Albuquerque
All of Albuquerque's city facilities run on at least 15 percent wind power. The use of ethanol, electricity and biofuels is mandated for city buses, and Mayor Martin Chávez wants to turn the whole city fleet 100 percent green. By 2009, the new electric Modern Streetcar will be up and running, "creating more walkable communities, connecting neighborhoods and stimulating the local economy," according to Chávez.
Grand Rapids
As the city with the most green buildings per capita, Grand Rapids' built environment has definitely reached this balance. Long known as Furniture City, Grand Rapids is also home to Steelcase, another practitioner of the triple bottom line and maker of radically green office furniture.
Las Vegas
Though it suffers from sprawling suburbs and water abuse, Vegas has set itself on a green path. While there are no LEED-certified buildings in Las Vegas, that's about to change in a big way. MGM Mirage has announced plans to make its $7 billion CityCenter development not just the first LEED building in the state but the largest in the world.
Los Angeles
There's no question that L.A. is also a strong candidate for the least-green category, but the city is taking its problems seriously, seeking counseling and making bold moves to turn its sprawling ship around. Los Angeles offers its residents a green power option and city programs like shade trees.Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's Million Trees L.A. program is a massive effort to introduce urban forestry to the city with trees on both public and private land. Southern California's year-round growing season also makes Los Angeles home to many community gardens and sustainable agriculture projects.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City urban development adheres to a walkable cities ordinance, the transit system's hub is an energy-saving green building, and the city's wastewater treatment plant captures methane for fuel.
