Co-sponsored by the Local Government Training Program, in the Department
of Political Science and Public Affairs at Western Carolina University.,
the workshop was designed for those involved in identifying, planning,
financing and implementing local government sustainability programs
and practices.
Jeff Hughes led a participatory workshop that focused
on the finance and policy challenges that arise when local governments
consider implementing green building, fuel efficiency, waste reduction
and other sustainability initiatives.
What
is it and why do it?
A discussion of typical sustainability initiatives, the rationale
behind them and the objectives that drive local governments to
consider them.
Where are you now and where might you be in the future?
Establishing baselines. Metrics, resources and models for quantifying
the energy, environmental and financial impacts of current and
potential local government practices.
Making the
business case for sustainability.
Examination of cost analysis techniques for evaluating the financial,
economic, social and environmental costs of sustainability measures.
Is governmental accounting enough? Incorporating analyses into
existing budgeting procedures.
Financing the
big stuff.
Innovative methods of financing sustainability projects, e.g.
carbon reduction credits, grants, commercial loans, guaranteed
energy savings contracts, as well as internally generated funding
mechanisms (capital reserves, pay as you go). |
Questions?
Call or email Vickey
Wade at (828) 227-3442.