Other Initiatives
Many communities around the world are now taking a stand to ensure that the generations to follow are given the opportunity to sample the same natural wonders as those that have gone before them.
A handful of these great case studies include:
A tradition in Kobe becomes energy efficient
The tradition of ‘Kobe Luminaire’ in Kobe (Japan) has become energy efficient with the use of light-emitting diodes that consume less electricity.
Kobe Luminaire is an annual festival held on 16 January, marking the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred on the early morning of 17 Janaury 1995 and claimed more than 6,400 lives. Kobe Luminaire has been held every year since then to wish for the repose of the souls of the quake victims, and expressing hope for the city’s restoration and renaissance. Each of the tiny glitters from the illumination represents the life of each quake victim, and hope for survivors.
Source: “Kansai in focus: Praying under decorative illumination”, Kippo News, 10 January 2007.
Austin plans to go ‘carbon neutral’
The climate protection plan of Austin (USA) plans to make Austin the leading city in the US on climate action.
The broad elements of the plan include:
- Municipal Plan. Making all city facilities, fleets and operations totally carbon neutral by 2020.
- Utility Plan. Implementing the most aggressive utility greenhouse gas (ghg) reduction plan in the country through dramatic increases in conservation, efficiency and renewable programs; requirements for carbon neutrality on any new generation; and by early retirement of existing utility ghg emissions.
- Homes and Building Plan. Making Austin building codes for both residential and commercial properties the most energy efficient in the country.
- Community Plan. Developing a comprehensive plan for reducing ghg emissions for sources community-wide.
- “Go Neutral” Plan. Providing mechanisms for all businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint to zero.
Source: Austin Climate Protect Plan.
Greater Geelong supporting its cyclists
Greater Geelong (Australia) is developing a cycling strategy that will support all cyclists – whether for community, recreation or sport – through facility development and information provision.
The city wants the community involved in the strategy’s development, and encourages its citizens to complete a summary available online on the city’s website. The survey is designed to take only 10 minutes, and will be invaluable to Greater Geelong in the identification of issues and setting of priorities.
Some of the questions asked in the survey include:
- How often do you ride a bike?
- Which of the following would most influence you to cycle more often?
- Are there any roads or locations where you would like to see on-road cycle lanes or off-road cycle paths?
As an incentive to complete the survey, those that fill out the survey are automatically eligible for a draw to win one of two three-month memberships at the city’s recreation and athletic facilities. To view the strategy, please visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/survey/cycle_survey.aspx
Children in Leicester learning to conserve resources
Local schools in Leicester (U.K.), by learning about everyday life in Masaya (Nicaragua), are learning about the importance of conserving resources, and the importance of energy efficiency.
Leicester started a twinning partnership with Masaya in 1987. Since then, Leicester has assisted Masaya with agricultural and environmental projects, as well as schemes to build sustainable housing. From Masaya, Leicester has broadened students’ geographical and cultural knowledge, and has provided useful and practical examplees of the global effects of climate change.
For more information on the Leicester-Masaya partnership, please visit www.leicestermasaylink.org.uk
Source: “Learning a Lesson”, InterAction: Local Government International Bureau, December 2006.