Rochester's EcoDistrict

Learn about the important work of the High Falls EcoDistrict®.

About the EcoDistrict®

Greentopia has established the FIRST EcoDistrict in New York state here at High Falls – a model for sustainable and resilient neighborhoods.

Our climate is changing. As the trend of people moving back into cities continues, the need for well designed, low emission, and healthy urban spaces will only become more pressing. The EcoDistricts framework takes an interconnected, holistic approach to sustainability. At the core of any EcoDistrict are three guiding principles: Equity, Resilience and Climate Protection.

Equity.

Are the burdens and benefits of development shared equally? Does everyone have a voice at the decision-making table? Are the needs of our most vulnerable being met?

Resilience.

Can we withstand an environmental or economic disaster? Are we proactively working to mitigate the challenges we know are coming and preparing as best as we can for the unexpected?

Climate Protection.

How do we become carbon neutral as a neighborhood? Are we protecting our ecosystems or rehabilitating where necessary?

Forming an EcoDistrict in High Falls enables us not just to decide what we should do, but how do we make those decisions and reach our goals. We are taking on big, complicated problems. By doing it together, at the neighborhood-scale, we may not be able to simplify the issues, but we can work at a scale that is attainable.

We may not be able to unravel all the issues that contribute to a loss of biodiversity worldwide, but in High Falls we can install pollinator plants and habitats along our riverway trail.

Greentopia is the backbone organization in the creation of the EcoDistrict. We conducted a formation planning study, convene stakeholders, organize initial projects and drive the certification process.

Donate to the EcoDistrict

Watch Videos About EcoDistricts

Neighborhood-Scale Sustainability & Development

The High Falls EcoDistrict is the FIRST EcoDistrict® in New York State. Together, through this cutting edge model for collaborative impact, we will make the High Falls neighborhood an equitable, vibrant, and sustainable district.

Make A Donation

You can make a donation to Greentopia to help fund all the projects of our EcoDistrcit Program.

Become A Volunteer

Volunteering with the EcoDistrict is fun! From planting trees, maintaining the Pollinator Pathway and helping with planning and implementation, your help is needed.

In a few words...

The High Falls EcoDistrict is a neighborhood-scale sustainability and design project. It will create a neighborhood of the future at High Falls which will strive to reach environmental, social justice and other green goals.

EcoDistrict News from our Blog

Come to the EcoFair! We’re launching Greentopia’s EcoDistrict.

Sep 19, 2017 | 0 Comments

It’s time to launch the High Falls Eco-District! So no, that’s nothing like sailing a Frisbee over the edge of the Genesee River ravine in Greentopia’s backyard. It’s the formal process required to begin certification of the EcoDistrict north of downtown. The planning...

Start your day with ideas for a greener city

Feb 8, 2017 | 0 Comments

SEATING IS LIMITED, so RSVP to reserve your seat today! Greentopia is bringing to town an international consultant who works with cities on becoming more green – from reducing greenhouse gases to avoiding transportation logjams. Shannon Bouton, chief operating officer...

Celebrating 5 Years of Green Growth!

Mar 10, 2016 | 0 Comments

February 18, 2016, marked the fifth anniversary of Greentopia’s incorporation. So what does our five-year-old organization have to show for those years? Plenty! Four years of free Greentopia festivals to raise awareness of sustainability and green assets in downtown...