Do You Know About "Sustainable Sarasota"
Posted June 26, 2009
Frequently there are attributes about an area that, while you may not know much about them, are among the reasons
the area is so attractive to current residents and prospective newcomers alike. "What, you ask, is "Sustainable Sarasota" and
what does it have to do with the quality of life here in Sarasota Florida.
"Sustainable Sarasota" was created about 5 years ago by the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners. The goal of "Sustainable Sarasota" is to facilitate awareness and behavior change to move toward "sustainable" government policies, business practices and personal lifestyles.
"Sustainability is a balance of environment, economics, and social needs to satisfy present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs,” according to Jodi John, Manager of "Sustainable Sarasota." The goal is to find common ground among
clean air, clean water and maintaining a healthy and viable economy.
"Sustainable Sarasota" was the first such county office of its kind in Florida. Jodi John and her two-person staff see themselves as facilitators, guiding all Sarasota County agencies toward incorporating sustainability into all of their goals and projects.
The office serves as a resource center on sustainable practices. It conducts research, develops outreach programs, and makes recommendations to the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners. It also fosters partnerships between government, non-profits and businesses located in the County.
It also sponsors EFest, an annual community festival for sustainable living. More than 100 businesses participate in the annual EFest event that attracts thousands of people. Notably, one-third of the land in Sarasota County is now preserved as green space, thanks in part to the efforts of "Sustainable Sarasota."
Among other accomplishments of "Sustainable Sarasota" is the fast-track incentive program to encourage residential and commercial building developers to use “green” practices by cutting permit reviews and approval times.
Through the leadership of "Sustainable Sarasota," Sarasota County became the first county in the nation to commit to
the American Institute of Architects “2030 Challenge” to make all government facilities and operations carbon-neutral by 2030.
Sustainable Sarasota was also a key player in bringing Florida Power & Light Company’s Sunshine Energy solar electric array to Rothenbach Park in Sarasota. When completed, this 250 kilowatt project will be the largest solar generating facility in Florida. The solar panels will be installed on the side of a closed
landfill, which is also being developed as a park. “People will be able to walk near the new FP&L solar array and see the sun’s rays being converted into pollution-free electricity,” says Jodi John.
"Sustainable Sarasota" is just one more reason why Sarasota and its nearby communities are such desirable places to live and retire.
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