Sarasota County is working to become a sustainable community by emphasizing sustainability as a core value, building partnerships, implementing new programs and developing outreach tools.

In a report to the Sarasota County Commission, Theresa A. Conner, executive director of Environmental Services, outlined this year’s accomplishments and future priorities.

Sarasota County Roadmap to Sustainability Annual Report

Accomplishments include:

• The 2030 Challenge: New county facilities will meet the 2030 Challenge efficiency goals, with four new fire stations with LEED and energy efficiency.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory: An emissions inventory was completed for community and government operations, providing detailed analysis of the primary emitters in each sector and the opportunities for reduction.

• Energy Management: An Energy Management Action Plan has been developed that will ensure energy savings.

• Green Fleet: Fleet Services has implemented a comprehensive green fleet program that has produced significant changes. From right sizing the fleet to employee education on fuel saving measures and use of alternative fuels, operational fuel saving measures have had a significant effect.

• Community Health Improvement Partnerships (CHIP): Community members have been engaged in discussions and action forums on walkability, transportation services and local foods.

• Low-Impact Development: Sarasota County Water Resources is leading a multiagency team to develop Low-Impact Development Regulations to encourage the use of advanced stormwater management techniques.

• SCAT: Over the last year, SCAT has made significant service improvements to improve the image and role of transit in the community and to meet demand for riders who would use transit if services if they are convenient and available. By adding Sunday and late-night service and improving frequency on several key routes, the number of passenger trips increased 10.2 percent and revenue miles increased 22 percent.

• Alternative Energy Partnerships: The Rothenbach Park solar array was activated as the largest solar installation in the state. Other partnerships include the successful Get Empowered Symposium in February and the development of a landfill gas energy contract at the Bee Ridge Landfill.

• Economic Sustainability: With the economic downturn, additional focus has been placed on economic sustainability, with initiatives to encourage buying local, supporting Green Business Partners and state certified Green Lodges, and preparing for the clean energy economy with green jobs promotion and training.

• Municipal partnerships: The county has provided advice and consultation to municipalities around the state and nation on sustainability initiatives and policy options. Locally, partnerships have blossomed with the Sarasota, Venice and North Port, all of which have made commitments to sustainability and looked to the county for leadership, example policies, and partnership.

• Florida Green Building Coalition Green Local Government Certification: The Florida Green Building Coalition has certified Sarasota County under its Green Local Government Designation at the Gold level with a score of 47 percent, the highest score of any local government.

Future Priorities

In the coming year, the emphasis will be on broadening citizen engagement and increasing awareness of the scope of community sustainability.

• Sustainable Governments Partnership: This will improve cooperation on policy development, community outreach measures and sharing best practices.

• Community engagement on energy: The county will assure that citizens and businesses have opportunities to achieve energy independence and to save money on electricity and fuel, as well as reducing fossil fuel use. Key focal points will identify new tools for energy efficiency, deploy renewable energy and reduce vehicle miles traveled.

• Community Climate Action Plan: A plan, based on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, will set a target for emission reductions and a plan to achieve that target.

• Vision for community design: Since many sustainability choices available to citizens are affected by the design of our communities, the community will be engaged in conversations about a vision for community design and their expectations for quality of life. A grant application is being developed that could help identify that vision.

• Sustainability indicators: While the county is well known for its sustainability initiatives, ways are needed to measure results and track performance. An effort to identify and measure sustainability indicators will make programs more outcome-oriented.

• Energy Management Action Plan: Energy efficiency throughout the organization will be achieved through an energy management plan. Each county business unit will be responsible for its own energy performance.

• Sustainability as a county priority: New state and federal energy policies, along with emerging technologies, offer tremendous opportunities. Sarasota County will continue to be a leader for demonstration projects, green economic development opportunities and innovative programs to achieve sustainability goals.