Florida Metro-Dade County's sustainability programs cover a broad range of energy and environmental issues including greenhouse gas emission reductions, wildlife management, recycling and waste minimization, and growth management and land use. The city of Portland is an active proponent of sustainability, with resource stewardship programs in land-use, watershed protection, pollution prevention, and energy efficiency and conservation. One of these efforts, the City Energy Challenge program, demonstrates an innovative approach to funding and implementing sustainability programs. Using an action guide for ideas, each hostel develops environmentally-friendly programs such as energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction, and nontoxic product usage. Fluorescent lighting, insulation and low-flow faucets and shower heads are examples of the types of technologies that are commonly used.
Visitors learn as they cook, do laundry, and other household chores.
Over 270 measurable year 2000 wellness objectives have been developed for children and youth, their families, and the community. The County's regional planning committee drew up five options for the future. The community of about 900 decided it would rebuild on a 500-acre parcel on a nearby bluff. A Sustainable Redevelopment Team of national experts helped incorporate sustainable technologies into the new town's design including energy-efficient building construction and future renewable energy development. For a complete list of case studies that are included on the Green Communities Assistance Kit Website categorized by topic and location, visit our Case Study Index Page.