February 2008

City of Dallas launches green initiative

On January 9, 2008, the City of Dallas launched a new Web site dedicated solely to green issues, becoming the first major City in the nation to have a dedicated web portal for this purpose. The Web site is dedicated to a number of environmental issues related to the management and operation of one of the largest cities in the nation. Topics addressed include items as mundane as how citizens can save water irrigating their lawns, to the ambitious implementation of a city-wide environmental management system (EMS) for all City departments.

Did you know?

• Dallas is ranked No. 9 nationally on the US EPA’s list of leading US organizations that purchase green power (i.e., power from renewable resources). The list includes Fortune 500 companies and local and state governmental organizations.
• The City purchased its first alternative energy vehicle over 15 years ago, and now has over 2,000 cars and truck running on alternative fuels or a hybrid mixture.
• The City has reduced overall energy use by 5 percent in each of the last five years by using energy efficient light upgrades, solar panels, high efficiency HVAC systems and automated building controls.
• The volume of materials recovered using curbside recycling has nearly doubled in the past year, generating almost $1m in revenue to the City.
• Dallas has a Green Building Program, started in 2003, that will result in over 25 City buildings (libraries, police and fire stations, recreation centers, etc.) that will qualify for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by 2010.
• The EMS will cover all 11 City departments, and nearly 11,000 employees, the most ambitious municipal sector EMS program in the nation.