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Sustainability, it can often be a confusing or vague concept. In its simplest terms, sustainability means being wise with our resources while working to enhance both our environment and our economy.
The City of El Paso Sustainability Office was established in 2007 to develop, coordinate, and support city-wide sustainability goals and initiatives. The office helps foster a culture of sustainability by providing presentations on how you can lead a more sustainable lifestyle and by connecting you with local businesses and organizations that specialize in sustainable enterprises.
To define an integrated, strategic framework for sustainability, the Sustainability Office through a collaborative city-wide effort developed an ambitious plan, the City’s “Livable City Sustainability Plan.”
The plan was inspired by the City Council’s strategic goal to make El Paso “the most livable city in the United States.” El Paso has chosen to embrace sustainability as the road to becoming a model livable city. The City views sustainability as an approach that accounts for environmental, economic and social impacts when considering new policies or programs.
El Paso’s strategic vision for sustainability is captured in the following statement:
In El Paso, we balance what we have,
what we use and what we want for
today and tomorrow.
El Paso’s mission statement for achieving sustainability is:
By 2014, El Paso will be a model of sustainability and smart growth by building on its roots as an international hub, promoting sustainable enterprises and wisely using natural resources.
To make our vision and mission a reality, El Paso must address the following three city-wide key issues:
Stakeholder Engagement & Education: The citizens of our community/region and our employees must be educated and engaged to support the City’s sustainability direction.
Triple Bottom Line: All city processes and procedures must employ a triple bottom line – economic, environmental, and social – approach.
Leadership & Workforce: City leadership and the workforce must have the knowledge and skills necessary to support sustainability.
To learn more about the City’s sustainability plan, please visit the City’s Sustainability Office website.
You may contact the City’s Sustainability Office at energy@elpasotexas.gov.
City of El Paso Sustainability Office
El Paso Electric Energy-Efficiency Tips, Programs
U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
U.S. Energy Information Administration
El Paso Solar Energy Association
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
For Students and Teachers
U.S. Energy Information Administration educational tools