Office of Energy & Sustainability

The Office of Energy & Sustainability works to ensure that the City maintains and enhances its long-standing commitment to preserving, protecting, and restoring our natural resources.  Representatives from every department provide expertise to guide the development of City policies and practices that are consistent with our Environmental Mission. 

The City’s goal is to encourage a growing sense of stewardship - both within City Hall and the Rochester community - toward sustaining the environment and our natural resources for future generations. 

Climate protection activities

• Commitment to the US Conference of Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement 
• Monitoring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with assistance through the memberships we maintain with:   
              ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability
              Climate Communities
              The Climate Registry
• Greening the City's fleet with highly efficient and alternative fuel vehicles
• Reducing overall energy consumption with HVAC upgrades, efficient lighting systems, US Green Building (LEED) standards, and employee education
• Purchase of energy generated by renewable sources

Protection and restoration of natural resources activities

• Leadership participation in the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
• Preventing and monitoring beach pollution
• Nationally recognized urban forestry program - you can take a look at our forestry master plan
• 3,500+ acres of parkland
• More than 18 miles of off-road and unpaved trails
• Aggressive and successful brownfield cleanup and redevelopment program
• Stewardship of a pristine watershed that includes Hemlock and Canadice Lakes

Recycling & reuse activities

• Residential curbside collection
• Materials Give Back Program
• Purchasing policy that emphasizes and encourages green products

Construction and zoning activities

• Revision of the Zoning Code to emphasize sustainable development
• Adoption of LEED standards for all new construction and major rehab projects by the City
• Working with private sector partners to facilitate green development 
  Developer's Guide

Questions?

For additional information, contact Anne Spaulding in the Division of Environmental Quality at (585) 428-7474 or spaulda@cityofrochester.gov