Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂), released into the atmosphere due to human activities such as transportation, energy use, and industry.

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Climate Resilience

The ability of communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to climate-related impacts such as extreme heat, flooding, and severe storms.

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Community Resilience

The ability of communities to recover from and adapt to environmental, economic, and social disruptions. This includes disaster preparedness, access to resources, and strong local networks.

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Energy Burden

The percentage of household income spent on energy costs. Low-income households and historically marginalized communities often experience higher energy burdens, making affordability and energy efficiency critical components of sustainability planning.

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Energy Efficiency

Using less energy to perform the same function. Energy-efficient buildings, LED lighting, and smart grid technologies help reduce Birmingham’s overall energy consumption and emissions.

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Environmental Justice

The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people—regardless of race, income, or geography—in the development and enforcement of environmental policies, ensuring no group disproportionately bears the burden of pollution or environmental hazards.

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Food Systems & Urban Agriculture

Community-driven food production initiatives, such as community gardens, farmers’ markets, and local food hubs, that promote food security and sustainability while reducing reliance on long-distance food transportation.

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Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Reducing GHG emissions through clean energy, efficient transportation, and sustainable land use is a key goal of the BSP.

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Green Infrastructure

Nature-based solutions that manage stormwater, reduce urban heat, and enhance biodiversity. Examples include rain gardens, permeable pavements, tree canopies, and bioswales.

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Green Jobs

Employment in industries that contribute to environmental sustainability, including solar panel installation, energy auditing, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. The BSP seeks to create more opportunities for green jobs in Birmingham.

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Heat Islands (Urban Heat Island Effect)

Urban areas that experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to dark surfaces (like asphalt and rooftops) absorbing heat. Green infrastructure and reflective materials can help reduce urban heat islands.

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Renewable Energy

Energy from natural sources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. The BSP encourages increasing the city’s renewable energy capacity.

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Stormwater Management

Strategies to control rainwater runoff to prevent flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Sustainable methods include rain barrels, retention ponds, and green roofs.

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Sustainability & Resilience

Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, focusing on environmental, economic, and social well-being.
Resilience refers to a community’s ability to withstand and recover from environmental, economic, and social disruptions, such as extreme weather events, economic downturns, or public health crises.

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Sustainability Plan

A strategic roadmap that outlines a city’s goals, policies, and actions to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability. It provides a framework for improving resilience, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing the quality of life for residents by addressing key areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation, transportation, waste management, and environmental justice.

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Sustainable Infrastructure

Buildings, transportation, and public utilities that are designed to minimize environmental impact, promote efficiency, and enhance long-term resilience. Examples include green roofs, energy-efficient buildings, and bike-friendly streets.

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Sustainable Transportation

Methods of transport that reduce environmental impact, including public transit, biking, walking, electric vehicles (EVs), and carpooling. Sustainable transportation reduces traffic congestion and emissions.

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Waste Reduction & Circular Economy

Minimizing waste production by recycling, composting, and reusing materials to create a closed-loop system where resources are continually repurposed rather than discarded.

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Water Conservation

Efforts to reduce water waste through efficient irrigation, leak prevention, low-flow fixtures, and education campaigns to protect Birmingham’s water supply and improve resilience against droughts.