[ecko_quote source=”Martin Gonzales, Executive Director for the Institute of Local Government”]We’re looking forward to celebrating Rancho Cucamonga’s leadership, and sharing its best practices with other cities and counties around the State.[/ecko_quote]
Rancho Cucamonga, California – The City of Rancho Cucamonga will be receiving a Platinum Level Beacon Spotlight Award for Sustainability Best Practices from the Institute for Local Government as part of the city’s involvement in the Institute’s respected Beacon Program. The Beacon Program recognizes and celebrates California cities and counties that promote sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and adopt policies and programs to address climate change. Each Sustainability Best Practices award features three levels for increasing green initiatives in the categories of energy efficiency, water conservation, green building, waste reduction, climate friendly purchasing, efficient transportation, land use, open space, renewable energy and community activities. The Platinum Level, for which Rancho Cucamonga is receiving, is the highest level of achievement for Sustainability Best Practices and was accomplished by having robust and active programs in all categories. The City previously received Gold Level recognition in 2013 and Silver Level recognition in 2012.
These impressive accomplishments were achieved by implementing an increasing amount of sustainability initiatives including our most recent efforts of completing the SolarRC Expansion Project including 1.8 megawatts of solar powered systems at five city facilities, receiving designation of a “Cool California City” by lowering its greenhouse gas emissions during a statewide six month long challenge, developing the City’s first Sustainability Action Plan, joining the San Bernardino Regional Energy Partnership, and a variety of other projects that are detailed on the Beacon Award web site.
“The Institute of Local Government is delighted to have the City of Rancho Cucamonga participate in the Beacon Program and be recognized this year at the platinum level.” said Martin Gonzales, Executive Director for the Institute of Local Government. “We’re looking forward to celebrating Rancho Cucamonga’s leadership, and sharing its best practices with other cities and counties around the State.”
Three cities in San Bernardino County participate in the Beacon Program and Rancho Cucamonga is the only city in the Inland Empire to be recognized this year. The statewide recognition award will be presented at the League of California Cities Annual Conference the evening of October 6, 2016 in Long Beach. The impressive accomplishment will be locally recognized with a presentation at the October 19, 2016 City Council meeting. Rancho Cucamonga Mayor L. Dennis Michael stated “Being a recipient of a platinum level Beacon Spotlight Award is an accomplishment we are proud of and it reflects the city’s forwarding thinking approach to sustainability.”
The City’s participation in the Beacon Program aligns the Healthy RC Initiative program which strives towards a healthy and sustainable Rancho Cucamonga by adopting policies and implementing programs and strategies that advance health and environmental sustainability in the community.
For more information on the Beacon Award and City of Rancho Cucamonga sustainability efforts, please contact Deborah Allen, Management Aide-Sustainability, at (909) 477-2700 extension 2047 or by email at Deborah.Allen@CityofRC.us. For more information on the green programs, energy efficiency, and solar programs available please visit www.healthyrc.info.
The City of Rancho Cucamonga encompasses 40.2 square miles and is located 40 miles east of Los Angeles; considered to be the premier city in the Inland Empire, Rancho Cucamonga is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in Southern California with a current population of over 172,000 residents. Information regarding the City and the programs and services provided to the community can be found at www.CityofRC.us , via Facebook and Twitter @CityofRC.