Bay Area cities sustain very well
By Eve Mitchell
Business Writer
Thursday, June 1, 2006
Oakland is moving up on the ladder of sustainability, which among other things means more people are recycling their trash and taking the bus or walking to work instead of driving.
Of the country's 50 largest cities, Oakland ranked sixth in a sustainability survey that looked at commuting, air and water quality, recycling, and green buildings. Last year, Oakland placed ninth.
The second annual survey, to be released today, was conducted by SustainLane.com, a San Francisco-based online resource for sustainable living.
A sustainable city is a place that has a strong local economy, is walkable, makes use of renewable energy and has farmers markets, among other features, according to the survey.
"Oakland is definitely a leader in this growing area of sustainable management," said survey director Warren Karlenzig.
"Cities shouldn't rely on volatile outside resources but rather need to take the initiative to develop more self-sufficient economies," said James Elsen, chief executive officer of SustainLane.
The findings were based on data gathered in 15 environmental and economic categories along with interviews with city officials and experts.
"I'm very proud of the fact that Oakland is once again ranked among the top 10 sustainable cities in the country," Mayor Jerry Brown said in a statement. "At a time when gasoline prices are hitting our wallets harder than ever, it's imperative that we prepare our cities for an efficient and sustainable future."
Portland, Ore., placed first in this year's survey, followed by San Francisco. Columbus, Ohio,ranked last. San Jose was ranked 23rd. Berkeley was ranked third in last year's list, which looked at cities of at least 100,000 people, but its population was too small to be considered in this year's list.
Meanwhile, Oakland placed 10th in the commuting category, which looked at how residents who live and work in the city got to their jobs. In 2004, 22 percent of
city residents took public transportation to work, compared with 17 percent in 2000.
"It's very impressive," said Karlenzig of the jump in people not driving to work. "It's one of the highest increased rates."
But on another measure — housing affordability — Oakland ranked 44th. It also ranked 48th in terms of being at risk from a natural disaster — most likely from an earthquake — because of the city's proximity to the Hayward fault.
"Sustainability looks at the ability of people to be able to live in cities as well as the overall environmental (health) of the city," Karlenzig said. "People who cannot afford to live in the city are going to drive in from three hours away. That has massive (environmental) impacts. It makes more sense for a city's economy and environment if they can live in a city and work there, too."
Oakland also ranked at the top of the survey for having the largest amount — 17 percent — of renewable electricity used by its residents, businesses and government agencies provided by solar, wind and geothermal resources.
In other measures Oakland ranked:
- Fourth in term of air quality.
- Fifth in terms of solid-waste diversion as measured by recycling practices.
- Ninth in terms of having a strong local food supply, which is measured in part by the number of farmers markets and community gardens.
- 37th in terms of tap water quality.
Business Writer Eve Mitchell can be reached at (510) 208-6474 or emitchell@angnewspapers.com.
