Sustainability Events

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Office of Sustainability

Implemented in FY 2010 to further implement  opens in a new windowResolution 160-06 endorsing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, the Office of Sustainability works with all City departments and the community to optimize resource use efficiency and improve economic, environmental and social wellbeing.

Areas of Focus

Click on the below links to find out more information on the Office of Sustainability’s areas of focus. In addition to the topics below, the City of Columbia Strategic Plan provides guidance on important objectives of Columbia City Council. More information on the City of Columbia Strategic Plan.

Climate ActionGreen Globe

On June 17, 2019, Columbia City council passed the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan by Policy Resolution. View Greenhouse gas emission inventories, climate impact research and current efforts for reducing climate pollution in Columbia.

 

EnergyWind turbines and solar panels

The city of Columbia is fortunate to have a municipal-owned electric and water utility that is at the forefront of energy conservation programs and renewable energy procurement and production. Successful programs for demand-side management, renewable energy, and data disclosure help Columbia achieve our goals of reducing carbon emissions.

 

Internal SustainabilityCity Hall sculpture with plants link

The city of Columbia is committed to “walking the talk”. If we are to encourage our customers to be good stewards of our resources we must also be good stewards of our resources. We do this by evaluating our own energy usage and making improvements, building our facilities to LEED standards, and making sure our employees work in a healthy indoor environment.

 

Materials and ResourcesRecycling bin with can entering

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! The City of Columbia operates a solid waste utility that is responsible for trash and recycling collection. We offer curbside recycling to make it easier to divert your waste from the landfill. You can also sign up for composting workshops and volunteer with our Recycling Ambassadors program.

 

Sustainable EconomyChart with trend arrow going up

The third E in the triple-bottom-line of Environment, Equity, and Economy; a sustainable economy is one that flourishes without negatively affecting the quality of life of its citizens. To help promote sustainability in our businesses, the City of Columbia established the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement awards. Given every year on Earth Day, the awards recognize businesses and organizations that walk the talk for Sustainability.

 

 Cyclist and person getting on a busTransportation

How we get from location to location in our community has an effect on the environment. Non-motorized transportation and mass transit help keep traffic to a minimum and give us all cleaner air to breathe. 

 

school and bookEducation and Outreach Program

Our goal is to educate the community on what it means to be sustainable. The change we seek is a better-informed community. The more we are able to educate and inspire, the greener our city will become. We hope to help grow Columbia and the greater Mid-Missouri region into a truly sustainable community, through the efforts of our education and outreach program.  

Field Trips  / Sustainability in the Classroom  / W & L Education 

Field with sun, birds, and butterflies

Sustainable Land Management

The City’s Community Conservation program works to protect and restore Columbia’s native habitats through public education, conservation assistance programs, and by implementing best management practices on our public lands.

The City of Columbia supports local food production with COMO Common Ground / Community Garden Program. Columbia is committed to increasing food security and access to fresh, healthy and local foods throughout the community.

The City of Columbia Stormwater Program helps educate local residents about what stormwater is, how it becomes polluted, and how individuals can help protect our local streams, creeks and recreational waterways. 

 

Outreach and reports to City Council

Sustainability Update
January 2017 Update