The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) greatly expanded its role as a key facilitator, catalyst, and herald for sustainability implementation by formally establishing the DowntownDC ecodistrict on Earth Day, April 22, 2011. The ecodistrict framework provides a branded, systematic approach to engage BID stakeholders, government agencies, and service providers. The committees and working groups are designed to propel implementation efforts across a broad range of sustainability including: energy, water, waste, transportation, and green jobs and market growth.
The DowntownDC BID has been an active participant in Mayor Gray’s development of a Sustainable DC plan since it was launched in the fall of 2011. Additionally, the BID purchases 100% wind power for its operations headquarters, saving 15% on energy annually, and has committed to reducing energy consumption by 20% by 2020 for the 90 million square feet of buildings within the ecodistrict as part of the President Obama’s Better Buildings Challenge. The BID has promoted efforts to provide public space recycling, stormwater management and green roofs, and nurturing of urban forests through its Canopy Keepers program for the BIDs 2,600 public space tree boxes. The BID also promotes employee health and sustainable transportation as a Corporate Member of Capital Bikeshare, paying half of its employees’ membership fees.