EcoDistricts

The protocol has identified Equity, Resilience, and Climate Protection as imperatives for development decision-making.

It includes six priorities as follows: 

Place 

Goal

Create inclusive and vibrant communities. 

Objectives 

• Strong civic engagement

• Preservation and celebration of culture and history

• Diverse and affordable housing

• Accessible public spaces and services for daily needs
  
  

Prosperity 

Goal 

Support education and economic opportunities that build prosperity and accelerate innovation. 

Objectives

• Equitable access to quality education and career pathways

• A robust employment base with increasing jobs and job quality

• Entrepreneurial innovation and business start-ups
  
  

Health + Wellbeing 

Goal

Nurture people’s health and happiness. 

Objectives

• Active living based on walkability and recreation

• Equitable health outcomes based on accessible, affordable health care

• Affordable, local fresh food

• Remediated toxic environments

• Strong public safety
  
  

Connectivity 

Goal

Build effective and equitable connections between people and places. 

Objectives

• A street network accommodating diverse ages and abilities using multiple travel modes and shared mobility options

• A high-quality digital network providing equitable connectivity and leveraged community data

  
  

Living Infrastructure 

Goals

Enable flourishing ecosystems and restore natural capital. 

Objectives

• Healthy soils, water, trees, and wildlife habitat

• Accessible nature

• Natural processes integrated into the built environment

  
  

Resource Restoration 

Goal

Move towards a net positive world.

Objectives

• Increase efficient water use

• Divert waste from landfills

• Productively reuse remediated land

• Pursue energy efficiency, technology advancements, and clean, renewable energy production that reduces greenhouse gas emissions

   
  

Learn More

The Pittsburgh region is home to a number of communities following the EcoDistricts framework, including Millvale, Etna, and Sharpsburg. Learn more about the framework here and visit GBA's page on the EcoDistricts AP accreditation here.

Top banner photo: Markus Spiske (Unsplash)