CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – The City of Charlottesville has been awarded the top level of recognition for its efforts to implement green practices by the Virginia Municipal League. The platinum designation was shared by several other cities and counties across the commonwealth. Last year the City received first place in its population category and was not eligible for that designation this year. The 2009 VML Green Government Challenge is a friendly competition among local governments to encourage the implementation of specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce carbon emissions. Local governments earned “green points” by implementing or adopting up to 30 policies and actions divided into 11 categories ranging from energy efficiency and green buildings to land-use and innovation. Amassing between 100 and 124 “green points” out of a possible 200 earned certification as a “Green Government.” In addition, local governments could earn Silver, Gold and Platinum levels of certification for scores of 125 points or higher.

List of local governments that earned green certification in 2009:

Local governments awarded platinum certification for achieving scores between 175 and 200 were the counties of: Albemarle, Arlington and Loudoun; and the cities of Roanoke, Alexandria, Charlottesville and Norfolk.

Local governments awarded gold certification for achieving scores of between 150 and 174 green points were the cities of: Chesapeake and Williamsburg; the towns of Blacksburg, Dayton, Leesburg and Purcellville; and York County.

Local governments awarded silver certification for achieving scores of between 125 and 149 green points were the cities of: Lynchburg, Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach, Winchester and Radford; the Town of Vienna; and Henrico County.

Local governments awarded green certification for achieving scores of between 100 and 124 were the cities of: Fairfax, Falls Church, Harrisonburg, Hopewell, Newport News, Richmond, Staunton and Waynesboro; the towns of: Front Royal and Halifax; and Roanoke County.

Thirty-seven cities, towns and counties participated in the 2009 Green Government Challenge. And of those 37, 32 achieved the minimum score of 100 “green points” that was necessary for certification as a “VML Green Government.”

For more information please go online to www.gogreenva.org. The picture of the award ceremony this fall in Roanoke is available for use for the press at their discretion.

Councilpersons Hollie Edwards and Satyendra Huja receive Go Green status award at
a ceremony in Roanoke in October.

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