Austin leaders will host seminar about sustainability task force

It’s not easy being green, but the city of Austin is looking to try anyway.

City officials are hoping to get citizens involved in making Austin more environmentally friendly by forming an Austin Sustainability Task Force. The task force would be part of the GreenSteps Cities program the City Council voted this summer to participate in.

City officials are holding a public meeting Wednesday to inform citizens about the program. The public is welcome to attend.

The GreenSteps Cities program gives city officials and council members a list of ideas and best practices for reducing the city’s carbon footprint. Some of the best practices include reusing existing buildings instead of building new ones, constructing new buildings that meet a green building standard, improving the efficiency of lighting and signals, and encouraging higher housing density.

“The GreenSteps program can be a real asset for Austin because it is based on a well established formula that has been successful in many communities,” said council member-at-large Janet Anderson. “It offers opportunities for citizens to work together on specific projects for better environmental practices and on innovative projects.”

The task force will include up to 15 community members and green initiative group representatives.

City officials said anyone interested in environmental sustainability throughout the Austin area should attend. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday.