city ranks #34
Austins 206 parks, 12 sanctuaries for congestion, #27 for metro public
for native plants and animals and 26 transportation ridership, and #34 for
greenbelts offer an amazing diver- commute to work.
sity of recreation and native But Austins Mayor Will Wynn
ecosystem preservation on fields is taking an active role in trying to
and courts, along creek beds, and in reduce the citys dependence on fos-
canyons. sil fuels with new technologies such
The local food system is thriv- as plug-in hybrids:
ing, too (#7). You can take
advantage of ten farmers markets, How can we help tie the energy
numerous community-supported and transportation sectors
agriculture providers, and high- together to really start to have a
profile community gardens and more holistic view of sustain-
demonstration centers. ability? ... A relatively simple
answer is essentially taking
Getting Around existing hybrid technology vehi-
Well cut right to it: Austin either cles and by dramatically
But Austins Mayor has insufficient public transit or a expanding the battery capacity
Will Wynn is population particularly inclined to and then having the ability
taking an active drive. Capital Metro is the citys sole with a plug-in charger on the
role in trying to means of public transit, and it vehicle itself where folks would
seems to be getting lonelier as time be able to simply plug their car
reduce the citys goes on. Public transit ridership fell in to a wall socket mostly
dependence on from about 5 percent in 2000 to overnight and get a charge with
fossil fuels with about 2 percent in 2004. Many technology advancements it
new technologies Austin voters did try in 2000 to get could represent fifty, seventy,
light rail, but the measure lost by a maybe ninety miles of commut-
such as plug-in narrow margin. ing the next day. The vast, vast
hybrids: Its not that people are using majority of Americans com-
other means of transport in Austin. mute less than twenty-five
Less than 3 percent walk or bike to miles each day. So heres this
work. Compare that to Washington, opportunity to tie what has
DC, a city of similar size in which been this big massive trans-
more than 12 percent walk or bike to portation sector into this big
work. The vast majority of Austinites massive energy sector and start
drive to work by themselves to see what kind of efficiencies
about 79 percent in 2004. and synergies there can be.
As oil prices rise, car depend-
ence is casting a shadow on the Economic Factors
citys accomplishments oil Because Austin did not respond to
dependency is the part of the sus- our survey, we were unable to offi-
tainability equation that is most cially rank the city in some
likely to reach crisis mode. For the categories related to economic
first time, Austin is on the verge of development. That doesnt mean
66 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
there isnt a lot going on. Austin is a human-powered energy in batteries
recognized leader in the green econ- for small devices.
omy, one of the few cities in our Austins maturing green building
study that has a working public-pri- industry is amassing impressive case
vate-academic clean tech incubator histories, with the city ranking #8 in
and numerous businesses focusing LEED buildings. Austins Green
on renewable energy and green Building Program juices the local
products and services. economy with value-added products
Clean tech start-ups are thriv- and services. For participating
ing, developing everything from homeowners and businesses,
biofuels and advanced transporta- Austins green building programs Austin skyline with solar
tion to geothermal and fuel cells. are having a demonstrable effect on panels. Austin is a leading
One local company, MicroDynamo, lowering energy and water use, cut- city for renewable energy
is even investigating the storage of ting residents long-term costs. development.
CITY
OF
AUSTIN
Austin, TX | 67
Summary/Next Steps Portland, Denver and San Francisco.
Commuter or light rail, bus rapid The difference is that these other
Austin is very transit, monorail? All of the above? three cities have, or are building,
strong in green Austins biggest opportunity to rise healthy public transit options to
business and is in the rankings is to create public offer their business base. Potential
highly appealing to transit options. To convince voters employees considering moving to
in the next election, the Economic these other cities can put a check
cultural creatives, Development office could point out beside ease of commuting on pub-
much like Portland, all the money that leaves Austins lic transit to work, as can
Denver and San local economy as all those drive- employers wanting to relocate
Francisco. alone-everywhere citizens pay knowledgeable workers. Austin will
hundreds of dollars for gas each need to consider how sustainable its
month. cultural creative growth can be con-
Austin is very strong in green sidering its lagging public transit
business and is highly appealing to options.
cultural creatives, much like
68 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
15
Honolulu, Hawaii
Almost Paradise
Honolulu, HI | 69
Working Groups tap water quality run the states truck and marine
database. fleet on biodiesel.
Honolulu has more farmers
markets per capita than any of the Economic Factors
other cities we studied. Residents The Natural Energy Laboratory of
and visitors enjoy a large number of Hawaii Authority hosts many busi-
markets for fresh, island-grown pro- nesses doing proof-of-concept
duce sourced from local farmers research in aquaculture. Plankton,
and fishers. A city-managed project shrimp, abalone, clams, coral, sea-
called the Peoples Open Market runs weed, lobsters and a variety of fish
25 market sites, drawing a million are being harvested there rather
shoppers every year. For more upscale than at natural fisheries. Successes
fare, the weekly farmers market in aquaculture can only bolster
held in the parking lot of the Hawaiis already commendable
Kapiolani Community College fea- steps toward local food production.
tures organic greens, aqua-farmed Many similar endeavors are also
shrimp, aged honey, and heirloom underway.
tomatoes. Honolulu ranks #10 in LEED
buildings per capita, though the city
Getting Around does not have any green building
The layout of Honolulu is linear and incentive programs. With proper
Honolulu, already would benefit from a rail system. incentives, the city could become a
blessed with so About 10 percent of the citys com- national leader in green building.
much, could show muters do ride public transit to work,
us how to putting the city at #13. As is usually Summary/Next Steps
the case in US cities, most com- Honolulu is doing well compared to
maximize natures muters in Honolulu drive alone other US cities, and in certain areas
gifts and truly (about 62 percent), and regularly it deserves praise and emulation. In
shine as a complain about traffic. terms of energy, transportation and
sustainability At the same time, the island overall sustainability planning, how-
metropolis is slightly ahead of the ever, Honolulu doesnt distinguish
leader. curve in terms of people cycling to itself from the pack. It has an
work, probably because its a joy to opportunity to wrangle more energy
be outside. Honolulu also enjoys the from its breezy and sunlit clime.
first and largest vanpooling com- Almost 80 percent of the citys elec-
pany in the US, and more people tricity comes from the combustion
reportedly rideshare here than any- of oil, and the city has virtually no
where else in the country. renewables in its total energy mix.
Biodiesel is catching on in the Honolulu, already blessed with so
islands. Honolulu drivers can pump much, could show us how to maxi-
the cleaner fuel thanks to businesses mize natures gifts and truly
like Pacific Biodiesel, which has a shine as a sustainability leader.
plant in the city and ambitions to
70 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
16
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
From Beer to Biomass
Milwaukee, WI | 71
devotes 9.8 percent of city acreage City Hall got 10 percent of its energy
to parks (#19). The plans for Erie from renewable sources and Mayor
Milwaukee has Street Plaza take into consideration Tom Barrett has directed city depart-
maintained its old- the principles of sustainability by ments to reduce energy use by 10
fashioned charm, restoring a once-contaminated percent, in part through vending
while embracing brownfield with native plants and a machine misers that shut off the
bamboo grove while keeping machines during non-business hours.
New Urbanist stormwater onsite and further beau- Housing affordability ranks a
redevelopment tifying the revitalized waterfront. mediocre #27. Average housing
approaches that Wisconsins love of sausage, prices are just under $112,000, but
encourage walk- cheese and bratwurst doesnt exactly the average income is only $31,000.
conjure up the picture of health. But
ability, mixed-use the city has access to networks of Summary/Next Steps
development, and smaller farms and orchards; cherries A new Milwaukee Green Team advi-
downtown density. and apples in particular thrive in the sory committee appointed by Mayor
northerly climate. Milwaukee has Barrett appears to be making head-
almost 50 community gardens and 8 way on coordinating more action in
farmers markets, which puts it at the area of sustainability planning
#13 in the nation for local food and and management. The team consists
agriculture. of business leaders, academics and
government and community organi-
Getting Around zation representatives. As part of
Public transportation is alive and their recommendations, the city and
kicking in Milwaukee, with about 10 Mayor Barrett are working with the
percent riding it to work everyday. nonpartisan Apollo Alliance to jump-
Another 10 percent or so commute start clean-tech industry efforts
via carpool, and almost 5 percent recommended by the Green Team.
walk or bike to work. That leaves Additionally, in 2006, the mayor
about 73 percent who drive alone appointed a sustainability depart-
every day to get to work, perhaps ment director and support staff.
encouraged by the lack of traffic con- Milwaukee has maintained its
gestion. But even without congestion, old-fashioned charm, while embrac-
that drive-alone rate will sap money ing New Urbanist redevelopment
out of the local economy and pollute approaches that encourage walk-
at a much greater rate than in cities ability, mixed-use development, and
that are less dependent on autos. downtown density. With conscious
efforts to fold sustainability plan-
Economic Factors ning and design into the mix,
Green buildings are on the rise Milwaukee could become the sec-
throughout the city, with 4 LEED ond city on Lake Michigan to make
Registered and 3 LEED Certified a name for itself with such innova-
structures, placing Milwaukee #21 in tive approaches.
LEED buildings per capita. The city
gets 2 percent of its energy from
renewable resources, including wind
and biomass. In 2006, Milwaukees
72 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
17
San Diego, California
An Emerging Leader?
Healthy Living
San Diego gets its water from the
Colorado River, 1,500 miles away, world-renowned theaters, shopping
and from Northern California, 600 and restaurants, particularly in the
miles away. An enormous amount citys Gaslamp Quarter.
of non-renewable energy is used to There are only 5 farmers markets
get this water to the tap. And par- in San Diego for a population over 1
tially because of the waters epic million a surprisingly low rate for
journey past freeways and industry a city so well situated near agricul-
through open-air canals, San Diego tural areas. Its unfortunate that the
tap water (#44) has 27 contaminants, abundant produce from the farmers
with 5 over the recommended markets in Los Angeles doesnt
threshold. make its way down to San Diego,
San Diego can boast about its only two hours away. None of the
parks (#4 nationally) and outdoor San Diego farmers markets accepts
recreation opportunities. A trip to food stamps. A lack of community
Balboa Park lets you enjoy wide- gardens contributes to the citys
open spaces with gardens, fountains overall local food/agriculture rank-
and museums. There are also ing of #32.
San Diego, CA | 73
Getting Around multi-use projects that will double
Whether youre a resident or a employment and offer more housing
tourist, youre most likely to use a downtown. There are also incen-
car to get around San Diego. Very tives to build along the trolley
few people use public transit, walk routes, and plans for more parks,
or bike because the metropolitan affordable housing and historic
area is so spread out and criss- preservation projects. Critics of the
crossed with highways. Despite scheme worry about traffic conges-
warm weather and a physically fit tion and parking shortages, but in a
population, 81 percent of San sprawling, car-dependent city, its a
Diegans drive alone to work. step toward a sustainable downtown.
Less than 3 percent of the popu- Many green buildings are being
lation uses public transit. planned in San Diego, with 22 LEED
Alternatives to the car do exist Registered buildings and four
buses and a trolley-style light rail already certified (#12). All city con-
developed in 1981 but locals struction must meet a minimum of
report that these systems are not LEED Silver certification, which
convenient commuting options. means projects include everything
There are many network routes for from waterless urinals, day lighting,
recreational bicycle travel, especially renewable energy, water-saving
along the beach. As with Los xeriscape plantings, and more.
Angeles, though, citywide utilitarian Californias rigid standards for
cycling alternatives are limited and recycling and waste diversion have
very few people bike to work (less helped San Diego accomplish a
than 1 percent). waste diversion rate of 53 percent
Overall, San Diego ranks #44 in (#5), and some neighborhoods have
commute to work, #22 in public implemented a green waste pro-
transportation, and #37 for conges- gram. The city also reports that 8
tion very poor scores for a city of percent of its energy mix comes
some 1.2 million people. from renewable energy. That rate
could increase even more if the city
Economic Factors made better use of its abundant
San Diegos economy is thriving. sunshine; many of the current
San Diegos Booming biotech and electronics renewable sources are hooked into
economy is thriving. industries help keep unemployment the grid at a great distance from the
Booming biotech very low. The city government plays city.
a significant role in guaranteeing While San Diego is thriving eco-
and electronics more sustainable development nomically, it is also one of the most
industries help keep approaches. expensive places to live in
unemployment very Downtown San Diego has been the country, ranking #47 in
low. enjoying urban renewal. A smart affordability.
growth scheme led by the city and Less vulnerable to major earth-
local residents aims to increase den- quakes than nearby Los Angeles,
sity downtown as the population San Diego ranks #31 in natural dis-
increases to a projected three times aster risk. The city is at risk for
the present number. Plans emphasize flooding and even tsunamis, and
74 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
was destroyed in its early years by a as it redevelops its city center, it
moderate earthquake. needs to invest in public transporta-
tion so that using it becomes an
Summary/Next Steps everyday experience for more
Economically, San Diego is thriving, residents.
with low unemployment, economic
innovation, and a revitalized urban
core. In many ways, both residents
and city government are putting
their money where their mouth is.
Residents benefit from economic
growth that has incorporated green
building and businesses that cater to
fitness. San Diego is definitely a WIKIPEDIA / CREATIVECOMMONS 2.5
leader in the emerging economic
realm of sustainability.
There remain some significant
opportunities, however. Despite its
coastal location, favorable climate,
and abundant parks, San Diego is
not doing as well in terms of overall
quality of life. It has poor water
quality and needs improved access
to local food. And if the city wants One America Plaza, Seaport
to remain economically competitive Village in downtown San Diego.
San Diego, CA | 75
76 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
18
Kansas City, Missouri
Laying the Groundwork
Kansas City, MO | 77
Fountains Premium Bottled Water is depressions designed to collect rain
the top-selling municipally owned so that plants and bacteria can clean
bottled water in the Midwest. the water as it enters the ground.
That doesnt mean Kansas City One stormwater specialist calls
is resting on its laurels. The truly these rain gardens truly sustainable
innovative 10,000 Rain Gardens ini- in a way that our current system is
One of Kansas City, tiative calls on citizens, corporations, not. The rain gardens clean the
Missouri's 10,000 Rain nonprofits and city government to water, prevent contamination and
Gardens collects rainwater, voluntarily reduce runoff that pol- recharge water into a depleting
then cleans and filters the lutes the waterways by creating water source. And they involve the
water with native plants. rain gardens shallow entire community in the process.
78 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Officially, Kansas City has two began in 2005. Smart Moves, a joint
community food gardens. Kansas initiative of the Mid America
City Community Gardens is a non- Regional Council, Kansas City Area
profit dedicated to improving quality Transit Authority, and other regional
of life in low-income households transit entities, encourages the con-
and for the community by helping nection of the suburbs to each other
people grow their own fruits and and to downtown using an innova-
vegetables. The gardens are so pop- tive bus system.
ular that reservations are needed. In The city has made a commit-
fact, overflow has initiated gardens ment to a less-polluting vehicle fleet
in backyards, churches, vacant lots that doesnt depend solely on for-
and community centers. (The organ- eign oil. Almost 45 percent of its
ization helps with those gardens as city fleet vehicles use alternative
well.) fuel, one of the highest rates among
You can also find local produce the 50 largest US cities.
at the big outdoor City Market each
Sunday. But, despite the abundance Economic Factors
of locally grown food vendors and the After years of neglect, downtown Kansas City is
obvious interest in purchasing their Kansas City is coming alive again. A
goods, the city has only three farmers planned entertainment district,
emerging as a
markets. Overall, Kansas City ranks sports arena and expanding real leader in green
#24 in local food and agriculture. estate development converting building, ranking
Swope Park is an inner-city park vacant commercial buildings to loft- #16. All new city
that covers over one thousand acres style housing are good first steps.
and has a lake, an amphitheater and New transit plans will ensure better
buildings in a
sporting activities. Despite this and public transportation downtown. Kansas City are
other parks, parkways and gardens, Both the government and residents now required to
the total amount of city land seem to have a renewed commit- meet LEED Silver
devoted to parks places Kansas City ment to the citys core, but the new
certification.
near the middle of our rankings at plans do not yet incorporate any
#26. type of significant sustainable ele-
ments for the downtown plan.
Getting Around Kansas City is emerging as a
More than 80 percent of Kansas City leader in green building, ranking
residents commute to work in their #16. All new city buildings in a
car alone. There are no carshare or Kansas City are now required to
carpool programs, and very few meet LEED Silver certification.
people commute via bicycle or Kansas City is also participating in a
walking. Only 3.9 percent of resi- LEED for Existing Buildings pilot
dents take public transportation to program for its City Hall. The
work. Kansas City Science Center, which is
Those bleak statistics might be LEED Gold-Certified, features a
changing, however. In 2003, voters water recovery system that captures
approved a city sales tax increase to and filters rainwater.
fund a bus system expansion and Although the city doesnt offer
upgrade; the new bus system, MAX, residential or commercial green
Kansas City, MO | 79
building incentives, the organizations. Hopefully, the citys
Homebuilders Association of Greater addition of an Environmental
From rain gardens Kansas City has a voluntary green Department in 2006 will provide an
to internationally building program based on all four overall sustainability framework.
recognized green levels of LEED certification. The The city still has a very high rate of
building projects, program demonstrates community automobile use, no renewables in its
awareness and interest in green energy mix, a limited bus system,
Kansas City has building, featuring at least six green no green business guide and limited
no shortage of homebuilders within the city. access to a locally produced food
sustainability- supply. By integrating the various
Summary/Next Steps efforts into a broader, more systemic
related
From rain gardens to internationally approach to sustainability, the city
programs and recognized green building projects, will be better able to create long-
organizations. Kansas City has no shortage of sus- term solutions to its current and
tainability-related programs and future challenges.
80 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
19
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Making a U-Turn
Albuquerque, NM | 81
Getting Around 100 percent green city fleet.
Albuquerque is among the worst in Presently 42 percent of the citys
local transportation performance in vehicles run on alternative fuel,
our study, ranking #47 for regional making Albuquerque a national
public transportation and #45 for leader in that category.
more sustainable city commute
practices (public transit, biking, Economic Factors
walking or carpooling). While pub- The mayor has a vested interest in
lic transit ridership has risen the creating an economic base that sup-
past two years, according to 2004 ports sustainability. Although there
data it was still around only 2 per- are presently no green building
cent of all transportation, while incentives, the mayor has commit-
biking and walking for commuting ted to green building standards for
were virtually nonexistent. Almost official city building construction.
all residents commute to work in The city has plans to extend those
their cars alone. To change this, standards to both residential and
Mayor Chavez has committed to commercial building. Albuquerque
giving the residents more options. ranks #25 in housing affordability,
One new alternative is Rapid Ride, with an average housing price of
an express trolley that services $140,000.
shopping, entertainment and dining. Unfortunately, none of the citys
Its even equipped with wireless energy mix currently utilizes renew-
access and books for children. able energy, though the city is
Several other public transit alterna- targeting 15 percent to 25 percent
tives are in the implementation renewables for city buildings over
phase, including light rail. Carshare the next few years. Albuquerques
and carpool programs are offered, Million Solar Roofs program, for
though the most recent numbers instance, facilitates thermal and PV
indicate that these are not yet heav- solar systems for public buildings.
ily used alternatives. In 2006, the city passed a resolution
The mayor has also committed to a earmarking $1 million for future
82 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
solar business development incen- Unlike many other cities,
tives and tax credits. Albuquerque recognizes its limita-
tions toward a sustainable future
Summary/Next Steps and has instituted policies and pro-
While Albuquerque ranks low in grams to begin changing. As the city
categories related to public transit, scales up its efforts, they are likely
an inspired mayor has instituted to take hold and become part of the
several programs to make the city citys everyday way of doing things.
more sustainable. Increased public
transportation, green building incen-
tives, and a sizable green fleet are
an excellent start. A growing local
food supply, a local water source
(the Rio Grande), affordability, and
a significant amount of parkland
indicate that Albuquerque has the
infrastructure to make sustainable
living in the desert a reality.
WIKIPEDIA / GNU FDL1.2
Albuquerque, NM | 83
84 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
20
Tucson, Arizona
Becoming Sustainable in the Sun Belt
Tucson, AZ | 85
use policies that have supported (#22), with relatively low median
a tendency toward sprawl. It comes housing prices and a living wage.
as no surprise that 73 percent of the
population drives alone to work. Summary/Next Steps
Unlike those in higher-density Tucson has many innovative proj-
US cities, people in Tucson are not ects in the pipeline or already up
in the habit of using public transit, and running, including a one-stop
with only 3.7 percent riding the bus shop landfill program that incorpo-
to work. With federal funding cuts, rates diverse options for recycling,
riding transit has become more of a waste disposal and an education
hassle as buses come less frequently facility.
and trips require several transfers. Tucson is ahead of many other
On the brighter side, 14 percent of Sun Belt cities because it has recog-
the population carpools to work. nized the necessity for sustainability
Tucsonans have 325 miles of planning in its future road map. A
bike lanes, 100 signed bike routes, new city manager and an active city
and 55 miles of shared (bike and council have placed sustainability at
Tucson has
pedestrian) paths, making it easy to the forefront of their agenda, giving
developed green take advantage of year-round sun. the office of environmental affairs
building incentives No wonder Tucson ranks #3 in bike more authority and funding.
for residential and commuting, with 2 percent of its This hasnt stemmed car-
population pedaling to work. dependent development, but city
commercial
incentives to limit sprawl and get
building and had Economic Factors people out of their cars are a good
8 registered LEED In order to guarantee a more sus- first step. Waste diversion, at 14
buildings as of tainable economic base, the city has percent, is low compared to that of
early 2006. developed green building incentives other cities, but the one-stop-shop
for residential and commercial build- landfill could improve that rate
ing and had 8 registered LEED through public awareness and ease
buildings as of early 2006. Combined of use. Finally, in a city where solar
with the abundant local food, these is such a viable alternative, the
two factors contribute to an above- existing rate of only 1 percent alter-
average green local economy. The native energy use is low, though the
city does rank low for its use of sunny city is working with solar-
renewable energy, however, with 95 energy groups to increase the use of
percent of the power supplied by coal solar power.
and only 1 percent by renewables.
Tucson is close to the middle of
the pack in terms of affordability
86 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
21
San Antonio, Texas
Building on a Broad Range of Strengths
San Antonio, TX | 87
as well as truckers, so traffic in out- lights throughout the urban grid
lying areas is bad and getting worse. accordingly. These smart high-
Attempts at developing public tran- ways report congestion on large
sit, including light rail, havent been electronic billboards along the high-
very successful. About 2 percent of way. San Antonio, an early adopter
commuters use existing public trans- of this technology, serves as a case
portation. Nearly 80 percent of San study example for other cities con-
Antonians drive to work alone. sidering it.
Nevertheless, San Antonio gets
a good mark for traffic congestion Economic Factors
within the city, ranking #15. San Antonio has shown strong ini-
Congestion is kept under control in tiative in the use of renewable
part by highway management sys- energy and in greenhouse gas emis-
tems that monitor traffic flow with sion tracking; the city ranks #12 in
The River Walk in San cameras and pressure strips, and this category. About 2.5 percent of
Antonio. then automatically coordinate traffic the citys power comes from wind
SACVB/AL RENDON
COURTESY
88 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
energy. Texas is ranked second Summary/Next Steps
nationwide in terms of wind energy San Antonios population has grown
potential, with the panhandle and significantly over the last two Texas is ranked
West Texas Mountains providing decades, which could present chal- second nationwide
sufficient wind to keep windmills lenges down the road. While the in terms of wind
spinning. A cluster of huge wind citys highway management system energy potential,
generators in West Texas called has limited congestion, offering pub-
Desert Sky is being tapped by the lic transportation options that get with the panhandle
power utility in San Antonio to give people out of their cars would help and West Texas
subscribers the option to buy wind it support its growing population Mountains
power. On a smaller scale, natural a strong argument in favor of devel- providing sufficient
gas produced by rotting waste is oping light rail.
also being used to supplement the The citys sustainability plan- wind to keep
citys grid. ning might benefit as well from the windmills spinning.
These efforts to diversify San military. Starting in 2006, all Army
Antonios energy infrastructure are installations must comply with envi-
bolstered by educational and out- ronmental benchmarks. The Army
reach programs by local nonprofits already has its own green building
such as Solar San Antonio. Another certification standard, based on
nonprofit, the Metropolitan LEED, called Sustainable Project
Partnership for Energy, runs out- Rating Tool (SPiRiT). By 2009, the
reach programs such as Build San Army aims to be entirely compliant
Antonio Green, which spreads the with ISO 14000, a strict interna-
word on green residential construc- tional standard for implementing
tion among builders and environmental management sys-
homeowners. Though the city lags tems. The other military branches
behind most others in green build- are expected to follow suit. Taking a
ing (#47), it has 5 LEED buildings cue from its military installations,
registered and due to be built. the city has an opportunity to come
A living wage and low housing up with a more focused sustainabil-
costs help make San Antonio the ity plan that can move it into a
most affordable city in our study. leadership position.
The median home price is $88,000
and the median monthly rent for
apartments is $550, both well below
the national average.
San Antonio, TX | 89
90 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
22
Phoenix, Arizona
Something New Under the Sun
Phoenix, AZ | 91
Urban parks have become a pri- Economic Factors
ority for the city. Residents and As in many of the US cities in this
tourists can explore what is claimed study, Phoenix is only starting to
to be the largest metropolitan park address sustainability as part of its
in the world, South Mountain Park. government planning. Phoenix does
More parkland is on the way: In not have green building incentives
1999, voters agreed to preserve for commercial or residential build-
15,000 acres of land for 9 regional ing projects. It does, however, have
parks. a growing number of LEED Certified
Phoenix is surrounded by farm- green buildings (#28). About 1 per-
ing communities that provide a cent of the citys energy mix uses
wide variety of local produce, but renewable energy resources. In a
residents can get it at only 6 farm- city that boasts over 300 days of sun
ers markets (ranking #34), which is annually, solar energy installations
In 1999, voters not very many for a city of over a could be a local economic develop-
agreed to preserve million people. There are four com- ment engine.
15,000 acres of munity gardens in Phoenix.
Summary/Next Steps
land for 9 regional Getting Around Due to its rapid growth, Phoenix is
parks. In its early days, Phoenix was a an adolescent compared to most
small desert town with gorgeous other large US cities. As a result, the
views and cheap land all around. city faces challenges that many other
Until recently, there was no highway large cities addressed long ago,
system or extensive public transit. though residents and government
But all thats changing, as alike are beginning to address these
Phoenicians seek alternatives to issues. The introduction of light rail,
auto travel. After many failed votes, expansion of urban parks and inter-
voters approved the Phoenix Light est in LEED certified buildings are a
Rail System in 2000. A 20-mile good start. Another opportunity the
starter line was planned to open in city might consider would be to cre-
2006, with the entire line set to go ate incentives for urban infill
full throttle by 2008, which should projects and planning for public
help open up possibilities for those transit and pedestrian-friendly envi-
beyond the 3 percent of the popula- ronments. The US Green Building
tion who ride public transport to Councils LEED for Neighborhood
work every day. Light rail would Developments, or LEED-ND, would
also boost commuter ridership into be a great model for the city to use
a respectable range it is projected as a guideline.
to carry 3,000 to 5,000 passengers
per hour during peak hours when it
opens in late 2008, and could be a
viable alternative to driving.
92 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
23
San Jose, California
High Tech Hub Makes Strides
San Jose, CA | 93
SAN JOSE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
COURTESY
Aerial view of Highway 87 as sponsoring take-back programs; Economic Factors
it passes through San Jose. hopefully more electronics makers Over the last several decades, the
will follow suit. citys economy has grown rapidly
and steadily, and its population has
Getting Around grown along with it its now the
Despite traffic congestion (#39 10th largest US city. That growth
nationally), more than 80 percent of hasnt left San Jose without chal-
San Jose residents drive alone to lenges. Anti-sprawl measures have
work. The city offers ecopasses to created a shortage of land for new
city employees that allow free rides housing, which has helped raise
on both the bus and light rail sys- median home prices, severely affect-
tem, and all public transit vehicles ing lower- and moderate-income
have bicycle racks. Yet only 2 per- residents.
cent of residents ride public transit A living wage ordinance helps
or walk to work, and less than 1 city employees make ends meet,
percent bike to work, despite the and the Teacher Homebuyer
citys efforts to educate drivers, Program is an innovative program
pedestrians and cyclists about shar- that has brought home ownership
ing the streets through its Street within reach of more than 428
Smarts program. teachers since 1999. Over the last
94 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
several years, the city has also built At #23 overall, San Jose is
several hundred affordable housing beginning to address sustainability
units, including a mixed-use hous- issues through its Environmental
ing development downtown. Services Department and its General
The city has a variety of other Plan. Efforts to date include incor-
initiatives to promote sustainable porating LEED building standards,
business, including a Green promoting higher density and
Business certification program, mixed-use neighborhood develop-
Environmentally Preferable ment, and revitalizing downtown.
Purchasing policies, and plans to These represent a promising start.
install five renewable energy sys- San Jose could take a bigger
tems by 2008. step forward by offering commercial
and residential incentives for green
Summary/Next Steps building and, taking a page from San Jose is among
San Jose is among the cities best sit- San Franciscos book, creating a the cities best
uated to promote and reap the greenhouse gas inventory to estab- situated to promote
benefits of a transition to a lish a baseline for reducing carbon
greener economy. Its educated, tech- emissions. It could also put more and reap the
savvy population and its proximity energy behind creating local food benefits of a
to venture capital make it one of the resources and encourage Silicon transition to a
nations leading incubation clusters Valley technology businesses to greener economy.
for clean-tech start-ups. However, institute responsible product-lifecy-
for the city to become a true leader cle stewardship programs, which
in sustainability requires more than would have repercussions for
the ability to grow an industry it healthy living not just in the United
requires sustainable behavior such States, but around the world.
as creating more affordable housing
options for local residents, ensuring
access to local food, and building in
ways that reduce sprawl and traffic
congestion.
San Jose, CA | 95
96 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
24
Dallas, Texas
Taking the Bull by the Horns
Dallas, TX | 97
4 percent commute to work on public of the typical urban environment.
transit. When commute ridership is Green roof replacement is another
below 5 percent, public transit is strategy in the mix.
perceived as more of a novelty than Zoning alone may not be
a reliable form of transportation. enough. Tax revenues will increase
Bicycling and walking can be as energy-efficient buildings go up,
difficult. As a Dallas Morning News but Dallas needs to do more to pro-
editorial put it, Dallas is a city built vide incentives for developing clean
The city is heading for cars, not for people. If you doubt technology, such as renewable
in the right it, consider this: Virtually every street energy and production of biofuels.
direction with its is lighted, but almost no sidewalks The city is heading in the right
vehicle fleet [are]. Thats because people are direction with its vehicle fleet
expected to drive even short distances biodiesel is regularly used as an
biodiesel is rather than walk. The DART alternative fuel. Overall, the city
regularly used as (Dallas Rapid Transit) rail system is fleet has 39 percent alternative-
an alternative fuel. slated to double in size by 2014; it fueled vehicles, one of the highest
will be telling whether the system rates in our study.
sees a significant increase in ridership.
Summary/Next Steps
Economic Factors The city government has involved
Dallas made the transition from an the community in creating a path
oil-based economy during the 1980s toward greater sustainability. It
to become the Silicon Prairie. already has a comprehensive
Texas Instruments had already been Environmentally Preferable
a player in this industry since 1957, Purchasing plan, and is working on
when the integrated circuit was implementing an Environmental
invented. The retail industry also has Management System in 11 city
a major presence; in fact, Dallas has departments. The newly created
more shopping centers per capita Office of Environmental Quality will
than any US city. Retail isnt famous oversee the system.
for its contributions to sustainabil- Dallas will soon complete its
ity, since its vast parking lots enable greenhouse gas inventory, and it has
ongoing auto dependence and non- a number of other interesting proj-
point water pollution from runoff. ects in the works, including using a
The citys strategy for future bioreactor at the landfill to produce
economic development is to focus on methane as fuel. Organizations such
what it can control namely land as Sustainable Dallas are working
use through zoning codes. New with the city to help kick-start sus-
development is slated to increase tainable ventures. Developing a
density in most urban areas and local food infrastructure and aggres-
preserve much of the 18 percent sively promoting recycling Dallas
undeveloped land as open space. New ranks #41 in waste diversion are
city buildings will conform to LEED two things the city can do to move
building standards, and landscaping forward at an even faster pace.
will mitigate the heat island effect
generated by the acres of concrete
98 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
25
Los Angeles, California
Significant Progress
Los Angeles, CA | 99
too, with a nice paved trail running Getting Around
from Santa Monica to Venice Beach Eavesdrop on just about any conver-
for running, biking or skating. sation in Los Angeles and youll
Cycling in traffic is not for newbies, learn that getting from point A to
though, or even hardcore types point B is never simple. Knowing
youll see few cyclists on the streets, what road to take and when is an
even around the campus of UCLA. essential skill in the city with the
Nearby Santa Monica has the worst freeway and road congestion
best farmers markets, but LA does in the nation. Still, the city main-
also offer quite a range, including tains a decent commute-to-work rate
some classic stands in the down- on public transit (near 10 percent),
town area, with two year-round and LA is successfully criss-crossed
locations. with a Bus Rapid Transit system of
100 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
many miles and routes. Carpools are environmental disasters (LA ranks
an option for many (about 10 per- #43 in natural disaster risk).
cent use them) and the city offers Green building (#30) remains
both carpool coordination and car- insignificant compared to whats
sharing through private companies. happening in leading cities. Los
Angeles does excel in renewable
Economic Factors energy (#4), which makes up 5 per-
Housing is some of the least afford- cent of its energy mix. LA also has
able in the nation (#48), and the the most aggressive greenhouse-gas
citys combined earthquake risk reduction target of any US city: 30 Interstate 110 at dusk. This
and precarious dependence on percent from 1999 to 2010. An impres- sprawling landscape has
imported water may someday proj- sive 25 percent of the vehicles in the encouraged a car-dependent
ect it into any number of potential city fleet run on alternative fuel. lifestyle.
VISITOR BUREAU
AND
LOS ANGELES CONVENTION
COURTESY
PHOTO
102 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
26
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Growing Up Smart
104 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
27
Las Vegas, Nevada
Viva?
MGM MIRAGE
OF
PROPERTY
106 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
which is in the top ten for that Las Vegas leads the pack in its
category. percentage of alternative-fueled city
In 2004 Las Vegas developed a vehicles. In this era of impending oil Las Vegas leads
monorail that connects the resorts shortages and rising gasoline prices,
along the Strip though the Strip Las Vegass fleet includes 450
the pack in its
is not part of the City of Las Vegas biodiesel-powered vehicles, 268 percentage of
proper. The city plans to invest in compressed natural gas vehicles, a alternative-fueled
growing its bicycling infrastructure few hybrid cars, and even two city vehicles.
to get people out of their cars and Segway scooters being piloted for
onto human-powered transport. parking enforcement. The Clark
County school district is also a
Economic Factors leader in biodiesel use.
With about 300 sunny days a year,
Las Vegas is a natural for solar Summary/Next Steps
power. Sponsored by two local utili- Despite a reputation as an environ-
ties, the Green Power program mental dead zone, Las Vegas is
enables ratepayers to make tax- making headway in engineering its
deductible donations to finance future around more intelligent uses
solar projects. Residents may also of resources. Besides green build-
participate in a net metering pro- ings, alternative-fueled vehicles, and
gram, which allows property owners utility net metering for residents to
who have installed renewable resell their solar power, Las Vegas
energy systems on their property to has made an important move
sell power back to the grid. toward conserving the vast amounts
Currently ranked at #11 in green of water it uses. The city opened a
(LEED) buildings per capita, Las water reclamation facility in 2001
Vegas is poised to become a leader that can recycle 10 million gallons of
in this high-growth sector of the water per day, which will help the
economy. Although it has no LEED desert city famed for its lavish
Certified buildings to date, 14 build- waterfalls better conserve the wet
ings are LEED Registered, including stuff. If the city can start to use
the Project CityCenter in Clark solar cells to power all those neon
County. This vast entity will take signs, light bulbs and casinos, Las
up 66 acres LEED certification Vegas might have a real sustainability
and a denser configuration will help story to tell.
shrink its energy footprint. The fact
that its a multibillion-dollar com-
plex in Vegas will also make other
local and national developers take
note.
Cleveland, OH | 109
Overall, the city ranks #27 in Cleveland Metropolitan Orchestra,
local food and agriculture, with a the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and
high rate of community gardens some famous pro sports teams.
there are about 200 offset by only Green building appears to be
two farmers markets. making fast progress, with the citys
ten LEED Registered buildings rank-
Getting Around ing it #13. The city is the eighth
Clevelands metro area public transit most affordable of the 50 largest US
Clevelands metro ranks above average in both its city cities.
area public transit commuter rates (#14) and in its
ranks above regional transit ridership (#21). Summary/Next Steps
average in both its About 8.3 percent of Clevelanders Cleveland started a Sustainability
ride public transit, and just over 4 Program within its water depart-
city commuter rates percent walk to work. Biking to ment in 2005. The program, which
(#14) and in its work is almost nonexistent, at 0.1 was staffed with one person at the
regional transit percent. The carpooling rate, at 11.7 time of our survey, is responsible for
ridership (#21). percent, is higher than average. Still, developing alternative fuels in the
more than 72 percent of residents city fleet and investigating the use
drive alone to work, a higher rate of renewable energy. The successful
than, for example, Los Angeless 70 growth in green building appears to
percent. Despite this, Clevelands be a partial result of the programs
metro area remains the least traffic- incentives and guidance.
congested city in our study. If it wants to move faster
toward sustainability, there are a
Economic Factors number of actions Cleveland can
Industry in Cleveland still conforms take. To complement its ongoing
to a typical Rustbelt profile: chemi- urban historic district redevelop-
cal and food processing; some steel, ment, Cleveland might consider
electrical products and auto parts encouraging the development of
manufacturing; and printing and more parks, farmers markets and
publishing. Other economic oppor- clean technology businesses.
tunities include the citys newer
status as a regional and national
tourist attraction. In addition to the
lakefront, the city is known for the
110 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
29
Miami, Florida
Gateway of the Americas
Miami, FL | 111
Who could blame them? With very little of it seems to strive for
its oceanfront locale and open skies, LEED standards. LEED guidance
Miami can boast a superior quality informs not just how efficiently a
of life. Its air quality ranks #7 in our building works during its lifespan,
study. Its tap water is decent overall but also how its initial construction
(#22). But testing this water reveals proceeds. So far, there are no indica-
an unhealthy level of selenium. tions that the thousands of condo
Selenium is persistent in areas and office units being added each
denuded by sprawl or too much year are green.
industry, and new urban develop- There are some efforts to seed
ments may further tax Miamis green building here, though. For
aquifer. South Florida residents instance, a nonprofit called Florida
already use more water per person Green Housing funds low-income
than any other city in the nation. residential construction that adheres
Meanwhile, there seems to be to standards of sustainability. And
With its oceanfront low priority given to improving sus- in early 2006, Miami hosted a con-
locale and open tainable basics like local food ference on sustainable building,
Miami ranks #45 in the food and Tropical Green, that received major
skies, Miami can agriculture category. Miami is also accolades. If these efforts dont
boast a superior behind the curve in parkland (#40). influence the current construction
quality of life. boom, which some fear is a bubble,
Getting Around there may not be capital left over to
Miami has a good public transporta- go green when the dust settles and
tion system, with city ridership air-conditioning energy costs sky-
ranking #13 in our study. Rail and rocket.
bus serve the city and its outlying
metro area, and downtown boasts Summary/Next Steps
an automated people-mover (much Miami receives high marks for
like the short rail circuits at air- superior air quality and decent
ports), with arrivals every 90 transit options, but has an unfo-
seconds during peak usage. About cused approach to sustainability.
11 percent of Miami residents carpool, Known as the Gateway of the
an average figure in our study, while Americas, it has an opportunity to
city road and highway congestion set the example for Latin and South
ranks #35, due in part to the nations American development. Currently,
least-dense office distribution. the city is developing a luxury sky-
Business space is not concentrated line, despite the fact it fronts the
in downtown proper or even at the coast of the most dangerous hurri-
edge of the city; people drive farther cane zone in the nation. If Miami
in all directions to get to work, wishes to make a statement about
which means a trend toward more the future of the Americas, it might
roadways and highways. consider developing a comprehen-
sive sustainability plan now to
Economic Factors better shape the current transforma-
Miami comes in at #33 for green tion of its urban space.
building. For all the new construction,
112 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
30
Long Beach, California
A Sea of Opportunities
114 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
31
El Paso, Texas
Bordering on Sustainability
El Paso, TX | 115
percent walking or biking to work. historic preservation efforts. The
About 77 percent of El Pasos resi- citys historic district has great
dents drive by themselves to work, potential as a neighborhood with a
which is above the national average. distinct cultural identity, which
Less than 4 percent bike or walk to should be appealing to shoppers,
work. residents and tourists.
Because of El Pasos sunny
Economic Factors high-desert elevation, solar and
El Paso is affordable (#3) and has wind energy could be good
El Paso is making
little need to fear major natural dis- industries to attract for both local
the transition from asters (#3), despite the downtown energy production and for regional
dirtier mining and flooding that occurred in mid-2006. export.
metals processing The city is making the transition The citys proximity to Ciudad
industries to from dirtier mining and metals pro- Juarez helps the metro area form
cessing industries to cleaner the largest community on the US-
cleaner industries. industries. The largest employers are Mexico border, with 2.5 million in
the military, the US government (the combined population. Officials from
Department of Customs and the Drug both cities have an opportunity to
Enforcement Agency), schools, call collaboratively address shared envi-
centers and textile manufacturers. ronmental issues relating to air and
For green (LEED) building, El water quality, in addition to regional
Paso ranks #36, with 3 LEED transportation. A model for such
Registered buildings as of the first planning includes cross-border col-
quarter of 2006. laboration in San Diego and its
southern neighbor, Tijuana, with the
Summary/Next Steps San Diego Dialogue and El Colegio
A much more extensive public tran- de la Frontera Norte.
sit system would help El Paso take
advantage of its urban redesign and
116 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
32
New Orleans, Louisiana
Resiliently Facing the Future
118 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
33
Fresno, California
Natures Bounty
Fresno, CA | 119
quality warning days during the cattle, tomatoes, milk, plums, oranges,
summer, when temperatures can tangerines and peaches. More jobs
reach the 100s. are tied to agriculture than to any
With air pollution worsening in other industry in Fresno, which has
the San Joaquin Valley, in 2005 the recently seen the emergence of a
valleys Air District passed a $780 large processing industry.
Once neglected, development fee on all new homes With a diverse bounty of locally
downtown Fresno being built. Developers can reduce grown food that employs such a
the fee by adding sidewalks, bike large percentage of the population,
has seen significant lanes, landscaping and energy- Fresno has a head start toward
growth and private efficient appliances. Such a step becoming a truly sustainable com-
investment since could help protect the city from the munity. Unfortunately, most of the
the 1990s. valleys worrisome air pollution, agricultural jobs are not very stable
which some predict will soon surpass or high-paying, and most of the
that of even the Los Angeles Basin. food leaves the area to be distrib-
uted around the world.
Getting Around The city offers some incentives
Once neglected, downtown Fresno for green building, but LEED build-
has seen significant growth and pri- ings are scarce (#38). Renewable
vate investment since the 1990s. energy used in the citys energy mix
Several of the old neighborhoods are includes solar and geothermal.
now restored, vital communities.
The Tower District, for example, has Summary/Next Steps
been transformed into a vibrant, Fresno is faced with a conundrum.
culturally diverse area of shops, Its sited near natural wonders, but
homes, restaurants, nightclubs and citizens have few of their own parks.
bookstores. At the same time, the Tremendous amounts of locally pro-
city continues to grow outward, duced agriculture abound, yet there
encouraging auto travel and provid- are only three farmers markets.
ing little public transportation. Agriculture brings in billions to the
Only 3 percent of the population local economy, yet the air and water
use public transit to commute to can be polluted with pesticides and
work, and another 3 percent walk diesel emissions from tractors and
or ride a bike. With 77 percent driv- trucks. The downtown is strengthen-
ing alone and 12 percent carpooling, ing, but there is continued sprawl.
the city ranks #26 in commuting Fortunately, with natures
and #46 in metro public transit rid- bounty so near, Fresno has a great
ership. On a brighter note, the city opportunity to quickly become more
vehicle fleet has more than 13 per- sustainable. Fresno can readily tap
cent alternative-fueled vehicles. its locally grown food supply,
including small farms producing
Economic Factors organics, which dont pollute air and
Agriculture is the backbone of the water with pesticides. Developing
Fresno economy, providing more more parks and public transit would
than $3.5 billion dollars annually. be another way to keep people in
Major crops include grapes, cotton, town and reduce pollution.
120 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
34
Charlotte, North Carolina
New Alternatives in the Pipeline
Charlotte, NC | 121
that more development means economy, several exciting trends are
more pavement, which increases emerging. City officials are ready to
dirty runoff, which hurts water help developers with projects in the
quality, which ultimately hinders city core, especially in infill areas
development. and along transit corridors, with
Local produce is not one of the only one catch: They must score
primary areas targeted in any of the high enough on the citys sustain-
smart growth plans. The city has 4 ability index, which promotes smart
farmers markets. Its 17 community growth. Although the criteria are
gardens demonstrate some aware- vague and are not officially green
ness of the economic and health building incentives, the requirement
benefits of local food production. is evidence that the city is beginning
to design sustainable development
Getting Around approaches.
Continued sprawl has led to a heavy At present, the city does not
In 1998, a voter- dependence on auto travel in have renewable energy sources in its
approved half-cent Charlotte; 76 percent of the popula- energy mix. One organization pro-
sales tax enabled tion drives to work alone. Mayor Pat moting renewable energy in North
the city to improve McCrory has been trying to influ- Carolina, NC Green Power, is an
ence such habits for more than ten independent nonprofit organization
and expand bus years. In 1998, a voter-approved established to improve North
service. Since then, half-cent sales tax enabled the city Carolinas environment through vol-
bus ridership has to improve and expand bus service. untary contributions to renewable
increased by 50 Since then, bus ridership has energy including wind, water, solar
increased by 50 percent, with many and organic matter. In one of its
percent, of the new riders coming from the programs, NC Green Power pro-
suburbs or exurbs. motes green-powered events such as
Mayor McCrory has also cham- church functions, conferences, par-
pioned light rail, which is scheduled ties, weddings, concerts and
to begin service in 2007. festivals.
Development has already begun on
the light rail hubs, with wide side- Summary/Next Steps
walks to encourage foot traffic. Charlotte has only just begun to
Eight of the stations will be pedes- address sprawl and its byproducts.
trian-friendly; seven will have a Many of the citys smart growth
large public park-and-ride bus. As of projects are either in planning
2004, only 3.5 percent of the popu- phases or mere infancy, and are
lation commuted to work on public focusing on getting the many com-
transit. New alternatives in the munities throughout the metro region
pipeline and support from public to agree on shared priorities. The
officials are likely to boost that Environmental Leadership Policy
number. team has been assembled to address
energy conservation, recycling,
Economic Factors low-emission vehicles, land preser-
Although it doesnt look like Charlotte vation and environmentally
has a very strong sustainable sensitive design.
122 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
The projects and initiatives such efforts to include renewable
beginning to emerge in public tran- energy and local food supply,
sit and development are signs that Charlotte can make strides toward Downtown Charlotte: jogging
Charlotte is poised to make itself a that goal. toward a less car-dependent
more sustainable city. By broadening future?
COURTESY
KELLY OWEN /
KJOPHOTO.COM
Charlotte, NC | 123
124 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
35
Louisville, Kentucky
City of Parks
Healthy Living
Locals are fortunate to have excel-
lent water quality (ranked #3), markets, there are more than 30
coming primarily from a local other local food markets.
source, the Ohio River. Louisville ranks #35 in park-
The Mayors Healthy Hometown land, with 122 parks covering
Movement is a novel program that 14,000 acres, including three large
aspires to increase the number of parks and several smaller parks
people in the city who exercise reg- designed by 19th-century park
ularly and eat a healthy diet. Among visionary Frederick Law Olmsted. A
other things, the program promotes new initiative called City of Parks
farmers markets. The city has two should improve Louisvilles ranking
farmers markets that meet the defi- by creating thousands of acres of
nition set by the USDA, which parks and paths in areas where land
requires that goods are produced or is rapidly being developed into sub-
grown locally and sold by the pri- divisions and shopping centers. The
mary producer or somebody who project will also connect the water-
works with the primary producer. In front with many other parks in the
addition to the two official farmers city, including those designed by
Louisville, KY | 125
Olmsted. Ultimately, walkways with waste (ranking #9), one of the
biking and hiking trails will create a higher rates in the Eastern US.
loop around the entire county (the There are no commercial or res-
City of Louisville and County of idential green building incentives.
Jefferson became one entity through However, according to an article in
a merger in 1994). Business First, a local business jour-
nal, architects and clients in Louisville
Getting Around are embracing green principles such
At #44 in commute to work and #41 as energy efficiency, effective site
in regional public transportation, its orientation and recycled materials,
clear that Louisville residents are with an overall goal to reduce natu-
attached to auto travel. In fact, 82 ral resource consumption.
percent of the population commutes
A forward-thinking to work alone in a car; 4 percent Summary/Next Steps
mayor and use public transit. A motorized trol- A forward-thinking mayor and
proactive local ley, the Toonerville II Trolley, ambles proactive local community are push-
through ing Louisville toward a more
community are downtown. sustainable future. A commitment
pushing Louisville toward sustainability can be seen in
toward a more Economic Factors the enthusiasm for a local food sup-
sustainable future. The Partnership for a Green ply, plans for more parks, a high
Community, a formal collaborative rate of waste diversion and a collab-
effort between Louisville Metro, the orative citywide project to educate
University of Louisville and Jefferson and design projects incorporating
County public schools focuses on healthier approaches for people and
environmental management, the economy.
environmental education and envi- The primary way that Louisville
ronmental health issues. The goal is can strengthen its commitment to
to create a greener, more sustainable sustainability is by developing pub-
community. The three partners lic transportation options, making it
employ 26,000 people, enroll 120,000 easier for people to get around with-
students, and own more than 500 out driving their cars. It also has to
buildings, 7,000 vehicles, and 25,000 contend with sprawl, and has an
acres of land. The partnership opportunity to create a healthier
focuses on policy to address renew- environment by investing in renew-
able energy, conservation, recycling, able energy sources and creating
air pollution and other related incentives for green building and
issues. However, while this program green businesses.
encourages renewable energy, the
city does not currently draw energy
from renewable sources.
An extensive recycling and com-
posting program has helped
Louisville divert 46 percent of its
126 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
36
Jacksonville, Florida
Thinking Ahead
Jacksonville, FL | 127
VISITORS BUREAU
& AND
BEACHES CONVENTION
THE
COURTESY OF JACKSONVILLE
Automated Skyway Express, commuting between rather than To improve this situation, the
Jacksonvilles downtown within counties in Northeastern Jacksonville Transportation
peoplemover. Florida the average commute is Authority is reviewing a wider menu
getting longer. for city transit, including ferries on
The city offers some alternatives the St. Johns the same waterway
to driving. An elevated rail system that over the decades has prompted
with 2.5 miles of track serves the the construction of five bridges for
downtown core, shuttling riders back motor traffic. Another possibility
and forth across the river within a involves new diesel-powered com-
small circuit. Bus routes handle the muter trains that would run on
rest. Less than 2 percent of com- existing freight rails. Meanwhile, a
muters use public transportation, one major transportation station is being
of the lower scores out of the 50 planned that will connect the cur-
largest US cities. rent elevated rail system to city
128 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
buses, intercity Amtrak lines, and The city is vulnerable to both
Greyhound buses. Perhaps with hurricanes and flooding, ranking
these improvements, Jacksonville #32 for natural disaster risk.
can provide for residents and
tourists the same flexible mobility it Summary/Next Steps
currently affords international cargo. Each year, the Jacksonville
Community Council (JCCI)
Economic Factors addresses specific problems con- Jacksonville is
Jacksonville is among the more fronting the city through study among the more
affordable cities (#16) in our study. groups. Any citizen can volunteer to
affordable cities
It also benefits from top-notch participate in the groups, whose
organizations that aim to make findings are published by the coun- (#16) in our study.
housing more affordable for disad- cil and publicized by advocacy It also benefits
vantaged groups. Neighborhood programs. Since the early 1990s, the from top-notch
Housing Services of Jacksonville, for JCCI has been producing an annual
organizations that
instance, facilitates loans and grants Quality of Life Progress Report to
to revitalize Springfield, a large assay the overall health of the city aim to make
neighborhood north of downtown. in terms of economics, education, housing more
Many of these loans help low-income environment, social equality, mobility affordable for
households buy and remodel his- and the arts. disadvantaged
toric wood-frame houses, thus The JCCI programs serve as a
ensuring that neighborhood rescue national model of citizen-powered, groups.
doesnt automatically mean dis- forward-thinking examination of
placement through gentrification. local problems. (The explicit inclu-
In a similar vein, Habitat for sion of energy conservation and
Humanity has been very active in other indicators of sustainability
Jacksonville, constructing houses for would make the efforts even more
low-income families; the promising.) While Jacksonville may
Jacksonville program is Habitats currently lag behind in our study, it
largest in the country, and it has already has a brain trust in place. If
garnered specific praise from the US it can channel the indicators of the
Department of Housing and Urban JCCI into city programs, policies and
Development. Like most southeast- practices, Jacksonville might quickly
ern cities (Atlanta is the exception), climb the ranks of the nations
Jacksonville shows little evidence of green cities.
green building (#41).
Jacksonville, FL | 129
130 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
37
Omaha, Nebraska
Encouraging Signs in the Heartland
Omaha, NE | 131
Economic Factors (Omaha was not officially ranked in
Omahas economy isnt currently energy because city government
very green, but there are visions for officials did not complete our
making it greener. The revitalization survey.)
of downtown has been a good first
step. The current plan embraced by Summary/Next Steps
the mayor and Planning Department Omaha has some programs that
The Omaha Public
aspires to bring together public and promise to accelerate its efforts to
Power District private investment and philan- become more sustainable. Omahas
derives 10 thropic contributions focusing on urban revitalization, commitment to
megawatts of landscape, environment, design park space, and recent expansion of
guidelines, public art, building renewable energy reveal its focus on
energy from
preservation, and the creation of creating a healthier environment for
renewable sources, new, walkable neighborhoods as the its citizens right in line with its
including a wind city grows. pragmatic Midwestern values.
turbine generator The Joslyn Castle Institute is The city has reportedly been
and landfill trying to establish the Nebraska rewriting building guidelines to
Center for Sustainable Construction incorporate the recommendations of
gas-to-energy plant. to support deconstruction and sal- Omaha by Design, another positive
vage as an alternative to demolition. sign for residents. Continuing to sup-
Omaha ranks #22 for green building; port renewable energy and creating
the National Park Service Midwest more public transit options per-
Regional Headquarters was the first haps with light rail could help
LEED Certified project in Nebraska. catapult the city upward in future
The Omaha Public Power rankings.
District derives 10 megawatts of
energy from renewable sources,
including a wind turbine generator
and landfill gas-to-energy plant.
132 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
38
Atlanta, Georgia
Inland Port Takes Baby Steps
Atlanta, GA | 133
Atlanta has been slow to scores low in terms of parkland,
develop local food networks. There with less than 4 percent of the city
is some general demand for organics devoted to recreational green space.
Whole Foods has landed at sev-
eral locations in Atlanta but Getting Around
Sprawl induced traffic and community-supported agriculture Traffic in Atlanta is average for an
air quality problems are and farmers markets are scarce, American city. Long hauls to and
endemic to the Atlanta metro and the city ranks #39 in overall from the surrounding metro area are
region. local food and agriculture. It also reportedly more affected than move-
ment within the city. Over 12
percent of citizens use the subway
and buses run by the city, which
places Atlanta ahead of the curve
for public transit (#10). Whats
more, the buses run on compressed
natural gas. But theres minimal
push for a comprehensive transit
system that reshapes land use. Most
plans to enhance public transit
focus on building up the commuter
rail service using existing freight
railroad lines.
Economic Factors
Atlanta is embracing clean technolo-
gies at street level, with more LEED
Certified buildings than anywhere
else in the South. Atlanta ranks first
in terms of green building initia-
tives. The city boasts the first
Gold-certified LEED building in the
Southeast and is on track to enjoy
bragging rights for the regions first
Platinum certification. A cluster of
LEED buildings is going up in mid-
town Atlanta. One of those
buildings houses a Georgia Tech
business school program and has
garnered praise from the US Green
WIKIPEDIA / GNU FDL1.2
Building Council.
Some of the expansions under-
way at Atlantas world-class airport
will reflect green building tech-
niques inspired by LEED. In fact,
Atlanta requires all new and reno-
vated city-funded structures over a
134 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
certain size or cost to rate at least Atlanta is already rife with ideas
silver on the LEED scale. The Green for sustainability, with nonprofits
Building Council, which authors the shouldering a lot of the work.
LEED standards, held its last annual Southface Energy, for instance, pro-
conference here. Take a bow, motes sustainable building
Atlanta. practices. It runs a resource center
in midtown Atlanta and has collab-
Summary/Next Steps orated with Oak Ridge National
The citys excellence in green build- Laboratory to showcase renewable
Atlanta is
ing suggests a willingness to energy and energy conservation
confront long-term environmental technologies for homeowners. embracing clean
issues, but the modest motto of Such forward thinking could technologies at
Atlantas Energy Conservation play a greater role in city planning street level, with
Program, A step towards sustain- and development. Instead of react- more LEED
ability, is all too accurate. Atlanta ing piecemeal to environmental and
would benefit by planning more health issues as they arise, Atlanta Certified buildings
boldly to translate its current eco- has an opportunity to confront sus- than anywhere else
nomic dynamism into a durable, tainability with the same tenacity in the South.
vital metropolitan center one that with which it positioned itself as a
not only thrives on the worldwide leader in the turbulent global ship-
circulation of commodities, but also ping industry.
addresses the vulnerabilities caused
by runaway sprawl.
Atlanta, GA | 135
136 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
39
Houston, Texas
Moving Forward
Houston, TX | 137
with a year-round growing climate. Houston has very affordable
Parks are not so easy to come by, housing (#13), but that doesnt stop
either. Only 5.7 percent of Houston developers and home buyers from
is covered in parkland, putting it in pushing beyond its sprawled outer
the bottom third of the 50 cities in limits, where new gated develop-
our study. ments continue to gobble up
everything from pine forests to
Getting Around wetlands.
Houstons public transit ridership Green buildings are on the rise
As previously dropped near the watershed 5 per- (#29) as the city attempts to recon-
mentioned, the city cent point in 2004 once it falls cile its helter-skelter development
has shown a below that point, people tend to for- approaches no zoning, little tran-
commitment to get that public transit is even an sit-oriented development with
option. City voters passed Metro sustainable building practices.
strengthening its Solutions in 2004, which will pro- Natural disaster risk (#43) is a
sustainability vide funds for a long-range serious issue for Houston, and the
performance by build-out of commuter rail, light rail adjacent Gulf of Mexico that
appointing a and better bus service. As of mid- spawned close-call Hurricane Rita in
2006, the added transit systems 2005 is forecast to be active over the
Director of were in the late planning stages. coming 10-20 year cycle.
Environmental With over 75 percent of
Programming. Houstonians driving alone to work, Summary/Next Steps
and under 2 percent walking or bik- International fossil fuel energy com-
ing to work, Metro Solutions comes panies experienced windfall profits
not a moment too soon. in 2006. The question is how much
of the economic success of these
Economic Factors global companies will trickle down
A fossil fuel energy boomtown, to improve overall quality of life in
Houston also performs relatively Houston, especially for lower-
well in sustainability-related eco- income residents and for those who
nomic ventures. The city gets about work in industries that arent reap-
2 percent of its energy from renew- ing extraordinary earnings. As
able sources, and features a clean previously mentioned, the city has
technology testing center aimed at shown a commitment to strengthen-
developing low-sulfur diesel in con- ing its sustainability performance
junction with the University of by appointing a Director of
Texas. In developing such a clean Environmental Programming.
tech venture, the city not only cre- Improving air quality, reducing
ates jobs in a next-generation roadway congestion (#44), and cre-
industry, it will also be able to apply ating sources for local food are all
the technology in its own market, opportunities to positively affect the
potentially helping to ease air pollu- quality of life for residents through-
tion problems. out Houston.
138 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
40
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Rich History. Clean Tech Future?
Tulsa, OK | 139
The Golden Driller, a sym- organization is now helping people to work on public transit. Almost
bol of the International throughout the region start locally four out of five residents drive to
Petroleum Exposition. grown food co-ops in their own work alone. Carshare and carpool
Dedicated to the men of the communities. programs help account for at least
petroleum industry who by some of the significant number of
their vision and daring have Getting Around people (11 percent) who carpool to
created from Gods abun- Tulsa ranks #35 in commuting and work. None of the city fleet vehicles
dance a better life for #48 in public transportation. Only 1.5 use alternative fuels.
mankind. inscription percent of the population commutes Many other cities in this study
have low public transit ridership.
However, most of those cities have
realized the importance of reversing
that trend and are in the process of
planning and implementing public
transit alternatives. Considering that
the nation may be facing higher gas
prices and significant gas supply
issues over the next years, Tulsa
could benefit from investigating
what those other cities are doing.
Economic Factors
Tulsa has a large city footprint com-
posed of communities with a lot of
personality, from art deco down-
town buildings to the jazzy
Greenwood Historical District, to the
affluent South Tulsa. Many of the
older neighborhoods have been
rehabilitated, and downtown is
thriving. Although its reputation as
an oil king is just a memory, other
industry continues to thrive. Tulsa is
an important business center, with
aerospace, telecom, high tech and
insurance. While the city core does
seem to be growing, theres little
action around sustainable develop-
ment approaches.
Tulsa is notable in that it has
one of the only city-affiliated clean
tech incubators in the nation. The
private, not-for-profit incubator i2E
DON SIBLEY
140 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
renewable-energy or energy-efficient Meanwhile, Tulsa Area Clean
technologies that may be used in Cities is trying to bring renewable
Tulsa. Two Tulsa-based companies and sustainable energy to Tulsa
involved in this partnership are in an effort to increase local eco-
Excel Energy and LuXsine. Excel nomic opportunity and reduce oil
Energys technology system moni- dependency.
tors and helps users program and
more effectively limit energy con- Summary/Next Steps
sumption 24 hours a day, every day Like other lower-ranking cities with
of the year. LuXsine aims to dramat- very little infrastructure or planning
ically enhance solar energy for sustainable living, Tulsa has a Rowers on the Arkansas River
efficiencies. lot of work to do. What sets Tulsa in downtown Tulsa.
DON SIBLEY
Tulsa, OK | 141
apart from those cities is that it has It might consider public transporta-
both for-profit and nonprofit groups tion, green building incentives for
that promote renewable energy. The commercial or residential building,
city would do well to tap into some creating an environmental depart-
of these local project innovators and ment, and developing a
make their important work more sustainability plan. Each of these
accessible to the larger community. mutually supportive elements could
Overall, Tulsa has a lot of oppor- help support better livability while
tunities to become more sustainable. reducing the economys vulnerability.
142 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
41
Arlington, Texas
City at a Crossroads
Arlington, TX | 143
Plan is to comprehensively address public about natural disaster risks
mobility needs through participation along with coordinating the citys
in the development of a regional, response to disaster.
multi-modal transportation network.
There have been increased calls Summary/Next Steps
for speeding up the conversion of Unlike most cities we studied,
existing freight lines to passenger Arlington still has undeveloped
rail service connecting Dallas, land. The city might consider turn-
Arlington and Fort Worth. ing some of that land into parks
its ratio of city land to parks is
Economic Factors slightly below average. Where it
creating incentives Arlington ranks below average in does develop land, creating incen-
green economic development, with tives for building green would help
for building green no clean tech incubation program Arlington make significant progress
would help and low scores in green building toward reducing waste, energy con-
Arlington make (#48) and local food and agriculture sumption and water consumption
significant (#50). The city ranks #22 for natural while promoting healthy regional
disaster risk, though it has weath- economic development.
progress toward ered its share of troubles over time, Piggybacking on The University of
reducing waste, including super tornadoes, flash Texas at Arlingtons business incu-
energy consumption floods and severe hail and thunder- bator would be the perfect way to
and water storms. Having reached out to support local clean tech businesses
Hurricane Katrina survivors, aimed at the emerging green building,
consumption Arlington residents are well aware water purification and renewable
of the chaos and suffering that a energy markets. Mixed-use and
natural disaster can cause. The higher density developments would
citys Office of Emergency be another compelling way to help
Management is taking steps to pre- get residents out of their cars and
pare for disaster by educating the into local businesses.
144 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
42
Nashville, Tennessee
Music City
Nashville, TN | 145
nearly 81 percent of residents drive strategy that includes composting
alone to work, while only 2 percent organic waste.
take public transit. In green buildings per capita,
Nashville ranks #9 Efforts to counter sprawl are Nashville ranks #27, with six LEED
underway. A nonprofit consortium Registered buildings and one LEED
for waste diversion, of planners and architects called the Certified structure. Renewable
an excellent score Civic Design Center provides one of energy projects and economic devel-
for a city where the most innovative and comprehen- opment are not on the citys front
recycling is not sive plans for centering the urban burner, though the Adventure
core of Nashville. Its design philoso- Science Center does feature a solar
mandated by law.
phy emphasizes community array that was installed in conjunc-
integrity and public transit so that tion with the Tennessee Valley
the city emerges with character and Authority.
cohesion, even as sprawl continues
to exert its outward pressure. The Summary/Next Steps
resulting Plan of Nashville is worth Nashville has been slow to adopt an
checking out. articulated sustainability regime, but
the Plan of Nashville presents a
Economic Factors compelling course that could help
The city ranks #9 for waste diversion, mitigate long commute times and
an excellent score for a city where worsening air quality. As in many
recycling is not mandated by law. cities, small groups of citizens and
Most successful is a citywide curb- professionals here are offering
side program, Curby, which currently exceptional, often inspired, solutions
has upwards of 50 percent of house- to local problems. If city govern-
holds binning mixed paper, cardboard ment can take the reins and channel
and aluminum cans alongside normal this energy, using its successes in
garbage. Meanwhile, a nonprofit areas such as solid waste manage-
called Bring Urban Recycling to ment as a model, Nashville has an
Nashville Today (BURNT) advocates opportunity to move rapidly toward
a far more comprehensive recycling a more sustainable future.
146 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
43
Detroit, Michigan
Opportunities for Change
Detroit, MI | 147
gardens, however. The Detroit purification, and indoor daylighting.
Garden Resource Project is an inno- On the whole, Detroit ranks #32 in
vative nonprofit that provides green building.
resources and information to help There are certainly reasons for
residents, schools and communities optimism. A state of Michigan non-
grow their own food. profit based at Detroits Wayne State
University, NextEnergy, was estab-
Getting Around lished to help automakers and
Though Detroit is dependent on the suppliers commercialize alternative
automotive industry for its econ- fuel technologies. And Detroit rates
omy, city leaders have shown some well in both housing affordability, at
foresight in providing alternatives #10, and natural disaster risk, at #8.
for public transportation. The city
ranks #21 in commute-to-work prac- Summary/Next Steps
tices: 7.5 percent of Detroiters ride If Detroit could harness its old-
The Detroit Garden public transit to work, though less school transportation supply and
Resource Project is than 3 percent bike or walk. labor base with alternative-fuel tech-
Another 11 percent carpool, leaving nologies and products, it would
an innovative
about 76 percent who drive to work possess a ready-made migration
nonprofit that alone. The surrounding metro area path into the future. The city has no
provides resources ranks #23 for overall transit rider- shortage of brilliant engineers, mar-
and information to ship. Roadways arent always keters and mechanics to draw upon.
smooth sailing for cars or bus public GM announced in November
help residents,
transit, as the city ranks #38 in 2006 that it would be going into
schools and metro area street and freeway con- production at a later date with a
communities grow gestion. plug-in hybrid SUV, called the
their own food. Saturn Vue Green, that would get
Economic Factors twice the mileage of previous mod-
Detroit automakers are trying to els. When the model would hit the
catch up to Toyota after the success market was not available.
of its Prius and higher gas prices The US automotive industry has
signaled a change for the industry. been slow to embrace change,
Ford is ramping up production of instead choosing to lobby Congress
hybrid car and passenger truck against raising the nations fuel effi-
lines, while GM is staking its ciency standards. Large vehicles
research and development on fuel with high-powered engines have
cells and flex fuel engines that ruled the day in Detroit, but with
run on a mix of ethanol and higher gas prices, they dont appear
unleaded gasoline. to have a bright future. By investing
Both companies, however, face in renewable energy, alternative
an uphill battle to regain their mar- fuel, local food and green building,
ket dominance. Ford has made a Detroit stands to improve the lives
significant investment in green of its residents and keep more of
building. Its River Rouge Plant, them in town.
completed in 2005, features a large
green rooftop, rainwater run-off
148 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
43
Memphis, Tennessee
Living for Today
Memphis, TN | 149
average citizen who needs to get other Fortune 500 companies have
from point A to point B usually does located here, along with a diverse
so in a car. Commuters rely almost range of other businesses such as
exclusively on the automobile agribusiness, retail, tourism and
over 81 percent drive alone to work. even filmmaking. State fiscal policies
Another 12 percent carpool, leaving favor business development there
a smattering of walkers and public is no state income or payroll tax,
transportation riders. and a right to work policy allows
As for public transportation, the workers to be hired without union
city has invested in retooling its membership.
original trolley system in the down- Housing is affordable here. The
town area and along the riverfront. cost of the average house was
This has been good for tourism and among the least expensive of any
downtown business development city we analyzed, just under
but has had little impact on the $85,000, which puts Memphis at #9
transportation habits of the average for affordability when considering
resident. average incomes.
150 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
45
Indianapolis, Indiana
Time for a Pit Stop?
Indianapolis, IN | 151
can now enjoy 1,400 acres for sail- list at Central Indiana Commuter
ing, rowing and swimming, Services.
plus 3,900 acres for landlubber A public transportation plan
activities. based on transit between downtown
The Monon Trail is a greenway and the suburbs was recently halted
that winds through the center of the because federal funding fell through.
north side of Indianapolis, linking The plan included buses on dedi-
commercial districts, neighborhoods cated lines, light rail trolley and
and parks. On warm weekends, elevated monorail. Many city offi-
users are often shoulder-to-shoulder cials and residents are pushing to
jogging, walking and hiking. continue with the plan without the
Air quality in Indianapolis ranks federal funds. While this is evidence
quite low (#41), one area that the of a community concerned with
city is taking action to address. The improving its deficient public tran-
city plans to plant 100,000 trees sit, the city really needs funding,
over the next ten years, and has increased community awareness,
established internal policies like and dedication to make it a reality.
flexible workday schedules and idle-
reduction policies for all city Economic Factors
vehicles. The city has a significant Local government, businesses, and
number of alternative-fueled vehi- universities in Indiana are demon-
cles, with 12.5 percent of the fleet strating interest in and commitment
using lower-emission fuels. to renewable energy. Since the
Unlike many other cities, state is a leading producer of
Indianapolis is blessed with a water soybeans and corn, its a logical
The city plans to source that originates within the city step to encourage the production of
plant 100,000 trees limits. Unfortunately, the quality of fuel from those sources. In fact, the
over the next ten tap water isnt great (#26), with 13 state has made a commitment to
contaminants, including 4 over the increase biofuels, including
years, and has recommended EPA limit. biodiesel.
established internal BioCrossroads, a coalition that
policies like flexible Getting Around includes locally headquartered phar-
workday schedules Ranked #45 in commute-to-work maceuticals giant Eli Lilly, the city
practices, most of the residents (83 of Indianapolis, Purdue University,
and idle-reduction percent) drive to work in their car and others, is seeking ways to grow
policies for all city alone. Less than 2 percent use public Indianas clean tech economy. In a
vehicles. transportation. Despite the abundance 2004 study, the group developed a
of greenways connecting neighbor- strategy to increase economic
hoods within the city, only 1 growth through agriculture. The
percent walk to work and almost no plan calls for increased production
one rides a bicycle to work. Perhaps of biofuels based on grain and
a testament to the citys carpool oilseed, helping farmers find niches
program, 10 percent of residents car- for their produce, and the incuba-
pool to work. A carshare program tion of innovative food programs
does not presently exist, though you that use Indiana commodities for
can sign up for a commuter match nutritious and healthy food.
152 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Summary/Next Steps options and economic relief to area
Indianapolis has a great opportunity residents.
to begin moving from a fossil fuel The city can help improve its
economy to more sustainable modes energy security by initiating a sus-
of living, and to cultivate industries tainability plan and by offering
around biofuels. While it is a hub of commercial and residential green
a larger interstate highway network, building incentives. Public aware-
the city stands to benefit by expand- ness and participation in planning
ing its bus service and providing and prioritizing all of these issues
more public transit options for its will be important for any type of Aerial view of downtown
expansive suburbs. As oil prices sustainability initiatives led by local Indianapolis including
increase, such tactics will provide government. dominant interstate system.
DEREK JENSEN /
PUBLIC DOMAIN
Indianapolis, IN | 153
154 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
46
Fort Worth, Texas
Taking Steps Toward Sustainability
156 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
47
Mesa, Arizona
Surviving the Desert Boom
Mesa, AZ | 157
our study. The citys metro bus an opportunity to work together to
service operates only six days a address the problems generated by
week. Biking and walking together rapid development: traffic conges-
make up about 3 percent of com- tion (#30), deteriorating air quality,
muter trips. Carpooling is the one and the need for better public tran-
bright spot, with an above-average sit and land use planning.
12 percent of commuters sharing a Increasing access to local food and
ride to work. providing incentives for green build-
ing could be woven into
Economic Factors improvements in transit, zoning and
Mesas economy is really Phoenixs land use. The development of more
Carpooling is the economy. Besides a Boeing plant public parks would enable people to
one bright spot, and some biotech businesses, little stay local, rather than getting in
with an above- industry is based in the city itself. their cars to enjoy the desert air out-
average 12 percent Instead, local services predominate side of town.
as job opportunities, including the In terms of environmental
of commuters Mesa Arts Center opened in 2005 priorities, Mesas Environmental
sharing a ride to and other attractions for tourists Management Program needs to be
work. that generate many additional jobs. able to address big issues such as
The city could capitalize on its air quality, overall development
fast growth with green building, planning and environmental
which would help boost the local impacts, greenhouse gas emissions,
market for related expertise and water conservation and drinking
products in this fast-growing sector. water quality. While the city
But as of early 2006, the city had no might be addressing these issues in
LEED Certified buildings, and one some way, it would do well to make
building registered with the US Green its efforts more obvious in order to
Building Councils LEED program. demonstrate to residents and visi-
tors that Mesa is planning for a
Summary/Next Steps sustainable future.
Now that Mesa has become a large
city, city officials and citizens have
158 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
48
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Not Just for Tourists Anymore
Healthy Living
Despite low overall marks, Virginia
Beach citizens and visitors do enjoy
decent air (#11), a fair amount of
open space (#25 in percentage of park trolley is just for tourists the
land) with 60 miles of bike trails and city has park-and-ride lots to
easy access to the coast. The city is encourage commuting, but such
also home to three major state and efforts are almost entirely ignored
regional parks and three wildlife by residents. In 2004, nearly 83 per-
refuges. The quality of Virginia Beach cent of commuters drove alone in
tap water quality is unknown, as it their cars, while another 10 percent
was not available in Environmental carpooled. Only 1 percent of resi-
Working Groups national database dents walked to work and less than
from December 2005. Farmers mar- 1 percent took public transportation
kets and community gardens havent or bicycled.
caught on here despite the presence Virginia Beach also operates a
of 147 farms within the city. ferry system that is most heavily
used on the weekends residents
Getting Around seem to use their cars for work and
One popular way to see the sights is use public transit for recreation.
by trolley. Apparently, however, the Since traffic congestion in Virginia
160 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
49
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Planting a Few Seeds
162 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
system. The expanded availability of support and track sustainable proj-
the local food supply and support of ects and policy citywide.
other local businesses enabling a Fortunately, Oklahoma has
healthy economy would provide an many neighboring cities whose pro-
economy less vulnerable to the grams in coordinating sustainability
volatility of the boom-and-bust fossil and environmental offices could
fuel industry. It might also consider serve as models, including Dallas,
creating a city environmental role, San Antonio and Houston.
which would be an excellent way to
COURTESY
OKC CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Columbus, OH | 165
Parks, which includes 13 suburban activity in Columbus. The city had
parks splayed out around the cir- four LEED buildings registered as of
cumference of Interstate 270, which early 2006 (though the city in 2006
forms the citys outer rings. was ready to open one of the
The Central Ohio nations largest LEED certified build-
Getting Around ings, a former downtown
Bicycle Advocacy Without any commuter rail, light department store). Renewable
Organization does rail or metro system, Columbus energy businesses, local food and a
just what its name commuters rely almost exclusively local green business directory are
suggests, including on their cars, which they drive also lacking. Green Energy Ohio is
alone in great numbers more attempting to fix that situation by
sponsoring city
than 83 percent. Though the city promoting news, tours and legisla-
group rides to build has a bus system, less than 3 per- tion for renewable energy
community and cent of residents use it to commute. throughout the state.
raise awareness Only about 2 percent of people in
town walk or bike to work. Because Summary/Next Steps
about cycling.
the town is bisected by two diverg- Columbus would be best served by
ing Interstates, non-vehicular confronting head-on its dependency
movement is somewhat impeded. on the automobile and fossil fuel
The Central Ohio Bicycle energy. The city is in danger of
Advocacy Organization does just becoming less competitive economi-
what its name suggests, including cally as its citizens feel the pinch of
sponsoring city group rides to build higher gas prices. With no viable
community and raise awareness public transit, more and more of
about cycling. their hard-earned money will be
spent on just getting around
Economic Factors reducing income for spending on
Columbus is a classic Midwestern restaurants, entertainment and
city, with major industry in heavy nonessential shopping.
manufacturing, printing, insurance It makes sense for Columbus to
and retail clothing company head- expand its fleet of public transit
quarters. Its also home to the buses and to examine developing
headquarters of the hamburger other forms of public transit as well.
restaurant corporations Wendys and Besides improving the citys air
White Castle. Many national retail- quality, such actions would provide
ers use Columbus as a baseline for insurance against energy-related
product launch testing. economic woes.
In terms of a green economy,
there are few indicators of such
166 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Part III
Cities by
Category
Ranking
MARK TOMARAS
KEN OTT
168 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
City Commuting
170 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Regional Public Transportation Ridership
172 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Metro Street and Freeway Congestion
174 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Air Quality
176 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Tap Water Quality
178 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Solid Waste Diversion
D ata analyzed included park percentage per total city land from the Trust
for Public Land as well as sprawl ranking, which was developed by the
Smart Growth America 2002 study of US cities.
San Francisco ranks #1 overall
in planning, with about 20 percent
of its land devoted to parks (#1 in
that subcategory), combined with a
sprawl rating that is second best
out of the nations top 50 cities.
New York, Boston, Portland,
Albuquerque, El Paso and Omaha
(tied), and Philadelphia follow.
182 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
City Innovation
S ustainLane used data from the US Bureau of the Census on average hous-
ing prices and average income levels to determine city housing
affordability.
Coming in at #1 for housing affordability when surveyed, San Antonio
had an average home price of
$88,400, an average annual income
of $36,500, and a living wage ordi-
nance. Following close behind were
Baltimore; El Paso; Fort Worth; and
Arlington, Texas.
KAI-HUA CHENG
188 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Energy and Climate Change Policy
KAI-HUA CHENG
190 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Local Food and Agriculture
SANTA MONICA
OF
CITY
192 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Green Economy
194 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Knowledge Base and Communications
T his category was based on data from the United States Green Building
Councils Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating
system.
Credit was awarded for LEED Certified buildings, with further points
awarded for buildings designated in
three ascending LEED tiers: Silver,
Gold and Platinum. Less credit was
given for LEED Registered build-
ings, which are typically in the
planning or development phase,
before receiving certification. The
resulting total was then normalized
on a per capita basis, using the
adjusted number of LEED buildings
per 100,000 people.
The #1 city based on the above
analysis was Atlanta. Atlantas 45
registered and 12 certified LEED
buildings topped #2 Portland,
which had 54 registered and 16
certified, but a larger population
than Atlanta. In the #3 position
was Seattle, with 43 registered and
14 certified LEED buildings. At #4,
Washington, DC had 28 registered
and 8 certified buildings, and
Sacramento was #5 with 10 regis-
tered and 8 certified.
Index | 199
Springs, 102; in Detroit, 148; in Atlanta, 134; in Austin, 66; in
Fort Worth, 156; in Fresno, 120; Cleveland, 110; in Dallas, 97; in
in Honolulu, 70; in Indianapolis, Detroit, 148; in Houston, 138; in
152; in Las Vegas, 106; in Los Indianapolis, 151; in Las Vegas,
Angeles, 100; in Memphis, 150; 105; in Long Beach, 114; in Los
in Mesa, 158; in Miami, 112; in Angeles, 100; in Miami, 112; in
Milwaukee, 72; in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, 71; in Nashville,
54; in Oklahoma City, 162; rank- 145146; rankings, 173174; in
ings, 183184; in Sacramento, San Antonio, 88; in San Diego,
64; in Tucson, 86; in Tulsa, 140; 74; in San Jose, 94; in Virginia
in Virginia Beach, 159; in Beach, 159160; in Washington,
Washington, DC, 60 DC, 59
Charlotte, 121123 Cornett, Mick, 162
Chavez, Martin, 81, 82 curbside recycling, 146
Chicago, 3, 3335 cycling: in Albuquerque, 82; in
citizen groups (see also nonprofit Arlington, TX, 143; in Austin, 66;
groups/ideas): in Baltimore, 57; in Chicago, 34; in Cleveland, 109,
in Fort Worth, 156; in 110; in Colorado Springs, 101; in
Indianapolis, 151, 152; in Columbus, 166; in Fort Worth,
Jacksonville, 128129; in Kansas 156; in Honolulu, 70; in Las
City, 78; in Philadelphia, 46; in Vegas, 106; in Los Angeles, 100;
Portland, OR, 21; in San Antonio, in Louisville, 126; in Milwaukee,
88; in San Francisco, 7, 27; in 71; in Minneapolis, 53, 54; in
Washington, DC, 60 NYC, 40; in Oakland, 38; in
clean technology. see green business Oklahoma City, 162; in Omaha,
Cleveland, 109110 131; in Philadelphia, 46; in
climate change: evidence of, 13; Portland, OR, 22; in Sacramento,
history of, in US cities, 67 64; in San Diego, 74; in San
climate change action plans, 29. see Francisco, 26; in Seattle, 30; in
also sustainability management Tucson, 86; in Virginia Beach,
Coleman, Michael B., 165 159
collaboration projects: in Charlotte,
122; in Denver, 4950; in El D
Paso, 116; in Indianapolis, 152; Daley, Richard, 33, 35
in Kansas City, 78; in Louisville, Dallas, 9798
126; in Milwaukee, 72; rankings, deconstruction and salvage, 132
195196; in Seattle, 30 Denver, 4951, 169
Colorado Springs, 101102 Denver Green Cities Forum, 51
Columbus, 165166 design ideas: in El Paso, 116; in
community gardens. see local food Nashville, 146; in Philadelphia,
community groups. see citizen 46; in Portland, OR, 21; rankings,
groups 181184; in Washington, DC, 59,
commuting. see car dependence; 60
public transit Detroit, 147148
composting, 126, 146 downtown revitalization. see urban
congestion: in Arlington, TX, 143; in renewal
200 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
E 65, 67; in Charlotte, 122; in
ecotourism, 23 Dallas, 98; in Houston, 138; in
El Paso, 115116 Indianapolis, 152; in Long Beach,
employment, green (see also green 114; in Louisville, 126; in Mesa,
business): in Fresno, 120; in 158; in Milwaukee, 72; in
Houston, 138; in Louisville, 126; Minneapolis, 5455; in
in Oakland, 38; in San Diego, 74; Philadelphia, 46; in Portland, OR,
in San Jose, 93; in Tulsa, 140 23; rankings, 193194; in San
energy reduction programs (see also Francisco, 7, 2627; in San Jose,
carbon emission reductions; 94, 95; in Seattle, 30; in Tulsa, 140
LEED buildings): in Atlanta, 134; green economy rankings, 193194.
in Austin, 67; in Charlotte, 122; see also employment, green;
in Chicago, 33; in Jacksonville, green building; green business;
128129; in Milwaukee, 72; rank- LEED buildings; local economies
ings, 193194; in Seattle, 29; in greenhouse gas emissions. see car
Tulsa, 140 dependence; carbon emission
environmentally preferable purchas- reductions; oil dependence
ing programs, 30, 94, 183184 Grunwald, Michael, 111
F H
farmers markets. see local food Habitat for Humanity, 60, 128
Fisk, Pliny, 65 Hannemann, Mufi, 69
fitness programs, 109, 125 hazardous waste, 9394. see also
flex fuel engines, 148 waste diversion
flood protection, 111, 117, 118 heat island effect, 33, 98
food. see local food Hewlett-Packard, 9394
Ford Motor Company, 147, 148 Hickenlooper, John, 49, 50, 51
Fort Worth, 155156 Honolulu, 6970, 187
fossil fuels. see car dependence; car- housing: affordability rankings,
bon emission reductions; oil 185186; in Albuquerque, 82; in
dependence Arlington, TX, 143; in Baltimore,
Fresno, 119120 58; in Detroit, 148; in Fresno,
fuel cells, 67, 148 120; in Houston, 138; in
Jacksonville, 128; in Kansas City,
G 79; in Los Angeles, 100; in
General Motors (GM), 147, 148 Memphis, 150; in Milwaukee, 72;
geothermal energy, 67 in NYC, 40; in Oakland, 37, 38;
Glascock, Brian, 43 in Philadelphia, 46; in Portland,
grassroots groups. see citizen groups OR, 23; in Sacramento, 64; in
green building (see also names of San Antonio, 88; in San Diego,
cities): rankings, 183184, 74; in San Francisco, 25, 27; in
193194 San Jose, 93, 94; in Tucson, 86;
green business (see also local in Virginia Beach, 160; in
economies; mixed-use develop- Washington, DC, 60
ment projects): in Arlington, TX, Houston, 137138
143; in Atlanta, 134; in Austin, Hurricane Katrina, 117118
Index | 201
hybrid vehicles, 30, 58, 61, 65, 66, local economies: advantages of, 193;
106, 148 in Austin, 67; in Baltimore, 58; in
Chicago, 3435; in Milwaukee,
I 71; in Minneapolis, 54; in
incubators, clean technology, 138, Oakland, 38; in Philadelphia, 46;
140, 193194 in Portland, OR, 23; in San
Indianapolis, 151153 Francisco, 26; in Tucson, 86
industry clusters, 38 local food (see also names of cities):
innovation. see collaboration proj- rankings, 191192, 193194
ects; design ideas; low-income Long Beach, 113114
group programs; sustainability Los Angeles, 99101
management Louisville, 125126
low-income group programs: in
J Baltimore, 57; in Denver, 50; in
Jacksonville, 7, 127129 Jacksonville, 128; in Kansas City,
78; in Miami, 112; in
K Minneapolis, 54; in Philadelphia,
Kansas City, 7779, 177 46; in San Jose, 94; in
Kovatch, Ty, 22 Washington, DC, 60
L M
Lacher, Kria, 5, 8, 23 Madison, WI, 71
landfill programs, 86, 9394, 98, 132 markets. see local food
Las Vegas, 105107 Mayors Climate Protection
lead pollution, 59 Agreement, 4
LEED buildings: in Atlanta, 134; in McCrory, Pat, 122
Austin, 67; in Baltimore, 58; in Memphis, 149150
Boston, 44; in Chicago, 34; in Mesa, 157158, 187
Cleveland, 110; in Colorado methane gas, 98
Springs, 102; in Columbus, 166; Miami, 111112, 187
in Dallas, 98; in Fort Worth, 156; Milwaukee, 7172, 187
in Honolulu, 70; in Kansas City, Minneapolis, 5355, 191
79; in Las Vegas, 106; in Mesa, mixed-use development projects (see
158; in Miami, 112; in also green business): in Colorado
Milwaukee, 72; in Minneapolis, Springs, 102; in El Paso, 115; in
54, 55; in Nashville, 146; in Las Vegas, 105; in Omaha, 131;
NYC, 40; in Oklahoma City, 162; in Sacramento, 64; in San Jose,
in Omaha, 132; in Philadelphia, 94; in Virginia Beach, 160
46; in Phoenix, 92; in Portland, mobile energy, 46
OR, 22; rankings, 193194,
197198; in Sacramento, 64; in N
San Antonio, 88; in San Diego, Nadel, Nancy, 38
74; in San Francisco, 27; in Nashville, 145146
Tucson, 86; in Virginia Beach, natural disasters: in Arlington, TX,
160; in Washington, DC, 60 144; in Detroit, 148; in El Paso,
Leonard, Randy, 22 116; and global warming, 1, 3; in
202 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
Houston, 138; in Jacksonville, agement
128; in Los Angeles, 100; in pollution (see also air quality): in
Miami, 111, 112; in New Orleans, Atlanta, 133; in Cleveland, 109;
117, 118; in Oakland, 38; rank- in Colorado Springs, 102; in
ings, 187188; in Sacramento, Detroit, 147; in Fort Worth,
64; in San Diego, 75; in San 155156; in Fresno, 119, 120; in
Francisco, 25, 26, 27 Las Vegas, 105; in Long Beach,
negative feedback loops, 121122 113; in Sacramento, 63, 64; in
net metering programs, 106 Washington, DC, 59
New Orleans, 117118 Portland, OR, 5, 8, 2123, 175, 191,
New York City, 3941 193, 197
Newsom, Gavin, 26 Potter, Tom, 5, 2223
Nickels, Greg, 4, 29 public education, 88, 94, 144
non-governmental organizations public transit (see also names of
(NGOs), 12 cities): commute to work rank-
nonprofit groups/ideas (see also citi- ings, 169170; ridership
zen groups): in Atlanta, 134; in rankings, 171172
Detroit, 148; in Kansas City, 78;
in Los Angeles, 100101; in R
Miami, 112; in Portland, OR, 23; Radio Shack, 156
in San Antonio, 88; in Tulsa, 140 rain gardens, 78
recycling: in Denver, 51; in Los
O Angeles, 99; in Louisville, 126; in
Oakland, 3738, 187 Nashville, 146; in Philadelphia,
obesity, 46, 105 47; in San Diego, 74; in San Jose,
oil dependence: in Austin, 66; in 93; in Tucson, 86
Dallas, 98; in Denver, 49; in Reisner, Mark, 26
Indianapolis, 151; in Las Vegas, renewable energy (see also biofuels;
105; in Oklahoma City, 161, 162; biomass; solar energy; wind
in Philadelphia, 46; in Portland, energy): in Albuquerque, 82; in
OR, 23; in Tulsa, 139 Austin, 65; in Boston, 44; in
Oklahoma City, 161163 Charlotte, 122; in Chicago, 33,
Olmsted, Frederick L., 6, 125126 34; in Colorado Springs, 102; in
Olson, Lori, 5354 Columbus, 166; in Fresno, 120;
Omaha, 131132 in Honolulu, 70; in Houston,
over development. see sprawl 138; in Indianapolis, 152; in Las
Vegas, 106; in Long Beach, 114;
P in Los Angeles, 99, 100; in
Park, Peter, 50 Louisville, 126; in Milwaukee,
parks (see also names of cities): 72; in Minneapolis, 54; in
rankings in, 181182 Nashville, 146; in NYC, 40; in
pesticides, 64 Oakland, 38; in Omaha, 132; in
Philadelphia, 4547, 191, 193 Philadelphia, 4647; in Phoenix,
Phoenix, 9192 92; in Portland, OR, 2223; rank-
planning. see collaboration projects; ings, 189190; in Sacramento,
design ideas; sustainability man- 64; in San Antonio, 88; in San
Index | 203
Diego, 74; in San Francisco, 26; 64; in San Francisco, 7; in San
in San Jose, 94; in Tucson, 86; in Jose, 94; in Tucson, 86
Tulsa, 140; in Virginia Beach, 160 SustainLane US City Rankings: best
roof gardens: in Boston, 44; in practices knowledge base, 9;
Chicago, 33, 34; in Dallas, 98; in methodology, 1114; overall
Detroit, 148; in Minneapolis, 54; rankings, 2; rationale for, 1, 3;
in NYC, 40; in Portland, OR, 23 resources for, 1418; what made
Rybak, R.T., 55 Portland number one, 5, 8; what
was measured and why, 35
S
Sacramento, 6364, 193, 197 T
San Antonio, 8789, 185 Texas Instruments, 98
San Diego, 7375, 116 tidal power, 27, 31, 40
San Francisco, 7, 2527, 187 tree planting, 33, 57, 64, 113, 152
San Jose, 9395, 187 Tucson, 8586
school programs, 38, 155 Tulsa, 139141
Seattle, 7, 2931, 191, 193, 197
solar energy: in Albuquerque, 82; in U
Denver, 51; in El Paso, 116; in urban renewal: in Baltimore, 57; in
Las Vegas, 106, 107; in Charlotte, 121; in Cleveland, 109,
Minneapolis, 54; in Nashville, 110; in Denver, 50; in El Paso,
146; in Oakland, 38; in Phoenix, 115, 116; in Fresno, 120; in
92; in Sacramento, 64; in San Jacksonville, 128; in Kansas City,
Francisco, 26; in Tucson, 86; in 7879; in Louisville, 125; in
Virginia Beach, 160 Memphis, 150; in Milwaukee, 72;
sprawl: in Atlanta, 133; in Charlotte, in Oakland, 37; in Oklahoma
121122; in Fort Worth, 156; in City, 161, 162; in Omaha, 132; in
Fresno, 120; in Houston, 138; in Philadelphia, 45; in Phoenix, 92;
Kansas City, 77; in Las Vegas, in Sacramento, 64; in San Diego,
105; in Miami, 111, 112; in 74; in San Jose, 93, 94; in Tulsa,
Minneapolis, 55; in Nashville, 140
145146; in Phoenix, 91; rank- urban villages, 156
ings, 181182; in Sacramento, 64; US Mayors Climate Protection
in San Diego, 74; in San Jose, 94; Agreement, 29
in Tucson, 86
Stern Report, 1 V
sustainability management: in the Virginia Beach, 159160
Army, 8889; in Atlanta, 134; in Vittori, Gail, 67
Charlotte, 122; in Cleveland, 110; vouchers, 54
in Columbus, 165; in Dallas, 98;
in Denver, 4950; in Houston, W
137; in Kansas City, 79; in walkability: in Albuquerque, 82; in
Louisville, 126; in Milwaukee, Arlington, TX, 143; in Austin, 66;
72; in Minneapolis, 53; in New in Baltimore, 58; in Boston, 44;
Orleans, 117; in NYC, 41; rank- in Charlotte, 122; in Colorado
ings, 195196; in Sacramento, Springs, 101, 102; in Dallas, 98;
204 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
in Fort Worth, 155; in 100101; in San Antonio, 87; in
Indianapolis, 152; in Louisville, San Diego, 74; in San Francisco,
126; in Milwaukee, 71; in 26; as SustainLane category, 12
Minneapolis, 54; in Oakland, 38; water quality (see also names of
in Oklahoma City, 162; in cities): rankings, 177178
Philadelphia, 46; in Portland, OR, water transit, 26, 128
23; in Sacramento, 64; in Tucson, watershed protection, 58
86; in Washington, DC, 60 White, Bill, 137
Washington, DC, 5961, 191, 197 Wickes, Judy, 45
waste diversion: in Colorado wind energy: in El Paso, 116; in
Springs, 102; in Dallas, 98; in Milwaukee, 72; in Minneapolis,
Denver, 51; and garbage barge, 7; 54; in Omaha, 132; in Portland,
in Louisville, 126; in Memphis, OR, 22; in Sacramento, 64; in
149; in Nashville, 146; in San Antonio, 88
Philadelphia, 47; rankings, Wynn, Will, 66, 67
179180; in San Diego, 74; in
San Jose, 93; in Tucson, 86 Z
water conservation: in Albuquerque, Zavalney, Katrina, 22
8283; in Kansas City, 78, 79; in zoning codes, 98
Las Vegas, 107; in Los Angeles,
Index | 205
206 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?
About the author
SustainLane
SustainLane is an internet media company dedicated to bringing green to
the mainstream through three key offerings. SustainLane Government
(www.SustainLane.us) provides best practices in sustainability for a net-
work of North American state and local government officials.
SustainLane.com features a directory and reviews of green products and
services, and The Unsustainables is SustainLane's animated series.
If you have enjoyed How Green is Your City?
you might also enjoy other
1Environmental benefits are calculated based on research done by the Environmental Defense Fund and
other members of the Paper Task Force who study the environmental impacts of the paper industry.
For more information on this environmental benefits statement, or to inquire about environmentally
friendly papers, please contact New Leaf Paper info@newleafpaper.com Tel: 888 989 5323.
For a full list of NSPs titles, please call 1-800-567-6772 or check out our website at:
www.newsociety.com
208 | H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R C I T Y ?