UF Study Highlights Calvin, Giordano & Associates' Green Policy Work

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Green comprehensive plan strategies developed for three South Florida communities by Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Calvin, Giordano & Associates (CGA) are cited as examples in a report recently released by the University of Florida.

The report, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Energy Conservation: Development Impacts, focuses on Florida's new requirements under House Bill 697 to include energy efficient land use patterns, greenhouse gas reduction strategies and energy conservation in elements of local comprehensive plans. The report highlights CGA's work on the Comprehensive Plans for Loxahatchee Groves, Medley and Weston.

The report specifically notes strategies included in the new comprehensive plan for Loxahatchee Groves such as requiring land use changes to be reviewed based upon energy efficiency and discouragement of sprawl, development to be "transit-ready" along major routes, and maintaining agriculture to reduce heat island effects.  

UF noted the CGA authored amendments to the Medley Comprehensive Plan prepared through Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR)-based Comprehensive Plan Amendments included strategies such as alternate energy production as an allowed use in Industrial land uses and requiring energy efficiency in new buildings.

Also noted in the report was Weston's policy to develop review criteria for placement of photovoltaic cells, and maintaining and improving the city's extensive bikeway network with access to significant commercial, employment, and recreational centers.  CGA also prepared Weston's Energy Conservation Area map, which highlights the city's greenhouse gas and heat island reducing features such as the Weston Town Center, its wetland mitigation areas, parks, water bodies, and bike paths.

According to Shelley Eichner, CGA Vice President, implementation of HB697 means: "creating policies that reflect local governments' desire for energy conservation, sustainability, and saving tax dollars.  In many cases, going green results in a positive bottom line for residents, businesses, developers and local governments.  This reflects our philosophy of supporting efficient government, land use planning and development practices."

About Calvin, Giordano & Associates

CGA is an innovative consulting firm that offers a comprehensive approach to engineering, land planning, government regulatory compliance and data technologies and development.  CGA, which is based in Fort Lauderdale, employs approximately 220 people. For more information about CGA and its services, call 954-921-7781 or go to CGA's website at www.calvin-giordano.com.

SOURCE Calvin, Giordano & Associates