<
https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20241101-how-las-vegas-is-becoming-a-sustainable-city>
'Las Vegas is notorious for bright lights, excess and hedonism. But America's
playground – or to use its better-known nickname, Sin City – is going green.
From water conservation and waste management to solar power, the city has
invested millions in pushing sustainability initiatives.
"The effort began in earnest in 2005," says Marco Velotta, who serves as the
city's sustainability officer, "and accelerated with the Recovery Act in 2009".
The federal act set targets for renewable energy, water conservation, recycling
and green buildings.
"With the Recovery Act and City Council direction, the city was able to make an
initial investment of $75m (£58m) in sustainability projects," Velotta says.
Despite a dramatic population increase, water consumption has dropped
"significantly", he says. By 2030, 50% of all Nevada's electricity is expected
to be generated from renewable resources.
The Las Vegas strip in particular has doubled down on efforts to switch to
renewable energy. Most resorts developed sustainability initiatives thanks to a
10-year-long 50% property tax abatement programme previously offered by the
city (the scheme has now closed). The resorts are also required to comply with
the state's standard of deriving energy from 40% renewable sources. "Most have
exceeded 40%," says Velotta. "Las Vegas has come a long way in a short amount
of time.
"Initially tourists were also surprised by the city's sustainability efforts.
However, since Las Vegas has emerged as a leader in this area, sustainability
has become a part of the city's overall story."'
Via
Positive.News
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
