Efficient

An efficient St. Louis region effectively uses and reuses regional natural resources as well as investment capital and the skills and talents of our citizens. Efficiency applies to the region’s economy, to the functioning of local governments and to the creativity and capability of our work force.

Residents throughout the region have expressed concerns over rising energy costs. As energy costs rise, it results in increased operating expenses for businesses, governments, and institutions and increased housing expenses for citizens.

Energy efficiency is a key area the region can continue to save money and realize improved services. Local businesses and organizations have been successful in demonstrating new ways of doing business that save energy resources while providing high quality work and living environments. OneSTL partners will continue to develop tools and best practices to assist communities and local governments in improving efficiencies, reducing costs, improving fiscal health, and improving the quality of community services.

Indicator Definition Desired Trend Baseline Current

Access to Healthy Food Choices

Percent of total population that live in a low-income census tract and reside far from a supermarket/large grocery store (more than one mile for urban areas or 10 miles for rural areas)

Down 2010

6.0%

2019

6.9%

Energy Use

Total residential gas and electric energy use in BTUs per customer

Down 2010

111.4
million BTUs

2011

106.6
million BTUs

Energy Diversity

Percent of electricity supplied by renewable sources

Up 2010

3.2%

2021

15.9%

Recycling Contamination Rate

The weight of unrecyclable materials as a percent of the total load (annual monthly average)

Down 2017

16%

2022

20%

Building Energy Efficiency

Square footage of 3rd party verified green commercial and institutional buildings and sites (LEED, ENERGY STAR, and Sustainable Sites)

Up 2013

32.3
million sq. ft.

2022

64.6
million sq. ft.