2015 SUSTAINABLE CITY GOVERNMENT PRINCIPLES AND 2030 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Binding City Policy
BCP-ENN-3.03
PURPOSE
WHEREAS, the City first adopted Sustainable City Principles in 1994 (Resolution No. 35338) to demonstrate its responsibility for supporting a stable, diverse, and equitable economy; protecting the quality of the air, water, land and other natural resources; conserving native vegetation, fish, wildlife habitat and other ecosystems; and minimizing human impacts on local and worldwide ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, the City has a long-standing commitment to equity, prosperity, resilience, and health both in its internal practices and in community-wide initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the 1994 Sustainable City Principles provided a foundation for subsequent specific sustainability policies, including but not limited to:
• City of Portland Green Building Policy (Resolution No. 35956)
• Local Action Plan on Global Warming (Resolution No. 35995)
• Sustainable Procurement Strategy (Resolution No. 36061)
• Toxics Reduction Strategy (Resolution No. 36408)
• Sustainable City Government Partnership (Resolution No. 36468)
• 2009 City of Portland and Multnomah County Climate Action Plan (Resolution No. 36748)
• One Hundred Percent Renewable Electricity for City Operations (Resolution No. 36983)
WHEREAS, the City seeks to be a model of sustainable practices, and many bureaus have demonstrated exemplary leadership in pursuing sustainable principles and practices in daily operations; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable City Government Partnership coordinates and supports these efforts across bureaus; and
WHEREAS, previous coordinated resource efficiency investments and practices have resulted in considerable cost and resource savings for the City government, including more than $50 million in energy bill savings since 1991; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainable City Government Principles and previous environmental performance goals have served the City well, but after two decades they require refreshing to keep them relevant and actionable;
POLICY
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City adopts the 2015 Sustainable City Principles and 2030 Environmental Performance Objectives as set forth in Exhibit A; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these Principles and Objectives shall guide bureau directors and City staff in daily management, operations, and employee action; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City bureaus are directed to support the development and activities of bureau “green teams” by providing time and resources for staff to institutionalize sustainable operations practices; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2015 Sustainable City Principles and 2030 Environmental Performance Objectives replace the principles and goals established in Resolutions No. 35338 and 36705.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this Resolution is binding City policy.
Link to Exhibit A (PDF Document, 164 kb)
HISTORY
Resolution No. 37121, adopted by City Council April 22, 2015.