When moving to a new city, you want to make sure that it will be a healthy place for you and your family. Follow this guide to help you recognize the signs of an eco-friendly city. These signs include key performance indicators, green spaces, renewable energy, recycling programs and efficient planning.

KPIs  

As a city begins its plans to go green, it should establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to help it get started. Without establishing these KPIs, it is difficult for a city to have real measurements of its efforts to go green. These indicators need to include meaningful and attainable goals to ensure that they can meet these objectives in a timely manner. Before you move to a new city, look up their current KPIs and how they plan on measuring them as completed. This research will give you a good idea about how committed they are to meeting these goals.

Green Spaces  

One of the most visible indicators of a city's commitment to sustainability is with its green spaces. Besides the obvious benefits, such as citizens can enjoy the outdoors and exercise, these spots also contribute to sustainability goals by helping to reduce temperatures and pollutants. Features such as green roofs support cities in water regulation. As a city expands, implementing more green areas can help cities avoid overwhelming sewage facilities with runoff. Take the time to look at how the city is utilizing its space to provide green areas and what their plans are for improving upon them.

Renewable Energies  

Energy sources such as solar and wind are headlining topics in the news. This growing trend of renewable energy has contributed to a reduction of pollutants and an increasing influence by cities around the globe. When planning your move, look at what renewable energy commitments the city has made and how these are being met. As a new citizen, you should also look into what tax breaks are available to you for using these energy sources. By doing your initial research, you can choose what sort of energy works best for you. Don’t forget to look and see what programs are in place to help you go green.

Recycling Programs  

A simple way for a city to meet its KPIs is with a meaningful recycling program. This goes beyond providing a recycling center but also making it easier for citizens to participate, such as creating clearly defined spots for disposing of materials like glass, plastic, and paper. Additionally, cities can make use of other materials in their green efforts, including programs for shingle and asphalt recycling to help reduce the burden on landfills and demands for environmentally harmful chemicals. While you are researching your city, take the time to check that their recycling programs are doing as much as possible to make the city eco-friendly.

Efficient Planning  

There are many ways that a city can meet its KPIs when going green, including rethinking its design. While there are limitations on what changes can be done, by committing to green urban planning, a city can reimagine its current space. A city can open up more green spaces, improve access to public transportation and limit urban sprawl. By improving mass transit options, a city can reduce car usage and lower pollution levels. To help manage urban sprawl, a city can improve access to public transportation and limit the distance between people and their work. These are changes you want to look for when reviewing a city's plans.

With a little research, you can make an informed decision on where to move and how to be involved in creating a meaningful difference in your new hometown. Happy researching!