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Creating healthy urban environments for all Michael Mann, Acting Director
Our Environmental Priorities
Climate Protection
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Welcome


Welcome to Seattle's Office of Sustainability and Environment web site.   We collaborate with City agencies, business groups, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to protect and enhance Seattle’s distinctive environmental quality and livability.  

The purpose of this site is not only to inform, but also to inspire individuals and organizations -- both within and outside City government -- to take actions that help make Seattle a model of healthy, ecologically sustainable urban living.

2009 Climate Protection Progress Report


The City of Seattle's newest climate protection progress report, released December 8, highlights the many strategies underway to reach both short-term (2012) and long-term (2050, 2080) goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our community. The accompanying 2008 community greenhouse gas inventory shows Seattle is meeting its 2012 goal of reducing emissions by 7% below 1990 levels.

Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant


As part of the 2009 American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the City received $6.1 million for projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency in homes, businesses, City facilities and transportation. For more information on the grant and to track progress, visit the City's recovery website.

How Cool is Your City?


Would your city like to help residents make climate-friendly decisions as part of community-wide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions? If so, IMCOOL is a ready-to-go climate action campaign designed to inspire citizens to take simple but important actions that reduce climate pollution.

IMCOOL is a free toolkit containing outreach materials, such as posters, flyers, email newsletter templates, a website framework and more. All your city needs to do is download the templates and personalize its name on the materials in order to start talking to residents about why cool personal choices can help change the climate for good!

The IMCOOL toolkit was produced through a partnership between the cities of Seattle, Salt Lake City, Boston and Minneapolis with assistance from ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability and the generous support of the Blackstone Institute.

Do "The Switch"


Check out this short video (starring OSE's director Michael Mann, among others) illustrating a fun and innovative program designed to increase energy efficiency in Seattle's homes. Community youth are trained to visit their neighbors, help them make the switch to energy efficient CFLs and low-flow showerheads, and provide more ideas for how residents can do simple things to help reduce climate pollution.

Seattle releaf logo

Seattle reLeaf


Seattle's valuable trees are disappearing. You can learn why it matters and what you can do to help by visiting the new Seattle reLeaf website. The site is both fun and informative, with features like a weekly tree blog, "Ask the Experts," videos about trees and links to all you need to know about planting and caring for trees. Working together, we can keep the Emerald City green!

The City's Green Seattle Partnership with the Cascade Land Conservancy was formed to restore 2500 acres of forested parkland by 2025. Visit the Partnership's website to learn more about the program and how you can get involved. The site also includes best practices for removing invasive plants.


The Green Seattle Guide features a list of 101 eco actions for you and your family to help protect our urban environment. It also offers a wealth of resources including websites, publications and volunteer opportunities. Check out the website, or download the PDF! -->

What's Hot

Got Green! video - Environment, Equity, Opportunity

Local hip hop artists and Got Green put this video together to promote equity, green jobs and energy efficiency in Seattle. Check it out!

Sustainable Communities All Over Puget Sound (SCALLOPS)

Did you know there are over 70 neighborhood and community groups in the Puget Sound area (and beyond!) working to promote sustainable living? These groups are working together as "SCALLOPS"--Sustainable Communities All Over Puget Sound. Check here for a group near you to find out how you can take part.

The Story of Stuff

Did you know that the average U.S. person now consumes twice as much as they did 50 years ago? Or that our national happiness peaked sometime in the 1950s? Is there a connection? The "Story of Stuff" is an engaging interactive video and online resource for learning about where stuff comes from, where it goes and the impacts of consumerism. Watch the video and learn more at The Story of Stuff.

Seattle Channel Environmental Videos
Check out the Seattle Channel's environmental videos, including an interview with the Mayor about the Seattle Climate Action Plan, book readings by authors Elizabeth Kolbert and Tim Flannery, the Seattle screening of the new HBO documentary "Too Hot Not to Handle," and recent news conferences and City Council briefings on issues of environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Green Seattle Partnership releases the 20 Year Plan for restoring 2500 acres of forested parkland by 2025
Visit GreenSeattle.org

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Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE)
Mailing Address: PO Box 94729 Seattle, WA 98124-4729
Phone: (206) 615-0817, Fax: (206) 684-3013, Email: ose@seattle.gov
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