{"id":19946,"date":"2013-07-10T11:23:44","date_gmt":"2013-07-10T15:23:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/raleighpublicrecord.org\/?p=19946"},"modified":"2013-07-10T11:23:44","modified_gmt":"2013-07-10T15:23:44","slug":"citys-sustainability-efforts-are-key-to-city-of-innovation-initiative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theraleighcommons.org\/raleighpublicrecord\/city-journal\/2013\/07\/10\/citys-sustainability-efforts-are-key-to-city-of-innovation-initiative\/","title":{"rendered":"City\u2019s Sustainability Efforts Are Key to City of Innovation Initiative"},"content":{"rendered":"

The City of Raleigh wants to save taxpayers money.<\/p>\n

At least, that\u2019s one of the intentions of the city\u2019s Office of Sustainability<\/a>. They’re getting that done by implementing technologies and efficiencies that lower energy use, water consumption, and other services run by the city.<\/p>\n

Paula Thomas is the head of the office, leading a small team that\u2019s putting Raleigh on the map in terms of sustainability practices. While these methods are part of a national trend, Raleigh leads the pack.<\/p>\n

\u201cRaleigh is leading by example,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cIt supports the 21st century initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n

That initiative, with its core focus to make Raleigh a 21st century city of innovation, has really driven the expansion of the city\u2019s sustainability programs. The office, first implemented in 2008, has grown from one to five city employees and boasts an expansive list of accomplishments.<\/p>\n

\"sustainability-3\"<\/a>

Leo Suarez \/ Raleigh Public Record<\/p>

<\/p><\/div>\n

Electric vehicle charging stations, LED light programs, and solar trash compactors are just a few of the more than 40 achievements listed in the office\u2019s latest report.<\/p>\n

These practices resonate with national studies, one being the Carbon Disclosure Project, a report based on questionnaires taken by more than 100 cities worldwide about how they are preparing for climate change.<\/p>\n

The three key findings of the study are:<\/p>\n

1. Climate change action is making cities leaner and richer.
\n2. Emissions reduction activities by cities are pro-business.
\n3. Reducing emissions and adapting to climate change makes for healthier citizens.<\/p>\n

In addition to saving residents money and increasing quality of life, the report goes on to say that of the respondent cities, 62 percent are likely to become more attractive to business because of their emission-reduction activities.<\/p>\n

Within the City of Raleigh, Thomas\u2019s team works with all city departments. The team asks each, “How can all these services be delivered in a sustainable way?\u201d<\/p>\n

After advising and finding opportunities for implementing a sustainable alternative, it\u2019s their job to help each department implement that solution.<\/p>\n

And the savings add up.<\/p>\n

This September, the city will complete the roll-out of 95-gallon carts across the city for bi-weekly recycling pickup. As current recycling trucks approach their end, the city is purchasing new ones with automated side-loading arms that can be operated by one driver. The new process is estimated to save the city $2 million.<\/p>\n

\"Big<\/a>

Leo Suarez \/ Raleigh Public Record<\/p>

Big Belly trash cans save the city thousands of dollars each year.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Big Belly trash station program proved to save thousands of dollars. These solar-powered trash cans are capable of holding more trash than a typical can and alert the city when they need to be emptied, reducing the amount of trips needed to do so.<\/p>\n

According to the city, the cost of trash collection along downtown\u2019s Fayetteville Street was $40,903. With these new trash compactors in place, the new cost was $1,607 \u2014 a $39,296 savings.<\/p>\n

In some cases, the savings come at a high upfront cost. This is a common perception which may deter governments or some private businesses from adopting sustainability. Thomas\u2019s office is ready for that.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a myth that sustainability costs more but if you understand it, it actually costs less,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Donna-maria Harris, another member of the city\u2019s Office of Sustainability, drives an electric vehicle and agrees with the higher upfront cost: she paid $900 for a home charger.<\/p>\n

However, the savings she sees today have been worth it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe savings over the past 18 months has certainly been realized,\u201d Harris said.<\/p>\n

With an approximate increase on her electric bill of $10 per month since purchasing the vehicle, the benefit of passing on gas stations produces an overall savings on her budget.<\/p>\n

For the private sector, the office works with companies, and possibly partners with them, in order to implement a sustainability program.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe private sector gets it,\u201d Thomas said. \u201c[Sustainability] helps their bottom line financials.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many of Raleigh\u2019s sustainable projects are mapped online: Sustainable Raleigh Project Locator<\/a><\/p>\n

Or, take a look at the city’s 2013 Sustainability Report.<\/p>\n

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