Dark surfaces are absorbing and trapping heat on the surface of cities, raising temperatures. This forces residents and businesses to increase energy use on air conditioning, giving them higher electricity bills and exacerbating climate change by increasing emissions. White and cool roofs can be a solution to help reduce surface temperatures and electricity bills by reflecting solar energy back into the atmosphere, reducing energy costs, and increasing air quality and livability for citizens.
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Provide a viable, and affordable, transportation option to help de-congest Broad Street, and spur more economic development for the City of Whitehall.
Consumers and employees alike are starting to demand that the companies they support share their values. By participating in voluntary certification programs, businesses can demonstrate that they value sustainability and attract the talent and patronage of like-minded people.
Incentivizing residential alternative energy installation can help reduce the upfront cost to residents, decrease their energy bills, and increase the amount of discretionary income they have that can be reinvested in the community. All while reducing residents' carbon footprints as well.
(Image Source: Berkely Observer)
Creating a guide for homeowners and developers on how they can benefit from sustainable construction methods is the first step in increasing awareness of the city's dedication to sustainable development. It will help buildings in the city become more efficient, increase long-term savings for building owners, and reduce adverse environmental impacts on water and air quality, among other aspects.
Upgrading the vehicles for the city government to be more efficient and use forms of energy that generate less pollution would have a wide range of benefits for the city, both financially and socially. This can be achieved by creating a plan that phases out older vehicles and conducts cost-benefit analyses for technologies and newer vehicles.
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Unfortunately, most of Whitehall's pre-twentieth century architecture has been largely demolished over the past fifty years. However, there are some examples of mid-century architecture in pristine conditions, including ranch homes, neon signs, and the City Hall that was constructed in the 1960s and has been well-maintained since. These are features that should be preserved and celebrated as a part of Whitehall's culture.
(Image Source: Nick Badman)
Municipalities all over the country have been saving thousands, even millions, of dollars on energy costs just by upgrading their light sources to LEDs. Upgrading street lights and interior lighting in municipal facilities saves the City of Whitehall energy costs in the long run while also setting an example as a leader in local sustainability. Changing street and parking lot lights can also reduce light pollution with the addition of new canopy requirements.
(Image Source: Dorset Street Lighting Services)
Increasing the availability of electric vehicle charging stations for public use removes a barrier to businesses and citizens switching from fossil fuel vehicles. With more zero emission vehicles on the road, air quality could be improved by reducing ground level-ozone that contribute to public health problems, and carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.