Sustainability

Sustainable Paradise Valley

Every day we hear news about global warming, catastrophic weather events, high oil fuel prices, global food shortages, record foreclosure rates, increased unemployment and a record number of high pollution days. These trends could have serious social, economic, and environmental consequences unless we find a way to use our resources more efficiently. Planning for the future is an important aspect of sustainability.

Brundtland Report

Common use of the term "sustainability" began in 1987 with the publication of the World Commission on Environment and Development report, Our Common Future. Also known as the Brundtland Report, this document defined sustainable development as "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Benefits to Prioritizing Sustainability

Locally, sustainability is important to ensure the social, environmental and economic systems that make up our community are providing a healthy, productive and meaningful life for residents and visitors alike.

There are many benefits to prioritizing sustainability including fostering a culture of innovation and creativity; staying ahead of new environmental laws; strengthening reputation, increasing loyalty and improving stakeholder relations; retaining employees and increasing productivity; and increasing meaningful citizen participation.

Comprehensive Inventory

The Town of Paradise Valley has developed a comprehensive inventory of current policies, ordinances, and programs that support the Town’s commitment to sustainability. The inventory revealed the Town already has many sustainable measures in place, including a hybrid vehicle fleet, audio/video conferencing, crime prevention classes and two "green" fire stations.

Alternate Energy Sources

In addition, the Town is exploring alternate energy sources to power the Town Hall campus. This demonstrates the Town’s commitment to the environmental, economic, and social stewardship of Town operations and the Paradise Valley community.

Additional Information

If you are interested in learning more about the Town’s sustainability efforts, please contact Senior Planner Paul Michaud at 480-348-3574.

If you would like to learn more about what your carbon impacts are on the environment, you can try out the carbon calculator.