New Case Study on Solar in Small Communities

The Solar in Small Communities: River Falls, WI case study explores the City of River Falls’ efforts to stimulate a local solar market, with a focus on the River Falls Municipal Utility (RFMU) Solar Feed-in Tariff program.  Together, RFMU, the local government, and the citizens of River Falls have developed a suite of energy programs for the community over the past 12 years.  Their success and continued dedication serves as a strong example of how a small community can work with its municipal utility to accelerate the development of a solar industry.

This case study was created as part of the North Carolina Solar Center’s efforts under the SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative. As a member of this partnership, the North Carolina Solar Center provides information and technical expertise to local governments interested in implementing solar programs and policies.

Retrocommissioning Program Toolkit for Local Governments

In its Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) established a strategic framework for helping local governments advance sustainability within their jurisdictions. The Plan calls for local governments to influence the community, leverage local authority and lead by example by improving resource efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and cutting energy bills in their own facilities.

Beaverton Kicks Off Sustainability Forums, Promotes iPledge

The City of Beaverton, OR, is taking a smart approach to community engagement around the creation of its sustainability plan. In March and April, the City held the first two of four sustainability forums that drew over 180 people combined. The forums bring experts to Beaverton to discuss how residents can make positive environmental, economic and social changes, and to educate the community about global, national, regional, and local sustainability issues.

A Guiding Light for FHFA? PACE Fight Turning into Soap Opera Drama

(A message from our friends at VoteSolar)

It seems that soap operas did not, in fact, go away after the 80s.  Because the ongoing saga of efforts to establish Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing programs play like an energy wonk’s version of ‘As the World Turns’.

We’re writing with an update, and a request to take action to help clean energy solutions in America.

Eugene, OR, Reduces Energy Consumption & Carbon Footprint

Even as its population grows, Eugene, OR is decreasing its energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, setting an example for cities nationwide. A 2013 progress report on the city's Community Climate and Energy Action Plan highlighted progress toward key goals on energy and fossil fuel use, land use and transportation, climate adaptation and community resilience, and other areas.

>> View the Progress Report (pdf)

Atlanta Expands Sustainability Efforts with Power to Change Ambassador Program

Call to action for ambassadors has committed 70 businesses and organizations to date

Mayor Kasim Reed announced the creation of the Power to Change Ambassador Program at today’s 2nd annual Atlanta Earth Day Cleanup Challenge. As part of the city’s Power to Change sustainability initiative, the Ambassador Program will define and unite the sustainability efforts of government, business, academia, nonprofits and individuals.

“To become a top-tier sustainable city, we must take a cohesive and collaborative approach,” said Mayor Reed. “The Power to Change Ambassador Program will help amplify our individual successes and showcase our full-circle commitment to sustainability”.

What Can Chinese Cities Teach Us About Sustainability?

A view of Shanghai

Blogger: Michael Schmitz, ICLEI USA Executive Director

This article originally appeared on Environmental Leader, following Michael's April 2013 trip to China with Gov. Brown's trade delegation. Chinese local government leaders expressed strong interest in ICLEI's tools and guidance, and the climate and energy policies of U.S. cities. ICLEI will work to help connect Chinese and U.S. cities to share best practices.

Take a tour of China’s fast-growing megacities and you’re likely to come away astonished. Those of us who joined Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr.’s historic trade and investment delegation last week were struck by the sheer size and rapid scale of development in dozens of cities, from Beijing and Shanghai to Huangzhou and Guangzhou. But a closer look, past the infamous veil of air pollution, reveals a lesser-known reality with incredible potential: China’s vast efforts to build sustainable, low-carbon cities from the ground up and to massively retrofit existing ones.

ICLEI Gathers Leading Mayors to Discuss Sustainability Challenges

Leading elected officials at the BCLC panel discussion, "Lessons from Leading Communities": Pegeen Hanrahan, former Mayor, Gainesville, FL; Jay Fisette, Vice Chair, Arlington County, VA Board; Michael Schmitz, ICLEI USA Executive Director; Vincent Gray, Mayor, District of Columbia; Dawn Zimmer, Mayor, Hoboken, NJ.

Last week ICLEI put a spotlight on the key challenges and solutions of leading cities: resilience to extreme weather, policy innovations to accelerate local energy efficiency and renewable energy; and sustainability planning to improve livability and economic prosperity. A panel of mayors and county leaders gathered to share their insights on these topics at the Bricks & Sticks Sustainability Symposium, organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center and co-sponsored by ICLEI.

Earth Day Focus: 20 Cities & Counties Leading on Climate Resilience

Earth Day is the perfect moment to focus on the biggest emerging environmental issue in 2013: the need for more resilient communities that can bounce back from destructive extreme weather fueled by climate change.

ICLEI USA is getting things started with our fact sheet on 20 cities and counties taking the lead on resilience -- from Atlanta to El Paso to San Diego. Read about how extreme weather impacts them, and what they're doing in response to keep their communities strong. What is your community doing to create resilience? To learn more about what actions local government can take and how ICLEI can help, visit our Climate Adaptation page.

Get the Fact Sheet (pdf)

What Is a Resilient Community?

A resilient community is able to bounce back from disruptions—-climate, energy, economic-—in a sustainable way and maintain a good quality of life for all.

Solar in Small Communities: Profile of Gaston County, NC

The Solar in Small Communities: Gaston County, NC case study (pdf) examines how a medium-sized community can enable and encourage solar development in their community. The case study aims to share Gaston County’s efforts with other local governments as a testimony to the successful installation of solar energy on a local government facility and details the lessons learned from the experience. The case study also provides guidance for other local governments looking to install solar energy on municipal property.