City Celebrates Year of Sustainable Progress, Highlighting Community Action
The new Greenworks Review promotes sustainability initiatives in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA- Mayor Kenney, joined by Sustainability Director Christine Knapp and community leaders, today presented Greenworks Review, the City’s annual sustainability report. Kenney described the environmental successes of the past year and what’s in store for the year ahead.

“Philadelphia is more committed than ever to being a healthy, clean, and sustainable city for all. I’m incredibly proud of the work that we’ve accomplished and I’m equally impressed with the hard work I’ve seen from communities around the city who are fighting every day to make Philadelphia more resilient to the changing climate,” Kenney stated.

Mayor Kenney described a few of the most notable actions from the City over the past year:

• Committing to uphold at the local level the very same commitment made by the U.S. in the Paris climate agreement, and signing on to the Chicago Climate Charter, Mayor’s For 100% Clean Energy pledge, and the Climate Mayor’s commitment.
• Releasing the City’s first Municipal Energy Master Plan and a draft of Powering Our Future: A Clean Energy Vision for Philadelphia which lays out strategies for slashing carbon emissions.
• Creating the Zero Waste and Litter Plan to help us achieve zero waste by 2035.
• Joining the Philadelphia 2030 District campaign, a private private-sector driven initiative to reduce building energy, water use and transportation emissions by 50% by 2030.
• Continuing to lead the country with our innovative green stormwater infrastructure program.

“The Greenworks Review is a resource for Philadelphians to discover the ways that they can live a more sustainable life and make a difference in their neighborhoods” said Christine Knapp, Director of the City’s Office of Sustainability. The magazine-style document showcases diverse community leaders, green workers, and City leaders through articles and interviews and provides an update on the City’s sustainability initiatives.

One of the groups highlighted in the Greenworks Review, Feed the Barrel is an example of residents banding together to improve their community.  This organization keeps used cooking oil out of sewers and waterways and instead collects it to turn it into biofuels. Feed the Barrel Executive Director Hani White said “We hope our work proves that when we work collaboratively, we can help create healthier, stronger and more sustainable communities”.

“My mama taught me not to complain if you’re not going to be part of the solution. My community group works together, with the help of City resources like CLIP and 311, to keep our area clean and safe” said Wilma Mack, Vice President of the 5500 Thompson Street Town Watch.

The Office of Sustainability will be distributing the Greenworks Review to community groups and in various public areas, including working with the Free Library to have copies in all neighborhood libraries. For a digital or print copy, visit www.phila.gov/green or email sustainability@phila.gov.

While the City is taking action on climate change, residents can take play a role too. The City has put together Environment & Sustainability: City of Philadelphia Action Guides that include quick facts, ways you can help, and other resources.