The City of Riverside has achieved “Silver” status from the California Green Communities Challenge (CGCC), an environmental recognition program designed to encourage cities to reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Addressing 10 key environmental challenges, CGCC believes these green goals can be accomplished while also building vibrant and sustainable communities.
Riverside has joined nine other California cities in committing itself to the creation and implementation of important programs that will lead to substantial long-term cost savings and dramatic improvements in nearly every aspect of community life. Each city will be recognized with either Silver, Gold or Platinum awards, depending on their success in meeting their respective challenges.
Riverside Public Utilities is one of only two municipal utility providers participating in this Southern California Edison-sponsored program. CGCC has also partnered with Toyota, Environmental Media Associates, Green Seal, and other corporate partners. View the full list of partners.
On January 24, 2012, the City of Riverside was recognized for achieving “Silver” status from the CGCC. Representatives from the Environmental Media Association (EMA), Southern California Edison and Green Seal – founding partners in California Green Communities – presented the honor to the Riverside City Council. “We created California Green Communities to showcase what cities are doing to improve the quality of life for their residents,” said EMA President Debbie Levin. “Riverside is a leader among southern California cities who are modeling sustainable practices for others.” California Green Communities is a community-based effort that encourages cities to adopt environmentally sound practices involving energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, renewable and alternative fuels, efficient transportation and other activities. Cities develop unique action plans to identify projects and activities they will implement to reach Silver, Gold and Platinum status in the program.
To reach the Silver level, Riverside completed many initiatives including the creation of the Whole House Rebate program allowing customers to upgrade the efficiency of their homes through a one-stop shop program.
“We are delighted to be recognized by California Green Communities with the Silver status. The California Green Communities Challenge program has given us a terrific opportunity to share, and learn, ‘best practices’ with our fellow green cities from all over the state,” said Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge. In addition to Riverside, the cities of Claremont, Monrovia and Santa Clarita have reached California Green Community Silver status.
Other cities taking the challenge include Culver City, Los Angeles, Redlands, San Gabriel, Santa Monica, Simi Valley and Ventura. Additional Southern California cities are expected to join the program this year.
Learn more about the California Green Communities Challenge.
