Page 197 - BWM Dec 2012

December 2012 | Business World Magazine | 197
not only green, but golden. The city was
recognized for implementing as many as 80
distinct programs and projects that span a
range of environmental sensitivities. These
include: the incorporation of an environ-
mentally-based mission statement into the
City’s Comprehensive Plan; the appoint-
ing of a specialized staff to coordinate eco-
friendly activities; creating an endangered-
lands conservation strategy; providing home
energy audits and residential building incen-
tives; adopting a green standard as the offi-
cial minimum criteria for new government
buildings; and obtaining Florida-Friendly
Landscaping Certification for city parks and
green space.
Again, this represents only a fraction
of the activities accomplished by North
Port during its path to green supremacy. Of
course, CityManager Jonathan Lewis affirms
that when this process began some four years
ago, the city’s intent was not so much about
being the best, but simply being better. “The
elected body here, historically, has been very
supportive of initiatives involving sustain-
ability, and there are three legs of that stool,”
Green Fire Station