Richmond CLEAN Community Goals

On April 24, 2008, Richmond will be celebrating its designation as an Indiana CLEAN Community. The Indiana Comprehensive Local Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) Community Challenge is a voluntary recognition program for local Indiana government. CLEAN helps communities take steps to plan, develop, and implement a quality of life plan. This plan includes gathering input and support from the community and local businesses.

The City of Richmond, working through the Richmond Wayne County Environmental Awareness Council, has developed a Quality of Life Plan (QLP). It is similar in concept to an environmental management program (ISO: 14000) used by many businesses. CLEAN actions are in keeping with the sustainability commitments of the Strategic Plan.

Here are the five CLEAN goals for Richmond:

Richmond CLEAN Community Goal #1: Reduce Fuel Consumption by City- Owned Vehicles

Target: Reduce Sanitation Department fuel consumption by 10% during calendar year 2008

Studies have shown that transportation-related activities have the most significant environmental impact of any activity for most organizations or institutions, including the City of Richmond. Most actions taken to reduce transportation-related environmental impacts will also save money for the City.

Richmond CLEAN Community Goal #2: Reduce City Outdoor Electrical Use

Target: Reduce electrical consumption of City-owned outdoor lighting by 10% during calendar year 2008

The environmental impacts related to generation of electricity are significant: mercury in drinking water, acid rain, greenhouse gasses and climate change. Small and relatively inexpensive changes in use and waste handling can lead to significant reductions in electrical demand and environmental impacts.

Richmond CLEAN Community Goal #3: Reduce City Indoor Electrical Use in City Buildings

Target: Reduce electrical consumption in the City Building and the Sanitary District Building by 10% during calendar year 2008.

Most people are unaware of the ways in which they use electricity and how much electricity they use or waste through their normal work activities. This is as true in the City’s buildings as it is in any business or home. Many changes can be introduced and carried out gradually as part of standard procurement and maintenance practices.

Richmond CLEAN Community Goal #4: Reduce Volume of Solid Paper Waste Sent to the Landfill

Target: During calendar year 2008; reduce office paper consumption 10%; increase recycling of office paper 30%; increase purchase and use of recycled paper instead of “virgin” paper 30%.

Current technologies allow for efficient use of recycled paper in office machines and cost-effective production of recycled paper which has much lower environmental impact than production of paper from timber. Changes can be introduced and carried out gradually as part of standard procurement practices.

Richmond CLEAN Community Goal #5: Increase Recycling of Aluminum and Steel Cans, #1 & #2 Plastics, Office Paper and Newspaper

Target: Achieve a 30% reduction in solid waste going to the landfill from the City Building and the Sanitary District Office during calendar year 2008.

Although Richmond has a relatively effective curbside recycling program for residents, very little recycling is accomplished within City buildings and activities.