Internal programs, policies and procedures that help make Johnson County Operations sustainable
Capital Project Standards Process and related Sustainability Minimum Standards (both available on request)
In August 2014, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Green Capital Project Standards Process and Sustainability Minimum Standards to ensure new or renovated County facilities are energy and resource-efficient. For projects of 2,000 or more square feet of conditioned space, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification (LEED) is pursued; if LEED is not feasible or applicable, the minimum standards apply.
Green Purchasing and Procurement Policy
The purchasing policy was adopted as a starting point for departments and offices. Since its adoption many departments and offices have switched to even 100% recyclable/FSC paper.
Sustainable Lawn and Landscape Plan for County Operations
The guiding document, which was adopted in 2017, has several goals:
- limited chemical use except for exceptional needs
- prioritize best management practices to help ireduce greenhouse gases, control erosion, improve recovery from winter (ice, sand); and provide native habitat/edible landscapes.
- coordinate with County overall and building-specific stormwater plans to reduce heat islands/effects and improve soil quality and stormwater runoff quality while reducing overall stormwater quantity
- Improve appearance of grounds.
- Promote pedestrian/outdoor activity and safety. Educate the public, staff, others
Sustainability and Energy Reinvestment Fund
The County established the internal Sustainability and Energy Reinvestment Fund in July 2014 to help cover the incremental cost of completing energy-efficiency or other resource-saving projects.The fund is supported primarily by energy efficiency rebates and incentives from new building or major building rehabilitation projects. Projects realized by the fund include LED lighting, soil quality restoration, solar array installs, water bottle filler stations and more.
Surplus Supply Store
Since 2018, the County has provide a permanent way for County departments and offices to share gently used supplies, saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually in spending and reducing the need for new materials and transport of them. In an average year, the store has more than 100 visits. Prior to 2018, the County hosted De-Clutter-athons to assist in the resourceful use of supplies.
More Information
Sustainability Milestones
Programs for the Public
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