Page 40 - Greensboro, NC-GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Goal - A
Community meeting hosted by the Community Sustainability Council and Planning staff
Greensboro advances environmental stewardship, taking
care of our natural resources and the natural systems that
support all living things.
OUR GOALS AND STRATEGIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Greensboro embraces a triple bottom line approach to sustainability that balances Strategy 1: Promote resilient, efficient, and environmentally beneficial patterns
three interdependent attributes. Environmental stewardship ensures that the of land use. Utilize and modify rezoning, subdivisions, site plan, building permit,
contributions of natural resources to human well-being are explicitly recognized annexation, and related review and approval processes to achieve an appropriate
and valued. Social equity incorporates fairness and justice in providing for the jobs-housing-service balance. Additionally, apply these processes and others to
housing, services, health, safety, and the livelihood needs of all citizens and groups. ensure that all Greensboro residents are within walking distance to a park, green
Economic resilience is necessary to build a diverse, strong local economy that can space, or natural feature.
withstand changes to the regional, national, and world economy.
Strategy 2: Take policy and program actions that advance sustainability. Such
actions may include promoting green infrastructure to manage water quality, tree
planting policies to reduce the urban heat island effect, development of programs
to increase recycling and reduce solid waste production, and policies to reduce air
pollution and greenhouse gases. Stay up-to-date on emerging technologies and
advancements in science that may contribute to increased sustainability.
Strategy 3: Develop a strong communication, education, and partnering plan
“GSO designs for a sustainable future for all by nurturing designed to protect the environment. This plan could include public messaging,
one another, caring for our land and resources, and new incentives, and environmental education. Additionally, cultivate strong
building a thriving economy.” partnerships with local, regional, and state entities and organizations that work on
environmental protection to help Greensboro adapt to the local effects of global
climate change and address other environmental issues.
Online Survey Response, 2018
Strategy 4: Enhance proactive stormwater and flood hazard mitigation efforts to
address impacts from more frequent high duration and high intensity storm events
including measures to protect critical community assets, manage floodplains,
reduce property loss, ensure business continuity, and improve public safety.
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