Since 2006 when the Environmental Management Department was reorganized to create the Office of Environmental Quality, Kansas City and its leadership has embraced sustainability as a core principle in municipal operations and promoted a triple-bottom line approach to achieve social equity, economic vitality, & environmental quality in our community. 

Why Sustainability? According to the United Nations, since 2007 more than half of the world’s population has been living in urban areas and this number is estimated to exceed 70% by 2050.  By concentrating people, investment, and resources, cities heighten the possibilities for economic development, innovation, and social interaction.  However, this requires a city government able both to ensure that such benefits are realized, and to adopt a sustainable framework that encourages the city’s growth within ecological limits. 

Building sustainable cities requires investment in:

• Renewable energy sources
• Efficiency in the use all resources
• Design and implementation of compact cities
• Retrofitting of buildings and increasing green space
• Fast, reliable, and affordable public transportation
• Improved waste and recycling systems

Kansas City has made consistent progress towards being a more sustainable city and continues to explore innovative and collaborative ways to meet our sustainability goals.  

What Have We Achieved?

Through interdepartmental teams, interagency initiatives, and partnerships with non-governmental entities, Kansas City has achieved or is implementing the following:

• Creation of interdepartmental KC Green Teams and the Green Solutions Steering Committee
• Adoption of the 2008 Climate Protection Plan
• Installation of 60 - 25 kW solar panel installations on rooftops of 58 City buildings generating 1.5 MW annually
• Participation in the Renewables Direct program allowing KCMO to procure energy for municipal operations through renewable sources
• Integration of Green Infrastructure into stormwater and sewer planning
• Implementation of a Green and Sustainable Procurement Policy (Ordinance #150537)
• Adopted the Urban Forest Master Plan
• Adopted Trails KC, Bike KC and Walkability Plans
• Invested in a free downtown Streetcar which is currently expanding to the north and the south
• Adoption of the Energy Empowerment Ordinance No. 200418
• Adoption of the updated Climate Plan and Greenhouse Gas Inventory

What’s Next?

• Updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan
• Expanding digital equity
• Funding and implementing free bus fare 
• Continue to contribute your thoughts through Speak Easy KC