Sustainability may be an international buzz word, but it is a concept that begins at the local level. Miami-Dade County government is taking the lead in putting together a long-term plan for reducing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. It's a blueprint called ''GreenPrint''. This week, the newly-formed Mayor's Sustainability Advisory Board will meet to discuss ways to make not only government operations greener, but also improve the overall sustainability of our community.

We are already tackling issues like global climate change, more efficient energy use, green buildings and use of environmentally preferred products. Earlier this year, we broke ground on the first LEED Silver Certified green building in Miami-Dade County. We have 30 green building projects in various stages of development. We unveiled the only hydraulic hybrid waste collection vehicle in the nation, and hybrid busses will come on line next year. We have the third largest hybrid fleet in the nation, and we are looking at some cutting edge alternative fuel methods.

Together with the Mayor's Sustainability Advisory Board, we will take our green efforts to the next level, creating a communitywide sustainability plan in which every local government, regional partner, business and resident can participate.

Sincerely,

Mayor Carlos Alvarez