Springfield government practices sustainability.

Byline: CYNTHIA PAPPAS For The Register-Guard

GOOD THINGS often don't make the news. The city of Springfield is quietly and responsibly implementing steps toward sustainability. The Oregon Sustainability Act of 2001 established a statutory framework that supports the triple bottom line of sustainable practices: environmental stewardship, a healthy economy and social well-being.

Why is the city of Springfield spending time on sustainability efforts? Because the long-term health of our environment, our economy and our community rests on sustainable practices - both in business and at home. The potential economic benefits of sustainability initiatives are many. What follows is a short summary of the various steps being taken.

Being part of the solution: The Development Services Department's staff worked with the Center for Watershed and Community Health at Portland State University and the League of Oregon Cities in creating a template for local government to initiate sustainable development practices.

Creating an environmentally responsible fleet: Springfield has purchased a Toyota Prius car as the first hybrid addition to the city's fleet. This gas/electric car produces fewer emissions and allows for a 50 percent reduction in that vehicle's fuel bill.

Conserving energy and using it efficiently: The city's Customer Service Committee is focused on reducing energy usage at City Hall to reduce our impact on the environment and to save money. We have replaced incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, we have reduced lighting in the lobby area on days when sun streaming through the skylights suffices for illumination, and we have turned down the thermostat.

Aiding in salmon recovery: We are implementing changes to the Springfield Development Code that will increase pretreatment of stormwater before it is discharged into the river. Building sites are being designed and planned to reduce the amount and rate of stormwater runoff. The temperature and quantity of stormwater runoff can be reduced by increasing tree canopy coverage at developments. Protecting riparian vegetation along wetlands and waterways can improve water quality. Staff members of the Development Services Department are developing an Urban Forest Management Plan to demonstrate the vital role of healthy vegetation and landscapes in urban water quality management.

Making a commitment to wise use of land: The Springfield City Council has adopted new standards for construction of multifamily housing, resulting in more attractive medium- and high-density housing developments. Multifamily housing results in more efficient use of land and full use of urban services. At the same time, the new standards incorporate more detailed, human-scale design elements such as balconies, articulated walls and window openings oriented toward the street.

Promoting the adaptive reuse of buildings: The city, through its Historic Commission, works hard to make sure historic buildings are not lost, but instead are recycled and reused. Examples of this include the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, which was relocated and recycled to house the Springfield Chamber of Commerce; the Oregon Power Company Building, which is home to the Springfield Museum; and the Thomseth House, which now serves as the visitors center at Dorris Ranch. The Sutton Block is currently being renovated as the Emerald Art Center, and the Fine Arts Theater will soon undergo renovation into a community performing arts center.

Making a commitment to alternative modes of transportation: The recently adopted Transportation Plan for the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area (TransPlan) calls for the designation of mixed used, transit-oriented development nodes as a means of reducing the number of vehicle miles traveled. Mixed use development nodes provide for a combination of commercial, employment and residential uses within a quarter-mile radius, so people can work, shop and live without having to make as many automobile trips.

Additionally, the city supports trip reduction by paying 40 percent of the cost of an employee's monthly bus pass as well as offering reserved close-in parking spaces to employees who car pool. The city is working with the Lane Transit District on a transportation demand management project in the Gateway area that will help alleviate dependence on auto trips. The Springfield Development Code requires better and more secure bicycle storage for commercial developments to encourage employees to ride their bikes to work.

Minimizing solid waste production: The city of Springfield has had a recycling program in place for the past 10 years. Each department recycles plastic, cardboard, newspaper, paper, batteries, toner cartridges and glass. Many of the office supplies we purchase are made of recycled materials. The city's Green Team encourages awareness among staff to use items that can be recycled instead of thrown away.

Sound wastewater treatment plant management: The Eugene/Springfield Regional Water Pollution Control Facility has recently implemented an Environmental Management System. An EMS is a management structure designed to address the impacts of an organization's activities, products and services on the environment. The Regional Water Pollution Control Facility is the first public agency in Oregon to successfully implement an EMS and become registered as compliant with the International Organization for Standardization 14001 standard, an international model for EMS requirements.

The city continues to make steady, measured progress toward incorporating sustainable practices in our organization and in the community, because it leads to a future we can all live with.

Cynthia Pappas is the development services director for the city of Springfield.