March 8, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kerry Parker, Public Works Department
510-747-7900
Public Works Wins Sustainability Award for Green Improvements
Environmental efforts by the Public Works Department to be more “green” are paying off in more ways than saving money and using fewer resources. The department recently received an award for its program to reduce water and paper usage, produce less trash, and increase recycling, among other efforts.
The 2016 Sustainability Practices Award from the Northern California chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) recognizes Public Works for its “outstanding contribution to promote sustainability” and the “efficient delivery of infrastructure in an environmentally and socially responsible way that ensures the best choices in the long term,” according to the association. This was Alameda’s first award from the Northern California chapter of APWA in many years, and one of only ten from various categories awarded to cities throughout the Bay Area.
Public Works’ program, “Walking the Talk: Green Certifying the City of Alameda’s Public Works and Other Departments,” achieved environmental goals that everyone in Alameda — businesses, residents and City government — can strive for.
In 2015, the Alameda Public Works Department received Green Business certification for its entire operations, becoming the first Public Works agency in Alameda County to do so. Public Works also helped gain green certification for City Hall, Recreation and Parks Department, and the Main Library, resulting in 86% of the City’s departments having the certification.
To be certified in the California Green Business Program, businesses are assessed in a number of ways, including water conservation, energy use reductions, and diversion from the landfill. Alameda Public Works was certified as a Green Business by the regional coordination of a statewide program - called the Bay Area Green Business Program.
Alameda’s green certifications required installation of low-flow toilets, flow-restricting aerators, mulching, and reduced watering. Average water use at Alameda’s now certified facilities dropped 40%, earning these facilities five WaterSmart certifications from the East Bay Municipal Utility District. City departments have saved more than 120,564,277 gallons of water during the drought. Double-sided printing has reduced paper purchasing by 30%, and more recycling and composting has reduced the City’s trash service by 25%. In addition to achieving Green Business certification, the Alameda Main Library upgraded its USGBC LEED rating to Gold in 2015, boasting a solar array installation, significant paper and water use reduction, and a purchasing policy for future improvements.
For more information about going green, please contact Public Works Program Specialist Kerry Parker at 510-747-7959.
