City-of-Miami-Beach-Sustainabilty-Plan_FINAL1
SuStainability Plan
EnErgy Economic ZonE work plan
1
Table of ConTenTs
Executive Summary ....................................................................................2
background...............................................................................................3
Sustainability Plan Development Process .......................................................5
Guiding Principles ......................................................................................5
City Plan: Program areas, indicators, target, initiatives ................................6
assessing & Reporting Progress ...................................................................7
Green building & Housing ..........................................................................8
Solid Waste Management ...........................................................................9
Water Conservation & Quality ..................................................................10
Energy Conservation ................................................................................12
alternative transportation .........................................................................12
natural Resource & Ecosystem Management ...............................................14
Community Outreach & Participation ..........................................................16
Green Procurement ..................................................................................17
Economic Development & Planning ............................................................18
air Quality & Climate Change ...................................................................19
Sustainability Committee Work Plan ...........................................................20
Glossary .................................................................................................22
acronyms................................................................................................24
References ..............................................................................................24
notes .....................................................................................................25
2
exeCuTive summary
Sustainability is a term that refers to the extent that a system in its current state will be able
to meet the economic, environmental, and social needs of future generations. Sustainability
plans for municipalities are guiding documents designed to help a community plan and act
more sustainably by providing structure to its long-term and short-term resource management
and policy decisions. Many municipalities throughout the country and the world have
developed sustainability plans for their communities. Other communities have developed a
specific component of a sustainability plan that is focused primarily on lowering greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions, often called climate action plans.
the purpose of the Miami beach Sustainability Plan is to improve resources, prevent harm
to the natural environment, protect human health, and benefit the social, economic, and
environmental well-being of the community for present and future generations. in addition,
the plan also functions as the work plan for the city’s participation in the Energy Economic
Zone (EEZ) Pilot Program, which is an economic development program administered by the
Florida Department of Community affairs.
the plan fuses guiding principles, program areas, goals, indicators, targets
and initiatives into a cohesive living document. the plan assists the City administration to
accomplish its Key intended Outcome (KiO) of enhancing environmental sustainability and
also guides the Sustainability Committee in its mission. the plan’s development process will
include the establishment of baselines for indicators and targets in order to measure change
over time.
the adoption and implementation of a sustainability plan will provide both short-term and
long-term benefits to government operations and the community. Short-term benefits include
decreased energy costs; improved alternative transportation and mobility; increased
diverted solid waste diverted from the landfill; improved urban forest and local air quality;
and increased environmental awareness and stewardship. long-term benefits are numerous
and include reducing the city’s carbon footprint; reducing potential risks and costs from
environmental impacts; preserving natural resources and maintaining a high quality of life
for residents and visitors; and reinforcing the City of Miami beach as a world-class city by
preserving its resources for the future.
3
baCkground
the physical, economic, environmental and social aspects of our
communities are in a constant state of change. Recent research
points to scientific consensus on potential changes to our local
environment related to global climate change. the changes may
affect the following: sea-level, temperature and precipitation, salt
water intrusion, risk of flooding, beach erosion, storm frequency
and/or intensity, urban heat waves, and human health impacts.
Federal, state and local governments have already begun
planning for these potential changes. the City of Miami beach
may be especially vulnerable to some of these changes given
its location, elevation, and strong economic and social ties to a
healthy environment.
the united States Global Change Research Program (uSGCRP)
coordinates and integrates federal research on changes in the
global environment and their implications for society. the Global
Change Research act (GCRa) of 1990 mandates that every four
years an assessment of the impacts of global change in the u.S.
be conducted by the uSGCRP. between 2004 and 2009, the
Climate Change Science Program (CCSP), which incorporated
the uSGCRP, produced a series of 21 Synthesis and assessment
Products (SaPs). the Synthesis and assessment Product 4.1:
Coastal Sensitivity to Sea-level Rise: a Focus on the Mid-atlantic
Region, details how sea-level change will affect coastal zones
and recommends methods to protect the environment and sustain
economic growth.
in light of this research, the Federal government is modifying its
current policy to address the potential impacts of sea-level rise. in
July 2008, the u.S. army Corps of Engineers (uSaCE) published
circular no. 1165-2-211, “Water Resource Policies and
authorities incorporating Sea-level Change Considerations in
Civil Work Programs,” that provides guidance for incorporating
the direct and indirect physical aspects of projected future sea-
level change in managing, planning, engineering, designing,
constructing, operating, and maintaining uSaCE projects. all
civil work programs performed by the uSaCE impacting coastal
and estuarine zones will now consider sensitivity to sea-level
change relative to human health and safety, economic costs and
benefits, environmental impacts, and other social effects.
at the state level, House bill 697 requires the reduction of
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through energy-efficient land
use and local comprehensive planning. the Florida Department
of Community affairs has held workshops regarding revisions
to the Florida administrative Code that would implement new
requirements established by House bill 697. also in 2009,
the Florida legislature established the Energy Economic Zone
(EcoZone) Pilot Program to address and create a model for
sustainable economic development. the EcoZone Pilot Program
is intended to further implement Chapter 2008-191, laws of
Florida, relative to discouraging sprawl, reducing reliance on
automobiles, developing energy-efficient land use patterns, and
creating GHG reduction strategies. the City of Miami beach was
selected as one of two participating communities in the EcoZone
Pilot Program.
the city has developed a work plan for EcoZone Pilot Program,
which has been incorporated into its Sustainability Plan,
primarily as economic development initiatives. the work plan
seeks to identify opportunities for economic development and
redevelopment that maximize the potential for economic benefit
to the community. the work plan also identifies resource use that
enhances opportunities to improve wealth creation for the citizens
4
and community needs while preserving the natural environment.
as a participant in the EcoZone Pilot Program, the city seeks to
become an urban community model for the establishment and
maintenance of long-term economic and quality of life needs.
Regionally, Miami-Dade County has also begun taking steps
toward addressing the potential impacts of climate change. in
July 2006, the Miami-Dade County board of Commissioners
passed an ordinance that established the Miami-Dade Climate
Change advisory task Force (CCatF). the task Force’s 25
appointed members are a diverse, multidisciplinary and highly
knowledgeable group of individuals representing various sectors
of the community. the task force is charged with identifying
potential future climate change impacts to Miami-Dade County
and providing on-going recommendations to the board of
Commissioners regarding mitigation and adaptation measures to
respond to climate change.
in addition, Miami-Dade County is developing its own plan
for a sustainable future called “GreenPrint: Our Design for a
Sustainable Future.” this document will be the framework to
evaluate and integrate environmental, social and economic
benefits into county policies and initiatives. the city is working in
concert with the county’s plan to develop its goals and initiatives.
the City of Miami beach has also begun taking steps to address
growing concerns regarding environmental impacts and change
in the community. the City’s ad-hoc Green Committee was
formed in July 2007, which provided a community forum to
discuss environmental issues within the city. in 2008, the City
Commission added a new Key intended Outcome (KiO) to the
City’s Strategic Plan -- to enhance the environmental sustainability
of the community. then in the spring of 2009, the city formalized
the ad-Hoc Green Committee by permanently establishing
the Sustainability Committee and codifying Chapter 100:
Sustainability in the City Code, which is dedicated to sustainable
initiatives.
in addition, the city recently began developing a comprehensive
Stormwater Master Plan (SWMP) in response to climate change
and flooding impacts. One of the major findings of the Miami-
Dade Climate Change task Force is a predicted three (3) to
five (5) foot rise in sea-level over the next century. the SWMP
will explore adaptation strategies aimed at addressing these
anticipated impacts of sea-level rise and the associated flooding;
for example, the prospect of creating injection wells, using pumps
and storage facilities, raising sea wall elevations, and changing
building code for new structures are currently being assessed.
5
susTainabiliTy Plan develoPmenT ProCess
at the July 2009 Sustainability Committee, staff made a
presentation regarding the concept of planning for community
sustainability, which included suggested program areas and
example goals and objectives for the committee’s consideration.
Staff then conducted additional research into sustainability
planning at the local, state, national and international levels to
obtain examples and insight into the development process. a draft
plan was developed based on this research and was presented
to the committee on September 22, 2009. On the november
12, 2009, neighborhoods and Community affairs Committee
unanimously moved to accept the plan.
in the following months, staff elicited feedback from Sustainability
Committee, other City departments, local universities, the
Miami-Dade County Office of Sustainability, Florida Department
of Community affairs, advisory committees and community
organizations such as the Miami beach Community Development
Corporation. On May 25, 2010, the Sustainability Committee
passed a resolution to present the Plan to the City Commission
for adoption. On December 16, 2010, the Finance and Citywide
Projects Committee moved the Sustainability Plan to the City
Commission for approval and adoption.
guiding PrinCiPles
the Sustainability Plan provides structure and focus to policies and
initiatives in order to successfully enhance community sustainability.
the following principles are intended to serve as an overarching
theme and basis for the plan and provide a framework within
which to execute sustainability planning:
• The City of Miami Beach will lead by example.
• Interdependence exists among the ecological, economic
and social factors that contribute toward the sustainability
of our community.
• Healthy natural systems are the basis for sustainable
communities and economies.
• Local decisions and policies have regional
and global impacts.
• Policies and programs that enhance, protect and restore
our natural resources, such as our airshed, waterways,
shorelines, vegetation, wildlife, and greenspaces, support
the sustainability of our community.
• Policies and programs that reduce natural resource
consumption and increase efficiency in resource and
material use support the sustainability of our community.
• Policies and programs that improve environmental
regulatory compliance support the sustainability of our
community.
• Policies and programs that improve economic and social
stability support the sustainability of our community.
• An educated community acting as a steward of the
environment supports the sustainability of our community.
• The use of the city’s emergency management operations
to support community resilience to natural and man-made
disasters supports the sustainability of our community.
..
6
CiTy Plan: Program areas, indiCaTors, TargeT, iniTiaTives
the plan is comprised of program areas, goals, indicators, targets
and initiatives.
Program areas are those topics within which to concentrate
economic, environmental and social improvement efforts. Program
areas include:
1. Green building & Housing
2. Solid Waste Management
3. Water Conservation & Quality
4. Energy Conservation
5. alternative transportation
6. natural Resources & Ecosystem Management
7. Community Outreach & Participation
8. Green Procurement
9. Economic Development & Planning
10. air Quality & Climate Change
the city’s vision statement guides the focal areas of its Strategic
Plan. Every year the City of Miami beach produces an
environmental scan and a summary of performance results, which
document the status of the city’s performance objectives within the
priority areas identified by its vision. together with information
obtained from the community through community surveys, focus
groups, and community meeting, the commission reviews and
refines the City’s Strategic Plan, as appropriate. the city’s vision is
to be:
• Cleaner and Safer
• Beautiful and Vibrant
• A Unique and Historic Environment
• A Mature, Stable Residential Community with Well
improved infrastructure
• A Cultural Entertainment Tourism Capital and an
international Center for innovation and business,
While Maximizing Value to our Community for the Tax
Dollars Paid
at the same time, the City’s Key intended Outcomes (KiOs), or
outcome-focused strategic priorities, are aligned to support the
vision statement. they are identified through the strategic planning
process in support of five key elements of the city’s vision to
ensure the long-term sustainability of its government. as a result,
one of the KiOs in the City’s Strategic Plan is to enhance the
environmental sustainability of the community. Current indicators
in the Strategic Plan that are used to measure how well the city
is doing in achieving this outcome are percent participation in
recycling programs, tons of waste recycled, percent of city facility
energy use supplied by renewable sources, and percent of major
buildings with Silver lEED certification. initiatives that help drive the
performance of these measures are updated annually by the City
Commission and City departments.
in order to ensure that the Sustainability Plan aligns with the City’s
Strategic Plan, the goals, indicators, targets, and initiatives have
been developed based on KiOs and associated performance
indicators identified in the City’s Strategic Plan. However,
development of the City’s Sustainability Plan has allowed for a
more comprehensive review of potential indicators, targets and
initiatives, many of which may be incorporated in the next update
of the City’s Strategic Plan.
the goals set forth in the plan provide direction for each program
area. the indicators help measure the effectiveness of programs
and activities as they relate to the goals. the targets are currently
broad statements that call for either an upward or downward trend;
however, these will be refined as baseline information becomes
available. together, these elements give the document flexibility as
the city moves forward with the initiatives, which are those activities
aimed at reaching the goals.
Currently, there are numerous federal and state agency grants
that can fund projects promoting the ten different program areas
outlined by the plan. When applying for state and federal grant
funds, it is important to demonstrate that the funds will contribute
toward an overall plan or goal. the Sustainability Plan places the
City of Miami beach in a more formidable position when justifying
grant funding requests.
the City of Miami beach recognizes the responsibility to lead
by example at the organizational level, working proactively to
reduce the environmental footprint of government operations and
encouraging residents and visitors to do the same. the goals,
indicators, targets, and initiatives that comprise the plan have
been developed for both community and government activities, as
applicable.
.
7
assessing & rePorTing Progress
the Sustainability Plan was developed as a first step in creating
a comprehensive sustainability master plan for the city. Following
the adoption of the plan by the City Commission, the intent is to
develop a baseline report and an implementation plan. baseline
data is the point from which all future measurable outcomes
will be compared and ultimately assessed. the baseline report
will provide an understanding of the current status of the city’s
sustainability-related initiatives, including current rates of natural
resources consumption (e.g. water and energy usage) and
current carbon (environmental) footprint. Establishing baseline
data for the city’s sustainability programs will aid in setting future
benchmarks and will allow the city to further refine targets for
each program area.
the implementation plan will lay out a detailed guide to introduce
the concepts of sustainability both to City employees and the
community, identifying necessary policies and procedures to
support the plan, and building the consensus among the various
departments to execute sustainable initiatives successfully. in
addition, the implementation plan will outline the required
coordination between the city and the community, and also
identify the required data in order to assess the plan effectively.
Subsequent to the establishment of a baseline report, annual
status reports will be conducted every year by the Environmental
Division and presented the Sustainability Committee. the report
is intended to provide useful information to the City Commission,
City staff and community members on progress being made
toward meeting goals and targets of the plan. in addition, annual
status reports will provide a foundation for informed decision-
making about future policies and actions that may influence
the city’s ability to meet the goals and targets. if any significant
changes to the plan are proposed, such as those potentially
having considerable financial impacts to the city, the changes
will be reviewed by the Finance Committee before changes are
incorporated into the plan.
the Sustainability Plan is a living, flexible document that can be
updated over time. this allows the city to make adjustments to the
plan as progress is made on sustainability goals, advancements
are made in technology and environmental changes occur. it is
anticipated that there may be a need to make changes to the
plan’s program areas, goals, indicators, targets and initiatives
over time in order to adapt to evolving policies, funding
opportunities, as well as to introduce new initiatives.
8
green building & Housing
buildings consume a large portion of water, wood, energy,
and other natural resources. Green buildings are designed
to reduce environmental impacts to land, water, energy and
material resources, while creating healthy indoor environments.
Encouraging green building and housing practices in Miami
beach will help preserve its natural resources by reducing
construction impacts to the environment and reducing greenhouse
gases emitted through energy/water/material resource
extraction, transportation, and disposal.
in addition, the implementation of green building and housing
practices will:
• Improve building performance such as energy and
water cost savings.
• Improve indoor environment, which is linked with
enhanced occupant performance, health and
productivity.
• Support green job development within Miami Beach,
local industries, and sustainable growth.
• Increase community resilience and diversity by
providing a mixture of housing opportunities for the
city’s diverse socio-economic groups.
goals:
• Decrease resource consumption and waste during
building construction and operation.
• Achieve responsible growth management objectives
including protecting, retrofitting and recycling existing
and historic buildings, rather than demolishing and
replacing.
• Improve availability and accessibility of decent housing
opportunities in the city in an effort to maintain/improve
housing stock conditions.
• Achieve and maintain a mix of affordable, livable, and
green housing types throughout the city.
indiCaTors baseline TargeTs exisTing iniTiaTives fuTure iniTiaTives
CiTy buildings –
# of certified lEED buildings upward trend
Green building
Ordinance, Florida
Energy Conservation &
Sustainable buildings
act (255.251 F.S.)
PrivaTe buildings (Residential &
Commercial)
# of participants in the Green building
Program
# of certified lEED buildings
upward trend Green building
Ordinance
PreservaTion of HisToriCally
signifiCanT sTruCTures, siTes,
and disTriCTs
# of site structures & districts
# of protected historic buildings
Maintain or upward
trend
Historic Preservation
board review
Single-family home
designation process
affordable & WorkforCe
Housing – # of units available
# units rehabilitated & # units
purchased
# Persons counseled
# Rental units rehabilitated
# of trainings
Maintain or upward
trend
Housing Rehabilitation
Scattered Site Home
Counseling
Multi-Family Housing
Rehabilitation Program
Private investment
9
solid WasTe managemenT
nearly everything we produce, use or consume leaves behind
some kind of waste. the treatment and disposal of waste can be
a source of water, land, and air pollution. by managing solid
waste and conserving resources through reduction, reuse, and
recycling, the city will help minimize impacts to the quality and
safety of the local environment, reduce costs of waste disposal
and pollution mitigation, and decrease the carbon foot print
associated with the production, use and disposal of materials.
goals:
• Reduce volume of solid waste citywide, moving toward
a zero waste community.
• Increase volume of recyclables diverted from landfill
citywide.
indiCaTors baseline TargeTs exisTing iniTiaTives fuTure iniTiaTives
PubliC areas # of public area
recycling locations
beach Entrances
Parks
Commercial Streets
Residential Streets
upward trend
Recycling Program in
the ROW (beaches,
parks, Collins, lincoln,
Ocean etc.)
CiTy serviCe
tons of solid waste land-filled
tons of waste recycled
tons of waste composted
upward trend
Haulers servicing
recycling in ROW at
no additional cost
Explore Composting
Program
Hazardous WasTe
# of community collection events upward trend
america Recycles Day
Wasteful Weekends
(electronics, bulk,
single-stream)
Household Hazardous
Waste
CiTy faCiliTies
% of city owned facilities with recycling upward trend
implementation of
single-stream recycling
program at city
facilities
CommuniTy reCyCling
# of residential and commercial
establishments with recycling
tons of green waste disposed annually
citywide
upward trend
Community Recycling
Drop-off Points
Green Waste Facility
Develop Recycling
Ordinance
10
WaTer ConservaTion & QualiTy
Miami-Dade County’s main source of drinking water is the
biscayne aquifer, which is a finite source that must be protected
and managed sustainably in order to meet the county’s needs
over the long-term. by reducing our consumption of water,
we contribute to the preservation of groundwater as our sole-
source of drinking water and potentially off-set the costs of
developing infrastructure for new drinking water sources in the
future. Conserving water also helps avoid, or at least lessen, the
likelihood of future water shortages and salt water intrusion.
by protecting and enhancing water quality of our waters,
the city will:
• Avoid economic costs of pollution mitigation and
remediation of impaired waters.
• Preserve quality of life and values of waterfront
properties.
• Preserve the safety and viability of water-related
recreational activities that support the local economy
such as boating, diving, fishing, swimming, jet skiing, &
kayaking.
• Preserve the habitat of the aquatic ecosystem including
fish, birds, marine mammals, invertebrates, corals, sea
grasses, which includes threatened and/or endangered
species protected by federal and state law.
goals:
• Decrease water consumption at the community and
municipal levels.
• Maintain or improve water quality of discharges
entering biscayne bay and surrounding water
waterways.
• Maintain or improve the capacity of the city’s
stormwater system to reduce the risks of flooding on
public and private property.
11
indiCaTors baseline TargeTs exisTing iniTiaTives fuTure iniTiaTives
aTlanTiC oCean
# of days the Miami-Dade County
Health Department issues health
advisories annually. no Downward trend Monitor beach
closings
WaTerWays
% of city waterway assessment areas
rated as clean or very clean.
no Downward trend Waterway Cleanliness
Contractor
marinas
# of participants in FDEP Clean
Marina Program
upward trend Educate marinas
urban runoff
tbD*
* at this time, biscayne bay, which
receives all of the city’s stormwater
runoff, is not listed by the state as an
“impaired Waterway” that requires
additional pre-treatment of runoff.
DERM is responsible for monthly water
quality monitoring of the bay. it is not
currently required that the City begin
funding a separate and additional
monitoring program. therefore, the
existing initiatives under this indicator
are specifically intended to enhance
and prevent the degradation of
biscayne bay water quality.
no Downward trend
Green alleys,
Green Parking lots &
Pocket Parks
Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Education
nPDES Curb Marker
Program
MS4 Maintenance
Stormwater Master
Plan
Stormwater
infrastructure
improvements
Engineering
infrastructure design &
plan review
WaTer ConservaTion
Community
Per capita daily use
muniCipal operations
Volume of water consumed by municipal
operations
Volume of water delivery system loss
Downward trend
Downward trend
Community
Proclamation of Water
Conservation Month
(april)
low-flow Fixture
Replacement Program
County irrigation
Restriction enforcement
Water rate schedule
adjustments
muniCipal
operations
ameresco retrofit of
municipal facilities
& water reclamation
plant
Xeriscaping of public
spaces
12
alTernaTive TransPorTaTion
Most of our modern means of transportation are powered by
fossil fuels, which contribute to local air pollution and greenhouse
gas production. a safe, multi-modal transportation system that
reduces reliance on motorized vehicles serves to increase
mobility and economic accessibility throughout the community.
the improvement of the City of Miami beach alternative
transportation network also reduces the production of GHG
emissions and supports healthy modes of transport such as
walking and bicycling.
additional benefits of a safe, alternative transportation system
include:
• Improved air quality and overall community health.
• Greater opportunities for residents to engage in social
interaction and exercise, which may result in healthier
neighborhoods.
• Increased accessibility of transportation services for
all residents, including those most reliant on efficient
public transit, such as people that are economically
disadvantaged, non-drivers, senior citizens, and/or
disabled.
goals:
• Create community incentives for residential and
commercial use of alternative modes of transportation
and fuels.
• Create a multi-modal transportation system that
minimizes, and where possible, eliminates pollution and
motor vehicle congestion while ensuring safe mobility
and access.
energy ConservaTion
the energy sources upon which we largely depend – nuclear,
coal, natural gas and oil – impact the social, economic, and
environmental facets of our communities. air pollution and
GHGs, primarily from fossil fuel power plants, cars, and
buildings, are linked to respiratory diseases and contribute to
climate change.
by reducing energy consumption and increasing energy
performance at the municipal, commercial and residential levels,
the City of Miami beach can increase economic performance,
decrease dependence on nonrenewable resources, and reduce
GHG emissions.
goals:
• Encourage the use of local, non-polluting, renewable
energy sources (e.g. wind, solar, and geothermal),
wherever applicable.
• Reduce energy consumption community-wide.
• Increase energy performance of municipal, commercial
and residential buildings.
indiCaTors baseline TargeTs exisTing iniTiaTives fuTure iniTiaTives
CommerCial
# of participants in the city’s voluntary
Green building Program
upward trend Green building
Voluntary Program
green lodging
#of hotels participating in FDEP’s Green
lodging Program
upward trend
Florida Green
lodging Program
Seminar & Mayor’s
Green Conference
governmenT buildings
# of KWh consumed annually
% of municipal facility energy use
supplied by renewable sources
increasing Efficiencies
aMERESCO:
lighting retrofits
Power transformer
Replacements
integration of HVAC
controls
Geothermal Cooling
Reclamation Plant
CiTy roW
% of high-efficiency fixtures upward trend
Green Parking lots &
alleys Program
lED demonstration
projects
13
indiCaTors baseline TargeTs exisTing iniTiaTives fuTure iniTiaTives
biCyCle and PedesTrian
faCiliTies:- length of facilities created/
improved annually
bicycle lanes
beachwalks
baywalks
bike Path
bike Routes (designated signage)
bike Racks & bike Parking
upward trend
Pursue federal
earmarks & project
authorizations for
atlantic Greenway
network (aGn)
Municipal Mobility
Plan
aGn Master Plan
Comprehensive Plan-
transportation Element
PedesTrian safeTy
# of signalized intersections upgraded
# of upgraded, maintained or newly
installed crosswalks
# of aDa curb ramps installed
# pedestrian enhancer flashers installed
upward trend
Capital Projects
aGn Plan
Comprehensive Plan-
transportation Element
alTernaTive veHiCles/fuels
Government
% of non-emergency Fleet vehicles using
alternative fuels, Low Emissions Vehicles
(LEV), and hybrids
Community
Participation in incentive programs
Participation in bike Share and Car
Share Program
# of fuel or charging stations
# of bicycle racks
upward trend
upward trend
Government
Fleet purchasing policy
Community
Parking programs that
encourage alternative
vehicles
Shared bike Rental
Program
bicycle Rack
installation Program
Shared Car Program
installation of electric
car plug-in stations
QualiTy of TransiT serviCe
annual ridership on South beach local
(Sbl) and Route115 Mid-north beach
Circulator
Sbl frequency of peak & off-peak
headways
Maintain hours of operation
Maintain Sbl bus fare amount
Maintain bus routes (% dense
residential within ¼ mile area)
# of intermodal Centers
upward trend
South beach local
Circulator bus Route
airport Flyer Express
Coordinate with
County to improve
transit Service
installation of bus
amenities
Design and
construction of north
and South beach
intermodal Centers
implement a Middle
beach Circulator
and a north beach
Circulator with
frequent headways
and low fares
14
naTural resourCe & eCosysTem managemenT
the City of Miami beach boasts great natural capital, such
as waterways, coastal dunes, natural mangrove shorelines,
26 parks and green spaces, and just over seven miles of
white, sandy beaches. the city is also the nesting habitat for
endangered sea turtles, butterflies, and several plant species
including the Biscayne Prickly Ash, Beach Cluster Vine and the
beach Star. the protection and enhancement of our natural
resources is closely linked to the preservation of quality of life
and the stability of our tourism-based economy.
implementing natural resource and ecosystem management
will also:
• Restore, enhance and protect natural resources, which
increases the biodiversity and resiliency the city’s
ecosystems.
• Increase canopy coverage and reduce stormwater
runoff, improve air quality, beautify neighborhoods and
provide shade for pedestrians.
• Decrease heat island effect, which reduces energy costs.
goals:
• Enhance, restore and protect natural resources and
ecosystems.
• Increase compliance with regulations governing natural
resources.
15
indiCaTors baseline TargeTs exisTing iniTiaTives fuTure iniTiaTives
biodiversiTy
# sea turtle nests per year
# of programs promoting species
protection
no Downward trend
MDC Sea turtle
Program support
Sea turtle education
bird sanctuary
designation
Manatee and
seagrass signage
dune sysTem
# of city blocks receiving enhancement
annually
upward trend
Dune System
Enhancement Program
beachwalk Project
Mitigation
beaCH sysTem
length of shoreline re-nourished/
maintained
Maintain as needed
MDC Restoration
Projects
uSaCE Projects
Participation in beach
Cleanliness task Force
WaTerWay and sHoreline
resToraTion
length of shoreline improved/reinforced
annually
natural (mangrove) shoreline restored
tons of submerged marine debris
removed
upward trend
Water Contractor
Service
Capital shoreline
restoration projects
Reinforcing bulkheads
Remove submerged
marine debris
Promote living
shoreline design
ComPlianCe
# of city environmental/ permit
violations
Downward trend
nPDES compliance
Fuel Storage tank
Program to reduce soil
& water contamination
turtle lighting
Ordinance
urban reforesTaTion
% of ROW designated as fully planted
status
attrition rate (planting more than is
removed)
upward trend
urban Reforestation
Program
Community gardens
tree City u.S.a.
Xeriscaping
landscaping Code
City tree Ordinance
development
16
CommuniTy ouTreaCH & ParTiCiPaTion
the success of a sustainability plan is dependent on community
awareness and the support of the goals and targets of each
initiative. Well-developed education and outreach strategies
will promote an understanding of sustainable growth and
development; foster an educated community; and a forge
connection between the community and its natural resources.
implementing education and outreach programs will also:
• Heighten community stewardship by facilitating resident
participation in civic affairs.
• Encourage new resident recruitment and current resident
retention through an improved public education system.
goals:
• Increase awareness and stewardship of sustainable
concepts through community outreach and educational
programming.
• Increase participation of community members in civic
affairs and improve access to community amenities and
quality public education.
indiCaTors baseline TargeTs exisTing iniTiaTives fuTure iniTiaTives
mb magazine & mbTv
# of media pieces per year covering a
range of sustainability issues
upward trend
Mb magazine – Green
Space
MBTV and CityVision
CommuniTy evenTs/
involvemenT
# of events & programs
beach/Waterway Clean-ups
Community Education Events
adopt-a-beach Pilot Program
Parks & Recreation Outreach Programs
Farmers Markets
Community Gardens
upward trend
Florida Green lodging
Program Seminar
america Recycles Day
Event
Mia Green EXPO
Earth Day
beach/waterway
clean-ups
local farmers markets
Community gardens
Mayor’s Green
Conference
green WebsiTe Maintain
Development of
Green Webpage
City website linked
with MDC’s GreenPrint
voTer ParTiCiPaTion
% of registered Miami beach voters
who vote in scheduled elections.
target to be based
on off- 2010 year
election and 2008 for
Presidential election
years.
eduCaTion
Florida Department of Education
School Ranking
upward trend
international
baccalaureate (ib)
Program (K-12)
17
green ProCuremenT
almost everything created or purchased has a life cycle that
impacts the environment from the moment of production to
the final disposal stage. by practicing and encouraging the
purchasing of environmentally-friendly or non-toxic products,
the city will reduce the amount of toxic or hazardous material
introduced into neighborhoods, waterways, and landfills. in
addition, the increased use of products derived from renewable
or local sources decreases pressure on finite resources and
stimulates the growth of a greener economy.
goals:
• Increase use of non-hazardous and environmentally-
friendly products in government maintenance,
operations, permitted concessionaires/vendors and
special events.
• Promote decreased use of hazardous, toxic, non-
recyclables or renewable goods community-wide.
indiCaTors baseline TargeTs exisTing iniTiaTives fuTure iniTiaTives
governmenT ConTraCTs
% of eligible contracts that specify
green products or incorporate
sustainable initiatives
Construction itb’s
Janitorial itb’s
Paper Products itb’s
upward trend
inclusion of green
product, energy
reduction, and
waste prevention
requirements in itb/
RFP/RFQ processes
CiTy ProPerTy managemenT
# of bids that specify green products or
recycled alternatives
upward trend
inventory all chemicals
& products used in
municipal operations
Work with City
departments to
increase use of green
products
CiTy PermiTTed sPeCial evenTs
# of events that incorporate green
products or recycled alternatives
upward trend Encourage productions
to hold greener events
landsCaPing
# of bids that specify green products or
recycled alternatives upward trend
integrated Pest
Management (iPM)
strategies
Xeriscape
18
eConomiC develoPmenT & Planning
the resilience of a community in large part depends on a diverse
economic base that is supportive of emerging technologies. the
developing green business sector and smart growth initiatives are
economic opportunities for which communities must plan in order
to reap the social, environmental and economic benefits. also,
encouraging environmental and social stewardship within the
local business sectors, including the tourism, entertainment, real
estate, and construction industries, promotes long-term stability
and competitiveness of our local economy.
goals:
• Improve the city’s overall economic health and maintain
economic bond rating.
• Diversify the city’s business base and use sustainable
initiatives to improve coordination between economic
development and workforce development.
• Maintain neighborhood character and satisfaction with
quality of life.
• Maximize Miami Beach as a destination brand.
indiCaTors baseline TargeTs exisTing iniTiaTives fuTure iniTiaTives
eConomiC sTabiliTy
# of green economy business in Miami
beach
% of those green business interviewed
# at business academy sessions with
sustainability topics
tbD
10%
2
implement EEZ
identify the city’s green-
economy & diversity-
related businesses
& identify growth
barriers
Enhance environment
for businesses
to implement
sustainability measures
legislaTive iniTiaTives
# EEZ recommendations filed for
legislative approval
# EEZ recommendations receiving
legislative approval
# at sustainability workshops/events
held
# of sustainability projects requests
submitted to Congress
t.b.D
Pursue federal
sustainability resources
identify State incentives
to facilitate industry
diversification &
support sustainability
groWTH managemenT &
Planning
# of City Code changes or land use
policies that support sustainable
initiatives
% of the community rating the pace of
new construction in the city as about the
right amount
upward trend
incorporate sustainable
economic development
into the comp planning
process
Review of Code to
support sustainable
initiatives
19
indiCaTors baseline TargeTs exisTing iniTiaTives fuTure iniTiaTives
air QualiTy index (ePa)
# of days of good rated air quality no Downward trend
aGn & alternative
transportation
initiatives
ClimaTe aCTion Plan
tons of carbon mitigated or avoided
Indicators to be developed as part of the
Climate Action Plan.
Reduction of carbon
dioxide and other
GHGs
Develop a Climate
action Plan
to support the
Climate Protection
agreement, (signed
by CMb in 2005).
flood ProTeCTion
national Flood insurance Program (nFiP)
Community Rating System (CRS) Rating no Downward trend
City’s Stormwater
Master Plan
CRS Program
air QualiTy & ClimaTe CHange
We utilize use fossil fuels every day for almost every modern
convenience, including electricity and transportation. the use of
fossil fuel emits GHG’s that contribute to climate change, reduce
air quality and affect the health of residents. Future impacts of
climate change, such as sea-level rise, may affect quality of life
and property within the city as well. by reducing GHG emissions
where possible, the City of Miami beach can meaningfully
contribute to local air quality and the avoidance or reduction of
anticipated climate change impacts.
initiatives directed at maintaining and/or improving air quality
will:
• Reduce the city’s carbon footprint and GHG emissions,
while improving local air and contributing to the
reduction of global GHG and associated climate
change impacts.
• Decrease the risk or severity of climate change impacts,
such as storm-related flooding, sea-level rise, and
frequency of extreme weather events such as hurricanes,
and extreme temperatures and/or precipitation.
goals:
• Support initiatives to maintain and/or improve local air
quality.
• Reduce the production of GHG associated with
municipal operations and reduce the community carbon
footprint.
20
susTainabiliTy Plan fuTure iniTiaTives - susTainabiliTy CommiTTee Work Plan
green building & Housing
solid WasTe managemenT
1. Explore Composting Program
2. Develop Recycling Ordinance
WaTer ConservaTion & QualiTy 1. Stormwater Master Plan
energy ConservaTion
1. Reclamation plant
2. Cool roofs
3. Energy Star Portfolio Manager
4. Explore Dark Sky light fixture application & lED retrofits
susTainabiliTy CommiTTee Work Plan
the sustainability work plan lists topic areas in which Sustainability Committee has expressed interest in investigating further. the
work plan will be updated throughout the year as the committee explores new topics and initiatives. the work plan will be formally
incorporated into the Sustainability Plan annually as an appendix to provide overview of the Sustainability Committee’s activities.
21
susTainabiliTy Plan fuTure iniTiaTives - susTainabiliTy CommiTTee Work Plan
alTernaTive TransPorTaTion
1. implement a Middle beach Circulator and a north beach Circulator with frequent
headways and low fares
2. baylink, Streetcar, and Rail Service
naTural resourCes & eCosysTem
managemenT
1. Categorize and remove submerged marine debris
2. Promote living shoreline design
3. near-shore coral patch reef protection and restoration
4. Grease trap Program
5. adopt-a-tree Program to promote private reforestation
CommuniTy ouTreaCH &
ParTiCiPaTion
1. MB 77 TV – Programs/Clips covering sustainability issues
2. Green building systems seminars aimed at building owners & condominiums.
3. identify opportunities to incorporate sustainability into the Educational Compact
green ProCuremenT
1. adoption of green product standards (Green Seal Standard, South Coast air
Quality Management District (SCaQMD), etc)
2. inventory of all chemicals and products used in municipal operations
3. Work with City departments to develop an action plan to use green products in
daily operations
4. Encourage productions to hold greener events
5. Develop Green Event Guidelines
eConomiC develoPmenT &
Planning
1. Enhance the environment for existing businesses to implement sustainability
measures
2. incorporate energy and sustainability topics into the business academy curriculum
3. Explore implementation of PaCE financing
4. Pursue federal sustainability resources
5. identify potential State incentives that may facilitate industry diversification and
support sustainability
6. incorporate sustainable economic development into the comp planning process
7. City Code Planning Review to incorporate necessary modifications to support of
sustainable initiatives
air QualiTy & ClimaTe CHange
1. Develop a Climate action Plan to support the city’s commitment to the Climate
Protection agreement, which CMb signed in 2005.
2. building Code adaptivity to sea-level change
22
glossary
affordable Housing – as defined by Sec. 58-31 of Miami beach
Code of Ordinances, affordable means that the occupants pay no more
than 30 percent of gross income for gross housing costs, including utility
costs. However, it is not the intent to limit an individual household’s ability
to devote more than 30 percent of their income for housing.
airshed – a geographic boundary for air quality standards.
alternative transportation – a means of travel other than through
the use of a private motor vehicle that reduces traffic congestion and an
individual’s carbon footprint and GHG emissions, i.e. walking, cycling,
carpooling, or mass transit.
Bike lane/path/route – a bike lane is a signed and striped lane
along a roadway for use by bicycles. a bike path is a dedicated, off-
road, paved bicycle way with minimal cross flow by motor vehicles. bike
routes are un-striped, signed routes which bicyclists share with motor
vehicles. bike routes differ from bike lanes in that routes do not include
any striping on the roadway. they are only designated by signage.
Carbon footprint – a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide
produced by a person, organization, or location at a given time.
Clean marina program – the Florida Clean Marina Program
is a voluntary designation program with a proactive approach to
environmental stewardship that aims to maintain water quality.
Climate action plan – lays out a strategy, including specific policy
recommendations that a government may use to address climate change
and reduce GHG emissions.
Cool roofs – reflective white or light-colored surfaces off which sunlight
will bounce, reduce heat absorption, and, due to their high emissivity, will
also easily release heat.
Dark sky – reduction of light pollution in order to improve night
sky visibility, to reduce the adverse effects of unnatural lighting to the
environment, and to reduce energy usage.
Dunes – hills of sand, built through the interaction between wind, sand
and coastal vegetation, that stabilize beaches and provide a buffer
against storm surges for coastal cities.
environmental footprint - a measure of the amount of environmental
impact produced by a person, organization, or location at a given time.
Florida Green lodging program – a voluntary initiative of the FDEP
that designates and recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment
to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. the program’s
environmental guidelines allow the hospitality industry to evaluate its
operations, set goals and take specific actions to continuously improve
environmental performance.
Fully planted – means that trees occupy all available tree planting
spaces in the right-of-way that can be filled, and that the tree cover in
parks and other city properties is maintained at an optimal level based on
each property’s uses and priorities.
Geothermal Cooling – the use of power extracted from heat stored
in the earth (geothermal energy) as a source of energy for cooling
processes, such as air-conditioning.
Green – for the purposes of this document, green is used as shorthand
to refer to any environmentally preferable product, activity, service or
process.
Green Building – a building that is designed and constructed to
reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and
the natural environment. Green buildings efficiently use energy, water,
and other natural resources, protect occupant health, improve employee
productivity, and reduce pollution.
Green seal standard – a certification that indicates compliance with
the rigorous environmental, toxicity and safety standards of the Green
Seal program.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) – Greenhouse gases are natural and
manmade gases in the earth’s atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation
within the thermal infrared range, acting as a warming mechanism that
raises temperatures on the Earth’s surface and lower atmosphere. the
four primary greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane
(CH4), nitrous oxide (n2O) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Greenprint – Miami-Dade County’s plan for sustainability that reaffirms,
establishes and synchronizes the government and community goals,
initiatives and measures.
Hazardous Waste – a waste or combination of wastes which,
because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical or infectious
characteristics, may cause or significantly contribute to an increase
in serious, irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness or pose a
substantial present or potential hazard to human health, safety, welfare or
to the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, used or
disposed of, or otherwise managed.
Household Hazardous Waste – hazardous waste that is generated
by residents through the use of hazardous or potentially hazardous
products in the home. typical household hazardous wastes include spent
batteries, cleaning products, pesticides, paints and solvents.
Headway – a measurement of the distance between vehicles in a transit
system – a “shorter” headway signifies a more frequent service.
Heating, ventilation, and air Conditioning (HvaC) –
technological systems whose purpose is to help maintain good air quality
through adequate ventilation with filtration and provide thermal comfort.
23
Heat island effect – a process where the substitution of open land
and vegetation for urban infrastructure causes a rise in the surface and
atmospheric temperatures of urban regions compared to those of their
rural surroundings, forming an “island” of higher temperatures within the
landscape.
indicators – measurable programs or activities that are used for
quantifying progress toward a goal or objective.
integrated pest management (ipm) – an ecological approach of
managing pest populations, while significantly reducing or eliminating the
use of pesticides.
leeD certification (leadership in energy and environmental
Design) – a rating system developed by the u.S. Green building Council
(uSGbC) that focuses on improving performance across five key areas of
environmental and human health: energy efficiency, indoor environmental
quality, materials selection, sustainable site development, and water
savings. lEED certifications are awarded at various levels (certified,
silver, gold, and platinum) according to a point-based scoring system.
living shorelines – shoreline management option that provides erosion
control benefits, while also enhancing the natural shoreline habitat.
marine Debris – human-created waste or litter that has deliberately or
accidentally entered into the marine environment.
municipal separate storm sewer system (ms4) – a system of
conveyances through which untreated stormwater runoff transported and
discharged into local water bodies.
national pollutant Discharge elimination system (npDes)
– a permit program, authorized by the Clean Water act of 1972, that
controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge
pollutants into the waters of the united States.
native species – for purposes of this document, plant or animal
species native to south Florida.
property assessed Clean energy (paCe) Bond – is a tool to
finance energy-efficient improvements that are part of a commercial or
residential building’s structure.
pervious pavement – surface coverings that duplicate the structural
and functional features of traditional pavement, but are designed to allow
infiltration of stormwater through the surface to the soil below where
water can be naturally filtered and pollutants removed.
reclamation plant – a facility that treats wastewater through a series
of treatments and purifying steps to supplement a region’s water supply.
retrofitting – the addition of new technology or features to older
systems.
right-of-way (roW) – every way set apart for public travel in motor
vehicles, including but not limited to streets, roadways, alleys, swales,
highways, and portions of driveways that cross a public sidewalk.
single-stream recycling – recycling program that allows customers
to mix recyclable paper, plastic and glass (all recyclable material) into the
same bin.
stewardship – is an ethic or responsibility to protect and maintain a
common good.
sustainability – policies and strategies that meet society’s present
needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.
sustainability plan – a document that addresses shot and long-term
environmental, economic, and social goals that will improve community
sustainability.
Workforce Housing – apartments and houses that are affordable for
workers in low and moderately paid jobs.
Xeriscaping – landscaping and gardening methods that reduce or
eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
Zero Waste – recycling or reuse of all natural and manmade materials
back into nature or the marketplace rather than sending those materials to
landfills or similar disposal options.
24
aCronyms
ada – american’s with Disabilities act of 1990
agn – atlantic Greenway network
CCaTf – Miami-Dade Climate Change advisory task Force
CCsP – Climate Change Science Program
Cmb - City of Miami beach
Crs – Community Rating System
ems – Emergency Management System
e Pa – Environmental Protection agency
fdeP – Florida Department of Environmental Protection
fdoT – Florida Department of transportation
find – Florida inland navigation District
gCra – Global Change Research act of 1990
gHg – Greenhouse Gas
HvaC – Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
ib – international baccalaureate
iPm – integrated Pest Management
kio – Key intended Outcome
kWh – Kilowatt-hour
leed – leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
los – level of Service
mdC – Miami-Dade County
ms4 – Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
nfiP – national Flood insurance Program
noaa – national Oceanic and atmospheric administration
nPdes – national Pollution Discharge Elimination System
ogT – Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of
Greenways & trails
oos – Miami Dade County Office of Sustainability
PaCe – Property assessed Clean Energy
rfQ – Request of Qualifications
roW – Right of Way
saP – Synthesis & assessment Products
sCaQmd – South Coast air Quality Management District
sfWmd – South Florida Water Management District
usaCe – united States army Corps of Engineers
referenCes
City of Miami, Climate action Plan (MiaPlan).
City of Miami beach, atlantic Greenway network Master Plan. (December
2008)
City of Miami beach, City Code Chapter 100: Sustainability.
City of Miami beach, Parks & Recreation Department – Green Space
Management Reforestation Plan (2007).
City of Miami beach, Resolution 2007-26699 Endorsement of the u.S.
Conference of Mayors Climate Protection agreement.
City of Miami beach, Strategic Plan.
City of Miami beach, transportation Element of the City’s Comprehensive
Plan. (november 2009).
City of Santa Monica Sustainability Plan.
Florida Energy, Conservation and Sustainable buildings act.
Florida State House bill 697.
Global Change Research act of 1990.
Miami-Dade County Climate action task Force, “Second Report and initial
Recommendations”.
national Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Fl-000003.
Synthesis and assessment Product 4.1: Coastal Sensitivity to Sea-level Rise:
a Focus on the Mid-atlantic Region.
toward a Sustainable Community: a toolkit for local Government,
university of Wisconsin.
uS army Corps of Engineers, no. 1165-2-211, Water Resource Policies
and authorities incorporating Sea-level Change Considerations in Civil
Work Programs.
25
noTes
26
noTes
27
noTes
28
29
30
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT DIVISION
pUBlic workS DEparTmEnT
Tel: 305.673.7080, Fax: 305.673.7028
1700 convention center Drive, miami Beach, Florida 33139
www.miamibeachfl.gov