Tallahassee Receives Green City Local Government Standard Award
January 9
The City of Tallahassee is being given the Green City Local Government Standard Award by the Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. (FGBC). The award is one of five FGBC certification programs that designate Green Cities and Green Counties for outstanding environmental stewardship. Tallahassee is only the second city in Florida to receive the honor.
Suzanne Cook, FGBC Executive Director, will make the official presentation to Mayor John Marks and the Tallahassee City Commission at this evening's City Commission meeting.
"I'm incredibly proud to receive this designation on behalf of the City of Tallahassee's elected officials and staff," said Mayor John Marks. "The Green City award is an outstanding affirmation of our organizational commitment to environmental stewardship, but also represents the efforts to partner with our citizens and other agencies to protect Tallahassee's beautiful natural assets."
According to the FGBC website, this standard present a comprehensive list of criteria, organized in terms of local government department functions. It focuses on improving their environmental performance.
In August 2007, Mayor Marks became the second mayor in Florida to sign the "Mayors' Green City Action Accord," endorsing the Florida League of Mayors' and Florida League of Cities' adoption of a commitment to pursue actions that work toward improving and advancing Florida's environment and energy security. Such actions enhance the local natural environment, provide economic benefits to the community, and improve the overall sustainability of Florida.
"The Standard is an excellent benchmark tool for Florida local governments to utilize when trying to assess existing and set future environmental goals impacting city policies, employees, and residents and businesses," said Miriam Zimms of Kessler Consulting Inc., the consultant on the project.
Examples of the City's various "Go Green Tallahassee" initiatives that helped lead to receiving the award are listed below:
- Employee Education:
- Maintains an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program for local government.
- New employee orientation includes an overview of the City's environmental activities, what employees can do at home and at work to reduce energy, waste, and water consumption and receipt of a reusable water bottle or mug.
- Recycling of City end-of-life electronic equipment is maintained and a policy developed for equipment energy conservation measures and features when not in use by employees.
- Energy Conservation:
- Offers green power.
- Offers informative billing to customers by mail and online.
- Offers residential incentives such as free Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and energy audit kits (CFLs, low flow showerheads, wall gaskets and thermometer cards) to low-income customers through the home energy audit program.
- Implements energy efficient lighting and controls for outdoor courts, parks and playfields.
- Schools:
- Maintains an active student/teacher education program on the environment.
- Involves students in Green projects within schools such as the Schools on Solar and the CANpaign programs.
- Transportation/Public Works:
- The City maintains a green fleet.
- Engages in carpool and vanpool assistance.
- Operates a local government alternative fueling station.
- Uses LED traffic lights.
- Has a routine maintenance plan for the management of storm water sewers.
- Waste Reduction and Recycling:
- Provides a curbside recycling program for residents and offers commercial recycling collection services to businesses.
- Tracks the types and amounts of waste disposed and recyclables processed.
- Implements a comprehensive education program for the management of solid waste and waste reduction and recycling.
- Water Conservation:
- Achieved the FL DEP wastewater plant operations excellence award.
- Maintains an education program to residents that promotes Xeriscaping, rainwater reuse, etc.
- Created a reclaimed water infrastructure.
- Offers homes and business audits.
For more information on the City's initiatives and programs geared toward making our community more ecologically smart and responsible, visit the City's website at Talgov.com.
Contact
Cynthia Barber, Utility Business & Customer Services, 891-8340; or Bill Behenna, Department of Communications, 891-8533
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