Title
Green Local Government Resolution (B)
The Florida Green Building Council, Inc. (FGBC) is a non-profit corporation whose primary mission is to develop and maintain Green designation standards for Florida and to promote cost-effective, sustainable environmental improvements.
Explanation
In addition to certification standards for Green homes, commercial buildings, high rises, and developments, the FGBC now certifies Green Local Governments for outstanding environmental stewardship. The FGBC expects that "certified green city and county governments will not only gain recognition and publicity, but also function in a more efficient manner through better internal communication, cost reductions, and effective risk and asset management." This is the premier local government certification process, and the only one that is specifically developed for the Florida context.
The City of Gainesville participated in pilot testing of the standard in 2002 and since this time, some level of certification (from pre-application to full certification) has been achieved by 17 Florida cities and counties, and at least 44 more have passed resolutions proclaiming their intent to become a Green Local Government. Certification involves meeting and documenting criteria from a variety of Departments, including GRU, Communications/Marketing, Recreation and Parks, Fire Rescue, Public Works, Information Technology, Planning and Development Services, GPD, Economic Development, and Human Resources. Staff has collected input regarding the current level of participation in various "green" activities, and has found that each department of General Government and GRU has already implemented some portion of the criteria listed in the FGBC Green Local Government standard. Staff believes that pursuing the certification will help to structure the response of various departments to the City's energy efficiency needs, as well as provide excellent marketing potential.
In order to pursue the certification, the City will enter the pre-application phase, at which time the FGBC will assign a project evaluator to assess which criteria are applicable and the points needed to attain full certification. Information and documentation will then be gathered from departments throughout General Government and GRU, and assembled into the final application packet for the FGBC.
On February 11, 2008, the City Commission referred the matter to the EDUCC. The EDUCC discussed the City Commission's referral on April 7, 2008, and on June 23, 2008 voted 3-0 in favor of recommending that the City adopt a resolution endorsing the FGBC's Green Local Government certification.
Fiscal Note
The total application fee for the certification is $4,500; however, only a portion of this is due in order to initiate the pre-application process.
Recommendation
EDUCC to the City Commission: (1) hear a presentation from staff; (2) adopt the Resolution endorsing the Green Local Government Standard; (3) direct and authorize the City manager to take actions necessary to initiate and complete the application process for the Green Local Government Standard; (4) provide $4,500 from City Commission contingency funds to be used for the application fee.