OAKLAND
​California
SUSTAINABLE OAKLAND
While we did not find many specific sustainability components in the general plan, Oakland ranks as one of the most sustainable and livable cities in the nation. The city of Oakland was able to achieve this through the utilization of various programs and groups under the Sustainable Oakland effort.
Buildings & The Built Environment: The city has adopted a Civic Green Building Ordinance, which promotes green building techniques. This also requires all new buildings owned by the City to attain at least LEED Silver. Oakland has also established a Green Building Resource Center.
Improving Energy Performance in City Operations: Specific elements include facility retrofits (129/141 facilities have been retrofitted to date), the civic green building ordinance, installing solar electric panels, and recieving green business certifcation.
TARGET AREAS
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy: Oakland utilizes many different energy-saving initiatives. Energy Upgrade California guides home owners to improve their own energy efficiency through technical assistance. The Weatherization Assistance Program also helps low-income residents attain free weatherization services.
Climate Protection: Oakland currently has a specific Energy and Climate Action Plan, which was adopted in 2012. The plan identifies issues and outlines specific goals and implementations for reducing GHG and energy consumption.
LINKS
The Vision for Oakland
In the year 2015, Oakland will be a safe, healthy, and vital city offering a high quality of life through:
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dynamic economy that taps into Oakland’s great economic potential and capitalizes on its physical and cultural assets
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clean and attractive neighborhoods rich in character and diversity, each with its own distinctive identity, yet well integrated into a cohesive urban fabric
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a diverse and vibrant downtown with around–the-clock activityan active and accessible waterfront that is linked to downtown and the neighborhoods, and that promotes Oakland’s position as a leading United States Port and a primary regional and a primary regional and international airport
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an efficient transportation system that serves the needs of all its citizens and that promotes Oakland’s primacy as a transportation hub connecting the Bay Area with the Pacific Rim and the rest of the United States
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awareness and enjoyment of Oakland’s magnificent physical setting–hills, views, water, estuary–in every district and neighborhood.