www.GoGreenVA.org
Denise Thompson
Virginia Municipal League
Why Should We Care?
www.GoGreenVA.org
• Climate Change
“The environmental issue of this and the
next generation.“ – Gov. Tim Kaine
• Energy Security = National Security
• Community Sustainability
• Cost Savings
Local Governments
Respond
www.GoGreenVA.org
• NLC, NACO, ICLEI
• VML’s Go Green Virginia Initiative
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Website/Resources
Challenge
Forums
Green Book
Timeline:
Sept. 2007- October 2007
www.GoGreenVA.org
September 2007
• Background & Preparation for Initiative
October 2007
• Executive Committee Approval
• Annual Meeting: Initiative Announced
• Appoint Advisory Group
Advisory Committee
Membership
www.GoGreenVA.org
• Chair, VML President
• Elected Officials (7)
• Jurisdiction Staff (6)
• Energy Managers (3)
• City Managers (3)
• Governor’s Office (1)
• Dominion Power (1)
• Private Sector (2)
• Performance Contractor
• Architect
• Non-Profit (2)
• Regional Council (1)
• National League of Cities (1)
Timeline:
Nov 2007 - Jan 2008
www.GoGreenVA.org
• Monthly Advisory Committee Meetings
• Work Groups are formed
• Green Government Challenge
• Communications
• Forums
• Create a Logo and Tagline
Website Launched
www.GoGreenVA.org
Launched
in early
February
2008
Website:
Green Tips
www.GoGreenVA.org
Categories:
• Municipal Buildings
• Lighting
• Appliances
• Heating and Cooling
• Heating Water
• Tips for the Home
Website:
Resources and Links
www.GoGreenVA.org
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State Departments and Programs
Federal Departments and Programs
Renewable Energy Providers
Virginia Energy Basics
Local Government
Green Building
Energy Service Providers
Energy Efficiency and Conservation in
Practice
• Transportation / Land Use
Virginia Town & City
Articles
www.GoGreenVA.org
February
January
March
Centerpiece:
The Green Government
Challenge
www.GoGreenVA.org
• The Challenge is a friendly competition that
can save a city, town or county money and
lead to certification by VML as a "Green
Government.“
• Self-assessment encouraging
implementation of 30 specific environmental
policies and practical actions that reduce
carbon emissions.
Green Government
Challenge
www.GoGreenVA.org
Categories:
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Government Policy Adoption
Energy Efficiency
Green Buildings
Waste Management
Vehicles
Land Use / Transportation
Water / Air Quality
Employee Incentives
Education / Community Participation
Schools
Innovation
Green Government
Challenge
www.GoGreenVA.org
• 11 Categories
• 30 Actions
• Extensive Background on Website
- fuller description
- examples/links
- explanation of points
Green Government
Challenge
www.GoGreenVA.org
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Friendly Competition
Easy Registration: www.GoGreenVA.org
Start completing the Challenge
Submit the Challenge online by Sept. 30
Receive certificate and/or cash award at
annual VML conference in October
Regional Forums
www.GoGreenVA.org
Virginia Beach (55 Attendees)
Date: April 15
Fairfax County (47 Attendees)
Date: April 17
Abingdon (40 Attendees)
Date: April 22
Lynchburg (78 Registered)
Date: April 29
The Green Book
www.GoGreenVA.org
• Compilation of innovative, best green
practices, projects and policies from
VML member governments
• Hope to identify many such best
practices in Green Government
Challenge submissions
• Final version to be available on Go
Green VA website
Federal Funds
www.GoGreenVA.org
Federal Level –
• Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 (HR 6)
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants (Targeted
assistance for cities and counties)
Energy Block Grant
Funding Allocations
www.GoGreenVA.org
$2 Billion Annual Appropriation
68%
4%
Miscellaneous
28%
Formula City & County Program*
Balance of State Program
($1.36 billion)
($560 million)
 Every city with a population of 35,000+
 Every county with a population of 200,000+
 In Virginia: 26 cities/counties
 If fully funded: Approx. $6 per resident
 State passes through at least 60% to
remaining cities and counties
 Each state decides how to award these
funds
Energy Block Grant Eligible
Activities
www.GoGreenVA.org
Activities Eligible = Green Government
for EECBG $$
Challenge Actions
Action #2: Create an Energy Improvement Plan
Action #4: Conduct an energy audit of 2+ government facilities
Action #13: Establish a community-wide recycling collection program
Action #14: Adopt a “Green Fleet” policy
Action #19: Develop/implement a plan for tree preservation & planting
Action #22: Provide employee benefits for ride sharing, walking,
biking, or taking transit to work
Action# 27: Establish a Safe Routes to School program
Something to Think About
www.GoGreenVA.org
“We do not inherit the earth
from our ancestors, we
borrow it from our children.”
~ Native American Proverb