The Sustainability Commission researches, advises, and recommends to the City Council policies and programs that advance sustainability in Tempe, with particular attention to sustainability in the following areas:
- energy management (City operations and the City as a whole);
- climate-action plan with a roadmap of actions to be recommended;
- local food and agriculture;
- livable neighborhoods and happy communities;
- land use and development;
- building practices;
- purchasing practices;
- economic development (green jobs);
- solid waste, recycling, and hazardous waste;
- water and wastewater management;
- transportation;
- dark skies;
- air quality;
- environmental justice; and,
- preparedness and resiliency.
In addition, the Sustainability Commission:
- assists City departments in executing approved policies and programs;
- supports education and outreach related to the City’s sustainability practices;
- identifies potential sustainability partnerships with public, private, and educational entities; and,
- recommends a comprehensive sustainability plan with measurable goals and benchmarks to ensure year-to-year progress.