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City of Arden Hills- Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT <br /> 12. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY <br /> Goal: Promote conservation and sustainable design practices in the preservation, <br /> development, redevelopment, and maintenance of the City's natural and built <br /> environment. <br /> To achieve this environmental sustainability goal, the following policies are <br /> proposed: <br /> a Encourage the use of sustainable design practices in the construction and <br /> operations of new development, additions, and building renovations. <br /> o Evaluate energy use, set energy savings goals, and work to reduce <br /> energy use at City facilities and vehicles. <br /> o Encourage the use of site sensitive planning and design to protect <br /> significant natural features throughout the City. <br /> o Support the use of renewable energy. <br /> o Support the efficient use of land and development that reduces reliance on <br /> fossil fuels. <br /> o Work to reduce carbon emissions at City facilities and vehicles. <br /> o Work to protect air and water quality. <br /> o Encourage programs that reduce waste and increase recycling. <br /> The need for environmental sustainability, green building practices, energy <br /> efficiency, and conservation is becoming more apparent as energy prices rise and <br /> the impact of humans on the environment becomes more prominent. While Arden <br /> Hills has a relatively small impact when compared to the rest of the world, the City <br /> does play a role in protecting the environment and encouraging sustainable <br /> development and redevelopment. If more cities adopt environmentally sustainable <br /> practices, the combined impact is substantial regardless of city size. <br /> Sustainability is more than just energy and water conservation. It incorporates <br /> environmentally sensitive site planning, resource efficient building materials, <br /> enhancing indoor and outdoor air quality, enhancing the use of daylight, reducing the <br /> need for automotive travel, and many other techniques. There is a vast array of <br /> techniques that can be used to reduce the impact on the environment. The benefits <br /> of implementing sustainable building, sustainable environment, and conservation <br /> practices include, but are not limited to: <br /> o Lower electric and utility costs; <br /> o Environmentally effective use of building materials; <br /> o Enhanced health and productivity; <br /> o Long-term economic returns; and, <br /> o Reduced environmental impact. <br /> DRAFT 82 <br /> 3/14/2008 <br />