Sustainability & Innovation in South Bend: How Students can Create Success

Krista Bailey, Sustainability CoordinatorOffice of SustainabilityCity of South Bend, IN

Office of Sustainability

Sustainability is an approach that accounts for environmental,

economic, and social impacts in activities both within city

government and in the larger South Bend community.

Office of Sustainability

Communities that commit to sustainability:

� Have stronger economies

� Bounce back more easily after disasters

� Are inclusive of all types of people

� Are enjoyable places to live and work

Seattle, WA

Evanston, IL

Dearborn, MI

South Bend, IN

Office of Sustainability

A sustainability program helps strengthen the community and

helps city government directly by:

� Reducing the city’s operating expenses

� Improving relationships between city departments and

South Bend’s diverse neighborhoods and residents

� Supporting existing community development,

infrastructure, and other city priorities

South Bend Sustainability

Residential Recycling

Yard Waste Composting

Community Garden Program

Smart Streets Initiative

Bicycle Friendly Community/Bicycle Routes and Lanes

Neighborhood Block Party Application and Permit 

Purchase City-owned Vacant Lot

Disconnect Downspouts

Green Infrastructure

South Bend Sustainability

South Bend Sustainability

Office of Sustainability

Input and involvement from individuals and organizations, will be essential to a successful program. 

We work together both internally and with members of the community to find creative and innovative approaches to

preserving our natural resources, insuring social equity, and cutting costs.

Collecting and using government and community-wide data will be the cornerstone of the Office of Sustainability's programs.

South Bend Community Values� Community as capacity:

involvement essential to success of programs.

� Create programs and projects that engage at the neighborhood level.

� Invest in livable communities.� Support economic

development and small & local business.

� Encourage regional cooperation. 

� Be an inclusive government and community that celebrates diversity. 

� Celebrate South Bend-specific assets and culture.

� Be a leader, be forward-thinking. � Apply a systems approach

(integrated design, intentional planning) to achieve better outcomes.

� Encourage communication & collaboration across city functions. 

� Make transparent, data-driven decisions.

How CAN Students Create Success?

Feedback

South Bend Sustainability

What is working (our ASSETS)?

How can we improve (what are our ISSUES)?

Who will we become (our VISION)?

Office of Sustainability

InternshipsEnergy Management - Track and report energy use data from city facilities; Assist the Director in conducting on-site technical assistance and evaluation regarding energy use in municipal and other buildings in South Bend. Education & Outreach - prepare informational/educational materials for events, Develop monthly content for sustainability messaging on the City’s web and social media Green Mobility planning, fundraising, and implementation of a bike share program Develop and promote outreach program to encourage the public to use a wide range of transportation options (walk, bike, transit, carpooling).Waste Reduction and Recycling improve and enhance recycling and waste reduction efforts at City offices, facilities, and properties Prepare educational materials

Office of Sustainability

Krista Bailey, Sustainability Coordinator

kbailey@southbendin.gov

southbendin.gov/sustainability

Facebook.com/sustainsb

Twitter: @SustainSB