The Green Page
What is Sustainable Development?
In 1987, the United Nation’s World Commission on Environment and Development met to create a vision called “Our Common Future” that was based upon sustainability. From this effort, the definition of sustainable development emerged as:
meeting the needs
of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable development measures success in terms of economic, environmental, and social benefits. Various industries latched on to this concept and created terms such as “sustainable technology” or “green building”.
In general, the adjectives “sustainable” and “green” are used interchangeably to send a message that the purpose of the object or process being described is to reduce human impacts on the natural environment, while improving our quality of life and economic well-being.
Towards a Sustainable, Green Irondequoit
For the Town of Irondequoit, the definition of sustainable development continues to evolve.
The framework for sustainability is Irondequoit’s Comprehensive Environmental and Energy Policy, adopted by the Town Board in 2007 and updated in 2009. The Policy presents the Town’s goals for improving the quality of life in Irondequoit for current and future generations, including:
· Connected and healthy communities
· Modern infrastructure
· Healthy natural habitat and clean waterways
· Energy efficiency
Implementation of our comprehensive policy is guided by the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Council.
The Town’s ongoing update of its Comprehensive Master Plan includes the development of strategies to help guide us towards a more sustainable future. Please get involved!
Irondequoit was also one of the first communities in the nation to sign the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to advance the goals of the Kyoto Protocol through leadership and action.
How Can I Learn More? Do More?
Clicking the icons below will provide leading edge tools and models of sustainable practices for you, your family, and your neighborhood.
MORE RESOURCES
Books on Green Living
from the Irondequoit Public Library
(click here)
Weblinks
(click here)
RGE/NYSEG Earth Day News Release
(Click Here)
RGE/NYSEG Offers and Programs
Free Small Business Energy Assessment
Refrigerator and Lighting Replacement Program
Non-Residential Rebate Program
Recent Town Publications and Ordinances
Bay Slope Vegetation Management Plan
Street Tree Risk Survey Report
Small Wind Energy Systems Ordinance
Home Occupations Ordinance
Other Interesting News
Irondequoit High School Summer Institute 2008
Green projects and recommendations
Click here
NYS Comptroller's Research Brief
on green practices featuring Irondequoit
Click here
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