In Florida the governor, Charlie Crist, unveiled a new climate friendly initiative last year. Many builders are pursuing LEED certified homes and buildings. WCI had a large number of green certified homes built recently but had to cut out the program due to the recent downturn in the real estate market in Florida. Many builders see green construction as both a marketing tool and a way to preserve the environment. When it comes to alterative power programs Florida Atlantic university has unveiled a brand new design to harness the energy of the gulfstream. The design that they have proposed under a grant from the State of Florida shows underwater windmill like turbines which when turned by the powerful current of the gulfstream can provide power to coastal homes and business in Florida. In Pinellas County Florida the City of St Petersburg is very progressive in pursuing green initiatives and tracks sustainability indicators. The city monitors solid waste production, water use and energy use to measure progress.
