The city initially earned silver-level certification in 2013 and applied for gold certification in early 2018. To receive gold certification the city must meet criteria focused on improving environmental performance in areas such as energy, water, air, land and waste.
“Congratulations to the City of Deland. They have renewed their commitment to create and maintain a sustainable community,” noted FGBC Executive Director C.J. Davila. “They are part of a growing list of local governments that have gone “Florida Green” with the FGBC standard.
Since the program began 96 Florida local governments have been registered to become “Florida Green.”
Unlike other national and international certifications, FGBC are only standards developed with Florida-specific criteria. They address Florida’s hot-humid climate, environment, unique topography and natural disasters.
City Forester Mariellen Calabro directed the certification process.
“I’d like to thank Mariellen and the rest of our Public Works staff for all of their hard work and diligence that went into this certification,” said Public Works Director Demetris Pressley.
Among the city’s initiatives applicable to the gold certification include the city’s annual Tree Giveaway,designation as a Monarch City USA, its recycling programs such as the Recycle Coach app that helps residents learn how to be better recyclers and its move to retrofit its trash can in Downtown DeLand to allow for waste and recycling.
Mayor Bob Apgar and the City Commission signed a pledge in 2017 to support a goal of powering DeLand entirely with clean and renewable energy by 2075.
“I want to commend our city staff for earning this prestigious certification,”Apgar said. “DeLand is committed to being a green city and this certification will help preserve our city’s many characteristics that make it one of Central Florida’s premier communities to live, work and play.”
DeLand, located in Volusia County, introduced its commitment to sustainability to its new employees as part of an employee orientation, and reduces paper cup usage by providing reusable water bottles.
DeLand has achieved the Florida Main Street Designation in its historic downtown, which is also lit with efficient LED lighting.
Deland has also earned Tree City USA honors, has officers trained in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and encourages green building within the community.
The City of Deland excels in vehicle maintenance and operations by implementing Green Fleet Management in its public works and emergency management vehicles.
The city also has encouraged members of the community to conserve resources through their water and stormwater education campaign, offering low flow fixture rebates, and providing solid waste services with volume based rates. Deland also created a reclaimed water infrastructure, a historic preservation ordinance, and offers mulched yard waste for community use.
Founded in 2000, the Florida Green Building Coalition is a nonprofit 501(C)3 Florida corporation dedicated to improving the built environment.
FGBC certifications provide pathways to build green homes, developments, local governments, high rises and commercial buildings. The process, including low fees, is often more affordable than other certifications. The free market aspect of FGBC certifiers also keep costs reasonable.
Going Green? In Florida you have a choice. For more information contact the Florida Green Building Coalition at info@floridagreenbuilding.org, visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org call (407) 777-4919.