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 Pinellas County Goes Green
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Welcome to Pinellas County, Florida's first green government.

View our Notable Green Accomplishments

For classes on living green, visit our Sustainable Living schedule.

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Leading By Example -

check markCounty Drives Clean, Green and Lean Machines

Pinellas County Fleet ManagementIf you think environmental sustainability is something new for Pinellas County Fleet Management, think again. Fleet has a longstanding program of vehicle maintenance that improves mileage and reduced emissions by using off-the-shelf technology.

The cornerstone of this commitment to green is an extensive program of preventative maintenance. Each of the county’s nearly 2,000 vehicles is given a thorough work over when they are brought to the shop. From the mundane – such as checking tire pressure and air filters – to more advanced application such as throttle body cleanings, the goal is efficiency, reliability and prolonged vehicle life.

While checking what’s under the hood is the first step, what goes into the tank is just as critical. Pinellas County Fleet Management was one of the early adopters of biodiesel to power their large trucks. This product, made from vegetable oils, is an outstanding substitute for straight diesel fuel. This fuel keeps grease out of the waste stream and has significant advantages when it comes to environmental impact – a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbons, 20 percent reduction in carbon monoxide and a 22 percent reduction in particulate matter – the stuff coming out of the tailpipe.

It’s not only clean and green, but lean as well. Fleet management has been moving toward smaller, more efficient vehicles to conduct county business. Sure, when the job calls for a large dump truck or other apparatus, departments can check them out from Fleet. But, for day-to-day operations, studies conducted by Fleet show that smaller trucks and cars can easily handle the load. This further increases fuel efficiency, and by purchasing more standardized equipment, it’s easier to keep necessary parts on hand for maintenance.

Simple steps for a greener future.


First Green LogoSince 2007. Pinellas County has been the first jurisdiction in the state to earn the Green Local Government designation. The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) recognized the county’s environmental stewardship and its leadership in following sustainability practices. In order to obtain the Green Local Government designation, the coalition considered a comprehensive list of criteria, which included a myriad of local government department functions. For more information on this prestigious designation, visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org. Pinellas County continues its dedication to green living and working, considering the sustainability factor of projects, planning and employment – both on the road and in the office.

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Pinellas County Notable Green Accomplishments
  • Pinellas County Extension – As a part of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, Pinellas County Extension offers award-winning outreach education in all areas of sustainable living. The Sustainable Living website provides an education portal to various resources; from blogs to video to the latest publications from the University. Our educators provide programming and research-based advice on environmental and social issues.
  • Planning Department
    Development of the Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan: Planning Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.
  • Community Development: affordable housing is EnergyStar certified.
  • Fleet Management: operates a biodiesel/ethanol fueling station.
  • Public Works: uses green landscaping for medians and installs LED traffic lights.
  • Sheriff’s Office: employs bicycle patrol in neighborhoods.
  • Solid Waste: operates a household electronics and chemical collection center and swap shop for the public on site as well as a “Cutting Waste at Work” program for local businesses to assess the amount of waste generated and aid with reducing disposal costs.
  • Alternate Water Sources to Conservation: created a reclaimed water infrastructure and employs code enforcers to oversee watering restrictions in neighborhoods.
  • Development Review Services: mandates removal of invasive species when proposals are made for existing buildings to upgrade/change their property.
  • Environmental Lands Division: Promotes public education and awareness of sustainable practices through Ecological Services and the Environmental Education Centers’ programs, exhibits, teacher trainings, and partnerships.
  • Environmental Management & Utilities: Put air and water quality indexes on websites to inform and educate citizens about the air and water in our environment. Utilities also uses recycled bill envelopes.
  • Parks & Recreation:  Installed recycling facilities at select public parks.  Utilities is in the process of developing a permanent recycling program at the beaches.
  • Economic Development: Received a Brownfield redevelopment grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to clean up polluted and hazardous property in the Cross Bayou and Lealman Districts.
  • Personnel: Introduction of the Telecommuting Policy means that telecommuting employees will not add to traffic congestion and air pollution in Pinellas County.
  • Cultural Affairs: By using interactive theater performances to introduce and reinforce scientific concepts regarding water use, water conservation and the environment to school children in grades K - 5, these concepts are brought to life in an entertaining and meaningful way. In collaborate with the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Pinellas County Utilities.

 

 
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