Abstract
The experience of Norman, Oklahoma, demonstrates success in sustainability efforts when local leaders focus on incorporating green initiatives into the “ordinary things” of municipal facilities. Two projects highlight Norman's efforts: LEED-certified fire stations and a CNG (compressed natural gas) fueling facility to help transition the city fleet to cleaner burning alternative fuels. The city overcame the initial funding challenges in two ways. A dedicated sales tax for new public safety facilities provided the necessary funding for the fire stations, and a combination of intergovernmental grants financed the CNG facility. Both projects already show important reductions in environmental impacts and savings in energy costs.
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