28 May 2008

The City of Fort Collins Colorado's Climate Wise Program was selected as one of the Top 50 Programs of the 2008 Innovations in American Government Awards competition from a pool of approximately 1,000 local, county, city, tribal, state, and federal applicants. The Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School announced the selection of the Top 50 Programs that represent the best in government innovation on April 15, 2008.

Climate Wise is a voluntary program dedicated to assisting local businesses and organizations in Fort Collins to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting waste reduction, energy savings, alternative transportation, water conservation, and pollution prevention. For more information on this city-run program, go to http://fcgov.com/climatewise.

Through environmental assessments that include technical assistance, practical tools, and measurement techniques, Climate Wise assists business entities and non-profits increase cost savings by reducing or diverting consumption. With nearly 90 partners, Climate Wise participants have saved nearly 3 billion gallons of water, diverted 69,000 tons of waste from the landfill, and saved their organizations approximately $12.5 million through implemented projects.

“The recognition of the Climate Wise Program as one of the Top 50 innovative government programs in the country speaks volumes about the commitment by Fort Collins businesses to lead in environmental stewardship and economic vitality,” says City of Fort Collins City Manager Darin Atteberry, “We are proud of the close collaboration the City has forged with local organizations, as we pave the way to making Fort Collins a world-class green city through sustainable, economic, and quality of life improvements.”

Each of the Top 50 Programs underwent several rounds of rigorous evaluation from a committee of practitioners and policy experts from Harvard Kennedy School as well as renowned institutions nationwide. Selected programs address a number of important policy areas including health and social services; management and governance; community and economic development; education and training; criminal justice; transportation and infrastructure; and the environment.