APWA - South Florida Chapter

The Green Movement

By o. Tom Ruiz, Public works Director

City of Miami Gardens, Fl

Contact Information:

APWA-S. Florida Branch
Mailing Address:
16241 S.W. 288 Street
Homestead, FL 33033

Phone: 305.460.5039
Fax: 305.460.5082
Email: dcbrown@coralgables.com

I never thought there would come a time when we needed to choose between our environment and the economy. Protecting our environment should be a foremost priority. The environment needs to be sustained and protected for our health and to protect our precious natural resources. However, we cannot jeopardize our air, water, and natural land for economic growth. Many world citizens have identified global climate change as being caused by greenhouse gasses. This has encouraged governmental entities to look towards the Green Movement to be the leader in the conservation of natural resources and energy. The Green Movement supports many efforts that effect the environment, health in the community, and the economy. There must be a commitment from government leaders in order to “Go Green”, which is one of the most important issues being faced this century.

Some scientists believe that climate change occurs naturally, while others say it is caused by Earth’s inhabitants. According to some reports, human activities are increasing the concentration of the greenhouse gases (mainly CO2), which warm the Earth’s surface. This has caused government leaders be concerned, and subsequently on February 14, 2002, President Bush announced his Global Climate Change policy which commits to reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of the U.S. economy by 18 percent by 2012. This approach focuses on reducing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions, while sustaining the economic growth needed to finance investment in new, clean energy technologies.

The Global Climate Change policy and the Green Movement have reached the Florida League of Cities. On August 18, 2007 at the League’s 81st Annual Conference, a resolution was passed and adopted urging Congress to establish the energy and environment block grant program to assist cities in funding innovative energy saving strategies. A copy of this resolution was sent to the Florida Congressional Delegation, the National League of Cities, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. On December 19, 2007, the New Energy Law was signed into law to address energy efficiency in large populated cities and counties. This law will assist local governments in using cost-effective technologies in government buildings. Part of the original law provided assistance to developers of alternative energy sources, but was stripped away from the bill due to threats of a presidential veto.

At the 2007 Climate Protection Summit convened by the United States Conference of Mayors, many spoke of the difficulties of convincing voters that investing in green practices is beneficial to the city and themselves. Mayors from Anchorage to Miami discussed policies that would create a supportive mindset for enacting green practices in cities across America. They also talked about how to interpret green building codes and methods to compel developers to “Go Green”. Many mayors were concerned about some of the developers being unwilling to “Go Green”. Should government apply more pressure to these developers? Should the cities provide incentives through lower permit costs, expediting the permit process, or awarding incentive grants to the developers who opt to “Go Green”?

Development and redevelopment will force many cities to enact green policies requiring the developers to “Go Green”. In January, 2007 Washington, D.C., became the first major city to require private developers to build "green" buildings. Green construction will have elements such as turf roofs, natural lighting, low-flow water fixtures, even no-flush urinals that use no water. The new stadium for the Washington Nationals baseball team is expected to be the first LEED certified stadium in the nation. The Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.

The bottom line is that leaders must lead by example. When a new government facility is constructed, it should be a LEED certified building design. This includes using 100% energy efficient techniques, such as the use of environmentally safe building materials, energy efficient lighting technologies and air conditioning systems, water efficient plumbing fixtures, and xeriscaping (water-efficient landscaping that's appropriate to the natural environment). New energy efficiency requirements will also encourage the sale of many next-generation products, boosting economic growth.

Recently St. Petersburg and Tallahassee received the Green City Local Government Standard Award by the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. The Florida Green Local Government Standard is in effect and other states have adopted similar policies. The Standard has a list of criteria and each is assigned a point value. A minimum total point value is set and local governments who integrate sufficient criteria such that they meet or exceed the minimums are certified as a Green Local Government. It is envisioned that successful local governments will create and enforce landscape codes that help preserve natural ecosystems, conserve water, create pedestrian-friendly environments, and follow green policies throughout their own organization.

Other ways to “Go Green” are to recycle trash, reduce solid waste, incorporate hybrid cars into city fleets, install solar panels, plant trees, recycle asphalt and use permeable pavement in parking lots, retrofit using compact fluorescent bulbs, low flow showerheads and solar water heaters, install energy efficient appliances, and finally, procure green products.

Local governments must stand together with the rest of the world to safeguard our planet and embrace the Green Movement. We must educate our citizens and the developers to “Go Green”. There are many benefits derived from conservation of natural resources and energy, such as a sustainable environment, health in the community, and economic benefits that make sense to “Go Green”. Everyone must become increasingly aware of the need to take action in their city.

Redeveloping Green

"Local Governments in Southeast Florida are being challenged to become leaders in the conservation of energy and natural resources as well as in sustainable development. When it comes to recevelopment, professionals are now working with governments and developers to identify and use building materials, landscaping, appliances, lighting, plumbing, and approaches to site selection, heating, and cooling to go green” (2007)

North Miami's Biscayne Landing
Munisport Landfill Superfund Site
152nd Street NE and Biscayne Boulevard,
North Miami, Florida

In North Miami, Florida, the reuse of the 291-acre Munisport Landfill Superfund site is allowed for the creation of new community resources. The City of North Miami and Miami-Dade County, worked with a private development company Swerdlow Boca Development Group (SBDG), have developed an effective partnership that transformed 193 acres of this former landfill into a
much-needed, mixed-use development. The development will generates local tax revenues and jobs and provide local residents and visitors with new services.

Leed Rating System
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. Learn more at the U.S. Green Building Council website.

Building Impact
Benefits of Green Building

Environmental benefits:
● Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
● Improve air and water quality
● Reduce solid waste
● Conserve natural resources

Economic benefits:
● Reduce operating costs
● Enhance asset value and profits
● Improve employee productivity and satisfaction
● Optimize life-cycle economic performance

Health and community benefits:
● Improve air, thermal, and acoustic environments
● Enhance occupant comfort and health
● Minimize strain on local infrastructure
● Contribute to overall quality of life

US Council Green Building Council Headquarters in Washington D.C goes GREEN
Learn more at Building Impact from the U.S Green Building Council

Green Schools and Homes
Green schools use less energy, water, and natural resources; create less waste; and are healthier and more comfortable for the students and faculty. Green schools deliver lower energy and water bills; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure for students to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins, along with lowering incidence of flu, colds and asthma.

		The Green Movement By o. Tom Ruiz, Public works Director City of Miami Gardens, Fl	Contact Information: APWA-S. Florida Branch Mailing Address: 16241 S.W. 288 Street Homestead, FL 33033 Phone: 305.460.5039 Fax: 305.460.5082 Email: dcbrown@coralgables.com
		I never thought there would come a time when we needed to choose between our environment and the economy. Protecting our environment should be a foremost priority. The environment needs to be sustained and protected for our health and to protect our precious natural resources. However, we cannot jeopardize our air, water, and natural land for economic growth. Many world citizens have identified global climate change as being caused by greenhouse gasses. This has encouraged governmental entities to look towards the Green Movement to be the leader in the conservation of natural resources and energy. The Green Movement supports many efforts that effect the environment, health in the community, and the economy. There must be a commitment from government leaders in order to “Go Green”, which is one of the most important issues being faced this century. Some scientists believe that climate change occurs naturally, while others say it is caused by Earth’s inhabitants. According to some reports, human activities are increasing the concentration of the greenhouse gases (mainly CO2), which warm the Earth’s surface. This has caused government leaders be concerned, and subsequently on February 14, 2002, President Bush announced his Global Climate Change policy which commits to reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of the U.S. economy by 18 percent by 2012. This approach focuses on reducing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions, while sustaining the economic growth needed to finance investment in new, clean energy technologies. The Global Climate Change policy and the Green Movement have reached the Florida League of Cities. On August 18, 2007 at the League’s 81st Annual Conference, a resolution was passed and adopted urging Congress to establish the energy and environment block grant program to assist cities in funding innovative energy saving strategies. A copy of this resolution was sent to the Florida Congressional Delegation, the National League of Cities, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. On December 19, 2007, the New Energy Law was signed into law to address energy efficiency in large populated cities and counties. This law will assist local governments in using cost-effective technologies in government buildings. Part of the original law provided assistance to developers of alternative energy sources, but was stripped away from the bill due to threats of a presidential veto. At the 2007 Climate Protection Summit convened by the United States Conference of Mayors, many spoke of the difficulties of convincing voters that investing in green practices is beneficial to the city and themselves. Mayors from Anchorage to Miami discussed policies that would create a supportive mindset for enacting green practices in cities across America. They also talked about how to interpret green building codes and methods to compel developers to “Go Green”. Many mayors were concerned about some of the developers being unwilling to “Go Green”. Should government apply more pressure to these developers? Should the cities provide incentives through lower permit costs, expediting the permit process, or awarding incentive grants to the developers who opt to “Go Green”? Development and redevelopment will force many cities to enact green policies requiring the developers to “Go Green”. In January, 2007 Washington, D.C., became the first major city to require private developers to build "green" buildings. Green construction will have elements such as turf roofs, natural lighting, low-flow water fixtures, even no-flush urinals that use no water. The new stadium for the Washington Nationals baseball team is expected to be the first LEED certified stadium in the nation. The Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. The bottom line is that leaders must lead by example. When a new government facility is constructed, it should be a LEED certified building design. This includes using 100% energy efficient techniques, such as the use of environmentally safe building materials, energy efficient lighting technologies and air conditioning systems, water efficient plumbing fixtures, and xeriscaping (water-efficient landscaping that's appropriate to the natural environment). New energy efficiency requirements will also encourage the sale of many next-generation products, boosting economic growth. Recently St. Petersburg and Tallahassee received the Green City Local Government Standard Award by the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. The Florida Green Local Government Standard is in effect and other states have adopted similar policies. The Standard has a list of criteria and each is assigned a point value. A minimum total point value is set and local governments who integrate sufficient criteria such that they meet or exceed the minimums are certified as a Green Local Government. It is envisioned that successful local governments will create and enforce landscape codes that help preserve natural ecosystems, conserve water, create pedestrian-friendly environments, and follow green policies throughout their own organization. Other ways to “Go Green” are to recycle trash, reduce solid waste, incorporate hybrid cars into city fleets, install solar panels, plant trees, recycle asphalt and use permeable pavement in parking lots, retrofit using compact fluorescent bulbs, low flow showerheads and solar water heaters, install energy efficient appliances, and finally, procure green products. Local governments must stand together with the rest of the world to safeguard our planet and embrace the Green Movement. We must educate our citizens and the developers to “Go Green”. There are many benefits derived from conservation of natural resources and energy, such as a sustainable environment, health in the community, and economic benefits that make sense to “Go Green”. Everyone must become increasingly aware of the need to take action in their city.
		Redeveloping Green "Local Governments in Southeast Florida are being challenged to become leaders in the conservation of energy and natural resources as well as in sustainable development. When it comes to recevelopment, professionals are now working with governments and developers to identify and use building materials, landscaping, appliances, lighting, plumbing, and approaches to site selection, heating, and cooling to go green” (2007)
		North Miami's Biscayne Landing Munisport Landfill Superfund Site 152nd Street NE and Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami, Florida In North Miami, Florida, the reuse of the 291-acre Munisport Landfill Superfund site is allowed for the creation of new community resources. The City of North Miami and Miami-Dade County, worked with a private development company Swerdlow Boca Development Group (SBDG), have developed an effective partnership that transformed 193 acres of this former landfill into a much-needed, mixed-use development. The development will generates local tax revenues and jobs and provide local residents and visitors with new services.
		Leed Rating System The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. Learn more at the U.S. Green Building Council website.
		Building Impact Benefits of Green Building Environmental benefits: ● Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity ● Improve air and water quality ● Reduce solid waste ● Conserve natural resources Economic benefits: ● Reduce operating costs ● Enhance asset value and profits ● Improve employee productivity and satisfaction ● Optimize life-cycle economic performance Health and community benefits: ● Improve air, thermal, and acoustic environments ● Enhance occupant comfort and health ● Minimize strain on local infrastructure ● Contribute to overall quality of life

		US Council Green Building Council Headquarters in Washington D.C goes GREEN Learn more at Building Impact from the U.S Green Building Council
		Green Schools and Homes Green schools use less energy, water, and natural resources; create less waste; and are healthier and more comfortable for the students and faculty. Green schools deliver lower energy and water bills; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure for students to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins, along with lowering incidence of flu, colds and asthma.