The Emerald City

What is an Emerald City? It’s a metropolitan area organized to achieve the lowest possible net GHG and toxic emissions from the operation of its essential services and built environment (including but not limited to its buildings, transportation, water and sewer, communication, public safety, and food systems) and the greatest feasible local capture and sharing of the employment, income, wealth, health, and knowledge benefits of doing so. 

We have selected our pilot cities based on local affiliate strength of our national partners, committed local leadership for building retrofits and improved energy efficiency. The community workforce agreements and inclusive standards, supportive local regulatory and policy environments, commitment of local government, labor,  and community have also been important factors. Civic stakeholders to the goals and principles of Emerald Cities, and the capacity of local government, labor, community, and civic stakeholders help to pursue the Emerald Cities vision.