Tampa MSA's carbon footprint growing

The Brooking's Institute just completed a report on the nation's 100 metros measuring the per capita carbon footprint. Tampa came in at 47th while Sarasota came in the bottom fifth at 82. The study revealed some information that should give some of the newer urban apartment communities some talking points.

Metropolitan Tampa's per capita carbon footprint from transportation and residential energy use increased 10.84 percent between 2000 and 2005. In Sarasota, its per capita carbon footprint from transportation and residential energy use increased 29.56 percent in the same period.

Sounds like a viable talking point as a Community Feature and Amenity to us. Live here and be greener! This should not be a hard sell, however turning this into real green (profits) remains to be seen. While studies show the long-term costs of going green are evident, is there enough incentive to attract potential renters with this line of thinking? Will 1-2 year renters accept a higher cost to live in the city even while saving money on energy costs? This is where extra incentives and features need to be sold like community building through gardening, automobile sharing and renting, themed apartment communities, and available exotic floorplans.

Brookings Institution: Tampa MSA's carbon footprint growing (tampabay.bizjournals.com)