Programs : GreenWorksDowntown
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Central Houston, Inc. is discussing what measures can and should be taken to create a more sustainable downtown. We are working to an ultimate goal of making downtown Houston one of the most sustainable downtowns in the country. This is in line with the Downtown Development Framework created in 2004 which states, "As we build our city, let us think that we are building forever." Collaboration and cooperation among a wide array of companies and organizations is necessary to the successful implementation of our strategy. We will focus our efforts on actions that will have the most leverage in increasing sustainability and have developed task forces to focus on different, but related efforts. Our goal is to impress upon the downtown community that sustainability is important to downtown as a community and for the long-term vibrancy of downtown.
Energy
This task force is discussing Energy Star and LEED certification for existing buildings (new buildings planned will be certified), development guidelines for properties that cannot meet Energy Star and LEED certification, and possibilities for on-site power generation demonstrations.
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
While up to 40% of the downtown working population takes some form of alternate mode of transportation to work at least once a week, more can be done. The task force is evaluating ways to increase the percentage of those taking alternate modes of transportation.
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) - Bicycles
Bicyclists' primary goal was for Metro to allow bicycles on buses and LightRail. Metro is implementing this program, but there is still work to be done. We will evaluate what additional measures can be taken to encourage bicycle use for the purpose of transit (including those who ride bicycles to bus stops), adding bicycle racks, adding bicycle lockers, identifying sites where cyclists can shower prior to work, and if we can attract a bicycle service business to downtown.
Recycling
The recycling task force is working with recycling vendors, buildings and tenants to offer an opportunity for members of the downtown community to investigate means by which higher levels of recycling can be achieved within downtown.
Heat Island
This task force is evaluating how we can reduce the heat island effect in downtown, potentially including a heat audit to measure thermal bulk/reflexivity properties, bringing parking lots to city landscape standards or above, and implementing a green wall initiative.
Education and Communications
This task force is developing branding for the Downtown Sustainability Initiative. A Downtown Green Pages guide to recycling vendors is currently available; a comprehensive Downtown Green Guide and a website are in the planning stages.
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