Sustainability

Nearly 80 percent of U.S. residents live in urban environments and such areas are continuing to grow. How and where urban development occurs can affect ecosystem quality and services, habitat protection, water resources, energy consumption, and indoor and outdoor air quality. Noting that buildings account for more than 40 percent of total energy consumption in the U.S., a National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) report sets out a broad agenda for technological research and development to reduce use of natural resources and improve indoor environments while reducing emissions from buildings of greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants.

EPA programs and resources are helping states and local communities to promote urban sustainability by supporting smart growth projects, green building and infrastructure design, energy efficiency in homes and commercial buildings, and development of sustainability metrics for urban development. A 2007 article describes more fully how EPA is advancing urban sustainability.