Sustainability

Overview

Sustainability is an overarching value that creates solutions for today that do not diminish resources for future generations. Ideal solutions generate long-term benefits to economic strength, scenic integrity, community vitality, environmental health, and ecosystems.


Sustainability Principles:

These principles further define sustainability and the role it plays in implementing all of the Core Values. Specific strategies to reach some principles have been included. Achieving these principles requires partnerships and commitments by all corridor stakeholders.

Decision Making:

  • Maintain the regional conversation through expanded collaboration with responsible agencies and stakeholder partnerships.
  • Improve regional planning to promote responsible managed growth and development.
  • Utilize holistic planning to minimize redesign and reconstruction of major elements.
  • Encourage responsible individual transportation choices.

Safety:

  • Improve safety.

Healthy Environment:

  • Preserve, protect, and improve public lands, the natural environment, and outdoor recreation opportunities in the I-70 Mountain Corridor for future generations to enjoy.
    • Minimize fossil fuel consumption.
    • Pursue renewable energy-based transportation alternatives to respond to the potential of peak oil.
    • Improve energy efficiency in transportation, homes, and businesses.
    • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Respond to current state and national climate action plans.
  • Respond and adapt to broader global trends and future technologies.
  • Improve the conservation of all resources.

Historic Context:

  • Preserve and protect the historic and cultural resources of communities.
  • Provide quality access to and from resources and communities.

Communities:

  • Respect the role natural resources played in building communities and continue this legacy for future generations.
  • Sustain and improve corridor economic health.
  • Support viable and vital communities through the responsible use of the available resources and quality access.

Mobility and Accessibility:

  • Enhance mobility by integrating modes of transportation that accommodate multiple user needs.
  • Develop new and improve existing multimodal transportation alternatives.
  • Improve efficiency of freight movement.
  • Provide accessibility that meets the needs and expectations of users, residents, and responsible agencies.

Aesthetics:

  • Encourage timeless designs that provide lasting value, are financially responsible, and are accountable to future generations.
  • Preserve visual and scenic integrity.
  • Protect view sheds.