George Heartwell - Mayor of City of Grand Rapids

Name: In Office: Address: Telephone: Website:

George Heartwell 2004 - Present 300 Monroe NW Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-456-3168 www.grcity.us

The City of Grand Rapids adopted and signed the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement in 2005 at the suggestion of Mayor Heartwell. Since then, the city has implemented a number of climate mitigation strategies. These include commiting to purchase 20% renewable energy from Michigan sources by 2008; requiring LEED certification for new city facilities greater than 10,000 sq.ft; and partnering with USGBC, the City of Seattle and others in the “Playbook for Green Buildings and Neighborhoods” project, creating a toolbox for cities wanting to reduce their carbon footprint.

Snapshot of Climate Achievements

• 2007: The City of Grand Rapids was designated by the United Nations University as a Regional Centre for Excellence in Education for Sustainability. To date, Grand Rapids is the only U.S. city so designated.
• 2007: The Grand Rapids Art Museum became the first newly constructed LEED certified Art Museum in the world.

A Cool Quote

"My sixth grandchild, Gabriel was born last year.  The miracle of a child embodies hope for the future.  At the same time these little ones serve as reminders that we are accountable today to generations yet to come.

We must leave them with a sustainable world; one that provides opportunities for: economic prosperity, quality of life, enjoyment of the beauty and bounty of the natural world, and a government that works.  In other words, we must meet our needs today in a sustainable way with an eye on the needs of future generations.  This requires that we look at the bottom line with three questions:  Does it build social equity?  Does it provide environmental value?  Does it create economic prosperity?"