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The Partnership for a Green City

Statement of Environmental Principles

Statement of Environmental Principles poster (PDF file)

Student Statement of Environmental Principles (PDF file)

PREAMBLE: As stewards of Louisville Metro and of all its resources, we understand the interdependence of humans with the environment. We must apply thoughtful and creative planning to achieve a thriving economy built on the principles of sustainability. We must foster conservation, pollution prevention and restoration of ecosystems with both public policy and personal behavior. We must promote a common agenda for Louisville as a green city, preserve and enhance the quality of life for our citizens and future generations, and widen recognition of the importance of good stewardship of the community’s natural resources.

careful preservation and protection of human and natural resources to ensure their highest economic or social benefits
anything that comes from the earth and made valuable by man
to give support or relief to, to carry, withstand, to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future to meet their needs
comprehensive and fundamental law, a rule or code of conduct
acting in the name of something with proper regard for the rights of others

Leadership Commitment and Measures

We will implement these Principles by demonstrating community leadership, collaborative planning and by adopting best environmental practices. We will establish goals, objectives, and indicators; conduct an annual self-evaluation of our progress; and jointly issue a public report.

comprehensive and fundamental law, a rule or code of conduct
to work jointly with others, to cooperate for the greater good

Sustainable Use and Protection of Natural Resources

We value and conserve natural resources and will seek to preserve and make sustainable use of our air, water, soils and forests. We will protect and conserve non-renewable natural resources through efficient use, careful planning and collaborative land management programs. We will reduce use of substances that may cause environmental damage to the air, water, earth or its inhabitants. We will safeguard all habitats affected by our facilities and operations, especially the public lands we manage, while promoting biological diversity. We will conserve open spaces through comprehensive planning.

a physical area, available for multiple uses
the variety of life on earth including all species
any natural resource that the earth will be unable to reproduce within one persons lifetime
to give support or relief to, to carry, withstand, to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future to meet their needs
anything that comes from the earth and made valuable by man

Land and Water Management

We will promote natural areas for biological diversity, protect areas along streams and water bodies, and plant with native species. We will enhance, enlarge and protect our urban forests. We will practice responsible water use.

the sum total of trees in areas characterized by lots of people, built environments, and little space such as cities, suburbs, metropolitan areas
plants or animals belonging to a particular area, occurring naturally in a particular environment
the variety of life on earth including all species

Reduction and Disposal of Wastes

We will combine resources to reduce or eliminate wastes through source reduction, reuse and recycling for our own facilities and operations and for the Metro area in general. We will handle and dispose all waste using safe and responsible methods.

reducing the amount of natural resources needed to produce (provide) goods and services

Energy Use

We will conserve energy and improve the energy efficiency of our buildings, vehicles, and equipment and the goods and services we use. We will use environmentally safe and sustainable energy sources, while achieving savings. We will increase our use of energy from renewable sources.

sources for power or energy that do not impact the supply of natural resources i.e., trees, soy powered fuel, solar energy
production without waste, the ratio of useful energy delivered o a dynamic system to the energy supplied to it

Transportation

We will build and redevelop our community to minimize transportation demands, while providing pedestrian and bicycle-friendly pathways and an effective public transit system. We will work to reduce vehicle miles traveled in the community while implementing the vision of our organizations using energy-efficient vehicles.

vehicles (cars, buses, trucks, boats, airplanes) which use the least amount of energy while being environmentally friendly (produce the least amount of negative effects, i.e. Pollution
sidewalks, paths, trails, roadways that are safe for walkers and people riding bikes
to call for, or having urgent need for moving goods and people

Purchasing Products and Services

We will pool our knowledge and resources to jointly purchase green products and services. We will work with our suppliers to adopt sustainable approaches and solutions. We will partner to create a stronger market for environmentally friendly and regionally produced products and services.

goods that are produced and transported within a specified area
to give support or relief to, to carry, withstand, to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future to meet their needs
goods that are produced to provide the most efficient use of natural resources while aiming to produce the least amount of negative effects on the environment

Design and Management of the Built Environment

We will design, build, restore and manage our facilities and neighborhoods in ways that promote and protect health and safety. We will use school campuses, Partner buildings and lands as settings for learning.

a special place for acquiring knowledge or skills by way of instruction or study
our physical, cultural, and social conditions that influence the life of an individual or community

Public Health

We will monitor our policies and practices to assess and reduce public health risk. When potential risks are identified, we will identify and implement solutions.

Environmental Education

Through environmental education we are committed to developing and supporting environmentally literate citizens. We will involve colleagues, students and citizens in demonstrating the ability to implement these principles.