April 15, 2009

GREEN TRAINING PROGRAM HONORED BY L.A. COUNTY 

Pasadena’s online environmental sustainability training program—available to anyone with access to the Internet—has won the County of Los Angeles Green Leadership Award for innovative initiatives that encourage sustainability.

This is the first year for the awards, which recognize outstanding efforts by individuals and organizations in L.A. County in developing and implementing innovative programs and projects to enhance environmental sustainability and stewardship.

Pasadena won in the public agencies category and will be presented the award at the official program launch on April 21 by County Board of Supervisors at the Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple St. (Room 381-B, Board Hearing Room), Los Angeles.

Developed by the city’s Green Team, and Clean Agency, a local marketing firm specializing in sustainability, the online Green Training Program was launched citywide in June 2008.

It provides an interactive way for employees and the public to learn about the Green City Action Plan, raises awareness of environmental practices, and provides specific actions for individuals to take at work and at home to advance the city’s environmental goals.

The online training also provides links to city resources, a glossary of green terms, facts about the planet, and easy tips for living and working green such as signing up for online banking, switching to non-toxic cleaners and keeping tires inflated to improve gas mileage. Teachers, professors, community group leaders, neighborhood associations, parents and employers can easily log on as guests and pledge their commitment to a healthy, sustainable Pasadena.

The Green Training Program supports Pasadena’s Green City Action Plan, which outlines more than 70 initiatives the city is pursuing to become more sustainable and environmentally responsible.

Created in 2006 and based on the United Nations Green Cities Declaration and Urban Environmental Accords, the Action Plan has seven major themes: energy, waste reduction, urban design, urban nature, transportation, environmental health and water conservation.

To log on to the Green Training Program visit www.cityofpasadena.net/greencity and select green training program from the menu bar. For more information call
(626) 744-7546.