City of Santa Monica issued the following announcement on Apr. 27.
Last week, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm spent her Earth Day in Santa Monica, touring the City Hall East building—which commits to zero operational carbon, water self-sufficiency and zero waste—along with The Albright restaurant and Pacific Park’s solar-powered Ferris Wheel on the Santa Monica Pier. Completing construction in 2020, City Hall East aligns with City Council's commitments and aspires to carbon neutrality, water self-sufficiency, and zero waste with almost zero dependence on City resources and infrastructure.
“I’m impressed by the incredible leadership in Santa Monica. They are paving the way for communities across the country by demonstrating sustainability, affordability, and technology” said Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. “I’m a huge believer in technology solving real energy problems, and I’m excited about what I saw at City Hall East. When you have strong leadership that agrees about being responsible, sustainable, and equitable, it’s the magic elixir of an irresistible community.”
The Santa Monica community has long championed forward-thinking energy and climate action strategies reflected in our Sustainable City Plan and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Earlier this year, the City also achieved Platinum certification under the LEED for Cities program for demonstrating leadership and accountability by implementing practical, measurable strategies to improve sustainability and the standard of living for Santa Monica residents.
“Santa Monica’s leadership and commitment to sustainability are a part of our DNA. We are using the power of the community to enhance our resources, prevent harm to the natural environment and human health, and benefit the social and economic wellbeing of the community for the sake of current and future generations,” said the City of Santa Monica’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Shannon Parry. “As a City, we are doing our part. We remain committed to reaching our goals of water self-sufficiency, zero waste, and carbon neutrality.”
Santa Monica has implemented innovative policies that lead the way for residents and the business community. Santa Monica has reduced gas emissions 60 percent below 1990s levels and carbon emissions have largely been reduced by 94 percent of Santa Monica properties using 100 percent renewable energy. The City plans to continue our legacy of climate leadership by conserving water to adapt to long-term drought conditions, reducing waste overall with organics recycling, and advancing innovative partnerships such as the Zero Emissions Delivery Zone.
Original source can be found here.
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