News

25% of City is solar-powered*, Getting to Green & new watershed exhibit

The latest green news you missed.

Here comes the sun! Approximately 25% of municipal city buildings are now powered by solar from its Adams Solar Project, and nearly 30% is powered by renewable electricity. This is progress towards the city’s 100% renewable electricity by 2030 goal under the Municipal Energy Plan announced in 2017. “By investing in renewable energy infrastructure like Adams Solar, and promoting clean energy adoption, the municipality strives to lead by example as Philadelphia works towards its broader citywide decarbonization goals,” said Elizabeth Lankenau, Interim Director of the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability in a press release. 

A new “Routes to Roots” map project by Mural Arts Philadelphia and SEPTA launched this past Saturday at our Green Philly EcoFair. The map helps residents get to green spaces with public transit.

Philadelphia is one of 12 cities selected for the LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The program will help local governments set goals, collect data and check sustainability and quality life metrics for the LEED for Cities rating system. Other selected cities include Jacksonville, Florida, New Orleans, and St. Petersburg.

Wandering: Observations of our Watershed, a new exhibit at Fairmount Water Works, asks viewers to consider how our daily habits impact our watershed. The exhibit is on display through July 27, 2024.

Photo: EcoFair 2024 by BeauMonde Originals

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

SEPTA real-time arrivals, FDR Park lawsuit, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  SEPTA to debut digital bus stop displays. SEPTA…

1 day ago

New research shows widespread “ghost forests” in New Jersey

Scientists mapped millions of dead trees along the Atlantic coastline that show the impact of…

2 days ago

Why are Philly recycling rates so low? A mix of contamination, culture and systems still make it complicated in 2026.

City leaders, educators, and community advocates agreed on one thing at our recent recycling panel:…

1 week ago

Climate storytelling, nuclear production, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Chinatown Stitch design moves forward. The Chinatown Stitch…

1 week ago

Open Streets helps businesses, Transit in the City Budget & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Center City car-free streets increased sales for local…

2 weeks ago

d’griot Cafe Brings Sustainable Food and Community Space to Germantown

The Black-owned cafe in Maplewood Mall centers sustainable food, local vendors and community programming, all…

2 weeks ago