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Sustainability and Built Environment

How the built environment interacts with and shapes our land, air and water directly affects the health of our residents and the quality of life in our communities. Components of a sustainably built environment include energy conservation, structural stability, architectural and civil engineering aesthetics, urban design and property operation and maintenance. Build codes, design standards, planned developments and educated owners, builders and inspectors are necessary for keeping the character of our built environment safe, healthy and thriving for future generations of Orange County.

Solar Tree Installation at the Orange County Convention Center

Progress on our goals & strategies

Goal 16: Energy And Water Are Used Efficiently

  Strategy Time Frame Strategy Progress Information for 2019 Progress
1. Provide incentive programs for increasing efficiency in new and existing buildings Medium Pollution Prevention (P2) Program is developing a recognition program to reward businesses that have conservation strategies. Working to bring PACE and SELF programs to the BCC for consideration in FY20.
2. Promote existing energy assessment services and rebate programs offered by utility providers Medium EPD provides links to energy efficiency information on their webpages, education to the community, information about energy efficiency upgrade opportunities, support for vocational training provided through the Florida Solar Energy Center, and information to adults seeking careers in environmental fields.
3. Promote water conservation through smart irrigation and other technologies and methods.

*new strategy as of November 2017
Medium Working with Water Management Districts to develop rules that allow smart irrigation technologies to work within the guidelines of the irrigation restrictions. On-going effort.
4. Adopt an energy benchmarking and disclosure ordinance for commercial buildings Medium No progress has been made on a County ordinance.
5. Develop incentives for green building Medium Currently developing an internal and external media/communication campaign to promote the incentives in Orange County's "Orange to Green Development Program".
Table legend: Short time frame: 0 to 2 years, Medium time frame: 2 to 5 years, Long time frame: 5 years or more.

Goal 17: Our Renewable Energy Supplies Are Affordable And Secure

Goal 18: Our Neighborhoods Are Transit-Ready And Walkable

Goal 19: Infill And Redevelopment Are Encouraged

Goal 20: Workforce Housing Is Affordable And Readily Available

Our Target Measurements
Built Environment Indicators Baseline Last Reported Current Assessment Target 2020
Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of community building stock (kWh/sq.ft.) 2010
12.45
2015
17.91
2016
Data not available until 2019
Needs
Improvement
25% reduction
Renewable Energy Capacity (MW)(measuring only solar) 2010
Commercial = 1.20 
Residential = 0.27 (OUC data only)
2017
Commercial = 2.15
Residential = 3.59
(OUC data only)
2018*
Commercial = 2.42
Residential = 5.10
(OUC data only)
*thru
Sep.2018
Good
Progress
10% increase
Renewable Energy Capacity in Orange County buildings (MW)(measuring only solar) 2011
1.056
2017
1.126
2018
1.115
Needs
Improvement
20% increase
Energy generated from Landfill Gas Reutilization System (kwh/yr) 2015
259,721,099
2016
212,369,366
2017
153,876,477
Needs
Improvement
Increase annually
Water Use Per Capita (gal/day/capita) 2010
176.1
2015
154.5
2017
125.1
Good Progress 20% reduction
by 2040
Community Gardens in neighborhoods 2011
26
2017
23
2018
23 community gardens
52 OCPS gardens
21 Head Start Center gardens
Good
Progress
Increase annually
Number of Affordable Housing Units produced/funded through OC/HCD N/A N/A FY17
960
Good
Progress
500 units annually
Percentage of Affordable Housing Units produced/funded through OC/HCD located within areas of access & opportunity N/A N/A FY17
282/960
29.4%
Good
Progress
5% of units

Want to get involved?

Our built environment includes many different elements of building design, efficiency, aesthetics and stability along with land use and planning, affordable housing and local food production. Bringing together so many aspects within our communities will help us ensure a safe, connected and thriving place for all residents.

Ready for Solar?

Solar panels on a roof

Orange County recently sponsored a solar co-op for residents interested in using solar energy for their homes. The main goal of the co-op was connecting homeowners and solar installers to make the process easy to understand and affordable. Members can save as much as 20% of the cost of a solar system. Join the Florida solar conversation and see if you are Ready for Solar too!

Green your Neighborhood!

Close up of plants growing in soil

Having a community garden is a great way to forge relationships in your neighborhood, reduce crime, raise property values, promote stewardship and encourage healthy eating. Start a garden in your community by seeking the guidance of the many Master Gardeners at University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Orange County.

Ed Thralls (407)254-9200

 

Tour The Ecomap

Several maps are on display on easels

Being ‘green’ in Orange County is easy and fun. EcoMap can help you find electric car charging stations, ‘green’ dining restaurants, ‘green’ lodging hotels, local harvest farms and Green PLACE properties.

Utilize our Parks and Recreation Centers!

Children playing basketball

There are many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and get exercise in Orange County. Visit one of the many Orange County Parks and Recreation Centers. You’ll find trails, activities and teams for all ages.

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