New Search
• <br /> • <br /> governmental and non - governmental organizations that were selected as models <br /> for encouraging sustainable development and practices. <br /> • <br /> • Minnesota Codes and Ordinances by the Local Government Commission <br /> A guide for local municipalities consisting of model ordinances that aid in <br /> planning and implementation of a sustainable community. <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 <br /> should be considered in new development, with web references for more in -depth <br /> information on each topic. Use this outline to put together educational <br /> presentation for municipal staff. • <br /> Department of Public Works • <br /> Departments of Public Works typically operate and manage water supply and treatment <br /> systems, storm water and wastewater systems, and handle hazardous waste. These <br /> responsibilities enable it to significantly contribute to creating a more sustainable <br /> community. An important first step is to audit and review operations for their efficiency <br /> • in the areas of water,. energy, and use of non- renewable materials. <br /> Water conservation can be achieved through the implementation of rebates and <br /> • replacement programs for inefficient water devices (e.g. for toilets, irrigation systems); as <br /> well as instituting wastewater reclamation, and leak detection and repair programs. <br /> Experiment with practices that have less of an impact on the natural environment: e.g. use <br /> constructed wetlands for water treatment, plant vegetation to reduce the heat island effect <br /> and control runoff control through natural barriers. Install efficient energy devices (e.g. <br /> LEDs or compact fluorescents), use renewable sources of energy (hydro, wind, solar), <br /> and .procure "sustainable" goods. <br /> Examples of policies and programs that promote sustainable management of public <br /> resources include: <br /> • Pembina Institute, Canada Building Eco- Efficient Communities. <br /> Website hosts detailed case studies of how local governments can increase the <br /> efficiency of their use of water and energy, in building, transportation, solid waste <br /> management and other activities. <br /> • <br /> Capital Improvement Projects <br /> Long -term economic, environmental and social impacts should be taken into account <br /> when evaluating the costs and benefits of proposed capital purchases. Examples of <br /> sustainable actions include: repair instead of rebuild, renovate and redevelop properties <br /> instead of converting new land, and purchase environmentally -sound (durable, less <br /> polluting or wasteful) products. <br /> • <br />