Green map icons_v3_definitions_stupa3

Green Map® Icons Version 3 Definitions
March 11, 2008

Welcome! We hope this updated and expanded set of Green Map Icons helps you and your
community in many ways. Our thanks to everyone who took part in the development of Green
Map Icons, Version 3.

Green Map Icons are used by all registered Green Mapmakers on their Green Maps and related
educational and outreach materials. Be sure to include Green Map System's copyright for the
icons any place you use them:

Icons © Green Map System, Inc. 2008. All rights reserved. Green Map® is a registered
trademark and used with permission

We encourage you to review the rules in the Mapmakers Agreement before you consider
utilizing these Icons in other ways. (More information is in the Participate Section of our
website (http://www.greenmap.org/greenhouse/en/participate)

This set of Green Map Icons includes 170 icons in 12 categories arranged in 3 genres (it
includes the Green Map Logo, too). All Icon charts and resources have the set arranged in the
same order. Generally, Green Map projects do not use all of the icons on their maps. Please
create your own sub-set, posters and legends. You can adapt titles, gently redefine definitions
and standards, and add color. You may also add some local icons if you wish, but 50% of them
must be global Green Map Icons.

Some Icons are part of the 'Standard Set' and accessible with the easiest keystrokes. Indicated
with an * asterisk below, these are useful for youth and community Green Mapmaking.

Several resources, including the Icon font and keystroke charts, are available to make them
easier to use. Login and download them from Resources>Tool Center>Icons (or click
http://www.greenmap.org/greenhouse/en/taxonomy_menu/4/25 ). Choose the zipped set or the
individual tools you need. Over time, new resources in different languages will be added
(perhaps by you!). At http://GreenMap.org/icons, find public resources that will be useful in
workshops and project outreach.

Table of Contents:
Click the Genres or Categories to jump to the Definitions:

Sustainable Living, page 2
• Green Economy • Technology & Design • Mobility • Hazards & Challenges

Nature, page 9
• Land & Water • Flora • Fauna • Outdoor Activity

Culture & Society, page 15
• Cultural Character • Eco-Information • Justice & Activism • Public Works & Landmarks

1 Green Map System Icons Version 3 Definition

Genre: SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Includes green living, business, technology, design, mobility and the hazards and
challenges our communities must address.

• Category: Green Economy BACK TO TOP
Encompasses the everyday business of sustainability and social responsibility.

1. Farmers/Local Market*
Sells regionally grown produce. May be organic or traditional foods, sold in a lively permanent
or temporary setting. Food does not travel far, so it's fresh and nutritious. May sell flowers,
craft items, baked goods, wine, wool, and even regional cookbooks. Shopping here directly
supports small family farms, local economies and a greener countryside.

2. Healthy Dining*
The emphasis is on wholesome, healthful, fresh foods, made with local and/or organic
ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan foods (no animal products whatsoever) are served. Meat and
dairy products are from ethically treated animals raised carefully to minimize environmental and
health impacts, without additives, genetic modifications or factory farm practices. Endangered
fish, marine and other species are not served. Cooperatively-owned cafes, cafes that grow their
own food as well as "Slow Food" sites can be included, as can traditional or special local
cuisines.

3. Eco-Agriculture/Permaculture*
Encompasses small-scale city farm to full-size rural farms that are organic, biodynamic or using
other sustainable methods. Can be used to indicate organizations that make the link between
urban communities and nearby farmers though community-supported agriculture (also known
as CSAs or box schemes), 4H demonstration farms, agriculture schools or food security
resources and networks.

4. Organic/Local Food*
Local food that is grown very near to where it is consumed, so it has fewer 'food miles' that
decrease freshness and increase ecological impacts associated with shipping long distances.
Organic food is grown without pesticides (biocides), genetic modification or synthetic
fertilizers. No chemicals or waxes are added after harvesting. If processed, it is usually prepared
in a way to maximize the nutritional value. May also include fair trade or direct trade practices.
Note: Does a supermarket with a small selection of organic or local produce deserve this icon?
If your research indicates this site should be on the map, consider clarifying it in your
description.

5. Eco-Products
Produced in accordance with green standards. At this site, they may be sold alongside
conventional products. Adding your criteria to your map can help educate and expand
appreciation for these products. Criteria can include: necessity of the product, safety, quality,
made from renewable/recycled/carefully sourced materials, responsible packaging, information
on manufacturing practices, options for disposal, whether locally produced and consideration of
overall business and labor practices.


6. Green Enterprise
Business or service that offers sustainable products and/or practices and includes resource
conservation and environmental responsibility, corporate social responsibility (CRS), worker
and community wellbeing. Criteria should be set carefully and included on the map or your
website.

7. Green Store
Sells ecologically-conscious products (eco-products). 100% of all products may not truly be
major improvements over conventional products, but the intention, method of production,
materials, reductions of impacts in use, store policies, etc. address sustainability principles.

8. Local Business
An economic enterprise solely based within the community, not a national franchise or chain
store. Locally owned and managed, but not necessarily a green business. Re-circulates money
within the local economy and often sources goods and materials nearby, reducing the ecological
impacts associated with shipping.

9. Reuse Shop/Market
Place to sell and exchange reusable goods and antiques by barter, free or cash. May be a
second-hand, thrift, charity shop or online resource. May be temporary or permanent.

10. Fair Trade
A place that contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to,
and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers without compromising natural
resources. Fair trade organizations (backed by consumers) support producers, raise awareness
and promote higher standards for international labor, environmentalism and social issues
compared to the practices of conventional international trade.

11. Responsible Company
Business with exemplary environmental and social responsibility standards and practices, and is
a good neighbor. Ideally, their products are green, as well. May belong to a CSR (corporate
social responsibility) program or include CSR on public reports and websites.

12. Social Enterprise
A property, café, shop, residential complex, service or other business that is cooperatively
managed and/or benefits society. Eco-villages, communal projects, copyright/cultural commons
and even open source projects could be included here.

13. Ecotourism Resource
Ecological and socially conscious tourism that promotes energy efficiency, water/waste
conservation, awareness and local economic opportunities in urban and rural settings. Can
include sites of all kinds of interest to visitors, including tours, a green hotel, hostel or eco-
camping site. Ecotourism focuses on local culture heritage, nature, social benefit, volunteering
and education.


14. Reuse
Products, materials or building elements exchange, second-hand market or store. Significant
reused buildings, other examples of creative reuse and even online resources can be included.

15. Recycling
Drop-off site for materials that can be reprocessed or refilled. Includes businesses that buy,
work with or sell products made from recycled materials, information resources, and good
examples of recycled materials in use.

16. Rental/Share
Place where you can rent or share items (such as a bicycle, vehicle, garden tools, outdoor
activities or party-ware) rather than purchasing it. Membership may be necessary, or can be a
casual ‘community toolshed’.

17. Repair Shop
Site where an experienced technician can fix your bike, appliance, computer, shoes, etc, keeping
resources out of the waste stream. May be conscious about impacts of waste, glues, toxic
materials, etc.

• Category: Technology & Design BACK TO TOP

Includes many forms of locally-generated energy, architecture, technology and design
plus "indoor" icons for use in campuses, offices, etc.

1. Solar Energy Site
Place where you can see solar panels, passive solar examples and/or get information about this
form of renewable energy. Includes buildings, organizations, training programs, solar energy
shops and contractors, government and utility company sites.

2. Wind Energy Site
Wind turbines and windmills that harness energy generated by the wind are located on this site.
Can be a small system or a large grid electricity generating facility. Can indicate wind power
information resources or a site that offsets its electricity needs with wind power.

3. Water Energy Site
Includes waterwheels, tidal power and wave power, all generated by the water's natural
movement. Sometimes called marine power. Not for large-scale dams or hydro-power projects
which can devastate biodiversity both upstream and downstream.

4. Water Recycling
Uses plants, aquatic animals, layered soils, movement, (constructed) wetlands and or/ swales to
aerate, filter and purify water, without adding chemicals. Systems that slow the drainage in the
built environment, grey water, rainwater gardens, rain barrels and other types of high and low
technology water recycling systems that reduce consumption can be included.

5. Geothermal/Ground Heat Site


Site where a geothermal exchange is used underground to heat and cool buildings, household
and pool water, etc., reducing energy use for heating and air conditioning systems. Ground
storage heat sites may include geysers, hot springs, buildings and bathhouses.

6. Green Building
Practice of increasing the efficiency of buildings and their use of energy, water, and materials
while reducing building impacts on health and the environment throughout the complete
building life cycle by incorporating better siting, design, construction, systems, operation,
maintenance, and removal. May include tours, suppliers, organizations and training programs.
May be called a sustainable building, environmental building, natural building, sustainable design,
green architecture and can include building certification such as LEED.

7. Green Roof
A planted roof that cools and cleans the air and retains rainwater while providing beauty,
wildlife habitat, fire and soundproofing. Intensive Green Roofs may used as a garden and
Extensive Green Roofs are designed to be viewed but not walked upon. Green roofs are also
referred to as eco-roofs, vegetated roofs, living roofs, planted roof, biotope or cool roof.

8. Self-Built House
May include earth-built homes of natural materials such as adobe or straw, or other locally-
sourced materials. This homemade housing often reuses materials and building elements.

9. Composting
Place where food waste, leaves, garden and lawn cuttings are biodegraded into rich new soil.
Can include large-scale or demonstration projects, drop-off sites, or places to buy locally
produced compost, or to get information, worms and resources for indoor and garden
composting.

10. Scientific Research Site
Center or resource for research in natural sciences, environmental studies and related sciences
and technologies benefiting biodiversity and humanity. May be indoors or outdoors.

11. Green Technology
Renewable, alternative or other sustainable technology sites. May include clean technologies,
zero emission, biomass and clean energy generation, new and appropriate technology sites. An
eco-industrial park, low-tech initiative, research, pilot project, related agencies and funding
sources can use this icon.

12. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Resource
Site where greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and
ozone) are reduced, preferably using green technology. May be measured, offset, traded, etc.
May include informational sites related to GHG, or carbon capture projects, fuel/technology
switching, carbon concierge, carbon calculator or footprinting, etc.

13. Energy Conservation
Site, service, project or products that minimize the use of energy.


14. Paper Reduction Site
Place that efficiently eliminates or carefully manages the use of paper through digital document
sharing and archiving, double-sided printing, paper reuse and thorough recycling. This 'indoor'
icon may mark a single room/office in a complex.

15. Green Cleaning
Site or service that uses non-toxic products designed to work as well as typical commercial
products, but that use renewable, less harmful, phosphate-free and biodegradable ingredients.
Usually not tested on animals. May be concentrated or non-scented, without fumes, VOCs or
residues. An 'indoor' icon, may have official standards for schools and other institutions.

• Category: Mobility BACK TO TOP
Includes human power and public transit, related active transport, fuel and caution
zones.

1. Bicycle Site
Good place to buy, borrow, repair or rent bicycles, work bikes and other kinds of human-
powered vehicles. Can indicate bicycling organizations of all kinds, bike-friendly services and
sites.

2. Bicycle Path (left)
Includes designated and recommended bicycle paths or lanes. You can add a (dotted) line to
show the route. Use the icon to point the direction (east bound is also available). Note: Use
colors to designate existing and proposed paths; to indicate different types (on street or
separated path) or to show the safety of the route.

3. Bicycle Path (right)
Includes designated and recommended bicycle paths or lanes. You can add a (dotted) line to
show the route. Use the icon to point the direction (west bound is also available). Note: Use
colors to designate existing and proposed paths; to indicate different types (on street or
separated path) or to show the safety of the route.

4. Bicycle Parking
Recommended area for secure storage or locking of bicycles with adequate lighting and bike
racks at a transit station, workplace, on campus, or other area. May include attended area or
valet bike parking.

5. Pedestrian Friendly
Areas which favor walking over automobiles, such as pedestrian malls, plazas and traffic calmed
areas that limit or restrict car traffic. Can indicate a route around an especially interesting area
using a (dotted) line or line of icons. Walks or well-placed running paths can be established or
recommended but should be non-intrusive to sensitive or protected areas.

6. Wheelchair Accessible


Accessible ramps, rails, elevators and other facilities provided for people with disabilities.
Encourage exploration of nature trails and park areas with this icon. (Useful for baby carriages
and market carts, too.)

7. Public/Mass Transportation
Mass transit station or subway, bus or trolley stop. Can include multi-modal transit hub served
by one or more types of public transport systems. Note: Bus stops may be too numerous to
map, except in proximity to remote green sites. You may opt to include a letter or logo for
subway, bus, or local system inside this icon.

8. Light Rail/Bus Rapid Transit
Streetcar, trolley, light rail line station or stop. Also includes high-speed, express or separated
lane Bus Rapid Transit systems. Surface transportation by eco-efficient light rail runs in these
areas.

9. Water Transport
Ferries and other water-based transport system for passengers, vehicles and freight. Can be a
naturally refreshing and efficient way to commute and travel, although the vehicle itself may
have emissions or other impacts. You can use (dotted) lines to denote routes.

10. Alternative Fuel /Vehicles
Filling station for vehicle fuels which have reduced impacts, including hybrid electric, bio-fuel or
hydrogen, compressed natural gas or place to buy bottled fuels. Exchange batteries or fuel cells,
and other renewable and ecologically preferred power sources. Place to buy, rent, repair or
share a vehicle or a research site for alternative fuel and non-fossil fueled vehicles. Biofuels
include biodiesel and ethanol - avoid indicating fuels unsustainably derived from food sources or
that need high energy input.

11. Park 'N Ride Facility
Parking lot with a convenient public transport connection for cars (or bicycles). Park & Rides
are sometimes subsidized or free to encourage the use of public transportation. May include
electric vehicle charging spots, carpooling or car sharing resources.

12. Traffic Hazard
Indicates places where motorized traffic is especially heavy, noisy, polluting and dangerous to
pedestrians, bicyclers and other people.

13. Caution Zone
Area where one should be extremely alert to surrounding hazards, such as high traffic,
construction sites or dangerous infrastructure. May include insecure places that visitors would
appreciate knowing about.

• Category: Hazard & Challenges BACK TO TOP
This category includes a wide range of problems and conditions communities can
address by working together, indicating the potential for local action and change.


1. Blight Site
An area generally destroyed with toxics, garbage, visual pollution or environmental and social
hazards by careless industrial practices, apathetic people and lack of governmental resources
and investment. Set and state your criteria in a locally appropriate manner.

2. Air Pollution
Can indicate industrial emissions and truck routes, even poorly-run waste or composting
facilities.

3. Water Pollution Source
May include a specific factory's pollution or an inadequate municipal sewage treatment plant.
Can be a "non-point" area, where vehicle-related pollutants wash off roads or a farm where
animal wastes or chemical fertilizers drain off the land into waterways and drinking water
supplies. May include combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that contaminate waterways after it
rains.

4. Waste Dump
Illegal, improperly constructed and maintained place where garbage has been dumped. Rats and
other vermin, hazardous drainage impacting waterways and health, and air pollution, including
methane (a powerful greenhouse gas) are among the impacts.

5. Contaminated Site
Severely polluted site that may be on an official governmental "clean-up" list. May include oil
spills.

6. Brownfield
Polluted site that was once used for industrial or military purposes and now has the potential
to be cleaned up and redeveloped. Often located near residential areas, may currently be an
empty lot. Brownfields usually do not have high concentrations of hazardous waste.

7. Vulnerable Site
Site that is at great risk of suffering from a natural disaster, climate change, gentrification or
other loss of character, quality of life or sustainability.

8. Habitat at Risk
Area at risk of losing its diverse wildlife, flora and fauna, often due to human activities.

9. Deforestation
Area that has been cleared of forest or trees, leading to erosion, flooding, loss of habitat, road
building and/or unsustainable development.

10. Climate Changed Area
A local site that demonstrates the unpredictable effects of climate change to our entire planet.

11. Disaster Area
Area that has been damaged by a strong storm, flood, fire, earthquake, etc., or by a chemical


spill, war, or other form of destruction. May be an officially designated disaster area.

12. Abandoned Site
Building, land or area that has been left empty and decrepit by former occupants, owners or
local government.

13. Unhealthy Site
Officially recognized site where residents' health has been threatened by disaster, emissions,
environmental or unjust causes.

14. Noise Pollution
Area with noisy industry, airports, quarries, heavy equipment, transportation terminals,
entertainment zones etc. Sometimes difficult to pinpoint, these places and related vibration and
stress can have a powerful effect on quality of life, impacting many species.

15. Airport
Fastest mode of public transportation requires extensive land use, has high CO2 emissions
related to climate change, causes fuel and oil spills, waste and noise impacts. May not be
connected to other forms of public transportation, contributing to more arable land lost to
parking, freeways, etc.

16. Oil / Gas Facility
Can be a large storage facility ("tank farm"), oil or natural gas pumping and processing, a
pipeline or oil/natural gas shipping facility with (potential) danger due to accidents, flammability,
emissions, etc.

17. Nuclear Facilities & Waste Site
Potential source of radiation leaks, radioactive wastes and development that can have negative
impacts for thousands of years. Destination point for radioactive materials including waste
storage, processing, military, energy, medical and research facilities.

18. Mining Site
Mines, quarries and associated waste and infrastructure can be devastating to waterways, land,
wildlife and society during operation and long after. May indicate organizations and campaigns
regarding mining, or mineral/jewelry shops

Genre: NATURE
Includes places and opportunities to engage with the natural environment - plants,
animals, habitat and landscapes – in a sustainable way.

• Category: Land & Water BACK TO TOP
Geology and landscape, both natural and designed.

1. Waterfront/Riverside Park
Place where you can relax, walk or ride along and play by the water (includes water bodies of
all types). May include a beach; swimming and wading may be possible.


2. Water Feature
Display or drinking fountain, beautiful waterfall or natural pond. May simply celebrate water or
offer a refreshing drink in an ecologically sound way.

3. Wetlands
May be on an official protection list, as wetlands are important habitats and useful for water
cleaning and protection from storm surges. May be natural, reconstructed or artificial. You may
include guidelines for viewing sites, which may be on private land.

4. Drinking Water Sources
May be used to show the source for your drinking water, reservoirs, and major elements of the
water system, as well as water purity and conservation information. Icon can be used in or with
a line to indicate major underground pipelines, spigots or drinking fountains.

5. Natural Corridor/Greenway
Often follows along a river or streambed, ravine or steep hill, disused rail bed or roadway. May
indicate a wildlife corridor for land animals that is left in a natural state, with native plants to
shelter them. Often have paths for running, cycling, skating, etc.

6. Geological Feature
Where unusual or typical forms are apparent in the landscape. May be exposed rock layers,
glacial till or a chasm view. Includes significant open space, prairie, desert, etc. May include an
important mountain or other significant natural landmark.

7. Eco-Design/Planning Feature
Exciting design features including public transport stations, plazas, integrated native plantings
and street furniture such as kiosks, benches, fountains, or lighting that use materials and energy
efficiently, contributing to the streetscape. Can indicate an area planned for ecological
soundness or where sustainable infrastructure guidelines have been utilized.

8. Cleaned-up/Rebuilt Site
A previously contaminated (or disaster) area that has been restored and remediated for safe
public use, according to environmental standards. Can include brownfield remediation sites, as
well as development sites that have undergone soil/groundwater cleanup efforts, as well as
reclaimed cleaned-up land such as urban parks and gardens.

9. Future Redevelopment Space
Opportunity area that is well-located for ecologically-sound regeneration as open space/public
amenities or for buildings. Might currently be a blight site, paved over, brownfield, abandoned
or under-utilized, but has potential to be a wonderful addition to the community and
environment. This icon is often used to help a visioning process, as well as to present infill
opportunities and other alternatives to sprawl development.

10. Eco-Landscaping
Place where the land is beautified in an ecologically sustainable manner.


11. Shaded Boulevard
Shaded with trees and designed to be pleasant for walking and bicycle riding, especially in hot
weather. Whether natural or in a built design, trees help reduce pollution.

• Category: Flora BACK TO TOP
Plant life of all kinds.

1. Public Forest/ Natural Area
Natural Reserve, National Parks, Regional Parks, other parks and public forests. Balance your
emphasis of forests with parklands to discourage the over-use of natural areas. You can use this
icon for private land that has been set aside for conservation, too.

2. Special Tree
Marks a tree that is culturally or ecologically significant in the community. May be old growth,
virgin (never cut by humans), ancient, sacred, medicinal or native tree. Could be indoors or an
endangered species.

3. Native Forest/Plants
Flora that is indigenous in the region, sometimes called old growth, heirloom or indigenous
species. Native species requires less water and care than exotic imports, and usually attract
more birds, bees and butterflies, and help the cycle of life stay in balance. You can indicate a
master gardener, permaculturalist or horticulturalist or information center with this icon, as
they can help everyone identify and care for the native plants.

4. Garden
Gardens that are maintained by public agencies or organizations instead of the community.
Public gardens may be large or small, indoors or outdoors. You can indicate types of species in
the garden, pesticide use or entrance fees.

5. Community Garden
Often planted on public or formerly abandoned land, community gardens are run by volunteers
who cultivate vegetables and flowers, closer relationships to nature and one another.
Sometimes fenced and locked or threatened by development, but generally open to all
participants, raising the quality of life in the community, and improving air and soil quality at the
same time. Offers hands-on learning and a habitat for birds and insects, too.

6. Spring Blossoms
Natural or cultivated flowers or flowering trees are especially beautiful and bountiful in this
area.

7. Autumn Leaves
The season's colors are especially beautiful in this area.

8. Rapidly Renewable Plants
A fast growing renewable resource of major benefit that offers an alternative to using exotic or


endangered materials for product production or building construction. May include bamboo,
kenaf, hemp, 'energy trees' or other rapidly renewable plant/fiber resources.

9. Food Gathering Site
Pick and gather edibles, glean fallen or unwanted fruits, go fishing, or harvest wildcrafted herbs
and foods. Consider ecological concerns, delicate habitats, and waste issues when using this
icon.

• Category: Fauna BACK TO TOP
Animals and their habitats.

1. Significant Habitat
Notable wildlife ecosystem or natural breeding area that may be rare or especially beautiful and
rich. Use this icon with sensitivity to protect the habitat of nesting, young and adult animals.

2. Wildlife Habitat
Native environment for animals and the plants that sustain them. Can represent native natural
environments, or protected areas such as park reserves where larger animals and other wildlife
can be found.

3. Amphibian Habitat
Area that is a good viewing site for frogs, newts and other amphibious species, which are
indicators of a pond or wetland's health status. May include any kind of terrestrial ecosystem
with amphibians.

4. Coastal Habitat
Places along the water's edge where wildlife congregates. Wildlife may be in or above the
water, on the shore or on adjacent land. Sensitivity to delicate habitats should be exercised. Do
not pinpoint nesting areas without noting that carefulness is needed.

5. Aquatic Habitat
Includes fresh and saltwater ecosystems, and the many kinds of wildlife that flourish in the
marine environment. Please do not use this to encourage fishing, especially where the fish are
endangered or unhealthy to eat.

6. Wildlife Center/Zoo
Where injured or orphaned wild animals are nursed back to health before they are returned to
the wild. Zoos, wildlife centers and breeding programs, local and global wildlife organizations,
volunteer programs and schools are included.

7. Protected/Cultivated Habitat
Ecosystem development includes wildlife corridors in urban and rural areas, resources for
turning your home’s yard back into a prairie or other indigenous landscape to encouraging
native animals to flourish.

8. Insect Watching Site


Good area to view insects and bugs as they fly or crawl though life.

9. Bird & Wildlife Watching
Place to view animals in the wild. Officially recognized or locally-known sites could be
accompanied by guidelines for viewing without harm, and details on the species you might see.
Don't indicate delicate nesting areas or endangered habitats, it's better to point to
organizations or wildlife centers to help protect animals.

10. Duck Pond
Typically a man-made body of water, ideal for watching ducks, geese, swans and other
waterfowl. Usually smaller than a lake, may include ponds for recreational use.

11. Farm Animals
City farms, demonstration farms, gardens with chickens and rabbits, police horse barns, and
other places where the public can see domesticated animals carefully tended, ethically cared for
and sustainably raised. You may want to add criteria related to animal protection and careful
waste treatment, etc.

12. Migration Zone
Good place to watch flocks of birds overhead. May also be used to indicate prevailing direction
of birds' or other species' seasonal migrations.

• Category: Outdoor Activities BACK TO TOP
Healthy activity and enjoyment of nature; being outdoors helps us feel connection with
the environment.

1. Park/Recreation Area
Green space that offers a place to relax and play outdoors. May include picnicking, sports fields,
running paths, canoe rental, or workout/play equipment, along with diverse vegetation and a
pond, creek or other water feature. Some parklands are publicly-owned and free; others might
charge admission. Note: you can indicate if there is a fee, information or equipment center.

2. Public Space/ Square
A community gathering place, often car-free, that may have benches, fountain, events, etc. It can
be a public space located in a square, garden or park, or in special cases, may be indoors in a
mall. These places are often have an inclusive character and are accessible to all.

3. Sport Site/Play with Nature
Location designed for playing sports of all kinds or simply having fun outdoors. Best used on
sites with minimal eco-impacts.

4. Eco-tour/Nature Walk
Marks the beginning of a hiking trail, guided tour starting point or an interesting walk you have
made using a (dotted) line to encourage exploration. Maps, signage and information may be
found here.


5. Swimming
Safe, clean site for swimming or wading. This natural body of water or pool might not have a
lifeguard, though.

6. Canoe/Kayak Site
Boathouse, dock, ramp, rental shop or other site where you can launch a small human-powered
boat into a body of water.

7. Sailing/Row Boat Launch
Public pier or site to launch non-motorized boats, especially sailboats or rowboats.

8. Skateboard Site
A park, urban environment, steps, railing, or any other feature that allows skateboarders in
interact with the built environment. Can also designate specific skateboard parks that include
half pipes or bowls, as well as paths that allow skateboarders. Be aware of restrictions on
skateboarding and private property restrictions before identifying sites.

9. Dog Run
Designated place where dogs can be taken off their leashes and play, usually in city parks. May
be ecologically designed or have problems associated with animal waste.

10. Snow Activity Site
Place where you can have a great time building snowmen, skating, cross-country skiing, sledding
and so on, without damaging the environment. Can indicate beautiful snowy landscapes, but not
for use where ski resorts or snowmobiles have caused environmental destruction.

11. Camping
Area set aside for sleeping outdoors, using tents or other camping equipment. Care is needed
not to destroy the surrounding vegetation, waterways, habitat or wilderness.

12. Scenic Vista
Favorite places to see what makes the community's environment special. Think broadly about
these sites and protecting the 'viewshed'.

13. Sunrise/Sunset Site
Wonderful public place to relax and enjoy the sunrise or sunset.

14. Star Gazing Site
Vantage point in a dark sky area that allows unobstructed views of the heavens at night. May
also include planetariums or observatories and best locations for viewing northern lights,
meteors, etc.

Genre: CULTURE & SOCIETY BACK TO TOP
Includes cultural and historical sites, other unique elements of place, and the resources
that promote equity and involvement in strengthening the sustainability movement.


• Category: Cultural Character
What make our home place special? Where we can gather and experience the arts,
community life and the history we share.

1. Cultural Site
Important contributors to the community's sense of place and built environment. Historical, art,
music, legendary, non-institutional resources, monuments, organizations and places, even
temporary projects may be included.

2. Museum
These cultural institutions are often landmarks and easy to find. Focused on history, arts etc,
they are not necessarily focused on nature, the environment or sustainable ways of living, social
responsibility or other locally relevant criteria.

3. Art Spot
Public art that may include ecologically-oriented artworks, earthworks, monuments, other
permanent installations or temporary performance art. May be resources for making eco-art,
information on events or schools related to restorative or environmental art.

4. Cultural Performance
Cultural presentations before an audience, usually in a theatrical setting including plays, dance,
concerts, etc. May include street theater, puppeteers, traditional theater, mixed media, etc.

5. Local Music
A place to listen to and play music. May include locally-important, classical, folk, participatory,
ethnic, improvisation or jazz music, as interpreted locally.

6. Lively Spot
Site of social gatherings and fun cultural activities indoors or out. May include a streetscape,
special park, campus, hanging out spot or meeting place.

7. Artisan/Art Studio
Traditional aesthetics, techniques and materials used in high quality crafts, art and locally made
goods. May be a shop, showroom or studio.

8. Traditional Way of Life
May refer to indigenous, pioneer or migrated peoples' traditions. Might be a settlement or
ethnic enclave that is not assimilated into the prevailing culture. May be resources for learning
about or visiting people living in traditional, more ecological or self-sufficient ways.

9. Historical Feature
Institution, monument or unmarked historical area with special significance to the community's
sense of place and environment.

10. Archaeological Site
Site where the past, human life and culture are systematically studied through the recovery and


examination of remaining material evidence, such as graves, buildings, tools, and pottery.

11. Traditional Neighborhood
A residential area where inhabitants maintain age-old practices and ways of living. May include
historic districts with architectural importance.

12. Diverse Neighborhood
A part of the community whose inhabitants represent many different backgrounds, cultures and
beliefs.

13. Community Center
Place where clubs, meetings and social gatherings involving the whole community are held. May
be a formalized community center, or one established though common use.

14. Child Friendly Site
An environmentally-engaging area that is safe and welcoming to children. May include
playgrounds and other indoor and outdoor areas.

15. Senior Friendly Site
An area where people who may have walking difficulties can enjoy nature and green living. May
include areas where one can chat or relax, related organizations and resources, including senior
centers and eco-meeting points.

16. Eco-spiritual Site
Place to contemplate nature or spiritual pursuit, may be an organized religion's sanctuary or
environmental program, or a profoundly beautiful place, even an old cemetery or an 'oasis of
calm' in a busy area.

17. Alternative Health Resource
Place to receive medical or health attention outside of mainstream practice. Spas, health clubs,
yoga, massage therapy, holistic, herbal and traditional Chinese medicine represent a few
examples.

18. Memorial/Site of Conscience
Site that marks an important historically significant occurrence, date or person. Could mark an
environmental disaster or memorial site that may not have a marker on the site about its
significance.

• Category: Eco-Information BACK TO TOP
Find out more about ecology, the environment and sustainability at these sites.

1. Eco-Information
Get various kinds of environmental, sustainability and ecological information in person, by
phone or mail.

2. Environmental Education


Site, center or gathering place (indoors or outdoors) where informal or formal education on
environmental topics takes place.

3. Green School
School with an environmental curriculum, green building and/or sustainability practices. In some
cases, there's a certification program from a Green Schools authority (if so, please explain). May
also indicate organizations, offices and groups promoting green school development.

4. Public Library
Loans books and media, saving resources while spreading knowledge from a building that may
be a landmark in the community. Important source of information and often, an archive of
community resources.

5. Green Maps Available
Place where copies of Green Maps are accessible and can be taken home. Can indicate a mural,
kiosk or display of the Green Map. Note: This Icon can be added to your website or the map
itself to help people obtain printed copies. You can indicate how to get a copy by mail (free,
include stamped envelope, order by mail, etc.).

6. Independent/Eco-Media
Site for independent or eco-friendly media, or related training program.

7. Online Resource
Website addresses (or links) to useful local/global information online. May indicate public access
to the internet.

8. WiFi Spot
Wireless internet connection area. Ideally, include free public wifi in parks, libraries, etc, rather
at commercial sites.

9. Pollution Monitor
Display of environmental information such as the level of pollutants present in the air, soil or
water, temperature, traffic density, UV radiation, etc. Can indicate organizations, offices, groups
and websites monitoring pollution.

10. Eco Certification
Useful where the site has met or exceeded local or national standards for eco- certification.

11. Special Site
Place that is ecologically or culturally important to the community. It may be used to designate
contributors to the map such as all the schools that helped make a children’s Green Map. Note:
this icon can be renamed freely and re-titled in your map’s legend. You may even use it to
designate free sites.

12. Appointment Needed
Site where an appointment is needed to visit; may have irregular or few open hours.


• Category: Justice & Activism BACK TO TOP
Get involved! Take action to create a greener and more socially just community.

1. Eco-Justice Organization
Groups and campaigns that raise awareness around the right to a safe, healthy and sustainable
environment equally for all people, regardless of background, race, gender, age, where
"environment" is considered in its totality to include the ecological (biological), physical (natural
and built), social, political, aesthetic, and economic environments.

2. Eco Club/Organization
Site where individuals and groups can gather to discuss sustainability and organize actions,
campaigns and networks.

3. Significant Organization/Agency
Socially responsible non-profit organization, NGO or educational group, government office,
club or advocacy group that contributes to sustainability in important ways. Note: To save time,
if reference information is on a website, putting the URL on the map may be preferable to
including the organization's street address.

4.Volunteer Site
Place where you can offer a helping hand.

5. Eco Expert
Place to get excellent information on environmental issues and local resources. May be used on
a campus Green Map.

6. Social Service
Provides resources to help people in need. May include 'green collar' job training, charity,
welfare agencies, advocacy, food assistance or health programs. Some social services are run
voluntarily by community groups, others by religious, governmental and non-profit
organizations (NGOs).

7. Food Bank
Food banks assure food is not wasted and hunger is reduced by providing low or no-cost food
for low-income or displaced people. May serve meals, provide ingredients for home cooking or
deliver to housebound people.

8. Vote Here
Official polling place, ballot box or voting site. May include voters registration, an information
center or nonpartisan campaign and related resources for democracy.

9. Free Speech Zone
Protest point or area where speaking out is openly encouraged. May be permanent or
temporary, or may indicate online blog, 'netizens', or free speech organizations.


10. Poor Labor Practice
Site where the workers are not fairly treated or able to exercise their full rights. May include
sweatshops, factories, factory farms, or other businesses. You may want to include related
organizations seeking to redress these poor practices.

11. Unsustainable Land Use
An area that is not being utilized in an ecologically sound manner. May include golf courses,
parking lots, factory farms, sprawl developments, etc.

12. Gentrification
A neighborhood or district that has been redeveloped by upper- and middle-income individuals
and stores, displacing low-income families and small businesses.

13. Shanty Town
Can represent slums, shanty towns or favelas that form in urban areas to house low-income
people, often utilizing reused building materials. This handmade housing often has poor
sanitation and overcrowded living conditions.

14. Refugee Area
Includes areas with displaced families and individuals due to disaster, strife, climate change, and
other dire conditions. Includes environmental, economic and political refugees.

Category: Public Works & Landmarks BACK TO TOP
This category includes sites that are not necessarily green. Our public works and
infrastructure are used by all of us to fulfill daily needs. Landmarks are included because they
appear on many Green Maps, especially those (created by children or community groups) that
do not want to include street names or text about navigation. Note: The icon called Landmark
can be used to frame a locally designed symbol for a locally famous place.

1. Waste Water Treatment Plant
Municipal systems for treating wastewater and sewage, may include biological systems for
cleaning water. Some may have public information centers or tours.

2. Energy Infrastructure
Includes conventional, fossil-fueled, hydro-electric or nuclear facilities that provide electricity to
the public and industry. May include utility company or energy conservation offices. New
systems, such as co-generation facilities could be mapped.

3. Solid Waste Transfer Station
Where refuse is transferred for more efficient movement to a landfill, recycling processor or
other resource/waste facility. Some transfer stations offer places to exchange useful items,
separate recyclables or dispose of household toxics.

4. Landfill
Solid waste dump where garbage and soil are layered together, preferably in a properly lined
landfill with a methane gas capturing system. When filled, decommissioned landfills are capped


and sometimes eco-landscaped.

5. Incinerator
Place where solid waste is burned at high temperatures, sometimes capturing the embodied
energy (waste-to-fuel plant). Often emits toxic air pollution, and in some countries, the
resulting ash is considered hazardous waste. Includes incinerators at hospitals, crematoriums,
large institutions and municipal facilities.

6. Government Office
City Hall or other governmental office useful as a landmark or for information.

7. Hospital
Landmark building where emergency, surgery or other standard practice health care can be
obtained.

8. School
Landmark buildings that provide education and training to students of various age and grade
levels.

9. Place of Worship
Landmark buildings or sites that offer spiritual sanctuary and community or social resources.

10. Cemetery
Landmark areas set aside for individual and family memorial sites. Often a peaceful green space
which may have some of the oldest (native) plants in the community, as well as historical and
heritage features.

11. Information Kiosk
General information for tourists, residents and newcomers regarding local resources.

12. Landmark Dining/Pub
A locally famous cafe or restaurant or brew house that is part of the culture of the community.

13. WC/Public Restroom
Landmark of convenience, although not likely to be an example of green technology.

14. Prison/Detention Center
Landmark penitentiary, jail, correctional facility or detention center that physically isolates
individuals. Often is a social justice site that disproportionably impacts minorities and low
income people.

15. Military Site
Landmark fort, base, ship or other large armed forces installation. May be an occupation or
military recruitment site.

16. Landmark


Not necessarily green, but buildings, monuments, squares or other features that are noticeable
to people as they move about in the community. Note: You can use the Landmark icon on its
own, or put one of the other Icons inside this box to make it clear this is not green, but a well-
known site.

BACK TO TOP


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