Mayor Elorza Launches SustainPVD Environmental Program, Asks Residents to Join Citywide Energy Conservation Efforts

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Elorza today announced a citywide sustainability initiative to make Providence a greener, healthier and more livable city by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to address climate change.

“Climate change poses significant challenges to Providence in terms of its effect on our waterfront, the impacts of extreme heat, and especially on vulnerable populations,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “Through my home energy and solar assessments, I learned how I can make a difference and even save money along the way. I encourage all residents to do the same and help Providence become a greener, healthier and more livable city.”

Through SustainPVD, the City of Providence will increase recycling, expand composting and make municipal buildings more energy efficient. Residents are encouraged to help Providence reduce its environmental impact by saving money and energy at home with the following three steps:

1. Get a no-cost home energy assessment through National Grid’s EnergyWise program.

2. Identify low-cost and no-cost energy-saving opportunities at home by participating in the Find Your Four program.

3. Explore solar energy alternatives. Sign up by July 31, 2015 for a citywide program and get a free assessment by contacting the West Broadway Neighborhood Association at WBNA@WBNA.org or calling 401-831-9344.

SustainPVD will bring together stakeholders to set long-term and interim greenhouse gas reduction targets, develop a strategy to achieve this goal and provide annual updates on progress.

Partners include National Grid, Emerald City Providence, the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative Rhode Island, West Broadway Neighborhood Association, and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources. Residents and organizations can learn more about how to get involved in the program by visiting SustainPVD.com.

In addition to the environmental and financial benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy, the city is competing for the Georgetown University Energy Prize, a two-year energy reduction competition against 50 other U.S. cities for a $5 million prize.