Tampa on the Sustainability Fast Track

ICLEI member Tampa, FL, made the news last week after President Obama chose the city as its place to announce funding for high-speed rail. This major stimulus program that would create a line to connect the city to Orlando, a significant advance for sustainable transportation in the region.

However, Tampa is no stranger to efforts that create a more sustainable future. The proposed rail line adds to a significant number of green steps the City of Tampa has already undertaken, including:

• A policy requiring new city buildings or renovations to meet a LEED Silver rating. The city also provides reduced permit fees as incentive for green commercial and residential construction.
• Using methane produced by the Howard F. Current wastewater treatment plant to generate electricity and power 25% of the plant's needs. The system avoids the need to purchase 1.18 million kWh per year from the grid, saving the city $83,000 in operating costs.
• Retrofitting traffic signals with LEDs in 500 intersections, which is expected to save $840,000/year in energy costs.
• Utilizing B20 (20 percent biodiesel fuel) in fleet vehicles since 2008.
• Replacing lighting at Wellswood Ball Park, reducing energy use and maintenance costs by 50%.

For more information on Tampa's green initiatives, visit the Green Tampa website.