Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA)

weekly update ‘In the Works,’ the weekly Washington Report government affairs update, and the bi-weekly Ottawa Report government affairs update. APWA also maintains numerous online networking communities that facilitate communication among members and staff through topic-based groups, discussion boards, working groups and committees. Sustainability Public works leaders have been in the business of sustainability for as long as there has been a need to manage public infrastructure and services. In establishing the APWA Center for Sustainability (C4S), the APWA Board of Directors recognized that many challenges currently facing public works professionals – changes in the cost and availability of key resources and critical materials; changing social attitudes with regard to environmental protection; shrinking public funding; and new and changing operating conditions brought about by a changing climate and extreme weather events – can be addressed with a sustainable approach that accounts for economic, environmental and social impacts. To that end, the APWA Center for Sustainability (C4S) has developed a set of guiding principles to help public works leaders identify the actions they can take to integrate the concepts of sustainability into their organizational objectives and operations. APWA’s Principles of Sustainability: • Recognize the Community as an Interconnected System • Promote Community Revitalization • Manage Assets • Restore and Enhance the Natural Environment • Protect and Enhance Recreational and Heritage Resources • Collaborate with Key Stakeholders • Practice Fiscal Responsibility • Foster Active Communication and Civic Engagement