Phoenix's environmental leadership successes have resulted from implementing policies, programs and practices that have a far-reaching affect on the environment. For example, 2007 marked the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the Phoenix Environmental Quality Commission (EQC), an appointed citizen's group comprised of fifteen members. The EQC's commitment to a sustainable environment was even more evident as the group forged strongly ahead on the issue of renewable energy. Ongoing environmental leadership was demonstrated through citywide environmental performance indicators for department management and Environmental Management System (EMS) project accomplishments.
Phoenix Environmental Quality Commission (EQC)
The 15-member EQC, which was established in 1987, is a citizens' commission appointed by the mayor and city council. The EQC meets monthly to discuss environmental issues and concerns. The commission has been instrumental in recommending green building practices for inclusion in the General Plan, strengthening the smoking ordinance, addressing water quality, promoting water conservation and fluoridation, and many other important projects and policies to support a sustainable and healthy environment.
City Council Subcommittees
The city council boasts a long standing subcommittee specifically designed to review and use environmental and natural resource issues. While the subcommittee has evolved over time, the mayor recently added a sustainability component to the subcommittee charge.
Environmental Performance Indicators
Since 1999, the city manager has required department directors to include an environmental goal in their annual Environmental Performance Plan to enhance environmental compliance and environmental programs. Departments are evaluated based upon their achievements in specific environmental programs. As of 2006, there are five indicators including Compressed Natural Gas Usage, Hazardous Materials Management, Pollution Prevention, Asbestos Management, and Air Quality Programs.
Environmental Management System (EMS) Project
In 2005, the Phoenix Public Transit Department was one of ten transit agencies in the United States to participate in an EMS training and assistance project sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration. After one year of implementation, the Center for Organizational and Technological Advancement at Virginia Tech evaluated all of the EMS programs. The city of Phoenix Public Transit Department EMS was the only program to receive a score of 100 percent.
EMS accomplishments at the Transit South Operating facility included:
- Implementation of a paper and cardboard recycling program, resulting in 10,000 lbs being recycled in its first year.
- Waste stream identification resulting in less costly and more efficient and environmentally friendly disposal methods.
- Trained 445 staff on environmental impacts from transit operations.
- Significant energy use reductions and cost savings of $34,000 (compared to prior three years).
- Purchase of five aqueous-based parts washers to replace solvent-based equipment; saving $15,000 per year and reducing the solvent use by more than 3,000 gallons per year.
In July 2007, the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) South Division began an EMS. Using input from staff at all levels of the division, objectives were set in the following areas
- Reduced vehicle idling
- Dust control
- Reduced electricity use
- Partnerships for community environmental projects
- Lower emissions on hand-held equipment
- Increased environmentally preferable purchasing
- Reduced aerosol emissions from can depressurizing equipment
The goals will be achieved through a combination of awareness training and equipment upgrades. EMS progress is being measured against specific targets. An annual review process will be used to refine and expand the goals.