Simi Valley Honored for Sustainable Activities

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Simi Valley has achieved "Silver" status as a California Green Community for its commitment to sustainability.  Simi Valley is only the fifth city – the first and only city in Ventura County – to be honored by California Green Communities for its efforts.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120718/LA42134)

Representatives from the Environmental Media Association (EMA), Southern California Edison (SCE) and Green Seal – founding partners in California Green Communities – presented the Simi Valley City Council with a plaque and a "California Green Community" flag at their regular meeting on Monday, July 16.

"We created California Green Communities to show how cities are improving the quality of life for their residents through smart planning and sustainable practices," said EMA President Debbie Levin.  "Simi Valley is setting an example for other cities in the region to follow."

Founded in November 2009, California Green Communities is a community-based effort that encourages cities to adopt innovative and 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.   The goal is to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption while building vibrant, sustainable communities.

Among the many efforts it took to reach the Silver level, Simi Valley installed energy efficient lighting and occupancy sensors in City buildings, adopted an energy efficiency reach code as a part of its Green Building Ordinance, and implemented an Affordable Housing Ordinance that creates incentives for affordable housing projects to incorporate climate friendly and green building techniques.  The City also received its first LEED Gold certification for its Transit Maintenance Facility expansion and modernization project that was completed in the fall of 2011. 

Additionally, Simi Valley community members played an important role in the City's advancement to Silver status through their overwhelming support and participation in the City's water conservation campaign and annual Living Green Expo.

In addition to Simi Valley, the cities of Claremont, Monrovia, Riverside and Santa Clarita have reached California Green Community Silver status.  Other participating cities are making progress as well.  City action plans can be viewed at www.CaGreenCom.org.  More cities in Southern California are expected to join the program in 2012. 

Numerous other companies and organizations, such as Toyota, the Alliance for Climate Education, Clean Environment Company, e-Recycling of California, The Energy Coalition, Kellogg Garden Products, Lifecycle Global and the Los Angeles Conservation Corps have joined SCE as California Green Communities partners to support participating cities. Southern California Edison provides advanced incentives for energy efficiency measures to cities – including Simi Valley – that participate in SCE's Energy Leader Partnership program.

Contact:
Jonatha King, King Communications
(805) 637-7494
[email protected]

SOURCE California Green Communities