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Tampa Gets Gold For Its Efforts In Going Green

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 23, 2009

TAMPA - Tampa has become a leader in Florida's green movement.

Well, at least that's according to the nonprofit Florida Green Building Coalition, which on Thursday awarded the city with a gold certificate for green government standards.

Mayor Pam Iorio will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. today at city hall plaza to announce the city's certification.

The title for outstanding environmental stewardship is currently held by only three municipalities across the state – Tallahassee, and Orange and Sarasota counties.

"Tampa is leading by example," said Suzanne Cook, the nonprofit's executive director. "This certification means that the city has met certain environmental standards and is taking specific steps to promote sustainability and reduce their carbon footprints."

The local government standard was created by the Florida Solar Energy Center, under a contract from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Florida Energy Office.

The program evaluates environmental practices and incentives that foster green practices, and educational activities to improve the environment.

In June, the Tampa City Council passed a law offering incentives to developers who build environmentally friendly buildings. It also requires city buildings to be constructed on green standards, following a policy Iorio set forward.

Iorio also created the position of a "green officer," who will be responsible for making sure Tampa makes strides in becoming more environmentally savvy. The position is held by Thom Snelling, the city's deputy director for growth management.

For more on the certification program, go to www.floridagreenbuilding.org/db.

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679 or cwade@tampatrib.com.

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