We’ve all heard of sustainable homes, but what about a sustainable city? In 2009, Treasure Island will be on the way to becoming an example to the rest of the world. It is made from artificial fill dredged from the Bay in 1939. In World War II, it was largely converted to a naval base. Since it was decommissioned in the late 90s, San Francisco has conducted extensive planning on the island’s future. As it turns out, Treasure Island will be closer to all-natural than artificial.

The plan to make Treasure Island the most ecological city in the world begins in 2009 and includes incorporating all the latest technologies to manage waste, conserve water and energy, and sustain low-impact living. Using alternative energy is high on Treasure Island’s to-do list. Solar panels are slated to cover 70 percent of all rooftops, and solar hot water systems will supply up to 80 percent of the island’s residential hot water needs. In addition, large-scale wind turbines will capitalize on wind on one side of the island while tide-driven turbines will harness energy from the Golden Gate channel. Sound intriguing? Here’s a closer glimpse of what’s in the works for this future urban oasis. Treasure Island will:

• Produce its own food via 20 acres of farmland.
• Attempt to zero out solid waste by 2020, with the help of composting all food scraps and grass clippings and returning them to the farmland.
• Use the amount of water equivalent to the island’s average annual rainfall.
• Have 220 acres of open space.
• Contain buildings all meeting the U.S. Green Building Council gold standard.

Helpful Links:

• Why Treasure Island is the Super Green City of the Future
• The Most Ecological City in the World
• Treasure Island
• Treasure Island Plan: Most Sustainable City on the Planet
• Photo Credit: Popular Mechanics