Community Sustainability Proposal Green initiatives for Raleigh

Question

Perform an initial search to learn about green initiatives for Raleigh, North Carolina. Create a 5- to 8-slide PowerPoint® presentation or Write a 350- to 525-word proposal to your local government.

Include the following:

A summary of green initiatives for Raleigh, NC.
Recommendations to your local government for creating a greener, more sustainable and livable community.
The proposal should include recommendations both for actions by the local government and by individual homeowners.
Explain how implementing these recommendations would promote sustainability and improve like for residents.

Answer

Community Sustainability Proposal

Green Initiatives for Raleigh

Use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which have high energy efficiency.
Xeriscaping initiative.
Use of green sources of energy
Harvesting of rainwater.
Development of hybrid cars.
Environmental conservation measures.

The next initiative involves the use of green sources of energy such as solar energy to supplement the existing sources (Miller, 2013). Raleigh City has introduced a number of green initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and conservation. The first initiative involves the use of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in the city. LEDs are lighting devices that gives higher energy efficiency than the ordinary bulbs currently in use. Such devices will greatly help reduce energy consumption per household and thus lead to a decline on fossil fuel dependency. The next initiative involves use of drought resistant plants in landscaping, also known as xeriscaping. This reduces the need for irrigation of the landscape during the dry season and hence saving on water for other uses (“City of Raleigh,” 2016).

Use of solar energy is being applied in some projects such as water treatment plants. Raleigh has also embarked on rainwater harvesting initiative. This is mainly being used by the city’s Fire Station to reduce dependence on drinking water. The city is also encouraging the development and use of hybrid vehicles which save on fuel consumption. Lastly, Raleigh has embarked on environment conservation measures for a variety of wildlife species such as frogs, butterflies, dragonflies, and others (“City of Raleigh,” 2016).

Xeriscaping

Recommendations to the local government

Overhaul of transportation system.
Embracing green design in building and construction.
Reducing wastage.
Use of clean energy sources.

The first recommendation is overhaul of the transportation system. Just like other American cities, residents of Raleigh mainly depend of personal means of commuting instead of using public transport. This can be done by encouraging the development of a fixed transit system rather than a dispersed system. In a fixed transit system, large number of people live close to a transportation line such as a railway and hence it is easier to provide public transportation. The next recommendation is to include green development in construction industry. Green building designs enhance resource conservation, energy efficiency, water efficiency and economy in use. The next recommendation involves reducing wastage through such measures as recycling and reducing use. Lastly, the local government should promote the use of clean sources of energy such as solar energy, biofuels, wind energy, and geothermal (“NC Project Green,” (n.d)). This can reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

Recommendations for individual homeowners

Adoption of better driving methods.
Reduce energy consumption at homes.
Recycle and reuse.

Individual homeowners have a critical role to play in creating a greener community. First individuals should adapt better driving methods. Research has shown that poor driving habits contribute to high fuel consumption and consequently more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Cars should be well maintained and run efficiently. Individuals can also reduce the amount of energy they use by changing their habits. For instance, turning off electronic devices can greatly help reduce energy consumption. Use of energy efficient fluorescent bulbs is also effective in lowering energy consumption. Lastly, individuals should recycle and reuse items if possible.

How the recommendations will improve sustainability

Use of public transport reduces the number of cars on the roads.
Green buildings require less materials to construct and are energy efficient.
Recycling reduces the need for exploitation of new resources.

Implementing the above recommendations will greatly improve sustainability. By encouraging more people to use public transport, this will translate to less cars on the road and consequently a reduction in carbon emission. Green building designs require less materials to construct. In addition, they are energy efficient and hence reduce carbon emissions. Recycling directly reduces the need for exploitation of raw materials which leads to sustainability.