PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. –
The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), the leading certifier of green
projects in the state, recently honored Charlotte County for maintaining their
Bronze Level certification under its “Florida Green” Local Government
Certification Program.
“Charlotte County is committed to protecting our natural
resources and preserving our beautiful county. Our goal of a more sustainable
future is driven by our Mission, to be the energy in making this a beautiful
and enriching place to live, and by our Stewardship Vision: being committed to
being good stewards of our resources,” noted Julia C. Galofre, Building Code
and Sustainability Specialist.
FGBC Executive Director C.J. Davila presented the award at a
county commission meeting earlier this month in Port Charlotte. Since the local
program was launched, 68 Florida municipalities have achieved certification,
with 20 others registered and in the process of certification.
Charlotte County Government was certified after
demonstrating a county-wide commitment to green practices. The FGBC’s standard
presents a comprehensive list of criteria organized in terms of local
government department roles. It focuses on improving environmental performance
through energy, water, air, land, and waste.
“The designation demonstrates a strong commitment by
Charlotte County elected officials to embrace the tenants of sustainability,
while also helping to better manage the cost of government,” Davila said.
The standard not only serves to evaluate the current level
of sustainability, but also is used as a process to improve performance,
increase productivity and save money and other resources in governmental
operations.
“Their leadership helps protect and conserve our natural
resources, enhance the efficiency of government, and raise public awareness
about the benefits of environmental stewardship,” said FGBC President Jeremy
Nelson. “We applaud their dedication and commitment to the important ideals
outlined in the ‘Florida Green’ program.”
The criteria evaluate environmental practices done
"in-house", incentives and ordinances to foster sustainability,
educational activities to improve the environment, developing of local government
energy reduction plans, instituting an environmentally preferable purchasing
program, utilizing green fleet management, working with water utilities to
promote conservation and other benchmarks.
“This program is an
opportunity for local governments to establish sustainable practices that can
be carried out on a systematic basis, and sets in motion a process that will
extend beyond election terms and protect the community for years to come,”
Davila said.
The term "sustainability" is used in Charlotte County
to describe activities that include, but are not limited to efficient energy
use, increased economic opportunities, improved environmental protection or
restoration efforts, and smart growth that promotes livable communities.
In addition to the commitment to sustainability and the
environment, a Green Building Program has been developed to help the county become
a more sustainable community by reducing the environmental impact of buildings,
and promoting economic and environmental health in the County. The program is
designed to encourage environmentally sensitive construction and development.
FGBC’s Green Local Government Certification program is the
only one of its type in the state and is endorsed by the Florida Legislature,
the Florida League of Cities and the Florida League of Mayors. The program is performance based, not
prescriptive, and all the certified governments have found that many of their
existing programs and policies contributed to the point total needed for
certification.
The Florida Green Building Coalition is an independent
non-profit organization that was established in 2000 to promote green building
in Florida. FGBC’s membership is comprised of individuals and businesses from
all areas of the building industry including research, design, materials,
products, construction, inspection, marketing, finance and sales.
For more information on “Florida
Green” contact the Florida Green Building Coalition at (407) 777-4920, e-mail
C.J. Davila at cdavila@floridagreenbuilding.org or visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org.
PHOTO: Julia C. Galofre, Charlotte County Building Code and
Sustainability Specialist, and Florida Green Building Coalition Executive
Director J.J. Davila at the Charlotte County Board of Commissioner’s meeting.