Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Experience Green to Benchmark and Ensure HHI's Natural Resources



Photo of Hilton Head at Sunset by Flickr user Lee Edwin Coursey, Flickr Creative Commons

Experience Green and the Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC), a sub-committee of the Greater Island Council Vision Committee, are partnering to formally launch Hilton Head Island’s journey to sustainability! A Baseline Sustainability Assessment will measure and benchmark where the Island is as a community, and will determine how to ensure resource availability, decrease environmental impact, and enhance the Island’s legacy.
The Baseline Sustainability Assessment will identify opportunities for improvement and also highlight successes that can contribute to enhanced image, value, marketing efforts and more. The results will help with thinking, planning, and acting in a more sustainable way; address root causes and provide criteria for evaluating long-term outcomes rather than short-term decisions.
Indicators relevant to the Island’s sustainability proposed for the assessment include water issues, waste, energy, transportation and mobility, labor and food sourcing, urban forestry management, community education/awareness level, and position in the marketplace. The assessment will be conducted by a third party sustainability consultant to ensure authenticity and standards. 
The project cost an estimated $75,000, which will include the Baseline Sustainability Assessment and a communications/engagement program to share the results and seek input from the community. 
Experience Green seeks organizations and individuals to donate and support this project. Your contribution demonstrates leadership, community citizenship, supports sustainability, and includes marketing benefits.
To make a donation or receive more info, contact Boyd McCleary at 843.422.4780 or kailuaboyd@gmail.com. Your investment reduces the potential cost of inaction, and will support Experience Green and our community’s next steps on the journey to sustainability.
A steering committee will oversee the procurement and implementation processes, and is made up of members from the Experience Green Board of Directors and the GIC Sustainability Advisory Council, including Wood+Partner’s very own Mark Baker.