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 increase both real and perceived safety and comfort

  • Individualized marketing programs have, year after year, resulted in a 10% reduction in drive-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 be actively 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.