Sammamish reviews plans to increase sustainability
October 20, 2009
By J.B. Wogan
By J.B. Wogan
More biking, more walking, more energy efficient cars and lights that run on less electricity — those are just some ways Sammamish might go green in years to come.
Kamuron Gurol, director of Community Development, told the City Council that Sammamish has received $25,000 through federal stimulus funding to come up with a sustainability strategy.
Gurol’s presentation follows on the heels of a sustainability event in September that encouraged softer human impact on the environment, more efficient energy use, and water conservation.
Gurol gave a report in April to the City Council that outlined a plan for encouraging sustainability on the plateau.
It would focus on smart development in the future Town Center area, regional sustainability efforts between the city and other public agencies, city action (such as its ongoing effort to update shoreline building regulations) and community volunteer efforts.
In his October presentation, Gurol came back to the council with a few more specifics, but mostly sought to verify that his staff was going in the right direction.
Gurol said his department might seek input from the community, neighboring cities, the council’s advisory boards, sustainability experts and a hired consultant. He said the council would have to decide how to solicit input and from whom.
Gurol said the city would likely work to improve energy and water efficiency.
He said it would also encourage conservation, reuse and recycling.
He also included a memo to the council with summaries of efforts by seven other Washington cities to incorporate sustainability into their planning.
Some cities called for periodic reports of their carbon footprint. Others suggested community education programs about energy conservation.
Kirkland is pushing for replacing its invasive plants with native ones.
Issaquah is encouraging certified green building techniques.
Shoreline plans to have stricter regulations on storm water management.
And Bellevue plans to protect and expand trees that provide environmental and economic value to the area.
To read the full summary, go to www.ci.sammamish.wa.us/files/document/5993.pdf.
Reporter J.B. Wogan can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 247, or jbwogan@isspress.com. To comment on this story, visit www.SammamishReview.com.
More biking, more walking, more energy efficient cars and lights that run on less electricity — those are just some ways Sammamish might go green in years to come.
Kamuron Gurol, director of Community Development, told the City Council that Sammamish has received $25,000 through federal stimulus funding to come up with a sustainability strategy.
Gurol’s presentation follows on the heels of a sustainability event in September that encouraged softer human impact on the environment, more efficient energy use, and water conservation.
Gurol gave a report in April to the City Council that outlined a plan for encouraging sustainability on the plateau.
It would focus on smart development in the future Town Center area, regional sustainability efforts between the city and other public agencies, city action (such as its ongoing effort to update shoreline building regulations) and community volunteer efforts.
In his October presentation, Gurol came back to the council with a few more specifics, but mostly sought to verify that his staff was going in the right direction.
Gurol said his department might seek input from the community, neighboring cities, the council’s advisory boards, sustainability experts and a hired consultant. He said the council would have to decide how to solicit input and from whom.
Gurol said the city would likely work to improve energy and water efficiency.
He said it would also encourage conservation, reuse and recycling.
He also included a memo to the council with summaries of efforts by seven other Washington cities to incorporate sustainability into their planning.
Some cities called for periodic reports of their carbon footprint. Others suggested community education programs about energy conservation.
Kirkland is pushing for replacing its invasive plants with native ones.
Issaquah is encouraging certified green building techniques.
Shoreline plans to have stricter regulations on storm water management.
And Bellevue plans to protect and expand trees that provide environmental and economic value to the area.
To read the full summary, go to www.ci.sammamish.wa.us/files/document/5993.pdf.
Reporter J.B. Wogan can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 247, or jbwogan@isspress.com.
Other Stories of Interest: Sammamish Government
Comments
Got something to say?
Before you comment, please note:
- These comments are moderated.
- Comments should be relevant to the topic at hand and contribute to its discussion.
- Personal attacks and/or excessive profanity will not be tolerated and such comments will not be approved.
- This is not your personal chat room or forum, so please stay on topic.
