A Sustainable Commitment: Oviedo’s Green Stewardship
Central Florida’s natural environment and unique ecosystems make Oviedo special. They provide the backdrop and stage where we live, work, play and raise our families. Oviedo’s natural resources, spectacular rivers and lakes, and lush sub-tropical forests offer a plethora of choices for outdoor activities. As a City in Seminole County with substantial growth potential and open spaces, the City’s obligation to protect its environmental resources is paramount. Oviedo is committed to good stewardship of these resources and to conserve and utilize its limited resources prudently.
The City of Oviedo has a variety of environmental initiatives from the building of LEED-certified facilities to encouraging residents to implement water conservation methods in their yards and homes. A continued priority is the development of a more urban town pattern and the maximizing of energy savings and conservation of all future capital investment purchases.
Green Public Facilities
The City’s commitment to minimize impact upon the natural environment is demonstrated through the construction of its new Public Works facility. This facility was designed as Oviedo’s first LEED-certified building. LEED is a Green Building Rating System and stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) this rating system provides a suite of standards for the environmentally sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings and neighborhoods.
The new Public Works facility, completed in June 2009, houses Public Works Administration, Engineering and Utilities, and is part of a new Public Works Complex that will be built in phases over the next three years. The 5,220 sq. ft. building features 19 offices/workspaces, conference and meeting spaces, and a break room. The site and building was designed by Civil Consulting Engineers, Inc. (CCEI) and Vickrey Ovresat & Awsumb (VOA) Architects. Construction was awarded to Johnson Laux Construction Company respectively.
Consumptive use permit water conservation program
Oviedo is the first city in the Central-Florida Region to have a 20 year Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) approved. The CUP mandates reduction in potable water use and continued conservation measures.
Reclaimed water for irrigation
The use of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation reduces freshwater withdrawal from the aquifer. Reclaimed water, now available in several Oviedo neighborhoods, will be expanded to serve 14 neighborhoods with an anticipated average daily demand of 1.7 million gallons per day by 2013.
H2Oviedo water conservation incentive program
Following through on their commitment to conserve water and reduce potable water consumption, the Oviedo City Council established the H2Oviedo Water Conservation Incentive Program. The incentive approach is considered to be a “win-win” environmental initiative as residents can learn new ways to reduce water consumption and save money in the process. The incentive program is available for residents with or without irrigation systems and has been designed to work with permitting procedures of homeowner associations. In 2009, 36 homes participated in this program, saving 1.8 million gallons of water. That is a 40% savings per household. The City is still accepting applications for the 2010 program.
How Does the Program Work?
There are three (3) levels or ways to participate in the program.
1. Free water audit and potential water bill rebate
Everyone is eligible for a free water audit provided by the City. Water bill rebates are awarded to qualified applicants demonstrating a 90 day period of “water wise” use based on meeting or exceeding a specified “water budget.” Rebates include $50 for water savings within 10% of the target water budget, and an additional $50 for participants exceeding a 10% savings in their water budget usage.
2. Free irrigation audit with up to $250 incentive bonus
A free irrigation audit is available for up to 30 participants on City metered irrigation. The City’s Water Conservation Officer will screen applicants with the most potential for water savings. Participants will be eligible for reimbursement of minor irrigation repairs, installation of a rain gauge, and evaluation of additional water saving modifications conducted by a private irrigation contractor.
3. Reimbursement of up to $1,000 for the installation of a Florida-friendly landscape
Currently this incentive program is on a first come, first served basis. Eligibility requirements include submitting an application, owning title to the subject property, and be a City potable water customer in good standing for one year without disruption in service. There is a limit of $1,000 of incentive monies, and a maximum 2,000 sq. ft. area of yard modifications. The incentive program relies on a home audit using St. Johns River Water Management standards to establish an interior and exterior water budget. The audit will also identify areas of additional water savings such as inefficient irrigation systems, landscaping and appliances. Participants will be responsible for obtaining permits, if required, pursuant to City codes and homeowner association covenants.
Where Can I Obtain an Application and Where Do I Submit It?
Applications are available online at www.oviedo.net or at the receptionist desk in City Hall. Completed applications must be hand delivered to the receptionist at City Hall. More information may be obtained by contacting Jay Stainer, City of Oviedo’s Water Conservation Coordinator at (407) 971-5691 or via e-mail at jstainer@cityofoviedo.net.
Solid waste and recycling programs
The City of Oviedo offers recycling services to residents and businesses through its contracted solid waste service providers. The dual-sort system uses two bins. One bin for fiber paper materials and one bin for plastic, steel, glass and aluminum containers. Sorting paper and containers enhances our recycling program by adding more materials to the recycling stream, and removing items from the landfill stream.
Transportation alternatives
The City of Oviedo’s long-range transportation objectives include providing alternatives to automobile transportation wherever practical. These alternatives include the installation of sidewalks, trails and pathways connecting public schools, public buildings and parks. The future Oviedo on the Park and Oviedo’s historic downtown are designed to have safe pedestrian linkages. Additionally, City connections to the Cross Seminole Trail (designated a Florida National Scenic Trail) are planned.
Urban Developments
Over the past 20 years, the City of Oviedo has experienced significant growth in its suburban neighborhoods located around the historic downtown. One long-term community objective is the development of a more urban city pattern around the historic downtown and the new Oviedo on the Park Town Center. This will include the construction of urban public amenities such as spaces for community events, commercial and employment areas, a public amphitheater, entertainment areas, and park spaces all within walking or bicycling distance to the historic downtown. A focus on a more urban town pattern within the historic downtown will enable continued infill development, job opportunities, and entertainment and cultural options within a more compact area resulting in fewer disturbances to surrounding natural ecosystems. An additional desired result of this development pattern will include the encouragement of fewer and shorter automobile trips by local residents who can enjoy urban amenities and entertainment options without leaving the area.
Preserving resources now for future generations
The conservation of finite natural resources and reuse of sustainable resources will enable the City of Oviedo to maintain the high-quality of life enjoyed by residents today, and pursue development objectives, diversify the local economy, and create job opportunities for future residents.
