SM Receives Cool Planet Award

In recognition of its innovative leadership in the area of climate and energy policy, Santa Monica has received the 2014 Cool Planet Award. A collaborative effort of Southern California Edison and The Climate Registry, the Cool Planet Awards recognize cities, universities and businesses for demonstrating exemplary leadership in energy and carbon management.

"Cool Planet Award winners are taking meaningful action every day as they strive to make their organizations more energy efficient, cost effective and competitive," said David Rosenheim, Executive Director of The Climate Registry, a climate protection non-profit that promotes collaboration among North American governments.

Santa Monica's 15x15 Climate Action Plan and Sustainable City Plan, two drivers of innovation, were recognized as important factors in the prize. Santa Monica established the Climate Action Plan, with the short-term goal of reducing community greenhouse gas emissions 15 percent below 1990 levels by 2015. Presently, the city has achieved a total reduction of 14 percent below 1990 levels.

Santa Monica has adopted energy policies and applied new technologies that reduce the energy demand and climate impacts of its municipal operations. Santa Monica was the first city in the nation to power its facilities entirely with electricity from "green" renewable sources (1999) and all new municipal buildings are designed to achieve a 10% higher performance than current statewide standards.

Santa Monica has achieved over 2 million kWh of electricity savings annually since 2010 - the annual savings are enough to power about nine blocks of homes in Ocean Park. That efficiency, coupled with our work to generate renewable solar energy, is going to keep giving us returns well into the future," said Dean Kubani, Sustainability Manager for Santa Monica.

Santa Monica received the Cool Planet Award at an award ceremony in October, attended by Mayor Pam O'Conner.