“Mayors and local government leaders have informed and inspired this country’s response to global climate change, but this challenge requires the collective effort of entire communities,” said Michelle Wyman, Executive Director, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability – USA. “ICLEI is thrilled to serve as the Founding NGO Partner for the Together.com campaign and to engage individuals in their communities’ climate protection efforts.”
- Michelle Wyman
About ICLEI
Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) is a membership association of local governments committed to advancing climate protection and sustainable development. Since its inception in 1990, ICLEI has grown to include nearly 1,000 cities in the world, more than 500 of which are in the United States. At ICLEI USA our mission is build, serve, and drive a movement of local governments to advance deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and achieve tangible improvements in local sustainability. ICLEI will continue to empower local governments to set and achieve strong goals through the ongoing evolution of its programs, tools and other resources and through the establishment of comparative performance bench¬marks for local action.
Some of ICLEI’s Programs and Services:
National Conversation on Climate Action
As we approach Earth Day, the headlines are dominated by reports of the struggling economy, job losses, energy concerns and climate change. Indeed, it is a critical time for our communities, our country and the planet. One way for communities across the country to be part of the conversation – and the action – this Earth Day is to be part of the National Conversation on Climate Action. Organized by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Earth Day Network and AmericaSpeaks, the National Conversation is an unprecedented community engagement effort.
STAR Community Index
The STAR Community Index is a national, consensus-based rating system designed to improve the sustainability and livability of U.S. communities. STAR will be launched in 2010, and is being developed through a partnership between ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and the Center for American Progress (CAP). In much the same way as LEED™ transformed the building industry, STAR will transform the way local governments set priorities and implement policies and practices to improve their sustainability performance.
Green Office Challenge
The Chicago Department of Environment, in collaboration with ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, has launched the Chicago Green Office Challenge to help contribute towards the ambitious goals of the Chicago Climate Action Plan. The Challenge is a friendly competition for office tenants and property owners in the central business district to reduce energy and water use, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and save businesses money. Among other goals, the Challenge aims to achieve a reduction in waste in participating buildings through behavioral changes and capital improvements.
For more information, please visit: www.iclei.org/usa
