The Office of Sustainability has been established to facilitate the development and implementation of model sustainability programs for Long Beach. Reporting directly to the city manager, the Office of Sustainability provides leadership and supports practical solutions to improve the environmental, social and economic health of Long Beach. The Office of Sustainability also supports the newly established Sustainable City Commission.
In an effort to provide assistance and resources to the community, the Office of Sustainability has developed a new sustainability website, which is now available at www.longbeach.gov/citymanager/sustainability. The website provides a convenient, one-stop location to learn about all of the city’s green programs and initiatives and provides tips and resources for actions residents and businesses can take to create a clean, green community.
This website also includes information about the Sustainable City Commission, a green city organizational chart and multiple resources related to buildings and neighborhoods, urban nature, waste reduction, water, energy, transportation and eco products and services.
“A green, clean Long Beach is vital to the future quality of life, economic development and health of our residents,” said Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster. “Our new Office of Sustainability will be key to our next step to become a sustainable urban environment.”
The website will soon feature an interactive green map, which will identify green resources throughout the city, such as bike trails, green businesses, parks, transit lines, and other related information. Also in the works is a comment section where comments and suggestions can be posted, as well as a section with community education materials.
“This new website promotes the city’s green initiatives while engaging, educating, and involving the public,” City Manager Pat West said.
The Office of Sustainability is teaming up with city departments on citywide projects including the city’s biodiesel pilot program, pollution control devices on beach outfalls and stormwater catch basins, researching a city green waste program and completing the city’s first greenhouse gas inventory.
The Sustainable City Commission meetings take place the fourth Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd. For more information, contact Meredith Reynolds, Sustainability Coordinator, at Meredith_Reynolds@longbeach.gov or (562) 570-6396.
