Alta's Commitment to Sustainability

Alta Planning + Design is firmly committed to the development of a sustainable global community and planet by enhancing transportation options, investing in local communities* and reducing our carbon footprint in our personal and professional lives.

Our Plans

  • Recommending concrete, feasible improvements that lead to increases in walking and biking

  • Recommending programs shown to switch trips from motor vehicle to walking and biking

  • Recommending design solutions which increases both real and perceived safety and comfort

  • Individualized marketing programs have, year after year, resulted in a 10% reduction in driving alone trips with gains in walking, bicycling and transit use.

Our Employees/Lifestyle

  • Walking the talk. Last year Alta staff walked and biked about 125,000 miles (about 2500 miles per employee)

  • Replacing motor vehicle trips with non-motorized transportation. Last year Alta employees prevented the release of more than 110,000 pounds of carbon into the atmosphere.

  • Alta employees are making a commitment to shift at least two personal trips per week from motor vehicle to another mode of transportation

  • Accommodating employees who walk and bike to work by providing shower and locker facilities, as well as secure bicycle parking.

  • Encouraging employees to actively get involved with their communities through professional organizations and company sponsored volunteer opportunities

Our Offices

  • Ensuring all recyclable waste is recycled properly

  • Replacing paper napkins with cloth napkins for staff use and office meetings

  • Replacing paper hand towels with cloth hand towels

  • Implementing a composting system for food waste

  • Purchasing supplies based on minimal packaging and maximum recycled material content

  • Utilizing energy efficient light bulbs, printers and kitchen appliances

  • Purchasing local and organic, including coffee, food for office functions, furniture and office supplies

  • Donating 1% of all company profits to programs dedicated to increasing biking and walking

  • Employing technology (e.g., video conferencing) to maximize communication options between Alta and our clients while minimizing our travel related environmental footprint

  • Locating offices strategically throughout the country to reduce the required travel distances and related environmental impacts

  • Offering carbon offsets for all project related transportation costs

  • Renting the most fuel efficient vehicle available when traveling

Our Documents

  • Utilizing 100% recycled paper

  • Utilizing reusable binding methods

  • Transmitting documents electronically whenever possible to avoid unnecessary printing

  • Recycling copier and printer ink cartridges



As part of our effort to promote sustainable communities, Alta Planning + Design donates up to 5% of profits to advocacy organizations who work to promote bicycling and walking.
Areas of Focus
We do plans for bikes, pedestrians, urban landscapes greenways, trails and paths, but we're also masters of innovation, research, programs and training. Find out more now.
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