SEH worked with St. Louis County on an innovative planning effort that has the potential to affect how the County will “do business” in the future.

During the process, the County defined what sustainability means to them. Integral to this discussion is the reality of a region challenged by industry shutdowns and the struggle to stimulate job creation.

The County is considering managing the data gathered during first phase study efforts through a Sustainability Asset Management software that will track facilities, vehicles, and infrastructure in terms of life cycle and energy usage. This will allow the County to create prioritized maintenance and replacement schedules that integrate their sustainability objectives. The Plan will address how the County can:

• Save money by assessing life-cycle costs of assets and by reducing maintenance needs.
• Position the County for future funding by having action plans in place.
• Create job growth by encouraging “green” business development through zoning and incentives.
• Move the County into the carbon credit market to realize a non-traditional revenue source.
• Maintain strong tourism revenue base by protecting natural resources.
• Assess the County’s energy footprint via its facilities, purchasing, vehicle fleet, operations, and waste streams.