On Earth Day, 2007, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced PlaNYC, a comprehensive plan to implement sustainable development practices throughout the city over the next two decades. Some of the goals of PlaNYC include:

i) Implement a water conservation program to reduce citywide consumption by 60 million gallons per day

ii) Open 90% of waterways to recreation by preserving natural areas and reducing pollution

iii) Add 245 million gallons per day to the public water supply by maximizing efficiency at existing facilities

Each of the goals listed above contains a metric. Quantifiable metrics like “gallons of water saved” or “acres of wetland restored” help us gauge the impacts of our activities. Metrics are also especially useful to change public policy; when a project can demonstrate potential in a concrete way, it is more easily accepted. Check out some of the reports at PlaNYC to see examples of metrics.

John Leys, lead reviewer
Bry Sarté, peer review
Nick Lee, research

Tags: City Planning, New York, Urbanism
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