Community-wide Energy and Sustainability Survey

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

In 2011, the Energy and Sustainability Program in Broward County, Florida set out to gain a greater understanding of the energy efficiency initiatives and sustainability programs implemented throughout its 31 municipalities. The effort started with a fifty-five question survey covering every aspect of sustainability in local government. The survey offered a gateway to build relationships across levels of government and fields of expertise that did not previously exist. Despite its length and comprehensive nature, the county achieved full participation in the survey by nurturing these professional touch points. The process and resulting summary report has gained national attention as a template for other communities to follow. The County also facilitates workshops to foster dialogue between these sustainability practitioners in the community. Energy managers, water engineers, city planners, elected officials, urban farmers, green builders, academic administrators and citizens from the tri-county area come together to discuss program goals and challenges, share success stories, and discover opportunities for collaboration. Through the community-wide survey, summary report, and networking workshops, the county has successfully: 1) captured, shared and celebrated the achievements of local governments; 2) identified local municipal leaders in sustainability and 3) created a platform for advancing energy efficiency and sustainability programs across the community.