nyuuzyou/wikis huggingface dataset:
Dublin, Ireland Biodiversity Action Plan

Type: Policy
Status: Adopted in February 2008
Source File: http://www.dublincity.ie/WaterWasteEnvironment/Biodiversity/pages/biodiversityactionplan.aspx
Description:
In 2005 Dublin City Council created the post of Biodiversity Officer and in February 2008 the first Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the City has been launched. The Council has taken these initiatives in recognition of the intrinsic importance of biodiversity to the well-being of the city’s citizens - our natural heritage is equally as important as the built heritage. We realised the importance of preserving our biodiversity as it is the result of 3.5 billion years of evolution and provides us with:
* Food
* Fuel
* Fibre
* Medicines
* Regulates water and air quality
* Climate
* Maintains soil fertility 
Ireland signed up to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1996 and EU Heads of State have agreed to Halt the Loss of Biodiversity by 2010. A National Biodiversity Plan was published in 2002 and outlined actions needed to help reach this target. Dublin City Council’s initiative in compiling its own BAP shows its engagement in this global initiative. The Dublin City BAP identifies a number of priority species and habitats to be protected in the city such as:
* Red Squirrel
* Otter
* Bats
* Salmonids
* Various insects, birds, wetlands and semi-natural grasslands
Some of these are already protected by legislation but for those that are not, they will be given conservation priority within Council policy and projects.
Read the Dublin City Council Biodiversity Action Plan:
:Biodiversity Action Plan (2.3MB)
Category:Biodiversity
Category:City Governments
Category:Ireland
Category:Policies
Duke University, NC Ad Hoc Green Dining Committee

Type: Policy
Status: Ongoing
Source File: http://www.duke.edu/sustainability/campus_initiatives/dining/adhoc.html
Description:
The green dining committee was formed by parties on campus that were connected by Greg Andeck's inventory of the environmental impacts associated with Dining Services. The committee is made up of students, faculty, staff, eatery managers and community members. 
It is called the "ad hoc" green dining committee both because it meets irregularly and because it formed organically rather than through a directive by any campus governing body. 
Committee goals:
* promote the recommendations made in the environmental impact inventory
* organize programs and events to raise awareness about people and planet healthy eating
* support campus eateries working to reduce their environmental impact
Category:Colleges
Category:Duke Univ
Category:Food-Related Policies
Category:North Carolina
Category:Policies
Duke University, NC Green Grant Fund

Type: Program
Status: Ongoing
Source File: http://www.duke.edu/greening/grant_fund.html
Description:
Executive Vice President Tallman Trask has committed $50,000 to fund student, staff and faculty led initiatives which will "green" Duke. So far, the fund has sponsored an environmental assessment of Duke's office product usage and a conference entitled "The Power of Environmental Purchasing: Greening the University Supply Chain" which resulted in Duke adopting comprehensive Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guidelines.
Rules for Grant Applications:
* grants are for projects or activities that will reduce the environmental impact of Duke's campus or health system
* students, faculty, staff and alumni or any organization comprised of students, faculty, staff or alumni may apply for a grant
* grants can be used for educational purposes if it is clear that the education will lead to a reduction in Duke's environmental impact
* grants will not be made retroactively (i.e. to reimburse)
* the grant application process is a rolling one. Applications are considered as they are submitted.
* $50,000 is the total grant money available each school year. It may be a good idea to contact Duke's environmental sustainability coordinator before submitting an application to learn how much has already been disbursed.
The Application Process:
# Download and complete the grant application.
# Submit the application electronically, with an attached budget, to Duke's environmental sustainability coordinator.
# The coordinator will be in touch with you to let you know how the application review process is proceeding.
Category:Colleges
Category:Duke Univ
Category:Green Funds
Category:North Carolina
Category:Programs
Duke University, NC Green Power Challenge

Type: Program
Status: Launched in 2002
Source File: http://www.duke.edu/sustainability/campus_initiatives/energy/greenpower.html
Description:
In November 2002, students from Environmental Alliance proposed energy conservation measures for the school that were adopted by the Facilities Management Department (FMD). FMD implemented the measures over winter break and estimated the savings at $800,000 over 10 years.
In February 2003, a group of Environmental Alliance (EA) members proposed that the University should use some of those savings to purchase green energy. In particular, they asked the University to put up $25,000 to challenge-match student, faculty and staff purchases of wind power.
In April 2003, EA launched the Duke Green Power Challenge, an ambitious campaign to sign-up students, faculty and staff for 1,250 kwh blocks of wind power at $25 a piece. The effort garnered positive support in the student newspaper and 500 participants in just 4 weeks.
By October 2003, the campaign reached its goal and EA shifted its focus to renewable energy purchasing as an annual commitment for the University. The University is currently considering long-term contracts for the purchase of renewable energy for its new "green" buildings.
EA has learned a great deal from its energy campaigns. In the fall of 2003 and spring of 2004, the EA teamed up with students from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University to co-host the Southeast Student Renewable Energy Conference in April 2004. This conference was a forum for both learning and sharing with other students through out the southeast.
Category:Colleges
Category:Duke Univ
Category:North Carolina
Category:Programs
Category:Renewable Energy
Duke University, NC Waste Management Strategy

Type: Program
Status: Launched in 1989
Source File: http://www.duke.edu/sustainability/campus_initiatives/waste/index.html
Description:
In 1989, a group of students took on the task of recycling at Duke University. They began with four pickup locations, seven collection items and one truck. Today, Duke Recycles services over 800 locations containing 1900 bins per week, and collects 17 different items for recycling.
Duke Recycles has become a necessary campus operation, with a staff of five full-time recyclers and several part-time student staff. This diverse team allows the Duke Recycles program to maintain its roots as a student-involved environmental organization.
Each year, Duke Recycles strives to collect as much recyclable material from the university waste stream as possible in the most efficient and economic manner possible. Many recent initiatives within the Duke Recycles operation have allowed this program to grow, while maintaining superior customer service and productivity. Centralized pickup sites, active participation by staff members and students, and redesigned pickup routes have helped the staff of Duke Recycles more effectively process the increasing amounts of recyclable materials received each day.
In addition to recycling collection, Duke Recycles sponsors numerous community and environmental outreach programs each year, Recycle for the Children, Move Out for Charity and educational seminars for incoming students and staff. 
Duke Recycles has received many awards for its service and community outreach events, including the Carolina Recycling Association Outstanding Collegiate Program award and Durham's Innovative Ventures Encouraging the Reduction of Trash award. Duke Recycles actively participates in the Facilities Management Department's Environmental Management Advisory Committee.
Category:Colleges
Category:Duke Univ
Category:North Carolina
Category:Programs
Category:Recycling
Duke University, NC Wetland Restoration Project

Type: Policy
Status: Launched in 2004
Source File: http://www.duke.edu/sustainability/academics/research/wetland.html
Description:
An eroded and degraded portion of Sandy Creek in western Durham is being transformed into eight acres of wetlands containing areas of open lake, marshes, and bottomland hardwoods thanks to a Duke University Wetland Center project designed to improve Durham's water quality as well as provide teaching and research opportunities.
The project broke ground in the summer of 2004. Creek banks and low-lying areas have been re-contoured and planted as hardwood wetlands, which researchers believe will remove up to 70 percent of the creek's sediment and nutrients.
Next, the team will construct an earthen dam to form a four-acre retention pond which will regulate the increasingly torrential streams of stormwater running off paved surfaces. 
"By restoring the natural flood plain that used to be here before the onslaught of urban development, we'll recreate a healthy wetland ecosystem that sops up pollutants and improves wildlife habitat," said Curtis Richardson, Director of the Wetland Center and Professor of Resource Ecology at the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences.
Besides being an example of a rare Piedmont wetland, the eight-acre ecosystem will provide a site for research on biological diversity, hydrology, mosquito control, invasive plant species and other environmental concerns.
This project is an excellent example of the interdisciplinary collaboration Duke tries to foster. The wetland restoration project benefited immensely from ten years of work by by Dr. Miguel Medina, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Medina and his students have painstakingly modeled the flow of stormwater on campus, allowing Duke to boast one of the most comprehensive Stormwater Management Plans of any university. 
Project sponsors include the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, Duke Forest, Duke's Facilities Management Department, the EPA 319 Program, and the Wetland Center.
For more information, visit:
Duke University Wetland Center's Website
Stormwater Modeling & Management Project Site
Category:Colleges
Category:Duke Univ
Category:North Carolina
Category:Policies
Category:Stormwater
Category:Wetlands
Duluth, MN Mercury Thermometer Ban

Type: Municipal Code
Status: Adopted on 3/6/00
Source File: (Missing)
Text:
Sec. 28-61. Sale and purchase of various mercury containing devices prohibited.
Unless otherwise provided by state or federal law:
(a) No person shall sell at retail or offer for sale at retail within the city any fever thermometer or basal thermometer containing mercury;
(b) No public or private school in Duluth offering kindergarten, elementary, junior high school or high school classes shall purchase bulk elemental mercury or mercury compounds for use in classrooms;
(c) For purposes of this paragraph, the words “mercury sphygmomanometer” means a mercury containing device used to measure blood pressure. No person shall sell, purchase, install or reinstall a mercury sphygmomanometer within the city;
(d) For the purposes of this paragraph the words “gastrointestinal devices” means a mercury containing device passed into the gastrointestinal tract commonly referred to as a Miller Abbott tube, cantor tube or bougie or as feeding tubes. Gastrointestinal devices may not be sold or purchased within the city;
(e) For the purposes of this paragraph, the word “thermostat” means a device commonly used to sense and, through electrical communication with heating, cooling or ventilation equipment, control room temperature. No person shall sell or install in a commercial or residential building in the city any thermostat that contains mercury;
(f) For the purposes of this paragraph, the word “barometer” means a device used to measure atmospheric pressure. No person shall sell or purchase a barometer which contains mercury within the city unless such sale or purchase is required by federal regulations;
(g) For the purposes of this paragraph, the word “psychrometer” means a device used to measure relative humidity. No person shall sell or purchase a psychrometer which contains mercury within the city unless such sale or purchase is required by federal regulations.
(Ord. No. 9441, 3-6-2000, §1; Ord. No. 9561, 9-23-2002, §1.)
Category:City Governments
Category:Code
Category:Hazardous Waste
Category:Minnesota
Duluth, MN Wind Energy Conversion System at Duluth Central High School

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 5/24/04
Vote: In Favor - 7 Opposed - 1 Abstain - 1
Source File: http://www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/council/resord04/04-0355r.htm
Text: 
RESOLUTION NO. 04-0355R
RESOLUTION GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO DULUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL AND MINNESOTA POWER FOR A WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 800 EAST CENTRAL ENTRANCE (CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL/MINNESOTA POWER).
WHEREAS, Duluth Central High School and Minnesota Power have submitted to the city council a request for a special use permit for a wind energy conversion system on property described as in the NE1/4, SE1/4, Section 21, T50N, R14W, lying south of Central Entrance and located at 800 East Central Entrance and said permit application was duly referred to the city planning commission for a study, report and public hearing and the city planning commission has subsequently reported its approval to the city council; and
WHEREAS, the approval was made because of the city planning commission's findings that appropriate safeguards will exist to protect the comprehensive plan and to conserve and to protect property values in the neighborhood if conditions are observed (Reference File No. 04033).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a special use permit is hereby granted to Duluth Central High School and Minnesota Power to allow for the operation of a wind energy conversion system at 800 East Central Entrance, subject to the following conditions:
:(a) The tower is to be installed within one year of approval of the special use permit;
:(b) The school is to provide a contact position should complaints arise in the future;
:(c) The development is to follow the plans provided. Minor amendments or changes are subject to review by planning and development department staff. Major amendments or changes are subject to review by the planning commission.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution grants a special use permit to Duluth Central High School and Minnesota Power for the erection of a 1kW wind generator atop a 64-foot tower structure on school property at 800 East Central Entrance. The wind generator will be used to power two lights for Central High School's entrance sign. At the same time, equipment will be available to allow students to track and record electricity data from the power inverter box located at the base of the windmill. The generator will also power two lights for free. The applicant states that this project "is a unique application of renewable energy resources while at the same time, a service learning opportunity for high school students in cooperation with Minnesota Power's Engineering Services Group." The planning commission unanimously approved this resolution at its April 28, 2004 meeting.
Category:City Governments
Category:Minnesota
Category:Resolutions
Category:Wind Energy
Durban, South Africa River Health Monitoring Programme

Type: Program
Status: Run from 2005 - 2006
Source File: http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/services/environment/river-health
Description:
Background
The River Health Monitoring Programme (RHP), was initiated by the Environmental Management Department (EMD) to develop a baseline for the ecological state of the eThekwini Municipal Area (EMA) rivers. Through the assessment of the biological communities (i.e. fish, aquatic invertebrates, riparian vegetation and river habitats), the gap in understanding of the local fresh water environment as identified by the eThekwini State of Environment (SOE) Report could be bridged. There are 17 major river catchments in the EMA. These catchments are a key asset for the city, in terms of water based tourism and recreation and they are a key resource in the delivery of environmental goods and services.
Results
The first River Health Monitoring Report, completed in June 2006, identified several areas of Durban’s river and catchment systems that are in poor conditions in terms of water quality, flow, riparian vegetation, and in stream biodiversity. These areas are thus impaired in their capacity to provide essential ecosystem services such as flood attenuation and clean water for our urban and rural communities. Forecasted climate change will further exacerbate these conditions
The River Health Monitoring programme identifies the need for local stakeholders, industries, municipal departments, communities, and councilors to get involved in activities that will improve the function of their local catchments.
A comparison of the results of the river-based components of the strategic catchment assessment (2002) and the 2006 River health survey identified the key trends in river condition between 2002 and 2006.
Category:City Governments
Category:Programs
Category:South Africa
Category:Streams
Durham, NC Endorsing the Urban Environmental Accords

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 5/23/06
Source File: http://www.ci.durham.nc.us/departments/planning/eab/pdf/urban_env_accords_res.pdf
Text:
Durham Environmental Affairs Board
URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL ACCORDS RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Durham Environmental Affairs Board serves to advise and assist the City and
County governments on matters related to the environment by providing a mechanism for
communication between the municipal governments on environmental issues in Durham; and
WHEREAS, Durham has signified a continued commitment to the environment and
sustainability; and
WHEREAS, Durham seeks to improve its community to be safer, cleaner, and more efficient;
and
WHEREAS, Durham strives toward achieving a greater and more sustainable quality of life for
its citizens; and
WHEREAS, Durham is a pioneer in the region in its commitment to global cooperation among
cities to advance an ecologically, economically, and socially prolific society; and
WHEREAS, the Urban Environmental Accords, a series of non-legally binding goals adopted by
over 80 cities worldwide, address many of the primary environmental issues facing Durham; and
WHEREAS, Durham has taken positive steps towards many of the goals and programs listed in
the Accords through its Comprehensive Plan, Unified Development Ordinance, Greenhouse Gas
Action Plan, Results-Based Accountability Initiative, and other programs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Environmental Affairs Board hereby endorses
the concepts and goals of the Urban Environmental Accords, as ratified on World Environment
Day, June 5, 2005 and recommends the City of Durham become a signatory of the Accords.
Durham signed onto the Urban Environmental Accords in 2006. At the time of Durham's signing, over 85 cities worldwide had also signed onto the Accords. However, no other city in the southeastern United States was a signatory. By signing the Accords, Durham demonstrated its leadership and commitment to improving the quality of the environment for all of the citizens of Durham.
Category:City-County Governments
Category:North Carolina
Category:Resolutions
Category:Sustainability Policies
Durham, NC Environmental Affairs Board

Type: Policy
Status: Established in 1991
Source File: http://www.ci.durham.nc.us/departments/planning/eab/about.cfm
Description:
About the EAB
The City of Durham and Durham County jointly established the Environmental Affairs Board (EAB) in 1991, in recognition of the importance of local cooperation on environmental issues. The EAB is an advisory board of appointed volunteer citizens to provide the City and County with expert and comprehensive advice on various environmental matters. It is also a mechanism for facilitating communication between the public and local government leaders.
The EAB considers topics such as watershed protection, natural resource protection, air quality, environmental impacts of industrial development, environmental education, green building design, energy conservation, and global climate change. The EAB currently has several committees to focus on ongoing concerns:
* Education and Outreach
* Imagine Durham - Healthy Environment
* Green Building
Past activities are summarized in our annual reports:
* 2007 annual report
* 2006 annual report
The official duties of the EAB are:
:1. To advise the City and County on environmental policy;
:2. To perform such other duties as may be assigned to it from time to time by the City and/or County;
:3. To educate the public and local officials on environmental issues;
:4. To perform special studies and projects requested by the City and/or County on environmental questions;
:5. To facilitate citizen participation in local government's consideration of matters involving the environment;
:6. To promote intergovernmental and public/private cooperation and coordination; and
:7. To adopt Rules of Procedure for the orderly dispatch of its business.
The EAB has seats for 11 appointed members, each with a different area of expertise. Currently, 10 of those seats are filled, and we are seeking to fill one more. In addition, seven City and County staff serve as ex officio non-voting members to provide additional guidance and input.
Details about the EAB's structure are documented in the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City and County. This agreement established the EAB in 1991 and is periodically renewed and updated.
The EAB meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. in City Hall. All meetings are open to the public.
Category:City-County Governments
Category:North Carolina
Category:Policies
Category:Sustainability Policies
Durham, NC Green Building Practices

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 1/23/07
Source File: http://www.ci.durham.nc.us/departments/planning/eab/pdf/green_building_res.pdf
Text:
Environmental Affairs Board
GREEN BUILDING PRACTICES RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Durham Environmental Affairs Board serves to advise and assist the City and
County governments on matters related to the environment by providing a mechanism for
communication between the municipal governments on environmental issues in Durham; and
WHEREAS, Durham has signified a continued commitment to the environment and
sustainability; and
WHEREAS, Durham seeks to improve its community to be safer, cleaner, and more efficient;
and
WHEREAS, Durham strives toward achieving a greater and more sustainable quality of life for
its citizens; and
WHEREAS, Durham is a pioneer in the region in its commitment to global cooperation among
cities to advance an ecologically, economically, and socially prolific society; and
WHEREAS, Durham has taken positive steps towards some of the strategies listed in GETTING
to GREEN - Policy and practice for green building;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Environmental Affairs Board hereby endorses
to the principles and policies of green building and commends the City and County for their
current efforts and recommends that the City and County identify obstacles to implementing
further green building policies in addition to promoting the current City and County green
building efforts.
Category:Building Standards
Category:City-County Governments
Category:North Carolina
Category:Resolutions