Office of Sustainability -- City of Buffalo
In 1998, as an initiative of the Common Council President James Pitts, the Green Gold Development Corporation, a non-profit organization was created. Green Gold is a strategy for Buffalo to assist and attract "green" businesses to Buffalo. "Green" businesses are those that that pose appropriate solutions to environmental problems using innovative technology and offering beneficial services.

At the request of Council President Pitts, Randi Mail, Green Gold’s Project Coordinator issued a report entitled, Sustainability Initiatives Across the Country in November 2000. It included case studies of cities that have directed themselves on a sustainable path, national and international resources (governmental and non-governmental organizations) and recommendations that Buffalo can use to become more sustainable.

Sustainability puts equal emphasis on environmental quality, economic health and social equity. It maintains that natural capital, social capital and economic capital are three interdependent forms of community wealth. Natural capital includes the nonrenewable resources and renewable resources we use. Individuals, communities, businesses and governments worldwide are realizing that natural capital is a limiting factor to development.

Sustaining social capital requires looking at the strength of community relationships, human rights, educational and recreational opportunities, access to health care, transportation and affordable housing, preservation of historical, cultural and artistic heritage, as well as civic participation and involvement in government.

Sustainable economies nurture locally owned businesses and co-operatives, utilize local/regional skills and resources, and institutionalize living wages. Sustainable businesses build local assets and conduct their operations in a manner that does not compromise the ability of future generations to sustain themselves on Earth. These businesses recognize that pollution is waste, waste is inefficient and inefficiency is expensive.

For consideration in the City of Buffalo’s May 2001 budget, Green Gold Development Corporation proposes that an Office of Sustainability be established. Two full-time Sustainability Coordinators should be recruited nationally in an effort to identify individuals with significant and appropriate experience.

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