Sustainability practices give businesses competitive advantage – a boost to the environment and the local economy. Green buildings and infrastructure are good investments. Healthy, balanced communities attract investment and new residents.

Sustainable Cities build local capacity, through promotion of green businesses and development of local jobs. Policies and programs should prioritize development and retention of local jobs, and the built environment should be planned and developed to achieve balance and diversity. Economic growth, social equity and environmental stewardship are complementary and sustainable communities can protect precious resources while building local economies.

Sustainable economic development resources

• Green Chamber of Commerce external link
• Greening Business external link
• Community Performance Indicators and Metrics:
  • One Planet Living external link
  • Living Building Challenge v4.0 external link
  • LEED for Neighborhood Design external link
• Financing Sustainability external link
• Case Studies:
  Santa Monica Green Business Certification Program external link