 |
Large City Category
Winner – Tacoma, WA and Tacoma Housing Authority
The city of Tacoma has incorporated sustainability throughout its comprehensive plan ensuring that sustainable policies and business practices are considered when making all departmental decisions.Salishan, a HOPE VI project developed by the Tacoma Housing Authority, has been recognized as a best-in-class example of the successful completion of a sustainable community. On the site of a former WWII housing project, the new housing development is compact, affordable, accessible to transit, schools, jobs and bike trails and contains a community health center, community garden and a playground. The project meets recognized environmental standards and boasts green and efficient building and maintenance practices saving residents up to 30% on their energy bills.
Runner Up - Boston, MA and Mass Energy
The city of Boston recognized that planning, promoting and supporting sustainability was essential for its long-term viability and developed their Sparking Boston’s Climate Revolution plan to address those issues.The Renew Boston Residential Energy Efficiency Pilot Program is a partnership between Mass Energy and the city of Boston to implement the energy efficiency goals in the plan. Through the program, Mass Energy and Next Step Living provided energy assessments and efficiency upgrades including insulation, air sealing, and water saving devices and high-efficiency light bulbs for moderate income homeowners. As a result of the program, each participating homeowner saw an average of $230 in energy savings per year.
Small City Category
Winner – Burlington, VT and Champlain Housing Trust
In response to increasing urban sprawl that posed a threat to economic and social vitality as well as the environmental health of the community, the City of Burlington, local residents and businesses came together to identify and implement a strategic road map for the future called the Legacy Project Action Plan, which represents a holistic approach to creating a sustainable community.Burlington Cohousing East Village is directly aligned with the goals of the Burlington Legacy Project Action Plan. Completed in 2007, Burlington Cohousing East Village is Vermont’s only urban cohousing community. Cohousing offers private homes with shared common spaces, including community gardens, outdoor courtyards and laundry facilities. This 32-home development exemplifies best practices in housing, natural resources and land use and development.
