Sustainable Cities Movement Presents Opportunities for Environmental Service Firms

News Release -July 2011, San Diego, Calif.-Local governments represented $5 billion in billings by U.S. environmental consultants in 2010, and while water and wastewater account for the majority, specialty services relating to sustainability are a growing portion, according to the Sustainable Cities edition of Environmental Business Journal (EBJ).

Purchase EBJ's 2011 Sustainable Cities edition (19,000 words, 13 charts) for $150
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In the United States, city managers are at all stages of developing a sustainability response to enhance the competitiveness, efficiency and economics of their cities. For some it means energy efficiency, for others it means recycling or stormwater management, but for many it means incorporating a whole range of sustainability best practices.

"City governments have considerable authority over urban infrastructure and operations, and that's exactly where sustainable strategies can make a big difference," said Grant Ferrier, president of Environmental Business International Inc., the publisher of EBJ. "Clearly sustainability is taking its place in urban development, and there are substantial opportunities for the environmental industry to provide support."

In this edition, EBJ profiles the sustainable city movement, how governments and associations are setting standards and disseminating best practices, and how consultants and service providers are filling the gaps in planning, design and execution.

Big picture trends:

• The world's cities will account for approximately 80% of the $80-100 billion in annual climate change adaptation costs. (World Bank)

• 51% of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group took some level of action on climate change in 2010, up from 38% in 2008. (Arup report)

• About two thirds of some 2,400 U.S. cities have a strong interest in sustainability and around 25% are pushing forward with initiatives. (survey by the International City/County Management Assn.)

Profiled in this edition
Leading firms already participating in this market are profiled: ICF, CH2M Hill, DC&E, Farr Associates and Mooney Planning Collaborative

Cited and interviewed in this edition:
Arup, International City/County Management Assn., International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, Smart Growth America, Sustainable Cities International, Sustainable City Network

Exhibits and data in this edition include:
• Climate Actions Implemented and Planned by Major Cities: Arup Study
• Priority Issues for U.S. City Managers: ICMA 2010 Survey
• Sustainability City Actions Taken by City Managers
• Energy Actions Taken by City Managers: Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Alternatives
• EBI Estimate of the U.S. Green Economy and Green Jobs
• Recycling Actions Taken by City Managers
• Water Use Actions Taken by City Managers
• US Sustainable City Rankings: Top 50
• EU Sustainable City Rankings: Top 30
• CH2M Hill: Gross Revenues 2000-2010
• What is Sustainability Planning? Example Priorities of 4 Cities

 

Editors: Contact Grant Ferrier for comment and access to research
Gf(at)climatechangebusiness.com; 619-295-7685 x 15

Purchase EBJ 2011 Sustainable Cities edition, Vol. XXIV, No. 06 (24 pp., 13 charts) for $150

 

About CCBJ

Climate Change Business Journal® (CCBJ) is a business research publication launched in 2007 which provides high-value, strategic business intelligence on the Climate Change Industry. In each edition CCBJ presents thorough analysis of a specific segment or business issue. The CCBJ climate change industry research service is primarily for companies providing services, technology or making investments in: Low Carbon Power & Renewable Energy, Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS), Energy Storage, Energy Efficiency and Demand Response, Green Building, Transportation, Carbon Markets, Climate Change Adaptation, Consulting & Research

 

About EBI

Founded in 1988, Environmental Business International Inc. (EBI, San Diego, Calif.) is a research, publishing and consulting company that specializes in generating strategic market intelligence for emerging markets. EBI publishes Environmental Business Journal®, the leading provider of strategic information for the Environmental Industry, and Climate Change Business Journal®, which covers nine segments of the Climate Change Industry. EBI also publishes in-depth environmental industry market reports and performs contract research for the government and private sector. EBI stages the annual Environmental Industry Summit for environmental executives, now in its ninth year.