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August 27, 2008

Kirkland envisions a ‘sustainable economy'

  • A recent report commissioned by the city looked at how the city could create strong business opportunities while balancing the environmental, economic and social benefit of its choices.
    • By <a href="javascript:void(doEmailPost('Katie Zemtseff','author'))">KATIE ZEMTSEFFa>
    Journal Staff Reporter

    In creating an environmentally friendly climate, most cities look at specific problems, such as land use, green building, business or waste. But Kirkland has a broader focus: it's looking to develop a sustainable economy.

    How Kirkland can become sustainable
    • Develop an overarching sustainability strategy. Share pertinent results with the city's planning department and work to review current zoning for potential barriers to green business.

    • Develop metrics to better measure the health of Kirkland's economy.

    • Target business growth in clean energy and innovation. Encourage businesses that reduce waste, eliminate harmful chemicals and encourage healthy living.

    • Adopt a few signature, far-reaching policies like “zero waste Kirkland” or “car-free downtown.”

    • Adopt green strategies to encourage retail growth that would draw shoppers from other areas but also meet local needs like hardware and home furnishing stores.

    • Link programs to make it easier for businesses to get information.

    • Choose a green building program like LEED or Built Green as a model.

    • Set a goal to have all businesses participating in the Kirkland Green Business Program by 2012.

    • Foster networking between home-based businesses and the city green business program, and provide funding for business that agree to purchase green office power or green supplies.

    • Brand the city as a green business center.

    The city commissioned a sustainability assessment from O'Brien & Co. and E.D. Hovee & Co. that looked at where the city stands now, how its citizens see the future, and what needs to change to keep it economically strong. The study defined a sustainable economy as something that is healthy, strong, resilient and diverse.


     
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