Reference Guide - Indian River County

A - Administration
Lead by Example
Credit 1: Local government environmental commitment
ACTIVITY:
a) Write or re-write mission statement to include the local government’s commitment to the
environment. (2 points)
b) Incorporate the mission statement into the local government’s comprehensive plan. (3 points)
APPROACH:
The mission statement should highlight efforts to enhance or preserve sustainability within the
city/county. Mission statements can be further strengthened with an ordinance or resolution, and
including them in a comprehensive plan demonstrates accountability.
SUGGESTED DOCUMENTATION:
Copy of mission statement and/or comprehensive plan language.
BENEFIT:
A mission statement that includes a focus on the environment may unify support and justify
many appropriate environmental actions.
RESOURCES:
City of Portland, OR Sustainable City Principles
http://www.sustainableportland.org/Sustainable%20City%20Principles.pdf
Sarasota County, FL Sustainability Resolution
http://rsc.co.sarasota.fl.us/documents/stewardship_resolution.pdf
Credit 2: Conservation planning.
ACTIVITY:
a) Monitor and track local government energy use. (1 points)
b) Develop a local government energy reduction plan. (1 points)
c) Monitor and track local government water use. (1 points)
d) Develop a local government water reduction plan. (1 points)
e) Monitor and track local government solid waste generation/recycling rates. (1 points)
f) Develop a local government solid/hazardous waste reduction plan. (1 points)
g) Develop an EPP program for the local government. (1 points)
h) Encourage EPP program implementation (1 point per department, max 5 points)
APPROACH:
Monitor and track local government energy use in buildings through bill collection and analysis
as an indicator for performance / future progress. Utilize information to develop and institute a
plan to reduce energy use by at least 10% within 5 years. Undertake a similar study for water
consumption and solid waste generation. Using existing examples and resources develop and
implement an environmentally preferable purchasing program (EPP) for the local government, as
part of, or separate from the solid/hazardous waste reduction plan. This program should
Florida Green Local Government Standard – Copyright Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. 2004, 2005 R1