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SUSTAINABILITY

UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County defines sustainability as satisfying our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. We are committed to environmental, social and economic sustainability. To achieve the balance necessary for a sustainable community, this means:

  • Replenish the resources we use or consume;
  • Ensure our values guide us into the future; and
  • Invest in our community to ensure future prosperity.

This is a constantly evolving journey, with countless directions and possibilities. We invite you to join us on this journey, through your choices and actions and by encouraging others in the community. Together we can make a difference – today, and for future generations.

Benefits

The products we buy, the cars we drive, the places we choose to live, work and play: our choices affect our environment and community. Our cumulative behavior in consuming and disposing of resources will influence our community’s future quality of life. This is true for the community and for government entities. When local governments, businesses and residents practice sustainability it enhances the economy, provides cost savings, saves taxpayer dollars, conserves resources, protects the environment, and helps make a healthier community. 

Sustainability in Sarasota County

Sarasota County Government leads the move to sustainability, with programs, processes and policies to achieve greater balance among environmental, economic and social impacts. Among our achievements:

  • Designated a Gold level “Green Local Government” by the Florida Green Building Coalition in 2008 and again in 2015, the highest scoring county in the state.
  • More than $4 million in grant funding, primarily focused on energy efficiency and sustainable economic development.
  • $1.5 million in Florida incentives through the Sustainable Energy Economic District (SEED) Incentive Program.
  • Reached 1,500 households with Energy Upgrade program, saving residents an estimated $259,000 per year.

Join us as we build a sustainable community.

Programs

Sarasota County Government offers an array of programs to help you build and maintain sustainability in your life, your business, and your activities.

Policies

Learn more about the concrete actions Sarasota County Government is taking to create a sustainable community. View a list of sustainability-related policies.


Resources

The Sustainability newsletter is published and distributed quarterly (previously monthly), providing timely news for residents, business owners and employees, elected officials, policy-makers, and others. To subscribe, find the link at the bottom of any newsletter or visit our tiny.cc/ufsaraext_news sign-up page (place a checkmark in the Sustainability box under "Send me information about..." ).

Archived editions:

RECENT SUSTAINABILITY BLOG POSTS

World Environment Day 2023: #BeatPlasticPollution

An Introduction to World Environment Day On June 5th ,1972, the first-ever global conference that put international environmental issues at the forefront, took place in Stockholm, Sweden. The “Conference on the Human...
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Pedal Your Way to Environmental and Personal Wellness

May is National Bike Month, a celebration of the bicycle and its extensive impact on wellness, transportation, and sustainability. In 2023, Bike to Work Week is May 15-21, with Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 19. Whether for health,...
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Earth Day 2023: Invest in Our Planet

Every year since 1970, people around the world have come together to celebrate our planet and support environmental action. April 22nd is the perfect time to reflect on our past and envision a better future. It’s a time to connect with one...
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