The Greening of Communities: Lessons from

Sustainability Programs

City of Plano, Texas

Nancy Nevil, DirectorSustainability & Environmental Services

nancyn@plano.gov

Internal Organizational Structure

Sustainability Director

Sustainability Leadership Team

Committees• Education & Community Outreach• Financing & Capital Appropriations• Green Builder• Resource Conservation

Green Builder Committee

GOAL: To create a culture within our organization that advances sustainable building practices into city, commercial and residential development, as well as future remodel and re-development projects.

OBJECTIVES:

Increase the number of LEED Accredited Professionals.

Advance the general acceptance towards sustainable building practices in the development community.

Develop and implement Plano’s Green Builder Program.

Resource Conservation Committee

GOAL: To create a culture within our organization that values resource conservation and incorporates sustainable practices into all city operations and programs.

OBJECTIVES:

Reduced energy consumption in city buildings

Reduce waste

Reduce fuel consumption and air emissions

Conserve water and improve stormwater quality

Environmental Education & Community Outreach Committee

GOAL: To manage an educational program for employees and our community resulting in positive behavioral changes which support Live Green in Plano.

OBJECTIVES: Educate employees

Educate community

Promote educational programs thatsupport Live Green in Plano efforts

Support education needs of other Sustainability committees

Market Research

• Hired Public Relations Firm

• Survey and Focus Groups– Problem with the word “sustainability”– Beyond recycling, difficulty defining sustainable

practices

• Branding

Public Education Campaign

• The Year of Living Green– Expo– Get on the Bus tours– Training

• Campaign Goal & Objectives• Mayor’s Challenge• Printed Materials

– Live Green in Plano Starter Packets– Postcards– Residential Newsletter– Magazine Articles

• Web Site

www.livegreeninplano.com

Live Green in Plano Expo

• Expo Themes for Exhibitors & Presentations– Transportation– Green Building and Remodeling– Yard and Garden– Waste Reduction– Energy– Food and Agriculture– Household Products– Water– Lifestyles and Recreation

Other Expo Activities

• Compost Fair• Native Plant & Compost Sale• Green Living Products for Sale• Green ‘n’ Clean Garage Debut• Bicycle Safety Rodeo• Children’s Activities• The Energy Hog• “Windblown” Wind Sculpture Competition• Entertainment• Give-aways and prize incentives

Community Support

• Media Sponsors• Green Mountain Energy• Other Sponsors

– Sam’s Club– Wal-Mart– Dallas Area Rapid Transit– Elliott’s Hardware– REI– Southfork Hotel

Live Green in Plano Volunteer Program

• Purpose• Grant-funded Coordinator• Training Program • Expo Support

– Green ‘n’ Clean Garage Assembly– Registration Desk– Change a Light Pledge– Manning Booths– Set-up and Breakdown

• Other Programming

Expanding the Program

• 2008 Environmental Calendar

• Public Recycling Containers

• DIY Home Energy Kits

• C&D Recycling Incentive Program

• Live Green Expo 2008: Empowering North Texans