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Landscape and Turf and Grounds crews are having favorable results with an eco-weeder, an environmentally friendly, chemical-free weed control system. The system, which kills weeds with radiant, infra-red energy, can be applied specifically to weeds without causing damage to other, non- weed plants nearby. The targeted application super heats the weed, searing the vascular system of the plant. In short, the plant dries up and dies. The new system appears to work particularly well on young, annual weeds by disrupting the weeds' life cycle and preventing the weeds from reaching seed stage and spreading. Because of its specificity, the system can also be used in sensitive natural areas, such as along rivers and streams. It can also be used during the rainy season when other weed control methods, such as spraying, are not very effective. Though the feedback from staff is generally positive, the system is not a quick-fix for all weed control issues and will remain part of an arsenal of weed control techniques parks staff use. The effectiveness of weed control is dependent on the type of weed and the timing of the weed control application. The new system, for instance, does not work as well on grasses and older, more established weeds. It also operates more slowly than other weed control systems and requires more frequent applications for best results. Although it will not entirely replace the need for chemically-based products, this system will reduce the amount of herbicides used in Eugene's park system. Green Building - The Green Building Task Team was created by the EPT in March 2001. This team is charged with reviewing the use of green building technology in the City's internal building design, construction and maintenance practices and identifying potential areas of improvement. The team also reviews information on green building research and practices in the public and private sectors, and identifies practices for potential application to the City. City agencies are applying green building principles to improve the environmental performance of City facilities. During FY02, a set of Energy Conservation Program Policies was adopted that specifically addressed building operations and maintenance practices as elements of a comprehensive energy program. These policies incorporated the ongoing effort to upgrade HVAC systems in City buildings to a "best practices" standardized direct digital control technology where feasible. In terms of new public buildings, the City has adopted the USGBC (the U.S. Green Building Council) "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" criteria (LEED) for new City construction projects. The City is a member of the Green Building Council, and City staff is participating in USGBC's development of standards for building renovations and building maintenance. On November 8, 2004, the City Council heard a presentation on some of the leading edge work our Facilities Division staff is doing applying green building standards to on-going maintenance activities. The construction, operation and maintenance of City buildings create a range of environmental impacts. In order to implement the City Council policy on Sustainability Principles, the Facility Management Division is applying the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria to the City's facilities. As shown by the examples above, the City is actively involved with programs and projects which support the City Council Resolution on Sustainability.