Maricopa County Goes Green

Supervisors Approve Program for Green Service Delivery

Maricopa County – On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved a green initiative that covers a wide swath of county departments and promotes an environmentally-sensitive approach to county business and saving money.  County departments have been meeting for several months to discuss ways to “green” operations, share ideas between departments and formalize a plan to deliver services with less of a negative impact on the environment.   

              The program contains short and long-term strategies to help Maricopa County reduce energy and material use and save money, all while reducing its carbon footprint.  The plan includes identified actions to help improve the region’s air quality, improve water quality and quantity, and make better decisions leading to efficient, economical and environmentally sensitive land use and development patterns.

        “Save the environment and save money, that’s our model,” said Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Andy Kunasek. “In many instances we can be more environmentally sensitive at no additional costs or with a relatively short return on investment.  For example, we’ve started buying smaller cars that are cheaper to buy and much more efficient to operate.  Solar panels and other more cutting edge items may cost a bit more up front, but we’ll analyze them to ensure that they’re still cost effective in the long term.” 

        County officials say it’s about more than just how employees provide service that affects the environment.  The County’s carbon footprint also includes what the public does to receive those services. 

        Supervisor Don Stapley points proudly to the work the planning department is doing in terms of digital plan submission. Stapley, who is promoting green governance as this year’s President Elect of the National Association of County, believes Maricopa County has a responsibility to be a green government.  “Soon, we’ll have reduced the amount of pollution our customers create in getting their building permits, by offering these services online, instead of requiring a trip to the downtown office.”  

        “When we started looking, the first thing we saw was that it was rather simple to do a lot of things,” said David Smith, County Manager. Smith points to the purchase of new paper with recycled content, automatic vehicle routing systems for field personnel and more video conferencing as starters. “We’ll then move systematically to consider ideas which require some initial investment or are more involved like the alternative fuel vehicle program approved by the Board last year.”

Maricopa County is incorporating its green initiatives into its performance measures as well. “The approach is all about efficiency,” said Smith. “And to lead the way, we must be able to measure our progress both financially and environmentally.”