45. Virginia Beach, VA

Not Just for Tourists Anymore

Virginia Beach, VA: Not Just for Tourists Anymore

Virginia Beach recently became Virginia’s first designated “green destination,” as part of a state-wide program called Virginia Green. The goal of the program is to reduce the environmental impacts of the state’s tourism industry. We’re glad some attention is being paid to sustainability there—regardless of whether the ultimate goal is marketing tourism. The city won’t be getting an environment award from us, ranking 45th in SustainLane’s 2008 survey, but it does get kudos for a few very laudable efforts. Ten percent of Virginia Beach’s public school district buses now run on biodiesel, and all new and renovated school buildings will attain at least a LEED Silver rating. Also, in 2008, researchers proclaimed the city’s coast a viable location for a large-scale, offshore wind farm. They say such an installation would create jobs and attract green businesses and manufacturers to the area. This would be a great way to jump-start a sustainability movement in a city with 38 miles of coastline and nearly 150 farms in need of protection.

(Photo by Jason Pratt)

Virginia Beach's Rankings

Virginia Beach sustainlability rankings chart Cities are ranked relative to each other. A longer bar denotes a higher ranking.
Virginia Beach, VA: City Chart

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Virginia Beach Talk

Ken O.

Discussion: No Bag, No Cry

Nice t-shirts, too! Must be fun living by the beach all year round. more »

Old B.

Review of Old Beach Farmers Market

5 star rating

A Real Deal Farmers Market in the heart of the VA Beach Resort Just like the mission statement indicates on the website... this farmers market 'walks the walk' by bringing together real farmers on premise with local foods, chefs and... more »

Old B.

Review of CROC'S 19th Street Bistro

5 star rating

Good Eats, Drinks, Wine and Good Times A local's favorite and a tourist's new best find. Organic cocktails, sustainable seafood choices are supreme. Try the Mezze sampler of authentic Lebanese cuisine pair with the... more »

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If the success or failure of this planet, and of human beings, depended on how I am and what I do, how would I be? What would I do? —R. Buckminster Fuller

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