Innovative environmental management

King County's expertise in the field of environmental management will help the county ease and adapt to the effects of global warming. Whether is is turning waste into a resource or purchasing development rights to a vast working forest, King County's focus on innovation and efficiency is leading the way.

Preparing for Climate Change Impacts

In October 2005, King County hosted a conference on climate change impacts to the region, based on work completed by the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington.  Conference proceedings and results are available here.  This conference also led to the creation of a guidebook for local, regional and state governments that was co-written by King County and the Climate Impacts Group, and published by ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability.   In February 2009, the Climate Impacts Group will hold a second major conference with updated climate change information for the region.  Register here.

Wastewater management / Brightwater

Innovative design of the planned Brightwater Wastewater Treatment Plant includes a system for whereby millions of gallons of reclaimed water will be supplied for irrigation and industrial purposes. Conserving drinking water is critical to addressing expected water shortages due to global warming.

Landfill / Waste management

Innovative management of Cedar Hills Regional Landfill actually results in the absorption of greenhouse gasses. In addition, the methane gas produced by the landfill will be converted into usable energy, rather than being burned off – as a greenhouse gas.

Forest acquisition

Forests and plants produce oxygen and clean the air we breathe. Over the past 10 years King County has acquired land and development rights to over 125,000 acres of significant forested areas and open space, thereby preserving potential forest biomass "sinks" for carbon sequestration.