Sustainability is Important to America's Biggest Cities

The majority of Americans live in cities. According to the 2000 Census, 79 percent live in urban areas. Cities are where construction takes place, and where traffic congestion takes place. It is in cities where most greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions occur.

Over 75 of the 40 biggest cities in the U.S. say they either have plans to reduce their greenhouse gas GHG emissions or are developing them, according to a new report by Living Cities. Eighty percent of the cities surveyed listed sustainability as one of their top five priorities. Only one in six cities said sustainability is not a top priority.

Four in ten cities believe their efforts to encourage and mandate green building is among the most advanced. Two-thirds of cities mandate LEED silver standards for new city-owned or city- funded construction. One in four cities has green building mandates that go beyond city buildings and apply to private construction.

One-fourth of cities reported success in recycling, water conservation, and greening their vehicle fleets. Three out of ten reported advancements in energy conservation.

One in three cities surveyed have begun to develop green jobs training programs with local colleges. One in six already has such a program in place. Nearly all cities surveyed would like to attract green-collar jobs and industries.

Between one-fourth and one-half of cities surveyed said they are investing in building new light rail, adding streetcar or subway lines, expanding local bus systems, encouraging walking and cycling, and subsidizing public transportation for city employees.

There’s still room for improvement

In each of the survey’s three main areas (green building, green jobs, and green transportation), the report lists recommendations. One of the main ways cities can support green building, including retrofitting, is to “gain access to systems with sufficient capacity to fund” projects.

There’s still room for improvement

In each of the survey’s three main areas (green building, green jobs, and transportation), the report lists recommendations. One of the main ways cities can support green building, including retrofitting, is to “gain access to systems with sufficient capacity to fund” projects.

Green job training programs need to provide “not only job placement services but also continued career advancement.”

Cities need to encourage density to reduce commuting and encourage residents to use public transportation. Denser development leads people to drive 20 to 40 percent less, according to recent research. 

Portland Oregon: the most sustainable city

Last year, SustainLane ranked the top 25 sustainable U.S. cities. The number one spot went to Portland, Oregon. The city has strict land-use policies, and an urban growth boundary. The goal of Portland is to be a “20 Minute City,” where residents spend 20 minutes or less commuting from home to work.

Last September, Portland Mayor Tom Potter said, “Portland's support of local farmers and farmers' markets; its explosion of green buildings and commitment to renewable energy, and its emphasis on mass transportation, including light rail and bicycles, shows that a city can not only be kind to the earth, but also flourish economically and grow by being green.”