www.gogreenva.org denise thompson virginia municipal league
TRANSCRIPT
www.GoGreenVA.org
Denise Thompson
Virginia Municipal League
www.GoGreenVA.org
Why Should We Care?
• Climate Change
“The environmental issue of this and the next generation.“ – Gov. Tim Kaine
• Energy Security = National Security• Community Sustainability• Cost Savings
www.GoGreenVA.org
Local Governments Respond
• NLC, NACO, ICLEI• VML’s Go Green Virginia Initiative
• Website/Resources • Challenge• Forums• Green Book
www.GoGreenVA.org
Timeline: Sept. 2007- October 2007
September 2007• Background & Preparation for Initiative
October 2007
• Executive Committee Approval
• Annual Meeting: Initiative Announced
• Appoint Advisory Group
www.GoGreenVA.org
Advisory Committee Membership
• Chair, VML President• Elected Officials (7)• Jurisdiction Staff (6)
• Energy Managers (3)• City Managers (3)
• Governor’s Office (1)
• Dominion Power (1)• Private Sector (2)
• Performance Contractor• Architect
• Non-Profit (2)• Regional Council (1)• National League of Cities (1)
www.GoGreenVA.org
Timeline: Nov 2007 - Jan 2008
• Monthly Advisory Committee Meetings• Work Groups are formed
• Green Government Challenge• Communications• Forums
• Create a Logo and Tagline
www.GoGreenVA.org
Website Launched
Launched in early
February 2008
www.GoGreenVA.org
Website: Green Tips
Categories:• Municipal Buildings • Lighting• Appliances• Heating and Cooling• Heating Water• Tips for the Home
www.GoGreenVA.org
Website: Resources and Links
• State Departments and Programs • Federal Departments and Programs • Renewable Energy Providers• Virginia Energy Basics • Local Government • Green Building • Energy Service Providers • Energy Efficiency and Conservation in
Practice • Transportation / Land Use
www.GoGreenVA.org
Virginia Town & City Articles
January February
March
www.GoGreenVA.org
Centerpiece:The Green Government
Challenge
• The Challenge is a friendly competition that can save a city, town or county money and lead to certification by VML as a "Green Government.“
• Self-assessment encouraging implementation of 30 specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce carbon emissions.
www.GoGreenVA.org
Green Government Challenge
Categories:• Government Policy Adoption• Energy Efficiency• Green Buildings• Waste Management• Vehicles• Land Use / Transportation• Water / Air Quality• Employee Incentives• Education / Community Participation• Schools• Innovation
www.GoGreenVA.org
• 11 Categories• 30 Actions• Extensive Background on Website
- fuller description
- examples/links
- explanation of points
Green Government Challenge
www.GoGreenVA.org
Green Government Challenge
• Friendly Competition• Easy Registration: www.GoGreenVA.org• Start completing the Challenge• Submit the Challenge online by Sept. 30• Receive certificate and/or cash award at
annual VML conference in October
www.GoGreenVA.org
Regional Forums
Virginia Beach (55 Attendees)
Date: April 15
Fairfax County (47 Attendees)
Date: April 17
Abingdon (40 Attendees)
Date: April 22
Lynchburg (78 Registered)
Date: April 29
www.GoGreenVA.org
The Green Book
• Compilation of innovative, best green practices, projects and policies from VML member governments
• Hope to identify many such best practices in Green Government Challenge submissions
• Final version to be available on Go Green VA website
www.GoGreenVA.org
Federal Funds
Federal Level –
• Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 (HR 6)
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants (Targeted
assistance for cities and counties)
www.GoGreenVA.org
28%
4%
68%
Energy Block Grant Funding Allocations
$2 Billion Annual Appropriation
Miscellaneous
Formula City & County Program*($1.36 billion)
Every city with a population of 35,000+ Every county with a population of 200,000+ In Virginia: 26 cities/counties If fully funded: Approx. $6 per resident
Balance of State Program($560 million)
State passes through at least 60% to remaining cities and counties Each state decides how to award these funds
www.GoGreenVA.org
Activities Eligible = Green Governmentfor EECBG $$ Challenge Actions
Action #2: Create an Energy Improvement PlanAction #4: Conduct an energy audit of 2+ government facilitiesAction #13: Establish a community-wide recycling collection programAction #14: Adopt a “Green Fleet” policyAction #19: Develop/implement a plan for tree preservation & plantingAction #22: Provide employee benefits for ride sharing, walking,
biking, or taking transit to workAction# 27: Establish a Safe Routes to School program
Energy Block Grant Eligible Activities
www.GoGreenVA.org
Something to Think About
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
~ Native American Proverb