The Construction Source America

14 | City of San Antonio Atmospheric conditions have threatened to designate the area as a non-attainment zone, a reflection of substandard air quality that could potentially lead to reduced availability of federal funds, and increased costs for fuel directly hitting consumers, and businesses, in the pocketbook. Reducing carbon emis- sion from car exhaust helps on that front. On the water side of the equation, Barker says it takes five gallons of water to produce one gallon of gas. For an area that has experi- enced drought as a result of climate change, Barker notes that water is a precious com- modity. COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS Costs savings that benefit business, utility cost reductions for homeowners, enhanced modes of alternative transportation, all of it is a byproduct of a team approach and will- ingness to work together which may be the ultimate factor in what makes things a little different in San Antonio. The city has pre- viously garnered recognition as one of the most friendly-to-business cities in America, which may have played into its distinction as one of America’s best places to find a job. Factors, which have contributed to recent re- Mary Hammer, Interim Director of the Office of Sustainability Mayor Julián Castro Cit