November 14th, 2008 · No Comments

The city also is reclaiming old industrial areas, such as the Inner Harbor recreation spot (pictured above).

Syracuse has invested more than $3 million to improve energy efficiency in government operations, and has partnered with Syracuse University, the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and the U.S. Green Building Council to move into the cutting-edge of renewable energy, indoor environmental quality systems and green building practices, Mayor Driscoll said.

Louisville

The city of Louisville, known mostly for its sluggers and horse races, has taken major innovative steps in turning green. Their Go Green Louisville! program explains five ways to become eco-friendly.

By saving energy, protecting the water, creating cleaner air, preserving the land and recycling and reusing, the city outlines and educates citizens on how to adopt greener everyday habits.

The city has made a public commitment to decrease energy usage in buildings and facilities by 10 percent; decrease city fuel consumption by 5 percent; increase recycling rates by 10 percent and expand green spaces. That includes planting 1,500 trees and adding 25 miles of biking and walking paths in Louisville – all by the year 2010.

Their “City of Parks” program aims to add 4,000 acres of parkland and complete a 100-mile greenbelt trail around the city.

And the city’s Transit Authority of River City (TARC) has started a Bikes-On-Board program, so that cyclists can load their bikes on a bike rack-equipped bus and get to those parks, and anywhere else in the city, with ease.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program made Louisville a new model partner, which means it will be assisting the city in making government facilities more energy efficient.

And recently, the Louisville Energy Alliance kicked off a 16-month competition called the “Louisville Kilowatt Crackdown Challenge,” to encourage energy efficiency in commercial buildings throughout the city. This challenge asks people to turn off lights and computers at the end of the day, turn up/down thermostats, and make improvements in HVAC systems and windows. Thus far, 209 businesses have signed up to take the challenge.

Louisville created Brightside to involve citizens in green activities, like litter prevention and beautification events. Programs like “Eco-Drama” for children are of no-charge, and help educate kids through drama-based activities on the subject of environmental issues. Louisville’s programs and cleanup efforts are extensive and informative, and intended for all ages.

Also of major priority to making the city greener, their “City of Parks” initiative is underway, which is a multi-million dollar initiative created to add thousands of acres and parkland and protect green space throughout Louisville.

Copyright © 2008 Green Right Now | Distributed by Noofangle Media

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