Sustainability

Community input on the future of Alameda Point over the last fifteen years has addressed the desire for an environmentally sustainable neighborhood. But just what is a sustainable community? And how does the Revitalize Alameda Point initiative address this community vision?

Sustainable Development balances the needs of today with protection of the natural environment so that the needs of our future generations will be met. The SunCal plan for Alameda Point includes a wealth of sustainability strategies, including:

1. De-emphasizing of the use of the automobile

• automobiles are major emitters of greenhouse gases
• a mixed-use, compact community supports public transit and walkability
• bike trails, pedestrian walkways and convenient public transit lessen automobile usage.
  

2. Is self-contained

• a mix of retail, commercial, recreational and civic uses provides needed amenities locally, lessening the need to travel.

3. Has a jobs/housing balance

• having places for residents to work and homes with a range of purchase prices allows employees to greatly reduce the amount of commuting.

4. Uses resources wisely

• building designs include recycled materials and materials from renewable sources
• building systems are designed to minimize water use
• recycled water and drought-tolerant landscapes further minimize impact on water resources
  

5. Is carbon neutral

• energy efficient buildings reduce demand for power
• renewable energy sources – wind, water, solar – supply a large part of the community’s needs
  

“The general sustainability goal is to take every reasonable step to be a good neighbor to the environment and surrounding community, while leaving the smallest possible footprint.”
(Excerpt from Alameda Point Draft Redevelopment Master Plan
December 19, 2008)

We invite you to look at the sustainability strategies yourself. They can be found here on pages 123 – 138.