The City of Raleigh has been honored as an Advanced Level municipality by the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) Green Challenge.
Cities and towns that achieved NCLM Green Challenge status were honored at the League’s Annual Conference, Oct. 25 to 27. “Municipalities continue to lead the way in implementing sustainable operations and innovations that save energy, natural resources and money,” said Morehead City Mayor Jerry Jones, 2008-2009 NCLM president. “The league is proud to honor these cities and towns that have made tough decisions that will have a positive impact on their communities, citizens, region and state for years to come.” The City of Raleigh achieved Advanced Status by completing specific activities and projects to save energy, natural resources and money. The City achieved Level One status last year.
A municipality achieves Level One status by:
Adopting a sustainability plan, climate protection resolution;
Adopting an energy improvement plan;
Registering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Challenge and using the tools to conduct a base-line emissions inventory of government facilities;
Conducting an energy audit of two or more government facilities and implementing at least one recommendation; and,
Creating a water conservation program.
Sustainability initiatives the City of Raleigh has taken to qualify for the Advanced level NCLM Green Challenge Award include:
Installed renewable energy technology;
Developed a Greenhouse Gases Inventory and Reduction Plan
Installed energy efficient outdoor lighting;
Established an energy manager position and Sustainability Initiatives Office;
Established a policy of LEED certification for all new government facilities;
Building and/or renovating municipal buildings to LEED standards;
Implemented an internal government program that reduces, reuses and recycles paper, plastic and other materials;
Implemented a procurement policy of a minimum of post-consumer recycled content for everyday office paper use;
Established an Advisory Commission (EAB) to advise the City Council on environmental policies and practices;
Established a community-wide recycling collection program;
Implemented a green fleet strategy policy that incorporates the purchase of low-emitting, fuel-efficient vehicles for fleet replacement, the use of alternative fuels in fleet operations and right-sizing vehicles;
Adopted land-use plans that allow higher-density development either near public transit nodes or in areas with existing infrastructure and encourage mixed-use communities;
Developed and implemented a plan for tree preservation and planting; and,
Provide employees benefits for ride sharing, walking, biking or taking transit to work and teleworking.
The NCLM Green Challenge was the brainchild of then-NCLM President Susan Burgess, Charlotte city council member, as a way to honor those municipalities that have taken the initiative to conserve energy and natural resources at the local government level. Approximately 80 North Carolina municipalities achieved Level One Green Challenge status last year.
This year, 22 municipalities have been approved for Advanced Level award while 13 municipalities received Intermediate Level status award. In addition, four municipalities joined the ranks of the Level One Green Challenge communities this year.
Prepared by:
Chris Riley
Senior Public Affairs Specialist
Public Affairs Department
For More Information Contact:
Paula Thomas
Sustainability Initiatives Manager
Administrative Services Department
222 West Hargett Street, Room 302
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-996-4658
