Sustainability
At its most basic level, sustainability means “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable communities strive to meet this balance from the joint perspective of environmental, economic, and community needs.
THPRD's Sustainability Program is based on a belief that it is our staff’s daily responsibility to be good stewards of our resources. This entails:
- Using resources and materials wisely. We will work toward being an agency whose activities are climate-neutral, produce zero waste, and generate no hazardous substances. Our activities will include changing the culture to consider sustainable alternatives to some practices or products that may cost more initially but should pay off in the long run. We may undertake programs that reduce driving or mowing, use alternative fuels, or increase fuel efficiency standards for our fleet.
- Respecting and conserving natural systems. We will strive to protect habitats, wildlife, and ecosystem functions. Staff will provide appropriate levels of planning, protection, and low-impact development to these areas to support and preserve them. Staff may also construct new buildings that meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards and create pervious pavement or bioswales to reduce stormwater run-off and pollution, as they did at the THPRD/PCC Rock Creek Recreation Facility.
- Educating ourselves and our patrons. We will consider the lifecycle effects of our purchasing and operations on people and the environment, both locally and globally. We will use challenges as learning and improvement opportunities and share our knowledge with our community. District-wide training sessions will be arranged for staff with follow-up workshops for specific subject areas. Staff will also create a financial “costing model” and sustainable purchasing guidelines. This will allow us to consider the lifecycle effects of our purchasing and make wise long-term decisions that extend beyond our immediate needs.
