Simply put, sustainability refers to our ability to sustain ourselves, our community, and the natural resources on which we depend (like clean air and water) for our day-to-day survival. Sustainability recognizes the need for us to move away from using resources in an inefficient and wasteful way and moving toward a smarter way of doing business. It also recognizes the important links between economic prosperity, social well-being, and environmental health.
Miami-Dade County has been working steadily to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts. This year we're joining Americans nationwide in two green competitions that promote energy efficiency and conservation of our country's energy resources -- Drive $marter and Change the World! Your involvement will help demonstrate that Miami-Dade County residents have the power - individually and working together - to combat higher gasoline prices, decrease air pollution, and improve our national energy security - all while reducing the amount of money you spend!
Join us September 18-20 at Miami-Dade College North Campus for AfriCANDO 2008 -- a forum to discuss and showcase appropriate technologies and inventions in the sectors of agriculture, energy, health, education, transportation, communication, water and irrigation as well as thrift and banking, that can be made available to improve living conditions in rural communities in Africa.
Miami-Dade received grant to promote water conservation
The South Florida Water Management District has granted WASD $167,875 to promote seven county-sponsored water conservation projects during the 2008-2009 fiscal year.
Our airport is keeping sustainability in the forefront! With the use of an Environment Management System, MIA is saving our resources in various ways. Their new relamping program to save energy, low volume toilets to conserve water and a battery recycling program are just a few. Find out more by watching the video below.
In anticipation of new statewide standards regarding ethanol usage, the County is beginning to procure E10, a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, for its light fleet. The County will only purchase regular unleaded gasoline when E10 is not available.
The Public Works Department will be procuring solar powered flashing signals at pedestrian crosswalks. The new signals utilize high efficiency Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology and are controlled through a radio transmitter, thereby eliminating the need to install costly cables underground.
The County recently renewed its Energy Service Company (ESCO) contracts as part of GSA’s Energy Conservation Performance Program. In the ten years since it commenced in June 1998, the County has initiated approximately $50 million in energy conservation improvements in County facilities. These improvements have already or will, upon completion, result in a reduction in consumption of approximately 73 million kilowatt hours of electricity and 71 million gallons of water.
The Park and Open Space System Master Plan envisions that great parks, public spaces, natural and cultural areas, streets, greenways, blueways, and trails can form the framework for a more sustainable community. Such a plan for the public realm cannot be considered as an isolated system, but one that is integrated into the overall fabric of the community and one that will create the kind of place where residents want to live, employers want to do business, and tourists want to visit.
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Sustainabilty Snapshot
Click on the map to see Miami-Dade County's green upgrades.
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