SUSTAINABILITY IN FLORIDA A COUNTY PERSPECTIVE Alexa Green

Background: Purpose Assess the level of sustainability across the state of Florida Capture a snapshot of county level sustainability accomplishments to date Enable county leaders to benchmark with their peers and identify action steps to move forward

Sustainable Santa Monica Report Card Charlotte-Mecklenburg Sustainability Report Card Background: Scorecard Benchmarks Sustainable Florida’s scorecard was created after identifying other sustainability report cards as national best practices

Background: Florida Report Cards Florida Chamber of Commerce Scorecard Six Pillars Green Schools Network Dashboard County by county scoring has been done before Our initiative attempts to follow their lead

Our Process: Data Collection Each county’s website was reviewed to determine how sustainability efforts were communicated Following the online review, county representatives were contacted directly Counties were then given a chance to review their results and provide supplemental information

Our Process: Scorecard The scoring sheet was designed to give credit for a wide range of approaches to sustainability planning and implementation It is a means of objectively measuring the status of a county’s sustainability planning and progress based on two categories: Sustainability Initiatives Depth of Plan

Our Process: Scorecard Checklist

Our Process: County Characterizations UnconfirmedThese counties did not respond to calls, voic s, s, and messages. No Plans or Programs These counties stated they did not have any official plans or programs regarding sustainability. Beginning (1-6 Points) County sustainability efforts were characterized as beginning when demonstrating informal sustainability programs and initiatives. Emerging (7-12 Points) County sustainability efforts were characterized as emerging when demonstrating visionary planning and operating under sustainable principles, yet lacking in a sustainability plan specifically addressing all three pillars – economy, environment, and social. Progressing (13-17 Points) County sustainability efforts were characterized as progressing when demonstrating robust planning yet lacking reporting and measuring progress against specific goals. Mature (18-19 Points) County sustainability efforts were characterized as mature when demonstrating robust planning, measuring, and reporting progress against specific goals. Sustainable Florida developed a continuum of progress that can be made with sustainability planning, implementation, and reporting

Our Process: What is a mature characterization? A mature characterization reflects a coordinated approach to sustainability planning including the following elements: An office of sustainability A sustainability plan that addresses all 3 pillars of sustainability – economic, environmental and social An implementation plan with SMART goals A report measuring progress against the goals

Mature Example: Miami-Dade Miami-Dade county’s GreenPrint Sustainability Plan focuses on: Strong Leadership Connections and Commitment Water & Energy Efficiency Our Environment Responsible Land Use & Smart Transportation Vibrant Economy Healthy Communities Climate Change Action Plan

Effective plans should include SMART goals, transparency, all three pillars of sustainability – economy, environment, social, – and define, measure, and report progress toward goals Mature Example: Implementation Plan

Mature Example: Progress Report Measuring and reporting plan progress enables counties to keep track of their sustainability efforts and inform citizens of their success

Findings: County Characterization Distribution Over 2/3 of Florida counties are making headway with sustainability planning

Findings: Characterization Distribution based on Population 95% of Florida’s population lives in a county with some degree of sustainability planning.

Florida Maps Unconfirmed No Plans or Programs Beginning Emerging Progressing Mature

Summary: Perspective Sustainable Florida recognizes that all sustainability is local and that priorities differ from county to county, however, mature and effective plans include common key elements: SMART Goals Transparency All 3 pillars of sustainability – economic, environmental and social Defining, measuring and reporting progress toward goals

Summary: Importance of Local Factors We were inspired by the dedication and commitment of many counties, and recognized that several counties had obstacles Inspiration and Best PracticesObstacles and Barriers Dedicated professionals involvedCommitment but no funding County leaders wanted to learn moreLack of political will Inter-county Sustainability Work GroupLack of public support

Summary: Looking Ahead This report should Be considered a baseline report providing an initial understanding of the state of sustainability in Florida Serve as a catalyst for counties to gain support, incorporate best practices, and improve their sustainability plans.

Summary: Next Steps Ideally Counties will benchmark with their peers to learn how they can advance their sustainability efforts Unconfirmed counties will engage in this process to ensure a more comprehensive view of sustainability in FL

Summary: Our Goals Promote sustainable actions and development throughout Florida at the county level Educate leaders about the possibilities for sustainability initiatives Connect counties with one another to allow for collaboration and success Collaborate with counties to support their improvement

Here’s where you can find the report Insert link to report here