Philadelphia Releases Local Climate Action Plan, Building on City’s Commitments

Contact: Kim Lundgren, 617.820.8038
Annie Strickler, 510.844.0699

The City of Philadelphia today released its Local Action Plan for Climate Change, which outlines specific steps to implement the city’s previous commitments to climate protection and sustainability. www.phila.gov/green/

The following is the statement of Kim Lundgren, Northeast Director for ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability. Ms. Lundgren has helped Philadelphia through ICLEI’s Five Milestone process of local climate action, including: conducting – and recently updating – a baseline emissions inventory, adopting an emissions reduction target and developing their local climate action plan.

“We applaud Philadelphia for taking bold action in the fight against global climate change. Philadelphia has been part of ICLEI’s Cites for Climate Protection campaign since 1999 when the City joined and committed to a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2010. This plan takes the City one step closer to meeting and beating those goals, and it exemplifies the power and leadership of local governments.

“Philadelphia plans to continue its energy efficiency initiatives for municipal buildings and vehicle fleets, expand the use of renewable energy and cleaner fuels, and add innovative measures to their climate protection toolbox. Philadelphia has demonstrated that we can turn the problem of global warming into positive, profitable solutions that also make our communities cleaner, better places to live.

“Philadelphia is also looking beyond 2010, using this plan to position the City to continue cutting global warming and air pollution and saving money for decades to come.”

Highlights of Philadelphia’s local climate protection measures:

• Philadelphia has a multi-department team and a Sustainability Task Force engaged in the process
• The City maintains a successful program to manage energy through best practices procurement, construction and facility management.
• As part of its environmental stewardship program, the Philadelphia Division of Aviation began purchasing wind energy at the start of 2006 for Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
• Philadelphia has taken the rare and important step of quantifying emissions from all of the jet fuel purchased at the airport.
• The City also requires LEED™ certification for General, Aviation, and Water Fund new construction and major renovation projects over 10,000 square feet of gross floor area. (many cities start at 50,000)
ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA is as association of more than 250 local governments across the country committed to climate protection and sustainability.