City Launches Climate Collaborative of Greater Philadelphia

Mayor Kenney and businesses announce collaborative at the Franklin Institute

Last evening, Mayor Kenney and business leaders announced the launch of the Climate Collaborative of Greater Philadelphia, a “coordinated effort to address the contributing factors to climate change in the next decade.”

Over 40 organizations have signed onto this inclusive platform for leaders, businesses, and institutions. Members of the Collaborative will can participate in workshops and receive technical assistance to implement climate action items.

In order to join the city climate group, partners must agree to Publically reaffirm (or expand on) their currently adopted climate-related goals or adopt or commit to adopting public-facing, climate-related goals.’

The Philly Climate Collaboration website will offer resources on energy, water, waste, transportation, procurement, and community.

This isn’t the first sustainability move for the administration. Mayor Kenney signed onto Mayors for 100% Clean Energy in 2017 after Trump announced that the US would withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. Philly also was awarded a $2 million package for climate work from Bloomberg one year ago.

In addition to city resources, legal firm Holland and Knight is offering pro bono/community service climate commitment designed to address issues associated with growth and investments, emerging companies in the clean food/clean technology industries, and reducing the carbon footprint of the firm’s local office.  

As Kenney closed his remarks at the Franklin Institute, he remarked on the location of this announcement. “Franklin was an innovator of his time, and we now have to be innovators,” Kenney remarked.

Kenney and city leaders just spent a week abroad in Copenhagen at the C40 World Mayors Summit and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability conference.

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