Since arriving in Dubuque I have been left dizzy in amazement of how a City of close to 60,000 people has achieved so much in sustainability.

Dubuque has been successful in establishing a collective sustainability vision for its City. This is not only being driven by the City Council but by many businesses, the East Central intergovernmental Association, Universities and not for profit organisations such as the Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce and Greater Dubuque.

Individually each of these organisations are achieving great things across the pillars of economic, environmental and social sustainability. But what is unique is how these organisations have pulled together to make Dubuque an example to the world of how to establish and build partnerships around sustainability.

We are all aware climate change is a controversial political issue. Dubuque has managed to put aside the politics and just got on with the job of preparing its community to living in a world of climate change by embedding sustainability in many of its projects.

How does this all work?

Well I am still piecing together the puzzle. What I do know is Dubuque continue to punch well above its weight for a City of its size and are a true example of community coming together for a common vision.

Stay tuned as I unfold the puzzle and potentially the tools and systems for embedding sustainability in all our communities.