Regions - North America



:: Implementation Milestones

The first regional expert meeting in North America is planned to be held in 2008. United States and Canada have been participating in the Marrakech Process steering committee for two international expert meetings in Costa Rica and Stockholm. United States is participating in three Marrakech Task Forces: Sustainable Buildings and Constructions, Sustainable Lifestyles, and Cooperation with Africa.

:: Key Projects and Initiatives

  • US has been implementing demonstration project “Sister Schools” with Costa Rica. Key partners are Harvard University, New Earth, Eco Global.
  • Centre for a New American Dream (USA) has been actively promoting sustainable lifestyles.
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) GreenScapes program provides cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for sustainable landscaping, to help preserve natural resources and prevent waste and pollution, and encourage companies, government agencies, other entities, and homeowners to make more holistic decisions regarding waste generation and disposal and the associated impacts on land, water, air, and energy use.
  • EPA and other entities in the US have implemented a project Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC)--a national effort to conserve natural resources and energy by managing materials more efficiently.
  • WasteWise College and University Campaign in the US encourages colleges and universities across the country to actively participate in reducing waste generation and disposal. The Campaign focuses on strengthening current partners programs and expanding to more schools that are interested in reducing waste.
  • Sustainable Brands, supported by Sustainable Life Media in Canada, is where top brand leaders meet to discuss sustainability as the new frontier for driving revenue growth and enhancing brand equity.
  • The US Surface Transportation Policy Project is a diverse, nationwide coalition working to ensure safer communities and smarter transportation choices that enhance the economy, improve public health, promote social equity, and protect the environment.

:: Regional priorities on SCP

SCP needs and priorities in North America will be identified in the up-coming regional meeting.