Las Vegas Wins Climate Protection Award. Even the sign is powered by the sun!Las Vegas wins U.S. Conference of Mayors award for green initiatives.

Las Vegas is finally being recognized nationally for its sustainability efforts. The U.S. Conference of Mayors announced Las Vegas’ Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Mayor Shame Bemis of Gresham, Oregon as the top winners of the Climate Protection Awards.

Las Vegas has set a goal of achieving the nation’s first net-zero energy, water, and waste municipality. Achievements include:

  • Construction of more than 1 million square feet of municipal green buildings
  • Change-outs of more than 80% of the city’s street lighting with LEDs
  • 5.25 megawatts of solar photovoltaic energy production
  • 20% increase in recycling rates in the last five years
  • Reduced water consumption by 27% since 2008

Clearly the city is well on its way toward its goal.

Changing the Energy Future

Mayor Goodman and Mayor Bemis are changing the energy future of their cities and the nation, showing how local innovation can offer local solutions to our growing climate challenges.” — Kevin Johnson, Mayor of Sacramento and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

“What is happening here is Las Vegas on energy innovation shouldn’t just stay here.” — Carolyn Goodman, Mayor of Las Vegas.

See the full article about the Las Vegas Climate Protection Award in the Las Vegas Sun.

About the Author: Lauren Boitel

Lauren Boitel is the Executive Director of ImpactNV, a statewide sustainability NGO convener and coalition builder that drives systemic change around economic, environmental, and social sustainability in the Silver State. Lauren has 12 years of experience as a Sustainability Professional in Southern Nevada and teaches Sustainability & Entrepreneurship for the Lee Business School at UNLV.
Published On: June 20, 2014Categories: Southern Nevada, Sustainability in the NewsComments Off on Las Vegas Wins Climate Protection AwardTags: , , , , , , ,