Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, and Wilkes-Barre Mayor Thomas Leighton have been selected to receive the 2009 Conference of Mayors' Climate Protection Awards, a program sponsored by The U.S.Conference of Mayors and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

 

The Awards Program recognizes mayors for innovative practices in their cities designed to increase energy efficiency and curb global warming. An independent panel of judges determined the winners from a pool of 140 applicants.

 

"These leading mayors are great examples of the local action taking place within our cities to become climate friendly," said Conference President Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz. "Mayor Hickenlooper's FasTraks Program will serve as a national model, for cities striving to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, while Mayor Leighton's Efficiency Program is a perfect example of the cost savings that energy efficient lighting can create."

 

"We are proud to honor these cities and their mayors for their leadership and the innovative ways they are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of life in their communities," said Ray Bracy, Senior Vice President, U.S. Government Relations and Public Affairs, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "While the challenge of climate change remains, together we are helping Americans reduce their energy use and save money so they can live better. With the commitment of USCM, Wal-Mart and concerned citizens, we will continue to move our cities, our nation and our planet forward toward a more sustainable future."

 

"The City of Wilkes-Barre is very proud to be the recipient of this Award," said Mayor Thomas M. Leighton. "Initiating an efficient energy service program in Wilkes-Barre made both environmental and economic sense. Through this program, we lessened our impact on the environment while experienced substantial cost-savings, estimated to be $170,000 annually. By winning this award, we hope to serve as a model for other communities and businesses who strive to become more environmentally conscious."

 

Wilkes-Barre's award-winning program is a broad-based, public initiative that relies on a combination of energy efficiency upgrades in various city departments. These ranged from new compact fluorescent lamps; overhead and pyramid lighting in public parking garages and public spaces; LED traffic signalization lamps; and a new HVAC system in city hall.

 

Mayor Leighton initiated this program to make Wilkes-Barre a more eco-friendly place, and reduce the city's operating expenses by increasing energy efficiency. The project was completely financed through a 15-year bank loan to the City of Wilkes-Barre. In 15 years, the annual energy savings to the City of Wilkes-Barre will be sufficient to pay back the loan with interest.

 

For more information, download a copy of the Mayors and Climate Protection Best Practices Report.