Culver City, only the sixth city to be honored by the California Green Communities, has received silver commendations as a green community for its commitment to sustainability.
Representatives from USA Green Communities, the Environmental Media Association, Green Seal and Southern California Edison, founding partners in California Green Communities, recently presented the honor to Culver City’s City Council.
“We created California Green Communities to show how cities are improving the quality of life for their residents through smart planning and sustainable practices,” said USA Green Communities President Hal Conklin.
“Culver City is setting an example for other cities in the region to follow.”
Actress, activist and member of the Young Hollywood Board of EMA, Rachelle Lefevre (known for roles in the upcoming film White House Down, the film series Twilight and television series A Gifted Man and Off the Map) helped present the award.
“I am thrilled to be here to commend Culver City on becoming a California Green Community.”
“We have seen time and again, both in this country and globally, how difficult environmental progress can be and I could not be prouder to be here with EMA, alongside the people who have lead the charge in helping Culver City lead the way to a greener future and a greener California,” said Lefevre.
California Green Communities is a community-based effort that encourages cities to adopt environmentally sound practices involving energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, renewable and alternative fuels, efficient transportation and other activities.
Cities develop unique action plans to identify projects and activities they will implement to reach Silver, Gold and Platinum status in the program.
Among the many efforts it took to reach the Silver level, Culver City has achieved significant energy savings, an estimated 1.1 million kilowatt-hours yearly, by changing the city’s computer operations, converting street lights to more efficient induction lighting, and installing more efficient HVAC equipment and lighting at the Veteran’s Memorial Building and in city garages.
Created in November 2009, California Green Communities is an environmental recognition program that fosters innovative ways for participating cities to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption, while building vibrant, sustainable communities.
Learn more about the cities’ achievements and the program at www.CaGreenCom.org.
