They say the best way to reach a goal is to write it down — and Bellevue just added a big one to its list.
Bellevue is one of the latest of 24 American cities to join the list of 2030 Districts — a network of cities that have vowed to reduce emissions in the entire built environment (which includes the buildings and transportation methods in the area) by 50-65% by 2030 and reach zero emissions by 2040.
Each city that joins the network — which Seattle joined 12 year ago — has to pledge a certain square footage to the mission. Bellevue, Vulcan Real Estate, and Amazon have pledged 10 million sqft among 85 buildings downtown and in Factoria.
While the city has already made efforts toward becoming more sustainable (like increasing the amount of waste composted or recycled to 40 percent ), expect more concerted efforts as the city works to reach its new goal.