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 the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

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