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While this chapter focuses on environmentally sustainability, this chapter is not independent from the other chapters in this Comprehensive Plan. This particular chapter discusses the overarching poiicies, practices, information, and implementation techniques that apply throughout the Plan. There are policies, tools, and implementation techniques in other chapters that directly relate to environmental conservation and sustainability, though may not be repeated in this chapter. The goal of this chapter is to recognize the importance of conservation and sustainability as well as to coordinate these efforts in the Plan. This chapter is an integrai part and is intended to enhance the other chapters in the Comprehensive Plan. City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Two major challenges are helping to drive sustainable design: peak oil and climate change. Both of these issues pose uncertain future risks that face all of society. Peak oil refers to the idea that the world is nearing the peak of oil production. While additional oil supplies are being discovered, rising world demand and decreasing supply will almost certainly lead to higher costs for energy supplies. Climate change is widely believed to be occurring due to increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels. Both phenomena are creating changes in economies and ecosystems at the global, regional and local levels that cannot be easily predicted. For local governments - responsible for managing local public services and planning for future land use and transportation - this new uncertainty creates a wide variety of risks and vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is important to plan and set goals on how to meet these challenges. 12.1 What is Sustainability and Sustainable Design? Sustainability: The concept of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable Design: Design that seeks to avoid depletion of energy, water and raw material resources: prevent environmental degredation caused by facility and infrastructure development over their life cycle: and create environments that are livable, comfortable, and safe and that promote productivity. 12.2 Green Building Practices The world and national focus is toward overall improved design of all types of buildings to conserve energy and produce a healthier living environment Leading programs are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and the US Green Building Council. Both of these organization are leading the way along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and MN Pollution Control Agency in developing rating systems. DRAFT 4/18/2008 92