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Partnerships
MEO works with a number of local, regional and national nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in an effort to share best energy/resource efficient practices, stimulate economic development in the energy/environmental field and address quality of life issues. Partners include (listed in alphabetical order):
Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC) www.dvgbc.org
The City is a founding member of the DVGBC, a chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. DVGBC's mission is to advance and promote sustainable and environmentally responsible planning, design, construction and operation of the region's buildings, landscapes, cities and communities. DVGBC is working to become the regional point of contact for users, agencies and companies interested in green building; and to foster cooperation and collaboration among organizations dedicated to environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Department of Energy - Rebuild America Partnership www.rebuild.org
The mission of Rebuild American it to build partnerships among communities, states and the private sector to improve building performance and connect people, resources, ideas and practices for energy solutions to community needs. Rebuild America provides a portfolio of planning initiatives, investment choices and community actions that extends the value of energy efficiency from building renovation into new construction, renewable technologies, green buildings, city lighting, alternatively fueled vehicles, downtown revitalization and more. The City has been a partner since 1996 and Rebuild has supported City projects including the high performance Police Forensic Science Center, the exterior insulation project and the Sustainable Energy Management Planning process.
Empowerment Institute (EI) www.empowermentinstitute.net
Under the Managing Director's Office the City launched the Livable Neighborhoods Program (LNP), an EI project. LNP is a grassroots effort organized at the block level to help neighbors address priority quality of life issues that include health and safety, beautification and greening, resource sharing, neighborhood building, and energy efficiency. MEO is one of many supporting City Departments that coordinates with LNP to create a two-way street of accountability and commitment to neighborhood improvements.
Energy Coordinating Agency www.ecasavesenergy.org
The Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to ensuring that low and moderate income people have access to safe, affordable and reliable sources of energy and water. ECA also works to develop a sustainable energy future for the region through energy conservation and renewable energy. Five City Departments serve on ECA's board and MEO currently serves as President of the Board.
Engineering and Design Studio @ Philadelphia University www.philau.edu/thestudio
The Studio serves as a center for research and promotion of green materials and construction technologies that will protect the environment, as well as a resource and education base for the community. The City is working with the Studio on the development of an exterior insulation wall system (R&D on Exterior Insulation).
Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov
The City was an early EPA Energy Star Partner and leader in lighting upgrades. To date, MEO has worked with City Departments to upgrade lighting in more than 8 million square feet of facility space. See www.energystar.gov for more details on EPA's Energy Star programs. MEO also participates in EPA's Heat Island Reduction Initiative (HIRI). For details see www.epa.gov/globalwarming/greenhouse/greenhouse14/reduction.html
Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities Program (GPCCP) www.phillycleancities.org.
Clean Cities is a voluntary, locally based, fuel neutral, government/industry partnership coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy. GPCCP encourages petroleum displacement in the transportation sector through a variety of means including clean, domestically produced alternative fuels, hybrid vehicles technologies, fuel economy, and anti-idling strategies. Its mission is to increase national energy security by decreasing dependency on imported foreign oil; improve air quality by reducing harmful vehicle emissions; and promote local and national economic development activities. MEO serves as Vice Chair for the organization and has worked closely to help support an alternative fuel project at Philadelphia International Airport.
Green Schools Program – an Alliance to Save Energy program www.ase.org
The Green Schools program helps schools use energy efficiently through changes in the behavior of building users and changes in operational and maintenance routines. The Green Schools Program combines conservation and education in a way that strengthens schools, involves students in making a real difference, encourages teamwork and fosters community involvement. MEO has partnered with Green Schools and assisted in securing grants to support their efforts with the Philadelphia School District (more than 20 schools participate in the program), and, more recently, a number of local university partners.
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) - Urban Heat Island (UHI) Mitigation and Policy Adoption Initiative http://www.iclei.org and www.hotcities.org/documents.htm
The UHI Mitigation and Policy Adoption Initiative is designed to help communities realize the air quality, climate protection, and livability benefits associated with implementing UHI mitigation strategies. As local governments set building codes, create development guidelines, and build and maintain infrastructure, they are uniquely positioned to take steps to cool their communities. Participating communities include Tucson, San Jose, Philadelphia, Louisville/Jefferson County, and Atlanta.
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) www.irecusa.org
IREC's mission is to accelerate the sustainable utilization of renewable energy sources and technologies in and through state and local government and community activities. IREC supports market-oriented services targeted at education, coordination, procurement, the adoption and implementation of uniform guidelines and standards, and consumer protection. The City has been an IREC member since 1996.
Philadelphia Million Solar Roofs (PMSR) www.phillysolar.org
PMSR is and information source for bringing solar energy into homes and businesses in Philadelphia and across Southeastern Pennsylvania. The City is a founding member and helped PMSR secure its organizational grant.
Sustainable Business Network (SBN) www.sbnphiladelphia.org
SBN is a nonprofit network of local triple-bottom-line businesses and social entrepreneurs. SBN members include local business people, professionals, social entrepreneurs, investors, not-for-profit leaders, and government representatives who are committed to building a more socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable local economy. The City is a founding SBN member and partnered with the Commerce Department to sponsor SBN's 2003 Social Venture Institute, a collaborative business mentoring partnership. The 2003 event emphasizes the importance of energy and its role in economic development. |
