The University of Louisville Center for Environmental Policy and Management (CEPM) seeks to improve the economic efficiency and environmental efficacy outcomes of governmental and business environmental management practices. We specialize in the economic development – environmental protection intersections, including contaminated land redevelopment and smart growth planning. As part of the Kentucky Institute for the Environment and Sustainable Development (KIESD), we have access to colleagues from across the university.

Current Projects and Upcoming Events:

NEW!!!!

The recently published Kentucky Wet Growth Tools for Sustainable Development: A Handbook on Land Use and Water for Kentucky Communities provides a variety of tools for cities, counties, multi-stakeholder groups, watershed groups, and other interested members of the public to manage or control growth and development for water resource protection.  The book identifies the impacts of land use on water quality, water supplies, and the overall health and functioning of watersheds on which all communities - and all life - depend.  It provides extensive tools and resources for local communities to use to achieve "wet growth" - land use and development that is sustainable with respect to water.  These include a variety of methods, such as low-impact development, water conservation, green infrastructure, smart growth, land conservation, and the restoration, remediation, and re-use of land.  They also include a variety of tools, including planning, regulation, incentives and market-based tools, private initiatives, public infrastructure, impact assessment, public participaion and multi-stakeholder involvement, and public education and engagement.  Finally, the handbook's appendices include the Center for Watershed Protections Codes & Ordinances Worksheet to help localities to evaluate their local regulations, and examples of ordinances, regulations, and other legal documents from many communities throughout Kentucky and the U.S. 

On-line Virtual Farmers’ Market at www.kyfoodtrader.org

A new virtual farmers’ market has been launched to link consumers and Kentucky and adjoining area farmers and agricultural producers. This site allows producers to provide information on availability of all products which are typically found at farmers’ markets. Features of this website include a special category for nonprofit food providers offering an opportunity for online exchanges with producers; the ability for consumers to post for wanted items; as well as information about ongoing farmers’ markets and CFAs (community farm alliances) throughout Kentucky. KYFoodtrader.org also serves as a resource of information concerning food-related activities in the area, as well as an educational outreach about public health and economic benefits of local food consumption. Click here to visit the website and become a member!

How Does Your Garden Grow? Brownfields Redevelopment and Local Agriculture

Communities nationwide use brownfields funding to assess and clean sites for a variety of uses, including community gardens and farmers markets. Discover how using funds from EPA, states, tribes and other sources, can help to transform Brownfields to Community Gardens. To learn more about tranforming Brownfields to Community Gardens, click here. For a Safe Urban Gardening guide, click here.

Re-Defining Brownfields - The Brownfield Institute

"Fostering community participation in brownfields redevelopment"

Sustainable City Series

This series is designed to raise the community's awareness of sustainable practices. With the ultimate goal of providing a catalyst to moving Louisville and the region towards a sustainable model for the nation, each forum in the series focuses on different aspects of sustainable practice and at times appeals to different audiencies. Click here to learn about upcoming and past forums.