Eugene Oregon enjoys a long history of innovation, vision, and commitment to sustainability. In 2000, the City of Eugene led many cities across the nation by publicly announcing its commitment to sustainability principles. The City commits to promoting a sustainable future that meets today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, and accepts its responsibility to:
- Support a stable, diverse and equitable economy
- Protect the quality of the air, water, land and other natural resources
- Conserve native vegetation, fish, wildlife habitat and other ecosystems, and
- Minimize human impacts on local, regional and worldwide ecosystems
The current City of Eugene Environmental Policy adds detail to this committment by seeking to reduce environmental impacts from all activities and operations. Eugene
has been named the #1 Green City in the United States by National Geographic’s Green Guide for its accomplishments in the areas of renewable energy, livability, and public green space. Eugene is striving to do even better. A sustainable city is not just a green city; it is a city that takes care of its people and businesses just as it also takes care of its environment.
The City's sustainability efforts cover three broad areas: Social Equity, Environment, Economy. Many of the community focused and internal initiatives the City undertakes have a component of all three aspects of sustainability. The City has recently established an Office of Sustainability and a new Sustainability Commission. To learn more about Eugene City government’s practices, policies and resources, please select a link in the columns on this page.