What is Sustainable Raleigh?

Raleigh's Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a broad term that addresses three fundamental principles: economic strength, environmental stewardship, and social equity. We believe a sustainable community is a thriving community; one that provides opportunity for all residents, cares for the environment, and has long term vision for a prosperous future. We partner with our local business community, universities, civic, and non-profit organizations to build relationships, and work collaboratively with all departments within the City of Raleigh in our mission to become a leader in sustainability.

Initiatives
The City of Raleigh has made great strides to move the community forward in its vision for economic, environmental and social prosperity.
A few examples include:

• Created a citizens Environmental Advisory Board
• Adopted a fossil fuel reduction goal
• Enacted a standard for energy efficiency using the US Green Building Council's LEED rating for all city-owned buildings
• Endorsed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to develop a greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy for the city.
  

There are many other sustainability initiatives on-going in the City including LED lighting, greening the City's vehicle fleet, supporting the creation of green jobs, a teleworking program, renewable energy projects, rainwater harvesting, water reuse, tiered water rates, sustainable purchasing policies, employee health and wellness programs, innovative financing strategies, and public-private collaboration, among others.

Definition of Sustainability
We use the following definition of sustainability:
"Sustainable communities encourage people to work together to create healthy communities where natural and historic resources are preserved, jobs are available, sprawl is contained, neighborhoods are secure, education is lifelong, transportation and health care are accessible, and all citizens have opportunities to improve the quality of their lives." - The President's Council on Sustainable Development

Mission Statement
In December of 2009, the City Council reaffirmed its mission statement.

"We are a 21st Century City of Innovation focusing on environmental, cultural and economic sustainability.

We conserve and protect our environmental resources through best practices and cutting edge conservation and stewardship, land use, infrastructure and building technologies.

We welcome growth and diversity through policies and programs that will protect, preserve and enhance Raleigh's existing neighborhoods, natural amenities, rich history, and cultural and human resources for future generations.

We lead to develop an improved neighborhood quality of life and standard of living for all our citizens.

We work with our universities, colleges, citizens and regional partners to promote emerging technologies, create new job opportunities and cultivate local businesses and entrepreneurs.

We recruit and train a 21st Century staff with the knowledge and skill sets to carry out this mission, through transparent civic engagement and providing the very best customer service to our current citizens in the most efficient and cost-effective manner."