Central Houston, Inc. is discussing what measures can and should be taken to create a more sustainable downtown.  We are working to an ultimate goal of making downtown Houston one of the most sustainable downtowns in the country.  This is in line with the Downtown Development Framework created in 2004 which states, "As we build our city, let us think that we are building forever."  Collaboration and cooperation among a wide array of companies and organizations is necessary to the successful implementation of our strategy.  We will focus our efforts on actions that will have the most leverage in increasing sustainability.

Task forces have been developed to focus on different, but related, efforts.  These task forces began meeting in late July 2007.

Energy
This task force is discussing Energy Star and LEED certification for older buildings (new buildings planned will be certified), development guidelines for properties that cannot meet Energy Star and LEED certification, and demonstrations for on-site power generation demonstrations.

Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
While up to 40% of the downtown working population takes some form of alternate mode of transportation to work at least once a week, more can be done.  The task force will evaluate ways to increase the percentage of those taking alternate modes of transportation.

Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) - Bicycles
Bicyclists' primary goal was for Metro to allow bicycles on buses and LightRail.  Metro is implementing this program, but there is still work to be done.  We will evaluate what additional measures can be taken to encourage bicycle use for the purpose of transit (including those who ride bicycles to bus stops), adding bicycle racks, adding bicycle lockers, identifying sites where cyclists can shower prior to work, and if we can attract a bicycle service business to downtown.

Recycling
This task force will work with trash companies, buildings and tenants to identify ways that recycling programs can be successfully implemented, possibly with a downtown-wide recycling program.

Heat Island
This task force will evaluate how we can reduce the heat island effect in downtown, potentially including a heat audit to measure thermal bulk/reflexivity properties, bringing parking lots to city landscape standards or above, and implementing a green wall initiative.

Education and Communications
This task force will support other task forces, possibly including the following:  acting as liaison to small/older building owners, discussing LEED training for building owners and brokers, providing information and referral for developers, owners, brokers, banks, property managers, etc., and developing a "green guide" for owners, tenants and employees.