New Search
• <br /> • <br /> Development Authority/Real Estate Office <br /> • <br /> Permitting new development presents several opportunities for increasing the <br /> sustainability of a community. Design new buildings and facilities to be energy efficient, <br /> . use recycled building materials and plant native landscaping. Allocate sufficient units of <br /> affordable housing and space for gardens or parks. Not only will these measures help <br /> protect the environment and improve quality of life, but they will also produce cost <br /> savings. Educate contractors and developers about the benefits of sustainable <br /> development, and offer guidance on what community resources need protection. <br /> • <br /> Educational Resources <br /> Moving Sustainable Development from Theory to Practice <br /> This is an excellent outline of the key features of sustainable development that should be <br /> considered in new development, with web references for more in -depth information on <br /> each topic. Use this outline to put together educational presentation for municipal staff - <br /> Exampl of sustainability policies and programs that development authorities or <br /> real estate offices could implement include: <br /> • : Oakland, CA Green Building Guide <br /> The City of Oaldand's Green Building Guidelines reflect sustainable development <br /> principles, which . serve to guide economic development and encourage affordable <br /> in -fill housing, mixed use development, and sustainable building practices. <br /> Note: To access the webpage, click on the "Planning" button, and scroll down to <br /> the link, "Oakland Sustainable Development Initiative." • <br /> • St. Paul, MN Sustainability Decision Making Guide <br /> The City's Office of Real Estate has developed a Sustainability Decision Making <br /> Guide. This is a checklist for increasing sustainability throughout the design, <br /> building, operation and maintenance of a new development. <br /> • . See Housing section for more examples <br /> Economic Development Department <br /> An economic development department plays an important role in shaping the economy <br /> within its community. Take advantage of that role and encourage businesses to engage in <br /> responsible environmental practices, as well as hire or train local workers. For example, <br /> award and assist businesses that engage in socially and environmentally responsible <br /> business practices, or sponsor neighborhood business marketing events. <br /> Industrial ecology parks are excellent examples of non - polluting manufacturing which is <br />