Sustainability

Font Size: + -

The Clayton Strategic Plan provides a vision of Clayton as a sustainable, welcoming community comprised of desirable neighborhoods, attractive green space, diverse artistic, cultural and recreational opportunities and a multi-model transportation system, all of which foster a safe, healthy and enriched quality of life.

Sustainability is most often defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Renewable Energy and Conservation

Solar Energy: Clayton received a Silver designation from the national SolSmart program in 2024 for encouraging the growth of clean, affordable solar energy at the local level and making it possible for more American homes and businesses to access affordable and renewable solar energy to meet their electricity needs.
https://www.claytonmo.gov/programs-initiatives/sustainability/solsmart-program
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC): Clayton adopted the IECC in 2022, which addresses energy efficiency on several fronts including cost, energy usage, use of natural resources, and the impact of energy usage on the environment. (Ordinance #6780)
https://ecode360.com/27618165?highlight=6780&searchId=19864339519422587#27618165
LEED Projects: In 2014, Clayton Police Headquarters and Municipal Building at 10 S. Brentwood Blvd. in Clayton earned the highest honors – Platinum LEED Certification – from the U.S. Green Building Council.
https://patch.com/missouri/clayton-richmondheights/renovated-police-headquarters-in-clayton-mo-becomes-first-law-enforcement-facility-in-missouri-to-earn-platinum-leed-certification
Lights Out Heartland/Dark Skies: In 2022, Clayton adopted a resolution in support of the Lights Out Heartland campaign to raise awareness about migratory birds and the impact that artificial lighting has on them. Clayton encourages businesses, organizations, and residents to join the City in turning off exterior lighting during the high migration intensity months in May and September.
https://www.claytonmo.gov/programs-initiatives/sustainability/lights-out-heartland-campaign
Resolution: https://www.claytonmo.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/6268/638046438545530000
Mayors for Climate Change: In 2024, Mayor Harris signed onto Mayors for Climate Change, a network that mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities.
https://climatemayors.org/

Waste & Recycling

Recycling Guidelines: A comprehensive guide to Clayton’s recycling and reuse programs
https://www.claytonmo.gov/programs-initiatives/refuse-collection/recycling

Reuse and Recycling Locations: A list of locations in the Clayton area for recycling different items
https://www.claytonmo.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/6896/638368707406170000

Yard Waste and Compost: A guide to Clayton’s yard waste and compost collection program.
https://www.claytonmo.gov/programs-initiatives/refuse-collection/yard-waste-compost

Oops Ticket System: If your recycling bin is out of compliance with Republic’s recycling guidelines, you will receive an oops ticket, and your recycling will not be picked up until the guidelines are met.
https://www.republicservices.com/residents/recycling-and-solid-waste
County Recycling Coach: A resource through St. Louis County that allows you to find information on how to recycle different items based on your address.
https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/environmental-services/waste-and-recycling/recycle-wizard/

Green Spaces

Sustainable Landscaping and Native Plants: Follow the link below for tips and resources to help the community modify urban landscapes and residential yards to help conserve insects, improve plant production/yield, and benefit the overall health of the local ecosystem.
https://www.claytonmo.gov/programs-initiatives/sustainability/native-plants-and-sustainable-landscaping
Clayton’s Tree and Landscaping Regulations: A guide to Clayton’s requirements and regulations on landscaping and tree standards
https://www.claytonmo.gov/government/planning-and-development-services/tree-and-landscape-regulations-update
Forestry Regulations: A guide to Clayton’s forestry regulations
https://www.claytonmo.gov/government/public-works/forestry-services
Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness Plan: The emerald ash borer (EAB), an insect native to Asia, is responsible for destroying tens of millions of ash trees in 25 states across the country. Clayton’s Ash Borer Preparedness plan:
https://www.claytonmo.gov/government/public-works/forestry-services/emerald-ash-borer
Tree City USA: Clayton has been recognized as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1992.
https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/
Tree canopy: Clayton has established minimum landscape standards to provide for the protection, preservation, and replacement of trees; to reduce tree loss and damage during construction; to promote tree species diversity; and, to maintain adequate tree canopy coverage citywide.
https://www.treeequityscore.org/reports/place/clayton-mo
Bring Conservation Home: Clayton has been a partner of the Audubon Society's Bring Conservation Home Program since 2012, which provides on-site advice to private landowners in the greater St. Louis area for the restoration of native plant and animal habitat on their grounds. More infomation on the program can be found at the link below.
https://stlouisaudubon.org/bch/

Transportation

No Idling Ordinance: Clayton has passed a no-idling ordinance (Section 215.775), which prohibits vehicles from idling for longer than three consecutive minutes to help reduce emissions. Reducing idling at schools is especially important because air pollution affects children the most. Children’s lungs are sensitive and still developing; in fact, children breathe 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults do.
Livable Community Plan: A joint update of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Bikeable Walkable Communites Plan that focuses on parks, recreation, bicycle, and pedestrian planning in Clayton.
https://engageclayton.com/livable-community-master-plan
MetroLink: Information about the MetroLink and other regional transit is available at the link below.
https://www.metrostlouis.org/metrolink/
Ride Share: The RideFinders carpool program connects commuters to share a ride to and from work or class in their personal vehicles.
https://www.sharetheridestl.org/

Tax Credits and Incentives

Businesses: Buildings are the largest contributor of GHG emissions in Clayton, make a plan to take advantage of utility incentives from your provider. Businesses can receive federal tax incentives for energy efficiency, clean energy, and EV charging infrastructure, as well as fleet electrification.
https://www.usgbc.org/sites/default/files/2022-12/USGBC_IRA-Fact-Sheet-Existing_v4_FINAL.pdf
https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/13039
Nonprofits: Nonprofits can receive clean energy tax credits to save on clean energy projects.
https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/climate-pollution-reduction-grants#CPRG-EligibleApplicants
Individuals: Individuals can receive discounted or free (depending on income) home energy audits and home energy rebates. Individuals can also receive income-qualified home weatherization assistance. Check out incentives from your utility provider.
https://www.energy.gov/scep/home-energy-rebates-frequently-asked-questions-consumers
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit
https://dnr.mo.gov/energy/weatherization/residential-assistance/local-agencies

Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC)

The role of the Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) is to advise the Mayor, Aldermen, and the City Manager with respect to the development and/or support of ecologically sound programs and practices within Clayton's municipal government, the Clayton community and the metropolitan St. Louis region.

For more information about the SAC and when they meet, please visit the link below.

Sustainability Advisory Committee

City of Clayton, MO

Find a service

How Do I...

Sustainability