Sarasota County, FL
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Sarasota County Government defines sustainability as satisfying our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
We are committed to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. To achieve the balance necessary for a sustainable community, this means:
- Replenish the resources we use or consume;
- Ensure our values guide us into the future; and
- Invest in our community to ensure future prosperity.
This is a constantly evolving journey, with countless directions and possibilities. We invite you to join us on this journey, through your choices and actions and by encouraging others in the community. Together we can make a difference – today, and for future generations.
Join us as we build a sustainable community.
- Take a class.
- Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
If you have questions or comments, please email sustainablesarasota@scgov.net or call 941-861-5000.
Benefits
The products we buy, the cars we drive, the places we choose to live, work and play: our choices affect our environment and community. Our cumulative behavior in consuming and disposing of resources will influence our community’s future quality of life. This is true for the community and for government entities. When local governments, businesses, and residents practice sustainability it enhances the economy, provides cost savings, saves taxpayer dollars, conserves resources, protects the environment, and helps make a healthier community.
Sarasota-Manatee Region Climate Pollution Reduction Plan
Local governments and partners in the Sarasota-Manatee region are working on a greenhouse gas reduction plan, with the goal of reducing climate pollution and addressing other harmful air pollutants. Funding for this work is from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program.
In 2024, a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) was created in partnership with community members and project partners to identify sources of pollution in our region and possible solutions to improve public health and air quality in our community. In 2025, a completed Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) identified 23 measures and 58 strategies within 8 sectors along with regional programs, partners, and potential funding available for implementation. The next stages of the project include implementing these strategies and tracking progress towards a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in our region through an online dashboard.
View our project website: scmc-pollutionreduction.com
View our region’s Priority Climate Action Plan
View our region’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan – Executive Summary.
Sarasota County Leads the Way
Sarasota County Government leads the move to sustainability, with programs, processes, and policies to achieve greater balance among environmental, economic and social impacts. Our achievements include:
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In 2023, Sarasota County achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) “Gold” certification and national accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council, an honor recognizing an array of efforts to increase sustainability across the county.
Sarasota County achieved Gold certification through the LEED Cities & Communities rating system for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions to improve community-wide sustainability and the residents' standard of living.
Cities, counties, and communities are evaluated on nine key categories: integrated process, natural dystems and ecology, transportation and land use, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, materials and resources, quality of life, innovation, and regional priority.
Find out more about our progress: www.usgbc.org/resources/sarasota-county-case-study.
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Designated a Gold level “Green Local Government” by the Florida Green Building Coalition in 2008 and again in 2015, and currently the second-highest scoring county in the state.
- More than $4 million in grant funding, primarily focused on energy efficiency and sustainable economic development.
- $1.5 million in Florida incentives through the Sustainable Energy Economic District (SEED) Incentive Program.
Programs
Sarasota County Government offers an array of programs to help you build and maintain sustainability in your life, your business, and your activities.
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Documents and Resources
Learn more about the concrete actions Sarasota County Government is taking to create a sustainable community, by "expanding" the content sections below to find more documents and resources.