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DRAFT City of Eugene Sustainable Building Policy Background The term "sustainable development" was defined by the 1987 U.N. World Commission on Environment and Development as: "meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Key objectives included: "reviving economic growth, but in a new form (less material and energy intensive...); meeting essential needs for jobs, food, water, energy and sanitation; conserving and enhancing the natural resource base; and merging ecological and economic considerations in decision making." On February 28, 2000, the Eugene City Council adopted Council Resolution No. 4618 providing a definition and statement of intent regarding the application of sustainability principles to the City of Eugene. In adopting the resolution, the Council committed City elected officials and City staffto upholding the following principles in carrying out their duties: 1. The concept of sustainability guides city policy and actions. The City of Eugene is committed to meeting its current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The City will ensure that each of its policy decisions and programs are interconnected through the common bond of sustainability as expressed in these principles. The cumulative and long term impacts of policy choices will be considered as we work to ensure a sustainable legacy. 2. The City will lead by example. The City of Eugene has an opportunity and responsibility to set an example for other organizations by operating its facilities and services in a sustainable manner. The City is committed to assessing its current practices and programs with respect to their conformance with sustainability objectives. The City is further committed to developing strategies for implementing sustainable practices that address purchasing of products and services, maintenance, facility design, and municipal operations. 3. The quality of the environment and the health of the economy are interdependent. A healthy environment is integral to the long-term economic interests of the City. The City is committed to protecting and restoring the natural environment as growth management and economic development decisions are made. The City is also committed to ecological decision-making where-in environ- mental criteria are integrated into municipal decision-making processes. As we protect the health of the environment and provide for expansion of the economy, we must also ensure that inequitable burdens are not placed on any one geographic or socioeconomic sector of the population. 4. Community awareness and education are fundamentally important to successful implementation of sustainability policies and programs. Every member of the community has some impact on the environment. Individuals, businesses, governments, and community-based groups must be encouraged to take responsibility for actions that harm the environment. The City will assume a leadership role in creating, sponsoring, and promoting sustainability awareness and education within the community. The City will focus on solutions and will facilitate citizen participation in developing those solutions. DRAFT