Grand Rapids Community Sustainability Partnership
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Planning Resources

West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum “Self-Assessment Guide”

This guide has been developed by the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum to be used by companies interested in measuring their business sustainability practices. It can help a company begin its journey toward sustainability. This self-assessment tool is designed for sustainability leaders to work with representatives from key areas within the company to identify ways to increase product and service efficiency, reduce negative health and environmental impacts, and meaningfully contribute to their communities. It also is intended as an internal subjective analysis to help the company achieve continuous improvement.

Download Guide (PDF)

Climates Extremes Communication Guidebook

This guidebook has been created by the ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA and World Wildlife Fund to aid local governments communicate about weather and climate extremes in the context of climate change. Included in the guidebook is background information on weather and climate extremes, communication approaches, and the role of local governments.

Download Guide (PDF)

Grand Rapids Climate Resiliency Report

In 2013 The City of Grand Rapids commissioned West Michigan Environmental Council to prepare an assessment of climate vulnerabilities in conjunction with Grand Valley State University. The attached plan identifies 32 vulnerabilities and recommendations for addressing each.

Download (PDF)

Environment

Waste

  • Recycling
  • Elimination of toxins

Energy

  • Conservation
  • Renewable energy use

Water

  • Quality
  • Storm water/wastewater
  • management
  • Conservation

Air

  • Greenhouse gas emissions
  • Quality
  • Noise abatement

Built Environment

  • LEED building guidelines
  • Facilities efficiency

Land Use/Preservation and Restoration

  • Open space/greenspace
  • Natural habitat
  • Urban sprawl
  • Biodiversity
  • Charrette design

Transportation

  • Fleet vehicles/use and efficiency
  • Alternative modes
  • Alternative fuels

Agriculture

  • Local food crops
  • Land erosion

Equity

Education

  • Training
  • Knowledge base/skill sets
  • Intellectual capital
  • Voter participation

Health and Wellness

  • Human health
  • Recreation

Quality of Life

  • Housing/rental affordability
  • Access to services
  • Poverty reduction
  • Community well-being
  • Great neighborhoods

Cultural Competence

  • Diversity
  • Cultural awareness
  • Arts and heritage

Safety and Security

  • Crime rates
  • Disaster planning

Spirituality

  • Faith-based initiatives

Philanthropy

  • Charitable contributions
  • Volunteerism

Economy

Fiscal Management

  • Expenditures
  • Revenues
  • Capitalization

Economic Development

  • Employment
  • Smart growth
  • Business sustainability
  • Brownfield redevelopment
  • New Businesses

Purchasing

  • Green Purchasing
  • Policies and procedures
  • Minority purchasing
  • Local purchasing
  • Aggregate purchasing

Utilization of Assets

  • LEAN principles
  • Shared services

Innovation

  • Applied clean technologies

Help your organization build a sustainable foundation.

Get involved today!
  • About
    • About the CSP
    • CSP History
    • Founding Partners
    • Endorsing Partners
    • Leadership Team
    • Strategic Plan
  • Learn
    • Local Sustainability Groups
    • Sustainability Plans
    • Planning Resources
    • Sustainability Videos
    • Community Voices
  • Engage
    • Community Connections
    • Calendar of Events
    • Get Involved
    • Newsletter Signup
    • Regional CSPs
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