office of sustainability

City of Atlanta Municipal Carbon Footprint

The City of Atlanta announced the total greenhouse gas emissions for Atlanta City Government. The Carbon Footprint establishes a baseline for Atlanta Government, which aims to reduce emission 7% by 2012.

Sustainable Atlanta

As an agent for developing the blueprint for ensuring Atlanta's world-class environmental sustainability, Sustainable Atlanta connects business, organizations, institutions and residents to develop solutions and implement action plans to address the challenges and opportunities inherent in the relationship between environment, equity and the economy.

From the development of strategies to help achieve sustainable building and abundant water to zero waste, Sustainable Atlanta focuses on increasing commitment, capacity and velocity to advance Atlanta's sustainability.

2008-2009 Sustainability Report for Atlanta

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) is a membership association of local governments committed to advancing climate protection and sustainable development. Atlanta is one of more than 1,057 cities, towns and counties worldwide that are members of ICLEI and that have made a commitment to sustainable development. The City of Atlanta is proud to host ICLEI’s southeastern field office. ICLEI representatives ensure Atlanta maximizes the resources in developing performance-based, results-oriented campaigns and programs.

To learn more about the ICLEI’s 5 milestone process that Atlanta is following to reduce its carbon emissions, click here.

City of Atlanta Green Stimulus Information

Now is the time for local governments to act and secure stimulus funding for their climate and sustainability initiatives. With funding from the recently-passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Atlanta’s sustainability efforts will focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives which will create jobs and save money while protecting our environment.

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR:

In 2005 in Washington, DC, 141 mayors identified environmental sustainability as a critical factor for American cities; we signed the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection agreement charging ourselves with creating and implementing sustainability plans based on best global practices.

Now we add to our agenda for the future…the global movement to save the planet. We are building a green sustainable city. A city that uses the energy and resources it needs ever mindful of the limits of nature and our obligation to leave the earth in better condition than we inherited it. We do this for our children, and we do this because it is the right thing to do. Atlanta should be a leader in the environmental arena.

State of the City 2008 Speech

Mayor Shirley Franklin’s 2008 State of the City Address laid out the Mayor’s vision on sustainability. To read the speech in full, click here.

Mayor's Charge

In 2006, Mayor Franklin identified environmental sustainability as a critical factor in making Atlanta a “best in class” city. In early 2007, she charged her administration to create and foster a community dedicated to sustainability through best in class leadership and to implement solutions and practices as they are identified. To answer that charge, a team of city officials and expert consultants has assessed Atlanta’s current sustainable practices and made recommendations for a course of action in 2008 for new high impact programs and policies.

Funded by a private foundation, Office of Sustainability is aimed at making our city more sustainable by improving our “green” programs and policies such as water and energy conservation, reducing our solid waste, reducing emissions, and improving the rates of recycling.

About the Office of Sustainability

Sustainbility Initiatives

Features

Community Partnerships & Resources

Questions, Suggestions and Requests for Information