HomeMy WebLinkAbout031709 SustainabilityAmerican Institute of Architects
(AIA)
Sustainability Team Visit
Clay Bernick, Department of Planning
City Council Briefing
March 17, 2009
City of Virginia Beach
Sustainability Program
HISTORY
Council resolved on Sept. 23, 2008 to develop a
Sustainable Virginia Beach Initiative to:
Meet or exceed applicable federal or state regulatory
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requirements and provide for periodic compliance reviews
of City operations and facilities
Create a Sustainability Plan for the City
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Create a periodic report entitled “The State of Virginia
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Beach’s Environment”
SUSTAINABILITY
“development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs”
–United Nations World Commission on Environment and
Development, 1987
We are learning that this concept actually tends to enhancethe abilities of the
present generation to meet their needs, not limit them, as it promotes:
Efficiency
Robust and Resilient Systems
Optimized Life Cycle Costs
Self-Reliance
Creativity
Two Interrelated but distinct Critical Opportunities for
Virginia Beach:
NEW SUSTAINABILITY EXPANDED ECONOMIC
INITIATIVEDEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
Virginia Beach as a hub for
Virginia Beach as a Model
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Community, as a recognized
Renewable Energy and other
leader in Sustainable Living
Green Industries
Integration with other City
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initiatives and plans:
Virginia Beach could become
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Clean Waters Task Force
the U.S.’s “Emerald City,” the
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Green Ribbon Committee
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way “Silicon Valley” has been
Joint Energy Committee
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to the information industry
Blue Ribbon Committee
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Sustainability Advisory Team
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Comprehensive Plan
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City Strategic Plan
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Strategic Growth Area Plans
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Public Works Operations Asset
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Management Initiative
Industry Hub
Model City
Transportation
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Wind Farm
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Land Use and Development
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Wind Power Supply
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Local Agriculture and Seafood
Chain/Services
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Optimized Cost and Maintenance
Wind Power Education and
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?
of Existing Infrastructure
Training
Life Cycle Planning for Future
Solar Power
?
?
Infrastructure
Wave and Tidal Energy
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Energy Efficiency
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Biomass Energy
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Renewable Energy Use
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Agriculture
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Robust and Resilient
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Green Building and Design
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High Degree of Self-reliance
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Light Rail, Electric Buses
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Near-zero Waste
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Manufacturers
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Health and Culture
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Consulting
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Specific Relationship to the Water
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Publishing
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Education
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Education and Training
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Tourism
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Industry Conferences
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Finance and Venture Capital
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Virginia Beach selected as 1 of 10 cities across the U.S. to take part in the 2009
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Sustainable Design Assessment Team Program; others are Beatrice, NE;
Chattanooga; Cleveland; Eagle River Valley, CO; Hilo; Indianapolis; Los
Angeles; Orange, MA; Port Angeles, WA
Community assistance program that focuses on the principles of sustainability
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Brings a team of volunteer professionals (such as architects, urban designers,
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planners, scientists, economists, attorneys, and others) to work with community
decision-makers and stakeholders
After a series of visits, the team prepares a report highlighting the strengths and
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weaknesses of the community with regard to sustainability, along with the
opportunities and obstacles to change (May –October 2009)
Info is intended as input for City Sustainability Plan effort
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The team is available for post-report consultations and a follow-up visit one year
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later
What’s Next?
Sustainability Advisory Team will continue
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work effort to meet City Council directives
Support and Participation in the “Coming Out
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Party”
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Welcoming Dinner and Reception on May 13,
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first evening of the first visit of the AIA team
City leadership, state representatives, local
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business and civic community, military, schools,
etc.
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA –
A Community for a Lifetime
… and A Community for Lifetimes to Come!