NOVEMBER 2016 

Mayor Murray announcing Pavement to Parks in Rainier Vista
Hello Friends and Partners...
As we near the end of 2016, it's a good time to take stock of what we've accomplished in the past year and be thankful for the people and organizations that are key partners in our success. We are currently asking for feedback on two initiatives that have been in development for over a year and have been shaped by numerous conversations with the community. Seattle's Building Tune-Ups policy will help large buildings become more efficient and Seattle's Climate Preparedness Strategy is focused on ensuring we are well prepared to face the challenges of a changing climate. We welcome your thoughts on both proposals though November 30. As always, thank you for being a partner in our work. 
 
Jessica Finn Coven, Director
Office of Sustainability & Environment 
KEY SUSTAINBILITY UPDATES
Join Us for Green Seattle Day - Nov 12
Green Seattle Day is the largest outdoor work party day of the year. Hundreds of volunteers participate in planting thousands of plants throughout Seattle.  The event runs from 9am-noon at Camp Long, and at 15 other parks across Seattle.  No experience necessary. Tools, gloves, plants, coffee, snacks, and instruction provided. Additionally, since the October 15 Arbor Day celebration was canceled due to weather, we will be officially celebrating Arbor Day at this event too. More information - including registration - is here. 
Tune-Ups Director's Rule and Open House
In March of this year, Seattle adopted a Building Tune-Ups Ordinance that requires owners of nonresidential buildings 50,000 sq.ft. or greater to "tune-up" their building energy and water systems every five years.  The Ordinance authorized the OSE Director to further specify program implementation details by Rule. OSE Director's Rule 2016-1 is available online and OSE will be accepting comments through November 30. 

Additionally, the public is invited to attend an Open House to hear a presentation and ask questions about the proposed Rule: 
Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 5:30 pm 
Bertha Knight Landes Room of City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave. 
RSVP to: nextgenEE@seattle.gov. Note "Open House RSVP" in the subject line.
Seattle's Large Buildings Becoming More Energy Efficient
Seattle is committed to accelerating energy efficiency improvements due to the myriad benefits energy efficiency provides.  A recent analysis shows that buildings in Seattle are conserving more and more energy. Collectively, Seattle's benchmarked buildings show a 2.7% decrease in energy consumption from 2014 to 2015, after adjusting for differences in weather. More details here
Seattle's Environmental Equity Work Receives Additional Funding
Seattle was one of eight cities to receive funding for locally-driven sustainability projects focused on equity. The Partners for Places grant will fund the next phase of work in our Equity & Environment Initiative - which is currently focusing on: 
  • Integrating the Agenda goals and strategies within City departments' work programs
  • Deepening relationships with local and national philanthropy and communities to align and advance issues of environmental justice
  • Identifying program/policy pilot opportunities with communities of color to showcase environmental justice in action
Seeking Comments on Seattle's Preparedness Strategy Through November 30! 



The Office of Sustainability & Environment collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders to develop innovative environmental solutions that foster equitable, vibrant communities and shared prosperity.