May 2013
| Business World Magazine | 159
but also help minimize the impact of elevat-
ed temperatures attributed to a global phe-
nomenon known as urban heat island effect,
a factor which, undoubtedly, contributes to
the city’s recognition as “Hotlanta.”Through
its commitment to local agriculture, Atlanta
has also passed legislation to protect Farmers
Markets which operate in the city limits.
ADVANCING IN CLEAN
TECHNOLOGY
Only five short years ago, Atlanta’s air pollu-
tion was recognized among the worst in the
nation, but its air quality has tremendously
improved demonstrating how quickly trends
can be reversed through mitigation efforts.
Quarles says the city has yet to realize all of
its goals for air quality, but while that work
continues, several initiatives are providing
crucial support to their effort. In one case,
a bike-share program (called “viaCycle”)
has been launched through a partnership
with the Georgia Institute of Technology.
The City has also invested in more emission
friendly Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
vehicles, such as those powering busses at the
airport. This summer, Atlanta anticipates
opening two additional CNG stations, but
Southeast Energy Efficiency &
Weatherization Training Center
