Sarasota County: History of Environmental Stewardship
Sarasota County is a state and national leader in sustainability, one of only about a dozen municipalities in the U.S. to address sustainability. Historic highlights include:
• 1991: First mandatory recycling program in Florida
• 1994: Florida House Learning Center, first model green home of its kind
• 1999: Environmentally-Sensitive Lands Acquisition and Preservation began
• 2002: Sustainability Resolution initiates Sustainable Sarasota program
• 2003: Sarasota County selected as a Model Green Community.
Below is a detailed history of Sarasota County's efforts for sustainability.
May 2004
Sarasota County Ecological Footprint Announced
Sarasota County learned that it requires over seven million global acres to provide the resources used and absorb the pollution produced in our community--that's eleven times more land than we have in the county. Ecologically speaking, Sarasota County residents live more sustainably than average U.S. citizens, however, we have a long way to go to reach true sustainability!
Biomimicry Workshop
Sustainable Sarasota hosted Mary Hansel of Carollo Engineers of Berkeley, CA in a workshop on biomimicry, the process of patterning technological design after biological models from nature.
April 2004
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Education and Demonstration Project
Sarasota County partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy, Florida Power and Light, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Plugg Power to provide a Hydrogen Energy curriculum to North Port High School accompanied by a five kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell which will provide power to the high school and serve as a hands-on learning site for students.
Seafood Watch Southeast Seafood Guide
In partnership with Monterey Bay Aquarium and Mote Marine, Sarasota County released a list of the most sustainable seafood choices which have been harvested or farmed in ways that protect our marine environment and natural resources.
An Entrepreneur's Workshop for Small Business Development in Nature Tourism
In partnership with VISIT FLORIDA and the Sarasota Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Sarasota County hosted a workshop to educate aspiring entrepreneurs and tourism operators on safe, responsible and profitable opportunities for nature tourism in Southwest Florida.
Florida House Learning Center 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
Sarasota County's world-renowned demonstration sustainable living home celebrated 10 years of conservation education and leadership.
March 2004
39th International Livable Cities Conference
The City of Sarasota hosted the 39th International Livable Cities Conference, emphasizing healthy communities, the environment / community interconnection and sustainable transportation.
Sarasota County Urban Ecosystem Analysis
Sarasota County learned that its urban forests are valued at $8 million annually for their contribution to property values, pollution absorption and helping keep the city cool. Despite conservation efforts, vegetation in urban sectors of the county has decreased markedly since 1975. The county plans to address these issues by increasing urban forestry efforts and offering incentives for tree-planting.
Sarasota County Administrator Jim Ley Announces Commitment to Sustainability
Jim Ley released a countywide message identifying sustainability as the primary focus of Sarasota County Government for 2004 and beyond.
January 2004
U.S. Dept. of Energy Rebuild America Energy Smart Schools High Performance School Design Technology Seminar for Hot and Humid Climates
Sarasota County School Board is Partnering with the Energy Smart School program to build environmentally-sound, healthy classrooms and campuses. Check out upcoming events for future seminars.
New College "Sustainability in Action" Internship Program Sustainable Sarasota staff, many of whom are alumnae/i of New College of Florida, put together a month-long independent study program where New College students worked on research and outreach projects to support the sustainability efforts of the county.
November 2003
Sarasota County Adopts Environmentally-Preferable Purchasing Policy
Sarasota County became the first county in the nation to adopt a procurement code that favors products and services that minimize negative environmental and health impacts.
September 2003
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Workshop on Interior Design Hosted in partnership with Knoll, Inc., a company that manufactures environmentally-friendly office furniture.
August 2003
Kimal Lumber Partnership to Build Green Educational Center
Plans begin with Kimal Lumber, a local lumberyard, to build an educational training center that exemplifies green design principles.
July 2003
Friendship Force International Exchange
Sarasota County hosted a group of Russian professionals in a week-long exchange of knowledge and ideas in the fields of environmental education and ecotourism through the Friendship Force program. |