Elorza announces SustainPVD initiative

PROVIDENCE MAYOR JORGE O. Elorza on Wednesday announced a citywide sustainability initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to curb climate change. / PBN FILE PHOTO/STEPHANIE ALVAREZ EWENS
PROVIDENCE MAYOR JORGE O. Elorza on Wednesday announced a citywide sustainability initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to curb climate change. / PBN FILE PHOTO/STEPHANIE ALVAREZ EWENS

PROVIDENCE – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza on Wednesday announced a citywide sustainability initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to curb climate change.
The first-term mayor is calling the initiative “SustainPVD,” which he hopes will make Providence a “greener, healthier and more livable city,” according to a press release.
“Climate change poses significant challenges to Providence in terms of its effect on our waterfront, the impact of extreme heat and especially on vulnerable populations,” Elorza said in a statement.
Elorza says the city will increase recycling, expand composting and make city buildings more energy efficient and he encourages Providence citizens to join in on the initiative.
“Through my home energy and solar assessments, I learned how I can make a difference and even save money along the way,” Elorza said.
The city urges residents to sign up for a free home energy assessment through National Grid’s EnergyWise program, participate in a “Find Your Four” program to identify energy saving opportunities at home and get a free solar energy assessment through the West Broadway Neighborhood Association.
A citywide movement toward energy efficiency could also prove lucrative, as the city is competing for a $5 million “Energy Prize” through Georgetown University. The two-year energy reduction competition puts Providence up against 50 other U.S. cities. Contenders will be judged based on their ability to spur initiatives to decrease per-capita energy usage, implement incentive plans for sustained energy efficiency and educate the public and engage students on energy efficient issues, according to the competition website.
A winner will be announced in 2017.

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