Lenexa’s green history
For the past two decades, the City of Lenexa has invested in programs and projects that meet the “triple bottom line” goals of sustainability: good for people, good for the economy and good for the environment. In keeping with our commitment to sustainability, Lenexa has:
- maintained a “Tree City USA” designation for over 20 years
- created a mandatory curbside recycling ordinance in 1989 for city haulers
- in 2010, completed Lenexa Fire Station #5, the first city-owned facility to receive LEED accreditation
- received national recognition for our Rain to Recreation program and its innovative approach to stormwater management
- established itself as a distinguished leader in addressing issues of sustainability in the Kansas City metro and beyond
How the city spends green money
More recently, the city has capitalized on funding received as part of the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant program administered by the U. S. Department of Energy by upgrading lighting and building automation systems within its largest buildings (City Hall and the Police Station). Additional funds are being used to review the city’s Unified Development Code to develop a topical matrix that addresses sustainable concepts by providing links to best practices and incorporates citizen-directed commentary on code improvement content. The city has also joined with 15 communities throughout the Kansas City region in an effort to formulate a Regional Energy Efficiency Conservation Strategy that focuses on reducing energy usage throughout the region through shared initiatives and public outreach and education.
A green fleet
The Municipal Services Fleet Division has adopted a number of sustainable practices, such as recycling vehicle oil and batteries, anti-freeze and various metals. Lenexa’s fleet of vehicles, which includes five hybrid vehicles, adheres to an anti-idling policy that helps reduce emissions and improve air quality. In addition, the Fleet Division, as well as the City Clerk’s office, have been saving volumes of paper for years by converting to all-electronic paperless reporting systems.
Operation Green Light
Lenexa participates in this cooperative, bi-state effort coordinated by Mid-America Regional Council to improve the coordination of traffic signals on major routes throughout the Kansas City area. Operation Green Light improves the flow of traffic throughout major arterials in Lenexa and reduces the amount of “stop delay” at intersections. It also helps reduce emissions that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, the Kansas City area’s main air pollutant.