AN IMPORTANT PART of making our communities greener and healthier places to live is the recognition of those innovative local governments that are making a difference, designing sustainable and vibrant communities that encourage physical activity, energy conservation, and produce environmental benefits.
The Green City Awards profile these leading-edge communities, and provide them with the funds to invest further in initiatives that make their environment even greener and healthier for their citizens.
Up to $500,000 annually over five years - a total program value of $2.5 million - is being provided to eight local government categories. Six categories will reward municipalities based on population and two will reward regional districts. In addition to these categories, 2008 will be the first year of the new Green City Partnership Award which will be provided to both a local government and non-government partner whose collaboration has led to the creation of a leading edge development, breaking new ground in the practice of innovation and urban sustainability.
In order to reward those who are actively and effectively initiating change, entries will be evaluated on how well the local government’s actions over the past couple of years meet the award criteria.
These include:
- Contribution towards community greenhouse gas emission reductions;
- Urban forests and new urban design to increase density and reduce urban sprawl;
- Reducing water use;
- Building seniors-friendly and disability-friendly communities; and
- Extent to which the community is advancing the ActNow BC principle of being more physically active.
The second annual awards will be announced at the Union of BC Municipalities annual conference this September.
Future awards will be announced annually at Union of BC Municipalities conventions.
Nominations for this year close April 18, 2008
Visit the Green City Awards news page on this site.
