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

Air quality emergencies, data centers, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: 100 kayakers take to the Schuylkill. To celebrate…

1 day ago

Fare evasion, trash incinerator contracts, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Businesses not following plastic bag ban. A study…

1 week ago

8 historic gardens and green spaces to explore in the city

Retreat to these local gardens and green spaces that feel like an escape, but all…

1 week ago

Trail network grows, flash floods hit the city, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Severe weather causes flash flooding. After record-high temperatures…

2 weeks ago

Herons are back in the Manayunk Canal. Here’s what else Philadelphia Water’s annual water report found.

PLUS: PFAS remains a focus as regulations are coming, and resources to check for lead…

2 weeks ago

Greening Avenue of the Arts, July 4th heat wave, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: New beautification efforts along Broad Street. Construction of…

3 weeks ago