View source for Greensboro, NC Green Initiatives

'''Type''': Policy

'''Status''': Ongoing

'''Source File''': http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/citygovernment/greeninitiatives/

'''Description''':

'''Protecting Our Environment: Green Initiatives'''<br>
The City of Greensboro takes seriously its responsibility to protect the environment and to promote "green" initiatives. Below is a list of actions the City is taking to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability.

'''Land Use Policies'''
* Reduce sprawl and protect open spaces
* Infill development and traditional neighborhoods
* Sidewalk Construction Projects and promoting pedestrian travel
* Linking land use and transportation planning
* Activity centers
* Investment in downtown
* Brownfields, redevelopment, historic preservation
* [http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Planning/compplan/document.htm Connections 2025]: Comprehensive Plan, which directs City policy and actions to address challenges associated with protecting the environment and for managing growth

'''Alternate Transportation Options'''
* [http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/GDOT/divisions/planning/bicycle/ Bike lanes]
* PART, HEAT, GTA and SCAT
* Properly timed traffic signals
* New engineering, such as roundabouts
* Off-Street Greenways, Paths, and Trails
* More online services

'''Energy Efficiency'''
* Motion-sensitive lighting
* Programmable lights and thermostats
* More energy-efficient lights and ballasts
* Energy-saving water heaters and boilers
* Energy-efficient enhancements at the Coliseum, Melvin Municipal Office Building, and other city buildings
* Use of Energy Star (ES) equipment and appliances

'''Sustainability'''
* Sustainable building practices using the LEED program for all new fire stations
* NeighborWoods program
* Tree planting for shade and to absorb carbon dioxide (Tree City USA)
* Landscaping requirements
* Stream restoration and reforestation
* Erosion and sedimentation control
* Adherence to environmental standards in parks
* Sustainable living education for children at libraries
* Environmental education programs
* Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library, with its focus on environmental education
* A user-friendly and comprehensive recycling program
* Use of recycled materials whenever possible
* Household hazardous waste disposal program
* Water quality standards and monitoring

'''Fuel Efficiency'''
* Bio-diesel in use since 2002
* First hybrid vehicles purchased in 2003
* Use of oxidation catalysts on large trucks and equipment
* Sharing of employee vehicles and consolidating work-related trips
* Adoption of policy requiring that the City purchase the smallest, most fuel-efficient vehicle practical for the job to be performed 
* Methane recovered from landfills and sewage treatment, and converted to green waste

'''Air Quality'''
* Burn permits issued for controlled burning
* Triad Air Quality Early Action Compact
* Hybrid vehicles in City's fleet

[[Category:City Governments]]
[[Category:North Carolina]]
[[Category:Policies]]
[[Category:Sustainability Policies]]